So I was on the internets..... again, I know, I know. But I found I had some of my freshman work up on my YouTube account I barely use as Vimeo and I've been going steady ever since we met.
Anywho, all of my YouTube videos had their audio stripped from them because of copyright-shmopyright music claims. As I was feeling around the new YouTube features for the first time I found they had this nifty little thinger called AudioSwap where it samples the music from some another sight and it's totally legit. So I put some new tracks some of my old projects.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
RIP Delta Boy Smooth
I was making my new resume and searchin around the internets today and found this music video I worked on last summer back in the Roc, then saw that apparently the lead guy Delta Boy Smooth is now dead. He was a cool dude, it was a janky shoot but most of us had a fun time even when the cops came.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Review: Robin Hood
Went and saw Ridley Scott's latest film Robin Hood at a second rate theatre in Pasadena the other night.
The film takes on the origin story of Robin Hood. We start out in France as some English dudes attack some French dudes as Robin and his band of bros decide to ditch Croissant land to go back to Fish and Chips land. On the way back Robin comes across this dying English guy who's last wish is for him to return his sword to his father in Nottingham England. This sets off the "story" of what all happens next.
There is a great mystery to this film. It is loaded with talent on both sides of the camera yet the final product is anything but mediocre. Acting wise we have Oscar winners Russel Crow, Cate Blanchett, and William Hurt. And of course behind the camera we have the illustrious Ridley Scott known for some of the best films made within the past 30 years such as Alien, Blade Runner and Black Hawk Down. Plus you have the iconic Robin Hood story to go from with a 200 million dollar budget. But somewhere along the lines they forgot to get that important little thing called a good script.
The most crucial misstep in the whole picture is the weak story. It's a epic battle film that is simply not compelling and lacks any tension. It is really boggling how this film was actually made. All of the conflicts are easily evaded throughout the film. Not in a cool, "oh i just beat up 30 dudes with swords and i barely broke a sweat, man was that easy", more in a "oh all we had to do was fire some arrows at them from behind a tree, that only took 4 seconds of screen time, that was pretty easy" kinda way. Tension is what makes battles work, are they going to succeed? aren't they? No joke Twilight Eclipse had more tension than this. There seems to be a thread of "rising action" through act II but it barely gets anywhere and it just feels like you are strolling through the park as you watch this film. This fact was most prevalent during the "climactic" battle scene on the sea shore as French ship came to invade. As soon as we saw there was a huge cliff next to the shore where the English archers took their positions anyone who took Warfare 101 knew the battle was won easy as cake. Even without that knowledge the battle was poorly staged and lacked any drama on if Robin and his Englishmen were going to win or not. Bullocks!
The other main problem with the film is the pussy cop out PG-13 battles. This is not Chronicles of Narnia. When someone gets a sword in the face or shot with an arrow they don't just fall down. There is some damn blood. I'm not saying that it should be super gory Japanese Machine Girl style but there should be a level of reality presented in the damage done by these medieval weapons. The key part in showing this is to increase the tension and stakes during the battle as the audience see's "oh wow, this is some serious shit, i hope our hero Robin Hood doesn't get a sword in the face". Thus we connect more with our protagonist and are involved in the heat of the moment that is the battle scene.
Another major problem I thought was the casting of Russel Crowe. At 45 years old it's a bit of a stretch to be at the "beginning" of the Robin Hood mythology. I think the film would have had a great breath of fresh air and energy if they casted someone half his age. Instead we get a barely comprehensible Crowe who grumbles a one note performance through a non existent story arc for the "hero".
I'm even a little pissed I paid 3 dollars to go see this. Not even worth a DVD rental unless you are in love with Russel Crowe or have a hankering for bloodless battle scenes. Just watch Ridley Scott's Gladiator again or his far underrated 2005 film Kingdom of Heaven and make sure it's the extended edition.
The film takes on the origin story of Robin Hood. We start out in France as some English dudes attack some French dudes as Robin and his band of bros decide to ditch Croissant land to go back to Fish and Chips land. On the way back Robin comes across this dying English guy who's last wish is for him to return his sword to his father in Nottingham England. This sets off the "story" of what all happens next.
There is a great mystery to this film. It is loaded with talent on both sides of the camera yet the final product is anything but mediocre. Acting wise we have Oscar winners Russel Crow, Cate Blanchett, and William Hurt. And of course behind the camera we have the illustrious Ridley Scott known for some of the best films made within the past 30 years such as Alien, Blade Runner and Black Hawk Down. Plus you have the iconic Robin Hood story to go from with a 200 million dollar budget. But somewhere along the lines they forgot to get that important little thing called a good script.
