Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Title: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Director: David Fincher

Series: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Based on the Book: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Written By: Stieg Larsson

Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, and Christopher Plummer

Rated: R

Released: 2011

Personal Rating: 5/5

Mystery Genre Rating: 5/5

Oscars: N/A

Basic Plot: Mikael Blomkvist searches for a missing woman and ends up involved in a much bigger mystery.

Opening Credits
This appears out of nowhere and appears like an acid trip. You might be asking: "But, jashykins, it's the opening credits. It doesn't come out of nowhere." You are wrong about that. The opening scene is very quiet and suddenly you're blasted with extremely loud music and weird images. From what I gathered by watching the movie I will attempt to decipher the trippy opening sequence: The images show that Lisbeth (the title character) is a hacker, that she is raped, and that she ends up having a sexual relationship with Daniel Craig's character.

The Rape Scene
If you don't like rape scenes (for any of the numerous reasons) then you will feel like you're dying while watching this scene. I had heard that this scene was disturbing (from people online) but I thought that they were exaggerating. It has happened in the past. Unfortunately that is NOT the case with this. Even the guy who played the rapist was disturbed (he ended up going into his hotel room and crying for a long time afterwards).

Too Many Endings
For all those that saw The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Imagine the "ending" to that movie times ten. You have now gotten an idea for the "ending" of this movie. Some of the endings were needed and one could've been shortened. revrezner said the final ending could've been cut but I think it should stay in case the other two sequels are released.

Final Thoughts
This was a movie I had been waiting for. I admit I haven't seen the original movies nor read the book trilogy. With that in mind: This is one great movie. It has good character development, lovely visuals, and intense action sequences. Plus, for you mystery buffs, it has a great mystery that inhabits every inch of the film. Though I wouldn't recommend this movie for the squeamish.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas 2011

Here is the video I made as a Christmas present to my boyfriend.



Where is the YouTube Version of this Video? I have decided not to put them on this blog since sometimes YouTube makes it harder to upload a video.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Ice 2011

The vlog of my trip with Brian and some friends to Gaylord Palms' Ice (a yearly event).

This year: Shrek themed!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)

Title: The Hunger Games

Series: The Hunger Games Trilogy

Author: Suzanne Collins

Released: 2008

Rating: 5/5

Basic Plot: Katniss Everdeen takes her sister's (Prim) place in the Hunger Games and now has to fight for her life.

Big, Bad Government Theme
I admit I have a very low opinion of government. This hasn't been helped by how the US Government is acting now (especially SOPA and Protect IP which effect me). And the big, bad government is a big part of the book. The Capitol (the Government) created The Hunger Games as a big fuck you to the 12 Districts of Panem (the old USA). What's especially great about The Capitol is that you feel its evil even without it being in the scene.

The Bloody Scenario
This book is for Young Adults and yet it has something that belongs in an adult novel. That something is children (12-18 year olds) killing other children because the Capitol finds it amusing. I loved when I was a teen when Young Adult authors would treat me like an adult. If you are a teen, and feel the same way I did when I was young, you'll love this aspect of the book. If you're an adult, this still might disturb you just because children are killing children.

The Bleak Future
This book has one of my favorite scenarios: the bleak future. I don't like happy futures but I like to see how the future can go wrong. This book's depiction of the future is so down and it gets worse as things go on.

Final Thoughts
This book made me want to read the other two books in the trilogy. I can't tell you how painful it is to wait to finish the trilogy. One mystery I want to find out is who the mutated wolves are. For a young teen this might be gritty. For an adult, it won't be as bad for you.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Two Days (SOPA)

Correction: They're only voting on whether to pass the bill to the house floor and then later the senate. The house committee is only a small number in comparison to the rest of those in the house and senate. And from what I understand, a lot of them aren't fully aware of the SOPA do to being involved with other crap. - @m1919_tscc (Twitter Account)


I truly wish this time wasn't upon us. But SOPA will be voted on December 21, 2011. This, as I have stated before, will affect the enter internet community (yes, even you, non-American Citizen)! This is very sad when such a freedom of expression will be taken away (even though you hardcore porn fans are creepy).

