Japanese horror: A genre unlike any other

If there’s one genre in film I want to explore, but I’m hesitant too because it’s simply too creepy – it’s Japanese horror. I’ve seen a few J-Horror films and I have to say, they are exquisitely uncomfortable to watch, which is a good thing.

Image source: youtube.com

Here are three examples.

Ringu (1998)

The pinnacle of J-Horror, “Ringu” kept me awake for a week. I rented the DVD with a couple of friends before the American remake came out and we had a blast watching it. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife. For those who haven’t seen it, it’s about a videotape that’s cursed. The tape kills anyone who watches it after seven days.

Image source: Wikipedia.org

Audition (1999)

Takashi Miike is by no means, a simpleton. This Japanese director has a brilliant vision, which he oftentimes mixes in with his own twisted fantasies. The most well-known of his works is 1999’s “Audition” (“O-dition”). The first half of the film is akin to a romantic drama. But the second half spirals down into hell so fast that you want have time to adjust. The visuals alone will leave you catatonic for a bit.

Ju-On: The Grudge (2000)

“The Grudge” as it is known by Western viewers is a fun, dark ride in the vein of “Ringu.” Though this is another curse-based plot, “The Grudge” pours more of itself into horror than creepiness. Another must-watch.

Hi, the name’s Joe Cianciotto and I’m a San Francisco Bay Area-based architect. I like to write about buildings, new gadgets, and movie blockbusters. Follow me on Twitter for similar updates.

Architecture and design trends you can look forward to in 2019

The year 2019 is fast approaching. Experts in the field of architecture and design are expecting new directions that will influence projects in the coming months. If you're curious of what the future of the industry looks like, here are some of the trends we're looking forward to:

Image source: Huffingtonpost.com

Rethinking open space designs

In the past years, open space designs have been gaining popularity in commercial and residential spaces. This year, instead of just designing without dividers and barriers, experts are seeing a shift with how people conceptualize open spaces. This year, even without walls and dividers, designers will be more creative with differentiating the various parts in a home or an office. Instead of the usual plain design, the pros will start to incorporate artistic elements and features to better organize a place.

Widespread use of sustainable materials

Experiencing the effects of climate change has led to the use of sustainable and environment-friendly materials in construction projects. When it comes to commercial structures, acquiring certifications from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) have been a requirement in recent years. Even in residential spaces, more people are choosing these cost-effective recycled and sustainable materials.

Image source: Usnews.com

Integrating technology in the structure

The arrival of IoT and other innovations have made it possible to integrate technology into a home's design. From appliances to entertainment devices, having a "connected" home is now possible. While it's easier to obtain the technology these days, architects and designers are still mastering ways on customizing spaces for these additions.

With these trends, we can look forward to modern designs that will prioritize comfort and safety.

Joe Cianciotto here. Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I work as an architect and enjoy classic, superhero blockbuster, and indie mumblecore movies. Visit this page for similar reads.

How 'Empire Records' rocked its way into cult status

In 1995, in the midst of the teen movie revival of the decade, a small production made it to theaters to minimal fanfare. The film was “Empire Records.” It was by no means a blockbuster hit, and after its run, it was found that even the soundtrack of the movie did better in terms of overall sales.

Image source: rogerebert.com

But as the years went by, “Empire Records” started to get a cult following, perhaps started by the fans that were there during its original release.

The plot was mind-numbingly simple as the film takes us through a day in the record store manned by a group of ridiculously quirky but painfully flawed teens and their no-nonsense manager. They each have issues, making the film an anthology of sorts, not unlike a collection of short stories all happening in a day.

While the performances were nothing to write your mom about, it was how the film was treated, with all its colors and characters blending seamlessly with its oddball humor and a superb soundtrack that make it incredibly easy to watch and enjoy.

Image source: mentalfloss.com

And speaking of the soundtrack, it stood out in an era of amazing soundtracks, with many of the songs still being played by radio DJs and club bands today.

Hi, the name’s Joe Cianciotto, and I’m a San Francisco Bay Area-based architect. I like to write about buildings, new gadgets, and movie blockbusters. Follow me on Twitter for similar updates.

Groundbreakers: Top CGI moments on film

Image source: wikimedia.org

Many of today’s audiences casually take CGI work for granted, which is a shame.  Thirty years ago, we hardly had this tool to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality.  But today, almost every big-budgeted action film makes use of this technology. 

On that note, we present to you our favorite CGI moments on film.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

For many of us born in the ‘80s and ‘90s, this was one of the first times we encountered amazing CGI.  The antagonist, the terrifying T-1000 was made of liquid metal, and the CGI used to create it just blew everyone away.

Jurassic Park

When the first “Jurassic Park” came out, everyone everywhere was taken by surprise.  Steven Spielberg set the bar so high with the CGI dinosaurs that people actually thought they were giant robots.

Spider-Man

Before Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man,” we had choppy editing to show some dude in costume swinging from building to building.  But Raimi used full-CGI sequences and edited them seamlessly to create a then-once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Lord of the Rings

For us, the CGI work from The Lord of the Rings trilogy is the gold standard of CGI work.  From creating entire labyrinthine caverns to whole orc armies, Peter Jackson took CGI technology and blew the door wide open.

