"Ready Player One" (2018)

Not sure how he was able to outdo the nostalgia he created, but much like the lame-wad t.v. series that try to ape the era, Spielberg not only created it, he showed them how it's done...again.

There is a fomula brewing in his head somewhere that must be tapped at some point. Though, he is up there in age, it is baffling how he was able to reach into that memory banks of emotion and re-boot for this generation using their own weapons. This film is THAT good. And yes, it treads very familar territory, but what lingers is the innocence our society once had. The fact that the society depicted had imploded and relies on some phony universe to provide our happiness. The lesson is deep, in terms of what we expect out of the "real world." So we distract ourselves constantly. The land, in this case is the OASIS, a virtual world to escape the drudgery of life. And EVERYONE is sucked in (cough, the internet...cough). The creator embedded a contest, ala Willy Wonka style to win the control of this virtual open world sandbox. And a gazillion dollars to boot. Enter Wade...a nerd who lives in stacked trailer home. He's been orphaned (ahem...Disney) so he lives with a, well, redneck aunt. Miserable, he spends a great deal in the OASIS. There is a competing firm, headed by Sorrento who wants control over everything. Apple vs. Windows...I mean, your choice.
Of course our hero runs into a female gamer named Art3mis (played by Olivia Cooke). She is that tomboyish nerd who guys like me have crushes over. In the OASIS she is a badass biker chick most likely influenced by "Akira." Her big anime eyes and skin-tight outfits suggest she has some self-esteem issues, similar to the rest of the world living in virtuosity. But there is something else about her that is revealed later.
Anyway, for my 40+ year old fringe nerd ass, this was a return to the ol' days of Spielberg. A little sweet and carefree, without the biting cynicism of our world today. Yes, there are really dark moments, but it's a Spielberg film man. And it was just a joy to hear Alan Silverstri with that marching orchestration I loved from "Back To The Future" or "Predator" It's a mix tape that I listen to with a massive smile on my face.

David Hogg

Man, people who are named David are serious losers.
Anyway, Laura Ingraham, some Fox News blonde dumb-dumb Tweeted out to David Hogg, a Parkland shooter participant that he should stop fucking whining. Here's what the whining read like:

Hogg said, “It’s not been too great for me and some of the other members in the movement, like Ryan Deitsch. We got rejected from UCLA, I got rejected from UCLA and UCSD, so it’s been kind of annoying having to deal with that, and everything else that’s been going on, but at this point, it’s, you know, we’re changing the world. We’re too busy. Right now it’s too hard to focus on that.”
He continued, “I think there’s a lot of amazing people who don’t get into college, not only that do things like I do, but because their voices just aren’t heard in the tsunami that apply every year to colleges, in such an economic, in such an impacted school system here that we have in America, where people have to go into massive amounts of debt just to go to college and get an education. I think it’s really sad, but it’s the truth.”
He added, “It is, it is absolutely disappointing. But at this point, we’re already changing the world. If colleges want to support us in that, great. If they don’t, it doesn’t matter. We’re still going to change the world.”

Sure kid. You couldn't even get into a state school with a grade point over 4.0 and killer S.A.T.  I guess that would mean you support Trump, because you're on the same road.

Anyway, sponsors are dropping Ingraham over the slight to a teen who was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Personally, it's cool he speaks, but the aggravating thing is treating him like he did anything. Oh wait, he ignored the weirdo like the rest of the school. He's complicit if anything. The true self-centered 2018 teen speaks and the world must change and listen. I can't laugh hard enough. Were any of the 17 gunned down even within his "crew" Doubt it. The Left has got to be nuts to hoist this White teen as the hero when their entire agenda was about beating the drum for my brown ass. Nope. I guess I don't whine enough. I'll continue to mock this loser kid. I'm sure some local paper may want him for publicity, then he's going to learn the cruel cold shoulder of news today, when another shooting occurs and he wasn't anywhere near it, so the stage will be yanked from underneath him.

