The "New" Pocahontas

Let me just say I went and saw avatar and I loved it. It was action packed, the story was interesting, and the fx were very good. It was great.

While I can't say I made the direct connection to Pocahontas, it was very apparent that the film contained tones of "the evil white settlers versus the earth/nature loving natives." I saw this on my friends facebook page and had a wonderful laugh upon reading it. Just goes to show there are no new stories ;)

Enjoy. (sorry it doesn't all fit you will have to right click... something... something)

Oscar Count Down!

Yet again the Oscars are upon us.

The Academy has just slimmed down its short list of films vying for the title of "Best Visual Effects" from 15 to 7. Saidly neither of the films I worked on this year are in the running but that is of no surprise. Not that they weren't note worthy, but they didn't fit the academy "mold."

The list is as follows:

"Avatar" "District 9," "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," "Star Trek," "Terminator Salvation," "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and "2012."

image from "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"

Those films now on the cutting room floor are "Angels & Demons," "Coraline," "Disney's A Christmas Carol," "G-Force," "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," "Sherlock Holmes," "Watchmen" and "Where the Wild Things Are."

Maybe it's just me but I am a bit surprised films like "Coraline" and "Disney's A Christmas Carol" were ever in consideration?! Has the concept of "visual effects" become so skewed and misunderstood that animated films now fall into the category? Last I looked, there was a wonderful category called "Best Animated Feature."

"It's all just the same." No it's not all just the same. Just as in visual effects are not special effects. I mean why not?! Maybe we just make one category, "Coolest Movie." That should cover it right?

Why so cranky you ask? I'm not, but a bit of ruffled feathers certainly makes for better reading.

The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Feb. 2.

Land of the Lost

So the next big Will Ferrell movie is coming out this summer. It looks like it is going to be an "interesting" movie. Sadly Will Ferrell for me is a very hit or miss character in all his movies. I love the Elf, Stranger than Fiction, Will Ferrell. And I always go see his movies hoping to see more of that "Will." So we will have to see. The trailer looks very fun, but I don't know that I am going to see it. Definitely not for kids... (looks more "Taladega Nights" Farrell).

He is getting so big!

It has been a long time since I posted anything to my blog. So here is a photo of Benjamin now. He (as are my other children) is my pride joy. He is so happy and wonderful. He never fails to brings a smile to my face. My kids are my world and I couldn't ask for better children. And to make to complete my gratitude list is my wonderful wife who puts up with my terrible work schedule. Without her I would be lost.

Welcome Benjamin Joseph Au

He is finally here!


Benjamin Joseph Au was born 8:30pm September 30. He was born at 8 lbs 3 oz, 20.5 inches. He has a bit of dark hair and is a bright eyed wonderful little boy. He as deep blue eyes and the most excellent chubby cheeks! He was scheduled for this Friday but he was just not willing to wait. He and mommy are very tired but well and healthy. We are so happy to have him in our lives.


Here is our first photo of mommy, daddy and Benjamin. More pictures and video are coming. Isn't he wonderful!?!