Bonus Jams

Acting Like a Foodie: The Hong Lei Interview

2011-09-16T00:07:00.000-07:00

How does an actor prepare for a role that involves eating a lot of awesome food take after take? Find out below as we sit down with Bacon Wrapped Date star Hong Lei, who plays the title role of Maggie in director Jin Yoo-Kim's cinematic ode to foodies.

(Bacon Wrapped Date, is available exclusively on the iPad through the Play Festival Films app! Witness cinematic glory) http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/play-festival-films/id433354017?ls=1&mt=8

How did you prepare for the role of Maggie?
HL: I began by looking at real food bloggers' blogs. Prior to this project I had only heard about food bloggers but never really checked out a food blog. On the site, I paid attention to the writing style, the pictures that were taken, the different places they visited. I just perused the different blogs to familiarize myself w/ what food blogging was about. Then I started paying attention to certain details like the composition of the photos that were taken of the food, the color scheme used on the site, the details that were included in the blog. It just helped me think about how Maggie's food blog would look like.

What was it like to work with co-star Allan Axibal (as Jason)?
HL: Working w/ Allan was like working w/ a dear friend from a previous life. I felt really comfortable w/ Allan pretty quickly... I think it started as early as my first audition for the role. He was open, present & ready for anything. I think I jumped on him at the audition when Jin had us do some improv exercises & he just went with it. We got along really well & became friends because of this project.

What was it like to work with Director Jin Yoo-Kim?
HL: Jin is easy-going, but not a push-over. She's professional w/o being overly strict. She knows what she wants, but still has an open mind. She's balanced & it was very easy to work w/ her. She was very supportive of her actors, very considerate & caring. Actually, everyone involved, from the writer to wardrobe and cameraman- they were all very caring and supportive. I think that type of supportive energy just made me feel more comfortable and opened me up as an actor. But back to Jin... I had a great time working w/ her & on this project and am truly looking forward to working w/ her again in the future.

Name one memorable moment from the shoot.

HL: The first one that pops in my head is when we were shooting the last scene of the film. It was late & cold & Allan & I were getting kind of tired. We were at Don Chow's taco truck & it smelled so good & I had one of the most interesting tacos ever- the orange chicken taco, I believe. After we shot the last scene, the crew got their Don Chow Tacos & proceeded to "chow" down, if you will :) But Allan & I were so full that we just sat in the car talking as everyone ate. I just remember the tone of the night ending very pleasantly- very "Maggie & Jason"-ish.

Are you a foodie?
HL: I am not a "foodie" as in a food blogger who avidly explores different restaurants. I actually don't eat out that much. But don't get me wrong, I very much love food & love to eat delicious food.

Do you think that food plays a big part of relationships?
HL: I think it depends. For me, it would play an important part, but not a big one. I like to eat as healthy as I can, but like to indulge in ice cream or french fries once in a while. I like to cook at home, but also enjoy eating out occasionally. Food definitely plays a tremendous social role in my friendships. I have countless meetings with friends over breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, happy hour, etc.

What's your next project?
HL: My next project, at the moment, is to be determined. Lately I've been working on music. I sing and have been writing and compiling songs to record and will be starting guitar lessons soon.

Bacon Wrapped Date now available exclusively on the iPad!

2011-08-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Our latest film, Bacon Wrapped Date, is now available exclusively for your viewing pleasure on the iPad through the Play Festival Films app! If you or a friend owns an iPad, download the app! It's free. (Our film will only cost you $1.99! What a bargain!). Hope you enjoy our film! It's for all the foodies out there and potential new foodies!

Here is a link to the app:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/play-festival-films/id433354017?ls=1&mt=8

Bacon Wrapped Date World Premiere 1 Week Away!

2011-04-23T17:10:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

We're so excited about our world premiere of Bacon Wrapped Date. It's just 1 week away!

Get your tickets before the screening is sold out! Hope to see you there!

Bacon Wrapped Date
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
Sun, 5/1 @ 4:45pm (World Premiere)
Laemmle Sunset 5
playing in "The Deeper Meaning" program
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/bacon_wrapped_date_2011

Bacon Wrapped Date trailer

2011-01-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

Bacon Wrapped Date - trailer from Double Oh Three Productions on Vimeo.

We hope you enjoyed our trailer! The movie is releasing this winter!

