The people have spoken. I talked to Drew about the overwhelming demand for the crappy movie to be posted, and he said, "Post it."
So I am.
The movie can be found here.
Tell me what you think of this travesty after you watch it, because I'm very curious what others think of it. Feel free to laugh, cry, or mess yourselves if necessary.
I'll be on vacation at Sea Isle City for a week, so I'll catch you all later. If you really have a need to talk to me, call me on my cell.
Peace.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Monday, June 13, 2005
Batman Begins
As promised, here is the Pat-exclusive review of Batman Begins, since I saw it before any of you.
I admit that I am a bit biased. Though Superman is my favorite hero, Batman is a close second. If it weren't for Batman, I wouldn't be interested in comics today. So as I move through the tight security, being wanded (is that a word?), as well as sacrificing my camera phone to the theater, I was all smiles in my anticipation for this movie. After I sat down the HFS guys were handing out free stuff to those in the audience who were picked to answer ridiculously easy Batman trivia. Then the lights dimmed as the trailer for Dukes of Hazard played. After wiping my eyes from gawking at Jessica Simpson in a bikini, the movie began.
I honestly can't think of anything bad to say about this film. It is an origin story, and those can be boring. Especially due to the fact that a lot of people know the origin of Batman already. But the way that director Christopher Nolan decides to present it is nothing short of brilliant. It's not directly chronological, as Bruce Wayne's childhood and the death of his parents, and how he first decides to deal with it, is presented in flashback. I couldn't help but notice a few similarities with one of Nolan's other films, Memento, in the way he manages to integrate these scenes. We see how Bruce arrives at the position he's in at the beginning of the film, later on. It's great to see a director who usually directs smaller films step up to the plate and handle the reigns of a big-budget film beautifully.
The story is great, and it's hard to believe that it was written by the same guy who wrote (and directed) Blade Trinity. We get the backstory and the character moments that the film should focus on. My favorite character interaction were those between Alfred and Bruce. Alfred has always been a crucial role in Batman's life, and I'm glad they didn't ignore that, but build on it. Most importantly, we see the reason why Batman must exist. He's a symbol of hope for the good people in a corrupt world.
The action is exciting. In the fight scenes, you can see how Batman works, not taking all the enemies head on but working in the shadows, making enemies disappear, living up to the urban legend he's supposed to be. The new Batmobile is a thrill to watch, and I'm glad they tried something more typical than a superslick sports car type we always see in other incarnations. Also, everything is kept within a realistic setting. Nothing too sci-fi or gimmicky is in this movie.
As for the acting, it's top notch. Sorry Keaton fans, but Christian Bale IS Batman. He handles all four aspects of Bruce Wayne's personality wonderfully. He plays Bruce Wayne as the vengeful guilt-filled son, the billionaire playboy, the smart businessman, and of course, Batman. He nails it. Michael Caine portrays Alfred as the tough yet lovable butler we've come to know in the movies and comics, but with his own unique twist. Katie Holmes is always a pleasure to look at, and it's great that she isn't your typical damsel in distress. Her acting is pretty good too. I was pleasantly surprised to see Morgan Freeman's role more elevated than that of the comics. His Lucius Fox character is witty, smart, and likeable. In the inevitable sequel, I hope to see more of him. Because you all know how much I love Morgan Freeman.
The music is just plain awesome. The score picks up as the movie gets more intense, and almost had me jumping in my seat. The sound is handled well too, especially with the bats.
Bottom line, this is the best live action Batman movie ever made. Walking out of the theater I had the greatest feeling, because Batman was finally respectable in the movies again. The reimagining of the franchise was indeed neccesary, and it couldn't have been done any better.
10 out of 10.
I admit that I am a bit biased. Though Superman is my favorite hero, Batman is a close second. If it weren't for Batman, I wouldn't be interested in comics today. So as I move through the tight security, being wanded (is that a word?), as well as sacrificing my camera phone to the theater, I was all smiles in my anticipation for this movie. After I sat down the HFS guys were handing out free stuff to those in the audience who were picked to answer ridiculously easy Batman trivia. Then the lights dimmed as the trailer for Dukes of Hazard played. After wiping my eyes from gawking at Jessica Simpson in a bikini, the movie began.
