Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Movie Reviews
Things are going down the drain, can't really write about it, I'll do a video blog when I can. Meanwhile I will do a few movie reviews of stuff I've watched to keep my mind occupied.
Rush Hour 3, the 2007 second sequel to the original is one to avoid. Yes, you see Jackie doing his great stunts, but Tucker couldn't be less entertaining and the plot is weak. I will admit the views of Paris are beautiful, but it doesn't make up for the lack of good characters. Hey, even in action movies you need to have a decent story to go along with the flying kicks and bullets.
Bee Movie is a 2007 animated film that has a decent story for kids, but it will probably bore teens. Seinfeld is actually good in the role of Barry the bee and Renee Zellweger as his human "friend" Vanessa. The animation is very good and allows you to immerse into the story quite easily. It does come with an educational message for kids, the importance of animals in the world and the effect of what they do. A great movie to rent for kids, and even for adults, not if you got teens, pick something else to take home for them.
Cloverfield was this year's extremely hyped movie, with reason. It is hard to explain this film to be honest. A monster movie, a love/drama movie? a horror flick? I don't know, there are so many aspects of the movie that are not only well performed by the actors but the great special effects that come at you slowly through the storyline that is hard to explain it. An unnamed monster hits Manhattan which leads a group of friends to face terrifying things, including the death of people close to them. I don't want to give you anything else because it may spoil it, but this is a must see movie in my opinion. A good rent, and certainly a good one to own on DVD.
27 Dresses; ok there is something personal for me in this film. I've loved seeing Katherine Heigl act since her days in the sci-fi tv series "Rosswell" which unfortunately only lasted 3 seasons. Ok, back to the movie. Romance, a bit of comedy and drama, the usual ingredients to a nice chick flick. I will admit the story is not very strong and has a number of weak parts which could have been either improved or completely re-written, but hey, it is what it is. A good rent, maybe a good DVD purchase if you're a romantic sucker like me. The classic perpetual bride's maid who dreams of her own wedding, with a twist, I will say no more.
Superhero Movie, a 2008... oh why bother. If you see this DVD in your house... step on it, burn it and wrap it in a black plastic bag and deny ever hearing or even knowing the movie exists, trust me, I'm doing you a favor.
Wargames: The Dead Code is the 2008 sequel to 1983's "Wargames" in which Mattew Broderick starred as a young hacker that mistakenly access the department of defense network which leads to a dangerous game between him an the computer. The original was and still is a great film to watch. The sequel cannot compare. Characters who are less than believable (I'm being kind here), a weak plot with more holes than swiss cheese, becomes a cheap B-movie at best, and a complete waste of time overall. Don't rent it, don't watch it, unless you really want to waste 2 hours of your time looking at garbage.
Stargate Continuum is the second 2008 direct-to-DVD release of the beloved Stargate SG-1 franchise. This time around, there will be time traveling (yes that was a pun, forgive me). I believe this was the last performance of Don S. Davis as Lieutenant General George Hammond before he passed away, and he will be sorely missed. The following is from the wikipedia entry for the film. "While SG-1 attends a Tok'ra extraction ceremony for Ba'al, the last of the Goa'uld System Lords, Teal'c and Vala inexplicably disappear into thin air. Carter, Daniel and Mitchell race back to a world where history has been changed: the Stargate program has been erased from the timeline. As they try to convince the authorities what's happened, hundreds of Goa'uld motherships arrive in orbit, led by Ba'al, his queen Qetesh (Vala), and his first prime, Teal'c. The remaining SG-1 members must find the Stargate and set things right before the world is enslaved by the Goa'uld." I saw a screener of it, and it was superb, good special effects, a solid story and of course great acting, what else is expected? a must buy for any science fiction or SG-1 fan, and even if you're not, a great rent.
The Spiderwick Chronicles is a charming 2008 fantasy film for all ages. Based on a bestselling series of books, this movie delivers a good story, solid characters and soft toned special effects in which you will see fantastic creatures who are like chameleons hiding in nature. Well, it all starts with a family that has inherited an old house from a distance relative. Mother, daugher and twin sons (which are spectacularly played by the same young actor). One of the twin is resentful at the fact his parents seem to be separated and heading for a divorce. He dislikes the house (to put it midly) and accidentally finds a magical book with secrets written by his ancestor who opens a world of fantasy and danger. A battle for the book ensues between the family and an evil ogre and his minions, where the kids have to learn how to create and use magic to defend themselves and their mother. Certainly a good rental, and I suggest you add it to your DVD buying list if you like fantasy.
Zombie Strippers is a 2008 fun to watch comedy/horror movie. Ok, the title gives away the plot but with Jenna Jameson as a stripper and Robert Englund (famous for his Freddy Krueger character) as the owner of the joint you won't get too bored. This is definitely a b-movie, with somewhat decent special effects (even though some are obviously low budget) and plenty of nudity. It's without a doubt targeted at men who like cheap horror flicks and female nudity, in other words at a large percentage of us out there. A fun rental if you're with a bunch of your male friends bored one friday or saturday night. Don't buy it, unless it's meant to be a gag gift for a friend. Fun to watch, bad to own.
Tomorrow I may do a video blog.
Rush Hour 3, the 2007 second sequel to the original is one to avoid. Yes, you see Jackie doing his great stunts, but Tucker couldn't be less entertaining and the plot is weak. I will admit the views of Paris are beautiful, but it doesn't make up for the lack of good characters. Hey, even in action movies you need to have a decent story to go along with the flying kicks and bullets.
Bee Movie is a 2007 animated film that has a decent story for kids, but it will probably bore teens. Seinfeld is actually good in the role of Barry the bee and Renee Zellweger as his human "friend" Vanessa. The animation is very good and allows you to immerse into the story quite easily. It does come with an educational message for kids, the importance of animals in the world and the effect of what they do. A great movie to rent for kids, and even for adults, not if you got teens, pick something else to take home for them.
Cloverfield was this year's extremely hyped movie, with reason. It is hard to explain this film to be honest. A monster movie, a love/drama movie? a horror flick? I don't know, there are so many aspects of the movie that are not only well performed by the actors but the great special effects that come at you slowly through the storyline that is hard to explain it. An unnamed monster hits Manhattan which leads a group of friends to face terrifying things, including the death of people close to them. I don't want to give you anything else because it may spoil it, but this is a must see movie in my opinion. A good rent, and certainly a good one to own on DVD.
27 Dresses; ok there is something personal for me in this film. I've loved seeing Katherine Heigl act since her days in the sci-fi tv series "Rosswell" which unfortunately only lasted 3 seasons. Ok, back to the movie. Romance, a bit of comedy and drama, the usual ingredients to a nice chick flick. I will admit the story is not very strong and has a number of weak parts which could have been either improved or completely re-written, but hey, it is what it is. A good rent, maybe a good DVD purchase if you're a romantic sucker like me. The classic perpetual bride's maid who dreams of her own wedding, with a twist, I will say no more.
Superhero Movie, a 2008... oh why bother. If you see this DVD in your house... step on it, burn it and wrap it in a black plastic bag and deny ever hearing or even knowing the movie exists, trust me, I'm doing you a favor.
Wargames: The Dead Code is the 2008 sequel to 1983's "Wargames" in which Mattew Broderick starred as a young hacker that mistakenly access the department of defense network which leads to a dangerous game between him an the computer. The original was and still is a great film to watch. The sequel cannot compare. Characters who are less than believable (I'm being kind here), a weak plot with more holes than swiss cheese, becomes a cheap B-movie at best, and a complete waste of time overall. Don't rent it, don't watch it, unless you really want to waste 2 hours of your time looking at garbage.
Stargate Continuum is the second 2008 direct-to-DVD release of the beloved Stargate SG-1 franchise. This time around, there will be time traveling (yes that was a pun, forgive me). I believe this was the last performance of Don S. Davis as Lieutenant General George Hammond before he passed away, and he will be sorely missed. The following is from the wikipedia entry for the film. "While SG-1 attends a Tok'ra extraction ceremony for Ba'al, the last of the Goa'uld System Lords, Teal'c and Vala inexplicably disappear into thin air. Carter, Daniel and Mitchell race back to a world where history has been changed: the Stargate program has been erased from the timeline. As they try to convince the authorities what's happened, hundreds of Goa'uld motherships arrive in orbit, led by Ba'al, his queen Qetesh (Vala), and his first prime, Teal'c. The remaining SG-1 members must find the Stargate and set things right before the world is enslaved by the Goa'uld." I saw a screener of it, and it was superb, good special effects, a solid story and of course great acting, what else is expected? a must buy for any science fiction or SG-1 fan, and even if you're not, a great rent.
The Spiderwick Chronicles is a charming 2008 fantasy film for all ages. Based on a bestselling series of books, this movie delivers a good story, solid characters and soft toned special effects in which you will see fantastic creatures who are like chameleons hiding in nature. Well, it all starts with a family that has inherited an old house from a distance relative. Mother, daugher and twin sons (which are spectacularly played by the same young actor). One of the twin is resentful at the fact his parents seem to be separated and heading for a divorce. He dislikes the house (to put it midly) and accidentally finds a magical book with secrets written by his ancestor who opens a world of fantasy and danger. A battle for the book ensues between the family and an evil ogre and his minions, where the kids have to learn how to create and use magic to defend themselves and their mother. Certainly a good rental, and I suggest you add it to your DVD buying list if you like fantasy.
Zombie Strippers is a 2008 fun to watch comedy/horror movie. Ok, the title gives away the plot but with Jenna Jameson as a stripper and Robert Englund (famous for his Freddy Krueger character) as the owner of the joint you won't get too bored. This is definitely a b-movie, with somewhat decent special effects (even though some are obviously low budget) and plenty of nudity. It's without a doubt targeted at men who like cheap horror flicks and female nudity, in other words at a large percentage of us out there. A fun rental if you're with a bunch of your male friends bored one friday or saturday night. Don't buy it, unless it's meant to be a gag gift for a friend. Fun to watch, bad to own.
Tomorrow I may do a video blog.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Ooops!
I had recorded a video blog for today, but the recording was messed up thanks to me using the special effects feature to out a halo on my head, silly huh?
Expect a video blog Sunday or Monday, have a great weekend guys!
Expect a video blog Sunday or Monday, have a great weekend guys!
PS: I added a Webcomic List, be aware some of it has adult themes and not for the faint hearted, that and some are quite funny so don't be drinking or eating while you read them, you've been warned.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
2nd Video Blog, or was it 1st?
This is the video blog I was supposed to post earlier today, had to edit it due to... well, if you saw the previous video you know why. Be warned, it's 23 minutes long, it's a bit long of a recap.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Loss to the Sci Fi world
Ok, I was going to write a recap of what's been going on with me, but today I found out that a great actor has passed away.
Don S. Davis is no longer among us. He was one of my favorite actors. He had a medical condition related to his heart troubles which limited his work.
I don't know what to say, except may he be in a better place than we are.
Donate for Don at the American Heart Association
I'll do a video blog later today.
Don S. Davis is no longer among us. He was one of my favorite actors. He had a medical condition related to his heart troubles which limited his work.
I don't know what to say, except may he be in a better place than we are.
Donate for Don at the American Heart Association
I'll do a video blog later today.
Friday, June 20, 2008
No video blog
Sorry guys, as the title says, no video blog today. Things have gotten complicated here. Let's see if I can fill you in.
In my last video blog you saw me after an interview to work in a warehouse. That was an interesting week. The second day of me working there (Wednesday) I got hurt. The roof was being redone, and all that we were told was that some dust may come down from the ceiling. We started to work on moving merchandise out of the way of the falling dust. Without warning hot tar was coming down. Some landed on my right hand, my shirt and my pants.
I wasn't seriously hurt, but enough to negotiate a $100 compensation to replace my clothes. Because of my current legal status I did not want to risk going to court or taking legal action. I signed a waver after getting the money the following Monday from the roofing company.
Before that I found out Friday that the company doesn't pay straight cash, which meant I would have to be on the books and I can't do that right now. The owner understood and paid me in cash and put me down as a temp. He did mention that during November and December they hire seasonal staff and do pay in cash and that he would be happy to see me again.
I'm a good worker, but right now I need straight cash.
Ray hooked me and Duane up this past Monday with an inventory job with his company. Duane got the hang of it quick. Maritza seems to be coming down with a cold and I was concerned for her, I got her some medicine (Nyquil).
Monday night Duane and Ray had a misunderstanding which I helped resolve, and I saw signs of drinking. I talked to him about it Wednesday afternoon and he agreed he needed to slow down.
I'm not working right now, but I've been managing to hustle a bit with the stuff I got dumpster diving which I put up on craigslist.
I planned ahead and bought food which can last me for weeks to save on having to eat out. I won't go hungry that's for sure and with Martiza cooking every few days that should balance things out.
Every bit of cash I manage to earn goes into my bank account and I'm paid up with rent until August 20th. Two months should be enough to find a stable job I hope. I've done what I can for Maritza and Ray financially, I've reached my limit. I can now only give moral support.
I can only hope that Duane stays sober, his anger issues seem to be more of a problem as times goes on. He has a grudge against the world, from gas prices to jewish people. His view of his surroundings are not clear I think. You can't take things personal and be furious at every thing which you have no control over, specially other people and their choices. I'm trying to help him, but I don't know if it makes a difference at this point.
I've been feeling a bit down in the past 2 weeks, wondering what future I could have if I can't resolve my legal problems. I want to find a good woman to love, have children, a family... a future. How can I make it happen if I can't work on the books, pay my taxes, get a driver's license or even get on an airplane to go anywhere?
I'm not giving up, but it's tough emotionally right now. I can't tell Maritza or Ray about it, I don't know them well enough right now. Duane knows the situation but right now I'm the one helping him, he's in no position to help me and he already gets mad about it when I do rarely mention it.
I've been playing Travian to occupy my mind, and posted once again in my other blog to let my emotions out, it helps a lot to share that part of me.
There are so many aspects of me. The sci-fi/fantasy geek, the computer nerd a.k.a gamer, the romantic, the movie and music lover, the quiet reader, the nature lover, the cook (I'm no chef, but with a good recipe and the right ingredients I'm good to go!), the pacifist, the blogger (heh), the organizer, the translator (even though my Spanish is rusty), the cat & dog lover (I miss my cat still), and so much more. There are days when I realize "oh yeah, I like that too!" and remember a part of me which has been dormant.
I try to enjoy every day, looking at the sky on clear days whenever I can. But still, inside I'm not always alright. I'm 38 and I got no family to call my own. Time stops for no man.
I don't mind being alone, but to remain in such a state is not what I want. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.
May as well do a movie review since i saw it tonight.
Benny & Joon is a 1993 comedy/romance/drama with one of my favorite actors, Johnny Depp. A brother and his mentally ill sister (Benny and Joon) live together in a small town. While struggling to decide if to send her away on her doctor's recommendation the brother's love life sparkles. During a poker night with the guys the sister loses a hand and they end up stuck with Sam (Depp) who awakens new feelings in Joon. I'll say no more. I recommend this movie.
That's all for today.
In my last video blog you saw me after an interview to work in a warehouse. That was an interesting week. The second day of me working there (Wednesday) I got hurt. The roof was being redone, and all that we were told was that some dust may come down from the ceiling. We started to work on moving merchandise out of the way of the falling dust. Without warning hot tar was coming down. Some landed on my right hand, my shirt and my pants.
I wasn't seriously hurt, but enough to negotiate a $100 compensation to replace my clothes. Because of my current legal status I did not want to risk going to court or taking legal action. I signed a waver after getting the money the following Monday from the roofing company.
Before that I found out Friday that the company doesn't pay straight cash, which meant I would have to be on the books and I can't do that right now. The owner understood and paid me in cash and put me down as a temp. He did mention that during November and December they hire seasonal staff and do pay in cash and that he would be happy to see me again.
I'm a good worker, but right now I need straight cash.
Ray hooked me and Duane up this past Monday with an inventory job with his company. Duane got the hang of it quick. Maritza seems to be coming down with a cold and I was concerned for her, I got her some medicine (Nyquil).
Monday night Duane and Ray had a misunderstanding which I helped resolve, and I saw signs of drinking. I talked to him about it Wednesday afternoon and he agreed he needed to slow down.
I'm not working right now, but I've been managing to hustle a bit with the stuff I got dumpster diving which I put up on craigslist.
I planned ahead and bought food which can last me for weeks to save on having to eat out. I won't go hungry that's for sure and with Martiza cooking every few days that should balance things out.
Every bit of cash I manage to earn goes into my bank account and I'm paid up with rent until August 20th. Two months should be enough to find a stable job I hope. I've done what I can for Maritza and Ray financially, I've reached my limit. I can now only give moral support.
I can only hope that Duane stays sober, his anger issues seem to be more of a problem as times goes on. He has a grudge against the world, from gas prices to jewish people. His view of his surroundings are not clear I think. You can't take things personal and be furious at every thing which you have no control over, specially other people and their choices. I'm trying to help him, but I don't know if it makes a difference at this point.
I've been feeling a bit down in the past 2 weeks, wondering what future I could have if I can't resolve my legal problems. I want to find a good woman to love, have children, a family... a future. How can I make it happen if I can't work on the books, pay my taxes, get a driver's license or even get on an airplane to go anywhere?
I'm not giving up, but it's tough emotionally right now. I can't tell Maritza or Ray about it, I don't know them well enough right now. Duane knows the situation but right now I'm the one helping him, he's in no position to help me and he already gets mad about it when I do rarely mention it.
I've been playing Travian to occupy my mind, and posted once again in my other blog to let my emotions out, it helps a lot to share that part of me.
There are so many aspects of me. The sci-fi/fantasy geek, the computer nerd a.k.a gamer, the romantic, the movie and music lover, the quiet reader, the nature lover, the cook (I'm no chef, but with a good recipe and the right ingredients I'm good to go!), the pacifist, the blogger (heh), the organizer, the translator (even though my Spanish is rusty), the cat & dog lover (I miss my cat still), and so much more. There are days when I realize "oh yeah, I like that too!" and remember a part of me which has been dormant.
I try to enjoy every day, looking at the sky on clear days whenever I can. But still, inside I'm not always alright. I'm 38 and I got no family to call my own. Time stops for no man.
I don't mind being alone, but to remain in such a state is not what I want. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.
May as well do a movie review since i saw it tonight.
Benny & Joon is a 1993 comedy/romance/drama with one of my favorite actors, Johnny Depp. A brother and his mentally ill sister (Benny and Joon) live together in a small town. While struggling to decide if to send her away on her doctor's recommendation the brother's love life sparkles. During a poker night with the guys the sister loses a hand and they end up stuck with Sam (Depp) who awakens new feelings in Joon. I'll say no more. I recommend this movie.
That's all for today.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Another Video Blog
Sorry guys, forgot that I had left this post as a draft and didn't post it!
Ok, here is the movie review I promised.
Fanaa is a 2006 Indian movie with Hindi subtitles. The movie will draw you in, and as any typical Indian movie singing and dancing are involved of course. If you've seen Indian movies before and like them then this one will be a gem of a film for you. Good acting, a great (an unexpected) story of love, loss, deceit and murder!
Zooni, a young blind girl visits Delhi as part of a national holiday and meets a tour guide who is a known Casanova. His flirtations charms her and she falls in love with him. What she doesn't know is that Rehan lives a secret and dangerous life. A terrorist bomb kills Rehan, which leads Zooni to a life of mourning and guilt. This movie, is a must watch for anyone who likes international films.
Ok, here is the movie review I promised.
Fanaa is a 2006 Indian movie with Hindi subtitles. The movie will draw you in, and as any typical Indian movie singing and dancing are involved of course. If you've seen Indian movies before and like them then this one will be a gem of a film for you. Good acting, a great (an unexpected) story of love, loss, deceit and murder!
Zooni, a young blind girl visits Delhi as part of a national holiday and meets a tour guide who is a known Casanova. His flirtations charms her and she falls in love with him. What she doesn't know is that Rehan lives a secret and dangerous life. A terrorist bomb kills Rehan, which leads Zooni to a life of mourning and guilt. This movie, is a must watch for anyone who likes international films.
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