by: JP Simões
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Benfica 2012
Há muito que estou para escrever um texto sobre este Benfica... chamemos-lhe 2012!
Com Jorge Jesus no leme da equipa pela terceira época consecutiva, posso dizer que o treinador Português apresenta um saldo bastante positivo desde que assumiu o controlo técnico sob o plantel encarnado. Naturalmente, este resultado aparece como consequência do seu talento e métodos enquanto "manager", mas não só. O facto de ter sido implementada uma direcção estável e organizada, que muito tem trabalhado para providenciar as melhores condições tanto ao corpo técnico, como dirigentes e mesmo os adeptos, revela-se como elemento (ou conjunto de elementos) decisivo.
Pode-se dizer que o Benfica goza de uma "qualidade de vida" praticamente igualável ao seu estatuto enquanto grande Europeu!
Com Jorge Jesus no leme da equipa pela terceira época consecutiva, posso dizer que o treinador Português apresenta um saldo bastante positivo desde que assumiu o controlo técnico sob o plantel encarnado. Naturalmente, este resultado aparece como consequência do seu talento e métodos enquanto "manager", mas não só. O facto de ter sido implementada uma direcção estável e organizada, que muito tem trabalhado para providenciar as melhores condições tanto ao corpo técnico, como dirigentes e mesmo os adeptos, revela-se como elemento (ou conjunto de elementos) decisivo.
Pode-se dizer que o Benfica goza de uma "qualidade de vida" praticamente igualável ao seu estatuto enquanto grande Europeu!
É verdade que já passaram muitos anos desde a então denominada "época dourada" do Benfica... É também verdade que não somos o grande colosso do futebol que fomos em tempos... mas dentro da minha ingenuidade aliada ao optimismo tão tipicamente Benfiquista - sempre convencidos que fazemos frente a qualquer equipa do mundo e que todos os anos somos candidatos a ganhar a "Liga dos Campeões" - vejo cada vez mais razões para afirmar que estamos no trajecto certo para devolver essa grandeza sem termos que ouvir frases "cliché" como "ainda vivem no passado".
Os elementos estão lá... A equipa técnica mantém-se igual, direccão idem... a base da equipa mantém-se praticamente a mesma, embora sempre com alguns retoques. O ano passado infelizmente, os ajustes que foram feitos acabaram por não surtir efeito, dado o "peso" das ausências que tivemos de colmatar. A saída de Di Maria e Ramires - e mais tarde, David Luiz - foram golpes demasiado duros nas nossas aspirações, tendo nós perdido os melhores jogadores para cada área do campo (defesa, meio campo, ataque). Tendo o Porto mantido a sua estrutura praticamente intocável e já com maior experiência e rotina de jogo, é apenas natural que se tenham apresentado com toda a força, tendo sido Campeões com muito mérito.
Na minha opinião, o Benfica simplesmente não estava a sua altura e a classificação final, torna isso bem patente. Mas se olhar para a tabela classificativa não é suficiente para ilustrar as diferenças entre os dois Grandes de Portugal, basta olhar para a diferença nas exibições. O Benfica não tendo sido mau - acabou mesmo por fazer uma época de grande calibre - simplesmente não conseguiu ofuscar os Dragões, que estiveram perto de uma época perfeita. Há no entanto quem diga, que o Porto só acabou por assumir a liderança do campeonato, fruto de arbitragens de critérios "duvidosos"...
Eu prefiro não entrar por esse caminho... Não acredito que tenha sido por ai, mas não há maneira de tirar isso a limpo... como tal, basta-nos olhar para a frente e procurar fazer melhor.
Assim tem sido esta época! Os tais retoques de que já falei, revelaram-se cruciais na construção desta equipa 2012, com várias contratações a surgirem, todas com bastante qualidade e influência na equipa. De tal forma acertadas, que gozamos de um privilégio incrível ao podermos recorrer a um sistema de rotação, sem que o considerado "onze titular" tenha grandes diferenças de rendimento. É evidente que - como todas as equipas - temos os chamados "elos mais fracos", mas nem por isso tão maus ao ponto de comprometer as aspirações dos "Diabos Vermelhos". Vejam o caso do Emerson, o nosso lateral esquerdo... O Brasileiro possivelmente poderá ser campeão pela segunda vez, num espaço de dois anos, em dois campeonatos diferentes. Tudo isto quase "sem saber ler nem escrever"! Olhando para um currículo destes, é fácil ser iludido e pensar que estamos perante um jogador refinado, feito maioritariamente de grandes qualidades...
