New HBO mini-series from the makers of The Wire. Ed Burns and David Simon wrote and produced it. It's about the Iraq War invasion from the perspective of the first Marines in.
Burns and Simon said in an interview somewhere that they aren't concerned with a political agenda here and that they're only concerned with "getting the story right" from the perspective of those who lived it.
Pretty refreshing actually. The first episode has them at Camp Mathilda on the Kuwaiti/Iraqi border itching and clamoring for battle. They seem to believe that the sledding will be as easy as it was in the first conflict, though they do take precautions for gas attacks that seem odd now knowing what we know of the Iraqi WMD arsenal.
The first episode ended with them rolling into battle. The scenes were shot in South Africa and I think they've done an excellent job of making the battlefield look terrifying. Knowing what we do of the fight ahead, the smoke-filled sky and artillery in the distance sound eerily ominous on a level that few war movies have achieved. Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers spring to mind as films in which the fear and dread of what lies ahead is palpable in the foreshadowing of the first fighting. This exceeds those in my opinion, perhpas because I personally know several Marines who were in that battle. All of them came home a little worse for wear mentally.
Find out when they re-air this and get caught up on the first episode. The second episode airs Sunday night at 8. You communist.
Quote from: ~Apex on July 14, 2008, 09:51:54 AM
New HBO mini-series from the makers of The Wire. Ed Burns and David Simon wrote and produced it. It's about the Iraq War invasion from the perspective of the first Marines in.
Burns and Simon said in an interview somewhere that they aren't concerned with a political agenda here and that they're only concerned with "getting the story right" from the perspective of those who lived it.
Pretty refreshing actually. The first episode has them at Camp Mathilda on the Kuwaiti/Iraqi border itching and clamoring for battle. They seem to believe that the sledding will be as easy as it was in the first conflict, though they do take precautions for gas attacks that seem odd now knowing what we know of the Iraqi WMD arsenal.
The first episode ended with them rolling into battle. The scenes were shot in South Africa and I think they've done an excellent job of making the battlefield look terrifying. Knowing what we do of the fight ahead, the smoke-filled sky and artillery in the distance sound eerily ominous on a level that few war movies have achieved. Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers spring to mind as films in which the fear and dread of what lies ahead is palpable in the foreshadowing of the first fighting. This exceeds those in my opinion, perhpas because I personally know several Marines who were in that battle. All of them came home a little worse for wear mentally.
Find out when they re-air this and get caught up on the first episode. The second episode airs Sunday night at 8. You communist.
I'm glad you posted this. I have it saved on my DVR. The promos were steak sauce. I can't wait to watch it.
I thought it was really good. Can't wait for the next six.
First episode is On Demand now.
Watch it.
I am reminded about HBO's series "Band of Brothers". I thought that was a great series. The first episode involving David Schwimmer, who loses his chance to command the "Band" in combat, wasn't much. As soon as they get into combat it became riveting, especially the episode where a handful of them are pinned down in foxholes by artillery fire.
Quote from: cubbiebluestew on July 15, 2008, 05:42:34 PM
I am reminded about HBO's series "Band of Brothers". I thought that was a great series. The first episode involving David Schwimmer, who loses his chance to command the "Band" in combat, wasn't much. As soon as they get into combat it became riveting, especially the episode where a handful of them are pinned down in foxholes by artillery fire.
Tremendous show. I remember that scene too; one of the best...
Quote from: cubbiebluestew on July 15, 2008, 05:42:34 PM
I am reminded about HBO's series "Band of Brothers". I thought that was a great series. The first episode involving David Schwimmer, who loses his chance to command the "Band" in combat, wasn't much. As soon as they get into combat it became riveting, especially the episode where a handful of them are pinned down in foxholes by artillery fire.
I just started watching that series again the other night. I actually liked the first episode with "HI-YO, SILVER!" Schwimmer.
I think the episode you're talking about with the foxholes is "Bastogne," which is probably my favorite, too.
Quote from: Kerm on July 16, 2008, 10:13:43 AM
Quote from: cubbiebluestew on July 15, 2008, 05:42:34 PM
I am reminded about HBO's series "Band of Brothers". I thought that was a great series. The first episode involving David Schwimmer, who loses his chance to command the "Band" in combat, wasn't much. As soon as they get into combat it became riveting, especially the episode where a handful of them are pinned down in foxholes by artillery fire.
I just started watching that series again the other night. I actually liked the first episode with "HI-YO, SILVER!" Schwimmer.
I think the episode you're talking about with the foxholes is "Bastogne," which is probably my favorite, too.
I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't seen "Band of Brothers." I think that I really need to get someone to get that for me for Christmas. Or just because.
On that note, I finished Part 1 last night. They created or recreated some pretty awesome characters. I can't wait to see the combat scenes.
Quote from: *In a Nutsack on July 17, 2008, 08:14:20 AM
Quote from: Kerm on July 16, 2008, 10:13:43 AM
Quote from: cubbiebluestew on July 15, 2008, 05:42:34 PM
I am reminded about HBO's series "Band of Brothers". I thought that was a great series. The first episode involving David Schwimmer, who loses his chance to command the "Band" in combat, wasn't much. As soon as they get into combat it became riveting, especially the episode where a handful of them are pinned down in foxholes by artillery fire.
I just started watching that series again the other night. I actually liked the first episode with "HI-YO, SILVER!" Schwimmer.
I think the episode you're talking about with the foxholes is "Bastogne," which is probably my favorite, too.
I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't seen "Band of Brothers." I think that I really need to get someone to get that for me for Christmas. Or just because.
Don't be ashamed. I haven't seen it, either.
Quote from: JD on July 17, 2008, 08:24:53 AM
Quote from: *In a Nutsack on July 17, 2008, 08:14:20 AM
Quote from: Kerm on July 16, 2008, 10:13:43 AM
Quote from: cubbiebluestew on July 15, 2008, 05:42:34 PM
I am reminded about HBO's series "Band of Brothers". I thought that was a great series. The first episode involving David Schwimmer, who loses his chance to command the "Band" in combat, wasn't much. As soon as they get into combat it became riveting, especially the episode where a handful of them are pinned down in foxholes by artillery fire.
I just started watching that series again the other night. I actually liked the first episode with "HI-YO, SILVER!" Schwimmer.
I think the episode you're talking about with the foxholes is "Bastogne," which is probably my favorite, too.
I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't seen "Band of Brothers." I think that I really need to get someone to get that for me for Christmas. Or just because.
Don't be ashamed. I haven't seen it, either.
JD is approaching TDubbs status.
Episode Two: Titballs made of real tits.
One problem with the show, if any. Too many characters and I'm having difficulty telling them apart. So if one or two get fragged, I'll have a harder time feeling for that character the way I ought to. In a seven part series, character development will be difficult.
Other than that the entire thing reeks of awesomeness. Get some.
Quote from: ~Apex on July 20, 2008, 10:01:20 PM
Episode Two: Titballs made of real tits.
One problem with the show, if any. Too many characters and I'm having difficulty telling them apart. So if one or two get fragged, I'll have a harder time feeling for that character the way I ought to. In a seven part series, character development will be difficult.
Other than that the entire thing reeks of awesomeness. Get some.
I haven't seen Part II yet. But, I find myself liking that guy I can't understand. The one who said something about the corners of the moustaches...that guy is a real dick.
Quote from: *In a Nutsack on July 21, 2008, 10:27:44 AM
Quote from: ~Apex on July 20, 2008, 10:01:20 PM
Episode Two: Titballs made of real tits.
One problem with the show, if any. Too many characters and I'm having difficulty telling them apart. So if one or two get fragged, I'll have a harder time feeling for that character the way I ought to. In a seven part series, character development will be difficult.
Other than that the entire thing reeks of awesomeness. Get some.
I haven't seen Part II yet. But, I find myself liking that guy I can't understand. The one who said something about the corners of the moustaches...that guy is a real dick.
I could be wrong, but I think he's the guy who played the ghey son of the chief (proper terminology?) in Rescue Me. If not, he looks like him.
Quote from: J Rod on July 21, 2008, 10:57:49 AM
Quote from: *In a Nutsack on July 21, 2008, 10:27:44 AM
Quote from: ~Apex on July 20, 2008, 10:01:20 PM
Episode Two: Titballs made of real tits.
One problem with the show, if any. Too many characters and I'm having difficulty telling them apart. So if one or two get fragged, I'll have a harder time feeling for that character the way I ought to. In a seven part series, character development will be difficult.
Other than that the entire thing reeks of awesomeness. Get some.
I haven't seen Part II yet. But, I find myself liking that guy I can't understand. The one who said something about the corners of the moustaches...that guy is a real dick.
I could be wrong, but I think he's the guy who played the ghey son of the chief (proper terminology?) in Rescue Me. If not, he looks like him.
They ALL look the same to you, don't they? You gheycist.
Quote from: RV on July 21, 2008, 11:21:52 AM
Quote from: J Rod on July 21, 2008, 10:57:49 AM
Quote from: *In a Nutsack on July 21, 2008, 10:27:44 AM
Quote from: ~Apex on July 20, 2008, 10:01:20 PM
Episode Two: Titballs made of real tits.
One problem with the show, if any. Too many characters and I'm having difficulty telling them apart. So if one or two get fragged, I'll have a harder time feeling for that character the way I ought to. In a seven part series, character development will be difficult.
Other than that the entire thing reeks of awesomeness. Get some.
I haven't seen Part II yet. But, I find myself liking that guy I can't understand. The one who said something about the corners of the moustaches...that guy is a real dick.
I could be wrong, but I think he's the guy who played the ghey son of the chief (proper terminology?) in Rescue Me. If not, he looks like him.
They ALL look the same to you, don't they? You gheycist.
Well played.
Looks like the same dude, if imdb is right: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0428925/
Quote from: J Rod on July 21, 2008, 11:32:02 AM
Quote from: RV on July 21, 2008, 11:21:52 AM
Quote from: J Rod on July 21, 2008, 10:57:49 AM
Quote from: *In a Nutsack on July 21, 2008, 10:27:44 AM
Quote from: ~Apex on July 20, 2008, 10:01:20 PM
Episode Two: Titballs made of real tits.
One problem with the show, if any. Too many characters and I'm having difficulty telling them apart. So if one or two get fragged, I'll have a harder time feeling for that character the way I ought to. In a seven part series, character development will be difficult.
Other than that the entire thing reeks of awesomeness. Get some.
I haven't seen Part II yet. But, I find myself liking that guy I can't understand. The one who said something about the corners of the moustaches...that guy is a real dick.
I could be wrong, but I think he's the guy who played the ghey son of the chief (proper terminology?) in Rescue Me. If not, he looks like him.
They ALL look the same to you, don't they? You gheycist.
Well played.
Looks like the same dude, if imdb is right: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0428925/
IRONY ALERT! He plays a part in this year's newest hit film "Heterosexuals." Money.
If you guys like the show, I'd check out HBO's website for it. It's pretty impressive. It looks like the entire series is based on a book penned by the Rolling Stone writer that is tagging along with Bravo company. The writer, Evan Wright, has written up blog style entries related to every show in the series, giving a little background information on what was going on. The website even has a map that shows the route taken by Bravo, broken down by episode.
From reading his entries, I found it interesting that Wright was against having an actor play himself in the show - not wanting it to be about himself at all. And he makes every attempt to make it clear that there was competent leadership within the division Bravo company was a part of - just that Bravo ended up with "Captain America" and "Encino Man". Wright said that he and Simon "shoehorned" the captain of Alpha company into the story to show that there were good leaders within the division.
And I found out that Marine Sgt. Rudy Reyes (the big dude they rag on for being ghey) is playing himself in the show. Impressive.
Oh, and they also have some sort of drive set up where HBO, or the makers of the products, will send 1 item of your choosing for providing them with a valid email address. Under "Troop Drive".
http://www.hbo.com/generationkill/
Thanks for the heads up J-Rod.
HBO OnDemand has several short features with the actors and the Marines they portray among other stuff like Bootcamp scenes and etc...
I'm watching it right now!
"Well, sir, it's just that you're incompetent."
Badass.
Finally got around to watching this. Hopefully my contribution to this thread can be as profound as IAN's:
QuoteI'm glad you posted this. I have it saved on my DVR. The promos were steak sauce. I can't wait to watch it.
QuoteI'm ashamed to admit that I haven't seen "Band of Brothers." I think that I really need to get someone to get that for me for Christmas.
QuoteI haven't seen Part II yet. But, I find myself liking that guy I can't understand.
Anyway, I'm 3 episodes in, and this is great stuff. I feel like I'm watching The Wire again...smart, selfless, courageous dudes waging a battle not only against their poorly-defined enemy, but against institutional incompetence, dumbass superiors and apathetic peers. All while trying to deal with a ridiculous lack of resources.
Ziggy from Season 2 of The Wire is perfectly cast as the motormouth driver of the lead Humvee. Can't wait to watch the rest, and check out the supplemental stuff J Rod linked to.
Quote from: RV on December 29, 2008, 09:11:26 AM
Finally got around to watching this. Hopefully my contribution to this thread can be as profound as IAN's:
QuoteI'm glad you posted this. I have it saved on my DVR. The promos were steak sauce. I can't wait to watch it.
QuoteI'm ashamed to admit that I haven't seen "Band of Brothers." I think that I really need to get someone to get that for me for Christmas.
QuoteI haven't seen Part II yet. But, I find myself liking that guy I can't understand.
Anyway, I'm 3 episodes in, and this is great stuff. I feel like I'm watching The Wire again...smart, selfless, courageous dudes waging a battle not only against their poorly-defined enemy, but against institutional incompetence, dumbass superiors and apathetic peers. All while trying to deal with a ridiculous lack of resources.
Ziggy from Season 2 of The Wire is perfectly cast as the motormouth driver of the lead Humvee. Can't wait to watch the rest, and check out the supplemental stuff J Rod linked to.
Hey look, it's that guy who's bemoaning the fact that the Paperback Writer Thread has fewer posts than Mom's Basement, and how that's destroying the intellectual fabric of our country.
Read the fuckin' book, dingleberry. http://www.desipio.com/messageboard/index.php?topic=6221.0
Quote from: CT II on December 29, 2008, 11:41:15 AM
Quote from: RV on December 29, 2008, 09:11:26 AM
Finally got around to watching this. Hopefully my contribution to this thread can be as profound as IAN's:
QuoteI'm glad you posted this. I have it saved on my DVR. The promos were steak sauce. I can't wait to watch it.
QuoteI'm ashamed to admit that I haven't seen "Band of Brothers." I think that I really need to get someone to get that for me for Christmas.
QuoteI haven't seen Part II yet. But, I find myself liking that guy I can't understand.
Anyway, I'm 3 episodes in, and this is great stuff. I feel like I'm watching The Wire again...smart, selfless, courageous dudes waging a battle not only against their poorly-defined enemy, but against institutional incompetence, dumbass superiors and apathetic peers. All while trying to deal with a ridiculous lack of resources.
Ziggy from Season 2 of The Wire is perfectly cast as the motormouth driver of the lead Humvee. Can't wait to watch the rest, and check out the supplemental stuff J Rod linked to.
Hey look, it's that guy who's bemoaning the fact that the Paperback Writer Thread has fewer posts than Mom's Basement, and how that's destroying the intellectual fabric of our country.
Read the fuckin' book, dingleberry. http://www.desipio.com/messageboard/index.php?topic=6221.0
Bemoaning is a pretty big word. You learn that in a book or something?
Quote from: RV on December 29, 2008, 11:53:50 AM
Quote from: CT II on December 29, 2008, 11:41:15 AM
Quote from: RV on December 29, 2008, 09:11:26 AM
Finally got around to watching this. Hopefully my contribution to this thread can be as profound as IAN's:
QuoteI'm glad you posted this. I have it saved on my DVR. The promos were steak sauce. I can't wait to watch it.
QuoteI'm ashamed to admit that I haven't seen "Band of Brothers." I think that I really need to get someone to get that for me for Christmas.
QuoteI haven't seen Part II yet. But, I find myself liking that guy I can't understand.
Anyway, I'm 3 episodes in, and this is great stuff. I feel like I'm watching The Wire again...smart, selfless, courageous dudes waging a battle not only against their poorly-defined enemy, but against institutional incompetence, dumbass superiors and apathetic peers. All while trying to deal with a ridiculous lack of resources.
Ziggy from Season 2 of The Wire is perfectly cast as the motormouth driver of the lead Humvee. Can't wait to watch the rest, and check out the supplemental stuff J Rod linked to.
Hey look, it's that guy who's bemoaning the fact that the Paperback Writer Thread has fewer posts than Mom's Basement, and how that's destroying the intellectual fabric of our country.
Read the fuckin' book, dingleberry. http://www.desipio.com/messageboard/index.php?topic=6221.0
Bemoaning is a pretty big word. You learn that in a book or something?
I learned it from reading Peter King.
Quote from: CT II on December 29, 2008, 11:41:15 AM
Read the fuckin' book, dingleberry. http://www.desipio.com/messageboard/index.php?topic=6221.0
CT's a bit like Doc, except more butt-oriented.
Quote from: RV on December 29, 2008, 09:11:26 AM
Finally got around to watching this. Hopefully my contribution to this thread can be as profound as IAN's:
QuoteI'm glad you posted this. I have it saved on my DVR. The promos were steak sauce. I can't wait to watch it.
QuoteI'm ashamed to admit that I haven't seen "Band of Brothers." I think that I really need to get someone to get that for me for Christmas.
QuoteI haven't seen Part II yet. But, I find myself liking that guy I can't understand.
Anyway, I'm 3 episodes in, and this is great stuff. I feel like I'm watching The Wire again...smart, selfless, courageous dudes waging a battle not only against their poorly-defined enemy, but against institutional incompetence, dumbass superiors and apathetic peers. All while trying to deal with a ridiculous lack of resources.
Ziggy from Season 2 of The Wire is perfectly cast as the motormouth driver of the lead Humvee. Can't wait to watch the rest, and check out the supplemental stuff J Rod linked to.
Question about that guy: Was he in Band of Brothers? (begins search on teh Google and IMDB)
After a quick look, it appears not. Anyway, Band of Brothers was on teh History Channel this week, and in HD. B O N E R T I M E.
I watched about 5 hours of Generation Kill last night. I love it. Brad's rants against Ray's "whiskey tango" lifestyle are priceless. It definitely has a Band of Brothers feel, especially in the conflict between the incompetent platoon leaders and the more-intelligent grunts. The writer for Rolling Stone has some brass balls. If you're thinking of watching this On Demand from Comcast, do it this week. It looks like it expires on December 7th.
Quote from: Kermit, B. on November 30, 2009, 10:45:02 AM
I watched about 5 hours of Generation Kill last night. I love it. Brad's rants against Ray's "whiskey tango" lifestyle are priceless. It definitely has a Band of Brothers feel, especially in the conflict between the incompetent platoon leaders and the more-intelligent grunts. The writer for Rolling Stone has some brass balls. If you're thinking of watching this On Demand from Comcast, do it this week. It looks like it expires on December 7th.
Kerm, if you thought the series was good, the book is better (well, without all the pretty pictures and explosions and such). I've actually only seen the first three or four in the HBO series, but the book was amazing. Also, the phrase "combat jack" is awesome.
Quote from: Powdered Toast Man on December 02, 2009, 12:29:47 PM
Quote from: Kermit, B. on November 30, 2009, 10:45:02 AM
I watched about 5 hours of Generation Kill last night. I love it. Brad's rants against Ray's "whiskey tango" lifestyle are priceless. It definitely has a Band of Brothers feel, especially in the conflict between the incompetent platoon leaders and the more-intelligent grunts. The writer for Rolling Stone has some brass balls. If you're thinking of watching this On Demand from Comcast, do it this week. It looks like it expires on December 7th.
Kerm, if you thought the series was good, the book is better (well, without all the pretty pictures and explosions and such). I've actually only seen the first three or four in the HBO series, but the book was amazing. Also, the phrase "combat jack" is awesome.
Yeah, the book is outstanding. I actually wish I had read the book prior to watching the show, as it gives you a lot of background on the guys, whereas the series just tosses you into the deep end.
Quote from: Powdered Toast Man on December 02, 2009, 12:29:47 PM
Quote from: Kermit, B. on November 30, 2009, 10:45:02 AM
I watched about 5 hours of Generation Kill last night. I love it. Brad's rants against Ray's "whiskey tango" lifestyle are priceless. It definitely has a Band of Brothers feel, especially in the conflict between the incompetent platoon leaders and the more-intelligent grunts. The writer for Rolling Stone has some brass balls. If you're thinking of watching this On Demand from Comcast, do it this week. It looks like it expires on December 7th.
Kerm, if you thought the series was good, the book is better (well, without all the pretty pictures and explosions and such). I've actually only seen the first three or four in the HBO series, but the book was amazing. Also, the phrase "combat jack" is awesome.
There's only seven in the HBO series. You should finish what you've started.
Quote from: Kermit, B. on December 02, 2009, 01:52:52 PM
Quote from: Powdered Toast Man on December 02, 2009, 12:29:47 PM
Quote from: Kermit, B. on November 30, 2009, 10:45:02 AM
I watched about 5 hours of Generation Kill last night. I love it. Brad's rants against Ray's "whiskey tango" lifestyle are priceless. It definitely has a Band of Brothers feel, especially in the conflict between the incompetent platoon leaders and the more-intelligent grunts. The writer for Rolling Stone has some brass balls. If you're thinking of watching this On Demand from Comcast, do it this week. It looks like it expires on December 7th.
Kerm, if you thought the series was good, the book is better (well, without all the pretty pictures and explosions and such). I've actually only seen the first three or four in the HBO series, but the book was amazing. Also, the phrase "combat jack" is awesome.
There's only seven in the HBO series. You should finish what you've started.
Like the list of the greatest Cub-killers of all time.
Quote from: CT III on December 02, 2009, 02:31:49 PM
Quote from: Kermit, B. on December 02, 2009, 01:52:52 PM
Quote from: Powdered Toast Man on December 02, 2009, 12:29:47 PM
Quote from: Kermit, B. on November 30, 2009, 10:45:02 AM
I watched about 5 hours of Generation Kill last night. I love it. Brad's rants against Ray's "whiskey tango" lifestyle are priceless. It definitely has a Band of Brothers feel, especially in the conflict between the incompetent platoon leaders and the more-intelligent grunts. The writer for Rolling Stone has some brass balls. If you're thinking of watching this On Demand from Comcast, do it this week. It looks like it expires on December 7th.
Kerm, if you thought the series was good, the book is better (well, without all the pretty pictures and explosions and such). I've actually only seen the first three or four in the HBO series, but the book was amazing. Also, the phrase "combat jack" is awesome.
There's only seven in the HBO series. You should finish what you've started.
Like the list of the greatest Cub-killers of all time.
He's writing one of those too? SHIT!
Quote from: Kermit, B. on December 02, 2009, 01:52:52 PM
Quote from: Powdered Toast Man on December 02, 2009, 12:29:47 PM
Quote from: Kermit, B. on November 30, 2009, 10:45:02 AM
I watched about 5 hours of Generation Kill last night. I love it. Brad's rants against Ray's "whiskey tango" lifestyle are priceless. It definitely has a Band of Brothers feel, especially in the conflict between the incompetent platoon leaders and the more-intelligent grunts. The writer for Rolling Stone has some brass balls. If you're thinking of watching this On Demand from Comcast, do it this week. It looks like it expires on December 7th.
Kerm, if you thought the series was good, the book is better (well, without all the pretty pictures and explosions and such). I've actually only seen the first three or four in the HBO series, but the book was amazing. Also, the phrase "combat jack" is awesome.
There's only seven in the HBO series. You should finish what you've started.
You said they were OnDemand, right? I don't have Comcast, but I wonder if it holds true for my provider (COX). I really am a dope for not finishing it. I had them recorded, but EIAN erased them from teh DVR contraption.