Book Review: Dune

Title: Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Pages: 544
Rating: 4 Stars

I first read Dune half a lifetime ago (I was 15, I think). I don't remember what I thought of it then, though I don't remember hating it. Before I'd read it, I'd seen David Lynch's 1983 movie both in theatrical and extended director's cut format. Concurrently I'd also played Dune 2, a landmark computer game that basically kicked off the modern real-time strategy genre. Why's that interesting to you? I'm not sure that it is, but it's interesting to me. The movie is not a thing I like, and yet it, combined withe the computer game, had replaced most of my opinions on Frank Herbert's novel. The only thing I retained after all these years was a general idea that I thought the book to be of somewhat better quality than the movie.

Anyway, all useless reminiscing aside, I saw the movie on TV the other day and reconfirmed my impressions that I think it's bad. It also managed to reawaken some trapped Dune particle in my system that planted itself in my brain and grew like a cancer until I decided to re-read the book. As it happens, I rather enjoyed it. I'm less concerned with avoiding spoilers in this review as I think most of my "audience" are going to be familiar with the rough details. The story involves a galactic imperium which depends on a "spice" called melange for all manner of rituals and technologies. This spice comes from only one source, a fully arid world named Arrakis, but called Dune in the vernacular. The plot in the book involves an intrigue between the Emperor and two major noble houses (Harkonnen and Atreides) designed to bring the downfall of Atreides. 

The plot is good, and the characters marginally engaging, but the real appeal of this book is Frank Herbert's fully realized setting. So well realized is this universe, I find myself interested in reading some of the "sources" Herbert constructed to introduce his chapters. Sometimes you'll see Dune referred to as something of a Lord of the Rings of Sci-Fi, and I can see why. Herbert has constructed an interesting and intricate universe in which he goes to great efforts to explore the philosophical implications of things like war and religion across his setting. In fact, I'd say it's arguable if Dune is even "science fiction," as opposed to fantasy. Certainly there is some technology in the story, but Herbert seems intent on using his setting to explore the extremes of humanity rather than the extremes of technology. It is based on the strength of the setting and Herbert's exploration of things philosophical I'm giving Dune 4 stars. While the writing is serviceable, it's not excellent, and most of the characters are a means to an end rather than any sort of dynamic and interesting force. 

Special note: Man, that movie sucks. Please don't watch it, and please read this instead. It's a great tragedy that most people will have created their impressions of Dune from that movie. Most of the changes the filmmaker made to the story and universe seem unnecessary. I kind of have to wonder if David Lynch actually read the material. I've never seen the Syfy channel miniseries, so I can't say if it's any good.

(4 stars)

Movie Review: Toy Story 3

Title: Toy Story 3
Director: Lee Unkrich
Rating: 5 Stars

Review:  First 5-star rating, hip hip hizzah.  I love the Toy Story series.  Heck, I pretty much love everything Pixar has ever done.  You get nervous when Disney starts puking out sequels of movies... I mean who could forget Bambi II or 102  Dalmatians direct to DVD wonders.  But, Pixar, I guess maintains enough control to keep their sequels from being ridiculous cashgrabs.  As I mentioned, I love the first two Toy Story movies, and I can say without out a doubt that Toy Story 3 is actually my favorite.

I didn't do any reading ahead of time, or pay any attention to previews of this movie, so I went in without knowing what the conflict would be.  Well, they took the nuclear option this time.  Andy has turned 18 and will be heading off the college very soon.  Though Andy had parted ways with some of his toys over the years via garage sale the core was still most in place: Woody the Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, Mr. & Mrs.  Potato Head, Jesse, the Piggybank, and our trio of Aliens who worship The Claw.  The filmmakers build tension in the plot by asking the question, what will Andy do with the toys he hasn't really been interested in for years when he heads off to college.  Everything seems to shaping up for a decision in which he takes Woody to college and leaves the rest of his toys in the attic.  There's a snag however that sees Mom misunderstanding that the toys were meant for storage and instead throws them out.  This kicks off a long journey for our toys starting in a totalitarian daycare center and ending with a truly tender and bittersweet tearjerker of an ending. 

This film explores themes not unlike the previous installments of Toy Story-- honesty, corruption, fear, fearmongering and above all loyalty.  Our characters face new challenges and conquer them primarily with loyalty and honesty.  It's a wonderful message and it's delivered adroitly.  If you're loyal to your fellow man, you'll come out okay.  It doesn't mean things won't change, or that things will always go your way... But you'll come out of it loved by those around you.  I believe that, and so did the filmmakers here.  Anyone, child or adult should watch this movie and enjoy it.  (5 stars)

Movie Review: When You're Strange

Title: When You're Strange
Director: Tom DiCillo
Rating: 4 Stars

Review: I had an opportunity to catch this documentary about Jim Morrison and his experience with The Doors at Peoria Theater, our local Brew & View.  I'm glad my buddy mentioned it because it contained a lot of footage of the band together that I'd never seen before.  I believe this documentary does an excellent job in capturing the music of The Doors, especially as it relates to the counter-culture movement of the 1960s.

Tom DiCillo set the story of The Doors against a backdrop of Jim Morrison's own film, HWY: An American Pastoral.  HWY is the expression of one of Morrison's fantasy of being picked up as a hitchhiker and then killing the car's original driver (one he also expresses in the song "Riders on the Storm).  DiCillo artfully used the imagery of hitchhiker's journey to introduce each section of When You're Strange.

There isn't a great deal to say about plot here, as the movie merely follows the band from formation through to Morrison's death in 1971.  If you're not familiar with the story of the band itself, it's a lot like a classic Behind the Music episode on a stellar scale.  Band forms, does great stuff, member of band gets out of control on drugs/alcohol (and in Jim Morrison's case, WAY OUT OF CONTROL), said member explodes into supernova sealing band's legend.  DiCillo covers all of it at a reasonable detail level, so if you'd like to learn about the band this is a great film for you.  If you know a lot about The Doors already, the commentary will be wasted on you (even if it's delivered by Johnny Depp) because you probably already know it.  My only complaint was a little bit of the accompanying imagery/commentary is at times a little heavy handed for my taste, but all-in-all I thought this was an excellent movie.

Interestingly, this movie got mixed reviews, garnering only 67% or so on review aggregating website Rotten Tomatoes.  I can't imagine what any reasonable complaint would be, so suspect that some of the reviews are tainted by a dislike for The Doors or Jim Morrison.  In my case, I have loved the Doors since I was about 11... So I was good to go.  If you like The Doors, or would like to learn something more about them, I highly recommend When You're Strange.

That seemed in poor taste, Facebook.

What the hell?  When I posted a link to my blog entry about Beavis & Butthead to Facebook, the security verification system "randomly" brought up "firebombed airplane" as the words I had to type to verify I wasn't some kind of bot.  If I was a little smarter I'd've captured a screenshot for you all to be disturbed by.

YES! BREAKIN' THE LAW, BREAKIN' THE LAAAAWWWW!

On sports radio 670 The Score out of Chicago (of all places) I heard that Beavis and Butthead will be returning to MTV with all new episodes.  These episodes will evidently use the shows original format with short episodes broken by 2 or 3 music videos that the show's characters make fun of or at least, exist during. 

Because I like this show so much, here is an unnecessary link to the wikipedia article on it.  You should like this show too, and soon... OR ELSE! 

Please Mind My Dust

Well, the in-laws and other guests have all fled to their home countries, and I've decided to make some changes around here.  I've split the sports topics and sent them to their new home at a blog carrying the title this one used to, Basketball, Beer, and the WORLD!  If you're looking for sporty stuff, head over there and take a look.  If you're here for other stuff, well here you are indeed.  I have yet to come up with a satisfactorily interesting title, so for the time being you get: John Dwyer's Blog.  Thanks for, uh, coming, or something.

Incidentally, we may not be done with all this, as I may seperate my happy funshizzle from my very serious and dark political musings.  If I do so, please excuse my dust in the relative future as well.  Or something.

In-Laws, Happy Birthday to Me, and Other Excuses

I haven't been able to post very often here of late for which I apologize... But I do have lots of excuses!  My in-laws from Japan (as well as a friend of my wife from Tokyo) are in town and staying with us.  They are a lot more interesting than blogging for my own edification (and "you," like both people who read this, heh), so they get priority.  We've been doing interesting touristy things as well as throwing a big party for them and for my birthday.  Anyway, I've not quit or anything, and will post on here when I can.

Also the Duster has departed for Clarion School in San Diego today-- in fact he just texted his arrival.  Best of luck out there to this aspiring writer.