Watching time, the only true currency // A journal from John B. Roberts
Kill Bill, Volume 2 didn’t match my opinion of Volume 1, but just as well to see them in rapid succession. I did enjoy the “chapter” form of telling the story, and the back-and-forth between the current killing spree and the history between/among the characters which broughts events to these extremes. Yes, it’s all a visual cartoon, but it’s well done.
Metacritic score of 83 is flattering, but a bit high.
Been looking forward to seeing Casino Royale, and Friday’s viewing did not disappoint. The most stunning scene is the one right after the opening titles. I had noticed the credit for “free running stunts” and wondered why that kind of stunt, especially, earned beginning of the film mention. Then I saw the scene and wondered no longer.
The just-faster-than-possibly-human pace of the chase has you gasping, and the combination of obstacles (especially vertical) flows together in a plausible stream. (Plausible in movie terms, at least.)
Overall, a new movie Bond that more accurately reflects the ruthless Bond of the books. Casino Royale was Ian Fleming’s first Bond novel, back in 1953, so it’s only fitting that this film harks back to the core of the character. Still, it’s modern throughout… even though the opening, pre-titles, scene takes place in black and white, it’s set in the Czech Republic, not the Czechoslovakia of the 1950s.
The lead villian, Le Chiffre, fills less screen time here, as the “Bond girl” demands more of the film than we’ve come to expect. Since Le Chiffre didn’t shine, no damage done to the movie.
Metacritic score of 80 is justified. I want to re-read the early Bond novels now.
Magnetic Yellow Card is a semi-polite way to make the point that the road is for sharing. Still, despite the non-invasive, non-marking nature of this method of spreading the gospel of good manners, I’m quite sure that attaching these magnets to offending vehicles will not improve relations between drivers and bicyclists. Politeness only dulls the vitriol, and drivers (read: people) don’t react well to anger, however veiled.
I’m interested in ideas, though, for overcoming the communication gap between the two-wheelers and the four-wheelers. I’m a regular bicycle commuter, so I’ve had my moments of “pedal rage” — these are usually stoked by fear. While there’s nothing as freeing as a bicycle in traffic, there’s also few things more vulnerable to damage. A haphazard turn, a blindly-opened door, trash on the pavement… any of these things are more is a recipe for personal injury if you are on a bicycle. I get angry because I am afraid of the consequences of other people’s actions.
I drive a car, too, so bicycling isn’t a moral issue for me, just a lovely marriage of convenience, exercise, and economics. As a driver, I’m not sure what kind of message I would react well to… but it’s not a yellow card on my side panel.