Tomorrow is the first day of the Horror Challenge. I know folks like Terissa Kelton and others are gonna be helping me out! Take the challenge as we countdown to the best holiday of the year!
Oct 1: The Exorcist
Oct 2: Straw Dogs
Oct 3: Halloween (remake)
Oct 4: Blood Creek
Oct 5: Santa's Slay
Oct 6: The House On Haunted Hill (Orig)
Oct 7: Monkey Shines
Oct 8: Wolfen
Oct 9: Piranha (Orig)
Oct 10: Borderland
Oct 11: The Burning
Oct 12: The Last House On The Left (Orig)
Oct 13: Backwoods
Oct 14: Trick R Treat
Oct 15: Mega Shark V Crocosaurus
Oct 16: The People Under The Stairs
Oct 17: R Point (Korea)
Oct 18: Love Object
Oct 19: Rest Stop
Oct 20: Blessed
Oct 21: The Exorcist III
Oct 22: Scarlet Waters
Oct 23: Poltergeist
Oct 24; The Fog
Oct 25: Simon Says
Oct 26: The Girl Next Door
Oct 27: Grizzly Attack
Oct 28: Dracula 2000
Oct 29: The Wolf Man
Oct 30: The Prophecy
Oct 31: Halloween I & II (Orig)
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL MURRAY
Today is the birthday of one of the all time greats! Nothing is better than Billy Murray. The dry deadpan, the wit. From SNL to Zombieland, the guy has been money.
Here's a countdown of my 5 favorite Bill Murray flix with some great quotes!
5) THE LIFE AQUATIC - "Never say, I'm gonna fight you, Steve. Just smile and act natural, then sucker punch them."
4) CADDYSHACK - "If I kill all the golfers, they'll lock me up and throw away the key."
3) GROUNDHOG DAY- "Are you fond of the guys with the prominent upper lip."
2) GHOSTBUSTERS - "Let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do things down town."
1) STRIPES - "There's nothing I love more than meeting a person, such as your self, getting to know them, and then taking some action photos of them while I drive"
HONORABLE MENTION: Zombie Land, Scrooged
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Here's a countdown of my 5 favorite Bill Murray flix with some great quotes!
5) THE LIFE AQUATIC - "Never say, I'm gonna fight you, Steve. Just smile and act natural, then sucker punch them."
4) CADDYSHACK - "If I kill all the golfers, they'll lock me up and throw away the key."
3) GROUNDHOG DAY- "Are you fond of the guys with the prominent upper lip."
2) GHOSTBUSTERS - "Let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do things down town."
1) STRIPES - "There's nothing I love more than meeting a person, such as your self, getting to know them, and then taking some action photos of them while I drive"
HONORABLE MENTION: Zombie Land, Scrooged
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Monday, September 19, 2011
THE BOOB TUBE BLUES
TV is a very weird deal. It's sort of looked at as the "little brother" to cinema, and in many ways, rightfully so. Most series are easy to dismiss. They are either cookie cutter copies of what came before or schlock designed to appeal to the lowest common denominator in an effort to get ratings to sell ads.
I'm not a huge fan of TV. I find it hard to get truly involved. Unless the writing is great, the acting stellar and the chemistry palpable, I'd rather not bother. And if you have a laugh track, I'm a hard sell. What bums me out about most TV is the audience. I tend to like shows the public doesn't dig or care about. So, I get invested in shows that lose ratings and are gone before their time (Arrested Development, FireFly).
So, when I do get hooked, and the show comes to an end, I'm often in a state of lament, feeling like something is truly missing. I had three shows I liked - loved, end this year. I liked each for different reasons:
ENTOURAGE
I admit, that the show started to wear thing. Folks complained about the plot lines, ect. Um, am I the only one who didn't tune in for heavy handed writing? I loved the guys. Wish I had my own entourage and who wouldn't want to live vicariously through 4 dudes who had each other's back and be damn everyone else. Yes, the finale episode very much wrapped things up in a little bow, but I ask folks this: We all live in the real world. Who doesn't want a little nice and neatness to their endings. (Same reason I don't read Marvel!) Count me in for the movie.
RESCUE ME
This show hooked me from day 1, though I did find it wearing thin with the almost comical turn it took dealing with Tommy's self destructive lifestyle. But, for the most part, it got so much right. From the way it depicted the lifestyle of guys who trust each other with their lives to the way the women in their lives often didn't understand it, it was truly compelling. The finale was heart wrenching. Lou was my favorite character on the show and again, it showed how complicated the relationship can be between two men in "macho" jobs that truly love each other. The finale was a fitting end to the show. Also, another plus...a kick ass title song.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
I save the best (of this list) for last. When the show came out, I was skeptical. As a Texan, as a fan of the original movie and a (not very good) former Texas High School football player, the last thing I wanted was something mocking my state for the benefit of the "other 49." What we got, instead, was a beautifully written and acted drama with a REALISTIC look at small town family life. And why, for better and for ill, football is so important. Outside of season 2, there wasn't a story line I didn't like. And the characters were as fleshed out as they can be on an hour long drama. So much so that friends of mine from out of state who know nothing of football gravitated to the show. The Taylors...who wouldn't want that marriage? Sadly, this show went the way of many of the better television shows: not accessible to an easy audience and thus, always on the chopping block. Thankfully, DirecTV helped keep it going. As for the finale. It was as good an episode as there was of the entire season. It wasn't necessarily happy endings all around. But you knew that the characters had a chance to be happy, if they worked hard and were themselves. I hear that there is a movie coming as well. I'm hear, waiting, with clear eyes and a full heart...
Kyle Chandler's Emmy Win
I'm not a huge fan of TV. I find it hard to get truly involved. Unless the writing is great, the acting stellar and the chemistry palpable, I'd rather not bother. And if you have a laugh track, I'm a hard sell. What bums me out about most TV is the audience. I tend to like shows the public doesn't dig or care about. So, I get invested in shows that lose ratings and are gone before their time (Arrested Development, FireFly).
So, when I do get hooked, and the show comes to an end, I'm often in a state of lament, feeling like something is truly missing. I had three shows I liked - loved, end this year. I liked each for different reasons:
ENTOURAGE
I admit, that the show started to wear thing. Folks complained about the plot lines, ect. Um, am I the only one who didn't tune in for heavy handed writing? I loved the guys. Wish I had my own entourage and who wouldn't want to live vicariously through 4 dudes who had each other's back and be damn everyone else. Yes, the finale episode very much wrapped things up in a little bow, but I ask folks this: We all live in the real world. Who doesn't want a little nice and neatness to their endings. (Same reason I don't read Marvel!) Count me in for the movie.
RESCUE ME
This show hooked me from day 1, though I did find it wearing thin with the almost comical turn it took dealing with Tommy's self destructive lifestyle. But, for the most part, it got so much right. From the way it depicted the lifestyle of guys who trust each other with their lives to the way the women in their lives often didn't understand it, it was truly compelling. The finale was heart wrenching. Lou was my favorite character on the show and again, it showed how complicated the relationship can be between two men in "macho" jobs that truly love each other. The finale was a fitting end to the show. Also, another plus...a kick ass title song.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
I save the best (of this list) for last. When the show came out, I was skeptical. As a Texan, as a fan of the original movie and a (not very good) former Texas High School football player, the last thing I wanted was something mocking my state for the benefit of the "other 49." What we got, instead, was a beautifully written and acted drama with a REALISTIC look at small town family life. And why, for better and for ill, football is so important. Outside of season 2, there wasn't a story line I didn't like. And the characters were as fleshed out as they can be on an hour long drama. So much so that friends of mine from out of state who know nothing of football gravitated to the show. The Taylors...who wouldn't want that marriage? Sadly, this show went the way of many of the better television shows: not accessible to an easy audience and thus, always on the chopping block. Thankfully, DirecTV helped keep it going. As for the finale. It was as good an episode as there was of the entire season. It wasn't necessarily happy endings all around. But you knew that the characters had a chance to be happy, if they worked hard and were themselves. I hear that there is a movie coming as well. I'm hear, waiting, with clear eyes and a full heart...
Kyle Chandler's Emmy Win
Saturday, September 17, 2011
A LONG TIME AGO IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY. A NERD WAS BORN...
So, just to get things started. Yes. Han shot first.
Now, that that's out of the way, I got a very cool email today. Amazon is shipping my STAR WARS SAGA on Blu Ray. And I can't put into words just how giddy I am about that.
I'm a fan. I think Han is the coolest movie character EVER. I agree that nothing beats a "good blaster by your side." I remember seeing the first one as a kid. I remember the trailer for EMPIRE and being both afraid and fascinated by Vader.
I saw all the rereleases. And some of the changes bugged me. Some didn't. I loved the expanded landscapes, the little touches here and there. I didn't hate the Jabba addition to A NEW HOPE, mostly because I knew it was supposed to be there in the first place. (Jabba was originally shot as a fat dude).
