Our Group Project

The following is our group project. The effects were done in Adobe After Effects

Final days..

Hey all! I wanted to take a blog to say how awesome it has been to be in class with all of you over the course of this semester! Its been great to get on the blog site and just learn about everyone's thoughts, likes and dislikes. Man, this was a really good idea. I wish more classes had this.
I know most of you are film majors and I probably won't be seeing much of you over the years, but I am excited to see what kind of work you all put out and also to see you all grow as artists. For all of you fellow animators, I shall enjoy creating many beautiful stories and films with you all and sitting in those extremely long classes together. None of you drop out you hear? Life would get too boring.
I'll be praying for all of you and will be eagerly awaiting the day when we are all in the real world helping bring the light of Christ through the talents he has given us.
Thanks also to Professor Leeper for teaching us and showing us new ways of thinking. You and I may never see eye to eye politically but I am proud to be your brother in Christ. It just ain't fair we animation students won't get you for another few years! Ah well.
Its going to be a sad last day of class Wednesday.
Good thing we'll be watching a joyful film.

See you all there!

God bless!

End of the year movies

Well folks, we are in December now. Just a few short weeks till Christmas and after that just a couple days till new years. As far as movies go, it seems that this year Hollywood has been saving all the good ones for the end. Here are a few that I am certainly looking foreword to!

The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn

I grew up reading the Tintin series as a child. In fact I could usually not eat lunch or breakfast without one of the books laying open next to me. I've known this film was in production for about 4 years now and have been eagerly awaiting its arrival date. Most Americans haven't even heard of the Tintin before, it being more popular in Europe. But man, if you can get your hands on these books. Very entertaining, the art is engaging and it has a wonderful sense of humor! A very good graphic novel all around. 

Plus, this film is made by both Spielberg AND Jackson. A BRILLIANT team to say the least! These are a couple of guys who I trust to take these stories and make them into something engaging. You can count me to be in the front row with The Adventures of Tintin opens on the 23rd.

Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows

I could say I grew up reading this as well....but most of us have and nearly everyone is aware of this brilliant detective who lives on Baker Street. When Guy Ritchie's new version of Sherlock Holmes came out a couple of years ago I wasn't quite sure what to think. I was onboard for having Jude Law play Watson but I was in the need for serious convincing when I saw that Robert Downey Jr. would be portraying Holmes. When I watched this film with my Dad (an avid Sherlock Holmes lover) we both decided after the credits began to role that this film worked. It was new, fresh and had enough interest to keep us going through the entire thing. Its just one of those movies that I can literally watch again and again and not get tired of it! Here's to the next film! I hope it lives up to the standard set by the first!

See you on the 16th Sherlock!

War Horse

I was aware that this movie was based off a Tony award winning play that played in London some years ago but I honestly wasn't very familiar with the story as a whole. When I saw the trailer...it honestly took my breath away. It was just beautiful. After looking up the story itself I realized how beautiful it was too. The trailer breathes of sentimentality, love and hope through the entire thing. In a time of great struggle we see the story of a horse and his owner trying to reunite with one another. The fact that it was made by Spielberg only solidified my decision to go see this wonderful looking picture. I cannot wait. I simply cannot wait. With tissues in hand I will be going to see War Horse as soon as I possibly can.

(it opens Christmas Day) 

America

Hey all! This was a short story that I wrote for fun when I was 15. I dunno where this came from but I was half asleep one day and the idea came to me. I hope you enjoy it.
 

America

                             

I saw before me a valley of slain children, their bodies broken and crushed, blood pooling around them. Above me the sky was red with dark billowing clouds rolling in. Ahead of me the figure of a woman stood rubbing her hands together. Her dress was white but drenched in blood, her hair beautiful but wild and unruly. Her eyes entrancing but filled with tears. As I approached, this banshee woman raised her head to me and cried, “Where do you go hardened warrior? Can you not see the path you walk is full of my slain children? Depart and leave them in peace.”

I must rejoin my men! I said to her removing my cap. A fresh torrent of tears streamed from her eyes as she spoke again. “They will join this bloody field soon enough.” Then with a terrible cry she began to scrub her hands with a new effort. I asked her, how did this happen? She again looked up at me and answered. “My children fought against one another. Brother against brother, sister against sister. They screamed for me to take a side. I could not!” With this she wailed all the louder. “My children, why have you broken my heart? Look now, oh soldier, turn and see my children’s destruction.” As I turned again to look around me I saw that there no longer lay children, but men dressed in either blue or gray. Around them cannon roars and screams echoed through the netherworld.

