Category: Uncategorized

Days of Future Godzilla Past

Days of Future Godzilla Past

Just when I started complaining about the glut of mediocre Netflix Originals, they go ahead and release two highly anticipated anime programs around the same time. I’ve yet to watch Devilman: Crybaby, but I got everything I wanted upon watching Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters.

I had read about this movie a while back and was surprised to hear it was the first time Godzilla was going to star in an anime. As someone who remembers the Hannah-Barbara Godzooky (I can’t believed it’s spelled that way) cartoons with zero fondness, a Godzilla anime sounded like a pretty good idea.

What I didn’t expect was for it to hit so many “Andre loves this sci-fi concept” notes.  The story moves at a lightspeed clip, with barely enough time to introduce characters in-between all the other elements. In a familiar montage sequence, humanity finds itself assaulted by all sorts of familiar kaiju at the end of the 20th century…okay, so far so good. Except then not just one but TWO different alien races show up out of nowhere with promises of helping humanity out of their rut. This happens so quickly that I barely register that they fail miserably, resulting in a final slap-dash exodus of humanity from Earth.

THEN I’m treated to my most favorite sci-fi concept of generation ships struggling to survive in their voyage across space. It’s here that we’re finally formally introduced to our main character (name starts with an “H” but I’ll refer to as the Captain from now on), who nicely sets the stakes by threatening to blow up their ship. The reason? Well, it seems they’ve arrived at a completely non-hospitable planet but are willing to sacrifice a few old souls to ease resources after 20 years of traveling. It’s a heavy concept and it really works to sell the dire predicament humanity finds themselves in.

Honestly, I could spend hundreds of words just detailing all the different ideas the Godzilla anime throws around within a few minutes. Overall,  I get the sense that they introduce the two alien species mainly as a way to hand-wave technology jumps and have them comment cryptically on the fate of humanity. I’m 100% okay with this.

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Long story short, the Captain and the super computer have figured out a way to *gasp* defeat Godzilla and this somehow convinces everyone to just return to Earth and try again. Oh, except starjumping/lightspeed tech means over 10,000 years have passed since they left. Yet another way to add another wrinkle to whatever slapdash plans the humans think they have.

Even if I can’t remember everyone’s name and the CGI nature of the animation causes everyone to look vaguely similar, the small character beats are super effective. Despite my musing about the breakneck pacing of the show, it works because it keeps us on our toes as to the eventual fate of humanity. Everything sucks on this journey, this planet, and all subsequent fights. And just when the Captain looks to sacrifice everything, we’re treated to a surprise/twist at the end that i’m absolutely okay with even if it’s technically a cliffhanger.

 

 

From Oakland with Love

From Oakland with Love

One of the joys of living in the middle of LA is not knowing what random goodness awaits right around the corner. That last sentence was a literal statement in the case of tonight’s Sqirl adventure.

To those who make the pilgrimage to Sqirl on Virgil, it’s known for it’s amazing brunch and poor parking options. To those who live nearby, it’s known for it’s amazing brunch and the cause of poor parking. I represent the latter but tonight added a twist by adding the delicious smell of grilled meats.

The aroma was intoxicating but I hadn’t planned on having a KronnerBurger this evening. After then also seeing it featured on the 5 Everyday app, I realized resistance was futile and much less appetizing.

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I’m a fantastic photographer, it’s the wine that’s making it look blurry

My spontaneity was rewarded with one of the most unique combination of burger flavors to grace my mouth in years. Although before that I would have to graciously turn down a can of Schlitz in favor or red wine, lest I forget this is still on the edge of Silver Lake. Remind me sometime to tell you of that sad sad night at Mystery Beer Wednesday.

Hailing from Oakland, 5 Everyday tells me that Chris Kronner has developed a massive cult following with award winning burgers. How lucky then that he does house calls to LA to benefit Homeboy Industries.

$24 earned me a burger, two vegetable sides, and my wine. The food coma afterglow was all free. The KronnerBurger satisfied all non-existent expectations and made a convert out of me. From the moment the charred meat hit my taste buds I knew I was in for a special experience. The salty slab of beef was perfectly complimented by the red onions and aioli spread. A slice of crisp lettuce added texture to contrast with the crunchy burger exterior.

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Not shown: my Pavlovian drool response

The burger was so good that it let me forgive the mixed reaction I had to the sides. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m operating on a limited pallet here (Ed Note: Read his last post for more on that). But I couldn’t wrap my head or mouth around the pickled vegetables that sat in one of the tray slots. I overheard mention of it being a Korean dish and maybe I’ll look back someday and understand. I still ate it all.

A serviceable tater salad and mini-chocolate desert rounded out the meal and fared much better as compliments.

LA is not lacking in delicious burger options so the bar is pretty high. Thankfully, KronnerBurger left a positive impression and some delicious calories I won’t soon forget.