"PLANE" IS THE SURPRISE ACTION FILM WE'VE BEEN NEEDING!

🎥🎞️Movie Review🎞️🎥 - PLANE [2023] - STARZ - [R] - Directed by Jean-Francois Richet. Story by Charles Cumming. Starring Gerard Butler [also a producer], Mike Colter, Lilly King, Tony Goldwyn, and Evan Dane Taylor. The entire production was mostly filmed in Puerto Rico and was filmed during the Covid-19 Shutdown. The film was shelved for two years before it was finally released.

This is a very dramatic and action filled film. Some of the initial scenes in the film concern a commercial plane being piloted by Captain Brodie Torrance, played by a relatively passive Gerard Butler; who plays the character of a commercial pilot with only previous military pilot experience. The plane is leaving Singapore on New Years eve and has  about 14 passengers on board, including a prisoner transfer. The prisoner, Louis Gaspare [played brilliantly by Mike Colter], is a charged criminal who spent years with the Foreign Legion. When the plane experiences some intense turbulence in a storm along the intended flight path, being hit by lightning in the process, the plane is forced to crash land in a cluster of Philippine Islands filled with hostile militants. The pilot and the criminal must work together to protect and save the passengers who have no idea about the amount of trouble they are in.

THE GOOD - The initial scenes are filled with surreal turbulence and are delivered with some intense camera angles and practical effects that work seamlessly to deliver a harrowing flight during the storm sequence. The film takes the right time to develop solid characters and also sharpen the delivery of the antagonist bad-guy, who has complete control of a group of heavily armed guerilla militants under his dark leadership.  There is a vulnerability to the crew and passengers of the plane that keeps the feeling real and Butler doesn't play the "instant hero" that he is well known for; presenting a more cautious and emotional character, than a killer behemoth. Colter's portrayal of Gaspare has qualities that could lead his character to helm a spinoff sequel to the film, which is currently in pre-production.

THE BAD - There are two to three scenes which are obviously poorly filmed with green screen. The ending to the film seemed rushed, as the plane is prevented covering 50 miles in only thirty seconds; it doesn't ruin the entire film, but I'm surprised the final action sequences of the movie decided to rush the final landing of the plane in such a poorly played order of the screenplay.

POST MORTEM - This is a finely tuned action film. The military tactics are perfect for today's military-style format and the graphics in combat are delivered perfectly and without remorse. There weren't a lot of large explosions to admire, and much of the combat scenes were kept realistic; delivering skirmish style firefights with M-16s, AR-15s, and AK-47s. I can guarantee that this film will keep you on the edge of your seat, forcing you to stay focused on what will happen next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ [4 of 5 Stars]

LIGHTING SEPARATES THE PROFESSIONAL FILMMAKER FROM THE AMATEUR

Houston, TX [Taken from an article in the QSE.357 Emag] by D. R. Quintana - During a recent indie film conference in Austin, I was asked, "What type of director falls into the category of a first time filmmaker?" And the answer I gave raised a lot of eyebrows. In this article, I'll cover the idealism of what personal elements separates the amateur independent film hobbyist from the well trained and educated cinematographer. Always keep in mind that there are some bad film production traits in film making that can instantly be identified by even the most basically trained camera operator who has even a few film productions under their belt. With that insight out of the way, let's get started.

Where most of the problems arise with first time filmmakers? A dangerous trait that often infects the amateur film producer is the idealism that "exposure to a skill" is just as good as being schooled and trained in a professional art. In simple terms, some people are either too proud or desire instant satisfaction of success, that they'll live with the guise that "just because they witnessed someone use a film technique, like guerilla-style filming on a project," that they know how to produce an entire film. Guerilla Style Filming [GSF] isn't an approved skill provided in film school, as it doesn't require the use of specific lighting or on set camera rigs or use of "lens scoping" to prepare in capturing a scene, due to the lack of lack of obtaining permits or requiring authorization. 

GSF is rarely practiced in Hollywood today, but during the independent film genre production rise of the 1980's and 90's, classic films like Jim Cameron's THE TERMINATOR or John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN, epic films that are filled with GSF, that production staffs were scrambling to gain authorization permits up to the final hours prior to the nationwide release of these now classically successful films. Ultra-low budgeted Indie films today have to try and prosper in making films using GSF throughout their production. Many have to try and fake the viewer by using camera tricks and editing software to hide the lack of production efforts in making their films look pristine. Some film makers are successful at hiding their lack of production prowess, some fail, and some don't even try to hide the fact that they lack the skill and training of working a camera.

