http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:YoshioKun13&section=today deviantART RSS for by:YoshioKun13 en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:17:27 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/28134612/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/28134612/ Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:31:52 PST
Just got back from a trip to the super creepy, eerie, and disturbing town of Silent Hill. What, what's that you say? That's impossible because it's nothing but a fictional town from a video game horror series? Well, for the month of October this year the town of Silent Hill and it's monster denizens did in fact exist as a special attraction for Halloween at the Sinister Pointe Haunted Maze Attractions down in Brea, California.

The attractions, both this and the other one called "FEAR", ran for the whole month of October up until Halloween night. Being kind of busy with all the festivities surrounding the holiday, I had to pass it up and figured I had missed my chance to see it in person(there's no guarantee they'll do it again next year or in the future). But as fate would have it, the very next day I went to check their site to see in the off-hand chance if they had decided to keep it going for another night or two, and sure enough they did! Once I saw that they were having a special encore showing on Nov. 1st, I was off to the races for a plane down to SoCal and a ticket for my way into the Silent Hill maze! Being the last night of the event, they had a special discount at $15 for both mazes, a pretty good deal I'd say.

They had the mazes open from 6 - 10pm that last night, and I had made it there straight from the airport with just enough time to go through both mazes once. Being the great SH fan that I am, I would've liked to have gone through that maze once more or two, but I thought I'd better go through the other one at least once since I paid for it.

The "FEAR" one was quite interesting, but of course my critical eye was dead set upon evaluating the Silent Hill Haunted Attraction. So what did I think of it?

Unfortunately, not a whole lot. It was about what I had expected, and that is to say I had not high expectations to begin with. A lot of the same conventional, typically cliched type of scares by live actors in costumes, and fairly cheap set construction and designs. I will give kudos to the guy in charge of the whole thing and his crew, you could clearly tell that they put out a great effort and did a lot of hard work to make this thing happen. It's just so unfortunate that such a great premise was marred by such misguided notions in their approach and some just plain bad ideas, namely basing a lot of it around the *godawful* movie.

]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/23311029/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/23311029/ Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:03:31 PST
Now I've been a regular late night viewer for at least the last decade, tuning into the smorgasbord that TV has to offer the likes of Leno, Letterman, Kimmel and Craig(both Kilborn and now Ferguson), regularly switching back & forth between them on a nightly basis. Let's just say I'm a night person who doesn't get much sleep, 'kay?

Anyway, my favorite of all these late night programs, as you might have guessed, and the one that I think was consistently the best, has been Late Night with Conan O'Brien. I think Conan is genuinely the funniest of the hosts, and his show had by far the best writing with their offbeat brand of silly, "derivative and arbitrary" humor that has been innovating late night comedy for the last 16 years. Arbitrary? Yes, but funny as hell! What else would you call a cactus chef playing "We Didn't Start the Fire" on a flute or Fidel Castro rabbit DJ, or hilariously unpopular characters such as rejected X-Men Shoe-verine, the Fed-Ex pope, coked-up Werewolf, or the just plain disturbing Pubes.

I'm sure it'll be a great final show with more than a few surprises, perhaps appearances by popular mainstays of the show like insult comic dog extraordinaire Triumph, Pimpbot 5000, and Conan's former Late Night sidekick partner in comedy Andy Richter. But I can't help but feel really sad and dejected by the whole thing.

I remember being quite disappointed upon first hearing the news that Conan would be leaving to take over the Tonight Show, not that I didn't think he would be good for that show but moreso because he would be leaving something great behind. I know it's been Conan's aspirations for an earlier time slot and more exposure, which for that I'm happy for him, but his unique kind of zany off-the-wall comedy and New York persona worked so well in the NY-based Late Night, bringing that type of comedy to an LA setting and maintaining the same level of quality to keep it fresh, sharp and original is going to be challenging. I mean, with a more mainstream audience and an earlier family-friendly time slot, we can all say goodbye to endearing Late Night staples like the Masturbating Bear, Camel-Toe Annie, Money Shot Abe Lincoln or the Sexual Harrassing Skeleton. Sure you'll be getting a wider late night viewing audience that isn't half-asleep now, Conan, but AT WHAT COST?!!!

A very sad occasion indeed. It's the end of one era of late night comedy, and the beginning of a new. I just hope that it'll be Conan changing the Tonight Show for the better, rather than the Tonight Show changing him. I have faith in you Conan, that you'll turn that vapid, soulless, phony LA show from a wasteland of unfunny television into something worthwwhile and entertaining. I'll be watching.

In the meantime, I urge you all to go check out all things Late Night with Conan at the official NBC site where you can see recent full episodes and a lot of classic clips from over the years.

Conan will be hosting the Tonight Show for the first time in June, while former SNLer Jimmy Fallon takes over Conan's old Late Night show next month. Question mark.......much?

]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/23185015/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/23185015/ Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:31:22 PST

Boy do I love Friday the 13ths, I'm not sure why I just do! Of course this one just happens to coincide with my birthday, making it especially noteworthy so that might have something to do with it. According to old supersitions it's a day of bad luck, but from my experience I've had nothing but good luck on these days! Or if not good, at the very least a neutral day, but never bad. But again, my birthday and the gifts and such would have to account for some of that good fortune. I wasn't actually born on a Friday though, but it was close(it was a Saturday!), and admittedly that would be a bit on the spooky side. And for those who follow a certain horror series that revolves around this particular holiday, my name happens to be Jason.

Eh, could be worse. I could've been born the next day, the 14th.........Valentine's Day.

Anyway, hope you had a good one.

I know it's been a reeeeeeeaaally long time since I've updated my page with anything new, including this journal entry. Too long, in fact, so I'm happy to inform you all that I'm going to start uploading more artwork very shortly. I've been taking digital pics and scans of a LOT of my artwork from years past, some of it recent and some of it going way back in the day. So those shall be up very soon.

I wish I could say I've been real busy, working hard and such.......but really, I've just been slacking off. :/

But not for long! I've got a number of projects lined up that I'm working on at the moment. Many of those, as you can imagine, are Silent Hill-related. Being that this is the 10th anniversary of the original Konami PSone classic, I can think of no better way to commemorate the occoasion! Speaking of which, this also happens to be the 25th year anniversary of both Ghostbusters and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, two of my mainstay childhood favorites, and also the 20th anniversary of one of what will undoubtedly named the greatest animated sit-com of all time - The Simpsons!

Perhaps I'll try to do some Ghostbusters, TMNT, and Simpsons artwork to honor the respective anniversaries of each of those as well. It's something I'd certainly like to find the time to do.

I'm also working on a boatload of images and video from my art show that was held back in October last Halloween. There's a lot of media from that event though it's very scattered and unorganized at the moment, but once I've got it all edited into a more presentable manner I'll be happy to share it all. ^_^

So unlike before, you can tell I've got my hands full now with things to do!!!

]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/19381671/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/19381671/ Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:30:32 PDT
The GOOD:

- The graphics, at least from a technical standpoint, are most impressive. The sheer level of detail should ensure this to be the most realistic-looking SH game to date.

- The new physics engine looks equally impressive, increasing the realistic interaction with objects and the environment should enhance the immersive gameplay experience nicely. Finally, we get to reach for the knobs and actually see doors opening!

- The visual design of the main characers seem appropriately SH-like enough to follow in the line of SH characters past. Even though Alex seems a might similar to James in look.

- Voice acting seems pretty good. Dialogue is cryptic and mystifying, as it should be.

- The music, of course. Sounds like we're in for another terrific soundtrack from Akira, I would expect nothing less!

The BAD:

- The overall art direction is still lame. At least compared to the previous entries, just doesn't have the unique gritty & grime artistry that the Japanese team employed so successfully. Some of the background environments look nice, others look kind of generic and uninspired to me.

- The monster designs. Perhaps their visual look ties into the story in some way and into Alex's psyche, hopefully, but as far as I'm concerned on a pure visual level they simply suck. That creeper thing that comes out of the water looks cool, but even that seems like it would fit better in Resident Evil. The head even looks like the Licker's.

- Anything inspired by the movie. Nurse designs, wall-peeling dark world transformations, why-oh-why....

The UNKNOWN:

- Gameplay mechanics. Looks good and perhaps innovative for the series, but I won't know for sure until I'm behind the controller and have at it myself.

- Grain filter. They keep promising there'll be one, and different variants for different situations, I have yet to see one implemented. This could help a bit with my complaint about the 'visual look'.

- Story & plot. At the end of the day this is pretty much all that matters in a SH game besides the scare factor. Until we actually beat the game(or somebody posts spoilers prematurely), it'll remain a big question mark.

Oh yeah, and this game gets a "sexual themes" warning label but SH2 doesn't? Wow, this must be one dirty and perversely sick SH game!

So, (*utilizing my best Cartman voice*)......"When are we gonna get a god**** TRAILER, GOD****IT!!!"

]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/18829372/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/18829372/ Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:13:51 PDT
They happen to be one of my favorite days of the year and to only have one is kinda disappointing to me.

]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/18654435/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/18654435/ Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:13:47 PDT
I am officially DONE! Done with school, I just graduated with a BA from CSUS Sac State and I couldn't be relieved. It's been a long journey, but I think I've earned a rest from classes and homework once and for all.

And now the search for real work begins...

]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/18014560/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/18014560/ Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:13:40 PDT
It's been a long time coming, but finally I've returned to my sad & lonely deviantART page to start updating again. I can't believe it's been almost two whole years since I uploaded any new work, that's just too long. But that's all history now, I've already begun uploading new submissions, and I'll try to continue on a regular basis as much as I can. One of the problems is that I just have a TON of stuff I'd like to submit, but don't have digital captures of them yet and haven't had the time to take pictures or scans. The stuff I'm submitting now is mostly work I did in my Senior Seminar course last year which I've had digital images of for awhile now, but was just too lazy to upload. Sorry 'bout that.

I'd like to thank the normal viewers and visitors of my page here who've been watching and waiting diligently for their utmost patience. And trust me, you won't be disappointed by the new work I'm submitting, especially my good fellow Silent Hill fans.

Tonight also signifies the long-awaited triumphant return of another powerful force - LOST is back!!! The first new episode in over a month, I'm totally psyched, as I truly believe this is the best show on TV right now and the best hour-long drama/sci-fi genre show since the X-Files. It's a landmark show and, when it's all said and done, quite possibly one of the best ever made. Certainly one of the best I've seen, er.............well, NON-Japanese shows that is. In an unfortunate strike-shortened season it's been nothing but ace, and I simply cannot wait for the stretch-run of these final five eps starting tonight!

What a great day today, first my class was canceled(Yay!) nor did I have to work(double-Yay!!) meaning I didn't have to trek all the way to the school on a weekday like I normally have to(triple-Yay!!!). Along with the new Lost episode tonight AND the fact that my DVD copy of the new Evangelion movie was shipped earlier today, well it's the perfect cap to such wonderful week I just had to share with you all.

So until next time folks,

"Namaste!"

]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/13962155/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/13962155/ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 21:13:53 PDT
In an ingenious marketing plan to promote the newly released(and way past due) Simpsons movie, the 7-11 chain of conveience stores converted eleven of its stores into all-out, full-fledged real life Kwik-E-Marts! It's the fictional convenience store from the Simpsons TV show which constantly mocks and pokes fun at these kind of places, and perhaps inspired by mostly 7-11 itself.

I was fortunate enough to visit one the eleven stores yesterday, the last day of the month-long movie promotion. I mean, as a long-time Simpsons devotee how could I NOT go? It was the one in Mountain View, CA which is the closest one to where I live. Although it was still a long drive, I gotta say I think it was worth it. I had a frick'n BLAST!!!

Even though they were well sold out of most of the promotional products like Buzz Cola, Krusty-Os and the limited edition Radioactive Man comic book, the place was still rampant with curious visitors and people snapping pics. It was like a tourist attraction! A lot of the other 7-11 stores are selling the same products, but these specially converted Kwik-E-Marts were also decorated with life-size standees of Simpsons characters and littered with signs sporting Simpson-like quotes, my favorite being "Special Value - Buy 3 for the price of 3!"

Anyway, it was quite an experience. Simply one of those life imitating art imitating life moments you don't see very often and are quite rare. Kudos to 7-11 and 20th Century Fox for such a clever, creatively unique and overall just plain kick-ass marketing campaign!!!

- On a personal sidenote, yes I'm aware I haven't updated anything on my page in over a year. Working full time over 40hrs a week, and add to that classes and a part-time job in the fall and spring has been quite taxing on my free time. However that will soon change, hopefully. If I can pull myself away from the clutches of this monotonous job of mine(and I've got an upcoming week off to do it), I've got a TON of stuff to upload into the gallery. Most of which I don't even have digital captures of, but I'm working on that.

Thanks again to all the visitors during my hiatus, I'm back now to regularly update and I'll also try to respond more often to your feedback!

]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/8993605/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/8993605/ Tue, 06 Jun 2006 21:20:49 PDT
If you haven't noticed today would seem to be a most significant day and unlike any other day being the date is June 6th, 2006. Or written in numerical terms it's 06/06/06, or 666! Many believe it was a sign, the rise of the anti-christ, perhaps the devil himself! Bringing the apocolypse, the end of the world as we know it!!!

But in the end all it meant was the release of a new Omen movie to take advantage of the notorious date as a marketing gimmick. No apocolypse, no anti-christ, nothing eventful whatsoever hapening.

Eh, it's a good thing I guess.

Well I recently finished my new Robbie the Rabbit figure, primed, painted and ready to go! I'll be posting pics in the gallery pretty soon hopefully. It's come out really well!

I'll also try to take pics of my other work(which is quite a bit) and have those uploaded into the gallery over the summer.

Thanks again to everyone for visiting! ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/8546203/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/8546203/ Fri, 21 Apr 2006 23:13:37 PDT
The long-awaited release of the Silent Hill movie is really here. The moment all of us die-hard obsessive types have been anticipating for nearly seven years has finally come!

And yet, why am I not more excited about it than I am?

If I was I would've seen the very first showing right on the spot. I was hoping to, but today I had to work for most of the day and at night I opted to see a Bunraku(Japanese puppet theater) play at the local University theatre. I thought it would be a great opportunity to witness an authentic Japanese traditional play since these things don't come around too often.

Anyway, I'll try to see Silent Hill over the weekend although it might not be 'til Sunday since I'll be busy tomorrow as well. But somehow I get this sneaking suspicion that the movie is not going to be as good as it should. I love the games and it just seems like they've made too many changes that aren't going to jive well with me. On the plus side the art direction looks great, so at least maybe the visual aesthetic of the games was faithfully reproduced by the film. So I don't know, we'll see.

Can Silent Hill possibly hope to reach the same heights set by the likes of Alone in the Dark, Bloodrayne, Doom, Street Fighter, Double Dragon, Wing Commander, or Super Mario Brothers? Those are lofty goals to be sure.

At least there's one thing so far I know was a complete disappointment - that Bunraku play. What a freaking waste of time(and $12)! Word to the wise, if you ever go to see a Japanese play, make damn sure it's in Japanese!!! ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/8328234/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/8328234/ Fri, 31 Mar 2006 22:14:11 PST

Today is the end of the month of March, and the start of April. Thus begins a heavy stretch of this Spring semester, I've got a number of serious projects I'm working on.

There are a few pieces I must complete for Figure Drawing, one of which I've gotta start on Monday where we have to modify an Old Master's work of art. My portfolio evaluation for the class is next week as well. I've got at least two more tests and an essay paper to do for my Chinese & Japanese art history class, tests and exercises in my Japanese language class, and currently I'm working on a series of four(count 'em) FOUR large inter-related drawings for my Advanced Drawing course. Totemo isogashii to omou.

I'm kind of excited about the prospect of this four-piece series of drawings though, I'm basing the theme around pagan rituals and human sacrificial rites. Each drawing will depict the idea of torture, punishment, persecution and purification of sin. At least that will be my explanation, I'm actually going to replicate four paintings from the Silent Hill games in black & white charcoal. Should look pretty wicked & grim once I'm finished.

