Extra "Couch" Time

Hello everyone, I hope your all having an amazing weekend and enjoying Thor or Fast Five or anything except Something Borrowed.

Every time we shoot an episode there ends up being a good amount of extra footage that ends up being archived, well from here on out we will be releasing these small bits as "Extras". Keep an eye out for these at all times.

In the mean time if you haven't seen our latest episode on the trailer to THOR, please enjoy now!

"I met this girl when I was ten years old..."

I enjoy hip hop. Like really really good hip hop and rap. I like the kind of hip hop that tells a story. Now, all hip hop and rap tell a story but the really good guys say it in a poetic, clever and rythmic prose. Today's version of what is defined as hip hop makes me sad; "I smacked this bitch and then I say have a baby by me..." is not hip hop, sorry. That's not even trying. That's like me saying "Got outta bed, went to the head, and to my surprise what fell outta my hole and into the bowl was a green shit....true story, no lies". Where's my million dollar contract?

So anyway all this has a story behind it. I'm walking to the bathroom today at work and see three guys crowded around the Mens room. Two of them seem to be having an in-depth conversation. The other one, who we will call the moderator, is...moderating. As I near the two men it looks as though one has control of the conversation, so I didn't want to stare cause that would be really rude.

Well upon entering the restroom I get close enough to the trio of men and realize that the one " in control" is actually freestlying.

These men were freestyle battling outside of the Mens Room in Navy Pier.

Yes, take some time and think of how that looks. Ill wait.

Its one of those moments where you think you've seen it all, then something like this pops up. Has the rap game really gotten that bad that men and, I shutter to think, women, must spit their skills next to a urinal?

So I'm peeing and I can still here the one guy going on and on about how much of a *expletive deleted* he is on streets and so on. Now I'm not gonna pretend that I know everything about rap or hip hop. I mean people are discovered walking down the street! But in front of the bathroom, really? So I finish and walk out to the "in contol guy", finished, and the one guy taking the insults saying "hold on, don't move, Ill be back". He proceeds to walk into the bathroom and...well use it. C'mon I didn't follow him or nothing. So the moderator stands there congratulating his meal ticket; "you went hard man, too hard".

Now I'm no freestyler but isn't the point of freestlying, that you have to give mic to the other guy so he can immediately respond to your rhyme? And this guy is getting the opportunity to use the bathroom and prepare to battle. Oh No, I'm sorry, that's cheating if I ever ran an underground freestlying club.

The saddest part of this story is that there was a young boy on the opposite side of the three men who had this big smile on his face. It was a face of awe because I'm sure he'd never seen anything like this before. This boy will one day grow up and become a hip hop star, hopefully better than todays, and he will work up through the ranks of freestlye battling. When he makes it big and is the musical guest on shows like Lettermen or Conan and he's asked "what started all this?" It won't be because of Common's 90's hit "The Light". It will sadly be because of a battle he saw outside a mens room at Navy Pier.

-B

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The woman in the Red Dress....

...oh I'm sorry, although it was a cool scene in The Matrix, that was just to peak your interest. It was more like the fat, curly haired, fat, "let's go to the golden arches so I can IV a line of grease into my body", FAT, fat, Fat....did I mention Fat? Customer who just fit her fatass into my store.

Let me lay the scene out for you.

So I'm sitting here in my store making sure all is well and a woman askes for a better price on an item in the store. I say I cannot makes changes like that but, deep down I know times are hard and if she really wants the item Ill try to work with her on it. So I indulge her and ask what she would pay for it.

"15.99"

Not a bad price. But too low. I attempt to have some clever banter with her and she goes on to bluntly ask "who are you? Are you the owner?" "Can you even make these calls" Maybe you should call someone?" blah, blah, fat talk. Then, she grabs another item that is wrapped differntly and while I tell her that all of the items are of a certain quality brand, she's begins to mock me as though a small child would a younger brother or sister. At this point I felt like Liam Neeson in Darkman when the carnie wouldn't give him a stuffed animal for his girlfriend.

