A Public Service Announcement....

This halloween, be kind to your neighborhood Nosferatu.....

Santa Barbara Sketches

I made my first trip to the seaside city of Santa Barbara, California in 1994 and that visit made quite an impression on me. The inherent beauty of it's location and it's predominantly spanish-european architecture was impressive.

Julie and I dreamt of getting married there and indeed we did in 1996. We also talked about living there someday... that one will have to wait for a while but in the meantime, little vacations there will suffice.

Of course, it is a fantastic place to sketch and here are some samples from this past weekend.

Pencil on Handbook Journal mini-sketchbook from a rooftop vantage point.

Same sketch as above, with a a little Adobe Photoshop CS3 color

The view from our hotel room. Pencil and Windsor Newton Cotman pan Watercolors

on Moleskine Watercolor Pad

State Street views. Pencil and Watercolor on Mini Sketchbook

Another State street view. Pencil and Watercolor on Moleskine

watercolor pad.

Bite Sized Reviews 2

Here comes another installment of mini-reviews...... Again, this is all personal opinion. I could be wrong....

TIMECRIMES (Los Cronos Crimenes) (2007) Spain - 92 minutes - writer/director: Nacho Vigalondo

Part of a six movie ensemble called the Six Shooter Film Series from Magnet Studios, Timecrimes is an intelligently devised thriller about a man who accidentally travels one hour back in time and becomes an unwitting participant in a series of peculiar events.

Using time paradox as a convention is risky for both the writer and the story because time travel stories are double edged: use too little and risk incredulity. Use too much and the audience tunes out. Timecrimes effectively uses time paradox and works within it’s fringes without imploding in it’s own weight. This is meticulous crafting at it’s best.

A lot may say there are way too many plot holes here but that is the inherent side-effect of working in the time travel genre. By the time you finish watching this indie-flick, you'll indeed be asking "chicken or egg?"

PRIMER (2005) 77 minutes - writer/director: Shane Carruth

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, Primer is another independently made, time travel film that takes a well-worn genre and gives it a well-deserved starch and ironing.

A group of young upstarts working for an engineering firm are devoting their extra time tinkering on a promising device which they hope would be their ticket to riches. Their perseverance is rewarded but in a rather unexpected way and soon they have to cope with the many consequences of their actions.

This movie sort of reminds me of a David Mamet screenplay. The characters speak in parallel of the audience but not so much that it becomes a self-serving novelty. It's like eavesdropping on a group of people you don't have any association with. Their jargon and terminology will be intrinsic within their network but their actions and intentions are clear. Where often films are over explained, Primer keeps you conveniently a few steps behind. But in a good way.

THE HURT LOCKER (2009) 131 minutes - writer: Mark Boal / director: Kathryn Bigelow

To say that that this movie is "intense" is one of the biggest understatements in recent history. I often talk about simplicity versus complexity when it comes to character and setting. This is another fantastic example.

Hurt Locker is a movie about war but more so, it's warriors. Thankfully it is bereft of any political agenda that tends to cloud some films in this genre. War is merely a setting here except, we are probably a bit more informed since it is contemporary of the current world. Staff Sargeant Will James is a man seemingly living on the edge. You may or may not agree with his style but one thing is undeniable: He is good at his job. Too good in fact. But he's no show-off or thrill seeker. This is how he ticks and the men in his new unit are left to wonder which is more dangerous: The IED's (Improvised Explosive Device) or the man trying to defuse them.

This is a well researched, superbly designed and impeccably staged film that will have you gripping from start to finish. I know that sounds like one of those hammy movie poster captions but in this case, it's right on the money.

DISTRICT 9 (2009) 112 minutes - writers: Terri Tatchell and Neil Blomkamp / director: Neil Blomkamp

Limitations can be a powerful ally. It forces the artist to focus and become economical and judicious. This is what made District 9 a runaway success. Along with the vision of director Neil Blomkamp.

What started out as a short film called Alive in Joburg became one of the big hits of the summer. By now most of you already know who Wykus Van de Merwe is and what happens to him. It is irony with the capital I served with humble pie. All wrapped around the sobering reality that human beings are always afraid of what they don't understand and will justify their actions in the name of righteousness.

