Monday, March 22, 2010

Indie Film Trailer - Lemonade

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up this indie film trailer, "Lemonade." Check it out!

"What do people who were once paid to be creative for a living do when they're laid off? Lemonade is an inspirational film about 16 advertising professionals who lost their jobs and found their calling, encouraging people to listen to that little voice inside their head that asks, What if? All resources for Lemonade were donated. From cameras to lights to flights, this is a project by and for those who have been affected by unemployment."

(p.s. If you have a project(s) you'd like me to check out (i.e. fan trailer, short, spoof, animation, etc), feel free to contact me. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



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Saturday, March 20, 2010

Precious (2009)

"Some folks has a lot of things around them that shines for other peoples. I think that maybe some of them was in tunnels. And in that tunnel, the only light they had, was inside of them. And then long after they escape that tunnel, they still be shining for everybody else".

- Precious


When this film first came out based on the novel, I really had to prepare myself mentally before seeing the movie. That's why I waited awhile to see it. I knew it was going to be a very deep film with an important message. It was.

As I watched the movie, I was in utter shock and horror as to the realism and reality of the abuse portrayed. It was as my tweep, Clarabela, describes - "raw". It just seemed like the main character, Clareece 'Precious' Jones (portrayed by Gabourey Sidibe) lived in a much different world from the rest of us.

It was a world full of hate, jealousy, and cruelty. It was a world unimaginable from the rest of us - so different and so full of violence and hate. The level of abuse in the film, both physical and verbal, was very shocking (to say the least) to see and bone chilling. The part of Mary Jones, Clareece's mother, played by Mo'Nique, really was such a powerful depiction to show the level of abuse in the household.

It was just so hard to imagine seeing Clareece live in this world, and live day to day. She made a good point in the film - she doesen't have the kind of life everyone else has. She never had a chance to just be a kid, have a normal teenage life.

Though, the film questions - what is normal? For Mary Jones, she raised Clareece the only way she knew how. In a way, she thought she was doing the right thing. But, was she?

This then becomes an ethical issue. What is the difference between right and wrong? And, who is to say what is right, and what is wrong? Where is the line drawn?

In Clareece's heart, she knew the abuse from her mother was wrong. Though, she still took it because her mother was her family. She had no family. It wasn't until she had her second baby, and realized she did have a family of her own - one she created, that she knew she had to take care of them. Even if it meant getting away from her mother, who she still did love very much. Clareece had to do what was best for her and her children.

Overall, it was a very powerful and touching film. It really showed the affect abuse (both physical and verbal) can have on children. I would say, the performances of both Clareece and Mary Jones were very, very powerful. It really made me think about the other "Clareeces" and "Mary Jones" in the world. They do exist, though in a world very different than ours.

If your in the mood for a drama type film, I highly recommend this one.

p.s. For those who have seen the movie and may be interested, here are some additional quotes from the film. Thanks for reading!

(Note: For another perspective on the movie, check out the following review from my tweep:

Clarabela - Review Link

Happy movie watching!



Video Link

Monday, March 15, 2010

Indie Film Trailer - Tales from the Script

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up this indie film trailer, "Tales from the Script." Check it out!

"Screenwriters ranging from newcomers to living legends share their triumphs and hardships in this probing, insightful, and often hilarious odyssey through the world of movie storytelling. Candid and unafraid to name names, dozens of participants reveal the fascinating creative adventures that gave birth to notorious flops and beloved classics".

Note: For more info on the film, check out the website. Thanks for reading!

(p.s. If you have a project(s) you'd like me to check out (i.e. fan trailer, short, spoof, animation, etc), feel free to contact me. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



Video Link

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

"Who are you?"

- Alice in Wonderland


Ever since I was a little kid, I've been such a fan of this story. So, I was really excited to see this film. Really excited.

Back when I was a kid, I must have watched (in addition to reading) a lot of Alice in Wonderland remakes. And, it never got old each time I saw a new one. In fact, I kept watching them over and over again. I remember one that was a television special I'd watch year after year. The story intrigued me that much.

