Reigniting Passions

I love movies. I can't help it. I love them. Even the bad ones (the bad ones are like that weird cousin you don't really like, but you still feel obligated to look out for cause its still family.) I've had a love affair with the cinema for quite some time. I always liked movies, but who doesn't right. I think I may have located the source of the turning point from like to love, however.

Back in Utah, my family would always host an Oscar party. My mom attended to the food and socialization aspects, while my dad would read up on all the nominees. My dad thoroughly enjoys movies as well (that's probably where I get it from). Anyway, one year, my dad was to be out of town working on the weekend of the big night, so I took up the reins in his stead. Which meant looking into the nominees, reading the reviews, so I could at least give a brief synopsis if there was a film someone hadn't seen. My dad was gone that weekend the following year as well and that's when I decided. Rather than read critiques, why not just see the movies and form some of my own. At least of the Best Picture nominees. That particular year I saw 4 of the 5(Freaking Letters from Iwo Jima). I soon developed a taste for great movies which led to me wanting to become a film student.

Film, like most art forms, is unique. It requires much visual creativity, finesse, and respect for the medium and what it can do. I often feel that people don't realize what a powerful thing movies can be. No matter if you are watching Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story, or Accepted, you are making connections. You are surrendering yourself to another being (albeit, fictional) for at least 90 mins. You are making yourself vulnerable. Open to feeling something. A powerful movie with the right story can easily change your life.

I want to be a filmmaker. I want to create something that will cause change. Film has caused a change in me and I have a strong desire to pay it forward. I often loose sight of this goal. Getting side tracked by working where I do and dealing with co-workers. Letting my attention be drawn elsewhere. Its not until a great movie comes along that my passion and dreams are reignited. I have seen two movies this week that did exactly that.

127 Hours and Black Swan.

Both are brilliant films honed by brilliant directors. Each great for different reasons save one. There is such care brought to the telling of these stories. These are not films that were concocted to make money (a.k.a. The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise). No. These were stories that should be told. While one is also a tale of man vs. nature, both of these films showcase protagonists that need to conquer themselves. Danny Boyle and Darren Aronofsky are master storytellers because they put their heart and soul into the telling. I would be shocked if they are not invited to the Kodak theater in March. I hope, someday, I will be invited too.

Myself Together

It's all over like steps in the first snow
Something's been building up and it's gonna blow
My momma called me last night, she said what nothing else fits
Pick up the pieces and move on
I see the flashing lights, just can't make sense of the bits
It's like my mind is gone

I got … got to get …
Get my head back on
I got … got to get …
Myself together
When this hurt is gone
I got … got to get …
Myself together

I got … got to get …
Can't tell what's going wrong
I wish there's something could be done
Knock that cover
When this hurt is gone
I got … got to get …
Myself together

Can't stand to see you upset
But you already know
The more close it gets
The less I wanna go

I saw my brother last night
He said I know you too well
You can't pretend that's nothing wrong
I see the fuse that ignites, like I'm outside of myself
It's like my mind is gone

I got … got to get …
Get my head back on
I got … got to get …
Myself together
When this hurt is gone
I got … got to get …
Myself together

I got … got to get …
Can't tell what's going wrong
I wish there's something could be done

Knock that cover
When this hurt is gone
I got … got to get …
Myself together

My daddy put me aside
Like when I was a child
He said I trust you decide
On what you know is right
And for whatever it's worth,
I am on your side
There's no denying the mess
That I got us in
And I've been trying my best
Not to make a scene
Just can't make a sense of it all
It's like my mind is gone

I got … got to get …
Get my head back on
I got … got to get …
Myself together
When this hurt is gone
I got … got to get …
Myself together

I got … got to get …
Can't tell what's going wrong
I wish there's something could be done
Knock that cover
When this hurt is gone
I got … got to get …
Myself together

Can't tell what's going wrong
I wish there's something could be done
Knock that cover
When this hurt is gone
I got … got to get …
Myself together

Vacation Part 1

Firstly, I'd like to thank Sly & the Family Stone for words that perfectly describe the past 10 days for me.

