Famke Janssen as Phoenix
Originally uploaded by Ben Northern.

X-Men 3, The Last stand is one stand too much. I'm a big fan of the comics, and I've been pleased with the movies thus far. This (hopefully) last installment falls pretty short of even the low bar the previous two films set. I know comics have changed since I stopped being able to afford them but, man, I know my X-Men history. Making Juggernaut a mutant for the movie was my last straw. Now I can get geeky, but I'll end my 'barely even realized Juggernaut rant' with this; Making him a mutant was a poor story tool. Keeping him a non mutant meta-human would have made for an interesting plot devise at a certain point in the movie. (see? no spoiler..) Also keeping him a Meta-human would have expanded the possibilities in the 'Hollywood Marvel Universe'. I assume that's just too complex for the popcorn eating sheep, and it all needs to be wrapped up nice and simple. (Can someone explain the ending to me? PLEASE let it not be a tease for another sequel) Plus, simply just too many characters - most of which are made up for the sake of extra 'pawns' as Magento (Ian McKellen) put it.

Ian's portrayal of Magneto was lazy and frankly just going along for the ride. I'm glad Halle Barry showed up she genuinely seemed to be trying to act. Hugh, well is actually good as Wolverine. Lets hope his solo movie isn't too over blown. Get this, Kelsey Grammer plays a hyper intelligent classic literature quoting doctor. It's so good to see that he can stretch his acting boundaries.

The X-Men have more interesting nemesis than just Magneto. The hint of a Sentinel presence led to just more disappointment. Why bother? To get your core audience excited at a comic convention apparently. I really don't look forward to the Wolverine solo movie - or the Magneto solo movie. There's always Ghost Rider to look forward too...

Posted by Ben
Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 2:33 AM | 0 comments  

Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon
Originally uploaded by Ben Northern.

I read the book about a year ago. All the while I thought it would be make a great movie. It moved fast, had fascinating theories, and pissed people off. What more could you ask? I knew it was going to be turned into a move. It had too. The novel was to me a glorified screenplay. So it was no surprise. It had a destiny. Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon...that was a surprise. I guess I was picturing...I dunno....well, not him. He did fine. He sounded nasaly, like he had a cold throughout production. Langdon (Hanks) is really such a 2D character any decent actor could have pulled it off. I'd say the most 'acting' that Tom had to attempt was being claustrophobic. And that was mostly some spray on sweat and wild eys. The rest of the movie, well frankly was boring. It seemed like they took the book almost verbatim. The DaVinci Code just read more action packed. Don't get me wrong, I liked it. I was just bored. I knew what was going to happen and when. And honestly once the big secret is presented, well...there's no turning back. I did enjoy how Langdon's problem solving was visualized. Ian was good as Teabing. The rest of the cast was forgettable.

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Bilqis Crouching 1a
Originally uploaded by Ben Northern.

Photos from a photo session with Bilqis (aka Bella). She's sending photos and a video to try to get on "America's Next Top Model". I've posted a selection from the best photos. I took about 570 photos all together and shot footage for a video too! Good luck Bella!

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Christy getting her first tattoo
Originally uploaded by Ben Northern.

It's a photo of Christy getting her first tattoo. She went with a friend of hers to Physical Graffiti in Rochester.

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Philip as Capote
Originally uploaded by Ben Northern.

Philip's erie portrayal of Truman Capote was the only real gravitational pull that this film could muster. I found the character study to be a distraction after a while. I get it, Philip is great. Stop rubbing my face into it. I get it that he's the center of attention at every social gathering. Very clever stories *I guess* since we're dumped into the middle of them just in time to hear Truman's great zingers. I guess thats part of the NYC society allure. If you want to see a great actor, then this is a movie for you. If you want to see a movie about an author's turning point in his career and life - well, that's this movie too. It's a brainy flick, not a popcorn tosser.

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Cherry Tree in the spring 06
Originally uploaded by Ben Northern.

Under the tree, looking up at the tower. Makes for a nice desktop!

We have an ornamental Cherry tree in our front lawn. It blooms for about 2 weeks out of the year. Usually a windy day blows in and cuts the display short, knocking all the pink flowers to the ground and whisking them away.

Posted by Ben
Monday, May 15, 2006 at 12:25 PM | 0 comments  

Blingo for me
Originally uploaded by Ben Northern.

I finally won. You can too! Use my referer link! It's easy, and free! linky (copy and paste): www.blingo.com/friends?ref=y91umm1neOfMDF_Wtv1MDf4_62g

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Ben
Originally uploaded by sreddy17.

I was researching a role for "My Other Left Foot"

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Britney, from behind.
Originally uploaded by jamfan2.

Finally, the angle we all wanted to see.

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