RYAN is GRANT

Marital Bliss

2011-02-03T02:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I'm producing a short film. Check out our Kickstarter page, get involved, and tell your friends!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/910434414/marital-bliss

uncanny valley

2010-10-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

"The theory holds that when robots and other facsimiles of humans look and act almost like actual humans, it causes a response of revulsion among human observers" (wikipeda).

Reductio ad absurdum

2010-10-25T14:04:00.001-07:00

Yes world, I'm building my vocabulary. Today's phrase is "Reductio ad absurdum" -- thank you wikipedia.

Moses goes 6K

2010-10-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Contributing my time and money to The American Cinematheque has been one of the most positive and educational experiences of my adult life.

Last night, the Egyptian Theatre celebrated its 88th birthday. Along with cake and coffee, they screened Cecil B. DeMille's production of "The Ten Commandments" (1956) in glorious 6K digital projection. A huge feat for Paramount Pictures. I give kudos to the Egyptian for configuring the equipment necessary to show the film.

Ronald F. Smith, Paramount Pictures vp of restoration, commenced the screening with a historical and techy explanation. Essentially, they weren't trying to "enhance" the film; they wanted it to look like film. Like film as it was meant to be seen. Beautiful. Vibrant.

Which describes it exactly. Beautiful. Vibrant. The closest thing to heaven on screen. This is what it must have been like for Moses to see the burning bush.

As soon as Cecil came walking on stage, I was immediately impressed with the picture quality. Definitely a first for me to see an old film at the Egyptian without any jittery film playback.

Highlight of my evening was the presence of Mrs. Lydia Heston and son Fraser Heston.

Charlton Heston is -- bottom line -- a great orator. Supplemented by his strong, domineering presence. No one captivates my attention as much as this man. He is greatly missed.

TOO EXPENSIVE FOR SUCH THIS KIND...

2010-10-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

TOO EXPENSIVE FOR SUCH THIS KIND...

TOO EXPENSIVE FOR SUCH THIS KIND...

TOO EXPENSIVE FOR SUCH THIS KIND...

Disney Animation Docs

2010-07-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

So last night, while everyone waited in line to see "Inception" at midnight, I was at the New Beverly Cinema enjoying two great documentaries about Disney Animation: "Waking Sleeping Beauty" and "Frank and Ollie."

Thank you Nate Bell.

Hume Lake - Day 22: Snow!

2009-10-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe just flurries, but still. There are signs of more snow on the way. According to natives, it's coming sooner than usual.

Today is kinda slow, and I'm trying to relax. I slept for about 10 hours, but I didn't feel well rested when waking up. I had a strange dream I was a baron, a duke, a Mr. Darcy-character. I had just inherited property with a huge mansion surrounded by wetlands. Apparently, I had just accidentally killed the love of my life, Ann. Her sisters were seeking vengeance against me, but I kept trying to explain it was an accident. I was out in the marshes, and I noticed the mansion was on fire. I was gonna make my escape, but I decided to quickly rush back to the mansion and save my mother. When I got there, my mother didn't realize the girls were trying to kill me. I said something like,"I don't care if it all burns to the ground. I have no attachment to these materials."

Anyways, I'm greatly anticipating the coming week's adventures.

Hume Lake - Day 21 - 4AM, Dark is the Night, a Broken Car, and a New Backpack

2009-10-03T13:39:00.001-07:00

Nathan and I drove down to Fresno this morning for REI's "Garage Sale." We left Hume at 4AM, and about 5AM, the car over-heated. Surprised we were, because the outside temperature was easily 50 degrees F.

The moon shone brightly
through a lattice of clouds
Nathan released the cap
A geyser flowed from the radiator
After pouring new fluid,
the car ran again

We safely arrived at REI around 7AM. We were among the first 30 people in line! People ahead of us brought a couch, were sleeping on air mattresses, or lying directly on the cold cement in their warm sleeping bags.

About 7:30AM, REI staff handed out numbered tickets. Nathan, two friends from Hume, and myself went to the nearby Starbucks and played Speed Scrabble.

8:30-ishAM, we went back to the line. When our numbers were called, we rushed inside to the back of the store. Hundreds of items on sale, hundreds of people in a flurry! Then, that's when I saw it...

