ALTER-EGO

2009-12-07T09:10:00.001-08:00

THE BEST OF THE DECADE

Wow, it's already been 10 YEARS!! Where did the time go? It feels just like yesterday I was going to high school. This has been a very crazy 10 years. So much has happened -- both good and bad.

The Election of Barak Obama is probably the biggest achievment of this decade, maybe this century? It truly was a leap forward in American History and a day none of us will forget.

Another day we won't foget is 9/11. It was a day of great confusion and panic for -- well everyone. But at the end of the day, after all the tragedy and hardship, the most miraculous thing was probably the outpour of support from all nations. It was truly inspiring.

Of course, that day also snowballed and became the 8 year war in Iraq and Afhganistan. As much as we pushed forward, we also set ourselves back.

Another tragedy was the big stock market crash. Not since the great depression have we seen the ecomnomy crash like this. Many lost their jobs and some questioned whether our way of life could continue.

Its also been a great decade for Technology. Viral video and sites like Youtube, forever changed the way we view videos and send information. Also Facebook and twitter have had a great influence on communication.

But my favorite tech item this decade -- IPOD! I love this little thing. For years I bought CD after CD, and let me tell you it got really annoying. But now I can travel anywhere with thousands of my songs at my finger tips. THANK YOU MAC!

Video Games also had a giant evoultion this decade. With things like X-BOX live and online gaming, people have become more and more connected than ever before.

Blu-ray also changed home video. With it razor sharp pictures and revoultionary bonus features, it will surely be interestiing to follow this new technology as it heads into the next ten years.

The cinema has had a really unique decade. We saw the rise of the Superhero genre, the musical and most important to me -- the Animated Feature! There have been so many great films this decade, also many bad ones -- but the ONE thing that this decade has benefitted from is the focus on character. I gotta say, soo many big blockbuster films (Spider-man-harry potter and batman) opted for less action and more character driven plots. Which, I thought was a great choice.

Although the characters were great, this decade suffered a much bigger problem -- the loss of origiality. 90% of the films made this decade were either rehashes of past franchises or based on a comic or novel. Come on people, let's get some fresh ideas in here! Lets hope and pray that the next decade is a litle more -- original?

Network television also went through a similar creative slump. How man reality shows or cop drams can you count? But I must say, where netowrk TV suffered, Cable TV triumphed. Channels like HBO, Showtime, FX and AMC benefitted form great shows like -- The Sopranos, Entourage, True Blood, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Weeds, Mad Men and Rescue Me.

The Music scene also saw some new changes. The rise of Indie rock was a big moment. Bands like The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie and Broken Social Scene really changed the rock scene.

The pop scene also benefitted from some new fresh talent -- Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. But as much as things changed the more they stayed the same -- just like the 90's the latter half of the decade returned to the gilr and boy band craze with bands like Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers. Oh well.

One genre I had high hopes for was Rap. The decade began with such great potential with rappers like Eminem, Jay-Z and Outkast - to name a few, really pushing the game forward. But then we kinda fell off the wagon and rap kinda became about rappers telling everyone how fly they were and how much more money and ho's they got.

All in all I would say even if you didn't like this decade - it was pretty eventful. We shared some great memories and some hard times, but we all came out stonger than ever and lets hope these next ten years are even BETTER!

Top 50 Movies of the Decade:

1. Donnie Darko (2001)
2. The Dark Knight (2008)
3. The Incredibles (2004)
4. Minority Report (2002)
5. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
6. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
7. Star Trek (2009)
8. Superbad (2007)
9. Pan's Labyrinth (2005)
10. Finding Nemo (2003)
11. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
12. Wedding Crashers (2005)
13. Lilo & Stitch (2002)
14. X2: X-Men United (2003)
15. Constantine (2005)
16. Ratatoullie (2007)
17. Borat (2004)
18. Inglorious Basterds (2009)
19. The Hangover (2009)
20. Monsters, Inc (2001)
21. Casino Royale (2006)
22. Juno (2007)
23. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
24. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
25. The Prestige (2006)
26. Knocked Up (2007)
27. Iron Man (2008)
28. Talledega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
29. Wall-E (2008)
30. Clerks 2 (2006)
31. Lords of Dogtown (2002)
32. Zombieland (2009)
33. Spider-Man (2002)
34. The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
35. Harry Potter and the Prisioner of Azkaban (2004)
36. The Emeperor's New Groove (2000)
37. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
38. V for Vendetta (2005)
39. Monster House (2006)
40. Disturbia (2007)
41. Batman Begins (2005)
42. Kung-Fu Panda (2008)
43. Surf's Up (2007)
44. Old School (2003)
45. X-Men (2000)
46. Shrek (2001)
47. Transformers (2007)
48. School of Rock (2003)
49. Gladiator (2000)
50. The Departed (2006)

Top 10 Television Shows of the Decade

1. Entourage (2004-)
2. Smallville (2001-)
3. The O.C (2003-2007)
4. Supernatural (2005-)
5. Family Guy (re-launch) (2004-)
6. The Big Bang Theory (2007-)
7. The Colbert Report (2005-)
8. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-)
9. The Office (2003-)
10. Weeds (2005-)

The Top 50 Albums of the Decade

1. Because of the Times - Kings of Leon (2007)
2. Kid A – Radiohead (2000)
3. Elephant - The White Stripes (2002)
4. A Rush of Blood to the Head – Coldplay (2001)
5. The Eminem Show – Eminem (2002)
6. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – Phoenix (2009)
7. The Black Album – Jay-Z (2004)
8. Transatlanticism - Death Cab For Cutie (2003)
9. In Rainbows – Radiohead (2007)
10. Mute Math – Mute Math (2008)
11. Monkey Business – The Black Eyed Peas (2006)
12. Dear Science – TV on the Radio (2008)
13. Graduation – Kanye West (2007)
14. Aha Shake Heartbreak – Kings of Leon (2006)
15. Oracualr Spectacular – MGMT (2008)
16. Black Holes and Revelations – Muse (2006)
17. Set Yourself on Fire– Stars (2005)
18. Hybrid Theory – Linkin Park (2000)
19. Only By The Night – Kings of Leon (2008)
20. Bows + Arrows - The Walkmen (2004)
21. Narrow Stairs – Death Cab for Cutie (2008)
22. All That You Can Leave Behind – U2 (2000)
23. The Fame – Lady Gaga (2008)
24. Crisis – Alexisonfire (2007)
25. American Idiot – Green Day (2004)
26. Heavier Things – John Mayer (2003)
27. Street Gospels – Bedouin Soundclash (2008)
28. Kayla – MIA (2007)
29. The Airborne Toxic Event - The Airborne Toxic Event (2009)
30. Cage the Elephant – Cage the Elephant (2009)
31. Youth and Young Manhood – Kings of Leon (2003)
32. Swoon - Silversun Pickups (2009)
33. Sounding a Mosaic – Bedouin Soundclash (2005)
34. Funeral – Arcade Fire (2004)
35. Meteora – Linkin Park (2004)
36. Romance Bloody Romance – Death From Above 1979 – (2005)
37. Writer's Block - Peter, Bjorn and John (2006)
38. The Marshall Mathers LP – Eminem (2000)
39. Fantasies - Metric (2009)
40. Gimmie Fiction - Spoon (2003)
41. Watch Out! – Alexisonfire (2003)
42. Future Sex/Love Sounds - Justin Timberlake (2006)
43. Back to Black – Amy Winehouse (2007)
44. Plans – Death Cab For Cutie (2005)
45. One of the Boys – Katy Perry (2008)
46. Start Something – Lostprohets (2003)
47. Untitled – Blink 182 (2003)
48. Rock Steady – No Doubt (2001)
49. Love & Death – The Stills (2008)
50. In Our Bedroom After the War - Stars (2007)

The Top 50 Songs of the Decade

1. Lose Yourself - Eminem
2. Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
3. Knocked Up - Kings of Leon
4. Little House of Savages - The Walkmen
5. Wolf Like Me - TV On The Radio
6. Rebellion (Lies) - Arcade Fire
7. 99 Problems - Jay-Z
8. Somebody Told Me- The Killers
9. Paper Planes - MIA
10. Yellow - Coldplay
11. 1901 - Pheonix
12. Your Ex-Lover is Dead - Stars
13. Lazy Eye - Silversun Pickups
14. Taper Jean Girl - Kings of Leon
15. Supermassive Blackhole - Muse
16. Bigger Than My Body - John Mayer
17. The Scientist - Coldplay
18. Sound Of Settling - Death Cab For Cutie
19. Typical - Mute Math
20. Stan - Eminem
21. Wake Up -Arcade Fire
22. Bodysnatchers - Radiohead
23. Crawl - Kings of Leon
24. Mrs. Jackson - Outkast
25. No Transitory - Alexisonfire
26. Sex on Fire -Kings of Leon
27. A Movie Script Ending - Death Cab For Cutie
28. Ain't No Rest For The Wicked - Cage The Elephant
29. Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
30. Show Me How To Live - Audioslave
31. In The End - Linkin Park
32. The Way We Get By - Spoon
33. Beautiful Day - U2
34. St. Andrews - Bedouin Soundclash
35. Body of Years - Mother Mother
36. Daughters - John Mayer
37. Weapon - Matthew Good
38. All These Things That I've Done - The Killers
39. I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry
40. Dead Disco - Metric
41. I Miss You - Blink 182
42. Love Game - Lady Gaga
43. Without Me - Eminem
44. Complicated - Avril Lavigne
45. A Millie - Lil' Wayne
46. Pieces - Sum 41
47. Young Folks - Peter, Bjorn and John
48. Lisztomania - Phoenix
49. Holiday - Green Day
50. Try Honesty - Billy Talent

2009-03-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

Storybook

2009-03-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

2009-03-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

Comic

2009-01-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

BEST OF 2008

ALBUMS:

1. ONLY BY THE NIGHT - KINGS OF LEON

2. VIVA LA VIDA - COLDPLAY

3. STREET GOSPELS - BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH

4. ATTACK AND RELEASE - THE BLACK KEYS

5. ORACULAR SPECTACULAR - MGMT

6. KALA - MIA

7. CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY - THE RACONTEURS

8. I BELIEVE IN SANTOGOLOD - SANTOGOLD

9. THE COOL - LUPE FIASCO

10. ONE OF THE BOYS - KATY PERRY

SONGS:

