#Waithe Test FAILED

[letamreviews]

Review - Paranoid Park; or, Figuring Out Just How Much the Little Stuff Don't Matter (2007)

Text Aloud (6:15) version removed (for licensing reasons). Audio version to be done (eventually).

This is essentially a repost from my Letterboxd review last year (before this blog’s creation). I just love this film so much that my review got out of hand lengthy to be point of being admittedly unreasonable for Letterboxd’s formatting.

WARNING: Having watched the film long before seeing the trailer, I highly recommend avoiding as much info about its plot as possible. That includes the premise, trailer, YouTube comments, and other reviews.

Slight Spoilers

(page break included just before Minor Spoilers)

First of all, let me tell you about dat opening. The film starts with a weird compilation of different songs set to a seemingly insignificant time-lapse of some river-over-passing bridge (I learned later that it's the St. Johns Bridge). Then the opening goes on for three more minutes surprisingly (and somehow beautifully). It's strange and a little unsettling. In hindsight, its probably a way to prepare the viewer for the strangeness of the film.

Now for the plot. This is a coming of age story about a kid who, after a traumatic experience, is dealing with the realization that shit don't matter. Girlfriends, divorce, teachers--all that shit. It's unfortunate that he had to be scarred for life only to effectively start growing up too quickly, but that's life for you. It just doesn't give a shit. And as the movie progresses we realize, to some degree, that neither does he.

While I found the back and forth time jumps to be confusing at first, I eventually got used to and learned to appreciate them as part of the cinematic experience. It's like you're on this confusing journey with Alex, but homeboy keepin' secrets from everybody so you're trying to figure out what happened and why he's doing the things he's doing.

There are a number of scenes showing him just walking around as if part of his daily routine of sorts, but it seems more like an attempt to escape his concerns. This is quite the contrast to a scene that chronologically happens beforehand—the scene of him driving to the park. I found myself appreciating the intermission that this was. While it was odd at first, like the ladder climb in Metal Gear Solid 3, it doubled as a relaxing moment of subtle tension and an opportunity to really see him, especially as a regular kid.

Now about the cinematography. I like to take screenshots of films, and this one is full of screenshot-worthy scenes, especially during key conversations. Namely, the one between him and the officer. The cinematographer does everything right during that questioning scene. And dat ever encroaching camera? Damn, that's a nice shot. Don't even get me started on dat sound effect.

Speaking of sound, Paranoid Park does something unusual with its soundtrack to the point of being rather experimental, especially when certain sounds come into sudden focus as if painfully yanked straight from Alex's head in order to let us into a place he's keeping guarded from everyone else. With the way things are done, I was left throughout the film to wonder what was with the voice and sounds blended into the music. Honestly, I feel like there's more to the soundtrack and sound effects than I realize.

Similar to Wanuri Kahiu's Rafiki (2018), Paranoid Park has dialogue scenes without lip movement. I counted two in total. The second one was well enough hidden, but the first seemed unintentionally left noticeable. Either way, they both felt artful and experimental.

Speaking of dialogue, there are a few moments where characters say unnatural lines for their age. I found them very noticeable and a little distracting in terms of believability, but they don't ruin the scenes so it's forgivable.

If there's anything I must critique it's the fact that they're obviously teenagers until half-way through. That is to say most of their acting is rather raw and without projected character. Sometimes this works in such a way that the film seems more stylized. Other times, they're obviously teenagers. Except for Macy and Jennifer, though. They felt more natural, especially Jennifer. Speaking of it working, I suddenly remember his little brother. That kid's voice was such that it seemed as if there was something wrong with his mic. He only had a couple of scenes, so I never got used to it.

Minor Spoilers

Let this minor spoiler digest for a moment: It took a traumatic experience for him to stop wasting time with someone he didn't like and start spending more with someone he did. That being said, I like the presentation of an obvious opportunity to pursue the prettier Rachel and repeat the same mistake.

Other Things I Loved:

The long takes.

The intimate focus on people's faces, especially when the editor slows it down.

The March of the Skater Kids.

The reflection shots.

When the hands [don't] touch.

When the last piece of the puzzle is found and everything makes sense.

That the best scene in the entire film is near the end when she's "pushing" him along the road.

Other Noteworthy Things:

There are entire scenes where Alex is effectively bearing the face of a liar. The way he delivers his lines during them is almost uncanny.

The fact that he wasn't even into it.

The conversations with Jennifer, especially the last one.

The fact that his parents are naturally clueless.

The line that tells the future.

The reason and revelation of why he's narrating.

The question I still have of whether or not he told the officer.

The fact that the actors who play Jared, Alex, Macy, and Jennifer are all 16, 15, 14, and 13 respectively.

Fun Fact:

This film was shot with an aspect ratio of 1.33, which is "often referred to as ‘academy’, and more accurately 1.37:1." It's very noticeable, but not bothersome. In fact, the film looks wrong when cropped down to a more typical aspect ratio, which is what you'll find in it's many YouTube videos. There are just significant (and yet unappreciated) portions of the footage that become torn away from view when it isn't presented with the aspect ratio that the film was clearly designed to be presented in. Read Joe Beres' Walker article Paranoid Park’s aspect ratio conundrum to learn more and see an example of this for yourself.

Tests:

Because this is a repost, and I don’t feel like it, I’m gonna skip 3 crew tests completely. Here’s the test process for the rest, though.

[docrotten]

TOP 8 MUST-SEE HORROR MOVIES for APRIL 2021 - Gruesome Guide

I am your host Doc Rotten and this is the GRUESOME GUIDE to Horror Movies for Month 2021. Back with me again are the scariest, goriest, bloodiest co-hosts on the 'Net. Joining Doc is Vanessa, Podcasting Rock Star & International Cosplay Queen.

TRAIN TO BUSAN PRESENTS: PENINSULA - 04/01/2021

Synopsis: A zombie virus has in the last 4 years spread to all of South Korea. 4 Koreans in HK sail thru the blockade to Incheon for USD20,000,000 on a truck. Director: Sang-ho Yeon Writer: Sang-ho Yeon, Ryu Yong-jae Cast: Dong-won Gang, Lee Jung-hyun, Re Lee

THE UNHOLY - 04/02/2021

Synopsis: A hearing-impaired girl is visited by the Virgin Mary and can suddenly hear, speak, and heal the sick. As people flock to witness her miracles, terrifying events unfold. Are they the work of the Virgin Mary or something much more sinister? Director: Evan Spiliotopoulos Writer: Evan Spiliotopoulos, based on a book by James Herbert Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Cary Elwes, Katie Aselton

THE BELIEVER - 04/02/2021

Synopsis: THE BELIEVERis the story of an out-of-work scientist facing mental deterioration who finds he may be battling his wife’s obsession with demonic activity. Lucas is an out-of-work nuclear scientist, struggles with tension in his marriage after his wife Violet mysteriously terminates her pregnancy without his consent. Director: Shan Serafin Writer: Shan Serafin Cast: Sophie Kargman (‘Violet’), Aidan Bristow (‘Lucas’), Billy Zane (‘Dr. Benedict’), Susan Wilder (‘Charlotte’), Lindsey Ginter (‘Gus’), and Robbie Goldstein (‘Old Man’).

THEM - 04/09/2021

Synopsis: THEM is a limited anthology series that explores terror in America. The first season, 1950s-set COVENANT centers around a Black family who move from North Carolina to an all-white Los Angeles neighborhood during the period known as The Great Migration. The family’s idyllic home becomes ground zero where malevolent forces, next door and otherworldly, threaten to taunt, ravage and destroy them Creator: Little Marvin w/ Lena Waithe Writer: Little Marvin Cast: Alison Pill, Deborah Ayorinde, Ryan Kwanten, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Dale Dickey

HELD - 04/09/2021

Synopsis: A couple's failing marriage is put to the test when they are held hostage in an isolated vacation rental by an unseen Voice that commands their every move. Director: Travis Cluff, Chris Lofing Writer: Jill Awbrey Cast: Jill Awbrey, Bart Johnson, Rez Kempton

