Monday, July 23, 2007

Some quick CBS TV news

As the networks continue to hold press conferences as part of the media press tour, we're learning a little bit more about some of our favorite shows and what to expect from them in their upcoming seasons. CBS recently held theirs and here were some interesting scooplets that got leaked, that some of you may find interesting:

Survivor: The new installment, which takes place in China will NOT have the exile island twist involved. However, the hidden immunity idol will remain apart of the game and according to producers will be placed somewhere "right under their noses".

CSI: Producers are saying that within the first few episodes, there will be a definitive end to the Sara/Grissom relationship. They wouldn't go any further as to whether Sara will be back or not, but it doesn't look like they will remain a couple one way or the other.

Amazing Race: The next season won't air until midseason, but CBS is reporting that it will be a shorter season and as a result there will be no nonelimination legs, which is just fine by me.

Harry Potter 7 thoughts (NO SPOILERS)

So after Jim left early Sunday morning, I was finally able to crack open Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which I received through Amazon on Saturday. In fear of having anything spoiled, I did nothing but plow through the book. It took me about 10 hours, although I'll probably read it again as I probably missed a point or two along the way.

I have to say that I loved the book. Without giving anything away I thought it did a wonderful job of tying up loose ends, providing a ton of drama and action and also paying homage to virtually every character who had ever been introduced in the previous 6 books. For Potter fans, this is a great book. I am very curious though as to how they will make this book into a movie. Even though it's comparable in length to the previous couple of books, there is just so much going on in this one that they'll either have to break it into two films or really gut out a lot of stuff. It's easy to see how Order of the Phoenix could be made into a 2 hour film (since nothing ever happened in that book), but this one can't be handled in the same way.

If you're like me and having already finished it, in fear of spoilers, I'd love to discuss it with you. Although for the sake of everyone, you better email me about it so as not to piss off anyone who hasn't read it yet.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Thank you for waiting...the (soon to be) doctor will see you now

I'm sorry there has been a dry spell of posts from me lately, but I do have a good reason. My friend Jim from Dayton came down to visit me, so I really haven't been around my computer a lot these past few days. But because he's down here, it's given me a reason to see some movies. I saw Spiderman 3 again early this week, but since I've already talked about that, there's no reason to do it here. Tonight, however, I got to see Sicko.

In general, the film was enjoyable. Well, as enjoyable as a film about how we're getting screwed by the HMOs can be. It's also a typical Michael Moore film, which can either be a very good thing or very bad thing, depending on who you are. About the only difference was that I thought this one was a little lighter on the humor than some of his other films had been. Again, though, a film about people dying as a result of greedy doctors...not exactly chock full of hilarity.

The film's biggest detriment is how it presents this problem as so simple, yet complicated. Really, the argument is simple ("Look other countries give their citizens free health care, why can't we?") and the solution is really complicated ("Yeah, like HMOs are really ever going to release their stranglehold on the health care industry"). The other maddening thing about this film is that I was waiting for the other shoe to fall on the systems these other countries like Canada and France have, yet it never came. So either these countries truly do live in these fanatasy worlds where everyone receives medical attention and lives happily or there's more going on than what was being presented in the film.

While the film is well made and never dull, you also leave with the sense that there isn't much you as an individual can do. Unlike say An Inconveinent Truth which gave viewers pause to consider how they can do their part to help the Earth, this problem will come down to whether politicians can grow a sack and make the necessary changes to this system. I recommend you check this out as it can produce some good debate, but be prepared to pull your hair out as you realize the situation we're in. On second thought, don't pull your hair out; it's likely to cause you to lose your benefits. Grade: B+

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Summer TV worth watching

I can't believe it's taken me this long to talk about the only summer TV show worth watching; the World Series of Pop Culture. It has returned after its successful premiere season last year. The show has maintained everything that made it cool last year - namely the mega-nerd teams with their geeky names, being a fast-paced quiz show chock full of obscure pop culture references, and most importantly of all, the awesomely dry host, Pat Kiernan. Kudos to the show for bringing back last year's champ, El Chucacabra to compete against this year's contestants.

After a week of play, clearly the biggest surprise was the upset of the aforementioned champs. With 8 new teams left it appears to be anybodys game. Some teams appear to be relying on only one member, while others seem more well-rounded. Then again, with the randomness of the questions asked, it could just be that certain teams dealt with categories that didn't meet their strengths and they could be stronger than they appeared. Of the remaining teams, the strongest ones appear to be 3 Men and a Little Lazy, Wocka Wocka, and Almost Perfect Strangers 2.0.

If you haven't checked this out, please do so next week. New episodes will be on Mon-Thur at 9pm on VH1. And if that time doesn't work for you, don't worry, it's VH1, so you know that it'll replayed ad naseum throughout the day. Also, if you want to test your own pop culture knowledge, you can do so at World of Pop.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Pronk staying put

Hafner signs four year extension.

Knowing that Travis is now signed through 2012 makes me a very happy man. Now lets hope with this out of the way, he can return to his home run hitting self and help guarantee that the Tribe make it to the postseason.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Get Smart teaser trailer

Would you believe....this comes out next summer. Consider me already excited.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Terrible end to the first half

So it appears the Indians decided to limp into the All Star Break, losing 4 of their last six. Their latest loss, today's pathetic 1-0 loss to the Blue Jays really stung as it cost us first place. Now the Tigers get to gloat over the Break about being in sole possession of first place.

I'm not going to turn on the panic button just yet as we're still in a very good position to make it to the postseason. However, this team has got to improve on the road. Luckily we only have four more games on the road for the rest of July. But we're barely home in August and September. If this team wants to play in October, they need to start playing as well on the road as they do at the Jake.

Also, needed is more clutch hitting from guys like Peralta (he really cost us today), Blake, Nixon and sadly, Pronk too. Some better managing in tight games would be helpful, but I'm not holding my breath that that will actually happen.

So for now those crybabies in the Motor City can claim this small victory, but when all is said and done, lets hope it is my Indians who will have something to celebrate.

Friday, July 6, 2007

Still not quite Fantastic

With my movie money almost expired (don't even get me started on that ripoff), I took the evening to finally see the Fantastic Four sequel. Good news: it is a marked improvement over the bloated, tedious, and annoying first film. Bad news: it still has a long way to go before being considered a good series of films based on the popular comic book.

The most notable improvement comes from the fact that the core Four are much more comfortable in their roles and actually seem like they belong (Alba's hotness in the film makes you almost forget that she's supposed to be an astronaut). Another positive of the film is the Silver Surfer, which appears to be a good representation of the character fans have come to know. Galactus does not receive the same treatment, but because I never read the comic books, I'm not as disappointed as some will be.

The film introduces plenty of interesting ideas: the desire to find someone to love, the desire to lead a normal life, dealing with the return of Doom, serving your country vs. serving yourself yet when you make a film that's only 92 mins. long it's kind of hard to properly address any of them. The film just allows you to fill in the holes, if you're so inclined.

The primary fault of this film and the original is that it basically refuses to allow you to be engaged. At no time do you ever get caught up with what's going on on the screen. You always know you're watching a film. Given that the comic book has such a rich tapestry of characters and story, you would think it wouldn't be difficult to create films which would allows viewers to escape reality and enter into their fantastic world. Instead, the film seems content to be light, popcorn fare that is just looking to make a quick buck. In better hands, this franchise had the potential to be discussed in the same breath as the Spiderman, Batman, and X-Men series.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer certainly is enjoyable in a "shut off your mind for 90 minutes" sort of way. I'll recommend it because regardless of what you thought of the first film, you'll definitely enjoy this one more. But be forewarned: this film severely lacks the "Wow" factor. Grade: B-

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Won't you be my enabler?

I read a very interesting article today in the Wall Street Journal which basically places blame on Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood for creating the narcissistic attitude seen in a lot of young adults today. For quite some time now, I've expressed concern to others that a big problem with today's youth is that they are never held accountable for any of their actions and expect everything to be given to them. The horrid My Super Sweet 16 is a perfect example of this.

