Best action of the three films.
An okay storyline.
Worst acting of the three films.
"Spider-Man 3" suffers from "Titanic"-Syndrome. BLOCKS. 10 minutes of action. 10 minutes of horrible drama. 15 minutes of action. 15 minutes of bad acting. There is no flow to the film, and there is no connection between the scenes. I'd love to watch a version of the film with all of the bad acting edited out. It would be like an hour long awesome action film.
They really tried to do too much. And while that aspect was annoying, it really wasn't the worst part of the film. The acting was just BAD, HORRIBLE.
Honestly, what was I thinking about during this film???
"I can't wait to see 'The Dark Knight', because I know Nolan knows how to blend action and drama and make a good film..."
Overall grade: B. (The amazing action sequences saved the film for me.)
Friday, May 04, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
"The Invisible" Talk
I'm not going to include any "spoilers" in this review, I might write another one after this weekend, and talk about specific things in the film.
What I am going to say is that I was disappointed.
Now, let me preface that by saying this: I did like the movie. I didn't love it, and I didn't think it was great. But, I did not hate the flick.
But, the flick IS NOT what the previews make it out to be. It IS NOT a mystery/thriller like I was expecting. And honestly, not a whole lot happens in the film. The entire story (and the ORIGINAL plot) is revealed in the trailer. It is OBVIOUS that they cut out an entire part of the storyline, as it is missing from the film, and nothing seems to happen.
There is no mystery, like the trailer eludes to.
From the beginning, you know what happens.
Then, they have characters make decisions that are so out of character that they don't make any sense for the storyline - but are needed. It's all in an effort to force the story to go somewhere.
And sadly, this film has the longest, most drawn-out ending since "Return of the King" it NEVER feels like its going to end. Slow, slow, slow, blah, blah, blah... I couldn't sit still.
Also, there were numerous times that lyrical music was used, instead of a score, and I thought it was horrible. It was like having 5 montages in a film. It really didn't work for me.
So, did I really like this film, like I thought I did at the beginning of this post?
Maybe I don't.
I can't think of too many positives about it. But, when it was over, I don't remember thinking it was a waste of my time (although I was thinking, "Thank God! It's FINALLY over!!!").
Hmmmm... I'm warning you: It IS NOT like the preview makes you think it is. It's not. So, don't expect that. I hope you enjoy it more than I apparently did.
What I am going to say is that I was disappointed.
Now, let me preface that by saying this: I did like the movie. I didn't love it, and I didn't think it was great. But, I did not hate the flick.
But, the flick IS NOT what the previews make it out to be. It IS NOT a mystery/thriller like I was expecting. And honestly, not a whole lot happens in the film. The entire story (and the ORIGINAL plot) is revealed in the trailer. It is OBVIOUS that they cut out an entire part of the storyline, as it is missing from the film, and nothing seems to happen.
There is no mystery, like the trailer eludes to.
From the beginning, you know what happens.
Then, they have characters make decisions that are so out of character that they don't make any sense for the storyline - but are needed. It's all in an effort to force the story to go somewhere.
And sadly, this film has the longest, most drawn-out ending since "Return of the King" it NEVER feels like its going to end. Slow, slow, slow, blah, blah, blah... I couldn't sit still.
Also, there were numerous times that lyrical music was used, instead of a score, and I thought it was horrible. It was like having 5 montages in a film. It really didn't work for me.
So, did I really like this film, like I thought I did at the beginning of this post?
Maybe I don't.
I can't think of too many positives about it. But, when it was over, I don't remember thinking it was a waste of my time (although I was thinking, "Thank God! It's FINALLY over!!!").
Hmmmm... I'm warning you: It IS NOT like the preview makes you think it is. It's not. So, don't expect that. I hope you enjoy it more than I apparently did.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
"TMNT" Quick
Yes, it's been a LONG night.
And I just got home.
But, I also just watched "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" tonight!!!
Yep, ONE WEEK EARLY!!!
It's pretty good.
I give it a "B+".
I'll write more tomorrow.
I had to take a nap before the film (that's what happens when you start movies at 2am), but I'm still dead tired. So, check back later for a detailed description of my thoughts on the film.
Good night.
And I just got home.
But, I also just watched "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" tonight!!!
Yep, ONE WEEK EARLY!!!
It's pretty good.
I give it a "B+".
I'll write more tomorrow.
I had to take a nap before the film (that's what happens when you start movies at 2am), but I'm still dead tired. So, check back later for a detailed description of my thoughts on the film.
Good night.
Monday, February 05, 2007
True to My Word
Thursday, February 01, 2007
"The Key"
Two filmmaking friends of mine have teamed up for a film titled "The Key" and they sure put together a fine piece of indie work. The script was written by Steve "Papaw" Pyatte, while it was directed by Jim Dougherty. Papaw also does some more acting in the film, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. A while back I was sent the linnk to the trailer for the film, and I'll be honest - I was NOT impressed by the trailer. It caused a minor rift between Papaw and I, he took my comments a little harsher than intended, but we eventually got it all straightened out. I'm glad to say that the final film is much better than the trailer had me thinking it was going to be. I suggest everyone take a look at it, and then you might want to visit the sites I link to following the video, to learn more about these two guys.
Frankenstein 1931 Films.
Indie Sunts.
There's nothing I care about coming out this weekend, so I doubt I'll be going to any screenings tonight - which is cool, because I've actually got two other indie DVDs at home that I need to burn copies of and watch. One is a documentary. I've previously written a review on the film "Luke's Father and the Sled" - which I really enjoyed - and the guys who made the film provided me with a make-of documentary, which also shows them at the Lake County Film Festival. While at this film festival, they were introduced to a film called "Grodmin" and I've borrowed the DVD of it - because it's suppose to have the most twisted ending to any indie film ever made. And that's not just coming from my friends - that's coming from the internet. I've actually spoken to the director via emails, and he's going to send me the final version of the DVD when it is finished. For now, I have a copy (which I'm going to copy) of the festival version of the film. It turns out that they've come into some more money, and are remastering the film, for a final DVD release. I'm really in the mood to watch some indie film (although, I'm more in the mood to kick out somemore episodes of "24" tonight) so, maybe at some point I can get those watched and talk about them...
Frankenstein 1931 Films.
Indie Sunts.