Bacon Wrapped Date Poster Art!

2011-01-13T22:31:00.000-08:00

Bacon Wrapped Date - Coming Soon 2011!!!

2010-11-17T17:44:00.000-08:00

It's been a minute, but Double Oh Three Productions returns with a new film for 2011!

BACON WRAPPED DATE
What happens when two rival foodies collide...

a Jin Yoo-Kim film

starring Allan Axibal & Hong Hoang

Coming Soon 2011

OMG. California Dreams Reunion!!!!

2010-03-08T01:44:00.001-08:00

Jimmy Fallon got upstaged by People Magazine with the Saved By the Bell reunion last year, but he didn't let it happen again this year. Jimmy did it! CALIFORNIA DREAMS REUNION IN FULL EFFECT!!! With the exception of Jake, this cast has aged quite well. They look dope. Tony is a little bigger but it's all good.

This is the reunion of the original cast, so it doesn't include Sly's brother Mark and the latina girl Lorena, who replaced the Asian girl Sam. Actually, Sam was original, original. She replaced Heidi, Matt's sister. Anyhow, this reunion features the most popular characters. Loving it!

Below, some great bonus jam video clips:

Greatest high school bowling party ever....

2010-02-22T00:49:00.000-08:00

This music video by Justin Bieber is amazing. I wish I had a bowling party like this when I was 15. Lucky Strike at Universal Citywalk. All my guy friends hanging out with a bunch of girls. Emerging rap sensation Drake hanging out w/ us pre-teens. Random ABDC dance-off, guys vs. girls style. Rap interlude by my boy Ludacris. Dance choreography with my friends on the actual bowling lanes. And then I'll sing while a camera does Michael Bay 360 degree turn on me. MAN! This is like the greatest high school bowling party OF ALL TIME!

Stars I Wish Sang on We Are the World 25

2010-02-14T00:33:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying this is for a worthy cause, and it's unfair to compare this version to the POWERHOUSE original in 1985. LEGENDS sang on the 1985 original. The stars and rising stars of today sang on this 2010 version (maybe some of them will be legendary some day). Having said this, there were a few notable absences I wished Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones could have booked for the 2010 version.
*Justin Timberlake
*Taylor Swift
*Kelly Clarkson
*Lady Gaga
*Diddy
*Ludacris
*MARIAH CAREY
*ALICIA KEYS WOULD HAVE BEEN AWESOME
*Rihanna
*Michael Buble

And I'm sure there's others, but that those cats on this track would've been dope. I liked Pink and Mary on the 2010 version, and wished Usher and Janet Jackson had more lines.

Steven Seagal Lawman: A Euphoric Experience

2009-12-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

I can't even begin to describe how INCREDIBLE Steven Seagal: Lawman is. It's like the Grand Canyon...You just have to go see it for yourself...and be prepared to have your mind blown. (Wed @ 10p-11p on A&E. Holla at that.)

Basically, this series is COPS, but 1000x better because Steven Seagal is one of the cops! And for all the doubters out there, he is the real deal Holyfield. He's a legit police officer. This ain't some fake shizz like The Hills. Real police work. In a bad part of town (Jefferson Parrish, Lousiana), and Seagal doing what he does best....BEING STRAIGHT UP BAD-ASS!!!! Dude can really fight, can really shoot a gun, really has that hair, and is really that zen. I can't even believe Seagal is still this bad-ass at 59. 59 and still taking names!

This show is pretty much flawless. Probably one of the best opening credit sequences in TV history, where Seagal gives two amazing quotes right off the bat!
-"I make a living in the movies, but for the past 20 years, (dramatic pause) I've also been a cop."

-"My name is Steven Seagal. That's right. Steven Seagal. Deputy Sheriff."

You just have to watch this show. It's a euphoric experience.

There's been four episodes so far, and Seagal has already done the following amazing things (SPOILER ALERTS):
-During target practice, Seagal shoots the tip off of a Q-tip.
-Incredible Aikido demonstration to his team.
-Seagal's amazing vision to see crimes unfold before anyone else does.
-Seagal's crazy dogs!
-Seagal's blues band plays for a charity concert to raise money for a children's hospital!!!! (Steven Seagal with the Mojo Priests!!!! He sings and plays guitar!)

