Blog Archives
Whatever Happened to Predictability? The Iron Man, The Captain America, Wanda Maximoff?
Thor went to work at a 9-5 job earlier this year. Now, Marvel’s Avengers have perfected the functionality of a time machine.
A nostalgic time machine, to be precise.
(Yes, actress Elizabeth Olsen’s sisters are Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen from the sitcom Full House)
If this doesn’t put a smile on your face to start the week, I’m not sure what will.
The ’80s and ’90s hold a special place in people’s hearts for a variety of reasons. One of these reasons centers on the wholesome, family-friendly sitcoms. Full House certainly falls in the category of a TV show beloved by many, many fans. The deft editing by YouTube user “Zach Ace” (as seen above) played on the family-like dynamic of the Marvel cinematic universe. Interweaving people or superhero characters into opening credits like Full House isn’t a new phenomenon, but the take by “Zach Ace” is pretty spot-on.
On the one hand, could you imagine if Marvel’s marketing department used this video, in some way, to promote a new film or an announcement related to its films? On the other hand, who would’ve thought that Full House and Iron Man would be go together like a Hawaiian vacation and a clipboard of fun?
Danny Tanner, sure, but he’s the one with the clipboard of fun things to do.
Violins Have a Fuse?
What if movies existed in the late 1700s?
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 defined music in the late 18th century and early into the 19th century. John Williams and Hans Zimmer have arguably made the same contribution with definitive styles and sounds to musical compositions in the late 20th century and early into the 21st century.
Add composer Danny Elfman and artist Artie Kane to the honorable mention list.
And add violinist extraordinaire and movie super fan Taylor Davis as well…?
Inspired by her fandom of a B-movie classic from 1996, violinist Taylor Davis achieved a new, cool level of nostalgic vindication as the cinematic fuse dramatically burns. She beautifully bridged two moments in time separated by nearly four centuries (the creation of the violin and a movie soundtrack) for the original performance above that’s primed for social media sharing. Pop culture is often regarded as a lesser art form. That’s the truth, rightly and wrongly. And yet, absent a fondness for decade defined by brilliant major motion pictures, including Mission: Impossible, the creativity and skill shown by modern musician Taylor Davis wouldn’t exist.
The talent of Ms. Davis makes one wonder about the shelf-life of film scores. As a longtime fan of movie soundtracks, my vote is indisputably in the category that music written and performed for movies are tragically underrated. Why aren’t songs from popular film scores played on the radio?
Some movie soundtracks and its unforgettable instrumentals reveal musical genius.
At least I know Taylor Davis agrees with that sentiment.
Working 9-5 (a.m.)
Ever randomly wondered about the inception of Apple, Inc.?
Same here.
Steve Jobs will forever be the face of tech giant and lifestyle brand Apple, Inc. However, it’s imperative to remind ourselves that there was another Steve in Apple’s lore:
Steve Wozniak.
This is Steve II’s memory of how a revolution was born soldered.
As we’re enjoying the Olympics in Rio, specifically the events and sports we watch exclusively every four years, what we see is the final stage of years of preparation and determination. Equally fascinating, though, are the preceding years and moments alone on the beach, in the pool, in the gym, on the winding road, on the pitch or in the garage.
How did these individuals reach the summit in their respective fields?
Steve Wozniak’s recollection of his youthful motivation for building computer parts serves as an inspirational lesson for us all. That lesson is to find our passion and start creating. And so often, the drive behind some of the world’s greatest innovators (and some Olympic athletes) isn’t always what we imagine from a distance. The sport is not always the central reason for competing. Still, from far away, we possess the clarity to recognize authenticity, inventive vision and talent and it’s what brings us into another person’s story with a powerful, magnetic attraction.
And apparently, if you want to succeed in tech, be named Steve. If you want to host a late night talk show, be named Jimmy, James or Jay.
I have always wanted my own studio audience…
Time to write my monologue jokes, until about 4:00 a.m.