Hume Lake - Day 14: Pics from Day 12

2009-09-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

In the background, you can see the Creative Services building where I work...It is just above my head...behind the row of cars...sort of top center frame.

I hiked down this hill...

...to get underneath this bridge:

Then I walked around the rest of the Lake...

And found a giant log...

And this is Tyler sailing.

Hume Lake - Day 12: Update to Day 1

2009-09-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

This is what we did Sunday, September 13, 2009:

Hume Lake - Day 9 through 11

2009-09-23T23:15:00.000-07:00

I'm tired. I was awake and working hard for about 20 hours yesterday. Today, the same. I'm currently waiting for DVDs to mass burn on the DVD duplicator in the next room.

My first series of videos are complete. My first designed DVD is also complete. Tomorrow morning, I'm filming a couple interviews with teachers/administrators who were here this week.

I met some great kids. A lot of them enjoyed the camera, and they seemed to get a lot out of it.

It's hard for me to not take this project personally. I tend to put every ounce of creativity into any and all projects. It's difficult for me to wrap my mind around the fact that these videos are shown only one time for a small crowd and that they will rarely be seen again. That part of this work is making me realize how much value I place on the work and the product that I create.

I'm going to process that for a while...

Hume Lake - Day 8

2009-09-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

I didn't sleep very well last night. I woke up around 3:30 a.m. from a nightmarish zombie-vampire attack. I was somehow stuck inside a German Expressionistic silent film about zombies. It was very vivid. Lo and behold, I went back to sleep, and around 6, I woke up again, from a continuation of the zombie attack, but this time I was at my grandparents' place trying to defend my family with whatever weaponry I could come up with in the garage. Fell back asleep, and I was in a further continuation of the dream. This time I was a woman officer with two guys trying to scavenge a deserted part of the city. I ran across a street, just as hundreds of girl vampire-zombies came marching after me from the left. I quickly looked to my right, and there was a huge military exhibition coming up the street after the zombie girls. An Ed Harris-type officer came out with guns ready. I quickly tried to climb away, but the leader of the zombie girls pulled me down. Ends up they weren't real zombie-vampire girls, just dressed up like them -- er, some of them were -- they were marching for zombie-vampire civil rights, and the leader had it out for me, because I had been trying to kill them. I huddled into the street as the officers and zombie-vampires surrounded me.

And then I woke up.

Hume Lake - Day 7: Part 2 - Water Hike with Janardan

2009-09-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

I hiked for about 4 hours yesterday. Saw some amazing landscapes up the river. Oh yes! And Janardan had a great time, too. (For those of you who don't know Janardan, he frequently shows up in my short films on YouTube.)

Hume Lake - Day 7: Part 1 - Some more pics

2009-09-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm planning to go for a hike around the Lake again. We'll see what adventures I can get into. Below, you'll find more pics from my first venture. Enjoy!

Hume Lake - Day Five: Editing

2009-09-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, not too much to report today. I worked out in the fitness room last night, trying to stay fit and healthy. Today, I edited some promo videos. Kept me busy. I'm gonna work on some more photos tonight and hopefully get to posting those tomorrow. The Lake is very beautiful right now with the sunset and there are ducks spread out around the water. It's a wonderful site!

Hume Lake - Day Four: Some Pics part 1

2009-09-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

Hume Lake - Day Three: Training, Videos, and Dave Vecchio

2009-09-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

Today was officially my FIRST day of work at Hume. Had a great time learning the Creative Team work-flow. Played with some cameras, sat in a meeting, figured out my schedule for next week. I'm anxious and ready to get started on video work next week, but I'm learning to be patient. Oh! A delightful surprise. I ran into Dave and Amber!

Hume Lake - Day Two: Walked the Lake

2009-09-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

[I have to premise this blog with an addendum to "Hume Lake - Day One." Last night, the evening ended with a 20-foot bungee... Pictures and video are on its way...]

Well, today was very fun. Got up, got dressed, applied a layer of sunblock to protect my white skin, opened the door, only to discover it was raining! In my shorts and sandals, I stepped out into the day. I filled out the rest of the paperwork with HR, was given a Hume Lake T-Shirt and a Name Tag with lanyard.

After lunch, I walked around Hume Lake. Very cloudy, fairly cool. Very beautiful. I took some photos with Nathan's camera. I'll upload them when I get a chance.