WHAT CAN THIS MAN NOT DO!!! BEST REALITY SHOW ON TV RIGHT NOW IF NOT ALL TIME!!

Jamie Foxx is underrated (exclude his Oscar).

2009-11-10T01:37:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I don't think Jamie Foxx gets enough credit for his multi-hypenate dominance. (Yeah, I know he's won an Oscar, Grammys, other awards etc., but exclude that). In the modern era of multi-hypenate actor/singers (Miley, Leighton Meester, Scar Jo, LiLo, Jessica and Ashlee), let's not forget the dopeness that is Jamie Foxx. Seriously, his talent is off the chain. Bonus Jams has been down with Jamie ever since the In Living Colour days. We even liked The Jamie Foxx show (which carried the O.G. version of The WB for years (exclude Dawson's Creek and Felicity)).

Here is just a sampling of some of my favorite clips that I found on youtube.

I mean, this clip pretty much sums it all up. Jamie can sing, play piano, do stand-up, do comedy, and act (his impression of Luther in this clip is spot-on). He's just straight up an ENTERTAINER!

Jamie's tribute to Serena Williams is incredible. He even had Tom Cruise, Samuel L., and Lebron rolling in this clip. I'm not saying these guys are the authorities on comedy, but Jamie is pretty ridiculous in this clip. Straight ENTERTAINMENT here.

This Is It: Would have been the greatest concert of all time. ALL TIME!

2009-11-01T17:22:00.001-08:00

WARNING: SPOILER ALERTS BELOW

Michael Jackson: This Is It - Basically, this post-humorous documentary takes BTS footage shot during MJ's concert rehearsals (maybe from the 2 or 3 best rehearsals he had) for his would-have-been 50 concert stint in London and shows viewers what that concert would have been like - pretty much THE GREATEST CONCERT EXPERIENCE OF ALL TIME. OF ALL TIME! (Sorry Taylor Swift).

This concert had everything. Pyro. Dope cinematic sequences. Great wardrobe. Dancers blasting onto the stage. A pretty tight band (the female guitarist is ridiculous!). And of course, MJ showing his artistic genius and singing/dancing some of his all-time mega-classics.

For the most part, MJ still got it. A very Brett Farve-like performance during his rehearsals (of the 4 TD variety vs. Green Bay). For a 50-year old dude, he was still hanging w/ his 20-something dancers. And in a lot of moments, the band and dancers were trying to keep up with him. (MJ still knows his shizz.) I was most impressed with MJ's voice. Despite conserving his voice during most of the rehearsals shown, he still sounded awesome (at one point he felt the music on one song, went off, and sounded ridiculous). Clearly, MJ was at home on the stage. This is the lab where the mad genius did his magic.

For an MJ fan (moderate or super), I think you'll be down with this film. You get to see and hear MJ perform your favorite songs in new and exciting ways. Also, seeing MJ do all these little things to make performances better was one of my favorite things in this doc. MJ suggesting a pause here, and extra leg kick there, holding a note here, etc., was so on point it was insane. We get to see a master practice his craft. And, even if he was doing these concerts to pay off debts, he didn't just half-ass his way through rehearsals. He truly cared about putting on the most ridiculous show of all time. As a fan, you gotta appreciate an artist putting in the time and effort to give you the best entertainment experience possible.

For a fan of documentaries, you'd probably wish for more back-story, interviews, personal life revelations, and story arc. But, MJ was shooting this BTS footage for his own personal library allegedly, so the footage wasn't really intended for a documentary persay. However, this doc does give people a chance to see MJ in a different light than the last decade or so of his life. No tabloids, no paparazzi, no eccentric behavior. Just an all-pro working on his game.

MJ's practice clothes is pretty awesome in this doc, except for the Ed Hardy sweats he wore in a few scenes. Even MJ had his faults...

Glee...still haven't seen an episode, but have seen these youtube clips like 50,000 times now

2009-10-08T23:37:00.000-07:00

Glee: This series got a full season pick-up I think, so viewers are digging it. I've never actually seen a full episode, but I've heard/read mixed reviews about it. Amazing. Gleeful (ha ha). Plot scenes are filler between musical numbers. Overrated. Etc. Either way, it's got a loyal following (all the 18-49 kids love it!) and will be on 'til at least next year.

