Mega Pirannah clip

So, I have to admit it, I am in love with SYFY, that's right, I said it, I love me some SyFy, and movies like Mega Pirannah are a perfect example as to why. Sure, we can debate whether there is something wrong with me or not, or you can enjoy this clip from Bloodydisgusting showing a guy kicking a giant Pirannah. Oh yeah, I'm serious! You know you can't resist!

I'm feeling old! TMNT is 20 today!

Yeah, you saw that right, the first live action movie about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles came out twenty years ago TODAY. I have a trailer for the movie here, but when I watched the trialer, the voices were dubbed differently. Clearly, I need to look into that, but it's here anyway, so feel nostalgic!

Surrogats review

Bruce Willis stars in a movie with Bruce Willis as Bruce Willis in a movie about a robot Bruce Willis. Ok, that's not exactly it, but it's pretty close. The movie tries to be similar to the Matrix by mixing a deep premise with plenty of social commentary with an action movie. Does it work? Not so much.

The movie is about a society that uses robots that looks like themselves called Surrogates for everyday life, while the real people sit around at home. These surrogates are better looking, super-human robots that make every day chores easier and more important, safer. Once we find out that people can be killed while plugged into their surrogates, the race is in to find out who is killing the surrogates.

If the premise is tough to understand, then it is a good reflection of the movie. It's not easy when surrogates are commanded by different people and people are not who they claim to be. While the effect is kind of interesting, it doesn't lead to much. The film seems to be really proud of the premise as an allegory to the good ol' World Wide Web, and as such, doesn't worry about characters, or much of a great plot.

There is one scene where Bruce Willis's surrogate is chasing down the murderer and the surrogate is armless and bounding from container to container in an attempt to get the bad guy, and at that point, you know you are in for an over-the-top action movie. The movie switches characters between their surrogates and their real conterparts, which really proves the point in the story, it gets old and confusing.

Overall, the movie had an interesting premise that went nowhere, and had characters as boring as the robots in the story. Throughout, you weren't sure who anyone besides Bruce Willis was, and you really didn't care. I got this movie for free through Netflix, and I would have felt ripped off if I paid anymore.

I give it a 5 out of 10

Behind the scenes of 3 Guys and Chuck - Chuck vs. th Final Exam

Have you ever wondered what goes on during the behind the scenes of your favorite podcast? Have you ever wanted to know what the famed 3 Guys studio looked like? Were you still trying to figure out if Jimbo was real? Well, if so, check out some behind the scenes with the 3 Guys while we record the latest podcast, courtesy of Rabidnick.com

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World Trailer

So, after hearing about this movie for what seemed like a decade, I finally saw the trailer, and all I was able to muster was a "wow." They don't call me "wordy Kevin" for nothing, eh?

Anyway, this trailer looks amazing, consider me down for a ticket right now. Check it out:

Review - Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang

As much as I would love to, I'm not able to get around to every movie out there, no matter how good it may be. So, when I heard I missed one really good movie in my travels, I decided to go back and look at it. What I got was a viewing of the Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer classic Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, and I'm so glad I went back for this one.

The movie revolves around Harry, once a magician, now a thief who runs from the cops, only to stumble in on an audtion for a detective, only to nail it and get moved out to L.A. Once he's there, he is paired up with a real detective who happens to be gay, appropriatly named Gay Perry. Once together, the two get into a real case, involving murder, mayhem and a really hot Michelle Monagahn.

This movie was a blast, and a completly unconventional comedy/drama/action movie. I describe it that way, because like Lethal Weapon, the movie was almost completely split between the three genres. The film was narrated by Downey, and broke the fourth wall several times. The best part, however, was the tremendous witty banter between Downey and Kilmer. Both are very good at those long bits of dialogue, anyway, but the writing makes it even better here. Besides the comedy, the muder mystery going on in the movie is actually interwoven nicely throughout the movie. The performances by everyone involved were top notch, and you also get a topless Monagahn, just for a bonus.

Overall, I'm giving this movie a solid 9 out of 10 because it was very smart, funny, entertaining and real, all at the same time. I found myself saying this was the "best movie ever" quite a few times, and when I get that excited over a movie, you know it's pretty good!


TRIVIA: The movie's title is a reference to an un-used theme song to the James Bond movie Thunderball (1965). "Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" was recorded by first Shirley Bassey and then Dionne Warwick after composer John Barry had chosen the title when he read a magazine article which mentioned that was how Bond was known in Italy. However, the producers got cold feet at the last moment and asked him to write a title song, "Thunderball", which was performed by Tom Jones. Both versions of "Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" were released many years later, and "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" has since become a slang description of the James Bond-style spy genre.

Glee promo

Something for the Gleeks. This looks absolutley rediculous, but I'm excited. This promo has my two favorite things: Leah Michelle and Jane Lynch, so bring on the Glee!

...and seriously...a singoff?!? WTF?

Why 'Jumping the Shark' has jumped the shark

Occasionally, I like to rant about something that really grinds my gears, and since this is my blog, I'm going to rant away.

Today, I saw something that is extremely common on any forum talking about a TV show, and that is the phrase "jump the shark." I've defined the phrase before, and talked about its origins, but here's a refresher: Jumping the Shark is a reference to an old Happy Days episode where someone literally jumps over a shark. The context of the scene is so bizarre and out of context and character for the show, it signifies the moment in which the show lost its grip on the characters and the world around them.

Now, it's a phrase that is meant for TV shows, so normally, that phrase is ok, but I saw it three times, thrown around all nimbly bimbly with no reguard to actually using it correctly. Let me state right now, the term is not for when you don't like an episode, it isn't for when the plot seems simple, it isn't for when the character does something you don't like. I really hate when people just throw the phrase around to show their displeasure at an episode, when really, the show has no signs of losing touch with the characters or the world around them. If you don't like the episode, say why, and maybe offer an idea for what they could've done that you would have liked. Sure, you may still get flamed, but this is the internet, that's what they do. Atleast you won't sound like an idiot using the wrong savy lingo.

Everyone has their opinions, and with TV and film, they are all we have, since the medium is so subjective, but use a little bit of your brains and ask yourself "is this action really out of place for the character, or the world around them" and if it is, then whip out the jumping of the shark proudly, but if not, then say you just didn't like the episode, which is your right.

The Willhelm Scream

With reports that the famed scream is in Iron Man 2, the Los Angeles Times posted a video of some of the greatest Wilhelm Screams in cinema. Check it out, and listen for the scream when Iron Man 2 hits theaters.

The Lost MegaCon footage (NSFW)

There is footage so shocking and so disturbing, it was removed from the world for over... well, a week, atleast. Finally, that footage has been found, and because it says in the video it must be placed on TheHopp.NET, I must comply. So, here it is, for your viewing pleasure (and really, unless you are in this video, your probably not gonna give a shit), the lost MegaCon footage, courtesy of RabidNick.com

3 Guys and the Quest for the Holy Fail

Creative Loafing will post the trek back into B-movie hell, but in case you have the patience of a dried grape as I do, here you go, directly from the 3 Guys mouth and onto your screen. Let me know what you think about 3 Guys and the Quest for the Holy Fail - Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinorsaur Hell.
Once it pops up on Loafing, I'll update the post, but I wanted my readers to get it here first!

SYFY Upcoming Movies List

MEGA PIRANHA – Premieres Saturday, April 10, at 9PM (ET/PT) — An unusual alliance tries to stop a mutant strain of giant ferocious piranhas that have escaped from the Amazon and are eating their way to Florida. Stars Barry Williams, Tiffany and Paul Logan.

MOTHMAN – Premieres Saturday, April 24, at 9PM (ET/PT) – The legendary West Virginia monster returns to exact revenge on five childhood friends who covered up an accidental killing. Stars Jewel Staite (Firefly).

MONGOLIAN DEATH WORM – Premieres Saturday, May 8, at 9PM (ET/PT) -. A treasure hunter who has been searching for a tomb containing Genghis Khan’s treasure teams with a humanitarian UN health worker to stop the Mongolian Death Worms, awakened by experimental oil drilling in the Mongolian desert. Stars Patrick Flannery and Victoria Pratt.

WITCHVILLE – Premieres Saturday, May 22, at 9PM (ET/PT — This first Syfy production in China is a sweeping fantasy tale of a kingdom besieged by witches who are sucking the very life out of the land. Only the new King can save his people, but his mysterious connection to the Red Queen of the witches may be his undoing. Stars Luke Goss.

SHARKTOPUS – Genetically engineered as a stealth weapon, a shark/ocotopus hybrid escapes captivity and goes on a killing rampage on the beaches of Mexico. Stars Eric Roberts and Hector Jimenez.

RED – A descendant of Little Red Riding Hood brings her fianc home to meet her family and tell him about the family business – they are werewolf hunters. When the fianc is bitten by a werewolf, he finds himself the hunted. Stars Felicia Day (Dr. Horrible, The Guild), Kavan Smith and Stephen McHattie.

