Top 10 Films Of 2009

Hey it's the end of the year. And 2009 has been a great year for films. OK A lot I want to see I have not seen yet but this will seem a bit redundant if I make this list in June. So of the films I have seen here is my Top films of 2009. But first:

The Worst Film of 2009: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Badly written, badly acted, badly directed piece of shit film is an insult. Bad comedy relief scenes really sets this film apart from other bad films. Just bad. Shame because the first film was so much fun. Not this one. Awful!

And now on with the countdown:

10. Watchmen
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Starring: Jackie Earl Haley, Billy Crudup, Patrick Wilson, Malin Akerman, Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

I must start by saying I'm a big fan of the original graphic novel by Alan Moore. And I thought this film was an acceptable adaptation of it. The movie is set in alternate 1985 were masked vigilantes are outlawed and the World is on the brink of Nuclear Armageddon. Meanwhile a former masked vigilante has been murdered and one disturbed vigilante wants to know why.

Even though this is my 10th favourite film of the year I personally recommend you read the graphic novel first. The movie is still great though despite the bad acting by several of the main cast and the out of place soundtrack (why is Nena's 99 Luft Balloons in this?). The film looks great and has great atmosphere. Although you may find the 'Blue Penis' a bit distracting in some scenes ;)

9. Star Trek
Directed by: JJ Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana, Simon Pegg and Leonard Nimoy.

Unlike the Watchmen above I have never been a fan of the Star Trek series. I did quite like the movie Star Trek II but that's about it. This reboot though was awesome. It looked great and has a good story. It does have some plotholes. But it's enjoyable and that's the main thing. Speaking of looking great...

8. Avatar
Directed by: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang and CCH Pounder (what a name ;) )

Wow what a way to return to films after a 12 year absence. After Titanic James Cameron really wanted to make this film... But he thought Special FX technology of the late 90s was not up to par to his vision to come to life. So he waited for over a decade. And the result is most visually stunning movie ever made. OK you have to see it in 3D (real D, I mean) to get the most of it. OK the story is not entirely original and their is some clichés. And there is some boring spots but the great stuff really makes this film well great. The action scenes are fantastic and the 3D is not just some cheap gimmick. See it while it's still in the cinema.

7. The Hangover
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Heather Graham

We have seen some great comedies in 2009 and this is one of them. One of the surprise hits of the year. This film is very funny. Yeah don't want to say too much because of spoilers (even though the trailers for this film did a good job of spoiling some of this film). One of the decades great comedies.

6. District 9
Directed by: Neill Blomkamp
Starring: Sharlto Copley

Peter Jackson's 'Them Lovely Bones' may have been disappointing at the box office but at least one film he produced this year made some money. This one to be exact. This Sci Fi film has a great original idea. Aliens invade a South African city but instead of attacking they are seeking asylum. Yes the aliens (or Prawns as they are called in the movie) are refugee's from another planet living in slums and eating cat food. See there is some original ideas out there. This film kind of came out of nowhere. I only became aware of it after seeing a trailer for it a month before it was released. Highly entertaining, a must watch.

5. Zombieland
Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin and a surprising cameo by.... OK I won't spoil it ;) .

The United States answer to 'Shaun of the Dead' is surprisingly very good and funny. With some good horror elements. Has a great style and I was very impressed by this film.

Fun Fact: One of two films of 2009 starring Jesse Eisenberg with a film title with the word 'Land' at the end. The other being Adventureland. Which like Zombieland features a theme park but disappointingly no Zombies.... Well except for Kristen Stewart. :P

4. Gran Torino
Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood a great actor and director. And he does both in this film. This is what Eastwood says is his final acting role. Yes he has retired from acting now but what a way to end.... As grumpy old man that would put Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau to shame. Be warned old Clint sings a song at the end :P

3. Up
Directed by: Pete Docter & Bob Peterson
Starring: Edward Asner, and Christopher Plummer

Pixar are the perfect film studio. They have never made a bad film. Up ranks along with The Incredibles, Wall-E and the Toy Story's as one of the really really good Pixar films. A funny and sometimes sad movie is really touching and shows why Pixar is the undisputed King of 3D animation.

2. The Wrestler
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachael Wood, Ernest 'The Cat' Miller and The Necro Butcher!

In the 90s marked the return of John Travolta after a poor time in the 80s. You could return the biggest return of the 2000s after a poor 90s was Mickey Rourke who made a glorious return with Sin City in 2005 and this film were he plays an aging washed up professional wrestler who has pissed away most of this earnings. Mickey Rourke is simply great in his role as Randy The Ram and truly deserved this Academy Award nomination. Marisa Tomei was good as well.... And we saw a lot her in this :D. Anyway a great film.

