Currently Listening To: ALL THAT REMAINS - Overcome (2008)

ALL THAT REMAINS - Overcome (2008)



Edgy Heavy metal with a lot of punch. Originally formed in 1998, this Massachusetts band’s third officially released album is another stellar performance following their 2006 release The Fall of Ideals. Overall, Overcome, isn’t quite as good as Fall…, but is not to be missed by fans of the melodically fused hardcore metal genre, much in the style of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, my favorite band. Plenty of great tracks are present here, making it extremely easy to listen to throughout without skipping tracks. However, none are quite like the second track on the album “Two Weeks”. This has been one of my favorite songs since I first heard it. It remains in my top songs ever. It’s just a gut-wrenching, pulsating, cathartic experience every time I hear it. The words can ring true with people who have experienced loss and a failed relationship. But it’s more than that. And the sound truly kicks ass.

ALL THAT REMAINS has quickly become one of my favorite bands over the last few years when I’ve really latched on to this particular genre. I feel like it’s an appropriate fit for my life right now: moments of anger, aggression, and pain followed by moments of peace, harmony, and enlightenment.

Inspirational Quote

"There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying things which are beyond the power of our will."
  --Epictetus

Big News - PREDATORS, IRON MAN 2, ROBOCOP, DEADPOOL

-Robert Rodriguez is producing the new PREDATOR movie (called PREDATORS) through his Troublemakers Studios. As of now they're talking to Neil Marshall to direct it. Neil Marshall is the director behind some of the best genre pics in last five years (DOG SOLDIERS, THE DESCENT, DOOMSDAY). I love him and I hope he is in fact going to direct. He's incredibly talented and would be a perfect fit for the movie. In addition, by getting him, I feel better about the film. I was worried it might be over the top action that Rodriguez is known for. But with Marshall at the helm...let's just say I feel a lot better.


-First pic of Mickey Rourke in IRON MAN 2.

http://rpc.blogrolling.com/redirect.php?r=6c5e2e482016b5d0125e545064151ed8&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.comicbookmovie.com%2F

He's playing the villain Whiplash. But the character's name is Ivan Vanko, who from the comics is the Crimson Dynamo (another Russia's version of Shellhead). The pic looks cool and of course I'm super-stoked about the movie.


-Darren Aronofsky, director of REQUIEM FOR A DREAM and most recently THE WRESTLER, is set to reboot ROBOCOP. This is unbelievable. I think he's a tremendously talented director who has vision. If he can bring that to a new ROBOCOP movie...well, let's say it would be "wicked awesome"!!!


-Ryan Reynolds says the new DEADPOOL spin-off will be true to the source material. It will be the Merc with a Mouth and not Weapon XI. So that's excellent news. There's potential for a great movie here. Ryan Reynolds is the perfect Deadpool. It should be good provided it has a good director under it.

First Look - H2: HALLOWEEN 2

I watched the first trailer last night for the first time. It looks amazing. I’m very excited about it. It actually looks better than the first. The feeling and atmosphere it evokes is truly something that is missing in a vast majority of horror films present today. The dark, menacing, hooded Michael Myers stalking his victims in the hospital, looking to finish the job; Mrs. Myers (apparently) guiding him from beyond the grave; more brutality, more gore, more Rob Zombie taking it to the max (I can only hope).

I love the original HALLOWEEN 2 (written by Debra Hill and John Carpenter, The Man, himself and directed by Rick Rosenthal). There’s plenty of people who didn’t like that film and feel it’s a let down, and a dramatic step down from the brilliant original masterpiece. I don’t quite see it that way. It’s a legitimate sequel and I view it as a continuation of the first film. It’s not quite on the level as it, but it’s one of my top horror movies. I can’t get enough of it. This new reincarnation of it, H2, looks fine and I hope it can be just as good.

