Impulsive Reviews
The IMPULSIVE REVIEW Section has Moved to the RJH Blog
April 24, 2012
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Stephen King Novel
THE WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE
See the R.J. Huneke IMPULSIVE REVIEW published in Fantasy Matters!
December 21, 2011
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Film THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
Uniquely dark, mysterious, suspenseful, and . . . smart . . .
Director David Fincher takes the first of the world renowned Millennium trilogy books to new heights in a uniquely dark, mysterious, suspenseful, and (most importantly) smart adaptation of Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Capturing the spirit of an innovative, successful, and compelling novel is a daunting task that most directors Hollywood-gloss over without even attempting the challenge.
David Fincher is no stranger to frightening suspense mysteries - he directed Seven after all - yet he puts together the English adaptation for one of the world's most successful stories in the genre masterfully. The overall feel, especially upon seeing Mikael (played by Daniel Craig) and Lisbeth (played by Rooney Mara) pour forth their arduous efforts on such tumultuous missions, is one of absolute wonder.
To sum up this film in one word: Riveting!
Rooney Mara is tough as nails and utterly intricate in her subdued display of emotion and her raw drive to succeed in all of her endeavors. The character of Lisbeth is as intelligent as she is resourceful, making her one of the leanest and meanest female protagonists to ever grace the big screen.
Daniel Craig brings along the serious tone that he brought to the Bond movies - which in turn greatly improved their believability - but he is ten times as serious (if that is possible) here. The investigative journalist has no religion, no sense of humor, and a flurry of discernible character flaws; all of these aspects help carve out the man who will not give up, despite the ensuing danger that lurks everywhere on a secluded island where Nazi's and wealthy recluses welcome strife with open arms.
This film is complex, beautiful, graphic, and utterly unpredictable.
IMPULSIVE REVIEW GRADE: A++
October 17, 2011
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of R.J. Huneke's THE SUBLIMINAL RELIGION
By Jules Chaast
Rarely does fiction take the reader on a realistic and emotional trek.
The Subliminal Religion by R.J. Huneke does just that.
The blasphemously fun and provocative story contains unique and intricate characters that are put on the spot to stand for what they believe in, ideal-wise, when all hell bombards them in New York City.
There are no black and white areas in this innovative and suspenseful page turner, only grays. And it is gray, as the setting encompasses a noir-esque style combined with contemporary speculative fiction run rampant over the slick pavement of the financial capitol of the world.
The character of Rusty Dylan invokes an awkward humor that is dry, interesting, and enduring even as the state of the land becomes hostile to everyone and everything within it. But dark are the days after another terrorist attack strikes at the heart of New York City, and grim is the outlook of the future unless the charismatic British/Singapore immigrant, Lisa Davis, and her partner at NYU's film program, Dylan, can get their knowledge out to the world.
The riveting storyline is quite original and surprisingly full of raw emotion that is not normally transcendent from the written page. Huneke uses a stark visual style and an onslaught of tension, as subliminal advertising becomes a weapon in the novel that is utilized by scarily immoral players so to bring the US back onto the edge of seething terror.
And the pacing does not let up! The two film students find out just how much they can endure for their new-found love and cause.
This book is rewarding, and for the reader, it ends with a feeling of being put through a deeply invigorating and moving experience that is sure to change perspectives.
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A
July 6, 2011
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of China Mieville's Novel EMBASSYTOWN
The language is key. And with language, China Mieville’s venture into the science-fiction genre is nothing short of spectacular.
As the master storyteller’s past works often utilize unique, flowing and intricate vocabulary, in general (just read The City & the City), the future described in Embassytown imbues. The world-society on Arieka is based around the very use of language and is dependent on word-craft to survive.
China Mieville depicts Arieka as an alien world in which the native populous, the Ariekei, only harbor the human enclave within a city that was co-constructed, alongside the Ariekei’s own, to be an Embassytown. The human city is a colony for the humans on the edge of the most unknown portion of space, the Immer, where few (Avice, the Immerser, is one of these) have traveled. And it is also a colony, of sorts, for the Ariekei, though the humans are largely ignorant to this fact…
There is nothing like this. The Ariekei, also referred to as the Host, are horse, maybe-fly or bird hybrid – well aliens – with two sets of wings and two mouths; they feel and seem utterly strange, lucid and imaginative (while still leaving plenty to the readers’ mind to discern). The Ariekei can only speak truth, from their two completely separate mouths, which is quite a contrast to humanity’s use of language in the book and out of it. The humans of Embassytown have learned how to genetically create and/or manipulate biotechnology and people to form their own Ambassadors who are linguists able to speak and negotiate with the Ariekes.
The main character that Mieville utilizes is Avice Benner Cho, the former native-born Embassytowner and successful Immerser, and she is as contemplative, stubborn, smart and kick-ass a female protagonist as you will ever see. Her life is forever intertwined to her homeland when the Ariekei choose her to become a simile, which allows them to stretch the truth in just such a manner that their minds evolve, a little.
For the Ariekei language is power, life and starkly intoxicating. Their dependence proves to be treacherous, as evolution and language-as-drug-use threatens the entire foundation of Embassytown.
“We speak now or I do, and others do. You've never spoken before. You will. You'll be able to say how the city is a pit and a hill and a standard and an animal that hunts and a vessel on the sea and the sea and how we are fish in it, not like the man who swims weekly with fish but the fish with which he swims, the water, the pool. I love you, you light me, warm me, you are suns. You have never spoken before” (Mieville, Embassytown).
The way of the planet and the space surrounding it is constantly explored and revealed to us, the reader, in a compellingly emotional and explorative narrative that unfolds steadily and brilliantly. What needs to be stressed is how the invented languages (and there are multiple of these in the work), terms and use of characters and story techniques are extremely experimental and courageously innovative, while maintaining a streamlined, philosophical, understandable and absolutely addictive reading experience.
Rarely are there newly constructed future-worlds in fiction that have such depth and originality as this one does. Frank Herbert’s Dune is the only book I can bring to mind that does so similarly, and that comparison is, in itself, of the highest praise.
If you do not know by now, China Mieville strives to bring his monsters to every genre of fiction, and to do so in an enthralling and utterly innovative fashion. He does not write monster-stories, but rather entertaining fiction that contains developed and relatable characters, as well as certain interactions with the realistically depicted monster-esque. China is successful once again with Embassytown, and we are all thankful frequenters enjoying the thrilling ride of his stories!
