Thursday, December 15, 2016
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches and The Magic Box Day 14
Arrival
American Alpha vs Revival 2 out of 3 falls
The Walking Dead
American Alpha vs Revival 2 out of 3 falls
The Walking Dead
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches and The Magic Box Day 13
Moana
Johnny Gargano vs T.J. Perkins Cruiser Weight Classic Week Seven:
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Johnny Gargano vs T.J. Perkins Cruiser Weight Classic Week Seven:
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Monday, December 12, 2016
Sunday, December 11, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches and The Magic Box Day 11
The Witch:
I don't usually expect much from a horror movie in early January mostly you get bad scares and just the feeling of being cheated by the studio. It mostly is just bad schlock made to get an easy buck from the consumer who has lowered slandered at that time of year. Now when I saw the trailer for the witch I knew that this was going to be something else completely. The film is more like a Gothic horror then a ghost story with all manner of other elements built in. It surrounds a family in the early colonial days who set off away from the fort they were living at to build a new life for themselves. It slowly becomes aware to the family and to the audience that something is wrong in the woods around where the family is living. They begin to suspect that the oldest daughter Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy) is somehow connected to the strange goings on in the woods around them, The film build the tension up until the climactic scene which you will have to watch for yourself to find out the truth behind the witch.
This film is brilliant and is the best horror movie of 2016. It is truly a remarkable film that makes you truly want to invest in characters who you literately share nothing with in real life. It also shows you how truly less can be more in a horror movie. The films mood is also amazingly well set from moment one until the ending that will leave you breathless.
Fenix vs King Cuerno Ladder Match for Gift of the Gods Championship S02E06:
The blow off match two a series can be really important in solidifying a feud between two wrestlers. It's always good to have the two wrestlers build upon each match and have something a little more pressing on the line. For this series between Fenix and Cuerno it bookends really nicely by opening with the gift of the gods championship being on the line and it ending with it being back on the line. The first match was a normal match with just the belt on the line. The second match was the last Luchador standing match which can be found in a early post. This match however was not only for the championship but it was also a ladder match. The two Luchadors had already shown amazing performances but also had shown improvement as well from season one. This match was the perfect way to finish out this feud the two of them were risking everything to get the belt not only the belt itself but also their well being. As we have said before you can fall off of a ladder and its pretty hard to fake that. The two performers are incredible and give it their all while the crowd goes crazy in the process.
Gravity Falls:
All good things must come to an end and this year we said goodbye to the pines family in the very emotional end to a great little animated show. Gravity falls is a show that is not only made for children but also made for adults as well. The children will enjoy the wacky antics but the parents will get something much deeper out of it as well. The show follows the Dipper and Mable pines two kids on vacation visiting their Grunkle Stan in the woods at his tourist trap the mystery shack. Soon after arriving the two kids start to discover not all is what it seems in the town of Gravity Falls. They being to piece together a large mystery and in the process get into all sorts of adventures.
The show is a prime example of what children's television should be today. The only episode I can pick is the last because it took place in 2016. However it is a great end to a show that makes you just want to stand up and cheer for the Pines twins.
I don't usually expect much from a horror movie in early January mostly you get bad scares and just the feeling of being cheated by the studio. It mostly is just bad schlock made to get an easy buck from the consumer who has lowered slandered at that time of year. Now when I saw the trailer for the witch I knew that this was going to be something else completely. The film is more like a Gothic horror then a ghost story with all manner of other elements built in. It surrounds a family in the early colonial days who set off away from the fort they were living at to build a new life for themselves. It slowly becomes aware to the family and to the audience that something is wrong in the woods around where the family is living. They begin to suspect that the oldest daughter Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy) is somehow connected to the strange goings on in the woods around them, The film build the tension up until the climactic scene which you will have to watch for yourself to find out the truth behind the witch.
This film is brilliant and is the best horror movie of 2016. It is truly a remarkable film that makes you truly want to invest in characters who you literately share nothing with in real life. It also shows you how truly less can be more in a horror movie. The films mood is also amazingly well set from moment one until the ending that will leave you breathless.