Quem vê jogos do Benfica sabe perfeitamente que isso é mentira!
Emerson é, nesta altura, um jogador medíocre! Ao ponto de ter conduzido o Jesus a proferir palavras que basicamente revelavam a hipótese de o César Peixoto poder ser titular no Benfica... César Peixoto!!!! Mais do que um elogio ao agora atleta do Gil Vicente, considero um tremendo insulto ao ex-Lille. Lastimável para dizer o mínimo...
Além do Emerson, existe também o Jardel - central de pouca qualidade que facilmente preteria em prol do Miguel Vítor ou ate mesmo do Fábio Faria - e o Matic - médio defensivo, sem estofo para grandes jogos Europeus, que apenas se fazer valer pela sua estatura/porte físico.
Neste lote de três jogadores, encontro os elementos - diria eu - mais fracos. Nada mau para um plantel tão vasto como o do Benfica. Analisando de seguida, os os que permaneceram da época transata juntamente com as novas contratações, facilmente fico de sorriso na cara.
- Artur é de caras o melhor Guarda-Redes que tivemos desde o Alemão Robert Enke
- Garay tem vindo a demonstrar a razão pelo qual pertenceu aos quadros do Real Madrid, assumindo-se para já como um substituto (mais que) a altura de David Luiz
- Nolito é um desequilibrador nato, uma verdadeira "dor de cabeça" para a oposição
- Witsel é um jogador jovem de grande potencial, dotado de uma enorme capacidade técnica e de uma grande polivalência.
- Rodrigo, surge mais forte e confiante após um Mundial sub-20 de grande sucesso (a nível individual). Não é por nada que o Saviola neste momento se encontra sentado no banco de suplentes.
- Bruno César, para mim uma grande surpresa... O seu ar "bonacheirão" e o facto de ter sido remetido para o lote de suplentes no Corinthians, confesso que me deixaram bastante apreensivo, mas de facto o médio Brasileiro tem se mostrado como uma boa solução tanto para a ala esquerda como para o meio do terreno. A sua qualidade de passe e - principalmente - o seu remate forte assumem-se como os seus trunfos.
- Os restantes, como o Enzo ou o Yannick, prefiro não falar. Pouco conheço ou vi com a camisola encarnada!
Reflectindo sob a época de 2010 onde fomos campeões, constato que o plantel de hoje oferece outra variedade de soluções, sendo fácil para mim afirmar que temos uma equipa mais forte. Como tal, a fasquia torna-se alta e as expectativas de uma dimensão abismal. A qualidade do futebol praticado alimenta o sonho e a vantagem sobre o Porto, que embora curta, oferece algum alento e optimismo, aliado ao facto de termos o clássico no Estádio da Luz. Não sendo esse jogo decisivo, não deixa de ter a sua importância. Jogos de alto risco, ainda para mais com os contornos que assume, torna tudo muito mais "dramático".
Estou confiante... e sei bem o que o Benfica tem feito por mim esta época! É mesmo por isso que fiz questão de escrever este post, na ressaca da nossa primeira derrota na Liga.
Sim, estou chateado... desiludido até... mas não com a equipa, apenas com o resultado. O jogo frente ao Vitória de Guimarães não passa uma borracha em cima de tudo o que já foi feito, e não me refiro apenas ao Campeonato Português, mas também Taça da Liga e Liga dos Campeões. Não se pode ter memoria curta, nem se pode baixar a cabeça... Muito menos agora!! Estamos tão perto de atingir determinados objectivos, e nós enquanto adeptos, sabemos bem o quão importante é o nosso apoio para a equipa! Haja algum bom senso e discernimento na forma como abordamos cada dia, cada jogo, cada lance...
Vivemos em comunhão, assente no mesmo desejo e ambição...
Os elementos estão lá... A equipa técnica mantém-se igual, direccão idem... a base da equipa mantém-se praticamente a mesma, embora sempre com alguns retoques. O ano passado infelizmente, os ajustes que foram feitos acabaram por não surtir efeito, dado o "peso" das ausências que tivemos de colmatar. A saída de Di Maria e Ramires - e mais tarde, David Luiz - foram golpes demasiado duros nas nossas aspirações, tendo nós perdido os melhores jogadores para cada área do campo (defesa, meio campo, ataque). Tendo o Porto mantido a sua estrutura praticamente intocável e já com maior experiência e rotina de jogo, é apenas natural que se tenham apresentado com toda a força, tendo sido Campeões com muito mérito.
Na minha opinião, o Benfica simplesmente não estava a sua altura e a classificação final, torna isso bem patente. Mas se olhar para a tabela classificativa não é suficiente para ilustrar as diferenças entre os dois Grandes de Portugal, basta olhar para a diferença nas exibições. O Benfica não tendo sido mau - acabou mesmo por fazer uma época de grande calibre - simplesmente não conseguiu ofuscar os Dragões, que estiveram perto de uma época perfeita. Há no entanto quem diga, que o Porto só acabou por assumir a liderança do campeonato, fruto de arbitragens de critérios "duvidosos"...
Eu prefiro não entrar por esse caminho... Não acredito que tenha sido por ai, mas não há maneira de tirar isso a limpo... como tal, basta-nos olhar para a frente e procurar fazer melhor.
Assim tem sido esta época! Os tais retoques de que já falei, revelaram-se cruciais na construção desta equipa 2012, com várias contratações a surgirem, todas com bastante qualidade e influência na equipa. De tal forma acertadas, que gozamos de um privilégio incrível ao podermos recorrer a um sistema de rotação, sem que o considerado "onze titular" tenha grandes diferenças de rendimento. É evidente que - como todas as equipas - temos os chamados "elos mais fracos", mas nem por isso tão maus ao ponto de comprometer as aspirações dos "Diabos Vermelhos". Vejam o caso do Emerson, o nosso lateral esquerdo... O Brasileiro possivelmente poderá ser campeão pela segunda vez, num espaço de dois anos, em dois campeonatos diferentes. Tudo isto quase "sem saber ler nem escrever"! Olhando para um currículo destes, é fácil ser iludido e pensar que estamos perante um jogador refinado, feito maioritariamente de grandes qualidades...
Quem vê jogos do Benfica sabe perfeitamente que isso é mentira!
Emerson é, nesta altura, um jogador medíocre! Ao ponto de ter conduzido o Jesus a proferir palavras que basicamente revelavam a hipótese de o César Peixoto poder ser titular no Benfica... César Peixoto!!!! Mais do que um elogio ao agora atleta do Gil Vicente, considero um tremendo insulto ao ex-Lille. Lastimável para dizer o mínimo...
Além do Emerson, existe também o Jardel - central de pouca qualidade que facilmente preteria em prol do Miguel Vítor ou ate mesmo do Fábio Faria - e o Matic - médio defensivo, sem estofo para grandes jogos Europeus, que apenas se fazer valer pela sua estatura/porte físico.
Neste lote de três jogadores, encontro os elementos - diria eu - mais fracos. Nada mau para um plantel tão vasto como o do Benfica. Analisando de seguida, os os que permaneceram da época transata juntamente com as novas contratações, facilmente fico de sorriso na cara.
- Artur é de caras o melhor Guarda-Redes que tivemos desde o Alemão Robert Enke
- Garay tem vindo a demonstrar a razão pelo qual pertenceu aos quadros do Real Madrid, assumindo-se para já como um substituto (mais que) a altura de David Luiz
- Nolito é um desequilibrador nato, uma verdadeira "dor de cabeça" para a oposição
- Witsel é um jogador jovem de grande potencial, dotado de uma enorme capacidade técnica e de uma grande polivalência.
- Rodrigo, surge mais forte e confiante após um Mundial sub-20 de grande sucesso (a nível individual). Não é por nada que o Saviola neste momento se encontra sentado no banco de suplentes.
- Bruno César, para mim uma grande surpresa... O seu ar "bonacheirão" e o facto de ter sido remetido para o lote de suplentes no Corinthians, confesso que me deixaram bastante apreensivo, mas de facto o médio Brasileiro tem se mostrado como uma boa solução tanto para a ala esquerda como para o meio do terreno. A sua qualidade de passe e - principalmente - o seu remate forte assumem-se como os seus trunfos.