Currently Listening To: TERMINATOR SALVATION Soundtrack

TERMINATOR SALVATION - Original Soundtrack
Music by: Danny Elfman



This is a fantastic soundtrack. I loved hearing it for the first time while watching the movie. It’s actually very good to listen to by itself as a stand alone album. It creates a vibrant atmosphere unique to the Terminator landscape. Overall the album, and entire score, maybe better than Brad Fiedel’s score for the original TERMINATOR and T2, and Marco Beltrami’s TERMINATOR 3 score as a whole. However, it lacks that knockout punch that exists in the previous films' main theme. The main theme, initial created by Brad Fiedel, is one of the best themes ever, and my personal favorite. The T2 interpretation being the best of the three. With that being said, I believe Danny Elfman has done a superb job in re-establishing the franchise with a great score that supplements an outstanding film.

Movie Review: DRAG ME TO HELL

DRAG ME TO HELL
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Written by: Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi



I found DRAG ME TO HELL to be a refreshing entry in the American horror cinema landscape, albeit another PG-13 movie. Here, Raimi gets back to his horror (EVIL DEAD) roots. And that’s where he belongs. The SPIDER-MAN movies are very good. But horror needs a great director leading the industry. Raimi is just the guy. Slapstick and satire aside, he definitely knows how to make horror.

This may not be his best work, but it’s nothing to push aside. There are plenty of thrills and shocking moments. In addition to the many instances of Raimi’s style that harkens back to the EVIL DEAD trilogy, it makes for a very entertaining movie-going experience.



From the opening scene you get a feel and a sense of what the movie is going to be like, introducing you to the demon, Lamia, and what it can do. Then, we see the title. I love how it hits you in the face, popping on screen in huge text. From there we meet the characters and the plots laid out for you. Christine Brown, a loan officer, denies Mrs. Ganush, a very creepy gypsy, a loan on her home. After begging, Mrs. Ganush puts a curse on little Christine. After a bitter battle in a parking garage with gypsy-psycho-lady, Christine is tormented by the Lamia, and subsequently destroyed.

There are some great shocking scenes which provide plenty of gore and icky-ness to make the gorehound within the true horror fan smile. In fact, between that and the comedy in the movie, I found myself smiling quite a bit. Raimi definitely knows how to blend the genres between horror and comedy.

The sound design in the film is fantastic. All the creepy, eerie sounds add to the overall look and feel of the film. Christopher Young’s score is also a shinning example of how to add to the atmosphere with dark underlying tones, and strange foreboding violins streaming along your curiosity, then shattering your senses with large, loud, violent screeches and screams.

Overall, I had a ball watching the movie. I predicted the ending, which I never like, and I did hope for more at certain parts of the movie (I really, really wanted to see the Lamia in its true Monster form), but despite all that it’s a great film and I can’t wait to watch it again.

Rating = 8.9/10.0

Words of Inspiration

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control."
        --Proverbs 29:11

Currently Reading:

Aliens vs. Predator Omnibus: Volume 1



Very good stuff. The first AvP story is clearly an inspiration to the first movie. A great deal was pulled directly from the comics. The writer, Randy Stradley, is quite gifted at storytelling. He makes AvP more than just an action/horror comic. He adds a dynamic to writing that is rarely seen in comics. Plus anything with ALIENS and PREDATORs I love.


If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce Campbell



The Man himself with his first autobiography. Brucey is one of my favorite actors. Obviously the EVIL DEAD Trilogy is some of my favorite stuff. But his most recent film, MY NAME IS BRUCE, is unbelievably good. I love it.

This book is insanely entertaining. I could read this book even if I hated reading…or even if I hated him (but that's impossible).

Currently Listening To:

Dredg - Catch Without Arms (2005)



There’s something about the music of the California-created band Dredg that affects me. The sounds and melody throughout are rhythmic, hypnotic, and enthralling at the same time. I’ve been listening to them since I discovered them in 2001 at a DEFTONES concert. They were amazing then and they have easily become one of my favorite bands.

