Keith – captures your mind ( A Great Independent Film!)

Keith. (I got a thing for great independent film)

“The new film Keith is one best enjoyed by those who know nothing about the plot. The movie’s characters experience twists and turns, flavored with adversity and triumph, that often leave their future in doubt. “(MTV quote – Larry Carroll)

I highly recommend reading nothing and just watching this film. Consider watching it and then coming back to this and commenting…really! Google nothing and DO NOT WATCH THE TRAILER! Heck if you’re daring watch it (as I did) watch the movie and be surprised as how incredible it is after all your doubts) – Like I said I write for those that have seen it, but I”m considering all of you who haven’t!!!! I’m so kind aren’t I? hehe! Anyways, on with my thoughts:

The story is by Ron Carlson taken from his story Keith within his book The Hotel Eden. The screen play was written by David Zabel and directed by Todd Kessler. This movie is classified as drama and romance. The last type of mixture I would pick up and view as a DVD or even as a book however this story is much more. Not to mention perfect as I was hunting for great independent films. Now I haven’t read the short story Keith written by Ron Carlson. However, I ordered the book as the movie was fantastic so I can only imagine how amazing the short story must be.

However, although I am excited now, before I even watched the movie, I was not impressed. I walked past this movie at the video store so many times, saw Jesse McCartney but saw the whole romance coverish things going on and moved on. I wanted to see McCartney in an independent film though as I thought he’d do great in the film world after seeing him in Summerland.

Heck even the summary sounds just terrible and very much like every movie.

Natalie has it all: yearbook editor, scholarship to college, star athlete, reigning social queen. Then Keith enters her life. Secretive and enigmatic, he slowly lures her from her comfort zone. The more Keith holds back, the more Natalie becomes intrigued with figuring him out. In her head, she’s determined to keep him at arm’s length, but in her heart she can’t resist him. As Natalie’s world slowly unravels, both their lives are changed forever in this powerful love story. (imdb)

I have been continuing to add to my knowledge within the film world by watching movies I personally would not watch or even stop to look at. I found this one. Unaware of anything except the summary. It was a great blessing and a true surprise to watch this film and I’m truly happen I took the time to watch it against every instinct in my body. As it turned out to be nothing of what I thought it was, a lot heavier than the summary and a valuable movie to learn from and one that I will say changed me. That’s rare. I”ll never forget it.

The moment the movie started it had me with it’s opening scene…it just caused me to ask questions. Which was solid throughout the film, there was always loads of information that you were never given as it’s written from the main characters point of view. It’s an upside in the sense you are just as confused as she, Natalie (played by Elisabeth Harnois), is and you have no idea what’s going on, you want to and the information you do have is just enough to make you pay complete attention to what’s going to happens next. That’s the first great part, the second is honestly the movie feels like you’re reading a book the whole way through and it has zero narration. Personally I think it’s the honesty and the depth of the characters.

At first glance you think it’s going to be this typical love story of the outsider liking the popular girl, popular girl doesn’t notice him until the throws himself out there, she pretends not to like him while dating the popular jock guy, and secretly falls him and the outsider gets the popular girl. technically on the surface, that’s just what it is. But it’s truly written in a more honest way than many other teen flick type dramas.As I usually feel overwhelmed with the teen heightened emotion, teen angst and melodrama within these movies

It’s true the cool girl was with the cool guy at the start and started noticing Mr. Odd one out Keith played by Jesse McCartney, yet you’re following step by step. When Keith didn’t show up for school I was looking for him, I was wondering where he was and why he wasn’t there. When his car wasn’t in the usual parking place heck I was looking for his yellow Chevy!

It wasn’t perfect their was the cliche of ‘you’re not like other guys’ however he wasn’t really like other people actually and the viewers love him for it. It wasn’t what expected in the sense he wasn’t all silent brooding type mysterious to be not like the other guys in the movies. And…the trailer for this film was horrid. Almost didn’t watch it, but thought…it’s independent…it’s probably nothing like the trailer. I was right. I think a few of the fans should make a fan made trailer, I think it’d get a whole lot more hits! Heck maybe I will consider making a trailer! Stay tuned!

But the DVD! I got it for cheap in my area bout six bucks or so (Sale!)

Links:

www.thekeithmovie.com

LINKS FOR AFTER WATCHING THE MOVIE:

Another Great Article with a little more detail of director and actor

Keith IMBD

TODD KESSLER

“Companies like Miramax were afraid that we could never pull it off, and they wanted us to make [the character of] Keith nicer and quirkier and cuter. We finally wrestled it back out after being theirs twice…I was able to get the project back independently, although on a very small budget, and get it made the way I always wanted to make it.”

