Movie Review September 17-19 (aka....We Watch A LOT Of Movies)

Easy A
I saw the movie Easy A. I really liked this movie. The movie had some very funny moments. Although I have to admit that for the first 10-25 minutes of the movie I wasn't paying attention to anything but Aly Michalka's chest... very distracting but I'm sure the director did this on purpose because the dialogue after those 10-25 minutes was quite funny.

The movie basically takes place in some campus sized high school in California. Olive is basically an average high school student who is very smart and is hardly noticed by anyone. Things begin to change quite rapidly when her best friend, Rhiannon (Rhi for short) invites her to go camping with her hypie family one weekend. Olive makes up an excuse to get out of the weekend, a lie takes a turn for the worst when an unwanted listener, in the form of Marianne overhears their private conversation and spreads the news (rumor) around the school. This is where the movie takes off... everyone's morals and perspectives are placed into question and so on and so forth.

Like any high school focused movie it was a little over the top, but it brings up some very interesting topics. I like the new age take it took on the Scarlet Letter. Emma Stone is funny, pretty, and really lovable in the movie so when it goes bad on her in the movie (as it does in almost every single comedy) you still stay on her side. I could not stand Amanda Bynes's character, and you aren't suppose to. I really cant stand people who act super holy anyway. Sin is sin, but that's another post. Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci (who is always great to me) play really great fantasy parents. I found myself almost wishing they were my parents. They were just too cool and very understanding. This movie was pretty solid to me. I didn't expect too much from it and I ended up walking away with a good feeling about myself and some inspiration. maybe my mind was just feeling absorbent today.
I think everyone should check this movie out this fall.
-VP

The Town
Before I begin, I ask you to clear your mind of any preconceived notions you have of Ben Affleck as an actor due to his track record of cinematic ridiculousness (Daredevil, Gigli, Surviving Christmas, etc.). With "Gone Baby Gone" and now "The Town", it's safe to say that he is much more talented behind the lens than in front of it. He wrote, directed, and starred in the movie which is based on the novel Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan.

The film follows a team of four thieves that are Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck), Jem Coughlin (Jeremy Renner), Gloansy (Slaine), and Desmond "Dez" Elden (Owen Burke) from the Boston suburb of Charlestown (referred to as "the bank robbery capital of the world" by some). They are being hunted through the streets of Boston by FBI agent Adam Frawley (Jon Hamm) and a woman who might inadvertently infiltrate and destroy them all.

Over the years, Doug's fearless partners in crime have become something of a surrogate family to him. Jem, the most ruthless and reckless of the bunch, is the closest thing Doug has ever had to a brother. But a divide begins to open between the two career criminals when Jem takes bank manager Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall) during a particularly tense heist, and the group subsequently discovers that she hails from their own tight-knit suburb. When Jem proposes that the gang make an effort to find out just how much Claire recalls about the crime, Doug fears that his volatile partner may do more harm than good and volunteers himself for the job. Later, Doug turns on the charm while pretending to bump into Claire by chance, and becomes convinced that she doesn't suspect him of being the same man who just robbed her bank. Just as the feds turn up the heat on his group, Doug finds himself falling for Claire, and searching desperately for a means of cutting his ties to his criminal past. But with each passing day, Jem grows increasingly suspicious of Doug's true motivations. Now caught between two worlds with no chance of turning back, Doug realizes that his only hope for finding a happy future is to betray the only family he's ever known

The action in this film is excellent and shockingly realistic. Very vivid and not much is left to the imagination which I fully appreciate. From the chase sequences to the fights and shootouts, attention to detail is definitely achieved if that was the goal. Some viewers prefer a more subtle approach, but if you're like me, the more the better.

