About seven weeks ago my youth pastor approached me and said, "Hey, I'm doing a sermon series on the book of Habbakuk. You want to shoot something for it?"
I said, "Of course". Thus began my crazy adventure in directing for the very first time.
We met shortly after this exchange and I asked "Well, do you have an outline for what you want to do?"
"No." he said.
"Well isn't that fantastic."
So for the next few weeks we got together and ironed out a story that we both agreed on. Then talked about casting choices, figured out who would be a good leading man, and then I went off to write.
Two weeks later I had an outline and approached the family I wanted in my movie. They said yes (after saying please and offering lots of beer). At this point I had about four weeks until it was due and I had to figure out when everyone was available to shoot. So I call my actor on a Tuesday and asked him if it would be better to shoot this Saturday or next. He said this Saturday would be best. No problem, I can get my act together in 3 days.
Ignorance is such bliss.
I managed to make a shot list, get a camera, get a A.D. (assistant director), location scout my two major places I was shooting, go to home depot morning of shoot and get last minute supplies and then hopefully by 7am start shooting.
Which I did.
About half of my short was shot in sequence, which was awesome. The other half was out of sequence and much harder to keep the story together in my head. However, the day went very good and my last shot was 3:30 that afternoon. I was beyond tired.
The following Thursday I shot the last remaining scenes that I was not able to get on Saturday. It went quick and painless and now there was only one more day of shooting left.
So, the next Saturday we shot the last of my short in a few hours and thus concluded principal photography.
Now, for the last week in a half I have been editing. I have a third of it done and working on the rest now.
I know I haven't posted in a while and I know this isn't really mean or funny (or both), but I thought I would just give you a quick rundown of what's been going on over the past month. Hope all of your Christmas' were awesome. As soon as I'm done editing I will get back to my regularly scheduled tom foolery.
(My short is about a guy who interviews for a promotion and instead loses his job. )
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Restoring America
I never really thought I could make a difference in this election. Sure I voted, which is an important civic duty, but how much difference does that make? Even if I did vote for McCain, do you really think he would win California? I want to do something historic, something grand.
And then it happened.
Someone actually voted for me for President. This is a legit ballot from one of my friends in Eugene. I am now a contender for the presidency of the United States. Not only that, but look who my running mate is - Ryan.
When I saw this I felt a huge weight of responsibility. I have had so many ideas on how to make this country better and, let's face it, so does Ryan. It was time to make a decision. I talked with my family a great deal and we came down to a decision. Ryan and I are going to run. How fitting it is to celebrate the launch of my campaign at the place where this all started: in my office about 10 minutes ago.
Ogden/Ogden 08'
We are part of the SUA party (Straight up Awesome) and we have a platform of important issues we are running on.
Phil Ogden - President
Education - I feel like teachers aren't paid enough so starting in my first day of office, teachers start at $100,000 per year. Teachers will also be on an incentive bonus payment plan. Every time they disregard one of the states standardized tests they will get an additional $30,000, and a teacher's aide. Teachers are limited to 10 teacher's aides per year.
Economy - I will look to my trusty cabinet members and tell them to FIX IT!
Energy - We will establish our independence from foreign oil by completely getting rid of the middle east. We will bus everyone out of the country in a diplomatic and peaceful way, then turn it into the worlds largest starbucks/jamba juice. Problem solved.
Ryan Ogden - Vice President
Here are some platforms that Ryan will be running on.
Mac and Cheese - starting in his first day of office, Mac and cheese will be delivered to every home in the world as a way to open up lines of communication with foreign countries and those who hate us. And because it's good.
Thomas and friends - Thomas and friends will now replace the nightly news. Anchors from NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and Fox will, instead of news, voice over characters from the famous English show. Brian Williams will be Thomas, Tom Brokaw will be Gordon, Katie Couric will be Emily, Dan Rather will be Cranky the Crane, Sean Hannity will be the troublesome trucks, and Rush will be Sir Toppham Hat.
Tractors - Since Ryan is a big advocate for tractors, everyone should have one. That way, when he comes to campaign in your town, he can check them out and think they are cool.
On November 4, do the right thing. Vote Ogden/Ogden 08'
Straight talk hope we can all believe in.
And then it happened.
Someone actually voted for me for President. This is a legit ballot from one of my friends in Eugene. I am now a contender for the presidency of the United States. Not only that, but look who my running mate is - Ryan.
When I saw this I felt a huge weight of responsibility. I have had so many ideas on how to make this country better and, let's face it, so does Ryan. It was time to make a decision. I talked with my family a great deal and we came down to a decision. Ryan and I are going to run. How fitting it is to celebrate the launch of my campaign at the place where this all started: in my office about 10 minutes ago.
Ogden/Ogden 08'
We are part of the SUA party (Straight up Awesome) and we have a platform of important issues we are running on.
Phil Ogden - President
Education - I feel like teachers aren't paid enough so starting in my first day of office, teachers start at $100,000 per year. Teachers will also be on an incentive bonus payment plan. Every time they disregard one of the states standardized tests they will get an additional $30,000, and a teacher's aide. Teachers are limited to 10 teacher's aides per year.
Economy - I will look to my trusty cabinet members and tell them to FIX IT!
Energy - We will establish our independence from foreign oil by completely getting rid of the middle east. We will bus everyone out of the country in a diplomatic and peaceful way, then turn it into the worlds largest starbucks/jamba juice. Problem solved.
Ryan Ogden - Vice President
Here are some platforms that Ryan will be running on.
Mac and Cheese - starting in his first day of office, Mac and cheese will be delivered to every home in the world as a way to open up lines of communication with foreign countries and those who hate us. And because it's good.
Thomas and friends - Thomas and friends will now replace the nightly news. Anchors from NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and Fox will, instead of news, voice over characters from the famous English show. Brian Williams will be Thomas, Tom Brokaw will be Gordon, Katie Couric will be Emily, Dan Rather will be Cranky the Crane, Sean Hannity will be the troublesome trucks, and Rush will be Sir Toppham Hat.
Tractors - Since Ryan is a big advocate for tractors, everyone should have one. That way, when he comes to campaign in your town, he can check them out and think they are cool.
On November 4, do the right thing. Vote Ogden/Ogden 08'
Straight talk hope we can all believe in.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Ryan is going to be a big brother
Yes, it's true. In June, Ryan's going to have a buddy. I've tried for a couple of weeks now to blog about something even half as cool as this (btw, it's debatable whether I blog about cool things) but I haven't been about to come up with anything.
We decided to wait a few weeks to tell anyone. After we decided to start telling people we had a shortlist of people we wanted to tell before the news got out of control. Chances are if you read this blog, you already know about our news. If, for some reason, I forgot to tell you and this is new to you, there's a good chance I don't care about you and wish you would would get run over by a car.
I'm just kidding . . .about the car part.
It's great news and we wanted to celebrate it with youalleverybody.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Look at me
I know I vent about many necessary things, make fun of stupid people, and laugh at other peoples' expense. Well, it's only fair that once in a while I take some of my own medicine. I thought it would be fun (and funny) to post some pictures of me in my younger days and show you all that I was awesome then, and now.
This is me at Magic Mountain chillin' with Wile E. Coyote. I was about 4 or 5.
Rockin' the Olan Mills photo shoot. Big Pimpin' at 6.
Here I am with my date Tracy before the Christmas Formal. I was a Junior in High School then.
Is this me or Brian Austin Green? Maybe Parker Lewis?
Seth, Me, and Mark at our favorite karaoke bar in Korea town. No joke, I thought that shirt was cool!
This is me at Magic Mountain chillin' with Wile E. Coyote. I was about 4 or 5.
