Video-- I'm A Lazy Blogger

New Videos

Here are 3 new videos I've produced in the past month.

2 are for the FiestaMovement and a little short I made because I thought of it when I was brushing my teeth and then couldn't sleep. Lol. Enjoy! :) Rate it and comment if you fancy. :)

Sugar Town

With my latest obsession-- the Deschanel sisters-- as well as my longing to make more films, love of music, convenience of two adorable children and the webbie, I have made a new music video for "Sugar Town." It's the version found on the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack.

Hope you enjoy it! :)

Lacrosse video promo

Please follow the videos and go vote for my video! Thanks!

I'm trying to enter a ton of contests, so be prepared to see some AMAZING footage. Lol.

Latest Video: EAT MY SHORTS

This is my latest video: "EAT MY SHORTS"

This video is for a contest held by Crunch Gyms. Hopefully I'll have a good shot at winning.

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I have put the link address in this video-- or you can go directly there at Howcast.com

James Lipton Questions

These ten (10) questions originally came from a French series, "Bouillon de Culture" hosted by Bernard Pivot. They're better known as the questions that James Lipton asks every guest at the end of "Inside the Actor's Studio." You'll be amazed at how much they reveal about a person's thoughts, feelings and beliefs.

1. What is your favorite word?

I think it's "Blurg" it's not really a word-- it was on 30 Rock 3 years ago and I've been using it ever since

2. What is your least favorite word?
"Like" I hate that I use it so much and I can't stand it when we, U.S.'ians, say it SO much.


3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?
Creatively: seeing beautiful things or reading them. I'm inspired by life and people and everything.
Spiritually: deeds not words
Emotionally: I'm pretty easy to make laugh or cry so almost anything. Lol


4. What turns you off?
Bad teeth.

5. What is your favorite curse word?
Shit.

6. What sound or noise do you love?
I love ABBA. Lol or Musicals! I can't be sad when either of those things are playing.

7. What sound or noise do you hate?
people eating sounds, clicking pens and balloons popping

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
an Archaeologist

9. What profession would you not like to do?
nurse

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Yes, you can come in Alexis. I knew those were jokes.

"I'm not Lewbowski"

I was just reading the A.V. Club's blog and came across some really interesting documentary trailers, one of which, reminded me of my Dad's friend, Dwayne.

I knew that The Big Lewbowski had a strong following. I and my friends have been a part of that at one time or another. We played the drinking game, "drink a beer anytime anyone says: 'Vietnam', 'Man' or 'Dude," needless to say we didn't make it far into this Cohen Bros. masterpiece.

This movie is what draws a lot of people into the dry, drawn out story lines and genius of the Cohen Bros. It's an easy start up to a life long addiction--right Dwayne?

If you have never seen a Cohen Bros. movie, you should begin here simply because it has something for everyone. Vietnam, marijuana, feminists, nihilists, a cowboy, bowling, "the Jesus," Donny, Credence Clearwater Revival, etc.

The build up isn't as long as some of their other films (Fargo, Burn After Reading) and not as in your face as something like Romance and Cigarettes or No Country for Old Men (which if you're unsure are tow COMPLETELY different genres--so be careful!).

I thought my friend John was crazy about this movie-- "Mark it zero" John.-- I mean at one point, his answering machine was like "the dude's" and every other word from his mouth was a Big Lewbowski reference.

I was fine with this. The movie is freaking hilarious. I enjoy quoting movies until I'm blue in the face as well as the occasional white russian. But now I realize that we didn't even touch fanaticism in this cinematic event.

The people at these conventions are dedicated. They are dressing up like references, severed toes, bowling pins, and every other character in the film.

Dwayne, I think you should not only see this movie, you should go to one of these conventions and then report back to me (and Dad, of course!).

The River Wild

Meryl Streep + Kevin Bacon + A young John C. Riley + The kid from Jurassic Park = 1994's The River Wild, a movie worth referring to on any family rafting trip and/or camping trip.

After one gets over the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon and the Queen of the world status of Meryl Streep, this movie strips down to hard core family fun.

I mean, hey mom, it's cool that you row every day outside of Boston, but let's put that to the test. Dad hates nature, but let's throw him in head first. Oh, and I'm the boy who's almost eaten by DINOSAURS.

There are great things about this movie beyond the sweet story line of bad asses Kevin Bacon and "Walkin' Hard" John C. Riley trying to kill Meryl's family.

