And Again Technology Sucks

Ok this time it is not my tablet suddenly losing a very large thought provoking article....ok it was mediocre at best....no now it is our internet that has decided "Hey let's take a break, we have been working too hard".

So on the weekend where I thought I was going to be throwing up quite a few fun new articles.  And getting the social media side of this monster up and running. And tons of new people reading my gibberish. I am going to be lucky to get something up because I will need to hotspot the tablet with my 3G.

Man Optus is going to owe me big for all the extra data usage. 

WOOHOO TECHNOLOGY!!!

X-Men: Days of Future Past Review or My History With X-Men and Why the Latest Movie Has Me X-Static

Here is my quick review of X-Men: Days of Future Past (actually this is so those that do not want to continue can read if they should see the movie or and be spared my long winded tale....which is interesting trust me). So you want to know if you should spend the money and go see the latest X-Movie well yes...yes you should. It was awesome and worth the money and time. 9 out of 10. So now you can choose continue reading about my history with the X-Men and a longer review at the end or stop and go to the movies. Trust me it is great...I am a reviewer I know what I am taking about. 

It was February 1983 and I bought my first Uncanny X-Men comic. 

The X-Men were in space fighting the Brood inside a space whale...so cool. It was my first introduction to a handful of the many X-Men, Wolverine, Storm, Kitty Pryde, Cyclops, Nightcrawler and Colossus. From that first issue My X-Men collection started. If it had a X-Men character in the book I collected it. Trust me if I had my way I would have owned every single X-Title there was. Now I stopped collecting comics regularly around 2000 but every now and again I would stop and grab a X-Men comic to keep up with my favorite characters. Some of my favourites included Nightcrawler, Shadowcat, Rachel Grey, Wolverine, Gambit, and so many more. Each story pulled me in for so long and had me entertained for decades. So trust me now when I say I am a X-Men fan.

So when the first X-Movie was announced I was grinning from ear to ear. And I saw the movie and my dork level rose (and no that is not innuendo....sheesh people get your minds out of the gutter). 

When the second X-Movie was planned I jumped for joy. and then Nightcrawler, my absolute favorite character, was going to be in it....I peed myself....and then I worried because as a fan I wanted the character done right. And finally the White House scene was released online. I watched and peed myself again and smiled a content happy smile because they did Nightcrawler proud....and I was also warm from the pee running down my leg.

Finally the third X-Men movie was announced and having been happy with one and two knew I would be excited about three. Ok I was excited but I have to say I was a bit disappointed with this one. Just did not have the same feel as the previous two movies. Good news was Beast was in this one and Kelsey Grammer was cast and he did a great job. Even pulled off an "oh my stars and garters" line. 

Then for awhile there was X-Silence until tada Wolverine was announced. It was going to exciting with lots of fist fights and claws flying. And then they ruined Deadpool....not when it was Ryan Reynolds playing the character....no he did great...but when they had him at the end with sword arms, teleporting powers and eye beams I wept. I had high hopes for this one and ultimately it did not make me smile. I do not think it an awful movie but just no where near as good as it could have been.

Then again silence. We had tons of rumours but no new X-Movie. It was a sad time with lots of crying and then like a breathe of fresh air First Class was being made. How would it go? Would it be exciting, the characters interesting, the story good?? These questions plagued my mind until it was released. I watched and soaked it all in and left the movies a happy dork. It was great and it had Kevin Bacon in it....what is not to like? Bacon was in it and everything is better with Bacon. 

And then another Wolverine movie....wweeeeee. And afterward again I felt a little worried for the X-Franchise (wonder now many other words I can put an X in front of) as nothing else was on the books yet.....then the sequel to First Class which evolved into X-Men: Days of Future Past was announced. 

And here we are about to review said film. Now I really liked First Class. I thought it was a great cast and the story was perfect. So already my hopes for the sequel were huge. And then news started to come out. Older X-Men actors and actresses were returning and then Bryan Singer was coming back to the franchise. I was getting more and more and more excited. So opening weekend comes and I whisked the wife off the the movies (actually found a babysitter first then movies).

I was blown away. This sequel is easily one of my favorite movies of the year. And now on my list of favorite sequels even. I was slightly reluctant with the plotline of the sequel as I know the Days of Future Past story from the comics and they did change it drastically. But what came out of the changes was incredible. I have to give major props to James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender (quickly becoming a pair of my new favorite actors) for again bringing the younger Professor X and Magneto to life. Especially the struggle the two feel between friendship, hate and duty to their causes. And of course the return of Patrkck Stewart and Ian McKellen as their future counterparts was magic. Seeing them back in those roles alone is worth the price of admission. And of course we can never forget the X-Men standby of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. In all the X-Films he has constantly put forth a performance worthy of an Academy Award (but since this is an action sci-if hit we know that won't happen but always wishing for you Hugh). 

Now I can not write this review without recognising one of the newest faces to the X-Men family, Peter Dinklage, that easily made this film as Bolivar Trask creator of the Sentinals. His performance makes a person question if he truly is a villain or just extremely dedicated to his cause....and I am talking extreme...he dissected people. He is always such a large presence and the hair moustache helped make that presence larger. Really I think it worked for him. I could see Tyrion Lannister sporting that serious stache. Would change the entire feel of Game of Thrones. 

