Mike on writing

What is life? Life is a love story, a comedy, a drama. Sometimes it’s even a horror flick or an action movie. Once in a while, it’s even a little sci-fi. The question is: How do you make your story come to life? Character; it’s not just the people involved, but the feelings behind the words on the page. It’s what makes a story relatable. It’s what makes it real. If you don’t care about what’s happening, how do you expect your audience to care? When you write a story, you aren’t creating something from scratch, you’re glimpsing into the lives of the people in your story. They are just as real as you’re willing to admit they are. They have feelings and emotions and free will. It’s is the job of the writer to let them be who they are, to push them, just as you would your own child. Each and every character you create is only as strong as their greatest flaw. Every time they make a decision, they have to deal with the ramifications of that choice, just as you would. The average person watches a movie and is entertained by what they see, not because they want to escape from reality, but because they are looking for things to relate to. They want to see others go through the same feelings and situations that they themselves have struggled through. They may only get a glimpse into the character’s life, but as a writer, it is important to know the complete story, not only what is conveyed to the audience. Emotion is what drives us, and to tap into that emotion and use your characters as an outlet is an ability that writers are blessed with. A good writer can write anything, but a great writer can write anyone. There are no rules when it comes to life, and the same applies when thinking about writing. Find inspiration in the things and people around you. Think outside the box and step back from your day to day life and think about the choices you’ve made to get where you are now. Think about how you felt getting there. Think of the thoughts running through your head, the emotion behind them. If you can channel this creative energy, then you can do wonders. That is inspiration. That is your muse. Life is all around you, all you have to do is pay attention.

Movie Review: Paranormal Activity

This is not the first movie of its kind. Over ten years ago, audiences were shocked and horrified by The Blaire Witch Project. When the film first debuted, there was even a lot of controversy over the realism of the film. Though I had read many articles about this film before I saw it, people in the theater with me were still unsure if we were watching actual events unfold before us. The style of filming is unique, in that even if we know it’s fake, you still get caught in the “home video” aspect of the movie and you find yourself peaking into these people’s lives. This is a fun way to get the audience involved and scare them in a way they are not used to. Cloverfield also did this very well, but of course on a much grander scale. I was entertained by this movie, and I did jump in my seat a few times, but I was also a bit bored at times as well. The spirit effects were cool and the setting really made you feel immersed in this couple’s battle with the thing haunting them. Of course the ending was a bit lame, and the commercials gave away a lot of the bigger moments, but it’s still a fun watch, but you might just want to wait a while and rent it.

I give Paranormal Activity a 6 outta 10.

Movie Review: Zombieland

Zombieland! I really don’t need to say anything more. If you know me, then you know I’m a sucker for zombie flicks. Add comedy and lots of violence in the mix and I’m a happy camper. Woody Harrelson is unbelievably cool. Jesse Eisenberg, who also starred in Adventureland (which I still need to see) was great as the slightly awkward, and very paranoid survivor of the zombie apocalypse. Emma Stone (from Superbad) was pretty cute and she did a great job as a girl doing what she has to for her and her sister (played by Little Miss Sunshine’s Abigail Breslin). The four of them made a great team, and their journey was both fun and interesting. If the movie wasn’t good enough, there is also THE BEST CAMEO EVER to solidify the fact that this was the funniest movie I’ve seen in a long time. If you have not seen it yet, WHY?! It’s awesome, plain and simple. Go see Zombieland , you’ll love it!

I give Zombieland a 10 outta 10.

Movie Review: Inglourious Basterds

Quentin Tarantino can do no wrong in my opinion. I may be a huge fanboy, but this guys just continues to deliver with each and every film. To be honest, this was not my favorite of all of him movies, but I still enjoyed the hell out of it! Brad Pitt was great, though not in it as much as I thought he would be. Christoph Waltz, who played Nazi Col. Hans Landa was amazing!!!! That guy made this movie what it was! Diane Kruger was terrific and movie star, Bridget Von Hammersmark, and Eli Roth and the rest of the supporting cast were also really good. Cameo voiceovers were an added bonus for fans of Tarantino’s other flicks. Great camera work and music accompanied by insightful dialogue and one hell of a journey through Nazi occupied France leaves you with your fill of entertainment from start to finish. The use of subtitles throughout the film, though a pain in the ass to keep up with at times, still played a very important role. If you like movies, and/or hate Nazi’s, then you NEED to see this movie! If you don’t, then The Bear Jew might just come after you… Yeah, that’s right, The Bear Jew. So go see it!

I give Inglourious Basterds a 9 outta 10!

