Guy. Stuff. Words. Mostly Movies.

My Evening With Ivan Reitman

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:16:00 +0000

Okay, so I wasn't the only one there, but I sure felt I could have been. For those who may not know, Ivan Reitman is the director/producer of some of my favorite movies. These include, and are not limited to, Ghostbusters, Stripes, Animal House, Dave, Evolution, Old School, and many more.

Last night I was fortunate enough to attend an event at USC where the man himself sat and talked for a little over an hour, answering various questions, and then sat with us as we watched Ghostbusters. It was surreal.

When Ghostbusters first came out, I was too young to see it in theaters, but I knew of it. I got interested in the things that came out as a result of the film, like the action figures, cartoon, and video games. In fact, my closest friend at the time and I bonded over our mutual love of this franchise. It was a thing that brought us closer together, and frankly, ostracized us from our classmates in elementary school.

All of those feelings came rushing back to me last night as I sat there in the theater watching the film for the first time on a big screen. Knowing that Reitman was in the audience as well added something special to it, but for a majority of the time, I felt like I was the only one in there watching it. I was transported within my own mind and heart to a time and place that made me feel young, innocent, and utterly happy. It was an experience that I could not have foreseen in my younger years, something that if you had told a 9 year old me would happen some day I would have thought you crazy and called out for the nearest adult.

Today, I shared this experience with a friend at lunch and after a few minutes of being berated with "where was my invite you jerk!" comments, we both started spouting quotes from the film at random, and laughing heartily at ourselves. It's just a great movie that most people have fond memories of, and I share that sentiment, obviously.

I remember quite a few years ago someone first asked me, what's your favorite movie? I took a moment and told them, Ghostbusters. At that time, they laughed and shrugged it off like I couldn't possibly be serious. Today, when asked the same question and I give that answer, more often than not, I get the approving nod. People finally get it.

Ironing Bored (Clever huh?)

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Ironing sucks. I hate it. Yet, it is a necessity in my life. I can't afford to have someone else do it all the time, and I can't go to job interviews with wrinkled clothes. I can go to my current job with wrinkled clothes, but I don't.

At least, not all the time. Yeah, I know, my mom raised me better than that. But, if you ask her, she'll say the same thing. Ironing sucks. So, you know, there's that. Moving on.

So I have this old, worn, used, green legged ironing board. It was given to me when I first moved out. It was the one my mom used before me, and her mom before her. As far as I know, that's as far back as it goes. Last night, I went to Target and bought a new cover for it. I have this new roommate you see, and she is a, well, she, and I wanted to spruce it up a bit. I know, why didn't I just buy a new one - shut up. Keep reading.

Naturally, my first thought was to replace the cover because hey, I may have been alright with the yellow-but-started-off-white-years-ago cover, but maybe she isn't. So, there I am wandering in Target looking for the section that this crap falls under. I mean, what is it exactly? Laundry? Bath? Kitchen? Household items? I don't know! I keep it in a cupboard in my house (thats 1 category) which is next to the kitchen (another) and the bathroom (and another), but I use it to iron my clean laundry (and there you have it). Yes, a small glimpse in the small mind of a guy. Eventually, I found it. Will I be able to find it again? Probably not.

There must be some gps homing beacon thing in girls that help them find that crap right away.

Yep, I'm going to get hate mail about that one. Moving on.

I'm looking at their selection of covers and settle on something nice, colorful and at the same time masculine. It said "extra padding" and "fits normal size" boards. Yeah, okay, well, the normal size boards were probably nearby and I could have checked and compared to make sure my board was the same size. But, no. In typical guy fashion, my mind was focused on the mission. "Get in. Get this. Get out." That's it. Logic doesn't seem to enter the equation all that often when I go shopping. Most people who have been with me will attest to this.

I get home and relax (read: recline in the new sofa) and kill an hour or two. Then, I discover the new cover on my bed and decide "Hey, I should put this on!" I walk to the cupboard where the ironing board is and at the same time decide, I need background noise while I do this so I will turn on the TV and in doing so, I sit down and grab the latest Entertainment Weekly from the coffee table. I'm sitting there watching the movie, and reading the magazine. Basically, I'm just chillin like a villain. The whole purpose of my trip has been forgotten.

It's as if the male brain has this protective enzyme that kicks in when you start to think of laundry or ironing. As soon as that thought enters our brain, the enzyme provides us with alternatives that are so much more appealing. And frankly, that can be just about anything. Calling the dentist to make an appointment, going into work for overtime, picking up the kids from school. Not my kids mind you, just any kids. Then again that would yield a series of events that could be worse than laundry or ironing .. but not by much! Moving on.

I finish the second Entertainment Weekly and ponder starting on the Esquire magazine, but decide not to. I walk into my room for something. Again, the sight of the cover assaults my eyes and I feel as though if it were able to speak it would mock me for forgetting it. To which I would retort, "Yeah, well, I remembered, I was just taking my time. So, yeah, shut up." I pull the board out from its cupboard, and the iron too - I mean heck, if I'm going to punish myself I should go all the way.

At first, I thought it was going to be easy, I pull off the cover and put on the new one. But, no, of course not, why would it be easy. I took off the first layer, no problem. I say to myself, "Oh, wait there's another one. Weird." I remove the second, and the third, and the fourth. By now, there are like pins ~~and tape and candle wax and cat gut~~ holding the older covers in place. "What the heck is going on here!" I said aloud to no one in particular. Each cover had been in worse condition and explained why there was a need for a new one. What it was not telling me was why new ones just kept getting put on over the old!

I made my way to the eighth and final cover. Now, if you now anything about video games, you know that when you reach the end of a level you have to fight the big boss or something. That's exactly what happened here, I'm not kidding. It was the most difficult cover and it wouldn't come off without a fight. Then, once I did get it to release, it revealed this asbestos like crap and used it to try and defeat me. I put the new cover on and patted myself on the back. A bachelor's job well done.

A sigh of relief.

At this point, you're saying two things to yourself. Well, at least two. First, did I leave out the part where I cleaned off the board before putting on the new cover? No, I didn't skip that part of the story. It just didn't happen. Deal with it. Second, why in the name of everything holy did you keep that old-ass board when you could have bought a new one anytime you wanted over the last 10 years!!??

That, my friends, is the question of the day. It's not like I couldn't afford it, I just never thought of it. The board has been functional and mine for as long as I've been on my own. It's one of those things that just symbolizes this chapter in my life where I went out on my own and made it work. It hasn't always been easy, and it certainly hasn't been without help. But, I've managed to do it nonetheless. There are only a handful of items that I hold on to today that have been with me for every move I've made from apartment to apartment. I hold them all closely to my heart, and don't see them as things that can be removed for extra space or for aesthetics.

I see them as the people that have raised me, guided me, and helped me get to where I am today. That's why I keep the old-ass board. It's the sturdy foundation and support I get everyday from the people I love and love me. That may not be enough to beat the asbestos, but it comes damn close.

TV Upfronts (part 2) (CBS and CW)

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Thu, 19 May 2011 21:23:00 +0000

Today the CW presented their line up to advertisers, and yesterday CBS showed their's. Not too many surprises considering a lot of this news leaked out before official presentations, except personally, I'm shocked that "One Tree Hill" continues to be made!! I don't know what deal with the devil was made there but wow, I'm shocked every year I see it on the schedule. Let's take a look at both their lineups for next year.

Sundays

7:00PM 60 Minutes
8:00PM The Amazing Race
9:00PM The Good Wife
10:00PM CSI: Miami

Mondays
8:00PM How I Met Your Mother
8:30PM 2 Broke Girls (NEW!)
9:00PM Two and a Half Men
9:30PM Mike & Molly
10:00PM Hawaii Five-0

Tuesdays
8:00PM NCIS
9:00PM NCIS: Los Angeles
10:00PM Unforgettable (NEW!)

Wednesdays
8:00PM Survivor: South Pacific
9:00PM Criminal Minds
10:00PM CSI: Crime Investigation

Thursdays
8:00PM The Big Bang Theory
8:30PM How to Be a Gentleman (NEW!)
9:00PM Person of Interest (NEW!)
10:00PM The Mentalist

Fridays
8:00PM A Gifted Man (NEW!)
9:00PM CSI: NY
10:00PM Blue Bloods

Saturdays
8:00PM Rules of Engagement
8:30PM Comedytime Saturday (encores)
9:00PM-10:00PM Crimetime Saturday (encores)
10:00PM 48 Hours Mystery

Mid-Season:
Returning series: Undercover Boss
New series: The 2-2

Mondays
8:00PM Gossip Girl
9:00PM Hart of Dixie (NEW!)

Tuesdays
8:00PM 90210
9:00PM Ringer (NEW)

Wednesdays
8:00PM H8R (NEW!)
9:00PM America's Next Top Model

Thursdays
8:00PM Vampire Diaries
9:00PM The Secret Circle (NEW!)

