76 Reply by fireproof78

(2,068 replies, posted in Off Topic)

MartyJ wrote:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/Alien_Covenant_Teaser_Poster.jpg

Turns out Ridley Scott actually listens to criticism.

SPOILER Show
Instead of another pretentious story that asks questions about our origins (and has no clue how to answer them), this time we got a much more straightforward Alien movie. Some plot points from Prometheus are continued, but it's clear that Ridley wanted to push aside its more controversial aspects and go back to Alien's horror roots.

Shaw, the previous film's annoying protagonist, got killed offscreen by David, who's much more interesting to watch. Even the problem of her religious motivation ("it's what I choose to believe") gets mentioned - the company didn't trust Billy Crudup with a command because of his faith. Did the writers actually listen to the DiF commentary?

The David/Walter dynamic must've been inspired by Lore and Data from ST-TNG (John Logan is a fan). The cliché of an evil AI doesn't bother me here - I have no trouble believing that an android with a humanlike psyche and superior intellectual capabilities would've become megalomaniacal. Fassbender's double performance is easily the most interesting one in the movie.

Unfortunately, the other characters don't get much development - their main purpose is to become xenomorph fodder. They're even more reckless than the Prometheus crew; when will they learns that sending people to an unknown planet without spacesuits (another Star Trek trope recycled by John Logan) is a bad idea?

Dorkman's remark about the Alien universe becoming smaller in Prometheus is even more applicable here, when it turns out that the facehugger eggs are a result of David's experiments. It is never explained how they got onto the Engineer ship on LV-426.

The visual side is impressive, but we've come to expect that from Ridley Scott.


To sum it up: Covenant is an improvement over Prometheus, but still has issues.

There are worse reasons to get the gang back together, if nothing else, than to gloat that somehow, Sir Ridley Scott listen to them. Telepathy?

Go to forum: Off Topic

77 Reply by fireproof78

(17 replies, posted in Creations)

Yeah, that still looks like work.

Nicely done and thanks for sharing.

Go to forum: Creations

78 Reply by fireproof78

(85 replies, posted in Off Topic)

I'm excited for both Orville and Discovery, so looks like my fall is all stacked up.

Go to forum: Off Topic

79 Reply by fireproof78

(27 replies, posted in Creations)

Writhyn wrote:

Fireproof, I updated the folder with a new Intelligence symbol that uses stars per your suggestion. Let me know what you think.

Thank you. I like the look a lot better on this one.

Here it is, for the rest to see:

First version:
http://i.imgur.com/0ujcqxR.jpg
Second version:
http://i.imgur.com/JTTTtld.jpg

And, Writhyn, please don't take offense, as I am going through and experimenting with other symbols. I think your willingness to do this is amazing, and I highly appreciate it. As with Teague, if we ever meet in real life, first round is on me. Actually, probably the second and third one.

Here's one I did for "Creativity" to try out the color. I will need to remove the background, obviously:
http://i.imgur.com/ZiaRe7N.png

Go to forum: Creations

80 Reply by fireproof78

(2,068 replies, posted in Off Topic)

My wife watched it, and I was in the "nah" category as well. But, the characters are what drove it home for me, and I got hooked in real fast. You don't even get to the battle until an hour, or something like that.

Also, Hugo Weaving.

Go to forum: Off Topic

81 Reply by fireproof78

(2,068 replies, posted in Off Topic)

"Hacksaw Ridge" is on Netflix. I was honestly reluctant to watch it because I figured it would be another "based on true events" war slog that would not be a good movie.

You heard it here first folks-I was wrong. This film is a decent film in terms of pacing, character development, as well as build up to the titular event. I truly enjoyed the characters, and there are only a couple that I would say are not not 3-dimensional.

It's not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach, as it is very graphic in terms of the violence, and deals with alcoholism, PTSD and religious faith. But, I was impressed by the overall characters and story.

Go to forum: Off Topic

82 Reply by fireproof78

(27 replies, posted in Creations)

What do you think of the shade? It might be too vibrant, but that's me.

Go to forum: Creations

83 Reply by fireproof78

(27 replies, posted in Creations)

The clinician really liked the Strength one, and was excited to see the project. I just think, as I mentioned in the chat, the the Intelligence one might do with using other star shapes rather than the triangle.

http://i.imgur.com/0ujcqxR.jpg

I also redid the color on the transformation symbol with a lighter violet color, rather than full purple. I think I'll keep working on the shade, but there are no other effects on it:
http://i.imgur.com/NAmUEwh.png

Go to forum: Creations

84 Reply by fireproof78

(27 replies, posted in Creations)

I appreciate the feedback, guys.

Tom, to give you some context, here is one of the symbols Writhyn made:
Red for Strength
http://i.imgur.com/tLdZ0Es.jpg

Here is the Purple for Transformation symbol without lighting effects:
http://i.imgur.com/mTfvnH0.png

Go to forum: Creations

85 Reply by fireproof78

(27 replies, posted in Creations)

Ok, my first attempt at some simple manipulation with GIMP. Please be honest, harsh if necessary.
This is supposed be purple, and a symbol of transformation.

http://i.imgur.com/RyZf2JF.png

Go to forum: Creations

86 Reply by fireproof78

(27 replies, posted in Creations)

Teague wrote:

I kinda like creativity. It's possible there could be some other idea waiting in the wings, but as it is, it does seem to feel like things "bubbling up" and churnin' and new things being born around old things and whatnot, which is as good a metaphor as any. *shrug*

That's a good point, Teague. I had not thought of it that way.

This also proves that using newer symbols is a good idea as individuals can read in to them their own interpretations.

I'm also working on a concept for the purple-Transformation symbol, based upon this concept:
https://radicalcourse.org/img/mindfulness-symbol-reminder-tattoo.png

Go to forum: Creations

87 Reply by fireproof78

(27 replies, posted in Creations)

Writhyn wrote:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ … sp=sharing

Here's a link to a folder with the first couple symbols. I made Strength and Creativity. I'm not sure I'll be able to get to others but I'll try.

Let me know if you need the original PSD files.

Also let me know if this is nothing like what you had in mind. I'm good to keep trying. smile

Strength is perfect, honestly it is. I struggled to find something that was simple in shape, but able to communicate the concept without using Chinese letters or other ancient languages. Or, symbols that already have meaning tied in to them.

Also, I like how you used repeating basic shapes, which really gives it such a simplicity to it.

Creativity I'm still on the fence about, but, honestly, it's such an abstract concept that I'm not sure the most, um, creative, way to express it.

But, thank you for your work. I really appreciate it and I look forward to sharing with with the yoga clinician I'm working with.

Go to forum: Creations

88 Reply by fireproof78

(27 replies, posted in Creations)

Tomahawk wrote:

Adobe has an app called Adobe Capture. If you're subscribed to CC, you can take a picture of those shapes, for instance, and have it instantly vectorized. I'm sure it'll help with doing the icons smile

Thanks, Tom. That could provide some great variations. This is pretty experimental so any suggestions are welcome smile

Go to forum: Creations

89 Reply by fireproof78

(991 replies, posted in Off Topic)

sellew wrote:
Faldor wrote:

The new episode was actually pretty good. I'm not sure how to process that.

Aarrggghh.  Dammit, Faldor, don't do this to me again this season!  tongue  Just when I'd gotten to Stage 5, Acceptance, in the Doctor Who Grief Cycle. 

This is gonna set me back to at least Stage 3, Bargaining.

It's like a regeneration.

Go to forum: Off Topic

90 Reply by fireproof78

(27 replies, posted in Creations)

Teague wrote:

I like the color associations.

Thanks, Teague. I based it upon a psychology of color project as well as a guided meditation used in the yoga class.

The hardest part has been finding abstract symbols that I can work with.

Go to forum: Creations

91 Reply by fireproof78

(27 replies, posted in Creations)

Ok, finally remade my list of the colors and associated emotions/traits.

Red: Strength
Orange: Endurance or Creativity
Yellow: Intelligence or Understanding
Green: Healing
Blue: Serenity or tranquility
Purple: Transformation or Wisdom

Again, these will all be fairly abstract concepts so the meaning can be put in to them by the person participating.