1. Inglourious Basterds
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Diane Kruger, and Eli Roth.

Best film of the year. Tarantino's take on World War II films is awesome. Almost everything about this film is great. The acting, the atmosphere, the set pieces and the direction. Christoph Waltz steals the show as the Jew Hunter. He is such an evil douche. Waltz should be nominated for best supporting actor come Oscar time. The movie has many great characters. It's is truly a Tarantino film and Tarantino at his best. His third best film in my opinion. Awesome, my clear favourite Movie of the Year.
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RI presents: 8 so-so to Great Christmas films

Well it's that time of year. Yep it's time to put up your tree, make some egg nog and watch sappy movie. It's Christmas. And what better way to spend an evening in December then.... reading a good book, playing an awesome videogame, watching a great Christmas special of your a TV series (This blog is not about that but here are some great recommendations anyway: The Office Christmas Special UK version, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia - A Very Sunny Christmas, Extras The Specials, and several Christmas episodes of The Simpsons, South Park, Family Guy, Futurama, Venture Bros., American Dad and Robot Chicken)

Also I guess you could watch a Christmas movie. Now in October I did the Halloween movie list and that was easy. There are lots of great scary films. But Christmas films is a lot harder. I could only come up with 8 and one of them is technically an episode of a TV show. There is a lot of crap Christmas films out there (A lot of them starring Tim Allen). So I could only come up with 8. But 8 is enough (:P). And they are good ones. Or average ones lets say that. Each entry will include a link on where to purchase or in a couple of cases watch them in their entirety. OK enough Jibber Jabber lets get into the list:

8. HOME ALONE (1990)

Directed by: Chris Columbus

Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Candy, Cathrine O'Hara

Get the DVD: here

Damn I have not seen this film in well over a decade. This is one of those films I came up with when I was struggling to think of some titles. Yeah this film is alright. Quite comical. Gets a bit heart warming towards the end... I should point out this movie is about a kid that gets left at home when his family go holiday and some bumbling burglars try to rob his house on Christmas Eve but fail with humorous results. OK I'm done with this film. Moving on.....

IMDB Trivia um.. fact: There is a legend that Elvis Presley (who died in 1977) makes a cameo in this movie. Many of those who believe that Elvis is still alive maintain that, the heavily bearded man standing in the background of the scene where Mrs. MacCallister is shouting at the desk clerk (just before she meets John Candy) is Elvis.

7. Santa Claus Conquers The Martians (Mystery Science Theater 3000 Episode) (movie: 1964, MST3K: 1991)

Directed by: Nicholas Websters (movie), Jim Mallon (MST3K)

Starrinng: Movie: John Call, Leonard Hicks. MST3K: Joel Hodgeson, Trace Beaulieu, Kevin Murphy.

Watch it: here

Hooray for Sandy Claus! OK SCCTM is a terrible, terrible film from the 60's about a race of Martians who kidnap Santa Claus because the children of Mars are depressed and think that bringing Christmas to Mars might cheer them up a bit. The film is bad as said but it does have it's own charm. You can tell the people making it had fun. The Villain has some unintentionally funny lines.

Cut to 1991 on the Satellite of Love. Now if you not familiar with Mystery Science Theater 3000 I will let the link to this video explain (Explain Video). Well that saved some time ;).. Anyway this particular episode they have to watch SCCTM. And it's hilarious. As mentioned not really a movie. But I feel that it needs a place.

IMDB Fact: The movie ranks in the IMDB Bottom 100 films of all time list. At time I made this blog it was at: #77

6. Scrooged (1988)

Directed by: Richard Donner

Starring: Bill Murray, Karen Allen, Bobcat Goldthwait, Carol Kane, Robert Mitchum.

Get the DVD: here

Another film I have not seen in a while. A modern and humorous (well for 1988 anyway) retelling of the Charles Dicken's 'A Christmas Carol'. Bill Murray plays a TV network executive with a cold heart and only interested in TV ratings and revenue. You know the story he is visited by a ghost of an old partner (more of a Zombie in this film) who tells him that three spirits are going to set him right before it's too late.

Well worth a watch because it's very funny. Bill Murray is great as always. And it features what I think is the coolest looking Ghost Of Christmas Yet To Come ever:

IMDB Trivia Fact: The late comedian Sam Kinison was originally slated to play the part of Eliot Loudermilk. The part eventually went to Bobcat Goldthwait due to his friendship with Bill Murray.

5. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Directed by: Brian Henson

Starring: Michael Caine, Kermit The Frog, Miss Piggy, The Great Gonzo, Rizo the Rat, Fozzy Bear, etc.

Get the DVD: here

Another film based on the Dickens classic. You want to hear about perfect casting. It's in this film. Michael Caine was born to play Ebeneezer Scrooge. And he ended up playing him in the Muppet version. But that's not a bad thing.

In my opinion this movie is the most entertaining of any movie or TV special based on 'A Christmas Carol'. It's also one of the most faithful adaptations minus the Muppet alterations. And of course it has that charming Muppet humor will know and love. The Disney Channel (Yes it's a Disney film) should play this film every Christmas,

IMDB Trivia Fact: Michael Caine considers the role of Scrooge to be one of his most memorable (to him) roles.

4. Bad Santa (2003)

Directed by: Terry Zwigoff

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Brett Kelly, Lauren Graham, Bernie Mac, John Ritter.

Get the DVD: here

Not all Christmas movies have to be friendly kiddie films. And this one of those Christmas films that proves that you can make a fun Christmas film aimed at an adult audience.

Thornton plays Willie an alcoholic, foul mouthed crook who come December dons a Santa suit to become a mall Santa Clause. Along with his Elf in crime on Christmas Eve they break into the mall's safe and steal the day's takings. And for the rest of the year they live off the profits from the crime.

During the coarse of the film Willie makes friends with a lonely and gullible child and decides to take advantage of him. See the kid does not have mother and his Dad is in prison so the kid just lives his senile grandmother in a big house. As you probably guess Willie grows fond of the kid and looks out for him.

A pretty good film. Probably my favorite Billy Bob Thornton performance.

IMDB Trivia Fact: Billy Bob Thornton admitted that he was genuinely intoxicated during the filming.

3. Miracle On 34th Street (1947)

Directed by: George Seaton

Starring: Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Natalie Wood.

Get the DVD: here

Look an actual Christmas movie that is considered a true classic. Have I gone mad. Maybe I should be put on trail.

OK the story of this film Macy's the big New York store hires a man named Kris Kringle to be the store's Santa Clause. A man that believes and may or may not be the actual Santa Clause. Many people think he is crazy but the store is getting some good profit and publicity from the guy some no one really complains. Well one guys does and has Kringle sent to the nut house. The film climaxes in court were a young lawyer tries to prove that Kringle is in fact Santa.

This film is a classic for many reasons. It's charming, it's warm, it's inspiring and it's funny. Honestly for a film made in the late 40s I actually got quite a few laughs from it. I also like it also sort of has a anti commercialism of Christmas message in it. Kringle is in town because he thinks people are forgetting what Christmas is about. Anyway great film.

IMDB Trivia Fact: Despite the fact that the film is set during Christmas, studio head Darryl F. Zanuck insisted that it be released in May because he argued that more people went to the movies during the summer. So the studio began scrambling to promote it while keeping the fact that it was a Christmas movie a secret.

2. It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

Directed by: Frank Capra

Starring: James Stewart, Donna Weed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers.

Watch It: here

Ever feel that you give so much and feel like your getting nothing in return? Well George Bailey did in this essential classic. Yes another true classic. A Wonderful film if you will...

Anyway George Bailey is guy with huge ambitions and the World at his feet. But he has to sacrifice those ambitions for the good of his family, friends and his home town of Bedford Falls. When things seemingly start to go wrong for him he decides maybe the World will better off without him. That's when a Galaxy and a Nebula (go with it) send down a Angel in training to try and convince Bailey not to do it and shows him a World if Bailey was never born.

The movie is in the public domain hence why you can watch it for free on the link above. I recommend if you have not seen it to click that link now and watch it. It will make you feel better about yourself. My only complaint is that the famous bell ringing scene at the end could of been a bit more subtle. Still a great film though.

IMDB Trivia Fact: Films made prior to this one used cornflakes painted white for the falling snow effect. Because the cornflakes were so loud, dialogue had to be dubbed in later. Frank Capra wanted to record the sound live, so a new snow effect was developed using foamite (a fire-fighting chemical) and soap and water. This mixture was then pumped at high pressure through a wind machine to create the silent, falling snow. 6000 gallons of the new snow were used in the film. The RKO Effects Department received a special award from the Motion Picture Academy for the development of the new film snow.

1. Christmas Vacation (1989)

Directed by: Jeremiah S. Chechik

Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Randy Quaid.

