Monday, April 27, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Goodbye 20s Part I
Yep, it's tomorrow. The day that I turn 30. I'm just not sure how I feel about that. I won't be in my 20s anymore. I won't be the envy of everyone around me because I'm no longer young and hip with wide eyes and far-out aspirations. I'm kinda, well, old. Yeah, it's a little depressing. Where has the time gone...
I think back to when I was 20 years old and try to remember what I was doing at the time. I was still in college, I know that for sure. Ah, Otterbein, with it's quaint aura and liberal ideals. How I miss thee. I miss those drawn out choir practices in the afternoons. I miss the Thursday night parties at Pi Sig. Heck, I even miss those silly Phys Ed classes we were required to take. I miss getting up early to go to class during the crisp and beautiful Fall on campus. I miss Schneiders bakery and late night Big Bear alcohol runs. I miss choir tours and going to rehearsal for a show after spending a full day in class. I miss the teachers. I miss my friends.
I remember my 21st birthday. The night I turned 21 I went out with Carl Cain. I was with him at 12am when it became official: I could drink...legally! We were at Union Station. It was just the two of us. It was pretty laid back but Carl was mighty upset that his ex boyfriend Jim wasn't there to celebrate with us. Jim wanted nothing to do with Carl anymore. Carl just hadn't moved on. Ah, the drama of a 20 something.
My friends, Jim Cooney and Miguel Ortiz, threw me a surprise birthday party the next night at Miguel's apartment over at the Continent. When I went up to his apartment it was a little obvious that something was going on due to the party streamers hanging out of the cracks of the door. I was a little disappointed in the turnout. I don't remember there being an awful lot of people there but it was fun regardless. I was emotional I'm sure, after having a few drinks I always seemed to express myself a little too much. Being 21 and depressed just seems so silly in retrospect. What did I have to be depressed about? It is, to this day, the only surprise party anyone has ever thrown me...thank God.
I graduated when I turned 22. Even though I had big dreams for the future, I was never quite sure what I wanted to do. I knew that I wanted to be very successful. I wanted to prove myself to everyone including myself. That's what I needed. I remember my parents at graduation. They were so proud. Their son was the first one in their family to actually graduate with a Bachelors degree from college. I was planning on going to Indiana University shortly thereafter to pursue my masters, but things changed. Shortly after graduation I quit my job at Bravo! to move to Carrollton, OH to be an outdoor education at FFA Camp Muskingum for 3 months. Those were some of the best months of my life. I worked like a dog for very little money, but it was well worth it.
Next my life took me to Bearcreek Farms Country Resort in Bryant, IN, a place that would inevitably consume me for a good 3 years of my life. But my first time there I was only there for 3 months. I turned 23 at Bearcreek Farms. Afterwards, I moved back to Columbus. Sadly, I watched my best friend for 18 years pass away that summer. May Pepsi rest in peace. He's in doggie heaven now I'm sure. September of that year, instead of grad school, I decided to move to NYC. That's where dreams come true. Or so I thought.
To Be Continued...
I think back to when I was 20 years old and try to remember what I was doing at the time. I was still in college, I know that for sure. Ah, Otterbein, with it's quaint aura and liberal ideals. How I miss thee. I miss those drawn out choir practices in the afternoons. I miss the Thursday night parties at Pi Sig. Heck, I even miss those silly Phys Ed classes we were required to take. I miss getting up early to go to class during the crisp and beautiful Fall on campus. I miss Schneiders bakery and late night Big Bear alcohol runs. I miss choir tours and going to rehearsal for a show after spending a full day in class. I miss the teachers. I miss my friends.
I remember my 21st birthday. The night I turned 21 I went out with Carl Cain. I was with him at 12am when it became official: I could drink...legally! We were at Union Station. It was just the two of us. It was pretty laid back but Carl was mighty upset that his ex boyfriend Jim wasn't there to celebrate with us. Jim wanted nothing to do with Carl anymore. Carl just hadn't moved on. Ah, the drama of a 20 something.
My friends, Jim Cooney and Miguel Ortiz, threw me a surprise birthday party the next night at Miguel's apartment over at the Continent. When I went up to his apartment it was a little obvious that something was going on due to the party streamers hanging out of the cracks of the door. I was a little disappointed in the turnout. I don't remember there being an awful lot of people there but it was fun regardless. I was emotional I'm sure, after having a few drinks I always seemed to express myself a little too much. Being 21 and depressed just seems so silly in retrospect. What did I have to be depressed about? It is, to this day, the only surprise party anyone has ever thrown me...thank God.
