Funny story...I'm driving the twins over to a friend's house earlier this evening and we pass two little kids, a boy and a girl. They're just out playing and having a good time. I notice that the girl is holding a fake gun-a soft air bb gun. I recognize it because it's the same one I have. Anyway, I think nothing of it until they start to act a little...well, funny as we got closer. As we were parallel to the girl with the gun, she shot at my car as we passed. Her and the boy stood there laughing, thoroughly amused with thier little prank. I watched them for a moment in my rear view mirrior and then I said to Abbi, "You want to see two kids get really scared?"
I quickly applied my breaks, the whole time looking in my mirrior to be sure to see the change of expressions on the faces of the kids. Sure enough, they stopped laughing and stood perfectly still until...I put the car in reverse and began backing up to their location. They ran as fast as they could to their house.
Abbi, Allison, and I let out an enormous laugh at our little joke and Abbi said (while continuing to laugh, mind you), "We're so mean."
No, Abbi. We're not mean. Hopefully those little pranksters will think about a couple things next time they try to be funny. First, they had the drive-by shooting thing all backward and...Second, it's all fun and games until the bigger guy comes back.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Jumbled thoughts
Let me warn you here, in the begining, that a lot of what I'm about to say may seem disjointed and random. Don't worry. It is. I've been a bit down lately. I fell like I went from knowing lots of people and a seemingly easy time making friends at BCTC to being the new guy that no one knows at Asbury. I like the classes and everything, but I don't seem to be able to connect with the people as well as I'd like to be. Also, I have this fear: I'm afraid that, regardless of my marital status, females will think I'm hitting on them if I'm friendly. Granted, I'm equally as friendly to males and I'm not afraid of the same thing. I guess I don't want people to think that I'm the "dirty old man" or anything like that. I know I'm not, but it's a fear nonetheless.
I thought about my time at BCTC and realized that I made few friends in a "normal" class room setting. There is one exception to that rule, but the people that I'm still good friends with now are people that I met and worked with in an acting class or a production. Film class was entirely different since we all had to work on projects together there was very little "every man for himself" mentality. I miss those film classes.
I also thought that perhaps the reason for not getting to know people as quickly (other than being the new kid) was that I didn't live on campus and thus miss out on social activities. You see, at BCTC no one lived on campus so performanced based classes or extra curricular activities were the only way to socialize.
Perhaps this becomes an argument too for the positive side of smoking. Many people in our film classes smoked and seldom did anyone smoke alone. If somone wasn't bumming a cigarette to join in, than someone was standing outside with the smoker anyway. What do you do while you stand and smoke? You talk. You get to know each other and develop friendships. The friends that I made in film class, the people I got to know during countless smoke breaks, will always be friends and will always be at the top of my list of people to call when I'm doing a film project. Since we're not in class together, and life, as they say, goes on, we don't see each other often. Phone calls and occasional visits keep us in touch and will future Academy award winning projects. My point is not that smoking is healthy and we'll have more friends if we do it, but there is something to that environment where we stand and talk and get to know one another.
Perhaps as the acting class I am in progresses and the school's spring film (which I got cast for-woot woot!) begins production I will become better acquainted with those I share a campus with. Until then, I'll just be a little sad.
I thought about my time at BCTC and realized that I made few friends in a "normal" class room setting. There is one exception to that rule, but the people that I'm still good friends with now are people that I met and worked with in an acting class or a production. Film class was entirely different since we all had to work on projects together there was very little "every man for himself" mentality. I miss those film classes.
I also thought that perhaps the reason for not getting to know people as quickly (other than being the new kid) was that I didn't live on campus and thus miss out on social activities. You see, at BCTC no one lived on campus so performanced based classes or extra curricular activities were the only way to socialize.
