Life & Style Mag (1x daily) Ends Wed. Dec. 2, 2009 - 2GB USB w/ Cullen Family Crest & NM soundtrack
Shakefire (Entries vary by how often you enter) Ends Mon. Dec. 14, 2009 - Shirt off Robert Pattinson's back of complete book series and Blu-ray copy of Twilight
As a result, I didn't have very high expectations to New Moon. The movie was awesome (better than Twilight, not the best movie ever), though. The second installment in the Twilight Saga completely impressed me.
Everything was better in New Moon: the actors, makeup, special effects, just everything. Some scenes could have been done better, but I'm sure when I watch it again, it probably won't even bug me anymore. While they took some liberties in the story, they put it together so nicely, I doubt anyone will be too upset.
If you thought Twilight sucked and you love this series, you'll love New Moon. I'm so glad I went at 6:30 p.m. so I could make it to my school's free 12:08 debut. The film went by a little too quickly for me. Yes, it was that good. I can hardly wait for this to come out on DVD and Eclipse next June. If you haven't already, go see New Moon.
One word can easily describe this movie...BEWARE. This is by far the worst yet. I hate to be really bad on movies, especially when they are based on a book series I like. This debacle was awful. What happened? I'm going to wait until it comes out on DVD and give it another chance before I write my final review.
Throw Momma From The Train (1987; Orion Home Video)
TIME: Approx. 88 Min.
Director: Danny DeVito
Screenwriter: Stu Silver
Starring: Danny DeVito, Billy Crystal, Kim Greist, Anne Ramsey
Back Cover: Owen is a momma's boy with a very strange Momma: she's a cross between Quasimodo and the Wicked Witch of the West, and Owen's spent a lifetime making her meals, cutting her toenails and getting crunched by her cane. Then, one day, along comes Larry...and Owen sees the path to possible salvation.
Larry's having female problems of his own...in the form of an ex-wife who's really done him wrong. So, taking his cue from a Hitchcock thriller, Owen suggests they swap murders. After all, what are friends for? He'll murder Larry's lying, loathsome, conniving ex-wife - if Larry will only send Momma to her maker.
See how hilarious homicide can be when Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal star in this off-the-wall comedy hit and try to: "THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN"
Review and Questions: Larry is struggling with his writing. His student Owen hasn't nearly a clue. After getting a little advice from Larry, Owen goes to see a Hitchcock movie. He sees Strangers on a Train, which gives him the inspiration for finally riding himself of his problems. The time it takes to get what he wants takes on a funny turn.
Was I hooked the first 15 minutes? The opening was okay, especially with Larry having a breakdown over his wife.
Did I enjoy the characters?Was the acting good? Loved this movie. The characters were very interesting.
How original is it? Never seen a movie played out like this.
Favorite Quotes/Scenes:
Larry: "I hate her and wish she was dead."
"The night was humid...class dismissed. I have an enormous headache in my eye. "
"Metaphorically, yes, specifically, without a doubt." (When asked by Beth, if he wants to kill his ex-wife"
Owen eats a chip and interrupts Larry and Beth's attempt at love making.
The train scene.
Hate's no good. Get rid of it Larry, or I'm leaving you.
Recommend: Anyone who wants a little fun with some murder. I know, sounds like an awful thing to say, but it is worth seeing.
Want to win an even better copy than the one you already have? I do. That is why I entered to win a copy of the newly released Deluxe edition on DVD or Blu-Ray at Trying to Stay Calm.
I don't have this movie (mostly borrow from sister). That's why it would be so nice to win it. Shauna at Trying to Stay Calm goes into all the extras you will find in this new release, plus a review.
Welcome to the NHK (summary provided by Funimation)
Sato's life is going down the drain. A college dropout, he rarely goes outside and sleeps sixteen hours a day. Amidst his internet porn sites, he finds himself falling further into a pit of despair. Sato has now decided that a sinister broadcast company known as "The NHK" is trying to transform its viewers into jobless, societal recluses by showing cutesy anime girls. Unable to resist these charms, innocent victims like Sato are soon too busy watching TV and playing pornographic computer games to pursue a normal life. In his darkest hour, Sato has a chance encounter with a beautiful girl named Misaki, who claims that she can cure him of his perverse ways. Is she really an angel of mercy? Or is she a devilish agent of the NHK? Swimming in a sea of corruption, Sato prepares for the battle of his life. Welcome to the NHK!