The Art of The Laugh

Let's face it comedy is dead. The jokes you make are impossible now, because someone will be offended. Dave Chappelle even pussied out to his audience by backtracking on his original stance on Trump. Guy is such a bitch he had TWO specials to rescind previous comedy bits to tell the Left or "liberals" to calm the fuck down. Yeah, he doesn't need your money, but back down under pressure anyway.
The type of comedy today is really diluted. Any comedian would tell you. You watch the ol' days of Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, you see the fearlessness. Today, because of sponsorship or socials pariahs you can't joke about anything.
As you recall Trump mocking a disable stuttering man. This was classic Don Rickles. And yes, you can say Trump is no Don Rickles or the intent is wrong, but you put that bit in 1972, and you would get kneeslapping laughter. The people who were offended would've just shook it off as some putz acting stupid. Let the jury decide. As it were, it became the backbone of nearly every clip of Hilary's campaign, in what pathetically attempted to paint an already farcical character into a buffoon. Bitch, we knew that!
Which is why I don't seek out the patronization of the Hollywood. They will bend you into believing they are the noble cause. Which is laughable considering they depths they went to hide Harvey Weinstein. The depths in which I ignored, as well. For a place at the table. How sad.
But no more. The democratization of cinema has the machine backing up. Studios are desperately (and quietly) making allies with one another to stay afloat. Sad as it is, they are a dying industry, because the big ones that still exists have too much real estate for not enough product.

SO they can't piss off any corporate sponsors (what few there are left). The eyes aren't on network anymore. They have to cater to America which thankfully is getting guided away from a less politically correct mouth taped society. Which comedians should be praising Trump over. He made it okay to openly speak about society again. As people tire of Trump jokes from hack comedians (let's face it, it's all they had).
Hopefully, we get open thoughts again. We'll look back on Obama's admnistration as the Dark Ages of Comedy...unless you couldn't get enough of Trump jokes.

March For Our Lives

Marching in March...hey!
look...
We are officially out of ideas for marches. And protesting. Half the idiots protesting couldn't tell you what it's about other than something about anti-gun. The others were probably full of guys like me who went just to look at hot girls.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE idiotic sincerity. That's what filmmaking is about. Being so earnest in telling a story. Which is why I'm sick of superhero movies. The first one that cracked that code ("Superman" '78) was enough actually. The rest are clones. So earnest...all of them. They forgot storytelling is sitting around a campfire telling tales. Why things like "Ladybird" sucks balls.
I also don't blame the young kids from thinking they make a difference. They don't. In fact, they're annoying. Probably made a few people out there buy MORE guns.
Not sure what marches or protesting actually does, but I assume it makes us aware of what we already know. Guns and crazy people hurt people.
Thanks, you crowd of obviousness. Also, march for mental health.

Hooterwatch

When I was a freshman in high school, boy was awkward. I had friends but acted sorta' lame. Being that I went to a wealthy white public high school didn't help.
My joy was when on a Friday night they'd air "Baywatch"
Call me whatever you want, the sight of hot women bouncing around in bathing suits in the warm Cali sun sent my loins a soaring. Man...I couldn't get any of those rich bitches to give me the time of day (still can't) which is why I disappeared into the warm bosom of dream weaving "Baywatch." To the best of my knowledge these people made a LIVING running in slow motion to un-offensive blue-eyed soul rip-off tunes. Even the theme reminded you of Bruce Hornsby and The Range. The cascading piano run made you think you could just soak up that sun and fun. All day long. Those innocent days are over for most. Since sincerity is seen as lame now. If people enjoy crap, it's out of irony. But I swear, so many people back then gave me shit for watching it, couldn't pull themselves away either. TO me, the girls jiggled for me. Erika Eleniak was my favorite. Playboy model who wasn't inaccessible like Pam Anderson. Erika seemed to be easier to hang with.

For all its corniness I would bet it did more for immigration than the thought of a better life for your family. To me, Los Angeles was the land of this babes on the beach. In reality, it's dodging homeless and buying street tacos that won't give you swamp ass.
I credit David Hasselhoff for embedding in my thick brown skull that stacked women have a function. And that life's a beach.

