Ave of the Arts, Philadelphia Pa

Ave of the Arts, Philadelphia Pa from ALMFII on Vimeo.

I received the new Vado HD camera in time for Christmas. Here is some test footage of the night I received it, I am such a geek. I hope to get some great Christmas footage.

Slumdog Millionaire is a Winner

Slumdog Millionaire is a winner; it is story telling at its best, easily one of best films of 2008. The story is heroic, romantic, tragic, but also one of conquest. The cast is outstanding; I can't recall when I have seen such incredible child actors. The story spans approximately 15 years and the main characters are played by two to three children representing various ages.

The story is clever and quick paced; there were occasions that I literally slid to the edge of my seat in anticipation. The film also provides a view into the caste system still prevalent in India's culture. It is such an important film to see, it is the triumph of the human spirit against insurmountable odds.

A standout in the phenomenal caste is the Freida Pinto, her beauty is ethereal. I found myself thinking that she has to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her role was far from glamorous but her natural beauty could not be subdued which also is a core element of the story.

Did I mention that this is based on a true story? Take your Lover, your parent, your best friend, but you must see this movie.

A Jihad for Love (2007) - Parvez Sharma

A Jihad for Love (2007)

In a time, when Islam is under tremendous attack-from within and without-'A Jihadfor Love' is a daring documentary-filmed in twelve countries and nine languages. Muslim gay filmmaker Parvez Sharma has gone where the silence is strongest, filming with great risk in nations where government permission to make this film was not an option. A Jihad for Love is the first-ever feature-length documentary to explore the complex global intersections of Islam and homosexuality. With unprecedented access and depth, Sharma brings to light the hidden lives of gay and lesbian Muslims from countries like Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, France, India, and South Africa. The majority of gay and lesbian Muslims must travel a lonely and often dangerous road. In many nations with a Muslim majority, laws based on Quranic interpretations are enforced by authorities to monitor, entrap, imprison, torture and even execute homosexuals. Even for those who migrate to Europe or North America and adopt Western personae of "gay," the relative freedoms of new homelands are mitigated by persistent racial profiling and intensified state surveillance after the terrorist attacks in New York, London and Madrid. As a result, many gay and lesbian Muslims end up renouncing their religion. But the real-life characters of A Jihad for Love aren't willing to abandon a faith they cherish despite its flaws. Instead, they struggle to reconcile their ardent belief with the innate reality of their being. The international chorus of gay and lesbian Muslims brought together by A Jihad for Love doesn't seek to vilify or reject Islam, but rather negotiate a new relationship to it. In doing so, the film's extraordinary characters point the way for all Muslims to move beyond the hostile, war-torn present, toward a more hopeful future. As one can imagine, it was a difficult decision for the subjects to participate in the film due to the violence they could face. However, those who have come forward to tell their stories feel this film is too important for 1.4 billion Muslims and non-Muslims around the world for them to say no. They are willing to take the risk in their quest to lay equal claim to their profoundly held faith. "A Jihad for Love' is produced by Sandi DuBowski (Director of Trembling Before G-d) in association with ZZDF-Arte Channel 4, and LOGO.

Les personnes que Parvez Sharma présente dans son film documentaire sont des musulmans croyants et ils sont gays. Dans la plupart de leurs pays d’origine, ils font de ce fait partie d’une minorité opprimée, une minorité dont on ne parle pas, victime de persécutions et d’humiliations, exclue de la vie publique.

Original languages:(English Arabic Hindi Persian Urdu French) hardsubbed with French. TV ripped from Arte "the intellectual" TV channel in France.

http://www.foriegnmoviesddl.com/2008/12/jihad-for-love-2007-parvez-sharma.html

http://rapidshare.com/files/173334926/JHL.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/173339002/JHL.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/173343290/JHL.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/173347350/JHL.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/173351378/JHL.part5.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/173359649/JHL.part6.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/173359928/JHL.part7.rar

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=R5TSR3JZ
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U44O5E6F
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=C3EXK3ZH
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VZK4QYMW
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2FEC3COZ
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UAZPA68W
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BZ470S1K

password:accatone

Dear Santa. a change of plans I purchased the Vado HD

Dear Santa, I have a late change in a previous request. The good news is it is a cancellation, I no longer want the The Flip Mino HD . I actually decided on a Vado HD and decided to get it myself for our family Christmas ski trip.

It was a tough decision, the Vado was just recently released and clearly has superior features to The Flip Mino HD . However the video quality is said to be just a close second in quality. You can view the Vado HD's output at vimeo.com, do a search on "Vado HD".

After much debate I decided on the Vado HD for a few specific reasons.
1. The rechargeable battery is removable, the flip is not
2. The Vado HD has a recording capacity of 4 hours versus the Flip's 2 hours in HD format.
3. The Vado HD is rated superior for indoor recording by PC Mag

I am looking forward to playing with my new pocket cam and sharing the footage. It will be posted to vimeo.com and embedded here.

Damn, this is exhilarating!

