Greenporker's View

Been A Long Time

2011-11-16T06:46:00.000-08:00

Its been a while...lost my job...lost some weight (32 lbs.) still babysitting Alden every day...same old stuff..."Stayin' Alive"..

That Kind Of Day...

2011-04-29T08:49:00.001-07:00

Its going to be that kind of day...below is a email I recieved from a woman who bought 6 1/6 scale "gas smoke" Grenades for GI Joe:

"Thank you for the quick service. My grandson got them but he called to tell me that none of them work. What are the y supposed to do? Smoke? They don't.

Thanks for your attention to this matter."

Captain America "FUCK YEAH!"

2011-03-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Captain America Superbowl Spot

2011-02-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

Long Time..No Blog....

2010-12-16T06:23:00.000-08:00

Been a long time since I've blogged on the site...not enough time in the day..nothing interesting to report....usual bouts with the accursed gout...I'll do better in the new year..maybe...

NEW LONG "True Grit" TRAILER!

2010-10-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

"TRUE GRIT" Remake Trailer

2010-09-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

Love What I'm Seeing Here...

MAD MEN (recap) Sorta....

2010-09-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Nuff' Said

2010-08-21T07:32:00.001-07:00

Visited by Alden and Dad this morning...healthy lungs on the little rascal for sure.....

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

2010-07-26T08:50:00.001-07:00

It is such a rare treat to discover a remarkable film that is original, fresh, and mind blowing. That is what I experienced a few days ago with my first viewing of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". Featuring a mesmerizing performance by Noomi Rapace, it will stay with you long after it's intitial viewing. A lot of people are familier with the best selling novels, I was not. I went into the film COLD and was so glad I did. I must say I am awaiting the two (already filmed ) sequels with great anticipation. I think I'll have to stop by the store and pick up a blu ray copy on the way home today...I'm ready to watch again. ****

First Pic Of Jeff Bridges as "Rooster Cogburn"

2010-07-14T08:55:00.001-07:00

Please...PLEASE tell me that pitiful hat is only for the courtroom scene...Rooster needs a Stetson hat at LEAST....

Jimmy Fallon Slow Jam's The News

2010-06-23T08:31:00.001-07:00

The Walking Dead

2010-06-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

Just started reading this...GOOD STUFF....

Always Makes Me Feel Good To Watch This...

2010-05-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

Let The Damn Elephants GO!

2010-04-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Doughboy In The House...

2010-04-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

Got the batch of "Joes" I won at a steal on eBay today...this cool WWI Doughboy was in the lot. He's a keeper. Looks like my granddad Edgar. Got to part out the other stuff and list a bunch in my store.

Alden Visits Grandma With His Banjo

2010-04-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

Alden and his Dad showed up at Grandma's house today ready to play "dueling banjos". We will all get together tonight and "dine out" for Bob's birthday...hmmm...I think I spied a strawberry shortcake in the fridge too!

Feeling Better...Somewhat

2010-03-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

Man what a ROUGH month I've had. Been down with some sort of kidney infection (peppered with joyous gout attacks) for almost 30 days. After a round of antibiotics and a couple of hundred dollars at Immediate Care that I couldn't afford I'm finally feeling SOME better. Still can't quite get my energy back (at least not the energy I had in the 60's when I was proudly displaying my SOAKY collection. But I'll get there...This too shall pass....

Tala & Papa Trip The Light Fantastic...

2010-02-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

Took Granddaughter Tala to her Girl Scout Father/Daughter dance Saturday night. She had a great time,enjoyed the spaghetti supper and the "Electric Slide"... she won the door prize and had her picture taken with her Papa...a good time was had by all...enjoy these days...they will end all too soon...

"Viva The Nam"

2010-01-25T07:34:00.000-08:00

From Veridian Dynamics...Enjoy...

2010-01-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

Making The "Avatar" Bootleg

2009-12-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

I Do Love Me Some Wavy The Crocodile...

2009-12-21T19:24:00.000-08:00

HOT TUB TIME MACHINE

2009-12-16T16:30:00.000-08:00

The Creator Of "Dead Set" Charlie Brooker

2009-12-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

"DEAD SET" is the COOLEST zombie film I've seen in a while. Extra enjoyable for "Big Brother" fans as well.

Alden Thinks Thanksgiving Is The "Tops"

2009-12-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Clip From This Week's "Glee"

2009-11-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

gl 10 masha @ Yahoo! Video

Conan On "Twilight-New Moon"

2009-11-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

Clip Of The Week...

2009-11-16T16:08:00.001-08:00

Clip Of The Week...

2009-11-14T17:43:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Video Of The Week...

2009-10-31T18:25:00.000-07:00

RIP Soupy Sales

2009-10-23T18:38:00.001-07:00

Groundbreaking comedian Soupy Sales died yesterday at the age of 83. I met Soupy when I was 10 years old in 1966. He was in town to promote his movie "Birds Do It" and my dad was the manager of the theater showing it. Dad took us to Rocky Mount the night before Soupy's arrival in Wilson to meet him, his co-star Beverly Adams and the chimp from the tv series "Daktari" (who also co-starred in the film) I remember thinking what a funny guy this was as he offered my brother and I a "Seven-Up" on the rocks and invited us into his hotel suite. He was a funny guy and way ahead of his time as a comedian. Do yourself a favor and check out his early tv shows...just watch out for a pie in your face! RIP Soupy....

"Let's Make A Deal" Returns To Daytime

2009-10-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite game shows has returned to the CBS Daytime line-up. A new version of "Let's Make A Deal" featuring the talented Wayne Brady as host. They have not changed the look or format of the show that much and coupled with Brady's cool "rat-pack" style hosting, it makes for a nostalgic and fun hour of tv. The "Zonks" are still in place and my ONLY nitpick is that they need to "beef" up the "Big Deal Of The Day" as it used to feature several cool prizes in a lot and now rarely features more than 1 cheesy expensive vacation or such. Maybe classic host Monty Hall (who is an adviser for the show) can help get rid of the bugs.

How Cool Is This?

2009-09-28T19:06:00.001-07:00

Boy...Did The Emmy's SUCK..........

2009-09-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

Neil Patrick Harris was ok...his song & dance number was passable...but the HORRIBLE, unfunny "jokes" John Hodgman made when announcing the winners was AWFUL..The huge confusing set just blinked and flashed as they "changed" categories...yuck...what a mess! At least "MAD MEN" won but Elizabeth Moss was ROBBED by Glenn Close...who won...for playing Glenn Close in the overated "DAMAGES". Glad to see Bryan Cranston win again for the fantastic 'BREAKING BAD".

Thought For Today...Be More Manly...

2009-09-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Put Some "Glee" In Your Life...

2009-09-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

"Glee" is the new Fox Network offering which aired it's pilot (for the second time) this past Wednesday night with a repeat coming up this Friday Sept. 4th at 9:00 (EST). "Glee" is well worth checking out. It has a skewed sense of humor, a dynamite cast and great musical numbers. Sort of "Tarantino meets High School Musical". Give it a shot. Airs on Wednesday nights this fall on Fox.

Cool Pic Of The Good Old Drake Theater...

2009-08-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

Found this sweet pic online of The Drake theater that Dad managed in the 1960's. Notice the chicken in the middle of Tarboro Street. I walked a lot of miles up and down that sidewalk. Happy Days indeed.

Coming To A Theater Near You In October..

2009-08-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Black Dynamite Redband Trailer
Uploaded by viciouspanda. - Check out other Film & TV videos.

I'm SO There.....