"Tomb Raider" (2018)

Oof. What do you call a rip-off of a rip-off?
Because let's be honest, Lara Croft is Young Indy Jones. Too bad Alicia Vikander has to strap on the form fitting bra of someone much more stacked.
In this one, Croft is a reluctant thrill seeker mixed martial arts Millenial that doesn't enjoy that she is the daughter of a globe-trekking gazillonair. In this case, a higher calling has separated him from a teen Lara. Fast forward seven years, and resentment of abandonment, she is a willful adult now and biding her time as a bike messenger. Assuming this is the adaptation of a different Tomb Raider game that re-adjust 2001 Tomb Raider. The thing missing. The fun? Vikander's Croft is somehow the tough lass and the victim. Not yet proven an ass-kicker...or it comes and goes as required, it is...somehow...also confusing. Many moments that would end the movie pop up. The villain is no surprise that Walton Goggins plays a very straight forward baddie. He takes glee in evil despite the fact that his only motivation is actually for a good cause. Seems there may be a missing scene.

There is no room for the least bit of fun. Or joy. It is...well...safe. Considering the stakes end 40 minutes in. While it's fine to show a woman feeling the peril of mercernaries, it's also odd that they would take joy in consistently smacking a woman around.
I dunno. Something that is missing I've noticed is the upbeat dark sense of humor. I didn't like the original when it first came out, but man do I miss it now.

Autonomy

The hardest part about not taking money to make film projects is that you stress about the small details. The hardest about taking money to make film projects is that you stress about ALL the details. There are some people who can shrug this off. Typically they are people who if a project has low production operation, they do only what is necessary to function. They did this a LOT with sequel movies. When studios figured out that they established a brand, they were okay with handing the reigns over to a guy warming a director's seat. That's what I call a cuckhold.

Now that I've stepped into a producer's seat (have the money) it's a never-ending juggling act. As producer Brad Wyman had said on Illeana Douglas's podcast "I Blame Dennis Hopper" it's the most work (these days) for the least amount of credit. He went on to say...conducting a runaway train praying there isn't oncoming train on the same tracks. Now, as fatalistic as it may sound, SOMEONE has to be the foreman of the blueprints.
Typically speaking this person has to team people up with other like-minded people. For instance, I love that our new cinematographer has a calmness to her that I don't possess. I never heard her tell the director his idea was idiotic but set out to find a solution (maybe in time, she'll find her own gristle). This is a true diplomat and have faith she is going to go FAR. That's mostly what this is. Personalities making...something. To me (again, why it's much more relaxing what I'm doing now on production) I'm panicked in...how to execute. So many people can live in the "good enough" side. I can for myself, NOT for others. In other words, I can tell others "it's really fine and will be great!" But for me, it's never good enough. I go to bed, sick to my stomach over what I've failed at. The great thing about producing is that I can talk others' down from this. That creators feel like they've not gotten their vision across and get sick and bang their heads. I can be the one to say...nothing is perfect. I CANNOT say this to myself.
We are our worst critic.
But our team is expanding and I'm really stoked that more and more people seem to "get" what we're trying to do now. I'm very grateful for where we are now. I'm sure the fatalist in me is waiting for the other shoe to drop but I'll do what I can in the meantime.

The Inconvenience of Truth

From Ivy League professor Amy Wax:

“Here’s a very inconvenient fact, Glenn: I don’t think I’ve ever seen a black student graduate in the top quarter of the class, and rarely, rarely, in the top half,” Wax said. “I can think of one or two students who scored in the top half of my required first-year course.” She said the class has 89 to 95 students per year, “so I’m going on that because a lot of this data is a closely guarded secret.”

Ruger said Wax violated school policy by mentioning student grades to back up her argument. 

Alumni circulated an online petition this week urging Ruger to take action after Wax’s comments resurfaced. The professor’s claims are “in clear violation of the terms and spirit of Penn Law’s anonymous grading policy, and compromise the law school’s assurance that grades are maintained by the Registrar under strict scrutiny,” the petition says. 

Wax’s views on race ignited backlash even before her interview with Loury. In August, she wrote an op-ed published in The Philadelphia Inquirer that declared, “All cultures are not equal. Or at least they are not equal in preparing people to be productive in an advanced economy.”

Wax declined to comment to HuffPost. She has defended her statements in the past, and doubled down on her argument, asserting that people seek to move to countries with “superior” bourgeois values.

“I don’t shrink from the word, ‘superior.’ Everyone wants to go to countries ruled by white Europeans,” she said.

Wax appears to be upset that the Black students being let into the law program of U.Penn is doing so under the guise of affirmative action and not by pure merit. Facts are facts and it seems most people don't like hearing the obvious.

