I apparently have not blogged in a looooooong time so here goes a 2012 recap....
January:
It started with an engagement/party for two of my good friends who later got married in 2012 (see october)
February:
Celebrated the 30 years of marriage of the people who made me, and we had a great time eating Italian food and going bowling.
I saw American Idiot with Mandi.
Met (remet) the most amazing lady in the world at a mutual friend's birthday party at Fat Cats. We talked about astrology, movies, and music and then parted ways for a little bit.
24th went out on our first date to the Art Institute, Argo Tea, and Flattop.
March:
Moved out of the batcave to my current apartment.
Celebrated my birthday by eating a rainbow cake made by my new lady. I shared this cake with lots of folks too as it was too good not to share.
Designed promo posters for Proof Nightclub.
Had a fun St.Patrick's day with good friends and my new girlfriend.
April:
Ended contract at TravelClick
Did a lot of prep work for certain upcoming events...
C2E2!!! Had a lot of fun meeting new people, seeing old friends, catching up with C3PO and seeing Maggie and Glenn from the Walking Dead. I also got the idea to try to get into the artist alley for C2E2 from another friend.
ZOMBIE PUB CRAWL!! My good friends, Katie, and I all got into our Batman themed costumes and zombie-ed ourselves up for another day of drinking mischief in Andersonville!!
May-June:
I continued work at the Exchange and Katie and I saw a lot of movies and went to lots of fun places like various cool shops and we did some exploring of Chicago as well.
Mandi and I also saw the Chili Peppers put on quite a show with their new guitarist.
I saved Hyrule again.
July:
On the fourth I met Katie's family and spent the day with them enjoying good food, good people, and good fireworks.
I made my "Batman Hat" out of some wires, lights, and a mask.
Katie had her gall bladder removed and I was there chilling with her family as we waited for her to be okay.
Mandi, Katie and I saw ALL THREE BATMAN FILMS IN IMAX IN A ROW
My family on my Dad's side had a family reunion which was good and a little strange.
I lassoed the moon.
I went up to the U.P. of Michigan to spend a few days with Katie and her family for her birthday. I also created a piece of art for her and got it framed. I got to see Lake Superior and some awesome places up in Michigan as well. It was a great time!
August:
Brought about some great traditions. Mandi went with Katie and I to the Ren. Faire where we had a pretty great time seeing all the dressed up folks enjoying good food, great shows, and neat crafts and weaponry. Katie made her own costume which was gorgeous and I of course put on my Captains outfit. We even met a dragon there.
Later that month we were walked into the Art Institute by friends who work there to see the exhibit of my favorite artist Roy Lichtenstein. This exhibit was eye opening and amazing and it was exactly what I needed to help jump start my art.
We also got to see a wonderful animated film about zombies and that was ParaNorman!
September:
I dove headfirst into my artwork and finished a few pieces.
We celebrated my Mom and Dad's birthdays.
International Talk Like a Pirate Day happened.
I started prep for Halloween and all the weddings I was to go to over the next month.
I got strep throat :(
Katie and I went to my friends' wedding where they had an awesome reception that was an all around great party. Congrats again Jen and Nick.
October:
I worked on more artwork towards the start of the month.
I participated as a Bridesman at my friends wedding. Congrats again Mel and Ben!!
Katie took me as her date to her cousin Becky's wedding! We went to 3 weddings within one month aaahhhh!! Actually it was a lot of fun.
My Princess and I had a very special night at the Chicago Theater where we saw the 25th Anniversary Zelda Symphony of the Goddess. It was an amazing event for me as a Zelda fan and Katie loved all of the music as well.
The very next night I hosted a Halloween party at my apartment where there were so many great guests of all my friends and I hooked up a pumpkin that spat out fog and there was a killer behind the shower curtain. I went as Captain Kirk, Katie was a peacock and Mandi was Carmen San Diego. It really was a great party and I had so much fun and felt very loved.
Halloween happened and we handed out candy to trick or treaters at Katie's house then we got Booritos at Chipotle and watched movies.
November:
Was an interesting month. I worked my rear off on finishing my art and my website (please visit)
I worked over at the Belmont exchange for three weeks.
I helped reelect a president.
We saw Wreck-it Ralph which is totally now one of my favorites.
I saw RENT finally at Dominican U.
Thanksgiving came and went and was relatively painless but fun as usual.
Work ended at the exchange.
Mandi had her birthday and we celebrated at Flattop and L. Woods and all around the town.
December:
Katie and I went to a fun Chrismukkah party and ate some delicious treats.
I got my artwork printed and it is now up for sale at Etsy.com
I started work at Michaels
Hanukkah was eight nights.
I had a romantic Christmas night or two with my lovely girlfriend.
I watched more Xmas films than anyone else ever.
I saw the Hobbit with my Mom and my girlfriend and it was great!
I lived through the apocalypse.
I had the greatest Christmas ever as I learned a good lesson or two in it.
I found out how much love surrounds me on a regular basis and have been humbled by it.
I started more artwork for my upcoming installation in February.
I watched the Bears fail.
I wrote this blog...
Other things to happen throughout the year were...
I got baked goodies at least once a month from my lovely girlfriend. Katie and I invented pizza cupcakes/muffins. I learned to love and appreciate the people and things around me more. I was dealt a few harsh blows and although I may have fallen off of the horse a couple times this year I have kept getting back on and riding off into that sunset.
Thank you all for such a great year. I know 2013 will be great too. I love you all and have a safe and happy new year!!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Monday, September 12, 2011
A change of tides for the Captain
To all my friends and acquaintances this is a bit of a rant but also a notification...
My father pointed something out to me recently that made a little bit of sense and then it was accentuated by another friend or two. In recent times in my life I have had better control and order in my social life than in my work life, ergo it is time for a change...an important change.
My father brought up the point that in my social life I am aggressive while in my work life I am passive, hence why my search for a career or better job has been falling short. In other words I need to flip flop, swip swap these tables and make it the other way around.