Not sure if I'll watch a full episode (I've already committed to like 8 series) (maybe I can hit up the S1 DVD in the summer), but man, these Glee song covers pop up all over the web, and they're pretty darn fresh. I think I've practically seen/heard all of these clips, so I feel like I've watched the entire series already anyways. Am I right?

My fave is the Salt 'N Pepa classic Push It. Other fresh ones include Don't Stop Believing (legendary Journey), Rihanna's Take a Bow, and the dope Bon Jovi/Usher It's My Life/Confessions mash-up.

Chris Rock Making a Doc....We're In

2009-10-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Chris Rock documentary: He has a pretty good comedy track record (huge understatement), so this doc is probably going to be a winner. The trailer is dope.

Kelly Osbourne will win DWTS

2009-09-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

There's way too much new television to watch, and unfortunately, I won't be able to watch DWTS full-time (in life, one must be willing to make sacrifices). However, my blind pick to win is Kelly Osbourne. Why? She's got all the tools to appeal to a wide net of voters. She's young, a survivalist (had some addiction problems), reality show star, dad is OZZY, probably has some natural dance ability (she did put out a few records awhile back), got the cool British accent, not a swimsuit model type, likeable, and she's sassy. Basically, Kelly appeals to many demographics. Hence, she gonna beat out my boy Aaron Carter (an early favorite).

Newscaster Reveals Suppressed Perversion...Film at 11.

2009-09-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

Wow. This clip is so amazing I had to transcribe it. Probably one of my favorite web clips of 2009 and possibly a candidate for the all-Decade team. Ernie Anastos - This is what you'll be remembered for by anyone under 30...unleashing your inner perv.

Ernie: "Takes a tough man to make a tender forecast, Dick."
[1. What does this even mean? 2. Dude's name is Dick. I guess that leads Ernie's mind to his next line.]

Dick: "I guess that's me..."
[I'm sure Dick really wanted to say, "What's wrong with you, yo?"]

Ernie: [cuts off Dick] Keep f#cking that chicken.
[I don't know how Ernie makes tender chicken, but if he ever invited me over to his house for Thanksgiving dinner, I would say no. Imagine him making a tender turkey. Takes basting a turkey to a whole other level.]

Dick: [laughs] Okay, I'll do.
[Dick is probably thinking, "Wait, why did I just say "Okay, I'll do." I'm not into poultry. I'm into women."]

FEMALE NEWSCASTER'S EYES BUG OUT.
[AMAZING, AMAZING reaction by her. She's so creeped out.]

Ernie: Before we continue...
[Plays everything off as normal. I guess I agree. Who hasn't told someone once in their life, "Hey, keep f#cking that chicken.", right? It's an everyday saying, like "Good job." or "See ya later".]

The clip actually continues with the female newscaster introducing a fitness segment where she is exercising and Ernie remarks, "Hey, looking good over there." VERY PERVY something on Ernie's part.

I had to wikipedia this dude, and learned that he's actually quite a baller:
-He has won 28 Emmy Awards and nominations, and was nominated for the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in writing.
-He served as an anchor at WABC-TV from 1978 to 1989, when he joined WCBS-TV as the 5 PM and 11 PM anchor. He worked at WCBS-TV for the first time from 1989-1994. He then joined WWOR-TV in 1997, and served as an anchor at that station until 2000, when he rejoined WCBS in January 2001. He left WCBS for the second time in 2005, after signing a $10 million dollar, 5-year contract with WNYW-TV ("Fox 5").

Dude is pretty legit on the journalism scene and is making $2 mill a year! Man. See, rich people say crazy things when on live television. That's just the way the world works.

Thank you for all the iconic movies

2009-09-15T01:44:00.000-07:00

This is becoming an unfortunate year for the passing of many great entertainers. Patrick Swayze will best be remembered for his role in the VERY iconic Dirty Dancing (pretty much everyone of a certain generation has seen it), but he's done some great work in many other films as well. Of course, there's Ghost, but there's also a few pop culture just-plain fun films like Roadhouse and Point Break. Yes, Patrick Swayze was in the male Hollywood sex symbol category for awhile (esp. during his Dirty Dancing years), but he's done some great acting too. He was an ACTOR. Two of my favorites was when he was in Donnie Darko and Too Wong Foo....He's pretty dope in those films. Also, his Chippendales sketch with Chris Farley is epic and still one of the best SNL sketches ever. Thank you for your work. You will be missed by many of your fans.

