Boston Baked Bombs

There are two competing Boston bomber movies coming out.
Why?
Remember when they made a "United 93" movie. Fuck, man. I couldn't watch that. I hate watching Americans going about their unsuspecting activities only to know the tragedy that follows. Are we honoring the fallen with this? No. You're exploiting this shit.

Maybe give it a few decades. It's not THAT interesting of a story...yet. If we don't have time to absorb the gravity of the events that occurred. Also, it really gives the terrorist more reason to do bad. Why? They made a Hollywood movie out of it.

Nice going, you Hollywood assholes.

Opportunists...suck

Note to Chris Brown...don't invite blonde White girls into your home.
What good can come from that?
So you pulled a gun on her. Now what?
You already had some record of punching Rhianna and you introduce yourself to this nonsense? Bro, EVERYONE is not looking out for you.

Besides, with a temper like yours, where the FUCK do you get a gun?

Are you going to learn your lesson? Doubt it. Will they leave you in jail or prison...nope. But you will eventually get something worse. Incidentally, Baylee Curran...you're 26 years old...and this is what you want to do with your life? Track record on you says you're a celebrity chaser. Bah! Hopefully you run into Phil Spector.

"Kill Me Again" (1989)

This is one of those movies you wish you would’ve watched in theaters. Because it would’ve been a discovery. As it were, I recall watching it on VHS shortly after watching director John Dahl’s second effort “Red Rock West”…which was again another southwestern film noir. It’s all timing folks.

The second time I recall watching this was over at a friend’s house who had HBO. Apparently they’d played the shit out of this movie. But STILL it gained no traction. What was it about this well crafted movie people didn’t like? I still have no idea.

The movie stars Val Kilmer as Jack Andrews, a down-on-his-luck private detective whose haunted by the death of his wife. He owes (presumably) bookies money who rough him up. Enter Fay…played by the sliterthly sexy Joanne Whalley-Kilmer. Okay, a quick thing about hyphenate names…woman thinks she’s a strong independent woman. I have no problems with that. So don’t marry insane weirdos like Val Kilmer. It doesn’t end well.

She is willing to pay Jack big money to fake her death to get her insane boyfriend off her trail. See, earlier in the movie, we see that she had busted up her boyfriend’s head and ran off with mob money. The boyfriend is played by Michael Madsen, who plays…Michael Madsen. But he’s so good at being a creepy torture artist. Hence, he is desperate to track down Fay.

The fraud goes underway, as Jack fakes her death and as he dumps the car and returns to the hotel, she has taken off. Bambozzling him. Unfortunately for her, she picked a P.I. that needs the money. Yes, he’s a loser, but a morally upstanding one. Which doing the right thing has constantly bitten him. This is no exception. The kindness he shows Fay gets him stuck.

Now a smart person would just let this go, and the consequences will fall where they may. Except, Jack gets pinched by the police…and charged with the fake murder of Fay. I won’t say anymore, other than…for being late 80’s it’s surprisingly sophisticated. HOWEVER, there is a twist at the end which may have been the sinking of this movie. The characters betray who they are. And it becomes really frustrating. Logic dictated what should’ve happen, which is doesn’t. Not like the movie goes a specific direction it needs to, but that you are left asking why. But then again, maybe the erratic nature of behavior is enough to explain it. In a film noir, probably.

This is a fun three handed movie. Everything works as it should, when it does. The pacing is solid. If you watch enough who-done-its, none of this will come as a surprise. The journey, in this case, would’ve made Raymond Chandler proud.

"La Strada" (1954)

Sometimes you just watch a movie...and get really really sad that they can't be made today. Like you would never look at "Deadpool" and think..."man...why don't they make movies like that anymore?" Because it's disposal garbage.

"La Strada" is a fascinating movie. Because it is a dated movie. Post-war Italy with two American leads, speaking English but being dubbed in Italian. Like Federico Fellini ever gave a shit.

This movie is about a strongman named Zampano played by Anthony Quinn, who purchases a girl from a poor village to assist for him. The girl/woman named Gelsomina is played by Giulietta Masina, who also happens to be Fellini's wife.

Ripped from her poverty, she is taken to learn the tricks of the roadside entertainment trade. See, Zampano spends his days making money off his act of breaking through chains with his chest. His schtick is corny, but it is a living. He lives/works out of a motorcycle driven wagon. He's very abusive to Gelsomina. Who, let's face it, isn't the most attractive pick of a litter, and he has no problem telling her so. She learns quickly how cruel and belittling Zampano is, but remains with him. Somehow this brutish behavior is attractive in a Stanley Kowalski way.

They eventually run into a real carnival where Zampano runs into a rival simply named "The Fool." He is played brilliantly by Richard Basehart. He is kind to Gelsomina (as much as he can be) but mocks Zampano when he can. They obviously have a history which is pretty deep.

This is a character study wrapped in a road trip picture. Gelsomina is a village girl who sees the wonderful sights of the world, but her payment is also the ugly side of humanity. Many times she is given the freedom, but chooses instead a different path. There is an interesting dialogue that occurs between The Fool and her, that doesn't quite go the path you think it will. It's really an honest look at male/female relationships. I think if you remove the physical abuse, much could still be very present today.

What I absolutely love about this movie is that Zampano's arc isn't expected. It's not even that big. He's a bully and a piece of shit. But then there are these glimpses of kindness that takes you by surprise. You almost understand her position to remain with him. The very best part of this movie is how a simple story can have so many complex emotions. The insults are very very cruel, but in a world where your options are limited, it's hard to take a bully seriously.
Check it out!

"A Beautiful Mind" (2001)

I thought it would be funny if I wrote a review of “A Beautiful Mind” as if a ‘bro had written it for his frat brothers:

So I Netflix’d “A Beautiful Mind” because that chick with the sweet melons riding a horse in “Career Opportunities” was in it. Fuck. That movie was worse than going to class. Yo Homie, just ‘cause your brain is melted, doesn’t mean you have to make us all feel what you feel. Like shit.

Directed by that kid from “Happy Days” Opie-something, this is about a professor named John Nash played by Gladiator. He goes to some smart kid school. This cat is so stupid smart, he got a scholarship to get his learn on. But he’s too smart so he don’t go to class. Can you believe the cojones on him?

Naturally, if you’re that smart, government wanna dig into your brain juice and figure out what you know. So he gets recruited by that dude from “The Rock.” Look like Skeletor and shit. Dig it, this government suit wants to use this smart cat to crack codes. He does this for little bit, then one day…the movie’s like “psyche!!!” mofo, you been got! Guy ‘aint working for the guv’mint. Mofo is kray-kray. Yep, loonier than a pelican (Go Hurricanes!).

So the rest of the time, his wife, played by Mrs. Sweet-Cans Nash has to put up with his shit. That mean he tried to drown his kid, sees people who aren’t there, and she don’t get the nookie. That drives her the most nuts, sorta’ speak.

The fact that Big-Knockers stayed with him even without regular dickin’…fuck, give her the Nobel Prize. Which Gladiator kinda’ does.  I dunno, this movie confused me. He’s got big brains, but a part is broken. And he’s annoying as fuck, cause he has them hand tic things. Makes me nervous lookin’ at it. Makes no sense this dude didn’t get jacked on a daily basis. But then again, there wouldn’t be a movie if he just kept getting jacked.

Found out later this movie won all kindsa’ Oscars and shit. I was like “Wuuuuuut?!” Then I was like “Duh, Charles (which was Gladiator’s imaginary friend’s name), voters in Hollyqueer get all excited seeing themselves in movies. Cuz nothing more schizo than that town.”

By the way, chief, your brain ‘aint beautiful. It’s fucked ten ways to Sunday. You know who had a beautiful mind? My mind ,when I saw Mrs. Sweater Puppies Nash running in the rain without a bra. Give them the Oscar gold.

Gene Wilder Dead At 83

I've never remotely found him funny...
BUT...BUT!!!...The fact that he tried SO hard to make people laugh, makes him a martyr in my book.

I'm not sure that the general public confuses...looking funny and BEING funny.
His jokes were obvious and corny. And his pairing with Richard Pryor was...well, watch it again these days. "Silver Streak" isn't as good as I remembered it.

Again, my appreciation for the guy is mostly due to his attempts. And constant attempts. And riding that wave of cocaine 70's humor, or just being bug-eyed odd. Most of the movies with antics like "The Woman In Red" are very very weird. I dare anyone to watch that and believe it was made with good intentions.

A girl recently told me her favorite movie of all time was "Young Frankenstein." IF you can make a girl like schtick, then...yeah...you get tagged a legend.

Would it surprise you that I've never seen "Willy Wonka"?

Memories Are Important

I look back on my Flickr page where I keep...something of a photo journal and am reminded of times I've spent in different places. My own memory is slipping. Not bad or good, but memories are emotion. And I think when I turned 40 a lot of that faded away. My mind works in the now. Which is sad, since I can't feel those feelings I once had. Nostalgia maybe.

I visit my Flickr page and it's nice. A nice reminder of the times I've had. The terrible emotional battles with drinking or not drinking. But also with being really inspired to be a great photographer. I tried a lot of things. Studied hard to find how it would all work. Researched my favorite people. And split my time between doing production shots of my own films to doing model/pinup/vintage shooting. It's all inspiring, though looking at the images now, there is a sadness that I don't fully recall the emotion behind it. I mean, I know I should, but I don't. As if I've been lobotomized from that part that was the pre-drinking days, to the post-drinking days.

Memories are important, if not to feel and have empathy for others.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomaskuo/

Tattoos In Hollywood

Not that midget from “Fantasy Island”

When you are starting out in the movie business or even considering it, here’s something to consider. Don’t get tattoos. Unless you’re attempting to be gang. And even then, they’ll cover yours up and put in their own.

The simple fact is…Hollywood is probably the only place you won’t get a job PURELY on looks. Too fat, skinny, short, tall…what other business allows that? Therefore, your “cool” ink’d art will most likely get you out of a job. Because they think you’re a piece of shit. Which I think you’re piece of shit. Men, women, children, doesn’t matter the tattoo question is null and void. I had this argument a while back…it’s an expression of someone else’s art…not your own. Think about it…you can sit at home and draw any design you want and have a tattoo inker put it to your skin. Isn’t that like me handing a rough sketch to Picasso to have him paint it in his style. Who is the artist there?

The stigma of tattoos are gone. But the older one gets, the more they see risk. People with tattoos are inherently risky. The fact that a casting agent has to show you to the director is risky to them. “What’s with the fucking tattoos?!” No one ever says “What’s with the NO TATTOOS!” Think about it.

And before you get on my case about expression and yada-bada-bada…sure. Expressed all you want. But this town doesn’t run on your schedule, you run on theirs. And if you think that’s fair, why is it never fair to consider what a dumb thing tattoos are when it limits you in every job. I had  this discussion. People with sleeves of ink. Exactly what world are you trying to get kicked out of. His position: “well, they have no interest in the jobs that would judge you on tattoos.” Fair enough. But you really limit yourself as you get older. The hipper service jobs dig that you have ink and can bartend, these are the same that get out of prison and get halfway house jobs. Then have to contend with that ink in the grey bar hotel as well.

There are more downsides to tattoos than there are NOT to have tats. You may have a ice-breaker with sleazy sexy tramps…but they won’t stick around to see if you get the next acting gig.

Listen, they can cover up your ink for movies (harder now with HD). But you’re NO Johnny Depp…yet. So why hobble yourself.

I’m here to help.

Leslie Jones Hacked

You assholes either hate Black people or hate women, but you double down when you hack someone who's already been the brunt of backlash due to "Ghostbusters."

Internet hack is really violating. Having your images stolen and REALLY private documents like your identification cards is...it should be a mandatory 30 years. That shit is someone's identity.

Hopefully the assholes who did this get raped in prison. See how violation feels.

People have too much time on their hands.
Write shitty things in a blog instead.

Heroin In Cincinnati

Fuck.
Took two days for 50 OD's in my hometown city. Due to bad heroin.
You can't even trust the midwest smack.
Here's an idea for those who've died or in the process of dying...stop shooting this shit up. I can't feel sorry for someone who insists on this type of high.
Maybe their deaths are God's plan.
Maybe this is weeding out the weak.
Maybe we need to not be so fucking sympathetic to the assholes who are users. Nor the dealers. Know where they don't have a heroin problem? Singapore. Know why? They execute on the spot.

Got Into A Film Festival

The phone rang in the middle of the night as I was asleep. It was a friend...
"Hullo?"
"Oh shit, man, you asleep?"
"Nah. It's cool. What's up?"
"There was a deadline for a film festival I got into last year that I submitted "Nick's Van" to."
"Wha--?"
"Yeah, they judges are looking at it now. Last minute thing. Nominations go out today. Will let you know. Talk to you later."
He hung up.
An hour later. The phone rang again.
"Hey, the judges watched it and it's accepted. Just need a logline and a few photos and a poster. Oh...they need it tonight?"
"Wha--?"
"Yeah, the deadline is on September 3rd. Today was the last day before nominations. They like to nominate movies before they announce screening. Get more interest and shit."
"Oh, cool..."
"You know what?...I'll just pick from your Flickr page."
"Ah...cool" still groggy from what was happening.

And just like that, the first entry into a festival. Ever. I mean, not even my film school movies got into festivals (not that I ever tried). Take it as it is. I still hold onto my core belief that film festivals are good for actors and other talent, not really all that big a deal for directors. Because most of the people there are also trying to meet people to help them out.

Short film festivals are near impossible to draw out people who can help you make your next movie. But...it's a good place to rub skulls together and trade war stories. If you ever get into a festival, congratulations...but take it with a grain of salt. It's fun to watch your movie play for strangers. Don't expect to be the next Paul Thomas Anderson.

I Got Feature Dream, Coach!

Will I ever direct a feature film?

Well, thanks for asking, Guy Who Never Asked.

I’m not sure. I’m so enamored with the nuance of acting, I forget it sometimes needs to be coherent to the story. A solid performance means they are believable but also that the acting serves the story.  I’ve seen a bad performance that was perfectly fine for a good story. Their bad acting couldn’t destroy it. Think anything Kevin Smith.

So far, I’ve been in short film limbo. Though, I think short film takes a lot more craft than feature. Long form seems to require stamina and patience. Whilst short requires thrift of images. Pacing exists in both. Though, I’m still tentative on my own internal clock, in terms of storytelling. I believe there is an internal clock that exists in all of us that is universal to how a story unfolds. Sure, there are studies/and methods that illustrate how a stories rhythm becomes familiar to us. But why and how? The dissection of story in the form of a hero’s journey or story structure is cool. Though, I prefer to just…try to feel the story. We know if it works or not. Now in short form…it’s pretty apparent when things really don’t work. Or feel forced. In long form, when parts of your story drag…it DRAAAAAGS! And you can whittle it away. Which is how I get back to being a short story teller.Maybe it’s the difference between a knock-knock joke and, a drawn out tale. Think Steven Wright vs. Richard Pryor.

It’s odd to me…the way people can write so much in a screenplay, but say so little. I get wall banged by the first sign of a poor story thread that it derails me. Some people don’t have that filter (which you’re really not suppose to have). We’re suppose to be able to vomit it all onto paper and get back to it when we have time to edit. But…it’s a hard thing to do. Keep someone’s attention for so long. I tend to go for low brow racism. Or just walking away. Yes…walking away…far far away.

The point being, I know the market calls for a feature. Long form you can sell to Netflix or Hulu or whatever. Shorts...don't sell. Unless your Mom is buying. And even then. My own Mom has never watched anything I've done. Nor has she ever asked. Because to her, it's still just a hobby. She isn't wrong, just that she's not completely right.

From what I've seen these days, a feature doesn't require many set pieces anymore. The ones that have garnered a lot of attention have been really...one idea. For instance, in "Cop Car" it's about kids who steal a cop car, but it ends up being a thug who stole it. It's a bad example, since the movie blows, but it's a good example since it is literally an idea. Got the asshole who directed it a gig on the new Spiderman movie. By the way, fuck Spiderman. How many times can they reboot that piece of shit? I take that back, how many times will we go see it?

I take it back, maybe I shouldn't ever make a feature movie. Ever.

"Kubo & The Two Strings" (2016)

Let’s face it, a lot of this is going to go over a lot of childrens’ heads, but it still respects the younger audiences sensibility to touch on spirituality. Even though the young folk I watched it with probably didn’t understand it any further than there was a talking monkey in it. Which is pretty badass. Also, the title is going to REALLY turn people off. But whatever, it’s appropriate, and I’m glad they stuck with it.

Kubo is…not what you expect. It’s not a singing, dancing musical. It’s not Disney. The best I can explain is listening to a fable. I recall hearing stories like this as a kid. Morality spiritual tales that had mysticism involved. Not about ghosts, but about respect for your ancestors. It also involves a tragic love story. A Romeo and Juliet of sorts. And a chase to find items. So you get a journey story as well. Though it sometimes gets messy, in terms of story points, it excels in…touching that Disney magic without pandering to that awful toy market. Released by Focus Films (an independent company) and directed by Travis Knight (“Coraline”) this movie is pretty dark for children.

