The new website is now up. Check it out.
http://www.freewebs.com/markonenet/
September 05, 2006
September 02, 2006
NEW Website Launches on Labor Day!!
It's almost time. Time to finally launch my new website. I'm putting the finishing touches on my new M1N site. I'm adding some new stuff, cleaning up the old stuff and getting rid of the pages that I no longer work on.
So when will it be ready to go? Well I've pencilled in Monday Sept. 4th (Labor Day) for it to be up and running. When? It could be midnight (late night Sunday), 2:00 PM, 7:55PM, 11:59PM, whatever. But trust me it'll be good to go by Monday.
Be on the lookout for it. Thanks.
So when will it be ready to go? Well I've pencilled in Monday Sept. 4th (Labor Day) for it to be up and running. When? It could be midnight (late night Sunday), 2:00 PM, 7:55PM, 11:59PM, whatever. But trust me it'll be good to go by Monday.
Be on the lookout for it. Thanks.
August 26, 2006
Birthday Wishes
Hey there, the next two days (today, the 26th and tomorrow, the 27th) are very special to three people that I know: one who knows me intimately, another who's one of my closest and best friends, and a third who's become a very cool online bud.
Why? Because their birthdays fall on those two days.
On the 26th, it's my mother's birthday (Love Ya Mom!!), and as I just found out the other day, it's also my online friend Tony's birthday (Happy Birthday Mate, don't get too old too fast!)
The next day, on the 27th, it's my friend Rob's birthday (Happy Birthday Bud!)
So I dedicate this blog entry to them, hoping that their special day is truly that.
Why? Because their birthdays fall on those two days.
On the 26th, it's my mother's birthday (Love Ya Mom!!), and as I just found out the other day, it's also my online friend Tony's birthday (Happy Birthday Mate, don't get too old too fast!)
The next day, on the 27th, it's my friend Rob's birthday (Happy Birthday Bud!)
So I dedicate this blog entry to them, hoping that their special day is truly that.
June 30, 2006
Superman Returns: Now Will It Suck or Not?!
Superman was my first hero.
I'm old enough to remember seeing the big screen version when it first came out some 20-plus years ago. I was a kid and recall seeing it with my brother and a family friend. I was blown away. Totally and completely blown away. In fact, back then, movie theatres weren't too enforcing on showings, so we lucked out and saw it about three more times at the same theatre. Each time was better than the last.
To this day, this version still holds the record as the film I've seen the most. I've seen it on TV, seen it on cable, seen it on videotape and now on DVD. Everything about this film I loved, from the epic scope of it all, the acting, the music (how can you not get chills hearing John Williams' theme) and the effects. I especially loved Christopher Reeve's performance most of all. As a kid, he was my first definition of a hero. I truly believed that he could fly. Of course, now we know better, but he still holds a place in my heart to this day, even after his tragic accident that left him paralyzed and eventually led to his untimely death.
So, almost 30 years later, we've got a new Man of Steel movie out now. "Superman Returns". And ever since word about this has come out and we've seen bits and pieces here and there about this. There's been two sides to this: those who really like it and those who are totally against it. I have two friends, Rob and Brandon, who have been against this from the start. Brandon has been the most vocal about it, especially about the suit and the acting, even though he hasn't seen anything aside from the trailers and certain scenes.
Now, later on today, I'll sit down at the theater and will see it for myself. I will decide if it sucks or not. And hey, this has a lot on the line. Especially with Brandon Routh, who has the most unenviable task of being in Reeve's shoes. Or suit as it were. Now, granted he looks a little like him, but anything he does in this film will be compared to what is arguably the best superhero performance ever captured on screen. I hope he does well. I want him to do well, but we have to just wait and see.
Not only will I be interested in seeing how Routh does, but I want to see how Bryan Singer does directing this film. He has a great respect for the original movie as well, since this version takes place in the period of the first two films. Now I know he has a great track record with the first two X-Men films, but this is Superman here. This is a whole different level. So we'll see how this goes. Especially when it comes to the story, which may tinker around with the mythology we've come to know over the years.
So when I sit down later on to see this, I'm going to be going over this with a fine tuned comb. Everything from the music, which I hear will take some of what Williams did and add on to it, to the acting (not just Routh, but Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor), to the scope and magnitude of the whole feature. Plus, this is going to be a long film too, over two and a half hours. Let's just hope the length means something and not just filler.
About a year ago on this blog, I talked about another DC Comics hero making a return to the big screen, and "Batman Begins" turned out to be a good movie. My pick for movie of the year last year. Will the same hold true for Superman, my first movie hero?
Will this movie suck or not?
I'm about to go and find out.
I'm old enough to remember seeing the big screen version when it first came out some 20-plus years ago. I was a kid and recall seeing it with my brother and a family friend. I was blown away. Totally and completely blown away. In fact, back then, movie theatres weren't too enforcing on showings, so we lucked out and saw it about three more times at the same theatre. Each time was better than the last.