1. SEX ON FIRE - KINS OF LEON

2. ELECTRIC FEEL - MGMT

3. STRANGE TIMES - THE BLACK KEYS

4. WALLS FALL DOWN - BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH

5. CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY - THE RACONTEURS

6. JUST DANCE - LADY GAGA (FT. COLBY O DONIS)

7. VIVA LA VIDA - COLDPLAY

8. SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH ME - COLD WAR KIDS

9. HOT N' COLD - KATY PERRY

10. UNTIL WE BURN BACK INTO THE SUN - BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH

11. CREATOR - SANTOGOLD

12. PAPER PLANES - MIA

13. VIOLET HILL - COLDPLAY

14. SUPERSTAR - LUPE FIASCO (FT: MATTHEW SANTOS)

15. TIME TO PRETEND - MGMT

16. LOVE LOCKDOWN - KAYNE WEST

17. CIRCUS - BRITNEY SPEARS

18. I DONT CARE - FALL OUT BOY

19. MERCY (REMIX) - DUFFY (FT: THE GAME)

20. SLEEPING SICKNESS - CITY & COLOR (FT: GORDON DOWNIE)

TELEVISION:

1. SMALLVILLE (The CW)

2. ENTOURAGE (HBO)

3. SUPERNATURAL (The CW)

4. WEEDS (SHOWTIME)

5. TRUE BLOOD (HBO)

6. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (NBC)

7. FAMILY GUY (FOX)

8. THE OFFICE (NBC)

9. THE HOUR (CBC)

10. THE DAILY SHOW/ THE COLBERT REPORT (COMEDY CENTRAL)

MOVIES:

1. THE DARK KNIGHT

2. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

3. KUNG FU PANDA

4. WALL-E

5. FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL

6. IRON MAN

7. THE WRESTLER

8. FROST/NIXON

9. THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

10. ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO

2008-07-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

THE DARK KNIGHT

Okay, so even though I couldn't wait for this film to come out, I still wasn't completley sure about it. All the hype surrounding it really made me unsure that it would live up to it. For example last year's Spider-Man 3, which I didn't hate, but didn't exactly live up to the hype it was said to be, made me weary about The Dark Knight, but as the weeks began to pass, the date became closer, positive reviews kept coming out I couldn't help but not get back into HYPE mode. As I sat in the theatre and the lights went down all I kept saying to myself was "Please don't suck", and boy did it not.

This is the best comic book movie I've ever seen, and not only the best film of the year, but maybe one of the best films I've ever seen. I know that when people usually list their favorite films they gotta be like 30 years old, but films like this further prove my point that we are living in another golden age of cinema. But enough about that lets get back to the film.

Christopher Nolan, one of my favorite directors has now edged his way higher on my list. The film was not only directed by him but he co-wrote it with his brother Jonathon. His vision of Gotham was so one the money, it would make Tim Burton blush. The way he shot this film was beautiful, one of my problems with Batman Begins was how he shot the fight sequences. He used too much steady cam and it made everything kinda blurry, but the fight scenes in this film were some of the best action sequences I've ever seen. I knew exactly where I was and where to look. His persistence to shoot things on set and in the camera instead of relying on CGI is so rare and is so effective. After every fight scene I cheered, because it was so well-done. Everything was there and for real especially a very impressive seen involving the explosion of a real hospital.

Everyone knows that the biggest hype around this film is surrounding Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker, and it is the best portrayal of any villian, comic book or regular film. But before I get into Heath I wanna say something about the rest of the cast. Reprising his duel role of Bruce Wayne and Batman is Christian Bale. This time around Christian got more into the detective side of Batman and made him more smarter and worthy of his title as a detective. He also showed an more vulnerable side of Batman, paralysed with the choice of taking a live to save the lives of others. Aaron Eckhart who plays Harvey Dent .a.k.a Two Face was also another great addition to the cast. He played Harvey Dent great and really made us sympathize with him until he turns into the psycho two-face, which I wont spoil here so go watch the film and see for yourself. One thing I wasn't so fond of was Maggie Gyllenhaal's portrayal of Rachel Dawes. I think both her and Katie Holmes were miss-cast. I think an actress like Kate Bosworth or Carla Gugino would have played Rachel more effectively, but it still wasn't a bad performance it just felt out of place. The supporting characters like Alfred (Michael Caine), Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) and Lieutenant Gordan (Gary Oldman) were each given more screen time and were more part of the story this time around, especially Gary Oldman as Gordan who gave one of the best performances in a long time. Okay now onto Heath. I still love Jack Nicholsan's portrayal as the Joker in 1989's Batman, but this was a totally different thing. Everyone is saying that he deserves an Oscar for this part, and before seeing this film I wasn't sure if it was a pity vote due to his death earlier this year, but after seeing this film I think not only should he get nominated he should get the Oscar. In fact this whole film should get nominated for Best Picture. Ledger played the Joker in a way I don't think anyone would have thought to play him. He was a slimy, psychopathic, intelligent creep with a hint of Alex from A Clockwork Orange and Hannibal Lector. I think this is one of the best portrayls of a villain in the history of cinema.

So if you don't know by now I really loved this film and I recommend you all go see this film, heck see it two or three times. I didn't get to see it in Imax, but what I saw in regular theatres was pretty damn good, so i assume Imax would be even better. Bravo Mr. Nolan, and I cant wait to see how you will top yourself if you choose to do a part three.

5 outta' 5

2008-04-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

MY TOP TEN FAVORITE VIDEOS OF ALL-TIME

You wont find videos like Thriller or Smells Like Teen Spirit on this list, even though they are great in their own right I picked some of the lesser know videos that people ten to forget. I've been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally found the time to do it, so enjoy My pick's for the top ten videos of all-time. Of course in about two years this list is gonna change, but whatever this is where I stand now.

1. Typical

By:Mute Math

Okay, so to start off the list I have Mute Math's Typical, which is probably the newest released video on my list, but I don't know why whenever people list the 'best of...', they think everything good happened over 20 years ago. I don't think just because something is new it can't be better than anything previous. Mute Math is a small band from New Orleans who broke out with a video that was so interesting it had over 5 million hits on You Tube. Why you ask? Because the entire video was shot backwards. I know that's nothing new, but the way they did was totally unique. No one had ever done a band performance backwards, or the lead singer never sang the song backwards. The video is just plain fun and totally blew my mind.

View Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAtXKS9ZxvM

2. D.A.N.C.E

By: Justice

My second pick is a great video by the group Justice. The video is simple, two guys just walking towards the camera, the real cool thing is what going on with their shirts. During the course of the video the two men's shirts begin to change designs to the beat of the song. The video is shot in black in white all except the t-shirt deigns which makes them more vibrant, especially with the colors they used. The song is catchy and the shirts are so cool to look at you'll wanna buy one yourself.

View Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8bwZf3vXjg

3. Here it goes again

By: OK GO

This video was on my list last year as one of my top videos of the year, but its so good it made it onto my all-time best list. OK GO's video is just so inventive and brilliant that its hard to not include. This video became such a phenomenon that it spawned so many copycat videos, but none can hold a candle to the original. The most amazing part is that it was all done in one take, its just a straight shot. Also the idea is just so original, no one has ever done something the ambitious or crazy. It's fun to watch and no matter how many times to see it, you cant help but asking yourself "how did they do that?"

View Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI

4. Seven Nation Army

By: The White Stripes

When this video first came out I couldn't take my eyes off it, it was just so cool. The beautiful black and red colors, the dizziness of the constant images flying by you and of course one of the greatest guitar riffs ever makes this one of the best rock videos ever made. The White Stripes always make great videos, but this one is they're best yet.

View Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j7huh5Egew&feature=related

5. Crazy

By: Gnarls Barkley

Similar to Seven Nation Army, this video is about images coming at you, the way it's done is totally different. The use of graphic art and the band members singing at you through paint blotches makes just a trippy cool video. The way the shapes fall into each other and form into is something so eye popping, and the song is also really catchy. Does putting this at #5 make my CRAZY?!

View Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd2B6SjMh_w

6. Da Funk

By: Daft Punk

I first saw this video when I was really young, but I loved it even then. The Spielberg of Music Videos Spike Jonez made something completely unique with this video. The funny thing is that video doesn't even make reference to the song, it follows around this half man half dog with a broken leg around the city. The video makes you ask so many questions, first off why is he a dog? Why does no one care that he's a dog? Why is his leg broken? Why is he carrying the radio around? It's a strange plot, but you can't help but not get into it. The video is also so epic it almost feels like a mini movie the way that it's shot. The character of the dog is so lovable you feel sorry for him as things don't exactly go as planned for him, especially when he meets an old girlfriend.

View Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZQ_vSDXXXI

7. Sabotage

By: The Beastie Boys

Not only are they one of my favourite artists out there, they make some of the weirdest videos around. This is another Spike Jonez classic mocking the old 70's cop dramas. The way this video is shot and the crazy the costumes the guys wear makes this video so funny. The quick cuts, the bad 70's hair and the car chases all add to the cheese of this video. The boys sell these characters by going totally into it and acting totally ridiculous. Pure Genius!

View Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4PN7Xbexq4&feature=related

8. Sledgehammer

By: Peter Gabriel

Being an animator/filmmaker I know how hard it is to do stop motion animation, but this video just takes the cake. Not only did Gabriel himself have to stand still for days on end, they had to put crazy stuff all over him. This is the greatest video of the 80's and one of the best animated things ever done.

View Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNdMi-Vw2N0&feature=related

9. Keep Fishin'

By: Weezer

The Muppets and Weezer, what's not to like? This video is just plain fun, that's it. There's nothing revolutionary about it, its just fun. The song's great, the story is funny and they managed to bring back the muppets to a starving audience.

View Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nQWTMaNII4

10. Just

By: Radiohead

Not only is this one of my favourite songs, it's one of my favorite videos. The whole video grabs you in right from the beginning. Why is this guy on the floor? and why can't he get up?When a large crowd begins to surround him they beg him to tell them why he's there, when he finally says it, the subtitles stop and all we see is his mouth moving, now unless you can read lips you'll never know what he says. That's whats so good about this video it keeps you guessing and just when you think you're gonna find out, you don't and it sticks in your head forever.

View Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5X7HKxpiQA

2008-04-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL

Now if you know me you'll know that I am a huge fan of Mr. Apatow's films. I have "The 40-year old virgin", "Knocked up" and "Superbad" all on my favorite films list, but they're gonna have to make room for one more, cause I absolutely loved Forgetting Sarah Marshall. This film comfortably sits on the shelf in the Apatow library. After being kinda disappointed with his last film "Walk Hard" I thought maybe his success is starting to wain a bit, but this film proved me wrong.

Right off the bat I gotta give big props to Jason Segel, the films star and writer. You may remember Mr. Segel from the failed TV-series "Undeclared" and as one of Ben's roommates in "Knocked up", but he's had a bit of trouble getting his own career off the ground. Segel himself said he was Un-employed for 5 years until he got things going with this script, which he says is actually a bit autobiographically. After seeing him in this film I have no doubts he can reach the same heights of his friend Seth Rogen. The script, like the other Apatow films is totally hilarious, with great dialouge and great character arcs. The lead character Peter played by Segel goes from being a depressed ex-boyfriend to learning how to become a independent man. Segel sells his character so well that you can't help not feel bad for the guy, he also bares it all literally in one of the funniest break up scenes in movie history. Kristen Bell of course plays TV-superstar Sarah Marshall, the girl we come to hate, but are still are somewhat in love with. Kristen's sweetness and beuaty made me truly feel Peter's struggle to let her go. Another great addition was that of Mila Kunis, who you may know best as Jakie from "That 70's Show". She plays a different type of character here named Rachel, a hotel manager who becomes a love interest for Peter. The character of Rachel differs from Sarah in the way they both treat Peter. Rachel challenges Peter to do what he wants and find out who he is, where as Sarah justwants Peter to grow up. Mila does a great job sheding her spoiled-brat character on That 70's Show that's made her so famous and really brings a heart to this character. However, the real scene stealer here is Sarah's new flamboient 'rock-star' boyfriend Aldous Snow played hilariously br Russell Brand. This guy is probably the funniest and most outrageous character in a movie I've seen in a long time. This guy is definetly on my radar, I look forward to see what he does next because he was just so damn funny. His character was a perfect fit for Sarah, becuase we find out during the course of the film how wrong they are for each other. Like every other Apatow film the usual hilariuous players show up like Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd and Bill Hader in tip top form. I appreciate that Apatow is so close with these guys that they all stick together, I never get tired of seeing them cause frankly they are just generally funny. I was kinda sad however that Seth Rogen didn't make an apperance, but he's having a crazy year as it is I mean you can't turn around without seeing him somewhere.

The actuall filming aspect of this film was actually really well done. The choice to set this film in Hawaii was a great opportunity to get some really nice shots, and the Director Nicholas Stoller did a great job exploring the island and making it feel like a great escape for Peter. Stoller also did a great job showing Peter and Sarah's past relationship with funny and intresting flashbacks including some funny scenes at movie premieres and such, showing how Sarah was the big star, and Peter was always just hanging back out of the picture. It really showed that even than they didn't work well with each other, even if Peter chose to ignore it and continue to think everything was fine.

Overall I would say that this was a great first effort of Jason Segel and another great film for the Apatow library. I can't wait to see this move again, and am looking forward to seeing what Segel has in store for us in the future. This film was a pleasent surprise and I loved every mintue of it.

5 outta 5!

2008-04-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

SPIDEY
STRETCH GIRL
STRETCH GIRL
MYSELF DRAWING

2008-03-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

JUST SOME DESIGNS OF THE SPIDER-MAN CAST.

COLORED IMAGES TO COME SHORTLY.

PETER PARKER

GWEN STACY

HARRY OSBORNE

J. JONAH JAMENSEN

SPIDEY

2008-03-14T20:39:00.001-07:00

2008-03-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

NEW STUFF

Just another incarnation of my Kira character.

It's really just an excuse for me to do more Illustrator work.

2008-03-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

RATATOUILLE WINS "BEST ANIMATED FEATURE"

AT THE 80th ACADEMY AWARDS!!

RATATOUILLE TOOK HOME "BEST ANIMATED FEATURE". EVEN THOUGH I THINK IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR BEST PICTURE, IT WAS STILL AN ACOMPLISHMENT TO SAY THE LEAST, AND WELL DESERVED. CONG'RAT'AULATIONS TO BRAD "THE MAN" BIRD AND THE REST OF THE GENIUS' AT PIXAR FOR THEIR THIRD BEST ANIMATED FEATURE WIN. THEIR PREVIOUS WINS WERE FINDING NEMO (2003) AND THE INCREDIBLES (2004).

EVEN THOUGH I'M GLAD BRAD AND THE GANG WON, IM STILL PISSED OFF AT THE NOTION OF "ANIMATED FILM" CATEGORY. ANIMATION IS NOT A GENRE, ITS AN ART FORM LIKE ANY OTHER MOVIE. IT SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE PUT IN ITS OWN CATEGORY, THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO COMPETE WITH ANY OTHR FILM. WHY IS THAT RATATOUILLE WAS NOMINATED ALONG SIDE OTHER FILMS FOR BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY, BUT COULDN'T BE NOMINATED FOR BEST PICTURE. I THINK THIS IS COMLPETE BULL#*%*! I THINK THE FILM THAT WAS THE BEST REVIEWED FILM OF THE YEAR (RATAOUILLE) SHOULD BE NOMINATED FOR BEST PICTURE. NOTHING AGAINST THE NOMINEES FOR BEST PICTURE, I LOVED JUNO AND I WANNA SEE NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, BUT I THINK RATOUILLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN UP THERE.

THAT'S MY COMMENT. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT.

2008-02-15T13:44:00.000-08:00

NEW SUFF!

2008-01-14T21:44:00.000-08:00

RATATOUILLE TAKES HOME A

GOLDEN GLOBE!!

Our favourite rat took home the Golden Globe last night for Best Animated Film. Congratulations to Brad Bird and the rest of the artist genius' at Pixar Animation Studios. It was well desereved, now lets just hope we take it again at the Oscars, let's not have another 'Happy Feet' fiasco please. I'm looking at you Beowulf!

2008-01-14T21:06:00.000-08:00

THE BEST SONGS OF 2007

1. ICKY THUMP -THE WHITE STRIPES

2. STARLIGHT - MUSE

3. YOU KNOW IM NO GOOD - AMY WINEHOUSE

4. BOILED FROGS - ALEXISONFIRE

5. TYPICAL - MUTE MATH

6. BORN LOSERS -MATTHEW GOOD

7. PRAYER OF THE REFUGEE - RISE AGAINST

8. TAKE ME TO THE RIOT - STARS

9. BACK TO BLACK - AMY WINEHOUSE

10. BODYSNATCHERS - RADIOHEAD

11. HARD SUN - EDDIE VEDDER

12. BACKED OUT ON THE... - KEVIN DREW

13. CHAOS - MUTE MATH

14. NEVERENDING WHITE LIGHTS - ALWAYS

15. NATURE OF THE EXPERIMENT - TOKYO POLICE CLUB

16. EFFECT AND CAUSE - THE WHITE STRIPES

17. ST. ANDREWS - BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH

18. HIP HOP IS DEAD - NAS

19. LAZY EYE - SILVERSUN PICKUPS

20. WALLS FALL DOWN - BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH

21. 1234 - FEIST

22. GRAVITY - JOHN MAYER

23. DIG - INCUBUS

24. LOVED STONED ( I THINK SHE KNOWS) - JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

25. NOTHING SPECIAL - ILL-SCARLETT

26. SHAKETRAMP - MARIANA'S TRENCH

27. ANYONE ELSE BUT YOU - THE MOLDY PEACHES

28. CAPITAL G - NINE INCH NAILS

29. READY TO FALL - RISE AGAINST

30. YOUNG FOLKS - PETER, BJORN AND JOHN

31. YOU DONT KNOW WHAT LOVE IS, YOU JUST DO AS YOU'RE TOLD - THE WHITE STRIPES

32. REHAB - AMY WINEHOUSE

33. SHADOW OF THE DAY - LINKIN PARK

34. THRASH UNREAL - AGAINST ME!

35. THIS AIN'T A SCENE IT'S AN ARMS RACE - FALL OUT BOY

36. GIVE IT TO ME- TIMBALAND FT. NELLY FURTADO AND JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

37. WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG - THE KILLERS

38. COMIN' HOME - CITY AND COLOUR

39. MOVE AWAY - THE KILLERS

40. LEVEL - THE RACONTEURS

41. NO HEAVEN - CHAMPION

42. PASSING THE HAT - COLD WAR KIDS

43. SOBER - KELLY CLARKSON

44. NO CARS GO - ARCADE FIRE

45. CLUMSY - FERGIE

46. THE WAY I ARE - TIMBALAND

47. YELLOW BRICK ROAD - RAINE MAIDA

48. THE GOOD LIFE - KANYE WEST

49. ANNA MOLLY - INCUBUS

50. DASHBOARD - MODEST MOUSE

2008-01-14T20:58:00.000-08:00

THE BEST ALBUMBS OF 2007

1.ICKY THUMP - THE WHITE STRIPES

2. BACK TO BLACK - AMY WINEHOUSE
3. MUTE MATH - MUTE MATH
4. IN RAINBOWS - RADIOHEAD
5. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE - MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK
6. HOSPITAL MUSIC - MATTHEW GOOD7. IN OUR BEDROOM AFTER THE WAR - STARS
8. SHOCK VALUE - TIMBALAND

2008-01-14T20:55:00.001-08:00

THE BEST TV SHOWS OF 2007

1.SMALLVILLE (THE CW)

2. ENTOURAGE (HBO)
3.FAMILY GUY (FOX)
4. THE HOUR (CBC)
5. WEEDS (SHOWTIME)
6. THE OFFICE (NBC)

2008-01-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

THE BEST FILMS OF 2007

1.RATATOUILLE

2.SUPERBAD

3. JUNO

4. KNOCKED UP

5. HARRY POTTER

AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX

6. THE SIMPSONS MOVIE

7. SURF'S UP

8. SWEENEY TODD:

THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

9. 300

10. I AM LEGEND

2007-12-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

SUPERBAD

Just a little drawing i did of Seth & Evan while watching Superbad. I think they look close enough to their real life counter-parts.

2007-12-06T12:32:00.000-08:00

Top Ten Christmas Movies/ Specials

By: Rob Tari

1. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (1965)

Christmas doesn't start until this airs on TV. Charles Shultz's classic tops my list of the best Christmas movies/ Specials. The voice acting might not be the most inspired (its kids for cryin' out loud) and the animation might be choppy and flat, but the story and meaning still sustain 42 years after its initial release. Vince Guaraldi's fabulous score is also something to be reconized. The jazzy undertone of the show is so upbeat and cool I even play it throughout the year.