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A+
June 26, 2011
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Novel
American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition
There are very few books that transcend genre and captivate everyone with their truly unique and entrancing story. Neil Gaiman's American Gods is one of the rarities.
This is the tale of a man called Shadow, a large and seemingly slow-thinking individual, who is released from a prison to find that not only is his former life gone, but the world that he has known his entire life is actually full of strange gods that have immigrated to America in hopes of making a living (if it can be called that).
Amidst the riveting narrative there are incredibly insightful glances into the history and the legend of the world's gods, for some have been popular in mythology that is still somewhat remembered in the contemporary world and some are remnants of past subjects of worship that practically no one alive has any knowledge of (Neil Gaiman is one of the few who does).
Ancient Egypt is represented, as well as our Norse mythological friends (or enemies depending on your perspective), and the old gods meet up with new gods of technology and media and TV, which currently enthrall modern society (especially in the US).
This mysterious and thrilling tale of Shadow and the American Gods is unlike anything ever written or undertaken, and this could very well be one of those books that you put down and declare is one of the best you've ever read.
Neil Gaiman is currently on an American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition book tour, and this author's preferred text contains some 80,000 more words to embellish the story. Read the original or the author's preferred version, but above all, make sure that you read American Gods!
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A++
January 18, 2011
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Film TRUE GRIT
The Coen brothers writing and directing combination has resulted in another phenomenal film titled True Grit. The movie is a remake of a classic John Wayne western, based off of the Portis novel (of the same title), and will surely become a legendary rendition itself.
Jeff Bridges might have had Duke-sized shoes to fill playing the part of "Rooster" Cogburn, but he is at his utter best with his realistic performance of the raging alcoholic and US Marshal. His part comes across so well that Bridges is barely recognizable with his heavily accented speech and his one-eyed demeanor.
The cinematography is breathtaking, as Ethan and Joel Coen deliver the otherworldly western frontier-land in a realistic and powerful manner. There is no feel to a film like this one.
Mattie Ross seeks justice, with the help of Cogburn. The girl is out for revenge for her father's death, and the story is thrilling, moving and deep. Hailee Steinfeld gives an utterly amazing, witty and premier performance. She stands alongside the veteran actors Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon (LaBoeuf), and she handles her own in the lead role.
The hunt for the murderer is awesome, and though the film can be heavy on the heart, there are plenty of laughs as well. The Coen brothers' writing is superb, as Cogburn's rough comments and Mattie's quick intellect prove hilarious. This movie will almost certainly be up for numerous Best Picture awards.
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A+
1/11/11
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Film LITTLE FOCKERS
Could the crazy Father in law, Jack (played by Robert De Niro), versus the awkward/not quite ideal in Jack's eyes husband, Greg Focker (played by Ben Stiller), play out a third time to entertaining success, like the first two landmark fims did? You bet!
The third installment in the "Meet the Parents" fanchise, "Little Fockers", is simply hilarious. It is rare for a comedy to come up with new material that has never before been tried and is still extremely laugh-worthy and interesting; and such is the case here.
With the addition of the stunning Jessica Alba, who plays a drug rep who wants to sleep with Greg, and who has several laugh out loud minutes in only a bra and panties, and the great twins, one of which has a "double dose of Focker in him", this comedy gives non-stop unpredictable situations that result in movie goodness.
And Surprise! Harvey Keitel, the "Wolf" from Pulp Fiction, cameos as a sleezy construction worker, and he is FUNNY! From the cat versus lizard battle to the Greg the God Focker vs. De Niro the Godfather fist fight, this film is sensational!
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A
December 11, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Film THE TOURIST
The Tourist is a blistering European adventure thrill ride! The on screen chemistry, between Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, is honest, spectacular and hilarious. The story brings in a spy/undercover tone and combines it with a steady mix of action, comedy and a little romance; it is not unlike the brilliance of Red, which came out earlier this year. The cinematography is gorgeous and the views of Venice are spectacular.
Despite Johnny Depp's numerous past roles, he is once again reborn and believable as an awkward math teacher, named Frank, on vacation in Italy. His humor, wit and character growth match the conflicted, heavy-hearted character Elise, that Jolie plays, very well. She is classy and alluring, but in love with another man, and he is overwhelmed, over-matched and stubborn. The two combine to rip apart Venice in many threatening situations, including Depp running on semi-circular roof tile in his pajamas.
Depp plays a bit of an honest buffoon who is overmatched as gangsters and the police play a deadly game. Twists and turns riddle the plot with unknowns that leave the audience guessing until the end of the flick. The Tourist is moving, suspenseful, funny and most importantly fun.
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A
November 20, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Film HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1
For the sensational world that surrounds Harry Potter and the Dark Lord Voldemort, the epic finale reaches the start of its climax in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. The movie rendition of J.K. Rowling's final book in the Harry Potter series is as accurate, emotional and powerful as any of the other films, but it is certainly the most profound of the seven.
This penultimate film, and the book it is based off of, is a grim, riveting and frightening point in Harry Potter's history; like Star Wars: the Empire Strikes Back, the first part of "The Deathly Hallows" takes the courageous characters that readers and movie-goers have come to love and plunges them into the darkest days and the most trying of circumstances. This flick has much of the humor and charm of the previous six in the HP series, but it is also a slow building crescendo that swarms the viewer with the fear, suspense and shock that ensues as the precarious events unfold.
The tale of the Boy Who Lived has been riddled with dark events and circumstances - Harry's parents being murdered by a power-crazed Voldemort and then the boy's awful family forcing Harry to be the Cinderella in their household - but the friendships, adventures and fun of magic at Hogwarts always seemed to balance out the harshness of Harry's reality. Unfortunately, the Chosen One, Harry Potter, is the only person who has the possibility of killing the Dark Lord who has risen to gain a tyrant's control over much of the wizarding world. Harry is targeted as the lone threat to Voldemort's domination of everything and the government and Death Eaters now have total control to seek the 17 year old at will; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is a contrastingly different experience than the previous looks into Rowling's wonderful tale.
The odds are against Harry, Ron and Hermione, as their mentor and hero Professor Dumbledore is dead; the one hope that they had, in their ally and shield against the utterly evil Voldemort and his armies of darkness, has not only been erased from the earth, but he is being discredited by the press. A biography has emerged revealing little known facts about the dark life that Dumbledore had led. Harry has had no idea of these things and is overwhelmed with the futile feeling that his old bearded ally did not make anything clear to him about how to defeat Voldemort, and the fact that Dumbledore had a mysterious other side creates a disturbingly surreptitious effect.