The story is about a woman on the run with a baby. They get close enough to an island, only to be washed ashore by a massive wave. The mother is rendered an invalid during the day. But has her senses given back to her during the night. Why? We find out later (as you will too). The child is missing an eye. A gruesome dark story will emerge for that as well.

Flash forward a few years, and we now see Kubo as a pre-teen. He gets around in life by playing his magical guitar while papers fold into origami. Of sorts. They entertain the townsfolk which are located outside of where Kubo disappears into the mountains. All the townsfolk know of him, is that he doesn’t stay the night. Awful things occur at night, as warned to him by his mother.

The adventure takes off after a battle between some evil sisters that want Kubo for a reason, and he is whisked off to what appears to be…a far off ice land. The charm his mother has given him, that of a monkey, has come to life. And is dedicated to protecting him (as charms do). This is voiced wonderfully by Charlize Theron. A warm, yet humorless monkey. Along the way a magical dream brings an origami samurai to life that leads them to a cave where a former samurai warrior now magically turned into a beetle dwells. This forgetful insect/man is voice by Matthew McConaughy who is doing a fantastic George Clooney impression. Sardonic and funny, he is mindless but still retains a gallows humor about their adventure. Though sworn to help Kubo’s father, he now swears allegiance to help Kubo find the father.

SO the odd pairings travel to far off lands. In search of samurai breastplates and weaponry. In truth, a reason for them to bond and work together.

There are secrets that are left unsaid here, but it’s better I don’t give those away.

This movie is heartwarming, though a tiny bit dense, if you just want kids to watch moving colors. It requires a little bit of…focus to get some of the good stuff. Unfortunately, there are logic flaws that ALMOST derail the movie. To me, the good outweigh the bad…by a LOT. It flows really nicely that you hardly have time to think about it too hard. Its heart is in the right place and it means well, and it’s not boring. You can’t ask any more than that.

Closing Words On "Nick's Van"

The movie is finished and it is now in screening mode. Yes, the process has closed for me. Everything is locked. The Digital Cinema copy is ready to be sent out. I've uploaded for film festival consideration. Will continue to shell out dough for entries. And so forth.

I woke up this morning, INCREDIBLY lifted. A weight of a project that had been haunting me for a while. Sitting on my drive. Waiting for me to re-discover it. I told my friend, who colored it for me, that I think it required that I exit the movie for a term, because...big because...it was an exorcising of a demon of sorts.

See, I really like having to re-discover something I've done. In the heat of battle it is impossible for me to see the forest through the trees. I'm not sure why. But to be removed from it for a while gives me an interesting perspective. I ruminate on the project now and am marveled by the nuances. IT IS A NUANCE movie. Subtle in the dialogue which seems throwaway but does have a purpose. This is not a marketable movie, when it comes to watch-a-bility. I'm going to be honest. It's not a movie someone can just put on and have in the background. To be fair, neither is a movie like "Airplane!" Strangely enough, both require you watch in a theater to get all the little things. Things I needed time to forget and NOT hit over the head. I was reminded by my friend the little things I've thrown into the script I completely forgot. And it comes to play again. A full story with set-up and payoff.

I'm so very proud of this project for a few reasons. This is a 35mm film project that is sync sound which I hadn't made since...2002. Everything up until that point had been backyard digital camera stuff, made for our own entertainment. This is a big deal because the last time I did this I had about $25,000 unlimited (for short films) production and the support of the university. Sitting on top of a crane with the same camera I used for this movie. Back then I was really in the midst of my heaviest drinking too.

The second thing is...I did it with the one thing I thought didn't exist in Los Angeles. Supportive friends. Enthusiasm got us further than I realized. And I am eternally grateful.

Will it win awards? Strong possibility. It's well made. And that's just not me. It's a film film. I mean, shot on film. And...when screened (I wasn't there for the conversation) many were surprised it was done by...a no-budget production. These are people who watch Hollywood blockbusters daily. So...pretty stoked about that.

Well, it belongs to the people now. And they will decide. I am proud of it. I tell my friend when she gets down about her projects..."look, we're doing it and they're not." That makes me ridiculously giddy, because I get to do it.
...and I get to do it on my terms with my friends.

So without sound more like an acceptance speech, I'm going to move on to the next thing. My directing heroes don't let moss grow, I shouldn't either.

Olympics In Brazil

I could care less. I'm not sure why.
When I was a kid, I couldn't wait.
Now...too much corruption. Too much doping. And weird fucking sports.
They bore me. And frankly, we don't have the hate for other countries we had when I last watched the Olympics. Say...do you still get Big Mac scratch off?

If not, go fuck yourself, Olympics.

Cynicism

Let's get a few things out of the way, in terms of cynicism in Hollywood. People who've been here less than five years and exhibit this are annoying. Those who've made a career of sorts, well, it's earned. I know a lot of people tell you that the term "cynicism" is bad. True. If you didn't work in movies. The point is, this business, you expect the very worse in people. And if you don't have it, you either haven't tried hard enough to break in, or you haven't met enough people.

At a certain point, I understand how an older person views Hollywood. A leery eye towards what is spoken and what is done. From the Midwest, people generally just...do, and speak very little. Here, they speak A LOT and do very little. I've been guilty of it. Wild ideas pop into your head, and as quickly as they come...they go. Sucks. But let's view what cynicism is built in this town.

You expect people to be awful. So they act awful. Or, they just do what you expected. The delusional idiot believes they willed this upon themselves. You could argue an entire culture has been built on society's cynicism towards them. For instance, the Black community feels put upon by police. So naturally both sides are suspicious of one another.

The movie business is a lot of people proving what liars, thieves and degenerates they are. In fact, they often celebrate it during the Oscars, when they honor someone like Roman Polanski. Sure, I personally don't think what he did was that awful, but it doesn't matter, since it is the law. If he gets away with things like this (which he still hasn't) then we slowly start to bend. Bending means we start to accept these deviant behaviors. Slowly, it morphs into something else. That's fine. That's life. But, the hypocrisy creates a lot of eye rolling when it comes to people making these grand schemes of success and fame. Cynicism is a defense mechanism to be sure.

Some people believe cynics bring it upon themselves. That they get what they expect. Listen, someone like Kelly McGillis who was assault more times than anyone in a lifetime doesn't need to change her "chi." She bought a gun. I consider cynics actually, the last line of romantics. Because they've expected so much for society that constantly disappoints. Yes, this is life. But you don't need to go through life believing also that you are at fault, because the stars didn't align. That's stupidity at its finest (see Homer Simpson vs. Frank Grimes).

I'm sure this isn't exclusive to the film industry, but it does hit it head on. People who seem to deny this...personally, I think THEY'VE given up on humanity. They believe people are who people are and they can't change them to suit your needs. Yeah, but there is a social contract that everyone abides by. This idiot would have you believe if you get raped, well...you can't change who that person is. Yeah, you can change him from living to dead, so he doesn't rape again. The person who can justify this is living in massive denial. And it's quite frustrating to deal with people who give clear bad behavior the benefit of the doubt. Or perhaps the reality is too much for that simple mind to process.

If you decide to come out here, protect yourself. I'm not saying be suspicious of EVERYONE. But be moreso than not. I wish you well in this business. The struggle is long and difficult and focus on what you do well. The other stuff is just smoke and mirrors and people who've failed that creep in your brain that you won't make it. I hope you do, just do it with equal parts bravery and trepidation.

"IT" Returns

Here's the new image presented by Entertainment Weak-ly on Bill Skarsgard playing Pennywise, the clown.

It looks like a shitty painting. Hung over a shitty brothel.
Also, he's not scary, or creepy, he's acting scary and creepy.
Clowns suck by its nature. Not sure why, maybe because serial killers and pedophiles dress up like them. Or maybe because they hide the anger behind the perma-grin. Whatever it is, it isn't a bulldog looking at a piece of steak. It definitely isn't this asshole in this shit remake.

Stephen King's books have always been mishandled. Until a good dude like Rob Reiner started making his movies. "IT" and "The Stand" were actually pretty decent adaptions for television. Watch "IT" again with the adult Losers club of then...John Ritter, Tim Reid, Annette O' Toole, Richard Masur, Richard Thomas and Dennis Christopher. Why mess with this amazing cast?

