Nerding out

Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol

Directed by: Brad Bird

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Michael Nyqvist, Vladimir Mashkov, Samuli Edlemann

Quick Synopsis: Ethan Hunt, Tom Cruise, is back for another installment of the Mission Impossible series. After the IMF is blamed for a bombing of the Kremlin and disbanded by the government, Hunt’s team is forced to go rogue to clear the IMF name.

Who can really say what these movies are about when really we go to see Tom Cruise be impressive, doing his own stunts and the amazing places they shoot in, like Dubai, Prague, Russia, Mumbai and Vancouver. These beautiful IMAX shots and the intense action really overshadow the weak plot but I was into it. This is a film you really want to pay the money to see in IMAX and watch the impressive camera work. Best sequences come when they are in Dubai and Cruise has to climb up a building and then when he is in an intense chase sequence during a crazy sandstorm. The acting was very pretty even among the men but honestly Pegg really stole the show for me with his comedic timing. What I didn’t like was Patton’s performance. She may have been given a flat character and been victim to the typical role of a woman in an action flick but that doesn’t mean she couldn’t take it and really create some depth like Renner did. The other thing that really got me was the excessive amount of action compounded upon itself in many of the action sequences. How many times can a guy get into car crashes in a film before it just seems boring.

Check out the trailer here

Overall I would give this film a 6 out of 10. It was worth seeing in the theater and definitely a fun time to eat popcorn to and relax. It did fall victim to being too long at certain points but it was almost forgivable because it was Tom Cruise, if you are a fan of his work.

Jess DP ^_^
twitter.com/jess_dp

Haywire

Directed by: Steven Soderbergh

Starring: Gina Carano, Michael Fassbender, Ewan McGregor, Bill Paxton, Channing Tatum, Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas

Quick Synopsis: An ex-marine named Mallory, Gina Carano, turned private contractor is betrayed during a job and set-up as a murderer. She goes on the run sneaking back into the U.S. to clear her name and get revenge on the ones responsible for the set up.

This was an action film with a Soderbergh flare to it, which is evident by the music choice throughout. Unfortunately, this really isn’t in his wheelhouse but a nice try. Not only were you very aware that you were watching an action spy flick by the jargon from the characters but there were plenty points in the film that were just too realistic. Many of the action sequences were very drawn out without music and made it very boring to see her running to catch a bad guy or slamming someone into a table or wall. You would think it would be pretty entertaining to watch her wrapping her legs around someone but alternatively was really sterile to watch. Honestly, if I wanted to see her MMA moves showcased I would just watch one of her matches. The lack of stylization during these sequences was probably meant to be interesting but rather just made me very aware of every move instead of putting me into the anxiety of these situations. It wasn’t until the third act, when Bill Paxton comes in as her father, that I was kind of sold on thinking this film was better then I thought. His fantastic mustache made it worth every penny.

Check out the trailer here

I would give this a 5 out of 10. Definitely worth seeing but maybe not in a theater. This film had so much potential with its strong actors and a strong director but in the end it really just missed the mark. Unless you want to gush over the very realistic fight scenes, which were probably done by Carano herself, then I would say go for it.

Jess DP ^_^
twitter.com/jess_dp

Man On A Ledge

Directed by: Asger Leth (this is his second movie he’s directed, not surprised)

Starring: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jaime Bell, Anthony Mackie, Genesis Rodriguez, Ed Harris and Edward Burns

Quick synopsis: Man is put in prison and escapes claiming he was set up. He stages a huge event to prove his innocence by getting out of a ledge in New York City. This was all a distraction for his brother to break into the vault of the man who supposedly set him up. In case you forget at any point what movie you are seeing don’t worry they say ‘man on a ledge’ every few minutes.

I saw this as a screener and so the crowd was really amped up and ready to talk the entire time. It’s really kind of fun to go to a mediocre movie with a couple people who are willing to talk as much as the people around you. I spent most of this movie making jokes and laughing at the fake tension that kept building in the film. Honestly, the plot was nothing spectacular and you saw everything happening before it happened. On top of that the acting was really stretched thin by some, called in by others or completely unbelievably laughable by the rest. I would say that this was a cross between Phonebooth, the Italian Job, Entrapment and some interchangeable cop television drama. I would not rush out to see this but if you happen to catch it on tv or a plane and need some mindless entertainment to drink to or fall asleep to then by all means.

Check out the trailer here

Overall I would give this movie a 2 out of 10 and really if you want to see something with more substance pick any of the movies above and enjoy a better plot and acting.

Jess DP ^_^
twitter.com/jess_dp

This has been cosplayed quite a few times because all the pieces just kind of came together a few months back.  There is no real central theme to this costume.  The dress is a pink latex dress, the mask lights up, the hair is a huge clip in ponytail, the backpack is a stuffed robot, the eyes are feathered fake lashes, and there was a light up bubble gun at one point before it broke.  Since I have worn it quite a few times here are just a few different times it has been worn.  It is always a fun time!

