I was asked a while back how do you meet all these celebrites and get those photos that wind up on your website. Well, I'm about to reveal my source.
Twice a year, in May and in October, I head off to a comic book convention about several miles away from my house. Sometimes I go alone, other times I go along with my friend Kevin. The convention has tons of comic books for sale, of course. But it also movies, action figures, and other cool items available. I've been able to snag some cool items, like t-shirts, caps, posters and the like. Plus, I've been able to acquire some nice additions to my comic book collection. But I have the most fun seeing the celebrities at the convention, getting to talk with them, sign their autograph and hopefully, take a photo with them.
Now these rare opportunities don't come cheap, costing about $20 to meet each star. But, it's well worth it.
The first time I went to the convention a few years back, I scored a major coup: I got to meet the Hulk himself, Lou Ferrigno. It was awesome to not only meet one of my TV idols, but to have a picture taken with him as well. That was the first star photo I used on my webpage. I've gotten so much good buzz from that photo, I decided to make it a permanent part of the Network website, adding a new picture with a celebrity every few months or so.
Over the years, I've gotten to meet other cool celebs, including David Naughton of "An American Werewolf in London", Dee Wallace Stone of "The Howling", and recently, LeVar Burton of "Star Trek:The Next Generation". It's a great experience and I have a good time each time I check it out.
The spring edition of the convention will be happening this weekend and I'll be heading out there tomorrow. Now, I hear there will be a lot of stars coming to this one, so I'll have my digital camera loaded and ready to go. With any luck, the stars I see tomorrow at the comic con will wind up on the front page of my website in the coming months.
May 15, 2004
May 11, 2004
Movie Review: Van Helsing
Monday, I checked out "Van Helsing" at the theater. My opinion: It's not bad. It wasn't a film that I would rave about, like "Kill Bill Vol. 2, (which as of right now, is my top movie of the year) but it was OK. The one thing that got me about the film was the plot took too long to come together. A film shouldn't take like three quarters of the film to make you realize what was happening. Plus it got a bit crowded at times with all these characters, like Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, the Wolf Man, as well as the title character and trying to weave their stories together.
The CGI effects were OK, but it's what would you expect from CGI. Now since there was a werewolf in this movie, I wanted to pay close attention to how they would do this. The transformation scenes were all right, but with the guy playing the Wolf Man in this one writhing and contorting about as he changed, it would've been a real cool scene if they did it the old fashioned effect as opposed to using the computer. I won't give the film away, but if you're a werewolf fan, you'll kind of like how werewolves play a key role in the climax.
So, all in all, it was OK. OK enough for me to say that when it comes out on DVD later in the year, I'll probably buy it. I can say that I really like the video game that's based on the movie. Hopefully, I'll get to play around with it some more when I get some free time.
Blog at you later.
The CGI effects were OK, but it's what would you expect from CGI. Now since there was a werewolf in this movie, I wanted to pay close attention to how they would do this. The transformation scenes were all right, but with the guy playing the Wolf Man in this one writhing and contorting about as he changed, it would've been a real cool scene if they did it the old fashioned effect as opposed to using the computer. I won't give the film away, but if you're a werewolf fan, you'll kind of like how werewolves play a key role in the climax.
So, all in all, it was OK. OK enough for me to say that when it comes out on DVD later in the year, I'll probably buy it. I can say that I really like the video game that's based on the movie. Hopefully, I'll get to play around with it some more when I get some free time.
Blog at you later.
May 10, 2004
Getting Caught Up
Um... hello?! Is this blog on?!
Wow, it's been a long while since I last posted on this blog. Over a month and a half in fact. I've had little time to do work on the blog or my website lately, mostly cause of work or lack of sleep or other things going on. But, finally I can be able to catch my breath and get caught up with what's been going on in the fifty-plus days since my last post.
-- Finally gotten back into writing again, working a little bit at a time on my various unfinished stories, episode guides for the Werewolf TV Series website, and also my script rewrite for my possible "Mark of the Wolf" movie project that I hope to start next summer. The process on all is slow and tedious, but I'm more closer to the end than I was a while back.
-- Finally got the chance to check out some movies this year. It took me until last month to finally go inside a theater to see a movie. First one I saw was "Hellboy", another of the films crafted out of the comic books. Now, going into this, I hardly was familiar with this character as compared to the other comic book films out there, so my expectations were very very low. But I was pleasantly surprised by this film. It was very good, funny when it needed to be, poignant when it had to be and had some kick-ass action sequences as well. Ron Perlman, who plays the title role, definitely nailed the character down. A perfect anti hero with a quick wit, a take no prisoners attitude when it comes to taking care of business and deftly providing emotion when necessary, even in all that makeup. I remember seeing him do the same thing as a kid when he was in that old TV show, "Beauty and the Beast" and he hit it out of the park again with this one. Like I said, I was pleasantly surprised with this one and I can see them making several sequels in the future.
The next one I checked out was "Kill Bill: Volume 2" I was eager to see the continuation to Quentin Tarantino's epic after seeing Volume 1 last fall and I wasn't disappointed. While Vol. 1 dealt with the madness and swordplay and fighting behind Uma Thurman's character and why she needed to, well, kill Bill, Vol. 2 gave you the reasons behind it and after seeing it all as a whole, I understood why she had to, well, kill Bill. I was impressed with Uma as the Bride and David "Kung Fu" Carradine as Bill and I was totally blown away with the overall film and how it all ended. Now, as tempted as I was about buying Volume 1 on DVD, I'll be patient and wait for the inevitable complete DVD set with both volumes together to come out.
The next film on my list: "Van Helsing". I report on that later in the week.
-- Other things to talk about: I got absolutely nothing out of my taxes, since most of it went to cover bills (taxes suck), and another of my job offers, this one to work at a TV station behind the scenes, fell through (that blows, but I'm still not giving up on my career goal).
Well that's it for now. I'll blog at you real soon, I promise.
Wow, it's been a long while since I last posted on this blog. Over a month and a half in fact. I've had little time to do work on the blog or my website lately, mostly cause of work or lack of sleep or other things going on. But, finally I can be able to catch my breath and get caught up with what's been going on in the fifty-plus days since my last post.
-- Finally gotten back into writing again, working a little bit at a time on my various unfinished stories, episode guides for the Werewolf TV Series website, and also my script rewrite for my possible "Mark of the Wolf" movie project that I hope to start next summer. The process on all is slow and tedious, but I'm more closer to the end than I was a while back.