My "Inglourious Basterds" Review

2009-08-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

I usually try not to review a film just after viewing it (especially a Tarantino film) as I like to really absorb the experience and think about what I've just seen. This is an exception. I've anticipated this film experience since reading the script online about a year ago. Is it Tarantino's greatest work? No. Is it a noteworthy addition to his library? Most definitively yes. During World War II a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "The Basterds" are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. The Basterds soon cross paths with a French-Jewish teenage girl who runs a movie theater in Paris which is targeted by the soldiers. That is the basic plot...but "The Dirty Dozen" its not. It is a genuine Tarantino film filled with his wonderful dialogue and "pop" references as well as classic movie cues (mostly from classic Ennio Morricone scores) including my personal favorite "The Green Leaves Of Summer" from John Wayne's "The Alamo" as its title tune. The main reason to RUN to see this film is the remarkable performance by German actor Christoph Waltz. If you buy a ticket and watch the first 22 minutes of the picture to see his "interrogation scene" with the french dairy farmer you can leave the theater and still say you had received your moneys worth. But don't do that. Then you would miss the wonderful performances of Diane Kruger, Til Schweiger and the incredible Melanie Laurent. Not to mention Brad Pitt's remarkable "Italian". I don't know why Universal is marketing this film as if it was "The Dirty Dozen" or "The Devil's Brigade". It is not those films. If you are a Tarantino fan or a REAL movie fan you will probably love it. If not...well I'm sure AMC is re-running "The Dirty Dozen" again tonight. ***1/2

THE WOLFMAN Trailer Debuts!

2009-08-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

My New Ipod Touch

2009-08-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

My New Ipod touch seems to have a "bug" in it...still, ain't technology kewl? This shot features cutie Tala with the neat "Ibug" app crawling on her. This thing is great for storing my videos, I'm glad I sprung for the 16G model as I added my entire music library, the "Watchmen" movie, lots of photos and videos, some cool apps and games, and still have almost half of the storage left. Now if the battery performs well I'll be a happy camper.

My New Ipod Touch

2009-08-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

Carbine Williams

2009-08-12T12:29:00.000-07:00

Leaked Comic Con IRON MAN 2 Footage!

2009-08-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

So VERY Cool.......................

Happy Birthday Parkwood Cinema (RIP)

2009-08-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

Top picture: Dad and the local "dignitaries" at the ribbon cutting 41 years ago tonite. Middle picture: The Invitation sent to 560 lucky people.

Bottom picture: The doors open. That's a 12 year old Greenporker holding the door open. The marquee letters had not arrived in time so there were large signs taped to the marquee instead.

This REALLY Grinds My Gears....

2009-07-30T07:15:00.001-07:00

I know I'm old and can't see well anymore, but yesterday I invested in a couple of new Blu Ray discs and we all know these things are NOT cheap. I don't have that many "real" discs with nice storage cases and such so when I do get one I like to keep it in nice shape whenever possible. While wrestling with the evil shrinkwrap in the car on the way home (so I wouldn't have to contend with unwrapping the devil spawn later) I thought to myself.. "WOW..what THICK shrinkwrap on this pristine copy of "Kill Bill"...to which promptly ripped off the plastic cover of the case itself..freeing the gorgeous Uma Thurman artwork forever and destroying a brand new disc case requiring hasty field surgery switching out the beautiful green colored "Green Lantern" case to house lovely Uma while "Green Lantern" was trapped in the plastic-less "Kill Bill" case and covered with his cardboard sleeve. None of this makes sense but rest assured that my gears are well ground....

Jimmy Fallon At Comic Con

2009-07-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

"Black Velvet"

2009-07-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

Black Velvet
by greenporker

Music Video shot by myself and the Brendle's Department store crew in 1990

"A Day In Hell"

2009-07-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

A Day In Hell
by greenporker

My Brother Bob made this Vietnam Film as a school project in the 1980's...here is the 29th anniversary "Directors Cut"

Brandon's Salute To "MJ"

2009-07-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

A rare clip from the seldom seen "Brandon Christmas Special" from the 1980's. My brother Brandon performed many hits of the day including Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" and tunes from "Footloose" as well as traditional Christmas Carols. Rivaling The Infamous "Star Wars Holiday Special", this underground classic is sought by collectors near and far. Enjoy this re-mastered clip of "Beat It"...

New Series "DAY ONE" First Look

2009-07-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Day One Trailer
by muppetman21

Here is the first look at NBC's new sci/fi drama "DAY ONE"...looks promising.