Know what the saddest thing about this is? It's the fact that the people voting on this don't know what the fuck they're voting about. It's just that companies pay them money and they don't ask questions. This made the SOPA hearing very annoying to listen to. It could be a comedy if it wasn't real. The line 'The Internet is for Porn' was stated more than once.

Luckily there were voices of reason. Unfortunately they were very few and far between. So, those in the US of A, write (or call) your senator/representatives to tell them that you are against this bill!

Also, don't forget that Protect IP is a lesser form of SOPA, but could prove to be just as deadly.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Sushi, Sake, and Tanuki: A New Leaf 8

"What you did, Rig Katashi, was not becoming of someone of your station in life." Hijunaki said. I bowed my head in shame. Especially because he had put a very harsh emphasis on the word Katashi. What I had done to Akumie had been found out. She hadn't been happy and the news had gotten to Hijunaki.


"Instead of showing her how great my palace is you showed her that I can only create slime." He continued. "If Akumie hadn't ordered me to keep you alive I would kill you now. I would think that she would be much madder considering the circumstances."


I was confused and frightened. If an angry goddess had let me live that only meant that she wanted time to think about how she would kill me. What confused me was that there could be a circumstance that would make being used worse than another circumstance. "What circumstances, Hijunaki?" I asked.


"The fact that her old lover has recently died." He hissed. "The fact that you are the first lover she has taken since his death."


I was taken aback. I didn't know whether it was because I felt insulted or that I felt ashamed. It felt like an insult because it made the deed too easy. A mourning widow is easier to comfort than a happy wife. It felt like I was ashamed because I had cut her deep and probably would never be forgiven. I couldn't decide which emotion or reasoning was stronger.


For the next hour Hijunaki used words to do what arrows could only hope to do. He was finally cut off when Akumie came in. She was beautiful, as always, but an anger could be sensed coming out of her. It consumed her and seemed to make her a different being.


Hijunaki bowed to her and I could only stand up straight. This wasn't because I was trying to anger her more, but it was because her gaze had frozen me in fear. As she walked closer to us I was afraid I was going to die. That Akumie hadn't needed that long to figure out how she wanted to kill me.


"Hijunaki, I thank you for your hospitality. Your kindness is not something I will ever forget." Then Akumie turned to me and I could see that her face showed no emotion, but I still felt anger coming from her. "But some of your creations do not have that same hospitality."


Hijunaki, still bowed, asked, "But the actions of my creations will not make you forget your favor of me?"


"Of course not." She replied and then left. Not by walking, but by turning into lightning and shooting off into the distance. With her absence gone, I felt fear. Now that she was gone I knew what would happen to me would be painful. And that would be putting it lightly.


Hijunaki turned his head to me and looked me straight in the eyes. Within the blink of an eye I was tied and floating above the pool I had bathed in earlier. The one that I had washed all of the wetness from Akumie off. But now it smelled extremely salty. I heard, and then felt, a lash on my back. Every time it came down I was pushed down into the water.


The lash had spikes like dragon's fangs and the salt felt like claws digging in deeper. It didn't help that I felt like I was going to drown. Each time I tried to yell I couldn't hear myself. After what must have been years I lost consciousness.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Best of 2011

Here I say what are, in my opinion, the best: movie, book, song, and season of a show!


If that version doesn't work, try this one:

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Opening 3

My third try at an opening.

Song:
Save Me by My Darkest Days

Clip From: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

Logo at End Drawn For Me by Zack

All other footage is of me and my stuffed animals.




If that version doesn't work, try this one:

Monday, December 12, 2011

Red State (2011)

Title: Red State

Director: Kevin Smith

Starring: Michael Parks, Melissa Leo and John Goodman

Rated: R

Released: 2011

Rating: 5/5

Oscars: N/A

Basic Plot: Three teenagers go out to have sex with a woman and are caught by religious extremists.

Everyone is Not Likable
What I mean by that is that there is no good character. The three teenagers are all horny bastards and those are the ones we first meet. However, the characters are all interesting in their own unique ways. Each character shown is there to prove a point (or to add something to the plot). People complaining because there are no likable characters are not people I can understand. I don't need likable characters in my fiction, I need characters that are interesting to follow.

The Meaning of the Title
The meaning seems, at first, to mean that the state it's taking place in is a red state (aka one that favors Republicans). However, by the end of the film it's clear that the title means the whole United States of America. The fact that by the end of the film you realize the government isn't your friend makes you realize there's no one powerful to turn to for help.

The Westbero Baptist Church
There is hardly anyone that doesn't know about this cult. A few people don't know about it (one of them being someone I'm related to) but the majority of people will see the similarities. Hell, Kevin Smith didn't deny the fact that it's that cult. This really lends the movie horror that it wouldn't otherwise have. A good thing with horror is to have it be realistic. The fact that it could happen makes you afraid even past the ending credits. That's what the connection to the Wesbero Baptist Church adds to this movie: real terror.

Final Thoughts
This movie is a horror film to me. That being said, this is NOT for the weak of heart. The subject matter and graphic violence don't lend itself well for young or easily startled audiences. If you do feel you can tackle this beast: do so now! I do not see why this movie has received so much hate when it's brought me so much joy (in a painful good way). I have watched a special on a journalist going to live with members of the Westbero Baptist Church and it equaled the horror to this movie. The cult referred to in this film is really terrifying.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Best of 2011 Nominations

Best Movie I Have Seen This Year (will be renamed Best Movie)

Rules for Nomination:
1.) Must be a movie I have just seen this year.
2.) Doesn't have to have been released this year (this since I usually don't see most movies the year they are released).

Nominations

Paranoia (Video 2011, Writer's Cut)

Reason: This movie is indie but is just as good, if not better, than a big budget film. This movie kept me interested the whole way through. Plus, it managed to have a big build up for an out of this world twist! Only the Writer's Cut is nominated since I haven't seen the Director's Cut and can't judge it.

Horrible Bosses (2011)

Reason: I don't usually go for comedies but this amused me so much that it would be a shame not to have it at least be nominated. This movie combined an excellent plot, great acting, and hilarious moments.

A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas (2011)

Reason: The 3D in this movie is more than enough reason for this nomination. However, the wtfness of the whole movie, that never stops even once, is the second reason for this nomination.

Limitless (2011)

Reason: The premise of the film is interesting and it is handled well. The only downside is that the movie is VERY different from the preview.

Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)

Reason: I fell in love with the music long before I saw the movie. The plot and new take on the opera genre was a love to watch. Plus, it had Anthony Stewart Head in it!

Black Swan (2010)

Reason: This movie is very much a psychological thriller. It makes you question what's happening even past the ending credits. Also it proves that a movie about a ballerina doesn't have to be boring, cliche, or a chick flick.

Best Book I Have Read This Year (will be renamed Best Book)

Rules for Nomination:
1.) Must be a book I only read for the first time this year.
2.) Can be one I started last year and finished this year.
3.) Only one book from a series can be chosen.

Nominations


The Dresden Files: Ghost Story (2011)

Author: Jim Butcher


Reason: Being a The Dresden Files fan I was more than excited to read the latest book. It turned out to be the best Dresden Files book I have read so far in the series. It managed to give a new take on the Dresden Files Universe. And while the ending was sort of a let down, it wasn't so big that it ruined the book for me.

Full Dark, No Stars (2010)

Author: Stephen King


Reason: This is sort of a cheat since this book is a collection of short stories and not a novel. However, the quality of the stories are all the same. Plus, they all have the same dark atmosphere that comes from Stephen King's writing.

