Oh, here's something I didn't post blogsphere. I don't know why I'm posting it now, but it was there, so I figured why not?
Okay blogsphere I've got something of a statement to post,
Overall from day to day, the media I observe happens to be decidedly negative. I don't watch too much television for that reason, but at the same time, media extends from many sources. Eventually if one absorbs enough of it, humans can become extensions of the media they absorb, and thus retain a decidedly negative outlook on the world around them.
People begin to clash with one another in simple conversation, it's almost like miniature wars; one side argues against another side to prove that they're right, and gain whatever minute reward that can be attained from such conflict. It extends to each and every person, creating a world of conflict in which we all must endure.
Or does it?
There is without a doubt a negative aspect to the world around us, and probably to a majority there are many problems. There aren't though. From what I can see, people are out talking about, participating in, and most importantly: creating positive things. I suppose it's actually taken me this long to realize this myself, but I'm saying it anyway. While there are negative things in all of our lives, you can't simply focus on those aspects. There are many things all around us that you can find enjoyment in, but you have to be willing to recognize what they are, and really take them in.
I find that I like art quite a bit. From photography, to concepts for video games, I very much enjoy what people create, and for those things to exist, there have to be positive minds producing them. The existence of art in the world alone (and art in abundance mind you) is a statement to the fact that there are positives all around us at all times.
I don't know why I'm saying this really. Probably just a reminder for myself on one day or another, but I thought it needed to be said. Take that for what you will.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Movie Reviews: Blood the Last Vampire, Rudo y Cursi, Transformers 2, Away we Go
Hello again blogsphere,
Again I've got no comic news, but hey what can I say, if I could post my scripts I would. In the last week or so, I've watched a few movies though, and since I do happen to review them from time to time, I thought "what the hay."
First up is Blood: The Last Vampire, a J-horror action flick based off of the Anime movie and T.V. series. Being sort of a fan of the original (and I use that term loosely), I thought that I'd give it a shot to kill some time. The story revolves around a young girl named Saya, who hunts vampires, even though she's a vampire herself (the twist being that she drinks the blood of vampires to survive). Yeah, Japanese Blade pretty much...but it's also Japanese.
This is an action flick that pulls no punches, the story is interesting enough to be followed, but all we really want to see are the kick ass showdowns. On that end alone though, the standard wire-fu and slow mo, leave a little to be desired. If you're bored with nothing to do, you can watch this and be satisfied. Just don't expect this to raise your I.Q. and you'll be fine. Oh yeah, it's also cool that they have a bi-lingual cast.
Rudo y Cursi on the otherhand is quite a nice piece of film. From the screenwriter (and director of this film) and stars of E Tu Mama Tambien, Rudo y Cursi is about two brothers from rural Mexico, who get scouted to play professional football (soccer for you Americans :p) and how the rivalry at home continues on the field. It's the setup for any sports movie, but because its foreign, there's quite a bit more to it.
The story is incredibly intimate, showing you quite a bit of the pair's family life as well as their personal struggles. You can see how the two of them are rivals very clearly, as well as the reasoning that motivate them to be so. Through the comedic aspects of the movie are apparent, the narrative and themes are stronger, making the film more than you would expect. Of course, this is pretty much the same with any foreign drama and myself ^^
And of course we have the reviled Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
To be honest, I've got no idea what put critics off to this movie. Michael Bay must have either paid them to say nice things about the last one, or didn't pay them to say good things about this one, because I see very little difference between the two.
The setup is, Optimus Prime and his Autobots have been hunting down the remnants of the Decepticons on earth (if you don't know who Optimus Prime is, or what an Autobot or Decipticon is either, just stop reading and save yourself the useless knowledge), and in doing so, discover a new foe that's been working behind the scenes of the ranks of the Decepticons. Sam Witwicky, now about to go to college, is once again drawn into their conflict and is forced to make a decision between joining the Autobots battle, or trying to lead his own life.
So, once again, this is AN ACTION MOVIE. This is not the Bicycle Thief, Citizen Kane, nor even The Seventh Seal. If you don't like hot girls, computer generated robots fighting, one liners, and explosions, I suggest you find something else to watch and or talk about. While there are some annoying characters, and more potty language than you would expect, if you saw the first one and liked it, you're in familiar territory. It's just more. More is sometimes a good thing, and in this case it is. That's all I have to say about that.
