"Hercules" Film Review

  There were many things that would have prevented me from seeing this movie. First off: Dwayne Johnson is playing a historical figure. Yeah, I get that Hercules is supposed to a bad-ass, and being a bad-ass is The Rock's area of expertise. However, I didn't see it as that much of a fit. Second: Wasn't a Hercules movie just released not too long ago? I get that it was supposed to be inferior to this version, but still.

  So how exactly did I see this film? Well, it was Tuesday night, it was cheap, and I had nothing else to do.

  And was it decent? It was...entertaining. 

  I'm not exactly going to tear this movie to shreds because of all the problems it has (and yeah, there are quite a few), but I do believe giving some credit where credit is due. The real reason this film is enjoyable is because it recognizes that it shouldn't take itself too seriously, so the tone is more relaxed and humorous. In fact, humor was the main thing holding this film together. If it had tried to keep a strictly mature and historically accurate tone, it would have collapsed under its own weight. I feel like the producers said, "Hey, let's just have some fun." And they did.

  The story follows Hercules and his band of mercenaries (played by people such as Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, and Reese Ritchie), who travel through Greece doing certain missions for pay. Hercules has decided to live as a mortal because he is haunted by the guilt he has over supposedly murdering his wife and children after being cursed by Hera, jealous wife of Zues. However, when the group is approached by the princess Ergenia (Rebecca Ferguson), who hopes they will help defeat a warlord making his way across Greece, they oblige. What follows is a series of events that result in Hercules learning who his friends and enemies truly are.

  This film is exactly what you would expect from watching the trailer: it is campy as all get-out. There's plenty of fight sequences, combat, monsters, arrows flying, swords being thrown around, and lots of cartoony heroes and bad guys. Not to say that I am surprised, given that this film was based on a comic book. And while the film carries itself fairly well with all the comedic and intentionally ludicrous moments, there are also a few issues that come with it. I felt that the pacing could have been done better, as it all feels pretty rushed in the important areas and too slow at the points that could have been moved through a bit quicker. I also thought that the backstory for many of the characters was put together in a kind of clunky way, but whether or not that helps or hurts the story is really left up to interpretation. (By the way, I could make a list of all the historical mistakes in this film, but I won't. Another time, then.)

  So if you just want to be entertained for a good two hours, check out this movie. It's not exactly a full-course meal, but it will still moderately satisfy.

  Overall rating: 5/10

Artist Spotlight: Althea Crome

     I have been into miniatures ever since I found stop-motion as a kid. Most people would consider the artists who work on such a small scale to be either insanely talented or just plain crazy. Regular miniature models are hard enough to make, especially clothes, so it is kind of rare that we can find someone who not only makes these delicate treasures, but actually knits them by hand. 

  In comes the wonderfully talented Althea Crome. As an "extreme knitter" (as she puts it), Crome takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months to design and knit tiny sweaters, socks, and gloves on the 1:12 scale. She uses knitting needles that can be just as wide as a single strand of human hair. What drew me to her work was her involvement in the film Coraline, as she was contacted by the studio and asked to create Coraline's signature star sweater and striped gloves by hand for the film. Her work has appeared in Ripley's Believe It Or Not, The New York Times, and The Martha Stewart Show. The link to her insanely cool round-up of handmade collections is below. Just be prepared: the detailing will blow your mind. 

http://www.bugknits.com

Some of her work (from bugknits.com):

"Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes" Review

  I would like to make a statement in that the lineup for this year's summer movies is kind of sucky. There doesn't seem to be that much that sticks out in terms of being unique or really all that interesting, and very few exceptions to this exist. One of these exceptions, however, was Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes. 

  Set in a world where the human race has now been dangerously reduced to small bands of survivors immune to a scientifically-engineered virus that decimated most of the Earth's population, the major governments no longer exist, and everyone is fighting to survive. Coming out on top, we have the newly intelligent apes, led by Caesar (Andy Serkis) who has since created an entire colony of the genetically modified primates, and has a family of his own. However, when he and the other apes encounter a group of humans living in an abandoned city nearby (populated by people like Kerri Russell, Gary Oldman, and Jason Clarke), they are initially fearful of war. As Malcolm (Clarke) begins to negotiate terms with Caesar, allowing the humans to use the dam in close proximity to help power their city and make contact with other survivors, the growing hostility of Koba, an ape with a grudge against humans since he was experimented on by them, leads to tension and eventually an all-out war. 

