OCD Films Part 1: As Good As It Gets (SOAP)

Over at the Soap - Short Film Blog they are talking about films with characters who have OCD.

Part 1 is "As Good As It Gets"

check it out!!!!

Until then hail to the Clean Joker!

Funding - Soap the Short Film

Over at the Soap - Short Film blog we are discussing what types of perks would entice you to drop some coin.

Some of the things on offer are:

Special Thanks in the Credits
Special Thanks in the Credits and on IMDB
A copy of the DVD
A copy of the Special Edition DVD with extra features
A professional photograph from the set
Executive Producer Credit.

Would any of these lure you? If so or not why? What else would you look for when donating to a short film?

Answer these or just have a chat over at Soap - Short Film or follow us @soapshortfilm on twitter.

Until then hail to the Gracias!

New 52 - My Pull List

I'm a massive Batman fan and was excited by the news of FLASHPOINT and that DC were going to start a relaunch with 52 title starting at #1.

There are plenty of Batman issues so I've hooked into most of those and a few others have also caught my eye. I wish I had the time to read more but this is list I have chosen to read and what I think of them.

Batman

This is my highlight of the New 52 so far. Scott Snyder (American Vampire) is spinning an intriguing tale involving the Court of Owl's and the 2nd half of #3 is comic gold. The ending was so awesome that had me turn back 3 pages to reread and try to experience the awesomeness. I'm hooked. Although this list in not necessarily in order (it's close though) this is the tops.

Detective Comics

This title lives up to its name. It has Batman and the loyal reader looking for clues. Add to this the interesting character The Dollmaker and I'm looking forward to #4 almost as much as Batman.

Animal Man

I had no preconceptions of Animal Man and only tried it because it was highly recommended. I chewed up issues 1 through 3 in one night and was held captive. Many people rate this as their top of the drops an I can see why. This reminds me of a Clive Barker type tale and I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes me!

Batman and Robin

I'm enjoying B&R much more than I thought I would and a lot of it is because of the impetuous Damian Wayne and the way his character is cleverly used. Looking forward to seeing DW develop.

Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E

This is another title recommended and I now know why. Frankie 2.0 is a reboot of kinds but still feels and tastes like an old E.C comic. Really enjoying it so far.

Swamp Thing

The only thing I knew about Swampie was the camp Wes Craven movie from back in the day. This is much better. I was also recommended this but didn't need much pushing when I saw that Scott Snyder was writing. The 1st issue took a little time to warm up for me but it has well and truly found its feet by #3.

Dark Knight

Dark Knight has been interesting and a few twists have been satisfactory but nowhere near the levels of the other Batman titles.

Night Wing

I like the look of Night Wing (comic as well as the costume) and Dick Grayson is a character that I'm happy to follow. Not top of the drops but definitely will keep on with this one.

Batwing

Batwing is a member of Batman Incorporated and he is currently keeping the good people of the Congo safe. This is a title I like but needs to improve if it wants me to forge on.

I've also had a go at Miniseries:

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice

I've had the pleasure of reading parts 1 and 2 and absolutely love it. Gregg Hurwitz as brought to life a great story and pushed the Penguin up the slippery ladder of foes by adding depth and empathy to what in my mind was a one-dimensional character. A shame there is only 3 instalments left!!

Batman: Odyssey

Issue #1 was a little disappointing for me but I've give it another go.

Until then hail to the Deck!

Notre Dame crawls up the Rankings

After losing the first 2 games of the season, ND were always pushing the season uphill.

They then went to win 4 in a row followed by a tough loss to USC and they are now on a another 4 game winning streak. The Fighting Irish find themselves with an 8 -3 with 1 game to go and are now climbing the rankings.

They are 22 on both the BSC rankings and AP Top 25.

This weekend they face their toughest opponent yet in the 6th ranked Stanford Cardinals. The Cards are led by media sensation Andrew Luck. He has been embroiled in the "Suck for Luck" campaign where the bottom NFL teams are seemingly vying to get the #1 pick in the draft and land QB Luck.

