Neat Flicks on Netflix: Primer

Very few films are so complex that you need to see it multiple times to completely understand it. Fewer still are the amount of those films that leave you satisfied after your first viewing.

Primer is an independent film that essentially deals with time travel. Now, before you begin your acceleration to 88 mph, understand that this is a very different kind of time travel flick.

It deals with two individuals whom build error checking devices in there garage in order to attract business ventures. While creating and testing hardware, they accidentally construct what they believe is a time machine. After testing the machine further, and constructing a larger version that can house a person, they begin to deal with the ethical, consequential and physical effects of their actions.

This particular film, unlike that of its predecessors, it’s a much more plausible and realistic form of time travel. But more important than that is the complete lack of any CGI or eye popping visuals. This film is purely for the discussion and thought provoking ideas. Minimalist in its production, and heavy on its dialogue and interaction, it’s a serious film for a serious viewer. Well worth the watch, it’ll take you a few viewings to completely grasp the film as a whole. And the ending? Lets just say it leaves you mouth gaping at the possibilities.

Check out the trailer below:

Here’s a link to Netflix if you’re looking for a free month.

Do the Oscars Have an Age Requirement?

Here’s a clever use of mathematics; what is the average age of individuals whom win an Oscar?  The answer may…sound about right.

Matthew Belinkie, a writer over at OverThinkingIt.com, came up with some data that averages the ages of all of the Oscar winners in the past to come up with the most accurate age in which to win.

 

Average Age of Oscar Winners

Rather than rehash Belinkie’s hard work, click on over to his article on the link above. It’s definitely worth the read.

Local Bit: BGSU Aviation Studies – Bowling Green, OH

In a recent video commissioned by Bowling Green State University’s admissions office, a team students at BGSU created an impressive short film on why attending this particular school measures above the rest.

The majority of marketing and branding for the younger generation is targeted online, through social networking, search engines and online media. And though this short ‘commercial’ film may be for an academic institution, it’s still meant to grab your attention and stir your interests. What separates this particular video from others is the fact that is was written, produced, shot and edited for absolutely nothing. That’s right, not a penny went into creating this video. But why is that important?

It’s refreshing to see something of high quality shooting and editing being put out there for the world to see. It’s even more impressive when you realize that it’s actually being used by the university as a marketing video for thousands of potential viewers.

A lot of the makeshift genius comes from Nathan Dreimiller, who acted as the lead producer and editor. He did a fantastic job of capturing the right atmosphere and visual presence needed to make something like this work. And thanks to to solid acting and vocal work by Bradley Bernard, as well as other students, the overall product was a complete success.

Watch Bernard in action with the finished video below. What are your thoughts? How important is local and independent film work in comparison to major studios? Leave your comments below!

Brad Bernard – Aviation Studies

Kathleen Kennedy Exits Jurassic Park 4

According to a recent tweet from Frank Marshall, an executive producer for Jurassic Park 4, Kathleen Kennedy has exited her producing duties for JP4.

Via Twitter:

“@jackdelamare No, Ms. Kennedy has moved onto Star Wars and will not be producing JP4. She’s traded raptors for TIE fighters.”

— Frank Marshall (@LeDoctor) 2/17/13

This isn’t really shocking news, due to the fact that Star Wars is one of the biggest film franchises in history. If anything, this is good news for Star Wars and not really anything new for the Jurassic Park franchise (which hasn’t really been great since the original film).

How do you feel about Kathleen’s exit?

John Williams to Helm Star Wars VII Soundtrack? There is another.

No one can deny that John Williams is an integral part of the Star Wars franchise’ soul. Without his iconic and emotionally powerful soundtrack, it could be argued that Star Wars may not have been as successful as it is. So it’s natural to wonder what the fate will of Mr. Williams will be since the announcement of the new trilogy.

According to the guys at ComingSoon.Net, a member of the John Williams Fan Network attended a concert in which Williams was conducting. Prior to playing his famous themes from Star Wars, Williams addressed the audience saying, “We’re about to play Star Wars…and each time we play it, I’m reminded of the first time we played it decades ago. Neither I, nor George, nor anyone else involved thought this would go far or in a few years there would be a sequel and I’d have to revisit the themes…and years later another trilogy. Now we’re hearing of a new set of movies coming in 2015, 2016…so I need to make sure I’m still ready to go in a few years for what I hope would be continued work with George…”

This is all well and good (and even allows the fans to release a sigh of relief) but that doesn’t make it a done deal. Let’s remember who is directing episode.

J.J. Abrams, director of the critically and financially successful blockbusters like Super 8, Star Trek, Mission Impossible 3 and TV show LOST, is directing episode VII. So while Williams may seem like the obvious choice in appointing the composer, let me remind you that Abrams has almost worked exclusively with composer Michael Giacchino. Let’s also remind ourselves that Giacchino is another immensely praised and talented composer responsible for soundtracks like LOST, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Star Trek, Super 8 as well as a slew of video games.

Simply put, he’s not a bad pick.

Also keep in mind that Star Wars is now the property of Disney. Could new management change the way the game is played? Most would argue that the franchise is in relatively safe hands thanks to Kathleen Kennedy controlling the majority of the franchise, but who knows.

So what will happen here? Will Abrams stick to his guns and go with Giacchino, or will he follow tradition with Williams using the ideology, ‘if it ain’t broke, dont’ fix it’.  Leave a comment down below with your thoughts.

Neat Flicks on Netflix

Let’s watch some movies together! Neat flicks on Netflix is a new weekly category meant to give you a few ideas on what to watch. All you need is a Netflix account and your set. It’s important to note that the first month is FREE. It’s a cool little way to watch movies whenever you want, and it’s under $10 bucks a month. You can beat that.

Today’s suggestion comes from the awesome subreddit at /r/bestofnetflix and is called The Queen of Versailles .

A documentary directed by Lauren Greenfield, The Queen of Versailles is a film that deals with a wealthy family at the peak of their financial success. Then, during the 2008 stock market crash, they lose everything and have to resort to a more “standard” living. The story is driven by its main character, Jackie Siegel. Jackie is the wife of David Siegel, the wealthy timeshare owner who is in the process of losing his empire. Primarily looked at as a trophy wife, we take a journey with Jackie during the family’s downward spiral with shocking results.

Without giving too much away, lets just say that the Siegels are from a different world and perspective. Their idea of wealth and poverty differ greatly from that of a typical American individual.

I found it to be a very unique documentary that really involves the audience. I couldn’t take my eyes away from the screen and would highly recommend a viewing.

Let me know what you think! Did you enjoy it? Did you find the gap between the Siegel’s and an average individual’s mentality insane? Leave a comment below!