To this day, this version still holds the record as the film I've seen the most. I've seen it on TV, seen it on cable, seen it on videotape and now on DVD. Everything about this film I loved, from the epic scope of it all, the acting, the music (how can you not get chills hearing John Williams' theme) and the effects. I especially loved Christopher Reeve's performance most of all. As a kid, he was my first definition of a hero. I truly believed that he could fly. Of course, now we know better, but he still holds a place in my heart to this day, even after his tragic accident that left him paralyzed and eventually led to his untimely death.
So, almost 30 years later, we've got a new Man of Steel movie out now. "Superman Returns". And ever since word about this has come out and we've seen bits and pieces here and there about this. There's been two sides to this: those who really like it and those who are totally against it. I have two friends, Rob and Brandon, who have been against this from the start. Brandon has been the most vocal about it, especially about the suit and the acting, even though he hasn't seen anything aside from the trailers and certain scenes.
Now, later on today, I'll sit down at the theater and will see it for myself. I will decide if it sucks or not. And hey, this has a lot on the line. Especially with Brandon Routh, who has the most unenviable task of being in Reeve's shoes. Or suit as it were. Now, granted he looks a little like him, but anything he does in this film will be compared to what is arguably the best superhero performance ever captured on screen. I hope he does well. I want him to do well, but we have to just wait and see.
Not only will I be interested in seeing how Routh does, but I want to see how Bryan Singer does directing this film. He has a great respect for the original movie as well, since this version takes place in the period of the first two films. Now I know he has a great track record with the first two X-Men films, but this is Superman here. This is a whole different level. So we'll see how this goes. Especially when it comes to the story, which may tinker around with the mythology we've come to know over the years.
So when I sit down later on to see this, I'm going to be going over this with a fine tuned comb. Everything from the music, which I hear will take some of what Williams did and add on to it, to the acting (not just Routh, but Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor), to the scope and magnitude of the whole feature. Plus, this is going to be a long film too, over two and a half hours. Let's just hope the length means something and not just filler.
About a year ago on this blog, I talked about another DC Comics hero making a return to the big screen, and "Batman Begins" turned out to be a good movie. My pick for movie of the year last year. Will the same hold true for Superman, my first movie hero?
Will this movie suck or not?
I'm about to go and find out.
Movie Review: X-Men: The Last Stand
Here's another of my movie reviews. This one's for "X-Men: The Last Stand", the third movie involving the mutants from Marvel's hit comic book series.
Now I liked the first movie, and I really loved the second movie. In fact, "X2" was my pick for movie of the year when it came out in 2003. So going in, I had all the hopes that this one would hit it out of the park. Then came the changes, like Bryan Singer, who directed the first two X-films, leaving to do Superman Returns and Brett Ratner, whose films are hit or miss with me, taking over. Still with all that, I had hopes that this one would be good, especially after seeing the trailers.
Well after seeing it, it was good. But I had hoped it'll do so much more.
With the first two films, they got the ball rolling right off the start. With this, it was slow at first, key fight scenes should've been a lot longer, like they did with the first two. And the fights that they did have were short ones, not unlike the other films which were a lot longer.
With a lot of characters, both good and evil, in the storyline, there's always that fine line between having too many people and not enough screen time for them all. What they did with the third one was get rid of a lot of key people too soon and introduced others that didn't do enough. Now that was a disappointment.
What I did like was Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, who always delivers with each X-film, and I'm sure he'll do the same with his own spinoff film. I was impressed by Kelsey Grammer (TV's Frasier) as Beast. At first, I had my doubts, but his peformance was quite good and he definitely proved me wrong. Ian McKellen as Magneto was another one who always delivers with his role and I liked some of the X-kids portrayals as well.
It wasn't as much about the actors that I didn't like, it was the fact they short-changed some of them, made little use of others and introduced some that was totally unneccessary. In my opinion, I think they crammed too much story and had not enough action.
Still, I liked the film. It was good, but it had the potential to do so much more. I believe that each sequel should improve upon it's previous film. And although this one was OK, The Last Stand didn't improve upon "X2" in my mind. Which was a shame really, cause I had hoped this would be the best film of the summer.
Now I liked the first movie, and I really loved the second movie. In fact, "X2" was my pick for movie of the year when it came out in 2003. So going in, I had all the hopes that this one would hit it out of the park. Then came the changes, like Bryan Singer, who directed the first two X-films, leaving to do Superman Returns and Brett Ratner, whose films are hit or miss with me, taking over. Still with all that, I had hopes that this one would be good, especially after seeing the trailers.
Well after seeing it, it was good. But I had hoped it'll do so much more.
With the first two films, they got the ball rolling right off the start. With this, it was slow at first, key fight scenes should've been a lot longer, like they did with the first two. And the fights that they did have were short ones, not unlike the other films which were a lot longer.
With a lot of characters, both good and evil, in the storyline, there's always that fine line between having too many people and not enough screen time for them all. What they did with the third one was get rid of a lot of key people too soon and introduced others that didn't do enough. Now that was a disappointment.
