A Few Good Horror Flicks

Thanks to reading Fangoria and Rue Morgue magazines again I've found quite a few gems in the horror industry lately that I may have otherwise missed. I've been sort of out of the loop on non-mainstream releases for the past few years, but it's good to be back in the know. It sucks having to wait for dvd releases, but at least my city wasn't skipped over for the Hatchet release! What a great movie. Here are a few of the more noteworthy films that I've seen lately beginning with Hatchet but in no particular order:

Hatchet - Wow, was this movie awesome! A horror movie for horror fans for sure. It actually exceeded my lofty expectations. It was bloody. And it was funny. It was bloody funny, haha. The story itself was good (it was cool to see Kane Hodder as the monster again), the acting was good (Joel Moore impressed me), and the timing of the horror and comedy was GREAT. Adam Green's got what it takes. This is one of the best recent horror films I've seen. And definitely some good old fashioned American horror.

Severance - Fun flick! It's a dark comedy about a group of co-workers (of a weapons company) who go off on a team building weekend trip in the mountains of Eastern Europe only to find they are being hunted by a group of crazed killers. It could've been a little bit tighter in spots, but overall it was a well made movie. It's lighter on the gore than what I expected, but there is one scene that had me cringing right along with the cast. Humor, good acting, well defined characters and good plot make this one a fun time for dark comedy/horror fans.

Wind Chill - For a movie that takes place in such a small area (on a secluded piece of snowy road) and almost entirely in the confines of a (wrecked) car, I truly felt a sense of tension. It's a low budget but well written movie. And I liked it very much. I only rented, but a purchase would not have been a disappointment. It was well paced and for a movie to rely so much on its characters, was well acted, too. And I'm glad the writer didn't go for a cheap thrills ending. It made for a very moody ghost story.

Dog Soldiers - Werewolf movies are like Vampire movies. They usually suck. However, Dog Soldiers is definitely an exception. Anyone who likes werewolves and military-like settings should check this out. You'll enjoy the characters and appreciate the developed plot. Oh, and the werewolves are badass.

The Changeling - I'm embarrassed to admit that I had not seen this before until recently. But it's never too late, right? Great ghost story/haunted house movie. It's without a doubt one of the best ghost stories and does not get the attention it deserves. Well acted, well written, well paced and well directed.

The Host - Good movie. Cool monster. I was very impressed with the mix of sadness and humor and really liked the lead character. The bonehead in all of us can relate to this guy, lol. I didn't really understand why the need for an epilogue, but whatever. Maybe not the classic Jaws is, but I think The Host lived up the expectations I had for it.

First Draft Blues

Actually, I don't have the blues, it's just the best I could do on short notice.

Whew! Who would've thought that writing a script for a 20 minute short would feel just as taxing as if I were writing a feature length script? Not me! But I'm not complaining. It's good practice working on a 3 act structure and character development regardless of its length.

The good news is that I am officially done with the first draft of Project: Bigfoot. However, there is still work to be done. Like adding more suspense and tension!!!

*cue scary music*

Top Ten Horror Movies

After making a list of all of my favorite horror movies across all decades and seeing how long it is, I had a thought. Could I make a top 10 list of my all time favorites? Could I actually single out 10 of them? It was a painstaking task, but here it is.

10. Jaws
09. The Exorcist
08. Puppet Master
07. The Thing
06. The Fog
05. A Nightmare on Elm Street
04. The Mist
03. Poltergeist
02. Children of the Corn
01. Halloween

Developing Characters Can Be Fun?!!!

Ideas come about in the oddest of ways. This latest project I'm working on came about in such a way, as I'm sure a lot of stories do, that wasn't what I originally planned. Craig made an off-the-cuff remark about making a bigfoot short. Well, I started outlining an idea I had and BOOM! a story was born. However, now "Project: Bigfoot" is shaping up to be much more.

When I started this project, I had a central idea in place which I would then have to build characters around. Once I laid out the action and various scenes, that scary thought arouse. I had the task of creating characters, giving them depth, and making them likable to the audience! Scary stuff to be sure. But this is the challenge that I think I've been seeking.

