Some Movies I Haven't Seen

-Caddyshack
-The Godfather (all 3)
-Scarface
-Casablanca
-The Money Pit
-The Great Escape
-The Towering Inferno
-High Noon
-The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Drive-Ins: (Almost) Gone, But Never Forgotten

One of the places I remember the most fondly growing up was the drive-in.  The Woodward Park Drive-In, off of Blackstone, close to the 41.  It seemed like every weekend my family and I would go there and watch a movie.  Sometimes it would be my dad, Dennis, my brother, Aaron, and I would go.  Sometimes my brother and I would bring some friends.

There's just something cool about a drive-in.  Yes, sit down theaters are cool too.  But drive-ins have a cool atmosphere.  You can roll down the windows of your car and let the cool breeze in.  You could stretch out in the backseat while you watch the movie.  My favorite thing to do was to watch the other movies playing.  I remember my brother and I would go to the bathroom or to the snack bar.  We would see a horror movie playing that our parents wouldn't let us see.  We would then try and watch it for a few moments before our parents would come and look for us.

The price was amazing.  $5 per car.  You try and go see a movie now, and it's $7, and that's during the matinee at most places.  I think some drive-ins even had double features.  I think there are some drive-ins around.  I'm not sure where, I'd love to go to one.  Hey, here's an idea: Instead of building more Starbucks, Wal Marts, or Costcos, let's build more drive-ins.  It's time drive-ins made a come back.

'True Blood' Season Premiere

I wanted to do this sooner, but I wanted to wait until more people had a chance to catch the season premiere of the new season of 'True Blood.'  Don't worry I'll try not to give away too many spoilers.  Last season, season 4, had its moments.  Some good, some bad.

Last season the writers took a good idea and stretched it way too thin.  This season, they tried to cram too much in just one episode.  The writers tried to wrap up some loose ends from last season, and add some new story arcs.  Adding new story arcs sounds like a good idea, but you need to stretch them out.

The major story arc involved Sookie's best friend, Tara.  Last season we saw Tara get shot in the head with a shotgun.  Tara's cousin, Lafayette, had the idea of turning Tara into a vampire.  Pam, who showed up at Sookie's place looking for Eric, thought it was a dumb idea.  Sookie managed to convince her promising one really big favor.  Pam agreed to try, informing Lafayette and Sookie know it might not work.

At first, I thought this was a lame idea.  This being a supernatural drama, a character dying isn't such a big deal.  They could always come back as a ghost, vampire, etc.  I think it would've been a more dramatical impact if Tara just died.  Granted, Tara becoming a vampire may prove interesting.  But it has to be done right.

Another note, Alceide and Sam pretty much bonded after Alceide helped Sam avenge his brother, Tommy.  To protect Alceide, Sam told Alceide's pack that he killed their leader, Marcus.  A new character that emerged was Marcus's mother.  She clearly wants revenge for her dead son.  Marcus was a psychotic prick who constantly threatened his ex-wife, Sam's current girlfriend.

I'm really not sure how much longer the writers can take the Marcus story line.  Let's say Marcus's pack tracks down and kills Alceide and Sam.  What then?  And if Alceide and Sam track the pack down, and kill them.  How much longer can this story play out either way?  I like the characters Sam and Alceide, but I can't help but wonder how many more story lines can the writers do involving these two.

Bill and Eric are being targeted by The Authority.  The Authority is made up of the world's most powerful vampires.  Since Bill and Eric killed Nan Flanningan, a vampire mouth piece for The Authority, they've been targeted.  It's too early to tell what will happen with Bill and Eric.  What will The Authority have them do?

Nora, who happens to be Eric's sister, has been added to the show.  Nora and Eric go at it fast and furious. Nora mentions that they are brother and sister, seeing as how they were both sired (made) by Godric.  I know that doesn't make them actual siblings, but it's unsettling to have two characters who are sexually involved referred to as siblings, in any sense.

Christopher Meloni has joined the cast one of the Authority leaders.  I can't wait to see him in action.  I've missed seeing him on 'Law & Order: SVU.'  I'm not sure if Meloni is supposed to be a good guy or a bad guy.  Either way I think Meloni was help the show this season.  I'm just disappointed he wasn't in this episode.

This episode was good, but not good enough to wait all summer for.  The Tara\vampire thing was interesting, but seemed too forced.  The Authority does hold promise, but should've been elaborated more on.  The season just started, so it's too soon to tell how the season will play out.  Last season was a disappointment, so this season could make or break the show.

Writing Sample

Here is something I wrote for my 'Creative Non-Fiction' writing class a year ago.  

“Fate Can Kiss My Ass!”

-Dylan Patton

The darkness will try to kill your light

Hope is not guaranteed

If you want an happy ending,

You have to fight!

You have to fight!

You want to kill the darkness?

You have to fight!

