Joseph Gordon-Levitt and life

I'll start things off with a little gloating. Remember that last blog post when I said I bet Joseph Gordon-Levitt would be the next major character in the new Batman. Well, I was right. There is still no word about who he is playing, but he has been officially cast. I enjoy the guy and it looks like Batman 3 is getting better and better and they haven't even started filming yet.

Oscars. I actually agree with a majority of the nominations this year. It seems like the right people are getting the nods. We'll just have to see if the right people actually go home with the statue. The one thing that irks me about the Oscars are the 10 movie Best Picture nominations. This makes no sense to me whatsoever. The Best Picture award is the top award given at the end of the night. Its value has no depleted when there are 10 in a category. Where is the selectivity? It should be 5, just like every other category. If your movie doesn't make the cut for the top 5, then it shouldn't be nominated. It's that simple. I want to see a competitive race between the top 5 movies of the year. Not 5 great ones and 5 mediocre ones.

Work life is long and boring. I do a lot of data work. It is all about TV and movies, but it is very tedious. Also, the commute is killing me. It takes me at least 50 minutes to get home every day. Sometimes up to 2 hours (like today). I fuckin hate traffic and that's the bottom line. I hated it in LA when I had to do my internship 2 times a week for a year and a half. Now I have to do it 5 days a week.

For those of you who know I was in Mexico pictures are coming to my FB soon. For those that didn't know I was in Mexico, I was in Mexico. It was a very nice family vacation. Except my camera broke on day 2 and I had to use my mom's camera for the rest of the trip. So when I arrived home I bought a new camera. I had to get only a certain style because my memory card is an XD Olympus card that's only compatible with certain ones. So the camera is ordered and I am waiting for it to come any day now. Hopefully sooner than later. One I get the camera, I'll put my memory card in and get all those pictures on my computer for the public.

READERS CHOICE- Since my life is pretty boring right now and I don't have much to talk about. I'll open it up to my readers. I would be happy to talk about just about anything. Entertainment, news, thoughts, ideas, advice, questions (I would be happy to play Dr. Mike, and give you advice. I am an especially good therapist.) Whatever you want. Please leave your comments and questions about topics below or on Facebook. DO IT!

Currently Listening To: Vitalic

COACHELLA!!!!!! BATMAN!!!!! and my theories on everything.

The Coachella lineup came out last night. The poster is below:

For more info go to http://www.coachella.com/

My take. I like it. It seems different from most years, but I have full faith in Coachella and its amazingness. There are acts that are must sees, possible sees, no sees, and unknowns. Thats usually how it goes, and I'm happy about it. It is very interesting to see Kanye and The Strokes on the same line though? Usually there is only one headliner on that line. 

My Theory: There will be a major act announced later that goes above Kanye and The Strokes. It also seems that there is no real "closing" dance act. Unlike the other days that have major dance acts that will headline in the dance tent at the same time as the stage headliner. I can't identify who it will be on Sun. So my theory is the major act that gets put on top of the day will be a dance act. Do I smell a little Daft Punk coming my way?

To the Bat Cave!

Anne Hathaway has been cast as Catwoman in the next batman movie "Dark Knight Rises". A couple months ago Tom Hardy was cast as another villain. It has been announced today that the two main villains will be Bane and Catwoman. This give me great insight as to which story line from the comics will be followed. 

Quick background (do your own research): Bane is a criminal from another country. Who is extremely smart. He is used as a test subject for a drug called "Venom" (no, not the same one in Spiderman). This drug makes him strong and superhuman like. He goes on to cause mayhem in Gothem. 

Catwoman- It is most likely they will follow the more edgy and dark Catwoman story line. She is a prostitute/ low life woman who is abused by her pimp. She just wants to get out of that business. So she starts stealing and robbing to make more money. She uses a suit that her pimp once gave her. By night she is a thief. By day she falls for Bruce Wayne. 

Theory: SPOILER ALERT---------------------------------------------------------------------

The comic story this seems to be following will be "Knightfall". Bane, using his smarts and strength, wears out Batman and causes trouble in Gotham. He lets prisoners out of Arkham Asylum. All the meanwhile Bruce Wayne and Catwoman (aka Selina Kyle) have a fling going. Eventually Bane will find out who Batman really is (the only villain to do so). He goes to Bruce Wayne's mansion and breaks Batman's back (literally). Bruce Wayne becomes a Paraplegic and has to pass on the crime fighting duties to Azrael (a young smart Gotham University Grad student whom Batman takes under his wing). Azrael goes on to defeat Bane. 

Why I think this will be the story? Chris Nolan said this will be the last Batman film. What better way to end it then to make Batman immobile and pass on the legacy? It seems dark and edgy with a whirlwind of emotion. Just up Chris Nolan's ally. Also, there will be another huge casting announcement. My guess is a younger character to play Azrael. ( Joseph Gordon Levitt is my guess). Or someone similar to him. Also this is the only real solid storyline with both Bane and Catwoman in it. Also the title of the movie is "Dark Knight Rises", what is the opposite of rise? Fall. "Knightfall"

Currently Listening To: School Of Seven Bells

P.S. I like comments. Anyone can comment. Please do so. 

1st Day of Work, The Globes, Coachella, and etc.

Hey-lo. First day of work went well. It seems like my job may be a little tedious though. But I'm gonna get paid and thats more important. Lots of database stuff, but I'll probably learn more as I go.  Not much to say about work really. I don't even know why I brought it up. I guess I felt like a blog post. Lets move on. 

The Golden Globes!!!!! Didn't watch them. Don't care. They're a wanna-be Academy Awards with TV mixed in. I don't understand why TV can't just have its own award show, oh wait it called the Emmys. Lets keep it that way. 

Coachella. Artists are being leaked slowly. But the big lineup is suppose to come out Tues evening. So keep your eyes peeled Tues and Wed. I'm excited. 

I'm going on a vacation to Mexico (Playa Del Carmen to be exact), on Sat with my mom and sis. I'm excited to be able to go to the beach in January (on the northern hemisphere). Im gonna eat yummy Mexican food and drink yummy drinks and do lots of ruin hiking and beaching and jungling and so on.

Since this post doesn't have much relevant info for y'all I'll throw this out there. Check out the band Phantogram. You will enjoy them. 

Currently Listening To: Hyper Crush, Phantogram

Recently Watched: Igby Goes Down- For those who appreciate a true indie dramady. Excellent.

TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2010

I am doing this early because I have a feeling the Coachella lineup is coming out soon and that will take up my blog. So let talk some movies!!!!!!!!!!

For those of you who are new to this, here's how it goes. I made a list and then ranked every movie I saw that came out in 2010. I did NOT see every movie, therefore some will be missing. These are MY top 10 movies based on the filmmaking aspect as well as the entertainment aspect of things.


10. Monsters- Dir. Gareth Edwards
     -For some reason this movie latched on to me and wouldn't let me go. Completely not what I expected, not a horror movie at all. It was a sci-fi romance thriller that gets you thinking about life and human connections. Excellent filmmaking and acting for a small budget movie.

9. The Ghost Writer- Dir. Roman Polanski
     - Do I support him as a child molester? No. As a writer/director? Hell yeah. This was one of the best movies he has made in his extremely long career. It was pure Polanski style, gripping and suspenseful. Well written, well performed (minus that chick from Sex And The City), and overall just well done. Hats off to you Mr. Polanski, now go back to house arrest.

8. The Kids Are All Right- Dir. Lisa Cholodenko / Nowhere Boy- Dir. Sam Taylor-Wood
     -It's a tie. Both these indie flicks brought in something special. Both are about family struggles and survival based on love. Phenomenal acting by just about everyone in both movies. Very well written stories that keep you engaged and emotionally involved the entire way through.

