moose138

Happy New Year!

2009-11-03T02:26:16Z

Halloween is over! I can breathe again!

Looks like I survived another one, so how did I do?

This year has been a tough one. I can easily say that it was the hardest year I've had. Shortly after Halloween last year I got the call that I was moving to Virginia. And I did not want to go. I was happy in Florida, comfortable. I was branching out in new creative ways and now everything was threatened. I had no friends or family there... I'm going in cold. And that's just what it was. I spent Christmas and New Year's alone. An extension of the punishment that Disney sentenced me to. I was miserable and depressed for the first few months. I had joined Rocky hoping to get some friends but encountered mostly closed groups and cliques. But I am nothing if not persistent. Eventually, they got used to me and slowly through frisbee golf and group movies I became part of the group. It wasn't long before I started hanging out with Soph. Thank God I found a real partner in crime up here. Just like Logan in Florida and Dalles in New York, I've got another creative person to plot with. And what if all 4 of us pulled power together one day... shudder....

Just about the time I was getting some social success, work began closing in. I found that people were complaining about me. I don't want to get to into it, but I was threatened with being fired. Nothing that happened, do I believe is my fault. I've had little to no instruction on the way particular people like things and they get mad when I can't read their minds. The whole thing was ridiculous and I'm still suffering the effects of all the needless petty blackballing. Fortunately I've been surviving the constant 'tests' they keep throwing at me. Not fun for someone to tell you to do something 'or else' every week.

Other stresses include sinus infections, dates that lead nowhere, losing a hard drive, and of course a rent that has slowly drained any remaining savings I had. Ughh.... Arrghhh... AAAAHHHHH!!!

Enough of the bad stuff. I want to talk about the good. Work is getting better. I got word that I could be working at the pentagon on an actual project, not proposals, soon. And best of all I'd get a clean slate with the new team. I hope this actually happens because I'm tired of the games. Plus, I'd get a chance to work in one of the most famous buildings ever. That would be cool, and a huge plus on the resume'.

Friendwise, things are better too. If I threw a party, people might actually show up now. Getting to know folks at Rocky better. I'm not so awkward and can act more like myself. I also got to direct two preshows for Halloween this year. That alone shows that I'm more accepted, and hopefully it showcased a bit of my talent to them. Being able to do the occasional preshow can help fill the hole I got when I found out that Tranzies don't do callbacks up here. Yay for creative outlets! The preshows went well by the way.

I'm also finally getting the Stuart Woods monkey off my back. $1437 a month for a 2 bed 1 bath. That is just short of outrageous. Well, 5 min away I found another place for $1070. Same size. So yeah, it'll be nice to save almost $400 a month. Pay off some bills, maybe leave the year with more money than when I start.

Other things that happened, include seeing a friend star in a play in Manhattan, vacations back to Florida and Indiana, my most popular costume ever (Barf at Dragoncon, thanks Soph), and finding a horror loving movie group.

So what's ahead for next year?

Well of course I'm going to throw out the usual. I'm going to get fit and get a girlfriend. Sad how those seem to go together. I'm also going to love living at the new place and working the new job. I want to do a lot of writing this year. I'm going to finish up my current script and attempt to complete 2 more within the year. 1 horror and 1 with a strong leading lady role. I'm also going to more actively pursue getting my other script read by an agent. Acting wise, I'm going to push forward with my friend Soph in trying to create some shorts. Internet videos. Help us improve our skills and perhaps make something great. I think we're going to lean towards horror and comedy since it's what we do best. I'm also going to start a weekly dancing / exercise group with some Rocky kids. It'll help me lose some fat and also get some good rehearsal time for future Rocky preshows. Not enough for you? Well, I'm also going to try and get a podcast up and running. I've had some interest from various friends in getting one started. It'll be mostly movie based and I will of course get to talk horror. Yay! But a crashed computer, divorced friend, trip to China, and Halloween have slowed it up. I'd really like to get at least one episode taped this month. Gotta see if I can heard those cats.

Well, I think that's enough for now. In short, it took a year to find my place here but I think I may finally have it. Let's hope everything turns out as good as I think it can.

And yes Mom, I will find a permanent church.

Halloween Movies!

2009-10-18T19:53:19Z

So after you get done watching the new Michael Jackson movie you'll probably want to watch some actual scary movies this Halloween. Have no fear, ZomBart is here to help you make sure you get a good one. And just to prove the point to those that say horror is dead, I'm going to mark the movies that came out straight to DVD. Unlike most genres, DVD is the BEST place to find horror now-a-days.

Onto the list!

Halloween Party Movies:

1. TRICK R TREAT - Straight to DVD anthology movie. A mix of horror and comedy, this movie takes you through some classic scenarios including the disgruntled trick-r-treater, the creepy old guy on the block, the local urban legend, and of course trying to get some at a Halloween party. Great movie, Brand new, my number one pick this year!

2. MURDER PARTY - Straight to DVD. A group of artists have gotten together to capture the ultimate life experience, the end. Hilarity ensues as a helpless nerd awaits a bloody end at the hands of his incompetent captors. Cardboard suits of armor, extreme truth or dare, and making fun of bohemians is a great way to spend a night.

3. DANCE OF THE DEAD - Straight to DVD Zombie movie. Another Zombie Comedy that absolutely belongs next to Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead on the list of Zom-Com Royalty. Zombies have taken over the prom and it's up to losers and cheerleaders to blow up the school. Zombies Making out, shooting out of their graves and hitting the ground running, and of course dancing to the sappy prom ballads. Extremely likable unknown cast and some great dialog.

4. THE MONSTER SQUAD - An 80's classic recently released on DVD. This movie is basically The Goonies of horror. A group of Universal style monsters are on the loose with Dracula in the lead. It's up to a group of young kids and a creepy old german to perform the proper ritual and send them all back to limbo. This movie has my favorite portrayal of Dracula. My apologies to Bela and Christopher, but none of them ever threw around sticks of dynamite or called a 4 year old girl a "bitch". He's nuts.

5. THE MACHINE GIRL - It wouldn't be me if I didn't put a foreign movie on this list. There isn't much you need to know about this one except that a Japanese Schoolgirl is under attack by ninjas and thugs and she has a Gatling Gun for an arm. Yeah, it's ridiculous, bloody and simply amazing.