The most crucial misstep in the whole picture is the weak story. It's a epic battle film that is simply not compelling and lacks any tension. It is really boggling how this film was actually made. All of the conflicts are easily evaded throughout the film. Not in a cool, "oh i just beat up 30 dudes with swords and i barely broke a sweat, man was that easy", more in a "oh all we had to do was fire some arrows at them from behind a tree, that only took 4 seconds of screen time, that was pretty easy" kinda way. Tension is what makes battles work, are they going to succeed? aren't they? No joke Twilight Eclipse had more tension than this. There seems to be a thread of "rising action" through act II but it barely gets anywhere and it just feels like you are strolling through the park as you watch this film. This fact was most prevalent during the "climactic" battle scene on the sea shore as French ship came to invade. As soon as we saw there was a huge cliff next to the shore where the English archers took their positions anyone who took Warfare 101 knew the battle was won easy as cake. Even without that knowledge the battle was poorly staged and lacked any drama on if Robin and his Englishmen were going to win or not. Bullocks!
The other main problem with the film is the pussy cop out PG-13 battles. This is not Chronicles of Narnia. When someone gets a sword in the face or shot with an arrow they don't just fall down. There is some damn blood. I'm not saying that it should be super gory Japanese Machine Girl style but there should be a level of reality presented in the damage done by these medieval weapons. The key part in showing this is to increase the tension and stakes during the battle as the audience see's "oh wow, this is some serious shit, i hope our hero Robin Hood doesn't get a sword in the face". Thus we connect more with our protagonist and are involved in the heat of the moment that is the battle scene.
Another major problem I thought was the casting of Russel Crowe. At 45 years old it's a bit of a stretch to be at the "beginning" of the Robin Hood mythology. I think the film would have had a great breath of fresh air and energy if they casted someone half his age. Instead we get a barely comprehensible Crowe who grumbles a one note performance through a non existent story arc for the "hero".
I'm even a little pissed I paid 3 dollars to go see this. Not even worth a DVD rental unless you are in love with Russel Crowe or have a hankering for bloodless battle scenes. Just watch Ridley Scott's Gladiator again or his far underrated 2005 film Kingdom of Heaven and make sure it's the extended edition.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Review: Toy Story 3
I saw Toy Story 3 last week. Like you've probably heard from everyone else who has seen it and other reviews, it's fantastic.
If you havn't seen it already. Get off the computer, and go.
What really surprised me about this movie was how intense it got during the climax. I was seriously scared for the main characters more than I can remember for any other movie in recent history live action and animation. A truly memorable sequence, to cap off a truly great film.
I'll keep it short as mostly everything has already been said about it. Recommended for anyone with a beating heart.
**Also seeing it in 3D is not necessary at all, especially if you already wear glasses and it just becomes wicked uncomfortable to wear both at the same time.
If you havn't seen it already. Get off the computer, and go.
What really surprised me about this movie was how intense it got during the climax. I was seriously scared for the main characters more than I can remember for any other movie in recent history live action and animation. A truly memorable sequence, to cap off a truly great film.
I'll keep it short as mostly everything has already been said about it. Recommended for anyone with a beating heart.
**Also seeing it in 3D is not necessary at all, especially if you already wear glasses and it just becomes wicked uncomfortable to wear both at the same time.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Review: The A-Team
Went and saw the newest TV Show to movie adaptation this past weekend, The A-Team. Directed by Joe Carnahan of Narc and Smokin Aces fame the film follows the exploits of an Army Rangers Alpha Team consisting of Liam "Qui-Gon Jinn" Neeson as John "Hannibal" Smith, Bradley "The Hangover" Cooper as Templeton "Faceman" Peck, Sharlto "District 9" Copley as James "Howling Mad" Murdock and MMA fighter Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as Bosco B.A. Barucus. The best thing is the film has more explosions than quotation marks.
The film begins with an opening sequence that brings the team together for the first time. We are then thrust years later into the Iraq War as the American troops are in the last days of withdrawal from the country. After one last Iraq mission our guys get set up for a crime they didn't commit and end up stripped of their ranking and thrown into separate jails. Now they gotta break out, clear their innocence, uncover the truth and take down the bad guys. There is no option B.
