Movies I Look Forward To

Just a little list of what I want to see:

The Losers looks action packed.

The A-Team if done right, should be amazing.

Toy Story 3 trailer with Ken and Barbie is a riot, google it.

The Expendables is about a team of mercenaries head to South America on a mission to overthrow a dictator.

Red Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and John Malkovich.

Inception is a sci-fi/thriller with Leonardo DiCaprio that looks good.

The Other Guys are two mismatched New York City detectives played by Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell.

The Company Men stars Ben Affleck, Kevin Costner and Tommy Lee Jones.

Knight and Day is an action-comedy which includes Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.

Iron Man 2. Enough said.

The Perfect Game looks to be a good baseball movie based on a true story.

Robin Hood teams up Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe in what looks to be a great film.

Takers, is another action film.

Machete was a spoof trailer in the Grindhouse dual by Robert Rodriguez; I enjoy Rodriguez's work.

The American stars George Clooney.

I am not sure about Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, but Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer usually do alright.

I am NOT seeing Saw VII.

Did I miss any? What movies are you looking forward to?

Friday Movie Pick: IMAX: Hubble 3D

Narrarated by Leonardo DiCaprio, IMAX: Hubble 3D, chronicles the effort of 7 astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. From the preview, the images captured look amazing. I enjoy space and space exploration, so I am looking forward to IMAX: Hubble 3D.

If you see it, let me know what you thought.

Happy movie watching.

Friday Movie Pick: The Bounty Hunter & Green Zone

I am going to try and bring back my Friday Movie Pick. I really enjoyed watching the Oscars the other night and remember when The Hurt Locker came out; although I have not seen it yet, but from the previews alone I knew it was going to be a hit.

The Bounty Hunter cast includes Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler. Director Andy Tennant (Hitch) spins a tale of a bounty hunter whose next target is his ex-wife. It should be a good little flick.

Green Zone will be the "Bourne flick" of 2010. I highly enjoy watching Matt Damon in action films and until he makes a bad one, I will continue to be a fan. Set in Iraq, Damon's character learns covert and faulty intelligence might be the reason weapons of mass destruction cannot be found. I look forward to seeing this film.

If you've seen them, let me know what you thought. Happy movie watching. Have a great weekend.

Friday Movie Pick on Saturday Morning: Monsters vs. Aliens

Dreamworks new 3-D animation Monsters vs. Aliens hits screens last night. With its Super Bowl preview and highly touted new Tru3-D technology by Intel, Kari and I went to theaters with gift cards in hand. Directed by Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon, this film is very groundbreaking. No, it is not some new way to tell an amazing story, but the Tru3-D is worth the $3.50 surcharge (for whatever reason) per ticket. Since we had a gift card, the $25.00 entry charge for two adults (total) did not deter us, especially when the, “Place you 3-D Glasses on Now,” sign came on. All the previews were in Tru3-D and “wowed” us before the feature hit.

Reese Witherspoon, Kiefer Sutherland, and Stephen Colbert kept me laughing throughout the entire film. Witherspoon, who plays Susan, does a great job as normal human turned monster has the opportunity to become a popular woman superhero (and nails it).

Kiefer Sutherland voices for General Monger, a good guy, said the following about the film, “What I liked about it is it was geared to young people and it told them that it is all right to be different; and not only was it all right to be different, but the thing that might make you uncomfortable or make you feel weird could be your greatest quality." I highly agree with Sutherland’s statement.

Stephen Colbert plays the President. This guy cracks me up. At one point…oh, I can’t share it, you just have to see it. Throughout the film, there are several adult jokes, but on the clean nature; including: a reference to Leonard Nimoy (Spock) and the An Inconvenient Truth.

Tru3-D is very amazing. The realism and things “flying” at you “wowed” Kari and I the entire film. We both enjoyed our “gift card date night” and especially the film Monsters vs. Aliens in Tru3-D. By the way, make sure you call the theater first to see if they are showing it in 3-D. We had to drive to Round Rock because it was the closet theater using the new technology.

