Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Awesome Edition

Included in TIME's 100 Best TV Shows of All Time, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a rare series that contains drama, action, sci-fi, and comedy. It has been nominated for the Golden Globe's and Emmy's, winning a total of three Emmy awards. Created and directed (for the most part) by Joss Whedon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer first aired in 1997. Joss Whedon is a genius not only for his dialogue, but also for his ability to tell and create an amazing story that you can't help but enjoy as you will read in the last section. The television show popularized the small and unknown at the time WB Television Network.

Halloween

Halloween (episode six of season two) begins with Angel waiting for Buffy who is delayed in a vampire fight for their date. Buffy is dissapointed that she is not a normal girl. After being forced into community service, the group of friends go to a new shop to find costumes for Halloween night where Buffy finds a beautiful 18th century dress that she buys. Although Buffy's attempts to dress Willow more extrovertly, Willow dresses up like a ghost. This holiday, we learn, is the only day where vampires to not lurk. Ethan Rayne, the owner of the new shop, is found to have placed a spell on his merchadise and everyone who bought from his store becomes their costume. Buffy becomes a fearful noblewoman; Willow is a ghost; Xander is a soldier. Taking advantage of Buffy's state, Spike decides this is his chance to defeat Buffy.

The TV series is known for their subtle meanings and metaphors. The show was created upon a metaphor: "High school as Hell"... literally. Vampires and other freaks of nature mixed with petty high school drama with a sprinkle of humor for zest. I am not crazy about Buffy as I am with Twilight (Buddah is just jealous because he can't sparkle in the sunlight!), but it's watchable and interesting. The acting felt a bit fake and phony. I was expecting great acting because most of the cast has had past experiences in the industry. Once the acting is below average, the video is unbearable to me and annoying. Going to more positive terms, I really like the concept of metaphors in each episode. I think that's brilliant. The main metaphor in this episode is "Be you". Buffy is trying to please Angel and become a perfect girl that she doesn't realize that the reason why he likes her is because she is not a generic normal girl. Willow is confused and doesn't feel comfortable with herself. They both learn to be who they are because the person they'd rather be is not always sunshine and butterflies. At times, they are the worst people.

Hush

Think of the creepiest movie you've ever seen... now multiple that times 15! I'm going to use the word creepy so much, I'm going to have to find synonyms. Just imagine The Joker minus the hair and the laughter in a nice clean suit tearing the heart out of your body with a polite smile smacked on his face. That's the Gentlemen. An elite group of savages, with etiquette of course, that go around town to town stealing voices so they can rip out seven hearts for their own personal amusement. If you don't think that's creepy, then you must be a creep yourself.

Episode 10 of season four delivers the disturbing tale of the Gentlemen, earning the TV show its first Emmy nomination for best original writing. Buffy, now in college, has a dream about a girl singing a lullaby about a certain group freaks snatching hearts while the innocent are speechless, no pun intended. Buffy explains her nightmare to Giles (her Watcher) and he does research without any results. Meanwhile, Buffy's relationship with Riley (Angel is long gone) is in a pickle. Their relationship is stumped by babblering and useless talk. Willow goes to a Wicca group only to realize that they are fakes and all talk (another pun, I'm on a roll!). Xander, with similar issues relating to communication, is confronted with his demonic girlfriend (I'm not joking, she is a demon) Anya who accuses Xander of not loving her and only trying to get in her pants. That night, the Gentlemen arrive and take all the voices. The citizens of Sunnydale must use other forms of communication instead of relying on their speech.

As stated before, Joss Whedon is a metaphorical man. "When talking ceases, communication begins" is the metaphor used for Hush. As soon as their voices were taken, Buffy and Riley were able to express how they felt easier than before because the useless babblering was gone. Willow meets a girl, Tara, in the Wicca group who was struggling with expression but when everybody else's voice is taken away, they find out just how powerful they truly are. Xander, who could say his feelings out loud, was able to express just how much he loved Anya when through a misunderstanding. In a way it's ironic how much is left unsaid when you actually say something.

You probably think I'm bipolar because of this shift from creepiness to emotional dilemma, but I can tell you that the sudden shift is not me... it's the show. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is bipolar in a positive way. In five minute time span, Joss Whedon will make you laugh, cry, and scream. And it flows so well together. That is the beauty of Buffy. It's original and different.

