Auguest Movie Preview

It's that special time again! Let's see if we have any winners coming out this month!

Suicide Squad

Me thinks after seeing this I'd want to commit suicide as well. PASS!

Nine Lives

When I first saw this trailer in the theater I thought it was a joke, it had to be a joke. No movie could have this bad a story line and be taken seriously. I was so wrong. What has Hollywood become?!

The Founder

Micheal Keaton. Check! Interesting story line. Check! Houston, we are GO!! This is my most anticipated film of the month. Thank goodness I don't have to wait long!

Pete's Dragon

For Pete's sake Disney, leave these horrible reboots alone!!! PASS!

Sausage Party

I say "yes" but Megan says "No" so I'll see this one at Redbox.

Ben Hur

See comments on Pete's Dragon. Pass.

War Dogs

I say "no" but Megan will say "yes" when she sees Bradley Cooper's in it. So hopefully I can hide that fact from her while the movies out.

Don't Breathe

Interesting premise but not enough to bring me into the theater to watch. Not even rent I'm afraid. Sure if someone wanted to rent it I'd be ok with it. But more than likely a run on HBO will be the only way I'm seeing this flick.

Have a great weekend folks!

Robin Hood book review

Another book I was able to read this year was Robin Hood. I never read it as a kid which is kind of surprising because this type of book seemed right up my alley back in the day. But I'm glad I finally got a chance to read it because I thought it was amazing!

Out of every movie I've ever watched, it kind of a shame, none of them ever followed this plot line and character development!

It begins with a young Robin, who's not the best shot and can't make a good arrow to save his life. And if that's not interesting enough, here's a few more facts in the book that have never made it into a movie (for as much as I can remember)

1) Little John appears half way into the book and is not that big of a character.

2) Robin is constantly bested by folks in Sherwood forest he duels and has to blow on his horn on more than one occasion to get back up.

3) Friar Tuck is one badass monk who schools Robin so bad he asked for a boon and the match to be over. Friar Tuck is mentioned later on as being a strong leader, who's wits and fighting skill get him out of more than one situation with the Sheriff of Nottingham's folks.

4) Speaking of the Sheriff, he's more of a name to be feared than an actual character in the book. Wild that he's always portrayed as a chief villain in the movies since Robin and his men encounter others more frequently.

5) Same as the Sheriff, Prince John is more of a name to be feared and hated than an actual villain in the novel.

6) There's least 3 characters with bigger roles in Robin's story than Little John and not once have I seen them mentioned in any other movies. 

7) They call each other "gossip" a lot, which I'm not really sure why since the language is never explained.

8) Will Scarlett is Robin's cousin. (not brother, as in Prince of Thieves)

9) (SPOILERS) The ending of the book is extremely sad. It takes place 5 years after King Richard's return and Robin is an Earl. But Marian dies, he's goes into morning, gives his kids into the hands of friend to raise, retreats into Sherwood forest and goes back to being a bandit until wounded by an arrow and eventually assassinated by another female adversary never mentioned in the movies but is a reoccurring villain in the book. 

I was shocked and in awe at the same time. Overall, I think this book is worth the read and if you like the Character of Robin Hood I'd encourage you to check it out!

Sherlock Holmes book review

Another book I read this summer was the complete Sherlock Holmes. I read these as a kid and loved them back then but was unsure if they'd hold out.

Thankfully they did. I loved the series! It's interesting to note that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle killed Sherlock off very early in his career because he didn't want to write any more adventures. However, after 10 years of fans demanding more stories he brought him back in (what I think) were even better stories than before!

Sherlock's last adventure titled "His Last Bow" aged the detective 20 years, right before the events of World War 1 and gave a pleasant "ending" to his character. I loved it. And I'm happily keeping this in my collection for years to come! 

Last of the Mohican's Book Review

As many of you know I've been reading through the classics this summer and now that I've finished a few of them, I wanted to give you my reviews.

The first book I finished was Cooper's classic indian tale.

