Counting Down

Over two months since my last blog post so I am clearly just a slacker.  I'll keep my movie reviews REALLY short so that I can go on with what is really going on in life.  So first reviews, then a real update. 

Movie Review #86 - Domino 

I decided to never invest too much emotion in one thing. It's always a set-up to the pain of losing them. 

A good action/drama that is a little on the weird side because it has some pretty trippy scenes.  The main trio of Keira Knightly,  Mickey Rourke, and Edgar Ramirez are damn awesome as bounty hunters.  Fun story that was clearly directed by Tony Scott. 7.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers. 

Movie Review #87 - Don't Say a Word

I'll never tell... 

You know what I take out of this movie upon rewatching it?   It is a shame that Brittany Murphy died because she actually was pretty talented and did a fairly decent job in this film.  She could have had a nice little career.  That is too bad.  Michael Douglas is his usual awesome self as the psychiatrist trying to get a secret from her.  6.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers.



Movie Review #88 - Dracula

We've all become God's madmen, all of us.

Coppolo's version is pretty cool as long as you can get past some of the real bad acting.  The film is also a little melodramatic and almost tries to be too serious.  But it's still a good story and there are some really cool scenes in it.  Gary Oldman is awesome. 7 out of 10 cheeseburgers.

Movie Review #89 - Dumb and Dumber

Want to hear the most annoying sound in the world? 

One of the funniest movies I have ever seen and I hope the upcoming sequel will not be a disappointment.  Carrey is at his absolute funniest and Jeff Daniels is a very worthy companion.  This is the lowest form of cinema and I absolutely love it.  8 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Movie Review #90 - Dumbo

Hot diggety! You're flyin'! You're flyin'! 

I hadn't seen this movie since I was a kid and I was amazed I still remembered my favorite song from it.  I also didn't remember how good it was or maybe I can just appreciate it now.  I was amazed how short it was though!  Still, it was nice to revisit it.  7.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Movie Review #91 - Eastern Promises

Forget any of this happened. Stay away from people like me.

One of the best movies to come out in the last couple of decades.  I can't express how much I like this movie and appreciate how wonderful it is.  Viggo steals the show and is absolutely perfect.  Everyone should see this organized crime drama.  10 out of 10 cheeseburgers

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With those out of the way, what is really going on in life.  Well, the weight loss journey continues and in a positive way.

Back in August Jess and I hit an awesome milestone where we reached 100 pounds lost between the two of us.

It is so much easier to lose weight when you have someone to do it with who knows exactly what you are going through.  I wouldn't want to lose weight with anyone else! 

We gained some back because right after reaching this goal, we did a weekend camping trip and then a week after that, we went to Vegas for a few days.  We both gain weight really easily so we packed some weight on, but we enjoyed ourselves and don't want to be put on restrictions when we are busy enjoying ourselves. 

Last week I hit the goal I never thought I would reach.  For the first time since probably the beginning of my freshman year of college, I got on the scale and saw that I was under 200 pounds.  It was so strange seeing my weight begin with a ONE, but it was amazingly awesome.  I aim to be lower, but getting under 200 pounds really was my ultimate goal!  Of course, right after that was the Sacramento Burger Battle and I put some pounds back on that I am still trying to get off (between that day and cheat day this past Sunday), but seeing that number gives me the knowledge that I CAN get there and will get there again really soon. 

Now we just need to keep losing as much weight as we can before November 5th.  Europe is just around the corner and we have a bunch of new and exciting food to try across the pond! 



 

Achievement Unlocked: 50 Pounds Down

Well, I made it!  I hit the 50 pounds down mark almost three weeks ago!  I tell ya, it feels so good.  You know, I knew I was overweight before, but didn't really realize how bad it was until I put these two pics side by side.  In fact, I have gone from morbidly obese to just obese according to that ridiculous BMI chart.  Hell, if I lose another 30ish pounds, I will then only be overweight!  Truthfully, I don't look at that chart unless I need a laugh, but it is just one more sign of the progress I have made.  I'm going to keep this adventure going.  Sure, I am still going to cheat on the weekends.  It is what I need to do to keep myself sane.  Sure that makes the transformation take a lot longer.  But I am happy, and that is all that matters.  4 steps forward and 3 steps back is still going forward. 

And now that the update is out of the way, on with more reviews:

Movie Review #80 - Dinosaur

This "monster's" got no teeth! What's he gonna do? Gum us to death? 

I was watching this film for the first time ever.  There was a time when Jessica's mom was buying us any Disney movie we didn't own and this ended up being one of them despite that fact that we had never seen it.  Now that I have seen it, I am not sure I will be seeing it again. 

Ok, it wasn't BAD, but there was absolutely NOTHING memorable about it.  It was such a by the numbers animated film (well, computer generated) that seemed like it was done as a side project in between more important and profitable films.  And the computer animation was actually pretty damn creepy.  And the story?  Meh, it was totally forgettable.  I wasn't bored or anything, but it was on and then it was over and I went on with my life. 

3 out of 10 cheeseburgers


Movie Review #81 - Dirty Dancing

Oh, come on, ladies. God wouldn't have given you maracas if He didn't want you to shake 'em.

Despite this pretty much being a chick flick, there has never been a time that I didn't like and appreciate this movie.  I think the main thing that drew me to it at first was the soundtrack.  Growing up with my parents, I appreciated the Oldies and this movie was full of great older songs ( in addition to some very popular contemporary songs).  The music added to an already entertaining movie.  Watching it now, it is still quite entertaining, but some of the acting and lines are fairly ridiculous.  And Jennifer Gray is actually quite annoying in the film.  I also don't know how well their chemistry actually works.  It is more apparent now (or maybe it is because I know the back story) how much her and Swayze actually hated each other during the filming of this movie.  They hid it fairly well, but it is there.  But I don't want to bash on the film too much because it is still a good movie, maybe not the love story to end all love stories that I thought it once was.

6.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers


Movie Review #82 - Disturbia 

Where are the coffee and doughnuts? You can't have a stakeout without coffee and doughnuts. 

Rear Window for a new generation.  While Hitchcock's film is a masterpiece, this movie does a pretty damn good job at being entertaining.  I know a lot of people hate Shia Lebeouf, but I find him pretty likeable and he does a good job in this movie of playing the part of the kid who nobody believes.  The movie has some good suspense, it has some pretty funny moments, and it has a super hot girl.  I am not sure I can ask for much more in a mindless two hours of entertainment.  It's one of those movie that you catch while flipping through channels on cable and when you find it, have a hard time turning it off even though you have seen it over and over.  You can jump in at any time and just start watching.  If you were a fan of Rear Window and want a teen friendly version, give it a try.

