Club Obi Wan

Well,

I went and saw a sneak preview screening for it last night. Of course, I really liked the movie. I think Im a bit biased on that note. I went with about 17 friends and family.

The whip work was very well done, and very entertaining. There were a lot of wraps and it was just exciting. Its probably the most whipwork Ive seen in a movie since the old douglas fairbanks(sp?) films.

Its a pretty funny movie too. Christopher walkin is hilarious, as usual, and especially in one particular part. Sean william scott is hilarious as well, and the rock is actually pretty funny too.

I was watching ebert and roeper today and it was the only movie they both agreed on a thumbs up.

Just thought I would give you the rundown on The Rundown ))

Hope you all enjoy it. Id be interested to hear what everyone else thinks when they see it.

Regards,

Paul Nolan
MidWestWhips

I can't wait to see it, myself.

And congrats again to you, Paul. What's it like to see your "kids" on the big screen?

PropReplicator wrote:I can't wait to see it, myself.

And congrats again to you, Paul. What's it like to see your "kids" on the big screen?

Im gonna have to go see it again of coarse. ) Thanks for the congrats.

To tell you the truth, I had forgotten all about it. I had made the whips about a year ago, and at the time the movie was titled "#### Dorado". I had totally forgotten about it until my mother saw a comercial for rundown. She then went and looked up helldorado and saw that the movie title was changed to rundown, then she called me up all excited while I was at a concert. Once it finally clicked in my head that it was the same movie I got really excited too.

It was awesome to see my children up on the big screen, theyve grown up so much(wiping a tear from the corner of my eye). ) I'll tell you it was kinda weird actually. Since I deal with whips every day, it didnt seem like a big deal to me, until we were coming back from the theater and my friend put a new perspective on it for me.

He was really excited about it and everyone kept telling me how proud they were of me, and I was like, whats the big deal. Those whips were just plain old whips that I make all the time. Then he told me that it was so cool for all of them to see, because theyve known me since before I started making whips, and back when I first got into whipcracking. He told me how hes seen my whipmaking improve over such a time, and that all he ever hears is about people and stories from when Im out of town. They only see the stuff here at home and cant really connect or understand about the world of whips and all that, but when they saw my whips on the big screen, they kind of understood a bit more what I did.

This blew my mind, I hadnt ever thought about it from there point of view before. So it got me alot more excited.

Another little tidbit connection to the rundown-

At the time I was making the practice/training whips for rundown, I took a weekend trip to go visit a very good friend of mine that lives a couple hours away. I hadn't seen her in quite a while. I had finished up the overlays of the 6 whips, and all I had left to do was the turks-head knots. I took the whips with me and was finishing the knots while I was visiting.

She has always been intrigued by the whipmaking, and she sat up and watched me for hours tying the same turkshead knot for each whip. The next day she and I went to the local park and cracked whips, and she had a blast. I had her try out all of my whips in my personal collection, and of coarse she wanted to try out one of the "#### Dorado" whips. She ended up wanting one. She said she would talk her boyfriend into buying her one for her birthday that was coming up. She wanted it made exactly like the helldorado whips.

So when the studio ordered the 6 more for the screen shots, I made a seventh one for her. So there is a seventh/thirteenth(depending on the way you look at it) Helldorado/rundown whip out there.

I hope Im not boring you all. I thought I should pass on some stories that I thought would be interesting. These are the kind of things that I always liked hearing about from joe strain and some other whipmakers. Just neat little fun stories.

Man can you guys tell that I am excited? hahahhahah )

Regards,

Paul Nolan
MidWestWhips

I am really excited about seeing this flick. It looks like a lot of fun! In one of the television spots there was a quick cut of a guy walking down the street towards the camera with two coiled bullwhips in each hand. It looked bad @$$! I'm thrilled to see whips making their way back into films as cool weapons again.

Congratulations on having your whips associated with a major motion picture, Paul. What a thrill that must be! Best of luck to you.

This is what they call "The Big Time"!

Congrats, Paul, this is certainly something to be proud of.

If you are ever on Leno, be sure to make mention of good ol' Indygear, eh?

Sounds like this is one HJS and I are going to have to see!
Regards--Maryon

Hey Paul, congrats on having your whips on the big screen. That is really something. I'm on vacation with very little internet access, so I thought I poke my head in and congratulate you.

