Monday, January 08, 2007

Film: Army of Darkness (1993)

DVD: Enhanced 16x9
Army of Darkness (Boomstick Edition)

"Good. Bad. I'm the guy with the gun."

"Are all men from the future loud-mouthed braggarts?"
"Nope. Just me baby... Just me."

Review: This is a cult movie favorite of mine and a lot of other people. I saw this movie three times in the theaters when it came out. It is my favorite of the Evil Dead series and I actually prefer the U.S. Theatrical version with the ending in the S-Smart.

"Listen up you primitive apes! See this? THIS is my BOOM STICK! The 12-gauge double-barreled Remington. S-Mart's top of the line. You can find this in the sporting goods department. That's right, this sweet baby was made in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Retails for about $109.95. It's got a walnut stock, cobalt blue steel, and a hair trigger. That's right. Shop smart. Shop S-Mart. YOU GOT THAT?"

4 out of 4 Stars

Film: Animal House (1978)

DVD: Anamorphic
National Lampoon's Animal House

"But Delta's already on probation."
"They are? Well, as of this moment, they're on DOUBLE SECRET PROBATION!"

Review: I have watched this movie a few times on television and thought it was a bit bland. Watching it for the first time unedited on DVD finally gave it the spark that I thought was missing and really bumped up my appreciation for this move. A wild movie about the antics of a college frat house shouldn't have to be neutered to be put on TV.

"Do you mind if we dance with your dates?"

"Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son."

3 out of 4 Stars

Film: Analyze This (1999)

DVD: Enhanced 16x9 - Double Sided
Analyze This

"What is my goal here, to make you a happy, well-adjusted gangster?"

Review: This is a comedy that clashes the well-established styles of Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal into each other with humorous effect. The concept of a mob boss who wants/needs therapy provides lots of laughs and led to the creation of a great show, The Sopranos.

"If I talk to you, and you turn me into a fag... I'm gonna kill you. You understand?"

"I wasn't really gonna whack you."
"Paul..."
"Okay, I was gonna whack you. But I was real conflicted about it."

3 out of 4 Stars

Film: American Wedding (2003)

DVD: Anamorphic
American Wedding (Full Screen Extended Unrated Party Edition)

"Well polish my nuts and serve me a milkshake."

Review: I think that this is the best of the American Pie movies. It is funnier than the first two by concentrating on Jim and Stiffler, and getting rid of some of the other characters.

Favorite Scene: The dance-off in a gay club. (One of the best dance scenes in movie history)

"Told ya that guy wanted to fuck me."

4 out of 4 Stars

Film: American Psycho (2000)

DVD: Enhanced 16x9
American Psycho (Uncut Killer Collector's Edition)

"There is a moment of sheer panic when I realize that Paul's apartment overlooks the park... and is obviously more expensive than mine."

Review: This is an excellent satire of the 80s in New York from the perspective of a yuppie serial killer. A bloody Wall Street.

"What do you do?"
"I'm into... well, murders and executions mostly."
"Do you like it? "
"It depends. Why?"
"Because most guys I know who work with mergers and acquisitions really don't like it."

"I think if you stay, something bad will happen. I think I might hurt you. You don't want to get hurt, do you?"
"No. No, I guess not. I don't want to get bruised."

3 1/2 out of 4 Stars

Film: American Beauty (1999)

DVD: Anamorphic
American Beauty (Widescreen Edition)

"Smile. Your at Mr. Smiley's."

Review: This was well-written movie that deserved Best Picture. I have always been a big fan of Kevin Spacey since seeing him in 'The Ref' and this movie reminded me alot of his character in that movie in a more dramatic role.

"Look at me, jerking off in the shower... This will be the high point of my day; it's all downhill from here."

"At least I'm not ugly!"
"Yes you are. And you're boring. And you're totally ordinary. And you know it."

3 1/2 out of 4 Stars

Film: Alive (1993)

DVD: Anamorphic
Alive

"Are we supposed to fly that close to the mountains?"