Rockin' the Olan Mills photo shoot. Big Pimpin' at 6.
Here I am with my date Tracy before the Christmas Formal. I was a Junior in High School then.
Is this me or Brian Austin Green? Maybe Parker Lewis?
Seth, Me, and Mark at our favorite karaoke bar in Korea town. No joke, I thought that shirt was cool!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Battlestar Galactica is awesome, which is why Dayton needs to start watching it
Meet my friend Dayton
He is a rock star, a husband and a great dad, and he's been my friend for 10 years. I stayed with him and his fam last year when I was in town for a wedding (Trevor's) and we got to hang out and do some old traditions (drink caribou coffee) and new traditions (drink beer and buy Petra songs online). It was awesome.
What was not so awesome is when I told him "You have to watch the new Battlestar Galactica. It's Awesome" and he said screw you hippy, I don't watch nerd things like that. (I may be paraphrasing . . .)
Well, I'm here to start a campaign to get Dayton to start watching one of the best written shows on TV.
Dayton, just between you and me, here are 3 reasons why you should watch this show.
1)I don't steer people wrong.
I told my friend Eddie, who is an avid Lost watcher, "You have to watch Battlestar Galactica." Unlike you, he tried it out and became hooked. He finished the mini-series in the first day, the first season in a couple days, and within two weeks finished season 2 and 3. Dayton, I know you love Lost, trust me, you'll love Battlestar.
2)The show redefines the sci-fi genre
The show deals with the conflict of a monotheistic and polytheistic society, it deals with racism and prejudice, and takes the best part of space exploration and makes it look cool.
3)In the future, everyone's hot. (I thank Mary for point #3)
That's right, nobody's ugly on this show. It's comforting to know that our future is full of hot women in red dresses and, well, I can't remember what else is important.
So, my challenge to you is to watch the Mini-series. How do I get the mini-series you ask? Well, I will send it to you to watch. It's only 3 hours. If by the end, you don't like it, I won't hate you. At least you tried.
He is a rock star, a husband and a great dad, and he's been my friend for 10 years. I stayed with him and his fam last year when I was in town for a wedding (Trevor's) and we got to hang out and do some old traditions (drink caribou coffee) and new traditions (drink beer and buy Petra songs online). It was awesome.
What was not so awesome is when I told him "You have to watch the new Battlestar Galactica. It's Awesome" and he said screw you hippy, I don't watch nerd things like that. (I may be paraphrasing . . .)
Well, I'm here to start a campaign to get Dayton to start watching one of the best written shows on TV.
Dayton, just between you and me, here are 3 reasons why you should watch this show.
1)I don't steer people wrong.
I told my friend Eddie, who is an avid Lost watcher, "You have to watch Battlestar Galactica." Unlike you, he tried it out and became hooked. He finished the mini-series in the first day, the first season in a couple days, and within two weeks finished season 2 and 3. Dayton, I know you love Lost, trust me, you'll love Battlestar.
2)The show redefines the sci-fi genre
The show deals with the conflict of a monotheistic and polytheistic society, it deals with racism and prejudice, and takes the best part of space exploration and makes it look cool.
3)In the future, everyone's hot. (I thank Mary for point #3)
That's right, nobody's ugly on this show. It's comforting to know that our future is full of hot women in red dresses and, well, I can't remember what else is important.
So, my challenge to you is to watch the Mini-series. How do I get the mini-series you ask? Well, I will send it to you to watch. It's only 3 hours. If by the end, you don't like it, I won't hate you. At least you tried.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Stop it with the blue tooth in public
You know who you are. You're the guy who goes into Subway with your friend from work, catching up on the day's memos, then right in the middle of your friend's sentence you tap your ear and say "hello".
Stop it. Seriously.
Nothing says "I care about you, but really I hope someone more important calls" than a blue tooth in public places.
Oh wait, let me guess, your excuse is "well, I wear it so much that I don't even notice."
Bullshit. How do you not notice a piece of electronic equipment in your ear? You look like those guys in Star Wars that control the Death Star. Just robots desiring to be controlled by jackassery.
Stop it.
Here's a tip. When you leave your car or walk out of your building to eat, shut off your earpiece and be part of the human race. We like you, just not your jackassery.
Stop it. Seriously.
Nothing says "I care about you, but really I hope someone more important calls" than a blue tooth in public places.
Oh wait, let me guess, your excuse is "well, I wear it so much that I don't even notice."
Bullshit. How do you not notice a piece of electronic equipment in your ear? You look like those guys in Star Wars that control the Death Star. Just robots desiring to be controlled by jackassery.
Stop it.
Here's a tip. When you leave your car or walk out of your building to eat, shut off your earpiece and be part of the human race. We like you, just not your jackassery.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Does Heroes still suck?
Yes.
After a terrible, terrible second season Heroes is set to return. I think it's suppose to start in Septembewhogivesacrap.
The answer is nobody.
Especially at Comic-con. Heroes had their panel set for 11am Saturday in the big hall where they were going to have the writers come out and talk about the third season and show the premiere episode. However, I don't know how many Heroes fans got to see it because Lost had it's panel at 12pm and fans (of a show that's actually worth watching) started lining up at 2am that morning. When the doors for the Heroes panel opened, they just let the Lost line in. Lost fans had to sit through what I'm sure was a giant apology for why season 1 finale was so bad, why they haven't brought back Claude, and why Peter Petrelli still continues to breathe and annoy me. After that, they showed the season 3 premiere. Was it good? Don't know because no one is talking about it. I haven't found any news on it, any buzz, any clips, any video of the panel, nothing.
Where are the people that say "Heroes is so much better than Lost?" Why aren't they updating their blogs feverishly giving away juicy story lines and new characters plots and saying things like, "Tim Kring said this and talked about that?" I hear no response. Perhaps that the sound of me being right.
After a terrible, terrible second season Heroes is set to return. I think it's suppose to start in Septembewhogivesacrap.
The answer is nobody.
Especially at Comic-con. Heroes had their panel set for 11am Saturday in the big hall where they were going to have the writers come out and talk about the third season and show the premiere episode. However, I don't know how many Heroes fans got to see it because Lost had it's panel at 12pm and fans (of a show that's actually worth watching) started lining up at 2am that morning. When the doors for the Heroes panel opened, they just let the Lost line in. Lost fans had to sit through what I'm sure was a giant apology for why season 1 finale was so bad, why they haven't brought back Claude, and why Peter Petrelli still continues to breathe and annoy me. After that, they showed the season 3 premiere. Was it good? Don't know because no one is talking about it. I haven't found any news on it, any buzz, any clips, any video of the panel, nothing.
Where are the people that say "Heroes is so much better than Lost?" Why aren't they updating their blogs feverishly giving away juicy story lines and new characters plots and saying things like, "Tim Kring said this and talked about that?" I hear no response. Perhaps that the sound of me being right.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
A Robotix story
When my brother and I were young we used to play Robotix. The other day I got them out and let Ryan explore them. Then I had an idea. . .
THE ADVENTURES OF CHASE ROBOTIX
Episode I - Red Ball of Destruction
Chase Robotix is the defender of the universe. When trouble or stupidity cross his path, he reaches back and keeps his pimp hand strong.
Every time that I look at myself, I can't believe how awesome I am!
As Chase was out surveying the galaxy (for ladies) he came across his twin brother/arch nemesis Rex, who was trying to destroy planet beanbag with the red ball of destruction.
Chase could not stand for this so he destroyed the red ball of destruction with his mind.
This, of course, angered Rex.
Rex wanted to destroy everything like he always does: Chase, The planet, and Ryan's intergalactic Thomas and friends hat.
