Chronicles of Riddick

I’ll be honest, from a critical perspective this probably isn’t the best movie. But I like it. Probably the main reason I do is that of the main character, Riddick. The Chronicles of Riddick is the second movie in a series, after Pitch Black. Riddick (2013), is the movie that comes after the Chronicles of Riddick.

The Story

The movie begins with Riddick running from a crew of bounty hunters. Riddick is always running from something or someone, and he’s gotten pretty good at it. He is able to outsmart the bounty hunters and hijacks the plane heading for the planet Helion Prime.

The main antagonists are the Necromongers (necro meaning death). These people are converts with the main goal of gaining followers and finding the underverse. The underverse is another realm where the converts are reborn in.

The Necromongers move through the universe, planet to planet, collecting converts and destroying societies in the process. Riddick gets caught up in this without meaning to. You see, Riddick always gets stuck in sticky situations. His entire family was murdered, along with the majority of his race in a mass genocide orchestrated by the Necromongers. Being in and out if the jail system, chased by bounty hunters, and attacked by monsters the majority of his life has made him excellent survivalist.

Riddick is a pure survivalist, he’s learned to only care about his well-being. This is why he’s reluctant to form relationships with others. Everyone around him dies. When he arrives on Helion Prime, he meets an old acquaintance who placed the bounty on his head. There is a brief moment of peace before chaos ensues. In these moments, we learn that Riddick has a fondness for children. This was also shown for his protective nature over Jack in the previous movie Pitch Black. 

Soon, the Necromongers overwhelm Helion Prime’s defenses. The religious zealots take citizens hostage to join their religion. Using fear, the Necromongers are able to do so with little effort. Riddick is among the captured and decides to challenge one of the “best” fighters. Riddick defeats the man swiftly and is then led to a room of truth where seers read his mind. They scan his memories and discover that he is a Furyan male, the greatest foe to the Necromongers.

When the Necromongers discover what Riddick is, they attack, but he escapes. In a rapid turn of events, however, he is captured by the same bounty hunter who was pursuing him on the x-planet but with a different crew. They decide to take him to a prison that’s located on the planet Crematoria. One half of the plant is extremely hot, so hot that it incinerates human flesh within seconds.

Upon arriving, Riddick discovers that an old friend is an inmate. This is Jack B. Badd who befriended Riddick in Pitch Black. Instead of following Riddick’s orders to stay put, she decided to look for him and got lost on the way.

One of Riddick’s notable traits is his animalistic personality. He has a fondness for animals because he has more in common with them then he has with other humans. This is because animals are more often controlled by their base instincts and struggle to survive. Riddick knows this struggle all-too-well. He is constantly being hunted.

Another rare trait that sets Riddick apart are his eyes. He is able to see perfectly in the dark, similar to how a cat does. During “feeding-time” (this is where giant stone-like felines are release to hunt the inmates), Riddick is able to soothe one of the big cats through eye-contact.

Riddick, along with several other inmates, escapes the prison and sprint across the cooled surface of Cremetoria. The day is approaching, which means that the temperature will rise to an ungodly level. The prisoners are both running from the heat, and also from the guards who are pursuing them underground.

Alright, to sum up, the rest of the story, Riddick, and the prisoners have a run in with the Necromongers. Jack is captured and later converted. Riddick is left to die, but is saved, and goes undercover. He eventually kills The Lord Marshal and takes his place (much to his disdain). Jack dies (everyone Riddick cares about dies).

There is much more to the movie then what has been mentioned in this post. I urge you to watch the film!

 

17 music videos to watch!🎵

I spend a lot of time (too much time, tbh) watching music videos. Also, I figured I ought to write about something other than movies!

Run The Jewels (RTJ) – Legend Has It

This music video is great because not only is it hilarious, but it’s criticizing today’s state of mass incarceration. You may also recognize this song from the Black Panther trailer.

Logic – Black SpiderMan ft. Damian Lemar Hudson

Logic celebrates who he is and where he came from. The primary message is to love yourself for who you are, no matter what you look like or what your background is. PREACH!

SEVDALIZA – THAT OTHER GIRL

SEVDALIZA makes music that is very Avant-garde. “That Other Girl” combines biomechanical with classical imagery. It’s a beautifully rendered music video.

Russ – My Baby

I was hesitant to choose this M/V because I believe this video is fanmade (correct me if I’m wrong). What’s intriguing about this video is how she is able to crossdress into a man with ease.