What I did like was Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, who always delivers with each X-film, and I'm sure he'll do the same with his own spinoff film. I was impressed by Kelsey Grammer (TV's Frasier) as Beast. At first, I had my doubts, but his peformance was quite good and he definitely proved me wrong. Ian McKellen as Magneto was another one who always delivers with his role and I liked some of the X-kids portrayals as well.
It wasn't as much about the actors that I didn't like, it was the fact they short-changed some of them, made little use of others and introduced some that was totally unneccessary. In my opinion, I think they crammed too much story and had not enough action.
Still, I liked the film. It was good, but it had the potential to do so much more. I believe that each sequel should improve upon it's previous film. And although this one was OK, The Last Stand didn't improve upon "X2" in my mind. Which was a shame really, cause I had hoped this would be the best film of the summer.
Movie Review: Mission: Impossible 3
I've been lacking with the movie reviews lately, so let me get caught up with the first movie I saw earlier this summer, "Mission: Impossible 3"
Now, ever since the movie version of the long running TV series came out, it's always been hit or miss with me. Either the action's OK and there's a lame plot, as was the case with the first one. Or the action was good and the plot was really lame, as was the case with the second. Now, I like Tom Cruise's takes in both films, but I knew that somehow, sooner or later, there would be a sequel that would deliver the goods.
They finally did it with the third one.
Now going in, I had hope that it would work because J.J. Abrams, the man behind the hit drama "Lost"(one of my favorite TV shows) and "Alias" (another one of my favorites, which just concluded its run in May) was writing and directing this film. Knowing his track record, especially with "Alias", which was another spy drama, I had a feeling that maybe we have a version of this film with a plot and good action.
My feeling was right.
From the opening sequence, which definitely had me on the edge of my seat right until it kicked into the always cool M: I theme music (which thankfully never gets old after all these years), the film was off and running. Something they never did with the first two films. Now, as was the case with other spy dramas, you have the plot that's kind of out there. But unlike the first two films, where you really didn't care what it was about, at least this time they had a plot device that was more personal ( where a fellow agent met an untimely fate at the beginning) and it also raised the stakes, where the girlfriend of Cruise's character had her life put on the line thanks to the dangerous job that Cruise gets to do.
Another thing that made it different from the first two films was the fact that we had a villian that was a villian that matched Cruise every step of the way. I give great credit to Philip Seymour Hoffman (fresh off his Oscar win a few months earlier) for really taking the role head on and made you want to hate him. The scenes where he and Cruise matched wits were electric, especially in the opening sequence.
Overall, the action scenes were great, including a high flying helicopter chase and a great sequence along the highway bridge highlighted by explosives and car chases. And the supporting cast were good as well. There were also some humorous moments that didn't feel forced or anything.
So, by far, the third film of the series was finally the charm as this was the best of the franchise. If Cruise is smart, since he's also one of the producers of these films as well, he would ask Abrams to do the fourth edition of the series if the need calls for one.
Now, ever since the movie version of the long running TV series came out, it's always been hit or miss with me. Either the action's OK and there's a lame plot, as was the case with the first one. Or the action was good and the plot was really lame, as was the case with the second. Now, I like Tom Cruise's takes in both films, but I knew that somehow, sooner or later, there would be a sequel that would deliver the goods.
They finally did it with the third one.
Now going in, I had hope that it would work because J.J. Abrams, the man behind the hit drama "Lost"(one of my favorite TV shows) and "Alias" (another one of my favorites, which just concluded its run in May) was writing and directing this film. Knowing his track record, especially with "Alias", which was another spy drama, I had a feeling that maybe we have a version of this film with a plot and good action.
My feeling was right.
From the opening sequence, which definitely had me on the edge of my seat right until it kicked into the always cool M: I theme music (which thankfully never gets old after all these years), the film was off and running. Something they never did with the first two films. Now, as was the case with other spy dramas, you have the plot that's kind of out there. But unlike the first two films, where you really didn't care what it was about, at least this time they had a plot device that was more personal ( where a fellow agent met an untimely fate at the beginning) and it also raised the stakes, where the girlfriend of Cruise's character had her life put on the line thanks to the dangerous job that Cruise gets to do.
Another thing that made it different from the first two films was the fact that we had a villian that was a villian that matched Cruise every step of the way. I give great credit to Philip Seymour Hoffman (fresh off his Oscar win a few months earlier) for really taking the role head on and made you want to hate him. The scenes where he and Cruise matched wits were electric, especially in the opening sequence.
Overall, the action scenes were great, including a high flying helicopter chase and a great sequence along the highway bridge highlighted by explosives and car chases. And the supporting cast were good as well. There were also some humorous moments that didn't feel forced or anything.
So, by far, the third film of the series was finally the charm as this was the best of the franchise. If Cruise is smart, since he's also one of the producers of these films as well, he would ask Abrams to do the fourth edition of the series if the need calls for one.
May 04, 2006
Summer Movie Plans
Hey there.