“Look!” the woman yelled. I turned to her and saw that fresh blood dripped from her hands. “They wage their war still. I cannot clean the blood from my hands! It has soaked too deep within me!”

Who are you? I asked

“I am freedom,” she said. “I am majesty, I am splendor, I am America!”

Then I awoke.

Burtonized

Little introduction is needed for one of Hollywoods hottest directors. Tim Burton is someone that has inspired and entertained fans for over two decades with his own visionary style and art. He started off as a small Disney artist and, more recently, designed a new balloon for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

People all over the world eat his stuff up and then beg for more. Let's have a little background on this guy.

Burton was born in 1958, in the city of Burbank, California, to Jean Burton, the owner of a cat-themed gift shop, and Bill Burton, a former minor league baseball player who would later work for the Burbank Park and Recreation Department. As a young man, Burton would make short films in his backyard on Evergreen Street using crude stop motion animation techniques or shoot them on 8 mm film without sound. As a young man he was always a deeply introspective person and spent much of his time watching Edgar Allen Poe inspired works and horror/science fiction films. Burton graduated from CalArts in 1979. The success of his short film Stalk of the Celery Monster attracted the attention of the Walt Disney Animation Studios, who offered young Burton an animator's apprenticeship at their studio. He worked as an animator, storyboard artist and concept artist in films such as The Fox and the Hound, The Black Cauldron and Tron. However, Burton's personal style clashed with Disney's standards, and he longed to work on solo projects. Before long, through the popularity of his own short films, Burton began taking on bigger projects like Beetlejuice and his big break project Batman.

From then on most of us know the rest. He went on to create much loved films like Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Nightmare Before Christmas, Sweeney Todd and the Corpse Bride. As you look at these titles you can see a connection with most of them. They are about people in a darker world than we are in today trying to deal with themselves. 

Let's face it. Tim has GOT talent. He has a wonderfully unique style of art and design that has a universal appeal. Who would have thought that a guy whose art didn't fit in at Disney would go on to rival it someday. 

Thats what I love about Burton. He does his own thing and he does it well. On a personal note he also has not let his love for animation die. In fact I would go as far as to call Burton one of the modern patron saints of Stop Motion. I also love how he didn't try to get rid of his own style or to try and make it something it wasn't. I feel like lots of folks are so desperate to draw "just like disney" that we forget that our own style of art is just as important and useful. 

I would say that the story of Tim Burton reminds us that again and again.

Burton is now currently working on his next stop motion film 'Frankenweenie' as well as his new live action film 'Darkshadows' starring Johnny Depp (duh)

Trollhunter

Welcome to Norway, home of the vikings, Norwegian cod, beards and...you guessed it...trolls.


Trollhunter is basically the story of the story of a group of Norwegian film students that set out to capture real-life trolls on camera after learning their existence has been covered up for years by a government conspiracy. Shot in a mockumentary style, Trollhunter provides both ample entertainment and a taste of Norwegian culture and folklore. 
The prize for this perilous quest is Trolls, massive beasts that range anywhere from 20 to 100 feet tall. Very hairy, very loud, and have a insatiable taste for the blood of Christian men (basically, if you're a Christian take up vampire hunting instead...unless you want to disguise your scent with troll sweat). Although this film doesn't try and take itself too seriously, you begin to feel like this sort of thing could possible exist in our world. I have a feeling that if trolls existed in our world and had to be kept in check like wolves and bears, well, it would look something like the world that Trollhunter paints. I loved how the film stops and gives fact about trolls along the way and attempts to explain things like "why trolls turn to stone in the daylight". You ever see a pile of trees that have mysteriously fallen over during the night? The wind perhaps? Or maybe a pack of trolls. 
Silly? Yes. But that's why this movie is fun! It takes a would be cheesy idea and makes it exciting and 
interesting at the same time! 
If you are ever interested in having a fun time following a bunch of college students hunt these massive norwegian beasts, well then, grab some friends and some sort of alternative sun light source and buckle down for the ride that is Trollhunter.