Why I like it: Its the only special that actually tells the viewer the true meaning of Christmas. Linus in the midst of all the chaos interrupts and recites a passage from the bible depicting Christ's birth.

2. DR.SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (1966)

Mix the greatest storybook ever written with Chuck Jones, one of the greatest animation master's ever and you get one hell of an end result. The Grinch is probably the best animated and best Christmas story ever told. With the unforgetable song "You're a mean one Mr. Grinch" and the beautiful animation on the grinch's movements and expressions, this is something few people have ever topped.

Why I like it: Well obviously the animation is kick ass, but I like the fact that this is a completely original idea that dosent fall into the average 'chessey' christmas special section, it stands on its own.

3. ELF (2003)

Elf is the best thing to happen to Christmas cinema since Home Alone. The film works because it takes it self seriously. Director Jon Favreau doesn't dumb down to a 'kid' level to tell his story, he tells a truly heart-warming and very funny story about an elf trying to find his real father.

Why I like it: Will Ferrell's performance. Ferrell is a great character actor and he created a totally original character that captured your heart.

4. HOME ALONE (1990)

Ok everyone's seen this movie, I had the privlidge to see this in theatres, i was only 4 at the time, but I still fell in love with the absolute fun of this film. Like Elf, this is a totally original that has surprisingly very little to do with Christmas. The holiday is more of a setting than a plot point, but the concept and execution are still fantastic.

Why I like it: The final 15 mintues of the film is still some of the funniest scenes in movie history to this day.

5. TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993)

Ok, yes I know this was placed at #1 on my Halloween list, but I feel like this is more of a Halloween movie for me. I always watch this around Halloween more than I do than at Christmas. I dont know why but I do. Neverless, its still a great Christmas with some of the greatest stop motion animation in film history.

Why I like It: It still has one of the most zaniest plots in movie history, which adds to appeal. Also the meaning rings true today as it did 15 years ago, you shouldn't try to be something you are not, I know of a few people that should take that advice to heart.

6. RUDOLPH: THE RED NOSED REINDEER (1964)

The animation may be primative to today's standards, and the dialouge is the cheese, but you can't resist watching this every year its on. Rudolph is still one of the most colorfull, visually stunning and funnest specials to watch.

Why I like it: I love the look of this film, the sets, the character designs, and especially Burl Ive's Sam the snowman narrator.

7. THE SANTA CLAUSE (1994)

Tim Allen's best role aside of Buzz Lightyear. Much like Elf and Home Alone this film is another example of a great story and one that takes it self seriously. Or should I say did, have you seen Santa Clause 2 & 3? (shudder) But this film is a rare gem and still ranks as one 0f Christmas' highest grossing film's of all-time, and deservingly so.

Why I like it: The cool design of the North Pole still hasnt been topped.

8. TOY STORY (1995)

Okay, I know what your thinking, how can Rob rank his favorite movie of all-time at #8? We'll to be fair this really isn't a Christmas film. Yes there is a little Christmas scene in the final two mintues of the film, but thats not why its on my list. Not only did this film come out during the '95 Chrismtas season, its about Toys! Toys are just as accoiated with Christmas as Santa is.

Why I like it: Do I really have to tell you?

9. GREMLINS (1983)

Yes! It made the list. The most violent family Christmas movie ever made. Like Home Alone this film uses Christmas as a backdrop rather than a story point, but its set during Christmas so it makes the cut. The robotics used for Gizmo and the rest of the Gremlins is are kinda old fashioned now, but I still fall in love with them each time I watch it, so they did something right I guess.

Why I like it: Gremlins take over the town, what;s not to like?

10. DR. SEUSS'S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (2000)

I'm sure I gonna get some flack for putting this on the list, but I really like this film. I do agree it dosen't match the cartoon version's charm or spark, but this was a great film by itself. Jim Carrey's performance was top notch, he was born to play this role. He should have gotten an Oscar nomination for this picture.

Why I like it: The film took Seuss' drawing s and brought them to live so beatifully, the set design is still something to marvel at.

2007-12-05T18:51:00.000-08:00

JUST SOME SKETHES I DID, YOU KNOW KEEPING BUSY

2007-11-20T19:41:00.000-08:00

Spider-Man

This is a sketch I did that I really liked and ended up coloring in illustrator, which for those who know me is a rare thing. I hardly ever spend the time to colour in my sketches. Actually the background webs is just the actual sketch i scanned in, but I just inverted the colors and got a surprisingly cool outcome.

2007-11-19T10:28:00.000-08:00

ZIP ZERVICE

THIS IS MY IDEA OF A 50's STYLE AD FOR A SPACE FAST FOOD JOINT.

2007-11-15T15:29:00.000-08:00

ITS A JUNGLE OUT THERE!

2007-11-13T13:24:00.000-08:00

COMMENCE PLAN 10!!!!

THIS IS JUST A LITTLE DIGITAL PIECE I DID WHILE I WATCHED ED WOOD, BUT I'VE COME TO REALLY LIKE IT.

2007-10-04T18:22:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN KIDS
JUDE THE VAMPIRE
FRISCO THE CAT
CHARLIE
KIRA
TABITHA THE WITCH
TABITHA THE WITCH

2007-07-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE

Well..... It's been 18 years and it's finally hear. In my entire life I never heard more speculation about something than the possibility of a Simpson movie. It was like every year I was hearing that it was gonna happen, and I was skeptical about this time too, but here we are, and man was it worth the wait.

Now I'm not saying this is the best movie ever, it's not. But it is a great movie, one of the best of the year and a great addition to the Simpson's legacy.

The film was the funniest thing I'd seen all year, I think this may even top Knocked Up as the funniest movie of the year, even though they are totally different styles of humor, I laughed uncontrollably throughout this entire film. The story was really good and also in some places heart wrenching. From Bart being so fed up with Homer's bad parenting once and for all, to the most serious marriage problem between Homer and Marge in the history of the series, this was a truly touching story about family and what it means to be a parent and a spouse.

And did I mention this film was hilarious?

The animation was really nice too, nothing spectacular like Ratatouille, but it was more polished than the regular series animation. I was still amazed how much of this film was sent out to Korea, if you wait until the end of the credits you'll see like 2 minutes of Korean names. Lol.

The film, as great as it was, still couldn't top the emotion I felt being there that night. If anything other than Toy Story has impacted my life it's The Simpsons. As I grew up, everyone from my friends to my family would quote lines from the show at random, and everyone knew what they were talking about, and laugh. It was such a international thing that it became part of our lives. I bet everyone in the world knows who Homer Simpson is and has said D'oh atleast once. That night everyone in that theatre was a Simpson fan and grew up watching that show and was excited to see that movie. I mean they've been around for 18 years, Bart's practically our brother. As the film began and the clouds parted and the Simpsons logo came on screen as it had for 18 years ,the theatre erupted in applause and cheers. Nothing will ever top the feeling of seeing them on the big screen with that many people laughing hysterically along with me. Nothing!

I give THE SIMPSONS MOVIE

5 D'oh's outta 5

2007-07-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

Best and Worst of 2007 So Far.

Best Films of 2007 so far

Ratatouille

Spider-Man 3

Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix

Knocked Up

300

Reno 911: Miami

The Worst Films of 2007 so far:

Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End

Shrek the Third

TMNT

Zodiac

Smokin' Aces

The Invisible

Best Song of 2007 so far.

Icky Thump - White Stripes

Worst Song of 2007 so far:

Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne

2007-07-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

RATATOUILLE

What a movie! Pixar and Brad Bird are like hamburgers and french fries, they just work. Ratatouille is the studio and director's second film together, and although "Rat" falls a bit short of their first film together "The Incredibles", it is still one of the best animated films I've seen since....well...The Incredibles.

Like Toy Story, I think this is a film that Walt Disney would have really enjoyed. When I watched it I couldn't help but think of Pinocchio or Dumbo. The whole idea of The rat and the human working together is so 1940's. This film is also another milestone in how far CG has really come, the character rigs were so well put together it looked as if the characters were hand drawn rather than digital. Finally CG has proven that it could at least mimic the animation style of 2D animation. The fur and cloth was another area where the geniuses at pixar really cranked it up a notch, the fur and hair was much more pliable this time rather than on The Incredibles or Monsters, Inc, it looked as if the animators had more freedom with it's movements.

The story was very well told and totally ADULT. And when I say that I don't mean they were vulgar or sexual, it just wasn't dumbed down to what other studios like to call a "kid's level". I do have to say some of the kids in the theatre were finding it hard to sit in their seats, during the dialogue scenes, but that's because it was over there heads. I applaud Pixar for making films, and not having to worry about if kids could sit through it. I know children that can't sit through Snow White, what does that show you?

The voice acting was amazing. Patton Oswalt was a great choice for Remy, he had such a great energy in his voice, I loved every moment he was on screen. Lou Romano, who is a story artist at Pixar was actually pretty good as Linguni, he was kinda uncomfortable to hear in some scenes, but overall his performance was good. Another Pixar employee Peter Sohn, voiced Remy's brother Emile. He was a great choice, his voice was so perfect for the mouse it seemed as if the mouse was actually talking, not mouthing the words to the actor's voice. Like the raccoon was in "Over the Hedge" with Bruce Willis' voice. Peter O' Toole was fantastic as Anton Ego, give this guy a freaking Oscar already! Even as a voice actor he is brilliant, but the real scene stealer was Ian Holm as Skinner. This was the best example of a classic Disney villains, he reminded me of Peg leg Pete or Captain Hook. His energy was just great and over the top, especially the fact that his character is like three feet tall. Other great performances to note were from Jeanene Garofolo as Colette who put on a surprisingly good French accent, Brain Dennehy as Remy's father and the always great Brad Garret as Chef Gustaeu.

The animation was to die for. Every animator stuck in a rut looking for inspiration GO WATCH RATATOUILLE! After coming out of that place I was racing home to animate. The way they moved the characters was literally unlike anything I've seen in animation. This is the one area where they topped The Incredibles. They way the characters moved with squash and stretch was definite proof that 3D can be an art form rather than a way to make quick and cheap crappy animation. The facial expressions were really what stole the show, Remy the rat was so expressive, especially the fact that he was silent for much of the scenes, you really felt what he was thinking. One scene in particular where Remy accidentally falls into the kitchen and tries to run out to the window back to safety but keeps stopping to put more ingredients in a soup. When he stops each time, you see him thinking of what he needs to put in the soup, a beautiful piece of character animation. This scene is part of the nine minute clip available on the Internet, I recommend every animator check it out.