There's nothing I care about coming out this weekend, so I doubt I'll be going to any screenings tonight - which is cool, because I've actually got two other indie DVDs at home that I need to burn copies of and watch. One is a documentary. I've previously written a review on the film "Luke's Father and the Sled" - which I really enjoyed - and the guys who made the film provided me with a make-of documentary, which also shows them at the Lake County Film Festival. While at this film festival, they were introduced to a film called "Grodmin" and I've borrowed the DVD of it - because it's suppose to have the most twisted ending to any indie film ever made. And that's not just coming from my friends - that's coming from the internet. I've actually spoken to the director via emails, and he's going to send me the final version of the DVD when it is finished. For now, I have a copy (which I'm going to copy) of the festival version of the film. It turns out that they've come into some more money, and are remastering the film, for a final DVD release. I'm really in the mood to watch some indie film (although, I'm more in the mood to kick out somemore episodes of "24" tonight) so, maybe at some point I can get those watched and talk about them...
Monday, January 29, 2007
"Catch and Release"
Sunday was a busy day.After getting home from Chicago, I watched the Iowa basketball team lose, watched a disc of "24" Season Three, watched the Pacers lose to the Pistons, then went out to catch a movie by myself.
I've been wanting to see "Catch and Release" for a good amount of time. I first heard about last summer, when Kevin Smith blogged about working on the film. Then, they screened it at Vulgarthon last year, and it got some good reviews. Finally, the trailer actually made it look like a good flick. These days, if I don't see something before it comes out - thanks to my awesome friends - then I generally never go to see it. I'm not a fan of watching films in crowded theatres - "Inland Empire" at the Music Box was NERVE-WRECKING, but I survived. Anyways, I was afraid if I didn't force myself to see the flick this weekend, then I never would. Finally, I convinced myself that on a cold Sunday night, the theatre would probably be close to empty. And I was right. Two couples, a single lady, and myself populated the theatre.
The film is pretty good. It takes some turns that I didn't expect from this type of genre, and it stayed away from most stereotypical plot devices that I did expect. So, it was a pleasant surprise on many levels. The dialogue was pretty good, and fairly funny. The story worked in a slow revealing type of fashion, however a couple of events felt a little too rushed. With a run time a little over 2 hours, it was odd for a flick to feel like it was forcing things to happen. But, a lot does happen in the film.
It was my kind of film. Now, it didn't hit on my same emotional level as "The Last Kiss" did, but it didn't need to. It still opened my mind, and forced me to think about and address things in my own life.
First, it reminded me that in love, we don't always get what we want. No matter how close we come, it can always be taken away. Also, when we have feelings for someone, more often than not, they do not return those feelings - which only hurts the heart. Love is an interesting thing, and the things we do for love, and because of love, might not always yield the greatest results. It shows how difficult it is to move on with your life. And I know I related to that - I'm still stuck at the apex of a hill, wanting to go forward and get as far away from this hill as I can, but then I think about the trip up the hill - and how much I enjoyed it. And it makes me want to go back down the hill, and climb it again - even though the hill just wants me long gone. Moving on is tough - well, at least for me. I can only hope that one day, someone comes along who helps me down the hill, and onto the next one. Because, I've lived. I've learned. And the next hill is going to be much easier, and more fun.
Second, it reminded me that life has to change. It's evolution. It's life. It's constantly moving and changing. People make decisions, and no matter how close of friends you are, they make the choices that are best for them. Things change. People change. It all changes. And to sit around and think that your perfect life, with friends, family, and everything else is always going to be around is a facade. It's a mirage. Life, overall, is a let down. And the highs are always ruined by the lows.
Third, it has confirmed in my mind that I don't mind kids. I think I'm not a fan of babies - but like a four year old, I think we would rock out together. The kid in the film is awesome. And while I've spent a good deal of my life living in fear of having a son, I think it would be a wicked good time. Someone who would want to hang out with me (because I'd be THE MORE WICKED COOL father) and someone to play with - because let's be honest, I'm still a kid at heart. Throwing the football. Playing catch. Shooting hockey pucks in the driveway. I can't do those things, if I don't mentally grow up and prepare myself for it. And now, I think I want it to happen. I'm still scared out of my mind about it - but I also see it as a lot of fun.
I guess I'm just finally hitting that point. I've lived a good and fun life. I've done a lot of things. And there's a natural progression to achieve. A place to arrive at. And begin 50 when my kids are in high school is NOT something I'm interested in. I want to be there for every sporting event, play, musical, whatever they decide to do with their lives.
Interesting how a flick about relationships and a kid can make you re-evaluate your entire life.
And after the film, while driving home, I was thinking about everything I've been writing about - and some things that I didn't write about - and I thought about my "promise" to Heidi, that I'll write a new script. And I think I've got the basis and beginnings of a new storyline, that I hope to develop. It's rough. It's going to need a lot of thought, love, and work - but I think in few weeks time, if I give it some serious time - I might be working on the next script. I don't know how I'm going to make it - I don't know who is going to help. I don't know how I'm going to come up with all of the money to pay my actors, but I'm going to start with the script. And I'm going to see what kinds of reactions I get.
Because, Heidi reminded me of one thing: I love to tell stories. With words. And with pictures. So, I should keep doing what I love...
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Intrepid, eh?
I often refer you my readers over to Peddie's Blog. And today, while reading it for myself, I noticed something "new" to me - I don't know how long he's done this, but I just noticed it today.
Peddie has given nicknames to most of the bloggers that has links to. There's "The Random Blogger", "The Sports Blogger", "The Baking Blogger", "The Weekend Blogger", etc...
Then, there's what he calls me: "Shane White - The Intrepid Blogger".
Now, I consider myself a very intelligent person, but I will admit when I have to look into something. Aside from knowing the automobile, I wasn't completely sure what "intrepid" meant, so I looked it up. And here's the definition I found (www.m-w.com):
"Characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance."
Again, I came across a word I wasn't 100% sure of the meaning. So, I looked up "fortitude":
"Strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage."
This statement is so true, in many ways that most of you don't know about. But, if you stick with reading this blog, in the future - you will understand.
I think I am going to have to take this as a compliment, I don't know if it was meant to be - but it's an interesting way to look at myself, and one that I wouldn't have done without having to look into the meaning of these words.
Peddie, if I ever get word "Intrepid" tattooed on my body - I want you to know it's going to be a direct result of you putting the word (and definition) into my mind.
I guess I'm just taken back by learning the definition. It's probably the only positive adjective anyone has ever used to describe me...
I was supposed to go check out "Smokin' Aces" tonight - a flick I've been pumped about all week. But, my buddies decided to watch "Epic Movie" first (a flick I have NO desire to see), and were going to be starting "Smokin' Aces" too late for me. Doesn't this suck? "Back in the day" I wouldn't care how late I had to stay up to watch a movie I wanted to see - but now, 8am comes REALLY EARLY!!! But, to have my nights and weekends off - I'm willing to deal with it. So, I'm going to be in Chicago all weekend - maybe I'll try to catch it while I'm there - if there's time.