Review: A well-done movie based on true life events. I was totally sucked into this movie and felt like I was trying to survive on the side of a mountain with no food like the rest of the characters. Ethan Hawke and the rest of the actors did a great job showing the mental states of survivors in a harsh environment forced into cannibalism.

Favorite Scene: When they try the meat for the first time.

"People are hurt, Antonio! I've only been in med school six months!"

3 1/2 out of 4 Stars

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Film: Aliens (1986)

DVD: Anamorphic
Aliens (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

"You maybe haven't been keeping up on current events but we just got our asses kicked, pal!"

Review: This is the first James Cameron movie I ever saw and the first Alien movie. Because I saw this one first it holds a greater spot in my heart than the original "Alien" movie by Ridley Scott. I really enjoyed the space marines in this movie and the action over the horror aspect of the first.

Favorite Scene: When Ripley and Newt are trapped in the room with the face hugger.

"These people are here to protect you. They're soldiers."
"It won't make any difference."

3 1/2 out of 4 Stars

Film: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

DVD: OAR - Full Frame
The Adventures of Robin Hood (Two-Disc Special Edition)

"Why, you speak treason!"
"Fluently."

Review: This is a timeless movie and it is the oldest movie that I love. It is great when Robin Hood marches into the castle and tosses the poached royal deer he was carrying onto the banquet table, right in front of Prince John. It sets up his character perfectly for the rest of the movie.

"Give way, little man."
"Only to a better man than meself."
"He stands before you."

4 out of 4 Stars

Film: The Addams Family (1991)

DVD: Enhanced 16x9
The Addams Family

"Don't torture yourself, Gomez. That's my job."

"They say that a man who represents himself in court has a fool for a client. And with God as my witness, I am that fool!"

Review: This is a fun movie with a dark sense of humor. The movie had great visual gags with nice one-liners. The cast did a great job.

"Margaret, about the séance tonight, I wish you'd come. It's Gomez. I'm terribly worried about him. He won't eat, he can't sleep, he keeps coughing up blood."
"He coughs up blood?"
"Well, not like he used to."

3 out of 4 Stars

Film: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

DVD: Enhanced 16x9
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

"I'll have the plumbing checked immediately, Mr. Ace."
"See that you do. If I'd been drinking out of the toilet, I might've been killed."

Review: This is Jim Carrey's funniest movie. The plot of the movie is actually very interesting and not just an excuse for Carrey to act all crazy which he does so well.

"Listen, pet dick. How would you like me to make your life a living hell?"
"Well, I'm not really ready for a relationship, Lois, but thank you for asking."

"Excuse me. I'd like to 'ass' you a few questions."

4 out of 4 Stars

Film: The Abyss (1989)

DVD: Non-Anamorphic
The Abyss (Special Edition)

"God, I hate that bitch."
"Probably shouldn't have married her then, huh? "

Review: This is one of my favorite movies ever, but I think I have seen it too many times in the last few years. I need to take a break from it and re-visit it again in about 10 years so I can experience it with a fresh mind. Ed Harris is the man.

Favorite Scene: When the water is rising in the wrecked submersible and there is only one breathing helmet for two people.

"So raise your hand if you think that was a Russian water-tentacle."

4 out of 4 Stars

Friday, January 05, 2007

Film: About a Boy (2002)

DVD: Anamorphic
About a Boy (Widescreen Edition)

"You will end up childless and alone."
"Well, fingers crossed, yeah."

Review: This is a great movie with a strong script. Hugh Grant was great as the single guy who enjoys living his life as an island and trying to avoid forming strong relationships with anyone. When he is adopted as a friend against his will by a lonely boy who has troubles at home, he learns new things about himself.

"I'd be the worst possible Godfather. I'd probably drop her on her head at her christening. I'd forget all her birthdays until she was 18. Then I'd take her out and get her drunk. And, let's face it, quite possibly try and shag her."

"Me, I didn't mean anything. About anything, to anyone. And I knew that guaranteed me a long, depression-free life."