What this means is that I am going to become a little bit more of a recluse in my social endeavors and more of an assertive and aggressive professional in my quest for my greater good.
It was also brought to my attention that in my social escapades that I am mostly the person who initiates communication and then follows through with planning the entire event/s. While I have proven my abilities to lead in organization of gatherings, be it two or more people, I am now going to cease and desist from leading the pack. That means, although not permanently, I am stepping down from being the head of misadventures. The Captain you all know and love shall return in due time when he finds calmer waters.
This means that until my life is a little more settled and I have found better work I will not really be contacting many people for plans and what not only because I need to focus on the task at hand.
I do not mean to make this sound as drastic as my prose makes it, however, I am dead serious in the fact that I need to be aggressive about work life.
I am still around with my phone or computer at hand and will still be continuing on as normal but toning it down a bit so I can find my way.
I will more than likely be refraining from what is in my/our usual weekly repertoire, but feel free to contact me to see what is up.
I have a wolf on my leg for a reason. The wolf in my eyes symbolizes the ability to travel in a pack, the ability to lead, and the need and ability to go it alone sometimes. Now is a time for me to temporarily part from the pack and find the path I need to find.
Really all I am trying to say is that I am about to start to be a little less social than I am already. In other words, no worries I will still see you all and talk to you all and everything is okay I just really really really need a job.
Thank you all for reading this and listening to my upcoming changes.
My father pointed something out to me recently that made a little bit of sense and then it was accentuated by another friend or two. In recent times in my life I have had better control and order in my social life than in my work life, ergo it is time for a change...an important change.
My father brought up the point that in my social life I am aggressive while in my work life I am passive, hence why my search for a career or better job has been falling short. In other words I need to flip flop, swip swap these tables and make it the other way around.
What this means is that I am going to become a little bit more of a recluse in my social endeavors and more of an assertive and aggressive professional in my quest for my greater good.
It was also brought to my attention that in my social escapades that I am mostly the person who initiates communication and then follows through with planning the entire event/s. While I have proven my abilities to lead in organization of gatherings, be it two or more people, I am now going to cease and desist from leading the pack. That means, although not permanently, I am stepping down from being the head of misadventures. The Captain you all know and love shall return in due time when he finds calmer waters.
This means that until my life is a little more settled and I have found better work I will not really be contacting many people for plans and what not only because I need to focus on the task at hand.
I do not mean to make this sound as drastic as my prose makes it, however, I am dead serious in the fact that I need to be aggressive about work life.
I am still around with my phone or computer at hand and will still be continuing on as normal but toning it down a bit so I can find my way.
I will more than likely be refraining from what is in my/our usual weekly repertoire, but feel free to contact me to see what is up.
I have a wolf on my leg for a reason. The wolf in my eyes symbolizes the ability to travel in a pack, the ability to lead, and the need and ability to go it alone sometimes. Now is a time for me to temporarily part from the pack and find the path I need to find.
Really all I am trying to say is that I am about to start to be a little less social than I am already. In other words, no worries I will still see you all and talk to you all and everything is okay I just really really really need a job.
Thank you all for reading this and listening to my upcoming changes.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2010 where were you when?
2010 my year in review...
New Years was celebrated in Japan with friends.
Early January in Japan I went through Osaka, and visited Kobe where I saw the newly erected life size statue of Gigantor (Testujin 28).
I left Japan and headed back to Korea.
Early to mid January had a little fling with a lovely westerner girl that was new to the area.
In and throughout February I was engrossed in my teaching and don't remember much of what I did. Between all that a friendship ended and I registered for my Birthright trip to Israel in August.
March 5th I got to DJ at Exit for my birthday!
March 6th I got my pirate tattoo on my birthday and then went out with friends.
c.March 8th had to say goodbye to my new friend Alivia...who I would later see again in August.
March 13th I met an incredible Korean woman that would forever change my life...and then we started dating.
March 18th I found out I was getting fired from being a teacher in Korea because I was too much fun.
End of March I found out my godfather that had been battling cancer was going to lose his battle in the coming months.
April I had to decide on a leaving date and make all the preparations I could. I chose May 8th to come home as it was Mother's Day.
April was the best month of the year because I got to spend all that time with Netty and it was simply unforgettable and amazing.
May 4th I said goodbye to all of my friends in Suji and then headed to Ilsan for a few days with Netty before I left.
May 8th I kissed Korea goodbye for the time being. That was one of my worst days this year.
I traveled from Seoul, to Shanghai, to LA, to Chicago in that day.
Mother's Day I arrived home to welcome arms that missed me a lot, and although I was happy to see everyone I was still incredibly sad.
May 14th-ish had a surprise welcome home party that I wasn't ready for but it was nice to see everyone.
May 16th-ish was hired p/t by the Exchange but would not start work for another while yet.
Throughout May there were trips up and back to Wisconsin to see my passing godfather.
End of may he passed.
May/June I made a new friend that I am sure will be with me my whole life.
May/June the Hawks took home the cup!
June I grieved and helped my family grieve and I started to get back into my animation work that I needed to get a move on.
Mid-late June I started to help set up the new Exchange at clark/belmont.
July 4th I spent on the beach on the lake watching fireworks with friends and family.
July 15th-24th Netty came to Chicago to visit me and see the city and it was great. I was so happy to have her here and meeting my family and friends. She really made an impression on everyone.
July 18th Netty accompanied me to my first Iron Maiden concert.
July 24th I dropped Netty at the airport and kissed her goodbye for the last time. I have never been sadder to say goodbye to someone than I was then.
August 3rd I flew to NYC for a night before Israel and I saw my friends Alivia and Brooks.
August 4th Brooks drove me to JFK and I met up with my Birthright folks for the trip of a lifetime. At that sametime I was reunited with two of three sisters that I had grown up with and then they moved away.
August 5th-15th I traveled around Israel learning all about my heritage and making more friends that will last forever.
August 15th met up with my Dad in Tel Aviv and then we ventured around Israel for a few days together which was also unforgettable because my underwear got stolen in Jerusalem.