The cinematography is truly gorgeous, and the fact that Hogwarts is entirely absent lends to the foreign, thrilling and dangerous feel to the movie. The characters of Ron, Hermione and Harry, in particular, go through so much inner turmoil that they become extremely deep and even more realistic than they have been previously depicted.
Voldemort is brought in for some significant screen time and his madness, power and evil show through very well. The Malfoy's estate is just as I imagined it would look and feel, and Bellatrix, who also gets a good deal of more time in this movie, makes the place a harbor for twisted selfishness and the blackness of the criminally insane. This flick is dark! The villains are truly given justice in this film and much more so than any of the previous six installments.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is the ultimate cliff-hanger in a depiction of one of the greatest epic tales ever written. The sheer weight of the series is realistically brought about in this film and it is sad, moving and excellent in every way. Ms. Rowling must be proud.
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A++
October 29, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Bob Dylan album "THE WITMARK DEMOS"
The Ninth Volume in The Bootleg Series is a historic release titled Bob Dylan The Witmark Demos: 1962 - 1964. Not only have more than 20 of the 47 songs never been released in any form, but all but four of the tunes are presented in an unreleased version here!
Quality is key and the Witmark sessions are simply stunning in their clarity and sharp resonance. Bob Dylan spent the magical time after the release of his first studio album writing and playing as much as humanly possible, and these recordings were taken from the best possible recordings that he made at the Leeds/Witmark studio for artists getting down songs for publication and music write-ups.
The genius is sitting in a tiny professional studio on the guitar, harmonica and, at times, piano putting down an incredible amount of traditional folk/blues melodies with new words and new music crafted with his sensational lyrics. Dylan is shown growing, chronologically, in this set unlike anything that has been released to date.
"Hard Times In New York Town" tells the story of the 18 year old's struggle upon moving from Minnesota to New York City and is moving, as well as catchy. The included version of "Blowin' In The Wind" seems to be good enough to be the album version, or a great live recording, and the coziness of the studio is evident when one can hear Bob cough between verses.
Simply put: Wow! This two-disc set is a must have for any fan of the great writer/singer/song writer/legend that is Bob Dylan.
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A
October 17, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Surreal Artwork of LESLIE DITTO
Leslie Ditto has fashioned some of the most creative, engaging and inspiring art of the 21st Century.
Leslie Ditto, the modern surreal artist, had an entrancing display of her skilled artwork on hand at the New York Comic Con in October, including three limited giclee prints (two of which can be seen framed in the pic to the right): Alice in Wonderland, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and a third Gaga-like woman over a city titled Princess of Pop.
Leslie's work catches the eye and further envelops the mind invoking sharp feelings and thought. Her brilliant and innovative ideas and techniques form intricately stunning pieces of surrealism; her attention to detail is keen. There is certainly a modern - never before seen - tone to Leslie's work, as there is also a certain throwback to classic art, inside and outside of the surrealist genre. These, at times, amorphous, subliminal, vivid and epic works invoke stories waiting to be told, feelings waiting to be pulled and stretched, and ultimately reflect how the eye could be the window to the soul (Leslie's work is physical proof if ever I have seen it).
Leslie Ditto has fashioned some of the most creative, engaging and inspiring art of the 21st Century. See the amazing breadth of work at her site here (LeslieDitto.com).
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A++
October 16, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Movie "THE ROOM"
The Tommy Wiseau written, directed and acted in (if you can call it that) picture is a painful waste of six-million dollars depicting a story that neither makes sense, nor invokes any explanation for the title. Why is this called "The Room?" What room is he talking about? The roof? The flower shop? I have no fucking idea.
Tommy Wiseau headlines a cast that would have been better off being extras on the set of "Titanic" after it sunk. Wiseau himself appears to resemble a paler Fabio whose face has been run over by a car, which contributes to his lack of lip movement when speaking on the screen. The sound does not quite sync with the hard to pin down laughs and clucks of the deranged chicken-man that Wiseau portrays.
Laughs run rampant, because the film was meant to be a serious drama and instead comes off as one of the funniest things to call itself a movie...ever. Wiseau's fiancee fucks everyone, yet she has bigger biceps than I do (and I'm no slouch), and in the end the poorly cut, filthy excuse for a portrayal of life on this planet in the form of a flick crumbles away with Wiseau. Story lines blossom in a minute and are resolved in just as much time, as myriad cliches and awful writing crash amongst one another until laughter slips from the shocked audience. How could a movie, that was made to be serious, be so fucking bad? Ask Tommy Wiseau, please. I'm still trying to figure out why he titles it "The Room." And whatever you do, do NOT watch the Behind the Scenes for "The Room" unless you want to see how NOT to make a film and you want to feel brain cells melting within your dumbfounded skull.
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: F, - 4 Stars (that's Negative 4 Stars), A (for laughter ONLY), 0 (out of a scale of 10), Two Thumbs so far Down that they become broken painfully and Slap-chopped, diced...
October 11, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Book "NEVERWHERE" by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman’s brilliant novel of speculative fiction, “Neverwhere,” features an unforgettable cast of intricate characters that fuel a dangerous and, at times, horrific tale. The mild mannered Richard Mayhew takes character growth to new heights, as the young man finds himself in an underground of London where history, time and not-quite human beings live in the grime, shadows and cracks of the ancient city.
Richard’s goodwill toward a fallen girl gets him mortal threats, legendary quests and a need to prove himself; his life becomes a nuisance, an afterthought and a vital piece to the mazes that capture the minds of the girl Door, the Marquis de Carabas and others who are lost in a hunt for vengeance (since Door’s family were murdered bloodily). And the villains are amazing!
“Neverwhere” crosses boundaries, breaks ancient laws that have guided myth and features feeling that rarely is so poignant in a host of characters. Neil Gaiman is truly a master storyteller, and here he is at the top of his writing.
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A+
September 26, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Book "THE CITY & THE CITY" by China Mieville
Stark realism and a vivid murder investigation starts the tale off as James Patterson might. The story builds with the investigation, the police-life in the Eastern European country of Beszel and subtle details about a bordering country that is off limits to everyone in Beszel. The story, cities and circumstances that Mieville creates are entirely unique.
The horrific murder mystery swirls amidst stranger circumstances that build on top of one another bewildering the tenacious Inspector Borlu. The reader is taken from a point of detailed city-cop-life to something that is hazy and does not quite make sense in Beszel, though it is not clear just what that is. It is exactly like being dropped into a dream.