7 out of 10 cheeseburgers


Movie Review #83 - Django Unchained

Gentlemen, you had my curiosity. But now you have my attention. 

I am about to say something that I can't believe I am about to say.  Once I type it out, it's official.  I think Django Unchained may be Tarantino's best film.  Yes, his BEST film.  Everyone should know my love of Pulp Fiction.  Even writing the words, "Pulp Fiction," is making me rethink calling Django the best.  But even if it isn't his best, it comes pretty damn close.  And why does it come close?  Because it is a pretty damn near perfect film. 

First off, the storyline is amazing.  Tarantino has truly scripted a wonderful piece and you totally care about the characters.  In typical Tarantino fashion, it also has the right amount of humor.  It's not going to take you out of the film and make you mistake the film for a comedy, but it injects humor to keep the film from being too serious.  And the acting.  Wow, the acting is outstanding headlined by the amazing Cristoph Waltz.  In a Tarantino film for a second time, I am blown away by how amazing this guy is.  I would watch him in anything because he owns every scene he is in.  Leonardo is prefect as a villain and it was great to see him in such a different role.  And Jamie Foxx was also great in the title role.  I am glad that Will Smith ended up turning down this role (In order to make MIB III) because I feel that Foxx works so much better in this.  All those guys plus the amazing story make this one of my absolute favorites.

10 out of 10 cheeseburgers



Movie Review #84 - Dodgeball

Nobody makes me bleed my own blood.

Much like another Ben Still film that will appear on this list MUCH later on this list,this film really grew on me.  I watched it the first time and was entertained, but thought it was pretty silly.  I laughed and that was important.  Then I saw it again.  And again.  And again.  And suddenly I was loving this comedy.  It's silly in all the right ways for me.  Throw in the fact that is a sports underdog film, one of my favorite genres, and you have an entertaining film.  Yes, it is ridiculous.  Yes, it is brainless.  But sometimes you need that and this one works for me.  Stiller is absolutely ridiculous and proves a perfect foil for Vaughn's deadpan delivery.  It also has a hilarious supporting cast and some funny cameos.  If you like funny sports films and you don't mind the silliness of Stiller, then you can appreciate this film.  I can always watch this. 

7.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers



Movie Review #85 - Dogma

I have issues with anyone who treats God as a burden instead of a blessing. You people don't celebrate your faith; you mourn it.

Kevin Smith at the top of his game.  Mix Kevin Smith witty writing with a storyline that both attacks and celebrates religion of today and you have a classic.  This is such an underrated film, most likely because people can't look past Smith's dick and fart jokes that he happily spews with the glee of a 12 year old.  They are in there simply because Smith can't contain himself.  But underneath those jokes in a film that really digs DEEP into religion and really makes you think.  I can see why so many people protested this film, but even though it seems like he is destroying religion in this film, he actually seems to be talking about why it is good and simply just being practiced in the incorrect way.  I wish people could see that.  Sure, it is hard to see that in a film with a Shit Monster, but it is truly a special film.  Much like the tagline in American Beauty, you just have to, "Look Closer."

8.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers.

The Devil Dies Hard

I would actually watch my movie collection goal a lot quicker if I didn't have a goal of reviewing every movie.  There have been a few times where I have had the time to watch a movie during work and I have ended up just watching TV because I knew I didn't have the time to write the review.  Rather than create a huge backlog of movie to review, I just hold off.  Not very efficient, but it is what it is.

So what has been up lately?  Um, I turned 35 and I had an amazingly awesome birthday party like always.  I even hired a mariachi band.  I've been struggling to reach my goal of 50 pounds lost, having been around the 45-47 pound mark for a few weeks or so.  I'll get it soon, hopefully.  Even though the title of this post refers to the movies I am about to review, it also refers to my struggle with weight.

I like food.  Better yet, I like unhealthy food.  Try all you want, you will not convince me that a nice salad or something else considered healthy is better than a burger.  I am not going to sacrifice my happiness and stay good all the time in order to achieve my goal quicker.  I'm just not.  But the problem I face is that any time I eat anything not on my weight watchers diet, I not only gain but I gain a lot.  I could have a couple bad meals, nothing crazy like a buffet or something, but a burger one night and pancakes for breakfast, etc, and I will end up about 3-7 pounds up by the end of the weekend.  It is frustrating to see people eat whatever they want and stay a consistent weight while I need to work my ASS off both in diet and in exercise in order to work off what I gained each week.  It has made this whole process slow going.  I am proud of what I have achieved so far, but if only I had the ability to actually keep off weight that some people have.  Anyways, let's review some movies!

Movie Review #75 - The Devil's Rejects

Boy, the next word that comes out of your mouth better be some brilliant fuckin' Mark Twain shit. 'Cause it's definitely getting chiseled on your tombstone.

You will never hear Free Bird and not think of this movie after seeing it.  Well, at least that is the case for me.  Rob Zombie's follow up to House of a 1000 Corpses was such a pleasant surprise when I saw it.  House of 1000 Corpses was just odd.  It had its moments, but there was nothing memorable about it other than the weirdness.  I rented Rejects out of pure curiosity and was so glad I did.  No longer an attempt at a horror movie, this is a straight crazy serial killers on the run film that is vile, bloody, harsh, and awesome.  The characters are sick and yet so awesome to watch.  The main authority trying to catch them is a total asshole and so you find yourself rooting for the villains because they are just more likable to watch on screen.  They are pure evil, some of the most evil put on screen, but it is a fun ride.  7.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers


Movie Review #76 - Die Hard

Nine million terrorists in the world and I gotta kill one with feet smaller than my sister.

C'mon, it's friggin' Die Hard!  Do I even need to review it.  This is the movie that brought us the bad ass Bruce Willis (Moonlighting does NOT count).  This movie introduced us to John McClane.  This movie brought us the every day action hero.  They didn't need to have muscles up the wazoo.  This movie brought us a genre of movie that was copied so often after this (Die Hard on a bus, Die Hard on a plane, Die Hard on a boat, etc).  But this movie isn't just a movie that laid the groundwork so that other movies could improve on it.  No, it set the bar at an extremely high level and not many action movies can even come close to it.  It has just about everything you want in an action movie - great action, good humor, a cool hero, and an amazing villain.  Yes, I am not sure this movie would be as good as it is if it wasn't for Alan Rickman in the Hans Gruber role.  He is absolutely perfect.  Between him and Willis and a great supporting cast, I am not sure this movie can be topped in the action category.  9.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers


Movie Review #77 - Die Hard 2: Die Harder 

Just once, I'd like a regular, normal Christmas. Eggnog, a fuckin' Christmas tree, a little turkey. But, no. I gotta crawl around in this motherfuckin' tin can. 

With the success of Die Hard, you knew there would be a sequel.  And this is before the age we live in now where almost everything gets a sequel, usually within a couple of years.  You fear that a sequel will ruin the legacy of the original film by giving us an unnecessary film.   This movie, while not as good as the original, thankfully does not ruin anything.  It has a fun story and Bruce is just as awesome.  William Sadler doesn't quite match the evil awesomeness of Rickman, but not many people can.  This film has a few ridiculous moments, but this is a trend in the series, especially after this one, so you ignore it.  It has exactly what you want out of it - John McClane, pretty much on his own, trying to save the day while spewing as many wisecracks as he has time for.  8 out of 10 cheeseburgers


Movie Review #78 - Die Hard with a Vengeance 

I threw his little brother off the thirty-second floor of Nakatomi Towers out in L.A. I guess he's a little pissed off about it. 

A third movie in the series?  Can they possibly sustain the awesomeness?  As a matter of fact, yes they can.  Not only that, but they improved from the second film.  Bruce is just as awesome in this, but the film becomes a buddy cop like film with the addition of Samuel L. Jackson and the two are absolutely perfect together.  They way they feed off each other is absolutely hilarious and the connection between the two is what makes this movie so great.  Well, one of the reasons.  The little games or brain teasers that the villain, Simon, sets throughout the film also make it quite enjoyable.  Jeremy Irons is great as the villain, but again, he is no Hans Gruber.  And his henchmen, while a clear attempt at the copying the henchmen from the first one, don't come anywhere close.  But man, what a fun movie.  Great action and humor that is not matched in any of the other Die Hard films.  8.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers



Movie Review #79 - Live Free or Die Hard

You just killed a helicopter with a car! 

Yes, the film starts with an L, but like I said when I first started this journey, I will keep the series films together even if that means I need to go a little off alphabetical order.  To me, this is Die Hard 4 despite what the title is. 

I never thought I would get a 4th Die Hard film and once this movie was announced, I was as giddy as one person could be.  I would get to see John McClane on the big screen again.  But would it suck?  Thankfully, the answer is NO.  Well, at least in my book.  I know some people didn't like this film, but I LOVED it.  And I still do.  Sure, some of the action scenes in this film are BEYOND ridiculous, but I don't go into action movies hoping that the films will be as realistic as possible.  That's just stupid.  I just want to be entertained and if some of the action scenes are a little over the top, then so be it.  I got Bruce Willis still being his bad ass self, some good humor, some good action, a pretty decent villain, and some good side characters.  What more do I want?  Well, for a Die Hard film, I don't want anything more than that.  8.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers. 

Bless me, Father, for I have just killed quite a few men.

More movie reviews this time and this time it was a really good selection!  Let's get to it!

Movie Review #70 - Deja Vu

What if you had to tell someone the most important thing in the world, but you knew they'd never believe you? 

Before his passing, Tony Scott really didn't make bad films.  His career spans nothing but awesomeness.  Many of his films involved Denzel and together they made some amazing films.  This one wasn't quite as popular as some of their other hits, but it was no less outstanding.  What is funny to me about this film is how quickly I forgot how good it actually was.  I hadn't seen this film in a few years and watching it again made me further appreciate it.  I like that is a basically a cop film with some sci-fi elements, but without being over the top.  Those who have trouble with time travel films with struggle a little with it, but it is quite enjoyable and a surprisingly touching story.  If you somehow missed this film but like either Tony Scott films or films starring Denzel, definitely give this a try.  7.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers


Movie Review #71 - Demolition Man

You are a savage creature John Spartan, and I wish for you to leave my domicile now! 

Other than the Rocky and Rambo films, I am not sure there is a Stallone film that I enjoy more than Demolition Man.  It has both great action and is absolutely hilarious at the same time.  Even Sandra Bullock isn't annoying in the film.  And as awesome as Stallone is in the film, Snipes is equally as awesome as the villain in the film.  He is both kick ass and funny as well.  The futuristic element to the film also contributes greatly to the humor while mocking current (or what was current at the time of filming) pop culture.  But it is Stallone who really makes this film.  He is awesome in this, going back and forth between butt kicker, charmer, and joke dropper.  I never tire of this movie.  8 out of 10 cheeseburgers


Movie Review #72 - The Departed

I'm the guy who does his job. You must be the other guy. 

I feel weird giving such high praise to a film that is a remake, but The Departed is a darn near perfect film to me.  The story - amazing.  The acting - amazing.  Hell, even the soundtrack that accompanied the film fit perfectly.  Almost everyone loves a good crime drama and this is absolutely as good as it gets.  From the minute the movie starts until the shocking last ten minutes of the film, you are absolutely hooked.  With all the amazing actors, I don't think I could even come close to being able to pick my favorite performance in the film.  If there was ever a film that deserved the Best Picture Oscar in the year it was nominated, this was it.  10 out of 10 cheeseburgers


Movie Review #73 - The Descent

We're in the wrong fucking cave!

 I am not sure what drove us to go see The Descent in the theaters.  I believe we might have gone to see one film and then just movie hopped into it because we had nothing else to do.  A movie meant to make you feel claustrophobic really works when seen in a darkened movie theater and it made me not want to go in a cave any time soon.  The premise of cave divers encountering horrors they didn't expect is pretty simple, but it totally worked for me.  I find this movie super creepy even after multiple viewings.  Yeah, the monsters that live in the cave might be unbelievable, but it is the premise of encountering something you weren't expecting on something so routine is what gives it that creepy factor.  Fun little horror film.  7 out of 10 cheeseburgers


Movie Review #74 - Desperado 

I am looking for a man who calls himself Bucho, but you had to do it the hard way. 

The movie that introduced me to Salma Hayek.  That alone gives this movie a ton of points.  And although I had seen Antonio in a couple other films prior to this, he didn't REALLY stand out to me until this film.  It was a western set in Mexico.  It was a revenge film.  It has a great story and fun action.  The writing was awesome.  Oh, and there was a funny Tarantino cameo.  It all translated into an amazingly good time.  I became a huge fan of Robert Rodriguez because of this.  His style just blew me away and I try not to miss any of his non-kid films now.  I tell ya, I never tire of watching this film.  Oh, and that soundtrack is AMAZING.  Because of the soundtrack, Jess gets to hear me sing in Spanish.  And she LOVES that.  9 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Summer 2013 Movie Preview

Back for one of my yearly articles (although I think I skipped last year) is the summer movie preview!  Summer is one of the best times for going to the movies assuming you aren't looking for deep, Academy type films.  This is popcorn movie season and if you simply want to be entertained with low attention span films, summer is the time for you.  Like always, I'll highlight what I think will be popular over the next few months as well as tell you MY top 5 anticipated films!  Here.  We.  GO!

May 3rd
Iron Man 3 - We start off the movie season with a bang!  It's only been a year since Avengers came out and we are already starting up with Phase 2 of the Marvel movie juggernaut.  I couldn't be more excited.  Iron Man, which is a couple years old now, was a tiny bit lacking compared to the first one, but hot on the heels of the amazing Avengers film and the freshness of a new director, I am expecting exciting things from Iron Man 3!

May 10th
The Great Gatsby - There was a time last year when this was predicted to be up for some nominations at the Academy Awards.  Then the film was delayed past movie awards season and is now finally coming out.  I love the book even though it has now been a decade since I have read it last.  With a great cast, this could be good, but it seems like it is being released at the wrong time of the year.  We shall see. 

May 17th
Star Trek Into Darkness - JJ Abrams did an amazing job with the reboot of Star Trek a few years back and I am hoping that this new films is just as good.  Hell, you didn't even have to be a Star Trek film to enjoy the last one because of how good it was.  If the trailers are any indications, this could be just as awesome.

May 24th
Epic - I hadn't even heard of this film a few weeks ago and now I am starting to see promotional items such as commercials all the time for it.  A new animated movie from the people who made Ice Age, I think this could be a pretty big films with kids based on what I see on the trailer.  They are also heavily promoting the voices in the film to get people even more excited.

Fast Six - The series that has no business being on the sixth film and somehow, keeps getting better and better.  Ever since the original cast returned in part 4, the series has been given a big lift.  Part 1 was fun, parts 2 and 3 were decent, and then 4 came along and blew me away.  Then the 5th came along and EASILY became my favorite in the series.  I am hoping that good fortune continues with this 6th film.

The Hangover Part III - Meh.  Ok, I thought the first one WAS funny.  I laughed out loud a couple of times.  Was it as good as everyone said it was.  Well, not for me.  Then two came long and I found it pretty silly.  It wasn't terrible, but I didn't laugh too much.  Needless to say, I am not excited for part III and I can wait until video.

May 31st
After Earth - M. Night Shyamalan's latest film is a sci-fi movie starring Will Smith.  I remember being so excited when M. Night had a new movie coming out.  That thrill is gone even if I do like his latest films more than most people.  And this one isn't fully written by him so it could be a change.  I just feel like this could end up bombing though. 

Now You See Me - I hadn't even heard of this film until a week ago when I saw a trailer when I went and saw Oblivion.  I don't know how this film flew under my radar because it looks REALLY good.  Magicians who are robbers may be an old story, but the amazing cast involved and the mystery of it all has me really intrigued.  Pretty excited for this.

June 7th
The Internship  - Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn lose their jobs and try to get jobs at Google by doing outrageous things.  Looks kind of silly, truthfully, but it could end up being pretty funny AND making a lot of money.  We shall see.  Very on the fence on this one and only giving it the benefit of the doubt because of these two guys.

The Purge - Pretty cool looking suspense film where there is zero crime in the USA due to the fact that one night a year, you are allowed to commit any crime you want.  Looks nice and creepy and something that will have you on the edge of your seat.  

June 12th
This is the End - This movie looks friggin' hilarious with people like James Franco and Seth Rogan playing themselves in an end of the world type movie.  I am sure this is going to have a TON of cameos.  The first couple of trailers had me busting up laughing so this will be one of those rare times when I see a comedy in the theaters.

June 14th
Man of Steel - Superman is a douche.

June 21st
Monsters University - I love Monsters Inc and even though I am excited they have made a prequel to it, not much in the trailer makes me SUPER excited to see it.  If it doesn't get good reviews, I may even wait until video.  If I hear good things, I am so there.  We shall see.

World War Z - World War Z was a great book that I really enjoyed, but I don't see anything in the trailer even resembling the book.  I mean, it looks really good and I am going to see it, but it just looks like a typical zombie movie, but with the summer blockbuster budget.  I sure hope it isn't a letdown.

June 28th
The Heat - A comedy buddy cop film with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy.  People crack up at the trailer when I see it in the theaters.  I roll my eyes.

White House Down - The second White House invasion film in a few months, but this time with Channing Tatum.  I'll rent it.

July 3rd
Despicable Me 2 - I thought the first one was enjoyable, but I can wait for video.  When it is a movie simply about the yellow minions, maybe then I will go see it.

The Lone Ranger - Johnny Depp being weird again.  I'll be honest, the trailers for this Disney blockbuster do nothing for me and since I have no attachment to the original Lone Ranger, I'll be skipping this.

July 12th
Grown Ups 2- Just no.  The first one wasn't very good so I will skip this one.  I don't need to see a deer peeing on Adam Sandler.

Pacific Rim - Guillermo del Toro's latest film, this time a summer sci-fi blockbuster about humans controlling giant robots in order to fight off giant monsters.  Sounds silly, but I am guessing this will be one of those have to see and hear in a theater kind of films.  Could be silly or could end up being REALY awesome.

July 17th
Turbo - A new animated movie by Dreamworks about a racing snail.  No interest but big money.

July 19th
Red 2 - I actually didn't see the first Red movie from a few years back, but heard it was fun and entertaining.  I guess I will have to watch it eventually. 

R.I.P.D. - A comic book movie with Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds playing cops brought back from the dead to fight off demons or something to protect the people still alive.  Trailer had a VERY Men In Black feel to it from the humor to the way it looked.  I can certainly wait for video.

July 26th
The Wolverine - Wolverine in Japan, the site of many of his great stories in the comic books.  Looks petty good and Hugh Jackman is AWESOME whenever he plays Wolverine so I am excited.

August 2nd
300: Rise of an Empire - New soldiers fight Xerxes is the same style as the original 300 film.  I am not sure this needed a sequel and fear this will be bad.  I hope I am proven wrong.

August 9th
Elysium - Sci fi movie with Matt Damon and Jodie Foster about class warfare in the future.  Looks pretty good and has gotten some good buzz.  We shall see if it is getting that same buzz once the movie gets closer to coming out.

Planes - Like the Pixar film Cars, but with Planes.  The fact that this was originally going to be a direct to video film and that I didn't really care for either Cars films makes me avoid this film like the plague.

August 16th
Kick Ass 2 - I love the comics and I love the first movie so how could I NOT be excited for this film?!?!  I hope it is just as good as the first one and isn't a letdown.  I think the casting of Jim Carey is genius and hope it pays off.