If none of those float your boat here are some other high recommends broken up by genre.

Zombie Flicks:
CHILDREN SHOULDN'T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS - classic that has grown on me.
DEAD AND BREAKFAST - Comedy with line dancing Zombies and David Carradine
DEAD GIRL - Disturbing movie about boys molesting a zombie girl. Not for Everyone.
REC - Spanish movie that takes first person zombies movies to scary great places.
RE-ANIMATOR - Lovecraft meets Frankenstein. Classic gore film with my fave horror actor.

Ghost Flicks:
1408 - John Cusack is stuck in a haunted hotel. Some great visual gags.
THE ORPHANAGE - The last movie to really scare me before Paranormal Activity. Perfect acting and script. Intensely scary.
A TALE OF TWO SISTERS - Two girls move in with their new stepmom but they aren't alone in the house. This place is haunted by more than secrets. Terrifying.
THE EYE - Get the original! Not the American remake! A girl seeing unexpected ghosts and trying to prevent a disaster.
THE RING - Although she has been parodied a lot. Samara still scares the hell out of me.

Monster Flicks:
JACK BROOKS MONSTER SLAYER - A plumber uses his inner rage to fight goofy looking monsters in this awesome horror comedy.
THE DESCENT - A group of girls goes spelunking and finds horrible monsters lurking in the dark.
SPLINTER - Something is taking over our bodies and adding our flesh to its own. Plays out like a freaky zombie movie, just grosser.
BLACK SHEEP - Monster Were-Sheep are scaring up fun down under. As good as it sounds.
BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF - French movie with a team of badass hunters going after a local monster legend.

Vampire / Werewolf Flicks:
GINGER SNAPS - My favorite wolf movie. Highschool goth uses her werewolf skills to terrorize the school. Only her sister can stop her before she kills everyone.
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN - Slower Foreign movie that spins traditional movies. Vamp girl makes friends with a boy and they help each other deal with life's little problems.
DOG SOLDIERS - Group of soldiers find themselves surrounded by wolves in this British Comedy
FRIGHT NIGHT - Classic 80s movie about the vampire that moves in right next door.
THE LOST BOYS - I miss the 80s when Vampires really were vampires. You've seen this before, watch it again.

Serial Killers:
ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE - Above average slasher with hot teen cast
AMERICAN PSYCHO - Is both hilarious and Horrifying. Great send up of 80s culture.
INSIDE - French movie about a lady trying to cut the baby out of another woman. Gross and intense.
MAY - Awkward girl decides she prefers parts of people more than the whole thing. Funny and cool.
SEVERENCE - It's toted as THE OFFICE meets Friday the 13th and it basically is. Funny stuff.

There you go. More than enough to keep you busy over the holiday season. And if you are hitting the theaters I give both ZombieLand and Paranormal Activity 2 big thumbs up. Still waiting to see Cirque du Freak and Saw 6. You can wait on Sorority Row, Jennifer's Body, and Final Destination 4.

notes? comments?

Keep it scary!<input ... ><input ... >

My phone just died!!! I need your contact info!

2009-03-23T03:52:42Z

Hello everyone!

So my phone finally died. And I don't think I can get any of the old numbers out of it. Can you all send me your phone numbers and perhaps the numbers of any mutual friends and family we have? It would be greatly appreciated. And if you don't want to talk to me again, now is your chance to run away!

Bart

moose138 @ 2009-02-20T21:38:00

2009-02-21T02:38:15Z

25 Things

2009-02-06T23:05:37Z

1. I’m more impressed by a good piano player than any other instrument or singer. I think the people that play in piano bars and can just whip out almost any tune are some of the most talented people on Earth.

2. I don’t find accents sexy. I never did. When people swoon over a southern or French accent I don’t get it. Sure it can be cute. But it can also be annoying if the accent is thick. I’m not saying that accents are bad or a deal breaker but they aren’t something to send my heart fluttering. Ironically, Asian girls that don’t have an accent do seem to have a little extra something I can’t explain.

3. When it comes to Christmas lights, I think only cool colors should be used outside. Save all your warm reds and yellows for inside.

4. I sleep with a CPAP mask on (continuous positive air pressure) this means that I never look sexy when I’m asleep and I wake up with lines on my face. It also means I no longer snore and I’m dutch oven resistant.

5. My two favorite sounds in the world are snow compacting under a foot and when a large pile of bricks slowly shifts.

6. I get extremely nervous and guarded around religious people, especially family. I’m always scared that if I act like myself they’ll be offended. I’m not very confrontational and people don’t change so there is no point to me stirring up trouble. Path of least resistance or maybe I’m a coward.

7.MASH is one of my comedy roots. It is where I got my timing and my quick wit. I later learned that the style is based on Groucho and the Marx brothers. I’ve only seen 1 Marx brothers movie and like 5 full length 3 stooges movies.

8. I changed more in my 3 years in Florida than I did in the 10 years prior in Indiana. Some changes were painful and not for everyone but I think they all made me a better person.

9. I still pray before I go to bed each night. And also right before take off and landing. My standard prayer is a variation on the Lord’s Prayer. First I ask for protection of myself, my friends and family. Then I ask for forgiveness and forgive others as well. Then I thank for the day and request for a good day tomorrow. Then I do specific things, like praying for help, guidance, a miracle, or even a break. When I was a kid I used to sing happy Birthday to Jesus during my prayer on Christmas night.

10. My most embarrassing moment was when I couldn’t get on a rollercoaster at Six Flags because I was too big. It scarred me pretty good and I hope nobody else ever has to go through that. Huge props to Universal for installing bigger seats.

11. I talk to Nala (my dog) like she is a normal person. And sometimes when I look in her eyes I think I see intelligence. And then she does something stupid like walking into a wall. When I take her to the bathroom I call it checking her P-Mail.

12. My greatest and most overpowering fear is dying alone.

13. I want to have 2 kids of my own and then adopt a 3^rd. The 3^rd will not be white. I think I’d like either an Asian girl or a black boy. Not sure why. And all my kids will be fearless.

