It's Official: I'm a Pervert

I'm writing something new -- a witfit, and I'm using prereaders so I don't look like a moron. Well, not too much of a moron. I'm trying to get a bit ahead before posting. Blah, blah, blah. So I was editing last night while watching So You Think You Can Dance when I came across this . . .



Um . . . I have heard of Magic Mike, but I had no idea what it was about or who was in it. Now, I couldn't forget even if I tried. As I was watching, I said aloud, "Yes, please." So, yeah, it's official: I'm a pervert. And I like it!

I abandoned my edits and looked this up! And me likey too. He's adorbs!

 

I posted these both on Twitter because Mom taught me to share when I was young. @MariahajilE sent me this in response, and OMG! So funny.

 

Happy strip club movie, guys! See ya there June 29th! And I should definitely have something up and running on ffn before then. Yay!

A Continued Discussion of Dakota Skye and Indies

Yesterday was a strange day. Between dealing with my pseudo-clingy baby and my husband who has the flu but is pretending he doesn't have the flu, I was able to jot down a few of my obsessive thoughts about Dakota Skye. I didn't think much of it other than "Omigosh this movie reminds me of Masen Days because of sweet Jonah and Scottsdale. People will want to know!” So I posted the blog and went about my day, all the while singing the kickass songs from the non-soundtrack to the movie. Which, really, why isn’t there a soundtrack again? I have no idea.

Later in the day something happened that made me feel all squiggly inside: both the producer, Shaun O'Banion, and the writer,  Chad Shonk, tweeted me to thank me for my post about their movie.

Um, say what?

Yeah, that was my reaction. 

And then I flipped out and couldn't respond . . .

BECAUSE WHY DIDN'T I POST IT ON MY I'M-SERIOUSLY-TRYING-TO-BE-A-LEGITIMATE-WRITER-SOMEDAY BLOG AS OPPOSED TO MY BLOG WITH  RPATZ DANCING TO I'M SEXY AND I KNOW IT? O! M! G!

But you know what?

To quote Jonah, "Who has time to be embarrassed?"

Not me.

So, yeah. This is my blog, and while I am currently writing my first novel, I also write and publish stories online. Masen Days is my most popular piece, and it takes place in Scottsdale, AZ. Masen, the protagonist’s boy of choice, is an abused skater who hangs at The Wedge in Scottsdale. He’s damaged, unassuming, sweet, and poetic, and Jonah reminds me of him. So I had to tell my readers because they will want to meet Jonah too. Sigh and yay for sweet boys.

After my freak out and the following calm that came via Jonah’s wise words, I got to comparing my story, which seemingly no one will ever read (though it’s had close to 200,000 hits, so that’s not no one), to Dakota Skye. And you know what? They’re both independent. And independently good, in my opinion. So that’s good. It’s all good. And it made me realize I could respond to the producer and writer without any hesitation. I mean, just because Dakota Skye doesn't have Ellen Page in it and Masen Days isn’t on shelves at Barnes and Noble doesn't make either of them any less fabulous. There’s something so great about indies. They’re real and gritty and dirty and relatable. And thank goodness too.

And now more clips and random gushing about Dakota Skye . . . because that's how I roll.

There’s a scene wherein Dakota is on the phone wearing a wrinkled bland shirt, and I thought, “Awesome! Now that is real!” And the ugly dresser in her room is real along with the hideous pillow shams. And Jonah wears these Hanes undershirts. And Kevin has a hideous rat tail that makes him simultaneously goofy-cute and skeezy. And I love it all. Real. Real. Real.

Know what else is real? The way these characters treat each other. Dakota can barely stand Kevin. She merely tolerates him, but that’s better than being alone. Plus, he’s not bad in his band and apparently the sex is good. And she doesn’t have to pretend to be happy while with him, which I think for someone miserable like Dakota would be important.

And now a Kevin clip because I did not do him justice in the first post . . .