THE BANISHING - 04/15/2021

Synopsis: The Banishing tells the story of the most haunted house in England. In the 1930s, a young reverend, his wife, and daughter move into a manor with a horrifying secret. Director: Christopher Smith Writer: David Beton, Ray Bogdanovich, Dean Lines Cast: Jessica Brown Findlay, John Lynch, Sean Harris

MORTAL KOMBAT - 04/16/2021

Synopsis: MMA fighter Cole Young seeks out Earth's greatest champions in order to stand against the enemies of Outworld in a high-stakes battle for the universe. Director: Simon McQuoid Writer: Greg Russo, Dave Callaham, Oren Uziel Based on: The Video Game by Ed Boon and John Tobias Cast: Jessica McNamee, Hiroyuki Sanada, Josh Lawson, Joe Taslim, Lewis Tan, Tadanobu Asano, Ludi Lin, Mechad Brooks

JAKOB'S WIFE - 04/16/2021

Synopsis: Anne, married to a small-town Minister, feels her life has been shrinking over the past 30 years. Encountering "The Master" brings her a new sense of power and an appetite to live bolder. However, the change comes with a heavy body count. Director: Travis Stevens Writer: Kathy Charles, Mark Steensland, Travis Stevens Cast: Barbara Crampton, Larry Fessenden, Bonnie Aarons

Check out this episode!

[stephaniefchase]

Bajan Newscap 5/15/2017

Good Morning #realdreamchasers Here is your daily news cap for Monday 15th May 2017. Remember you can read full articles via Barbados Today (BT), or by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN).  

PM: CLASSROOM RELEVANCE KEY – Prime Minister Freundel Stuart says access is not the issue confronting education in Barbados.  Stuart, who has had to preside over some major changes to the long-held commitment to free education because of budget constraints, said the major problem with education on the island was its relevance. “The challenges confronting our education and training system are not related so much to access or quality, but more so to the relevance of that education to opportunities available to emerging sectors in the local and regional markets, as well as the global market,” he told those gathered for the Human Resource Development Strategy (HRDS) Pillars of Success Ceremony at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on Saturday night. (DN)

EU PRAISE GOVT FOR HANDLING OF PROJECTS – The Barbados Government has received top marks from the European Union for its Human Resource Development Strategy (HRDS) programme funded by the Europeans. Marc Thill, head of cooperation for the European Union Delegation in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, made the disclosure on Saturday night as he addressed the HRDS Pillars of Success Ceremony, staged by the Ministry of Labour at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. The event celebrated the work of small businesses, non-governmental organisations, Government departments and state-owned enterprises that benefited from a multimillion-dollar programme which sought to boost the human resources capacity of these entities. “Over the years, from 2012 until last year, the EU supported the strategy with about 50 million euros in grant aid, out of which 46 million were planned to be provided through budget support and the balance through technical assistance,” Thill told the audience that included Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and members of his Cabinet. (DN)

BLP RENEWS CALL FOR INTEGRITY LEGISLATION – The opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has renewed its call on the Freundel Stuart administration to enact integrity legislation that will force people in public life to declare their assets. The BLP representative for Christ Church East, Senator Wilfred Abrahams, made the call on Saturday following a tour of the constituency with other members of the party. Abrahams accused the governing Democratic Labour Party (DLP) of endless “corruption and moral decay”. He said while members of the DLP based their 2007 election campaign on transparency and accountability, they have failed to deliver on their promises. Abrahams accused the DLP of using delaying the proceedings, noting that the only thing delaying the passing of the integrity legislation is the absence of the Governor General’s signature. Meantime, Abrahams said members of his party are ready to declare their assets. Abrahams who is vying for the seat currently held by the Minister of the Environment, Denis Lowe, said “if you have nothing to hide then the people should know what their public servants make, not just the politicians, the senior civil servants, all the politically exposed people. They all must stand up”. The attorney also accused the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police of having “their wings clipped” and have turned a blind eye to the corruption plaguing the island. Abrahams called for the Cahill Project to be investigated. (BT)