Oh well...I think people need to revisit Tim Curry's Pennywise. This piece of shit in a Victorian suit won't add up...I guarantee.

Nate Parker Rapist In Hollywood

Where else would you hide, if you've done something wrong? HOLLYWOOD! Maybe he can get himself an Oscar..(ahem...Roman Polanski).

First off, Fuck Penn State (where this occurred). Sandusky-hiding shithole. Nate Parker had sex with a girl, she claimed rape, Parker acquitted, then years later this chick killed herself. Then he makes a movie about how slaves were mistreated and need to uprise...nice morals there, pal.

From Deadline:
"Last week when "The Birth Of A Nation" writer, director, producer and star Nate Parker faced Deadline reporter he and the film’s co-story writer had raped a woman while all of them were students at Penn State (she claimed they had sex with her after she had passed out while they claimed the encounter was consensual), he vowed not to run from responsibility even though he had been found not guilty. Now that word surfaced that the woman killed herself 13 years later — trial records disclosed she had attempted suicide in the aftermath of a case that saw Parker declared not guilty and Jean McGianni Celestin’s initial conviction for sexual assault overturned on appeal — Parker has reportedly addressed the tragedy tonight in this Facebook post."

Here's him apologizing:
These are my words. Written from my heart and not filtered through a third party gaze. Please read these separate from any platform I may have, but from me as a fellow human being.
I write to you all devastated…
Over the last several days, a part of my past – my arrest, trial and acquittal on charges of sexual assault – has become a focal point for media coverage, social media speculation and industry conversation. I understand why so many are concerned and rightfully have questions. These issues of a women’s right to be safe and of men and women engaging in healthy relationships are extremely important to talk about, however difficult. And more personally, as a father, a husband, a brother and man of deep faith, I understand how much confusion and pain this incident has had on so many, most importantly the young woman who was involved.
I myself just learned that the young woman ended her own life several years ago and I am filled with profound sorrow…I can’t tell you how hard it is to hear this news. I can’t help but think of all the implications this has for her family.
I cannot- nor do I want to ignore the pain she endured during and following our trial. While I maintain my innocence that the encounter was unambiguously consensual, there are things more important than the law. There is morality; no one who calls himself a man of faith should even be in that situation. As a 36-year-old father of daughters and person of faith, I look back on that time as a teenager and can say without hesitation that I should have used more wisdom.
I look back on that time, my indignant attitude and my heartfelt mission to prove my innocence with eyes that are more wise with time. I see now that I may not have shown enough empathy even as I fought to clear my name. Empathy for the young woman and empathy for the seriousness of the situation I put myself and others in.
I cannot change what has happened. I cannot bring this young woman who was someone else’s daughter, someone’s sister and someone’s mother back to life…
I have changed so much since nineteen. I’ve grown and matured in so many ways and still have more learning and growth to do. I have tried to conduct myself in a way that honors my entire community – and will continue to do this to the best of my ability.
All of this said, I also know there are wounds that neither time nor words can heal.
I have never run from this period in my life and I never ever will. Please don’t take this as an attempt to solve this with a statement.
I urge you only to take accept this letter as my response to the moment.
Nate

Think a lawyer wrote that? Think when this movie was bought they vetted this guy?
This was 17 years ago when this happened. At college. Girl was probably already nuts. But to make a movie and put yourself in the limelight to be questioned like that. Buddy, if you win..we know Hollyweird is a garbage town and we should all hate ourselves (I mean, more than we already do).

Happy Wife, No Life

The new guy barged into my space at work to tell me he'd been uploading footage from the day before. And that the copy time is taking FOREVER. I get that. Everyone's project is different. It never changes. Though, every production likes to think they are the only one we focus on. We're stupid like that. You are at the mercy of machines and tapes and whatever the production gave you. And it's usually not optimal. It's usually the cheapest. He griped about some aerial footage that was given to him on a pro-sumer drive. BIG CRAPPY MISTAKE. Once again...we shoot it, you fix it.

So he goes on to tell me about his wife. Who was yelling at him as to where he was. Bro...you're at work. Working to keep her in diamonds or whatever broads like.
"Yeah, I know."
"Well" I says "happy wife, happy life."
"She does make me happy, check out this video she made me"
To which he showed me a video that she made of her in a sexy top cooking with her two old ass aunts. Filipino people. The dude I'm talking to is a White guy.

I nod...cool, I think. She's a prize for sure. But...BUT....the reality is...man cannot function on being asked where we are. We are most likely working or doing something fun without you. Which makes that shit fun. This dude is SO pussy whipped, he doesn't realize...oh it's just too gruesome to mention what this chick will be like in a few years. If they last that long. See, they'd just been married in April. And he's still enamored with her. That fresh car smell is going to go fast.

The morning we're speaking of also was due to the fact that she needed a ride to work. She Uber'd it. Which I'm certain is more than a bus token. Why? I inquired. Dunno, she's been taking Uber since I met her.

Bro...this is the definition of "high maintenance." Others will disagree, but knowing you have one car to share...can only afford, yet money goes to a essentially a taxi? I get the thought process...this is only a one time thing. But ANYONE in post production knows...this will go on and on and on. You will forget birthdays, anniversaries, kids in hot cars...and so forth. I pity this nice young guy. He is so friendly, and addresses me by my first name like a salesman...it's too bad...the gentle slide he'll take into losing this treasure he holds so dear and is a cement block on his way to the bottom of the Hudson.

But that's just me being cynical.

Pearls From Director John Carpenter

Whether he said these things or not, this is a really great look at what it means to fuck around in the movie business...I mean...make movies:

"Film buffs who don't live in Hollywood have a fantasy about what it's like to be a director. Movies and the people who make movies have such glamor associated with them. But the truth is, it's not like that. It's very different. It's hard work. If you were suddenly catapulted into that situation - without any training - you would say after it was over: "Oh, God! You're kidding! You mean, this is what it's like? This is what they put you through?" Yes, as a matter of fact, it is like this - and it's often worse. People have tried to describe the film business, but it's impossible to describe because it's so crazy. You must know your craft inside out and then pick up the rules as you go along."

"The biggest lesson that I learned from film school was to try to get and maintain, if possible, final cut. Creative control is the essence of having the ability to make your own movie, and not someone else's."

"The trick with shooting a low-budget film is to shoot as little footage as possible and extend the scenes for as long as one can."

"I don't want to be in the mainstream. I don't want to be a part of the demographics. I want to be an individual. I wear each of my films as a badge of pride. That's why I cherish all my bad reviews. If the critics start liking my movies, then I'm in deep trouble."

"When somebody who makes movies for a living -- either as an actor, writer, producer or director -- lives to be a certain age, you have to admire them. It is an act of courage to make a film -- a courage for which you are not prepared in the rest of life. It is very hard and very destructive. But we do it because we love it. Regardless of how bitter I was a few years ago because of my experiences at the studios, I'm still making films."

Thank you, Mr. Carpenter

"Halloween 5" (1989)

You know a movie is terrible when during the commentary, our lil'est possessed serial killer Danielle Harris confronts director Dominique Othenin-Girard about logic holes, he rudely shuts her down with "that is what it was suppose to be" in that typical frog rudeness. Defensive=retarded director.

Anyway, it's not as combative as I'm making it, but this movie has been earmarked as one of the worst. And that's EVEN counting the ridiculous "Halloween 6" (1995) that tried to recast Jamie Lloyd. Even the biggest horror dummies knew the nerds love Danielle Harris. I love Danielle Harris.

5 is bad. I mean, bad bad. A year after the events of 4, Jamie is a deaf mute, living at some halfway house for murdering mute kids...I guess. If you remember, Michael Myers seemed to have passed on his "spirit" into his niece. So they are connected in that odd way of...well, they're relatives.

So Myers hangs around until he can attack, killing everyone who stands between him and ending his family. Guess who comes back? Dr. Donald Pleasence Loomis. The quack psychiatrist that knows more than anyone else. You know...it always got to me, that...what do these insane psychotic killers do during the day? Like go get some cheddar fries at Burger King, or play pinball or...who fucking knows. AND no one seems to wonder about the guy either. As if they live in a world where horror movies don't exist. At least the first "Halloween" had Myers walking around in broad daylight. Kinda' loitering around, looking at sweet teen booty (which we can all relate to).

I'm sick of talking about this movie, because...it's a massive waste. And a shame. As far as entries into a storied horror franchise goes...I like the mood but HATE the conceit. Also, they really amped the gore in this. Subtle violence will always trump blood soaked grindhouse crap. Well, unless you're under the age of 10, in which may I suggest you go find "Double Dare" on YouTube?