Now I read this book way back in the late 80's about 2 years before the movie came out. I liked it but thought the movie was better.

It has violent scenes, excellent dialogue and beautiful portrayals of characters. Reading it again, I was curious to see if I would still hold the same judgment as I did when I was younger. Because now I believe that the book is ALWAYS better than the movie.

I was wrong. The movie's still better.

Let me be clear that I also believe this is the ONLY exception to that rule since I've consistently enojoyed the books more. But in this case, it's the movie hands down.

Here's why.

While the book is good, it's interrupted by boring dialogue from the Indians and the French. Cooper shows off his talent by writing in French for all the soldiers, yet not offering a translation of what is being said. Though not imperative to the story it sure takes you out of it when you don't know what is going on, or why the last 5 pages were in French.

Afterwards, you're mind decides for itself what else it can start skimming over and pretty soon, 1/3 of the book is over looked as the Indian conversations about the spirits in nature and whatnot is completely overlooked and irrelevant to the story.

But can I recommend it due to it's excellent battle scenes and depictions of surroundings? Eeeeee... it's too close to call. I think a lot of people will want to pass this one up and watch the movie instead. And since the movie IS indeed better than the book, I'm obliged to agree.

Top 5 Smells

I know this sounds weird but I gave it some thought over the weekend and wanted to share this one with you too!

5) Coffee

This is weird because.... I don't even like coffee!? But I've always enjoyed the smell of it. That's why I would always enjoy hanging out with friends at coffee houses even though I never drank it myself.

4) Sea Breeze

This one's pure nostalgia for my yearly beach trip. But even when I visit the beach without my family I still love the smell. Nothing but great memories each time I breathe it in! It's why they make candles of it I bet!

3) Fresh baked cookies

Who really DOESN'T love this smell right? I love me some cookies and smelling them in the oven is SO good! Warm soft cookies are also what I love best. Hard crumbly cookies? BLECH! Only fresh baked for me!

2) Fresh cut grass

Maybe it's the fact that I used to mow lawns as a kid but I've always loved the scent of a fresh cut yard. Feels good to know the work is done and the lawn looks great! Plus, it also reminds me of baseball which speaking of my number one...

1) Baseball Glove

Nothing smells better to me than the inside of a glove. As a kid I used to stand in the outfield with it over my face and breathe in the scent. I still love doing it today on the rare occasions Megan and I are throwing the ball around in the back yard. Best smell ever!

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

Top 5 cartoon vehicles I'd like to own

Yesterday I spoke about what cars I'd love to own. But today I want to take it a little further and speak of cartoon cars I'd love to own as well!

5) Hong Kong Phooey Mobile

Yesssss....and it wouldn't be that hard to do I bet! Oh man, I'd LOVE to have one of these to scoot around the neighborhood in!

4) Thunder Hawk

Straight from the M.A.S.K. cartoon series, this car would be awesome to have! It's weird I've never seen anyone try to make one at conventions but then again, I guess the cartoon isn't that popular either. But that wouldn't stop me from buying one if I had the money!!

3) Ninja Turtle van

Someone actually MADE one of these and I love it!!! Can you imagine how much fun road trips would be in this?! They'd have to call me Mr Cool if I road around in this!

2) Thundercat Tank

Ok, now I'm getting ridiculous about it, I know. RIDICULOUSLY FUN!! I would DIE if someone made one of these in real life. I'm sure with unlimited resources it could be done and believe me when I saw the chances of me going to jail over stealing it would be high. I mean, CAN YOU JUST IMAGINE?!

1) Batmobile

Yep, my #1 again! In the Super Friends cartoon I loved this car more than the '66 show. I thought it was SO awesome and the toy was too! If they recreated it and had me choose between the two, it's a no-brainer for me to pick this one. I would be one "Bat-ass" driving this thing!

Ha! Ok folks, have a great weekend!

Top 5 vehicles I'd love to own

We all have our wish list. Mine is just a little different. Here goes!