LOWE NOT BACKING SAME SEX RIGHTS – Minister of the Environment Dr Denis Lowe has one again declared he is not supporting any gay movement in Barbados. The Christ Church East MP, who has expressed similar sentiments in the past, made it clear he would not be supporting any legislation that promoted same-sex marriage. The unapologetic Lowe expressed his feelings last night while delivering remarks at the Democratic Labour Party Christ Church East Mother’s Day Awards Ceremony. “I made a point recently in a local church that there is an amazing attempt in certain quarters to advance a legislative call for same-sex marriage,” Lowe told those gathered at St Christopher Primary School hall. (DN)

LASHLEY RAPS RUDE BEHAVIOUR – Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley has blown a whistle on negative behaviours that have infiltrated the Barbadian society and wants them replaced with voluntarism and community-centred activity. He cited an element within the ZR culture and Barbadians who litter at every opportunity as the culprits.  The minister was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2017 Community Independence Celebrations at King George V Memorial Park on Saturday. He took a swipe at the pockets of “loutish behaviour” while praising the efforts of the participants of Community Independence Celebrations. (DN)

LEWDNESS WARNING - As Barbadians prepare to celebrate Crop Over, a Methodist minister has said that Christians should consider staying away from certain events like Grand Kadooment. Reverend Ezra Barker said that despite wearing modest costumes and even with the best Christian intentions, their presence in the revelry could be misconstrued. “If someone is a Christian and they want to please God, there are certain things they just won’t do,” Barker said, as he quickly explained he was only talking about “certain aspects” of the festival. “Christians have to be very careful. Christians can’t go and wear a costume and get into bands because the very people who are in the band with them will criticise them and say, ‘We thought you were a Christian. What you doing out here?’” (DN)

RICE: CAVE SHEPHERD ALL STARS READY – Last year’s Pic-O-De-Crop queen, a four-time calypso monarch and a wealth of young talent from the junior competition will take the stage when Cave Shepherd All Stars pitches its tent on May 27.  Tent manager Eleanor Rice revealed the line-up to the DAILY NATION after she attended a thanksgiving service at the Vauxhall Methodist Church, Christ Church, to mark the official opening of Crop Over 2017 yesterday. She said kaiso queen Aziza would be joined by four-time king Kid Site, Colin Spencer, Donella, Camera Man, Cher, David Forde, Dija, Fabie, Ishaka McNeil, J.L., Jude, He Haw, Miguel, The Announcer, Rusty, Screw Face, Sparkle T, Shawnee and Charisma. Rice said the tent would be sticking to its roots of providing hard-hitting social commentary.  (DN)

RAMON RULES BRIDGETOWN – Ramon Broomes rediscovered some of his old form to capture the prized Mr Bridgetown crown while Laslo Byron announced himself as the newest teenage titan at the annual Bridgetown bodybuilding/physique championships at Combermere on Saturday night. Before an audience that included International Federation of Bodybuilding Fitness pros Antoinette Downie and Maurice Arthur, comeback kid Broomes and the promising Byron captured the two most coveted titles on the three-hour programme that also comprised men’s physique, bikini fitness and figure competitions. Broomes, a 26 year-old personal trainer at First Fitness Gym, joined the long list of Mr Bridgetown bodybuilding champions that include Steve Weekes (1958), Keith “Big Keith” Waithe (1960), Emmerson Howell (1968), Moses Ashby (1971), and Jefferson Phillips (1987).  (DN)

ANDRE THE GIANT SLAYER – At the start of the Mr Bridgetown men’s physique contest, hardly anyone knew the 5-foot 5-inch Andre Clarke of First Fitness Gym. By the end, he had become Andre the Giant, after a spectacular debut triumph at the annual Mr Bridgetown Championships on Saturday night at Combermere School. Dynamite in a small package, Clarke took the top spot in the ten-man field, winning an absorbing showdown with pre-contest favourite Shone Springer of the Krackan Gym. This had to be very close. Springer, with his bodybuilding background, was cut like a diamond. His rock-hard abdominals and intercostals caught the eye and made him the first choice pick for fans and some media personnel. (DN)

VANDERPOOL DENIES KELLY NATIONAL DOUBLE – So much for that double. Gregory Vanderpool has come of age now, having ridden away with his very first senior National Championships road race on the Stewart’s Hill course yesterday to deny time trial champ Jesse Kelly a sweep of both titles. Working in tandem with Kelly and four other Massy United Insurance teammates, the 23-year-old eventually made his break on the final climb to win the nine-lap, 120k event in three hours and 26 minutes on a gruelling St Philip circuit. “It feels amazing to finally get a title for yourself,” said Vanderpool of his big senior breakthrough. (DN)

OH LOSS - Roston Chase appeared to have saved West Indies from defeat with another superb century yesterday, until a moment of recklessness from Shannon Gabriel sunk the hearts of supporters and handed Pakistan their first Test series win in the Caribbean. On an evening of unimaginable drama, tension and excitement, Barbadian Chase, with the help of spirited lower-order resistance, carved out an unbeaten 101 as West Indies inched agonisingly towards a face-saving draw that would have levelled the three-match series in the final Test at Windsor Park in Dominica. With the previously defiant Gabriel required to survive the final ball of the penultimate over from canny leg-spinner Yasir Shah, the No. 11 somehow lost patience and inexcusably attempted to hoist the ball over midwicket. As the ball took the inside edge and cannoned into the off stump, it left West Indians around the Caribbean dumbfounded at the irresponsible stroke after he had survived 21 balls in the company of the assured Chase. (DN)

PAKISTAN CLAIM HISTORIC SERIES WIN IN DRAMATIC FINISH - West Indies collapsed to a 101-run defeat with an over left on the final day to concede the third Test and hand Pakistan an historic first series victory on Caribbean soil here Sunday. Resuming the morning at Windsor Park on seven for one in pursuit of 304 for victory but more importantly, needing to survive the day, West Indies were dismissed for 202, with an over left on a nerve-jangling day. Roston Chase unveiled a defiant unbeaten 101 but other than for Captain Jason Holder’s 22, no other batsman stepped up. The hosts were undermined by champion leg-spinner Yasir Shah who claimed five for 92 to finish with match figures of eight for 218. He was supported by seamer debutant seamer Hasan Ali who picked up three for 33. Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1. (BT)

ANTIGUA: PM SCRAPS PLAN FOR GUN FACTORY - Prime Minister Gaston Browne has cancelled plans to give investors permission to construct a gun assembling plant in the country’s proposed Economic Zone. Browne called Observer Radio just after 7 p.m. on Saturday to announce that he had instructed the Attorney General and other Cabinet colleagues to scrap the deal. “I have said to them that in the interest of the nation, rather than having a situation where we bring in that factory and divide the nation over it, let us scuttle that decision.” Browne had called the radio station earlier in the afternoon and confirmed that the plan was going ahead and that all of the guns manufactured there would be for export. But scores of residents also called the radio station to criticize the prime minister for agreeing to the gun factory. The Prime Minister later revealed that he was not on the island when the decision was made in Cabinet to set up the gun manufacturing plant. “We do understand the risks,” Browne said adding, “I think it is in the best interest of the nation to just scuttle the deal.” The country’s leader said he thanked everyone for their input and is always open to “constructive criticisms”. He admitted that he wasn’t comfortable with the deal to begin with, “but having heard from the people I feel even firmer in my decision that we ought not to proceed”. (BT)