It got me thinking about Hollywood and this new inclusion clause that actress Frances McDormand was yammering about during the Oscars. Essentially re-integrating affirmative action in stories we tell. While it is an incredible act of generosity to let us coloreds sit at the big bossman's table, I seem to feel a twinge of...patronization that implies I require their charity. Perhaps guilt is a great motivator of change. And obviously this shits on the face of Trump's America First campaign, but doesn't it seem by being inclusive now, you are excluding a certain demographic? White middle age men are angry. I mean, really pissed that they aren't on any list Hollywood offers. Wait, White middle aged heterosexual men are colossally fucked. The roles of beer drinking friend goes to...I dunno pick a name you can't pronounce on the Inclusion List. Just make sure it isn't John Smith.

Guess what a wildly swinging pendulum does? Swings two-fold back. Again, good sentiment, horrific results to follow. 

Losing It

For the longest time I'd wondered why social media was to blame for the up-tick of poor manners, bad behavior and overall stupidity. Turns out, it's because every adult is setting a poor example publicly. And unfortunately, it's too late. There is too much out there now for children to witness or dial up that shows adults losing it. When I was a kid it was a big deal losing it. And they certainly didn't do it around children. So think about it. You see old people acting nutty day in and day out. The fuck do you think are your barriers then? There are none.
When adults lose it publicly children get freaked. Do it enough times, they shrug and wonder what the big deal was. That's desensitizing yourself to real issues when it becomes an issue. In my day (old guy rant) your world was about 5 miles in radius. For the most part, kids can travel the world in high definition and realize, not only are their parents losing it, other parents are too. And we're laughing like retards. Until a school shooting occurs again. What's it to what's his name who murdered all those people. Seems his adoptive parents didn't seem to regulate him. Essentially, the extreme is never enough anymore because of social media. We feel nothing because if a grown up blows their gasket...and this is normal, we all act like abuse children. They are essentially teaching the ones who watch, that...even as an adult we have no control. That's why the youth today are rambumctious. We need to stop now before it's too late.

"Death Wish" (2018)

I love that the liberal Leftist critics loathe this movie. I didn't expect much but I HATE guns and expected it to be about anti-gun. It's the complete opposite. And it's still a solid...flick. Too bad it's called "Death Wish" because honestly, they didn't get ugly enough with the rape and murder of the family as they did in the original one. In fact, it's the one failure of this movie is that it doesn't get ugly with the real violence which was against his own family.
In this one..Bruce Willis plays Paul Kersey. Unbelievable as a surgeon (kept wanting him to grow a beard or at least a mustache) whose family is irreparably destroyed by a night of crime. Kick in revenge porn. He is a man who has been told that the authorities ineffective, in not so many words. So he becomes a folk hero. In fact, it actually is a brilliant way today. Social media makes Kersey into an odd folk hero. A vigilante who rights the wrong...in whatever way. The movie is exactly the nonsensical justice as told by characters as "Dirty Harry." In other words, if a drug dealer, car jacker, pimp, dirtbag is murdered, who would give a fuck?
The problem with this movie is...no one cares...at all. which it seems is what is happening in Chicago today. Murder occurs so much that the news of it becomes as banal as reading he weather report. It becomes such a point of conversation, the talk radio stations have debates. Similar to how we see psychos like school shooters today. It still didn't win me over on gun ownership, but it makes me less disgusted by the people who are convinced they are responsible firearm owners.
The movie is unapologetic in its Right Wing agenda. Sometimes even bigoted. My other gripe is that I almost wish they would blow away a piece of shit animal who pumps their music as they drive through a neighborhood. That would've made it a perfect movie. As it is, a fun diversion and does contain the spirit of the fed up society. Namely...me.

Working In Movies: Stories In The Trenches

I just got out of an interesting conversation about working in the movie business. Specifically in production side. When I started out, and if you wanted to become a cinematographer, and you chose to rise up through the camera department, you had to know someone who would let you on a crew because you're willing to clean camera cases for free. You did this for about 5 years. In that time, you'd supplement your existence through another job. Which made sense back in 1999 with the rental prices and that you're young enough that you could live wth 8 other people in a one bedroom apartment. The bitch of it? You were on set 16-18 hour days. Leaves little time to swing into a second job during the weekdays. Now that jobs are getting even more scarce and hourly rates haven't risen, more the bitchier.
Second, you had to really show you wanted to learn. EXCEPT, you couldn't jump ranks. I've been fired before for asking a cinematographer questions by the key grip who didn't like that I buddy'd up to him. Seems that I was a political hire as a friend and that grip had to show who was boss. Yep, this is high school level garbage.
Now, if you could show that you were worthy, you'd move up to...become a second assistant camera. This was a person who took all the notes. Typically this was a girl because they would double as a slate and who wants to see our ugly guy faces when they could see a pretty girl. Next time you're on set, see if this isn't the truth. Women cinematographers may not follow this train of thought.
Boy did you write notes like a bitch. That meant keeping inventory of film stock too. And had to deal with the camera department's time card. This went on for...at the very least another 5-8 years. Then, you moved onto a first assistant camera. Contrary to what you think, most of these people have no aspirations to become cinematographers (maybe now they do but back then they weren't). They were the least funny, most dry technical people you've ever met. They knew science and engineering. And they didn't take humorous banter all that well. They were as un-fun as possible. The reason...it was their responsibility that gear was there and it was working properly. Even on the smallest set, this meant a truckload of cases, accessories and gear that better work. I suppose the more experience you have, the less stick-in-the-ass you were. But, usually, they were the fathers of the camera department. No nonsense people. Yelling goes down the line, so...
If you wanted to move forward, and a cinematographer on a DIFFERENT crew (yes, I capitalized this since, if you made it this far, no one wants to move you up because you're probably the best person they know at this position. In other words..they don't want to lose a great AC). On a different crew you can wow them with some technical bullshit. You moved onto being a camera operator. Suddenly you are next to the actors. I mean, they rely on you the most to make sure they are framed right. I only know a handful of operators who ever moved to become cinematographers. Because they LOVE being this guy or gal. It's the best place to be because you see it better than anyone else. The crusty older ones actually sometimes dictate what is used. I recall the story of a guy who would wave off a shot, just pan the camera away midway through a take so the director would never use that shot. Why? Job security. They use that shot and it was awful, everyone sees it. Regardless of the reputation of being a guy who does shit like that. Counterintuitive to what you believe a LOT of cinematographers appreciate someone cared enough to watch out for his interest as well. In fact, a LOT of directors (prior to video village becoming grand central station) oftentimes a director would ask the operator if the take was good. I mean, who has the best seat in the house.
By now, you're about 50 years old and if you choose to move up to a cinematographer, that's when you're now someone. And the title doesn't get your pussy, since you're probably already married with kids that hate your guts for never being there. In my day director of photographers were in their 50's. I became one when I was 25. You ever want to see resentment and rumors of me sucking off gay producers...that's the business. The people working today are closer to my rise to that position. They knew someone who randomly saw them do something. Or that they just gelled well with a person. Or they are a relative. Or they see you are passionate about something. All that moves you into a pretty good position. But the work still has to be there. Yes, a lot is the network connections you make. The older you get the less you tolerate, the less people want you around. So if you grow with your crew, that is your best bet.
What I'm getting at also is...you haven't really paid your dues until you look back and realize you paid your dues. 3 AM calls. Panic attacks because you think you screwed something up. Not having gear in Castaic when you only have an actor for a few days. 3AM calls and then turnaround to 10PM calls. Cold, wet, hot, dirty, asbestos riddled, shitty food, public shaming dues paying for...a day rate. And that day rate dwindles to nothing the longer you're on set. And if you're low man on the totem pole, why should you care about what's being shot? There isn't such a thing as a dolly grip reel. All to make a movie no one will ever watch. And as I start to hear the stories of today...the only things that change are that they people I've thought to be on the higher echelon of talent (Al Pacino) is willing to sell himself to the lowest bidder possible. And sit there and eat that cold pizza next to you. It's demoralizing until you realize...you will never stop paying your dues.
So, if people want to ask what it takes to make it in the movie business and if it's worth it...I can answer it thoroughly as you've read here, or simply just nod and tell you it's luck and a bit of effort. Since everyone seems to think they can box until they get punched.
There's a reason why the seasoned guys stick together. They tell war stories people starting out haven't figured out yet.
Though, curiously, most will attempt to hang onto their position as long as it exist. Talk about Stockholm Syndrome.
These days...I do things on my own terms, and feel liberated not to deal with that level of "committment" If you think that's wussing out, you haven't been paying attention.
Good luck!