Catch Without Arms is an excellent album from top to bottom. The chords resonate a sense of passion and desire within me that makes it difficult to keep away from it. I find it inspirational more than just something to listen to for a good time. If I ever feel down or scatterbrained or am just not feeling in a comfortable state this album, along with their others (Leitmotif and El Cielo), help me rise above my temperamental shades of gray.

From the opening track, Ode To The Sun, you are cast upon in the landscape and atmospheric tones of Dredg. The title track has a clingy rhythmic tune with contemporary proverb-esque words of wisdom for me personally. Sang Real’s beat brings you in, while Hung Over on a Tuesday reveals their true hard rock/metal side that can’t be ignored. My favorite tracks are Planting Seeds and Matroshka (The Ornament) for their insanely encapsulating melodies that truly touch me with its tender emotional effectiveness.

Movie Review:

UP
Directed by: Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson (Co-Director)
Written by: Bob Peterson (Screenplay)



Quite simply the best animated movie of the year and is definitely UP there when you talk about best animated movies ever. Yeah, it’s that good. Should you expect anything less from Pixar whose animated features have absolutely transformed the animation industry? Year after year they have been producing stellar work that both kids and adults can enjoy with great story, depth, characterization, comedy, action and the utmost in entertainment. And UP is no exception.

I’ll be honest, when I first heard about this one I thought it wouldn’t be that good and it really didn’t look interesting. Well, I’ve now learned never to doubt Pixar. This is an outstanding movie. The animation itself is always supreme quality. It’s an excellent blend of comedy, action, adventure, drama and suspense. These movies have it all and it really makes it difficult not to like. There’s something in them for everyone.

One of the most surprising elements in the picture for me was the characterization and the depth of the story. Clearly from the trailer you don’t get much of the story other than the general premise. And that alone is enough to make you curious, but nothing is there for one to really get excited about. From the opening scene to the end credits, this movie will keep your attention. You are immediately pulled into the world that is created on screen; you follow the characters and you get emotionally attached. You can relate with them and you sympathize with them. That’s just good writing and great execution of the script. That’s a trademark of these Pixar movies. That’s why it’s my belief that these are some of the best stuff on the market, and everybody should be looking forward to them year after year.

UP should be on everyone’s list of movies to see.

Rating = 8.8/10.0

Movie Review:

TERMINATOR SALVATION (2009)
Directed by: McG
Written by: John D. Brancato & Michael Ferris



TERMINATOR SALVATION is everything I thought it would be, if not more. It lived up to my expectations, and I set the bar pretty high. I was definitely impressed. Every aspect of the movie seemed to click and flow and create a great film going experience. It’s simple stunning!

This is a rare movie that has an amazing set of trailers for it and the movie itself lived up to those previews not allowing them to reveal too much. And I really appreciate that considering that amount of films that come out and do the exact opposite of that.

The special effects are wonderful. The Terminators look exceptionally well. The CGI is very good and doesn’t seem too contrived. The environment and landscapes look fairly good and add to the rugged look of the film.

There is good acting throughout by the entire cast. Sam Worthington (Marcus Wright) does a particularly good job considering he hasn’t been in much and certainly nothing as big as a Terminator movie. Christian Bale is on par with his other great performances. I’m a huge fan of his and it is like a dream to see him play as the legendary John Connor in this movie. Terminator fans couldn’t ask for more with him. Also, Anton Yelchin’s portrayal of young Kyle Reese is very good and the importance of his character is not something to push aside.



I really like how the main characters' screen time is split while being able to tell a compelling story from both characters' standpoints. Both characters, Wright and John Connor, have an interesting dynamic and when they come together it adds to the sense that they are like brothers, even though they are so different, being two different breeds (one a resistance leader for the human race; the other a new hybrid of Terminator-Synthetic based organism who believes he is actually human but ultimately used as a pawn by the machines).

Seeing the Arnold T-800 is nice. It really brings a presence and attitude that no other single Terminator can do. It looks strikingly like the original Terminator back in 1984. Arnold's face is CG'd onto a built stunt player. The irony being that this Terminator, the one that originally tried to kill his mother then was sent to protect him and becomes much like a father to him, would be the one to FINALLY kill him and eliminate the chances for success for the Resistance.

