“The Combination Lock for Success” by Art Byrd given at The Junior Civic League Annual Scholarship Luncheon-June 6, 2010

I would like to thank the Junior Civic League, especially Ms Mason for inviting me. Scholars, family and friends, it is my honor to be here. Congratulations.

Everyone in here has had a locker in school with a lock. Did anyone have a lock with a key you needed to open? See I was trying to date some people. At my high school, I had a combination lock, a Master Lock. Once you knew all three numbers to the lock it was easy to open.

After opening the lock day after day, you could open the lock with a feeling almost without looking at the numbers. I know I had days when I had things on my mind and when I tried to open the lock.  All of sudden, the lock wouldn’t open. Somehow, I had missed a number or two. Then, I had to refocus and had to forget about the stuff on my mind and concentrate on the numbers. Then, the lock would open.

This afternoon, I would like to talk with you about the combination lock of success.

Salesman Brian Tracy said “Life is like a combination lock, Your job is to find the numbers in the right order.”

You can have anything you want.
That is what success is about to have anything you want and enjoy your life. Most people will not achieve full success.
Will you be most people?

Anyone who has achieved success has not gotten there by themselves.
Scholars, there has been someone who has encouraged and cheered you on to do your best. There is a good chance that person is in this room this afternoon. And if they are not here. They are a phone call away or in your heart.

They gave you the numbers to the combination lock for your success. The person who gave me the combination lock numbers to part of my success is here. My dad.

When I wanted to make movies. I read every movie making book I find. I went to seminars and workshops. Finally, I decided to make a film. I wrote a film, got actors, a crew and equipment. I secured locations to film.

Even though, I did all the things to be prepare in making a film.

The reality of dealing with a crew and actors hit hard. I was trying to be nice to everyone. I was not getting what I needed to make the film. The crew wanted to place the camera one place and I wanted it placed in an another position. It was terrible. I wanted to be a filmmaker and I was watching my dream disappear before my eyes because of other people. I called my dad.

My dad is very laid back. He told me “that is what you get paid the big bucks.” I thought that is crazy because I am not getting paid for this. He said “you will.” My dad continued, he told me “to look at the things that went wrong and make sure that those things don’t happen again. He added “learn from the experience and use it.”

When I got off the phone with my dad. I felt a strength come over me. I got up and sat at my desk and looked at the script I wrote and started working on the next week's shooting schedule. We finished that film the way I wanted to.

Thanks to my dad giving me, the last number of the combination lock. I have been nervous going to set but I have never been scared to be on a set, ever.

Sometimes you can open the lock yourself. This is done by simply asking for things. Again, people don’t get what you want. Sometimes they would; if they just ask.

How many of you want to help to someone? The way someone asks you, can determine if you help them or not.

Scholars, many of you will go into a profession where you learn a skill from someone with expertise. Some of you will wait until the last two years of college and get an internship or learn on the job.

But, you can get a jump start on your career now by asking to meet someone who is doing what you would like to do. Find someone and call them. Ask the person if you could take a moment of their time. Then you can ask them about what they do.
What is their day like? How did they become successful? Their insight is so valuable. And all you have to do is ask. That is your last number to the combination lock.

Actor Will Smith says “If you are already ready, you never have to get ready."

I am a daydreamer. I dream in possibilities. I ask what could work out. Some people think of all of things that could go wrong. I think of all the things that can go right and work towards that.

It has helped me make short films which are films no more that 30 minutes. Others have made one or two shorts films. They complain how things went wrong and never make another film.

My daydreams are now more about visualizing things, the way I want them to happen. It is called visual thinking. It is like a GPS system used in cars you type in where you are, then you type in where you want to end up at. It is the same concept.

A Harvard University study, found that students who visualized performing advance tasks did it with 100% accuracy. While, those who didn’t visualize achieved 55% accuracy.

In closing, I would like to give each and every one of you, a gift. Is there something you would like to do or have? It could be travel, buy something, paint or buy stock or get a college diploma. Think about it. This will take just a minute. I will do it with you.

Close your eyes. See yourself doing the thing that just came to mind. Feel it, hear it. Take a quick moment and visualize.

Before you open your eyes. Keep that picture.

Open your eyes.

If you can visualize your goals and see that picture you want. You will always have the numbers of the combination lock for your success.

Good luck scholars and thank you for having me here.

‘The Karate Kid’ Has Same Chops as Original By Art Byrd

I can still remember watching the original 1984 “The Karate Kid” with Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. It had all the elements I enjoy in a film: heartfelt scenes, great action, and romance. The film makes you root for the underdog.

As the film “Rocky,” the boxing classic, appealed to an adult audience, the original “The Karate Kid” was geared to young adults. I believe young adults need to see a film about a good kid who meets trouble head-on with wisdom and shear, hard work.

“The Karate Kid” remake is produced by actor Will Smith and stars his 12-year-old son, Jaden, as Tre, as the new Karate Kid. The film is set in China, which charts it on a different course than the original.

Jaden makes this film work with his screen presence as a kid who can be very meek, strong and normal, all at the same time.

Jackie Chan takes over the Mr. Miyagi role as Mr. Han, the handy man at the apartment building Tre moves into with his mother, Sherry, played by the brilliant Taraji P. Henson. They have been transplanted from Detroit to China. Chan looked aged in the film -- as if he has lived an interesting life and has the wisdom to go along with it.

Both Jaden and Chan make the iconic roles their own.

Director Harald Zwart follows the same story line as the original. That brings up the drawback of a redo: the audience already knows how it will end. But the film follows every part we loved about the original, and the China locations were beautiful.

The sweetness of Jaden comes out in his friendship/romance with Meiying, played by Wenwen Han. In a romantic situation, it is very important to have the right female lead. Han was perfect, as she was nice and had smile to melt the audience’s and Tre’s heart.

The early fight scenes were very realistic, and it looked and felt like Tre was getting beat up badly. The final fight scene had the movie theater’s audience cheering along and then clapping. I have not experienced audience enthusiasm like this since the “Rocky” films’ fight scenes. The audience even clapped at the end. That is why I love seeing a film in an actual theatre and not just at home – for that bond with others experiencing the same thing.

If you never saw the original “The Karate Kid,” you will enjoy this movie’s elements -- such as heart-tugging moments, extreme action and tender romance. If you did see the original “The Karate Kid,” expect the same story, different actors, but the exact same feel-good experience from way back when.

Edited by Michele Ristich Gatts

‘Sex and the City 2’ Lacks Excitement By Alexandra L. Portwood

“Sex and the City 2” has all the elements a romantic-comedy should. However, it lacks the excitement the previews give.

The first movie was full of suspense, sadness and laughter that made you want to come back to see the second installment. This time around, they didn’t get it quite right. The movie captures the popular TV characters’ typical romance problems, and the ladies have their typical troubles, but not enough to make fans want to pay attention.

When I went to see the movie, it dragged on for what seemed like hours before our four favorite New York girls got to Abu Dhabi -- where 75% of the movie takes place. Once they got there, I was constantly waiting for the movie to pick up.

While the actresses did a great job as usual (with the exception of Cynthia Nixon, perhaps; Miranda was a little too happy and crazy in this one), their performances weren’t enough to hold up the movie. It was like one giant episode. A familiar one, at that.

Of course, Samantha wasn’t happy in her sex life. Of course, Carrie would run into Aidan -- 6,000 miles away from the City -- and complicate her marriage. But for once, Miranda wasn’t having a problem.

In the end, the girls figured it out -- at usual -- and everyone is off to live happily ever after. Everyone except fans.

The climax of the movie didn’t come until the very end -- if you could call it a climax at all -- and nothing about it made you hope for more. Every gal who loves “Sex and the City” was dying to see the second movie, and from what I saw in the audience around me, they were mostly disappointed when they finally did.

Edited by Michele Ristich Gatts

“Get Him to the Greek” Gets You Laughing By Art Byrd

Usually I am leery of buddy comedies. I love buddy action films, but in the buddy comedies, one of the pals is often way funnier than the other.

In the case of “Get Him to the Greek,” both Russell Brand and Jonas Hill are equally funny, maybe with a slight edge going to Brand. Brand plays Aldous Snow, the same character we saw in the 2008 movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” I like the idea of seeing same character from one film in another, different one.

It’s no coincidence that Nicholas Stoller, who directed “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” is the writer and director of “Get Him to the Greek.”