So now that I'm in rage mode and I'm trying to remain the diligent employee, she decides to use the item and tap the bottom part of my chin while saying " Your losing your sense of humor..." all with a playful, Joker like smile on her face.

I really wish I had a pencil at this moment.

I contain myself cause from the hours of 4 to 10 I am the face of this establishment. I sit there very much in shock at the liberties this woman imagined she had. Her friend purchases an item and then exits the store.

I'm starting a petiton to say that there should be a list of guidelines and exceptions to the "customer is always right" motto. Cause if this shit happens again I'm calling in the Coaliton!

btw she was fat..don't know if I mentioned it.

~b

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A New Take

Hello to all of you, who still check in on this blog. I've decided that this particular blog of mine shall take a new direction. That of commenting on sites and the possibility of sounds that occur while I'm at work at Navy Pier in Chicago,IL.

hope you like

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I am Raphael.

Your probably all thinking. Who the *expletive deleted* is Raphael? Well my friends, the Raphael I refer to is the badass of all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! I recently picked up the whole TMNT set on blu ray, which by the way is pretty awesome. Comes in this really cool pizza box case, all cardboard, and there is this cool burn mark on the back as if you have just bought a hot pizza.

Now that I think I about it, I will get pizza tomorrow.

But anyway, as per the last post, sad to say that I'm still in a funk. Tomorrow begins the editing of the 22min hunting show (urg!). But in one week I'll be on my way to D.C. then on the way home to Bloomington, IN to see someone very special to me ;). So I definitely have something to look forward to.

Now I like to believe that there is a difference between a friend and A FRIEND! (have I confused you already?) I have very few friends, but those friends are the one's who matter the most, not putting down any of the other people in my life but even parents have their favorite kids. I'm amazed when my closest friends are angered my something and they just act as if nothing happened or they forgive and forget. Recent events in my family have sparked this thought in my head as well. But sometimes it gets me to the point where I cannot even think straight, AND its not even my problem. I know its like getting into other peoples business but I sometimes feel I need to be mad for my friends.

I had a best friend, or so I thought in high school, and her and I hung out all the time. I graduated and she ended up coming to the same college as me and my "best friend" from high school at the time was dating her. They were going through rough patches and she would always confide in me about the relationship which again, you have to be that certain type of friend, so she did this for sometime and I advised her to cut ties cause she could do so much better than she was presently being treated. For a time I believed that she really did HEAR ME, but that was a foolish thought to have. From an outsiders view I saw abuse (not physical) but never the less abuse and she saw her present state as an act of.... love. Love. yeah right. Anyway she ended up being with this guy forever. Her choice of course I don't know what the relationship is like now. But I was very upset that she chose that course of action, to the point where I felt and still do feel that I need to be angry for her. That best friend of mine is no longer my best friend( the guy she's with). I might be sounding a little crazy right now, but I think a best friend would do this.

Honestly how many of you guys or girls do this? I know its just not me.

This feeling falls on me again tonight with a different scenario. So much so that I turned off my phone cause I just didn't wanna act like nothing was wrong, when I knew something was. Now being mad for one of your friends I think is like sticking up for them. Your not going to attack whoever they are mad at, or the reason they are mad. Your doing it cause you care and I would hope that they can see this and not the fact that I could be acting possibly like a child..lol.

In one of the TMNT movies, Splinter consoles Raphael, expressing that he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. It may be interpreted as blind hatred and adolescence, but what it really is signifying is what makes him a loyal brother, son, and warrior. So while it seems that I may not be happy with someone personally, its just being misinterpreted.

I hope you see that I'm being "THAT FRIEND"!

Love to all my friends and that special someone.

-StuntmanBob

The Ramble

I sit here in my room listening to the tunes of Shalamar's "A Night to Remember", this surely doesn't feel like one, but dammit if this song isn't pretty badass! Its been a bit sit I've spit an update to everyone who ponders over to my writings. Thanks, btw.

