Adam Jr. (he likes to go by AJ) had been talking non-stop about wanting to see the Avengers.  I had already gone to see the film and reviewed it with the guys, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to take him to a matinée.  Pretty shocked that I had to fork over $18 for two tickets to a 10:30 AM matinée with a four year-old. Krikorian theaters, does throw in a small popcorn for free, for all patrons on Wednesdays.  Whoop dee doo!!!!  I also got talked into springing $4 for a box of M&M’s, that I did not need.

AJ felt that the Avengers was a pretty exciting movie, well at least for the first 30 minutes or so while the popcorn and M&M’s lasted.  About the same time that the Avengers started talking a lot on the Helicarrier, he was getting a bit rambunctious, so we retreated to the lobby for a bit, so he could run off his sugar high.  Felt this was the best course of action despite the fact the theater only had about 8 other people in it.

When not running around in the lobby, we had some fun taking pictures with some of the giant film promotional props.  I added a few of the pics to this post. We then played 50 cents worth of the Simpsons arcade game and checked out the prizes in claw game “just like Toy Story”.

Also ventured forth to the restroom, while reminding AJ of my public bathroom rule “don’t touch anything!!!”.  Dear designers of public restrooms, would it kill you to add some small size ones to your row of urinals?  I know they make them, because I have seen them in other places.  This small gesture would make the job of dads the world over so much easier.

Ok back into the theater we go.  Decided to sit in the empty front section of the theater so AJ could have the run of the place, while we watched the second half of the film.  He seemed much more into the film, now that all the boring talking parts were over.  He was also a big fan of putting down every arm rest in the first 20 rows of the theater.

I even talked him into sitting through the credits, as I explained that there were bonus features at the end.  AJ thought that would be cool, as long as I let him dance the whole time in front of the screen.  At this point we had the theater to ourselves so I figured why not.  AJ got a good work out and I was able to see both of the extra scenes during the credits.

I conducted a little post film Q&A with AJ on the way home from the theater.

Q: So did you like the Avengers Movie?

A: Momma don’t like the Avengers, Papa and AJ like the Avengers

Q: Who was your favorite character?

A: Captain America was the best.  He is a good guy and he fights the bad guys with his shield. Hulky is a good guy too, he is green.

Q: What was your favorite part of the movie?

A: Fighting with Captain America and the Hulky against the evil spacemen.

Q: What do you feel like eating for lunch?

A: macaroni and cheese just macaroni and cheese and yummy chocolate

Directed by:  Terrence Malick

Written by:  Terrence Malick

Stars:  Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, and Jessica Chastain

I have been sitting on this film for 2 and ½ weeks and still cannot figure out how I want to go about my review, so instead of letting a difficult task waste away I am going to forge forward.  In the 17 days that I have been thinking about this film I have had several contrasting thoughts but what it comes down to truly is, did I like this film?  My answer to that is I still do not know how I feel about the film but I will try to express my thoughts as clear as I can.

The Tree of Life follows a family from the beginning to the end.  By beginning I do not mean from start of their union as a family, I mean from the Earths creation.  Big bang, cell division, dinosaurs, evolution, you catch my drift?  So imagine you are sitting there watching a movie about a family and all of a sudden the television turns you to a channel airing Walking With Dinosaurs, Carl Sagan’s Cosmos and Through the Wormhole but you have an inability to change the channel. Then after about 40 minutes of that you beam back to the movie you were watching about a family and you say to yourself, “wow, it almost seems like they were connected.”  Welcome to the world of Malick and his film The Tree of Life.

As a movie it lacked dialogue, direction, and continuity so if you wanted to see something engaging on tangible level this film will anger you, but you should have known that going in, Malick does not care what you think, nor should he.  His movies are never to please an audience but to try to stop himself from cutting his own ear off, it is a release for him, not for you or me.

As a work of art it was beautifully shot, thought-provoking and spiritual, so if you wanted to be engaged in an intangible tour of a man’s psyche with picturesque visions and dreamlike shots of life that kind of go together but often veer off like the mind of a toddler then this film will blow you away.

