thevoid99's Life Top Ten List-October 2009
Oct 31 '09 (Updated Nov 30 '09)
The Bottom Line Void Nearly Comes to Blows with Epinions While Being Very Productive.
Well, this was certainly a frustrating month. Despite being very productive with reviews of new records and such. Something happened this month that got me frustrated as I was finding myself short on cash every week. During this time, day after day, I was waiting endlessly for my Epinions paycheck. Well, it finally came today and with a sigh of relief. I was at the point where I was running out of money for me and my dog. Especially since I'm at a point where this is pretty much what I do to make money along with keeping my parents house clean throughout the entire week as they're busy helping a friend who is ill from cancer.
I don't get paid much to keep things clean and do errands for them but I don't complain about it. I don't see them very much because they're trying to help the guy who really needs people to be around them and I'm fine with that. What I'm not fine with is not being able to do things for myself in getting groceries for me and my dog and have money in my pocket. It was becoming really frustrating and upsetting. Plus, I had put myself into a Filmspotter's Dictator's Club project that I was unable to do and now, the assignment won't be done this month. Having to wait day after day for my check was frustrating and I got very angry.
I've had my issues with this site and there were times I was annoyed. Originally, if my check hadn't arrived today. I would've gone into a hellacious rant that would've blown the lid off this site. It would've gotten me in trouble while raising some issues. Yet, I've calmed down now. I just hope I don't go into another situation like this ever again. All I want to do is write my reviews and projects and get paid for it while hopefully get some extra cash in some contests except for those stupid Twitter-related projects. Twitter to me, is a waste of a time. I'm done now. Let's get to the Life Top Ten List for October 2009:
1. Where the Wild Things Are
I love the book when I read it as a kid and enjoyed revisiting it as I was anxious to see the film. After years of delays, re-shoots, and effects issue. It finally came out and it turned out better than I anticipated. While I was aware that people are divided of the film, I found myself moved by a lot of the images and themes that Spike Jonze presented. It was faithful to the book but it was something of its own. While it's not the best film of the year, it is definitely one of the best films of the decade. With a brilliant soundtrack by Karen O and Carter Burwell, an amazing cast, and superb art direction and cinematography. It's a film that will be seen for years.
2. Monty Python: Almost the Truth (the Lawyer's Cut)
I love Monty Python. I think they're the funniest comedy group of all-time. To finally see their story in a six-part documentary is probably one of the most insightful and enjoyable documentaries about the famed group. With appearances from other comedians and actors, it reveals on the history of the group as well as some things people wouldn't believe. One of the biggest fans of Monty Python & the Holy Grail is none other than the King. Elvis Presley. The idea of him quoting that film from start to finish is hilarious as it's definitely one of my favorite docs this year.
3. Girls-Album
An album I got on the last day of September based on Pitchfork's recommendation. It's now one of my favorite albums of 2009. A blend of catchy 60s pop, noise-rock, and shoegaze, it's definitely a debut album that is truly mesmerizing. Whether it's simplistic surf jams from hell to kaleidoscopic pop tunes. It's a record that must be heard who loves wild, free-wielding, diverse rock and indie-pop.
4. Happy-Go-Lucky
A film I wanted to see last year but was unable to finally came to TV. I must say, if there's a film that earns a chance to make anyone smile. It's this one and most surprisingly, it's from Mike Leigh. A guy who is known for making more dramatic, dreary kind of films. With Sally Hawkins' winning performance, it's a film that is about a happy teacher just trying to bring smiles into people's lives including a frustrated driving instructor. It is dealt with both a sense of realism but also with optimism which is very rare in a lot of films.
5. South Park-Butters' Bottom B*tch
One of my all-time favorite series is back on TV and sure, there's times it doesn't hit the mark and there's time it does. Most recently, an episode that makes fun of Whale Wars with Cartman singing Lady Gaga's Poker Face that got me laughing. Yet, it's the episode Butters' Bottom B*tch that floored me all the way as one of my all-time favorite episodes. The concept alone is funny. Butters as a pimp. Talking like a pimp while operating a hugs-kisses operation in school while giving his hos lots of things including health care benefits and housing. Along with a disgusting subplot of a cop taking his undercover role way too seriously, it's an amazing episode and one of the best.
6. The Flaming Lips-Embryonic
One of my most anticipated albums of the year from one of my favorite bands. The Flaming Lips was a group I enjoyed for their weird freakout music and at times, being accessible. While, like many, was underwhelmed by their last studio album. This new record is something I can rejoice as it's a return to the more experimental, weirder sounds of the band while putting out a few pop songs in the mix. With appearances from Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, it's definitely one hell of an album.
7. That Metal Show
What can a metalhead not love about this show? It's got witty discussions about metal. Arguments over who is the better metal vocalist, Rob Halford or Bruce Dickinson? I choose Bruce. It's one of the most entertaining and fun shows on TV with guests like the metal god himself, Rob Halford plus Overkill, Anvil, and the best pro wrestler out there, Chris Jericho! Also, I like to see host Eddie Trunk try and get stumped so miss Kerry Lee can come out with her box of junk and all sorts of interviews with Matt Sorum of Velvet Revolver and the band Slayer! It's a fun show that never gets boring.
8. JSA-Joint Security Area
Being a fan of Chan-wook Park, this was a film I wanted to see but haven't had the time to because of other things. After finally finding the time, I got to see it and though it got off to a slow, clunky start with some awkward dialogue in English. It's a very provocative film about the fragile relationship between North and South Korea and its desires to unify itself along with its political troubles into keeping it apart. It's a must-see for anyone that likes political intrigue and ideals about the different worlds of Korea.
9. Californication
A show I do love to watch for its raunchy humor and silly antics as the third season doesn't hold back. Hank Moody is once again a reckless man taking on a teaching job while having problems with his daughter as her mother is now in another city. At the same time, Hank's agent works for a sexually-charged woman played by Kathleen Turner. While she may have aged a bit, for some reason. I still find her attractive and I would let her do things to me that I can't say. The show's highlight so far and what a highlight it is as I'm going to say it. Eva Amurri's t*ts! Wow! Susan Sarandon's daughter definitely has her mom's body and it is definitely the nude scene of the year. I'm sorry ladies if you were offended by those comments but I'm a guy and we guys, are stupid.
10. Film Trailers
Not much has been going on in the world of trailers except for more clips from Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox and the upcoming Clint Eastwood film Invictus. I also liked the new trailer for the upcoming film The Wolfman with Benicio del Toro and the new version of A Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey that seems entertaining. Yet, the best trailer of the year for me right now, is the Toy Story 3 trailer that is both funny and sad. The worst trailer I've seen recently is that new Sandra Bullock film Blind Side. One of those awful based on a true-story inspirational films that looks so bland and saccharine that I've decided that I will no longer watch a Sandra Bullock film ever again unless she finds a new agent.
Well, that's it for October. Originally, I planned to do reviews of the Beatles remasters but I'm not sure when it will happen. Especially with the onslaught of new music coming as I will be reviewing new records by the Flaming Lips, F*ck Buttons, Annie, Julian Casablancas, and the widely-anticipated debut album from Them Crooked Vultures. In the world of films, I hope to review the new Coen Brothers film A Serious Man, Lars von Trier's Antichrist, Lone Scherfig's An Education, John Hillcoat's The Road, and Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox along with its soundtrack. Until then, this is thevoid99 signing off and hope that everyone will have a happy Halloween.
Life Top Ten List-September 2009 - Life Top Ten List-November 2009
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thevoid99
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Member: Steven Flores
Location: Smyrna, Georgia
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