            Pretty catchy huh?  I think so too.  Its because it’s from a song I wrote.  “You have to fight.“ It was a hit single from my group, The Dark Fighters.  Oh, I’m Mason Cantrell by the way.  The Dark Fighters was the world’s greatest Rock & Roll band. 

At least I though so.

            We got out big break by entering a contest for the station 106.5 KZZL.  By winning, we got the honor for opening for Metallica.  We even got a record deal out of it.  “You have to fight,” and “Unrealities” were our two hit singles.  Our only two hit singles.

            I woke up this morning, like every morning, wondering how and where it went wrong.  I mean we had a kicking sound.  We got a standing ovation after our set.  Our album, “Opponents of the Dark” sold 500 copies across the US.  Not exactly record breaking, but it’s something.

            But then it stopped.  Our label dropped us because our album wasn’t selling.  I don’t get it! We were awesome! I guess because we didn’t get drunk, trash hotel rooms and become addicted to drugs, are the reasons why we weren’t cool enough.  We had two hot chicks in our band! That’s not cool enough?

            Cassandra, Alex, Brock and I made up The Dark Fighters.  We were all close, like a family.  We did everything we could to make it big.  We spent countless hours writing and recording.  We spent tons of money buying the best instruments we could find.  We promoted 24\7.

            But I guess fate didn’t give a shit.  Fate got together with the rest of the world and decided that we were useless.  It makes me so angry to see the type of music people prefer over us. 

            Lady Gaga, that talent less whore.  Miley Cyrus who can’t act, no matter what wig she puts on.  The Jonas Brothers? Don’t get me started on the Jonas Brothers.  Oh and Justin Bieber.           Are you fucking kidding me?? That little shit who looks like a sex change gone horribly wrong!  He’s better than us?

            I’m sorry.  That was out of line.  It just hurts so much to work so hard for your dream, only to have them taken away.  I wanted so badly to be a musician.  I knew deep down that I would and should be famous.  But I tried and failed.

            My band and I haven’t talked.  I guess it’s too painful to talk to each other.  It’s like seeing each other we’re reminded of what we had and lost.  I tried to get in contact with them.

Looking back, I’m sorry I did.

            Brock overdosed on drugs.  Reality couldn’t accept Brock, so he tried to escape into whatever drugs he could find.  It worked too well, and now he’s dead.  I bumped into his mother at a gas station.  Even though she whispered Brock’s fate, I could feel the heat from her eyes.

She blames me for Brock’s death.  Disagreeing with her won’t bring him back.

            I saw Cassandra at a Starbuck’s.  From what she told me, she’s been in a few films.  The haunted look in her eyes told me they’re the type of films she doesn’t want people to see.  When I tried to hug her, she stiffened.  I hope it was because she hates me.  I’m scared to think that some evil son of a bitch raped her.  But the haunted look and her body language hinted that her films aren’t the only cruel twist of fate she endured.

            Alex faired better.  She managed to get a job for her father.  She sells cars at a dealership.  She and her father never got along.  He constantly put her down.  He never hesitated to remind her ‘A musician is a waste of time.  You will fail.’  And now he reminds her just how right he was.  I try to visit Alex every now and then.  When I do, her father looks at me and laugh.

He doesn’t have to say it.  “You’re the reason why my daughter failed.”  His laugh reminds me of how successful he is and how worthless I am.

            I’m living a constant and slow death.  I dropped out of high school to pursue my passion of music.  I know have no idea what to do with my life.  I considered being a teacher, but I already lost one dream   I couldn’t stand to lose another one. 

            My parents live far away.  I’m in California, they’re in New York.  I’m too ashamed to ask them for money.  My parents have always been supportive.  But I know that if I ask help for once, I’ll have to ask for help again.  I don’t want to be a burden. 

            I was able to get a job at a local burger joint, Burger Heaven.  I hate it.  My manager is younger than me.  He treat me like a slave.  Most of my co-workers are fresh out of high school.

Oh they know who I am. 

“You’re that rocker who sucks and will always suck.”

            I keep trying to apply, to find another job.  But I have a feeling that no one wants to hire a nobody.  Even has beens are cooler than me.  I’m a ‘never been.’  Has beens had their shot at fame.  They made money.  Some of them even have fans who still worship them.  Most bands that are has beens, were given a chance. 

            Never beens like me, are a living joke.  Fate held out its hand with a chance, let us hold it, then said ‘Oh wait, never mind.’  We’re casted aside and left to die.  If a famous group of musicians die, the world will cry and mourn.

            When Brock died, no one cared.  I have a feeling that when Brock was found, the police or paramedics took one look and said ‘There’s another poor soul.’  If they did find ID on him, it wouldn’t have mattered.  They would know his name, nothing more.

            Cassandra isn’t dead, but deep down I’m scared.  When I think of that sad look, that sad way she seemed to hold herself told me something tragic.  She wants to die.  But she doesn’t have enough courage to kill herself, not yet.  I hope that I’m wrong.  I hope that Cassandra will be happy. 

