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.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches and The Magic Box Day 8
Sully:
A Movie about a real event can be an enjoyable watch. However it's hard to really dramatize it if it only happened a few years ago. That isn't that old and it is hard to make anyone care about something that is fresh in our minds. Now if you take the same concept and add the great Clint Eastwood to direct it and you get Tom Hanks to star well then you have the amazing story of US Airways Flight 1549 in the film Sully. The movie is about the account of the water landing that took place on January 15th 2009. We follow the exploits of Captain Chesley Sullenberger (Hanks) who on that day lost power to his plane with 155 passengers and managed to land the plane without any loss of life. The film then begins to take a hard look at the investigation that went into seeing if this was truly a miracle or some other sort of foul play was a foot. It is not a terribly complicated movie it goes from the time of the landing to what is going on after the crash. Hank's is remarkable and as always insanely likeable in this lead role. If this year has been as weak as I think it has been then I think Hanks will certainly be nominated for this. Eastwood will also most likely garner some Oscar praise for director based on the crash scene alone. Eastwood is just a master at reworking true to life events on a cinematic scale. It is a well worked film that also goes by very quickly and never seems to drag its feet.
The Young Bucks vs Matt Sydal & Ricochet Pro Wrestling Guerrilla All Star Weekend 12 Night 1:
So this was the main event of the first ever live viewing I went to of PWG or Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. I had always heard that if hipsters had a wrestling promotion it would be PWG. We drove up from Reno and I have to say the trip was worth it because over the next two days I say the most amazing set or wrestling matches I have seen live anywhere. For years I had heard about the Young Bucks and I had seen a handful of matches but nothing could prepare me for what was going to come out of that weekend when those two crazy boys Nick and Matt Jackson took on the team of Ricochet and Matt Sydal. The great thing about watch a PWG match on DVD is it really isn't much different then watching it there. The audio is just as bad in the building as it is on the DVD. The feel of the audience is just as raw. The one thing you can't replace is just how dam close you get to these wrestlers. Not only when they are in action but also when they are just hanging out selling merchandise. I can't even begin to tell you how great this match was live. Its such a treat to see these guys put it all on the line for such a small crowd.
Now it has been said that the bucks are the greatest tag team in the world and there is a part of me that is willing to agree. They are not only incredible wrestlers but they are also amazing psychological wrestlers as well. When they first get in the ring and start by straight up insulting the other two with deep mean jabs it is great. That match probably starts at an eight and goes to what feels like a twelve by the time its over.
To touch on the other two wrestlers in the match i know very little about Sydal who was great and took some stiff kicks throughout the match. Now the Ricochet I wasn't very aware of him until I would get into Lucha Underground and see him perform under a different name. Ricochet to put it lightly is a freak athlete who doesn't seem to move like any other human I have seen. The man is maybe also the most in shape man I have ever seen. A truly special match to cap off night one. If you are watching it and are confused as too what the last few minutes are about then I guess you better go buy night two. Besides you'll need to so you can read a review later in the month.
Brooklyn Nine Nine:
These day I don't usually go in for a sitcom. I also find it really hard to like Andy Samberg. Terry Crewes just seems to frustrate me on some deep level that I can't explain either. There also has never been a one premise show that has kept me going for four years. That being said mash all of these factors above together and you have the very well balanced and funny Brooklyn Nine Nine. The show centers around the antics of the Nine Nine precinct as they attempt to uphold the law while getting into other shenanigans to drive each other crazy. The main star is detective Jake Peralta (Samberg a good Die Hard loving cop who is even better at goofing off. He constantly is getting into verbal and mental battles with equals and superiors including his captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher). The show is usually a day to day look at the precinct as they try to solve cases. I don't know what it is but most of the actors who I would fin off putting are very charming and end up making you laugh out loud.
Best episode of season four has to go to episode five entitled Halloween IV. The plot is the same as every Halloween eppisode revolving around a mental game of who can outsmart one another between Holt and Peralta. It is the same plot every year but it's something I have looked forward to every yeaar on the show.
The show is a great binge and keeps the laughs coming even into a four season of a show that should have lost its steam by now.
A Movie about a real event can be an enjoyable watch. However it's hard to really dramatize it if it only happened a few years ago. That isn't that old and it is hard to make anyone care about something that is fresh in our minds. Now if you take the same concept and add the great Clint Eastwood to direct it and you get Tom Hanks to star well then you have the amazing story of US Airways Flight 1549 in the film Sully. The movie is about the account of the water landing that took place on January 15th 2009. We follow the exploits of Captain Chesley Sullenberger (Hanks) who on that day lost power to his plane with 155 passengers and managed to land the plane without any loss of life. The film then begins to take a hard look at the investigation that went into seeing if this was truly a miracle or some other sort of foul play was a foot. It is not a terribly complicated movie it goes from the time of the landing to what is going on after the crash. Hank's is remarkable and as always insanely likeable in this lead role. If this year has been as weak as I think it has been then I think Hanks will certainly be nominated for this. Eastwood will also most likely garner some Oscar praise for director based on the crash scene alone. Eastwood is just a master at reworking true to life events on a cinematic scale. It is a well worked film that also goes by very quickly and never seems to drag its feet.
The Young Bucks vs Matt Sydal & Ricochet Pro Wrestling Guerrilla All Star Weekend 12 Night 1:
So this was the main event of the first ever live viewing I went to of PWG or Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. I had always heard that if hipsters had a wrestling promotion it would be PWG. We drove up from Reno and I have to say the trip was worth it because over the next two days I say the most amazing set or wrestling matches I have seen live anywhere. For years I had heard about the Young Bucks and I had seen a handful of matches but nothing could prepare me for what was going to come out of that weekend when those two crazy boys Nick and Matt Jackson took on the team of Ricochet and Matt Sydal. The great thing about watch a PWG match on DVD is it really isn't much different then watching it there. The audio is just as bad in the building as it is on the DVD. The feel of the audience is just as raw. The one thing you can't replace is just how dam close you get to these wrestlers. Not only when they are in action but also when they are just hanging out selling merchandise. I can't even begin to tell you how great this match was live. Its such a treat to see these guys put it all on the line for such a small crowd.
Now it has been said that the bucks are the greatest tag team in the world and there is a part of me that is willing to agree. They are not only incredible wrestlers but they are also amazing psychological wrestlers as well. When they first get in the ring and start by straight up insulting the other two with deep mean jabs it is great. That match probably starts at an eight and goes to what feels like a twelve by the time its over.
To touch on the other two wrestlers in the match i know very little about Sydal who was great and took some stiff kicks throughout the match. Now the Ricochet I wasn't very aware of him until I would get into Lucha Underground and see him perform under a different name. Ricochet to put it lightly is a freak athlete who doesn't seem to move like any other human I have seen. The man is maybe also the most in shape man I have ever seen. A truly special match to cap off night one. If you are watching it and are confused as too what the last few minutes are about then I guess you better go buy night two. Besides you'll need to so you can read a review later in the month.
Brooklyn Nine Nine:
These day I don't usually go in for a sitcom. I also find it really hard to like Andy Samberg. Terry Crewes just seems to frustrate me on some deep level that I can't explain either. There also has never been a one premise show that has kept me going for four years. That being said mash all of these factors above together and you have the very well balanced and funny Brooklyn Nine Nine. The show centers around the antics of the Nine Nine precinct as they attempt to uphold the law while getting into other shenanigans to drive each other crazy. The main star is detective Jake Peralta (Samberg a good Die Hard loving cop who is even better at goofing off. He constantly is getting into verbal and mental battles with equals and superiors including his captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher). The show is usually a day to day look at the precinct as they try to solve cases. I don't know what it is but most of the actors who I would fin off putting are very charming and end up making you laugh out loud.
Best episode of season four has to go to episode five entitled Halloween IV. The plot is the same as every Halloween eppisode revolving around a mental game of who can outsmart one another between Holt and Peralta. It is the same plot every year but it's something I have looked forward to every yeaar on the show.
The show is a great binge and keeps the laughs coming even into a four season of a show that should have lost its steam by now.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches and The Magic Box Day 7
10 Cloverfield Lane:
When an unoficial sequel was announced for the 2008 monster movie classic Cloverfield. Thoughts online were needless to say a bit skeptical to say the least. As the film began to show trailers and stills started to show up on the web we slowly began to realize that this film was not going to be the same as the first one. If Cloverfield is a movie about a monster then 10 Cloverfield is a movie about the monsters inside of us.
Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is running away from a prior obligation and ends up in a car wreck and is saved by Howard (John Goodman). She awakes in an underground bunker and is told by Howard that the world is coming to and end via something we don't quite get to know yet. Also down in the bunker is Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.) who was saved by Howard as well. Everything Seems to be going fine accept for the fact that Howard won't let anyone leave the bunker. It slowly becomes a battle of wills and makes you wonder if Howard is crazy or just ahead of the curve when it comes to paranoia.
The film has a great sense of restrained dread throughout it. Unlike the earlier film Green Room, 10 Cloverfield Lane paces out its terror and doesn't just keep throwing it at you constantly. However it plays like an old style scary movie of when something scary is happening you know it by the tone and the music. This is a stellar performance from the very limited cast who has to carry most of the movie. Goodman shines in this film and plays a very different type of deranged. It is really a treat to have him have you guessing the whole movie if he is out of his mind for nearly the entire two hours. The other star is Winstead and her ability to go from victim to hero in such a short span of time. It's not the same as Cloverfield but in that vein that's why it works. I like the idea of every couple of years producer JJ Abrams giving an up and coming filmmaker a chance to do a Cloverfield anthology project.
T.J. Perkins vs Gran Metalik Cruiser Weight Classic Finals:
In mid July of 2016 the WWE brought us once a week for 10 weeks the Cruiser Weight Classic. It was tournament of 32 competitors from around the world all vying to prove who is the greatest cruiser weight in the world. The tournament had plenty of people who were known and had some up and comers. It also had a few faces who were relatively unknown.
The one thing the tournament gave us was absolutely astounding matches by guys who knew this might be their ten seconds in the spotlight and by damn they were going to shine. Four matches from the tournament have made this list When the tournament first began I had a pretty clear idea who would be making the finals. From what I could tell it was going to be Zach Sabre Jr. and Kota Ibushi to tangle in the final rounds. I am very proud to say I was close they both made it to the semi finals and it was there that my bracket got busted and two relatively unknown new comers stepped forth. T.J. Perkins and Gran Metalik came out as the two finalists and we were set for the finals and who would be the Cruiser Weight Classic Winner. Just before the bell would ring on this match a certain man by the name of Triple H's music would hit. The genius behind the tournament came to the ring and stepped inside. He gave an impassioned speech about how we have narrowed it down from 32 to 2. However we are only looking for one to be the winner and also be the first ever holder of the new Cruiser Weight Championship belt. He then produced the new belt and tensions went from high to almost insanity. He left the ring and the final match began.
The match began as a great match does building speed and leading up to great moments then cooling off and picking up again. A very memorable moment is Metalik giving Perkins a Frankensteiner off the apron causing the crowd to lose its mind. The match is a shinning example of what you can do when you build a tournament in the correct way and even though it doesn't go the way everyone thinks it will you are still satisfied with the ending.
Now most of the time I have a huge problem with the way a WWE audience will respond to certain things or how they will show respect to the performers in the ring. On this occasion the crowd could not have been better. They cheered at all the right moments both guys were supported and cheered and jeered at the right moments. It didn't feel like the audience wanted a make it all about them they just wanted to support the guys putting on one hell of a show in the ring.
Since the tournament the Cruiser Weight's have been on raw and have had ups and downs. However I see the new show 205 live being very promising for the future.
Orange is the New Black:
It has been an interesting ride so far with Orange is the new Black. Although typically not a show I would go in for it is one of the most binge worthy shows on Netflix right now. It is hard to believe that it has gone on for four seasons and doesn't look like it has any plans of stopping. The story follows the day to day life of the women who are incarcerated at Litchfield minimum security prison. There is no real main character as each episode follows a different prisoner and how they live and how they arrived at the prison. It is a clever show and each season tackles a different issue at the prison. Season four we see the fair and equal treatment of prisoners violated. We see the women pushed to their mental and physical limits and are slowly forced to act like the animals they are made out to be. It was a particularly tough season because of a major loss we had in the second to last episode which was the passing of the character Poussey (Samira Wiley) who was killed by the use of excessive force by a guard. This was particularly hard to watch because she had become such an integral character in the goings on of the show who had ups and downs and looked like she was getting her life back in order. It really caught me and audiences off guard and made you start to question the idea of any character being safe in the prison now. It was a great finish to the season and makes you really look forward to the fall out if will bring next season.
When an unoficial sequel was announced for the 2008 monster movie classic Cloverfield. Thoughts online were needless to say a bit skeptical to say the least. As the film began to show trailers and stills started to show up on the web we slowly began to realize that this film was not going to be the same as the first one. If Cloverfield is a movie about a monster then 10 Cloverfield is a movie about the monsters inside of us.
Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is running away from a prior obligation and ends up in a car wreck and is saved by Howard (John Goodman). She awakes in an underground bunker and is told by Howard that the world is coming to and end via something we don't quite get to know yet. Also down in the bunker is Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.) who was saved by Howard as well. Everything Seems to be going fine accept for the fact that Howard won't let anyone leave the bunker. It slowly becomes a battle of wills and makes you wonder if Howard is crazy or just ahead of the curve when it comes to paranoia.
The film has a great sense of restrained dread throughout it. Unlike the earlier film Green Room, 10 Cloverfield Lane paces out its terror and doesn't just keep throwing it at you constantly. However it plays like an old style scary movie of when something scary is happening you know it by the tone and the music. This is a stellar performance from the very limited cast who has to carry most of the movie. Goodman shines in this film and plays a very different type of deranged. It is really a treat to have him have you guessing the whole movie if he is out of his mind for nearly the entire two hours. The other star is Winstead and her ability to go from victim to hero in such a short span of time. It's not the same as Cloverfield but in that vein that's why it works. I like the idea of every couple of years producer JJ Abrams giving an up and coming filmmaker a chance to do a Cloverfield anthology project.
T.J. Perkins vs Gran Metalik Cruiser Weight Classic Finals:
In mid July of 2016 the WWE brought us once a week for 10 weeks the Cruiser Weight Classic. It was tournament of 32 competitors from around the world all vying to prove who is the greatest cruiser weight in the world. The tournament had plenty of people who were known and had some up and comers. It also had a few faces who were relatively unknown.
The one thing the tournament gave us was absolutely astounding matches by guys who knew this might be their ten seconds in the spotlight and by damn they were going to shine. Four matches from the tournament have made this list When the tournament first began I had a pretty clear idea who would be making the finals. From what I could tell it was going to be Zach Sabre Jr. and Kota Ibushi to tangle in the final rounds. I am very proud to say I was close they both made it to the semi finals and it was there that my bracket got busted and two relatively unknown new comers stepped forth. T.J. Perkins and Gran Metalik came out as the two finalists and we were set for the finals and who would be the Cruiser Weight Classic Winner. Just before the bell would ring on this match a certain man by the name of Triple H's music would hit. The genius behind the tournament came to the ring and stepped inside. He gave an impassioned speech about how we have narrowed it down from 32 to 2. However we are only looking for one to be the winner and also be the first ever holder of the new Cruiser Weight Championship belt. He then produced the new belt and tensions went from high to almost insanity. He left the ring and the final match began.
The match began as a great match does building speed and leading up to great moments then cooling off and picking up again. A very memorable moment is Metalik giving Perkins a Frankensteiner off the apron causing the crowd to lose its mind. The match is a shinning example of what you can do when you build a tournament in the correct way and even though it doesn't go the way everyone thinks it will you are still satisfied with the ending.
Now most of the time I have a huge problem with the way a WWE audience will respond to certain things or how they will show respect to the performers in the ring. On this occasion the crowd could not have been better. They cheered at all the right moments both guys were supported and cheered and jeered at the right moments. It didn't feel like the audience wanted a make it all about them they just wanted to support the guys putting on one hell of a show in the ring.
Since the tournament the Cruiser Weight's have been on raw and have had ups and downs. However I see the new show 205 live being very promising for the future.