The action is fantastic throughout and is very much one of the strongest elements of the entire movie. It definitely had me on the edge of my seat wanting more and more and becoming engulfed in the excitement. Rarely does a movie accomplish that.

Overall I can’t say enough positive things about it. I was extremely pleased and I will be watching this movie for many, many years to come. I really can’t wait to see it again.

Rating = 9.1/10.0

Currently Reading:

‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King



I just finished it. And I have to say, even back in the late 70s, King reigned supreme in his mastery of writing. I don’t think anybody can argue against his ability because clearly he can write extremely well. The suspense and the way he pulls you into certain scene really allow you to experience the terror just as the characters themselves. One of the best instances of this is when Ben Mears, the main character, is describing his first experience with the dreaded, evil Marsten House. Reading this scene and following as the nine year-old boy sneaks into the house on a dare and witnesses an absolutely terrifying image of Hubert Marsten’s hanging dead body open his eyes and look at Ben had my heart racing. I’ve never really experienced that feeling just reading a book. That’s why you can never underestimate the impact of reading.

Overall the book is very enjoyable. Not a whole lot of action, and certain plenty of dialogue, but you shouldn’t struggle following what’s going on. I love how King only reveals what the book is truly about as you read along and experience what and when the characters experience. I believe that is an extremely effective style of writing.

Rating = 7.8/10.0

Currently Listening To:

Godsmack - Self-Titled (1998)



This is their best album although their most recent release, IV, will give it a run for its money. Both are great albums. But this one is the one that introduced me to the Boston-based group lead by lead singer Sully Erna. His vocals are unique and produce a tough, edgy quality to the music that make the sound really strike hard. Their first single “Whatever” is still one of the best tracks in addition to “Voodoo”, “Bad Religion”, “Keep Away” and “Stress”. This is an album that I can listen to all the way through and not be inclined to skip a track here and there. I can only say that for very few albums and that’s what makes it one of my favorites.

Best Movies of 2009 (So Far)

It’s really starting to pick up. We’ve had a number of good movies so far and it’s not even June. So there’s still a lot left. But here’s some of my favorite movies so far that might be on my “Best of” list at the end of the year:

The Wrestler 1.30.09
The International 2.13.09
Friday the 13th (2009) 2.13.09
Watchmen 3.06.09 ½
Sunshine Cleaning 3.13.09 ½
I Love You, Man 3.20.09 ½
X-Men Origins: Wolverine 5.01.09
Star Trek 5.08.09


STAR TREK is the biggest surprise right now. I really didn’t think it was going to be that good, but it was. SUNSHINE CLEANING isn’t really my kind of movie but it’s just one of those films that has an intangible quality to it that really makes me like it. I’m sure it has to do with the excellent direction, action, and storytelling. I LOVE YOU, MAN has Paul Rudd. And what I can I say about Paul Rudd other than he’s probably my favorite comedy actor and I have a man crush on him. WATCHMEN will definitely be on the list at the end of the year; at least in some regard. Good filmmaker adapting a great graphic novel. No real surprise there.

We’ve still got some potentially great ones coming up. I hope none of them make my “Let Down” list. Until then, au revoir! (Has Gambit would say…even though Deadpool could kill him easily.)

DREAMS (Are Not Easy)

I feel that having all this free time is a sign. A sign that I should be using it to work on my skills as a storyteller and filmmaker. That’s what I want to be. So why can’t I work at it and make it happen? A part of me thinks that it’s just going to happen one day. That’s not the case. I have to work at it and fight for it. AND PRACTICE!!!!

So I should be using this time. But it’s hard to when I have a bunch of other stuff on my mind. I feel like I need to get things straight with my life before I dive into my career. Which is the complete opposite of what I was thinking when I was in school. It’s funny how things like that change so drastically. But I guess that’s life.

