Monday, December 28, 2009

Fast and furious movie reviews

Hey, so I've hit up a few of the holiday movies, and here's my reviews so far:

Up in the Air: Very timely, well done movie. Don't know if I'd call it the best movie of the year, but each actor delivered an outstanding performance. Less of a comedy, more of a well timed social commentary. Good for someone wanting to see a great movie, not for someone seeking 2 hours of an escape from real life. I give it an A.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Took my 8 year old brother, he enjoyed it very much. It had trouble keeping my attention, but there were some entertaining moments. I did not feel as though it was a waste of money, though I wouldn't go see it more then once. As always, the chipmunks were adorable, and lessons were learned. Nice for the young crowd. If you liked the first one, you may like this one. If you didn't well...you won't like this one any better. I give it a C +

Avatar: I have very few things to say about this movie. Poor script, even worse plot. Very predictable, very much regurgitated. However, the movie itself is so beautiful, that you almost forgive everything wrong with the plot. Worth seeing just for the experience, and the world of the movie. B-

Sherlock Holmes: I. Loved. This. Movie. It kept my attention the whole time, it was very engaging. However, your brain must be active, or you might get lost. Outstanding performances from all involved, Robert Downey JR is at the top of his game. I can't wait to see what he does with the rest of his career. RDJ and Jude Law have a fantastic chemistry, so much so that it's worth paying the ticket price just to watch them interact. The only flaw of the movie is Robert Downey JR's chemistry with Rachel McAdams. Both individually gave very strong performances, however, I don't feel as though they ever clicked the way they should have when together on screen. I give this an A.

I'll update if I see any more. Which I may.

PEACE OUT! LOVE! Later ya'll!!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

I would just like to say

I bought myself a pretty scarf today, and I was feeling a little bit guilty about spending money on myself when I had been spending SO MUCH to buy other people gifts...

However I passed Archaeology, and therefor...I think I owe it to myself. I never thought I would have passed it, my god, it had to be close.

Truth be told, I probably owe it to my professor, who most likely curved my grade more then it rightfully should have been, but I mean...the class was out of 50 points! What the hell!! That is not nearly enough. Like, throw us a bone dude.

Well...I mean, I guess he did given the fact that he curved the grades like crazy.

Bah, whatever. I passed it. Hell. Yes.

Lets celebrate. And hope to god the next semester is better!

In other news, I seem to be suffering from an INTENSE love of Karl Urban. He's SO HOT. And SUCH A FRIGGEN GOOD ACTOR!!! Like, respect sir. He's apparently a total nerd as well, which only wins him double the points, cus I mean...to be that hot and a super nerd? You're like a rare, perfect human being.

Seriously.

I just sat through a movie called The Truth about Demons, and it was TOTALLY insane, but because of Karl, I was totally invested. Props dude. Props. Like, that's not something you normally get with an "Action" actor, but like...I think he may come from Theatre...either way, he was totally invested in his character the whole time. Because of his commitment to the script, I stayed interested. He's really everything a good actor should be.

...That's really all I've got for the day. If I don't post later...MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Peace out!! LOVE!! MUAH!

Friday, December 18, 2009

So...

SO

I finished a play! It feels ridiculously rushed though. And it ended in an entirely different way then I had originally wanted to. I mean...the main character decided to stay with Lucifer, which I think is a pretty ballsy thing to do, but...she wasn't done living.

Not that you can't live in heaven. I just feel like you'd have no real purpose, you'd just be chilling. At least with Lucifer she felt like she had a purpose.

He's lonely, what can I say.

And a shit ton more human then God could ever be. If that makes any sense.

Anyway, it's not my favorite thing in the world, and I suppose I'll keep working on it, but...I really want to move on to something new. I've been holding on to Step Into the Dark for a WHOLE semester. I want to keep going, but I need a refresher. I need something new to work on. I bit of a LOT more then I could actually chew with this play, and now that it's done, I don't really know how I feel.

Round 2 comes next semester. Hopefully I can do better. We'll see. I'm really excited for my playwriting class, especially since it's actually like...a CLASS. I'm excited for next semester in general, actually. All theatre classes. Hopefully it'll go better next semester.

In other news, I know I've lined up at least one acting gig for next semester, which is awesome, because it's NOT through the Department so...fuck yeah. Any time I don't have to work with the Department, I'm happy. I'm working on someone's final project, which is hard core. No IDEA what it is yet, since they haven't sent me a script, but...whatever. At least I'll be working. I'm glad people remember me/think of me. That'll be handy in the future.

I also played a part in a web series last week. Very fun. Also very painful. I don't think I'll ever be a stunt women, if I do decide to ever do that...I need to work out a LOT more. Like a LOT more. I've never been in more pain in my life, and it was just from working on falling...

Seriously painful shit, that's all I'm saying.

TIL NEXT TIME! LOVE!!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Mmm...manifesto-y goodness...

When I say goodness, it kind of makes it sound like I know what I'm doing when it comes to writing a manifesto.