Fenix vs King Cuerno Ladder Match for Gift of the Gods Championship S02E06:
The blow off match two a series can be really important in solidifying a feud between two wrestlers. It's always good to have the two wrestlers build upon each match and have something a little more pressing on the line. For this series between Fenix and Cuerno it bookends really nicely by opening with the gift of the gods championship being on the line and it ending with it being back on the line. The first match was a normal match with just the belt on the line. The second match was the last Luchador standing match which can be found in a early post. This match however was not only for the championship but it was also a ladder match. The two Luchadors had already shown amazing performances but also had shown improvement as well from season one. This match was the perfect way to finish out this feud the two of them were risking everything to get the belt not only the belt itself but also their well being. As we have said before you can fall off of a ladder and its pretty hard to fake that. The two performers are incredible and give it their all while the crowd goes crazy in the process.
Gravity Falls:
All good things must come to an end and this year we said goodbye to the pines family in the very emotional end to a great little animated show. Gravity falls is a show that is not only made for children but also made for adults as well. The children will enjoy the wacky antics but the parents will get something much deeper out of it as well. The show follows the Dipper and Mable pines two kids on vacation visiting their Grunkle Stan in the woods at his tourist trap the mystery shack. Soon after arriving the two kids start to discover not all is what it seems in the town of Gravity Falls. They being to piece together a large mystery and in the process get into all sorts of adventures.
The show is a prime example of what children's television should be today. The only episode I can pick is the last because it took place in 2016. However it is a great end to a show that makes you just want to stand up and cheer for the Pines twins.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches and The Magic Box Day 10
Captain America Civil War:
Sometimes a movie will make you feel that way that you haven't felt since you were a small child. The best way I can describe it is when you were little and something made you want to stand up and pretend to be it as soon as it was over. Now if you are looking for a movie to do that for you and it is difficult these days to inspire that kind of passion I would say look no further then the amazing Captain America Civil War.
This film could have been hugely problematic from the first day of filming to its coming out to theaters with just how much was being demanded of it and how much was going to be put into it. However this film was put in the very capable hands of the Russo brothers who have been with the standalone Captain America movies since part two who most say is better than part one. The brothers are amazing at not only balancing drama with humor but also making sure all the characters get the time they need and advance the all the story lines in the proper way. This movie also does something that another movie this year from DC didn't do and is probably the reason we were very displeased with it. It showed us a throw down between two sides both representing good who have worked together and are now pitted against each other for reasons they may not understand. The reason this worked here and not in that DC property of this year was the fact that this film didn't have two in its universe then do this it built over the course of twelve movies to get to this epic showdown. This is why Civil War felt so good when we finally got it because all the moments in it felt earned and boy did they use those moments to the full advantage.
The story picks up with all the Avengers in the aftermath of Ultron working around the world to help where they can when an incident in the country of Wakana causes an international outcry. This causes the united nations to pass the Sokovia Accords. The accords act forces the Avengers to follow certain guidelines and essentially work for the government. The group of heroes is split down the middle with pro registration side being led by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) The non registration side is being led by Captain Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). The film is a great build and when the showdown happens between these two sides it comes forward in an amazing way.
The film has so many great moments that its hard to list them all. I wont reveal anymore of the plot but I will say it was really nice to see something that I as a fan of this franchise never thought I would see. That was watching Marvel's favorite son Spider-Man brought back into the fold and stand with his peers and treated the way he should be. This gives me hope for the next Spider-man movie and the further connections he will have to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Raw 7-25-16 Charlotte vs Sasha Banks Women's Title Match:
It was the night after Battleground and it was the first Raw of the brand extension. We were all wary that this spit between Raw and Smackdown could go good or bad very easily. The first show of raw went well had a couple of great qualifier matches then for the second to last match of the night the WWE women's championship would be defended by Charlotte against her rival Sasha Banks. Charlotte had been woman's champion for fourth months and had been lauding it over every woman's head in the division. After her tag match at Battleground when she had tapped to the Bank Statement it was decided that her and Sasha would face off on Raw the next night. What would follow would be one of the best raw matches of the year. The two women who had come up through NXT together who had both held the title and now were on the biggest weekly show were going to have a championship match. What followed was simply poetry in the ring with these two getting to showcase why they are the future and the leaders of a new age of women's wrestling. The word Diva had been dead and buried since Wrestlemania and this match rolled the giant bolder on top of the grave to make sure it stayed there. The two competitors I have spoken about before in great length and this match just proves everything I have said about them before. Charlotte and Banks are incredible performers who just don't know when to quit. I can't say enough good things about this match because I think these two are going to be hall of famer's one day and I can't wait to sit there and say the words I remember watching them at the beginning. Its not only a great match but also has some real emotion at the end as a young woman realizes a childhood dream. I hope you all enjoy this special match from a great Monday night Raw.