Orange is the New Black:
It has been an interesting ride so far with Orange is the new Black. Although typically not a show I would go in for it is one of the most binge worthy shows on Netflix right now. It is hard to believe that it has gone on for four seasons and doesn't look like it has any plans of stopping. The story follows the day to day life of the women who are incarcerated at Litchfield minimum security prison. There is no real main character as each episode follows a different prisoner and how they live and how they arrived at the prison. It is a clever show and each season tackles a different issue at the prison. Season four we see the fair and equal treatment of prisoners violated. We see the women pushed to their mental and physical limits and are slowly forced to act like the animals they are made out to be. It was a particularly tough season because of a major loss we had in the second to last episode which was the passing of the character Poussey (Samira Wiley) who was killed by the use of excessive force by a guard. This was particularly hard to watch because she had become such an integral character in the goings on of the show who had ups and downs and looked like she was getting her life back in order. It really caught me and audiences off guard and made you start to question the idea of any character being safe in the prison now. It was a great finish to the season and makes you really look forward to the fall out if will bring next season.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches and The Magic Box Day 6
Green Room:
A punk band goes to a backwoods bar that leans very much in favor of white supremacy to play a show. When they go to get their money and stuff in the back of the bar and find a murder taking place the group must band together and fend off the hateful bastards in order to live and escape. This concept could maybe work as a scary short no one could imagine that this film could hold your attention for an hour and a half. Yet this film has not only managed to do it but it is also one of the highest rated films of the year sitting at a 91 percent on rotten tomatoes. This film also is kind of somber film as well in it is one of the last films to star the insanely brilliant and way to young Anton Yelchin. If you don't know about Yelchin's death earlier this year then I will let you go look it up we are here to celebrate his great acting and this great movie.
So for one this film is not only scary but it also just works on every level. You care about every character whether they are good or bad. All of it builds insanely well and makes you really feel tense the entire time. The great thing also is that outside of a few stars in the film everyone looks and acts the part as well. It almost feels like you are watching a gritty real life account more so then a movie at some points. It also is very funny at times as well and has you laughing in that I'm not sure I should be laughing at this moment vibe. The best thing going for the movie is that once the intensity starts it never lets up. In a way the film is a lot like the music being played by the band it is raw and unapologetic. It is a great little film in a sea of big movies that should not be ignored. Make sure you get your backstage pass and head to the Green Room.
Fenix vs King Cuerno Last Luchador Standing S02E03:
Fenix and King Cuerno took the temple and the world by storm in the first episode of season two when they put on a barn burner of a match for the Gift of the Gods Championship. Only two episodes later the two would have another astounding match which would fall under the stipulation of a Last Luchador Standing Match. The rules are simple if you can not answer the referee by the count of ten you lose the match. Very simple and easy to follow.
You have heard me speak about the athlete that Fenix is and just how likeable he is. On the other hand you have King Cuerno who is an insanely gifted wrestler who for nearly the entire first season I was not all that impressed with. However once seeing him and Fenix in the same ring I knew that there was something to this man and he was not only a great performer but he could tell a story as well inside the ring. The match isn't a technical marvel like there first one and the pace is slowed down. However for it being a Last Luchador standing match both of these things factor in nicely. It has an amazing finish and one of the crazier spots I have seen in a long time. Overall this match is a great middle chapter in a fantastic trilogy of matches between the two. Check back later in the month for a look at the other two in this series.
Ash Vs Evil Dead:
It is hard not to love Bruce Campbell especially when he as a chainsaw in for one hand and a shotgun in the other bellowing out cool lines and killing demons. When it was announced that Evil Dead was going to be brought back into the form of a television show all the fans were thoroughly on board with the project. The first season came and went and we were all happy but it was nothing mind blowing. Then the show got renewed for a second season and we were all going to get an answer as to what happened to Ash and the gang as they went to Florida to live happily ever after. Short answer nothing lasts forever and Ash has to kick some ass. Season two finds the gang trying to stop the book and a new evil named Baul. Ash is forced to go back to his home town and confront the people of it who think he is a murdering psycho. He also must face his estranged father (Lee Majors) who wants nothing to do with him. This season is a major improvement for one because it feels like they know where they are going with the plot and it doesn't feel so strung together at the last moment. This season might also be better because unlike the last season they weren't sure if season two was going to happen. Strongest episode of the season has to be episode seven entitled Delusion. In this we see Ash broken down to his core and forced to question whether or not he is the chosen or if he is really just plane crazy. Everything about season two is working so far with only one left I am hoping it gets a third season so we can keep living in the world of Evil Dead at least until dawn.
A punk band goes to a backwoods bar that leans very much in favor of white supremacy to play a show. When they go to get their money and stuff in the back of the bar and find a murder taking place the group must band together and fend off the hateful bastards in order to live and escape. This concept could maybe work as a scary short no one could imagine that this film could hold your attention for an hour and a half. Yet this film has not only managed to do it but it is also one of the highest rated films of the year sitting at a 91 percent on rotten tomatoes. This film also is kind of somber film as well in it is one of the last films to star the insanely brilliant and way to young Anton Yelchin. If you don't know about Yelchin's death earlier this year then I will let you go look it up we are here to celebrate his great acting and this great movie.
So for one this film is not only scary but it also just works on every level. You care about every character whether they are good or bad. All of it builds insanely well and makes you really feel tense the entire time. The great thing also is that outside of a few stars in the film everyone looks and acts the part as well. It almost feels like you are watching a gritty real life account more so then a movie at some points. It also is very funny at times as well and has you laughing in that I'm not sure I should be laughing at this moment vibe. The best thing going for the movie is that once the intensity starts it never lets up. In a way the film is a lot like the music being played by the band it is raw and unapologetic. It is a great little film in a sea of big movies that should not be ignored. Make sure you get your backstage pass and head to the Green Room.
Fenix vs King Cuerno Last Luchador Standing S02E03:
Fenix and King Cuerno took the temple and the world by storm in the first episode of season two when they put on a barn burner of a match for the Gift of the Gods Championship. Only two episodes later the two would have another astounding match which would fall under the stipulation of a Last Luchador Standing Match. The rules are simple if you can not answer the referee by the count of ten you lose the match. Very simple and easy to follow.
You have heard me speak about the athlete that Fenix is and just how likeable he is. On the other hand you have King Cuerno who is an insanely gifted wrestler who for nearly the entire first season I was not all that impressed with. However once seeing him and Fenix in the same ring I knew that there was something to this man and he was not only a great performer but he could tell a story as well inside the ring. The match isn't a technical marvel like there first one and the pace is slowed down. However for it being a Last Luchador standing match both of these things factor in nicely. It has an amazing finish and one of the crazier spots I have seen in a long time. Overall this match is a great middle chapter in a fantastic trilogy of matches between the two. Check back later in the month for a look at the other two in this series.
Ash Vs Evil Dead:
It is hard not to love Bruce Campbell especially when he as a chainsaw in for one hand and a shotgun in the other bellowing out cool lines and killing demons. When it was announced that Evil Dead was going to be brought back into the form of a television show all the fans were thoroughly on board with the project. The first season came and went and we were all happy but it was nothing mind blowing. Then the show got renewed for a second season and we were all going to get an answer as to what happened to Ash and the gang as they went to Florida to live happily ever after. Short answer nothing lasts forever and Ash has to kick some ass. Season two finds the gang trying to stop the book and a new evil named Baul. Ash is forced to go back to his home town and confront the people of it who think he is a murdering psycho. He also must face his estranged father (Lee Majors) who wants nothing to do with him. This season is a major improvement for one because it feels like they know where they are going with the plot and it doesn't feel so strung together at the last moment. This season might also be better because unlike the last season they weren't sure if season two was going to happen. Strongest episode of the season has to be episode seven entitled Delusion. In this we see Ash broken down to his core and forced to question whether or not he is the chosen or if he is really just plane crazy. Everything about season two is working so far with only one left I am hoping it gets a third season so we can keep living in the world of Evil Dead at least until dawn.