Chase couldn't let that happen so he jumped in the way to distract Rex. Rex finally had the chance to destroy his brother. Chase was almost a goner.
Then Chase fired a rocket of doom and destroyed his brother's ship. Rex managed to survive . . .until next time.
I rule!
THE ADVENTURES OF CHASE ROBOTIX
Episode I - Red Ball of Destruction
Chase Robotix is the defender of the universe. When trouble or stupidity cross his path, he reaches back and keeps his pimp hand strong.
Every time that I look at myself, I can't believe how awesome I am!
As Chase was out surveying the galaxy (for ladies) he came across his twin brother/arch nemesis Rex, who was trying to destroy planet beanbag with the red ball of destruction.
Chase could not stand for this so he destroyed the red ball of destruction with his mind.
This, of course, angered Rex.
Rex wanted to destroy everything like he always does: Chase, The planet, and Ryan's intergalactic Thomas and friends hat.
Chase couldn't let that happen so he jumped in the way to distract Rex. Rex finally had the chance to destroy his brother. Chase was almost a goner.
Then Chase fired a rocket of doom and destroyed his brother's ship. Rex managed to survive . . .until next time.
I rule!
Political Correctness lives here
. . .not so much. This is a funny video. If you are easily offended or have trouble with people making fun of others, I suggest skipping this post.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Our trip to San Fransisco
Jenny and I just go back from a weekend in San Fransisco. It was the first weekend away from Ryan in a long long time. Here is just one of the many pictures you will find on Jenny's blog post regarding our trip.
Amanda Heasley, Me, Jenny, Vanessa (Doug's almost wife), Doug, and Chris Heasley
For more pictures and stories check out Jenny's Blog
Amanda Heasley, Me, Jenny, Vanessa (Doug's almost wife), Doug, and Chris Heasley
For more pictures and stories check out Jenny's Blog
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Phone Pix from Morro Bay
We went to Morro Bay at the beginning of June. Yes, we forgot our camera so here are some phone pix. Enjoy!
Capt. Ryan Sparrow
Ryan at the Zoo
Ryan the whale rider
Mama, Ryan, and Rita
Me!
Capt. Ryan Sparrow
Ryan at the Zoo
Ryan the whale rider
Mama, Ryan, and Rita
Me!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The List
I've been trying to read more, and after the reviews of M. Night's The Happening who could blame me right? So I started asking my friends "What should be on my top ten list of books to read before I die?" The response was awesome. My friends are not only cool but literate as well. I got everything from science fiction to slavery memoirs. Is this a pretty good list? What's missing? Are their any you have read that you can further recommend?
I have to give a shout-out to Seth for suggesting "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy. I forgot to add that to the list.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Lost: Almost home (Spoilers)
Last season finale I tried to guess what may happened and I was wrong on all levels. So, when at first you don't succeed . . .
1)Who's in the coffin?
Well, for a long time I've been saying it's Sawyer, mainly because it would be so nice to guess right about something in the show and have that guess be relevent to the story in some way. However, the more that I think about that the more I feel Sawyer's death would be just a means to an end. My guess is that Alvar Hanso in the coffin.
Here's why.
Jack is a man of Science and Locke is a man of faith. I believe Charles Widmore is a man of Science and Ben is a man of faith. If Charles and Ben are in a big game of risk, there are some people who will have to be sacrificed in order to win the battle for the island. Alvar Hanso, man of science, desiring to conduct experiments on the island, hired by Widmore, and not a man of "faith". Ben, knowing this, is charged with protecting the island rids Alvar of his life. Of course, I don't know how or why, but who does really?
2)Why does Jack go to the viewing?
Now that Widmore knows where the island is, Alvar Hanso knows where it is too assuming the hanso foundation is funded by Widmore. In an attempt to help get people off the island (because I believe he knows who Ben is and what he is capable of), Alvar Hanso tries to help Jack and the oceanic 6 get off. I think the oceanic 6 will meet Alvar before they all get on a plane together. Perhaps he's the one who tells them to lie.
3)The question of Walt.
It breaks my heart to think that someone would take a kid from his father and never quite tell him why. Now that I am a dad I can understand some of the emotions Michael is going through. That's why I hope there will be some sort of story progress in regards to Walt. At this point, no reason has been good enough for why Ben took Walt, or Jacob or anyone. The payoff for Walt's story has to be so good that it excuses why he was a prisoner for so long.
4)Who will die?
I say Jack. If your going to be wrong, be wrong all the way.
1)Who's in the coffin?
Well, for a long time I've been saying it's Sawyer, mainly because it would be so nice to guess right about something in the show and have that guess be relevent to the story in some way. However, the more that I think about that the more I feel Sawyer's death would be just a means to an end. My guess is that Alvar Hanso in the coffin.
Here's why.
Jack is a man of Science and Locke is a man of faith. I believe Charles Widmore is a man of Science and Ben is a man of faith. If Charles and Ben are in a big game of risk, there are some people who will have to be sacrificed in order to win the battle for the island. Alvar Hanso, man of science, desiring to conduct experiments on the island, hired by Widmore, and not a man of "faith". Ben, knowing this, is charged with protecting the island rids Alvar of his life. Of course, I don't know how or why, but who does really?
2)Why does Jack go to the viewing?
Now that Widmore knows where the island is, Alvar Hanso knows where it is too assuming the hanso foundation is funded by Widmore. In an attempt to help get people off the island (because I believe he knows who Ben is and what he is capable of), Alvar Hanso tries to help Jack and the oceanic 6 get off. I think the oceanic 6 will meet Alvar before they all get on a plane together. Perhaps he's the one who tells them to lie.
3)The question of Walt.
It breaks my heart to think that someone would take a kid from his father and never quite tell him why. Now that I am a dad I can understand some of the emotions Michael is going through. That's why I hope there will be some sort of story progress in regards to Walt. At this point, no reason has been good enough for why Ben took Walt, or Jacob or anyone. The payoff for Walt's story has to be so good that it excuses why he was a prisoner for so long.
4)Who will die?
I say Jack. If your going to be wrong, be wrong all the way.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
My review of Spider-man 3
Boring boring boring.
Bruce Campbell as the french waiter . . .sooo funny.
Boring boring boring.
credits.
Bruce Campbell as the french waiter . . .sooo funny.
Boring boring boring.
credits.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
An Addendum to my review
My P3 review was suppose to be a mock. My apologies if it didn't come across that way. Apparently this movie made me so stupid that it stripped me of my humor. Seth had told me how convoluted and stupid this movie is, which he's right. In fact, everyone told me how stupid this movie is, so my review was a mock support of it.
Did not work so well now did it. . .
At world's end is just plain retarded. Don't see this movie, ever.
Did not work so well now did it. . .
At world's end is just plain retarded. Don't see this movie, ever.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
My Review of Pirates 3: At World's End
As many of you know I loved the first Pirates movie. I then went and saw the 2nd installment and wanted to shove a lawnmower down my esophagus. So, being the trooper I am, I decided to watch the last one even though many, many people told me how bad it was. Well, I say they were wrong.
The movie begins with lots of people lining up to get hung. They all start singing a pirate lullaby as they wait for their death.
Title credits
Now we are in an underground cave in Singapore. We follow Barbosa and company to the main pirate king room where they tell head pirate guy (we'll call him Chink) that the lullaby has been sung and that the quarry of nine from eight have to meet. Well, Chink, being skeptical, decides that the only way to find out if this is true is to fight, for 20 minutes, at least. So they fight fight fight and Chink agrees the meeting must happen. But first they have to find Jack. How will they do that you ask? Well, Barbosa says it's easy to get to Jack, the hard part is getting back. One has to travel through cold weather and wait for the green flashing light to occur. So they are off.