There are politics at work, there are military and police scouring the cities for transgressions, and looming over all is the presence of the mysterious Breach. Above all, a citizen of either city, Beszel or Ul Qoma, must not ever seriously breach, or they face unknown, but certainly dire consequences. Investigating a murder in such a place is downright difficult for Borlu. The underworld of the city is exposed in all of its scarred detail, but there is more going on just beyond...there is something weird about the bordering lands...
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A++
September 18, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Movie "MACHETE"
Robert Rodriguez took a short fake movie trailer, shown along with the "Grindhouse" films, and created an inspired hour and a half plus tale about a Mexican federal agent being triple-crossed. The Arizona law controversy sparked the filmmaker to recruit acting veteran Danny Trejo to star as the ex-Mexican federale who lost his family for standing up to corruption and then became a man without a country.
Machete is the weapon of choice for the character named after this, and Trejo does a brilliant job of displaying the moves, lines and durability for an urban legend. He is known to Hispanics in Mexico and in the US, and the man does well in Indiana Jones-like over-his-head death scenarios, as well as with the ladies. Beautiful women are visible throughout the movie and Michelle Rodriguez (She) and Jessica Alba (the ICE agent) have excellent lead roles, which they fill very well.
The lines of right and wrong, politics and people seen as people, and not parasitic roaches, and over the top violence for B-movie sake or for adding to the intriguing writing and story are skewed. Rest assured though, the messages strike home at the end of the tale and the viewer is not left to have to think too much to figure them out. The action is central to "Machete" and the B-movie blood and guts (and they are displayed on screen) bring laughs, drama, suspense and even sadness across so well that "Machete" transcends the blow-em-up movie format and becomes something more. Sit back and just enjoy the machetes, the fire and the intestines flying overhead.
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A
August 24, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the Band PHISH at Jones Beach
The intelligent Rock/Funk/Jam/Foursome PHISH ended a massive summer run of shows with two gems at Jones Beach Amphitheater in Wantagh, NY. The band, which had not appeared at Jones Beach since the mid-1990's before last year's summer shows, brought a massive amount of intense energy to New York.
The song, once missing from their repertoire for many years, "Fluffhead" started off the 1st set of the first day blowing away 15000 people! The band immediately caught the crowd's attention, as everyone shouted in joy and danced and rocked, like sailboats in a stormy bay; the crowd would not get as much as a breath to relax for the remainder of the four sets that were played! New York received a fierce-some "Cities" and an almost evilly dirty version of pure funk in "Funky Bitch."
The 2nd Set brought out a rarely played "Lengthwise" from the "Rift" album and a nasty "Maze" that captured the minds of all of the listeners present. Then "Halley's Comet" began an incredulous "Mike's>Simple" set where "Bakcwards Down the Number Line>Prince Caspian" was jammed like never before!
The Rolling Stones were represented at the close of the raucous show by ending the 2nd Set with "Loving Cup" and then starting the Encore with "Show of Life." Both songs were tight, powerful and exceptionally well played.
Though there were few rarities in the next night's setlist, the show was once again full-on energy and POWERFUL! There were little to no slow sections for Jones Beach. The 1st set was nothing short of spectacular! It featured many fan favorites including, "Guelah Papyrus," "Bathtub Gin," "Destiny Unbound" and "Tube."
The next set was ripped open with "Axilla I," a song that brings heavy rock home to the thriving crowd. "Timber" was a catchy treat and then long jams enveloped Jones Beach, as "Light," "Harry Hood," "Tweezer" and "YEM" were all played in the long final set of the summer tour! The highlight was almost certainly the "My friend, My friend" where guitarist Trey Anastasio tore up the stage on the water!
Once again, PHISH hit Jones Beach with everything they had, leaving fans feeling drained after hearing non-stop ear-gasmic music! The PHISH 2010 Fall Tour has just been announced, and there will be three days in Atlantic City to end on Halloween!
August 4, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE BOOK "23 Shades of Black" by K.j.a. Wishnia
Fiction guru K.j.a. Wishnia’s debut novel, “23 Shades of Black,” marks a rare innovation in the tremendous mystery/crime fiction literary genre. Nowhere can an interested reader become enveloped in the life of a young Hispanic cop on her way up the ladder to become a detective amidst racial and gender chauvinism during New York City’s dirtiest time frame, the Reagan-1980’s. Realism floods the senses, as the attitude, thought processes and quips of the NYPD’s Filomena Buscarsela strike hard, and Wishnia brings home her character, who is flawed with homesickness, a fiending for alcohol and a philosophy to act on morality in a dark city, so well that the reader feels like they are alongside her quick feet.
Filomena’s desire to solve an apparent artist’s accident unravels potential conspiracy and a thrilling walk through a tumultuous time in the young lady’s life. She struggles with not getting laid, strife amongst the white male dominance in the NYPD, binge drinking and caring too much about the wellness of people, like so many walking the earth, who are rarely, if ever, depicted in such a poignant light as Wishnia throws here. The story builds up to a powerful climax and the twenty-three shades of black, described to Filomena in the tale, reflect the art, the negligence and the corruption in the complex countries across the globe. Only the complete drowning in this noir story can one find out if the house of cards continues higher, falls to splinters or is buried beneath deep layers of black.
Wishnia's works are addictive, thought provoking page-turners! Look for his newest mystery novel titled "The Fifth Servant."
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A+
June 9, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE BOOK "Mind Control in the US" by Steven Jacobson
As the author explains, The Exorcist was written by William Blatty, a former CIA member who worked in psychological manipulations, and the film used repetitive subliminal sounds, words and images to induce fear, nightmares and trauma on an unaware audience that thought they were just experiencing a really creepy movie. TV, movies, advertising, education and propoganda are all outlined, defined and shown to be having stark effects on the American people, again, without their knowing.
The sheer number of sources cited for this work is incredible, and the proofs given for the conclusions that Jacobson draws are insurmountable, in most of the cases. The reading is also entertaining and draws on philosophy, like Plato, and a theme where the author constantly refers back to Orwell's 1984 and how the fiction has become reality. This book has 1984 as a backbone and it is an eye opener!
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A
June 8, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE BOOK "1984" by George Orwell
What brings the story home to readers is the compelling point of view of the protagonist Winston Smith, an everyman who is able to think on his own. His inability to forget the history that the Party rewrites in order to fit Oceania's myth, that life in the crumbling society is better off than it was before Big Brother ruled, causes him to rebel, to fall in love (a thing strictly forbidden for a Party member) and to suffer in a struggle to keep his soulmate and overthrow the world as he knows it.
