Insidious is an interesting blend of a horror movie. It comes across definitely as a mash up of The Amityville Horror and Poltergeist. And I was glad, that instead of going with the little girl again. They centered it around the boy.
It seem to follow the Poltergeist path through the movie, with the sightings, sounds and strange happenings. Right up to the last third of the movie, when they call in the Parapsychologists to investigate the house. Even though they had moved, the spirits had followed them.
Anyone paying close attention would have noticed some hints that things may not be as they appear. And there may be something strange about one other in the house, besides the boy. And pertaining to this person, I saw the ending coming a mile away. But that didn't mean I didn't like it.
To jump ahead about the ending. I would like to have seen a little more about it, not just the abrupt end. I'm fine with the way it ended, but a little more info about it would have been more.. 'Horrific' maybe is a better description. Makes more sense when you know what happened.
The new 'Older' woman lead Parapsychologist was great. I can see her in the role established from Poltergeist. Even though I hadn't seen her since her role in Kingpin over a decade ago. And I liked both her colleagues. They added a slight break in the tension up until this point.
At first I wasn't sure what to think about the last third of the movie. The astral projection stuff, and the whole venture into possession and the astral realm was rather interesting. And the portrayal of it all seemed like something about an old movie from the 1940s or something. With the jump cuts, black and white or washed out imagery, fog and lantern and stuff. By the time it was over, I kind of thought it was just surreal and rather brilliant way to portray it. And it was just downright weird. Which was great for what they were trying to do.
It just didn't seem to mesh with what we were seeing for the first two-thirds of the movie. It felt out of place. So, I don't know what to say about that.
I liked the demon, that was at the center of it all. Forked tongue, hooves and all. Just didn't much care for his face paint.. As every kid there pointed out in ear shot. They put Darth Maul in the movie. Seeing as how most of them were only five years old when Phantom Menace came out.. Anyway..
Even the introduction with the credits and especially the title card of 'Insidious' with the washed out coloring, and shadows playing across it all seemed old school horror. Was a great touch.
Over all I will say it was a great 'Haunted House' movie. And there doesn't seem to be a lot of them lately. Even though they tried to pull the bait and switch and it was really the boy who was Haunted. But, wait he isn't actually kind of thing. Still well worth seeing.
3.5 Stars out of 5
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
WWE Draft 2011
So they apparently have decided to move up the draft after the news of Edge having to retire.
Now, I know that there are a great many reasons why the draft isn't legit. Now, we all know that it isn't. Marketing, storyline, merchandising you name it.
But wouldn't it be a hell of a lot more fun if it was. Set the whole show up, with a lottery and ticket system. Kind of like the old Royal Rumble days when they would draw numbers on the shows leading up to the Rumble for spots. Something else they really need to do..
But, a real shakeup would be awesome. And if it was legit, it would also help keep the writing fresh, and the writers on their toes in my opinion.
Once a year, everything would get a good shake. And force new matchups, and the writers would have to come up with new angles and stories to go with the new rosters.
And shakeup the announcing teams as well. I don't like having the same people virtually on both shows. RAW and Smackdown! should have separate teams. And for all intents and purposes they do. If they could just keep Cole somewhere. Announcer, Heel. Pick one, and conclude his bit as well. It's gotten old. And fast.
Now, I know that there are a great many reasons why the draft isn't legit. Now, we all know that it isn't. Marketing, storyline, merchandising you name it.
But wouldn't it be a hell of a lot more fun if it was. Set the whole show up, with a lottery and ticket system. Kind of like the old Royal Rumble days when they would draw numbers on the shows leading up to the Rumble for spots. Something else they really need to do..
But, a real shakeup would be awesome. And if it was legit, it would also help keep the writing fresh, and the writers on their toes in my opinion.
Once a year, everything would get a good shake. And force new matchups, and the writers would have to come up with new angles and stories to go with the new rosters.
And shakeup the announcing teams as well. I don't like having the same people virtually on both shows. RAW and Smackdown! should have separate teams. And for all intents and purposes they do. If they could just keep Cole somewhere. Announcer, Heel. Pick one, and conclude his bit as well. It's gotten old. And fast.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
HANNA
This movie evoked the feel of Ronin, The Professional and The Bourne Series. All good things to have working for you.
Everything about the movie to me, didn't look or feel like Hollywood at all. Right down to the way the movie ended.
I didn't know much about this movie going into it, I don't even remember if I had even seen the trailer for it.
