What's on Screen? Clan Tynker Presents The Dream Train

So when we're out and about going to various events we have the pleasure of seeing all kinds of amazing acts. Musicians, artists, and actors. This is sometimes frustrating because when we see amazing shows we want to share with people we care about. This particular film is an example of this.

Clan Tynker is a family circus group and they have been performing at the Sterling Renaissance Festival now the past two seasons that I attended. While sometimes it's easy to keep your group together this year the part of the group I really thought would enjoy Clan Tynker, got distracted after lunch and missed the show.

So being a good aunt, I purchased this movie figuring they will enjoy it just as much. And while the kids have yet to watch it, I HAVE watched it more than once, and I find it very enjoyable.

Unlike the live show which has a much more circus like approach, The Dream Train is more steampunk. Not a bad thing at all, as it's also something we enjoy. And since the kids in my life LOVE trains more than most things, I know they're going to love this video.

There are a few moments where there are flashing images on the screen, and those didn't sit to well with me, but it's not the fault of the artists. I' just acknowledging it because I know other people have a sensitivity to it as well. The flashing images are infrequent though, they were just unexpected.

I HIGHLY recommend this video. It's creative, as well as inspires the imagination of the viewers. A great video to watch with your family.

The Most Beautiful Thing

Every day of our lives we interact with people that are different than us. No matter how different they are they should be granted the same respect that you look for yourself. Today is Disability Awareness Day (at least in the UK it is, so it's just as good for the rest of us to look at the day too!) So I wanted to share this video with you, because it spoke very loudly to me.

I also wanted to share an old article I read that made me smile, feel a little sad, but smile because of how bold and honest the writer was. https://specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/an-open-letter-to-ann-coulter/ I think it's impressive that he was willing to stand up for what was right, even though the person who it was directed to might not react positivly. You may also want to read this other letter because it's http://www.denverpost.com/2008/08/31/using-the-word-retard-to-describe-me-hurts/ honest as well.

All in all, I'm not looking to make a huge statement. All I want is to help you open your mind to look outside your comfort zone.

We're all different, some of us just have differences that have to be looked at with different eyes.

Love each other.

What's On Screen? : Batman : The Movie

Sometimes it's fun to watch old movies, even if we know they're going to be bad. That's how the 1960's Batman TV show is. You know it's not going to meet the modern expectations that we currently have, but it's so hard to look away.

My Dad recently came home with this movie on dvd as a surprise for me. I was slightly shocked because I had no idea it was available on DVD. My Mom didn't even know there had actually been a Batman movie made in the 60's. I was amused, and I let them watch it first and they just kept making amusing comments about how the movie was ridiculous. I enjoyed hearing their amusement.

Batman: The Movie was released in 1966. It's pretty rough when it comes to today's standards, in fact, the people who were watching it with me seemed to think the film was stupid. But I tried to remind them that when the movie came out people had different expectations about films.

The movie is funny, and it has highlights that remind you of days long gone by now. The simple humor and the lack of overused special effects is nice.

I do think many people appreciate it for what it really is. A time capsule of what's clearly dated comedy.

You should always have an open mind when watching older films. There's a ton of great things to enjoy. The costumes, the puns, silly decor. But it's not for everyone. I recommend just putting it on as background noise, or for kids. Children may find the old humor hilarious. But I enjoyed it. SHows something about me doesn't it?

What's on screen? The Pagemaster

Movie night can be a lot of fun, but sometimes it's nice to go back to things you may not have seen for years. That's what we did this past saturday. We were out and about and one of my best friends saw The Pagemaster in a bin of movies and picked it up. It was surprising to see it out and available, since it's been a long time since I've seen or even thought about it. (Though not to long ago I did see an audio book on cassette for it....)

Image from fanart.tv

The Pagemaster is one of those movies with layered details. There's things I noticed in our most recent viewing I hadn't noticed before. And the music! As the movie started I got serious chills. It's stupid I guess to say that, but it was wonderful.

Why?

Because as a movie that I watched as a kid, to see it again as an adult and review the content, I had a chance to think about it again. The lessons taught by the film, and the way that they're shown is rather direct. It's not trying to trick you. It's very straightforward.

I'm just babbling I guess, but I want you to think about showing this movie to your children if you have any. Let them toy with the idea of what books mean to them. Let them think about how amazing a story can be if they envision it, not just watch it on tv.

Then take them to the library. Let them explore the many volumes of literature that they CAN touch, read, and enjoy free of charge. Magic can be found in the pages, if you take the time to see them.

MADNESS COMES IN PAIRS

Character interpretation is something that is done in the entertainment business frequently. It's done to offer varied perspective, as well as alternate possibilities. We all know that there is more than one side to a story. So it was fun to see a look at what someone else thinks could have been a possibility for one of my favorite characters, Harley Quinn.

Porcelain Rising

You know, there's a lot of scary things about dolls. But there's no telling why people are scared of them right away. But it's fun to speculate. Got to love youtube.

The Whistler

Airlords of Airia

This is a great film short. I hope you enjoy it, it gives you a different storyline to think about for steampunk and it's a bit of fun to watch.

So Pretty - So Dark

I'm actually thrilled by this short horror film. On sooooooo many levels! It's so refreshing to see a vamp that's insulted by the sparkling. As well as see one  that uses the sunrise to his best advantage. (sorry...slight spoiler). But yeah, great short film hope you enjoy it!

Phantom of the Awkward

So, I was scrolling through the internet. You know, the way we do? And I found this ... interesting spoof on the Phantom of the Opera, it is a little painful at times. But it's amusing! Have fun! ANd hope you're weekend rocks!

Why Trust Is Worth It

This weeks Thursday video looks at the concept of trust. It's amazing the way two people can move together, and that those movements can be so simple, so beautiful, and so inspiring. They tell a story, hopefully you enjoy it and see something here like I did.

Identity

Today's short video is called Identity. It looks at the idea of masks and individuality on an interesting level. I think a number of us can understand the frustration of having to pretend at times that we're something we aren't. But...what if we didn't?

The Fright Before Christmas

We've seen these people earlier this year in their steampunk meal video. But I thought that this Christmas themed video might be entertaining to some of you as well. I hope your holidays are going well.

Maleficent is going LIVE

That's right, Disney is bringing Maleficent (you know the evil/bad fairy from Sleeping Beauty) to life in her very own SELF  TITLED film! I don't know when it's going to be released for sure yet, but what they show in the  teaser trailer sure makes it look like it will be an appealing watch. Oh, and see the little blue fairy creatures on the video? they look an awful lot like those water sprites from OZ The Great and Powerful...

Amy's Torch