14. I believe that 90% of my problems are based around my terrible body image. All my failures in love and friends and entertaining go back to lack of confidence. And the number 1 reason I have a bad body image is because I’m fat. And the reason I’m fat is that I have no portion control. So the solution to my problems is to blind myself. That way I won’t know there is food left. On second thought… I did just get a blue ray player. And Warcraft is tough when you can’t see. And sunglasses make me look conceited. I’ll have to think of another solution.

15. I don’t believe in Ghosts. But I really like the idea and I’m hoping they do exist. I’m fascinated with ghost movies and TV shows about ghost hunting. But I’ve never tried a Ouija Board or done an actual ghost hunt or séance. Even the slight chance of something contacting me is terrifying. I also worry about getting a demon in ghost clothing.

16. When I sing karaoke and do it well, I get a high that is beyond anything. It’s my favorite thing to do on stage. Doing something great at Rocky is fun, but I’ve yet to get that wave of recognition like you get when you sing. I used to sing every weekend and would do everything from Rap to Country to Heavy Metal. I was good and even had fans. I have not gone much in the last few years and it really bums me out.

17. I’ve been in the following costumes: Pirate, Transylvanian, Dentist, Zombie, Shark, Jason, Alien, Cat, Vampire, Werewolf, Terrorist, Santa Claus, Preacher, Player, Rapper, Plant, Mad Scientist, Crack Whore, Serial Killer, The Brown Knight, Indiana Jones, Ghostbuster, Cop, Leper, Red neck, Blues Brother, Greaser, Clown, Demon, Evil Santa, Man in Tights, Executioner, Warden, Radio Show Host, Masochist, Bounty hunter, Ninja, Jailbird, Leatherface, Mime, Princess, General, Gorilla, Indian, Witch, Darth Vader, and bum.

18. QUEEN is the first band I fell in love with. GUNS N’ROSES was the second.

19. When I retire I’d like to sink my money into opening a specialty horror store. Selling books, movies, toys, shirts, posters, etc. It will be aimed at the horror culture with mostly non-mainstream things. It will be a place to hang out and discuss things and locate rare pieces. It will not be a place for Halloween costumes or other things you find at Spencers or Hot Topic. Although when I franchise it might put a few of those out of business. I want to have crazy theming in each section like a spooky library for the books and a dungeon for the clothing. Think Disney store style figures except evil.

20. I don’t like engineering. I’m just good at it. If I had a chance I would much rather move into a creative career. Movies, art, writing. I was just always scared to try and now I’m stuck. I’m secretly hoping that one of my scripts will earn me enough money one day that I can go into that full time.

21. I automatically love anything with Pee Wee, Ernest or Pauly Shore.

22. I’m sick of unicorns. I’ve dealt with them for far too long. I’m going to ask Darkness to take them away for good.

23. On video games I prefer to play the female characters. Now most would think that this means I want to be a girl. I think it means I’d rather stare at a girl character over a guy. And yes, that means choosing a male character makes you gay.

24. I haven’t always been into horror movies. In fact I only saw a handful before college. In college I got into movies in general and started to watch all the classics and familiarize myself with Kurosawa and Wells. I was out of college and working when I joined a horror snob group online called the Axis of Very Evil. We talked horror constantly and I rented everything I could get my hands on. This is when I was exposed to the culture and I fell in love with it. Then I started hitting conventions and things just clicked. Never looked back. But Bart in high school was basically about action and comedies so there is hope for all of you.

25. I voted for President 4 times. The first time was for Perot, the next two times were for Bush, and the last time I switched to Obama at the last second. So I’ve voted Independent once, Republican twice and Democrat once. That should be enough to outrage almost everyone I know. Of those 3, I still like Perot the best.

Some thoughts on Ofir

2008-12-26T22:48:49Z

I should never have been Ofir’s friend. He’s everything I was told was bad. He’s gay, he’s a foreigner, he’s very liberal and worst of all he’s an atheist. 14 years ago I would’ve told this guy to go pray for forgiveness because he wouldn’t get any from me. It’s amazing how much a belief can change with a little perspective. Today I’m a different person, a better person, and I owe a large part of it to this man I was supposed to hate. I can honestly say that Ofir changed my life and he’s one of my best friends. I didn’t see it coming.

When I joined the Rich Weirdoes I looked around for people I’d like to know and become friends with. A few jumped out right away, but Ofir was different. He was less a peer than an, oh dear me, an adult. It seemed that most the cast looked at him this way too. He’s a teacher, director, sometimes mother, but never an equal. Never just a friend. This bugged me and I decided that I wanted to get to know him on a different level. I started hanging out with him more and through a lot of long conversations and fun nights I started to see what only a couple have seen. Ofir is really an all around great friend. Just a bit older and with money. He’s funny, he’s clever, he comes up with interesting schemes, and I found myself wanting to hang out with him more and more. Over the next few years we did the friend thing, we went to concerts, hit the restaurants, a few comedy shows, some great walks, trips to Disney, etc. And during this time I was always impressed with what a nice guy he was.

Respect has been a problem with me lately. As I grow up and become jaded, the world has fewer and fewer people I can respect. I see so many people who just don’t care about anyone, never try to accomplish anything or who still hold ridiculous discriminatory views. So it really means something when I say Ofir has my respect. My respect and my trust. He holds people to who they are, not what they are. How else would a Christian become a close friend with all the current animosity between gays and religious groups? He’s a hard worker and so vastly underappreciated. I know playing on guilt is a game for him, but he really is. I admire Ofir for the things he has accomplished. I could never run a cast of people. I could never take in so many transients. I could never tolerate all the late nights working. And yet he does it all. He takes care of himself and all around him and he does it, mostly, with a smile. Can we stop and think about that for a second? When was the last time you helped someone with rent, or threw someone a party, or played baby/dog sitter, or performed a wedding, or financed a play, or catered an event, or organized a parade float, or ran a Rocky cast including rehearsals… how about doing all of that at once while still working a full time job with overtime! No wonder he doesn’t have time for himself. We should have an Ofir appreciation week or something where everybody does all his chores and errands for him (including paying for things). But don’t do it till I’m down there so I can help.

I hear my past self still yelling at me at times. And see those ignorant beliefs in lots of people I know still today. But he’s an atheist, he shouldn’t have any morals. And still he’s one of the most moral people I know. But he’s foreign; he just wants to milk the system. And yet he volunteers for voting and tax support. But he’s a liberal; he must be a self centered idiot. And still he can back up all his beliefs and talk intelligently about all the issues of the day. But he’s gay, what does he know of family? And yet I can say I’ve received as much support and encouragement from him as any member of my family. He’s selfless and extremely caring. Ofir was a shock to my system. A very welcome shock. I guess that even though we became friends he did become a teacher for me after all.

So I’d like to thank him. For helping me to see the world in a few more shades. And even though I don’t think I convinced him that all Christians mean well (a little help Huckabee, you are killing me) I hope I managed to enrich his life a little as well. See we aren’t all bad.

I miss you my friend. And I hope we can get together and party again soon. Until then you’ll have to settle for me giving you bad movie reviews when I call at all hours of the night. Stay the great guy you are and let me know when you finally convert to Christianity and want me to witness the baptism, after all both Jesus and I love you.

Pictures of the new Upscale Upstairs Oubliette

2008-12-25T22:17:28Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56192610@N00/sets/72157611584589265/

enjoy!

Leaving on a jet plane part 3

2008-12-02T01:21:50Z

It's all starting to come together.

I got through the first week of work. It really isn't that bad. So far I like the office and the guys I work with. I think it could be an interesting place to be. And there seems to be some pretty 'important' projects coming up.

I've started to explore the area and I'm happy with what I'm finding. Yeah it doesn't have all the water parks and glitzy lights of Orlando, but it has plenty of shopping. Now I just need to find the entertainment.

Here's the big news... I signed a lease today. I have an apartment. Its a 2 bed/ 1 bath. It's in a beautiful area and I love it... The only thing I don't like is the price. $1437 a month. yeah, you read that right. but it includes utilities. There are 45 miles of trails running nearby so Nala will love it. Here is the address... note that it's only 13 and a half hours away. wink wink.

705 Tamarack Way apt 2C, Herndon, VA 20170

Now don't send anything there yet. I don't officially take over till the 15th.

Last Saturday was one of the best days ever. Thank you everyone that went to Universal. I had a great time. And it kept going through the show that night. I'm hoping next Saturday at Disney is just as good and that I can see more people.

Here is what the schedule looks like now...

WED (3rd): Return to Orlando
THURS (4th): Godspell
FRI (5th): Goodbye Dinner at Imperial Dynasty
Horror movie night
SAT (6th): Farewell Disney trip
SUN (7th): Return to Virginia

WED (10th): Return to Orlando
THURS (11th): Packing
FRI (12th): Final Rocky performance
SAT (13th): Move prep
SUN (14th): Drive to Virginia
MON (15th): Unpack in new home

So there it is. Only 2 weeks left. So I need EVERYONE THAT BORROWED SOMETHING FROM ME (dvds, clothes, masks, etc) GIVE IT BACK IMMEDIATELY! I need things or I'll lose them. If I have something of yours please remind me and I'll make sure you get it.

One last thing, time is running short so if you want to say something to me, do something with me, tell me how much you hate me, tell me how much you love me, get a picture with me, or even spend a night of passion (yeah, I don't want to take everything to Virginia) now is the time. No day but today.

Love you guys, see you in a few days.

Leaving on a Jet Plane Pt 2

2008-11-21T18:23:30Z

Here is my schedule:

FRI: Nov 21 - Tri County Comic Con Rocky Show
SUN: Nov 23 - Leave for Virginia

WED: Nov 26 - Return to Orlando
THU: Nov 27 - Orphan Thanksgiving at Ofir's
FRI: Nov 28 - Rocky horror
SAT: Nov 29 - Last trip to Disney
SUN: Nov 30 - Leave for Virginia

WED: Dec 3 - Return to Orlando
FRI: Dec 5 - Goodbye Dinner
SAT: Dec 6 - Last trip to Universal
SUN: Dec 7 - Leave to Virginia

WED: Dec 10 - Return to Orlando
FRI: Dec 12 - Final Rich Weirdo Show
SUN: Dec 14 - Leave to Virginia

I'll return at some point after I have an apartment to get my car and dog.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2008-11-20T23:00:11Z

Well, it finally happened. The moment I've dreaded and anticipated for the last 3 months. I'm leaving Orlando. I was offered a job in Dulles. Virginia and I'm going to take it.

I want to say goodbye to everyone but I'm afraid that there isn't enough time. I start work on Monday. They want me to fly out and work 3 days a week till mid December. If you want to spend some time with me, we'll have to arrange something. I do want to have another Disney and Universal day.

The area I'm living in is supposed to be really nice, with lots of theaters, theme parks, and places like Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York within 4 hours drive. So there is no reason for you not to visit me. And I'm going to look into joining the Rocky Cast, Transylvanian Concubines, and enter shows into the Metro Fringe fest.

Despite the area being great, and the job presenting amazing opportunities (they did work on the Pentagon and the Smithsonian) I'm extremely sad right now. And frankly it's all your fault. The people that I've met in the last 3 years have been some of the best ever. I can't believe how much you've helped me grow and how much you all mean to me. This move will be harder than when I left home. I'm just so close to everyone.

I think one of the things that hurts most is that I don't feel my work here is done. I just started on my career in writing, I just did my first MC. I still have 47 years more work at Disney i had planned on. And now, I'm starting over. Ugh. It's hard to start again when you are over 30. Friends will be a challenge. Particularly after the bar being set so high.

So yeah, that's it. Life is moving on and I have to follow.

I love you all and wish you all success. There's so much I want to say, but I can't put it in words. Just know that I'm taking you with me in spirit.

I wonder how Virginia feels about Zombie Marches.

REPO - The Genetic Opera review

2008-11-20T01:15:44Z

Take one great idea. Add in great songs and some great actors and what do you get? Well not a great movie, but certainly a really good one.

    I got the chance to see REPO during the road tours stop through Orlando. I've been looking forward to the film for months and I have to say I wasn't disappointed.

    For those unfamiliar, REPO is a rock opera set in the near future. Society is dying and diseased but managing to survive through a new wave of easy and cheap body part replacements. The company GENECO makes this possible, but being the heartless stock driven machine most companies are, there is a stiff penalty for not paying your bills. The company sends repo men out to collect their stolen property, even at the cost of the recipients life.
    There are two main plots at work in this particular story. The first involves the founder of GENECO and his plan to find a suitable heir. The second involves a father trying to protect his daughter from the world, while hiding his identity as a repo man.

    This film is a marvel for the ears, well if you like gothic industrial showtunes. The songs are all great and unravel the plot in clever ways. Some of the imagery is utterly beautiful, especially scenes involving the mesmerizing Sarah Brightman. She steals every scene shes in. The acting and vulnerability of the lead female, Alexa Vega as Shilo Wallace, is also portrayed well. Sadly, Anthony Head and Paul Sorvino seem wasted here. Their characters of Nathan Wallace and Rotti Largo seem much to one dimensional. But I'll get to that later. Other characters, while brilliantly cast, are nothing more than cameos here. One character that seemed to have much more screentime than needed would be the Graverobber character, I can't say this is shocking since the character is portrayed by one of the playwrights, the amazingly talented Terrance Zdunich. I only wish his part was more involved than the occasional scene narrator.

    Now a few of the flaws: there are two major things that are going to keep REPO from being the new signature movie for the goth underground. First, editing is a real problem here. During the Q&A director Darren Bousman stated that the original length of the film was around 150 minutes, meaning a TON was cut. Sadly, you can feel the cuts and they did in fact hurt the film. Some scenes are cut awkwardly and suddenly, some scenes are thrown in that don't advance the plot or even make sense, and some (most) characters are not given time to develop. This is nowhere more apparent than with the character of Nathan Wallace. Nathan is supposed to be caught between being a father and being a repo, but we almost never see the father side. Nathan is portrayed as being mean spirited through out the entire film, so by the time we get to a tearful finale I left wondering why anybody cares about anyone. I have to wonder why all the gentle caring father footage was cut... to make room for more gore shots? Now don't get me wrong, I love gore and have no aversion to it being in the film but it seemed that too often the camera slipped off the action and story to get a pointless gory closeup. Yes, we get that your makeup people are really talented, no need to overdue it.
    The second major flaw with the film lies in the marriage of visual and audio. The songs for this movie are extremely powerful and beautiful in their own right, and in more than a few cases the visuals couldn't keep up. Some songs like '17' and 'Night Surgeon' were pulled off beautifully, but others like 'Infected' and 'Legal Assassin' just fell short. 'Legal Assassin' is suppposed to be the big Jeckyll/Hyde moment and the whole thing takes place in a hallway. This is the chance to put in the backstory, this is the chance to show his true heart. Instead it came off as the film equivalent of a man singing on an empty stage. Beautiful song, but boredom for the eyes.

    Now, don't think that I didn't like the film because I really did. It had moments that I really loved and most importantly, I wanted to watch it again right after viewing. The final scene during the Opera had me on the edge of my seat. The graverobbing was both disgusting and beautiful. The Largo children were all extremely watchable and hilarious. And Sarah Brightman has invented a new character for goth costume fans everywhere to emulate. And why doesn't Anthony Head make more musicals? He's great at it.
    The big question? Will it be the next Rocky Horror? Not likely, It only hits a segment of the Rocky crowd (similar to Hedwig and the Angry Inch) instead of the whole thing. It's all goth no glam. But it is still really good and there certainly is an audience for it.   My only hope is that after this movie catches on (after it's DVD release) that there is enough interest to justify a director's cut and fix some of the editing problems that plagued the theatrical release.

I voted....

2008-11-05T06:25:36Z

for a democrat for the first time. I voted for Obama.

I wasn't going to at first. I went in thinking Bob Barr. But the more I thought about it the more I realized that the Libertarians will have to build the party up with smaller offices before tackling the big one. We need to focus on senate seats and governers first.

So then I looked back at McCain. ...and I just couldn't do it. He ran a terrible campaign, he acted like a dick and he flip flopped on most things he stood for 6 years ago. I just couldn't. If I voted McCain I would simply be a party voter and the Republicans are no longer my party.

So there it is. If anything it'll kill some of those rumors that I'm far right on cast.

Go-Bama... and please do what you promised.

Kevin, Logan and Ofir have some 'splainin to do

2008-10-09T23:31:25Z

My LiveJournal Trick-or-Treat Haul
moose138 goes trick-or-treating, dressed up as Haeth Ledger's bloated rotting corpse.
100timesgoodbye gives you 16 purple lemon-flavoured gummy worms.
a_p_dropout gives you 13 dark green coffee-flavoured nuggets.
eddiesteddy86 gives you 11 light orange banana-flavoured nuggets.
humanrabbit gives you 7 mottled green lime-flavoured nuggets.
itarecormon tricks you! You get a rock.
lornacd gives you 12 dark blue licorice-flavoured pieces of bubblegum.
oeyal tricks you! You lose 33 pieces of candy!
psychicbooty tricks you! You lose 20 pieces of candy!
randomdropsy gives you 11 light orange watermelon-flavoured wafers.
requiemkept gives you 11 pink coconut-flavoured gummy worms.
moose138 ends up with 28 pieces of candy, and a rock.
Go trick-or-treating! Username:
Another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern.

meh

2008-09-15T07:28:06Z

I sure wish she felt the same way about me as I do about her.

This years Halloween List (WARNING: Emo inside)

2008-09-08T18:54:19Z

As everyone knows, Halloween is my Christmas so in that spirit I'm making a list.