All in all this was a great animated film, not the best ever, but certainly one of Pixar's best. Brad Bird has certainly proven that he is a great director and worthy of Walt Disney or John Lasseter status. Ratatouille is the best film of the summer by far and as it looks maybe even the best of the year. Brad Bird keep making films with Pixar and Pixar keep making films with Brad Bird. Together you are unstopable.

5 outta 5

2007-06-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

NEW STUFF

2007-05-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

Pirates of the Caribbean:

At World's End

After the tremendous effort made on Dead Man's Chest I was looking forward to seeing the final chapter of the Pirates saga. Only this wasn't what I was expecting. If Dead man's Chest is Pirates' 'Empire Strikes Back', At World's End is definitely 'The Phantom Menace.' of the saga. The only thing is I kinda like Phantom Menace. I didn't like At World's End.

WHAT A PIECE OF GARBAGE!!!!!

Now I know you saying, Rob is the guy that praised Spider-Man 3, which is still a far better movie than At World's End by the way, why should I trust him. You probably shouldn't, but I love movies more than Roger Ebert himself, but I love characters more. Granted Jack Sparrow is the Luke Skywalker of this generation, I agree with that, but a character is only good as his/her character arc. I thought Sparrow's would come to a successful end, but man was I wrong. Sparrow ends the saga the same way he entered, a selfish pirate. I thought that was great, for an opening, but to really care for a character they gotta be surprising and go through an evolution, Sparrow stays relatively the same since Pirates 1. But surprisingly Sparrow is still the best part of this film, shows how little the film has to offer.

Unless your fluent in 18th century English, or pirate scuffle, you'll get lost in the dialogue, and ofter lose your place. And its not like the writer's or directors help you out, no they leave you behind to hopefully catch up and find your way. The scenes are often long an boring, leaving me anyhow looking at my watch. Serioulsy, that's not a joke.

The acting was cheese except for Johnny Depp and Geffory Rush. They were the best parts of the film, to bad they had such a drab script to carry. Orlando Bloom was so tacked on and flat as always, and Kira Knightley was just ok, but still hot...so shes ok in my books. LOL. The Pirate Lord's were kinda boring, because they didn't really do much. And would it hurt ILM to make on at least a cool creature character? Come on.

The effects were solid and the action scenes were ok, not at all as fun as Dead Man's Chest. Davey Jones had a cool little storyline with the weird Voodoo chick that could have been cool if it only was better fleshed out. I won't spoil it so I'll stop there, but technically he was done very well, again.

The story had a weird vibe too it. It was much darker and violent than the past two. Now Dead Man's Chest was dark to, but it was fun also. This time around I didn't really feel it.

overall a big letdown, but it will still make zillions of dollars, hopefully won't beat Spider-Man 3's record setting opening on account that it is more deserving than this trash.

2 out of 5

And that's mostly because of Johnny Depp and ILM.

2007-05-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

These are three main characters for a story I'm thinking of. Just a few sketches to start thinking of clothing options. The story is set in the year 3000 so I thought I'd have to make them look different from today a bit, but still pleasing to the eyes.

Any cool clothing refernces that you know of could help me out a lot.

2007-05-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER STUDY OF MY CHARACTER OF ZAK

2007-05-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

ROUGH BLUE LINE DRAWING

FINISHED INK DRAWING

2007-05-10T13:55:00.001-07:00

2007-05-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

CLAIRE & PETER FROM "HEROES"

MORE HEROES COMING SOON

2007-05-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

SPIDER-MAN 3

All I can say is SCREW ALL YOU REVIEWERS!

All I kept hearing from people is how Spider-Man 3 was not as good as they thought, but it was better and more than I thought it would be. I have not been so sure that I loved a film so much right after seeing it since Toy Story. I loved both Spider-man and Spider-man 2, but this totally exceeded my expectations. Maybe the not so good reviews lowered my expectations, but I totally loved this film, and here's why.

First the hot button, the over stuffing of the cast, everyone thinks there's too many villains and too many plot points, I couldn't disagree more. I'm not saying that this was the only possible way to do this storyline, but Sam Raimi did it very well. The way he made Peter a little more ego-tistic in this film was so perfect. He didn't come out and be all "I'm the best", no, he was just a little bit too amazed at how much the city loves him and he embraced it a little too much. The black suit was also done well, Peter was a guy that if he was told he was being an ass he would stop faster than he can spin a web. The black suit took him to a place that he couldn't come back from. Evil Peter was also fun to watch, he had his share of ass-ness, but mostly he was just Peter to the max. Everyone is expecting Peter to turn all evil like Eddie Brock, but the black suit doesn't change you, it enhances your aggression and cancels out your inhibitions. Deep down Peter is still a nerd, so it made him more nerdy, but more of a confident nerd. I love the role Gwen Stacy played, she was used by black-Peter to get MJ jealous, but she wasn't a home wrecker she actually felt bad that she was used to make MJ jealous.

The whole Harry and Peter story was told well, I don't wanna spoil anything but it really takes unexpected turns. Flint Marko a.k.a. Sandman was done very well, in the comics he was a thug that got his DNA mixed with sand and that's it, in this film hes more than that, He's a caring divorced father that made some bad choices in the past to help his sick daughter. The whole storyline of him actually being the killer of uncle Ben may get some fans mad, but I think the way Raimi worked it out very well, it made Peter more angry and fueled his rage. Eddie Brock was one of my favorite characters of the film, for a character that seems like he's in it for a small portion has actually got some major screen time, and is very amusing to watch. Venom is just a feast for the eyes, very well done, every fan should rejoice.

The acting was top notch, Tobey Maguire did an amazing Peter and a more amazing Bad Peter. You can tell he had fun with this side of Peter. Kirsten Dunst really did well as MJ, making you feel for her when you realize Peter really isn't there for her. James Franco did his best portrayal as Harry yet, and not to reveal spoilers I'll leave it at that. Topher Grace was SOOOOOOOOOOO good as Eddie Brock, totally blowing away any doubts about him pulling it off. He really was fun. Thomas Hayden Church was a great Sandman, not only did he look the part, he actually brought a sincere honesty to the character. Bryce Dallas Howard did a great job as Gwen Stacy, and she looked and acted so beautifully. All the regulars were back, Rosemary Harris did a great job as Peter's moral support Aunt May. J.K Simmons did a hilarious job as J. Jonah Jamenssen again, and Bruce Campbell did a great job in his re-accuring cameo. I'm not saying who he plays, but its his best cameo yet.

Sam Raimi, this man has brought Spider-man to a whole new level and keeps doing it in this film. His storytelling is so good, and in this film its almost flawless. Part one and two both had some pacing issues, but this was just perfect. There was enough spidey action to please fans, but he never lets us forget that this is Peter's story, not Spider-man. When I watched this film I thought, this is a man that loves this character and did him justice again. The film was again very well shot, there were a number of Sam Raimi shots that were classic Sam Raimi, but also some new techniques that I found very interesting.

The FX were to die for. Best Visual Effects Oscar right now, I don't know how Pirates will top this. The fight scenes were so cool, it felt like a real comic book come to life. The sandman scenes were just genius, after taking particle effects and dynamics in maya, I know how hard that is to do, and boy did they raise the bar. Venom was very well done too, he really looked like Todd Macfarlene's drawings, I was very impressed.

One thing I was afraid of was the absence of Danny Elfman, my favorite film composer of all-time. But the new guy Christopher Young did a good job filling in his big shoes and stayed true to Elfman's tone of the film. He kept the Spider-man theme the same, but created a great new theme for the black suit Spider-man, which sounds very Incredibles-ish) and chillin but catching new themes for Sandman and Venom.

All in all this film was one of the most enjoyable films I've ever seen, I stood in line for 2 hours, and it was well spent. I also was lucky enough to see it with a great crowd that was very applause-happy. I left the theater very entertained and inspired. Inspired to one day make films that younger generations will wait in line for two hours to see in great anticipation as I was tonight, hopefully I'll deliver like Spider-Man 3 did.

5 out of 5

2007-05-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

HIRO & ANDO FROM "HEROES"

MORE "HEROES" CAST COMING EVERY WEEK OR SO.

2007-04-29T19:37:00.001-07:00

2007-04-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

HE'S COMING BACK

5 DAYS AND COUNTING

2007-04-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

NEW STUFF

2007-04-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

HE'S COMING BACK:

11 DAYS AND COUNTING

2007-04-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

SCHOOL'S OUT FOREVER!!

Three years, and it went by soo quickly.

I can't even begin to tell you how fun these past three year were, I met so many great and talented people during my time in the Seneca Animation Program. I learned so much from them, how to get an idea across, staging, acting principles, drawing skills, how to use a software like maya (Frankie that especially means you).........the list goes on. Everyone in this picture, and even those who weren't featured mean so much to me, you've all changed my life and made me a better animator. I find it hard to believe that I'll forget you guys, when you spend hours like 8am-midnight 7 days a week for three years with people it's kinda hard to forget them. One day I hope we all meet again and maybe even become colleagues in the workforce.

Thanks to all and best of luck in the future!

2007-04-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

HE'S COMING BACK

18 DAYS AND COUNTING

2007-04-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

HE'S COMING BACK

24 DAYS AND COUNTING

2007-04-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

This was a painting I did for my pops for Christmas and I'm now finally posting it. I am the first to admit that I am not the most skilled painter, thats why all the members of the band are done in pencil crayon, a tool I'm more comfortable in. All the rest is done in paint. I really like this piece, I rarley do things like this so I'm very pleased at how it came out.

2007-04-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND.....MORE DRAWINGS!

2007-04-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

HE'S COMING BACK

32 DAYS AND COUNTING

2007-03-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

TMNT

Finally a title I can pronounce, too bad the film sucked.

When I first got a glimpse of the teaser for TMNT last year, I couldn't find enough people to show, and now it's finally here. Now before I go one lets rewind about 17 years, I was three when the teenage mutant ninja turtles bug bit me. That was when the turtles were bigger than Jesus. They had a hit cartoon series and 3 movies out that at that age were on the same bar as Citizen Kane. I am now 20 and I still consider myself to be a kid, just with a beard, so I was very excited to watch a new turtles film, but nothing would prepare me for this.

CRAP! that was the general word that traveled through the packed theatre that opening night at 10:05 pm. The theatre was so packed with people my age, all there to rekindle their childhood memories, all were disappointed at what we were seeing. I thought after turtles part II when they started line dancing with Vanilla Ice, it couldn't get any worse, but alas I am again proven wrong. I don't think kids would have even enjoyed this crap.