I don't.

I'd just like to clear that up right now. I have no idea how to write a manifesto. Or what my world view is. Well...I dunno, I guess I do kind of know what my world view is...I didn't even really start thinking about it until my Directing teacher was like "Lets write manifesto's!!" and I was like "Oooh, big word! Lets do it!"

Okay, that's not actually what I said, but I do rather like the word Manifesto. Its got an epic sort of feel.

SO...anyway...what's my manifesto? I don't know yet? What's my world view? I think that may be sort of complicated. We'll boil this down to...um...why I do theatre?

I do theatre (And this is a conversation that I've had many times with professors) because I have a deep urge to connect with people. When you start out in a theatre major (Or any sort of major involving art I assume) one of the first questions you're asked, is "What defines art". Everyone has a different definition for art. That's why its art, because its something different for everyone. That's why it's so beautiful. The question shouldn't be "What is art?" the question should be "What is art to you?" because in the end, YOU are the only one who's view matters. Maybe not in the grand universal sense, but still.

My definition of art, is anything that the human soul connects to. If it disgusts you, makes you swoon, makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you want to get out and do something, or makes you want to sit down and think, then its art. I don't think it needs a grand definition, or needs to come in the form of some sort of epic unrecognizable thing in an exhibit somewhere. As long as someone, somewhere makes and honest and emotional connection with it, then it's art. Art should make you think, it should make you breath, it should make you hold your breath, it should make you feel. Doesn't matter what the feeling is, as long as there is one.

What is my world view? I think the world exists for us. We could debate for hours over what the point of life is, but I think it's pretty simple. The point of life is to be human. To be around other humans. To move someone, to be with someone, to love, to hate, to feel. Art is an extension of human existance. We exist so that we can connect with other people. This world would be vastly different without us (I mean, duh). I'm fascinated with the connections that we make every day. You can never really know the effect you have on other peoples lives, and I think that's something we need to take stock of more often. We can heal with a smile, and kill with a few words. I don't think that many people understand that. Human connections are very intense, and we need them in order to live our lives. Without each other, life would be awful. I don't want to live in a world without other people. I just don't. As a person, I need very much for people to like me. It's a problem some times, this I admit to openly. I'm always worried about what other people are thinking. I just want to be accepted, that's all. But its because human contact gives me comfort. I feel great empathy towards other people as well, which is something that I feel the world could use a lot more of. I don't think we feel for each other very often any more. We ask each other "How are you?" on an almost daily basis, but do we ever really want to know? Start honestly asking, and start honestly listening. I think it'd open up a lot of doors and windows. ^_^

I want to see plays about how humans connect, and the effect we have on each others lives. I know that's pretty much what all theatre is about, but still...I think that's what matters most. The people.

This was really rambling, I know, but I hope you were able to pick SOMETHING out of it. Maybe. I mean...it's complicated stuff...

I'll post again tomorrow. ^_^ In the mean time, I'm going to keep working on this manifesto for my directing class.

PEACE OUT! MUCH LOVE! MUAH!

Because I haven't updated in almost a year.

Short post, cus I want to take a nap, but I promise I'll come back later and post. I've just been so busy!! And there have been SO many ups and downs in my life lately!! Both theatre related and life related!!

AND THE PLAY I'M WRITING NEEDS TO BE DONE IN LESS THEN A WEEK!!!

AAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Satan is hard to write, very confusing creature he is. But then...that's why he's interesting isn't it? ^_^

I'll be back later to discuss my play, my manifest that I have to write for class, and life in general. I promise.

PEACE OUT!!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

General ramblings...

Do you ever get the feeling that you're drowning? Or that...you're standing in this pool and the water is slowly rising, and as it gets higher and higher, it gets harder and harder to breath. All you want to do is grab something, and pull yourself up but there's nothing in your reach. You scratch and claw at the walls that surround you, but no matter what you do you just slide back off.

I always tell people I'm okay. And I am okay, I promise I am.

Except I'm not. Its nothing as severe as depression, or anything like that. I really am fine, I just...I don't know what I'm doing anymore. I know where I am, and I'm happy where I am, I just...sometimes I feel like I can't do anything right. That I'm holding all these threads in my hands, and they keep getting yanked out, and as hard as I try to hold on, I can't so I just let them go. I want someone to grab me by the arms and help pull me out of the water, but I'm not anyone elses responsibility. I won't let myself be. My personal shit is nothing compared to what other people are going through, why take up space with my problems.

I desperately want reassurance, but I don't want people to have to feel like they need to help me, how fucked up is that? I don't understand my thought process 90% of the time.

I just don't want to be a disappointment, and no matter what I do, I feel like I am. Like I'm not living up to my potential. Or something...

In the end everything will be okay, I just need to drag myself back into the light. Thats all. But right now, I just want to throw things. Stomp around, get all my damn anger out, and stop being such a damn failure.