If you see it, let me know what you thought. Have a great weekend.

It’s Been a While – Moving Begins and Other Stuff

I had Friday Movie Pick: Race to Witch Mountain half written, but didn’t complete or post it:

A little known director (to me), Andy Fickman is at the helm of Disney’s revamp of Race to Witch Mountain. Originally released in 1975 by Disney, I remember watching Race to Witch Mountain as a kid. When I saw the preview for this movie, I knew immediately what it was and leaned over and told Kari, “This is a re-make of Witch Mountain, sweet!”

That is as far as I got. Let me know if you saw it and what you thought about the film.

Last Monday my mother came and got my baseball cards and other odds and ends to store at her house. When I was growing up, I think my mother got as excited as I did about baseball card, so she was happy to “store” them and threaten to sell them!

This weekend, my in-laws gladly accepted our Christmas tree, ornaments and three of my large framed pictures to “store.” I hung two Monet’s and one Van Gogh for my mother in law (with her help) on Sunday and they look great.

This week we are focusing on going through our earthly treasures and deciding what is necessary, what is to be given away and what is trash. I inherited the “pack rat gene” from my mother and it is a huge thorn in my side. It is becoming easier and easier to let go of things as I get older, but I have been moving stuff around for a long time. It is refreshing to let these things go, but sometimes I try to keep silly things and I have to remind myself not to keep it.

We have set a move date: April 3rd – April 5th. If you are interested in helping out, e mail me here.

Don’t forget about the book giveaway; I have a few good reasons to giveaway Don’t Let Me Go, but I think a few other reasons could win me over (I do accept free food and gift cards). No seriously, I am about halfway done with the book and I am enjoying it so far.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. God Bless.

Friday Movie Pick on Saturday: 12 &Watchmen

12, written and directed by Nikita Mikhalkov, was nominated for an Oscar in 2008. This film, originally released September 20, 2007 is loosely based on the 1957 film 12 Angry Men.

12 is set in a Russian school where twelve jurors are tasked to decide the fate of a Chechen teenager who allegedly killed his Russian stepfather. The defended lost both parents in the Chechnya War and was relocated to live with his stepfather in Moscow. The panel of jurors include: a racist taxi-driver, a doctor, a TV producer, a Holocaust survivor, a musician, a cemetery manager, and six other various members who represent the fragmented society of modern day Russia.

Some reviews say it is a little slow and too political, but I like what I have read and seen in the previews. If you get a chance to see it (it has limited showing locations), let me know your thoughts.

Also opening this weekend, the long awaited Watchmen.

This city is afraid of me. I've seen its true face.

Some people think Watchmen is one of the greatest comic book's written. I have never read it, but the concept and previews do look good. Reviews so far aren't very nice, but who really reads those anyway.

Go see a movie and have a great weekend. Don’t forget, we spring forward this weekend. God Bless.

Friday Movie Pick: Madea Goes to Jail

Writer, director and actor Tyler Perry is on the big screen again with Madea Goes to Jail. This movie hit theaters last week, but I am not recommending Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience (Keith you may like the Jonas Brothers) or Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li for obvious reasons. Perry plays his typical three roles in any Madea movie as Madea, Joe, and Brian. The title tells most of the plot and with all Tyler Perry movies it will have a great moral undertone, hilarious real dialogue and a spiritual application.

Check out Madea Goes to Jail and let me know what you think. Oh, and don't forget Slumdog Millionaire, which won 8 Oscars including Best Motion Picture of the Year. Have a great weekend.

God Bless.

Friday Movie Pick: The International

Each time I see the preview I get very excited about this film. I was telling a buddy yesterday I want to see Taken (see previous Friday Movie Pick) and The International. The International hits theaters today.

Clive Owen plays an Interpol Agent named Louis Salinger in The International. Along with Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Eleanor Whitman played by Naomi Watts, these two investigate one of the world's most powerful banking institutions in order to expose their worldwide corruption. This film takes the characters worldwide as they gather evidence against the corrupt bank and they must guard their lives in this action suspense film.

Let me know if you see it and what you think.

Poll Note and Other stuff: Only a few more days left on the question, “Baby Hellums? Boy or Girl.” I am very excited to see such much participation in the poll. At this point 56% believe Baby Hellums is a boy and 43% say Baby is a girl. If you haven’t voted yet, get your vote in before Wednesday and keep an eye out on Wednesday for Wednesday Baby News: Major Announcement.

Happy Valentines Eve. God Bless.

Friday Movie Pick: Inkheart

When I first saw the previews for this film I wasn’t too impressed, but I have since changed my mind. This film is the first book in the Inkworld trilogy of young adult-child fantasy by Cornelia Funke continues the wave of fantasy novel adaptations. I have not read this book, but understand that it originates from German.

Mo 'Silvertongue' Folchart played by Brendan Fraser reads character from a book to life. These characters read alive come from a story set in medieval times. According to imdb.com Mo, “release[s] figures out of the page[s] and into the real world…[and when] the darker side of his stories appear…[they] reek havoc and destruction.” This fantasy story, Inkheart, looks to be a good film, but I will not run to the theaters to see it. I am curious to know what you thought about the film, drop me a comment and let me know.

Have a great weekend. God Bless.

Friday Movie Pick: Paul Blart: Mall Cop

“Nobody knows this mall better than I do.” Paul Blart played by Kevin James

Paul Blart: Mall Cop hits theaters today and I am very excited. I know I might have said I was very excited about previous Friday Movie Picks, but this one is going to be a riot.

Co-written by the star of the film Kevin James, Paul Blart protecting and serving the mall takes on a "gang of organized criminals" according to imdb.com. James, slightly overweight, desperately wants to be a cop and has an opportunity to "save the mall." I crack up laughing every time I see him attempt to slide behind the mall kiosk and not make it. I have become a Kevin James fan through his T.V. show and recent films. This film should generate many laughs and I am looking forward to it.

A Bonus Friday Movie Pick: My Bloody Valentine 3-D is not my style of movie, but the 3-D sounds pretty neat. I think there is about a 10% chance I would actually go to the theater and see it, but I like the idea of a scary story in 3-D.

Well, that's a wrap. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Coming this weekend: What Will the Judge Say?

Friday Movie Pick: Gran Torino

Clint Eastwood is acting and directing again in his new film Gran Torino. I have gotten very excited about this film each time I have seen the preview. At 78 years old, Eastwood continues to scare anyone who crosses his path. From the previews, this looks like a very raw, rough and manly movie. This film looks well directed and acted by Eastwood.

Eastwood plays a Korean War veteran, Walt Kowalski, who intends on making the neighborhood a better and safer place after his 1972 Gran Torino is almost stolen. Kowalski seems to scare the “thugs” with physical brutality and a gruff tone. There is a clip that shows Kowalski carrying a shotgun of sorts, so it should get interesting.

One very noteworthy Eastwood line in the film:

“Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have messed with? That's me.”

I think the film explores how a veteran deals with the memories of war. It should be a good pick. If you get to see it, let me know what you think. Have a great weekend. God Bless.

Bedtime Stories: Sandler Does Not Put You to Sleep

The last movie I saw sitting on the front row was Forrest Gump, until last night. Kari, Shebi and I went to see Bedtime Stories starring Adam Sandler at the Alamo Drafthouse. The previews had already been running and the house was packed, so we made our way to the front row.

Sandler plays Skeeter Bronson who works as a handyman in Nottingham Hotel. Skeeter is a second generation Bedtime Storyteller; he just didn’t know it till he gets a chance to hangout with his niece and nephew. Skeeter learns that the day after his bedtime stories are told, parts of them come true.

I caught myself laughing out loud throughout the entire movie. Not only funny, this creative film puts Sandler in another role that allows him to be a funny hero of sorts. I am not really sure how to describe his recent movies, but they all seem to have a good moral tone or spiritual undertone (Spirituality in Art; that is another blog, see Taylor Swift a Theologian? for an example). It is also fun to watch a Sandler film because you get a chance to spot his usually suspects, such as: Allen Covert, Jackie Sandler (his wife), Rob Schneider and several others. If you watch closely, you can spot Sandler's daughter Sadie Sandler.

I highly recommend Bedtime Stories to anyone who enjoys a good family comedy.

Friday Movie Pick: “Seven Names. Seven Strangers. One Secret.”

I am looking forward to the new Will Smith film Seven Pounds. I have been talking about it with several of my friends and most question, “what is it about?” My reply is, “change.” I am not playing on Obama’s campaign slogan here, but from the previews it looks like Smith’s character is going to give 7 people an opportunity to change.

I did some research on imdb.com and it really only says, “an IRS agent (Smith) with a fateful secret who embarks on a personal journey of redemption by forever changing the lives of seven strangers.” Director Gabriele Muccino reunites with Smith after previously working together on The Pursuit of Happyness. I enjoyed The Pursuit of Happyness and am sure to enjoy Seven Pounds.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. God Bless.

Bolt the Super Dog

I enjoyed the movie trailers to this film hitting the big screen today. Bolt is a “superdog” on TV, but he doesn’t know that until he is taken out of Hollywood. It looks humorous and cleaver. I read on imdb.com that “Bolt soon discovers he doesn't need superpowers to be a hero.”

I thought this was a really cool statement. It makes me consider how “unsuper” I really am and how much more I am like everyone else. None of us have superpowers; instead we rely on God’s power (the ultimate power source).

I am looking forward to how God speaks through Bolt. If you’ve seen it, let me know what you thought. I hope everyone has a great weekend. God Bless.

Coming Soon: Weekend Review, Tuesday Baby Report and Clinton Administration Part Three

"The Name's Bond, James Bond"

Quantum of Solace, the 22nd James Bond film, hits theaters today. I did not grow up watching Bond movies (probably for obvious reasons: sex, violence, etc), but was introduced to them in my teenage years by my buddies Stan and Warren. Since than, I have since all the recent releases in the theater and consider myself a 007 fan.

Warren and I talked about going, but our schedules won't allow for us to see it together. After talking it over with Kari and remembering we had a gift card, we might try to catch it tonight, but we'll see.

I hope that everyone has a blessed weekend. Bonus, there will be a post on Saturday, so stay tuned.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

“Just smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave.” -Skipper the Penguin

On Friday November 7th I am planning on being in the theater for Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. Here are the top 8 reasons I love Madagascar:

8 – Giraffe’s really act like Melman.
7 – Gloria keeps the boys in line.
6 – Alex got his roar back!
5 – My buddy Jordan is a huge fan.
4 – “I like to Move it, Move it!” Who doesn’t love that scene?!?
3 – Marty is a great friend to Alex (Zebras are beautiful animals).
2 – David Schwimmer as Melman cracks me up!
1 – The four penguins are amazing; I think possibly genius!

If you haven’t seen Madagascar, I highly recommend renting or buying it this week. It is a great cartoon adventure with some hilarious characters that will crack you up.

I will leave you with a scene that I love (the animals are on a ship in crates headed to Africa):

Skipper the Penguin: [Looking at the shipping label on their crate] Kowalski. What does it say?

Kowalski the Penguin: I can't make it out, Skipper - it's an older code.

Skipper the Penguin: Not good enough.
[Looking over at Mason the Chimpanzee]

Skipper the Penguin: You! Higher mammal. Can you read?

Mason the Chimpanzee: No, but Phil can. Phil?
[Phil the Chimpanzee begins motioning with his hands, which Mason interprets]

Mason the Chimpanzee: Ship to... Kenya Wildlife Preserve... Africa.

Skipper the Penguin: Africa! That ain't gonna fly! Rico!