Truth Will Out

Time crawls on when you're waiting for the song to start, so dance alone to the beat of your heart (FOB)

[riddlesdiary]

Some snaps from my Harry Potter Reread - Part 2 [Part 1]

[h0odrich]

everything good makes you fat an addict or broke

[apostateofmind]

"a star shines on the hour of our meeting"

[dykebrucespringsteen]

oh my god

lotr shade

[ohmygodgerard]

[the-alexandria-affliction]

[yesgeorgebertram]

I can't even!!!

[riddle-of-revenge]

[murderrface]

Pass it on #mcr #mychem #mychemicalromance #my #chemical #romance #passiton

[mysuperhumans]

Fake your Death

[tvdedfever]

So I just listened to Fake your death for the first time…I love it. They need to get back together, like, right now! #mcr #mychemicalromance #frerard #fakeyourdeath #band #music #bands

[yesgeorgebertram]

Remember Me-Marking the One Year Anniversary of the End of My Chemical Romance

On this day, one year ago, I came back from an excellent ballroom dance lesson in the late evening. My mood was sky high due my partner and I potentially starting a routine to My Chemical Romance's 'Teenagers.' As was my habit after coming home, I logged on to MCR's website to check if any tour dates have been announced. I was trying to convince my fellow killjoy that something big was coming and that it was a summer tour!! Imagine my surprise when I saw a new post and it was something big indeed but most certainly not what I was expecting. My breath left my lungs, my hands clenched the table I sat at and as I read the brief note, my eyes began to fill with tears. I know it's an illogical reaction, I know it's just a band but what they gave me can only be understood by those who have experienced a similar inner change through MCR's music. Through their first two albums, they gave me an outlet to the anger and frustrations I felt during those uncertain teenage years. I didn't feel nearly as alone anymore and all of a sudden I was able to face the blackness that was building inside me and make it go away. I was lucky that I had them at such a perfect time before I slipped into darkness. Many did not have them early enough but their healing power is so strong that they were able to illuminate the way to a better world to everyone who wanted out. During Black Parade, more people became aware of their incredible musical and writing skills. MCR fans were so generous that you could not tell the difference between old and new because everyone was welcome (at concerts this was especially noticeable). Here, they gave us the tools with which we were supposed to go out and make the world a better place. Or at least make ourselves stronger and cleaner and live the life we were given. The movement was growing and I was happiest during this time. Their music was ideal for any and every situation and mood. All I needed was one song for courage and confidence to burn inside me and make me feel like I could take on anything (and do it with a smile). Danger Days came after a mysterious album was scrapped being deemed not ready (thank God we got it in the end!). The sound was different, the lyrics still powerful but not what we were used to. Then the artwork and the guys' looks (and the five members going down to four) were so....colorful! Like they raided a paint store. It took me a few listens of the album to really understand and love. Then came a point when I could listen to nothing BUT Danger Days! There was so much to hear and understand but the second half of the album made me wary. Several of the songs implied a preparation for something. We had our tools, we had our inner light and we had our fellow friends. Now we were asked to go and show what we could do. By ourselves. But I pushed this idea out and ignored the feeling. Conventional Weapons album was impossible for me to start listening to, I still cannot say why. I thought this was the first step to announcing their tour. And so here we come to this day, one year ago. I will finish this long post (that coould turn into a book there is so much to say) with a thank you. Thank you Gerard, Frank, Ray, Mikey and even Bob for giving so many people the confidence and inner strength that we did not know how to find or sustain. You brought us out of ourselves and turned us to face the world. We know that it doesn't want to be saved but we will keep trying. We will look to each other to keep us going when we feel lost or tired. To help us remember the remarkable beauty that these five men were able to create in order to help themselves understand and recover from the horrific acts in the world and in the process they changed the lives of millions who will forever be grateful. We will keep your message alive and we will continue to sing and to dance to make this world a place we want to live in. Thank you My Chemical Romance - your grateful fan, MCRmy soldier and eternal Killjoy. GB

[yesgeorgebertram]

Fake Your Death - My Chemical Romance

Now that it has been a few days since the release of the never-before-heard MCR song ‘Fake Your Death’ I can more or less disclose my thoughts without bursting into tears or gushing like a freshly slit throat (I’m not sorry - that’s how I feel!).

This beautiful goodbye fully embodies everything they stand for and give us once again something to live for and remember.

Musically, I LOVE the piano - it’s the determined march through life sound, with the sadness of ‘Cancer’ and the willingness to carry on of ‘Welcome to the Black Parade.’  I also liked hearing more backup from Ray (unless it was Frank, but I’m pretty sure it was Ray).

Lyrically, it felt like they were taking one final opportunity to tell everyone who hasn’t understood it or who have forgotten it that you CANNOT forget who you are and no matter what happens, never ever let other people dictate your life or tell you that you’re not good enough.  That among other things, as the whole MCRmy already knows, is the core :) Every album gives additional shades and layers to the message and inspires you to LIVE.

I cannot wait to see the DVD that will come with ‘May Death Never Stop You’ because it has hours of never before seen footage.  If watching ‘Life on the Murder Scene’ makes me tear up, I don’t know how I will get through MDNSY…

To all of the Killjoys and soldiers of the MCRmy and especially those from the gloriously raw days of ‘Bullets’ - I feel their message will go on as long as we keep listening and singing, but most importantly, living (‘…if we sing these words, we’ll never die’).

GB

[yesgeorgebertram]

The Nominees for the Best Picture Oscar

The quick rundown of the nine Oscar nominated feature films.

1. 12 Years a Slave - my pick for Best Picture.  Superbly done, perfect casting, based on the real life experience of Solomon Northup (violinist), and excellent editing.  Engaging and will breathe a new life into the forgotten (or previously unknown) story of the free man that was forced into slavery.

2. American Hustle - did anyone else find that this was overhyped and slow?  I thought it was choppy, unclear, had poor character development and just agonizing editing.  Even the haircuts and clothes couldn't keep me interested when the plot flopped around.  Sorry but this movie had nothing going for it but the cast and the director's previous Oscar win.  Predict no wins at all - maybe Jennifer Lawrence because we really love her and want to hear her speak.

3. Captain Phillips - A good thriller but not Oscar material.  It is relevant and well filmed but in ten years it will not be remembered as the greatest movie of 2013.  Tom Hanks was great.  Barkhad Abdi was great for a first time actor.  Imrov was impressive. But no Oscars here either - maybe in the sound mixing category (it's amazing how difficult it is to make water sound like water...)

4.Dallas Buyers Club - Overall very good in hindsight, but when I left the theater I was slightly disappointed.  I was expecting 'Philadelphia' pace and intensity but did not get it.  Matthew McConaughey was, of course, incredible. The story of Ron Woodruff is definitely overdue for a retelling, but I was hoping for something stronger. Writing was ok, editing was ok.  Now, Jared Leto is the talk of the town and the one who made the thing stand out.  His portrayal of Rayon was flawless and perfectly flawed - it was like he knew exactly who she was.  I actually felt that there was more of her story that he knew that he did not share.  As a side note - at the Santa Barbara Film Fest he got heckled and handled it like a true artist and peacemaker - engaged in conversation to understand the heckler's issue and challenged her to consider his views. I don't want to say guaranteed Oscar win for Best Supporting, but....guaranteed.

http://www.vanityfair.com/vf-hollywood/jared-leto-heckled

5. Gravity - I predict Alfonso Cuaron will win the Best Director award.  I thought casting was horrible (I know....it's just two people) and yet brilliant. Who would ever see a movie by a foreign director (granted a superstar director) about space? But with George Clooney and Sandra Bullock?  People are intrigued....Of the nine nominated films, this one is the highest grossing one. AND it is about faith....in God.  Oscar wins definitely- maybe cinematography, visual effects and directing.

6. Her - I need to see this.  Joaquin Phoenix...with a mustache...smiling...laughing. Spike Jonze directing.  Relevant theme and beautiful shots (but soaked in sadness, can't help it, I know).  I want to hear what Mr. Jonze has to say about love...I wish Don Jon was nominated (read my review!).  Oscar wins - I'm guessing writing maybe.

7. Nebraska - Have not seen this, but it looks like a good watch. The Midwest is a great topic for Hollywood because it's like a foreign country in our backyard.  The culture, the vocabulary, the beliefs....and the people's sense of humor.  I like that it is in black and white.  Don't anticipate any wins sadly...maybe writing?

8. Philomena - Oh Ireland...ohhh Catholic Church...Dame Judy Dench and Steve Coogan.  I have not seen it but it looks great, definitely a tear-jerker, which we all love this time of the year.  Not much to say due to lack of viewing but will report back if new developments surface.

9. The Wolf of Wall Street - what can I say...the hype and anticipation around this movie could have been cut with a dull knife.  I thought the three hour running time and the NC-17 rating would disqualify it for a theatrical release before January but it didn't.  All of the backlash following its release only made it more popular - no bad publicity in Hollywood, as you know.  One thing the haters missed though - the film does not glorify the scamming greedy Wall Street guys of the 80s - it points out in very graphic unapologetic terms just what these people allow themselves and what a blind eye the regulatory agencies and government turned on it all.  It is a cautionary tale but Mr. Scorsese will not bend over backwards to spell it out for you.  The ending is his test - are you the drooler that will buy this or are you going to get up and do something about it?! This is still going on and no one seems to really care. Perhaps it is fear - for money makes even the most courageous shake and the most cowardly stand tall. 