However, regardless of what’s going on in my life, and all the problems I have, I need to be working on my goals; career and other. Becoming a director is not easy by any means. It takes time. That’s why I need to be using my time to get there. I will try. I have to. It’s my dream. It’s important to have dreams and not give up on them.

Best Movies of 2008

*Each movie in each category is based on the specific genre. For example, Best Action refers to the best true action movie, not a cross genre film that encompasses several different genres.

Best Action: RAMBO (Honorable Mention: QUANTUM OF SOLACE, PUNISHER: WAR ZONE)

Best Animated Feature: WALL-E (Honorable Mention: KUNG FU PANDA)

Best Comedy: THE PROMOTION (Honorable Mention: ROLE MODELS, YES MAN, HAMLET 2, IN BRUGES, RUN FATBOY RUN)

Best Drama: THE BANK JOB (Honorable Mention: PRIDE AND GLORY)

Best Horror: DIARY OF THE DEAD (Honorable Mention: MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN, MIRRORS)

Biggest Surprise: THE PROMOTION (Honorable Mention: NOBEL SON, YES MAN)

Biggest Let Down: INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
(Dishonorable Mention: WANTED)

Best Overall Movie: IRON MAN (Honorable Mention: INCREDIBLE HULK, DOOMSDAY)

1.21.08 (1st Entry of the New Year)

Stresses of Everyday Life

It seems that there is always something that’s going on in regular, ordinary life that stresses me out. It’s really quite inexplicable. I can’t understand it. There’s just always something that affects me and gets me worried for seemingly no reason. I constantly worry when I have nothing to worry about. And that makes me stressed. And the more stressed I get the more I worry and the less I concentrate and am able to get things done.

My life right now has no big concerns at all. I don’t have a job but I really don’t need one. I’m okay with money. I just want to pay off my student loan; which is almost done. Then after that I’m going to move to Massachusetts and basically start over, because I don’t like it here and I want to return to my native land. Sounds corny but it’s want I want and how I feel. And I know it’s the right decision for me at this point in my life.

I don’t have any health concerns. My family has a collective good health. At least what I know about. I don’t have anyone else in my life that I really care about.

My sports teams are doing fantastic. The Red Sox are world champions (second time in three years). A great many people have lived their whole lives without seeing the Sox win it all in there entire lives since 1918. I should be truly grateful to have seen it twice in my short life so far. The BC Eagles football team finished one of their best seasons; in which they were at one time ranked number two in the country. And the Eagles basketball team is doing fairly well. I expect them to go deep into the NCAA tournament. The Celtics are having one of their bests seasons ever with the new “Big 3” of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. They are, in most eyes, the favorite to win the NBA finals. The Bruins are probably doing the poorest of the bunch; but even so they aren’t doing that bad at all. They’ll make the playoffs. I’m sure. And last of all, the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS are the best NFL team ever…yes EVER! They went 16-0 in the regular season (1st team to go undefeated since the 16-game schedule). And in this era (of free agency and other factors) that’s unheard of. And now we’re just two weeks away from playing the wildcard NY Giants in the Super Bowl. They are highly favored and I know they’ll win. So absolutely nothing to worry about there. Not that I’d let that stuff really stress me out. But it’s just to show that it’s another thing that I shouldn’t be stressed about.

It’s just these little annoying events and incidences in my life that have me absolutely perplexed as to why I should be so stress. And it also got me to thinking why in general are we as a society so stress. I believe things would be so much easier if we all found things in our lives that could help us calm down and relax. There’s just too much out there working against us. But I for one am going to try, and I mean really really try to relax and calm down. I’m going to make sure that trivial things don’t effect me at all. As for bigger concerns, I will only allot a relatively small amount of concern and thought to penetrate my seemingly fragile world.

I don’t need any major stresses. I can honestly feel the change in my body and mind when I am stressed. And I can honestly say that it doesn’t feel good. So I’m going to make a change; a positive change in my life that in which I can grow from and hopefully and eventually completely eliminate all stress in my life so I can live a healthier more productive life.