Get the DVD: Here

Christmas is a time for happiness, family and get together. It is also a time when things just f*** up royally. And in this film anything that f***s up does.

The Griswold family are having the traditional family Christmas and nothing ever seems to go right. From getting the Christmas tree to cooking the Christmas turkey everything just goes wrong. One of the only things that goes right is the Christmas Lights that Clark Griswold covers every inch of his house in. Things explode, things catch fire, animals are on the loose, arguments happen, rednecks move in.

Not a Christmas goes buy without a viewing of this film. I love it. I can't give it justice give it a viewing. BTW stay well away from the sequel 'Uncle Eddie's Vacation' it will destroy your soul.

IMDB Trivia Fact: According to Randy Quaid, many of cousin Eddie's characteristics (most notably the clicking of the tongue) were based off a guy that Quaid knew from when he grew up in Texas years ago who had similar traits.

So that is my list. I hope you enjoyed reading it and I hope you check out the films I mentioned. I will just leave you with a Christmas Card from Cousin Eddy:

(Pictures from I-Mockery.com)

Oh God The Horror! (My top 10 horror films)

Halloween is coming. In Australia Halloween is kept low key. We do get some kids trick or treating but they are just hoping to score some free lollies. You might get some Halloween parties and theme nights at clubs but that's about it.

OK so Halloween is pretty much an American thing. But that does not mean we can let the Yanks have all the fun. One thing I like to do during the month of October is watch horror movies. Yes the films that made to give you a bit of scare and chill the bones. OK there is a ton of shit horror movie clogging the horror section at JB Hi Fi so I have compiled my top 10 personal favorite horror films that should be essential viewing and require a change of underwear ;) :

10. Scream (1996)
Director: Wes Craven
Starring: Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, Rose McGowen, Jaime Kennedy, Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lilliard, David Arquette, Henry Winkler and Drew Barrymore

I remember when this film came out in 96 I dismissed as it looked too much like those teen dramas that were on TV at the time. But with Wes Craven's name attached to the movie I should of known better. This film is genuinely scary with some good psychological horror and call backs to classic horror films. The story of the movie in a small town, teenagers are being picked off by killer dressed as the guy in the scream painting and what the killer does is phone the victims first and bate them until they are vulnerable and that's when the killer pounces. You might of noticed I did not reveal the sex of the killer because I don't want to spoil it. There is a mystery to the movie as well. So see this film and don't answer the phone. ;) BTW whatever happened to Neve Campbell? You don't see her in anything anymore.

IMDB Trivia: All the killer's phone calls were really done by Roger Jackson on set with a cell phone. At one point, the crew were contacted by the police demanding to know who they were because they thought there was a real killer making the phone calls.

9: Evil Dead II (1987)
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: Bruce Campbell

The sequel to the cult classic I is think better. It has quite a bit of humor too. The story is Ash and his girlfriend go to a secluded cabin for the weekend. After they play a tape (containing a passage from the book of the dead) that was left there, evil spirits are let loose. The girlfriend is possessed and the woods seem to come alive. Also Ash's hand seems to get a mind of it's own. I have not seen this film in a while. I should really dust the DVD off I have it somewhere. But I recommend this film for it's scares and humor.

Trivia: Sam Raimi would go on to direct the Spider-Man trilogy of film with star Bruce Campbell playing a different minor role in each film. (Wrestling Announcer in SM 1, Theater Doorman in SM 2, Waiter in SM 3)

8. A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)
Director: Wes Craven
Starring: Heather Langenkamp, Robert Englund and Johnny Depp

Another Wes Craven makes the list. Well he knows how to make them. A true classic of the genre. Johnny Depp's first ever acting role. I bet that makes Heather Langenkamp jealous. Anyway A,N,O,E,S is well you should know about a disfigured killer murdering teens from beyond the grave by going into their dreams. Another film I have not seen in a while so the details are lacking. Anyway I heard there is a remake in the works with the guy that played Rorschach in Watchmen playing Freddy Kruger. Should be shit. All horror remakes are (with one exception - coming up). Anyway this gem is often forgotten in a sea of shit sequels so see this one if you have not.

IMDB Trivia: Director Wes Craven claims to have named Freddy Krueger after a kid who bullied him in school and to have based his appearance on a disfigured hobo who scared him as a youth.

7. The Mist (2007)
Director: Frank Darabont
Starring: Thomas Jane, Marica Gay Harden and William Sadler.

Based on the Stephen King short story of the same name. The Mist is about well a mist. After a storm a man and his son go to a supermarket to get supplies when a mist descends over the town. The mist contains strange monsters with a hunger for human flesh so a group of survivors are trapped in the store. It's not long before cabin fever kicks in and one of the survivors is a mad preacher women who does her best to rile everyone up. One of the great recent horror films.

