From: owner-chakram-refugees-digest@smoe.org (chakram-refugees-digest) To: chakram-refugees-digest@smoe.org Subject: chakram-refugees-digest V5 #34 Reply-To: chakram-refugees@smoe.org Sender: owner-chakram-refugees-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-chakram-refugees-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk chakram-refugees-digest Tuesday, February 8 2005 Volume 05 : Number 034 Today's Subjects: ----------------- Re: [chakram-refugees] Xena above all the imitators [cr ] Re: [chakram-refugees] The end of Season Four... [cr ] Re: [chakram-refugees] The end of Season Four... [cr ] [chakram-refugees] 'Boogeyman' mention in New Zealand [cr ] Re: [chakram-refugees] Xena above all the imitators ["Jackie M. Young" ] Re: [chakram-refugees] 'Boogeyman' mention in New Zealand [cr Subject: Re: [chakram-refugees] Xena above all the imitators On Sun, 06 Feb 2005 18:05, IfeRae@aol.com wrote: > In a message dated 2/5/2005 12:33:56 AM Pacific Standard Time, > > cr@orcon.net.nz writes: > > But really, what with Xena and Najara arguing, the fight started before > > Gabs > > had had time to make a clear-cut decision - it's one people need to watch > > for themselves, I think. > > So ... am I to believe you believe Gabs capable of making a "clear-cut" > (fill in "sensible") decision even if she had six years? That whatever > Xena decided wasn't inherently "best," so she didn't need to consult Gabs > anyway? Riiiight. Nice try, though. Your friend The Camera is quite the > "spin doctor." > > -- Ife Leaving all the sarcasm aside..... you could see that Gabs was visibly upset by the suggestion (which Najara virtually admitted) that she executed people who didn't agree to 'reform'. It's highly likely (IMO!) that Gabs would have decided fairly smartly to go with Xena who was a known quantity - not that I would care if she didn't, you know how much I would miss the subtext Watch the thing on screen, I can't be bothered arguing it any further. cr ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 12:40:07 +1300 From: cr Subject: Re: [chakram-refugees] The end of Season Four... On Sun, 06 Feb 2005 18:05, IfeRae@aol.com wrote: (snip) > So you can see why, from my standpoint, it's not as interesting if, in > reality, TPTB threw those other scenes in with no intention of suggesting > Xena would remember them. To be honest, I wouldn't put it past them to > have completely forgotten that, since they showed those scenes, some of us > might wonder why Xena didn't at last say, "Hmmm, that weird get-up she's > wearing looks kinda familiar." I suppose we could attribute some of that > to Xena's initial "What they heck?" expression when she sees Najara, but it > would mighty subtle. > > Like I said before, TPTB probably said, "We won't worry about what happens > when Xena actually experiences those moments. That's the fans' job." > That's why I'm not arguing the scenes were necessarily intended to go > beyond "build up." I willingly give you that it could be quite accidental > -- and very personal on my part -- that the scenes contributed more than > that for me. > > -- Ife Well, I think you're probably right about TPTB's approach (and bearing in mind that continuity was not always TPTB's strong point either ;) I can quite see that it might make it more interesting for you if the other scenes were part of an overall plan. For me, personally, The Vision (and I mean the crucifixion bit) is so arresting and striking that the other scenes would only be a distraction or a dilution. We obviously react differently. :) cr ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2005 07:17:11 +1300 From: cr Subject: Re: [chakram-refugees] The end of Season Four... On Sun, 06 Feb 2005 18:05, IfeRae@aol.com wrote: (snip) > Like I said before, TPTB probably said, "We won't worry about what happens > when Xena actually experiences those moments. That's the fans' job." > That's why I'm not arguing the scenes were necessarily intended to go > beyond "build up." I willingly give you that it could be quite accidental > -- and very personal on my part -- that the scenes contributed more than > that for me. > > -- Ife Well, I think you're probably right about TPTB's approach (and bearing in mind that continuity was not always TPTB's strong point either ;) I can quite see that it might make it more interesting for you if the other scenes were part of an overall plan. For me, personally, The Vision (and I mean the crucifixion bit) is so arresting and striking that the other scenes would only be a distraction or a dilution. We obviously react differently. :) cr ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2005 