Archive for the 'Family' category

Father from the Past

June 22, 2009 10:11 am

Discovery of the West

My father describes

An adventurous time

Just before the credit line

Rescued from the draft by childhood infirmity

1965 built a damn for California’s prosperity

Simple stories of work and wonder

A feeling of jealousy

My inquiries do uncover

Like a time traveler

With a busted machine

I’m stranded in a scene

From the future obscene

A small world of facts and figures

At 32 I have far too many answers

Kabluey…

April 11, 2009 4:51 pm

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For all of us seemingly caught in-between life; wondering what the heck is going on, what went wrong, how did I end up here, where am I going next, and what am I doing with myself… I believe this little movie offers some real encouragement, and if not answers… perhaps some reminders that are even better.

Kabluey caught a hold of me while I was on the down side of smobing about something, well perhaps nothing, but I was doing my darnedest to feel sorry for myself anyway… In the first moments of the film I met a family in comedic disarray due to a father on military duty in Iraq. Then I met a wife who misses her husband, two little boys looking for their father, and all the typical issues of life thrown on top with financial insecurity for good measure. My woes could not compare to this fictional yet realistic predicament, and I was forced to let them go in exchange for a little bit of empathy.

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Whenever a film helps me do that, and step outside of my would be film maker critique, I pay attention. I gave in to the story and went along for the ride. Salman, the unassuming brother in law black sheep, arrives on the scene purely of his availability. A haphazard job search ends him in the role of corporate mascot donning a pathetic blue costume. It’s a ridiculous job, and I am sure many can relate to the strange disconnect between work exhaustion and any sense of cogent meaning or significance.

Salman, however, has something special that makes him a hero, he’s selfless. When trite truths are done proper justice, they always get new life.

Reunion
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The cast is graced with a few names, but the overall production feels like the best of indipendent film. I am sure I am giving this film much more credit than it deserves in terms of pacing, editing style, and performances… but it delivers the message, and it ends strong. I am beginning to realize just how difficult it is to end a film well, and I think this one does. Commitment, pursuit, thoughtfulness, and a reunion come like a whirlwind as the film wraps up… and its a beautiful thing.

I think it is a mysterious gift when a completed film somehow becomes better than the sum of its technical achievement, plot ingenuity, and even acting performance would merit. Its inspiring to encounter that from time to time and be shown the good that is within the grasp of aspiring independent film makers…

  • Kabluey
    Kabluey
    Director: Sony Pictures

Christmas Presents

January 20, 2008 7:10 pm
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It’s home made by my nephew, Hunter Gallagher. Pretty awesome, huh!?

Warrior 2…

December 30, 2007 11:15 pm
Warrior 2
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Ok, so that’s not my pristine silhouette basking in the sun while flawlessly performing the Warrior 2 yoga pose… but now I can imagine what it might feel like.

I was a yoga scoffer; the girls at work would do it after hours and I would stroll by just to toss them a “what the heck are you doing” smirk. But I like to think of myself as an open minded chap willing to try new things, so it becomes common that my commitment to that personal sentiment becomes challenged by unique opportunities. Yoga happened to be next on the list during my Christmas vacation. My Sister (Co Co) and Brother in Law (Big Mac) live out in Minnesota, I went to visit. My frugal (yet ambitious) sister trades her yoga expertise as an instructor for YMCA membership privileges. I was forced to go along with it as an act of support for my sister… and to keep up my “good guy” image.


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Wampas…

10:50 pm

My nephews and I made this StarWars fan film over the holidays. I seem to be falling into these opportunities every time I go on vacation now… and I sure do like it.


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