Frost/Nixon

Excellent, excellent film. I've always liked Ron Howard as a director, great movie!

It goes to show how hard it is to be the President - it's a tough job. It's very difficult to please everyone. It also shows how caught up and twisted the media can be sometimes. Even with the Internet, it seems that most Americans today still rely on television and newspapers for their sole source of news - that's the power of the media.

The Grudge Spoof

Hilarious spoof of the movie!

Top 10 Gangster Movies

I've mentioned before how much I like gangster movies. Think it's because I've got the business bug in me, I learn something new about business every time I watch these types of films - the mob life has always been very interesting to me. (By the way, my favorite game as a kid was monopoly - I played it all the time).

Here's my Top 10 Gangster Movies:

1. The Godfather
2. The Godfather Part II
3. Scarface
4. Gangs of New York
5. Goodfellas
6. Casino
7. American Gangster
8. The Departed
9. The Usual Suspects
10.Carlito's Way

Eagle Eye Trailer Spoof

Before you see this, watch the original trailer of the movie to understand the spoof. By the way, I just saw the movie - it wasn't that great. Though, I was laughing hysterically when Jerry was on the phone with the caller telling him what to do. Check out the spoof!

iPod Commercial Disturbia Rihanna

Pretty cool iPod commercial this kid made. Check it out!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Skirt

Hilarious spoof of the movie. Tibby is funny, she was my favorite character!

By the way, I just saw the sequel. It was crazy - those pants were still being passed around. But, guess what? The pants took off at the end of the movie!

Seriously. The pants disappeared - the gurls went to go look for the pants but (warning: spoiler alert) never found them. By the end, I was literally rolling on the floor laughing hysterically when they were out looking for those pants, you'd think I was watching a comedy. Think it was all the drama with these gurls - the pants just couldn't take it anymore!

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Spoof

Before you see this, watch the original trailer of the movie to understand what they mock. Funny stuff!

Revolutionary Road

When I first saw the trailer for this movie, it looked interesting. Why? It looked like something I felt people could relate to, even in this day and age.

Though the film was set back in the 1950s, a lot of the themes and issues still hold true today. Now, I know a lot of people didn't like the film - they thought it was depressing. And, I do admit - it ain't a "feel good" type of movie. Also, alot of people also thought the themes brought up directly attacked the institution of marriage. Personally, I don't think it was an "attack" but a realistic picture of the issues people face in life.

Honestly, I think Sam Mendes did a great job in portraying Richard Yates' novel. What I liked about Mendes, is the way he presented the movie - it was not bias towards any one character in particular.

I think many people can relate to Kate Winslet's character, as well as Leonardo DiCaprio's. Neither the values or wants of either character is better - they are equally important because they are their own. Problem is both of them want different things and in the end - a different life. That is the issue.

After watching the movie, I went out and read the book. It's pretty much the same as the movie. Though, there is more character development - you find more background information about the characters. And, the scenes and the actions of the characters' in the movie start to make more sense. (By the way, I really like Yates' writing style. I'm reading another novel of his, The Easter Parade - it is really good).

All in all, I give the movie a thumbs up. If you want to see a "feel good" type of movie, this ain't the one to watch. Just my $0.02.

Fobalicious

Need I say more? Hilarious!

Home

Really like this song...feeling nostalgic today. great video!

Latino Comedy Project: Mal-mart

So true, so true...what a crazy funny spoof!

Happy Slip Jingle

HappySlip is one talented gurl - she plays all the parts in her skits, usually portraying her family members. She also sings and plays the piano/guitar. Check it out!

Movie Rentals

Ah, the topic of movie rentals. I don't really rent movies anymore, there aren't many video rental places where I live except for Blockbuster, which is crazy expensive at $4.99 per video rental even the old videos too. And, let's not forget they conveniently do not have any late fees but will just charge your credit card for the full retail price of the movie if you are late and/or do not return the movie.

I used to go to the movie kiosk at the grocery store, but that got to be frustrating as there wasn't that much selection to choose from. I never tried NetFlix, though I tried a similar online movie rental service which is now out of business. I don't really like the online movie rental system because I'd have to wait for the movies to arrive in the mail. I'd end going to Blockbuster, so it didn't really work for me.

Now, I prefer to buy movies rather than rent them. Usually, I'll buy movies I've seen before and watch over and over again. Most times, I purchase used DVDs locally or online at Half.com, where I recently purchased Better Luck Tomorrow for $0.95. I kid you not. Of course, there was shipping and handling which was an extra $2.99. But, it came out to be $3.94 total, cheaper than renting it at Blockbuster.

Recently, I've found another source for movie rentals - the local library. That's right. I'm fascinated with all the resources we have available but do not use. People have told me that's kind of retro and not many people go to the library anymore. But, I think some people just look down on this kind of activity and think it's uncool - it's like school all over again. Maybe I'm a nerd - the library is cool. I've found some videos there I wouldn't have found anywhere else, as well as some others I'd watch again. And, it's a great place to find videos on other topics such as home improvement, interior design, feng shui, etc.

Besides watching movies, going to the local used DVD store is one of my favorite past times. I'm always looking for a new movie to add to my collection. I just finished watching another gangster movie, GoodFellas. I'm a big fan of Martin Scorsese. I look forward to adding more movies to my video collection!

The Shining Spoof

The Shining trailer spoof - gives the movie a whole different spin. Check it out!

SNL: VP Debate - Palin/Biden

For those of you who missed this hilarious skit, check it out. Tina Fey rocks!

Making Movies By John Russo

I'm currently reading this book by John Russo - it's an inside guide to independent film making.

It's a pretty good book so far (I'm 3/4 of the way done) - it's a good overview of both the technical and the business aspects of independent film making. What I find interesting about the book are the stories of how people like Oliver Stone, Sam Raimi, and George Romero got started. It also has some pretty good tips from specialists such as make up artists and special effects pros.

I've learned a lot so far - both the technical and the business side of film making. Think the technical side will be challenging for me - I haven't been behind the camera since my school days. Back then, I filmed "live" meaning I had no editing equipment and if we made a mistake, we'd have to start all over again and rewind the VHS tape in the old camcorder. (Yeah, that's really old school). Though, the technical aspect is interesting to learn - I never thought of the different shots and point of views to film a scene until I read this book. And, all the equipment involved - sound, microphones, lighting, editing, etc. Plus, all the people involved and their different jobs and roles. It's all very new to me.

As for the business aspect of film making, I can understand it since I have a business background. I read about the different business entities involved, raising money from investors, working with budgets, distributors and the different ways to structure a deal. This isn't so hard for me to learn - the business stuff comes naturally to me. I did learn that most of the deals he's seen have been structured using Limited Partnerships with the General Partner being a corporate entity, it makes sense to me. Russo highly suggests having a good entertainment attorney on your team as the laws can vary from state to state, and each deal has to be structured accordingly to the interests of the parties involved.

Though the book was written in 1989, some things still haven't changed. It's interesting to see how people had so little to work with technology wise back then. Now, we have so much to work with and technology is changing everyday. One thing, I may look into is learning about CGI in the future. Though, I probably will consult with a specialist - this type of work is left best to the pros ;)

The Dedicated Moviegoer

This is a funny mocumentary about a guy who goes to see the latest movies every week. It's hilarious, especially the part about having parents who have different tastes for movies than him and like the "...crappiest of crap." I can so relate. Check it out!

Slumdog Millionaire

Ok, I have to admit. When I saw the trailer for this movie, I really didn't think it was my type of movie. I haven't seen an independent for awhile. The last independent I saw was Once, which a friend dragged me to see - it didn't really look like my cup of tea either, though I did enjoy the music and ended up buying the CD.

In any case, another friend highly recommended Slumdog Millionaire. Told me if I am a true moviegoer, I absolutely have to see this movie because it's the best movie of the year. Ok, ok. So, I gave in.

It was a very good movie - very well told. I can see why a lot of people like this movie. I have learned that the trick of making a good movie is showing people something they've never seen before and showing it well. The way the story is told is what makes this movie appealing. It's a unique story and very well told.

I give it a thumbs up. And, yes it may be the best movie of the year. We'll just have to see what Oscar thinks ;)

Them Dirty Girls Skit

Here's a funny Filipino comedy skit - they are hilarious!

MySpace vs. Friendster Spoof

Here's a spoof I put together awhile back. Some people have asked when my next one will be - I'm working on it :)

Video Link

Welcome!

I decided to put together this film blog since I am very interested in film. Ever since I was a kid, films have always fascinated me. Seriously. I remember spending many days in the movie theatres as a kid - watching movies all day as well as roaming the video stores when not at the theatre. When I was a kid, I especially liked horror as well as adventure (I'm a big Indiana Jones fan) movies. I wasn't much of a sci-fi person except for Star Wars - E.T. scared the living daylight out of me, that was a major horror film to me!

Apart from watching movies, I also did some work behind the camera as a kid - I used to put together skits for fun using my dad's VHS camcorder. (yeah, remember VHS?)

I guess I've always been sort of an entertainer at heart. As a kid, I even put together little puppet shows and plays for the kids in the neighborhood charging admission and making some extra pocket money. I had a few of my friends working for me - gave them a piece of the action or bartered (they liked stickers!) for their services. And to think, this started at the young age of 5. Kids always looked forward to the shows we put on for the neighborhood. Sometimes I got ideas from one of my favorite tv shows as a kid - The Little Rascals. Oh, were those kids always putting on a show to make some extra dough!

As a kid, I was really creative. Think I was pretty good at entertaining and putting on a show.I would write all the material and my friends would help me out. I remember in 6th grade, I wrote an entire script for a comedic newscast as well as the commercials in between. I actually offered to do this for extra credit and my teacher allowed it. I didn't even have to do it. I even wrote a 20 page creative story which my teacher thought should be turned into a movie or play. And, here I was still a kid in the 6th grade. And, again I wrote, directed and filmed more film projects throughout junior high and high school.

Unfortunately, as I grew up my parents insisted I be more "practical" in my choice of vocation for the future. They saw no place for me in the arts - told me there's no money in it and to give up on these silly dreams. They wanted me to do something sensible where I'd make a lot of money. My teachers were great - they encouraged me to pursue the arts saying I was just good at writing and entertaining. Though, my parents wouldn't have it - no child of theirs was going to be a starving artist on the streets. So, the film stuff stopped.

Though, my film fascination continues. And, here we are. This blog is here to discuss anything film - reviews, opinions, industry stuff, etc. And, for those who like a good laugh - skits and spoofs as well. I continue to watch movies and learn about the film industry - it's still very interesting to me. Maybe someday I will pick up where I left off as a kid. As they say, the show must go on!