Who: Amber
What: He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special
Where: I borrowed a friend's DVD
Why: Why not!
Oh wow - was this Christmas special super cheesy. I loved watching He-Man when I was a kid, but I knew that 20 years later, it would look utterly ridiculous, and I was right. It was silly. Why does He-Man wear animal skin undies? And She-Ra's normal outfit is a leotard, but when she transforms, she's wearing a cute little skirt. And she flies around on a rainbow unicorn. It's so 80s, I love it!
So He-Man and She-Ra are getting ready to celebrate their birthdays (they are twins - remember?). Actually, their real names are Adam and Alura (I think that's She-Ra's name). All their cheesy superhero friends are helping to decorate for a rockin' party.
In the meantime, He-Man, and some creepy looking guy with a creepy looking mustache (maybe He-Man's dad?!?) have built a 'sky spy' rocket ship to help spy on Skeletor. He-Man's doofis magical flying guy hops in the rocket, and accidentally launches it. He crash lands on … guess where … Earth, where Christmas is a few days away.
Doofis magical flying guy runs into 2 young kids who are lost in the woods looking for a Christmas tree. They are cold, so they go to the rocket ship to warm up. Doofis magical flying guy asks the kids all about Christmas, since he's never heard about it before. The young girls talks about presents, but the older boy mentions that it's not all about presents. He tip toes around the religious reason for Christmas. I am proud of this cheese ball Christmas special. It's now all about Santa and presents. It's more about the real reason for the season. Kudos He-Man!
Well, of course He-Man has the power to bring back the 'sky spy' rocket back to Eternia (their planet). Well, the kids are still stuck in the rocket ship, so they come back to Eternia too.
The kids tell He-Man and She-Ran all about Christmas. And the story spreads to their cheesy super hero friends as well. Even Skeletor gets in on the Christmas spirit!
I don't think this special is on TV any longer, but if you have Nexflix, check it out!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Blue Streak
Who: Amber
What: Blue Streak
Where: cable
Why: I can watch this movie over and over
I've seen this movie 100 times, and I'll probably watch it 100 more. It's one of those movies where I can just have it on in the background, and it's still hilarious.
Martin Lawrence (in his hey day) is a bank robber. A heist goes wrong when his partner turns on him. Martin escapes by entering a building that's under construction. He hides a giant diamond he was stealing, then the cops find him.
Fast forward 2 years, and Martin is out of jail. First stop - go back to that building that was under construction and get that diamond. Unfortunately that once under construction building has been completed … into a police station. He can't just stroll in there and head up to the 3rd floor. He tried to fake deliver a pizza, and that doesn't work. So he turns to another con-man who makes a bunch of fake IDs for him, and a phony police career as a new transfer.
Since Martin is a criminal, he knows how criminals work. The minute he walks into the police station, they get a robbery call. He just wants to get his diamond and get out of there before they realize his police record is 100% fake. Instead he gets thrown with a partner (Luke Wilson), who's a quiet, nerdy guy, but he's smart. With Martin's genius criminal mind, he is solving crimes left and right. With in the hour, he's promoted!
He tries to weasel out of police work, so he has time to search the air ducts for his diamond. Of course he eventually finds it, and drops it in a huge pile of drug evidence.
Queue the action car chase scene with the FBI as Martin works 'undercover' to recover his diamond. Everything is for this diamond!
Will Luke Wilson figure out that Martin is a bogus cop? He's pretty smart, but he's also pretty gullible. How about the double crossing partner of his ... where is he after the bank robbing gone bad? I'm sure he's after the diamond as well (hint, hint).
What: Blue Streak
Where: cable
Why: I can watch this movie over and over
I've seen this movie 100 times, and I'll probably watch it 100 more. It's one of those movies where I can just have it on in the background, and it's still hilarious.
Martin Lawrence (in his hey day) is a bank robber. A heist goes wrong when his partner turns on him. Martin escapes by entering a building that's under construction. He hides a giant diamond he was stealing, then the cops find him.
Fast forward 2 years, and Martin is out of jail. First stop - go back to that building that was under construction and get that diamond. Unfortunately that once under construction building has been completed … into a police station. He can't just stroll in there and head up to the 3rd floor. He tried to fake deliver a pizza, and that doesn't work. So he turns to another con-man who makes a bunch of fake IDs for him, and a phony police career as a new transfer.
Since Martin is a criminal, he knows how criminals work. The minute he walks into the police station, they get a robbery call. He just wants to get his diamond and get out of there before they realize his police record is 100% fake. Instead he gets thrown with a partner (Luke Wilson), who's a quiet, nerdy guy, but he's smart. With Martin's genius criminal mind, he is solving crimes left and right. With in the hour, he's promoted!
He tries to weasel out of police work, so he has time to search the air ducts for his diamond. Of course he eventually finds it, and drops it in a huge pile of drug evidence.
Queue the action car chase scene with the FBI as Martin works 'undercover' to recover his diamond. Everything is for this diamond!
Will Luke Wilson figure out that Martin is a bogus cop? He's pretty smart, but he's also pretty gullible. How about the double crossing partner of his ... where is he after the bank robbing gone bad? I'm sure he's after the diamond as well (hint, hint).
Find this '90s movie on cable. I guarantee you'll laugh.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Fast and the Furious
Who: Amber
What: The Fast and the Furious
Where: on cable
Why: Why the heck not!
This movie is a classic. Don't laugh or try to deny it.
Brian (Paul Walker) is an undercover police officer, and he's super cute. There has been a car racing gang robbing big rig trucks. The gang drives up in their super cool racing cars, boards the truck, and takes the merchandise somehow. Brian has a short window of time to figure out what's going on.
Undercover Brian dives right into to the world of illegal street racing. He's got a sweet car, which he immediately loses to Vin Diesel (Dom) in a street race. After the race, the police stop by, and Brian helps Dom get away, so Dom assumes he's a good guy. Dom's family/gang are questionable about Brian (they think he might be a cop), but Dom is the leader, and he approves.
Dom's younger sister also approves. *Me-ow!*
As Brian hangs out with Dom, his sister, his computer wiz friend, and stupid nerdy friend he realizes that they are all really great people, just trying to live their lives, and racing cars. Brian reeeeally hopes that they are not involved with the robberies. There is a rival, evil car racing gang. Hopefully they are involved.
Lots of car racing, gang shoot outs, and truck robberies later, we find out who really is behind the robberies. Is it Dom and his crew, or the rival car racing gang? Will Brian be sucked into this uber-cool life style, or will he arrest the real thieves? This movie is always on cable somewhere … if you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend it.
Also, laugh at Paul Walker's acting skills. He's a pretty face, but the acting struggles at times.
What: The Fast and the Furious
Where: on cable
Why: Why the heck not!
This movie is a classic. Don't laugh or try to deny it.
Brian (Paul Walker) is an undercover police officer, and he's super cute. There has been a car racing gang robbing big rig trucks. The gang drives up in their super cool racing cars, boards the truck, and takes the merchandise somehow. Brian has a short window of time to figure out what's going on.
Undercover Brian dives right into to the world of illegal street racing. He's got a sweet car, which he immediately loses to Vin Diesel (Dom) in a street race. After the race, the police stop by, and Brian helps Dom get away, so Dom assumes he's a good guy. Dom's family/gang are questionable about Brian (they think he might be a cop), but Dom is the leader, and he approves.
Dom's younger sister also approves. *Me-ow!*
As Brian hangs out with Dom, his sister, his computer wiz friend, and stupid nerdy friend he realizes that they are all really great people, just trying to live their lives, and racing cars. Brian reeeeally hopes that they are not involved with the robberies. There is a rival, evil car racing gang. Hopefully they are involved.
Lots of car racing, gang shoot outs, and truck robberies later, we find out who really is behind the robberies. Is it Dom and his crew, or the rival car racing gang? Will Brian be sucked into this uber-cool life style, or will he arrest the real thieves? This movie is always on cable somewhere … if you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend it.
Also, laugh at Paul Walker's acting skills. He's a pretty face, but the acting struggles at times.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Where: @ home on DVD
Why: It was Jonathan's b-day present
**Warning - I will be spelling every single Star Wars name incorrectly!** Ever since we went to Disney's Star Wars Weekends and saw Ashley Eckstein (the voice of Asoka), we've been The Clone Wars fans. Thanks to DirectTV, we recorded all of season 1 of the animated series. But the movie preceded the animated series, and I've always been curious about where Asoka came from.
Unfortunately, this movie doesn't answer any of those questions. Asoka just shows up because Obi Wan Kanobi wanted another padawan learner. Since Anakin turned out awesome, he's ready to teach again. Asoka shows up and says she's here to learn from Anakin, not Obi Wan. Well, he has no interest in a padawan learner. He's a free spirit, he's reckless, he can't teach somebody. Nice switcher-o Obi Wan!
The Clone Wars is in full swing. Obi Wan, Anakin and Asoka go from one battle to another. When to Jedi's rest or even eat or sleep?
Then Jabba the Hutt calls. His son is missing! Even though he's not a friend of the Republic (the good guys), helping out Jabba will be a great ally for later. The Jedi's find Jabba's son right away, but he's very sick. They need to get him back to Jabba alive, or he'll kill the Jedi's. Also, the Empire (the bad guys) are trying to kill the Jedi's as well. Count Duko (the main bad guy) has Jabba convinced that the Jedi's have already killed his son, and they are coming to kill Jabba as well. Of course, the opposite is true. Count Duko is the one who has actually captured his son.
Holy cow - Jabba is ugly, but his little baby son is adorable! It makes me wonder, where do little Jabba's come from?!? Think about that for a moment.
In typical Star Wars fashion, many droids are killed. Red and blue gun fire is everywhere. The clone troopers also fall dead left and right. It's not bloody or anything, but those are still people dying. It's kind-of graphic for little kids. Although, also in typical Star Wars fashion, the Jedi win, and the bad guys loose.
The movie doesn't really end per say … this part of the battle is over, but there are many, many other battles to be won. Stay tuned to Comedy Central for the continuation of the story. Star Wars just keeps going and going and going!
What: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Where: @ home on DVD
Why: It was Jonathan's b-day present
**Warning - I will be spelling every single Star Wars name incorrectly!** Ever since we went to Disney's Star Wars Weekends and saw Ashley Eckstein (the voice of Asoka), we've been The Clone Wars fans. Thanks to DirectTV, we recorded all of season 1 of the animated series. But the movie preceded the animated series, and I've always been curious about where Asoka came from.
Unfortunately, this movie doesn't answer any of those questions. Asoka just shows up because Obi Wan Kanobi wanted another padawan learner. Since Anakin turned out awesome, he's ready to teach again. Asoka shows up and says she's here to learn from Anakin, not Obi Wan. Well, he has no interest in a padawan learner. He's a free spirit, he's reckless, he can't teach somebody. Nice switcher-o Obi Wan!
The Clone Wars is in full swing. Obi Wan, Anakin and Asoka go from one battle to another. When to Jedi's rest or even eat or sleep?
Then Jabba the Hutt calls. His son is missing! Even though he's not a friend of the Republic (the good guys), helping out Jabba will be a great ally for later. The Jedi's find Jabba's son right away, but he's very sick. They need to get him back to Jabba alive, or he'll kill the Jedi's. Also, the Empire (the bad guys) are trying to kill the Jedi's as well. Count Duko (the main bad guy) has Jabba convinced that the Jedi's have already killed his son, and they are coming to kill Jabba as well. Of course, the opposite is true. Count Duko is the one who has actually captured his son.
Holy cow - Jabba is ugly, but his little baby son is adorable! It makes me wonder, where do little Jabba's come from?!? Think about that for a moment.
In typical Star Wars fashion, many droids are killed. Red and blue gun fire is everywhere. The clone troopers also fall dead left and right. It's not bloody or anything, but those are still people dying. It's kind-of graphic for little kids. Although, also in typical Star Wars fashion, the Jedi win, and the bad guys loose.
The movie doesn't really end per say … this part of the battle is over, but there are many, many other battles to be won. Stay tuned to Comedy Central for the continuation of the story. Star Wars just keeps going and going and going!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
High Anxiety
Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: High Anxiety
Where: @ home on DVD
Why: Jonathan picked it
So I'm sick on the couch, and my husband pulls out High Anxiety, a Mel Brooks movie. I can't stand Mel Brooks. But it's his birthday, so I have no complaints.
This movie wasn't half bad. Normally Mel Brooks movies are unwatchable for me. But this one wasn't too bad. I might even agree to watch it a second time!
It's a semi-parody of 3 Alfred Hitchcock movies: The Birds, Psycho and Vertigo.
Mel Brooks is a psychologist, taking a job as head doctor of a prestigious psych ward. The previous head doctor was about to implement some changes, and he mysteriously died. The head nurse is Cloris Leachman, who is unidentifiable at the ugly (and thin!) nurse. She's a bad dude, who pretty much runs the joint.
Now, I was pretty sick on the couch, so I wasn't paying 100% attention to the movie, so I might have missed a couple plot points. But Cloris Leachman is trying to run the entire mental institute by killing off anybody who gets in her way.
Mel Brooks heads to San Francisco to attend a conference. A lovely lady breaks into his room. She's the daughter of somebody who has been kidnapped by Cloris Leachman. Que a HILARIOUS psycho-based shower scene (I admit - I laughed at somebody Mel Brooks did. I hate to admit that) and a pretty funny The Birds based scene.
Have you seen the classic disaster movie The Towering Inferno? Then you'll recognize the hotel that Mel Brooks stays in! Those elevators are famous around the world! (or maybe just famous in my mind)
Mel Brooks is framed for a murder while in San Francisco. It's crazy Cloris Leachman, trying to get rid of him with out actually killing him. Stuff happens, yadda, yadda, yadda. Mel Brooks saves the day, and sings a funny song.
I can't say I "recommend" this movie, but I can't recommend anything Mel Brooks (even after seeing this decent movie, I still don't like his stuff) ...
What: High Anxiety
Where: @ home on DVD
Why: Jonathan picked it
So I'm sick on the couch, and my husband pulls out High Anxiety, a Mel Brooks movie. I can't stand Mel Brooks. But it's his birthday, so I have no complaints.
