I watch my fair share of movies although I don't go to the theaters all that much. The last movie I reviewed was The Dark Knight Rises back in August so I'm overdue. I have seen six movies since then that were released in 2012. Two were in the theater, two were on an airplane and two were streamed. I'll start with the best and work my way down.
Skyfall - In a word, fantastic. This movie completely picked up where Casino Royale left off and redeemed everyone involved after the Quantum of Solace disappointment. You wouldn't think you could be surprised going into a Bond film (it's not like you can kill him or anything) but this one really threw some curveballs. Javier Bardem's introduction is one of those scenes that people will be talking about forever. Grade: A+
The Amazing Spider-Man - I wasn't ready for another Spiderman (I don't use the hyphen) and after seeing the previews I wasn't sure I liked how Andrew Garfield was playing him. He seemed bratty and sarcastic, which I guess is what's cool nowadays. But the character ended up being so much more and he did a good job separating himself from Tobey Maguire. I can't say the same for the rest of the movie but it's not like you can completely change Spiderman's origin story. Grade: B+
The Campaign - Will Ferrell's movie career started off strong but he's been spotty ever since. For every Step Brothers or The Other Guys he makes a Semi-Pro and Land of the Lost. The Campaign is right in the middle. He plays another outrageous character and has some funny one-liners but not enough to make a whole movie. Hopefully, Anchorman 2 will restore his place on the comedy throne. Grade: B
Looper - I've always liked certain aspects of sci-fi films and time travel especially is a fascinating topic. This movie is about Joseph Gordon-Levitt (in heavy makeup) dealing with the consequences of his older self (Bruce Willis) being sent back to his time. It's an interesting concept but -- as is always the case -- it is tough to explain in any sensible way. It's a thriller nonetheless and I found it enjoyable. Grade: B
What To Expect When You're Expecting - Kind of girly? Yes, but still made with boyfriends/husbands in mind. The funniest parts for me were every scene with the dad's group including Chris Rock, Rob Heubel and Thomas Lennon. What I didn't know going in was just how many differing storylines there were. We've got Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks and Anna Kendrick and none of them have anything to do with each other. Why not have your stars interact in a scene or two? Grade: C+
Bachelorette - This movie tried to combine The Hangover with Bridesmaids. It wasn't successful. First, the good: Kudos for bringing Adam Scott and Lizzy Caplan back together (RIP, Party Down). That's it. Now the bad: Boo for sticking Rebel Wilson, who seems genuinely funny, in the Justin Bartha role of being a main part of the plot but barely in the movie. Boo for having the main girls be way-beyond-recreational-but-pretty-much-addicted drug users. And for all the girls out there, boo for having Caplan, Kirsten Dunst and Isla Fisher play such broad stereotypes. Dunst is "the bitch," Fisher is "the drunk slut" and Caplan is just as annoying. Grade: D
Friday, November 30, 2012
Raging Rajon Rondo Returns
In case you haven't heard, Rajon Rondo has been suspended 2 games for fighting with ex-Mr. Kim Kardashian. You may remember hearing me talk about a similar event not even 7 months ago. Of course, we have tickets for tonight's game which will now be played without their best player.
That's right, believe it or not Rondo is the Celtics best player at this point. He is going to be the one to lead them to another championship. It's one thing to stick up for a teammate but you can't incite a riot. He needs to learn self-control.
Rondo was having a great season up to this point and had just tied John Stockton with 37 straight games with 10+ assists (trailing only Magic Johnson with 46). Now, that streak is over because of his immaturity and recklessness. 2 steps forward, 3 steps back.
He's still an All Star player and it's only two games (Albeit one that we're going to. Can we get reimbursed?) but he needs to learn. If I'm writing another one of these posts in 7 months maybe it will be time to stop chalking it up to youthful indiscretion and instead start looking at him as someone with serious character issues.
That's right, believe it or not Rondo is the Celtics best player at this point. He is going to be the one to lead them to another championship. It's one thing to stick up for a teammate but you can't incite a riot. He needs to learn self-control.
Rondo was having a great season up to this point and had just tied John Stockton with 37 straight games with 10+ assists (trailing only Magic Johnson with 46). Now, that streak is over because of his immaturity and recklessness. 2 steps forward, 3 steps back.
He's still an All Star player and it's only two games (Albeit one that we're going to. Can we get reimbursed?) but he needs to learn. If I'm writing another one of these posts in 7 months maybe it will be time to stop chalking it up to youthful indiscretion and instead start looking at him as someone with serious character issues.