Fridays
8:00PM Nikita
9:00PM Supernatural

Mid-Season 2012:

New Series: The Frame (reality) and Re-Modeled (reality)
Returning Series: One Tree Hill (drama)

Series Finale - Smallville

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:00:00 +0000

If you happen to follow me on Twitter (or Facebook) you already know that I enjoyed the series finale of "Smallville" last week. Was it the best finale ever? No, of course not. Was the best finale "Smallville" could have been? Absolutely.

It was October 16, 2001, when the first episode of "Smallville" aired. It was the first successful attempt to bring Superman back to tv after "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" ended in 1997. The way this incarnation stood out was in the premise that this was taking place while Clark was on the Kent farm in Smallville, going through the adolescent journey of becoming a man, and the man of steel. The creators and producers made it clear up front that this was not a show about Superman and that there would be "no flight, and no tights" until the very end. They lived up to that promise .. sort of, but we will get into that later.

Up until "Smallville" every tv show about, and or related to the character of Superman included just that, Superman. A guy (or boy) who wore the iconic suit and performed those legendary feats of superhuman strength. So, the idea that a new generation, and some of the old, would watch what would be considered a teenage soap opera with some "special abilities" thrown in was a far fetched one. Still, it worked. For 10 years the show ran on what started out as The WB and then became The CW. The name of the station changed, as did the format of the show and our main character.

For those of you stuck it out and watched every season, I commend you, you are a true and loyal fan. I will admit that I gave up at the end of season 3, and barely even watched any of season 4. Sadly, I wasn't alone. Over the years, the audience started to dwindle, but never so much as to prompt a cancellation. Still, the show plugged away and evolved. Much as the main character was growing up, so was the show and the story lines.

Over the years, they started to rely heavily on the DC Comic cannon for those special episodes that happened to air during sweeps. New characters would stop by and help Clark out, or cause trouble, or provide some glimpse into the future that showed him what he will become. I have to say, if I caught a promo where a particular DC character was going to make an appearance that I was interested in, I would tune in. Naturally, I was lost regarding the whole over reaching plot, but I would do my best to understand.

Eventually, it would just lead to me jumping on the Internet and reading a bunch of summaries over the plots I had missed and why certain scenes in the special episode meant more to faithful viewers rather than the casual ones like myself. No matter how far I strayed, I was also aware that the show continued to exist and that it was working toward an end when I would finally get to see Superman fly.

For most, Tom Welling will be their first and only Superman. He is who they grew up with. Going along for his journey from boy to man of steel. Only 1 Superman movie came out during it's 10 year run, and it was considered a flop. So much so that Warner Bros., studios is rebooting the whole thing with a new cast and crew. But, because this show did tie into the legacy that is Superman, Warner Bros., knew that in this finale, Tom Welling's Clark Kent would have to become Superman at last.

Cut to the finale, and afterwards a bunch of people complaining that we never saw Tom in a full body shot in the suit. I'm sure this was planned due to the movie I just mentioned, the studio wouldn't want us thinking of him as Superman as they gear up to introduce a new one to us. However, I submit to you that it doesn't matter. I think the finale was better without it.

Sure, we got our close ups that mattered, and wide shots that satisfied. But, remember, this was never a show about Superman. It was about Clark Kent becoming that man in the suit that the world knows so well. Granted, I was as giddy as a little school girl when I saw the scene when he got the suit, and flew around in it. Then, even more so at the end when the theme from the original movie played as Tom slow-mo'd his way across the roof of The Daily Plant, ripping open his shirt to reveal the "S" underneath. Yeah, it was pretty emotional.

It meant so much more to me because I hadn't seen him as Superman all along. Sure, there were episodes here and there where Clark was "not himself" and he could fly, or do something else that normal Clark wouldn't. It was a way of cheating, but also trying to get attention from the audience, and for that, I will not blame them. Especially considering it worked so well.

After ten years of adventures, they wrapped up the show in a nice little bow bringing us to an all too familiar point in Superman's life. Well, sort of. Congratulations and kudos are deserved for that team that pulled off, not to mention a break.

Series finale - Stargate Universe

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:30:00 +0000

I read an article that said Stargate, in one form or another, has been on TV for almost 14 years. Wow. Just think about that for a moment, just think about how much has changed in the last 14 years. When I think about it, Stargate has been a part of my life over the years, and we've both sort of grown up together.
The movie was released October 28, 1994, according to Wikipedia. That sounds about right. What I remember is being in high school, and having one of my most influential teachers get me excited about seeing this. I was already into sci-fi at this point, and at the time, enjoying the heck out of "The X-Files." So, when this one came around, I was eager to see what it was all about. To the best of my recollection, it was going to be the first time I saw James Spader in a movie. Boy, was I going to be shocked by his choices leading up to this one, and even afterwards.

I walked out of the theater blown away by the idea, the concept, and the sense that I had just seen something amazing. I was in awe at the idea that somebody came up with this idea and made a movie out of it. It was brilliant, I wanted it to be real and go on those trips myself! In my opinion, that's a good sign for any movie.

Fast forward a few years later and "Stargate: SG1" was created for television, and started to air on the Showtime network. I didn't have cable at the time and couldn't watch it. I would try and arrange visits to friends places on the nights it would air and they just so happened to have that channel, but that plan didn't work out too well. Five years later it moved to the SciFi channel, and I was thrilled. I got caught up on past episodes and became engrossed in the new ones. That run lasted another five years, and 2 movies, and I was pleased.

The "Stargate: Atlantis" spin off never held my attention, even though I tried really hard to make it stick, I just couldn't get into it. It wasn't until "Stargate: Universe" came along that I was ready to jump back into this universe they created. In the time that I had started watching SG1 to the now defunct Universe, I had grown quite a bit. My taste in the sci-fi genre had become somewhat refined, and perhaps critical. I would dare say that I also got a little more entrenched within the culture that comes along with being an avid sci-fi fan, but not too much. I'm reminded of this when those who are far more hard core than I, recall specific scenes from movies long since abandoned by popular culture and myself.

Still, even after all that time, and all that had changed in the world within and around me, I was able to sit back and enjoy what SGU had to offer. It was a new story set in a time I was already familiar with, with characters I had not yet come to know. The brilliance behind it was exactly what thrilled me about the original film all those years ago. It was a story about people, in a fantastic situation, that could in fact happen. Granted, it could only happen in that universe in which the story is set, but think of it. You exist in a world where stargates are real, and when your base is attacked, you flee to safety through one. It just so happens you end up on a ship travelling the universe, cut off from all that you have ever known.

At the heart of the show, it's a story about the journey this group of people make from one point to another, and discover how to survive. They learn to survive with not only each other, but with themselves, and emptiness around them. It was brilliant! It kept the universe of SG1 alive, but removed them from anything familiar, thus forcing the characters and the writers to experience new things. It was almost "Star Trek" in that regard, but because of how the franchise started, you knew it wasn't. There was a solid history behind it that helped lend credibility and plausibility to what you saw happening to this humans. You would empathize and marvel at the trials they would face and how they dealt with it.

Granted, the show wasn't perfect, but now that it is no more, I tend to only see the good things. But, it was just getting started. As with most new shows, it takes a little time for everyone to find their way and set a course of character and plot development. With what they had to work with, the crew both and on and off camera did a wonderful job. I commend them on not only a fitting series finale, but a series worthy of the Stargate legacy.

TV Upfronts (NBC, ABC, FOX)

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Wed, 18 May 2011 01:45:00 +0000

Every year around this time the tv networks make their presentations to advertisers (and the media) about which shows will be on their schedule next year, they call this the 'Upfronts.' Usually, we can all pretty much guess which shows will make it back and which will get canceled, but lately it's been harder to tell, which could be a good thing. In this year's crop we have some surprises, where networks are letting some low rating shows stay, while cancelling some higher performing ones. Let's see what we have.

So, first, we have to get the bad news out of the way. Here is a list of shows that we know for sure now have been canceled and will not be back next season:

Brothers & Sisters
Detroit 1-8-7
My Generation
No Ordinary Family
Off The Map
The Gates
The Whole Truth
V
Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior
The Defenders
Chicago Code
Human Target
Lie to Me
The Good Guys
Law & Order: Los Angeles
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Stargate: Universe
Outlaw
The Event
Undercovers
Chase
Mr. Sunshine
Better With You
Hellcats

This list may increase, so please check back. I say that because new Fox show "Breaking In" is officially dead as of right now, but there is a chance it could still come back. That's why I haven't added it to the list just yet. We must wait and see.

On to the good news then. Here is what we have as to what shows will be on the air come the Fall listed by network.

Sundays

7:00PM Football Night in America
8:15PM Sunday Night Football

Mondays
8:00PM The Sing-Off
10:00PM The Playboy Club (NEW!)

