After several years of trying, I finally was able to purchase a Bag of Crap from woot.com. For those unfamiliar with Woot, they are a daily deal site that normally posts one item for sale each day until it sells out. But sometimes they have a "Woot Off" where a new item will come up after each previous one sells out. During a Woot Off a "Bag of Crap" will occasionally come up.

These are basically mystery grab bag that are highly sought after, so they crash the Woot server and sell out in seconds; they are very hard to purchase. They only cost three dollars, and most of the time you get a bunch of junk, but you do have a chance of getting something worth a lot more than the three dollars you paid. Here is a video of me unboxing my first ever Bag of Crap from the March 22nd Woot Off.

 

I am the laziest blogger alive!! Okay so I figure I better start writing in this again since I have to for my Writing Comics and Graphic Novels class.

The only reason I'm even enrolled in said class is because the playwriting class I was going to take got the ax due to lack of enrollment (one person shy of making...drats!!) But I will spin this into the positive and accept the challenges that await me. For months my writing partner/roommate/heterosexual life mate have been developing the idea for a female assassin story. It could all end up very Kill Bill'ish and cliché, but my inclination is to make it not that. Certainly I cannot completely avoid the influences of action and martial arts cinema I have consumed, but I hope to create a somewhat original story.

To that end I plan of using this class as an opportunity to create a multi-dimensional character and a compelling story. I believe the graphic narrative will be a perfect fit for the genesis of the character. It involves an lots origin story told in flashbacks, something I believe the graphic novel does well.

Eventually I want to turn this idea into a screenplay and a motion picture, because well, making movies is what I want to do with my life. Last semester I made a short film that takes place inside the world of the my female assassin character. The female character in this film isn't the main character of the world, just someone who happens to live inside it. The film is embedded below. Please watch.

Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting

Last weekend before the snowpocalypse hit, we decided to shoot a quick little martial arts action scene. While we were snowed in I edited it together, and added sound effects. It always amazes me the power sound and music have on the visual image. Before putting in the sound effects, the scene was dull and lifeless, but afterwards it became fun and action packed. Below is the result.

Oscar Predictions

The Oscar nominations came out this morning so I've decided to get a jump on my predictions this year. Not that my predictions, or the awards themselves matter in the grand scheme of things, but it's a decent way to kill time at work while I have nothing else to do. I'm only going to list my predictions for the winners. If you want the full list of nominees go here.

Best Picture - The King's Speech

Best Actor (Leading) - Colin Firth (The King's Speech)

Best Actor (Supporting) - Geoffrey Rush (The King's Speech)

Best Actress (Leading) - Natalie Portman (Black Swan)

Best Actress (Supporting) - Hailee Steinfield (True Grit) [my dark horse pick]

Best Animated Feature - Toy Story 3 [is there really any doubt?]

Art Direction - Inception

Cinematography - Inception

Costume Design - The Tempest

Director - Tom Hooper (The King's Speech)

Best Documentary Feature - Exit Through The Gift Shop [it's the only one I've seen]

Best Documentary Short Subject - The Warriors of Qiugang [a wild guess]

Editing - Black Swan

Best Foreign Language Film - Biutiful (Mexico) [only one I've heard of]

Makeup - The Wolfman

Original Score - The Social Network

Original Song - If I Rise (127 Hours) [another wild guess, but Dido wrote the lyrics and I like her]

Best Animated Short Film - Day & Night [only one I've seen]

Best Live Action Short Film - God of Love [wild guess]

Sound Editing - Inception

Sound Mixing - Inception

Visual Effects - Inception

Adapted Screenplay - Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network)

Original Screenplay - Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg (The Kids Are Alright)

So if my predictions are right, it should be a big night for The King's Speech and Inception. We shall see.

The Social Network and Piranha

Recently I've been catching up on all the 2010 movies I missed that have made their way to DVD. I've been itching to see The Social Network, and since I never return movies back to Netflix (maybe I should switch to the streaming only plan), I headed to the closest Redbox to rent it. While I was there I noticed they also had Piranha, so I picked it up too since I've also been wanting to see it. The Social Network did a decent job of keeping me interested in a pretty boring subject. It's main strength is the dialog of Aaron Sorkin's screenplay. I also enjoyed Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross's score, but that was no surprise since I'm a long time fan of Nine Inch Nails. 4 out of 5 stars.