So now that I have rambled on about my love of all X-Things I should get down to the nitty gritty. Is this movie worth seeing even if you are not a huge X-Fan? YES....go see it. And then you too can deluge your dorky friends with questions about alternate timelines and realities. And if you are one of those dorky friends....I drew a diagram. Let me know and I will send you a copy so you can show it to those people asking you constantly....but Xavier was dead how did he come back in this movie? 

So overall score we will go with X-9 out of X-10 (adding X to everything is so X-Fun).

Technology Sucks

Yeah I know I am supposed to love the technology I am writing about but every now and again I just want to through it against the wall and then leap up and down on the tattered remains. It is because of this you all (whoever is reading this) you loose out on a great top ten list that I had almost all typed up in the middle of the night since the kiddies kept me up. But then idiot technology deleted it all just as I was about finish and post it. 

So here is a quick review of what I wrote...

Top Ten Movies to Watch in the Wee Hours of the Morning

At this time of the morning/night watch crap. There is nothing else worth watching. And this is short because I really can not remember what all I typed at 3:30 am.

10) Monster Camp

9) Critters

8) Nothing But Trouble

7) Battlefield Earth

6) The Garbage Pail Kids

5) Basket Case

4) Sleepaway Camp

3) Transmorphers

2) 8MM

1) High School High

There you go. I can not say I will never have another slightly angry post but I will try to keep them to a minimum.

Top Ten Movies That Need to Endure

I recently had a conversation with a couple people younger then myself. And besides feeling older and older by the minute (swear I needed a cane afterward) we did talk about movies. And when discussing movies not only had these folks not seen many of the movies I had but I found that some great classic movies are starting to be forgotten by newer generations. I do blame Hollywood for many times latching on to bigger money makers then promoting those cult classics or even those movies that seem to be forgotten.

And in an age where many movies are becoming huge epics (and big money draws) like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and yes even Twilight I believe that we need to question will they endure 20, 30 or more years from now. Will they be a franchise like Star Wars or Star Trek lasting generations. Or will they become like Breakfast at Tiffany's, Blade Runner, Casablanca and become classics that are still viewed on TV and in theatres.

Many of these movies do have a following but I believe they each need a resurgence, a reboot, a re-release something to get another couple generations behind them. Of nothing else we parents really need to get our kids watching them so they will show them to their kids. 

If you have not seen any of these movies go now and watch them and see if you agree.

So here is my list of movies that need to endure and become classics and epics

1) The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the 8th Dimension: In what has to be called a stroke of genius in terms of characters Buckaroo Banzai had to be the coolest...neurosurgeon, scientist, rock and roll adventurer this guy did it all. This SciFi, comedy, action mash-up had a lot going for it. I think many fans today would love to see an update to this movie or at least have it shown more often on TV or on the big screen again. A sequel or even a retry of the TV series would pump some new blood into one of my favorite adventure films. Plus we really need to see more Jeff Goldblum in chaps and a ten gallon hat. 

2) Tremors: This is the little b movie that could, about underground worms attacking a dust bowl town.  It has been called a modern classic before but lately it has disappeared into the Hollywood background. This little known movie spawned two sequels, a prequel and a short lived TV series but yet many of the younger generations have never even heard of the film. The movie had Kevin Bacon in it for god's sake why are you not out watching it right now? Plus we should never forget Michael Gross (the dad from Family Ties) as a gun toting survivalist and the only consistent character in the entire franchise.

3) An American Tail: Little Fievel had to be one of the cutest cartoon characters ever. And his adventures across the United States with his family were so heartwarming. We should be showing this movie all the time to our kids. It has been lost to obscurity to the point that I did not even realise there were two straight to video sequels. Bring back Fievel and let him melt the hearts of a whole new generation.

4) The Toxic Avenger: Toxie has been a cult character since he was first created. The movies were always of questionable quality and content but they had quite a following especially with advent of home video. The movies even birthed a little known animated TV series. I think Toxie and Troma Studios as a whole needs to remembered for generations as the beginning of the small studio success story. Producing movies that are at times bizarre but always fun. Troma Studios in my opinion is the precursor to The Asylum and their world of campy low budget mockbusters.

5) Willow: A tale of magic and mayhem Willow should have been (and could possibly still be) as epic as Lord of the Rings. The book series continued on well after the movie telling further tales of the young Elora. I have read that Warwick Davis is always ready for a sequel or TV series and I truly believe the characters and world of Willow could continue and be as great if not greater then many of the epic series of today. Think more family orientated Game of Thrones....lots of action and comedy and less incest.

6) The Last Starfighter: A video game junkie becomes the greatest pilot and the last Starfighter saving the galaxy from Xur and Ko-Dan armada....that alone screams "watch me". This sci-if classic has a couple distinctions to film buffs as one of the first movies next to Tron that used extensive computer graphics and was actor Robert Preston's last film. The movie had a space cowboy feel to it and really needs a sequel. An off broadway musical was produced and that is nice but this movie really needs something more. I really can not picture Alex singing about the Death Blossom.

7) The Secret of Nimh: The animated feature for a classic children's novel was a grand family film about the escaped mice from a research lab. Trying to save her little family Mrs Brisby heads to the rats of Nimh for their assistance. The movie was magical and dark and needs to be remembered for many decades to come but it has slowly slipped into the background as computer graphics took over from 2D animation. There was a direct to video sequel but I can not find it for sale anywhere and I would really love to see if it held the same magic as the original.

