On All Levels

Third time's a charm. Mrs. Kyality and I didn't think we'd have the opportunity to see Christopher Nolan's epic mind-bender opening weekend. But when the chance presented itself, it took last-minute phone calls to three sitters before we were jumping in the Clubman on the way to the theater.

Sure there's been some fantastic looking trailers and lots of Twitter hype around this one—but you have to wonder, in a summer of suck (other than TS3)—is this flick as great as they say? The answer is: Yes… on all levels.

Inception is Nolan at the top of his game. When you look at his filmography thus far, everything he's done up to this point has prepared him in some way to make this movie. He set the stage for himself with indie thrillers like Memento and ensemble-cast blockbusters like the Batman reboot. He's stayed true to his brand by growing it ever so slightly—one film at a time—unlike M.Knight who's obviously staggering as he strives to slip free from sleeper-hit stardom.

But Nolan nails it and the proof is in the details. Even though the cast is chock full of stars, he uses them like honed tools. Drawing on each of the actors' inherent baggage to round out his characters' backstories completely worked for him. For instance, when Ellen Page enters the screen, our minds automatically sprinkle a little bit of Juno's nobleness onto her character.

He goes as far as to use Edith Piaf's classic anthem "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" as a thread throughout the film. That's of course a song that was masterfully delivered by Marion Cotillard when she took home an Oscar for her portrayal of none other than Edith Piaf in the magnificent biopic La vie en rose. Again, choices such as this add degrees of depth and detail.

Finally, you can't talk about Inception without mentioning the effects. Sure, you've heard how awesome they are, but what you perhaps haven't heard is how essential they are to the story. Nolan takes no cheap shots with his use of visual effect, minimal CG and intricate action sequences. They are mandated by the story. Even his gratuitous use of beautiful slo-mo shots are technically being shown in real-time from the perspective of the characters. So get your movie fix filled with this smart, satisfying epic that nails it on all levels.

PS: I also loved the Hans Zimmer score and the awesome alpine siege sequence.

Gibersonian Wallpaper

So I just cropped this sweet photo by Leah Giberson of some of her latest work. It's set up as a 1400 x 900 wallpaper. Click here to enjoy!

Top 10 Favorite TV Cars

While developing my Top 10 Favorite Movie Cars list, I noticed that tons of movie cars started as TV cars, which inspired the list below. Enjoy!

10. "The Monkeemobile" 1966 GTO convertible - The MonkeesMy dad, Normality, always talks about seeing this one in person as a kid. That kinda thing sticks with you.

9. "Crockett's Ferrari" 1986 Ferrari Tesstarossa - Miami Vice
Growing up, I wasn't allowed to watch Miami Vice so this car always had some mystique surrounding it. Not to mention, it has a way cool rear view mirror.

8. "B.A. Baracus' Van" 1983 GMC G-Series - The A-Team
A kidnapper van never looked so cool.

7. The Jon Voight Car 1989 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible - Seinfeld
"Everybody's talkin' at me, Can't hear a word they're sayin' [George improvises] Just drivin' around in Jon Voight's car…"

6. "KITT" 1982 Pontiac Trans Am - Knight Rider
Now if this car woulda just shut up, it might have made my top 5.

5. "Mr. Bean's Mini" 1977 MK IV Mini 1000 - Mr. Bean
Yes, I want a padlock on my Clubman.

4. "The General Lee" 1969 Dodge Charger - The Dukes of Hazzard
Way cooler than Starsky's Tornio—I'm mean who needs doors that actually open?

3. "The Mach 5" - Speed Racer
Best Speed Racer quote: "If we crash The Mach 5, I can't win!"

2. 1983 Ferrari 308 GTS - Magnum, P.I.
You're only allowed to drive these things if you have a mustache.

1. "The Batmobile" 1955 Lincoln Futura concept - Batman
Holy mother of all TV cars Batman!

Lord Vader, Your MINI Awaits

MINI just announced a facelift and engine upgrade to the current Cooper line-up. Improvements include added horse-power, new vents, LED rear lights, new color schemes and more.

This JCW version is particularly Sith-like in nature, no?

