Well said Joe...

I think if you made a shitty film there'd be more debate about ...Aces, but it's a great ride, with great actors, great shots and in a time and place where everyone wants to take every word seriously and make statements around every corner, you come out and bring a breath of fresh air to the table. Even if you've said the film comments on the structure of Iraq, I still believe the greatest talent in film is making a comment without directly making one!

Contrast to Mr. Green Effect over here... Have you read this thing? I'm on page 40 and I'm cringing about every 5... Wahlberg as a Science Teacher?... Give Shyamalan a call, he could use some advice right about now!

Well said, Joe.

The thing I would like to see happen is, an end to the endless media gluttony over this tragedy. CNN specials, Fox in depth reports, countless magazine exposes over the "madman" and his victims.

It's almost too tragic to comprehend, let alone see this poor kid's face plastered over print and the airwaves ever time you turn around. The families and local folks are having a tough enough time without lecherous media outlets trying to scoop the latest "exclusive" interview.

As with all tragedy, I hope something truly constructive comes out of this...better services and closer scrutiny of those in trouble, better attention paid to who can and can't acquire deadly weapons, and over all (as you said Joe) making sure that people "care" for those around them. Taking the time to reach out and show the love and support, and to remember that we're all in this together.

Peace,
RTA

Joe,

You are a gentleman and a scholar and that tends to attract like-minded people. Which is why this is a forum where adults can engage in mature discussion and not "talkbalks." Ahem. Thank you for providing that atmosphere.

Love what you wrote about the tragedy at Va Tech, Joe. Thanks again for taking time to write to us bloggers.

Hey! Joe I just saw Smokin Aces the other day I love that film awesome!! I also loved the commentary after the film You seem like the best Director to work with you seem so cool and down to earth with your actors and crew! I would love to be in your next flick,I'm a trained actor I have done many major films as a extra,I'm trying to get my first break with a speaking role,do you have a casting agency I can send my resume and headshot to?I am also available to travel for auditions hope to hear from you soon and I'm real proud of your work looking forward to seeing more of your work and possibly working with you!! Also Godspeed to the victims and there families at VT our prayers are with them.

Joe,
After the tragedy that happened at Virginia Tech, it surprised me to no end to see your comments in regards to said event.

Thank you for remaining grounded and expanding this blog into something other than a publicity tool for your film.

Your comments about clutching onto your children and taking responsiblity for the upbringing of your children really struck a chord with me due to having two little girls myself. They are the lifeforce that run through my veins and I would be completely devastated to lose either one of them.

Knowing life is a fragile thing you truly have to live each day as your last and pray that the world and it's inhabitants realize life is a gift that can be claimed back at any time.

Thank you for the chance to be a part of this blog.

Kevin

ps I completely agree with your comments towards OLDBOY and the media's attempts to label his sickness as having anything to do with a film that was meant as entertainment and not as a guide towards his "mission" at VT. The world mourns those who lives were rendered obsolete by this inexcusable waste of skin.

Alan - you can submit a question to Joe, for him to peruse (link is at the top of the site) and see if he'd like to respond, but let's also remember that Joe doesn't have to do this and now that he's worked his ass off to bring his dreams and abilities to fruition he probably receives requests, such as yours, on a daily basis.

I sat for a few hours and "grilled" Chris Lockhart when he was here for the Pitch Fest on questions of a variety of sorts, but the thing I kept noticing is how everyone was asking him favors. He only left Sacramento a couple weeks back and now he's decided to shut down his blog. While he's cordial about it and uses the excuse that he felt overly guilty about not responding to so many people, it's also because so many people ask him for favors because of the position he's in... such as Joe.

Joe can help anyone he wants, but he's taking time out of his busy schedule to indulge all of us out here and that's a lot more than most people would ever attempt.

Let's not push the favor questions too much.

I don't want the blog or Joe to disappear.

Besides this nutjob's shooting spree, the thing that disturbs me is how the media jumped on this kids on like hyenas. The bodies weren't even cold, and CNN, FOX, and MSNBC were down there interviewing these kids when most of them were probably still trying to figure out what happened

Joe,
Well put. I watched all the dvd content this past weekend. I really enjoyed all of it. My second viewing of the movie was a great one. I dug the movie before but I noticed stuff I didn't catch the first time around. It's a truly cool, great, and awesome movie that deserves multiple viewing.
Alec