Anyone who likes the above movies should certainly go and see it, great movie. They really managed to pull off the mix of Espionage, Action with some humor. All centered around Hanna who is loose in a world she literally knows next to nothing about. If I had anything to complain about, it would be that I would like to have seen more of everything. With the movie having three corners this way, I could almost feel like each one was just a little bit too short.
3.5 stars out of 5
Everything about the movie to me, didn't look or feel like Hollywood at all. Right down to the way the movie ended.
I didn't know much about this movie going into it, I don't even remember if I had even seen the trailer for it.
Anyone who likes the above movies should certainly go and see it, great movie. They really managed to pull off the mix of Espionage, Action with some humor. All centered around Hanna who is loose in a world she literally knows next to nothing about. If I had anything to complain about, it would be that I would like to have seen more of everything. With the movie having three corners this way, I could almost feel like each one was just a little bit too short.
3.5 stars out of 5
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Game of Thrones Episode One
Just finished watching episode one. I'm quite happy with what I've seen so far. Lots of familiar faces.
The scenery and the setting looks fantastic, everything looks like it should. And it would seem that they are not shying away from the nudity and brutal violence for this show.
From what I have read, they described it as a Fantasy version of 'The Sopranos' and that could be a great thing. And already being picked up for a second season should be good news. But this was only the first episode.
But with such mentions as Dire Wolves and Dragons, we can only hope things stay with the fantasy. And not just a medieval version of 'The Sopranos' replacing guns with swords.
Off to a great start though..
The scenery and the setting looks fantastic, everything looks like it should. And it would seem that they are not shying away from the nudity and brutal violence for this show.
From what I have read, they described it as a Fantasy version of 'The Sopranos' and that could be a great thing. And already being picked up for a second season should be good news. But this was only the first episode.
But with such mentions as Dire Wolves and Dragons, we can only hope things stay with the fantasy. And not just a medieval version of 'The Sopranos' replacing guns with swords.
Off to a great start though..
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Stargate.. Finished?
Well, it would seem that the franchise is officially over. That's too bad.
Airlock Alpha is reporting that there seems to be little hope. Plans have fallen through for the movies. And with MGM apparently still out of the picture with their own problems, it seems this is it.
With the networks cancelling soaps now, it seems like TV is becoming a wasteland of reality TV nonsense. Not just genre shows are getting the axe these days.
Although good SciFi is becoming all but impossible to find on the dial.. At least Fringe got a Season Four. Lets hope for the best, because it likely won't get a season five. It and Supernatural are about the only shows of their ilk I make sure I catch every week.
Airlock Alpha is reporting that there seems to be little hope. Plans have fallen through for the movies. And with MGM apparently still out of the picture with their own problems, it seems this is it.
With the networks cancelling soaps now, it seems like TV is becoming a wasteland of reality TV nonsense. Not just genre shows are getting the axe these days.
Although good SciFi is becoming all but impossible to find on the dial.. At least Fringe got a Season Four. Lets hope for the best, because it likely won't get a season five. It and Supernatural are about the only shows of their ilk I make sure I catch every week.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Mick Foley
I've added a new link to my list of links for Mick Foley, The Hardcore Legend. And one of my all time favorite wrestlers.
He's written a series of books about his time on the road, the ring and things in general. And they all have been a great read.
Check out his blog
He's written a series of books about his time on the road, the ring and things in general. And they all have been a great read.
Check out his blog
SCRE4M
Off the top I will point out immediately, that I thought this was a great movie. One of the better ones that I managed to see lately.
Now, it's been a long time since I've seen the original trilogy. But I was entertained with the throwbacks to the 90s and the first three. And the right mix of humor thrown in.
Of course, it's not exactly original, but then I have to wonder what people expect to be coming from Hollywood these days anyway.
It kept me guessing to the end about who the killer was going to turn out to be. And I had a few solid choices by the end.
If I had any problems it was at the very end. Once they had Sid, Jill and Gail in the hospital.
Once Jill ripped off all her hospital gear, a nurses station somewhere should have lit up like christmas tree. And the hospital seemed to be strangely deserted. Even for the middle of the night.
Once nurses and security didn't come running, I was thinking that they knew. And this was the setup to catch Jill red handed. Until Dewey and Gail had that realization, 'How did she know I was stabbed in the shoulder?" moment, and then I became aware that things just seemed to get sloppy at the end.
Maybe it's because I've been watching a lot of wrestling lately, but the sequence of false finishes at the very end was at least mildly interesting. And I fully expected Officer Judy to be dead.
Supposedly this is supposed to be the first of a new trilogy. If so, that's great. I wouldn't mind seeing some more. If they can manage to keep them all at this level.
4 stars out of 5
Now, it's been a long time since I've seen the original trilogy. But I was entertained with the throwbacks to the 90s and the first three. And the right mix of humor thrown in.
Of course, it's not exactly original, but then I have to wonder what people expect to be coming from Hollywood these days anyway.
It kept me guessing to the end about who the killer was going to turn out to be. And I had a few solid choices by the end.
If I had any problems it was at the very end. Once they had Sid, Jill and Gail in the hospital.
Once Jill ripped off all her hospital gear, a nurses station somewhere should have lit up like christmas tree. And the hospital seemed to be strangely deserted. Even for the middle of the night.
Once nurses and security didn't come running, I was thinking that they knew. And this was the setup to catch Jill red handed. Until Dewey and Gail had that realization, 'How did she know I was stabbed in the shoulder?" moment, and then I became aware that things just seemed to get sloppy at the end.
Maybe it's because I've been watching a lot of wrestling lately, but the sequence of false finishes at the very end was at least mildly interesting. And I fully expected Officer Judy to be dead.
Supposedly this is supposed to be the first of a new trilogy. If so, that's great. I wouldn't mind seeing some more. If they can manage to keep them all at this level.
4 stars out of 5
Monday, April 11, 2011
Your Highness
How unusual is this.. A fantasy movie, with good special effects. A cast of good actors, one rather star actress. And what appeared to be a budget to support it.
And it's a comedy too..
The really interesting part is when you take the comedy away, you get a fairly straight forward but nothing original save the princess sort of fantasy movie.
The movie can also be compared down the line to most horror movies. Which I think is the brilliance of the piece. If you substitute every cheap scare or jump scene in a horror movie with a contemporary curse and switch from horror to fantasy you would have Your Highness.
The bulk of the comedic elements are just the timing of a good curse word used by Danny McBride. And like the cheap scares of a horror movie, he throws them out at the right times.
I found the movie to be pretty good really. And I hope it get's a sequel. And it's perfectly setup for one. And hopefully they don't change a thing. And it continues along with the new quest they ended on.
3.5 stars out of 5
And it's a comedy too..
The really interesting part is when you take the comedy away, you get a fairly straight forward but nothing original save the princess sort of fantasy movie.
The movie can also be compared down the line to most horror movies. Which I think is the brilliance of the piece. If you substitute every cheap scare or jump scene in a horror movie with a contemporary curse and switch from horror to fantasy you would have Your Highness.
The bulk of the comedic elements are just the timing of a good curse word used by Danny McBride. And like the cheap scares of a horror movie, he throws them out at the right times.
I found the movie to be pretty good really. And I hope it get's a sequel. And it's perfectly setup for one. And hopefully they don't change a thing. And it continues along with the new quest they ended on.
3.5 stars out of 5
Lincoln Lawyer
Good movie, haven't seen too many legal dramas of late. I can't even remember the last one I did see.
I can't say that the movie had too many surprises, no twists and turns really. It shambled a long at a decent pace. And the entertainment was not so much what the story was, but how he was going to get there.
Once again, it's about the journey not the destination.
Cast was good, acting was good. Not much else to say.
I'm glad I saw it, but in hindsight I could have waited for video.
It is based on a book, and when I get a chance maybe I'll read it. In the end the books are usually better all around.
3 out of 5 stars
I can't say that the movie had too many surprises, no twists and turns really. It shambled a long at a decent pace. And the entertainment was not so much what the story was, but how he was going to get there.
Once again, it's about the journey not the destination.
Cast was good, acting was good. Not much else to say.
I'm glad I saw it, but in hindsight I could have waited for video.
It is based on a book, and when I get a chance maybe I'll read it. In the end the books are usually better all around.
3 out of 5 stars
Undisputed
How to become world champion in 1,372 easy steps
Just finished reading this book today. Was every bit as good as the first one, and with the book ending a lot like the previous. Hopefully he is making notes to write his third book.
This book was split between his time in the WWE and Fozzy. You get to see some insight on wrestling stardom as well as being a rockstar.
Lots of great stories from the road, the ring and the stage.
Any fan of Jericho, Fozzy or the Wrestling should love the book.
3.5 stars out of 5
Just finished reading this book today. Was every bit as good as the first one, and with the book ending a lot like the previous. Hopefully he is making notes to write his third book.
This book was split between his time in the WWE and Fozzy. You get to see some insight on wrestling stardom as well as being a rockstar.
Lots of great stories from the road, the ring and the stage.
Any fan of Jericho, Fozzy or the Wrestling should love the book.
3.5 stars out of 5
Thursday, April 7, 2011
PRISON BREAK S1
Just managed to finish watching Prison Break Season One.
When it was originally airing I can say, that I didn't have much interest in it. And I'm glad I didn't see it until now. I may not have liked it that much, since I was into 24 at the time. And one such series was enough.
But now being able to watch the episodes back to back (Via Netflix) the series has been quite enjoyable. Albeit obviously a take on 24 in most every way.
The show is a prime example how good an ensemble cast can be. The actors have been good, and the standouts would be Abruzzi and T - Bag. Those two were fantastic actors, who seemed to excel at playing total dirtbags. Especially T - Bag. Abruzzi was just creepy and sinister. Stormare plays it well. I remember him from Constantine when he was playing Lucifer.
But, if you don't like 24, you probably won't like this show. They follow the formula perfectly. Cliffhangers, mini cliffhangers, every commercial break, at the end of every episode. Twists and turns, and plot changes. Mostly good things, keeps you guessing. And tries to hold your interest. Although, as I mentioned I may not have liked it as much if I had watched it while it was airing. Having to wait every week for the next installment.
Having to suffer through Lost that way and then with the hiatuses just killed my interest in that show. We shall see how Prison Break turns out, starting on Season Two now, and I guess it only went to four. Probably a good thing as well, I was getting worn out on 24 by the time it ended it's run.
So, great show.
4 out of 5 stars
When it was originally airing I can say, that I didn't have much interest in it. And I'm glad I didn't see it until now. I may not have liked it that much, since I was into 24 at the time. And one such series was enough.
But now being able to watch the episodes back to back (Via Netflix) the series has been quite enjoyable. Albeit obviously a take on 24 in most every way.
The show is a prime example how good an ensemble cast can be. The actors have been good, and the standouts would be Abruzzi and T - Bag. Those two were fantastic actors, who seemed to excel at playing total dirtbags. Especially T - Bag. Abruzzi was just creepy and sinister. Stormare plays it well. I remember him from Constantine when he was playing Lucifer.
But, if you don't like 24, you probably won't like this show. They follow the formula perfectly. Cliffhangers, mini cliffhangers, every commercial break, at the end of every episode. Twists and turns, and plot changes. Mostly good things, keeps you guessing. And tries to hold your interest. Although, as I mentioned I may not have liked it as much if I had watched it while it was airing. Having to wait every week for the next installment.
Having to suffer through Lost that way and then with the hiatuses just killed my interest in that show. We shall see how Prison Break turns out, starting on Season Two now, and I guess it only went to four. Probably a good thing as well, I was getting worn out on 24 by the time it ended it's run.
So, great show.
4 out of 5 stars
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
HOP
And so begins the spring movie season of soulless kids movies. I didn't find this movie to be much of anything except boring.
There just wasn't much to hold your attention. Judging by the sell out audiences, the kids are flocking to it in droves.
The performances are OK, I had a hard time looking at the Easter Bunny and not see Greg House. EB was OK.. James Marsden seems to be firmly implanted into dull comedies and kids movies these days.
The best scenes like usual are in the trailer..
I guess I don't know what to add, the movie was just kind of flat. And didn't play well to the adults who had to bring their kids.
And before everyone keeps steaming that it was a kids movie, don't forget the good ones play on two levels usually. And manage to entertain everyone present.. See pretty much anything by Pixar. As well as Shrek, How to Train your Dragon (Little less so)..
2 out of 5 stars
There just wasn't much to hold your attention. Judging by the sell out audiences, the kids are flocking to it in droves.
The performances are OK, I had a hard time looking at the Easter Bunny and not see Greg House. EB was OK.. James Marsden seems to be firmly implanted into dull comedies and kids movies these days.
The best scenes like usual are in the trailer..
I guess I don't know what to add, the movie was just kind of flat. And didn't play well to the adults who had to bring their kids.
And before everyone keeps steaming that it was a kids movie, don't forget the good ones play on two levels usually. And manage to entertain everyone present.. See pretty much anything by Pixar. As well as Shrek, How to Train your Dragon (Little less so)..
2 out of 5 stars
Saturday, April 2, 2011
SOURCE CODE
Lets start off with, wait for video. The movie just doesn't seem to be complete. Jakes character has like no development time, and neither does anyone else really. For the whole length of the movie, you don't really care about anyone except maybe Christina.
Maybe had they started with Jakes character when he was in the military. Take 20 or 30 mins and show us who he is. And why we should care anything about who he is, and the ordeal he's going through with these constant trips into the train to find the bomb and the bomber.. But they don't. We hear about it in snippets as he is trying to figure out what's going on in between jumps. But it's not enough.
