So as you may or may not know, for the better part of 2014 I worked in a movie theater, and therefore watched free movies ALL THE TIME. In honor of that, though I'm a bit late to the game, here is my list of 2014's best and worst movies.

Top 5 

These are in no particular order. I chose these because I have either seen them multiple times or want to, and for me, that constitutes a great movie.

Guardians of the Galaxy

How to Train Your Dragon 2

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Edge of Tomorrow

Must See

These are films that you should watch because...

Interstellar - Nolan never disappoints, but learn a little about the Theory of Relativity before you watch

Boyhood - Not only film history 12 years in the making, but psychologically very interesting

Tusk - If this freaks you out at all, just watch the first half. Justin Long is superb!

The Drop - James Gandolfini's last film and Tom Hardy gives a chilling performance

The Judge - For anyone who has taken care of an aging family member, this hits hard

John Wick - This film has a style that takes action to a whole new level

Brick Mansions - Similar to John Wick in style, but more physical. Luc Besson had 2 films out this year and I personally happen to like this one better than Lucy, so sue me!

Hector and His Search for Happiness - Quite the uplifting film. The rollercoaster of emotions is phenomenal!

Chef - Jon Favreau captures the frustrations of so many creative people with dreams. Eat before you watch this!

Noah - This is not the Bible's Noah, but it tells a powerful story of the testament of faith. Just get past the giant rock creatures and you'll be fine

Worst Movies of the Year

These are films you shouldn't pay money or waste your time seeing.

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

Devil's Due

Vampire Academy

Tammy

I, Frankenstein

Transcendence

The Legend of Hercules

Biggest Disappointment

The Monuments Men - With the cast this should have been more than a documentary

Best Superhero Movie

Guardians of the Galaxy - This was a hard choice, but there's something fun about this movie that the others can't live up to

Worst Superhero Movie

Amazing Spider-man 2 - If Emma Stone had died at the beginning of this movie, it would have been great!

Best Comedy Movie

22 Jump Street - These guys have good chemistry

Best Animated Movie

How to Train Your Dragon 2 - This is more heartwrenching than the first movie.

Best Theme Song

The Lego Movie - Second runner up for best animated and well, "Everything is Awesome!!"

Best Action Movie

The Raid 2 - This may be forgien, but the fighting makes you realize how crappy american fighting style is.

Best Sci-Fi Movie

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Sometimes you watch a movie and it makes you remember what a great movie is actually supposed to look like.

Best Fantasy Movie

The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies - 3D IMAX in High Frame Rate...shivers...

Best Teen Movie

Maze Runner - Dylan O'Brian, nuff said.

Best Independent Movie

Snowpiercer - An interesting take on post-apocolyptic future

Most Underrated Movie

Edge of Tomorrow - Despite Tom Cruise, this is such a well done movie. 

Best Horror Movie

Oculus - It was hard to think of a good one, but this is pretty creative.

Biggest Surprise

Heaven is for Real - This is a nice little movie that gives a realistic look into modern religion.

Most Surprising Ending

The Purge: Anarchy - This is better than the first one and was actually capable of surprising me, which is hard to do.

Best 3D Movie

300: Rise of an Empire - Some movies are better in 3D, some.

Best Romance Movie

If I Stay - Granted others were probably better, but you'll have to drag me in, strap me down to the chair, and make me watch them. Ugh!

Worst Adaptation

Maleficent - Angie was great, but I'm sorry, this movie destroyed everything that made Maleficent the great villain she was. 

Prisoners

First up on the back log in movies is the gem of the bunch. While I liked many of the other movies I'll be discussing, this one was on a whole my favorite. Hugh Jackman's performance was outstanding and the two and a half hours of my life I spent in the theater was well worth it. If you haven't seen this yet and get the chance, do so. Without further ado, here is Prisoners.

To see this review, go to the Movies Tab.

I'm Baaacckk!

I'm baaacckk! I've been working on my outline for Madness lately. I should be done with it soon and be able to move on to the pilot script. FINALLY!

I've also started working on outlines for both Silent Partner and Relation. I'm considering a third draft of Wonderful Life and working on corrections in preparation for a fourth draft of Curse the Sea. Aaanndd, I got some new ideas to map out too. Sooo, busy.

I'm finishing up on one internship and got a new job, which will hopefully help me get a new, more affordable apartment. I'm still trying to find the an assistant job at a Literary Agency, so if anybody's hiring...

But, I'd like to get back into this blog. I work at a theater now, so I get to watch a lot of movies for free. I'd like to tell people about the best films out there so they don't spend their money on crap.