- Os restantes, como o Enzo ou o Yannick, prefiro não falar. Pouco conheço ou vi com a camisola encarnada!
Reflectindo sob a época de 2010 onde fomos campeões, constato que o plantel de hoje oferece outra variedade de soluções, sendo fácil para mim afirmar que temos uma equipa mais forte. Como tal, a fasquia torna-se alta e as expectativas de uma dimensão abismal. A qualidade do futebol praticado alimenta o sonho e a vantagem sobre o Porto, que embora curta, oferece algum alento e optimismo, aliado ao facto de termos o clássico no Estádio da Luz. Não sendo esse jogo decisivo, não deixa de ter a sua importância. Jogos de alto risco, ainda para mais com os contornos que assume, torna tudo muito mais "dramático".
Estou confiante... e sei bem o que o Benfica tem feito por mim esta época! É mesmo por isso que fiz questão de escrever este post, na ressaca da nossa primeira derrota na Liga.
Sim, estou chateado... desiludido até... mas não com a equipa, apenas com o resultado. O jogo frente ao Vitória de Guimarães não passa uma borracha em cima de tudo o que já foi feito, e não me refiro apenas ao Campeonato Português, mas também Taça da Liga e Liga dos Campeões. Não se pode ter memoria curta, nem se pode baixar a cabeça... Muito menos agora!! Estamos tão perto de atingir determinados objectivos, e nós enquanto adeptos, sabemos bem o quão importante é o nosso apoio para a equipa! Haja algum bom senso e discernimento na forma como abordamos cada dia, cada jogo, cada lance...
Vivemos em comunhão, assente no mesmo desejo e ambição...
Nos só queremos o Benfica Campeão!
(rima não foi propositada)
(rima não foi propositada)
Monday, February 20, 2012
From the depths of Facebook
Here's an awesome story I came across in my Facebook news feed... It's worth the reading!
A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that 1,100 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
Three minutes went by, and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace, and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried up to meet his schedule.
A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping, and continued to walk.
A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.
The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally, the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.
In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money, but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most talented musicians in the world. He had just played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.
Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theatre in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?
One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?
Three minutes went by, and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace, and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried up to meet his schedule.
A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping, and continued to walk.
A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.
The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally, the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.
In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money, but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most talented musicians in the world. He had just played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.
Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theatre in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?
One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Guard (2011)
Written and directed by John Michael McDonagh, The Guard (2011) is an Irish black comedy starring Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle.
Taking the shape of an unconventional buddy cop movie, this film shows a few resemblances in style and narrative with both Hot Fuzz (2007) and In Bruges, being this last one curiously directed by John M. McDonagh brother, Martin. If that trivia information alone isn't enough, add the fact that Brendan Gleeson also starred in the Belgium centered comedy alongside Colin Farrell.
Being a fan of all films mentioned above, you can pretty much assume that I had a lot of fun watching The Guard. It's smart, dark and witty! The script is by far the best element of the "whole package", being only nearly matched by Brendan Gleason, who delivers yet another great performance.
One of the best Irishman around, no doubt!
One of the best Irishman around, no doubt!
However, don't let these last statements misguide you! I'm saying that these elements are the best this comedy has to offer... but they are not the only good things! The directing is discretely adequate to the plot, giving a well paced action and the perfect timing to each line and "take" to go along... And although Gleeson takes the spotlight, it wouldn't be fair to the rest of this magnificent cast not to hand out compliments on their work. Don Cheadle adds the right elements for the leads relationship to have a powerful chemistry and Mark Strong again shows why he is so demanded these days! Liam Cunningham and Fionnula Flanagan complete my list of headlines, regarding the "on-screen talent".
No need for me to continue writing ...
Watch the trailer and hopefully you'll get a gist of what I'm talking about...
No need for me to continue writing ...
Watch the trailer and hopefully you'll get a gist of what I'm talking about...
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's day
Over the years, Valentine's Day has lost its meaning, becoming increasingly known as a "commercial day".
The week building up to the 14th of February is a time where people are bombarded with advertising and campaigns, trying to make "lovers" obligated to do something special or simply be kind to their loved one, when it should come naturally in a regular basis, rather than just being a consequence of a big system built to make money out of people's needs and emotions. In fact, talking about needs, these are successfully created into the soon-to-be consumers minds... provoking a desire that probably wasn't there in the first place. But what can you do? That's the whole point of advertising... But to think of the dimension a day like this has nowadays is just mind blowing!
