Phil Oates: Man Plus

Out of the car, into the fire!

2010-09-03T01:28:00.000-07:00

Ferrari, probably the best car maker in Europe, has messed up with their 458 Italia.
How?.... Let me show you!

It seems the adhesive the manufacturers used heated up and caused in some 5 cases a fire. The manufacturer is recalling all the £170,000 cars.
this got me thinking, how come car makers for the man who doesn't own a Spanish villa or a French holiday home, manufacturers like Volvo, Vauxhall, Ford etc. rarely have design faults.
Yes they lack power, but structurally they are superb. Ferrari can brilliant engines which doesn't sound like a bear strangling a horse, but when it comes to body creation, they are using the same shape again and again, and as we've seen with this 458 Italia, the materials are not always... conventional.

I'd rather have a Ford Escort over a Ferrari any day!

Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini... WHY?!?!?!?!?!?

2010-06-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

It seems all these big manufacturers want to develop the huge concept cars that cost 5million quid to produce and sell them for 20% of the cost. And from what I know, that's bad business. The Veyron, no doubt it was a beautiful car, but, what's the point of a 200mph 900+ horsepower W12 engine, if you can only do 70 on the roads. I mean, we've got great cars out there that look good, drive good and cost little for insurance and tax, so why is everyone (well, anyone who can afford it) wanting to buy sleek Ferrari's and crazy Lambo's. After a while we've been wanting a car with a huge engine and back seats where you can actually fit your two and a half children. And Bugatti, have had an epiphany.

This is the Bugatti Galiber. It has an 8-litre 16c twin supercharged engine, and at 217mph, it goes like stink. And don't knock it because it's a concept car, it can move under it's own steam, and it even has space in the back for your 2.2 children.
But if this car is put into production it will cost £1million. So we''ll be spending a million quid on a family car we can't bomb down the motorway at top speed. so why are people wanting to buy these?

This is the Ferrari 599 GTO. And it's been silenced! Why would you silence the exhaust on a Ferrari? That's the whole point of a Ferrari. And it looks the same as all the other 599's. Anyone who buys this is going to be an absolute...

My First Screenplay

2010-05-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hi all, I'm starting my A2 Level in FIlm Studies. We are creating short films. And to get ahead I created this screenplay in a few hours.

Screenplay
For
A Final Curtain Call
Written by
Phil Oates
Director

Cinematography

Cast
Alan (Fictional Director)-
Paul (Male student)-
Cherise (Female Student)-
Dave (Male Student)-
Alexa (Female Student/1st Comatose)-
5-7 person project

A2 Film Studies
Creating A Short Film

Setting
A group of college students take their time out from study and make use of their time creating a movie for their class. After a few scenes, shooting is going well. But when producing a quick singing number by their favourite hangout, a scream is heard nearby, very nearby.
The students decide to check out where the scream came from. When they get there, they discover that all is how it should be, but the atmosphere is creepier. They go back to film the rest of the number, though they are on their guard, all except the guy directing.
The very same scream is heard again. The director, Alan, tells the group to carry on, saying it’s probably people messing about. When the scream is heard a third time, Alexa halfway through singing decides to investigate, on her own. The camera focuses on her as she disappears through the undergrowth.
Her voice can be heard blaspheming. The group runs to where she went. She is seen on the ground in a dazed, almost comatose state. The group takes her inside.
After, one of the group members, Paul, describes what has happened, mentioning Alexa walked off moments ago. The camera is then left focusing on the group, with them talking about what could’ve happened to her. A piercing scream is heard, followed by the group running out. After scuffling is heard, a malicious thud is heard at the window.
It then seems an unseen entity then picks up the camera, then mutters an unintelligible phrase. The body of the director is then put through the door, by the girl. The girl takes the camera and focuses on the director being what looks to be bitten by the unseen entity. Alexa then turns the camera towards her, and smiles.
After a cut to black, notes are seen.
‘Bodies of the students were recovered from the scene. Paul Lesly, Cherise Harrison and Dave Ryan, were in what doctors call involuntary comatose states.’
‘The director, Alan King, was discovered with wounds to the neck and wrists, in the areas of the main arteries, it is unclear how these wounds were made.’
‘The girl was discovered in a similar state to the other students.’
‘It is still unclear what happened to all the students, nor what caused the phenomenon.’
‘This video was released as a memento to the group’s artistic talents as filmmakers, writers, singers, and actors.’