  Even though I saw the first movie, Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, about two years ago, they made a smart decision in not relying too much on the first movie to the point where this film wasn't able to stand on its own. Yes, there are obvious hints to the first movie to make us previous moviegoers feel nostalgic and smug about knowing things the other people don't, but it is brief enough to not have the movie stop in its tracks to reiterate exposition you could have gained by simply watching the first film. In other words, the film tries hard to not treat you like a moron, and I appreciated that.
  This sequel actually takes place about ten years after the events of the first film, so the significant gap in time allows for more needed exposition, and it feels more fluid when they present you with information. Though I'll admit that sometimes it feels a bit clunky, such as when we are offered basically an entire backstory over the duration of a small conversation made by Kerri Russell and a few other human characters. Speaking of the characters, I liked how the apes were focused on much more than the humans, because even though we sympathize with the humans, this franchise is really about the apes. And holy crap, did they do a good job with the animation on these apes! I would go see the third movie just for the CGI work alone. The detailing you see throughout the film proves that we are very close to obtaining full realism in Hollywood movies.
  In short I feel like this film was better than the first, but also takes itself seriously enough to not be entirely over-the-top. It is an entertaining movie that will prove to be a pleasant experience in this current wave of lukewarm summer films.
 
  Overall rating: 7/10

How To Deal When You Are The "Hippie" In Your Group Of Friends

  Let me say this: if every single one of your friends is exactly like you, then you need to make a lot more friends. Having friends who are different opens you up to other interests and makes things much more exciting. That being said, it can sometimes be difficult to be on the same level with your other friends when you celebrate counterculture and they celebrate, well, current culture. Not knocking this, by the way; if you want to be hip, go right ahead, and more power to you. But if you find yourself to be the odd-man-out during a few gatherings (i.e, being the "dirty hippie"), then here are a few tips to help avoid certain conflicts and keep those relationships strong.

1. Accept your differences. Pretty obvious, but it should be said anyway. "To each their own" and all that, you know? Maybe you don't have a Smartphone and they do. Maybe you listen to Agnes Obel and Lykke Li while they blast The Killers. The point is, you are not entirely the same, and that is a good thing, really. This does not mean that you are better than they are, or vice versa. 
2. Meet them halfway. Building off of #1, once you accept your differences, you should find your common ground and expand upon that. What are the things that you share with one another? (There has to be something!) Find those things and share related experiences. For example, if you both love a certain director or movie genre, make a date to go see such a film once it comes out. More material to work with translates to better and stronger bonding. 
3. Don't let the friendship be "one-sided". In other words, you both have to contribute equally, and recognize each other's needs and boundaries. Your friend should be considerate if you are a vegan, and you should remember to take the incense burning down a notch when they visit if it gives them a headache. Neither one should be dominating the "taking" or "giving" side of the relationship. 
4. Only answer questions when they ask. Sure, we love to talk about what interests us, especially if it's recently acquired and exciting as hell. But seriously, people will stop wanting to hear about that new existential philosophy book you read the first time after you have gone over it in detail. Don't interrupt your friends, and don't dominate the conversation by steering it back in your direction. This can be difficult, as some counterculture people can't help themselves when they go on and on about being a nonconformist. But trust me, it is possible to keep this under control. 
5. Introduce them to the culture lightly, and sparingly. Also, have them introduce their stuff to you.  Nobody likes the person who only talks about their interests all the time, or how those certain interests are superior to those of anyone else in the room. The relationship has to be balanced, as demonstrated in #3; it has to be equal through giving and taking from each other. Does your friend like football? Then watch a game with him. In return, you could introduce him to the new craft fair and show him the certain qualities of each type of incense. 

Finding And Breaking Out Of Your "Box", Featuring The Wisdom Of Twyla Tharp

   As the lovely Twyla Tharp puts it in her book The Creative Habit, one of the best ways to boost your creativity is to "start with a box". Now, of course this works out pretty well in most cases because boxes are universal, practical, and simple. They are a basic starting point, a clean slate. It is even said sometimes that instead of "thinking outside of the box", you should do away with the box entirely. But before we can do that with our box, or start building upon the box, first we must recognize what our "box" is.