Avatar

James Cameron created an entire world (and almost an entire film) on CGI.  That on its own merit deserves recognition.  “Avatar” is the king of CGI films, for better or for worse.

Joe Cianciotto is a San Francisco Bay Area-based architect. He is a movie buff and enjoys a diverse selection of genres, including superhero films, independent science fiction, mumblecore, and Golden-age dramas and epics. For more on Joe and his interests, visit this page.

Time for a change? Know when it’s time to get a new smartphone

They say one would instinctively know when it’s time to replace a smartphone.  But this is easier said than done these days with the endless temptations to upgrade (even if one doesn’t need it) or to switch to another brand.  What should be the signs and considerations to look out for when replacing one’s phone?

Image source: CNET.com 

The current one has persistent issues

There’s nothing a hard reset can’t do in restoring smartphones to factory default software and settings and get back in the swing of things.  But if there are persistent problems such as more-than-frequent crashes and black screens, it might be time to trade in the device for a new one.

Can’t download the latest OS

Another pressing reason to get a new phone is the inability to download new software updates.  This is important for security purposes, as updates are made to fix flaws in the older systems and to prevent vulnerabilities to attacks and hackers.

The battery always dies on you

This goes beyond the occasionally forgotten charging time; the battery actually dies halfway through the day, even when on a full charge.  If a phone is dying more quickly after a full charge, it may be time to replace the battery or altogether get a new phone.

Image source: Pixabay.com  

Everything’s painfully slow

Another strong case for replacing one’s phone is the nightmare of waiting an eternity for it to start or switch from one app to another.  The device takes so long to respond after a call, and moving from Facebook to WhatsApp seems like slow torture.

Pictures already look ugly

This might not be a big deal for everyone, but for a number of people it’s important to have an acceptable level of quality in images and videos.  If the phone’s lens was scratched or bumped in the past, it can also affect the expected quality.

Joe Cianciotto is an architect based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He likes staying updated on the latest gadgets, drones and cameras. Read more on this page.

Remembering 2017s Surprising Fan Favorite Films

Just when you thought big blockbuster superhero films were about to crush the indie studios forever, 2017 happened and spewed out a number of gems that revive mainstream cinema. Let’s take a look at some of the best the year had to offer. 

Image source: mentalfloss.com

 
The Shape of Water

“The Shape of Water” won big at the Oscar’s bagging the awards for Best Director and Best Picture, giving Guillermo del Toro much-deserved validation for his work. While many film buffs feel that a sci-fi romance may have been too “child-like” for a Best Picture, there were simply too many perfections that came together for this hodge-podge of a masterpiece.

Get Out
While many don’t necessarily agree that “Get Out” was a comedy, it was heavily infused with dark humor. It also seamlessly poked fun at several social injustices, which made the film resonate beyond its intended audience. Another big winner in numerous award shows, what makes this film more impressive is the fact that it was Jordan Peele’s feature directorial debut.

Gook
Not as well-known as the previous two films on this list, “Gook” was a screwdriver that hit a sledgehammer. First-time director Justin Chon shot the movie in black and white and revisited the catastrophic LA riots while dissecting colored communities in the area. This is undoubtedly a must-see for film lovers everywhere.

Image source: chicagoreader.com

 
Hi there, I’m Joe Cianciotto, an architect based in San Francisco, but a true New Yorker at heart. I love movies. Visit my LinkedIn page to know more about me.

My Top Three 'Spider-Man' Films

Even perhaps more than Captain America and Iron Man, Spider-Man has been the face of Marvel comics.  The only problem was that Sony had rights before anyone else did, delaying our favorite web-crawler’s debut with the MCU.  That said, Spidey’s had his share of decent features.  Now before I go on, I didn’t include ensemble movies where Peter Parker was only a part and not a central character.  So don’t expect to see “Captain America: Civil War” or “Avengers: Infinity War” here.

Third place: Spider-Man: Homecoming

This was Spidey’s very own MCU feature, and it was tons of fun.  I would’ve preferred Peter Parker to be a tad older, but hey, having him in the MCU is reward enough.  Michael Keaton’s Vulture was a classy villain, one which we could all root for.

Image source: denofgeek.com

Second place: Spider-Man

When Sam Raimi first released “Spider-Man,” everyone was blown away.  He moved just like everyone thought he would.  And Raimi, being an amazing visual director didn’t spare any expense into creating the most agile version of Spidey we can imagine.  

First place: 'Spider-Man 2'

If you thought Sam Raimi’s initial foray into the webslinger's canon was amazing, its sequel was superior in almost every way.  Doctor Octopus was a terrifying villain with a good heart.  Peter’s personal story with his lady love and his best friend was explored on further.  And the action sequences were some of the best in film history.

Image source: thewrap.com

Hi there, I’m Joe Cianciotto, an architect based in San Francisco, but a true New Yorker at heart. I love movies. Visit my LinkedIn page to know more about me.