Knowing how and when to use lighting is a skill, not an option. Amateur filmmakers who claim to know how use proper cinematography usually fail to practice the proper use of lighting, even when there is plenty of light around to fill the scene requirement. 

Even some of the most basic standard lighting practices are learned in the photography world; learning how to adjust a camera, correcting shutter speeds, aperture adjustments and even using soft lighting. Most of these basic camera adjustments [or formats] can be easily spotted in a film when they are not in use. Most first time filmmakers make the mistake of using DSLR [Digital Single Lens Reflex] cameras and fail to calibrate the lenses prior to each use. DSLRs may seem easy to use, especially in films that require a ton of action and movement, but they also show that some cinematographers are "playing it safe" using such rigs to capture an entire film. 

Inexperience can definitely ruin a films production even before the first camera begins to roll film, especially if the film team plans on thriving with what they've seen in another film production, but not what they've actually learned over time, with proper training and leadership. Case in point is the photo to your right; shooting a photo with the sun directly behind the model and on regular shutter, speed, the model is darkened out. But with the proper settings on camera and with soft light, a more perfect and pristine photo can be captured without the loss of the sun in the background. This part of photography theology is paramount to the experience of a good cinematographer. 

In professional film production, the sun cannot be an element that changes the location of the scene at hand or the direction which one must film. Cinematographers must think their way through each scene, keeping focus on balancing the light from any angle. During a day shoot, a strong camera operator should measure the obstacles that might arise during production [as seen below and to your left].

Is lighting truly that important in making your first film? Both yes and no. If you are a high school student or amateur making your first film, you'll look passed the requirements and become instantly elated that you completed your first film, even though parts of it have horrible balance, some bad lighting arrangements, some scenes are slightly out of focus, and it only cost you a few dollars to make. So if your first film makes you truly happy and your closest friends agree, then no.

Most small film teams are only excited that their first film, even with all of it's obvious imperfections, was complete and released for all to see. The concern of being exposed to the rest of the real filmmaking world is the problem and a large part of where one might learn that an experienced camera operator or film director might have some criticisms about the film that your overly excited about making. The reviews may seem harsh and abrasive, but the advice that one should accept as an element to grow will provide providence for future success.

Where you will see that lighting IS important, is when you deliver a film that is well balanced and the views take positive recognition in your efforts to provide the best beauty in every shot of the film. The proper measured lighting will bring in the best color environments that allows one scene to seamlessly cross into another, not bringing any doubt that the film was captured in the best format with the best hands possible.

Can a filmmaker "fake it, until they make it?" Not really. The 1999 film, THE BLAIR WITCH, directed by two college students, Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Myrick, who took the Indie film scene by storm when they released a film produced entirely by using GSF. The filmmakers claimed the film was initially produced with an ultra-low budget of $60,000, and the question isn't whether the budget was justified or not, the question arose about the legal costs involved in obtaining permits after the fact that the film was released nationwide. The film was filled with scenes lacking lighting, bad cinematography which was justified under the release that the film was shot in "documentary style" format. In truth, the college students didn't know anything about required paperwork or permits until the film was picked up by Artisan Entertainment. After the process of confirming the required production efforts to legalize the film, the budget jumped up to $200K-$750K, smashing the original "ultra-low" budget claim. However, the film was a success and brought in over $248.6 million after it's release.

Even though THE BLAIR WITCH gained significant fame with fans, professional directors and cinematographers were not impressed with the format of the film and over the course of time, the Directors Guild of America took action to prevent films with ultra-low productions to openly cut corners and allow indie films to enter into prominent industry studio contracts without completing prior format and film requirements prior to acceptance. So the "fake it until you make it" mentality will eventually fail.

Should a first time filmmaker consider going to school for the trade? If you want to be taken seriously as a professional in the field, yes. 

HULU'S "11.22.63" BRINGS TIME TRAVEL TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL!