-Sergei

Nice going, Paul. Can't wait to see the movie.

Mike

Good onya Chooka! (aka Paul Nolan) Mate stick your chest out a mile and be proud of your achievements with your whipmaking so far. Most of us never even dream of having ours whips in movies mate.....actually I have never dreamt it, that's probably cause my dreams are boring...hhahha. Anyway good on ya Chooka your doing great! I reckon ill have a few tears in my eyes when I get to watch the movie when it comes out here knowing my mate made a few whips that are in a movie. oooohhhhooo. Yes im an sentimental ol' thing.

Paul,

Saw the movie, and the whips and whip work looked great. The whips look like they had some kind of metal skull ornament on the handle. Any idea what that is?

Mike

Thought that pictures may spice things up...



And about the handle...

The_Edge wrote:I am really excited about seeing this flick. It looks like a lot of fun! In one of the television spots there was a quick cut of a guy walking down the street towards the camera with two coiled bullwhips in each hand. It looked bad @$$! I'm thrilled to see whips making their way back into films as cool weapons again.

Congratulations on having your whips associated with a major motion picture, Paul. What a thrill that must be! Best of luck to you.

Thanks for the congrats, Its a fun action, comedy, adventure movie, you should have a good time.

Not only do we have Underworld, and the rundown with whips, but within the next year(maybe a little bit more) there is the catwoman movie, and the next mask of zorro.

Mark allen was in town here in st. louis last thursday and friday. He is travelling for a comedy festival tour. Local stand up comedians are showcasing/competing to win a trip to las vegas to compete against some of the best stand up comics in the world, or something of that sort, and mark allen is judging it. I went to see it last thursday and it was hilarious and a lot of fun.

I talked to mark after the competition, and we were talking about whips and the movies coming out with whips. He told me that Alex Green is doing the whipwork for catwoman and the mask of zorro. Both are starting production very soon or have already started.

He also told me that he supplied(or is supplying) the whips for both movies. And that Terry Jacka and Joe strain are making the whips for Catwoman. Terry jacka is doing most of the whips, and joe is making the whips for swinging, and some other interesting things. And Joe is also doing the whips for zorro again.

Farnham54 wrote:This is what they call "The Big Time"!

Congrats, Paul, this is certainly something to be proud of.

If you are ever on Leno, be sure to make mention of good ol' Indygear, eh?

Ah Leno, if only.) Id do more than mention indygear. Thanks for the congrats.

MaryonRavenwood wrote:Sounds like this is one HJS and I are going to have to see!
Regards--Maryon

I hope you see it, I think the whips and christopher walkin are well worth seeing let alone the rest of it. Walkins toothfairy monologue had me practically rolling on the floor. Let me know what you think.

Sergei wrote:Hey Paul, congrats on having your whips on the big screen. That is really something. I'm on vacation with very little internet access, so I thought I poke my head in and congratulate you.

-Sergei

Thanks for the congrats sergei, Im really excited, though I dont think it has sunk all the way in yet. I didnt think I would have any of my whips in movies, at least for another couple of years.

Janine Fraser wrote:Good onya Chooka! (aka Paul Nolan) Mate stick your chest out a mile and be proud of your achievements with your whipmaking so far. Most of us never even dream of having ours whips in movies mate.....actually I have never dreamt it, that's probably cause my dreams are boring...hhahha. Anyway good on ya Chooka your doing great! I reckon ill have a few tears in my eyes when I get to watch the movie when it comes out here knowing my mate made a few whips that are in a movie. oooohhhhooo. Yes im an sentimental ol' thing

Hey Girl!!! Im definitely proud, but Im much more excited. You say your dreams are boring mate, but your whips are better than any Ive ever had in a dream. Careful not to choke on your tears while your laughing. I just cant get over that toothfairy monologue. Thanks for the compliments, you know I luv ya!

Major Mike wrote:Paul,

Saw the movie, and the whips and whip work looked great. The whips look like they had some kind of metal skull ornament on the handle. Any idea what that is?

I was really impressed with the cinematography for the whips, they did a really great job.

When they ordered the whips they told me they just wanted the handles plain, because the prop crew was going to add a fancy elaborate sort of a handle that would be fitted with a switchblade sort of attachment. Thats about all I know about it. They didnt tell me in detail. It looked interesting for sure.

How is the whipmaking coming along? I hope to see you at vegas this coming march.

indy_den wrote:Thought that pictures may spice things up...

Hey thanks for the pictures, those are the ones that I made, and terry jacka made the longer whips earlier in the movie. Where did you find those pictures by the way.


Man that is one long post...Whew!

Paul Nolan
MidWestWhips

Paul, thanks for taking your time out to reply everybody's post. Your whips look great! Seriously! I got those pictures thru screen captures of the movie trailer itself. I didn't know the Underworld one's yours too. How cool is that? I was beginning to think that the Indy whip is starting to seep into today's movie culture.

Paul, do you have a website link for your line of MidWestWhips? I'd love to see more!

Thanks!

Fun movie!

Just watched it myself! And for Rob and Gater; if there is time this movie is GREAT! Certainly worth watching next week in TO.

The whip work was excellent, the story was great and this is certainly a movie I will add to my DVD collection when it comes out.

Check this out...looks like you can buy Paul Nolan's whip:
http://www.gldenterprises.net/Shopping.htm#WhipJewelry

I'm hoping to maybe go see the movie this weekend, but due to having a full plate ahead of me, it will be a hard finding the time. But it's definitely next on my movie list to see.

We just saw it last night...a funny movie for sure! Several scenes reminded me of "Raiders" and the fight scenes reminded me of the Matrix

Later!
Capt. D

Farnham,

A few friends and I are off to see it tonight, but I'm sure it'll be something worth sitting through again. Sunday night, after the get-together, I will be making the 4+ hour drive back to Ottawa in time to drive my wife to work in the morning, so an early show (7 or 8 ) would probably be best for me, but since most stores close by 5 or 6, anyway, then it's dinner and the flick that's left. Shouldn't be a problem at all. Lookin forward to it!

Paul,

Congrads on getting your whips in the film! You have definately accomplished something worthy of being noted. You give aspiring whip-makers like myself something to shoot for. Again, congrads!

High Regards, Indiana_Hall

indy_den wrote:Paul, thanks for taking your time out to reply everybody's post. Your whips look great! Seriously! I got those pictures thru screen captures of the movie trailer itself. I didn't know the Underworld one's yours too. How cool is that? I was beginning to think that the Indy whip is starting to seep into today's movie culture.

Paul, do you have a website link for your line of MidWestWhips? I'd love to see more!

Thanks!

No problem, I love chatting whips, I just cant get enough. ) Good job on the screen captures.

An FYI, I DID NOT make the whips for Underworld. Im not sure who did actually. My guess would be Terry Jacka, I dont know for sure, but I vaguely remember hearing that he made them.

As for a website, well, I have the Domain www.midwestwhips.com, and I am currently putting the site together. Hopefully it will be finished soon. Ill give you all a heads up when I get some of the pages up.

Paul_Stenhouse wrote:Fun movie!

It is a very fun movie, I went to see it again last sunday with a couple friends who couldnt make it to the sneak preview. Im gonna go again next weekend with a couple more friends who have been out of town.

I cant wait to meet you in person next month Paul, It sure will be fun. (Ive been waiting to use this one, I just found it, hehe)

Indiana-sith wrote:I saw the movie this weekend, it was my birthday and I made my wife take me. AAA+++, realllllly fun movie to watch. It's nice to see the whip make a return to action/adventure.

Happy Birthday!!! Im glad you liked the movie. I hope it was a good birthday for you. It is great to see whips and whipcracking getting a lot more well known. All these whip movies coming out, Underworld, Rundown, and next up is Catwoman, Then the next Zorro, and hopefully soon will be Indy 4. I cant wait, and with whips in the movies it makes it a lot easier to explain to people what it is we all do.

Farnham54 wrote:Just watched it myself! And for Rob and Gater; if there is time this movie is GREAT! Certainly worth watching next week in TO.

The whip work was excellent, the story was great and this is certainly a movie I will add to my DVD collection when it comes out.

I cant wait till the DVD comes out!!! Im hoping they will have a section of the bonus material that is about whips. Also, it would be really cool to see some of the on set or behind the scenes with the whips as well.

