NIGHTWING

1. Shame ( 2011) | PG-17

Director: Steve McQueen

Synopsis: In New York City, Brandon’s carefully cultivated private life, which allows him to indulge his sexual addiction, is disrupted when his sister Cissy arrives unannounced for an indefinite stay.

2. We Need to Talk about Kevin (2011) | PG-17

Director: Lynne Ramsay

Synopsis: The mother of a teenage boy who went on a high-school killing spree tries to deal with her grief - and feelings of responsibility for her child’s actions.

3. The Artist (2011)

Director: Michel Hazanavicius

Synopsis: Hollywood, 1927: As silent movie star George Valentin wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he sparks with Peppy Miller, a young dancer set for a big break.

4. Melancholia

Director: Lars von Trier

Synopsis: Two sisters find their already strained relationship challenged as a mysterious new planet threatens to collide into the Earth.

5. “Martha Marcy May Marlene”

Director: Sean Durkin

Synopsis: Haunted by painful memories and increasing paranoia, a damaged woman struggles to re-assimilate with her family after fleeing an abusive cult.

As Christmas approaches really fast and New Years follows not too far behind, I wanted to write a special article. An article that I have been developing in my mind for a couple of months now, but barely had time to write. An article about everything we miss every day because we are so into one idea, or work, or a relationship.

Not until a couple of days ago, I realized that I wasn’t living, I was only dreaming.

Each one of us has different dreams, plans, and goals in our life. Some people aim for that one job they want in their life, others aim for finding that special someone, others aim for seeking a journey dedicated to God, and others don’t even know what they want in their life yet.

Sometimes we are carried into only achieving this one idea, this one goal, and we forget to see what is next us.

- We forget to Live. We forget to Love. We forget to Laugh -

We talk about Love, and all we can think sometimes is having that special someone, but about our friends? What about our family? What about the people that cares about us?

We talk about Living, and all we can think is about achieving our goals, but what about everything that is happening around us when we are not looking?

We talk about Laughing, and all we can think of is a joke. What about every time we smile to our friends? to our family? Laughing is not only about a telling joke, is about every time we go out and breathe too.

Are we really living our life experiences to their fullness?

I have heard all the time “Live every day of your life like it was the last one” but i truly didn’t understand it till now. It wasn’t just about smiling all the time, or being happy 24 hours. It was understanding everything that we have, and everything we miss because we are not looking.

When was the last time you truly have a great moment with your family without looking at your smartphone every 5 minutes?

When was the last time you say thank you to mom and dad for supporting you, for giving you food and shelter, for giving you an education?

When was the last time you were hanging out without thinking of tomorrow?

When was the last time you actually thanked your friends just for simply be there for you?

Friends and Family, are not just there for you just because you the all mighty “YOU”.  As every single relationship in your life they need care and love, they need nurturing.

How many of you in the road of being independent move out your parents’ house and break all kind connection with them?

How many of you got into a “love” relationship, and forget completely about your friends until you break up with that “special” person?

How many of you have taken for granted what you have?

Don’t wait for miracles to happen, when you have the power to make them happen. Don’t cry a river and embrace pain when you have the power to apologize or make other people’s pain go away.

Attract love, by giving love.

Be thankful for what you have.

Life is not about finding the perfect job or perfect couple; it is about everything else that happens when you are walking toward your goals.

“LOVE, LIVE” LAUGH”

Once called “…the most unlucky man in Hollywood” by Empire magazine. Today he is the first non-American actor to become “Superman”.

Henry Cavill was born on May 5, 1983 in Jersey, Channel Islands. Since he was a kid, he developed a passion for performing arts, obtaining the main roles in plays such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Grease” at Stowe School (the boarding school in Buckinghamshire, England that he attended).

Since then he has appeared in a couple of well-known movies such as The Count of Monte Cristo, I Capture the Castle, and Inspector Lynley’s Mysteries: Well-Schooled in Murder. He also started as Melot, friend to James Franco’s Tristan in the 2006 Middle Ages-set film, Tristan + Isolde, a number of lesser-known movies, and a few television movies.