-- Finally got the chance to check out some movies this year. It took me until last month to finally go inside a theater to see a movie. First one I saw was "Hellboy", another of the films crafted out of the comic books. Now, going into this, I hardly was familiar with this character as compared to the other comic book films out there, so my expectations were very very low. But I was pleasantly surprised by this film. It was very good, funny when it needed to be, poignant when it had to be and had some kick-ass action sequences as well. Ron Perlman, who plays the title role, definitely nailed the character down. A perfect anti hero with a quick wit, a take no prisoners attitude when it comes to taking care of business and deftly providing emotion when necessary, even in all that makeup. I remember seeing him do the same thing as a kid when he was in that old TV show, "Beauty and the Beast" and he hit it out of the park again with this one. Like I said, I was pleasantly surprised with this one and I can see them making several sequels in the future.
The next one I checked out was "Kill Bill: Volume 2" I was eager to see the continuation to Quentin Tarantino's epic after seeing Volume 1 last fall and I wasn't disappointed. While Vol. 1 dealt with the madness and swordplay and fighting behind Uma Thurman's character and why she needed to, well, kill Bill, Vol. 2 gave you the reasons behind it and after seeing it all as a whole, I understood why she had to, well, kill Bill. I was impressed with Uma as the Bride and David "Kung Fu" Carradine as Bill and I was totally blown away with the overall film and how it all ended. Now, as tempted as I was about buying Volume 1 on DVD, I'll be patient and wait for the inevitable complete DVD set with both volumes together to come out.
The next film on my list: "Van Helsing". I report on that later in the week.
-- Other things to talk about: I got absolutely nothing out of my taxes, since most of it went to cover bills (taxes suck), and another of my job offers, this one to work at a TV station behind the scenes, fell through (that blows, but I'm still not giving up on my career goal).
Well that's it for now. I'll blog at you real soon, I promise.
March 14, 2004
Mark of the Wolf: Back Online
I've brought back my pet project on the website. "Mark of the Wolf" is something I'm proud of, writing a script for my own werewolf movie. When I originally wrote this several years ago, the goal was always that one day I can actually put this on film. Well in the past few months, a lot of things have fell into place that could make this possible. The plan, if things fall into place is to start filming this next summer and have it done by the fall of 2005. Of course, there's still some things that could delay it even further, but I'm pretty confident that it will happen next year.
So click on the link above, for my intro to the site, which will mainly focus on the planning of this project. I will continue to add more to that site in the coming days. Whenever I get some free time, I will work on the revamped movie script. The novel excerpts that I based my original script on have been put away for now, but I may bring it back on the site someday.
So click on the link above, for my intro to the site, which will mainly focus on the planning of this project. I will continue to add more to that site in the coming days. Whenever I get some free time, I will work on the revamped movie script. The novel excerpts that I based my original script on have been put away for now, but I may bring it back on the site someday.
March 01, 2004
Updating the Site
Thanks to my online bud Adam, I've finally gotten around to doing a small update to the site. I've cleaned up the Links page, adding some new sites along with getting rid of some dead ones. I've also added some new photos to the album, mostly of my friends Frank and Adam.
As I predicted in the last blog, "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" did clean house at the Oscars last night, winning every award it was nominated for, taking eleven in all. I knew that movie would do well, if not just for that movie in general, but for the entire three year trilogy of films as a whole. Congrats to them all and I can't wait to pick up the DVD later this year.
That's it for now, blog at you later.
As I predicted in the last blog, "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" did clean house at the Oscars last night, winning every award it was nominated for, taking eleven in all. I knew that movie would do well, if not just for that movie in general, but for the entire three year trilogy of films as a whole. Congrats to them all and I can't wait to pick up the DVD later this year.
That's it for now, blog at you later.
February 29, 2004
Getting Caught Up
Hey there. It's been a while since I updated the blog here. A lot of things have happened, so let me get you all caught up.
*First of all, I have to get a shout out to my newest online friend, Adam. I met him thru my good friend Lance's chatroom a couple weeks ago and he's become yet another cool guy to know. Welcome to the club, Adam!
*Next, the streak's over. I had gone thru the entire winter without getting sick. Until last Tuesday, when I got hit with a major head cold. It sucked big time. I had dealt with it fine Tuesday and Wednesday, but Thursday was when it had really got me. It took me until the weekend to finally get over it. Hopefully it'll be a long while before I get sick again.
*On Feb. 18th, I went out to a sports job fair. Mostly it was teams in the Michigan area and parts of the midwest, plus a few TV and radio stations. My hope is that something good will come out of attending the fair. I'll keep you informed.
*Earlier this month, I had raved about the 100th episode of "Angel" on the WB, calling it the best episode they did all season. Little did I know that several days later, the WB would announce that this season would be the show's last. Damn you, WB!! Just when it's getting really good and turning to a new chapter, you decide now to pull the plug?! I tell you, ever since it's predecessor "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" left for UPN three years ago, they have been giving that show nothing but grief. Hopefully, they'll follow through on their plan to do movies on the show, but part of me doubts that'll happen. I tell you, if it wasn't for "Smallville", I wouldn't be watching that network at all with the way they treat my favorite shows.
*I'm back working on stories and guides. I got a cool werewolf story that I'm almost ready to put on the site, and I'm working on a few more. The plan in the next week or so is to bring back a revamped "Arsenal" site and to post big news about another of my pet projects.
*And finally, tonight is Oscar night: My quick picks is for "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" to clean house, including winning both best film and director. I'm going to side with Bill Murray to edge out Johnny Depp for best actor and Charlize Theorn to win for best actress. All the other awards I could care less about.
Oh, one last thing. Thanks to everyone who sent good wishes and posts about my website's anniversary and the cool look front page with all the key photos and moments over the past five years. I'll be taking that page down on Monday. Thanks again for the kind word.
That's it for now. Blog at you later.
*First of all, I have to get a shout out to my newest online friend, Adam. I met him thru my good friend Lance's chatroom a couple weeks ago and he's become yet another cool guy to know. Welcome to the club, Adam!
*Next, the streak's over. I had gone thru the entire winter without getting sick. Until last Tuesday, when I got hit with a major head cold. It sucked big time. I had dealt with it fine Tuesday and Wednesday, but Thursday was when it had really got me. It took me until the weekend to finally get over it. Hopefully it'll be a long while before I get sick again.
*On Feb. 18th, I went out to a sports job fair. Mostly it was teams in the Michigan area and parts of the midwest, plus a few TV and radio stations. My hope is that something good will come out of attending the fair. I'll keep you informed.
*Earlier this month, I had raved about the 100th episode of "Angel" on the WB, calling it the best episode they did all season. Little did I know that several days later, the WB would announce that this season would be the show's last. Damn you, WB!! Just when it's getting really good and turning to a new chapter, you decide now to pull the plug?! I tell you, ever since it's predecessor "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" left for UPN three years ago, they have been giving that show nothing but grief. Hopefully, they'll follow through on their plan to do movies on the show, but part of me doubts that'll happen. I tell you, if it wasn't for "Smallville", I wouldn't be watching that network at all with the way they treat my favorite shows.