7. The Other Guys- Dir. Adam McKay / Date Night- Dir. Shawn Levy
     -Another tie (last one I promise). Strange picks, I know, but you can't deny these were two of the funniest most entertaining movies of 2010. Out of all the comedies I saw, these two are by far the best. Both had funny unique story lines, great comedic acting, and actually funny moments/ dialogue. I caught myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions, and that doesn't happen very often.

6. Black Swan- Dir. Darren Aronofsky
     -Everyone who knows me was wondering when this would come up. Yes its up here at number six. Maybe it's my love for Natalie or Darren Aronofsky's visual style? Maybe it's because the cinematographer Matthew Libatique is an Alma Mater from my former university? Or maybe its because this was a really good fucking movie. Whatever the reason is, as many would probably agree, it deserves to be on my top ten. Aronofsky has created a "film school style" movie for the masses. Visually stunning  with production value that is superb.

5. The Fighter- Dir. David O. Russell
     - An emotional story with acting that exceeds that of which we categorize "great acting". Christian Bale makes this film in my opinion (can someone say Oscar). As well as every other actor who stepped foot in front of that camera. Everyone seemed natural and gave phenomenal performances.  A sad but true biopic with a happy ending. I don't really like crazy ass David O. Russell usually, but hats off to you Mr. Russell and Mr. Bale.

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 1- Dir. David Yates 
     -Umm. I'm guilty as charged. Will Harry Potter always be in my top ten? Probably. You have to admit though, especially after the first couple movies, this franchise has come a long way. I feel like they just get better and better. This one was the most humanistic one in my opinion. It felt like an actual drama instead of a fantasy movie. It stayed true to the story, for the most part, and kept everyone engaged and emotionally moved.

3. The Social Network- Dir. David Fincher
     -Yes, I am on Facebook as I type this, but that has nothing to do with anything. This was an excellent movie. Everything fell into play. Extremely well written script, directing, and acting. Aaron Sorkin (the screenwriter) and David Fincher just took this movie above and beyond. Exceeded my expectations and left me in awe when the credits began to role.

2. Inception- Dir. Christopher Nolan
     -Whatever Chris Nolan touched turns to gold. This guy has not made a bad movie in his life. What can I say about Inception besides it's my type of movie, my type of style. If I had a chance to make any of the movies on my top ten list, this would be it. A thinker movie to extraordinary proportions. It was just plane amazing. I can talk all day about the directing or the filmmaking or the cinematography or the acting or the screenplay. Just about everything in this movie was good.

And the number one movie of 2010 is.........................................................................................................

1. Toy Story 3- Dir. Lee Unkrich
     -I haven't cried at a cartoon since I was 8... Until now. That's gotta be worthy of something.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 2010 releases seen: 35 (as of right now)

Currently Listening To: Wild Beasts
Recently Watched: Blue Valentine- Phenomenal acting, story is hard to watch. You get so emotionally invested as an audience member which makes it that much more difficult. Recommended though.

Look What The Cat Dragged In

That would be me. It looks like I'm back. I guess I just like to write and voice my opinion. I couldn't figure out how to change my web address for this blog, so it is just gonna say Australia even though I'm not there any more. Lets get this baby going....

2010 in quick review:
-Rang in New Year in Sydney. Loads of fireworks and warm weather. New discovery that too much gin gives me a headache.
- Coachella with Mark in April. Amazing as always.
- Moved back to the good ole US of A May 15th.
- Got a job with Envision EMI, working in NYC all summer long. Got to do amazing things and meet amazing people. One of the best jobs I've ever had.
------------------------------ I put a break here because this is where the black hole comes in------------------------
- Officially moved back to the Bay Area end of August.
- Although there was some good times. Generally speaking the months of Sep-Dec consisted of a lot of aggravation, depression, and stress. No job, no money, no fun.
- Boston and NYC in Dec. Orange County for the new year.
- 2010 is over. It was a year with more ups and downs then ever before.

2011 is a new year, new job, new life. Lets see what happens.