First and foremost let me just say this was the funnest time I've had at the movies this year by far. This film was an absolute blast from beginning to end. Pure summer entertainment.
One of the great things about the film is it's level of believable ridiculousness within the action scenes. The shit that goes down in the movie is nuts. The film takes suspension of disbelief and rides the line the entire time. It's just real enough where in the moment you don't second guess it at all.... slowing down a falling tank by shooting the cannon down towards the ground...sure why not, totally could work. Doing this really creates some original and amazing sequences that are really fun and purely cinematic to watch.
The other great thing about the film is the performances across the board especially by Liam, Bradley, Sharlto and Rampage. Their chemistry and individual character traits are really entertaining to watch the whole time.
I don't have any complaints. The film knew what it was and delivered.
I really recommend this movie to everyone. An incredibly fun ride from start to finish The A-Team is the most entertaining film I've seen this year.
The film begins with an opening sequence that brings the team together for the first time. We are then thrust years later into the Iraq War as the American troops are in the last days of withdrawal from the country. After one last Iraq mission our guys get set up for a crime they didn't commit and end up stripped of their ranking and thrown into separate jails. Now they gotta break out, clear their innocence, uncover the truth and take down the bad guys. There is no option B.
First and foremost let me just say this was the funnest time I've had at the movies this year by far. This film was an absolute blast from beginning to end. Pure summer entertainment.
One of the great things about the film is it's level of believable ridiculousness within the action scenes. The shit that goes down in the movie is nuts. The film takes suspension of disbelief and rides the line the entire time. It's just real enough where in the moment you don't second guess it at all.... slowing down a falling tank by shooting the cannon down towards the ground...sure why not, totally could work. Doing this really creates some original and amazing sequences that are really fun and purely cinematic to watch.
The other great thing about the film is the performances across the board especially by Liam, Bradley, Sharlto and Rampage. Their chemistry and individual character traits are really entertaining to watch the whole time.
I don't have any complaints. The film knew what it was and delivered.
I really recommend this movie to everyone. An incredibly fun ride from start to finish The A-Team is the most entertaining film I've seen this year.
Monday, June 14, 2010
TLA: INTRO SEQUENCE
Finally got to compressing and uploading the intro sequence to my thesis up on the Vimeo. Checkedy Check it out.....
The whole thing is to come soooooooooon, just gotta work out some sound bugs.
The Last Actor: The Intro Sequence from Daniel Alexander on Vimeo.
The whole thing is to come soooooooooon, just gotta work out some sound bugs.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Review: The End of Suburbia
Watched another documentary concerning peak oil today. Directed by Gregory Greene, The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream (catchy title if I've ever heard one) focuses much more on the direct effect of peak oil and dwindling resources upon the massive suburban sprawls of America. Here is the trailer:
I found out about this documentary as I was watching this video on Vimeo about Transition Towns. In the 20 min video a professor mentioned that he showed his students this 2004 documentary which sparked them to pursuing more information on how to better suit a community for the future transition away from oil dependency.
Opposed to Collapse this documentary has a more straight forward style including interviews from many experts and most importantly focusing entirely on the issue at hand and not the characters of the people presenting it. It's not a breakthrough documentary stylistically by any hand but it covers the issue in a well paced informative manner. One of the interviewees who lends their voice is none other but Michael Ruppert.
The film clearly shows how the American Suburban lifestyle is wasteful, inefficient, unsustainable, and a completely retarded setup that has absolutely no future. All the while utilizing 50's era footage for ironic effect. Peak Oil is here if we like it or not. There are no quick and easy fixes. And most importantly we can't rely on the federal government or main stream media to guide us. The sooner one realizes there is a problem and that we can't all keep on living life the way we have been the sooner we can adapt into a new future. This film presents those statements in a well constructed manner as well. Most importantly unlike Collapse this film goes into what we can do as individuals and as community members to help better the transition into a non-oil dependent society. The main solution for a better future is more community centered living with all local bought and produced food, goods and services. Again it's addressed that this is not going to be solved overnight but must be met with a strong will of community members to evolve with the changing world.
This is a must watch documentary for anyone interested in having a better future for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
Here is the main website for Transition Towns which already have a big following in the UK and Ireland but unfortunately haven't really caught on as much as it should in America........yet:
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/
There is really a ton of awesome information on the site that I urge you to check out and share with others. One of the best links is this downloadable 50 page pdf document that is really a must read.