Of course my friends: Lisa Ann as the Riddler is pictured in the two below, which were taken for Cosplay Tuesdays at Sushi Samba on South Beach, Miami.

Below Lisa Ann and I are dressed up for the May Beat and Greet fetish party held by Fetish Factory every year.

Another shot at Sushi Samba, where you can really see me glow

And finally a full shot of Lisa Ann, Me and Erica Stanley getting ready to go out.  Say Hi to the Riddler and Jessica Rabbit!  (also featured is my deceased bubble gun!

We always have a fun time dressing up especially when we are going out.

Questions and comments always welcome
Jess DP

For the asian themed fetish party I decided that I wanted to be something other then another geisha.  With the help of a friend I was able to walk around basically naked and cosplay a sushi girl.  The sushi was made of felt and actually glued to my body (which was terrible to get off later, but so worth it!).  It was the most comfortable I have been in a costume, aside from the shoes.

Enjoy!

Although I didn’t want to dress like a geisha some lovely friends of mine did a great job at it. (Below Left to right: Me, Lisa Ann and Erica Stanley)

Above was shot by Antonio Angelo.  Check him out here (www.facebook.com/pages/Antonio-Angelo-Photography/197135920325651)

While at Comic-Con 2011 this year in San Diego I not only saw a ton of amazing costumes but I was able to cosplay a character from Tron, disk and all.  My costume was made by a friend of mine and if you are interested feel free to check out his website and contact him to make you your very own Tron costume as well.

The disk is attached by magnets and lights up as well. The vest was modified with EL-wire and the rest is all me!  Enjoy!

Here we are at the con.  My friend Rob at my side Kim, Rob and I and a nice close up…

Here are some more times I have cosplayed this outfit to show different options for hair and makeup.. It is always a fun outfit and always captures the imagination of everyone around me..

The above were taken by Eric Madrid (www.facebook.com/ericmadrid) for Cosplay Tuesdays at Sushi Samba in South Beach, Miami.

This one was taken by Yancy at Miami Comic-Con 2011.  Check him out here (www.facebook.com/Yheezy)

This last one was taken by William Icquatu for Miami Comic-Con 2011. Check him out here (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1081322478).

Enjoy.. feel free to comment or ask any questions

Thanks and come back for more fun Nerdy Cosplay!!

Jess DP

So today I wanted to talk about costume design.  This is something that I have become passionate about and I guess have always had an interest in.  When I decided to start working with latex it was really because I thought it would be less expensive for me to play around and make my own stuff then actually buy things.  Then it turned into much more then a hobby.  Now, I am taking the skills and research I have done to the next level and actually creating costumes from the designs I have been coming up with.  The trick is to have an idea and build from there.  (Also, having a place to wear costumes on a weekly to monthly basis has made this dream much more plausible for me)

So let’s talk about what I have been planning this month.  The two really big ideas I have had are to do a cyberpunk light up extravaganza and steam-punk theme costume.

Cyberpunk theme costume:

• Pink latex tube dress with a black lightning bolt (Honour, nice to have a few pieces that are from people so I can really use them later for my own designs)
• Light up bubble gun
• Light up gas mask
• Black industrial boots with big buckles and light up shoelaces
• Fiber optic light up hair extensions
• Fishnets and gloves (probably the short fingerless latex ones I have made)

Put this all together with some cool futuristic makeup and crazy hair and voila!

Steam-punk theme costume:

• Really cool brown platform boots (Jeffrey Campbell’s to be exact)
• Full black latex catsuit (Murray and Vern, yet again not made by me)
• Black latex cincher with locks on the sides (Lip Service)
• Brown gloves
• Aviator goggles
• Awesome mechanical robot hand pendant on my necklace
• A harness that has mechanical wings attached on the back

Yet again cool makeup and hair and BAM! I have a really cool steam-punk theme costume (well I also have to make the mechanical wings)

It all starts with an idea and once that it put into motion I feel like the next step is just finding the pieces to fit and make the entire picture you have in your head.

In the past my process has been pretty simple actually.  The first step is always to think up a theme.  Last Halloween I decided I was going to be the Bride of Frankenstein.  There is my starting place.  For me it is always important to understand the character or history behind the theme I choose so I watched the original movie to get an idea of what she looks like and how she acts.  Next step is to formulate the pieces I would need to make this a possibility.