5) Magnum P.I.'s Ferrari

Oh yes. I would buy a Hawaiian t-shirt, listening to the theme song from the TV show and just drive around all day. I'd also get fired from my job but that'd be ok. I would then grow a mustache and become a P.I......who doesn't work. Megan would be so proud.

4) A-Team van

Ok, same thing as above. Ride around, A-Team theme song, live life as a soldier of fortune, piss Megan off for not making any money. Seriously though, how awesome would it be to pick up your kid from baseball games in this bad boy! The envy of all the other Dad's. Ahhh...one day I hope that gets to be me!

3) Back to the Future car

I've seen these at conventions and though I know you couldn't travel 88 mph in them (due to all the add ons to the car and the fact that it would take you back in time) I still would love to have one in my collection.

2) The General Lee

Every year I think this climbs up another spot on my list. I see them at conventions all the time and they just look so sweet! Also, how cool would it be to receive a speeding ticket in this?! This may eventually become my #1 most desired car of all time, but for now another sits a top the throne....

1) Batmobile

It's GOT to be this one! If I'd have seen a car like this as a kid I would have believed in Santa and Batman in the same day. Oh how I'd love to wake up one morning with this sweet thing sitting in my garage!

And HECK YES I would dress up as Batman if I owned one. Why wouldn't I?!

K folks, that's my Top 5. What's yours?



 

Top 5 autographs I'd like to have!

So forget about Star Wars autographs! Who's would I want OUTSIDE of Star Wars?

5) Christopher Reeves

K, let's get the dead guy out of the way first. I don't like Superman, but I love Christopher Reeves' portrayal of him. In fact, I love this actor in general. So having him in my collection would be awesome.

4) Tom Cruise

It's no secret I'm a fan of his movies. I love them all. So it's only natural that I'd want his autograph as well. From what I hear he seems to be a nice guy (maybe a little crazy too) but I still wouldn't mind seeing a "To Matt" on my wall of him.

3) Frank Gorshin

Ok, I lied. I have 2 dead guys on my wish list. The Riddler is my favorite Batman villain and Gorshin played him like no other! As with Alec Guiness, I passed up a chance to get his autograph at a con and slightly regret it. If given the chance (and for the right price) again, I'd pull the trigger today.

2) Jackie Chan

My favorite martial arts star! I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't scream like a little girl at a One Direction concert if I saw a personalized autograph from him to me. Heck, I'm squeaking like a little girl right now just thinking about it! EEEK!!!

1) Ed Norton

But my #1 has to go to my favorite actor of all time. I hear he's a cool guy to meet in person and having his autograph in my collection would be SO cool!

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

Top 5 Star Wars Autographs I'd like to have! (Prequels edition)

Ok, after yesterday's post I realized that I only named original trilogy folks, so this time I'd like to talk about the Top 5 autographs I'd like from people who were in the prequels. Here goes!

5) Ahmad Best (Jar Jar)

I'm as shocked as you are right now. Making this list out I didn't think I'd want it but quickly changed my mind when I thought of how funny it would be to have one. The most hated man in Star Wars... can't pass up a chance to get an autograph of him can I?!

4) Christopher Lee

The late great Christopher Lee. Call Lucas a "hack" all you want but he hit the nail on the head with this casting decision. Though super expensive to get now, I would've loved to have gotten one back in the day before he passed away.

3) Hayden Christensen (Anakin)

Hate on him all you want but I blame George for his acting. In other movies, he did really well and he seems like a nice guy in all his interviews so to have his autograph in my collection would be an honor!

2) Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan)

No surprise here. I think he's a great actor that doesn't get enough roles in Hollywood. And if I had an autograph of Sir Alec Guieness, it would only make sense to have them both together right? But I can think of one more who could join them...

1) Liam Neeson (Qui-Gon)

I love this actor already. To have his autograph in general would be awesome but as Qui-Gon Jinn, it'd be to cool for school! I thought he did an incredible job in the first movie and was disappointed he never came back as a ghost in the sequels.

