Watch Me: complexities and concepts, Arrival

Image Source

Seeing the trailer, and being an avid fan for anything science fiction like, I hardcore wanted to watch Arrival despite my feeling like it would be too serious for my sleepy uncertain ego. Discovering I was wrong was one of the best things I like about life, Arrival directed by Denis Villanueve and adapted by Eric Heisserer from a short story novella titled "Story of Your Life" written by Ted Chiang, made the experience worth while. 

HIT ME

The movie starts with the vision and example of memory, and how our minds can fabricate them in mystery. Starting from there everything begins to unfurl as a series of alien crafts land on certain points of the world, no activity made only landed on key areas for each continent.

During the course, a linguist and physicist are both hired by the government to help them handle the alien situation through pacifistic means. Before everyone in the planet becomes nerved enough to be violent and turn the world upside down.

CONE CLUDE

Did I ever dream of wanting to see another "mankind against another extraterrestrial" kind of story in a movie before? Not really. Sometimes it becomes redundant with the turmoil, unabashed explosions and resounding chaos that sometimes you think how impossible the main characters can even survive such fancy violence around them.

That's why, to me, who rarely watches movies (these days, in this part of my life's time), everything is a breath of fresh air when I saw this movie.

Let's be honest, we all believe this movie wouldn't kick ass. But the reality and genuine emotions each countries reaction and management for this type of situation is semi-spot on, enough to actually hold fear in anyone's hearts.

To a person who believes handling a situation first must consider thinking, despite me being always emotional (I do my best, okay?), in a pacifistic manner before acting violently. Easy to say the appeal of the movie caters to my heart deeply.

There are no circumstances where it did not fascinate me on how the scenarios will play out. The timeline's progress might seem a bit quick, not as quick as normal alien-to-mankind type of movie I've encountered in majority, yet who would want to grab that ex-machina away from anyone's imagination and grasps. Being truthful, I gauged the progress to be more than the months in the story. Yet, it still felt satisfying not having it longer than a year.

Alien communication struggle was not a first for the concept of this movie. But playing it out only in the value of language or words plays communication with the third kind completely blatant and a good herald of how it should be done in the most imaginative way possible.

The uniqueness of the production and flow however was not the one that caught me off guard, but the twist in the plot. It was no lie that the opening quote from Amy Adams' character was in fact the really player in the story. Even though it was hell of confusing especially at the nearing conclusion of the movie.

Linking the story and each elements value, as much as I could really follow through, was a glorious feeling. Knowing that in the end that twist of information felt like you spoke to another born mystery of the world for people to enjoy and discover. Which could ultimately mean as an ex-machina to the ending of the story in regards to explaining the phenomena of her mental visions that helped pull her through the toughest of times.

Begging to experience such likened miracle, the same as what Amy Adams character experienced, feels like one for my bucket list. To witness an alien language, learn to understand it and ultimately experience it's gifts as positive the influence it has as it can give.

This movie is one up in the tier of a good jog of your brain in the park. Now on the emotional scale, relating to the wonder and tolerance they gave during the story is something many should learn. The movie can totally work as a peace video to remind man kind that violence isn't always the answer to every unknown thing.

Watch Me: sort of The Last Dragonslayer

Source

Sure I'm guilty for watching a movie by it's title and the poster, which is common, but that's how I got to watch The Last Dragonslayer that was produced by Blueprint Pictures shown in Sky One on the Christmas of 2016. A story based from a book authored by Jasper Fforde.

HIT ME

Don't you feel eager to learn about a medieval themed world infested with modern day thinking and innovations, such as the concept of marketing and the budding age of electricity and automation under the noses of magic. Here lies the fascinating mix up of the Last Dragonslayer as it starts with an orphan girl named Jennifer, last name Strange, as she was "fairly" adopted by Mr. Zambini. A man who managed an agency that contracts magicians to do almost all the oddest jobs they are capable of.

After growing up under her foster fathers care, one day he vanishes and a series of events brings forth Jennifers fate into the unassuming role of the Last Dragonslayer.

CONE CLUDE

Again, I've encountered an imagination fuel for the mind of a lover of fantasy.