“He prepared intensively. When he was on tour [with his music], I understand that he spent hours in front of the mirror in hotel rooms working on his character, working on his stance – even little details, like how he puts his hands in the pocket of his jacket,” Kessler marveled. “Everybody who sees the movie now is impressed, and the buzz is happening from those who think he’s the next Leonardo DiCaprio.” (MTV quote – Larry Carroll)

So proud of you Kessler! Glad the character never changed on it’s way to production!

Bad Television: Dollhouse with a hint of brilliance

Remember I blog for those who watch or have seen what I am blogging about so no full detailed review here. i just say my piece, so if you don’t know who Echo is…watch it or ask someone etc.

So we have this fantastic story line for Dollhouse, I must say Joss Whedon is full of great sci-fi. However what makes this truly bad television is it’s written with so many fillers, so much waste your time crap in the middle it ruins those fantastic moments that show at least reliably dished out to it’s viewers.

For a while I was sore that Dollhouse was renewed while the incredible Sarah Connor Chronicles was canceled. My first instinct of course was to check out this show and see why it was considered ‘renewing material.’ I watched one episode…I couldn’t sit through it. A little time passed and I knew maybe it’s time to learn from other peoples mistakes and to maybe learn something from a show I didn’t think I would learn anything from. So I started Dollhouse from season one episode one.

Like I said, it’s bad television not because it’s just written and performed bad, but because it has a solid base, where it could be carried season to season, plus the casting is surprisingly truly enjoyable. It’s down side is it’s fillers, information that does nothing for the story simply there to entice or to grab a channel surfer.

The action, fight sequences, character backdrops all wonderful. I’m even in envy as I write sci-fi and I hadn’t come up with such an in depth idea lol. It’s also very much cliched when it comes to the leading lady an any other female that steps int here. Because they ‘can be controlled’ in a sense they are used for a lot of ‘sexual encounters’ now I get the believability on that as if it was a realistic scenario that is just how it would go. Men would grab a chick he could control and pay millions to have it. However, it was way to cat woman with a whip type stupid and a lot of ‘whoa are they allowed to show that on television’ and ‘what…how did we get here?’ type moments.

It’s a disappointment. I wish someone else would take a hold of that story and show the past writers how to do it! And all the creepy sex scenes…in a way where you’re forced to be a peeping tom, and your eyebrow raises as you’re thinking ‘what the hayyy.’ The next time I dive in to try to force myself to investigate when I’m becoming frustrated more and more each time to just forget it and lose hope that any television show will come full circle..I’m surprised. so then Season on 1 episode 8 – Needs. Which compiles a viewpoint from the inside of dollhouse from multiple angles, the heads of the organization and actives who have awaken and remember they were taken and placed there. You learn actual personalities of not just the lead active ‘Echo’ but also those who are in the background such as Victor, Sierra and November. And we’re thrown back the next episode 9- The Spy In The House of Love and you’re thinking, how do shows like this even get screen time. Just horribly put together and even worse the writing is just awful…aka time wasted of my life. If it wasn’t for me wanting to write the flaws I would have forwarded 40 minutes in to watch Echo kick crazy NCA guy’s *butt and then hear all the great dialogue for the last 15 minutes. 15 minutes…seriously?

Not to mention I saw up so many girls skirts (shots posted throughout more attached at bottom of article) and heard sounds that people should not make…and televisions creations need to be explored. I think people are

Her butt, definitely visible...little fuzzy but no lie that's her butt hanging out of her 'shirt dress' (Season 1 Ep 1)

forgetting filming, writing is an art form…make something of it. Having to cipher through the uncreative stuff to get to the good stuff is just wasting time. give me good stuff all the time. That’s where I will be different. Well, that is if I finish this script I have going…as long as I live long enough.

And some nice screen shots of ‘whoa’ this is tv 14. My 14 year old niece and nephew aren’t allowed anywhere near this.

A few boys get a peep show and some teen girls get to learn ‘beautiful’ is:

I mean seriously this isn’t some Miley Cyrus I’ve just had sex and I’m sexified video nor a beyonce I’ve got it made, sex me video either but tada:

Her butts out, her skirt flies up when she jumps!