I know this is really random, but as much as I dislike my ex, and all the things that go with him....I miss having a boyfriend. Not because of the actual boyfriend bit...but because I miss the contact. Sometimes I just want someone to sit, and hold me, and let me know that they're there. Just...there. With you. No expectations, no nothing just...the warmth that comes from that. Knowing that someone else is supporting you. I desperately miss that, and some days I'm terrified I'll never get that ever again. It leaves one with a bit of an ache.

So...hug a friend today. Like give them a good hug. Just for me. And all will be right with the world.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

10 dudes to not fuck with...

I went to go see Taken today in theaters...Liam Neeson is a bad ass. I don't care how old he is, he's still hot and one BAMF dude. Thus, I'm giving you a list of my top 10 dude's not to fuck with. SO in no particular order I present you with this list:

1. Liam Neeson (Taken was awesome)
2. Kiefer Sutherland (24...need I really say more? Jack Bauer is hard core)
3. Hugh Jackman (Wolverine is friken awesome)
5. Daniel Craig (Mmm...James Bond)
6. Bruce Willis (Because he's Bruce Willis)
7. Harrison Ford (...because he's Harrison Ford)
8. Jason Statham (Do you really need to ask?)
9. Clive Owen (Cus he's also a BAMF dude)
10. Sean Bean (because lets face it, he's Sean Bean)

Thursday, January 29, 2009

You know whats really upsetting?

When I watch TV shows and realize that I have more training in acting then a good majority of the famous people, and can most likely deliver lines better...but I'm stuck in Muncie, IN getting abused by my acting teachers whilst others preform badly for loads of money.

Also...some of the "supporting" actors on TV shows nowadays are slipping. There's talent out there casting folks. I'm sure its there somewhere. Do find it....

Friday, January 16, 2009

Dear Mr. Hollywood Producer

Dear Mr. (Or Mrs.) Hollywood Producer,

I write this in concern for the state of today’s movies. I say this acknowledging that there are a good number of films out there that I really do enjoy, but there are a few things that I take issue with, and I suddenly feel the need to point one out.

I went to go see My Bloody Valentine 3D today. Granted my main pull was the cast, I will go see anything Jensen Ackles is in, I think he’s fantastic. However, I consider myself a fan of the horror Genre. Slasher pics are not my normal fare, but I do enjoy a good scare, especially if the movie is well done. My problem with My Bloody Valentine did not lye with the blood, guts, and general gore, nor did it lye with the sex. Sex and blood in horror movies are about as common found as a bible in church. As a matter of fact, so is nudity.

However, the nudity in My Bloody Valentine is intensely gratuitous. 5 minutes of a girl running around naked is not something I want to see. Its not because I find it awkward or disgusting, for gods sake I’m a female theatre major, I’m not bothered much by nudity. The reason I found this particular scene so bothersome as I did is because I practically felt my value as a women go rushing down the drain as I watched a girl be turned into nothing more but a screaming pair of breasts and legs. It was like instant objectification. There was no reason for that scene to last 5 minutes. Not a single reason. It was obviously just to pander to the fantasies of the male population. I realize you wanted to draw in a certain crowd with that, but look at how well Saw did without 5 minutes of nudity, I highly doubt that you would lose much from having cut that scene down immensely.

While I realize that you want to draw in the male viewer, please be aware that your whole audience is not male. Some of us females do like the horror genre, we’re not all the wailing ingĂ©nue, innocent type who cringe at the blood and guts. I’m not asking that nudity be taken out as a whole, I realize this is too much to ask for, however if you must put in a 5 minute female nude scene, I feel as though you need to get the balls to add a male nude scene as well. At least then there’d be a tad bit of equality. It bothers me that no one is ever up in arms when a female is nude, but the second there is a full frontal male nude scene, it seems like half the world freaks out and demands a stop. If a women is nothing more then a pair of breasts, then I demand that men be nothing more then a penis. Or an ass, take your pick, all I’m asking for is a little bit of equality. That’s it.

In all seriousness, as an artist, I simply do not understand the need for a 5 minute nude scene. Its not aesthetically pleasing, it doesn’t add to the plot, and in no way does it save a movie if people don’t like it. I can understand nudity if it adds to the plot (Which…it rarely does), or if it somehow furthers the concept of the movie. I understand it’s a popcorn flick, that doesn’t have a considerable amount of thought behind it. But I still consider it to be an art form. At least I did, up until I watched that girl run around naked for 5 minutes, then it swayed a bit from the definition of art. It was by no means aesthetically pleasing to me, nor did it really cause me to think. Well…it caused me to think, but not immensely deep thoughts such as “What is the meaning of life?” more like “What the hell? Is that REALLY needed?” and I highly doubt this rant is the reaction I was intended to have either. What I’m trying to get at is, in respect for the art form that is movie making, please THINK just a bit about what you’re putting in your movies, even if they’re popcorn movies intended simply to let the viewer escape reality for a bit. Popcorn movies still need to be enjoyed, and I did not enjoy that by any means.

That’s all I’m really asking for. A bit of respect for women. That’s not too hard is it?