Cut to Jack Sparrow. A lot of him. He apparently is in an afterlife holideck which is able to conjure up his worst nightmares. So he is in the white sand, with lots of copies of him and eggs that look like rocks which transform into crabs. He somehow convinces the rocks to move the ship from the middle of the desert to the beach, where Barbosa, Elizabeth Swan, and crew wait for Jack. When they all meet up, Jack is unsure if they are real or if they are just figments made from the holideck. Nope, they aren't. So they set sail. But they have to figure out how to get the boat back to real life before sunrise. That's right, sunrise. Because in this world the sun rises in the west. Wait, if it rises in the west that must mean the ship is upside down. So the whole crew starts to tilt the boat back and forth for at least twenty minutes until it flips over, which it does, and then they see the green flash. WooHoo, Jack is saved from the afterlife holideck of doom.
So ends the first hour of the film.
Okay, so now that Jack is reunited with Barbosa, Swan, and crew, now they have to get Will Turner who is captured by the English as the ship Endeavor is on the hunt for pirates, riches, and world domination. So, I think Will strikes up a deal with Captain English douche bag (EDB) to find barbosa and to find where the quarry of the nine from eight are meeting. Will then says he can deliver Jack Sparrow and trade jack for Will's dad's freedom. So, the deal gets made on a short strip of land and Will goes with barbosa and Swan, while Jack goes with EDB and it seems to be bad, but a reassuring shot of Jack giving a little "I know what I'm doing" made me feel better.
So, at this point, Jack is trying to get the heart of Davy Jones so he can be freed of his debt, and Will is also trying to free his dad from his debt. . .I think, I can't really remember. No, I think that's right because if Will frees his dad they can be reunited and the dad doesn't have to be bound to the ship any longer . . . I think. Well, no matter, Jack has a plan. And the plan involves Calypso.
Barbosa knows that the plan involves Calypso too, because Calypso is bound in human form and when she is free, she can turn into weather and control it. So, Barbosa knows he has a secret weapon on his hands.
Okay, so, after the Jack/Will exchange, Barbosa and crew sail to a pirates cove conveniently close to where they are and all the pirates of the world unite. They all discuss how they are going to handle the big last battle and how they are going to amass artifacts in a plate to figure how they will beat the EDB and his english army. After about a twenty minute discussion someone yells, "We must have a vote". Whoever is pirate king will make the decision. So they vote. Every pirate captain votes for himself including Swan who is now the captain of Chink's boat. Then Jack comes out of nowhere and votes for Swan. An uproar occurs because they all argue over the rules. Then the Keeper of the Pirate law (Keith Richards) comes forward and says the law is the law. Swan wins, so they go to war with the English.
End of hour 2
So, then there occurs lots and lots of sailing to where the English boats are. When they finally get there, it is time to free Calypso because quarry of the nine from eight all put special magic items in a plate and said some magic words and then she started huffing, puffing, growing into a giant, then she exploded into a bunch of rock/crab transformers we saw in the afterlife holideck, and they all fall into the sea. Oh crap you say? You betcha! The sea starts to get real crazy and big whirlpool forms in the middle of the ships. Yikes! Then it starts to rain, then it's "man your battle stations" and "Fire!" The battle to end all battles occurs. Swords and cannons fly everywhere. Jack fights Davy, Barbosa fights crazy english soldiers, Will and Swan do this swing your sword/profess your love that really defines their relationship. So much so that during the sword fight, they get married. Where would they find someone to marry them? Barbosa of course. So they exchange vows in between swinging their swords.
Then the big standoff with Davy, Will, Swan, and Jack happens. Jack found Davy's heart and is about to stab it when Davy turns around and stabs Will, rendering him dead. Jack and Barbosa put a sword through Davy's heart and he dies for good. Then the waters grow calm, then a big ship comes out of the water and it's Will's. He's alive again and captain of the boat that carries the dead. Both ships then sail to the Endeavor and blow it to pieces. Swan is happy to see Will again but can't for long because now his heart is in a lock box and must go to the afterlife holideck for ten years.
In the end, Jack in on shore with 2 ladies looking for the black pearl. Well, it's not where he parked it. Turns out Barbosa stole it and the map to the fountain of youth from Jack. Ha Ha Barbosa says, foiled Jack one more time, then opens up his map to see there is a big hole in it. ARG!! Jack was the one that took it, now he's after the fountain of youth.
Then Will and Swan are on a beach and Will has to say goodbye but, he leaves his heart in a treasure chest for her to keep. Then after the credits, Will does come back. I guess they can be happy again, right?
This film redefines stupid.
The movie begins with lots of people lining up to get hung. They all start singing a pirate lullaby as they wait for their death.
Title credits
Now we are in an underground cave in Singapore. We follow Barbosa and company to the main pirate king room where they tell head pirate guy (we'll call him Chink) that the lullaby has been sung and that the quarry of nine from eight have to meet. Well, Chink, being skeptical, decides that the only way to find out if this is true is to fight, for 20 minutes, at least. So they fight fight fight and Chink agrees the meeting must happen. But first they have to find Jack. How will they do that you ask? Well, Barbosa says it's easy to get to Jack, the hard part is getting back. One has to travel through cold weather and wait for the green flashing light to occur. So they are off.
Cut to Jack Sparrow. A lot of him. He apparently is in an afterlife holideck which is able to conjure up his worst nightmares. So he is in the white sand, with lots of copies of him and eggs that look like rocks which transform into crabs. He somehow convinces the rocks to move the ship from the middle of the desert to the beach, where Barbosa, Elizabeth Swan, and crew wait for Jack. When they all meet up, Jack is unsure if they are real or if they are just figments made from the holideck. Nope, they aren't. So they set sail. But they have to figure out how to get the boat back to real life before sunrise. That's right, sunrise. Because in this world the sun rises in the west. Wait, if it rises in the west that must mean the ship is upside down. So the whole crew starts to tilt the boat back and forth for at least twenty minutes until it flips over, which it does, and then they see the green flash. WooHoo, Jack is saved from the afterlife holideck of doom.
So ends the first hour of the film.
Okay, so now that Jack is reunited with Barbosa, Swan, and crew, now they have to get Will Turner who is captured by the English as the ship Endeavor is on the hunt for pirates, riches, and world domination. So, I think Will strikes up a deal with Captain English douche bag (EDB) to find barbosa and to find where the quarry of the nine from eight are meeting. Will then says he can deliver Jack Sparrow and trade jack for Will's dad's freedom. So, the deal gets made on a short strip of land and Will goes with barbosa and Swan, while Jack goes with EDB and it seems to be bad, but a reassuring shot of Jack giving a little "I know what I'm doing" made me feel better.
So, at this point, Jack is trying to get the heart of Davy Jones so he can be freed of his debt, and Will is also trying to free his dad from his debt. . .I think, I can't really remember. No, I think that's right because if Will frees his dad they can be reunited and the dad doesn't have to be bound to the ship any longer . . . I think. Well, no matter, Jack has a plan. And the plan involves Calypso.
Barbosa knows that the plan involves Calypso too, because Calypso is bound in human form and when she is free, she can turn into weather and control it. So, Barbosa knows he has a secret weapon on his hands.