(which translates to 100 Nazi scalps for those of you keeping score)

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Just like the books, the Harry Potter films get longer and more impressive every time. Though this installment didn’t have as much action as I had hoped, I was still impressed, and was thoroughly entertained. The cast, as usual was amazing and the visual effects were great, especially Helena Bonham Carter and Jim Broadbent as Professor Slughorn. There were a few comedic moments that really made it a lot of fun and kept my attention while the plot of the main storyline was more serious, and for some people, maybe a bit too dry. I know it’s nearly impossible to adapt an entire novel into an hour and a half movie, but with all things considered, they still did a good job. With one more book to adapt (into two movies) left to be released, there is just that much more to look forward to as well. If you haven’t seen it yet, go check it out, it’s a fun ride!

I give Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince an 8 outta 10.

Movie Review: Star Trek

I was never a big Star trek fan, but I was actually really excited about seeing the new film. Of course, I knew the basics, but I never really got into the whole Star Trek thing. The movie totally lived up to the hype, and I left feeling satisfied. The film was a lot of fun and the cast meshed really well. It didn’t hurt that Simon Pegg was in it either, seeing as how I am a huge fan (as anyone that knows me could tell you). The time travel stuff wasn’t too wacky, and the back story and set up was not boring. The action was well balanced with plot and character development. In my opinion, I think they nailed it! I have no complaints, and hope to see more in the future! Hell, I've seen it twice so far, so I don't see why they wouldn't.

I give Star Trek a 10 outta 10!

Movie Review: X-Men Origins: Wolverine

I am, and will always be a diehard X-Men fan, and when I heard they were making a Wolverine move, I got a bit excited, as to be expected. Then when I started hearing more details about the film, I got les and less excited as opening day drew near. I couldn’t even see it opening weekend, and I was still kind of okay with that. After hearing that most of my suspicions were confirmed, I knew that I still had to give it a shot and judge it for myself, (and for you, my loyal readers) of course.

The characters were ALL so far off base it wasn’t even funny. The back story that they created was not based on anything I have ever read, and with 30 years of history behind the character, it saddens me that they went so far away from the story that should have been told. Similar to X-Men 3, a lot of characters were thrown in just to add to the checklist of cameos, and just like X-Men 3, most of them were changed so much, there was little to nothing left of the original character that they were based on. In the end, there was a lot to dislike about this film.

There were a couple good things though, (not many, but they were there). The wire work was good for a lot of the stunts. Sabretooth did this run, gallop thing a lot that looked pretty cool. There was a cool fight scene with Gambit, and even a cameo from a certain bald headed mutant telepath. Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds was awesome, but then he was only in the movie for all of five minutes….

Go see it, or don’t. Just don’t feel disappointed about it either way, because it’s really not worth the effort.

I give X-Men Origins: Wolverine a 3 outta 10
(And it breaks my heart)

Movie Review: Observe & Report

Okay, going into this movie, I didn’t really know what to expect. I had seen about ten minutes of Paul Blart: Mall Cop and was dreading something like that. The commercials didn’t give too much away and the only well known members of the cast were Seth Rogen and Anna Ferris. It turned out to be at least entertaining, and very dark. Some points it was even a little uncomfortable. It was a comedy, but definitely a more complex role for Rogen to pull off. Some parts were really funny, and there were a couple moments when I actually got caught off guard. It was decent, but not worth the $15 it costs to see a movie now-a-days. Wait for it to come out on DVD and it you come across it, give it a shot, but it’s really not worth searching for or getting excited over.

I give Observe and Report a 5 outta 10.

Movie Review: The Last House On The Left

Ok, so I could have past on this movie, and not felt bad about it, but I gave it a shot anyway because it looked like it might be a little fun. The first act was kind of cliché, and did not impress me at all. A serial killer is being transferred, and is cop escort is killed and he is busted out by his cronies. They go hide in a quiet little lake town in the middle of nowhere, where they are supposed to meet up with the guy’s kid, who is patiently waiting, but as teenagers do, he gets bored and invites some cute girls back to his motel room to smoke out. Bla bla bla, trouble comes a knocking and bad shit goes down. We see some graphic beat downs take place and even a tasteless rape scene which I did not like at all (already losing point here, nice going ass hats). Eventually, a storm hits town and the killers go to the one place they didn’t expect, the home of the girl’s parent’s they thought they just killed. Of course the girl does not die (even though she should have by all reasonable means) and after mom and Dr. Dad do their best to patch her up, they go to town on their houseguests and do some damage of their own. I do love it when the victims fight back in these types of films and that’s where this movie wins some points back! Hurray! The ending was a bit of a surprise for me, but not all that unexpected, and I still liked that for what it was worth. Go see it, or don’t. It’s your call, but don’t expect too much either way.

I give The Last House on the Left a 4 outta 10.

Movie Review: Watchmen

The comic book that inspired a generation or writers, artists, fans, and countless others has FINALLY been adapted into a major motion picture. After many years and many failed attempts, after legal battles and speculation, it has finally made it to theaters! Zach Snyder has brought us what many poeple thought was impossible. The twelve issue epic was cut down quite a bit for the big screen, naturally, but for the most part, all of the cuts and modifications fit in with the overall feel of the film without changing the story much. Visually, it was fantastic! The sets, costumes, cinematography, art direction, editing, and general direction were all amazing! On the downside, the make-up and the music were where I thought the film fell short. Sally Jupiter, one of the original heroes and mother to the current Silk Spectre looked fine in her flashbacks, but the older version of the character looked fake and reminded me of the make-up from Back To The Future.... Not in a good way. Richard Nixon was also right there with her. His fake nose looked horrible. The misic was like a "Best of the 80's" soundtrack that I felt was intrusive and over-the-top at times. Some of it was alrigth, but as a whole, it was a little too much for my taste. Some of the acting was a bit dry, and for someone that has not read the book, I could definately see how the movie could look about a half an hour too long. Overall though, still a great flick, and I'm glad it finally saw the light of day. It's just too bad that Alan Moore cannot celebrate the success from this that he so much deserves.

I give Watchmen an 8 outta 10!

Movie Review: Fanboys

After years of trials and tribulations, FANBOYS has finally hit theaters! It's been popping around the counrty for over a year now in different festivals and even showed at Comic-Con 2008, but now it's finally here! A movie set around the relase of Star Wars: Episode One, it's about a group of kids from the wid-west who try to break into the Skywalker Ranch, the home base of George Lucas and Lucasfilm. I really wasn't expecting it to be all that great, and after the first few minutes, I still wasn't all that convinced. It picked up quite a bit though, and got really good. There are a lot of funny cameos from stars like; William Shattner, Carrie Fisher, Danny Trejo, Kevin Smith, and Seth Rogen among others. The movie covers a bunch of different topics, and each of the main characters grow throughout the film. It had really serious moments and it also had really funny, slapstick moments as well. A great movie for any Star Wars fan, or anybody who might really be a fanboy at heart.

I give Fanboys a 9 outta 10.

P.S. Kristen Bell, I love you.

Movie Review: War, Inc.

I wanted to see this movie when it was in theaters, but missed out. I am a really big fan of John Cusack, and with the additional talent of Marissa Tomei, Dan Aykroyd, Joan Cusack, and Ben Kingsley... plus Hillary Duff, it makes for a really fun ensemble. In this film, Cusack plays an operative/military contractor for a company called Tamerlane. He poses as a trade show producer in a small, middle-eastern country while he goes to work. There's action, comedy, and drama. The ending is a little on the weak side, but it's still a lot of fun. Easily enough to keep you interested for an hour and a half. it really could be the sequal to Grosse Pointe Blank! It even has most of the same cast! It's a really fun movie, and if you get the chance, I definitely recommend it!

I give War, Inc. an 7 outta 10.

Movie Review: The Spirit

It seems like more and more comic book movies come out every year. Some, like Batman or Spider-Man everybody knows about. Some lesser known ones, such as; Road to Perdition or Hellboy, and now the Spirit come along as well and introduce movie-goers to a world they did not know about, and hopefully give them a reason to look more into the subject matter. In the case of the Spirit, it's not so easy though. The Spirit was a comic book detective/adventurer created by the legendary Will Eisner. Frank Miller, who wrote, produced, and directed the film incarnation is the brain behind Sin City and 300. Those are great books and moves respectively, but he did something to the Spirit that I did not really understand. The dialogue was classic Frank Miller, no doubt about it, and the look was very Sin City. Both things are very enjoyable... in their element. The Spirit doesn't really belong there though. It did have it's share of funny moments and it looked great, but I think there were some serious mistakes made on the production side. Sam Jackson was great, as usual, and the rest of the cast was only impressive at times. It was very flashy, and quirky, but lacked substance, which always makes me sad. If you've seen it, good! If not, you can probably get away with waiting for it to come out on DVD.

I give The Spirit a 5 outta 10.

Movie Review: Zack & Miri Make A Porno

This movie takes everything I love about Kevin Smith movies (minus the Jay and Silent Bob element) and everything I love about Judd Apatow movies and puts them together like movie PB&J gold! It's raunchy but it has heart. It has real people in hilarious situations. It has story development and character development! All this in a movie with the word "porno" in the name?! Who would have guessed, right? I liked it, can you tell? Like all movies, it does have it's flaws too though. At the end, when the inevitable shit goes down, and our titled characters separate, there is a gap in time implied that seems unreasonable and the events that follow after also seem a bit out of sink with the flow of time and space, and the rest of the film. it makes the ending a bit soft, but still gives us plenty of closer. If could have been written better though, and it does pain me to say that. (Sorry Kevin Smith, I still love you!) Go see this movie though, besides the porn stuff, it's actually pretty classy!

I give Zack & Miri Make A Porno an 8 outta 10.

WELCOME HOME!

This is a big moment for me. I am officially starting the transition from my myspace blog to a real-type blog for grown-ups... Sort of. I will start with a little back tracking. Re posting some of my more recent movie reviews, and then from there on out, writing new ones, and then the additional update on all things associated with my life in Hollywood. Stay tuned, there are some amazing things to come!