LAKE PLACID 3 – In this sequel, a game warden, his wife and their young son move into their aunt’s cabin on Lake Placid, where the lonely boy starts feeding baby crocodiles he views as pets. Three years later, the crocs start looking at him and his family as their food. Stars Colin Ferguson (Eureka)

STONEHENGE APOPCALYPSE – When the giant stones of Stonehenge begin to move and cataclysms occur all over the earth, only a fringe radio talk show host who’s an expert in UFOlogy figures out that the ancient monument is really alien technology. Stars Hill Harper, Misha Collins and Peter Wingfield.

THE LOST FUTURE – In a post-apocalyptic world, both humans and animals have devolved back to the Stone Age. But a small group of wise men knows there is knowledge in the mysterious artifacts called books. Now they have found a young man who knows how to read. If they can defeat the warlord who rules the city where the books are kept, the young man can help them defeat the disease that decimated the world and restart civilization. Stars Sean Bean.

SCREAM OF THE BANSHEE – An archeology professor unearths a dangerous relic, releasing a creature that can kill with her bone-splitting scream. Stars Lauren Holly and Lance Henriksen.

MORLOCKS – An experimental time machine opens a window into the future and mutated monsters (the Morlocks) use it to come back to the present and go on a murderous rampage. Stars David Hewlett (Stargate Atlantis).

8TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD – Sinbad searches for the golden head of the long lost Colossus of Rhodes and instead finds an island where the mythical Minotaur still rules, protecting a vast treasure. Sinbad and his crew have to battle the creature and its minions to get the treasure and save their own lives. Stars Manu Bennett.

DVD Review - Ninja Assassin

EDITORS NOTE: This review is now up on Creative Loafing, so please check it out there. It looks prettier there, anyway!

Ninja Assassin is a Wachowski produced movie that has amazing amounts of style, and hides any substance underneath the crazy amounts of blood in this fun movie, inspired by the classic ninja movies from back in the day. The difference, however, is this movie looks much, much better than those movies.

The movie is about Raizo, (Rain… no seriously, that’s his name) a ninja who was trained from a kid to be an assassin. After he watches as his childhood friend is killed, he realizes he can no longer be part of the group of assassins and vows to kill his old master. After meeting up with a detective, (Naomi Harris) Raizo battles wave after wave of ruthless assassins that were once his brothers in an attempt to stop the ruthless killing once and for all.

There is nothing about this movie’s story that is new, and everything is ridiculously predictable, but while the plot is easily put together, there is still a sense of fun and amazement at the stylized action sequences and gallons upon gallons of digital blood spilled. At first, the blood seems over the top and silly, especially since it is really clearly digital blood, but after awhile, it’s obvious the edgy effects are part of the charm.

The package comes with a DVD/Blue-Ray combo which is great if you have a Blue Ray, but not worth it for the DVD fans, as there are no special features on the DVD. The Blue Ray includes a 15 minute look at the myth of ninjas in cinema in The Myth and Legend of Ninjas. The best feature, however, is the Extreme Sport of a Ninja, which shows some of the people behind the movie, and their crazy agility and talents. The final special feature is Training Rain, a documentary about the ridiculous amount of training that went into turning Rain from a singer and entertainer into a convincing ninja. This feature really gives you a bit of appreciation for the movie and especially the actor when they invest this kind of time and effort into the role.

The combo also includes a digital copy of the movie, just in case you want to view this movie on an incredibly small screen like an IPod. This idea just seems kind of silly to me, especially for a special effects laden movie like this one, but I guess the option is cool.

Overall, the movie was fun, and really worth the rent, but unless you’re really into ninja movies, it won’t be worth your hard earned coin.

the Term "B-Movie" and where it came from

I'm just full of knowledge today, aren't I? Thanks to Den of Geek, they have a great post up about where the term B-Movie comes from. HERE is the link, it's worth the read, but let me sum it up. Back in the day, when the depression was actually worse than it is now, they were trying to keep the poor people in the theaters by offering a package deal of 2 movies for the price of one. The first movie, or the A-Reel was the big bill, sporting a big budget with big-named actors. The second movie, meant to keep people in the seats was the B-Reel, which had very little budget, and low-named actors. For awhile, however, the B-movies were the ones that made all the money and propelled the names of many actors (including John Wayne) into Hollywood history.

Movie Terms - Film Noir

I read a lot of blogs every day, and terms come up that are often used that I thought not everyone would know the meaning to, so I like to educate my movie loving public, and here is todays attempt. The definition is Film Noir. Normally, it's an attempt by the "movie critic" to sound intelligent, and often the term isn't used right, so here is the definition. Now, go out there, and sound smart! (Thanks to Wikipedia)

Film noir is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations. Hollywood's classic film noir period is generally regarded as stretching from the early 1940s to the late 1950s. Film noir of this era is associated with a low-key black-and-white visual style that has roots in German Expressionist cinematography. Many of the prototypical stories and much of the attitude of classic noir derive from the hardboiled school of crime fiction that emerged in the United States during the Depression.