Tuesdays
8:00PM Biggest Loser
10:00PM Parenthood

Wednesdays
8:00PM Up All Night (NEW!)
8:30PM Free Agents (NEW!)
9:00PM Harry's Law
10:00PM Law & Order: SVU

Thursdays
8:00PM Community
8:30PM Parks & Recreation
9:00PM The Office
9:30PM Whitney (NEW!)
10:00PM Prime Suspect (NEW!)

Fridays
8:00PM Chuck
9:00PM Grimm (NEW!)
10:00PM Dateline

Saturdays
8:00PM Repeats

Mid-Season 2012:
Sundays (TBD)
7:00PM Dateline
8:00PM Celebrity Apprentice
10:00PM The Firm (NEW!)

Mondays (January)
8:00PM The Voice
10:00PM Smash (NEW!)

Thursdays (TBD)

30 Rock

Sundays
7:00PM America's Funniest Home Videos
8:00PM Once Upon a Time (NEW!)
9:00PM Desperate Housewives
10:00PM Pan Am (NEW!)

Mondays
8:00PM Dancing with the Stars
10:00PM Castle

Tuesdays
8:00PM Last Man Standing (NEW!)
8:30PM Man Up (NEW!)
9:00PM Dancing with the Stars: The Results
10:00PM Body of Proof

Wednesdays
8:00PM The Middle
8:30PM Suburgatory (NEW!)
9:00PM Modern Family
9:30PM Happy Endings
10:00PM Revenge (NEW!)

Thursdays
8:00PM Charlie's Angels (NEW-ish!)
9:00PM Grey's Anatomy
10:00PM Private Practice

Fridays
8:00PM Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
9:00PM Shark Tank
10:00PM 20/20

Saturdays
8:00PM Saturday Night College Football

Sundays
7:00PM NFL Overrun/The OT (NFL post-game)/Animated Repeats
7:30PM The Cleveland Show
8:00PM The Simpsons
8:30PM Allen Gregory (NEW!)
9:00PM Family Guy
9:30PM American Dad!

Mondays
8:00PM Terra Nova (NEW!)
9:00PM House

Tuesdays
8:00PM Glee
9:00PM New Girl (NEW!)
9:30PM Raising Hope

Wednesdays
8:00PM The X-Factor Performance Show (NEW!)
9:30PM I Hate My Teenage Daughter (NEW!)

Thursdays
8:00PM The X-Factor Results Show (NEW!)
9:00PM Bones

Fridays
8:00PM Kitchen Nightmares
9:00PM Fringe

Saturdays
8:00PM Cops
8:30PM Cops
9:00PM Encores/America's Most Wanted (specials)

January / Spring 2012:

Sundays
7:00PM Animation Domination (encores)
7:30PM The Cleveland Show
8:00PM The Simpsons
8:30PM Napoleon Dynamite (NEW!)
9:00PM Family Guy
9:30PM Bob's Burgers

Mondays
8:00PM House
8:00PM Alcatraz (NEW!)

Tuesdays
8:00PM Glee
9:00PM New Girl (NEW!)
9:30PM Raising Hope

Wednesdays
8:00PM American Idol Performance Show
9:30PM I Hate My Teenage Daughter (NEW!)

Thursdays
8:00PM American Idol Results Show
9:00PM The Finder (NEW!) / Bones (spring)

Fridays
8:00PM Kitchen Nightmares
9:00PM Fringe

Saturdays
8:00PM Cops
8:30PM Cops
9:00PM Encores/America's Most Wanted (specials)

Drunk Blog (episode 1)

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 16:00:00 +0000

2011 is the year of adventure. Now, adventure doesn't equate to being drunk all the time, but in thehis case it does. I'm looking at the keyboard while I type this so I'm hoping that I make few mistakes, bu thaose that I do make I am leaving in for posterity. Here are some of the thtoughts that I had while my inrtoxication level rose this eveing:

1.) Nobody gets in between a person and the bartender when they want their first drink.

2.) No bartender can move fast enough when a cute girl asks you to get her a glass of wter

3.) I can see why a lot of babies are made ass a result of a drunken night.

4.) Walking home drunk is safer than driving, but it also takes a lot longer.

4.) the smal.ler the glass the druink comes in, the more sexpensive it is.

I shouldn't be typing this.

Mister Manly Man

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:58:00 +0000

As I was growing up my family started purchasing more and more furniture that needed to be assembled. For the life of me, this is all I can remember. I mean, that young, I can't recall there being an IKEA around, but at stores like K-Mart, they sold furniture that needed to be put together.

Now, this is good quality stuff. It was meant to last and it really did, in fact some of that stuff is still standing in my parents house as of today. But, I always wondered if that was the way it had always been.
I mean, was it just simpler back in the day, or was there some other method to getting furniture like that into your home. Granted, most of the furniture today that comes in this manner (desks, entertainment centers, tv stands, dvd racks, etc.) were not needed back then, so it really isn't all that relevant. Still, at first I was excited to pitch in and help because I felt like I was doing something manly.

See, I'm not all that into sports and find some of the other usual "manly" things kind of boring. So, when the opportunity to build something came along, I jumped all over it. It helped to redeem my manhood somehow in my own mind. Well, as it turned out, I had a knack for following instructions, and combine that with my "not feeling manly enough" guilt, I gave my parents the impression that I really liked putting all kinds of stuff together.

Over the years, more and more things got purchased that I ended up putting together. Then, in some unknown year not too long ago, I put my foot down. I said "No more!" I wasn't going to put anything else together. This happened as a result of one particularly grueling endeavor that took well over 8 hours or something. I can't remember what it was, but I told myself and everyone else that I was done.

I wasn't done. Since then, I have put together other items, most of them my own. Including my latest triumph completed just today. The need arose for a new dvd holder in my apartment and this one I came across in Best Buy seemed to fit the bill just right.

It took me a little longer to put it together than I would have liked, but I have to attribute that to my now shortened attention span, and slightly older knees and back. I turned the tv on for noise as I worked, but then made the mistake of actually turning on stuff that I enjoyed watching. Soon, I was spending more time watching what was on tv than finishing the task at hand.

Nonetheless, the task is finished and I have a snazzy new dvd holder to show for it. This new addition will finally free up some space in my current entertainment center, and bookshelf and I couldn't be happier. In addition to the dvds I own, it also holds my Blu-Ray discs and video games. My reward for finishing this with nearly no trouble at all, was a cold beer and chance to play newest video game purchase "Donkey Kong Country Returns" for the Wii. Yeah, all combined, a pretty manly day.

the finished product .. to think it was just a pile of wood and screws in some store for days before these manly hands changed all that. that's right ladies, I got manly hands. okay, that just sounds creepy.

..and that's a wrap on Woody.

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 02:00:00 +0000

In 1995 "Toy Story" hit theaters and everyone wondered, what the heck is Pixar?

There was talk about how the industry was doomed because of this all CGI film.

There were rumblings that a movie about toys wasn't going to be very good, and there were even some (you know who you are) that said, well Hanks and Allen are past their prime so there is no strong cast here.

15 years later, all of those assumptions, misconceptions, doubts, and fears have long since left. They've been replaced with memories, trust, and expectations as high as the sky.

Expectations that Pixar has proven time and again they are willing to meet and sometimes, exceed. "Toy Story 3" is no exception. For what is presumed to be the final installment in this series, they have served the characters and the story perfectly, with heart, and with honor.

Andy is leaving for college and his young plastic friends are being left behind. They soon find themselves donated to a local day care where they soon come to realize, is not the place they want to be. They want to be with Andy. So, what we have is another adventure of our little toys fighting to get back home to the boy they love.

From the start you can tell this one is different. You know that this is the end and that things will never be the same. By the end, you are thrilled with what they did and how they did it, but at the same time, sad to have this story end.

Not much else I can say about this one. It was great, from start to finish. As with the other two films before it, the heart that they give these characters is what makes it all worthwhile, and it is in no short supply this time either. With some new friends, and new enemies, we are treated to another great entry in this magnificent franchise. Definitely worth watching.

Me vs. Scot Pilgrim vs. The World

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Starring ... that one kid who seems to only have one acting style.

Although, I don't think I can call him a kid any more. He's all of 22 years old now. Oddly enough, that was the age of his character as well. Even oddlier .. is that a word .. I think that was age of the audience this film may have been made for.

At 32 years old, I felt as though I understood what they were going for with this film, but I couldn't appreciate it. It was visually brilliant, and most of the dialogue was sharp and kept me entertained. The story itself was interesting, but before the halfway mark I was finding it hard to care about anything that was happening, and to whom. Someone told me that maybe I would think differently after a second viewing. Perhaps, but if that happens it will not be by choice anytime soon.

Grown Ups acting like anything but

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 22:00:00 +0000

Starring ... Adam Sandler and his band of merry men .. and Chris Rock.

Right off the bat, I have to say that any movie that has David Spade playing the "pimp daddy" of the group is going to be bad. I mean, come on, seriously?!

