New Transformers 2 Trailer

So, it was just yesterday... or three days ago... that I was talking about all the exciting movies coming out this summer.  Now, how ironic is is that a new trailer for Transformers 2  was JUST RELEASED?!?!  

Ok.... Summer is approaching... so it isnt that ironic.  But lets talk Michael Bay and Transformers for a moment.  

Michael Bay is a unique direcctor... again, no.... Bret Raitner is desperatly trying to follow in his footsteps.  But Michael Bay is a drector who knows the blockbuster.  Do we always like it?  No.  But is Bay is the king of the popcorn movie?  

Yes.  

You will probably never leave a film done by Michael Bay with thoughts about how complex life is.  No.  You will leave screaming in the parking lot as you walk to your car "And then when the truck was lifted into the air and slammed into a jet.  The explosion was so huge, remember? OMG and then when the Eiffel Tower was bombed and the blast destroyed all of paris!"  

Yeah.... Thats Michael Bay.  

Anyways, you have to give him props.  The general public loves his movies.  Then again... will they go down in time?  (Have you seen Pearl Harbor more than once?)

But, I do have to say, I love me some Megan Fox.  She is going to be playing Aspen in Michael Turner's (RIP) comic turned film 'Fathom'.   Whether she

 is right for a leading role.... I doubt it.  But she makes anyone (man, woman, & gay man and woman) stare at the screen.  

Here is the new trailer I was talking about earlier.  Phew!  It sure is easy to get sidetracked!

Coming Soon!

Summer is nearly dawning.  And this means.... the theatres are about to see a massive increase in ticket sales.  Almost every week we have something new to look forward to!  Starting friday we get 'Xmen Origins: Wolverine' and just after that Trekies rejoice as 'Star Trek' is unveiled.  Then comes Angels & Demons (may 15), Terminator Salvation (may 21), & Up (may 29).  Almost a month of big movies!  Thats exciting, right?  

Not to mention the limited releases that are coming out way ('Little Ashes' -Twilights Pattinson as Salvador Dali & 'Rudo y Cursi' - with Gael Garcia Bernal & Diego Luna)

Then in June we are treated to Transformers 2 and Ice Age 3!  And further out.... HARRY POTTER!  

Now I wont tell you which I'm looking forward to most.... But I will allow you a single guess...  ;)

San Francisco's Good News

Well, the past few days I have been out of commission.  I took a trip from LA and visited my Dad and Mom in San Fran.  It was a great trip with great food and great company.  Here are a few pictures from the trip up north.

Miss Gracie the Pug

Dad and I (Top of the Mark)

We all know what that is....

Now there is  always related film news.  While up there I was called regarding a job!  Recomended by a friend! Then the very next day, was contacted about another!  Things may finally have begun to look up!

Wolverine: Origins & Why It Is Hard For Me To Care

So, unless you are part of a terrorist group living in the mountains, we all know that the wolverine prequel.... cleverly titled "Wolverine: Origins" is due out in a mere matter of days.  Yaaaaay.......  

Now, I think I am the only Xmen fan that isnt excited about this.  Why?  Lets discuss....shaaaaaaall we?

Ok, so Bryan Singer got it right.  He was successfully able to translate a comic book into film for the first time in years.  (argue with me that there was a good comic book film since Batman Returns... because I dont remember one).  His films were extreme successes and cleared the road for Spiderman, Batman, and everything else that has hit the screen lately.  He also was able to revamp a comic book, update it, mold it, and keep fans glued to the screen.

 

 

That being said, Xmen 3 was an atrocity.  It was a laughable excuse for ending a franchise.  I admit, there have been worse (matrix revolutions...) but this was downright sad.  There were so many subplots (most without resolution), so many characters, and hardly any clever dialogue to tie a story together. Characters were coming in and out, making cameos, being killed off/sapped of their awesomeness.... and not at all in a way to do them justice.  And can anyone argue that the Phoenix story, that had a whole movie dedicated to developing it (x2)was done in a way that anyone (fan or not) could appreciate or even understand?  Even actress Famake Janssen was not happy!  I mean, can you blame her? She looked constipated throughout the entire film! And honestly, what would they call Juggernauts action figure? 'Bondage clad Juggernaunt'? Hope they got the actor's popeye expression right. End of story, my love for the xmen movie franchise has been tainted.

Now, we are treated with a Xmen Origins film.  Yes, I agree that it is a good idea.  And who better to have their own movie than Wolverine.  But can you look at the trailer and honestly think that this movie doesnt look like a huge sellout?  Young versions of Storm and Cyclops? Gambit not looking nearly as cool as I had imagined. Wolverine showing his ass (im not even kidding... there are nudie shots)? Using a totally different actor to play Sabertooth and Striker? and, seriously.... Ryan Renyolds?  Gross.