The end of this synopsis made me smile. This show sounds funny. Has me wondering if it's really this company's fault, or if Sato is really just a lazy pervert. Will watch the first 2 episodes, which you can also see for free on Funimation.
Here's a direct link to the trailer: http://www4.funimation.com/video/?page=video&v=2380
It doesn't look that good, but I'll give it a try.
Note: Funimation was undergoing some maintenance operations, so the video froze up on me. Will finish watching and complete brief review later.
A digest of what I watched last week. And my predictions for this week.
I love Hulu. Doesn't take much for me to love something, obviously. I'm just happy I don't really have to pay for it, or worry about late fees, or losing anything.
I started watching 2 shows I had never seen before in my life; My So Called Life, which I am finding a little hard to get into, and Kyle XY, which I am really loving.
The show I am really loving has been a bit educational. It has clarified something I knew, but forgot (Women automatically put out the X chromosome; Men deposit an additional X or a Y). Ah, I used to love science, math too, but we won't get into that.
My So Called Life isn't too appealing to me at the moment. However, I really can understand it. Unfortunately, I can't recall a single characters name. Oops!
There is a chance I might watch My So Called Life Today. Anticipate that I will finish Season 2 of Kyle XY by this Wednesday.
This has been the Hulu Forecast for this week.
*Hulu is a trademark. I take no credit for that portion of the image.
The Flintstones: Fearless Fred Strikes Again (1994; Hanna-Barbera)
TIME: Approx. 50 Min.
Director:
Screenwriter:
Starring the voice talents of: Alan Reed, Mel Blanc, Jean Vander Pyl, Gerry Johnson
Back Cover: THOSE SNEAKY LITTLE BEDROCK HUBBIES ARE AT THEIR SNEAKIEST IN "THE BUFFALO CONVENTION", A CLASSIC VIDEO NEVER BEFORE RELEASED. FRED AND BARNEY ARE SCHEMING TO GO TO THE BUFFALO CONVENTION IN FRANTIC CITY. TROUBLE IS, THEY PLAN ON LEAVING WIVES WILMA AND BETTY AT HOME. NOT A GOOD IDEA. SOON, IT'S WATER BUFFALO WIVES ON THE WARPATH. YOU DON'T WANT TO BE IN FRED AND BARNEY'S SHOES IN THIS ONE. THAT IS, IF THEY HAD SHOES.
IF THIS DOESN'T STRIKE FEAR OF TERRORIST MOTHER-IN-LAWS IN YOU, NOTHING WILL. IN "MOTHER-IN-LAW'S VISIT", WILMA'S MENANCING MOM IS COMING TO TOWN. AND THE TIMING COULDN'T BE BETTER WHAT WITH FRED'S NEW PROMISE TO BE NICE. MOM'S NOT BUYING IT THOUGH. AND SHE GOES OUT OF HER WAY TO CATCH THE NO-GOOD BUM DOING WILMA WRONG, BUT SURPRISE, FRED ACTUALLY STAYS A STEP AHEAD. FOR A WHILE, AT LEAST. MAN OR WOMAN, MARRIED OR SINGLE, THIS IS A FLINTSTONE FAVORITE.
Review and Questions: Yes, this is one of my favorites. It was funny and a good stress reliever.
Was I hooked the first 15 minutes? Yes.
Did I enjoy the characters?Was the acting good? Yes of course, it's The Flintstones.
How original is it? Even people who haven't dealt with a mother-in-law can relate. The take is a little different.
Recommend: If you love the stone age, Flinstones, and fun.
Starring /the voice talents of: John Cena, Aidan Gillen, Ashley Scott, Steve Harris, Brian White
Back Cover: When New Orleans police detective Danny Fisher (John Cena) stops a brilliant thief from getting away with a multimillion dollar heist, the thief's girlfriend is accidentally killed. After escaping from prison the criminal mastermind enacts his revenge, taunting Danny with 12 rounds of near-impossible puzzles and tasks that he must somehow complete to save the life of the woman he loves.
Review and Questions: For some reason I couldn't really get into this film. It was alright, but I've seen better action flicks.
Was I hooked the first 15 minutes? Wouldn't say I was hooked.
Did I enjoy the characters?Was the acting good? Didn't care for any of the characters.
How original is it? This story has almost no originality.
Favorite Quotes/Scenes: Nothing comes to mind.
Recommend: To anyone who doesn't mind a semi-boring action flick.