Transition Initiative Primer
Personally I believe this is just the beginning to a better way of life. As Mr. Dylan said: The Times They Are A-Changin.
I found out about this documentary as I was watching this video on Vimeo about Transition Towns. In the 20 min video a professor mentioned that he showed his students this 2004 documentary which sparked them to pursuing more information on how to better suit a community for the future transition away from oil dependency.
Opposed to Collapse this documentary has a more straight forward style including interviews from many experts and most importantly focusing entirely on the issue at hand and not the characters of the people presenting it. It's not a breakthrough documentary stylistically by any hand but it covers the issue in a well paced informative manner. One of the interviewees who lends their voice is none other but Michael Ruppert.
The film clearly shows how the American Suburban lifestyle is wasteful, inefficient, unsustainable, and a completely retarded setup that has absolutely no future. All the while utilizing 50's era footage for ironic effect. Peak Oil is here if we like it or not. There are no quick and easy fixes. And most importantly we can't rely on the federal government or main stream media to guide us. The sooner one realizes there is a problem and that we can't all keep on living life the way we have been the sooner we can adapt into a new future. This film presents those statements in a well constructed manner as well. Most importantly unlike Collapse this film goes into what we can do as individuals and as community members to help better the transition into a non-oil dependent society. The main solution for a better future is more community centered living with all local bought and produced food, goods and services. Again it's addressed that this is not going to be solved overnight but must be met with a strong will of community members to evolve with the changing world.
This is a must watch documentary for anyone interested in having a better future for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
Here is the main website for Transition Towns which already have a big following in the UK and Ireland but unfortunately haven't really caught on as much as it should in America........yet:
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/
There is really a ton of awesome information on the site that I urge you to check out and share with others. One of the best links is this downloadable 50 page pdf document that is really a must read.
Transition Initiative Primer
Personally I believe this is just the beginning to a better way of life. As Mr. Dylan said: The Times They Are A-Changin.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Review: Collapse
Watched the documentary feature Collapse last night. The film is directed by Chris Smith who is most famous for making my all time favorite documentary American Movie. If you are a filmmaker, or a lover of films American Movie is a must watch, and one of the funniest films I've ever seen. Anyways...Collapse, check out the trailer to get an idea of what's happening.
As seen in the trailer the entire film is an interview in a dark basement with one man with sprinkled archival footage. That man is Michael Ruppert and unlike American Movie, Collapse is not a comedy, unless you have a very deep dark sense of humor. Some may find this movie incredibly boring or annoyingly one sided, but I'm just me and I found it quite reaffirming.
I've thought about the end of modern civilization for a long time in my short life. I can remember at a very early age putting two and two together in the facts of the gigantic rise in human population and our earths dwindling resources and that something radical is going to happen in the near future. This film outlines all of that clearly through Mr. Ruppert's insights. The major thing what the film doesn't do is back up most of his claims through evidence. While most of it is pretty common sense there was definitely room for supporting some of his statements. Mr. Ruppert says everything with such confidence and matter of fact speaking that most of the time you don't even notice or care that his statements aren't being backed up. I'll admit for my case it was more a matter of preaching to the choir, so I'd be interested to see what other people thought.
How the film is shot really enforces the subject matter. It's stark, dark, and ominous. Like a man hiding in a bomb shelter the interview has no sunlight or any other objects in the room. He is alone with only the directors voice off screen moving him along at some points. The slow dolly moves really draws you in as well.
Collapse has a double meaning in this film. As it's really more of a character study in the collapse of this chain smoking lonely man and his obsessive passion. By the end of the film you feel very sorry for him. Here's a guy who all he has is his dog and thoughts of doom. That's enough to drive anyone mad.
Overall it's a very interesting watch and I recommend it to everyone.
Official Website
I think it is important to note a major metaphor used in the film. It centers on the sinking of the Titanic. (the sinking of civilization...whoah) There are three kinds of people on the ship:
1: The deer in the headlights people who are running around freaked out confused and looking for direction.
2: The people who acknowledge the problem and try to find a solution.
3: The people who think the ship is unsinkable and go back to the bar.
What kind of person are you?
Do you're own research and make your own conclusions.
As seen in the trailer the entire film is an interview in a dark basement with one man with sprinkled archival footage. That man is Michael Ruppert and unlike American Movie, Collapse is not a comedy, unless you have a very deep dark sense of humor. Some may find this movie incredibly boring or annoyingly one sided, but I'm just me and I found it quite reaffirming.
