Justin Beber

How is it that these celebrities are getting younger and younger.... or... am I just getting older and- never mind. I think I get it now.

Anyways, with the Beber insanity that has been going on everywhere I turn around, I cant help but wonder what the appeal is? I mean, I don't think I would recognize him on the street, and certainly wouldn't pay any attention as Im quite sure Id think he was a young, overly-confident, poorly dressed lesbian.

And when I got to see this lovely shot of him on People... I thought to myself "WOW! He looks like a much younger, blonde, Parker Posey!" But, based on his interviews and Saturday Night Live stuff, far less funny.

At least I can understand the Jonas Brothers and Zac Efron.... and even Miley Cyrus... But, Justin Beber? Sorry... no.

What I Have Been Doing

Ah, to get to the fun part... not really.

As for what Ive been up to lately... I have been working on a variety of shoots, editing, writing, and applying to jobs like a maniac.

Ive started two new feature screenplays, and have written about 8 shorts. I've told myself that every week I want to write a new treatment (a detailed synopsis) and so far, some have potential.

Ive started a horror story, one I think is an interesting concept that hasn't before been done. A fantasy, but more of a love story with a fantastical twist. And a live action version of an 80s cartoon (one that has yet to be developed for big screen) is on my horizon.

Needless to say, my portfolio is looking good. :)

Quick Reviews

Because ive been so busy, and haven't been writing... anything... I will give my sum ups for the recent movies ive seen.


Alice in Wonderland- Boring. The graphics were really nice and I love Tim Burton's vision, as he is a perfect choice for Wonderland, but something was lacking. I didnt mind the "sequel" to the alice series idea, but with the over-saturation of Johnny Depp when I would have preferred see Alice team up with the Cheshire Cat... or something. Id say 6/10 if 5 is considered average.



Percy Jackson & the Lightning Theif - Surprise! I went into that movie thinking... oh... its going to be a Greek tragedy, but I was so thrilled to see some mindless action and graphics with a story that kept me paying attention. It is not a brilliant film, but the imagery and characters had me leaving the theatre wanting more from the series. 7.5/10

Clash of the Titans - Did someone say Greek tragedy? Wow, what a mess! This was a story that really relied on graphics and was so poorly marketed, that there was not a single suprise as everything was laid out in the trailers and billboards! I love greek mythology, and the acting was good, but i expected so much more. Dont bother with the 3D, probably would look better without. However, i was thrilled to see Gemma Arterton from Quantum of Solace and "Single Man's" Nicholas Hoult. Two rising stars that we should all continue paying attention to. 4.5/10

How to train your dragon - Loved every second of it. If you can see it in 3D, I recommend that. 8.5/10

Zombieland - The cinematography and graphics were actually REALLY well done. BUT... zombies scare me in an irrational way and I dont like excess gore... which this film had excess of. Still... it's a well made movie and im giving it a higher rating mainly thanks to its beautifully done (yet disgusting) opening sequence. Then again, Im open to think that perhaps Im just overly enamored by slow motion. 6.5/10

82nd Academy Awards

Wow. Talk about a hiatus! There is so much to catch up on! Im going to start with my thoughts on the Academy Awards. I wont go so far as to call it a mockery... But really...

It almost feels as though the films nominated are based on what the large percentage of Americans WANT to see up there. Now, do not mistake me for saying that I disagree against "Hurt Locker's" nom. I think "Locker" was a very good film and worthy of its nomination. BUT, with the ten films chosen, and the inclusion of "District-9" and "Blind Side" there was nothing for "A Single Man"? (My choice for best movie) And no Tom Ford nom for director? That is pretty ridiculous.

In my opinion, Tom Ford should have at LEAST been nominated for his movie. James Cameron is also worthy of the win as is Tarentino. But with the academy's recent adoration for indie-type films... Cameron and Tarentino have very little chance.

I think the academy has become predictable, as we had ballots to see who would guess the most wins between friends and I... and I got every single major category right. Mind you... I was guessing based on what I think would win... not what I think should. But, oh well, hopefully someday I'll be able to vote for myself, and I will have nothing to complain about.... (yeah right!)

I Cant Believe I Forgot To Write About It!!!

One of my favorite films of the year! I went into "A Single Man" not knowing a single thing about it. Other than the actors and director. It is shot unlike most films you will ever see... and its story was so different... and thought provoking...

If I was to use a word to describle the movie... it would be 'sensual'. (Not sexual mind you) because I almost felt I was feeling the same things the character was. It was so wonderful, and on top of everything... was Tom Fords first film!

Go see it.