The Academy Awards ceremony will be televised on ABC on March 2nd.

  GB

[yesgeorgebertram]

Dare to Fight Drugs

In the light of the tragic and untimely death of Mr. Philip Seymour Hoffman, I propose a different way to mourn (if mourn you must). 

Hollywood studios that engage actors, directors, crew (everyone really) MUST include a very important point in their contracts - routine drug tests.  It's frustrating when the media pushes headlines like 'Studios Deal with Shocking Deaths' because the deaths are only shocking to outsiders.  I highly doubt that people close to Mr. Hoffman were unaware that he was addicted to heroin.  I know they make the effort to go to rehab and help themselves, but they seem to misjudge their progress.

This should raise awareness of the highly ineffective drug education programs that we have in and outside schools.  D.A.R.E needs a revamp, and let me say that whatever others claim, these programs work.  They may not reach everyone, but they do make a difference.  I understand that this is far easier said than done, but it should be said.  Hollywood is well aware of all the talent that it lost to drug abuse and yet they accept it as part of the deal. 

Something else that I think is interesting - fame must be a terrible thing to live with since so many turn to drugs to escape their lives.  Or perhaps it is not fame, perhaps it is the individual and those surrounding him. 

We will never know, but when rare talent like Mr. Hoffman and fresh talent like Cory Monteith succumb to drugs, something must be done.  There are thousands more that die every day because of drugs who are alone and who will never be mourned or missed.  They can be saved and we can get illegal substances under control and off the streets. Call me naïve but it CAN be done.

http://www.drugawarenessandprevention.org/

http://www.dare.org/

I bet Hillary Clinton has some ideas of what can be done about this...

GB

[yesgeorgebertram]

Last Thoughts on Alone Yet Not Alone

One more item on the 'Alone Yet Not Alone' song controversy:

I truly hope the Academy invites singer Joni Eareckson Tada to perform at the show.  She will hopefully see this as an opportunity to spread the message and share her thoughts on the matter.  As a Christian, she may see this as a chance to practice forgiveness.  I think it will be life affirming to watch Ms. Tada perform live because the amount of physical effort required to create this beautiful music, and it may just break Hollywood's heart (if it has one).

Please watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWVyVMbSzM4

George Bertram

[yesgeorgebertram]

Overdue Thoughts on a Revoked Oscar Nomination

I know it has been almost a week but I wanted to comment on the Academy's unusual move to revoke a nomination in the Best Original Song category.

Bruce Broughton was nominated for the movie Alone Yet Not Alone (song of the same name) and then last week the nomination was taken away.  The reason the Academy gives is that Broughton engaged in incorrect campaigning methods, which specifically included emailing members of the Academy to bring their attention to this movie and the song.  He was a former Academy governor and head of the music branch. 

Now, campaigning during Oscar season is intense and really knows no bounds.  Many were surprised that mere emails resulted in such a drastic move.  Mr. Weinstein has a special team dedicated to campaigning during this time - and they can do it all.

Some people believe that the fact that it is a faith-based film is the reason the nomination was revoked.  This is a very weak argument - look at 'Gravity' with its 10 nominations....if Hollywood disliked faith based films so much why bestow so many honors here?

As unfortunate and upsetting it is to get your nomination revoked, the amount of publicity this has generated will result in a much wider audience watching this film.  So in the end, the Academy actually did Mr. Broughton a favor by increasing the movie's visibility and making everyone who would otherwise never hear of it, clamoring to see it.

The Academy Awards ceremony will be on ABC on March 2nd :)

  George Bertram

[yesgeorgebertram]

American Idol Tonight - quick update

I am so thrilled with this season of 'American Idol.'  In my first post awhile back I doubted the judging abilities of Harry Connick Jr., but those doubts are long gone.  He is phenomenal - and his sense of humor is glorious.

I am also pleased to see that Keith is back on the panel (I don't know why I thought he wouldn't be). 

All three judges are finally focusing on finding real talent and giving a chance to those with natural talent that hasn't quite developed.  As always, there have already been some misses - those that should have been let through but weren't and those that had no business going somehow made it in.  That is expected, but the best part for me is that there is no more drama among the judges.  All three seem to coexist wonderfully and respect each other as they should.

Cannot wait for tonight's episode!

George Bertram

[truthandmovies-blog]

DUTCH “WOLF OF WALL STREET” POSTER

in cinerama filmtheater!

(this is amazing)