Indie Film Short - Roger Corman on Independent Filmmaking

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up this indie film short, "Roger Corman on Independent Filmmaking." Check it out!

"The legendary King of the B Movies talks about making independent films. Includes clips from his many films."

(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 here or through my Facebook Page. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



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Movie Preview: Going the Distance

With the summer season nearing, there are a lot of films coming out for the summer.

Thought I'd share this film with you - it caught my eye. I really admire and respect Drew Barrymore - she's a very bright and talented gal. Check it out!

(Note: Just wanted to give my fellow tweep, @ReelArtsy, and fellow Filmgirl Force gal credit - she posted the trailer on her site before I did. Check out Reel Artsy for the latest on multicultural films, tv, and web series - thanks for reading!)

p.s. If you've joined my Facebook Page already, I just wanted to say "thanks" for your support. If you know anyone else who may have an interest in film and movies, feel free to send them over. Thanks!



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Seven (1995)

Recently, I had the opportunity to see this film - one of my favorite thriller and crime type movies.

What I like about this movie is that it's not your average thriller and crime type of film - it's not just a movie about the crime itself. It's also a movie about the lives of the two detectives involved investigating the crime, Detective Lt. William Somerset (played by Morgan Freeman) and Detective David Mills (played by Brad Pitt).

On one hand, you have Detective Somerset, a very experienced and tenured detective - he's seen it all. He knows what the job can do to one psychologically and the demands of the job. At the beginning of the film, we learn he is set and ready to retire - he no longer desires to continue his role as a detective. It's just been too much for him. And, he's had enough of the fast life.

And, on the other hand we have Detective Mills, a very young and less experienced detective compared to Detective Somerset. Detective Mills is ready to take on the world and stop it from crime. He is willing to sacrifice everything including spending time with his family in the name of doing what's right for the job. It gets to the point where work consumes him. And, he brings it home with him.

We also meet Detective Mills' wife, Tracy Mills (played by Gwyneth Paltrow) who used to be a schoolteacher in the town they used to live before they moved to the big city for Detective Mills' job. She has been trying to cope with the change and the big city. Though, she finds herself unable to understand her husband's passion for his work feeling lost and confused at times.

The homicide case assigned to Detective Somerset and Detective Mills is one that turns out to be more complicated - it simply is not an open and shut case. To some like Detective Somerset, it's the worse kind of case - a serial murder case that can go on for years and years. Though, to others like Detective Mills it's the case of the century - one that may make him famous if he is to catch the killer. And, that is a big "if."

What's interesting about this film is the way each murder is staged and justified by the killer.

(Note: For those who have not seen the film, I won't go into the identity of the killer and his role - I don't want to ruin it for you).

Each murder is justified by the killer as one of the seven deadly sins . They are as follows: gluttony, sloth, pride, greed, lust, envy, and wrath.

With each murder, comes the ultimate completion of the killer's plan - to send a message to the world and be remembered for his work. And, indeed it is something that will be remembered for years and years. Why?

The ending is what made this film interesting - it's such a complete twist and mind trip. As the audience, I felt in the last scene that all is lost for the killer - that there was not much hope for him and his work was completely finished. Though, we soon realize that's not the case at all - he planned it all along and his work was almost done.

(Note: For those who have not seen the movie, I don't want to ruin it for you but let's just say it's very unexpected and one of those moments that can really throw you off).

And, the unexpected ending and twist is what makes this film so brilliant and so well executed. Just as the killer planned things all along, so did the film's storyline - it really gave me the twist that I look for in these kinds of films. And, a film with a twist and unexpected ending is one worth watching in my book.

If you're in the mood for a thriller and crime type of film, I highly recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

(Note: For those who are fans of the film, check out this funny parody spoof. Thanks for watching!)

Happy movie watching!



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Indie Film Trailer - The Tree (Official "Cannes" Selection)

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up this indie film trailer, "The Tree," which is an official selection and the closing film for this year's Cannes Film Festival. Check it out!

"This is the trailer for the movie based on my wife Judy Pascoe's book, 'Our Father Who Art in a Tree' which is being shown in Cannes at the film Festival this week. The film, starring Charlotte Gainsbourg, will be released later this year."

Note: For a complete list of winners for this year's Cannes Film Festival, check out this article. 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 here or through my Facebook Page. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



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Movie Preview: Get Him to the Greek

When I first saw the trailer for this movie as a preview for the last movie I saw, I just knew I had to see it.

From the trailer alone, it looks very entertaining and funny - it looks like a film that many may be able to relate to and enjoy watching. Also, I especially enjoy watching Jonah Hill on screen - he is very funny.

Check it out!

p.s. If you've joined my Facebook Page already, I just wanted to say "thanks" for your support. If you know anyone else who may have an interest in film and movies, feel free to send them over. Thanks!



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Robin Hood (2010)

"Rise and rise again. Until lambs becomes lions."

- Robin Hood

Since I have an interest in history, I was looking forward to seeing this film. Going into it, I had a lot of expectations for it. It surprised me. Though, in a good way.

As a child, I remember reading the "Robin Hood" storybook. I remembered Robin Hood, the heroic figure, as one who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. In turn, I really thought this movie would be the same - I was mistaken.

Instead of focusing on Robin Hood and his goodwill towards the poor (as in the children storybook), we are introduced to a different Robin Hood - this is a man who is good yet does not realize the power of his goodness and ability to help others. This man is one who just wants to survive - his sole purpose is to survive.

In a way, this movie is more of a prequel to the Robin Hood story we all know. Just as "Batman Begins" is about Batman and how he came to be, "Robin Hood" is just the same - it is the story of Robin Hood and how he became to be as well.

It's not until Robin Hood, played by Russell Crowe, stands up and does a good deed for his country (the side he thought was the right side) yet is cast away as an outsider is when he realizes he's playing for the wrong side.

It's not the rich (i.e. the monarchy, the merchants, etc) that he should be defending - it should be the poor. As, it is the rich (in these times) that really are the ones that steal from the poor (in forms of taxation) for their own self-interest. To Robin Hood, this is wrong.

What's interesting is that the story then becomes a matter of ethics - what is right? And, what is wrong? And, who is to say what is right and what is wrong? Is it the rich? Or, is it the poor? Who can decide what is right and what is wrong?

In a way, this is a story of vengeance - a vengeance against the rich for wronging the poor. And, it is this vengeance that gives Robin Hood purpose in life. Before he was wronged, he didn't have much purpose. Though, this event changed him and enlightened him - it gave him a reason to live.

What made it even more personal was the fact that his family was involved. I don't want to ruin it for you, but let's just say Robin Hood really followed in the footsteps of his family in his mission of vengeance against the rich. In a sense, this new vengeance gave him a purpose which gave him a new identity.

When it boils down to it, this film is really about identity - knowing who you are and remembering where you came from. Sometimes we forget the past and sometimes we want to forget the past. Yet, the past is the past. And, a lot of times the past tells us where we came from.

Though it can be hard, we must always remember where we came from - it is a part of who we are even as we grow up and become adults.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie. It had a good storyline, acting was good and the action scenes were pretty well played out. For me personally, I enjoyed the historical references and backdrop of the movie - I do enjoy period pieces.

(Note: I really liked Cate Blanchett's role and portrayal of Lady Marion. She played a very strong character in the film - intelligent and strong willed).

Though, I'm going to be honest. Not everyone is going to like this movie. I've already heard some bad reviews of it already.

Going into it, I think some people had some expectations- namely the story of Robin Hood and how he stole from the rich and gave to the poor. The fact that it was more of a prequel, I think may have turned some people off.

However, I enjoyed it. I was entertained throughout the film. But, it is not for everyone. I think those who will enjoy it are those who have an interest in history and enjoy watching period pieces (like me). If you're not that much of a history buff, you may not enjoy this film as much.

If you're in the mood for a history type of movie and enjoy period pieces, I do recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



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Indie Film Trailer - Algeny: The Genetic Factor

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up this indie film trailer, "Algeny: The Genetic Factor," by Andrew Burroughs (director/writer/producer). Check it out!

"The Trailer for the Award Winning Movie. winner of the HBO Martha's Vineyard Best Feature."

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 here or through my Facebook Page. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



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Green Zone (2010)

"What's going on with the INTEL? There's nothing there. The INTEL is no good."

- Green Zone

Recently, I had the opportunity to see this film. Let me just say, it's a very powerful film with a very powerful message.

This movie really portrays how easily information can be manipulated and spread to make people believe it as truth. And, this film really is about truth and the trust we place in our government that they will always tell us the truth. At face value, can we really trust what our government tells us and accept it as truth?

In the film, it really shows the consequences that can happen when we accept everything the government says as truth. Failing to question those things as truth even when it does not make sense can really have a negative impact on a country and its people.

In a sense, this movie portrays two types of people - those that accept what is said as truth, and those that question. It is people who question what is said as truth, such as the main character Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (played by Matt Damon), who can really make a difference in our society and our world.

Those who question challenge those who take all things said as fact. Even if these things come from their own government. And, it is those who question who are able to reveal the truth and the true intentions of the government themselves.

Sometimes the truth can be ugly. And, yes - sometimes people cannot handle the truth. But, who is to say the truth should not be revealed? Who is to say we should not know the truth? Our government?

Why do we continue to allow our government to make decisions for us? It is the same question Roy Miller had in the film. Why are we here? Are we all just pawns in a scheme for our own government's self interest?

Is our government so powerful that it thinks it can do anything in the name of self interest alone? Even if it means destroying an entire country and its people.

These are the types of issues that are brought up in the film. And, it is these issues that truly had an effect on me. It showed me the power of governments and the power of influence over its people.

Though, this film was not all about the doom and gloom - it was also about hope. It showed what can happen when people question and play a pro-active role in truly wanting to make a difference in the world.

In the end, it showed how information can be used to tell the truth through technology and the mediums we have today. One of the most important mediums is the Internet.

With the Internet, information can spread like wild fire. No longer are we limited to the traditional forms of media and communication (i.e. television, newspapers, magazines, etc).

Now, we can take control and truly make a difference with the power of the Internet. And, the best thing about it is that we can send our message to the world right at our fingertips. Imagine making a difference in the world with one click of a button.

I must admit, this movie has some pretty heavy issues - it really made me think. It made me think about the world we live in and the types of things that are happening right now as I sit and write this review.

There are other people in the world who do not live in a country like ours. There are other people in the world who may live in a country destroyed and ruined by a country such as ours. It truly gave me something to think about. And, a movie that gives me something to think about is definitely one worth watching in my book.

I'll end this review with the most powerful quote in the movie,

"It's not for you to decide what happens here."

If you're in the mood for an action type movie that makes you think, I definitely recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

p.s. If you've joined my Facebook Page already, I just wanted to say "thanks" for your support. If you know anyone else who may have an interest in film and movies, feel free to send them over. Thanks!



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Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Recently, I re-visited this movie. It's one of those films I can watch over and over again - it's very unique and unlike your traditional comedy type movie.

What I really enjoy about this film is that it's relatable on so many levels. There are references to so many things that remind me of my childhood days. From the tetherball game, the rollerblades, the "Glamour Shot" type business by Deb, those small little homemade friendship bracelets, etc. This film is truly a blast from the past.

It's funny because I remember a lot of these things growing up. And, I think weaving this with the issues Napoleon, portrayed by Jon Heder, faces as an adolescent really blends well to make an entertaining movie.

When I first saw this film, I thought this movie was actually set back in the past. However, looking closer into the film and researching it a bit revealed that it actually was set in modern day time.