A Christmas Classic

What does it take for a film, song or story to be a Christmas classic? I think I can speak for many of us when I say that we have those certain movies or songs that we always HAVE to pull out once the snow has fallen and the christmas countdown begins. But what exactly is the right formula for such a thing? Is it the fact that its just something we feel like we need to watch again and again simply because its a "Christmas" movie? Or is it something else? I think the answer varies between each person. For me, I think its because in each movie that I watch at Christmas year after year there is a nugget of wonderful heartfelt truth in it. Let me show you what I mean.

A Christmas Carol

Whether I mean the Robert Zemekis version or the original text this story has always been my favorite Christmas tale. It's funny, this thing has been done soooo many times with so many variations...but nearly all of them I can enjoy. Its a beautiful tale of redemption, hope, joy and love for your fellow man. The author, Charles Dickens was not satisfied with how the world was treating the poor and the weak and so he set out to remind England of the power of love. To do this, he wrote a little ghost story. A rich, meaningful ghost story that has reminded us of selfless love for hundreds of years. This book is full of truths....I believe God inspired truths. Brilliantly done Mr. Dickens.

The Polar Express

Whether or not you enjoy Robert Zemekis' constant use of mo-cap or not, I have to say personally that I look foreword to seeing this film every year. When you grow up you begin to lose the childlike wonder about Christmas, but this film helps bring a little of that back. There is a major theme of belief in this movie. Now I realize that it talks of believing in santa but still it tells us some very biblical idea through it. "Some of the most real things in this world are the things you can't see." That is a brilliantly put idea that is so true. We can't see many things with our eyes...and yet we know they are there. Believe and you will begin to see our God's fingerprints all over this world. All though I'm sure that was not the movie's intent, it still has something deeper even on a Christian level.

O Holy Night

I don't think this old carol needs much of an introduction. We've been singing this in church since we were kids and we'll continue to until we die. I love this song. It speaks quietly of the grace and love our God showed us by sending his Son into the world. It paints in our heads the image of a weary world, one lost and alone, seeing the first glimmer of light it has seen in a long time. Now, we know the world did not respond well to this light, but it is still a marvelous picture of hope. Hope that "All oppression shall cease" the slaves shall be free and their will be rejoicing and peace forevermore.

I hope you understand what I'm getting at. In these forms of Christmas media, I find ideas that I just can't get enough of. That's why I keep going back. Now these are but a few of the many Christmas films and songs I enjoy...but I wonder...what are yours? Why do YOU keep going back to them?

Merry Christmas Everyone.

Harry Potter: A not so magical review of an extremely magical series

Harry Potter was a very unusual boy in many ways.

With these words J.K. Rowling, an unknown British woman began a journey that would last nearly a decade. In this simple sentences our minds began to form a world much like our own...but far grander. In this world wizards and witches are living their ordinary lives in a place no person  (well...muggle) has ever seen. In this world goblins are bankers, elves exist and robes are just your everyday attire. With ten simple words we, muggles, were invited into this world for the first time ever. And you know what's even more fantastic? We liked what we saw.
The first of the Harry Potter series took the world by storm. No one predicted how quickly this simple work of fiction could have captivated children, teens and adults from all of the globe. It wasn't long before Hollywood, ever eager for new ideas, got a hold of the rights and in 2001 production began on Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone. Not suprisingly the film was an instant success and an adaptation of the next book began to come together almost right away.
From then on for a whole decade we watched film after film year after year. The craze never stopped. We grew older as time went on, but those kids who were running into the theaters with silly wizards hats on were still running in ten years later with wands held high.
What made us fall in love with this series? Can anyone truly remember? Was it the idea of looking into a world where magic exists? Was it the colorful characters we met along the way? Both?
For me its because this series (film and books) has just about everything you could want. Beautiful settings, an extremely nasty villian, heroic heroes, romance, betryayel, love, death and a happy Hippogriff named Buckbeak.
Also just the characters themselves. Why do we like them so much? Well, besides the fact that they all have intersting names and very different personalities. I think, for me at least, its because they are so very much like us. They each have struggles, fears and joys that, in some ways, we can connect with. Besides that there is the simple fact that these characters are not perfect. Dumbledore is no Gandalf and that's for sure. In the series Dumbledore makes many mistakes and is far from the shinning white Gandalf who is always in time to save the day. I have a friend who likes to point out all the ways Dumbledore should have handled things...I just smile and listen. That's the point. He is imperfect as are all the characters.
 The good guys are not good because they are perfect. They are good because they sacrifice so much in order to protect those perfect truths we all hold dear.