🎥🎞️Mini-Series Review🎞️🎥 - 11.22.63 [2016] - HULU - Created by Stephen King & J. J. Abrams. Starring James Franco, Sarah Gadon, Daniel Webber, Chris Cooper, and George McKay. Directed by Kevin McDonald, Fred Toye, James Strong, James Franco, John David Coles, and James Kent.

This is a mini-series [8 episodes] based on a 2011 book by Stephen King under the same title. An English teacher named Jake Epping [played by James Franco], is friends with a diner owner named Al Templeton [Chris Cooper], who introduces him to a time portal hidden within the diner. The portal takes any traveler to the 1960s, where one can change events in history and reboot his mistakes by simply returning through the portal and entering back again. Jake is asked by his friend to enter the portal and do his best to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy  [JFK] on November 22, 1963; in order to prevent the assassination, Jake has to become close friends with Lee Harvey Oswald [played brilliantly by the talented Daniel Webber, who also portrayed Vince Neil in THE DIRT]. Jake's trip in time will equal minutes to years, so when he returns through the portal, no one will miss him while he's gone. The catch is, Jake has to live in the 1960's for over three years; find a job, make a life, and do his best to not interfere with events that could change other historical moments in time; as time has a way to make things hard for him to do so.

THE GOOD - The cinematography is simply breath taking and the layouts on the set locations are pristine to present the 1960s in their own unique style. Many of the locations used in Dallas, Texas are the real locations that exist today as a tourist attraction following the life of Oswald following the assassination of JFK. The props for the series are the best part; classic cars, wardrobe, and actual technology of the time. Episodes flow seamlessly from one scene to another, and the editing in each new episode is sharp, keeping the viewer in tune with the story and keeping the flow of the plots moving perfectly in order. There are some brilliant performances by the cast, and some very emotional "cultural diversity" moments that will leave some viewers stunned.

THE BAD - This series was under promoted and advertised, and I was shocked to only learn about this series after seeing a YouTube interview with Stephen King  over his love for the leading character; wanting to attempt writing a second season, however he just didn't have the heart to disrupt the perfect presentation of the current season, reflecting on the fact that many of his previous "book to movie" productions often fall short of their intended goal.

POST MORTEM - Totally binge-worthy, this is a great mini-series and I was floored with the amount of detail the producers provided to bring locations and performances together to make the series seem real. Even though Franco was on his top game bringing the character of Jake to life, I truly feel that it was Webber's stark portrayal of Oswald that brought a cold insight into the mind of politically confused man during the harsh and volatile atmosphere of the chaotic 1960s. In hindsight, I'm sure J. J. Abrams breathed a sigh of relief that this series closed with a solid ending; something that often eludes the plethora of movies he's associated with.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️[5 of 5 Stars]

QUANTUM STORM .357 ISSUE 22 IS RELEASED FOR JULY 2023!

 

QSE .357 ISSUE 22 dtd 7/1/2023

42 Pages

ON THE COVER - Graphics design by
Leo K. Ross. Used by permission.

MAIN ARTICLES

A Look At CosPlay - Convention Season has started. Take a look at what you might see this year in the convention circuit. Meet some of the local Texas CosPlay designers and manufacturers.

 Shake A Leg - Texas Indie Films have started to cast roles for leads, supporting leads, and extras. What you can do to stand out and win a strong role for yourself.

Best Steak Houses - It took six months, but we were finally able to finish up tasting the best grilled steaks in Texas. Is your favorite steak house listed in our top 20 list? 

Bikini Heaven - Are you in shape, wanting to show everyone your body? Here are some of the finest male and female Texas models sporting the best summer wear for the beach or your back yard.

 

YOU MUST BE A SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THE FULL CONTENTS THIS NEW 2023 ISSUE OF THE QUANTUM STORM .357 E-MAGAZINE AND FOLLOW THIS BLOG

Thank you for stopping by!

"MRS. DAVIS" BRINGS A WHOLE NEW MEANING TO THE WORDS "FRANTIC PERFECTION"

🎥🎞️Series Review🎞️🎥 - MRS. DAVIS [2023] - Peacock - [R] - Created by Tara Hernandez & Damon Lindelof. Directed by Owen Harris, Alethea Jones, & Frederick E.O. Toye. Stars Betty Gilpin, Jake McDorman, & Andy McQueen. There's only one season of eight episodes for the series.

