Monday, December 21, 2009
Family
Sunday, December 6, 2009
A few lil movie reviews: Funny People, The Ugly Truth, & Australia
I always think it helps when you go into a movie without expectations. That is when you experience your untainted, unmotivated, true feelings about it. And this is how I went into this particular movie, Funny People, not really having heard much about it (which is usually a red flag).
Funny People: The tone of this film pleasantly surprised me. It was consistent and really well executed. It was funny, but not overt. The dialog was natural, and I enjoyed the story, also written by Apatow (Knocked Up). The reactions from the characters seemed really honest, and I was impressed at the fact that, although it wasn't just keeping me on the edge of my seat with curiosity, it never let me drift off. The chemistry was definitely there. I was invested in this little story of wanting to know what would happen to this man (Sandler) and seeing him change. It wasn't a really deep or completely unpredictable flick, but the performances were. And they didn't try too hard to be funny, which in my opinion, was what allowed it to be funny.
The Ugly Truth: I have to admit, I went into this one with a little bit of expectation, and it wasn't all good. It's one of those mass-appeal cute movies with not a lot of substance, right? My mom liked it, and Shad's dad thought it was a hoot, so I just dove in. Would it live up to its name? It was completely predictable, but it did have cute/funny moments, and overall, I give them credit for at least finding a new way to deliver the material - from mostly the perspective of the man. The actors are pretty good, and one can't help but love Gerard. Seriously, I didn't want to like him in this. But he won me over in 300, then P.S. I Love You, and it's been hard to deny him ever since. :) It's mindless entertainment, but worth a watch - once.
Australia: Ah, the epic 3 hour movie that finally came on cable so I could watch it. What can I say, it's hard to go rent anything that's 3 hours these days. Unless you get suckered into doing it in a theater (which is plenty!!) it just doesn't happen. I sometimes wonder how I watched The Sound of Music so many times when I was little, and what happened to my attention span!? Back to the movie. The first time I put it on, I only watched 15 min. and turned it off. I thought it was a serious picture, but it struck me as odd and corny - like a bad old western. There was too much smoke/fog, and far fetched scenes with wagons and kangaroos. I think the continuity problems with the introduction of Hugh Jackman's hair is when I stopped it. But I kept hearing that it was soooo good. Where was it? Where was the good? So I gave it another shot with my hubbie, and assured him it was supposed to get better, when he made ugly faces at the same things I had. Guess what, it does grow on you. And the actors are pretty great. They eventually make you forget about the distracting CGI, and cheesy narration. And the chemistry is quite wonderful between Kidman and Jackman. And the kid's performance, I must say, very impressive. There's also spectacular shots to appreciate - in an enormously beautiful kind of way. So, my advice is that if you can get through the first half (I know that's asking a lot these days) you will appreciate the last half so much more. After all, it's a Baz Luhrmann film. C'mon, who doesn't love him (Moulin Rouge)? :)
Happy movie watching!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
New friends, old friends - it's complicated.
Like any relationship, people are people and people make mistakes. I think I'm a bit scarred from previous relationships & have been able to let go of people quite easily because of that. In the past, I've put up blocks to keep a safe distance from 'new friends' so that I won't be disappointed when they let me down. Or I let them down (?). It's a defense mechanism, and I'm working on it. It's not something I'm proud of, and consequently, I probably spend a lot of time alone because of it! Thank God I like to work. :) And write!
I'm not feeling sorry for myself, regardless of how this may sound, I'm just trying to make sense out of a complicated, complex song & dance. And to the contrary, I'm feeling really wonderful about my friends right now - both old and new. :)
When I met with my old friend today we laughed... and laughed... she just "gets me." And that may sound cheesy or whatever, but it's TRUE. How many people can look at one another and know what's up? Honestly. It's like an old shoe - it just fits.
And being around so many of my dear friends lately, I've also come to another conclusion - I'm damn lucky. Really lucky. Lucky to have them, lucky to spend time with them, and better for knowing them.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Looking for help with budgeting, scheduling or breakdowns for film?
I am seeking budgeting/scheduling or breakdown work for December/January. My fee is based on what the filmmaker can afford and I work with anything from student shorts & music videos to indie features. I understand low budgets and would love to help folks out.
So what does this entail?
-Fixing budgets or creating budgets
-(if you’re Austin based) - providing crew & resources
-Performing a script breakdown
-Making a production schedule, or fixing issues within the schedule
I realize this is all small work and most of you are low budget filmmakers, but anything helps during this time period and I love doing this work. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE IN TEXAS, as I realize a lot of you are not. This is all stuff I do with my computer in coffee shops.
So, uh, can you help a gal out? Email me - goingforpicture@gmail.com
Thanks!
Michelle
Monday, November 23, 2009
Seeing the bright side of things.
Friday, November 6, 2009
I AM an ANIMAL changed my life
Friday, October 16, 2009
The continuation of storyboarding, love, & the aether.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Kat Candler's films to be shown at Austin Film Festival
512-771-5863
katcandler@gmail.com
(Austin, Texas) Candler Productions is pleased to announce that the award-winning director and screenwriter Kat Candler (cicadas, Roberta Wells, jumping off bridges) has two new short films, Quarter to Noon and Love Bug, at the 2009 Austin Film Festival.
In 2000, Candler received the Undistributed Feature Film Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival for her debut feature, cicadas. This year, Candler is back with two new shorts.
Quarter to Noon a 2009 Official Selection of the Women in Film International Showcase and the 2009 Texas Filmmaker’s Showcase stars Anne Nabors (jumping off bridges, Tree of Life) and Chris Mass (Chalk). It’s a fantastical tale about an office worker who discovers something just beyond her office walls that will change her life forever.
Love Bug follows nerdy, nine-year old Turtle Thompson as he works up the nerve to ask his best friend, Maddy Cooper, to the elementary school Spring Fling Dance. Starring Reese Merritt (Secret at Arrow Lake, Killer Weed) and Kelsey Buchanan,Love Bug is an excerpt from Candler’s next feature film The Spider in the Bathtub (co-written by Chris Mass). The Spider in the Bathtub was a 2009 Tribeca All Access Participant and was recently optioned by Executive Producer Victoria Fredrick (Pride) and LAF Studios.
Kat Candler is an Austin based director, screenwriter and Lecturer at the University of Texas and runs Candler Productions.
For more information visit www.candlerproductions.com.
SCREENING DATES AND TIMES
Love Bug - Shorts Program 5
Saturday, October 24th, 7:15pm, Hideout
Tuesday, October 27th, 9:00pm, Hideout
Quarter to Noon - Shorts Program 13
Sunday, October 25th, 4:15pm, Hideout
Monday, October 26th, 5:00pm, Arbor
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Just Bee (poem)
Just like a tree - stable it sat.
Should I be scared?
Should I move away?
The word is that bees sting if they stay.
If I enable it - it will die.
Should I play God and keep it alive?
I know it will hurt, but so much joy it might bring.
Sweeter than honey - those marvelous wings.
Today - I'll let it fly.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Face of a Man (poem)
but rather a map of where he's been.
The lines. The color. The marks.
So tendered. So perfect.
He looks, but his feet stay firmly planted.
He knows that the journey runs greatest through his heart.
by Jentri
Sunday, September 13, 2009
My Observation Balcony (poem)
All the water's rushing beneath me.
All the sun's shining above me.
No resemblance of man.
Only empty chairs and leftover puddles of water.
Is it a sign?
Indentation's in the seats of women who sat before me.
Now tailored perfect to my behind.
The sun's beating down harder and I start to sweat.
It's soon to evaporate the puddle of water.
Will it rain again?
I hope it waits 'till I've had time to travel to the water.
by Jentri
Monday, September 7, 2009
Apple Cider Vinegar remedies for you and your pets!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Dear Friend
I've always had a thing with you, being a supposed friend.
I suppose it started when I was DUMPED by my best friend in the whole universe, when I was around 13. So it left a mark - get over it, I must tell myself. But like all scars, it's there, ingrained in my brain and hard to ignore when I think of you and what you mean.
I have a hard time opening up to you, or anyone for that matter. And I'm OK with that. I'd rather YOU talk about YOU and let me leave my lovely, chaotic rush of a world behind for a while anyhow. You're more interesting than anything that's in my computer screen of a brain, OK? I'm serious. I LIKE interacting with you, friend. You're interesting to me. Lovely.