Speaking of which, April is also quite an exciting time as the Silent Hill film will be released towards the latter part of the month! I haven't seen a movie in the theater since last Halloween when I went to see Saw II, and this is the one I've been waiting to see all this time. I've already spotted the ads on TV and for first time in a long while a videogame-turned-film that actually looks faithful to the source material! The footage looks good, even though some of the dialogue seems iffy, but the production photos I've seen look awe-inspiring so I'll reserve my judgment until I actually see the film. Here's hoping it'll be the best videogame-based movie yet!

Happi Eipuriru Fuurusu Dei!!!!! ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/8193430/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/8193430/ Fri, 17 Mar 2006 23:30:34 PST

Afterall, isn't that what it's all about?

Anyway, I see Spring Break's just about over with. What a good waste of a week that was hahahaaa. I'm hard at work on some projects for my Advanced Drawing and Figure Drawing classes, I'll try to find the time to get scans or pics of things I've completed and uploaded into the gallery or scraps area. There's quite a few paintings I haven't digitally captured either, I hope to get those taken care of soon as well.

Until then, jaa mata... ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7795314/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7795314/ Fri, 03 Feb 2006 23:13:41 PST
No, you're not experiencing deja vu. As you may or may not know, the Chinese celebrate the New Year a little bit later and it lasts for about 15 days. The 2006 new year started last Sunday, January 29th, and me being part Chinese I feel it necessary to wish you all a happy and heartfelt "GUNG HEI FAT CHOI"!!!

That means "Happy New Year" for all you non-Chinese speakers out there. Also in case you're not familiar with the Chinese zodiac, there are 12 animals for each new year. They occur in a cycle every 12 years for each animal, and the year of 2006 is the year of the Dog, which just happens to be.......................MY YEAR!!!

I'll try to return with some more fun facts about Chinese new year cultural traditions and attributes of the year of the Dog.

Well, it turns out the 3 art pieces I submitted for the local gallery at CSUS did not make it into the show this time around. Aw well, at least I tried. I'm sure a lot of great work didn't make it in either. All my pieces were Silent Hill-related, a shame they couldn't be put on display for others to observe. I'm quite proud of them though. ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7597154/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7597154/ Fri, 13 Jan 2006 22:13:30 PST
They say it's the day of bad luck, but from my experience I've usually had nothing but good luck. Might be because I was almost born on a Friday the 13th(it was a Saturday). Once I found a $20 bill in my jacket that I don't remember being there before. Another time my father got pulled over for not wearing a seat belt, but they didn't cite me(I put it on right before the cop spotted me). Point is Friday the 13th has been pretty good to me, and bad luck for everyone else!

The movies weren't bad either.

Anyway, the CSUS is having the annual student art show next month and I've been busy preparing some of my work as entries for the gallery. They're not in the show yet they still must be judged but I think I stand a good chance. One of my pieces made it into last year's show, but this time I have even better stuff to submit. I can submit three pieces, these are two of them:

The Waiting Room

Restroom

Since they have to be ready to hang on the wall, I've recently had them matted and framed. The third piece I'm submitting is a rabbit sculpture that I am still working on. The deadline is in about a week-and-a-half, the 25th so I should have them all ready.

I'll let ya know if my work made it into the show. Good day to you all... ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7569271/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7569271/ Tue, 10 Jan 2006 22:13:31 PST
2006 is upon us, and with the new year comes an exciting movie poster contest that I happen to be a part of.

That's right, my design(here) has been approved for the official Silent Hill Poster competition on Sony Pictures Entertainment's site. Online voting is open from now until January 17th, the top 50 posters to gain the most votes will then be evaluated by a panelist of judges from Tri-Star Pictures who will choose 5 finalists. Unfortunately you cannot view each poster entry from a thumbnail index, only by clicking on the direct URL link. Mine can be seen and voted on by clicking on the following address:

http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/silenthill/postercontest/vote/vote_popup.php?imgId=1999

Thanks for your votes, I appreciate your support! ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7417863/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7417863/ Sun, 25 Dec 2005 22:14:39 PST What have I done?
How could I be so blind?

All is lost, where was I?
Spoiled all...spoiled all
Everything’s gone all wrong.

What have I done?
What have I done?
Find a deep cave to hide in.
In a million years they’ll find me
Only dust
And a plaque...

That reads, ‘Here Lies Poor, Old Jaaaack’.

But I never, intended all this madness.
Never.
And nobody really understood, well how could they?
That all I ever wanted was to bring them something great!
Why does nothing ever turn out like it should?

Weeeell...
What the heck, I went and did my best!
And by GOD, I really TASTED something swell!
And for a moment, why...
I even touched the sky!
And at LEAST I left some STORIES they can tell!
I DID!

And for the first time since, I don’t remember when...
I felt just like my old bony self again.
And I, JACK!
The Pump-kin King!

That’s right...

I AM the Pumpkin KING!!!
Haa, ha, ha, ha!

And I just can’t WAIT until next Halloween!
Cause I’ve got some new ideas
That will really make them scream!

And by GOD!
I’m really going to give it all my MIGHT!!!

Uh oh...

I hope there’s still time, to set things right...

Sandy Claws...

Performed by Jack Skellington ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7397627/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7397627/ Fri, 23 Dec 2005 23:57:35 PST
And though I’d like to stand by him
Can’t shake this feeling that I have.

The worst is just around the bend.
And does he nooo-tice, my feelings for him?
And will he see, how much he means to me?
I think it’s not to be.

What will become of my dear friend?
Where will his actions lead us then?

Although I’d like to join the crowd
In their enthusiastic cloud.

Try as I may it doesn’t last.
And will we eeeever, end up together?
No I think not, it’s never to become.
For I am not the one.

Performed by Sally ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7387469/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7387469/ Thu, 22 Dec 2005 23:13:38 PST Ooo, I’m really SCARED!

So you’re the one everybody’s talkin’ about
A-ha, ha, ha...

You’re jokin’, you’re jokin’
I can’t believe my eyes!
You’re jokin’ me, you gotta be.
This can’t be the right guy!

He’s ancient, he’s ugly.
I don’t know which is worse!
I might just split a seam now
If I don’t die laughing first!

When Mr. Oogie Boogie says
There’s trouble close at hand.
You’d better pay attention now
Cause I’m the Boogie Man.

And if you aren’t shakin’
There’s something very wrong.
Cause this may be the last time
You hear the boogie song
Wa-ohhh...

THREE SKELETONS
Wa-Ohhh

OOGIE BOOGIE
Wa-Ohhh

TWO SKELETONS
Wa-Ohhh

OOGIE BOOGIE
Wa-Ohhh

THREE BATS
Ohhh, he’s the Oogie Boogie Man.

SANTA
Release me now
Or you must face the dire consequences.
The children are expecting me
So please, come to your senses.

OOGIE BOOGIE
You’re jokin’, you’re jokin’
I can’t believe my ears!
Would someone shut this fella up
I’m drownin’ in my tears.

It’s funny, I’m laughin'!
You really are too much.
And now, with your permission
I’m going to do my stuff.

SANTA
What are you going to do?

OOGIE BOOGIE
I’m gonna do the best I can...

Whoooooa, the sound of rollin’ dice
To me is music in the air.
Cause I’m a gamblin’ Boogie Man
Although I don’t play fair.

It’s much more fun, I must confess
With liiives are on the liine.
Not mine of course, but yours old boy
Now that’d be just fine.

SANTA
Release me fast or you will have to
Answer for this heinous act.

OOGIE BOOGIE
Oh, brother, you’re somethin'
You put me in a spin!
You aren’t comprehending
The position that you’re in.
It’s hopeless, you’re finished.
You haven’t got a prayer!

Cause I’m Mr. Oogie Boogie.
And you, Ain’t goin'...nowhere.

Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha...

Performed by Oogie Boogie and Santa ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7368887/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7368887/ Tue, 20 Dec 2005 23:57:31 PST This time.
This time...

GROUP
Making Christmas.

CLOWN
Making Christmas.

MAYOR
Ma-king Christmas
Ma-king Christmas
Is so fine.

GROUP
It’s ours this time
And won’t the children be surprised.
It’s ours this time.

CHILD CORPSE
Ma-king Christmas.

MUMMY
Ma-king Christmas.

MUMMY AND CORPSE CHILD
Making Chriiiiiiistmas.

