Rush Gets "Punked"

...Steampunked, that is. Clockwork Angels is the new album from Rush, and Neil Peart (Drummer and Lyicist) has written a Steampunk story in the form of a concept album with a novelization forthcoming by award winning Sci-Fi writer, Kevin J. Anderson.

Peart, Lifeson, Lee

The album itself gets back to the band's roots with more of the 3-piece and less keyboards. Headlong Flight really sounds like classic Rush. There are a few other stand-out songs but I think I'll give it a few more listens before I comment more. As always Alex Lifeson's guitar work is excellent and Peart's drumming is perfect. Time has started to take it's toll on Geddy Lee as his higher vocal range is diminishing, but he gets to show off a bit more bass work since he's freed from the confines of the keys.

The novelization of the story set forth in the album will be out in September. It tells of a young man's journey across a landscape of Steampunk and Alchemy and of course he gets caught between the forces of order and chaos, as in all good stories....

Power of Prometheus

From what I can tell, Prometheus is THE movie generating the most discussion online right now. Opinions range from it being a confusing mess to being a brilliant film. I lean closer to the latter. There is a lot going on in this movie, much of which is not explained clearly so, understandably, this may lead to a lot of confusion. There's also the religious aspect of the film. The origin of mankind is in question and this may not sit well with many. However, I must say that I've been thinking about Prometheus a lot since I saw it and most other movies just don't stick with me like this one has.

I think the scope of what the filmmakers are trying to accomplish here is on a very grand scale. Many explanations were not forthcoming because this is only a small part of a much larger story. People showing up to see another Alien movie are probably disappointed because that's not what they're getting here. It's much more. I could go on about the complex themes and different mythologies that are explored here but others have already done that in a much more eloquent and meaningful way. Suffice it to say that there are a lot of subtle layers.

The basic premise is that, 80 years in our future, scientists discover an 'invitation to the stars', if you will, to meet with beings that may have had a hand in human development and/or creation on Earth. These scientists receive backing from a reclusive bazillionaire and are able to take a full exploration crew aboard the ship Prometheus to the coordinates outlined in this "invitation". What they find is, of course, not what they bargained for. The Alien connection is mostly a nod to viewers that this is indeed taking place in the same universe. However, it is really its own separate story. If they continue on with what they've laid the foundation for here, it will be more of a parallel story on a much more epic scale.
The visuals are fantastic (I saw it in Imax 3D), the acting and effects are top notch, and while it is the biggest sticking point, I found the writing and story to be very intriguing and well thought out. I left the theater wanting more and, from what I hear, I'll get it in the extended Director's Cut when it is released on video, most likely this fall (20-30 minutes of additional footage).

My recommendation, as always, is to check it out yourself. Take in the visuals, think about what the story is trying to convey with an open mind and form your own opinion.


Prometheus is in theaters now. It's Directed by Ridley Scott, Written by John Spaihts and Damon Lindelof and stars Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Idris Alba and Charlize Theron.

 

Quick Reviews: "Chronicle", "..War", "..Carter"

Chronicle is the first-person-camera account of three teens who suddenly find themselves with extraordinary telekinetic powers.  They're very clever with how they handle the camera, so it doesn't always feel like you're being lead around.  The story is good and the acting is not bad, considering they recruited some "unknown" talent, and the plot is left open for a possible sequel (of course).  Bottom line: A good B+ sci-fi flick worth watching.

 This Means War, from Director McG, is a brilliant merging of Romantic Comedy and Action which makes it perfect for a date movie.  Chris Pine (Star Trek, Unstoppable) and Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises) are two CIA agents put on temporary desk duty after a mission goes bad.  While waiting for new assignments, they both decide to take some time to do some dating, they just happen to both ask the same girl (Reese Witherspoon), unbeknownst to her.  They proceed to use Agency time and resources to make sure she picks the right guy to be with.  Much comedy and action ensues.  Bottom line: An entertaining romp to watch with the significant other.

 John Carter was Disney/Pixar's first foray into the live-action scene.  Unfortunately, an incredibly bad marketing campaign and lack of "star" power killed this at the box office.  Based on Edgar Rice Burroughs swashbuckling space adventure, Civil War veteran, John Carter, is mistakenly transported to Mars (the natives call it Barsoom) where he is recruited to help fight against an oppressive army and bring peace and freedom to the inhabitants of the dying planet.  Although some of the "grandeur" and dialogue appears to be dated, to be fair, one has to realize this is from a book that was written 100 years ago this year and many of the modern sci-fi epics owe a dept of gratitude for this series of stories as they set the bar.  The acting is good and the visuals are stunning (although the Blu-ray release did show some digital artifacting during some scenes with a lot of movement).  It is really a shame that we will probably not get to see this series continue any time soon due to its poor reception in the theaters.  Bottom line: Definitely worth watching.  Brilliant sci-fi action film.