As you can see, this summer is JAM PACKED.  I even left off a few that I could have added but the list was already getting so long and I am afraid my readers (HA!) might have tuned out by now!  So without any further explanation, these are my top 5 anticipated films of the summer and yes, this was hard to narrow down:

5. World War Z
4.The Wolverine
3. Fast Six
2. Star Trek
1. Iron Man 3


What movies do you want to see this summer?

A Need for Improvement

I have been doing this photography thing for a few years now, and while I do feel I have improved over the years, I feel that I am kind of in a rut now as far as my development.  I guess I shouldn't complain considering I am almost 100% self taught, but I feel at this point, I should be even better than I currently am. 

It's not like I haven't had some moments that have really boosted my ego over my abilities.  I had the photo that almost made it on to the cover of a phone book if not for some legal issues.  I had a picture be picked to be in a travel guide and while they told me they have hit some snags and the book might not come out until later this year, they still intend to release the book with my picture included.  And then I had my photography exhibit where I not only received tons of kudos, I actually sold a decent amount of stuff too.  This all feels good, but deep down, I feel like I am not improving enough. 

The daily picture, now in my 4th year, keeps me active in taking photographs.  But you can't imagine how hard it is to take a photograph of something different each and every day for this long.  I do it as a challenge, but I don't think it really makes me any better.  Yes, I still do take the occasional photo that wows me, but are they really THAT much better than any photo I have taken a year or even two years ago?  I was REALLY happy with the photo shoot I did for someone a few weeks back and I feel it was my best one to date, but other than that one, I can't say any of the most recent shoots have been THAT much better than anything in the past. 

So what now?  Well, it's my fault that I haven't taken it to the next level.  I haven't read books with tips.  I have a couple that I have started, but never fully immersed myself in them.  I guess I could take some classes, whether it be online or in person, but those are always going to take money and possibly time I don't have.  I'll start with the books I have, but who knows when I will finish them.  Like anything, if you want to get better at something, you have to make a commitment to it and that has been where I have been lacking, I guess.  As always, this is still and will always remain a hobby for me.  I do this for the fun of it and understand that I will never be as good as people who do this full time or even part time.  I'm not trying to convince others that I am as good as those who do that because I know I haven't made that commitment to take it to that level.  When I see someone post pictures they had done from a professional, I KNOW they are better than mine.  Does it make me a little sad that I am not at that level?  Sure, of course!  But make no mistake about it, I don't have any misconceptions that my photos are at that level.  I am not delusional to that fact.  But that doesn't mean there is no room for improvement, even at the hobby level.  And I need to consider taking those next steps. 

Still Alive

Once again, I have fallen off the face of the blogging world because I am lazy writer.  Let me keep it boring today and simply catch up on where I am with my movie progress.  Last post, at the beginning of February, I was just finishing up the Cs so now we can finally move on to the Ds.  Well, we'll actually be starting with another C movie that I recently bought so that gets reviewed first before I can officially be on the Ds.  Here we go.

Movie Review #63: Cobra

You're the disease, I'm the cure

Outside of the Rocky and Rambo movies, I consider Cobra to be one of Stallone's best films.  It's just eighty something minutes of Stallone kicking ass in some great action scenes.  The fact that the movie focuses on a killer cult also adds some coolness to the movie as it feels like a cop/serial killer movie but with the Stallone touches.  It is a winning combination for a movie that I never get tired of watching.  The one liners are great in this film.  It was as if Stallone and Arnold were competing in their respective movies over who could have the best lines.  This movie had some of the best.  7.5 cheeseburgers out of 10!



Movie Review #64: The Dark Knight

And...here...we...go.

I saw The Dark Knight almost right after it came out at the theaters and liked it a lot.  I, like most people, was in awe of  Heath Ledger's performance.  It is simply amazing and upon repeat viewings, I still feel the same way.  Between this and Brokeback, it is truly tragic that he is no longer here and making movies.  But despite really liking the film, I started to despise the film soon after because I was sick of all the talk about how it was one of the best movies of all time.  It isn't.  It's a great film, but it doesn't belong at the top of the mountain that many people put it.  But now, years later and with the hype gone from it, I can sit and enjoy the film again.  It truly is a great film.  A lot of the greatness is attributed to Ledger's performance, but it isn't the only great thing in this film.  It is really a great story and I am glad I can enjoy it again.  8.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers!


Movie Review #65: The DaVinci Code

You are the secret

Like a lot of people about a decade ago, I had to read The DaVinci code to see what all the fuss was about and ended up LOVING it.  The fact that they were making a movie out of a book I loved so much was very exciting.  And then the film came out.  I believe we saw the movie at the first showing on opening day.  What followed was two plus hours of disappointment.  The film wasn't really that bad, but as a huge fan of the book, they changed some things that I totally didn't agree with it.  Now, almost a decade later, some of that disappointment has gone down because frankly, I don't remember much about the book or what was changed.  Now I can just watch the movie and enjoy it for what it is. It's a fun story with a cool mystery.  I am sure it still is nothing compared to the book, but on its own, it is still enjoyable.  7 out of 10 cheeseburgers!


Movie Review #66: Dawn of the Dead (2004)

When there is no more room in hell the dead will walk the Earth

This movie is probably in the top 5 of number of times Jess and I have seen a movie together.  I mean, we used to watch this ALL THE TIME.  Can't think of what to watch, hey, let's just watch Dawn of the Dead again.  I am not sure what got us to go see this film in the theaters since neither of us are big fans of the original.  But we did go see it and we have been hooked on this film ever since.  Zombies are fun, but this movie makes then even more fun.  It has awesome characters, great suspense, a fun storyline, an appropriate amount of humor, and some great gore.  As a horror film, I am not sure it can get any better.  In fact, just writing about it makes me want to watch it again, it is that addictive.  8.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers!


Movie Review #67: The Day After Tomorrow

To England!  To Mankind!  To Manchester United!

I'm a sucker for a good disaster film.  Hell, I am a sucker for a decent disaster film and that is what this movie is.  The storyline is fairly out there, the characters are pretty cliche, the acting isn't all great, and some of the special effects are goofy as hell! But it entertains.  It's a B movie with an A movie budget and it works for those who can turn off their brain for a couple of hours.  Plus, Emmy Rossum is hot.  6.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers.



Movie Review #68: Death Proof

I'm afraid you're going to have to start getting scared... immediately. 

Tarantino can do no wrong!  Ok, he can do no wrong as long as we don't count this movie.  Part of the Grindhouse collaboration with Robert Rodriguez, this film just isn't up to par with the rest of his works.  I know he was trying to do something different with this film, but I just don't feel it works that well.  I know Tarantino writes great and his conversations between characters, where two people are just sitting there and talking, are often highlights of his films, but in this film, he just overdid it.  The first hour of the 90 minute film is just a bunch of talking, often about REALLY pointless things.  I can take it to an extent, but in the case, it seems as if he was just writing to write.  It isn't cool.  Some of the stuff is ok, but in the end, I felt empty.  The final action scene is REALLY fun and saves the movie, but other than that, I find it just average and perhaps only tolerate because it IS Tarantino and the film does have sprinkles of his genius.  But it isn't as good as one would expect.  5 out of 10 cheeseburgers!