Memories of Murder: NETFLIX THAT!

2009-09-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

My boy Quentin Tarantino (Okay, fine. I've never met the man) considers Memories of Murder (2003) one of his Top 20 movies of the last 17 years (# of years he's directed professionally), so I thought I'd give this film a look. GOOD CALL BY ME.

This is another dope film coming out of South Korea, which is home to more than just those delicious grapes that taste like Jolly Ranchers and stain your teeth. South Korea is home to compelling, unique, and great movies! In hip-hop terms, South Korea is taking it to the NEXT LEVEL.

Basically, Memories of Murder is about a serial killer that invades a small rural town in Korea during the mid-80's, which is based on a true story. That's all I'll say about the plot because I want you to see it for yourself!

This film has a lot of great elements to it. Style, humor, rich characters, suspense, great emotions, the works. Hopefully, you'll totally get lost in the movie when you watch it like me. A great experience for the viewer.

Overall, I'd give this film a "NETFLIX THAT!"

Rambo 5 is coming, but where is Over the Top 2???

2009-08-31T22:56:00.000-07:00

It was announced today that Rambo 5 has been greenlit. Ageless wonder Sly Stallone is at it again! Stilll killing fools at age 62!

Variety says the storyline for R5 is about John Rambo fighting his way through human traffickers and drug lords to rescue a young girl abducted near the U.S.-Mexico border. How does Rambo solve human trafficking? By blowing mofos away with big guns and knives and then groaning with conflicted introspective agony!

I'm kind of annoyed that Sly is doing R5, mainly because this means that he has once again put off doing a sequel to Over the Top. WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET OVER THE TOP 2? C'mon Sly, bring that back! Arm wrestling competitions are an ageless topic. Bring it back! We need to know what happened to Lincoln Hawk!

Happy Birthday Michael Jackson

2009-08-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

In honor of the King of Pop's birthday, here's a video of one of the greatest songs he ever wrote. This song had a HUGE impact on the WORLD back in the day. Big ups MJ (Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones helped put this track together, but still, MJ's on it)!

Also, in my humble opinion, MJ assembled quite possibly the GREATEST SUPERGROUP of all-time. Sure, Jay-Z can get Rihanna and Kanye to perform on a dope track, but MJ got EVERY great artist of his generation when "We Are the World" was recorded. EVERYONE.

To this day, I still understand how Dan Ackroyd got in this video, but big ups to him for the cameo.

I'm always a sucker for a film like this....

2009-08-25T23:44:00.000-07:00

A friend and (Double Oh Three Productions collaborator) send this short film our way, about the big and small moments in life, all thrown into one clean film.

Quentin Tarantino's Top 20 of the Last 17 Years

2009-08-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

This is a repost from LA Weekly. I thought it was an interesting article:

Video: Quentin Tarantino's 20 Favorite Flicks of the Past 17 Years

By Quentin Tarantino in Foundas on Film, Hollywood

When Ella Taylor asked me to rename my top five films of all time, I tattled off the obvious titles. She then asked, "Any since the last 17 years?"

"In my top five?" I asked incredulously.

"Well, okay, top 10," she relented.

"Well, let me think about that."

And upon later reflection, I realized there was one movie released in the last 17 years that I love so much that, yes indeed, it could find its way onto that tough 10 list that constitutes the history of cinema.

That film would be the late Kinji Fukasaku's Japanese masterpiece, Battle Royale.

But upon singling out Battle Royale for all-time honor, I decided to list my top 20 films that came out in the last 17 years, 1992 to 2009. The only limitation I put on the films was they had to be able to withstand many viewings. So some great movies, like Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ and Apocalypto, didn't make it because I've only seen them once, and once was enough. Except for Battle Royale at the top spot, the others are listed alphabetically:

Battle Royale (Kinji Fukasaku)

Anything Else (Woody Allen)

Audition (Takashi Miike)

The Blade (Tsui Hark)

Boogie Nights (Paul Thomas Anderson)

Dazed and Confused (Richard Linklater)

Dogville (Lars von Trier)

Fight Club (David Fincher)

Friday (F. Gary Gray)

The Host (Joon-ho Bong)

The Insider (Michael Mann)

Joint Security Area (Chan-wook Park)

Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola)

The Matrix (Andy Wachowski & Larry Wachowski)

Memories of Murder (Joon-ho Bong)

Police Story III (Supercop) (Stanley Tong)

Shaun of the Dead (Edgar Wright)

Speed (Jan de Bont)

Team America: World Police (Trey Parker)

Unbreakable (M. Night Shyamalan)

Right Said Fred Comeback....Really?