I mean.... my levels of skepticism are huge... But, all this said, I will no doubt go see it in hopes that this will all change.  All Im saying is that.... the addition of so much information is ridiculous.  Cameos are silly.  Changing actors is annoying.  And when we do look at the trailer, its jammed with so many explosions and teeth baring, it's story already seems diluted.  

We'll see...  I have very low expectations (not at all helped by the picture above), but I promise to let you know what I think of the film.  If it wins my attention back and rekindles my love for the series....I will eat every single word I've said against 'Wolverine: Origins' with oil covered chopsticks made of bamboo.  

Angry About Harry Potter Delays?

This is Hitler's response to the delay of the Harry Potter film.  Similar to what my response in regards to the deletion of characters and scenes...

(and yes, you'll need to click on the video and go to youtube...because I still have not figured out that stupid sizing thing)

Half Blood Prince

That is the question, isn't it?  Who/what is the half blood prince?  Hmmmm....

Well, Im a big Harry Potter fan and am eagerly waiting the release of the HBP.  But, I dont understand why they are taking so long to get it out.  I mean sheesh.  Just release it already.  

Anyways, here is the most recent trailer.  Looks pretty cool but when I looked up some added info on the delay of the film.... I learned of some very disappointing scenes/character cuts from the film. *grumble*  Why characters scenes are cut from a film while they add new ones is beyond me... People were happy with the book, why make changes? *grumble*)

Gandalf, Pocket Full of Hobbits, and Something About a Ring...

So, today Warner Brothers released the first information about the release of the Academy Award winning,  box office juggernaut Lord of the Rings trilogy set for Blu-Ray.  If you dont have a blu-ray player yet (and I dont blame you being they are still so ridiculously expensive and we are in a recession) then just be glad to know that the movies will be available when you do take the blu plunge.  

The prince for the three THEATRICAL films (that is theatrical versions, not extended...which I intend to wait for) is $99.99 but Amazon lists it at $69.99.  

It seems an odd move by Warner Brothers to release the box art and no street date yet, but we can probably be sure to expect one soon.  

*I would like to note, that if you did enjoy the films, I seriously recommend buying the extended versions (I know it sounds crazy to want a longer version of the films....but at least try watching them).  So much important information was left out of the original theatrical versions, and as for me.... Im a fan of explanation and content.  

Carlos Lascano

I've mentioned Carlos Lascano before.  He is a great animator and I hope someday we will be treated to feature length works.  Here is a new(er) video he posted on his vimeo site:

•The Can

The Can from Carlos Lascano on Vimeo.

© Copywritten Screenplay!!!

Today, my screenplay was copywritten.  This means a lot to me, as I've noted before.  So, Im briefly going to tell you about the process of having something copywritten.  It is much more simple that you might have previously thought.  What Ive done, is have a copy sent to myself (as backup) and registered with the WGA (Writers Guild of America).  

If you have any questions about what to do with your script, look up the WGA and read their FAQ's.  It is a very comprehensive site, and if I can figure things out, you can too. 

©!

Here's A Suggestion

So, if you read my blog, you know there isn't much success I can talk about.  But I do like to throw in the tid-bit of advice when I can.  

In LA, you meet a lot of people(for being in LA for mere months, my list is huge)  You also have the chance to meet some very influential individuals.  This is why I recommend getting business cards.  (this might sound completely obvious to some, but hey... I do not have them yet.  So if you don't, you're not alone.)  

Getting business cards is not something I think is simple.  I, for one, am designing mine on 

photoshop.  I looked at designs online that I liked then came up with my own.  The importance of this, is to find something you like and make sure it stands out.  So many people have pre-made designs that you actually begin to notice which are pre-made and which arn't ass people begin to pass you theirs.  

Take a look at this site:http://cardobserver.com/ It is where I got my images from.

Rocky Dawuni - The Interview

Today, I had an amazing opportunity.  My friend Emily asked if I was interested in coming to her home and filming an interview with Rocky Dawuni.  You might recall I wrote about Rocky a few weeks ago after going to a show of his at the House of Blues.  

Not only is Rocky a fantastic musician, but he is also an incredibly insightful and captivating speaker.  As you can tell, it was no only extremely interesting, but very fun as well.  He also gave us a sneak performance of a song from his new upcoming album. 

 I have not yet started editing the piece, but here are some screenshots.  I did some very quick color correction, so they dont look as fantastic as I'm hoping the actual video to look.  But I'm excited to share it with you.  

Again, if you are interested in knowing more about Rocky and his music, check out his myspace: 

http://www.myspace.com/rockydawunimusic or find him on Itunes.

Also, we talked about Asa (who Ive written about before on here as well and grew up not far from Rocky did).... And he mentioned that the two of them singing on stage together might be something on the horizon.  That would totally rock my socks off!

