2010 Year In Review: My Movie List

14 movies.
That's how many films that I saw in the theaters in 2010, starting on Feb. 13th with the remake of The Wolfman and ending on Christmas Day with the True Grit remake.
So out of those films, which was the best, the worst, and the surprising? Here's my two cents about it.

Now, before I begin, let me preface things with my criteria on the movie list: my picks are based solely on the films I saw at the theatres. Not on DVD or TV. And, I only saw 14 films, not many of the soon-to-be Oscar contenders or independent films that may have played someplace else.

With that said, here we go:

MY TOP 5 FILMS (in reverse order:)

5. True Grit -- A remake of the classic Western, with Jeff Bridges doing a good job taking on the Duke's role as Rooster Cogburn. The Coen brothers made it darker, interesting and a lot more unique than the original, which is fine by me.
4. The Town -- Now, first off, I'm not a Ben Affleck fan. I find most of his movies disappointing and flat out boring, especially when he plays, well Ben Affleck. But when he doesn't, as is the case in this heist film, he is not bad at all. I liked the chase scenes and the climatic shootout. Mad props to the supporting cast as well, including Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm, and Blake Lively who each had standout scenes. And Affleck makes for a good director too, especially using his home area of Boston as a key part of the movie, not just as a background.
3. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World -- This movie had me from the minute I saw the huge ass billboard that draped across the hotel at Comic Con. A movie that used every bit of its 80s video game references along with biting humor and flat out funny moments. Michael Cera really knocked it out of the park in the title role and Edgar Wright's unique direction that used visuals straight out of the video games and comic book styling (which is where the movie is based on) definitely hit home for me.
2. The Social Network -- This was very very close deciding if this was my top flick of the year. But it finished a strong second. What can I say about this film based on how the Facebook site came to be and the drama behind it? I'd say it was witty, biting, hilarious, touching and unique. Two of the best film performances I've seen this year go to Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield in this movie. Eisenburg, as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerburg was hands down perfect in the part, where you cared for him in one minute and just flat out hated him the next. The rest of the cast, including Justin Timberlake as neurotic Napster founder Sean Parker and Armie Hammer playing dual roles as the WinkleVoss twins, was great as well. The script from Aaron Sorkin was great and David Fincher's direction definitely captured the feel and tone of seeing this cultural revolution (which I'm a card-carrying member) come together. Plus, I love Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' score.

1. Inception -- This was really close between this and The Social Network for my pick for best of the year, but this had the edge. It's the third film I've seen from director Christopher Nolan to earn the top spot (after Batman Begins and its sequel The Dark Knight). What made it my top pick? First of all, this film had so many genres going on (sci-fi, fantasy, crime caper, human drama, bits of humor as well) and yet it all fit perfectly. Next, the cast (Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, etc.) was top notch, with each of them bringing their A-game. Heck even Michael Caine did a good job and his role was brief. Then, there was the effects which defined mind blowing. from the chase scenes in several locales, methods and directions to the city landscape flipping upside down and all over the place. The storyline, which was hard to grasp at first, soon started to make sense and evolve as it played out. The score was haunting and jam packed. And finally there was the last scene, the very last scene, which leaves people talking and torn over what's real or not. Nolan captured it all. And to do all of that, in something that hadn't been done storywise and visually, and to keep the audience interested the whole time, is what makes this film my pick for the best picture that I've seen in 2010.

HONORABLE MENTION -- Just missed the top 5 list: Shutter Island, Green Zone.

MOST DISAPPOINTING FILM -- In a rare feat, I can't honestly say that I saw something that was the worst film I've seen last year. But if I had to pick a film that was a letdown, I'd go with Iron Man 2 as my choice. Now I had high hopes for this sequel, the original was in my top 5 a couple years ago. But with the exception of a few good moments, this film didn't have the wow factor as compared to the original. In fact, I always see a sequel as something that should build on from the first film and improve on it. Again, that didn't happen. Robert Downey, Jr. was good in this, but the others, especially Mickey Rourke as the bad guy Whiplash, just did not impress me. So was this the worst film? No. But it was a major disappointment.

DARK-HORSE FILM -- Now this choice goes to the film or films that was a surprise to me, something that blew me away after coming in with low expectations for it. This year's pick is Kick-Ass. I like comic book films, but going in, I didn't honestly know what to expect from this adaptation of the comic book series. But after seeing it, I was blown away. Funny, a bit gory, great visuals and a very smart script, I liked it a lot.  The fight scenes towards the end was very well done too. I hope they make a sequel to this one.