"I'd like to thank you for letting me be myself again"

My vacation was quite a needed one.

I went to my first concert.

I posted a few weeks ago that I got my ticket. Well, the day arrived. It was held at Firestone in Downtown Orlando. We arrived at 7 as per the request of the ticket agent and stood around for well over an hour and a half. I was not aware that this was standard concert protocol, so I was slightly peeved.

At last the first act graced the stage (well, as graceful as a 17 year old in a bustiay can be.) Her name was NATALIA KILLS and she sang a colorful ditty entitled "I'm in Love With a Zombie". Lyrical Brilliance....She also had two 'backup dancers' orbiting her as she strutted around the stage. Ultimatly, she was a decent opening act. And the night went on.

Another hour went by. Much smoke swirled around me and many eyes on TinTin, Jam, and myself. A DJ comes out, distracting the audience and introduces MALUCA. A pretty, tall, black girl comes on stage. She has a long braid down her back and a rope woven into it that extended her hair whip another two feet or so.

Maluca sings latin techno music. Latin. As in, sings in anther languge. Techno. As in, that neverending base line and odd sounds that permeates clubs. Music. Although, I don't personally call what she played music. She kinda moved to the beat. Kinda. She tried to whipper her hair/rope/lasso around. Tried. And she yelled in Spanish. Then, she started having a wardrobe malfuntion. As in, her nip slipped out of her top as she was hopping around in a dog-on-hind-legs fashion. Which made her set fairly hilarious. Swinging her hair, nipple half out, sing-screaming "LUNA, SOL, TEIRRA, FUEGOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" And so the night went on.

And on.

And on.

and an hour after Senorita Maluca's Round up ended, Robyn can. And She was absolutely amazing. I've said before, she is an stunning performer, gives everything she has out on stage. She sounded exactly like her songs, which I hear is quite a rarity. And she played the best she had. Just when I thought she was done she came back and did more. She was completely flawless. Below are two videos from the concert.

A new version of "U Should Know Better"


"Dancing on My Own"



I really couldn't have asked for a better way to loose my concert virginity!


More to come....hopefully

Dream Rant

Do you ever have those times when you finally have a dream where no attempt is made on your life? But its not really a good dream. It's one that stresses you out because it involves anger and dislike and overall distaste about the situation that is going on and all you can do is damage control but it barely does anything because you've never been good at minimizing chaos. But after you drag yourself to semi-conciousness (dragging because of the drugs you took to go to sleep) you have an a lengthy deluge of thoughts compacted into a two minute period...

And you don't wanna retype everything you wrote after "two minute period" because you accidentally deleted it and you still don't understand how and really you feel so tired that all you wanna do is GO. BACK. TO. SLEEP

affirmation

I was parusing my friend Emily's blog, pribbles and prabbles, and I saw she posted this video.




I feel like this might help me in life. You know, get me feeling good about myself and my life. So I'm gonna give it a shot.

My whole life is great!


I can do anything good.


I like my friends.


I like my Cadres.


I like my Dr. Peppers.


I like my tv shows and seeing movies.


I like my Block Parties.


I like my soon to see Julies.


My whole life is great.


I can do anything good. Better than anyone else.

Update

Yes, It's been a while. I often feel like the things I say are not as funny, interesting, or well-written once I finish putting fingers to keys. So I don't. Not as often any way and, even then, it's only if I feel like I can make it look good. So maybe instead, I'll just do one massive update.

I started reading. A lot. For me anyway. And I think I finally found a way to keep it going. I kept trying for ambitious reads, that's what I call them. I very clearly do not have the attention span for that. When I don't get through them with ease, I get frustrated and think reading is not for me. Which is just not the truth. I like reading quite a bit. I even ordered some books on Amazon.com. Can you say, "BOOK FIEND"? Bwahahaa


I read THE HUNGER GAMES series and it was AMAZING. I read them quite rapidly. A month for all three with a short break between 2 and 3 to read THE GIVER (Again, 4 books in a month is quite a sum for me. A spectacular feat). But this series is absolutely my favorite. I'm very excited for the movies to spew forth.