I've thought about the end of modern civilization for a long time in my short life. I can remember at a very early age putting two and two together in the facts of the gigantic rise in human population and our earths dwindling resources and that something radical is going to happen in the near future. This film outlines all of that clearly through Mr. Ruppert's insights. The major thing what the film doesn't do is back up most of his claims through evidence. While most of it is pretty common sense there was definitely room for supporting some of his statements. Mr. Ruppert says everything with such confidence and matter of fact speaking that most of the time you don't even notice or care that his statements aren't being backed up. I'll admit for my case it was more a matter of preaching to the choir, so I'd be interested to see what other people thought.
How the film is shot really enforces the subject matter. It's stark, dark, and ominous. Like a man hiding in a bomb shelter the interview has no sunlight or any other objects in the room. He is alone with only the directors voice off screen moving him along at some points. The slow dolly moves really draws you in as well.
Collapse has a double meaning in this film. As it's really more of a character study in the collapse of this chain smoking lonely man and his obsessive passion. By the end of the film you feel very sorry for him. Here's a guy who all he has is his dog and thoughts of doom. That's enough to drive anyone mad.
Overall it's a very interesting watch and I recommend it to everyone.
Official Website
I think it is important to note a major metaphor used in the film. It centers on the sinking of the Titanic. (the sinking of civilization...whoah) There are three kinds of people on the ship:
1: The deer in the headlights people who are running around freaked out confused and looking for direction.
2: The people who acknowledge the problem and try to find a solution.
3: The people who think the ship is unsinkable and go back to the bar.
What kind of person are you?
Do you're own research and make your own conclusions.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Review: Splice
Went out to The Grove and saw the new film Splice the other night. The film is directed by Vincenzo Natali. No that's not a bad guy from a James Bond movie, its a director from Detroit Michigan who made the 1997 film Cube (I haven't seen it yet but heard its pretty cool). Splice stars one of my favorite actors Adrien Brody who I'm wicked pumped to see next month in Nimrod Antal's Predators and Sarah Polley who was in one of the best horror remakes of all time, Zach Snyder's Dawn of the Dead.
The film centers on married couple of Brody and Polly who are bio chemists working. As the title infers, they are working on splicing, gene splicing. They create a hybrid creature that ages fast and of course shit hits the fan. It's kinda like Species but without the whole extra terrestrial element.
This was a pretty damn entertaining flick. Great performances from the two leads, good use of a mixture of practical and computer effects, well shot, and it went places I was not expecting at all. Really amazing scenes and sequences that just plain worked incredibly well. The tone of the film was also well laid out, it was serious but still left room for obvious comedy for the ridiculousness of what was happening. What made Splice so cool was that it is essentially a monster movie but risen to a much higher level by running themes of parenthood, child raising, plus a whole slew of ethical concerns mixed in.
Unlike most Hollywood films this is a very intimate story with only five speaking roles. Again this really raises the "monster movie" level of the film as it is a straight up character piece between the husband and wife and how they separately deal with raising their "child", the hybrid named Dren. The evolution of Dren is also really well done on an effects level and emotional level. Effects wise there are no flourishes as everything is used to continue the story and sell the character of Dren. You totally believe that this hybrid is a living breathing creature that totally existed unlike obvious CG characters plaguing our screens. On an emotional level there is a great change from creature to character as Dren having us connect with her plight.
Not to say there are no flaws of the film as there some of the dialog was a little weak. This was apparent especially in how Sarah Polley's character was written. Some of the things she said were to unrealistic and matter of fact, I understand why they did it to move the story along and keep it brief, but a couple lines just didn't work at all, but again, that's just me nitpicking. There character of the lab boss was pretty one dimensional which was annoying. Adding some depth to his character would have rounded out the cast a lot better. I also think the end could have taken the concept a little farther than it ended up doing.
This film also had one of the biggest "wtf" moments I have ever seen in a wide release film. (Lars Von Trier's Antichrist wins for all films) I really don't want to spoil what it is, so I won't even say. All I'll say is that I'm really glad that what happened, happened. It had great reactions from the rest of the crowd and it was equally as fun just seeing how other people reacted. I also really appreciate it in that it dared to do something different which is not done enough these days in main stream cinema.