As far as performances, Jeremy Renner and Jon Hamm stole the show for me. I was already introduced to Renner via "The Hurt Locker" but after "The Town", I am a fan.  Affleck's performed decently....I was able to sympathize with the emotional and moral dilemma that his character faced. I found myself questioning myself as to what I would do if I were faced with the same decision.  I like that this element is added to the story to make it multidimensional. It's always good to see criminal movies that delve beyond the surface to give the audience a more personal connection with the "bad guys". You often find yourself rooting for them even though you shouldn't because you were exposed to their side of the story and somewhere along the line you identified with them.  I challenge everyone to take this way of thinking and apply it to our everyday lives (but that's another post). 

I recommend this film to anyone. I think Ben has found his niche'....as long as he stays single lol...think about it, most the horrible movies he made were during the time he was married to J-Lo or Jennifer Anniston. But I digress....check out "The Town".

-GB

The Last Exorcism

The Last Exorcism, from the previews i supposed it would be another scary thriller with a bunch of different twists and turns until the end. Honestly i got exactly what i expected, a good movie from a 1st person p.o.v. While im not fond of this mode due to movies like Blair Witch Project i think it gave this film more of the documentary look and feel than most others of this style. Although like most others it starts very slow you wont fall asleep on it. The movie gives you a little bit of insite to what some people who maybe seen as "very religious" may be.

I dont want to say to much to give away this movie so this one is short but i will say this... while the movie is descent it is one that you willl need to pay attention to understand the ending... is it worth the $8 at the theatre... personally no but at the end of the day the dollar movie would do JUST FINE... i give it a C or 2 and a half thumbs up... Must see? not by far... not thing to do/watch? check it out

Jrome


Inception
 We know and understand that Inception has been out for quite some time, but we really promote this movie. If you have not seen this movie, then you need to get your life in order. Of course we do realize that you may have too much of a life and not had time to experience this wonderful film. Even so please make sure you take the time to see it. It is a really great movie and we encourage you to experience it.

Machete

Two words: Bad & Ass. It's about an ex-Federale who gets betrayed by the organization who hired him to assassinate the Senator of Texas, so he goes on a rampage of revenge.  Quentin Tarantino is listed as an "uncredited" producer for this film but within the first 5 minutes you see his name written all over it. So you already know what to expect. And if that isn't enough, Michelle Rodriguez AND Jessica Alba.........Lord have mercy.

Great story....and seemingly right on time with the whole immigration fiasco going on in Arizona currently. Awesome fight scenes...gory as hell but what else would you expect? Good performances all the way around. Check it out!

- GB

But I'm Sayin' Though........ SO!

I pride myself on being an individual as do MOST of my friends male or female, yet this trend in society today tends to worry me a little. We see males rocking "skinny jeans" with a super sag with there ass literally hanging out (not hot)... and females seem to be straying so far away from reality with make up if they wash it off while you were sleep you will probably wonder "WTF did i drink last night?"... and sadly enough it gets worse.

Now i know, i know, im gonna catch alot of flak from this but... FUCK IT!


Ladies this one is for you and you only but males please read cuz you might be "that nigga" boostin it up like its hot... Now i know Nicki Minaj is the shit, Kim K-Dash got a name, and Rihanna got........? beat? BUT please chill with the multi colored hair and super tight clothes.

WHY?! you ask... simple if you are one of these women who say "i'm jus looking for a real/good man" by joining the 5 million other women who not only want to be like them but choose to dress like them dont be suprised when you get TREATED like them... i can tell you from asking multiple male friends and acquaintances that while these women catch your eye (mainly cause they have money and are on tv) they are not seen as WIFEY material... now true some males like that, actually alot of males like that... but then aint that the same type of nigga you been gettin with and gettin left by??? soooo... why do it again with the same style to another nigga from the same area with the same mind set... you aint do nuthin but trade skin color prolly (probably for tha slow ones)... in the club all males like to SEE that because its nice to see sum tig-ole-bitties poppin out left n right all in yea face (name ONE dude that will complain that aint ya b/f... i got time i'll wait........), no dude will get mad to see a nice booty jiggle past him in sum super tight pants, hell i know girls that like it, but you cant tell me you put this on to find a good one when you keep having bruhs grab, touch, and pull, on whatever they can to get your attention.

If i dress like a cop and walk down the street when you are getting robbed, you're gonna expect me to help... but if i say "nah im good i just like dressing like a cop so back up off me" you're gonna get mad...

Well... i hate to say this but... if you dress like a street walker (ho/hooker/whore to the slow ones) then dont be suprised when you get treated that way...

STOP!!! not to say any of these actions are OK in my eyes i think its sad honestly... my mama raised me better!

Honestly the type of dude you are probably looking for... is that dude that wants to see you outside the club dressed down in your "fuck it/lazy day" clothes... now i know sum females out there beat boxin me right now (pssh, smack*, psssh, whateva), but its the honest truth. A girl that can be beautiful without trying is simply beautiful, sometimes you take something amazing and DESTROY it with make up, push up bras, fake nails, weaves, wigs, dyes, contacts, eyelashes... ect. basically all of my close female freidns have heard me say it "you look good... but you look great dressed down" i dont say it to get tha panty-draws i say it cuz ima tell you the truth 92.85% of the time (other times i lie because its what you need to hear) and when you have all these FAKE things why would you expect to find a REAL man... so i guess what im sayin is...





We Luv Deez Hoez.... "But I'm Sayin' Though" we dont Love them hoes..."SO!" if you dress the part expect to be treated it... and when you reach that point of GROWTH... then look for a real man... holla

Jrome - Mr. I'ma Get Sniped

That's What She Said

Are Superheroes Good Role Models? Part 1

Last month I read an article that explained that superheroes were not good role models, especially to young male children.
The question and the article were kind of funny to me. To me, the question addresses more than one issue: What is your definition of a hero? What is your definition of a role model? What makes a good role model opposed to a bad role model? Where is the line drawn? What makes superhero so faulty of an imaginary character? Why are your children looking to imaginary characters for inspiration over their own parents?
These are some of the questions that came in my mind while I was reading the article. Personally, I support superheroes and the artist and the writers that create them and their legendary stories. I can definitely connect and get on board with the superheroes (their evolution) of the 2-3 decades. Why peep feel like superheroes need to be perfectly moral, I have no idea. To me the people who expect this have flawed judgement and a disconnection from reality. When I hear the statement that someone doesn't make a good role model, I want to ask that person what their definition of a role model is. I don't know by people expect or have this idea that role models are morally perfect. No matter how much you admire this person you know that deep down they are not perfect. You know they are human just like you. We have these high expectations of what these people should be and represent. Hen they fail to met these expectations then disappointment sets in, along with blame and criticism. We point fingers at people for failing when we barely lifted one ourselves (thats another issue to be brought up later).
Realistically everyone is going to fall short of expectations and for the most part it's unintentional or a by product of too much pressure. We don't mean or want to fail but we do. We don't make perfect decisions. We have choices to make. And we are not meant to accomplish things on our own. Free choice is our gift and it is our curse (if you view it that way).
The "new" superhero is more in tune with reality. You cannot be anyone's role model if you cannot relate to them. These characters have to be flawed. They have to be human. The powers don't take away from their humanity, it increases it... In many instances.
People also fail to see that comics, movies and superheroes themselves are marketable objects. The more out of touch they are with reality, the more they disconnect and become less appealing with the consumer, which means the less money they make. There has to be a balance

Eternal Reflection

Coming to terms with the person in the mirror is one of the most difficult but also most liberating and essential things we can ever do.  Dedicating more time to defending yourself rather than learning yourself proves to have a bit of a perverse affect on your reality.  When you get sucked into your own sob story it causes stagnation. I’ve grown to learn that perception is *everything*. Occasionally, I’ve taken myself too seriously and made more excuses than improvements to my state of mind and my personal situation.  But why? Complacency? Bad company? Denial? Immaturity? My answer leans towards “all of the above”.  