Tomorrow, I start my official FIRST day of work. Gonna figure out everything that's needed for the next two weeks. It's gonna be awesome!

Hume Lake - Day One: Touring Hume

2009-09-13T16:56:00.001-07:00

Today, Nathan showed me around Hume Lake Christian Camp. It's very beautiful up here. It's the most quiet and secluded place I've ever been to. I feel very out of the way of everything. I think I'm experiencing a little culture shock and a slight form of "jet lag" (from all the windy hills last night).

Not 24 hours ago, I was in the bustling city of Burbank with my friends, and now I'm here, about 1.5 hours outside Fresno. I have no cell reception, the Internet connection is basically non-existent. I'm jostled by this situation, but it's also calm here. So I'm feeling out of place -- but I also can't help feel peaceful in this location.

I'm worried about a few things: that I have limited contact with my friends and family, that I left Sidney's house so quickly that I left a mess before leaving (sorry Sidney!!), that I won't be able to stay focused on my job here, that I'll lose energy, and that I'll go crazy being isolated away from things for so long.

Anyway, I am looking forward to the next few weeks -- working with the Hume Lake Creative Team, the junior high and high school campers, and eating lots of good food, getting some good sun, maybe some hikes and boating, and of course some swimming (if the weather allows).

When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away...

2009-09-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all;
he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.

Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the rigtheous will be condemned.
The Lord redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

- David son of Jesse, Psalm 34:15 - 22

Belated Film Reviews

2009-09-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

Dreamscape -- Joseph Ruben
Cool but aged VFX. Trippy, scary dream sequences. Precursor to "The Matrix."
3 out 5 Netflix. 6 on 10-scale.

Oliver Twist -- David Lean
The opening to this film was spectacular. Silent. High-contrast b&w. Riveting!
4 out 5 Netflix. 9 on 10-scale.

The Shining -- Stanley Kubrick
After seeing this about 3 or 4 times, I'm considering putting it in my top 10.
4 out 5 Netflix. 9 on 10-scale.

The 39 Steps -- Alfred Hitchcock
Some dialogue and scenes seemed unnecessary for the story to move, but Hitchcock makes everything and everyone interesting. I recommend watching on a large screen to get all the detail -- cinematography, editing, acting, mood.
3 out 5 Netflix. 8 on 10-scale.

District 9 -- Neill Blomkamp
Stupendous FX work. Great transition from Documentary-style to Fictional-Narrative. Found the ending very satisfying.
3 out 5 Netflix. 8 on 10-scale.

District 9 (short) -- Neill Blomkamp
3 out 5 Netflix. 6 on 10-scale.

Battle Cry -- Raoul Walsh
A cool mix of post-war nostalgia and relational drama.
3 out 5 Netflix. 7 on 10-scale.

(500) Days of Summer -- Marc Webb
3 out 5 Netflix. 7 on 10-scale.

Public Enemies -- Michael Mann
Mann-aged to present a story where I had a completely objective viewpoint. I wasn't spoon fed or FORCED to feel anything. I was merely able to watch the characters and the plot unfold like a documentary or a biographical film.
3 out 5 Netflix. 7 on 10-scale.

Casque d'or -- Jacques Becker
4 out 5 Netflix. 7 on 10-scale.

Touchez pas au grisbi -- Jacques Becker
Great! Fantastic! Brilliant! Genius!
5 out 5 Netflix. 9 on 10-scale.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince -- David Yates
3 out 5 Netflix. 5 on 10-scale.

Reflections - July 18 2009 - When I'm 30...

2009-07-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

I'm attempting to read through the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I've been reading Genesis, and right now, I'm at the part where Joseph is made head of Egypt after interpreting Pharaoh's two dreams.

"Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt" (Gen. 41:46).

Obviously, he had been in Egypt long before that, and he was helping Potiphar, captain of the guard, in his household. So he had been making an impression on the Egyptians before being sent to jail after Potiphar's wife claimed Joseph was trying to molest her.

The point I want to make is that something great happened for Joseph by the age of 30. That gives me some hope about my future. I've got 6 years till I'm 30.

Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream to mean that 7 years of abundance were coming followed by 7 years of famine. So that means, Joseph was in his 40's by the time his brothers came around asking for food.