Piranha was a complete one-eighty from ...Network's Oscar baiting pedigree. Shlocky, bloody madness from pretty much start to finish. I am a huge fan of this type of movie, but something about Piranha just didn't do it for me. There were cool cameos, lots of gratuitous T&A, and a ton of grisly deaths. This is normally a formula for success in my book, but something didn't click. Maybe it was the unlikeable characters, whose deaths I just shrugged off, or the blatant 3D gimmicks which I couldn't enjoy in the home setting. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

2009 Movies I've Seen

Just a little post to keep track of the movies released in 2009 that I've seen, and have yet to see.

Bride Wars

Hotel for Dogs

His Name Was Jason

He's Just Not That Into You

Friday the 13th

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Fast & Furious

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Star Trek

Drag Me to Hell

Up

The Hangover

(500) Days of Summer

District 9

Grace

Inglourious Basterds

Zombieland

Moon

Paranormal Activity

Trick 'r Treat

The House of the Devil

So wow, yeah. I haven't seen a lot of movies this year. There are A LOT I really want to see. Whenever I reinstate my Netflix account I've got quite a bit of catching up to do. It's that and probably a few trips to the dollar movies.

My Favorite Films of the Decade

My favorite films of the decade by year. I tried very hard to limit this to one film for each year, but as you can see I had to pick two a few times. It was just too tough of a decision.

2000:

Magnolia I still don't know what was up with the frogs. One time I watched this four times in the span of two days, so that should tell you how much I love this movie.

Requiem for a Dream 70% of why I love this film is for Clint Mansell's score.

2001:

A.I.: Artificial Intelligence, I loved Kubrick, and I usually like what Spielberg does (except War of the Worlds, what a shite film), so this was amazing to me. I even liked the ending.

2002:

Catch Me if You Can, Another Spielberg movie. Who would have thunk it?

2003:

Finding Nemo, Pixar is amazing. Period.

Kill Bill, I consider this one movie. Screw that Vols. 1 & 2 split up. Epic revenge tale with amazing fight choreography, and that tracking shot in the House of Blue Leaves? Epic!

2004:

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Easily my favorite movie of the decade. It captures love and hurt in a way that speaks to my soul perfectly.

2005:

Sin City, Can we please get a sequel to this already?

2006:

Pan's Labyrinth, Saw this in the theater twice. Hung out at Wal-Mart at midnight the day it came out on DVD so I could watch it again and again.

Children of Men, As far as dystopian future movies go, this is tops in my book.

2007:

Lake of Fire, A documentary on both sides of the abortion debate. The most objective look I've seen on the subject. Very powerful stuff. A MUST SEE!

2008:

Let the Right One In, In a year when everyone caught Twilight fever, this little foreign vampire flick showed what a true love story is. Forget Team Edward or Team Jacob, I'm on Team Eli!

2009:

Inglourious Basterds, This could change once I've seen more 2009 movies, but so far it is the front runner. If Christoph Waltz doesn't win an Oscar for his role as Colonel Hans Landa, there is no God.

Roll with the punches

Despite my most dire financial circumstances at the moment, I have been feeling great about life lately. I'm about two months behind on my cell phone bill, am never quite sure if I'm going to have enough to eat, and my job prospects aren't looking great, but still I'm not stressed about it. Things have a way of working themselves out, and so far I've made it. I discovered long ago if you worry about things all the time, your life tends to actually get worse. So I try to keep a positive attitude, not complain too much, and try to make others happy. In turn, I've received the help I need from friends and family just when I most needed it, and things are going well. I could focus on negative things, but instead I'm thankful for what I have, and not what I don't. I still have a roof over my head. I have an awesome roommate. I'm going to school. I have great friends who love me. I have a great family, and the best sister in the world. I am better off than a lot of people. Of course things could be better, but that would be the case even if I had money. Focus on the positive. Be a positive person. Things will work out.

Grad School

Recently I've been thinking a lot about graduate school. I have an Associate's Degree in Film & Video Production, and hopefully at the end of the Spring 2011 semester I'll have my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts Performance. After that, I would love to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing. At first, I thought I would just continue at UCO, which is still a possibility, but hopefully I will be able to go somewhere out of state. When I first started thinking about grad school, UCO was really my only choice, and it was a safe choice. But I'm tired of making safe choices, and I feel I deserve a better opportunity. The director of Three Sisters, John Dennis, told me I should apply at the University of Iowa. The voice of doubt crept in immediately, and I thought "I don't know about that, I think I'll just stick with UCO." After some deliberation however, I've decided I'm going to apply to some prestigious Creative Writing programs and see what happens. My top choice is the University of Texas. They have a really great program, but they only accept twelve people a year. Although my chances may be slim, I'm going to at least try. I'll also apply at Iowa and a few other schools, including UCO. It feels good to have set this goal early so I can focus and have time to get everything together and go for it. I love school, and I love to write. It is the one thing I know I'm good at. Ending sentences in prepositions notwithstanding, I know I'm a good writer, and I know deserve to go to a good graduate school. Wish me luck.