Script
Alan=A1
Paul=P
Cherise=C
Dave=D
Alexa=A2
Unseen Entity=UE
- = long time frame
(Scene)
[Opening notes]
(FADE)
The following presentation is evidence for Case of Paranormal Phenomena #1297.
(FADE)
Under no circumstances should the presentation be shown to the public.
(FADE OUT)
[Presentation starts]
[A shot of A1 fixing the camera]
A1: Well, how do you do it?
C: Honestly, you know nothing about technology do you?
[C is in front of camera adjusting focus]
A1: I’ll let you know I have an iPhone.
A2: Yeah but you never bloody use it, do ya?
[Rest of group laugh]
C: There, done.
[Camera cuts off]

(Scene)
[CUT]
[A shot of college reception, P is speaking]
P: Well...uh... hang on.
A1: What the hell dude?!
P: What exactly am I doing?
A1: For... you’re introducing the vid.
P: Oooooh!
A1: Right let’s go again.
P: Hey guys! Welcome to our film. We’ll be showing you some of our fave places in the college, a bit of acting, and ending with some music.
A1: Good. Let’s get outta here.
[CUT]
(Scene)
[CUT]

(C and A2 finishing acting)
C: I DON’T CARE, GET OUTTA MY PUB!!! (Cockney Accent)
A2: (Walks out) I’ll... Be... Back. (Austrian Accent)
C: Christ’s sakes, you’re amateur!
-
D: That... was... awesome.
A1: Meh, could’ve been better.
D: What’re you talking about?
(D squares up to A1)
A1: Yeah, you wanna fight do ya?
C: GUYS, CALM THE HELL, DOWN!!!
[CUT]
(Scene)
[CUT]
[Outside seating area]
D: [Singing ‘Collide’]
-
D: [Finished]
A1: And, cut!
A2: Great. I bet I can’t top that.
D: You can try sis... you can try.
[SCREAM]
A2+D: What the...
[Group run towards field]
A1: What’s going on?
D: I don’t know, maybe we should take a closer look.
A1: No. We’ve got to carry on filming.
A2: OK... uh... oh yeah, it was my turn to sing wasn’t it?
D: Knock ‘em out sis!
A2: [Starts to sing ‘Smile’]
-
[SCREAM]
A1: For sakes... why can’t anyone be bloody mature!
D: Ooh, hark at him.
A1: Shut up! Carry on Alexa.
A2: [Continues to sing ‘Smile’]
[SCREAM]
A2: I’m going over there.
D: I’m coming with ya.
A1: [interrupts] Stay here.
D: You... [stresses]
[Camera is focused on A2]
[A2 disappears]
-
[A2 SCREAMS]
D: Jesus!
P: ALEXA!
[A2 is in a trance, looks comatose]
C: Dammit, let’s get her outta here.
[C+P+D lift A2]
D: Alan turn that camera off.
[A1 stills records]
D: For God’s sakes turn it off!
[CUT]
(Scene)
[CUT]
P: Ok, erm... Alexa went to investigate where those screams came from... er... and well, she went into some sort of... er... what do you call them?
D: Trances.
P: Yeah one of those and er... well she seems fine now... but if Alan hadn’t stopped Dave going with her... erm... she might have been Ok.
A1: What do you know?
P: A lot more than you. [Under breath] Prick.
[Camera focuses on group]
[Group talk about A2]
-
[A2 SCREAMS]
D: What the hell!
[Group run out]
[Sounds of a scuffle]
-
[Ominous THUD]
UE: [picks up camera]
A2: [Drags A1 into shot] [Takes camera]
A1: [Moves as if being bitten]
A2: [Focuses camera on self] [A2 with a smile]
[CUT]
Ending notes
‘Bodies of the students were recovered from the scene. Paul Lesly, Cherise Harrison and Dave Ryan, were in what doctors call involuntary comatose states.’
‘The director, Alan King, was discovered with wounds to the neck and wrists, in the areas of the main arteries, it is unclear how these wounds were made.’
‘The girl was discovered in a similar state to the other students.’
‘It is still unclear what happened to all the students, nor what caused the phenomenon.’
‘This video was released as a memento to the group’s artistic talents as filmmakers, writers, singers, and actors.’
[Final cut to black]
[Copyright note]

Skillet are one hell of a band

2010-05-12T01:39:00.001-07:00

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...
If you've seen Skillet's Comatose Comes Alive Tour of 08/09, be it live or on the Deluxe DVD, you know how to react. The intro to a Skillet concert is much better than any of todays artists, be it Lady GaGa and her outrageous outfits, or an MC spittin' lyrics that absolutely no-one understands. You haven't experienced a concert, until you've experienced a Skillet night concert.
I haven't experienced one in person, nor have I bought the Comatose DVD, but from vids on YouTube, they look awesome, and the closet I've experienced is listening to the whole Live Comatose tour on Spotify. Skillet are the best rock band for ages, be their competition hard rock, Christian rock and all the other rocks on the beach of music.
And a high majority of people I know don't even know who John Cooper, Korey Cooper, Ben Kasica and Jen Ledger are, nor do they know any rock bands like Skillet, Red, The Letter Black and P.O.D. despite huge coverage in the US, the UK pop culture is obsessed by these heavy baselines and trance anthems, or as I call it 'Chav Beats', which just get on other peoples nerves. The UK was once a deeply Christian/Catholic nation, so why isn't Christian Rock mainstream here in the UK.
I was Christian but lost faith because of my family, being deeply against me, being atheists and agnostic. I still uphold most of the morals of the faith, and a bigger fan of Christian Rock than ever.
Skillet is one of the greatest rock bands ever. And if you ain't down with that, me, and all the Skillet fans have got two words for ya!