• 1. A wig
• 2. Long white strips of fabric
• 3. Bandages for my arms
• 4. Heavy costume makeup
• 5. Boots
• 6. Any finishing touch pieces I would like to make it feel more real

Read more

Hello DIY-ers and Latex enthusiasts,
Today I wanted to talk all about gluing latex.  I have done a ton of research before actually trying anything out but there is nothing like experience to really corroborate your findings.
So let’s start at the beginning.  (Also feel free to check out my podcast Nerdy Latex and the episode this week where I show everything that is talked about here dealing with glue and latex)

All About Glues

When I decided to start making latex accessories I took some time and really looked at pieces that were already made.  Obviously they were not sewn together like most normal fabric fashion wear.  Instead you could notice that most of the latex fashion is actually glued together.  Well that would make my life alot easier, or so I thought.  The first thing I had to ask myself was what kind of glue was being used.  Of course not just anything would work but I quickly learned that there is such thing as rubber cement but then came another dilemma, which was that most of the research I was doing was for designers who are from the UK and the rubber cement they use is not readily available over here in the states.  So the one I was looking for was not the same thing and I did eventually find the name to a great adhesive but then couldn’t find it anywhere.  I was looking for something called, Best Test Rubber Cement.  I kind of gave up looking at the local craft stores until I found an actual art store online (and later found in their physical store) and just had to wait for it to be mailed to me.  Thank you Pearl Art Supplies (this is the rubber cement here).

This is the glue that I have been using while making gloves and the few other pieces I have been experimenting with recently.  There are two different kinds of rubber glues that you can use to work with when it comes to making latex fashion.  They both are good and can really be used based on the person’s own preference.

Water Based Glues:

These are glues that are not as flammable and have a lesser chance to curl the latex when applied.  Takes quite a long time to dry as well and both sides of a piece being glued must have the glue applied for it to bond to itself.  This type is good for use on seams that do not get alot of stress because over time it can become worn and turn white and even break if you use in a high stress area, like the seam on a skirt.  The guise of this type of glue is known in the states as Liquid Latex.  You can find it really at any art store or theatrical warehouse.  Also try online, I was able to find some here.

Solvent Based Glues:

This type of adhesive has a solvent within the glue mixture.  In the case of the Best Test it is mixed with Heptane ().  This is considerably a harder adhesive to work with because it will curl the latex when you apply it.  It is best to wait until both sides are dry and sticky before putting them together to get a better long lasting bond.  This would be the type of adhesive to use on any kind of seam and can create a waterproof bond that will be difficult to get apart if you mess up.  For this kind of adhesive it is good to get a solvent that you can mix with it to thin out the glue in a separate container to use for thinner latex sheeting or just to not overwhelm a seam.

Bestine is the solvent that is made for Best Test and that is what I use.  In a separate container I will put a small amount of the solvent and add the glue, cap and shake until I get a thinner consistency to work with.

Gluing Techniques:

There is really no right or wrong way to actually glue onto the latex but the preparation is actually the key to the success of it all.  It is very important to clean the latex in the places where you will be gluing.  If this is your first time I would suggest to take two small pieces to practice with, just so you get a feel for how this is all going to work.

The way I do things is simple.  I have my seam and use a cloth dipped in the solvent and lightly clean where I will be gluing.  After a few minutes of letting this dry I get my glue and apply it to the seam as evenly as I can.  A great way to make sure it is evenly spread is to use a credit card along it just to make sure the entire area is covered.  When using a solvent based glue, like Best Test, it is good to wait about 5 min for the glue to get sticky and this also gives the latex a chance to uncurl.  Don’t worry if your seam does curl, that is normal.  If you are finding it hard to uncurl the pieces it may be beneficial to either dilute the glue a little further with the solvent for next time or even use a tape to hold latex in place and keep it from curling too much.  After the 5 min have passed slowly put the pieces of the seams together until the entire seam has been attached.  You can either use your fingers to pinch it or even a wooden roller to smooth and makes sure there is no bubbling.  Make sure you take your solvent soaked cloth and clean the seam of any excess glue.

The hardest part is waiting at least 24 hours before putting any significant pressure on the seam though.  I guarantee after that time period though if you try to pull the seam apart you will probably cause a rip around it before actually getting it apart.

This is a cool tutorial from latex designer, Latex Kitty, from her website, www.Makinglatexclothing.com.

That is really about all you need to know when it comes to gluing seams for latex outfits.  When it comes to zipper or snaps though there is another process because you need to reinforce the seam around the zipper to keep the damage done to it from the stress while it is used.  I will be sure to provide an entire tutorial about that process because it can be very time consuming but if done right can really make all the difference in the lifespan of an outfit.

Thanks for checking out all about glues this week and keep checking back for any cool articles I find or other tutorials that may help.  Also make sure to watch my podcast Nerdy Latex where you can see me working on my own latex fashions in preparation for a full costume to wear to this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.
Happy Latexing everyone!

Jess DP