I graduated when I turned 22. Even though I had big dreams for the future, I was never quite sure what I wanted to do. I knew that I wanted to be very successful. I wanted to prove myself to everyone including myself. That's what I needed. I remember my parents at graduation. They were so proud. Their son was the first one in their family to actually graduate with a Bachelors degree from college. I was planning on going to Indiana University shortly thereafter to pursue my masters, but things changed. Shortly after graduation I quit my job at Bravo! to move to Carrollton, OH to be an outdoor education at FFA Camp Muskingum for 3 months. Those were some of the best months of my life. I worked like a dog for very little money, but it was well worth it.
Next my life took me to Bearcreek Farms Country Resort in Bryant, IN, a place that would inevitably consume me for a good 3 years of my life. But my first time there I was only there for 3 months. I turned 23 at Bearcreek Farms. Afterwards, I moved back to Columbus. Sadly, I watched my best friend for 18 years pass away that summer. May Pepsi rest in peace. He's in doggie heaven now I'm sure. September of that year, instead of grad school, I decided to move to NYC. That's where dreams come true. Or so I thought.
To Be Continued...
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Is this for real?
If you get a chance, click on the video and go to the actual youtube site and read the comments. Hilarious.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Friday, February 06, 2009
Who Could Ask For Anything More??
Sex And The City's King Confirms Sequel Deal
6 February 2009 8:05 AM, PST
Sex And The City writer/director Michael Patrick King has delighted millions of fans worldwide by confirming a movie sequel to the 2008 hit is in the works. Reports surfaced earlier this week claiming the four leading ladies - Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis - had officially signed on to make a follow up to the big-screen adaptation last year following months of speculation.
And now King has expressed his delight at reteaming with the stars once again - but he's refusing to reveal any ideas he has for the new movie script.
He says, "I'm very excited to work with these amazing actresses again and would love to give everyone more information about the sequel... but I'm busy with my Sex life."
6 February 2009 8:05 AM, PST
Sex And The City writer/director Michael Patrick King has delighted millions of fans worldwide by confirming a movie sequel to the 2008 hit is in the works. Reports surfaced earlier this week claiming the four leading ladies - Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis - had officially signed on to make a follow up to the big-screen adaptation last year following months of speculation.
And now King has expressed his delight at reteaming with the stars once again - but he's refusing to reveal any ideas he has for the new movie script.
He says, "I'm very excited to work with these amazing actresses again and would love to give everyone more information about the sequel... but I'm busy with my Sex life."
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
This just in! Thank you Stephen King!
Horror writer Stephen King has served up a fright for Twilight author Stephenie Meyers, insisting she "can't write worth a darn". King, the writer of classics like Carrie and Misery, has gone public with his critique of in-vogue Utah-based novelist Meyers in the upcoming issue of USA Weekend magazine.
He starts by complimenting J.K. Rowling on her Harry Potter books, and then slates Meyer.
He says, "Both Rowling and Meyer, they’re speaking directly to young people... The real difference is that Jo Rowling is a terrific writer and Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn. She’s not very good.
"It’s very clear that she’s writing to a whole generation of girls and opening up kind of a safe joining of love and sex in those books. It’s exciting and it’s thrilling and it’s not particularly threatening because it’s not overtly sexual.
"A lot of the physical side of it is conveyed in things like the vampire will touch her forearm or run a hand over skin, and she just flushes all hot and cold. And for girls, that’s a shorthand for all the feelings that they’re not ready to deal with yet."
Source: IMDB.com
He starts by complimenting J.K. Rowling on her Harry Potter books, and then slates Meyer.
He says, "Both Rowling and Meyer, they’re speaking directly to young people... The real difference is that Jo Rowling is a terrific writer and Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn. She’s not very good.
"It’s very clear that she’s writing to a whole generation of girls and opening up kind of a safe joining of love and sex in those books. It’s exciting and it’s thrilling and it’s not particularly threatening because it’s not overtly sexual.
"A lot of the physical side of it is conveyed in things like the vampire will touch her forearm or run a hand over skin, and she just flushes all hot and cold. And for girls, that’s a shorthand for all the feelings that they’re not ready to deal with yet."
Source: IMDB.com
Friday, January 30, 2009
An oldie but a goodie!
This video has been floating around the internet for awhile but I never got around to watching it until recently. It's quite the comedic gem. Enjoy!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Pointless Blogging
I always felt like there had to be some grand purpose to my blogs. I felt that there had to be a POINT. Whether it was an interesting video, movie review, or a memoir I wanted my blog to have a purpose. I didn't see the point in writing something that didn't have, well, a POINT.
