Clash of the Titans

I dont like this preview. It looks rushed. Compare it to "Avatar", that came out last week, and you will find... that there is no comparison. This just looks like jumbled action sequences that do not flow in the least. But, the story is one to look forward to... Hope it isnt all messed up in the end.

Where Have I Been?

I'll tell you where. But let me preface...

In LA, unemployment rates are higher than almost every part of the US. This is really the first recession that has affected the entertainment industry. Reason being? Who really knows. But my guess is that it has to do with the threat of the SAG going on strike. A few years ago, the writers went on strike, which shut down production of nearly everything for a while. People lost millions of dollars and remembering this no doubt terrifies studio executives.

So what would you do if you camera talents were threatening to strike at any minute? You would, just as the execs have, green lit far fewer projects. This means that many of the actors who are not "A or B list" will have to take less desirable roles, further pushing the unknown people down the post. Where do they go? Restaurants!

Anyways, so the actors and people who wish to work behind the camera, have all gone to work at restaurants and bars. THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is where I have been working. And restaurant work... is just awful.

So, last week... things finally began to look up! I am up for an assistant position at Jim Henson Studio (you know... Kermit the Frog), have someone helping me get an interview at William Morris (the talent agency), and finally... got a PA job for one week (starting next monday). So, since the restaurant has been so slow... this PA job will help me a lot. But Im really hoping for something to happen at Henson or WME. Fingers are very tightly crossed.

New Trailers!

I saw two of these today actually, and really am excited about them both - especially "Avatar" - Though I have to say, the use of Steve Jabionsky's "My Name Is Lincoln" track from the movie "The Island" (the first music that plays) seems.... a little out of place.

And, while this film looks like it has a lot of potential, Im not as excited as I was about "Kung Fu Panda" or "Shreck".

New Reviews!

So, Ive been gone for a while.... and have seen a quite a few movies since my last post. So, instead of my typical review, Im going to do a few condensed reviews in one post.

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen - The graphics and action are spectacular. The story, new characters, humor and everything else were just wretched. Dont see this movie, unless you are a die hard fan. Or you want to watch something that involves no thinking (minus the often question like "WTF" or "Does that make sense?")

Drag Me To Hell - Excellent scary film. Very eerie, not campy (except perhaps the ending), and not gory - an aspect I appreciate of scary films.

Where the Wild Things Are - Much better than expected. Though there is little story, the beautiful cinematography kept my interest. It is not a children's movie, but something that is meant for those who like a deep movie where you have a lot to think about afterwards.

An Education - One of the better films I have seen lately. Great story, brilliant acting, and

nicely shot.

Snow White - the review

Talk about it being time for an update! Wow, where did I go?!

Anyways, lets start with a quick blurb about the "Snow White" blu-ray. So, I bought myself a copy and finally had a chance to watch it. Its peculiar how time can change something. I remember "Snow White" to be short in length, funny, and somewhat scary. But, that was 20 years ago. Now, it is a classic. Does this mean that it is still as enjoyable as it was when I was little? No. But it came out in a very different time. Films were more dramatic, acting was far less realistic with a more theatrical feel. Think Betty Davis in "Marked Woman".

Anyways, Miss White spends half the movie screaming about nothing and running while holding the front of her dress up. Not to mention, girl falls in love with a homosexual prince in less than 60 seconds (talk about settling). I mean, this movie really doesn't do much for women except teach them to rely on men, be nice to little people, dont hate the gays - fall in love with them (especially if youre desperate and dont want to have to work), and be wary of fruits and vegetables. But again, that was the time. And there is plenty to appreciate about this movie.

Lets start with my favorite aspect, the fact that this was a hand drawn cartoon... the first feature lenght animated film... EVER. Consider this, if the audience didnt like this film, few of my generation would know the name Disney. No joke. If Snow White did terribly and the audience couldn't buy the idea of feature length animation, Disney would have no money left to try a second attempt. And none of the films we know today would have been made.

Also, the movie is very beautiful. Spectacular really. It isnt anywhere near as advanced as "Sleeping Beauty" (which looks like a brand new film on blu ray) but that also came out 22 years later. I just have to point out that some of the shots and sequences that are just amaizing. The few that stand out, are the queen (doing basically anything - but especially her transformation), Snow White running through the woods, the cleaning of the house, and the dance between the dwarfs and SW. Really beautifully done.

If you have a love for old animation, or have children, check this out. It may not be what you remember, but it certainly will never be forgotten.

This is a picture Disney put out with Rachel Weisz. Just thought it was worth posting.

Mirror, Mirror...

So, for all of you out that have taken the plunge that is blu-ray, I wanted to give you a little heads up. Many titles are coming out. This holiday season with be a big one for the blu market. And Im not talking specifically about this prevous summer's blockbusters. We are being treated to such titles from many years ago (some mentioned below) along with those who helped with raking in the summer's cash and aided in making this summer the biggest grossing summer for films ever.

ANYWAYS, I really wanted to mention something. "Snow White", yes... a film with no explosions, sex or violence (minus a poison... ugh I wont even say it), was just released on Blu-Ray. It has had rave reviews regarding the image and audio transfers. If you are a Blu Ray lover, and appreciate classics (as well as animation), check out this link. Here you can find the movie for sale on Amazon.com. Not only is it listed at $19.99, there is a promotional code (snowhite) -note only one "W"- that drops another $10 off!

Disney Blu-Rays tend to be pricey, so I suggest taking advantage of this now, before the sale ends! (I did yesterday)

Oh Roman...

Roman Polansky is once again in the hot seat. Well... He has kind of been in the hot seat for 31 years now.

If you are unaware of what im talking about, let me explain.

Lets travel back 31 years to Jack Nicholson's abode. There, Roman Polanski was enjoying sex with a younger woman. And they were doing things that many couples do while not wearing clothes (I dont need to go into specifics, if you need more definition, look it up). Low and behold, Polansky was slapped with a rape charge. Why? Because the girl, who was younger, was actually MUCH younger. Being only 13.

Ok, now that you have gotten back up from falling out of your chair, lets move on. Polanskipleaded guilty to this charge, and was sentenced to 42 days in a Chino State Prison to be examined for psychiatric abnormalities. Anyways, when he was out, the judge deemed he was fit to stand trial.

But here's the rub. Wasnt that already his sentence? I mean, he probably expected to pay some fines and take some counciling, but he already served time. Now the judge wanted him to stand trial? So Polanski decided to break bail and fly to London way back in 1978. He has not been back to the US since.

I think that as far as the story goes... its the judges fault. Not that Im ok with Polanski's choice to mess around with someone just hardly a teenager, but the Judge should have been more clear when sending him to prison all those years ago. I have never heard of anyone going to prison, only to serve time deemed by a judge and then have to come back to court... ugh... im sick and all this hurts my head. Bottom line, the whole situation is as messed up as it gets. Anyways, now Polanski has been arrested in Zurich, and facing being extradited to the US. Polanski is no doubt going to get in some trouble for running and breaking bail, but what of the actual case? What do you think should happen? And what should happen with his most recent film that had to be halted mid-production?

The Fourth Kind

So, check out this trailer. I dont have much of an opinion, but it looks like its up my alley. Kinda scary, but we'll see...

Blu Ray releases!

This week on Blu-Ray there are two releases that I am quite excited about. The first, "Wizard of OZ" the 70th anniversary edition. I cannot wait to read a review on how this one looks. And next, "The Dark Crystal", which I have actually never seen as well as "Labyrnth" (which successfully scared the living crap out of me).

Everyone says that I would really enjoy "The Dark Crystal", which is probably true. When I was out at Jim Henson studios, they had a few creatures from the film (many were ruined over the years), but they looked pretty cool. So, what better chance to see this film than now in high definition?!

And speaking of which, "OZ" will no doubt be amazing as well considering I havent seen that film in like 10 years.

But if you have a Blu-Ray player, I suggest waiting to buy OZ down the road. The version that is being released today is a collectors edition with books, extra disks and special packaging is going to set you back almost 85 bucks! For me... I can wait. And while Im waiting... Ill watch "The Dark Crystal"

A Whole Bunch of New Stuff...

So! Here is where I just give out a whole bunch of new information. I wrote recently about how there is going to be a "Pirates of the Caribbean 4", well Geoffery Rush (one of my top 3 favourite actors - who plays Barbosa in the Pirates franchise) did a little talking about it. Rush said that the script isnt quite finished because the screenwriters are trying hard to get something that is fresh and interesting for the audience (perhaps he was just as thrilled with how rushed the story felt from pirates 2 & 3 as I was.)