Screenwriter: Josh Friedman, David Koepp; Based on the Novel by H.G. Wells
Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, Justin Chatwin, Tim Robbins
Back Cover: A contemporary retelling of H.G. Wells's classic, the sci-fi thriller reveals the extraordinary battle for the future of humankind through the eyes of one American family. Fleeing from an extraterrestrial army of killer Tripods that annihilate everything in their path, Ray Ferrier (Cruise) races to keep his family safe. War of the Worlds is an actionpacked adventure that explodes with spectacular special effects!
Review and Questions: Was pleasantly surprised I liked it so much. Had never read the book or seen the original, so I had very few expectations, but it is really good.
Was I hooked the first 15 minutes? The narrator did a really good job of getting me interested in the story.
Did I enjoy the characters?Was the acting good? I really cared about most of the characters. Can't argue about the acting, everyone pretty much did really great job.
How original is it? Isn't the first time an alien race decided to invade our planet. Still, this film is definitely top 3, for sure.
Favorite Quotes/Scenes: Nothing striking hit me.
Recommend: If you loved Independence Day, you may like this film.
Screenwriters: Frederic Engel-Lenor and Arthur Qwak
Starring the voice talents of: Forest Whitaker, Rob Paulsen, Mary Matilyn Mouser
Back Cover: Zoe is a little girl who believes in fairy tales. In order to help her uncle Lord Arnold get rid of a terrible dragon, Zoe decides she has to find some heroes. When she meets Gwizdo and Lian-Chu - a couple of two-bit, fly-by-night dragon hunters - she decides that she's going to believe in them and set out on an adventure to bring peace to the land.
Review and Questions:
Beautiful. The scenery, although animated, was so beautiful. I liked the way the universe in this story was made. It was just gorgeous. The actors were perfectly cast and didn't take away from the story at all. That Zoe was quite a character. Although she worked Gwizdo's nerves at one point, she never bothered me. In a sense the film can also be educational: do the right thing, sometimes things seem nearly impossible, but you should continue; there are quite a few lessons. The whole film was darling.
Was I hooked the first 15 minutes? The film did spike my interest. I was a little confused, but it gets explained later. You might be more observant than I was.
Did I enjoy the characters?Was the acting good? The characters were what you'd expect giving the circumstances. Lian-Chu, had something besides the obvious weighing on him. This added a little more depth to the character. All the actors managed to portray their characters in the best way.
How original is it? Not to many dragon hunting movies out right now, that I can think of. Even though this was a quest to destroy the dragon or let the planet be destroyed, they did an excellent job of making it more than that. The universe they created only made it better.
Favorite Quotes/Scenes:
Pretty much loved every scene, because they were all so beautiful. I didn't take out a pencil to write any quotes down.
Recommend: Anyone in need of family entertainment.
Went to the Theaters this afternoon, for the first time in a long time. Didn't want to go. My nephew practically begged me.
Turns out I had to pay for everything. To make matters worse, we missed the first 15 minutes. Aside from that it was a really enjoyable evening.
This image shows one of the funnier scenes when Ripcord (Marlon Wayans) tries to hit on Scarlett (Rachel Nichols).
GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)
TIME: Approx. 1hr 58Min.
Director: Stephen Sommers
Screenwriters: Stuart Beattie, David Elliot, Paul Lovett, Michael B. Gordon,
Starring: Channing Tatum, Dennis Quaid, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Sienna Miller
Plot: An elite military unit comprised of special operatives known as G.I. Joe, operating out of The Pit, takes on an evil organization led by a notorious arms dealer.
Review and Questions:
Was I hooked the first 15 minutes? I missed the first 15 minutes. Didn't really know what was going on til 15 minutes later. It was very loud: guns were blaring, explosives were going off, people were getting their butts kicked.
Did I enjoy the characters?Was the acting good? Yes, to both questions. The whole mind control thing added a different element. All of the characters had a past, it was nice how they tied most of that in.
How original is it? Never seen the original GI Joe. All things considered it's pretty original. The weaponry was very creative and so were some of the headquarters.
Favorite Quotes/Scenes: The image above shows one of my favorite scenes. I loved nearly all of the flashbacks; they didn't take away from the story at all. There are more, but I don't want to give anything away.
Some of the imagery and gadgets were impressive.
Guess since the theater was loud it blasted out any quotes I could have gotten.
Recommend: Any fan of GI Joe. Anyone who wants to see a good action flick.
Plot: A typical American High School is the background for this teen-oriented film which examines the ideas of choice, peer pressure and manipulation as it pertains to sexual activity/abstinence.
