“Watchmen” was entertaining and did not disappoint. I was very nervous when the opening credits began and even became sad at one point when I realized that I was about to view someone else’s vision of what I had become very attached to. The opening scenes rolled in with Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’” playing in the background. This was one of my favorite parts of the movie and really set the tone for what we were about to witness: a changing of the guard for the Watchmen and society.

I became immersed in the movie right away, but was disrupted several times. The soundtrack was annoying when mainstream songs were forced into the story, attempting to recreate a 1980s feel. Malin Akerman’s acting was awful, and the makeup for President Nixon and Sally Jupiter looked really fake. The action sequences didn’t seem to fit either, but were well done.

I think that someone not familiar with the graphic novel would be confused. Scene transitions seemed hurried at times. This did keep the story moving forward, though, and it didn’t seem as abrupt since I knew what was coming next.

I give it three-and-a-half stars out of five.

Posted in 200 Words, Movies 2 Comments »

On Friday, June 20th, I posted a question on Plurk asking for recommendations on a new beer to try for the weekend. The only stipulation was that it needed to be available at Beverages & More so I could pick it up on my way home. I received a solid suggestion from superkash: New Belgium Skinny Dip.

I logged on to BevMo and purchased the Skinny Dip for pickup. When I arrived, they had it waiting for me (along with a couple bottles of wine and a backup beer, Firestone Double Barrel Ale, just in case). I took my spirits home and loaded them up in the refrigerator for later in the evening.

It was finally time to crack open my first Skinny Dip. It poured a copper color as I loaded up my New York Giants frosty mug. My first impression was that it was very light in taste. I had been used to a richer flavor from New Belgium (1554 being one of my favorites, and their Fat Tire above average as well), so this was surprising. However, this can certainly be classified as a “light beer.” I could definitely taste the hint of lime, giving it an accompanying fruity zest without detracting from its core flavors.

It felt very light on the hops and there was virtually no bite in the aftertaste. It was certainly as-advertised: a beer light on calories (114 calories per 12-ounce serving), but a bit disappointing overall. I was expecting to find a lighter beer a cut above, say, Samuel Adams Light, but I would say paying extra for the New Belgium is not worth it. On Sunday night, I tried the beer again, but found myself opening a Firestone DBA later in the evening.

With that said, I would rate it a 2.5 out of 5, and possibly a 3 out of 5 in the light beer category.

Posted in Beer, Reviews 1 Comment »