TRIVIA: Frank Darabont before this film directed two Stephen King stories into movies; The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile

6. Dawn Of The Dead (2004)
Director: Zack Snyder
Starring: Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Mekhi Phifer and Michael Kelly

This is that remake I mentioned above. A remake to the George Romero cult classic. This film really shows how much of a threat the crisis in this film is (a zombie apocalypse). Yes in this film the recently deceased are waking up and want some BRAINNNNNS. A group of survivors hole up in a shopping mall where they pretty much await their fate. The DVD has some the best extras I have ever seen. One of the extras is on going news coverage of the zombie outbreak and you see just how serious it gets. Also I love the use of the Johnny Cash song 'The Man Comes Around' during the opening credits.

IMDB Trivia: Some of the camera crew would wear plastic sheeting during the filming of some of the more gorier scenes, due to the amount of fake blood flying around.

5. The Thing (1982)
Director: John Carpenter
Starting: Kurt Russell, Keith David and Wilford Brimley

A loose remake of 'Thing From Another World'. is another one of those cabin fever films. A U.S research base in Antarctica are menaced by a alien life form that can mimic and consume any living thing it wants. So the movie is also a test of paranoia. The film contains some great prop special FX. The movie is also very gory. A classic

IMDB Trivia: John Carpenter and Kurt Russell both admit that after all of these years they still do not know who has been replaced by the creature and when.

4. The Exorcist (1973)
Director: William Friedkin
Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Max Von Sydow, Linda Blair a Lee J. Cobb

Oh god I have only seen this film once and I still get freaked out by it. Everyone knows the story a little girl gets possessed by a demon and a couple of priests try and rid the demon from the girl while being insulted and vomited on by the demon. A true classic if you have not seen this then go and see it now.

Trivia: Linda Blair would sort of reprise her role in the 1990 comedy spoof 'Repossessed' also starring Leslie Nielson.

3. Let The Right One In (2008)
Director: Tomas Alfredson
Starring: Kare Hedebrant and Lina Leanderrson

A horror film from Sweden! A different sort of horror film is one. It's more of a drama but there is some really creepy horror scenes. Here is review I wrote for a forum I post at:

In 2008 there was two films about a kid and relationship they have with a vampire. One them of was Twilight and the other is this film. This film is like Twilight except it's 10000x more creepy and does not suck (pun truly intended). This is the story of a lonely 12 year old boy in Sweden who becomes friends with the "girl" next door who just happens to be a 200 year old vampire. Unlike those p*ssy Twilight Vampires this "girl" actually chows down on human blood and actually Kills her victims. Now that's a veal Vampire.

Anyway this film is great. You feel for the characters (unlike that other Vampire film). It's genuinely creepy and scary at times. And the ending will f*** you up. A must watch.

So there you go.

Trivia: A U.S remake is in the works (groan). The studio making it wanted to increase the age of the kids to late teens (Gee I wonder why? *cough*cashinginonTwilight*cough*) but smarter heads prevailed and the story will made closer to the original film.

2. Creepshow
Directed by: George Romero
Starring: Hal Holbrook, Ted Danson, Leslie Nielsen, Ed Harris, E.G Marshall and Stephen King.

A favorite from my childhood. Creepshow is not one but five stories of horror:

i: Father's Day: The corpse of man murdered by his daughter on Fathers Day returns from the dead to extract revenge and get that cake he wanted

ii: The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill: After a meteor lands in a Farmer's yard the farmer thinks he has hit the jackpot..Until he discovers the meteor was carrying a horrible virus.

iii: Something To Tide You Over: A drowned couple come back from their watery grave to get revenge on the man that did them in.

iv: The Crate: A man tries to kill his wife with monster in a box.

v: They're Creeping Up On You: A reclusive and germaphobe business man in a apartment is terrorized by a cockroach infestation.

All this stories are spooky. The film is hard to find these days. But give it a look if you can it's good fun.

IMDB Trivia: Rice Krispies were used as maggots on the corpse's eyes in the first story, "Father's Day". In addition, real maggots were also utilized.