There is a popular Artificial Intelligence [AI] Algorithm that has swept most people under it's control through the use of cell phones. One person, a nun named Sister Simone [performed brilliantly by Gilpin], refuses to use cellphones and expose herself to the AI and is confronted to either take part of the AI's mind control or face the consequences. She makes a deal with the AI, which leads her on an unexpected adventure to destroy the Holy Grail; yes, the Holy Grail once used by Jesus during the last supper with his disciples and which was apparently either lost or kept hidden away for centuries. Sister Simone's quest takes her to the farthest edges of the earth, and with the help of a shady ex-boyfriend [McDorman] and a vision from Jesus, they set off on high adventure with some zany hired guns who are trying to stop them.

THE GOOD - The plot and story are completely original. The visual and practical effects in this film were well thought out and executed, especially during the action sequences. The back story is the best part of the entire series, as the show starts off with something that was supposed to be taken as history, which just happens to be the real part of the story; if you lost yourself in that last sentence, trust me, the series cleans every question up nice and tidy. The secondary characters and extras are the best of this series, each one getting a good ten minutes of solid character building, giving everyone a shot at the limelight. Tons of kudos go out to McDorman as the ex-boyfriend who played the role so brilliantly, I expect him to be nominated for best supporting actor. An additional actor, Chris Diamantopoulos, was beyond humorous playing an over zealous action character. There is some incredible cinematography and lighting in this series, and the production was far way above what is expected in a production filled with special effects and not requiring blue or green screen all the time.

THE BAD - This series would have made an incredible, but adventurous movie; adding to the fact that there was a lot that could have been cut from each episode, to get straight to the point. A couple of the episodes were a bit longer than needed. Each episode is filled with a lot of non-sense, but that is what the writers want you to think...after a while, it gets a little ridiculous.

POST MORTEM - There is some strong build ups that pay off at the end of each new episode. Gilpin carries the entire series on her shoulders and she can be quite a handful to accept as a leading lady playing a devout nun and also an action-filled leading actor. But it all works well and the producers did a great job explaining everything with a solid ending. You have to watch this series!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ [5 of 5 Stars]

"TO LESLIE" IS A DUD, BUT NOT A COMPLETE DISAPPOINTMENT

🎥🎞️Movie Review🎞️🎥 - TO LESLIE [2023] -Rated R - Netflix - Directed by Michael Morris. Written by Ryan Binaco. Stars Andrea Riseborough, Allison Janney, Marc Maron, Owen Teague, Andre Royo, and Stephen Root.

This award winning Independent Film tells the story of a West Texas native trailer trash single mom, Leslie [Riseborough], who wins the lottery, not a million dollars or anything, but enough to get her out of the small Texas town she's lived in her entire life. She bails on her son, her family, and winds up squandering all of her winnings on alcohol and drugs, eventually leaving her broke down and penniless. She struggles to house and feed herself. After realizing she's used up all of her favors, she seeks help from her son [Teague], she falls for alcohol, and winds up returning home trying to restart her life, but her mother [Janney] has given up on her. With the help of a motel manager [Maron], she gets a job, cleans herself up and is granted a second chance at a happy and normal life.

THE GOOD - There are some strong performances in this film from Teague and Janney. The transformation of Riseborough is a little harsh to watch as I have seen her in other movies looking pretty sultry, but in this film there's a little bit too much of her losing weight and presenting a beaten down woman on the last string of her coherent mental existence.

THE BAD - This film has no pacing. It's progression in storytelling is very slow, over developing characters and bringing nothing to the film to feel good about. There's absolutely no hope in the leading character and everyone is against her and not wanting to help her out at all. The Hotel Manager, played by Maron, just seems like he's that one actor who took the role because the Casting Manager couldn't find anyone else to fill the spot.

POST MORTEM - This movie has an aimless story. The plot of the film isn't revealed to the very end and I was surprised that a plot existed in this mess of complete hopelessness. Watch at your own risk and I dare anyone to watch it without looking at their cellphones to try and find some excitement while the movie plays on in the background. Yes, it's that bad...but there is a nice message at the end of the film.