*I'm back working on stories and guides. I got a cool werewolf story that I'm almost ready to put on the site, and I'm working on a few more. The plan in the next week or so is to bring back a revamped "Arsenal" site and to post big news about another of my pet projects.
*And finally, tonight is Oscar night: My quick picks is for "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" to clean house, including winning both best film and director. I'm going to side with Bill Murray to edge out Johnny Depp for best actor and Charlize Theorn to win for best actress. All the other awards I could care less about.
Oh, one last thing. Thanks to everyone who sent good wishes and posts about my website's anniversary and the cool look front page with all the key photos and moments over the past five years. I'll be taking that page down on Monday. Thanks again for the kind word.
That's it for now. Blog at you later.
February 06, 2004
New Site is Up and Running!!!
Well, finally I'm done with the new look of the website. You can check it out. I still have some more stuff to add on to it in the coming days.
February 05, 2004
What's Up with the Site?
Hey there.
Just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about my site. It's been almost two weeks since my website turned five years old and the site hasn't been changed as I've promised.
Well, I've had some technical difficulties with both my ISP and Geocities as far as putting some of the stuff I wanted to put on there, causing the big day on January 23rd to come and go without any fanfare, except for my mention in this blog.
But I can say that last week, all the difficulties have been straightened out and I've been slowly and surely working on it. Kind of hard to do when you also have a life outside the Mark One Network, but it's coming together.
Still have a few more things to put in and test out, but now I'm shooting for this Friday, February 5 to be the big day for the relaunch. I hope you all like the changes. Stay tuned.
Blog at you later.
Just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about my site. It's been almost two weeks since my website turned five years old and the site hasn't been changed as I've promised.
Well, I've had some technical difficulties with both my ISP and Geocities as far as putting some of the stuff I wanted to put on there, causing the big day on January 23rd to come and go without any fanfare, except for my mention in this blog.
But I can say that last week, all the difficulties have been straightened out and I've been slowly and surely working on it. Kind of hard to do when you also have a life outside the Mark One Network, but it's coming together.
Still have a few more things to put in and test out, but now I'm shooting for this Friday, February 5 to be the big day for the relaunch. I hope you all like the changes. Stay tuned.
Blog at you later.
Talking about Angel
Wow, I just got thru seeing "Angel"'s landmark 100th episode on the WB. And all I can say is wow, what an episode! It was by far the best episode of the season.
A jam packed hour that was funny, filled with action and had an ending, that if you've watched the show since the beginning, that was sad and gut wrenching. Even I had to choke back a few tears after seeing that. I was reminded of the 100th episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" from which "Angel" was spun off from. It had the same type of deal of emotions, with humor, action and a powerfully sad ending.
As one of my can't miss shows on TV, "Angel" definitely hit it out of the park with this episode. An excellent job all around. A damn good show!!
A jam packed hour that was funny, filled with action and had an ending, that if you've watched the show since the beginning, that was sad and gut wrenching. Even I had to choke back a few tears after seeing that. I was reminded of the 100th episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" from which "Angel" was spun off from. It had the same type of deal of emotions, with humor, action and a powerfully sad ending.
As one of my can't miss shows on TV, "Angel" definitely hit it out of the park with this episode. An excellent job all around. A damn good show!!
February 03, 2004
WOW!! What a Super Bowl!! (And The Game Wasn't Bad Either!)
So what did you think of Super Bowl XXXVIII?
Not the game, mind you, but the halftime show!!
Normally, I don't watch the halftime show, I usually get something to eat or go to the bathroom or something, but this year I got to check it out and all I can say is...
WOW!
Now when I saw Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake performing at the end, yeah it looked very sexual, but when Justin pulled on Janet's top and I saw, uh, what I saw, all I can say is...
WOW!!
At first, I didn't believe that what I saw was, well, what I saw. If anything I thought it was a costume that revealed, well too much. But when I saw it on tape (I was recording it along with the game) and I slowed the tape down and saw, uh, well, it, all I can say is....
WOW!!!!
Now, of course, I know it was planned, as did just about everyone else who saw it. And, everyone from CBS to MTV(who produced it) apologized to no end, and that's all fine and good, but come on, you have to admit, that was a damn good way to get some attention to what normally is a boring halftime on the biggest sports event of the year.
Of course, what was even funnier, was Justin's response to what happened, calling it a "wardrobe malfunction". Now that's hilarious. I didn't know showing one's breast in front of 180 some million viewers was labeled a malfunction. I'd call it "Must See TV", but not a "wardrobe malfunction". I hope Janet has plenty more "malfunctions" in the future. ;)
Anyway, it was a good way to get fired up for the rest of the game, which was not bad believe it or not. Congrats to the Patriots, who knocked off the Panthers by 3. I had the point margin right, and the correct team, so that should make up for my horrible football picks this year.
Well, that's it for now. I hope Super Bowl XXXIX next year, especially the halftime show, will be as just as, uh, well thrilling, as it was this year. And to Janet, I just want to say one more thing:
WOW!!!!!!
Not the game, mind you, but the halftime show!!
Normally, I don't watch the halftime show, I usually get something to eat or go to the bathroom or something, but this year I got to check it out and all I can say is...
WOW!
Now when I saw Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake performing at the end, yeah it looked very sexual, but when Justin pulled on Janet's top and I saw, uh, what I saw, all I can say is...
WOW!!
At first, I didn't believe that what I saw was, well, what I saw. If anything I thought it was a costume that revealed, well too much. But when I saw it on tape (I was recording it along with the game) and I slowed the tape down and saw, uh, well, it, all I can say is....
WOW!!!!
Now, of course, I know it was planned, as did just about everyone else who saw it. And, everyone from CBS to MTV(who produced it) apologized to no end, and that's all fine and good, but come on, you have to admit, that was a damn good way to get some attention to what normally is a boring halftime on the biggest sports event of the year.
Of course, what was even funnier, was Justin's response to what happened, calling it a "wardrobe malfunction". Now that's hilarious. I didn't know showing one's breast in front of 180 some million viewers was labeled a malfunction. I'd call it "Must See TV", but not a "wardrobe malfunction". I hope Janet has plenty more "malfunctions" in the future. ;)
Anyway, it was a good way to get fired up for the rest of the game, which was not bad believe it or not. Congrats to the Patriots, who knocked off the Panthers by 3. I had the point margin right, and the correct team, so that should make up for my horrible football picks this year.
Well, that's it for now. I hope Super Bowl XXXIX next year, especially the halftime show, will be as just as, uh, well thrilling, as it was this year. And to Janet, I just want to say one more thing:
WOW!!!!!!