I waited in line for the prequels. And yes, they stunk when compared to the original trilogy, though all the movies had some nice moments. But who didn't get excited when the crawler started? Again, I would have done them differently. And I wasn't too keen on the how the changes made related to established canon. But I saw each one with the wide eyed hope and wonder of a kid.
And that bring us to the Blu Ray release. I own them all on DVD. I even own the original theatrical cuts of the original trilogy. But the Blu Rays? I gotta have this on Blu Ray, who cares if its a hundred bucks. Or how ever many Imperial credits. Thanks to AMAZON gift cards, I payed $9 last January to preorder the discs 9 months before their release.
In that time there has been speculation about more changes to the films. Changes that bug me. I get the desire to tweak your films. When we see Star Wars, we see our childhood. Lucas probably only sees his "flaws." But the changes are bugging me. To the point that I considered canceling the order. But I didn't.
And then today I get the email. My order has shipped. Star Wars is on its way. And I can't wait. I'm excited again to see the most exciting movie saga ever. Despite the changes the "bastardization" of his films, the heart of those movies is still strong. It's still there in all its wonder, hope and tragedy. So, I say thank you to George Lucas. You had me at "A long time ago..."
Remember the force will be with you....
Now, that that's out of the way, I got a very cool email today. Amazon is shipping my STAR WARS SAGA on Blu Ray. And I can't put into words just how giddy I am about that.
I'm a fan. I think Han is the coolest movie character EVER. I agree that nothing beats a "good blaster by your side." I remember seeing the first one as a kid. I remember the trailer for EMPIRE and being both afraid and fascinated by Vader.
I saw all the rereleases. And some of the changes bugged me. Some didn't. I loved the expanded landscapes, the little touches here and there. I didn't hate the Jabba addition to A NEW HOPE, mostly because I knew it was supposed to be there in the first place. (Jabba was originally shot as a fat dude).
I waited in line for the prequels. And yes, they stunk when compared to the original trilogy, though all the movies had some nice moments. But who didn't get excited when the crawler started? Again, I would have done them differently. And I wasn't too keen on the how the changes made related to established canon. But I saw each one with the wide eyed hope and wonder of a kid.
And that bring us to the Blu Ray release. I own them all on DVD. I even own the original theatrical cuts of the original trilogy. But the Blu Rays? I gotta have this on Blu Ray, who cares if its a hundred bucks. Or how ever many Imperial credits. Thanks to AMAZON gift cards, I payed $9 last January to preorder the discs 9 months before their release.
In that time there has been speculation about more changes to the films. Changes that bug me. I get the desire to tweak your films. When we see Star Wars, we see our childhood. Lucas probably only sees his "flaws." But the changes are bugging me. To the point that I considered canceling the order. But I didn't.
And then today I get the email. My order has shipped. Star Wars is on its way. And I can't wait. I'm excited again to see the most exciting movie saga ever. Despite the changes the "bastardization" of his films, the heart of those movies is still strong. It's still there in all its wonder, hope and tragedy. So, I say thank you to George Lucas. You had me at "A long time ago..."
Remember the force will be with you....
Thursday, September 15, 2011
HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE
So, I love Halloween. I love the moods people get in, the decorations, the changing of the seasons. Everything seems to just come alive.
And for me, it cannot be Halloween without the movies.
This year, in an attempt to get the spirit of the season moving, I'm challenging myself to watch and review 30 horror movies in 30 days.
Some will be the classics. Some will be intentionally "bad." Others will be films I've never seen in an attempt to "broaden my horizons." Either way, it will be an attempt to have a little fun with the dark forces behind Samhain! And feel free to add your two cents!
Here's a rough list of the schedule:
Oct 1: The Exorcist
Oct 2: Straw Dogs
Oct 3: Halloween (remake)
Oct 4: Blood Creek
Oct 5: Santa's Slay
Oct 6: The House On Haunted Hill (Orig)
Oct 7: Monkey Shines
Oct 8: Wolfen
Oct 9: Piranha (Orig)
Oct 10: Borderland
Oct 11: The Burning
Oct 12: The Last House On The Left (Orig)
Oct 13: Backwoods
Oct 14: Trick R Treat
Oct 15: Mega Shark V Crocosaurus
Oct 16: The People Under The Stairs
Oct 17: R Point (Korea)
Oct 18: Love Object
Oct 19: Rest Stop
Oct 20: Blessed
Oct 21: The Exorcist III
Oct 22: Scarlet Waters
Oct 23: Poltergeist
Oct 24; The Fog
Oct 25: Simon Says
Oct 26: The Girl Next Door
Oct 27: Grizzly Attack
Oct 28: Dracula 2000
Oct 29: The Wolf Man
Oct 30: The Prophecy
Oct 31: Halloween I & II (Orig)
And for me, it cannot be Halloween without the movies.
This year, in an attempt to get the spirit of the season moving, I'm challenging myself to watch and review 30 horror movies in 30 days.
Some will be the classics. Some will be intentionally "bad." Others will be films I've never seen in an attempt to "broaden my horizons." Either way, it will be an attempt to have a little fun with the dark forces behind Samhain! And feel free to add your two cents!
Here's a rough list of the schedule:
Oct 1: The Exorcist
Oct 2: Straw Dogs
Oct 3: Halloween (remake)
Oct 4: Blood Creek
Oct 5: Santa's Slay
Oct 6: The House On Haunted Hill (Orig)
Oct 7: Monkey Shines
Oct 8: Wolfen
Oct 9: Piranha (Orig)
Oct 10: Borderland
Oct 11: The Burning
Oct 12: The Last House On The Left (Orig)
Oct 13: Backwoods
Oct 14: Trick R Treat
Oct 15: Mega Shark V Crocosaurus
Oct 16: The People Under The Stairs
Oct 17: R Point (Korea)
Oct 18: Love Object
Oct 19: Rest Stop
Oct 20: Blessed
Oct 21: The Exorcist III
Oct 22: Scarlet Waters
Oct 23: Poltergeist
Oct 24; The Fog
Oct 25: Simon Says
Oct 26: The Girl Next Door
Oct 27: Grizzly Attack
Oct 28: Dracula 2000
Oct 29: The Wolf Man
Oct 30: The Prophecy
Oct 31: Halloween I & II (Orig)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
FIGHT AGAINST SUCKY PEOPLE
Were gonna send him a copy of FUNNY BOOKS and some other stuff. If you can, help the guy out too!
Help!
Help!
From AOF's Del Weston
True words. http://actiononfilm.blogspot.com/2011/09/andy-is-dead-time-to-write.html
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
REJECTION
In this game of indie film, you really have to have a thick skin.
Rejection is the name of the game. And it can be hard, when you reading the generic responses that tell you to "keep plugging. It's not a reflection of your work. It was an incredibly difficult decision and we know how hard you worked," to not write the folks back and tell them how wrong they are or to ball up the letter and burn it.
It's never easy.
The choice is easy. Quit. Give up.
That's what they want you to do.
Or, you can rally your team. Your support system. And use it.
Rejection is the name of the game. And it can be hard, when you reading the generic responses that tell you to "keep plugging. It's not a reflection of your work. It was an incredibly difficult decision and we know how hard you worked," to not write the folks back and tell them how wrong they are or to ball up the letter and burn it.
It's never easy.
The choice is easy. Quit. Give up.
That's what they want you to do.
Or, you can rally your team. Your support system. And use it.
SCARLET WATERS IV
One of Twitchy Dolphin's best traditions is coming up fast. On October 21 & 22, we'll be hosting SCARLET WATERS IV!
Scarlet Waters is our company Halloween party that went from a small gathering to an opportunity for new filmmakers to get to make a short film to a showcase with films from all over the country getting a chance to play to an Austin audience.
This year, the lineup is pretty sweet! We're even going to have several world premieres at the fest.
Carlo Rodriguez from Gothic Films and Underdogs Film Distribution came up with this pretty sweet advertisement. Check it out! And check us out on October 21 and 22!
Advert
Scarlet Waters is our company Halloween party that went from a small gathering to an opportunity for new filmmakers to get to make a short film to a showcase with films from all over the country getting a chance to play to an Austin audience.
This year, the lineup is pretty sweet! We're even going to have several world premieres at the fest.
Carlo Rodriguez from Gothic Films and Underdogs Film Distribution came up with this pretty sweet advertisement. Check it out! And check us out on October 21 and 22!
Advert
THE FIRST OF MANY (or a few)
Welcome to my blog. I'm not sure why the need to write a blog. Perhaps I want to be part of the cool internet movement of the late 1990's. Or maybe it's because my ego is so huge, that I think people just have to know what I'm thinking about this or that.
Mostly, I'm going to talk about movies. Those I made, those I didn't. We'll chat about sports, all that good stuff. No politics or religions though. You know what mama always said. So, I hope you stick around and enjoy the ride as it were...
Mostly, I'm going to talk about movies. Those I made, those I didn't. We'll chat about sports, all that good stuff. No politics or religions though. You know what mama always said. So, I hope you stick around and enjoy the ride as it were...
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