Here is the full interview:

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Next up: Venom.

Really? I thought he was dead... but hey... thats the fun about comics. You can kill anyone and find some crazy way to bring them back. Anyways, Paul Wernick, who I suppose is writing the script for "Venom" said that Marvel is "pushing forward" the script, but declined to elaborate whether or not it was going to tie into Spider-Man 4 which is due out May 6, 2011. Interesting...

Then! Ole Sam Sam Rockwell did some talking as well. Rockwell, who is playing weapon competitor Justin Hammer, said that he teams up with Mickey Rourke to take Stark down. But is kind of the brains behind the operation, as Rourke is the one who does all the fighting and "kicking ass in the film". He also noted that this film has a larger scope, more characters and is much more action packed. This could be a good, or very bad thing. In my opinion, when too many characters are added, a film becomes diluted because youre trying to remember each character and what they are doing and why they

are doing it. Hopefully, John Favreau keeps his head above water and doesnt deliver an X3 or Batman & Robin.

Kruger...

The movie that scared me the most when I was little (that and "Critters") is back! And surprisingly produced by none other than Michael Bay! So... does that mean it will be PG-13, have lots of explosions, and a cheesy song over the credits? Hope not.

As for me, I hate gory movies but love scary movies. Though I never go out of my way to see them. So, I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. Looks good, very reminiscent of the original...

Patrick Swayze

2009 is not the year for those considered famous. We lost another face known by all in the entertainment world. Patrick Swayze died Monday after fighting pancratic cancer for nearly two years.

The actor was known for films such as "Dirty Dancing", "Ghost", "Point Break" and yes... "Too Wong Foo". At only 57, Swayze might have had a prosperous career ahead of him.

Heres to you, for making us laugh, cry, and occasionally be envious as you tore up the dance floor.

Cheers Mr. Swayze.

Scrooge and Vampires!

New Trailers! First off, we get Robert Zemeckis's newest film. And as he continually seems to outdo his previous attempts of CGI, we are getting a new take on the most over-redone film of all time.... "A Christmas Carol". (If you have no idea what this story is about and care to find out... you'll have plenty of films to choose from). So, take a look.

Maybe, youre like me and am thinking.... "wow... I know this story far too well to see it again." Especially as it seems that Jim Carey is playing like... EVERY CHARACTER. lame. Perhaps it will do well, considering it is on IMAX 3D.

And then we come to the next thing for me to complain about.... a new "Twilight" trailer. I havent watched it yet. So... lets do so together....

OK.... ooooook. Aside from everyone NEEDING to be shirtless... that looks pretty good (minus the graphics seem sub-par)... Damnit....

Oh Kanye...

I hate awards shows (usually) they seem less and less fun over the years. They seem less and less about the great moments of winning. (anyone remember Cuba Gooding Jr.'s academy award, or Julia Roberts) It should be fun. And sometimes you get to see how some celebrities really are. I wont soon forget how some people take their awards as though they expect them. Or how others act when they dont win them.

Its an award. Being nominated should be enough of an honor.

Im not really going to talk much on the Kanye thing, because everyone is in the same boat (at least everyone I've heard mention anything). But, I seem to remember that it wasnt all that long ago when ole West was speaking about how he needed to calm down the cockiness. Apparently, he had to put that goal on hold and again prove what is wrong with some celebrities. I mean, seriously, the poor girl.

There is plenty that I do appreciate about this situation. The backlash. Pink, Kelly Clarkson, the usually lame Speidi, and more all had something to say. And I think the biggest kick in the balls for Kanye was when Beyonce let Swift back on stage to finish.

As Americans, we tend to forget things like this quickly, so I hope this one is remembered. I would not mind seeing Kanye fail from this point on. Even if he came back in ten years.... Just for him to be reminded of how fragile fame and success can be. That moments like this should (and hopefully will) warrant backlash.

Pink said it perfectly, 'hes getting what he wants, people are talking about him'. So lets all stop and focus in another way....

Here is my proposition, dont buy his stuff (I certainly wont be) and support the other artists. And if you find yourself needing one of his songs or albums on a playlist... find an alternate method of obtaining said material (not that Im SUGGESTING the art of stealing).