August 20th was back home and started "working" at the Exchange right away.
August-September I dove headfirst back into my animations.
September 16th and 20th my mom and dad's birthdays. My dad turned 70 this year so I gave him an amazing present of a few panoramas I took from Israel. He loved it.
Sept-Oct. I continued working on animations and water started to get choppy with Netty and I.
Oct. 20th we agreed that the distance was too much and we broke up. That was my worst day this year.
Oct. 29th helped host a halloween party. I was henchman 21 from the venture bros.
Oct.-Nov. continued to work on animation.
End of Nov. Had Thanksgiving with family, which I really missed last year in Korea.
Nov. 30th my sister's birthday and then a few days later she had an ugly sweater party.
Early to Mid December I had finished all the animations for my reel and have been having major difficulties changing formats so I can edit them together to make my reel video.
December 17th TRON Legacy
Mid December I and Jedi started doing Bikram Yoga.
December 25th I had Christmas with my family which was extra special to me because I missed it last year and have been aching for it since then.
December 31st I sit here writing this and realize that 2010 has had its ups and downs more so than most other years I have weathered. 2010 was all in all a good year if I had to do it again...I would.
Happy New Year everyone. May 2011 bring you lots of joy and prosperity. You can check my facebook for pictures from 2010 as a visual aid. May the force be with you always.
New Years was celebrated in Japan with friends.
Early January in Japan I went through Osaka, and visited Kobe where I saw the newly erected life size statue of Gigantor (Testujin 28).
I left Japan and headed back to Korea.
Early to mid January had a little fling with a lovely westerner girl that was new to the area.
In and throughout February I was engrossed in my teaching and don't remember much of what I did. Between all that a friendship ended and I registered for my Birthright trip to Israel in August.
March 5th I got to DJ at Exit for my birthday!
March 6th I got my pirate tattoo on my birthday and then went out with friends.
c.March 8th had to say goodbye to my new friend Alivia...who I would later see again in August.
March 13th I met an incredible Korean woman that would forever change my life...and then we started dating.
March 18th I found out I was getting fired from being a teacher in Korea because I was too much fun.
End of March I found out my godfather that had been battling cancer was going to lose his battle in the coming months.
April I had to decide on a leaving date and make all the preparations I could. I chose May 8th to come home as it was Mother's Day.
April was the best month of the year because I got to spend all that time with Netty and it was simply unforgettable and amazing.
May 4th I said goodbye to all of my friends in Suji and then headed to Ilsan for a few days with Netty before I left.
May 8th I kissed Korea goodbye for the time being. That was one of my worst days this year.
I traveled from Seoul, to Shanghai, to LA, to Chicago in that day.
Mother's Day I arrived home to welcome arms that missed me a lot, and although I was happy to see everyone I was still incredibly sad.
May 14th-ish had a surprise welcome home party that I wasn't ready for but it was nice to see everyone.
May 16th-ish was hired p/t by the Exchange but would not start work for another while yet.
Throughout May there were trips up and back to Wisconsin to see my passing godfather.
End of may he passed.
May/June I made a new friend that I am sure will be with me my whole life.
May/June the Hawks took home the cup!
June I grieved and helped my family grieve and I started to get back into my animation work that I needed to get a move on.
Mid-late June I started to help set up the new Exchange at clark/belmont.
July 4th I spent on the beach on the lake watching fireworks with friends and family.
July 15th-24th Netty came to Chicago to visit me and see the city and it was great. I was so happy to have her here and meeting my family and friends. She really made an impression on everyone.
July 18th Netty accompanied me to my first Iron Maiden concert.
July 24th I dropped Netty at the airport and kissed her goodbye for the last time. I have never been sadder to say goodbye to someone than I was then.
August 3rd I flew to NYC for a night before Israel and I saw my friends Alivia and Brooks.
August 4th Brooks drove me to JFK and I met up with my Birthright folks for the trip of a lifetime. At that sametime I was reunited with two of three sisters that I had grown up with and then they moved away.
August 5th-15th I traveled around Israel learning all about my heritage and making more friends that will last forever.
August 15th met up with my Dad in Tel Aviv and then we ventured around Israel for a few days together which was also unforgettable because my underwear got stolen in Jerusalem.
August 20th was back home and started "working" at the Exchange right away.
August-September I dove headfirst back into my animations.
September 16th and 20th my mom and dad's birthdays. My dad turned 70 this year so I gave him an amazing present of a few panoramas I took from Israel. He loved it.
Sept-Oct. I continued working on animations and water started to get choppy with Netty and I.
Oct. 20th we agreed that the distance was too much and we broke up. That was my worst day this year.
Oct. 29th helped host a halloween party. I was henchman 21 from the venture bros.
Oct.-Nov. continued to work on animation.
End of Nov. Had Thanksgiving with family, which I really missed last year in Korea.
Nov. 30th my sister's birthday and then a few days later she had an ugly sweater party.
Early to Mid December I had finished all the animations for my reel and have been having major difficulties changing formats so I can edit them together to make my reel video.
December 17th TRON Legacy
Mid December I and Jedi started doing Bikram Yoga.
December 25th I had Christmas with my family which was extra special to me because I missed it last year and have been aching for it since then.
December 31st I sit here writing this and realize that 2010 has had its ups and downs more so than most other years I have weathered. 2010 was all in all a good year if I had to do it again...I would.
Happy New Year everyone. May 2011 bring you lots of joy and prosperity. You can check my facebook for pictures from 2010 as a visual aid. May the force be with you always.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Curiosity to fill the void.
Dearest readers and friends I apologize for not writing in a while but there have been many a happening in my life as of late and that is what I want to write about now.
Two months ago I had my birthday and then a week later I met a Korean girl who is now my girlfriend. The week after that my boss, Sunny, took me into her office and told me I was fired.
That's right. Fired. The following is the story.
