I quite liked Tropic Thunder but it's not a film I could go back to (despite owning the Blu Ray). Still haven't seen The Social Network, though, to my shame.

Will you mention the awful packaging for Social Network? There were some great features on the DVD, but the packaging was idiotic. There was a flap of cardboard that hung like a drape over both sides of the case. How does that make any kind of sense?

^ Seconded. I'm really happy that Reznor won the oscar for best score, there's so many interesting musical ideas being explored (though I will say a part of me still wishes How to Train Your Dragon won it, because that is a classic John Williams level adventure movie score).

Wow Teague, that's awesome! Really glad you took the time to explain your point like that, I definitely see what you're getting at now (though I wish Giachinno's Star Trek score wasn't the positive example used, I really dislike his score when compared with Horner's and Goldsmith's)

Fantastic video, Teague. I'm a massive score geek. I collect film and TV scores, particularly rare and bootleg stuff. I've always wanted to be a composer (I have long, bony fingers suited for instruments). Problem is, I can never retain any of the skill and knowledge that comes with playing an instrument and writing music. I tend to just latch on to what sounds good to me and what gets an emotional reaction out of me. At the end of the day, it just boils down to personal preference. I think not having that understanding of music theory and such is probably a good thing, at least for me.

I'm reminded of the video essay Jim Emerson put together on the editing and shooting of a key scene from The Dark Knight, and how it was all wrong/bad. He was so obsessed with the "right way" of doing things, I think he missed out on the momentum of the scene, which to me is more important. Not to mention, I personally never had an issue with knowing where Harvey Dent was located in the back of the police truck in relation to every one/thing else. Why? Two reasons: 1. In all of his shots within the truck, you can see the grating to his right side which allows him to talk to the driver. This implies he is leaning against the wall that is furthest away from The Joker's attacks, and his firepower at the truck supports this. 2. It doesn't ultimately matter. All you need to know is, there's a police truck. Harvey is in the back. The Joker is after the truck/Harvey.

So, while it may not be 100% right, it looks/sounds good enough to me. I'm not suggesting that's what you're doing, I'm just saying it's what your vid reminded me of. It could be the chord progression in "The Grid" is too easy. I'm fine with that. Those series of notes sound good to me and I'm moved by them. My ignorance of music is bliss, I guess.

Either way, I like your video. It's very informative. It doesn't change my mind about "The Grid", but I love scores so much, it doesn't have to for me to find the value in it. It's on a subject I'm passionate about and it's well-discussed and helpful.

Similar to your problem with "The Grid", there's a downward progression in the track, "Solar Sailer" that bugs me. It's 14 seconds in. I love the tune until just before it repeats each time; that bit of connective music that bridges the end to the start of the loop. I just don't like the sound of those series of notes.

You'll be fine cos I think it's Tropic followed by Social. 

Which version of Tropic Thunder?

I think Teague has way more of a point than Emerson ever did in his essay for what it's worth. In the age of terrible action movie staging that we live in, he goes and picks one of the only director's who still shoots action intelligibly and in long takes to make his point about bad editing/camerawork. Pick Quantum of Solace or The A-Team, or most Michael Bay movies.

when are Tron Legacy and Iron Man 2 commentaries going to be put on iTunes

I think I've used up my alloted "is one happening this weekend" asks, so can someone else do it ? Please excuse this if your place has been wrecked apart by a giant tornado, I've been cleaning my gun collection and not been listening to the news.