Top 10 Favorite Movie Cars

Not long after I published my post on my top 10 fave car chases Mrs. Kyality challenged me to come up with my top 10 favorite movie cars. Here's what I've got, hope you like it. Top 10 favorite TV cars coming soon!10. "The Tumbler" – Batman Begins/The Dark Knight
Leave it to Christopher Nolan to create a believable series reboot where the origins of the Batmobile stem from a fa-reaking tank! Sure, many Batmobile purists were borderline offended that Bruce Wayne wasn't modifying some sports car—but there's still room for that in the third installment—remember this one sustained "catastrophic damage" and Batman ejected via the Batpod. The best part about this vehicle is that it works and is real. Nolan refused to rely on CG and therefore The Tumbler makes the cut.

9. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT – Ferris Bueller's Day Off
I was introduced to this movie unbeknownst to my parents at a fairly young age by family friends—you know—one of those defining childhood moments. And from that point on, I've ALWAYS wanted to steal a red convertible from my friend's parents' mid-century modern home. Seriously, who hasn't thought that after watching this flick? And no, running a car in reverse does NOT remove its miles.

8. 1932 Ford Coupe – American Graffiti
Before George Lucas' characters were piloting the Millennium Falcon, they were rollin' in a yellow Deuce Coupe. In his coming-of-age masterpiece he lays forth a language of roguish heros, unsuspecting protagonists and high-powered chases told through a series of vignettes, featuring a group of teenagers and their cars within a single night in August 1962. Here's some Lucas trivia for ya, the hot rod's license plate reads: THX 138. Nice little bit of intertextuality.

7. 1973 (Australian) Ford Falcon – Mad Max/The Road Warrior
As a teenager, I discovered the sci-fi section of the Video Bin, a video rental joint a mile or two from my home. I began combing through the classics, everything from Planet of the Apes to 2001: A Space Odyssey. I also came across the Australian series based around Mad Max and his pre- and post-apocalyptic adventures. This car has become the pinnacle of road rage rat rods and has been alluded to by many including filmmakers like Tarantino and the like.

6. "Eleanor" 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 – Gone In Sixty Seconds
Okay. I admit it. This one might be the odd-ball out in this list. The remake of Gone in 60 Seconds kinda sucks. But there had to be a Mustang in the list and since I gave Bullitt the No. 1 spot in the car chase list, I felt that this car could effectively represent the pony-car segment. Plus, let's face it—it's a gorgeous car and ANY automotive enthusiast can instantly identify her by name.

5. "The Dragonfly-mobile" Modified 1968 Citroën DS – CQ
Roman Coppala's fun homage to pulpy late 60's sci-fi flicks like Barbarella and Danger: Diabolik features a sweet little chase scene with one of filmdom's lesser-known movie cars: The Dragonfly-mobile. The second I saw this flick, I noted this car as one of the greats. It's quick, it's European and no car has been better suited for an actress/model like Angela Lindvall to rally in.

4. 1964 Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger
My dad, Normality, had a die-cast model of this car sitting on his dresser throughout my entire childhood. And let's be brutally honest for a moment—no other vehicle within the longest movie franchise ever has even come close to its iconic image, barrage of gadgets or pure, classy cool factor. Not a one. This car will forever be THE definitive spy car, ejector seat and all.

3. "The Jaguar Hearse" 1971 Jaguar XK-E – Harold and Maude
Mrs. Kyality introduced me to this quirky flick in which Harold a morbid 19 year-old played by a young Bud Cort falls in love with a happy-go-lucky 79 year-old played by an old Ruth Gordon. In the film, Harold who drives a hearse for fun is given an amazing silver 1971 Jaguar XK-E as a gift to help him cheer up. He takes a look at the sports car and a look at the hearse and a few tools sounds later we have one of film's most beautiful and unique movie cars. This car has definitely influenced my tastes as two of my own cars have been described as being similar to it. Namely this one and this one. This movie also has an amazing soundtrack by Cat Stevens.

2. Tim Burton's "Batmobile" – Batman/Batman Returns
This one was a tough one to not put in the No. 1 slot. Even the classic Batman fans admit this is easily the most beautiful Batmobile to date. But is it my favorite movie car? That was the question. I was 12 years-old when Tim Burton re-imagined Batman for the masses. I saw it on opening night and I vividly remember Michael Keaton as Batman saying, "Get in the car" and Vicki Vale replying: "Which one?" The crowd went insane at the first glimpse of this vehicle and it's been one of the definitive Batmobiles ever since.