            Yeah right.  Because life was so fucking great to her.  Sometimes Fate wants people to die, to suffer.  Cassandra is the kindest, most sweetest person you could imagine.  But for some reason, Fate wanted her to do filthy films.  To be used for sex then discarded.  Even if Fate were a real person, and Cassandra begged to be happy, Fate would look at her and just laugh.

‘It’s what I want.  Not what you want.’ it would tell her.

            It takes everything I have to get ready.  To walk across my dingy, pathetic studio apartment to get ready for the day.  Prepping myself in the bathroom makes it even worse.

I’m so broke I can’t even afford the good stuff.  Toothpaste, soap and shampoo are all bought at the 99-cent store. 

            The only time I get to eat is at work.  I beg every now and then for money.  I get some to help, but not enough.  I don’t have a phone, can’t afford one.  If I have to make a call, I go to the library near my apartment and use the one there.  I guess it’s because the librarian there feels sorry for me.

            TV? Nope.  Books? Nope.  Friends? If I did, I don’t think they even remember me.  I’m now the guy everyone ends a cruel joke with ‘At least you’re not Mason.’  I wonder if my life will get better.  And if it does, for how long?

            Now I’m getting dressed for work.  To the job I hate.  For the chance to work by the people who stop talking as soon as I enter the room.  To deal with customers who yell at me because they hate their food, maybe even their lives.  And lucky me, I’m the most available target.

            I walk to the door as fast as I can.  Before leaving for work, most people take one last look at their home.  They do it because they are grateful for what they have.  Most people have someone to kiss or hug goodbye.  I don’t.  If I look back at my apartment before I leave, it’ll only depress me.

            So that’s it.  If I left anything out, I’m sorry.  I tried to become famous.  I tried to live my dream.  But hey shit happens.  I once heard the saying ‘Fate is a cruel mistress.’  The best I figure, Fate decides what happens. 

Kind of scary isn’t it?

            To try with all your might to achieve happiness in your life, only to have someone or something make the final decision.  I sometimes think Brock is the lucky one.  He’s done. He can relax now.  He has no more worries.  He no longer has to worry about fear, doubt or heart break.

He’s resting. 

            Here are some parting words.  Fate is an asshole.  No matter how badly I wanted to be famous, or deserved to be famous, Fate didn’t care.  Fate decided to use me for sport.  It wanted to make an example of my friends.  It wanted to destroy their lives because it could.  It’s taunting me now.  It looks at me and smiles evilly.

“Cassandra, Alex, you.  One of you are next.  Who? I’ll surprise you!”

Hey fate, kiss my ass.

First Ebook

I'm trying to get my first book published.  It's going to be on lulu.com.  It's a site that you can self publish your own work.  I figured I'd give it a shot.  But it's been a long and slow process.  This being my first work, I want it to look as good as possible.  If it comes out sloppy, it'll reflect badly on me.

I want to make sure my story is not rushed.  I've gone over it a few times to edit and make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors.  I also want to make the story flows easily.  It's easy to repeat yourself or rush the story too quickly.  Plus there might be a scene that seems good at first, but later you realize it would be better to cut the scene out.

I also want to make sure it's properly copyrighted.  I doubt someone will steal it, but you never know.  After all the work I put into it, the last thing I want is for someone to steal it and make money off my story.  I know I'm not a perfect writer, but I take pride in my work damnit.  I just have to be patient.  When the time is right, it'll be done.

Summer Vacation

Well another semester at college ends, and summer vacation is about to begin.  I'm excited and also a little scared.  I'm excited because school is over and I get a chance to relax.  No more homework, no more studying for exams.  It feels good to have a breather.

I'm still job hunting though.  I hate not having a job.  I thought I would've had one by now.  But the job market is hard.  I'm applying for every job I see.  I'm not picky.  I don't see myself as a snob.  I don't see any job as 'beneath me.'  I just I just have to remain positive.

Why You Should See 'Cabin In the Woods'

'Cabin In the Woods' is a movie that has generated a lot of buzz.  Its release has been pushed back quite a few times.  After seeing the movie, it was worth the wait.  Fans of Joss Whedon won't be disappointed.  This movie bears his trademark of unique story-telling with dark humor.

Joss was able to take the traditional horror movie scenario of young adults going to a cabin and being hunted by evil.  Joss however was able to add a creative twist.  I don't want to give too much away.  There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing the truth of what is really going on.  An added bonus is Joss using many of his actors from his previous TV shows.  Amy Acker, (Angel, Dollhouse) Fran Kranz, (Dollhouse) Tom Lenk, (Buffy, Angel) are the ones I recognized.

'Cabin In the Woods' is a rare horror movie that you will want to see over and over.  Most horror movies you watch again just for the gore factor, or to make fun of.  There are very few horror movies that are worth watching again.  'Cabin In the Woods' is fun to watch over again.  I can't wait to see what Joss does next.