Here are some bullet points for you:

• Natives have left drawings on rocks.
• Meryl's American Flag t-shirt
• Sweet 1990's outfits and familial fighting
• Kevin's hat and hair
• John C. Riley
• Level 5 rapids
• Fantastic cinematography

Now I've had some people tell me that this movie isn't anything great. But they're full of shit. This movie has so much to offer. I mean it's like Cape Fear meets the Parent Trap--any other questions?!

Watching this is as close to the river as I need to get. Sike-- I just know how it feels to be the only one who gets sent from the raft/tube.

Speaking of; I don't know if my sister reads my blog, but if she does, this will allow me to find out: When we went white water rafting, it was incredibly fun and hilarious.

Here are highlights:

My sister bouncing into the air on a double hole--never falling into the water--just up in the air like a flapjack and back into the boat.

I didn't have my glasses, so I couldn't see ANYTHING.

My Mom was the first one bounced-- I've never seen her eyes so wide.

My Mom and Dad sitting in the back of the raft screaming at the guides.

Erin smiling at the "rock camera" for the family photo op.

LOVE IT Roarke.

Movies Saved My Day

Today was a shit pile of hopelessness. Not as bad as some (keeping in mind any war torn country, anyone in "actual" poverty and of course any shark attack victims--PS ITS SHARK WEEK), but not a great day.

I went to the ATM to get some fresh, crispy, well-earned Hamiltons and much to my dismay I was firmly dissed by the machine. The bank fairies who work behind the ATM told me that I had "insufficient funds" that I was "in the red" (as some might call it) and to "go fuck myself" because I was "S.O.L." Okay, so they didn't actually tell me the last two things, but they mine as well.

Due to my sole nature of the trip--getting some green paper to buy a sweet hair cut, to which I will refer later--I was short on time and heavy on problems. I called the hair salon to postpone my appointment.

Let me tell you something; Growing up, I was the only Alexis I knew. There was never a need for "Alexis M." or "Lexi" or even "Lex" (yes, I used them, but under my own free will, not due to some teacher's need for me to be recognized if punishment be needed). So when I called "Studio S," the hippest, bangin'-est salon in Santa Barbara, it really threw me for a whirl that the lady on the other end's name was in fact, Alexis. Here's how it went:

Alexis: Hello, Studio S, this is Alexis Whatevermylastnamewas, how can I help you today?

Alexis: I need to reschedule my appointment

Alexis: Okay, can I have your name?

Alexis: (in my head) *Bitch you already stole my name.* Alexis Morrell.

Alexis: Okay, Alexis, I [Alexis] have you in for a 1:30. Can I switch you to 4:15

Alexis: Yes, thanks.

Is that confusing? What the fuck!?

So after this adorable rendezvous on the phone with my alter ego who just happens to have my name (that's how freaking awesome my name is) I entered the block, the bastille, the BofA, The Bank of America.

Now the last time I was in the building, I was reporting some fraudulent activity that had come my way. Guess what I was there for this time? The same thing!

I am not a wealthy person. I am not a poor person, well not in my head. But in real life, I am a poor person, I just have well off people around me and I am babysat by LOTS of people. When the money disappears, I have problems. I work hard for those dollars. Julia demands quite a bit of legos, trips to the beach, potty trips, books read aloud and attention spent on her and only her. These hours are wasted when some douche-bag hacks into my shit and steals my dough. NO WAY JOSE~!

I talked to the dude in the BofA and he said I have to wait until tomorrow to do anything! This is BOGUS! So tomorrow, part 2 of the lovely bank activities will continue. Now all of this was unexpected stress. Here, you might say, is where you could criticize me and tell me that "That's not stress, I'll tell you about stress"--well here's what I have to say to you. How about you lose ALL of your money, go into the red and be 3000 miles away from your Mommy! That's stressful brotha. So stick it up your ass. The only way to get away with this-- say it like in Crocodile Dundee "That's not a knife..."

I am lucky in all of this. Because I am a metaphorical 12 year old until January, my surrogate family here in Santa Barbara paid for me to have my hair cut. I think they were nervous that I might do something dramatic or possibly cry. I didn't do either--well I mean the haircut is slightly dramatic-- but it leads into the more positive part of my day!

I saw 500 Days of Summer, again, this weekend. I am in love with this movie. It's my generations The Graduate. Though I know I have already blabbered on about this flick, it's worth it. Zooey Deschanel is in this movie and she is kick ass, across-the-board-kick-ass. I decided, due to my interpretation of the character, my brown hair, blue eyes (not quite Zooey blue, but bugger off!) and my boop-boop nose, that I would emulate the hair cut that Ms. Deschanel has in the film.