The above example symbols are along the lines of simplicity that I want, with basic shapes and lines, and nothing overly complicated. For instance, the lower left one I can imagine being in green, perhaps with some leaves or bark effect, to give a nature look. The very  middle one could be a blue for water as a serene calm symbol.

That's the basics of my thoughts. smile

Go to forum: Creations

92 Reply by fireproof78

(27 replies, posted in Creations)

Writhyn wrote:

I'm down for graphics making. Been meaning to use photoshop, since I'm subscribed tongue
I'm a little tired to come up with ideas right now, but if you nail down what emotions you're representing, I'll pick a couple and art the heck out of 'em or whatever.

Sweetness. Once find the printout of the emotions I wanted I will list them out and my initial concepts.

Go to forum: Creations

93 Topic by fireproof78

(27 replies, posted in Creations)

Friends, Romans, nerds, lend me your eyes,

I am currently working through an internship as the final stage of obtaining as Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. As part of this process, I am co-leading a Yoga Calm group, which is a yoga class designed to help those with mental health or behavioral health problems to control depression, anxiety and mindfulness. A lot of the poses are pretty standard yoga, but the management of breathing and body promotes better mental health and well being. Here's the website if you want to learn more: http://www.yogacalm.org/about/

As part of this process, I have been assisting another counselor in building different classes based upon age. One facet is taking time for a mindfulness meditation, and I wanted to develop some basic  symbols that people use to help with the visualization. And my inner nerd went "I have an idea!"

I want to develop something that is similar to the emotional spectrum from Green Lantern, in which seven emotions are represented by power rings, and basic symbols. However, I am trying to develop concepts that focus on positive emotions or traits, with an associated color.

Here is some basic symbols I found that I think fit the bill:
http://i.imgur.com/E1SF3vy.jpg

If you have read this far, thank you. I am going to be developing this concept over the next couple of weeks, and need some eyes to help me create the colors and effects. Unfortunately, this is on a volunteer basis, so I'm not expecting anyone to build graphics from the ground up. But, as I post progress, I would greatly appreciate feedback on the concept and development, or any graphic help if any one has time.

Go to forum: Creations

94 Reply by fireproof78

(15 replies, posted in Off Topic)

Teague wrote:

Everyone's onboard! Let's Kickstart a sequel.

2 Hunt 2 Mice

Shut up and take my money!

But only if Walken is in it.

Go to forum: Off Topic

95 Reply by fireproof78

(15 replies, posted in Off Topic)

I think "Mouse Hunt" might be a perfect movie.

Go to forum: Off Topic

96 Reply by fireproof78

(15 replies, posted in Off Topic)

Queefward wrote:

Nice to see some animated Star Wars love going on here, the latter part of this season has been incredible.

One of the best scenes in Star Wars, in my opinion.

Ok, this next scene comes from a film that might require an introduction.
Mouse Hunt
Go watch it first, to appreciate the film that tries to funny and yet serious and goofy and on and on. It has a Christopher Walken performance that can only be believed if seen. Honestly, the direction probably went something like this:
Chris: I'm a what? A mouse obsessed exterminator? Got it.
Director: You need a motivation? I mean, it's kind off...
Chris: No, I've been preparing for this scene my whole life.

http://37.media.tumblr.com/a45c0fbc7befe6eb58be1314b7363f86/tumblr_mxmm20LTGS1shcqoxo1_500.gif
But, the scene I truly enjoy, and am amazed when you look at this film, is this one:

That explosion is fantastic.
This movie makes no sense. but its a crazy fun ride.

Go to forum: Off Topic

97 Reply by fireproof78

(4 replies, posted in Pitches, Fixes, and Rewrites)

My main note on this is the music. It feels very loud and distracting, and doesn't feel like it fits the overall mood of the piece. Graphics are smooth, and definitely got my attention, but the music felt out of step.

Hope that helps.

Go to forum: Pitches, Fixes, and Rewrites

98 Reply by fireproof78

(2,068 replies, posted in Off Topic)

DarthPraxus wrote:

Yeah, sorry, I've kinda gotten burned out on talking about SW on the Internet so I'd been skimming the R1 posts. Retroactive humor appreciation!

http://i.imgur.com/9Ay834v.gif

Go to forum: Off Topic

99 Reply by fireproof78

(2,068 replies, posted in Off Topic)

Squiggly_P wrote:

This is the second case where someone has told me that I'm not paying enough attention to a movie, when the things being pointed out are these one-liner moments in a sea of boring dialogue coming from flat characters. I remember those scenes, they just didn't have any impact on me.