⭐️⭐️💫[2.5 of 5 Stars]

"YELLOWSTONE" SEASON 5 PROVIDES GLIMPSE INTO CREATORS TRUE WEAKNESS

🎥🎞️Series Review🎞️🎥 - YELLOWSTONE [2023] - Peacock - [PG13] - Created by Taylor Sheridan. Written by John Coveny, John Linson, Brett Conrad, Eric J. Beck and Ian McCulloh...but don't let any of those names fool you, Sheridan is in charge of all the scripts, screenplay and the dialog. Stars veteran actors Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, and upstart actors, Luke Grimes, Kelsey Asbille, and Wes Bentley.

The series covers the life of Montana Rancher, John Dutton, whose family history has established one of the largest ranch in the United States; there are several spin offs that have flourished over the development of the series backstory to present the power and growth of the fictional Dutton family. There's a lot of dirty business that has helped a cluster of the family maintain control of the land against government officials, a local Native American tribe, environmentalists and some dark "mob-type" family rivals who have also established a foothold in the area of the ranch, known to all as Yellowstone. Even though Sheridan created & developed the show, most of the show's impact on viewership has been built by the prominent popularity and addition of Costner as the leading character. Sheridan makes a cameo appearance in the series, but his addition did not boost an increase in viewership.

THE GOOD - There are moments in the series where the drama is thick, the action is super heavy & intense, and the emotions run high. Many of the upstart actors get prime limelight in the series and are given story arcs to help develop their characters; several characters splendor off and are planning to have their own series[?]. The cinematography can be extremely breathtaking, being able to capture a multitude of epic open scenery, nature, wildlife, and environmental atmosphere that can only be described as "magnificently captured."

THE BAD - Costner has lived a life of movie making where completed scripts have given him a sense of direction where the project is going; what the final goal of the project is being developed to reveal. In contempt, he may have confronted Sheridan over the course of the series, which was obviously only planned for five seasons, but it's been alleged that Sheridan has indulged himself in a money grab movement against Paramount, wanting to expand the series to six seasons which apparently angered Costner - who has contracts with other movie studios & working on a new film - and had Costner demand that production on the series end during the fifth season. It's no secret now that Sheridan has shut off production to re-write the scripts to close out the series in the November [2023]. Each season has arranged a large volume of story and plots that seem to jumble about and throw off the series tempo. There is a large array of what I call "cowboy videos" which presents a track from a local country singer, some views of cowboys parading about doing rodeo stunts, and some colorful panoramic views of daily cowboy life. Even though the addition of these cowboy videos may seem to bring a love for the culture, but the fifth season, these little additions to the series have become nothing but filler; red taped video to extend an episode because of a lack of story. There's no doubt about it, and you can sense a little tension and dismay over these filler scenes by watching Costner's performance in the later episodes; he seemed to be dropping the same dialog over and over again. The worst parts in the series is Sheridan's constant presentation of dread that follows any spark of positive reinforcement in the show. At the time of this review posting, Costner has refused to show up for production efforts and his estranged wife was not happy with the progress of the series.

POST MORTEM - In my opinion, Season Five has been a complete waste of time and even though some of the plots tend to build some interest, the writer[s] shift the season in a different direction, completely ruining any momentum the last plotline was producing. This has been a constant weakness that all of Sheridan's projects project during their run. It's seriously becoming tiresome and a wast of series resources. Inner drama will destroy YELLOWSTONE before the final episodes of the series post in November and it's a damn shame too - the blame will be put squarely on Sheridan's shoulders; shoulders that have some big chips propped up on them.

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫[3.5 of 5 Stars]

QUANTUM STORM .357 ISSUE 21 IS RELEASED FOR JUNE 2023!

QSE .357 ISSUE 21 dtd 6/1/2023

38 Pages

ON THE COVER - Graphics design by
T. T. Wombritch. Used by permission.

MAIN ARTICLES

Masters of Photoshop - A special peek inside the world of Photoshop Masters who create breathtaking pieces of graphic works.

 Bustin' Loose - Music videos are in full swing for this summers indie film releases. From rock to hip-hop, we feature some local performers making their mark in Texas Indie Films.

BBQ Pit Masters - On a quest to find the best BBQ in the world, one Texas filmmaker has put together a mini-series of the paces he's traveled to taste the best BBQ in Texas. 