And now to my favorite of the bunch: Away We Go.
This was something I read about in an Entertainment Weekly, that I had to buy in order to reach the 5 dollar card purchase limit in a store. I was only really interested in it because I like Maya Rudolph, and this is her biggest acting role since SNL. The story is that of an couple who get pregnant, and decide to find another place to live in order to raise their child. So, they go on a trip across the country (and even to Montreal!), in order to find a place to put down some roots.
This was a very intelligent, thoughtful, and yes another cliche adjective, touching film. I say this because once again, despite the obvious witty humor and comedic situations, this movie is making one of the truest statements of what I believe marriage and relationships have evolved into in America. You have the illustrations of parents that can't have children, parents with children that they don't take care of, single parents raising their children; from baby boomers to new age hippies, this movie takes a pretty good look at parenting and from all sides and generations.
On top of that, it speaks quite a bit on what I think is how what we consider to be love in relationships these days. To some people this might be either an eye opener, or mere fantasy, but I can see these characters as real people. I'd like to think that I can see a little bit of myself in the main characters, and even though this is a fictitious movie, I'd like to think that the relationship that they have would be attainable in real life. Needless to say, this is a definite must watch.
Oh yeah, the performances were brilliant by the way, Rudolph and Krasinski have amazing chemistry as Verona and Burt, and there are a crap ton of great actors supporting this movie as well. On top of that, Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida (whom I've never heard of) provide some of the most witty and intelligent banter I've ever heard in a romantic comedy. Or is it a drama-dy? Sam Mendes (director of Squid and the Whale) once again has made me very happy.
Well, I think that's all I've got for now. This summer may have some slim pickings, but I guess I still find things worth watching. Hopefully more comic news next month ^^
Again I've got no comic news, but hey what can I say, if I could post my scripts I would. In the last week or so, I've watched a few movies though, and since I do happen to review them from time to time, I thought "what the hay."
First up is Blood: The Last Vampire, a J-horror action flick based off of the Anime movie and T.V. series. Being sort of a fan of the original (and I use that term loosely), I thought that I'd give it a shot to kill some time. The story revolves around a young girl named Saya, who hunts vampires, even though she's a vampire herself (the twist being that she drinks the blood of vampires to survive). Yeah, Japanese Blade pretty much...but it's also Japanese.
This is an action flick that pulls no punches, the story is interesting enough to be followed, but all we really want to see are the kick ass showdowns. On that end alone though, the standard wire-fu and slow mo, leave a little to be desired. If you're bored with nothing to do, you can watch this and be satisfied. Just don't expect this to raise your I.Q. and you'll be fine. Oh yeah, it's also cool that they have a bi-lingual cast.
Rudo y Cursi on the otherhand is quite a nice piece of film. From the screenwriter (and director of this film) and stars of E Tu Mama Tambien, Rudo y Cursi is about two brothers from rural Mexico, who get scouted to play professional football (soccer for you Americans :p) and how the rivalry at home continues on the field. It's the setup for any sports movie, but because its foreign, there's quite a bit more to it.
The story is incredibly intimate, showing you quite a bit of the pair's family life as well as their personal struggles. You can see how the two of them are rivals very clearly, as well as the reasoning that motivate them to be so. Through the comedic aspects of the movie are apparent, the narrative and themes are stronger, making the film more than you would expect. Of course, this is pretty much the same with any foreign drama and myself ^^
And of course we have the reviled Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
To be honest, I've got no idea what put critics off to this movie. Michael Bay must have either paid them to say nice things about the last one, or didn't pay them to say good things about this one, because I see very little difference between the two.
The setup is, Optimus Prime and his Autobots have been hunting down the remnants of the Decepticons on earth (if you don't know who Optimus Prime is, or what an Autobot or Decipticon is either, just stop reading and save yourself the useless knowledge), and in doing so, discover a new foe that's been working behind the scenes of the ranks of the Decepticons. Sam Witwicky, now about to go to college, is once again drawn into their conflict and is forced to make a decision between joining the Autobots battle, or trying to lead his own life.
So, once again, this is AN ACTION MOVIE. This is not the Bicycle Thief, Citizen Kane, nor even The Seventh Seal. If you don't like hot girls, computer generated robots fighting, one liners, and explosions, I suggest you find something else to watch and or talk about. While there are some annoying characters, and more potty language than you would expect, if you saw the first one and liked it, you're in familiar territory. It's just more. More is sometimes a good thing, and in this case it is. That's all I have to say about that.