Don't Look Back In Anger

Holding onto anger is unhealthy. Holding a grudge against someone doesn't hurt that person, it hurts you. Saying things like "I hate such and such" or "I'll never forgive him/her" just puts a dark spot on your mind/soul that really doesn't have an effect on anyone but you. I understand we all get angry and frustrated, it's human nature, but ideally we can transform that into love and forgiveness. Closing a door on another person is really closing a door in your heart. The pain lingers, festering until it nearly controls you. And what does this do to the other person? Absolutely nothing. Unless you're making it a point to explicitly let them know you hate them, all of this happens in your own mind. Either way, it's kind of a dick move. Forgive. Forget. You don't even have to associate with that person anymore, but let go of the anger. The world will thank you. Love.

Matt Fowler and the Funky Bunch

My final for Improvisational Acting class was last night, and it was by far the best final ever. We did an improv show at Pegasus Theatre, and all the things we learned over the course of the semester came together for what I think was a great show. Everyone brought there A game, and really made me proud.

This crazy part for me was the fact the class decided to name our improv group "Matt Fowler and the Funky Bunch." We've been rehearsing for this show for about three weeks (yes you rehearse in improv), and were having trouble coming up with a name. A few ideas were tossed around like "Kitten Farts" or "Improv'ing the World", but nothing really stuck. Finally last Tuesday, we absolutely had to settle on a name. A few choices were written on the board, and then they asked me what I thought. Looking over the names, I mulled it over and said, "None of the above." I was of course saying I didn't like any of the available choices, but a few people actually really liked the name "None of the Above" as our name. Okay I thought, well that could be a cool name I suppose, and at that point thought it would become the group name.

Later someone in the class says to me, "Matt Fowler, whatever you suggest I'm going to think is a cool name for our improv group." That's cool I thought, and then someone says, "How about Matt Fowler and the Funky Bunch." There was no dissent, a few people actually thought it was a cool idea, and so just like that the name stuck. At first I felt a little strange about it. I'm not usually the type that leads things, or likes to speak in front of people, but having the group named after me made me the de facto leader, and meant I would more than likely have to be the opening emcee for the show.

In the end, it went fine. I got a few laughs with my opening, and the show was a blast. Three years ago I would have never thought I could do something like that. I took Public Speaking as a fast track class so I could get it over with as quickly as possible. I was absolutely terrified of speaking in front of people. Acting is no problem, since you have a partner usually, so you kind of don't really pay attention to the audience. But being up there all alone, speaking directly with the crowd, that was something that send chills down my spine. Last night though, I embraced it. It was just another part of the old me crumbling down. That person who was always too afraid to actually live his life. So thank you to each and every member of the Funky Bunch who believed enough in me to let me do that. It means a lot.

Run Run Rudolph

Every Sunday I go to Earlywine Park in South OKC, and run with my friend Sean. We're doing this to train for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K run on October 10th. The trail around Earlywine park is 1.5 miles, and tonight was the first time I made it all the way around the trail once running the whole time. As you may or may not know, 5 kilometers is 3.1 miles. So basically I need to be able to make it around the trail twice. I'm halfway there, but time is running out. It's time to step up my training. Once a week is not going to cut it. I've been doing some cardio during the week, but now I'm going to throw in some runs as well. I need to continually build up my stamina so I'll be ready on race day. My goal is to be able to run the whole time, and not stop to walk. By the way, this is the first 5K race I've ever participated in. I've got some good support, and am really looking forward to it. I got my race packet in the mail yesterday with my shirt and race number, so now it's official and I am officially excited!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to see The Wizard of Oz on the big screen. I have always loved TWOO; I have fond childhood memories of watching it annually when it came on TV. I own the DVD. So when I learned they were showing it in theaters for the film's 70th anniversary, I just knew I had to be a part of it. For me, watching a movie on the silver screen, isn't necessarily about the movie so much as it's about the communal experience. I've seen the Wizard of Oz a million times, and will probably see a million more, but to sit in a crowded theater amongst complete strangers, and to hear their reactions is a beautiful thing. I laughed with them. I cried with them. We all let out a collective "awwww" when some kid started crying when Miss Gulch took Toto away from Dorothy. It was a great experience, and I'm glad I didn't miss it.

An Eventful Day

Today was quite a full day. It started with me driving down to Pauls Valley. I went there to meet with the lady I'm designing a website for. We drove all around the area, and I took a lot of photos of various landmarks for use on her website. We ended up eating lunch at the Wynnewood Steakhouse where there were cast iron skillets all over the walls. I'll be writing about that experience for my Creative Writing class. On my way back to Oklahoma City, I stopped in Norman at my friend Mindie's house. We're writing a play together, and we discussed days we are going to meet to get the damn thing finished. All in all it was a productive day, and I had a good time in the process. It's always good to have fun while you're getting things done.

The Lion of the Senate

After a yearlong battle with brain cancer Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts has died. I don't know what this says, but the first thing I thought of when I heard the news of his passing was the tragic incident when Kennedy drove off a bridge in Chappaquiddick. He escaped, but his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, drowned. This is not because of political bias, as I am as liberal as they come. No, I think there are many of us out there who grew up seeing Ted Kennedy portrayed as a boozer; the stereotypical Irishman who likes to knock a few back. But that really isn't his legacy. Kennedy somewhat cleaned up his act, and became a well respected leader in the Senate, someone who could reach across teh aisle and get things done. It's sad that he didn't live to see meaningful health care reform passed, as this was a cause dear to his heart that he championed to the very end. If health care legislation passes, I think they should put Kennedy's name on it in honor of his memory.

Inglourious Basterds: A Review

I have always been a big fan of Quentin Tarantino. I remember seeing Pulp Fiction for the first time in early 1995 when my mom rented it on VHS. She and I watched it together, and at first I didn't quite know what to make of it. It was a movie that demanded repeated viewings to understand its complexities. Over the years, I watched it many times, and loved it more and more each time. I learned of Tarantino's first film, Reservoir Dogs, and fell in love with it too. Tarantino had a knack for long stretches of dialogue that kept me engrossed, and putting his characters in all sorts of difficult situations. His films really connected to me. I became somewhat of a Tarantino devotee, and eagerly anticipated each new film he directed.

I say all this to make it clear I am obviously biased when it comes to Inglourious Basterds. I came into the theater expecting something great, and was not disappointed. In fact, my expectations were exceeded.

Based on the marketing, one would think Basterds is a men on a mission story with Brad Pitt's Aldo Raine leading a group of Jewish American soldiers on a Nazi manhunt. This is not entirely true. Aldo and ragtag punch are but a small piece of the puzzle. There are many more characters and situations, among them a outstanding performance by Christoph Waltz as the "Jew Hunter" Colonel Hans Landa.

Much of the film is in German or French with English subtitles; I'd say more than 50%. This may turn off some viewers, but I thought it was a good move to not pander to American audiences and have the characters speak English instead of the language they would have really spoken.

I realize I haven't given away any plot details, and that is intentional. I feel one must go see this movie for his or herself with an unspoiled mind, and really soak it all in. Their are some explosions of violence, but really this movie is more about building tension than violent payoffs. Tarantino crafts each scene meticulously to build maximum suspence and tension. I was literally on the edge of my seat many times throughout the film. He is a master of scenes with long bits of dialogue that never get boring.

All in all I would highly recommend Inglorious Basterds. If you don't mind reading subtitles, can appreciate lots of tension, action, dark humor, beautiful women, and suberb acting, this is a movie you should check out.

4 and 1/2 out of 5 stars

And so another semester begins.

This week, I embarked on my third semester at the University of Central Oklahoma. When I started as a transfer student, I thought I was a Junior, but apparently I was a Sophomore. Now I think I am officially a Junior. Who knows how that works? It's already been a hectic first week. Such is the life as a Theatre Performance major. Besides attending classes, I've already had to attend two meetings, and last night I auditioned for the Fall shows. I got a call back for Antigone which is later tonight. I hope that goes well as I would really like to work with the director. All in all, it's shaping up to be a exciting and busy semester. I've set my sights on really applying myself this semester since I kind of slacked off in the Spring, and it affected my grades quite negatively. It's time to work hard, and raise my grade point back up to a 3.7. Here's hoping.