Scarface: Phil Oates' Review

2009-11-19T06:20:00.001-08:00

Hi again,
One more review, and this time about the greatest gangster film of all tiime, Scarface.
To those of you who have never seen it, a quick overview of the plot.
The main protagonist is Antonio Montana, or Tony to his friends, 'a political prisoner from Cuba' by his own words.
After doing a favour for $500 and a green card, he finds himself along with his friends in Miami, Florida.
After Omar gives them a job and Tony tells Omar how it should be, sparks a conflict between the two. the job is changed.
At this job one of Tony's friends is murdered, we are left to think. this leads to cash, cocaine, suits and an interest in a woman.
Tony teams and works for Frank Lopez, Tony makes moves behind Frank's back and he's none too happy about it.
Tony has made a massive deal with Colombian drug lord, Alejandro Sosa and Frank believes he will not be able to get the first few million together. He sends a 2 man hit squad who fail to kill but succeed to wound. Tony knows it's Frank. He doesn't kill him, someone else does. Montana's rise to fame gets cut down by his morals which ends one big fight scene.
Then the phrase we know and love, 'You wanna kill me, you need a ******* army you gonna take me!'
This is the gangster movie, whoever you are, you will love this movie.
I give it 5 stars out of 5.
Al Pacino is brilliant, the scenes are incredible and the movie itself is unforgettable. Please don't watch it if you are easily offended. it is a movie you will want to watch again and again with its' deep storyline. Remember to comment and tell me any films you would like to review. Thanks. Phil.

Let The Right One In Review

2009-11-18T07:58:00.000-08:00

Let The Right One In

The Review

This is on of the greatest classic vampire films to date. Presented in Swedish with English subtitles, we are able to see a film way better than any Blade or Dracula, because it moves away from the merciless killing, and focuses on a relationship based on love, lust and unbreakable bonds.

The film is focused on the relationship between two characters. Oskar is a typical twelve-year-old boy, getting through the toils of life in cold and miserable Sweden. At school it seems like he excels at work, and is bullied constantly by one lad and his mates. He appears to be a loner as he doesn’t have any friends that we know of. His mother has told him to only play in the courtyard at night, fearing about a string of murders where the victim’s blood was brutally ‘tapped’. It’s because of this he meets someone new, someone mysterious.

Eli, a girl of twelve ‘more or less’ by her own words. What do she mean by more or less? Her looks and personality suggest a hint of evil. She has jet black hair and grayish eyes. When we first see her she is wearing clothes you wouldn’t exactly want to wear at below freezing, but she mentions she is not cold, and that she has forgotten how. There is a reason for this not that we know, (WARNING: SPOILER!) she is a vampire, a nightstalker.

This unlikely relationship starts with a puzzle, a Rubik’s Cube to be exact, suggesting the relationship will be broken, like a Rubik’s puzzle until all the sides are solid, suggesting Oskar and Eli will become one, celebrating the differences between them.

The Opinion

Vampire films are not my favourite genre unless you put Blade in front of me. However, this film… is truly awesome. After a slow start I was immediately hooked.
I felt sympathy for Eli. I realized she does not want to be who she is, but she must survive, and I feel sorry for her. I just want to old her hand and tell her everything will be OK.
The plot is deep and is easily grasped by superb acting and dialogue. The filming is raw and you feel as if you’re there, sharing the character’s emotions. I could watch this film over and over and still get choked up by one scene. When it comes to write my 50 films to see while you’re living (not before you die!) this is up there with Scarface, Crank and The Transporter.

In Conclusion

This is a film for everyone who loves horror and traces of romance in their films. But it’s not for those who can’t handle blood, as gallons are spilt in this horror epic. In closing, it is a film that is going to be a classic for the next decade.

Written by,
Philip Oates

Revolver Film Review

2009-11-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

Revolver
Written and Directed by Guy Ritchie
Produced by Luc Besson and Virginie Silla
Starring
Jason Statham as Jake Green
Ray Liotta as Dorothy Macha
Andre Benjamin as Avi
Vincent Pastore as Zach
Certificate: 15: Contains strong language and violence

Revolver: The Definitive Review

Revolver is a film in which the art of the con is taken to the limit and beyond. Along with bullets flying left and right and a cryptic plot, the film is 110 minutes of ‘edge of the seat’ action with a brilliant cast.

