Indie Film Spoof - Facebook Movie

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd share with you this indie film spoof based on the upcoming movie. Enjoy!

(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!)

Indie Film Spoof - Facebook Movie

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Facebook Movie Trailer



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Eat Pray Love (2010)

This is a guest post by Clara Mathews.

Putting aside my personal feelings about Julia Roberts and my cynical view of what passes for chick flicks these days, I have finally seen Julia Robert’s big summer chick flicks, Eat, Pray Love. The movie is based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling novel of the same name. Eat, Pray Love was one of those books that everyone talked about. It was even featured on Oprah’s Book Club. If Oprah likes it, I should like it too. Right?

I still have not read the book, therefore I will try to review the movie with an open mind. Eat, Pray, Love is the diary of Liz Gilbert’s journey of self-discovery. The movie is narrated by Julia Roberts, which is supposed to make it seem more like a personal diary.

The story begins with Liz Gilbert on a bicycle in Bali, on her way to visit a local wise man. Ketut tells her she will have two marriages (one long, one short), lose all her money and will return to Bali one day and he will teach her all of his wisdom.

Back in New York, Liz is a successful author married to Stephen (played by Billy Crudup) a man who apparently changes careers like he changes shirts. They have what many people would consider the perfect life, a beautiful suburban home and they are planning a family. While Liz dreams of visiting exotic places, Stephen considers another career change.

Liz’s growing unhappiness prompts her to pray to God for guidance. I wasn’t exactly clear on the source of her discontent. Liz feels unfulfilled or unhappy or unsatisfied. In my eyes, Liz is simply a woman who doesn’t know what she wants. Perhaps the sudden realization that she was married to a handsome, yet very flaky husband. I have never been married, so forgive my ignorance on how you would not have known this guy was flaky when you married him. At the divorce proceedings, he represents himself - he has one semester of law. Clearly a man who doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life. But he loves Liz and fights the divorce.

Soon after the divorce, Liz becomes involved with David, a cute, young struggling actor, played by James Franco. She moves in with him and adopts his bohemian lifestyle, including meditation and attending his Guru’s ashram. Even though she visits the ashram regularly with David, Liz cannot even follow along with the chanting or get into the spirit of meditation. Then one night, Liz is lying on the floor crying. (As I said, a woman who doesn’t know what she wants).

The very talented, Viola Davis is wasted in her part as Liz Gilbert’s friend and agent, Delia Shiraz. Liz goes to Delia to tell her, she has decided to make a drastic change in her life by taking off for a year to travel. To marvel at life and to be herself, without defining her life by a man. This is where the Eating, Praying Loving begins.



Italy / Eat
Spending four months eating your way through the delicious cuisine of Italy is not bad way to begin any journey. Liz Gilbert rents a run down, old apartment in Rome and embarks upon her journey of self discovery by diving face first into pastas, pizza and gelato with wholehearted glee. Not worrying about carbs, calories or weight gain, Liz hires an Italian tutor, explores the city and makes new friends. In Italy, Liz learns the meaning of “Il Dolce Far Niente” - the art of doing nothing.

India / Pray
After four months of gorging her way through Italy, Liz goes to the ashram of David’s guru in India. The India segment of the movie is slow and fell apart for me. I didn’t understand her desire to pursue meditation, when she clearly didn’t ‘get it” in New York. She scrubs floors and tries to meditate. She meets a Texan played by Richard Jenkins, who is there to unburden himself of years of guilt and the loss of his family. After four months, it is in India that Liz finally let’s go of the guilt she feels about her divorce and bad relationships.

Bali / Love
As Ketut predicted, Liz returns to Bali to learn at the foot of the wise man. She rents an incredible place that looks like paradise. She spends her mornings with Ketut, listening to his wisdom and she finally finds peace in meditation. Who wouldn’t find peace, sitting quietly in one of the most beautiful places on earth? While riding her bike, Liz is run off the road by a car. The car’s driver is Felipe, a Brazilian divorce played by Javier Bardem. Even though both of of them bear the scars of heartbreak and bitter divorces, they eventually fall in love.

Watching Eat, Pray Love left me thinking. Why do people need to travel to far flung places to find themselves? Why would a person who lives in New York City, a place with some of the best restaurants in the world need to travel to find great food? Why, when you are trying to separate yourself from the influence of the men in your life would you travel to India to practice your boyfriend’s religion and return to Bali on the prediction of a toothless old man. If you can afford to take off for a year and travel the world, you don’t have as many problems as you think you do!

Perhaps these are questions that were answered in the book. If you read the book, please leave a comment and enlighten me.

Clara Mathews lives in Dallas, TX with her sock-chasing terrier, where she writes about her love of movies at JustChickFlicks.com and her adventures as a freelance writer at ClarabelaMedia.com. Clara is also a regular contributor to CorporateConciergeInc.com.

Contact Clara at clarabela@justchickflicks.com. Follow her on Twitter @clarabela and Facebook.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)

When I first posted the movie preview for this film, it was definitely one film I had on my "to watch" list for the summer. Though, I did wait awhile to see it until I got into my fantasy action type mood. It was definitely worth it.