It's May and that means it's time for summer movie viewing. Between now and Labor Day, there'll be over 70 films coming out. Now, I have my eyes on about four that I'll be checking out. Here's my list, in chronological order:
1. Mission: Impossible 3 (May 5) -- The first big film out of the gate and of course, I have to check it out. Not only because this has Tom Cruise and action scenes and all of that, but this film is from J. J. Abrams, the guy behind Alias and Lost, two of my favorite TV shows. So this movie may just have something the first two M:I films haven't: some semblance of a plot.
2. X-Men: The Last Stand (May 26) -- I loved X-Men and I really loved X2: X-Men United. So I really have high hopes that the third and last of this films will hit it out of the part. When Bryan Singer, who directed the first two X-films left to do Superman Returns, I had my doubts on this one, especially when Brett Ratner took over. Then I saw the trailer. Holy crap!!! If this is what I expect it to be, this looks like the leading candidate for my film of the year. (X2 was my pick for film of the year a few years back by the way.)
3. Superman Returns (June 30) -- For the second year in a row, a DC Comics icon returns to the big screen after a long absence and the question must be asked: Will it suck? Last year, I posed that same question when Batman Begins came out and it was my film of the year in 2005. I don't know whether this will earn the title or not, but I'll have to see. I just caught the trailer online a couple of days ago and I was impressed. Brandon Routh has some MAJOR shoes to fill playing the Man of Steel, so I have to see if he's up to the task. But I definitely think Kevin Spacey will steal the show with his portrayal of Lex Luthor.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (July 7) -- When the original version came out a few years back, I had no intentions of seeing this film. It took several friends to convince me to check it out, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was my dark horse film of the year as a matter of fact. This time around, I'm definitely checking out the sequel. And again, I think Johnny Depp will knock it out of the park as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Now that's pretty much the films I will check out without question. There will be the chance that other films will catch my attention in those summer months that I'll look into. But we'll see how the rest of the summer goes.
Let the movie madness begin.
It's May and that means it's time for summer movie viewing. Between now and Labor Day, there'll be over 70 films coming out. Now, I have my eyes on about four that I'll be checking out. Here's my list, in chronological order:
1. Mission: Impossible 3 (May 5) -- The first big film out of the gate and of course, I have to check it out. Not only because this has Tom Cruise and action scenes and all of that, but this film is from J. J. Abrams, the guy behind Alias and Lost, two of my favorite TV shows. So this movie may just have something the first two M:I films haven't: some semblance of a plot.
2. X-Men: The Last Stand (May 26) -- I loved X-Men and I really loved X2: X-Men United. So I really have high hopes that the third and last of this films will hit it out of the part. When Bryan Singer, who directed the first two X-films left to do Superman Returns, I had my doubts on this one, especially when Brett Ratner took over. Then I saw the trailer. Holy crap!!! If this is what I expect it to be, this looks like the leading candidate for my film of the year. (X2 was my pick for film of the year a few years back by the way.)
3. Superman Returns (June 30) -- For the second year in a row, a DC Comics icon returns to the big screen after a long absence and the question must be asked: Will it suck? Last year, I posed that same question when Batman Begins came out and it was my film of the year in 2005. I don't know whether this will earn the title or not, but I'll have to see. I just caught the trailer online a couple of days ago and I was impressed. Brandon Routh has some MAJOR shoes to fill playing the Man of Steel, so I have to see if he's up to the task. But I definitely think Kevin Spacey will steal the show with his portrayal of Lex Luthor.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (July 7) -- When the original version came out a few years back, I had no intentions of seeing this film. It took several friends to convince me to check it out, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was my dark horse film of the year as a matter of fact. This time around, I'm definitely checking out the sequel. And again, I think Johnny Depp will knock it out of the park as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Now that's pretty much the films I will check out without question. There will be the chance that other films will catch my attention in those summer months that I'll look into. But we'll see how the rest of the summer goes.
Let the movie madness begin.
April 30, 2006
Getting Caught Up -- April 2006
Man, has it been over a month and a half since my last post here?
Guess so. Heck, I've done various posts for my other blogs in the time between posts here.
Well, I hope to rectify that in the next few weeks or so.
First of all, I have to give some shout outs. I've met several new online friends in the last month and a half, so I want to take the time to recognize them. So, to David, Paul, Scot, Jason, Eric, Tom, Bobby and Gonzalvo, welcome to the club guys!
Next, I was able to check out a couple of films in the time away. V For Vendetta, which was an interesting surprise and The Sentinel, which was OK, but could've been better. I'll go into more detail with both as well as give out my summer film plans soon.
And lastly, I've been busy with a few other projects, writing wise and film related. Plus, I was able to check out an event that my best friend Rob was involved with as well a couple of weeks ago. I'll fill you in on that as well this week.
There, that should be enough for now. Like I said, I promise to go into more detail in the next week or so.
Guess so. Heck, I've done various posts for my other blogs in the time between posts here.
Well, I hope to rectify that in the next few weeks or so.