The other film I really want to see this coming week is "Catch and Release". I hope to catch it soon. Here's the trailer:
Peddie has given nicknames to most of the bloggers that has links to. There's "The Random Blogger", "The Sports Blogger", "The Baking Blogger", "The Weekend Blogger", etc...
Then, there's what he calls me: "Shane White - The Intrepid Blogger".
Now, I consider myself a very intelligent person, but I will admit when I have to look into something. Aside from knowing the automobile, I wasn't completely sure what "intrepid" meant, so I looked it up. And here's the definition I found (www.m-w.com):
"Characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance."
Again, I came across a word I wasn't 100% sure of the meaning. So, I looked up "fortitude":
"Strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage."
This statement is so true, in many ways that most of you don't know about. But, if you stick with reading this blog, in the future - you will understand.
I think I am going to have to take this as a compliment, I don't know if it was meant to be - but it's an interesting way to look at myself, and one that I wouldn't have done without having to look into the meaning of these words.
Peddie, if I ever get word "Intrepid" tattooed on my body - I want you to know it's going to be a direct result of you putting the word (and definition) into my mind.
I guess I'm just taken back by learning the definition. It's probably the only positive adjective anyone has ever used to describe me...
I was supposed to go check out "Smokin' Aces" tonight - a flick I've been pumped about all week. But, my buddies decided to watch "Epic Movie" first (a flick I have NO desire to see), and were going to be starting "Smokin' Aces" too late for me. Doesn't this suck? "Back in the day" I wouldn't care how late I had to stay up to watch a movie I wanted to see - but now, 8am comes REALLY EARLY!!! But, to have my nights and weekends off - I'm willing to deal with it. So, I'm going to be in Chicago all weekend - maybe I'll try to catch it while I'm there - if there's time.
The other film I really want to see this coming week is "Catch and Release". I hope to catch it soon. Here's the trailer:
The Spot
The Spot is the new bar that has replaced P.S. O'Rourke's.
My first statement is a tough one: Everything that I never got out of O'Rourke's, I can get out of The Spot. I love Sloan and Flea to death, they are some important people in my life. But, they didn't want a sport bar - and I kind of always did. The Spot is very much a sports bar.
The Spot is very much a hybrid. It still feels like O'Rourke's, it still feels like home. It still feels like the bar that I have so many wonderful memories from. O'Rourke's is where I met Kristen. O'Rourke's is where I filmed a lot of scenes from various films of mine. O'Rourke's was were I was guaranteed to have a friend at. Sloan and Flea didn't care about having a hugely popular bar, they wanted a place for themselves and their friends to hang out, and they treated the regulars better than I've ever seen people treated. P.S. O'Rourke's was a Speakeasy, a Watering Hole, and place for friends to sit around and just talk. On the weekends, they made their money with live bands - which Sloan never really cared for, but needed the added revenue on the weekends. But, no matter what time of day, or what day, Sloan or Flea would be there, and the waitresses treated us like no one else ever did. It was a special place, and always will be - I've got so many wonderful memories from there.
But, it's in the past. It's gone. I can't have it again. But, the other day, when we learned The Spot had opened, my friends and I found time to go there and check it out. That time turned out to be tonight. And tonight, I learned something wonderful: A former waitress, Jamie, and her husband - along with two of their friends - are the new owners of the bar. And they have done an AMAZING job with the place.
It's brighter. It's not so dark anymore. There's a sports theme, with various mid-west team banners hanging all over the place. There are HD Plasma TVs all over the upstairs, and four HD projection screen TVs on the main level. There is even a private room with it's own HD TV. The biggest improvement is the bathrooms, which have been completely redone. They look nothing like before, and are BEYOND amazing!
As I was leaving the bathroom, it happened:
"SHANE!!!"
I was told that Jamie left before I got there, so I wasn't expecting it. But, it turns out that she was just sitting at the bar. She ran up and gave me a hung, and I spent the next 45 minutes talking to her and her husband and finding out all the details about how she/they got from the closing of O'Rourke's to opening the building as their own. It was an interesting story - and I am REALLY proud of Jamie. If you read this regularly, you know one of my life-long ambitions is to own my own sports bar. So, this will be the next best thing. Jamie introduced me to the entire staff, and introduced them to me. They are all really cool, and very much like the "family" that was lost when O'Rourke's closed. Also, one of the former waitresses (and former love of my life) is supposed to come back and start working there. So, it will be awesome to see her again.
They have removed a lot of the couches. Most of downstairs is all tables and chairs. They have done a lot of tile-work on the downstairs, as well as added the big screens. Upstairs has lots of brand new leather love seats, which are very comfortable. Tonight, the NFL Network was re-airing the Colts/Patriots game - in condensed format - so we watched that and talked about the game and the Super Bowl. There is a chance that we are going to end up having our Super Bowl Party at The Spot. We talked to Jamie about it, and she made some suggestions to us. So, we're going to see how everyone feels.
It's so cool. It's still got the vibe of O'Rourke's, but with a different feel. Jamie told me she felt the same way I did when the bar closed - that she was missing a part of her life - and that was part of her motivation to buy the building and get the place re-opened, but make it a little more hip and appealing than Sloan and Flea. So, it's a nifty hybrid. It's got the old vibe for people like me, combined with the new appealing sports bar theme.
I finally have somewhere that I feel comfortable going again. It feels like home again already.
I highly recommend it, if you're looking for a cool place in Castleton - and if you actually like sports.
Friday, January 12, 2007
"Primevil" SUCKS
Yeah, F.Y.I. - IT SUCKS!!! DO NOT SEE IT.
I thought "Lake Placid" was bad.
I thought "Anaconda" was bad.
Those two films are OSCAR-WORTHY compared to this.
I saw it for one reason: Dominic Purcell. He had his moments, but it was NOT worth sitting through. Orlando Jones has two good one-liners. And there is ONE "surprise" that I didn't see coming. Other than that, BAD, BAD, BAD. And I'm NOT being my typical critical self. I went in with NO expectations, and wish that I wouldn't have wasted my time.
I hadn't hung out with Justin and Phil since Christmas, so that was another reason I went. We had lots of laughs, but it was still a HORRIBLE flick.
Probably the WORST FILM I've seen in 2007. Granted, it's the ONLY film I've seen in 2007 - but that's BESIDES the point. At the end of the year, I'll guarantee it's in my BOTTOM FIVE.