Movie Review #69: Death Race

You wanted a monster?  Well, you've got one.

I never saw the original Death Race, but I really liked this remake.  It's kind of like watching an R Rated Mario Kart.  Cars racing that get weapons from the track and you try to eliminate your competitors with said weapons.  What is not to like?  Jason Statham is as bad ass as usual and the movie is absolutely action packed.  This is a film for people with a short attention span because it never lets up.  There are really not enough good R Rated action films like this anymore.  Statham really is the successor to Arnold and Sly's action throne.  7.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Whew, caught up!  As long as I don't get too lazy and I don't have too man movies to write about, I have an actual post planned for next post!  Fingers crossed!

C is for Cheeseburger

I'm finally going to finish off the Cs today!  It feels like I have been doing this forever and I am only finishing up my third letter of the alphabet.  Wow, I will be at this for a while.  Good thing I am enjoying myself!

Before I do the last 4 reviews, I wanted to touch on the fun thing I have been doing on Facebook.  Obviously everyone reading this blog knows about my love for burgers; the absolute best food known to man.  A few years ago I took a picture of every burger I ate for the year and posted them on the blog.  I forgot exactly how many I ate in the year but think it averaged out to one every 5 days or so for the whole year.  This year I wanted to get people involved and started a burger loving group on Facebook.  I asked people to join and post a picture of every burger they ate throughout the year.  My goal, my DREAM, was to see if we could get 1000 burger pictures in 2013.  Through the first month and 5 days, we are up to 159 burgers!  We are well on pace to make the 1000 burger pictures in the year goal.  I am so excited with how well the group has taken off and how well received it has been.  It is awesome to see how many other people share my love of burgers.  So exciting!

Now, let's finish off the Cs!



Movie Review #59 - Con Air

 On any other day, that might seem strange. 

Con Air is so friggin' goofy but it works because it is absolute nonstop action that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  But action alone won't make a good movie.  The amount of colorful villains is what truly makes this film, from Malkovich to Ving to Buscemi, to Trejo, man, they just keep this movie so entertaining.  They are all at their top of their game, Malkovich especially.  They are what make this movie as entertaining to me as it is.  Nic Cage is his usual self meaning half the time he is cool and half the time he is over the top ridiculous.  And his accent in this movie - good lord it is bad but it fits with the cartoon like feel the whole movie has.  And why is he squinting for half the movie?

Con Air is about as unbelievable as any action movie made in the last 20 years.  Yeah, even the Fast and the Furious movies are more believable.  But if you suspend all disbelief and enjoy the movie for what it is, pure action for entertainment value, you can sit through it.  Don't nitpick it for not being possible.  Of course it isn't.  What it is is a fun movie that I can watch over and over again.

8 out of 10 cheeseburgers

 Movie Review #60 - Cool Runnings

Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, its bobsled time! COOL RUNNINGS!

Everyone loves a good underdog story and Cool Runnings is one of my absolute favorites.  In fact, it is one of the few movies that almost makes me tear up the end.  I just find it so inspirational and such a wonderful story of overcoming odds.  Throw in a little bit of that Disney magic and I find it such a joy to watch over and over again.  I love the 4 bobsledders too; so much fun.

When I was watching it the other day, I couldn't help but think how much I miss John Candy.  He made so many great movies in his career and although he was the serious one in the film for a change, he still was the heart of the movie even here at the ending of his career.   

Olympics, underdog story, fun characters, John Candy, tear jerking moments, this movie has so much going for it.  I never tire of it.

8 out of 10 cheeseburgers

 Movie Review #61 - Copycat

  I'm death and life to you, doc... death and life. 

I have said it before and I will say it again, Copycat is an underrated movie.  Cursed with being released at around the same time as Se7en, many people overlook this movie because it isn't quite as good.  But that is not a bad thing.  Se7en is a spectacular film and hard to top in the thriller genre.  But on its own, Copycat is really good thriller and also quite creepy.

I think the thing that appeals to me is the way the killer goes about his crimes in the film.  I love true crime type of stuff and the fact that the killer bases all his murders on real life serial killers is quite entertaining to me as disturbing as that may sound.  Although, like Silence of Lambs, the most memorable villain in the film isn't the one doing the actual murders, but the one in prison who is "helping" with the investigation.  Harry Connick Jr. is the best part of the film and is quite awesome as Daryl Lee Cullen.  I wouldn't have minded if they had made a sequel or prequel based on his character because he was absolutely creepy in that role.  If only it could have been because he was the best part of the movie.

7 out of 10 cheeseburgers

 Movie Review #62 - The Count of Monte Cristo

How did I escape? With difficulty. How did I plan this moment? With pleasure!

 I read Count of Monte Cristo as an 8th grader and absolutely loved it.  It was a long-ish book for someone  of that age and I loved every page of the book.  I haven't read the book since for some reason, but I know when the movie was set to release, I still eagerly anticipated it even though it had been about a decade since I had read the book.  And thankfully, I wasn't disappointed.  It has been so long now since I have read it that I can't remember how well the movie follows the book, but the basic element still remains - a man is wronged and spends many years of his life planning and acting out his revenge.  It's a perfect story.

The acting in the film is decent enough, nothing bad, nothing spectacular, but it carries the story well enough.  I find it funny that whenever I hear Richard Harris speak in the film, all I hear is Dumbledore now (despite him only being in a couple of the films before his death).  It's funny how a role does that.  Acting aside though, it is the story that makes me like this film so much.  There are certain parts in the film, even after watching it so many times, that make me smile as the lead exacts his revenge.  It is nice to see wrongs get righted.  It is nice to see Karma come full circle.  If only real life always worked so well.

8.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Why I Don't Get Political on Facebook...

...and finishing off the "C" movies.

As I try to get through this monumental task of watching all my movies and writing reviews on all of them, the bigger chore becomes trying to get the motivation of writing about other things on the blog as well so as not to make the readers bored.  I have a very low readership (I am just assuming this by the number of comments) so I want to make it so the blog doesn't become so monotonous.  But writing all those movie reviews plus coming up with other topics to write about can be time consuming.  I'm trying though.