However, through all the bad things that had gone one through the two seasons, the last two episodes of the season The Hallow Man and Epitaph Two: Return, were remarkably done on all parts of the complete staff who worked on Dollhouse. Beautifully crafted as a sci-fi flick. The first highlight is it is the only series I’ve ever watched and ended that actually satisfied it’s original viewers, everything came full circle, all questions were answered, all characters had a path to take, or was ended graciously. That alone is a gift in the television world. You don’t have that longing or the feeling that something was incomplete. You can just move on and enjoy past seasons if you’re that dedicated. The second highlight is the brilliance of Joss Whedon and the truly strong cast could finally be highlighted full on, through and through in it’s entirety. And for a moment I was thankful I saw those last two episodes and I’m aware of creators such as Joss Whedon. I just he gets to have one of his ideas beautifully cradled in the hands of great writers, directors and actors who deserve it and are capable and inspired enough to carry it along in a much better manner than what happened with his past creations.

That would be her butt, as skirt flips up and tada 'intimates' exposed

The men seem to remember all their wardrobe pieces

]

Life of Series writers from Imdb.

Joss Whedon		(27 episodes, 2009-2010)
Andrew Chambliss		(17 episodes, 2009-2010)
Maurissa Tancharoen		(17 episodes, 2009-2010)
Jed Whedon		(17 episodes, 2009-2010)
Tracy Bellomo		(15 episodes, 2009-2010)
Tim Minear		(4 episodes, 2008-2010)
Elizabeth Craft		(2 episodes, 2008-2009)
Sarah Fain		(2 episodes, 2008-2009)
Tara Butters		(2 episodes, 2009-2010)
Michele Fazekas		(2 episodes, 2009-2010)
Jane Espenson		(2 episodes, 2009)

New blog

I will not be on this wordpress for much longer. I decided to download wordpress and start hosting it offsite! How exciting! So please join me at:  http://genemarie.zxq.net/blog/ for more writing talk, movie, books, television…all the fun stuff to go on about!

Novel…adding new chapters

I’m working on adding the last few chapters to my novel. I realized that I had instinctively placed in an idea that I have always carried with me:  there is beauty in the broken. After all we’re all broken. But even though we’re struggling, there is a piece of your heart wanting this to be better even if you’re thinking of doing something bad, or already in the moment. Occasionally we even escape our darkness and we are carried away to a part of ourselves we were never sure existed. However, we never forget what we’ve been through, or how we got there our struggle is a part of who we are, our darkness is a part of who we are.

I hope this novel turns out okay, but even if it doesn’t, knowing that I was able to collect that many ideas, and write that many words, way more than will ever be within the book after a thorough edit, it’s still amazing. It’s still a blessing.

Win Avatar! – Celebrate Earth Day

April 22nd is Earth Day and in celebration of that I wanted to do a giveaway!  It also happens that I’ve surpassed 150 followers so it’s time for another giveaway in celebration of that!  So I’m making this an Earth day inspired event.  As I gain more followers more prizes from my prize box will be added.
First prize: Includes an Avatar DVD, stainless steel water bottle, and reusable shopping tote…read more

Clash of the Titans – Almost Perfection!

I along with many others have been pretty hyped up about the remake of ‘Clash of the Titans!’ I squeeze it into my schedule today. Grabbed some 3D glasses on the way in and grabbed a seat with my good friends who love such films.

I loved it! It was almost perfection! I’m hooked…looking forward to more. However, although I was swept away with it! There were it’s flaws, and I must discuss those to learn exactly what not to do in mine (as the good immediately inserts itself into my brain).

First problem at the start, is the movie starts and the trailer we’ve been shown slightly misleads you to think something else is going to occur and a lot of other characters are going to be more involved. Sam Worthington’s character (Perseus) is actually the lead (thank the film world for Sam Worthington…he’s saved films now!). That was our first surprise. I was even surprised in another trailer I saw and Worthington’s face is shown…I went ‘he’s in that movie? Great…well another reason to go see it in addition to all the cool creatures and mythology.’

The introduction is fantastic…we are shown Perseus and his mother as a baby (mother’s already passed but he survived) and the family that finds him. He has a sister a mother and father.  They show him in the present older in his twenties with his family, you fall in love with them, bad things happen, immediately: action… (my kind of beginning, so sick of the ease into it crap just get on with it…and they did) The first thing you notice is the CG and the incredible shots…great director…and a true visual experience from the start. However, once the movie gets going…it slows and I’m paying attention…waiting…and waiting and still enjoying myself as honestly the lead and some support actors were well selected… Along with great screen shots I was still entertained. Hades enters and I’m somewhat grinning, Perseus still pissed from what happened to his family but trying to blend in and stay off the radar…simple shots of that character and you’re waiting for him to kick ***.