Overall I really enjoyed Splice and would recommend it to anyone who likes Science Fiction and Horror films.
The film centers on married couple of Brody and Polly who are bio chemists working. As the title infers, they are working on splicing, gene splicing. They create a hybrid creature that ages fast and of course shit hits the fan. It's kinda like Species but without the whole extra terrestrial element.
This was a pretty damn entertaining flick. Great performances from the two leads, good use of a mixture of practical and computer effects, well shot, and it went places I was not expecting at all. Really amazing scenes and sequences that just plain worked incredibly well. The tone of the film was also well laid out, it was serious but still left room for obvious comedy for the ridiculousness of what was happening. What made Splice so cool was that it is essentially a monster movie but risen to a much higher level by running themes of parenthood, child raising, plus a whole slew of ethical concerns mixed in.
Unlike most Hollywood films this is a very intimate story with only five speaking roles. Again this really raises the "monster movie" level of the film as it is a straight up character piece between the husband and wife and how they separately deal with raising their "child", the hybrid named Dren. The evolution of Dren is also really well done on an effects level and emotional level. Effects wise there are no flourishes as everything is used to continue the story and sell the character of Dren. You totally believe that this hybrid is a living breathing creature that totally existed unlike obvious CG characters plaguing our screens. On an emotional level there is a great change from creature to character as Dren having us connect with her plight.
Not to say there are no flaws of the film as there some of the dialog was a little weak. This was apparent especially in how Sarah Polley's character was written. Some of the things she said were to unrealistic and matter of fact, I understand why they did it to move the story along and keep it brief, but a couple lines just didn't work at all, but again, that's just me nitpicking. There character of the lab boss was pretty one dimensional which was annoying. Adding some depth to his character would have rounded out the cast a lot better. I also think the end could have taken the concept a little farther than it ended up doing.
This film also had one of the biggest "wtf" moments I have ever seen in a wide release film. (Lars Von Trier's Antichrist wins for all films) I really don't want to spoil what it is, so I won't even say. All I'll say is that I'm really glad that what happened, happened. It had great reactions from the rest of the crowd and it was equally as fun just seeing how other people reacted. I also really appreciate it in that it dared to do something different which is not done enough these days in main stream cinema.
Overall I really enjoyed Splice and would recommend it to anyone who likes Science Fiction and Horror films.
Review: Prince of Persia
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is the newest Video Game to Movie adaptation in theaters brought to you by the Mouse House and Mr. Jerry Explosion Meister Bruckheimer. The film is helmed by British director Mike Newell who is famous for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Mona Lisa Smile and Four Weddings and A Funeral.
Like the video game the film is set amongst the height of the beautiful and vibrant Persian Empire. The story follows Donnie Darko as he is framed for his fathers murder and goes on a journey to prove his innocence all the while discovering the secrets of the Dagger and Sands of Time. Swords, ostriches, white chicks, Gandhi and lots of sand ensue.
First of all I was a big fan of the Prince of Persia video games. I remember playing the original 2D computer game when I was a kid at my friends house. It was sick as hell, you were just this little dude trapped in a dungeon and you had to jump over spikes and watch out for booby traps and sometimes clash swords with other dudes. It rocked. When I heard they were updating the game for the Play Station I was psyched. And when I finally played it, it was incredible. It had not only amazing art direction but revolutionary one of a kind combat and platforming action that raised the bar for all other action plat-formers to come. And by far the best aspect of the whole game was, IT WAS FUN, as a video game should be. The two sequels of that game were equally as entertaining. Thus even since the original 2D game I've yearned for a Prince of Persia film, and now it exists....
I really wish I could have loved this film. It had so much potential to be mad awesome. It's like the kid with the really cool parents but he's just kinda lame. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the movie, it kept my interest for most of the time but never rose to a level of "wow" or "that....was....awesome" that i was expecting. Sure my expectations may be a little higher than most but with a few easy changes this film would have been much better.
Change 1- My biggest gripe about the entire film was the Parkour scenes. Again like the video game I love Parkour and when its used well in films, such as Casino Royale and the French films District B13 and Yamakasi, but here it's completely ruined by the editing much like the Italian rooftop chase in Quantum of Solace. They even had the founder of parkour David Belle as the coordinator for these sequences, and they totally fuck it all up with quick cut editing and stupid jittery time remapping. Seriously, you have amazing stunt people and Jake who has been training for these sequences...let them do what they do, AND SHOW IT! STOP CUTTING! It ruins the spectacle of these great stunts because the audience looses their sense of space and direction within the frame. This just pissed me off, because again I was looking forward to sweet Parkour stunts on a grand scale but senselessly it was all destroyed by retarded editing. If you haven't seen District B-13 go check it out ASAP and see the master David Belle in action.
Change 1.5- With the extreme architecture set up for the cities they visited in the film the Parkour action scenes also could have been much more varied and interesting. Just look at all the different levels, spires, windows and everything in the city behind Jake!
Tons of possibilities to use the environment and location to do crazy Parkour stunts. But why can't they, oh yeah, because it's all fake in a damn computer. YET! 200million dollar budget they could have made some better stuff then running on top of adobe huts and markets. C'mon. Granted the first scene when Dastan climbed up the castle wall using a tree log then arrows was interesting, the rest of the film did not reach that level of creativity in the action. Which again is a major shame based on the extreme potential for what the game set up.
Change 2- The writing hurt the believability of Prince Dastan. I really do like Jake Gyllenhaal and think he's one of the best young actors around. He does a fair job in the film but the entire time I never believed him to be Prince Dastan, he was always just a buff Jake jumping around fighting people. I don't think this is the fault of Jake as an actor but simply the writing of the Character of Dastan was not very compelling in the first place. Jake just doesn't have much to work with.
Change 3- The whole white washing issue is major in the film. I really didn't mind it so much for Jake's part but for Princess Tamina played by Gemma Arterton it really bugged me. Jake could possibly pass as Persian if you squinted your eyes, this girl just looks so out of place it is ridiculous, even with the huge amount of fake bronzer put on her for some scenes. There are plenty of gorgeous Persian and Middle Eastern girls they could have chosen that would have made the film much more authentic. Yes I understand this is a fantasy film, but c'mon, give a young Middle Eastern girl a shot at the big time, not some whispy voiced English chick who likes old dudes (she just got married in RL to some 37 year old italian guy, she's 24, c'mon i'm 23 and never got a chance :/ ) LAME LAME LAME The other main actor who looked totally out of place was Jakes brother Tus played by English dude Richard Coyle. Even though Jake was suppose to be the adopted one this guy looked it more. Again, seriously, this is Prince of Persia, not Braveheart, go back home and eat your fish and chips. It's actually pretty sad we are still at this point in mainstream cinema that ethnic characters are still given to white folks. It's 2010. Get with the program. -She doesn't fool Bond-
Change 4- The "mystery" surrounding who was the real killer of Dastans father was stupid. Plain stupid. We all knew it was his uncle Gandhi from the trailers, and even the posters give it away in his ominous stare. Make him the clear and present antagonist the entire film so we don't have to have this "invasion based on information about harboring weapons of mass destruction". Yeah that allegory was also stupid. The more I think about this movie the more I don't like it.
Alright, as for the things it did well. There were some really great shots and cinematography of the desert and mountainous areas. The costumes for the most part were good. The music wasn't actually as grand as it should have been I felt. The visual effects of the cities were really well done as was the effects of the use of the Sands of Time.
Overall, it held my attention for a couple hours, but don't go into it with any hopes. Really don't take my harsh words to much to heart since my expectations were so high. If you're down for a classic adventure with a lot of flaws and have an extra ten bucks lying around go, kick back, relax, eat some Sour Patch kids and turn your brain off.
I actually would like to see a sequel to this film in hopes that they would make those necessary changes in crafting a far better film. We shall see....
Like the video game the film is set amongst the height of the beautiful and vibrant Persian Empire. The story follows Donnie Darko as he is framed for his fathers murder and goes on a journey to prove his innocence all the while discovering the secrets of the Dagger and Sands of Time. Swords, ostriches, white chicks, Gandhi and lots of sand ensue.
First of all I was a big fan of the Prince of Persia video games. I remember playing the original 2D computer game when I was a kid at my friends house. It was sick as hell, you were just this little dude trapped in a dungeon and you had to jump over spikes and watch out for booby traps and sometimes clash swords with other dudes. It rocked. When I heard they were updating the game for the Play Station I was psyched. And when I finally played it, it was incredible. It had not only amazing art direction but revolutionary one of a kind combat and platforming action that raised the bar for all other action plat-formers to come. And by far the best aspect of the whole game was, IT WAS FUN, as a video game should be. The two sequels of that game were equally as entertaining. Thus even since the original 2D game I've yearned for a Prince of Persia film, and now it exists....