8) Saturday Night Live Comedies: Ok this one is a bit inclusive of several movies. Everyone knows The Blues Brothers and Wayne's World and I doubt those movies will disappear into obscurity anytime soon but what about the multitude of other movies based on SNL characters, Coneheads, Superstar, Night at the Roxbury, It's Pat, Stuart Saves His Family, The Ladies Man and MacGruber? SNL has graced our TV screens since 1975 and has launched the careers of countless actors and actresses so these films no matter the quality or the content need to be remembered for years to come if even just for historical reference in the actors and actresses careers.

9) Strange Brew: What is more fun then a couple luckless drunks that stumble on to a plan for world domination using beer? The movie is just bizarre at times including not only an evil scientist but a ghost and a flying dog. Using the classic SCTV characters of Bob and Doug Mackenzie this movie is just fun and crazy and should be re-visited by Hollywood year after year. There have been rumours in recent years of an animated revival.

10) Disney Animated Library: Ok this one is a little stretch. Disney's animated films usually endure generations especially since the resurgence that started with The Little Mermaid. And Disney's normal practice of taking their movies out of circulation and then reintroducing them later on. But not all Disney movies seem to have the same staying power. And I am mostly talking about the non musical movies, The Great Mouse Detective, Robin Hood, Lilo and Stitch, The Black Cauldron, etc. these movies seem to be pushed to the side when it comes to talking up Disney's library.  And even some of the musical movies seem to get pushed aside for the more modern movies like The Lion King and most recently Frozen. So let's all sit back and watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarves or Jungle Book.

Why

It is almost 11 pm in my little house. I desperately tried to think of a little entry I could put in tonight before heading to bed. I have a review partially typed and even started a couple articles about movies in general. 

I took a break and cut off some lights. Then I slowly made sure that my wonderful wife and beautiful boys were covered up for a cold night and I had a revelation.

Part of this blog is not just to talk about movies. I want it to be to talk about how everything ties to movies and media what better way to describe that then tell you all the reason I want to do this and I want it to become something more then the rants and raves of a crazy old dork. 

I want to do this for my family.

I want this to be viable and fun so that I can leave the job that makes me stressed and tired every day.  I want it to be an income that keeps a roof over our head and food on our table. I want to leave a legacy for my kids when I am gone. I want something that ultimately is what I have always wanted to do so that my joy translates to them.

Something that is no different then a writer, director, actor want for themselves when they put together a heartwarming drama, gut busting comedy, nail biting thriller, a sweet as candy love story or even a heart stopping horror.

So as I listen to the snores and wheezes of the incredibly awesome little lady that is not only letting me take the extra time in my day to do this but also encouraging it. And my cute energetic kids more then eager to spend time with a happy stress free father. I know why this will become something more then just a blog about movies and the such. It will become about me and my family and how movies, books, games, etc shape us.

Enjoy reading this folks because I am going to enjoy every moment writing it and making my dreams come true for myself and my family.

Everything is Awesome.....Especially The Lego Movie

I am 42 years old and an adult fan of Lego. I have sets on my desk at work and at home. My kids play with Lego and my wife even has a set or two ready to play with (ok I bought them for her so I wouldn't look weird buying girlie Lego). So when I heard that Hollyweird was going to make a Lego movie I took the news with some apprehension. Hollywood does not have have the best track record when making a movie based on toys from our childhood or do I need to remind people of the Garbage Pail Kids Movie and Battleship

So during its development I took in every piece of information and every spoiler and slowly came around to the idea that this may not be so bad. I psyched myself up By watching some other Lego series and movies and those actually surprised me (Clutch Powers was a particular diamond in the rough) in their content and ability to stay true to the source material.

The day came and with baited breath I went to see The Lego Movie. 

And my opinion was simply...WHY HAVE THEY NOT DONE THIS SOONER...THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!! Ok I may have not been that vocal about it but I was more then happy leaving the theater. I had a skip in my step and a song in my heart ( Batman's song for Wyldstyle....DARKNESS...NO PARENTS). Story, heart warming and fun, characters,loveable and memorable and voice cast, perfect in every way. I could watch this movie over and over again and not catch every little detail in it. I am pretty convinced they got almost every Lego set imaginable in this movie.

Now without giving away too many spoilers (I will try to only mention things seen in the trailers) let me tell you a bit about what I can only call my favorite animated movie this year (until How to Train Your Dragon 2 comes out).

In The Lego Movie we have Emmett (voiced by Chris Prat soon to be in Gaurdians of the Galaxy) a simple guy who suddenly becomes extraordinary and has to save the day. Easy enough of a story you would think but there is much more here. This movie is about finding that something special in yourself that makes you unique. Not only that but embracing what makes you special and just owning it. Plus how you can help all this connected to you find themselves. And in a surprise ending it encourages, in my opinion, to not grow up and enjoy Lego...without glue.

To help Emmett on his journey of self discovery he is joined by Wyldstyle (voiced by Elizabeth Banks), Batman (voiced expertly by Will Arnett in what has to be the most selfish performance ever...loved it), Unikitty (voiced by Community's Alison Brie), Benny the 80s Space Guy "SPACESHIP!!!" (voiced by Charlie Day), Metal Beard (voiced by Ron Swanson himself Nick Offerman)  and guided in their quest by the smooth talking wiseman Vitruvius (voiced by the sultry sounds of Morgan Freeman). This ragtag crew finds out what is special about themselves and each other (except Batman he was a dick...but a well done dick) as they battle against President/Lord Business (voiced by Will Ferrell the man the myth the doer of activities when there is room), Good Cop/Bad Cop (voiced by Liam Neeson) and a cadre of robots bent on making the world a uniform and sterile devoid of imagination and fun (all on Taco Tuesday). Not to mention that Emmett gets a little helping hand from the multitude of cameos by Lego characters and voice actors alike (oddly many tied to 21 and 22 Jump Street...coincidence Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, directors of both and The Lego Movie, I think not). 

It was a simple and beautiful story that appeals to a person of any age and mentality. I can not wait for this movie to be available on home video becuase it will be in the library 1000%. 

If you have the time and you have not had your eyes and mind basked in the glory of The Lego Movie then go now...yes now stop reading and go this will be here when you return...and see it. Take your kids, take your sister's and brother's kids...heck just grab that kid there on the road and take them (legal disclaimer...that is a joke Remote Theater does not in anyway condone or encourage people to abduct children off the street to take to the movies so stick to your own kids and those whose parents allow you to take their kids to the movies even if it is to see The Lego Movie) you will not be disappointed in any way.

So ultimately I rank The Lego Movie 10 out of 10. And until I come up with a cool scale to grade movies be advised that 10 out of 10 is really good.

Everything is Awesome

Why Remote Theater

Some friends have asked me why the name Remote Theater for the blog. And it is quite an easy answer why. It is becuase our media (for my part movies and television) has gone remote. 

Movies, TV, music, games, books and magazines are all now portable. You can put media in your pocket, have it on a desktop, at the kitchen bench top, on the bus, in the car, on a plane....heck you can have it sitting on your toilet having that afternoon movement. It is everywhere remote from the original sources. 

Now myself I like movies and television (I do read as well) and plan on discussing this to great lengths. Some may agree with my thoughts and opinions and other may not. I will review movies and shows as they come out on DVD/Bluray and sometimes as they release because ultimately I also enjoy the whole cinema experience as well.

And every now and again I will even talk about the new technologies coming out that continue to change the way we remotely access the media we love.

And my favorite bit to do on the blog will be to post my top ten lists because I do not have just ten movies I like. I have tons of movies I love.

So feel free to read, learn and chat about how the Remote Theater is a part of your life.

Top Ten Movies With Name Changes

Originally Posted on Crap Load of Movies

Since we are changing the name of the blog and changing the focus of this one I figured one of the first articles I did was about name changes.

Not all movies started out as you know them. Besides sometimes major plot and character changes many times they were known by a completely different name. Even after a movies releases sometimes the titles change depending on the country. A good example of this Airplane in USA was known as Flying High in Australia. 

So here is my top ten movies that have had name changes.

10) The Rundown - known in some countries as Welcome to the Jungle

9) Blade Runner - of course this movie was going to be known by its book title originally Do Andriods Dream of Electric Sheep? 

8) Pretty Woman - at one time called 3000 which was the cost of night with Julia Robert's character

7) American Pie - was known as East Great Falls High and even at one time was known as Teenage Sex Comedy That Can Be Made For Under $10 Million That Your Reader Will Love But the Executive Will Hate

6) The Boat That Rocked - changed in the USA to Pirate Radio

5) The Mighty Ducks - known as Champions in Australia

4) Star Wars: A New Hope - this movie went through several name changes including The Adventures of Luke Starkiller and The Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Starkiller

3) Captain America: The First Avenger - some eastern block nations dropped the Captain America bit and just called the movie The First Avenger

2) Airplane - known as Flying High in Australia

1) Cop Out - originally known as A Couple of Dicks among other names

Changes Changes Changes

Originally Posted on Crap Load of Movies

In a recent discussion with my wife about what I have done on the site so far, what I plan on doing and where I want it all to go I have come to the decision that Crap Load of Movies is not exactly a financially appealing title for a blog. It is a fun name but will probably not reach past the hurdle of humorous fad. So how can we fix this and make a site that can be a success for a long run. Change the name of course. 

So the new name for the site will be Remote Theatre. The name is meant to represent the move from cinemas to the home, car and hand held device. I will still review movies and give everyone my top ten lists and of course talk about myself and life with movies. Plus I should be adding a few extra things to make the site better.  

First task will be moving everything to the new blog. Second task will be adding a few more articles and getting the traffic up. Third will be starting the Facebook group and get accounts up and running on Twitter, Vine and Instagram. And fourth make this finally a financial success.

As for Crap Load of Movies...it will remain it will just change. The reason I came up with this name was because my wife and I have a crap load of movies in our house and part of this blog was to discuss my movie collection. So I will still post an article here now and again talking about my ever growing collection of movies. And I will pursue a new goal for the site of being in the Guinness book of World Records for the largest personal movie collection. 

It shall be epic I swear. So keep an eye here as changes will be happening soon.

Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going

Originally Posted on Crap Load of Movies

Hi all you devoted readers. Ok that one person that joined up my best friend and confidant Lance.....whoooo. 

