Greetings from "Beyond."
Beyond is the property my brother and I inherited from my dad. John and I have been here for about a week, and have been working on a horror/comedy film. Tomorrow is probably the last day of principal shooting -- secondary shooting will pick up in a week or so around home.
I have so much more to write, but not much time. There have been close to 30 people here, total, some for one evening to play drones/zombies, others for longer stretches. I came along, mostly to be emotional support for John; I was also going to be having a small spoken part (as a "peep"), and act as combination production assistant and co-producer.
To prepare for the extra-with-one-line role, as requested, I dyed my hair black (badly, as it turns out). I packed a variety of outfits, suitable for 9 days camping out in a barn and running around. I always over-pack. Always. I wish I'd packed more, but I'm glad I had as much as I did (clothes were stuffed into one of the huge blue bags from Ikea), because I ended up with a significantly larger role. Like, one of the main 4 parts.
On indie movies, at last on this one, a lot of times cast is responsible for their own wardrobe and makeup (except for specialized stuff). I have 2 pair of pants and 4 tops that I'm rotating, depending on which scene we're shooting. And wow, are they limp. It's just what I packed -- 1 outfit for my little part, and the rest for just day-to-day stuff.
It's freaking hot here during the day, and almost freezing at night, but beautiful. It's been absolutely beautiful every day. Not a hint of rain (so far), and cold nights are excellent for fog scenes. We've had issues with bathroom and shower availability and I've gotten almost good at getting changed just around a corner or under a nightshirt...there is little privacy (it's like a giant slumber party).
I have so much more! But I have to go kill some monsters now.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Why over-packing is good
Monday, August 24, 2009
IH Contest Extended, Knitting in the Movies
I totally forgot that I'm going to be neck-deep in monsters the week the contest was supposed to end (working on a horror movie that John is directing), so I'm extending the deadline to September 19th. (I'll update the main post, so there is no confusion!)
Packages already sent by: Heather H. & Sarah T. Many thanks, ladies!
Speaking of horror movies... if you think you might be interested in acting in a movie, or - at the very least, playing a zombie-type extra - check out http://www.chartarum.com/. Filming starts September 5th in the NW part of the state (south of Cadillac, MI), and all the zombie stuff is happening that first weekend (Labor Day weekend). It's a low-budget deal, and we're camping, and it's going to be TONS of fun!
This is a fun bit of news: There is going to be knitting in the horror movie. Once details are finalized, I'll be back to share the sponsor info.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Review: Star Trek


It's been awhile since I've posted a review, so a quick refresher on my rating system: on a scale from one to five, inversely related to how much knitting I got done during the movie. Five balls means I got only a couple of stitches done or it never occurred to me to pull out the project. One ball means I got a lot of knitting done. In this case, it was definitely the latter - what knitting?
The new Star Trek... what can I say? Yes, I'm a geek. I like science fiction. I've even enjoyed some Star Trek - shows, movies, homages. Firefly kind of ruined Trek for me - I started thinking "what if these planets didn't want to be in the Federation?" (You'd have to have seen Firefly to understand where that logic was coming from.)
But this movie... dayum. I've seen it twice, and John has seen it three times (two weeks before the release, a friend of his had advanced release tickets). Seriously, hands-down, a great flick. I'm in awe of Karl Urban, who played Leonard "Bones" McCoy, who gave the distinct impression that he was channeling DeForest Kelley. Apparently, this guy can do anything he sets his mind to.
With an entirely new cast playing characters many of us grew up with, there is a danger that they'd be caricatures or impressions of the original cast. It's difficult to put into words, but let me just say that I cringed a little when I thought of the possibilities (bad Saturday Night Live sketches, etc.). Then I saw the movie. Even though Urban's Bones was eerily reminiscent of Kelley's, it wasn't an impression. The characters were enough like the originals to be recognizable, but they were fresh and exciting at the same time.
You don't have to be a Trekkie or sci fi fan to enjoy this movie. It helps, of course, but overall, it's an enjoyable event.
Other movies
We've only seen a couple other movies (in theaters) in the last few months: Monsters v. Aliens and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. I enjoyed them both, but I don't have a lot to say by way of review.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Did You Ever...
...decide you wanted to watch a movie, badly, then not be able to get your hands on it? If so, then you know how frustrated I was this afternoon when I came downstairs to grab The Homecoming DVD off the shelf and it wasn't there! When I examined my memories, I don't exactly remember ever buying it on DVD. I distinctly remember getting it on VHS, because I joined one of those stupid clubs just to get it (pre-Amazon). (I like the Waltons. So there.)