As far as Blomkamp is concerned, I have a feeling he is Hollywood's new flavor of the month. I just wish he would inherit the Transformers franchise. It's not going to happen but I can dream....

WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY (2007) 96 minutes - writer: Judd Apatow / director: Jake Kasdan

After seeing this one I was left with only one question: Why on Earth was this movie made? I'm not quite sure what Judd Apatow was going for in this painfully awkward parody of the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line but it certainly left a really bad impression.

Seeing John C. Reilly over sell the campyness of his Dewey Cox character is utterly painful. Someone forgot to tell them that he is not Will Ferrell. Don't get me wrong, Reilly is a great actor but he is more suited for dark comedies portraying pathetic, naive losers. If you've seen him in Boogie Nights, you know what I'm talking about.

If you're in the mood for comedy I suggest I Love You Man which is probably the best Judd Apatow movie not written or directed by Judd Apatow.

PONYO (2009) 103 minutes - writer/director: Hayao Miyazaki

A distinctive charm is unmistakable in all of Miyazaki's films. Each one is a unique journey that is worthy of experiencing and one that I look forward to every time his films are released. (An as he gets older, each new project becomes even more special)

In a storytelling sense, Miyazaki is certainly unconventional and for some, frustrating. He tends to get long-winded and abstract while over saturating scenes with spectacular visuals that seem unmotivated and random. But for me, this is what makes his work truly one of a kind. Where feature animation from North America is a frenetic, non-stop assault of verbal exposition, Hayao's films leave lots of room for the audience to reflect on what they are seeing. For him it's more effective to let emotions come from the visuals and leave things unsaid.

If you like Miyazaki's work then you'll truly enjoy Ponyo. Personally I still think Porco Rosso and Spirited Away are two of his best.

TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN (2009) 150 minutes - writers: Ehren Kruger, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci / Director: Michael Bay

How many people does it take to write 150 minutes of absolute crap? Three. And in the hands of Michael Bay this film is a legitimate form of human torture.

What disturbed me the most? I'm no activist and won't even begin to think that I can speak for women but the way they are portrayed in this film is downright sexist and obscene.

G.I. JOE: RISE OF THE COBRA (2009) 118 minutes - writers: Stuart Beattie, David Elliot, Paul Lovett / director: Stephen Sommers

Most people would lump this movie in with Transformers 2 as not being very good and I agree. But there is one glaring and important distinction: This movie is was made for kids. But what about Transformers? On top of being ambiguous as to what happens in that movie, it's also unclear who the intended audience was. At least with G.I. Joe they make no pretenses about who it's geared for.

MUTANT CHRONICLES (2009) 111 minutes - writer: Philip Eisner / director: Simon Hunter

What if John Malkovich, Ron Perlman, and Thomas Jane were cast in a sci-fi action flick? You'd probably be inclined to see it right? Well, it's true except the actual movie is horrifyingly bad.

The World War I meets Resident Evil meets Chronicles of Riddick setting is incohesive and downright confusing. How do good actors end up in bad movies? It happens more often than not and from the actors' standpoint, they are only as good as their instincts and the people at the helm. In this case, most all of their scenes are shot against a green screen and they probably had no clue what the final product would look like. If you want to see someone's head explode, have them have them watch this and Transformers 2 back to back.

500 DAYS OF SUMMER (2009) 95 minutes - writers: Michael Webber & Scott Neustadter / director: Marc Webb

Want to see something really banal and cliched? Watch this movie! Here is yet another film where the helmers spent more time tinkering with style rather than substance. (and yes, at the heart of this movie, there is some substance) I don't know what it is about film makers who think that an overdose of offbeat and quirk is equivalent to entertainment....

The movie is about the perception and reality of being in love. A rather nice subject. But after the song numbers and cartoon bubbles and talking to the camera Ferris Bueller style, it's one, distracted mess. Not to mention the really tired convention of the two wise-cracking, nerdy friends whose characters don't evolve into anything and are only there to provide funny and nonsensical quips.....

Top it all off with that tried and tested non-linear storytelling style and you'll be reaching for that bottle of Tylenol before you know it. Zooey Deschanel is enchanting as always. Joseph Gordon-Levitt looks like he's acting in another movie.