I'm still on of those who present themselves as a bit naive! I believe that Valentine's day should be put into practice everyday, in a genuine and pure form, thus avoiding the clichés and almost forced demonstrations of "love".
Much more can be said, but would rather leave it at that...
Be it as it may, there are still people out there who make the best out of it, in a truly genuine fashion. To all those people I wish you a Happy Valentine's day!
My Funny Valentine
Sweet Comic Valentine
You Make Me Smile With My Heart
You're Looks Are Laughable,
Unphotographable
Yet You're My Favorite Work Of Art
Is Your FigureLess Than Greek
Is Your Mouth A Little Weak
When You Open It To Speak
Are You Smart
Don't Change A Hair For Me
Not If You Care For Me
Stay Little Valentine Stay
Each Day Is Valentine's Day
Monday, February 13, 2012
Cœur de Pirate - Blonde (2011)
For me to talk about this album, I must first talk about the artist and how I came across her name.
Some time ago, in one of my Facebook wanders, I saw track entitled Comme Des Enfant (Le Matos Andy Carmichael Remix) by Coeur de Pirate. It was a remix, thus, the melody being electronic.
I was quite found of the song, even though I'm not a great fan of the genre.
Ended up posting the track in my blog (as showed in the link placed above), plus doing some research. Without going that deep, I found out she is of Canadian origin, who went by the name of Béatrice Martin and that she played the piano for a living. That's pretty much all I found out in my little investigation.
Eventually, I forgot all about her until very recently I came to an article regarding her latest album, launched in 2011, called Blonde. I decided to give it a chance this morning and I ended up being quite impressed with her second studio effort! Most of its success, according to my personal opinion, was due to the element of surprise being drastically big. Keep in mind that the only track I've ever heard was a remix, so basically, when confronted by the sweet and eloquent melodies, hand in hand with beautiful French lyrics - resonating almost like poetry - I couldn't help myself to surrender to the young Béatrice. In those 12 songs, written and composed by the "Pirate Heart" (English translation for Coeur de Pirate), you can't help but notice its pop vibe mixed with classical influences. Some songs go as far as having traces of Yann Tiersen. Not insinuating she drawn inspiration from the French composer, but some similarities are there. It's a good combo indeed and she is one to look after! I will soon proceed to hearing her debut album... Hope it is as good as this one!
Some time ago, in one of my Facebook wanders, I saw track entitled Comme Des Enfant (Le Matos Andy Carmichael Remix) by Coeur de Pirate. It was a remix, thus, the melody being electronic.
I was quite found of the song, even though I'm not a great fan of the genre.
Ended up posting the track in my blog (as showed in the link placed above), plus doing some research. Without going that deep, I found out she is of Canadian origin, who went by the name of Béatrice Martin and that she played the piano for a living. That's pretty much all I found out in my little investigation.
Eventually, I forgot all about her until very recently I came to an article regarding her latest album, launched in 2011, called Blonde. I decided to give it a chance this morning and I ended up being quite impressed with her second studio effort! Most of its success, according to my personal opinion, was due to the element of surprise being drastically big. Keep in mind that the only track I've ever heard was a remix, so basically, when confronted by the sweet and eloquent melodies, hand in hand with beautiful French lyrics - resonating almost like poetry - I couldn't help myself to surrender to the young Béatrice. In those 12 songs, written and composed by the "Pirate Heart" (English translation for Coeur de Pirate), you can't help but notice its pop vibe mixed with classical influences. Some songs go as far as having traces of Yann Tiersen. Not insinuating she drawn inspiration from the French composer, but some similarities are there. It's a good combo indeed and she is one to look after! I will soon proceed to hearing her debut album... Hope it is as good as this one!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
RIP Whitney Houston
1963 - 2012
Can't say she was one of my favourites, but one of the great divas of my generation indeed.
Diamonds Made from Rain
The moment's come and gone
Every memory leaves a trace
All that I've come to know
In the lines upon my face
Every storm that I have turned
Each forgiveness I have earned
Every shame that's taught me grace
From you I have learned
No love is lost
No love is lost
That everything is shown to me
I let it wash over me
Like diamonds made of rain
You can find joy inside the pain
Everything that I've endured
For the wisdom of a pearl
I wouldn't change a thing
You can make diamonds from the rain
Every mile of this road
Every chord that's struck my soul
You are the melody
That will soothe me 'til I'm old
If the promises are kept
I'll waive all of my regrets
I can say I've overcome
With you, my heart is open
No love was lost
No love was lost
That everything is shown to me
I let it wash over me
Like diamonds made of rain
You can find joy inside the pain
Everything that I've endured
For the wisdom of a pearl
I wouldn't change a thing
You can make diamonds from the rain
Every memory leaves a trace
All that I've come to know
In the lines upon my face
Every storm that I have turned
Each forgiveness I have earned
Every shame that's taught me grace
From you I have learned
No love is lost
No love is lost
That everything is shown to me
I let it wash over me
Like diamonds made of rain
You can find joy inside the pain
Everything that I've endured
For the wisdom of a pearl
I wouldn't change a thing
You can make diamonds from the rain
Every mile of this road
Every chord that's struck my soul
You are the melody
That will soothe me 'til I'm old
If the promises are kept
I'll waive all of my regrets
I can say I've overcome
With you, my heart is open
No love was lost
No love was lost
That everything is shown to me
I let it wash over me
Like diamonds made of rain
You can find joy inside the pain
Everything that I've endured
For the wisdom of a pearl
I wouldn't change a thing
You can make diamonds from the rain
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Monday, February 06, 2012
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Matthew Broderick's Day Off
Almost reaching the Super-bowl, I decided to make this post due to the connection it has with the large sports event.
As it turns out, Honda prepared a commercial that ended up being leaked to bigger audiences through the internet! It is sort of an homage to the classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off, directed by the iconic John Hughes.
The ad works almost like a sequel to the 1986 movie, showing the actor Matthew Broderick calling in sick to to skip work. It almost feels like a Deja Vu!
See for yourselves...
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Run Into Flowers
by: M83
When I heard this track for the first time, couldn't help myself wondering off through flashes of old memories, compiled almost in a music-video sequence, with M83 serving has soundtrack!
A few minutes later, I was picturing Run Into Flowers as a music intro for a hypothetical CNN special 2012 Olympics feature, with loads of slow-motion scenes...
This just to say... I think this atmospheric song is ideal for any soundtrack you wish to create. It suits almost every environment
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
K'S Choice
Going through my old files I came across a folder holding some "ancient" mp3. Among those tracks I found a folder with loads of K'S Choice songs, something that lead me to become very nostalgic as I reminisced some of my teenage years back in Portugal.
I remember watching the video for Everything For Free loads of times and after that, I'm not an addict, a track that curiously enough preceded the other track that introduced me to the band.
Over the years I became fan of the Belgium group, having dedicated a big portion of a certain year (one that I can't remember) to their albums. Although not listening to them as much like in the past, it was really cool to go over some of the tracks that followed me while growing up!
I remember watching the video for Everything For Free loads of times and after that, I'm not an addict, a track that curiously enough preceded the other track that introduced me to the band.
Over the years I became fan of the Belgium group, having dedicated a big portion of a certain year (one that I can't remember) to their albums. Although not listening to them as much like in the past, it was really cool to go over some of the tracks that followed me while growing up!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Road To The Oscars: The Nominations
After watching the list of nominees for the 2012 Oscar ceremony, I almost collapsed after a major struggle to avoid an outburst of rage. I don't even know where to start... So many people left out and so many favored in order to have their name among Hollywood's cream of the crop.
The selection proved that the Academy has a very poor criterion, one that is badly applied.
Moneyball (2011) and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011), although both being good films, are highly overrated!
The baseball themed movie feels like you've seen it many times before. No big surprises and no big elements that make the movie completely worth it. To have actors nominated just baffles me! It's not like having an average movie and then have a lead actor/actress just nailing a brilliant performance. That is not the case with Moneyball. We've seen a better Brad Pitt and even though we can't say the same for Jonah Hill - who was surprisingly good - it's still not enough to gain a nomination. I could easily pick someone else to take that spot... but the one that comes up to mind in a flash is Albert Brooks for his secondary role in the movie Drive (2011). In fact, the Nicolas Winding Refn movie failed to get nominations in some of the big categories as it should have. This was a big surprise in my opinion. At least it should get some recognition in directing, best movie and best supporting actor, but all failed to happen.
Loads more fell short into the Academy's choices...
Shame (2011) was cut of any nominations when it was almost mandatory that (at least) Steve McQueen and Michael Fassbender should have a bigger role. Especially the last one! I mean... going back to Brad Pitt... How does he keep his spot when going against a performance like Fassbender's? The Irish actor did enough to win that little golden statue and I assume most people who saw Shame will agree with me on this one. Its a tough act to follow (Fassbender's I mean), leaving me even more impatient to see The Descendants (2011), just to clear off my mind ether George Clooney justifies all the praise.
In the "Best Lead Actress" category, it shocks me not to see Tilda Swinton for her role in We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011). I must admit that not having seen most of the actresses awarded with a nomination, it's hard to make a clear and justifiable judgment, however, I wouldn't hesitate to exchange Rooney Mara for Swinton. Honestly, I think that nomination alone - regardless of the existent opposition - just seems wrong from the beginning. Noomi Rapace, who portrayed Lisbath Salander's role in the Swedish version of Stieg Larsson's novels, is way better than Mara, in every single way... but even though her role was acclaimed by audiences and critics worldwide, it was still not good enough to grab a nomination! So why now? What has Mara done better then Rapace that earns her that nomination?
Beat's me!
And what about 50/50 (2011)? I predicted both a nomination for Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Best Original Screenplay, but neither of them followed through. I can live with the first (mostly due to the competition), but Will Reiser deserved something to be on his way...
Proceeding...
Senna (2010), the documentary made by Asif Kapadia, was mysteriously left out. This was made aware when lists with potential candidates where being made, so there is no point complaining about it like I was surprised by its absence. I just couldn't write this without sort of a "side note" just stating "How the hell could they do this?".
For the Animated and Foreign categories, there is no love for The Adventures of Tintin (2011) and La Piel Que Habito - The Skin That I Live In (2011) respectively.
Regarding the first, it just seems silly to me not considering such a wonderful production like Tintin among some pretty average animated movies. I mean... Being almost visually perfect (the best I've seen yet) only takes you so far... I can agree to that! But even thought it's not an instant classic like some of Pixar's recent features, it is still more than good enough to be among the nominees.
In the "Best Foreign Language Film of the Year" category, we have definitely, one of the biggest surprises/injustices.
How is La Piel Que Habito not in the list? I remember some people going mad over Volver back in 2006. A good movie, but not more than that... opposite to Almodovar's last project. Fresh, risky and so well conducted, it just made the Academy look like it was acting a bit prude this year... not letting some of the most daring, dark and twisted assembled works get the credit they deserve!
On the other hand there were a few nice surprises...
Nick Nolte was rewarded for his outstanding role in Warrior (2011). It would feel like one of the biggest injustices if he didn't made the list! It was in my belief this would be a duel between Nolte and Albert Brooks, but the Academy made sure that wasn't happening! Nevertheless, it's great seeing Nolte's work recognized. Hopefully, he will be back on track with this one!
Also as a surprise was Bridesmaids (2011)!
I simply loved that movie... and I thought others would as well, but curiously enough, the last conversations I've been having with people about the groundbreaking "chick flick" comedy, just brought to my attention other different reactions to what I expected!
A lot of people didn't enjoy as much as I imagined they would... thus making this nomination sound absolutely ridiculous. I can relate with that to certain extent, but i'll admit, it does feel good to see such a "silly" (term not used in a denorrogative way) comedy have that kind of feedback from an instituition that most of the times just neglects the comedy genre entirely (unless it has a pseudo intelectual/witty side to it).
Having said all this, even though we might have one or two nice surprises (beyond the obvious choices), there is just not way this compensates for the heavyweight absences in this year's Oscar nominations.
Mark my words: This will go down as one of the most controversial and incoherent lists of all time! Almost like they decided to give "hardcore quality" a break.
List of relevant articles/reviews written for the blog
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
I never knew where I stood regarding remakes until I saw this one. Before my last time at a cinema, I was neither in favor or against it... Sometimes I would think to myself that certain projects were totally unnecessary, others I would be curious, while very few I would think they were worth it. This last scenario describes accurately my assumption regarding the American remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011).
Based on a novel by Stieg Larsson, this would be the first of a trilogy, later adapted into three Swedish movies to which I saw every single one. The first I saw at my local cinema, while the other two I saw it at home.
I can honestly say I was really impressed with all three of them, but especially with the first! For it's plot, organized and interesting narrative... for it's intensive and thrilling twists and turns and also the wonderful cast! It would be fair as to say it wouldn't make any sense to watch a remake when I had so much fond memories of the original, however, being the remake a project in the helms of master David Fincher, it was very hard for me to resist. Plus, it would be a very good exercise to compare one with another, knowing they had very little time separating one from the other. I found this to be a big mistake... But I'll get to that later.
Comparing both first episodes of Larsson's trilogy, it is in my opinion that the Swedish is by far the best one. There isn't one single aspect that Fincher's take would have something to say better than the original. He adds nothing!
I suspected I would be disappointed after watching the introduction generic. It felt awkward... Can't quite really explain, but something felt wrong. Was it cheesy? Was it too much of twirls of an animated sequence? Was the soundtrack not suited? I don't know... But I was sure that my eyes didn't like what they were seeing!
After that, I began to take notice of all that it was different and drawing my conclusions to ether or not these were justified.
Even though the movie is all spoken in English, the story settings remain the same. This lead to Fincher (or the producers) deciding to have the actors to do an effort on making a Swedish accent.
Although understandable, it just didn't work (for me at least).
I would rather move the action to somewhere in the States and change the characters names... But be it as it may, this was hardly the big issue around the movie..
There are a lot of plot changes, really big ones at that... Stuff that I can't mentioned to avoid giving away information... but trust me! Heavy stuff was either ignored or distorted!
If asked what was the biggest thing for me, to which I was more disappointed... I would have to say the casting, with special regard to the lead character, Lisbeth Salander.
Rooney Mara, who had worked previously with Fincher in The Social Network (2010), did a major effort to follow the steps of Noomi Rapace. Even with her performance being commendable, it was still just not at the same level as the Swedish actress, mostly because she presents a younger and more fragile image than Noomi, who on the other hand, shows herself more as a tougher woman.
Basically this point comes down to "Woman vs. Girl". That's not all of it, but it pretty much sums up one of the biggest differences you'll see when watching the new version and that just takes part of the interest. The viewers need Lisbeth Salander to be aggressive and fearless... capable of taking down anyone! And I'll be honest... I did not think of Mara as a model or anything like that. It was like she was completely anonymous and I was judging her performance without considering none of her background (therefore, no preconceived ideas before-hand).
I would say that most of you are better off watching the Swedish films if you can fight the language barrier and deal with the subtitles... because this American remake, to put it mildly, is is just a lighter and duller version.
I can only assume by seeing so many Swedish names in the list of producers that this movie was intended to promote their country and commerce through a wider recipient... You can tell that, for them, this is a golden opportunity.... Ikea, Nokia, SweAuto are just a few (Swedish) brands in a never-ending list of product placement.
Just so we are clear... You can still get satisfied with Fincher's work.... It's not bad at all...on the contrary! But having in mind the source material and the first movie adaptation, this one feels so overrated - even more considering the reviews and iMDB score are so good, something that for me doesn't do justice at all!
Basically this point comes down to "Woman vs. Girl". That's not all of it, but it pretty much sums up one of the biggest differences you'll see when watching the new version and that just takes part of the interest. The viewers need Lisbeth Salander to be aggressive and fearless... capable of taking down anyone! And I'll be honest... I did not think of Mara as a model or anything like that. It was like she was completely anonymous and I was judging her performance without considering none of her background (therefore, no preconceived ideas before-hand).
I would say that most of you are better off watching the Swedish films if you can fight the language barrier and deal with the subtitles... because this American remake, to put it mildly, is is just a lighter and duller version.
I can only assume by seeing so many Swedish names in the list of producers that this movie was intended to promote their country and commerce through a wider recipient... You can tell that, for them, this is a golden opportunity.... Ikea, Nokia, SweAuto are just a few (Swedish) brands in a never-ending list of product placement.
Just so we are clear... You can still get satisfied with Fincher's work.... It's not bad at all...on the contrary! But having in mind the source material and the first movie adaptation, this one feels so overrated - even more considering the reviews and iMDB score are so good, something that for me doesn't do justice at all!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
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