Terror or Terrible Ideas?

"You unlock this door with the key of imagination, behind it is another dimension. A dimension of commercialism. A dimension of carelessness. A dimension of disappointment. You are moving into a land that lacks taste and substance of things and ideas, you've just crossed over into the Disneyland Resort!"

    Recently, many rumors have circulated regarding the ever-popular Tower of Terror at Disneyland. Apparently, being a renowned attraction (one with plenty of thought and taste put into it, not to mention its major following) isn't enough anymore as Disney supposedly plans to change the attraction into a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed ride. I'd read several articles on this proposed plan before visiting Disneyland last week where I bought this little goody, in honor of the potential end of the Tower. Another rumor circulating is that Disney will be filming another Tower of Terror movie soon too (What? Steven Guttenburg isn't good enough for you?), so I don't know what would make them think it's a good idea to get rid of it now, of all times!

    While there however, I was disappointed once more with another change: the entire Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree, Big Thunder Ranch Petting Zoo, Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue, and (as far as I could tell) Miss Chris' Cabin as well - that whole end of what was Frontierland - is dust. Pure dust. All for the upcoming Star Wars land. 

   Although I knew this was happening, this one hit close to home. As I was once as Disneyland cast member (not to mention one who spent most of her time at the Jamboree), I'm well aware that things change and change often at the resort. However, it's what is changing lately that really breaks my heart. I can't help but feel concerned for all the other parts of Disneyland that are iconic and loved by all, because if the decision makers behind these plans are in charge (and they are) let's not be surprised if they just decide to demolish the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, or even the castle itself. After all why wouldn't they? Can't you just see them making Pirates into something Captain America-themed? Or the Mansion into a Thor ride, or how about the Castle as Tony Stark's lab? (They couldn't just turn ToonTown into dust? No one likes ToonTown!) What I'm getting at here, is that I'm simply tired of a trend that doesn't seem to want to die - and this is because it more than a trend now, it is a change in the entire film industry, a change that is worsening things all together, in my opinion. 

   Honestly, there's nothing wrong with making a superhero movie. Comics have been around for ages and we are a culture that loves them. As a film student, one of my favorite courses was adaptation screenwriting, so I do have a strong appreciation for it. That being said, there is a level of integrity that shouldn't be forgotten when it comes to story-telling, film making, and screenwriting. That integrity comes with originality, whether it be from original pieces of work (something we rarely see in theaters these days) or just original ways of re-telling an existing story/entity that becomes a film adaptation. Unfortunately, the mass trend of these on-going superhero movies (Marvel, DC, etc.), even the mass commercialism and expansion of Star Wars, is constantly diminishing this integrity, and Disney, along with other studios, is also at fault for making them into what they are: essentially piles of CGI.

   Think about it, when you go to the movies today, you're not watching films. In fact, you haven't been watching "film" for years as digital has become the standard, but now more than ever, you're not watching a movie. You're kind of watching a video game, because these mass produced "movies" - and I use quotations because we're dealing with projects that are all-form-and-no-content, highly lacking originality - are so packed with CGI that the CGI isn't even for special effects, it is literally for everything you see on screen. It's a wonder there are make up artists and prop artists still. Again, I want to reiterate that I'm not against comic book movies, and not against CGI as a whole - I just think too much of anything is a terrible thing. Just like too much sugar and junk food will make you fat - superheroes and CGI are making a film industry with no opportunity for anything but movies like these.  

   Take the newer Alice and Wonderland films, for example. Alice in Wonderland is one of those insane stories that can be adapted in so many terrible ways or so many great ways. When Tim Burton took on the iconic tale, we were genuinely excited, expecting him to leave his great stamp of original style on this story, as he has with many adaptations before. What we got instead was another CGI filled mash-up of wackiness. I like to think Disney took most of the control of these films and just used his name on the poster. I also like to think of what he could have done: imagine a real and true Tim Burton style Alice in Wonderland, imagine if he used stop-animation like he used to, imagine it being similar to Jan Svankmajer's Alice, but with the old-school, dark Tim Burton twist. I notice that I now like to imagine many poorly done adaptations done well, with just the right amount of CGI. 

