The Last Airbender

Ok... July 4th weekend. Spending it alone in Long Beach, CA. Thought I'd see a movie or two.

I spent $21 bucks. 9 on the movie (thank God for matenés) and 12 on popcorn and a drink.

The special effects were ok.

The water effects reminds me of The Abyss and that was how long ago? But then again how much can you improve on water effects.

The fire was nothing exceptional either. Except when the uncle made fire on his hands. The close up was cool.

3D... am I missing something? You can't watch the movie without the glasses, so I don't know but it really doesn't seem all that spectacular. Maybe it is because the movie was transferred to 3D and not shot in 3D. Time will have to tell.

The not so special effects... The benders tattoo seemed to move. Anything from the bridge of his nose to almost a half inch above his eyebrows. I would think since his tattoo was a major part of his identity, everyone would be on making sure it DIDN'T MOVE! Sheesh!

'We have to go' was the drinking phrase of the movie. And a big part of the mellow drama/over acting.

Do yourself a favor. Wait for the DVD. A buck on Red Box and 20 on you favorite cocktail will make a better evening than what I did.


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Down Time

This weekend I burnt off some... "bad attitude".

The missus and I went to see 'Monsters vs Aliens in 3D'

This is quite the funny movie. Even in my hyper frugal state this was worth the money for the escape.

Some time Saturday morning we saw one of those behind the scenes things... you know, where they show you who does the voice for each character.

I had wanted to make a mataneé but a re-attempt at geocaching Saturday afternoon had us trapesing around in the woods too long. I learned I am WAY out of shape. Barley walked 2 miles and I was pooped. I'm not really gaining any weight on these days... Weeks... months off. Just getting soft. I need to fix that.

Where was I... oh yea, the movie.

When (If) you see it, tell me if you can't help but wonder why she ain't naked. Then there is the fiancé... Does one assume 'all' parts grew in proportion? Poor guy would be nothing more than a living dildo. I mean how long can you make raspberries before everything goes numb? Talk about 'straping a 2x4 across you ass so you don't fall in'. Maybe if he could run in place for a few minutes.

I digress... Seriously, it was a good movie. Comedy was funny, the action was sharp, the 3D was unique. And the mad scientist-cockroach having Hugh Laurie's (House from TV) voice, classic.

I recommend it. This one is even worth full price admission.

Edit 02MAY09 - Fixed spelling and spacing.

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Eagle Eye

Directed by -
D.J. Caruso

Writing credits -
John Glenn (screenplay) &
Travis Wright (screenplay) (as Travis Adam Wright) and
Hillary Seitz (screenplay) and
Dan McDermott (screenplay)

Dan McDermott (story)




Saw this last weekend on one of our dinner and a movie night with another couple. More than anything the company was great. That alone makes for a great night.

Eagle Eye is an action suspense thriller. It was just over 2 hours, if I remember but time flies when you are having fun.

My distaste for the main character Jerry Shaw (Shia LaBeouf) was quick. Mr. LaBeouf does a good slacker with a chip on his shoulder. But as he was sucked into the main plot of the move and taken where he did not want to go, I found myself rooting for him. The female lead Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan) kinda goes over the top in some of the ‘mother instinct’ parts but ultimately gets sucked into the craziness too and together they race to save the world.

The action is all Hollywood and you shouldn’t go expecting to see too much reality.

The ending is not quite what I expected and not done how I would have done it. (heh, I said that like someone would actually ask me. Hahaha)

We saw this at an I-MAX theater. Tickets were $12.50 ea. It was a good movie, worth the price, you should go.

Review Guide

I love to go to the movies. I always get the biggest popcorn and one of those gonzo large drinks. I try to get there early and get the best seat (centered on the screen), I love the previews just about as much as the actual movie. Our movie night almost always include dinner. Usually a favorite place but sometimes we go to a new place.

Since we go out so often, I got this crazy idea to try writing reviews of movies and restaurants. *crickets chirping*

I never liked the stars system especially with the half stars. I mean come on, half stars, just make it a 10 point scale. Still, stars don’t speak to me. Neither do thumbs. What does, you ask? Money. These days, a movie for two, drinks and snacks cost you $50 bucks. That’s a pile of change. Thus, my review scale will be related to how worth the price the movie was.

Movie Review Scale

GO - Fantastic movie, worth the price and a must see on the big screen.
Matinee - not worth the $10-$12 I spent but you’ll miss some of the experience not seeing it on a big screen. Take a rainy Saturday after noon and go to the matinee.
Wait - Wait for the video to come out. Ok for basic entertainment.
Gag - I have wasted my money. Don’t waste yours.

Restaurant Review Scale

WOW - Food was great, service was great. Over all a great experience. Has become one of our new regular stops.
OK - Something was amiss, food, service, whinny kids in the next booth. May go back, everyone can have a bad day.
NO - Something was amiss, again (second try). We’re done. If I go back it will be because someone else is buying and I still won't like it.
YUCK - Many things were screwed up and screwed up so bad that I won’t go back.