This Halloween I would like:

1. A job
2. A good paying job that I like going to
3. A job that doesn't bore me
4. A job that makes me feel like I'm actually worth something
5. A place to live
6. A house with 3 bedrooms so I have space for my stuff
7. A backyard for Nala to run around in
8. A healthy body
9. A body that can handle food that tastes good.
10. A body that I can be proud of
11. A body that I can be comfortable in
12. A body that will draw girls instead of disgust them
13. A girlfriend
14. A girl to spend time with and confide in
15. A girl to plot and plan with
16. A girl to make love to, and fuck and cuddle in the morning
17. A girl to cry with during sappy movies
18. A stable family
19. A family that doesn't scare me
20. A mother who accepts people for who they are
21. A grandmother who isn't committed
22. A grandmother who remembers who I am
23. Friends that won't leave me
24. Friends that aren't just cockteases
25. Friends that will come back and visit when they can
26. A new play to delight the crowd
27. A new act to improve my skills
28. A movie script that will sell
29. A goal I can strive for
30. A perfect day

So you can probably guess things are still rough. This summer I've had a lot of hits. To my life, to my self esteem, to my family. I think I can say with confidence that the summer of 08 has been the worst 3 months I can remember. But I'm still hopeful. By the time Halloween hits It's possible for me to get a job, lose some weight, see Grandma recover, finish a play, and maybe even find a special someone. It's possible. And I'm going to give it a try. If it doesn't work out, I 'm going to have to look at moving out of the area. I have to go where the jobs are. Maybe I'll look around the New York area too. At least I'll have some friends around. But I hate cities, so I hope it doesn't come to that.

cross your fingers that my next post is actually a good one.

7 days later...

2008-08-10T05:13:21Z

It's been a week since the end of my life, here's an update.

After the initial screams, the pain has developed into a general resentment of almost anything related to my old life. I look around my apartment annoyed by my once cherished items, my collectibles which were once objects of pride now mock me. All the letters from family saying how proud they were are now fuel for my present uselessness. I have to hate Disney. At least for awhile.

Not that it has been all bad. Once I stop looking at myself I begin to see some interesting things. One being how great some of my friends are. You see, I've never been a beauty. But I had worked hard. Part of me forgives my singleness because I had taken a career route. And everytime I'd see a girl, I'd tell myself I was a catch because I at least have a job. Now, I have neither. What good is a fat failure? But my friends haven't let me sink into the abyss of self loathing. They came out with a force to help me. And that made me feel good. Being stripped down to nothing allows you to see who your friends are without anything to warp the vision. They really like me for me, not for rides or Disney passes, but for me. And while I never suspected otherwise, I'm drawing a lot of comfort from it now. A special thanks to Ofir for keeping me safe and to Dalles for keeping me sane. Your support has meant so much.
Another side effect has been an amazing sense of freedom. And you're like "duh". But no really, I had so much stress from work in my head that it feels really strange to think I don't have to do anything for them now. Life suddenly became simple and focused. You have to understand, that I only had 2 weeks from finishing school to starting work. I've never not been busy... almost ever. I had summer classes all through college and high school. I've always been doing something. Now I'm doing nothing. Just waiting for the jobs to contact me. I can almost sleep now.

I suppose I should mention the job hunt. It's going. Slow, but going. Monday I claim my first days on unemployment. It looks like I'll be getting a quarter of my old pay. Almost enough to pay rent. I have 3 head hunters (like job realtors) looking for me. They all say I'm a great candidate but so far they've all given me nada. I've been applying to lots of jobs online but nothing in Orlando has responded. Oddly, I am getting calls from South Carolina and Virginia. I'd really hate to leave Orlando though. I think I may take a non-engineering job until something opens down here if I have to. Maybe something in management. I've directed, that should count as experience.

On the lighter side, I had some good news concerning my writing stuff. My new play was received warmly by the PRT. I think I want to enter it in Fringe. Now I just need a producer, director, 7 actors and 3 techs. No prob right? I'm also wondering about the Halloween Rocky show. I'd like to do a number from DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES. And I should be able to devote some real time to it since I don't think I'm having a Halloween party this year. There just isn't a day in October to do it. I guess it will matter on if there is a show nov. 1st

Let's see what else. Oh yeah, My mom and gramma are visiting. They bring with them a mix of help and hurt. Sure I love their support, but it seems things always come with conditions. Yeah, I have gay friends and date black girls. I think it's time to deal. You put me in so many uncomfortable situations. I think you should stop trying to mold me into something I'm not. If it's such a big deal then you should realize what you are going to lose. I won't change my beliefs and we're going to end up with a relationship based on lip service. I don't want that, and I wish you understood how much pain it causes. For instance, forcing me to refuse a gay roommate resulted in him turning down a new job and being pissed at me. So what are my choices there: embarrassing family for not upholding their bigotry or letting down my friends for not upholding my integrity. People shouldn't have to deal with this bullshit when they are worried about being evicted. Shame on all of you.

So that's about it. I'm both relieved and terrified, I'm both loved and hated, I'm both poor and rich. This will be an interesting chapter in the best selling book that will be my life.

How Bart ruined his life.

2008-07-31T15:39:57Z

I'm letting you all know so as to stop any rumors before they start.

I was fired this morning.

Disney caught me looking at the Rottentomatoes movie forum on a work computer and said I was in violation of their usage policy. No warning. Just gone. My benefits end at midnight. And I have no hire status for at least a year.

I should be okay as I have some savings and Ofir offered to help out if I lose my apartment. But other than that I'm crushed. The whole reason I came to Florida and even got into Engineering was to work for Disney. Now it's gone and I'm an idiot.

I do not plan on spending any extra money on going out or giving rides right now. So if you don't see me very often, that is why.

I'm looking for a temporary roommate to rent my second room. Someone to split the rent and utilities with. My lease expires Jan 03, so I know I have a place for that long.

I hope you all understand.

Dragoncon Hooo!

2008-07-24T14:23:59Z

So I think I'm going. Does anybody want to drive up with me? I'm driving up Friday night and coming back monday night. I'm getting a hotel room somewhere with family so you'd have to have another place to stay. I just really don't want to drive alone. I need company. Preferably a girl so we can sing.

DARK KNIGHT: Political undertones (spoilers)

2008-07-22T05:22:36Z

So I just saw Dark Knight again and this time I went in with my magnifying glass.

The way I see it, Nolan has conciously (or sub conciously) put his politics into the movie. Lets have a look.

Batman = Idealized America
Joker = Terrorism
Dent = Iraq

In the end Nolan is saying that although America is trying it can't defeat Terrorism without destroying Iraq. And when it does it will have to accept the cost. A world that hates it and has to chase it. In spite of it's good intentions.

Now let's look at some thing to support that theory.