Best Song I Have Heard This Year (will be renamed Best Song)

Rules For Nomination:
1.) Must be a song I have heard for the first time this year.
2.) Only one song per artist.

Nominations

If I Die Young

Artist: The Band Perry

Reason: While this song is a selfish look at death as a means to be heard, the voices and beat make it memorable for me. I had this song stuck in my head for weeks on end.

Believe

Artist: The Bravery

Reason: I first heard this song in a Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Fan Music Video (FMV) and I fell in love with it. The song fit the music video and it also fit a roleplay character I am using.

Save Me

Artist: My Darkest Days

Reason: Yeah, they did more than Porn Star Dancing. I like the longing the singer has for the woman mentioned in this song. It also feels more real than some other songs.

Undisclosed Desires

Artist: Muse

Reason: It has an awesome beat as well as vocals. I did find this on another TSCC FMV. Unfortunately I can't hear this song without thinking of the video. The video being of a John Connor/Sarah Connor pairing.

When You're Gone

Music: Akira Yamaoka

Vocals: Mary Elizabeth Mcglynn

Reason: This is a very haunting tune and fits in well with the series. The chorus is really what grabs me, though. Also, I love Mcglynn's singing voice. Sad she won't be doing another Silent Hill game.

Best Season of a Show
Rules for Nomination:
1.) Has to be a season from this year.
2.) Can't have nominations for multiple seasons of a show.
3.) Doesn't have to be a whole season. Though it has to be a complete first or second half of a season.

The Walking Dead

Season: 2 A

Reason: This season just expanded where the last season left off. While it did have a much slower pace than the first season, it seemed to leave off with the promise of a more action oriented Season 2 B.

Fringe

Season: 4 A

Reason: I am nominatining this season more for love of the show than how I feel. While it is very interesting the fact is that it might end up being totally pointless.

Sushi, Sake, and Tanuki: A New Leaf 7

As I walked toward the main sparing arena, I breathed in the air. It had a special smell to it now. Almost like Akumie was in my lungs. I looked around and spotted Jirou walking towards the main sparing arena too. Unlike me, he was neither an obake or able to hide among humans. He appeared to be a wolf that walked on its hind legs. Ruining this image was his head that had the same shape as a human's and had human teeth. Jirou's hands were also human, but had fur on the back of them.


"Jirou!" I yelled to him and he walked to me. "Haven't seen you in a long time."


"And you never greet me unless you want to brag about something." Jirou replied and crossed his arms. The only thing reassuring me he wasn't annoyed was the slight grin on his face.


"You're the only one who cares."


"No, I'm the only one who just lets you blabber on." He replied and smirked. "So what is it this time?"


"Oh, it's a big one." I said and paused. Did I really want to tell him? He would probably tell Akumie that I had just used her. And then she'd get angry. On the other hand, Jirou was the only one who would let me brag anymore. "I slept with Akumie."


Jirou stared at me. For a few minutes he didn't even speak. It seemed as though his expression was trying to cage his rage but was not succeeding. "Please say you did it out of love and not out of lust. Do you realize what would happen to us if you used a goddess?"


"What does it matter? She doesn't have to know."


"Rig Katashi, she's a goddess."


"And goddesses can be fooled."


"Do you really want to take that chance? What if someone tells her the truth?"


I walked up to Jirou and stood inches away from his face. "You wouldn't dare."


Jirou said nothing and walked away. I didn't know where he was going, but I guessed it was to talk to Akumie.


When he was out of sight I looked at the sky. Flying had always calmed me down before. Nearly as much as sex, really. As I concentrated, I became a miniature Western Dragon with black scales. I had heard about them from traveling obake and I thought today was a good day to try the form out.


I spread my wings out, ran, and took off. The feeling of flight in this form was fun but nothing special. I really preferred any Eastern Dragon form over this one. The one thing that was exceptional, though, was how the scales picked up the sunlight. Because of that I got lost in the joy of the form for hours. When I remembered who I was, the sun was about to set.