They should have taken a page from the old Six Million Dollar Man, and had him rushed into some secret military hospital. Where he 'dies' and is take into the program. And since, he is technically KIA they can just take possession of him and wire him into the 'Source Code'..
But again, we don't get any of this. And it could have been done in a half hour or so, and it would have something of a foundation for the last half the movie.
I would think that this may have worked better as a mini series of some sort. The movie just didn't seem to have all the pieces. And the ones we were shown, didn't do it justice.
I liked the fact that we find out, this isn't a time travel movie after all. The alternate universe, parallel dimension schtick was so much more interesting.. But, wait.. At the end we find out it is time travel after all.. /yawn.. Did M. Night just walk in.. What a horrible bit of a twist end..
Ugh.. wait for video.
Interesting concept.. Just not handled well IMO..
2 out of 5 stars
Maybe had they started with Jakes character when he was in the military. Take 20 or 30 mins and show us who he is. And why we should care anything about who he is, and the ordeal he's going through with these constant trips into the train to find the bomb and the bomber.. But they don't. We hear about it in snippets as he is trying to figure out what's going on in between jumps. But it's not enough.
They should have taken a page from the old Six Million Dollar Man, and had him rushed into some secret military hospital. Where he 'dies' and is take into the program. And since, he is technically KIA they can just take possession of him and wire him into the 'Source Code'..
But again, we don't get any of this. And it could have been done in a half hour or so, and it would have something of a foundation for the last half the movie.
I would think that this may have worked better as a mini series of some sort. The movie just didn't seem to have all the pieces. And the ones we were shown, didn't do it justice.
I liked the fact that we find out, this isn't a time travel movie after all. The alternate universe, parallel dimension schtick was so much more interesting.. But, wait.. At the end we find out it is time travel after all.. /yawn.. Did M. Night just walk in.. What a horrible bit of a twist end..
Ugh.. wait for video.
Interesting concept.. Just not handled well IMO..
2 out of 5 stars
Friday, April 1, 2011
Wrestlemania XXVII
Is this Sunday evening.. With the quality of the PPVs in the last year, I can't say I'm all that excited about this years event. I was interested in seeing The Royal Rumble. But that had to do with the gimmick main event match. And even that, isn't what it used to be. With the number draws leading up to the event.
Will the streak end, or will The Game prevail where HBK could not.. two years in a row. I can't imagine at this point that The Undertaker will lose at Wrestlemania until he's ready to retire, and maybe not even then. I could easily see him retire with the streak intact.
As for the rest of the card, I can't even remember much of it, except Cena, Miz and The Rock. For a four hour show, they sure don't seem to have a lot of must see buzz about things. Maybe they expect buy rates to spike to see Cole get trashed by The King. Im not all that interested in that match either. Oh, we know that Cole has been training. As they've told us that week after week, with Swagger. Not that they couldn't have shown us some vignettes of the training or something..
I suppose this may have something to do with them pretty much killing anything that wasn't singles competition. No tag team division, no light weight division, and no womens division to speak of.. No variety
Guess we'll have to see how it all plays out. After all, it can't come close to being as bad as the last TNA PPV.. Where is my Sting Vs The Undertake at Wrestlemania main event. I would have liked to have seen that one..
And as for the WWE Hall of Fame.. They can't even show that until the next day. Or two days later here. Why not make it part of the show. They went four hours, why not five. I'm currently more interested in the HoF than I am most of the event card.
Will the streak end, or will The Game prevail where HBK could not.. two years in a row. I can't imagine at this point that The Undertaker will lose at Wrestlemania until he's ready to retire, and maybe not even then. I could easily see him retire with the streak intact.
As for the rest of the card, I can't even remember much of it, except Cena, Miz and The Rock. For a four hour show, they sure don't seem to have a lot of must see buzz about things. Maybe they expect buy rates to spike to see Cole get trashed by The King. Im not all that interested in that match either. Oh, we know that Cole has been training. As they've told us that week after week, with Swagger. Not that they couldn't have shown us some vignettes of the training or something..
I suppose this may have something to do with them pretty much killing anything that wasn't singles competition. No tag team division, no light weight division, and no womens division to speak of.. No variety
Guess we'll have to see how it all plays out. After all, it can't come close to being as bad as the last TNA PPV.. Where is my Sting Vs The Undertake at Wrestlemania main event. I would have liked to have seen that one..
And as for the WWE Hall of Fame.. They can't even show that until the next day. Or two days later here. Why not make it part of the show. They went four hours, why not five. I'm currently more interested in the HoF than I am most of the event card.
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