Help Us White Man!!

The new trailer came out for "The Great Wall" with Matt Damon as some...defender of something. Directed by a guy who I didn't even realize was still alive (Zhang Yimou)...he directed my favorite Chinese movie EVER "To Live" Imagine my surprise when the outrage was against a White fella in this movie say...over what appears to be a...fucking dragon! Yea, apparently whilst building this thousands of miles long monstrosity, under the weighted bones of my ancestors...dragons or something attacked the wall. I thought it was Mongols.

Anyway, back on point, there has been a backlash of White folk teaching their ways or defending a defenseless (enter color people here) society. The complaint is that they assume it takes a White dude to fix different cultures problems. I didn't read into it like that. Okay, just for a split second, before I realized how stupid it is to bitch about a movie we haven't even seen. For all we know Damon is some Asian dude's bitch. For all we know this cracker is paying off a Ming vase he broke as an indentured servant.

You assholes who are bringing up "The Last Samurai" I'm not entirely sure you watched the movie. Because in the end Tom Cruise actually becomes MORE samurai than most Japanese people. He wasn't stealing the culture, the culture enveloped him. Why weren't more people embracing the fact that he was promoting Bushido over Scientology.

So anyway, a lot of White culture had made the world better (sometimes worse...um...Vietnam!). But, making movies to change history or whatever, we're in a fantasy world dudes. Who cares? As I said when they blasted Cameron Crowe of White-washing his movies, it's his movie to make. Make your own. And put anyone in there that makes any other race a foot stool and see how far you get.

"The Pope Of Greenwich Village" (1984)

Let's get this out of the way first. Eric Roberts was ROBBED from a nomination. Let alone an Oscar win, and I understand now why he goes through life angry about it. Because he was later nominated for the lesser "Runaway Train." Too late, you stupid fucking Academy. Which is why I think the Oscars are a sham anyway. A lot of great performances during a year, but when push came to shove, you couldn't extend yourself to this amazing bit of acting.

Jack Nicholson won that year for "Terms Of Endearment." A fine performance, but so...painfully obvious who they liked more...as a person...maybe. Jack is known, Eric...not so much.

I would even go as far to say, Roberts slammed three amazing roles in his lifetime versus Jack's MAYBE two. Jack plays Jack, what do you want.

I saw a great print of this at the New Beverly Theater which ironically plays old movies...on film. It looked great. You get the New York of that era. Guidos in slick suits dating New Jersey leggy models doing yoga. It's the flipside of yuppies. These are paisons desperately wanting the country life. But...as Daryl Hannah's character says..."inches away from doing the right thing."

Mickey Rourke plays Charlie. A gadfly worker who is fine with the middle of the pack. He just wants to survive. And make a decent life for his girlfriend. He's a mook to be sure. Off track betting keeps him in with the "shylocks" and is dealing with a ex-wife who keeps getting parking tickets. He's the greaseball you wish your daughter never marries. But he's got a moral, kind heart. Paulie, on the other hand, played to the edge by Eric Roberts is a nut. He's always after the next big score. He's related to some really mean people, and gets word that there is money to be stolen. He ropes Charlie into the caper, along with an old clock fixer who needs one last deal for his wife and kid. Paulie is a permanent haired weasel. He can justify why the Pope could molest children. He's a slick guy, but people read right into him. Harmless, if you consider he rips off restaurants. He gets into a real jam when he rips off gangsters. And for what? To buy the semen of a champion race horse? That's a REAL palooka for ya!

And so there is the issue with both these fellas. Weighing the fact of doing the right thing, versus doing the right thing for themselves. Not a lot of plot, but a GREAT character piece. Which is why a lot of actors should watch Eric Roberts. His brain is constantly moving. And HE embodies Paulie so well, we sense every nerve in his body firing off the most unusual quips. Such as misusing the term "artificial insemination." Great stuff.
Also kudos to a lot of character actors who will turn up later in Scorsese movies. Frank Vincent for one. And (what amounts to a cameo) with Burt Young, whose lumbering gangster gait is REALLY fucking scary, considering he came from Pauly from "Rocky."

A great watch!

"Ghostbusters" 2016 Busted

I know y'all gonna say, it's not that big a deal BUT...according to Box Office Mojo with a budget of $144 million brought in close to $120 million with all the hate...I gotta say...that's pretty good. They even got better critics reviews than part 2. But alas, with terrible box office means an end to this franchise hopes. Maybe. Who knows. The rights do go to Ivan Reitman now. He can sit on it and laugh to the bank. Not a bad deal for him.

Everyone got paid but Sony lost money. Was it worth the gamble? Not really. They knew something like this is corny to try, but the bleeding wasn't too bad.

Again, I think this will go down as a mis-fire...like trying to remake a shot by shot "Psycho" 

"Halloween 4: The Return Of Michael Myers" (1988)

The William Shatner mask is back. Having lived through the blast that seemed to have killed everything in the hospital in Part 2. Part 3 was the odd, but interesting “Season Of The Witch” which had no witches at all. Nor is Hallowe’en really considered witch season. I say 3 was interesting because if you dissect the storyline of that movie, it’s actually pretty cool. A prankster millionaire gag guy from Ireland controls a town that seeks the power of Stonehenge to take over the world. It not for wealth or power…simply because he’s Irish and it’s a great prank on humanity. The leprechaun’s can’t help themselves. But that fizzled bad. So, original producer Moustapha Akkad re-invested his money to buy back the rights to this franchise (as he gambled the first time investing his dough on John Carpenter). What you get is a beat up classic that has parts here and there restored. It still turns heads, but it really has seen better days. And you can almost imagine what the pristine one use to look like

This one involves 10 year old Jamie Lloyd, played by a Danielle Harris, a girl who would go on to practically eclipse Jamie Lee Curtis’s Laurie Strode, in terms of nerd crushes. I would say more so, since Curtis never shows up to those conventions. By all accounts, Harris seems to love them, and her fan base. Score one big one for her.

She is the lone survivor of her family that has been murdered. She’s being cared for by some extended friend or family. The relationship seems foggy. They have a teenage daughter, Rachel Carruthers (Ellie Cornell) who watches over her. In close chase, to the now rejuvenated mass murderer Michael Myers is the return of Dr. Loomis played to epic theatrics by Donald Pleasence. Michael returns to Haddonfield to get the last of his kin. Which…not to be picky but…someone he’s never met. That’s how strong their familia bond is…I guess.

I consider this 3^rd best in the Michael Myers “Halloween” series. It takes time to appreciate some of the nuances, but they’re there. The nods to the previous movies. Such as the car hitting Michael in this one was mirrored from Part 2. And that the local townsfolk aren’t stupid and HAVE heard of this mass murderer and want to dole out some vigilante justice. That’s pretty fucking cool. But if you’re looking to see Kathleen Kinmont’s sweet knockers…forget it. No fucking or real gore, actually. It feels as if the movies were trying to reboot the franchise with another killer. That would be cool. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that. Well, technically, Jason Vorhees’ mother was the first murderer, then they attempt to reboot it with so many other people who could be Jason. Like Tommy Sheperd character (which fizzled).

This movie bummed me out, because it seemed like it should’ve been something else. It felt diluted. But I can’t fault utility director Dwight Little. Whom I’ve thought was underrated, in terms of schlock he’d been able to make like “Marked For Death.” I consider him part of the cocaine film school kids since most their stuff stink of late 80’s early 90’s. Not a bad thing for nostalgia, if we wait a few more years.

Overall, it’s a good slide back from part 3’s grave. Though, it is difficult to forgive the mis-steps given the ease of which the movie could’ve made more interesting starting with the dynamics between Dr. Loomis and Michael while introducing Jamie Lloyd, but I think they went back to a safe, sometimes dull slasher film. It hurts because it’s really so very close. I do believe, if you haven’t seen it, it’s worth watching the first two and this one. Then I’d stop. I can’t warn you enough about Rob Zombie’s bloated cheap knockoffs. They’re as bad as remakes get.

The DVD for this movie is really well done. Got commentary from Danielle Harris and Ellie Cornell. Though I think the commentary with Alan B. McElroy to be infinitely more fun.

Trump Will Quit And Blame You

I predict Trump will drop out of election. Then blame the United States, and laugh heartedly (or is it mightily) as we all go downhill. What a shame to the United States that he won't have the balls to allow Americans to really tell him how we feel. Nothing gets through that hair.

On the flipside, Hlilary is boned. And not by Slick Willy. See, she now owes people big time. IF she wins, a woman in the White House trumps Black man in White House, because she'd be in a charge of the military. Remember Nicholson in "A Few Good Men" talking about getting wood by saluting a superior officer?