  Humans, as a rule, are slaves to routine. This is really just a primal method of survival, because comfort and security usually induces courage, which in turn ensures a lengthy lifetime. Now, of course, our nomadic ancestors would probably protest this, especially considering that routine is a major part of a human's current contemporary lifestyle. Because, while routine may strengthen memory and be the general causation between learning new things, it can also drive us into a rut. In Tharp's book, she defines a rut as being in a state where the wheels on the car are turning, but you remain in the same place (Tharp 185). In other words, the box is empty, and you don't know how to fill it. So, how do you go about pushing your creative "car" out of the ditch from which it refuses to move?

  Tharp gives three steps (188-189):

  

  See the rut.

To do this, step back and look at the big picture, or identify your "Box". What seems repetitive? What isn't making sense? What is causing a roadblock in your work? If you start reviewing your work, then you can be sure if you are headed in the correct direction. When you see the problem, then you can move on to step 2, which is...

  Admit you are in a rut. 

This is difficult, as it requires you to say, "I did something wrong here". Now, when this happens, try not to beat yourself up too much. If you do, then you risk trying to push forward without fixing the problem, which only worsens the situation and hinders your creative process. 

  

  Get out of the rut. 

Execute a solution by breaking out of the cage. Tharp gives a few exercises to help with this: sit on the floor, make yourself the smallest unit you can by hugging yourself inward, and then expand and try to create names for certain positions (called "The Egg", referenced on page 112); doing a "Verb" by picking a verb and acting it out (203); throwing a handful of coins onto a flat surface and trying to create a shape (109); taking a field trip out of your normal workspace and connecting with the outside world for a moment (114); and, most importantly, know when to stop the tinkering and editing (207). 

  If you want more interesting ways to "fill the box", please check out Tharp's book, The Creative Habit: Learn It And Use It For Life. I highly recommend it! 

  Citation:

Tharp, Twyla. The Creative Habit: Learn It And Use It For Life. Simon and Schuster. New York: 2003. 

"Of Mice And Men" Production Review

     This Steinbeck classic first came into my possession in ninth grade. Though at the time I found it to be a bit on the dry side, the themes resonated enough to convince me to see the movie, and then I heard it was coming to Broadway. And with an all-star cast that includes James Franco, Leighton Meester, and Chris O'Dowd, I knew I had to see it before it ended after just 18 weeks. Needless to say, I was very impressed.

     First off, let me talk about the perfomances. Chris O'Dowd is the jewel in the crown of the entire show as Lenny, the simpleminded and naive but unwillingly destructive friend of George, who is played by James Franco. O'Dowd brings out the innocence of his character with such power and enthusiasm, that it makes his performance remarkable. I commend him for an expert interpretation of Lenny, as I know he can be a difficult character to portray in a way that comes off as convincing instead of overtly juvenile. With regards to Franco's performance as George, he pulls it off very nicely. Judging by the type of acting style he goes for in many of the films he works with, it was no question that the character of George was tailor-made for him. The elements of a classic Franco performance were all presented here, from his mannerisms to dictation style, and all were pulled off flawlessly. 

     The rest of the cast were just as dedicated as the show's two starring leads, and they continuously knocked it out of the park. Leighton Meester does a fantastic stand-out job as the only female part in the play, and you truly feel the desperation for the character with her portrayal, and she even succeeds in earning sympathy for her plight. Jim Norton garners an equal amount of sympathy through his character, Candy, and let me just say that we all felt for him when his dog was put down. Alex Morf brought plenty of laughs, Jim Parrack helped to centralize the conflict for the audience, and Ron Cephas Jones gave an intriguing and somewhat pleasantly intimidating performance as Crooks. Overall, every single cast member did an incredible job in bringing their characters to life. 

     As for the sets, this show proved that less really is more when it comes to elaborating on the surrounding environment of the story. The stream was a short strip of water, stones, and dirt, hidden under a plank that could be easily slid out during certain scenes. Simple, certainly, but very effective. When it came to the bunkhouse, I was impressed by how it was almost completely bolted together onto one metal wall, and could be lowered down effortlessly, bunk beds and all. I was pleased to see that all of the sets were interesting enough to add flavor to the story, but not so elaborate that they detracted from the actors. 

