October 2009

The Devil Rides Out

Submitted by Robert Gomez on Sat, 2009-10-31 10:33     Posted in Movie Reviews
Rating: 
6/10

This is another film that just begs for more creepy atmosphere. As it is, it feels too much like a stage play with sparse and fake looking interiors and performances that scream, "Acting!" This is too bad, because there aren't enough devil movies around. The story is good and this film's monsters are well done but are shot in such a drab, TV movie manner than any impact is lost.

The House with the Laughing Windows

Submitted by Robert Gomez on Sat, 2009-10-31 10:24     Posted in Movie Reviews
Rating: 
5/10

I think I have a bias against films where the protagonist has a beard, unless said film contains magic and elves. Seriously, can you think of a good movie with a bearded hero... okay Planet of the Apes, but besides that? I found this film to be very dull and completely lacking in suspense. Sure, there are some visually interesting moments near the end, but the plot is predictable and you will know whodunnit very quickly. With some better pacing and more atmosphere this could have been much better.

Sci-Fi Storyboard

Submitted by Robert Gomez on Fri, 2009-10-30 11:47

Sci-Fi Storyboard

Around the time I got my MFA degree, I was looking for various art jobs around the country. One of the jobs I applied for was as a storyboard artist for John Romero's newly formed company, Ion Storm. The application required that I send in an example of a storyboard. These drawings are what I came up with for my application.Read more…

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Rec

Submitted by Robert Gomez on Wed, 2009-10-28 10:47     Posted in Movie Reviews
Rating: 
8/10

Another shaky handheld camera horror movie ala Blair Witch Project or Cloverfield. This style is getting a little old now, but this film manages to deliver the clichés in an effective manner.  Rec still has its share of motion sickness moments and obligatory annoying screaming characters but the ending works very well.

Computer World

Artist: 
Kraftwerk
Format: 
CD
Rating: 
10/10

The last great Kraftwerk record and probably their funkiest release. Yet they maintain most of their analog minimalism throughout.

Submitted by Robert Gomez on Tue, 2009-10-27 12:24

Conan the Barbarian

Submitted by Robert Gomez on Sun, 2009-10-25 08:42     Posted in Movie Reviews
Rating: 
7/10

Back when I was a kid I had seen Conan the Barbarian sequel Conan the Destroyer at least half-a-dozen times. It was rated PG and was one of those movies that played all the time on HBO (when they weren't playing Mickey and Maude). In fact, I just watched it the other night with my six-year-old who is terrified of Disney cartoons and even she seemed to like it. Surprisingly, I had never seen the original movie, which I have always assumed was much better.Read more…

The Man Machine

Artist: 
Kraftwerk
Format: 
CD
Rating: 
10/10

This is a great record, from the futurist (actually Russian constructivist) art direction to the sci-fi themes, pure perfection. The sound of Kraftwerk is completely unique (as far as I know). I love the minimalism of the arrangements and the synthetic nature of the music. There is no attempt to mimic natural instruments here. This is a must own album if ever there was one.

Submitted by Robert Gomez on Fri, 2009-10-23 22:23

Trans-Europe Express

Artist: 
Kraftwerk
Format: 
CD
Rating: 
9/10

Trans-Europe Express is a classic record which laid the groundwork for virtually all the electronic dance music that proceeded it. The music is mesmerizing, precise and minimal without ever becoming dull. Although, I think I prefer their next two albums just a tad more, you can't go wrong here.

Submitted by Robert Gomez on Thu, 2009-10-22 21:32

Painful

Artist: 
Yo La Tengo
Format: 
CD
Rating: 
9/10

I am glad I never got in to Yo La Tengo whilst they were coming into prominence. I probably would have bought everything they released on the day it came out. By ignoring them for a decade or two, I was able to limit my music dollars towards buying what is considered by many to be their best record and leaving it at that. The record is very good with several memorable tracks that are awash in feedback and a dreamy ballad or two for good measure.

Submitted by Robert Gomez on Thu, 2009-10-22 09:26

What Am I Listening To?

Submitted by Robert Gomez on Wed, 2009-10-21 15:32

Although I tend to not promote these reviews to the front page, I have been semi-regularly posting mini music reviews of all my CDs as I go through my collection alphabetically. Check them out! This is a continuation of a project I started nearly two years ago on the previous version of this site... I have too many CDs.

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