WITCHES
Time to give them something fun

WITCHES AND CREATURE LADY
They’ll talk about for years to come.

GROUP
Let’s have a cheer from everyone!
It’s time to party.

DUCK TOY
Ma-king Christmas.
Ma-king Christmas.

VAMPIRES
Snakes and mice get wrapped up so nice.
With spider legs and pretty bows.

VAMPIRES AND WINGED DEMON
It’s ours this time.

CORPSE FATHER
All together, that and this.

CORPSE FATHER, WOLF MAN
With all our tricks

CORPSE FATHER, WOLF MAN, DEVIL
We're making Christmastime!

WOLF MAN
Here comes Jack!

JACK
I don’t, believe...
what’s happening to me!
My hopes, my dreeeeams...
My fantasieeees...
A-Hee, hee, hee, hee!

HARLEQUIN
Won’t they be impressed
I am a genius!
See how I transformed this old rat
Into a most delightful hat!

JACK
Hmm..

My compliments from me to you
On this your most intriguing hat.
Consider though this substitute
A bat in place of this old rat.

Huh! No, no, no, now that’s all wrong
This thing will never make a present!
It’s been dead now for much too long.
Try something fresher, something pleasant!
Try again, don’t give up...

THREE MR. HYDES
All together, that and this.
With all our tricks
We’re making Christmastime!

(Instrumental)

GROUP
This time
This time

JACK
It's OURS!!!

GROUP
Ma-king Christmas
Ma-king Christmas
La-la-la!

It’s almost here

GROUP AND WOLF MAN
And we can’t wait.

GROUP AND HARLEOUIN
So ring the bells
And celebrate!

GROUP
Cause when the full moon starts to climb
We’ll all sing out...

JACK
Iiiit’s Christmastiiiime.

Hee, hee, hee.

Performed by the citizens of Halloween Town ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7359557/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7359557/ Mon, 19 Dec 2005 23:55:53 PST Kidnap Mr. Sandy Claws?

LOCK
I wanna do it.

BARREL
Let’s draw straws.

SHOCK
Jack said we should work together.

BARREL
Three of a kind

LOCK
Birds of a feather

LOCK, SHOCK, AND BARREL
Now and forever
Laaa, la-la, la-la-la...
La-la-la-la-la...
Laaa, la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la-la...

Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight.
Throw away the key and then
Turn off all the lights.

SHOCK
First, we’re going to set some bait
Inside a nasty trap and wait
When he comes a-sniffing
We will snap the trap and close the gate!

LOCK
Wait I’ve got a better plan!
To catch this big red lobster man.
Let’s pop him in a boiling pot
And when he’s done we’ll butter him up.

LOCK, SHOCK, AND BARREL
Kidnap the Sandy Claws
Throw him in a box.
Bury him for ninety years
Then see if he talks.

SHOCK
Then Mr. Oogie Boogie Man

LOCK, SHOCK, AND BARREL
Can take the whole thing over then.
He’ll be so pleased, I do declare
That he will cook him rare.

Wheeee!

LOCK
I say that we take a cannon
Aim it at his door and then.
Knock three times and when he answers
Sandy Claws will be no more!

SHOCK
You’re so stupid, think now
lf we blow him up to smithereens.
We may lose some pieces
And then Jack will beat us black and green.

LOCK,SHOCK, AND BARREL
Kidnap the Sandy Claws
Tie him in a bag.
Throw him in the ocean then
see if he is sad.

LOCK AND SHOCK
Because Mr. Oogie Boogie is the meanest guy around.
If I were on his Boogie list...

I’d get out of town...

BARREL
He’ll be so pleased by our success
That he’ll reward us too I bet.

LOCK, SHOCK, AND BARREL
Perhaps he’ll make his special brew
Of snake and spider stew.
Ummm!

We’re his little henchmen and we take our job with pride.
We do our best to please him
And stay on his good side.

SHOCK
I wish my cohorts weren’t so dumb.

BARREL
I’m not the dumb one.

LOCK
You’re no fun.

SHOCK
Shut up!

LOCK
Make me.

SHOCK
I’ve got something, listen now
This one is real good you’ll see.
We’ll send a present to his door
Upon there’ll be a note to read.

Now, in the box we’ll wait and hide
Until his curiosity entices him to look inside.

LOCK, SHOCK, AND BARREL
And then we’ll have him
One, two, three!

Kidnap the Sandy Claws
Beat him with a stick.
Lock him up for ninety years
See what makes him tick.

Kidnap the Sandy Claws
Chop him into bits.
Mr. Oogie Boogie is
Sure to get his kicks.

Kidnap the Sandy Claws
See what we will see.
Lock him in a cage and then
Throw away the keeeeeeey...

Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha...

Performed by Lock, Shock, and Barrel ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7350392/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7350392/ Sun, 18 Dec 2005 23:57:28 PST Will it let me be, I cannot tell.
There are so many things I cannot grasp
When I think I’ve got it and then at last.
Through my bony fingers, it does slip
Like a snowflake in a fiery grip.

Something’s here I’m not quite getting.
Though I try I keep forgetting.
Like a memory, long since past.

Here in an instant, gone in a flash.
What does it mean, what does it mean?

In these little bric-a-brac
A secret’s waiting to be cracked.
These dolls and toys confuse me so!
Confound it all, I love it though.

Simple objects, nothing more
But something’s hidden through a door.
Though I do not, have the key.

Something’s there I cannot see
What does it mean, what does it mean!?

What does it mean?
Hmm…

I’ve read these Christmas books so many times.
I know the stories, and I know the rhymes.
I know the Christmas carols all by heart.
My skull’s so full, it’s tearing me apart!
As often as I’ve read them, something’s wrong.
So hard to put my bony finger on.

Or perhaps, it’s really not
As deep as I’ve been led to think.
Am I trying, much too hard?

Of course! I’ve been too close to see
The answer’s right in front of me!
Right in front of me...

It’s simple really, very clear
Like muuusic drifting in the air!
Invisible but, everywhere.

Just because I cannot see it
Doesn’t mean I can’t believe it.

You know, I think this Christmas thing
It’s not as tricky as it seems.
And why should they have all the fun?
It should belong to anyone!

Not anyone in fact, but me
Why, I could make a Christmas tree!
And there’s no reason I can find
I couldn’t handle Christmas time!

I bet I could improoove it too!
And that’s exactly, what...I’ll...doooo
Hee, hee, hee...

Performed by Jack Skellington ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7234104/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7234104/ Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:13:58 PST
http://www.welcometosilenthill.com

As you can see a poster art contest has begun in which you can submit your designs using images offered on the site. The lucky winner will recieve $2,500 and free tickets to see the film when it opens on April 21st, but best of all the winning poster design will official movie poster to promote the film and may ship to theaters nationwide!

I don't have much of a knack for digital composite work. However I'm thinking of entering not just for the $$$ I could win but more for the notoriety and recognition I'd recieve if my design was chosen. What da ya think, have I got a chance???

Good luck to anyone else entering the contest!

Oh and check out this groovy flash intro for the site here. ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7216088/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7216088/ Sat, 03 Dec 2005 22:13:45 PST All around things to tantalize my braaaain.

It’s a world unlike, anything I’ve ever seen!
And as hard as I try, I can’t seem to describe
Like a most improbable dream.

But you must belieeeve when I tell you this.
It’s as reeeeal as my skull, and it does exissst.
Here, let me show you...

CROWD
Whaaaaa....Oooooo.....Ahhhhhh

SALLY
Ooooooooo....

This is a thing called a present.
The whole thing starts with a box.

DEVIL
A box?
Is it steel?

WEREWOLF
Are there locks?

HARLEOUIN DEMON
Is it filled with a pox?

DEVIL
A pox?
How delightful, a pox.

JACK
If you please...

Just a box with bright-colored paper.
And the whole thing’s topped with a boooow!

WITCHES
A bow?
But why?
How ugly.
What’s in it?
What’s in it?

JACK
That’s the point of the thing, not to know.

CLOWN
It’s a bat.
Will it bend?

CREATURE UNDER THE STAIRS
It’s a rat.
Will it break?

UNDERSEA GAL
Perhaps it s the head that I found in the lake!

JACK
Listen now, you don’t understand.
That’s not the point of Christmas laaand.