Well that's my picks. I'd love to hear your top 5 films. What was the worst or most disappointing flick you saw last year? And what was your dark horse? Reply back here with your choices. Thanks!

What I Like Right Now: The Walking Dead

Hey there.

Since I'm getting back into the world of blogging, I figured I'd do something I haven't done in a while.

I'm gonna talk about stuff that I'm liking nowadays.

First off, I'm a TV addict. Born and bred. I love good TV shows that don't turn one's brains till mush.

The majority of things I like are usually stuff that come across on the tube.

There are several TV shows that I watch religiously. Fox's Fringe, Smallville and Supernatural on the CW, Sons of Anarchy on FX, and Showtime's Dexter are just a few of the shows that I tune in to.

But the one I'm addicted to nowadays is the newest show from AMC, The Walking Dead.

Now, first off, I'm not a full on fan of zombie films. There have been a few instances, like 28 Days Later and Shaun of the Dead. But I've never been a fan of the genre.

However, I'm a fan of this show.

I was hooked into this way back in July, when I saw the premiere trailer for this at Comic Con in San Diego (I'll talk about my time out there at a later post.)

As I stood there, surrounded by hundreds of others, transfixed by the images of this upcoming television show. I knew that I had to see this show.

Then when it premiered, on Halloween night no less, the show got my attention. The first five minutes of it alone blew me away, and from then on, I've found my latest TV show addition.

The one downside of this show is the fact that the first season is so short, six episodes in all. But they've put together a good blend of the scare factor with the zombies and the human drama of the survivors trying to make due in the aftermath of the apocalypse. The show will be back for a longer second seasson, 13 episodes, but more than likely it won't return again till next Halloween.

In any event, this show has become one of my faves. From the haunting theme song to the performances of the cast to the downright gory look of the zombies themselves, it has hit all the buttons. I can't wait to see where this goes next.

That's the latest with what I'm liking right now. From time to time, I'll touch on other things I like. It can range from movies and other TV shows, to stuff that I pick up at the stores.

Blog at you soon.

Getting Back into the Blog

Hey there, it's been over a year since I last made an entry here. It's a bad habit I have, getting distracted by work, other projects, and life in general that I sometimes don't have the time or the energy to go to this site and update things on my life.

In fact, I've been lately posting things on my Facebook page rather than here.

But this time, I'm gonna change that.

Starting with this post, I'm gonna get back to writing things on the blog. In fact, from now on this will be my main site. So, over time, I'll start moving things from my inactive website here and posting things here.

My goal -- and I'm going to do my best to stick with -- is to update the blog at least once a week. Probably over the weekend, when I can best put my thoughts together, or if events warrant, like a trip or checking out something cool, I'll have more than one entry a week.

But right now, this is me, getting back in the game, getting back to blogging about my life.

I'm also going to update and refresh this blog, putting some new stuff in and giving links to my other projects as well as my friends' blog/web sites. So, over time, you'll see changes to the look.

So, that's it for a start. Like I said, I'm gonna try my best to stick with it this time.

In closing, I just have one thing left to say:

It's good to be back.

Sports Page Blog: The Stanley Cup Finals!

Quick blog to talk about the Stanley Cup Finals, which begin tonight.

The Pittsburgh Penguins may have their two superstars in Crosby and Malkin, but my hometown team, The Detroit Red Wings, have shown to me that they have enough depth and experience to hold them off.

Wings in 6.

Go Wings!!!!!!

Comic Con 2008; Looking Back, Part 4

Hey again.

Again, it's been ages since I've posted here, but I'd at least owe you guys the chance to finish up the recap of my trip last year to San Diego for Comic Con. So here's Part 4:

On Friday (July 25), me, Lance and Tim again made the trek out to the Convention Center, not as early as was the case the day before, but still made an early start. After grabbing something to eat, I made it out to the Film School panel for Day 2. After learning some more of the tricks from those who've been able to make their independent movies, I again headed down to the exhibit floor to check out some of the booths.

Then, after grabbing some lunch, came the first highlight of the day: attending the panel for the big screen remake of "The WolfMan" movie. It was cool to see not only the film's stars, Benicio DelToro and Emily Blunt, talk about the film, but also seeing Rick Baker, who's not only one of the greatest makeup effect artists ever (An American Werewolf in London, The Nutty Professor flicks, Planet of the Apes, etc.) but he's also doing the effects work for this movie as well.

Rick Baker, Emily Blount, and Benicio DelToro talk about the WolfMan remake.