1. [REC] (2007)
Director: Jaume Balaguero & Paco Plaza
Starring: Manuela Velasco & Pablo Passo

OK if your having a Halloween party you must watch this film. It's almost a ride this film. It will f**k with you. A horror film from Spain. A documentary crew are hanging out with the fire brigade and are called to a building. Once in that building a horror is unleashed and the building is quickly quarantined by the authorities trapping those with the nightmare inside. The film is filmed like The Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield with Steadicam so you get a first hand look at the horror. I don't want so say too much I don't want to give too much away. But this film is great. The last 10 minutes are the most intense. Skip the U.S remake 'Quarantine' and head straight for this one. I'm happy to hear that sequel has been made.

IMDB Trivia: Made and shot in real locations. No sets were built to make this movie.


SO that's it for my list. If you have a problem with what I included then stiff shit it's my personal list. So over Halloween you need a horror film to watch you can't go wrong with any of the films above.

And turn those lights out..

I'm Richard

Why Muse are the Best Band of the Decade

Muse performing at the 2007 Melbourne Big Day Out. (PHOTO by Me)

I personally think that U.K act Muse (Matt Bellamy - Guitar, Piano, Vocals. Christopher Wolstenholme - Bass, Backing Vocals. Dominic Howard - Drums. Plus other tour personal that have been part of the band over the years) has been the best music act this decade. To me no other act comes close to what the 3 piece from Teignmouth, Devon has accomplished in the last 9 years. Let me give you my reasons:

They released 4 great albums during this decade (Origin Of Symmetry, Absolution, Black Holes and Revelations, The Resistance). Matt Bellamy is a awesome guitarist and has made some memorable riffs and solos. He is also good on the piano. And he is great singer too. They have also released two great live albums (Hullabaloo, HAARP) and three awesome live DVDs (Hullabaloo, Absolution, HAARP). I recommend anyone to listen to a Muse album all the way through (Start with Absolution. Not their best but it's probably the most accessible).



One thing I find I never get bored of their songs. Before I got my new computer a few months back Muse had about 14 songs in my 'Top 25 Most Played' playlist on itunes. That's because I rarely skip a Muse song when one comes on.

Also I have seen the band play live five times.... 5 times! And I live in Australia. Since 2004 whenever they came out to Melbourne I was there. And they were awesome every time. One thing I like about their live shows is the banter is kept to a minimum. Usually at a gig the lead singer will banter about with the crowd. It's usually saying how great the city is or something political. But Muse between songs will just say thank you or hello and what I like most they just bust out a intense instrumental number.

Once upon a time Pearl Jam was my favorite band. I have seen them twice. They are coming out again this year but I'm not interested in seeing them again. They are great live don't get me wrong. But their new material has not been impressing me. So I'm not pumped to see them live because I have seen their classic old stuff already and don't want to see their shitty new stuff.

It's different with Muse they consistently release good new material with each album. There is always something on their albums that makes me say 'Holy Crap I want to see this Live!'. That is why I have seen them five times. And I will probably see them for a sixth time if they come down here again for their latest album.

There are some other bands I think have been great this decade too: Radiohead, The White Stripes, Kasabian, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Tool and The Flaming Lips.

But no other band had bigger impact with me anyway then Muse.

Also Matt Bellamy is playable in Guitar Hero 5. That must count for something

Audio Podcasts - Some Of The Best

Do you have itunes and want to know what that little symbol that says podcasts is? Well Podcast is a audio show in MP3 format (And videos in MP4 format). They can be used to showcase the best of a radio show or they can be someones personal blog in audio format. And there is no limits to what you can talk about. Any topic you can think of there is probably a podcast for it.

Yes there is thousands of Podcasts on the net. Most of them are bad and made by people that should not be. So for this blog I will help you and tell you about some the best I found (or found me). These are Podcasts that are still active. So let us begin (There will be links to RSS feeds featured to help. Just copy and paste them into itunes - Got to Advance Menu, click Subscribe to Podcast and then paste - Or just search on the itunes store):

The Simply Syndicated Network - http://www.simplysyndicated.com/ :
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/crimesagainstfoodpodcast
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/thedefinitiveword
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/moviesyoushouldsee
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/tvsurprise
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/ordoyouthink
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/shaft
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/makeitso

The Simply Syndicated Network is a independent network of podcasts out of the UK. They have a number of great and often funny shows discussing all kinds of topics including: Movies, music, books, Star Trek, current affairs, food and just general talk sometimes. The people that host these shows know what they are talking about most of the time. I recommend you start with the Movies You Should See podcast first.
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Masters Of None - http://mastersofnone.podbean.com/ (note: click this link for older shows not on the Simply Syndicated feed)
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/mastersofnone