Don't waste you time, you will regret it...
I thought "Lake Placid" was bad.
I thought "Anaconda" was bad.
Those two films are OSCAR-WORTHY compared to this.
I saw it for one reason: Dominic Purcell. He had his moments, but it was NOT worth sitting through. Orlando Jones has two good one-liners. And there is ONE "surprise" that I didn't see coming. Other than that, BAD, BAD, BAD. And I'm NOT being my typical critical self. I went in with NO expectations, and wish that I wouldn't have wasted my time.
I hadn't hung out with Justin and Phil since Christmas, so that was another reason I went. We had lots of laughs, but it was still a HORRIBLE flick.
Probably the WORST FILM I've seen in 2007. Granted, it's the ONLY film I've seen in 2007 - but that's BESIDES the point. At the end of the year, I'll guarantee it's in my BOTTOM FIVE.
Don't waste you time, you will regret it...
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Inland Empire
Sibley and I have made plans to attend a special screening of "Inland Empire" (Official Site) in Chicago on the weekend of the 27th. David Lynch is distributing the film himself, and according to the website, he's going to be at the screening that night.
It's going to be an awesome trip, but it got better when my buddy Heidi found out I was coming into town, and sent me this, in an email:
"I'm totally down for it. At the very least, though, we TOTALLY have to hang out. So let's keep in touch about it. You can't come to my city and not hang out with me - that would be illegal."
It's always nice to have someone act like they actually WANT to hang out with you. As cool as the weekend was going to be, it's looking like it's going to be even more fun than I hoped for.
I'm REALLY getting excited about the trip. I LOVE Road Trips, hence my East Coast drive. We're spending the night in Chi-Town, so it should turn into a really fun 48 hours. I'm hoping to some more road trips this summer. I'm trying to talk Zach into hitting Rondeau in Canada again. I have a feeling that multiple Weekend-Get-A-Aways are in store for 2007. Maybe some more to go back to Chicago?
Also, related to Sibley, is THIS ARTICLE from the Indy Star. Sibley is supposed to be in charge of the IMAX, when it opens. CONGRATS, bro. You know I'll be hitting you up for IMAX tickets, right???
Monday, January 01, 2007
2006: A Year in Shane
So, here it is: 2007.
And with that, I've taken some time today to think back over the past 365 Days - the year that was 2006. It was interesting. Lots of ups. Lots of downs. Lots of stuff happened. And I'm taking the time to list (with some pictures) some of the Top Threes of 2006, in various categories. So, here's a recap of 2006 - from Shane's eyes and mind.
1. The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
One of the last places I got to visit this year, but also one of the best. A place I'd been dreaming about seeing for so long, and thanks to Letha and Jason, I finally got to see it. It sure was amazing.
2. The Pier at Santa Monica, at Sunset.
The family trip to Los Angeles back in March was an amazing trip, filled with lots of fun times, but the night we spent in Santa Monica, and saw the sun set over the ocean was just beautiful.
3. The Campground at Rondeau State Park in Canada.
Zach's Bachelor Party took Zach, Jason Romberg, and myself into the heart of Canada to spend four days in the woods. Camping is always an awesome time, and since we haven't made a trip to Brown County in a couple of years, this was an awesome time. Three guys in the woods, talking about life under the stars. It was such a great trip.
1. "The Last Kiss"
Probably the best film about relationships I've seen in a long time. So many different perspectives and concepts of love and relationships, you're sure to identify with one of them. Perfect flick.
2. "The Prestige"
Probably the best storytelling of any film I've ever seen. Non-linear editing results in so many questions before answers, and allows three different time lines to intertwine with each other. This film also has THE BEST ENDING of any film since 1999 - PERIOD.
3. "Thank You For Smoking"
Just a flat-out hilarious film, that is wonderfully written and acted. Yes, some scenes are a little outlandish, but overall I think it's a wonderfully fun time, and Aaron Eckhart does an amazing job.
1. "Commit This to Memory" by The Motion City Soundtrack.
2. "Let Love In" by The Goo Goo Dolls.
3. "How to Save a Life" by The Fray.
2. "Lips of an Angel" by Hinder (from "Extreme Behavior")
3. "Feel the Silence" by The Goo Goo Dolls (from "Let Love In")
2. Pearl Jam
3. The Goo Goo Dolls
2. The Eastsiders Basketball Team winning the ISSA Class B Championship.
3. Big Al Harrington returning to the Indiana Pacers.
2. "Prison Break"
3. "How I Met Your Mother"
Yeah, this one takes the cake. One year ago today - I never would have seen it coming. I knew we were having problems, but I honestly believe some separation and time apart would help us figure out our feelings for each other. I guess she figured out her feelings - which wasn't a good thing for me, and it was a pretty big shocker when I got the paperwork in the mail.
2. Jason Moving.
When Jason and I were into film together, the guy told me he didn't think he would ever move to Los Angeles, because he didn't want to leave his family and friends in Indianapolis. So, when he was presented with the opportunity to move to Boston, I was first surprised that he was thinking about it - and more surprised with his final decision. I can still remember the night he told Annette and I that he was going to stay here in Indy, and turn the job down. It wasn't more than two hours later I was hanging out with him, when he told me he was going to take the job. I quickly went from "happy Jason was staying" to "bummed Jason was leaving". Another surprise to my life in 2006.
3. Dad Goes to Iraq.
I never would have imagined, until I was told, that my Dad would be going to Iraq. He's not exactly a 20-year-old infantryman. So, the government sending him over to Iraq to do some work was Out of Left Field, in my opinion. Luckily, he went and made it home safe - but it was still kind of a surprise to find out he was going.
I'm hoping for a good 2007.
I've got some life plans in order, and hope they work out.
I'm holding off on going back to school - so that I can spend the next few months getting my living arrangements worked out (finding an apartment downtown) and getting a new job. I plan to start talking to a counselor at IUPUI in the next few weeks, so that they can start setting me up and enrolling me in the classes I want to take in the fall. This will also give me a chance to save some money and start applying for financial aid.
I've only made one resolution for 2007.
And I think I'll be able to keep it. I've already started on it, and I think I can keep up with it. My resolution for 2007 is to get myself into better shape (which includes losing some weight). I've been riding 10 Miles a Day on the bike for five days a week, for the past three weeks - so I just need to keep that up. I've been lifting free weights and just need to continue doing that as well. Finally, no more soda. Juice, Water, Gatorade, Powerade, anything but soda. By the Spring, I want to be regularly running the canal downtown (hopefully living close enough to jog to the canal, and then jog the whole thing).
