Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Next Big Thing

Brandon

Brandon Reierson is a friend of mine from College. He runs a blog to showcase his art called Lactose Intoler-Art cause just looking at milk might kill him. I’ve seen it.

But every super guy has a Kryptonite, and a POWER. Brandon’s power is ART, and you just gotta see it. Brandon gets his inspiration from his many trips to Tokyo, Japan and from his wild imagination! So check it out, say hello for me, and buy some pins!

Image courtesy of Brandon Reierson.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

AVATAR

avatar

I wear some big glasses. When I grabbed my 3D specs from the friendly staff at the Warren Theatre in Moore, Ok, I was worried they would interfere with my experience. When the curtain went up, and the lights went down – for the next two and a half hours I would be wholly unaware of the two sets of big plastic resting on my face – because I was on Pandora, the setting of James Cameron’s Avatar.

The film is centered around Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a wheelchair-bound Marine, selected to take his deceased twins place on Pandora – the source of the most valuable material known to man. He must step into the shoes of one of the natives, known as the Na’vi, in order to gain an understanding or their entirely majestic way of life. Torn between his deep sense of duty as a Marine, and his newfound home, Sully must stand between his job and the destruction of a peaceful society.

Worthington starred alongside Christian Bale in the successful sequel to one of Cameron’s first franchises – Terminator Salvation. Zoe Saldana brings sorely needed new meaning to the phrase “lights up the screen.” Both stars deliver performances so raw, one forgets they’re part of hands-down the best effort in special effects history.

Sigourney Weaver, from Cameron’s Aliens, joins the cast as a civilian researcher desperately searching for a way to protect and understand the Na’vi – Dr. Grace Augustine. Stephen Lang’s character Colonel Miles Quaritch is now the new model for the archetype of the tough-as-nails badass, hell bent on making sure something gets blown up. Giovanni Ribisi, Joel Moore, Michelle Rodriguez and Laz Alonso flesh out the rest of the principle cast perfectly.

I could write all night about the stunning visuals the talented people behind this movie were able to achieve, but truly there are no words that can do this movie justice. Not in this department. Go watch this movie. From the very first moment, it will ease you into a new world and take you on a journey I promise you, you will not be ready for.

As a filmmaker, I am equally stunned, humbled and ecstatic. It is a very exciting time for movies – because the bar has been set once again. Not only visually, but dramatically. The first filmmakers wanted to take the viewer into another world and a good story, and they succeeded. It’s happening again.

If you’re ready for something special, if you want your money’s worth, or if you’ve just got a sweet tooth for epic action between dragons and awesome robots – go see Avatar. Forget the hype – heck, forget this review – but whatever you do, go get a ticket, and pick a good seat up front. You will be so glad you didn’t miss this one. 

©2010 Daniel Quiroz

Trailer - Avatar from jadorelecinema on Vimeo.

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Thursday, February 18, 2010

WHAT'S UP DAN?



Oh, you know, not much - Just writing on the blog, reading about Japanese history, and listening to Explosions In The Sky. You?

Monday, December 14, 2009

LET’S SEE IF THESE BASTARDS CAN DO 90

Here is a site I found called Soul Pancake. It’s run by Rainn Wilson who plays one of my favorite television characters ever – Dwight Schrute from The Office. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Rainn is a very involved, informed person who strives to help people openly discuss spirituality and creativity in an extremely unique forum called Soul Pancake. I now check and comment every day. I just know you will love it.

Speaking of The Office, season 6 is well underway, and if you’re not “into” The Office – you should be. You should also check out Office Tally, your one-stop-shop for everything Office.

[The Office can be seen on Thursdays at 9:00 PM on NBC]

L0v3

The Worst Day of My Life

…is the title of the screenplay I finished today. It’s for a short film I’m going to start shooting early next year. I finally have a plan.

10 films of 10-20 minutes

5 films of 20-45 minutes

2 films of 45-60 minutes

1 film of 90-120 minutes

Get ready world, cause Dan’s about to start his film career. ^_-

[PS: The Venture Bros. season 4 started. This makes Dan very happy.]

[The Venture Bros can be seen on Sundays at 12:00 AM on Cartoon Network]

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Rainy Day

I think I broke a toe. I’m not sure how it happened, but I’m pretty certain that it’s broken. It’s the middle toe on my right foot. I’ve been walking a lot these days. Some for the exercise, mostly for lack of car. Could it have happened walking to work? Not sure.

In May, my friends and I went to Dallas to see the Broadway tour of RENT. That was a blast! I’m going to New York for New Year’s Eve this year. Though I’d rather be back in Hong Kong.

I finally have a job that I like. I also started freelance writing for a publication called the Edmond Outlook. You can check out my first article here.

I am writing a play. It’s about the cast of a 1930’s adventure radio play. It makes me laugh. I’ve taken a break from work on 20 Rules For Tipping, another play I am writing with James.

I am also trying to narrow down some screenplay ideas.

We’ll see.



[Sparkey died this summer. My best friend of 18 years.]



[Fireworks were beautiful this year.]



[Double birthday fun.]

The summer was amazing – met several new friends, had adventures, and for the first time in a long time I have a plan for the future and I’m self aware.

Things are just fine. Amazing actually! I can’t complain, I’m overwhelmed by a newfound sense of purpose and clarity. A peace goes with me most days.

Listening to: Blümchen – Ich bin wieder hier