Saturday, June 19, 2010

Review - American on Purpose -

- Late Owl
Its 11:35pm in your area, then some character ablazes the screen with energy & pizazz. (and I do mean emphasis on the word "pizazz") There is no other talk show like it, nor is the talk show host himself like anyone you have ever seen before, or read of. This is an "Ode to a Scotsman".


- September 5 years ago
I remember watching late night tv talk shows every summer, when I wasn't in school as a young lad. But as I grew older, my attention grew more towards late night shows. Something about being able to break through tv, wherein after David Letterman was that Craig Killborn guy. Mind you, I never really understood why he hosted the "Late Late Show" to begin with. Too much of his hair, and some phony persona. Was it a knock on another late night host? Pretty sure it was.. but 2005 it all changed.

As a longtime "Drew Carey" fan I find myself noticing a familiar face. And then was hooked, and so my conscience said to me, "Craig Ferguson is a character & delight to keep up with every night". No longer was he some extra talent on another show, or dealt with tough criticism. *For those that have seen some of Craig's work, "Saving Grace" is one you can't miss.*

The Late Late Show no longer felt humdrum, and then came along the mention of a book. But the book? The life story!? It might be awhile till we get to read it.


- American on Purpose 2009
For awhile I kept trying to hunt down a copy of the book, but never could find it. Till I found out a local library here in Marana / Tucson, AZ carried a copy. And waited.. thankfully I read the book and it is totally worth the wait.

And here is the review (written in a non-sequitter fashion)-

Life, music, talent, and energy. Those four words altogether describe the individual known as Craig Ferguson. From the land of Glasgow, facing challenges everyday; from a young kid to an unknown destiny. To "running the gauntlet", or taking a sip of some strange brew that would take over his life.

Family - to Craig this is one of the core points of his livelihood. From his mother & father, older brother & sis, to his baby sister (whom is also a writer for the "Late Late Show"). Its his inspiriation, and challenges that kept him going. Including his son, Milo who is another chapter of his life. *And not to forget the women in his life, to the "stepping stones", and the one whom he shares his life with now.

As a talented character Craig has seen some fallouts. Not only from his musical background, but to films, directing, writing, and producing. Some were successes, and others were failures. Each though taught him a lesson "to keep on going".

"American On Purpose" is a must own book, for those that enjoy a different take from a late night / talented character. (available in hardcover & paperback)
http://www.amazon.com/American-Purpose-LP-Improbable-Adventures/dp/0061885452

To learn more about Craig's acting, writing, and directing career visit his IMDB page
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0272401/

And if you've missed any "Late Late Show" escapades, visit the LLS site!
http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_late_show/

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Movie Review - Prince of Persia - The Sands of Time

- Beginnings
Early on, a fellow by the name of Jordan Mechner loved movies. Classic, fast-paced, and heart wrenching adventures. In the early 80's he brought his ideas to life, in a film project with his brother & famlily. Creating two diverse games called "Karateka" & "Prince of Persia". From the start you were given a short introduction, then tossed into a dungeon. Along with a time clock, you had to engage every catacomb, trap, clash with guards, and many perils. But you did it all to save the woman, your hero loved. It was a simple premise, but it opened up a plethora of a imaginitive minds.


- The Next Step
Akin to Prince of Persia's legacy, JM continued on various projects. Most notably a mystery game called "The Last Express", and various documentaries. For some time, JM took a long deserved break from designing games, and sought other projects. But something brought him back to games, a company by the name of UbiSoft thought of reviving the PoP franchise (which ran into many rough spots throughout the years). Thankfully being an advisor, "Sands of Time" was given approval, and gave the series a new life, and an engaging story.


- From videogame to film, the journey unfolds
Jerry Bruckheimer, many film fans know this name, and thankfully his crew delivers their utmost word. For those that have been fans of "Pirates of the Caribbean", to CSI (Miami, NY) , and many of his production teams other projects. "Sands of Time" as interpreted into a film treatment has been done with the utmost care, and still gives its best to fans either from the gaming community, or those who love action movies.

Going to diverse aspects of lost kingdoms, and the desert dunes. Every background piece is a part of the story, between night & day, and battles that take place. Motion & solemn moments are carefully directed with diligence that JB's team delivers.

Storywise, SoT takes a departure from the in-game series, and takes the viewer on a different quest. Following the same prince, now as we know as "Dastan", his origin, and how he came to be. To meeting the "damsel in distress", along with the "dagger", "allies", and the "villains".

In short, "Sands of Time" is an excellent movie, and definitely not one to miss.

*Bonus links -
http://jordanmechner.com/ Jordan Mechner's official website
http://ubisoft.com/
http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/princeofpersia/
http://prince-of-persia.us.ubi.com/ Official Series site