Yeah, she's got a lot of shit to live up to. Fortunately she will have Bill to lean on. Make him Secretary of State or something. Be weird to move in to the same house you moved out of. I know people like that though. They just feel more comfortable.

"Just One Of The Guys" (1985)

Oh man, there is NO way Joyce Hyser is 58 years old, as of this writing...

Let’s be honest, it was near impossible for girls in the 1980’s who weren’t peroxide blonde with big tits and crystal blue eyes to make it in Hollywood. Quite honestly, it’s near impossible to name one now that bucked that trend. I’ll give you a prepubescent Alyssa Milano but they were as rare as diamonds. I have a theory about Jews and dating WASPy shiksas, but that is a different story.

It took a Jewish woman director (Lisa Gottlieb) to see the undeniable sex appeal of Joyce Hyser who plays Terry in this flick, to put someone of not that cookie cutter in a film. And BOY…gotta’ tell you, when I was a pre-teen in the 1980’s it was great getting a look at her tits. They are as perfect as God made them. AND, it wasn’t like she’s had any surgery in life to get her back to factory either. In her 50’s she is married and is doing great non-profit work (hopefully breast awareness shit) and has aged but not much. Consider all those blue-eyed blondes in this day and age.

Anyway, between Joyce and Susannah Hoffs, I get my fix of Jewish hotties who oozed sex. Joyce is a sex kitten who is constantly being hit on. For great reason, she is a knockout. Long hair or short hair, she exudes innocence. She is turned down for a writing internship to the local major newspaper as a teacher felt her paper lacked. To Terry, she felt slighted because a girl couldn’t write as well as a boy. To which she poses as a teenage boy at a rival school to try her chances again at that writing contest. The paper again once receives less than glowing reviews, which is when she sets out to write a story about herself posing as a teenage boy.

The hijinks of this movie rests SOLELY on Joyce’s sweet fun nature. The issue with this movie isn’t the concept or acting…it’s that this was a made-for-t.v. sitcom idea that went into feature length. Aside from the nudity, it is a typical high school story when everyone during this time was clamoring for John Hughes darkness.

I LOVE this movie because it represents the 1980’s. Big hair, big collars and bullies that look like they’re 40 years old. This movie is a special place in lore since it did eventually get legs recently. And boy does it have legs. A great fun cast of Billy Jacoby who plays the brother whom we’ve seen a million times, but think he’s Jason Hervey. A real young Sherilyn Fenn plays a girl who falls for guy-Terry, and William Zabka plays the blond bully…which…by now…extends the “Karate Kid” universe.

You know what makes this movie so watchable?...the innocence of that era. Nerds are truly nerds, and teen love has no logic. You could make light of same sex relationships and you could almost hear the groan of the people of that era.

The biggest shame is that Joyce Hyser didn’t have the career, say…Natalie Portman had. It seems that in that time, showing your tits may’ve stalled her career. Where every part she audition for most likely brought up the fact that she would have to show her tits. A difficult lesson to learn. But years later, I personally think she got the last laugh. She is memorialized as the teen girl with the perfect body. AND, in real life she dated Bruce Springsteen. Not a bad way to go.

Also the high school they attend is called Sturges-Wilder....as in Preston Sturges and Billy Wilder. Bad ass!

And Susanna Hoffs...because..that's why...

"Suicide Squad" 2016

There is absolutely nothing wrong in “Suicide Squad” that you don’t see in any other “superhero” movie. In fact, EVERYTHING you loved about shit like “Deadpool” is what you’ll hate in this movie. Why? I’ve no clue. Other than you wish they would be more terrible villains. Or be more irreverent (which they are). Or maybe you're just a spineless sheep that can't stand up to people who steamroll you over this shit.

The tricky thing about rooting for the bad guy is that there has to be something redeeming. Can you imagine an entire movie where the “bad guys” ARE the hero? What constitutes them being “bad”? They certainly can’t filet a child and expect for you to be on their side.

The biggest criticism I’ve read thus far is that the movie is a mess. Yes and no. It’s a mess in that they chose a wrong bad guy. No spoiler here, but these very human bad guys doing good shouldn’t be able to deal with the supernatural. They do. And unfortunately…it does look silly. Harley Quinn just looks silly trying to take down a spirit with…um…a baseball bat. Some things were left on the chopping block that was in the trailers. And you can tell it was suppose be a longer movie. But it does get bogged down with it’s own hype. For being baddier than bad. For causing deep seeded psychological problems. All a ruse to get you to the theater. It gives you what you want. Margot Robbie, as Harley Quinn’s sweet ass. And yes, her type of crazy is…mind boggling endearing. Fuck The Joker and his pull on her. That’s the unfortunate thing about their relationship. He is that douchebag New Jersey tank top wearing bo-hunk who got the hot cheerleader, and you’re wondering why. According to lore, Harley is much nuttier and dangerous than the Joker. But I digress. Jared Leto’s Joker is…it’s comic booky. He does well with it, but his odd face and posing just seems too theatrical. Maybe that’s what he’s suppose to be from the comics. The stand out to all this is both Will Smith and Viola Davis. Will plays Deadshot, a moral about murder assassin who just wants a life with his daughter. Having her is a liability, but one he’s willing to take. His focus is his freedom. Though very little is said about her well-being in the wake of him being a masterful bad guy locked up (visitation rights for an assassin?) somehow he makes it work. Viola Davis plays Amanda Waller. Not sure her purpose, except to say really crazy things about society and re-structure the justice system to handle a new breed of criminals. Which, incidentally, as this “world” is being destroyed, where the fuck was Batman OR Superman? I suppose you could chalk that up to how they were even back in the old days of the comic books where we wondered where these people were.

I say, check this movie out in a matinee. Director David Ayer is a very eclectic guy. Consider he did a World War 2 tank movie in “Fury” before he hopped to this. And his screenplays for cop movies, like “Training Day” and “Dark Blue” are taut L.A. Crime stories. I did mention that this movie look like it was made by a cholo. That’s not a bad thing, considering the movie going landscape is changing. I think he’s much more prepared for the future than we are.

Benjamin Watson Ravens Tight End & Eugenics

 

"NFL player Benjamin Watson is speaking out against the abortion industry, saying blacks in particular are being "exterminated."

In an hour-long interview with Watson, a Christian, talks about how race plays into the abortion debate.
He pointed out that the abortion industry seems to be focused primarily on minorities and how the nation's largest abortion business was founded by Margaret Sanger, who has often been accused of being a racist and a eugenicist.
"I do know that blacks kind of represent a large portion of the abortions, and I do know that honestly the whole idea with Planned Parenthood and Sanger in the past was to exterminate blacks, and it's kind of ironic that it's working," Watson said.
"We (as minorities) support candidates, and overwhelmingly support the idea of having Planned Parenthood and the like, and yet, that is why she created it," he said."

That's not the correct use of irony. And this stinks more of religion than anything else. I think Planned Parenthood is more about not having kids you can't fucking afford. It's not an enforceable alternative, but it probably should be. Because our so-called community has to deal with ANYONE too fucking stupid to sidestep having children they can't pay for. To Mr. Watson, this is minority. So you have to ask why he singles out minorities. Does he believe them to be dumb assholes? Yep. Would he use that type of language? Nope.

The real irony is a "tight end" telling us about abortions. That's fucking funny.

 

Troubled Set

Not to belabor the subject, but can we PLEASE get away from the drama that goes on behind the scenes in movies? I like the tale to be told...say...20 to 30 years later. But during the initial release it's total smear campaign. Does it effect the way you'll see a movie? Probably not. It never does. EVERY production is problematic. You don't have to dig all that deep to find the garbage of egos and personalities fighting. Val Kilmer is constantly lambasted for his behavior on set. NOW...I love those stories, back in the day of "Ghost & The Darkness" or "Red Planet" it made no sense. The movie had to stand for what it stood for. The fact that Kilmer may've been a shit does nothing for my interest. And again...EVERY SINGLE MOVIE I've ever been a part of has had issues. Think about this, in 1939 when they were making "Gone With The Wind" they had so many re-writes, volumes of binders had pages of different color on every page.

"Titanic" had food poisoning. And the crew wanted to mutiny against Iron Jim Cameron. Most of the original crew quit "The Revenant" and so forth. These are never mention come acceptance speech time. Very few people know (or care) if you listen to Burt Reynolds' speech at the Golden Globes for "Boogie Nights" he'd fired his agent for setting up that project. Then Reynolds went on to bad-mouth everyone involved.