Okay, so, after the Jack/Will exchange, Barbosa and crew sail to a pirates cove conveniently close to where they are and all the pirates of the world unite. They all discuss how they are going to handle the big last battle and how they are going to amass artifacts in a plate to figure how they will beat the EDB and his english army. After about a twenty minute discussion someone yells, "We must have a vote". Whoever is pirate king will make the decision. So they vote. Every pirate captain votes for himself including Swan who is now the captain of Chink's boat. Then Jack comes out of nowhere and votes for Swan. An uproar occurs because they all argue over the rules. Then the Keeper of the Pirate law (Keith Richards) comes forward and says the law is the law. Swan wins, so they go to war with the English.
End of hour 2
So, then there occurs lots and lots of sailing to where the English boats are. When they finally get there, it is time to free Calypso because quarry of the nine from eight all put special magic items in a plate and said some magic words and then she started huffing, puffing, growing into a giant, then she exploded into a bunch of rock/crab transformers we saw in the afterlife holideck, and they all fall into the sea. Oh crap you say? You betcha! The sea starts to get real crazy and big whirlpool forms in the middle of the ships. Yikes! Then it starts to rain, then it's "man your battle stations" and "Fire!" The battle to end all battles occurs. Swords and cannons fly everywhere. Jack fights Davy, Barbosa fights crazy english soldiers, Will and Swan do this swing your sword/profess your love that really defines their relationship. So much so that during the sword fight, they get married. Where would they find someone to marry them? Barbosa of course. So they exchange vows in between swinging their swords.
Then the big standoff with Davy, Will, Swan, and Jack happens. Jack found Davy's heart and is about to stab it when Davy turns around and stabs Will, rendering him dead. Jack and Barbosa put a sword through Davy's heart and he dies for good. Then the waters grow calm, then a big ship comes out of the water and it's Will's. He's alive again and captain of the boat that carries the dead. Both ships then sail to the Endeavor and blow it to pieces. Swan is happy to see Will again but can't for long because now his heart is in a lock box and must go to the afterlife holideck for ten years.
In the end, Jack in on shore with 2 ladies looking for the black pearl. Well, it's not where he parked it. Turns out Barbosa stole it and the map to the fountain of youth from Jack. Ha Ha Barbosa says, foiled Jack one more time, then opens up his map to see there is a big hole in it. ARG!! Jack was the one that took it, now he's after the fountain of youth.
Then Will and Swan are on a beach and Will has to say goodbye but, he leaves his heart in a treasure chest for her to keep. Then after the credits, Will does come back. I guess they can be happy again, right?
This film redefines stupid.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Three things that really bother me about Myspace users
I have a Myspace account. I debated a long time before I signed up because I felt like it was just for kids in high school. Turns out it isn't. I did find people I went to high school with, get updated photos from my brother in Portland, and keep up with friends.
However. . .
There are 3 things that send my anger to the stratosphere when it comes to people and their myspace page:
1)The music on your page - Unless you are actually in a band promoting your music, stop it with your crappy music. No one cares if you like Good Charlotte or Delilah. Seriously, if I wanted to hear bad music I would listen to the radio. If you want to have music, try silence. It's better than anything you're listening to.
2)Graphics on your page - Honestly, how much shit can you cram into your graphic design? Really, do you have to have a animated monkey along with your posters of Scarface? How about your 10 pictures of you on a photo slide along with thomas kincade paintings on top of zig zag wallpaper. It's all a little too much, don't you think? Nope you don't, because you post like 10,000 youtube videos on top of all that background. Just stop it!
3)Bulletins on your page - Surveys = Forwards, and no one cares about forwards. Maybe once in a while they're fun . . .oh wait, no they're not. Turns out if no one comments on your survey, or responds to your survey, it does not give you licence to send out 1200 more. Just stop it, seriously.
So I think what I'm trying to say is: excess . . .not so much.
Oh yeah, I forgot, have a nice day!
However. . .
There are 3 things that send my anger to the stratosphere when it comes to people and their myspace page:
1)The music on your page - Unless you are actually in a band promoting your music, stop it with your crappy music. No one cares if you like Good Charlotte or Delilah. Seriously, if I wanted to hear bad music I would listen to the radio. If you want to have music, try silence. It's better than anything you're listening to.
2)Graphics on your page - Honestly, how much shit can you cram into your graphic design? Really, do you have to have a animated monkey along with your posters of Scarface? How about your 10 pictures of you on a photo slide along with thomas kincade paintings on top of zig zag wallpaper. It's all a little too much, don't you think? Nope you don't, because you post like 10,000 youtube videos on top of all that background. Just stop it!
3)Bulletins on your page - Surveys = Forwards, and no one cares about forwards. Maybe once in a while they're fun . . .oh wait, no they're not. Turns out if no one comments on your survey, or responds to your survey, it does not give you licence to send out 1200 more. Just stop it, seriously.
So I think what I'm trying to say is: excess . . .not so much.
Oh yeah, I forgot, have a nice day!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Top Ten Essential Favorite Films
Most of you know that I love movies. I know that I care about film and aspects of how they get made more than most. So, I thought it would be fun to show the more relatable side by posting my 10 favorite films (in no particular order).
1)Dead Poets Society - I remember how moved I was the first time I saw the kids stand on desks. Oh Captain my Captain!
2)The Game - I've probably watched this film 40 times in my life and I still find it mesmerizing!
3)Tron - I remember as a kid wanting a light cycle.
4)The Black Hole - The USS signus is still larger than life. I still watch this and tron back to back every year.
5)Goonies - My sense of adventure was teased when I saw this (in 6th grade).
6)Back to the Future - I still want a Delorean, and a Volterra skateboard.
7)My Blue Heaven - To me, one of the funniest movies that stands the test of time.
8)Raiders of the Lost Ark - If Goonies teased my sense of adventure, Raiders helped cultivate it more.
9)Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Don't worry, Wrath of Khan was on the list but I always go back to this movie. The idea of exploring the truly unknown is so awesome, plus the Enterprise is my favorite ship of all time.
10)Star Wars - There was a time when "Star Wars" meant episode IV, you remember, right? When Han shot Greedo first, and you watched this taped movie at least once a week on VHS, because that's all you had. Ah, the good old days. . .
(As an added bonus, I got Jenny to play the game too. Here's her list.
1)Amelie
2)The Sound of Music
3)The Game
4)All the Bourne Movies
5)Almost Famous
6)Sneakers
7)Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
8)Rushmore
9)Mary Poppins
10)Cinderella
1)Dead Poets Society - I remember how moved I was the first time I saw the kids stand on desks. Oh Captain my Captain!
2)The Game - I've probably watched this film 40 times in my life and I still find it mesmerizing!
3)Tron - I remember as a kid wanting a light cycle.
4)The Black Hole - The USS signus is still larger than life. I still watch this and tron back to back every year.
5)Goonies - My sense of adventure was teased when I saw this (in 6th grade).
6)Back to the Future - I still want a Delorean, and a Volterra skateboard.
7)My Blue Heaven - To me, one of the funniest movies that stands the test of time.
8)Raiders of the Lost Ark - If Goonies teased my sense of adventure, Raiders helped cultivate it more.
9)Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Don't worry, Wrath of Khan was on the list but I always go back to this movie. The idea of exploring the truly unknown is so awesome, plus the Enterprise is my favorite ship of all time.
10)Star Wars - There was a time when "Star Wars" meant episode IV, you remember, right? When Han shot Greedo first, and you watched this taped movie at least once a week on VHS, because that's all you had. Ah, the good old days. . .
(As an added bonus, I got Jenny to play the game too. Here's her list.