I was 6 when it came out; although I probably didn't see it immediately, I know that I was near enough Elizabeth's age to connect with the character for that reason, although I probably had much more in common, personality-wise, with Mary Ellen. I loved Mary Ellen's fit about the nest in the tree, and hated the charity lady but loved ME for having a verse at the ready for the kids. I didn't understand the whole thing about "the recipe" for the longest time. Don't ask why, but I got the biggest kick of the them acknowledging/using the toilet -- it didn't happen on TV when I was a kid. Heck, the Brady kids' (started later than the Waltons) bathroom didn't even have a toilet.
I will remedy this next payday, but I'll admit to being agitated. It's a Christmas movie, but I always associate it with Thanksgiving - I think because that's when they showed it around here during my formative years. I don't even get into Thanksgiving (painful memories associated with my mom's death), but there are some things that have to happen during the holidays, and this is usually one of them, whenever the mood strikes (I have certain Halloween movies that I watch whenever that mood strikes). I will likely be packing and moving this year when T-day rolls around. Basically, I was in the mood to watch it. No tears were shed, no tantrums thrown. John suggested a different movie (completely different: Twister), followed by my pick, Goonies. (I don't think he actually likes Twister; he must have picked it because he knows I like it.)
When Christmas gets closer, in the mood or not I have to watch: A Muppet Christmas Carol, Scrooged and Mixed Nuts. Usually, It's Christmas Charlie Brown is in the mix as well. If I'm really in the mood, A Christmas Story and Miracle on 34th Street get watched too. One movie that never gets watched in this house, for different reasons: It's a Wonderful Life. I've never seen it, and plan to keep that record.
What are your must dos/don'ts for the holidays?
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Duchess and the Knitting PIs
Last night, Jdub and I went to see The Duchess. I enjoyed this one far more that The Other Boleyn Girl, in part, I suspect, because I could see the glaring historical inaccuracies in the latter, and knew almost nothing about Cavendish. (Ignorance is bliss?) I'm sure this is only loosely based on her life, but I was able to relax and enjoy the spectacle. I do have to admit that I wondered, during more than one scene, how so many men lived as long as they did. Because, seriously? I would have killed the Duke in his sleep, thank you very much. (Proving that Ralph Fiennes does an excellent job at playing the bastard/villain.) The beating of wives is discussed and there is a violent scene, so I would say not it's for youngsters, no matter how cool Knightley's wardrobe is.
My score: 4 out of 5. Worth the price, good experience, but not jumping-up-and-down good.
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The Knitting Detectives and the Addi Turbos v. Premium Mystery
Some seven months ago, on Ravelry, a member asked an intriguing question: what's the difference between Addi Turbo (pricey circular needles, sold in North America) and Addi Premiums (reasonably-priced circular needles sold everywhere else)? An enlightening discussion resulted, with a rep the NA distributor chiming in to state that the Turbos, which cost 2-3x the retail price of the Premiums, are held to a higher manufacturing standard and are covered by a lifetime warranty. A Hong Kong-based distributor reported that the Premium needles she sold were identical to the Turbos, but with different packaging.
Well, this got people on every continent interested. Folks in Europe & elsewhere wanted to know why Addi would sell inferior needles to them. Folks in the US and Canada wanted to know why they were paying up to three times as much money for a warranty that shouldn't be needed if the needles were such high quality. (Not to mention that you had to have your original packaging and store receipt to take advantage of said warranty. Raise your hand if you have all your packages and receipts.) Folks who had both kinds in their possession reported that the packaging was slightly different, but they could tell no difference between the needles themselves. Oh, a mystery was afoot! Developments in the last few days inspired a few determined and intrepid investigators - from all over the globe - to direct some questions to the source.
One PI contacted Skacel, the NA distributor and was told (her words): "The Turbos and Premiums are made by the same company, Addi. The Turbos are made by Addi to Skacel’s specifications. The Premiums are also made by Addi, but for the European market. They are cheaper, as they are made to lesser standards."
More than one PI contacted Addi, the manufacturer, and were told (quote from emails): "There is no difference between Addi Premium and Addi Turbo needles it is only the label. In USA we sell under the name Addi Turbo and in Europe we sell them under the name Addi Premium. The quality is exact the same."
Ladies, Emerson Cod (the original knitting detective) would be proud.
Skacel has been silent since these communications have been shared. The addi rep tried to do some back-peddling, explaining that Skacel's Addi Turbos cost more because standard of living in the US is higher and they have advertising expenses, etc. The effort is appreciated, but it doesn't wash. In Iceland, where the cost of living is just about the highest in the world (gas is roughly $9.50 a gallon, and it's ~$10 for a McDonald's hamburger meal) because of the high cost of getting the materials to them, a pair of Addi Premiums is under $10.
Many folks on the thread recommend this eBay seller. I haven't ordered anything, because I'm quite happy with my Knitpicks needles (also a fraction of the price of Turbos). When buying online, make sure an out-of-the-country seller has the needles listed as Addi Premiums.
I could have sworn I mentioned this, but I can't find an entry. If it happens to be on my old blog, sorry for the repeat, but there is new news as well. Read More......
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Pass the Popcorn, please
John and I have a large - and eclectic - movie collection. Mine is probably more eclectic than his, since I have chick flicks, comedies, period pieces (e.g. Persuasion and Twelfth Night), etc. along with sci-fi, horror and blow-em-ups (e.g. Rush Hour). It was during an early conversation, not long after we met, that John says he knew I was the one for him, based on a couple of things: I had guns (and went shooting with them) and had Buckaroo Banzai, Night of the Comet and Logan's Run in my movie collection.
Just for fun, here's a list of my favorites (in no particular order; links to Internet Movie Database (IMDB)). This is akin to my "desert island" list; although if there is a DVD player and power to run it, there's probably a video store, too:
- Harold and Maude
- Buckakoo Banzai (officially: The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension) -- the version with the "pop up" commentary is best.
- House of the Long Shadows (someday this wonderfully awful movie will be on DVD)
- Logan's Run
- I Was a Male War Bride
- People Will Talk (needed on DVD!)
- Twelfth Night
- Dawn of the Dead & Day of the Dead (originals, please); oh heck, I'll take the entire "Dead" oeuvre from Romero!
- House on Haunted Hill (Vincent Price version) - also wouldn't say no to 13 Ghosts and The Haunting.
- Hellboy
- The Village (I know, but I like it!)
- The Birds
- The Lady Vanishes
- The Muppet Christmas Movie
- Night of the Comet
What are your favorites?
Movie-going tip: If your theater has moved to the self-serve "butter topping," and you're annoyed by how hard it is to get the "butter" to the middle of the popcorn, ask them if they have paper lunch bags. Our usual movie spot has a stack of them behind the counter, originally for people that want to buy a large bag and split it, but they come in really handy for separating the popcorn so you can get the topping distributed more evenly.
Read More......
Monday, July 21, 2008
Review: The Dark Knight
I'm giving this 5 balls of yarn, even though I got some knitting done and The Batman's voice drove me crazy. This is a superbly acted and beautifully shot movie. It's dark, and when people say that, they aren't kidding!
Forget the fact that they are marketing toys to small children: parents, this is not for 8-year-olds! Most of the violence is cartoony enough, but there is one part where a villain holds a gun to a child's head. There's more info. here. It's rated PG-13, and I wouldn't take a child much younger than that (maybe a mature 11 or 12). Best bet: preview it yourself first.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Happy Friday!
I've been sick for the better part of the week; I hope to return with a new Crafty Fun Friday next week!
In the meantime, here is some randomness:
Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog is further proof that Joss Whedon is just brilliant. (Edit: It was free, but is now available only through iTunes.) I also now have a tiny crush on Neal Patrick Harris. I heard about this awhile ago, I think while we were watching the new Futurama commentary, but didn't go looking for it. Yesterday, two different people sent me the link. Part 3 is due out tomorrow.
Worst movie ever made.
John found a big sale on - I think - Amazon, and ordered a bunch of old movies he remembered from his childhood. We watched Super Fuzz the other night, and I wanted to pour bleach into my ears. Bad doesn't begin to cover it. One (horrible) piece of music, over & over & over again. Oh, just awful! I didn't know if it was possible, but it has kicked Muriel's Wedding out of the top spot.
Problematic
Firefly fans will appreciate this set of directions for making the problematic Ice Planet(s).
I hope to return to the blogging world Sunday or Monday, with tales of my day at Silver Leaf tomorrow. Since all my garb (from last summer) is still in the trunk, packing isn't going to be that hard.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Review: Hellboy II
Ah. Bliss. Sweet, sweet movie. Not perfect, but quite good. I love a movie that makes me laugh out loud AND has good fights and interesting characters. 5 yarn balls means I got next to no knitting done (about 20 stitches total).