I just didn't care about any of the characters. It felt like they could do pretty much anything at any point because there wasn't really a strong sense of character to any of them. He shoots the dad, he doesn't shoot the dad... Either one makes sense and neither feels like much of a change in the character. He already seems mildly conflicted earlier when the guy gives him the order before they leave. It's weak. He should be 100% "Yes sir, I totally fucking agree, and I'll kill this bitch as well if she gets in my way!". Then we have some events happen and he ends up in that conflicted state and then doesn't do it.

The robot wasn't funny. The film annoyed me with its non-stop references to the original films... That probably had a huge impact in how invested I was in the movie. Every five minutes something from the previous films was brought up for no reason, and R2 and 3PO were actually a plothole when they showed up. They should have been on the ship or on Alderan or something. I dunno where Leia is in this movie, as I didn't get to that part of the flick. I still haven't finished it.

I just wasn't invested in anything, probably just due to being kicked out of the film all the time with all the little stupid things they kept throwing in there for no reason except to have fan service and to try to tie things directly to A New Hope. CGI Tarkin was OK in the first scene he was in and just kept showing up and getting worse. It felt like the prequels. It felt like a big-budget fan-film that's taking the goofy Star Wars bullshit far too seriously. That's the one thing about TFA that I liked. It wasn't taking everything so fucking seriously and was just having fun and being melodramatic at times. There are serious moments, but the film isn't like a grim drama with action beats. It's an adventure film. That's what I miss about older flicks. They were actually fun adventure films. This new breed of this sort of film is mostly exposition-heavy dry dramatic crap with dull characters with no arcs or very shallow arcs where they barely change as characters, and then they put action beats that are far too overstated and 'epic' and are constantly trying to impress me with their visual splendor.

Little things. The X-Wings show up at the shield thing and the very first thing they do is start flying through the little struts around the entry thing. That's like a late-stage desperation act that should happen later when one of the X-Wing pilots is being chased by three ties and can't shake them, so he starts flying through that area to see if he can shake them off or get them to kill themselves. In this movie it's just some bullshit they do to show off the cool idea the guys in charge of the CG portions of the film had during their meeting where they just tossed out a bunch of cool moments to have in the action scenes. It's not tied to anything I give a shit about and they give me no reason to care if they make it or don't make it. There are other X-Wing dudes. They could all just slam into pylons and die for all I care. I don't know these nameless twats, and the movie can just have another dozen of them show up without it feeling weird at all, so who gives a shit that they did that little stunt?

Things like that. It didn't make me feel anything. I felt nothing for a lot of this movie. I was just mostly bored. I dunno.

I would also like to see the original version of the film that was shot. I'd like to imagine that most of the fan-service bullshit were later additions to the movie done to make it feel more Star Warsy.

The one point I will agree with you on is the too many nameless deaths of the pilots. Unlike, even the PT, where we know at least one or two pilots, RO banks too heavily on nameless hordes against the even larger nameless hordes of the Empire. I think that they added in too many characters in the final battle for their to be a connection with those characters,

I think the Rebel strike team needed to remain Jyn and crew, with maybe one or two "red shirts." I think that would have given more time to Bohdi, and Saw and some of the more incidental characters. I think the space battle needed some named characters to really sell the tension as to what is at stake in terms of characters' lives and that their deaths have more meaning.

I'm not confident that an original edit wouldn't have all the fan service moments in it, though it begs the question if a fan edit could tighten this film up in a way that is more in keeping with the overall tone, loose Pondo Babba, R2 and 3PO, and other little touches. But, it can't add to the film in terms of character moments, which, if I'm reading correctly, is the main complaint against the film.

Teague wrote:

I share Prax's opinion of Grizzly Man, fwiw.

Wrong, wrong. SO very wrong.

Go to forum: Off Topic

100 Reply by fireproof78

(9 replies, posted in Off Topic)

Fast and the Furious would be better as a Star Wars fan film:

Go to forum: Off Topic