Warrior - This year’s candidate for Best Weepy Male Melodrama #manupandcry
This review took a while to compose because a young man kept bawling like a baby hours after the film. I refuse to comment on reports that the said young man also penned this review. I will admit that I completely understand his reaction, and were I not the epoch of masculinity this side of The Expendables, I might want to hug all my bros and tell them I love them. Not me though *ahem *ahem.
Warrior is one of the few pleasant surprises of the year. Those expecting a straightforward and predictable tale of fighters, sprinkled in with a false and forced sense of drama should have left with more than their money’s worth. You get a reverse of the pure fighter flick with a narrative exhibiting a displaced sense of self-worth. The action is only secondary to the conflict between the main characters, and comes in organically. The regular formula would have a weepy story haphazardly inserted to complement and justify the reason we’re watching men being battered into pulps. The masterful tightknit direction puts in right in the middle of every word, breath and lunge. The acting and script are so sharp you long for more dialogue, as it draws you further into this macho family drama. Kudos to the triumvirate of Hardy, Nolte and Edgerton for giving fantastic heart wrenching performances, and an amazing and endearing entry into the fighting genre.
Warrior is all in all a great tale of family, the only people you’re allowed to simultaneously detest and adore. Family lost and shattered, family being fought for and family being fought against to preserve another. If the last scene doesn’t leave you either shedding a tear or passing to thoughts about family, go talk to your cardiologist about that new heart you’re still waiting on.
Immortals
When the initial photography and trailer came out for this, I had silent but greatly fearful tremble in my inner core that Hollywood was about to unleash another 300 on us. “From the Producers of 300,” the horror! Screaming Brits, homoerotica and catchphrases galore Oh My! As much as I enjoyed 300 for what it was, ie the Ultimate Bro Flick, I wanted a more serious current take on sword-and-sandals epics. I calmed a great deal when I saw Tarsem Singh was attached to direct, as I had recently seen The Fall and fallen (no punt) for its enamoring visual style and captivating tale of innocence lost.
To Immortals Tarsem brought the art, glamor and choreography unprecedented in the genre. Although his unique art direction was somewhat sparing due to what was the overall gloomy tone of the film, a great highlight was the visual aesthetic the Greek Pantheon greeted viewers with; the gods were indeed among us, my god! Hopefully they will be explored more in the sequel that was teased at the film’s close.
While Immortals does have the Tarsem stamp of authenticity, you can’t help but find numerous ties to 300. The slow-mo action set pieces, computer generated landscapes, scarred baddies and even the use of a Phalanax. The last one made me sadly dwell on the ineptness of movie villains; if you’re trying to wipe out the known civilized world and create an age of carnage and despair, why lead your troops with a supreme numerical advantage into a bottleneck? Especially when you created the bottleneck, and have the capability to create other fronts to overwhelm the righteous ripe for your destructive plucking? I digress.
The plot thankfully (please sense the sarcasm) was fairly straightforward fare. Two of the films main forces driven by revenge, and only one result is inevitable. Hurrah for predictability. Perhaps the predictability lent to the severity the film missed. Major deaths leave little empathy, revelations feel hallow and internal conflict felt forced. As I alluded to earlier the Greek gods make brief appearances and Steven Dorff’s wisecracking thief is sadly not given enough screen time. Frieda Pinto’s oracle was simply a bore (sorry Frieda, still love you boo).
The film’s saving graces are Henry Cavill’s Thesus and Mickey Rouke’s Hyperion. Their performances overall prevent what would’ve been another visually appealing epic, left hallow by ham acting. Cavill oozes hero from every line and motion, foreshadowing what should be a great performance in Man of Steel. Rourke plays what should be one of the best Villains of the year, comfortably marrying coldness and surprising coolness or what kids these days call swag.
You don’t need a gift of foresight to know how the plot will play out, but the film is still very enjoyable. Visually appealing, great fight scenes and great lead performances. A very welcome addition to the sword-and-sandals genre.
It’s no secret that a huge bulk of Kanye’s repertoire is sampled. That however doesn’t mean he’s unoriginal.That argument is insulting and is really only a reflection of detractors personal gripes with Kanye “Imma Let You Finish” aka “George Bush’s a Racist” aka “I’m the Greatest Artist of my Generation” West.
