So, I do not know how many people still read this blog (or if anyone even does anymore) but as of today, I've decided to revive it! Today's post might eventually have something to do with movies (I am making this up as I go) but really is just a way to vent some emotion into something I loved and let go by the wayside. I need something in my life where I can just poor my thoughts and ideas out into so that I do not go crazy. Reel Geekz was something that I had big plans for. It was originally conceived as a Podcast where I and my friends could just chat about current topics and what we thought about movies and the entertainment industry...
You know what, the above moment of honesty has in fact given me an idea about what to write about! Everyone has something in their lives they wanted to do, a secret desire! This could be a dream job, a special project they've always wanted to complete, or a life milestone they want to achieve. For me, my secret desire is to direct a short film that I have written. Either through lack of time, energy, motivation, money, etc. I have yet to realize my true calling as a filmmaker but have made small strides towards such a dream. I have in fact penned my very own script, a zombie picture in fact, and I am very proud of it. I am happy to explain to anyone who will listen, including you dear reader, my thoughts on amateur filmmaker and having a zombie picture under their belt. Basically, every filmmaker needs one so I figured get it out of the way first. Now, I'm not saying that my zombie movie HAS to be the first film I make! It was just the most enjoyable to write. I have many other ideas for short films, however I lack the motivation to actually write them. I am not sure if this is because I truly am lazy or if fear that I cannot turn my good ideas into a GREAT script keep me from proceeding, but the outcome is the same. I have yet to make a film, nor do I see it happening anytime soon.
However, that is the point of this post. I am annoucing my secret (albeit no longer) desire to the world. By being open and honest, I cannot hide my lack of progress on this project from the world. I refuse to look back on my life and say, I never once seized an opportunity to achieve my goals. Starting today, I want to take time to myself! I want to care about things that I want as much as I care about the people in my life. I have a beautiful wife and a baby on the way and how good of role model would I be if I never really tried to fight for my dreams.
So...world...are you listening. I, Steve F, herby state that I will not be afraid to write a story. I will not be afraid to take steps to one day film those stories. And (yes I started a sentence with AND), I will not be afraid to share my stories with the world!
Today is a game changer!
Showing posts with label Film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Film. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Search for the Coco Loco
Please check out this stupidly fun little documentary that Laurie and I made in Cuba. It's about a drink we saw around called a "Coco Loco". Basically its a drink the gardeners make by collecting fallen coconuts from the grounds of the resort, then using a machete to cut a hole in the top and flatten the bottom. I think they then add Rum (or leave it to us to add rum, we've not sure). It was shot all on the last day and then pieced together with other unrelated clips we had but I think it turned out okay.
Friday, April 23, 2010
To 3D or Not to 3D? That is the question!
WE'RE BACK....so I have finally got my affairs in order enough to post again. I thank those who stuck with us here at Reel Geekz and hope we can win back those who may have lost interest.
So lets get right to the point...so 3D is here! It started officially with the release of Avatar which was filmed with a special camera as to give it a sense of depth, and has now expanded to the newly released 3DTV's and a slew of other movies. However, is the technology really that good? Well, that is a bit of a yes and no answer.
A recent visit to a local Futureshop that had a Samsung 3DTV on display was an eye opening experience. The picture is incredible. Media designed specifically for 3D is smooth and crisp and literally appears to jump off the screen. The TV even has a mode that will convert your favourite 2D TV shows into 3D. Imagine Baywatch in 3D??? eh??? I know the scene you are picturing too. Pam Anderson or the Hoff running in glorious slow motion 3D. Sorry, I digress. True you have to wear special glasses in order to see the 3D effects and these can give some a slight headache (yours truly included), but incredible none-the-less. When combined with movies such as Avatar makes for a truly amazing viewing experience.
However, the problem arises when other movies try to capitalize on the 3D phenomenon that were never originally in 3D. Take Clash of the Titans for example. The movie was filmed in traditional 2D with 2D effects and were never originally meant to be in 3D as the Director felt the technology was too expensive. However after witnessing the conversion process, felt the 3D enhanced the look of the film and the movie was converted for theaters. I am here however to humbly disagree with the Director. There are many points in the movie where the film looks better when you take the glasses off. Whenever something passes between the main subject and the viewer, you loss your focus for a moment. This is particularly bad during the movies many fight scenes...in fact, it is so bad that sometimes you cannot tell who is winning until the very end. Furthermore, the glasses have a slight tint and darkens the film noticeably.
Overall, I saw if you are interested in seeing this 3D craze, then go see the movie. It is still an enjoyable movie that differs much however, from the original AND the source material. As more movies come out that are filmed in 3D, my opinion may change but right now I think a great 2D movie is far better than a mediocre 3D.
So lets get right to the point...so 3D is here! It started officially with the release of Avatar which was filmed with a special camera as to give it a sense of depth, and has now expanded to the newly released 3DTV's and a slew of other movies. However, is the technology really that good? Well, that is a bit of a yes and no answer.
A recent visit to a local Futureshop that had a Samsung 3DTV on display was an eye opening experience. The picture is incredible. Media designed specifically for 3D is smooth and crisp and literally appears to jump off the screen. The TV even has a mode that will convert your favourite 2D TV shows into 3D. Imagine Baywatch in 3D??? eh??? I know the scene you are picturing too. Pam Anderson or the Hoff running in glorious slow motion 3D. Sorry, I digress. True you have to wear special glasses in order to see the 3D effects and these can give some a slight headache (yours truly included), but incredible none-the-less. When combined with movies such as Avatar makes for a truly amazing viewing experience.
However, the problem arises when other movies try to capitalize on the 3D phenomenon that were never originally in 3D. Take Clash of the Titans for example. The movie was filmed in traditional 2D with 2D effects and were never originally meant to be in 3D as the Director felt the technology was too expensive. However after witnessing the conversion process, felt the 3D enhanced the look of the film and the movie was converted for theaters. I am here however to humbly disagree with the Director. There are many points in the movie where the film looks better when you take the glasses off. Whenever something passes between the main subject and the viewer, you loss your focus for a moment. This is particularly bad during the movies many fight scenes...in fact, it is so bad that sometimes you cannot tell who is winning until the very end. Furthermore, the glasses have a slight tint and darkens the film noticeably.
Overall, I saw if you are interested in seeing this 3D craze, then go see the movie. It is still an enjoyable movie that differs much however, from the original AND the source material. As more movies come out that are filmed in 3D, my opinion may change but right now I think a great 2D movie is far better than a mediocre 3D.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Weekly Question - Mar. 10, 2010
For this weeks Weekly Question I want everyone to look deep into their soul and answer this from the darkest part of yourselves. The area inside yourself that is so deep that only one movie has ever entered. What I want to know is....
WHAT IS THE WORST MOVIE YOU HAVE EVER SEEN?
This can be a movie that had a horrible story, bad acting or major plot holes. It could even contain all of those and others only you can think of. Post your answer below as a comment!
WHAT IS THE WORST MOVIE YOU HAVE EVER SEEN?
This can be a movie that had a horrible story, bad acting or major plot holes. It could even contain all of those and others only you can think of. Post your answer below as a comment!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Weekly Question - Feb. 24, 2010
Thank you to all those who answered last weeks question. It was awesome to see what your favourite movies are. This weeks question is a little bit more superficial but should be interesting. Please leave your answers below as a comment.
WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE HOTTEST CURRENT MOVIE CELEBRITY?
WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE HOTTEST CURRENT MOVIE CELEBRITY?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Avatar - 3D
Plot
The story takes place in the year 2154 on Pandora, a lush, Earth-like moon of the planet Polyphemus in the Alpha Centauri star system. The RDA corporation is mining a valuable mineral called unobtanium. However, the indigenous people of Pandora (the Na'vi) are at odds with the humans, so human controlled Avatars are sent in to attempt peaceful negotiations and research. One such human grows to understand the Na'vi and has to decide what side he is on.
Cast
Humans
Sam Worthington as Corporal Jake Sully.
Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Grace Augustine.
Michelle Rodriguez as Trudy Chacón.
Giovanni Ribisi as Parker Selfridge.
Joel David Moore as Norm Spellman.
Stephen Lang as Colonel Miles Quaritch.
Na'vi
Zoe Saldana as Neytiri.
C. C. H. Pounder as Mo'at.
Laz Alonso as Tsu'tey.
Wes Studi as Eytucan.
Review
WOW! Normally when I walk out of a movie I can usually find at least one thing wrong with what have just seen. Whether is be, but not limited to, a plot hole (or lack of plot altogether), bad acting or bad special effects (I cite X-men Origins: Wolverine as worst movie ever! I’ll write about why in an upcoming post). However, this movie contains none of the aforementioned issues. Let me detail to you why you have to go see this movie, especially in 3D.