1. "Doc's Time Machine" 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 – Back to the Future
All I have to say is this: not only does this car's stainless steel construction make flux dispersal possible, if you're gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style? The DeLorean as a car was always trying way too hard to be cool. The DeLorean as a time machine on the other hand is as cool as cool gets. You don't even need to have seen the movie to know that this thing could easily set your tire tracks on fire and catapult you throughout the space/time continuum.

Another Year, Another Awesome F-Day

Mrs. Kyality and the Kyality Kids out did themselves this year for Father's Day. I scored a rad amp stack tee, Monty Python and The Holy Grail on DVD and for all you 50 Dresses That Changed The World fans out there—I got the newest installment from the Design Museum—50 Cars That Changed The World. This brilliantly designed book contains gems such as: the Citroën DS, the BMW 3 Series, the original Land Rover and of course the original Mini. Pretty aws.

Not Retro, Original

In 2008, BMW recreated it's 1972 2002 tii to pimp the release of it's 1-Series tii Concept. Most folks just wished they'd just re-release the original rather than simply give a new model a retro name. Specialized has done just that.

Specialized has re-released their classic Reynolds 520 frame and dubbed it the 2010 Langster Steel Frameset. This is not retro, it's the original created once more—and it comes it white. Check out this totally beautiful and inspirational rendition pictured above. I love the simplicity and cleanliness of this little whip.

This Is Not a Joke

Apparently MINI (and their friends at BSSP) has challenged Porsche to a race... a race with a 911 nonetheless. Here's what they have to say about it:

We have challenged the Porsche 911 to a race. Why? Maybe it's because we're tired of them always getting the best valet parking spots right out in front. Maybe it's because their owners wear too many pastel-colored sweaters draped over their shoulders. Or maybe it's because we're just plain crazy. Whatever the reason, we've challenged Porsche to race their 911 Carrera S against our MINI Cooper S. We've picked a fight with Goliath.

Pretty awesome. Though I choose not to Facebook, you can sign the petition to encourage Porsche to accept the challenge here.

UPDATE: Looks like Porsche has already declined. Bogus.

To Fix or Not to Fix

I came across this bike, the GT Gutterball, while grabbing some more not-so-thorn-resistant tubes at my local (mostly mountain) bike shop. The entire staff was stoked that someone was actually interested in one of their non-mountain bike models. They made me take it for a spin—riding fixed takes some getting used to for sure. I almost got bucked! And then they offered me a hefty discount. I was seriously tempted—then I went on a ride on the Sirrus with Upto12 in Yosemite last week and was definitely grateful for the gears.

It's a beautiful bike—whaddya think?

The Book of LOST

In the beginning there was Jack. Ever since I started this blog, thoughts and updates on LOST have been a fairly standard feature. Well, the end of an era is upon us and I thought it'd be nice to take a look at the series finale and what it meant for the show as whole. Don't continue beyond this point if you're still a potential watcher of the finale or a hater of it in general.

In regard to the finale, the dialog was fantastic—Hurley and Sawyer were cracking me up. Desmond was in full force, and I got my "I'll see you in another life brother!" even though it was delivered by Jack. It was fantastic to see Jack and Kate do a bit of tongue wrestling. And you had to love the Jack super punch.

As for what it told us about the show on the whole, I loved that the island and everything that happened on it was in fact real. There really was a magic island in the middle of the Pacific, period. I thought it was a totally intriguing and bold twist to make the show overtly religious. I loved that it was all about Jack and his, for lack of a better term, eternal progression. And I loved that in true LOST-ian fashion we didn't get all the answers—in fact, I felt it was telling us that it's not the little details that matter in the eternal scheme of things.

It seems to me that in the end, LOST was more or less a parable for life and I get that not everyone got it or liked it. Isn't that what a parable is all about anyway?

Color Scheming: Burnt Orange

Orange you glad I didn't say banana?

PS: Unless I find some more stellar images, this is the last post of this series and to celebrate I've created this wallpaper image. Enjoy!

Click it to enlarge. Grab it to download!

Maybe Iron Man Should Fly Solo

As a Kyality Kid myself, I never had more than a flirtatious relationship with actual comic books. I mean, I always loved Batman, but that obsession mainly stemmed from reruns of the campy 1960's series, Tim Burton's films and Batman: The Animated Series. As far as actual comic books go, I probably never owned more than a dozen or so and only a third of them were Marvel. And of those, they were all either Iron Man comics or The Avengers. I always viewed Iron Man/Tony Stark as Marvel's version of Batman/Bruce Wayne—millionaires, no super powers and lotsa cool tech. So when the first Iron Man movie came out in 2008, I was stoked and enjoyed it enough to buy it.