Ok enough of that. So I started this blog to talk about movies. Review a few movies. And give out some of my favorite top ten lists. Well I have not been doing too well. I have had a few things going on here is sunny Australia (except yesterday and today when it rained buckets). Wife had a little surgery a couple months back and recovery was quick but long term she is having to relearn her body a bit. My work has decided that instead of happy workers they rather tick us off and move our schedules around almost daily. And I have been diligently attending my class but not diligently doing my homework. So because of that the blog has suffered some. 

So where do we go from here?

Close up shop? No way I have plans for this site. I want tons of people to read my page and then get a book deal, a few convention appearances, regular work as a columnist. So I can quit my crappy job and do something I love. Oh yea and walk the red carpet to a movie premiere. Maybe I should aim to do that by the last Hobbit movie.

So what will I do from here on out?

Well first got to get that traffic up. So first thing going to make a nice Facebook group. Then get rest of social media going. Have Twitter @craploadmovies (follow me) and have a Vine account just have to figure out what to do. Just need an Instagram account and should then have most social media covered. Also starting next week I promise at least one review (new or old movie) and one short top ten list a week. Also I promise to put out more general articles about movies, DVDs and the movie industry. And more long top ten lists (you know the ones were I ramble). 

I really do want this page to be a success and only way I can think of that happening is a lot of hard work and sweat. So of you have ready posts in the past or continue to read thank you very much for the support. And if this is your first time then welcome to my madness. I promise it will get better. 

Movies 2014

Originally Posted on Crap Load of Movies

So looking through list of movie releases in 2014 and found a few I would like to see....just a few:

22 Jump Street

300: Rise of An Empire

About Last Night

Adventurer, The: Curse of the Midas Box

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Amazing Spider-Man 2, The

Bad Words

Big Hero 6

Blended

Boxtrolls, The

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Chef

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Dumb and Dumber To

Edge of Tomorrow

Expendables 3, The

Fast & Furious 7

Giver, The

Godzilla

Grand Budapest Hotel, The

Guardians of the Galaxy

Hercules: The Thracian Wars

Hobbit, The: There and Back Again

Horrible Bosses 2

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Hunger Games, The: Mockingjay Part 1

I, Frankenstein

Jupiter Acsending

Kiki's Delivery Service

Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return

Lego Movie, The

Maleficent

Monuments Men

Mr Peabody & Sherman

Muppets Most Wanted

Neighbors

Night at the Museum 3

Noah

Nut Job, The

Planes: Fire and Rescue

Ride Along

Rio 2

Robocop

Seventh Son, The

Sex Tape

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For

Stretch

Tammy

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

That Awkward Moment

Think Like a Man Too

Three Days to Kill

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Walk of Shame

Winter's Tale

X-Men: Days of Future Past

 Yup I have problems.

Review: Thor: The Dark World (Plus Why Marvel Will and Is Beating DC)

Originally Posted on Crap Load of Movies

When Iron Man originally came out I said to my buddy that wouldn't it be cool if they did more Avengers characters in movies and then had a team up.  Then Captain America and Thor was announced and well I peed myself (partly because I had to pee but was excited too).  Then The Avengers came along and all was well in the geek universe. But then more was planned. Sequels and new characters...my mind reeled from all the dorkiness. Now we will talk about all this Marvel goodness later but for now let us get into the latest installment Thor: The Dark World.

So Thor was a great movie. It did what it needed to do.  Here is Thor, he is arrogant, he is banished, he is shamed and now he is selfless...yeah Thor returns and saves the day. 

Then comes the Avengers. Thor and company do not get along, Loki is a pain, big tragedy, aliens attack everything and Avengers form and Thor kicks tail. Again great movie.

And now Thor: The Dark World....I am more then happy about this movie I am estatic, overjoyed, giddy and just plain loved it. The movie was not only as good as the first but I would go so far as to say it was better. This is why I think this. Thor was a great movie but it is the start of a franchise so it had to be an origin story.  Not everyone knows the story of Thor from the Marvel comics so they had to fill everyone in. And the first movie was a great origin. The actors and actresses chosen were great. And the story was good. Here is hero, here is conflict, here is resolution and here is hero again. 

Thor 2 (easier to call it that) has more because we all now know who Thor is so the writers let him be Thor and he got to do that in spades. Every time that hand went out I knew the hammer was coming and someone was getting smacked. And because we now knew Thor we got to focus a little on the other characters. Zachary Levi as Fandral was incredible and got a ton of well deserved screen time. And Cat Dennings had more time to just be her loveable sarcastic self. And she gave some of the best funny moments of the movie (I am rooting for her and the intern). Last and far from least Idris Elba who can just be awesome by being there. Acting so good he did not even need to do anything.  Who knew a silent stare could say so much and be wicked cool. 

But of course there was also Tom Hiddleston. This man is now and forever Loki. He actually has you believing he could be a good guy and then turns on a dime to evil badass. When are we getting a Loki movie? Throughout the whole movie you just expect him to wrap his arms around Thor and everything be forgiven just so he could whip out a dagger and kill his brother. And that smile he pulls just drags you in. He is Loki god of mischief and more. Can not wait to see what he does next. 

Now being that this movie is part of the Phase 2 to the Marvel Cinematic Universe I am sure we will see all of these characters again in some capacity and this is why this universe that Marvel is creating is working so well. There is a plan. You look at it and see it is going somewhere. People, places and things keep coming back and teasing you. Warner/DC is kind of flying by the seat of their pants and hoping everything will fall into place for a Justice League movie.