Completed Screenplay!!!

Yesterday, April 10th at around 4pm, I finished my first feature length screenplay.  I feel having a completed feature somewhat sets a writer apart from the many people who are aspiring to writers.  It is also great experience for me to have written it.  

Come Monday, I'm going to go to the writers guild and look into having it copyrighted.  Following that, print copies and have a reading of it to learn what people really think of it.  

But whatever happens, I'll keep you informed.

Live Long And.... uh....

Its not often I use the word cute.  But the other day, my mom asked me a very cute question.  We were in the car and she says "Do you know what that new sign is that everyone is doing with their hands?"  I didnt know what she was reffering to.  "you know, the one like this" and she makes a very feeble attempt at crossing her index with her middle and her ring with her pinky - making a "V" in the middle.  I almost died laughing.  When I composed myself, I showed her the Star Trek sign "live long and prosper".  She claims that everyone is doing it on tv, and by everyone.... apparently she means Reece Witherspoon.  I came home and showed her the newest trailer, and realized what an amazingly well put together trailer it was. 

 Everything about it (minus the harold and kumar guy... who kinda looks silly in a serious role and the sex scene...that has never really worked for me in a sci fi film) is great.  Take a look at it again, it really has a beautiful action arc.  (click on the entire screen and let it take you to the youtube page, because for whatever reason, they get cut off on this site)

 

I saw Zachary Quinto at a bar the other night, and couldn't care less.  But now, after watching the trailer like four times yesterday, Im quite a bit more excited.

J.J. Abrams won me over with 'Cloverfield' and in general has a fresh take on sci-fi, something a nerd like me really appreciates.   And being a nerd, you might not believe when I say I have never seen anything Star Trek.... no movies, never a show, nothing.  So, I'm excited to be able to go to this movie as a newcomer, not expecting as much as everyone else.  

And I have to mention the music.  It is so good!  I had to find out who did it, and although it took me forever, it was worth it.  It is by a company called Two Steps From Hell and the song is called Freedom Fighters.  So, do you think that they editor of the trailer edited the footage to the soundtrack, or the composer created the piece for the trailer?  I dont know. (I tried downloading the music from here but it didn't work for me... and it isn't on Itunes as far as I can tell)

Freedom Fighters - Two Steps From Hell

Internships

Right now the film industry is not the place for anyone looking to make a start (i.e. me).   There are few options for us budding filmmakers at this point.  1) make it huge with an amazing screenplay 2) Be friends with Jerry Bruckheimer or 3) work an internship that will help place you later on.

I went to a CAL State University.  One of the great things about going through college, is that if you do not land a job fresh out of college along side Jerry on Pirates 4, you can apply for an internship and see how that works out for you.  I recommend using your school (hopefully you went to one with strong background in film) and have them help you along your way.

How Everyone Became A Millionaire

I'll start off by saying that when I went to see 'Slumdog Millionaire', I was the only one in my group of five that had heard about it.  It would take a few weeks before it became the sensation it was created to be.

I am writing this post because I walked out of that movie theatre feeling just like everyone else.  Happy I saw it.  But, unlike everyone else...  I certainly do not think it was quite as spectacular as everyone else in the world did.  

Slumdog was, to me, a very safe story revisiting the 'star crossed lovers' path, though haven't we have all heard this before?  Maybe with its  fantastic editing, great cast, new/ more harsh settings, and brilliant directing this movie seemed fresh and inviting.    

Im adding this link.  Its to "High-Def Digest's review of the Blu-Ray.  The reviewer and I had similar views about the film.  http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/2179/slumdogmillionaire.html

Now, please dont misinterpret me when I say that the movie was really really good.  I just didn't think it was the years best picture (I didn't see all the noms mind you).  And there were very few things I didn't like.  The one that bothered me most, was that it was in english.  Was that was really just a ploy to get us dumb americans off our backsides and to the theatres.... heaven forbid we have to read subtitles.  

So, dont hate me for thinking this past years most critically aclaimed film was good,  but not sensational.

On another note, I saw 'Motorcycle Diaries' last night.  I thought that was tremendous.

Foucs Features seems to always want to pull out all the stops to be sure originality is the

 main ingredient for their films (Eternal Sunshine, Milk, Lost in Translation, Brokeback Mountain).  Apparently the company is one any director (minus perhaps Michael Bay or Bret Raitner) would like to work with to make what film's sometimes still aspire to be - art.  Also I'll note, Gael Garcia Bernal is someone I would like to see more often in big films (though he seems content making lower budget ones with more meaning).  If you havent seen it, rent it (and make sure your disk isnt scratched.... mine was and was skipping all over the place.... I thought I was watching the graphics from twilight again). 

Feature!

I forgot to tell you all!  Something exciting is happening....