So that's the movie business. Sets are troubled because stress, money and time. There isn't a production out there now that is lacking in one or all three.

Curious Case Of Risa Hirako

Guess her age?
Probably a crap bet, since you're screwed with Asian peeps. We're ageless vampires.
Risa Hirako is most likely aging backwards. Or something like that. Because she is 45 years old. She hasn't seen the lines of drinking, smoking or too much sun. Nature is unkind to pasty White people, as it shrivels up the skin much quicker. Even with a good diet and plenty of sleep, you shouldn't look like this. But...c'mon we're talking about photos here. Well, if it's to promote her blog, fine. I'm with it. I'm not so convinced anyone would be that impressed, if you saw her in reality. But not a stitch of plastic surgery or anything.

We may have found our resident alien.

Analeigh

Analeigh McCoy sauntered in the grocery store. The leash she held was loose, but the collie at the end of it pulled it taught looking left than right. "Sauntered" may be too generous of a word, considering Analeigh was a woman in her 80's. Refined from days of living in the upper crust of Toluca Lake. She's met Bob Hope a few times. They'd been friendly. She held a regal air. The obedient collie felt the tug towards the produce aisle. Both had that sharp angular face of an east coast pilgrim. Not wealthy, but...refined.

The collie perked when it saw Laura, the 40 year old check out lady.

Laura was a Valley girl. Having grew up shopping at the mall. You could tell Scott Baio was her crush. A woman who now penciled in her eyebrows most likely moved on to Luke Perry. After high school, she went to community college for a couple of semesters, but found it was dull. But she did find a husband and they moved into a stucco one story house with a yard in Burbank. Had two kids and bounces around life as a happy mother. Which never impeded on her secret love of dime store novels and cheap American pilsners.

Her sweet open face and hazel eyes brightened at the look of the collie.
Analeigh sashayed towards Laura. If her nose could touch the ceiling.
Laura smiled brightly at the octagenarian "good morning Mrs. McCoy."
Analeigh struggled a smile "Hello Laura."
Laura looked down at the collie "How is Mackenzie today?"
"He's good. Keeping an old lady upright."
"Oh you. Anyway, that's all we can hope for."
Analeigh peered at Laura closely. An uncomfortable silence.
"You have children, Laura?"
"Two."
"And how old are they?"
"One is 8 the other 11"
"Mmm-hmm."
"Everything okay? Can I help you find something?"
"No. I'm good. I'm always happy to have conversation."
"Me too."
"Listen. I've come to realize that, there are more years behind me than in front. And well, I've seen how you are with people. Perhaps your children may want a dog?"
Laura's expression clouds "oh...no...Mrs. McMcoy you don't suggest..."
"I understand children still like dogs?"
"Why sure!"
"Even with this...new toys that beep and boop?"
"Just the other day George was just wandering why we have such a big yard if he don't have a dog."
The sentiment is lost on Analeigh. She reaches into her purse and produces a pen and notebook.
"Would you kindly put your first name and last."
"Wha--?"
"Well, if you're going to be in my will, I may as well spell your name right."
Laura blushes "Oh no...no...Mrs. McCoy!"
"It's okay Laura, what's done is done. I'd like Mackenzie to be with...a lively bunch. He's only a few years, but having to chase after an old lady can't be doing him any good."
Laura takes the pad and pen. Scribbles her name.
"Thank you." Analeigh raises a hand to stop her gratitude.
"I'm going to enjoy a walk with Mackenzie. Just tell George, Mackenzie prefers the park on Rosemary and Gable."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Good day to you Laura."
Mackenzie takes a cue and moves past the checkout stand, Analeigh in tow. They exit into the bright valley sunshine. Laura watching until they disappear through the automatic door.

 

Black August

No sir, it's not that special summer back-to-school sale.

"SAN FRANCISCO --

An urgent bulletin is going out to law enforcement Wednesday, warning of a new threat of attacks against officers on the street and in prisons. It has to do with what's called Black August. A reporter for KGO-TV - KABC's sister station in San Francisco - obtained the bulletin from a law enforcement source. The bulletin from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Sacramento Intelligence Unit and the FBI's National Gang Intelligence Center warns of increased risk for violence against prison guards and police officers during Black August. The prison gang Black Guerilla Family started Black August in the 1970s to honor fallen members. One of the most prominent, Hugo Pinell, served 46 years in solitary confinement after a San Francisco rape conviction, and after killing a prison guard and slashing the throats of two other guards who survived during an escape attempt in 1971. Former San Quentin inmate Jerry Elster remembers Pinell as a freedom fighter. "When I went to prison at 20 years old, there was somebody there to remind me not to compromise my integrity," Elster said. Last summer, just 12 days after corrections finally released Pinell from solitary, he was stabbed to death in a riot at State Prison Sacramento. The bulletin says the Black Guerilla Family believes state prisons worked with the Aryan Brotherhood to kill Pinell..."

Seems funny they picked a specific month...can they give us time and day as well?
If you're ever wondering why police are so difficult to Black folk...this is a taste of why.

Muslim Lady Gets Booted From Dollar Store...

...for wearing her traditional garb covering her face and head.

Lady, this world is freaked the fuck out from Muslims lately. If I knew my friend was deathly afraid of clowns, I wouldn't don a fucking bozo costume and jump out of his closet. If I got killed over it, people would be laughing their asses off. At my stupidity. How is it you get a pass? Oh right, you don't have a sense of humor.

Secondly, every store reserves the right to oust people. If they feel uncomfortable about your presence. Forget your religion or whatever, THAT is the freedom of their store as much as your freedom of speech and religion. Is it good business practice: probably not. But you're not the majority here. Chances are, the town does not need to accommodate YOU. YOU blend in with the community. THAT'S the American spirit. The civic pride that tells you...people are freaked out by your stupid fucking head cover. Get some fucking common sense for crissakes.

This isn't YOUR country, it's OUR country.

Associated Press Name Ohio State Buckeyes Best College Football Program...

...Ever.
"To determine an all-time Top 100 for the first time, the AP counted poll appearances (one point) to mark consistency, No. 1 rankings (2 points) to acknowledge elite programs and gave a big bonus for AP championships won (10 points).
The results are here and below:

No. 1 Ohio State (1,112 points)
Total appearances: 852, 77.24 percent of all polls.
First appearance: 1936.
No. 1 rankings: 105.
Championships: Five (last 2014).
Best full decade: 1970s appeared in 92.57 percent of polls.
Worst full decade: 1940s appeared in 55.68 percent of polls.
Poll point: There have only been three seasons during the 80-year history of the AP poll in which the Buckeyes were not ranked at least once, the fewest poll-less seasons of any program."

2. Oklahoma
3. Notre Dame
4. Alabama
5. Southern California
6. Nebraska
7. Michigan
8. Texas
9. Florida State
10. Florida

You can argue favoritism if you like. But the Buckeyes are pretty badass.

"Suicide Squad" Don't Commit Suicide!

I'm not sure how bad this movie is, but there is no way it could be worse than "Deadpool" or "Captain America: Civil War." I'm giving it a chance, but...who knows. I like that bad guys going after bad guys.

Critics and viewers are starting to pile one. Not sure about this. You almost have to catch a wave or get crushed in the process. It didn't help that director/writer David Ayer told Marvel to go fuck themselves. I agree. Marvel is a mess, that the public seems to enjoy. This is why I hate the public. I don't have specific hate, just...collectively they are morons. Movies are hard to make. Harder to impress people. It's become a high school popularity contest. Imagine the kid today who went to school and was perplexed as to why everyone loved "Deadpool" when he saw everything wrong with it. Think he'd speak up? Fuck no. He'd be stoned out of the village.

It seems there are some movies that get a pass. "Guaradians of the Galaxy" is a dull mess. Not sure what they were chasing nor what the hell was going on...and Chris Pratt isn't that funny. False bravado charm? Who knows. It bored me. Because I can tell everything is computer generated. So, this is the world we live in now. Sure, "Suicide Squad" is being squashed. In a vacuum, there are going to pockets of people silently championing this movie. But they won't speak up. Why? You mark yourself as the type people don't want to speak with. I don't entirely expect you to agree with my choices as to why a movie is good or bad. Though I wouldn't boot you from my village either. In the comic book universe, people are so...well, let's face it, it's Red Bull'd to the gills.