And finally, I wanted to post Pink's discussion of what happened from eariler today on The Today Show. She has always been a favorite of mine.... and I wouldnt mind seeing her lay down the law on Kanye. Rock on girl, you're awesome.

Inglorious Bastards

Weird. I saw "Inglorious Bastards" and had just assumed I wrote a review. Apparently, I lied... to myself.

Tarantino's new film is gold. But we should just know to expect that from him by this point. There is no other director that can continually create successful art forms the way he does.

The film does not rely on gimmicks (aside from another amazing soundtrack). Nor special effects. It is another perfect example of a Tarantino story that is completely character driven using unparalleled dialogue.

It certainly is not afraid to show you some gore. So beware of that. But, if youre feeling like watching a brilliant new take on WWII-Tarantino style, then get out to a theatre now.

Bay vs. Fox - Round 4

OK, I love Megan Fox......'s look. She is very very pretty. But, damn.... I'm so sick of that girl and all the nonsense she has to say about everyone she has worked with in the past. It seems that now shes an "A-List actress" she has to bash each film she does... almost as an excuse for her terrible skills as an actress. I mean... most people in the film world have heard the rumors that Michael Bay is rediculous and that he is horrible to work with, but this girl is just not letting it go!

Now she is having a go at Karyn Kusama, director of "Jennifer's Body" saying (in regards to the script); "There are days (on set) when I said 'What the fuck does that mean?'" and then says that Kusama would say 'I dont know but lets shoot it anyways'.

Seems to me, that if Ms. Fox continues like this, no one will want to work with her. (which isnt a problem to me... I wouldnt mind seeing the girl just go into modeling and forget the screen).

Well, Bay has not minded slamming her right back. And this time has done so through his crew members. Who posted a response on Bay's website.

"We've had the tedious experience of working with the dumb-as-a-rock Megan Fox on both Transformers movies," the letter says early on. [Note: the grammar ansd phraseology are weak so I've cleaned up certain portions.] "We [work] in different departments, and can't give our names because sadly doing so in Hollywood could lead to being banished from future Paramount work. One of us touches Megan's panties, another has the often shitty job of pulling Ms. Sourpants out of her trailer, and the last of us is near the Panaflex camera that helps to memorialize the valley girl on film."

Unfortunately this also seems silly due to the poor grammar and sentence structure. But we get the point.

Pirates 4

So, back to the open seas we travel. Pirates 4 is rearing to go, Johnny Depp has officially signed on. Im not going to lie to a single folk out there... I really couldn't care less at this point. The previous two were so disastrous, a third sequel just sounds exhausting at this point.

And, as no executives have asked me my opinion... we are set to get a fourth. This one is titled "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides", which at first glance just sounds terrible. I mean... didnt we already watch three films with the crew going on stranger and stranger tides? Seriously, Pirates 3 brought them to the land of the dead where there were like 30 Johnny Deps running around like they had a crab in their pants.

If you want more of a breakdown of what this film MIGHT be about, check out what

Amazon.com has posted about Tim Powers novel oddly titled "On Stranger Tides".

"World Fantasy Award–winner Powers (Three Days to Never) demonstrates a precise control of complex narratives in this reprint of his rollicking and enchanting 1987 novel. Puppeteer John Chandagnac, bound for Jamaica to recover stolen money from his uncle, becomes Jack Shandy after pirates attack his ship and force him to join their crew. Shandy's struggle to accept his new life grounds the story for readers, even as Blackbeard and vodun magicians whisk everyone away to dreamlike lands where the Fountain of Youth itself awaits. The chaotic sea battles sing, though at times key events happen so quickly that they get lost in the shuffle as Jack tries to comprehend where he's going and what's at stake. This dark fantasy tale will appeal not just to pirate fans but also to anyone who appreciates Powers's talent for blending the most unlikely elements into a brilliantly cohesive whole."

Goats

So, this is "The Men Who Stare at Goats", George Clooney's comedy that makes a huge string of his films that is coming out over the next year. The guy has been busy. So check out this trailer. It looks hilarious.

You Tell Me About 3D

What are your thoughts on 3D? It is taking the cinema by storm. 3D isnt a new thing, but has been around for years. And now, we have reached a stage where watching movies in 3D is possible in our homes.

But for me, im not sold. When I see a movie, say "Coraline" or "Monsters vs. Aliens", I see a movie that is made with too many shots intended for 3D, simply to shock the audience. These same shots would look slightly odd to viewers watching the movie without 3D glasses.

These moments take me out of the story. Frankly, Im not a huge fan. And now we are seeing more and more films slated for being 3D ready. "Iron Man 2" for example.

Anyways, what do you think about all this 3D stuff? Is it fun? Something that should be reserved for animation? Or is it just distracting? You tell me.

Dorian Gray

I love the story of Dorian Gray. Great book. And I really enjoy Ben Barnes (and Colin Firth). So you can imagine the trill of finally seeing the trailer!

Though I remember almost nothing shown here (it has been a while since my last read), it looks pretty wonderful.

Check it out! And read the book!

IMAX! Batman 3!

So check this out! Batman 3 people... Batman 3. Yes, I am excited. Check this tid-bit out I found from RopeofSilicon.com

Next comes word from Ain't It Cool reporting Christopher Nolan's Batman 3 "could very well be FULLY shot in IMAX, not IMAX Digital – but the beautiful, stunning IMAX that we saw pieces ofThe Dark Knight in." AICN's Harry Knowles speculates the reason Nolan went from The Dark Knight to Inception "was possibly to create a few new IMAX cameras made to his specs."

Now, doesnt that just tickle you in a "Im a fanboy and just peed a little" kind of way?

"Princess and the Frog" s New Villain

I am a Disney fan. I mean, really, how could you not be? At each point in our lives, thats what our entertainment (not to mention dreams) were conjured from. And as I reported before, "Princess and the Frog" is due out November 25, hitting the screen in a long over due 2D format.

Now, to make a classic Disney film, a classic villain is just as important (if not, in some cases, more so) than the main character. They have to be terribly villainous and bent on destroying the world of the main character. When I think Disney villain, there are two standing most prominent. The queen from "Snow White" and the number one animated villain (in my book) the wonderful Malificent. In "Princess and the Frog" we get a new face, Dr. Facilier. Check out the little feature on the character. What do you think? Will he stand the test of time? We'll see...

Avatar

Ok, so I didnt watch "Wolfman" before posting. Looks pretty good.

Anyways, James Cameron is back. Hes got plenty to live up to. (If you dont know who I'm talking about... look him up). But he is back with the CGI laden "Avatar". Again, I know nothing about this film. And am posting the trailer without watching it first. But, knowing me and my love for CGI and fantasy, the pictures look pretty cool. Lets watch together...

The Wolfman

Ok, so with "Twilight" beginning this ridiculous obsession with vampire movies/television shows, it was only a matter of time before we started seeing werewolf stories.

Now, here is a film that sounds like it could easily bomb, but has such a strong cast... you know the script must be great.

Its the remake of "The Wolfman". And is directed by "Jurassic Park III" director Joe Johnston. (see... it makes it feel suspect already) But if we add in the twist of Benicio Del Toro starring alongside Anthony Hopkins, Hugo Weaving, and Emily Blunt your faith might be restored. Anyways, we will have to wait until Febuary 12, 2010 to find out.

District-9

Has it really been two weeks since I posted something....? Wow. Feels like 4 days, but weeks and months are just flying by... so i suppose it makes sense.

Anyways, lets get some updates!

Im starting with my review of "District-9". Its a very interesting concept. Instead of a 'What would happen if aliens attacked' story, it is a 'Well... they have lived here for 20 years, and things just arnt that great for either them or us.'

I think that people who went into this movie expecting some sort of catastrophic alien attack movie, were disappointed. But those who could see it, see the messages it was sending about humanity, might take something more away with them.

Dont get me wrong, it had enough action to keep me entertained. The CGI was pretty great, I dont think Jackson would under-whelm anyone in that department.

Overall, I walked out really happy with what I saw. Was it something that will go down in time, probably not... Do I think that it will have a sequel? Probably not. But for a good summer flick that thankfully does not entertain with the same hollywood faces we see everywhere, it was a well done film.

Grey Gardens

I actually do not have cable television. Weird, I know. So, when HBO released "Grey Gardens" starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange, I didn't have a chance to see it. Now that it is released on DVD, I got my chance.