But I realize that I can also treat my blog as a journal and use it to document the current "going-ons" in my life. If somebody reads my blog and finds that interesting, then great! However, if they don't, then that is fine too. Sometimes I just need a place to talk about myself and/or vent about current situations, and I feel that this is just the place for that.
With that being said, I don't have much to vent about. Nothing extremely special is going on in my life. I'm currently working in Rock Island, IL where I'm performing the show "Ring of Fire" at a local dinner theatre called Circa '21. You can visit their web page here.
The show has been getting great reviews and the company of actors/servers/management/etc. are all very nice people and easy to get along with. So my life is pretty good right now, regardless of the fact that sometimes I just wish I were considerably more productive.
I'll be turning 30 in about 3 months. I'm not necessarily dreading the infamous, landmark age; however, I definitely am also not looking forward to it. 30 is when the body begins to deteriorate and building muscle and staying fit gradually becomes more and more difficult. That is why it is so important to exercise and build muscle in your 20's. All that exercise will carry over into your 30's and help slow the aging process. I also always felt that by the time I turned 30 I would be a little more accomplished than I am. Or, rather, I was hoping to be.
One of my goals when I started in the theatre business was to become consistently employed, and I feel that that goal has been accomplished. However, I still have yet to do a national tour and a cruise, two jobs that I have wanted to do for awhile. There have been a couple opportunities to do both of those things but I was always unavailable at the time and had to let the opportunity pass me by. I also have some standards that is blocking me from doing those two things. I don't really want to work a cruise for much longer than a couple of months (standard cruise contracts are 6 months to a year) and I don't want to go to the Caribbean (standard first contract cruises are to the Caribbean).
My only real desire to do a cruise is based on the fact that I just want to explore the world. I've only been to Canada, that's it! How lame. How amazing would it be to land a cruise gig that explored the Mediterranean and the contract was only for a couple of months. That would be the ideal cruise for me. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Touring on a bus and truck with a national tour just sounds dreadful sometimes. Most of the non-equity tours traveling our nation today go to podunk cities such as (no offense Lisa) Portsmouth, OH. While I love Portsmouth, I don't really want most of the cities I travel too being cities such as Portsmouth, OH, staying a day, then getting up at 6 in the morning to load a bus that is traveling to Muncie, Indiana - or worse, somewhere in Iowa. But national tours are very reputable things to do, they look great on your resume and they are definitely stepping stones for your career. It's just unfortunate that the travel process can be somewhat grueling at times.
I'm not trying to be a whiny McCOMPLAINerson here. With the current state of our economy (God, I haven't heard that one too many times lately) I am fortunate to have a job and to be consistently working. I am very thankful for that. But we can all dream sometimes and set goals for ourselves, and then complain if we don't accomplish those goals fast enough! Haha. My ultimate dream, however, is to win an Oscar for anything. Maybe it'll happen someday.
But I realize that I can also treat my blog as a journal and use it to document the current "going-ons" in my life. If somebody reads my blog and finds that interesting, then great! However, if they don't, then that is fine too. Sometimes I just need a place to talk about myself and/or vent about current situations, and I feel that this is just the place for that.
With that being said, I don't have much to vent about. Nothing extremely special is going on in my life. I'm currently working in Rock Island, IL where I'm performing the show "Ring of Fire" at a local dinner theatre called Circa '21. You can visit their web page here.
The show has been getting great reviews and the company of actors/servers/management/etc. are all very nice people and easy to get along with. So my life is pretty good right now, regardless of the fact that sometimes I just wish I were considerably more productive.
I'll be turning 30 in about 3 months. I'm not necessarily dreading the infamous, landmark age; however, I definitely am also not looking forward to it. 30 is when the body begins to deteriorate and building muscle and staying fit gradually becomes more and more difficult. That is why it is so important to exercise and build muscle in your 20's. All that exercise will carry over into your 30's and help slow the aging process. I also always felt that by the time I turned 30 I would be a little more accomplished than I am. Or, rather, I was hoping to be.
One of my goals when I started in the theatre business was to become consistently employed, and I feel that that goal has been accomplished. However, I still have yet to do a national tour and a cruise, two jobs that I have wanted to do for awhile. There have been a couple opportunities to do both of those things but I was always unavailable at the time and had to let the opportunity pass me by. I also have some standards that is blocking me from doing those two things. I don't really want to work a cruise for much longer than a couple of months (standard cruise contracts are 6 months to a year) and I don't want to go to the Caribbean (standard first contract cruises are to the Caribbean).