Here are my suggestions to Warner/DC to make a movie universe just as incredible.

1) Slow down.  The cinematic universe has already happened and has proven to be a hit. If you take the time to make a couple great movies to focus on key characters then the rest will fall into place. Man Of Steel was awesome because it focused on Superman but all the rumours following the sequel make it sound like the movie is going to be bogged down in trying to introduce characters. Remember this does not work Warner/DC we have all seen Batman and Robin. 

2) There are more main players in the DC universe then Superman and Batman. Make a Wonder Woman movie (so far Marvel has not focused on any of its major women heroes in a movie) which will work because the character is dipped in Greek mythology. So much Greek mythology is already ingrained in our heads. Percy Jackson is full of it. Hunger Games is based on it. Give her a movie. And how about a Flash, Aquaman or even a Green Arrow movie. These characters need their stories told. And they are all intertwined.

3) Don't be afraid to sign unknowns to major roles. Let's face facts in terms of box office hits and name brand Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansen and Samuel L Jackson were it. All the others had some small hits or were known but they were not leading role people. Marvel took a chance and got gold. Even with Fox and the X-Men franchise they focused on lesser known actors and actresses to begin with and now most of the actors and actresses are household names like Hugh Jackman. Take the risk.

4) And lastly do not try and reinvent the wheel. This has been done and a wonderful cinematic universe is forming. Pick the right characters, get the stories correct and plan plan plan.....do not try to do too much at once or you will quickly hit a wall.

New Review on Maxi-Geek

Originally Posted on Crap Load of Movies

Check out the new review of remastered Cowboy Bebop on BluRay.

http://www.maxi-geek.com/2013/10/cowboy-bebop-remastered-review.html?m=1

Movies, TV and Life

Originally Posted on Crap Load of Movies

I am still here folks. I know so hard to loose me. 

Have not had a lot of writing time. Have a ton of reviews to do for Maxi Geek and reviews and articles to put up here. 

So many new movies and TV shows have come out and having a hard time catching up. Have had a few family emergencies to take care of recently but everything is clearing up and should be back on track soon. 

Have been posting a bit on Twitter @craploadmovies and considering bullet reviews on Vine so keep an eye out here for new social network news.

Movies and TV

Originally Posted on Crap Load of Movies

Ok so yes I love movies but also like TV and this year has so many new and returning shows.

Looking forward to new seasons of:

Castle

How I Met Your Mother

2 Broke Girls

Community

Bones

The Big Bang Theory

Legend of Korra

Dragons: Defenders of Berk

Revolution

Arrow

Criminal Minds

Family Guy

Can not wait for new shows: 

Marvel's Agents of SHIELD

The Blacklist

The Crazy Ones

Dads

Social Media

Originally Posted on Crap Load of Movies

Ok so I got the blog started so for additional info and updates follow me on Twitter @craploadmovies

Soon may get a Facebook page going as well. Not sure if going to make an Imstagram profile for the blog though. I shall debate it.

I Love Top Tens

Originally Posted on Crap Load of Movies

As you can see at least 2 of my postings I have a couple top ten lists. Well I like them. I have such a large amount of movie likes that it is better to list them as top ten lists then say these are my top ten movies(but I do have a ultimate top ten list).

For example:

Top Ten Animated Movies

Top Ten Movie Series

Top Ten SciFi Movies

Top Ten Romantic Comedies

Top Ten Movies For A Rainy Day

Top Ren Movies That Make Me Think Of Food

There is even Top Ten Movies I Am Not Interested In Seeing

And I could go on and on with these lists. Some movies will overlap but ultimately you get a good look at my film tastes. I will put many of these lists up here on then blog either just Listing films or sometimes I will explain why I like these particular movies.

So for fun here is another top ten list.

Top Ten Guilty Pleasure Movies

What is a guilty pleasure movie? It is that movie you watch and enjoy but you do not like admitting to for fear of looking low class, foolish, childish, etc. It could be a movie completely opposite of what you normally like or it could be from a genre you enjoy but some odd reason you are the only person that likes this one film. And a guilty pleasure does not mean it is a bad movie. It could be a huge blockbuster but just when you tell people you like the movie everyone looks at you quizzical.

I always reference the Friends episode 'The One With All The Embryos' as a good example of a guilty pleasure movie. In the episode the Chandler and Joey are competing against Monica and Rachel in a question and answer game to see who knows who better. During the lightening round the question is asked 'Rachel says this is her favorite movie' and the boys answer 'Dangerous Liasons'. This is a great artistic film. Very high class and anyone that lists this as a favorite will look very intelligent and sophisticated. But the questions continued and Ross next says 'Her actual favorite film is' and the boys answer 'Weekend at Bernies' which is a funny movie but next to Dangerous Liasons' it is like comparing apples and oranges. So Rachel tells people one thing but actually secretly watches something a bit low class and not very artistic in comparison and maybe even loves more. It is her guilty pleasure. 

Another example I use is my older brother. Here is a man that loves his historical War movies and Sports movies. A real man's man....ggggrrrr. But little do people know that whenever it is on he watches, loves and cries during Steel Magnolias. Now he doesn't advertise this because what guy wants to be seen loving a chick flick. It would even look bad in front of your peers for liking such a film. But it is ok it is his favorite film and he can like whatever he wants. So a guilty pleasure can also just be a movie that you do not tell people you like.

So think about it. What movies do you tell people you like to look good and what movie do you actually like? Or what movies do you secretly like but tell no one? Go ahead and let us know we will not judge. Unless it is Stop Or My Mom Will Shoot.....are you kidding me.

Here are mine:

1) Super Mario Bros : Yea I like the Super Mario Bros movie. Even though it had little to nothing to do with the actual video game. And I know both Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamos hated making the movie (even though they did a great job with what they had) I just love watching it. I think it has to do with I watch the movie and go 'What the..where the heck is that in the game.' the whole time that it makes me laugh. 

2) Dudley Do-Right : I have always liked Brendan Fraser. I am always entertained by his movies (even bad ones like Furry Vengence). This made soon after doing an awesome rendition of George of the Jungle. Did not do great at box office but I always get a giggle out of it.

3) The Man Who Knew Too Little : One reason and one reason only I like this movie, Bill Murray. This one lists as one of his lower rated movies but I like it. Bill Murray is just one of those actors that is awesome in whatever he is in and this movie is no different. So I will sit and watch and enjoy.

4) Remo Williams The Adventure Begins : This little known action comedy flick came out of the 80's with a little whisper and disappeared. It was supposed to be a jumping off point for a new action series or tv series (a pilot was filmed and aired). But it did not go much of anywhere. Which is kind of sad considering that the book series , The Destroyer, it is based on has been around quite awhile. Could have been great. Just find the movie fun to watch. Nice bit of action and a story. Who could ask for more.

5) The Parent Trap (1998 and 1961) : Yup kiddie film I love. Either version is just enjoyable to me. And a character playing their own twin...cinematic gold. Plus this was probably the last movie Lindsay Lohan was any good in. And in the original Maureen O'Hara in her prime....hubba hubba.

6) Josie and the Pussycats : Loved the cartoon as a kid and the movies does not disappoint. And the movie has Alan Cumming (the best Smurf, the greatest Nightcrawler....please please please come back for new X-Men movie) playing a balding albino with a beer gut...you can't lose.

7) The Love Guru : Just one line from Mike Myers in that over the top Indian accent....'what is it you can't face' kills me every time. Rest of the movie is eh. But that one line....love it.

8) Jersey Girl : I am a Kevin Smith fan and I really believe this movie is extremely underrated. At the time it was so different from what he had done. And was thought provoking. Now that I am a father myself I wonder how I would cope without the wife around. It just got so hurt by the whole Beniffer thing. She was in the movie for five minutes people get over it.

9) Daredevil : A lot of fanboys hate Daredevil. Why? It did exactly what it needed to do to possibly start a new franchise. Here is Daredevil. Here is his story. Here is the bad guy. And go. It only needed to be an introduction and it did that. And sorry but Ben Affleck was fine as Daredevil. Looking forward to seeing him as Batman.

10) Made of Honour : Yea it is a chick flick but I like and laugh every time. Think it has to do to the guy always wanting to play basketball with Patrick Dempsey and his friends...he gets me each time I see the movie. And we also get to see Kadeem Hardison who really should be doing more film anyway.

Check Out Maxi-Geek

Originally posted on Crap Load of Movies

Hi all I posted my first review for Maxi Geek ( www.maxi-geek.com ). 

In response to Maxi-Geek's contest to win a BluRay copy of Iron Man 3. I did a review of the awesome Marvel Cinematic Universe addition. Go by give it a read.

Top Ten Movies That Remind Me of My Dad

Originally posted on Crap Load of Movies

October is rolling around and this is a sad time for me and my family. My father passed away in October 2010. I was close with my dad and watched a lot of movies and tv shows together. We had a lot of the same interests. So in tribute to a great man here is a top 10 of movies that remind me of dad

1) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: The reason this movie reminds me of my dad is it surprised me how quickly he took to a kid's book. My dad read but usually books dealing with history, sports or handyman stuff. I worked for a bookstore and around the release of the fourth Harry Potter book my dad said he wanted to see what the fuss was about so I bought him the first book.  He loved it. Still remember my mom telling me how he finished it on a trip and did not have the second book. He saw a kid on the plane with a copy and actually said 'I really want to take that kid's book so I can read now.' It was hilarious and fun since I was usually alone in my household when it came to dorky conversation. I still remember his eyes lighting up when we went to see the first movie. He did get to read the last of the series before he passed away but he did miss the final movies. I wore one of his hats to both movies so he could see them with me. 

2) Scooby-Doo: I am not sure if my father actually ever watched the film version of Scooby-Doo but seeing this movie reminds me how much he loved his grand-daughters. He would watch any animated Scooby movie with my niece. Mom would describe how she would snuggle up to him at the scary bits. Knowing this makes me know he would have been the same with my boys if he ever had the opportunity to meet them. Of all things I hate he never had a chance to meet my boys.

3) Eragon: Again I am not sure if my dad ever saw the film version of the book but I know how much he loved the series. I wish the movie was better and closer to the book and then I know he would have seen it. But the book series he loved and it is bittersweet that he was not able to read them last chapter in the series.

4) The Rescuers: My earliest memory of going to the movies with my dad was my first Disney film. Dad took me and my younger brother to see this classic. It is because of this movie I always enjoy a drink and a popcorn. I saw lots of movies with my dad but the first one will always be the best. I can not wait to take my little ones to see their first movie and hopefully make a lasting impression on them as well.

5) E.T. The Extraterrestrial: This was the first blockbuster I saw with my dad. I remember me and my brothers going to see this in the only theatre in Scottsboro Alabama. It was a great day had by all. Whenever I see that little alien I have to think of my little dad (yeah he was a little short). 

6) Captain Ron: I was not there when my dad first watched this movie but I heard the story again and again. One of my best friends was living with us at the time and he and my parents sat down to watch this hilarious movie. At one scene in the movie the family and Captain Ron are partying at a Carnival type festival. Suddenly Ron is hit in the back and his glass eye goes flying out and bouncing down the street. Now my buddy broke down laughing and could not stop as he got so tickled by the scene. My dad thought his reaction was so funny that he barely watched the movie after that and just watched my buddy to see if he reacted like that again. I wish I had seen all this on the night but I felt I had because my dad relayed that story again and again.

7) Nightmare on Elm Street: I know a horror film reminds me of my dad, weird. Actually it is another story I heard for plenty over the years of what happened while watching the movie. I was not there to witness the event but while watching Elm Street with my mom and older brother my dad told the story that during the scene where Freddy's hands are stretched and his claws are scraping down the walls of the hallway our dog at the time, Dio, decided it was the perfect time to scratch on the back door to come in. According to dad and my brother when that dogs nails hit the glass of the door my mom hit the roof. It is not so much the movie but the story of what happened while watching it reminds me of dad and how much it made him smile.

8) The Smurfs: Ok I know my father never had a chance to see The Smurfs but his nickname was always Papa Smurf. He went to a local bar and they did not know his name was Robert for more then a year and only knew him as Papa Smurf. He was a happy man with a white beard a smile on his face. It was memorable that Jonathan Winters was the voice of Papa Smurf as well seeing as how my dad loved him as Mirth on Mork and Mindy. 

9) Star Wars: A New Hope: Star Wars in a drive-in was the greatest experience ever. Sadly there are no more drive-ins (well very few especially here in Australia) to give my kids the same experience. But I remember it vividly because this movie showed me how far my dad would go to make sure his family had fun. We were not a poor family but we did not have a ton of cash either so many times we had to circumvent the system. In the case of the drive-in it was hiding me and my brothers under blankets in the back of the station wagon. Bringing our own popcorn and drinks. And finally getting our spot so we could come out and enjoy a fun night at the movies. There are lots of movies I have seen with my dad and family but this one will a,ways stick with me.

10)  A Christmas Story: It is simple why this movie reminds me of my dad...it was his favorite movie. Not a year went by that the family did not sit and enjoy this Christmas classic. I always believed that the time period of the movie just reminded my dad of his own youth. And every year without fail he watched and laughed like he never saw it before. And I will continue the tradition with my own children.

There are plenty more movies and tv shows that wil, always remind me of my dad. But these 10 movies will always hold a special place in my heart. Having them in my library and watching them will always keep a little piece of him alive.

I AM EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!! Hahahahahaha

Originally posted on Crap Load of Movies

Just started this monster and already doing extra work. Helping a friend with their blog writing movie reviews.

So if want to check out www.maxi-geek.com for gaming news and now movie reviews with me.

Welcome to the Fun

Originally posted on Crap Load of Movies

So I am now starting my first BLOG. 

How do you like it so far?

I know what you are thinking...not much to look at right now but it will improve I promise.

So what is this BLOG going to be about?  Well movies of course it is called Crap Load of Movies. It will be about movies I love and movies I hate all kinds of movies. 

There will be reviews of new and old movies. There will be discussions about new movie news and movie related topics.

Also I will relate movies to real life because let's face it people write movies and many times they are reselling their own stories. I mean that is one of the many reasons we love movies....we can relate.

You will get a feeling for my movie tastes and I will hopefully learn more about other people's tastes.

To give you an idea what i mean:

When people ask me what my top 10 movies are I have to get them to clarify because I have a lot of top 10 lists.  And I like movies for all different reasons.  My favorite bad movies, my guilty pleasure movies, my all time favorite, animated movies, live action movies...I have tons of these lists. 

Like...my Top 10 Movie Lines
1: Better off Dead - "I want my 2 dollars"
2: A Christmas Story - "You'll shoot your eye out kid."
3: Judge Dredd - "I am the law"
4: Toy Story  - "YOU ARE A TOY!!"
5: Ghostbusters - "Mother Puss Bucket"

6: Strange Brew - "I gotta pee so bad I can taste it!"

7: The Goonies - "Goonies never say die"

8: Reckless Kelly - "We make movies so good they completely skip the movie theatres and go straight to video sales"

9: Finding Nemo - "Just keep swimming"

10: Mr Deeds - "I am very very sneaky sir"

Oh yeah I will probably write a few of these Top 10 lists (sometimes they may be top 11 or 12....hey I said I like movies.

So there you have it welcome to the fun. Hopefully we will all enjoy the ride.

Coming On Over

Hi all you may not know me but originally I posted to a blog called Crap Load of Movies. But that site is changing around so I decided to start this new blog. I will soon be posting over articles I originally wrote and then adding some new stuff. Keep an eye here for all the fun.