    If you don't want to miss out on this performance, please go now, because it ends soon! This powerful and poignant production is certainly not one to miss. 

    

    Overall rating: 10/10

Artist Spotlight: Trey Ratcliff

  As a self-proclaimed "warm-hearted, old school gentleman explorer with really cool toys", this guy's online portfolio says it all. How refreshing it was to see photos that captured the surreal and fantastical elements of the imagination with such wonder and coloration! Stumbleupon led me to his doorstep, and inside this digital abode was a world full of steampunk, cosplay, misfits, and eccentrics. Check out his work here: http://stuckincustoms.smugmug.com/Burning-Man/i-49D3XkP

A few of his pieces:

How To Tell If You Are A Bohemian Teen

   I remember stating once that Bohemianism usually isn't discovered until adulthood. However, the number of adolescents with Bohemian characteristics is growing, so I feel it would be best to shed some light on them.

  You know you are a Bohemian teen when....

1.  Your room contains a bunch of figurines from Asian religions. 
2.  You get excited when there's a "10 sticks for $1" incense sale. 
3.  You own at least one Egyptian-themed wardrobe item. 
4.  Kimonos are not just a fashion statement; they are a way of life. 
5.  Same for Birkenstocks. 
6.  At least half of your wardrobe originated in a thrift store. 
7.  You dislike going to the mall because you can hardly find anything there.
8.  The bumper of your car says something like "Coexist" or "Good Vibrations". 
9.  The books you own are well-worn and loved. 
10.  You are running out of room for your art supplies. 
11.  You would rather pick flowers to put in your hair than buy the fake flower headbands that all the Hipster girls are wearing. 
12.  You aren't attached to your phone 24/7. 
13.  At least five items in your room have a celestial or Earth-centered theme. 
14.  You bathroom sink has paintbrushes in it. 
15.  You stay up late planning trips to India and Tibet. 
16.  When you mention "spirulina" and "chlorella" tablets, people look at you weird. 
17.  You think dreadlocks are a fashionable and attainable hairstyle. 
18.  You prefer green tea over Starbucks any day. 
19.  You have philosophical conversations about perception that last for hours. 
20.  You are generally unfazed by most tattoos and piercings. 
21.  You turn heads when you show up to school wearing tye-dye. 
22.  You wanted to start a meditation club at your high school.
23.  Yoga was the highlight of gym class. 
24.  At least 5 of your top 10 movies are foreign. 
25.  Your friends refer to you as their "Hippie" friend. 
26.  You have considered attending Naropa University. (Check it out here. Looks awesome!) 
27.  Your locker has a dreamcatcher or incense burner in it. 
28.  You dismiss the current "Boho" trends as being manufactured and fake. 
29.  Your personal music playlist is a complete 180 from that of anyone else your age. 
30.  Adults refer to you as a "free spirit" or even "wild child". 

Positivity And Perception: The Rice Experiment

How To Get Out Of Your Rut

  So, it's in the middle of summer and you are stuck doing the same things you have been doing for the past few weeks. You're tired, you're bored, and just plain uninspired. How do you get that spark back inside of your head? It's simple:

1. Get off the Internet. We'll come back to it later, but for the moment, turn it off. You can concentrate much better when you are not distracted by Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter.
2. Go out and look around. Take a walk around your neighborhood. Drive up that old road just to see what is up there. The key is to refresh your brain and get it humming along again. 
3. Read an art book. These can be seriously helpful for jump-starting your creativity. It wouldn't help to pick up several different types of art books as well. 
4. Write down a list of things you find beauty in. 
5. Listen to new music. I have found that exposing yourself to new artists can inspire a different idea, probably the one you have been searching for.  
6. Just read! But stay away from overtly-scientific or heavy historical books. I made that mistake a few weeks back, and I need to get my writing juices flowing again.  
7. Get out of your house. Take your work to the park, to the library, to wherever. Putting your mind in a different environment can help new ideas flow more easily.  
8. Rearrange a room. This will also work to change your environment and reset your creative brain. 
9. Attend a play you've never heard of, a summer concert, or a craft fair. Being around other artists can give you the spark.  
10. Meditate. Yoga works great for "resetting" as well.