And, hey Julie: If you're reading this, HI!!
I tracked down an old friend from college. I wasn't 100% sure, but I mailed off two letters earlier in the week, and got an email today. I think we spent an hour on the phone catching up before Anita arrived for the movie. We almost got expelled from college together, and were suspected and accused of all kinds of stuff. (I still get mail from that crap-hole college -- finally wrote "deceased" on an envelope and dropped it in the mail.)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Eight Days
Hellboy on Inside the Actor's Studio:
Did you know that Chuck and Hellboy are in the same universe? (I also love Chuck.)
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Now that's better (& Get Smart review)
Earlier this week, I posted about the discomfort I was experiencing with the ear buds that came with my iPod. Stacie sent me to a site that sold a wide variety. Rather than order online, I took note of the styles and finally got out to an electronics store today and found these. There are 3 sizes of covers, and the smallest one fits perfectly. (And look at the little skulls on the ends.) Huzzah!

I loved the Get Smart TV show when I was a kid. When I heard that this movie was coming out, I had really mixed feelings about it. Whenever things from my childhood get resurrected for now, they don't generally go so well. I've liked some of Steve Carell's work, so I was torn.

My new rating guide is based on how much knitting I got done: the more yarn balls there are, the less knitting I accomplished. (5 would mean I forgot to knit.) I give Get Smart a 4. It was entertaining and fun, and did not -- most importantly -- spoof the original show.

*When we got our little dog many, many years ago, my dad suggested that we name him after Hymie, the robot on Get Smart. This is Hymie:

Wednesday, June 25, 2008
A few more things; calendar
Red Scarf Project: In addition to Interim House, I also support the Red Scarf Project. Norma has a sweet story here, plus an update.
This story made me cry a little. Via needle book.
One more update (I keep editing this post, sorry): Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs came out yesterday. Of course we already watched it. Verdict: kooky, but excellent.
Calendar
Thursday, June 26: Saucy's Wedding Party.
Saturday, Jun 28: A Fanciful Twist's Mad Tea Party (of the costume variety).
Friday, July 4: It looks like John & I are heading to Ohio for a BBQ. Should be interesting. I've never partied with a bunch of Libertarians before.
Tuesday, July 8: Psych season 2 released on DVD
Friday, July 11: Hellboy II comes out. One convert (Hi, Anita) is going with us!
Friday, July 18: Psych season starts
Friday, August 8: IH Contest drawing; my birthday
Saturday, August 23: Craft Show @ Holly Library 9:30 - ?
September: Viva Pinata 2 Read More......
Monday, June 16, 2008
Movies: The Incredible Hulk
While this is technically a sequel to another movie, it's not necessary for you to have seen the first one to enjoy this; in fact, it's probably better if you didn't see the first one (or hated it). This one is actually pretty close to the Hulk from the comics. The character is actually named Bruce (the character on the TV show was "David" Banner) and he actually became the Hulk via gamma radiation poisoning (the first movie in the series had him inheriting it).
The first movie was so far off the mark that they retconned it. Retcon = retroactive continuity, and (short version) is something they do when they pretend a previous story didn't exist. In this case, the events that are the new history for the movie are relayed in the opening credit sequence. So, if you hated the first Hulk, or didn't see it, you're good to go with this one. (No post-credit sequence, unlike Iron Man, so don't feel like you have to sit through all the credits.)
As for my response to the film: Pretty darn good, actually. (You can read some surprise in that phrasing.) I didn't follow Hulk in the comics -- all I knew was the TV version, and I don't even remember that too well. I see some of these (comic-based) movies because I want to, some because John does. This was one of the latter, but I enjoyed it. (Hellboy II will be one we both want to see -- me probably more than him!) Edward Norton makes for an excellent Bruce Banner, and Liv Tyler a good Betty Ross, especially when she's exhibiting Betty's temper.
Since Marvel has gotten production control of their own stories now (starting with Iron Man), you can expect to see more good movies in this genre, and probably more cross-overs (you did sit through to the post-credit sequence in Iron Man, right?), leading up to an Avengers movie.
I wish I could work out a fun & quirky rating system, but it's kind of reverse: a zero would mean I got no knitting done, which would mean the movie was so engrossing that I forgot to knit (Prince Caspain). A one or two would be some knitting, a four would be plenty of knitting. But that's not how movie ratings work, so I haven't figured one out yet. A thought: How about balls of yarn? The more balls left mean the least knitting?