The Last Dragonslayer is a nice mix and mash of a universe in the brink of being unable to surpass mechanical and engineering like science because of the existence of magic. Compelling characters that so far is lovable in terms of their authenticity and rawness in regards to it's human emotions and desires. Plus the complexities of their universe, laws, and the blatant play of modern concept of advertising marketing and sales in the play of medieval set.

There's a charm to Elise Chappells portrayal of Jennifer with no over exaggeration and simple acts and emotions, there might be no grounds for me to judge the way she portrayed the character since I have never read the books myself. Still, the actress still captured a genuine that levels everything else in the story. Jennifer, the heroine, simply makes you want to be her friend with her smartness, fair compassion, her love and gratitude to her father, plus her eagerness to just be a simple girl who wants to work with her foster father.

Comparing Jennifer to the absurd side characters; might be a recurring formula for some fiction stories to have side characters that simply balances out the main leads almost simple character, that walked around her somehow made her seem desirable. Something I easily fall for most often, not that I put my self into the leads shoes, but I myself feel compelled to give her a nice peppy attention that the other characters seem to give her. Although, mine started at an earlier point in the story.

The story though was your typical hero thrown into the throngs of destiny due to untold historical circumstances that have lead to the demise of the kingdom. You have your typical mysterious events from a long time ago, that the hero had to unfold due to a lot of unanswerable questions that would lead to the current situations solution. Typical ex-machina situations, cause why not magic and fiction. Plus character tropes with typical scenario endings, like the hidden twist where the assistant who was the best one the hero could find is actually one of the enemies, the judas iscariot.

That however was not stopping anyone from connecting with Jennifer who along the ride was pouring her best, that typical underdog feeling. Selling it like so shouldn't be something wrong about this story, even though it's been a proven seller to viewers, at least the underdog tale didn't sell the plot and scenarios, and it's plot twist, short.

Being enamored by dragons and the mythical world of magical crossing steampunk genre isn't such a bad thing. Somehow, you won't be tired of it because the dialogues and characters are well thought out and worth the giggle. By the end of the movie you'd have gained that warm fuzzy feeling and joy that simply puts you in a sense that somehow you'd want more.

Imagine hearing a recounted tale like Jennifers from a friend over a nice warm beer in the cold winter. How about that?

Over-all, this movie is a good kid friendly story that as I said fuels the imagination enough to inspire someone to simply walk out the cinema doors and create something, or even go into a nice adventure.

Watch Me: teenie boppering The 5th Wave

Source

Out of curiosity, and being a weirdly loyal fan of Chloe Moretz, I tried watching one of her latest sci-fi themed movie entitled The 5th Wave directed by J.Blakeson from the same titled book written by Rick Yancey.

HIT ME

Life was pretty much normal for Cassie Sullivans world, until a mysterious large hovering space craft the size of a continent became the dead ringer start of events unfolding into an apocalyptic battle between man and the alien race named as the Others.

CONE CLUDE

Believe me when I say this movie may have, like all the other nice movies out there, a good and curious universe that can very well establish a footing fit for a nice theatrical prowess, it is not unavoidably subject under a mainstream over used theme. Such as this very element of aliens being able to infest inside a human like a parasite, rendering their host under their very control, a.k.a. that Stephanie Meyer book the Host with the almost same type of alien.

This however is not the selling point of this movie, but the depicted experiences of Cassie and their eventual events into a future unknown under the invasion of the Others. Which to my opinion is pretty well composed, in terms of the flow of events fairly edited from the book into a feature film.

Might as very well clarify that it was very evident that the movie is a stepping stone opening for a long ass story, it's open ended conclusion after they saved Cassies sibling simply says "I'm supposed to have a continuation".

I've barely any knowledge of the book and how it's characters, events, and style of writing is unfurled. Basing from the movie, there are heavily built ex-machina scenarios edited from the original, and possibly characters intentionally omitted. Though, I am not a very critical person, and that to I simply enjoyed the flow. Disregarding the obvious romance tension happening between select characters, the action and adventure elements seems a good 8 out of 10 grade.

Simply put, this might be a B grade movie even to it's reader fan base. But I wouldn't mind seeing the sequel happen even if the movie itself isn't compelling, just out of curiosity on what will be happening next into the lives of the characters.

Over-all it might be better to just follow the books, own them and read to your hearts content; and treat the movie like a large fan base advertisement for it.