Thanksgiving
Last Thursday, I skipped out on Thanksgiving with my family for the first time ever and instead celebrated it just outside Philadelphia with Brig's sister (Sarah) and her boyfriend (Brendan). We left Thursday morning which was smart because traffic wasn't bad. We arrived early afternoon and I proceeded to get a tour of their abode. Soon enough there was football on the TV and food on our plates. The most striking thing had to be just how colorful the courses were. Purple mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, green bean casserole -- if I ever instagrammed that would have been the time. An hour or two after dinner we decided to head to the basketball court. Couple vs couple. I have some height on Brendan but Sarah has about a foot on Brig. We played hard but ended up losing 11-9. We would have our revenge.
Friday, we got up early to visit a friend of the sisters named Michele. Every year she and her husband have a tree trimming celebration the day after Thanksgiving. I got to meet her kids who just turned 3 and who were all energy. She made breakfast for us which was delicious. I had some pancakes, bacon, quiche and fruit salad. Oddly, they seemed to have an artificial Christmas tree which of course didn't need to be trimmed but we did put some lights on it.
Brig & I left to visit the Elmwood Park Zoo. It is undoubtedly the smallest zoo I have ever been to. Even Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA (which had held that claim) was bigger. I think we knocked it out in 45 minutes, without rushing, and counting the three times we visited the cougar den hoping it would stop hiding. It was still pretty cool because we got to see a jaguar, a black jaguar, a bobcat (I like the big cats) and many more fanciful creatures.
After the zoo I was starving but we had a basketball rematch scheduled. Brig & I quickly dispatched them 11-8 and we weren't arrested even though a sign said we weren't allowed to curse on the court (oops). We went to Elevation Burger for lunch and then got ice cream. This was followed by some friends joining us at the house for a night full of drinking and Rock Band. Except Brig who went to bed hella early. Can you say lightweight?
Saturday, we were supposed to head into Philly and do the tourist-y stuff but we all decided to just have a lazy day. We watched True Lies, went to El Burrito and started Season 2 of Game of Thrones. Sunday, we said our goodbyes and had a little slower drive back but still not bad. I also got a text that my parents had bought a house in Florida. Geez, I miss one family Thanksgiving and they decide to up and leave.
Friday, we got up early to visit a friend of the sisters named Michele. Every year she and her husband have a tree trimming celebration the day after Thanksgiving. I got to meet her kids who just turned 3 and who were all energy. She made breakfast for us which was delicious. I had some pancakes, bacon, quiche and fruit salad. Oddly, they seemed to have an artificial Christmas tree which of course didn't need to be trimmed but we did put some lights on it.
Brig & I left to visit the Elmwood Park Zoo. It is undoubtedly the smallest zoo I have ever been to. Even Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA (which had held that claim) was bigger. I think we knocked it out in 45 minutes, without rushing, and counting the three times we visited the cougar den hoping it would stop hiding. It was still pretty cool because we got to see a jaguar, a black jaguar, a bobcat (I like the big cats) and many more fanciful creatures.
After the zoo I was starving but we had a basketball rematch scheduled. Brig & I quickly dispatched them 11-8 and we weren't arrested even though a sign said we weren't allowed to curse on the court (oops). We went to Elevation Burger for lunch and then got ice cream. This was followed by some friends joining us at the house for a night full of drinking and Rock Band. Except Brig who went to bed hella early. Can you say lightweight?
Saturday, we were supposed to head into Philly and do the tourist-y stuff but we all decided to just have a lazy day. We watched True Lies, went to El Burrito and started Season 2 of Game of Thrones. Sunday, we said our goodbyes and had a little slower drive back but still not bad. I also got a text that my parents had bought a house in Florida. Geez, I miss one family Thanksgiving and they decide to up and leave.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Welcome back, John Farrell
Sox fans have loved John Farrell ever since he first arrived in November 2006. He immediately turned around Josh Beckett (5.01 ERA in '06, 3.27 ERA in '07), helped Jon Lester successfully return from cancer treatment and incorporated new Japanese import Daisuke Matsuzaka (15 wins in his first season in MLB). Oh yeah, and they won the World Series that year with all four starting pitchers winning their games. He could do no wrong.
In October 2010, we were all sad to see him head north to Toronto but could only wish him well. The opportunity to manage his own team was a great opportunity; something he wouldn't get in Boston with the immortal Terry Francona. Of course, September 2011 happened and people started clamoring to bring Farrell back. Toronto would have none of it though so the Bobby Valentine Era happened. Fast forward one year and we finally got our man.
