Steve Figueroa Photography

Movie Review: Bone Tomahawk

1/9/2016

 
Picture
Every once in awhile, a film is released that reinvigorates the senses. Hiding a raw, almost all-too-real grit that movies lack these days - where little special effects are used and incredibly intense acting are the driving force. Other films I place in this category are "There Will Be Blood" and "No Country for Old Men" are the latest two I would stack up next to this new classic. Director S. Craig Sahler somehow pulled it off.

Bordering on Horror, Suspense, Drama, and Sci Fi, "Bone Tomahawk" has it all. There's even a couple of laughs to be found. However, it is overshadowed by the sheer brutality brought on by the blood thirsty cannibals that become the focal point of what could have went in any classic western direction.

The acting is brilliant. Stoic. Ballsy. With an all-star cast that features Kurt Russell in the lead as the take-no-crap small town Sheriff. He runs a tight ship but appreciates his trusty sidekick played by the iconic Richard Jenkins (Step Brothers) really shows his acting chops in his role as Chicory - the town buffoon full of humble nobility and a devoted friendship to the Sheriff. It seems crazy to see him in this role in a film that could have easily casted him in the lead. 

Matthew Fox really shines as Brooder, the douchey antagonist with good taste in clothes and the best damn horse in town. Not a role you're used to seeing him pull off. But here he shines. As does Patrick Wilson who shares the main character duties with Jenkins, Russell, and Fox.

Final Thoughts: I see Richard Jenkins winning a SAG award for really absorbing his character. I see an Oscar Nod for Editing, Music, and probably Make-Up. What movie has ONE song? None. It's brilliant, brutal, and bloody. Good god, there is no preparing yourself for what you will see. 

"Blood Tomahawk" is streaming on Amazon Prime. If you don't have prime, it's on sale on DVD/Blu-Ray. Click on the link below and save a few bucks. 

Picture
Comments

Product Review: Silicone Shisha Bowl

1/4/2016

 
Picture
Picture
If you know me, you know I am a bit of a Hookah fan. I do not endorse smoking cigarettes or other things because that's just not my thing. It stinks. It makes everything stink.

But, hookah seems to be the lesser of those evils. It smells great, tastes delicious, and a great way for friends to gather and have a great time. Young and old, everyone who goes to a decent Hookah Lounge has a great time. 

Over the years, I have visited dozens of hookah lounges, tested all kinds of various shishas, and I feel like I've reached the point where I can definitively and effectively judge products available in this market.

One of the newer items to hit the market is the Silicone Shisha Bowl. This item is still catching steam with home users, but bar owners are shying away from it as may not have proven itself in a continual usage environment. 

I ordered this particular model from Amazon and I love it!

Pros: Available in Multiple Colors. It's easy to clean, you don't have to overpack it, and you don't need a grommet. It'll fit onto any of my hookah stems - Khalil Mamoon, Mini, etc.

Cons: It's hard to get your foil to fit tight as the silicone flexes under pressure. My solution? MORE FOIL. Honestly, It's not as smooth as a tangiers style. But I think the benefits balance with these drawbacks.

I definitely recommend adding one of these to your collection. Thanks for reading and if you want to order one, they are on sale for $11.99 with free shipping on Amazon. Click on the link provided and help support my website!


Comments

Poll: Is 'Die Hard' a Christmas themed movie?

12/23/2015

 
Picture

    What's your opinion?

Submit
According to Public Policy Polling, Americans no longer feel Bruce Willis' 1988 smash hit, Die Hard is a Christmas movie. 

I have to call BS on that. I think they just aren't polling the right group of people. So, I created a poll of my own. I want your opinion. Be honest. I'll post results within 48 hours. 

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and Happy Holidays to you, yours, and your pets from your pal, Steve!



Comments

Update: The World Isn't So Terrible After All

12/22/2015

 
Picture
If you pay attention, the news is full of shitty stories, distraction tactics, and worthless celebrity updates that no one in their right mind should pay any attention to. So, I will do my best to avoid sharing those stories with you - unless they are absolutely hilarious. 

However, this story is as uplifting and awesome as it gets. A security guard at Georgia Tech's Scheller School of Business, Marcus Burns, made an incredible impression on students under his watch. He learned their names, engaged them like adults, always made their day even when they were freaking out about assignments and finals. 

So, they banded together to raise a little cash for a little Christmas Bonus and they ended up raising much more than they ever imagined. Check out the video. It's heartwarming to see someone appreciated for just being polite and friendly. The world we live in these days doesn't always seem to foster that mentality.

I'll do my best to share more positive stories for you guys. I'll let the professionals at fear mongering and scare tactics in mainstream media keep bombarding everyone with their nonsense. 

Click here for the full story: 

Comments

Patuxent State Park, MD

12/21/2015

 
Steve Figueroa Photography - Patuxent State Park Entrance
Back in Maryland, I had some time to explore some new places. While my aunt, uncle, and cousin were doing stuff, I took a drive about a half hour away to Patuxent State Park. The night prior we attended a going away party for one of my aunt's coworkers and a fellow photographer mentioned how beautiful the park was. So I had to check this place out. 

He was right. It nothing but trees and rivers. 6,700 acres worth to be exact. Exactly the type of place I wanted to find peace at on this trip. When I got there, I was surprised to find so many people cycling, hiking, and just enjoying the tranquility a place like this offers. Coming from Florida, most state parks don't offer the isolation Patuxent offered. Just entering the park felt like a secret government facility featured in the X-Men movie franchise. 

The day I went, park patrons were partaking in a rather large nature enthusiast swap meet of sorts. 

Picture
But there really was something captivating about this place. I can't explain it. While I felt robbed of a chance to capture some awesome ornithological photography - the birds flew south for the winter - I still got to smell real winter forest air. There's something different about it. It's pure. Just you and wildlife. No cars, diesel fumes, cigarettes, piss, or whatever other scents penetrate your daily routine. 

Now, at the meet, people were selling all kinds of things. Photography, artwork, taxidermied animals, wood fish trophy plaques, and more. All handmade by locals. The quality was incredible. I was impressed by the wide variety and the value you got. Prices were dirt cheap for what you were getting. I only wish I had a few bucks to spend and support some of these folks. However, I was 4 steps from offering sad lap dances to local truckers myself. 

If you are ever in these parts, make a quick stop into Patuxent State Park. You won't regret it. They offer a ton hunting grounds, plenty of good fishing from what I was told, and the bird watching is outlandishly good in the summer months. There's even a park tour you can go on.

Check out the gallery below for more images from my visit:
Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>


    ​Welcome to my blog!

    Manchester United FC
    SmugMug.com is my preferred image management system. Click here to join!

    Archives

    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    January 2013

    Categories

    All
    Babies
    Infant
    Newborn

    RSS Feed

Product Review Requests
COS 2016 Season Photos
​Contact Me
Central Valley PC
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Sports Galleries
    • COS vs Cosumnes River
    • COS vs Fresno City
    • COS vs Saddleback - Easter Classic
  • Portfolio
    • Portraits
    • Modeling
    • Products
    • Babies
  • Contact
  • Testimonials
  • Services
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Sports Galleries
    • COS vs Cosumnes River
    • COS vs Fresno City
    • COS vs Saddleback - Easter Classic
  • Portfolio
    • Portraits
    • Modeling
    • Products
    • Babies
  • Contact
  • Testimonials
  • Services