Put Your Data in The Cloud

Word of advice, friends: never, ever, ever, never place sole trust in your equipment to keep your data safe. Doesn’t matter if you’ve been keeping all your photos and documents on the same computer for 10 years and it’s been running just fine, there are absolutely no guarantees. I used to do backups a couple of times a year, but that was when all of my files could fit on two 700MB DVD-RWs. Ha.

But why waste a hard drive bay or USB port (for an external HDD) for yet another drive which only serves as a backup device? Why not keep your data in the “cloud”? For those unfamiliar with the cloud, it is derived from the term “cloud computing”, which is basically just like regular computing (store your files, check your email, run software and tasks, etc.), only it’s done completely on the internet. Pretty cool, hey?

A much simpler use for the cloud, though, is simply as online storage for your files, and as a backup service. One such service (and one I’m definitely going to invest in) is Mozy.com. They offer unlimited storage space, a solid program for keeping your stuff backed-up, and very reasonable rates. Probably not for the security freaks, the paranoid, or the conspiracy theorists, but it’s a great alternative to dozens of DVDs or an extra hard drive lying around waiting for your computer to crash.

I say I’m “going to” invest in it, because I currently have no data to backup, and so Mozy is of no use to me at this moment in time. Why do I have no data to backup? Because it’s all sitting on a hard drive in a data recovery shop down the road. Why does the data recovery shop have my hard drive and, thus, my data? Because the piece of junk went and had an aneurysm during one of the recent electrical storms that have been passing through my area, and my data became inaccessible.

Frustrating? Yes. Scary? Yes. A very expensive lesson learned about backing up your data? Heck, yes. Should have kept my data in the cloud.

Microblogging

What is microblogging? A lot of people are active (or semi-active) microbloggers and don’t even know it. I think UrbanDictionary suitably defines the term:

“Microblogging is a form of blogging that allows users to write brief text updates (usually less than 200 characters) and publish them.”

Twitter and Jaiku are used as examples of microblogging sites/services. Even Facebook status updates, in a way, can be considered a type of microblog. The term “blog” is a portmanteau (a two or more word combo) of the words “web” and “log” (weblog), and was shortened to just “blog” because that’s one less syllable and sounds cooler. A blog is like a journal or a log of events/discussion online, so microblogging would be pretty much the same thing, only, as UrbanDictionary noted, usually within some 200 characters or less.

I personally use Twitter to microblog, posting everything from status updates (what am I doing right now?), to links to stuff I find newsworthy/interesting/entertaining, to general back-and-forth chatter with other Twitter users. Unfortunately, the downside of this fun and unique service—requiring posts of 140 characters or less—is: I do not make posts here (on my full-sized blog) quite as much as I’d like. That being said, if you want to hear more from/about me, you should (at your own risk) follow me on Twitter. Or, at least… you know… go check out my page (I added a new background, ooooh…).

I’m thinking about becoming redundant and reposting some of the same stuff here that I post on Twitter, but with additional commentary. The whole point of (and one of the things I love about) Twitter, though, is that you’re forced to keep things brief. I’m a person of few words (input over output), so short info-bytes suit me perfectly. I don’t need five paragraphs to tell you I’m excited about Ridley Scott’s latest project. However, my unwanted opinions may occasionally exceed a 140-character-limit. ;)

Reel Time Updates: Toy Story 3

Friday the 18th was opening night for the third and final chapter in Pixar’s Toy Story saga. My fellow cinefreak and I were shooting for a 9:40pm 2D showing of the film, but I did not get away from work until almost 9:30pm, and so we ended up snagging tickets for a 10:05 showing in 3D. This turned out to be a really good thing.

I’d purchased both Toy Story and Toy Story 2 on Blu-ray when they were released on March 23rd, both of which included “movie money”, good towards tickets for Toy Story 3. While the movie money certificate was only good for up to $8.50 of the ticket price, the ticket clerk was either clueless or very generous, and I didn’t pay a thing for my late/opening-night $13.25 adult 3D admission.

The Trailers: Most of the previews featured were for family friendly films, I suppose because we were at a “kids’” movie. I remember seeing: Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (gah, so awful); Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (they didn’t even show the newer trailer!); The Smurfs (please end the lame reboots/adaptations); The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (saw it online earlier that day, but the theater trailer was in 3D!); Tangled (a.k.a. “Rapunzel”: already seen, but, again… 3D); The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (I could really hear Baruchel’s “Hiccup” voice coming out); and, of the course, the obligatory Despicable Me trailer (Universal is just promoting the crap outta that thing).

My Take on Toy Story 3: As various trailers emerged for this film in late 2009/early 2010, the Pixar magic was evident, but I’ll admit I had some doubts. Sneak peeks included a lot of explosions and mayhem that seemed a little unrealistic in the Toy Story world I’d come to know and love. These doubts were dispelled in a brilliant opening sequence that basically combined those of the first and second films in story and style, respectively.

If you’ve seen the trailers, you know the film’s basic storyline: the toys’ owner, Andy, is leaving for college, and so the Toy Story gang ends up getting donated to a local daycare center. While initially excited about their new circumstances (getting played with all day, everyday), the toys soon discover that Sunnyside Daycare is not all it was cracked up to be. Throughout various trials and tribulations, the toys must once again figure out how to extricate themselves from the mess they’ve landed in, and find their way back to Andy (before he leaves for college).

We are introduced to many new toy characters throughout the film, and while some felt that there were too many new faces to keep up with, each one added to the story in their own way. The humor was on-par with most of Pixar’s films, with a lot of kid-friendly goofiness, and a little “over their heads” humor for older viewers. The action was neither dull nor over-the-top, and the elements of the pint-sized protagonists’ world were used realistically, and to their full advantage. I never found myself thinking, “Wow, that was kinda dumb,” like I so often do with sequels trying to live up to their predecessors.

A lot of reviews I’ve seen for this movie put a lot of focus on the end of the film, and rightfully so. In the (supposedly) last film of a trilogy, there must be a definitive conclusion that leaves viewers satisfied. If the writers can throw in a little respectful reminiscing or jerk a few tears, all the better (oh, yes… I got choked up). The film’s closing sequence was very well done, and I think most viewers will be happy with it.

I only had a couple of very minor complaints (not even really complaints) about Toy Story 3. The absence of Jim Varney (succumbed to lung cancer in 2000) as the voice of Slinky Dog was very apparent, though newcomer Blake Clark obviously did his best to embody the stretchy canine with a southern drawl. The other thing I noted was that the main antagonist in the third film had a very similar story, personality and demise as Stinky Pete from Toy Story 2. There was a great likeness between the two characters, and while this was not necessarily a bad thing (maybe it was intentional), I did wonder if anyone else noticed.

Overall, I urge those who haven’t already indulged to go and catch this three-quel on the big screen. Also, the 3D version is highly recommend. One of the things I dislike about 3D films is when you become so quickly accustomed to that third dimension, you’d forget that you were even at a 3D screening except for the clunky glasses sitting on your face. In these cases, the added dimension has no life, and was not worth the higher admission price. Toy Story 3 is not one of those films. There are enough “wow!” moments where the 3D really pops to justify the higher price, and it definitely adds to the experience.

Oh, and make sure you hit the theater early enough to catch this film’s short: Day & Night. It’s brilliant, and portrays a heartfelt, crystal-clear lesson about understanding those who are different from us.

Rentals for the People

So, Mr. MG Siegler of Techcrunch (follow him on Twitter!) posted an article the other day about Paramount Home Entertainment’s deal with Redbox to continue making their movies available for rental on the same day they are made available for purchase.

Wait, A Hollywood Exec Actually Making Sense With Regard To Movie Rentals And The Web? ~ MG Siegler (TechCrunch, 06.17.10)

Siegler reminds readers that Paramount’s is a decision that has been vetoed by other major studios (e.g., Fox, WB, Universal), who have instead opted to make renters wait 28 days post-release before they can pick up their films through Redbox.