The plot of the movie has been compared to Pocahontas in space but I don’t think its fair to compare this movie to another since the overall idea is universal. The story is about the representative of a conquering people meets the representative of indigenous people and begins to learn about their ways. Eventually the conquering representative begins to realize their people cannot take the land or materials from the indigenous people and vows to fight for the indigenous people because it is the right thing to do. I’m sure this story sounds familiar to many of you because the basic story is not unique to Avatar; however the way the story is told is unique. The plot is well paced and robust. James Cameron has written a very enjoyable film, but this is only one of the reasons to see the movie.
The emotion in this movie is enthralling. You really do grow to feel for the characters - both real and digital. Throughout the movie you are constantly on the seat of your pants wanting to know more about the characters and their motivations. I found myself actually saddened at the destruction caused by the human people and excited when the Na’vi were holding their own in the end battle. You get so engrossed in the movie that you don’t realize the 2.5 hrs passing. The sign of a good movie is not just when it can entertain you, but when it can grab you (not in a sexual way) and keep you wanting more.
Lastly, let me talk about the visual effects. Most of the movie contains at least some if not all computer generated effects. Motion capture technology was used to not only recreate the actors movements but facial expressions too. The Na’vi and Avatars move so naturally that is they were not blue, cat-like in appearance and 9 to 12 feet tall, you wouldn’t know they were animated. The landscapes are beautiful and the wildlife breathtaking. The 3D aspect of the film adds a level of “hyper-realism” to the film that has to be seen as I cannot put into worlds what it is like. Cameron wrote the first draft of this story in 1994 but had to wait until now for the technology to catch up to his vision. Pandora is so well drawn and animated that it really could be a place and if so, I would love to go visit.
All I can say is go see this movie! Right now. Get up and go, I’ll watch the kids, and get your ass to the theatre before it is too late.
Rating
5 Reels out of 5
The story takes place in the year 2154 on Pandora, a lush, Earth-like moon of the planet Polyphemus in the Alpha Centauri star system. The RDA corporation is mining a valuable mineral called unobtanium. However, the indigenous people of Pandora (the Na'vi) are at odds with the humans, so human controlled Avatars are sent in to attempt peaceful negotiations and research. One such human grows to understand the Na'vi and has to decide what side he is on.
Cast
Humans
Sam Worthington as Corporal Jake Sully.
Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Grace Augustine.
Michelle Rodriguez as Trudy Chacón.
Giovanni Ribisi as Parker Selfridge.
Joel David Moore as Norm Spellman.
Stephen Lang as Colonel Miles Quaritch.
Na'vi
Zoe Saldana as Neytiri.
C. C. H. Pounder as Mo'at.
Laz Alonso as Tsu'tey.
Wes Studi as Eytucan.
Review
WOW! Normally when I walk out of a movie I can usually find at least one thing wrong with what have just seen. Whether is be, but not limited to, a plot hole (or lack of plot altogether), bad acting or bad special effects (I cite X-men Origins: Wolverine as worst movie ever! I’ll write about why in an upcoming post). However, this movie contains none of the aforementioned issues. Let me detail to you why you have to go see this movie, especially in 3D.
The plot of the movie has been compared to Pocahontas in space but I don’t think its fair to compare this movie to another since the overall idea is universal. The story is about the representative of a conquering people meets the representative of indigenous people and begins to learn about their ways. Eventually the conquering representative begins to realize their people cannot take the land or materials from the indigenous people and vows to fight for the indigenous people because it is the right thing to do. I’m sure this story sounds familiar to many of you because the basic story is not unique to Avatar; however the way the story is told is unique. The plot is well paced and robust. James Cameron has written a very enjoyable film, but this is only one of the reasons to see the movie.
The emotion in this movie is enthralling. You really do grow to feel for the characters - both real and digital. Throughout the movie you are constantly on the seat of your pants wanting to know more about the characters and their motivations. I found myself actually saddened at the destruction caused by the human people and excited when the Na’vi were holding their own in the end battle. You get so engrossed in the movie that you don’t realize the 2.5 hrs passing. The sign of a good movie is not just when it can entertain you, but when it can grab you (not in a sexual way) and keep you wanting more.
Lastly, let me talk about the visual effects. Most of the movie contains at least some if not all computer generated effects. Motion capture technology was used to not only recreate the actors movements but facial expressions too. The Na’vi and Avatars move so naturally that is they were not blue, cat-like in appearance and 9 to 12 feet tall, you wouldn’t know they were animated. The landscapes are beautiful and the wildlife breathtaking. The 3D aspect of the film adds a level of “hyper-realism” to the film that has to be seen as I cannot put into worlds what it is like. Cameron wrote the first draft of this story in 1994 but had to wait until now for the technology to catch up to his vision. Pandora is so well drawn and animated that it really could be a place and if so, I would love to go visit.
All I can say is go see this movie! Right now. Get up and go, I’ll watch the kids, and get your ass to the theatre before it is too late.
Rating
5 Reels out of 5
Monday, February 22, 2010
Rules on How to Survive a Horror Film
1) Do not be the new guy, token minority, the slutty girl or a character with no last name.
2) If insistent on losing your virginity, do not do so as part of a long courting ritual or before/after the big game/prom.
3) Once you've determined you're in a horror movie, locate all buildings/rooms loaded with sharp objects and avoid them.
4) Once people start dying - JUST LEAVE!!
5) Always leave a man behind.
6) Never run from the killer, they never do but always catch up to you anyways so running will just tire you out.
7) Avoid dense foliage.
8) If you're topless - you're a target.
9) If you have the killer at gunpoint, go for the headshot.
10) Repeat #9 - twice!
11) Avoid long monologues.
12) Upstairs is the worst direction to run.
13) Never go anywhere alone if you're sure you're in horror movie.
14) Never say "I will be back".
15) Yelling for help only attracts the killer(and your friends should already be gone if they have followed the rules).
16) The least liked person usually survives so stick with them. Unless they die early, then stick with the most popular/good looking person with the worst personality.
17) Take heed of local legends, myths or America's Most Wanted broadcasts, they could save your life.
18) Never linger once you're sure the killer is dead, cause they're not.
19) If you have to call your friend's name five times, they're hurt. If you have to call them ten times or more, they're dead.
20) The killer is never the person you most suspect. It's the person you least suspect working with the person you most suspect.
21) Flesh wounds may be painful, but they shouldn't stop you from running (or walking if you follow rule #6).
22) Barricading yourself in a small room just means the killer knows where you are but you have no idea where they are.
23) The killer can only be killed by a combined lethal weapon and a witty remark (and double tap, see rule #10)
2) If insistent on losing your virginity, do not do so as part of a long courting ritual or before/after the big game/prom.
3) Once you've determined you're in a horror movie, locate all buildings/rooms loaded with sharp objects and avoid them.
4) Once people start dying - JUST LEAVE!!
5) Always leave a man behind.
6) Never run from the killer, they never do but always catch up to you anyways so running will just tire you out.
7) Avoid dense foliage.
8) If you're topless - you're a target.
9) If you have the killer at gunpoint, go for the headshot.
10) Repeat #9 - twice!
11) Avoid long monologues.
12) Upstairs is the worst direction to run.
13) Never go anywhere alone if you're sure you're in horror movie.
14) Never say "I will be back".
15) Yelling for help only attracts the killer(and your friends should already be gone if they have followed the rules).
16) The least liked person usually survives so stick with them. Unless they die early, then stick with the most popular/good looking person with the worst personality.
17) Take heed of local legends, myths or America's Most Wanted broadcasts, they could save your life.
18) Never linger once you're sure the killer is dead, cause they're not.
19) If you have to call your friend's name five times, they're hurt. If you have to call them ten times or more, they're dead.
20) The killer is never the person you most suspect. It's the person you least suspect working with the person you most suspect.
21) Flesh wounds may be painful, but they shouldn't stop you from running (or walking if you follow rule #6).
22) Barricading yourself in a small room just means the killer knows where you are but you have no idea where they are.
23) The killer can only be killed by a combined lethal weapon and a witty remark (and double tap, see rule #10)
Gamer
Plot
The film stars Gerard Butler as an unwilling participant in an online game in which participants can control human beings as players, and Logan Lerman as the player who controls him.
Cast
- Gerard Butler as John "Kable" Tillman, the highest-ranked warrior in the game Slayers
- Amber Valletta as Angie "Nika" Tillman, Kable's wife, a controlled avatar in Society
- Michael C. Hall as Ken Castle, creator of the games Society and Slayers
- Logan Lerman as Simon Silverton, the 17-year-old gamer playing Kable
- Kyra Sedgwick as Gina Parker Smith, famous talk show host
- Ludacris as Humanz Brother, spokesperson and leader of the Humanz
- Aaron Yoo as Humanz Dude, a member of the Humanz
- Alison Lohman as Trace, a member of the Humanz
- Jonathan Chase as Geek Leader, leader of Castle's technical team
- John Leguizamo as Freek, an inmate who befriends Kable
- Terry Crews as Hackman, an inmate sent to kill Kable
- Zoe Bell as Sandra, an inmate
- Ramsey Moore as Gorge, the gamer playing Nika
- Keith David as Agent Keith, a CIA-agent
- Johnny Whitworth as Scotch, the first person to receive a Nanex-implant
- Milo Ventimiglia as Rick Rape, described as "Moonraker, silver grill, with a latex outfit making him look like a bumblebee."[3]
- Sam Witwer as the Caseworker on Angie's custody case
Review
I don't really have anything bad to say about this movie, or anything overly positive for that matter, but the movie does bring up a very interesting point I would like to comment on. This movie revolves around the idea that if a prison inmate agrees to be implanted with technology that allows him/her to be controlled remotely by another player and then survives 30 violent games - they are freed from prison. These games involve war scenarios where it is kill or be killed (but again, not by the inmate but by the player).
This brings up a very important moral question - is killing another human being through a remotely controlled inmate actually murder. If someone where to kill another person using a kitchen knife, we don't arrest and sentence the knife. The movie supports a world where the general public can in effect take the live of another free of charge (minus the cost of the game). In reality they are executing (no pun intended) capital punishment. Now agree that in the context of the movie, these are all criminals who have hopefully had a fair trial and were proven guilty - but its doesn't make it right. Furthermore, the movie also sets up the situation that a violent offender could in fact be released back into the world with no rehabilitation simply because their player was good enough or lucky enough to win 30 games. This person could then offend again and more innocent lives will be lost.
Despite these two glaring problems with the idea of the movie, all in all it was very enjoyable. I highly suggest watching for any and all Gerard Butler fans and all sci-fi fans. The effects are good and the plot well paced. P.S. Michael C. Hall is creepy (and not Dexter creepy/lovable but seriously creepy)!!!
Rating
3.75 Reels out of 5
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Moon
Plot
Moon is a 2009 science fiction-psychological thriller about a solitary lunar employee who experiences a personal crisis as the end of his three-year stint nears.
Cast
- Sam Rockwell as Sam Bell
- Kevin Spacey as GERTY (voice)
- Robin Chalk as younger Sam
- Dominique McElligott as Tess Bell
- Kaya Scodelario as Eve Bell
- Benedict Wong as Thompson
- Matt Berry as Overmeyers
- Malcolm Stewart as The Technician
Review
Let me be the first in saying that it is nice to see what I believe is a truly unique movie idea. Secondly, let me say what a pleasure it is to see the work of new talent (in this case Duncan Jones, the son of David Bowie). However, as positive as this review starts I have to say overall I was unimpressed.
I will start with the positives...the visual effects are stunning. This is especially impressive considering the films $5 million budget. Jones and staff worked hard to create the effects on a low budget by resorting to miniatures and onset work as much as possible. Overall the look of the film is desolate and cold which only adds to the atmosphere of the film. Further on this thought is the movie contains many quiet points that also add to the isolation factor. For most of the movie I did find myself engrossed in what was transpiring, however this could not save the film from it’s negatives.
Overall, I did not find that I felt for the character at all. I am not sure if this is simply Sam Rockwell’s acting, the writing, the brief periods of quiet or a combination of all of these but the outcome is the same - there is no emotional connection to the character. The plot, while unique, is also very transparent. The viewer can often already be several steps ahead of the character even with the same information at their disposal.
I say, go see it if you think you might be interested but I wouldn’t expect much.
Rating
2.5 Reels out of 5
Saturday, February 6, 2010
U of T Film Festival
Anyone interested in being a field writer for Reel Geekz? I am making plans to attend this festival on March 13th 2010 to check out this event and anyone interested in coming with me is more than welcome. I would love to post your thoughts on the festival afterwards (i.e. your thoughts on the event, the movies, etc.) The film fest is a free event.
If you are interested, post a comment below.
Information
The U of T Film Festival celebrates the University of Toronto’s rich contribution to the arts through its student and alumni film and video makers. Now in it’s eight year, the festival also welcomes films and videos from all emerging and established filmmakers (though we have not lost our focus on student work). U of T alumni who have presented work in person include Atom Egoyan (Family Viewing), Don McKellar (Childstar) and David Sector (Winter Kept us Warm).
If you are interested, post a comment below.
Information
The U of T Film Festival celebrates the University of Toronto’s rich contribution to the arts through its student and alumni film and video makers. Now in it’s eight year, the festival also welcomes films and videos from all emerging and established filmmakers (though we have not lost our focus on student work). U of T alumni who have presented work in person include Atom Egoyan (Family Viewing), Don McKellar (Childstar) and David Sector (Winter Kept us Warm).
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