Well, 2006 sure changed my life.
Lots of ups.
Lots of downs.
Lots of good times.
Lots of lonely nights.
Somehow, I have a feeling 2007 is going to be a lot of the same...
...but I guess that's life.
I'll see you again in 365 Days, with another list. I hope you all have a WONDERFUL 2007.
And with that, I've taken some time today to think back over the past 365 Days - the year that was 2006. It was interesting. Lots of ups. Lots of downs. Lots of stuff happened. And I'm taking the time to list (with some pictures) some of the Top Threes of 2006, in various categories. So, here's a recap of 2006 - from Shane's eyes and mind.
Top Three Places I Visited in 2006
1. The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City.One of the last places I got to visit this year, but also one of the best. A place I'd been dreaming about seeing for so long, and thanks to Letha and Jason, I finally got to see it. It sure was amazing.
2. The Pier at Santa Monica, at Sunset.The family trip to Los Angeles back in March was an amazing trip, filled with lots of fun times, but the night we spent in Santa Monica, and saw the sun set over the ocean was just beautiful.
3. The Campground at Rondeau State Park in Canada.Zach's Bachelor Party took Zach, Jason Romberg, and myself into the heart of Canada to spend four days in the woods. Camping is always an awesome time, and since we haven't made a trip to Brown County in a couple of years, this was an awesome time. Three guys in the woods, talking about life under the stars. It was such a great trip.
Top Three Films I Saw in 2006
1. "The Last Kiss"Probably the best film about relationships I've seen in a long time. So many different perspectives and concepts of love and relationships, you're sure to identify with one of them. Perfect flick.
2. "The Prestige"
Probably the best storytelling of any film I've ever seen. Non-linear editing results in so many questions before answers, and allows three different time lines to intertwine with each other. This film also has THE BEST ENDING of any film since 1999 - PERIOD.
3. "Thank You For Smoking"
Just a flat-out hilarious film, that is wonderfully written and acted. Yes, some scenes are a little outlandish, but overall I think it's a wonderfully fun time, and Aaron Eckhart does an amazing job.
Top Three Albums I Bought in 2006
1. "Commit This to Memory" by The Motion City Soundtrack.2. "Let Love In" by The Goo Goo Dolls.
3. "How to Save a Life" by The Fray.
All great rockin' albums, which I still constantly listen to.
Top Three Singles Released in 2006
1. "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol (from "Eyes Open")2. "Lips of an Angel" by Hinder (from "Extreme Behavior")
3. "Feel the Silence" by The Goo Goo Dolls (from "Let Love In")
Top Three Concerts I Went to in 2006
1. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra2. Pearl Jam
3. The Goo Goo Dolls
Top Three Sports Moments in 2006
1. Reggie Miller's Jersey being retired.2. The Eastsiders Basketball Team winning the ISSA Class B Championship.
3. Big Al Harrington returning to the Indiana Pacers.
Top Three T.V. Shows I Watched in 2006
1. "Lost"2. "Prison Break"
3. "How I Met Your Mother"
Three Biggest Surprises of 2006
1. The Divorce.Yeah, this one takes the cake. One year ago today - I never would have seen it coming. I knew we were having problems, but I honestly believe some separation and time apart would help us figure out our feelings for each other. I guess she figured out her feelings - which wasn't a good thing for me, and it was a pretty big shocker when I got the paperwork in the mail.
2. Jason Moving.
When Jason and I were into film together, the guy told me he didn't think he would ever move to Los Angeles, because he didn't want to leave his family and friends in Indianapolis. So, when he was presented with the opportunity to move to Boston, I was first surprised that he was thinking about it - and more surprised with his final decision. I can still remember the night he told Annette and I that he was going to stay here in Indy, and turn the job down. It wasn't more than two hours later I was hanging out with him, when he told me he was going to take the job. I quickly went from "happy Jason was staying" to "bummed Jason was leaving". Another surprise to my life in 2006.
3. Dad Goes to Iraq.
I never would have imagined, until I was told, that my Dad would be going to Iraq. He's not exactly a 20-year-old infantryman. So, the government sending him over to Iraq to do some work was Out of Left Field, in my opinion. Luckily, he went and made it home safe - but it was still kind of a surprise to find out he was going.
I'm hoping for a good 2007.
I've got some life plans in order, and hope they work out.
I'm holding off on going back to school - so that I can spend the next few months getting my living arrangements worked out (finding an apartment downtown) and getting a new job. I plan to start talking to a counselor at IUPUI in the next few weeks, so that they can start setting me up and enrolling me in the classes I want to take in the fall. This will also give me a chance to save some money and start applying for financial aid.
I've only made one resolution for 2007.
And I think I'll be able to keep it. I've already started on it, and I think I can keep up with it. My resolution for 2007 is to get myself into better shape (which includes losing some weight). I've been riding 10 Miles a Day on the bike for five days a week, for the past three weeks - so I just need to keep that up. I've been lifting free weights and just need to continue doing that as well. Finally, no more soda. Juice, Water, Gatorade, Powerade, anything but soda. By the Spring, I want to be regularly running the canal downtown (hopefully living close enough to jog to the canal, and then jog the whole thing).
Well, 2006 sure changed my life.
Lots of ups.
Lots of downs.
Lots of good times.
Lots of lonely nights.
Somehow, I have a feeling 2007 is going to be a lot of the same...
...but I guess that's life.
I'll see you again in 365 Days, with another list. I hope you all have a WONDERFUL 2007.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Co-Existance: God and Evolution
DISCLAIMER:
Okay, here's the deal. My theory basically only works when combined with itself. You won't be able to attempt to apply it to your own theories - because it requires basically all of its own parts to function. It's also based on a NON-LIBERAL interpretation of some Biblical passages. You may, or may not agree - but I ask that you don't try to assimilate your own theories to disprove mine. PLEASE feel free to explain and discuss you rown theories - I would LOVE to hear them! But, I just ask that you understand ALL THIS IS - IS A THEORY, and I'm not trying to sell anyone on it - or disprove anyone else's theories or thoughts. Finally - Peddie, this is for you!
The important aspect to my theory is the following:
God knows no time. Time is irrelevant to God. A minute is like an hour, and so forth.
It is believed that Moses wrote the Book of Gensis. Where the creation of the world/universe/Earth, etc... is recorded. So, during one of Moses' and God's "Hang Times" - God talked to Moses and told him what to write in Gensis. And God probably explained this to him:
"Moses, between you and me, I did not create the world in six days, but to make things easier for humans to understand, we are just going to call each period of time - one day."