   So what does all this CGI/superhero trend talk have to do with the Tower of Terror? It has to do with the fact that we are most likely saying goodbye an incredibly designed, well-thought out ride with a story and theme all its own, and welcoming another Marvel movie attraction. For whatever reason, it cannot seem to just stand alongside Guardians of the Galaxy (but Bugsland can?!) instead Marvel wins again - as they, and others like them, always do, even if it's over an iconic ride/story/film, apparently anything at Disney is replaceable. The same, of course, can be said about the loss of Big Thunder Ranch as a whole - again, Star Wars wins. 

   Generally, it'd be great if filmmakers and studio heads could appreciate the integrity that comes with originality and explore that. But it seems they won't. It's cheaper to make movies out of comic books people already like than it is to be risky and write something new. It's apparently cheaper to make the same movie just over and over again like Spider Man... All in all, now that I have vented, it is time to put these thoughts to rest. I shall stop complaining - and start writing (since no one else seems to be)!

Here are a few shots of some characters and me at the ever-fun Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree:

My Halloween Costume for 2013...

Because this year is the twentieth anniversary of The Nightmare Before Christmas, I decided to dress up as Sally! 

   The Nightmare Before Christmas has always been one of my all-time favorite movies, as I mentioned before in my Halloween Movie Countdown post. It was one of those comfort zone films I made my mom put on for me every single day, when I was little. I repeated lines from it over and over again, like "JACK! The pumpkin king..." and "nice work bone-daddy!" I admired Jack and Sally and their Halloween/Christmas adventure so much, it became a film that influenced my obsession with all things holiday, as well as my strange love and passion for Halloween. 

    The first challenge with being Sally is creating the illusion of pale, blue skin. Since I'm usually running around during my Halloween parties, preparing food, etc, I decided not to use blue make up to cover my legs and arms, knowing it'd be wiped off at some point. Instead I bought a pair of white leggings and a pair of white opera gloves and dyed them a pale blue color. I then stitched them up with black yarn, trying my best to copy her original stitch lines. Luckily I already had a pair of black booties that fit the part, and I scored on a cheap pair of black and white striped wrist/ankle warmers.

    For her dress, I went to my local Goodwill and found a teal blue dress for a base and other articles of clothing with textured fabrics to use as the patches on the dress. I then used tape to set up the specific pattern of lines between each patch on the dress. Then I cut out the pieces of fabric and pasted them on with my ever-trusty glue-gun! Afterward, I painted the spots, stripes, and swirls on select patches that are very significant in Sally's dress design. When completed, I stitched with black yarn between the patches. 

   After completing the overall look of the dress and body, it was time to focus on hair and make up! For make-up I luckily found some great Ben Nye colors that really matched Sally's look. A pale blue for her skin, and a darker blue for around the eyes. With much coverage and blending the look came together. After slapping on some red lipstick, it was time to stitch myself up yet again, only this time it was with black eyeliner going down my forehead, cheeks, and neck. Let's not forget some fun spooky lashes to make my eyes pop!

     To achieve the dark red, almost brick colored hair, I chose to do something other than spray the crap out of my hair with hair color spray, like I've done quite a few Halloweens now. This may sound odd, but I actually brushed make up through my hair: I sprayed some normal hair spray into some red (bright) Ben Nye make up I bought and then scrubbed a small cheap hair brush in it. I then just brushed it all through my hair. It was actually much easier and more efficient than I imaged it to be (and than I am making it sound here). This way the make would wash out of my hair like normal hair spay in the shower, and not be a huge hassle to scrub out or even have any leftover streaks. Worked out just fine! 

     Overall, I was very pleased with how my Sally costume came out (although maybe I'll take better pictures of the costume another time, since I mostly have just party pictures). I think, out of the many costumes I've put together over the years, this one may be the most well-made. I'm happy that it turned out to be pretty accurate too! In my opinion, a great Halloween isn't complete without a fun costume, especially when you're dressing up as a character you love! 

