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:
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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.
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.
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?
"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.
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
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
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