movie

What The Muppets Taught Me About Faith

/ Alex Doriot / 1 Comment

There’s a famous scene in The Great Muppet Caper where Kermit The Frog and Miss Piggy ride a bike across a park.

(Click Here if you can’t see the video above)

Remember as you watch: this movie was made in 1981.

It’s an incredible scene. You see no strings, no puppeteers, no evidence of CGI. It’s a perfect example of the magic Jim Henson’s Muppets create.

For 60 years The Muppets have been pushing the limits of what puppetry can do.

muppets-most-wantedThe key to The Muppets’ success can truly be contributed to just one word: Belief. 

Continue reading →

Do We Take God For Granted?

/ Alex Doriot / 2 Comments
The Hollywood Reporter

The Hollywood Reporter

The Oscars will be missing something this year – the greatest actor of our generation.

Despite two highly-regarded performances – as the title character in the harrowing “Captain Phillips” and as the legendary Walt Disney in “Saving Mr. Banks” – somehow Tom Hanks missed out on an Oscar nomination this year.

What’s the deal here? I must admit I have not seen many of the Oscar nominated films this year, including “Saving Mr. Banks”. And I know there’s only so many spots that can go out there for nominations.

But have you seen “Captain Phillips”? Tom Hanks is incredible as a reserved ship captain trying to maintain order as Somali pirates hijack his boat. The last scene where Hanks finally releases all the pent-up emotion he’s been carrying through the movie is an acting masterclass.

Even as someone who expects Tom Hanks to deliver an excellent performance in every movie, I was still blown away by his work in “Captain Phillips”.

I think maybe that’s why Tom Hanks didn’t get nominated for an Oscar this year. I think everyone who’s seen “Forrest Gump” and “Saving Private Ryan” and even “You’ve Got Mail” recognizes how awesome Tom Hanks is.

So when Tom Hanks does his usual excellent work, the audience is not surprised. There’s no overwhelming movement to honor what this amazing actor is doing because the world has been recognizing his outstanding work for decades.

I think we take Tom Hanks for granted. I know I take God for granted too. Continue reading →

Tips For The Beginning Time Traveler

/ Alex Doriot / 6 Comments

ABOUT-TIME_NZ_A3_v1.inddYou may not be able to travel back in time. But you can change the future.

That’s the theme of “About Time”, the new movie starring Rachel McAdams which just hit theaters. My girlfriend and I saw the film this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The plot focuses on a young man who learns a secret from his father on his 21st birthday – all the males in his family have the ability to travel back in time.

The young man knows instantly what he wants to use his gift for: to find a girlfriend.

At first the possibilities are endless for how to use his new power. He’s able to fix those awkward dinner conversations, perfect the first kiss, even stop the love of his life from meeting a bad boyfriend.

Late in the movie things really get interesting. I don’t think I’m spoiling anything, but the question for the main character becomes “Instead of traveling back in time to fix my mistakes, how can I do things better the first time around?” Continue reading →

The Blockbuster Of The Summer

/ Alex Doriot / 1 Comment

despicable-me-2-poster-01Seen any good movies this summer? What was your favorite: Iron Man 3? Despicable Me 2? Fast And The Furious 6? Something without a number in the title?

When advertising a new film, a marketing company’s job is to make you feel like you need to see a movie immediately. And now with Twitter if you don’t see a movie the moment its out you’re also subject to spoilers across social media.

In the summer season success is not measured in how much money the movie makes during the 8 or so weeks it sits in theaters. It’s all about the opening weekend. Continue reading →

The Greatest Catchphrase Of All Time

/ Alex Doriot / 3 Comments

“I’ll be back.”

“I could’ve been a contender!”

“Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

“May the force be with you.”

“Houston, we have a problem.”

In 2005 the American Film Institute named the top 100 movie quotes of all time. You probably remember every one of those quotes and maybe 100 more depending on how big of a film buff you are.

What is it that makes these catchphrases so memorable? Continue reading →

Your Scars Tell Your Story

/ Alex Doriot / 1 Comment

Every scar has a story – just not necessarily a good one.

slide.001I might have the dumbest scar you’ve ever seen. Each year my school had a ceremony honoring the top students. In the 6th grade I got called out of class early along with my friend Kevin to go to this Honors Night practice.

I was pretty excited about the privilege. Well, at least the getting out of class part. As Kevin and I headed toward the practice, I pushed open the door outside with a joyful burst of strength.

What I didn’t count on as I used all of my force was the force of the door as it swung back. Just as quickly as I had flung it open the door bounced off the wall and slammed back into me, crushing my glasses right into my face. Continue reading →

You Can Be Awesome TODAY

/ Alex Doriot / 1 Comment

Justin Timberlake is lazy. Here’s how you can tell:

How many Beatles songs can you name in ten seconds? (Go with me on this.)

Probably more than you can count on two hands. Can you believe the Fab Four recorded all those songs and countless other ones you know by heart in a span of about 7 years? A dozen of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll albums of all time, all created within just 7 years.

To contrast, Justin Timberlake – singer, producer, actor, all around king of the world – is releasing his eagerly-anticipated third album in March. He released his first solo effort back in 2002.

Just to clarify, that’s 3 Justin Timberlake albums in 11 years, as compared to 12 Beatles albums in 7 years.

What is wrong with that ratio? Continue reading →