Independent Film of the Week #1: RE: Monday

This is a new article series that I would like to start on YDKS Movies called Independent Film of the Week. In this series, I would like to showcase an independent film that I enjoy for all of you to discover. I have been watching a lot of these on Vimeo in the past few days and it has really inspired me to make something new myself other than the Bags and Boards series I have been working on (though don't get me wrong, I'm still going to be making Bags and Boards throughout the summer). 

The first entry is called RE: Monday and it is written and directed by Adam Burr. The best way to experience this 14 minute film is to just not know anything about it. There wasn't any plot description written on the Vimeo page other than "One rainy afternoon..." and there's a reason for that. For the whole video, you really don't know exactly what's going on and that creates a lot of tension. The experience of just trying to figure it out and guessing what might happen really adds a lot to the work. The film is exceptionally well-made with great writing and directing. The sound design is also quite well-done. 

Just watch it and see what you think. I was impressed.

Tune in next week to see another great independent film. 

Watch Bags and Boards Episode II

So, for those of you that have been wondering ,"Where the hell is Wesley and what has he been doing?", this is the answer. I give you Episode II of Bags and Boards. And yes, you kind of have to watch Episode I to get some of the stuff that happens here. 

In this second episode entitled "The Clone Saga," Steven deals with love problems, Bruce and Brenningworth have theological discussions and a new customer named Conner comes to the store to get advice on how to pick up a "comic book girl."

I'm sorry this has kind of taken me away from this place. But please watch it and hopefully it will make up for all my lost time on here. I promise to revamp in the coming days. I'm going to be doing some reviews for movies I've been watching but haven't talked about on here yet (Star Trek, Terminator Salvation and Drag Me to Hell). So please be patient with me.

Oh and, if I'm not mistaken, it's Bruce Lee Month. More to come.

Jason's Terminator Salvation Review

I don't really know why this movie is titled "Salvation." It must be one of those multi-layered metaphors about this movie saving the franchise, or John Connor finally finding his place as the prophesied leader of the resistance. Whatever it means, however, the true nature gets lost in translation as the movie never quite rises above the cloud of McG's ego.

There is really not a story to speak of. I guess in between all the loud parts, you may be able to call that the story. The post apocalyptic world Terminator fans have been dreaming of is not quite so apocalyptic. I never got the sense of hopelessness and it doesn't quite feel like the war ever reached my front door step. Therefore, throughout the film, I didn't care if anyone lived or died.

The music is non-existent. It is such a shame because Danny Elfman is frequently brilliant at times.

The acting is atrocious. I can not think of the last time I rolled my eyes so much in the theater. I felt bad for the people sitting around me because of how much I involuntarily scoffed at both line delivery and dialogue. Not even Jonathan Nolan writing on set could save any of the scenes. Bryce Dallas Howard, Christian Bale, Moon Bloodgood, Common, and Michael Ironside are all poorly directed. And not even the good actors could salvage the lines and screen times they were given. The only shining light was Anton Yelchin as Kyle Reese, who has already had a big year as Chekov in Star Trek. Sam Worthington could have been good, but McG directs him into the ground along with everyone else, and Helena Bonham Carter should not even be in this movie as her character is both ridiculous and wasted through a series of bad morphing shots.

This movie is bad in every way. But, if you are like the millions of Transformers fans who care nothing about story or good directing, you will love this film along with all the other big action turds set to come out this summer. I on the other hand will regret the fact that I spent $5 on a ticket that will go to save an even worse movie theater.

Yet Another Bags and Boards Episode II Teaser

Yes, I'm at it again. Would this be called shameless plugging? Perhaps.

Anyways, this clip, unlike the one from yesterday, is actually from the episode II. It introduces the character of Conner (played by former YDKS Movies guest writer Zach Osborn), who plays a major part in the episode.

I hope you guys enjoy it.