Thus, the SIX DAYS were created, when in actuality, these "six days" spanned 4.5 Billion Years. (give a take a couple of million, we'll get into that soon...)
So, YES - Scientists are right with their "age" of the Earth. I'm afraid too many narrow-minded religious people aren't willing to take into account that each "day" that was written about, might not have been an actually 24-hour period, but instead a simplified way for God to talk to us. Otherwise, the Bible would read like this:
"On the first Billion Years, God created Light and Darkness. On the second billion years, God created Water. Etc..." (Obviously a PARAphrased version...) A "day" just probably seemed easier in vernacular.
So, here it goes:
"Day One" - A Billion Years.
"Day Two" - Another Billion. Up to Two Billion Years Old. A billion years sounds like just enough time for Vaalbara to seperate (starting 3.2 Billion Years ago) and form the modern continets, over another billion years - because God told it to.
"Day Three" add a Billion Years. Now, we're up to Three Billion.
"Day Four" add another Billion. Up to Four Billion.
"Day Five" - God creates "Creatures" NOT "animals", "Creatures".
So, after Four Billion Years of the Planet Earth existing (which felt like four days to God), he finally put some life on the planet. Now, if the world is 4.57 Billion Years Old, we are now looking at 570,000,000, Years ago.
Scientist believe Dinosaurs arrived on the planet 230,000,000 Years ago. Obviously, there is a minor flaw in someone's math. Perhaps the Scientists are a few hundred million years late with the arrival of the dinosaurs, or a few hundred million years over the life of the Earth, or perhaps God stayed up late one "day" and it was a little longer than One Billion Years. I can only imagine who long it took himt o perfect the stars... So many solar systems... Maybe he took a little extra time to create another planet of lifeforms? And that caused one of his "days" to run a little longer...???
"Day Six" should have started in 3995B.C. (I'll cover that in a second). Meaning, "Day Five" was actually 569,996,005 Years Long (give or take).
569,996,005 Years is PLENTY of time for dinosaurs to rule the earth, while other smaller creatures lived on Earth also.
Now, if Scientists are right about the "catastrophic event" which ended the dinosaurs existence 65,000,000 years ago - then that would give 64,996,005 Years between the End of Dinosaurs are God creating "man". PLENTY of time for the atmosphere to settle down, become breathable again. Plenty of time for the smaller creatures on Earth to continue to reporoduce, and adapt to their various living conditions.
And here is where I may lose some people's faith: 64,996,005 Years is enough time for God to evolve SOME Monkeys into semi-homo-sapien form.
Let's look at it this way: Out of EVERY creature on the planet only two of them share the same number of chromosomes (46, 23 from each parent) Humans and Monkeys. It's a little bit of a coincidence, don't you think? Environmental Adaptation, over millions upon millions of years could have led to a group of primates eventually adapting and evolving into a very human-like being. Perhaps, the "Iceman" was one of these pre-homo-sapiens, who was potentially part primate, and not fully developed as a thinking human being???
So, where do Evolution and Creationism cross paths? I honestly believe the answer is a simple one:
Genesis 4:16.
"And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden."
And what happened in the Land of Nod? Cain is said to have created the cityof Enoch, and fathered seven children. Who lived in the Land of Nod? And how was Cain able to father children?
Living in the Land of Nod, were the semi-homo-sapiens, who "evolved" or "adapted" from primates. Cain had children. These children were hybrids. And over the next few thousand years, they helped mankind shape its self as an extremely diverse group of people - with thousands upon thousands of variations that make each person unique. Heck, if all of these people lived in the Middle-East, it's very probable that these "hybrids" are actually responsible for the way "White People" look???
So, my long and short answer: Evolution Happened - BECAUSE God WANTED it to, SO THAT when Cain killed his brother, he would have a community for Cain to end up at. God planned evolution to take place, so that it would "catch up" with his human creations, at the exact moment that he wanted it to happen.
The Earth is as old as the scientists say.
Evolution happened, similar to how scientists believed.
God ALLOWED all of this to take place - because it ALL was part of his PLAN.
Oh, and my final arguement towards the "mating" between Cain and a semi-homo-sapien is the following:
Okay, here's the deal. My theory basically only works when combined with itself. You won't be able to attempt to apply it to your own theories - because it requires basically all of its own parts to function. It's also based on a NON-LIBERAL interpretation of some Biblical passages. You may, or may not agree - but I ask that you don't try to assimilate your own theories to disprove mine. PLEASE feel free to explain and discuss you rown theories - I would LOVE to hear them! But, I just ask that you understand ALL THIS IS - IS A THEORY, and I'm not trying to sell anyone on it - or disprove anyone else's theories or thoughts. Finally - Peddie, this is for you!
The important aspect to my theory is the following:
God knows no time. Time is irrelevant to God. A minute is like an hour, and so forth.
It is believed that Moses wrote the Book of Gensis. Where the creation of the world/universe/Earth, etc... is recorded. So, during one of Moses' and God's "Hang Times" - God talked to Moses and told him what to write in Gensis. And God probably explained this to him:
"Moses, between you and me, I did not create the world in six days, but to make things easier for humans to understand, we are just going to call each period of time - one day."
Thus, the SIX DAYS were created, when in actuality, these "six days" spanned 4.5 Billion Years. (give a take a couple of million, we'll get into that soon...)
So, YES - Scientists are right with their "age" of the Earth. I'm afraid too many narrow-minded religious people aren't willing to take into account that each "day" that was written about, might not have been an actually 24-hour period, but instead a simplified way for God to talk to us. Otherwise, the Bible would read like this:
"On the first Billion Years, God created Light and Darkness. On the second billion years, God created Water. Etc..." (Obviously a PARAphrased version...) A "day" just probably seemed easier in vernacular.
So, here it goes:
"Day One" - A Billion Years.
"Day Two" - Another Billion. Up to Two Billion Years Old. A billion years sounds like just enough time for Vaalbara to seperate (starting 3.2 Billion Years ago) and form the modern continets, over another billion years - because God told it to.
"Day Three" add a Billion Years. Now, we're up to Three Billion.
"Day Four" add another Billion. Up to Four Billion.
"Day Five" - God creates "Creatures" NOT "animals", "Creatures".
So, after Four Billion Years of the Planet Earth existing (which felt like four days to God), he finally put some life on the planet. Now, if the world is 4.57 Billion Years Old, we are now looking at 570,000,000, Years ago.