As an added treat, we got to see the trailer for the movie as well. One thing I can say about this, based on what I saw from the trailer, this won't be like the original flick as far as carnage goes. Now the original film, even though it's cheesy by today's standards, was the first werewolf film I've ever seen and I hold it in a very high regard. So I'm looking forward to seeing how this remake will pay homage. Since I've seen this panel, the film's been pushed back not once but twice, to where it'll hit theatres in November. Hopefully the delays will be worth it.

After that panel ended, I stayed in the same room as the panel for "The Spirit" movie took over. Now, at the time, this was a very highly anticipated film, b ased on the classic comic with Frank Miller, the man behind "Sin City" and "The Dark Knight Returns" comics, directing the big screen version. He was there, along with many of the cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, Gabriel Macht (who plays the Spirit) and Jamie King.

Star Gabriel Macht and director Frank Miller at the Spirit movie panel.

"The Man" himself, Samuel L. Jackson.

We got to see clips of the movie and some interesting feedback from the cast. Samuel L., of course, was very very funny. And even though the panel was good, it wasn't enough to make me see the film when it came out over the holidays last year. And as it turned out, the movie bombed big time. So, maybe it was a good thing I went with my first instinct.

After grabbing some lunch and hitting the exhibit halls again, I tried to check out some other panels, first for Fox's 24 and then for SciFi's Sanctuary, but the lines were too long and both were filled to the rim, so I couldn't get in. I did luck out though and checked out the panel for another show I watch, Fox's Prison Break. That was cool, hearing the cast talk about what turned out to be the show's final season.

Afterwards, I met back up with Lance and Tim and we grabbed some dinner at a unique little place that had a 50's diner setting and menu. The food was great and the chocolate milkshakes, made with real ice cream, were to die for.

Overall, another good day at the Con.

Coming up: getting lost at the Con, getting left and meeting up with Chuck.

Comic Con 2008; Looking Back, Part 3

Hey there.

I know it's been forever and a day since my last post here. But I haven't forgotten my recap of my time out in San Diego for Comic Con back in July.

So here's part 3, recaping my second full day out on the coast (July 24):

The day started off pretty early, as me, my online friend Lance and his mate Tim all were heading out to the Con on that day. We wanted to get an early jump, since this was the first full day of the Convention and we knew the crowds and the traffic would be brutal.

After driving down there and getting a good parking spot inside the Convention Center, we had some time to kill before the Con opened up for the day, so we decided to grab some breakfast. We all grabbed some donuts and rolls and made our way to Petco Park, the home stadium of the San Diego Padres baseball team. The place had a park like setting around the field area that was open to the public during non game days, so we got a chance to sit down in the park to eat. This blew me away because this would never happen where I am. So this was pretty cool. This wouldn't be the last time I'd be at Petco, as you will read in a future update.

The morning view from my position at Petco Park.

After having breakfast, we made our way down to the Center for the day's activities as we split up and went our separate ways. My first stop was the CC Film School 101 panel. This was a four day session where those who attended would learn some of the ropes about putting together your own film through those low budget filmmakers who've been there. As a fledgling filmmaker, I definitely made it a point to check it out.

While I was at the panel, I noticed someone across the room from me who looked familiar. As it turned out, it was my good online friend Chase Langley from Plus One Pictures. Chase, if you're not familiar with MarkOne Films, was my partner in my first film effort, "Vanishing Act". He co-directed the film that I wrote and also starred in it. In spite of our collaboration, we had never met in person until that day. So, of course, we talked a little bit after the panel was completed.

It was cool to touch base with him and to know that we'll be working together in the near future.

When MarkOne met PlusOne: Me and my online friend and collaborator, Chase Langley from PlusOne Pictures.

After chatting with Chase, I went down to the exhibit hall and walked around a bit, getting some cool toys and swag until I met up with Lance and Tim, where we grabbed some lunch and dropped off our stuff in the garage. Then I made it back out to the Center to check out some more panels.

First one I caught was the Doctor Who/Torchwood panels. I had missed out on the first part of the panel, but was able to catch some trailers of what's planned for Doctor Who's annual Christmas special (which we won't catch here in the States till later in 2009). I did get to see the cast of Torchwood talk in their panel. I like this show, which reminds me of the early days of the X Files with a wicked sense of humor. And the cast was very funny in person as they talked about their characters, the show and what they are like off camera.

When that was over, I made a mad dash to another panel, this time for ABC Family's The Middleman. This was a quirky little show based on a comic that had a lot of humor and inside jokes to pop culture references. However, since the show was on this channel, the ratings for it weren't so hot and all of us in the room wanted to know if this would get the chance for a second season. An exec from the network was there and did notice that the place was packed. But as I type this now, I doubt that this funny, quirky comic book show would be back for another year. I hope I'm wrong.