My new haircut

Unlike Ingrid Bergman's short hair cut, which destroyed a lot of the women's hair in middle class America in the 1940s, this haircut is a winner!!

Totally made my day to have it come out exactly as I had hoped! One movie saves the day! Oh, wait, there's more.

After a hilarious dinner with the Case/Carlander clan, we watched George Cukor's 1938 classic Holiday starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn; this movie is fantastic. What a great way to end a shitty day! This movie is a hilarious comedy that was transformed from a play to a movie and then remade into this movie. See it. It's worth it.

I took a liking to the drunk brother, Katharine Hepburn's character who is the crazy sister--love it!-- and the people Cary Grant hangs out with and of course Cary Grant's character.

This movie is screwy yet poignant showing conflicts between classes and gender. There is so much that it has to offer. See it.

Now I'm going to read more of Nathan Rabin's book "The Big Rewind," It's been taking me a bit because I'm pacing as not to have it end. Read it.

Buena Notte!

P.S.

Did you know that Great White Sharks are warm blooded and can therefore beat the ever-living crap out of a Tiger Shark in cold water. That is why Deloris the Tiger Shark's radio tag was beeping from the stomach of a White Shark. R.I.P. Deloris.

Also-- the camera guys and shark experts shouldn't wear black wet suits, they just look like seals.

"Live every week like it's shark week"-30 Rock

My Life: Movies

Movies are my favorite thing in the world. I think if I had to choose between eating and watching movies-- it would be a rock, scissors, paper type of deal. The thing about loving movies so much is that they become a true part of me. Now this is the best thing in the world, except that it sets me up to think like movies, talk like movies and obsess over movies. I read about them, pick them apart, try to put them into every conversation I have and look for events in life to become possible films I create. This weekend I discovered that I am in a vulnerable state as far as my summer movie selections and my emotions run.

This weekend I saw 500 Days of Summer again. This movie has hit me like a ton of bricks. I get it on so many levels that it makes me want to cry. I am so grateful and lucky to have met the writer and director of this film because I was able to express my sincere gratitude for the film. It is very The Graduate-esque. I mean, obvi, it refers to The Graduate as well as shows clips of the film, but there are deeper levels of meaning behind some of the shots and story line. I guess at this point in my life it is easy to succumb to the finer points of a movie about people in their early to mid twenties dealing with life, love, happiness, sadness, sexuality, money, jobs, school, etc.

This movie struck a chord the first time and the second time, but I don't think it truly sunk in until today when I saw Funny People.

Funny People is not the normal balls and nuts Judd Apatow film. This film was dark, cynical, hilarious, sad, happy, lovable, hateful and everything else all balled into 2 hours of cinematic experience. I identified deeply with Seth Rogen's character, to the point that I started to cry a bit. I'm sitting there, in the theater, laughing my ass off at some hysterical joke Adam Sandler has just told and then crying because things are too real. This is powerful stuff. Thank God you can't smell films because my senses were all in sensory overload.

The reason this bridges the two films together, more than just me seeing the movies in the same weekend, is that in 500 Days... Zooey Deschanel's character, Summer, cries when she witnesses the end of The Graduate. This made sense to me in the film because that part when Benjamin and Elaine are riding on the bus towards the unknown is a gray space of emotion. Do they have anywhere to turn? Do they know each other? Will anyone actually ever be happy if put in a situation like this? What is marriage? Will I ever find "the one?" Will I ever find someone? Will I ever find anyone?

All of these things become real in what was just a happy accident in film courtesy of Mike Nichols.

When I began to cry in Funny People, I understood what she was feeling. I actually understand those feelings regarding The Graduate (which just happens to be my 2nd favorite film of all time).

It's not easy being 20 something and trying to figure out what comes next. Sacrifices become heavier than ever. Family becomes more distant than ever (even if they're right next to you). There is a sense of aloneness that hasn't been realized until this time. You have to start to figure out what you want to do or really what you don't want to do. This movie really showed what choices do to people and how they affect the people around you. This age is a very selfish time, but it isn't always selfish.

I think what really got me was that Seth Rogen's character wasn't just with his peers, he was in this other arena of slightly older adults. I too live in a world where I constantly encounter this "10 to 15 years above me crowd"--they're rough and like to tumble.

This age group has helped me and hurt me--both of which I am happy to have dealt with because they have taught me what I want and don't want just from observation.

Seth Rogen's character reminded me of myself in a different sense as well:

He was malleable in the sense that he wanted to learn the ropes and the tools of the trade.

He was impressed by the elder group's achievements and saw everything for the first time--enjoying every moment of what he loved.

He was grateful for every advantage and privilege doted upon him... not taking any single moment for granted.

Something fantastic landed in his lap and though he felt he didn't deserve it, he did and worked hard to keep it.

He didn't let the arguments and generation gap keep him from taking the next necessary steps toward success-- I think this is how you figure out how to be on your own and how to make decisions to create success.

I think I'm going to turn this blog around. I'll occasionally write about what's happening in my life, especially when I go to school, but I'd really like to start reviewing films and books that I read. I'll give you the spins that I find and the finer points that I enjoy or hate.

If you have any suggestions as to what films you'd like to see on here let me know. I'll either take them or ignore them.

PS

This is what I want to get my hair cut like-- and this is how I might get it done for Kate's wedding.

HELP ME WIN THIS FILMMAKING CONTEST~!

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500 Days of Summer

Jeff and I went to see a movie today. This is post Bruno, btw.

The movie was kind of a "chance-see" because Sarah's mother, Susan, gave us her tickets to screen this film, 500 Days of Summer (which opens the 17th--we are hip!).

This film was amazing. I was almost in tears I loved it so much.

The movie was different, it was intelligent, it was deep, it was shallow, it was well shot, the music was kick ass, the stars were amazing (Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and we stayed for a Q&A with the writer, the director and a composer from the film. (Did I mention I love watching movies in California?)

I don't know how to describe the film except that it is a coming of age film (references The Graduate ) and it's also new.

I'd say see this movie and find out for yourself. It's too good for words.

Bruno was also freaking hilarious and you should see that too (enough pressure from me now, go to the nearest theatre).

Reasons to Watch Taken

• Liam Neeson kicks everyone's ass with nothing but other people's weapons and his own bare hands.
• The lines: "Good Luck" and "You don't remember me? We spoke on the phone two days ago. I told you I would find you." "Jean Claude, I will tear down the Eiffel Tower if I have to!"
• Alway should check your gun's bullets before you sit down for a friendly French meal with Jean Claude's wife. Neeson stops at NOTHING.
• A champaign bottle can kill a person
• Car chasing a boat is possible as is driving down a small European, one way street the wrong way.
• Virgins are worth more, and Liam will make you pay--over and over.
• It's never "just business"
• Be careful if you decide to spend thousands of dollars following U2's European tour. 

Taken is Bad Ass

I have seen the movie, Taken, 3 times now. I have loved it every time. I hope to see the extended version and I'm thinking, in time, that it might be a worth while purchase. 

The first time I saw the film, I went with Jeff for a random late night venture to the theatre. Liam Neeson kicked so much ass in the film that we were blown away. We were light hearted after the film, mocking a couple lines and scaring each other with stuff like: "Good Luck," "I'll tear down the Eiffel Tower if I have to!" and "It's only a flesh wound."

Jeff said if someone stole his pomeranian, Peanut Butter, that he would "Tear down the Statue of Liberty to find him."-- all true and funny. 

The second time I saw the film, my mood was different. I was in North Carolina with my Dad and my sister, Erin, and we were looking for something to do. They hadn't seen the movie and I actually wasn't sure I wanted to see it again. It was March 18th, the day Liam's wife, Natasha Richardson (of whom, and we know this, I am a HUGE fan), died. I was more focused and noticed a lot of the really spectacular camera work, and details that this film had to offer. 

I didn't realize, until the third time I saw the film, that, we, in America, are not the first to have this extrodinary piece of film. It actually premiered a year before in France and the filmmakers are French! Extra points, Taken. Extra points.  

I just read a blog, posted by someone I follow on twitter (@mysmallpotatoes)  about this movie. The post lists 10 Things I Learned From Watching Taken. The list is hysterical and he also truly is a fan of this film. I am going to piggyback off of Jason, the blogger's, post with my own "Reasons to Watch Taken." Check it out.

Final Four with the Fiesta

(Early morning--at least I obviously showered)

I took the Fiesta to Salem Virginia for the Division III Women's Lacrosse National Championship. The journey was long and we didn't receive the results we had anticipated. As Forrest Gump would say, "That's all I have to say about that." 

I took route 50 from Easton to Washington D.C. My directions took me to I-66 which begins on Constitution Ave. in downtown D.C. I didn't know this until I was pleasantly surprised but encroaching on monuments, museums and government buildings. 

(The National Gallery of Art)

(Washington Monument)

(Constitution Ave.)

The 6 hour journey allowed for plenty of pictures as well as exposure for the car. I enjoyed music, viewing monuments and there was even a Civil War Re-enactment at one point! Crazy! I was harassed by some Southerners who were not fancying my Northern styled talk, which is fine because I didn't like them either.

Due to my liberal politics and my "Northern" tendencies, traveling to Salem, VA is one of my LEAST favorite things to do. My predisposition leans toward being an independent, feminist, environmentalist, and creative person who is easily bored by this part of the world. Sorry, Salem, you probably don't like me either, we're even. 

(This poster has me on it! I'm the top right girl with the bun!)

We didn't win the Championship, but it was a good seal on my Lacrosse career and I was surrounded by fantastic people who I love dearly. 

PS

MY PARENTS SURPRISED ME AND THEY MADE MY  [OTHERWISE] CRAPPY DAY BETTER!!! :) 

Happy Birthday Natasha Richardson

(Natasha Richardson and husband Liam Neeson)

Today would have been Natasha Richardson's 46th birthday (May 11, 1963 - March 18, 2009). She was such a fabulous actress, activist and person. I suggest you check out her work today--whether it's on itunes, youtube, netflix or about AMfar. It's all worth while :)

Bewitched is on TV!

I was just perusing the television guide on my parent's Direct TV and found Bewitched on WGN! I am extremely excited because it is my ALL TIME favorite show. It hasn't been on television since I was a freshman in college!
Here's WGN's synopsis:

"Bewitched-The focus of the show (which was based on a satirical short story in Harper's Weekly Magazine, written by a young Norman Mailer and titled The Witch of Westport, according to the A&E Network Biography of Elizabeth Montgomery) is on the mixed marriage of a nose-twitching witch, Samantha Stephens (Montgomery), and her mortal husband, Darrin (originally played by Dick York and later by Dick Sargent). The series, a romantic comedy, shows how true love can endure the most vexing of situations, even between a witch and a human. The series is set in a suburb of New York City, to which Darrin commutes for work."

Elizabeth Montgomery and this show are what originially inspired me to be in film/television. Elizabeth Montgomery was the first person's death I ever cried over, on May 18, 1995 (I was 10) even noting it in my, then, diary. I watched this show EVERY night growing up (when it was on "Nick-at-Nite") and then on TBS in the mornings, summer and sick days were the best!
I've read books about Montgomery and the show, she was an actor/producer and really worked hard to bring this show to the forefront of television.
The show ran for 8 seasons, and I have 4 of them on DVD. I can't wait to collect the rest of them!

For now, I will continue to watch it on WGN and DVD.

If you haven't seen any Bewitched, here's a little taste.

WAIT!

I just looked for something to embed on this post, and found that Bewitched has a CHANNEL on Youtube!!!

Okay-- now here's a taste!

I Have A DVD Player Again!!

There was a DVD player for $29 bucks and I haven't had one since January-- I had to get it. 

I am extremely excited about this for a few reasons:

1.  I watch many DVD's and watching on the computer screen just doesn't cut it. 
2.  I like to watch movies by myself, especially when it's the first time I watch one, or it's one that I really love. Watching them in the living room has lead to much mockery of, talking during, and sharing movies. I like to do films on my own terms--it's one of my many quirks. 
3. The computer doesn't have sleep timer-- not convenient for making myself stop watching at night. I'm such a little kid.

Now I just have to decide what film to watch first! 

I have recently obtained The Reader, The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons, Doubt, The White Countess, The Parent Trap (1998) and Netfilxed Asylum. They are ALL amazing movies-- what to watch!?

Maybe I'll go continue reading Naked by David Sedaris-- it's causing unceasing laughter-- which is always embarrassing when you read quietly around people. I think I like that choice for now! :)

I'll probably watch The Reader first.

Shooting a Video

I posted a video that has caused some tension in the tennis world--at least here in Salisbury. 

The video was a little joke that I did and really it only made it to youtube.com because I thought Julia was adorable in it. 

Here's the video:

As you can see, when you read the comments, the ladies are less than happy about the video. I still think the video is funny, so it stays. Julia loves it and to me, that's all that matters. 

So I am currently shooting an "apology" to the tennis world-- get ready for some high anxiety because these pictures are going to have you worried for my safety as well as sitting on the edge of your seat wondering when the film will be released (which really is as soon as I convert and edit the video). 

Get ready for some high impact, duce-duce type, tennis, faulted, out, 40-love, film.

Also-- I don't think I can ever eat pizza there again--especially at lunch/tennis time. Lol.