Thursday, December 4, 2008

Gone Baby Gone


I've been wanting to watch this film for a while now... I'm so impressed. This film was directed by Ben Affleck, with his younger brother Casey as the male lead. I read the back of the DVD box and had to see it. The story is in Boston, where the Afflecks grew up..**hint, hint. A story of a missing little girl is being shown through a neighborhood by the small town detectives working on the case. The story is extensive, confusing, but keeps you watching. The movie is meant to shake things up, and surely has in my life. On one subject that we hear about to often has hit a strong chord with me. During many points of the movie, I was shouting at the characters to do something, or how their behavior was effecting me in the story. I love those type of movies, leave an effect and while watching you get emotionally involved. I was ready to cry at a few vital parts of this film. The acting is amazing, also with direction. The cast and crew use many techniques to create the feel of this moving picture. I have seen a few of Ben's movies and films and in my opinion, Ben please keep directing! Great job!


I have a question for you. What movies do you remember??? This movie I will remember, because of all the great film qualities it had, and how they effected me and hopefully affect people who have watched it. The films you remember normally hit you like a train coming at you. It changed my perspective and makes me think. Brought a coming-of-age tale to the country through a popular media. Smart. If you choose to see it, or to read the novel "Gone Baby Gone" is based on it will effect you. Don't dismiss it, or ignore it. The central issue of this film is a serious, and very real one. This movie is worth watching.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Milk actors and director on Charlie Rose







Last night I was watching Charlie Rose, and it was terrific. It had the various actors and filmmakers being interviewed about the new film "Milk" being out. Charlie always acts really intelligent questions, and therefore makes the conversation an intelligent one. It's a nice surprise while flipping through at midnight. Sean Penn is one of the great actors of our time, I personally have only have seen one movie of his, I am Sam. Terrific. A must-see! Josh Brolin is also in this film, who has been doing great in his films this year. Milk is a story of the first openly gay official in San Fransico in '78. The acting is superb, I only saw a few scenes on Charlie's show, but I was into the movie the whole time. While James Franco (playing Milk's boyfriend) was flirting with Harvey you can't help but smile. Its so real, you believe them. This movie is supposed to be fantastic, and I'm so excited to see it. I hardly ever see movies in the theatre, but the movies that have great actors and terrific story is definitly worth seeing. I dont mind paying as much as it would to buy the DVD in several months. I saw "The Dark Knight" and that lived up to the hype. Milk is about a man who stood up for gay rights, and human rights to free will. All-star cast in this film, which is always worth watching. It's a coming of age tale from '78. Wierd how things like that happen. The issues they had then are coming back in a new generation. I honestly think this movie is coming out at great time. (No pun intended) Our world is ready for change, no doubt about it. This movie is in limited areas, wish it was everywhere then maybe more people will see it. Who knows?? You never know. I haven't seen it, but I can't wait. I love these type of movies, ones that start stirring up the business. Well, I hope you may see it. If you have no desire to see it, I hope you may find somewhere in you to see it. Open your mind to new ideas. Liberating...

Friday, November 7, 2008

The Future is Unwritten...


I just watched this amazing documentary of Joe Strummer. The movie was so terrific, even to somebody who does not even love the band liked the movie. I love his idealism, protesting rebellious songs. It shows the true spirit of Joe throughout his career. As you have probably read, I have read Joe Strummer and the Legend of The Clash by Kris Needs. It's like having the book being seen in front of you. Amazing. After watching for the second time in a week, I decided that when I eventually have the time, I will write a letter to Mick thanking him and also the band for their great inspiration they have bestowed upon me. I am forever grateful. In this film, Julien talks to Joe and The Clash's inspirations, friends, media, fans and reveals to us more dimensions of Joe. One gets a feeling of being there to know the guys of this wonderful, revolutionary band. "The Future is Unwritten" also explores the time that the music was performed, from CBCG's to Shea Stadium. The times were crazy, and diversified. As it shows in the music. Ever think abou it? Almost every music you listen reflects with the culture and the times that were happening. You don't even have to be from the decade or era or movement to understand that. The film also captures the spirit of the Westway, with The Clash's belief of what being a "Punk" was all about, and also what the ethos of British Punk is. The conversations, the laughs, the music being played, the memories being recalled around the campfire is a moving and emotional experience. We will miss you Joe!!! Amazing film capturing that unique spirit that will live forever...

Saturday, October 18, 2008

27 Dresses

Wow, I know everyone has heard the phrase "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride." That pertains to anyone of just about any age, think about it. Well the story is wonderfully done as Katherine Higel uses her comedic edge to make this movie a great success. It is a "chick flick", but guys can also enjoy it. It reminds us that maybe our dreams may be opposite of what we thought about all those years. Amazing, this movie may change your opinion about something that is so normal in our everyday lives. A whole new perspective that you never could have thought about yourself. That's one reason I love movies...one idea can change the way you think entirely. See something, watch something that one simple word and definition is changed forever. I love that.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Culture = Art.