9 (2009) 79 minutes - writer: Pamela Pettler / Story and direction: Shane Acker

Ah, yet another short trying to make the treacherous leap to feature length. Let me preface things by saying I am a fan of Shane Acker and the original short and like most everyone I was anticipating the feature film version. Unfortunately the movie is a series of scenes with small characters being chased by large ones wrapped in a poorly plotted story. Can you count how many times the Christopher Plummer character says, "he's gone, forget about him!"

AMERICAN SWING (2008) (Documentary) 81 minutes - writer: John Hart / directors: John Hart & Matthew Kaufman

Why do we enjoy watching people attempt daring and death-defying stunts? Because we are outsiders to their world and what they do is simply out of the ordinary. That's exactly what I felt like watching this intriguingly fascinating documentary.

It follows the rise and fall of Plato's Retreat, a 1970's New York City night club specifically geared towards the swinging (or wife swapping) lifestyle as well as it's owner and founder, Larry Levenson. In it's heyday the club attracted a wide variety of clientele, some of whom appear in the documentary to share their experiences. Hearing them talk about their escapades is like hearing someone talk about climbing Mount Everest; this is simply something you won't hear everyday.

Even more compelling is to hear them talk about the turbulently incredible life of Levenson who some view as either a well-meaning hero or a morally-depraved criminal.

SHOOT 'EM UP (2009) 86 minutes - writer/director: Michael Davis

I'm all for outrageous, incredibly stylized action flicks. (Like last year's Wanted) But in the case of Shoot 'Em Up, they definitely had the outrageous but forgot about the style. As far as I know, the characters played by Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti exist in a real, physical world like ours. In The Matrix, Neo and company's alter-egos in the virtual world can do super-human stunts. In Wanted, people can be trained to slow down their hearts and control the amount of adrenalin so they can focus into infinitesimal detail.

In Shoot 'Em Up, there is nothing set-up that would lead you to believe they can defy gunfire and certain death. They are established as regular dudes with guns and itchy trigger fingers. So when over-the-top gunplay ensues while someone delivers a baby (and uses a gunshot to sever the umbilical cord) or while having passionate sex.... we are supposed to believe it. Right.

They tried to sell me a bunch of stuff but I ain't buyin' it. Not to mention that these are two of the stupidest hitmen i've ever seen.

WATCHMEN (2009) 162 minutes - writers: David Hayter & Alex Tse (Adapted from the graphic novel written by Alan Moore) director: Zack Snyder

I wanted to catch this in the theaters and I still regret not doing so. But having finally seen it on DVD, I was glad to have dodged the hype enabling me to watch it with a clear mind.

No doubt, this was a highly anticipated movie that had some people wondering... Could it live up to the iconic and legendary status of the graphic novel? Could phenom director Zack Snyder pull it off? The answer to both is a resounding YES. As far as I'm concerned, Watchmen is in a class by itself and probably only rivaled by The Dark Knight in scale, complexity and depth of storytelling. It delivers the cynical brooding of the graphic novel and then some.

In this alternate reality, being a superhero is a profession. A calling that very few over the years have answered with each one having a distinct interpretation and fervor for altruism.

When they are marginalized and forced to stand down, it seems their glory days are behind them. Or is it? For a few of them there is still many questions left to be answered. For a few of them there is still much justice to be served. Some of them may even have lingering doubts. But for one the answer is clear: Betrayal is a worthy sacrifice for absolute peace and the end does justify the means.

Click HERE for Bite Sized Reviews 1

Philippine TV Interview

A few months ago I had the privilege of being interviewed by UNTV Philippines for their news magazine show called Bread n' Butter. The segment features filipinos working abroad and their respective achievements.

The piece is in Tagalog which is the Philippine national language but I think it's pretty obvious based on my replies (which are in english) what the questions are. Whats even more obvious is how I manage to fumble through the most basic of interviews. (Not to mention that it was done in the comfort of my own home)

Despite all that, It was a fun interview and I thank the good people of UNTV for the opportunity.

Upgrades

If you haven't seen my post on Facebook, I had LASIK surgery done on my eyes today. The procedure was a complete success and after wearing eye glasses for 19 years, I am free and seeing clearly.