2009-08-23T01:16:00.000-07:00

I get that people need to try and make a living, move forward w/ their careers, get a paycheck, etc., and that's cool, but wow. Wow. Wow. Right Said Fred back in the building? Really?

For a video named "Sexy Bum," there are a lot of unsexy bums throughout this video. It's like they made an omelet without cheese, ham, bacon, and veggies. They should rename the video "Bum."

If Right Said Fred is back, I wanna see Roxette, Martika, Nelson, and Warrant come back too. Bring everyone back. The KLF, the Divinyls, all them cats.

LA Food Story now in Post....

2009-08-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

We finally wrapped production on our latest cinematic venture, LA Food Story. The shoot was dope, and now we gotta take care of business in post. Shout outs to the production crew and cast for doing their thang this past weekend. Also, big ups to all our vendors who helped us out.

Now let's make this happen, post-team!

Above is a cool publicity picture we took during the shoot.

JCVD: Incredible

2009-08-13T22:19:00.000-07:00

If you're not a Jean-Claude Van Damme fan, then you need to get on board this hot tamale train (SYTUCD reference). Jean-Claude Van Damme is simply incredible, and in JCVD, you'll see the great Jean-Claude like you've never seen him before! EXPOSED and UN-BELIEVABLE!

Bloodsport - epic. Kickboxer - classic. The one where he's a twin - Eddie Murphy like skill. The one w/ the hockey ring (Sudden Impact) - amazing. Double Team - Dennis Rodman. The Quest - sucked but not his fault. Jean-Claude is a national treasure (I'm adopting him from Belgium). And in his most daring role yet, Jean-Claude lays it all on the line in JCVD by playing HIMSELF in present time.

Vunerable, dynamic, self-effacing, honest, the high leg kick thing - Jean-Claude is all these things and more in his performance of himself. Quite possibly, his BEST performance ever/ very close to when he beat Chong Li in Bloodsport.

JCVD is so amazing that I don't even know how to describe this movie. I can't. You just have to watch it. The whole time I was like, "I'm watching a mad genius at work. In 10 years, I will understand what this movie meant to me. JCVD is ahead of its time."

Once you'll see it, you'll understand. However, I must say this:

WARNING: PLOT SPOILER ALERT

The JCVD monologue is one of the most AMAZING pieces of cinematic work I have ever seen! The monologue is unbelivable for so many reasons! It was like Leo holding Kate in Titanic esque in epicness. THE MONOLOGUE IS AMAZING!

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Movies That Shatter My Childhood Memories

2009-08-10T00:12:00.000-07:00

Wow. I really can't even get into the specifics of this movie. I'm in so much pain right now. I mean, I didn't have high expectations, but man, I feel queasy.

Overall, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Pain in My Head.

G.I. Joe: A movie I will be sucked into watching. Why you gotta play on the nostalgia card?

2009-08-07T01:23:00.000-07:00

Basically, studios are like, "Let's make a movie about every toy the 18-49 (more 18-34 really) year-old demo played with as a youth. We'll have big explosions, a big cast of random mis-matched celebrities, and film titles with a colon followed by an epic statement. No one will be able to resist us."

....You had me at big cast of random mis-matched celebrities.

I kind of hate myself for wanting to watch this movie, but it's G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra starring Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, and Sienna Miller. How can I resist?

We're Forever Your Girl, Paula.

2009-08-05T01:02:00.000-07:00

When New Kids became NKOTB. When MC Hammer released The Funky Headhunter "gangsta" album as "Hammer". When Full House added the second set of twins. When Fresh Prince switched out moms. These are the moments that changed history forever, and now we've come across the biggest turning point of the 21st century - The incredible Paula Abdul leaves Idol.

I won't get into the business aspects of the situation (i.e. contract issues, new contracts for the others, etc.), but the bottom line is Randy, Paula, and Simon are no more. (I know last season had four judges, which was like the experimental Saved By the Bell summer jobs at the Malibu Sands Hotel episodes, but Paula was still there).