February 01, 2004
MY SUPER BOWL PICK
This is it. The big game of the year, Super Bowl XXXVIII takes place Sunday at Houston as New England takes on Carolina.
Now, if you had told me back in September that these two teams would be playing for it all, I would've laughed at you. In fact, going over my blog back then, I didn't even pick the Patriots or the Panthers to even make the playoffs, much less the Super Bowl.
Yeah, I'm a real expert when it comes to football.
Want proof of my expertise? My two picks for the Super Bowl was Tampa Bay and Tennessee. The Bucs didn't even make the playoffs while the Titans didn't even reach the AFC tite game. My other choices for teams to win their respective divisions: Minnesota(NFC North), San Francisco(NFC West), Tampa Bay(NFC South), Buffalo(AFC East), Pittsburgh(AFC North), and Oakland(AFC West), didn't even qualify for the postseason. The only things I had right was picking Philadelphia to win the NFC East and that Denver would get a wild card berth.
So with that track record, I'd be nuts to make a Super Bowl prediction, but hey what can I say? I'm a glutton for punishment.
Anyhow, here's my pick for Super Bowl XXXVIII: New England 24, Carolina 21.
I strongly suggest you don't put money down on that pick though. :)
Blog at you later.
Now, if you had told me back in September that these two teams would be playing for it all, I would've laughed at you. In fact, going over my blog back then, I didn't even pick the Patriots or the Panthers to even make the playoffs, much less the Super Bowl.
Yeah, I'm a real expert when it comes to football.
Want proof of my expertise? My two picks for the Super Bowl was Tampa Bay and Tennessee. The Bucs didn't even make the playoffs while the Titans didn't even reach the AFC tite game. My other choices for teams to win their respective divisions: Minnesota(NFC North), San Francisco(NFC West), Tampa Bay(NFC South), Buffalo(AFC East), Pittsburgh(AFC North), and Oakland(AFC West), didn't even qualify for the postseason. The only things I had right was picking Philadelphia to win the NFC East and that Denver would get a wild card berth.
So with that track record, I'd be nuts to make a Super Bowl prediction, but hey what can I say? I'm a glutton for punishment.
Anyhow, here's my pick for Super Bowl XXXVIII: New England 24, Carolina 21.
I strongly suggest you don't put money down on that pick though. :)
Blog at you later.
January 24, 2004
HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY!!!
Tonight marks a milestone for the Mark One Network. For it was five years ago that this little website was launched.
Wow, has it been five years already!
I remember working late on January 22, 1999 when I was putting this thing together. It was very plain and not much to brag about at the time. I was still new to this thing called the World Wide Web and basically wanted a site since a couple of my friends had one and thought it was a good idea. Well, it took a lot of trial and error and testing and January 22nd soon turned into the 23rd and it was right around 4 in the morning when I finally put it out into cyberspace before crawling into bed.
I had no idea what was going to come from it. Heck, I was just hoping that my friends would see it. Looking back on it now, I can say a lot has come from ths site.
In the time since, I've gotten to comment on a lot of things that's happened to me and the world. I've made it a home for my stories and poetry, several of which will be returning here in the near future. I've become involved in a few grass roots efforts, in particular bringing back "Mystery Science Theater 3000". And I've even been bold enough to (gasp) show my mug online, along with some of my close friends as well as some famous figures I've met in person.
From the old Journal to the current Blog you're reading now, from "Save MST3K" to "The Brown/Pratt Discussions" , from the Photo Album to the soon-to-be-launched Sports Page, it's been quite a ride for the M1N. But the one thing I've been the most proud of is the friendships I've made and developed over the years because of this site.
And as I always do at this milestone, I want to give a shout out and thanks to each and every one of my friends who's played some role in this website being what it is today. To Sam, Rob, Kevin, Mike, Joey, Lucas, Jason, John, Brandon, Frank, Chris, Lance and Jay: my friends I've known in person or online for years, thanks for all of your support. The same calls for those I've met in the past year: Matt, Jon, Colin, Len and Key. You know who each of you are and what you mean to me and I'm proud to know each of you. I also want to extend my appreciation to those friends who I lost touch with recently, Larry, Justin and Scott(aka Zoogz). I hope you guys are doing well, wherever you are.
Finally I want to thank all those who visited this site over the five years it's been online. According to my stats, over 3000 visitors have checked at least one page of this site since Day One. I know it's not much compared to other sites, but hey coming from a guy who was hoping that a few friends would check it out back when I launched this site, that's a huge achievement. Thank you everyone.
Well, here's to five years of the M1N. I can only hope that the next five will be even better!
Wow, has it been five years already!
I remember working late on January 22, 1999 when I was putting this thing together. It was very plain and not much to brag about at the time. I was still new to this thing called the World Wide Web and basically wanted a site since a couple of my friends had one and thought it was a good idea. Well, it took a lot of trial and error and testing and January 22nd soon turned into the 23rd and it was right around 4 in the morning when I finally put it out into cyberspace before crawling into bed.
I had no idea what was going to come from it. Heck, I was just hoping that my friends would see it. Looking back on it now, I can say a lot has come from ths site.
In the time since, I've gotten to comment on a lot of things that's happened to me and the world. I've made it a home for my stories and poetry, several of which will be returning here in the near future. I've become involved in a few grass roots efforts, in particular bringing back "Mystery Science Theater 3000". And I've even been bold enough to (gasp) show my mug online, along with some of my close friends as well as some famous figures I've met in person.
From the old Journal to the current Blog you're reading now, from "Save MST3K" to "The Brown/Pratt Discussions" , from the Photo Album to the soon-to-be-launched Sports Page, it's been quite a ride for the M1N. But the one thing I've been the most proud of is the friendships I've made and developed over the years because of this site.
And as I always do at this milestone, I want to give a shout out and thanks to each and every one of my friends who's played some role in this website being what it is today. To Sam, Rob, Kevin, Mike, Joey, Lucas, Jason, John, Brandon, Frank, Chris, Lance and Jay: my friends I've known in person or online for years, thanks for all of your support. The same calls for those I've met in the past year: Matt, Jon, Colin, Len and Key. You know who each of you are and what you mean to me and I'm proud to know each of you. I also want to extend my appreciation to those friends who I lost touch with recently, Larry, Justin and Scott(aka Zoogz). I hope you guys are doing well, wherever you are.
Finally I want to thank all those who visited this site over the five years it's been online. According to my stats, over 3000 visitors have checked at least one page of this site since Day One. I know it's not much compared to other sites, but hey coming from a guy who was hoping that a few friends would check it out back when I launched this site, that's a huge achievement. Thank you everyone.
Well, here's to five years of the M1N. I can only hope that the next five will be even better!