Now, I personally do not indulge in movie rentals because I don’t have time to watch the dozens of unopened films I already own. (Okay, I do have time, but always seem to end up following more trivial pursuits, despite my passion for movie-watching.) In addition, I’m more of a collector than a borrower. If I really like a film (or think I will), I have to own it. Granted, there are probably hundreds of movies that I would like to take a peek at, but that I don’t feel like adding to my collection, most namely: comedies/romedies. Great for a few laughs and some mind-numbing entertainment, but lack of real plot and overused raunchy humor usually turns me off of actually purchasing any titles falling into those categories.

Back on topic, it seems that Paramount has to chosen to exercise a little common sense. In the long run, pushing back the rental window for new-release films is not going to send the masses running for their nearest media retail outlet, desperate to plunk down $20-$30 for a title they’d hoped to view (and return) for a dollar. Most people will probably either:

a) Find another (perhaps illegal) source for viewing the film (studio gets NO money)
b) Rent an older title instead and wait out the 28 days until the film they really wanted to watch is available (studio still only gets $1 per rental)
c) Mill about the Redbox kiosk, murmuring in confusion because the title they’re looking for is on the COMING SOON list, even though the retailer in which the kiosk resides advertises the movie as ON SALE TODAY. This will result in angry complaints to retail employees, who “never did anything to deserve this, curse you Redbox” (studio loses money because angry consumers and retail employees have sworn to boycott Redbox altogether).
d) Decide to just go to the theater instead (studio may or may not make money, depending on which film is ultimately viewed).

Or, folks may turn around and actually pay for a copy of the movie. While this seems unlikely, some people are like sheep and will go where directed if prodded hard enough. The question is: is delaying rentals actually the best way to direct consumers towards buying a (legitimate) copy of the film? I cannot speak for the average consumer, but, for me, removing something that I’m accustomed to having day-one access to is not going to inspire a sudden urge to go looking for a more expensive alternative. A little more incentive needs to be produced. For instance: create a special “coming soon” section of the rental kiosks for titles available in stores, but not for rental. Each title could have a placeholder with the date it will become available for rental and $5 coupons good towards the purchase of a DVD or Blu-ray copy of the film.

For those who were only looking to spend a dollar on a cheap movie night, or didn’t have more than a dollar to spend anyway, that’s not going to be a very effective sales tactic. However, for those who may have been considering a purchase anyway, but wanted to preview the movie before deciding, while finding out the movie was unavailable would have sent them on their way, the coupon might cause them to look twice and reconsider investing in their own copy. Especially if the coupon is only valid for a limited time.

Retailers use coupons to manipulate consumers’ “it’s-on-sale-so-it’s-a-deal” impulse buy instincts all the time. Something that a shopper would never have considered buying previously is suddenly a hot item because, “Oh, there’s a coupon.” Why shouldn’t movie distribution studios take the same approach? In order to coax people into doing something they would normally do (purchase a new-release film on disc), you don’t punish them with pointless restrictions (delay of availability for rental); you offer a little incentive, and make consumers think they’re getting a deal (e.g., coupons). Less stick, more carrot.

Confessions of a Blu-ray-aholic

Is this awesome, or is this awesome?

I’m still trying to decide where to put it. It hangs by a chain, but it has to be plugged in, and the cord kind of gets in the way (in addition to disrupting the sign’s aesthetic qualities). It’ll probably get centered between my posters for Ponyo and The Incredibles.

Want one? I got mine for $30 from likelightsign2009 on eBay.

Top 10 Anticipated Films of Summer, Fall 2010

PLEASE NOTE: The films are numbered in order of release date, not in order of personal preference or level of anticipation. The films were selected based on my immediate and high level of interest upon hearing about them, viewing a trailer, or viewing stills and a synopsis.

BREAKDOWN

01) The Karate Kid (07.11.10) – It is important to note that I have never seen the 1984 version of this film, or any of it’s sequels. Initially, the focal point of my interest was Jaden Smith. I really enjoyed his performance—alongside his dad, Will Smith—in Pursuit of Happyness, as well as his work with Keanu Reeves in the 2008 version of The Day the Earth Stood Still. Jaden appears to be a very promising young actor, and his role in the updated “Karate Kid” film puts a lot of demands on him, both physically, and because he’s taking on a reboot of what some consider to be a classic movie.