Over the weekend I was having a discussion with a friend or two about political debates on Facebook.  Surprisingly, I try to stay out of them for the most part on Facebook.  I was a little vocal with the whole Chick-fil-A topic only because I started talking about way before it became such a hot topic and I felt very strongly about it.  But I noticed that no matter how strongly I felt about it, no matter how many points I tried to make, I didn't sway anyone to my side of the argument.  And therein lies the problem.  People have strong opinions on a variety of subjects and it pretty much takes an act of God to get them to change their mind.

I've yet to see on the countless political posts on my wall someone say, "You know, that is an excellent point, I am changing my view on this."  It just doesn't happen.  So despite my very strong feelings that I see on Facebook, I stay out of it.  Obama, gun control, etc, these are all things that I could talk endlessly about.  But why?  What would it accomplish other than letting people know where I personally stand?  Does anyone really care?  I post enough on Facebook as it is, does anyone need me to share posts about my political views 20 times a day?  Hell, that might even get me blocked by some people.  I know I block people that post these all day long.  I get your view.  I got it after the first or second post.  I don't need to see it fifty times.  And that is not how I want people to feel about me.  Look, I am a pretty opinionated guy, but I just feel it is in my best interest to stay out of these things.  I know I'm not changing anyone's mind any time soon.
 Soapbox done.  Let's finish off the Cs.

Movie Review #56: Cliffhanger

If you're looking for Qualen, try about 4,000 feet south of here. He'll be the one wearing the helicopter.

I LOVE Cliffhanger.  When I first started this blog, I did a review of my favorite, non Rocky or Rambo films and this came in at number 2.  On a sidenote: Why don't I own Cobra, my number 3 movie?  Back to the point, Cliffhanger is just an awesome action movie.  You want nonstop action, this is good choice.  And it starts off right from the beginning.  I challenge you to find a more suspenseful first 5 minutes of a film than the one in this one, at least the first time you see it.  It really is edge of your seat stuff and it while it never reaches that level of intensity in the rest of the film, you can't help but have your blood pumping throughout the film.

Besides the great action, it is really John Lithgow who makes this film.  He is completely awesome as the villain in this film.  A little over the top, but it really works!  While looking up this movie, I noticed that he was nominated for a Razzie for Worst Supporting Actor (along with 3 other nominations for the film).  This is one of the reasons why, despite the Razzies being fun, I often don't pay attention to them because they are nominated on reputation alone.  I think Lithgow was considered for worst supporting actor simply because he was in a Stallone film.  C'mon, man, broaden your horizons.  The film is just fun action, not an attempt to win Best Picture.  But lighten up a little, it isn't bad at all.

7.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Movie Review #57: Collateral 

 There's no good reason, there's no bad reason to live or to die.

I was blown away by Collateral the first time I saw it.  The storyline, the performances, the subtlety of it; all amazing.  I just love how much happens in this film and how intense it is when really, the movie is pretty slow, plodding, quiet, and pretty low key.  There are a few action moments, but for the most part, the story keeps going at the same slow pace throughout the film, but I think that is really what makes the movie works.  The movie is about the characters in the film, their interactions, and life in general and and full on action movie, while possibly making it more exciting, wouldn't have made it into the great film it turned out to be.

Good story or not, the film wouldn't have worked if it wasn't for the great performances put on my Foxx and Cruise.  I LOVED seeing Cruise as a bad guy in this film.  He was totally believable and I loved how evil he was without being over the top psycho.  He needs to be a villain more.  And I loved Foxx in this.  While I liked his earlier performance in Ray which I had seen earlier, I liked him even more because it was a more down to earth role that I really feel he sunk in to.  It was this film, not Ray, that convinced me of his acting abilities.  I think a lot of people missed this movie, but it is worth a rental.

7.5 out of 10 Cheeseburgers

 

 Movie Review #58: Commando

 You're a funny guy Sully, I like you. That's why I'm going to kill you last.

Everything you need to know about this film can be summed up in this video.  This is every one of Arnold's estimated 87 kills in the film:


 Who needs a plot when you have utter destruction like this?  Although it may seem like a pointless movie, this was really a movie that brought Arnold out as the action star he is today.  Sure he was a novelty in Conan and a killer cyborg in Terminator, but this was his first role set in a "real" life and what led to so many other films of the same prototype not only for him, but many other actors of the 80s.  I can't begin to tell you how many times I watched this film as kid.  And you know what, it still hold up today.  Not as a movie masterpiece by any means, but as the epitome of mindless action.  Well, mindless action and over the top one liners.  It was this film that made me expect cheezy one liners in every Arnold movie that followed.  They way he spewed them out in Expendables 2 was a throwback to what he started here and you realized than no matter how ridiculous they were, you looked forward to them.

6.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Ok, maybe I won't finish the Cs off here.  Three more to go and I will save them for the next blog post.  Until then.  Thanks for reading and an even bigger thank you for commenting. 

C is for Cinema and Counting Blessings

Jess and I just went through another miscarriage (#4), but I am not sure how much I want to actually write about it.  It is what it is.  At this point, we don't really expect this to happen for us and the hurt was a lot less this time.  In the end, we know we have a good life together and although if we never have a kid, we'll know we'll have a little emptiness in our lives, we can't complain about all the other blessings we have been given.  With that, on to more movies.   

Plenty of movies to review.  I'll just keep going!

Movie Review #51: Cinderella 

No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true. 

So far in my movie watching, I have been fairly disappointed with the classic Disney movies that I have been watching.  They haven't been bad, but nothing spectacular.  Cinderella, thankfully, turned it all around.  This film is true Disney magic and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it.  I was also surprised how many words I knew from the songs that were sung.  I must have watched this movie a lot as a kid or something.  It gives me a lot of hope for the viewings of future Disney Princess films.

7 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Movie Review #52: City of Angels

I wait all day, just hoping for one more minute with you, and I don't even know you. 

This may be the first time I have seen this movie since the theaters.  I remember being fairly touched by it the first time I saw it, but this time, I don't know, it seemed kind of corny to me.  Maybe because I knew how the film was going to end up, but it just didn't do anything for me this time.  Nic Cage seemed hokey as hell and while I can appreciate that it was a decent love story of  desiring someone you can't have, I've seen much better.  It's not a bad film, but it didn't seem to age well past the first viewing.  Meg Ryan sure used to be cute though.

5 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Movie Review #53: Clerks

 I'm not even supposed to be here today! 

The movie that introduced the world to Kevin Smith.  I am not even sure how I heard of this movie enough to rent it with some friends right when it came out, but I am glad I did.  I sat there dumbfounded that they were saying the things they were saying in a movie like this.  But it wasn't just pure raunchiness, it was smart at the same time.  It was something fresh and I am glad the film caught on enough so that Smith could make more films.  On repeated viewings, the films just doesn't get old to me.  Partially because the film is so funny and partially because the film is so quotable, I can simply watch this film over and over again and not get tired of it.