And now to my favorite of the bunch: Away We Go.
This was something I read about in an Entertainment Weekly, that I had to buy in order to reach the 5 dollar card purchase limit in a store. I was only really interested in it because I like Maya Rudolph, and this is her biggest acting role since SNL. The story is that of an couple who get pregnant, and decide to find another place to live in order to raise their child. So, they go on a trip across the country (and even to Montreal!), in order to find a place to put down some roots.
This was a very intelligent, thoughtful, and yes another cliche adjective, touching film. I say this because once again, despite the obvious witty humor and comedic situations, this movie is making one of the truest statements of what I believe marriage and relationships have evolved into in America. You have the illustrations of parents that can't have children, parents with children that they don't take care of, single parents raising their children; from baby boomers to new age hippies, this movie takes a pretty good look at parenting and from all sides and generations.
On top of that, it speaks quite a bit on what I think is how what we consider to be love in relationships these days. To some people this might be either an eye opener, or mere fantasy, but I can see these characters as real people. I'd like to think that I can see a little bit of myself in the main characters, and even though this is a fictitious movie, I'd like to think that the relationship that they have would be attainable in real life. Needless to say, this is a definite must watch.
Oh yeah, the performances were brilliant by the way, Rudolph and Krasinski have amazing chemistry as Verona and Burt, and there are a crap ton of great actors supporting this movie as well. On top of that, Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida (whom I've never heard of) provide some of the most witty and intelligent banter I've ever heard in a romantic comedy. Or is it a drama-dy? Sam Mendes (director of Squid and the Whale) once again has made me very happy.
Well, I think that's all I've got for now. This summer may have some slim pickings, but I guess I still find things worth watching. Hopefully more comic news next month ^^
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Because I haven't posted in too long
Hello again blogsphere,
Have I been missed? Can the inanimate feel? Oh the endless conundrums of life...yeah that's only a hint of what I've been doing with my free time. Despite my lack of posts, I really have been more productive than I've been in a long time now.
Paradise Road is coming along nicely, with going on 3 scripts ready for paneling.
I may have a chance to get Of Saints and Suicide actually done soon here (the scripts have been finished for months, but with no artists...)
And I've got my first script done for a special project of mine, that I'm dying to start.
I can't say too much about Fashionable Nonsense at this point, as the money to get it done is just not there. I will and am going to do something with it, the only determining factor being when. In between that all, I haven't actually been watching too many movies, as I can't help but find this summer blockbuster season: DEVOID OF ANYTHING GOOD.
No really, I'm holding out for Transformers and Public Enemies, but summer movies have sucked thus far. I'm hoping that by August something will sneak in for me, but until then I'll just catch up on comic books or write like I have been. The catching up of comics is a definite maybe... (ha ha, get it! I grammatical errors are funny!)
Alright, till the next time I feel like blogging again ^^
Have I been missed? Can the inanimate feel? Oh the endless conundrums of life...yeah that's only a hint of what I've been doing with my free time. Despite my lack of posts, I really have been more productive than I've been in a long time now.
Paradise Road is coming along nicely, with going on 3 scripts ready for paneling.
I may have a chance to get Of Saints and Suicide actually done soon here (the scripts have been finished for months, but with no artists...)
And I've got my first script done for a special project of mine, that I'm dying to start.
I can't say too much about Fashionable Nonsense at this point, as the money to get it done is just not there. I will and am going to do something with it, the only determining factor being when. In between that all, I haven't actually been watching too many movies, as I can't help but find this summer blockbuster season: DEVOID OF ANYTHING GOOD.
No really, I'm holding out for Transformers and Public Enemies, but summer movies have sucked thus far. I'm hoping that by August something will sneak in for me, but until then I'll just catch up on comic books or write like I have been. The catching up of comics is a definite maybe... (ha ha, get it! I grammatical errors are funny!)
Alright, till the next time I feel like blogging again ^^
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Paradise Road
Alright blogsphere,
I haven't abandoned my other projects, but I have started a new one which I'm very enthusiastic about called Paradise Road. This is a very noir styled story, set in modern day era. Here's a quick blurb that I came up with about it:
Oliver Murdock is an investigative psychologist on the trail of a serial killer, who kills his victims in bizarre and strange ways. As he follows the killer's trail of carnage however, he begins to uncover something much more sinister. Beyond even the heinous and depraved murders, the killer begins to take Oliver on a journey, revealing terrible secrets and a world of horror.
