Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Davy Jones

I was surprised and saddened to learn of the passing of Monkees frontman and 60's teen heartthrob Davy Jones this morning! He'd always been in good health and was touring quite steadily, even into his 60's.

I grew up with The Monkees and almost feel like another part of my childhood has gone away. The songs Davy and the band performed on the show and on records are now immortal. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, Micky, Peter and Michael on this sad day.

Here is probably the most iconic Davy Jones sung song by the group (direct from the show), 'Daydream Believer'.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Billy Crystal? Racist? STOP IT!!

Billy Crystal was called racist for his black-faced Sammy Davis, Jr. impersonation during the Oscars opening film montage. My reaction? Would everyone please SIDDOWN and CHILL OUT??!!

Are we so overly PC these days or do people just have nothing better to do? SDJ is one of Crystal's classic impersonations and I think everyone needs to be nudged into recalling this fact. Hey, remember "White Chicks"? OK good, the playing field is even. Now go on about your day. Click on the image for the full story.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Oscar night recap: The Egyptian, the awards and the pretentiousness of Monday morning reviewers



"Last night's Oscars was not a forward-looking show. It was rooted in a kind of paralysis..."

"Sunday's show was awfully boring....created the impression that Hollywood's best days are behind it."

"Oscars Become Badly Paced Bore-fest."

"A safe, unfunny, retro-disaster."

These are reviews from the likes of Tim Molloy with Rueters, John Anderson at CNN and Tim Goodman from The Hollywood Reporter. I'm actually at the point where I annoyingly chuckle at such drivel by obviously pretentious critics, the likes of which are never happy or satisfied with the Academy Awards ceremony or telecast. There are a few points to make about this, but first I'm going to take the time to acknowledge our wonderful screening & dinner at The Egyptian last night, and of course the awards ceremony itself.

We had an amazing time watching the Oscar telecast on the big screen intertwined with a huge dinner, catered by Pig N' Whistle next door to The Egyptian. The American Cinematheque certainly knows and savors the passion film fans have for everything movie related and this event was no exception. Many people were dressed in tuxedos and dresses in anticipation of Billy Crystal's return as host. Popcorn and soda were free the entire night and there was a bar as well. As opposed to our awful experience last year at the Silent Movie Theatre, consisting of loudly talking, completely inconsiderate people who couldn't keep a wind chilled door closed right next to the movie screen, not to mention a laughingly 4x3 television feed which was apparently being beamed from Guam (no joke!), we were wonderfully treated to an HD 16x9 ABC feed direct from the network at The Egyptian. Needless to say, we will definitely be back next year!

Two guys dressed as Marilyn Monroe sat in the back and were chanting the name of Michelle Williams as they settled in. For the most part everyone in attendance was very positive about why they were there with complete respect for the night's festivities. With the acception of three talkative people behind us who seemed to think they were at home (Rebecca quickly shushed them), we drank in the event with full knowledge that what was happening on the big screen was only one block away from us!

During the red carpet arrivals (also part of the screening) we suddenly noticed a large patch of white powder spilled on the red carpet behind Tim Gunn. Rebecca smartly commented that someone must have spilled their cocaine. If that wasn't funny enough, today I learned the true story of what really happened. Sacha Baron Cohen's "The Dictator" was being interviewed by Ryan Seacrest while holding an urn with Kim Jong-il's ashes. Seemingly yet intentionally spilling the fake contents all over Seacrest's suit at one point, Academy security was not amused and bodily herded Cohen away. There had been buzz about Cohen pulling some stunt on the red carpet to promote his new movie. I'm just glad pretty boy Seacrest was the target. It'll be interesting to see if Cohen returns to the red carpet in a regular tuxedo after his much anticipated role in the Freddie Mercury bio pic of which I don't doubt he'll be nominate for an Oscar.

