Dodgeball: An American Classic!

Hey all…. I’ve been so busy lately.  I love writing on this blog, but I just can’t justify staying up till 2 am to write posts!  The Dark Knight has been absolutely kicking my butt recently.  That movie’s set all sorts of records, and I’ve felt all of em :-P.

It hasn’t stopped me from having a bit of my own fun though!  I went to a company picnic today, and recreated one of my all time favorite movies, Dodgeball!  Well, actually not really recreated, but we’ve been playing it at the picnic since the movie came out.  My team had a corny name, The Jokers Wild.  Yeah, we’ve really gone for the Batman theme.  Anyway, it was a ton of fun, and I really wish I had some pictures, cuz yours truly had one of the most epic dive/catches ever!

It would have been great… if I caught the ball.  I love it when life goes in slow motion.  I had it in my hands!  I could hear the crowd going crazy as it fell into my hands, slipped out, got hit back up… into my hands again, then PLUNK.  I faceplanted on the ground, sans ball in hand. :-(  I think I hurt my knee in the process tooo.

Oh well, it was a lot of fun.  I’m wondering, did Dodgeball pique your interest in the game again?  I have to say I saw it 5 times in theatres… and loved it each time!

Anyway, just wanted to throw out a quick post to let you know that I’m alive.  I’ll be getting back to regular posting tomorrow, with the movies this weekend! Later, folks!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Joe’s Review: The Dark Knight

I’m sure that you guys have read tons of reviews of The Dark Knight. Yes, I should have had mine up earlier, but I guess I’m not supposed to provide opinions on movies before they come out because of the privilege I have of seeing them before they come out. But back to the reviews. Do I agree with the majority of them? Let’s sum up what they mainly say:

• The Dark Knight is awesome.
• Heath Ledger did an incredible job as the Joker.
• This is the best movie of the summer so far.

Uhhh.. YEAH. Those words definitely sum up what I thought of The Dark Knight. Honestly, it was a really incredible movie, very well done. DC comics has a definite hit in this movie, and it made the numbers that Iron Man put up look like nothing. Yes, The Dark Knight has set record after record, and I really feel that it deserves it.

This film picks up where Batman Begins left off. Gotham City, once overrun by crime, is starting to get some sense of order. With the help of Batman, the Mayor, Lieutenant Gordon, and the new D.A. Harvey Dent, the war against crime has an end that everyone can see. The mob’s money is being tracked, Batman is bringing people to Justice, and Dent is putting them away for good. Everything seems to be working out just fine, until a crazy guy who just goes by “The Joker” begins starting his own havoc. He doesn’t even seem to have any goal, he just wants to cause crime.

In steps Batman. He’s never faced an enemy like the Joker before, and has to use all his resources, and bring himself to the edge of his own morals to decide what to do.

I really really don’t want to spoil this for anyone, so I’m sorry if the synopsis I have there is a little lacking. What I can say is.. this movie is definitely worth seeing. There’s going to be a lot of talk about who is the better Joker, which one will really make more money, and which Batman movie is the best, but I’m not going to go there right now. I will definitely encourage you to make the trip out to go see it. The dark vision that Christopher Nolan was going for really worked. What this new franchise is providing is a deeper look into “who is Batman?”

Not everyone will agree with me, but for a character actor, Christian Bale really does Batman well. I’ve enjoyed his performances in the past two films, and I do hope that he continues in the franchise. I’m also going to say that I think Heath Ledger had a wonderful performance, and is deserving of all the talk of a potential post-mortum Academy nomination. You may not agree with me on that point either, but I would like to hear why, because I think he did a fanatastic job. It was scary how good that performance was.

If you’ve seen the movie, what do you think?

Rating:

- Best movie of 2008 so far!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Movie Morsel: Check Your Movie Times

I was really seriously considering making this a “Jerk at the Movies” article, but I thought it would be a lot more helpful to have this as a Movie Morsel instead.  It does have to do with a less than pleasant experience I had this weekend, but in the end it should help out a lot of moviegoers. Read more

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Movies This Weekend! 7/18/08

Not gonna miss this week, folks. It’s a huge weekend, with another one of those huge summer movie blockbusters that means… long nights for me. It’s ok though, because I actually enjoy working those busy weekends. Now let’s take a look at what all the hype is about!

The Dark Knight - Rated PG-13, Directed by Christopher Nolan

Gotham city was overrun with criminals, until Batman, Harvey Dent, and the Police commissioner team up to eliminate crime from the streets for good. There’s just one criminal they didn’t plan on having to deal with… and he’s ready to take the town by storm. Batman will have his hands full with the Joker, as this criminal pushes him to limit of what is good and what is evil.

Joe’s Take - It’s Batman. What more can I really say than that. I’m extremely excited for this movie, and I hope to screen it and provide a review for you guys soon. This has had such an incredible marketing campaign with the viral sites and posters, and commercials. No doubt the film will also be aided by the unfortunate and untimely passing of Heath Ledger, who supposedly revolutionized the character of the Joker, really taking it and making it his own. I anticipate huge numbers for this movie. If Hancock can pull in 100+ million in 5 days, I’m positive The Dark Knight will pull in even more. $125 million for the first weekend alone, and it WILL become another member of the $300 million club before the end of the summer.

Mamma Mia - Rated PG-13, Directed by Phyllida Lloyd.

An all star cast led by Meryl Streep takes this feature film adapatation of a hit Broadway musical to the big screen. Featuring the music of ABBA, Mamma Mia tells the story of Sophie, the spirted daughter of former free spirit Donna. Sophie is about to be married, and while Donna has raised her all alone her entire life, she reveals to Sophie that she doesn’t know who her father is. Undeterred, Sophie invites three potential fathers to her wedding, leading them on a journey to find out who her father is before her wedding.

Joe’s Take - This is not a film for me, but I can anticipate some success from this movie, especially with a private screening already being bought out at my theatre. This reminds me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, a movie that started out rather small, but ended up being a huge commercial success. It might take a few weeks, but Mamma Mia will definitely make its viewers happy. Don’t expect big things in the first week, as it has some stiff competition in The Dark Knight. I can’t imagine too many guys would be drawn away from that to see Mamma Mia.

Space Chimps - Rated G, Directed by Kirk de Micco.

An animated, intergalactic comedy featuring a band of astronaut chimps with the “wrong stuff”. Ham III is the slacker grandson of the first chimp blasted into space. Along with two other chimps, they are to embark on a dangerous mission through a black hole to another inhabited planet. When they are stranded there, they must aid the locals get rid of their tyrannical leader, and also figure out how to get back to Earth.

Joe’s Take - Ok, I don’t know who’s big idea it was to release this film on the same day as The Dark Knight, but they are definitely going to feel the hit. I am actually very intrigued by this film personally, and I wanted to see it, but if I had to pick one movie for the weekend, it would not be Space Chimps. It could be one for parents to dump their kids in while they see Dark Knight, but I find that unlikely. Sorry Chimps, you’re not going to make it too far on this weekend. $12 million opening, if they’re lucky.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

The Carnival of Cinema!

Sorry for the late post this week folks, but your carnival host was sick… so I’m gonna have to make it up to you guys with an extra special edition of the Carnival!

First off, Shlomi Ron presents The Cry - Il Grido (Michelangelo Antonioni - 1957) posted at cafe Pellicola - window to fine italian cinema. Some italian cinema is always good… and no one does it better than Shlomi!

Nigel Beale presents In Bruges: Movie Review by Nigel Beale. posted at NIGEL BEALE NOTA BENE BOOKS I’ve never seen this one, but it has to be good, I’ve read so many reviews on the movie at so many sites. Makes me think I’m missing out on something.

Next, my buddy over at The Stirrer presents Review: Hancock posted at The Stir Definitely an interesting name for a blog. Let’s see if he stirs up some interest from you guys. Luckily for him, it seems that he agrees with my thoughts on Hancock… it was great! Read more

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Joe’s Review: Hancock

So I haven’t posted in a while (again), but I did actually get to go see a movie! Yesterday the girl and I went to go see Hancock. Coming into the theatre, I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew that the movie put up big numbers, but that could’ve been just because it was a Will Smith movie. Luckily for me, I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this film. It was good entertainment!

Hancock is the anti-hero. He drinks, causes a ton of damage when he is fighting crime, and doesn’t get along with anybody. While a high speed chase and shooting is going on, Hancock is passed out drunk on a bench. He has to be awoken by a little boy and see the chase on TV to even think about going. Whenever he takes off, he leaves behind a path of destruction, not caring about what he does, but still getting the job done.

In comes Ray Embry, PR “expert”, and the guy who is going to turn Hancock’s life around. They meet when Embry’s car becomes trapped on some railroad tracks, and Hancock tosses his car on top of another to prevent him from being hit by an oncoming train. (Isn’t it usually a damsel in distress on the train tracks?) Anyway, the people around aren’t happy, criticizing Hancock’s techniques, calling him names, and booing him. The city of LA even called for him to leave because of the damage that he’s caused to the city.

Embry, however, feels that there is a side of Hancock that people have yet to see, and still need to see. His plan involves Hancock going to jail so that the city will miss him, and at the same time work on his image and other characteristics so people will approve of him when he comes back.

Does it work? Well, you’ll have to see the movie to find out. For me, Hancock was a very enjoyable film, providing action, and a surprisingly good back story. You really felt for Hancock (in the end), and it had some great humor as well. I would’ve liked to hear some more details of the back story behind the movie, mainly more history about who Hancock really was… how he came along, what he was, etc.

Overall, I’d rate Hancock a 7 out of 10… definitely something to consider seeing! Let me know how you feel about it!!

Rating:

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Hell’s Kitchen Final is Tomorrow!!!

Guys, I know that I haven’t been posting on this, but I’ve been watching this religiously pretty much over the weeks that this season is on.  My initial pick(s) to be the finalists, Corey and Bobby, have both been eliminated.  That really shows how much I know about running a fine dining restaurant, right?  In any case, the final is tomorrow, and I have predictions to make, and terrible news.  The terrible news is…. I have to work!  That’s right folks… don’t ruin this for me!  I’m DVR-ing again, so I’ll catch it tomorrow night if I’m not too tired after work.  Who do I think will win?  Check it out, after the jump. Read more

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

What Theatres are Missing Out On

The times have changed.  Movie theatres are no longer simply places where people see movies.  The expansive arcades, cafes and sometimes even full restaurants are common features of theatres.  The main reason for this is to take advantage of every possible earning opportunity available to them.  Some theatres are showing operas, concerts, and special showings, as well as hosting meetings to try to make that extra dough.  What do I feel theatres are really missing out on though? Read more

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Movie Morsel: Get your complaints heard!

Being in the service/entertainment industry, I thought I’d take a post and see if I could help people get their thoughts heard when it comes to making a complaint. There are many many many reasons why you, as a guest or a patron, would want to make a complaint. It could be bad service, messy environment, or an issue with another guest. However, when you make your complaint, it’s important to take a few things into consideration. If you take a second to think about these things, I think you’ll find your resolution to be much more favorable, and are much more likely to leave happy Read more

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Joe’s Review: Wall-E

Disney/Pixar’s latest release was one of the most anticipated movies of the summer, and now that I’ve seen it, I can say that Wall-E deserves all the hype it gets. After the incredible success of Ratatouille last summer, Pixar hit the nail on the head again. This is definitely one of the cutest, well executed movies that I’ve seen so far this year. In fact, I can’t think of anything offhand that tops it.

Wall-E takes place many many years in the future… about 700 I believe. The earth has been abandoned due to the buildup of waste products and pollutants over the years. The company that has basically taken over the world, Buy N’ Large, has decided to take matters into it’s own hands. Large, luxurious cruise ships have been built to take people into space for a five year cruise, while Buy N’ Large uses robots to clean up the Earth, with the hope that people will be able to return afterwards.

Things don’t seem to have gone as planned. The movie begins following Wall-E around as he(?) performs his daily duties, taking trash in and compacting it. As he moves around, we see that there are many robots that are no longer functioning, as Wall-E’s only companion is a little cockroach who manages to get himself into a lot of squishy situations. Earth is a barren wasteland, but little Wall-E follows the same routine every day, compacting trash, and collecting items as he dreams of finding love (I know, cute huh?).

All of this changes one day when a probe ship comes, and drops off a probe to see what life is like on Earth now. In comes EVE, scooting around and probing everywhere, with Wall-E not far behind, as he has fallen in love. After finding some evidence of plant life growing on Earth, EVE is returned to the ship she came from where people have been waiting 700 years to return to Earth. Is this the sign that they will finally be going home?

Definitely going to recommend that you go out and check out the movie to find out about all the crazy antics Wall-E gets himself into. Something I really enjoyed about Wall-E was how they worked out the dialogue.
There really wasn’t much at all. However, the sounds that the robots emitted and the music set the tone very well. It was actually possible to feel the emotions that they were feeling, and get swept away in the journey. As usual, Pixar’s animation was stunning. Now that I think about it, I didn’t really even think of it as a computer animated movie. It felt just like any other regular movie.

No doubt Wall-E is more for the kids, as illustrated by the about 200 or so mothers, fathers, and screaming babies I saw it with, so definitely take that into consideration when heading out to see it. I recommend a late show if you really want to enjoy it in a quiet theatre, as that did mess it up a little bit for me. However, despite that annoyance, Wall-E is surely worth seeing. You’ll be swept up by the beautiful animation and great story.

The little featurette beforehand was awesome also!

Did you enjoy as much as I did?

Rating:

- A Must See!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Next Page »