It is exactly one month until the forth Ocean's movie opens. Of course, the first was the original film, Ocean's 11 starring, the "Rat Pack." But my introduction to the Ocean's franchise was with the remake of Ocean's 11 in 2001 by Award Winning Director, Steven Soderburgh, who also has made the two subsequent sequels, Ocean's 11 and Ocean's 13.

When I sat in the theater to watch the remake, I was enthralled by the presentation of the film. It was hip, it was edgy. It was a great scam with entertaining characters. Linus, played by Matt Damon is most entertaining. In Ocean's 11 and 12, Linus sought to prove himself as a leader and his acting was hilarious. Don Cheadle is ALWAYS exceptional...and who can complain about the phenomenal acting of George Clooney and Brad Pitt. With the ICON Al Pacino starring in 13, I can only image how great it wil be.

Plot of Ocean's 13
Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and the gang would have only one reason to pull off their most ambitious and risky casino heist—to defend one of their own. When ruthless casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino) double-crosses one of the original Ocean's eleven—Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould)—Danny and the gang team up one more time to see if they can break "the Bank."

Oscar night was yesterday and moments before the announcement of each winner, I yelled out who I thought was going to win. Each time my wife asked, "How do you know who is going to win." She was so surprised that 8 out of nine of my predictions were correct.

I guess I was just lucky. But I certainly know what good films and good actors are when I see them on the BIG SCREEN. Believe it or not, when I watched the film Dreamgirls at the theater, I was not very impressed. I didn't necessarily expect to see so much singing. However, I was quite impressed with Jennifer Hudson's performance. She moved me. Being a first-timer, I felt that the Academy had to give her a nod. Having not seen the films of each support actress nominee, I yell Jennifer Hudson, right after I saw clips of ezch film on TV. And wouldn't you know...I was right.

What can we say about Marty (Martin Scorsese)? With his history in the film industry, directing films like Raging Bull, Cape Fear, and Taxi Driver, he was certainly deserving of an Oscar. I thought The Departed was an excellent film; When young man doesn't like Mob and Gangster movies. It was a great film and I couldn't wait until I got it on DVD. But I don't necessarily believe that it was Oscar worthy. But, what the hell, it was Marty. He was deserving. But not the film.

Eddie Murphy was finally nominated. Good for him. He is a great comedian and a very good actor. In time, I honestly believe that Eddie has Oscar value. He simply needs to slowly but surely re-invent himself and limit his comedic roles. Jamie Foxx did it and Eddie can too. And although I was unfamiliar with Alan Arkin's work, I certainly predicted that he would win simply because of his age.

Yep! You guess it. When moments before the winner of the "Best Supporting Actor" was announced, I yelled to my wife, "That older guy from Little Miss Sunshine." Let's see how well my predictions are in 2008.

A December 31, 2006 article, "Films in Cable Crunch" by Gabriel Snyder and John Dempsey, suggests that the future of threatrical movies sales to cable networks will be in significant jeopardy beginning in 2008, when contracts between major cable networks and movie studios are due to expire. Snyder and Dempsey claim that the studios are in danger of losing its "cash cow" of theatrical movie sales because cable executives are convinced that producing and owning their own movies will be more profitable. As you may soon discover, I am a hugh proponent of Hollywood filmmaking and theatrical distribution.

Having said that, I contend that movie-goers prefer and continue to patronize movie theaters as long as films are worth it. Hollywood films must become more intriguing, more entertaining, more compelling, and provide a unique experience for the movie-goer. Cable networks are sure to lose profitability if they choose to not renew the contracts they have with movie studios.

Staying at home and watching a film release on a television or on the Internet, is in no way either equally or more entertaining than watching a film at the theatre. At the theatre there is a BIG screen, the sound effects, the expensive snacks, the heckling, the sticky floors, the long lines, and most important, the reactions of the crowd. Sure, sometimes these events can be frustrating, but the events at the theatre cannot be replaced. It is an outing that many of us look forward to.

We as film consumers use pay-per-view in response to the what we have heard about a movie from those who have seen it at the theatre. We are often disappointed because watching the same movie at home does not produce the same experience. Simply put, the cable networks will experience a significant economic loss should they not renew their contracts with film studios.

Filmmakers, Take this survey!

With the advent of inexpensive digital technologies and filmmaking equipment, I am certain that more and more would-be filmmakers will explore the possibilty of making filmmaking a career. There is a multitude of undiscovered talent who have been unable to reach the big leagues. But we can now purchase digital video cameras and editing software at a very reasonable rate. The more difficult challenge is getting a good script and finding committed actors and talented actors who are willing to act in your movie for free. But, because you are an exceptional director, you can always encourage your actors to put out good work. So that is not the problem.

What we need is to pool our talents together so we can produce the work that we, as passionate filmakers and movie-goers, want to see. The talent is here. The technology is here for us to work collectivley. We simply need to work together in support of one another's projects. I think we can make it happen. Do you think this would work?

Take this survey!

Also, HELP ME OUT...PLEASE?
I am a true amature filmmaker who is writing and producing a short about a depressed 26 year-old, Brian Montgomery, who is attempting to commit suicide. With his decision practically made, Brian is not struggling with his decision, but he is struggling because he continues to get interrupted. This comedy is certain to be halirious!

I need your help. I beleive that writing this piece collectively will only make it better. I want the Blogger community to help me develop the story.

First Question: How do you think this story should begin?