Head Shot Season Is Here - We provide a list of photographers who specialize in taking head-shots. Is your favorite photographer on our list? If not, let us know by emailing us here.

 

 YOU MUST BE A SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THE FULL CONTENTS THIS NEW 2023 ISSUE OF THE QUANTUM STORM .357 E-MAGAZINE AND FOLLOW THIS BLOG

A SPECIAL LOOK INTO "ZERO ZERO ONE" WILL BE RELEASED THIS SUMMER. FIRST SNEAK PEEKS WILL BE POSTED IN THE JULY EDITION OF THE QSE .357 E-Magazine! 

Thank you for stopping by!

"A SMALL LIGHT" TUGS AT HEART WITH THIS DRAMATIC SERIES

🎥🎞️Series Review🎞️🎥 -  A SMALL LIGHT [2023] - Disney+ - [PG] - Directed by Susanna Fogel, Tony Phelan, and Leslie Hope. Written by Tony Phelan, Joan Rater, William Harper, and Ben Esler. Stars Bel Powley, Liev Schreiber, Joe Cole and Amira Casar. Primarily produced by the National Geographic Channel, this series was filmed in Amsterdam, Prague, and in the Czech Republic. The series is based on the true story of Miep Gies, a Dutch woman who risked her life to create an underground railroad with her husband to help save the lives of a family of Jews for two years during WWII.

Otto Frank [Schreiber] is a Jewish-Dutch business man who hires Miep Gies [Powley] build his jam jelly company during the start of WWII. After the war starts to eat up and German forces move into Amsterdam, Otto is forced to hide his family and with the aide of Gies and her husband, hide in a hidden upstairs apartment for two years. Gies does her best to help other Jewish families also escape Holland for neutral countries. There are some dangerous moments that she has to face alone to outsmart the German SS, try to live a semi-normal life, while ensuring the safety of several Jewish families under her care.

THE GOOD - National Geographic did a great job bringing 1940's Holland back to life. The details concerning modern living for that time was impeccable and the costumes deserve a nomination somewhere down the line. I was very impressed with Bev Powley's performance an emotional baggage she carried throughout the series; she should win an award or two for best actress in a mini-series. Her pain was believable and her emotional state during some tense dramatic scenes carried naturally in just her eyes. But I was truly impressed with Liev Schreiber in his performance as mild-mannered Otto Frank. I am not  big fan of Schreiber, but her really took his role to part and his acting was spot on with that of an older man trying to defend his family in the only passive means allowed to him by his religion.

THE BAD - It felt like the entire series was tied down to only a handful of locations during it's production; but keeping things small worked as a mini-series. I understand that the series was based on a book, but I feel like the directors and writers should have took some liberties to show what the German SS was doing behind the scenes. Throughout the mini-series, it just felt like the German SS was running aimlessly throughout the town, finding Jews by accident. Presenting the German SS as the cold, murdering occupational force that they were, planning their next set of arrests and presenting that informants were being forced to provide information, would have made the series far more dramatic and possibly unbearable to watch.

POST MORTEM - This was a brilliant mini-series with many remarkable performances by new upcoming actors. There was a lot of emotional distress caught on camera and the actors [plus the production crew] should be rewarded for their hard work in bringing such a daring and courageous book [and life story] to life. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️[5 of 5 Stars]

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES THRIVES WITH FANTASY, ACTION

🎥🎞️Movie Review🎞️🎥 - DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Honor Among Thieves [2023] - [PG13] - Paramount+ - Directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. Story by Chris McKay and Michael Gillo. Stars Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, Rene-Jean Page, and Hugh Grant. Bradley Cooper has a small part in this film, and I write that with a humorous zing to it.

This movie is an action packed, detailed fantasy film that covers a story about a pair of thieves who learn about a mystical gizmo that can bring back people who have died. The lead character, Edgin Darvis [played by Pine] - a musician and thief - who is also a "planner" that has great foresight in planning capers on the run, enlists the aide of a few thieves to assist him steal the gizmo to bring his wife back from the dead, and with the additional help of his close partner Holga Kilgore [played by Rodriguez], to break into a castle that is controlled by Forge Fitzwilliam [played by Grant] and protected by a mystic sorcerer [played by Daisey Head]. There are monsters, dragons, gargoyles, wizards; everything you expect to see in a film based on the D&D medium that has been around for many years.