January 19, 2004
Writing, Writing, Writing
Today was yet another cold day in the big city, so it gave me a chance to get back into what I like to do best: write.
Now when I say write, I don't mean my brief entries into the old blog, but actual writing of stories, guides for the Werewolf TV Series website and other things for my website.
I've been working on a few original stories, including one inspired by a drawing that a friend of mine showed me. Once I get them finished up, I'll be putting it on my site, which is long overdue for some original stuff.
I've also been on the lookout for an old floppy disc that had some other story ideas that I typed out a while back that I'd like to get back on. It's not with my other floppy disks, so it might be buried underneath my junk in my bedroom. Hopefully I'll find those and get back to those stories as well.
Well that's enough for now. Blog at you later.
Now when I say write, I don't mean my brief entries into the old blog, but actual writing of stories, guides for the Werewolf TV Series website and other things for my website.
I've been working on a few original stories, including one inspired by a drawing that a friend of mine showed me. Once I get them finished up, I'll be putting it on my site, which is long overdue for some original stuff.
I've also been on the lookout for an old floppy disc that had some other story ideas that I typed out a while back that I'd like to get back on. It's not with my other floppy disks, so it might be buried underneath my junk in my bedroom. Hopefully I'll find those and get back to those stories as well.
Well that's enough for now. Blog at you later.
January 15, 2004
I HATE WINTER!!
So as you can tell by my title, I hate winter. A lot.
I live in Michigan, where the weather gets cold and bad this time of year. Today we got hit with almost six inches of snow. It was our first major snowstorm of the year and I can honestly say: it sucks.
I hate winter. I always have. I lived here my entire life and I can't remember one time when I liked the season. Dealing with the bitter cold, the endless amount of snow and all the other factors when it comes to the weather (clearing out the car, getting sick, etc.) just makes it hard for me to love wintertime.
One day, I would like to fly away to someplace warm and sunny for the winter and don't come back until the snow melts. And I mean, melts for good. I've been here when snow hits in April for cryino out loud. It's a pipe dream, yes, but that's what I'd like to see happen.
In the meantime, I guess I have to suck it up and deal with it.
Did I mention how much I hate winter?
I live in Michigan, where the weather gets cold and bad this time of year. Today we got hit with almost six inches of snow. It was our first major snowstorm of the year and I can honestly say: it sucks.
I hate winter. I always have. I lived here my entire life and I can't remember one time when I liked the season. Dealing with the bitter cold, the endless amount of snow and all the other factors when it comes to the weather (clearing out the car, getting sick, etc.) just makes it hard for me to love wintertime.
One day, I would like to fly away to someplace warm and sunny for the winter and don't come back until the snow melts. And I mean, melts for good. I've been here when snow hits in April for cryino out loud. It's a pipe dream, yes, but that's what I'd like to see happen.
In the meantime, I guess I have to suck it up and deal with it.
Did I mention how much I hate winter?
January 12, 2004
Happy New Year!! I'm Back!!
Hey there.
It's been a while since my last blog. Last year in fact.
I've been too busy with work and other things and too tired to even jot down the simplest thing the past few months. But I'm back now and I'm back at jotting down whatever's going on.
I wish I could tell you a lot's happened to me since my last blog. But it hasn't. I'm still at my regular job and still aspiring to work in radio or something sports related. I did get some writing in here and there, but the few projects I've done are nowhere close to being finished.
As the new year is upon us, some of us have taken to doing the usual ritual of making resolutions for 2004. I don't believe in resolutions, however. Mainly because once you make a resolution, there's a 99% chance that it'll be broken about a day or two later. As my good friend Brandon told me, if you going to make a resolution, start it right away and not wait until any particular day when odds are you're not even going to do it.
In saying that, I do have a few goals in mind that I hope will happen before the year is out. Topping the list is getting a better job. As much as I want to get into radio, sports radio in particular, the harsh bitter reality that I've been through the past few years since I graduated from college has shown me that it's much harder to get into the business. So, even though I want to be a sports broadcaster, I'm more than ready to try something else, maybe work for a sports team or write for a paper or something like that. Regardless, my first goal to have a better paying profession by the end of this year.
My next goal is to work on my body. Now, I don't want to become like some body builder or anything like that, but I would like to put on a few pounds of muscle and add some more weight to my frame. So that is what I'd like to work on this year.
And my final goal is to travel a bit more this year. Maybe visit some of my online friends who live in other parts of the country and check out the sites. Of course, a lot of that depends on whether I can achieve my first goal, so we'll see what happens there.
Well that's it for now. It feels good blogging once again. I can assure you that my next blog won't be several months away.
It's been a while since my last blog. Last year in fact.
I've been too busy with work and other things and too tired to even jot down the simplest thing the past few months. But I'm back now and I'm back at jotting down whatever's going on.
I wish I could tell you a lot's happened to me since my last blog. But it hasn't. I'm still at my regular job and still aspiring to work in radio or something sports related. I did get some writing in here and there, but the few projects I've done are nowhere close to being finished.
As the new year is upon us, some of us have taken to doing the usual ritual of making resolutions for 2004. I don't believe in resolutions, however. Mainly because once you make a resolution, there's a 99% chance that it'll be broken about a day or two later. As my good friend Brandon told me, if you going to make a resolution, start it right away and not wait until any particular day when odds are you're not even going to do it.
In saying that, I do have a few goals in mind that I hope will happen before the year is out. Topping the list is getting a better job. As much as I want to get into radio, sports radio in particular, the harsh bitter reality that I've been through the past few years since I graduated from college has shown me that it's much harder to get into the business. So, even though I want to be a sports broadcaster, I'm more than ready to try something else, maybe work for a sports team or write for a paper or something like that. Regardless, my first goal to have a better paying profession by the end of this year.
My next goal is to work on my body. Now, I don't want to become like some body builder or anything like that, but I would like to put on a few pounds of muscle and add some more weight to my frame. So that is what I'd like to work on this year.
And my final goal is to travel a bit more this year. Maybe visit some of my online friends who live in other parts of the country and check out the sites. Of course, a lot of that depends on whether I can achieve my first goal, so we'll see what happens there.
Well that's it for now. It feels good blogging once again. I can assure you that my next blog won't be several months away.
October 20, 2003
Well last week I made my way out to the ESPN Dream Job tryout tour as it made its way to my home state of Michigan. How did it go?
It went quite well, in my opinion.
My one fear going to the tryout was that the line would be so long that I wouldn't get a chance to show what I can do. Fortunately for me, even though there was a line, it wasn't that long. In fact, it took me about an hour and a half for me to make my way inside.
