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lagilmanThe subject line sounds like a killer opening line, doesn't it? But it's nothing but the unvarnished truth. The slightly varnished truth would include the dancing, the bowling, and the lesson about not ordering doubles just 'cause the bar service was slow.
And it would also talk about the fact that, when you go to bed at 3am, getting up at 8 is just damned painful. Somehow, those same five hours are easier to take when they're 1am to 6am, and I don't know why.
Yet, we did wake [and as much as I love my apartment, I have to admit that living in the East 20's has its definite charms], and we did make it to the morning showing of Sherlock Holmes.
I wasn't sure what to expect -- two hours of pretty, at worst. But when in the opening scenes they established Homes' character in a way that made clear they knew and understood and were utilizing the source material, I turned to my companion and said "okay, they have me." The fact that they then followed up with an excellent depiction of the hyper-manic genius falling apart from lack of stimulus, and I was in love. Plus, pretty. (the movie itself, not RDJr. Although him too, oh yes)
The movie was not perfect -- there were interpretations I didn't quite agree with -- but the one time I thought "oh no, if they go there it will be All Over between us..." the movie then deconstructed the moment in perfect Holmesian fashion. And, as I said earlier, RDJr's version of Holmes was dead-on -- both the hyper-manic genius and the casually affectionate friend, wrapped into one clearly complicated package. The moment where Adler falls, and Homes goes on with what must be done, as though he doesn't give a damn... you truly believe him to be a bloodless bastard, except that you also believe that he isn't, and the scene that follows is lovely in its restrained emotion.
And Dr Watson? A worthy partner, and you completely buy that they have been friends for so long, and why they put up with each other. (and yes, there were moments you could read a Boston Marriage between those two. But you could also not. Any significantly close friendship is often indistinguishable from marriage.)
So, yes, I liked this movie very much. Halfway through, I found myself wishing there was more, so that when this was over I would be able to continue living in this world (yeah, there are the stories, but I was thinking this particular visual reboot).
Also? After years of admiring Robert Downey Jr as an actor, I now have joined the "want me one of those" brigade. I don't think it was just the character, although yeah, this Holmes hits every one of my checkmarks (hard-thinking, immensely alert, moderately arrogant, often a right bastard -- and yet capable of great affection and kindness when so moved). I give it two thumbs up, and will probably buy it on DVD soon's it's available.
We also saw a number of previews, including Iron Man 2 (I cringe from how bad it might be, but will be there anyway) and the remake of Clash of the Titans, which looks to be another stunning leap forward in FX, if nothing else.
And then I met up with family for the Obligatory Chinese food. We noted, with much dismay, that there are an awful lot of Gentiles having dinner in Chinatown on Christmas Day, these days. Goose wasn't enough, you had to have Peking duck, too?
And now I am home, for a few hours anyway, before heading back downtown tomorrow to see Avatar with friends (in 3D. I am talked into these things...how? Must be Sekrit Coastie Mind Tricks). And then more Holiday Socializing, leading into First Night.
But first, must finish freelance gig. And short story revisions. And author proofs for HARD MAGIC. And look longingly at the TBR 2010 pile that's already starting to build....
I hope y'all had a good day, however you spent it!
And it would also talk about the fact that, when you go to bed at 3am, getting up at 8 is just damned painful. Somehow, those same five hours are easier to take when they're 1am to 6am, and I don't know why.
Yet, we did wake [and as much as I love my apartment, I have to admit that living in the East 20's has its definite charms], and we did make it to the morning showing of Sherlock Holmes.
I wasn't sure what to expect -- two hours of pretty, at worst. But when in the opening scenes they established Homes' character in a way that made clear they knew and understood and were utilizing the source material, I turned to my companion and said "okay, they have me." The fact that they then followed up with an excellent depiction of the hyper-manic genius falling apart from lack of stimulus, and I was in love. Plus, pretty. (the movie itself, not RDJr. Although him too, oh yes)
The movie was not perfect -- there were interpretations I didn't quite agree with -- but the one time I thought "oh no, if they go there it will be All Over between us..." the movie then deconstructed the moment in perfect Holmesian fashion. And, as I said earlier, RDJr's version of Holmes was dead-on -- both the hyper-manic genius and the casually affectionate friend, wrapped into one clearly complicated package. The moment where Adler falls, and Homes goes on with what must be done, as though he doesn't give a damn... you truly believe him to be a bloodless bastard, except that you also believe that he isn't, and the scene that follows is lovely in its restrained emotion.
And Dr Watson? A worthy partner, and you completely buy that they have been friends for so long, and why they put up with each other. (and yes, there were moments you could read a Boston Marriage between those two. But you could also not. Any significantly close friendship is often indistinguishable from marriage.)
So, yes, I liked this movie very much. Halfway through, I found myself wishing there was more, so that when this was over I would be able to continue living in this world (yeah, there are the stories, but I was thinking this particular visual reboot).
Also? After years of admiring Robert Downey Jr as an actor, I now have joined the "want me one of those" brigade. I don't think it was just the character, although yeah, this Holmes hits every one of my checkmarks (hard-thinking, immensely alert, moderately arrogant, often a right bastard -- and yet capable of great affection and kindness when so moved). I give it two thumbs up, and will probably buy it on DVD soon's it's available.
We also saw a number of previews, including Iron Man 2 (I cringe from how bad it might be, but will be there anyway) and the remake of Clash of the Titans, which looks to be another stunning leap forward in FX, if nothing else.
And then I met up with family for the Obligatory Chinese food. We noted, with much dismay, that there are an awful lot of Gentiles having dinner in Chinatown on Christmas Day, these days. Goose wasn't enough, you had to have Peking duck, too?
And now I am home, for a few hours anyway, before heading back downtown tomorrow to see Avatar with friends (in 3D. I am talked into these things...how? Must be Sekrit Coastie Mind Tricks). And then more Holiday Socializing, leading into First Night.
But first, must finish freelance gig. And short story revisions. And author proofs for HARD MAGIC. And look longingly at the TBR 2010 pile that's already starting to build....
I hope y'all had a good day, however you spent it!