Monday, December 5, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches and The Magic Box Day 5
Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them:
The Harry Potter films concluded five years ago and I was reasonably sure we had closed the book on the wizarding world. My thoughts on the experience overall were that it was fine not necessarily for me but not bad in anyway. I was never a guy who got into the books or the movies although I felt every film improved in some way from the last one. In late 2015 it was announced that a new spin off would becoming from the Harry Potter world in the form of the film fantastic beasts and where to find them. I at first was of the mind why would you attempt to make a film based off of a few lines in a book. The second bit of news was that Eddie Redmayne would be staring in the film. I for one am not the biggest fan i find him boring and just a bit annoying, As the months rolled on other things came to be be confirmed such as second male lead would be Dan Fogler. I also find Fogler to be very annoying and off putting. So when this came out the opening weekend I was told by fiancee that we had to go because she was a huge Harry Potter fan. So I went in with my arms firmly crossed and ready to be just annoyed with the whole affair. However once the film started and it began to progress I started to realize that this film was not going to be like the other Harry Potter films. The film is very charming and keeps you interested in the plot moving forward the entire time. The film follows Newt (Redmayne) on a trip to New York City in 1926. He brings along a bag full of magical creatures despite it being against the law. The creatures eventually get out and its up to Newt and his new friend Kowalski (Fogler) to get them back in the case. It all in all is a great first part of a five part series. Despite both Redmayne and Fogler being in it they are both very charming and makes you really fall in love with both the characters. It is worth checking out because it doesn't look like this series is going anywhere anytime soon.
Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank:
In 2012 at Survivor Series a historic moment took place in the world of wrestling. a stable consisting of Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns known as The Shield debuted. The stable would go on to be the most dominant thing from 2012 to 2014. They would not only run through competition but also capture the US Championship (Ambrose) and the Tag Team Championships (Reigns & Rollins). The group looked like they were never going to be torn apart. The night after Payback in 2014 the group was standing tall in the Ring starring down Triple H and Randy Orton. They had defeated them the previous night. The three stood over them in the Ring when from out of nowhere Rollins hit Reigns with a steel chair from behind. He then turned on Ambrose and the Shield was no more from then on. Roads would lead all three to different places and eventually find Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania vying for the championship, Roman was inches away from winning the championship when Rollins ran out with his money in the bank briefcase and cashed in becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins would hold the belt for 8 months and eventually have to vacate it due to injury. Next it would pass between a few people until Roman finally would win it and hold it off and on until finally winning it at WrestleMania 32. Roman would then hold it for three months and two successful defenses. However at Extreme Rules after defending Reigns was attacked by a returning Rollins and the match was set for Money in the Bank.
Now these two have been on a collision course ever since and it was all going to culminate at Money in the Bank. What makes this match so dam satisfying is what you read above and that is history. Not to many wrestlers have that much backstory that they can work with. With the simple betrayal of the Shield these two could have fought forever and never needed a prize to be in the picture. However adding the richest prize in the industry is not a bad way to top this off. The match was very well worked and showed a side of both wrestlers that we had not seen in some time. In Seth we didn't get the weaselly heel who would run and let others do it for him. We saw a strong capable Rollins who was bringing the fight to Reigns. On the other side of the coin we saw a Reigns who was not trying to be the underdog more so he was the guy he should have been in all this time a dominant force who could take any guy who stepped up to him. I saw this match live so I was too caught up in the hype to really appreciate just how well worked it was. Reigns spear into a pedigree was just so dam well worked. The match ended with Rollins recapturing the title for only a brief time with Ambrose coming out and cashing in his money in the bank that he had won only a hour or so before. This was a nice bit of storytelling in having all three members of the former faction hold the belt in the same night. It truly brought a high point to a rivalry that had been going on for nearly two years.
Bob's Burgers:
Some animated shows manage to stand the test of time and others manage to be good for sometime but fizzle out by just redoing the same jokes over and over. Bob's Burgers has never even come close to being stale and unlike other animated shows it hasn't had to add secondary characters or go in for cheap celebrity cameos. The show stands on its own as a great testament to what a show can do when you invest in the characters. The show keeps one thing and one thing in the center of attention. The Belcher family has always in one way or another been in the episode. They have on occasion been supporting characters to another but it has always involved them. Bob's Burgers does the same thing as the Simpsons in the sense that it feels like we are seeing the kids grow up even though they don't age. The other thing that is very Simpsons like is that they build on the mythology of the characters by having them add a little each season so by the time seven seasons have passed jokes from seasons one have come back and been made funny because of past work. The show has reached its seventh season and crossed the 100 episode mark. This season we find the family up to the normal hi-jinks. However the strongest episode of the season has to go to the Christmas episode involving Bob taking a dive in a gingerbread making contest. It is so full of heart and humor that you just don't know whether to laugh or cry. I love this show and I hope it goes for as long as they have the heart and humor to keep it going.
The Harry Potter films concluded five years ago and I was reasonably sure we had closed the book on the wizarding world. My thoughts on the experience overall were that it was fine not necessarily for me but not bad in anyway. I was never a guy who got into the books or the movies although I felt every film improved in some way from the last one. In late 2015 it was announced that a new spin off would becoming from the Harry Potter world in the form of the film fantastic beasts and where to find them. I at first was of the mind why would you attempt to make a film based off of a few lines in a book. The second bit of news was that Eddie Redmayne would be staring in the film. I for one am not the biggest fan i find him boring and just a bit annoying, As the months rolled on other things came to be be confirmed such as second male lead would be Dan Fogler. I also find Fogler to be very annoying and off putting. So when this came out the opening weekend I was told by fiancee that we had to go because she was a huge Harry Potter fan. So I went in with my arms firmly crossed and ready to be just annoyed with the whole affair. However once the film started and it began to progress I started to realize that this film was not going to be like the other Harry Potter films. The film is very charming and keeps you interested in the plot moving forward the entire time. The film follows Newt (Redmayne) on a trip to New York City in 1926. He brings along a bag full of magical creatures despite it being against the law. The creatures eventually get out and its up to Newt and his new friend Kowalski (Fogler) to get them back in the case. It all in all is a great first part of a five part series. Despite both Redmayne and Fogler being in it they are both very charming and makes you really fall in love with both the characters. It is worth checking out because it doesn't look like this series is going anywhere anytime soon.
Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank:
In 2012 at Survivor Series a historic moment took place in the world of wrestling. a stable consisting of Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns known as The Shield debuted. The stable would go on to be the most dominant thing from 2012 to 2014. They would not only run through competition but also capture the US Championship (Ambrose) and the Tag Team Championships (Reigns & Rollins). The group looked like they were never going to be torn apart. The night after Payback in 2014 the group was standing tall in the Ring starring down Triple H and Randy Orton. They had defeated them the previous night. The three stood over them in the Ring when from out of nowhere Rollins hit Reigns with a steel chair from behind. He then turned on Ambrose and the Shield was no more from then on. Roads would lead all three to different places and eventually find Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania vying for the championship, Roman was inches away from winning the championship when Rollins ran out with his money in the bank briefcase and cashed in becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins would hold the belt for 8 months and eventually have to vacate it due to injury. Next it would pass between a few people until Roman finally would win it and hold it off and on until finally winning it at WrestleMania 32. Roman would then hold it for three months and two successful defenses. However at Extreme Rules after defending Reigns was attacked by a returning Rollins and the match was set for Money in the Bank.
Now these two have been on a collision course ever since and it was all going to culminate at Money in the Bank. What makes this match so dam satisfying is what you read above and that is history. Not to many wrestlers have that much backstory that they can work with. With the simple betrayal of the Shield these two could have fought forever and never needed a prize to be in the picture. However adding the richest prize in the industry is not a bad way to top this off. The match was very well worked and showed a side of both wrestlers that we had not seen in some time. In Seth we didn't get the weaselly heel who would run and let others do it for him. We saw a strong capable Rollins who was bringing the fight to Reigns. On the other side of the coin we saw a Reigns who was not trying to be the underdog more so he was the guy he should have been in all this time a dominant force who could take any guy who stepped up to him. I saw this match live so I was too caught up in the hype to really appreciate just how well worked it was. Reigns spear into a pedigree was just so dam well worked. The match ended with Rollins recapturing the title for only a brief time with Ambrose coming out and cashing in his money in the bank that he had won only a hour or so before. This was a nice bit of storytelling in having all three members of the former faction hold the belt in the same night. It truly brought a high point to a rivalry that had been going on for nearly two years.