I enjoyed Hush more than I enjoyed Halloween purely because of the fact that the acting was better. The story was more mature along with the metaphor. High school drama is so annoying, except Twilight! (I had to show Buddah the Halloween episode and explain the metaphor so he wouldn't dye his hair reddish-brown and eat a deer) They only reason why I like Buffy is to find the metaphor afterwards. I love puns (as you can probably tell) so the use of figurative language appeals to me. With exception to the metaphors and puns, I don't like Buffy that much. At times, they seem so cheesy and corny that it makes me what to laugh for the wrong reasons. But if you like mysterious and twisted (in a good way) story lines and don't care about the acting, you might enjoy Buffy the Vampire Slayer. (Even the name sounds corny)

Oopsies, The golden contacts that Buddah shoved in his eyes are giving him a red eye! I have to go knock some sense into his brain and convince him that A) he can not afford that Volvo and B) he can not read minds...

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Halloween - Buddah

Sunnydale a quiet peaceful town during the day. But when the sun goes down and the moon arises Vampires go lose (Not Twilight people, These guys are REAL vampires). If you haven't caught on I am talking about Buffy ( I hope she kills all the twilight characters. That would be awesome). For this certain review I will review the Halloween episode from the series. This episode is from season two episode six. To introduce those who don't know the show Buffy is the main character or protagonist she is a vampire slayer and is led by a watcher names Giles, also by her side is her new friend Willow and Xander, and the good Vampire Angel with the team Buffy and her friends fight off anything that crawls out of Hellmouth (the portal in which the vampires and demons get to earth)

In this particular episode, Halloween has come Sunnydale and there is a new store in town. The show starts off as Buffy and Angel have started to date and for Halloween Buffy wants to dress up a 1775 noble women to impress Angel. With a new store in town it attracts many people, what they don't know is that the owner is a cultist, who changes the town into their costume leaving Buffy defenseless and clueless of who she is.

In the eyes of a expert in viewing cinema we think that T.V. is the "junk food" of the business. Having no point or lead just silly twists that want us to eat more kind of like the oils and sugar in junk food. But in my eyes Buffy is one of those rare shows that delivers. Having each episode have a metaphor or message. As we know in this episode everyone is turned into their costumes. Willow is uncomfortable with her body so she dresses like a ghost to cover every part of her body, Buffy wants to impress her new found boyfriend Angel by not being herself but coming to a conclusion that Angel likes noble women, and Xander, the boy who has a girl fights his fights and dresses up as a soldier to show he is strong. What I am coming at is the typical I hate my body. Many people wish they could be someone else but what they don't know is that people like them for who they are. You should be humble of who you are because if you don't then one day that change might come then you could regret it. By the end of the show it turns out my philosophy was correct. Angel hated the noble women and liked a hardcore fighter who slays vampires. Willow then shows off her new look then has Seth Green drool all over his zebra painted van.

In my opinion Buffy is a great show especially how they incorporate different genres (Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Romance, and Comedy) in a T.V. Show that has a duration of 42 minutes. I really liked the episodes but some of the catch lines were cliche. Overall I think that the show deserved its 3 Emmys. But to fully experience the whole Buffy check out the Buffy Movie (1992) that had introduced Buffy before Sunnydale.

Sorry I have to go I just saw one of the twilight guys and now I have to call Buffy before the gleaming sun goes away

Nosferatu (1922) Review

Have you ever seen a shadow at the edge of your bed? It's NOSFERATU coming for your blood! Noseferatu (1922), a German film directed by F.M. Murnau, is a vampire horror. The tale originated from Bram Stroker's tale of Dracula. Due to copyright issues, Murnau had to change names but the story remains the same. One of the first of its genre, Nosferatu created the fundamentals of a vampire being.

Oddly enough, several murders took place during production. Some suspected that Max Schreck. the actor who portrayed Count Orlok, was responsible for these deaths. Schreck was a dedicated actor who not only played a character but lived the character. Rumors were speculated that Schreck was so involved in his vampire character that he killed some cast and crew.

Even though "Nosferatu" marked history as the most horrifying and creepy movie ever, we really didn't like the movie solely for the confusion. Many scenes were taken place during the day but were meant for the night. This added to the complexity of the film because the story line was not as clear. Silent films are a bit harder to understand due the lack of communication between the characters. Additionally if the person has read or seen the original Dracula book or movie, the altered names might increase to that confusion.

Beat Sheet:

1. Opening Image: Jonathan and his wife Nina are living a normal average happy life
2. Theme Stated:
3. Set-up: Introduced to Jonathan's city of Wisborg
4. Catalyst: While Jonathan is residing at an inn in Transylvaina, he is told horror stories about Count Orlok
5. Debate: Jonathan reads the vampire book.
6. Break into Two: He still decides to go to Count Orlock's castle.
7. B Story: Meet Count Orlock
8. Fun and Games: Mysterious murders take place
9. Midpoint: Everyone is found dead on the ship
10. Bad Guys Close In: Nosferatu is killing the citizens of Wisborg
11. All is Lost: The "plague" is unknown origins and cure
12. Dark Night of the Soul: Jonathan is getting sick
13. Break into Three: Jonathan goes to find the professor even though he is unwell
14. Finale: Nina fights off Count Orlock
15. Final Image: Jonathan carries his beloved dying wife in his arms.

Directed by: F.M. Murnau

Cast

Max Schreck as Count Orlok (Dracula)

Alexander Granach as Knock (Reinfeild)

Gustav von Wangenheim as Thomas Hutter (Jonathan Harker)

Greta Schroder as Ellen Hunter (Mina Harker)

George H. Schnell as Mr. Harding (Lord Godalming)

Watch the movie HERE!

Night of the Dead (1968) Review

On a late afternoon in the country-side of Pennsylvania, two siblings named Johnny and Barbra visited their father's grave. Suddenly, they were attacked by a GHOUL! If you haven't caught on, we are talking about the "Night of the Living Dead" the original. Directed by George A. Romero and written by Romero and John Russo, This film has been the foundation for several monster-horror movies. It began the concept of being trapped in a inclosed space. "Night of the Living Dead" started the zombie apocalyptic genre.

Short films were George Romero's area of expertise. "Night of the Living Dead" was his first full length movie. Originally, the movie was meant t be a comedy featuring teen aliens from another planet visiting Earth. Russo and Romero felt it was too common and wanted a fresh idea.

We felt the movie was two thumbs up until the zombies ate them. The consumption of humans was a bit comical, because they ate chocolate covered chicken (used as human flesh). The ghouls look like an albino asking for sun-screen. But our favorite part was when the Barbra got SLAPPED by Ben (Duane Jones). To be honest we liked the movie because it started a revolution. Before 1968 no one had ever thought of doing a movie where the living dead is ready to devour you and eats brains. The story line was good as well especially if it is based around a traumatized damsel who must fight for her life but can't because that girl is CRAZY!!!! This movie didn't just symbolize zombies but it symbolizes the cooperation between two races.

In conclusion, this film might look corny with its chocolate syrup blood and chicken as flesh, but it did revolutionize horror movies inspiring Dawn of the Dead, Shawn of the Dead, and the music video for Thriller.

Beat Sheet

1. Opening Image: Barbra is alive, well, and seems to be fine
2. Theme Stated:
3. Set-Up: Barbra is at the cemetary with her brother
4. Catalyst: Barbra's Brother is killed
5. Debate:Barbra must decide to run away or go back for her brother
6. Breaks Into Two: Barbra meets Ben
7. Fun and Games: Ben and Barbra fight off the zombies
8. Midpoint: Barbra is traumatized and can't help
9. Bad Guys Close In: More Ghouls show up
10. All Is Lost: They are stranded in the house and have no plan of escape for the moment
11. Dark Knight of The Soul:
12. Breaks Into Three: Ben and Barbra meet two couples and a child who has been bitten
13. Finale: Ben and others fight the ghouls but all end up dying
14. Final Image: Barbra is dead and faced a death worse than her brother

Directed by: George A. Romero

Cast

Duane Jones as Ben

Judith O'Dea as Barbra

Karl Hardman as Harry Cooper

Marilyn Eastman as Helen Cooper

Keith Wayne as Tom

Judith Riley as Judy

Star Trek 2009: Blake Snyder Beat Sheet

1. Opening Image: Kirk is loner and a punk kid against the law.

2. Theme Stated:

3. Set-up: Kirk is introduced to some StarFleet members.

4. Catalyst: Captain Pike dares Kirk to do better than his dad

5. Debate: Kirk must decide to live a sense-less life of nothing or a life of StarFleet

6. Break into Two: Kirk joins Star Fleet, and meets McCoy

7. B Story: Kirk meets future members of the U.S. Enterprise such as Spock and Uhura

8. Fun and Games: Kirk and Sulu do the orbital dive and fight on Nero's drill

9. Midpoint: Pike gets captured and the USS enterprise is controlled by Spock

10. Bad Guys Close In: Nero blows up planets using red matter

11. All is Lost: Kirk is thrown onto Delta Vega

12. Dark Knight of the soul: Kirk is Stranded on Delta Vega with no escape

13. Breaks into three: Kirk meets Ambassador Spock who introduces Kirk to Scotty and uses Scotty's formula which beams Kirk on the USS Enterprise and then he overthrows Spock and becomes Captain.

14. Finale: Defeats Nero's minions and then Nero

15. Final Image: Kirk is then Captain of USS Enterprise

Some Random Online Videos

Buddah and Funbob here! Today, we are reviewing some random online videos. We would like to expand our horizons and write about videos from different perspectives rather than strictly movies.

"In Plain English" series are made by Common Craft. Lee and Sachi LeFever began this company in 2007. Their product, they state on their website, "is explanation". Blogging in Plain English describes the differences between the distribution of news between the 20th and 21st century. In the beginning of time, news was written by a professional and were sent to a team of examiners who selected portions for the hourly news. Now, news is different. Rather than a professional choosing what events to broadcast, any average joe can write about any lame topic (like us, but were nerds not average). This new device is called blogging.

Continuing the "in Plain English" series, Zombies in Plain English is much more entertaining than boring blogging. We are nerds not socially retarded (although that can be debatable) so we liked this video more than the previous. The three minute video determines what procedure to take if a zombie attack took place. We are taught how to identify a zombie (pale skin, limping, tears on their skin, and background dancers in Michael Jackson videos). Once identified, one must have a strategy. When retreating, one should go to a Costco or a boat (I'm on a Boat!). If want to take another approach, try the counter attack mode. It consists of a few simple tricks. #1 shooting the brain, #2 stabbing the brain, and #3 chopping the head off. Good luck, fellow nerds on your quest of survival. Don't worry about us because we are on a boat!!!!!

If you're search of even more historical videos, Food Fight is a short film created Stefan Nadelman that portrays America's historic wars and battles. Nadelman realized his love for animation and generated Latin Alive in 2000. After working on Terminal Bar and Evil Bee, he animated Food Fight and several Saturday Night Live skits. His humor does show in the short movie. The two best concepts about Food Fight is the sound effects and animation affects.

Now if you love Grand Theft Auto I recommend you see this next video called "Great Tasting Americano." This short film was written by five students in Auckland, New Zeland Peter Green, Thomas Hsieh, Gaurav Mehra, Leng Khun and Regan Music. The project was from their 3D animation class. The animation was pretty cool, it was a stop motion that ran off of Adobe. Now there wasn't a story line. Basically, the characther stole a car and drove to a coffee shop. But the cool aspect about the movie was the animation (especially the fight scene where they

incoorperated computer animation with stop motion). To me the element that really made it enjoyable was the animation.

In the early 1900s, the radio was invented. It opened so many doors for entertainment. Radio allowed people to listen to news, music, and stories. Like movies are today, radio was used to tell stories. Back of the Mike is a short film that shows behind the scenes look at the making of old Western radio. The documentary, made by Chevrolet Motor Company, illustrates how radio sound effects were produced. I was surprised that I actually loved it. In the beginning I thought "Oh no, it's one of those corny movies that has a deep moral that I never get," but it was really interesting to observe the sound effects. The film gave me a dash of guilt because now all I do if I need a sound effect is find it on iMove or online.

Review Analysis: Awesome Edition

"Criticism may not always be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things." ~ Winston Churchill

Your host...Funbob! Critique is essential to grow as a person, so this cold and lonely night I will analyze others' work. I hope others do the same for both Buddah's and I techniques.

First to bat is Big Dogs At The Movies with their review for Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. The greatest aspect about their post, I felt, was the sincerity and honesty towards the film. They didn't like the movie so they explained exactly why. Although I must admit they lacked a recap of the film and a good introduction. One of their major flaws might of been the absence of entertainment. Buddah and I have short attention spans. We try to focus then see a glimpse of the lastest Pentel mechanical pencil and lose the train of thought. Therefore, as a writer, one must entertain your followers. It's like watching your local news (assuming the lack of a hot weather girl, if so then 50% of the population will surely be watching) rather than SNL. What kind of human does that?

Momo and Hatchi from Mask in Pham had a different approach. Their review of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog was entertaining and eye-catching. The introduction drew in the reader. Both writers were explained the film correctly and gave their opinion. In spite of those facts, there is always room for improvement. I think the background shows individualism but I would suggest using contrasting colors for the text. Don't use light pink text color on a white background; it hurts my eyes (although my glasses can't get any thicker). In addition, the authors could incorporate both their point-of-views in one passage instead of Momo writing then Hatchi. It would of been peachy if they would of elaborated a bit more during the movie overview.

Flick Daddys (extra points for the amazing name) are very consistent reviewers. First off, I like how they posted their favorite movies on the right corner of their blog. This is a great way for viewers to automatically A) know Del's and Mac's (extra extra points for the names) personality and B) know if the Flick Daddys review their genre. Mac's review on Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog was basic and straight forward. There were one or two spelling issues. The introduction might of been a bit confusing to a person that had not yet seen the movie, but overall it was a nice review. Moving on to Del's review, it was my favorite out of all the above. The movie review had great sentence fluency with just the right amount of humor. The reader could connect with the author throughout the passage. If your lost at anytime, take a peek at the Flick Daddys blog (evil laugh inserted here).

That's for putting up with me but I got Star Trek ship that needs assembling...