About a month back I hit an impass, fork in the road; you get my point. I went and visited my alma mater, Flashpoint Academy. That sounds cool to be able to say that. Anyway a few of my buddies are working there now in the equipment room, so I thought a visit might be in order. While I was there I came to the realization of how much I actually missed that place. More so the feeling of having a purpose, having to rewrite a script, produce a short, do a shot list. I even miss being mad! In a good way, I'll be honest I'm a bit of a modern revolutionary, gonna speak what I know and what I think is right wether you like it or not. But anyway I went home that night and just felt like I wasted my whole summer, which realistically I didn't because I had written about 5 short films and had started ideas on 1 or 2 feature scripts that are just in the early stages. But I went home and just felt like asking myself "are you doing the right thing?" I mean it sucked having to ask myself that. One of my friends had just gotten an awesome new job within his field and I was incredibly happy for him, but at the same time I couldn't help but not care at all for his happiness.

Its like if your girl just broke up with you and one of your friends comes up and is like "Hey man I asked my girl to marry me, we are gonna be so happy!" Your happy for him, but at the same time you just don't care cause you got dumped. Feel me?

Tonight, again I'm having a few of those feelings. Right now I'm wondering if I can survive in my own career. "I know I can, I have to!" Its really what I love. I love movies! But like everyone said it is going to be hard. I miss having that creative group around me that just fed my wit, my creativity and my drive. I feel like you really do need creative people around you, to feed you. I mean its definitely what feeds me. It just gives you that extra push to do things and get projects going.

I have a few freelance jobs right now, which are getting me by. But I don't wanna do this forever! I don't wanna just be stuck in a rut! And I find myself feeling that way, like I can't breathe. I did have one of my freelance bosses tell me about visiting a tv station for which we are doing a demo reel to and he explained to me that the set up there at the production house is an "editor's dream" Right then and there I was just like "ahhhhh SHIT!" Like a coward I guess I wanted out, right then and there. It was just like I couldn't handle being an editor. I mean I can, but for someone to just know that's the only thing you can do and nothing else is hard because I know I can do so much more than just edit. This is nothing on the employer but it was just thoughts running through my head. Panic, to say the least. By the way I love editors they are the greatest people ever! :) Its just hard to be doing something that you didn't set out to be your primary focus, in the beginning.

I just need someone to baby me and tell me its gonna be ok. Now if your still with me and your an artist of some sort I'm sure you know what I'm talking about and for lack of explaining, its just something that I felt the need to write about and get off my chest. Its like you have to allow yourself to just "get down" sometimes, just so you can get it out of your system and say "ok, its done, you did it, you complained, yes the world isn't fair, but don't be a little bitch either about it!"

The Art Of What Pizza goes with what Movie.

If you have ever seen the movie High Fidelity with John Cusack, he relays a nugget of information that there is a very subtle art to making a mix tape; “many do’s and don’ts”. In the same fashion I believe that, that same philosophy can be used in choosing the correct pizza to go with your movie rental of the week. The summer is winding down and the hustle and bustle of blockbuster movies have once again filled our days with some good and not so good films. Tiresome though they may be, we cannot deny the reality of the coming fall and winter. I know, I know, take a breather, I mean granted we didn’t have that much of a summer, so it shouldn’t be that much of a change, right?

So with the snow comes take-in pizza and the joy of renting a good movie. Here are two scenario's that play out the choices in deciding on a pizza and movie.

It seems as though there is an age old philosophy that says, going to a movie or watching a movie is not a good first date. I beg to differ. What if both of you are into movies? Heh? Never thought of that, now did you? Now I think its safe to assume that in this case, going with one of the traditional style pizzas, like cheese, sausages or pepperoni is a safe bet. I mean you don’t wanna blow your chances at getting a second date because she got bubble guts while trying the new experimental pizza YOU picked. But as more of safe bet ask what her favorite style of pizza is and make that the pie of the night. Now the movie choice is crucial, renting the movie SAW and eating pizza together

doesn’t scream “OMG! it was like so romantic, we watched people get mutilated while I ate what looked like the remains of the victims”. Not good! So a drama, perhaps a dramedy of sorts or a lighthearted romance/romantic comedy could be right up your alley. Something that afterword could be a very good conversation piece.