Halloween Movie Countdown: The Nightmare Before Christmas

     Another 20th anniversary! 1993 was a great year for us haunters wasn't it? As a young child, The Nightmare Before Christmas was a film I watched almost every day and quoted constantly. Jack and Sally had become like old friends and their story was one I cherished. It was one of my first looks into the mind of Tim Burton, besides Beetlejuice (which I rented from the video store way too many times). And overall it was the first piece of media that influenced my curiosity for Halloween and all of its potential. This film, much like Hocus Pocus was one that practically made my childhood and sparked my passion for Halloween.

    The Nightmare Before Christmas brought an entire audience into the spooky, creative, and beautiful mind of Tim Burton making this film a one of a kind. As a kid I realized there was simply no movie like it. Sure there are other stop-animated movies, there are other Halloween movies, and Christmas movies, but none that combine all of these elements, nor one that does it so beautifully and creatively. I recognized this at an early age and since, I've made it my goal to create films and stories that are somewhat one of a kind, or at least somewhat different or unique in comparison to what's always being put out there. Burton has a very unique and distinguishable look and feel to all of his films, even those that are adaptations. He manages to have a recognizable visual style and design and a specific way of telling his stories- it's these factors that inspired me to tell stories too.

   

    Each character in Nightmare, to me, is very lovable. There are all bizarre in their own ways, but even villians like Oogie Boogie and Dr. Finklestein are extremely intriguing characters. Werewolves, vampires, and two-faced politicians... you can't help but love it! 

    Jack is, of course, very interesting and, after seeing the movie my whole life, I've only just begun to understand his amazing character arc over the past few years. In the beginning of the film, Jack goes through a time of doubt and seeks change. After he finds Christmastown and decides to take the holiday over and fails, he realizes that all he needed was right there in his own town, for he IS the Pumpkin King! Being a young adult myself, I've learned that sometimes life throws curve balls your way and you lose a sense of yourself or forget who you are for a short period of time. I don't know about you haunters out there, but sometimes when I go through a tough time or a moment of doubt, no matter what it it may be that is going on in my life, luckily, I always come around and remember who I am and must remind myself that I too, AM the Pumpkin King (or at least one of the many haunters out there who blog and decorate). Overall, you know a film is great when you can keep watching it your whole life and continue to learn more from it, especially when you feel you can relate to a well-told story with a strong character arc. 

    Another great element to this film besides the amazing animation, design, and story, is the music. There's just nothing else like a Danny Elfman soundtrack. Elaborate and intricate for sure, yet playful, curious, and exciting. Elfman's music isn't ever just ambient; his music plays a role of its own in whatever films its featured in, particularly Tim Burton's movies and Nightmare is no exception. Songs like "Making Christmas" and "Oogie Boogie's Song" are just two of the many examples of fascinating composition. 

    The Nightmare Before Christmas is an ultimate Halloween classic that I truly love and will forever cherish. The music, the characters, the story, the design... the list can go on forever! Can't believe it's been twenty years since its release and its still going strong. While getting to host Jack and Sally at Disneyland, I've realized just how much the film and the characters are loved by others and it fills my heart with joy just knowing that so many people have grown up with this film being a huge part of their childhood.

Playing Dress-Up...

Halloween is not just about candy... it's about being someone else for once, even if just for a spooky night. Here's my Halloween Costume board on Pinterest! Not many pics on there yet, but soon enough it will have plenty of variety. 

Frankenweenie 2012

Tim brings Frankenweenie back, this time in stop-animation... looking forward to it!

Tim Burton: Magical Fashion

A photoshoot in Harper's Bazaar October issue in 2009

Chanel:

Valentino:

Alexander McQueen:

Givenchy:

Dolce & Gabbana

Comme des Garçons Coat (Left)- Salvatore Ferragamo Jacket (Right)

Versace Haute Couture:

Image Source: Fashionista's Dailey

Halloween Movie Countdown: "Beetlejuice"

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!

Any Tim Burton movie is basically a classic, especially Beetlejuice.

When I was little, I used to rent this movie every time we would go to the video store and can remember watching the movie in my living room; scared, yet interested, and of course, laughing at all the funny moments.

With Tim Burton's great style, Danny Elfman's music, and Michael Keaton's great performance it has truly become a Halloween classic and a personal all-time favorite.

Here is the first part of the movie: