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. 

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: 

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. 

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: