Reading: The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue by Robert Klein
Music: Ed's Redeeming Qualities
TV/Movie: The New Red Green Show
Link o' the Day: Mars Attacks Picture Archive

I finally have gotten around to viewing Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, and the viewing was, for the most part, a good thing.

This was Zach Helm's directorial debut (he also wrote the film) and I was initially very excited about it's release following his work on Stranger Than Fiction which was easily one of my favorite movies of 2006. But I hesitated for the longest time on Mr. Magorium's because I had heard such dismal reviews and couldn't bear to be disappointed. But them I reminded myself, sophomore films are rarely as good as a a director's first--and Mr. Magorium's only counted as a sophomore film if you counted Helm as a screenwriter. As a director, this would actually be his first, and therefore not so tainted.

And I'm not a fan of Natalie Portman. Her best film was 1994's Leon (aka The Professional) followed, perhaps, by 2006's V for Vendetta. She failed to impress in the Star Wars movies.

But I got over it, and watched it and ya know...I was quite pleasantly surprised. Now, bear in mind, this is a kids movie. The plot and themes are aimed squarely at children, and I think it does a good job. It doesn't go too overboard with the whole wonder and magic of Magorium's toy shop, but it's unmistakenly both wonderous and magical. The plot is predictable, but again--kids movie. It works.

Was it a great movie? No. Was it at least on par with Stranger Than Fiction? Ye gods! No!

But it was a good movie. It did its job. Dustin Hoffman was pretty amazing. Jason Batemen was competent--a bit more heart than his recent Juno role. If you're young at heart*, it's a good movie. Keep your expectations there and you won't be disappointed.

So...recommendation time. If you have young kids--go ahead and buy it on DVD. If you don't have kids--make sure you, at the very least, rent it, catch it on cable or on-demand.

Zach Helm has another film due in 2010 called DisAssociation. I'd say he's still someone to watch out for.

(*insert standard joke about having the heart of a small child in a jar, buried in the backyard)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

It's Friday again. Busy-ish weekend, but our schedule looks like I'll (more or less) be able to keep on top of things. Current projects include the SFWA Bulletin, December Rhode Island medical journal, book of plays for new client, Lonnie Burr (one of the original mousketeers) autobiography, Mel Simons (old-time telvision interview book), and Lewis Stadlen (star of stage and television) autobiography. On deck is the Hardcastle & McCormick book.

So lots of stuff. Just in time for Xmas.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

INAPPROPRIATE THOUGHT: (Warning: do not read if you do not have a sense of humor)

So you know how you always hear that the suicide rate rises during the holiday season? Has anyone checked to see how many of these suicides were people who worked at 24/7 Xmas music radio stations?

Some of these stations are computerized. No humans at all. How many of these computers break down in mid "fa-la-lala-"? How many of these breakdowns come from the computers ill-advisedly attempting to pour whiskey into their I/O ports?

These are the thoughts I have when my nose itches.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Today's link takes you to the Mars Attacks Picture Archive. These cards were part of the inspiration for the 1996 Tim Burton movie. Here's the intro from the website:

In 1962, Topps released the bubble-gum cards known as "Mars Attacks". They were the creation of Len Brown and Woody Gelman. They were painted by the famous pulp-comic artist, Norm Saunders. Presented here, for the first time on the Net, are scanned reproductions of their genius...

Enjoy!