I am no Malick aficionado; I have seen Badlands which I loved and A Thin Red Line which I also loved but have yet to see Days of Heaven, his most critically acclaimed film, and his 2005 film The New World.  What I do know or think is that Malick’s films are often more about the art than the content, more about a vision than a message, and more about himself than the audience.

The Tree of Life is a film that asks the questions but does not have the answers; there are no real beginnings or ends, just a myriad of themes beautifully shot within the journey of a family, from creation to death.  It is not going to be for everyone but then again it was not meant for everyone.

To rate this film is almost arbitrary so I am going to avoid putting a number on this one because I have no idea what it would be.

Officially Summer is still over a month away.  However, I can feel it’s getting close.  It is supposed to hit 80 degrees today, so I am taking my boy to the beach to play with his boogie board, and try to convince him that he likes surfing.  Some other sure signs of summer are, that I have most of my vegetable garden planted, and it’s almost time for the damn fire marshall to show up, and order me to climb down the cliff side behind my house and chop brush. 

These thoughts of summer got me to thinking about making some lemonade and some of my favorite summer time movies.  Y  I came up with a couple of ideas of what film would epitomize summer to me.

Jaws always makes me think of a day at the beach

Hitting the links and watching Caddyshack always reminds me of summer

However, I finally picked One Crazy Summer as the film that epitomizes summer for me

So todays question for you is:  What film to you, symbolizes summer ?

Directed By: Dennis Hopper
Written By: Terry Southern, Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper
Starring: Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson
Review By: Joe Sikes(Guest Reviewer)

There are not too many movies that you can say explain the purpose of a generation. It takes an introspective mind to make a movie that can explain the cultural embodiment of why we do what we do and the principles behind our actions that give reason to our being. Easy Rider is a masterpiece that clarified reason within many of our parents’ generation. Liberation and understanding formed the basis of this opus that, to this day, serves as a historical landmark in the film industry. It is hard to find a movie that serves as a voice for a generation and this is what makes Easy Rider such a treasure. I and my friends are products of the “X Generation” and if you want to read a book that explains the “X Generation”, I would recommend “Generation X” by Douglas Copeland. As far as movies are concerned there aren’t many films that I can say explain the sociological significance of “Generation X”, which only, to me, proves that “Easy Rider” is an ambitious 60′s generation landmark film statement.

I will only translate a brief film synopsis so as not to belittle the enormous significance of this film. “Easy Rider”is a film about two “hippies”( Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper) traveling cross-country on their “Choppers” with the intention of discovering the “American Dream”. Little do these two hippie bike riders realize that the “American Dream” is heavily tainted by the unfortunate realization that bigotry and ignorance are inescapable even within their own homeland.

Keep an eye-out for a young Jack Nicholson who plays an amazing role as “George Hanson”, a free-wheeling, southern politicians’ son who is immune to the small-town politics that serve as his safety blanket.

Do not miss this epic film that is designed by a mind expanding soundtrack including Roger McGuinn and an eye-opening cinematography by Laszlo Kovacs and Baird Bryan.   The character acting by Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson alone is just gravy.  I give this classic film a three out of three guys based on the cultural significance alone.

Peace, Love and Harmony y’all.

Woo Hoo back from my taking a little hiatus from blogging.  Lets get right into checking out some trailers.

Argo, its 1979 and those Iranian revolutionaries have stormed the U.S. embassy and taken people hostage.  Six people escaped from the building and are hiding in Iran.  Ben Affleck, his epic beard, Bryan Cranston and John Goodman hatch a plan to make a fake film to aid in the escape of the six embassy workers in hiding.  Find out more about Affleck’s beard on October 12th.

Gangster Squad, looks like someone has been watching my play through of LA Noir.  I am looking forward to seeing Brolin and Gosling  shoot it out with Sean Penn in 1940′s LA.  Hell I want to go and watch this right now.  I really like the scene where they shoot through the movie screen.  Now that too me looks like a reason for 3D.  Not sure when this is going to hit theaters other than sometime this year.

