This is why Indie F’n Rocks!!!!!!

Now, more than ever, more and more films go under the radar. I would imagine, it has to do with how easy it has gotten to create a film. And, sometimes in the mist of all the marketing from the big boys, we forget to check out the small independent films. Most of the time you see an original idea at the movies, which seldom happens. Chances are, that very film was an indie at a film festival that got green lit for distribution. But, my point is that, most indie films have the heart, depth, and influence as the big budget films you see in theaters. Why wait for movie studios? Check out these films as often as you can! A lot of the times you will probably have to go out of your way, and find a theater that might be a little further than you would like. But, its worth the shot! Now, that being said, there is a film I have to talk about. A film, that hit really close to home. There might be a little bias, due to the fact that I am both an x-convict, and recovering drug addict. The film I am talking is a film called “What Doesn’t Kill You.” Loosely based on the life story of two friends. That being of debut director “Brian Goodman,” who has been an actor, mostly starring in tv. Written by “Brian Goodman, Paul T. Murray, and Donnie Wahlberg.” Features Mark Ruffalo. Ethan Hawke, and Amanda Peet.

The film tells the tale of two childhood friends. Brian, played by Mark Ruffalo and Paulie, played by Ethan Hawke, who grow up in a tough South Boston Irish-Catholic neighborhood. The two lifelong friends are seemingly trapped in a vicious cycle of crime, drugs and violence. To make matters worse they are under the suspicious eye of a police detective, played by Donnie Wahlberg. Brian’s life reaches a crossroads when Brian’s wife, played by Amanda Peet, tries to convince Brian to move away from his criminal lifestyle. Brian is eventually forced to choose between his family and his best friend Paulie.

Never in the history of my movie watching days, have I ever seen gangster films in Boston. Ever since Scorsese and Clint Eastwood came to town, Southie has changed forever. In this film, South Boston looks as gritty as you would expect it to be. The first 25 minutes of it seem like the typical crime film. I was turned off in the beginning and wanted to change it. And, boy was I wrong! This film isn’t really a crime thriller at all. It is a cautionary tale, about family, drug addiction, and about trying to do the right thing despite the fact, that everything you know is so illicit and dirty. This film hits me really hard, mostly because I have felt the pain first hand. It gives you a real feel of what its like to go rock bottom. A lot of people never get to experience this, and fourtantly so. It hit the drug addiction topic, right on the money. It is so hard to quit. And most of the time it does take prison. Needless to say, this film has a few things that don’t work too good. Amanda Peet’s accent and sometimes over the top acting threw me out of the mix. Also, outside of the main characters, the acting can sometimes fall short.

A Christmas Rejoice!!!!

Well, its that beautiful time of the year. Not to long ago I could really care less about Christmas. For so long my only concern was the next time I was going to get high. As a matter of fact, the last time this holiday came around, I was locked up behind bars with a a lot of grown ass men. And when that time came around, we would all wish for on minute that we could be free, so we could celebrate Christmas with our loved ones. Of course, before we all got locked up we would spend Christmas trying to get fucked up or fucked, at the expense of our loved ones. Well, fuck that shit. I’m back, and I am done with that shit!! Its good living from now on. As Frank Sinatra would say, ITS THE GOOD LIFE! It’s crazy how little I have, but how happy I am in contrast. So I say, merry Christmas to all, and to all a happy new year! Please don’t take it for granted. It’s not a god thing! It’s a family thing!

I probably wont be posting any reviews untill the beging of the new year! So be patient. And thank you for coming through!

The Hurt Locker

It’s not to often we get to see a good movie, based in the Iraq war, and an indie film at that. The film I am speaking of, is “The Hurt Locker.” Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, and starring Jeremy Renner (in his first lead), Anthony Mackie, and Brian Geraghty. This film tells the story of three elite soldiers who have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world: EOD Bomb Squad. James (Jeremy Renner), takes over a highly trained bomb disposal team amidst violent conflicts, and completely breaks all the rules and goes a la’ mode.

“The Hurt Locker” is based on the real life accounts of Mark Boal (a journalist who was embedded with an American bomb squad in the war. Some of the sequences fell almost as if it was meant to look and feel like a documentary. It was one of the most intense sniper sequences I have ever seen. It defiantly delivers in the suspense and action departments.

The few problems I had with this film, was the end. While, I do understand the point Kathryn was trying to convey, I left the movie with not only a slight annoyance, but at the end of the day, I left with out really caring about the character as much as I should of. I would have preferred if it went into depth about what happens the main character. All in all I found this film not only to be fun, but also very insightful. It will defiantly leave you in awe of what our troops our doing out there. You should defiantly check out this film. I would say RENT and not buy, but still a definant watch!

Avatar: The Game Changer

What can I possibly say about “Avatar” that hasn’t been already said? Directed by James Cameron. Starring, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and the return of sci-fi veteran, Sigourney Weaver. The one thing that can, and has been, said about this film is the fact that this is a “game changer.” Like everything else he does. Cameron throws himself at the forefront of film technology. He spent almost a decade developing a revolutionary way to shoot 3D. Spending almost a half of a billion dollars to create this masterpiece. The film is estimated to have cost over $300 million to produce, and another estimated $200 million for distribution and other costs. Therfore being dubbed “The most expensive film ever!” Followed by “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s end” at $300 million.

In 1994, James wrote a 114 page script. After realizing the fact that technology wasn’t proficient enough to support his vision, he waited. Having seen “The Lord Of The Rings,” changed his mind entirely. He, then took it out and dusted it off and gave it a go. He proceeded to team up with “Digital Domain.” The script circulated on the internet for years, until the announcement was official. Subsequently take down noticed were issued to various sites thereafter.

Cameron, later hired Dr. Paul Frommer, linguist and director of the “Center For Management Communication” at USC. He then created an entire language and culture of the “Na’vi” (the indigenous race on Pandora). The language has a vocabulary of about 1,000 words with some 30 having been invented by Cameron himself.

In June 2006, Cameron said that if “Avatar” was successful he hoped to make two sequel films. The following August, the visual effects studio “Wetta Digital” signed on to help Cameron produce “Avatar” (dropping Digital Domain). Some of the accolades for Wetta Digital are, “The Lord Of The Rings (all films),” “iRobot,” “District 9.” In September 2006, he announced that he would be using his own camera system to create “Avatar.” A system, which would use two high-definition cameras in a single camera body to create depth of perception. Cameron’s new virtual camera would allow him to observe on a monitor, how the actors’ virtual counterpart would interact with the movies digital world in real time and adjust the direct scene just as if he were shooting in live action. “Almost like a video game engine.” He had planned to continue developing the special effects untill the film was released in 2009. He also gave fellow directors “Steven Spielberg,” and “Peter Jackson” a chance to test the new technology. “George Lucas,” was also able to visit the set to watch Cameron direct with the equipment. Along with other technological revolutionary inventions, he proceded to creat something known as “The Volume,” which is six times larger than previously used. It is an improved method of capturing facial expressions. The tool is a small skull cap with a tiny camera attached to it, located in front of the actor’s face. It collects information about their facial expressions and eyes. All the data then is transmitted to a computer.

This film, was not a film at all. To me this film was an experience. The sadness of it was when the credits rolled. I felt as if I got on a ship, and I was the one inhabiting Pandora. This film in my opinion, is our generations “A New Hope.” There are very few films like this. Films like “Wizzard Of Oz,” “Citizen Kane,” “Star Wars,” changed the perception of what can be achieved in film making. Every man, woman, and child should rush out and watch this masterpiece. For I am proud to say that “Avatar” is the best film I have ever seen, IN MY LIFE!

The Lo-Fi

So I would like to talk about an awesome band I discovered yesterday. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts ever “indiefeed!” If you are not suscribe to indiefeed on itunes, WTF are you waiting for? But anyway, “The Thermals” are from Portland, Oregon. Hutch Harris, and Kathy Foster originally formed the band in 2002. The genres they consider them self’s are quite funny. From “Indie Rock, Pop Punk, Post Pop Punk, Lo-Fi, Mid-Fi, Punk Post Pop(Jokingly). Unfortunately, I should have probably checked out all their albums, but I just couldn’t wait. I checked out the album “Now We Can See” And I fell in love with it. I would say “It’s like death cab but with some gut wrenching kick!” The albums are as follows: “More Parts per Million (2003),” “Fuckin A (2004),” “The Body, the Blood, The Machine (2006),” and the most recent “Now We Can See (2009).” On the album “Now We Can See” the songs just come bursting out, with joy. The most anthemic track on the album is a track called “I Let It Go.” A track that will make you roll your windows down and bang your head, while you enjoy the sunset. Then It’s followed another onslaught of rhythmic sensations with the track “Now We Can See.” The entire album is warm hearted, and will put you in a good mood. Now, that being said, if you are one of those people who enjoy the hardcore music scene, emo music, or just flat out depressing music, this isn’t for you! Notable mentions:

“Hutch And Kathy”

“Titus Andronicus”

“The Hold Steady”

and as if you didn’t already know “Built To Spill”

Alright, sorry for the short post. Like I said, I should have probably check out ALL their albums, but fuck it! This Album Rocks! Please check it out!

Them Crooked Vultures (Review)

Okay, so maybe I am late to the game. But, fuck it! I will still give my opinion about “Them Crooked Vultures.” Alright, for those of you like me who love music and don’t get a chance to keep your ear to the ground. “TCV” is a supergroup formed in L.A. earlier this year . The band is composed of Dave Grohl from “Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Probot, Queens of the Stone Age, Desert Sessions,” Josh Homme from “Queens of The Stone Age, Kyuss, Eagles Of Death Metal, Desert Sessions, and the legend John Paul Jones from “Led Zeppelin.” Their first album “Them Crooked Vultures” dropped November 17.

Okay then, now to the music. This band would sound exactly how you think. Queens of the Stone Age, mixed with awesome blues sound with a funky drum. The album starts with the track “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I.” At first I thought I was listening to QOTSA, up until mid song, whenever the bass and drums kicked my ass! The entire album is painted with the styling of Josh Hommes, but would you want it any different? And later on Dave Grohl really gets to put his drumming down on the track “New Fang.” It brought me back to those days where I would listen “My Hero” incessantly for days on end. Dave can play anything he wants, but if you ask me, he belongs on the drum set! Needless to say, when you have such an awesome drummer, you need an equally insane bassist. And who better than the guy who use to play bass for one of the greatest bands ever. I can only imagine this guy keeping up with John Bonham. Take the track “Elephants,” it feels as if it started with a good ol’ jam session. You can feel hints of that old Zeppelin sound infused with some awesome desert rock. It feels like they had a blast recording this album. One of my favorite things about this album, is the fact it feels classic and new at the same time. It carries awesome classic blues riffs, with new effects and pounding drums. If only other supergroups could get the hint. We don’t need a 2 disc set of a band trying to be the most awesome band in the world, playing music that is complex and dry. Keep it simple and have a good time.

Now. Is this album perfect? No. One of my small complains is that it goes up to 100 MPH and doesn’t slow down or show you a different side. Which is not a big deal, but it would have been awesome to see the other side of these giants of music. Perhaps something like “Make It Witchu” on the latest “Queens of the Stone Age album, something that would show more of a profound style of lyrics. We already can se a profound style of music. All in all if you’re a fan of “Queens of The Stone Age, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, The Dessert Session,” this is obviously a must!

Why will I always be a crook?

Okay, this following post has nothing to do with music or films. (Its been a slow month). This is about something that has been eating away at me. I know this is a country of laws. But, I still find it inherently wrong when the system is so unforgiving. They will label you furthermore until your dead. I understand how a current and consistent offender can be a detrimental danger to society. But, what about the people who were young and did something stupid? They often don’t have a choice but to suffer. They will probably work twice as hard to get to where they want to be, and very seldom get to reach that point in their lives. I wish there was a way to get a movement going to be a little less harsh on first time offenders. I know statures of limitations are in place, but it takes many years to take place. And, in my case it would take 5 years. But, my fear is that even after all that time, a thorough criminal background check will still be tainted with my felonious past. I am genuinely a good person, a good person who did something stupid as a kid. Are we not allowed to do stupid things as kids anymore? Why should we loose our chance for a good future? I am in no way defending people who time after time sell drugs or rape women or murders. I am defending those people who can’t do what they really want to do with their lives. Because, they have been labeled a felon FOR LIFE.

According to The U.S. Department of Justice(Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Statistics/ Criminal Offender Statistics) the lifetime chances of a person going to prison are:

Men (11.3 %)

Women (1.8 %)

Black males (18.6%)

Hispanics (10%)

Whites (3.4%)

Based on current rates of first incarceration, 32% of African-American will enter State or Federal Prison. 17% for Hispanics and 5.9% for Whites. There is an alarming annotation to it all. The rate of recidivism is quite disturbing, 67.5% in 1994 caught another case after their release. That only means that number might be higher now considering the criminal rates per state. But that still leaves 32.5 % that never caught another case. I belive it in my heart that something has to be done to untarnish our names. I want to be a computer programmer, journalist, lawyer, doctor, teacher, there should be nothing in our way. A mistake should be punishable, that is undinable. But after we pay our debt to society we should no longer be the red headed step child of society. I AM FOR ONE TIRED OF ALL THE SHIT THE LEGAL SYSTEM DOES!!!! ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE! I for one am going to write my congressmen. I know its not much but we have to start somewhere.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Well, it’s gobble gobble time everyone. I don’t know if I will post anytime soon. I am enjoying a four day weekend. I might post this weekend. I have a review comin up. Then maybe a movie that will for sure blow you away.