Perhaps this becomes an argument too for the positive side of smoking. Many people in our film classes smoked and seldom did anyone smoke alone. If somone wasn't bumming a cigarette to join in, than someone was standing outside with the smoker anyway. What do you do while you stand and smoke? You talk. You get to know each other and develop friendships. The friends that I made in film class, the people I got to know during countless smoke breaks, will always be friends and will always be at the top of my list of people to call when I'm doing a film project. Since we're not in class together, and life, as they say, goes on, we don't see each other often. Phone calls and occasional visits keep us in touch and will future Academy award winning projects. My point is not that smoking is healthy and we'll have more friends if we do it, but there is something to that environment where we stand and talk and get to know one another.
Perhaps as the acting class I am in progresses and the school's spring film (which I got cast for-woot woot!) begins production I will become better acquainted with those I share a campus with. Until then, I'll just be a little sad.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunshine
"Sunshine"
Directed by Danny Boyle
Working at a Blockbuster we receive what we call "single title" movies. When something is a single title it is typically something that didn't do well in the theatres or the owner doesn't think it will rent well enough to justify more than three or four copies...or both. Usually there is a reason a film didn't do well in the theatres or that the owner thinks it won't rent well, but once in a while there is an exception to that rule. Sunshine is one of those exceptions. Star Wars not withstanding, I'm not the world's biggest sci-fi buff, but I found myself thourougly enthralled in the story and the "science" behind the film's premise. There are certainly some scenes that are remenecent of Ridley Scott's "Alien" and probably more references that I'm not sci-fi savy enough to catch. Long story short...Sunshine is a great film and worth seeing. There's some great acting, phenominal special effects, and a decent helping of action. Even if you're not a sci-fi fan you should check it out. It's good to expose yourself to genres that you don't typically watch. I promise you'll find at least one thing in Sunshine that keeps you watching.
Directed by Danny Boyle
Working at a Blockbuster we receive what we call "single title" movies. When something is a single title it is typically something that didn't do well in the theatres or the owner doesn't think it will rent well enough to justify more than three or four copies...or both. Usually there is a reason a film didn't do well in the theatres or that the owner thinks it won't rent well, but once in a while there is an exception to that rule. Sunshine is one of those exceptions. Star Wars not withstanding, I'm not the world's biggest sci-fi buff, but I found myself thourougly enthralled in the story and the "science" behind the film's premise. There are certainly some scenes that are remenecent of Ridley Scott's "Alien" and probably more references that I'm not sci-fi savy enough to catch. Long story short...Sunshine is a great film and worth seeing. There's some great acting, phenominal special effects, and a decent helping of action. Even if you're not a sci-fi fan you should check it out. It's good to expose yourself to genres that you don't typically watch. I promise you'll find at least one thing in Sunshine that keeps you watching.
Rambo
"Rambo"
Directed by Sylvester Stallone
I know this sounds a little strange, but the Rambo movies hold a bit of nostalgia for me. My mom took me to theatres to see the last two Rambo movies when I was younger. Yes, you read that right...my mom took me. I have special movie memories that I share with my father too. It just so happens that Rambo is the one I share with my mother. There's something about John Rambo that we just really dig on. He's not a perfect man, but he stands for so many things that are good and just. Whether it's the unjust, ignorant police in a small town, the Russians, or warlords from Burma, you can't help but cheer on the guy who wants to make a difference and is willing to sacrifice his life for someone else.
So, with that said, what did I think about the fourth installment in the Rambo saga? I absolutely loved it! Granted, it made the last three movies look something like a cross between tele-tubbies and Mr. Rogers' in comparison. Strong, gritty, gory violence and some other disturbing imagery as well as a heavy dose of "f"-bombs earn this film its "R" rating. It doesn't fluctuate on the "PG-13"/"R" border either. It steps purposely and purposefully over the line with a decided determination and lands itself fully and without doubt deep in "R" territory. Be that as it may, the violence and the profanity are not without purpose. I am not a big fan of violence for violence sake or profanity for profanity's sake. But when these elements are used to advance the plot and character development they work well. Stallone (as co-writer and director) has used these brutal images and strong language to portray character and convey a reality that most of us in the USA will never experience first hand. Maybe, just maybe there is a little bit of an underlying political comment on our situation in the USA...entertain me for a moment, if you will. Peace and diplomacy are good things, no doubt. Unfortunately, it seems that sometimes war is needed to maintain peace because, whether we like it or not, there are evil people out there and all the diplomacy in the world won't amount to a hill of beans. That's not to say that I agree whole heartedly with what we, as a country, are doing currently in the Middle East, but that's another topic for another time. The point is that evil is not subdued with mere speech.