The book invokes feelings that strike at the heart of human intellect and reason. Emotion and compassion soar as the innovative tale comes to fruition. There will never be anything like this!
IMPULSIVE REVIEW Grade: A++
March 19, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE MOVIE "ALICE IN WONDERLAND"
The depiction of “Alice in Wonderland,” brought to the silver screen by the creative genius Tim Burton, is unrivaled in its originality.
The movie adaptation of the classic Lewis Carroll novel is both true to the book in the detail of many of the characters and events, but also evolves the story a bit beyond the book so to bring a slightly more contemporary feel to the tale.
Alice, played by Mia Wisikowska is a young woman, instead of a young girl, and she brings stark intelligence, logic and beauty to the role, as well as the same lack of experience that a young person will have for the world around them.
The metaphor for wisdom learned through life’s experiences, as well as for looking outside of the box and critically thinking as an individual, not as one who is obligated to the norms of a group or society is greatly projected throughout the thrilling adventure that takes place in the flick.
Wonderland dreamed up in the innovative and unparalleled mind of Tim Burton is a sight to behold in and of itself. The intricate detail that is invoked in every aspect of the lands of this imaginary realm, including the vivid colorations of the plants and landscapes, the beheaded remains floating in the Red Queen’s mote, or the Mad Hatter’s badly chipped porcelain tea set, make Wonderland an incredible place that cannot be avoided; the film is a great story, a visual masterpiece and a deep look into the human psyche.
IMPULSIVE Review Grade: A
March 2, 2010
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE GAME "SUPER MARIO BROS. Wii"
Despite the hundreds of Mario games that are on the gaming market, for which there are at least a dozen awesome games and many many more subpar ones, Nintendo brings pro gaming players and amateur players alike together with perhaps the best Mario game ever!
This game most clearly resembles the NES title “Super Mario Bros. 3,” and just like the incredibly timeless and addictive predecessor, this Nintendo Wii game innovates on the familiar. In “Super Mario Bros. Wii” the infamous plumber with the comb-like mustache is returned to his most successful territory: 2-D side scrolling jumping and squashing about the world in hopes to save the illustrious Princess Peach. Mario, however, has evolved.
The game is a work of art in terms of the visual graphics, flawless gameplay and non-stop action. Take the 2-D platform and upgrade Mario and all of his many villains and friends to completely 3-D characters, surroundings and devices. The unique 2-D/3-D environment is breathtaking, and it actually takes a few minutes to get used to playing, as one is easily ensnared by the view.
The game, however 3-D as it appears, still takes Mario, Luigi (and up to two other players at the same time) along a left to right, horizontally side scrolling, format of clearly discernable koopas, mushrooms, turtles and much more. New villains arrive in Mario’s path, as does new suits, like the penguin suit that allows Mario to waddle or slide across the icy levels.
The desert world, icy levels, ghost boards and castles take on all of “Super Mario Bros.” charm from the first three NES installments, and this Wii game then brilliantly collects, polishes, combines “Mario 64,” “Super Mario World” and even a bit of “Mario Galaxy” to freshen up a timeless format of truly enthralling play. Mario even goes vertical, at times, ranging not just left to right, but down to up on the gorgeous screen. This is the game that takes the classics and then raises the bar, and it should have come out a long time ago.
Grade: A+
The Article and the Art the News Will Not Print - A 2009 IMPULSIVE REVIEW Special
The editor for the Stony Brook University newspaper, The Statesman, was referring to The New York Times, and an unwritten policy on not putting a nude, but artistic sketch of a woman in a publication, despite its pertinence to a story. It was explained that because The New York Times had not published any art portraying nudity, that The Statesman did not either (http://www.sbstatesman.com/).
The sketch, done by an emerging new artist, showcases the very point depicted in the associated article, which looks at the female form as art, and goes on to question the censorship of this art form. One could call this open-minded view on a starkly naked subject to be a matter of opinion. The fact remains, the sketch is pivotal to the article.
Backlash was to be avoided, or so the article’s writer was told, and campus students, groups and organizations could find this sketch to be inappropriate, thereby resulting in letters and angry readers.
That a harmless sketch, not of the holy Mahatmas Gandhi, but of a mere shape of a nude woman, could invoke such defiance that the cogs of The Statesman’s machine could be broken and halted, due to myriad foreseen protests is an ignorant mirage. This article was meant to inspire, to infiltrate, to entertain and to absolve ignorance in the minds of intelligent people.
The Art of the Female Body
There is a reason that the uninhibited naked female form is a staple of any reputable art program: the female body is studied as art, because the female body is art.
There should be little surprise that the graceful glances of nude women, young and old, should bear onto myriad sketchpads and canvases of artists, students and photographers. One example from artist Kara Zisa, a 19-year-old artist attending her sophomore year at F.I.T. for her craft, is shown here to display the vast shades influenced by a woman’s appeal.
The new art that is emerging from Kara Zisa is truly innovative and extraordinarily comprehensive. The Long Island native, who currently resides in Manhattan and Medford, continues her education at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.). There, a rigorous schedule is providing her with the sharpened tools to make intense achievements in art.
Kara Zisa’s art has been showcased at the ISE Cultural Foundation Art Student Exhibit 2009 at 555 Broadway, NY right across from Uniqlo (from July 10 - August 29, 2009), and also the "Something Different" Show at the APW Gallery located at 48-18 Van Dam St. in Long Island City, NY (from July 17 - August 23, 2009). One can view more of Zisa’s art at icegoo.deviantart.com/.
The curvilinear subtleties, from a female’s arched back to her teeming bust, from her sharply rounded hips to the alluring angled eyes, all speak to her magnificence. The X-crossed legs of the female form lightweight tools for dancing, and the portcullises smoothly transition on to the barest brown slope and up to her soft and sensitive fingertips.
Tender to the touch is the forehead of the woman’s body, a gift to her ears, tendrils of the most strong, timid, and translucent locks of hair that spills, in every way, a beauty to behold.
In France, Australia and many countries it is common to have topless women portrayed on television commercials or programs. Nudity is treated as natural, the female body is revered, and tasteful art walks slowly across numerous oculus’s, without a thought going off in anyone’s mind that something wrong, immoral, abnormal, paranormal, or otherwise is taking place.
Meanwhile, a Janet Jackson “nipple slip” threatened to undo the very fabric of reality itself, in America, as millions of unsuspecting viewers thought they might have seen…something, and a huge scandal ensued. No one in France had any idea what everyone was so upset about. Billions around the world wondered, and not for the first time either, what the hell those crazy Americans were going on about. The irony here is that not many people really watched the halftime shows at the Super Bowl anyway, but millions do now!