Also, as you know, I love TV. We're closing in on the end of premiere season, and while it's a little late, I want to talk about some of the new shows on TV.

So be on the look out for some good stuff soon.

Warm Bodies

I'd like to say that I took a year off on purpose, but that was not the case. After I took a managerial position at work and was on call all the time, it became hard for me to find enough time and especially energy to sit down and write pretty much anything. So, yeah, Madness and the other scripts I was working on went on hiatus too.

Plus, my grandmother passed away. It's been a long hard year without her. However, I knew she would have wanted me to focus on my dreams, so I quit my job and moved to Los Angeles. Currently looking for a job if anybody's hiring! ;)

Anyway, back this time with a new movie. Hopefully, some new TV and books reviews are on the way. I may even get the videogame section up and running.

This time we are looking at the sci-fi romantic comedy, Warm Bodies.

To see this review, go to the Movies Tab.

The Hangover II

Movie Review numero dos!

Though I watched it, I never got to review the first Hangover here because it was out before I started this blog. Doesn't matter much though. There really isn't much difference between I and II.

So consider this a duel post. I'll keep this one short and sweet.

To see this review, go to the Movies Tab.

Thor

So, here comes the first of the movie reviews. This is one of the three superhero flicks I went to see this summer. It wasn't the best, but it was damn close!!

I was very excited to watch this movie, especially after learning that the director was best known for his Shakespearian remakes. That being the case, I had high hopes that this movie would be a skillfully crafted story encased in a special effects rich action adventure. I was not disappointed.

Thor chronicles the comic book version of the classic Norse myth depicting how Odin banished his heir to Earth to learn responsibility and selflessness, while his brother Loki stages a coup in Asgard.

I would say go out and see it in theaters; but seeing as that time has kind of passed, instead, I'll say go out and rent it at Blockbuster (I am no longer advocating Netflix due to their crappy change in service) and watch it on a home theater system. Surround sound works best for this type of film.

To see this review, go to the Movies Tab.

Backlog of Reviews

I know it has been quite a while. I'm so sorry.
%=T_T

I've been having a hell of a time at work. There's been no time for writing or, well, really anything actually. My boss up and left without notice, AFTER he chased off half our staff. Then the company drug their feet for 2 months before promoting my AGM and me. We couldn't hire anyone, even though it was our busiest time of the year. So, everyone's been working overtime. Not that any of you actually care, but anyway.

Finally, things are starting to slow down, and just in time for the TV premiere season.
^-^=+

But first, I have a backlog of movies that I'll be posting over the next week or so, probably interspersed with some TV premieres.

So Stay Tuned!!

Breakout Kings

So, I might be getting a higher position at work, and that's good...I suppose. Though, I hope I can get along with my boss. AKA, I hope he doesn't make me want to quit because he's fickle and can be an ass.

Today I'm looking at Breakout Kings, which in my opinion didn't get the advertising it deserved. I didn't even know it was coming on. I just happened to see the preview for it one night and thought it looked interesting. So, when I had nothing to watch because everything good was in hiatus, I found it On Demand and decided to check it out. I really enjoyed it.

This show has a lot of promise as a unique procedural and a boasts a terrific cast, even down to it's guest stars. A&E (ignoring it's reality shows) has begun - like many of the other cable networks - to beef up it's primetime line up with quality tv series. I look forward to the return of The Glades as well as the introduction of more high caliber series.

To see this review, go to the TV Tab.

Being Human

Well, I had intended to post this entry over 3 months ago. It's been sitting here half done with about 5 others that long, and it looks like things are only going to get busier. (Le Sigh) I've said it before and I'll say it again. 2011 is not starting out to be a very good year...though I did lose about 10 lbs. So I guess that's something to celebrate.

As far as Madness goes, well, it doesn't. Though I was recently bite by the writing bug, so it might get going again soon. I have a new angle on the title to explore, so we'll see where that goes.

Today we're looking into the American remake of a British hit. Usually, those don't go well. I loved Life on Mars. The American remake, however, was...(shiver). But, I'm happy to say that Being Human, while not amazing, is not cringe-worthy. I've seen most of the first season of both and can say with certainty that I am proud of my man Jeremy Carver...and his wife.

I'm also proud of SYFY. While we are not seeing the Golden age of Stargate and Battlestar, we are seeing what I would label as the Bronze age of Warehouse 13, Haven, and (of course) Being Human.

To see this review, go to the TV Tab.