First of all, I have to give some shout outs. I've met several new online friends in the last month and a half, so I want to take the time to recognize them. So, to David, Paul, Scot, Jason, Eric, Tom, Bobby and Gonzalvo, welcome to the club guys!
Next, I was able to check out a couple of films in the time away. V For Vendetta, which was an interesting surprise and The Sentinel, which was OK, but could've been better. I'll go into more detail with both as well as give out my summer film plans soon.
And lastly, I've been busy with a few other projects, writing wise and film related. Plus, I was able to check out an event that my best friend Rob was involved with as well a couple of weeks ago. I'll fill you in on that as well this week.
There, that should be enough for now. Like I said, I promise to go into more detail in the next week or so.
March 11, 2006
It Has Begun: Work on the New Site has Started!
A few days ago, I began the long process of building up my new website. A friend of mine gave me some stuff to help with the site and I'm have started going over it.
From there, it won't be long until I start getting rid of the old stuff and putting in the new.
I'm not going to kid you, this is going to be very very long, probably the biggest thing I've ever done with my website. This is so big, in fact, that I'm not going to take any chances and give an exact date on when I have this done. But, my hope is that by the end of the month, it will be ready and the new site will be launched.
Stay tuned. I'll keep you posted.
From there, it won't be long until I start getting rid of the old stuff and putting in the new.
I'm not going to kid you, this is going to be very very long, probably the biggest thing I've ever done with my website. This is so big, in fact, that I'm not going to take any chances and give an exact date on when I have this done. But, my hope is that by the end of the month, it will be ready and the new site will be launched.
Stay tuned. I'll keep you posted.
March 06, 2006
Movies to Watch For
Hey there. We're into the new year and that means it's the return of the movie reviews.
First up is a film that I checked out about a month or so ago, "Underworld:Evolution" The sequel to the original film seemed to have improved upon the original, with a lot more historical depth into the mythology of the vampires and werewolves. It also had better effects as well, I especially liked the winged-like appearancee of Markus, the main bad guy/vampire and his twin brother William, who was totally bad-ass in his werewolf form.
Of course, some of the story was a bit weak at points, but it was minor compared to the rest of the movie. I liked how they continued and built on the main characters' relationship, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and Michael (Scott Speedman) from the first film. But, I really really liked the action scenes in the movie, especially the climatic encounter at the end of the film.
All in all, a great film and a great continuation to the epic story, not just a rehash of the first movie. There's already talk of a third film, which is great.
Now, "Underworld:Evolution" was the first film I saw this year, but definitely not the last. Here's what I plan to see between now and the end of the year (in no particular order): "X-Men 3: The Last Stand" (Just saw the trailer for it earlier tonight and I was blown away by it, can't wait to check it out), "Superman Returns", "Mission: Impossible 3", "V for Vendetta". Those are just off the top of my head, but I'm sure there will be more that I'll see.
During the year, I'll continue to post my reviews of the films that I'll be seeing at the theater. I'll also be posting my thoughts on some of the fan films and online stuff that'll be around as well.
That's it for now. Blog at you later.
First up is a film that I checked out about a month or so ago, "Underworld:Evolution" The sequel to the original film seemed to have improved upon the original, with a lot more historical depth into the mythology of the vampires and werewolves. It also had better effects as well, I especially liked the winged-like appearancee of Markus, the main bad guy/vampire and his twin brother William, who was totally bad-ass in his werewolf form.
Of course, some of the story was a bit weak at points, but it was minor compared to the rest of the movie. I liked how they continued and built on the main characters' relationship, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and Michael (Scott Speedman) from the first film. But, I really really liked the action scenes in the movie, especially the climatic encounter at the end of the film.
All in all, a great film and a great continuation to the epic story, not just a rehash of the first movie. There's already talk of a third film, which is great.
Now, "Underworld:Evolution" was the first film I saw this year, but definitely not the last. Here's what I plan to see between now and the end of the year (in no particular order): "X-Men 3: The Last Stand" (Just saw the trailer for it earlier tonight and I was blown away by it, can't wait to check it out), "Superman Returns", "Mission: Impossible 3", "V for Vendetta". Those are just off the top of my head, but I'm sure there will be more that I'll see.
During the year, I'll continue to post my reviews of the films that I'll be seeing at the theater. I'll also be posting my thoughts on some of the fan films and online stuff that'll be around as well.
That's it for now. Blog at you later.
February 05, 2006
Super Bowl XL Pick
As I type this, there's minutes away from the kickoff of Super Bowl XL. One I'm most proud of since it's taking place in my hometown, Detroit. I'll talk about it at length after the game's over, but here's my pick, strictly for entertainment purposes only:
Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Seattle Seahawks 24
May the game be fun and exciting and the commercials rock!!
Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Seattle Seahawks 24
May the game be fun and exciting and the commercials rock!!
February 02, 2006
Year In Review- Part 2
Back again with the second part of my year in review/year ahead blogs.
Quick snaps here
Best movie I saw in 2005: Close race here, but I give the edge to Batman Begins. This was a film I was hoping that would revive the Caped Crusader franchise and it did with a bang. Great realism, good acting and a steady mix of humor, action and thrills.
The rest of the best: 2. King Kong. Last film I saw in 2005 and it was awesome. Peter Jackson's first epic since the LOTR films was pretty much epic. The CGI was incredible and there were several key scenes and moments that blew me away, in particular when Kong tangled with three tyrannosauruses. Incredible. And the ending did make you feel sad as well. This film came very close to knocking off Batman as the best film I saw last year. What made it fall short was the long, drawn out opening hour. It could've set the pace up a lot quicker. But, take that away and it was an incredible film.
3. Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith, 4. Fantastic Four, 5. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Surprise film of the year: (Tie) The Brothers Grimm and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Worst film I saw in 2005: Cursed. A joke of a film if there ever was one. A bad, twisted mess of a werewolf movie with a lame tired plot and the potential for so much more, but got wasted. Even the "Unrated Directors Cut DVD" version they released didn't do the film justice.
Cool DVDs I got in 2005: Lost Season 1 set, Batman Begins, Star Wars (Clone Wars Season 2 and Revenge of the Sith) and Sin City.
Best new TV shows I've seen: Fox's Prison Break and The WB's Supernatural.
Finally, I have two major goals I want to set for 2006. First, I plan to make at least one -- maybe two -- short films before the year's out. Second, I want to expand out on my career plans. Sure I still have my main goal of breaking into the broadcasting business, but I also want to get my novel published, get my short films out there and do a lot more.
And if anything, that's what last year showed me. That there is more out there. I got to fly, got to attend a kick-ass event in SWC3 and meet a lot more people. I hope to do all that -- and more -- in the months to come.
Quick snaps here
Best movie I saw in 2005: Close race here, but I give the edge to Batman Begins. This was a film I was hoping that would revive the Caped Crusader franchise and it did with a bang. Great realism, good acting and a steady mix of humor, action and thrills.
The rest of the best: 2. King Kong. Last film I saw in 2005 and it was awesome. Peter Jackson's first epic since the LOTR films was pretty much epic. The CGI was incredible and there were several key scenes and moments that blew me away, in particular when Kong tangled with three tyrannosauruses. Incredible. And the ending did make you feel sad as well. This film came very close to knocking off Batman as the best film I saw last year. What made it fall short was the long, drawn out opening hour. It could've set the pace up a lot quicker. But, take that away and it was an incredible film.
3. Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith, 4. Fantastic Four, 5. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Surprise film of the year: (Tie) The Brothers Grimm and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Worst film I saw in 2005: Cursed. A joke of a film if there ever was one. A bad, twisted mess of a werewolf movie with a lame tired plot and the potential for so much more, but got wasted. Even the "Unrated Directors Cut DVD" version they released didn't do the film justice.
Cool DVDs I got in 2005: Lost Season 1 set, Batman Begins, Star Wars (Clone Wars Season 2 and Revenge of the Sith) and Sin City.
Best new TV shows I've seen: Fox's Prison Break and The WB's Supernatural.
Finally, I have two major goals I want to set for 2006. First, I plan to make at least one -- maybe two -- short films before the year's out. Second, I want to expand out on my career plans. Sure I still have my main goal of breaking into the broadcasting business, but I also want to get my novel published, get my short films out there and do a lot more.
And if anything, that's what last year showed me. That there is more out there. I got to fly, got to attend a kick-ass event in SWC3 and meet a lot more people. I hope to do all that -- and more -- in the months to come.
January 30, 2006
Year In Review- Part 1
Hey there.
It's a new year, 2006 and after taking some time off from the blog, I figured it's time to get back here and recap a bit of what went down for me last year and look ahead what I have planned in 2006.
-- The biggest thing that happened to me last year, without a doubt, was going to Indianapolis last April for the Star Wars Celebration 3 convention. I hadn't been to a convention like that in years, so it was good to check that out with my best friend Rob, who asked me to tag along. Not only was it a great event for me to check out, but it also gave me the chance to fly on an airplane for the first time ever. Pretty cool. The only downside was the unseasonably cold weather, the long-as-hell lines and the total botch-up job by the organizers to get any souvenirs from the event. But aside from that, it was a great experience and one I'd never forget.
My plan for 2006 is to go out of town for another convention. I'd love to check out the Comic Con in San Diego, but it's more likely that I'll be heading out to Chicago for the Wizard World convention in August. I tried to go last year, but financially it was a no go. This year, however, I'm going to try my best to go. And hey, if Rob talks me into going into another huge event, then I'll be there as well.
--2005 was also the year I got to meet a lot of people online. And I mean a lot of people. Guys like Ron, Chase, John, Sam (from England-my first online bud from outside North America), Jim (from the Werewolf Cafe) James, Tristan, Cody, Thomas, Jeff, Mike, Joe and Paul. It's been cool and great knowing you all. Hope our friendships will continue to strengthen in the months to come.
--I also got to work on some of my projects, like my werewolf novel, my short film scripts(which I'll have updates on at their respective blogs) and my short stories. One of which, has been posted on the site. I plan to add a whole lot more in 2006.
That's it for now. On my next blog entry, I'll tell you what I remember movie and TV wise from 2005 and state a couple of major goals that I hope to have done this year.
Blog at you later.
It's a new year, 2006 and after taking some time off from the blog, I figured it's time to get back here and recap a bit of what went down for me last year and look ahead what I have planned in 2006.
-- The biggest thing that happened to me last year, without a doubt, was going to Indianapolis last April for the Star Wars Celebration 3 convention. I hadn't been to a convention like that in years, so it was good to check that out with my best friend Rob, who asked me to tag along. Not only was it a great event for me to check out, but it also gave me the chance to fly on an airplane for the first time ever. Pretty cool. The only downside was the unseasonably cold weather, the long-as-hell lines and the total botch-up job by the organizers to get any souvenirs from the event. But aside from that, it was a great experience and one I'd never forget.
My plan for 2006 is to go out of town for another convention. I'd love to check out the Comic Con in San Diego, but it's more likely that I'll be heading out to Chicago for the Wizard World convention in August. I tried to go last year, but financially it was a no go. This year, however, I'm going to try my best to go. And hey, if Rob talks me into going into another huge event, then I'll be there as well.
--2005 was also the year I got to meet a lot of people online. And I mean a lot of people. Guys like Ron, Chase, John, Sam (from England-my first online bud from outside North America), Jim (from the Werewolf Cafe) James, Tristan, Cody, Thomas, Jeff, Mike, Joe and Paul. It's been cool and great knowing you all. Hope our friendships will continue to strengthen in the months to come.
--I also got to work on some of my projects, like my werewolf novel, my short film scripts(which I'll have updates on at their respective blogs) and my short stories. One of which, has been posted on the site. I plan to add a whole lot more in 2006.
That's it for now. On my next blog entry, I'll tell you what I remember movie and TV wise from 2005 and state a couple of major goals that I hope to have done this year.
Blog at you later.
December 31, 2005
Holiday Stuff!!
Hey there, hope you had a good Christmas. Believe it or not, I had a pretty good one too. Topping the list of cool gifts is this bad boy:
Nice, eh? A brand new digital camera that's smaller than my old one, has like 4.1 megapixels (a lot better than my old one) and even has video capabilities.
One word. Sweet!!
That's not the only present I found under my tree.
Here are some of the others: A Red Wings polo shirt, Lost Season 1 DVD set, Star Wars: Clone Wars Volume 2, and Saw:Uncut Edition DVD. Plus I got a set of 50 blank DVD+Rs for my DVD recorder. Another gift that keeps on giving.
Anyways, I hope all of you had a good holiday and a nice, safe and Happy New Year.
See you in 2006!!!!
Nice, eh? A brand new digital camera that's smaller than my old one, has like 4.1 megapixels (a lot better than my old one) and even has video capabilities.
One word. Sweet!!
That's not the only present I found under my tree.
Here are some of the others: A Red Wings polo shirt, Lost Season 1 DVD set, Star Wars: Clone Wars Volume 2, and Saw:Uncut Edition DVD. Plus I got a set of 50 blank DVD+Rs for my DVD recorder. Another gift that keeps on giving.
Anyways, I hope all of you had a good holiday and a nice, safe and Happy New Year.
See you in 2006!!!!
December 25, 2005
Merry X-Mas!!!!
Hey, wanted to take this time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I hope it's a safe and joyous one! Take care and enjoy the day!!!
December 15, 2005
New Short Story Posted
My new short story is now up and online.
It's called "College Dog" and it's something that took me a little over three hours to write out.
The idea for the story came about while checking out one of the Yahoo Groups I visit. A guy did a series of morphed photos of himself changing into a dog and wanted to see if someone could do a story based on the pictures. After looking over the photos, which were quite good by the way, I came up with a storyline and typed it out.
I'm quite proud of this little story and, as an added bonus, I sent the story to the guy who posted the pictures and he loved it. So that's cool.
Anyway, if you want to check it out, click on the headline above. Blog at you later.
It's called "College Dog" and it's something that took me a little over three hours to write out.
The idea for the story came about while checking out one of the Yahoo Groups I visit. A guy did a series of morphed photos of himself changing into a dog and wanted to see if someone could do a story based on the pictures. After looking over the photos, which were quite good by the way, I came up with a storyline and typed it out.
I'm quite proud of this little story and, as an added bonus, I sent the story to the guy who posted the pictures and he loved it. So that's cool.
Web Site Updated
Finally got around to updating the old site today, put up another new photo with yours truly and a famous person :) added a new short story and a few new photos, plus added a few new links to the page as well. Check it out by clicking on the headline above.
Also, want to give a shout out to two new people I've met online recently, both while checking out the Batman Fan Films webpage: So I want to say hey to Thomas, who's planning not one or two, but four various fan film projects. Good luck with that, and a big time hey to David, who's also planning a Batman fan film of his own, which looks good from the previews I've seen, and not only that, but he's helping me out with something major that I'm planning to launch next month. Thanks again Dave and best wishes with your project as well.