"Hugo" starting racking in the awards early on, and I began to wonder if it would go all the way to the top and unseat favorite "The Artist". These two movies would go neck and neck throughout the night the hold the two top spots. Octavia Spencer's acceptance speech as Best Supporting Actress in "The Help" was very touching, Chris Rock's comment about how black people who do voice work in Hollywood usually get roles as donkeys and zebras was hilarious and Billy Crystal's opening movie montage and musical number were a very welcome return to form for the Oscars. All those people out there who say the latter is 'dated' and 'past it's prime' can SUCK IT! I'm not saying this year's montage was one of his best, but still very entertaining. We did have a hard time understanding some of the lyrics to his 'It's a Wonderful Night for Oscar' opening song, but that might have been something about the sound system at The Egyptian.

Who knew Emma Stone had such an amazing singing voice (hamming with Ben Stiller)!

Was it me or did Tom Cruise look like he's had work done?

And what was with Angelina Jolie's leg thing?

I really enjoyed seeing Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow being playful, ala Tony and Pepper in "Iron Man", during their Best Documentary presentation.

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" disappointingly lost the Best Visual Effects award to "Hugo". Even though I really enjoyed Martin Scorsese's opus to the the beginnings of film, I really felt that "Apes" held just that much more technical 'umpf' to be the clear winner.

One of the funniest moments of the night was a parody of an early focus group during a 1939 screening of "The Wizard of Oz". Christopher Guest's band of usual suspects played the questioning Hollywood deciders, agreeing that there should be less Dorothy and more monkeys.

And can we talk about Cirque du Soleil?! What an A-MA-ZING performance!! We HAVE to go see their show at the Kodak!

Michelle Williams unstoppable juggernaut towards Oscar gold was shockingly brought to a halt by Meryl Streep getting the gold after 17 nominations and losses. That was last night's only major upset since Williams probably could have walked up onstage when they announced the next category would be Best Actress. Some proclaimed Viola Davis in "The Help" the sure thing when in fact it was always Williams from the start. Needless to say Streep's Oscar, in part, comes as an acknowledgment of her work over the years as well as for her role as Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady".

Now to respond to those pretentious reviewers out there who never seem to be happy with anything the Academy dishes out Oscar night. The problem is they (the critics) just didn't seem to get it.

This year's Academy Awards was all about love of the movies. Hollywood Reporter critic Tim Goodman states "First off, stop dropping the anvil on us" in regards to the number of movie-love montages. On the contrary...not only did these montages and testimonials play up how passionate so many of us are about what flickers on the big screen as we sit in the dark, but it made us realize once again that we aren't the only ones who live....live....by the movies. This was not to infer that what came years ago was the best and that cinema is now passe (as some of these critics weened). Even though watching movies is now as easy as taking out our iPhones or iPads...or in the case of some of us with home theaters, firing up the projector and hard drive, there's still nothing like the shared experience of immersing ourselves in the action, adventure, drama, comedy or romance unfolding on the big screen in a darkened theatre.

Billy Crystal's return to the Oscar stage was a breathe of fresh air for an over-thinking Academy whose soul aim it is to enrapture the young when all they need to do is be themselves and put on a good show. Can the Oscar telecast grab the young at all? The answer could forever be 'no'....and maybe that should be the end of it. This is not an awards show where everyone's looking to what Lady Gaga's next outfit will look like or when some new annoying rap artist will say something off-color on stage or disrupt some poor white girl's acceptance speech because 'Wu-Tang is for the children' or because they have to grab all the attention for 'dem no talent selves'.

The Academy Awards will always not only be about the love of movies themselves, but the class and elegance of Hollywood both past and present. Just because this year's theme was about how some of us grew up at the movie theatre (myself included) doesn't mean the Academy is a stodgy lot. The awards are about the best of the year, regardless of demographic. Some are saying how can we as an audience care about the Oscars when they're giving major awards to a French silent movie? You know what, "The Artist" is a DAMNED FINE FILM!!! And I could care less (as so many others should follow) if some 19 year old who thinks stinkers like "Transformers" or "The Smurfs" are 'the shit', haven't seen better movies because maybe they're just not exposed or aren't of an age where they care to see those types of films.