This movie wasn't half bad. Normally Mel Brooks movies are unwatchable for me. But this one wasn't too bad. I might even agree to watch it a second time!
It's a semi-parody of 3 Alfred Hitchcock movies: The Birds, Psycho and Vertigo.
Mel Brooks is a psychologist, taking a job as head doctor of a prestigious psych ward. The previous head doctor was about to implement some changes, and he mysteriously died. The head nurse is Cloris Leachman, who is unidentifiable at the ugly (and thin!) nurse. She's a bad dude, who pretty much runs the joint.
Now, I was pretty sick on the couch, so I wasn't paying 100% attention to the movie, so I might have missed a couple plot points. But Cloris Leachman is trying to run the entire mental institute by killing off anybody who gets in her way.
Mel Brooks heads to San Francisco to attend a conference. A lovely lady breaks into his room. She's the daughter of somebody who has been kidnapped by Cloris Leachman. Que a HILARIOUS psycho-based shower scene (I admit - I laughed at somebody Mel Brooks did. I hate to admit that) and a pretty funny The Birds based scene.
Have you seen the classic disaster movie The Towering Inferno? Then you'll recognize the hotel that Mel Brooks stays in! Those elevators are famous around the world! (or maybe just famous in my mind)
Mel Brooks is framed for a murder while in San Francisco. It's crazy Cloris Leachman, trying to get rid of him with out actually killing him. Stuff happens, yadda, yadda, yadda. Mel Brooks saves the day, and sings a funny song.
I can't say I "recommend" this movie, but I can't recommend anything Mel Brooks (even after seeing this decent movie, I still don't like his stuff) ...
Saturday, August 15, 2009
G Force
Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: G Force
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: Jonathan picked it b/c it was his b-day
Welcome to the world of talking guinea pigs!
Fat Jesus from The Hangover (Zach somebody … you know, the guy with the beard) is in charge of a crazy animal experiment with the FBI. He's trained guinea pigs, moles, roaches and flys to be full fledged agents. They can even talk!
The FBI is tired of wasting money on training animals, so in the morning they are going to shut them down. So the guinea pig and mole set out on their very first mission. If they are successful, then maybe they can prove that this section of the FBI is worthy, and they can all keep their jobs. Otherwise, it's back to the pet store.
Well, thanks to a computer genius mole and 3 super charged guinea pigs, they break into Bill Niegy's (the bad guy) house during a huge party, download a file from his computer and escape. Success!
Unfortunately, the file they downloaded from the computer doesn't show the "world domination" that the guinea pigs thought, it just shows how to make a coffee maker. Not a success. They are shut down and shipped off to the pet store.
Silly pet owners and realistic (ha!) escape plans later, the 3 guinea pigs (plus 1 stray guinea pig they found at the pet store) are back together, and ready to prove that they didn't screw up their mission. They know they downloaded the correct file. Why couldn't the computer genius mole find it to show the head FBI guy? Could it be because he's a "mole"!?! Get my drift …
This movie was ok, but I don't need to see it again. The guinea pigs were cute (and not super CGI looking), but the circumstances were way ridiculous. The bad guy was trying to make all his home appliances come to life like transformers and take over the world. Riiiiiiight.
What: G Force
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: Jonathan picked it b/c it was his b-day
Welcome to the world of talking guinea pigs!
Fat Jesus from The Hangover (Zach somebody … you know, the guy with the beard) is in charge of a crazy animal experiment with the FBI. He's trained guinea pigs, moles, roaches and flys to be full fledged agents. They can even talk!
The FBI is tired of wasting money on training animals, so in the morning they are going to shut them down. So the guinea pig and mole set out on their very first mission. If they are successful, then maybe they can prove that this section of the FBI is worthy, and they can all keep their jobs. Otherwise, it's back to the pet store.
Well, thanks to a computer genius mole and 3 super charged guinea pigs, they break into Bill Niegy's (the bad guy) house during a huge party, download a file from his computer and escape. Success!
Unfortunately, the file they downloaded from the computer doesn't show the "world domination" that the guinea pigs thought, it just shows how to make a coffee maker. Not a success. They are shut down and shipped off to the pet store.
Silly pet owners and realistic (ha!) escape plans later, the 3 guinea pigs (plus 1 stray guinea pig they found at the pet store) are back together, and ready to prove that they didn't screw up their mission. They know they downloaded the correct file. Why couldn't the computer genius mole find it to show the head FBI guy? Could it be because he's a "mole"!?! Get my drift …
This movie was ok, but I don't need to see it again. The guinea pigs were cute (and not super CGI looking), but the circumstances were way ridiculous. The bad guy was trying to make all his home appliances come to life like transformers and take over the world. Riiiiiiight.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Steel Trapp
Who: Amber
What: Steel Trapp by Ridley Pearson
Where: @ work
Why: Jonathan let me borrow it
Steel Trapp is a tween-y book, which I really enjoyed!
Steven Trapp is a junior high student with a photographic memory. If he sees something, he will remember the exact details for years. His mother calls his brain a "steel trap", and the nick-name stuck. His brain is really remarkable
Steel and his mom are on the train from Chicago headed to Washington DC for a robotics competition. Steel is no genius, but with his photographic memory, he has built a pretty sweet robot.
On the train, he noticed a woman enter the train, drop off a suitcase in the overhead bin, then leave. Young, naïve Steel grabs the suitcase and runs after the woman. The woman claims it's not hers, but Steel knows better. His brain never lies. He know what he saw. Still the woman refuses to admit it, so Steel returns the suitcase to the train conductor.
Curiosity is eating him up … what is in that suitcase? Why did the lady lie to him? He manages to sneak back to the lost and found room on the train and peaks inside. It's a photo of a woman tied to a chair! Oh no - somebody is coming in the lost and found room! It's a bad, bad dude, who was supposed to pick up the suitcase on the train initially.
And now the story gets into high gear. We've got a kid with a photographic memory. A girl traveling on the train by herself. A bad, bad guy. And now FBI is on the train. And where is Steel's dad?!?
The chase for the woman in the chair and the bad guy with the suitcase continues thru out the train ride, and over the course of the 2 day robotics competition in Washington DC. Who is this bad guy, and why is he kidnapping this woman? And will the girl traveling alone on the train (also going to the robotics competition) play into the story?
Did I mention Steel's dad is missing? I highly recommend this young-adult book.
What: Steel Trapp by Ridley Pearson
Where: @ work
Why: Jonathan let me borrow it
Steel Trapp is a tween-y book, which I really enjoyed!
Steven Trapp is a junior high student with a photographic memory. If he sees something, he will remember the exact details for years. His mother calls his brain a "steel trap", and the nick-name stuck. His brain is really remarkable
Steel and his mom are on the train from Chicago headed to Washington DC for a robotics competition. Steel is no genius, but with his photographic memory, he has built a pretty sweet robot.
On the train, he noticed a woman enter the train, drop off a suitcase in the overhead bin, then leave. Young, naïve Steel grabs the suitcase and runs after the woman. The woman claims it's not hers, but Steel knows better. His brain never lies. He know what he saw. Still the woman refuses to admit it, so Steel returns the suitcase to the train conductor.
Curiosity is eating him up … what is in that suitcase? Why did the lady lie to him? He manages to sneak back to the lost and found room on the train and peaks inside. It's a photo of a woman tied to a chair! Oh no - somebody is coming in the lost and found room! It's a bad, bad dude, who was supposed to pick up the suitcase on the train initially.
And now the story gets into high gear. We've got a kid with a photographic memory. A girl traveling on the train by herself. A bad, bad guy. And now FBI is on the train. And where is Steel's dad?!?
The chase for the woman in the chair and the bad guy with the suitcase continues thru out the train ride, and over the course of the 2 day robotics competition in Washington DC. Who is this bad guy, and why is he kidnapping this woman? And will the girl traveling alone on the train (also going to the robotics competition) play into the story?
Did I mention Steel's dad is missing? I highly recommend this young-adult book.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Who: Amber
What: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Where: cable
Why: I'm on a HP kick!
What: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Where: cable
Why: I'm on a HP kick!
In my mini Harry Potter mania, I watched the 4th (I think???) movie, the Prisoner of Azkaban. This book/movie was probably the most suspenseful, both Sirius Black (the deranged killer on the loose) and Professor Lupin (the sucker who took over the Defense Against the Dark Arts job) aren't who they really seem.
Granted, if you read the books, it's not all the suspenseful, but if not, be ready to be surprised!
This movie was very long, and very intertwined. Be ready for a long 'magical' going back in time sequence! Oh that super smart Heromie, what will she get into next?
The big wizard news story of the year is escaped prisoner Sirius Black. He's been there for 12 years, and he wants revenge on … guess who … Harry! Seriously, Harry can't just can't catch a break. 12 years ago Sirius told Lord Voldemort where Harry's parents were hiding. Sirius is responsible for Harry's parents death! Or is he …
Be sure to either read this book or see this movie. One of the major characters is Buckbeak the Hippogrif. When Universal opens Harry Potter Land next year, I believe Buckbeak will have his own ride.
Did I mention that magical people can willingly turn themselves into animals (awesome!). So is that dog really a dog? And how about that rat with only 9 fingers? Is that a werewolf a person, or a killer werewolf?
Find this movie on ABC Family and check it out!
Granted, if you read the books, it's not all the suspenseful, but if not, be ready to be surprised!
This movie was very long, and very intertwined. Be ready for a long 'magical' going back in time sequence! Oh that super smart Heromie, what will she get into next?
The big wizard news story of the year is escaped prisoner Sirius Black. He's been there for 12 years, and he wants revenge on … guess who … Harry! Seriously, Harry can't just can't catch a break. 12 years ago Sirius told Lord Voldemort where Harry's parents were hiding. Sirius is responsible for Harry's parents death! Or is he …
Be sure to either read this book or see this movie. One of the major characters is Buckbeak the Hippogrif. When Universal opens Harry Potter Land next year, I believe Buckbeak will have his own ride.
Did I mention that magical people can willingly turn themselves into animals (awesome!). So is that dog really a dog? And how about that rat with only 9 fingers? Is that a werewolf a person, or a killer werewolf?
Find this movie on ABC Family and check it out!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
50 Pills
Who: Amber
What: 50 Pills
Where: Comedy Central
Why: Kristen Bell is in it
What: 50 Pills
Where: Comedy Central
Why: Kristen Bell is in it
This movie was not very good. I saw "Kristen Bell" on my DVR, so I figured I would give it a try. I liked her in Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
The movie opens with the main character (I already forgot his name - that's how forgettable this movie was - I'll call him GUY) talking to the camera. Talking directly to the camera is tricky to pull off, and he is not pulling it off.
Guy is going to college in NYC for the first time. His roommate is a super stud, and Guy is mesmerized by him. Guy seems like an idiot, even though he's got a full ride college scholarship. Guy and roommate throw a huge party on day 1, it gets busted, and they are on probation. One more slip up, and Guy's scholarship is gone. Instead of not partying, they just sneak around a lot.
When Guy gets back from Thanksgiving break (his mom is played by the woman boss in 40 Year Old Virgin - she is just great!), he finds a note on his room. The roommate got caught throwing a party, so that means Guy's scholarship is gone. Really NYC college?!? If your roommate throws a party over Thanksgiving break, you penalize the roommate who wasn't even there ... riiiiight.
Anyway, so the roommate offers Guy 50 pills of ecstasy and his pager. He can sell them in 24 hours to get some cash to stay in school.
Really? 50 pills of ecstasy at $20 a piece is going to pay for school. Wake up Guy - that's not enough money for college. Plus the cute girl that likes you (Kristen Bell) doesn't approve).
He starts selling the drugs to funny and odd people. Watching that part of the movie was amusing, but the rest was a waste of time. Of course Guy blows it with the girl, but they get together at the end.
Blah!
The movie opens with the main character (I already forgot his name - that's how forgettable this movie was - I'll call him GUY) talking to the camera. Talking directly to the camera is tricky to pull off, and he is not pulling it off.
Guy is going to college in NYC for the first time. His roommate is a super stud, and Guy is mesmerized by him. Guy seems like an idiot, even though he's got a full ride college scholarship. Guy and roommate throw a huge party on day 1, it gets busted, and they are on probation. One more slip up, and Guy's scholarship is gone. Instead of not partying, they just sneak around a lot.
When Guy gets back from Thanksgiving break (his mom is played by the woman boss in 40 Year Old Virgin - she is just great!), he finds a note on his room. The roommate got caught throwing a party, so that means Guy's scholarship is gone. Really NYC college?!? If your roommate throws a party over Thanksgiving break, you penalize the roommate who wasn't even there ... riiiiight.
Anyway, so the roommate offers Guy 50 pills of ecstasy and his pager. He can sell them in 24 hours to get some cash to stay in school.
Really? 50 pills of ecstasy at $20 a piece is going to pay for school. Wake up Guy - that's not enough money for college. Plus the cute girl that likes you (Kristen Bell) doesn't approve).
He starts selling the drugs to funny and odd people. Watching that part of the movie was amusing, but the rest was a waste of time. Of course Guy blows it with the girl, but they get together at the end.
Blah!
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Who: Bill
What: The Bridge on the River Kwai
Where: Turner Classic Movies
Why: Had never seen this movie
When you're feeling sick and only have enough energy to do little or nothing, an excellent way to pass the time is to watch a three-hour long movie. And when its a GREAT movie, it is time well spent (sick or not). Such is the case with The Bridge on the River Kwai, a true cinema classic from 1957 that won seven Oscars, three Golden Globes, and numerous other awards.
Set in the middle of World War II, the story takes place in a Japanese prison camp. The newly arrived POW's are a group of British soldiers who will be forced to build a railroad bridge over the Kwai River. Their commander Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) is steadfast in refusing to let all his men work on the bridge. He is punished by spending days in a locked box, about the size of a doghouse. He survives the ordeal and ultimately works out a deal with the camp leader Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa) to supervise the completion of the bridge to the highest British specifications-- an odd move considering the condition the prisoners are being subjected. Meanwhile, an American POW named Shears (William Holden) escapes from the camp and eventually regains his health. Just before he is to be sent home, his true identity is uncovered and he is "persuaded" to join the British Special Forces in an attempt to destroy the bridge.
Based on the book of the same name, The Bridge on the River Kwai offers plenty of intense drama and outstanding performances from some of the finest actors of the 20th century. The film has been so highly regarded and significant in motion pictures, that in 1997 it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. Additionally, Alec Guinness and director David Lean would team again for the epic dramas Lawrence of Arabia(1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965) and A Passage to India (1984)
But even if you don't watch those other Guinness/Lean films, The Bridge on the River Kwai is a movie that should be a definite "must see".
What: The Bridge on the River Kwai
Where: Turner Classic Movies
Why: Had never seen this movie
When you're feeling sick and only have enough energy to do little or nothing, an excellent way to pass the time is to watch a three-hour long movie. And when its a GREAT movie, it is time well spent (sick or not). Such is the case with The Bridge on the River Kwai, a true cinema classic from 1957 that won seven Oscars, three Golden Globes, and numerous other awards.
Set in the middle of World War II, the story takes place in a Japanese prison camp. The newly arrived POW's are a group of British soldiers who will be forced to build a railroad bridge over the Kwai River. Their commander Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) is steadfast in refusing to let all his men work on the bridge. He is punished by spending days in a locked box, about the size of a doghouse. He survives the ordeal and ultimately works out a deal with the camp leader Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa) to supervise the completion of the bridge to the highest British specifications-- an odd move considering the condition the prisoners are being subjected. Meanwhile, an American POW named Shears (William Holden) escapes from the camp and eventually regains his health. Just before he is to be sent home, his true identity is uncovered and he is "persuaded" to join the British Special Forces in an attempt to destroy the bridge.
Based on the book of the same name, The Bridge on the River Kwai offers plenty of intense drama and outstanding performances from some of the finest actors of the 20th century. The film has been so highly regarded and significant in motion pictures, that in 1997 it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. Additionally, Alec Guinness and director David Lean would team again for the epic dramas Lawrence of Arabia(1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965) and A Passage to India (1984)
But even if you don't watch those other Guinness/Lean films, The Bridge on the River Kwai is a movie that should be a definite "must see".
The Kingdom Keepers
Who: Amber
What: The Kingdom Keepers
Where: @ work
Why: I've abondoned my Summer Fun Book Club literary masterpieces, but I wanted to keep reading something ...
This is a tween book, but I still enjoyed it. Heck, I enjoy all tween-y books, because they are such easy reads.
If you like Disney, you'll love this book. It features Finn, an Orlando teen who has been cast as a 'virtual tour guide' at the Magic Kingdom. He, and 4 other kids, have been turned into holograms. They are mini-celebrities at the Magic Kingdom. It seems like a cool gig, especially because the kids get free tickets when ever they want.
Then the funky dreams start. It seems like a dream, but it also seems real. Finn dreams he's at the Magic Kingdom at night, and a cast member Wayne is asking for his help. Finn needs to track down the other 4 hologram kids, and Wayne has a quest for them. Suuuuuuure.
But the dreams don't stop. Wayne still needs his help. And why are the Pirates of the Caribbean animatronics figures walking around the park OUTSIDE the ride? And they are holding laser guns from the Buzz Lightyear ride, that shoot real lasers that burn you?!?
Finn manages to track down the other 4 kids (who are all from different middle schools). They've all been having the same spooky dreams. They all decide go to bed at the same time, and meet up inside the Magic Kingdom. It's not a dream, it's real!
Wayne gives them an assignment. The evil Disney characters are coming alive. They are realizing their powers. Who knows what kind-of trouble they might get into.
The kids realize that because of the hologram technology, they have special powers as well. Will good triumph over evil? Or will the story continue in Kingdom Keepers 2 (which has already been published)? Ha ha ha. I can tell you, the story is full of action and adventure, and it does have the kids capturing 1 evil character. But every Disney fairytale has an element of evil, and the stories continue . . .
What: The Kingdom Keepers
Where: @ work
Why: I've abondoned my Summer Fun Book Club literary masterpieces, but I wanted to keep reading something ...
This is a tween book, but I still enjoyed it. Heck, I enjoy all tween-y books, because they are such easy reads.
If you like Disney, you'll love this book. It features Finn, an Orlando teen who has been cast as a 'virtual tour guide' at the Magic Kingdom. He, and 4 other kids, have been turned into holograms. They are mini-celebrities at the Magic Kingdom. It seems like a cool gig, especially because the kids get free tickets when ever they want.
Then the funky dreams start. It seems like a dream, but it also seems real. Finn dreams he's at the Magic Kingdom at night, and a cast member Wayne is asking for his help. Finn needs to track down the other 4 hologram kids, and Wayne has a quest for them. Suuuuuuure.