Scientist believe Dinosaurs arrived on the planet 230,000,000 Years ago. Obviously, there is a minor flaw in someone's math. Perhaps the Scientists are a few hundred million years late with the arrival of the dinosaurs, or a few hundred million years over the life of the Earth, or perhaps God stayed up late one "day" and it was a little longer than One Billion Years. I can only imagine who long it took himt o perfect the stars... So many solar systems... Maybe he took a little extra time to create another planet of lifeforms? And that caused one of his "days" to run a little longer...???
"Day Six" should have started in 3995B.C. (I'll cover that in a second). Meaning, "Day Five" was actually 569,996,005 Years Long (give or take).
569,996,005 Years is PLENTY of time for dinosaurs to rule the earth, while other smaller creatures lived on Earth also.
Now, if Scientists are right about the "catastrophic event" which ended the dinosaurs existence 65,000,000 years ago - then that would give 64,996,005 Years between the End of Dinosaurs are God creating "man". PLENTY of time for the atmosphere to settle down, become breathable again. Plenty of time for the smaller creatures on Earth to continue to reporoduce, and adapt to their various living conditions.
And here is where I may lose some people's faith: 64,996,005 Years is enough time for God to evolve SOME Monkeys into semi-homo-sapien form.
Let's look at it this way: Out of EVERY creature on the planet only two of them share the same number of chromosomes (46, 23 from each parent) Humans and Monkeys. It's a little bit of a coincidence, don't you think? Environmental Adaptation, over millions upon millions of years could have led to a group of primates eventually adapting and evolving into a very human-like being. Perhaps, the "Iceman" was one of these pre-homo-sapiens, who was potentially part primate, and not fully developed as a thinking human being???
So, where do Evolution and Creationism cross paths? I honestly believe the answer is a simple one:
Genesis 4:16.
"And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden."
And what happened in the Land of Nod? Cain is said to have created the cityof Enoch, and fathered seven children. Who lived in the Land of Nod? And how was Cain able to father children?
Living in the Land of Nod, were the semi-homo-sapiens, who "evolved" or "adapted" from primates. Cain had children. These children were hybrids. And over the next few thousand years, they helped mankind shape its self as an extremely diverse group of people - with thousands upon thousands of variations that make each person unique. Heck, if all of these people lived in the Middle-East, it's very probable that these "hybrids" are actually responsible for the way "White People" look???
So, my long and short answer: Evolution Happened - BECAUSE God WANTED it to, SO THAT when Cain killed his brother, he would have a community for Cain to end up at. God planned evolution to take place, so that it would "catch up" with his human creations, at the exact moment that he wanted it to happen.
The Earth is as old as the scientists say.
Evolution happened, similar to how scientists believed.
God ALLOWED all of this to take place - because it ALL was part of his PLAN.
Oh, and my final arguement towards the "mating" between Cain and a semi-homo-sapien is the following:
Friday, December 15, 2006
Cheers!!!
Jason and I just spent a couple of hours there and it was a really good time!
Long blogs coming tomorrow...
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Ice Skating!
Serendipity 3
Next, off to Central Park for ice skating!
Manhattan Island
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
The Reason for the Trip
Friday, December 08, 2006
Watched "The Fountain"
So, I knew it was the last night for "The Fountain" at my buddies Phil and Justin's theatre. So, with the night off - I knew I needed to check it out before I didn't have a chance.
First off, the SPOILER-FREE parts...
It's different.
It's not what I expected from Darren Aronofsky.
There was no "hip-hop editing" involved in this film.
It REALLY shows how he has matured as a filmmaker, and can tell an amazing story.
This IS his BEST film - to date.
What I know I liked: The UBER-non-linear editing. Not only were there three timelines being edited together - they were being edited together out of order. Giving you questions before answers - and giving you ideas before you found out the truth. Granted, I was able to figure out about 90% of the film - and the 10% I didn't figure out, I don't know if I was supposed to.
The film is really an AMAZING love story. The story of a man who spends 1,000 years trying to fullfil his love to a woman. His passion. His determination. His obsessiveness. Hugh Jackman is AWESOME. PERFECT. WONDERFUL. If there was EVER a question about his acting (which there WAS NOT after "The Prestige") this film proves he's an amazingly capable actor on so many levels.
Jason refuses to think about how Dougray Scott would have been as Wolverine - and now I refuse to think about how Brad Pitt would have been in this film. Because Hugh is BEYOND perfect. Rachel Weisz does a pretty good job, but her character is pretty limited, and I could potentially see other talented females playing this same part. Not to downplay how good she was, but it wasn't overly amazing, but her roles is nowhere near as big as Hugh's.
The story is plain and simple. Find the Foutain of Youth, hidden by God and protected by the Mayan Empire. Use this knowledge to bring Spain into power, over the church. Fast-forward 500 years to the "present" when our Main Man and his Lady are living in the present, however she has a brain tumor which is slowly killing her. Tom does extensive tests on Primates and is close to discovering a way to save her, although the cure helps with health - it does not reduce brain tumors in primates. Izzi is writing a book - which very much resembles their life 500 years ago, and before she can finish it, she asks Tom to write the final chapter.
Fast forward to another 500 Years in the future, when Tom is traveling through space - fulfilling a destiny and a promise he made to Izzi - based on a conversation they had regarding the spirituality of the Mayans and how they viewed death.
Simple, right? At times it's a little confsuing, but eventually gives you the clues you need to come up with your own answers to the questions that are posed.
The film is an AMAZING new look at Sci-Fi filmmaking. I VERY MUCH compare it to "Donnie Darko". And now, I'll move on to MY theories about the film...
SPOILERS below the picture!!!
So, here's my honest theory.
I don't believe there are actually three timelines going on.
I believe that these characters are in "The Present" and that's IT. PERIOD.
Izzi is obsessed with the Mayan Empire and their philosphies on life and death. Mostly on death now, as she knows her "end" is coming soon. She becomes obsessed with the idea of death being the birth of life. The concept the Mayans used to explain the birth of the world, how one man gave up his life and the world grew from him.
Izzi is a VERY good author, and has written the majority of her book. However, she does not know how to finish it. She lies this burden on Tom. She writes a very good and very vivid book - and when Tom reads it, he places himself and Izzi into the story.
Post Izzi's death - Tom attempts to write the Final Chapter, which is when he hallucinates the visions of the future. His obsession with his wife leads to his visions of the future and fulfilling the promise to her - that he would save her. Knowing that she is dead, the only way to fulfill the promise to save her, is to bond her body with a tree, and carry that tree into a nebula - allowing her to be "reborn".