What the director wanted to portray was that there are actually people out there today living life as if they were in the past. And, I think that is what truly makes this film unique.

This movie makes you think it's set in the past. But, what it's really about and this is the twist is that it's really about people who live in the past. And, this is portrayed by so many characters throughout the movie.

I think the character who portrays it the best is Napoleon's uncle, Uncle Rico (portrayed by Jon Gries) who continues to reminisce about his high school days as a football star. To him, this was the most exciting time of his life. He even went so far as to look into a way to go back - a way to travel back in time to his glory days. If only he could go back.

Uncle Rico's Time Machine



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Though this film portrays those who live in the past, it also has a message - life goes on. We all like to think back about the past and some of the good times we had. Though, time does not stand still. Things change. And, with change people must adapt.

This main theme of change and adapting to change is portrayed very well at the end. The characters end up adapting to change and move forward with their lives. Though life isn't always perfect and what we expect it to be, it's there. And, sometimes we just need to appreciate what we have - not what we don't have.

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

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

(Note: For those who are fans of the movie, check out the dance scene remake. Very cool!)

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



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Indie Web Series - The Kin Journey Begins: Who Are Really Our Friends?

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd share with you this new web series I saw as a preview for Iron Man 2. It looked pretty interesting, so I thought I'd share it with you. Check it out!

"Rosa is a nice girl with 954 'friends' in her social network. We gave her a KIN and sent her on a journey to meet them in person to see if her 'friends' are really her friends."

Note: For more info on the project, 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 here or through my Facebook Page. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



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Iron Man 2 (2010)

"Anything can be achieved through technology."

- Iron Man 2

For those who follow my through twitter, you probably know how much I've been really looking forward to this movie - I've been tweeting about it all week. When I first saw the trailer, I knew I definitely wanted to go out and see it - I'm glad I did.

(Note: If you haven't seen the first "Iron Man" film or you've seen it but may need a refresher, I highly recommend seeing it first before you go out and see this movie. There are a few recurring characters and parts of the film that relate to the prior movie).

This film is really a movie about technology and the power of technology. The above quote sums it all. But, technology can go both ways - either for the good or for the bad. And, this is determined by the one who holds it.

On one hand, you have Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) who believes he has achieved his father's, Howard Stark, dream of world peace through Iron Man (aka his alter ego). And, yes for awhile world peace had been achieved.

Though, on the other hand you find Ivan Vanko (played by Mickey Rourke) who has a vengeance for Tony Stark and his family. And, also Justin Hammer (played by Sam Rockwell), Stark's new business rival, a business weapons maker, who only cares about profit and gain no matter what the costs even if it means creating war.

(Note: I won't go into the reason why here as I don't want to spoil it for those who have not seen the film. If you've seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about).

The technology here in question is not only the "Iron Man" suit, which the United States government is trying to seize, but also information. It's the information that is valuable. Why?

Information is a blueprint for what is possible. With information, anything can be achieved through technology. (This is what the quote above is referring to).

However, though information is out there and available there are some things that can be easily achieved by just having the "blueprint," and those that require more thought. Sometimes there is a point where existing information can no longer help and what is needed is vision - imagination to creatively think beyond what is seen by the eye.

(Note: Here, I'm referring to a point in the film where imagination was the key. And, through imagination a new technology was born. If you've seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about).

In a way, I think this film was making a statement about the kind of world we have today. There are lots and lots of products out there on the market. Anyone can take a product and copy it especially today with the amount of information we have available.

But, it takes skill and imagination to create something truly great and unique - something different. And, that innovation is what sets "the greats" from the "not so greats".

Though I don't really consider myself that much of a comic book type person, I really enjoyed this movie. This is definitely an action type movie - lots of big explosions and special effects. It kept my attention throughout the film.

As for the story, I thought it played true to the character of Iron Man. I especially enjoyed how they incorporated some references to some other comic book type characters.

