Oscar Worthy

I recently had the awesome privilege to watch the movie "3:10 To Yuma" starring Christian Bale and Russell Crowe. Awe-some! Not only did it feature my two favorite actors, but the story was second to none. The directing was beautiful, and you really grew to want to get to know the characters better. I find it was a total shame that this movie didn't get nominated for any Academy Awards... a total shame!

Sweet gravy, it was good. I got an edited copy. If any of you ever want an edited copy of a DVD then a good site to go to is http://www.goodmoviesonline.com. It has a decent selection, though not great, and they edit things very well. Most every bit of objectionable material is removed, and a majority of the time you can choose whether you would want the DVD edited similar to a 'PG' or 'PG-13' movie. Sometimes you're only edit option is 'PG-13' because some movies can't be edited more than that; otherwise you would be missing too many vital story "progressives." The way that they make it work legally is by having you technically buy the original DVD, and then they give you a "free edited copy" along with it. They can afford to do this, and also make a profit, by charging the general recommended retail price (which is kind of high; usually between $20 & $30). In most stores, especially Wal-Mart, you can find DVDs a little cheaper than that. So, admittedly to get these edited DVDs is not cheap, but if you have ever really, really wanted to see something, but just haven't wanted to watch the rated "R" material, then Good Movies is a good way to go. Until next time: "Strength and Honor!"

A Couple Cinematic Gems

Here are a couple cinematic gems that i have found recently. Admittedly they are not for everyone because I could see how some just couldn't handle the slower pace. For people who really like movies, and appreciate them for art as well as entertainment, then these are great ones to see:

Broken Flowers (Bill Murray)
The New World (Colin Farrell, Christian Bale)
Good Night, and Good Luck (David Strathairn)
The Mission (Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson)

You can look into those if you are ever feeling bored, or want to watch a very thoughtful movie. I saw Broken Flowers and The Mission edited, so I suggest the same as well.

Are you not entertained?

I was recently given an assignment to rate my 5 favorite movies, and give a synopsis of each one. That made me really think about why we like the movies we do. What are the key elements to a movie that make them resonate in us for long periods after? I have a few ideas, but I'm not here to impose an answer. It's just a thought I've been having, and wonder as to what all the answers could be. One thing can be certain though--the movie can't be lame! What is lame? Now that is also open to interpretation as well...

10 of my favorite movies... in no particular order:

The Lord of the Rings
Rocky
Gladiator
Star Wars Saga (Especially Episodes 4-6)
Stardust
Gandhi
Nacho Libre
Indiana Jones Movies
Chocolat
What About Bob?

There may be a couple comedies that I could interchange in the list occasionally, but that's pretty close to what my favorite movies are.

Symbol

I have lately grown a deep respect for film-makers that utilize symbolism. In my humble opinion symbolism can be the single thing that can separate a good movie from a great one. My recent viewing of "Kingdom of Heaven" proved to me again just how much a simple symbol--whether that be thematic, universal, or otherwise--can carry such massive weight that just showing it can elicit strong emotions. Example: for some people just seeing a cross can give them a strong feeling of solemnity.

If I were to recommend a director that you should take notice of it would certainly be Ridley Scott--most especially for his strong symbolism in "Gladiator", "Kingdom of Heaven", and "Blade Runner". You can even see strong symbolism in some of his less amazing efforts like "Legend" (intriguing, and amusing to be sure).

That's what I have to say about that.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire!

In crafting our latest Spencer Films creation, a christmas tale involving amnesia, Chris and I have run into about every personal difference I can think of. I think that the movie should be edited together one way, but he prefers another, etc. Things like this can drive you crazy. I'm amazed at how such simple stresses such as a slight disagreement on a camera angle can kill our creative spirits almost instantly. But despite personal struggles Chris and I barrel through because we both have a drive to film, and make movies. It's fun when you can see a product coming together. The tricky part is still trying to have fun when a product seems to be strewn amongst the four corners of the earth, and you can't see how it's all working.

Most important of all though is that Chris and I are figuring how to work with each other, and work with our surrounding much better. I will be the first to admit that our newest product may suffer a little bit because of our struggles, but in a way, once it is done I feel as though It will be one of Spencer Films proudest achievements.

Note: Aforementioned movie is yet to be titled or finished, so a release date is really hard to nail down right now. If i were to guess then i'd say mid-March. Have a good one!