So on behalf of all of us who wish again to visit the world of wizards and witches...

Thank you.

Thank you Luna, for keeping our spirits up with your vibrant personality.

Thanks Lupin, for teaching us a spell that took our fear away.

Thanks Sirius, for being brave.
Thank you Hagrid for being so warm and welcoming.

Thank you Dumbledore for keeping us on the path.

Thank you Severus for never forgetting,

Thank you Ron for being such a brick,

Thank you Hermione for helping us learn,

and thank you Harry, for showing us the way into the wizarding world.

Signed: Us loyal Muggles


We'll visit you all again soon.

Animator's Blog

I found this blog a little while ago and it was written by one of my favorite Disney animators Andreas Deja (lead animator for Scar, Jafar, Gaston, Lilo and more recently Tigger) Its a wealth of information with tons of drawings from the disney vault! I mean these are sketches of characters before they were even fully thought out! Did YOU know Prince John from Robin Hood was originally a tiger? I sure didn't! Take a look if you are interested! In my book Andreas is right up there with Keane in animation and his love for disney is very apparent. 

He is the type of animator I would like to be someday. Character animation has always been a dream of mine. To breath life into character like that would just be wonderful. Anyway, if you love disney animation then make sure you explore the blog!

http://andreasdeja.blogspot.com/

HU Animator: REFLECTIONS

Can I just say that I love these freshman Animators? I am so very excited to be able to be working hard with people I enjoy being around. Oh, the fun, long hours we will spend in Becker making art that only a handful will see!
I don't know why I feel like expressing this through a blog but I just am glad that I am here and I'm glad that they are here as well. Its going to be a fun run guys.
I also want to take a moment to say how excited I am to be working with our Animation professors as well! I see that they all have a love for story and a love for teaching that is just so awesome to see. I was honestly nervous when I first came. I wasn't sure what I would find when I got into the department. Although my professors and I may not see eye to eye on everything (doggonit I'm a conservative and PROUD of it) I enjoy being around them and I enjoy discussing things with them. Its nice to be able to respectfully disagree and still great each other as friends the next day.
Another thing that pleases me about being here and in the DMA program is that it is stretching me to see things differently as well. . Now somethings I have to look at and say "Yeah, I see what you're saying but I disagree" but that is the whole point. As long as you can see where they're coming from you don't need to agree. You just have to do what you are convicted of. And honestly, I didn't really feel a "christian bubble" as they say...which in many ways I'm thankful for because I was worried that I wouldn't find new things to explore on a christian campus.
Its cool. Just plain cool.
If there isn't some sort of different view points flying around you then how do you expect to really understand what YOU believe. It was something major I learned at Disney as well. You want to debate with someone? First know what you believe and why you believe it.
But I digress. Anywho! Thanks Professor Leeper and all of you awesome animators! Its gonna be a fun four years working with all of you!

Now get back to work!

The twisted life of Robert Crumb

Dysfunctional. Odd. Eccentric. Troubled. Those are just a few first impressions that can come from getting inside the head of the animator Robert Crumb. In his smiling face you see something not nice to look at. After spending a couple hours learning about this man I felt....dirty. Like I had gone a little way down the path that he took. Not the most pleasant feeling. I wonder if Crumb even feels how lost he really is. His art style is a very nice, very neat style but what he chooses to draw, to me, feels more like he is simply releasing his own twisted sexual desires while trying to make it say something. For others it may be interesting, but for me it was just too much. He is a loveless man....and he does't seem to think that their is anything wrong with that. Its disturbing. Its not a path I am ready to explore...because whether we like it or not we see what we could become in the face of Robert Crumb.
One thing I noticed is that he constantly laughs. Normally that's not a bad thing but it seems to show how he treats life. He waves over it. He isn't seeing truly everything that is there. He sees some in depth things about culture but in his own life he seems so void of any knowledge of the terrible choices he has made.
Its just hard for me to grasp. I need to think about it more.
However, he is someone we need to reach out to...because I truly think Robert Crumb is hurting.

Gods and Generals

I love history, I always have. Out of all the wars America has fought there is one that fascinates me above all the rest...our own civil war. Brother fighting brother. Families, friends, and countrymen taking sides in a long bloody struggle that would be the most terrible ever fought on American soil. Today there are sadly very few movies made about this important time in our history. Only a handfull really, but thank goodness someone took the initiuative and brought this movie to the screen.