What I like about the story is that it really plays true to asking questions about growing up. And, taking responsibility. Though, it also is a quest for identity and finding out who you are as a person. And, who you are as a person may not necessarily be the person everyone wants you to be - the journey is yours and your alone.

And, this is exactly why I've always enjoyed the story - for the journey. The journey is what makes life interesting. And, what gives life meaning. Without meaning, what kind of life would that be? It really makes you wonder.

In true Tim Burton fashion, the characters were very entertaining to watch. I especially enjoyed both Helena Bonham Carter's performance as the "Red Queen" as well as Johnny Depp's performance as the "Mad Hatter." Also, the "Cheshire Cat" made the usual round of appearing and disappearing throughout the movie. (Note: If you've seen the film, I liked how he pulled a "Lord of the Rings" trick during the final battle scene).

The film played true to the original story with a few minor adjustments. (If you've seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about). Most of the characters in the original story were present in the movie. Though, I don't remember a mouse being in the original story - minor adjustments.

As for the scenery, it was really great. I especially liked the "greyness" of the Red Queen's world contrasted with the "whiteness" of the White Queen's (played by Anne Hathaway) world (to symbolize all that is good). The representation of the colors in both worlds really gave me a sense of what life was like in the contrasting lands.

As for the story, I really liked how Alice (played by Mia Wasikowska) was portrayed - as a heroin. I think this is what attracted me to the story being a girl playing a heroine type role.

Though, it is one of those things where the heroin does not know they are the heroin. And, they must find it within themselves to face their fears. (Note: There was one part in the film where Alice was about to have the final standoff. I was extremely happy to see her ready to fight in armor rather than in a dress).

Overall, I really enjoyed the movie. It entertained me the whole way through. And, it brought me back to my childhood days. Truly, a classic film made in modern times.

If you're in the mood for a fantasy type film, I highly recommend this one.

Happy movie watching!



Video Link

Monday, March 8, 2010

Avatar Puppet Spoof

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up this indie film spoof based on the movie. Check it out!

(p.s. If you have a project(s) you'd like me to check out (i.e. fan trailer, short, spoof, animation, etc), feel free to contact me. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



Video Link

Thursday, March 4, 2010

The Hurt Locker (2009)

"War is like a drug."

- The Hurt Locker


Watching this film made me realize and reminded me of a world so far from where we are today. This is what this movie felt like.

It really focuses on the lives of those who are serving our country even now. And, more specifically their role and job for what they are set out to do - serve and protect.

I think it was very interesting to focus in on one particular special unit - the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit (aka bomb disposal squad) whose job was to locate bombs and disarm them. It really made me see firsthand the importance and dangers involved in a world so far away from ours.

What was more interesting was the way the film portrayed the main character, Sgt First Class William James (played by Jeremy Renner), and his obsession with doing his job. In a way, this was a normal way of life to him. It was interesting to see how his obsession really had an effect on his team.

I really like how the film also portrayed the issues of soldiers returning home and the difficulty of coping with the everyday normalcies of life. So, then the film begs the question - what is normal? And, where is home?

It's a very unique story portraying a lot of different perspectives on the war. And, in the end it does show the audience a different and unique viewpoint - one that we may not see as outsiders.

It is very different being on the inside and being on the outside. In a way, those who are on the inside understand what those who are on the outside may not and vice versa. (If you've seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about - there's a unique twist at the end).

Overall, I enjoyed the film. It was a very unique story and kept my attention throughout the movie. There were a few scary moments that really made me on the edge of my seat - I kept wanting to watch more. And, then there were those scenes that showed the cruelty of the war and it's affect on the innocent - truly shocking.

It also made me think about a few things and made me thankful for those who are serving our country. For anyone who has served or know anyone serving, they may be able to relate to this film.

This movie served as a reminder that there is a world out there so different from the one we live in - a world where danger lurks everywhere. Sometimes we take for granted our everyday lives. And, don't realize there are those out there who are living in a completely different world - a world where anything can happen, where ones life can be taken at the split of a second.

To sum it up, this movie is real - very real. And, really gave me something to think about.

If you're in the mood for a war type film, I definitely recommend this one.

Happy movie watching!



Video Link