Still, in spite of that fact and the inclusion of Rob Schnieder, I will admit that I genuinely, almost really, liked this movie. As it turns out, I will only give it a "meh."

Long gone are the glory days of Adam Sandler. True, some think they never existed at all, but for me, looking back at "Happy Gilmore," "Billy Madison," and the like, I remember them fondly and long for that Sandler still. Of course, I know that with age comes family and maturity and his choices have reflected that. However, I'm still allowed to lament, so let me.

After being burned with "Funny People" I was really hesitant to see this film for fear it would be another one that failed to live up to my expectations. Then, I realized that I didn't have any expectations for this one. I expected that all the funny scenes were in the trailer and the rest of it would just be filler. For the most part, I was right.

The added bonus of watching the whole film though was to see Salma Hayek who was only briefly mentioned in the trailer, and believe me, she would have been a greater selling point. As you can see from the poster, a number of Sandler's usual suspects make an appearance in the film and perform as well as you would expect .. he says sarcastically. See my previous statement about expectations.

The premise is that these high school buddies all get together after years apart due to the death of their basketball coach. See, it was when the played together that they all got close and felt on top of the world. Now, years later, they each have their grown up lives with grown up problems, but want to forget that for a weekend as they mourn their coach.

Of course, the weekend turns into a bunch of adults doing kid stuff, but eventually realizing that they need to grow up and deal with their problems like .. well, grown ups. By the end, everything is wrapped in a neat little bow and everyone is happy .. even the bully. But, hey, what are you going do, it happens like that in the movies.

It's hard for me to recommend this one, but I don't want you to avoid it if you're a Sandler fan. I think there is enough to redeem itself if you want to sit through it, but unless you are already a fan, this will not make you one, so I would say avoid it.

Don't forget about Remember Me

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0000

Starring .. that guy from Twilight and .. wait! No, you know what, no. I'm not going to lower and debase this young mans talent by simply saying he is that Twilight guy. Instead, I will give him a reference worthy of his performance.

Starring .. the blonde chick from LOST and that guy from that one Harry Potter movie.

Much better.

Just like this movie. It was much better than I expected. And by expected, I mean based solely on my dislike of Twilight and the cheesy look of the poster. So yeah, I judged it by it's looks. Lesson learned.

Since I watched this film, I've come across some reviews by "respected" critics that placed this film on their top 10 worst films of the year. I couldn't believe it. It just confirmed how far out of touch these critics are with my own tastes. I stopped relying on their reviews awhile back and still, every now and then I will check one out and more often than not, get disgusted with their take on something I felt the opposite about. But, hey, that's what this is all about, the movie review thing! It's all about your personal opinion.

Much like the case with this film, people will find themselves drawn to a film that critics just don't relate to. With this one, we have the story of two people who have suffered loss in their lives. They have managed to move on and deal with it in their own ways, but it still has an impact on them and their relationships.

Eventually, the two characters cross paths and form a relationship that changes each of them, and affects their respective families as well. By the end, we are given a sense of where things are going and felt that they got their naturally without any "nice and tidy" Hollywood B.S. At least, in my opinion.

Some would say that the ending is something of a twist, but no, I can't characterize it as such. It was more like a "whoa" moment. Definitely unexpected, and touching at the same time. I read an article that classified it as "gimmicky" and to be honest, I don't know where that came from, but I don't feel the same. Through the course of the movie that acting was very well done, and the story and was strong enough to draw me in. The ending by itself seemed separate and didn't impact my overall opinion.

I would certainly recommend checking it out if you are interested in seeing Robert Pattinson do some good work along with his supporting cast including Chris Cooper, Pierce Brosnan, and Emilie de Ravin.

Iron Man 2 Bad I Paid For This

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Starring .. Mr. umpteenth comeback guy, scary wrestler dude, new black guy, and [there is no name for her, just the sound of my heart skipping a beat when I see her].

First thing I noticed, the director gave himself a little more screen time. Second thing I noticed, I enjoyed the first one far more.

The curse of the sequel is a hard thing to overcome, we've seen it taken down a many films before. Still, we always have hope this time, they will set right things that once went wrong, and that this next time will be their leap home. Oh, sorry, I seemed to have blended a couple of things there that didn't go together.

Back to the film, well, there isn't much I can say. The action was top notch, proving that Jon Favreau has come a long way as a director. The gamble Marvel took on him for the first film paid off, and this time around, it did as well, in a way. This sequel wasn't the blockbuster they were expecting, and well, the same can be said for the fans.

With the addition of Don Cheadle and Scarlett Johansson, I was expecting a much different film. Then, with the inclusion of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury before the credits rolled also had me excited about the possibilities. Sadly, at the end, the possibilities and I had envisioned remained untouched. Perhaps my disappointment was my own darn fault, as it usually is, because my expectations were set too high. I didn't have any for the new "The A-Team" movie and was pleasantly surprised, so perhaps this is a lesson I finally need to learn.

But, then, I feel like why? Why should I learn that lesson? Why doesn't Hollywood get off their lazy bums and live up to my expectations?!?!

Ahem. Sorry. Needless to say, the film kind of disappoints, but overall, it is a visually entertainment flick. We get action and Scarjo in a tight outfit. Watch it if you want, but if you don't, you are not missing anything. The "secret scene" this time around is already on the Internet and heralds the introduction of Thor into this universe of movies, so, there's that. But, really, that alone is not worth sitting through the film for. I'm just saying.

** ADDITIONAL COMMENTS **

What the heck happened to Gary Shandling? Why, why did he do that to himself?! Oh man, that is just painful .. it's like Kenny Rogers, Wayne Newton bad. Ugh. So sad.

Prepare your own Back Up Plan

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Starring: Alex O'Loughlin and Jennifer Lopez.

Yes. You read that correctly. "The Back Up Plan." I saw it. Granted, I started writing this post back in May of 2010 and never thought I would finish it, let alone publish it.

I've told maybe one other person that I saw this, and even they give me a hard time for it. I can't help it, I've got a sort of crush thing on J. Lo. Ever since "Out of Sight" I've been watching her movies and liking her more and more. Now, don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean I'm going to watch "American Idol" I don't think any crush I could ever have would cause that to happen.
Let me just get this out of the way .. to be honest, the film wasn't that bad. For what it was about, it was kind of cute and I did find myself chuckling a couple of times.

If you're not familiar with the plot, and I don't blame if you're not, Lopez stars as a woman who is convinced that she is not going to find the right guy anytime soon, but feels her time is running out to have a baby. So, she decides to go through with a donor, and gets pregnant. Soon after, she meets the guy played by O'Laughlin and they hit off, really well. She, of course, can't keep her situation a secret and eventually tells him in hopes that they can still be together.

Well, some stuff happens, funny stuff and serious stuff, but how it actually ends I can't recall. I'm pretty sure it wasn't all traumatic or whatever because I think I would have remembered that, but anyway, that's the gist of what happens. Like I said, it wasn't all that bad. Certainly this is a chick flick and should be considered as such; more so than the latest "SATC" movie by what I heard.

So, directing this to my female readers out there, if you are so inclined to watch a cutesy movie, feel free to rent this one. I'm sure it won't disappoint.

MACGRUBER!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Starring ... well, MacGruber and Vicki St. Elmo, that's who. Right off the bat, let me tell you that this is one foul movie. Foul mouthed and at times, maybe even downright indecent.

Make no mistake, there is nothing redeeming about it. No real story, no moral, nothing to leave you at the end saying, "wow, I really learned something." Well, actually, if you count the celery, maybe you will say that. All in all, it's a great flick to watch either drunk, stoned, or asleep. I did not have the luxury of being in any of those states.

For you faithful reader, I watched this one head on. I've enjoyed the short skits on SNL over the years and thought to myself that maybe a feature film version wouldn't be so bad. Then again, I've thought that exact same thing for many of this SNL skit inspired movies. Not all of them turn out to be as good as "The Blues Brothers" or "Wayne's World." No, sometimes we get "The Ladies Man," "Night at the Roxbury," and oh my lord, "Stuart Saves His Family." Ugh.

This one however, falls right in the middle. It is neither wretched, or great. It just is. And to be honest, I think that's what they were going for. They were tasked with fleshing out a character that had at most scene maybe 45 minutes total air time over a handful of years. What they came up with was cliche, and far fetched, and well, just lies.

The whole point of the script was to setup and deliver a series of cliche gags and jokes that appeal to the lowest common denominator of any movie goer. The plot can be boiled down to a guy steals a warhead and the US wants it back. MacGruber is brought in as a specialist, after quitting the scene years ago when he lost his wife, on their wedding day, at the hands of the guy who just stole the warhead. Ta da.

Now, don't get me wrong, although the humor is low brow and predictable, it works here and there. A majority of the film is, well, crap. There are a few scene here and there that just snuck up on me and got me, mostly those with Kristin Wiig as Vicki St. Elmo. But, again, I reiterate, no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Avoid seeing this film if you cherish even one of your brain cells, and any of your dignity.