As I was waiting in line, I got to talk with several others who were shooting for a shot at the ESPN job as I was. Some were close by, while there was others who came in as far as Grand Rapids, Cincinnati, and Columbus looking for a shot. Some were about the same age as me, some were younger (one was 18, the youngest one can qualify to participate0 and others were in their early forties. They worked in the same jobs as me, others were school janitors, worked at places like Ford and GM (in fact, one I talked to called someone on his cell to get to change his meeting at GM to a later time so that he could stay in line at the tryout), others were just high school and college students. The attire ranged from the business suit and tie, like I was, to casual gear to golf shirts and jeans. A few even put on anything that had "ESPN" on it.
We were all shooting for the Dream Job.
As I was waiting, a couple of TV stations and someone from the local newspaper stopped by to film us or talk to us. They didn't talk with me, I didn't feel like being interviewed anyway and I'm sure I made the local newscast as well, but I can't tell you if I did or not.
Finally, after that hour and a half wait, I made it in after filling out forms in the line. Me, along with seven others, were seated at a table and filled out yet another form, this time filled with all kinds of sports trivia in a timed test. Some of the questions I knew, like what Tiger Woods real name was (Eldrick) and what was Columbus' Major League Soccer team was called (Crew). There was some that I didn't know till after the test was over, like who was the coach of USC's football team( I had Pete Carroll's first name but couldn't remember his last0 or who did the Yankees beat in the last World Series they won(I had the Braves, but it was the Mets in 2000.)
After the test, we were then brought to another room where we all took part in a roundtable discussion about our sports knowledge. We talked about everything from who should win the Heisman in college football to who should get the AL MVP to the NFL. It was a good chat and I guess the ESPN guys wanted to see how much we knew about sports.
After that, it was over and we were let out as another group of eight came in for their turn. It took about almost an hour for the whole tryout and I came out of it hoping that I'd at least make it to the next round of the tryouts. They told me that they'll let everyone know in about a month if we made the cut.
Wish me luck.
(UPDATE: Jan. 12, 2004 -- I didn't make the cut and from what I gathered, neither did any of the others that I saw at my time at the tryout. I was disappointed, of course, but as my brother told me, it was a good lesson on the process of interviewing for a sports broadcasting job. Anyhow, The "Dream Job" show airs in February on ESPN. Good luck to the people who made the finals. )
It went quite well, in my opinion.
My one fear going to the tryout was that the line would be so long that I wouldn't get a chance to show what I can do. Fortunately for me, even though there was a line, it wasn't that long. In fact, it took me about an hour and a half for me to make my way inside.
As I was waiting in line, I got to talk with several others who were shooting for a shot at the ESPN job as I was. Some were close by, while there was others who came in as far as Grand Rapids, Cincinnati, and Columbus looking for a shot. Some were about the same age as me, some were younger (one was 18, the youngest one can qualify to participate0 and others were in their early forties. They worked in the same jobs as me, others were school janitors, worked at places like Ford and GM (in fact, one I talked to called someone on his cell to get to change his meeting at GM to a later time so that he could stay in line at the tryout), others were just high school and college students. The attire ranged from the business suit and tie, like I was, to casual gear to golf shirts and jeans. A few even put on anything that had "ESPN" on it.
We were all shooting for the Dream Job.
As I was waiting, a couple of TV stations and someone from the local newspaper stopped by to film us or talk to us. They didn't talk with me, I didn't feel like being interviewed anyway and I'm sure I made the local newscast as well, but I can't tell you if I did or not.
Finally, after that hour and a half wait, I made it in after filling out forms in the line. Me, along with seven others, were seated at a table and filled out yet another form, this time filled with all kinds of sports trivia in a timed test. Some of the questions I knew, like what Tiger Woods real name was (Eldrick) and what was Columbus' Major League Soccer team was called (Crew). There was some that I didn't know till after the test was over, like who was the coach of USC's football team( I had Pete Carroll's first name but couldn't remember his last0 or who did the Yankees beat in the last World Series they won(I had the Braves, but it was the Mets in 2000.)
After the test, we were then brought to another room where we all took part in a roundtable discussion about our sports knowledge. We talked about everything from who should win the Heisman in college football to who should get the AL MVP to the NFL. It was a good chat and I guess the ESPN guys wanted to see how much we knew about sports.
After that, it was over and we were let out as another group of eight came in for their turn. It took about almost an hour for the whole tryout and I came out of it hoping that I'd at least make it to the next round of the tryouts. They told me that they'll let everyone know in about a month if we made the cut.
Wish me luck.
(UPDATE: Jan. 12, 2004 -- I didn't make the cut and from what I gathered, neither did any of the others that I saw at my time at the tryout. I was disappointed, of course, but as my brother told me, it was a good lesson on the process of interviewing for a sports broadcasting job. Anyhow, The "Dream Job" show airs in February on ESPN. Good luck to the people who made the finals. )
October 13, 2003
Hey there.
If you know me, or been to my site over the past four-plus years, you know that of all the things I do, I have one dream: to work in the field of sports broadcasting.
In my dream, I see myself starting at sports radio, probably in a small city or market and then working my way up to a big time station or perhaps making the move to television, where I would be working at the big time stations near my hometown of Detroit or even going national and working with the big boys at ESPN, the station I watch religiously every day.
That's my dream. Now comes the harsh reality: I'm still toiling away at my regular job, while I'm trying to break into radio. And the few opportunities I get into the business has been dashed, either by not getting hired or by the station deciding to hire someone within the station to save money. Some reality, huh?
But in spite of these setbacks, I'm not giving up on my dream. In fact, something is happening that may bring me closer to my ultimate goal: working at ESPN.
The network is doing a new reality-type show, called "Dream Job" that would bring in several people from across the nation to compete in sports broadcasting related tasks (like doing play-by-play, reading from a teleprompter, interviewing athletes, etc.) and in the end, the winner receives a year-long contract to work for ESPN.
Like I said, this is something that brings me closer to my goal. On Monday, the tryout tour for this show, which debuts early next year, is coming to my area. And as you can guess, I will be going to try out.
Now I don't know what to expect from this. I'm sure the tryout will be long and tough and I'm also sure that there will be many others like me who will be trying out for the same dream as I am.
What I do know is that I have to go for this. If they like what they see of me, the sky's the limit and I could be working for the very station that I've enjoyed watching for years. If they don't, I'll still keep on plugging away and who knows, maybe this will speed things along towards a broadcasting job.
No matter what happens on Monday, I'm going for it to show the ESPN guys what I can do. To work in sports broadcasting is my dream. Hopefully ESPN's "Dream Job" will make mine a reality.
I'll let you know how the tryout went on my next blog.
Wish me luck.
If you know me, or been to my site over the past four-plus years, you know that of all the things I do, I have one dream: to work in the field of sports broadcasting.