I've seen many movies. The best and most interesting is THE SOCIAL NETWORK. It is about the creation of Facebook by that scoundrel, Mark Zuckerburg. The script (by Aaron Sorkin) is possibly the sharpest, most relevant, wittiest one of the year. I am very partial toward rapid fire dialogue between people that can keep up. It is shot with I wise hand by David Fincher. The casting was great as well. Jesse Eisinberg (I'm sure i'm botching the spelling on all of these names) as Mark, creates an ass of a guy who has heart. And who in the world would think that Justin Timberlake could act. I mean, more than is required for SNL skits. He plays Sean Parker, creator of Napster, and older brother figure to Mark.

Just go see it.

I've been in rehearsals for a new show coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios entitled DISNEY CHANNEL ROCKS. It has been a blast, but very challenging. I'll see if I ever get to to do it.

I got FINAL CUT PRO. Finally!! Four years in the making. I finished my first video project in years. It's about ninja-assassins. Yes, it's dorky and I feel confident you don't wanna see it.

Anyway, that's all for today folks.

Concert Virginity

I have never been to a concert...which seems completely wrong. But all thats about to change as you can see.



I CAN'T WAIT!!

Just sayin...

Sorry little monsters, but you can't deny how similar they look.

1...nah I'm not gonna count. Sorry

Everyday I wake up, wonder why
I'm alone when I know I'm a lovely guy
Birds come down from sky so blue
See all the beautiful things you do
Why can't I just get with you

Every night I carry out my plan
Pray to God that one day I could be your man
Birds come down from sky so blue

See all the beautiful things you do
Why can't I just get with

You'd be my only friend in the world
Well you could just be my girl

And if I do run away from this life
There won't be much for me in the afterlife
Although I know that you don't even care
I'd rather stay in a world where
Birds come down from sky so blue
See all the beautiful things you do
Why can't I just get with you

-"All the Beautiful Things" by Eels

Meditations

I'm starting to feel like I've lost my respect for movies. (I do realize that many of you are scoffing at those opening words. If you've ever heard me talk about Away We Go or any number of films, you will think it's silly for me to say such a thing.)

But it is my feeling. And I believe it to be true. I pondered today on this. 2 years ago, I would see movies alone, dressed nicely (i.e. Jeans and a blazer) to show repsect for the power that I know film has. The medium has changed my life. But it has been a while since I've done a movie old-fashioned, and, in my opinion, the good way. So tonight, seeing as I had no plans, I did a movie; 2008 style. Suited up, got some Wendy's to sneak in, even listed to music I was crazy about then. I'm very glad to say, it worked out and I had a resplendant cinematic excursion.

The film on the docket was Eat Pray Love. Yes, I know the face you're making. However, I'd heard from sources, that I consider reliable, that I should check it out. It is based on the memior by Elizabeth Gilbert, who, after a nasty divorce and a follow-up fling, decides to take a hiatus. She's stuck on the end of a teeter-totter and needs to find some balance. So, she goes on a year long journey to Italy, India, and Bali where she literally learns how to Eat, Pray, and Love (crazy. That's the title.)

It ended up being a very personal experience for me (I won't bore you with the details), but I am very glad I saw it alone. I am a firm believer that your experience with a movie can easily change with an additional member in your party. For some movies, that is ok. Others, I like to see alone first. I end up liking more movies that way.

Going Mad

I had been thinking about starting to watch the television show Mad Men for quite some time. I mean, it kinda seems like something I would watch. Its won critical as well as fan adoration. So, the other, day I downloaded the first season to my portable video machine and I'll just say it is an intruiging 47ish minutes of television.

It takes place in the 1960, as you could see by the dress code. The main man is Don Draper, the creative director of "Sterling/Cooper Advertising Agency" over on Madison Avenue. He, along with 2/3 of the rest of the male characters, are some of the most dispicable people I have encountered in all my years in TV land. They all have wives and they all have at least 1 mistress. To be fair, they do have issues of their own, but seeing a therapist is considered immasculation.