I honestly can't think of anything bad to say about this film. It is an origin story, and those can be boring. Especially due to the fact that a lot of people know the origin of Batman already. But the way that director Christopher Nolan decides to present it is nothing short of brilliant. It's not directly chronological, as Bruce Wayne's childhood and the death of his parents, and how he first decides to deal with it, is presented in flashback. I couldn't help but notice a few similarities with one of Nolan's other films, Memento, in the way he manages to integrate these scenes. We see how Bruce arrives at the position he's in at the beginning of the film, later on. It's great to see a director who usually directs smaller films step up to the plate and handle the reigns of a big-budget film beautifully.
The story is great, and it's hard to believe that it was written by the same guy who wrote (and directed) Blade Trinity. We get the backstory and the character moments that the film should focus on. My favorite character interaction were those between Alfred and Bruce. Alfred has always been a crucial role in Batman's life, and I'm glad they didn't ignore that, but build on it. Most importantly, we see the reason why Batman must exist. He's a symbol of hope for the good people in a corrupt world.
The action is exciting. In the fight scenes, you can see how Batman works, not taking all the enemies head on but working in the shadows, making enemies disappear, living up to the urban legend he's supposed to be. The new Batmobile is a thrill to watch, and I'm glad they tried something more typical than a superslick sports car type we always see in other incarnations. Also, everything is kept within a realistic setting. Nothing too sci-fi or gimmicky is in this movie.
As for the acting, it's top notch. Sorry Keaton fans, but Christian Bale IS Batman. He handles all four aspects of Bruce Wayne's personality wonderfully. He plays Bruce Wayne as the vengeful guilt-filled son, the billionaire playboy, the smart businessman, and of course, Batman. He nails it. Michael Caine portrays Alfred as the tough yet lovable butler we've come to know in the movies and comics, but with his own unique twist. Katie Holmes is always a pleasure to look at, and it's great that she isn't your typical damsel in distress. Her acting is pretty good too. I was pleasantly surprised to see Morgan Freeman's role more elevated than that of the comics. His Lucius Fox character is witty, smart, and likeable. In the inevitable sequel, I hope to see more of him. Because you all know how much I love Morgan Freeman.
The music is just plain awesome. The score picks up as the movie gets more intense, and almost had me jumping in my seat. The sound is handled well too, especially with the bats.
Bottom line, this is the best live action Batman movie ever made. Walking out of the theater I had the greatest feeling, because Batman was finally respectable in the movies again. The reimagining of the franchise was indeed neccesary, and it couldn't have been done any better.
10 out of 10.
Batman Begins Tonight!
WHFS was doing a promotion this weekend where the 20th caller at the right time wins tickets to the premiere of Batman Begins at Arundel Mills. Yesterday at work I was joking with Kelli that I may need off Monday night if I win the tickets after work. She laughed and asked, "Are you gonna try to win them?" I said, "Well I get off at 10 and they've been giving away a pair every hour, so I'll only have two more chances to win them."
On my way home from work last night, I was listening to 105.7 WHFS in the McDonald's drive thru. Thinking "What the heck?" I call in when the red Bat phone rings on the radio. I try once and the line was busy. I try again and it rings, and the DJ picks it up. "Am I the 20th caller?" I ask. "Yes you are." he answers. "SWEET!" I exclaim. I pull out of the drive thru before I can order and park, so I can concentrate.
So I've won the tickets and I'm seeing Batman Begins tonight. Radio contest virgin no more!!!
But I was still on the schedule for Monday. I rush back to work and explain to the manager on duty that I need off. I call Kelli on her cell phone and I asked, "Remember what we were joking about earlier? I need a favor." She agreed to work for me so I can be happy. Thanks Kelli!
Expect a review of the film after I get back. WOOT!
On my way home from work last night, I was listening to 105.7 WHFS in the McDonald's drive thru. Thinking "What the heck?" I call in when the red Bat phone rings on the radio. I try once and the line was busy. I try again and it rings, and the DJ picks it up. "Am I the 20th caller?" I ask. "Yes you are." he answers. "SWEET!" I exclaim. I pull out of the drive thru before I can order and park, so I can concentrate.
So I've won the tickets and I'm seeing Batman Begins tonight. Radio contest virgin no more!!!
But I was still on the schedule for Monday. I rush back to work and explain to the manager on duty that I need off. I call Kelli on her cell phone and I asked, "Remember what we were joking about earlier? I need a favor." She agreed to work for me so I can be happy. Thanks Kelli!
Expect a review of the film after I get back. WOOT!
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Some Days You Just Can't Get Rid of a Bomb
I dropped the ball. Not only with updates to this site (sorry loyal visitors!) but also in my film career.
My final movie project was to be a tour de force of everything I've learned in video class, in the form of a movie trailer. "I'll put my friends in it!" I said. "I'll use the MGS3 score!" I said. "It's gonna be awesome!" I said.
But alas, I was an idiot and messed up the dates. I thought it was due on a Monday, so I'd have an entire weekend to edit it together. So naturally I procrastinate on filming. In actuality, it was due the Friday before, because there are no more classes. !@#%!
So I rush it. I film mostly in one day with only two of my friends and some footage a shot the weekend earlier in Virginia. When all is said and done, I only have 4 hours to edit the movie together.
As you can imagine, it was crap. Scenes aren't cut as smootly as they should be. Having only three and a half actors and myself to fill an entire trailer is very limiting, unless you know how to do it, which I don't. There were no special effects or techniques used, just shot after shot with maybe some words thrown in for dramatic purposes. The fight scenes were staged horribly, because I don't know how to fight.
I also didn't have enough footage to fill the awesome music, forcing me to reuse the same shot two or three times. There's one part where I'm struggling to open my car door with my keys, which was only supposed to be a quick one second shot. But it ended up taking 10. Which made me look inept enough to be defeated by a car door that I have the key to.
Oh, one last thing. I CAN'T ACT. "They know...where I live." "My bank account's gone.." "WHY...are they doing this?!?" I've never seen myself look so ridiculous.
However, despite all this, I got an A. Probably because the instructor thought it was intentionally cheesy.
I do want to thank Drew, Cori, and Tony for their help. Especially Tony, whose voice acting is superb.
There's little chance I'm going to put the movie up on the site, unless there's high demand for it. And I mean high.
My final movie project was to be a tour de force of everything I've learned in video class, in the form of a movie trailer. "I'll put my friends in it!" I said. "I'll use the MGS3 score!" I said. "It's gonna be awesome!" I said.
But alas, I was an idiot and messed up the dates. I thought it was due on a Monday, so I'd have an entire weekend to edit it together. So naturally I procrastinate on filming. In actuality, it was due the Friday before, because there are no more classes. !@#%!
So I rush it. I film mostly in one day with only two of my friends and some footage a shot the weekend earlier in Virginia. When all is said and done, I only have 4 hours to edit the movie together.
As you can imagine, it was crap. Scenes aren't cut as smootly as they should be. Having only three and a half actors and myself to fill an entire trailer is very limiting, unless you know how to do it, which I don't. There were no special effects or techniques used, just shot after shot with maybe some words thrown in for dramatic purposes. The fight scenes were staged horribly, because I don't know how to fight.
I also didn't have enough footage to fill the awesome music, forcing me to reuse the same shot two or three times. There's one part where I'm struggling to open my car door with my keys, which was only supposed to be a quick one second shot. But it ended up taking 10. Which made me look inept enough to be defeated by a car door that I have the key to.
Oh, one last thing. I CAN'T ACT. "They know...where I live." "My bank account's gone.." "WHY...are they doing this?!?" I've never seen myself look so ridiculous.
However, despite all this, I got an A. Probably because the instructor thought it was intentionally cheesy.
I do want to thank Drew, Cori, and Tony for their help. Especially Tony, whose voice acting is superb.
There's little chance I'm going to put the movie up on the site, unless there's high demand for it. And I mean high.
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