Killer Joe, A man in debt puts out a hit on his evil mom in the hopes of collecting her life insurance policy.  He gets more than he bargained for when he enlists the help of Killer Joe. Matthew McConaughey.  Would be nice to see director William Friedkin have himself a big hit.  At this point it looks like this is going to be hard to catch at the theater, as it is scheduled for a limited release on July 27th.

The Campaign, Will Ferrell and Zack Galifianakis, star as two men running for congress.  Ferrell is a four term incumbent  and Galifianakis is his unlikely challenger.  Looks to be pretty funny watching the combat and the pandering that these two undertake in the hopes of becoming elected.  Look for this film to bring the laughs on August 10th.

That’s it for trailers for this week.  Which of these films look like something you would want to check out?   I am pretty pumped up about that trailer for Gangster Squad.

7 new releases this week to discuss, looks like we have a much better week than last week

first up we have

Chronicle

Science fiction film that was pretty well received in the theaters.  We did a full 3guys review on this film that you can find @ http://3guys1movie.com/?p=3390  We had mixed reviews.

next up we have

The Grey

Adam really wanted to see this film in the theater but Mark and I, being wolf fans, felt like this one could be missed.  I am sure Adam is going to give this one a quick review in the near future.  Classic man versus nature theme with what looks to be some decent fight scenes.

Next up we have

The Devil Inside

It seems that no one liked or enjoyed this film, it is receiving very low scores over on the fresh scale at rotten tomatoes.  I thought it looked stupid from jumpstreet and I do not think I need to see it to prove myself right.

then we have

One for the Money

When I saw this preview in the theater I thought to myself, I need to avoid watching this one and I as I think through it now this one may have went straight to DVD.  The story line seems pretty juvenile and Katherine Heigl just does not have enough to sell it to me or the masses, I will avoid this one at all cost.  Another very low score on the fresh meter at rotten.

then we have

Rampart

We wanted to see this film but it was a difficult task due to the limited release.  Looks somewhat promising as Woody Harrelson takes the law into his own hands in this action movie.  I just added it to my queue.

then we have

Albert Nobbs

Glenn Close as a man, I am bored just writing this.  This film had some Oscar buzz last year but I have a feeling I do not want to see this.

lastly we have

Norwegian Wood

Foreign film that was pretty selective in its release to the world.  I know nothing about this film but I love the Beatles song.

That’s it that’s all

Just a quick question today as I am trying to respond to comments and comment on everyone’s blogs today.  Once all that is completed I am going to be taking Adam Jr. to go and see the Avengers.  This will be my second time going to watch the film.  That got me to thinking of when the last time I saw the same film twice at the theater.  I honestly could not recall the last time that happened.

any excuse for me to use a Scar Jo/Black Widow pic

So todays Hump Day question is:  What is the last film you went and saw at the theater more than once?

It’s that time again.  The day where I present the “best” new trailers I can locate this week and present them in one handy dandy place, for your viewing pleasure.

End of Watch is a police drama starring  Jake Gyllenhaal and Micheael Pena.   Two of LA’s finest bust the wrong cat and become involved with Mexican drug cartels.  David Ayer that same guy that wrote Training Day and the Fast and the Furious also wrote and directed this film.  Look for this film to be filled with action and police chases at a theater near you n Sept 28th.

I must confess I have yet to watch the first Expendables.  However, it’s already time for the Expendables 2.  Look for guns, explosion, memorable one liners, testosterone overload and every action star I can think of to make an appearance in this film. Expendables 2 blows up stuff near you on August 17th 2012.

Hotel Transylvania is an animated film with the voices of Adam Sandler, Selma Gomez, Kevin James and a whole bunch more of voice talent.  The “plot” consists of Dracula running a hotel for horror monsters to relax away from the persecution of humans.  Hijinx ensue when a human stops at the hotel and falls for Count Dracula’s daughter.  Look for your kids to want you to take them to see this film on Sept 21st.