07:39:07 +1300 From: cr Subject: [chakram-refugees] 'Boogeyman' mention in New Zealand TV1 just carried a two-minute news item about 'Boogeyman'. Here's a few bits I can remember... It mentioned Boogeyman's box-office success, and that ~300 New Zealanders worked on the film, which was made entirly in NZ. Had some interview clips with Chloe (??), the producer, who said it was encouraging in that it showed that a movie intended for American audiences could be successfully made here. Had some sound clips from Rob Tapert, who said it was encouraging in that Boogeyman's success cleared the way for financing for other movies to be made here. He also said he keeps comong back because he loves the country. It mentioned that RT made Herc and Xena here (clip of the gods in Olympus from the start of 'Motherhood', and Xena comforting an injured Eve, also maybe from Motherhood) Also mentioned that Lucy Lawless appeared in it. It quoted some American critic who said the film wouldn't scare anybody, this was countered by Chloe ?? who said the film is just intended as entertainment. That's all I can remember. cr ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2005 07:12:04 +1300 From: cr Subject: Re: [chakram-refugees] TONIGHT SHOW response On Mon, 07 Feb 2005 09:22, Laconia666@mn.rr.com wrote: > I agree with you...it probably IS absurd to spend that time > prowling around the countryside, etc., but I'm sure glad > when you do it and tell us about it, and I don't even live > in New Zealand. > Well, many thanks for the compliment! With regard to lfe's query, btw, I looked up the property boundaries at work today - Lake Okaihau is entirely within Houghtons' land, there's no separate boundary around it, which means it is private. The Woodhill Forest boundary does border the northwest edge of the lake, which means that - assuming public pedestrian access to the forest includes all areas, which I thnk it probably does - one can legally approach to within a few yards of the lake without bothering the landowners for permission. Further to lfe's query, although the lake is privately owned, it (like all bodies of water) will be quite closely controlled by environmental legislation - that is, the owners wouldn't be able to fill in parts of it for example without Regional Council consent, or pollute it etc. cr ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2005 19:23:30 -1000 (HST) From: "Jackie M. Young" Subject: Re: [chakram-refugees] Xena above all the imitators On Sun, 23 Jan 2005 11:07:59 +1300, cr wrote: On Mon, 17 Jan 2005 21:26, Jackie M. Young wrote: >> I *really* can't seem to get into Alias at all. Most times I watch, it >> seems Gardner is just there as a seat-filler, not really *serious* >> >*Most* times you watch? You'll never 'get' the series, or get into it, >unless you watch every episode, I think. The plot is that serialised, >you do need to watch every ep or you'll miss some background. It may >be the most serialised and complex action drama on TV. - --Well, you've just made my point for me. ;P Wasn't that the beauty of XWP--that it wasn't so serialized that the casual viewer could pick it up, and the loyal viewer would still find it interesting, at the same time that it advanced a strong female role model and creative storylines, all rolled up into one ball of wax? And isn't that the subject line in the headers? I don't see any law forcing me to watch Alias every week. TV is a whim and a distraction, not a forced activity. If I found it entertaining enough, I'd watch it more. Obviously I don't, so I won't. Simple as that. - --Jackie ****************************************************** * Proud to have the same birthday as Lucy Lawless! * * * * JACKIE YOUNG, JYOUNG@LAVA.NET * * * * * ****************************************************** ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Feb 2005 22:07:54 -0800 From: "Xena Torres" Subject: RE: [chakram-refugees] 'Boogeyman' mention in New Zealand >Had some sound clips from Rob Tapert, who said it was encouraging in that >Boogeyman's success cleared the way for financing for other movies to be >made >here. He also said he keeps comong back because he loves the country. Hmmm...could it also be that his wife and sons live there? ;) I THOUGHT this movie was filmed in NZ. Thank you for clearing that up cr. The credits did keep saying NZ all over the place. ;) BATTLE ON XENA! Xena Torres: Warrior Writer http://www.geocities.com/bitchofrome "And most importantly, I've learned that the heart can betray, but the sword never lies." - Eve "Heart of Darkness" ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Feb 