Admitting that my state of mind is indeed a product of my own decisions was and still remains to be a tough pill to swallow.  Running from myself is only temporary because emotions and feelings don’t erase themselves as much as you think you’ve done a great job at ignoring them or making excuses for them. They’re very much still exactly where you left them and are growing exponentially into bigger, more permanent issues. It was so easy to point the finger for all of my faults. Sure I’ve been hurt and been through some things but life wasn’t hard…..and those around me who supported that behavior made it that much easier for me to believe my own hype.  I’m blessed to know plenty of people who may have good reason to issue blame, but they don’t waste time with that negative mindset and I will always admire them for that. Surrounding yourself with progressive people is essential. Even if you yourself are not quite on that level, being around those who possess what you aspire to gain mentally and emotionally can be a major catalyst to your personal growth. The reality check may sting initially, but muscles have to tear a bit before they can grow.  Your “comfort zone” can really cripple you in the long run.

I’m still a beginner at this growth thing, but I’ve come a long way. The best part about it is that I know I have the choice for growth to either remain a constant or a variable in my life. Of course I choose the former. The day I stop growing and seeking knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is the day of my demise. Sometimes we can’t control the cause. The (mental/emotional) effect, however, lies in our hands. That’s the beauty of life.

“Everything remains constant when there is an absence of force. It is when force (or resistance) is applied that there is acceleration.” – Kelly Powell  ….(yea I quoted you. Punk.)

-GB

Waking Up

I don't know what it is but I cannot really recall waking up mad or upset about something. More times than not I wake up feeling fresh. Ready to conquer or tackle a project. Do I always jump on that project? No. That's neither here or there at the moment.

When I was younger I use to wake up to my bedroom being flooded with light and a shadowy image of my father, sometimes telling me to get up or just fading away into darkness I longed for. He didn't have to say much I already knew what I had to do. 5 more minutes was not an honored request. So I would drag myself out of bed and into my drawer for some shorts, a t-shirt, socks and then looked for my shoes. Grabbed a cup of water and headed to the basement, which was the most illuminated room/area of the house. Every morning started off like this. Through the end of middle school until I left for college. I would wake up and go for a two mile run and come back to lift weights. That was the routine. There was no changing it. It had a purpose. That purpose was served everyday whether I realized or appreciated or whatever.
I use to get out of bed with this attitude because I didn't want to run. But everyday I had a sense of purpose that could never be taken away from me. I didn't wake up looking back on life. I woke up looking forward.
It's a little harder to look forward now. I try so hard to but it doesn't come as easy as it use to and I want to get back to that. That constant progression. The feeling of having a purpose and a goal.
We all need to set a goal and strive to it. After you hit a goal, set another one. Work on improvement. Greatness doesn't happen overnight.

I challenge all of us to set a goal and strive to it. Wake up looking forward to what is at hand. Tackle the challenges of the day with a refreshed spirit and mind.



-VP

The Beginning...

It's a new day, and time for a new veiw.

We (Gevar, Jrome, Vaughn) have come together to let you in on our mindset, our views, and our passions of everyday life. We hope you not only join but interact with us on this journey to open your minds as well as ours. We constantly have conversations that benefit us and could benefit others, yet be warned, we go no holds barred. This is a three headed monster that is outspoken and opinionated, while being understanding. On this journey we hope to give you reason to laugh, think, grow, and explore yourself. This is not a place where any of us are trying to be center of attention or even famous because of this, it is merely an opportunity to speak our minds and allow others to join in. Each week the three of us will post atleast one blog with varying topics/subjects. So we hope you enjoy this trip down memeory lane, this journey to beyond, and this dig for the truth and lies.

With that said LET'S GO!

Disclaimer: do not expect language to be children friendly, nor expect to see proper grammer at all times... feelings will be hurt then dismissed lol...