This IS NOT REAL. It takes place in Tom's head. This is why the Future and the Past are connected in the final sequence of the film - because it's Izzi's story in Tom's head merged with his hallucinations for the future - at which point his brain causes them to collide. This is why "Present Day Tom" is not involved in the sequence - because it happening inside of his head, as he attempts to fulfill his promise of saving Izzi.
While the names "Isabel" and "Izzi" are VERY similar, and are meant to imply that they are the same person - I DO NOT believe that they are.
Also, in support of my theory: Tom and Izzi NEVER discuss their past together. They make NO MENTION of spending 500 years together. Present Day Tom doesn't EVER do ANYTHING that even hints at the fact that he's well over 500 Years Old. I DO NOT believe the past ever "happened". I can only believe that Tom visualizes it all in his head, from the story Izzi has written.
The only time there is any mention of time passing is when Future Tom is looking at the tattoos on his arms and claims "It was you that kept me company through all these years..." And since we know he didn't "start" tattooing himself until after Izzi's death - then again, he can only be reffering to the Present to the Future - disregarding the Past Tom.
I have to stand by my theory.
"The Present" is the ONLY reality.
"The Past" is in Tom's head, based on Izzi's book.
"The Future" is a hallucination inside Tom's head, as he attempts to deal with the lose of the love of his life, and his brain's attempt at fulfilling his promise to "save" Izzi. Because, in the end - his final attempt to save her life, came from an idea SHE gave him, in the "present".
The film is about LOVE and OBSESSION.
Izzi is obsessed with the Mayan Empire and their philosophies on death, and rebirth.
Tom is obsessed with saving Izzi's life.
And they have a love that transcends time and space. Figuratively and Metaphorically.
That's my theory.
First off, the SPOILER-FREE parts...
It's different.
It's not what I expected from Darren Aronofsky.
There was no "hip-hop editing" involved in this film.
It REALLY shows how he has matured as a filmmaker, and can tell an amazing story.
This IS his BEST film - to date.
What I know I liked: The UBER-non-linear editing. Not only were there three timelines being edited together - they were being edited together out of order. Giving you questions before answers - and giving you ideas before you found out the truth. Granted, I was able to figure out about 90% of the film - and the 10% I didn't figure out, I don't know if I was supposed to.
The film is really an AMAZING love story. The story of a man who spends 1,000 years trying to fullfil his love to a woman. His passion. His determination. His obsessiveness. Hugh Jackman is AWESOME. PERFECT. WONDERFUL. If there was EVER a question about his acting (which there WAS NOT after "The Prestige") this film proves he's an amazingly capable actor on so many levels.
Jason refuses to think about how Dougray Scott would have been as Wolverine - and now I refuse to think about how Brad Pitt would have been in this film. Because Hugh is BEYOND perfect. Rachel Weisz does a pretty good job, but her character is pretty limited, and I could potentially see other talented females playing this same part. Not to downplay how good she was, but it wasn't overly amazing, but her roles is nowhere near as big as Hugh's.
The story is plain and simple. Find the Foutain of Youth, hidden by God and protected by the Mayan Empire. Use this knowledge to bring Spain into power, over the church. Fast-forward 500 years to the "present" when our Main Man and his Lady are living in the present, however she has a brain tumor which is slowly killing her. Tom does extensive tests on Primates and is close to discovering a way to save her, although the cure helps with health - it does not reduce brain tumors in primates. Izzi is writing a book - which very much resembles their life 500 years ago, and before she can finish it, she asks Tom to write the final chapter.
Fast forward to another 500 Years in the future, when Tom is traveling through space - fulfilling a destiny and a promise he made to Izzi - based on a conversation they had regarding the spirituality of the Mayans and how they viewed death.
Simple, right? At times it's a little confsuing, but eventually gives you the clues you need to come up with your own answers to the questions that are posed.
The film is an AMAZING new look at Sci-Fi filmmaking. I VERY MUCH compare it to "Donnie Darko". And now, I'll move on to MY theories about the film...
SPOILERS below the picture!!!
So, here's my honest theory.
I don't believe there are actually three timelines going on.
I believe that these characters are in "The Present" and that's IT. PERIOD.
Izzi is obsessed with the Mayan Empire and their philosphies on life and death. Mostly on death now, as she knows her "end" is coming soon. She becomes obsessed with the idea of death being the birth of life. The concept the Mayans used to explain the birth of the world, how one man gave up his life and the world grew from him.
Izzi is a VERY good author, and has written the majority of her book. However, she does not know how to finish it. She lies this burden on Tom. She writes a very good and very vivid book - and when Tom reads it, he places himself and Izzi into the story.
Post Izzi's death - Tom attempts to write the Final Chapter, which is when he hallucinates the visions of the future. His obsession with his wife leads to his visions of the future and fulfilling the promise to her - that he would save her. Knowing that she is dead, the only way to fulfill the promise to save her, is to bond her body with a tree, and carry that tree into a nebula - allowing her to be "reborn".
This IS NOT REAL. It takes place in Tom's head. This is why the Future and the Past are connected in the final sequence of the film - because it's Izzi's story in Tom's head merged with his hallucinations for the future - at which point his brain causes them to collide. This is why "Present Day Tom" is not involved in the sequence - because it happening inside of his head, as he attempts to fulfill his promise of saving Izzi.
While the names "Isabel" and "Izzi" are VERY similar, and are meant to imply that they are the same person - I DO NOT believe that they are.
Also, in support of my theory: Tom and Izzi NEVER discuss their past together. They make NO MENTION of spending 500 years together. Present Day Tom doesn't EVER do ANYTHING that even hints at the fact that he's well over 500 Years Old. I DO NOT believe the past ever "happened". I can only believe that Tom visualizes it all in his head, from the story Izzi has written.
The only time there is any mention of time passing is when Future Tom is looking at the tattoos on his arms and claims "It was you that kept me company through all these years..." And since we know he didn't "start" tattooing himself until after Izzi's death - then again, he can only be reffering to the Present to the Future - disregarding the Past Tom.
I have to stand by my theory.
"The Present" is the ONLY reality.
"The Past" is in Tom's head, based on Izzi's book.
"The Future" is a hallucination inside Tom's head, as he attempts to deal with the lose of the love of his life, and his brain's attempt at fulfilling his promise to "save" Izzi. Because, in the end - his final attempt to save her life, came from an idea SHE gave him, in the "present".
The film is about LOVE and OBSESSION.
Izzi is obsessed with the Mayan Empire and their philosophies on death, and rebirth.
Tom is obsessed with saving Izzi's life.
And they have a love that transcends time and space. Figuratively and Metaphorically.
That's my theory.
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