Watch Me: bus rides with Captain Fantastic

Source

How much do you regret missing to watch a movie when it showed in your cinemas? That's right, immensely, and that my friends is how I started feeling when I watched director Matt Ross' Captain Fantastic.

HIT ME

Starring a father and his family of six children on a quest to rid their lives, not really since they're completely smart and able for their age/s, of life ignorance from the forest they used to live in and discover the world through an awesome bus ride back to their mothers home town to evidently emotionally move on after her departing with drastically wonderful familial results.  

CONE CLUDE

No words can fully describe the magnificence of the story besides the accurate title itself, fantastic. 

There's something about a family coming of age relevantly intelligent comedy drama that sounds vibrantly complicated. Of course, to me that's a perfect description of the Cash family and their growth through the course of this story.

To those who are blatantly curious the Cash family decided to live their lives in the forest in hopes of helping the matron of the house to recover from her mental illness, according to wikipedia is Bi-Polar disorder; please excuse my lack of remembrance to that particular detail. From hence, they have lived their lives in a well did make shift lodging in the middle of the wilderness and living their lives like indian nomads.

Cutting down to the chase, there are several playing topics that hits the story fairly well and how realistic the issues that were tackled in it. Besides the growth of select characters upon being thrown into the real world, the greatest of it plays upon the role of Ben and the choices he and his wife made to their family. They were the bud of difference and radically apart from all the growing complacence and spoiled life style of modern day man. Teaching their children practical survival skills they will need in their everyday life in and out of their forest. 

From there you can already tell that there would be question to their ability in adapting to modern day mans life, with which the question is it worth keeping the uniqueness of your life just to retain abhor against society's lifestyle that sounds like an everyday brainwash propaganda. This was playfully shown as they first encounter their taste of modern family man by spending time in their mothers sisters house. 

Character growth is clear and distinct, changing at the right time and progressing in a pace that is considerably enough to show the characters of how strong their family as individuals are. There really is little to praise and critic to the flow of Captain Fantastic. Every fiber detail is neither impossible nor dull. The realism compelled rawness befitting that of how gentle they touched the issues and solved it with grace.

Elegance reeked the tale of Captain Fantastic and worth a watch that will open your mind to concepts of how a critical mind works in a body of a complex emotional. Enjoy the involvement that they show more human than anyone could ever see.

  

Watch Me: How to Be Single and not just the statement

Source

These days, it's promising to encounter stories that just blatantly tells an absurd realistic connection between relationships. As a filipino, I always encountered cheesy romances that can simply touch and make you laugh by the local bunch. But nothing compared to the blatant liberated passion of a story that needed to just tell you everything is gonna be fine after a long ride. Like all feel good movies, How to Be Single by Christian Ditter, is a good reminder nothings wrong for a certain type of stereotype called being Single. 

HIT ME

Story revolves around the friends Alice, Meg, Robin, and a fourth girl, entirely does not interact with any of the three girls but connected only through one character, named Lucy. Below lists all the nicest poking moments flowing for the story.

A. Nice beginner tutorial about realizing the life of a workaholic, free spirit, kindred spirit, and a trying hard to be a robot

B. The men here doesn't miraculously flock around the women, they actually have the sense to fall for their personalities

C. Possibly makes the location a place filled with parties, I think IT IS

D. Coining the term Dick-sand for a character who loves being the kindred spirit without thinking that she herself might be her own kindred spirit

E. Women who are in-love are total ass holes and douche bags to those who one sided-ly pursues them, which isn't a secret to anyone

F. It's a one step at a time guide to living your life as you pleased it

CONE CLUDE

By far, according to my bias blood, that this movie is the best roller coaster mixed nuts ride that I've watched. Since I'm a sad sap sucker for some fairly well written chick flicks; to me, this movie spells a good letter of recommendations for any person-kind from the Oxford of "a feel good comedy movie worth your try". Not to be completely recommending this movie without warning anyone that there will BE character stereo-tropes and predictable scenarios, cheesy lines maybe, but over all best in representing emotional realism when it comes to recovering from a break up, desiring to break away from being single, and just enjoying your self for being single.