The Irish boast 8 wins so far on the back of smart QB play by Tommy Rees and the tandem rushing machine of Jonas Gray and Cierre Wood. Wood has eclipsed the 100 yard mark with 9 TD's and Gray has an impressive 6.9 average for 741 yards and 12 touchdowns. Oh and WR Michael Floyd has 87 receptions for 1014 yards and 7 scores.

Until then hail to Fortuna!

Top 10 - Father & Son Movies List

Last week I was having a lazy Sunday watching movies when I realised that the 2 movies that I had watched had very strong theme about the precarious father/son relationship. This wasn't a conscious choice it just so happened that they are both very good but wildly different movies. The first for the day was Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade followed by The Road.

So this got me thinking what are MY favourite father/son movies. So I had a good think about it, then asked my wife because she will always think of an obvious one that I have overlooked. Then I set to picking a top 5. If this wasn't hard enough I then ranked said 5.

Have a look then leave your opinion.

#10 - Over the Top
Tagline - Some Fight for Money... Some Fight for Glory... He's Fighting for His Son's Love

This is my nostalgic only entry. I would have watched this a hundred time as a kid. This movie was also responsible for kids in the playground twisting their caps backwards they they really meant business. Haven't seen it? Give it a go. If you have, watch it again it's actually not as bad as you remember. Or as good...

#9 - Road to Perdition
Tagline - Every father is a hero to his son.
Tagline #2 - Every son holds the future for his father.
Tagline #3 - The innocence of a son is surpassed only by the father's will to save it.

This is a bit of a slow burn movie for me. It's not in your face good but the acting is great, directing great and the source material is from a fantastic graphic novel.

As for father son relationships there are quite a few. The main one is between Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) and his son. Michael Jr. witnesses his father doing what he does which is a mob enforcer. Michael was an orphan who was raised by John Rooney (Paul Newman). Rooney loves Michael more than his own son, Connor (Daniel Craig) so they are all sorts of daddy issues between these 4 characters.

Michael Jr, witness Connor killing a man in a fit of rage and his father swears him to secrecy. Connor has other ideas and tries to kill the Sullivan family. He succeeds in killing Michael's wife and their youngest son. Michael and Jr flee to Chicago.

Lots of different father, son issues are looked at here but the most poignant being between Michael and his son. At the end of the movie Michael saves his son from a hit man and dies in his sons arms. Michael Jr.'s states in the closing voice over that he now realizes that his father's only fear was that his son would grow up to be like him, and that, when asked if his father was a good man, he simply says, "He was my father."


#8 - The Pursuit of Happyness

Chris Garner (Will Smith) tries to crawl out of the depths of homelessness for a whole year all the while raising a son and trying to appear 'normal'. Chirs' wife Linda is sick of the money issue and grand plans and leaves Chris sending him into a tailspin. Through the determination to be a good dad and hard work Chris eventually lands a great job and the first thing he does is rush to his son's daycare and hugs him fighting back tears.

#7 - The Godfather
Tagline - A Offer You Can't Refuse

The Godfather is all about the 'Family' and this is so true about the main theme. The Don 'Don Corleone is shot and his son Michael avenges him and flees to Sicily leaving behind his lady and family. Michael previously wanted nothing to do with the 'family' but after thwarting the second assassination attempt at the hospital and having his jaw broken by corrupt cop Captain McCluskey he finds himself in the middle of it.

Although most families wouldn't resemble the Corleone's the themes are all the same. Jealousy and revenge being the main ones here.



#6 - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Tagline - The man with the hat is back. And this time, he's bringing his Dad.

There's a lot of father son humour in this instalment but again the relationship is the crux of this movie. Indiana wants his fathers approval and feels like he is under appreciated and not taken seriously. Indy goes on to treat his own son Mutt the same way in the next instalment, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

The worship of God is equated to the searching for fathers.And this is strongly linked here.