Technically part of the Simply Syndicated network but I feel this needs it's own spot. Masters of None is comedy podcast from the U.S hosted by Ex Radio Guys Mike, Art and Jay. They talk about all sorts of things related to popular culture including Movies, Fast Food, Beatles Albums and more. I recommend starting with the two 'How Radio Show Works' shows for a humours yet true account on Commercial radio works. Some of their shows are so funny I could not bring myself to delete some of them after I finished listening
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Spill Movie Reviews - AKA The Spill Network - www.spill.com
http://www.spill.com/miva.spill/apicache/iTunesFeed_thespillcrew.xml

The Spill Network is another independent podcast network. Operated out of Austin, Texas by host Corey Colemen professional animator (At the website you can watch his animated movie reviews). There are 4 types of audio shows: i: A short really honest review of a recently released film done by select group of the network, ii: A Couple Of Cold Ones - An hour long podcast were Corey and a co host Carlye take about that weeks movie box offices performances and talk about anything that made news in movies that week, iii: The League of Extra Ordinary Gentlemen (LEOG) - A show that talks more about the geek side of pop culture. Mostly talk about comic books but they do talk about movies, videogames and TV shows sometimes. Most shows range in the 2 hour range. Worth a listen. Not good for those early morning listens though. iv: Lets Do This! - Another show featuring Corey and this time he does a show with his robot Cohost. They talk about anything really, news and current events. They self proclaim to mostly talk about bullshit. Recommended listen.
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Wrestlecrap Radio - www.wrestlecrap.com
http://wrestlecrap.libsyn.com/rss

Wrestlecrap Radio a radio show dedicated to the worst of professional wrestling (well then they actually do talk about wrestling). Hosted by former Indy Wrestling Manager turned author RD Reynolds and Blade Braxton. WCR (the wacker ;) ) is basically an hour of fun. Segments include RD's TRIPPPP to the Grocery store and Blade hits the Bottle. They had also have phone in guests sometimes. These guests include Angry Jim Ross, Gay Popeye and recently Dixie Carter. The show features a number of running jokes including the failure to find a permanent TNA wrestling correspondent. Recommended if you like the zany world of pro wrestling.
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Ok that is just some of the shows I have in Itunes podcast section. Give them a listen.

Internet Explorer - Will They Ever Get It Right?

So you have bought yourself a new Computer. Unless it's a Mac it's gonna come with the current Windows product which will have it's default internet browser 'Internet Explorer'.

Now the norm is you use IE for about a month and then you get sick of the bullshit that comes with it, download Firefox and make that your default internet browser.

This has being going on for years so why do Microsoft continue to give us this sub standard program? I'm using IE at the moment only because I bought a new computer recently and it came with a trail version of 'McAfee Siteadvisor' that is only compatible with IE. But as soon as that trail expires I will be on the Firefox website in a flash.

You know I like to bitch so here are some of these little frustrations that get on my tits:

• The Tab Browsing in F***ed! When you click on 'outside' links it will open in a new window instead of a new tab. You can change this setting but then it opens everything in a new tab. Including 'Pop Ads (More on them in a minute)' and online media players.
• The Spell Checker does not work on some chat programs.
• When you open a new tab it gives a tile layout of websites you have been too. Which is fine. Just hope that Porn Site you visited earlier is not among them when someone else is using your computer.
• The Email notifier no longer works with online Email services (Hotmail, Yahoo Mail). It did in the past but not anymore.
• The f**king password memorizer is so f**king inconsistent. If like me you belong to so many sites that require a password to log in you use this feature. But on Explorer is will sometimes just decide to not memorise the password. So you have to guess which of many variant of the same password you use for every site because you can't be bothered thinking of a different one each time.
• It does come with a Pop Up Ad blocker but like the password thing it is inconsistent. Some ads still slip threw. Mostly on sites like IMDB or Snopes.

OK that is just a few of my frustrations. So my McAfee trail is coming to an end so YAY I can get Firefox again. Even if that does mean of doing the tedious thing of re bookmarking my favorite websites.

Next Blog I'm going to tell you about the Best Podcasts on the internet.... Stay Tuned!

I'm Richard

The Epic Fail That is Australian Cinema

Hey a question for Australian readers: What was the last Australian film you saw at the cinema?

I will make a coffee while you think about it. The last Australian film I saw in a cinema was 'Bad Eggs' I saw it because I'm a big fan of the director New Zealand comedian Tony Martin. And that film came out in 2003. Six years ago. Before when I was thinking about making this Blog I had to think what was the most recent Australian film I had seen. 'Wolf Creek' was the film on Foxtel in 2007 and I missed the first 10 minutes.

