Godzilla King of the Monsters Review

Watched this last month and... it sucks. Bad. Not only is it incredible slow in building a plot, you care NOTHING about the human characters in the movie. They're completely irrelevant!

And it's SUPER preachy about how humans are destroying the environment. I mean, unbearably so.

And the ending? Incredibly stupid.

The monster fights are good but even that wasn't enough to save this awful film.

Things I hate about Kickstarter

I've backed a lot of products on Kickstarter but I thought today I'd talk about some of the things I hate about the site.

1) Kickstarter Exclusives

If you don't back it, you'll never have a chance to get it ever again.

I hate that. If they at least charged people outside of the Kickstarter for the extra stuff I'd be fine with that. But making it as to that you'll never have a chance to get the exclusives turns me off from getting the game altogether.

2) No response from the owner of the project.

When packages are late some companies go silent, ignoring any questions or requests for updates. Queen Games is NOTORIOUS for doing this as are a few others. In fact, the last one I received was 7 months late. And when we finally received an update after the 1st 6 months, they told people the games had arrived, where in the warehouse and ready to ship out that week....4 weeks later my package arrived without a word of apology from the publisher.

3) Early Bird price

Only the first few can take advantage of a $10 to $15 discount but if you missed news about the opening date, you're screwed to pay more money than what they charged others.

Another turn off for me. I don't back games that come with these stipulations.

4) Taking the money and run

In this case, Kickstarter is powerless to protect it's customers. Leaving this site as a hotbed for crooks just wanting to make a fast buck and fool a couple of people. It sucks, but it is what it is.

5) Wrong Expectations 

About 95% of games I back always get their Expected Release Dates wrong. One of the few to actually deliver on time was a first time board game company that made it's 1st game!

My question is, how can a new company get it right on their first try while others (who've been doing it for years) continue to get it wrong? My only answer is that they set up false expectations to get you to bite into the project and don't care enough to deliver on time when the money's in their account.

Don't get me wrong. I love Kickstarter but these are a few of the things I hate.

Bye-bye DVD's

Well, not really. I still buy DVD's every once in a while and the reason for that is that as streaming services splinter into sections of production companies and movie studios it's getting harder and harder to find one service that has that much.

Though I still keep my general rule that I only buy them if it's a movie or show I'd watch again. For instance, I was recently re-watching a TV show I have on DVD on a streaming service when all the sudden the service went down. Long loading screen delays were getting aggravating so I popped in my DVD and continued watching without aggravation of dealing with the lag in service.

For this reason, I think DVD's will stay a while longer in the years to come. 

Bye-bye Cd's

It's been a few years since I've bought a CD. Though I still play them in my car every once in a while. The reason I don't buy them anymore is because there's no point now that streaming services just about offer every new album that comes out these days.

The reason I still play them is because there are still albums out that aren't on those streaming services. Mainly, children's albums and soundtracks (which I love) Until the day someone at least can offer me all the soundtracks on a streaming service, I'll continue using Cd's. Though I'm afraid my next car won't have a player since they don't offer those in cars these days.

Sad.

Why I don't have Twitter

To be honest, out of all the popular Social Media sites this is the one that's most enticed me to join! Not to make any posts but to keep up with what others post. I'm sure that's why most people use it as well but in both instances I've went to sign up I decided against it because I didn't want to be bothered by 1000 reminders every week.

I might end of getting it one day but for now I think I'm good.

Why I don't have Snap Chat or Instagram

Because I have no idea what these social media sites are for.

Have a good weekend folks!

Why I don't have Facebook

I get asked this all the time and the answer's simple. I'd never keep up with it. Never login and really don't care what people had for lunch that day or something funny their dog did.

I know Facebook is way more than that but it doesn't carry enough interest for me to get it. I have so many other things I keep up with. YouTube and a dated blog that no one has anymore. But I don't mind.

I've been posting on here for years and it works just fine for me.

Will I ever get Facebook? Doubtful.

Games so bad they went straight to the trash can

I love board games but every once in a while a game is so bad it goes straight to the garbage. Here are the three in my collection that did so and here's why:

 A recent acquisition I received which started this whole idea for the subject. I got this because I saw it was a dice placement game, which is something I generally like. It's so bland, unimaginable and boring, I stripped it for spare parts (dice, coins and counters) and chucked the rest right into the garbage. Horribly boring game. (Money wasted: $1)

 I bought this one because I love auction games and the idea of a dutch auction timer for the game intrigued me. You put these contracts up for bid then set the timer, as it winds down the price becomes cheaper but once someone stops it, they bought it for that amount. How low will you let the timer go and risk the chance of someone snapping it up before you?

I'll never know because the stupid timer broke at the beginning of our 1st game.  Disgusted, I threw it straight in the trash and pulled out another game. (Money wasted $5)

Found this at a flea market and thought it was a great idea for a board game. You move around the board as fuzzy creatures trying to avoid Mashin Max. When we played it the game was broken. I was even more upset when I discovered online that's how most copies of the game were sold. Defective from the start. Chucked it out on the way home. (Money Wasted $1)

At least I didn't waste that much money on this garbage.

Ernest Movies

While on Paternity leave with the girls I had a lot of time on my hands. One of the things I might have wasted my time on was watching every single Ernest Film....yep.

So today I want to rank them in order of worst to best!

My least favorite and the last one to be a feature film before the rest of his movies went direct to video. I remember when this hit theaters I thought it looked like garbage and 2 weeks later it wasn't even playing in our theater. Now after seeing it I know why.

It looks like a TV movie with no budget. I'm shocked they even though this was worth a theatrical release! But I think I know the answer to this low budget film that I'll discuss later.

When Ernest went Direct to Video his movies kept dropping in quality. Such is the case for this stinker which has its story line held together by a paper clip and chewing gum. It's so bad even the horrible cover can't hide how awful this movie is.

It was the last Ernest movie ever made before the actor died a year later. To be honest, I didn't even know about this one when I started on my journey through his films. Oddly enough, it does give a good ending to Ernest who (after several movies) finally settles on having a girlfriend in the end and is even given a thoughtful sunset farewell at the end.

It was so good, i wondered if the actor had died and the scene was added post-production. But it wasn't. The movie isn't that good and was made on the cheap, but it at least beats the other two that were previously mentioned.

His first featured film isn't that good surprisingly (and let's be honest, none of his films were that good to start with, but the character is entertaining and at the time his gags had traction in that era of film making) I was shocked to see how unfunny this one truly was.

I remember seeing this in a video store years ago when I was in highschool or college and thought "He's still making movies?!" I passed it up but it's not that bad of a film. Ernest is given magic basketball shoes to improve his game and catapult his fame. The love interest in the film was the most shocking turn of all, when she goes to sweet shy to all of money grubbing villain in the end!

I was shocked to see such a heel turn in a movie that shouldn't be that smart. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen a movie where the female love interest turn evil in the end. Kudos for originality. The movie is above watchable and actually had me laughing in a few spots!

 It took me a while to realize this was the last Ernest movie I watched before giving up on the series. It was supposed to come out in theaters soon after "Ernest Rides Again" In fact, there was even a preview "teaser" scene at the end of "Rides Again" where Ernest lets you know he'll be back next year for class!

But when Rides Again tanked they sent this one straight to video and it's a shame because it's a much better movie than Rides Again. My theory is, they were trying to save money and made 2 movies for the price of one. But released Rides Again first. The problem was, it looks like Goes to School had a bigger budget. It looked much better than Rides Again and was more entertaining too!

They really screwed the pooch not getting this one out before Rides Again. I think this would've made more money in theaters for sure if they'd had!

Another one I'd completely forgotten about until I watched it again. In the story, Santa is retiring after 100 year and Ernest is helping him track down his replacement. As a Xmas movie it's pretty good! Another surprise hit and one of his best in the series for sure. It was his second movie in the series.

Man this is where it gets hard. This movie had me laughing in theaters back in the day and I still remembered those lines we used to quote as kids watching it again today. The production on this one it stellar too! Everything looks great! The Troll in the movie is perfect! Best looking film out of the entire series! It was a close 2nd and almost 1st but...

Nothing beats this one. The thing that makes it so good is the security guards Hank and Bobby who steal the scenes whenever they hit the screen. Sadly, these two never team up again after Scared Stupid, though Bobby does return for one film. I don't know why that was and no one on the internet  seems to care so I guess I'll never know but I'd love to find out one day!

Ok folks, that's all for now!

The answer to clean toilet bowls

I had water stains in my toilet for months. I've tried cleaners but nothing works. I recently went online and read that white vinegar would do the trick, so I applied some to the stains, waited for 12 hours and got ZERO results.

Then I discovered the scouring stick. For under $2 at Walmart, it removed the stains instantly, without a problem. Just wanted to pass along this nifty invention in case no one's ever heard of it before.

GREAT product!

Vivant Sucks

Last month I lost connection to all my services. Couldn't open my garage door or check the camera to see who was at the door and most importantly, couldn't get the A/C to turn on.

After it got upwards of 83 in my house, with the little girls sweating, I pleaded with the company to do something about it and they agreed to send out a technician to look at the problem....in 3 days.

Don't get this service. Worst decision I ever made. Paid of the rest of the contract and quit them immediately.  Awful service. They're like the Comcast of security services.

Buttercream Gang Movie Review

As a kid, my mom and dad would get these "family" direct to video, movies for us to watch. I don't remember most of them, but the one that stuck out (and the one we watched the most) was this one.

The story revolves around 4 kids who are in a gang that does good deeds for everyone in town. But once there old leader leaves for Chicago, he is quickly corrupted by a real street gang and becomes  bully and a thief.

After his arrest, his Aunt sends him back to his small town where he has changed. No longer does he care about helping others but rather helping himself. And it's up to his best friends to bring him back into the light.

Though not the best acting, the movie still held up for me as entertaining and I'd love to see the sequel they made (I think we only watched it once) but it's impossible to find these days due to the low volume (and low popularity) of the films.

Thankfully, you can still watch the first one on YouTube. If you have fond memories as I do from watching it, it's worth your time seeing it again.

Sprite Lymonade

I'm a sucker for new and exotic soda flavors, so when I saw this at the grocery store I had to give it a try. It's Sprite mixed with Lemonade. Not really sure how they though that would work but I gave it a try....and it's just sprite with a hint of lemon.

Big disappointment.  Avoid at all cost.

Kung Fu Panda: Paws of Destiny (Season 2 Review)

I know I said season 1 wasn't that good but I went ahead and watched season 2 because I'm baby sitting 2 little girls all day, who just want to be held, changed and fed all day so I gotta do something to pass the time!

It wasn't that bad. But nowhere near a "All Hail King Julian" I just love the Kung Fu Panda Franchise, so I guess I'll keep watching them as long as they make them. And from the looks of it, this show's going to be on for a while.

What the what?!

Looking online I see Canada has had Crystal Pepsi available in their store since March of this year!! How come the good ole US of A doesn't get the same treatment?! It's a shame. Sure could use one about now.

The Mailman sucks

I can't tell you how tired I am of the USPS, losing packages, or not delivering them on time. Plus, they're charge an arm and a leg to ship anything! I went to FedEx to mail a HUGE box off and it was cheaper than when I had to mail a small box at the Post Office!

What a joke these people are! One even claimed he delivered my package and marked it as so online but when you look at my doorbell camera, he never had a package that day at all!

From this moment on, I'm going to avoid have anything shipped by them if I can help it.

Drumstick Cereal

Always up for trying new cereal, I decided to give this one a try last month. Pathetic.

All it is, is golden grahams, mixed with Coco Puffs and either a vanilla or mint bit, thrown in. Just about the most lazy you can get when it comes to imaginative and creative. 

I admit it's usually hit or miss with these types of cereals. But with this one, it's definitely a miss.

Essential Board game expansions

Sometimes the base game just isn't good enough! Today I wanted to talk about 5 board games I won't play without the expansions added in. (In no order)

 Viticulture

Absolutely must be played with Tuscany or the game isn't as good. However, I add everything possible into this game. The Moore and Rhine Valley expansion decks have been shuffled in permanently, I've never used the cardboard coins (only metal for me) and just recently with the purchase of the Arboriculture expansion, I won't play without using one of the 2-sides to that expansion. Simply an amazing game!

 Fresco

Last year when I finally played with all of the expansions, I knew there was no going back. From here on out this massive table hog with be a must to every game I play. SO many choices which is why it's my favorite game from Queen Games.

 Fireball Island

While the base game is fun, you're missing out if you don't add every single expansion to this game. And with the recent release of the new spider expansion, I can't wait to add it to my collection to make this game that much more incredible!

 Templar: The Secret Treasures

We played it once without the queenies. Then I added them all in and will never play without them ever again. I would've dumped this game from my collection if it were not for the mini-expansions to the game. It's does indeed make it that much better!

Twilight Imperium 3rd Edition

There's a reason my gaming group will not be playing the 4th edition for a while. Because it doesn't have all the bells and whistles as its predecessor. TI3 MUST be played with everything that comes in the box of expansions. My gaming group will have it no other way. I forced them to play 4th edition long enough. Though I enjoy it, I understand why they miss all the goodies that came with the 3rd edition. It's not wonder that this game continually makes it near the top of my favorite board games every year.

That's mine. What's yours?

Dragged Across Concrete (Review)

Off of a recommendation from a podcast I listen to, I decided to give this a try.

It's about 2 cops that get suspended when they're too rough during an arrest and decide to rip off a few bank robbers they know are about to do a job. I know it sounds cliche but it's a rather in depth story that was pretty entertaining. Not awesome, but if you're at Redbox with a free coupon and nothing else looks good, it's worth your time.

The Death of Superman Lives (Review)

Ever wondered whatever happened to Tim Burton's ill-fated Superman Lives movie? Well I saw a documentary about it that was pretty interesting. It even showed test footage of the different suits, concept art and Nicholas Cage trying out the outfits.

Really interesting stuff, especially if you're a Superman fan....which I am not....so I though the documentary was ok. I would love for them to do this on the Batman and Robin sequel movie but I guess no one's interested in that.

Star Trek Discovery Season 2 (Partial review)

I was asked by several Trek friends (two very close friends as well) to give this series a second shot by watching Season 2. So I decided to oblige....I made it through over a 1/3 of the series before giving up.

This show is straight garbage. Sure they try to rectify past mistakes and apologize to fans by kissing their ass any chance they find it convenient to do so, but under it all is a big stinking pile of crap. I'm not wasting any more time on this series ever again.

Gen Con 2019

Once again GenCon is upon us and I can't go. This year Stefan Feld is there and I'd love to meet him but that's ok, I got a pretty good excuse to stay at home this year. 

Jack of all Trades (Review)

This documentary is described as a man, re-connecting with his Dad thru fond memories of baseball cards. It sounded great and I decided to give it a try. I loved the cover after all and it spoke to a past time of my own when I was in the hobby of collecting too.

And the description is generally right, however, this film comes up short in so many ways.

First off, the man who stars in the film has no idea baseball cards have declined in value over the years. Proving how naive he is with the hobby. Right then and there I should have stopped the movie but I let it play.

He then goes on a quest to find out what happened to the hobby though it's with mild interest and not that of a true fan of baseball. It throws together a meeting with his Dad (who he hasn't seen in 20 years) as it's "finale" but it's so underwhelming you wonder how much of it was planned.

I would imagine more than half of the documentary was pre-planned.

Also the "Where are they now" post credits are filled with incredible mis-information, which I blame on his ignorance into the hobby and not him trying to be deceptive.

For one, he states that Upper Deck got out of the business and Tops is the "last man standing in the baseball industry" Not true. Tops got exclusive rights to baseball cards and locked everyone out years ago but the director is so lazy he never bothered looking in to it.

Tops is portrayed as this brave company, standing tall for the hobby that most people have abandoned when in truth, they're the reason it's been destroyed.

Horrible business practices, creating a false sense of scarcity in the market and horrendous lack of concern for their customer base has brought the hobby to its lowest point to date.

I hope one day someone makes a better film about this topic. It's well worth looking in to for some one who knows more about the hobby and not by someone who's shocked to discover his 1989 Jose Cansaco card is worthless.