02) Toy Story 3 (06.18.10) – Pixar. Enough said.

03) The Last Airbender (07.02.10) – I am a fan of M. Night Shyamalan. I am also a fan of the Nickelodeon series that this movie is based on. (If you haven’t seen the Avatar: The Last Airbender series, do whatever you have to to get your hands on a copy of all three seasons on DVD and watch it. Now. Even if you don’t plan on seeing the film.) While I know that Shyamalan is a big turn-off for some people, and while he would not have been my first choice to helm this adaptation, I’m extremely curious to see what he’s done with what is slated to be the first film in a trilogy; one per season of the show.

04) Despicable Me (07.09.10) – Universal Pictures is not exactly known for its CGI features, but everyone else has jumped on that ride, so it was really only a matter of time. Ever since I caught the first teaser trailer for the film, which ended with a snazzy beat from hip hop artist Pharrell, I’ve wanted to see more. And, I mean, Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Kristen Wiig, Julie Andrews… what’s not to like?

05) Inception (07.16.10) – Christopher Nolan. Enough said. Well… okay, the concept, visuals and cast list are also awesome. Also, I think I’d buy a ticket just to go and hear that spooky/awesome bass horn blast in theater surround sound.

06) The Expendables (08.13.10) – I think I was browsing through trailers via the iTunes web site (the one and only reason I ever visit), and saw the red and black “skull poster” for this film. The poster art was pretty awesome in and of itself, but when I looked closer and began to read some of the names associated with the project, I nearly choked with excitement, and had to go double-check on IMDb to verify that such an unbelievably friggin’ awesome cast list had indeed been put together. Oh, yes, they did.

07) Centurion (08.27.10) – I only recently heard about this film (made in Spain) and saw the trailer for it, but I was intrigued and initial reviews have been good. Movies based in/on ancient Rome are always cool. (Okay, okay… I just wanted to see more of Olga Kurylenko as a woad-wearing bounty hunter chick.)

08) Megamind (11.05.10) – Dreamworks has really begun to impress with their last several CGI endeavors, specifically Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon (still want/need to see the latter). While Universal’s Despicable Me will have beat Dreamworks to the punch with the whole super-villain-turned-good-guy thing in this year’s CGI line-up (why do they always play the copycat game?), I want to see if Dreamworks has managed to keep up their winning streak.

09) Tangled (11.24.10) – Actually, it’s Rapunzel. The Disney marketing team has just lapsed into a bout of temporary insanity, and—any time now—are gonna be all, “Psyche! You didn’t really think we were going to replace the classic title of a classic fairy tale with some kind of 21st century, tweenie, horror-title-wannabe name, did you?” Other than the title working title, anything from Disney animated is a must-see for me.

10) The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (12.10.10) – Besides the fact the The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was my favorite book in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series, I thought the first two films were awesome. I was devastated when Disney pulled out of the “Narnia” series, leaving it in limbo. That turned out to be only a temporary setback, however. Fox FTW.

RUNNERS UP

These titles didn’t make my top ten list, but are still worth mentioning:

• Jonah Hex
• Knight and Day
• Salt
• Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
• Buried
• Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
• Morning Glory

Reel Time Updates: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Tuesday night, beginning at approximately 21:55 hours, another helpless action flick fell prey to the expectant, critical eyes of myself and the other members of my usual movie-crashing crew.

I’m a fan of the Ubisoft game series, which is what fueled my initial interest in this film. (Okay, I’ve only played the first two games of what’s come to be known as the “The Sands of Time Saga” all the way through. I’m still working on "The Two Thrones”, and actually kind of hated "Warrior Within”.) Granted, I probably would have seen this movie regardless, because it’s an action flick, and it stars Jake Gyllenhaal, and looked like overall good summer entertainment. Playing the games (or even having heard of them) is definitely not a prerequisite. There are multiple instances of homage paid to the games throughout the film, but this film can definitely stand alone as a Disney action/adventure movie. Lots of sword-fighting, flashy CGI and bad dialogue ensues.

