Tagged: opinion

SaturdayDreaming – Life’s Calling.
We often hear people refer to their calling in life. We hear it all the time. But it makes you wonder; do most people answer their life’s call? That’s a very good question. What is a calling, anyway? Is it the universe speaking to us, urging us to manifest some sort of predetermined destiny that’s been implanted in us since birth? Is it a role or function or purpose that we were meant to play based on economic or social circumstances? Or is it just something that we’ve always wanted to be, a profession or purpose that we’ve always admired or yearned to achieve or accomplish? Is it developed, learned, or are we just born with it? I like to think that it’s a fair combination of all of the above. I like to think we’re all gifted a purpose in life; that certain elements of our lives are somewhat predetermined, that certain aspects are supposed to be fulfilled. They’re meant to be accomplished.
I enjoy hearing people discuss their life’s calling, because they vary so much, and it’s a pleasure to hear people relate their life’s joys. It’s fun to banter about life’s differing purposes. It’s fun to chat about our own little personal meanings within the whole sphere, and to see someone’s face light up when they discover their own life’s purpose.
We hear it all the time, people discussing their various callings, and it’s something to take notice about. We all have something within us; a skill, a passion, a drive, a function that far outweighs the others. Maybe you’ve always loved music, or painting, or acting, for example. The pursuit of any one of them is your calling. But the question still begs, how many of us heed that call?
It’s easy to rot away in a cubicle or warehouse. It’s easy to bury your calling under phone calls and meetings and reports and all of the other numerous responsibilities that life provides. But it is also a responsibility to not only discover, but to cultivate whatever it is you feel that you were ‘born’ to do. No matter what it is. We all have gifts and talents and passions just waiting to be discovered, if they haven’t been uncovered already. Whatever those motivations may be, we need to discover them. Take a class. Network. Do whatever it is that you need to do. We all have a purpose, a reason…a calling. We owe it to ourselves to fulfill it, no matter the cost. The question is, will we choose to answer it?

Theatrical Thursday – ‘The Quest for the Mighty Sword’ (1990).
Ten bucks certainly can’t buy much these days; a measly movie ticket, maybe a six pack, a mess of cheap tacos, or a beer at a ball game. Oddly enough, ten dollars can sometimes finance your movie. Ok, maybe this film cost twelve bucks to make. Want to be a filmmaker? Grab your beefiest best friend, a ratty blonde weave, some fur covered fruit of the looms, a few dwarves for a little “Lord of the Rings” flavor, and get to filming. That’s exactly what the makers of The Quest for the Mighty Sword did. Vomit inducing dialog? Check. Cookie cutter, fifth grade school play quality, 80’s porn-esque backdrops? Check. Absolutely, incredibly, mindbendingly ridiculous storyline? You know it. A dude with a sword that fights robots? All i can say is wow. I truly don’t think anyone ever successfully pulled off a Conan meets Battlestar Galactica mix. This flick takes you down a dark alley that you’d normally avoid at all costs, lest you get stabbed unmercifully. The film follows a guy named Ator on his journey to free his people from a magically evil dwarf troll (like you really care what this movie is about), while battling mythical creatures along the way. That pretty much sums it up; the key to watching a flick like this is keeping an open mind, and trying really hard not to take it seriously. Surprisingly, director Joe d’Amato did. All jokes aside, it’s a hilariously fun ride, and props to d’Amato for crafting a truly memorable piece of work. Also, much respect to Eric Allan Kramer, who is one hell of a talented actor, and was just the man to connect the dots and hold this thing together. Needless to say, as a true film fan, this flick is a must watch purely for the sake of an hour and a half of utter fun and a good deal of belly laughs.
Check it out!
Note – this movie scored a whopping 2/10 rating on IMDB.com.

Media Rewind Podcast – Denzel Washington.
Shooting the shit on this episode with Dustin and Jenius as we discuss some of the darker roles (and everything in between) of the great Denzel Washington’s legendary career. Thanks for taking the time to check it out; give it a listen, and enjoy!

Theatrical Thursday – Paths of Glory (1957).
Stanley Kubrick, a legendary filmmaker of great renown, has been at the helm of some of cinema’s most well-known and iconic pictures; who can forget Lolita (1962), Spartacus (1960), Dr. Strangelove (1964), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), A Clockwork Orange (1971), The Shining (1980), and Full Metal Jacket (1987)? His resume reads like a greatest hits list, the multitude of his work being critically acclaimed and pioneering in their own right. Quite possibly my all-time favorite Kubrick flick, though, is the utter masterwork that is Paths of Glory. Set in WWI, the film’s focus involves the trial of three men accused of cowardice in the face of the enemy after a failed assault on the enemy German positions. Kirk Douglas, a personal favorite, plays the role of French Colonel Dax, a visceral portrayal of a man tasked with defending the accused soldiers, who all face death by firing squad. His character faces the daunting task of proving the unwavering character of his men, while facing the impossible brutality that was WWI.
The film itself is wrought with a tension befitting the backdrop of one of the world’s most brutal conflicts, with themes of honor, duty, nationalistic pride, greed, betrayal, family, and idealism laced tightly within. The stark realism on display in the raw and gritty set pieces and the intricately placed details add to the brilliant performances of the actors. The grand scale of the set captured the sheer scope and intensity of the conflict, and the dramatic, solemn tension vividly captured the perilous plight of the condemned men. An outstanding achievement in film from a director and cast known for their remarkable performances.
Check it out!

Media Rewind Podcast – Alien film Franchise Review.
Alien anthology
Had a blast sitting in with my buddy Dustin on his awesome Media Rewind podcast, dishing out our shiny two cents on the legendary Alien film franchise. Give it a listen when you get a chance!