That's it for now. Blog at you later.
December 10, 2005
Get Well Wishes
Normally I use my blog to talk about things going on in my world. But with this entry, I want to use this to talk about someone else.
My online friend James, who lives in the same state (Michigan) as I do, was recently involved in an auto accident. Basically, while he was running to lose a few pounds for the wrestling team he competes in at school, he was struck by a car that slid on the ice. The car's bumper struck him dead on the left knee and shattered it.
The damage he suffered was pretty severe. From what I know, James has a vertical fracture in my femur above the knee. A broken fibula, and a shattered patella. The doctors put pins in his femur and fibula, reconstructed his patella and wired it together. He tells me the wires will eventually be taken out, but the pins in his leg will be there permanently.
Now what happened to James struck very close to home for me, for I was struck by a car over a decade ago. The extent of my damage was a broken fibula and tibia in my left leg. I spent over two months in a cast and another four rehabbing it. I have a steel rod and four screws in my leg which will be there permanently. Aside from a bit of soreness from overuse and aches when the weather gets rainy, my leg's fine. I'm also sporting a nice scar along my knee as a result of the surgery.
My friend's back home from the hospital now. He won't be able to put weight on it for several weeks and he has a long rehab yet to come. He did tell me that he'll be able to walk normally on it again in about nine to ten months. It took me about eight months to fully return to normal.
So now, I want to extend my get well wishes to James for a speedy recovery. I've been where you are bud, so I know what you're going through now and for the months to come. So hang in there, stay strong (even through the tough times yet ahead) and I know you'll be back on your feet very very soon. Take care bud.
November 17, 2005
New Short Story Coming Soon
Hey there.
It's been a while since I've written -and completed- a short story. But last week, I was able to write one out in three and a half hours. I was very inspired by some outside help, so that played a vital role.
I won't give too much details about the story just yet, but you'll see the story on my website within the week.
November 07, 2005
Sports Page Blog: 11/7/05
Time to talk some sports.
First of all, Terrell Owens is an idiot. Plain and simple, he's a flat out idiot. Here's a guy, an all pro wide receiver for the Eagles and all he's done this season is pretty much tick off and alienate the team to a point that they had to suspend him for four games and then de-activate him for the rest of the season. Basically, he won't play at all the rest of the year.
You know what I think? Good riddance.
Granted, he's a great player, an outstanding reciever. But his off the field attitude, which includes repeated jabs at his QB for the team, Donovan McNabb, his ongoing dispute about his contract (which he signed last year and already wanted it renegotiated) and now having a fight with an ex-teammate in the locker room was way too much for the Eagles to take. The team has had to put up with Owens' soap opera tactics since the preseason back in August and they were fed up with it.
This is yet another classic case of an overpaid egomaniac pro athlete who couldn't deal with being a team player, using the media to air out his "differences" instead of handling it in house, and pretty much dividing the team as they got off to a sluggish start. It's a shame that it had to come to this, especially to a team that reached the Super Bowl last year and had a good chance to reach it again at the start of the season. Owens and McNabb had the chance to be one of the most prolific duos the NFL had ever seen. But Owens' ego couldn't handle that, and that's why he's a player without a job.
I have no sympathy for Owens. He's done this sort of thing not once, but twice before (with San Francisco and then with Baltimore when the 49ers traded him two years ago, forcing the Ravens to deal him to Philly) and his attitude and behavior was too much for the team to take. I'm glad the Eagles did this move and I'll be shocked if any other NFL team would take Owens and his baggage, although I'm sure some team will. So like I said at the start, T. O. is an idiot and the idiot got what he deserved.
The NHL: I tried to hold a grudge against the NHL. I really did, after the lockout and the way the season was shut down last year. I wanted to hold a grudge against them and don't care about them after all that had happened.
But I'm a hockey fan. And it's hard to stay away from a sport that you love. So I came back to it.
How long did it take for me to get back to it: I was watching it on opening night. Yeah, I really held firm to my grudge.
And now that the season's been up for about a month or so, my team, the Red Wings, are off to a hot start. And all these new rules the league had put in place actually has worked. I even like the shootout. So yeah, I'm back to being a hockey fan. You can't forget something you love.
The NBA: Basketball is back, baby! I love the NBA. And my hometown team, the Pistons, are off to a hot start. The critics, however, have such teams like Miami, defending champ San Antonio, and Indiana taking the crown. Well call me a homer, but you cannot ignore a team that's been to the Finals two years in a row and held the NBA crown back in 2004. So until these other contenders say otherwise, my money's with the Pistons.
Lastly, belated congrats to the White Sox, for ending an almost 90-year drought and winning the World Series a couple weeks back. They defintely earned it, so you have to commend them for the win. I know the Cubs fans are sick over the fact that their crosstown rivals got the championship before they did, but hey, the Sox were clearly the better team this season.
That's it for the sports. Blog at you later.
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