I am almost finished with my screenplay.  This would mean that I've finished one, and have two others in the works (minus the novel on hold).  Lots of stuff.  

This story is one I've been working on for about a year and a half (since college), and have been told by my teachers to not stop working on.  It is actually what got my name out there as a decent writer.  Anyways... I'll toot my horn later (because it has yet to get my name out there far enough to find me a J.O.B.).  

When it is done, I'll document what I did to copyright it, and the steps I take to get it out into the world.   (these are not pictures of my work...btw)

I'm also planning to have it read by a group of actors to an audience (all people I know -either in the industry/movie lovers/or movies haters).  The intention is to get a solid review by many people so I can go back and make necessary changes.

Soundtrack Update

So, I love a good soundtrack.  Reading my posts makes that obvious.  I downloaded a few new ones the past few days and needed to update ya'all.  Here are the new ones I really enjoy:

Casino Royale (David Arnold)

Kung Fu Panda (Hans Zimmer & John Powell)

Bolt (John Powell)

I also downloaded the soundtrack to Inkheart by Javier Navarrete.  Im not going to lie, it's a little disappointing coming from the composer of one of my favorite soundtracks - Pans Labyrinth.  Its not bad, just not as great as I had hoped (also, he didn't have much to work with.... perhaps that was it).

Another on my list, was John Williams - Episode III.  That album isn't new (obviously), but it still is pretty great.

Train Station's Sound Of Music

Alright, fine.  I'll admit, aside from being filmed, this has nothing to do with this blog.  I demand to know why no one tells me about this sort of thing.  

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video

Chapman

Yesterday, April 6th, was my actual Birthday.  Im now at the age where you dont look forward to people trying to make you feel special when it actually just feels like youre getting old.  (I actually had a blast... But in like...youre getting old but still can have fun every so often... kind of blast)

Anyways, we were going to go to Disneyland (not because I'm REALLY trying hard to maintain my youth, but because its just so darn fun) but the lines to get in (not for a ride...just to get in) were over an hour long.  So we went back to my sister's home in Orange and then (on bikes) she took my mom and me around her town and school, Chapman University.  

We started out going to breakfast at the restaurant behind my mom and sister (right), which was good.  Has huge servings and a nice setting.  In fact, we went to a couple restaurants over that 24 hour period, and none of them I can recall the name of.  One place, had wicked Caprihinas and margaritas, I'll have to figure out what it was called.   Then made our way through the campus.

It's a really beautiful school, and as do all my posts, has a lot to do with film.  Chapman is one of the leading film schools in California, and has been the setting for many famous films.  If you have seen: Cool Runnings, The Next Karate Kid, Independence Day, That Thing You Do, Requiem for a Dream, Donnie Darko, and (much more), then you have laid youre eyes on this campus before.

If you are ever there passing by, get out of your car, and walk around.  You'll be glad you did.

What A Successful Family Movie Is Today

Times are always changing.  Its always tremendously important for filmmakers to understand what has continued to work over the years, and what they can do to make changes.  These changes are the fuel an audience needs to get up off their sofa's and drive down to their local multiplex and spend 15 dollars (yes... it is that much in some places of LA - 16ish for IMAX) to see a movie.

Lets go back fifteen years.  We had movies (mainly Disney) that were geared towards younger audiences.  Parents were dragged (at least mine were) to movies like 'Beauty and the Beast', 'Aladdin', 'Lion King' and so on.  Sure they enjoyed them enough, thanks to their morals and marrying of 16 year old protagonists.  But, one thing that separates kids movies then from today, is that now, adult audiences actually like to see them.  I think this was mainly due to 'Shrek' and its subtle but perverse humor. Its something that kids don't understand, but parents find humor in. That is why, I think kids movies have changed.   (Take a look at 'Enchanted' if you don't agree, a movie created to make fun of the classic Disney movies)

My birthday came recently, and the morning after the party, a group of friends and I watched my friend Brandon's gift, 'Bolt' on Blu-ray.  'Bolt' is a tremendous success in the family movie category (Note to the parents - it is not perverse in any way).  It is funny in a random/silly way, sort of like (I'm going out on a limb with this) Family Guy.  It starts with a bunch of goofy minor characters interacting with the delusional Bolt.  Soon after, Mittens the realist cat is introduced.  And finally, Rhino... the hamster.  Each character steals a bit of the movie, mainly in that order.  And some of the best vocal performances I've heard (I mean by characters - not so much due from Miley Cyrus's additions to the soundtrack).  To finish off the film, is a decent climax with a very heartwarming conclusion.

If you are a fan of films like 'Shrek', 'Surfs Up',  & 'Kung Fu Panda', I have a feeling you'll laugh as we all did at this twist on a familiar tail.  (Intentional)