2005 22:14:55 -0800 From: "Xena Torres" Subject: [chakram-refugees] XT's Boogeyman review First, you know, I gotta say, there's a whole WHACK of movies coming out I just GOTTA see! That's RARE! Normally I'm lucky if I see even ONE preview that kinda looks okay. I saw FIVE I REALLY want to see! But, I must growl and whine that "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" has been bumped AGAIN! This movie was supposed to come out, like, LAST year. During "Elektra," the preview said THIS summer. *sigh* The new preview said NEXT summer. This movie is hiding in limbo worse than Jolie's "Oringal Sin" All I can say is, GO MRS. SMITH, GO! ;) Okay, and now my "Boogeyman" review. Yes, yes, I KNOW I talk about Xena stuff we all know, but I DO share my reviews with people who aren't Xenites too. ;) S P O I L E R S P A C E BOOGEYMAN Starring: Barry Watson, Emily Deschanel, Skye McCole Bartusiak, Tory Mussett, Andrew Glover, Charles Mesure and Lucy Lawless Directed by: Stephen T. Kay Written by: Eric Kripke, Juliet Snowden and Stiles White Composed by: Joseph LoDuca Edited by: John Axelrad Rating: B+ It's important for one to remember that certain genres cannot be compared to others. Horror movies are a genre that stands alone and cannot be compared to a drama. Horror movies are designed to scare us, to make us jump, to make us fear the dark, or certain rooms in our house. If, after watching "It" or "Candyman" you just don't feel safe in your bathroom then the movies have done what they were designed to do. "Boogeyman" is about a monster living in a closet. If you pause as your hand reaches out to your closet after you have seen the movie, then it has scared you, and it has accomplished its goal. A horror movie is not supposed to make you think. It's not supposed to make you cry or laugh (though it may manage to). The simple truth is, it's not expected to hold much weight when it comes to character development or plot or dialogue. It's just supposed to scare you. Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert have been some of the leading horror makers. "Evil Dead" is one of the most successful of all time. These two have also turned their talents to television with their creepy, dark series "American Gothic." Raimi and Tapert know how to scare you. Ghost House was created because the two wanted to go back to their horror movie roots. "Boogeyman" was their first creation (though "The Grudge" was released first), and it succeeds in scaring you. The script, like most horror movies, was weak. There was not much point to the dialogue and the reasons as to where these things come from and what you have to do to stop them never seem to really make too much sense. The hero must face the baddie and take him out (VERY rare to find a horror movie that offs the lead and lets the monster win, though they are out there), which usually results in an anti-climatic fight scene (the actually 'battle' is never scary, because it's a fight scene, not a suspenseful one, and it's the suspense that scares you). This movie truly hits the creepy factor, but not because of the actors. It's the combined work of Kay's camera style and gritty looking film, mixed with the eerie music of the talented, Emmy-award winning LoDuca, as well as the never ending creaking of the house from the sound team that makes you cover your eyes in "Boogeyman." Though Kay has numerous moments to make you jump from a startle, these are used to bring you into the movie and ready to be scared as the creepy and still elements unfold. A movie is actually scarier when nothing in the film makes you afraid - you do it to yourself because of the way the scene has been filmed/edited/scored. "Boogeyman" nailed it. "Evil Dead" fans may notice a few nods by "Boogeyman" to its roots. There's a scene of Tim driving his car over a narrow bridge on this way towards his little house with no other home in sight, as well as a drive through a muddy puddle in a very opening sequence of "Evil Dead" shot. This movie is full of unknown actors, except for the Warrior Princess herself, Lucy Lawless, making a small cameo appearance likely to help boost the first movie of Ghost House which her husband, Robert Tapert, is co-founder of. Though Lawless is sadly underused (can't wait to see cutting room floor footage), both as a character and an actress (as well as Kiwi Charles Mesure in his first US film as Tim's father), her first scene will make you jump. Though Lawless has been creepy on "Xena," she got to be scary in "Boogeyman." A wonderful makeup job helped. The Boogeyman himself was a wonderful job of makeup and costuming when portrayed