Of course, if you are too young, high, drunk, or stupid to care, knock yourself out.

Thanksgiving Reboot (of sorts)

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:00 +0000

"Welcome back!" If my blog could talk, that's what it would have said to me. Along with some other choice words that I dare not repeat. It was an impromptu hiatus of sorts. One that took up the entire month of October, and now it seems, a majority of November. However, I am not entirely to blame. There really hasn't been much going on in TV, movies, or my own life that really sparked a need for me write a new post. Then again, there are 2 big things I would like to discuss.

The first being the introduction of the new AMC series, "The Walking Dead." It's the zombie movie that doesn't end. No, seriously. I read an article where the creator of the graphic novel the show is based on was interviewed and he said the idea came about from wanting to know what happened at the end of all those zombie movies. They would just end with a shot of people going off into the sunset or something, but nothing drastically changed. He wanted to explore how those people continued to survive. How they got food, found shelter, and kept hope alive, as it were.

Upon its initial publishing, the series was a hit and caught the fancy of film direct Frank Darabont. He's an executive producer of the series and was the one who bought the rights to turn it into a TV show. For years he has been trying to get this made, each time encountering hesitation and skepticism from the networks. Of course, the happy ending is one that we already know. AMC had the guts (pun intended) to step up and get it made and aired. Their gamble, as it would turn out, paid off pretty well. The viewership has remained high, and in fact, after just the second episode, they ordered a 13 episode second season. This is surely good news considering this first season is only 6 episodes, with the finally airing this Sunday, December 5th. The speculation is that we will have to wait until next fall for the next season to start. Some fans may stray and lose interest by then, but I'm certain more than enough will catch up in between and their numbers will be just as strong as ever. I for one will be doing my part to spread the word.

Then there is the film I anticipated all year, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1." A fantastic film, and in my opinion, the best one of the series. Sure, I've enjoyed some of the others, and found myself equally excited for their debuts. But, this is the film I was waiting for and didn't even realize it. From beginning to end I was entertained, and enthralled. The film, much like the story itself, is a departure from what is normal and routine for this series. Everyone and every thing is changed, and it's all different. You feel this from the beginning, and you're excited for it. Personally, whereas I felt like an observer during the other films, and saw these things happening to our young heroes, this time, I truly felt as though I was on the journey with them.

Now, I can't say it's because of the film itself. In fact, I will be the first to admit that my love of the book this film is based on may in fact be slightly influencing my overall perception, and emotional reaction. Still, I can say this, whether you've read the book or not, you will enjoy this film. If you've been following the story solely by film, you will still walk away deeply affected. Of course, the most common reaction at the end is that of anticipation, for the next and final installment.

I'm not sure how I will feel once the films have all ended. I felt a sense of closure at the end of the last book, but a part of me was still not ready to let go because I knew that there more films to come. Now, as the end truly nears, I am curious to know how I will feel. I recall being very reluctant at first, to even acknowledge that Harry Potter existed. I would see the news reports of people waiting in droves for the next book to be released, and I pitied them.

It wasn't until the first film was released on dvd that my mom bought it for my nephew to see, and instead, I took a look because frankly, there wasn't anything else on to watch. By the end, I was hooked. I started reading the first book either that same day, or the following. I was pleasantly surprised to find so much of the book was included in the movie, and at the same time, the book still had so much more to offer. I was enthralled, to put it lightly. I devoured the first three books as those were the only ones published at the time. Then, with the release of the fourth, I had become one of those fans that I once pitied, but now found to be a kindred spirit.

Sadly, I don't have much more of a tale to tell when it comes to young Mr. Potter. I didn't glean any hard truths, or life lessons to use in my own journey. I don't often find myself in a tough spot, think "What would Harry Potter do?" and exclaim "expelliarmus!" No, I am just a fan. J.K. Rowling wrote a good story with great characters, and in doing so, inspired me to read again. Something I had not done in quite a few years prior to that, much to my mother's dismay. I had truly all but given up on finding a book (or series) that I would become attached to, and lo and behold, it was there waiting for me.

I'm sure I'll get more sappy as July approaches, and the final Harry Potter film causes me to blubber like a little girl. For now, I leave you with only this, mischief managed.

My New Season Report Card

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 06:34:00 +0000

For me, there is nothing quite like a new season of TV. I've expressed my obsession with the medium and what it means to me, so you can only imagine how giddy I get at the start of every new season.

I remember a few years ago when I let "my freak flag fly" as it were, at work to the people I felt closest. To some, I was accepted. To others, I was looked up with a look of, well, it was a mix of bewilderment and pity. But, mostly pity. I paid them no mind however, and embraced my passion.

I continue that passion again this year, but at least now I have an outlet in which to share my rants. And, of course, my praise.
I'm confident you will be able to follow along with my system of thumbs up and down. I am less confident that you will agree with all of my choices. Good! Let me know what you think I'm wrong about, or heck, share with me your praise as well, I'm looking forward to your feedback. Let's get started. I'll try my best and do this chronologically.

Right off the bat, I have to tell you that I was looking forward to the new CBS comedy, Mike & Molly. Yes, I went into it wanting to be hooked, and I found myself smitten. I'm a fan of the lead actress (since her role of Sookie on Gilmore Girls) so I immediately wanted this show to succeed. Granted, it was a little over the top, but not as much as I expected. I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely be checking it out again. The same for Hawaii Five-0. Yeah, yeah, groan all you want but I like it. I mean, their pilot episode featured William Sadler and James Marsters. Two fine actors in my book, and despite the fact that they may not return for the rest of the season, I'm still intrigued to see how this new group dynamic plays out. My returning favorites to watch: Chuck, How I Met Your Mother, House, and Castle.

Tuesday's are my "slow" night if you will, there just isn't much on. At least, not yet. Currently, there are only 2 new shows that have premiered this night that I'm liking. The first is yet another cop show called Detroit 1-8-7. I like the style in which it is being shot, it's sort of a documentary style, and at the same time, it isn't. It's hard to explain, but if you watch it, you'll know what I mean. The lead detective (played by Michael Imperioli) is quirky enough to seem interesting, and at the same time, almost vulnerable enough to connect with. You get the sense that he has been hurt and left a broken man, but fights to keep it together and you root for him. At the same time, he seems abrasive and closed off, and you too want his co-workers to find a way to chip away at his wall. The pilot episode was good (rare) and although the ending left a bad taste in mouth, I'll give it a shot. Switching gears to a comedy, I liked the pairing of Will Arnett and Keri Russell in FOX's Running Wilde. It's got some quirky characters and comedy that is both subtle, and kind of over the top. The pilot episode wasn't great, but it certainly gave me hope for the future. I hope they find their legs and evolve into something great, because the potential is certainly there. My returning favorites to watch: Sons of Anarchy, Parenthood, Stargate: Universe, and Glee.

Wednesday's are full of good stuff and it's difficult to find programming to compete. Yet, this new season has provided us with a couple of new options to keep your eyes on, just in case they come around to this side of awesome. First, we have the much hyped show from J.J. Abrams, Undercovers. It's a new spy show with a twist, the leads are married! Married spies! Brilliant! Of course, when this was a movie, everyone wanted to see more of those married spies. It's a different beast altogether with this couple. Yet, I found that I liked their dynamic. It was a bit heavy handed at times, and well, I didn't expect much else for the pilot episode, but I was entertained nonetheless. Enough so, that yes, I'll be keeping my eye on them to see what happens. The same thing for the new lawyer show The Defenders, starring Jerry O'Connell and James Belushi. At first glance, this lawyer show about a couple of guys with a practice in Las Vegas seems too campy and/or cheesy to work. In the long run, this may turn out to be the case. However, in the pilot episode, I got a feeling that there could be more here. I'm not saying that the show is David E. Kelly good, but it could certainly work its way up there. I'm willing to give it a chance, at least for a little while. My returning favorites to watch: The Middle, Modern Family, Cougar Town, and Law and Order: SVU.

Thursday is prime TV real estate, I don't know why, it just is. So, naturally, everyone tries to cash in on this. That's why this year we have some returning shows that were moved to this night, and only a couple of new ones that got sandwiched in between some hits to try and get a following. Sadly, the only one I tried to watch was the new William Shatner sitcom S#*! My Dad Says. Horrible. I couldn't sit through the whole episode, I only lasted a few minutes. I don't know what that studio audience found so funny, but it wasn't the same thing I was watching. The other new premieres were My Generation and Outsourced. Personally, neither one appealed to me, so I passed on trying to fit either one into my schedule. Yet, if you've see them and want to provide a recommendation, please feel free to do so, I'm open to it! My returning favorites to watch: Community, 30 Rock, The Office, and Fringe.