Bob's Burgers:
Some animated shows manage to stand the test of time and others manage to be good for sometime but fizzle out by just redoing the same jokes over and over. Bob's Burgers has never even come close to being stale and unlike other animated shows it hasn't had to add secondary characters or go in for cheap celebrity cameos. The show stands on its own as a great testament to what a show can do when you invest in the characters. The show keeps one thing and one thing in the center of attention. The Belcher family has always in one way or another been in the episode. They have on occasion been supporting characters to another but it has always involved them. Bob's Burgers does the same thing as the Simpsons in the sense that it feels like we are seeing the kids grow up even though they don't age. The other thing that is very Simpsons like is that they build on the mythology of the characters by having them add a little each season so by the time seven seasons have passed jokes from seasons one have come back and been made funny because of past work. The show has reached its seventh season and crossed the 100 episode mark. This season we find the family up to the normal hi-jinks. However the strongest episode of the season has to go to the Christmas episode involving Bob taking a dive in a gingerbread making contest. It is so full of heart and humor that you just don't know whether to laugh or cry. I love this show and I hope it goes for as long as they have the heart and humor to keep it going.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches and The Magic Box Day 4
Batman the Killing Joke:
Adaptations are a difficult thing to do. Especially when you are adapting a thing that everyone views as one of the most important things in its genre. However the people at DC Animated Universe are pretty solid at keeping the viewers happy when faithfully adapting comics to animated films. They have pretty solid track record with such films as "Batman Under the Red Hood," "Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox," "Batman Year One," "All Star Superman," and especially part one and two of "The Dark Knight Returns." This year the offshoot studio of DC took on the biggest and most controversial project to date with Batman the Killing Joke. It was there first film not only to be played in theaters but also garnered the R rating for some of its more graphic moments.
If you are unfamiliar with the premise of this comic it is quite simply the closest thing to an origin story that we get for the Joker. It follows Batman attempting to track down the clown prince of crime again. While doing so Batman finds out that after breaking out of Arkham Asylum Joker has broken into commissioner Gordon's house, shot his daughter Barbara AKA Batgirl and taken Gordon somewhere unknown. The film culminates in a showdown at a twisted amusement park and the two having a moment that can be left up for discussion for years to come.
The film stars the original voices of Batman the animated series. Both Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill are back in spectacular fashion to play Batman and the Joker. Hamill is especially brilliant finally getting to play the character in the part that is perfect for him. Nothing short of brilliant for this character and even though the art is different from the animated series days there is no mistaking Hamill's laugh and why he is in the conversation as one of the greatest Joker portrayal's of all time.
Now this film is amazing well adapted and its hard to say anything bad about the way they did it. However the opening 31 minutes of the film are no where to be found in the Killing Joke. Nearly the entire first half of the film is something that was created to add time to this film. When you really get down to the Killing Joke part it only clocks in at 45 minutes and that's not nearly enough to ask for ten dollars a person to come sit for such a short film. So they writers concocted a story about Batgirl helping Batman stop a robber named Paris Franz. He slowly becomes the obsession of Batgirl's and throw in the fact that Batman and Batgirl sort of end up fucking. Yes I said it I don't like it any better then you they fuck and its awkward as fuck. The first 31 minutes aren't painful to watch but you sit there for most of them asking when the hell are we going to get to the actual Killing Joke. It is insanely well done once you get to the main story you are happy its just that opening that throws you off but hey maybe that's what they needed to do so none of us ever knew what was going to come next.
Charlotte vs Sasha Banks vs Becky Lynch WWE Women's Title Match Wrestlemania 32:
2015 was the kick off to the women's revolution in WWE. Two of the best matches from the company came from NXT one was an Iron Woman match which needs to be seen to be believed. New and diverse talent was brought into the company. However in 2016 they kicked it up a notch by having the four biggest names in NXT make their way to the main roster and at Wrestlemania 32 three of the four took the grandest stage of them all threw aside the butterfly diva belt and competed for the newly minted WWE women's title. The three competitors featured in the title all had been on a role and in some way or other had a legitimate chance and claim to the title. The three would meet at Mania in a absolutely show stopper of a match. If the Intercontinental title match was the most fun thing at Wrestlemania this year then Women's match was certainly the most well worked match of the year.
The match opened with all three getting in some great take downs. The match moved on from all three to two working while one would be out and then a change up. A few great moves include Sasha putting both of the others into the bank statement. The match also had a fourth competitor in the form of Ric Flair Charlotte's father. The dirtiest player in the game would give assistance to his daughter and even take a bump from Lynch. Spot of the match goes to Banks for her top rope frog splash to break up a possible submission or possibly Charlotte's moonsault from the top rope from the inside of the ring to the outside. It is a very well wrestled match with a decent ending that makes you feel good about where the division is going. I really enjoyed the passion that went into this match and how much the three work well together. It's very impressive and I feel this is the first of great Wrestlemania matches for these women.
American Horror Story:
American Horror Story has good years where it blows your mind and makes you want more then in gives you in terms of episodes. Seasons like Coven and Freak show are in this category. Then there are other seasons where you bray that the next episode is going to be the last in the painful anthology series. Seasons like Asylum and the first part of this season fall into this category. The first half of season is a very messy problem that throws its audience off and made us realize something was very different this season. For one the show was being shot like a reality ghost hunter show. The second thing was the actors and real people were being shown so much it became tedious. third it didn't feel like we were getting anywhere with this season.
All of these complaints were finally settled when episode six came about and creator Ryan Murphy flipped the script and showed us the real side of the reality show. We got to not only meet the real life characters but the people playing them as well. We got a very cheeky look into the way Hollywood acts. Its a pretty incredible and bold decision by the creator to bank on half of your season being one thing and the other half being something else. The best thing about this season is how they faked out the audience with so many fake trailers and misdirection to this season. It is not something that worked all the time but once the second half of the season was underway it became like the seasons you couldn't wait to watch. It all in all was just an OK season but made my list because of what a shocking improvement the second half of the film was.
Adaptations are a difficult thing to do. Especially when you are adapting a thing that everyone views as one of the most important things in its genre. However the people at DC Animated Universe are pretty solid at keeping the viewers happy when faithfully adapting comics to animated films. They have pretty solid track record with such films as "Batman Under the Red Hood," "Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox," "Batman Year One," "All Star Superman," and especially part one and two of "The Dark Knight Returns." This year the offshoot studio of DC took on the biggest and most controversial project to date with Batman the Killing Joke. It was there first film not only to be played in theaters but also garnered the R rating for some of its more graphic moments.
If you are unfamiliar with the premise of this comic it is quite simply the closest thing to an origin story that we get for the Joker. It follows Batman attempting to track down the clown prince of crime again. While doing so Batman finds out that after breaking out of Arkham Asylum Joker has broken into commissioner Gordon's house, shot his daughter Barbara AKA Batgirl and taken Gordon somewhere unknown. The film culminates in a showdown at a twisted amusement park and the two having a moment that can be left up for discussion for years to come.
The film stars the original voices of Batman the animated series. Both Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill are back in spectacular fashion to play Batman and the Joker. Hamill is especially brilliant finally getting to play the character in the part that is perfect for him. Nothing short of brilliant for this character and even though the art is different from the animated series days there is no mistaking Hamill's laugh and why he is in the conversation as one of the greatest Joker portrayal's of all time.
Now this film is amazing well adapted and its hard to say anything bad about the way they did it. However the opening 31 minutes of the film are no where to be found in the Killing Joke. Nearly the entire first half of the film is something that was created to add time to this film. When you really get down to the Killing Joke part it only clocks in at 45 minutes and that's not nearly enough to ask for ten dollars a person to come sit for such a short film. So they writers concocted a story about Batgirl helping Batman stop a robber named Paris Franz. He slowly becomes the obsession of Batgirl's and throw in the fact that Batman and Batgirl sort of end up fucking. Yes I said it I don't like it any better then you they fuck and its awkward as fuck. The first 31 minutes aren't painful to watch but you sit there for most of them asking when the hell are we going to get to the actual Killing Joke. It is insanely well done once you get to the main story you are happy its just that opening that throws you off but hey maybe that's what they needed to do so none of us ever knew what was going to come next.
Charlotte vs Sasha Banks vs Becky Lynch WWE Women's Title Match Wrestlemania 32:
2015 was the kick off to the women's revolution in WWE. Two of the best matches from the company came from NXT one was an Iron Woman match which needs to be seen to be believed. New and diverse talent was brought into the company. However in 2016 they kicked it up a notch by having the four biggest names in NXT make their way to the main roster and at Wrestlemania 32 three of the four took the grandest stage of them all threw aside the butterfly diva belt and competed for the newly minted WWE women's title. The three competitors featured in the title all had been on a role and in some way or other had a legitimate chance and claim to the title. The three would meet at Mania in a absolutely show stopper of a match. If the Intercontinental title match was the most fun thing at Wrestlemania this year then Women's match was certainly the most well worked match of the year.
The match opened with all three getting in some great take downs. The match moved on from all three to two working while one would be out and then a change up. A few great moves include Sasha putting both of the others into the bank statement. The match also had a fourth competitor in the form of Ric Flair Charlotte's father. The dirtiest player in the game would give assistance to his daughter and even take a bump from Lynch. Spot of the match goes to Banks for her top rope frog splash to break up a possible submission or possibly Charlotte's moonsault from the top rope from the inside of the ring to the outside. It is a very well wrestled match with a decent ending that makes you feel good about where the division is going. I really enjoyed the passion that went into this match and how much the three work well together. It's very impressive and I feel this is the first of great Wrestlemania matches for these women.
American Horror Story:
American Horror Story has good years where it blows your mind and makes you want more then in gives you in terms of episodes. Seasons like Coven and Freak show are in this category. Then there are other seasons where you bray that the next episode is going to be the last in the painful anthology series. Seasons like Asylum and the first part of this season fall into this category. The first half of season is a very messy problem that throws its audience off and made us realize something was very different this season. For one the show was being shot like a reality ghost hunter show. The second thing was the actors and real people were being shown so much it became tedious. third it didn't feel like we were getting anywhere with this season.
All of these complaints were finally settled when episode six came about and creator Ryan Murphy flipped the script and showed us the real side of the reality show. We got to not only meet the real life characters but the people playing them as well. We got a very cheeky look into the way Hollywood acts. Its a pretty incredible and bold decision by the creator to bank on half of your season being one thing and the other half being something else. The best thing about this season is how they faked out the audience with so many fake trailers and misdirection to this season. It is not something that worked all the time but once the second half of the season was underway it became like the seasons you couldn't wait to watch. It all in all was just an OK season but made my list because of what a shocking improvement the second half of the film was.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches and The Magic Box Day 3
Knowing when to release a movie is a business in itself. It is always hard to say if a movie is good enough to come out in summer against huge blockbusters of the summer. Possibly should come out during award season because it has a chance at some awards and recognition. The third choice is that a movie gets booked into a time of year where movies go to die being the early spring or early fall. Most of the time anything quality gets swept under the rug and forgotten about. So much so is the case with the brilliant crime thriller Triple 9. Triple 9 follows a group of corrupt cops led by Michael Atwood (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who is in deep to a Russian mob boss (Kate Winslet). They are forced to pull a major bank heist and in doing so concoct a plan to cause a 999. A 999 is a code over police scanners for an officer down during a shootout. The group decides to use a new cop (Casey Affleck) to enact the plan. The movie is a thriller that really blurs the lines between good and evil between law and criminals. It also doesn’t hurt that it boasts and amazing cast that shows us just what a great ensemble police drama can be. The film is directed by Australian filmmaker John Hillcoat who has been nothing if not on fire since debuting in catching peoples notice in 2005 with the bloody western The Proposition. Hillcoat truly knows how to mix humanity into the ugly side of life and does it nearly to an art form. I can’t praise this movie enough without saying for people to go out and watch it and give it the attention it deserves.
Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn at Battleground:
Sometimes two wrestlers just know how to bring magic to the squared circle every time they meet. It especially helps if those two wrestlers know each other not only on a professional level but have a deeper connection as well. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens have been best friends since they were on the independent circuit for over a decade. In 2013 Zayn signed with WWE developmental territory and a short year and eight months later Owens would sign as well. The two would begin the much heated rivalry on December 11th 2014 when Zayn would win the NXT title and Owens would debut the same evening. At the end of the night Owens would embrace Zayn after he won and in short order turn on him by power bombing him onto the apron of the ring. The feud would continue for several months and on into their time leading them to the main roster. It would finally culminate in the match at Battleground. What made the Battleground match so Memorable is that for one they didn't have a lot of competition during the pay-per-view. They also are two of the most capable workers in the ring today who whether being Heel or Face manage to get the crowd behind them in support. They are both amazing at working a match and also telling a story in the process. It also made all the difference that these two had been building this feud up for some time and made the viewers care even though nothing besides a win was on the line. It is truly a sign that the crowd was behind this when even back and forth chants of "Lets go Zayn.' and "Fight Owens Fight" were heard breaking out. This is not the best match that either of them have put on but in some way it was a very special match because it showed them as performers reaching the same level and starting to go in separate directions for now. It is not a particularly one sided match both guys get in some good offense. The worst spot is a brain buster on the apron of the ring. It has a nice finish and putting over Zayn was the right move. The thing that really made this match memorable is that unlike other WWE feuds where in four weeks they are back at it fighting. This one actually ended and the two have not been in the same ring since. What makes that so great is should they ever be in the ring for a championship match or even more so one of them runs in to save the other it will make it all the more powerful of a moment. This match has a great feel and is worth the time to check it out on the WWE network
Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn at Battleground:
Sometimes two wrestlers just know how to bring magic to the squared circle every time they meet. It especially helps if those two wrestlers know each other not only on a professional level but have a deeper connection as well. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens have been best friends since they were on the independent circuit for over a decade. In 2013 Zayn signed with WWE developmental territory and a short year and eight months later Owens would sign as well. The two would begin the much heated rivalry on December 11th 2014 when Zayn would win the NXT title and Owens would debut the same evening. At the end of the night Owens would embrace Zayn after he won and in short order turn on him by power bombing him onto the apron of the ring. The feud would continue for several months and on into their time leading them to the main roster. It would finally culminate in the match at Battleground. What made the Battleground match so Memorable is that for one they didn't have a lot of competition during the pay-per-view. They also are two of the most capable workers in the ring today who whether being Heel or Face manage to get the crowd behind them in support. They are both amazing at working a match and also telling a story in the process. It also made all the difference that these two had been building this feud up for some time and made the viewers care even though nothing besides a win was on the line. It is truly a sign that the crowd was behind this when even back and forth chants of "Lets go Zayn.' and "Fight Owens Fight" were heard breaking out. This is not the best match that either of them have put on but in some way it was a very special match because it showed them as performers reaching the same level and starting to go in separate directions for now. It is not a particularly one sided match both guys get in some good offense. The worst spot is a brain buster on the apron of the ring. It has a nice finish and putting over Zayn was the right move. The thing that really made this match memorable is that unlike other WWE feuds where in four weeks they are back at it fighting. This one actually ended and the two have not been in the same ring since. What makes that so great is should they ever be in the ring for a championship match or even more so one of them runs in to save the other it will make it all the more powerful of a moment. This match has a great feel and is worth the time to check it out on the WWE network
Sometimes you watch a show every week right away because you can’t wait to see what your favorite characters are getting themselves into. Then there are other shows that you started and almost every character in the show has either become or always was a worthless piece of human garbage that you hope is going to go down in a plane full of explosives. This second type of TV viewing is called hate watching and this humble viewer does not recommend it. Girls is a big offender for this type of show. It’s not that Girls is a bad show it’s actually well filmed well produced and well-acted. The problem is that every character on the show needs a good beating with a two by four. Every single character in one way or another manages to piss you off at least once during the season. Each individual from the most prominent character to the one who pops in now and then all are horrible human beings. The show centers around four young millennial women who are in that awkward finding myself time of their life. I have no problem with this as a story but when every single one of them is a self-entitled little princess who thinks the world owes them something without them contributing something back into it. Most people reading this are probably asking themselves why this is on my list of the year if I get so mad at it. In that sense it is on here because few shows inspire this type of passion from me. I have several shows that I love with a passion. This one is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Few shows inspire this type of rage and also force me to tune in every week to see what is going to happen next.
The best episode out of season five is episode six entitled The Panic in Central Park. It follows the second lead Marnie (Allison Williams) on a night with her ex-boyfriend who is now hopelessly addicted to drugs. This episode is great because it takes one of the greatest villians in Marnie and within a short 28 minutes manages to turn her from antagonist to protagonist.