As you may well be aware, I am a self admitted geek. I love my Tech-Toys, Gadgets, and SciFi. I admit to having four collector edition signed comics, still in the bag, framed and mounted on a wall in my home. I was unfamiliar with Watchmen until now; the series was published by DC Comics in 1986 and 1987.

Psychokinesis, Telepathy, and Precognition have always entertained and fascinated me. Does anyone else remember the Fury, which was years before Carrie. Anyway I digress, this movie trailer looks like they are bring their A game to the screen. Although I am a major fan of Heroes I will reserve any comparison until I see the film. Also there is a prequel in a comic book that is coming out soon, check it here at Super HeroHype.com.

Black Friday with "Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom" and good friends

Yesterday, on Black Friday, the much anticipated "Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom" opened at one of the Landmark theaters here in Philadelphia. I previously purchased tickets online to ensure that we could see the film opening day. Upon arrival at the 3:35 viewing I was disappointed to see that it was not sold out. I prefer to think it was because of Black Friday is indeed was the busiest shopping day of the year.

Fortunately, I decided to catch the commuter rail into Center City, Philadelphia. I was amazed at the volume of people I encountered at the train station and on board for a mid-day excursion. There were dozens of families with children, folks headed to the airport, and a several international visitors headed for a walking tour of our historic Philadelphia. The city was packed both with pedestrians and cars clogging the sidewalks and streets alike. Christmas truly is in the air, with hundreds of children headed to see the various Christmas attractions. The most popular by far still is the Wanamaker's, now Macy's, Christmas light show. It has ranked number one since my childhood in the 1960's and the only to survive that long. Our newest attraction is the dazzling display in the lobby of the the still new Comcast Center, the 10-million pixel video wall also known as the largest four-millimeter LED screen in the world, measuring 83.3ft x 25.4ft. This technological marvel runs 18 hours a day with shows beginning each hour on the hour.

I arrived at the theater approximately 45 minutes before the ticketed showtime. Bradley, my dearest friend and soul mate, was already there waiting. I picked up the reserved tickets and joined him Bradley at a seat to watch the men pass by while we played catch up. After awaiting the arrival of, Robert and PJ, I decided to head down the escalator and into the theater to secure four premium seats.

Before the escalator reached bottom I saw him. I say "him" because I am always confused for an instant as to exactly how I should address him. No, I am not being shady, upon making his acquaintance initially his name was Ricky. However when I took him to a pool party as my date he corrected me and said his name was Thomas, or was it TJ. It was at the moment of embarrassment that I heard the bell toll for him.

I reached out and grabbed his arm before he could pass. I now believe he saw me but preferred to slip away unnoticed. He glanced at my eyes and looked away smiling. I forgot how he could not hold eye contact. We exchanged pleasantries and spoke of the film, he enjoyed it and assured me that I would as well. We exchanged sincere wishes for the Holiday and embraced awkwardly.

I will not ruin the film by revealing any plot lines or character development. The film opens on a ferry to Martha's Vineyard in winter. I have always found something quite magical about the beach in winter; such a beautiful place, peaceful, serene, and displaying a hypnotic beauty.

It is at this beautiful shore in winter that our story unfolds with our usual cast of suspects. I quickly suspended all reality and settled in to be entertained. There is more than enough drama for your nerves, campy lines, and some truly surprising developments. One moment in particular was a kiss, but not just any kiss. It was a moment when the audience gasped and leaned forward in our collective seats.

Personally, my continued discomfort with the Baby Gat character remains. He has never worked for me, I have always felt he was woefully miscast. Even with my suspended reality he seems like a caricature out of place.

Several years ago, during the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Bradley and I had the pleasure to meet Patrik-Ian Polk, Jensen Atwood, and Rodney Chester. This was well before the LOGO broadcast deal was finalized , Polk then was planning on releasing the show through mail order by DVD. One of the topics that he spoke on was piracy and supporting what he and the cast were attempting to accomplish. After a screening and Q&A session, we met with the director and cast members. Since that moment I developed a sense of admiration for them. my brothers who pursued a dream in spite of the many obstacles they faced.

After the film I met with my own cast of characters over cocktails. We caught up on the holidays, laughed and embraced. We deconstructed Noah's Arc, Quantum of Solace and Twilight. We shared and were distressed to learn of one of our own recent diagnosis with prostate cancer. It was at that moment time seemed to stand still and I realized the beauty of our friendship and camaraderie. We did not cry but instead we hugged and made plans for our next get together in two weeks.

Dear Santa, I have totally flipped for The Flip

The Film Twilight is Excellent

Last night I joined tens of thousands of young girls at the midnight showing of Twilight. My attendance was totally unplanned and yielded a wonderful surprise. The highly anticipated film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s novel about a young girl who falls in love with an unconventional vampire. The studio has plans to make a trilogy having acquired the rights to “New Moon” and “Eclipse,” the second and third books in the book series.

The movie is much more of a love story than horror film. I found myself pulled into the story and completely engaged by the cast. I am quite excited to read the best selling books. Some predict that this Trilogy will rival the Harry Potter franchise.