Like many Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer films that I've seen (such as this one), this movie did not disappoint.

From the very beginning, this film really caught my attention. I really liked how the movie opened up.

It began with a story - a story that spanned many generations. These are the types of films that really intrigue me since I'm somewhat of a history buff and all.

(Note: For those who have seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about).

So, the movie takes us from the very past to the near past and fast forwards to the present day. I felt the way the story was told was very well done. (In true Disney fashion!)

As for the storyline, I don't really want to say much as I don't want to ruin it for those who have not seen the film yet. Though, I will say it's a very typical story. A story about a boy named Dave (played by Jay Baruchel) who has been deemed as the one that will bring peace to the world.

Though, this boy does not believe he can be the one - he does not see himself as a hero. He feels he is just ordinary, just like everyone else. And, he must find the strength within himself to help guide him in his quest.

Along the way, he does have a mentor, Balthazar (played by Nicholas Cage) who teaches him all that he knows about the power of magic. At first, Dave does not believe. That is until he witnesses the power of magic first hand.

Though, it does take Dave awhile to hone his skills and achieve the type of power Balthazar possesses. It takes both time and skill. And, in the end - Dave must choose between his ordinary and familiar life and this new found extraordinary life.

However, no matter how hard Dave tries he discovers that he cannot not run away from this new life. In a recent turn of events, the fate of the world soon lays in his hands. And, Dave is the only one that can save the world. So, he chooses his destiny - a life where he chooses to risk his own in order to save the lives of others.

While watching the film, there is a bit of action mixed in with some moments of humor. I think they did a good job in setting the story and introducing the characters in the film. The action scenes in the movie intensified more towards the end.

(Note: For those who have seen the movie, there was a point near the end where I thought the film would end. But, to my surprise it did not. I found it a bit odd but knew it had to end the way that it did since it is a Disney movie).

Overall, I enjoyed the movie very much. It had it all - a good storyline, magic, action and a bit of comedy. I couldn't ask for anything more.

If you're in the mood for a fantasy type film with a bit of action and comedy, I do recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

(Note: For those who saw the film, were you able to catch some of the references to this movie? It was entertaining to see the musical sequence midway through the film. I enjoyed it very much!)

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 - Film School: The Series (Season 1, Episode 1)

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd share with you the first episode of Film School: The Series by my tweep Jeremy Hyler. Enjoy!

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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Dinner for Schmucks (2010)

"Takes one to know one."

- Dinner for Schmucks

When I first saw the trailer for this film, I thought it was a bit silly. Actually, too silly. To be honest, it didn't really look like my kind of movie - slapstick comedy is not really my kind of comedy.

Though, this film was highly recommended to me by many. I was told this movie was silly but really funny. So, I decided to take this advice since I was in the mood for comedy - I'm glad I did.

From the very beginning of the movie, there were so many funny and entertaining moments. I thought the opening scene was a bit weird but very comical. I have to admit, I was laughing even before the dialogue in the movie had started.

(Note: For those who saw the film, you'll know what I'm talking about. It was very interesting how the movie began - the opening scene was very unique in its own way. It tied in with the story very nicely).

Basically, the story is very simple. It's about your average typical guy, Tim Conrad, (played by Paul Rudd) who is trying to climb the corporate ladder. And, this involves constantly trying to impress his boss and his higher ups with new ideas.

One day, one of his ideas sparks an interest with his boss. And, this idea alone gave him an invitation to a special dinner party - a dinner party where you are required to invite a "schmuck" or someone to make fun of.

In a way, you could call it a sort of initiation. If Barry were to attend the dinner party and pass the initiation, then he would be granted the promotion he has been waiting for all these years.

What I thought was great about this film (apart from the comedy) was the way the film progressed - it set the stage for the dinner party which happened near the end of the movie.

From the point leading up to the dinner party, we learn more about the different characters in the movie and how they come into play. It also introduces us to Barry Speck, (played by Steve Carrell) who becomes the "schmuck" Tim invites to the dinner party as part of his intitation.

Along the way, we also meet Thurman Murch (played by Zach Galifianakis), who plays Barry's nemesis and co-worker. I really enjoyed his performance and the rivalness between him and Barry - especially during the ultimate showdown at the dinner party. (Ever since this movie, he has played this type of weird and zany character - I do somewhat enjoy watching his silly antics on the big screen).

(Note: For those who have seen the movie, it was so funny how they presented two different types of "powers" possessed at the dinner party. I don't want to ruin it for those have not seen the film, but let's just say it was definitely a mind trip).

Overall, I really enjoyed this film. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it - it was silly but funny at the same time. I was entertained throughout the movie. And, I would say it was definitely worth it.

If you're in the mood for a comedy type of movie, 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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Fan Trailer - The Matrix

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd share with you this fan trailer based on the movie trilogy. Enjoy!

"This is fanmade. I've always wished to see an ultimate trailer for the Matrix trilogy and since there was no one to be found, I always wished to do it, so here is my attempt.