1)Amelie
2)The Sound of Music
3)The Game
4)All the Bourne Movies
5)Almost Famous
6)Sneakers
7)Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
8)Rushmore
9)Mary Poppins
10)Cinderella
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
A TobyMac song I like
It's no secret that TobyMac has tried for years to destroy music. No one denies he's got a massive amount of talent, but he seems to take every style his come across and try to jam it in a song. Most all his songs are crap and I like to make fun of them. Here is what a TobyMac song is like: It starts out kind of cool, you get sort of invested in it, you think "oh #$*!", this may be a cool song", then he takes a giant dump on it and, once again, you feel like he hates music and everything good it stands for.
So, I hear a new song called "I'm for you". I thought it was kind of cool, got invested in it, got to the "oh #$*!" part of the cycle, but then it kept being cool. I couldn't believe it didn't let me down. The song has a great beat, he dials back the limp bizkit garbage, and the song has a great message. Now, in the grand scheme of music, the song is like a 5 out of 10. For a TobyMac song, I give it a strong 8. In fact, I bought the song on Itunes.
Making fun of Toby is easy. It's almost easier than making fun of fat and ugly people at the fair. But for the first time in my life, I'm sticking up for him. I think he made a great record. Hats off.
So, I hear a new song called "I'm for you". I thought it was kind of cool, got invested in it, got to the "oh #$*!" part of the cycle, but then it kept being cool. I couldn't believe it didn't let me down. The song has a great beat, he dials back the limp bizkit garbage, and the song has a great message. Now, in the grand scheme of music, the song is like a 5 out of 10. For a TobyMac song, I give it a strong 8. In fact, I bought the song on Itunes.
Making fun of Toby is easy. It's almost easier than making fun of fat and ugly people at the fair. But for the first time in my life, I'm sticking up for him. I think he made a great record. Hats off.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Rate that Commentary
Rate that commentary is a website devoted to commentary tracks on DVDs. Most likely, if you own any DVDs, 8 out of 10 have a director's commentary or various other commentaries. Are they any good though? Most of the one's I've seen are very informative and entertaining, but as I was listening to a podcast from the hollywood saloon entitled "art of commentary", it truly takes talent to do a commentary track. Sometimes a director is best on his own, sometimes a director is best with his writer or fellow actor. The podcast talked about great ones and suck ones. The best one that I've heard is the Philosopher's track on Matrix Reloaded. I also enjoy any David Fincher track (Fight Club, Panic Room).
According to rate that commentary, here are the top ten (voted by site users):
1. Zodiac -- Commentary track: Actors Jake Gyllenhall and Robert Downey Jr, producer Brad Fischer, screenwriter James Vanderbilt and writer James Ellroy. Rating: 9.0
2. Zodiac -- Commentary track: Director David Fincher. Rating: 8.6
3. Superbad -- Commentary track: Director Greg Mottola, screenwriter Evan Goldberg, actors Seth Rogen, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jonah Hill, producer Judd Apatow, and Apatow's nine-year-old daughter Maude. Rating: 8.6
4. Halloween -- Commentary track: Writer/Director John Carpenter, actor Jamie Lee Curtis and writer/producer Debra Hill. Rating: 8.6
5. The Exorcist -- Commentary track: Director William Friedkin. Rating: 8.5
6. The Godfather -- Commentary track: Director Francis Ford Coppola. Rating: 8.5
7. Escape From New York -- Commentary track: Director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell. Rating: 8.5
8. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring -- Commentary track: Director Peter Jackson, and writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. Rating: 8.5
9. Brazil -- Commentary track: Director Terry Gilliam (on disc 1, the director's cut of the film). Rating: 8.5
10. Evil Dead II -- Commentary track: Director/co-writer Sam Raimi, actor Bruce Campbell, co-writer Scott Spiegel, and special effects make-up artist Greg Nicotero. Rating: 8.5
(Disclaimer - Superbad, to me, is a giant piece of shit. We watched the first 15 minutes of it and I wanted to throw a giant cinder block through my television. Anyone who loves this movie should run their head into the wall . . .but you know, it's just my opinion)
Here are the ten worst:
1. 2019: After the Fall of New York -- Commentary track: Actor Michael Sopkiw and "Post-nuke film historians" David Zuzelo and Dolph Chiarino. Rating: 0.0 Good Luck Chuck cover
2. Good Luck Chuck -- Commentary track: Actor Dane Cook, director Mark Helfrich, producer Mike Karz and writer Josh Stolberg. Rating: 0.0
3. The Story of O -- Commentary track: Director Just Jaeckin. Rating: 0.8
4. Rollerball -- Commentary track: Actors Chris Klein, LL Cool J, and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos. Rating: 0.8
5. The Exorcist (The Version You've Never Seen) -- Commentary track: Director William Friedkin. Rating: 0.9
6. Ren and Stimpy: The Complete First and Second Seasons -- Commentary track: "Man's Best Friend". Rating: 1.5
7. Taboo -- Commentary track: Actor Kay Parker. Rating: 1.5
8. Ultraviolet -- Commentary track: Actor Milla Jovovich. Rating: 1.5
9. Bowling for Columbine -- Commentary track: Receptionists, production assistants, and interns. Rating: 1.6
10. Spaceballs -- Commentary track: Director Mel Brooks. Rating: 1.8
Do you have any favories?
According to rate that commentary, here are the top ten (voted by site users):
1. Zodiac -- Commentary track: Actors Jake Gyllenhall and Robert Downey Jr, producer Brad Fischer, screenwriter James Vanderbilt and writer James Ellroy. Rating: 9.0
2. Zodiac -- Commentary track: Director David Fincher. Rating: 8.6
3. Superbad -- Commentary track: Director Greg Mottola, screenwriter Evan Goldberg, actors Seth Rogen, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jonah Hill, producer Judd Apatow, and Apatow's nine-year-old daughter Maude. Rating: 8.6
4. Halloween -- Commentary track: Writer/Director John Carpenter, actor Jamie Lee Curtis and writer/producer Debra Hill. Rating: 8.6
5. The Exorcist -- Commentary track: Director William Friedkin. Rating: 8.5
6. The Godfather -- Commentary track: Director Francis Ford Coppola. Rating: 8.5
7. Escape From New York -- Commentary track: Director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell. Rating: 8.5
8. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring -- Commentary track: Director Peter Jackson, and writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. Rating: 8.5
9. Brazil -- Commentary track: Director Terry Gilliam (on disc 1, the director's cut of the film). Rating: 8.5
10. Evil Dead II -- Commentary track: Director/co-writer Sam Raimi, actor Bruce Campbell, co-writer Scott Spiegel, and special effects make-up artist Greg Nicotero. Rating: 8.5
(Disclaimer - Superbad, to me, is a giant piece of shit. We watched the first 15 minutes of it and I wanted to throw a giant cinder block through my television. Anyone who loves this movie should run their head into the wall . . .but you know, it's just my opinion)
Here are the ten worst:
1. 2019: After the Fall of New York -- Commentary track: Actor Michael Sopkiw and "Post-nuke film historians" David Zuzelo and Dolph Chiarino. Rating: 0.0 Good Luck Chuck cover
2. Good Luck Chuck -- Commentary track: Actor Dane Cook, director Mark Helfrich, producer Mike Karz and writer Josh Stolberg. Rating: 0.0
3. The Story of O -- Commentary track: Director Just Jaeckin. Rating: 0.8
4. Rollerball -- Commentary track: Actors Chris Klein, LL Cool J, and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos. Rating: 0.8
5. The Exorcist (The Version You've Never Seen) -- Commentary track: Director William Friedkin. Rating: 0.9
6. Ren and Stimpy: The Complete First and Second Seasons -- Commentary track: "Man's Best Friend". Rating: 1.5
7. Taboo -- Commentary track: Actor Kay Parker. Rating: 1.5
8. Ultraviolet -- Commentary track: Actor Milla Jovovich. Rating: 1.5
9. Bowling for Columbine -- Commentary track: Receptionists, production assistants, and interns. Rating: 1.6
10. Spaceballs -- Commentary track: Director Mel Brooks. Rating: 1.8
Do you have any favories?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Director's Score: David Fincher
I have been listening to a podcast called "Watching the Directors" which is a husband and wife team who podcast about a director's body of work. They made up a 10 quiz to judge the various things they liked and disliked about the films. So, I'm stealing there ten quiz in hopes of sparking some discussion. Here it goes.
David Fincher:
1) FAVORITE FILM - The Game
2. BEST CHARACTER - Somerset (Morgan Freeman's character in Se7en
3. BEST SOUNDTRACK - Fight Club
4. ESSENTIAL SCENE - Jack's realization of who he is (in Fight Club)
5. WORST FILM - Panic Room
6. BEST FILM - Se7en
7. DVD RECOMMENDATION - Panic Room 3 disc (or the Criterion Laserdisc of the Game)
8. DESERT ISLAND FILM - The Game
9. KEY COLLABORATOR - Darius Khonji (DP on Se7en)
10. TO REMAKE OR RECAST - David Fincher should remake The DaVinci Code
What do you think?
David Fincher:
1) FAVORITE FILM - The Game
2. BEST CHARACTER - Somerset (Morgan Freeman's character in Se7en
3. BEST SOUNDTRACK - Fight Club
4. ESSENTIAL SCENE - Jack's realization of who he is (in Fight Club)
5. WORST FILM - Panic Room
6. BEST FILM - Se7en
7. DVD RECOMMENDATION - Panic Room 3 disc (or the Criterion Laserdisc of the Game)
8. DESERT ISLAND FILM - The Game
9. KEY COLLABORATOR - Darius Khonji (DP on Se7en)
10. TO REMAKE OR RECAST - David Fincher should remake The DaVinci Code
What do you think?
The other films that impacted me in 2007
I reviewed La Haine and The Bourne Ultimatum and have been trying to get to these other films but time is just getting away from me. So, here are short snippets of the other three films (for the maybe 2 people who have been waiting in total suspense)
3)The Double Life of Veronique - A fascinating visual film that has layers upon layers of subtext.
4)No Country for Old Men - You live by the sword, you die by the sword. Amazing tale of greed and ego and the price that comes with it.
5)American Gangster - To quote Alex "Ridley Scott went out to make the best movie he could. He didn't focus on just the look or over stylize the 'world', just went out and made a good movie." Agreed.
3)The Double Life of Veronique - A fascinating visual film that has layers upon layers of subtext.
4)No Country for Old Men - You live by the sword, you die by the sword. Amazing tale of greed and ego and the price that comes with it.
5)American Gangster - To quote Alex "Ridley Scott went out to make the best movie he could. He didn't focus on just the look or over stylize the 'world', just went out and made a good movie." Agreed.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Eddie posted on his blog
Me, Josh, and Eddie
My friend Eddie just posted a great political oped. It starts a great dialog about politics and christianity and how far apart they can seem. Check it out.
(Josh, your on notice)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Weekend at Morro Bay
We were in Morro Bay this past weekend hanging out with our friends Seth and Amy. Although we have no pictures with them, you'll just have to trust they were there.
Anyhow here are some pics to enjoy.
Morro Rock
Jenny and Ryan next to the USS boat
So cute!
The sun gives life and breath to everything living . . .but it's in my eyes.
Anyhow here are some pics to enjoy.
Morro Rock
Jenny and Ryan next to the USS boat
So cute!
The sun gives life and breath to everything living . . .but it's in my eyes.
Juno
Jenny and I went on a date to see this movie about a month ago, and we loved it. It was charming, witty, and had some laugh out loud moments. Ellen Page (Juno) was really good. So good in fact that I don't think the movie would have been as good if someone else was in it, like say, Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Everyone was good in the movie. When Juno's dad said he was going to punch Bleeker right in the pecker I almost fell out of my chair laughing. I was really glad they paid off the note Juno wrote to Vanessa. I also thought that scene where Jason Bateman's character slow dances with Juno was tense.
Overall we really enjoyed it and I would recommend it to cool people only.
Everyone was good in the movie. When Juno's dad said he was going to punch Bleeker right in the pecker I almost fell out of my chair laughing. I was really glad they paid off the note Juno wrote to Vanessa. I also thought that scene where Jason Bateman's character slow dances with Juno was tense.
Overall we really enjoyed it and I would recommend it to cool people only.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Sesame Street and Two Lane Blacktop
I was reflecting last night about how much my life has changed in the past two years. I'm not only a husband but a father so I have been forced to mature in all the good ways.
Specifically I was thinking about my tastes in TV and Film. Since I have the same amount of time, just choose to spend it wiser, I don't watch as many movies or TV shows as I used to. Ten years ago I had 5 shows a week, movies on the weekend and most of what I watched was good but never really amazing. Now, I'm really only committed to one show (Lost) and I get to go out and see a movie once a month if I'm lucky. Here's the thing, when I get to watch something, I really enjoy it.
Last night after dinner, Ryan and I sat on his beanbag and watched Sesame Street together. He loves it and I love watching it with him. When Elmo comes on he is glued to that tube. It's amazing what that show attempts to teach kids and expose them too. Everything from sharing to jumping, it's skills that I want Ryan to be exposed to.
Then, about a week ago, Jenny and I start to watch Two Lane Blackop. It's suppose to be the best road trip movie ever made. So far, it's really good (Jenny bowed out because nobody ever says anything in the movie. Gotta finish it solo).
Whether on recommendation or reading reviews, I have seen some really amazing films over the past five years (La Haine, Double life of Veronique, No Country for old Men). It's about quality versus quantity. Good quality with my son and with my wife. To go from ER and Armageddon to Sesame Street and Two Lane Blacktop, it can only get better.
Specifically I was thinking about my tastes in TV and Film. Since I have the same amount of time, just choose to spend it wiser, I don't watch as many movies or TV shows as I used to. Ten years ago I had 5 shows a week, movies on the weekend and most of what I watched was good but never really amazing. Now, I'm really only committed to one show (Lost) and I get to go out and see a movie once a month if I'm lucky. Here's the thing, when I get to watch something, I really enjoy it.
Last night after dinner, Ryan and I sat on his beanbag and watched Sesame Street together. He loves it and I love watching it with him. When Elmo comes on he is glued to that tube. It's amazing what that show attempts to teach kids and expose them too. Everything from sharing to jumping, it's skills that I want Ryan to be exposed to.
Then, about a week ago, Jenny and I start to watch Two Lane Blackop. It's suppose to be the best road trip movie ever made. So far, it's really good (Jenny bowed out because nobody ever says anything in the movie. Gotta finish it solo).
Whether on recommendation or reading reviews, I have seen some really amazing films over the past five years (La Haine, Double life of Veronique, No Country for old Men). It's about quality versus quantity. Good quality with my son and with my wife. To go from ER and Armageddon to Sesame Street and Two Lane Blacktop, it can only get better.
Lost: The Beginning of the end
(Spoilers ahead)
Man, I am so glad Lost is back. It seems like I had to wade through a bunch of mediocre television to keep my mind off the waiting. Now the Season Premiere is finally come and gone. Great episode. trrrewarsdrg
In the past couple of days I have listened to podcasts that break down lost. They ask:
Does the "No Smoking" on the wall of the interegation room mean no smoke monster?
Was the other eye in the cabin Locke's?
Was the attorney from oceanic actually from Dharma?
Maybe it was Walt in the coffin.