But who are you, really? Pretending to care about whatever clever thing I try to write on facebook doesn't count. YOU, whom I used to be excited about calling me and waking me up at 7am on my birthday will now only text me - "happy birthday."
What's happened here? Where have you gone?
When something happens in my life that's exciting, you used to be excited too.
I cannot pretend anymore that it doesn't bother me. I can't pretend anymore I don't care. I'm a Scorpio, and Scorpios are sensitive creatures that are deeply touched by anything that moves. My goal is to now be touched, but not affected my your lack of existence.
I'll always care about you, friend, but like all good indulgences - it must come to an end.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Aether Paranormal on CNR digital talk radio this Saturday with Nicole Bella Remini
This is where me, Shad and Beaux will be representin' the Aether Paranormal team this Sat. night at 10:20pm CT ! :) So please join us. Nicole encourages and welcomes call-ins. We could be on air 1 minute or 1 hour - there's no set time. Just depends on the flow of the show! :)
BTW, if you haven't checked our new House Of Torment investigation yet, take advantage of the fact that you can veiw the entire movie in high quality on our site for FREE! Just click on "videos" then however you wish to watch it. C'mon! Nothin' much is free anymore!
You can also join us on TWITTER, MYSPACE and FACEBOOK if you haven't already.
Thank you to all our supporters and friends out there for reading and keeping up with us.
Keep an eye to the sky. Jentri
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Dr. Dyer talks to the Dog Whisperer
The biggest thing I've learned over the years about my animals is how they react to my energy, which is why I was so thrilled to find this video. Animals are loving creatures, especially dogs, who are our unconditional companions on earth. If you could see the way my dad's chickens, guineas, roosters, cat, fish, dogs, donkey and bulls have co-existed. It's a beautiful thing to see a donkey and a large fluffy white dog playing together. Or a huge dog bow down to a little one. That's all they've ever known - they've grown up together - so they don't fight or try to eat each other! :)
Trust, love and respect.... it's a peaceful world of reciprocation when you put it out there.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Nora Ephron
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
6 important things I learned about myself and 40 things to do before I die.
6 important things I learned bout myself from writing "100 things to do before I die": 1) I don't need a lot to survive, but I sure do aspire for a lot. 2) I'm not as adventurous as I'd like to imagine and that's OK. 3) I might want a kid... someday (hey, I thought about it!). 4) As much as I like to read People, I don't care about meeting any of them. 5) I like to write - A LOT. 6) I didn't have the patience to come up with 100 so I wrote 40. neat. :) 2) make multiple feature films (making LIS will be a good start) 3) win something (award? I'm not picky) 4) be a great writer 5) take my entire immediate family on a trip together (so I have more stories to write about) 6) write a book (not sure what about yet) 7) meet Dr. Wayne Dyer 8) live on multiple acres where my dogs can run far without turning around for a while 9) go skiing, drink hot chocolate, get in a hot tub, then sit by a fire (in that order) 10) visit Europe again (not sure where yet) 11) visit Ireland and drink champagne - yeah. 13) go to New Mexico, then Arizona (or whatever makes sense & throw in yoga retreat) 14) try surfing (I would be OK with paddling) 15) go on a month vacation with my husband 16) see my dogs with gray beards 17) buy an RV and travel to some of the most haunted little places in the states 18) go to the beach and not worry about any cellulite 19) go gambling again with my dad 20) go to Yellowstone with dad and Donna 21) take my mom to a beach she's never been 22) buy a big house where any of our parents can live (if they want) 23) write a script that makes people cry 24) write a script that makes people laugh hysterically 25) write something that helps at least one person make it through a hard time 26) not care what anyone thinks - at all. 27) drive somewhere without knowing the full destination (getting lost doesn't count). 28) go to an Imogen Heap concert 29) go on a 1-3 day cleanse (giving myself some room to not disappoint here) 30) go whale watching 31) pet a dolphin (or just say, "hi, I love you." 32) hike a semi-high mountain 33) give up my responsibility of looking at bills - pay someone else to do it. 34) help save more animals, somehow. 35) go on a "girls" vacation with one/some of my best friends. 36) go to a chocolate factory and eat lots of chocolate 37) have tea somewhere really grand (England again, maybe) 39) stay at the Stanley Hotel, where SK stayed 40) stand in the middle of nowhere and scream as loud as I want |