I always looked forward to getting all together, ordering a pizza and watching movies, it does sound cliche but as a college student those nights are gonna be you most memorable. With a lot of friends the various pizza choices lead directly into the fact that you can have a variety of movies to look at. A good action movie! The subtle drama! Or the laugh out loud comedy. The perfect night to me would be a cheese and sausage pizza while watching Ghostbusters, you really can’t get any better than that. But then again everyone is different and that’s what makes those nights with your friends exciting. Since the variety is there I say go with all three traditional pizza’s then order a fourth that is completely different. Perhaps something like BBQ Chicken Bonanza! Depending on your movie tastes or choice of pizza there is always something to collaborate well with what you eat and watch. I really encourage all of you reading this to continue to eat pizza and watch movies as vigorously as you did during the summer.

Also the next time one of these nights comes your way, carefully analyze what you watch, cause I’m sure the pizza will be top notch and you’d hate to have a crappy movie ruin that awesome pizza.

-Stuntman_Bob

Whitewash Wrapped!

Today felt very very good! We Wrapped the final of shooting for Whitewash. I could not have asked for a better group of people to help me accomplish this short film. The energy of the actors was incredible, they really got in each other's face and let it rip today. 

Thank you very much Alberto and Alex. I hope to work with you guys more in the future. 

To my crew; on all days of shooting. Thank you for braving the cold and making this possible, it is cause of all your hard work that this short got pulled off. 

Now we move on to post production editing and sound. 

Keep on eye out for more updates. 

-StuntmanBob

Whitewash Day 2

The best 1st A.D. Dan Meincke and My producer also the best Monique DeVasquez (thanks guys)

Setting up shots with our stands in's/P.A's for the day

Lights....

Mike Bartello, master at the camera! 

Moving outside.

Nicole and Dan Newman

Dan Newman and Brian Shields 

Alex Rodriguez, myself, and Alberto Garcia planning out shots

Justin Jackola, don't let the suit fool you. ;)

Checking the Monitor during a take. 

Praying the rest of the day goes well!

Cheap attempt as self promotion ;)

The TEam of Mike Ray and Mike Bartello. 

Alberto and Myself. 





Hey everyone here are some more pictures from Day 2 of Whitewash, enjoy and feel free to comment. The restaurant we are at is called Sarno's. A real big thanks to them for letting us use the location to shoot. 

Whitewash Day 1

My Camera Team: Mike Bartello, Ryan Berena and P.A.  Justin Jackola 

My awesome sound guys setting up for the day. 

My best friend Joey Cruz Jr. who played Ivan. 

ME!..

Alex Rodriguez (Rob), Joey Cruz jr. (Ivan), Alberto Garcia (Jimmy)

Mike Bartello and Ryan Berena. Alex Rodriguez in the background there; He played Rob.

Camera and gaff teams. 

Myself and my 1st. AD Dan Meinke planning the day. 

Kieran Dennis

Dan Macias and Dan Newman.

My actors, Dan Meincke, Monique DeVasquez in the back, Dan Newman with the boompole in the corner. 

Hey everybody what's going on. Been  a little while since I posted, but here are some photographs, done by Vanessa Luna, ( THANK YOU) from the first day of shooting on Whitewash. I have to say that my crew for this day really really pulled all their weight and guys I appreciate it more than you could possibly imagine. Enjoy the pics and I'll have a future blog giving my detailed thoughts on the shoot when we finish up our final day this coming sunday.   

My game is that....I have no game.

So its 11:39 in the evening and I just finished watching this movie called Elegy with Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz. If you haven't seen if I suggest that you go out and rent it.

In the movie, Kingsley plays a middle aged teacher who is just worried about everything, he thinks to much. He starts seeing a student of his who is about 30 yrs. younger than he is.  He worries so much about what he is doing and about losing her that in a way he does. 