Now, Did you know that Henry Cavill was the first choice to become “Edward Cullen” in the Twilight franchise? I bet you didn’t.

Before Robert Pattinson was able to get the the main role of the multimillionaire franchise, Stephenie Meyers had her eyes on Hernry Cavill to play Edward Cullen. The reason why he didn’t get the role, was that by the time the first film got  green light for production, the actor was already 25 years old and it was going to be really difficult for him to be play the role of a 17 years old boy. Sad isn’t it?

Did you also known that Henry Cavil was supposed to be Batman in Nolan’s reboot and the new James Bond of the generation?

Yes… and yes! - He was the closest contender to become Batman, and the closest to become James Bond, but while he was too old to play Edward Cullen, now he was too young to play Batman or James Bond.

But his luck changed once he was signed for Michael Hist’ TV series “The Tudors” in which Henry plays Charles, the closest friend of King Henry (Jonathan Rhys Meyers).

The success of the drama tv series allowed Henry to got different roles in films such as “Stardust” that later would led him to top box office film  “Immortals” obtaining the main role (Theseus).

Now, his luck doesn’t end here, quite the opposite, it expands. This time by being the first non-American actor to portrait Superman. As funny as it may sound, Herny auditioned for the role of Superman on the last version of the series, role that he was so close to get before Brandon Routh took it. Poor Cavill right? - Well this time he got it! -

Zack Znyder (director of “300” and “Sucker Punch”) is bringing to the screen a new (reboot) version of Superman with Henry Cavill as the man of the steel. Role that has allowed Henry to become one of the most wanted and well paid actors in Hollywood.

Superman opens on 2013, but before that, expect to see Henry Cavill in other great films!

Good Evening Everyone!

Tonight I’ll be talking about the CTN Animation Expo, which took place at the Animation Capital of the World: Burbank, CA.

This was my first time attending to the event, and I have to say that it worth every single penny. If you are an animator, filmmaker, or a student of fine arts, then this is one of those events that you need mark in your calendar and attend every year. 

Companies such Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Imageworks, Disney Animation Studios, Disney Toon Studios, Disney Television, Digital Domain, Reel FX, Rhythm and Hue, were just some of those worth mentioning that attended to the event. Moreover, artists from all around the USA joined the event such as Bobby Chiu (character designer from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland) , Brittney Lee and more.

Besides the typical booths where hundred of people walked around to have the demo reels checked, the Expo also had thousands of workshops, speakers and panels to see. Like I said before, this is one those experiences that you don’t want to miss.

I had the opportunity to follow Sony all the way through the Expo, getting an exclusive look of Sony’s Arthur Christmas, which is MUST watch in 3D. In addition to that, I had the honor to speak with the directors, producers, executives and other representatives about everything from their new animation films to the upcoming Spider Man. It was a really rewarding experience taking about the new Spider Man trailer with the person who actually created it.

Digital Domain Media Group showed us the artwork of their first upcoming animation film. For those of you who don’t know Digital Domain, they are an award-winning company in charge of the visual effects in many Hollywood films such as Real Steel, X-Men, Tron and more.

The CTN was filled of workshops on concept, visual development, how to pitch a story, the do and don’t for demo reels and exclusive speakers such as Don Bluth!

People from all the around the USA: student, artists and followers joined together for this one amazing event to expand their networking and create new friendships.

While Sony took advantage of the event, Disney didn’t fall up behind wrapping up the Expo with a special private screening at Disney Studios for only a few selected people. Let me tell you this, they have the own sophisticated movie theater, much better than AMC or IMAX.

We watched their new short “LORENZO” ( amazing short) alongside “Pre and Landing” and the new Christmas episode of Disney’s favorite Phineas and Ferb. The theater was wrapped for Disney fans, and representatives all excited about the presentation. 