BTW, one of the things I noticed right away was how the technical awards were all being presented first, one after another after another. I think this was an attempt to keep people waiting with bated breathe to what they all tuned in for; the big actor and movie categories. Usually you'd find the Best Supporting Actress award being presented first thing. Not so last night. Best Cinematography was first up as "Hugo" began it's collection of gold statues. The producers were clearly trying to change things up enough to keep the momentum going. The BSA category at the start was always a tease of what was to come. Instead, announcements before commercial breaks that the likes of Michael Douglas were about to appear in front of us turned into an hour long wait. In the long run this didn't matter to us, but once again telegraphed a broadcast that was trying too hard when in fact it just needed to breathe and be what it was.

I actually just read another roundup of Oscar telecast reviews and all I have to say is the people who write these things are jaded industry morons! It's like a big circle jerk of distaste. These are members of the current generation who give all their money to see a whole series of really bad movies, calling them 'original and fantastic' when in fact they're just looking at a conveyor belt of uncreative garbage. In part mostly recycled and remade from original 80's versions that were so much cooler and better.

O.K., ending on a high note...

Congratulations to "Hugo" and "The Artist", as well as Christopher Plummer, Octavia Spencer, Meryl Streep and Jean Dujardin! Oh yes, and God Bless Billy Crystal!!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

At the Oscar screening and dinner!

We've had our yummy dinner and now we're 40 minutes away from the 2012 Academy Awards. Sitting in the Egyptian Theatre watching the red carpet arrivals on the giant screen. Can't wait for Billy Crystal's opening medley and movie montage!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Morgan Spurlock's Comic-Con documentary trailer

Here it is at last! The first trailer for Morgan Spurlock's documentary "Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope". Filmed in 2010 and co-produced by Joss Whedon, the film is a full-on telling of what it's like to be at and immerse one's self at Comic-Con, following a group of fans and their experiences before and during the big event.

We were there when this was going on and I'm certainly anxious to see if the two of us turn up in the movie somewhere. Can't wait for this to come out!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

This weekend: The Oscars and our Academy Awards screening & dinner party!



We're ramping into the final days before the Academy Awards and there's a very special event we'll be attending in conjunction.

The American Cinematheque is holding it's annual dinner party and screening of the entire ceremony on the big screen at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. One of the cool elements of this event is that it's occurring just two blocks from
the Kodak Theatre...so it'll almost feel like we're actually attending the Oscars!!

This is a 'members only' event and attendees are encouraged to dress in their best. I began to think about what we might wear and then it dawned on me; what about renting a tux?! So I contacted Men's Warehouse yesterday, will stop by for my fitting tonight and pick up my Oscar finery Friday night. This will certainly add to the atmosphere, excitement and full enjoyment I'm sure we'll be a part of! Plus, I've added a pair of spats as a nob to "The Artist" which I'm sure will walk away with Best Picture. Not to mention the fact that it's a favorite of ours.

I'd provide a link for you to check this out, but because it's a American Cinematheque 'members only' event there's nothing public to share. However, I can include text from the e-mail invitation. CAN'T WAIT!!!:

American Cinematheque Members-Only Awards Night Viewing & Dinner Party
This event is not affiliated in any way with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Doors open at 2 PM
3 PM – 5 PM dinner will be served
3 PM Red Carpet Arrivals will be projected onscreen
5 PM to 8 PM Award Show
Arrive by 4:30 PM to guarantee a dinner
Dessert will be served after 5 PM
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner from Pig N’ Whistle (see menu below)
Dinner Party Tickets $32

Only current Members and Active Volunteers of the American Cinematheque can purchase tickets to this event for themselves and one guest. Contributing lever Members and up may purchase 4 tickets total. There are a limited number of seats at this event. Tickets will be on sale until February 14 or while supply lasts. If you wish to purchase more that your allotted amount of tickets check back after February 14th or just have your friends join to be sure to make the deadline.
No passes or vouchers of any kind will be accepted. No tickets will be available at the door. Advance purchase only.
Tickets may be purchased on the American Cinematheque website
Use the DONATION button and enter $32.