The story sounded like it was written by the producers dog, Some ancient warrior bullshit and some stupid aligning of the stars crap story mixed in with a hokey brotherly feud with the turtles. AGGG!!! Why oh why don't people know how to tell stories anymore. The turtles story would have been good, I love when directors put emotional burdens on top of the hero's shoulders, it brings drama which is always good. But it was ruined by cheesy jokes, dialogue that sounded worse than a old dubbed Japanese movie, and horrible kid punk songs that sounded worse than Simple Plan, actually I think some of it was Simple Plan songs

((shudder)).

The voice acting was also terrible, the one that stood out the most was Splinter. His voice sounded like they recorded an old Japanese man right in the morning before he brushed his teeth, every line sounded like he was asleep or about to die. The turtles were OK, they all sounded the same as always, Mikey kinda got on my nerves, he got over the top sometimes. April O' Neil was voiced by Sarah Michelle Geller who added nothing to the character, she wasn't even a reporter in this film. You could almost hear Sarah Michelle Geller counting her money over the voice track. Another money grab was Patrick Stewart as the somewhat villain of this story, he must have been high reading those lame lines, oh ya i forgot $$$

The animation, finally a part that hits a lil' close to home for me, this was the only thing that saved this film. The animation wasn't bad, unless the characters weren't fighting. The fight scenes were kick ass, the turtles finally fought like they should, like in the comics, But some of the dialogue was out of sync and the animation was a bit floaty. The lighting was very nice, great job during the rain scenes, it actually looked really nice. But that couldn't save this sinking ship.

Overall this film was a big let down, coming off of 300 I thought this was gonna be a great lead into the summer wave of films, but I guess we hit a lil' speed bump, or a speed shell in this case.

I give the TMNT,

1 outta 5 pizza loving turtles

May God have mercy on us all!

2007-03-15T18:21:00.001-07:00

Smallville: Promise

Well it's been on hiatus for a month but it's finally here, new Smallville episodes. HOOOORAY!!!
We start back with the climatic Luthor-Lang wedding, and brother this was no doubt one the best episodes of the series. Bold claim eh? Well I explain...

This season began with "Zod", another one of my favourite episodes, but the season kinda had it's ups and downs, but when it hit a high, it was HIGH boy. Promise was a great episode for so many reasons, for one it had a great story, Clark's arch enemy Lex Luthor marrying the love of his life Lana Lang. Already that's a pretty engaging storyline, but the director Rick Rosenthal, a Smallville director regular, took it to a whole new level. The story took place all in one day, but shown through three different perspectives Clark's, Lex's and Lana's. It was so different from what a Smallville episode usual is. This put me in mind of past episodes like "Crusade" and "Reckoning" where the episodes were shot differently than the usual Smallville fare. The episode was also beautifully shot, every episode of Smallville is, but this one had such great camera angles, lighting and the settings were just so perfect.

The script penned by Smallville veterans Brain Peterson and Kelly Souders was just terrific. The dialogue was great, which is good, because sometimes the dialogue in a Smallville episode sounds like it was written by George Lucas. The big event of this episode wasn't just the i do's, it was the reveal of Clark's secret to Lana. Six years in the making and finally Lana found out about Clark's secret. The cool thing is that fans always imagined Lana finding out by Clark telling her, but she actually found out by spying on Clark and seeing him use his powers. The other cool thing was after seeing this she was about to leave Lex hanging at the altar, but Lionel put a stop to it and said that "if she didn't marry Lex he would kill Clark". So Lana regretably married Lex, and Clark now thinks Lex pressured her to marry him. The other thing were the dream sequences, Lex's was the coolest, seeing his babies ultra-sound and revealing that it was some sort of monster. Could that mean that Lex and Lana's baby isn't human? We'll soon find out.

The actors were their finest this whole season, Kristen Kreuk was so good as Lana. Lana has become a hated character because of her wining and constant sadness, but this episode her character was very well done. I actually felt bad for her situation, rather than wish her scenes would go by faster. Lex was as evil as ever in this episode. In one scene he meets with Lana's doctor in the crypt underneath the wedding chapel, the doctor tells Lex that he is going to tell Lana the truth about her baby unless Lex gives him 2 million dollars...blah...blah...the same old black mail thing right? Wrong. Lex starts wailing on the guy, beating him to a bloody pulp until hes dead, and then hides the remains in the crypt's coffin. A really great Lex moment. Clark was also great, I love seeing Superman, the strongest man to ever live, at his weakest. I feel really bad for him. Lionel has once again to be a mystery, he began this season on Clark's side and now is threatening his life, I must say I am glad to see the old asshole Lionel back, but I'm curious to see his intentions.

This season began really strong with episodes like Zod, but kinda cooled off by doing too much episodes with the Green Arrow, he was cool but he kinda overshadowed Clark a bit. But since January this season has been pumping out some of the best episodes of the entire season. Who would have thought Smallville would still be doing great episodes in its sixth season.

Go Smallville WOOO!!!

5/5

2007-03-11T20:20:00.002-07:00

300

Well it was just a little over a year ago when I first heard about 300, this was the time when the only synopsis for the film was "coming 2007". And now it was just released three days ago, and actually just made a cool $70 mill at the box office. Could March be on the way of becoming the new May? whatever that's a whole other topic, lets get on with this.

Right off the bat 300 was a great movie. Not flawless, but a great movie nonetheless. The acting was strong, it was visually pleasing and the characters were really cool. As a man who loves Greek mythology I was pleasantly surprised at the way director Zack Snyder blended this historic tale with the world of mythology. Now it wasn't like they added in centaurs or Medusa or anything, all though that would be cool, it was incorperated in to the film. The Persians, described as "immortals" were portrayed as these beasts, and even one of the characters was a hunchback type character.

One thing I couldn't get over was the colour in that film. You now that magic hour that comes around 4:30-5pm when the sky is Orange-yellow, OK now imagine pouring that over a whole film. It may sound weird, but that colour flatters this film so much, the red robes the Spartans wear stand out so much that you cant keep your eyes off them, which is a clever plot device. The effects were very cool, the CG rhino and elephant were really cool, but if they were on film for one more frame they would have bridged the way of looking too computer-ish, but Snyder I guess new this, a quality that many of today's filmmakers don't share.

The slow-moes, ok the slow-moes are an acquired taste. Personally I don't always like slow-moes, mainly cause no one knows how to pull them off, but this film really pulled it off. I think Snyder knew the right amount to put in especially when he would shake it up from going from slow motion to really fast motion to slow again, really felt kinda cool. Now this could be a problem for some, but I say it was cool, and it's my blog. So it's cool.

Now onto the part that can be argued, the story. Now the story is more of a heroic tale rather than a story. This isn't Gladiator or Spartacus, this a simple story with one reason, 300 FUCKIN' Spartans fight thousands of FUCKIN' Persians. That's it. Snyder did do some character archs with the King Leonidas and his fellow soldiers but characters like the Persian king Xerxes, were more like flesh comic book characters, but in this film that's ok, because he was well executed. Xerxes had such power and command you knew from the beginning that he was in charge. That's all you need.

Tyler Bates did a wonderful score. Unlike Hans Zimmer or James Newton Howard, that usually get attached to these kind of films, Bates' score was very powerful, the battle sequences were so intense and thematic I thought Metallica was gonna appear outta nowhere and start rockin out. Bates also slowed down during the more slower scenes, like with Leonidas and his Queen. Very cool score, look out for Tyler Bates, he's about to get very popular very quickly. So is director Zack Snyder, other than 300 Snyder was responsible for bringing back Dawn of the Dead to screens back in 2004. I think this is a better film, but its still not a bad body of work. He's slated to bring Alan Moore's Watchman to the big screen, hopefully he'll bring to justice to the genius of Alan Moore to the screen, cause The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen was GARBAGE!. Ok V for Vendetta was a good example of a Alan Moore comic brought to screen ...."do one like that Zack."

Overall I give this film a 5 outta 5. I really enjoyed it, I consider this the kick off to the summer glut of films, even thought its March. I was heavily entertained, I applauded at many parts, and I went to bed that night sayin', 10 bucks well spent.

5 outta 5

2007-02-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

OSCAR 2007

What the hell went on with the Oscars last night?

Is it me or did the Oscars feel very weird last night, every long-shot won last night. It was almost like the Oscars theme was, lets make every winner a surpirse. I bet no one this year could have imagined The Departed winning Best Picture. Happy Feet beating Cars for Best Animated Feature, even though its not animated? Alan Arkin winning Best Supporting Actor for Little Miss Sunshine. And Pan's Labyrinth losing Best Foreign Film.

They had some good choices though, finally giving Martin Scorsese his Best Director Oscar, I wouldn't say The Departed was his best film, or the film he should win the Oscar for, but I'm glad he finally got one for all of his great films he's made.

Either the Oscar judges were on some serious crack last night, or this year they didn't want the real winners to win, they just wanted to create a sense of surprise.

2007-02-06T19:49:00.000-08:00

Pan's Labyrinth

I saw this movie a couple of weeks ago, and havent found the time to review it, but I found some spare time today and felt this needed to be said. THIS FILM ROCKS! I don't even feel like calling it a film does it justice, it's truly a work of art.

Writer/Director Guillmero Del Toro (Hellboy, The Devil's Backbone) did a fantastic job in creating one of the greatest hybrid films ever. World War II and Fairy Tales. It may seem like a weird concept, but the two worlds are weaved so seamlessly. The story follows Ofelia, a little girl whos is brought to a new home by her pregnant mother. This new home is owned by Captian Vidal, a strict and mean army captian who is marrying Ophelia's mother, mainly for his child she's bearing. When Ophelia arrives to the house, she wanders of into the backyard where she finds a secret labyrinth. In it is a mysterious Pan or (Fauno in Spanish), brilliantly designed and executed if I might add. The faun tells Ophelia that she is a princess of a lost city, and the only way to return to it is to complete three tasks. Ophelia must now complete these tasks while not letting captian Vidal in on what shes doing.

The film is beautifully shot, Del Toro really wisks you into this world and makes you believe it actually exsists. The design of some of the fantasy characters are just stunning, as an artist I really enjoyed the fantastic element the designs had. I also liked the fact that Del Toro didn't feel the need to use too much CGI. The film uses very little of it actually, a lot of the effects were done but make up and puppetering, an art form in itself that has suffered a rapid decline since the recent accomplishments in computer animation. Another interesting thing is that the entire film is in Spanish, with english subtitles. But after about ten minutes, you forget about it, your just so wrapped up in the story.

