Monthly Archives: October 2009

Paranormal Activity

Posted on by
2

Today’s blog will be hosted by Robert Kuang.  If you’re into writing, TV, or movies, why are you not reading his blog?

Paranormal Activity Poster It’s this time of the year, which means Halloween fans are clamoring for the latest horror sensation. It’s not hard to pinpoint which film is receiving the throne this year. If you haven’t heard of Paranormal Activity, it’s because you don’t use the internet or watch television, or talk to many teensters. Still, does it deserve all the hype?

Well, the simplest answer is that I enjoyed the film but not necessarily the marketing tactic. Very rarely do we view a film without preconceived notions or a certain amount of spoiler tidbits. While I had heard of “Paranormal Activity” back in 2007 when it was initially released, I had no way of actually seeing it. So, when 2009 hit, I was excited to see the film, especially given my enjoyment of The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield, Quarantine and the general handy-cam style.

Continue reading →

Excuse Me While I Kiss My Bride

Posted on by
12

Cake I’m getting married on Saturday.  Yes, on Halloween.  And yes, I know how awesome that is.  There will be many pictures posted once we return and have time to sort them out.  That said, I am taking a week off from blogging to prepare for the wedding and go on my honeymoon.

But never fear, o blogosphere! Your Beej has not forsaken you.  I’ve lined up a few guest posts to keep you sated from some of the very best writers in my blogroll.  Expect to see them pop up occasionally as the week passes.  I hope you enjoy them.

As this is the last post you’ll get from me for a whole week (scary, I know!), I figure I’ll continue in that theme and give you all a nice, eclectic list of the latest and greatest pop culture links I’ve had pass through my RSS reader this week.

So, this is the last time you fine folks will hear from me as a single man.  I hope you all have a great week (I know I will) and enjoy the guest posts!

Short Story: “Foggy Memories”

Posted on by
11

FOGGY MEMORIES by B.J. KeetonHe was certain that what he was watching was real. The day had been pretty ordinary, just another day at work, with the same ordinary Kansas wheat fields flying by as he drove home, but there was something surreal about what was happening now. His car’s engine had died at roughly the same time that a young girl appeared, and a thick, white fog surrounded everything. He had seen hokey fog effects in too many scary movies. He could recognize the real from the synthetic. This was authentic, and it was happening whether he let himself believe it or not. It was definitely a genuinely disturbing moment.

He felt a wave of unease as he turned the ignition and his car wouldn’t start, but that’s not what held his attention. The fog is what really spooked him. He had watched it roll in behind the girl and engulf his car. He couldn’t see more than twenty feet, if that, in any direction. The day had been clear not five minutes before. The girl in the field wasn’t facing him, and he was beginning to think that he should go to her and ask if she needed anything. He was nothing if not a good Samaritan.

Continue reading →

Dollhouse’s Main Weakness

Posted on by
17

Even though this is a subject that could potentially get me crucified among Dollhouse fans and potentially subvert my part of the Save Dollhouse campaign, “Belonging” solidified a belief I’ve held for a while:

Eliza Dushku is the weakest aspect of Dollhouse.

Dollhouse 1I’m not going to say she is a bad actress. I am just going to say that for her acting range and style, Dollhouse is not a good role for her. Dushku’s acting is so stilted, I have yet to honestly believe that she is any character she portrays.  To me, her acting range is not conducive to a lead actress; it is more appropriate for supporting roles—like Faith on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

If I had to put my finger on a single aspect of Dollhouse that drives away potential viewers, it would be that skeptics are turned away by her consistently subpar and awkward performances.

Continue reading →

[TVverdict] Fighting the Good Fight: Fox’s Dollhouse

Posted on by
9

My newest post over at TVverdict is a topic obviously near and dear to my heart: keeping Dollhouse on the air.  This week, I tackle why the show is worth watching even though you might’ve heard otherwise.

Below is an excerpt from the post:

Unlike Whedon’s other shows, it is set in a world not so different from ours.  There are no vampires.  No werewolves.  No Alliance, Reavers, or Evil League of Evil.  The primary antagonist of Dollhouse is unchecked and irresponsible corporate technological advancement.

How’s that for an abstract villain? And to further complicate matters, this abstraction is also what motivates our protagonists because it’s their behind-the-scenes employer and reason for being.

It really is a sticky mess.

And among all that, Dollhouse manages to embed societal commentary about human trafficking, prostitution, and free will.  And the shows creators also manage to find time to create an ensemble cast with incredible synergy and style as well as provide intriguing plots, action, hot girls with guns, handsome guys who can legitimately act, and some humor thrown in for good measure.  I can’t remember where I saw the quote, but I agree: Dollhouse is the smartest show you’re not watching.

Intrigued yet?  Be sure to check out the complete article at TVverdict.com.