nate rates: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: B-

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was a disappointment. Tim Burton's new film is over-the-top, yet at the same time manages to achieve little distinction from other Hollywood popcorn films. Burton, like George Lucas, has achieve such mainstream success that he seems to have been given complete creative control, which is not always a good thing. For example, Burton's oddities and awkward timing are best seen in the semi-humorous lines given to Willy Wonka. (Thank you, Tim. By now we all know you have serious issues with your father.) Speaking of Wonka, Johnny Depp's rendition of the neurotic chocolate monger shows freakish resemblance to a retainer-wearing Michael Jackson mixed with Carol Channing ( or try a .mov ).

If Burton's awkward style were consistent throughout the film we could praise him for his CalArtian artistic genius, however combined with the cheap slapstick laughs and disco-dancing Oompah-Loompahs the film reeks of the standard Hollywood formula of "Popular Stars + Low Brow Humor = Big Profits". It's appears that Burton is backpedaling to his old ideas and marketing to the main stream. Even his new film The Corpse Bride seems to be little more than another vehicle to sell t-shirts at Hot Topic.

There seems little doubt that Burton's best work is behind him.

i start a bulletin board

Hey there my loyal friends, I want to announce the opening of the natemurray.com bulletin board! I haven't exactly decided what we are going to use it for just yet, but I've prepared for that by creating a forum for forum suggestions. Also I've created a sample user group for our college friends. If you have any other ideas for user groups just drop a suggestion in the forums.

The 80x13 buttons a really popular right now. Here is a cool button maker, if you're interested.

Yes, the New York pictures are coming! In addition you can look forward to my reviews of some recent movies and music.

these things really happen

I saw a crazy old UPS man flag down a fireman on the freeway today. His long white beard was waving almost as wildly as his arms. His brown truck was puffing blue smoke. I wonder if he called 911 or just had a stroke of good luck.

technical difficulties

It appears we've been having some technical difficulties. The site was down for most of my vacation. How sad. Well there are pictures from the trip coming, so check back soon!

a trip

i just got an ipod.
today is my last day at ritz camera.
tomorrow i'm going to new york city.

life is good.