In my dream, I see myself starting at sports radio, probably in a small city or market and then working my way up to a big time station or perhaps making the move to television, where I would be working at the big time stations near my hometown of Detroit or even going national and working with the big boys at ESPN, the station I watch religiously every day.
That's my dream. Now comes the harsh reality: I'm still toiling away at my regular job, while I'm trying to break into radio. And the few opportunities I get into the business has been dashed, either by not getting hired or by the station deciding to hire someone within the station to save money. Some reality, huh?
But in spite of these setbacks, I'm not giving up on my dream. In fact, something is happening that may bring me closer to my ultimate goal: working at ESPN.
The network is doing a new reality-type show, called "Dream Job" that would bring in several people from across the nation to compete in sports broadcasting related tasks (like doing play-by-play, reading from a teleprompter, interviewing athletes, etc.) and in the end, the winner receives a year-long contract to work for ESPN.
Like I said, this is something that brings me closer to my goal. On Monday, the tryout tour for this show, which debuts early next year, is coming to my area. And as you can guess, I will be going to try out.
Now I don't know what to expect from this. I'm sure the tryout will be long and tough and I'm also sure that there will be many others like me who will be trying out for the same dream as I am.
What I do know is that I have to go for this. If they like what they see of me, the sky's the limit and I could be working for the very station that I've enjoyed watching for years. If they don't, I'll still keep on plugging away and who knows, maybe this will speed things along towards a broadcasting job.
No matter what happens on Monday, I'm going for it to show the ESPN guys what I can do. To work in sports broadcasting is my dream. Hopefully ESPN's "Dream Job" will make mine a reality.
I'll let you know how the tryout went on my next blog.
Wish me luck.
October 03, 2003
OK, I checked out "Underworld" What did I think of it?
Not bad.
The plot line was OK enough, putting yet another spin on the endless battle between werewolves and vampires. But they took a somewhat different slant on it, having a lady vampire hunter fall for a guy, who's about to become a werewolf.
What I liked about it: some of the action scenes were pretty good, especially the climatic fight towards the end. I also liked how the feud was played out as well, giving a slant that had you thinking one way at first but then seeing it from the other side.
Now when it comes to any movie involving werewolves, I look at two things: the transformation scenes and the final look of the werewolf itself. The TF scenes were OK, with the use of CGI effects. I like how they used the transformations too, especially with one guy as he becomes the werewolf. A much better use of morphing as compared to "Bad Moon" as an example. I even liked how they showed a few of them changing back using the morphing effect.
As for the wolf itself, it could've been better, as it looked like a black panther than a wolf, but it wasn't bad. There were glimpses that made it look very realistic, but they weren't used enough. I did like the effect that had them climbing along the walls and leaping onto buildings and trains.
One effect I wished they would've shown all the way is showing the male lead change into a werewolf for the first time. In showing his transformation, they used a cool camera effect in showing how the change effected his body as his organs shifted and his bones began to grow and change. They didn't show enough of it and they stopped the change before he completely became a wolf. It should've been a contender for a cool TF scene, but it just fell short.
What I didn't like about it was the overuse of the weapons. I mean, we're talking werewolves and vampires here. They can do some hand to hand combat from time to time and not be so dependent on the guns. Although, I did find it interesting with the use of their weapons to fight their foes (the vampires using bullets with silver nitrate and the wolves using bullets made with a form of ultraviolet light) I also didn't like the use of darkness when it comes to the werewolf TFs and I especially hated how when the male lead became a werewolf-vampire hybrid at the end, you get to see this incredible use of effects to show him changing and what do you see at the end? the guy in kind of his human form, covered in dark purple paint and some claws and a few fangs. I mean come on?!!!
A friend of mine brought up a good point saying he thought the guy would be like Nightcrawler from X-Men2 and start teleporting.
All in all, it wasn't too bad. It could've been a lot better but they had enough to build on for the proposed sequels that they plan to make. Like I said with "The Hulk" movie back in June, I hope they take the good points they did with the film and expand on that and hopefully make a kick-ass sequel.
My next film review will be for "The Rundown" Stay tuned.
Not bad.
The plot line was OK enough, putting yet another spin on the endless battle between werewolves and vampires. But they took a somewhat different slant on it, having a lady vampire hunter fall for a guy, who's about to become a werewolf.
What I liked about it: some of the action scenes were pretty good, especially the climatic fight towards the end. I also liked how the feud was played out as well, giving a slant that had you thinking one way at first but then seeing it from the other side.
Now when it comes to any movie involving werewolves, I look at two things: the transformation scenes and the final look of the werewolf itself. The TF scenes were OK, with the use of CGI effects. I like how they used the transformations too, especially with one guy as he becomes the werewolf. A much better use of morphing as compared to "Bad Moon" as an example. I even liked how they showed a few of them changing back using the morphing effect.
As for the wolf itself, it could've been better, as it looked like a black panther than a wolf, but it wasn't bad. There were glimpses that made it look very realistic, but they weren't used enough. I did like the effect that had them climbing along the walls and leaping onto buildings and trains.
One effect I wished they would've shown all the way is showing the male lead change into a werewolf for the first time. In showing his transformation, they used a cool camera effect in showing how the change effected his body as his organs shifted and his bones began to grow and change. They didn't show enough of it and they stopped the change before he completely became a wolf. It should've been a contender for a cool TF scene, but it just fell short.
What I didn't like about it was the overuse of the weapons. I mean, we're talking werewolves and vampires here. They can do some hand to hand combat from time to time and not be so dependent on the guns. Although, I did find it interesting with the use of their weapons to fight their foes (the vampires using bullets with silver nitrate and the wolves using bullets made with a form of ultraviolet light) I also didn't like the use of darkness when it comes to the werewolf TFs and I especially hated how when the male lead became a werewolf-vampire hybrid at the end, you get to see this incredible use of effects to show him changing and what do you see at the end? the guy in kind of his human form, covered in dark purple paint and some claws and a few fangs. I mean come on?!!!
A friend of mine brought up a good point saying he thought the guy would be like Nightcrawler from X-Men2 and start teleporting.
All in all, it wasn't too bad. It could've been a lot better but they had enough to build on for the proposed sequels that they plan to make. Like I said with "The Hulk" movie back in June, I hope they take the good points they did with the film and expand on that and hopefully make a kick-ass sequel.
My next film review will be for "The Rundown" Stay tuned.
September 30, 2003
TODAY'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!! Whohoo!!
I take pride in the fact that today I pass yet another number in the age scale (And no, I won't tell you how old I am!)
I'm also proud of the fact that my birthday falls on the time that the new fall season is out on TV and movies, that football is in full swing and the baseball playoffs are about to start. It won't be long before basketball and hockey start up as well. Ah, you gotta love fall.