A lot of people are mixed on whether God's and Generals is a good movie or not. Some say it's too long, not exciting enough or just plain boring...but thats not how I see it. Is it a perfect film? No...not by any means. But it is a well thought out film that stays incredibly accurate in its interpretation of the battles and men who fought during one of the darkest times in our history. 

I wouldn't say this film was really even meant to be gobbled up by most movie goers. Honestly you HAVE to have a good amount of interest in this war to even hang on for this nearly 4 hour movie. The time alone is going to scare away most youngsters. I mean, if an American audience doesn't see an explosion or epic something or other every five minutes, most of us start thinking about what we're going to do the rest of the day.

Stephen Lang does such a good job in his ability to bring out Stonewall Jackson's character...he plays it with such a cool confidence and with tons of inner emotion that really keeps you connected with him. 

The scene that really got me the first time I watched it was when two Irish units (one from both sides) at the Battle of Fredericksburg are forced to attack one another as the Uilleann pipes play in the background. These men came over from Ireland together to escape the English and, as an Irish Sergeant remarks "End up shooting at each other in the land of the free." Broken, these Irishmen spill each others blood with tears in their eyes. That sort of stuff moves you....and its not just a movie. This happened. 

Although this movie tends to see everything more from the Confederate perspective, it stills does a good job at keeping the viewer in both camps and explores why these American's fight. Is this a perfect movie? Like I said, no it is not...but its a story that needs to be told. Sadly many filmmakers don't intend to tell these sorts of stories right now. Give us the Robots killing each other, the vampires, the car chases and leave behind the stories that echo over this land. 

Lincoln said, "The world will little note, nor long remember what we said here, but it can never forget what they did here." 

It seems we have already begun to forget. As filmmakers we have the tools to remind the world of the stories that shaped us as a people. 

Take the film for what you will. The men who made this movie have more guts than most of hollywood. You want to make films that make money but provide nothing and will be "little noted" twenty years from now? Fine. Stick with your noisy robots.  

But if you want to be more...take my challenge and BE more. 

Men..Not Boys: Men of integrity

We have heard in the blogs a lot recently about men. It's exciting for me actually! Finally a discussion on what real men are like and what separates them from the "boys" of our culture. What does it mean to be a man? What does it take to finally take on that title? Believe it or not being a "man" is a title. You have to earn it. You may be male but you may not be a man. Those boys who abuse women, can't hold a job because there too lazy to support their family, who think they are the best thing that God ever put on this earth....they are not men. They are children. You wanna see what a real man looks like? Read the bible. It may be a "no duh" answer for some of you but how many of us actually do it? The bible is full of awesome men. The best by far though would be Jesus. You want to be a good, solid dude? Be like Jesus. He is what every one of us as men of God should aspire to be.
Honestly though, we forget that.
I am furious at most men. Guys who have their hands all over their girlfriends, who watch filthy movies just because they can and who always try and cut corners in life and who intimidate and coerce women.
Grow up little boy. Grow up and man up.
I understand that this is coming off very strong...but guys can take it. We are suppose to protect women. We are suppose to cherish them as we do our own lives. In this twisted world this falls terribly short.
There is a great sermon done by Mark Driscoll which really hits at the heart of what a man should be. There is a link below in case you are interested. It really kicks your butt, but it is very important for all of us to hear I think.
For all of those who have a twinge of guilt while reading this I will say simply this: you need to get your game together right now. Right now. The good men in this world are tired of cleaning up your mess. Little boy be a man. You cherish that woman like she is yourself and realize that she is first and foremost God's. Don't screw with God's daughters. God is not sitting up there unmoved by your actions...God sees you little boy. You can't hide it.
For the women who read this I want to say I'm sorry for all of us guys who let you down, who weren't men, who weren't like Jesus. My heart aches for you. Know that there are men who care. Seek them out...although you may have doubts about it they are out there and they truly care for you. Forgive us all.

Thanks so much if you stuck in there while I ranted. If you are a guy and are still with me kudos to you. Seriously though guys, watch the video below. It will really gives you a lot of good tools.

http://marshill.com/media/trial/marriage-and-men

Thanks all

The Boxer

When I heard that we were going to be seeing The Boxer I got very excited, especially when I heard that Professor Smith would be leading it. He really had a lot of insight into the history of this entire conflict with the IRA for the fact that it was right out of his front door.
Although the story of the film is not based on any actual event it does a wonderful job of showing the type of life that the English and Irish lived in the 80's and 90's. Barricades on every corner, tanks rolling down the streets, gunshots fired without warning, Catholic and Protestant's killing each other.
Who would think that such hate an violence could be around after so many years. Strained relations with Catholics and Protestants goes back since the Elizabethan era and it still has strong routes in the celtic isles today.
If there is one country that never gives up fighting against the english that county would be Ireland. Since the year 1536 Ireland has continued to rise and do battle with those who seek to control them. The modern day Irish rebels would be the IRA (Irish Republic Army)
The Boxer tells the story of an ex-IRA man named Danny Flynn (Daniel Day-Lewis) who has just been released from a 14 year stint in prison. With his new found freedom he reopens an old boxing school and seeks to bring the communities (both catholic and protestants) together while trying to reconnect with the woman he loves. But this is not a simple world. Old allies have become foes. The more violent side of the IRA doesn't wish this peace to be. The fight has to continue...no matter what.
The Boxer doesn't sugar coat anything. Its brutal. It doesn't even have to show that much violence or blood to prove that point. A dark fearful aura fills this Irish/British world. The thought that a country as advanced as the U.K. would be struggling with such difficult issues still is amazing...almost frightening.
What I love is that Danny Flynn's character comes out without even a hint of fear. Throughout the film he shows great courage and blatant defiance of those who left him to rot in his cell. The thing is he never actually seeks out revenge. He comes out with the desire to live his life to better those around him and not visit his violent past.
As the credits role you start to believe that maybe Danny does find the peace he wants. Maybe he will continue the fight...but in a different way.
Overall The Boxer is a film that shows us the best and worst of ourselves. Passion, violence, love, pain, and a hopeful future.

Winter's Bones

What lies below the surface of the skin? What can be felt but very rarely seen? At the heart of America lies bones. Cold, dark, brutal bones. There is a world lived through fear. A place where stepping out of line could mean your bones will forever lie quite. Deathly quite. A world of poverty, drugs, guns and sweet country music. 
This is the world of Winter's Bone.  With an absent father and a withdrawn and depressed mother, 17 year-old Ree Dolly keeps her family together in a dirt poor rural area. She's taken aback however when the local Sheriff tells her that her father put up their house as collateral for his bail and unless he shows up for his trial in a week's time, they will lose it all. She knows her father is involved in the local drug trade and manufactures crystal meth, but everywhere she goes the message is the same: stay out of it and stop poking your nose in other people's business. She refuses to listen, even after her father's brother, Teardrop, tells her he's probably been killed. She pushes on, putting her own life in danger, for the sake of her family until the 
truth, or enough of it, is revealed.
While this movie is dark, gritty and at times hard to watch it shows us a world that can be found. I watched, my mind began to recall certain people or places that seemed to fit neatly into this little world. It reminds us that, while this is a movie, there is a truth to the story. There are places where people are living off potatoes and dressing it ragged clothes and where people live in fear of their own relatives. Thing is this world is just outside our door. It makes you think about what you have. 
Even when the movie ends in its own peaceful way, you know that this is not the end of the struggles for Ree Dolly or her small family. There is no "happily ever after" moment nor the promise that the now gentler Teardrop will stay to watch out for them. But there IS something. Hope. That's what keeps the Ree going. Hope that tomorrow will be better than the day before. Hope that she world will become a better place. 


In the chill of Winter's Bone you can still find a faint glow.

Talking to Kids: A long talk with Winnie the Pooh on "Not Ok" Touching

Well, as I was sitting here in my thotful spot (or Intro to DMA) listening to professor leaper discuss opening dialogue in children's television, I instantly had this video come to mind. Take a look!

Hmmm...yes I thought you might respond to that. Winnie the Pooh talking about not letting others touch your private parts. Now I don't want to downplay the issue. Its important! But Winnie-the-Pooh discussing it? Well I suppose its more of how they presented it. Plus Pooh Bear doesn't even have any private parts so....
Did anyone else find it absurdly hilarious? I dunno if its insensitivity on my behalf or what but my brother and I thought is was crazy and funny. Aah, the world of informative TV.
Thoughts? Concerns? Cheap shots? If anything hopefully some of you get a few laughs.
I just think this is kind of extreme.

The actors life: Daniel Day-Lewis

In the world of films that have depth to them, or films in general, Daniel Day-Lewis is hands down one of 

the finest and most versatile actors of our day. Some have even called him the Laurence Olivier of our day. 

Why he doesn't win an Oscar for every film he is ever in is beyond me. The work, the imagination and the 

creativity he puts into every role is so beautiful that it takes my breath away and thats for sure. Let's explore 

the actor and the methods of Daniel Day-Lewis.

Daniel was born to British actress Jill Balcon and Anglo-irish poet Cicil Day-Lewis in London in 

1957.Living in middle-class Greenwich, Day-Lewis found himself among tough South London kids, and, 

being part Jewish and posh, he was often bullied. He mastered the local accent and mannerisms and credits 

that with being his first convincing performances. Later in life, he was known to speak of himself as very 

much a disorderly character in his younger years, often in trouble for shoplifting and other petty crimes.

In 1968, Day-Lewis's parents, finding his behaviour to be too wild, sent him to the independent Sevenoaks School in Kent, as a boarder.  He was later transferred to another independent school, Bedales in Petersfield, which his sister attended, and which had a more relaxed and creative ethos. This transfer led to his film debut at the age of 14 in Sunday Bloody Sunday.

Leaving Bedales in 1975, his unruly attitude had faded and he needed to make a career choice. Although he had excelled onstage at the National Youth Theatre, he decided to become a cabinet-maker, applying for a five-year apprenticeship. However, because of a lack of experience, he was not accepted. He then applied (and was accepted) at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, which he attended for three years, eventually performing at the Bristol Old Vic itself

As he grew his work ethic was well publicized over the years. He would go into intense training in order to become closer to his character. For Last of the Mohicans he learned to skin animals and live off the land. For In the Name of the Father he stayed long stretches of time in a prison cell and insisted that the crew throw cold water on him and verbally abuse him. While creating the role of Bill the Butcher for Gangs of New York he wore 1870's clothing around New York City in both cold and warm weather. 

Daniel has, overall, not been in many films. Nineteen is the actual number he has been in to date. Compared to most big name actors that is rather a small sum. When you research into this method actors preparations for roles you will begin to understand why he chooses so few. Honestly I respect him for not just choosing roles because they are there, but because there is something he wants to say or express through each job he takes. Many actors don't seem to care what they get as long as they get a nice paycheck *cough, cough, Nicholas Cage, cough* 

I truly believe that he is an inspiration for any actor. He shows in every one of his films that intensity and hard work can really pay off. 

If one day I could become half the actor that Daniel Day-Lewis is then I, for one, would be very happy.

Upcoming Role: Abraham Lincoln in Stephen Spielbergs Biographical film Lincoln.

The Hudsucker Proxy...

...that is what Sydney J. Mussburger (Paul Newman) needs in this Coen's brothers screwball comedy. They need a sucker, a dope, a...well...a proxy. After the death of the founder of Hudsucker Industries the board has to find a way to get the company worth very little so they can take full control without spending a fortune. Norville Barnes (Tim Robbins) is their answer. Or so they think...
This comedy is certainly not something you would expect from the darker, grittier comedy of the Coens. Its really an ode to the classic days of hollywood. The acting was pleasantly over the top while still retaining feeling and emotion, not too much, but enough for this type of comedy. This certainly isn't a movie with a whole lot of depth. Its more like a fun ride through the park, which in truth is what we need more of in the cinema these days. Just films that will open your imagination and capture a child like wonder we used to have going to the movies for a night of fun.
Overall this film is very enjoyable and tons of fun to watch with your friends and family. It truly shows how versatile the Coens are and will continue to be. If you have not seen this movie yet take a look! You'll find laughs and maybe a glint of something more!

The best of the worst.

Lets face it. Movies are a wonderful thrilling part of our culture. We love movies. In fact we can't seem to get enough of them.  In fact, for most of my blogs I've talk about films that I love and adore. But, then again, there are those films that should have been buried long ago with a stake of holly through its heart. Aha! You see? Already a number of films have popped in your minds. Those films that made you feel like you waisted all those precious hours that you sat their on the couch waiting for it to get better. There are many like this. So awful its almost hysterical. Those films that you sit with your family or friends and make fun of it like an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Well folks, let's talk about these sad pieces of art. Let's hear about what films make you feel sick! Below are a couple of ones that I think are in the dump. Please! Share yours! Lets get this ball rolling!