The show is going into its sixth and final season and we can only speculate where this snapshot of terrible is going to finish up. For me it ends with a bunch of the characters being killed by ninjas but a boy can only dream.
Friday, December 2, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches and The Magic Box Day 2
Yoga Hosers:
In a Year where we got some weird films and passion projects this one may take the prize in both categories. Kevin Smith starts the second of his true north trilogy series by following the two Colleens (Lily-Rose Depp & Harley Quinn Smith) who appeared in Tusk. Now the two are the center focus of the film while they try to navigate the perils of high school, boys, after school jobs, yoga lessons, and Nazi Bratwurst Soldiers? The two girls discover that things in the great white north are not what they appear to be. The two young teens team up with legendary bounty hunter Guy Lapointe (Johnny Depp) in order to stop the murders taking place in their town. This film came from smith having two goals in mind. One was to work with his teenage daughter on an entire film. The other was to create a movie for teenage girls that would also meet rating of PG-13. If you are a fan of Smith or anything he has done since taking a step away from his traditional Askewniverse then this film is right for you. The two girls are quite good for being so new to the acting game and even though there are some missteps when it comes to the film it is overall a charming little exercise in what Smith would describe as pushing whimsy. I for one can't wait to see how he ends his horror trilogy with the film Moose Jaws which Smith described as Jaws...with a moose.
In a Year where we got some weird films and passion projects this one may take the prize in both categories. Kevin Smith starts the second of his true north trilogy series by following the two Colleens (Lily-Rose Depp & Harley Quinn Smith) who appeared in Tusk. Now the two are the center focus of the film while they try to navigate the perils of high school, boys, after school jobs, yoga lessons, and Nazi Bratwurst Soldiers? The two girls discover that things in the great white north are not what they appear to be. The two young teens team up with legendary bounty hunter Guy Lapointe (Johnny Depp) in order to stop the murders taking place in their town. This film came from smith having two goals in mind. One was to work with his teenage daughter on an entire film. The other was to create a movie for teenage girls that would also meet rating of PG-13. If you are a fan of Smith or anything he has done since taking a step away from his traditional Askewniverse then this film is right for you. The two girls are quite good for being so new to the acting game and even though there are some missteps when it comes to the film it is overall a charming little exercise in what Smith would describe as pushing whimsy. I for one can't wait to see how he ends his horror trilogy with the film Moose Jaws which Smith described as Jaws...with a moose.
Kevin Owen, Sami Zayn, Sin Cara, The Miz, Stardust, Dolph Ziggler, and Zack Ryder Intercontinental Ladder Match WrestleMania 32:
You can say a lot about WrestleMania and how sometimes they get it right and other times they completely miss the mark. What you can say for sure is that it is the largest even in any promotion and they always try to out due themselves year after year making it a bigger and grander spectacle. This year for WrestleMania they put on their largest show and set an attendance record for the biggest show they have ever done. Being at this live was quite a spectacle to behold. Since I started getting into wrestling I always looked forward to Mania it's the time where people bring out the best in each other as both performers and fans. As the years have moved on I have come to realize that Mania is more about moments and is for the people who check in on it a few times a year. This is not a bad thing it keeps people who may not have as much time for it something to look forward too. Most Mania's start off with a very exciting match to hook the crowd and this one was no different. It has been long stated that the Intercontinental title is greater of the two mid card belts and is really where you see some great wrestling take place. It was with this belt on the line that the audience was treated to a Ladder match between the seven men listed in the title. Now for those of you that haven't seen a ladder match and are also of the opinion that wrestling is fake please feel free to take a look at this match. Some of the bumps are absolutely devastating in this and I say it is hard to fake being dropped on your back on a ladder. The match does have some great moments and is a lot of fun to watch but if does feel a bit stale because they did this same concept at last year's Mania. However they managed to still make you care even though it has been done before. All seven performers do great in this match and some story lines are closed out and others are furthered. Owen's and Zayn's feud still continued as the two former best friends go at it. A nice moment is seeing Cody Rhodes ASK Stardust pay homage to his father with a special pokka dot ladder, However the greatest moment of all was watching my friend David Lendowski see his favorite wwrestler Ryder win the title live. This is the way to kick off the biggest event of the year.
Man Seeking Woman:
In what can only be described as a bunch of normal dating scenarios jacked up to eleven. This show is an amazing piece of comedy and is just one example of what can happen when a television station gives a show creative freedom and time to get its footing and find an audience. The show follows Josh Greenberg (Jay Baruchel) a typical guy who has been broken up with by his longtime girlfriend and is looking to get back out into the world of dating. However in Joshes world things seem to take unexpected turns whether it means dating a troll as a rebound , finding out his ex is dating Hitler., or becoming not only emotionally and physically attached to his new girlfriend. What is so genius about this show is just how absurd and yet accurate they get the things you go through when looking for someone to date. We all have had that moment where we feel intimidated by a woman using a machine to get more pleasure then she could get from a man. However in this show it happens to be a robot guy who is like six one and built like a Greek god.
The strongest episode of season two is episode four. However it does not feature Josh in a prominent role more so it follows his sister Liz who is having an affair with Santa Claus. The Story is over the top and great yet even though show n through a wacky filter we see an affair and they way it would take place. This is another show that FX has had a hand in producing and it feels just so right in the way that they allow things to go off the rails and all they seem to say is give us More It has been renewed for a third season so if this is a show that you haven't found spend an easy weekend playing catch up and see what you have been missing.
Man Seeking Woman:
In what can only be described as a bunch of normal dating scenarios jacked up to eleven. This show is an amazing piece of comedy and is just one example of what can happen when a television station gives a show creative freedom and time to get its footing and find an audience. The show follows Josh Greenberg (Jay Baruchel) a typical guy who has been broken up with by his longtime girlfriend and is looking to get back out into the world of dating. However in Joshes world things seem to take unexpected turns whether it means dating a troll as a rebound , finding out his ex is dating Hitler., or becoming not only emotionally and physically attached to his new girlfriend. What is so genius about this show is just how absurd and yet accurate they get the things you go through when looking for someone to date. We all have had that moment where we feel intimidated by a woman using a machine to get more pleasure then she could get from a man. However in this show it happens to be a robot guy who is like six one and built like a Greek god.
The strongest episode of season two is episode four. However it does not feature Josh in a prominent role more so it follows his sister Liz who is having an affair with Santa Claus. The Story is over the top and great yet even though show n through a wacky filter we see an affair and they way it would take place. This is another show that FX has had a hand in producing and it feels just so right in the way that they allow things to go off the rails and all they seem to say is give us More It has been renewed for a third season so if this is a show that you haven't found spend an easy weekend playing catch up and see what you have been missing.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
31 Days in Review Movies, Matches, and The Magic Box Day 1
Well we are 31 days away from being done with this cluster fuck of a year. I for one can't wait to leave all the death politics and overall suck behind and move on to a bright and pleasant 2017. That being said 2016 wasn't all bad, we had some great things in the world of pop culture take place. Cinema brought us some great surprises. Television showed us that we truly are in one of the greatest eras of the magic box. Then for those of you who are in the know saw that wrestling has been an absolute beast this year turning out some of the best stuff from several different promotions. Now what will be taking place over the next month is each day I will post three tiny reviews counting down my favorite movie, wrestling match and television show. These won't be super long but it will give you some good content and show you that all in all 2016 had some good things to give us. Now lets get things started with the number 31 position.
31. The Conjuring 2: Sometimes a good horror movie builds tension other times it does jump scares. Then their is that type of movie that makes you feel uncomfortable every second until the credits role. The Conjuring 2 follows this type of terror in keeping you nervous and very uncomfortable while still building upon thei original mythology and expanding the horror universe. We get reintroduced to our original characters and get to take another unsettling journey into the world of the strange and bizarre. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson are back shining and elevating this film to greater heights then most horror movies can go. I only hope this becomes a trilogy and they leave it there without making it feel like its over stayed its welcome.