Indiana Texas-girl wrote: Check this out...looks like you can buy Paul Nolan's whip:
http://www.gldenterprises.net/Shopping.htm#WhipJewelry

I make custom orders, and have been going mostly on word of mouth, and I make a variety of whips for Mark Allen at Western Stage Props. I also supply whips for Gery Deer at Gldenterprises.net

Captain D wrote:We just saw it last night...a funny movie for sure! Several scenes reminded me of "Raiders" and the fight scenes reminded me of the Matrix

Later!
Capt. D

Yeah it kinda had the good mix there, I think it ended up being funnier than they had thought it would be actually. As the critics have been saying, its just a fun movie.

Indiana Gater wrote:Farnham,

A few friends and I are off to see it tonight, but I'm sure it'll be something worth sitting through again. Sunday night, after the get-together, I will be making the 4+ hour drive back to Ottawa in time to drive my wife to work in the morning, so an early show (7 or 8 ) would probably be best for me, but since most stores close by 5 or 6, anyway, then it's dinner and the flick that's left. Shouldn't be a problem at all. Lookin forward to it!

hey I hope you guys enjoy the movie, let me know what you think!

Indiana_Hall wrote:Paul,

Congrads on getting your whips in the film! You have definately accomplished something worthy of being noted. You give aspiring whip-makers like myself something to shoot for. Again, congrads!

High Regards, Indiana_Hall

Thanks for the Congrats, I am so excited. It sure is a blast. And I want to thank all of you here that has made it even more exciting for me. You guys are great!!! Are you all having as much fun as I am?!!!!! )

Keep the posts coming!!!

Regards,

Paul Nolan
MidWestWhips

Paul, you don't know me from 'adam' (as they say) as I usually stay neutral in this section, but after reading this post, it REALLY added to my viewing pleasure last night of Rundown. Just let me add my congratulations (for what they're worth) to the pile. It's one thing to see pictures and hear kudos regarding the fine whip making of our members here, but to see them in use on the big screen was just wonderful. High regards. Michaelson

Michaelson wrote:Paul, you don't know me from 'adam' (as they say) as I usually stay neutral in this section, but after reading this post, it REALLY added to my viewing pleasure last night of Rundown. Just let me add my congratulations (for what they're worth) to the pile. It's one thing to see pictures and hear kudos regarding the fine whip making of our members here, but to see them in use on the big screen was just wonderful. High regards. Michaelson

Michaelson,

I have read many of your posts in the Fedora and Jacket sections, as well as the Bullwhip. I appreciate your congrats greatly, and it means a heck of a lot to me. Im glad that the post added to your experience, It reassures me that posting is definitely worth it.

Again, thank you, it means a lot.

Regards,

Paul Nolan
MidWestWhips

Hi there,

just got back from the theater, the movie Rocks! (no pun intented)
I have to agree with everyone else, it was truly a lot of fun to watch those whips work on the big screen,
the movie didn't miss a beat, the action, the comedy,(a little lightning, a little thunder) everything I love in a good movie.

One question, how long were the falls on the whips? out of curiosity.


Anyway, congratulations, you Rundown guy/whipmaker you
the whips looked awesome!

Boom! shaka laka! the bagpipe tune was cool to, .



Cheers!

Jim J.

The bagpipe part was cool, but there was no way in #### he was playing "The Highland Laddie." I ought to know!

Best Regards,

Paul Stenhouse

Oh I believe ya,
but now you got me wondering, what was he playing? was it his version,
or something else altogether,

.


All the best.


Jim J.

The tune was Highland Laddie, but he wasn't playing it. When he strikes the bag, you can hear that the drones......oh never mind, this isn't the bagpipe forum. He was just fingering the chanter, but the tune was being played over it (dubbed in).
Incidentally, there is a picture floating around on the internet of the concept whip that I saw. It looked like a hybrid Gil Hibbons handle on the whip. If you can find it, check it out. Pretty wild.

Best Regards,

Paul Stenhouse

I'm embarrassed to say, I couldn't pin down the fellow's accent until he DID play the bagpipes. I thought he was from South Africa or something. When he appeared in the kilt and was playing the pipes, I had one of those 'oh for Pete's sake' reactions Regards. Michaelson

Thats one of the coolest movies i've ever seen, by th way where can i buy these whips is it published yet so we can order it!?

Congratulations on your whips being used in Rundown. I look forward to seeing the film. From what I have heard the whip scenes are great. It sounds like they have gone a step past using actors acting like they know how to crack and took the time to really teach the craft.

Thanks
Bill