The Green Hornet

I've been trying to post three to four articles for around a month now. Finally, I found enough time to sit down and work on them.

Work, taxes, bills, holidays, etc. have been impeding my writing process, grr!!

On the bright side, I've created my season 1 villain for Madness now. Rene will be a badass bounty hunter hired to find our crew of misfits, who are trying to clear their names. She's got a goofy sidekick, a tracker named Wayne, and a past with Danny. Hmm...PS-I'm planning to set the show to guitar heavy hard rock. Sweet!
Now, on with the show.

Unfortunately it's the time of the year when action movies are few and far between at the theaters. It's all romantic comedies, gore-fests, and academy award hopefuls. So, when Green Hornet premiered I took the chance to go see it.

To see this review, go to the Movies Tab.

Moving Forward Little by Little

I got a lot done with the first half of Madness yesterday. I made it all the way to the midpoint, YAY!!

I'd been debating for a while if I should have the entire thing take place in the Asylum or only half of the 2-hour pilot. If not, then what half shouldn't and what would be that half's main focus. I decided I'd lead into the Asylum, since that's supposed to be the main part of the story, though I'm not sure exactly what's going to happen in the second half yet. Just that they meet Ash and Emily dies, putting them at odds with Governor Kane (named for Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks).

I'm gonna have this all planned out soon. I will!!

REPOST - $#*! My Dad Says

%@^* Blogger!! Since it deleted this section of my page somehow. It was there and then I tried to upload my Hawaii Five-0 post; and it was gone.

So, I tried to rewrite from memory what I originally wrote. It's not as great as the first time around (#*!!, what do I know, it's probably better). But, I think it still gets the same points across.

This was the fourth in a series of posts on this year's new shows. To see this review, go to the TV Tab.

Sleep Deprivation = Creativity

I'm really beginning to think that I should write only when I've had less than 5 hours of sleep and way too much caffeine/sugar.

I've been feeling there's something missing in my story lately, and I had begun to realize it was because I needed another character. One to replace MAX, because he was suddenly no longer filling the role I had originally designed. So, I needed a new character. But, if I created a new character, how was he going to fit into the group and where would that leave MAX, since I didn't want to completely get rid of him? I didn't know until today.

I went shopping after work at the mall, which essentially meant I was awake for a whole 24 hours in the end. Right now, I'm working, but I get off tomorrow--which equals sleep, more shopping, and cookie baking. Anyway, sitting here in the super quiet, trying not to fall asleep at my desk, I suddenly realized in the middle of counting money what to do. One of those "AH! HA!" moments, which I haven't had in a while.

Looking at a number of established group dynamics on TV (Firefly, Buffy, Angel, Dexter, Outlaw Star, Leverage, Chuck, etc.), I've come to this conclusion. There are two categories for characters: function and personality. And most groups have this kind of a set up.

Function
Main Character

Brains
(Willow)

Muscle
(Adam Baldwin)

Mechanic
(not sure what to call this but it's basically Parker or Kylee or Jim)

Femme Fatal
(Inara, Sophie)

Wise One
(Shepherd, Loren)

Character that Drives the Story
(usually, but not always the main character - ex. River in Firefly)


Personality
Leader
Naive
Nag
Wild Card/Anger Management
Comedic Element
Confidant
Romantic Interest

As I was trying to go further in the story, I realized I needed a mechanic character. So, I created Luca and used him to fulfill MAX's original role. So, where does that leave MAX, in the much needed role as the Wise One and Confidant, of course. How else are you going to pursue your Plot Point 1 and Plot Point 3?

Anyway, I'm excited to get back to the story now, after a little creative lull. Plus, I have a new character to fill out. Finally, my sister seems to have corrupted me, because I've decided to name most my characters in Madness after hockey players.

Hawaii Five-0

So, I really wanted to do a Thanksgiving post, but of course that didn't happen. Plus, I'm having writer's block again. Ugh!!

Well, we're halfway through the 2010-2011 TV season. A lot of shows are getting to go on hiatus. And surprisingly, most of the shows have made it through fall, save Lonestar, The Undercovers, Outlaw, and The Whole Truth. (I'm leaving out My Generation and a few others because I'm only dealing with fall premiered shows that lasted less than a season.) And, considering only two of those were axed in less than 10 episodes, I'd say it was a good year in television.

Anyway, on to the main course, this post is going to be about my second favorite premiere this season, Hawaii Five-0. Okay, so unlike The Defenders, I really thought this show would die off after six episodes, at most. However, I have a secret love for Alex O'Loughlin, so I decided to watch anyway, and I have to say I was unexpectedly impressed.

