The Magic of the Theatre

If you've never been to a live theatre performance, I strongly suggest you do so. It will, in no small manner, improve the quality of your life. There's a certain magic within those walls that draws you in and triggers sensations you cannot discover anywhere else. It's a joy to behold, and a welcome relief from the crippling realm of the outside world.

Me dressing the part at a showing of Castle of Caligari.

Art Revisited

I have this drawing in my sketchbook from about 2 years ago, but never got around to doing anything with it. Call it procrastination if you will, but I finally decided to take it to digital and color it. I think it turned out great.

Original sketch. I think I gave up on the background haha

 I forgot where I originally got inspired for this, but there could be many sources. I love the Old West type characters and settings.

Colored Version. Gotta love that Photoshop.

I wonder what other treasures are waiting in the sketchbook vault. I should go through and check everything haha. This was way too fun. Away I go!

This bitch

After a rather ominous introduction at the end of last season, Legend of Korra's newest villain is (surprise!) Kuvira. Within a few minutes of watching the season 4 premiere, she's already been placed onto my "Needs an Ass Beating" list. Her occupation/conquering of the Earth Kingdom is clearly corrupt, and I cannot wait to see her throw down with Team Avatar.

Her tactics are much like another of my favorite villains; Najara from Xena: Warrior Princess. Both fight against bandits and give them a pretty far-fetched ultimatum; join them or be executed. If that's any sign of where this season of Korra is headed, Kuvira is gonna go batshit crazy before being taken down.

Najara, pre-psychotics. Xena: Warrior Princess

Can't wait!

Atkins Watch: Boulevard

R.I.P. Robin Williams, a comedy treasure whose brilliance will forever be cherished.

I had the deepest pleasure of catching a screening of this wonderful film at this year's Outfest in Los Angeles. It stars Robin Williams as Nolan Mack, an aged man reaching his limitations on sexual suppression. Although married, it is clear the circumstances of the betrothal are far from ordinary. On a seemingly typical night, our main character comes across a young hustler named Leo(Roberto Aguire), with whom he begins an intimate affair. The relationship allows for Nolan to come to terms with his sexuality and we follow him on his journey of self-acceptance.

We all know Robin Williams is no stranger to powerful drama. He does not disappoint as he delivers a beautiful and touching performance as this tragically damaged character. Often it is what he doesn't say that speaks loudest, as the body language and expression used gives hint to the turmoil within. We all remember the joy and laughter Robin has brought us throughout his lengthy career, but it is films such as Boulevard, in which he shows us the depth of skill and emotion he is able to muster as any character, that I will remember the most.

X-men: Days of Future Past

I love X-men. I love film. So naturally, an X-men film almost guarantees my attendance. The latest in the series was X-men: Days of Future Past. It was quite enjoyable, as I love the majority of the cast and there's nothing more satisfying to me than a good ol' mutant battle. There were just a few things bugging the hell out of me, this one point in particular:

I mean, I'm not looking for direct comic-to-movie adaptation. I love new interpretations of classic storylines and scenarios. The thing that bugs me, though, is when liberties are taken simply for the sake of telling the director's story. Creating this random power for the sake of time travel made absolutely no sense. When the hell did Kitty Pryde develop such a gift. In the original comic, Rachel Grey (a telepath) was the one who sent Kitty back in time. Now, I get that in the movie universe Kitty would have been way too young to go back. However, Professor X is still alive (unlike in the comic). All-powerful telepath sitting right there the whole time. There was no reason to go artificial. They could have just swapped out Rachel for Professor X. If someone could give me a logical reason why that didn't happen, I'd love to hear it.

Atkins out.

Atkins Review: The Legend of Korra Finale

I know I'm a bit late with this review (seeing as how the newest season has already kicked off), but wow! What a season that was for Legend of Korra! The finale did not disappoint as everything leading up to it came to a head. No punches were pulled during the final battle. Lives were lost and consequences were met. Our heroes lay witness to an enraged avatar state not seen in nearly a century, and struggled to find any way to help. It was a grand display worthy of the original series, and a true restoration of this new series' reputation.

Pride 2014 - A Day to Remember

This year has definitely been one for the record books. Having graduated from college late last year (thank you, but please hold your applause), I've opened up time slots previously unavailable in order to experience more of LA. I've been volunteering like a madman, learning more and more about the exciting events and fundraisers that surface each month. The highlight so far was attending Pride in West Hollywood with friends who had never experienced an LGBT gathering, let alone one on such a grand scale as the annual festival. It was a day of wonderful firsts, and having been trapped with our noses buried in books for the past year, they were all happily welcomed.