Clash of the Titans (2010)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Action & Adventure

After the flurry of negative reviews regarding the attempted 2D-to-3D conversion of this film, I decided not to totally waste my money and go for the 2D version. The film is definitely a visual masterpiece, with fast-paced multi-angle battle scenes and spectacular sweeping outdoor views. I am quite skeptical, however, of much of the costume design, especially the armor. The Greeks seem to have used up all the ancient world's supply of kohl for they eyes. And why was Zeus dressed as a Cylon?

Regarding the myth on which this was based, it was ok on a lot of important points, but someone really needs to tell the writers that the legendary Perseus did become a king, and in fact has a major Hellenic dynasty named after him. Other than that, the new Kraken was magnificent, and I liked the characterization of Medusa in this version better than the one in the original stop-motion film, but what the flip was Io doing in this story? I mean, someone had to do the talky background/introduction bits, but that could be have been achieved in more subtle ways. And some of the lines in the film were aggrandized to the point of sermonizing.

Ah, well. See it for the visuals, see it for the action, but leave your brain at the concession stand.

Dubai RTA finally opens DIC/TECOM Metro Station

And 6 other stations, including Ibn Battuta mall and Karama. Goodbye, morning taxi and evening bus. Hello, practically every significant location in Dubai.

Luuuuke, who's your daddaaay?

I was exiting a movie theater when I felt the Force guide me to the merchandise section. Then I heard a voice saying "Lightsabers, you need. Cough up the dough, you must."

Kenobi vs. Vader, the famous duo from the first duel in the first Star Wars film. Yes, they light up on command, hum when you move them, and shriek when you hit stuff. It took me a few paralytic injections to temporarily wipe the grin off my face for this here photo. Now I just have to find/make a mount for these babies.

Metro train interval reduced to 6 min; much more room onboard, for now

Sharjah couple arrested in morality crackdown

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/crime/sharjah-couple-arrested-in-morality-crackdown-1.615939

Sharjah Police have arrested an allegedly unmarried couple who lived together and are thought to have had two children out of wedlock.

An official at Sharjah Police said the arrest came two days after the launch of a campaign targeting couples who live together illegally.

...

Srsly, SHJ P.D., WTF?

The tablet stylus is stronger than the makhaira

http://300themovie.info/
My kind of protest! Instead of foam-mouthed fist-waving, some subtle but effective Iranian artists have taken to art to glorify the ancient Persia that was given bad prop in Frank Miller's 300. Perhaps we may yet see a graphic novel and/or film on the Battle of Carrhae or something like that.

When art meets biology: Caddisfly jewelry

http://www.blaghag.com/2010/02/when-art-meets-biology-caddisfly.html
Jewelry "designed" by insects ... is that cool or what?