I got a job up here in the Bay Area. Which means I will still be living at home, but at least I'll be out of the house and have the means to meet new people most of the time. The company is called VUDU-

http://www.vudu.com/product_overview.html

and I am a Content Coordinator. I'll share more about my job description once I actually start on the 17th.

That is all for now. Look for my "Top Movies of 2010" coming in the next post.

Currently Listening To: Magnetic Man, and any other dirty dub-step.
Recently Watched: Monsters (2010)- Real good. One of those movies that grows on you the more you think about it. Completely not at all what anyone was expecting.


P.S. Yes, I got ads on my page now. Did I sell out? Maybe. Does it effect your content viewing? No. So get over it.

My Last Post... For a While.

So today is my last full day in Australia. My flight leaves tomorrow morning. Its strange writing this post. I am used to going on and on about things knowing I can keep adding to this blog. But starting tomorrow I will no longer be the American Down Under. So this blog will probably come to a close. The Australia chapter of my life is closing and a new one is now beginning. Of course I have to go through that transition phase first. Things will be rocky at first like they always are, but hopefully things will smooth out soon. I may or may not start a new blog that just talks about my life updates.

I got the job on the East Coast. So thats where I'll be over the summer. As for the rest of my life after that, its all up in the air.

So this final post is just to say goodbye and thank you. For those of you who followed me on my adventure this time, and for those of you who have been following me on my adventures since 2008 when I first came to Sydney to study.

I will see many of you soon in person. As for those of you who just secretly read my blog and never actually contact me (you know who you are), go ahead and send me a message or pick up the phone and ring me if you have my number. If there is one thing I learned here in Australia, it is that those in your life, both past and present, always matter. To the most minor people, everyone has an impact that helps shape your life. If you are reading this, then you are most likely a past/present friend or family member of mine. I would love to hear from you.

If you are my friend on FB, I encourage you to check out my Australia pictures. By noon on Saturday I will be on American soil once again.

Until another day or life, I bid you adieu.

Love,

The American Down Under

Currently Listening To: Broken Social Scene, The Radio Dept.

The Past Couple Days

First and foremost Happy Mothers Day to my mom. I'm sorry I can't be there to celebrate but I will be seeing you soon enough. Now lets get down to business. The weather has been near perfect these past few days. Sunny and bright with a cool breeze. Warm enough to play outside, but not too hot.

So I decided to take advantage of this. Yesterday I did the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk. It was much more impressive than I thought. Its about a 3.5 mile walk up the coast. Along the way there are beaches, coves, parks, cliffs, and many other beautiful sights. At some points it felt like I was walking through a rain forest, and at other points it felt like I was walking through a forest. It was amazing. I took a bunch of pics so go look at my FB album.

Today, I went to the Botanical Gardens and explored a bit. It was a nice little walk with great views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Pics are in the FB album. After that I took a visit to the Opera House. I figure it will be my last time for a while. It still looks just as good as it did the first time I saw it. Down in Circular Key there are street performers and one Aboriginal guy was playing the Didgeridoo to electro trance dance music. It sounded amazing so I bought both his CDs and now I'm jamin out to them.

Tomorrow is suppose to be hot so I'm ready to lay out for a bit. After tomorrow the weather is suppose to drop for the rest of the week. So good thing I'm heading home. I have managed to avoid a winter for a year.

I also just figured out how in enhance my photos on my comp. Now the pics look way better. Too bad I haven't been doing this all along, my FB photo albums would look much better. None of them are enhanced.

Almost forgot to mention. The A's beat the Rays 4-0 today. Dallas Braden pitched a perfect game for Oakland. Only the 2nd player in A's history to do this. What makes this even more impressive is the Rays are the #1 team in baseball right now and they still couldn't touch that guy.

Currently Listening To: The Web, Animistix

Recently Watched: Go!- It was good.

Cinco De FAIL.

