Alien3

There was once a time when sequels were rare. Original films were what studios invested in and developed. Today, franchises are commonplace. Sequels are what commonly generate the most profit for major studios. It used to be that actors signed multi-picture contracts to star in different films for one studio. Now actors sign multi-picture deals to play one character for one studio. Franchises have the advantage of building a fan base. This gives new films in the franchise instant interest. A useful tool.
The Alien saga is one that has spanned nearly three decades, featuring four main films and a spin off franchise. It made a star out of Sigourney Weaver. It features elements of action, thriller, horror and drama genres. Basically it's as bankable a franchise as there is. Alien3 is considered by many to be where the franchise went sour. Since that film, each entry in the franchise has been mediocre at best. However, this is where I disagree. I find Alien3 to be a vastly underrated film. The theatrical release of the film is the one most people have seen. It is also the version that is what people say it is. The original cut is actually quite intriguing. It does away with the 'alien-vision' of the theatrical cut. It's longer as well, with some additional scenes and some of the theatrical scenes redone. The result is a much greater study of character and human behavior. We get a much better sense of the people involved and understand why they act the way they do. For example, Charles S. Dutton is a much more powerful character. His convictions play out more strongly which is punctuated by his characters fate at the conclusion of the film. As well, how the scenes play out with Ripley discovering she is carrying the Queen is much more profound. Her inner turmoil is more defined.
Franchises are becoming the lifeblood of the profit-driven film industry. Studios, for good reason, care more about making money than original work. That's ok. The problem is that the films play into profit-driven conventions. They are often cliche and thrill driven. This is where they fail. Most films would be met with greater critical and public approval if they are just as often left alone.

The Shawshank Redemption

Didn't watch it. Thought about it. Still overrated.

Sand (Dutch title: Zand)

I am no expert when it comes to short films. I admit as much. I do feel versed enough to make a healthy, functional critique of the form. There are some elements of short films that make it a unique form. For one, short films are often lower-budget which both limits and frees the features of the medium. It means films are often simpler, more character based but also encourages innovation for filmmakers who want to achieve certain imagery but do not have the financial means. Shorts often have to achieve their goal in a shorter (no terribly bad pun intended) time, which is difficult to do and a credit to filmmakers.
Sand (Zand) is the story of Luke, a divorced but goodhearted father to Isabel, who bonds with his daughter while working his sand trucking job. Director Joost van Ginkel does an excellent job developing a father-daughter relationship that is as beautiful as it is tragic. Luke is the kind of father every child should have, but unfortunately not every child gets. Isabel's mother is not as kind, and when Luke discovers this, he makes a poor long-term decision which leads to a wonderful short-term joy as he and Isabel spend a night together. van Ginkel does a tremendous job building up the emotional connections so that every pain that Luke feels, the viewer feels just the same. This is an excellent work where a human relationship can be an artistic narrative and not simply the latter.
Short films are a wonderfully versatile version of pictures. They can be done like extended music videos, short stories, or more expansive commercials. Sometimes even as one chapter of a larger story. The options for how to make a short film are, quite honestly, greater than a feature length. Not to mention, if you're strapped for time they're, well, shorter.
Sand (Zand)
DIRECTOR Joost van Ginkel, Netherlands, 2008, 21 MIN
When Luuk, a goodhearted father, discovers a horrific secret about his daughter he slowly loses control. Zand is a compelling and romantic story about Luuk and his daughter Isabel who both like the feel of sand.