A Much Needed Winter Break

So my honors English class has us post a massive blog every week, so by the time I actually have time to blog, I just want to sleep.

I really have no clue how I’m going to make it out of here alive.

Anyways, a few great developments have happened. One, I ranted to my principal (this was the first time I met him) about how OHS NEEDS a film club, and how disappointed I was that we didn’t have one. He looked at me and said “You are right. When can we get started?” and well…. I am now going to be the new leader and founder of the OHS Film Committee, and organize the annual OHS Film Festival. Heck, I’m only a Freshman, and they’re letting me do this? I feel awesome.

Another development: film festivals. I have kind of slacked, and not entered my film into them via withoutabox. So the other night, I had a horrible nightmare that woke me up from my lazy state, and I entered into 10 (not counting NFFTY or Reel 2 Real, so that makes 12 overall). Frankly, if I don’t get into any, that was a total waste of $100. But if I only get into one, that was $100 well spent. One of the festivals is grades 1-9, so I am 98% sure I have that one as a confirmation, and possibly a win.

On the topic of what I’ve been watching, well, there’s quite a bit. I’ve watched some lesser-known Spielberg, like Minority Report and Catch Me if you Can. Minority Report was a little sketchy, just on the border of my sci-fi limit, but Catch Me if You Can was really good! John Williams’ score was quirky and added so much more to it as well. But the overall story was engaging and interesting, and like in all Spielberg movies, heartwarming.

Then I saw There Will Be Blood. Oh my. That is one intense movie. I saw a little over half at film camp, and now I wonder why I waited so long to finish it! That movie keeps you on edge the entire time, with the fluid cinematography and the distorted music. The new ‘modern western’ genre has really proved its worth. Basically, Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, the misanthropic oil man, scared the… Everything, out of me. He won that Oscar HANDS DOWN. I have no clue why critics only gave it 3 stars.

And finally, I made my Oscar nominee list. Not only will I be predicting the winners this year, but I will also be predicting the nominations. I’m currently at school, so I can copy+paste the list, but I will do so soon. And give some commentary on it. But off of that list I’ve seen two movies: The Muppets and The Tree of Life.

I would just like to say that The Muppets was awesome. I knew it would be funny, and convinced my friends to go. Within the first five minutes, they all almost left the theater. But, in the end, they all came out LOVING the movie, just LOVING it.  It was refreshing to see humor that wasn’t all Adam Sandler-y (like his newest fail Jack and Jill proves). It was just so… Funny! DEFINITELY a fresh new movie to go see.

Now The Tree of Life… I really don’t know what to say. I didn’t hate it, yet I didn’t love it. It was… Different? I’ll just stay neutral on that one. It was cool watching something a little outside my comfort zone though. And it kind of hypnotized me. It’s like you want to shut off the TV and say “Stupid abstract movie. Why do I waste my time?” but you really can’t.

So, I have no school blog posts for 4 weeks, so get ready for lots of posting. Upcoming topics: Oscar Nominees, and Drinking Other People’s Milkshakes.