Batman = Idealized America proof:
1. Batman has to do what is right, not what's popular.
2. The citizens turn on Batman when too many of them are killed.
3. Batman poses over a falling building like 9/11.
4. Batman carries out operations overseas without going through channels.
5. Batman violates privacy for security with the sonar (patriot act)
6. People copy Batman but don't respect him.

Joker proof:
1. He's called a terrorist.
2. He uses suicide bombers
3. He talks about killing those with a plan (those in charge)
4. He uses and burns oil
5. "look what I did with a few guns and some gasoline."
6. He makes videos.
7. He tries to recuit people to his cause.

Dent proof:
1. He's fought over by Batman and Joker
2. He is hurt because of oil
3. He loses an innocent life (Iraqi civillian)
4. His way of thinking is overthrown with another.
5. He doesn't trust Gordon but works with him. (I'm working on the Gordon = Military theory)
6. The longer the fight the more unstable he gets.

Now. Look at some of the situations.
Joker and Batman are compared constantly. Not just said out loud by Joker but they have similar actions (Asking about Dent, not drinking their drinks, immovable objects). And the Joker gives the dark prediction that the war won't end "We should do this forever".

There is a moral experiment at the end. The americans on one boat and Dent's guys (Iraqi civillians) on the other. They are both shown to be equal in respecting life. Being Iraqi doesn't mean you are a terrorist.

Gordon holds everyone in his holding area instead of putting them in county lock up. Could this be the military taking people to Guantanamo? Dent was against it.

Gordon says he saved Batman, just like the Military has been protecting America.

...so what are your thoughts?

Come see my first produced play!

2008-07-19T03:35:39Z

Come see RED VS. BLUE!

A night of political satire guaranteed to both delite and offend.

As part of the Playwriter's Roundtable summer session, this is also my first produced original play! I wrote the first of seven short skits. It's called BEHIND THE CURTAIN and shows what can happen when nerds with political dreams get bored.

Then after my show, stick around to see the fabulous Jenna in the drama WAVING FLAGS, the always engaging Dalles in the thinker NORMAL IS A COUNTRY, and then a Poppy directed comedy, POLITICALLY INCORRECT DATING.

Are you excited yet!?!

But wait there's more. There are 3 more political skits with more Bush bashing than Cheney can shake a shotgun at. So gather all your friends and come on down for a night that will, if nothing else, make you hate politics even more!

4 WEIRDOES!
7 SHORT PLAYS!
6 NIGHTS!
ONLY $15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The first show is on THURS the 24th. With more shows on the 25th, 26th, 31st, 1st and 2nd.

Each show starts at 8pm and is cash only.

At the East Valencia Community College Theatre
701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando

Ask not what your Weirdoes can do for you but what you can do for your Weirdoes!
See you at the show!

DAMN

2008-06-24T03:28:15Z

So Disney finally blocked Live Journal. Guess I wont, be on here as much. :(

Usagi takes off her shoes and tracks her stinky feet through Bart's brain.

2008-06-13T19:52:42Z

1. the world is ending, someone let out a stupid virus in the U.S. slowly turning the populace into weird zombie like creatures. What would you do if you were infected and why?

If I was turning into a zombie. Well, I guess I would treat it like my last day alive. Say goodbye to my loved ones, give my stuff away, get in some good sex. And then I would find a barn. Fill it with smart but weak children. And then wait until their brains smelled good.

2. you have the opportunity to go on an all expenses paid trip to mars... for 6 months. What would you bring and why?

Well considering that Mars would take years to get to and that I would never have enough supplies to get there and back... I would have to bring everything. My wife, my dog, my movies, my bed, my toothbrush, my Halloween decorations, my Disney paintings, a few boxes of Lean pockets, a lake of Diet Pepsi, deoderant, Rock Band, the Best of Meatloaf CD, a fan, some clown paint, a spoon, clothes, car, condoms and lube, more lube, a blanket, my shower cleaner, the paddle ball game, a remote control, more lube, my signed copy of Evil Dead, my unsigned copy of Pee Wee's Big Adventure, a camera, my Rich Weirdoes shirt, the National Electrical Code, a pillow, socks, and the complete works of Calvin and Hobbes.

3. what are your 3 favorite memories?

1. Listening to my Grandpa tell a story about a Bear. (in bed at his farm house)
2. My first kiss. (on the couch in my old basement)
3. The day Disney hired me. (while at a mexican restaurant)

4. I know that you love disney, but what was your second choice for a career?

My second choice would be doing movie stuff. Mostly special effects work. I would've gone into make up classes, puppetry, acting, mechanical engineering. Anything dealing with movies and monsters. I think I would've been awesome at it.

5. something is being said about your friend, and they are not very nice things, but you know they are only half true. What do you do? Would you defend your friend? and Why?

This sounds like every time I defend Dalles. I believe that everyone ribs everyone and that it's not really a bad thing. When the joking is done in good humor. But If I knew lies were being spread then I would definitely try to end them. Life is too weird already to have to make shit up.

Katie wants the truth. Does Bart take the dare?

2008-06-13T18:41:23Z

1. Would you make a fool out of yourself in public if it meant you were making your partner laugh?

Absolutely. So long as it was me choosing to be the fool and not her demanding it.

2. Did America really put a man on the moon? If not, how did they pull it off?

Yeah, I suppose they did. I've seen pictures and things. The real question is why we haven't done it in so long? You probably shouldn't get me started on NASA because I believe its one of the biggest wastes of money there is.

3. Would you have a ‘Happy Button’ installed on your body, connected to your brain, which would instantly make you very happy whenever you pressed it?

Isn't that a penis? If you mean it in a non-dirty way then... no. I need my rage and my pain. It helps me create more interesting things. And happiness isn't real if it's manufactured. If I wanted an easy high I'd just do drugs.

4. Imagine you're on the way to the electric chair. What would your last meal be?

I like what Homer said. I'm going to eat tons and tons of spicy chili. That way when I go off... I really go off!