The Dead Can "Twitter"

2009-06-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Jeff Goldblum Will Be Missed

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Mark Sanford

"The Hurt Locker"

2009-06-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

I watched Kathryn Bigelow's excellent film "The Hurt Locker" last night. It opens in limited release this week. A fascinating Iraqi war tale featuring the "bomb squad" technicians of the U.S. Army. Outstanding performance by Jeremy Renner and a mostly
unknown cast (with the exception of several big name stars in cameos ATTENTION "Lost"
fans!) a very realistic a gripping film from the director of "NEAR DARK" and "POINT BREAK". See It! ***

RIP Farrah..........

2009-06-25T11:25:00.001-07:00

THE STEPFATHER Remake Trailer

2009-06-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Olivia Munn Stormtrooper Dance

2009-06-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

Fanboy DREAM girl (G4's Olivia Munn) Graces the cover of PLAYBOY next month....STEVIE!

DTV Arrives Today

2009-06-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

RIP..."Bill"

2009-06-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Cool Guys.........

2009-06-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

Best Thing I've Seen Lately..."TRUE BLOOD"

2009-05-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

"TRUE BLOOD" is the addictive HBO series that has just hit the home DVD market with its incredible first season. This is the BEST thing I've seen in a while...Highly addictive....funny.......scary......sexy...beautifully shot with an incredible soundtrack. It's Tarantino meets "Interview With The Vampire"....Grab this up and you will devour the 12 episodes in no time flat.......Second season hits HBO on June 14th. This is GOOD to the last drop!****

Tarantino Live From Canne...

2009-05-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

"Inglorious Basterds" Trailer

2009-05-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

Website is Active.....COOL...................

Death Star Destroys Enterprise?

2009-05-13T16:08:00.001-07:00

"STAR TREK" My Review

2009-05-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

"I know engineers" the great Dr. Leonard McCoy once said "they LOVE to change things." After seeing J.J. Abram's much anticipated take on Gene Roddenberry's wonderful creation I must agree. Abram's "re-engineered" version has certainly made some changes. He has also made "Trek" more accessible to the general movie going public, which is a good thing for the franchise. Let me get this out of the way right now....I enjoyed it...I liked a LOT of it...some of it I really LOVED....and some things as Peter Griffin says "really grinds my gears" Chris Pine's "James T. Kirk" is very good... The "Sulu" and "Chekov" characters have their moments...I really like Zoe Saldana's "Uhura" EXCEPT for the almost incestuous relationship with a "pointy eared" character that really left a bad taste in my mouth. Bruce Greenwood's "Captain Pike" is a welcome addition and very well done, Simon Pegg's "Scotty" is great casting but sadly underused and comes across as just a lucky buffoon for the most part. Quinto's "Spock" will have to grow on me...I know he has large ears to fill and he may do it yet with a few more "Treks" under his belt. The REAL standout performance in the film is Karl Urban's "Dr. McCoy". He is pitch perfect in every way and provides some of the most entertaining segments of the film. Its "time travel" storyline cleverly allows this alternate "Trek" to exist without too much damage to the Star Trek Canon. The presence of Leonard Nimoy as "Spock Prime" helps bridge the gaps well enough. My ONLY real nitpick with the film is the set designs and bridge redo...it really DOES look like an "Apple" store instead of a starship bridge. Engineering fairs worst of all. I understand that portions were filmed in a "beer factory" to simulate engineering....and thats what it LOOKS like...a beer factory. Kudo's to the costume designers for presenting a believable version of the classic original uniforms though. Overall I really liked it. I wanted to LOVE it though. But you got me J.J. I'll be in line for the NEXT one. ****

Star Trek Premiere Tomorrow

2009-05-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

I'll be checking out the STAR TREK Premiere tomorrow night and will be posting my thoughts and review shortly. I have a good feeling about this..........

SWEET POSTER!

2009-05-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...can't wait for August..........

SOLOMON KANE

2009-05-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

One of my FAVORITE Robert E. Howard characters (next only to CONAN) I didn't realize this film had been made....looking forward to this one!

I Join The HD Revolution!

2009-04-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

Star Trek Invades The UK

2009-04-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

OK She Can Sing Already...

2009-04-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

Give us a break media parasites..."Britains Got Talent" (and YouTube sensation) Susan Boyle has great pipes...she can really sing..and oh AMAZING look at "how she looks" and she can sing like that...Bonnie Hunt had the best take on this on yesterdays show.....just rambling now...the human race is doomed...bring on the inevitable zombie apocalypse...let's get it over with......not making sense now...must rest....kudos to Miss Boyle....just take her off the damn air already.........must rest....close eyes.....

Porn Queen Marilyn Chambers RIP

2009-04-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

Porn queen and Ivory Snow model Marilyn Chambers has died. Remember her in "RABID"? Read the details Here: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40755

How COOL is this?

2009-04-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday there was a screening (supposedly) of a pristine NEW print of "Star Trek-The Wrath Of Khan" at the famous Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas. Packed with die-hard "trekkers" and non-"trekkers" alike, the auditorium erupted in applause when a beautiful print of "Khan" hits the screen....until 10 minutes in that is...that's when the film "broke" and out walked...LEONARD NIMOY. After a brief "apology", Mr. Nimoy offered, "You don't really want to see an old film, why not watch THE NEW ONE!" With that the Paramount logo hit the screen and J.J. Abraham's "Star Trek" reboot began...and the audience lost their "frakkin" minds....those lucky "sons of bitches"...read all about it here: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40683

Cool "Inglorious Basterds" Photo

2009-04-06T13:21:00.001-07:00

Great new photo of Tarantino and cast from Vanity Fair from "Inglorious Basterds" which opens August 21st.

Jackie Earle Haley The New FREDDY...

2009-04-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

Hollywood Reporter is confirming that WATCHMEN star Jackie Earle Haley has been cast as the NEW Freddy Krueger in the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET film which starts shooting in May.

"Dead Snow"....A Review

2009-03-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

I just watched the Norwegian Nazi-Zombie film: "DEAD SNOW". Mmmm...Nazi's AND Zombie's...Two great tastes that taste great together. First off...I was slightly disappointed. The trailer really makes this look like a "kick butt" Nazi-Zombie pic. Its not that. Is it worth your time? Yes. If you love zombies (as all good red blooded Americans should) you will have a good time. Nothing truly original here...but it is a beautifully photographed picture marred only occasionally by some horrendous and out of place green screen work. Choppy editing and pacing problems add to the negative aspects...and the special effects guys really need help getting some quality movie blood...other that that, once it gets going its not a bad time for Nazi-Zombie lovers. The Zombie make-ups and uniforms are really cool, and they display some original personality in their brief screen time. The "young people" in distress are typical movie cliche types with some cute nods to "Evil Dead" and other classic films. A few novel "kills" and intestine humor (you really need to hold on to your intestines when running through the Norweigian woods) add to the fun. The most "horrifying" scene in the film involves one of the "horny" young couples and an outhouse...without a zombie in sight. Overall a good addition to the zombie film canon...although someday....someone will get this Nazi-Zombie deal....JUST RIGHT. ***

Kellie Pickler's NEW Video...

2009-03-28T00:09:00.000-07:00

Kellie Pickler More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

Cool News Of The Day...

2009-03-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

AICN is reporting that Tom Hanks is set to star in a film for Universal based on the 1970's toy astronaut MAJOR MATT MASON.....

HOLY CRAP!

2009-03-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

The Coen Brothers are remaking one of my favorite films of all time. TRUE GRIT! Read about it all right here:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40528

Happy Birthday Tala!

2009-03-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday (early) to my FAVORITE granddaughter Tala. Her Mom threw her an early birthday bash yesterday with family and friends (and delicious homemade ice cream cake) and a good time was had by all. She recieved LOTS of cool gifts (including a new PC) and she is one beautiful, smart, and lucky little girl!

The Dark Lord V.S. The "Big C"

2009-03-19T04:40:00.000-07:00

LONDON, England (CNN) -- David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original "Star Wars" films, has revealed he is suffering from prostate cancer but is still feeling "fantastic." Prowse, who wore the black suit and helmet to play the Dark Lord of the Sith, told a British radio station he had been undergoing radiotherapy at a hospital in south London and was helping its fundraising appeal.
"I'm involved with the Royal Marsden Hospital appeal because I'm undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, would you believe," he told Absolute Radio. "I'm having my very last treatment this morning."
"I've had two months' radiotherapy treatment at the Royal Marsden. It's the most fantastic hospital you could ever wish to go to."
James Earl Jones did the voice for Vader, Luke Skywalker's father, (and also for CNN promotional links) in the films as Prowse's western English accent was thought to be unsuitable for the part. Prowse, 73, added he was fighting the disease. "The only thing I've had is hot flushes and my wife tells me I'm going menopausal," he said. "It's amazing what can be done so long as you catch it early." THE FORCE IS WITH YOU DAVE!

Stephen King's "IT" Coming To Theaters...

2009-03-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

While there have been others that are more famous, Stephen King's 1986 novel "It" is arguably his darkest and most twisted work. Now a feature film version is on the way via Lin Pictures and Vertigo Entertainment says The Hollywood Reporter.
Dave Kajganich ("The Invasion," "Escape From New York") will adapt the story of a group of teen nerds and outcasts (nicknamed 'The Losers Club') in 1958 who encounter It, a shapeshifting creature which feeds on children and whose favorite form is that of a sadistic clown called Pennywise.
In 1985 the creature resurfaces, and the kids who're now adults must take on the demon of their childhood again - this time in a different form. The new film will update the period to contemporary times.
ABC made a rather 'edgy for its time' and quite creepy mini-series in 1990 based on the property starring the likes of John Ritter, Jonathan Brandis, Seth Green, Harry Anderson, Annette O'Toole and Tim Curry in a memorably creepy turn as Pennywise.
Sadly it made some major deviations from some of the darker or riskier elements of the novel, such as the female member of the group having sex with all the male members of the group to 'strengthen their bond' to the gay bashing that awakens the creature in the present. The first half which involved the child characters was far better received than the second half which dealt with the adult incarnations of the characters.
The Sci-Fi Channel was said to be looking into adapting the property into a new mini-series for the network, those plans have now fallen through. (Story From Darkhorizons.com)

My WATCHMEN Review

2009-03-07T19:24:00.001-08:00

I've grown to really enjoy Director Zack Snyder's work. I was captivated by "300" and now have fallen under the spell of "The Watchmen". Based on crazy genius Alan Moore's "unfilmable" graphic novel, the film (like the book) shows us an alternate 1985 existence where "super hero's" are the norm and the world is days away from a nuclear holocaust. No need for me to try to explain this dense masterpiece any further since you probably have read the comic anyway. I thought Snyder did an incredible job of translating this 12 issue comic into a tight 161 minutes. I'm sure the directors cut on DVD will be a spectacle unto itself. I am a sucker for the stylish marrying of film and pop music and "Watchmen" has several wonderful examples (and a couple of missteps) of this. The opening titles set to Dylan's "The Times They Are A Changing" is a mini masterpiece in itself...ushering in the uninitiated into the world of "The Watchmen" in a wonderful way. The cast are all wonderful with a "Heath Ledger" quality performance by Jackie Earl Haley as "Rorschach". He has claimed this role as sure as Ledger is The Joker for all time. I will look forward to repeated viewings as there is MUCH here to savor. If you are a comic or fantasy fan..or a fan of good writing and storytelling....watch the WATCHMEN. ****

Who Will Watch THE WATCHMEN?