Being that it's only been half a day since the procedure, I'm still in post-op mode. My eyes feel a little gritty but and there is a general haze or fog over my vision which will decrease to normal in the next few days.

I've thought about getting my eyes adjusted for some time now but it's not until our trip to Maui this year that i've put some real serious consideration to actually moving forward with it. The bottom line is that personally, glasses are a hindrance, not for any one specific reason, but a host of many lesser but important ones. {water sports, etc} The big one for me is being able to function in an extreme emergency like an earthquake. The Northridge quake in 1994 happened in the middle of the night and I remember how lucky I was to have located my glasses in the dark during the shaking. That might not be the case the next time.

The state of the art in laser technology is making the goal of perfect vision more easily attainable, especially in the hands and talent of LASIK pioneer Dr. Robert Maloney, who performed my surgery. My extreme gratitude goes to him and his amazing staff for their care and expertise. I did ask him for killer laser beams and x-ray vision but he kind of looked at me funny. It seems a rather logical request but maybe it's just me.

To help shield my eyes after the procedure I was given a pair of Schwarzenegger-style sunglasses. Watch out. I can see all you aliens walking among us and me and Roddy Piper are coming to get you.

Gesture Class 12

A little break from the busy schedule on Kung Fu Panda 2 means... some Gesture Drawing Class time. This was from this past Monday. Done on Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Sketchbook Pro 2009 and of course, my always dependable Axiotron Moodbook.

Moving Pictures: Let The Right One In

I've already given my two cents about this film back in January so I won't be redundant. I did mention then how impressed I was at the way this movie was shot. It's a true study of composition and a great example of how films can achieve an the extra level of richness by adding a visual subtext to the narrative. Overall the look of this movie is reminiscent of the late eighties Polish mini-series called The Decalogue by acclaimed director Krzysztof Kieslowski

Isolation, desolation and the dark side of humanity are at the heart of this film. It is enhanced further visually in a photography and production design sense. It is set in the early 1980's just outside of Stockholm, Sweden during winter. The cold weather, the desaturated winter colors give out a very foreboding and bleak essence. The sharpness of the intersecting horizontal and vertical lines exude feelings of imprisonment and captivity. All of these intelligently designed elements help make this genre-busting film elevate itself from the glut of vampire films that have come before and after it. (I think you know which ones I am talking about)

And at it's core is a story that features simplicity in setting and complexity in character. It is more about people and less about vampirism. Which is why i'll be watching this one over and over for years to come.

(A word about about subtitles: If you click on the comments section, you can follow the discussion about the rather mediocre dub and english subtitles on the DVD. This was something that I was aware of beforehand but was rather negligent to point out. So to make things clear, the North American release of LTROI does not contain the original english theatrical subtitles, which follows closely the swedish dialogue in the film. And for reasons unknown, Magnet and Magnolia films decided to go with a totally newer set of subtitles in the North American version.

But let not the clamour of the natives be under-estimated! Apparently the folks at Magnet and Magnolia Pictures are responding to the public backlash and will be releasing a new version with the original english subtitles. The full subtitle thread and update is HERE

Having seen both the theatrical and North American DVD versions, I have to admit that a considerable amount of subtlety is lost. But in my opinion, the film can still be enjoyed and appreciated viewing the DVD version so the choice is up to you. Either way...... don't watch it dubbed!

Thanks to artist Benton Jew for the help!)

Copyright 2008 Magnolia Pictures

Running time: 115 minutes - Country: Sweden

Director: Tomas Alfredson - Cinematographer: Hoyte Van Hoytema

Production Design: Eva' Noren

Fun with Prints

This was kind of Bob Peak inspired with a little sci-fi twist. I still marvel at those 1970's ads he did. Sketched and painted via Photoshop and a Wacom Cintiq 21UX.

RIP: Patrick Swayze (1952-2009)

The obituaries continue in 2009. Patrick Swayze died yesterday after a long and courageous fight with cancer. He was unique because he had the natural ability to portray characters that had tough exteriors and gentle souls.

Bodhi from the movie Point break is one the more likeable bad guys in cinema history and both he and Keanu Reeves made that film the cult classic that it is. From The Outsiders to Road House. From Uncommon Valor to Ghost, Patrick Swayze more than proved he had the chops and the range as an actor. In Dirty Dancing he proved he was a complete performer.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace to a true class act.

