Entries from April 2004 ↓

After weeks of speculation, the San Diego Chargers did indeed draft QB Eli Manning with the number one overall pick in today’s NFL Draft. However, the Giants were able to convince the Chargers that they didn’t need the hassle of struggling to come to terms with the pedigreed quarterback, and as a result, were able to trade their first-round pick, QB Phillip Rivers, as well as a few draft picks in exchange for Manning.

The Giants are banking on Eli to follow in the footsteps of his father Archie, as well as his brother, Peyton. Although, here’s one fan who’s hoping that he too doesn’t come up empty in the championship department.

For the full story, check out ESPN.

1/2 (out of five)

.The second and final chapter of Quentin Tarantino’s revenge epic, “Kill Bill: Volume 2″ is not the tour-de-force that “Kill Bill: Volume 1″ is. It is instead the re-affirmation that Tarantino is one of the best directors we have today.

Where “Volume 1″ is a non-stop, leave-you-breathless pursuit of vengence, “Volume 2″ is more pensive. In “Volume 2,” we learn more about the relationship between The Bride (Uma Thurman) and Bill (David Carridine.) On display is more of the wondeful Tarantino dialogue, first made famous in “Pulp Fiction.”

Uma Thurman’s commanding screen presence from “Volume 1″ is continued in “Volume 2.” These movies are her’s, and she is fantastic.

We get to see much more of Bill this time around, and David Carridine brings just the right touches to the character. Bill is a man who knows full well the horrors he has inflicted on the Bride, and Carridine effuses his portrayal with the right amounts of pain, forlorn, venom and self-rightousness.

Daryl Hannah reprises her role as Elle Driver from “Volume 1.” Elle is so sublimely evil a character, you can see the joy it was for Hannah to play.

The Bride and Elle have an incredible fight in cramped quarters, and the reveals that take place during the encounter are both shocking and completely satisfying.

As Kung Fu master Pai Mei, Gordon Liu is another actor who is clearly having fun with his role. Costumed with giant, fluffy white eyebrows, and an extremely long beard, Liu uses both for comic effect with terrific results. Pai Mei is not your typical martial arts master, full of solemnity. Rather, he is quick tempered, as both the audience and the Bride discover quite quickly.

“Kill Bill: Volume 2″ does stand on it’s own as a film, but when combined with it’s predecessor, it will stand as a monument to film making, paying homage to all of it’s influences, from Japanese “grindhouse” films of the 70s, to the westerns of John Ford. Tarantino is the ultimate film student who never went to film school, and now he’s showing us just how much he’s learned.

Offical Press Release…

.Star Wars Trilogy DVD Details
April 20, 2004

When the Star Wars trilogy arrives on DVD on September 21, the digitally remastered and restored films will be accompanied by over 10 hours of bonus material that goes inside the making of these classic movies.
Each film resides on its own disc, with sharp, pristene imagery restored and remastered by Lowry Digital Images, and the rich sound experience of the saga presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX. The films also include new commentary tracks, featuring insights from George Lucas, director Irvin Kershner, actress Carrie Fisher, sound designer Ben Burtt, and Industrial Light & Magic’s Dennis Muren.

The fourth disc is packed with bonus material, the most notable being Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy. This two-and-a-half hour documentary traces the evolution of the saga, from a low-budget labor-of-love space saga to the movie phenomenon that defied the odds and reinvented the rules.

This comprehensive documentary features all new interviews with George Lucas and more than 40 members of the cast and crew from the original trilogy, as well as a host of filmmakers and media personalities. Empire of Dreams includes some never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the three films.

Other material on the fourth disc includes:

Episode III Behind the Scenes Preview: The Return of Darth Vader: Finally, Star Wars: Episode III will reveal just how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader, the most iconic villain in film history. In this exclusive preview, George Lucas discusses Anakin’s descent, with a first look at the new Vader costume forged for Episode III. Also, experience how Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor have prepared for the epic lightsaber battle that has been anticipated for more than two decades: the climactic showdown between Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The Birth of the Lightsaber: Its unforgettable hum and scintillating glow are instantly recognizable around the world. Now, viewers will discover the origins of this elegant weapon from a more civilized age in this documentary devoted to the lightsaber.

The Characters of Star Wars: An in-depth look at how favorite characters came to be, featuring rare concept art, behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with George Lucas and the cast and crew who shaped the screen’s favorite heroes.

The Force Is With Them: The Legacy of Star Wars: Star Wars opened up a galaxy of possibilities to a generation of filmmakers and creative talents. Hear from some of the most notable filmmakers of our time about how influential the Star Wars movies have been to their lives.

Star Wars Battlefront Trailer and Playable Demo: The fourth disc will offer a trailer featuring an exciting look at the upcoming Star Wars Battlefront video game from LucasArts, along with a special demo for Xbox users that lets players fight the Battle of Endor as a Rebel or Imperial soldier and drive AT-STs, ride speeder bikes and use different weapons to lead their side to victory. The full version of Star Wars Battlefront will also be released Sept. 21 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC.

Star Wars: Episode III Making the Game Preview: Video-game players will be able to experience the stunning Jedi action of Episode III themselves in the new Star Wars: Episode III game, due out in Spring 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. This special feature shows how game developers at LucasArts worked behind-the-scenes and on the set to create the most authentic Jedi experience ever.

Original Trailers and TV Spots: The original theatrical teaser, launch and re-release trailers for each film, plus TV spots, are featured on the DVD.

Never-Before-Seen Production Gallery: Delve into an unseen corners of the Lucasfilm Archives with exclusive photos from the making of the trilogy, with hundreds of rare behind-the-scene images.

Posters and Print Campaigns: The original releases of the Star Wars films came at a time when international campaigns produced a wealth of intriguing, alternative poster art. Explore a collection of theatrical posters from around the world.

Exclusive DVD-ROM Content: The Star Wars Trilogy DVDs are keys that unlock exclusive content available only through a special DVD-ROM website.

Keep checking starwars.com for further details on this upcoming set. If you haven’t already, pre-order your copy today at StarWarsShop.com.

Robert Pires’s 5th minute goal would have been enough, but Thierry Henry added four just for good measure as Arsenal crushed Leeds in EPL action at Highbury tonight.

5 - 0

Well, I’ve got to try to get another two hours of sleep in before heading into work. I’ll write more about Henry’s amazing night later on.

Play Camden on August 12

.Phish are playing an extremely short 13 date tour this summer, half of the dates played in June, the other half in August. Stops on the tour include a minor-league baseball stadium in Brooklyn. That would be pretty cool to see. In any event, I’ll probably just go to Camden, seeing as it’s my civic duty…

Thanks to Comcast, I didn’t get to see the last 20 minutes of the match. So, what I do know is that it ended goalless, but not for a lack of trying by the Gunners. They had several chances that went begging, and I for one am glad that they’ll now have a few days off before facing Leeds on Friday night.Still, four points in three days after the week we had isn’t bad at all, and the Gunners are still undefeated in the league.

Newcastle away was arguably the toughest match left on the schedule, but there are some clubs fighting to stay out of the relegation zone coming up, which should make things interesting.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!

0 - 0

From the BBC:

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table as well as their unbeaten league run with a well-earned draw.

Arsene Wenger’s side created the better opportunities on a difficult pitch and Sylvain Wiltord missed a golden chance when he scuffed a first-half shot wide.

Just past the hour Thierry Henry also hit the post after Edu’s pass unlocked the Newcastle offside trap.

Newcastle’s best effort was Craig Bellamy’s flick but the Welshman was denied by Jens Lehmann’s superb save.

The draw sent Newcastle level on points with fourth-place Liverpool, who lead Sir Bobby Robson’s side narrowly on goal difference.

Newcastle began brightly with Bellamy prominent.

Gary Speed threaded a pass through to the Welsh international, who found some space between Kolo Toure and Sol Campbell, only to send his shot straight at Lehmann.

Bellamy was soon to give the German goalkeeper a stiffer examination flicking Shearer’s cross goalward, but Lehmann got down quickly to make a wonderful one-handed stop.

Arsenal were playing their fourth game in eight days and took longer to settle, but Henry gradually brought Wenger’s side into the match.

First he was denied by a well-timed covering tackle by Aaron Hughes and soon after the Frenchman went close with a curling shot.

Jose Antonio Reyes then took up the attacking mantle for Arsenal, deftly chipping the ball over Jonathan Woodgate before crossing to Edu, who was denied by Olivier Bernard’s timely intervention.

Edu returned the compliment, releasing Reyes with a well-timed pass but the Spaniard was unable to find a team-mate with his cross.

A minute before the interval Jermaine Jenas misjudged a back-pass to Shay Given and was relieved when Wiltord, playing for the first time since December, scuffed his shot wide of the post.

Newcastle were more positive after the break and Laurent Robert drew a competent save from Lehmann with a low free-kick.

The impressive Bernard also hit the side-netting after bursting into the box.

However, Newcastle remained susceptible to Arsenal’s rapid counterattacks and just past the hour Edu’s long pass found Henry with just Given to beat.

Henry rounded the Newcastle goalkeeper but took the ball too wide and his shot hit the post.

Reyes missed another good chance when he directed a header straight at Given after Henry had floated a cross over from the left.

Toure might have snatched all three points for Arsenal in stoppage time when he glanced a header narrowly wide from a corner.