The acting was amazing. Ivana Baquero who plays Ophelia did an great job for a child actor. Usually you get flat performances out of them, but she kept the film alive and carried it. Doug Jones who played Pan or (Faun in Spanish) did a great job with his manerisms, he really felt like a wise old grandfatherly type figure, who happened to be a faun. Sergi Lopez did a magnificant job portraying Captain Vidal, a villian that you just hated but also enjoyed to watch on screen. I should probably mention the supporting cast also did a great job. Overall a great job on acting all across the board.

All in all the film was spectacular, I havent seen a film in a while that I can immediatley put as one of my favourites of all-time right after seeing it since The Incredibles, in 2004. I recommend it to everyone. It is rated R, and it is kinda gory in some scenes so I wouldnt recommend it for kids under 11 or 12, but defenetly a treat for adults. It takes you back to when you were a child and you found beauty and wonder in everything, whether it be a positive or negative situation.

5 out 5!

2007-01-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

New Stuff

Posiden, God of the Sea

2006-12-27T11:06:00.001-08:00

2006 A YEAR IN REVIEW

Well another year is over, and its time again for me to list my most memorable moments of 2006. Yes, 2006 had its moments of both happiness and sadness.

2006 was the year when us at the Animation Arts Center (AAC) said goodbye to our lightables and cubicles, and enbarked on our journey into the world of computer animation. It was terrifying, I won't lie, but we stuck it through the whole semester without jumping off the fourth floor of tel building. Especially me. I feel as I enter second and FINAL semester, I am a little more confident with myself, even if my animation looks like a monkey just mashed the keyboard.

2006 was the year of celebrity stupidity. Yes, stupidity was the in thing this year. From Mel Gibson's Jew-bashing rants to Michael Richards N-word fiasco, Hollywood really showed its class. How could anyone forget Britney's underwear incident, or non underwear incident. Smooth Brit real smooth. Or when Danny Devito showed up drunk on the view, Actually I have more respect for him for that, bad example. And of course Paris Hilton, I just Fuckin hate Paris Hilton so I dont care what she did she still a moron. All in all this year truly was the year hollywood put its foot in its mouth.

2006 also brought the deaths of some of hollwood's best. Peter Boyle, who was well known for portraying the monster in Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" and of course portraying Frank Barone on CBS's hit "Everybody Loves Raymond": died on Decenber 13, "(my birthday -eeek) Also another true hollywood legend and a pioneer in animation, Joseph Barbera. He was reasponsible for such tv hits as "The Flintstones" and "The Jetsons", and if anyone needed me to tell you that shame on you. On Christmas Day, James Brown, the godfather of soul died, I bet now you finally "feel good". Last night former president Gerald Ford died, now Im not an American but I give respect to a man that ended the Vietnam war. And finally Kevin Federline's debut Cd, poor lil' guy, never had a chance. May they all rest in peace

2006 was also the year of the glut of animation. 15, count em', 15 animated movies hit the silver screen this year, topping last year's record of...3. As an animator in training, and lover of everything animation, I must say only a handful of the animated films in that list were actually watchable. "Cars" and "Monster House" were the best out of the glut. But I must give noteable mentions to films like "Open Season", "Happy Feet" (havent seen it yet but heard its very good) and "Curious George" (for keeping 2d alive) This year proved to the hollywood morons that just because animation is hot now dosent mean you gotta overload the market with rushed crap like "Flushed away", "Doogal". If they keep shoving crap out the public wont respond and animation with fall into another spiraling black hole. But they never listen. Why do I smell another "Black Cauldron "coming?

2006 also was the year of the gameshow. First the money show. "Deal or no Deal", the hit on NBC has become so huge that so many crappy game shows are coming out of the woodwork just to try and be like it. "1 VS 100", "Identity", and that one with William Shatner that was cancelled so fast I cant remember the name. Second, America is back in love with dancing for some reason. "So you think you can Dance?", "America's got Talent" and "Dancing with the Stars" are all big hits and pretty much all about dancing. Oh I feel another "who wants to be a Millionare?" fiasco upon us.

2006 was also the year of band members saying "fuck it" and going solo. Gwen Stafani took a break from "No Doubt" and released two "GREAT" albums. Fergie saw that and said "fuck it" and went solo from "Black Eyed Peas" and released her also "GREAT" solo album. So did the lead singer of "The Pussycat Dolls", I dont know her name, but shes hot, thats all I can tell you. Also Chris Cornell of "Audioslave" went solo for a while and recorded the 'crappy' title track for the new 007 movie. Noel Gallager of 'Oasis' also went on a solo tour this year. Hey, when your bands holding you down, shed that baby and fly solo, hey it worked for Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys.

All in all 2006 wasn't a bad year, it also wasn't the most memorable year. Who knows what 2007 holds for us. Possibilites, just possibilties.

Score: Y2K 0 HUMANS 6

2006-12-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

Top Movies of 2006

Superman Returns

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Pan's Labyrinth

Cars

Monster House

Casino Royale

Borat

Stranger than Fiction

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

The Prestige

Accepted

X-men : The Last Stand

2006-12-27T10:56:00.000-08:00

Top Shows of 2006

Heroes (NBC)

Smallville (The CW)

Entourage (HBO)

The Colbert Report (Comedy Central)

Rome (HBO)

South Park (Comedy Central)

Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)

The Hour (CBC)

2006-12-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

Top Albums of 2006

Monkey Business - Black Eyed Peas

Blach Holes and Revelations - Muse
Love, Angel, Music, Baby - Gwen Stefani
Love - The Beatles
Back to the Basics - Christina Aguilera
Future sex/Love sounds - Justin Timberlake
Dutchess - Fergie
Playing the Angel - Depeche Mode
St.Elsewhere - Gnarls Barkley
Set Yourself on Fire - Stars

Confessions on a Dacefloor - Madonna

2006-12-27T10:33:00.000-08:00

Top Songs of 2006

"Wind It Up" - Gwen Stefani

"See Right Through me" - Mobile

"Supermassive Blackhole" - Muse

"Starlight" - Muse

"Ego-Polotics" - Muse
"My Love" - Justin Timberlake ft Ti
"Feel it" - Black Eyed Peas
"Hurt" - Christina Aguilera
"HollaBack Girl" - Gwen Stefani
"The Pot" - Tool
"Let the Drummer Kick" - Citizen Cope
"Crazy" - Gnarls Barkley
"Fergalicious" - Fergie
"Comin' Home" - City and Colour
"Precious" - Depeche Mode
"Dance, Dance" - Fallout Boy
"Get Together" - Madonna
"My Style" - Black eyed Peas
"Sexy Back" - Justin Timberlake
"The Kill" - 30 Seconds to Mars
"Aint No Other Man" - Christina Aguilera
"Move Along" - All-American Rejects
"When You Were Young" - The Killers
"Pump it" - Black Eyed Peas
"No Heaven" - Dj Champion
"Hips Don't Lie" (World Cup Version) - Shakira
"Welcome to the Black Parade" - My Chemical Romance
"I Bet you look Good on the Dance Floor" - Arctic Monkeys
"Stoned in Love" - Chicane ft Tom Jones

2006-12-27T10:22:00.000-08:00

Top Music Videos of 2006

OkGo- "Here it goes Again"

Gnarls Barkley - "Crazy"

Madonna - "Get Together"

Justin Timberlake ft Ti - "My Love"

Fergie - "Fergalicious"

Christina Aguleria - "Hurt"

2006-12-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

2006-12-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

RISKY DRAWIN'

Have you ever been just so bored an begin drawing a rough sketch, and it ends up actually not looking half bad. Let me turn up the heat a lil bit, I was drawing this straight ahead, no planning went into this drawing, plus it was in pencil crayon, and you know how hard it is to erase pencil crayon.

Every now and then its kinda cool to do a risky drawing.

2006-12-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

2006-11-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

2006-11-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

2006-11-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

2006-11-05T11:16:00.000-08:00

2006-10-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

2006-10-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

THE NIGHTMARE OF 3D!

Tonight was the night that I had been waiting for all year. Since I saw the trailer during Monster House, I was dying to watch this movie. Although I own the dvd, and have it taped on VHS, I still wanted to watch it theatres, and especially 3D!!

The night began well, went out with some friends wearing our "nightmare" t-shirts, had a nice dinner and then we proceeded to the movie theatre. We walked in and too my surprise we waited in a long line. I was Suprised and kinda excited. Excited cause lines gets my anticipation up, and surprised cause I never thought a film that is being re-issued would cause a line up. Anyways. We get our seats and the lights turn down. The theatre is packed with all adults, I didn't see one kid in that theatre. Take that you people that consider animation a children's field! The Walt Disney and Tim Burton credits come up, and cheers begin to ring out, and more when the title "The Nightmare Before Christmas" appears. But to all of our surprise, THE 3D SUCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I had just come off of hearing how "Amazing" and " Breathtaking" this 3d format was. Even Tim Burton himself praised it. The characters had depth, but it was all inside the screen, nothing was really in my face, as the PROMISED! Now maybe, and hopefully, the digital projection was off, because Jack and the gang never came an inch off the screen. With a film like "Nightmare", where literally every scene has something coming at you, the potential was clearly there. Either Disney just didn't take advantage of it, or the projection was off. The high point was that I was still watching nightmare in theatres, which I never got the chance to back on its initial release. The sound was top notch, the songs sounded beautiful, and more intense. All in the all the night wasn't a total bust, I still managed to start a pretty rousing applause out of the crowd at the end of the film, because as bad as the 3d was, the film itself is still a masterpiece and deserved a applause.

I hope to get the chance to see again, FOR FREE at another theatre to see if it was indeed the projection at my theatre that screwed it up, or just another Disney let down.

2006-10-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN ROUNDUP PART ONE

Here's a list of my top five Halloween flicks

2006-10-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Topping my list is The Nightmare Berofe Christmas. Who could have seen this coming? This is by far the best Halloween movie ever made, but it's also the best Christmas movie ever made. Tim Burton's masterpiece, and one of the greatest animated movies ever made, is a film that can be viewed on both Halloween and Christmas, why? Because both are so clearly defined in the film, that it can be watched on both occasions. The whole film works, the casting is briliant, every voice is well suited for each character.and the animation is stuning. The fact that these puppets move with such life, but are not actually alive is so exicting and wonderful to experience. The music is also great, Danny Elfman's songs are probably some of the very best in the history of the animated film. The songs are so catchy and well fleshed out, no one can tell me they never got "what's this" stuck in your head. The look is so distinctivly Tim Burton, from the swril it the mountian right down to the leaves on the ground. This film is truly a groundbreaking film and continues to gain more and more fans every year. And now, being show in 3d in less than a week, it will reach a new audience and hopefully mezmerize them, as it did me.