(Note: If you've seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about).

I enjoyed seeing both Samuel L. Jackson, and Scarlett Johansson in the movie playing their respective roles.

(Note: I didn't put here the characters they portrayed as I don't want to spoil it for those who have not seen the film. However, I will say I thought Scarlett Johansson was in some really awesome scenes near the end).

Also, I thought it was pretty interesting to see Jon Favreau, who plays Happy Hogan, since he directed the film. He did a great job and his character was very funny at times in the movie.

Apart from the story and the characters, I really enjoyed the level of comedy in the film. Not only did it have a lot of action, but I found myself laughing many times throughout the movie. I especially liked the courtroom scene in the beginning, it was classic!

Overall, I really enjoyed this film. It had it all - action, comedy, insight and most importantly, conflict. (The main ingredient of "My 15 Minute Rule"). Above all, I found it to be very entertaining - it definitely was a very fun movie to watch.

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

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



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Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)

"Sometimes I have bad days."

- Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans

When I first read about this movie from my tweep's, @ReelTalker, blog post it sounded really interesting. So, I decided to go ahead and check it out.

This was a really interesting but weird film for me at the same time. It started out very "eerie" and then progressed into more of a detective story. Yet, it wasn't an ordinary detective story only about a case. It was a detective story about the detective himself - the "Bad Lieutenant" (played by Nicholas Cage).

Basically, the movie has two stories - the story about the case and the story about the life of the detective (aka the "Bad Lieutenant").

As the film progresses, it shows the dark side of the detective and his ways of coping with his vices and addictions. And, these addictions turn out to be highly addictive in nature. (If you've seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about).

There are some scenes in the movie that really had shock value - it's like something that just came out of nowhere. As I watched, I was in awe at some of the actions that the detective took. At one point in the film, it got to be really out of hand - almost to the point where the "Bad Lieutenant" becomes psychotic. (I don't want to ruin it for you, but let's just say there's a lot of "madness" that goes on in this film).

To be honest, this movie really felt like a novel. Basically, it portrayed the life of a detective and his ways of coping with his many vices in life. At one point in the film, it almost made me believe that his vices would destroy him. Though, there was a small twist and change in events at the end, which really did surprise me.

Personally, I really wanted to like this film - I think it had a good story. Though, I just feel it wasn't executed very well.

Instead of a movie, this film really felt like a novel - it just kept going on and on portraying each event as a scene. At one point, I wasn't really sure how they would end it - it just felt like it would keep going on. It lacked focus.

As for the ending, it was more "open ended" - I didn't feel like I got a sense of closure. I felt the story had potential. Though, I feel it just wasn't very well executed and put together. It's like they just kind of threw a bunch of bits and pieces together which really didn't bring things together at the end. It just didn't have that punch.

Overall, I think this film had an interesting story to tell. Though, it just didn't do it for me in the execution. If you've been contemplating seeing this movie, I'd say it's best to pass on it.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: FAIL

(Note: For all the fans of the film, these are just my thoughts - it just didn't do it for me).

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



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Indie Film Trailer - 8: The Mormon Proposition

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up this indie film trailer, "8: The Mormon Proposition." (I first found out about this indie film from my tweep @FilmSnobbery (thank you!) I thought this article on the film by my tweep, @FilmSnobbery was especially interesting. Check it out!

"8: The Mormon Proposition exposes the Mormon Church's historic involvement in the promotion and passage of California's Proposition 8 and the religion's secretive, decades—long campaign against gay rights. The film takes place in California and Utah as Mormons, following their prophets call to action, wage spiritual warfare with money and misinformation against gay citizens, doing everything they can to deny them of marriage and the rights that come with it. 8: The Mormon Proposition opens in theaters on June 18th, 2010, two years after the first gay marriages took place in California (June 17th, 2008)."

Note: For those interested, here's an interesting video talking more in depth about the film and the issue.

(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 here or through my Facebook Page. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



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