Wonder

Doing my regular tinkering in the lab and felt like doing a quick little painting. If you're wondering if that's one of those "ugly dolls" then you're right. My kids are quite fond of them in fact. Painting done in Photoshop CS3 using a custom texture brush.

Other Worldly

Been a while since I sketched some sci-fi stuff so here's a trio of people you won't see walking around your neighborhood. (or maybe you would?)

Nudes

RIP: John Hughes (1950-2009)

I know i'm getting a bit redundant here with tributes but I can't let the passing of film maker JOHN HUGHES go by without a mention.

It's an under statement to say that his films are quintessential to so many when it comes to growing up in the eighties. His work related especially to young people whose lives and emotions were often taken for granted. Hughes portrayed youth for all it's turbulence and awkwardness but at the heart of it all was something inherently sincere, and for all of us who had been overwhelmed with teen angst knew it was right on.

And what about memorable characters? Well, he was a genius at creating those too. What would we do without the likes of Ducky, or The Geek, Clark Griswold, Ferris Bueller or Uncle Buck?



John Hughes filmography on IMDB
Actress MOLLY RINGWALD remembers John Hughes via an Op-Ed piece

Precocious

A possible character in a future story.....

RIP: Corazon Aquino 1933 - 2009

I've made it a point not to discuss politics in this blog but today is an exception. In 1986 my brothers and I were part of the popular uprising in Manila which brought about the ouster of dictator Ferdinand Marcos and help install a revolutionary government headed by Corazon Aquino.

Millions of filipinos crowded the streets and formed human barricades where a breakaway faction of the military had holed up in defiance of Marcos, who had just won a systematically rigged election. The people had had enough of twenty six years of dictatorship and did something about it behind Mrs. Aquino who united the opposition and was carrying the fight after her husband, Senator Benigno Aquino was assasinated presumably by Marcos as he returned from exile in the U.S.

We were there as history unfolded before our eyes. In the ultimate act of defiance, she was inaugurated as president in a non-descript conference hall while Marcos could only watch as his grip on power slowly slipped away.

Mrs. Aquino had a tumultous presidency yet her legacy was secure. She had symbolized hope for many and that was enough to get the Philippines out of the dark. She showed courage and strength when the masses felt low and downtrodden. From housewife to President, she showed the world that change can come without violence. She showed even more when she fought hard battling colon cancer.

I join filipinos everywhere in mourning her passing. May she truly rest in peace.

Corazon Aquino and The Philippine Revolution of 1986 on Wikipedia.

Living the Dream

.... America or Bust!!

On July 23, 1989 my brothers and I took what we probably consider as the most meaningful airplane flight of our lives: The flight that took us from the Philippines to the United States of America.

It was the culmination of a long and complicated immigration process which started ten years previously and spearheaded by my parents and my older sister. For my father it was quite special because we had not seen him in ten years. (My mother and sister had been back several times to visit) So the reunion was happy to say the least. We had lots of catching up to do and that we did.

For me America only existed in pictures. Growing up I could only imagine what it would be like living in such a wondrous place where everything seemed just right. The anticipation during the long flight over the Pacific grew as I thought silently about what Los Angeles would be like. It's ridiculous of course but things like what the air would smell like where tantalizing. During a short layover in Honolulu, Hawaii I turned on my Walkman and got my first taste of American radio. Hawaii being a state meant I was technically in America. But the tropical climate was throwing us off. This place just looks like where we came from....

As the 747 gently glided over Southern California I looked outside the window just as the plane emerged from the clouds. What I was seeing down there might as well be a different planet. This must be what the Apollo astronauts felt like. It was like a dream. Now I didn't have to imagine it. It was real and my new life had just begun.

Twenty years gives you a tremendous perspective. As a twenty-one year old immigrant I naively fumbled and stumbled my way trying to find my place in this new world. I remember worrying about the novelty wearing off. I didn't want to lose the reverence I had for America now that I was living there. But of course like all places on this planet, it is not Utopia. It has it's share of challenges and social disfunction. But despite the harsh realities one thing was evident: The American dream is there for the taking. It was up to us to snatch it up and grab it.