(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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The Ghost Writer (2010)

Lately, I've been in a thriller and suspense type of mood. So, I decided to check this movie out based on the novel.

Personally, I have an interest in thriller and suspense types of films that involve stories about writers. Maybe it's because I consider myself as a writer - it's very interesting for me to see a writer's life depicted on the big screen. My interest in this film came as no surprise.

(Note: One film I've enjoyed in the past depicting a writer's life has been this one. There's just something about watching films that are about writers and their lives that interest me).

The movie takes us into the world of ghostwriting. The main character, an unnamed Ghostwriter (played by Ewan McGregor), takes on a special assignment to write the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister (played by Pierce Brosnan).

In taking the assignment, the "Ghost Writer" finds he is in for more than he bargained for in taking the job. In a way, the job involved more than just writing - it involved finding and uncovering knowledge to some very deep and dark secrets.

In turn, his knowledge of these "secrets" put him in a very dangerous position - a position where his life was at stake. And, this was not what he signed up to do - this was not in his job description.

Though, he tried to run away and cut his ties to the project - everywhere he turned became dangerous for him. It got to the point where he could no longer walk in public and had to look out for any sign of danger. This became very problematic.

The opening scene of the film is a bit weird. I'm still not quite sure why the film opened up the way it did. The film did start a bit slow, but the momentum built up gradually as the movie progressed.

This is a movie where you have to really pay attention and listen. There are parts of the story and characters introduced that play as main ingredients to the overall storyline. If you do not closely monitor the movie, you may miss something. And, you can catch it on a second viewing.

In a way, this movie is more like a mystery than anything else. While watching the film, it really kept me guessing. There are some scenes and actions in the movie that were a bit mysterious. And, it kept my attention - I wanted to watch more to see how the pieces fit together.

There were a lot of twists and turns in the film. Just when I thought all the pieces fit together, something else came up. It definitely is not a predictable movie.

(Note: For those who have seen the film, I found it very interesting how the film ended - it was quite a change in the turn of events. I thought it was brilliant how the pieces finally came all together, it definitely surprised me!).

Overall, I enjoyed the film. Though, I have to warn you - it's not a film that has a lot of action. There's mostly dialogue mixed in with bits of action. What I enjoyed was the storyline - the mystery, the suspense and the way all the pieces came together at the end.

If you're in the mood for a thriller and suspense type of movie, I do recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

(Note: For those who have read the book, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on it and how it compares with the movie. Thanks for reading!)

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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Sex and the City 2 (2010)

So, I finally had the chance to catch this movie based on the popular book and television series.

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. While I am a fan of the series and did enjoy the first movie, I wasn't quite sure what to expect in the sequel.

I mean, what else could they possibly add? Only more fun and laughter. And, that was basically what this movie was all about - more fun and more laughter.

The opening scene was a bit long and quite extravagant. I won't ruin it for you, but let's just say it seemed like a big deal - very flashy and very Hollywood.

(Note: For those who have seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about).

Basically, this movie was about something a lot of people can relate to - just wanting to get away from it all. In a sense, it was about taking a vacation away from real life. Isn't that what we all want sometimes?

At first, the vacation can seem like a fantasy - too good to be true. But, when that fantasy turns out to be a reality - sometimes it doesen't turn out the way we want it to be. And, then all we ever want is our reality back. This is what the film is about.

Since I'm a fan of the series, I enjoyed seeing the characters all come back together - it brought back a lot of memories. To be honest, I think this movie is really for those who enjoy the series.

(Note: For those who are not fans of the series and/or have not seen the series before, a word of caution - it may be a bit confusing if you are not familiar with the characters. Unlike the first movie, this film (in my opinion) is mostly understandable for those who are familiar with the series and the characters).

It's not the greatest movie, not Oscar worthy. But, it is entertaining. And, it brings it back to what the series is all about - friends, the ups and downs of life, and being around those who care.

As in the series, there are ups and downs - good times and bad times. But, in the end - the good outweigh the bad.

Comparing both the first movie and this one, I like the first one better - it was more defining and heart warming. Though, this one is more like the series - entertaining and funny.

Overall, I think this was an "ok" movie. It entertained me and I enjoyed seeing the characters come back to the big screen. In a way, I felt a little nostalgic - it made me want to see the series again. Maybe I will.

If you are a fan of the series and are in the mood for a comedy type film, this one will make for a good rental.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

(Note: For all the fans out there, feel free to check out this funny spoof based on the series. Enjoy!)

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 Spoofs - Inception

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd share with you some more indie film spoofs based on the movie.

(Note: If you missed last week's post, you can check it out here. Thanks for reading!)

Seen any other "Inception" spoofs? I'd definitely be interested, enjoy!

(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!)

DORA THE EXPLORER in INCEPTION: Incepción Trailer



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Bill and Ted's Excellent Inception



Inception Spoof - Conception Trailer



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Inception Trailer - Avatar Style



The Inception of Haruhi Suzumiya



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Obsession



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