Last night we caught the sequel and though I wasn't completely blown away (not like The Dark Knight follow-up to Batman Begins)—we still had a great time at the movies. The dialog is witty, the action sequences are fun and pretty original and the CG/motion effects (especially the digital scans and imaging of Stark's central computer, JARVIS) are fantastic. Iron Man has easily become Marvel's best motion picture franchise.

Personally, I think there's some danger ahead for this franchise by co-mingling it with the rest of the Marvel universe. The Avengers is a rotating team of heros who have from time to time included characters such as Captain America, Thor, The Hulk and even The Fantastic Four, Spider-Man and Wolverine. The trouble is this—the Iron Man flicks have been really good—now this story is looking like its about to get mixed in with the likes of Marvel's other hit-and-miss franchises. Thank goodness that in the comic books, Daredevil declined to join The Avengers.

Color Scheming: Lime Green

Not a MINI factory color, but fresh nevertheless.

An Automotive Education

I've always said that my love of European cars stems almost entirely from my upbringing. Out of curiosity, I recently emailed my dad, Normailty, and asked him to hook me up with list of all the cars my family drove—both foreign and domestic—from the time I was born until I went to college. It's actually pretty interesting. And just to be clear, even though the first one was a '73 Beetle—I wasn't born until '76.

1973 Volkswagen Beetle (Red): 1973 Volkswagen Bus (Two-tone Tan/White):

Normality and Kyality doing some auto-bonding.

1980 Dodge Omni (Copper)
1973 BMW Bavaria (Red):
1973 Ford Pinto Wagon (Ketchup Red) Awesome!

1974 BMW 2002 tii (White):

JessInTheCity and Kyality getting dirrty.

1974 Renault LeCar 3-door Hatch (Orange): 1974 BMW Bavaria (Tan)

1980 Toyota Corolla SR5 Liftback (Yellow)
1975 Renault LeCar 5-door Hatch (Navy Blue)
1980 Saab 99 2-door (Navy Blue): 1988 Dodge Caravan (Charcoal Grey)
1976 BMW 2002 (Cherry Red):

This is a pic of the actual car guest starring my little bro Snizzle.

1988 Chevrolet Nova (Silver)
1973 BMW 2002 (Blue)
1990 Volvo 240 DL (Black): 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Metallic Blue)
1988 BMW M5 (Black): So figure that we had least two cars at any given time and you can see that I've always been exposed to a healthy dose of Euro-autos. Fun little list. Now you know where my sickness comes from. Thanks Pa.

Color Scheming: Laser Blue

Laser Blue. Almost as cool as Laser Cats.

From iPad, on iPad

So as you may or may not have read in my previous post, the exec team at StruckAxiom, in an effort to bring us up to speed with the latest in technology, gave everyone brand spanking new iPads. Yeah, it was pretty much crazy awesome. After spending a week with it, here are my first impressions.

This post is also prompted by the fact that I forgot my MacBook's power cord at work yesterday. Therefore, I'm composing this on the iPad, which is an interesting experience in and of itself. In fact, for some reason, I can only seem to write directly in the HTML editor, weird.

Anyways, I think I'm starting to get it, the iPad that is. Just the other night we were catching up on some shows via Hulu on our iMac. I was just doing some couch-browsing on the iPad, when it was time to start the next show. I quickly launched my Rowmote Pro app, which serves up an iPad specific interface, and fired up the next show from the same device I was just surfing on. Having an iPad is either going to be very awesome or it's going to induce all new levels of laziness.

Mrs. Kyality, who until now, hasn't had a wireless browsing device at home is way excited to get her Grey's on, without subjecting The Kyality Kids to unhealthy degrees of McDreamy exposure.

I had convinced myself that due to the fact that I rock both a MacBook and an iPhone that I couldn't really see an iPad fitting into my personal digital lifestyle. I still don't really see it fitting that well, it's definitely built for someone whose sole connectivity is a desktop. But so far, it's been a superb wireless device and an awesome entertainment system control panel.

UPDATE: I actually had to save this post and complete it on our desktop in Firefox. Apparently, the Blogger CMS hates Safari. There's prolly an app for that now that I think about it.

Color Scheming: British Racing Green

Git yur Brit on.