Review and Questions: I can't remember the last time a film educated, excited, and pissed me off at the same time. While Everybody's Doing It, isn't an amazing film, it is highly entertaining. Some of the characters like Claire, are so irritating. They're the type of girls you just wish someone would beat up (even though you don't like women being beat on).
Not everyone's a virgin. If what we see on t.v. and magazines isn't an indication. When you have the choice to be a virgin, and choose to remain that way, that's great. When you decide you want to have sex, hey, as long as it's protected, and you're doing it because you want to, that's great. The point is that whatever you decide to do with YOUR body is YOUR choice. Unless, you're a minor, in which case your parents have the say.
I don't need a pledge card, or a promise ring to remind me of what I will and will not do.
Was I hooked the first 15 minutes? Yes, I loved the opening. The book of facts was a nice touch.
Did I enjoy the characters?Was the acting good? All of the characters were really good. It was just so irritating how nearly everyone pretended in order not to be ostracized. Peer pressure. Initially it seemed good, but everyone should know by now, that when you ban something, for some reason most people want it more.
How original is it? This is a unique take on a serious issue. Instead of guys trying to lose their virginity (happens a little in the beginning) everyone is trying to be virgins. I appreciate they didn't make it about boys getting laid. It was nice not to see girls portrayed as sluts, although some were called that a few times.
Favorite Quotes/Scenes:
Did you take any precautions. Oh no, but we were safe.
Introduction to abstinence teacher with Dino's Pizza.
Everybody else is doing it. How can everyone else be wrong?
The theater scene when the infections were performing.
Practically everything Caroline said, only because she made me want to slap the crap out of her, nearly every time.
Recommend: If you don't mind kids trying not to give it up.
Really hate it when you can't even give your own opinion about things. Do you think this will be better than his last ones? Are you happy this is the last Madea film? Or do you wish he'd do more?
I will be reviewing most of the plays soon, in honor of the newest film, to be released September 11, 2009. I hope it doesn't bomb, and that it's the bomb.
Saw this a while back, but will try to fill you in without any spoilers.
The Proposal (2009)
TIME: 108 Min.
Director: Anne Fletcher
Screenwriter: Pete Chiarillie
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds,
Plot:A pushy boss forces her young assistant to marry her in order to keep her Visa status in the U.S. and avoid deportation to Canada.
Review and Questions: The Proposal, like most romantic comedies, was predictable. Hate that you've seen something so many times, you can't even be surprised anymore. Maybe I went in with the wrong attitude to begin with, but it wasn't anything too special. I loved the filming locations and it does have a few redeeming qualities. Some people said that Bullock and Reynolds didn't have good chemistry. They have chemistry, it just doesn't compare to let's say, Hudson and McConaughey in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. (If you haven't seen it, you really should. They have great chemistry.) One thing I must say is that it was a pleasure seeing Betty White on the big screen, although I don't necessarily like her.
Was I hooked the first 15 minutes? Nope. Everything seemed to flow well, but I didn't really want to see this movie.
Did I enjoy the characters?Was the acting good? The characters were occasionally funny and I liked their passion. Might have witnessed some improvisation. The lines were delivered, but no Oscar worthy performances.
How original is it? The plot is somewhat unique. I've never heard of a woman forcing a coworker to marry her so she can stay in the U.S.
Favorite Quotes/Scenes:
If you touch my ass one more time I will cut your balls off in your sleep, okay?
Do you prefer Margaret or "Satan's Mistress"?
Recommend: Anyone who loves chick flicks, even when you already can see the "happy ever after" coming.
Starring:Wesley Snipes, Michael Wright, Theresa Randle, Clarence Williams III
Back Cover:
This emotional and riveting drama about power, survival and love in Harlem’s Sugar Hill stars WESLEY SNIPES and MICHAEL WRIGHT as two brothers trapped in a high stakes game for control of the streets.When the younger brother (SNIPES) tries to break free from his world of crime and violence and start over with a new love (THERESA RANDLE), he is reluctantantly lured back to help his brother keep the mob from taking over their territory.CLARENCE WILLIAMS III, ERNIE HUDSON, and ABE VIGODA co-star.
Review and Questions:First off, the back cover is somewhat misleading.Secondly, this is not a love film.Lastly, it wasn’t riveting to me in the least.The synopsis makes it sound like an amazing film and makes their problems seem inescapable, when it’s really bad judgment and repeated error on the characters parts.