And let me tell you, I thought the film was brilliant. Half of the brilliance came from Lange and Barrymore because the two of them nailed the characters.

The story bounces back and forth between a telling of their pasts, then going forward and recreating scenes from the documentary. It was really quite clever.

What I do recommend about the feature movie, is seeing the documentary first. Then see this. I think that is far more interesting than doing it the other way around. I also would have been interested to see some actual cutting between the original footage and this, it might have been more interesting to see some of the documentary added in somehow. Might have had some fun editing. Who knows...

Box Office/Total Domestic Gross Reports... I Loose....

So my comment below about the box office ratings... wow. I was wrong. Lets break down what is doing what. These numbers are total gross:

At number 1: Transformers 2 with 389,508,496

2: Pixar's Up with 286,409,185

3: Harry Potter 6 with 260,610,864

4: The Hangover with 257,269,418

5: Star Trek with 254,777,330

6: Monsters vs. Aliens with 198,021,110

7: Ice Age 3 with 183,660,946

8: Wolverine with 179,665,805

Honestly, I'm quite a bit surprised. I didnt think Transformers had done so well. Or Monsters vs. aliens. And I had completely forgotten about the Hangover! And I'm also a bit impressed with "Up" ranking number two.

The opening weekend Box Office amounts are also interesting. Shows how fast people learn whether a movie is good or not.

1: Transformers

2: Wolverine

3: Harry Potter

4: Star Trek

5: Fast and Furious

6: Up

7: Monsters Vs. Aliens

8: Watchmen

One to point out. The most anticipated of all "Watchmen" is at number 16 for total gross, bringing in only 107,509,799. But summer isn't over. "G.I. Joe" and "Julie & Julia" come out this weekend and "Harry Potter" is finally getting its IMAX run. So who knows what is going to happen in the end...

El orfanato -The Remake

I love a great horror film. But I hate slasher flicks. They dont scare me as much as they gross me out. Good scary movies (in my opinion) are ones such as "The Others" and "The Orphanage". These are moves that scare you, something that is seriously flawed about most horror flicks today. Wait, wait, wait, youve never heard of "The Orphanage"? Of course you havent. Its a spanish film and we American's dont like to read when we go to the movies. Sure it was released in theatres, and is in the dvd/blu-ray isle, but most people steer clear of subtitles.

And that is why we get this endless list of remakes for the American audience. Because they are in english. But the translation of films from one language to english almost always looses an element of the original.

"The Orphanage" is only two years old, and was produced by Guillermo del Toro. But it is already set to be remade. It is a fantastic story, and I highly recommend watching it on Halloween or some spooky/rainy night as it is nothing short of eerie. And when the new one comes out, I'm sure I'll have something witty to say about the destruction of a good story.

This is the original trailer:

American Heroes

So, we all knew "G.I. Joe" was going to be terrible. And if you are one of those hard core fans who refuses to believe it, sorry. Youre going to be dissapointed. I wrote a while back at my discomfort regarding the backbone to the "Mummy" franchise (not just the first... but every movie - including the one with the football playing Yetis), Stephen Sommers. Responsible not only for the "Mummy" and "Scorpion King" movies, Sommers also treated us to gems such as "Van Helsing" and "Deep Rising". So to take on a film with a serious tone to it, Sommers seems to be the opposite of what I would personally choose.

Anyways, this weekend marks the release of "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" and something very unique is taking place. After tremendous marketing attempts, Paramount has decided to not screen the film for critics.

"WHHHHAAAAA?" you say?! Why would a studio do such a thing? Don't they want their summer's blockbuster reviewed on front pages of newspapers across the states? I think your guess is the same as mine. "Joe" is so terrible, they dont want critics slashing and tearing it apart.

I still stand behind Potter, guessing it to be the strongest film of the summer (though I havent actually looked at the numbers yet... so I might be sounding like a fool).

End of story... GI Joe is just another great idea pulled through the shredder.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

"Fantastic Mr. Fox" is something I know nothing about, other than it's stop animation, based on a book, and is coming out Thanksgiving. It is directed by Wes Anderson and has one of the best cast lineups Ive seen since "Nine" (not "9"). It does look pretty hilarious.