Artists get inspiration from other artists be it with writing styles, ways of performing, dressing etc. Just look at Chris Brown, who is heavily influenced by Michael Jackson, who in turn emulated James Brown, who was inspired by Little Richard and Ray Charles. Somehow none of the above are remembered for borrowing bits of other artists and turning it into their own unique signature style.
But that’s exactly what Mr. West has done. Turned to inspiration from other artists from a dizzying array of genre’s into a sound that is undoubtedly his. I listen to this and cannot help to be swept away grinning in amazement at how someone can hear one thing, and flip it into an engaging cocktail (ok ok Jungle Juice) with multiple hints of “je ne sais quoi.”
But you do know it’s familiar, you know it shouldn’t fit. Yet somehow it does, and it takes you on a ride like no other.
When One Door Closes….
….Allah pries another open.
Was down to spend half my paycheck on “Watch The Throne” when they came down to DC. Sadly only tickets remaining are for people gullible enough to pay a ridiculous and atrocious amount of money to basically watch silhouettes shuffle around. I humbly fall from their high ranks. Pun intended.
Instead, news came my way that The Throne shall visit the Garden (ripped that off of Deuteronomy 11:7 ).
the Garden. As in Madison Square Garden. As in Fade to Black Concert. As in the Arena ever artist prays to perform in.
Time to pretend like I’m in the 1%. And also pretend like I can drive from NYC to DC and still make work on time.
I hope my supervisor’s forgive Zombie Mo when he trudges in to work
Another Beat
And it sounds like another Fela Lovechild. Sans the horns for now anyway.
For now its basic drums, straight out of some tourist trap in Accra and a funky ass bass. My lawd
It’s only 23seconds for now, but I’m happy with it. Need the horns and maybe a keyboard and i’ll be set. Unless I want to put vocals on it.
Or maybe I can continue dreaming. Taking bets on whether I’ll even go ahead with one more layer or just fuck around tumblr till bedtime.
Arsenal Break
Not!
Whew was actually scared for a bit on that one. Felt like Wenger or the Board or Kroenke (whoever’s mostly to blame) had finally pushed Arsenal to the wall with the spending stubbornness. I mentioned in a post inspired by the Newcastle game that Arsenal cannot be taken seriously with the current squad and I would be forced to take a “baby its not you, its me” break from the Gunners. Even if enough “quality” (Arsene’s favorite word) was present, of which it sadly isn’t, we would be forced to play our Academy boys Starting 11 by November due to the players being as injury prone as Stephen Hawking. Not even reserves mind you, A-C-A-D-E-M-Y.
Luckily the news has started trickle in, and I won’t have to do anything drastic (like forgetting the fixture list for the season which I already memorized whew thank the gods). I really honestly don’t care who we buy now, as long as their not bought with a starting berth on the team on their 11th birthday. We’re not going to replace Cesc, and nobody should be deluded in thinking otherwise. I dont want us to get Ronaldo, Sneidjer etc, big money ridiculousness (meaning anything over $30mill total) should never be entertained. Get veterans who can take instructions, take on-field pressure and be solid in play we’re title contenders again. Honestly, we could spend $30mil on a player and have him flop. Now $30mil total on 4 or 5? And just have them play solid for the season? How else would you spell bargain?
I’ll wait till tomorrow to give my final 2cents on the signings, but things look good with Chu-Young done and Mertersacker, Santos and M’vila hopefully wrapped up soon.
I still want Alex, Cahill, Jagielka, Vorsah or Sakho at Center Back. Baines, Bridge, Onuha at Left Back. And Milner, Dempsey, Gorcouff, Martin, M’vila as Center Attacking Mids.
One more CB, One more LB, 2 CAM’s and hopefully one more out and out Striker. None of this winger, bollocks.
Fuck the “we have enough defenders” speech. I want an over-populated squad that we can rotate so the boys have a smaller risk of injury and burn-out. Lack of squad depth, not injuries has done us over the most. We didn’t get trounced by the United first team, but what will def be the 1st team in a year or two. Squad Depth. Man City has 28 players on the roster and 7 on loan. 35 in total. Those 28 have more quality than entire world-cup winning squads of yore. Again, Squad Depth.
Seeing as how Le Prof is seemingly managing 2 players for around $15mil this late in the transfer window (kudos Prof), I’m praying he can get 3-4 more under $30.
Don’t fail me now Arsene. Haven’t been this excited since i heard Ferdinand and Vidic were injured. Remember how amazingly it worked in out favor? 
YAZZA!
Blog posts organized. Major ones anyway.
Pics under- moMAJic Studios
Reviews and attempts at wordsmithery- Words
Music under- …Music. wow that’s dull
Gunner-isms and such- Arsenal
Love for the Motherland- GH
In Hipster Arsene We Trust
Reporter: Arsene who are you planning on signing with the transfer deadline looming?
AW: It will be surprising when you find out who, I assure you. Very Left Field, but not out of the ordinary with the type of people we target.
Reporter: Benzema?
AW: No
Reporter: Gameiro?
AW: No.
Reporter: Tevez
AW: Spanish speaker who is homesick. Sound Familiar? No
Reporter: Remy?
AW: No
Reporter: Zarate
AW: No
AW: Park
Reporter: Sorry?
AW: Chi-Young Park
Reporter: Sorry,…who?
AW: Exactly
Organization
A value I try and keep in life is in embracing variety, and its gotten so bad that its approaching a neuroses. I know I’m a very confused individual. Ask me what I want to do with my life at 5:03 and again at 5:30 and you’ll have heard 20 mini speeches about art, writing, photography, film, music, foreign policy, developing Ghana, public policy, law and how passionately I want to make love to everything (topics above yeesh, keep your head out the gutter).In short I want to do everything Please bear in mind that everything is not a girl (rimshot, oh snap!). But I can’t fux with everything and it is painful to come to that realization.
This blog started out as a blog for my trip to Mzanzi(South Africa). I put pics and a few ramblings and a couple of threats on Suarez’s life (fucking cunt). After the Mundial the focus was on pictures, take em-post em get feedback. And now its personal photos, film and tv rants and vents, random reblogs, pursuit of all things Arsenal and i’m still holding off on my thoughts on politics and policy, posting some unfinished beats I’ve made and short videos I’ve shot.
It’s all well and good to have a platform to show all these interests, but it’s getting “interesting” to just follow myself. I open my page and its just so much shize.
I guess i just wanted feedback from followers. Are you are ok with me talking about some sport you think is for poofs one second, showing racy pics 5 later and then ranting about how politicians are bending us over and fucking us doggie style? Do you think its confusing, do you believe I’m trying too hard to outdo His Holy Renaissance Father James Franco, do you have any advice on how to organize or re-organize the blog to make it easier to navigate, do you think I should have more than one blog?
Feedback would be much appreciated y’all.
-They Call Me Mo
Convo with one of my boys. One of them Manure fools
My Boy: Your team sucks
Me: Suck on my sweet nuts nigga!
Me: No Homo
MB: Lol they still suck
Me: Come Sunday, my little boys will rape your little boys.
Me: No Homo…..Pause
MB: Lol Let’s watch and see
Me:
Team Vs. United
This is what I’m praying for taking into account suspensions and of course the mandatory crocked spell:
Szczesny
Sagna, Verms, Koscielny, Traore
Arshavin, Ramsey Rosicky, Walcott
v.Persie, Chamakh
Subs (ie will probably be used): Eastmond, Lansbury, Oxlade-Chamberlain/ Miyachi (Jenkinson, Djourou if any defender gets injured or sucks balls)
We have a conundrum with the wing-back positions. Though kid’s still learning and has been doing relatively well, I don’t want Jenkinson playing because it means Sagna out of position again at LB. Traore is back for team selection and he is a gamble I’m willing to take. I’d rather have a natural RB and inexperienced LB, rather than a natural but inexperienced RB and a LB out of position. Gibbs being out means Traore is the only real option left and I hope he’s learned well from his spell at Juve.
Know Wenger loves the 4-3-3, but I think it’s too wide and we only have V.Persie up the middle in a lot of situations.
4-2-3-1 could be another alternative but we have no holding mids available with Song/Frimpong suspended and Diaby injured. Not sure if Eastmond or Lansbury can fit the bill on such on occasion.
I’d put Chamakh in because Van Persie needs help up there. He needs a body to pick out, a body to aid with the scoring. Chamakh might be a little off his game, but he needs the playing time and we need a bulking figure to put off the United defense.
Think we can honestly take the game to United and win the game with this squad. If we can get Arshavin playing with fie in his belly again. If Rosicky can remember that he’s Little Mozart and help orchestrate a masterpiece in the midfield. Meaning don’t let Ramsey pick up the slack in the middle.