by Glover. Unfortunately, after some truly freaky shots, he became a CGI effect and then lost the interesting look and became fake in appearance. Glover with an abnormal CGI enhanced grin was the better choice and should have remained the appearance for Boogeyman throughout the movie. Bottom line: If you like horror movies and/or are a fan of "Evil Dead" or "American Gothic" this movie is for you. Side note: ALWAYS remember to watch the credits. All those people made the movie so, not just the actors. Besides, the behind the camera people seem to enjoy giving a treat to those who watch the credits more and more. "Boogeyman" is NOT over when the credits start rolling. Just for kicks: Hey Xenites, play spot the "Xena" cast and crew! Nine former members of the "Xena" family were involved in this film: Lucy Lawless, Robert Tapert, Sam Raimi, Charles Mesure, Joseph LoDuca, Chole Smith, Jane Holland, Robert Gillies and Jennifer Ward. BATTLE ON XENA! Xena Torres: Warrior Writer http://www.geocities.com/bitchofrome "And most importantly, I've learned that the heart can betray, but the sword never lies." - Eve "Heart of Darkness" ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2005 12:02:20 +1300 From: cr Subject: Re: [chakram-refugees] Re: S1 [was: Xena, Herc in Kids' Movies book] On Mon, 07 Feb 2005 18:15, Jackie M. Young wrote: > >Where *did* he get that? I don't think even those who were turned off > >by the Rift in Season 3 (are any of them still around) would contend that > >S1 out-rated Season 2. I really can't envisage any survey of any group > >of fans that would put S1 top. > > --Sorry to burst your bubble, Thel, and I may not be a "group", but I do > only have S1 on DVD and probably won't be getting the rest. ;P Doesn't worry me at all. In order to 'burst my bubble' as you put it, you'll have to find some company. With respect, I think you'd be in a very small minority. Just as I know I'm probably in a minority in rating Season 5 my favourite cr ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2005 12:17:43 +1300 From: cr Subject: Re: [chakram-refugees] Xena above all the imitators On Mon, 07 Feb 2005 18:23, Jackie M. Young wrote: > >*Most* times you watch? You'll never 'get' the series, or get into it, > >unless you watch every episode, I think. The plot is that serialised, > >you do need to watch every ep or you'll miss some background. It may > >be the most serialised and complex action drama on TV. > > --Well, you've just made my point for me. ;P Wasn't that the beauty of > XWP--that it wasn't so serialized that the casual viewer could pick it > up, and the loyal viewer would still find it interesting, at the same time > that it advanced a strong female role model and creative storylines, all > rolled up into one ball of wax? And isn't that the subject line in the > headers? "And it's way too serialised" - Marco (Salmoneus) in Deja Vu All Over Again. But I think that's a *good* thing. I'd argue that, if you want to get past 'warlord of the week' and into a really creative storyline, you _have_ to have ongoing themes or story arcs that span episodes. There just isn't time in 40 minutes to do justice to anything but a very simple storyline, and after a few weeks all simple storylines start to look like each other. > I don't see any law forcing me to watch Alias every week. TV is a whim > and a distraction, not a forced activity. If I found it entertaining > enough, I'd watch it more. Obviously I don't, so I won't. Simple as > that. > > --Jackie 'A whim and a distraction' - hmmm. Ask some of the fans on this list if that's what they think about Xena. Of course, if you just want something you can dip into when you feel like it and skip it other times - then I guess that explains why you like Season 1 best Anyway, no-one's forcing you to watch 'Alias' every week. I'm just pointing out that if you don't, then - just like watching 'The Quest' without watching 'Destiny' or 'A Necessary Evil' - you'll miss half of what's going on. I could say the same of 'Farscape'. None of this means that, if one understands the background, one will necessarily like the characters - but it certainly increases ones involvement in the story, which is I think conducive to liking a series. cr ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2005 11:40:08 +1300 From: cr Subject: Re: [chakram-refugees] 'Boogeyman' mention in New Zealand On Mon, 07 Feb 2005 19:07, Xena Torres wrote: > >Had some sound clips from Rob Tapert, who said it was encouraging in that > >Boogeyman's success cleared the way for financing for other movies to be > >made > >here. He also said he keeps comong back