3 1/2 out of 4 Stars

Film: About Schmidt (2002)

DVD: Enhanced 16x9
About Schmidt

"You can't marry him. I mean... Look at these people!"

Review: This is another excellent movie by the director of 'Election' and 'Sideways' and one of my favorite Jack Nicholson roles of the last 10 or so years. The pace is of a very slow character study, but it all works to achieve a great emotional payoff in the end.

"Well Ndugu, I'll close now. You probably can't wait to run and cash this check and get yourself something to eat."

3 1/2 out of 4 Stars

Monday, January 01, 2007

Chargers vs. Cardinals - Game 16

The Chargers beat the Cardinals, 27-20, at home to wrap up the 1st seed and home field advantage for the playoffs.

Coach Schottenheimer getting doused at the end of the game.
Phillip Rivers hurt his foot getting sacked in the 1st quarter, but he continued to play and threw two touchdowns while limping all over the field. He left the game for good to rest his foot in the 3rd quarter after the Chargers built up a 17 point lead.

LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 66 yards to wrap up the Rushing Title before leaving the game early as well. Micheal Turner finished up the game with some good running and even Lorenzo Neal had a long 43 yard run to get the final 1st down and ice the game.

Lorenzo Neal showing off his speed.
Shawne Merriman got one more sack to bring his total to 17 and lead the league in sacks for the season. The Chargers set the franchise season record with 492 points and 14 wins and also went 8-0, undefeated at home, for the first time.

Monday, December 25, 2006

Chargers vs. Seahawks - Game 15

The Chargers beat the Seahawks in Seattle on Christmas Eve. They scored a touchdown in the last 29 seconds of the game to win 20-17. Phillip Rivers had a bad day passing the ball but he made two touchdown passes to Vincent Jackson when he most needed them, especially the 37 yard game winner.

Vincent Jackson making winning touchdown catch with 29 seconds left.
LT was held scoreless even though he ran for 123 yards. He did have a 45 yard touchdown run called back because of a facemask penalty on Kris Dielman.

Shawne Merriman sacking Matt Hasselbeck
Shawne Merriman had a huge day with 3.5 sacks, the last one coming on the final Seahawks drive when they were trying to get within field goal range to tie up the game.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Chargers vs. Chiefs - Game 14

On Sunday Night Football, the Chargers beat the Chiefs at home, 20-9. LT had another two touchdowns to extend the NFL season TD record to 31. His second was an 85-yard touchdown run, the longest of his career. He set two more NFL records last night, he broke the 40+ year old record for points in a season and now has a record 8 multiple touchdown games in a row.

LT makes a sharp cutback
Besides LT, the biggest star of the game was the defense which held Larry Johnson to only 84 yards and kept the Chief's offense out of the end zone all night. They also had a nice pass rush with 6 sacks.

Igor celebrates after the win.
The only bad part of the night was that Phillip Rivers had his worst game of the year. He threw for less than 100 yards and had two interceptions. I am sure he will bounce back next week.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Chargers vs. Denver - Game 13

LaDainian Tomlinson scored his record breaking 29th touchdown of the season yesterday when the Chargers beat Denver at home, 48-20. With the win, the Chargers' clinched the AFC West Division title.

LT is lifted in the air after breaking TD record
Antonio Gates also had a great game with two touchdown catches. His first touchdown catch was one of the best plays of the game as he out-jumped two Denver defenders draped all over him to make the catch.

Antonio Gates makes a tough TD catch
Shawne Merriman had two sacks and two forced fumbles. The last fumble he created set up LT's third TD and the record-breaker.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Chargers vs. Bills - Game 12

The Chargers beat the Bills on the road, 24-21. The score makes this game look closer than it was, as the Chargers allowed the Bills to score garbage points at the end of game.

Shawne Merriman forcing a fumble as he sacks J.P. Losman
Shawne Merriman in his first game back from his suspension had a big game with 2 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Antonio Gates catches a 2nd quarter touchdown.
Of course, LT had another big game with 178 yards and 2 touchdowns. Antonio Gates also had a nice game in the sleeting conditions with 90 yards and a touchdown catch.