I think this is a great move. It's more than just trying to relive the glory days by bringing back one of the main components but it's bringing in a guy with a lot of skill and knowledge. He knows this team. He is the definition of hitting the ground running. I have complete confidence in John Farrell and in spite of the past two years I am actually looking forward to this coming season.
In October 2010, we were all sad to see him head north to Toronto but could only wish him well. The opportunity to manage his own team was a great opportunity; something he wouldn't get in Boston with the immortal Terry Francona. Of course, September 2011 happened and people started clamoring to bring Farrell back. Toronto would have none of it though so the Bobby Valentine Era happened. Fast forward one year and we finally got our man.
I think this is a great move. It's more than just trying to relive the glory days by bringing back one of the main components but it's bringing in a guy with a lot of skill and knowledge. He knows this team. He is the definition of hitting the ground running. I have complete confidence in John Farrell and in spite of the past two years I am actually looking forward to this coming season.
Halloween
Brig and I had a heck of a day a couple weeks before Halloween. We were going to go apple picking with a mutual friend but she was running late. We got on the road and followed the GPS to where it said the apple orchard was. It wasn't. Since it was already late afternoon we decided to go to a local mall where our friend said they had a costume shop. We looked at the directory but couldn't find it. Of course, we figured that was because it's a seasonal store. So we went to the information desk and the woman told us that no, they do not have a Halloween shop at the mall. Back to square one.
On the way home Brig remembered a place near us called Spirit that had just set up shop. I went in looking for ideas while Brig went in looking for Monterey Jack. What we ended up with were two joint costumes: Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head and Buzz Lightyear & Jessie. This worked out perfectly because 1) Everyone loves couples who dress thematically similar and 2) We had two Halloween events on our social calendar.
The first was a house party in Shrewsbury with my college friends. We went as the Potato Heads and definitely won the (non-existent) costume contest. We did some pumpkin pie shots, played beirut and had a eat-a-donut-off-a-string race (which Brig and I finished 1-2 in).
The second was the Halloween Bar Crawl around Faneuil Hall. You may remember last year's. This year was very different. First, ournon-apple picking, non-Halloween store knowing friend bailed and then I realized too late that Buzz would have been better at the house party. The first time I tried to walk up to the bar my wings were smacking everyone I tried to get by. They were inflatable and I'm sure nobody really cared but I was so annoyed by it.
The best part, as always, was commenting on other people's costumes. Our other friend showed up with a guy who claimed to be Mario but was so clearly Fred Flintstone. Brig berated the Monopoly Man for not having a mustache. And then there was Psy. No one really noticed he was there until Gangnam Style came on; then he was the king of the dance floor. Everyone encircled him as he did the dance moves from the video. As soon as it ended he was off to another bar, waiting for his next chance to do it all again.
On the way home Brig remembered a place near us called Spirit that had just set up shop. I went in looking for ideas while Brig went in looking for Monterey Jack. What we ended up with were two joint costumes: Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head and Buzz Lightyear & Jessie. This worked out perfectly because 1) Everyone loves couples who dress thematically similar and 2) We had two Halloween events on our social calendar.
The first was a house party in Shrewsbury with my college friends. We went as the Potato Heads and definitely won the (non-existent) costume contest. We did some pumpkin pie shots, played beirut and had a eat-a-donut-off-a-string race (which Brig and I finished 1-2 in).
The second was the Halloween Bar Crawl around Faneuil Hall. You may remember last year's. This year was very different. First, our
The best part, as always, was commenting on other people's costumes. Our other friend showed up with a guy who claimed to be Mario but was so clearly Fred Flintstone. Brig berated the Monopoly Man for not having a mustache. And then there was Psy. No one really noticed he was there until Gangnam Style came on; then he was the king of the dance floor. Everyone encircled him as he did the dance moves from the video. As soon as it ended he was off to another bar, waiting for his next chance to do it all again.
A(nother) Wedding
The last of my college buddies has taken the dive. Jason in 2010, Jay in 2011 and now Jay in 2012. Certainly not me in 2013 so don't ask.
His wedding and reception were both held at the Danversport Yacht Club. The three of us weregroomsmen ushers but certainly didn't complain. The bar was a cash bar but we certainly didn't complain. The DJ was... actually, I think the DJ was pretty good. I'm being a little melodramatic but we actually had a fine time. The food was good, the video diary was cool and hanging out at the hotel afterwards was fun.
It's just hard to believe that we're already at this "adult" phase of our lives. Weddings? Owning homes? Kids??? Our 5 year college reunion was just this year! Per usual, growing older scares me.
It's one thing to witness others do it, even though it still gets in my head a bit. But then to actually consider these things for myself? It's like a constant freakout. Nothing really changes when you buy a house or when you get married but at the same time everything changes. I've come to the realization that I'll never feel ready for these things even though I actually am and want them.
I've got the house so that's a step. I'm apparently getting a cat next year so that's happening. Plus, I've got this gal who's eagerly awaiting my move. It doesn't really sound scary at all. I just have to step up.
His wedding and reception were both held at the Danversport Yacht Club. The three of us were
It's just hard to believe that we're already at this "adult" phase of our lives. Weddings? Owning homes? Kids??? Our 5 year college reunion was just this year! Per usual, growing older scares me.
It's one thing to witness others do it, even though it still gets in my head a bit. But then to actually consider these things for myself? It's like a constant freakout. Nothing really changes when you buy a house or when you get married but at the same time everything changes. I've come to the realization that I'll never feel ready for these things even though I actually am and want them.
I've got the house so that's a step. I'm apparently getting a cat next year so that's happening. Plus, I've got this gal who's eagerly awaiting my move. It doesn't really sound scary at all. I just have to step up.
Hawaii
Brig and I took a vacation (just a vacation) to Maui. We were there for a week and it was everything I dreamt it would be. I wanted to keep a running diary of our trip but at the same time I didn't want to interfere with the whole experience of it. So, I used Foursquare to check into the restaurants we went to and then the next week when I was back in the office I re-created notes of our days based around where we had eaten and while my memory was still fresh. I have a Google Doc saved of our week and I would paste it here but I really added every little thing I could think of so it likely won't be of interest to everyone. But I'll try and boil it down to some major happenings.
Saturday:
Super long flight from Boston to Dallas/Fort Worth then to Kahului Airport
Rental unit in Kihei right across the street from the beach
Sunday:
Road to Hana
Lost both our sunglasses by Big Momma waves
Monday:
Surfing lessons
Pool visit
Tuesday:
Haleakala Crater
Iao Needle
Wednesday:
Brig's 26th!
Dinner at renowned Mama's Fish House
Thursday:
Te Au Moana luau
Got lei'd and ate pig roast
Friday:
Drove to Lahaina
Swam with a sea turtle
Saturday:
Spent 4 hours between rental car drop off and flight takeoff at airport bar
Worst flight ever
Well, there you go... Now it's like you were there too! But seriously, go. Just go. You don't need a reason. It's a life changer.
Saturday:
Super long flight from Boston to Dallas/Fort Worth then to Kahului Airport
Rental unit in Kihei right across the street from the beach
Sunday:
Road to Hana
Lost both our sunglasses by Big Momma waves
Monday:
Surfing lessons
Pool visit
Tuesday:
Haleakala Crater
Iao Needle
Wednesday:
Brig's 26th!
Dinner at renowned Mama's Fish House
Thursday:
Te Au Moana luau
Got lei'd and ate pig roast
Friday:
Drove to Lahaina
Swam with a sea turtle
Saturday:
Spent 4 hours between rental car drop off and flight takeoff at airport bar
Worst flight ever
Well, there you go... Now it's like you were there too! But seriously, go. Just go. You don't need a reason. It's a life changer.
The Prodigal Son
So I was told I haven’t blogged in a little while. I think I need to ease my way back into it. Let’s start with what has happened to me since my last post.
I went to Hawaii.
I was in my friend’s wedding.
I went to a Sox game. (Yes, my last post was that long ago.)
I met Brig’s new work friend.
I read a book about Red Sox history and trivia.
I dressed up as Mr. Potato Head & Buzz Lightyear for Halloween (not at the same time).
I saw Ben Gibbard in concert.
I went to a surprise party for my friend’s birthday.
I took Brig to her fave buffet place.
I completed a 5K.
I watched Season 1 of Girls and started Season 2 of Game of Thrones.
I saw Looper & Skyfall.
I went to a Philadelphia suburb to spend Thanksgiving with Brig’s sister and boyfriend.
I started a new job.
Pretty busy couple months, right? I know what you’re thinking: “It’s pretty cool to know what he’s been up to but I want details! I wish he would write a post on each topic.” Well, consider your wish partially granted. I’ll do some picking and choosing and you’ll get further insight on some of my goings-on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)