Now, pay attention...

Now we pick up an oversized sock.
And hang it like this on the waaaall.

MR. HYDE
Oh, yes!
Does it still have a foot?

MEDIUM MR. HYDE
Let me see, let me look!

SMALL MR. HYDE
Is it rotted and covered with gook!?

JACK
Hmm, let me explain...

There’s no foot inside, but there’s candy.
Or sometimes it’s filled with small tooooys!

MUMMY AND WINGED DEMON
Small toys?

WINGED DEMON
Do they bite?

MUMMY
Do they snap?

WINGED DEMON
Or explode in a sack?

CORPSE KID
Or perhaps they just spring out
And scare girls and boys!

MAYOR
What a splendid idea, this Christmas sounds fun!
Why, I fully endorse it.
Let’s try it at once!

JACK
Everyone, pleeeease now not so fast!
There’s something here that you don’t quite grasp.

CROWD
Huh.......wha.......(grumbling)...

JACK
Well, I may as well give them what they want...

And the best I must confess, I have saved for the last!
For the ruuuuler of this Christmas land...

Is a fearsome king with a deep, mighty voice!
Least that’s what I’ve come to understand.

And I’ve also heard it told
That he’s something to behold.
Like a lobster, huuuuge and red!

And sets out to slay, with his rain gear on.
Carting bulging sacks
With his big, GREAT arms!
That is so, I’ve heeeard it said.

And on a dark, cold night
Under fuuull moonlight.
He FLIES into a fog!
Like a vulture in the skyyyyy...

And they caaaall him............

Sandy....

Claaaaaaaaaaaws, hee hee he he.

CROWD
Ahhhhhhhhh....oooooooo(applauds)

JACK
Well at least they’re excited
Though they don’t understand.
That special kind of feeling, in Christmas land.

Oh, well…

Performed by the citizens of Halloween Town ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7144566/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/7144566/ Fri, 25 Nov 2005 21:13:43 PST There’s color everywhere.
What’s this?
There’s white things in the air.
What’s this?

I can’t believe my eyes.
I must be dreaming.
Wake up Jack, this isn’t FAIR!

What’s this?

What’s this? What’s this?
There’s something very wrong.
What’s this?
There are people singing songs.
What’s this?

The streets are lined with little creatures laughing.
Everybody seems so happy.
Have I possibly gone daffy?
What is THIS!?

What’s this?

There are children throwing snowballs here instead of throwing heads.
They’re busy building toys and absolutely no one’s dead!

There’s frost on every window, oh I can’t believe my eyes.
And in my bones I feel the warmth
That’s coming from insiiiiiide.

Oh look, what’s this?
They’re hanging mistletoe, they kiss?
Why that looks so unique, inspired!

They’re gathering around to hear a story
Roasting chestnuts on a fire!

What’s this!?

What’s this, in here?
They’ve got a little tree, how queer.
And who would ever think, and why?

They’re covering it with tiny little things
They’ve got electric lights on strings.
And there’s a smile on everyone!
So now correct me if I’m wrong?
This looks like fun.
This looks like fun.
Oh, could it be I got my wish?

What’s this!?

Oh my, what now?
The children are asleep.
But look, there’s nothing underneath.
No ghouls!
No witches here to scream and scare them
Or ensnare them.
Only little cozy things
Secure inside their....dreeeamlaaaaaand. Ahhhh....

What’s this!?

The monsters are all missing and the nightmares can’t be found.
And in their place there seems to be good feeling all around!

Instead of screams I swear I can hear music in the air.
The smell of cakes and pies
Is absolutely everywheeeere.

The sights, the sounds!
They’re everywhere and all.........around.
I’ve never felt so good.......before!
This empty place inside of me is filling up.
I simply cannot get enough.

I want it, oh I want it!
Oh, I want it for my oooown!
I’ve got to know
I’ve got to know
What is this place that I have found!?

What...........IS...............THIIIIIS!!!!!?

Christmas Town? Hmm…

Performed by Jack Skellington ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/6967106/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/6967106/ Sat, 05 Nov 2005 23:13:40 PST For my talents are renowned far and wide.

When it comes to surprises, in the moonlit night
I excel without ever even trying.

With the slightest little effort of my ghostlike charms
I have seen grown men give out a shriek.

With the waaaaave of my hand, and a well-placed moan
I have swept the very bravest off their feet!

Yet, year after year it’s the same routine
And I grow so weary of the sound of screams.
And I, JACK! the Pump-kin-King
Have grown so tired of the same old thing.

Oh, sommmmewhere deep inside of these bones
An emptiness began to grow.
There’s sommmmething out there far from my home
A loooooonging that, I’ve ne-eee-ver knoooown.

I’m a master of fright, and a demon of light
And I’ll scare you right out of your pants.

To a guy in Kentucky, I’m Mister Unlucky
And I’m known throughout Eng-land and France.

And since I am dead, I can take off my head!
To recite Shakespearean quotaaaations.

No animal nor man, can SCREEEEEAM like I can!
With the fury of my recitations.

But who.......here, would ever understand
That the Pumpkin King with the skeleton grin
Would tire of his crown, if they only understood.
He’d give it all up. if he oooonly cooooould.

Oh theeeeeeere’s an emmmpty place in my bones
That caaaaalls out for, somethiiiiing unknown.
The faaaame and praaaise, come year after year
Does nooooothing for, these eeeempty teeeears.

Performed by Jack Skellington ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/6762398/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/6762398/ Thu, 13 Oct 2005 23:30:45 PDT Wouldn't you like to see something strange?

Siamese Twins Shadow: Come with us and you will see...
This our town of Halloween.

Chorus: This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins scream in the dead of night.

Ghosts: This is Halloween, everybody make a scene
Trick-or-Treat 'til the neighbors gonna die of fright!
IT's our town! Everybody SCREAM!
In our town of Halloween...

Creature Under the Bed: I am the one hiding under your bed
Teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing RED.

Man Under the Stairs: I am the one hiding under your stairs
Fingers like snakes and spiders in my hair.

Chorus: This is Halloween, this is Halloween

Vampires: Halloween, Halloween.....Halloween, Halloween....
In this town, we call home
Everyone hail to the pumpking song.

Two-Faced Mayor: In this town, don't we love it now
Everyone's waiting for the next surprise.

Chorus: Round that corner man, hiding in a trash can
Something's waiting now to pounce and howl you'll...

Harlequin Demon: SCREAM!!!
Werewolf: This is Halloween!
Harlequin Demon: Red & black
Melting Ghoul: Slimy green.
Werewolf: Aren't you scared?

Witches: Well, that's just fine.
Say it once, say it twice
Take a chance and roll the dice.
Ride with the moon in the dead of night.

Hanging Tree: Everybody scream, everybody SCREAM!

Hanged Skeletons: In our town of Halloween...

Clown: I am the clown with the tear-away face
Here in a flash and gone without a trace

Wind: I am the "who" when you call "Who's there?"
I am the wind blowing through your hair.

Oogie Boogie Shadow: I am the shadow in the moon at night
Filling your dreams to the brim with fright!

Chorus: This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Halloween, Halloween.........Halloween, Halloween....

Child Corpses: Tender lumplings everywhere
Life's no fun without a good scare.

Father Corpse: That's our job
Mother Corpse: But we're not mean.
Father & Mother Corpse: In our town of Halloween...

Two-Faced Mayor: In this town, don't we love it now
Everyone's waiting for the next surprise.

Chorus: Skeleton Jack might catch you in the back
And scream like a banshee
Make you jump...out...of...your SKIN!
This is Halloween! Everybody SCREAM!

Hanging Skeletons: Won't you please make way for a very special guy.

Chorus: Our man Jack is king of the pumpkin patch
Everyone hail to the pumpking king now

Everyone: This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Halloween, Halloween.........Halloween, Halloween....

Child Corpses: In this town, we call home
Everyone hail to the pumpking song.

Everyone: La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Halloween, Halloween
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Halloween, Halloween
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Halloween, Halloween
La-la-la.......La-La-La..........LA!
Weeeeeeeeeee!