You get to know who the bad guys are and the good guys right away. Which is good…but soon things start to feel rushed, but you’re still keeping up with it as once warriors are full throttle on screen, it’s tense and you’re wondering what’s going to happen next. Which is good…I was on my toes. The action scenes were fantastic…I can still seem them in my head and I wish to see them again. The scorpions the Klakken, some flying creations…fantastic scenes there.  Incredibly well done.

The bad sides, character development we love Perseus simply because we know it’s Perseus and because it’s Worthington…plus you want to follow him on his journey. He was only one layer…it was a good one layer but I craved more. It wasn’t just him but all of those around him…so close to perfection. In addition to the rush, there were things that we changed which I’m sure ticked off a bunch of fans, Hercules was in one random shot and we all went ‘aahh..what? weird.’ Next, there could have been much more action without being annoying and there could have been a lot more characters to be snuck in there, say Hercules. So close…soooo close. Another weird scene was his guardian (female) who followed him and watched out for him (Perseus) becomes his love interest. It was the way that it was executed which game me this whole Soccer Coach dating her athlete or teacher dating her student. Weird… That needed some editing.

I think Worthington carried a lot of the weight here along with… he’s a gift to film, really! I know there’s all this Brad Pitt nonsense, and Leonardo and Cruise and a bunch of other named people but Worthington has something truly rare… I wish I had the chance to write a script and have him in my own film (darn…it’s not done yet.)

Hmm…more to come. It’s late.

Human Target – it took 8 episodes but they got it

Alright…

I boycotted Human Target after viewing hoping that I would actually get some DC comic fun without the crap (yeah I watch Smallville and get a lot of crap for my comic hero love). It took them eight episodes but they finally had an episode that came full circle. It wasn’t just action. It was action, fun, humor (which is usually so corny on TV…really solid), drama… all of it. I truly enjoyed today’s episode. We learn Chance was an assassin (diggin that) who turned good due to the love a lady friend who was murdered by his nemesis (well one of them) Baptiste. The beauty of it was honestly the fact Chance had an opponent that has proven to be better than Chance. But it’s okay, we don’ t lose our respect for the lead character, instead we gain some. As we see his weakness…what made Baptiste better was his lack of humanity. Chance on the other hand has gained just that, it seems like a weakness when it comes to that whole life or death then with guns and all, but he’s a better person with it. He’s still stronger with it, but in a different form.  The fact I’m even thinking above the deeper aspects of the character is truly amazing as I didn’t give a hoot before.  Good writing made me give a hoot! They did it! And I was in it, waiting for their final duel. Knowing Baptiste will be back… ahh that is a story. The play between the two of them was fantastic, great acting between Mark Valley (Chance) and Lennie James (Baptiste).  This episode really tested them and actually utilized both of their abilities as actors.

Honestly, the full cast did great this episode. I even like ‘the new girl.’ I love the new relationships that will build with her addition and the ones that already exist.  Bravo Human Target team, Bravo.

My complaints…when it comes to a lady friend for Chance. I get bored. It’s the same old.  She’s supposed to be a tough cop, but she’s always in a cleavage and leg dress…but without the spunk , we talk about her bra and aww they’re so great… Not at all. Boring and predictable. If they keep her she needs to meet his level or it’s just going to fall flat and become another Lois and Clark tragedy (and we don’t want that).  The fight scene…the big one we were waiting for…they were on the roof, started out strong…but I couldn’t see the fight. I knew the two actors were doing a great job with the fighting (as I could get a good shot of them once in awhile) but the shots just weren’t working. It felt sloppy and I couldn’t get as into the fight as I could have. But I still dig it, it just could have been better. Whoa…that’s it…the music didn’t bother me like it usually does… All is well in that territory.

It’s late…I can’t believe I watched Human Target…the wind has shifted. For one week only…not sure if I’m committed yet…we’ll see.. Night all.

Human Target=Most likely a failure

site: fox.com/humantarget

Episode one, had such a great fight scene that I thought maybe they’d surprise me in the episode to follow with a story to keep up. But honestly, now I’m just pissed off at bad television shows making it to a time slot on Fox. Not only is it bad television but I have to get the brick in the face every time the show ends by seeing “DC Comics” flash up after the show has another failed episode.