At the end of the night, we were given free mugs, blu-rays ( I got a copy of CARS 2), candies and postcards for free! - YEP, DISNEY KNOW HOW TO MAKE US HAPPY.

This is truly one of the events that don’t want to miss in the near future, specially if you are pursuing a career in the entertainment industry! -

That is all for tonight folks,

Ed.

Hello Followers!

Tonight I will be talking a little bit about TWILIGHT, not as a film review, but as “treatment”. For those of you, fans of Twilight, I will be giving you a full review next week  [As much as I love all of your requests, twitter messages and emails, I’m not the type of guy that stays outside the theater for more than 2 days for a “Twilight” film. For those of you who have that passion for the film, I admire you].

I want to also let you know that my review of Twilight (probably next week) will be from a professional perspective, not as an amateur. If you are a girl and may be thinking right away “How can this guy will know anything about Twilight?” - well, I will tell you to trust me in this, I take my reviews really seriously. I’m not a pro or con of Twilight, I just talk based on film principles, that is what makes an opinion and a critique so different.

If you are a guy who hasn’t given Twilight a chance just because it is “girly”, I have to tell you that  genres of films are like different tastes of wines, and because you may not like one kind, doesn’t necessary mean that they are bad. [Something that you learn at film school]

 Now you may be wondering, if I’m not going to talk about Twilight Breaking Dawn: Part I, what does the “Twilight Treatment” mean? -There isn’t any definition in the dictionary, but it is a term that is been “hot” in Hollywood lately, and it is directly related to the art direction of the film.

The best examples are: Twilight, Red Riding Hood, Vampires Diaries and Secret Circle just to mention a few. 

Are you starting to see the connection?

The color script: The use of desaturated and  high contrast scheme. It gives a “modern” look to the scene. (This post-production technique has been used in a lot of films before Twilight).

The Direction: Emphasis on close ups and slow motions shots. 

Cast: Young and appealing actors/actresses

Modern adaptation: No matter what tale or story of the film is about, the costumes are always adapted to modern times to create a better connection with the audience.

Sexual theme: Sex Driven. There is no better way to attract people to watch a film or a TV series that with a couple of sexy shots on the movie trailer or TV spot. 

Why did I want to address the Twilight Treatment?

Because it is a marketing strategy. No matter if the movie is good or bad you will be inclined to watch it. It works as a subconscious message  to your brain.

Next time you watch a movie trailer, do a check list of what I told you tonight, and ask yourself  “Why am I going to see this film? Is it the story? or the Twilight treatment?”

What other films can you categorize with the “Twilight Treatment”? Can you think of more than one?

Hope this can give you a better understanding to where this industry is going. 

Next week topics:

Thriller Vs Gore? - Who said those terms are the same?

Herny Cavill - The New Superman

Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1

Terra Nova Vs Jurassic Park

I’m currently attending the CTN Animation Expo,  so if you are planning to go too, make sure to say HI! -  I will love to meet all of you.

Goodnight everyone!

Ed.

“The Right to use my friend as a weapon. That is the sinful crown i shall adorn” - GC

Hello Followers!

Tonight we are dedicating this review to one of best best animation series of 2011. With 5 episodes currently available “Guilty Crown” has proven to be worthy of holding the crown of excellence.

When it comes to animation, our minds are certainly set up to to think only about Disney, Warner Bros, Dreamworks, and other well companies in the USA. However, what you don’t know is that there are thousand of companies worldwide that produce animation pieces of equivalent or better quality as these companies.

Guilty Crown is a 2011 Japanese animation directed by Tetsurō Araki (Death Note) and produced by “Production I.G” Company that has been involved in the creation of several anime television series, original video animation (OVA), theatrical films, video game animated cut-scenes, video game design and development, as well as music publishing and management.

A couple of their well known works includes the worldwide OVA film  “The End of Envangelion” and original video animation of CLAMP “Tsubasa Chronicles”.