March 18th my boss sits me down and tells me that she is firing me because she has been so pressured by the parents to get a new teacher. She talks about how there have been ongoing complaints about my teaching style and abilities. Sunny also mentions the financial implications of everything and that if she gets rid of me she can hire a new teacher for a little less than she was paying me. Reading between the lines of this conversation she was basically using me as a scapegoat for the low enrollment and high dropout rate that J Language is facing. This all went down five minutes before I had to teach my last class for the evening so there wasn't a lot of discussion.
I couldn't really think of what to do so the next morning I called the agency that placed me here and they basically told me to roll over and take it...real cute. I said screw that and then I talked to all my friends that night at the local bar and they started to give me advice. One friend, Chris, gave me the email address of a legal aid type person he knew, John, and so I started to talk to him. Now John said my contract was 95% solid and that she was not firing me for legit reasons and that I could fight it. That is what I wanted to do. John then pointed me in the direction of an actual Labor Law Firm here. I started to email with a man there and he gave me some options all of which would have ended up costing me an arm, a leg, and my first born.
Basically what the law firm could do was file a claim for me and then Sunny would have had to battle it if she wanted to, keep me on, or pay me out. What she would have had to do to fire me from that point is to prove that through two consecutive quarters I, alone, had caused a 50% loss in revenue. This being impossible she would not have stood a chance in court. All this being the case I would have unintentionally shut down my school from how much time, money, and effort Sunny would have invested into it and I was not about to do that.
I had been talking to one of m coworkers about my situation and it was brought to the attention that there could be trouble if I went to the law because there was a small small chance that the school would have been investigated and certain members of the staff fired. One of my coworkers decided to quit an upon doing so informed Sunny of my going to lawyers. Sunny did not bother to listen to me right away as I told her she didn't know the full story and that I had only talked to people who know the labor laws of Korea for guidance in what to do in my situation. This all made her very angry and she told me that she could do what she needed to do to legally fire me right away but she didn't want me to go until she had a new teacher to replace me. She let me pick a date and May 4th is what I chose as my last day there for the new guy to come in and me to get out.
To make this long story short I was fired for bullshit business reasons and I am forced to come back due to certain things going on at home that you may or may not hear about.
Some of the other things that Sunny did while she was firing me was to lie to me through her poor communication skills by leading me on to think that the other foreign teachers were fired or had quit because of me, thus making me out to be a bad guy, and she said that she could never trust me. Q.E.D. I felt like shit and it made the situation a lot worse because I really didn't want to show my face to anyone or talk about it with people. Oh well these things must happen for a reason yes?
This firing also means that I don't get my next few months pay, I don't get the severance pay, and my flight home was not paid for by the school. It all sucks but I am getting over it all. I just need to come home and get my head on straight now and all will be good.
Side story: Sunny's trust in me was replenished over the ensuing weeks up to my termination due to a couple things. First off I continued to put the same 110% effort into teaching these kids as I always did and kept a level head about things. I am proud of myself for that and I have realized there is not point in being a dick or whatever because that is going to get you nowhere. The other thing was that there was a situation at the school where Sunny had to immediately fire a different teacher and that made the entire school feel a little unsafe and insecure but Sunny knew how against this other teacher's situation I was so her trust came back. Sunny now claims as a favor to me she will write me any kind of recommendation letter for whatever my next job may be.
Anyway that is pretty much it. I fly out of here tomorrow so I will be seeing you all soon and I will do a recap of my 10 months blog and a last weeks here blog too.
Later days!!
Blog Shout out: To Netty for helping me through all of this.
Two months ago I had my birthday and then a week later I met a Korean girl who is now my girlfriend. The week after that my boss, Sunny, took me into her office and told me I was fired.
That's right. Fired. The following is the story.
March 18th my boss sits me down and tells me that she is firing me because she has been so pressured by the parents to get a new teacher. She talks about how there have been ongoing complaints about my teaching style and abilities. Sunny also mentions the financial implications of everything and that if she gets rid of me she can hire a new teacher for a little less than she was paying me. Reading between the lines of this conversation she was basically using me as a scapegoat for the low enrollment and high dropout rate that J Language is facing. This all went down five minutes before I had to teach my last class for the evening so there wasn't a lot of discussion.
I couldn't really think of what to do so the next morning I called the agency that placed me here and they basically told me to roll over and take it...real cute. I said screw that and then I talked to all my friends that night at the local bar and they started to give me advice. One friend, Chris, gave me the email address of a legal aid type person he knew, John, and so I started to talk to him. Now John said my contract was 95% solid and that she was not firing me for legit reasons and that I could fight it. That is what I wanted to do. John then pointed me in the direction of an actual Labor Law Firm here. I started to email with a man there and he gave me some options all of which would have ended up costing me an arm, a leg, and my first born.
Basically what the law firm could do was file a claim for me and then Sunny would have had to battle it if she wanted to, keep me on, or pay me out. What she would have had to do to fire me from that point is to prove that through two consecutive quarters I, alone, had caused a 50% loss in revenue. This being impossible she would not have stood a chance in court. All this being the case I would have unintentionally shut down my school from how much time, money, and effort Sunny would have invested into it and I was not about to do that.
I had been talking to one of m coworkers about my situation and it was brought to the attention that there could be trouble if I went to the law because there was a small small chance that the school would have been investigated and certain members of the staff fired. One of my coworkers decided to quit an upon doing so informed Sunny of my going to lawyers. Sunny did not bother to listen to me right away as I told her she didn't know the full story and that I had only talked to people who know the labor laws of Korea for guidance in what to do in my situation. This all made her very angry and she told me that she could do what she needed to do to legally fire me right away but she didn't want me to go until she had a new teacher to replace me. She let me pick a date and May 4th is what I chose as my last day there for the new guy to come in and me to get out.
To make this long story short I was fired for bullshit business reasons and I am forced to come back due to certain things going on at home that you may or may not hear about.
Some of the other things that Sunny did while she was firing me was to lie to me through her poor communication skills by leading me on to think that the other foreign teachers were fired or had quit because of me, thus making me out to be a bad guy, and she said that she could never trust me. Q.E.D. I felt like shit and it made the situation a lot worse because I really didn't want to show my face to anyone or talk about it with people. Oh well these things must happen for a reason yes?
This firing also means that I don't get my next few months pay, I don't get the severance pay, and my flight home was not paid for by the school. It all sucks but I am getting over it all. I just need to come home and get my head on straight now and all will be good.
Side story: Sunny's trust in me was replenished over the ensuing weeks up to my termination due to a couple things. First off I continued to put the same 110% effort into teaching these kids as I always did and kept a level head about things. I am proud of myself for that and I have realized there is not point in being a dick or whatever because that is going to get you nowhere. The other thing was that there was a situation at the school where Sunny had to immediately fire a different teacher and that made the entire school feel a little unsafe and insecure but Sunny knew how against this other teacher's situation I was so her trust came back. Sunny now claims as a favor to me she will write me any kind of recommendation letter for whatever my next job may be.
Anyway that is pretty much it. I fly out of here tomorrow so I will be seeing you all soon and I will do a recap of my 10 months blog and a last weeks here blog too.
Later days!!
Blog Shout out: To Netty for helping me through all of this.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
And the award goes to...
Here are mostly my choices and a few of my "Academy Predictions" which means what I expect the Academy to pick. I am posting this just before the awards and then we can do a comparison later to see how many I got right! This will be a fun experiment. I hope that you all enjoy the awards as I cannot really watch them here in the ROK.
Writing (Original Screenplay)
Hurt Locker
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
District 9 --Shorted Watchmen
Visual Effects
Choice: STAR TREK
Prediction: Avatar
Sound Mixing
STAR TREK
Sound Editing
STAR TREK
Short Film (Live Action)
N/A (Didn't see any)
Short Film (Animated)
N/A (Didn't watch any)
Music Original Song
Princess and the Frog "Down in New Orleans"
Music Original Score
Choice: Up Michael Giacchino
Prediction: Avatar
Make Up
STAR TREK
Foreign Language Film
N/A (Didn't see any)
Film Editing
Choice: District 9
Prediction: Inglorious Basterds
Documentary Short
N/A (Didn't see any)
Documentary Feature
Food Inc.
Directing
Choice: The Hurt Locker
Prediction: Avatar
Costume Design
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Cinematography
Avatar
Art Direction
Avatar
Animated Feature Film
Choice: The Secret of Kells
Prediction: Up
Actress in a Supporting Role
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Actress in a Leading Role
Sandra Bullock
Actor in a Supporting Role
Choice: Matt Damon
Prediction: Christoph Waltz
Actor in a Leading Role
Morgan Freeman
Best Picture
Choice: The Hurt Locker
Prediction: Avatar
Writing (Original Screenplay)
Hurt Locker
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
District 9 --Shorted Watchmen
Visual Effects
Choice: STAR TREK
Prediction: Avatar
Sound Mixing
STAR TREK
Sound Editing
STAR TREK
Short Film (Live Action)
N/A (Didn't see any)
Short Film (Animated)
N/A (Didn't watch any)
Music Original Song
Princess and the Frog "Down in New Orleans"
Music Original Score
Choice: Up Michael Giacchino
Prediction: Avatar
Make Up
STAR TREK
Foreign Language Film
N/A (Didn't see any)
Film Editing
Choice: District 9
Prediction: Inglorious Basterds
Documentary Short
N/A (Didn't see any)
Documentary Feature
Food Inc.
Directing
Choice: The Hurt Locker
Prediction: Avatar
Costume Design
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Cinematography
Avatar
Art Direction
Avatar
Animated Feature Film
Choice: The Secret of Kells
Prediction: Up
Actress in a Supporting Role
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Actress in a Leading Role
Sandra Bullock
Actor in a Supporting Role
Choice: Matt Damon
Prediction: Christoph Waltz
Actor in a Leading Role
Morgan Freeman
Best Picture
Choice: The Hurt Locker
Prediction: Avatar
Oscar the blog #2 (Best Animated Feature Options)
Naturally this is my category of choice and this year there were some choices, and while I feel spoiled that there were finally 5 films to choose from I still thought it wasn't enough and thought a few got shorted. Below are the five nominees and my quick opinions on them. Again, I will not post who I think should win until my next blog. Thank you for reading and enjoy...
Coraline:
Henry Selick did a fine job at another stop-motion animated film. I am a little
indifferent on this film as it had an even amount of things I liked and didn't like. Let's start with the bad. The story had some issues like some things needing more explanation and it just wasn't in depth enough. My other issues were that there were too many similarities to past films like Beetlejuice, Spirited Away, Alice in Wonderland, and Nightmare Before Christmas. The good came through a bit in this though and that was the incredibly well done animation. The look of the film was solid and stunning. I was amazed with the cinematography of the whole film because it really helped give it a whole feel. As I said I am indifferent on Coraline. I don't love it, but I don't hate it. It did deserve its nomination.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Wes Anderson completely blew me away. I was expecting this to be ... well, I am not sure what I was expecting, but it was really good. Even though it was an animated film and that was a new realm for Wes the film still felt like it was one of his. I never read the book as a kid so I wasn't super excited about the film. The animation is great, the characters are great, the story is great and the direction was great. This definitely deserved its nod here and not just because it was Wes.
The Princess and the Frog
As most of you know I have a long standing grudge with Disney and there films
especially 2D ones. The last one I really liked was Lilo & Stitch and before that was Lion King so it is rare for me to like them nowadays. Despite this fact I found this movie to be amazing. It takes a lot for me to be able to say that but Disney didn't stay so formulaic in this film. They worked out of the norm and retold a classic story in a new way. The songs weren't that bad either. I truly loved the style and the characters though especially the villain. All in all it was a refreshing return to 2D for Disney. Besides that it made me have a mad craving for some soul food.
