Reviews

Dear John

The picturesque scenery of Charleston is one of the best things about this film. It starts of as the classic boy meets girl and they start to fall in love but it is not as simple as the trailer makes it seem. John Tyree, played by Channing Tatum (Step Up), first encounters Savannah Curtis, played by Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls) while on leave from the army. He heroically saves her bag after it falls into the ocean so to thank him Savannah invites him to her beach house for a barbecue. During the next two weeks their romance blossoms.
Tatum and Seyfried while both pretty decent actors seemed to lack chemistry to make their relationship seem believable. Even though this film is different than The Notebook I still felt that Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling had more passion. Also I felt as if we knew so little about these characters to really feel any connection toward them. Despite that they shared some good onscreen moments such as when John makes his promise to Savannah on the beach. Tatum played his role well and he seemed like a regular guy. I was disappointed with Seyfried, she seemed to lack something for me.
The best character and the most lovable was Mr. Tyree, played by Richard Jenkins (Step Brothers). He was truly the best thing about this film. His scenes were so well acted and heart warming.
All in all this movie was touching and sad at times but it was just okay. I would rate this film a 6 out of 10.

Book of Eli

This film was about a traveler who possesses the book of salvation. The film takes place after the apocalypse and it is now up to one man to help Earth rebuild. Along the way he meets a young woman who will assist him in his task. My favorite part was how the film was shot - lots of shadows and gray scale. The mise-en-scene echoed of western as well as a road film. Also the lack of dialogue in the opening was well executed, due to the cast being chosen so well.
In many ways this film reminded me of Stage Coach but with a modern take on the western genre. I enjoyed the relationship that developed between Mila Kunis (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Denzel Washington (Training Day). Especially in the scene where she tries to seduce him, because instead they gain mutual respect for one another. I admired Kunis' character's respect for her mother; she was very protective of her. The scene by the distressed wall helped illustrate the turmoil her character had been through.
The grayness and the muted colors that brightened up towards the end gave the film grit and a sense of realism.
"Stay on you path. . .this is none of your concern." Washington however felt compelled to save Kunis because she had an inner goodness.
The script was well written and so was the camera work. As well as the editing techniques used. For example the fighting scenes were nicely choreographed.
Gary Oldman's villian was cruel and I really hated him. Which shows that his personification of evil was a success. I would rate this film a 7 out of 10.

Chicago Black Socks Scandal

Eight Men Out

The 1988 film Eight Men Out retells the infamous Black Sox scandal of 1919 and features some well-known actors such as John Cusack, Christopher Lloyd, and Charlie Sheen. I thought the film was very good and it kept my interest throughout. It was very well acted and I can see why they decided to make this into a movie since it was an unusual event. There were some funny moments too such as when Ring Lardner, played by the director John Sayles, is singing a parody of “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles.” I also enjoyed the interaction between the players and the media as well as Buck Weaver’s interaction with the little kids. Out of all the sports films I have seen this one was definitely one of the best and it is clear why it was critically acclaimed.
In 1919 baseball was very different from today and one of the major differences was the salary of the players because back then they did not make the astronomical salaries like they do today. Also they were paid by how well they played and how many games they won so injuries were more of a big deal then they are now. For example Eddie was hurt those two games and it affected him getting paid since he need to win 30 games. Today players get paid whether they win or lose and they also get paid through sponsorships such as Derek Jeter and Gilette. Baseball back then was all about the game and the players were celebrities but no where near to the extent that they are today.
In my opinion I do not think a scandal like this would happen in baseball today because the players are no longer being underpaid like the White Sox were. I feel the genre of sports films is still popular today since most sports films are about an underdog team who overcomes an obstacle such as in Remember the Titans. I also think that since sports are such a big part of our culture these films are popular.

Inspired by Georgia O'Keefe

Here are my latest sketches. I am also working on an article about a hiking trail that I frequently visit with my mom and my puppy. That will be completed soon.

Next month I am going to try to start watercolors and oil pastels. Also I am going to be posting my reviews and other pieces I have written as well as any new artwork.

New Paintings

     Currently working on some new artwork and will have images posted soon. Also, I recently completed act one of my short essay. Not sure what to entitle it but it is still a work in progress. So far the piece is just under five pages long and may be lengthened but not sure yet. I'll begin working on the next installment in the coming weeks. I won't be posting it any time soon but may wish to seek publication upon completion. 

     Any ways I plan on beginning watercolors soon since I have experimented with oil and acrylic. Before I venture to a new medium, I will be reverting back to black and white photography. Mainly photographs of flowers and parks. Such as Georgia O'Keefe inspired flowers. Focusing mainly on individual buds with blurred backgrounds. Then I plan on painting the photographs. I have included a painting I recently did as my current photo. This was done using acrylics, which I was initially going to do. I drew the flowers and leaves by hand. Then I went back and painted trying to show warmth and depth. This is my second painting so far.

     I have recently been reading The Hobbit. This literary work is enthralling and I love the way Tolkien describes every detail. Once I have finished I plan on going through the whole series and perhaps it will inspire some artwork. The weather has been perfect for summer reading and I am remembering all the times at the library when I was younger. Enjoying the sun with a good book can be relaxing.