They say we are a product of our environment.No one said you have to be a victim of it.You would think that, if the lives of your loved ones were destroyed by bad choices and drugs; you’d try to avoid them.Raynathan and his younger brother, Roemello, chose not to.They may not use the drugs they sale, but they’re still playing a losing game.It’s a shame they profit off of others destruction, albeit, by their choice.
Was I hooked the first 15 minutes?Yes, I actually wanted to know what would happen to the two little boys, who later became grown drug dealers.
Did I enjoy the characters?Was the acting good?I liked most of the characters.Even though Roemello (SNIPES) was a drug dealer I really enjoyed him. The acting is occasionally horrid, but there are quite a few good performances.
How original is it?Compared to most films along the same lines it went well.Trying to make this into a romance; failed horribly.There wasn’t even a love scene, unless I fell asleep on that part.No true romance, like what you can feel in The Princess Bride.Intimacy without the sex; couldn’t get that from them.
Favorite Quotes/Scenes: In our day, we used to play RCK.Now, these days, everyone wants to be a f*ckin’ gangsta.
So what, are you having a bad day? Everybody has a bad day.
Recommend:Anyone who doesn’t mind profanity, distribution/use of narcotics, and some violence and torture.
The Man Called Flintstone (1966; Hanna-Barbera Home Video)
TIME: Approx. 87 Min.
Director(s):Joseph Barbera, William Hanna
Screenwriter(s): Harvey Bullock, R. S. Allen (as Ray Allen), there are additional writers
Starring the voice talents of:Alan Reed, Mel Blanc, Jean Vander Pyl, Gerry Johnson
Back Cover:
IS IT FRED? OR IS IT REALLY SECRET AGENT ROCK SLAG? THE MAN CALLED FLINTSTONE KEEPS EVERYONE GUESSING – AND LAUGHING! ROCK’S LOOK-ALIKE, FRED FLINTSTONE, REPLACES HIM ON A MISSION TO TRACK DOWN THE EVIL “GREEN GOOSE” AND HIS BUMBLING SMIRK AGENTS.WITH WILMA, BARNEY AND BETTY ALONG FOR THE WILD RIDE, FRED’S “QUIET VACATION” BECOMES A COMIC ADVENTURE OF SPY-CHASING AND DODGING SMIRK AGENTS OLLIE, BOBO AND TANYA THROUGH PARIS AND ROME – TO THE GOOSE’S SECRET HIDEOUT AND A SHOWDOWN THAT’S A REAL BLAST! STRAIGHT BEDROCK, THE MAN CALLED FLINTSTONE” IS “YABBADABBADOO” FUN FOR EVERYONE!
Review and Questions:Thefilm is not always laugh out loud, but it’s still funny.It’s the Flintstones, one of my favorite shows.Not one of my most favorite films.
Was I hooked the first 15 minutes?Not necessarily. I wasn’t that excited.It started out okay.
Did I enjoy the characters?Was the acting good? Liked all of the characters, even the bad ones, and the voice acting was well done.
How original is it?It was as original as it could be.A spy gets hurt and needs replacement, just when they have a big mission; a look-alike comes along to take his place and save the day.
Favorite Quotes/Scenes: Love every scene with Pebbles and Bamm- Bamm.Their duets are so cute.
Recommend:Anyone who loves The Flintstones, or just looking for some good clean humor.
This list is incomplete. There are still plenty of movies I have to go throw. We used to have so many. Since the move our collection has dwindled. I estimate we have at least 250. Could be wrong though.
*Really want to get on DVD (RW2GD).
TV Series I own
Best of the Price Is Right
Black Cat: The Complete Series (Bought; gave to nephew, but borrow whenever)
Diff'rent Strokes - The Complete First Season (borrowed from Father)
It isn't out of fear that television is slowing consuming my brain cells. It is simply a matter of not paying more bills than necessary. That is why over the months Hulu and I have become good friends.
Most of the TV Shows I will review/praise will be available for free, there.
My family owns more VHS tapes, than we do DVDS. That is probably do in part to the fact that we used to go to Movies & Sounds at least five nights a week, or more like once ever five days. It was a tradition. Even when the only one open was way out of town, we'd drive at night just to see this tradition fulfilled.
Our collection has dwindled after several moves, and tossing out of roach infested videos. (Happy to report, that for the first time in my life, I live somewhere where I haven't seen a single roach.) It's my goal to be sharing as many of our movies as I possibly can. There will also be newer films, throw in for good measure. You might even hear about some of my culinary catastrophes. My main focus however, will be on anything film related. Enjoy!