The Secret of Kells
This film went under the radar. I was in awe of it for sure. The story was new to me, it had incredible animation and artwork, and its illusion pulled you right in. I don't really know what to say about this movie besides that you need to see it yourself. Beyond worthy of its Oscar nod and has apparently won all sorts of other animated awards. Besides that it was good because it came out on my birthday last year. :)
Up
If you read my previous blog about Best Picture than you should have read
what I wrote about Up. Up was a good film. Not one of PIXAR's best but still a good film. It doesn't hold a candle to WALL-E, Nemo, Ratatouille or most of the others but it was cool. I think the fact that it was PIXAR was the only reason this one made it to this list. The Academy and I differ on opinions a lot of the time and here it couldn't be more apparent. I did not think that Up deserved to be listed this year and especially do not approve of it in the Best Picture category. I am pleased that there is an animated film up for Best Picture but it is the wrong year to have done this. Up was fun and was a normal good hearted film. It was really fun to see in 3D so I saw it twice. People, please do not get me wrong I really liked the film I just thought it was lacking the usually PIXAR pizazz.
My opinions on the other animated films this year are as follows... Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs I felt was shorted out of a nod. It was really stylized and really funny so I liked it.
Monsters Vs Aliens was pretty awesome too especially with the witty comedy and having Colbert as the voice of the President.
9 should have stayed a short film. Sorry Shane but I liked the short a lot better.
Ice Age 3 was better than 2 but not as good as 1.
AstroBoy was the last one on my list of films this year. I think it was a brilliant resurrection of AstroBoy and I think IMAGI is under appreciated but the world will love them when T28 comes out.
Of these which do I think truly got the shaft? Cloudy and AstroBoy should have been in there but I can understand why they weren't...mostly.
Coraline:
Henry Selick did a fine job at another stop-motion animated film. I am a little
indifferent on this film as it had an even amount of things I liked and didn't like. Let's start with the bad. The story had some issues like some things needing more explanation and it just wasn't in depth enough. My other issues were that there were too many similarities to past films like Beetlejuice, Spirited Away, Alice in Wonderland, and Nightmare Before Christmas. The good came through a bit in this though and that was the incredibly well done animation. The look of the film was solid and stunning. I was amazed with the cinematography of the whole film because it really helped give it a whole feel. As I said I am indifferent on Coraline. I don't love it, but I don't hate it. It did deserve its nomination.Fantastic Mr. Fox
Wes Anderson completely blew me away. I was expecting this to be ... well, I am not sure what I was expecting, but it was really good. Even though it was an animated film and that was a new realm for Wes the film still felt like it was one of his. I never read the book as a kid so I wasn't super excited about the film. The animation is great, the characters are great, the story is great and the direction was great. This definitely deserved its nod here and not just because it was Wes.
The Princess and the Frog
As most of you know I have a long standing grudge with Disney and there films
especially 2D ones. The last one I really liked was Lilo & Stitch and before that was Lion King so it is rare for me to like them nowadays. Despite this fact I found this movie to be amazing. It takes a lot for me to be able to say that but Disney didn't stay so formulaic in this film. They worked out of the norm and retold a classic story in a new way. The songs weren't that bad either. I truly loved the style and the characters though especially the villain. All in all it was a refreshing return to 2D for Disney. Besides that it made me have a mad craving for some soul food.The Secret of Kells
This film went under the radar. I was in awe of it for sure. The story was new to me, it had incredible animation and artwork, and its illusion pulled you right in. I don't really know what to say about this movie besides that you need to see it yourself. Beyond worthy of its Oscar nod and has apparently won all sorts of other animated awards. Besides that it was good because it came out on my birthday last year. :)
Up
If you read my previous blog about Best Picture than you should have read
what I wrote about Up. Up was a good film. Not one of PIXAR's best but still a good film. It doesn't hold a candle to WALL-E, Nemo, Ratatouille or most of the others but it was cool. I think the fact that it was PIXAR was the only reason this one made it to this list. The Academy and I differ on opinions a lot of the time and here it couldn't be more apparent. I did not think that Up deserved to be listed this year and especially do not approve of it in the Best Picture category. I am pleased that there is an animated film up for Best Picture but it is the wrong year to have done this. Up was fun and was a normal good hearted film. It was really fun to see in 3D so I saw it twice. People, please do not get me wrong I really liked the film I just thought it was lacking the usually PIXAR pizazz.My opinions on the other animated films this year are as follows... Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs I felt was shorted out of a nod. It was really stylized and really funny so I liked it.
Monsters Vs Aliens was pretty awesome too especially with the witty comedy and having Colbert as the voice of the President.
9 should have stayed a short film. Sorry Shane but I liked the short a lot better.
Ice Age 3 was better than 2 but not as good as 1.
AstroBoy was the last one on my list of films this year. I think it was a brilliant resurrection of AstroBoy and I think IMAGI is under appreciated but the world will love them when T28 comes out.
Of these which do I think truly got the shaft? Cloudy and AstroBoy should have been in there but I can understand why they weren't...mostly.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Oscar the blog #1 (Best Picture Opinions)
As you all know I am a movie fiend. I have taken the liberty of feasting my eyes upon most of all the major Oscar contenders this year. This first of a couple/few blogs is about my thoughts on the 10 movies that are up for this years best picture. I am a bit of a pretentious film geek and that comes with the territory but at the same time I hold a long standing and ever growing grudge against the Academy so I would like the world to know where I stand on 2009's crop of silver screen gems. These are not in any particular order and to find out which one I pick you need to stayed tuned for one of the next Oscar blogs in which I reveal my choices for all the categories.
1. Avatar
Avatar was a pretty damn awesome film...not gonna lie. It was an all around good movie, good soundtrack, good action, decent story. There were a few issues I had with it though; I understand it is fictional and takes place on another planet but it was again too much CGI for me. The story was uber reminiscent of Ferngully among other movies. It was also a little too epic as if it were an LOTR movie. I have Avatar high up there on the radar as a great movie but will it win best? The Academy will probably give it to Avatar knowing what went into it and what not. Does it deserve it in comparison with its competition? Short answer...no.