After that, I walked over to the autograph area where stars from various shows and movies were there to naturally sign autographs. By the time I got there, there really weren't many stars around, but I did see some people that I wanted to meet.

The guys from one of my all time favorite shows : "Mystery Science Theater 3000" were there signing autographs, so I definitely had to meet them. Now the last time I had met these guys was over a decade ago when I had attended the MST3K convention in Minneapolis. So it was cool to see them again, as they naturally made fun of me telling them about the last time I had saw them (you were just a "wee lad" back then, one remarked) and they then signed a poster from one of their new ventures, Rifftrax, where they make fun out of hit movies through CDs you can play on while the actual movie is playing. They signed a poster of their spoof of "Raiders of the Lost Ark", which was hilarious. I look forward to getting that CD.

Then after that, I saw someone else from a show I watched when I was a kid, "Superboy". I met the star of the show's first season, John Haymes Newton. which was pretty cool. I had asked him if they had any plans to release any of the other seasons on DVD, he said it was doubtful, but you never know. Still it was pretty cool to meet him nonetheless.

Me with Superboy himself, John Haymes Newton.

Afterwards, I hung out at the Exhibit Hall some more and then I got into check out a world premiere. This was for the made for DVD movie, "Hulk vs. Wolverine" that's supposed to be out early next year.

Let me tell you flat out, this is a kick-ass movie. It's funny, action packed, and has some good wicked fight scenes between the Green Goliath and Logan himself. It's bloody, gory and damn good. It's not for the kiddies (with the violence and the language) and it doesn't disappoint. As a fan of both of these heroes, I know I'll be getting this bad boy when it's released.

After that, I met back with the guys and we went out to dinner at a good 50s style restaurant nearby. The burgers and especially the shakes were to die for. A perfect way to end the day.

Next up: Getting in The Spirit, getting lost in the crowds and meeting up with the WolfMan.

Comic Con 2008; Looking Back, Part 2

Hey there, back with the second installment of my Comic Con adventure in San Diego. Today, a look back at my first full day in San Diego (July 23)

After heading out of my friend Lance's place, I was driven out to the train station nearby to head downtown and the Convention Center. This was the unofficial first day of the Comic Con, where we could pick up our credentials for the event and get a sneak peak of the floor for Preview Night before the Con opens up for everyone else the next day.

Since registration wasn't going to be open for a few hours, this gave me the chance to get my first look at the city, which I was looking forward to. Unfortunately, I had missed the train that would've taken me downtown and the next train wasn't going to show for a couple hours.

However, the time I waited down there wasn't a complete loss, because not far away from the train station was this:

:

The beach, which I had never been to as far as the coast was concerned. Very cool.

One of my favorite shots from my trip.

After hanging out there for a few, I boarded the train and made it downtown and then hopped the trolley to the Convention Center. Let me tell you, the Convention Center in San Diego is freakin' huge! It's probably the biggest place I've been to as far as convention centers go. It's two levels high and has a ton of open space and rooms, places that I will soon discover as the Con went on.

After getting in line to get my credentials, I hung around the area for another hour or so before the Center opened up for Preview Night. Trying to get in at that time, along with everyone else, was brutal, but I did make it in and saw how insanely huge the main floor with all the booths and exhibits was. I was told going in that the place was big enough for a football field and they were right. I would find out later during my time there that to cover all the exhibits it would take roughly 3 hours. Crazy.

I then checked out the floor for about an hour or so, staying in line for one of the events that was going on. Then, I headed upstairs to check out the marquee event of the night: a first look at the pilot episode of Fox's Fringe.

Now, this new show, from J. J. Abrams (Lost, Alias) had me hooked from the first minutes on. It was very creepy, very cool and had some good humorous moments. It reminded me of the early days of the X Files with a touch of Lost thrown in. From what I saw a month and a half ago, this made me a fan of the show that now airs Tuesday nights.

As I left the room, I was approached by an online web site to give my impressions of the Fringe pilot. I gave them my two cents in a favorable review. (I won't give you the site name cause my comments didn't make the final cut for their report) Then, as I tried to make my way out of the Center, the place again was a zoo. I barely made it to the trolley station in time to catch the trolley out of the area. My last memory of Preview Night: Being literally pinned to the doors of the trolley as it rode out as I caught the very last available spot.

Overall, a pretty good day and night. Would've loved to had spent some more time around the area, but that's for another day.

Coming up next: The first full day of Comic Con, where I met an online friend, some TV stars and some superheroes.