Good morning. It’s Sunday, and let’s get this blog post rolling.

Amazon’s Road House

The new Amazon remake of “Road House” starring Jake Gyllenhaal brings a fresh take on the 1989 cult classic. In this updated version, Gyllenhaal plays Dalton, a former mixed-martial-arts fighter turned bouncer, who is recruited to clean up a rowdy bar in the Florida Keys. The film promises a mix of entertainment, silliness, and intense action sequences, with Gyllenhaal bringing his own smart-alecky charm to the character. Directed by Doug Liman, known for his work on films like “The Bourne Identity,” the movie features fast and brutal fight scenes that add to the adrenaline-fueled experience.

One interesting aspect of this remake is the homage paid to Patrick Swayze, the star of the original film. Gyllenhaal, who had a personal connection with Swayze from working together on “Donnie Darko,” honors the late actor throughout the movie. From incorporating Easter eggs dedicated to Swayze to infusing his energy into his performance, Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Dalton carries a heartfelt tribute to the iconic role that Swayze once played. This blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling elements aims to capture the essence of the original while introducing new dimensions to appeal to both fans of the classic and a contemporary audience.

Overall, the new Amazon ‘Road House’ promises an action-packed ride filled with adrenaline, nostalgia, and a touch of homage to its predecessor. With Gyllenhaal’s charismatic performance and Liman’s directorial style, this remake offers a fresh perspective on a beloved cult classic that fans of the original and newcomers alike can enjoy.

Anyone remember the ‘I want you to be nice’

MY PSA on Vertical Video

Ah, vertical videos, the bane of every landscape-loving videographer’s existence! It’s like deciding to frame the Mona Lisa in a narrow corridor where her enigmatic smile is squished between two walls. Why, oh why, would one choose to capture the world through such a sliver of perspective? Let’s dive into the comical yet technically sound reasons to avoid this peculiar trend.

First off, our very own eyes. Mother Nature graciously equipped us with a horizontal field of vision. We have eyes side by side, not one on top of the other (imagine that for a second — a rather comical evolutionary misstep!). When we watch a video, we’re essentially looking through a window into another world. A vertical video, then, feels like peeking through a mail slot, hoping to catch a glimpse of the full picture. It’s like wearing blinkers at the Grand Canyon – you’re missing out on the grandeur!

From a technical standpoint, vertical videos are plagued with the dreaded black bars syndrome when played on most screens, turning any cinematic experience into a peek-a-boo game with your content. This format severely limits the storytelling canvas, making it a challenge to capture expansive scenes, group shots, or any action that requires a bit more breathing room on the sides. Imagine trying to squeeze the entirety of a sunset or a bustling city street into that narrow frame. It’s like trying to fit an elephant into skinny jeans – ambitious, but ultimately, a bit of a squeeze.

Then there’s the issue of compatibility. Most video platforms and devices favor the horizontal layout. TVs, cinema screens, computer monitors, and even most phones (when turned sideways) cater to a wider view. By shooting vertically, you’re essentially turning your back on centuries of visual tradition. It’s akin to deciding that all books henceforth should be written top to bottom, right on the spine. Sure, it’s innovative, but it’s also a fantastic way to ensure that no one can comfortably enjoy your masterpiece.

In defense of vertical videos, they do have their place in the world of social media stories, direct messaging, or any platform designed for quick, casual viewing. But when it comes to capturing memories, stories, and the world around us in all its glory, horizontal is the way to go. After all, life isn’t lived in a narrow corridor – unless you’re a character in a very peculiar video game, perhaps. So let’s do ourselves a favor and give our videos the breadth they deserve, lest future generations wonder if we all lived life in a very tall, very narrow hallway.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Turd

I was optimistic that this Ghostbusters film would be decent. New helm and possible new directions. Writers seem to forget that keeping things simple just works. It’s good, fun dialogue. Not everything is special effects that don’t move the story along and are just unnecessary.

But on a more promising note, I’m perhaps a bit excited for the BeetleJuice follow-up. ‘The Juice is loose’ 😎

Have an excellent Sunday everyone!