SIAMES – “The Wolf”

This video has some neat animation, especially the part where the frames zoom into the eye, and objects begin morphing into other objects. The wolf in this music video does not represent anything noble or good. I’m used to the symbol of the wolf representing loyalty and bravery. but that’s not the case in this M/V.

Killer Mike – “Reagan” (Official Music Video)

Alright! I had to include this music video because of the history lesson it teaches. The rapper, Killer Mike, explains why the black community is heavily jailed. Killer Mike is also part of the duo in RTJ (Run The Jewels).

Michael Kiwanuka – Cold Little Heart

This is a serious one. It’s about depression.

Disclosure – Willing & Able ft. Kwabs

Kwabs probably has one of the richest singing voices that I’ve ever heard. Also, I love how the two-dimensional silhouette of Kwabs is able to morph and seem to be 3-D reminds me of M.C Escher.

Caravan Palace – Wonderland

I’ve read comments that believe “Wonderland” to be a music video about Feminism. I might agree, but, I think that “Wonderland” would be more about Hedonism and unbridled desire. What do you think?

Caravan Palace – Lone Digger

This video is highly entertaining. You’ve got a bar-fight between various animals, and a half-naked impala stripper.

Stromae – Papaoutai

I really like Stromae. The man makes some good music. This m/v is a social commentary about fathers being absent in their child’s (in particular, son’s) life. The message in the m/v, I would argue, is the same one that’s in Cats in the Cradle. 

Solange – Cranes in the Sky

Solange, if you didn’t already know, is Beyonce’s sister. The music video uses color coordination and the blending of textures seamlessly.

Banks – Fuck with Myself

Not gonna lie, this video really creeped me out. But that’s the point.

Bomba Estéreo – Somos Dos

This music video puts me in a good mood every time I watch. Man, I wish I was on that island right now!

Stromae – carmen

Alright! More social commentary! More Stromae! This music video is about the soulless world of social media. Also, the animation in this m/v is superb. It reminds me of the movie the Twins of Belleville.

Johnny Cash – Hurt

The first time I saw this m/v, I cried (and I don’t cry). This song is about death, the emptiness of fame, and reflection on what really matters in the end. You have to be in a certain mood to watch this m/v.

Years & Years – Desire

This music video is about lust. Yup.

Top 10 Movies to Watch (IMO)

1. Moonstruck (1987):

Moonstruck is a romantic-comedy (one of the few I actually like) that was released in theaters on December 18, 1987. The movie stars the singer/actress Cher, who plays the fearless Loretta, who is down on her luck when it comes to romance. The plot revolves around her relationship with Ronny, who is also down on his luck when it comes to love.

Below is the trailer for the movie:

The movie is heartwarming, hilarious, and intelligent. A perfect movie for a rainy day, or during a full moon!

2. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006):

I’m a major fan of Guillermo Del Toro, and this was the movie that introduced me to his work. Aside from having one of the most terrifying monsters in movie history (IMO), the movie also includes a good deal of social commentary. The entire movie is in Spanish with English subtitles, so if you don’t like foreign movies, then this probably isn’t the film for you.

Below is the trailer for Pan’s Labyrinth:

3. The Shawshank Redemption (1994):

If you want to watch a piece of art, not just moving pictures with lots of bells whistles, then I suggest watching the Shawshank Redemption (1994). Based on the book by Stephen King, the Shawshank is arguably one of the best movies of all time. Warning: this movie is heavy-duty. It showcases abuse, murder, and suicide. So, if you’re in the mood to watch something lighthearted, then I suggest you save this movie for another day.

Here’s the trailer:

4. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015):

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) is crazy good. The colors are rich, the action high-powered, and the characters unique. The future of this movie is chaotic. Humanity is fragmented into motor-powered tribes; water is scarce, and sandstorms are massive. The setting of the movie is intense, dangerous, yet beautiful. Furiosa, who I would argue is the main character of the film, is a resilient woman who rescues a harem of women from a despotic tyrant. If you like chases, action, post-apocalyptic environments, and strong protagonists, I recommend you watch this film!

Here’s the trailer:

5. Jane Eyre (2011):

Romance isn’t all bad, especially if it involves a good amount of passion, mystery, struggle, tragedy, and character development. Jane Eyre (2011), which is based on the book by Charlotte Bronte of the same name, has all of those things. Jane Eyre takes place during the Victorian Era. So, if you’re in the mood to watch a movie with an imposing castle, a mysterious love interest, a brave protagonist, and bitter-sweet romance, then this is the movie for you!