The film centers on the classic plot of a guy low on the business totem pole getting an impossible job.

During a brutal brainstorming session, lowly record employee Aaron Green, played Jonas Hill, (“Superbad,” “Knocked Up”) comes up with an idea for a once popular rock star -- Snow -- to perform at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles as part of the 10th anniversary of his legendary performance there.

His idea is not taken seriously until a few days before the anniversary. The record company owner, Sergio Roma (played by Puff Daddy, Sean P. Combs), is crazy in how he treats his employees. Sergio gives Aaron the opportunity to go with his idea. Aaron has 72 hours to go London, get Snow, and deliver him to Los Angeles for the show.

But the hard partying Adonis is not easy to get on a plane. Once they get on the plane and start going places, though, the fun begins. Actually, the movie has a lot of funny moments. Watching Aaron being dragged into the world of excessive partying is worth the movie ticket.

There are spots where the movie is crude, especially with a scene involving hiding a bag of drugs. Some over-the-top party scenes prove it’s no wonder everyone is a little crazy. There are also heartfelt moments as a strange friendship forms between Snow and Aaron.

A good supporting cast helped the movie. I really like Elizabeth Moss (“Mad Men”) as Daphne, Aaron’s girlfriend. She was cute, funny and nice as she was trying to understand why he was behaving so badly with Snow. Aziz Ansari (“Parks and Recreation”), who was in the film briefly, was funny as Aaron’s co-worker. Surprisingly, an actress we mostly see in serious roles -- Rose Byrne (“Damages”) -- was funny and well played as Jackie Q, the love of Snow’s life.

“Get Him to the Greek” was a mindless ride on the movie rollercoaster. I think once you get off the ride, you’ll be planning to ride again on DVD.

Edited by Michele Ristich Gatts

‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ Is Very Predictable By Art Byrd

A film based on a video game is not the best premise for a successful film. “Doom,” “Super Mario Brothers” and “Double Dragon” all got zapped at the box office. The curse of the video game on the big screen comes with a lesson: stick with the small screen.

Enter “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.”  It had all the elements a swashbuckling film should, such as jumping on and off of things, big scenic shots and special effects. But the story is based on a video game. The curse continues.

I couldn’t get into the film, and I wasn’t the only one -- based on reactions from those in the audience with me. We literally sat there like bumps on logs.

“Prince of Persia” seems like it has the making of a first-rate traditional action film, with a good-looking, likable leading man in Jake Gyllenhaal. He plays Dastan, the orphan boy adopted by the King of Persia. Gemma Arterton as Princess Tamina (“Clash of the Titans”) plays the beautiful and strong leading lady.

But it is the same old story from the first; Prince Dastan and Princess Tamina don’t like each other, yet there is a mutual attraction. Also, one is keeping secrets from the other.

That’s where the trouble begins – an action film trying to mix a story and a love story together. It’s the same old formula that audiences have seen so many times. Too many times.

The formula continues when it’s revealed that should a magical dagger (Or lost ark. Or crystal. Or Holy Grail. Or mummy remains…) not be returned to its predictably hard-to-access place, the world will be destroyed.

There is the usual band of thieves who are scary at first, but as you and the characters get to know them, they turn out to be a nice group. In this film, Sheik Amir, played by jolly Alfred Molina, leads the thieves that help out Dastan and the Princess.

Of course, there is a villain. Uncle Nazim, played by Sir Ben Kingsley, is the King’s brother and uncle to Prince Dastan and his brothers. He will stop at nothing to capture the dagger for his own evil purpose.

I could tell you what the dagger does, but I will leave it out in case you still want to sit through the movie in a theatre or at home.

On a positive note, the action sequences and stunts were good. On the flip side -- the editing was so quick that I missed the real action, just like in some of the “Bourne” films with Matt Damon.

The movie was directed by Mike Newell, who has directed a “Harry Potter” film, so the film wasn’t given to just anyone.

Still, “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” is just too predictable. Hollywood producers know there is a formula that’s worked for big-budget summer movies. I guess it’s for good measure (wink, wink) that “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” have every formula cliché in it.

Maybe in the next movie, the gods should destroy the tired formula of big-budget films -- instead of trying destroy the world -- and find an original way to tell stories.


Edited by Michele Ristich Gatts