ALL comic book movies are horrid now. ALL. I'm not joking. There is no story in any of them. Or retread of "military bad-hate-different-people" scenario. Which obviously speaks to nerds and geeks. Now it's permeated the adult world. And the critics can't let this movie stand alone. It needs to be in the same junkpile of comic book movies. Are any Marvel stories better? Nope. Perhaps this is DC attempting to be "different." I don't know. It seems intriguing enough. Despite Heath Ledger's absence as the Joker (a character I've always felt lacked depth...which most nerds would argue...that's the point, dummy).

Keep in mind, studio people are really epic idiots. A single phone call of despair means a billion people hated their movie. This is how they think. So a media frenzy means a regime is going to change. Unless money is being made. Then they don't give a flying fuck about you. They don't. They know you have a wallet or piggy bank. So, it's no doubt this movie will make money, but always surprise the outrage of DC comics vs. Marvel. It's manure versus fertilizer. Same thing.

Short Film: Paid Mah Billz!

So I plunked down the last of my monies to get the sound mix finally completed. It sounds great. But am going to go over it once more before it's locked, loaded and done.

It's a tough nut to crack, but after all the garbage that is the life of living in The San Fernando Valley, trials...tribulations, it's something that has been dangling over my head that can finally be checked off my list. Yes, it's been a FUCKING long time. And I only have myself to blame. Diligence is one thing, not having the money to do it properly is another. Along the way though, I did my own side things. Which...I guess you couldn't say I was just sitting on my hands. BUT...lesson to myself...NEVER start a project if you have another that is lingering. I would warn many people who have side jobs to support their dreams...don't do this to yourself. Don't begin something because it's new and exciting. This will inevitably shred a small part of your enthusiasm for the project you HAVE to finish. This is unfair to a lot of people. AND you will most likely dissipate energy that is required to maximize your movie. Yes, I get that the newest thing is less boring. BUT...ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS finish what's on your plate before anything else.

The issue is that life gets in the way. You don't realize it, but it does. Also, the joy and momentum will die over time. Same thing happens back when there were no distractions. Consider the only time any kid had ever put broom to floor or vacuum to carpet was when morning cartoons ended and it was the least boring option in life. Can ANYONE now remember when you weren't so distracted by...everything.

Anyway, the bills are paid and now it's finalizing the link and that's all she wrote. I feel a weight lifted, since now I can go to cast and crew and feel confident it is in the best shape it's ever been in. Again, I'm very proud of the effort and...it's a pretty good little movie.

Justice System And Korryn Gaines

Baltimore, MD.
I don't agree with her actions, but I wholeheartedly understand her position.

Korryn Gaines is a 23 year old woman with a child. Police arrived on a bench warrant for her arrest, which...if you read between the lines, it meant being taken away from her child. She got into a gunfight...over traffic violations. And now she's dead.

The question is this...the fuck are police doing shooting at a woman and kid? Now, a lot of stories will most likely come out. Most likely, what is a woman doing with a gun shooting at cops? How about she doesn't want to be arrested and taken away from her kid. It's pretty simple. If they stopped to think about it. Now, I'm not sure how threatened the police felt, but attempting to arrest a woman for speeding or whatever, and then her ending up dead is...I have no idea what to call it. Yes, she's dumb as fuck for firing on police (as they are edgy as Hell) but there is a level of common sense. This isn't the Crips you're fucking with.

Anyway, the point is, Ms. Gaines probably understood the garbage that is the justice system. And unfortunately, those who've never been through the grinder have no clue what it means. It's laborious, torture. And I was only on the jury! I can't imagine what it would mean to a Mother. Let's get some brains, cops. Please.

Oh, the solution? Back away and talk. Even after shots fired. Back the fuck away. Return fire likely means death. Consider it a Mama Bear protecting its cub.

Karlie Hay Miss Teen USA

Karlie Hay...Mini-Charlize-Theron...
Using N-Word at the age of 15, yet winning teen USA:

"Asked why she ever used such language, Hay explained, "At that age, I was being a follower. I was trying to fit in with my friends. The word was thrown around in the music I listened to, with the friends I hung out with, and I had no guidance. So, it was kind of a careless mistake. When the tweet got brought back up, I was just, like, kind of, like, embarrassed, ashamed and just amazed that I actually at one point in my life thought it was OK to use that word, because it's never OK."
"It's not an excuse," Hay added. "There is no excuse to say that word ever, at all."'

Um...that is an excuse. But kids are stupid. My nephew most likely calls a lot of people that.

Should she be stripped of her crown? Fuck no. Since it effects nothing. Who would've known who she was had she NOT been outed like this? I don't think anyone sees her as a role model. I think the real lesson learned here is...winning digs up all your dirt, because our society is garbage. The sooner you learn that, Ms. Hay, the better.

Black Lives Matter Manifesto

Well...why not?
"The agenda calls for an end to the death penalty, decriminalization of drug-related offenses and prostitution, and the "demilitarization" of police departments. It seeks reparations for lasting harms caused to African-Americans of slavery and investment in education and jobs."

Look, nothing in government moves overnight, but this list looks like something a child put together. Adults don't take this shit seriously. I actually understand what y'all want. Which is, these piddly-ass "crime" puts people in prison for a long time causing bigger issues. But I'm not sure it's worded that way. Which is why I think no one will take this seriously.

Decriminalizing drugs would gut the cartels south of our border. Which...then they'd all go find something else to do. This shit clogs up our system, versus some asshole who stole my car (I know, the wound is fresh). But, police presence needs to be felt where it needs to be felt. I know the flip side to this is that EVERYONE thinks things would collapse if you start to bow. You give them prostitution, they want drugs, they get drugs, they want automatic weapons...and so forth. The human mentality is that once people start bitching and moaning and get what they want, they don't stop. Women are like that. Till you want to drive off a cliff. Which is when they collect on your sorry dead ass.

See, the system works.

The Case of BF vs. WD

There’s a Black Fellow (BF) I work with. He’s big and intimidating looking. But he is a very smart genuine dude who actually listens to you when you talk. A true gentle giant.

He makes mistakes, but none that he truly does intentionally (why they call them mistakes). We trade notes when the NFL comes around. This dude is THE only person I trust when it comes to logging in film negative. He gets it. And he is a decent human being. I’ve learned he has two kids and a girlfriend. In my past rants, I’ve lambasted people who have children and can’t afford them. This dude works HARD to support them. And from the ground level, I can tell he’s desperately trying to make a better life for them. I respect that a MILLION times over.

The other day, the guy whom I’ve had a contentious relationship with a 50-ish White Dude (WD), inexplicably confided in me he attempted to have him fired. I’ve defended the BF before in the past. So it seemed odd to be the bent ear to hear his complaints. “I tried to get him shitcanned!” he bellowed. To which I just stared at him incredulously. Here’s a 50 year old WD blustering how much incompetence he was getting from this guy. And then it dawned on me. This dude has NEVER liked him. For what reason? I have ZERO idea. The BF made mistakes I would’ve made in the vault. Sometimes, it’s just…things slip. But, WD had it in for him. And when the pressure cooker popped, this WD showed his colors. Now, I really would rather not play the race card, but the BF. I have no idea why WD is so against BF. A few things come to mind. BF appears as a ghetto thug. Let’s be honest, you see him moving towards you in a dark alley, you clutch your wallet close. Sucks that it is the world we live in. BUT, upon taking time to get to know him, he is bright, diligent and when you ask him to do anything…he is really accommodating. Moreso than the rest of the entitled assholes in our vault. BF and I often times collaborate to get commercials done. But WD doesn’t see this. He could care less. He’s blinded by what is directly in front of him, and NOT what BF has done in the past. I consider BF a far better asset to the company than WD. All things considered, there really isn’t a skill set to management. Emails and pointing fingers, as one other co-worker put it. So it goes, the only thing I can surmise is that he doesn’t like BF simply because he is Black. I get the prejudice is ingrained and deep seeded. I wear mine on my sleeve and though felt that prejudice up front, realized to my stupidity BF isn’t what you expect. Not for WD. WD doesn’t take the time to get to know BF. Nor does he care. Which begs the question…why are we so contentious? Perhaps, because I sense the divide. As far as I’m concern, my “side projects” I do at work is great fodder for him to think a Chinaman can’t be better than me. So his snide comments come out. Publicly. If I protest I can’t “take a joke” or I need to “grow a sense of humor” meanwhile, try dishing out the same, and he goes running for the hills like a scared puppy that wet itself.

These are the office politics that drive me nuts. Simply because, in the trenches, only the soldiers know who fights. The officers are too busy polishing their brass and kissing politician ass. Despite what you heard about the film industry…we are indeed less civil than a drifting platoon in a thankless war.