The road to Paradise is not paved with good intentions.
There's a little more to it than that of course, but I guess I'll have to wait till I actually get the comic done for anyone to read it. On the other hand, I do have many characters in the story, which I intend to profile. Starting next week, I'll post the ones that Igor and I get done here, and hopefully we'll have some more to show later.
Till then I suppose ^^
I haven't abandoned my other projects, but I have started a new one which I'm very enthusiastic about called Paradise Road. This is a very noir styled story, set in modern day era. Here's a quick blurb that I came up with about it:
Oliver Murdock is an investigative psychologist on the trail of a serial killer, who kills his victims in bizarre and strange ways. As he follows the killer's trail of carnage however, he begins to uncover something much more sinister. Beyond even the heinous and depraved murders, the killer begins to take Oliver on a journey, revealing terrible secrets and a world of horror.
The road to Paradise is not paved with good intentions.
There's a little more to it than that of course, but I guess I'll have to wait till I actually get the comic done for anyone to read it. On the other hand, I do have many characters in the story, which I intend to profile. Starting next week, I'll post the ones that Igor and I get done here, and hopefully we'll have some more to show later.
Till then I suppose ^^
Monday, May 11, 2009
Movie Review: Star Trek, Book of Blood, Angels and Demons, and Terminator: Salvation
Hello again blogsphere,
Well you got one comic post, so of course you knew another movie review couldn't be far behind ^^
I actually postponed this one because, well to tell you the truth, I really don't have much of a review for any of these. Apart from Star Trek, the rest of the movies weren't very good. Maybe I'm just over the flash bang of summer blockbuster movies, but I'm just not that impressed with movies in theaters right now.
I'd elaborate more on these movies, but I'm really not very compelled to so here goes:
Star Trek - very good. go see it where the sound can shake your seat.
Book of Blood - alright.
Angels and Demons - it's a Dan Brown book turned into a movie. that means awful.
Terminator: Salvation - Holy crap what a letdown.
Other than that, I really didn't feel much for these movies at all. I think that I need to just take this summer time to look for even more obscure films, and possibly forgo the movie theater until September (with the great exception of seeing Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, because that will be awesome).
Till I find another movie to watch blogsphere...
p.s. - oh yeah, I forgot that Drag Me to Hell comes out soon. I'll see that ^^
Well you got one comic post, so of course you knew another movie review couldn't be far behind ^^
I actually postponed this one because, well to tell you the truth, I really don't have much of a review for any of these. Apart from Star Trek, the rest of the movies weren't very good. Maybe I'm just over the flash bang of summer blockbuster movies, but I'm just not that impressed with movies in theaters right now.
I'd elaborate more on these movies, but I'm really not very compelled to so here goes:
Star Trek - very good. go see it where the sound can shake your seat.
Book of Blood - alright.
Angels and Demons - it's a Dan Brown book turned into a movie. that means awful.
Terminator: Salvation - Holy crap what a letdown.
Other than that, I really didn't feel much for these movies at all. I think that I need to just take this summer time to look for even more obscure films, and possibly forgo the movie theater until September (with the great exception of seeing Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, because that will be awesome).
Till I find another movie to watch blogsphere...
p.s. - oh yeah, I forgot that Drag Me to Hell comes out soon. I'll see that ^^
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Untitled Detective Story
This is Oliver Murdock, the main character of the next story I'm working on with Igor Glushkin.
More details soon...
Monday, May 4, 2009
Movie Reviews: 20th Century Boys and S. Darko
(crap! forgot to post this...eh well. Here's a post from last week!)
Okay, so I'm late to the party again blogsphere,
I've come to realize that 2008 (whose Oscar picks sucked btw) was a really good year for movies, in my humble opinion. There were quite a few movies that I saw, which were just really good in lots of ways (movies which I won't list right now because I'm lazy :P).
The reason why I mention this is because I just watched 20th Century Boys today, and while it was released in November, it was still last year and I didn't know about it till this one. While this movie didn't blow me away, it was just really cool to see something of the like. The story is based on friendships from childhood, which of course is typical Japanese, but I thought it was illustrated very well this time. These kids who all grew up in the same neighborhood and played with each other, came up with this story about the end of humankind, through an evil organization bent on conquering the world.
Of course they get older and forget about it, and they all grow apart and start their own lives, but after a school reunion they find out that a friend of theirs died. The way he died causes them to think about their childhood more, and they remember the story, eventually noticing that it's actually happening exactly how they wrote it as children. I won't say that it's a great movie, as it's got a bit of slow down as most J-movies tend to, but it was really well put together and fun to watch. Oddly enough, this is a movie that I would like to see an American remake of, or at least a Luc Besson spin on ^^
The latter movie is a far less enjoyable experience.
Granted, I'm not the biggest fan ever of Donnie Darko, but I did enjoy the movie. I thought that it had quite a bit going for it, and appears to have influenced quite a few indie films in years since. S. Darko of course, is nothing like it's predecessor. The story revolves around Donnie's younger sister, Samantha as she runs away from home with her slutty friend from wherever they're from and get into doing the same thing her brother did.
The only reason I gave this movie the time of day, was the fact that it's got the Darko name attached to it. I thought that it would at least be a nice homage to what was, or maybe something completely different. I thought that I'd find something redeemable about it (granted I'm actually still technically watching it, as it plays while I'm watching this), but I really don't like it. Maybe it's just me, but everything seems very much forced, none of the characters seem like they fit the world they inhabit. I find the story itself to be a try-hard version of Donnie Darko, while desperately trying to differentiate itself as an original creation.
I'm being harsh though. I mean it is direct to DVD, and...well...I should probably be over Donnie Darko since I was never really into it. I guess if you're like me, and you expect this movie to have a semblance to the original: don't. If you want to watch it to satisfy your curiosity, have a crack at it, but lower your expectations, critical standards, and intelligence quotient, immediately before doing so. I should have known better than to watch anything other than a summer blockbuster. That'll teach me. Thank god I'm seeing Star Trek later this week.
Okay, so I'm late to the party again blogsphere,
I've come to realize that 2008 (whose Oscar picks sucked btw) was a really good year for movies, in my humble opinion. There were quite a few movies that I saw, which were just really good in lots of ways (movies which I won't list right now because I'm lazy :P).
The reason why I mention this is because I just watched 20th Century Boys today, and while it was released in November, it was still last year and I didn't know about it till this one. While this movie didn't blow me away, it was just really cool to see something of the like. The story is based on friendships from childhood, which of course is typical Japanese, but I thought it was illustrated very well this time. These kids who all grew up in the same neighborhood and played with each other, came up with this story about the end of humankind, through an evil organization bent on conquering the world.
Of course they get older and forget about it, and they all grow apart and start their own lives, but after a school reunion they find out that a friend of theirs died. The way he died causes them to think about their childhood more, and they remember the story, eventually noticing that it's actually happening exactly how they wrote it as children. I won't say that it's a great movie, as it's got a bit of slow down as most J-movies tend to, but it was really well put together and fun to watch. Oddly enough, this is a movie that I would like to see an American remake of, or at least a Luc Besson spin on ^^
The latter movie is a far less enjoyable experience.
Granted, I'm not the biggest fan ever of Donnie Darko, but I did enjoy the movie. I thought that it had quite a bit going for it, and appears to have influenced quite a few indie films in years since. S. Darko of course, is nothing like it's predecessor. The story revolves around Donnie's younger sister, Samantha as she runs away from home with her slutty friend from wherever they're from and get into doing the same thing her brother did.
The only reason I gave this movie the time of day, was the fact that it's got the Darko name attached to it. I thought that it would at least be a nice homage to what was, or maybe something completely different. I thought that I'd find something redeemable about it (granted I'm actually still technically watching it, as it plays while I'm watching this), but I really don't like it. Maybe it's just me, but everything seems very much forced, none of the characters seem like they fit the world they inhabit. I find the story itself to be a try-hard version of Donnie Darko, while desperately trying to differentiate itself as an original creation.
I'm being harsh though. I mean it is direct to DVD, and...well...I should probably be over Donnie Darko since I was never really into it. I guess if you're like me, and you expect this movie to have a semblance to the original: don't. If you want to watch it to satisfy your curiosity, have a crack at it, but lower your expectations, critical standards, and intelligence quotient, immediately before doing so. I should have known better than to watch anything other than a summer blockbuster. That'll teach me. Thank god I'm seeing Star Trek later this week.
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