Anyway, Stallone has done a great job with yet another interpretation of one of his older characters (see Rocky Balboa) and I even found myself having to restrain myself from clapping and shouting out loud when he finally showed up and cracked open that "Rambo-can-of-whoop-ass". Wonderfully entertaining and gripping. I sat on the edge of my seat throughout and found myself at the point of tears at the conclusion. What a beautiful way to wrap it all up. Of course, I'm not going to tell you...you'll have to go see it for yourself.
Directed by Sylvester Stallone
I know this sounds a little strange, but the Rambo movies hold a bit of nostalgia for me. My mom took me to theatres to see the last two Rambo movies when I was younger. Yes, you read that right...my mom took me. I have special movie memories that I share with my father too. It just so happens that Rambo is the one I share with my mother. There's something about John Rambo that we just really dig on. He's not a perfect man, but he stands for so many things that are good and just. Whether it's the unjust, ignorant police in a small town, the Russians, or warlords from Burma, you can't help but cheer on the guy who wants to make a difference and is willing to sacrifice his life for someone else.
So, with that said, what did I think about the fourth installment in the Rambo saga? I absolutely loved it! Granted, it made the last three movies look something like a cross between tele-tubbies and Mr. Rogers' in comparison. Strong, gritty, gory violence and some other disturbing imagery as well as a heavy dose of "f"-bombs earn this film its "R" rating. It doesn't fluctuate on the "PG-13"/"R" border either. It steps purposely and purposefully over the line with a decided determination and lands itself fully and without doubt deep in "R" territory. Be that as it may, the violence and the profanity are not without purpose. I am not a big fan of violence for violence sake or profanity for profanity's sake. But when these elements are used to advance the plot and character development they work well. Stallone (as co-writer and director) has used these brutal images and strong language to portray character and convey a reality that most of us in the USA will never experience first hand. Maybe, just maybe there is a little bit of an underlying political comment on our situation in the USA...entertain me for a moment, if you will. Peace and diplomacy are good things, no doubt. Unfortunately, it seems that sometimes war is needed to maintain peace because, whether we like it or not, there are evil people out there and all the diplomacy in the world won't amount to a hill of beans. That's not to say that I agree whole heartedly with what we, as a country, are doing currently in the Middle East, but that's another topic for another time. The point is that evil is not subdued with mere speech.
Anyway, Stallone has done a great job with yet another interpretation of one of his older characters (see Rocky Balboa) and I even found myself having to restrain myself from clapping and shouting out loud when he finally showed up and cracked open that "Rambo-can-of-whoop-ass". Wonderfully entertaining and gripping. I sat on the edge of my seat throughout and found myself at the point of tears at the conclusion. What a beautiful way to wrap it all up. Of course, I'm not going to tell you...you'll have to go see it for yourself.
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Invasion
"The Invasion"
Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel
What would the cost be for true world peace? What would it take to end all wars and atrocities? Would it mean the end of the individual? The end of human expression and uniqueness? "The Invasion" looks into these issues.
Remakes are a touchy thing these days, but Hirschbiegel keeps it relevant. To have used the red scare motif or the cult motif wouldn't have been nearly as relevant to today's society. Good Job there.
There were some moments that seemed a bit contrived, though. Let me give you one example: How do you get the higher ups in government to be exposed to the virus? Simple...you have a child cross unhindered through a NASA/FBI quarantined area to hand a piece of exposed space shuttle debris to a high ranking official. The believability here was tough for me. There's no way some kid is crossing into a highly secured area to hand something contaminated to anyone with the explanation of, "we found this on our roof." And, the guy had just come out of a tent where he was in full bio-hazard gear to look at the debris. Why would he touch this piece of debris that he knows is contaminated? I don't know.
Aside from little things of that nature, it was an entertaining experience with some killer visual effects and great acting (mostly...there may have been one or two exceptions to this rule), particularly Kidman and Craig. Just for the record, I've never really paid too much attention to what a gorgeous woman Kidman is, but I certainly noticed in this film. No, no, no there was no nudity! Get your mind out of the gutter! I'm just simply saying that the director knew how to flatter his leading lady.
At any rate, "The Invasion" is not one I'll run out and add to my collection, but it is certainly worth a viewing.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
For the Few
This doesn't apply to everyone who will read this, but I just had to get it off my chest. You want to know what one of my pet peeves is? Good, because I'm going to tell you! I try to take the time to read all of my friends' blogs and I always leave comments unless I feel I have nothing useful to say. I'll even read and leave comments if the blog had nothing useful to say. Granted, there's times when I have nothing to say...those times are few and far between, but they do happen on occasion. Anyway, I say all that to set up my pet peeve: When people post blogs and beg the readers to leave comments-so I do-but I never have any comments left on my blogs by those people. Here's the deal: Practice what you preach, do unto others, etc and whatever you want to label it with, do it. Don't expect others to take the time to read your blogs (whether they are interesting or meaningless is irrelevant, it still takes time out of people's busy schedules) and leave comments when you yourself are not willing to reciprocate. Be a reciprocater (if that's even a word...but you know what I mean- one who reciprocates), for heaven's sake!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
My Wife
Contrary to what some of you out there may think, I was not forced into doing this blog by anyone:-) I just wanted to put some things out there in an attempt to find ways to show my wife how much I love her and appreciate her. I tell her these things of course, but it's nice to tell through the things we do. So, for those of you that don't already know...
I have the greatest wife in the world. Not only has she stayed with me for 12 years, not an easy accomplishment since I'm far from perfect, but she is so supportive and encouraging. I have huge plans, dreams, and goals. Not once has she ever tried to sway me away from those passions. Not once has she ever told me that I'm foolish and unable to succeed. Not once has she given me the breakdown on the odds of making it in the film business. She believes in me. That in itself is a very empowering thing. Because she believes in me, I believe in me. It'll be an interesting and long journey and I don't want to make it alone. I want her right there with me every step of the way. When we finally arrive at our destination, I want us to enjoy the feeling of accomplishment together. I don't want our relationship to be like the axiom, "behind every successful man is a good woman." I'd rather have her standing right next to me, holding my hand, and an intricate part of what I'm doing.
Even these words, seem to fall painfully short of how thankful I am to have a woman that puts up with me and loves me the way she does. I can't imagine my life without her and I certainly wouldn't be the man I am today without her support and encouragement.
Thanks Lori. You're the best and I love you!
I have the greatest wife in the world. Not only has she stayed with me for 12 years, not an easy accomplishment since I'm far from perfect, but she is so supportive and encouraging. I have huge plans, dreams, and goals. Not once has she ever tried to sway me away from those passions. Not once has she ever told me that I'm foolish and unable to succeed. Not once has she given me the breakdown on the odds of making it in the film business. She believes in me. That in itself is a very empowering thing. Because she believes in me, I believe in me. It'll be an interesting and long journey and I don't want to make it alone. I want her right there with me every step of the way. When we finally arrive at our destination, I want us to enjoy the feeling of accomplishment together. I don't want our relationship to be like the axiom, "behind every successful man is a good woman." I'd rather have her standing right next to me, holding my hand, and an intricate part of what I'm doing.
Even these words, seem to fall painfully short of how thankful I am to have a woman that puts up with me and loves me the way she does. I can't imagine my life without her and I certainly wouldn't be the man I am today without her support and encouragement.
Thanks Lori. You're the best and I love you!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Death of Heath Ledger
While I was never a huge Heath Ledger fan (my wife thought he was cute) I was particularly excited about what I saw of him as the Joker in the Dark Knight trailers. It's easy to make jokes like "we're glad he finished the Dark Knight before he died" and things like that, but I really have felt quite sad about the whole thing. It's tragic, to be sure. I feel like I felt when River Phoenix died so many years ago. I didn't know him or Ledger, but there is something about the life of someone so young and talented being wasted in such a way. Why are some people able to cope with the pressures of celebrity better than others? Why are some more drawn to the drugs and the darker side of things? Maybe I'm just naive, but if I was that successful and had that kind of money I can think of better things to spend it on than drugs. I'm not judging...I'm just saying. Who knows? Maybe he didn't have to pay for the drugs due to his celeb status. No matter how you slice it and whether you like Heath or not is irrelevant. It is sad and tragic when someone so young has their life snuffed out, be it by their own hand and vices or from an outside force. Life is so fragile and tender and we are not promised tomorrow. Will Hollywood go on without Heath? Of course it will, much like it has gone on without River Phoenix. While voids like this are easily filled in Hollywood it doesn't change the fact that human life was needlessly lost. A life that had value (not because of the celebrity status) and could make a difference. A life that was created with a purpose...gone forever. It's just plain sad.
A few days later we all learned that drugs of any kind do not appear to be involved in the untimely death of a great actor. This is good news and it seems that Heath had changed a lot of things in his life since the birth of his daughter. A child will change your life. So, there seems to be different contributing factors to his death although, like I said, drugs do not appear to be among those. My comments about drugs and celebrity are still relevant regardless of their non-involvement in this case.
A few days later we all learned that drugs of any kind do not appear to be involved in the untimely death of a great actor. This is good news and it seems that Heath had changed a lot of things in his life since the birth of his daughter. A child will change your life. So, there seems to be different contributing factors to his death although, like I said, drugs do not appear to be among those. My comments about drugs and celebrity are still relevant regardless of their non-involvement in this case.
I'll try this out/stupid questions #1
So a friend of mine uses this sight and I thought I'd give it a try too. At any rate you'll have to pardon me if this sucks and what not since I'm new to it.
As my first thought let me tell you about a phone call I received at work the other day. The phone rings and, of course, I answer it. "Blockbuster. May I help you?" I spoke clearly and, shy of being stupid or deaf ,the other person should have understood me. "Is this Blockbuster?" He asked. Well, duh! You think? "Yes." The next question blew me away more than the first. Now, this isn't the first time I've had this question, but it struck me as particularly dumb on this day. "Are you open?" Now, why would I be here answering the phone if we weren't open? Once someone answers the phone at a place of business your question should change to "How late are you open?" Or something like that. Does one think that I honestly don't have anything better to do with my life and time than sit at work when we're closed and answer the phone? Come on, people! Let's think about what we're asking before we ask it.
As my first thought let me tell you about a phone call I received at work the other day. The phone rings and, of course, I answer it. "Blockbuster. May I help you?" I spoke clearly and, shy of being stupid or deaf ,the other person should have understood me. "Is this Blockbuster?" He asked. Well, duh! You think? "Yes." The next question blew me away more than the first. Now, this isn't the first time I've had this question, but it struck me as particularly dumb on this day. "Are you open?" Now, why would I be here answering the phone if we weren't open? Once someone answers the phone at a place of business your question should change to "How late are you open?" Or something like that. Does one think that I honestly don't have anything better to do with my life and time than sit at work when we're closed and answer the phone? Come on, people! Let's think about what we're asking before we ask it.
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