MENU

Mini PIZZA squares….(CHEESE AND VEGGIE)
CHINESE SPRING ROLLS
TOSSED GARDEN SALAD. WITH YOUR CHOICE OF RANCH DRESSING OR BLUE CHEESE DRESSING…
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST SAUTÉED IN A GARLIC AND BUTTER SAUCE..
PENNE PASTA PRIMAVERA WITH FRESH VEGGIES…
FRESH SAUTÉED SPINACH..
FRESH MASHED POTATOES…
Free popcorn and fountain drinks
+ Cake and cookies compliments of the Cinematheque
No host beer and wine bar (Drinks $5)

And yes, we'll be heading over to the Kodak Theatre this evening to do our annual 'walk the red carpet' before they close the entire entryway to the main staircase down. It just wouldn't be Oscar week without reaching down to touch where the stars will stroll in three days!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Back from Gallifrey One and ready for Wondercon!

This year's North American Doctor Who event was once again lot of fun. Although we did have a bit of a handicap; the main guests highlighted the 1997 US "Doctor Who" movie. not necessarily the best of DW periods, the film became part of the series canon by having original show Doctor Sylvester McCoy regenerating into Paul McGann's American transplant.

Unfortunately, I didn't exactly feel the urge to take a lot of photos and only ended up with four (incredible!). So here they are, along with the one up top. Click for larger version.

Camille Coduri, who played Rose's mum in the new run, was also in attendance and we were certainly interested to see her. Several more actors from Matt Smith's current two series were present, but are recognition factor wasn't as high because we hadn't goften into Series 5 much less Series 6 yet. Of course all of that is about to change because later this week I'll finally begin the next chapter of "Doctor Who" starring Matt Smith.

We attended Gallifrey One for only Friday night and Saturday because it seemed like that was more than enough time to enjoy everything the evtn had to offer and that we were interested in. Plus, we had a better idea of what to expect coming off of last year.

Wondercon is coming up in three and a half weeks and of course this year we won't be heading to San Francisco because they're holding it right in our backyard in Anaheim! Bill B. will be flying out the day before on February 15 and as always this sister convention to Comic-Con will continue to be a wonderfully fun hold-us-over appetizer to that gi-normous event! We're nearing the ramp up time to this summer's blowout comic book blockbusters and I'm sure there'll be some major presentations on hand. Although as before, I doubt we'll see a major "Dark Knight Rises" presentation. Still, I'm counting the days and really looking forward to immerse once again!

Friday, February 17, 2012

Gallifrey One begins today as the slowest work week ends

Getting into full-on "Doctor Who" gear for this weekend's event. After work I'll be meeting Rebecca at the LAX Marriott to mingle with fans of the Brit phenomenon we've loved for so long!

This has been an extremely laid back work week...and believe it or not the only thing I did for the past five days was watch and break down one new movie. Even the boss has been out for the past two and half days. I know next week that movie will need some broadcast spots cut, but not before the studio narrows down which scripts they like, etc.

It's now 6pm! The work week has ended, I'm about to get on the road for Gallifrey One and to top it all off a three day weekend has begun! GOD BLESS IT!!!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Back to the original "V"

It's funny how a minor decision can sometimes refresh your appreciation for something you always loved.

After sitting on the shelf since I picked them up at Comic-Con a whole year and a half ago, on a whim I finally opened and began to load the soundtracks for "V: The Original Miniseries" and "V: The Final Battle" into iTunes. Hearing those familiar themes and realizing it'd been some time since I watched the entire saga, I decided to dive in and view both miniseries in consecutive order over the course of five nights; parts 1 & 2 of "V" and parts 1, 2 & 3 of "The Final Battle".

When these aired in 1983 and 1984, respectively, I was living in Cambridge, MA and watched them on a 20 inch TV. In the weeks prior to the premiere of the original miniseries there had been a number of promotional posters affixed throughout much of the Boston subway system (and elsewhere) that showed a sunglass-wearing humanoid alien with outstretched hand and the phrase 'the visitors are our friends'. No other text or logo that said what they were for; movie? TV? event? As the premiere drew closer in May of 1983, those posters suddenly appeared defaced with a bright red 'V' painted over top of them. It was probably one of the most clever and memorable promotional campaigns in history, only adding to our anticipation for what was gearing up to be a television event!