The Loved Ones, is a horror film that has been making the rounds of the film festival circuit since 2009.  This if looks a lot like the sort of film that Mark would end up watching an reviewing.  A jilted prom date is more than she appears to be in this gory horror film.  Look for blood to be spilled when this film finally gets a U.S. release date on June 1st 2012.

That is it for this week my friends.  Do any of these film trailers look like something you would want to see on the big screen?  If I had to pick one that I would check out it would probably be End of Watch.

5 new releases and not one that I want to see, am going to see, or think I need to see.

First up we have

The Vow

When is Rachel McAdams going to do something risky?  I cannot recall any film she has done that was not rom/com , rom/dram.  This looks like a waste of time.

Next up we have

Underworld Awakening

I was personally never a huge fan of this series and believe I saw the first one only.  I know there are fans of this series out there so please convince me I am missing something here.   This one looks like more of the lame.

Next up we have

Mother’s Day

Remake of a classic horror film by the makers of several of the Saw film series.  Starring Rebecca De Mornay this looks like a gore fest with a perfect release date.

Next up we have

Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie

Does anyone have anything good to say about this film?  I remember when this was getting released,  I had no desire to see it then and I have no desire to see it now.

Finally we have a movie I have never heard of

Forbidden Zone

Released in theater January 1st, 1982, this cult classic is new to DVD this week.  I have never seen this and considering I am not a huge Oingo Boingo fan I will probably not see it, ever.   But for those of you who like OB and strange musicals this may be right up your ally.

That’s it that’s all

Marvel’s The Avengers

Director: Joss Whedon
Writer: Joss Whedon, Zak Penn
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson

Plot: Nick Fury brings together a band of superheroes to help do battle against Loki and and his minions who are hell bent on enslaving the earth.

Rate It: (0 – 3 Guys)

Adam:

Scotty:

Griff:

So what did you think? 

Adam – I loved it more than Captain America loves his shield.  The Avengers is a spectacular blend of comedy and action, which more than fulfilled my lofty expectations.  I can’t wait to go and watch it again, with the misses and our boy.

Scotty - The Avengers was a well put together film from top to bottom.  A perfect blend of action and comedy from the first scene to the last and make sure to stay past the first line of credits for a look into the next Avengers film.  The theater was teeming with excitement and this film did not disappoint.

Griff – From this point on if you google summer movie there should just be a picture of the Avengers poster. This is the quintessential summer popcorn movie. Lots of action, plenty of laughs, and the most important ingredient, a decent story that keeps everyone involved. There is enough here to keep the comic fans happy and entertain the casual movie goers as well. The Avengers is great entertainment.

Any thoughts before you saw the movie? 

Adam – I had some apprehension regarding how Hawkeye was being portrayed in some of the trailers.  He seemed to have little dialogue, and screen time, as a Hawkeye fan, I was afraid he was going to get shortchanged in the film.  I was also wondering how they were going to work in all the characters with such a large cast. Glad to say all my fears were smashed like the Hulk smashes cars.

Scotty – I was worried that it would not live up to my expectations, the hype machine was in full effect for this film and often that leads to disappointment.

Griff – I had high hopes but low expectations. There was some pretty big potential for a flop here. Fortunately that didn’t happen.

Did you think this movie was fresh and/or innovative? 

Adam – Well, this film is based on comic book series that started in the 1960’s, so let’s toss that fresh and Innovative out the window.  That is not to say that this was not a fresh spin on the characters, and it was fabulous to see these childhood heroes brought to the big screen.

Scotty - The Avengers are all characters we have known for some time and the story was certainly not brand new to us so, fresh and innovative was not the selling point.

Griff – Well, I can’t really say yes. I mean what are there at least two other superhero movies coming out just this year! That said, it was well written and brought an air freshness to the source material.

