Movie Review

THE IMMORTALS 

I know what you're thinking... why would I want to see a movie that looks like a remake of 300? That's how it was marketed to the masses, but I'm here to tell you that it was an unique masterpiece to behold. The visual spectacle more than made up for any holes in the script. Every frame is a work of artistic brilliance that conveys an immaculate attention to detail. The trailer doesn't even begin to do the film justice. 

Director Tarsem Singh has a visual style that is all his own. The world was introduced to his awe-inspiring creativity over a decade ago in The Cell, where Jennifer Lopez was allowed to enter into the ornate dreams of a sadistic serial killer. Despite the rare combination of critical and box office success, Tarsem mysteriously disappeared from the public eye for years. In actuality, he was tirelessly working on a passion project. One that spanned the globe, filming on location in seventeen different countries without financial backing.

The Fall was initially screened to festival audiences in 2006, but two more years past before a studio bought the rights to distribute it to select cities. Those lucky enough to see it were treated to extraordinary visuals and an existential storyline that resulted in a blissful experience. The cinematography was unlike anything I'd ever seen. 

Fast forward another three years, and I'd almost forgotten about him all over again. With only two movies to his credit, he wasn't necessarily established. When I saw his name attached to The Immortals though, I suddenly realized the unlimited potential this new movie must possess.
There was hardly a dull moment throughout its seventy minute running time. The stylized gore and violence was impeccably shot with plenty of dazzling slow motion. The elaborate costume design was remarkable, as it was in his previous work. 

You may still think you've seen it all before, but this isn't another rehash of Greek mythology. While it is comparable to what Zack Snyder accomplished five years prior, this movie has its own merits that sets it apart in the end. There was some homo-eroticism, but that takes nothing away from overall enjoyment. I didn't understand that complaint about 300. Stephen Dorff seemed a little too pleased with his physique however. Despite being shirtless most of the time too, Mickey Rourke was an exceptional antagonist. Henry Caville's passable performance was overshadowed by the visuals to be honest. 

Suffice it to say, I was highly impressed with what I saw. So much so that I look forward to seeing it again in the near future. Luckily, Tarsem fans only have to wait a few more months until his next film is released. Mirror, Mirror is an epic retelling of the Snow White story. The way the Grimm Brothers intended for it to be told. Until then... SEE IMMORTALS!

 

Ron Paul For President

Less than one year from now, voting Americans will be faced with an important choice. The future of the nation is dependent upon it. Four more years of the current administration could be catastrophic, and I say that with all sincerity. One way or another, the federal government has to be restrained. The freedoms and prosperity we've grown accustomed to could permanently become a thing of the past if we don't take a stand against increasing debt and quasi-socialism.

Competent leadership is needed now more than ever, but we have to choose the alternative wisely. We can't base our affinity for any one candidate on charisma alone. Ethics and consistency are infinitely more important at this juncture, but the liberal media refuses to promote such things for some reason. The status quo is fine by them, as long as there's someone in the White House who shares the same opinions on social issues.

Ron Paul has long been considered a quirky politician on the fringe, but his staunch views on life and liberty have never changed. While other candidates are desperately pandering for votes, he remains steadfast. Sadly, this makes him unelectable. The media sees no reason to give him any real credibility, despite his growing popularity.

Controversial views aside, Ron Paul knows how to save our country from accelerated entropy more than anyone else running. Left unchecked, the bloated bureaucracy will continue to grow like a virus. Forty cents of every dollar will continue to be borrowed from communist nations like China. The welfare state's stranglehold on an already stagnant economy could result in a full blown depression, especially with a foreign policy that spreads our military too thin. His plan could potentially reverse this downward spiral within a few years, but real change is needed sooner rather than later.

Independent thinkers should be able to comprehend why this man deserves a chance to lead us out of this rut. He pledged to take no more than $39,366 per year in order to match the median income of the working population. His grassroots campaign has not accepted donations from corporations like the others. Unlike most politicians, he cannot be bought.

If you're still unsure about him, consider the following...