2. The Blind Side
This movie was a heart warming film and was another feel good sports story. Sandra and Quinton did amazing acting jobs but in all truth it was just another sports struggle story. It wasn't that special to me...I mean it was a good film but it needed more. To sum it up for you the story starts off at the lowest point and just gets better and better. The main character of Michael Oher keeps getting good things in his life and never has some high fall from grace where he picks himself back up and proves his worth so that is what the film really needed. Although this being based off of real life events couldn't necessarily have that. If this wins anything it will be Sandra Bullock for her acting.
3. District 9
This was an all around incredible film. It does a better job at a real life alien story than M. Night's Signs. As a sci-fi nut this film was a personal favorite for 2009 but yet again there were some small issues. It starts out as a bit of a documentary about aliens landing in South Africa and gradually turns into a narrative so the style of the film changes throughout and that isn't a bad thing but kind of breaks the illusion a little. The story was great, the graphics were great, and the whole feel of the film worked. I for sure was enthralled by the brutal reality that was presented to viewers of the treatment of the "prawns" and how they were living. Amazingly well done film my hat is off to this one as a major contender and it is a breath of fresh air to see a sci-fi film such as this up in the best picture category.
4. An Education
A feel good film for one that really had no special quirks but seems a staple style film for the academy to put into Best Picture. It seemed like a backwards take on Lolita (the original) and the story wasn't ever that enticing. Carey Mulligan plays a good young English schoolgirl but as I said the movie as a whole wasn't spectacular. I found it hard to relate to anyone or anything and it was difficult to become immersed in the illusion of the film. It was a decent film but nothing stood out about it. Truly An Education is just a safety for the Academy and I think there were way better movies out there that should have taken its slot in this category. For this flick I will be surprised if it wins.
5. The Hurt Locker
Sheer brilliance! Suspense around every corner and although it is a fictional
story it has nothing fictional about it. I think Kathryn Bigelow is an amazing new director and should get serious kudos on her fine work here. The story is fantastic from the get go. You can really feel for the characters in the middle of this war ravaged landscape and the slow motion action shots are a weakness of mine. I wasn't looking forward to another war movie especially one that is on current events but man did this film hit home. I don't really care if this wins or not but just the mere fact that it was recognized by the Academy shocks me.
6. Inglourious Basterds
Oh Tarantino... as of late you never cease to disappoint me. I hate Q.T.
and his films continue to be bad. I can't say that they get worse and worse but I can say that he sucks more and more. Basterds was a bad movie. I was expecting way more action and way more story about the Basterds themselves and yet there wasn't. I liked the small bits about them and even when there was a little background on some of them but otherwise Tarantino didn't fail, yet again, at too much dialogue. (In a mocking voice) Hi. My name is Quentin Tarantino you may also know me as the King of Too Much Talk. I really wanna know what the Academy was smoking when they decided this should be in Best Picture. Couldn't they have slotted something better in like Star Trek which was truly worth of recognition due to its awesome fan pleasing? Where does Tarantino get off thinking he makes these good movies. I think people are afraid to tell him off because he is so involved in the film world and such a pretentious film prick that he will somehow put a hit out on them in the movie world and they will never work in the industry again. Piss off, Tarantino! If this wins then all my faith, which is very minimal to begin with, in the Academy will dissipate.
7. Precious
This was not a feel good film and really brings you down when you watch it. I liked how real the movie was and the truths it showed. I was terrified by the horrors of the story but deep down I knew that some people lead lives such as that. This too seemed like a staple Academy pick but it was slightly different due to how true the movie is to real life. I just like this film for what it was and how it was. I do not think it will win for this category but it is fine if it does. However I do think that Gabourey Sidibe should get something for her great acting in this.
8. A Serious Man
Coen bros. are true masters at their craft. This movie was a fantastic dark
comedy that was easy to relate to and get immersed in and it all just worked. Of course the Coen bros. get picked by the Academy for a Best Picture nod. but I am not complaining. I found this movie to be funny, witty, clever, and it was put together well. I really liked the fact that it was entirely open-ended and you had no clue about it, which was really the point of the film. A Serious Man was just a great film and I will not be sad nor surprised if it is picked. Good job Coen Brothers.
9. Up
PIXAR's latest installment in their reign of computer animation mastery was
not at all their greatest and I do not think deserves its slot in this category. Don't get me wrong I am ecstatic at having an animated film in Best Picture again, but it is the wrong year to have finally had its return. Up was a great movie and I loved every moment of it but it wasn't PIXAR's best work. I only think the movie is in here because it is such a fantastical and romantic story and that is usually what qualifies for the Academy. I will not be upset if this wins but I will be incredibly surprised. I mean it is truly a whole hearted and feel good film so it isn't a great mystery why it is up in Best Picture it just is completely the wrong PIXAR film to finally make its way to this category. Oh well.
10. Up in the Air
Jason Reitman has quickly become a personal favorite of mine with everything
from Thank You for Smoking to Juno. I thought this movie was a great dark comedy and was amazingly witty. It started off sort of slow but picked up and quickly got you involved in the movie and never wavered off course. The story twists and punches were great and fairly unexpected and the best part was that for once in a movie it was not a happy ending. I found that to be so exhilarating and refreshing that this movie made my list for best of '09. Seeing as it is a dark comedy I will be pleasantly shocked if it takes this award but I think that it would be a good boost for Reitman and it could never hurt Clooney. The acting was also great in it and I can see myself watching this again and again as the years tick away. Bravo J.R. on a movie well done.
As I said I will not pick my winner here but I will later. I hope that I did not spoil these movies for anyone of give anyone a pre-viewing bias. I do think all of them are worth seeing and I am very interested in hearing all of your opinions on these as well. Please stay tuned for my next Oscar blogs as I talk about the animated movies and my picks for the winners of each category. Thanks for reading ;)
1. Avatar
Avatar was a pretty damn awesome film...not gonna lie. It was an all around good movie, good soundtrack, good action, decent story. There were a few issues I had with it though; I understand it is fictional and takes place on another planet but it was again too much CGI for me. The story was uber reminiscent of Ferngully among other movies. It was also a little too epic as if it were an LOTR movie. I have Avatar high up there on the radar as a great movie but will it win best? The Academy will probably give it to Avatar knowing what went into it and what not. Does it deserve it in comparison with its competition? Short answer...no.
