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.