Say It Aint So!!!!!!!

 

Weezer : Ratitude (2009)

Well the album starts with the track “(If you’re Wondering If I Want You To) I want you to.” And I am guessing that is what is playing on the radio. Keep in mind that I don’t listen to the radio. Yeah, Its crazy. Right? But anyway, the track sounds like it came straight out of a Blink 182 album (Nothing against Blink 182). Its just I like music with real feeling. I can tell that they are trying new sounds, but techno keyboards and drum beats that sound like Gwen Stefani B-A-N-A-N-A-S track. Part of me is very sad that my old Weezer is non existent. Instead we get tracks like “Cant Stop Partying” that is aimed at the pop charts with lyrics like:

“I can’t stop partying, partying
I can’t stop partying, partying
I gotta have Patron, I gotta have the beat
I gotta have a lot of pretty girls around Me,

Oh, I can’t stop celebrations, partying
I can’t stop, partying, partying
I gotta have the cars, I gotta have the jewels
And if you was me, honey, you would do it too”

Oh yeah, did I mention its featuring Lil’ Wayne? I mean C’MON! How is this not an attempt to get on the billboards? SAY IT AINT SO! This new album might as well have been the new “Blink 182” album. Except, that it trys to be so much more than it is. From college party songs to,“Love Is The Answer” with an Indian backup vocalist and a sitar. One expects their favorite childhood bands to grow up with us, but unfortunately it seems that Weezer is saying F’ you old farts. And is aiming for the new generation.  There is nothing I would love to do more, than to say there are some good tracks. But, unfortuantly, that is not the case. The only track I found tolerable was “Run Over By A Truck.” Maybe its what I should do with the album. If anything this album makes me really sad. The good ol’ “Pinkerton,” “Maladriot,” “The Blue Album,” are a all albums of the past and will stay in the past. I remember listening to “Say It Aint So” like a MILLION times. It would cheer me up after an extremely crappy time in my life where the world was shit and people sucked! Goodbye Weezer. Man I’m sad now.

 

And If you are wondering JUDGE FOR YOURSELF!

 

 

The Real Weezer

 

 

 

Antichrist: (Review, Thoughts and Feelings)

I know I usually blog about music. But, I have to talk about my second love, films. This week I watched a film called “Antichrist.” Written and Directed by Lars Von Trier, starting Williem Dafoe and Charlotee Gainsbourg. I must have had it for a week, before I decided to watch it. Mostly, because I thought it would be one of those powerful films that affect your mood for the whole day. The film starts out with an over the top scene. Williem and Charlotee having sex in a very slow motion sequence. A sexual scene, and there are many of them, that can rival porn. There are many scenes in this film where I got the feeling, that Lars thought he was the best thing since sliced bread. Some scenes where to over the top. High-speed slow-mo capture scenes were extremely abundant. But some scenes especially the ones in the woods were captured brilliantly. Most of the photography was excellent. The overall cinematography was amazingly gorgeous at times. Unfortunately where it really lacked was in the MOST important aspect of a film. THE STORY.

Halfway through the film I found myself not caring about the character. I wanted to hit stop on my QuickTime ASAP. But, I stuck with it just so I could see some cinematic eye candy. But a film called “Antichrist” should bear one hell of a story. There are only two characters, so naturally there is not much to sink your teeth into. The people at the Canne Festival claimed that “it was a film done by a sick man.” One of the judges at Canne exclaimed “how do you excuse your film!” Lars exclaimed “I don’t have to explain myself to you. You are my guest and not the other way around.” It later went as far as Lars exclaiming “This is the hand of god. I am the best director alive, and I am not sure if god is the best god.” Apparently, Lars was clinically depressed while writing this script. And It defiantly shows. So bad that he could not operate the camera (as he usually does). I would go as far to say that it might have been a depression due to a woman.(judging by the overall story of the film). This film has served two purposes. One, to completely surround itself with controversy, so much so that in doing so has built up some hype. And in doing so receiving some box office succession. Two, a form of therapy from this depressed ego maniac.

In an interview with guardian.co.uk Lars claims “That he is the BEST director in the world.” He says he is the best director in the world because he uses it as his tool. He claims that in doing so, he can make the best film that he can. He also claims that he is only saying what every director out there thinks about himself. He also claims that he will never be cured from depression. It almost feels like he is trying to be the crazy eccentric artist. I would say AVOID “Antichrist.” It is not worth the price of the film, or even the time. It drags on way to long, even though its only 104 min. It’s a film that was made as some kind of therapy. It would be like watching the feature film “PROZAC!”