Whoa!

You remember Joey Lawrence. Wanted to be called Joseph Lawrence?
That fool filed for bankruptcy. The guy was put in Nell Carter's care in the 80's. But more famous as brother of Blossom.
Here's a list of shit this idiot spent money on:

That included rent ($13,500), water and sewer bills ($1,281), food and housekeeping supplies ($2,400), entertainment ($1,000) and two car leases ($2,348 and $498).

On top of that, they had $355,517.27 worth of liabilities — including $132,000 in credit card bills, $100,000 owed for automobiles, $88,000 in back taxes, $54,000 in unpaid rent, and $32,000 for an unpaid loan.

Assets for the duo’s personal property were listed at a total value of $43,907.32.

Let me be frank, the amount this useless turd spent on a month of rent could allow you to live comfortably for a year. It's almost EXACTLY how much I pay for a year in Van Nuys. See when those expenses rises, everything else goes up as well. Then you're fucked. I have a friend now who has extended himself to the hilt. I predict the stress will crush him. Though, stubborn...he'll never admit this colossal idiotic move. Because, as mentioned, EVERYTHING ELSE goes up.

When I lived in Sherman Oaks, I completely lived beyond my means. It wasn't just being able to make rent. That was the easy part. The rest of everything else was ridiculously expensive. IT would require 3 to 4 jobs to supplement the small stuff. Everyone around you somehow lives comfortably. Doubt they did either. I never bought clothes. I wore free shit. BUt that is an expense too. My guess is...you can't shake your environment. The thought that you can't live beneath your neighbor's standards get into your head space. Then you tumble.

My advice...don't let this happen to you. If you ever get money or have the ability to earn a lot of it. You will always be stressed and unhappy. Even though you have a lot of dough, you will never fill that emptiness. Find out what that is and you will live a long comfortable life. When you understand you don't always deserve the very best. You deserve the very adequate.  

I'm 42 Years Old

The reason this is of any importance is because all last year I thought was 43 years old.
Yes, today is my birthday. What a weird day. I woke up and went to Del Taco at 4 in the morning and the girl (I think it was a girl) gave me a free coffee. I didn't mention anything other than I just wanted to add a small coffee to my order of shrimp tacos (yes..for breakfast). Then I got out of work early and my supervisor added in the hours anyway.
Great dude.
Then when I went to pick up my processed film they only charged me for one roll to clean and prep rather than two. Perhaps it's me looking closer at good fortune. And I ended the day quietly watching "The Legend of Billie Jean" when Helen Slater was nubile and sleek and now "Fresh Horses" with Molly Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy. Why? I bought an 80's teen drama 8 pack. Sometimes they won't all be hits.
A lot of people would consider this a bland boring birthday, but I gotta tell you...it was one of the most relaxing in a LONG time. Probably because, in my mind now, I bought myself another year. I'm not 43.
Believe it or not, my Mom and Dad probably forgot. Cue "Sixteen Candles". Though my Mom will most likely dismiss my accusations with "You think I'd forget the day I pushed your fat head through my hoo-hah?!" I'd shrug, as if anyone could hear it. And that would be that.
Happy Birfday to me!

Oscars are Dead

I am a man of color who would like to portray Margot Robbie's panties. All inclusive.
Man is she hot.
Anyway, I didn't watch a minute of the Oscars, but it seems the media wants to paint this out to be an activism pulpit instead of...you know...movies.
Actors at this level are funny. They think America gives a fuck what it thinks. I am in the heart of Hollyweird, and it is super insular. Because they have a microphone and a stage. This version of Hollywood is worse than the Ku Klux Klan. Why? Because they really mind-fuck you into thinking they're doing it for the greater good. Nope. Not in the least. They are keeping their fans satisfied with their supposed humanity. It doesn't exist. The best actors have no identity. That's why they are great actors.