2006-10-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

THE WIZARD OF OZ

The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies of all-time, but it's also a great halloween movie. The whole film is about a strange land, people in costumes, and a wicked witch. How closer to Halloween can you get. Another reason why this is on my list is because its a damn good movie. It was so ahead of its time, story and effects wise. The acting is still top notch and out does many of todays actors. Judy Garland who was only 16 when she made this film, carries the film so brilliantly and effortlessly, you really start to care for poor Dorthy. There hasn't been an actress like her since. This movie is just so warm and fun to watch all year around, but on Halloween you get a different feel that you wont feel any other time of the year.

2006-10-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

BEETLEJUICE

Tim Burton's second film on my list, and boy is it a good one. Beetlejuice is one of the weirdest movies I've ever seen, but it's also one of the funniest. Michael Keaton plays Beetljuice so brilliantly, you wouldn't even know its him playing the role. Although Beetlejuice is only in the film a total of 17 minutes, he's still the heart and soul of the whole film. The production design on this film is so amazing, this is probably one of the live action films were Burton's style is so clearly visible. The film was made on a shoe-string budget, but suprisingly became a huge hit, and launched Burton's career.

2006-10-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

SLEEPY HOLLOW

Another Tim Burton Classic on this list. I saw this in theatres, and was absolutley amazed by it . I was interested in seeing it, because I loved the Disney animated version, but I was blown away at how different it was. The Disney version, although it was dark had nothing Burton's version. Heads being sliced off and all the bright blood squirting all over the gray setting was just so brilliantly shot. The movie also took us deeper into the Headless horseman's back story, and told us how he became headless. A truly amazing halloween flick, and another triumph from Tim Burton.

2006-10-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

CASPER

This is a classic film based on the popular comic book. I saw this movie when I was only 9, and I fell in love with it. It had a more serious tone for a kid film, maybe thats why I fell in love with it. Watching it again now, shows how dumbed down family films have become. Films like Casper appeals to kids and adults, and still holds up today.

2006-09-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

SEASON SIX BABY!!!

:Warning if you havent watched the season premiere, dont read this!

Well Smallville's sixth season premiere has come and gone, but man what an EPISODE! The episode opened right where the finale left off, with a trapt Clark in the Phantom Zone. We finally got to see inside the P.Z, and man was it good. Props to the crew for shooting an amazing scene. The set was a dessert like wasteland with these jagged mountains and kryptonian spikes coming out of the ground. Really cool. It was shot very Minority Report-ish, with that blue un-saturated look to it.

Clark also met a hot kryptonian named Raya, who ends up dying saving Clark and helping him escape the P.Z. Auggh, how come all the hot ones always die. Meanwhile back on earth Lex is still possesed by the spirit of Zod, and his plans of rebuilding Krypton on earth is going as planned, that is until him and Clark square off in probably the BEST tv fight I've ever seen, thus freeing Lex from Zod and saving the world.

All in all this was probably one of the best Smallville episodes ever, if not the best.

I applaude the writers and directors of the show on continuing to make a great quality program like Smallville.

2006-09-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

Well the animation roadshow came around again, its a animation book fair for those that don't know what the animation roadshow is. Every year I tend to lay down at least 80 bucks on books there. This year I didn't spend as much, thankfully, but I did pick up two great books.

The first is Mariachi Samurai by: Jose Lopez. This is probably my favorite of the two because the style is so cool and so ispiring. This is one of those style changing books, every now and then I get a book that affects my way of drawing, this is definetly one of them. Every cartoonist should add this to their book shelves. Also look out for Jose's artwork in the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie coming out next March. Apparantly he did designs for the film.

My second is simply titled Chris Sanders sketchbook 1b. I've loved Chris Sanders' art every since I watched Lilo & Stitch, which he directed. His style has always amazed me, no one draws quite like him and he's inspired me to draw my characters differently then I would, especially my women. His lines are so lose and curvey, I just love it. So if your a big fan of Chris Sanders or are just rying to dab into different styles, this is definetly a good buy. Look out for Chris' next movie American Dog due out in 2008, It's still far away I know, but some amazing artwork is online. It's worth a look.

2006-09-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

MALEFICENT

I was watching Sleeping Beauty and decided to dabble with Maleficent, for the very FIRST time. I can't believe that I never drew her before either!

Not as tight as should be, but still ok for a first attempt.

2006-09-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

MAYA

The hell Begins..........

Just finished my first week of Maya, and to be completly honest it wasn't that bad. I mean It's only been a couple of days, and I only have a couple of spheres rotating under my belt so far, but I'm really enjoying this. I've heard so many horror stories about Maya and how hard it is, and how by the second day your gonna be crawling back to hand drawn animation, but I'm enjoying every minute of it.

It is difficult, I mean it is the hardest thing I've ever done, but I 'm lucky to have great instructors that are very well rounded in Maya and are very good at explaining it, so thats been really good. The other day we made a little virtual solar system, just a way how to learn to rotate spheres on their axis'. We also did some basic lighting stuff and some texturing. The hardest part about Maya is just learning where everything is, every little thing is inside a folder and then you gotta open a file. That's pretty much the hardest part.....so far.

So I'm really looking foward to the rest of the year.

Pixar I'm one step closer.

2006-09-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

2006-09-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

2006-08-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

JUST SOME DISNEY STUFF I DID TONIGHT.

2006-08-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

KIRA

2006-08-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

Check out this cool podcast with a lengendary Disney cartoonist, Floyd Norman.

His reputation includes Disney comic strips and films like Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan and even Toy Story 2.

http://www.o-meon.com

2006-08-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

2006-08-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

ACCEPTED

I just saw this movie last night, and I must admit I totally loved it. It looks like another dumb teen movie, but its surprisingly very good. It has the appeal of an American Pie or Eurotrip. The cast is really good, the music is good and the writing is sharp.

I encourage those of you who wanna sit back, relax and dish out about $10.95 for a funny movie, choose this one.

...and also, don't forget about Talladega Nights, another brilliantly funny film.

2006-08-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

2006-08-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

CARS

I know it's kinda late. About 3 months late, but I feel I still must tell you what I think about this movie. Ok, sure it was no Toy Story, but what film is? Beyond what everyone thought prior to it's release, Cars did indeed deliver. I loved everything about this film. It reminded why I love PIXAR, they tell great stories with great characters. Now I know Lightning McQueen and Mater are not quite at the ranks of Woody and Buzz or Mike and Sulley, but they are great characters. I did care about them and the rest of the cast.

The basic story is nothing fresh, a cocky kid gets a life lesson by some unlikely sources, seen it a thoudsand times before, but Cars has a unique way of doing it. John Lasseter, Who is a GOD in my books, takes a modern day racing car and puts him with old rusty retro cars. It's from these old cars that the hot shot racing car (lightning Mcqueen) learns that life isnt just about being the best and winning trophies, it's about the people who touch your life that makes it worth living. Thats what I got out of Cars. It touched me personally because lately I too have been showing some Mcqueen-like tendancies. My dreams of becoming an animator have ingulfed me so that I began to ignore the people closest in my life, and kinda shoved them aside. I didn't think I would get that from a film about talking Cars, but that's when I remembered I was watching a Pixar film and I thought "would I expect any less?" They're films have touched my life so much, and Cars was no exception.

The animation really wowed me in this film. I am wowed by all they're films but this one really took the cake. All the characters moved as if they were alive, and they're cars. The way those animators were able to move the wheels on the cars as if they were arms and legs totally blew me away. Mater, for example was my favorite, not only was he hilarious, but he moved and talked so well. Every movement was delivered so well, the exagerated mouth moves, and the way he would hop around like a dog around the other characters was just brilliant. Lightning Mcqueen was also really well animated. There is a scene where Doc Hudson is telling him about his life story and Mcqueen's facial movements were just spot on. His eyes shifted side to side so effortlessly as if he was really listening to what the other character is saying. To a guy that's read 'The Illusion of Life' cover to cover twice, Mcqueen achieved a level of believable animation that hasn't been scene in a long time. The nine old men would be very proud.

The voice casting was also great. Im always impressed at Pixar's roster of cast members. Unlike many studios today, Pixar only hires a voice if it works for the character, not if the actor is famous. They could have easily gotten johnny Depp to play Mcqueen, Julia Roberts to play Sally and Jack Black to play Mater, but they didn't cause the voices would have not matched the characters or the story. I think thats a valuable lesson for any studio. Find an actor that suits the role, not one that you can just advertise on your posters.

All in all Cars was a great film from the folks at Pixar, and a fine addition to their library. I mean it's not a Toy Story or a Nemo, but they know that. I think Pixar just wants to tell stories that they want to tell, it's up to the audience to deside its fate, and Cars has done really well at the box office, $238 million ain't bad folks.

Here's one person who can't wait until it's released on DVD on Nov 7.

2006-08-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

TARZAN

MY ATTEMPT TO DRAW TARZAN, BUT ALAS I'M STILL NOT GLEN KEANE.

2006-08-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

2006-08-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

2006-08-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

2006-08-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

U2 - PENCIL CRAYON ON BLACK PAPER

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

PENCIL CRAYON ON BLACK PAPER

WOLVERINE- WHITE PENCIL ON BLACK PAPER

V FOR VENDETTA - PENCIL CRAYON ON BLACK PAPER

2006-08-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

BUNNY

2006-08-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

NEWS ANCHOR

2006-08-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

FLOYDD

2006-08-21T18:28:00.000-07:00

THE
FLYING MONKEY

from the Wizard of Oz

2006-08-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

AN 'INCREDIBLE' PIECE

I was watching The Incredibles today and got in the mood to draw Bob.

2006-08-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

TONY JAY WE HARDLY KNEW YE...

Legendary voice actor Tony Jay passed away earlier today after undergoing surgery a few weeks ago for a tumor.

You may not have know Tony physically but his voice is legendary. He lent his voice to countless charcters including Megabyte (Reboot), Frollo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), the insane assylum owner(Beauty and the Beast), the narrator in (Treasure Planet) and many others.

I personally will miss his deep voice, but am grateful for his full body of work left behind.