Shifting into the form of an eagle I started to look for Akumie. It had been awhile and I doubted she had stayed in her room. I finally found her at the edge of the pool I had been bathing in before. I landed on a rock and noticed that she was crying.


Had she found out?

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Paranoia (Video 2011)

Title: Paranoia

Director: Ryan Mitchelle

Writer: Brad Jones

Starring: Brian Irving, Felicia Jiardina, and Brad Jones

Version: Writer's Cut

Rated: Not Rated

Released: 2011

Rating: 5/5

Oscars: N/A

Basic Plot: Mark Bishop's wife has left him and now he's caught up in finding who the serial killer is.

It Cured My ADD
Well, not totally. But all throughout the film I did not move (except for bathroom breaks, getting dinner ready, and during the last thirty minutes because it got so intense). What I look for in any movie is how well it keeps my attention. Sometimes that's the reason why I rate Oscar Worthy films low. When a movie, like Paranoia, can keep my attention it means something.

The Twist
Normally I wouldn't mind giving away the twist of a movie, but I really want you to see this movie. But suffice it to say that the twist makes a lot of sense. Besides that, it adds an even deeper level to the film. While some may think the ending comes out of nowhere, I say that there were tiny clues all throughout the film. Plus, it makes the tiny clues make a HECK of a lot of sense.

Black and White Works Wonders
I couldn't imagine this film in color and working as good. The coloring scheme heightened the mood. The mood of being unnerved. It may be just me, but black and white can make anything creepier.

Final Thoughts
There are two versions of this film: Director's Cut and Writer's Cut. One major difference between the two is that the Director's Cut does too much foreshadowing about the twist (as I have heard from many people who have seen that version). So I suggest you see the Writer's Cut first. The Director's Cut you have to pay for but the Writer's Cut can be viewed online for free.

Now I might be accused for being a fangirl, but I really do like this movie. Did I see it just because Brad Jones wrote and starred in it? Yes. But if it was a piece of crap I wouldn't be afraid to say so.

The Green: First Attack Trailer


This is the trailer to the second section of my series The Green.

If that version doesn't work, try this one:

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Don't Let SOPA Pass

I know what I say is going to be biased since I am a blogger. But I would like to say that anyone who uses the internet (yes, I'm looking at you weird person reading this blog post) will be impacted by this.

Do you have a fanfiction about your favorite series (hopefully something better than My Immortal or at least bearable as the first few chapters of TSCC Virtual Season)? You could go to jail for copyright infringement.

Do you have a Youtube video of you and your friends lipsynching? Or how about a YouTube video with a song by your favorite singer for an AMV of a show/movie you like? Same thing could happen.

How about your fanart on deviantart of a character you like? Or graphics using images from movies/tv/video games/ect. that you make? Same thing could happen.

Hell, anything you put online that contains copyrighted material will count. Yes, those who propose it say that it will only be used for good, moral purposes. But who are we kidding? Do you REALLY think that if we give the government this power it won't go crazy with it?

And before I end: sites that allow material (like those mentioned above) could be shut that. Goodbye YouTube, blip.tv, Facebook, and Twitter (among many others). Nice knowing you!


Here Are Some Links Concerning SOPA
Sign the STOP SOPA Petition
Top 11 Reason He Won't Review Digimon

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Sushi, Sake, and Tanuki: A New Leaf 6

After carefully washing myself, I lay still in the pool. It was made out of rock and everyday it was filled with new water. Always fresh and never salt. During the daytime it was lovely and every night it was lit up with star light. Also, it was very close to Akumie's room. Meaning that after we had made love it had been a short walk here.


Of course I hadn't gone to the pool directly afterwards. Directly afterwards we had just enjoyed the comfort of each other. I wouldn't have done that if I had wanted to anger her. Getting on the bad side of a goddess never ended well.