Shameless:
Shameless is that show that every year you look at and say no way they can possibly go lower or darker this year its just not going to happen. Then somehow the writers and cast manage to take you down an even darker road with the Gallagher family and you sit their thinking to yourself at the end of the season well I'll be dammed it was darker and more disturbing. The series follows the Gallagher family a lower class family from the Chicago south side who try to survive in this changing world any way they can. The family is headed up by Frank Gallagher (Wlliam H Macy) a drunk and drug a addicted father who is the worst father in the world. The next up is Fiona (Emmy Rossum) who is the biggest sister and has been taking care of all of the kids for years. The episodes follow them day to day as they try and figure out this crazy world. Its a show that really sometimes you need to step away from for at least a week because some of the content can be downright depressing.
Best episode is not really something you can pick out of this show as they all run together but best character this season will have to go to Fiona for really attempting to change her situation. It has been seven seasons but I'm happy to say I am finally seen a turn around for this character.
Sometimes a movie will make you feel that way that you haven't felt since you were a small child. The best way I can describe it is when you were little and something made you want to stand up and pretend to be it as soon as it was over. Now if you are looking for a movie to do that for you and it is difficult these days to inspire that kind of passion I would say look no further then the amazing Captain America Civil War.
This film could have been hugely problematic from the first day of filming to its coming out to theaters with just how much was being demanded of it and how much was going to be put into it. However this film was put in the very capable hands of the Russo brothers who have been with the standalone Captain America movies since part two who most say is better than part one. The brothers are amazing at not only balancing drama with humor but also making sure all the characters get the time they need and advance the all the story lines in the proper way. This movie also does something that another movie this year from DC didn't do and is probably the reason we were very displeased with it. It showed us a throw down between two sides both representing good who have worked together and are now pitted against each other for reasons they may not understand. The reason this worked here and not in that DC property of this year was the fact that this film didn't have two in its universe then do this it built over the course of twelve movies to get to this epic showdown. This is why Civil War felt so good when we finally got it because all the moments in it felt earned and boy did they use those moments to the full advantage.
The story picks up with all the Avengers in the aftermath of Ultron working around the world to help where they can when an incident in the country of Wakana causes an international outcry. This causes the united nations to pass the Sokovia Accords. The accords act forces the Avengers to follow certain guidelines and essentially work for the government. The group of heroes is split down the middle with pro registration side being led by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) The non registration side is being led by Captain Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). The film is a great build and when the showdown happens between these two sides it comes forward in an amazing way.
The film has so many great moments that its hard to list them all. I wont reveal anymore of the plot but I will say it was really nice to see something that I as a fan of this franchise never thought I would see. That was watching Marvel's favorite son Spider-Man brought back into the fold and stand with his peers and treated the way he should be. This gives me hope for the next Spider-man movie and the further connections he will have to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Raw 7-25-16 Charlotte vs Sasha Banks Women's Title Match:
It was the night after Battleground and it was the first Raw of the brand extension. We were all wary that this spit between Raw and Smackdown could go good or bad very easily. The first show of raw went well had a couple of great qualifier matches then for the second to last match of the night the WWE women's championship would be defended by Charlotte against her rival Sasha Banks. Charlotte had been woman's champion for fourth months and had been lauding it over every woman's head in the division. After her tag match at Battleground when she had tapped to the Bank Statement it was decided that her and Sasha would face off on Raw the next night. What would follow would be one of the best raw matches of the year. The two women who had come up through NXT together who had both held the title and now were on the biggest weekly show were going to have a championship match. What followed was simply poetry in the ring with these two getting to showcase why they are the future and the leaders of a new age of women's wrestling. The word Diva had been dead and buried since Wrestlemania and this match rolled the giant bolder on top of the grave to make sure it stayed there. The two competitors I have spoken about before in great length and this match just proves everything I have said about them before. Charlotte and Banks are incredible performers who just don't know when to quit. I can't say enough good things about this match because I think these two are going to be hall of famer's one day and I can't wait to sit there and say the words I remember watching them at the beginning. Its not only a great match but also has some real emotion at the end as a young woman realizes a childhood dream. I hope you all enjoy this special match from a great Monday night Raw.
Shameless:
Shameless is that show that every year you look at and say no way they can possibly go lower or darker this year its just not going to happen. Then somehow the writers and cast manage to take you down an even darker road with the Gallagher family and you sit their thinking to yourself at the end of the season well I'll be dammed it was darker and more disturbing. The series follows the Gallagher family a lower class family from the Chicago south side who try to survive in this changing world any way they can. The family is headed up by Frank Gallagher (Wlliam H Macy) a drunk and drug a addicted father who is the worst father in the world. The next up is Fiona (Emmy Rossum) who is the biggest sister and has been taking care of all of the kids for years. The episodes follow them day to day as they try and figure out this crazy world. Its a show that really sometimes you need to step away from for at least a week because some of the content can be downright depressing.
Best episode is not really something you can pick out of this show as they all run together but best character this season will have to go to Fiona for really attempting to change her situation. It has been seven seasons but I'm happy to say I am finally seen a turn around for this character.
Friday, December 9, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches and The Magic Box Day 9
Don't Breathe:
It was a short three years ago when the remake to Evil Dead came onto our radars. We internet naysayers myself included were all ready to string up new director Fede Alvarez for daring to touch a beloved classic. However we were treated to a big surprise and were shown just how wrong we could be All of us loved the remake and the film would take its place among the others as the little step brother. of the Evil Dead series. After the film we all wondered what this new horror genius would bring us next. It would take 3 years but we would finally get our answer in the very tense very creepy and very well acted Don't Breathe.
The plot centers around three thieves (Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, and Daniel Zovatto) who are going to break into a blind man's (Stephen Lang) house and rob him. The job seems very simple and should be an easy pay day for the three. That is until they find out that the old man is actually a jacked psycho who will do anything to protect what is his. Upon breaking into the house the three are quickly learning that the blind man is going to be more trouble than the job is worth and they must find a way out without letting him know they are there.
The movie is set up brilliantly and we never really get a sense of feeling comfortable once you as the audience step foot in the house. Alvarez does a great job keeping you on edge the entire film and making it really feel like you are with these people in this house. He is truly going to be one of the next great horror directors if he continues on this path.
The cast is also quite good especially Levy and Lang who are the two scene grabbers of the film. Levy has worked with Alvarez before in his Evil Dead remake. Lang on the other hand is an incredible character actor who has a resume as long as his arm and holds his own in this incredible performance.
All in all this movie should be watched with the light off and everyone should enjoy this great little thrill ride and the twist that comes out of nowhere.
Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Cesaro, Chris Jericho, Alberto Del Rio Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
If you have ever fallen off a ladder you probably know jut how painful that can be. However I don't think most people can say they have fallen off a ladder through another ladder in the pursuit to grab a briefcase that guarantees them a contract for a world heavyweight match at anytime of their choosing. If you just read all that and are still with me I know wrestling is complicated but stay with me I'll try to explain. Most gimmick matches in wrestling are for lack of a better word dumb. However the Money in the Bank ladder match is great for several reasons. It causes you to get excited and can set up story lines in the company for months. The other great aspect of it is you get an insight into a wrestler that the company are getting behind. by putting this contract in their hands. To hold money in the bank means you are going to be a focal point going forward. The reason you are such a big deal is because nine out of ten times you will most likely be pushed to become the champion by cashing in. So it not only has consequences it not only shows a story being built around a wrestler but is shows growth in the product overall.
Now as for the match itself it can be an absolute barn burner of a match not just in performance but the spots that these guys will get into.
This was another event I attended live and I have to say this might be one of the most athletic money in the bank groups I have ever seen. I remember walking into this and tell my friend that I didn't care who won this for the most part we were going to get some great showings out of all these guys. That is exactly what we got. I was blown away with just how incredible all of these guys performed. All in all it is a great match that sets up an interesting second half of the night.
Broad City:
Guys we can all agree that women are funny and smart and we need to get over it. Oh wait I'm sorry that is my opening review on South Park later in the month. However That being said the show Broad City is an amazingly funny and smart show created by the two stars Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson. If you haven't caught this gem from Comedy central for the past three years then you are missing out on what could be a modern day Lavern and Shirley.
The show follows the two 20 somethings throughout their daily lives in NYC, making hilarious situations out of typical events. Abbi and Ilana are so opposite and yet comlement each other so well throughout the show. They also are amazing comedians with exceptional timing. Both of these two can hold their halves of an episode and bring the two parts of the story together fantastically. The show also has a fantastic secondary cast including the hysterical comedian Hannibal Burress who plays Lincoln Rice, Ilana's on again off again boyfriend.