Friday has always been the night that networks want to make popular. They've tried to change the night from what is called a "wasteland" into something of an oasis. Still, it's hard to imagine that any show they put on this night will ever had stellar ratings. It is still referred to as the night "shows go to to die." But, I give them credit for trying to change that. This season we have two entries, well, sort of. Tom Selleck stars in Blue Bloods. A cop show that doesn't want to be lumped in with other cop shows. Basically, this family that we follow are all cops, except for the lone sister, who is the Assistant D.A. There's tension, there's a dead mother, a dead brother, a mouthy patriarch (grandpa), mouthy kids, an Iraq War Veteran who has issues, and FBI agents who want .. well, something. There was a lot going on in the pilot episode, and well, it was handled kind of poorly. But, it's Friday night and there isn't much else on to watch. So, I'll give it a chance, and see if things get better. They have to, I hope. Yet, there is another cop show called The Good Guys which is more of a comedy, but like a buddy cop type comedy. It premiered in the Spring, and aired over the summer, so it's not entirely new, but it is new to Friday night's. I've tried to stay on top of this one, because I like the leads, but after a few episodes, the formula kind of got to me, and the characters weren't deep enough for me to connect with to stay entertained. I ended up moving on, but it's a pretty well produced show, brought to us by the creator of Burn Notice, Matt Nix. Check it out and see for yourself. And, if it 2 cope shows weren't bad enough, we have another law show starring Jimmy Smits called Outlaw. He plays a Supreme Court Justice who steps down to practice law again, fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. Yes, he is flawed and has issues and that is supposed to make him a dynamic character, but really, when they force that stuff on us, it just makes me feel angry. Like, why is it this guy got appointed to the Supreme Court in the first place? He didn't belong there. So, already I'm off to a bad start. But, at the same time, Smits has a presence that I can't deny, and find myself drawn to. He may be able to turn me around on this character, and so, I'll give it a chance. My returning favorites to watch: Medium, Smallville, and Supernatural.

The weekends are for catching up, if need be. That's when I usually cycle through my Tivo to make sure I'm up to date on all my favorites. Save for Sunday nights. That night is reserved for Family Guy, and believe it or not (and if I remember) Undercover Boss. But, naturally, FG takes priority.

I know this post is pretty lengthy already, but hey, there's just one more thing I want to cover. A warning. There were a couple of shows that I checked out that I just couldn't stand (beyond that Shatner one). So, here is my warning on what to avoid. The Event was so disappointing. I get there was a lot to cover in the first episode to set us up, but really, was all of that necessary? No. Then the flashbacks were just incessant and sloppy. I can't help but feel that they made it that way to try and distance themselves from Lost, but what they ended up with was something far worse, distancing themselves from me, the viewer. I'm usually pretty forgiving when it comes to a pilot episode, but not this time, not with this hype. Pass. Better With You was another train wreck. I like the cast (save for one) and really wanted this to work. But, sadly, it did not. It bombed in a big way. I felt as though I was dumber for watching as much of it as I did. It was painful. The jokes were bad, forced, and predictable. The acting was over the top, and at the same time, beneath those performing. I mean, the likes of Kurt Fuller, and Debra Jo Rupp deserve so much better and yet, here they are. Again, pass.

Review >> Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Starring: John C. Reilly, Josh Hutcherson, Chris Massoglia, Salma Hayek, Jessica Carlson, et al.

I can only assume that a few people recognized this film as an adaptation of the books by the same name, whereas the rest of us (me included) chalked this up to yet another vampire move trying to cash in on the genre.

I finally gave it a chance and found myself pleasantly surprised by the premise., and intrigued enough to perhaps invest in the books on which this film was based.

Cirque du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan, as it is known here in the US, are a series of 12 books written by Darren Shan. It tells the story of a young man who becomes a half-vampire to save the life of his best friend. Little do either of them know at the time, that they each have a destiny far greater than they could imagine, nor the adventures they would go on independently to fulfilling that destiny.

Kind of catchy huh? Well, I didn't do any of the research before hand and just jumped into watching the film assuming the worst. I mean, I recall seeing the trailer when the film was being released in theaters and thought to myself that it was a comedy. That's how they set up the trailer. Not to mention the casting of John C. Reilly. To my surprise, this was not the case. Sure, the film itself is a little lighthearted with some comedic moments, but the overall tone is serious and genuine. It was only by watching the DVD commentary that I learned the source material itself was pretty dark, heavy and serious. They only lightened it up in the screenplay in hopes that the film would have a wider appeal.

Sadly, that was not the case. The film was only in theaters for a total of three weeks, here in the US and in the UK. The total gross domestically was around $13m. Considering the length of time it was out, and the overall gross, when the film had an estimated budget of $40m, it is for all intents and purposes considered a flop. Like I said, this film deserved better. It debuted on a rather busy weekend, and amidst the fervor that is Twilight, it was no surprise that any other vampire related film would languish.

I like the idea of how this tale starts. You basically have two best friends who couldn't be more different. One is near perfect when it comes to school and family, whereas the other is from the wrong side of the tracks and has the messed up family, with no motivation or desire to do well in school. Yet, since a young age, they have been best friends. Then, a freak show comes to town, the Cirque du Freak. Things start changing that very night.

Really, my biggest gripe with the film version is the casting of John C. Reilly. The role he plays is a serious one, yet I couldn't help but feel that everything he did was meant to be funny. So, I watched with a sense of anticipation and kept feeling disappointed when it was not. Granted, part of this is my fault, but most of it lies on him. I'm sorry to say that his acting was not strong enough for me to buy him as the vampire he needed to be.

The rest of the film was well done, as so was the casting. Newcomer Chris Massoglia was very good. He carried the film in a way I was not expecting for a relative unknown actor. Josh Hutcherson is a seasoned pro by this point, and continue to improve his skill. At times, I felt he was a little over the top, but to be honest, I think that's what the director called for and Josh delivered. Jessica Carlson was the second biggest surprise for me, as she was very endearing. At times, I felt like she may had been somewhat uncomfortable acting, sort of getting used to it, and others, she nailed it perfectly. I look forward to seeing her do more work and refine her talent as she has great potential. Which brings me to the biggest surprise. The role of Mr. Tiny.

Mr. Tiny is a nasty man, and manipulative sorcerer it seems. He has the ability to bring people back from the dead, and we come to learn he can also travel back and forth between the world of the living, and that of the dead. He is a big believer in destiny and making sure it plays out as it should, yet he doesn't mind helping to ensure certain pieces are in place to make it happen. As with most villains, he was fantastic. He comes off as all powerful and scary, and definitely not one to be crossed. You get the sense that he commands so much power that if he wanted to, he could destroy any and all that get in his way. Instead, he likes to sit back and observe for the most part, and see how it all "plays out." Now, the interesting part about that sentence is that he observes, because in this film he is portrayed by actor Michael Cerveris. Up until today, without knowing it, I knew who he was because of a different role that he had. He is in fact that actor who portray(ed/s) The Observer on the hit Fox show "Fringe." I couldn't believe it. Granted, the two roles are drastically different, but still, since I was used to him playing an average sized, somewhat mute bald guy, the shock of now seeing him as an articulate, oversized bald man was overwhelming, and refreshing.

In closing, let me just say that I recommend this film. It has its flaws, but it also has enough good about it that it's worth checking out. Given the poor reception it received upon debut, it is unlikely there will be a sequel, which is a shame. Still, for me, the film was strong enough, and engaging enough to spark an interest on finding out how this story ends. That's why I mentioned that I'm going to be continuing my journey with these characters in their books. I fondly recall the last time I felt this inspired to read the series of books a film I enjoyed was based on. It was Harry Potter.

I Was But A Wee Lad ...

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

It was 1985 when Super Mario came to be.

Sure, Mario existed before that, but it wasn't until Super Mario Bros., came along that my world changed forever. Think that may be overstating things a bit? You be the judge ..

It was the Christmas of 1989 when I got my Nintendo Entertainment System. It came stock with Super Mario Bros., and well, I couldn't help but be thrilled. The NES had actually debuted in America in 1985, and considering I was 7 then, I couldn't be bothered. That was also the year my family moved to California. So, you can imagine there were a few other things to distract me from discovering video games.

As time went by, friends were made and they started to get their own NES machines. We would all take turns meeting at each other's houses to play, well those who had the system. Sadly, I was left out of the rotation because I didn't have one yet. At times I would feel like a free loader, and at others, I would feel inept and embarrassed because my gameplay was not nearly as good as those who had all the time in the world to practice. Still, they kept me around because I had the pool and in Southern California, more often than not, the pool was better than any video game system. However, looking back, I didn't have to wait all that long to finally get my own NES. But, to a young kid, it felt like an eternity.

It was Christmas morning, 1989, the year my mom remarried and I found myself part of new family. We have all been up since at least 6:00 am, and spent the last couple of hours laughing, joking, and opening gifts. Everyone was happy (or at least acted like they were) with their respective gifts, as was I. Then, those magical words were spoken ... "well, there's one more."