My only real desire to do a cruise is based on the fact that I just want to explore the world. I've only been to Canada, that's it! How lame. How amazing would it be to land a cruise gig that explored the Mediterranean and the contract was only for a couple of months. That would be the ideal cruise for me. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Touring on a bus and truck with a national tour just sounds dreadful sometimes. Most of the non-equity tours traveling our nation today go to podunk cities such as (no offense Lisa) Portsmouth, OH. While I love Portsmouth, I don't really want most of the cities I travel too being cities such as Portsmouth, OH, staying a day, then getting up at 6 in the morning to load a bus that is traveling to Muncie, Indiana - or worse, somewhere in Iowa. But national tours are very reputable things to do, they look great on your resume and they are definitely stepping stones for your career. It's just unfortunate that the travel process can be somewhat grueling at times.
I'm not trying to be a whiny McCOMPLAINerson here. With the current state of our economy (God, I haven't heard that one too many times lately) I am fortunate to have a job and to be consistently working. I am very thankful for that. But we can all dream sometimes and set goals for ourselves, and then complain if we don't accomplish those goals fast enough! Haha. My ultimate dream, however, is to win an Oscar for anything. Maybe it'll happen someday.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Optical Illusion
This is just amazing. It blew my mind.
Is this picture black and white, or is it in color? Stare at the dot in the middle of the image, and perhaps the answer will present itself to you. Make it full screen if you can.
This one is pretty cool too!
Is this picture black and white, or is it in color? Stare at the dot in the middle of the image, and perhaps the answer will present itself to you. Make it full screen if you can.
This one is pretty cool too!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Book Club
In the past month I have managed to read 4 novels in a mission to read more. I think 4 in a month is pretty good. Here are the books I read and how I felt about them:
*Ratings are based on a 4 *star* system.
1. Twilight - * Terrible book. Here is a copy of my review from Facebook:
The first 375 pages go like this:
2. How I Paid For College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship, and Musical Theatre
**1/2
An amusing book. It's an easy read but ultimately lacks any real depth. If you enjoy coming of age stories it's probably worth a look.
3. Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass,Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office ***
Sex and the City meets Bridget Jones Diary meets David Sedaris meets Roseanne. Fun, hilarious read and surprisingly inspirational.
4. Lovely Bones ****
Amazing. One of the best novels I've ever read. Destined to be a classic.
I'm currently reading Angels and Demons because I want to keep up my reading streak. Please feel free to comment or recommend some good books to me!
*Ratings are based on a 4 *star* system.
1. Twilight - * Terrible book. Here is a copy of my review from Facebook:
The first 375 pages go like this:
Girl: Oh the vampire is sooooo gorgeous.
Vampire: No you can't like me because I'm a vampire. I'm a good vampire but I might get tempted to bite you.
That happens over and over and over again.
At about p. 375 something interesting happens but ultimately lets you down with an anticlimactic finish where the girl says "Oh the vampire is soooooo gorgeous!" Then the vampire replies with, "No, you can't like me because I'm a vampire. I'm a good vampire but I might get tempted to bite you."
This book is possibly the lamest thing I have ever read in my life. Not only is it a terrible attempt to rip-off the brilliant "Buffy" series, it is also 300 pages too long.
I'll read the second book because I'm hoping it'll improve...I've been informed that it doesn't. Ugh.2. How I Paid For College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship, and Musical Theatre
**1/2
An amusing book. It's an easy read but ultimately lacks any real depth. If you enjoy coming of age stories it's probably worth a look.
3. Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass,Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office ***
Sex and the City meets Bridget Jones Diary meets David Sedaris meets Roseanne. Fun, hilarious read and surprisingly inspirational.
4. Lovely Bones ****
Amazing. One of the best novels I've ever read. Destined to be a classic.
I'm currently reading Angels and Demons because I want to keep up my reading streak. Please feel free to comment or recommend some good books to me!
Monday, October 06, 2008
OMG This Guy Is SOOO Funny!
Wow, this guy is funny. It does not suprise me AT ALL that he is so successful. He is just so funny. Watch this clip and laugh your pants off!! If he were any funnier he wouldn't be human. He is just THAT funny. So talented and witty. I wish I were as funny as he is. Just watch this and you will know what I mean!
Seriously though, he makes me want to pry my eyes out with an AIDS infected steak knife.
Seriously though, he makes me want to pry my eyes out with an AIDS infected steak knife.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Digging through the archives.
I came back to Columbus today for a short visit and decided to go rummaging through some of my old school papers, pictures, etc. I wanted to find some old reviews of shows that I was in to put them up on my website. I was looking through one particular box and I came across a story that I wrote in the 4th grade. It was odd because it had a cardboard cover that had been wrapped in some type of paper. It almost looked like it had been wrapped in wall paper, a very hideous wallpaper. So I pulled it out and opened it up and inside was a bio and picture of me from the fourth grade. Here is what the bio said:
Travis Smith is nine years old. He lives in Pickerington, Ohio. His favorite food is spaghetti, chicken, pizza, and steak. He likes to read.
Oh, and picture that bio written in 4th grader cursive.
On the first page was a picture of me under the title: Heroes. Below the picture was written the words: By Travis Smith. The next page was a dedication to my parents and the name of the publishing company and copyright: Smith Publishing Co. Copyright 1989.
Then came the story. All punctuation and grammar has been retained for authenticity.
Once there lived a kitten with her mom in the town dump. His father had died of pain and starvation because his foot became caught in a bear trap. The momma went out one day to get the baby some fish from the market. Unfortunately, when the kitten's mom reached the middle of the road the light turned green. And the kitten's mom got ran over and died. The pound found the little kitten. There were three kittens, and four puppies and one dad and mom in the pound. The puppie's names were Grounder, Ruff, Sam, and Misty. The kitten liked Sam the best. She had to get out of the pound because in a month she would have to get a shot and that means death. That night the cat took a deep breath and squeezed through the bars. And the door opened the next morning, ZOOM! The cat escaped And he started running then he bumped into a pit bull. "Rrrrr," growled the dog. The cat got out of there in a flash. And the pit bull started chasing it. At that time a man just broke of of jail. It was on the news the he was one of the worst robbers in the jail. The pit bull was still chasing the cat. She jumped over the fence . And sitting in the grass were two cocker spaniels. The cat's hair flew up. The two dogs started chasing the cat. "Scat," said a man to the two dogs The man picked up the cat by its tail. "Let me have her" said his wife. Will I have to go to the bakery dear "said the man." Why don't you take the cat "said the woman." Well...okay "the man said." When they got there he threw the cat on the table. And sitting on the table with her was a dog. They began to fight. When the man noticed they were in a fight he stopped them. The robber was on their street now. He was getting hungry. The dog and cat were out playing. The robber noticed the bakery. He went inside all dressed up in black you couldn't see his face it was covered too. "Give me all your money." O my said the man." A man named Jermy Thomas was in the restroom. He came out saw the robber. So he went out the back door. the dog and cat came through the front door shoot. Then they noticed the man. They both jumped on him and started biting him and scratching him. The man fell down and was injured. The police came in and took the man away. How did you know he was here? A man by the name of Jeremy Thomas told us. "Well thanks alot," said the man. And for the dog and cat they were heroes.
WTF? Did I seriously write this crap? Why is it so violent and depressing. I must have been going through a phase. There are also illustrations throughout the book. Let me just say, they are HIDEOUS. I do have to admit though, my grammar and spelling isn't half-bad. Granted, I start far too many sentences with "And". I also mess up the quotations a few times. It's kind of amusing because I get them backwards. But ultimately, what is this story about? It doesn't really make a whole lot of sense. I'm not sure what the grade was. The book hasn't been written in at all. None of the grammatical or spelling errors have been fixed. Regardless, I found it amusing and I hope you did too.
Travis Smith is nine years old. He lives in Pickerington, Ohio. His favorite food is spaghetti, chicken, pizza, and steak. He likes to read.
Oh, and picture that bio written in 4th grader cursive.
On the first page was a picture of me under the title: Heroes. Below the picture was written the words: By Travis Smith. The next page was a dedication to my parents and the name of the publishing company and copyright: Smith Publishing Co. Copyright 1989.
Then came the story. All punctuation and grammar has been retained for authenticity.
Once there lived a kitten with her mom in the town dump. His father had died of pain and starvation because his foot became caught in a bear trap. The momma went out one day to get the baby some fish from the market. Unfortunately, when the kitten's mom reached the middle of the road the light turned green. And the kitten's mom got ran over and died. The pound found the little kitten. There were three kittens, and four puppies and one dad and mom in the pound. The puppie's names were Grounder, Ruff, Sam, and Misty. The kitten liked Sam the best. She had to get out of the pound because in a month she would have to get a shot and that means death. That night the cat took a deep breath and squeezed through the bars. And the door opened the next morning, ZOOM! The cat escaped And he started running then he bumped into a pit bull. "Rrrrr," growled the dog. The cat got out of there in a flash. And the pit bull started chasing it. At that time a man just broke of of jail. It was on the news the he was one of the worst robbers in the jail. The pit bull was still chasing the cat. She jumped over the fence . And sitting in the grass were two cocker spaniels. The cat's hair flew up. The two dogs started chasing the cat. "Scat," said a man to the two dogs The man picked up the cat by its tail. "Let me have her" said his wife. Will I have to go to the bakery dear "said the man." Why don't you take the cat "said the woman." Well...okay "the man said." When they got there he threw the cat on the table. And sitting on the table with her was a dog. They began to fight. When the man noticed they were in a fight he stopped them. The robber was on their street now. He was getting hungry. The dog and cat were out playing. The robber noticed the bakery. He went inside all dressed up in black you couldn't see his face it was covered too. "Give me all your money." O my said the man." A man named Jermy Thomas was in the restroom. He came out saw the robber. So he went out the back door. the dog and cat came through the front door shoot. Then they noticed the man. They both jumped on him and started biting him and scratching him. The man fell down and was injured. The police came in and took the man away. How did you know he was here? A man by the name of Jeremy Thomas told us. "Well thanks alot," said the man. And for the dog and cat they were heroes.
WTF? Did I seriously write this crap? Why is it so violent and depressing. I must have been going through a phase. There are also illustrations throughout the book. Let me just say, they are HIDEOUS. I do have to admit though, my grammar and spelling isn't half-bad. Granted, I start far too many sentences with "And". I also mess up the quotations a few times. It's kind of amusing because I get them backwards. But ultimately, what is this story about? It doesn't really make a whole lot of sense. I'm not sure what the grade was. The book hasn't been written in at all. None of the grammatical or spelling errors have been fixed. Regardless, I found it amusing and I hope you did too.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Watch if you dare.
First off I wanted to say that I completely forgot about Charlie Wilson's War in my top 10 list. It would have been up there somewhere. Alas, too late to change it now. But it's a great satire, check it out. I also watched The Mist recently which I enjoyed thoroughly.
Anyways, this is just gross. Gross, gross, gross.
Anyways, this is just gross. Gross, gross, gross.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Best Films 2007
I just watched the video from my last post and cracked up yet again. Good stuff.
I now present to you the annual best films blog. This, of course, being the best films of 2007. It's a little late, I know. But, better late than never! Right? Right?!!
10. 3:10 To Yuma
I went and saw this film on a recommendation. I've never been a huge fan of the western genre. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Unforgiven, Clint Eastwood's western epic that took the genre to a whole new level, This film, being a remake, continues the tradition of having a western with poignant parallels on the realities of life, love, family, and simple morality. Great performances and cinematography add to the films already sensational, yet unique, script.
9. Superbad
It's crass, it has no tact, and it's possibly the most offensive film of the year. It completely reflects the humor of the new generation. The generation who grew up with South Park and Family Guy and when they went to the movies with friends they snuck in to see American Pie and Scary Movie. Can you imagine your mother seeing this movie with you? Neither can I.
8. Enchanted
What a clever movie. Catchy tunes, witty dialogue, and another sensational performance by Amy Adams make this film so effective. The film had its weak moments. Susan Sarandon was pretty thankless and her role in the movie just made things awkward at times. But it was one of the most original films of the year and who could resist the charms of Disney essentially making fun of itself? Not me.
7. Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix
These films just progressively get better and better. I remember reading the 5th book immediately upon its release a few years ago and being somewhat indifferent about it. It was long, too long. The movie, however, was almost too short. If not, then it was certainly "just right." This is the only film I saw twice in the theatres this year. And with that being said, it is one of only maybe 5 or 6 movies I've ever seen more than once in a theatre. I guess that speaks volumes on how much I enjoyed it, even though the second time I saw it it was in 3D. So cool. So very, very cool. Imelda Staunton gave the years best Supporting Actress performance. Perfect Umbridge.
6. No End In Sight
This is a compelling documentary about the beginning of the war in Iraq. How did it happen? What went wrong? How did this all get out of hand and who's to blame? The answers to all these questions, and many more, are provided within this suprisingly unbiased film. It just states the facts. This is what happened. Whether you are Left or Right, Up or Down, or Black or Blue you can't argue with this film. I'm going to stop now before I start to write stuff that may be a little bias. See this documentary. Have viewing parties.
5. Eastern Promises
Another Cronenberg success. After falling in love with "History of Violence" a couple years ago, I knew that this film was a must-see. Not quite the masterpiece that "History" was, this film still manages to hold it's own. Whether you're distracted by Viggo and his penis or the grotesque slashing of throats that happens throughout, you can't get past the fact that this is one hell of a story with great performances. Sure, you could just call it another mafia movie, but then you'd just be an idiot. Speaking of, why are movies about the mob always so good?
4. No Country For Old Men
This movie could have been number one. It really, really could have been. Then I saw it. Well, I loved the first 80 percent and then, like about everybody else, I hated the ending. I DON'T CARE how poignant you thought it was or how profound or how non-linear or "against the grain" or original or whatever you want to call it...it sucked. What the hell was Tommy Lee Jones talking about? Who the f*** was that old man he was talking to? What the hell happened to Josh Brolin? God knows we didn't see him get killed and the shot of his body was vague to say the least. I didn't even know it was his body until after the movie was over! Ok, ok...I know what you are thinking. I certainly seem to be trashing this movie that I'm putting so high on my list. Well, like I said, the first 80 percent of the film was fantasic. It had so much tension and suspense, I was on the edge of my seat. Also, I love the Coen brothers, Fargo is my favorite movie of all time. It's a perfect film. This movie, well, it's flawed but still pretty damn good...for about 90 minutes.
3. There Will Be Blood
Every year I seem to really fall for a movie based on a performance. This movie could very well possibly be the one this year. However, there were other things I loved about it. I thoroughly enjoyed the cinematography. The direction was quite good as well. PT Anderson is very good at what he does, if not a little pretentious. I hate Magnolia. I also hate Punch Drunk Love. Those movies trigger something in my brain that makes me want to never watch another movie again. BUT, I love Boogie Nights. It's probably my number 2 film of all time. It's definitely up there. TOp 5 at least.
2. Sweeney Todd
I didn't know what to expect with this film. Movie musicals are truly hit or miss with me. But this film did something entirely unexpected: it improved upon the already near perfect stage production. I didn't miss the chorus, I didn't miss any songs, I didn't mind that the leads weren't the strongest singers. In the end it all turned out to be the perfect film adaptation. Toby being an actual child (unlike the stage version where he is an adult playing a child) added a whole new dynamic to the character that I never appreciated before. Sure there were some flaws, including the awkward "By The Sea" number that all of a sudden transformed the film from Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" to Tim Burton's "Sweeney Todd" and Helena Bonham Carter will never live up to the phenomenal performance by Angela Lansbury in the original production. But the movie, especially in its final poignant moments, just continues to prove why Sondheim is a living legend and his legacy will remain for centuries.
1. Grindhouse
Grindhouse?! What?!! Yes, you heard me...GRINDHOUSE! Does anybody remember this fabulous experience? I thoroughly enjoyed it. 2 films for the price of one. Trailers in between films that had me laughing, grimacing, and wishing that they weren't just FAKE trailers and they were advertising movies that might actually be released. The films, with their low quality and campy scripts, were perfectly "B". The first film, "Planet Terror", was by far the superior of the two films, but I didn't see this as two separate films. I saw this as a unique and entertaining film-going experience. If I were to judge these films separately then I'm not sure that either film would make this top 10 list but together they somehow manage to make it to the top. Go figure.
Honorable Mentions: Hairspray, Sicko, Oceans 13, Stardust, Juno, Ratatoille
Worst Films of the Year: Bug, Next, Norbit
I now present to you the annual best films blog. This, of course, being the best films of 2007. It's a little late, I know. But, better late than never! Right? Right?!!
10. 3:10 To Yuma
I went and saw this film on a recommendation. I've never been a huge fan of the western genre. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Unforgiven, Clint Eastwood's western epic that took the genre to a whole new level, This film, being a remake, continues the tradition of having a western with poignant parallels on the realities of life, love, family, and simple morality. Great performances and cinematography add to the films already sensational, yet unique, script.
9. Superbad
It's crass, it has no tact, and it's possibly the most offensive film of the year. It completely reflects the humor of the new generation. The generation who grew up with South Park and Family Guy and when they went to the movies with friends they snuck in to see American Pie and Scary Movie. Can you imagine your mother seeing this movie with you? Neither can I.
8. Enchanted
What a clever movie. Catchy tunes, witty dialogue, and another sensational performance by Amy Adams make this film so effective. The film had its weak moments. Susan Sarandon was pretty thankless and her role in the movie just made things awkward at times. But it was one of the most original films of the year and who could resist the charms of Disney essentially making fun of itself? Not me.
7. Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix
These films just progressively get better and better. I remember reading the 5th book immediately upon its release a few years ago and being somewhat indifferent about it. It was long, too long. The movie, however, was almost too short. If not, then it was certainly "just right." This is the only film I saw twice in the theatres this year. And with that being said, it is one of only maybe 5 or 6 movies I've ever seen more than once in a theatre. I guess that speaks volumes on how much I enjoyed it, even though the second time I saw it it was in 3D. So cool. So very, very cool. Imelda Staunton gave the years best Supporting Actress performance. Perfect Umbridge.
6. No End In Sight
This is a compelling documentary about the beginning of the war in Iraq. How did it happen? What went wrong? How did this all get out of hand and who's to blame? The answers to all these questions, and many more, are provided within this suprisingly unbiased film. It just states the facts. This is what happened. Whether you are Left or Right, Up or Down, or Black or Blue you can't argue with this film. I'm going to stop now before I start to write stuff that may be a little bias. See this documentary. Have viewing parties.
5. Eastern Promises
Another Cronenberg success. After falling in love with "History of Violence" a couple years ago, I knew that this film was a must-see. Not quite the masterpiece that "History" was, this film still manages to hold it's own. Whether you're distracted by Viggo and his penis or the grotesque slashing of throats that happens throughout, you can't get past the fact that this is one hell of a story with great performances. Sure, you could just call it another mafia movie, but then you'd just be an idiot. Speaking of, why are movies about the mob always so good?
4. No Country For Old Men
This movie could have been number one. It really, really could have been. Then I saw it. Well, I loved the first 80 percent and then, like about everybody else, I hated the ending. I DON'T CARE how poignant you thought it was or how profound or how non-linear or "against the grain" or original or whatever you want to call it...it sucked. What the hell was Tommy Lee Jones talking about? Who the f*** was that old man he was talking to? What the hell happened to Josh Brolin? God knows we didn't see him get killed and the shot of his body was vague to say the least. I didn't even know it was his body until after the movie was over! Ok, ok...I know what you are thinking. I certainly seem to be trashing this movie that I'm putting so high on my list. Well, like I said, the first 80 percent of the film was fantasic. It had so much tension and suspense, I was on the edge of my seat. Also, I love the Coen brothers, Fargo is my favorite movie of all time. It's a perfect film. This movie, well, it's flawed but still pretty damn good...for about 90 minutes.
3. There Will Be Blood
Every year I seem to really fall for a movie based on a performance. This movie could very well possibly be the one this year. However, there were other things I loved about it. I thoroughly enjoyed the cinematography. The direction was quite good as well. PT Anderson is very good at what he does, if not a little pretentious. I hate Magnolia. I also hate Punch Drunk Love. Those movies trigger something in my brain that makes me want to never watch another movie again. BUT, I love Boogie Nights. It's probably my number 2 film of all time. It's definitely up there. TOp 5 at least.
2. Sweeney Todd
I didn't know what to expect with this film. Movie musicals are truly hit or miss with me. But this film did something entirely unexpected: it improved upon the already near perfect stage production. I didn't miss the chorus, I didn't miss any songs, I didn't mind that the leads weren't the strongest singers. In the end it all turned out to be the perfect film adaptation. Toby being an actual child (unlike the stage version where he is an adult playing a child) added a whole new dynamic to the character that I never appreciated before. Sure there were some flaws, including the awkward "By The Sea" number that all of a sudden transformed the film from Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" to Tim Burton's "Sweeney Todd" and Helena Bonham Carter will never live up to the phenomenal performance by Angela Lansbury in the original production. But the movie, especially in its final poignant moments, just continues to prove why Sondheim is a living legend and his legacy will remain for centuries.
1. Grindhouse
Grindhouse?! What?!! Yes, you heard me...GRINDHOUSE! Does anybody remember this fabulous experience? I thoroughly enjoyed it. 2 films for the price of one. Trailers in between films that had me laughing, grimacing, and wishing that they weren't just FAKE trailers and they were advertising movies that might actually be released. The films, with their low quality and campy scripts, were perfectly "B". The first film, "Planet Terror", was by far the superior of the two films, but I didn't see this as two separate films. I saw this as a unique and entertaining film-going experience. If I were to judge these films separately then I'm not sure that either film would make this top 10 list but together they somehow manage to make it to the top. Go figure.
Honorable Mentions: Hairspray, Sicko, Oceans 13, Stardust, Juno, Ratatoille
Worst Films of the Year: Bug, Next, Norbit
Friday, February 01, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Magnolia
I hate this movie. Always have. I watched it a second time because everybody told me how great they think it is. I still hated it. Totally ostentatious, pretentious, pile of doo. Oooo look at the frogs, how poignant. Yeah right. PT did so much better with Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood because he didn't try so hard. Punch Drunk sucks too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