Randy, Kara, and Simon just won't be the same. It won't. The three judge panel is nice cuz it gives Simon more air time. And yes, Kara has current street cred in the music industry, but she didn't sing Cold Hearted (/look into his eyes/oh no/he's been telling lies/ - genius). Cold Hearted, yo!

Paula IS American Idol. A girl from the Valley, turned unlikely Laker Girl, turned unlikely beloved late 80s/early 90s pop music icon. She was not the prototype pop star, but became a pop legend. She IS this show.

What will Paula say this week? What will she wear? When will be blow up on Simon? All that amazing, unpredictable, and overall Bill Walton-like judging will be gone. GONE. All that next-day water cooler talk is gone. Your entertaining judging will be missed, Paula.

Of course, Idol will still keep rolling strong financially, similar to Star Wars I, II, III, but it just ain't the same as the original (i.e. Star Wars episodes IV, V, VI). Simon's gonna need to carry the squad next season for awhile until the new three can gel as a group.

Don't leave, Paula! I don't want any Jar Jar Binks action next season.

(500) Days of Summer: Is no good movie safe from a "Chinese" family?

2009-08-03T00:42:00.000-07:00

Warning: Contains specific references and possible plot spoilers.

First off, (500) Days of Summer is a buzz-worthy movie this season, and deservedly so. The film gives a realistic portrayal (through cool visual music-video esque devices) of recalling a relationship. (aka, your memories are all disjointed about some old dame, but then the shizz makes sense at the end.) Joseph Gordon-Levitt is gonna get mad love after this film, and indie-queen Zooey Deschanel does what she does best - Sing, wear vintage clothes, sport a bike helmet, and make you find it all endearing. Also, this film makes LA look good, which is always a plus.

However, I can't let this film off the hook with its Asian stereotype references. Hey, I like racial stereotypes like the next person, but when a movie only picks on Asians, I get a little defensive. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but Latinos, African-Americans, and basically anyone that isn't Asian is spared in this film racial humor wise.

Overall, the movie is somewhat stereotype free (that's cool), except when...

IKEA scene - Tom specifically states that a "Chinese family" is staring at them when they're on the bed. Why he gotta point that out? When you cut to the family, it would be obvious to anyone that it is a "Chinese family" being played by a Japanese mom, probably a Laotian dad, a Vietnamese kid, a Cambodian kid, and a Burmese kid. C'mon, so obvious. Didn't really need to state that in the dialogue. Showing a shocked family without that specific dialogue is perfectly fine and still funny.
Watching porno scene - Naturally, if you're gonna rent porn, you're gonna rent "Sweet and Shower." (See, sweet and sour is a Chinese food thing, so Sweet and Shower is porno Asian people humor funny.) Perfect opportunity to stereotype another race, but the filmmakers went Asian on this one, again. (Could've done "Smoke My Hookah" to throw a racial stereotype bone at the Persian communitiy).
Korean liquor owner scene - Fine, I'm being racial here assuming that the guy was Korean (could have been Vietnamese), and true, Asian guys do run a lot of liquor stores in LA. And yes, the scene was pretty straight forward. Tom was just buying some stuff. However, the Asian dude kind of overracted, and I just found that poor.

Overall, these moments don't distract you too much from your entire viewing experience, and you can't please everyone with racial humor, but yo, mix it up a little bit. Throw the Asians a bone here. Sun Yue just got cut from the Lakers and Yao Ming is out for the next year.

5 Years So Far for Double Oh Three Productions

2009-08-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

For the first entry of our new blog, we decided to take a look back at 5 years worth of our own independent filmmaking. We've been hanging in there, working hard for you, for 5 years now! During this time, we got an award-winning feature documentary self-distributed, several short films created, scripts written, and have had the opportunity to collaborate with many talented artists. Here's hoping for many, many more years of inspired filmmaking...

The Queen from Virginia: The Jackie Bong Wright Story

Go to Kenny

Go to Kenny Trailer from Double Oh Three Productions on Vimeo.

Break-up Therapy

Break-up Therapy from Double Oh Three Productions on Vimeo.

BPS

BPS from Double Oh Three Productions on Vimeo.

Mug for the Camera

Mug for the Camera from Double Oh Three Productions on Vimeo.