31. Fenix vs Mil Muertes Lucha Underground Championship Lucha Underground S02E08:
It is rare that two wrestlers with such different styles click in a way that can only be described as magic. In the case of Fenix and Mil Muertes in Lucha Underground these two have had an amazing set of matches. They first touched gloves in late 2014 and then again in early 2015 in what would be called one of the best and bloodiest matches in the short history of the promotion. The two put on a Casket Match which has still yet to be equaled in the promotion to date. After that the two would meet once more in 2015 for a Death Match which only had shades of the casket match but felt like something was missing from the equation. The two went their separate ways each grasping glory in one way or another then in 2016 almost a year to the date from the brutal Casket Match the two would meet for one more great match and the question of what was missing was answered in the form of a Lucha Underground Title Match. Fenix is known in the world of wrestling as a high flyer and Muertes is known as a brawler but for some reason these two are not afraid to go the distance with each other every time. In this match from early 2016 we see some gold brought forth form each of them in a match that shows you what a great rivalry can bring if cultivated in the right way, These two have a rare chemistry that even when one is putting the boots to the other one they both still look incredibly capable and it never seems like one is squashing the other. Several brutal moments in match shows you just how brilliant both of these Luchadors can be. The reason this match is not higher on my list is that while a great bit of work it finishes just a bit too quickly and leaves you wanting a bit more.
31. Gotham: Gotham is a tough nut to crack when it comes to liking and disliking a show. On the one hand it is a show about the Batman universe and that automatically grabs my attention. On the other hand it is set several years before Bruce becomes the bat and we are forced to live in a world without the main character and other characters are forced to take up the slack. Season one was a little problematic to say the least with several things causing viewers to wonder if we were ever going to get the rogues gallery we always wanted to see on the magic box. Season two was better and showed us that all good things come to those who wait. Now in its third season we have settled into a comfortable rhythm of two story lines playing throughout the year. One being the case that young detective James Gordon (Ben McKenzie) is working and the series plot-line of who is behind the Wayne murders being investigated by Alfred (Sean Pertwee) and young Bruce Wayne ( David Mazouz). This season the case Gordon is working involves a woman and her psychotic mind controlling brother Jervis Tetch (Benedict Samuel). Samuel's performance as the Tetch AKA the Mad Hatter is quite good a bit hammed up at times but also gives you a great sense of dread from a villain that you need in a show like this.
Episode seven of season 3 is by far the strongest to date showing us the best performance from McKenzie as a driven detective forced into a game of cat and mouse between him and Tetch. This series has potention to really find its footing this year if it keeps to the formula of one major case a year while keeping with the main arc of tracking down who killed the Wayne's.
31. The Conjuring 2: Sometimes a good horror movie builds tension other times it does jump scares. Then their is that type of movie that makes you feel uncomfortable every second until the credits role. The Conjuring 2 follows this type of terror in keeping you nervous and very uncomfortable while still building upon thei original mythology and expanding the horror universe. We get reintroduced to our original characters and get to take another unsettling journey into the world of the strange and bizarre. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson are back shining and elevating this film to greater heights then most horror movies can go. I only hope this becomes a trilogy and they leave it there without making it feel like its over stayed its welcome.
31. Fenix vs Mil Muertes Lucha Underground Championship Lucha Underground S02E08:
It is rare that two wrestlers with such different styles click in a way that can only be described as magic. In the case of Fenix and Mil Muertes in Lucha Underground these two have had an amazing set of matches. They first touched gloves in late 2014 and then again in early 2015 in what would be called one of the best and bloodiest matches in the short history of the promotion. The two put on a Casket Match which has still yet to be equaled in the promotion to date. After that the two would meet once more in 2015 for a Death Match which only had shades of the casket match but felt like something was missing from the equation. The two went their separate ways each grasping glory in one way or another then in 2016 almost a year to the date from the brutal Casket Match the two would meet for one more great match and the question of what was missing was answered in the form of a Lucha Underground Title Match. Fenix is known in the world of wrestling as a high flyer and Muertes is known as a brawler but for some reason these two are not afraid to go the distance with each other every time. In this match from early 2016 we see some gold brought forth form each of them in a match that shows you what a great rivalry can bring if cultivated in the right way, These two have a rare chemistry that even when one is putting the boots to the other one they both still look incredibly capable and it never seems like one is squashing the other. Several brutal moments in match shows you just how brilliant both of these Luchadors can be. The reason this match is not higher on my list is that while a great bit of work it finishes just a bit too quickly and leaves you wanting a bit more.
31. Gotham: Gotham is a tough nut to crack when it comes to liking and disliking a show. On the one hand it is a show about the Batman universe and that automatically grabs my attention. On the other hand it is set several years before Bruce becomes the bat and we are forced to live in a world without the main character and other characters are forced to take up the slack. Season one was a little problematic to say the least with several things causing viewers to wonder if we were ever going to get the rogues gallery we always wanted to see on the magic box. Season two was better and showed us that all good things come to those who wait. Now in its third season we have settled into a comfortable rhythm of two story lines playing throughout the year. One being the case that young detective James Gordon (Ben McKenzie) is working and the series plot-line of who is behind the Wayne murders being investigated by Alfred (Sean Pertwee) and young Bruce Wayne ( David Mazouz). This season the case Gordon is working involves a woman and her psychotic mind controlling brother Jervis Tetch (Benedict Samuel). Samuel's performance as the Tetch AKA the Mad Hatter is quite good a bit hammed up at times but also gives you a great sense of dread from a villain that you need in a show like this.
Episode seven of season 3 is by far the strongest to date showing us the best performance from McKenzie as a driven detective forced into a game of cat and mouse between him and Tetch. This series has potention to really find its footing this year if it keeps to the formula of one major case a year while keeping with the main arc of tracking down who killed the Wayne's.
31 Days of Horror Day 31: You cheating blog.
The Thing 1982:
Perfection is not a word handed out often when it comes to cinema. It is handed out even less when it comes to the horror genre because there are several more factors in a horror movie that can go wrong outside of a regular film. For example you could have a cliche something is overly bloody not bloody enough. All these can take that five star film you want down to a four and three quarter film. It is rare to get that perfect combination of all elements in a film to come together.
However in 1982 only four years after the success of Halloween director John Carpenter would take us from the quiet small town horror to the cold tundra of Antarctica with his greatest film to date The Thing.
Set in a remote outpost of Antarctica a group of American researchers are going about their business when a group of Swedish men in a helicopter fly into their camp shooting at a lone dog running away from them. The Swedish men cause an explosion causing the Americans to be left scratching their heads as to why they would go to such lengths to kill a dog. The twelve men lead by R.J. MacReady (Kurt Russel) hunker down in their outpost and attempt to make contact with the outside world. They eventually head to the Swedish camp and find that what they discovered was a huge ship that had crash landed in the ice and may contain a creature from another world. It starts to become clear that something is amiss in the camp and maybe someone isn't who they say they are.
This film is based around the short story "Who Goes There" and plays on one simple fear the entire time. That simple fear is paranoia. The idea that the limited amount of people you have spent your time around may not be who you think they are is truly a frightening concept. To feel that these people you have gotten to know now are completely not the person you thought you were and you don't know who you can trust will send you into shivers everytime.
Perfection is not a word handed out often when it comes to cinema. It is handed out even less when it comes to the horror genre because there are several more factors in a horror movie that can go wrong outside of a regular film. For example you could have a cliche something is overly bloody not bloody enough. All these can take that five star film you want down to a four and three quarter film. It is rare to get that perfect combination of all elements in a film to come together.
However in 1982 only four years after the success of Halloween director John Carpenter would take us from the quiet small town horror to the cold tundra of Antarctica with his greatest film to date The Thing.
Set in a remote outpost of Antarctica a group of American researchers are going about their business when a group of Swedish men in a helicopter fly into their camp shooting at a lone dog running away from them. The Swedish men cause an explosion causing the Americans to be left scratching their heads as to why they would go to such lengths to kill a dog. The twelve men lead by R.J. MacReady (Kurt Russel) hunker down in their outpost and attempt to make contact with the outside world. They eventually head to the Swedish camp and find that what they discovered was a huge ship that had crash landed in the ice and may contain a creature from another world. It starts to become clear that something is amiss in the camp and maybe someone isn't who they say they are.
This film is based around the short story "Who Goes There" and plays on one simple fear the entire time. That simple fear is paranoia. The idea that the limited amount of people you have spent your time around may not be who you think they are is truly a frightening concept. To feel that these people you have gotten to know now are completely not the person you thought you were and you don't know who you can trust will send you into shivers everytime.
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