Now almost 30 years later, I'm watching these two landmark miniseries on the big screen in The 10th Box, remembering what it was like back in the day to experience for the first time the wonder, the terror, the action, the heros and villains of the classic "V". Sure, the new TV series had it's moments; most notably the guest appearances of Jane Badler and Marc Singer (I missed Singer but hope to catch that clip online somewhere). Yet here is another case where the original is still the best, unmoved by whatever updating and sleeper cell plot line brought the story of the new show into the 21st Century.

Finished watching "V: The Original Miniseries" on Tuesday...tonight it's time to begin "The Final Battle".

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Last night's encounter with Mick Fleetwood

I was in the Hallmark Store at one of the malls in Woodland Hills last night browsing Valentine's Day cards for Rebecca. Suddenly a noticably tall gentlemen began trying to make his way through a sizable crowd of people buying greetings for their significant others.

As the man settled in to check out the selection not five feet away from me, I began to notice his red velvet shoes, purple print scarf and grey pony tail. A quick flash of the profile and I realized I was standing next to Mick Fleetwood!!

I knew right away that saying something would have been interrupting his personal space, especially while card hunting. So instead I pulled out my iPhone for a quick photo (click for larger version). Wish I could have gotten a better shot of his face but again, didn't want to intrude. Mick has always been a stylish dresser, and a trip to the card store was no acception. Standing next to him was a somewhat built man in his 30's who could have been a bodyguard, as evidenced by continual glances around the store at people nearby.

When I went to the counter to checkout I commented on how seeing Mick made my night. The guys behind the register said he actually frequented that store. Cool!

This morning, as I responded to a few comments about my encounter on Facebook, I decided to look up where Mick actually lives. Turns out he resides in Woodland Hills, which of course is where I live! WOW!! Certainly if he was in there a lot that meant he lived nearby.

Little by little I'm finding out how many famous neighbors I have! But Mick Fleetwood?! CRAZY! I grew up with 'Rumours', have been a Fleetwood Mac fan since the 70's and now the most high profile founding member of the band lives down the street from me!

Did I mention (aside from my career) that moving to LA was the best thing ever?!

Gallifrey One this weekend!

The biggest "Doctor Who" event in The States is happening this upcoming weekend, February 17 - 19, at the Marriott Los Angeles Airport Hotel and we are SO THERE!!

I've definitely found myself swinging back into full-on Doctor Who mania (not that it's ever passed, just cooled ever so slightly over the holidays) and am ready to jump into Matt Smith's Doctor. We are just about to begin watching Series 5, plus I've also been re-watching some of Tom Baker's later adventures as The Doctor with companion Romana (one of my favorites) on Netflix.

This year's guest Doctor is Paul McGann who played the character in the 1997 American TV movie. I thought it was an admirable take on the mythos, but never really stuck in my head as Doctor Who canon. However, due to the fact that the story begins with Sylvester McCoy's Doctor being shot and regenerating into McGann, it has to have it's place beside the original series. Eric Roberts, who played The Master in the TV movie, will also be on hand along with a slew of "Doctor Who" actors and screenwriters. I'd be more likely to catch Roberts for movies like "The Dark Knight" as opposed to "Who".

There are a few guests from the current Matt Smith run but unfortunately they won't resonate until we've seen those series (TRYING!!!).

Finally....due to a very busy couple of days this week for both of us, we're going to wait until the weekend to celebrate Valentine's Day at a restaurant neither one of us has ever been: The Encounter. Located in the center of LAX, I always though this iconic structure was actually the airport tower...but in fact it's very retro eatery bordering on 50's sci-fi chic. Just the perfect venue to cap off our weekend trip through time and space!

Friday, February 10, 2012

"Episode I" in 3D hits theatres today....BOOO!!!

Hey, who gives a shit, right? Lucas is not getting any more of my money until he releases the O-RIGINAL TRILOGY on DVD and/or Blu-ray in it's UN-PERVERTED version! Even if he gets around to releasing "Star Wars", "Empire" and "Jedi" in 3D I STILL won't go to see those in the theatre...or anywhere else for that matter.

So in celebration of the 3D release of this turd, let's hear from Simon Pegg who has some straight-to-the-point views on how seriously bad "Episode I" is...