2009-03-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

I read Alan Moore's graphic novel several years ago and remember what a strange experience it was. I had no idea what to expect and went in totally clueless. After reading it I thought...is that it? Whats all the fuss about? Then it started to sink in...and I thought more and more about it. I reran certain scenes in my mind and actually thought about it. I realized after recently WATCHING the comic again (yes there is a new Motion Comic version on DVD) that WATCHMEN is truly the "To Kill A Mockingbird" of comics. There is SO much great stuff in this dense alternate reality of a 1985 that never existed, that it will satisfy comic fans, fans of great writing, fans of great art, fans of conspiracies, fans of...anything cool. I really hope the live action film does well...but I have my concerns... I'm sure it will open big...but it may drop off quickly...it will require its audience to LISTEN...to..WATCH....to THINK.... I hope our society will really WATCH the WATCHMEN.

WOLVERINE IS A GREAT OSCAR HOST...

2009-02-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me well know that I LOVE the Academy Awards. They are my "Super Bowl". An annual tradition since I watched "bleary eyed" with my Dad when I was very small. Ive seen them all, Johnny Carson, Bob Hope, David Letterman, ALL the great and not so great hosts. Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) a noted "song and dance" man hosted and brought some great new life to the proceedings. I really enjoyed the musical numbers and the new more intimate stage as well as the nomination readings by 5 previous winners in the major categories. The showed actually breezed along (at 3 and 1/2 hours) for the Oscars. It didn't seem as long as usual. I was sorry that Mickey Rourke didn't win, overjoyed for Heath Ledger's family, overall...not a bad evenings entertainment despite the overrated "Slumdog Millionaire's" sweep.

Want Something "Super" To Watch?

2009-02-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

This is the best documentary I've seen in a while. Absolutely compelling, beautiful and sad. I guarantee you will be captivated. Its the DVD equivalent of a train wreck...you won't be able to look away. Be SURE to check out all the extra footage and clips on the dvd..you won't want to miss a thing. ****

"I WANT My Scalps!"

2009-02-10T16:48:00.001-08:00

Needless to say I'm "quivering" like Pippi Longstockings in an inkwell factory...ET just premiered the teaser trailer for Tarantino's 'INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS". You can view some screenshots above. Of course it was ruined with the shrill and screechy voiceovers and interruptions from the ET staff, but it should be online shortly. I'll be counting the days until August 21st!

Movie Watching Day...

2009-02-08T18:31:00.001-08:00

I've spent the last couple of days doing what I love doing the most...watching movies. Last night, a couple of "guilty pleasures". I watched the Hallmark Channels "Good Witch" films starring the ever hot Catherine Bell. Just mindless fun but a nice time was had. Today brought a screening of the "troubled" Dakota Fanning "rape" film: "Hounddog". Much ado about nothing. Dakota gave a remarkable performance that in a better film would probably have brought her an Oscar nomination this year had the film been better and not shelved for so long. The shining moment was the remarkable "Chocolate" (not to be confused with "Chocolat") a wonderful Thai action film starring the wonderful Yanin Vismistananda An incredible young woman who could give Bruce Lee a run for his money. She plays a mentally handicapped young woman whose autism gives her a "Rainman" like quality to pick up incredible martial arts skills from tv and watching her neighbors during their martial arts workouts. She brings these remarkable skills to bear when her mother needs treatment for her cancer and Its up to "Zin" (Vismistananda) to collect the money owed her ailing mother by local gangsters to pay her medical bills. The action sequences are unlike anything you've seen before. Mostly real and painful to watch (as proven by the end credits) and this is a very well made Thai actioner with a wonderful music score to boot. Catch this one!****

Check The Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axf_EXzF_qM

Why So Serious?

2009-01-31T07:20:00.001-08:00

I've wanted a HOT TOYS Joker figure for a while but they were WILDLY out of my price range (sometimes over $200) but I was lucky enough to score a HOT TOYS Joker head on ebay. I put him on a CC Joe body and with a Japanese import nurse uniform....meet my Heath Ledger JOKER NURSE!

Nice Snowfall This Week..

2009-01-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

We had a nice snowfall earlier this week. I snapped some pics of my Joe's in the snow. We had some nice fresh snowcream and took it easy. The snow stuck around a couple of days and that was it....Just the way I like it.

Patriot Not To Sure About Todays Snow...

2009-01-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

Farewell To KHAN......