Holding some similarities with with “Code Geass” and “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” Guilty Crown’s story revolves around “Shu”. A 17 years old boy who is caught in a war between a “government organization” and a group of rebels (Funeral Parlor) in search for the truth behind the “Apocalypse Virus”.

Our main character Shu has on special ability though, he is able to bring to light “Voids” ( weapons that sleep inside every single human) by making eye contact with them. Since each individual is different from one another, every weapon is different as well.

Besides the rich variety of weapons and characters that this animation series possesses, it is the love story between the two main characters “Shu” and “Inori” ( part of the Funeral Parlor = Rebels) what leads the overall story.

As a person who has seen a variety of American and Japanese animation, it is difficult not to see reflections of other series in Guilty Crown. Happily the series has taken only what works from most of them, and transformed into something better.

If you are or are not a fan of Japanese animation, Guilty Crown is a TV  animation series that stand on its own. It posses a unique and powerful story, which many well known American animation film lacks. Therefore, I recommend you to give it a try, the animation and visual of the series are impressive, the signature of Production I.G.

Guilty Crown is transmitted in Japan every Thursday with a simultaneous transmission in the USA by FUNIMATION.com. [All 5 episodes are available to watch].

That’s all for tonight followers!

NW.

ARE YOU READY TO FIGHT FOR IMMORTALITY? -Theseus

Welcome Back Followers!

It’s been a little while since our last review! but we are back and with more reviews than ever. So while we get started make sure you grabbed your cup of coffee!

- I have a confession to make, I don’t like coffee, or even chocolate. I must be from another galaxy, I know, but I like Tea? that is good right? hah -

Tonight we are going to do this review in a more special way. Why don’t we tune up with your favorite epic song while you read this? - Take a minute of your time and look for that special song on your itunes library that makes you feel like a warrior, the rest just leave it to me.

I was very skeptical with this film because it looked like a copy of 300, and my favorite actor (Henry Cavill) was involved in this production. This was one of those films where it can turn out to be great, or could be a complete disaster. Thank God,  IMMORTALS is a bloody ACE.

IMMORTALS is the new action/drama/fantasy written by talented artists such as Charley and Vlas Parlapanides, and directed by Tarsem Singh (The Cell). The story follows Theseus ( Henry Cavill = New Superman) as he fights against King Hyperion, who is on a rampage across Greece to obtain a weapon that can destroy humanity.

The structure of the film is beautifully done. It introduces the  main character in the first 20 minutes of the film and continues its developing as the film progressed. I want to say that it is very rare and difficult for a film of this magnitude to stay on the path of the main character. With some many good elements and side stories going on at the same time, directors are normally tended to concentrate more on beautiful stunning battles than develop a good story trough visuals; IMMORTALS did a great job. 

The treatment for IMMORTALS is very suitable for this kind of epic films. It adds a lot to the story, and immerse the audience back in time for the fight of their lives.The visual effects, color script and art director were ridiculous AMAZING.  Even when this film holds great similarities with 300 ( same producers), Immortals stands as it owns making itself one of the best epic films from 2011.

For those “Twilight” fans, Kellan Luz returns to the big screen giving one hell manly performance as the God Poseidon. The actor surpassed for sure the performing of Zeus, kicking some asses and splitting bloods through the Titans.

There is so much potential to this film. It gets better and better every minute, ending up in one epic battle between the Gods and the Titans.

Now, every film has its issues, and sadly one of the main flaw of this film was “Athena”  in my opinion. Truly everyone must have their own unique version or vision on how the goddess of war will look like, and how she will react based in our personal background in art history, but in my opinion her performance was poor and weak. She looked more like a spoiled kid than a the goddess of war.

At last but not least, the Stereoscopic version doesn’t make much of a difference to this film. So if you are struggling  on paying a little bit more for the 3D version, my recommendation is save some cash and watch it on the standard version, you will enjoy it in the same way.

THIS IS A MUST! so GO!

That’s all for tonight my friends! -

NW.