I began my evening at Sang Kee Peking Duck House in Chinatown for a delicious meal with four friends. The Dong Yum Seafood Soup, infused with LemonGrass, and my Seafood Triple Delight were both excellent. The menu is quite extensive and I heard raves reviews of their Peking Duck.

After dinner it was off to the Apothecary Lounge. A chic new lounge on 13th, unfortunately parking was at a premium and I refused to pay for another lot. After circling the gayborhood I eventually ran into Woody's to use the bathroom before heading home. It was there over a cuervo and grapefruit that it occurred to me to see a film.

He's back, 007 in "Quantum of Solace"

Last night, my wait was finally over, it was the premiere of the latest Bond film, "Quantum of Solace". the story line was unexpected but nevertheless a pleasant surprise. Daniel Craig was quite impressive in Casino Royale, he recast the Bond mold. In Quantum of Solace Craig takes ownership of the franchise; gone are the gadgets our hero is now three dimensional.

I am one of the few Bond fans who adored Roger Moore, it was the navy blue blazer and white dinner jacket, he was a walking GQ layout. Then there was Pierce Brosnan who embodied everything a new age Bond had to be, handsome, smug, smart, and tech savvy.

Quantum of Solace replaces the gadgets with actual cutting edge technologies. They are not as much improbable as they are cost prohibitive, but they are real.

I highly encourage you to watch Casino Royale again before seeing this film. You will appreciate my advice and the film that much more. Please let me know what you think. My greatest disappointment was in the new Bond song. I've read how the troubled Amy Winehouse was tapped to sing the tune, then rumored to be replaced by Leona Lewis and finally Beyonce. Unfortunately neither songbird graced the soundtrack as only they could. The song is a collaboration between Jack White and Alicia Keys, it is quite forgettable.

I love the Bolivian subplot but I can't discuss it for fear of spoiling your experience.

Please share your opinions I am very curious what you think.

Daniel "James Bond" Craig Speaks Out For Obama

"I strongly feel there needs to be a new way forward," Craig tells Playboy magazine in an interview on newsstands today. "Barack Obama is pushing things in the right direction. I'm excited about the election. Unfortunately, things will probably get dirty. I hope Obama can stay above the fray ... I'm hopeful for the first time in a long, long while. It's one of the most exciting elections in my lifetime." He can't vote in America, but the British Craig has strong feelings."

Quantum of Solace" comes out next month

Max Payne is painfully awful!

I am amazed at what actually makes the cut from straight to video and a major studio release. Max Payne is painfully awful, but it will draw viewers simply based on Wahlberg's descending star power. The only merit of this film is it reminded me how much I loved "Constantine".

We were the only ones who bothered to read the credits, we wanted to know who to blame for this crap. Spoiler, at the end of the credits the film picks up with another scene. It was absolutely terrifying, as it alluded to a sequel.

W. is Oscar Worthy

Oliver Stone's film "W" is a pure delight. I saw it yesterday and still am smiling at the performance of Josh Brolin. Oliver Stone is at his best. In spite of the criticism that I have heard and read it is clear to me that he captured the essence and the obvious of George W. Bush

The performances are a pure delight, the writing is clever. Brolin depicts Bush not just as a caricature as I anticipated, but actually breathes life into a one dimensional President. Until now President George W. Bush was his own caricature, the image he projects is as vacuous as the man himself.

This film is Oscar worthy, I predict it will be showered in Golden Globe nominations.

Marcus Patrick

British Actor, Model, Singer, Tae Kwon Doe Champion had added yet another title to his impressive resume, Dancer.

The Most Beautiful Man In The World is ...

The Most Beautiful Man In The World, at least the winner of the 2006 competition, is Zabedy. The award winning screenwriter, playwright, model, and photographer is Kuwaiti born, raised in Dubai, and relocated to California to attend High School.

His first, award-winning, screen play entitled"A Comma Between Two Dots" was written in Arabic. I've been unable to locate his first published work of photography. However, I've read the synopsis of a screenplay he penned in English entitled, "Oh My God".

I wish I spoke and read Arabic.; I wonder if he is available for tutoring.

The Film "Quarantine" actually should be quarantined

“Sir, Sir”, I felt a hand tapping on my shoulder. I opened my eyes to see a bald man, standing upside down. “Sir, you need to wake up. You are snoring”. It was the usher leaning over the back of my seat as he stood in the row behind me. Oh my, I had fallen asleep; no I had deliberately gone to sleep. The sheer horror of what I saw on the screen was terrifying, the movie “Quarantine” still had not ended.

Quarantine a much anticipated horror movie was plainly horrific. The camera work was a rip off of Cloverfield; a far superior film. I safely assume the booing at the end of the film indicated my feelings were shared by the audience. I give it an “F” even thought I had a delightful, but brief nap.

BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA

This afternoon my, nine year old, niece and I fell in love with Disney's latest release, Beverly Hill's Chihuahua. It is a delightfully funny and entertaining film, my favorite in some time. This film does not contain the social commentary of Wall-E, but it is delightful fluff for the family. Although, being universally panned by the critics I highly recommend this film to all dog lovers, young and old.