The Trailers: Okay… seriously? I think I have viewed the trailer for Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (a.k.a., “that stupid owl movie”) before every single film I’ve gone to see this year. This will probably continue to be the case throughout the summer, because the film is apparently not going to be released until September. Fans of the book series, I’m sure you’re excited, and—yes—I’m sure you’re very deserving of a film based on your favorite, feathery fiction fables (ha!), but I don’t think it’s fair that I have to watch your trailer (and hear all of its bad pop music) over and over and over again at full volume on an enormous screen. I’m just saying…

I also remember seeing trailers for: The Karate Kid (still excited about this one), The A-Team (first time seen on the big-screen), Inception (July 16th can’t come soon enough), and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Nic Cage, meh). I’m actually a little POed at that last film, because one of my fellow “Prince of Persia” attendees theorized that the release of Disney’s two “Fantasia” films (Fantasia / Fantasia 2000) on Blu-Ray had been delayed to coincide with the DVD/Blu-Ray release of the live-action “Sorcerer’s Apprentice”. (The 1940 Fantasia animated feature debuted the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” short film starring Mickey Mouse that the new live-action movie is based on.) The timing is about right, with a mid-July release in theaters for the new flick, and the animated “Fantasia” films coming out in December. Thanks a lot, Nic Cage and guy from “She’s Out of My League”.

My Take on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: Going into the theater, I’d forgotten that “Prince of Persia” was helmed by Disney. However, my memory was jogged only a few minutes into the film as the very cheesy dialogue began to flow. I don’t know about the rest of my fellow cinephiles, but dialogue can be a deal-breaker for me. When the characters are speaking in a way that in unrealistic and/or cliché, it totally kills the effect. It bothers me, which makes it more difficult to really get absorbed into the film. The petty, overdone bickering between the titular hero, Prince Dastan, and the way-too-independent-and-outspoken-for-that-culture princess, Tamina, showcased some of more poorly-written exchanges. In Pirates of the Caribbean, similar techniques were used, but it was all very tongue-in-cheek, and so it worked. Prince of Persia tries to pull off the same thing while consequently attempting to take itself seriously, and… just… no. It didn’t work for me. The only character who even came close was the comic relief, Alfred Molina’s Sheik Amar.

The SFX and CGI were great, the Parkour was great, and the story worked, for the most part. I would have preferred to see Prince Dastan battling his way through hordes of mindless sand armies throughout the film, but I guess Disney did not want to make a zombie movie. Instead, we are introduced the the “Hassansins”, a group of silent, deadly, and decommissioned warriors that are sicced on our hero later in the film. Their use of various mystical/ancient killing methods makes for some decent fight sequences, and really push Prince Dastan to his limits.

One thing I wanted to see more of was the dagger’s special ability. The writers did not seem to utilize it very much at all. Heck, I used it every couple of minutes during my bouts of Prince of Persia gameplay. Granted, the games offer a quick and easy way to recharge the dagger’s powers whereas they were very limited in the film. (Also, Jake Gyllenhaal plays a much better Prince than I do.)

Overall, a fun action flick with little complexity. If you’ve played (and enjoyed) the games at all, I would recommend at least renting this film. At just under two hours, it’s worth a viewing. If you enjoy Disney’s family friendly action flicks, give it a watch. If you’ve realized and are annoyed by the fact that Gemma Arterton is prone to playing obnoxious characters that waffle back and forth between damsel-in-distress and warrior-chick-wannabe, don’t see this film. (She’s still obnoxious.) If you can’t stand cheesy, family friendly action films, and/or Disney, then go pick up the Sands of Time game for your favorite platform, and play it (or dig it out of your closet and replay it). While I do recommend the film, I highly recommend the game it’s based on. Not as kid-friendly, and Jake Gyllenhaal is not included, but lots of fun, and it may lead to a greater appreciation of the film.