Monday, November 27, 2006

Chargers vs. Raiders - Game 11

The Charger beat the Raiders at home, 21-14. This was another close game.

Vincent Jackson spins the ball to the ground after his 1st down catch.
The Chargers lucked out with a 4th down conversion in the 4th quarter. Vincent Jackson made the completion, but he celebrated too soon, spinning the ball forward to the ground before he had been ruled down and the Raiders jumped on the ball. After much deliberation, it was ruled a illegal forward pass and after 5 yard penalty it was still the Chargers ball.

Antonio Gates catches LT's touchdown pass.
With the Chargers retaining the ball, LT threw his second TD pass of the year to tie the game at 14 and then ran for another TD to take the lead.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Chargers vs. Broncos - Game 10

The Chargers beat the Broncos in Denver on Sunday Night Football, 35-27. The Chargers became the first team in NFL history to come back from 17 or more points in consecutive games.

Marcus McNeill congratulates LT after 100th TD.
LaDainian Tomlinson scored 4 touchdowns and the 3rd was his 100th touchdown. He reached 100 touchdowns faster than any player in NFL history. He passed Jim Brown and Emmitt Smith who were tied for the fastest.

Vincent Jackson makes an acrobatic TD catch at the back of the endzone.
Philiip Rivers threw a touchdown to Vincent Jackson to take the lead with 6:45 left in the game. Rivers overcame two interceptions to throw 2 touchdowns and 222 yards in the game.

Phillip Rivers listens to the Denver crowd.
Igor Olshansky was ejected from the game for punching Denver Center, Tom Nalen, in the head after Nalen dove at his knees on a spike play on the last drive.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Chargers vs. Bengals - Game 9

The Chargers beat the Bengals in a thrilling game on the road, 49-41. I almost had a heart attack watching this game as the Chargers scored 42 points in the second half to come back from a 21 point deficit.

LT scoring one of his 4 touchdowns.
LT ran for 4 touchdowns, 104 yards on the ground and 54 yards in the air. He showed his power as he ran for a TD with a defender yanking on his facemask.

Philip Rivers had a great day passing the ball.
Philip Rivers had a big day passing, he was 24/36 with 338 yards and 3 touchdowns. His shovel pass at the goal line to Brandon Manumaleuna to take the lead for good was inspired. This game was an old-fashioned AFL shootout.

Monday, November 06, 2006

Chargers vs. Browns - Game 8

The Chargers beat the Browns at home, 32-25. This was a tough game because the Chargers kept shooting themselves in the foot. The game should have been a blowout but mistakes kept the game close for the Browns. The Chargers had 12 penalties for 113 yards.

LT finding a hole in the defense.
The one bright spot was LT who ran for 172 yards and three 2nd half touchdowns. His longest was a 41 yard TD run to take the lead late in the 3rd quarter and spark the offense for a big 4th quarter.

Eric Parker making a great catch.
Without Shawne Merriman, the defense played pretty well, even recovering a fumble in the endzone for a touchdown in the 1st half. They also held the Browns to six field goals before allowing a garbage touchdown at the end of the game.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Chargers vs. Rams - Game 7

The Chargers beat the Rams at home, 38-24. It was a nice win to bounce back after the tough loss at Kansas City last week. LT had a monster game with 3 touchdowns, 183 yards rushing and 57 yards receiving. His stiff arm on his 38 yard touchdown run was amazing as he knocked off the helmet of the Rams defender to break free into the open. LT also recovered an onside kick at the end to ice the game.

LT breaking free on 38 yard TD run.
The game was close in the 3rd quarter until Marlon McCree returned a fumble 79 yards for a touchdown to extend the lead to 21-7.

LT and Antonio Gates celebrating in the endzone.
Shawne Merriman had three sacks in his last game before he serves his 4 game suspension for testing positive for steroids in the summer.

Cheerleaders wearing Halloween costumes.