It would be in my best interest to ride the crest of this wave. But having dignity, there is NO WAY in Hell do I ever benefit due to my genetics. Or feel I've been victimized, which I'm sure I have. But who cares?! Moving on with life. Instead, a handful (in the scheme of America) seem to think they are the voice of the minority. Puh-lease. They have more money than they know what to do with, and that sudden realization that they are just as bad as Trump is a sickening feeling they can't wash off. No doubt the ones who fucked Harvey Weinstein for a career.

Here's the other thing, that I was speaking to my buddy, the Van Man about. Which I do agree with him. This isn't about movies anymore. Too fucking bad. We will get a mix pot of everyone needs a prize to feel better. It started with the Academy systemically putting in MORE people of color to offset the injustices of the past. Guess who's keeping quiet. Jews. We know they control the media. But so what? Chinese people own Chinese restaurants. But don't pretend you're extending good will towards the people of color. In that same breath you wave the NAACP flag, the same has bars and gates to keep "those people" out.

I also noticed this...Oscars are a used up whore. If you think about things White folk had because they had money once they got tired of it, they threw it to us coloreds. Kobe "rapist" Bryant has an Oscar now. Do you still value this award? Which reinforces the notion that once you give this once illustrious statue away, it ceased to hold any value whatsoever. Nice job, Academy. You're like that racist colonel who gave rifles to the Black Union soldiers in (a brilliant film "Glory") the scene where they torched the town with zero responsibility to the core of the cause.

I truly pity the ones who strive to get the statue now that it's been raped whole and given with no consideration for the material itself. As always, I blame "Shakespeare In Love" when we realized awards can be bought. No wonder most feel empty inside.
The new Oscar is like watching adults eat at the kiddie table. Guided by a lack of grandeur the meal once was. 

"Red Sparrow" (2018)

Look, you get to see Jennifer Lawrence's thick tits and in some shots if slowed down her snatch. And that's what they want.
This movie isn't horrible. It's not good. It just...is. It's DEFINITELY better than "Atomic Blonde" which sells itself as a female James Bond. There isn't a man alive who couldn't beat the ever loving shit out of Charlize Theron. But Hollywood wants you to believe that. Meanwhile, Big Cans Lawrence is an operative spy. The type of spy that looks at shit and actually evaluates what she's looking at. I'd like a moment where she maybe has a longer window to be a true spy, or that her training really involved serious stakes. But as it were, it's not bad like the rest of the movies people are salivating over. Sorry friends, it's much more entertaining than the ever Oscar winner out there now. But it's also corny. I recall the story was about a double agent. Or was she a triple agent. It's a brutal world, yet we're not entirely sure what she's being trained for other than what the "educator" tells us. It's still vague. And we still hate the Russians. I find them funny, but I may be the only one.
The American equivalent is a C.I.A. agent who allowed a Russian mole hide out. This the man both sides want. But for obviously different reasons. What is curious is that I recall a movie called "The Sum of All Fears." Which is a Tom Clancy story about the early days of Jack Ryan. When he was farting around with the Russians. There was a mole there too feeding the Americans information. This was so that both sides didn't nuke each other. This movie shares the same DNA. But there is also a love story that falls miserably short. Sorry, but Joel Edgerton is poorly casted. Guess they blew their payroll on Jen Lawrence.
What ends up happening is very far-fetched but based on a true story. The brutality of the Russians are done in a very comical way. I'm not entirely sure what era we're in. But it does feel like we're back in the 80's.
Anyway, go see it for Jennifer Lawrence spreading herself out when she can. It's great to see her be that accessible to being our whore. For that reason, I recommend.

Politics at the Oscars

I don't give a flying fuck about politics at the Oscars. The people who want to listen to how awful Trump and America is are going to agree with these Dior/Gucci wearing fag-bots. The rest are going to hate your fucking guts. So what's the difference if you spew your agenda? Nothing. And no one cares. In fact, a nice-guy-cry-baby like host Jimmy Kimmel will make people hate Hollywood more. They're so fucking insular they think a few words during an already long show makes a difference. Remember when Marlon Brando had an Indian lady come up to accept his Oscar? Did that bring back Indians? Or make them re-name the Redskins or...stop people from littering? Fuck no. You annoyed people. Brando, great actor stupid fucking human. Guess who loves Brando? Other actors. Guess who doesn't give him another thought? EVERYONE!
Just stop with the fucking politics, because you are getting Trump re-elected. And I will fucking organize a march to convince people YOU are the problem.