For a moment while watching this movie, I completely related to his thoughts and courses of action. It's amazing to see that age is nothing but a number and that even at an older age, men and possibly women still have the same panicky thoughts of a 22yr. old.  These feelings of panic will be with us till they day we die. And why is it that we realize what we have right at the moment that it is going to be taken away from us forever? Human nature I guess. 

I personally am a straight shooter. Here is my mentality; I meet a girl and off the bat I don't care what anyone says, looks are everything. I mean an initial physical attraction is there somewhere.  Usually there is something that captures my attention about a certain individual. The way she carries herself, her smile, her interests, etc. Its all in the conversation to me, a conversation can hold so much in what starts out as just a conversation....still with me?

So the convo starts, things are good. You find out that you both have similar interests and that each of you like each other, almost in a way that reminds you of that black and white painting where two kids are kissing each other on the lips. Its harmless, exciting, a beautiful thing to behold when it happens. Cliche I know, but you are literally on cloud 9, naw fuck it, I'm going to cloud 11 on that one. 

Everything is perfect right? yes? no? Its only when things get blurry that this "digital fairytale" starts to crumble. By blurry I mean, that someone stops. No reason just "brick wall". Is it fear? Panic? There is that word again. I don't know. I like somebody, I tell em simply as that. I've learned that you can't waste time. So much time is wasting on playing the "game" or "spitting game"that what ever was there in the beginning is now lost. But then again this is only my outlook on things. I'm not saying TIME is a bad thing, I just like to strike while the iron is hot. 

Now if you have game, more power to you. But I go on the notion that my game is that I have no game. I don't have line or anything like that, if it happens then it happens. When it does happen I think that those people are the one's who truly deserve your dedication, your time. 

I've had this happen three times. This third time, I'm still trying to figure it out. Is it too much? coming on too strong? I guess If I'm asking those questions to myself, my answer is already there.

It is pretty crazy the thoughts and emotions that movies can bring out in you. Even before and after this movie I'll be thinking about this stuff. WE all will, I mean again human nature. 

Well I hope I can instill some sort of thought or conversation with this bit of insight. If you can call it that. Have a good night I'm heading to bed. 

-StuntmanBob 

 

3rd Short Film: WHITEWASH

So I am in the middle of pre-production on my next short film called: WHITEWASH. The story is about urban social equality and acceptance. It involves two best friends Rob and Jimmy,  who have been absent from their lives for the past two years, Jimmy sees that Rob has taken on characteristics of White people: Whitewash.  Jimmy has a hard time trying to accept this new side of Rob, while Rob is trying to avoid the obvious fact that he has changed. 

Producer: Monique DeVasquez 

Director: Roberto E. Navia (me)

Director of Photography: Michael Bartello

Sound Team: Dan Macias, Kieran Dennis, Dan Newman, Brian Shields 

Editor: Adam Wiebe

The rest of the team rounds out our P.A.'s who I am grateful for having on set. 

Amanda see, Nicole Oliverio, Ron Runanphae, Ryan Howard, Justin Jackola. 

We have all of our locations in place, the actors are chosen and we should be having rehearsals this week in preparation for our shooting dates coming up in two weeks.  Keep a look out for pics and other updates and production continues. 

-StuntmanBob

Explanation of the 5 sec. movie rant

In anything I watch I can always find something good in it. Seriously! At the risk of turning you off to reading anything on this blog, I even liked some sequences in the movie Twilight. But aside from that it was still a bad movie.  Bad movies are just as much of my "education" as good movies.  They show what not too do, or in my case I think of how can I improve on the script or what actors might have been better in those chosen roles. 

My 5 sec. movie rant will hopefully give you a quick and precise outlook on what movies I have seen whether they are in the theaters or not. If you like my rants leave some comments and I'll hit you back. If not well, then, apparently I read into movies just a little more than you do. 

Anyway hope you enjoy! 

love, peace and chicken grease! 

-StuntmanBob

5 Sec. Movie Rants YO!

So I decided to post some quick rants about some recent movies I've seen. enjoy.