2. The Blind Side
This movie was a heart warming film and was another feel good sports story. Sandra and Quinton did amazing acting jobs but in all truth it was just another sports struggle story. It wasn't that special to me...I mean it was a good film but it needed more. To sum it up for you the story starts off at the lowest point and just gets better and better. The main character of Michael Oher keeps getting good things in his life and never has some high fall from grace where he picks himself back up and proves his worth so that is what the film really needed. Although this being based off of real life events couldn't necessarily have that. If this wins anything it will be Sandra Bullock for her acting.
3. District 9
This was an all around incredible film. It does a better job at a real life alien story than M. Night's Signs. As a sci-fi nut this film was a personal favorite for 2009 but yet again there were some small issues. It starts out as a bit of a documentary about aliens landing in South Africa and gradually turns into a narrative so the style of the film changes throughout and that isn't a bad thing but kind of breaks the illusion a little. The story was great, the graphics were great, and the whole feel of the film worked. I for sure was enthralled by the brutal reality that was presented to viewers of the treatment of the "prawns" and how they were living. Amazingly well done film my hat is off to this one as a major contender and it is a breath of fresh air to see a sci-fi film such as this up in the best picture category.
4. An Education
A feel good film for one that really had no special quirks but seems a staple style film for the academy to put into Best Picture. It seemed like a backwards take on Lolita (the original) and the story wasn't ever that enticing. Carey Mulligan plays a good young English schoolgirl but as I said the movie as a whole wasn't spectacular. I found it hard to relate to anyone or anything and it was difficult to become immersed in the illusion of the film. It was a decent film but nothing stood out about it. Truly An Education is just a safety for the Academy and I think there were way better movies out there that should have taken its slot in this category. For this flick I will be surprised if it wins.
5. The Hurt Locker
Sheer brilliance! Suspense around every corner and although it is a fictional
story it has nothing fictional about it. I think Kathryn Bigelow is an amazing new director and should get serious kudos on her fine work here. The story is fantastic from the get go. You can really feel for the characters in the middle of this war ravaged landscape and the slow motion action shots are a weakness of mine. I wasn't looking forward to another war movie especially one that is on current events but man did this film hit home. I don't really care if this wins or not but just the mere fact that it was recognized by the Academy shocks me.6. Inglourious Basterds
Oh Tarantino... as of late you never cease to disappoint me. I hate Q.T.
and his films continue to be bad. I can't say that they get worse and worse but I can say that he sucks more and more. Basterds was a bad movie. I was expecting way more action and way more story about the Basterds themselves and yet there wasn't. I liked the small bits about them and even when there was a little background on some of them but otherwise Tarantino didn't fail, yet again, at too much dialogue. (In a mocking voice) Hi. My name is Quentin Tarantino you may also know me as the King of Too Much Talk. I really wanna know what the Academy was smoking when they decided this should be in Best Picture. Couldn't they have slotted something better in like Star Trek which was truly worth of recognition due to its awesome fan pleasing? Where does Tarantino get off thinking he makes these good movies. I think people are afraid to tell him off because he is so involved in the film world and such a pretentious film prick that he will somehow put a hit out on them in the movie world and they will never work in the industry again. Piss off, Tarantino! If this wins then all my faith, which is very minimal to begin with, in the Academy will dissipate.7. Precious
This was not a feel good film and really brings you down when you watch it. I liked how real the movie was and the truths it showed. I was terrified by the horrors of the story but deep down I knew that some people lead lives such as that. This too seemed like a staple Academy pick but it was slightly different due to how true the movie is to real life. I just like this film for what it was and how it was. I do not think it will win for this category but it is fine if it does. However I do think that Gabourey Sidibe should get something for her great acting in this.
8. A Serious Man
Coen bros. are true masters at their craft. This movie was a fantastic dark
comedy that was easy to relate to and get immersed in and it all just worked. Of course the Coen bros. get picked by the Academy for a Best Picture nod. but I am not complaining. I found this movie to be funny, witty, clever, and it was put together well. I really liked the fact that it was entirely open-ended and you had no clue about it, which was really the point of the film. A Serious Man was just a great film and I will not be sad nor surprised if it is picked. Good job Coen Brothers.9. Up
PIXAR's latest installment in their reign of computer animation mastery was
not at all their greatest and I do not think deserves its slot in this category. Don't get me wrong I am ecstatic at having an animated film in Best Picture again, but it is the wrong year to have finally had its return. Up was a great movie and I loved every moment of it but it wasn't PIXAR's best work. I only think the movie is in here because it is such a fantastical and romantic story and that is usually what qualifies for the Academy. I will not be upset if this wins but I will be incredibly surprised. I mean it is truly a whole hearted and feel good film so it isn't a great mystery why it is up in Best Picture it just is completely the wrong PIXAR film to finally make its way to this category. Oh well.10. Up in the Air
Jason Reitman has quickly become a personal favorite of mine with everything
from Thank You for Smoking to Juno. I thought this movie was a great dark comedy and was amazingly witty. It started off sort of slow but picked up and quickly got you involved in the movie and never wavered off course. The story twists and punches were great and fairly unexpected and the best part was that for once in a movie it was not a happy ending. I found that to be so exhilarating and refreshing that this movie made my list for best of '09. Seeing as it is a dark comedy I will be pleasantly shocked if it takes this award but I think that it would be a good boost for Reitman and it could never hurt Clooney. The acting was also great in it and I can see myself watching this again and again as the years tick away. Bravo J.R. on a movie well done.As I said I will not pick my winner here but I will later. I hope that I did not spoil these movies for anyone of give anyone a pre-viewing bias. I do think all of them are worth seeing and I am very interested in hearing all of your opinions on these as well. Please stay tuned for my next Oscar blogs as I talk about the animated movies and my picks for the winners of each category. Thanks for reading ;)
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