I have been missing, absent, elsewhere, a no-show for far too long on my blog. For the very few who longed for my return, I hope that longing has been sated. Why I have been away, I really cannot say. It’s not like I’ve been overly busy. I’ve been working, sleeping and still playing too much World of Warcraft. I offer no excuse, as an excuse would just be a lie wrapped around an unwanted truth.
In my time away from you, dear reader I have done many things. A few of those things are suitable for public consumption.
I have seen a few movies, and will give quick reviews about them, since most of them are already passé.
Nacho Libre
Being a fan of Jack Black, and enjoying Director Jared Hess’ breakout nerdy comedy with no jokes Napoleon Dynamite, I decided I wanted to see Nacho Libre. The only thing I knew about Mexican masked wrestling was that it was (maybe still is) HUGE in Mexico. Going into this film, I had no preconceived notions about any aspect of it. I think that made a minor contribution to the fact that I really enjoyed the movie. I have seen a few reviews of the film and there is on thing in particular that I had to agree with. On a Geekdrome podcast it was mentioned that Jack Black detracts from the film when he breaks character. When he is not Nacho, but basically Jack Black doing his “thing” (a la the seen where his is singing and goes into his impersonation of a musical horn). As Jack Black that’s part of his shtick but it’s out of character for Nacho. But I digress…
Overall, I really had a fun time with this movie, definitely one that I’ll pick up on DVD. If you haven’t seen it, and enjoy quirky comedies, check it out.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
Ahh, sequels… I really enjoyed the first Pirates. It was fun, and goofy in parts had good action sequences. As long as you didn’t take it too seriously, or think about it too much it’s a fun film. Therefore I wanted to see the sequel. As is the case for most sequels, the sequel tries to outdo the original. For Pirates that meant a grander scale, everything seemed bigger, more over the top. That includes the length of the film, at two and half hours it was too long in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong there are parts that are fun goofy and good action sequences. But there are also parts that drag on too long, or that seem to not have any real reason for being in the movie. Everyone is back for the sequel. Some might consider this a spoiler, but the much talked about Keith Richards appearance never happens. To be honest I was a little depressed about that one. Also it’s painfully obvious at the end that there has to be a Pirates 3. The special effects are top notch, and would be good to see on the big screen, but I’d go to a matinee. Or possibly wait for DVD. I just can’t wholeheartedly recommend paying $10 to see this movie.
Clerks II
As most of you know I’m a big fan of Kevin Smith. When he announced Clerks II “The Passion of the Clerks” I was pretty excited. Then for a few years while the film was being made, I didn’t think about it. As the release got closer and closer, I became wary. A big budget sequel to an indie hit? I decided I would see it, but that I would avoid hearing/reading/seeing anything about it before hand. I had done the opposite with Star Wars Episode One and look how that turned out! I had mentioned this to Candy and at one point when a trailer was on TV she shouted at me and kept my attention on her so I wouldn’t see/hear about the movie. Love is a wonderful thing!
About the movie itself: I feel that it kept to its roots. It was funny and goofy, and at times made you think. It lambastes popular culture, including, but not restricted to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Star Wars, and the upcoming Transformers movie. Also I felt that in parts the movie made fun of itself and didn’t take itself too seriously. My wariness was for naught. I highly recommend seeing Clerks II.
That’s all for now (I’m sure for some of you it’s too much 
) I’m going to try to write regularly again.
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I agree with you on Jack Black breaking character. That whole bathroom scene with him singing a song to Incarnacion was so unnecessary. But I still enjoyed it!
And yay! You’re back!