I really wish I could have loved this film. It had so much potential to be mad awesome. It's like the kid with the really cool parents but he's just kinda lame. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the movie, it kept my interest for most of the time but never rose to a level of "wow" or "that....was....awesome" that i was expecting. Sure my expectations may be a little higher than most but with a few easy changes this film would have been much better.
Change 1- My biggest gripe about the entire film was the Parkour scenes. Again like the video game I love Parkour and when its used well in films, such as Casino Royale and the French films District B13 and Yamakasi, but here it's completely ruined by the editing much like the Italian rooftop chase in Quantum of Solace. They even had the founder of parkour David Belle as the coordinator for these sequences, and they totally fuck it all up with quick cut editing and stupid jittery time remapping. Seriously, you have amazing stunt people and Jake who has been training for these sequences...let them do what they do, AND SHOW IT! STOP CUTTING! It ruins the spectacle of these great stunts because the audience looses their sense of space and direction within the frame. This just pissed me off, because again I was looking forward to sweet Parkour stunts on a grand scale but senselessly it was all destroyed by retarded editing. If you haven't seen District B-13 go check it out ASAP and see the master David Belle in action.
Change 1.5- With the extreme architecture set up for the cities they visited in the film the Parkour action scenes also could have been much more varied and interesting. Just look at all the different levels, spires, windows and everything in the city behind Jake!
Tons of possibilities to use the environment and location to do crazy Parkour stunts. But why can't they, oh yeah, because it's all fake in a damn computer. YET! 200million dollar budget they could have made some better stuff then running on top of adobe huts and markets. C'mon. Granted the first scene when Dastan climbed up the castle wall using a tree log then arrows was interesting, the rest of the film did not reach that level of creativity in the action. Which again is a major shame based on the extreme potential for what the game set up.
Change 2- The writing hurt the believability of Prince Dastan. I really do like Jake Gyllenhaal and think he's one of the best young actors around. He does a fair job in the film but the entire time I never believed him to be Prince Dastan, he was always just a buff Jake jumping around fighting people. I don't think this is the fault of Jake as an actor but simply the writing of the Character of Dastan was not very compelling in the first place. Jake just doesn't have much to work with.
Change 3- The whole white washing issue is major in the film. I really didn't mind it so much for Jake's part but for Princess Tamina played by Gemma Arterton it really bugged me. Jake could possibly pass as Persian if you squinted your eyes, this girl just looks so out of place it is ridiculous, even with the huge amount of fake bronzer put on her for some scenes. There are plenty of gorgeous Persian and Middle Eastern girls they could have chosen that would have made the film much more authentic. Yes I understand this is a fantasy film, but c'mon, give a young Middle Eastern girl a shot at the big time, not some whispy voiced English chick who likes old dudes (she just got married in RL to some 37 year old italian guy, she's 24, c'mon i'm 23 and never got a chance :/ ) LAME LAME LAME The other main actor who looked totally out of place was Jakes brother Tus played by English dude Richard Coyle. Even though Jake was suppose to be the adopted one this guy looked it more. Again, seriously, this is Prince of Persia, not Braveheart, go back home and eat your fish and chips. It's actually pretty sad we are still at this point in mainstream cinema that ethnic characters are still given to white folks. It's 2010. Get with the program. -She doesn't fool Bond-
Change 4- The "mystery" surrounding who was the real killer of Dastans father was stupid. Plain stupid. We all knew it was his uncle Gandhi from the trailers, and even the posters give it away in his ominous stare. Make him the clear and present antagonist the entire film so we don't have to have this "invasion based on information about harboring weapons of mass destruction". Yeah that allegory was also stupid. The more I think about this movie the more I don't like it.
Alright, as for the things it did well. There were some really great shots and cinematography of the desert and mountainous areas. The costumes for the most part were good. The music wasn't actually as grand as it should have been I felt. The visual effects of the cities were really well done as was the effects of the use of the Sands of Time.
Overall, it held my attention for a couple hours, but don't go into it with any hopes. Really don't take my harsh words to much to heart since my expectations were so high. If you're down for a classic adventure with a lot of flaws and have an extra ten bucks lying around go, kick back, relax, eat some Sour Patch kids and turn your brain off.
I actually would like to see a sequel to this film in hopes that they would make those necessary changes in crafting a far better film. We shall see....
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