TAKEN= Liam Neeson can do more with just a Lightsaber, suck George Lucas. Neeson is badass once again!

WHAT JUST HAPPENED= Robert DeNiro flick about being a producer in Hollywood! A little depressing, but realistic I take it. Check it out.

SWING VOTE- So sue me, I get a kick out of Kevin Costner, while entertaining. Spend the money or downloading space watching Open Range.

W. = I'm glad i didn't pay for it at the theater. But Josh Brolin did a good creepy job as Bush.

ROCK N' ROLLA= Guy Ritchie has redeemed himself and is back. Super good. Keep it coming Gerard Butler.

NOTORIOUS= Glad I only paid $5 bucks for at the theater, but the guy who played biggie was very impressive. Wait for cable or Netflix.

MILK= was the best outta all of em. Sean Penn is the man! Very inspirational and definitely makes you wanna stand up for what you most believe in.! see it!

NEXT AVENGERS: HEROES OF TOMORROW= Another Solid Animated effort by Marvel, real entertaining, but I say go and watch Hulk vs. Wolverine.

speaking of...

HULK VS. WOLVERINE= BADASSSSS! That's all I really have to say.


There is more to come! stay tuned

Love peace and chicken grease, gangsta's !

7 weeks left

7 weeks left of school and man! are we all feeling it. Alot of us after coming back from spring break have "checked out" its embarrasing to be saying that but i'll be the first one to tell you that alot of the things going on right now at school are making me happy that summer is around the corner.

Lately alot of us, including myself at school have been down in the dumps because of how classes are being run and the crazy ass schedules we got for school. I understand that its a whole time management thing, but its getting to be overkill. Today I was in the computer lab, for once seriously trying to put together a trailer for my film Dreamer's Ball. A january start comes into the classroom and is expressing that he is not happy with things in the school either. You have only been here 3 months I told him! Now I could have joined him and totally raged on the school but it was the first time that I really put things in to perspective.

Just from his words; "not caring", "waste of time", "regretting"... I could tell this kid was feeling it pretty heavy.

I stopped my editing and sat down with him told him just to vent to me. After about a 10 min. venting process I began to tell him that everyone will sooner or later feel like he is. Most of us are. But what makes you a better person is how you handle yourself in that situation or dilemma. NO ONE! NO ONE! handed us pieces of paper that said " your first year is going to be perfect, magical, and you will have absolutely no problems". The school is in its first year, of course there will be problems, its all part of the growing process of making the school what its mission is. I can only hope that when future classes come through its not the same old problems.
You have to roll with alot of punches in this industry and at the end of this year, that is what I'm beginning to learn the most.

IN CLOSING (LOL) ;)

I let him know that if he ever needed to talk, get away, or need help with an editing software(which seemed to be his primary concern) to come to me or anyone of us in the film class wether they be january or sept. start. WE are all there to help each other and its the bond we share as film students, collegues, friends, to get each other through the hard times that we have. For the first time I felt like a mentor. I hope that if any January kids are reading this you all look to me as someone you can trust and someone that will listen to you, straight up!

Who knows your experiences could make a great short or feature film one day, Keep ya head up!
-stuntman_bob

Confession Friday

Hello true believers ( sorry i was channeling Stan Lee, for a moment) I know I have to keep up with this blog, not that people are knocking at my door for writing material but for those of you who check in from time to time. Thank you. 

So "Confession Friday", your probably thinking, "what the hell?" Well this past friday my sister made her Confirmation and my family and I went to church to witness the event take place.  

I haven't been to church since my grandpa died which was this past summer in August and before then I hadn't been for very long time. Now I have faith, I believe in God and I believe that all the good things that have befallen me have been because of him.  But sometimes I question my faith.  Totally contradicted myself, but hey I'm human, relax.   Anyway, as I sat in the church and listened to the Bishop's Homily, I could not help but take it personal.  He began by relating of course to all of us, then laying down the rules of what it meant to be confirmed.  Paraphrasing here he said that if the children there, were not going to give one day to come and celebrate the Lord and "do the whole church thing" that we could have an early night.  He also went on to say that if they went through this and still didn't go to church and stuff, that they and we ( the congregation) are all phoney's, and nobody likes a phoney. 

I almost got up and walked out of church. I came to church to be called a phoney! don't think so. As my friend Danny would say, my Machismo kicked in.   I didn't like his tone and it really hit me.  So I guess he did his job right?  I haven't gone to church because to me it got really boring.  I felt as though I was mourning as opposed to celebrating, and no one really was speaking my language (no Danny, not spanish) Sometimes  I look at the priests and it looks like they don't even want to be there.  So maybe it'll hit me one day, that bolt of lighting. We'll See 

-Stuntman_Bob 

JUMPER REVIEW

Hey all, today I had the day off, so I thought I would go and check out a movie. ON the list tonight was JUMPER, here's what I gotta say. 

I'm a big fan of the classic "popcorn movie", the genuine action flick!  Jumper came out on Feb. 14th.  The basic plot of the story pans out like this, a boy discovers that he has the ability to teleport and lives his life kind of taking advantage of his new found gift. However when he becomes an adult he discovers that an organization who call themselves Paladins are hunting them, believing that "only God should have the power to be anywhere at anytime".  Action ensues and this leads us into my thoughts about it. 

I have to admit I really enjoyed this movie, its stars Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson, from yes! the Star Wars prequels.  Don't get it twisted now even though Hayden was wooden in the SW films he can act! He does come off as a bit of a newbie in this film but when he is introduced to Griffith ( actor Jamie Bell) he starts to discover what he is capable of.  Hayden played a good part he was very believable and like able.  Samuel L. Jackson plays Roland, who seems to be the head of the Paladins and he is good!  He really is a no holds barred villain, who seems hell-bent on ridding the world of Jumpers.  

This film is set in todays world and the one good thing about it, its believable.  What I really liked was the weapons used by the Paladins, they don't look corny or cheesy.  With the movie clocking in at only 88min. the film moves along and doesn't keep you bored with a long overdrawn out plot.  The action is there and everything keeps you in the story. 

The movie is directed by Doug Liman who directed movies like Mr. and Mrs. Smith and the first Bourne movie.  I believe him to be the perfect guy to do this movie, the plot itself feels like a graphic novel, i remember reading an article where he said that this is his "comic book movie' and he does a fine job at it.

So i know this isn't as long as a review as professionals but hey again I'm working on building those skills up, I definitely recommend seeing this one in the theaters, 

enjoy! peace! 

It Begins...

hey everyone ok so I started this blog, wrote two things and nvr came back.. that kinda sux.. so i'm gonna try and be better at this. Today is a good day, 

today i got an internship on a film that is shooting in chicago called Humboldt Park, the movie stars John Leguizamo, Luis Guzman, Jay Hernandez, and Freddy Rodriquez its out in 2009 so look out for it. So in my journey to become a major player in Hollywood, this is where it all starts for me, this is an unpaid internship but hey! we all gotta start somewhere right?  wish me luck!

As far as the rest of life. School is going good, I really feel like i'm starting to leave my mark there.  That is the frame of mind i've had since i was in high school.  I want to leave my mark everywhere i go.  In high school, i made a good reputation with wrestling, at UIC I made a good little following with my tv show, and know i'm doin big things over here.  THANK YOU GOD!  Stuff is starting to look up and i'm on my way.  

thx for reading. peace!

Planet Terror/ Death Proof

Like most of film buffs out there I am an avid Tarantino and Rodriguez fan (RR/QT).  Right now I am listening to the soundtrack of QT's Death Proof which is awesome, and which has also prompted me to write this 2nd, YES! COUNT IT 2nd blog.. lol. 