Below is the trailer:

6. Gone with the Wind (1939):

Gone with the Wind is a classic movie. Although it was released in 1939, the movie still seems modern in many ways. The characters, especially Scarlett O’Hara, are complex and highly-developed. It’s a very entertaining movie and seems suitable for the holidays. Gone with the Wind is tragic, sad, and bitter-sweet in all the right ways. BUT, this movie came out in 1939 and displayed many of the racist sentiments that existed (and still do). Hence, the movie is a romanticized version of history, so take it lightly.

Here’s the trailer:

7. Cronos (1993):

Cronos (1993) is a very interesting movie. Like Pan’s Labyrinth, it was directed by Guillermo Del Toro. The movie is about vampires, but the storyline is unique. The egg-shaped device renders the user to be immortal. The movie focuses on the regenerative quality insects and combines this theme with vampires.

Here’s the trailer:

8. Apocalypto (2006):

Apocalypto (2006) is an action film that features the chasing of a young hero trying to get back to his wife who is in dire straits. The movie takes place during the Aztec Empire, right before its fall. The aesthetics of the movie are quite good. If you happen to like history, action, and chases, then you should watch this movie.

Here’s the trailer:

9. Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003):

Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) is based off a book with the same name. I blogged about the movie here. The movie centers around a young Dutch-Protestant woman who becomes a maid for a Catholic family. The head of this family happens to be the famous painter Johannes Vermeer. The movie and the book are based on the painting Girl with a Pearl Earring (c.1665), also known as the Mona Lisa of the North.

Here’s the trailer:

10. An American in Paris (1951):

An American in Paris (1951) stars one of my favorite actors, Gene Kelly. I mentioned the movie in this blog post. It’s a romantic musical about a starving artist who falls in love with a French girl. It centers around a sweet romance between two lovers who have obstacles between them. There’s some sweet tap-dancing in this film.

Here’s the trailer:

A Brief Post about Maxfield Parrish (Not a biography)

Back when I was in high school, I used to paint and draw a good portion of my time. I always spent my time after school, and during breaks in the Art classroom. I would (sometimes) even skip class so that I could paint in the art class. I look back on those times with great nostalgia, even though it was only a couple of years ago, I still feel that a part of me exists in that classroom.

Art takes on a life of its own. It can transport the viewer to other places. Artwork can tell stories. It can carry a message that is difficult to communicate by the tongue, or by the written word. Additionally, the creation of art, no matter what medium it may take, is freedom.

In order to make art, or better, to want to make art, the creator has to be inspired. Human beings are social animals and depend on the interaction with others in order to learn and thrive. Hence, the act of creation usually requires a dose of inspiration in order to get started. The following blog is going to highlight one of my favorite artists, Maxfield Parrish. 

Maxfield Parrish was an illustrator who painted with a unique, and colorful style. He illustrations are joyful and serene. His landscapes are minutely detailed, and his use of light provides the scene with drama.

My uncle, who majored in Fine Art, gave me a book on Maxfield Parrish and the types of techniques he used. I remember reading about the use of perspective lines, and shadows. My uncle spoke about Maxfield Parrish with great reverence when he handed me the book, especially in regards to the artist’s use of detail.

And this was no exaggeration. Everything, every object, even those that are in the foreground, are detailed. Not just detailed, but strikingly intricate. Take a look at the photos some of his illustrations on the left. You can see every wrinkle, every texture, every leaf, every ripple, every shadow, every sequin, and every flicker of light as if the illustrations are alive and dancing.

Of course, the paintings looked much better in the book, and far better in real life. If I ever have the chance, I would love to see the real deal. Seeing the actual artwork is very different than viewing a photo online or in a book.

The detail is apparent in everything. The artist must have put a great deal of effort to merit such a result. However, what is also apparent is the contrast of colors. The ability to see color is a wonderful thing, and how color interacts is also spectacular. The interaction of colors in his artworks are used to convey time of day, tone, and season. Either way, the colors in the artworks are typically highly saturated and intense.

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I love it when I’m transported to another place. Sometimes, real-life can be monotonous, and colorless. Artists can help us to see the beauty in life. The beauty of landscapes, the beauty of people, the beauty of objects, of water and mountains. It can communicate emotions in an intimate way. I think that the artwork of Maxfield Parrish is able to do so.

Here’s an article on Maxfield Parrish by the New York Times is you you’re curious!