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

Top 5 Star Wars Autographs I'd like to have!

If you've ever been to my house, I have tons are Star Wars autographs in my home that I just adore. Yet there's a few more I'd love to add to my collection one day. Here's the Top 5!

5) Chris Parsons (4-LOM)

4-LOM was my favorite bounty hunter in Empire Strikes Back. That's right, I wasn't a big fan of Fett like everyone else. I loved his toy and played with it all the time. For that reason, I think adding him to my collection would be pretty cool.

4) Peter Cushing (Tarkin)

Classic actor who's not with us anymore, which means his autograph cost more than I care to pay, but there's no denying, he's a classic actor that no one would mind having an autograph of!

3) Alec Guieness

And since we're going for deceased actors here I may as well name him too. I actually had the chance to pick up one at a Con years ago, but the price tag drove me away. Still, it'd look sweet up on my wall!

2) Denis Lawson (Wedge)

Most fans have no idea who this guy is but he was in all 3 movies and became super popular in the X-Wing books. For that reason alone, getting his autograph would be amazing! But I hear it's hard to get since he didn't really appreciate being in the films in the first place. He even turned down a small role in Episode 7 because he said "The role would bore me." Ha! Fun fact, he's nephew starred in the prequels. Anyone ever hear of Ewan McGregor?

1) Harrison Ford (Han Solo)

The holy grail of autographs, I'd have to have a "To Matt" inscription on it to prove it was just for me. Sadly, this is just as hard as getting a Denis Lawson autograph, so I guess I'll just be thankful for what I've got and continue to dream about the rest.

See ya later folks!

Best Little Debbie's

Little Debbie's are glorious things. But these are my top 5!

5) Donut Sticks

Oh my stinking goodness. I have nothing but good memories with these bad boys. Many mornings as a kid, this was my breakfast. I still love them today but they've dropped in my rankings over the years. I want to say at one point in my life these would've been #2 but even though they've slipped down to #5 doesn't mean I wouldn't be upset to have only them today! Mmmmm!

4) Zebra Cakes

As a kid, this is what I thought WERE Little Debbies. No idea thy made all the other snack cakes, because to me THIS was the real deal!

Still love them today but none of the "holiday" special versions of them (Xmas Tree, Easter Egg, etc) This classic is the best for me! Yellow cake....white icing and filling....geez, I want one now!!

3) Caramel Cookie Bar

I was hard pressed not to make this my #2. These babies are fan-freaking-tastic! Mom didn't buy them that much when we were growing up because they were gone on the first day! And though it's weird I always imagine it feeling like a forearm made of cookie.

Go ahead...feel your forearm.....now you're going to think about that the next time you eat one of these.

You're welcome.

2) Oatmeal Creme Pies

Sure "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" made these snack cakes super popular but I've always enjoyed them growing up and I still love them today! I couldn't eat a whole box anymore, but 2 in one sitting is just right! Maybe three....or four....

1) Star Crunch

 But THE BEST Little Debbie for me is this. I LOVE the caramel, the crunch, EVERYTHING. Though Ive never tried it, I'm pretty sure I could take out a box in under an hour. I love these things SO much!!

So that's my top 5. What's yours?

Fanboy Expo pics (4)

So what else did we do at the con? Check this out!

 Me with the portrait from Ghostbusters 2!!!

 Megan with the Ghostbusters car.

 A hand built doll house....only $2500 dollars. Yeah.....

Me with a Gamorrean guard from Jabba's Palace

Me with FREAKING JEFF HARDY!!! One of my favorite wrestlers of all time! Super awesome guy too! Loved meeting him.

What's also cool is that we stayed in the same hotel as all the wrestlers. Ric Flair, Buff Bagwell, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash were just walking around the hotel the entire time. Unbelievable experience!

Overall, the Fanboy Expo was a fun time. Though I'm not sure if I'll go back anytime soon because I want to check different cons the next chance I have.

But this Con (as always) was definitely worth the trip!