Performed by the citizens of Halloween Town ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/6164047/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/6164047/ Sun, 07 Aug 2005 23:53:05 PDT
"WOOHOOOOOO"!!!!!!!! ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/5776585/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/5776585/ Mon, 27 Jun 2005 22:13:52 PDT Back in my day, we didn't need molded bodysuits. Pure West. And how come Batman doesn't dance anymore? Remember the Bat-toosi?"
                                             - Adam West, The Simpsons

Saw Batman Begins over the weekend. Now I consider myself a pretty legitimate Batman fan, even though I've read virtually none of the comics. I did however grow up watching old reruns of the campy 60s Adam West show, still love the first two Tim Burton flicks, and the ensuing animated series which was even better than the live-action incarnations. I was also subjected to the terrible mediocrity of Batman Forever, and utterly appalled by the rotting stench of cinematic trash that followed in its footsteps.

Thankfully, the new Bat flick has no connection with the previous films, it's a complete restart and rejuvenation of a troubled movie franchise. Why one could even say the series "begins" all over again!

This is the first live-action Batman film to actually focus mainly on Bruce Wayne/Batman and not just on the kooky bad guys for once. The Scarecrow was a nice villain, understatedly creepy and I liked the whole central theme that ties the film together - fear. This is the first film I've seen Christian Bale in, and he was most impressive as the Dark Knight, but perhaps moreso out of costume. Great choice to play the role, and a terrific cast overall though I must say it's hard to see actors like Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman as anyone but, well, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman. At least Liam Neeson had facial hair. Nevertheless, wonderful performances all around.

I think Batman Begins is the best "Batman" film besides the animated Mask of the Phantasm, but I wouldn't say its totally perfect. In terms of plot, story and characters its tops, visually I still give the nod to the first two Bat flicks. I liked the realistic tone of the whole film, but it might've been a little too realistic. I thought of Gotham city like no other city imaginable, and surely one would not confuse Burton's gothic and stylized Gotham with any real city. Here it's basically a modified Chicago

And one of my big disappointments with comic book movies these days(and most films in general) is the lack of a really good music score! Music adds so much to a film, especially superheroes that need a memorable, iconic theme like John William's Superman. Begins' music score is subtle and low-key, which works perfectly fine with the tone of the movie, but it doesn't even come close to matching the thrilling and emotionally-charged music of Danny Elfman. His fantastic scores for the first two films are some of the best music ever composed for a comic book movie, much less in any film period!

Batman Begins is the cleansing palette to wash away those horrible nightmares of rubber nipples, bat credit cards and atrocious groan-inducing one-liners. It's not just a great Batman movie, but a just a really good film overall. ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/5443860/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/5443860/ Mon, 23 May 2005 23:38:08 PDT
And so it has arrived, one of the most beloved and memorable (not to mention profitable) film franchises in sci-fi/fantasy movie lore has come to an end. At long last the Star Wars saga is complete. But does this last and latest chapter live up to the insane commercial marketing hype that has preceded it?

I would like to preface by saying that I am not one of those fanatical Star Wars geeks. I did not camp outside theaters for weeks, neh months to see Episode III, nor do I wear stormtrooper gear and bring a plastic lightsabre to have an imaginary battle with other geeks. It is just another movie to me. That said, I admire the artistry of the Original Trilogy and its influence on cinematic filmmaking and special effects for a whole new generation of audiences. After being quite underwhelmed by the first two prequel flicks, marred by a lousy script, stale acting and not-so-special effects, I entered "Revenge of the Sith" with moderately low expectations.

I'm happy to report that there's far more good than bad to this Sith flick, as it heralds back to the grand space opera feel of the original films. Gone are the overly monotonous expository dialogue and political ramblings of the previous two films, replaced here with pure action and character drama, and lots of it. In order for Episode III to be a success I felt it had to resonate with the films of the original trilogy,
I think it did just that, tying up many of the loose ends and effectively bridging the gap between the prequel films and Episode IV.

***SPOILER WARNING***

Episode III opens up with a gigantic space battle, undoubtedly the most visually impressive since the battle above the Death Star in ROTJ. It's a fun flight-of-fancy sequence that nicely establishes the relationship between our heroes Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, who've amassed quite the reputation for their adventures throughout the Clone Wars. Their comeraderie and friendship seen in the early minutes make things all the more emotionally tragic as things transpire later on.

First the good - the acting is better this time around, everything flows better and seems more natural. Hayden Christensen is especially good. Anakin's turn to the dark side and inevitable transformation into the villainous scourge of the galaxy Darth Vader are surprisingly convincing. Not once did I think this whiny, pretentious kid in Episode II could ever become the genocidal Jedi killer we all know and reviled, but I was thankfully wrong. Kudos on his part. Ewan McGregor's been solid throughout the prequel films, and this is perhaps his best work yet as the young Obi-Wan. Natalie Portman excells with more emotion in what little screen time she has, but a role that is most imperative late in the film.

The supporting cast does an adequate job, but the one who truly shines is Ian McDiarmid as Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious. His character has probably been the most fascinating to observe in the prequels, as he has orchestrated this intricate web of lies and deceit to obtain power. Here we see his ultimate plan come to fruition with the annhilation of the Jedi, the formation of the Empire, and control of the galaxy restored to the Sith. What could have been a cartoonish villain role is instead performed with the right amount of eloquence and evil by the great McDiarmid. It helps that McDiarmid is reprising his role from ROTJ, just one of many ties to the original trilogy.

The visual landscape in the film is some wonderful eye candy indeed, as the film gives us a glimpse of many different worlds that the Clone battles take place, leading to the epic Obi-Wan vs. Anakin battle on the fiery hell planet of Mustafar.

You like lightsaber battles? You got 'em! No less than four major battles, including Sam Jackson vs. Sidious, Yoda vs. Sidious, and Obi-Wan vs. the 4-armed General Grievous. They're all well-choreographed like an elaborate dance routine and technically awesome, perhaps a little too good(more on that in a moment).

Now to what didn't work so well. The CGI has improved since the last film, but they're still noticably digital. It's inescapable, but nothing beats the physical aesthetic of the FX in the Original Trilogy. Although the acting's better, the film is still plagued by some flat dialogue and overly melodramatic moments. Anakin's turn to the dark side occurs maybe a tad too quickly.

And maybe it's just me, but these elaborate lightsaber duels are getting a bit tiresome. Don't get me wrong, they're great to watch but I liked it when only a few wielded them. With only Obi-Wan, Vader and Luke possessing one in the OT, they retained this mystical quality and t... ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/5395824/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/5395824/ Wed, 18 May 2005 20:07:12 PDT
MOVIES!!! Yes, oodles and gobs of big, hulking, tasty, mostly hollow FX-filled cinematic treats the big-wig studios are all aiming to break the box office bank. Who will come out victorious as the reigning box office king of Summer '05? A quality film worthy of critical praise and the handsome amount of revenue it'll earn? Eh who cares, as long as it makes the bling($$$)! Empty, shameless excursions filled to the brim with CG FX and pointless explosions on screen, THAT's what summer movies are about!

Now being the movie-loving geek that I am, I'll be sure to fill up on some of these big-budget blockbuster behemoths after an overly extended hiatus from visiting the local cineplexes. But which ones to see? Here's a preview of some of the more enticing choices in a little journal entry I call SUMMER MOVIES '05!!!

Star Wars Episode III: ROTS - Has Lucas has saved the best for last(doubt it)? Everythng I've seen thus far looks and sounds just peachy keen, but it's all too familiar of course. I really hope it blows me away, but I'm cautiously reserving judgment.

Batman Begins - Tough task to top the Burton Batman flicks, but with Nolan, Bale, and a top-notch cast and crew(and no rubber nipples) I'm sure it'll be up to the challenge.

Fantastic Four - 4 words - Jessica Alba in tights. Grrrrrrrrrrrowllllllll!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - A more faithful, darker adaption of the classic Roald Dahl novel? Bizarre & surreal visuals? Another Burton & Depp teamup? I'm there!

The Corpse Bride - Tim Burton's stop-motion follow-up to his classic Nightmare Before Christmas. A CGI-less animated flick, at last!

Bewitched - Surprisngly not another lame Brady Bunch style TV sticom remake! It's a movie about a lame TV sticom remake, only to find that the actress(Nicole Kidman) is in fact a real witch. Inspired concept? Don't know, but at least it's different.