The term film noir (French for "black film"),[1] first applied to Hollywood movies by French critic Nino Frank in 1946, was unknown to most American film industry professionals of the classic era.[2] Cinema historians and critics defined the noir canon in retrospect; before the notion was widely adopted in the 1970s, many of the classic film noirs were referred to as melodramas.[a] The question of whether film noir qualifies as a distinct genre is a matter of ongoing debate among scholars

A Zombie Survival list:

So, we all know the zombie apocalypse is a given. The question is whether you will be dinner or not. There have been some great writings on how to not be an integral part of the last supper, including the Zombie Survival Guide. I found one online at Shootforthehead.com that is really good. So, take a look at their list HERE, and see if they missed any. Remember, when the zombies do come, you don't have to reload a blade!

Add your own rules in the comments section!

Gasparilla Film Festival

EDITORS NOTE: This post appeared on Creative Loafing's website (since they were the reason I got to go), so please check it out. It looks better there, anyway!

The Gasparilla Film Festival came into Ybor City this weekend with plenty of glitz, and plenty of local films to feast your eyes on. I had the opportunity to spend an evening at the festival soaking up all the culture, and all the excitement local films brought to the area.

The great thing about having a festival like this in Ybor is there is never a shortage of people or alcohol, and I definitely enjoyed my share of both. As we made our way to the theater, it was amazing to see how excited everyone was to meet the filmmakers, and see the movies that were shot in our own backyard. The movies had a bit of a theme, with three out of the four involving combat.

The first was a documentary that stole the show for me called Bout that Bout, and it was about an underground fight club started in Seffner. The documentary was shot “guerrilla style” with a few hand-held camcorders and alternated, quite effectively between black and white. The film showed some of the fights with really good efficiency, but the best part was the underlying question of whether it was ok to have these kids in a fight club, and whether it was better than being on the streets.

The second short really caught me off guard, after the serious nature of the previous. It was called King Jeff, and was about an English guy who seemed to role-play that he was a king, and went to war with another king, using stuffed animals for troops. I was so caught off guard, I couldn’t enjoy it all that much, and the film came across as just plain bizarre.

Lucky number three was a really quick movie called Perpetual Life, showing an interview with a guy who couldn’t die, and his debate about what God has to go through, an whether the afterlife was real. The film was entirely too deep for the five minutes or so it was on screen, and seemed easily forgotten.

Finally, we had Caged Dreams, the movie that looked like it had the biggest budget. This film was easily the most professional and followed a cage fighter, and the trainer that was told he needed to have his fighter take a dive. The film got the fighting scenes done perfectly, but the characters, especially the fighter just didn’t get enough screen time to flush out the character. Brian and I were really close to being extras in this movie, but it's not easy working schedules out, so, we had to decline due to scheduling difficulties.

So, overall, my first local film festival is in the books and I have to say it was quite an experience. The audience seemed to really enjoy all the films and was very receptive. I’m looking forward to the next festival as the season gets going, but this was certainly a fun way to kick it off.

Chuck scoopage

So, anyone who knows me knows that I love me some Chuck. I can't help it, the action, beautiful women, and nerd references make an irresistable package. Anywho, there is some talk about how Chuck will end its season on May 24th, and we now have a very small hint about one small part. The anwser is a Jeffster music video! I know! Very exciting! The bad part is we can't figure it out, and Mr. Hollywood, himself, Ausiello, likes to just tease us up until the end. So, let me know what you guess is for what music video it might be. The director said the song came from a Western movie that narrates the movie in the song, which could give us a huge hint as to the plot detail.

So, without futher delay, here's the pics:

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles finally use their weapons

Check this video out from Collegehumor.com that shows what it would be like if the turtles did more than just whack people with their weapons!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Mega Con

The final chapter of my tales of MegaCon includes the story that was placed in Creative Loafing HERE. We have some of the great videos, courtesy of Rabid Nick, but of course, they don't tell the whole story.

The panels were great, and the nerds were plenty, as we went from movie making panel to movie making panel. It was great to see some of the celebrities, like Leah Thompson, and Ray Park, and Nichelle Nichols looked great, and Brent Spiner looked exactly like he did back in the day when he played Data. Claudia Wells looked a bit rough, and I think Levar Burton was there, but he must be a ninja or something because every time I turned around, he was gone...but you don't have to take my word for it! HA!

