Love Will Dream Forever - 48 Hour Film Project Glasgow 2015
Well done to all the film-makers who took part this year. The competition was tough!
Happy Watching my friends!
Jafwords.
The Martian landed and it was good...
I have got to admit I haven’t had time to read the Martian yet, although I know a man who has and part of his description - “it’s just one of those books you could miss your train stop for as you just don’t want to put it down.”
But it’s the film I want to talk about.
Ridley Scott, the creative mind that brought us films such as Alien, Blade Runner & Gladiator brings this novel to life on the silver screen. With such an impressive catalogue films under his belt it must be hard to make a film better than your last, but with “The Martian” I think Mr Scott has achieved something special here. I won’t say it is his best, but it is certainly up there as a great.
So what is the film about? Well the basic idea – and I have to admit I have seen this description fluttering around the good old interweb, (yes I know it’s called the internet, just a joke) - Robinson Crusoe On Mars (and yes being a scifi geek I also know about the 1964 film). Although, the very basic idea of the film maybe similar, we actually have something altogether different and entertaining. Instead of thrashing out remake after remake (which I am very critical of the Hollywood machine constantly doing), they have taken a good novel, scripted it very well in an engaging manner and produce a film that holds your attention in the most positive way.
I am sure Sheldon Cooper (The Big Band Theory) would have a field day with the fact that the main character is a botanist. However, putting the jokes aside the film could very well be seen as a great advert for the sciences. I am always looking for ways to promote science education and this film could be seen as a real advert for that. I am sure NASA will also be happy with their role in the film; and if they wanted a way to push their appeal for further space exploration then they have got just that in this film.
The acting was “out of this world” (too much of the space puns?) Matt Damon, who takes on most of the screen time really does sell the loneliness and isolation of his character. From very early on you start to route for him and feel like you are sharing his journey. You celebrate his achievements but you feel his pain with things go wrong. Then he started the message to be delivered to his parents and I could feel myself welling up. I don’t need to be a student of acting to understand what great acting is all about – if the actor brings out the correct emotional response in me then I would say it’s a job well done.
Now pour in the rest of the talented cast and we get something special. The science in the film was reasonable, I am sure by now there was been someone who is picked it all apart but ultimately, this is still scifi (Science FICTION in case you weren't sure). Hollywood is allowed to suspend reality in favour of something that looks good on film and I approve. (can a wind storm on Mars blow over and structure….mmmm…not sure about that).
So its rating time. ****, there you have it. It’s a must see film…I am not sure if it will be a DVD purchase as I think the nature of its impact is best seen on the big screen. However, you must see this one.
The Jafwords rating system.
***** (Awesome)
**** (Almost awesome but with some flaws)
*** (To be honest it could have been better)
** (Struggling to say good things)
* (Dear director give me my money back)
Improvements to be made
I really do have to be honest with myself, I lack focus and direction when it comes to my writing.
However, the question should then be asked "is this a good or a bad thing?"
Let me tell you where I am just now. My second novel is still currently sitting with a status of "Currently Editting", which I need to admit is dreadful as its been like that for ages (I promise I will do more today). I am also now into creating my second issue of a comic which has the working title "Gates of Hell". The title works for the moment as it describes what's going on but I suspect I will change (simply becuase I don't like it). I see this comic stretching into 4 issues with around 25 pages in each. Keeping with the comic theme I created the first issue of a comic I called "Elysium Rising". I haven't returned to this comic yet but I do intend to as I love the idea I created. The plan for this will be a simple three part but we shall see.
Keeping up?
Then novel number 3 has been started with the adventures of Captain Walsh MacKenzie and then finally I have started to jot down some ideas for a fairytale story but it not be aimed at kids.
Do you are my point about focus and attention. So what are the pros and cons?
Cons are obvious. It's taking me an age to complete one thing. Which, in turn, leads to a bit of frustration on my part. The creative journey is extended and along the way you can easily fall into the mode of self doubt -that my friends is hard to shake. Ideas can get mixed and then you can loose track of what you doing
Pros? Yeah there are many. Mack lack of planing allows me to maximise my creativity. Oh and that mixing up of ideas I mentioned actually works for me, as it allows me to try different things with other stories; which often works. With so many projects on the go I find it helps beat that nasty writers block, and I am loving the fact that my ideas are flowing.
So really I need to meet the compromise and be realistic. My planing and timescale has to be completely abandoned in favour of promoting the inspirational side of writing. Trust me though, I will get there and have some cool stuff for you to read.
Happy reading my friends.
Jafwords.
A Video I helped to make...For my Jambos fans, this is for you!
Okay automatic confession, I am not a Hearts Supporter - but I was delighted to be asked to help make this film. Most of the Camera work is me with some bits lifted (with kind permission) from STV. The film was edited by Nick Walker and he has managed to create a very emotional advert for the Jambos!
So even if your not a Hearts fan, sit back and enjoy this wee film about the club recovering from the brink of destruction.
Pixels - the Arcade Fights Back
But wait a minute! Pac-man is the bad guy? NO WAY!!!!
A few days ago I went and saw Pixels and with Mr Sandler involved I knew I was going to be in for a good time. I have to admit it I do love Adam Sandler films (and yes I am of the opinion there really isn't a bad one). So you can imagine where the rest of my simple review is going to go.
So the premise of this one. Aliens encounter arcade transmissions of old games in outer space and interpret these as a hostile declaration of war. So they create giant real life versions of the games and send them to Earth to fight.
Okay so you know the story is miles out there and totally beyond belief but it's meant to be that way. So what where the positives - well for me Adam Sandler gives his usual solid performance. Admittedly, he kind of plays the same recurring character type, but that is his strength and he is really good at it. Kevin James always teams up well with Sandler in these types of films and so we get a fairly decent turn out from him, perhaps not the best role I have seen him in and he didn't give his many laugh out loud moments but his character did have a more serious role in the film I suppose. The next positive, playing Violet van Patten, was actress Michelle Monaghan. Very little you could fault her on this. her pairing with Adam Sandler was effective and you got a good sense of chemistry between the two characters.
Negatives - funny thing is with this...that bits that irritated me were to do with a characters personality or trait which I am sure was designed to be annoying and hence a credit to the actor who played them. Peter Dinklage is by far one of my favourite actors. The man is gifted and if you are a fan of Game of Thrones you will know what I mean. His character in this film, Eddie Plant, is imaged after gaming champion Billy Mitchell (at least that is what I have heard). However, he is set up as Sandler's enemy and as such you can't help but hate him.
So what is my real opinion of this film. It was good - and its worth seeing. You will leave the cinema smiling after this one and so I give it a two thumbs up. Its not ground breaking but it doesn't set itself up to be like that at all.
It gets my **** rating and just a fraction away from my ***** rating. I liked it and it will be a film I will purchase when it hits the DVD shelf (I do have to complete my Adam Sandler collection after all).
The Jafwords rating system.
***** (Awesome)
**** (Almost awesome but with some flaws)
*** (To be honest it could have been better)
** (Struggling to say good things)
* (Dear director give me my money back)
A brilliant Trainwreck of a Comedy
So let's start off with the right tone straight away - if you want to laugh, then you must go and see this film. You pretty much know what you are getting when Judd Apatow is involved; either as director, producer or writer, he brings a solid pedigree of good comedy along with him. Mr Apatow steps behind the camera as Director/Producer and the writing credit is handed to the film's star Amy Schumer.
The film is a romantic comedy which follows Amy Shumer as 'Amy' a Men's magazine writer who looks to be pretty much on a road to self-destruction (hence the title). That is until she meets Bill Hader's character, surgeon to athletes 'Aaron Conners' after being assigned to write a story on him for the magazine. Amy then starts to face a life she is totally accustomed to or prepared for.
So that is the basics of the story. What about the actual writing? To be honest I don't know too much about Amy Schumer, we don't get to see much of her here in Scotland. However, just based on this film, it is clear she has an absolute wealth of talent. I am looking forward to seeing her write more. I am sure Judd Apatow experience has helped polish this film but it can't be denied that it has started off from an extremely strong position to begin with.
The acting in this film is top notch and Amy really has created a lead character that you will go on an emotional rollercoaster with. Bill Hader is his usual brilliant self. I could go on forever about how good he is as an actor and comedian (but I don't want to bore you) - he is great in this film.
Amy Shumer and Bill Hader really work well as a onscreen pair and after seeing this I am pretty sure we will see them together again onscreen. You will laugh, you might cry and I am sure you will walk out that cinema hall with a smile on your face.
The directing is great, maybe not as brilliantly done as I have seen Apatow do in other films but the slight roughness around the edges I think adds to the tone of the film and I suspect Apatow's plan from the start.
Yes its finally time I break out one of my top recommendations and give this film the full ***** rating. So if its date night, or friends looking for a decent film or you just want to go to the cinema to feel that little bit more uplifted then this is the film for you!
The Jafwords rating system.
***** (Awesome)
**** (Almost awesome but with some flaws)
*** (To be honest it could have been better)
** (Struggling to say good things)
* (Dear director give me my money back)
The Legend of Barney Thomson - Review
So where am I going with this?
Enter the talent of Mr Robert Carlyle and a film with a distinctive Scottish taste and you end up with a wee film that is pretty good and worth a night out at the cinema. This film marks the first big screen directing credit for Robert Carlyle and the man himself takes on the title role of Barney Thomson, a bit of a wet blanket of a man who ends up embroiled in the dark comedic events surrounding the life of a serial killer. It was the fact that Robert Carlyle was in this that drove me to go and see it, I think he is a absolute gem of an actor (I still regret the day I saw him in Toys r us in Govan and didn't say hello to him).
Without the massive budget behind him, Mr Carlyle creates a wonderful stylish film which will hold your attention from start to finish. However, lets not forget the supporting cast in this one. The legend that is Ray Winstone churns out another of his stellar performances as Detective Hold-all, and you will love watching this detective work on the case of serial killer. AND THEN THERE IS Emma Thomson, who has been done up to look like a typical mental Glaswegian chain-smoking, bingo playing Scottish granny. Thomson takes on the role of Barney Thomson's mother and yet again its a performance I will not forget, as she is absolutely brilliant - even the Scottish accent comes out very natural.
I love the fact that this film is set in Glasgow and again shows just what we can do with the Scottish Film Industry - the sad thing is I doubt this film will find a huge worldwide audience simply for the reason I think it won't get a lot of advertising support. If you happen to see it playing in your cinema of when it eventually hits the DVD shelf then do yourself a favour and go and see it. I promise you will enjoy it.
For all its elements, the story, the actors, the fact that Robert Carlyle did this one; I am giving it a **** rating.
The Jafwords rating system.
***** (Awesome)
**** (Almost awesome but with some flaws)
*** (To be honest it could have been better)
** (Struggling to say good things)
* (Dear director give me my money back)
Writing thoughts for August "Outlining".
Not so Fantastic 4.
This is an origin story and we get a relationship dynamic built up between Reed Richards, Sue Storm and Victor Von Doom. This is a very loose plus point as I even felt this was somewhat rushed.
The real problem for me was the path of the story. It has a long beginning, squashed middle and very easy quick end. Almost like it falls victim to yet another Hollywood massacre to appeal to a large audience, yet in doing so ends up just been a poor attempt at a film. It seems to me that they have made a film with the sole intention of packing people into a film screen hall just to get their money, and if it makes some money then they will give the go ahead and make a sequel. What I would like to see is some forward thinking. If you think its going to be a trilogy then write a decent trilogy, spend the time and make the script work.
Through the muddled mess we end up seeing on the screen, I can see what Josh Trank was trying to achieve, but for me the film didn't reach his expectation or vision - so is this his fault or the fault of others. In truth I don't know. The film may carry the Marvel stamp but you need to remember this is not the Marvel Studio that brings us Avengers and all things Iron Manish - so perhaps Marvel have just got the award winning team to properly adapt comic books and other studios don't.
Oh and don't wait to see the usual Stan Lee cameo or end sections as it just doesn't happen.
I'd like to see the same cast attempt a sequel in the future (I think scheduled for 2017) and give Josh Trank another go at it with a little bit more creative control.
The film wasn't terrible, it wasn't brilliant - it was average. Worth seeing, if like me, you generally like these types of films. But this time it gets a *** rating.
The Jafwords rating system.
***** (Awesome)
**** (Almost awesome but with some flaws)
*** (To be honest it could have been better)
** (Struggling to say good things)
* (Dear director give me my money back)
First draft of a new comic...
July Update.
A Big Movie, at a Fraction of the Size - "Ant-Man"
***** (Awesome)
**** (Almost awesome but with some flaws)
*** (To be honest I could have been better)
** (Struggling to say good things)
* (Dear director give me my money back)
To Malta and almost back again...
I've not added much to the blog recent. Apart from being insanely busy, I now also find myself at the end of my Vacation to Malta -the only complaint I have is that I am coming to the end of the trip and will soon take the flight back to Glasgow. For a small island, it has much to see. In our week we haven't managed it all, only the highlights... But the Island has inspired me to return one day and see the bits we missed.
On a personal note, Malta was the location of my mum and dad's honeymoon and it was great to be able o be able to stand in some of the places they visited especially the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, commonly known as the Rotunda of Mosta. This was the site of a miracle where a German Bomb crashed through the dome but did not explode. The 300 + who had gathered in the church were saved.
I also enjoyed visiting the Popeye village, the location where Robin Williams filmed his 1980 Popeye the Sailor Man film. As it turns out Robin Williams stayed around 500m down the road from where I am writing this blog entry. On the film/TV theme I've also stood on some sights where season 1 of Game of Thrones was filmed...I've included some photos here to show you what I mean.
So when l return home the plan will be simple- get out and about walking, some writing and enjoy what ever weather the good old Scottish climate will through at me.
So keep smiling my friends, be happy and excellent to each other.
Happy reading,
Jafwords
Happy Father's Day
Max is Back
From the outset of this review I will tell you the truth - really liked this film - but there were small bits I think I'd do differently (but that is just me!).
So Mad Max: Fury Road burst its way onto the cinema screen and George Miller presents his post-apocalyptic dream of a world 45 years after civilisation effectively broke down. So this film is a reboot, not remake (so we are still dealing with the same Max from the first 3 films).
At the end of the film my wife said she felt like her ears had been assaulted from start to finish (yeah my wife and I have some drastic differences when it comes to films - but bless her soul she still comes to the cinema with me). However, and audio assault is pretty decent way of describing it. The sound helps to immerse you into Max's rather insane world.
When I left the cinema, I felt exhausted! From the outset of the film you join Tom Hardy in a heart-pumping and exhausting ride through the desert sands of a dying world.
The action just does not stop and for this type of film it works so well.
Apart from some of the sandstorm scenes, the use of CGI is minimal. George Miller relies on some good old fashioned filming to make the cinematic adventure work. Parts are colourful, parts are bleak. There are fires and explosions and it is simply awesome.
So the negative parts for me are things which I guess couldn't be changed. Tom Hardy is a good Max Rockatansky but sorry - he just isn't Mel Gibson. For me there is only one Max and its Mel. Tom Hardy does a great job but all the time I was sitting there wishing we had an older version of Max that Mel Gibson would have been awesome at. (Can I just say at this point though - I still really like Tom Hardy as actor!)
Do see Mad Max: Road Fury. Take some chocolate in with you as you will need a sugar boost while watching it!
This film gets one of my **** rating.
The Jafwords rating system.
***** (Awesome)
**** (Almost awesome but with some flaws)
*** (To be honest it could have been better)
** (Struggling to say good things)
* (Dear director give me my money back)
More to say...
When the ideas stop flowing...
"Chewie...We're home"
John Wick - Film review
Admittedly, I did expect there to be some kind of Matrix feel to this film, especially as the main character, John Wick, was a retired hitman out for revenge. Instead of futuristic, unbelievable fight scenes, we are presented with a more gritty type of fight co-ordination and a lot of gun play. In fact this had me instantly thinking of a modern day western with guns going off right, left and centre. I was reminded of the film "Equilibrium" and its use of 'Gun Kata'. I just educated myself and learned that this is actually called Gun Fu, which is used in Hong Kong action films.
The film on a whole is pretty decent and the storyline works well. I did feel the Russian characters would have benefitted from actually being Russian. Alfie Allen (yeah Theon from Game of Thrones) plays the same kind of worm character but one minute he speaks Russian and then he has a perfect English/American accent and the Swedish actor, Michael Nyqvist, doesn't quite hit the Russian accent either. Nevertheless, this didn't let things down too much.
What I was disappointed with was the violence - and not from a moralistic point of view. It actually wasn't violent enough. The film was supposed to be portraying a dark underworld where hitmen and mafia life rules supreme. Yeah there was guns and fighting, but that's about it and I was left feeling a little underwhelmed by it. For example, there is one part where William Defoe is capture and beaten. They could have really used some of Quentin Tarantino's style of movie violence to really bring true dark nature of the underworld alive. Maybe they kept it at its present level to ensure a lower certificate rating and boost its audience but I really thought they could have gone for it here to allow the film to really shine through.
The cinematography is great and when John Wick returns to the hitman world on his quest for vengence there is subtle changes in the stylisation to change the tone of the film and I thought this was great. Add to it Keanu Reeves acting and we end up with a fair decent film here and one which is worth watching.
This film gets another one of my *** rating.
Its good and worth watching but there was elements which definitely could have been better but no doubt the directing duo will come back in the future with more hit films and I will be the first in the queue to watch them!
Happy watching my friends,
Jafwords.
The Jafwords rating system.
***** (Awesome)
**** (Almost awesome but with some flaws)
*** (To be honest it could have been better)
** (Struggling to say good things)
* (Dear director give me my money back)
Enter Creativity
Short Stories
First of all, if you are looking at the mobile version of this page and can only see the blog post then scroll to the bottom and click on "web version".
Then you will see the link to the short stories at the top right...ENJOY MY FRIENDS...
and...
Happy reading,
Jafwords.
Additions to the website
I have been trying to figure out ways to share some of my short stories. So at the bottom of the page, past the blogs you will find one of my stories called "THE VISITOR". I am not 100% with the way it will be shown and I am still trying to figure out a better way to allow people to read the stories. However, it is a working progress.
I have also added some more of my little works or art.
Happy reading my friends.
Jafwords
Sunday Mornings
Of all the souls I have encountered....
(James T. Kirk, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan).
The Wedding Ringer - My Thoughts on the film.
Big Hero 6 - a short review
Get out there and watch it!
Happy watching my friends,
Jafwords.
The Jafwords rating system.
***** (Awesome)
**** (Almost awesome but with some flaws)
*** (To be honest it could have been better)
** (Struggling to say good things)
* (Dear director give me my money back)