Dark Water - Another one-a-them spooky Japanese horror remakes by Hollywood. As with the others I'll see the original flick first, then see this one, and openly criticize its undeniably inferior quality.

Well for now, that's about it for my Summer movie agenda. I'll soon be back with a brief critique of "Revenge of the Sith", which I'll be seeing a little later to avoid the geek rush on opening day.

Oh and I apologize for the terrible lack of updates in the gallery, class studies have really been kicking my tail the last month or so. But now that the semester's over I'll have plenty of time to submit work, and a lot of it indeed.

Thanks for your patience and check back soon!


Sayonara... ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/4927760/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/4927760/ Sun, 27 Mar 2005 19:04:12 PST
Sony has unleashed upon the world its magnificent PSP handheld electronic system, a portable gaming unit with multimedia features many say will change the way we view portable handheld entertainment.

No, I don't actually have one myself..............yet. For now I can only revel in its brilliance, that it is indeed a reality. I can't wait to get my grubby hands all over its luscious black plastic exterior! ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/4574464/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/4574464/ Sun, 13 Feb 2005 22:53:40 PST ).

Today is also my 23rd birthday(Omedetou tanjoubi to me! ), and Valentine's Day is 2morrow, both of which are very much insignificant to me however. Instead of the warm joy of happiness & companionship I am once again dealt the cold & bitter chill of loneliness(me -> sad).

Anyhooooo.........

I think I've wallowed in enough self-pity for now . On a more positive note one of my paintings I did last semester actually made it into the annual Student Art Show at my state college, which'll be on display until the 24th. Finally a recognition of the hard work, effort, and skills that I put forth in my artwork. I'd like to say thats the best reward one could recieve except for.................... $$$CASH prize baby!!! Money, did I mention there's money? Well I'll have to wait 'til the awards ceremony this Friday to find out how much, if anything at all.

That piece should be uploaded into the gallery here when its returned, along with many of my other paintings. I'll try to get some sculptures in there as well, since it desperately needs some at all...

So HAPPY:

Chinese New Year!!! ("Kung Hei Fa Choi")
Birthday2me!! (tanjoubi omedetou!)
Valentine's Day!

P.S. - Congrats to Green Day on the Grammy award! (Best Rock Album ) ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/4250563/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/4250563/ Fri, 14 Jan 2005 22:32:16 PST

It's still relatively early into the new year, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to reflect back a bit on the year that was. A look back at some of the most memorable, eventful, and just downright idiotic moments of the past year or so in sports, politics, and entertainment in a little something I like to call...

YEAR IN REVIEW - 2004!

Michael Jackson Oddities - The unusal escapades of Mr. Jackson are well chronicled, one of them involved Michael strolling into a Californian lawmaker's office demanding for more Taco Bell fast-food joints in the area. While making his request, he was spotted wearing a Spider-Man mask. Yep, you're still the weirdest person alive. I'm guessing that Spider-Man mask was a children's size?

Janet Jackson Super Boob Bowl - From one Jackson nutball to a slutty one, this Jackson sister caused quite a scandalous uproar performing at the Super Bowl halftime show. Janet's right breast was exposed, generating an outcry from parents angry at such an indecent and immoral display. Yeah, the dominatrix outift and gyrating female dancers in skimpy stripper apparrel were wholesome family entertainment up 'til that point. Thank goodness kids didn't see the other breast, or they may get the idea that she had two! Famously labeled as a "wardrobe malfunction", the only malfunction was deciding to pull this kind of stunt so late after the early 90s, when you were actually somebody.

Martha Stewart Living.........in Prison - After a long, long trial facing charges of insider trading, this happy home & gardener was sentenced to a minimum of 10 months behind bars, for which she started serving in October. Ah Martha, so long to the sweet scent of flowers and potpourri in the morning, HELLO to the potent stench of urine-stained jail walls! You'll get used to it I'm sure.

Boston Red Sox World Championship - The Boston Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series to win the 2004 baseball World Series championship, coming back from a 0-3 deficit to their hated rivals the NY Yankees no less. In related news, Satan is furious about the chillier conditions in Hell.

Presidential Election - Republican George W. Bush beat democratic candidate John Kerry to win his second term in the White House as US President. So Kerry can go back the free range stables while President Bush will continue to do what he does best - choking on pretzels, taking time off on the golf course while continually sending people to die overseas. Bang up job there Dubya!

Ashlee Simpson exposed on SNL - What will no doubt live on in infamy in the history of NBC's long-running comedy show's guest music performances, up & coming pop singer Ashlee Simpson encountered a bit of a problem while trying to sing one of her songs. Her first song "Pieces of Me" went off without a hitch, but something odd occurred during her second performance. Before even bringing the microphone to her mouth and opening her lips, the vocals of her previous song started playing through the speakers! Dumbfounded by this ingregious screwup, her band continued playing while Ashlee thought it wise to dance off stage like a crazy old prospector(->worst cover up.......EVER). Well, at least she won't have to face THAT kind of humiliation anymore... ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/3829665/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/3829665/ Sat, 13 Nov 2004 23:58:28 PST
Not only is this a victory for the rightest Republican parties, no no. For SNL and all those late night talk shows this is pure comedy gold! Bush is sure to provide ample entertainment for the next four years as he has the last. In that respect America you've made the right choice, Congratulations!

As for Mr. Kerry, well maybe you can play the killer in a new "Scream" sequel or something. Seriously is that your face or do you wear one of those masks from the movie? Be glad we don't have to see THAT on our TV screens any longer.

Oh, as for the page sorry for not updating often I've been a bit preoccupied. I promise I'll fix that soon enough and start submitting more work into the gallery, including my sculptures.

Mata ne...... ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/3118964/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/3118964/ Fri, 13 Aug 2004 19:30:46 PDT
Your gentle voice I hear
Your words echo inside me
You said you long for me
And that, you, love me

And I want to see you too
Feels like I'm falling
Is there nothing I can do
Wonder if you hear my calling

(chorus)
I'm here I'm waiting for you
Where are you I can't find you
I'm here I'm waiting for you
I'll wait forever for you

Mom's gone to heaven now
Why won't she come back down
Does she have someone now
She loves more than me

I thought I could love you better
We were always together
If we took some time apart
You would finally know my heart

(chorus)
I'm here I'm waiting for you
Where are you I can't find you
I'm here I'm waiting for you
I'll wait forever for you

I fell in love with you
And now you're gone
There's nothing left within my lonely room
Without you

(chorus)
I'm here I'm waiting for you
Where are you I can't find you
I'm here I'm waiting for you
I'll wait forever for you ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2983156/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2983156/ Tue, 27 Jul 2004 20:30:31 PDT The rain falling
Only the scent of you remains to dance with me

Nobody showed me how to return the love
You give to me
Mom never holds me, dad loves a stranger more than me

I never wanted to ever bring you down
All that I need are some simple loving words

You touched my body once, it burns
Me still softly
Never forgets, never again will be I cry

Out of my head and I don't know what I found
Over and over I feel it break me down

On the sidewalk, of the city
Are my screams just a whisper
Busy people, going nowhere
See me soak in the rain
No compassion, nothing matters
My resistance is waiting
Like a flower, in the basement
Waiting for lonely death

Out of my head and I don't know what I found
Over and over I feel it break me down

On the sidewalk, of the city
Are my screams just a whisper
Busy people, going nowhere
See me soak in the rain
No compassion, nothing matters
My resistance is waiting
Like a flower, in the basement
Waiting for lonely death ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2876802/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2876802/ Tue, 13 Jul 2004 23:30:57 PDT Deep in the forest night
Children dance the waltz

They laugh
Whispering hand in hand
Just like children like to do

Their eyes
What are they looking for?
White dress flutters the beat

Their song
Starting to make some sense
Only if you're listening

Dance, dance like butterflies
Shadows appear right before my eyes
Sounds, echo the absurd
Hard to explain, something that I heard

Now hear the forest talking insects and birds
Does the scent of soil and beast
Breathe the life into the animal you hide
It's a great illusion no one every knows
When you think you're really alone
Feel the eyes of someone looking in on you

