Monday, April 29, 2013

Conclusion...



So for my last blog I figured that it would be appropriate to summarize and make an official conclusion of the semester. This has been a very busy semester for me. I am only taking three classes, however I work sixty hours a week so I have not had much time to myself for the last three months. It’s been just work, homework, and bed every single week and I cannot even say how excited I am that it’s all coming to a finish! Once school is out I’m planning on buying a new tv as a gift to myself! That means I will definitely be watching a lot of new movies throughout the summer!
              
  
 Overall this was actually a pretty enjoyable class. It was fun watching movies, reading about movies, and writing about movies every week. The class was very informative, I feel like I have obtained a lot more knowledge in general about film history. I enjoyed the sections of the book talking about Chaplin. It was also really awesome watching some of his films as well. I have studied a little about the actor in other classes and even saw some of his films before this class so it was nice to learn more and see more of his films. Hope everyone has a nice summer!

Friday, April 26, 2013

American History X

So I can't let this semester end without reviewing one or two of my favorite movies. For this one i will take a look at the film American History X. I have seen this movie over 5 times already and it's one of those films that i can watch once a year or so and still really enjoy it. The film is about two brothers in California taken up in the Neo-Nazi movement. The movie has some extremely graphic violence, which of course was awesome for me, being a guy.

 

The film was just very intense in general. I found myself angry at some points and really sad at others. The movie pulls your emotions in all different directions. The films follows an interesting format. throughout the film there are flashbacks which are shown in black in white. The flashbacks are all throughout the movie and they go back to important scenes, for example the brothers childhood.

After watching this film i became a big fan of Edward Norton. I felt like he did an incredible job playing his role as the bigger brother in this film. Norton seemed like the perfect actor for the part and  really made the movie in my opinion.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Summer

So one thing this class had made me think about a lot is how it's been since I've been to the cinemas! I guess i have gotten so used to having things like Netflix. It's so nice just browsing through and having so many movies available at any time. It makes me so comfortable just staying in and watching movies right at home. I will say however i do miss going out to the cinemas. it's a fun thing to do with a group of friends for a new film. So I'm hoping this summer i will be able to go out and see some movies in the theaters.
 

As much as I've bashed cheesy 3-D movies in other blogs, I would really like to see some re-makes this summer. I know Jurassic Park just came back to the theaters in 3-D, but i missed it and don't have time with finals if it is still out. That is a movie that i would have loved to see on the big screen 3-D. Same if movies like the Matrix or Saving Private Ryan were re-done. They always seem to bring back different classics so i'm sure ill see a couple good ones this summer.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Hmm how about Video Games and Movies?

So my last blog was about how movie makers sell the rights to their movies to the video game companies, who usually make some crappy rush job game from it (my own opinion of course). As i was writing that blog i started to think about the opposite in which writers are making movies based off video games. This is an interesting new genre for movies, and they usually fall into the broader genres such as horror, drama, or action based on the type of video game. I feel like this adds another aspect to the film world.

 

Just like my opinion on how video games made from movies such, i feel the same way for movies that are made based off video games. Every one that i have seen has been cheesy and usually low budget. Video games are sweet, and movies are also very sweet, however the mixture of them together just does not seem to come out very well. I do have to say that one of my favorite game series is Halo, and i have constantly been hearing about a movie being made for it. Despite what i said and my opinion i am extremely excited to see Halo the movie when it finally comes out. I hope maybe that film will change my opinion.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Movies and Video Games

So this is a topic that i have not heard much about. Video games have exp loaded in popularity within the last couple decades. This has also added another element to television and movies. Most popular movies have a video game made around the same time as the film. I specifically remember when the video game for the second Lord of the Rings came out before the film did. The video game had clips from the movie throughout the game that were approved for the game and it was exciting playing through the game before the movie came out and seeing all these clips.

 

I would say that i am a video game fan as much as i am a television fan. My personal opinion however is that most games made from a movie or show are terrible. There has not been many games based off movies or shows that i really liked. Most of them are cheesy and it seems like the movie makers are just trying to get as much as they possibly can from the film including selling the video game rights. I don't really like to end on a negative note as i have many times before, so i will say that one game that i really liked was the Simpsons game on Xbox360. I love adventure type games and i was laughing as i was playing the whole game with the funny character quotes throughout.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Better Off Ted

So as the semester is winding down ism feeling really overwhelmed and i seem to have trouble coming up with blogging topics. I decided to talk a little about this show that is new to me. It's called Better Off Ted and i started watching it about three weeks ago or so. I halfway through season 2 and  i have to say i am really liking this show. The show centers around a number of different characters and their experiences working at a research and development department at the company Veridian Dynamics. The show is completely fictional, from the characters to the company in the show. What i would call the main character, Ted, narrates the show as he acts. He will at certain points address the camera, which is usually a funny moment.

 

Right after i started the show i instantly started to get attached and interested in the characters. So far in the show there hasn't really been much character development compared to shows like the Walking Dead or Sons of Anarchy, however in a way it makes the show easy and relaxing to watch. I can expect the same funny attitudes, while there are always new things going on with every episode. It's one of those shows i like to watch after a long day where i don't have to think much or try to keep up with the show. As much as a i love shows like Sons of Anarchy, you have to keep up with and it can sometimes be work. I'm sure other people can relate. Well i'm about to put on and episode of Better Off Ted and get some sleep, peace

Friday, April 12, 2013

The Walking Dead

Ahh what is going on in this show?? I instantly jumped right into this show. the first episode caught my attention right away and has kept it throughout the episodes. The plot line is basically that the zombie virus has gotten out of control and the world is completely different. Man has lost control and are put into the survival mindset as they struggle to keep their group together and find food and shelter. I fell in love with the characters and their progression as new challenges constantly come up to the group of survivors. I stopped watching halfway into Season 3 because i got so busy with work and school this semester, however i really want to get back into this show.


I was honestly reminded of this show because i read another class members blog talking about it. This has been an amazing series so far in my opinion. The blood and gore and violent zombie action really drew me into the show. Right from the start the characters were blowing zombie heads off. I feel like there is a really solid story line as well. Every time i watched an episode i could not wait to see what happens in the next one. I started watching the show with my sister and brother-in-law and we would stay up late nights on end chasing episode after episode. Once school slows down i am going to get right back into this show and i cannot wait!