This is a good a time as any for Chamakh to find his scoring boots from his closet. And remember that he can score beauties like this and this
In Arsene we trust. Go Gunners
Thought: Thinking about Arsenal makes me depressed let me watch a movie before bed
Resultant Action: Watching Fever Pitch and about to bawl like a bitch
At Least They Didn’t Lose
Oh to be a Gooner.
If there’s one feeling at surprises me at this very moment it’s the numbness, and how the feeling doesn’t worry me in the least. I’m not apathetic or in super-fan denial of how awesome the team is; I’m just very blah. I admire the few fans taking the result with a grain of salt, arguing that the season has just begun and that beginnings are no indication of the outcome of a season be it fruitful or of low yield. Chelsea of 2010/2011 are testament to the latter rationale: started of guns blazing, and then replaced their their club crest with consistent inconsistency and plain awful play and execution.
Away at Newcastle
I went into the game very cautiously, praying for a win without a ridiculous score line and what would have been the resulting lambast of our defense. But as I’ve learned the past calendar year, don’t pray for much where the Gunners are concerned. Ten minutes in I was grinning like it was my birthday (because it is). The midfield was fluid, sharp, precise, sick. The back and forth counters were a joy. Gervinho was a monster on whichever flank he wanted to visit. We were definitely going to coast this one..not.
35 minutes in I wondered if Gervinho was our new Walcott, whole lot of running, breathtaking pace and the indecisiveness of a toddler (To be fair Theo has gotten a little better). His runs became predictable and he failed to connect with teammates or shoot when necessary. His first game in the premiership showed he has some promise and could be a handful for defenders, I hope he adapts to the team and the EPL a lot quicker.
Come second half the team disappeared. Van Persie wasn’t fed balls regularly and had little support. Wingers kept running and crossing to no one in the box. And the “creative” duo of Ramsey and Rosicky struggled when Newcastle dug in. If there’s a plus to be taken from the game, the defenders shone (relative to the rest of the team). There were no horror tackles, dubious passes or costly miscommunication. Szchezny’s very enthusiastic display was quite reassuring, even if it did remind me slightly of Mad Jens.
But as with all Arsenal stories it seems, there has to be a “but” (no pun intended). Today it came in the shape of debutant Gervinho, becoming the second gunner in as many years to hit the showers in his Premier League debut. Joey Barton was again instrumental in an Arsenal player’s marching orders, this time inciting Gervinho’s anger by violently dragging him up after the latter was tackled in the penalty box. Somehow Gervinho wasn’t supposed to be upset or lunge at Barton and was duly punished. Barton a fellow Newcastle player embellished reports to the referee who believed the tales and playacting indicating he was punched or elbowed. 4 officials on the field and no one could see the Razzy worthy performance. And FIFA officials continue to justify that video technology is unnecessary.
Papa Wenger
No doubt the Arsenal crucifixion will continue among the press and pundits following the game. Again Arsenal dominated possession, but no goals, no win. Fancy footy yay, but where’s the steel, the guile, telling signs of champions. It’s one thing if this slump belong to mid table team or one regularly vying for the Europa league, but Arsenal and Arsene always reiterate Arsenal’s status as a “top club.” A top club losing its best players and strengthening rivals, a top club who won’t or can’t replace departing players because of the “quality” present in the club. If I ever hear Wenger justify our inherent “quality” again, I don’t know what I’ll do.
In the next two weeks, Le Prof has to find this cheap quality. Wherever he’ll find brilliant $10million striker to partner V.Persie, 2 midfielders to replace Nasri and Fabregas (3 if possible), and 2 defenders I don’t give a damn. They must be bought or Arsenal FC and I will be on a indefinite break. I’m not threatening to join another team, I’ll just watch Barca (as much as I hate their guts) and Real till Arsene stops being so stingy. I’ll watch 2 teams with hunger and vision.
I’d rather spend ridiculous amount of money to shore up the positions we need and to contend, not even win mind you, contend with the big boys in the league, than sit on laurels and songs sung of vast potential never fully reached. I’m beginning to concoct a hollywood-esque takeover so the Gunners can finally do right by all their supporters.
I’m honestly getting too old for this shit. Now off to party like it’s my birthday, because it is. Merde
(Source: gimmemomajc)
Je suis vieux
22. 8/13/11“And just like that. One more year. Allahamdullilah #ramadanbabies” Feel fortunate, feel great. Feel older, feel wiser. Feel Stronger. I can do this….whatever “this” ends up being. Truly grateful to be this blessed with all Allah has showered upon me. Now to make age 22 legen…..wait for it….