When news that RR/QT were going to do a double feature style of old 60's -70's exploitation movies, it was a great day for aspiring filmmakers, cause we all want to put out the next big thing, and for these two guys to bring back a certain style and way of presenting the films to cinema it was like THE NEXT BIG THING!.  If you have been living under a rock for the most of your life the two films PLANET TERROR AND DEATH PROOF would round out the double bill for GRINDHOUSE, the power-house action extravaganza that RR/QT would release to the world.  

Planet Terror being a primarily Zombie exploitation movie and Death Proof being a "biker" exploitation film (respectively).  With fake trailers in between by such filmmakers as Eli Roth, Rob Zombie, and Edgar Wright.  April 6, 2007.  The day came and to no surprise the movies where incredible! Some might even say that the previews where the best part, because they were just as entertaining as the films themselves.  The Right amount of action, humor, and stunts made you feel like the 3 hours and 11min. movie went by in the blink of an eye. 

Sad to say that the movie BOMBED! at the box office.  Which if I may say was truly disappointing because to me all I hear from people is that "oh there is nothing new coming out, everything is just the same shit", well here come two filmmakers who are taking a chance and have the balls to bring something old into the new and no one took the time to support or even check out what was in store (except for die hard fans of the filmmakers of course). 

To Give a brief review of both, Planet Terror is the movie lost movie John Carpenter forgot to make...lol and Death Proof brings some of the best dialogue and experimental stunts that Tarantino has  ever done. Both movies have just been released on DVD in separate formats but will soon be released in the glorious vision, as the full 3 hour and 11 min. action fest!  

PLZ ALL OF YOU CHECK OUT THESE MOVIES, THEY ARE NOT TO BE MISSED.! 

LATERZ!

THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE

Hello all and welcome to my blog. My name is Roberto Navia but i just go by Bobby.  I hope to bring a new take on reviewing films (among other things) with this new blog i just made so go easy on me.. my couple first times around.  

Last Night, Wed. October 17, 2007 I was fortunate enough to check out a free screening of the film THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE, starring Halle Berry and Benicio Del Toro, which officially opens this Friday October 19.  Halle Berry hasn't had many hits at the Box office but I think this one will be a sleeper hit, its definitely what I would call a word of mouth movie.  It may not jump off running like a traditional Hollywood film, but it will most definitely find its audience.  

     Halle Berry plays a wife and a mother of 2 kids who have just recently lost their father, played by David Duchovny (X-files).  Now you might be like "ahhh damn bobby, why did you give it away" I DIDN'T ! Watch the trailer and its basically all there too.  Benicio Del Toro plays Duchovny's best friend Jerry, a recovering heroin addict, who Duchovny has never given up on.  After his death Berry's character seeks out Jerry and offers him a place to stay because she needs help with her grief.  Jerry agrees and this is where the story takes off.   

I'm currently in Film school and Flashpoint Academy in Chicago, IL and while watching this movie I paid close attention to how it was shot.  From the first opening scenes there are very bright and vibrant colors  in the house, which later on I came to feel that the house itself looked very much a place of hope for Jerry, almost like another clinic or rehab center.  Alot of Close up shots and hand held camera work amplified the mood of Berry being depressed and lost.  This films really tries to make you feel how the characters are. 

Benicio Del Toro once again pulls off a great performance and really goes through hurdles to portray what a recovering addict goes through even the temptations of relapsing.  His facial expressions and interactions with the kids bring a light comedy to the film and is a joy to see.  Halle Berry hasn't been this powerful since Monster's Ball, a film directed by Marc Forster.  While sitting in the theater, some people began to laugh because every scene she was in her face was just blank, but it wasn't funny, it was realistic.  In once scene she is cleaning  EVERYTHING in the house, and it just shows what someone will go through to try and get that feeling of sadness and sorrow out of their system.  

The movie was Directed by Danish director Susanna Bier.  It is her American directorial debut and the movie was produced by Sam Mendes, the man behind such films as Jarhead and American Beauty.   

Although being a very slow pace movie, this movie was truly realistic and plain good! lol.  The actors are powerful and the story is real.  I highly suggest giving this movie a chance and going to check it out.  It's worth the money.  

Thanks for reading! peace!