But the dreams don't stop. Wayne still needs his help. And why are the Pirates of the Caribbean animatronics figures walking around the park OUTSIDE the ride? And they are holding laser guns from the Buzz Lightyear ride, that shoot real lasers that burn you?!?
Finn manages to track down the other 4 kids (who are all from different middle schools). They've all been having the same spooky dreams. They all decide go to bed at the same time, and meet up inside the Magic Kingdom. It's not a dream, it's real!
Wayne gives them an assignment. The evil Disney characters are coming alive. They are realizing their powers. Who knows what kind-of trouble they might get into.
The kids realize that because of the hologram technology, they have special powers as well. Will good triumph over evil? Or will the story continue in Kingdom Keepers 2 (which has already been published)? Ha ha ha. I can tell you, the story is full of action and adventure, and it does have the kids capturing 1 evil character. But every Disney fairytale has an element of evil, and the stories continue . . .
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Eat, Pray, Love
Who: Amber
What: Eat, Pray, Love
Where: @ the Saturn dealership
Why: Book #3 in my Summer Fun Book Club
This was book 3 in my friend's "Summer Fun Book Club", which I have totally abandoned for the summer after struggling to get thru East of Eden (I made it about 25 pages).
This is a autobiographical book about 1 year in the life of the author. She just got out of a horrible divorce, and she also had a crazy lover, so she's taking a year off to travel the world. To be honest, Liz doesn't really seem like the victim of the divorce (she wanted the divorce) and she kept getting back together with the crazy lover. Anyway, she's about to Eat in Italy, Pray in India and Love in Indonesia for 4 months each (4 months X 3 countries = 1 year).
First up, Italy. Liz has always wanted to learn Italian, the language of love. What better way to learn a language then in Italy! Liz is one of those people who makes friends very easily (which I'm pretty jealous of her). She pigs out for the next 4 months, and has many fun adventures with new Italy friends. Liz has planed to be celibate for this next year, so no lover in Italy.
Next up, India. She was given an invitation to join some kind of monetary (I didn't fully understand it). India is the total opposite of Italy. Not much food, not a comfy bed, just praying and chanting 24/7. She does meet many interesting people in India who are also looking for a little kick in the pants thru the power of prayer.
Next up, Indonesia. She really has no plans here. She visited once, and just wanted to spend more time here. She falls off her bike, and goes to a local woman who is a master healer (although, no medical training). She finds out this woman is dirt poor, but has adopted a bunch of adorable kids. Liz makes it her mission to help this woman anyway she can. She also meets a guy 20 years her senior. She tries not to get romantic, but she just can't help me. Celibacy is out the window!
I've left out a ton of details, because I would recommend this book to women everywhere. Men, you'll be totally bored. I was also kind-of annoyed by Liz. I mean, who really takes a year off from their life after a divorce? She did touch on this subject, and made me feel like a jerk for being jealous of her. But I stand by my jealousy!
What: Eat, Pray, Love
Where: @ the Saturn dealership
Why: Book #3 in my Summer Fun Book Club
This was book 3 in my friend's "Summer Fun Book Club", which I have totally abandoned for the summer after struggling to get thru East of Eden (I made it about 25 pages).
This is a autobiographical book about 1 year in the life of the author. She just got out of a horrible divorce, and she also had a crazy lover, so she's taking a year off to travel the world. To be honest, Liz doesn't really seem like the victim of the divorce (she wanted the divorce) and she kept getting back together with the crazy lover. Anyway, she's about to Eat in Italy, Pray in India and Love in Indonesia for 4 months each (4 months X 3 countries = 1 year).
First up, Italy. Liz has always wanted to learn Italian, the language of love. What better way to learn a language then in Italy! Liz is one of those people who makes friends very easily (which I'm pretty jealous of her). She pigs out for the next 4 months, and has many fun adventures with new Italy friends. Liz has planed to be celibate for this next year, so no lover in Italy.
Next up, India. She was given an invitation to join some kind of monetary (I didn't fully understand it). India is the total opposite of Italy. Not much food, not a comfy bed, just praying and chanting 24/7. She does meet many interesting people in India who are also looking for a little kick in the pants thru the power of prayer.
Next up, Indonesia. She really has no plans here. She visited once, and just wanted to spend more time here. She falls off her bike, and goes to a local woman who is a master healer (although, no medical training). She finds out this woman is dirt poor, but has adopted a bunch of adorable kids. Liz makes it her mission to help this woman anyway she can. She also meets a guy 20 years her senior. She tries not to get romantic, but she just can't help me. Celibacy is out the window!
I've left out a ton of details, because I would recommend this book to women everywhere. Men, you'll be totally bored. I was also kind-of annoyed by Liz. I mean, who really takes a year off from their life after a divorce? She did touch on this subject, and made me feel like a jerk for being jealous of her. But I stand by my jealousy!
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