Most of the time I feel like they are grabbing at straws. However I do think there are some clues to watch out for that strangly no one (that I've seen) is talking about.
1)There is a scene in which Rousseau walks right up to the knife in Naomi's back, then the scene cuts. It never showed her pulling the knife out. Then a little later, Jack, Ben and rousseau are on Naomi's "trail" when Rousseau says the trail ends and they were tricked. Ben tells Jack that Kate took the phone and is on the right track, Jack reacts frustrated, and then Ben says "At least one of us did something right" while giving a glance to Rousseau. I think Rousseau took the knife out of Naomi's back and left it for Naomi. The previews have been suggesting that someone in the camp is a traitor and I'm watching Rousseau's every move. I think she's the double agent.
2)Who told John Locke about Charlie? After Hurley sees the cabin, falls, and Locke appears and asks if what happened to Charlie is true, I assume Walt told him. You know they are going to go back and give you more of the Walt/Locke scene in the pit. Also, Locke's as good as new. No bullet, no blood. Spooky.
Man, I am so glad Lost is back. It seems like I had to wade through a bunch of mediocre television to keep my mind off the waiting. Now the Season Premiere is finally come and gone. Great episode. trrrewarsdrg
In the past couple of days I have listened to podcasts that break down lost. They ask:
Does the "No Smoking" on the wall of the interegation room mean no smoke monster?
Was the other eye in the cabin Locke's?
Was the attorney from oceanic actually from Dharma?
Maybe it was Walt in the coffin.
Most of the time I feel like they are grabbing at straws. However I do think there are some clues to watch out for that strangly no one (that I've seen) is talking about.
1)There is a scene in which Rousseau walks right up to the knife in Naomi's back, then the scene cuts. It never showed her pulling the knife out. Then a little later, Jack, Ben and rousseau are on Naomi's "trail" when Rousseau says the trail ends and they were tricked. Ben tells Jack that Kate took the phone and is on the right track, Jack reacts frustrated, and then Ben says "At least one of us did something right" while giving a glance to Rousseau. I think Rousseau took the knife out of Naomi's back and left it for Naomi. The previews have been suggesting that someone in the camp is a traitor and I'm watching Rousseau's every move. I think she's the double agent.
2)Who told John Locke about Charlie? After Hurley sees the cabin, falls, and Locke appears and asks if what happened to Charlie is true, I assume Walt told him. You know they are going to go back and give you more of the Walt/Locke scene in the pit. Also, Locke's as good as new. No bullet, no blood. Spooky.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Bourne Ultimatum
This is the second of five films that impacted me in 2007.
Typically, I usually run from my past. Bourne runs towards it. Granted he did get shot in the back, acquired amnesia, and had no idea who he was.
The thing I liked about this movie is that, in the end, becoming an assassin was his choice. Bourne was hoping someone turned him into this killing machine by force. No, it was by choice, and because of his choice, it has led him to a life of running. Who hasn't made bad choices where the consequences follow them?
I also love the action sequences, editing, and camera work. How awesome was the Waterloo station scene?
The Bourne Ultimatum was a great film and deserves a second viewing.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Teaching Ryan to Pray
It's amazing how fast Ryan learns. I see his eyes absorb everything that surrounds him and I am in awe of what God can do with life. It's been said to me many times that you can never start to early when teaching Ryan about Christ and how to live like Him. One thing that we've been doing is praying before meals. Right before we eat, we let Ryan grab our first finger, bow our heads, and pray thanking God for our food. We have been doing that enough now where Ryan instinctively reaches out to grab our fingers to pray. He squeezes our fingers, watching us pray and when we say "amen", Ryan nods his head and says "eeh" (which for him is amen:).
How cool is that? I hope that Ryan can imitate more good things like that. You never feel like a perfect parent, but I can always keep trying.
How cool is that? I hope that Ryan can imitate more good things like that. You never feel like a perfect parent, but I can always keep trying.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
La Haine
La Haine (hate)
I have been thinking a lot about the movies this past year that have really impacted me. About eight years ago I used to email out a top ten list of movies you, "had to see," and it was a fun thing to do. I feel that over these eight years my tastes have changed, my awareness of the world has increased, and I'm affected by deeper, more meaningful things. So, over the next few posts, I want to give you five movies that truly impacted me this year. These movies range from strong stances against violence to the true nature of justice.
The first of these films is La Haine (Hate).
Abdel, a hoodlum of the french ghetto, is victim of police brutality in 1995. Upon news coverage of this, a riot ensues outside of the police station leaving many injured, many arrested, and a cop's missing gun found by Abdel's friend Vinz. Vinz vowes that if Abdel dies, he will kill the responsible cop.
Most of the film follow Vinz (a jew) and the distanting of his friends Said (an arab), and Hubert (a black boxer). Vinz's possession of the gun creates a sense of power, control, and a false sense of respect. After Abdel dies, Vinz seeks to kill any cop. While en route to the police station, Vinz's friends get pushed around by some skinheads and Vinz breaks up the fight at gunpoint, takes the skinhead leader in a warehouse ready to kill him. Allowing the last bit of morality to take over, he lets the skinhead go, realizes the gun is poison, and gives it up to his friend. As they head home, the hoodlums from the previous fight hold Vinz up at gunpoint, where the gunman taunts and humiliates him, and accidently fires the gun, killing Vinz.
I have always been afraid to own a gun. I feel living one's life with a gun as one's arsenal can eventually end one's life. This movie captured that feeling better than any other I've seen. It also captured the non-stop cycle of hate. We have all hurt someone and we have all been hurt, but how we choose to react defines us. We can repay hate with hate, or we can repay hate with good. I believe the film asks, "How will we repay?
A real new year's resolution
Happy new year everyone. It's been a crazy few weeks between Christmas and New Years yet we all managed to survive. I hope your 2008 got off to an amazing start.
I know it's cliche to have new years resolutions (however, I don't know anyone who does them anymore). However, I've decided to have a real new years resolution. I'm going to try to be less inappropriate this year (and years to come). No, seriously, I am. Here's why.
If you know me at all, you know that I like to make jokes about heavy drinking or drinking in inappropriate places. To me, it's been funny to imagine someone getting loaded in Sunday school or doing shots at a Mormon temple. I don't think it's right mind you, I'm just entertained by the thought. Anyhow, through a series of situations my joking about drinking has not been well received. I took this as Jesus telling me to knock it off.
Message received.
I was really convicted to be more of a stand up guy and not always go for the cheap, low brow humor I so richly indulge in. So, I want to be less inappropriate. I am trying not to mention any drinking jokes in public, I'm trying think before I open my mouth, and encourage those who, if I would have just shut my mouth, could have shared something with me that was meaningful.
Can I get an amen?
I know it's cliche to have new years resolutions (however, I don't know anyone who does them anymore). However, I've decided to have a real new years resolution. I'm going to try to be less inappropriate this year (and years to come). No, seriously, I am. Here's why.
If you know me at all, you know that I like to make jokes about heavy drinking or drinking in inappropriate places. To me, it's been funny to imagine someone getting loaded in Sunday school or doing shots at a Mormon temple. I don't think it's right mind you, I'm just entertained by the thought. Anyhow, through a series of situations my joking about drinking has not been well received. I took this as Jesus telling me to knock it off.
Message received.
I was really convicted to be more of a stand up guy and not always go for the cheap, low brow humor I so richly indulge in. So, I want to be less inappropriate. I am trying not to mention any drinking jokes in public, I'm trying think before I open my mouth, and encourage those who, if I would have just shut my mouth, could have shared something with me that was meaningful.
Can I get an amen?
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