I couldn't go technical for the most part since the entire style of the story is like a book written by a modern yuppie extrapolating her/his experience in the big city by cherry picking scenarios. A typical man-child looking for a new chapter in their life after it has grandly closed behind them. But, all movies are like that, yet so does every media so far.

Might I add that this movie is a perfect flick to recover you from being down, especially when your problem involves life and how un-fucking-fair it has been so far based on your own petty judgement, if you allow yourself to think like so. 

This movie has a specific demographic that completely goes under the dramatic radar. The mix of scenarios will surely still pick their cynical ass up due to it's easy to emotionally relate level. Actor casting doesn't go under and their roles were portrayed justifiably. Scenario blending didn't suck as bad as a certain fantasy movie based from a famous cartoon series, and nothing of the flow did not feel off but at least a fitting piece to the larger picture.

All in all this movie is recommended only to a level where you are a simple person looking for a simple feel good movie.

Komikon Aftermath . Petshap Inc's out there! . After thoughts

Today is monday, Nov.21st, the day after the two day rush of adrenaline local comics convention (sigh of relief) and to this day I have never felt as well satisfied as the first time I've attended an event to sell my stuff back at my first Ozine indie table.

Source

This is the first convention that I didn't create and sell a new title of any kind, one-shot or any of the series I have or currently want to create. Instead we, my friend and I, pushed and promoted our semi-business art group Petshap Inc's. Despite my demeanor through out the event for being sick, the first two days of my budding sniffles and coughs that eventually turned full fledge phlegm war, I had the opportunity to work out some sweat and suck up my guts into focusing semi-full in marketing and trying our best being sellers. I didn't get to sell much, as a sales person, according to my opinion and of course comparing it to some of the people who I saw. But seeing our merchandise get attention and well enough recognition says quite a lot. Not to mention the appreciation for our artworks that were on the items we sold.

Yes, the prices we're not that satisfyingly good to even consider getting all the capital we had to give, but the exposure was well worth (although, we honestly sold a lot in the first day and a few for the second). Now just a little bit more push to our aim, and knowledge of what the people actually do want, we can move forward on events and occasions where we will have the opportunity to plan and sell our items and talents again.

This is a laughing matter, considering that I'm almost half way into giving up on fully making an effort again yet here I see our hard worn efforts into making these items becomes something uplifting, even if it was just a little. Truly a rewarding moment for me, and any negative thoughts may come, it still would no dampen that small feeling of letting our efforts be appreciated by any means.

To my comics making, it won't go away, it won't leave my heart. And even if I am able to say that somehow I am more eager to give attention and support to Petshap Inc's, my side as a comics creator felt effectively fueled. After seeing our table mates Pop Shop's comics creators for the title of Tanod and Mang Jose, which sad to say I never got to truly browse and give praise cause I was to shy and other stuff (thanks hesitant last minute self), there was that admiration I had that won't go away still for awesome comics makers out in the field. Indie and unpicked by any specific publishers or well on their way to publish-dom.

Source

The same goes for Petshap Inc's that is either on it's path to being a design for commission group or design group for items that can be given as gift that are awful fancy and cute, pretty long interpretation of the path but oh-well, there is never going to be a good day for me but if I choose to be happy even for the simplest of these moments, then I thank providence for all these fortunate things however small.

Soon Petshap Inc's will be having it's tiny process of refurbishing aims again, while my new comics title will be done and on it's way to a good hope and future.

Age and time may hinder me, yet the efforts of these two days are truly a blessing even if I was sick and I couldn't successfully make any rounds around.

Also first time experiencing so many, at least around five, people asking for a commission from me, such tiring interactions to humans that I guess I am alright with. Work stress to develop my skills are always welcome.

Spread them Wings . Bound in Blood first Review

Today I received word that the comics I drew "Bound In Blood" got it's first review by Outright Geekery.

Link to Review

Review wise, it's my first to ever see one, my old webcomics had a review of it's own but I had to stop working on it because I lost my own motivation to do so, still it's not that bad. Having people review your work is the best thing, whether it's to criticize it or not.

Honestly was hoping there would be reviews that are critique heavy in terms of developing the comics, but reviews to help spread the word is good as well. Also, critique heavy ones might not even be that reasonable cause it's only the first issue, having positive ones will always be an expected one.