Did you think the script was well written? 

Adam – Without a doubt, this is one of the better comic adaptations, that has been made thus far.  It gives the Dark Knight a run for its money, as far a great super hero films go.  I don’t think the script quite reaches that level of awesomeness, but this is more of a family film than Dark Knight, ever attempted to be.

Scotty – I loved the script, perfect use of comedy and action.  How this writer utilized the Hulk was the most impressive part for me, his role was perfect.

Griff - Josh Whedon deserves a ton of credit here. He does a really nice job of keeping things entertaining and giving all of the characters their due. This was a difficult movie to pull off and do it right and I can’t imagine anyone doing it better.

Was there a performance you really liked or really hated? 

Adam – Mark Ruffalo was a great Bruce Banner/Hulk.  I imagine everyone is going to be saying the same thing.  They finally they got the Hulk right.  I still don’t buy Chris Evans as Cap, maybe it’s just me but he seems to lack the gravitas I associate with wing head.

Scotty -The Hulk stole the show in this film, he was the best performance with Ironman a close second.

Griff - On a personal note, I would pay 15 bucks just to watch Scarlett Johansson type for 2 hours. That aside, Robert Downey Jr. really shined in this movie. His character has some of the best lines by far, and his timing and delivery is spot on.

Do you remember a song from the film?

Adam – I am going to go with Soundgarden Live to Rise, because I love me some grunge.  I went to college in the early 90’s deal with it. Yes I wore a lot of plaid shirts.

Scotty - “We’re in this together” by NIN

Griff - When I bought the tickets online I was given a free copy of the song Comeback by Redlight King. Truthfully, I didn’t really care for the song but I always enjoy free.

What was your favorite line? 

Adam – “Hulk? Smash” Captain America

Scotty – “hulk…….smash” or “no hard feelings point break” These are just two of the many well written lines of dialogue.

Griff – “You might want to clench up, Legolas”

What would have made this a better movie?

Adam - If Hawkeye had his Sky-Cycle and Ant-Man and the Wasp were in this film this may have gotten three stars from me.  So I am a Marvel purist, what you going to do about it?

Scotty – nothing, it was a quality action/comic book film.

Griff - I don’t really have any complaints here but if I am forced to nitpick then I think some of the dialogue at times was little strange and the story while it is good, is not exactly mind blowing and original.

Is it worth seeing in the theater? Or could you have waited for the DVD/Stream?

Adam - By Odin’s beard, get ye to thy cinema.

Scotty – You certainly want to see this in the theater, the 3D was crisp and well used and this is one of those films to be seen on the big screen.

Griff – Not only am I going to recommend you go see this in the theater but this is one of the few times I recommend that you actually see it in 3D. The immersive 3D in this movie was impressive and was actually worth the extra few bucks.

What other movies would you recommend if someone enjoyed this film? 

Adam – I thought Iron Man was really well done and I would also like to give a shout out to Unbreakable and the Watchmen both great movies about superheroes.

Scotty – Thor and Ironman are two films that come to mind.

Griff - Well, you can run right down most of Marvel films here but I thought Iron Man was one of the best.

Any final thoughts on this movie? 

Adam – I have renewed hope for humanity in light of the fact that The Avengers opening weekend box office totals demolished that Harry Potter film.  I still have not seen or read any Harry Potter films.  Pretty convinced that is going to be one of the questions at the pearly gates.

Scotty – I was impressed with the film, it lived up to expectations and needs to be seen in the theater.  The way the Hulk was written into this script was genius and as I stated earlier he was the best Avenger in my opinion.  I was amazed at how important the Hulk was in the film and feel as though the writer, Joss Whedon, has a soft spot in his heart for the green giant.  All I can say is “Hulk Smash.”

Griff - The Avengers is exactly what a summer movie should be. It is a fun and enjoyable watch and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. There is plenty of action and plenty of laughs to go along with a good story. It lives up to the hype and I hope it is a sign of good things to come for the rest of the summer.