Again
See how the children play
Red moon colors the trees

Their feet
Innocent rustling sounds
Playfull dreamlike fantasies

Dance, dance like butterflies
Shadows appear right before my eyes
Sounds, echo the absurd
Hard to explain, something that I heard

Now hear the forest talking insects and birds
Does the scent of soil and beast
Breathe the life into the animal you hide
It's a great illusion no one every knows
When you think you're really alone
Feel the eyes of someone looking in on you ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2798662/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2798662/ Sat, 03 Jul 2004 23:13:12 PDT What ripped away, check my body now
Was it body or soul?
In darkness fades, fades to the light
Disappearing now, disappears from the light

And all these nightmares I once had, as a child
The morning always came, it came too late
What did my mind forget, forget to hide?
Could the nightmare be still awake?
I don't know

In or out, up or down
Never know it's an illusion
Round and round, on and on
Everyday spins my confusion

(chorus)
Not again, not again, not again
This dream I can't awake
What is real, what is real, what is real?
It's getting hard for me to take
What I need, what I need, what I need
A little somethin' I rely
And the white sugar gently hides me
Oh the sweet sugar saves me
It's the room that confines me............confines me

Sweet sugar

Yesterday, back & forth
Broken door no longer opens
Breaking down, need him now
Mother's sugar it always loves me

(chorus)
Not again, not again, not again
This dream I can't awake
What is real, what is real, what is real?
It's getting hard for me to take
What I need, what I need, what I need
A little something I would like
And the white sugar gently hides me
Oh the sweet sugar saves me
It's the room that confines me ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2776152/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2776152/ Wed, 30 Jun 2004 23:37:23 PDT

It's here, at long last it's here! Ah how I have waited for it's arrival, but no longer as I now have it within my grasp.

My Japanese import copy of Silent Hill 4: The Room finally arrived to my doorstep today, three full months before its domestic US release. Oh the joyousness of a Japanese PS2, thou without shall never know the splendidness of importing!

Haven't gotten a chance to play what I'm sure is yet another macabre masterpiece in Konami's popular survival horror series, but everything I've seen in the trailers and read on game sites sounds stellar. I can't wait!

Also came with the 2-disc limited soundtrack, which I've listened to a bit now. Not only does it contain outstanding melodic orchestrations by composer Akira Yamaoka, but great vocal tracks that evoke many themes from love to hope, loss, fear and despair. The 2nd disc is quite unique, it's a Kyoudan(Japanese classical storytelling) told by a man named Ichiryusai Teisui, a great practitioner of the art. He is known as a ningen kokuhou(living national treasure), a true testament to his mastery. Unfortunately I can't translate what is said, but it's very classy indeed!

]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2716181/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2716181/ Wed, 23 Jun 2004 01:31:14 PDT Your tears, may mean nothing to me
The wind, owling at the window
The love, you never gave
I give to you.....

Really don't deserve it
But now, there's nothing you can do
So sleep, in your only memory
Of me, my.......dearest......mother

(chorus)
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes *goodbye*
It was always you that I despised
I don't feel enough for you to cry *oh well*
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes

Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.....

So insignificant
Sleeping dormant deep inside of me
Are you hiding away lost, under the sewers?
Maybe flying high, in the clouds
Perhaps you're happy without me

So many seeds have been sown in the field
And who could sprout up so blessedly if I had died?
I would have never, felt sad at all
You will not hear me say, I'm sorry
Where, is the light?
I wonder if it's weeping somewhere....

(chorus)
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes *goodbye*
It was always you that I despised
I don't feel enough for you to cry *oh well*
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes

Goodbye

(chorus)
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes *goodbye*
It was always you that I despised
I don't feel enough for you to cry *oh well*
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes

Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.........

]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2665694/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2665694/ Tue, 15 Jun 2004 10:30:56 PDT
The Pistons have thoroughly outplayed the Lakers throughout this series, and leave no doubt in my mind and the minds of many else who doubted them before that they are in fact the better team. And I do stress that word, "team." They play like one, the Lakers do not. They're no more than a collection of spoiled, overconfident juvenile brats who are more concerned about bickering and fighting with each other than fighting the opponent. The Lakers are two superstars and a bunch of stiffs, the Piston's roster is consistent from top to bottom. It would please me no more than to see Detroit put LA in their place for good. A victory for the Pistons would be a victory for team chemistry, heart & determination, a victory for the big-wig fat-cat network ratings of ABC, and a victory for NBA fans in general('cept for Laker fans).

Yet as much as I want to count the Lakeshow out, it's not over. They're like the monsters from those B-slasher movies of the mid-80s, Michael Myers and Jason Vorhees. Just when you think they're dead, they come springing back to life when you least expect it. And were it not for a grave late-game blunder by the Pistons in Game 2(up by 6 with 47sec to go) that cost them they game, theoretically the Lakers would be gone already!

You're job's not done Detroit, do not let up. Do not get complacent. Embrace the notion that you're the superior team, drive the stake through the Lakers heart and nail the coffin shut once and for all. You have 3 chances to do it Pistons, starting 2ngiht. My advice - the sooner the better. One game is all the Lakers need to feel like they're back in it, which is why I can't count them out quite yet, as much as I would like to. I've seen it happen far too many times before to secure now.

But Shaq, Phil, and Kobe are going to have to reach far into their bag of tricks to pull out yet another one of their patented miracles, and you have to wonder if they've used up their last. Oh, and historically no teams has come back to win in the finals from a 3-1 defecit. Where's your messiah now zen master?

Go PISTONS! ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2600932/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2600932/ Sun, 06 Jun 2004 23:13:32 PDT
Yeah, I know Detroit got this one to lead the series 1-0. Whoop-di-frigg'n do. Congrats, you've already achieved more than most had expected of you, namely an LA sweep. Unfortunately Detroit, that's all you will have. Remember those 76ers a few years back, who were in the same postition you are now? Yep, they won the 1st game too, it's the only game they won. And that coach, Larry Brown? Same guy coaching your Pistons. So don't get too excited fellas.

Perhaps I'm selling the Pistons short and they should deserve a hearty pat on the back. Afterall they did send all those cocky, cellphone-hogging, latte-sipping LA fans and bandwaggon A-list Hollywood stars leave home early with their heads hung low. For that I thank them.

But how long can they stretch this really? Another game would push it to six, and another to a decisive and final Game 7. It's all you can ask for as an NBA fan, and in the most ideal and unlikely of situations, LA would lose that Game 7, shamed in defeat. It would shatter the hopes and dreams of the Laker faithful in a million pieces, and fulfill the heavenly wishes of everyone else. They're like the Yankees, the evil empire, no one besides their conceited fans wants to see this collection of bloated egotism win anything. But can Detroit do it, can they make the impossible possible, and beat the Lakers once and for all???

In a word, nope.

Face it Detroit, by winning this 1st game you're only preventing the inevitable. That is, we're all going to have to stomach watching another Laker parade marching down south central LA, at the head their maniacal zen coach flashing his devilicious smirk, Shaq rapping(badly) to the tunes of "Who Let the Dogs Out!?," and Kobe probably hitting on some hotel harlet. Oh I can only hope this will be the last time I witness such a disgusting display. Even worse, I can't think of anything more anti-climactic than this scenario.

If there is one consolation, I will at least be spared the ridiculous dancing exploits of one Mark Madsen. =/ ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2576099/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2576099/ Thu, 03 Jun 2004 17:31:18 PDT
On another unrelated and pointless note, I hadn't gone out to see a movie in the theater for awhile so I thought I'd catch one today. In fact I decided to double-dip and saw two films I wanted to see awhile ago but didn't have the time, I'm surprised they were still showing - Kill Bill vol. 2 and The Punisher! Great back-to-back tales of delicious revenge, but a distinctly stark contrast of styles. One is obviously more abstract and surreal, existing in a realm of fantasy while the other far more grounded in gritty realism.

Good movies IMO, I enjoyed them! =-) ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2424901/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2424901/ Fri, 14 May 2004 01:30:38 PDT
Until next time, jaa mata! ]]> ~YoshioKun13 http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2417984/ http://YoshioKun13.deviantart.com/journal/2417984/ Thu, 13 May 2004 01:01:43 PDT
Good to be here. ]]> ~YoshioKun13