I would have to go back to her soon. For some reason that thought frightened me. Was it because I was afraid of being caught or actually having feelings for her? Had to be the fear of being caught since I hadn't let any feelings for Akumie go deep into my mind. And if they hadn't gone deep into my mind then there was no chance that they would've reached my heart. A heart that I had protected from those kind of feelings since Sajoki's death. Or at least that's what I told myself.


Realizing that I couldn't wait any longer, I got out. I walked to Akumie's room and entered dripping wet. When I saw her smile at me from the bed, I remembered the wetness I had felt earlier. With that thought I smiled back at her.


"You're good." Akumie said. "I'm amazed that you dared to fight a goddess that way."


"I have no fear." I told her and dried myself with a rug on the floor. She laughed. "It's one of the only dry things in this room now."


"That's all your fault."


"And I'm not sorry for that at all."


After I dried off I went back in bed and lay down with Akumie for awhile. We talked to each other but the conversation wasn't important. I was pretending through most of it. Akumie liked it so it didn't matter anyways. I don't know if I liked her believing the lies or her smile more.


Finally I got up. "I'm boring you?" Akumie asked jokingly.


"No, I just need to talk to Jirou." I replied.


"Who is he?"


"A sparring buddy of mine. Haven't talked to him in a long time."


"You going to brag about me to him?" She smiled as she said that.

"How could I not tell a friend of mine about you? About our love?" I said and headed to Jirou. Of course I wasn't going to be talking about love to him. That part wasn't true.

Friday, December 2, 2011

What's The Point of the Golden Universe? (Fringe)

One of the problems people have with Season 4 of Fringe (on FX) is that the Golden Universe (alternate versions of the Blue and Red Universes) seems to have no point. I totally agree with this.

While Season 3 had a heavy emphasis on the Red Universe: You followed it with OUR Olivia. Adding to that, there was the goal of getting OUR Olivia back and the war with the Red Universe being expanded. PLUS, the buildup to the Red Universe was spread over 2 Seasons.

But the Golden Universe seems pointless for one main reason: It MIGHT end up having no point since everything MIGHT go back to normal. Or the Fringe version of normal, at least. We have spent so much time in the Golden Universe that if everything that happens in it turns out to be useless...well, let's just say there will be an angry mob.

I do trust the writers to make this all have a point. Maybe, as one fan suggested, the Golden Universe will end up being the CORRECT (that the word to use?) and Peter will have to deal with:

1.) This now being his reality.

2.) Lincoln's budding relationship with HIS Olivia.

However, it doesn't seem enough people trust the writers since Fringe's ratings have dropped. While part of this is due to being in the Death Slot (Friday Nights, only really heard it used for FX shows) another part is that people don't want to give their time to a pointless storyline.

Whatever happens, I hope that Fringe will continue. I love me some Walter Bishop comedy!


Note: If none of this made sense, you don't watch Fringe. Or haven't caught up with the series yet.

Lack of Zombies in The Walking Dead (Season 2)

A common complaint for Season 2 of the tv series The Walking Dead (on AMC) is that there isn't enough zombies. That the show is focusing too much on the human characters. They say there is too much drama and that it's becoming a soap opera.

I can understand that since Season 2 is much slower than Season 1 (at least so far) people don't like it as much. However, I think that the show is right to focus on the survivors since the show is about them. It just happens to have zombies thrown in.

Yes, it's a zombie survival show so there needs to be zombies. And guess what? They have had zombies in Season 2. Heck, they even managed to humanize them (this done especially well in Sophia). It's just that every episode in Season 2 doesn't focus heavily on them.

What I liked about Season 1 was that there was such a heavy emphasis on the human characters. So I like that with Season 2 (so far) that there is even more of that. While the first part of Season 2 was slow: it had a huge payoff. I don't think if there wasn't so much buildup to the mid-season finale it would've have been as good.

Before I end this, I must say: I do want the action to pick up. I don't mind a slow placing as long as there is a good/big payoff. That's why I love 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Green: Waking Up Trailer


This is the trailer for the first section of my series The Green.

If that version doesn't work, try this one: