October Movie review

Yuck! Another slow month for movies. Let's see what garbage is out there for October:

 31

Look! Rob Zombie made another 70's grindhouse throwback film for Halloween! PASS!
 

 Birth of a Nation

I can't wait to sit back and watch this movie flop.

 Jack Reacher: No Going Back

Finally! A film worth making a trip to the theaters to see! This lovable 90's style action film should be fun to watch as I stuff my face with popcorn flavored butter!

Rings

How thoughtful of them to resurrect this dead franchise. Though I'm skipping it in theaters, rest assured it will be rented on Redbox or recorded when it makes it to HBO.

What other garbage movies did I miss coming out this month that will be worth going to see? Let me know!

Best Disneyland rides

Megan and I visited Disneyland for the first time ever this month. And while the pics and videos from that trip will be uploaded next week, I wanted to go ahead and share with you what my Top 5 rides were at the park!

5) Mr Toad's Wild Ride

I knew before we even got there, that this would make my list. My favorite ride as a kid, when it was back in Disney World, I had a great time then and just as much fun now. Though I will admit, it barely made the list. There were a lot of other rides that were just as good! But Toad barely beat them out.

4) Storybook Land

I saw this online before we went and thought "If we have time to kill, we'll ride it" But after seeing all the excellent models on the ride, I was super impressed and had to add it on my list.

I also think if I'd have been a kid, I would have had the best time playing on these models with my action figures....yep...that's what I was thinking the entire time on the ride..... yep.

3) Finding Nemo Ride

Road this back in Disney World 30 years ago when it was known as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I loved it as a kid and as an adult, loved it even more. But I think it was more on the uniqueness of a ride like this that goes underwater. So cool! Even after 30 years, I was so impressed!

2) California Screamin'

I'm shocked this made the list, much less became a ride I'd actually go on. I wasn't interested going on this ride but after our first time, we rode it again, and again. It's like Rock N Rollercoaster but outside. Super fun ride, that even the upside down loop didn't bother me too much on.

1) Matterhorn

But this was my #1 hands down. Similar to the Yeti ride at Animal Kingdom in Disney World. If someone would've described it to me that way I would have been less interested in riding it. But going on the ride was an eye opening experience. It's a fast ride that has you howling in enjoyment the entire time!

Great ride! Great time!

More on our trip coming up next month!

Tebow Time!

Tebow's first at bat in the Mets minor league started off with a Homerun. And though I don't have delusions of grandeur about the guy.... LET'S GO METS!!!

Best Disney World Rides

Continuing my "theme" of park rides (pun intended) I'm going to list my Top 5 rides at Disney World:

(TIE) 5) Peter Pan and Pirates ride

This is kind of cheating but I couldn't decide between the two of these which one I loved more. So I put them here on the list together to explain why.

As kiddie "dark rides" go, these are easily my favorite for a number of reasons. Nostalgia from riding them as a kid, years ago and the uniqueness of each one. Where Peter Pan takes you above the scenery, overlooking a beautiful miniature of England and the world of Neverland, Pirates takes you underground to a completely different time of pirates and pillaging.

Both have incredibly detailed sets and are worth the wait EVERY time you step on the ride. Love the both of them!

4) Mission to Mars

Located in Epcot, this ride makes you feel like you're traveling in space. The first time I experienced it I was blown away by it. The ride spins you around to simulate traveling at light speed through the atmosphere but then tricks your mind into thinking your weightless once you hit space, when it slows the ride down and releases the inertia on your body.

Brilliant ride!

3) Splash Mountain

First time on the ride I had no idea I was that far up for a drop that big. I loved it. So much fun. One of the rides I get most excited to ride at the Magic Kingdom. I love the characters, the theme, EVERYTHING on this ride.

I only wish I could bring my nephews on it with me just to see their faces when it hits the final drop! Too fun!!

2) Toy Story Mania

Combining a ride with a game is smart and there's a reason this ride continues to be the most popular one at the parks today. Toy Story creates so much imaginary ways to shoot things. It's never the same at each stop and I think that's awesome.

Though I try to give Megan tips on how I'm always able to win, I guess when you get on the ride you get so excited you don't see what all there is to shoot at. My tips? Look in the back and at the bottom of the screen. They don't pop up as frequent but when those marks do they're worth thousands more than what you see in the middle of the screen.

1) Rock N Rollercoaster

I won't lie. My first time watching this I was freaked out. Now? I treat it as my best friend who I can't wait to see.

The ride is fast, loud and super fun. Probably the only "thrill" ride I'll ever love but if you're ever at Hollywood Studios at Disney World, THIS is the ride for you!

That's my Top 5. What's yours?



 

Best Universal Rides

Thinking about park ride, I thought I'd compile a list of rides I enjoy at Universal Studios.

5) Woody Woodpecker Rollercoaster

Starting off with a kiddie ride. Oh yeah! Say what you will, but this mini-coaster is quite enjoyable to ride! Megan and I went on it several times on our last trip and enjoyed it. Though I can't say why, it was also one of the first rides I thought of when making this list!