Year after year the Australian film industry pump out film after forgettable film that no one goes to see. Other then the ones featured in the image on the header are other forgettable shitfests: Houseboat Horror, Horseplay, You and Your Stupid Mate, Ned Kelly, Two Fists-One Heart and so on and so on and so on.


Why does this country constantly pump money into films that appeal to no one. Lets take the biggest turkey shall we. Baz Lurhman's epic 'Australia' is the most expensive Australian film ever made. It was made to sell Australia to the World... And it failed. It bombed and the film was critically panned. I think one of the reasons no went to see it was because of the trailer to promote the film. It looked utterly pretentious. The trailer starts with Nicole Kidman's character telling a story to a Aboriginal child. Baz Lurhman later went to the press and said the reason the film bombed was because no one 'Got It'. Isn't that just ignorant. That's like saying 'The reason people did not see the film because they are STUPID!'. Well Lurhman I no there no way in hell your ever going to read this blog but I say this to you 'Fuck You! and Fuck Your Shitty Film!". There I feel better :)

And there is what I think is wrong with Australian films. They are always the same. It's either a shitty comedy, a shitty drama or shitty ripoff of a English gangster film. The Australian film industry is not brave enough. One Russia's highest grossing films is 'Nightwatch' a film about special unit that polices the paranormal. South Korea one their biggest hits was 'The Host' a sci fi/comedy about a giant killer mutant fish. Japan well your have seen the films they produce; quirky animations, giant monsters and kung fu films. Sure Australia made a film about a giant crocodile but the director of the film made Wolf Creek so he had some sort of leverage. Anyway Hollywood had already made films about giant crocs (Lake Placid) so the idea was not really original.

What Australia need is an original idea that will get people into the cinema to watch it. How about the Dredger in Port Philip Bay awakens a monster and goes on a rampage in Melbourne.... Wait too Cloverfield. OK what about film about the Aboriginal legend Yuwaalaraay a giant killer Emu. Yeah that could work ;)

But Australia will never go for something original. They had the chance. Two young filmmakers tried to get backing to make a film about madman who imprisons two hostages forces them to play his twisted games or be killed. The idea was rejected in Australia so the filmmakers took the idea to Hollywood and the movie 'Saw' was the result and it was a big success. In fact it has now spawned 5 sequels!

Hollywood seems to the only option for Australian filmmakers. And the actors two. Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Mel Gibson, Eric Bana, Heath Ledger and Rose Byrne have been more successful overseas then in their home country. Sometimes they come back to make local films but they usually end up being shit and that's no incentive for them to support the Australian film industry. So why should they do Australian films. I'm sure Eric Bana will take the villain in the latest Star Trek film over a loony larrikin who inherents his Dad's unsuccessful sheep farm* any day of the week.

*Film does not exist but give it time. ;)

Anyway I should point that all Australian film don't suck. There is plenty of good ones: The Castle, Mad Max 1+2, Two Hands, Gallipoli and Crackerjack. And the films I have not seen but are regarded as good: Priscilla, Murial's Wedding, Puberty Blues and Breaker Morant.

So any thats my view on Australian Cinema. Got a good idea for a movie move to Hollywood or London.

What is the point of paying postage?

To have the thing you ordered delivered to your home. Of course.

So since I have paid to have something posted to me shouldn't the Post Office pay the postage fee if I have to go into the post office to pick up the package because I was not home when the package was delivered?

I think they should put the phone number of the post office on the 'While you were out' card so that you can ring them and "I'm home now. Bring me my package". Hey I paid for postage for having something conveniently delivered to my home. Why should I do go to the trouble of going to the post office to pick up a package and coming home. Why was I out anyway. Because I was at work. Well how stupid of me. That should serve me right for getting a job were the hours cut into the delivery times (about 11am).

While we on the Australian Postal Service. Why is everywhere open on Sundays and Public Holidays (excluding Christmas Day) except for the Post Office and Pharmacies? It's annoying when you order from a online DVD rental service (cheap plug for Quickflix) and you want some DVDs before a long weekend but they don't get make it in time so you have to wait for up to 4 f***ing days before you get them. And on the Pharmacy thing well I'm lucky I don't really rely on them. But someone I know does and he requires medication from a prescription to make his life a lot easier and stop him from well dying. So what if he runs out of his medication on Labour Day? Well I guess he could get the medication from a Hospital. But wouldn't it be more convenient to say open the pharmacies even if it was just for a couple of hours.

Well anyway that's my first blog. Hope to compose more. So stay tuned because next time I will have something to say about the Australian Movie Industry and guess what.... It's mostly negative ;)