Randy created his own demise bringing Miguel back to life on Hollywood Boot Camp. Now Minco and Denise must deal with the aftermath. Through both tasks the challengers seemed timid and not quite altogether. We have seen better work from all three contestants earlier on.

The acting challenge was especially disappointing on all accounts. I was thinking it would have been much better if there was a scene where Minco reveals his feelings for Denise and explore Miguel’s trigger effect to how fast he rises to anger that Minco beat him to the punch. Totally better than the death scene. That was lame. Method acting and a death scene? How cliché. Edward should have given them weapons to method act with.

I thought the 7th challenge was cool and one of the best ones yet. This is because it demanded so much from the filmmakers. These are the three strongest filmmakers thus far and this challenge really showed that Denise and Minco truly deserved to be in the final round. Miguel never has a good defense. Nothing very original in the rebuttal and only reuses information that was already given to him.

As Denise argued, she was able to do something that Miguel wasn’t able to do and that attention to detail is something that a filmmaker always has to have. She plays to her strengths, which is why she outlasted Miguel’s 2nd run at the title.

Randy says he chose Miguel because he wanted to learn from him. He chose him because he is 100% there at every challenge. I think he made up his answer because he didn’t know what else to say. Moreover, I’m not sure the biggest crush in this reality program is centered around Denise or Minco. That’s right, I’m saying it could be right in front of our faces here! The whole thing just makes me mad. Randy makes me mad. I couldn’t even concentrate on flags, scrims, XLR’s and whatever else. I was just staring at Randy wondering how he got so much farther on Hollywood Boot Camp than Arvin?

Ok. Now that I’ve got that out there we can move on.

What is it about Minco and Denise that makes them so tough? They keep their cool even when things go so wrong. Then they act all surprised when they win. Ha. Team Jeepney’s performance in the 6th challenge shows that even when they have their bad days (like their unexceptional performance in the task) good teams still find a way to win. It’s all about heart and that is something that Team Rizal lost a long time ago.

The focus was on storytelling. We got to see a more creative side and vision from the contestants than before. After all, movies begin here. Development Executive Marissa Engel has to be considered one of the best professionals to come on Hollywood Boot Camp. Her simplistic breakdown of scripts and development did a great job not getting us lost in the forests of technical jargon and the general Hollywood complex. She sent the two teams on their way to write two very different products.

I do wish we had more time to learn more about the real storytellers – the editor. The segment seemed rushed as if there was way too much to talk about in the 5 minutes or so that was allotted. This is the first episode where we actually get to see Midnight Movie!!

Minco and Denise. Hmm? Did I not tell you previously that something was cooking in the kitchen? Now what I can’t determine is what is real and what is coming from the editor’s dark bay somewhere in the bowels of the production house. Nevertheless, it’s interesting to see play out. From Minco’s guitar antics to his somewhat wide ranging mood swings, I’d say Denise has definitely left her mark in some way. Putting them on the same team is bringing the best out of both of them and that’s not all!

Surprise #1: the writer of the Family Guy (one of my favorite shows on T.V.) as guest judge.

Surprise #2: The goldfish. Come on. You knew it was going to come.

Surprise #3: Apple goes and Randy stays? The guy doesn’t even want to be there.

Surprise #4: The contestants get to bring someone back from the dead! Then again, I’m not sure how an 8 episode reality show can run it’s full course with just 8 contestants. Clever producers!!

Next up we’ll see who gets to come back to life and will things continue to (sort of) heat up with Denise and Minco?

Episode 4 was a bit strange in the sense that there was so much crammed into the experience, the viewers and contestants really how no idea what to expect come challenge time. Would they be building a set as they constructed a scene earlier in the program? Would they be decorating a set? Turns out their worst fear came true as the privates had to navigate their unsteady aptitude of XLR cables and the treacherous boom mic. It was sort of a haphazard dash to the finish and with so much going on, the pace of the show seemed rushed, even hectic.

I must admit that I did have fun watching the contestants first flirt with the boom. They were having fun and so was I. I’m thinking the editors might be responsible for more magic than we realize as the group seems more jovial and even-keeled in moments that could be more emotionally charged (perhaps the producers ended their salivating prematurely at the idea of Chitoy Vs. Arvin in a cage match pay-per-view event. Plus, I’d love to see that on QTV!!)

But I digress. Looking ahead, Denise and Minco seem untouchable. They roll with the punches better than any of the contestants and they are smart enough to steer clear of trouble. Meanwhile, I don’t like Apple’s chances unless she steps up to the plate and takes charge. She’s been a weakly sort of wimp so far and if she wants top honors at camp in the second half she’s going to really have to let her inner Lion (Lioness?) out. Randy is the mystery man. Will his quiet demeanor lead the way to big money with his stowaway approach? Keep watching. I think big shakeups and tumultuous waters are ahead.

Miguel was left in the dust this time, but I couldn’t help to notice how close this challenge really was. Both teams fought neck and neck based on what they learned earlier in the episode. It was nothing but fun to learn how the best in the business get down and dirty, crafting the perfect gore! I think my favorite part of the whole show was when Shereen asked how to cover up a zit on Apple’s face as she modeled for the make-up artist. Or to be more specific, it was Apple’s reaction that was the best part.

I was also keeping close watch on Denise and Miguel throughout. With Miguel out now, perhaps there is nothing more to watch on this front. Maybe she’ll try and fan the flame with Minco?

Three things I learned while watching episode 3:

1) I would have traded Miguel in a heartbeat for the chance to see Chitoy go just one more round.
2) I want to destroy shirts for a living and get paid for it!
3) I admit that I’m hooked on that damn theme song. “I’m going Hollywood”…

… till next week

The challenge this time was to shoot a scene in 50 minutes hitting all marks with props, extras and talent. The result seemed more like chaos. Denise built Team Jeepney wisely and therefore got a lot of help. Apple was quite forgettable as she “lead” Team Rizal straight to the gallows. Shereen’s attempt to steer Team Rizal in the right direction was admirable. As the episode unfolded, she emerged as the voice of Rizal yet still narrowly missed her own exit from Hollywood Boot Camp. Time will also tell how her “off screen” behavior will affect how she works with her team. Sounds like everyone will benefit from less bathroom time from Shereen.

Chitoy, Chitoy, Chitoy! Did he ever have a clue? Surely the lovable, aloof, mashed-potato loving and self proclaimed “artist” will certainly be missed. His off-the-wall comments and unsuspecting humor took the edge off the realities of being in L.A. With the departure of Arvin in Episode 1, I thought Chitoy was set to make a run for the late rounds (at least getting past Episode 2). That was all derailed as he anchored himself squarely in frame destroying any chance Team Rizal would win the second challenge. Chitoy even sent us to the credits laughing with a memorable death scene. I think a lot of people appreciated Chitoy and his presence will be missed among the other contestants as they press on towards the next challenge.

To add one more observation, has anyone noticed the looks between Denise and Miguel? What is going on there? Sure, maybe nothing. But she picks him first and was there a hint at something to come with his on screen softness towards her? I think Minco got his feelings hurt in there somewhere… haha. Till next time…

The debut of Hollywood Boot Camp had it all. Contestants gave up their jobs, left their homes, developed quick-lived rivalries and met the stern-faced Sergeant Bec who poignantly reminded them “everyone in Hollywood starts at the bottom”.

In true form, contestants were thrown almost immediately into the first challenge. The contestants were to write, produce and direct their own death scenes using props and actors provided (the assumed connection is linked with Bigfoot’s forthcoming movie, Midnight Movie). While the creativity was far ranging, the results were less promising. Many of the aspiring filmmakers missed the mark both on time and technical merit. Some even defied logic as in Chitoy’s case.

Episode 1 also saw Denise establish herself as the underdog, Shereen’s preference for Technicolor, a bug funeral and “the greatest artist in the world”, Chitoy. We cannot wait to see what else room 201 has in store for us next week on Hollywood Boot Camp!

Bigfoot Entertainment (the company that is making Boot Camp) has also put up a teaser trailer as well on the website – www.hollywoodbootcamp.net. Check out that poor girl’s face when the producer dumps the coffee!!