"Shoot Her"

I think it is about time I get back to reviewing on Critically Correct (what a novel concept, huh?). I recently saw Jurassic Park 3D, so here you go: the first review on Critically Correct in months.

In the past four years there have been hundreds of 3D films flooded onto the movie market in an attempt to get people back into theaters. Of those hundreds of films (totaling billions of dollars in total costs), I would honestly say that two are worthwhile in 3D for any good reason. Avatar was a storytelling turd but a graphical powerhouse, and overall worth the price of admission. Ladies and gentlemen, the second is clearly one that should not have been so well done in 3D: Jurassic Park.

The groundbreaking 1993 film ushered in the popular use of CGI in modern cinema, perhaps the single most important development in the industry since Technicolor or sound. While the movie certainly has its issues (that weak ending still hurts), Jurassic Park is ultimately a no-holds-barred summer action flick that is just as fun in 2013 as it was in 1993. While today's kids may not be as enchanted by the dinosaurs and visual treats as my generation was twenty years ago (thanks, ironically, to modern day CGI), the film still packs a punch with a well-paced story, subtle humor, and plenty of imagination.

Most surprising is the jump to 3D. Unlike Avatar and other high-end modern films, Jurassic Park was not shot in native 3D, instead going through a very labor-intensive conversion process from the 2D original. Incredibly, the film was otherwise left alone. No new CGI, no new effects, no editing to clean up the rough edges of the story. What we get, then, is a chance to see Jurassic Park on the big screen once again, this time with the bonus of super-effective 3D. Never obtuse, never unnecessary, the 3D elements of the film work wonders to put viewers in the middle of the action. The thick forest growth of Isle Nublar and lunging dinosaurs of the runaway park add subtle depth in places that really help carve out the physical space of the film. Characters move around objects, through doorways, and avoid dangers in ways that feel completely natural with the addition of 3D.

So many things could have gone wrong in converting a beloved classic to 3D. First and foremost, it just did not need to happen. But it did happen, and it was done with extraordinary care. And for that, it is easily one of the best 3D films yet.

B3 out.

Just Do It

Is is an accurate generalization that odd-numbered years tend to be full of change in my life. 2001, 2003, and 2011 are prime examples of years filled with significantly new routines, friends, and direction in my life. After an incredibly painful start to the new year, 2013 is shaping up to be another landmark for me.

I have plenty to look forward to: new development projects, lots of exercise (hiking will really take off this year), a growing photography business, traveling (for said hiking and photography), and unfettered access to Cedar Point. This is on top of my usual biking, writing, and gaming, of course.

Maybe it was the long, depressing winter, but I am coming into this spring with one phrase on my mind: "just do it."

Seriously.

After a winter of sitting inside, gaining weight, and planning the year away, I am ready to shift into high gear and just get this damn summer started already. Ideally, work will consist of me staring at a computer all day, while the rest of my time this spring and summer will see me outside pushing myself farther, faster, stronger, and longer. I'm seriously thrilled for all the raw potential that has built up over the unforgivably gray winter that we are leaving behind. My physical health comes above everything else this year (which is partly why I am upset about having $42 worth of Easter candy in my fridge - *sigh*).

So, now it's time to get off my ass, prepare for a new day, and just do it.

B3 out.

Blue Skies, Green Day

If "you are the company you keep," then this year has been a hell of a learning experience for me.

With the challenges of 2010 long gone, the beauty of 2011 history, and the persistence of 2012 finally paying off, 2013 has become The Social Year for me. Last weekend was the perfect example of this. Myself, Laura, and five other mutual friend set off for Pittsburgh, PA for a three-day weekend excursion to see Green Day. The trip was unorthodox for me - farther than I typically travel, more expensive than I usually spend, and with an untested set of people I "sort of" knew. My fears were put to rest, however, by the time I crossed the Ohio-Pennsylvania border - I was clearly going to get along with these crazy nut jobs.

I am not as big of a Green Day fan as some people (*cough*Laura*cough*Alissa*cough*), but the trip was more than made worth the effort. Saturday was a day to explore Pittsburgh, which resulted in local attractions and local food. Nine hours of waiting in the cold rain was an interesting way to spend my Sunday afternoon, but by the time 6:30pm rolled around, our group was ready for the mad dash to the front of the Consol Energy Center stage. Sure enough, and despite some short hang-ups near the doors, we made front row. This proved to be a blessing and a curse: front row was an awesome experience no doubt, but the raw energy of the crowd crushing us was a bit overwhelming at times. I have not been so sore in years. So while Green Day did not put on their best show in my opinion, being right up front made up for some of their predictability. All in all, it was definitely an experience I could repeat sometime.

B3 out.