The stories are weak. It seems as though they’re trying too hard and trying to be something they’re not just to ‘blend in’ with television. But they’re falling flat if that is what they’re doing. I say make it your own and then own it.  The cast is a pretty decent one, a lot of potential. However, the show doesn’t even keep up with their talent.  I gave the show a chance, I went in with an open mind and expecting something mediocre.  I kept watching in hopes it would approve…I received nothing back a bad story and boredom in return.  Sigh…what is happening to entertainment? I honestly feel insulted that they actually think this kind of tv will entertain us television viewers.  We might be overworked and looking for an hour vacation from our stressful days, or something just to wind down to on television but I’d rather watch info commercials on snuggies rather than Human Target.  Not to mention why are so many comic characters being taken and ‘inspired’ for stories and than butchered when hitting the television screen or movie screen…? An argument for another day perhaps?

Last episode I watched of Human Target, titled ‘Embassy Row, ‘  when my mind gets bored I tend to just shuffle through things, dig a little deeper to keep my mind occupied. I was honestly wondering why no one could hear Chance talk to himself as although I’m aware there’s a mic above him on set,  he was talking as though Winston was right in front of him.  I also wondered why Chance and Emma Barnes (Emmanuelle Vaugie) were able to have a smack down within the embassy and no one else could hear them, even though there  are men just down the hall. Another irritating thing, was the shot changing as Vaugie  needed a stunt double for such a simple fight scene.  Which was clearly a walk in the park for Mark Valley (Christopher Chance). Honestly, get a girl that can fight! There’s so many of them. Vaugie’s kinda cute, but you can find someone else and we won’t miss her. Speaking of Emmanuelle Vaugie, is it just me or does she have the same personality in almost every show she’s in? Probably not her fault, but they choose her for the same woman every time.  I also wondered what happened to the bloody page that Chance just left in the folder after he was leaking from his nose, isn’t that leaving evidence?  I even died laughing when Chance and Barnes were on the motorcycle and his ‘grand idea’ is to fly over the car and leave the motorbike to smash into the bad guys vehicle. The shot of ‘their bodies’ flying of the hood (akem dummies maybe) was just horrible.  Next, I know the difficultly of Chance getting over the wall was supposed to be all ‘ O-M-G his muscles are failing, get…over…the…wall!’ but I didn’t care. The music was going…still didn’t care.  Then I thought…hmmm that’s a lot of rounds, they should be dead…as those guys are security men from the embassy… yeah they should be dead.  By the end of the episode I was more interested in what the supporting and guest characters were doing rather than talk-to-himself-try-to-be-cool-make-up-the-rules-Chance. However, Kudos to the stuntmen on set…

I am praying that a few bad reviews will make them kick into fifth gear, as they could really hold this time slot if they just…well change for the masses.

Chuck feat. Kristen Kreuk, Steve ‘Stone Cold’ Austin

Sorry, for the late post, I know it’s Wednesday and Chuck was on on Monday but my sister passed a cold down to me and i’m sick!

Getting to the quick review (Chuck vs First Class).  This is one of my favorite episodes, no time wasted, pure great writing, great acting and great directing.  I was pleased with Steve Austin, Brandon Routh  and Kristin Kreuk’s performances and by the end of the episode I was hoping that Chucks relationship with Hannah would trump his ‘relationship’ with Sarah. I know I know, I’m rooting for a guest character/actress but dang Zachary Levi and Kreuk had some serious smooth chemistry. But I was loving every second of their interaction on the plane and even her arrival at the Buy More. I’m also a sucker for Kreuk so that could be it as well.

this episode didn’t let me down either. I was enjoying Chucks first assignment, died laughing quite often. I loved Chuck prepping to drug Steve Austin’s character. When he raised the privacy wall, and the pen shooting in his face! I even enjoyed the scenes of Sarah and Agent Shaw (I forget his first name). You learn a bit about more on Shaw and you see Sarah struggle  as Chucks handler to let him do it on his own.  He ended up poisoned but he worked it out with the rolling antidote.  The episode was well put together unlike the season opener, which made me frown. But it seems as though they’re back on track to their usual ways. I’m sad chuck didn’t get to see Paris, I felt his pain when he didn’t get to experience it with the lovely Hannah as well.  I’m looking forward to Monday again! I hope the writers keep what they did with this weeks Chuck.

I apologize if this was a boring read but I think I have vertigo, I can’t breathe and my throat hurts…so I’m lacking the thinking/writing ability! Later peeps! What did you guys think of the episode?

Looking for music on Chuck?:  http://nbcchuck.wordpress.com/music-from-chuck/

Great tracks: Seize the Day by Cosmic Gate ft. Jades

Title: Seize The Day

Album: Sign Of The Times

Artist (s): Cosmic Gate ft. Jades