CYBERATTACK HAVOC COULD GROW AS WORK WEEK BEGINS - An unprecedented “ransomware” cyberattack that has already hit tens of thousands of victims in 150 countries could wreak even more havoc Monday as people return to their desks and power up their computers at the start of the work week. Officials and experts on Sunday urged organizations and companies to update their operating systems immediately to ensure they aren’t vulnerable to a second, more powerful version of the malicious software, dubbed WannaCry. The cyberattack paralyzed computers that run Britain’s hospital network, Germany’s national railway and scores of other companies and government agencies worldwide. The attack, already believed to be the biggest online extortion scheme ever recorded, is an “escalating threat” after hitting 200,000 victims across the world since Friday, according to the head of Europol, Europe’s policing agency. His concerns were echoed by James Clapper, former director of national intelligence under U.S. President Barack Obama. In an interview on ABC’s This Week, Clapper said the worry was “this ransomware attack will be even larger” as people return to their desks after the weekend. The 200,000 victims included more than 100,000 organizations, Europol spokesman Jan Op Gen Oorth told The Associated Press. He said it was too early to say who was behind the onslaught and what their motivation was, aside from the obvious demand for money. So far, he said, not many people have paid the ransom demanded by the malware. The attack held users hostage by freezing their computers, encrypting their data and demanding money through online bitcoin payment — $300 US at first, rising to $600 before it destroys files hours later. Account addresses hard-coded into the malicious WannaCry software code appear to show the attackers had received just under $32,500 as of Sunday. The effects were felt across the globe, with Britain’s National Health Service, Russia’s Interior Ministry and companies including Spain’s Telefonica, FedEx Corp. in the U.S. and French carmaker Renault all reporting disruptions. (BT)

13 YEAR OLD MISSING - Police have released photographs of 13-year-old Terry-Ann Kayla Nero. The teenager, of Gollop Road, Brittons Hill, St Michael, has been missing since Saturday. She was last seen by a family member outside her residence. At the time, she was wearing a black dress and black slippers. Nero is 4 ft tall, slim build, has a dark complexion, a long face, erect appearance, pleasant personality, and is considered small for her age. She has natural hair with extensions. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is being asked to contact the Hastings  Police Station at 430-7608/7611, the emergency number 211 or the nearest police station. (BT)

FOGGING SCHEDULE MAY 15-19 - The Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health will this week continue its efforts to eradicate the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

On Monday, May 15, areas to be fogged in St Andrew and St Joseph are Coggins Hill, Chalky Mount, Cambridge, Bissex, Coconut Grove and environs.

On Tuesday, May 16, the team will be in St John to spray Glenburnie, St Margaret’s, Martins Bay, Zores, Newcastle and neighbouring districts.

On Wednesday, May 17, districts to be fogged in St George and St John are Golden Ridge, Lemon Arbor Village, Four Roads, Knights Village, Wakefield, Claybury, Redland Tenantry, Butcher Road, Brathwaite Road, Sweet Vale and surrounding areas.

Districts in Christ Church will be targeted on Thursday, May 18, specifically Dayrells Road, Rockley Terrace, Rockley, Blue Waters, Garden, Peronne Gap, Golf Club Road and environs.

Fogging takes place in St James and St Thomas on Friday, May 19, in Bagatelle Terrace with Avenues, Old Plow Road, Bagatelle Yard, Bennetts, Arch Hall Development, Arch Hall and neighbouring districts.

Householders are reminded to open their doors and windows to allow the spray to enter. The fogging exercise runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. each day.

LAWRENCE T G MEMORIAL CELEBRATING 35 YEARS - The Lawrence T Gay Memorial School kicked off its 35th anniversary celebrations on Saturday with the unveiling of a mural depicting traditional aspects of Barbadian culture. The mural was painted by Patrick Craigwell, Sade Arthur, Sergeant Christopher Griffith, as well as students and teachers of the school. Principal Beverley Parris praised the 522 students, saying they were “excellent examples” of the school’s aims and objectives. Former student, Reverend Dr Adrian Smith encouraged the students to continue the school’s rich legacy and heritage while shining brightly for God and acknowledging Him in all they do. Dr Smith also urged the students to diligently pursue their studies and to make the necessary effort and sacrifice. (BT)

SPECIAL DAY FOR ERCILLA – Today is going to be a special day for Ercilla Sealy, of Bridge Cot, St George. She celebrates her 100th birthday with family and friends. Yesterday was equally special for the Christian matriarch as her Newbury Church of the Nazarene saluted her on Mother’s Day. Granddaughter Pamela said Sealy was in fine spirits. She is the only living sibling of the late Reverend Irvin M. Wickham, the first black superintendent of the Wesleyan Holiness Church in Barbados. The birthday girl is the mother of three children – two daughters, one of whom is alive, and a son. (DN)

That’s all for today folks. There are 230 days left in the year Shalom! #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #bajannewscaps #newscapsbystephaniefchase