Picture if you will, in the corner of the living room sits my dad's computer desk. It is this behemoth of a desk, that we all took a part in putting together. It reached almost all the way to the ceiling, took up a quarter of the wall, and had an enclosed hutch on top. I was told that my last remaining gift was behind the doors of that hutch. I jumped up and raced over to the desk to see what surprise awaits me, barely managing to containment my excitement, but having no clue what to expect. I opened the doors and saw before me a brand new Nintendo Entertainment System box.

I was overwhelmed with so many emotions, the most notable being absolute joy. To a boy at the age of 11, what else would it be. I couldn't believe it. This thing, this little box (although, in my hands it was rather large) contained within it something I never thought I would have. It was a video game system sure, but at that age and at that time, it was a status symbol of sorts, and also a beacon to friends to finally come visit me for something other than my pool or He-Man action figures or Ghostbusters toys or, well, you get the idea. At the time, I didn't know what that magical gray box would bring.

For many years that followed, it brought joy and frustration, as it did with most users, but most of all it helped to develop a bond between father and son. You see, it came to be that one of the games that I got for the NES was a little gem called Joust. It was a two player game that my dad and I got interested in. My mom would use the word "obsessed" and she wouldn't be wrong, but I prefer to say "interested." It's my blog, so it's my call. Take that mom. Anyway, we were so interested in fact, that one New Year's Eve, we started playing together and didn't stop well into the next morning.

We would start that game (each time we played) by working together. It was like we were a black ops team with one mission, kill the other flying birds and we did this with surgical precision. Eventually. That lasted all of, oh say, 2 rounds. Then, one of us (usually my dad) would "accidentally" kill the other. We were quick with the apologies, but we both knew from that point that on, that it was on, like Donkey Kong. Soon, it was a free for all. Us killing each other, while attacking the computer, when at the same time the computer was working on killing us. It wasn't the best example of what they called "co-operative" mode, but we made it work, and we had fun doing it. It was our quality time together.

I recall quite a few nights where that scenario repeated itself, and more than just that one New Year's Eve too. Super Mario Bros., was a video game that came with a console that I can honestly say enriched my life in many ways. Well, it came with Super Mario Bros., and Duck Hunt, and really, the latter provided some endless amusement as well.

Happy Birthday Super Mario, you've given me, and the world, 25 years of joy and memories, and I hope that someday, I can introduce my kids to you as well. To quote another one of your fans, "Your cake is in another castle."

Fall TV Premieres: Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Welcome Back!

This second update brings with it some returning favorites of mine, and some new ones that I hope deliver on their promise.

Tuesday, Sept. 14th
[10pm / NBC] Parenthood - Last season when this premiered, I was among many of the naysayers who said that it wouldn't last. There was just too much going against it, although they had put together a rather impressive cast. What resulted was a rather endearing family drama that I admit, I've come to enjoy. I watched the first few episodes and thought they were good, but then kept forgetting to record it and found that I didn't miss it too much. When I got back into the story a few weeks away from the finale, I found myself intrigued and actually appreciating the direction in which it had gone. I'm looking forward to the new season to see if they can keep up the momentum. Of course, having recently learned that co-stars Lauren Graham and Peter Krause are dating (they play brother and sister on the show) may make things a little awkward, but we'll see.

Wednesday, Sept. 15th
[10pm / NBC] Outlaw - Jimmy Smits stars a Supreme Court judge who leaves the bench to return to practicing law, helping those who cannot help themselves. I like the concept, and Smits is engaging enough to maybe pull this off. I've enjoyed his characters over the years and look forward to seeing what he can bring to the table yet again.

Sunday, Sept. 19th
[9pm / HBO] Boardwalk Empire - It's rare that HBO delivers a dud, so I plan on giving this one a shot. It will be weird that if this show takes off, that I can say I was in it from the beginning.

Monday, Sept. 20th
[8pm / CBS] How I Met Your Mother - Say what you will, I like it. Now and then they deliver a fantastic episode, and more often than not, I find myself laughing at least once almost every episode. This season, Jennifer Morrison (Cameron on House) joins the cast, I couldn't be happier.

[8pm / NBC] Chuck - The little show that could. Breaking from their formula last season was the best thing they could have done. I think it provided some great story lines and even managed to attract some new viewers. This season, we get to meet Chuck and Ellie's mom, played by none other than Linda Hamilton. Boo yah.

[8pm / FOX] House - Oh man, I'm looking forward to this as well. Then again, I look forward to it every year. You come to expect some shows to treat cliche story lines like the many shows that came before them. With House I can't say that is the case. I really don't know what to expect, and I love that.

[9pm / FOX] Lone Star - I really haven't heard anything about this, but I see the billboard by LAX every day, and well, I think I'm going to pass.

[9pm / NBC] The Event - I have a feeling this is going to be another one of those alienating shows. The kind where you're either going to love it right off the bat, or hate it. Personally, I'm hoping to really like it and not have more questions than answers after each episode. Ahem.

[9:30pm / CBS] Mike and Molly - What can I say, I'm a sucker for romantic comedies, and this looks like one from a mile away. Sure, it can be called a sitcom, but I have a feeling it's going to be more than that, and so, I want to see if I'm right.

[10pm / CBS] Hawaii Five-O - Yeah, I'm going to watch it. Mostly, it's because I'm curious to see what they've put together. My mom said she can't watch because she remembers the original too well, and since I don't have that issue, I'm willing to give it a fair chance.

[10pm / NBC] Chase - Yawn. The idea, the whole concept actually, just doesn't resonate with me. I'm gonna pass.

[10pm / ABC] Castle - I'm a fan of Nathan Fillion, since before his Firefly days, and well, he doesn't disappoint. This season Castle and Beckett manage to keep finding the wrong person to have a relationship with. We're all led to believe that eventually these two will get together, and yeah that's probably true. And if it is, I hope it happens sooner rather than later.

Well, that's all I have this time around. I know, I crossed over into next week a little bit, and that was because this week was kind of barren yet again. But, as you can see, things really start ramping up on the 20th, so it's only going to get better, or worse, depending on how you look at it.

Review >> Batman: Under the Red Hood

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Starring: Bruce Greenwood, Jensen Ackles, Neil Patrick Harris, and John DiMaggio.

In this latest animated movie, we are introduced to the Red Hood, a powerful new villain Batman has to face that has managed to gain control over a large share of the drug trafficking taking place in Gotham. In doing so, he's got the attention and territory once belonging to the crime lord, Black Mask. None too pleased with this Black Mask arranges a familiar face to try and eliminate Red Hood, once and for all.

My first impression, I'm sorry to say, was that I was going to be disappointed because the voice cast used for this one was different than the original 90s cartoon that I have come to revere. Still, I've slowly managed to overcome this snap judgement with each new release, and this entry surely helped.

Bruce Greenwood plays an amazing Batman, his voice fit perfectly in my opinion. Much better than Billy Baldwin did for the same role in "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths." I felt like he conveyed just the right amount of emotion when needed, and it made all the difference. His supporting cast was just as good, save for one, that of Neil Patrick Harris.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan. Yet, in the role of Night Wing, Batman's old sidekick Dick Grayson, he came off as too cartoonish. I had trouble taking his character seriously in part because the voice didn't match the look. The other reason was simply that the dialogue that was written made him come off as some kind of putz, that didn't help. However, his role was small enough that it didn't detract from the overall story of the movie and ruin it in any way.

Our story starts with the Joker beating Batman's then current sidekick, Jason Todd, with a crow bar in some abandoned warehouse in the Middle East. Immediately you realize that this is not a toned down, kiddy version of Batman. This is your darker, welcome the real world (so to speak) Barman that you get in the comic books. As a result, I loved it.

I had no prior knowledge of this story line, and how it played out in the comics, so watching it for the first time with fresh eyes, I was blown away. The story was great, the characters were honest to what we've seen from them before (except Grayson), and the last scene in particular was remarkable. I saw remarkable in the sense that it made me feel something that I've never felt watching a Batman cartoon before.

If you're like me and grew up with the Batman animated series in the 90s, then you can appreciate this film. Granted, it is a drastic change from that Batman, but the key players behind the scenes are still involved. Producer Bruce Timm, and Voice Casting/Voice Director Andrea Romano. Remember these names, and remember that where they go, excellence follows. Since I've grown up and like to think I've matured a little since the 90s, I can't help but feel that Batman needed to as well. The live action version has, it was only natural that the cartoon does as well.

My official opinion is to definitely check this out. Your kids may not appreciate it, but even if you have passive interest in the caped crusader, you surely will.