2009-01-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

This week saw the loss of the star of "THE PRISONER and "DR SYN", the great Patrick McGoohan. The same day we lost Ricardo Montalban whose performance of "Khan" will forever be remembered as a highlight of the Star Trek Legacy by Trekfans and movie lovers worldwide.

http://scifiwire.com/2009/01/16-things-you-might-not-know-about-star-treks-beloved-villain-khan.php

Review: "Frost/Nixon"

2009-01-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

I watched Ron Howard's "Frost/Nixon" last night. It made for a very interesting film surprisingly enough. As someone who had ENOUGH of the Watergate scandal (as it was constantly interrupting my favorite tv shows in the 70's when I could care less about politics) I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as say "All The President's Men"...yet Howard has crafted a suspensful, exciting, and interesting film featuring two men sitting in chairs talking. Michael Sheen and Frank Langella are wonderful and the supporting turns are great as well. The use of stock footage and news film of the era add to the realism of the project. ***1/2

"Let The Right One In" A Review

2009-01-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

I've watched several excellent films over the Holidays...this is the most recent one. And one of the BEST. A Swedish "vampire" film from director Tomas Alfredson (and the current "darling" of the film festival circuit.) Its the story of 12 year old Oskar who is a lonely child of divorce who spends most of his time trying to avoid the constant attacks of the school bullies. He often imagines himself fearlessly attacking and tormenting his adversary's in his snow covered back yard. He befriends a mysterious 12 year old girl who has moved in next door and takes a liking to the strange neighbor who walks barefoot in the snow and never wears a jacket. When people begin to mysteriously disappear and are attacked in his neighborhood, Oskar quickly realizes (as only a child could) that his new friend is a vampire. This film will surprise you with its ferocity, its gore content, and most of all the sweetness of its unique story. I especially liked the fact that the "vampire" content and references were mainly "old school" vampire lore we know and love. Part "Lost Boys" and part "Crying Game"....a genuine jewel of a movie amidst the same old stuff we've been subjected to lately. Forget "Twilight"...this is the Vampire movie to see! ****

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is having a great Holiday. We did the usual and had a wonderful time last night. Enjoyed a great meal (Thanks Mom!) today and spent some quality time. Everyone has retreated to their various lairs to decompress and digest. Here is a great pic I snapped of Tala this morning with my new cam. (Thanks Jenna, Brandon and Amanda..for the badly needed upgrade!)

The Voice Of The Enterprise Is Silenced. Majel Barrett-Roddenberry Is Gone...

2008-12-18T15:34:00.000-08:00

Majel Barrett-Roddenberry passed away in her home at 12:27am this morning after a battle with leukemia. She was 76 years old.

Read More Here: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/39503

Bettie Page RIP

2008-12-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

The legendary and 'notorious' Bettie Page has passed away.
The iconic pinup died at a Los Angeles hospital, where she had been on life support since she had a heart attack on December 2nd, according to her agent, Mark Roesler.
She was 85 years old.

Forry's Gone

2008-12-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

Creator of "FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND" one of the staples of my childhood is gone. Forry Ackerman died yesterday of heart failure. He provided inspiration to everyone from Ray Bradbury to Steven Spielberg. RIP Count Ackerman.

Read more here: http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?id=62610

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

Holidays like Thanksgiving make me realize how precious the time we spend with our families really is. Time does really fly by SO fast....you never know when you will get the chance to gather and spend time together again. Why don't we take more advantage of it? I don't know. We really should. We are always in such a hurry to eat..then vanish back to our individual homes. We should really strive to take more time to "smell the roses"....AND the roast turkey.

The SHIELD Finale.....Wow!

2008-11-26T15:15:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest cop series of all time came to a heartbreaking and thought provoking end last night. No spoilers here (if you are a SHIELD fan I'm sure you've seen it..if not...what are you waiting for?) Vic Mackey is one of the great tv characters and I hope Michael Chiklis is remembered come awards time. Damn this thing bore on my mind all night after watching it and kept me from some much needed sleep....I'll sure miss you guys at "The Barn" though....