5. What would you say to Jesus if you ever got to meet him face to face? Explain your choice in detail.

Well, just seeing him face to face would answer plenty of questions. I think I'd probably ask if he spoke English first. If so then I'd ask him if he knew about me. And then I'd ask how I'm doing so far. And then probably see if he wanted to get some Chinese food. My treat. I'd ask him how he is doing and if there was anything big going down that I should get ready for. And then depending on how much time we had I'd take him to Epcot to wander around and discuss religion. We'd have to start with a shot of Beverly though. I wonder if he'd like it.

Kevie attempts to unwrap the riddle that is Bart

2008-06-13T15:44:17Z

1. If you could re-make just one horror movie out there (just one, mind you!), what would you choose, why would you choose it, and what would you do differently?

That's tough. But it would have to be.... THE MONSTER SQUAD. Now I love the original, but I bet my spin on GOONIES Vs. UNIVERSAL would be a little different. I would definitely keep the monsters fierce and the kids cursing and mean, but I think I would fix up the plot. Too many plotholes. I would take out some of the cheesy dialog that doesn't work. And I would remove the bad 80s rap. It would be boss.

2. If the Judeo-Christian religions did not exist, what religion would you choose to be a part of, if any, and why? (I suppose this is an unfair question to you, but I'm asking it anyway...)

If Christianity didn't exist, I'm not sure I would be religious. I'm only Christian now because of personal experiences and things I've seen it do. No other religion has spoken to me. If they did I would probably be following them now. I know that most on cast think I'm Christian because my family is, but it's not true. I paid a lot of lip service in high school and was religion free for a time in college. Christ kinda pulled me back in. And in a different way then how I was brought up. I own it now, it doesn't own me. And for those wondering why I didn't get laid during my non-religious phase... I was a fat geek playing Nintendo 20 hours a day. Yeah, back when it wasn't cool. Holla back!

3. If you had to assemble a new horror/slasher icon using the modus operandi/powers/iconic traits of any pre-existing horror/slasher icons, what m.o./powers/traits would you pick to create this Franken-icon and why?

Hmm... Well lets see. You have to take the creepiness of Samera in the Ring. Then add the power to control dreams like Freddy. I think we need to add the viciousness of the zombies in [REC]. Add the strength of Jason and the sex appeal of Marie in Innocent Blood. The sense of humor of Chucky and finally the heartless evil of Joan Crawford.

4. What horror movie do you think is just begging to be made into a musical?

Hmmm... I would love to try and do The Exorcist. It would have to be done as serious as possible though. Not campy. Serious creepy choir like songs and lyrics about the fall of God. Songs: What we don't say in Church, Capt. Howdy, Mother Karras, So many tests, End of my wits, The sow is mine, Do you know what she did?, The Exorcism, the power of Christ, Requiem for Father Merrin.

5. Best horror movie death of all time?

I will go camp on this one. It would be from Fulci's The Beyond or (7 Doors of Death) This dude is putting books away on a ladder in the library, he falls and paralyzes himself. Incredibly slowly a hundred Tarantulas appear out of nowhere and devour his face. Then they leave. It's the best because it's really random, Spiders aren't acting like spiders, its gory and its so painfully slow. The worst way to go for those that hate spiders.

Michael sits down for a fireside chat with Bart

2008-06-13T14:57:56Z

1. What's your favorite non-horror movie?

I don't understand the question...

Wait, yeah I do. I sometimes forget those exist. Well, I think I'm going to have to list a few of the usual suspects: Amadeus, Almost Famous, Beauty and the Beast and just for fun... Shogun. The 10 hour long mini-series. I love it SO much! It Flames... Flaming... Flames... On the side of my face... Great Heaving... Breathless... Heaving breaths...

2. What's one non-physical thing you would change about yourself and why?

But I have so many physical things I want to change... grrr.... I guess it would be my single status. I know people keep saying that you shouldn't need someone else to live a happy life, and I generally don't. But I've gone without that closeness for a long time. Sometimes you just want to kiss or be held. Sometimes you just want to talk at night in bed and have someone respond. I want someone I can be vulnerable with. Someone that doesn't see me at my best all the time. Someone that I can try to impress and work to win over each day. I need that outlet. Sometimes I feel like I'm performing for an empty room.

Yeah, it's a cheap answer to the question, but I have a decent opinion of myself in most of the other catagories. I like my job, I like my personality, I like my friends, I'm respectively intelligent (unless I spelled that wrong) and right about now I should stop before I get listed amongst the other pompous things said online. You know the ones I'm talking about.

3. BAM! You're gay. What's the first thing you'd do?

Watch Kathy Griffen and see if she magically became funny. Then I would go see what all this P-House stuff is about. Hmmm... Do I start hitting on cast members right away? Maybe. I would probably still like the smaller people. Sorry Logan. Oh I forgot the fun part. I'd have to call my mother. That would be interesting.

4. What's one non-musical movie you'd turn into a musical? Who would the star and how would you change it to fit the stage?

Hmmm... Now bare with me. I think I'd like to see The Karate Kid done as a musical. It has a hero, a villian, a wise teacher, and plenty of room for choreography. The plot line would have to be expanded a bit but I think it could be really cool. I'm not sure who would be the star because he would have to be young and flexible. I guess I'll say James Marsden so that my friends will at least want to see it. It would start out as a love story with Daniel falling for the pretty girl in school, but then he gets bullied around. His Mom wants him to find his place because she can't afford what he needs. Then he decides to fight back and learn karate. Miagi puts him to work training and it all ends in the big tournament with Daniel winning the day and the girl. Yay! Songs: Arriving in California, Prettiest girl on the field, Kobra Kaa Stomp, Miagi Style, Bon-zai!, A night at the fair, Yeah Johnny (sweep the leg), The best around.

5. What's one movie you think the Rich Weirdoes should shadowcast. Why and who would cast as what roles?

Well everyone knows I want to do Hedwig, but if I really had my druthers... WILLIE WONKA IN THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. The original. All the Transies will be Oompa Loompas.
Wonka - Myself (don't make me cut you)
Slugworth - Bunny
Grampa - Bripie
Charlie - Shang
Veruca salt - Zoe
Henry salt - Craig
Violet Beuregarde - Blondie
Sam Beauregarde - Dalles
Mike Teevee - Nick
Mrs. Teevee - Michael
Augustus Gloop - Kourtney
Mrs. Gloop - Kevie