The strongest episode of the season has to go to episode two entitled Co-Op. The episode revolves around Abbi posing as Ilana to cover her shift at the food co-op while Ilana attends a doctors appointment across town. The brilliance of this episode is how great of a parody impression Abbi does of Ilana. It make me laugh from open to close and I'm so excited to see what the next season will bring to us especially with the election that took place this year.
It was a short three years ago when the remake to Evil Dead came onto our radars. We internet naysayers myself included were all ready to string up new director Fede Alvarez for daring to touch a beloved classic. However we were treated to a big surprise and were shown just how wrong we could be All of us loved the remake and the film would take its place among the others as the little step brother. of the Evil Dead series. After the film we all wondered what this new horror genius would bring us next. It would take 3 years but we would finally get our answer in the very tense very creepy and very well acted Don't Breathe.
The plot centers around three thieves (Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, and Daniel Zovatto) who are going to break into a blind man's (Stephen Lang) house and rob him. The job seems very simple and should be an easy pay day for the three. That is until they find out that the old man is actually a jacked psycho who will do anything to protect what is his. Upon breaking into the house the three are quickly learning that the blind man is going to be more trouble than the job is worth and they must find a way out without letting him know they are there.
The movie is set up brilliantly and we never really get a sense of feeling comfortable once you as the audience step foot in the house. Alvarez does a great job keeping you on edge the entire film and making it really feel like you are with these people in this house. He is truly going to be one of the next great horror directors if he continues on this path.
The cast is also quite good especially Levy and Lang who are the two scene grabbers of the film. Levy has worked with Alvarez before in his Evil Dead remake. Lang on the other hand is an incredible character actor who has a resume as long as his arm and holds his own in this incredible performance.
All in all this movie should be watched with the light off and everyone should enjoy this great little thrill ride and the twist that comes out of nowhere.
Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Cesaro, Chris Jericho, Alberto Del Rio Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
If you have ever fallen off a ladder you probably know jut how painful that can be. However I don't think most people can say they have fallen off a ladder through another ladder in the pursuit to grab a briefcase that guarantees them a contract for a world heavyweight match at anytime of their choosing. If you just read all that and are still with me I know wrestling is complicated but stay with me I'll try to explain. Most gimmick matches in wrestling are for lack of a better word dumb. However the Money in the Bank ladder match is great for several reasons. It causes you to get excited and can set up story lines in the company for months. The other great aspect of it is you get an insight into a wrestler that the company are getting behind. by putting this contract in their hands. To hold money in the bank means you are going to be a focal point going forward. The reason you are such a big deal is because nine out of ten times you will most likely be pushed to become the champion by cashing in. So it not only has consequences it not only shows a story being built around a wrestler but is shows growth in the product overall.
Now as for the match itself it can be an absolute barn burner of a match not just in performance but the spots that these guys will get into.
This was another event I attended live and I have to say this might be one of the most athletic money in the bank groups I have ever seen. I remember walking into this and tell my friend that I didn't care who won this for the most part we were going to get some great showings out of all these guys. That is exactly what we got. I was blown away with just how incredible all of these guys performed. All in all it is a great match that sets up an interesting second half of the night.
Broad City:
Guys we can all agree that women are funny and smart and we need to get over it. Oh wait I'm sorry that is my opening review on South Park later in the month. However That being said the show Broad City is an amazingly funny and smart show created by the two stars Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson. If you haven't caught this gem from Comedy central for the past three years then you are missing out on what could be a modern day Lavern and Shirley.
The show follows the two 20 somethings throughout their daily lives in NYC, making hilarious situations out of typical events. Abbi and Ilana are so opposite and yet comlement each other so well throughout the show. They also are amazing comedians with exceptional timing. Both of these two can hold their halves of an episode and bring the two parts of the story together fantastically. The show also has a fantastic secondary cast including the hysterical comedian Hannibal Burress who plays Lincoln Rice, Ilana's on again off again boyfriend.
The strongest episode of the season has to go to episode two entitled Co-Op. The episode revolves around Abbi posing as Ilana to cover her shift at the food co-op while Ilana attends a doctors appointment across town. The brilliance of this episode is how great of a parody impression Abbi does of Ilana. It make me laugh from open to close and I'm so excited to see what the next season will bring to us especially with the election that took place this year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)