So today is Cinco De Mayo in the USA. But not here in Australia. Since Australia doesn't touch Mexico, I guess they don't feel the need to celebrate. But for me that is just a sad story. My love for Mexican food and Corona's cannot be fulfilled at this time. So I sit here like it's any "normal" day, as the FB statuses light up with Mexican flare. I know I'll be kicking myself tomorrow once everybody starts to post pictures. RIP Cinco De Mayo.

So I am really bored and counting down the days until I go home. Since all of my friends work during the weekdays, I have nothing to do. I no longer have a gym membership, so I'll have to go exercise in the park. Other than that, there isnt much to do by yourself except for walking around a bunch. I don't mind that, it is just I have been here and seen almost everything I wanted to. So I don't see the point in walking around and seeing everything again. There are a couple things I can do that I haven't done. I'll probably go to the Botanical Gardens (which I have done when I studied here, but not thoroughly) and the Coogee To Bondi Costal Walk. I'll save that for tomorrow and Monday if the weather permits. So far the weather is sunny and clear skies, but cold. No more short sleeves.

Currently Listening To: The Radio Dept. , Belle And Sebastian

Coming Home and My Attempt At Experiencing Australia One Last Time

So I will be coming home soon. I am making my first announcement here for my faithful ADU readers, before I officially announce it on FB. I arrive back in the Bay Area on May 15th. Then on May 19th I will be going down to Orange County/ LA for the remainder of the month. I had applied for an awesome summer job that is in D.C. and New York. My interview is this wed on Skype. So if I get that then I'll be flying to the East Coast on June 3rd and will be there until mid-August.

So it has come down to my last days in Australia. I took a walk a few days ago and ended up deep into a park near my house. In the 6 months I have been here, I have never step foot in this park. It was like a whole new world. There are 3 lakes and trees everywhere. Strange looking birds of all sorts lined the lakes. The bird species are different here then in the States. The most colorful wild birds you have ever seen are common here. I took a walk around the lake, but I didn't think to bring my camera. So I have been trying to find a day that I can go back and take pictures. I check the weather and plan my days accordingly, but then I wake up and check the weather again and it is completely changed. I was going to go today, but now the weather says "risk of afternoon shower or thunderstorm". So I'll have to make a judgment call later.

I applied for my tax back from the Australian government. So I will hopefully be getting a large chunk of money put in my account within the next few weeks.

That is all I guess. I hope the weather in the States is getting ready for me.

Currently Listening To: Taking Back Sunday- weird huh? Itunes picked them up on shuffle and I really don't mind.

Recently Watched: Arrested Development Season 1

Recovering From The Amazing

I am still trying to recover from such an amazing trip back home. It is really hard to come down from such a positive atmosphere of friends, family, good weather, Coachella, and freedom. Now it is back to the real world of job hunting, paying bills, and being so far away from those I care about. I am still a little depressed, but not as bad as the week after Coachella and when I first arrived back in Sydney.

Its strange how your everyday life seems different when your emotions are running high. When I walk down the streets now, I see things a little different. Its hard to explain. I've been listening to my Ipod a lot more now, so it is like I have my own personal soundtrack as I walk around. Music really does infuse emotions. Also, it's a bit cooler outside and the sun sets much earlier now. So the way things look has changed.

I went to the gym today for the first time in a month. It felt good to work out. But I have so much on my mind, its like Im in the zone the whole time. I've been thinking a lot about my future and all of it is really just up in the air. The unknown worries me. I wish some major thing could just happen and that would start pointing me in the right directing. Its all wishful thinking as my dad says. I often think up the unrealistic, but I can't help it, I'm too imaginative.

So there are no real updates in my life. I am unemployed and looking for something to give me a little more cash before I call it quits and come home for good.

Currently Listening To: Caspa & Rusko, Boxcutter, Wilco

Below is a pic of Mark and I the day before we left for Coachella. We made matching shirts for Friday. They had the Coachella mountains and palm trees around it. On the back it was our own personal Mastercard commercial. Mine read: Plane Ticket From Australia $1200, Coachella Tickets $309.25, 1/8 Special Herbs $40, Gas For The Car $30, Having The Time Of Your Life: Priceless.