Anyway, we had crazy amounts of fun, and I was really encouraged by the Indie filmmakers I met, and I hope to meet more in the next few weeks, as the Rabid one and I plan our Indie filmmaking week for Creative Loafing. Oh, it ought to be good!

MegaCon the travels

The road to MegaCon was a tough one, filled with crazy shennanigans, and lots and lots of drinking. The good news, however, is we found Margaritaville! Our home, the beacon of chilaxing was in Orlando, right where we left it. We had live music, and lots and lots of beer and cheeseburgers in paradise in an effort to prepare us for what laid ahead. Once we got to the Con, however, we realized we had not done enough drinking, because walking in was like getting hit with a big metaphorical truck of nerd-ism. The place was crazy, and so busy, it took forever to cross the room, but as we navigated the throngs of nerds, we realized something about ourselves that day...we were the coolest people in the room....well, second coolest, next to Ray Park.

So, after going through the floor, looking at comics, celebrities, sword fighting, t-shirts, and painting, we managed to gather ourselves up for the work that laid ahead...MOVIES! Finally, something that's up my alley.





Oh, yes, and then, there was Monkey Love! (Videos courtesy of the incredibly talented Rabid Nick!)

the Road to Megacon

This is going to be a multi-post piece about the trials and tribulations of MegaCon, the nerd-fest I went to with the rest of the 3 Guys stafff this weekend. It was a weekend of fun, drinking, film stuff, and lots and lots of underage, barely clothed girl ass. Anywho, here is the hilarious video the Rabid One posted.

Slimed

The other day, I got to see a movie called Slimed. It's an indie movie filmed in Clearwater on a budget of absolutley nothing, and I have to say it's histerical. I have become more and more of a fan of indie movies, not that I'm turning into a movie snob, but because they are often more fun, and more daring. This movie is no different. It's silly, bizarre, crazy, and most of all, actually pretty smart. The movie revolves around a park ranger named Rock Rockerson, and his attempts to save his park from the IRS and bible salesmen. After he finds an evil bond-villain-like mouse trying to take over the world, he must stop them, and find religeon, all at the same time....Yeah, I know, it's bizarre, but worthy of a look. We're currently working on a full write-up for our Holy Fail column, and a spotlight for an upcoming Indie film week on Loafing.

Check out the website and the movie HERE.

Florida bans "non-traditional family movies" from tax incentives

There are incentives for shooting your film in Florida, but those incentives just became a lot more complicated with the rewording of the tax incentive bill. The bill is so confusing, the representative couldn't explain it, but he did compare it to The Andy Griffith Show. So, great, that's what Florida should promote is the now antiquated themes of Mayburry. Check out the full article over at Creative Loafing by clicking HERE.

3 Guys & Chuck The Podcast - Chuck Vs. the Tic Tac

This weeks episode of Chuck was really heavy. Sure it had its comedy, but it also had some serious elements, along with being a really John Casey episode. And, at the end, team Bartowski is down a member. Find out what's going on, along with our debate on product placement.

Here is the link on Creative Loafing

Oscar winning movie

Here is the trailer for Oscar Winning Movie. This trailer is the template for every movie that has won an Oscar, and it's brilliant! Check it out! Catchphrase!

3 Guys & Chuck The Podcast - Chuck Vs. The Beard

3 Guys & are back, this week, with another great podcast on Chuck. This weeks episode, which was amazing, was entitled Chuck vs. The Beard, so, give it a listen, and enjoy the shennanigans, the geek references, and all the Chuck goodness.

Reel Projections Podcast-Green Zone, Fourth Kind...

So, last wednesday, yours truly participated in another great Reel Projections Podcast, in which we discussed the post-Oscar hangover, The Green Zone, with Matt Damon, The Fourth Kind, and a ton more. So, give it a listen, and enjoy the movie geekery!

Predator teaser trailer

This could be really good, or really bad. It's too early to tell, but I do love the Predators.

The opening jokes to the Oscars

So the Oscars happened. I know, your totally blown away, right? Well, it wasn't all snobish people congratulating each other, they also had a bit of a Comedy Central style Roast at the beginning. It was akward, and some of the jokes fell flat, but some of them were priceless. Decide for yourself. Here is the opening bit from the hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.

The new Iron Man 2 trailer is out!

So, I loved the first Iron Man, and the second movie looks like more the greatness from the first. The second trailer for the second movie is now out, and while it uses a lot of the same footage from the first trailer, it adds a couple of interesting elements in Sam Rockwell's Justin Hammer, and the incredibly hot Scarlett Johanson. Also, the scene where Tony has an Iron Man suit in a suitcase is a throwback to the classic comic days, which is nice to see.

So, without further delay, here it is! Love it, learn it, learn to love it.

The Razzies are out!

With the Oscars on our front door, the more important awards were just announced, the Razzies, or the Golden Rasberry awards. These awards celebrate the worst in film, and this year had some doozies. Now, any loyal reader of the Quest for the Holy FAIL column will tell you there is plenty FAIL to go around. Do you think they nailed it?

Worst Picture of 2009
Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen
Worst Actress of 2009
Sandra Bullock (All About Steve)
Worst Actor(s) of 2009
All Three Jonas Brothers (Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience)
Worst Screen Couple
Sandra Bullock & Bradley Cooper (All About Steve)
Worst Supporting Actress
Sienna Miller (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra)
Worst Supporting Actor
Billy Ray Cyrus (Hannah Montana: The Movie)
Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel
Land of The Lost
Worst Director
Michael Bay (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen)
Worst Screenplay
Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (Written by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman)
Worst Picture of the Decade
Battlefield Earth (Nominated for 10 Razzies/Winner of 8 )
Worst Actor of the Decade
Eddie Murphy (Nominated for 12 Razzies/Winner of 3)
Worst Actress of the Decade
Paris Hilton (Nominated for 5 Razzies/Winner of 4)

DVD Review - Fourth Kind

Fourth Kind, in reference to the levels of alien encounters is a movie unlike any other. With the DVD “documentary” coming out, we get to look back and see if we truly do believe, or at least $15 worth.

The movie starts off with Milla Jovovich coming right out and saying she is portraying a real life character, named Dr. Abigail Tyler, and that what you are about to see is real, backed up by real footage. Throughout the movie, we learn that Dr. Tyler’s husband was murdered, and as she picks up his patients in their psychology practice, she starts seeing an alarming pattern that the people of Nome, AK are all experiencing bizarre events, memory loss and evidence of what we come to find out to be alien abduction. However, as Dr. Tyler comes closer and closer to these events, despite cautions from her friends, it seems the phenomenon effects her too. Is it green men? Evidence of inbreeding in Alaska? Crazy mumbo jumbo? We don’t know.

The movie doesn’t use the shaky cam technique that other movies have used to try to bring the audience into the movie, but they do put “real footage” in the frame next to Jovovich’s dramaticized events to show what they are saying really happened. The effect is often interesting to compare the two, and is quite a good attempt at convincing the audience. While this technique can get annoying, and is often too much, it is quite different and fun. My problem with the movie is that it often tries too hard to convince you that what you are seeing is real, and as such, can have the opposite effect. The movie, like so many others is fun if you just let your common sense and knowledge of film out the window, and just go for the ride. If you are unable to shut your head off, you won’t enjoy this movie.

There are no real special features to the disc, only deleted scenes, which don’t add really anything to the movie. While this is an attempt to keep the idea that this is a “documentary” it doesn’t really sell this DVD. I would have liked some special features, maybe some audio commentary, but that would ruin the concept I suppose.

So, overall, this is just the movie, and if you are a fan of alien abduction stories, it would be something you would jump at, but for the rest, I would say go out and rent this movie, but try not to spend too much money on late fees.

Reel Projections podcast

I am able to be a guest on a Creative Loafing podcast called Reel Projections, hosted by Joe Bardi. This week, we're joined by Rabid Nick Refer, and we talk about Oscars this week. So, if your into the Oscars, check it out, and find out what is going to happen, along with what we think.

Reel Projections Podcast

Hurt Locker Review

The crazy suspensful movie by Catherine Hardwicke is storming the awards and as of now is the front runner for best picture at the Oscars, but is it any good? I mean, Clint Eastwood won best director and best picture, but his movies aren't any good, so is this one?

Jeremy Renner of SWAT fame stars as Sergeant James, a cocky, reckless bomb-squad tech in Iraq. James takes over a team of soldiers who just saw their commander blown up as James comes in with full swagger and just casually disarms bomb after bomb, seemingly without reguard for his or his teams safety as missions go wrong, and things happen, the adrenaline level only gets higher.

This movie is nominated for best actor in Jeremy Renner, best director for Catherine Hardwicke, along with best picture and best screenplay. Is it going to win all of that? No. Should it? I don't think so, but that doesn't mean it's not a great flick. This movie makes simply walking down the street tension filled, and makes the audience stay on the edge of their seat all the way to the end of the film. Renner should clearly be nominated and I would be fine with him winning best actor. His portrayal of an unpredictable rogue bomb squad guy was absolutley brilliant.

The picture was exactly what the Oscar voters would pick as best picture, and I think it could easily win best cinematography. I think Avatar was the more immersive, overall better picture, but both were fantastic. The one problem I had with the movie was the small bit of plot that never developed. There was inference to a lead badguy who seems to be setting up these bombs for our character James to disarm, but that part never developed, leaving me wondering exactly what was going on, and if there would be a sequel.

So, overall, this is a fantastic movie, with tons and tons of tension and is a must watch for anyone. Is it something you'll want to watch over and over again? No, but it's a must watch the first time around.

I give it a 9 out of 10

(Editors Note: I figured I would try a video review of the movie as well. Don't worry, I'm not thinking of moving to Hollywood to start up a career in acting or anything, but here's my 2 minute review of Hurt Locker. Let me know what you think!)

Zach Levi makes his directorial debut on Chuck

As you all know, I'm a big fan of Chuck, in fact we do a podcast every week on the awesomeness that is Chuck. So, this week is supposed to be a really big episode. We have the return of Jeffster, someone finds out Chuck's secret, and some serious shit goes down. I also think Hannah will be nowhere to be found...all good things! Anywho, check out the video of Zach Levi's directorial debut on this weeks Chuck. I have to say, it's always a pleasure to see someone excited and enjoying their work!

Olivia Munn is WHO in Iron Man 2?

Well, this just in, AOTS hottie and all around geek goddess Olivia Munn has her part in Iron Man 2 revealed (that sounded kinda dirty, didn't it?). Her part is non other than the Scarlet Witch!

Are you scratching your head, wondering who in the name of Zeus's beard is the Scarlet Witch? You're not alone. So, I asked the all-mighty Google and got this:

Initially, the Scarlet Witch had the mutant ability to manipulate probability via "hexes". Visually, these hexes could manifest as "hex spheres" or "hex bolts" and increased the probability of various unlikely phenomena, including spontaneous combustion of inflammable objects, rapid rust or decay of organic or inorganic materials, deflection of objects and powers in flight, and disruption of energy transmissions or fields.

So, basicallly, she hexes people and alters probabilities. Apparently, she becomes a member of the Avengers in the comic (hint: there's an Avengers movie being written right now), and she has a brother named Quicksilver, and her daddy is non other than Magneto.

So, there you have it! Straight from the horses...uhh, from the Interwebs, yeah!

Movies you just don't see the fuss over...

One of the many blogs I read daily is a blog called Denofgeek.com. It's a great sight because they are film geeks and aren't afraid to show it. When I first read the column they had today, I was worried about what they call "flame bait," which is when you write something to be contrary, just to piss people off enough for them to click on your story and write a comment. And, for the most part, it was an interesting column. The column was movies their staff writers thought was just not interesting, or atleast not as good as most think. Some of the ones on their list was Mullhullond Drive, Love Actually, Star Wars, The Matrix, V for Vendetta, and The Hangover.

Now, by the list, you could see a couple of those were quite contrary to my opinions, especially the Star Wars and The Matrix posts. While most of the posts gave great reasons why they didn't like the movies (and, hey, your allowed to like different things, it's ok) the Star Wars post seemed to be the most inflamatory.

Either way, it got me thinking about what I would put on the list, and why. So, since I don't write for that site, here are a couple of my movies I would say "meh" to.

1) Blade Runner - I am a huge Sci-Fi fan, as you can probably tell from my favorite movies list. I love the genre, and so many of the movies in it, even the bad ones, but for the life of me, I can't sit through this movie. Harrison Ford is there to chase down disguised robots in the near future and is so boring with line delivery, and plot, the movie puts me to sleep, something no Sci-Fi movie should ever do. Besides that, I simply never give a flying frak about any of the characters and whether they're secretly robots or not. Again, if you like it, that's cool, but I don't.

2) Godfather - I swear, this isn't meant for flame-bait, but I simply can't get into this movie. I know I'm supposed to love it, and herald it as the next coming of Jesus (or, as the spanish say, Jesus), but I just can't help but wonder what's on TV while watching it. I have never been a fan of mob movies, and don't find a bunch of Italian Americans all that interesting, so, three hours later, I'm wishing I watched the Room, instead.

3) Gone with the Wind - The greatest movie of all time, according to AFI, and I can't make it through all 3 hours and change. This is another one that the film community tells me I should like, but I say "Nay." I've got it, it's a love story, Scarlett is kind of a bitch, lets move on, maybe there's a rerun of some TV episode on instead. So, sorry AFI, you got it wrong. (In my opinion).

So, there you have it, my three movies that I say I don't like. Do you agree? What about your pics?

Lego Star Wars stop action film is the greatest thing ever

That's right, I said it; "the greatest thing ever." This video is a short using lego characters, and is just plain awesome. I love Star Wars, and I love some Legos. I'm pretty sure Legos are the greatest toy in the world, and when they are combined like this, the result is pure awesome! Check it out!