The thought of developing characters is overwhelming, especially when the project is new, but getting to invent these characters' personalities, their backgrounds, and even lines they deliver during conversations can be very exhilarating. I mean, I can do anything I want! It's so freeing. I think more than anything "Project: Bigfoot" (I'll reveal its final name soon) will be the launch pad to help me get into the groove.

Ramblings From an Ex-Frustrated Writer

It feels good when the ideas flow out of me naturally. After several months of assisting Craig with Legion, adapting a short story of mine into a script, and brainstorming ideas for future stories, I am finally nearing completion on a script for another short film. It feels good to create something from nothing. It's been a long time since I wrote something completely original (aside from assisting and adapting). The satisfaction I already feel, and the first draft isn't even complete, is so liberating. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. And at the other end is another idea waiting to be harvested.

Plus, I'm learning that we have a niece who may have some natural acting ability and who may even have some friends who do, too. Things are definitely looking up. Casting for future films may not be the most horrible thing ever to pull off after all.

It's funny, I stopped gaming because I felt I was wasting my life away. Now that I'm using that spare time to write (among enjoying other life activities), I'm finding I can squeeze in time for gaming and actually enjoy it again. I'm not gaming every single spare moment I have - I hope to never fall into that rut again - and it allows me to appreciate my time much more.

Because of my breakthrough, I'm feeling a little less frustrated. At least for now.

Bike Mod #4 - Cruise

A week ago today (Aug 2, 2007), I added another mod to my Shadow. It's called a Universal Vista Cruise. It's not a full cruise control but rather a "throttle lock." The extended trips we're starting to take on the motorcycles sometimes cause my right shoulder/neck to ache. I've got a bit of arthritis in it from 20+ years of competitive softball and cold weather or continuous stress on it causes it to hurt. So, to help alleviate the pain I tried different throttle locks. After finally deciding on the UVC, I am quite pleased. It's a bit bigger than I'd prefer, however it's not much of an eye sore, so I'm happy.

Here's a photo that I found on the HondaShadow.net forums.

Catching Up

It's been a while since I last updated, mainly because I was working on my personal website but have since put that on hold for now. Besides that, it got warm out and I've been soaking up the summertime! Here are a few updates on various subjects:

Legion - We filmed the bulk of the movie back in May. We need to get a few exterior shots and then finish the score and we'll be done. Craig's been editing as he goes, so there's not much to be done there. Unfortunately, Craig isn't real happy with how it's turning out. I keep reminding him that this was only to get our feet wet and to get him re-familiarized with shooting, lighting, editing, etc. Regardless, I am proud of what we've done and will be happy to see it finally completed.

Script Writing - As mentioned in a previous post here, I turned an old short story of mine into a script for a short film. The plan is to film this one next. I've got about four ideas floating around in my head (for shorts and features), but haven't put a whole lot down on paper yet. The summertime bug bit me real bad and after vacation I got real lazy. Haha. What's bad is that I've found a time for a little gaming.... time I should spend writing. Shhhh!

Piano - Still playing! Again, I've slowed down a lot due to the warm weather, but I still sit down to tickle the ivories every now and then. I'll get back to a stricter schedule this fall. I'm still loving it, though. It's so soothing to sit down and play.

coda update

I'm already contemplating a redesign for coda, and this one is only a few weeks old! The fact is, I've been sitting on a personal domain for a few years now and am finally (possibly) getting the courage to use it to showcase my work. An online resume, so to speak. Since I'm in the process of typing every poem and lyric I've ever written (30+ so far and I've still got a stack of papers left!), I will likely put the "best" on my new site to showcase. Once we're done filming Legion I'll likely put a link to that as well as any future movies Craig and I do. Speaking of future movies, I'm considering turning one of my short stories into a screenplay for a short film. Hopefully if I can write it convincing enough, Craig will want to film it.