#5 - Finding NemoTagline - There are 3.7 trillion fish in the ocean. They're looking for one., Grab shell dude!

This is one of Pixars gems and it's all about Nemo's father Marlin doing whatever it takes to find his son. This is a classic example of what a father would go through and the challenges he would face in the pursuit of his son.

It's also a case of the problem being in a direct response to the relationship. Nemo was taken by scuba divers because he was purposely disobeying an overly protective father.

#4 - Big Fish
Tagline - An adventure as big as life itself.

I'm a big Tim Burton fan and this isn't his typical film but it is cleverly laid out with strong performances by some great actors. It follows the stories theme of reconciliation between father and son. And as usual by the end of the movie the son will come to understand and empathise with his fathers actions. This is a great fantastical look at our fathers and the mysticism they have over us.

#3 - The Road
Tagline - In a moment the world changed forever.

I must admit, I had never heard of Cormac McCarthy (the author) and the Coen Brothers making the fantastic adaptation of No Country For Old Men is the only reason he blipped on my radar. Then I caught wind of Aussie director John Hillcoat making this and my ears pricked up. I read a brief synopsis and my brother and a good mate had read it with good reviews so I set out to read it before the movie came out. (I always try to do this!!) I also wanted to read because I was having a son and much like Pet Semetary wanted to get through them before he grew up. I loved the book and subsequently the movie.

It's the story of a man and a boy trolling through a future Earth where the sky is gray, the trees have fallen, most of civilisation is dead and survival is the only past time. The man is dying and he's aware he's going to die and leave his ten year old son. This would be such a painful realisation for a father.

#2 - The Empire Strikes Back
Tagline - The Adventure Continues...

Yes we're talking Star Wars here! One of the most famous trilogies in the history of man is in affect about a father who has turned bad and he's hunting his son. He'll attempt to turn him to the dark side and if that doesn't work kill him. Kill him he doesn't but he does manage to lop off his hand in one of a few physical encounters. However (spoiler alert!) at the end of the 3rd instalment Vader's love for his son prevails and he dies as a consequence.
#1 - Life is Beautiful

Tagline - An unforgettable fable that proves love, family and imagination conquer all.
This is a heart wrenching tale of a father doing he best to keep his son happy and oblivious to the war going on around them. He tries to convince his son that it is all just a fun game. The guards are being mean because they want the tank to themselves and all the other children are hiding as part of the game. This charade also helps the father focus on his son and not the horrible events going on around him.

At the end of the film the father tells his son to hide in a sweatbox until everybody has left, this being the final test before the tank is his. The son manages to survive and thinks he has won the game when an American tank arrives to liberate the camp. In the film, he is four and a half years old; however, both the beginning and ending of the film are narrated by an older man recalling his father's story of sacrifice for his family.

To me this is the ultimate act of love by a father for a son. This is a beautifully realised movie.


Honourable mentions:
Lion King
Kramer Vs Kramer
Shenandoah

Until then hail to Wayne Enterprises!

New Poster for Soap - Short Film

That's right the short film script that I wrote I am now co-producing.

Eddie @ Madphat Productions has designed a new poster. Drop in have a look and drop some critique!!!

http://soapshortfilm.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-poster-for-soap-short-film.html

Yep that's right you'll have to click on the link to see said poster - so do it!!

Let's say it's better than this one!!

Until then hail to the Link Farm!

Soap - Short Film has a Website

I had previously announced that a short film script SOAP I have co-written with my brother had been picked up by a production company in London - Madphat Productions.

I can now announce that Soap has a home. http://www.soapshortfilm.blogspot.com/

We will also be using the Fundraising platform, Indie GoGo to raise money for the production. http://www.indiegogo.com/

So follow us at blogspot or on Facebook or email us at soapshortfilm@gmail.com

Until then hail to the campaign!

Notre Dame puts Wake Forest to Sleep!

Saturday's win for the Irish moved their record to 6-3 and they have won 6 out of the last 7.

With Bowl aspirations drowned for the year it's all about pride. And the 24-17 win over the previously 5-3 Demon Deacons give ND a fantastic chance at a winning season.

Wake took and early lead but a perfect pass from QB Tommy Rees to Tyler Eifert tied the scores at 10-10. Again Wake took a 7 point lead on a 2 yard touchdown run but again ND answered!! This time a 1 yard touchdown punch from Jonas Gray again levelling the scores. A poised Tommy Rees hit Michael Floyd in the corner of the end zone for the lead and eventual win 24-17.

Twice in the 2nd half the Demons had the ball inside the ND 10 yard line but came away with no points. Wake was able to pile up yards but the NDefense held garmy strong when it counted stopping WF from scoring at all in the 2nd half.

The passing game had its moments but it was the running back tandem of Jonas Gray (92 yards, 1td) and Cierre Wood (87 yards) that kept the chain gang moving. Although ND were the favourites and only managed to eek out a 7 point win they would also be buoyed by the determination and strength under adversity and will be looking to continue their winning ways this Saturday against the 2-7 Maryland Terrapins.

Until then hail to the Excito!

Too Much Sex & Violence #1 from Rol Hirst

I just purchased this comic online and was reminded that not all good writers are doing Batman or Wolverine. Some are doing their own thing and doing it well.

This is a series of short tales set on the northern seaside town of Fathomsby; home to retired super-heroes, monster DJs, mutant prostitutes, pier-owning gangsters, disgruntled policemen and a woman who knows exactly what you're thinking about, whenever you're thinking about...S-E-X.

Follow this link and before you know it  you'll be peeking behind the maginations of one clever dude!!

Too Much Sex & Violence #1

Until then hail to Fathomsby!

Notre Dame sinks the Navy!!!!

Yeah the Irish loss to USC last week quashed any hopes of a BSC Bowl again but that didn't stop ND from coming out and giving those Sneaky Sailors a good old-fashioned rogering!!!

The Navy who have been averaging 300+ yards on the ground were kept in the kiddie pool amassing a piddly 196 and a touchdown. In contrast the Irish rumbled for 182 and 7 scores. 3 for Jonas Gray and 2 to Cierre Wood.

Michael Floyd was untouchable with 121 from 6 receptions including a busted secondary for a 56 yard stroll into the endzone. Very impressive considering the wet Navy air strike managed a soggy 33 yards in total.

Bring on Wake Forest!!!!

Until then hail to Royal George!

New York Giants - Rd8 Miami Dolphins - REVIEW

Well a win is a win (haven't I said that already this year???????????????)

The Giants managed a 4th quarter come from behind victory at home to the win less Dolphins. While it should have been an easy tune up win in the lead up to the Patriots next week, I could have also been a shock Ala Seahawks.

Eli Manning continued his form with another 300+ yards 2 touchdowns ZERO interceptions and 100+ rating. If he's not Aaron Rodgers' backup come Pro Bowl time he never will be.

Another Corner back went down with a season injury and we struggled with the run.

But... We're 5-2 and continue to churn out the wins.

We're at the halfway mark of the season so I'm going to extrapolate at look at where some of our statistical leaders are looking at finishing the season.

Eli Manning 312 from 482 at 64.7%  4254 yards 26 touchdowns & 10 interceptions & a 102.1 Rating

This has him 3rd in the NFL and 2nd in the NFC with his career best rating. He's also 2nd in the NFL with an 8.8 per pass average.

Hakeem Nicks 76 Receptions 1150 yards and 6 touchdowns
Victor Cruz 56 receptions 994 yards and 8 touchdowns

Ahmad Bradshaw 880 yards for 10 touchdowns

Corey Webster and Aaron Ross with 6 interceptions a piece.

Jason Pierre-Paul 17 sacks
Osi Umenyoira 12 sacks (considering he missed the first 3 games I'd go with 15 sacks)

So with a 2 game buffer and a hell of a 2nd half schedule let's hope the Giants can hold on and make the play-offs. Once there anything can happen.

Until then hail to the Tuna!