Hello You Glowing, Warm Box of Goodness

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

It's September, and you know what that means, the beginning of the Fall season on Network TV. Lately, fewer people have been looking forward to this affair, and with good reason. The quality of programming has decreased a great deal, at least on the broadcast networks. Cable networks like AMC, and HBO, to name a couple, have been starting to provide the quality viewers want in their original programming, most recently evidenced by this years Emmy award recipients. Still, every year, I hold out hope that something on the broadcast networks fall lineup will manage to entertain, engage, or heaven forbid, excite me. I'm going to share with you some highlights of the upcoming season that I'm looking forward to, and of course, those that I think may not stand a chance.
I'm going to do my best to do this in a chronological order. Also, I have a feeling that there may be too much to confine in a single post, so let's say this is the beginning of a series. Today is Labor Day here in the U.S., and as such, most of us are lucky enough to have the day off. It would make sense to premiere some shows today right? So everyone at home could watch them and get hooked? Well, not so much.

It seems that the networks learned long ago that a lot of people travel for the three day weekend, and would not always be around to watch their premieres. Granted, this may have been true decades ago. However, in this day and age, not to mention the current economic limitations some of us now feel, this no longer makes sense. There must be some other reasoning behind it, and I would be curious to hear any thoughts on the matter. The point is, nothing note worthy comes on tonight, so we still have time to get through those Netflix rentals that you've had all summer. Oh, that's just me? Moving on.

Later in the week we've got some interesting premieres that I plan on checking out. Here they are:

Tuesday (9/7)
10:00pm (FX) - Sons of Anarchy / I've already written before about how I've come to enjoy this show, and with the finale last December ending the way it did, I cannot wait to see where this season takes us. Needless to say, I'm excited.

Wednesday (9/8)
9:00pm (CW) - Hellcats / I remember reading an article that called this the small screen version of "Bring It On." Besides the two sharing the theme of cheerleading, I don't know what the connection will be. To be honest, part of me wants to check it out, but the other part feels that at 32, I may not be the target audience for what is possibly another high school drama.

10:00pm (FX) - Terriers / Donal Logue is one of those actors that has a presence on screen, and an appeal I can't explain. I really enjoy watching him work in almost any project his does. The previews lead me to believe this is a show about a couple of regular guys doing kind of crazy stuff to help people, or investigate stuff, or, well, okay, I'm not sure what all it's about. I like the ads, the music is catchy, and I like Donal Logue. I'm going to give it a shot.

Thursday (9/9)
9:00pm (CW) - Vampire Diaries / I got an email earlier this week that told us this will be the day a cleaning crew will be coming in to my office at work to clean the inside of our office windows. I truly think that will be more entertaining than what this "show" has to offer. I don't get the appeal.

10:00pm (CW) Nikita / There was a film, and then a tv show, and now, another tv show. Okay, granted, I didn't watch the other tv show, and so I might check this one out. I consider myself lucky, because if I had seen the other (or the movie) I might be tempted to draw comparisons and pass judgement rather quickly. Instead, I'll just watch Maggie Q kick ass, and look good doing it.

That's all there is this week folks. Next time, I'll post about next week's premieres and I hope you check that out too. Let me know what you're looking forward to, and of course, how terribly wrong I am about everything.

Review >> Diary of a Wimpy Kid

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Starring: Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Rachel Harris, Steve Zahn, and Chloe Moretz

Is this a kids movie? Well, it has kids in it. I wouldn't want my kid to watch it though. I mean, it shows us a rather realistic and somewhat scary view of middle school. If my kid were to see this, I think (s)he would be scared to go and I wouldn't blame them.

That being said, as a film, it's pretty darn good!

First of all, I don't have kids, so take what I sad before with a grain of salt. The part about the letting my kid see it, not the "it's pretty darn good" part, that I meant. Moving on.

Greg Heffley (Gordon) is starting middle school with his best friend Rowley (Capron). Naturally, their goal is to be accepted and liked, and as we all know, this wouldn't be a good film if that happened right away. In fact, I would argue that it doesn't happen at all, but you be the judge. This need to be liked and popular is far more important to Greg than it is to Rowley, and eventually, it leads to some tension between the two friends.

From time to time, Angie (Moretz) pops up and offers to help our two leads traverse the hell that is middle school, but unfortunately, her help is ignored. What follows are a series of events that may seem very unlikely, but at the same time, can actually happen, especially given the circumstances that take place here. Overall, what you get is a rather entertaining and engaging film about middle school.

I know, I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did either. The lead, Zach Gordon, is a charismatic and talented actor. He is the anchor of the film and handles it beautifully. He has a presence and command of the character that immediately puts you at ease, and has you rooting for him to change at every turn. The supporting cast was just as wonderful, from the adults to the others kids. Each one turned in a performance that connected with you and by the end, realize that by the end, they perhaps deserved what happened.

Again, it's a great film with a strong cast, and a solid story. It's a story of a kid in middle school, but not quite made for them. The best audience would be the adults, I think we can appreciate it the most. I sure did.

Review >> Charlie Wilson's War

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

First of all, I remember seeing the trailer for this one when it first came out. I recall thinking that I wasn't all that interested in whatever they were selling. Sadly, I didn't realize what I would be missing. It was only a few months ago that a friend recommended that I watch this, as it had become one of his all time favorite movies. It came up as part of our discussion on the works of one Mr. Aaron Sorkin.

Immediately, you drawn in and soon come to recognize the writing style that Sorkin is known for. As his words come out from the lips of Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, you realize that with all of it combined, it's easy to understand why this could be anyone's favorite film.

The story is based on true events, and to some extent, that should scare you. Of course, I normally feel that whenever I see a film about, or even involving the US Government, with those words in the beginning, "Based on true events." It sends a shiver down my spine every time.

Hanks plays US representative Charlie Wilson of Texas, who is somewhat of a renown womanizer. Yet, he sits on 2 committees that provide him with influence and respect. He soon finds himself engaged in the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the early 80s, and gets pressured by his friend Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts) to do something about it. He starts to look into it and tries to find a way to help the Afghan's, and this leads to a meeting with CIA Agent Gust Avrakotos (Hoffman).

What plays out over the course of the film are a series of meetings, and dealings that purportedly took place to get the US involved in helping Afghanistan get the Soviets out of their country. One thing after another, until finally things fell into place and the Afghani Rebellion got the hardware they needed to finally fight back. We know the story, we know how it played out.

Instead, this film takes on a journey of one man. The man who took up the cause and saw it through. It is his character, and those around him, that we connect with and go along with for the ride. It was well written, well performed, and superbly directed by Mike Nichols. It was a perfect storm of talent across the board, and the end result was great. It is by far not a typical war movie, and at the same time it could be. Just from a different perspective.

Review >> The Slammin' Salmon

noreply@blogger.com (that James guy) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Starring: Broken Lizard, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Cobie Smulders

Super Troopers holds a dear place in my heart. Those guys, are these guys. They've struck gold yet again. Well, at least as far as I am concerned.

Now, I didn't see their film Beerfest but heard it is also good, and maybe I'll get around to it, but on a whim, I checked this one out and was very pleasantly surprised.

If you know Broken Lizard, and have enjoyed their films before, this will be no exception.
The title of the film refers to the name of the restaurant in which our story takes place. Michael Clarke Duncan is the owner and he rules with fear. He's a former boxing legend who, as you can tell right away, perhaps received one too many blows to the head.

Our story takes place as a "day in the life of .." type thing, but yet, it is unusual circumstance that makes this particular day pretty entertaining to watch. The characters are varied and well played by everyone. Each of them have their moments to shine, and they do it well. Unlike Super Troopers, this particular film didn't get much buzz and had a piss poor theatrical release. If IMdB is to believed, it played on a total of 11 screens at the beginning of 2010. Wow.

Also unlike Super Troopers, I wasn't immediately drawn in, it took a little bit of patience on my part to let the setup do its work. In fact, the opening scene was rather superfluous and didn't much factor into the movie as a whole. But, once we get past that, the guys (and gals) kick it up to 11 and deliver another hit.

At first, I found myself relating each of the actors to their previous roles in Super Troopers. A big no, no, I get it. I couldn't help it though, as I mentioned it is dear to my heart. Still, getting over that was pretty easy given the great job they all did on these new characters. You have the chauvinistic pig, the weirdo, the crazy chef, the hot chicks, and the new guy. A recipe for a good time indeed.

The plot is that the waiters have to give 120% above normal because the big guy lost a bet, and has to come up with $20k before the end of the night. So, a competition is formed to get the most out of everyone with a special prize for whomever does the best and beating for whomever does the worst. Then, cut to a series of events that (hopefully) would never happen in real life, especially all in one night, and hilarity ensues.

At first, I was concerned that this would come off as some cheap Waiting rip off, but I should have had more faith. Instead, they focused on the antics outside of the kitchen, more so than that within. There were a couple of cringe worthy parts, but nothing like, or related to, what happened in Waiting. It was a completely different film that just happened to also take place in a restaurant, and turned out to be rather awesome as well.

Overall, I highly recommend it for a good laugh. Especially if you enjoy this group and what they have to offer. Some cameos are made, and some fun is had by all. What could be bad about that right? Zongo has spoken.