This is the fifth in a series of posts on this year's new shows; stay tuned for a few more. To see this review, go to the TV Tab.

Simplify...Don't Think Too Much

I'm beginning to think part of the problem with TV and Movies today is that they try too hard. They go for these big, elaborate plots that go nowhere, don't make any sense, and throw the character completely out of whack so that we say "WTF are they doing?!".

Break it down to the basics. Many times the simplest ideas work the best.

This has become my mantra lately. I've had a ton of writer's block while working on Madness. I've gone back and forth, doubting my plot points, rearranging them, trying to come up with better ones, and I've come to the conclusion that the best way to fix this is to quit thinking so damn hard!

Often times my biggest problem is that I'm thinking too much. Or maybe I should say I'm thinking too much in the wrong direction. Instead of flitting around, trying to come up with a good idea to fix this and realizing it contradicts that, I decided to just dive right into the story.

By placing myself inside my character's mind, I can calm down and think rationally. What would they do given this situation? What resources do they have available? If they needed to do this, what options are available?

Hopefully, with my new bit of realization, I can finally finish up the plot points problems and get to writing the script.

$#*! My Dad Says

Work, Work, Work...I'm a busy little bee. Just, not a writing bee. After my vacation, I had to put in extra time, so I've been a bit tuckered out. Plus, there was the time change.

However, I did find the time to restart HP7. More than halfway through, and I'm beginning to realize how much I've forgotten. At least now I'm ready for the first movie here in about 2 weeks. (Can't do the midnight show, so I'll probably wait til it's been out a few days.)

Anywho, $#*! My Dad Says, is a great new comedy to check out, especially for families. And, it's William Shatner!!

This is the fourth in a series of posts on this year's new shows, stay tuned for No Ordinary Family, Undercovers, Hawaii 5-0 and more.

To see this review, go to the TV Tab.

RED

While I was on vacation, my friends (one of which works in a theater) wanted me to go see something with them. Well, in my opinion, there's not a lot in theaters right now worth watching.

I mean come on, Saw or Paranormal Activity 2!? Those are the kinds of movies my friends and I rent and then make fun of the entire time, laughing hysterically when people get body parts chopped off.

So, we went to see this one, for free I might add.

To see this review, go to the Movies Tab.

Lonestar

Went on vacation for a few days in Philly. Got to visit some friends, go shopping, catch a show, and all around have a good time. Now, that I'm back, I'm gonna try to work hard on my screenwriting.

Plus, I need to reread HP7 before the next movie. Simply because there's so much stuff that happens in that book. I know I don't remember even a fraction of it all, so I may be totally lost during the movie (which sometimes happens anyway due to directors "taking liberties").

Anyways, here is a review (such as it is) on the-now defunct-show, Lonestar. This is the third in a series of posts on this year's new shows, stay tuned for No Ordinary Family, $#*! My Dad Says, Undercovers, Hawaii 5-0 and more.

To see this review, go to the TV Tab.

The Defenders

My apologies for the 2 week absence. RL is crazy. I haven't even gotten the chance to do any writing. Thinking, but no writing. Hopefully, I can finish up my beat sheet and start on my outline this week. Anyway, on to an entry in my fall premieres, which I have been neglecting.

In my opinion, this probably the best show to premiere this season. This is the second in a series of posts on this year's new shows, stay tuned for Lonestar, Chase, $#*! My Dad Says, Undercovers, Hawaii 5-0 and more.

To see this review, go to the TV Tab.

Second Pinch/Reversal

I've been working on beats these past couple weeks for the first half of my 2-hour pilot, Madness, and it's been proven yet again that for me the second Pinch/Reversal is the hardest. Most other plot points fall into place, and even though some may need some work, they're pretty solid. I can fill out every other main beat and tons of smaller ones while staring at the blank space where the second Pinch/Reversal goes, wishing it would just write itself.

I think it's hardest for me because of the emotional component behind it. While there are other plot points with emotional components, they're usually more potent. The second reversal is powerful, but subtle. A major complication in the story that just seems to sneak up and bit you, like a snake poisoning the story.

On a somewhat happier note, I added another character to the pilot. Her name's Emily. I want to make her a character that people will like, but I think I'm gonna kill her and use it to screw over the group for most of the season. It'll be like the last episode I saw of No Ordinary Family where they killed off the police woman. I was upset to see her leave the show after only 2 episodes. I blame them for my desire to kill Emily.