The poor messed up women in their lives. Betty Draper, (Don's wife) is played by January Jones, who is probably one of the most stikingly beautiful women I've ever seen. Betty got married too young, had kids too young, basically settled too young. She has issues. Christina Hendricks plays Joan Holloway, the head lady of the steno pool. She is a mistress. Everyone is in love with her. That must be hard. Did I mention she's a redhead? I have a thing for redheads.

Along with learning about these screwed up people (as well as seeing some of Nixon/Kennedy campaign footage), the show can be quite depressing as well is interesting. All of these people are drowning in lives they aren't happy with.

Maybe that why I like it. I feel like I'm drowning alot.

What I wish I could say is,,,

Though I've tried before to tell her
Of the feelings I have for her in my heart
Everytime that I come near her
I just lose my nerve
As I've done from the start

Do I have to tell the story
Of a thousand rainy days since we first met
It's a big enough umbrella
But it's always me that ends up getting wet

I resolved to call her up a thousand times a day
And ask her if she'll marry me in some old fashioned way
But my silent fears have gripped me
Long before I reach the phone
Long before my tongue has tripped me
Must I always be alone

Every little thing she does is magic
Everything she does just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Know I know my love for her goes on

Cinematin Weekend: Female Empowerment Edition (SPOLER ALERT)

Yes, alas another cinematic weekend has occurred. Again, I saw two very different movies aimed at two DIFFERENT sects of people. So...let's get to it.




Salt is another empowered female character for Angelina Jolie to add to her arsenal. Evelyn Salt is a CIA agent accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. Of course, she runs. Because, in movies, you have to prove your innocence yourself rather than leave anything to the authorities. And its a good thing too, since a colleague is actually one of the various said sleeper agents. Angelina definitely pics a type and there is a reason. She's great at portraying those characters. Yes, they are all similar but she makes them different enough that you don't really mind seeing her shooting anything that is a noun, jumping from moving vehicle to moving vehicle, or perhaps, strangling someone with handcuffs.

Salt is your typical summer action blockbuster. However, what I liked most about the film was it went back to one of the most simple concepts in film making. It asked a question. Perhaps blatantly, as seen in the poster above, but it was nice to see a clear, simple question and have it answered. "Who is Salt?"

Was the movie a masterpiece? No. Was it fun and an escape from your bland, no-gun-totting, unrisk taking life? Hell yes!
B




Ok. So The Kids Are All Right is a movie I'd wanted to see for a few weeks. Its indie. Which normally signifies that I will enjoy it. Yeah...I was wrong.

It is a tale of a lesbian couple who's kids decide to meet their sperm donor father and how that decision affects all of their lives. Now, i consider myself pretty liberal for a boy raised in Mormonville, Utah. But I have to say, I felt like so much of the movie was so intensely pro-gay and even a little anti-straight.

That's not to say the movie wasn't well made. It really was (for the most part), well put together. But for a story that involves a marriage that overcomes infidelity, I couldn't see much reason to try and get past the mistake.

Annette Benning and Juliane Moore play Nic and Jules. Nic is a career woman who likes control and red wine. Jules is a trophy wife/house mom who never reached her full potential. From the minute the two share screen time, you know there is some tension. As the story continues (sometimes veering into the realm of unnecessary), you see that rather than being a couple, they are just two people, who it seems feel out of love some time ago. Its become a marriage of convenience rather than love. And while yes, there is something to be said for sticking together through tough times, when infidelity comes into play and the two are already disconnected...well, its hard to root for something like that.

Benning and Moore, both did a great job of crafting their characters. Its the union between them I have trouble buying. I don't really know who to blame for that. Actually I do. Director/Co-Writer Lisa Cholodenko.

I really wanted to like the movie. i was rooting for it. But one thing is evident to me.

The Kids Ain't All Right.

No More Spandex

They successfully saved the world. Back to civilian life (womp womp)

Hang with Robyn

I feel like if you don't know about Robyn, Watch this video and fall in love with her!

DO IT!