As for this blog, I've deleted all of my gaming-related entries. Gaming has kind of taken a backseat to my 'life' (or lack thereof) lately and I can't really say I'm disappointed. Right now, I really don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. I kinda saw this coming, so it really wasn't that big of a shock. I feel I'm at a time in my life where I need to make a change. I'm tired of working a 9-5 job and never envisioned that for myself. I think if I don't get out of this rut I'll go crazy. Getting back in touch with my creative side and learning piano are nice first steps.

Once I get my site built, I am considering keeping this blog and incorporating it into my overall site. If for nothing else than to use it as a place to get feedback on my work and to give small tidbits of info (info too small for an announcement on my homepage) of what I've been up to.

Gaming Blues

I walked into a game store today to kill a few minutes before our movie started (we went to see "Vacancy" starring my girl crush, Kate Beckinsale) and I have never been more uninterested in being in a game store than I was at that moment. I know it's because all I've thought about lately is music and my writing and because I haven't had the desire to touch a game in weeks, but it was still a very odd moment.

Dog Bite = No Piano

Last Saturday I was trying to get something away from my 4 month old Lab puppy and unintentionally, he chewed into my left index finger like a piece of meat. Ouch. It was a gusher, too. On Monday I went to get a Tetanus shot and boy was that a ride. In a nutshell, the shot made me sick for the next two days: fever, body aches, headache, and vomiting. The shot, which was supposed to be a precaution from any infection a bite from a dog might incur was 10x worse than the actual bite. But I guess it's better to be safe than sorry. Ryker, the aforementioned puppy here, puts everything in hs mouth. Just last week I caught him with a dead mouse. Sure, the shot was justified. I'm just ticked that it's interfering with my piano practicing. Heck, even typing is a chore with only 9 fingers. But that's life. And I still love my Ryker.

Purely Logic

So, Craig is working on the pre-production of his short film, Legion, and I'm helping with what I can. I'm co-writing the script (mainly the dialog); I have a small part in the film; during shooting, my roll will become Script Supervisor (basically, the person in charge of continuity and following the script); and I'm also planning on composing the musical score for the film.

It's that last part that has me terrified. Yet excited. I bought a really awesome professional program called Logic Express 7 that I'll use to compose the score - on, get this, my Mac Powerbook. Yes, I can mix music on my personal notebook computer as if I were in a professional recording studio. Technology has really pushed the boundaries of music production. And things couldn't be easier with a Macintosh.

The only limitations I've encountered thus far are screen real estate, harddrive space, and now RAM. I've loved my 12" PowerBook for the 1 1/2 years I've had it and it's been more machine than I could ever take advantage of. But now that I'm getting into more intensive work with song mixing (video editors can relate), I need a wider, bigger, and faster machine. So, I'm looking at the 15" MacBook Pro's. These babies are sahweet.

Two Tempos

I accomplished my first major feat in my piano playing last night - keeping two different tempos, one with each hand.

Sunday when I first turned to this lesson in my book and attempted it, I was freaked. It wasn't clicking. And it sort of scared me to the point that I wondered if I could continue. Thankfully, when I tried again last night, I nailed it. I took one note at a time, playing very slowly, until I felt confident enough to speed it up a little. This is huge for me. It's like breathing for the first time. It feels so rewarding to conquer such an important part of what it means to play an instrument. I've still got a long way to go, but I once again have the confidence to do it.

 Time for a 'cool change'. This blog started out as a way for me to express myself regarding my main hobby of gaming, but I found I really didn't use it the way I had imagined. Rather than totally do away with it, I opted for a facelift. I'm giving "unreal mentality" a polite sendoff and "coda" a friendly nod hello as of this entry.

I like the name. I always tend to make things my own by some sort of customization, so not only does it fit my current musical mood but it also sums me up quite nicely. coda is about my passion for music and writing with a splash of other hobbies mixed in, too. Those other hobbies often include gaming and motorcycling, but entries won't be limited to only those topics. And I'm not totally abandoning gaming; I've added links to all of my reviews in the left column and my "Because I Game" section is still around, too.

Speaking of music, I promised I'd make more frequent updates on my piano playing progress, so here goes. After a little over a month of playing (off and on, I don't play every day) I have learned three chords: C Major, G7, and F Major. It may not seem like much to a seasoned veteran, but it's a huge feat for me. I can't believe how soothing it is to play. And I never would have imagined it would come so naturally. I guess I get it honestly, as my Grandmother is a terrific pianist.

coda-ized

Time for a 'cool change'. This blog started out as a way for me to express myself regarding my main hobby of gaming, but I found I really didn't use it the way I had imagined. Rather than totally do away with it, I opted for a facelift. I'm giving "unreal mentality" a polite sendoff and "coda" a friendly nod hello as of this entry.

I like the name. I always tend to make things my own by some sort of customization, so not only does it fit my current musical mood but it also sums me up quite nicely. coda is about my passion for music and writing with a splash of other hobbies mixed in, too. Those other hobbies often include gaming and motorcycling, but entries won't be limited to only those topics. And I'm not totally abandoning gaming; I've added links to all of my reviews in the left column and my "Because I Game" section is still around, too.

Speaking of music, I promised I'd make more frequent updates on my piano playing progress, so here goes. After a little over a month of playing (off and on, I don't play every day) I have learned three chords: C Major, G7, and F Major. It may not seem like much to a seasoned veteran, but it's a huge feat for me. I can't believe how soothing it is to play. And I never would have imagined it would come so naturally. I guess I get it honestly, as my Grandmother is a terrific pianist.

Bike Mods #2 and #3

It's Springtime and I've got motorcycle fever big time. Last Sunday was great. We rode with a group of about 8 bikes, all family, out to a local state park. Beautiful weather and great company. You can't ask for anything better.

Last night I added two more modifications to my bike. [Note: Mod #1 was saddlebags.] Mod #2 is a new set of grips. I added the Kuryakyn ISO Flame Grips with the Stiletto End Caps. Very comfy!

The other mod (#3) I added was a new set of mirrors. I put on some really slick and mean looking Arlen Ness Rad II Teardrop chrome mirrors. They are tiny but still functional.

Stock Photo


Installed



Other modifications I am considering are louder pipes, a chrome air filter cover, and a Memphis Shades fork mounted windshield (right now I've got handlebar-mounted).

Creative Mentality

It's been a while since my last post. I did get a PS3 in December and have been enjoying it very much. The Blu-ray functionality works very smoothly, which is more than I can say for our HD-DVD player.

2007 has started out as a very busy and fulfilling year for me. January brought us a new Labrador puppy - a chocholate Lab we named Ryker. He's such a cutie! He's kind of a mix between what Kobe was and Dax is. Kobe was very active whereas Dax is the laid back gentle soul. Ryker is definitely somewhere in between. I'm amazed at just how calm he can be sometimes. He's very attentive, walks on a leash very well already, and a chewer. Oh boy, is he a chewer! But he's been responding to us and his obedience training very nicely. (Cute pic, but his eyes are actually green.)



February brought me back into my creative mode (hence the title of this entry). I've decided to go back to learning piano. This time I plan on going all the way. I bought a new keyboard and have been loving every minute of it. There are a couple of options for me to take lessons, but for now I am self teaching. I won't really have time for lessons until late summer/fall, so I'll re-evaluate my progress at that time. I won't go into too much detail right now about my progress. I want to set a goal to make small, frequent updates, but I will add one more tidbit. Here's a picture of the keyboard I bought:



It's a Yamaha PSR-E403 keyboard. It's got 61, full-size, and slightly weighted keys (like a real piano). It also has a feature that Yamaha calls Touch Response™ that allows me to play it like a real piano, too. In other words, I can play f (loud), mf (moderate), or p (piano) just as if I were playing an actual piano.

And finally, I've also begun writing again. Well, more gathering ideas but I have put pen to paper on a few occasions. I'm currently working on a book of poetry (with a theme) and a screenplay for a short film. My husband is a film school graduate and he, too, is getting in touch with his creative and technical side again. It's nice to be working together. Should be fun.