I became an American citizen in 1996. But somehow I've felt I was always one. Twenty years later my admiration and fascination for this country has not changed. The fruits of our labor and the success and achievement that resulted is less likely elsewhere. It is my home and I would gladly give my life defending it. And as far as the novelty wearing off is concerned? Twenty years later I still pinch myself and wonder if i'm really here.

(These stills are from the original video of our momentous journey to the U.S. It was shot on a humungously clunky, shoulder mounted Panasonic video camera at the Manila International Airport. I should have shot more but the scattered three minutes of footage is enough to save the event for posterity. That's Ronnie on the right of course, and that's my other brother Rick who continues to help generate all sorts of wacky perversion on FOX's Family Guy and American Dad)

No Pilgrimage

The string has been broken. No nerd mecca for me this year but so many of our good friends are debuting new stuff at this year's COMIC-CON in San Diego, California including my good friend, the talented Octavio Rodriguez who will be flying solo, manning our precious little piece of real estate.

Check out his new short story "New Beginnings" at exhibitor table G4 in Hall C at the San Diego Convention Center starting Wednesday evening July 22nd (Preview Night) to Sunday, July 26th.

While you're at it, stop by and show these guys some love:

Stuart Ng Books (Booth 5012)
50 feet of graphic smorgasbord! Bring lots of money.

Loter Incorporated (Booth 4012)
Toys, Shirts, books and all sorts of really cool stuff from the talented duo of
John and Shelley Loter

Ted Mathot (Booth 1215)
The Rose & Isabel creator is premiering his CORA issue #2.
Check out Derek Thompson's Book of Monsters while you're at it....

FLIGHT / Gallery Nucleus (Booth 2329)

Flight #6 debuts!! Keep your collection going!

Scott Morse, Jeff Pidgeon,
Ronnie del Carmen, Enrico Casarosa (Booth 4800)
Hocking their books, toys and other interesting paraphernalia...

Bobby Chiu, Kei Acedera / Imaginism Studios (Table G6-G7)

Stephen Silver (H6)
David Colman (H5)
Javier Guzman (F4)
Mark McDonnell (Booth 5362)
Donnachada Daly (Table C6)
Doug Tennaple (Booth 1714)
Hot Mexican Love Comics (Small Press N8)

Anson Jew (Artist's Alley EE-01)
Benton Jew (Artist's Alley EE-02)
Robot Publishing (Small Press M8)
Justin Ridge / Hye-Jun Kim (Table E8)

Kevin Dart / Fleet Street Scandal (Booth 1316)

Sam Hiti (Booth 1831)
Jose Lopez (Table H9)
Jeremy Bernstein / J.J. Villard (Table C05)
Lava Punch (Table G8)
Ghostbot (Booth 4303)
Giant Robot (Booth 1729)

Super 7 (Booth 4729)
Pascal Campion / Michael Daley (Table G3)
Patrick Morgan (Table H10)
Paul Briggs (Booth 4039)
Sho Murase (Artist's Alley GG-01)

.....Have a swell time everyone!!!

Maui Sketches

Pencil and watercolor, Handbook Journal Landscape 3.5 x 5.5 inch sketchbook

Watercolor, Handbook Journal Landscape 3.5 x 5.5 inch sketchbook

Pencil and watercolor, Handbook Journal Landscape 3.5 x 5.5 inch sketchbook

Pencil and watercolor, Moleskin Watercolor Pad Landscape 5 x 8.25 inch.

Watercolor, Moleskin Watercolor Pad Landscape 5 x 8.25 inch.

Piece of Paradise

I'm back from a little R & R and feeling mighty good. It's a really amazing what a little sun and some good island vibes can do to the soul. Maui, Hawaii is one of my favorite places to go on vacation either literally or mentally. So if you catch me gazing off into the distance, that's probably where I am....

Of course I did my fair share of sketching so i'll post some drawings soon.

Winter in June

I took a little break away from digital recently and painted this scene. Inspiration came when I was re-watching the tremendously cool vampire movie Let the Right One In. The Swedish winter backdrop was mesmerizing and haunting.

Painted using my trusty Windsor & Newton Cotman set along with a 12 gauge watercolor and medium water brush for detail.