The Top 5 Tim Burton Films

(Editors Note: This article appeared in Creative Loafing. Check it out HERE)


Love him or hate him, director Tim Burton has done some really famous, and really good movies in a very long, impressive career. With his latest movie, Alice in Wonderland coming out, I wanted to look back at some of my favorites and hope his latest venture is like some of these, and not just another Cabinet of Dr. Caligari in a different setting like some of his other movies.


5) Edward Scissor hands - One of Johnny Depp’s more known roles, the movie has a great sense of heart, with an underlying meaning, and a truly bizarre concept only Burton could pull off. While this movie had some of Burton's usual style, back then, it was considered unique and refreshing.



4) Big Fish - This movie is one of those movies you simply have to love. It is sweet, and heartfelt, and larger than life, as the title applies and absolutely nothing like any of the other movies Burton has done. This movie, while it may have its dark parts, is a light, fun and heartwarming movie. Ewan McGregor flexed his acting chops, showing Burton has a way of brining it out of his actors.



3) Batman - Burton was the first to take this to where the original creators intended to take it; a dark place. This movie was not the Adam West Batman of the days of yore, and it was not something meant for kids. Michael Keaton was the definitive Batman until recently, and Keaton had a great opponent in a role made famous by Jack Nicholson, which was considered irreplaceable until the late Heath Ledger brought the role back for a new generation of the Joker.



2) BeetleJuice - Another Michael Keaton role, this movie was so bizarre and dark, and showed Burton's style perfectly in the bizarre makeup and set design. The concept was weird, the performances were hilarious and Winona Ryder wasn't really annoying. Whenever this movie is on, I'm usually watching it. I’d like to think of this movie as quirky.




1) Mars Attacks! - This movie had one of the biggest ensemble casts of all time, and is one of the most ridiculous movies as well. The movie has the tongue firmly planted in the cheek as Martians invade and destroy the world, with Jack Nicholson in two roles, this movie had way better performances than it deserved, and with this combination, you get one of the greatest bad movies of all time. Come on, you know your making the international symbol of the donut as we speak.




So, is one of your favorites missing? Let me know in the comments.

The Block is at it again

Alright, I just have to get this out there: I am so glad I no longer work there!

Ok, so, on to the news. Blockbuster is trying to keep it quiet, but they are slowly phasing back in late fees, starting next week. As of about 5 years ago, late fees were about 22% of the total revenue of the brick and mortar stores, and was the biggest strain on my wallet since my addiction to movies. After Blockbuster got rid of late fees and just charged people for the movie in order to try and stay competitive with Netflix, they realized they no longer had movies to rent.

So, now, like a flashback to 10 years ago, late, uhh, "Extended Viewing Fees" are back, but a bit more generous. Now, it's a flat $1 per day, up to $10. So, technically, you could keep out the movie for three months, and all you would be charged is 10 bones. I don't think it's a bad deal, but if you keep it out for a week, the $10 plus the $4 and change it costs for the movie, you could buy the movie. Atleast you don't have to worry about seeing those people who came in with an $87 late fee bill, and pretend not to laugh as they pass out.

I think this is a step in the wrong direction for The Block, and is just another nail in the closet. I personally don't think they should've gotten rid of late fees, but now they have, they can't go back, and attempting to do so will just alienate the four customers they have left.

Oh well, it was good while it lasted, Blockey!

3 Guys & Chuck The Podcast - Chuck Vs. The Fake Name

So, after a two week hiatus for that Olympic crap, Chuck is back, which means the 3 Guys & Chuck podcast is as well. This week was a great episode, and I think it showed in the fun we had throughout the podcast. This week we talk about the episode, the characters, and Jimbo and I get into it reguarding Hannah (Kristen Kreuk). Don't worry, I won!
Anywho, it was a good episode, and in case you missed it, the episode is down at the bottom of the page. Check it out!!

How it should have ended: Star Trek (2009)

I love the people over at HISHE, and this video is a great reason why. I have to admit, I loved the latest J.J. Abrams Star Trek, it was possibly my favorite movie of oh 9, and one of my favorite Sci-Fi films ever. But, I have to admit, this would've been awesome! Check it out.

We're moving!

So, it became apparent that I needed a catchy slogan and domain name to go along with the millions ... err, thousands... err, well, many fans of Kevin's Movie Blog.
As a result, over the next day or two, you will see the URL redirect you to our new home at THEHOPP.NET.
It's something easy, and hopefully, it'll roll off the tongue, and in a short while, it'll be bigger than Google.

Check back for a new layout (maybe) and much more fun stuff!!