Bags and Boards Episode II Teaser

In case you guys have been wondering where I've been, I've been kind of busy lately filming episode II of my web series Bags and Boards.

If you haven't seen episode I of Bags and Boards yet, go here to view it in HD. To follow the entire series, be sure to visit our official website BagsAndBoards.org.

Anyways, today was our third full day of filming and, afterwards, we decided to shoot a short little teaser for the Internet to kind of let people know we are in fact still making the series. This short has nothing to do with the episode but it's kind of enjoyable to watch and I figured I'd put it up here. Episode II should be done in two to three weeks.

And yes, in case you're wondering, I will be doing a review of Star Trek. Stay tuned.

My First Summer Movie

And it's Wolverine for the win.  I actually watched this last week with a couple friends.  After it was over, while walking back to the car, we decided it was the perfect girl movie:  so much "eye candy" and this great surge of power that all girls love to have at some point or another.  I must admit, I feel awkward and unsure writing that last comment about this movie.  "Eye candy" is a terrible phrase in my opinion.  But, that is exactly what this was for me and the other girls.  

Other than all that, I thought this was all in all a good movie for my summer kick-off.  It included the level of unreality that I like throughout my summers, and is also based from the comics--a factor that I've grown to really enjoy in movies over the past few years.  Let it be known, however, I've actually never read the comics.  I know, I know, how can I critique this without having read what it's based from?  Strictly as a movie and entertainment purposes, between the insane power and emotions this movie blew me away.  

I'm also considering this in comparison to the X-Men trilogy.  I sat down again the other night with the same friend I watched Wolverine with and watched all three movies back-to-back.  Final conclusion:  my favorites are Wolverine and the intial X-Men movie.  I've never been a huge fan of the trilogy, and after this last viewing I have decided that X-Men: The Last Stand may possibly even be a least favorite movie of mine.  It is my opinion that by the time the last movie was made, "they" were just trying to continue a story and it fizzled out on screen.  

But back to my initial thought:  Wolverine=good start to my summer, especially since my DMB concert roadtrip didn't work out because of the stinking swine flu.  

By the way, the person with whom I'm visiting with at the moment is watching the season finale of Grey's Anatomy.  Someone save me?  

~Amanda Leigh       

Within the Next Year

I realize this is old news to pretty much everyone; however, while sitting at work for 8 hours this morning I couldn't help but be excited over next Spring's release of Tim Burtons's adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. Some of my favorite movies as a child were those he directed (Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, and Batman Returns being at the top). Since then, I finally got to see The Nightmare Before Christmas--last year actually, in 3-D--and was astounded. And also a couple Christmases ago, Sweeney Todd was the winner for the movie I watched on Christmas day. The things Burton did with that musical impressed me so that I had to return to theaters a second and third time. At the bottom of my Burton list lies Corpse Bride; still, I will always remember the interesting and laughable experience it was watching that one at 3 in the afternoon with a friend at the Clinton Cinema.

Needless to say, I will be at the movies on opening day of Alice and Wonderland. I haven't been able to find any new articles on the film, but I just realized today that Anne Hathaway will be playing the role of the White Queen--not my favorite choice, but she is interesting to watch in more developed roles than that of Mia Thermopolis (such as her role in Rachel Getting Married, again not my favorite movie but I was finally impressed with Hathaway). Of course I am thrilled that Burton is once again collaborating with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, and can't wait to see Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen (she is definitely a favorite). One can only hope to see Depp and Carter in a scene together after watching them in Sweeney Todd. Unfortunately, if memory serves me correctly, the Mad Hatter and Red Queen have no interaction in the story. To make sure, I think I'll be reading my books again.

Before next Spring, I think it's safe to say that the other film I'm most excited about is Where the Wild Things Are--once again, old news. Anyone want to visit me in North Carolina, dress up in costume, and take a movie trip with me? I'll be the cute one.

Alright guys, now to reading Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass again. Go get some sun.

~Amanda Leigh