Thursday, February 9, 2012

My Best and Worst Movies of 2011 (and everything in between) List

O.K. so let's start out by saying this does not mean I think these are only THE BEST movies of the year. Just 10 films I loved that ranged from fun to well done to outstanding to very satisfying!....and after that maybe a few I'm scratching my head about why they're on everyone else's top ten list.

Also want to make a point of saying there are still a few movies from the past year (listed below) that I have not seen yet and they could very well unseat one or two films in the best of the best of the best...with honors.

So here we go...my Top 10 of 2011:

1. Drive

2012 truly was Ryan Gosling's year with three outstanding performances in three high profile movies. "Drive" is a wonderfully edgy modern day noir story with stylish cinematography, a very cool synth pop soundtrack and the re-invention of Albert Brooks as a laid back yet very dangerous crime boss. Gosling brings the cool of Steve McQueen to a role that might have been his 40 years ago.

2. Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Not only is this a really well done movie, but also a fitting addition to the "Apes" franchise. The genesis of how apes rise is so perfectly retooled from the original films' concept. Andy Serkis seriously should have received an Oscar nod for his incredible performance as Caesar.

3. Super 8

JJ Abrams wonderful love letter to the Spielberg era of the late 70's / early 80's has all the ingredients a fan of those movies who grew up with them would want. Like with "The Artist", attention to detail of character, pacing, cinematography and even late 70's Panavision camera lens flare (no, not Abrams'...Spielberg's) all beautifully come together with tension, humor and the right amount of otherworldliness.

4. Bridesmaids

This is truly a crazy / funny / LOL movie that's also a chick flick at heart. The Oscar love is well deserved for Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Screenplay. Personally, I don't think they should do a sequel, they should just leave it as a one-off. And BTW, Kristen Wiig agrees!

5. The Artist

The minute I laid my eyes on the first trailer for this movie I was completely taken by how it perfectly captures the look and feel of silent movie era. It's almost a period film within a period film as the entire story takes place within that format's style. Wonderful performances all wrapped up in a timeless story that's beautifully photographed.

6. Hugo

Martin Scorsese's love letter to the early days of cinema is a wonderfully constructed mystery that a little orphan boy who lives in the clock tower of a Paris train station must decipher. Beautifully photographed in 3D, this movie takes you on a journey that is even more amazing because it's (in part) a true story. Ben Kingsley

7. X-Men: First Class

This Matthew Vaughn directed / Bryan Singer produced prequel (with a sequel on the way!) is the perfect combination of 60's cool and mutant action with the right amount of true drama and emotion. It's a fitting throwback to the days before Professor X and Magneto that connects seamlessly to Bryan Singer's masterful "X-Men" and "X2: X-Men United".

8. The Adjustment Bureau

Loosely based on the Philip K. Dick short story, "Adjustment Team", Matt Damon and Emily Blunt are superb along with Terrance Stamp in this tale of a man who discovers that the world is being 'managed' by a shadowy organization whose job it is to keep humanity on track. It's a love story at the heart of the fantastical fantasy that drives the story and draws you right in.

9. Crazy. Stupid. Love.

What a surprisingly good movie! The marketing never even touched the potential of how wonderful this film turned out. The kind of story you'd expect Cameron Crowe to direct, Steve Carell leads an outstanding cast who all converge in one of the most unsuspecting climaxes in a comedy.

10. Fast Five

Yes, Fast Five!!! Just when you thought the "Fast and the Furious" franchise might have gotten way too stale (I was never a fan from the beginning), along comes this incredible action machine that is super cool, funny in all the right places and perfectly paced...all culminating with a jaw-dropping climactic chase scene involving two cars towing a gi-normous vault! We're talking W - O - W!!

Great, but didn't quite make Top 10:
The Beaver
Paul
Battle: Los Angeles
Thor
Captain America: The First Avenger
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
50/50
The Muppets
My Week with Marilyn
Arthur Christmas
The Adventures of Tintin

Missed, but wanted to see (definitely on or going on my Netflix queue):
Super
The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
Beginners
Attack the Block
Colombiana
Contagion
The Ides of March

Sorry to see didn't do well:
Cars 2
30 Minutes or Less
In Time
Tower Heist

Movies that came and went so fast you barely knew they were in theatres:
The Debt

THE WORST!:
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Sucker Punch
The Smurfs
Spy Kids 4D: All the Time in the World
The Three Musketeers
Jack and Jill

Still seriously need to see:
War Horse
Midnight in Paris
The Help
The Descendants

Have no interest in:
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

And hey, what was the deal with:
Green Lantern

On a final, scary note...