I don't usually go all out when it comes to celebrating my big day. Mostly the high point for me is spending some time with the family and some good friends, maybe taking in a movie or a sporting event, and winding down the day with some cake and ice cream. It may not be the earth-shattering event some people have on their birthday, but it works for me.
For gifts, my mom gave me a very cool one: the first season DVD box set of "Smallville". Very nice. I also got some cash ( the gift that keeps on giving, I always say) some clothes and some DVDs. Not a bad haul.
Thanks to all my friends who sent out good wishes for the day as well. It's been a good birthday for me, can't wait till the next one.
I take pride in the fact that today I pass yet another number in the age scale (And no, I won't tell you how old I am!)
I'm also proud of the fact that my birthday falls on the time that the new fall season is out on TV and movies, that football is in full swing and the baseball playoffs are about to start. It won't be long before basketball and hockey start up as well. Ah, you gotta love fall.
I don't usually go all out when it comes to celebrating my big day. Mostly the high point for me is spending some time with the family and some good friends, maybe taking in a movie or a sporting event, and winding down the day with some cake and ice cream. It may not be the earth-shattering event some people have on their birthday, but it works for me.
For gifts, my mom gave me a very cool one: the first season DVD box set of "Smallville". Very nice. I also got some cash ( the gift that keeps on giving, I always say) some clothes and some DVDs. Not a bad haul.
Thanks to all my friends who sent out good wishes for the day as well. It's been a good birthday for me, can't wait till the next one.
September 21, 2003
Hey there.
Well tomorrow I will see the first film of the fall, "Underworld". With the weather now changing, cold and rainy and all, it is now official: summer is over.
So, as promised earlier, here is my revue of the films I saw over the summer months. I checked out six movies
(X2, Matrix Reloaded, 28 Days Later, Hulk, T3 and Pirates of the Caribbean) Here's what I thought were the best of the lot, in reverse order:
6. Hulk: I had high, high hopes for this film, but it let me down. The plot took too long to set up before Banner changed for the first time and I'm still scratching my head over that climax. But in spite of that, it was OK. I liked the actors, especially Eric Bana as Banner, and the CGI Hulk was believeable enough, especially in the daylight. But, even though it let me down, I'll probably will get the DVD when it comes out October 28th.
5. T3: A good action flick, lots of good scenes, especially with the chase scend in the freeway. But the plot was so-so, although I do go along with the premise that the end of the world and that the machines will take over will happen and there's nothing that can be done to stop it. Asise from Arnold and the very hot Termimatrix, the acting was lame, flat and dull. It was a good stand alone film, but in my mind, the saga ended with "T2: Judgement Day"
4. 28 Days Later: A small dark horse of a film, but it was good. I can associate with the lead character who's world is turned upside down when he finds himself in the middle of an abandoned desolate city ravaged by a killer virus after coming out of a coma and is forced to do whatever it takes to survive. This was a good story that not only scared you but makes you think as well.
3. The Matrix Reloaded: An awesome movie with a lot of scenes that blew me away, especially the unreal chase scene along the freeway. But to understand the plot was very hard. The only thing I could think of was the fact that they filmed two movies at the same time and left some of the stuff out for the third film. So, I guess I have to wait until "The Matrix Revolutions" comes out November 5th for me to make sense of it. Still, a good film.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: When the summer began, there was no way I was going to see this movie. But the buzz was pretty good and several friends kept telling me about it, so I decided to check it out. I was very very surprised. It was a good adventure with believable characters (Johnny Depp definitely earns my award for the best acting performance of the summer) and a story that kept you going. The special effects were incredible as well. What's also surprising about this film is that it still has holding power in the box office several months later.
1. X2: X-Men United: The best sequel I've seen in a while. From the wild opening sequence to the emotional climax, this was a worthy sequel to the original X Men movie a couple of years ago. You got to see some depth to the main corps of mutants, some expansion in some of the minor characters in the first film and we got to meet some new ones to the universe. The fight scenes were incredible and the special effects were very well done. It was the first film I saw in the summer and still held up after several months.
So now that summer's over, on to the fall films. My first review on "Underworld" will be coming on Monday. Blog at you later.
Well tomorrow I will see the first film of the fall, "Underworld". With the weather now changing, cold and rainy and all, it is now official: summer is over.
So, as promised earlier, here is my revue of the films I saw over the summer months. I checked out six movies
(X2, Matrix Reloaded, 28 Days Later, Hulk, T3 and Pirates of the Caribbean) Here's what I thought were the best of the lot, in reverse order:
6. Hulk: I had high, high hopes for this film, but it let me down. The plot took too long to set up before Banner changed for the first time and I'm still scratching my head over that climax. But in spite of that, it was OK. I liked the actors, especially Eric Bana as Banner, and the CGI Hulk was believeable enough, especially in the daylight. But, even though it let me down, I'll probably will get the DVD when it comes out October 28th.
5. T3: A good action flick, lots of good scenes, especially with the chase scend in the freeway. But the plot was so-so, although I do go along with the premise that the end of the world and that the machines will take over will happen and there's nothing that can be done to stop it. Asise from Arnold and the very hot Termimatrix, the acting was lame, flat and dull. It was a good stand alone film, but in my mind, the saga ended with "T2: Judgement Day"
4. 28 Days Later: A small dark horse of a film, but it was good. I can associate with the lead character who's world is turned upside down when he finds himself in the middle of an abandoned desolate city ravaged by a killer virus after coming out of a coma and is forced to do whatever it takes to survive. This was a good story that not only scared you but makes you think as well.
3. The Matrix Reloaded: An awesome movie with a lot of scenes that blew me away, especially the unreal chase scene along the freeway. But to understand the plot was very hard. The only thing I could think of was the fact that they filmed two movies at the same time and left some of the stuff out for the third film. So, I guess I have to wait until "The Matrix Revolutions" comes out November 5th for me to make sense of it. Still, a good film.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: When the summer began, there was no way I was going to see this movie. But the buzz was pretty good and several friends kept telling me about it, so I decided to check it out. I was very very surprised. It was a good adventure with believable characters (Johnny Depp definitely earns my award for the best acting performance of the summer) and a story that kept you going. The special effects were incredible as well. What's also surprising about this film is that it still has holding power in the box office several months later.
1. X2: X-Men United: The best sequel I've seen in a while. From the wild opening sequence to the emotional climax, this was a worthy sequel to the original X Men movie a couple of years ago. You got to see some depth to the main corps of mutants, some expansion in some of the minor characters in the first film and we got to meet some new ones to the universe. The fight scenes were incredible and the special effects were very well done. It was the first film I saw in the summer and still held up after several months.
So now that summer's over, on to the fall films. My first review on "Underworld" will be coming on Monday. Blog at you later.
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