4) Gringolt's Ride

Of course there was going to be a Harry Potter ride on my list. This is the newer one and though it's not as good as the original ride Universal created earlier, it still makes my list as being fun.

3) Spiderman

A 3D ride that hasn't lost it's luster over the years. I especially like how they haven't infused any characters from the movies ad stuck solely to the comic book for this. I think that's why I love it so much. That and the fact that you feel you're IN the action!

2) Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey

You already knew this one was on the list after talking about the first ride. This one really impressed me when I first went on it. I still think it's one of the most solid rides at the park. Love the look and feel of it as well as the different uses of technology you get on the ride. Really top notch!

1) The Mummy Ride

But NOTHING beats the Mummy ride. Based of the 90's movies this ride it still the best thing at the park! It's a fast moving coaster that's so much fun you'll want to ride it again the moment you get off. I think we rode this thing 4 times in a row the first time we saw it. SO much fun! If I only could ride this all day, I think I'd be happy!

That's my Top 5, what's yours?

Goonies Review

Another 80s movie I saw for the first time ever this month was Goonies.

I know. Get the shock out of your system.

You see, we were supposed to see it as kids decades ago, but my grandmother went to see it before we did and hated the language and crudeness of the movie so much, she convinced mom to put it on the "forever banned" film list for us.

Thankfully I made it through life without getting much guff about not seeing this film. Because to be honest, if I were to ask you to name 10 of the best 80's movies, this wouldn't be one of them. More of a Top 20 than anything.

Anyway, I finally took the time to watch it for the first time and again had the same regrets as I did for Bill and Ted. I wish I had seen it when I was a kid and if it would have made a difference because I was bored with it completely.

Nothing really shone out to me for this film. It's shot well and the acting is good for the era but something about the story never grabbed me and I ended up bored through most of the film.

We bought it for $5 at Walmart so no money lost there. It'll just hang out in Megan's collection for now until someone asks to borrow it and never returns it. Not that I'd care.

What did you think about this movie? Am I being fair or too harsh on it? Let me know in the comments!

Football who?

I just noticed something.

So last year, the Mets were dominating baseball and I wasn't watching much football. I mean, sure I'd catch the games every Saturday but if the Mets were playing that day FORGET about Football!!!

And since the Mets went all the way to the World Series this year, by the time it was over, I had trouble getting back in to football. The depression of the Mets losing combined with Auburn's so-so performance didn't command much of my attention in the final season.

And now here we are in 2016 and I have yet to see a football game. My focus is entirely on the Mets. At home, MLB network is the only thing on. It's all I can think about. Sure the Mets are good which helps but I have to ask....am I getting out of football?

I love the sport. It's always been a solid #2 for me. But this year I have no idea what's going on. Who is Auburn playing next week? Off the top of my head I couldn't tell you. And even scarier....I don't feel it's that important.

Anyway, just something that got me thinking this week is all and wanted to share.

LET'S GO METS!!!

Final Stretch

Thought I'd do a special Saturday post. The Mets are still in the Wild Card race and are doing a good job. As long as they hang on for the month, we should be in the playoffs again!

I can't believe I may have another post-season to look forward too!!! I can't imagine we'll get as far as we did last year but who cares!? More baseball for my Mets is ALWAYS a good thing!

Bill and Ted Review

Catching up on a few 80's movies I've never seen, I just saw the Bill and Ted movies a few weeks ago and wanted to give me thoughts on the both of them.

First off, I wish I had seen this movie back in the day because I wonder if I'd have like it. I get why it was so popular but the Excellent Adventure didn't seem to have that much. It had it's fun parts here and there "Bill, strange things are seriously afoot at the Circle K" but overall was kind of a bore.

Bogus Journey was a step up and made the whole experience seem worth it. It seemed a more solid movie though I'd heard from friends it wasn't as good as the first.

I know these actors are fighting hard to get a 3rd movie filmed soon and I have to say I'm interested to see what story they have. I think it could be the best one yet if it gets made. Until now, I'm happy I saw them but they're a far cry from making it into my collection.

Have a good weekend folks!

SNL Dream Cast

Ok, so if I could bring back 10 people to return to SNL, no matter what time period, here's who I'd pick:

 David Spade

The master of comedy, there's no doubt to anyone he rocked things back in the 90's for SNL. I'd bring him back in his prime and have him doing the Hollywood minute in no time!

 Adam Sadler

Though he's lost his step in the past decade I'd bring him back from the days he was truly funny. His music would bring more laughter than ever before and I don't mean by singing the Hannakuh Song Part 4

 Andy Samberg

I wasn't watching much SNL back in his day but I sure watched his skits on YouTube the next morning. Seems Andy would be an excellent fit within my "Dream Cast" and I'd say he's earned it with the above pictured skit alone.

 Eddie Murphy

Another comedian that no one laughs at anymore but back in the early 80's late 70's there was no one better. He made the SNL year bearable with his hilarious skits. I only wish he still had the same energy today.

 Dana Carvy

From a recent appearance it seems this guy still has it so I may just take him as is. But his younger years were good enough to make him an easy decision putting him on the team. 

 Chris Farley

Who wouldn't have this guy on their list? Seriously, I think he would be a unanimous shoe-in to anyone making a Dream List for the show. He had constant characters that were all on par with one another. I true genius of comedy.

 Jim Bruer

I may be the only person to put him on a list like this but I thought he was the funniest thing on the show back in the day. I loved his Goat boy and Stoner Man routines. The fact that he's a Mets fan gives him special consideration too of course. 

 Mike Myers

Life imitated art when this guy lost his mojo of humor these days but in the 90's he was on fire! And I'd take him back from that era in a heartbeat and have him making us laugh all over again!

 Norm McDonald

A "must" on my list. I was probably his biggest fan while he was on the show. Every time I saw his weekend update, I loved it. The man was just so funny to me. I wish he'd done more while on SNL. O my Dream Team however, he'd have top billing!

Will Ferrell

Last but not least is this guy. Funny and just about everything he did. But I loved the fact that the man hardly cracked in ANY of his skits EVER. If that's not the traits of a professional, I don't know what is!

That's my SNL Dream Team, what's yours?

Best Comedians

I love a good laugh. So here's a list of some of the funniest comedians to me:

5) Sinbad

I'm as shocked as you people are with this pick. But when I thought about it, every stand up I've seen from this guy has been a hoot so I had no choice but to put him on the list! There's something about his energy and humor that I just love and that's why he makes the list.

4) Jeff Foxworthy

For the umpteenth time I saw another one of his newer stand ups and I can't believe he hasn't lost his touch. This is a guy has re-invented his humor over and over again and each time it's just as good as the first. Every time I watch a new stand up from him I wonder is it'll be as good as the last...and I'm never disappointed.

3) Dennis Leary

Though he doesn't do much stand up these days he sure had magic back in his day. I still pop in both of his comedy DVD's every once and a while and find it has the most quotable lines than any other stand up I know. For that reason Dennis will always be one of the best!

2) Jeff Dunham

Megan's absolute favorite and my close second, this ventriloquist has rocked the comic world with his witty humor and puppetry. We own all his DVD's and he's the #1 comedy show we both want to see some day. Funny, funny, guy!

1) Mitch Hedberg

But no one beats the king of comedy himself. Cut his own life short right before he hit bigger fame, I'm happy to say I was at his last live performance (not counting his appearance on the Late Show) before he died. He was an incredibly funny guy who had incredible talent but didn't see it in himself I guess.

That's my Top 5, what's yours?

Charity's Big Swing Ride (4)

That's all for today folks!

Charity's Big Swing Ride (3)

It's funny because neither Bray of Adam wanted to go on it at first but ended up doing it with everyone else in the end.

Charity's Big Swing Ride (2)

Charity's Big Swing Ride (1)

Now it's Charity's turn to go. Listen to her in the begining of this video and you KNOW it's going to be good!

More vids coming later today!

Megan's Big Swing Ride (3)

The aftermath

Megan's Big Swing Ride (2)

Megan's Big Swing Ride (1)

Time for a ride!

 Well, here's the whole gang getting ready to die go on the Big Swing!

Come back later today to see how it went...

The Big Swing (3)

The thrilling conclusion? You'll have to hang on till next week!

The Big Swing (2)

Megan is ready!

The Big Swing (1)

So one night on the beach we had the idea to go out and try the Big Swing at an amusement park near the beach. And when I say "we" I mean everyone in the family but me. : )

Here's a video of everyone getting pumped to go on!

Jordan Surprises Mom

The Jordan Surprise

If there's one person Mom wanted to see more than anybody, it was my little brother Jordan. No one had seen him in years, he never visits and hardly ever calls. So after months of planning I was able to find a way to get him down to the beach and surprise everyone this year!

This by far was the highlight of the entire week for me. (and it was on Monday) The look on Mom's face when she sees him is priceless and if you look in the back ground, you can see Dad's face too.

I love it.

I'm glad he decided to come down and I hope he had half the good time I had on vacation this year. It was wonderful!


Video coming up soon!

Matt vs Shark

Coming up tomorrow, one of my best videos yet!!

Megan vs Shark

Woman bites shark.

Matt vs Python

Python jerky taste test!

Last one coming tomorrow!

Megan vs Python

Matt vs Kangaroo

On our first day their, we bought wild jerky for fun.

Here's another video of our taste test.

Megan vs Kangaroo

Beach Vacation (3)

 Mom and Dad are thinking about going back in the fall. Hopefully Megan and I will have the chance to go with them. Even if it's only for an extended weekend. I won't mind. I'll still enjoy it.

 Our "Old people on the beach" faces.

 A alligator getting friendly with the Bub!!!

This was taken in front of one of our favorite places to eat in Gulf Shores, The Oyster House.

And now for some videos....

Beach Vacation (2)

 I think the reason I like our beach trip so much is because of all the relaxation that it offers.

 I sleep, read, go to the beach, eat, then do something exciting that night. (videos on what I mean forthcoming)

 All in all, it ends up becoming one of my favorite times of the year.

We went there in February to check out Dad's beach house after he got it and it felt wrong being there without the family. Going back with everyone there was SO much nicer the 2nd time around!