My reflection is this. I'm in my 20's now. This is the time I lay plans, plant seeds, get information, get things in place, learn everything I can. 6 years from now, I'll be 30. Between 30 and 40 is when my best work will come around. I think that's when I'll be doing the most reputable work of my career.

Right now, it feels like I'm in prison -- despair, financially deprived. Maybe there will be 6 years of famine now, and then 6 years of great abundance when I'm 30?

Live Interview with Producer Stephen McEveety

2009-07-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.conversantlife.com/sorayam

Producer of new movie "Soroya M."
Producer Stephen McEveety, producer of "Braveheart"

Right Now!

Let the Right One In - Tomas Alfredson

2009-07-07T22:32:00.000-07:00

I saw this in the theater last October with Nate. I was very impressed with the film then, and I was glad to see it again just tonight.

I think it's a very well told "coming of age" story, set in the context of "vampire lore."

Definitely more worth someone's time than "Twilight."

I think the ending was a little too much. Almost overblown in proportion to the subtlety of the rest of the film. But the film inspired me. I think Tomas Alfredson directed the story very well. Precision image decisions.

3 out 5 Netflix. 8 on 10-scale.

Ryan's Daughter - David Lean

2009-07-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

David Lean creates masterpiece cinema. "Ryan's Daughter" (1970) is no exception to the rule. Complimented by a riveting (and ironic) score by Maurice Jarre, this film shows that Lean has a keen eye for capturing beautiful, natural images. You can tell he took his time with capturing Ireland's true oceanic beauty.

One critique, it had a slow set up, but the second half of the film was very moving. Gripped me!

4 out 5 Netflix. 8.5 on 10-scale.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - Michael Bay

2009-06-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

An excitingly good ride! I wasn't bogged down by the length, in fact I could've sat for another half hour. I was rocked by Bay-os sensationalism.

3 out 5 Netflix. 7 on 10-scale.

Visit www.MichaelBay.com

NOW!

Some news and reviews...

2009-06-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

Here's the news:
The last few days have been very busy. I filmed my friends' wedding on Saturday, my dad had a birthday party on Sunday, and now I'm gonna be making a film with my cousins, Espie and Brenden!

Here's some reviews:

Transformers - Michael Bay

I really, really enjoyed this movie. Gave me energy. Was very fun! Inspired me to make action movies!

3 out 5 Netflix, 7 on 10-scale.

The Blue Max - John Guillermin

This was one of Fox's attempts to get people away from their TV sets and back into the movie theaters. It's always a joy to see a film that gets you right into the story by using lush cinematography. And Oh! Those wide shots!

The set up of the story was very good! But the end didn't pay off for me. It started like "Lawrence of Arabia" - an epic war story exploring a unique individual and his affect on history. But it turned into an odd romance tale that wasn't very satisfying to me.

Guillermin directed "The Towering Inferno" (1974) as well as "King Kong" the 1976 version.

Stars George Peppard, James Mason, Ursula Andress, and an awesome score by one of my favorite composers Jerry Goldsmith!

3 out 5 Netflix, 7 on 10-scale.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - Dick Clark

I blame my cousin Miranda for getting me interested in this show. Despite the obvious theme of exploring sexual assaults, I find this show enjoyable to watch in the late evenings...

Dr. Who

I blame Kevin, Janelle, and Alexa for getting me into this show! I'M A HUGE FAN OF DR. WHO! I didn't think I'd enjoy any show post The X-Files or Twin Peaks, but Dr. Who is now in my list of favorite TV shows.

Zodiac - David Fincher

2009-06-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

I claim that Michael Mann's "The Insider" (1999) is quite possibly the most perfect film ever created. To me, there are no flaws with the film. "Zodiac" shares that same quality.

Every scene, every moment, every detail moves and is executed with perfection.

4 out 5 Netflix. 8.5 on 10-scale.

Free Association

2009-06-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

From Wikipedia.com:

"In free association, psychoanalytic patients are invited to relate whatever comes into their minds during the analytic session, and not to censor their thoughts. This technique is intended to help the patient learn more about what he or she thinks and feels in an atmosphere of non-judgmental curiosity and acceptance. Psychoanalysis assumes that people are often conflicted between their need to learn about themselves, and their (conscious or unconscious) fears of and defenses against change and self-exposure.