THE GOOD - The special effect CGI is mind boggling, refreshing and very well designed to bring both a dark and humorous presentation to an overplayed genre of monster designs that help the movie move along in a positive direction; i.e. keep a look out for the plumply dragon that slides about a cavern on it's belly. The action scenes are choreographed well and not over payed. Also, being a fantasy movie, there are several solid comedic performances by the cast as they come across several challenges they must overcome at each new issue that arises at each turn. The movie flows seamlessly from one scene to another, with some interesting editing that keeps the viewers attention in tune to each new scene.

THE BAD - I'm not a big Chris Pine fan or follower, and he does has several moments of grandstanding and over playing his part in the film. Where usually I add that too much CGI can be too much to absorb, remember that this is a fantsy based film and you have to suspend belief to follow it along. If you put your mindset in that arena, the film is brilliant. If you can't, you'll agree that this film is full of cheese.

POST MORTEM - This is a good, fun film. Even though a lot of the CGI used in the film lacks the cutting edge delivery to make a ground breaking breakthrough in film production, the two directors did a diligent job in presenting a fantasy film moving in the right direction. This is a fun film to watch and laugh with at every turn.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ [4 of 5 Stars]

PHOTO CHALLENGE BETWEEN CELL PHONES AND DSLR LENSES

The Woodlands, TX - This story is an excerpt from the January 1, 2023, issue 16 released publication of the Quantum Storm .357 E-Magazine [QSE .357] which received a large amount of praise from subscribers and promotional advertisers. This article is released for blog material and resources outside of established subscribers. This article should only be used for informational purposes and taken as advice for capturing professional head-shots for preview in the independent film scene movement.

It seems that thanks to only a few individuals who have taken advantage of the heavy dreams and desires from the fast growing breed of "instant" professional thespian performers in the Independent film scene [or industry], who would do just about anything [or even pay big bucks] to separate themselves from the self made competition to "break into" that next big film, head-shot photographers have made big money pursuing actors to help them build some impressive portfolios over the course of the last fifteen years. But did the actors really have to find proficient photographers to accomplish their needs? And especially now, with the help of some of the best lenses being added to the production and manufacture of newer cell phone technologies, are  DSLR cameras truly needed to capture the best shots of local talent, who submit their image to casting directors and film producers in the local indie film circuit?

 ARE CELL PHONES WORTHY OF TAKING A GOOD HEAD-SHOT?

In this new generation of technologies, new actors may tend to use their own selfie as a head-shot for their acting resume. There's absolutely nothing wrong with choosing to do so, but its a fact that a lot of photos taken on any cell phone won't transfer well to the capabilities of the even the best printer. It can be due to the lack of a photos' pixelation and I am sure that any person you know who claims to be an "expert" on cell phone capabilities will tell you that what I just reported to you isn't 100% true; but it is. In this article, I won't go into the size or pixel generation of a photo, but I will cover the importance that the larger the file before compression, will present a far superior photo during printing; that is before one decides to alter the photos color, brightness, or sharpness before deciding to print the picture. 

Always remember that what might look cool or edgy on your cell phone screen may not transfer well to a printer, especially if a Casting Director requests that your actors resume submission be submitted with printed copies of your head-shot; which happens more often that one might think. Having clear details in your photo, presenting the best features, angles, and any real blemishes [or imperfections] on your skin could make the difference in your possible selection for a good project. Trying to hide some of these natural traits with photoshop is a definite no-no. The picture you present to a Casting Director is what will be expected to arrive when a a date is set for your first interview.

Over the years, I have learned that even using some of the best lighting and controlled atmosphere, still cannot guarantee the best shot or a quality that won't require a retake or a demand that better shots will be requested. Like I've said many times before, free is good, but it certainly isn't a quality that a spoiled film industry will conform to approving just because your different. So, if your photographer uses cell phones to conduct the business of just taking your head-shot, I recommend you pass on them or at least ask for proof of success before paying them for their services.