Here are the top grossing films of 2011:

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
2. Transformers: Dark of the Moon
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
4. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1
5. Kung Fu Panda 2
6. Fast Five
7. The Hangover Part II
8. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
9. The Smurfs
10. Cars 2

Look at how much TRASH is on this list?! "Transformers"...GAAWWDD!!! "The Hangover Part II"? "Pirates of the Caribbean"? And the ultimate insult to all moviegoers intelligence..."THE SMURFS"!!! That means we'll be seeing a lot more of this crap....in a-fucking-bundance!! It's all ready bad enough that we have to deal with an Alvin and the Chipmunk movie every...single...Christmas!

Of course it's not all trash. The upside: "Harry Potter" and "Fast Five" are really the only movies I agree should even be in this 10 spot. I'm sorry, I gotta say it again; "Transformers" was the #2 highest grossing movie of 2011....BBBAAARRRFFF!!!!!!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

"Tron Legacy" Blu-ray screening: (not surprisingly) spectacular!

It was a complete and total joy to watch my very first Blu-ray in The 10th Box on Monday night! I knew right from the beginning that the first movie should be "Tron Legacy" and to be able to watch it on the non Blu-ray compatible Mac was like breaking the last rule, as well as another box / disc 'hands free' experience.

My only issue was with navigating to the Blu-ray menu. Even though there is a VLC Player option with the HippoRemote Pro App. on my iPhone that comes with a menu button, it was still a bit difficult to find my way there. Today I'm going to do a little research as to how the VLC Player controls can better serve my selections. Other than that the screening was flawless and I really felt immersed just that much more in the world of Tron by seeing it in HD!

Next up is the "Watchmen" Director's Cut; the 3-plus hour version on Blu-ray I have not been able to watch....until now.

Monday, February 6, 2012

1st Blu-ray in the 10th Box

I'm sitting down now to watch my very first Blu-ray in the 10th Box Cinema: "Tron Legacy". No box, no disc....all hard drive. A few software downloads were required: MakeMKV and Seas0nPass. The Blu-ray files will play on the VLC Player in full HD and surround sound. Big moment.

in 3....2....1.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Here it is! Ferris Bueller returns!!!

After last week's 10-second tease that had the internet buzzing, this is the full, amazing new Super Bowl commercial for the Honda CR-V starring Matthew Broderick as (sort of) Ferris Bueller!



OMG, there is a crazy number of Ferris Bueller Easter eggs in this spot and I am seriously impressed by the level of detail they crammed in! The official press release for the commercial says there are over two dozen nods to the original movie. Jeez! I've watched it at least ten times now and only came up with half that amount! Check out my list of hidden goodies:

- the chair (horse head) in Matthew's agent's office is the same one in Ferris' room.
- the name of his agent's agency is Froeman, Peterson & Frye.
- Matthew is wearing a towel on his head (like Ferris) when he calls for his CR-V.
- the woman he says 'you have excellent taste in automobiles' to has a rottweiler like the one that attacks Rooney.
- the caller ID for the woman Matthew talks to on the phone while driving by the ocean says 'Grace'.
- look for the flower delivery guy crossing the street when Matthew stops at a red light. Maybe he's headed to the sick Ferris' house?
- as Matthew turns to see his agent in the next car, you can see Ferris" famous sweater vest hanging in the store window in the background.
- when we pan over to see the agent in his car, there's a guy in a grey trench coat playing a clarinet.
- when the agent does a double take and we see the stuffed bear in the front seat of Matthew's car, check out Ferris' grey suit (for when he picks up Sloan at school) and Cameron's caduesus T-shirt in the store window.
- Matthew's license plate says 'SOCHOIC' as in 'it is so choice!'
- the "all new CR-V' graphic that comes up at the end is in the same font and color as the opening credits for "Ferris Bueller's Day Off".