Godzilla. Not a bad idea to begin with I don't think, but the acting is so over the top bad and the plot is so corny that it makes you hate every second of this 2 hour film. This is a monster that should never have been mutated. You want to see a good monster movie? Watch the original. At least you can laugh in it instead of face palming yourself the entire way through.

Popeye the movie. While Robin Williams is interesting to watch for the first 20 minutes as he plays our favorite sailor man, the rest is just too cheesy, too annoying and too musical. Yep...this thing has got songs that would make one want to drill holes in your head. Problem is that you will find yourself unintentionally humming them over and over. A terrible combo! Music that you hate to sing. Shelly Duvall is also a annoyance as Olive Oil. Honestly I don't think she ever should have taken up acting. Ah well, what can you do?

Well, I someone was bound to mention this sooner or later. Oh what is there  to pick on? George Cloony's awful performance as the caped crusader? The  over the top costumes? Nipples on the batsuit? Or Mister Freeze's constant barrage of puns? Take your pick. There are tons more! Why someone would hand the reigns of our favorite dark superhero to Joel Schumacher I'll never know. This thing is trash. In fact its worse than trash! Trash doesn't even want to associate itself with it!

This movie is not cool. Its simply frozen to death.








There are tons more I could name! But its your turn! Have a go! Don't be shy!

The Oil Man

Daniel Plainview is a man of few words. In fact throughout the first 10 minutes of the movie he utters no words whatsoever. We spend those minutes wondering "Who is this man? What does he want?"
In his own words he states,

"If you say I'm an oil man you will agree."

And that's exactly what he is.
This tough and bruised man has spent his whole life digging for black gold in the pits of the earth. Success is something he longs for...but it is not something he wishes for others.

"I have a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed. I hate most people."

And indeed he does. He talks when he must and often will flare up at anyone who would dare question his motives or ideas. This almost calls into memory a British skin flint who wishing everyone death who has not worked as he has worked or lived as he has lived. Plainview is an angry man. For whatever reason his rage continues to boil under his skin. The world is his enemy who wishes him hell. His reply is making the world bow to him.

But even this gnarled old dragon has a soft spot. Children. Not long after we meet Plainview he adopts the son (named H.W.) of one of his dead employees. As he raises his son he shows a great deal of attentiveness to H.W. and his needs. But it is not just his son who brings his softer emotions to the surface. When Plainview discovers that H.W's playmate Mary was was beaten because she did not pray, the oil man buys her a dress and confronts her father. We are not told why he is softened children. At one point we witness him crying when he sees a picture of a child (perhaps himself) in his brother's journal.

His true enemy in this film is religion. More specifically a pastor and faith healer named Eli Sunday. After a cordial first meeting the two slowly begin to realize how much they dislike how each other lives. It comes to a head when (after being humiliated by Plainview) Eli forces the oil man to scream in church in front of the whole congregation "I have abandoned my child!" (referencing the point when Plainview sends his son to a school far away after H.W. is struck deaf from an oil accident)

Through all of this the anger stews in the pit of the oil man's stomach. But he will not release it yet. No...he will wait.

Years later Daniel Plainview has gotten what he wants. He is rich, fabulously so, and no troubles are in sight. But even through this long journey the oil man's anger has not abated. When his grown up son approaches him for his blessing in starting his own company Plainview sneers. "You're just a bastard from a basket." His competition has no boundaries. H.W. has grown and married his former playmate. He has become what the oil man hates.

Then, out of no where, Eli Sunday calls upon him in hopes that he would help him dig for oil on the land belonging to a now dead church member. Plainview agrees but only on the condition that he say multiple times "I am a false prophet and God is a myth."

The desperate Eli does so.

Then the oil man reveals that there is, in fact, no oil left there. He has drained it without the knowledge of anyone. Eli, in dire financial straits, appeases to Plainview's soft side, Plainview's son and the fact that they are now related by marriage.

It has been long enough. The oil man's anger must be released.

Minutes later Eli lies in his own blood. The oil man had finished him. Meanwhile, Plainview sits there with a look of relief and peace.

When the butler comes down to see what all the commotion is about, the oil man looks up and says

"I'm finished."

Indeed his is.