**The photo on the top left was taken with a top-of-the-line Droid cell phone.

WHAT TYPE OF DSLR PHOTOGRAPHER SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

First of all, and probably the most important thing you should know is, there is no standard format for head-shots. What is important is just getting a strong, natural capture of your image is what is best to present to the Casting Director. Small details like capturing natural eye color, color of hair, and various facial balance is pretty important. Remember again, what is in your photo is what the Casting Director will want to see when you arrive for your first interview.

Every indie film scene has it's long list of both talented and amateur photographers that can give you what your looking for; most be it some much needed attention in your early acting career and a head-shot that will present you in a more professional light. Of course, the cost of getting a good shot will vary from pretty expensive, to sometime being way outside your comfort level. But having the best shot of your current self is well worth the cost. You might get lucky to find a good photographer who is also trying to build his own portfolio, be willing to take all of your photography needs for free, and maybe even a few more pics that are out of format, but that will give you depth in presenting your talents in modeling. You might find that some of these photos are more dramatic, colorful, and provide an insight into your deeper, marketable self image.

These photographers will usually use Canon [6D, 7D, 8D], Nikon, or Panasonic DSLR cameras, which are the standard for digital imaging. The cameras are set with larger lenses and high pixel capture rates that make photographs look crisp and provide a cutting edge look for your current actors head-shot. One thing that is guaranteed is that you will see a big difference in using a well trained photographer to keep your head-shots up to date. But if you choose to keep selfies to update your looks, well its all up to you.

**The photograph on the top right was taken with a Canon 8D.

WORKING WITH AN AGENT TO GET YOU THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER

As stated before, there are no standard formats for head-shots. There's no indie film regulation, no requirement in the way the photo was taken, or that your head-shots require photoshop of any kind. All that is required is a current color photo [head-shot] which can be previewed by Casting Directors with a resume of your most recent works that make you qualify for any role that you are hoping to fill. 

I feel that it is important, that if your dropping your name down for a specific part in a film production, to at least be ready to include a solid portfolio of you looking the part, in case you are selected and wardrobe and makeup have to prepare their material attributes for preparing you for the role should you be selected. Keep in mind that if your selected to read for the role, it doesn't actually mean you got the part; so don't be to eager to post that "Booked it" claim on your Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn page.

If your a first time actor, trying to get into the mainstream of hiring an agent to help you boost your image in front of a camera, be aware that your decision to entrust your hopes into their operation will cost you money. Like any other business, your agent will always require you to get new head-shots by a local professional photographer they just happen to have ready to assist you...at some high cost too. Your agent won't hesitate to offer you access to the photographer at any turn, because they usually get a cut of the sales for their skills that you will require for any film project or model ad you might try to book. Will the work from this photographer actually win you the gig?...well, not really and not all the time.

Remember that agents have their favorite actors and models, who are often given first shots on any project, far before your recent work is submitted. Yes, having an agent may mean that you will be introduced to some dirty dealings, but always remember that agents always have a long lost of talent to dig through, just in case one actor fails to accept a job or if anyone is turned down. As a first time actor, there's a high probability that you will not be within the first twenty people on their list to call; all of whom have proven to be committed, faithful, on time, and willing to spend money when the need arises.

 **The photograph on the top left was taken with a Canon 8D.

IN HINDSIGHT...

In the course of over 14 years, I have gone out of my way to provided head-shot services for over 755 indie film actors and models within the state of Texas. It's been more of a hobby than a business, most of time I have gone out of my way to help actors/models that could not afford professional services in building portfolios. Many of those actors have since moved on from working on indie film projects, with a healthy percentage that have moved on to bigger and better film and modeling jobs, all of which have brought good success to building solid careers in their professional fields.

The best part of their adventure has been learning what to do, who to turn to when they need professional help in updating their portfolios, and what equipment is best for capturing their newest works. I like that these talented folks have also learned that photographers are a dime a dozen and that no two are alike; someone is always better or even brings something new in bringing in what's best in capturing some of the most brilliant format styles with proper lighting and studio arrangements.

**The photograph on the top right was taken with an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

If you have any doubt about the type of equipment that should be used for your new shots, just take the time to do some study on your own behalf. There are some good videos on YouTube.com and relatable searches on Google.com to assist you in making the best decision for you; especially if your tight on funds.

So be safe, stay smart and...Ride Easy!