On the side note, we are finally spreading out on announcing Petshap Inc's attendance in November Komikon 2016. And finally getting myself to finish prepping things. (printing final sets of ad's, photo-cards to sell, tags for the coin purses, etc.)

Also had a fuck up with this file. I saved it and over wrote on the psd file converting it into a jpg. I don't know how it happened, seriously do not. For the better I just didn't want to think anymore and am glad that I finished the layout without that much problem. Still, good bye editable file, if I wanted to use you again I might never. The end.

Komikon 2016 . Petshap Incs

Here we go again. November is coming and Komikon, the premiere comics convention in the Philippines (I don't really know if it's premiere or anything, but it's one of the well known), is just around the corner!

Me and a few friends of mine formed a group that focuses on Line and Doodle art works. The groups name is Petshap Inc's, sort of a word play for Ink's since majority of our works will be black and white emphasizing our skills to create from pen and ink, and our "pet" name for our group of friends that we just kind of tagged on ourselves out of fondness. Six years has passed since our college days, or the year we kind of just stuck with each other yet we're still growing strong, or any kind of metaphor strong could apply in our bond as friends.

This year end, we're going on an epic journey to introducing ourselves into the realm of business. (insert party poppers and dab-jamming here)

Check it!

Featured in this group as artist contributors are Briks (frozenpillows on IG) and yours truly typing away (pansikoser on IG). We've been actively uploading on our redbubble site, but have limited social marketing for it, still it ain't that bad to consider as we are still both struggling and it's only the first few months of our own plights. Still, trying to make a mark in this industry (that feels quite somewhere there but not) we've opted to sell merchandise designed by us.

Petshap Inc's IG

Coin purses. Yes, our designs, printed on canvas cloth and sewn to perfection. The designs on it were specifically intended to be laid out as pattern designs. It was quite fascinating to do such designs, although having no idea on what to put on them is a bummer. But there's nothing better than seeing your project come into fruition.

And this coming Komikon will be our setting stone!

Last year I didn't get to sell much of my self drawn comics, although this year I'm doing a different project I'm still going to sell some of my titles. Originally I had intended to create a new comics series to sell in the indie section of Komikon, Indieket, but I had been going through some mishaps in producing pages for the story and the story itself. Being unsatisfied with a story has always been a mishap for me, but I'm honest enough to say I'm more eager to start and completely finish this future project.

Anyway we still don't have the details for where we will be placed in the convention but I hope it's going to be good, probably get the details this coming saturday.

Bound in Blood . Preview Art2

The next stop, side character introductions. There were only a few side characters used for the story, besides the faceless random citizens.

This guy, well he doesn't really show up much in the first issue
 but soon you'll see him being everywhere in Dave's life.

Chief Pat Wilson. I based him on the first image
of an elderly "healthy" man with a 'stache.

That's right, it's written on the top "Stephen Colbert 101"
cause Tom Swanson, the reporter, was fairly based to Stephen Colbert.

Tom Swanson, paired up with a camera man!
You'll never really see how he looks like, but just in case, put a face.
Why not!

Lastly, news anchor John Reynolds.
Originally, I tried to look for the original one, but it seems like he really doesn't exist.

Searching for a good fit reference for characters that wouldn't even have that long exposure and presence in a story sometimes takes time, specially if you're going for a semi-realism feel and style for majority of the art. I personally enjoyed looking for a good Stephen Colbert reference since I'm a fan, but that didn't mean I didn't enjoy making for the others.

Bearing in mind about all the elements you need to keep when it comes to designing a character, the aesthetic of their facial personality and how you see them stating and expressing their dialogues is a necessary thing. If you can't imagine them being what they should be in the story sometimes feels mechanical. Something I learned almost in the middle of this progress.


Check our FB page: Bound in Blood
Support our kickstarter: Bound in Blood (not your average mystery comics!)

Bound in Blood . Preview Art1

Good day! In celebration for the release of Bound in Blood's (facebook) kickstarter here are some raw artworks posted online by the artist, yours truly!

 

Preview of the two important characters in Dave Ugarte's life.
You'll have to read the comics to figure which of the two is his romance and rock.

Study for Dave Ugarte's character design

Dave Ugarte's final design

So far the basis for the three characters are really diverse, Allison was originally based from a different actress but not someone that looks like Jennifer Lawrence. Although the feel could have passed as Kate Beckinsale or the likes. Having her look soft and pleasing to the eyes was the ultimate aim in contrast to Claire who is peppy and quite the character with a robust personality.

It was also a challenge for me to produce a specific look for Dave since the first chapter had little personality to show for him but only to his loyalty to the justice, and his loved ones, after the events of his past. So I depicted him somewhat borderline with an unsure expression but stern, that would soon be covered by a beard later on in the story.

Conversing with creator Patrick Goforth about the fruition of the characters was quite a thrill, specially crossing the lines of the character descriptions to pencil and paper.

To know further about them and their roles in the story pass by our kickstater and support our cause!

Bound in Blood (blood soaked claws of mystery and drama)

TedEd . choices . possibilities and dead ends

There are times when you just can't stop yourself but spend time online, for better or worse, and for half a year now of my freelancing life I've spent my entertainment quality watching days of this freelancing life blood soaked in the world of Youtube channels. Luckily, for me, I've got friends with good taste for channels in comparison to my simple self who just bases it's own personal preference of decisions with sometimes shallow reasons, a.k.a. looks and probably day to day articles of life, except for pranks, my current self doesn't really enjoy those prank videos in it's entirety. Maybe in a different part of my life I might, either grow or just suddenly learn how to like prank videos. Any case, I've stumbled upon my better in current relationship half a video from one of it's plurk feed. This better half's video was from TedEd.

Source

I've yet to discover the origins of TedEd but I do know that the videos in the channel are, true to their slogan, worth sharing into this world of ours. Preferably a general knowledge type of channel. The videos are all animated by different types of groups / animators in accordance to the topic being read at hand. However, I am not here to further promote their well made life lesson sharing videos but focus on one video that got me tugging into a topic I would probably state afterwards.

Hedonism is one word I've completely forgotten what the meaning was, although there is this niggling thought in my head that it had something to do with something selfish.

The video focuses on the idea "what if you we're given the choice to choose only experiencing the ups of life". It further exemplifies and theorizes scenarios basing from the choices in ones life depending on the situation. Examples like the one on the video, which is common in everyday life scenes, it's a sort of probability thought until proven (unless you haven't watched the video, the scenario stated was: a woman is deeply in love with a man, but the man was secretly wooing the woman's sister; is it better for the woman to discover the truth and delve in the pain or dismiss it and indulge in the fantasy that they are the perfect couple).

This got me thinking about my life recently. That pertaining to my choice path of career. I've been freelancing for one year now taking on various graphic design jobs, like being a Shirt Art Designer, Graphic Artist, Caricature Artist, Book Layout Artist, and others related to Illustration and Publishing. However, I've been in a rise and fall slump, having more reasons where I have minimal profit although I have a lot of work. The freedom of choosing and developing my profession as an artist however is part of this life, although it's slow and quite unproductive, sad to say, most of the time.

Recently a relative of mine has begun to make it their mission to help me in finding a work career as it seems that my current one is too pitiful to watch. Even having hear them describe it as I was "the type of person that sleeps all day and needed other people to open up their choices in career to be able to move on from their current slump" (not exactly the words said since they we're spoken in our language, plus the words might be twisted because I don't really know how to translate it nicely in english, lol). Although the end thought is, the current one I have isn't working out well. That in itself my growth is considerably slow to nil. Probably, for their eyes.

After hearing such and watching the video attached, was my choice of work path something akin to a level of hedonism? Stating, I enjoy my current freedom in freelancing and, although slow, happy even to the point of proud that I can have time doing jobs that my skill set can offer for specific clients.

Although this doesn't prove anything hedonistic, speaking. Since for a part I have not mentioned anything that states I have neither experienced nor have any painful things to feel, which in reality isn't true.

This has now become a list of rant and things about the pains I see in my life, the ones I've clearly known but push away in hopes to give me self-esteem, confidence and even the driving force to move into the direction of the path I am currently "courageously" weaving. Presently a clear proof that I lack any qualifications to be hedonistic in nature.

A mighty conclusion for this is something that I should decide for myself. The video isn't something that gave me some providence like way of clearing the clouds, but it sure did add another batch of wild flowers on the half barren pasture I'm positive is a good field to spend time being happy with given enough time and good sources of care and growing.