I love how ornery Dakota and Kevin are together. I love that we don't see his sweet side until after Jonah confesses that he likes her. That was a bittersweet scene. Because aw, now I feel bad for Kevin. But back to thier realistic relationship. I love that she lashes out at him about things like bowling and ordering the same hamburger and Coke every time they’re out at Jim’s. Because that’s how real couples behave. They are mostly trying to put up with each other’s crap and trying not to kill each other. I’m so glad that that was portrayed and Dakota wasn’t vilified for it.

In fact, quite the opposite happened. Jonah tells her that she and Kevin are good together, and they are – for them. That’s their dynamic, and it works. Though, obviously Jonah and she will be better for one another because he’s honest and she can learn to actually be happy. That would certainly be interesting watching that story arc – chronically miserable girl gets fairy tale ending and is actually happy now. What would that look like? Man, I’d like to know.

Now meet Dakota and Jonah . . .

Doesn't it look great? Go watch it! Go buy it!

But in all seriousness . . . what the hell am I talking about?

This post was meant to do two things: 1. explain that I am legitimately trying to be a writer, but I was initially embarrassed which is why I did not respond to the special tweets, and 2. share more thoughts about why I love Dakota Skye and why my readers will too. And now I hope there’s a surge of Dakota Skye fandage. Tweet the producer and writer. They tweet back. No joke!

A special thanks to Shaun and Chad for reaching out to me via Twitter and then my blog. I can’t even begin to explain how humbling it was to wake up to see the writer of a touching movie had written something kind in turn to me. Wow. Seriously, wow. 

And now for my insipid questions for Chad:
1. Where the hell do I find this music?
2. How else can I pimp this movie? Because it needs to be pimped!
3. When was this movie filmed? Because as an Arizonan I was perplexed as to why Dakota wore her jacket in May. Not a complaint, just an observation. :)
4. Who was attached to this movie that was from AZ? They highlighted all the right things, and on a side note, every time Dakota said, "It's so hot" I laughed. Out loud. It doesn't matter than I'm native . . . it is hot!
5. Where were the school scenes shot? Kevin's concert? They both look familiar.
6. Will your next script come to fruition? Because, um, it should. If I had money, I'd give it to you.

Dakota Skye

I've fallen in love. With a movie called Dakota Skye. With a soundtrack from said movie. And with a boy named Jonah . . . Jonah is sweet and cute and honest and deep and just everything sigh and wow, and where was he when I was 17? And he looks like this! And wears a beanie! And kisses girls in their kitchens. Seriously, where was he???

Beyond the fact that I loved the movie and the main characters, I also loved something else about it. It was filmed here, in Arizona, more specifically Scottsdale and therefor reminds me of Masen Days. There's seriously a scene that made me gasp because Jonah is sitting on a ledge at The Wedge. No joke. He's sitting there talking on the phone to Dakota. You can see it in the second movie clip. It's the actual Wedge skate park and not The Wedge which I described which is under the bridge. Either way, it's so cool. The movie really shows off Arizona -- with its sunsets and beautiful landscapes and even Hole in the Rock. This of course has me thinking Masen and why didn't he ever take Bella there. And now I want to write an outtake like now. Maybe I will. Don't hold your breath. Instead read the rest of this and go watch Dakota Skye! It's on Netflix right now!

Dakota Skye is about a girl who knows when people are lying. She hears the truth. Because of this she's become a bit apathetic to everything. Including her boyfriend Kevin -- whom she says she hates the least and whose looks don't make her want to vomit -- or something like that. Did I mention I'm in love with her too? I love Dakota. She's honest and mean and rude but wanting more and just determined that it will never come . . . until she meets Jonah -- Kevin's best friend. Dun dun duuuun!

The two are thrown together because he's in town to visit, and she gets to know him a bit. But more importantly, she gets to know that he doesn't lie. Ever. This is intriguing. And it becomes her mission to get him to lie. Which he won't. Because he's hot like that. I mean, I guess, I meant honest. Whatever. Same thing.

The friendship leads to being interested in each other which leads to boy-like, sighing while I'm watching, confessions of "like" and then the dream begins . . .


Movie Trailer


Movie Clips (Spoliers!!!) 

Here are some more clips if you're not convinced: http://vimeo.com/14568306

And the music is to die for!!! Here is  link to the soundtrack information, but I can't actually find a soundtrack. I loved the music though. All the music was done by The Mecry Kiss and Bay Dariz. If anyone finds more info on it, please let me know.

This is all I was able to find on Youtube . . .





More Music Links: Did You Mean Even One? If I Wanted To

There's a song that plays while Jonah and Dakota are in his car. It's beautiful. I have no idea what song it is, and it's none of the ones posted on IMBD. Arg!  These are the lyrics:

If you have just one, let me be that love
If you have lots of others, please let me be
Please let me be one
Let me be one
If you like undressing, please let me find
Out
If you like large intestines, please let me
Find
Please please please let me find out
Let me find out
If you're gone for weeks on end in crazy
Situations and don't know why you drive
Through cars in dirty foreign towns
Please let me find out
If you shield your eyes
For glory ever the time
And drag your mouth to smile
If sickness is your cover
I'll try not to look down
I'll try not to look down
For if you're sick of cradling
And dragging all my injuries
You can just say fuck right off
It's better than not knowing
Or if you're just as scared as me
If that's what it's about
Please let me find out

I found it! It's called Crush on Everyone by Onelinedrawing. Just listen; the video is crazy. Enjoy!


 It's also here . . . starts at 5 minutes in . . .

I may be obsessed. Just looking at the credits for the song listing, and here it is:
If I wanted To by The Mercy Kiss
Put on the Water to Boil by David Gluck
Did You Mean Even One by The Mercy Kiss
Baby Won't you Kiss my Lips by Bay Dariz
Close to This by The Mercy Kiss
Read my Mind by Bay Dariz
Crush on Everyone by Onelinedrawing aka Jonah Mantragna
My Heart Beats More Slowly by Bay Dariz
Got My List by Bay Dariz
Someone Else's Life by Joahua Radin

Eclipse the Movie

I saw Eclipse again last Saturday (my 5th time, I know). I just love the beginning, the kissy face in the meadow. It makes me swoon and makes me want to be 17 again and make out with my hubs in a park (yeah, I married the guy I dated when I was 17, I know). It's romantic. And then the drama begins...

Things I liked:

• Good pacing.
• Great Music.
• Great cinematography.
• Greats sets, locations and costuming (minus hair and make-up which I don't think anyone will ever get right).
• Edward and Bella's chemistry.
• Jacob and Bella's chemistry
• Jacob's interaction with Bella at school, though I missed the comments that Mike makes about Jake. that stuff is priceless.
• Angry Jacob - more of that please.
• Mike and Jessica (I've always said that they were perfectly cast).
• Lots of kissing
• Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. Billy Burke steals every scene. I love him. I love the lines he has too... "Super," "That makes me really happy," and "Liking Edward a little bit more now."
• Jane is so freaking creepy. I love her. I was excited when they cast whatshisname to be her brother because Birth was amazing, but I have yet to be impressed by that kid. His lines are flat and boring.
• I loved feeling broken down after Jake and Bella's heartfelt scene at the end, though I wanted to see her bawl like a baby.
• I thought they did a good job of switching Bella back into Edward mode. I was worried that I would still want her with Jacob after the movie was over, but I didn't. The Team Edward in me, was still happy with her choice.