The main roles fall to Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, Andre Benjamin and Vincent Pastore, who are sure to keep you entertained throughout the film.

Jake Green [Statham] has been out of prison for two years and has amassed a stash of cash large enough to clear the debt of anyone who has a debt. He wishes to acquire a business, like Dorothy Macha’s [Liotta] a ruthless crime boss and casino owner. After saving Jake’s life, Avi [Benjamin] and Zach [Pastore] bleed Jake dry to fuel their career as ‘loan sharks.’ After being told he has a blood disorder which will contaminate his blood and organs killing him in three days, he doesn’t throw away the idea that he is being conned but play their game. This will lead him on a revealing trip laced with coke and cash theft.

The film is cryptic and will keep you guessing throughout. For example, who put together the formula Jake learnt in prison that has acquired him a fortune? To who is The GoldFather, Sam Gold?

It is laced with several examples of philosophical and cryptic lines which in turn are rules of life. These include; 'You can only get smarter, by playing a smarter opponent’ [Fundamentals of Chess 1883] and ‘The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory’ [Unknown]

The film will play head games with you, like head games are being played with Jake. You will be able to sympathise with Jake as you are going through what he is going through. It is not a film for those with a short attention span, as the tag line suggests, ‘Your mind will not accept…A game this big.'

It is a film which will keep you guessing and you will love every second of it. 5 stars out of 5 means this is a must-see film for everyone.

I highly recommend buying the Special Edition[Fully Loaded] DVD and experience 2 hours of brilliant extras, including a stills gallery with over 100 pictures from the film and behind the scenes played to excerpts from the soundtrack, 7 deleted scenes and hilarious outtakes. 4 out of 5 stars for the extras.
Watch it, and experience one of the greatest films to come to Britain since the 007 series.
Review by: Philip Oates

Film Tracking Activity

2009-09-25T03:14:00.000-07:00

Chosen Film: Surrogates

Based on the 2005-2006 graphic novel Surrogates

Classification: 12A

Release Dates:

September 24th 2009 (Australia)

September 25th 2009 (UK

/US)

January 22nd 2010 (Japan)

Where? All cinemas

The distributors: TouchStone Pictures

The producers: David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman, Max Handelman and Elizabeth Banks

The director - other films by director Jonathon Mostow.

Also Directed- Beverly Hills Bodysnatcher (Direct to video 1989)

Flight Of The Black Angel (TV 1991)

Breakdown (1997)

U-571 (1997)

Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines (2003)

The actors

Bruce Willis

Radha Mitchell

Rosamund Pike

Ving Rhames

Boris Kodjoe

Jack Noseworthy

James Cromwell

James Francis Ginty

The genre of the film

Science Fiction (Based on comic book series '05-'06)

Tie in promotions:

Competition on abclocal.go.com

Section of website on chooseyoursurrogate.com linking to VSI (company in film.)

Finance production costs: estimated $80,000,000

Box office figures:

Russia: $5,284,782

UK: $1,532,956

First weekend returns: $14,902,692

How much the mov

ie grosses: $18,618,779

Advertising/Publicity

Tag Line: How do you save you save humanity, when the thing that's real, is you?

Advertising on phone boxes, cinema trailers, clips on several websites i.e. www.screenrush.co.uk/

Websites devoted to the film, posters, TV Ads, magazine ads.

www.chooseyoursurrogate.com, internet trailers (ign.com/screenrush.com)

Opinions

Liam J. Walker

Any chance to see Bruce Willis is always welcome, and the plot certainly has potential, however it is slightly let down by complicated plot twists and treacheries by the two sides. It leads to head-scratching, wondering who is on who's side, which might have been the intention but ends up just being an annoying and distracting confusion. The special effects cannot be faltered, as Willis is convincingly removed of all worry lines and wrinkles whe

n using his robot 'Surrogate' and is devoid of all emotion. As an analogy of our increasing dependence and addiction to technology, there are better examples, such as The Ring, but this is a fair addition. Worth watching, just wait for the DVD.

Philip Oates

The film is one of the weirdest sci-fi, action type films around. Its' plot is deep but it is ruined by the abrupt ending. Which lead to me completely forgetting what had gone on at that point! But it does start to come back. The plot twists take a lot of figuring out, but then you realise they were handed to you on a plate. Br

uce Willis actually got to use some of John McClane's (Die Hard) wittiness. And you can't fault the special effects, especially the removal of worry and laugh lines from him when he is using his surrogate.

Willis is getting on but he is still helping churn out brilliant films. This film is outlining how dependent we have become on computers and technology and how the world could look in 2017 if this technology actually is developable (yeah, right!). it is well worth a watch and I will certainly buy the DVD. 92%.