As I was reading in an information about an Art College, the art history section seemed interesting and very true to what I think. The articles we find today were relics and art of ancient societies and peoples and the way they thought, lived their lives, and how the cities are run. Cultures are an interesting subject, and they therefore invoke travel. I want to see the world, not just a part of the world for a week looking at all the touristy sites. I would like to get to know the people, rich or not. Their opinions, likes/dislikes, what is endorsed by their society, and the way they pass time. Think outside of the box. My basic philosophy on a lot of things. Don't be afraid to be the only one standing, who knows maybe someone might realize a different perspective or idea is the way to go instead. Some places I want to travel are just for the experience. Why not go? Of course, there is some places that attract me more, but I'm not going to not go somewhere because someone says a place is dirty- it's part of its charm. The places I want to go may be the entirely different area of the city. I desperately want to see the world, get out of the small town, get my ideas out there. I hope that everyone does! Don't keep it quiet, after all we do have the freedom of speech, and now is the time to say your opinion. In the 60's and 70's seemed like a time where people actually protested whatever they didn't believe in. I support that. Peace has become a trend; to me, its a way of life. haha, It sounded like a slogan. Peace is a symbol representing no wars, loving and respecting everyone, no matter who they are. You'd be surprised if everyone understood (notice not agree) with the idea maybe our world would become a greater place. Without less hatred and murders? Now come on, who in this world would think that is a bad thing? History is repeating itself, and our culture should see that. Times have changed, and ideas are becoming more clear. Pacifism is a strong movement and political philsophy should be brought up again to see who does not support hurting innocent people for merely something that doesn't involve them. We should not just wear the symbol, know what it stands for. Some people wear the symbol and mean it, I hope you do.

Friday, September 12, 2008

CDs or music downloads?

I been a little mad lately when the subject of online downloading has come up. Personally, I don't believe in it. I like to give respect to the artist by actually owning the CD, actually have the graphics and footnotes in the cover. It doesn't matter what the price is-- I love my music. If I have to pay extra so what? It means a lot to me. If that means having less Cd's oh well. The music industry isn't doing as well because of this new way of doing things. I saw an interview with one of the Rolling Stones musicians who doesn't like when his children download music, buy the CD, give the artist credit. Not the company that you are buying it from. I get excited when I get a new CD and listen to it for about a month straight. I would think if you are passionate about music, you'd be excited...or is that just me? Vocalize your love of it. After all it is a way you express yourself. Own up to your passion. I take pride in my collection, and know information to back it up. I read about my favorite musicians, they are some of the coolest people in my mind. Bob Dylan for example, I have read his autobiography and loved it. He is truly himself and has an opinion about everything. I respect him so much more-he didn't want to be a star; he just wanted to put his music out there. He didn't consider himself a "voice of a generation". He just merely wrote what he wrote. Take it or leave it. I just recently finished Joe Strummer and the legend of The Clash, it was amazing, hearing the stories from someone who knew them all so well. Hear background stories, what critics thought. Kris Needs gives a great perspective from his excitement being at one of the first Clash gigs, to the pain of hearing of Joe's death. He also has a music journalism background and describes the songs with awesome references. He knows Joe, Mick, Topper, and Paul. It's not some outsider looking in, its a insider giving an insider point of view. Great book for any Clash fan. I like that I can go to my CD rack, grab a CD and show it off to people. Literally, have the graphics on the CD, not the plain CDs and enjoy listenin to it whenever I feel the need or impulse. I love talking about music, my opinion about artists, songs. The music I listen to isn't normally played on the radio much, either because the artist doesn't want their music super-exposed or its not exactly mainstream. I don't care, I can always give someone a recommendation about a new band to check out. It's up to them if they do. I don't have the top 40 on my mp3 player that's for sure. Music is art, well it should be. There are definitely artists in the business. In it to express themselves, not for the money. Some music needs to be loud, some quiet, some needs an open window.... whatever you listen to, take pride and be excited about your music.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Coffee & Cigarettes

This movie I heard of because I'm a huge Tom Waits fan, as you already know. The movie is subtly hilarious, and the movie is a watch and listen type of movie. I've probably seen the movie 3 times in a few days. It's like nothing I've ever seen before, Jim Jarmusch does a terrific job with a super cool cast. I'm excited to see the other movies I've heard of. Awesome, completely different perspective and makes you really want coffee. Just a warning. I highly suggest 'Coffee and Cigarettes'. Terrific movie.