J.D Salinger 1919-2010

We all read 'The Catcher in the Rye' in school. If you didnt, pick it up. Its a great novel.

Now I write about Salinger for a few reasons. Even as writing the story below about 'This is It' and questioning whether it was only popular because of MJ's death... I look to my right and see that I pulled two books from my book case and set them on my desk to read... only when the news broke about the death of the author of those two books. They are "Catcher in the Rye' and ' Nine Stories'. So, its true... the death of a talent we have not paid much interest in recently will redirect our attention to them. So... if you read this story and the one below... I am a hypocrite. ;)

Anyways, Salinger has very little to do with film. But in a way he does. For years, Hollywood has been after the rights to "Catcher' and no one, not Billy Wilder, Harvey Weinstein, or Stephen Spielberg could convince the reclusive author to sign those rights over. How amazing is that?!

But who out there wants to bet that with the passing of Salinger, we will hear of this movie being made within the next few years? Or that all of his unpublished manuscripts will quickly find their way to bookshelves around the world?

Cheers Mr. Salinger! We all stopped to reflect on one of the greatest novels of all time.

Was that it?

Michael Jackson had a hard life. There is no question there. There were questions raised about him every time he was in the media. Every single time. But one thing never challenged in regards to Michael Jackson over the years, was that he was and unrivaled talent.

Often when I write, I find myself ripping on some movie or what not. But in the long run, its ok to be picky I guess.

That said, I didnt LOVE the wildly popular 'This Is It'. I just didnt. Everyone else went crazy for it, and my thoughts are that it was so because of the media and merchandise tornados set loose because of MJ's sudden death. What I was looking forward to seeing was a more in depth, documentary style story telling about the 'King of Pop'.

What I got, were concert rehearsals. Was it interesting? Yes, very much so. But was it deserving of employees at blockbuster, two months ago, walking up to everyone in the store asking if they would like to pre-order the movie? Or the building sized promotion lacing major cities? The phenomenal amount of tee shirts and sequined gloves set loose into crap stores like Hot Topic with 'This Is It' written across the fronts? NO!

I cant believe what a godly power the media has over the people! Long story short, it was a nice movie that showed Michael Jackson pulling out all the stops to make his grand return (and the concert looked as though it would have been unbelievably grand to see). It showed what a talent he possessed, his love for his songs, and his love of those who loved both him and his music.

But it all boils down now to one question (whether a simple or complex question, i'll leave that up to you). Would this movie have been so triumphant if Michael Jackson had not died?

My thoughts are no. We were swept up by the idea that these were some of the last moments of his life and that his return to fame only came after his untimely death. But this movie certainly shows a touching side to the star and displays every song we have loved over the years. I just wanted more than a concert I guess. Everyone who I trust as movie reviewers seemed to think different than me. High Def Digest gave it 4/5 stars Me, however would rate it at a 3-3.5 stars/5. A very average (maybe slightly higher than average) film. Rope of Silicon, a site a dont tend to agree with quite as often but appreciate their reviews, gave it an A-. Really? An A-?! We arnt talking about 'Shawshank Redemption' here! Anyways, anyone reading this who has seen 'This is It', let me know what you thought of the film and why you agree or disagree.

But one side note, I rented it on blu ray, and I would recommend it. Not all films need to be watched in high def, but I recommend this mainly for the high def audio.

Malificent. The backstory?

Tim Burton. He is a revolutionist, deep and thought provoking, with an unmistakably spellbinding image formula. But there in lies the problem. He, in one film lover's opinion, has become exactly that... a formula. While I dont dislike a single Burton film I can think of, and considering he holds two places in my top favorites ('Batman' & 'Big Fish') he is not one I look forward to seeing the films of any longer. Its not that I dont enjoy them, its that they all feel the same... to a certain degree. You cannot look past the overuse (regardless of how much you may like them) of Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter (who is ironically one of my favorite actresses), Chris Lee, and of course, brilliant composer Danny Elfman.
But every film he does has a similar look/sound and cast/crew... and it's run its course for me. This, is why I am skeptical about his talks of his back story to one of the greatest villains (and most certainly best Disney villain) of all time.

According to 'Aint it cool news', Burton is going to create a "her side of the story" for 'Sleeping Beauty's' Malificent. It isnt that im worried about Burton giving the fairy turned evil enough credit... but Im just concerned that his wife will be donning the green skin and black horns, that Elfman will be playing tunes similar to each he has done for Burton before, that Depp will portray some character - probably a love interest that will add to the fairies scorn, and that... there will be no action to speak of (I loved the build of the climax for the film)


Sleeping Beauty is my favorite Disney film. Not because of the story... but because of how wonderfully the villian is portrayed and how stunning the art is. (Check it out on Blu Ray... ridiculous) I just hope that he doesnt go along with this formula, that he nabs a great actress (nothing against his wife... but i would love to see someone else - Tilda Swenson perhaps... even though she already did the witch from Narnia... but you get the idea). And I would love to see him do a live action movie with scenery that is an homage to the animated movie.

Long story short... I want to see a great film about such a loved character. Not a cookie cutter Tim Burton film.

Bond 3

Of course... its not Bond 3... Its more like Bond 53! (23 actually)
Anyways, to my great happiness, the 3rd bond movie (since revamping the series) will be directed by Sam Mendes! How could that not excite someone??? Anyways... Mendes has directed plenty of thought provoking films (American Beauty, The Reader, Ect.) and has no problem with the complex characters... So I cant wait.

Spiderman 4 - no more?

So, heres some concerning news...
Sam Raimi, director know for his scary movies and, perhaps most notably, Spiderman franchise, has decided to not return for the 4th. He felt that his schedule didnt allow him enough time to grant the creatitivy Spidey deserved. (dont know what his excuse was for the 3rd one...I mean... did he come onto the project the day before shooting?) Anyways, that means that he (and the cast) are out. Done. Bye Toby.

What does this mean for the superhero? A reboot of the franchise of course! Yuck... I mean.. it was not that long ago the first movie came out... we need a reboot already? I can do without personally...

Best of 2009!

So ends another year. We have not only that change, but the end of the decade and a full moon! The wolves are going to be out tonight!


Anyways, Yahoo! put together their "Most Watched Trailers of 2009". Over at RopeofSilicon was their opinion on the top 25 movies of the year. Im going to give one final post of the decade and rate my favorite trailers, top soundtracks, and my favorite movies.

Trailers of 2009: KEEP IN MIND. IM NOT SAYING THESE WERE ALL GOOD MOVIES. The trailer simply got me more excited than other previews...

12. Inkheart


11. Drag Me To Hell



10. Sunshine Cleaning



9. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince


8. Avatar

7. Nine



6. Watchmen



5. 2012

4. UP

3. Where the Wild Things Are



2. Transformers


1. Star Trek

BEST SOUNDTRACKS OF 2009:

5. Grey Gardens (Rachel Portman)

4. Coraline (Bruno Coulais & other various artists)

3. Star Trek (Michael Giacchino)

2. Up (Michael Giacchino)

1. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (Nicholas Hooper)


The Ones Buzzing That I Havent Seen Yet that will no doubt change my best movie list.
Single Man
Me and Orson Welles
Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Red Cliff
The White Ribbon
A Prophet
Up in the Air
The Hurt Locker
The Lovely Bones

Biggest Disappointments
5. Wolverine (I knew it would suck… but a tiny part of me wished it would have be amazing… something more serious -instead of campy/cartoony)

4. Monsters Vs. Aliens (Dreamworks follow-up to a favorite of mine (‘Kung Fu Panda’)… did not wow, and was just another film that over did the 3D)

3. Inkheart (I loved the Trailer… which tricked me into thinking this would be a great movie)

2. Transformers 2 (No story / just graphics only works for the box office)

1. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (Stunning cinematography, soundtrack, and graphics could not save a screenplay overly saturated with teen romances and an ending entirely void of emotion and action – notice I said screenplay… not story.)


Best movies (While thinking about this… I really realized how few non-blockbuster movies Ive seen...pathetic)
6. Coraline
5. Fantastic Mr. Fox
4. Star Trek
3. An education
2. Inglorious bastards
1. Up

Love

Last night I watched a film called "Paris Je T'aime". What a great movie. It is a collection of shorts all with the central theme of love. Each short has a different director (most names you will reconize) and includes a list of actors (many of whom you will also reconize). Some of the stories are more down to earth while others are far more fantastical or cerebral. If you remember hearing of "New York, I love You" released earlier this year, It is the same thing but different setting.

I think everyone (especially aspiring filmmakers) should see this film. It is a great chance to see how a director can take a theme and make it very different than another's artistic take.

Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy, who we first really met in 'Clueless' burst back into the scene a few years back with 'Happy Feet', 'Sin City', '8 Mile', and more, died unexpectedly yesterday due to cardiac arrest. Murphy was only 32 and is an actor who I expected to be in the scene for many years to come.

Cheers Miss Murphy!

Kick Ass

I like the premise...

Jim Henson

So I got my news back reguarding the job over at Henson Studios... and it was not good.... Merry Christmas to me. But thats what happens in life. You get knocked down and you get up, and keep moving forward. Unfortunately, now the entire industry has gone on break for two weeks and I will not be able to do much of anything.

So, I have been here over a year now, endured countless rejections, and have somehow managed not to fall to pieces. Which, I will say, makes me proud of myself. Its all you can do is to keep believing. When something you want so badly goes awry and what you want is as simple as grabbing ahold of smoke, what else can you do but believe in yourself. And someday it will happen.

Last night a friend came by and ordered some ghastly chinese food (and I mean... like unedible), but I did snag a fortune cookie... And It's note was supprisingly relevant to my life.

"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."

So... I guess that means that when I do get a job... its going to be taking over the creative department for Lucas or maybe writing, directing the "Magneto: Origins" movie (which I would be amazing at).

Everyone says that the more rejection you can endure, the stronger you will be in the end. Well... Im probably going to end up like The Thing" from Fantastic 4. Which... would not be too bad...

Valentines Day

Valentines day... ugh. Typical. Anyways, I read the script a while back.... didnt really care for it. But the trailer looks great, much better than I would have expected. And it will obviously do well considering the cast (not to mention the ridiculous hype surrounding Taylor Lautner and Swift). I like seeing who was cast to play each character.

PANIC ATTACK!

Lets pretend that we are not struggling. That we have it made. Simply because of a short we filmed that was seen by a big director with his own production house. This director bid 30 million dollars to get the rights to the film before other studios could. So we are sitting pretty on our gold desk chairs yelling at our assistants that the coffee is burned and that the pencils are not sharp enough (As we sit in an office with a fish tank of sharks swimming behind us).
This story is true. Minus the yelling at assistants and sharks we threaten to feed them to if they dont sharpen our pencils. This short film got the director (who paid roughly 300 dollars for it) a 30 million dollar deal with Sam Raimi's Ghost House Pictures.
So check out Fede Alvarez's "Ataque de Panico!".... and join me as we continue fighting for our own success

Shrek 4

So, Shrek 4's preview is out. After 3... not too excited... It was Chris Nolan who pondered 'who has ever made a successful 3rd film' (as he wondered about doing batman 3... please please try Director Nolan!)

Anyways... Shreck 4...

Exhausting?

"Hot Tub Time Machine"? Has anyone (aside from John Cusack and crew) heard anything about this before? Looks fun. And... we sure could use some more comedy sleeper hits!

Bryan Singer and Xmen... Together Again!

Bryan Singer, director of the first two X-Men films will be brought back. The dismay the fans endured after X3, then followed by Wolverine:Origins can never truely be forgotten by some (Im speaking mainly of myself... who is a huge fan... and cannot get over that bloody 3rd film)! But this might be diminished now that Singer is back on board! No... he is not going to do what I wished he would (redo the third film... or even do a 4th... that actually focused on Jean Grey's darker side), but an origin film. This one is called "X-Men: First Class" and will be focusing on the younger students.

Personally, Id prefer seeing him direct a Magneto Origins... But I'll just have to hope that might come together in the future.

Iron Man 2 Trailer!

Ladies and Gentlemen... After months of waiting....We got it.

Now if anyone cares about my two cents (which you obviously do as you are reading my blog), what excited me the most... was mister Mickey Rourke. I was so impressed by him in "The Wrestler" and am really hoping he does something amazing again (which, from the tid bit we saw... looks promising).

Iron Man 2 Preview... coming soon.

So, with all the info about Iron Man 2 coming out... I thought I should post some pictures... We are going to see a trailer (apparently before Sherlock Holmes) very soon!

And the most controversial. This poster has fans wondering "Is War Machine going to be a baddie" based on the stance. What do you think?

Havent We Seen This Film Already?

I know Scott directed Gladiator... but this looks like it could be the freakin sequel! And didnt we get an amazing Robin Hood a few years back? I dont really understand. Im sure it will be great... Just doesn't look all that new...

Wonderlands New Trailer!

Wow, Wonderland is certainly going in a direction I hadnt expected. I still hope Johnny Depp doesnt dominate the film. Carter looks great as the Red Queen! Love her.

If You Want A Real Treat, Put Down the Eggnog...

Some of the biggest and most anticipated films of the year are being released right now! This week we saw the first 2D animated film to be released by Disney in years! I have not seen it yet, and it unfortunately is not receiving grand reviews but very very average ones. Yahoo! movies has critics reviewing it at a "B+ and users with an "A-", while over at RopeofSilicon.com (a site that regards an average film to be a "C") has given it a "C+".

Avatar is also heading to theaters in a mere matter of days. 'Silicon' has

given it an early review of an "A-" saying that it delivers as a blockbuster, has a little bit for everyone, but doesn't find it to be as spectacular as they had hoped.

Other films that are buzzing are Peter Jackson's "The Lovely Bones", "Nine", "A Single Man", "Up in the Air", & "Sherlock Holmes". Im sure that weare going to hear quite a bit about "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" as well, for obvious reasons... Regardless of your taste in film... there will be something for everyone in theaters this holiday season.

Warner Brothers

So, I heard through the grapevine that Warner Brothers has done another layoff of about 30 people! The industry is picking back up (finally) and it is so concerning that this happenend again! (Im actually scared to ask any of the people I know from there about it... hopefully they were not the ones who were laid off...) *Gulp*

*Note: I looked online and found no record of this... this is strictly based on what I have heard...

Potter 7a

The blu ray for Potter 6 is out. To be honest... I wasnt very impressed with its transfer as the previous (Order of the Phoenix) looked stunning. But I suppose it has to do with how outrageously dark the film is. Its hard to make something look so pristine when there is so little light involved.

One thing that was great about the home video is the special features. A few of the cut scenes really could have added a little to the story. I dont usually care for cut scenes, as there is typically a reason to why they were cut. But I enjoyed these.

Anyways, the main attraction was the preview to the final chapter, The Deathly Hallows. The last book is being split into two (something I think they could have done with the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th film). Personally I would cut each story into two, and make the films shorter as a whole (each is about 2 1/2 hours on average and they could be nice at about 1:45-2 hours with a bit more substance). For example... one major thing this past film left out was (aside from hardly any action) any real attention to the story. We got the bizarre love triangle... but what about more on the Prince? By the end of the story... when the prince is revealed... who actually still cares?

ANYWAYS, I digress... here is the preview for the next chapter. Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Jim Henson/Muppets

I had my second interview Tuesday at Jim Henson. Im so excited and really hoping something happens. (Fingers crossed!) I interviewed with my potential boss, then with Human Resources and then finally, I'll be interviewing with Jim Henson's daughter Lisa Henson.

So, when I was interviewing, we talked about the company and how it has changed over the years. And one of the things that I was not aware of (there wasnt much... I did some research before each interview - something I strongly suggest doing before any interview) was that the Muppets (Kermit & co.) were sold to Disney. Now, Henson does creatures for many movies, but does not actually seem to have a mascot. (Kermit stands outside the studio, but isnt owned by them anymore)

The studio itself is really amazing. It was build by Charlie Chaplin and looks like a small village in the woods. Its pretty cool, right off La Brea and Sunset.

Anyways, even though the Muppets aren't Jim Henson anymore, I wanted to post this fun video that is (according to Yahoo!) taking the internet by storm.

Dark Knight dethroned by Twilight

Well, the title really says it all. "Twilight: New Moon" was released this week, and already brought in a ridiculous 140.7 million. MILLION! WTF!? Like... seriously? Its not even getting good reviews!

Regardless, Dark Knight brought in 67 million opening day. Twilight went forward and knocked it down with its opening of 72.7 million and showed in 342 fewer theaters! Thats insane!

So, if the film is as poor as it is being reviewed, what does this mean? Uh... I dont know really... Chalk it up to saying that they sure marketed it well. The main actors may-or may not- be dating. Taylor Lautner and all his shirt taking off stuff. And not to mention, a well done trailer/posters/tv spots/the fact that the actors are on practically ever magazine cover at the moment, ect. ect.

So, Im probably going to see it. But not until I can go into the theater without someone behind me talking about their math homework and how division is hard then switching to ask her (or his) friend if she is team Edward or team... other guy. After that, I'll go...

Ugh... I went to go find pictures for this post... and in the comment below one of Taylor Lautner, I read this: "OMFG hes beyond hot hes better then channing tatum hot!!!" Wow... That kind of hurts my head...

Reality Teleivision

I dont like reality television. Which can not be misinterpreted for not respecting it. There is plenty to appreciate about reality tv and how it has come to dominate what is being shown on television today.

For the past week, I have been working on the show "Ruby". It is about a woman who is dangerously overweight and her journey to become a healthy size again. Let me just say, I had a blast. They people on the show were just awesome. It was so organized and flowed so much more nicely than anything I have working on before. The cast and crew all seemed to get along and enjoy working together, something I also havent experienced much of.

Whatever it may be, reality television is a force. And the show "Ruby" really sends a strong message that I enjoyed being a part of. So one of these days, check it out.