Monday, August 31, 2009

Last House on the Left

I just watched the new DVD release of the 1972 horror, suspense thriller remake" The Last House on the Left." Even though it was director Dennis Lliadis' first real major motion picture I thought he did a pretty good job of bringing this movie together. He used alot of standard angle shots but still, you could get a sense of his style. The problem I had with his behind the camera prowess, was the fact that he had a few too many drawn out scenes. One scene in particular was the rape scene in the woods. I know it was meant to get the audience angry at the main villain and instill hatred, thus making the audience want blood, still, it was a little much. Though the script did have a pretty decent death in store for the main bad guy, it was an unnecessary evil.

I know that these kind of movies are made to have a seemingly impossible escape from the situations the victims are put in. I would still like to see a smart victim who doesn't do something stupid to put their life in danger. For example, when the main victims first meet the villains of the story in a seedy motel room, they know their life is in danger and one girl hits a bad guy and runs into the bathroom to try to escape. She is successful in getting into the bathroom and she sees a cop driving outside. Instead of breaking the window she just bangs on it screaming with a cell phone in her hand. I mean give me a break, throw the damn phone through the window and then yell.

Now I know that most of you out there would say that if she was able to get the cops attention, then the movie would most likely end there. I see this point and I would say "Whatever." Because if that were the case then I wouldn't have had to waste 114 minutes of my time. So if you are not a fan of this genre or don't have the stomach for some controversial scenes, then this movie is not for you. If you are a fan of this kind of movie, then it is worth at least one viewing. Every movie is worth watching once, because every movie is like a painting in the fact no two are ever alike.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Letter of Intro.

INTRODUCING MYSELF

August 25, 2009


Ms. Stephanie Guedet Scott
Professor
Illinois Central College


Dear Ms. Scott:


The purpose of this letter is to give you a little insight into my world and hopefully provide you with an interesting view of my life. I was born in 1983 and was raised in the small town of Minonk. My family and friends are the largest part of my life and I have recently become the proud father of a beautiful baby girl. Since I was young the one thing I wanted was to be a movie director and after many years of working in a factory, I have finally started to work towards that dream. My personal goals for this semester include, maintaining a perfect grade point average and making sure my experiences are well absorbed.


Much of my time as of late is spent with my daughter, although I still find time to do the things I love. My ideal night on the town includes going to the movies, there is nothing like the smell of popcorn and the comforting feeling of being surrounded by the light and sound of a major motion picture. After the movie I’m off to IBC in downtown Normal for a bunch of games of pool and a few beers. Wait, maybe that’s the other way around. Much of my life is devoted to comedy, I literally can’t go one minute without saying something funny or thinking of something amusing.
Although I enjoy a good night out, most of my time is spent running my business in my hometown.

For the last two years I have owned and operated a Martial Arts School. I guess you could say I’m on the physical end of teaching. It’s amazing to watch a student learn from you, then observe them using the techniques to better themselves. I hope in the years to come I can use all of my past experiences to make my dream of Directing come to fruition. If there are any other questions about myself you would like to know I would be happy to answer them.


Sincerely,



Derick M. Jackson


DMJ