In a Puritanical fashion, many places on the dry or drowned earth find the female body, nude in all of its glory, to be taboo. The baring of a breast is discouraged, at all costs, because uptight personages cannot handle that the most natural and exquisite bounty of nature is woman. Should she be hid?
By R.J. Huneke
October 28, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE ALICE IN CHAINS ALBUM "BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE" BY R.J. HUNEKE
The album “Black Gives Way to Blue” is the first LP-length recording by the band in over 14 years, and you cannot tell that they ever stopped their art! The roaring screams, intricate harmonies, bleeding guitars and subtle acoustics bring Alice in Chains back into the limelight as surreal and innovative rock artists.
Layne Staley and guitarist/vocalist/lyricist Jerry Cantrell formed Alice in Chains in 1987 and helped spurn the hair-band metal of the 80’s by pushing the underground music of the Seattle grunge scene into the main stream. Fierce rock, and legitimate music, reemerged.
Staley’s drug abuse took a heavy toll on the artist though, and after a legendary performance on “MTV’s Unplugged” which gave birth to a phenomenal album made from the recorded show, he fell out of the public eye for some five years. Staley passed away in 2002 from a mixture of heroin and cocaine, a deadly concoction dubbed a “speedball.”
As half of the creative force behind the band, and the infamous voice of one of the world’s most unique singing voices, Alice in Chains would not be revived until they adopted William DuVall to step in as lead singer and help Jerry Cantrell shoulder the band.
The new singer, DuVall, is unmistakably Layne Staley-like in his voice and delivery on this album. “Black Gives Way to Blue” is a remarkable fusion of catchy harmonies of guitar and words peruse through emotional work and tight drums.
This is no mere hard rock album; the all-acoustic “When the Sun Rose Again” tune is incredibly wrapped about bongos, poetic quips and singing that lingers. When Cantrell slices a precise overdub of his electric ax subtly adding a scream, it does nothing but compliment the acoustic guitars and song.
For those who might consider Alice in Chains “MTV Unplugged” album to be their greatest record, “Black Gives Way to Blue” will not disappoint. For those who are only interested in the harder licks of the band, there is plenty on this collection to appeal, as well.
There are acoustic moments on the title track where even the likes of Elton John contribute to the catchy “Black Gives Way to Blue.” If you are not a fan of Elton John, listen to the song before you judge, because it is awesome!
Grade: A
October 24, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE BOB DYLAN ALBUM "CHRISTMAS IN THE HEART" BY R.J. HUNEKE
Nearly every legendary musician in the last hundred plus years has recorded Christmas songs, from Jazz great Louis Armstrong to Pop phenom Frank Sinatra, so why not Bob Dylan? The man is the greatest songwriter of all time, is he not?
Who does not know a song that Bob Dylan did not write? Many people, outside the enormous circle of thriving Bob Dylan fans, do not even know such great songs like, “All Along the Watchtower” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” are Bob Dylan tunes that others have made a living singing.
Well, the legend can play Christmas songs too. This record is an enjoyable one: from the most Dylan-esque title “The Christmas Blues” where “Santa only brought me the blues,” to the raspy Louis Armstrong styled “Winter Wonderland.” The version of “First Noel” is reminiscent of Bob Dylan playing with the Band on “The Basement Tapes” recordings.
Listening to Bob Dylan’s take on “The Christmas Song” moves one to a state of warmth; it as though a roaring fire is cradling a man and woman, as they curl up to drink spiked eggnog. The new album from Bob Dylan is a solid rendition of Christmas music. All of the profit of this album goes to charity; Bob Dylan will not make one cent off of this classic. Happy Holidays!
Grade: B+
October 3, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE MOVIE "SURROGATES" BY R.J. HUNEKE
Many science-fiction movies develop great concepts of technology running rampantly over humanity, but few seem to deliver an overall, from beginning to end, good film. Take “Minority Report,” for instance, and for all of its good ideas and fun scenes, it offers littler reason to see it a second time. “Surrogates” is one of the rare pictures to take brilliant ideas of man vs. machine, and achieve an entertainingly excellent movie.
In one of Bruce Willis’s deeper roles (as F.B.I. agent Tom Greer), he walks the streets of Boston and investigates the murder of two surrogate robots and their owners. Where the world lives life, as though it were a video game, owners plug their bodies into a device that allows their brains to control a walking robotic life-form, modeled however they like (to be younger and as perfect as they want). The surrogates go out and work, dance with a different beautiful body every night, have sex whenever the impulse takes hold and even do robotic drugs for them. There is no risk for the surrogate’s owner, and when a car crash or accident claims a surrogate’s life, the owner is not harmed.
The world’s crime rate quickly drops 99 percent, and racism becomes extinct, as everyone can own a surrogate and make them take on any appearance. The movie makes great strides showing this to be an unnatural way to live, as even the robots have their own ways to do drugs, showing their owner’s subconscious discontent. Adrenaline is replaced by the surrogates’ synthetic skin touching others synthetic skin without the risk of spreading disease, but also without the connection of humanity as living beings that crave physical touching with one another.
Humans cannot be harmed, even if their surrogates are killed. That was the thought that kept society in tact, until Bruce Willis makes the discovery of owners being murdered while plugged in. The man Willis plays, is tortured by the death of his son, and he battles with a wife who is afraid of the world, as he takes on the growing feeling he cannot neglect, that the surrogate way of life just does not feel right.
Conspiracy, collusion, action and resistance take precedent in this thrilling look at a future that is hopefully not on humanity’s horizon. The only thing that the movie “Surrogates” lacks is more content. It could have been a bit longer, to further the goodness.
Grade: A-
September 25, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE PEARL JAM ALBUM BACK SPACER BY R.J. HUNEKE
The band is not the same as they were nearly twenty years ago, however, for they have grown tremendously. The musicians that molded “Back Spacer” are Jeff Ament, Matt Cameron, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready and Eddie Vedder, and they have weathered the lashes of time’s vicious storm.
Pearl Jam has come a long way from the early success of their debut record “Ten” and their multi-platinum follow-up “Vs.” The group’s transformation is apparent by the transparency of their music, wherein feeling is never hidden: from their innovative song writing to their powerful and ingenious art.