Now I hate to blame Mr. Rodgers for creating this culture, as I grew up on him and found his show to be very beneficial in my formative years. But the author makes some good points about how Rodgers' mantra that everyone is "special" has instilled this mindframe in the youth of America.

You can read the article for yourself here and then share your thoughts on the matter with me.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

USA, USA, USA

Our nation can once again hold its head up high as the Hot Dog Eating Championship has come back to America. Check out the exciting finish to this year's 4th of July tradition:

They put the bone in Zamboni

So Blades of Glory finally made its way to the budget theater, which meant it was at a price I was willing to see it at. The end result? A very funny movie that I will place above the vastly overrated (by fans, that is) Talladega Nights. This is a typical Ferrell movie, but that's all right, as he generally knows how to bring the funny.

I think what helps this movie out is the supporting cast. Nights had the unfunny John C. Reilly and the uneven Sacha Baron Cohen. Blades on the other hand was bolstered by the efforts of Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, and Craig T. Nelson. Also, helping things out was Jenna Fischer, who is smoking hot in this movie; both when she's in sexy outfits and when she just playing the "aw shucks", girl-next-door character.

About the only criticism that I have is that the film really doesn't take any risks or explore the rich tapesty of humor that is men's figure skating. It stays in a comfort zone that allows it to be funny, but leaves you a little unfulfilled.

This is a great movie to just watch on a Saturday afternoon for some good laughs; along the lines of something like Dodgeball and it's one that I'll definitely pick up when it comes out on DVD. Grade: B+

Monday, July 2, 2007

New Bourne Ultimatum trailer

Most of the "threequels" (ugh, I can't stand that word) have fallen short of expectations thus far this summer. But after seeing this trailer, I'm thinking the last big movie of the summer, just might be the best. Check it out for yourself:

Finally....Adam has returned to Raleigh

Well after a hectic three week vacation in Cleveland in which I experience emotional highs and lows, I am finally back in NC. After making the 9 hour drive on Sunday, I got no rest, as I began teaching summer school today. Odd as it may sound, teaching will actually be a relief from the schedule I've had lately.

Now that I'm back, here's hoping I'll be updating this blog moreso. I also hope to be catching up on these summer movies that I've been neglecting lately. I'll definitely be seeing at least one film this week, if not more, so be looking for my thoughts on them as I post them.

One thing I will miss though is my Tribe. While I do have the Extra Innings package, it's not the same thing. I won't always get to see the games on STO. I won't get to see All Bets Are Off. And I won't get to watch the games with my family and friends. But as long as they keep winning, I'll be happy. Tonight's win (and sweep) over the D-Rays was awesome and puts us in a good place as we head into a big series with the Tigers here before the All Star Break.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

On an emotional rollercoaster

So yesterday was a pretty sad day for me as I had to bury my Grandmother. Then I wake up this morning to the terrible news of the Chris Benoit murder-suicide tragedy. I really don't know what to say about that. Benoit was one of my all-time favorite performers and now knowing what has happened it's difficult for me to still appreciate what he did as a wrestler. I'm hoping that everyone can try to move on from this terrible incident, but now that the mainstream media has picked up on the story, I have a feeling it will only get worse.

Thankfully, I finally got some happiness back into my life tonight as I got to go to the Indians game and see a thrilling come-from-behind win in the 9th. For the first time in a long time (ever?) Wedge finally made some good managerial moves and they paid off for him. After the Tribe's disasterous run against the National League, it's been great to see the bats come alive and take the first two against the A's.

Here's hoping that the good times continue. With Justin's wedding on Friday, I'm hoping that will be the case.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Please keep my family in your prayers

Sad news...my grandmother passed away late last night. In what was already a hectic visit, just become even more crazy. I'll now have a wedding and a funeral to attend in this upcoming week. Because of all that's going on, I probably won't be making another post until I get back to North Carolina.

But like I said, in the meantime, if you would keep my family in your thoughts and prayers, it would be greatly appreciated. My grandma was a wonderful woman and will be tremendously missed. It is great comfort for me to know that she is now in a better place. Rest in peace Lottie.

Friday, June 22, 2007

EW, I like the way you think!

We all love our Claire Bear!

Finally! Some Office news

Sorry my updates have been sparse lately. I'm up in Cleveland right now preparing for my brother's wedding at the end of the month, so I'm not in front of the computer a whole lot.

But since I'm here today, I figured I would share some good news I just heard about The Office. Sadly, there's still nothing about the new season (I figure filming won't begin until Carrell and Krasinski are done doing the publicity for their respective films).

What I have heard however, is that TBS will begin airing Office repeats starting this fall. No word yet on the day and time(s) it will air, but having more Office is always a good thing.

And speaking of repeats, you can watch all of the episodes from this past season whenever you want come Sept. 4. The Season 3 DVDs come out that day with all sorts of extras. You can check out the specifics here. And just to whet your appetite, check out the box art.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

New Dark Knight photos

The film's still over a year away from being released, but tidbits about the film keeping trickling in. Here are a couple of images of interest:

Batman's new suit:


Joker's clown car:


EDIT: Another photo has surfaced; This time of Batman's new Batcycle, which will be called the Batpod in the film. It looks like Lucius Fox has been busy again:

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

WTF?!?!?

So I watched all of RAW except for the final 15 minutes because I got a phone call and evidently I missed this:



It would figure I would miss the one mildly interesting thing that's happened in the WWE in the past two years. I have no idea where they're going with this one.

RIP Vince

Monday, June 11, 2007

Knocked it out of the ballpark

Finally got to see Knocked Up tonight and Judd Apatow once again delivers a gem. I'll put this a notch below 40 Year Old Virgin, but really, nothing could ever top that film. Then again, my appreciation for that film grew with each successive viewing and I have a feeling that this one will as well.

Apatow once again is able to masterfully blend crude, vulgar humor with a really sweet story. Nothing ever seems Hollywood or fake about his films. Despite the oddball pairing of the schlubby Seth Rogan and the beautiful Katherine Heigl, the film makes you believe that they can work as a couple.

Part of the fun of these films is playing Where's Waldo with all of the great cameos. Some are well known people like Ryan Seacrest, James Franco, and a certain Virgin, himself (that was awesome). Some are Apatow's Freeks and Geeks alums. There's also a couple of Office workers (Ryan and Darryl). But there's also a wonderful assortment of minor comic actors that I recognize (Mo Collins, Loudon Wainwright, Kristin Wiig, Alan Tudyk, Harold Ramis, Bill Hader...the list is endless) that may not be well known, but just add so much more to the film.

I also need to say how awesome Paul Rudd is again. I was worried initially because he didn't have much screen time early on. But as his and Seth's characters become friends, we get to see the Rudd hilarity that I've come to expect. Their scenes in Vegas are just stellar. I won't say what happens, just trust me, it's great.

My only small complaint about the film is that it isn't quite as relatable to me as Virgin was, just because I'm not at that time in my life yet where I'm having kids. I'm sure when I do get there, this film will become even more real to me.

Actually I have one other complaint - the theater audience. Now I know this isn't a knock against the film, but it needs to be said anyways. I was seated with a bunch of morons. The biggest laughs generally were the scenes that had been shown ad nauseum in the previews (and trust me, those scenes aren't the funniest of the film). Are these people a bunch of sheep that only know when to laugh when they recognize something that they've already seen? I also couldn't stand the women in the audience who felt the need to make their own commentary on that actions in the film. You going "awwwww" at the sight of the baby isn't necessary. We all know it's cute, so shut your traps.

OK, now that I got that off my chest, I can go back to saying that this is a fantastic movie. If you loved Virgin, you'll enjoy this one as well. This is a great movie that all demographics should enjoy.

Grade: A