Things I hated or were stupid:

• There wasn't enough of Edward being possessive and Jacob making up for it. I wanted to see Bella hop on the bike with Jacob and run away. I wanted to see Alice kidnapping Bella for sleepovers, etc.
• Again, no "Sure, sure." What the hell?
• Why did Quil and Jared have love handles? Seriously guys, work out harder.
• Bella's terrible wig - um, can the girl have a part in her hair please?
• Cullens' terrible wigs - Why does all of their hair have to look so stupid? Peter Fancinelli is a good looking guy, why do they make him look so stupid? And Jasper's hair? Seriously, looks like a freakin' cartoon. And why oh why is Rosalie dark skinned and dark haired? I know Catherine Hardwicke loves Nikki and she was amazing in Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown, but she is not Rosalie. And if she is (obviously she is), why didn't they just let her be her natural self? I would rather see a gorgeous Rosalie than a caked-on made over Rosalie with a terrible wig and black eyebrows. And she looked terrible in her flashbacks.
• Speaking of flashbacks - Why is it that for two movies Jasper has a standard American accent and now all of sudden he has a drawl from the south? Some continuity people. And why does Jackson talk through his teeth? Annoys the tar out of me, but at least his flashbacks were better than Rosalie's. He looked the part.
• The final Jacob Bella kiss wasn't right. Don't get me wrong, it was a good kiss, but it either should have been more passionate a la Richard Geere and whatsherhead in First Knight or it should have been more like the book with Bella trying to resist but then falling into Jacob's arms and embracing it.
• The newborns: I really hated the newborns. They're supposed to be wild and ferocious, not look like zombies struggling to hold up their bodies. The scene where they all come out of the water is supposed to be epic and creepy, but if you watch closely you can see actors struggling with the weight of their wet clothes. Dude, if you can't handle a weight of wet sweater, I think Bella can get away from you even if she falls on her ass ten times.
• I hated that they wasted time on newborns eating people when they could've spent more time on Edward and Bella making out in his golden bed, or Jacob and Bella hanging out at his house watching TV and dealing with their unresolved sexual tension. That just pisses me off that time was wasted and good scenes were either cut or not even written because of it. And Bree? Seriously, who cares?
• Jessica Stanley as Valedictorian? Who made that choice? Uh-duh!
• The make up was better in this movie yes, but in the scene in Bella's bed where Edward is telling her why he doesn't want her to change- his hand looks blue and is uber creepy. What's up with that?

I know I've ranted a lot, but I really did like the movie (I've seen it five times in the theater, so please). It's hard as such a big fan to not be nitpicky about this stuff. I expect perfection and when I don't get it (or my favorite scenes) I complain. I always will. You should've heard me rant after HP and the Order of the Phx came out. I was not happy.

Here's hoping for some great extras when the DVD comes out. Can't wait!

New Moon the Movie and Team Bigamy

I really loved New Moon, I did. But I still have some complaints. The chemistry between Bella and Edward was very flat. Edward drives a silver Volvo. Period. That pissed me off. Jacob's best lines and catch phrases weren't even botched, they were completely absent. What is wrong with Melissa Rosenberg? Did she not read the books? Did she conveniently skip over every single one of Jacob's 'sure, sure's'? I can't believe he never said that in the movie. I don't get it. And, seriously? How could you leave out "Does my being half-naked bother you?" That's one of the best lines in the whole series. Oh well.

 Like I said, I really loved New Moon. It's actually what officially turned me from Team Edward to Team Switzerland or what I prefer to call Team Bigamy, because why choose? So, what really turned me Team Bigamy? Two words: Taylor Lautner. Yes, I pine over jail bait, but it wasn't always so.

When I saw Twilight I thought, Yeah, okay Jacob's cute, but he's Shark Boy and he sang that stupid song, that "dream, dream, dream, dream, dream, dream" song that was stuck in my head for weeks. I don't know if I can handle that. And then there he was in New Moon: all cute and quirky and friendly and I thought, This is good, this'll work. Then later, there he was glistening and bulging in the rain and yum. And a fan was born. It just got better and better from there as his chemistry was really good with Bella, better than Edward's in this movie. In fact, it made me worried for Eclipse and the flip back to Edward. But, I felt the new director did a good job switching again in Eclipse.

Okay, ranting done. For now...