The ocean greets the senses in “amongst the waves” and Vedder’s balmy vocals compliment the poetry in the lines, “love ain’t love until you give it up” and “if not for love I would be drowning/I’ve seen it work both ways, but I am up” (Vedder “Amongst the Waves”). Visions of swimming the waves with a lover cross the strumming guitars, and the consequences of giving over to her emerge, whether "her" pertains to the ocean, or the girl, as one rises and falls.
“The Speed of Sound” brings a new quality similar to such great songs as, “Elderly Woman Behind A Counter In a Small Town” from the album “Vs.” The softer Pearl Jam songs are often some of their best, as is the case here. No feeling is lost with the acoustic guitar dominance of songs like “the end” and the tense pleasure depicted even accentuates that evolved sense of feeling that comes across.
Listening to this album is just like it was listening to “Vs.” when it first came out: it is addictive. The record will play through to the end and can then repeat itself, still triggering all of the right synapses in the brain. “Back Spacer” does not get old after the third straight listen through just as the great records of Pearl Jam’s yesteryear never used to.
The “Pearl Jam” (self-titled) album, the band’s previous release, is an excellent collection of music. A few songs, hard ones and softer ones, jump out as being exceptional and overall it plays very well. It was probably the band’s best release in a decade.
“Back Spacer” is of a different breed, however, for this album has no lull. Even with multiple favorites begging attention, there are no songs that could be skipped in the span of the 40 glorious minutes that make up the start to finish here.
Two of the fiercest rock and alternative music albums ever created were “Ten” and “Vs.” and with “Back Spacer” Pearl Jam makes a bid at this being another addition to audible greatness. If this album is purchased at a Target store, then two complete Pearl Jam concert recordings can be downloaded for free. Enjoy this record!
Grade: A+
September 6, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE PHISH ALBUM JOY BY R.J. HUNEKE
Grade: A+
September 5, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE MOVIE "EXTRACT" BY R.J. HUNEKE
Grade: A+
September 2, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE MOVIE DISTRICT 9 BY R.J. HUNEKE
Grade: A-
August 26, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE MOVIE INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS BY R.J. HUNEKE
Grade: A+
July 17, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF KARA ZISA'S ART GUBBLE WHA? BY R.J. HUNEKE
Grade: A+
July 17, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE MOVIE HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE
BY R.J. HUNEKE
Grade: A+
May 31, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF PHISH IN CONCERT AT FENWAY PARK BY R.J. HUNEKE
Grade: A+
May 24, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE MOVIE TERMINATOR: SALVATION BY R.J. HUNEKE
Grade: A
May 16, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE MOVIE X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE
BY R.J. HUNEKE
Grade: F
May 11, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE MOVIE STAR TREK BY R.J. HUNEKE
Sensationally sexy. Two words that describe what could be the best movie this summer, or even this year! Star Trek the movie is a rebirth of the franchise directed and babied by the infamous and ingenious LOST creator/writer J.J. Abrams. In this movie, from the opening seconds until the credits fall, one is ensnared by incredible action/suspense, witty dialogue, realistic characters (in what might normally be considered unrealistic situations, yet here are magnificently displayed as all being very believable settings), lots of engaging comedy and drama amidst the near future on earth and in space. For those who have never even heard of the Star Trek series of movies/or many t.v. shows, you will be utterly swept up in a great story depicting creativity rarely seen in any form of pop culture today. Everyone you know will see this, and for good reason, because most will love it! The hardcore Trekkies will adore the subtle details that are infused throughout the picture as numerous throwbacks to the Trek universe come across brilliantly. The cast was so amazing in its quality of acting, as well as its weird likeness to everyone portrayed from the series - so that they not only looked exactly like younger versions of Kirk, Bones, Spock, and Company, but they acted and sounded just like them too! I was absolutely blown away by this movie, which far exceeded the lofty expectations I had for it. I could not see one spot where the CG was showing, like a woman's slip, and I could not find a fault with this thrilling, beautiful, and pleasing piece of art. Like Batman Begins, the series is reborn with new life (that it might not have ever had so much of to begin with).
Grade: A+
March 24, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE MOVIE KNOWING BY R.J. HUNEKE
Knowing is the movie based around a page of numbers having predicted some of the world's deadliest disasters. Although it should have been simply called "Numbers" (because that is what you have to refer to it as when telling someone you saw this film, or they have no idea what you're talking about), Nicholas Cage's newest flick is an amazing array of genres melding action, suspense, mystery, touches of horror, and an all around great story! The single father (Cage) and his son are congruent to a riddled journey through astronomy, elementary school, and the potentially spiritual, or mystical implications posed by a set of numbers on paper. You feel for the families in this movie, as you do at the realistic moments of tension and catastrophe! This movie has it all and though the very ending might have had a little too much artistic touch and CGI, you can still be prepared to be easily entertained on the visual surface of the film, while you can also delve deep within the fantastic phantasmal too!
Grade: A
March 17, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE MOVIE WATCHMEN BY R.J. HUNEKE
One of the most highly anticipated movies has finally emerged to pay homage to one of the greatest novels of all time, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen! Director Zach Snyder (of 300 fame) was given the monumental task of transferring the cult classic images and words to the big screen and he was both articulate and impressionistic in his depiction of the mid 1980's alternate reality brought forth. As a huge fan of the book I can happily report that this movie was so close to the books that I actually became moved and depressed that mankind could succumb to such blind strife, which mirrored my feelings when reading this suspenseful, intelligent story for the first time. In many ways this roller coaster ride of emotion, action, social dilemma, introspection, and adrenaline soaks the synapses in a bath of two and a half hours of euphoria! Rarely do stories even compare to the books when made into a movie, and though the book and it's uncanny (and much better) ending is far superior to this flick, the art of film-making is to be considered by itself here and it is a tremendously great film! You can speak of the movie in the same breath as the book and not be hushed by listeners.
Grade: A
Saturday, February 28, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE MOVIE TAKEN BY R.J. HUNEKE
Taken is a one time quick fix of entertaining action and suspenseful/disturbing story. If you plan on renting this movie then do not see it in the theaters, because it probably won't appeal to your senses for a second go around. Liam Neeson is excellent in this movie and even has a couple of memorable lines throughout the action, spy-like thriller. His voice is intimidating and authoritative, as it was in Batman Begins. The story lacks the punch that the Bourne Identity had (and the film attempts to be going that suspenseful route), though the realistic depiction of the ugliness behind human trafficking held disturbing images which hit home, because that human atrocity does takes place daily around the world. Unfortunately the stark realism of the trafficking of kidnapped girls is in direct opposition to the highly unlikely melees Liam Neeson's character has throughout Paris. Still I would say that Taken left you having felt thoroughly entertained for an hour and a half. As much as I am an all or nothing type of guy, and pride myself on either excelling or failing without middle ground, I have to give Taken what it deserves.
Grade: B-
Monday, February 16, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE NEW YORK COMIC CON 2009 BY R.J. HUNEKE
The New York Comic Con 2009, the Biggest Event in Entertainment Media to Hit New York every year, began with a late night car ride to the Bronx - woops we made a turn onto a bridge accidentally - and eventually at about 2 or 3 am to a friend's apartment in Astoria, Queens. There various snoring, sleep shouting, gas, and phone calls would interrupt sleep for the four Rune Works enthusiasts preparing to head into Manhattan to the Jacob Javit's Center for the Professional Only Hours of Friday morning, Feb. 6 and then for Saturday.
Once there, a long line awaited. I was offered first $5, and then $10 from an okay looking girl my age (with a southern accent) to cut in line. Fearing lest riots break out I kindly told her that I did not want her money. Then she just wanted to "hang out" with me and asked if there was anything else she could do for me (I would not admit this w/out there being half a dozen witnesses present) and my look of utter dumbfoundment caused her to kind of growl and storm off saying that she didn't "believe this" as she went to the back of the line (three miles away).
Once inside a flood of fun ensued. It can only be described as feeling like you're a little kid that has just woken up on Christmas morning and it is very overwhelming! The Video Game section was HUGE this year, as many great games promoted themselves. The new Tenchu game for the Wii looks awesome, like MGS for the Ps2 only much better! The biggest buzz was clearly at the Ghostbusters Game Section. There I spoke with the Senior Environmental/Sparking-Fire Effects Artist Glen. He talked of the delay in the game's release being a blessing, as the graphics and environments were then given time to really be polished. Let me tell you after seeing this game I was amazed. It looks like it could be the Bioshock of 2009 in which its great story, graphics, and game play seem to blow away everything that has come before it. Glen talked of Harold Ramis and Dan Akroyd personally writing the entire game's script and that it is full of funny scenes and lines from Bill Murray and nearly the entire cast from the two movies.
I was standing in the D.C. booth at one point and David Lloyd happened to be signing and drawing colored sketches of V from V For Vendetta. The man had drawn and conspired the story with Alan Moore. Wow! Spying this, and no real line to speak of, my friends Dan (Penguin Publishing), Kurt (Penguin/Impossible Minds Entertainment), and myself (Rune Works) all went and in a timely fashion purchased the graphic novel (and kept a place in line) to have them signed and drawn in. I spoke at length with Mr. Lloyd who is very much into political elements of our time and also the great crime movies of the mid 1900's. He seemed genuinely interested in my book and gave me a few pointers as we talked of various film noir. He told me of his newest crime/suspense book, Kickback, which I later bought to read.
The Rune Works team did very well this year networking amongst many interested (and I'm sure some uninterested) parties across the show floors. My friends and I had a blast cruising the same ground as many great artists, actors, writers, and fans. [See the pictures for an idea of a fraction of it all.] After my buddy Anthony had a picture autographed from the very Stormtrooper who said, "these aren't the droids we're looking for" he and my buddy Cole gave the man my card for future business ventures. I can write for Stormtroopers if they need some more lines to say! Dan and Kurt's friend in Penguin asked us to help promote the author of 101 Ways to Kill Your Boss, Graham Roumieu. She was worried as her boss looked on and no one was visiting with the author at the time. Cole then proceeded to tell the man that he was the greatest author on earth and boost the morale in the area. I met Roumieu later and had a custom drawn "Boss killing" created in my book.
A great many adventures continued until that evening when the premier of the new "Futurama" movie was shown as a prescreening to us, the lucky few there! The girls were beautiful, the fans festive, and the toys, books, art, movies were for one weekend united under one glass prism of a roof!
Grade: A
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF FUTURAMA: INTO THE WILD GREEN YONDER BY R.J. HUNEKE
At the 2009 New York Comic Con the newest and possibly last new Futurama material was aired at a prescreening of the hour and a half movie Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder. If this is the last we'll see of the witty, intelligent, insanely funny space sitcom from Matt Groening (the Simpsons creator) and his team then all I can say is WOW they really go out with a bang! The innovative cartoon has always combined science fiction, excellent characters, and an affintiy for an alcoholic robot named Bender disrupting the universe time after time for personal gain. The incredibly intelligent show quips many great references to certain political trends and in this movie "going green" is pivotal as life's value competes with the intergalactic construction of new businesses. Most of the lovable characters from the cult hit show are brought in including my favorite character Clamps, who wishes to, "clamp them with a clamp type device." Man vs. woman (the true great mystery of the universe) and eco-green vs. profit building are two prevalent themes in this hilarious movie. The laughs will keep coming so be sure to buy this dvd so that you can playback anything you miss as you fall off your chair.
Grade: A
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2009
IMPULSIVE REVIEW OF THE SPIRIT BY R.J. HUNEKE
Today I witnessed the grand opening to a literary genius's first solo mark as it impacted on the movie screen. Frank Miller's first full fledged directing effort brought forth the 1940's comic strip created by Will Eisner. The flick is a modern adaptation to the adult comic The Spirit, though it has the look and feel of an old time detective film noir. Despite my assumptions going in the movie is drastically different than Miller's Sin City film (and comics) and though the green screen was used for nearly all of the frames, the look and feel of this movie are truly a unique work of art. The smart comic tale that is spun follows a man who cannot quite die, who hunts down criminals in the city as the Spirit (played by Gabriel Macht). The acting here is top notch and achieves Miller's vision which is witty humor, action, Tarantino-like words and story innovations, and scintillating women. The beautiful femme fatales played by the stunning Scarlett Johansson and uncompromisingly curved and sexy Eva Mendes grace the screen with ferocity that ends the film leaving a desire for more. Jaime King yearns as death and Samuel L. (Mother Fu*@ing) Jackson fits the role of the ultimate villain, the Octopus, to perfection as he continually spouts the ravings of a megalomaniac seeking godhood. The look and twist of story here project something new and never before seen, and it is to be hoped that with The Spirit, Frank Miller is just scratching the surface of his filmmaking prowess.
Grade: A
ABOUT IMPULSIVE REVIEWS
Impulsive Reviews is a rebirth of the Impulse Reviews article R.J. Huneke wrote for the New York tabloid, Newsday, before new incoming ownership canceled the pages in early 2008. An expanded review of entertainment forms and popular culture continue on this web site in the current form of Impulsive Reviews.
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