because he loves the country. (Sorry for the slightly incoherent rushed typing, I was trying to get it down while I could remember it). > Hmmm...could it also be that his wife and sons live there? ;) > I THOUGHT this movie was filmed in NZ. Thank you for clearing that up cr. > The credits did keep saying NZ all over the place. ;) > BATTLE ON XENA! I think probably Lucy (and Rob?) live here much of the time, but I wouldn't be surprised if they spend a lot of time in California too - but I'm just speculating, there. cr ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Feb 2005 11:05:55 -0600 From: "S. Wilson" Subject: Re: [chakram-refugees] One Weekend A Month Thanks! I watched it. I wish it wasn't so short - this story is just *begging* to be feature-length, and it left me with all sorts of questions and curiosities. But in the amount of time she had, Renee did a really nice job. I don't think I've had the opportunity to see her in anything else post-Xena, so this was refreshing. She's a good character actor, I knew from her work in XWP, but that's reinforced by the few minutes she gets here. I liked the direction - the cuts showing her change in emotion started to make the situation feel desperate (as it was). By the end you're asking yourself what you would do in her situation; it leaves you thinking about what service members must sacrifice in order to answer the call of duty. Steph At 11:14 PM 2/5/2005 -0500, Cheryl Ande wrote: >This is the link to One Weekend A Month. I don't if you have to = >register to watch the film. If you do registering doesn't cost anything = >but you are asked to donate but you don't have to. > >CherylA > > http://www.sundanceonlinefilmfestival.org/2005/index.aspx ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Feb 2005 09:13:02 -0800 From: "Xena Torres" Subject: Re: [chakram-refugees] 'Boogeyman' mention in New Zealand Yeah, they have a house in the US too. BATTLE ON XENA! Xena Torres: Warrior Writer http://www.geocities.com/bitchofrome "And most importantly, I've learned that the heart can betray, but the sword never lies." - Eve "Heart of Darkness" >From: cr >To: chakram-refugees@smoe.org >Subject: Re: [chakram-refugees] 'Boogeyman' mention in New Zealand >Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2005 11:40:08 +1300 > >On Mon, 07 Feb 2005 19:07, Xena Torres wrote: > > >Had some sound clips from Rob Tapert, who said it was encouraging in >that > > >Boogeyman's success cleared the way for financing for other movies to >be > > >made > > >here. He also said he keeps comong back because he loves the country. > >(Sorry for the slightly incoherent rushed typing, I was trying to get it >down >while I could remember it). > > > Hmmm...could it also be that his wife and sons live there? ;) > > I THOUGHT this movie was filmed in NZ. Thank you for clearing that up >cr. > > The credits did keep saying NZ all over the place. ;) > > BATTLE ON XENA! > >I think probably Lucy (and Rob?) live here much of the time, but I wouldn't >be surprised if they spend a lot of time in California too - but I'm just >speculating, there. > >cr >========================================================= >This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. >To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with >"unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. >Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. >========================================================= ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 10:44:26 -0800 From: "Creation (Sharon Delaney)" Subject: [chakram-refugees] Lucy guesting on Two and a Half Men Lucy just let us know she will be filming a guest appearance on Two and a Half Men this week. Not sure when it will air, but probably pretty soon. "I am doing Two and a Half Men this week. I am playing a chick who Charlie fancies but who is not interested in him, which drives him crazy." Sharon outback@creationent.com Official Xena Fan Club ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 11:33:44 -0800 From: "Creation (Sharon Delaney)" Subject: [chakram-refugees] MORE INFO Lucy/Two and a Half Men It's on CBS, Mondays, 9:30 ET/PT. Sharon Official Xena Fan Club ========================================================= This has been a message to the chakram-refugees list. To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@smoe.org with "unsubscribe chakram-refugees" in the message body. Contact meth@smoe.org with any questions or problems. ========================================================= ------------------------------ End of chakram-refugees-digest V5 #34 *************************************