7.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Movie Review #54: Clerks II

Thirty-two and you're flipping burgers? Jesus, anybody else from our graduating class back there?

Clerks II is one of those rare movies that keeps getting better and better with each repeated viewing.  I enjoyed Clerks II the first time I watched it, but there was the slightest amount of disappointment that it wasn't as comical as the first one.  This one had a lot of serious things going on underneath the usual vulgarity.  But the more I watch it, the more I find things I can relate to and it becomes a more personable movie and I see why Smith names this as his favorite film he has made to date.  The jokes are still funny as hell and it crosses that line that you didn't think it would go, but I find the story amazing.  It is because of this that I now enjoy Clerks II more that the first one.

8 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Movie Review #55: Click

 Shut up, James Earl Jones! 

Off the top of my head, this was the last Adam Sandler movie that I enjoyed.  Hell, most of them I am have skipped just because of how terrible they looked.  Even this film has some eye rolling moments, but if you look past some of the cringe-worthy comedy, it has a story with a good lesson.  I don't really laugh out loud at any of the parts as I did when I first saw the film, but I am still touched by the point the film is trying to make.  I wish funny Adam Sandler would come back to Earth.

6 out of 10 cheeseburgers

I think I have about 6 or 7 more movies to review in the Cs and then I am finally done (and hopefully caught up)!  

"C" What I Have Been Watching

Geez that title is terrible...

Since there are so many reviews, I will try to keep it short.


Movie Review #45: Cabin in the Woods

Cleanse them. Cleanse the world of their ignorance and sin. Bathe them in the crimson of... am I on speakerphone?

When I first went to see this at the movies last year, I didn't know what to expect other than the fact it was getting good buzz and heard it was not what you would expect.  I walked out of the theater having just watched one of the most fun movies I had ever seen.  The movie is truly unique, especially for a horror genre that seems to recycle the same storyline over and over.  After multiple viewings, it has become one of my all time favorites.  I really don't get sick of watching it because it is just so much fun.  Good horror elements, great comedy, and a storyline that I just did not expect.  It starts off looking so cliche and by the end, you can't believe the originality that you just saw.  Absolutely love it!

9.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Movie Review #46 - Cable Guy

Come back here, so that I may brain thee!

I don't know why this movie gets such a bad rap.  I think it may be my second favorite Jim Carey movie.  I think I like it because it is somewhat dark and creepy.  It's not just a comedy film with Carey doing his goofy schtick.  It's actually kind of sad and although Carey does some goofy things in the film, he is more of a disturbed individual.  This could have very well been turned into a top shelf thriller.  But they did make it into a comedy and there are some absolutely hilarious parts.  But it is that dark undertones that carry the film and I love every second of it.

8 out of 10 cheeseburgers

  

Movie Review #47 - Captain America

 I knocked out Adolf Hitler over 200 times.

I loved Captain America.  Even if it didn't have the background of being a Marvel comic, I would have loved it as it such a cool feel good story.  The story of Steve Rogers and his determination to serve his country one way or another is so inspiring, something you wouldn't expect to come from a comic book.  Sure, it has some comic-y type characters,  but at the root of the film is a story about overcoming odds.  And they did an awesome job.

8 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Movie Review #48 - Changing Lanes

Money. You... you think I want money? What I want is my morning back. I need you to give my time back to me. Can you give me back my time? Can you give my time back to me?

 I like this movie because it shows how seemingly good people can be driven to bad things because of circumstances that are almost out of control.  I like movies that make you think, "What would I do in that situation?"  Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Affleck are generally good people in the film, but they are driven to be so mean to each other, even if they know deep down it is wrong.  I like the solemn tone the film has because there really is nothing nice about what is going on in the film.  It's not depressing, but it sure makes you think.

7 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Movie Review #49 - Chasing Amy

What did I tell you? She just needs the right guy. 

After the hilarity that was Clerks and Mallrats, I was not expecting Kevin Smith's third film to be what it ended up being.  Sure, it is hilarious, but at the heart of the movie is a love story so it was kind of funny that me and three of my guy friends went out to see this in the theater when it came out.  But as it turns out, it was Smith's best written film to date.  It had the hilarious aspects of his first two films while also including a deep story that is both believable and touching.  It doesn't quite end up how one would expect, but I think I commend it even more for not giving it that typical romantic comedy ending.

7.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Movie Review #50 - Chicago

Pop. Six.  Squish.  Unh-uh.  Cicero.  Lipschitz.

I didn't want to see Chicago when it was out in theaters but had to because of it being nominated for Best Picture.  It was a musical.  I hate musicals.  I think by the ten minute mark of the film, I was hooked.  Chicago is so fun because not only is it just a good story, but the songs, the aspect I dread, are even more fun than the spoken dialogue.  That is what makes this film so enjoyable to me.  Hell, I even own the soundtrack and have it on my iPod.  I think that says something.  Because of this movie, I don't quite go into a musical with the same negative attitude, but I have yet to find a musical I have enjoyed anywhere as much as this film.

8.5 out of 10 cheeseburgers

Back and Better Than Ever?

Ok, I'm back to the blog.  I won't promise anything, but I fully intend to post more than the 20 times I did in 2012.  That is just terrible.  Since I last blogged at the beginning of November, I have been so incredibly busy.  It's not an excuse, just the truth.  So what has happened since then?

Well, we had an amazing 10th anniversary vacation.  I am truly blessed with a wonderful wife.  I had my photography exhibit  and that went amazingly well.  I feel so honored to not only be asked to have my works on display, but that people actually bought some stuff.  My pictures are good enough for people to want to pay for them and display them in their home!  It feels so good and yet, I can't believe it!  The Christmas season was equally amazing with a Disneyland trip and the normal Christmas awesomeness.  And of course New Years was wonderful as always with our always fun group of friends.  

Jess and I were talking about how compared to the last couple of years, 2012 was a pretty damn good year.  2010 and 2011 were filled with so much heartache that the great times of 2012 were even more appreciated and needed than would could ever imagine.  Here is to hoping that 2013 is just as wonderful if not even more wonderful than 2012.  I mean, we can always hope, right?

I certainly have not given up on my goal to watch all my movies in alphabetical order.  In November I moved on to the letter C and because I was so busy work-wise, got to watch a bunch of them.  But because I was so busy, I didn't have a chance to write about them.  Then December hit and because I was so behind on actually writing the reviews, I didn't keep watching films because I didn't want to get even further behind on reviews.  Thus, my movie viewing was kind of put on hold until I could write my reviews.  So, next blog post will be short reviews of what I have watched since the last review and I will TRY to stay on top of it.  Probably.  Maybe.