"The method of free association has no linear or preplanned agenda, but works by intuitive leaps and linkages which may lead to new personal insights and meanings. When used in this spirit, free association is a technique in which neither therapist nor patient knows in advance exactly where the conversation will lead, but it tends to lead to material that matters very much to the patient. Its goal is not to unearth specific answers or memories, but to instigate a journey of co-discovery which can enhance the patient's integration of thought, feeling, agency, and selfhood."

Goodfellas - Martin Scorsese

2009-05-24T16:03:00.001-07:00

I loved this film a lot. It's use of cinematic conventions is astounding. So many dollies, zooms, quick editing. Stylistically, it's profound and bold.

This film taught me a lot about directing. It had a huge cast, and each one of the characters have their unique attributes and Marty does fabulous work at keeping everything and everyone interesting.

Furthermore, the film made me want to eat Italian food, be rich, and hand out hundred dollar bills.

4 out 5 Netflix, 8 on 10-scale.

Blade: Trinity - David S. Goyer

2009-05-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

Not much to say here. Just wanted to point out that the best thing about this movie is Parker Posey playing the character Danica Talos. She is the only saving grace to the film. Amazing performance. She gives it her all.

2 out 5 Netflix, 5 on 10-scale.

Star Trek - J.J. Abrams

2009-05-11T15:12:00.001-07:00

Star Trek is a highly enjoyable film! I loved the effects, the relationships and history of the characters. Great work with casting young versions of the original gang. The effects were stunning. Loved the creatures, ships, fighting sequences -- the film was really exciting!

If I was to critique it, I would say that it really does not follow the Star Trek canon. Overall, it feels more like a fan film than anything else. What we see is not a prequel. What we actually see is an alternative reality to what we know of Trek history. Therefore, the filmmakers can get away with the film not following the canon.

Time Travel and Alternative Realities allow authors to explain away anything. They are cop-outs. They are devices that provide a simple solution to a complex problem. So I would criticize the film for that -- HOWEVER, I love those kind of things, and I thought the fact that they were used didn't take me out of the story.

3 out 5 Netflix, 8 on a 10-scale.

Right Eye Twitch

2009-05-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

My right eye has a twitch in it. A muscle spasm
of some sort.
It's occurring every other day now,
it seems,
for the past couple weeks.
Not sure what's causing it,
but it's slightly irritating.

A Clockwork Orange - Stanley Kubrick

2009-05-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna need some time to develop my thoughts on this one. I'm very glad I finally got around to watching this film by one of my top-five favorite directors, Stanley Kubrick.

Overall, I think it insightfully captured what it means to desire sex, control, and comfort.

A fascinating film that includes images of Christ, orgies, violence, government, politics, and scientific treatment.

Iconic images that will certainly last forever.

4 out of 5 Netflix, 8 on a 10-scale.

A Clockwork Orange

Michael Clayton - Tony Gilroy

2009-05-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

I just finished this film. Watched it on Blu-Ray at my friend Sidney's place. She's got an amazing digital projector.

I'm floored by how perfect this film is. Every set up had a perfect pay off. I love Michael Clayton's character. George Clooney does an amazing job.

If you want to know at least one thing about me, then know about my obsession with acting. There is not enough time or page space for me to dwell on how impressed I was with the entire cast. Ask me personally if you want a full explanation.

Tony Gilroy! You are a crazy man! How on earth do you come up with a story like this? And not only write it, but direct it as well. Supreme job. Everything about the film reeks of excellence. Every person involved. Robert Elswitt, great lighting. Steven Soderbergh, George Clooney, James Holt, Anthony Minghella, Sydney Pollack, Jennifer Fox, Steven Samuels, Kerry Orent -- you crazy clowns and your money. You crazy clowns and your Producing skills.

I give it a 4 out 5 Netflix stars, and 9 on a 10-scale.

Michael Clayton

coldkalkndag

2009-05-01T19:20:00.001-07:00

Today, I was double-chatting Brian Walton and Aaron Noble.

I came up with a new word in the process:

coldkalkndag

Bob Ross meets Edward Zwick

2009-04-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

Bob Ross
Edward Zwick

Defiance - Edward Zwick

2009-04-29T17:28:00.001-07:00

I just saw this at the Dollar Theater in good ole La Mirada.

I really enjoyed the film. It was a great set-up. Takes place almost entirely in the forest. I loved the dynamic relationship between Tuvia Bielski (Daniel Craig) and Zus Bielski (Liev Schreiber). The build up of group survival tactics was slow and steady, but from the start, you feel like you're right in the middle of Jewish persecution.

At the end of the film, there's a moment when Tuvia (Craig) is trapped alone with a tank and a dozen soldiers firing at him. Just when you least expect it, gunfire hits the enemy from the rear. Tuvia is saved! In the moment where you're trying to figure out who's doing the firing, there's this great reveal of Zus (Schreiber) and his "comrades" from the Russian resistance. Zus runs right out, shoots the guy on top of the tank, climbs on it, sets a grenade inside, and drops to the side, just in time for it to explode.

Great film about brotherhood, importance of family, and importance of Jewish community.

Overall, I give it a 3 out 5 Netflix, and a 7 on a 10-scale.

Defiance on IMDB.com

I would if I could but I can't so I won't!

2009-04-29T09:47:00.001-07:00

I've been trying to finish my first feature length script for Script Frenzy, but I'm nowhere close to meeting the 100-page mark.

Technically, I'm still in the "treatment/outline" phase. I've got a small black box of notes written on index cards. New ideas keep hitting every day, so I'm not ungrateful for inspiration. I just wish I knew how to put all the thoughts into a script form... and reach the deadline by tomorrow night (Thursday, April 30, 2009, midnight).

www.scriptfrenzy.org

The Soloist - Joe Wright

2009-04-26T00:15:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of Joe Wright. I think he's done marvelously at combining that right touch of emotion, style, meaning (and dare I say, "sentimentality") that a film needs to truly move an audience. He's no Stanley Kubrick, but I would place Joe Wright in the realm of arteur.

I just saw "The Soloist." I have to admit that I started tearing up about 20 minutes in, when Mr. Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) hands Mr. Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx) the cello in the tunnel freeway under downtown L.A. When Nathaniel starts to play, there's that perfect blend of sounds from the instrument and the sounds of the city. It was very real. I was put into a simple scenario that brought me out of my worries and stress. I felt like I was there. All the noise blocked out.

I will say, this film captured perfectly what it's like for me when I see an orchestra play in a concert hall. I loved the frequent "isolation moments" of Nathaniel when he's thinking about music, when he's hearing the music in his head. I loved the "color montage" that occurs when Mr. Lopez takes Nathaniel to see a rehersal at the Disney Concert Hall.

Aside from sound design and great character interaction, I'm still processing the other aspects of the film that made it so deep for me.

Overall, I give it a Netflix 4 stars out 5, and a 8 on a 10 scale.

The Soloist on IMDb.com

State of Play - Kevin McDonald

2009-04-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize this was based on a hit TV series...

I really liked this film. I loved the writing, and I can't wait to sit down and read the script. Thank you Paul Abbott (tv series), Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tony Gilroy, and Billy Ray.

Had a very good opening scene. And I really loved how Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe) was introduced with his crazy Irish rock music!

I was intrigued by the film's ability to have so many things happen and not lose focus through the process.

The End Credits alone is enough for me to like this movie. Anyone using Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Long As I Can See the Light" deserves a round of applause.

Some very good acting by the entire cast. (Props to Jason Bateman for stepping out of the "comedy-only" box.)

Definitely a good journalistic-political-suspense-thriller.

Overall, I give it a Netflix 3 out of 5, and a 7 on a 10 scale.

State of Play on IMDb.com

Newest Post!

2009-01-26T20:39:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone, which is mostly me!

I'm posting my brand new blog!

This is it! The Blog!

Thank you!

HOT JOG

2007-11-16T20:04:00.001-08:00

Yes, after reading an article on the matter, I decided to try HOT Dr Pepper (aka "JOG" -- "juice of the gods").

I had Subway with Kevin, and I filled my cup full of icy cold Dr Pepper. Then I came home, poured it all into a pot, turned the stove on low simmer, and soon the JOG was bubbling -- moreso than usual. I was actually afraid of overdosing on Carbon Dioxide in the air. But it was okay.

It's not bad.