Saturday, May 31, 2014

Maleficent - My Review

Tonight my buddy Brett and I went to the Walt Disney Studio for a special PGA screening of Maleficent in 3D.

Maleficent synopsis: The untold story of Disney's most iconic villain from the 1959 classic "Sleeping Beauty." A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman with stunning black wings, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army of humans threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land's fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal - an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the king of the humans and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom - and to Maleficent's true happiness as well.

FYI.... there might be slight spoilers, so be sure to have seen the movie before you read this.  

First I will say I LOVED THIS MOVIE!!!!! Since the very first teaser trailer I have been wanting to see this movie. I don't know why this movie appealed to me. I mean I enjoy Angelina Jolie as an actress but I'm not particularly a big fan of the Sleeping Beauty and/or Maleficent story but when I saw the preview I think it was the world in which the movie took place that really caught my attention. I LOVE Fantasy, especially Mythical fantasy and from the previews alone they had some amazing looking worlds and creatures.

So needless to say I was super excited for this. The movie starts and we see a young Maleficent flying round "the moors" (Fantasy world) and we are introduced to some amazing and beautiful creatures. Maleficent falls in love with a human but greed and ambition consumes him and soon he not only breaks her heart but cuts off her wings to win the throne. This is when the story of Sleep Beauty starts and Maleficent curses Aurora for what her father did to her.

The story that they have re-imagined for Maleficent is just beautiful. There is a reason for what she does and I like that we get to see the repercussion of her actions.

Angelina Jolie is amazing as Maleficent, both the good and bad fairy version. When she wakes after getting her wings cut off her cries are bone chilling. You can just feel all her pain, not only from her missing wings but from her braking heart.

I can't say enough about the special effects, I mean the story and the acting are fantastic but the SFX are just unbelievable.. or I should say are super believable. They created this amazing fantasy world and had three "real life" people interacting with it and it was flawless. The three tiny faeries look amazing and the battles scenes were fantastic.

Something that surprised me was the humor in this movie. Lots of little quips and jabs that made you laugh out loud.

I really liked the twist at the end with the kiss to awaken Aurora. Like with Frozen it wasn't a prince's true love kiss to break the enchantment it was the true love of a "mother" figure that would free Aurora from her slumber.

I walked out of that theater smiling from ear to ear, it was everything I was hoping for and so much more. It jumped to one of my top 5 all time favorite fantasies. I can't wait to see it again and again, and it will defiantly be purchased when it comes out on blu-ray. I give Maleficent an A for story, A for acting and A+ for visuals.... truly breath taking.


Sorting Vacation Pictures

Today I finally downloaded all of my pictures that I took while on my dream vacation to Ireland and the UK. I took just over 5400 pictures... that's just crazy. It took me almost two hours to go through them all and make sure they were right direction. After I did that I started sorting them into groups. First Ireland and the UK, then into smaller groups within those. It's going to take me a while to go through them all but I'm happy that I got a start on them. After I sort them all I'll post some to Facebook. I'm thinking maybe 500 or so. After I post them all I then have to go through and label each one with where and what it is. I don't plan to be done with this for a good month, but who knows maybe I'll get a burst of energy and tackling it all in a day. I'll keep you all posted.


Friday, May 30, 2014

More Potter and Captain America

Another great video taking us behind the scenes of the upcoming addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando.

 

They also announced the DVD/Blu Ray release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier which I'm super excited for. Here is the press release from Disney:

From the studio that brought you the biggest Super Hero movie of all time, Marvel’s The Avengers, comes this year’s #1 live-action adventure, Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, available early on Digital 3D and HD August 19th, 2014, and on 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand September 9th, 2014.

Here's the list of features for Blu ray: Making-of Featurettes, Audio Commentary, Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes, Bloopers, And More. 

Here is the list of features for the DVD: Making-of Featurette and Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scene

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Powder

While cleaning up my bedroom (I still have boxes all over the place from setting up my toy/guest room) I decided to watch some of my favorite movies. First was Willow, it's one of my all time favorite fantasy movies but the movie I really wanted to talk about is Powder.

Powder came out in 1995, I was 25 and saw it four or five times in the theater. I just recently got it on DVD (Christmas) and decided to put it on, I haven't seen it since I saw it in the theater, 19 years ago. OMG!!! I forgot how much I love this movie.

First here is a short synopsis of the movie if you haven't seen it: When sheriff Barnum investigates the death of an elderly rural resident, he discovers a teenage grandson living in the basement. Raised by his grandparents, he has experienced the world only through books, never leaving the family farm. He is sent to a state home for boys where he has trouble fitting in socially. His odd appearance and unusual abilities cause the small town residents to fear and ridicule him. However, not all are afraid. Some begin to view his potential and gifts with wonderment.

This is a very rare gem of a movie. In a time when movies have a lot of fx to cover up a weak story, to graphic unnecessary violence and sex. Powder basically shows a pure and unique individual that is not accepted in today's society that has become jaded with discrimination, and overall being afraid of someone who looks different.

There are several important elements in the movie. There is the paranormal factor that challenges what we know of science and the human mind can achieve, the extent of human cruelty, love and forgiveness, and a hope that one day that our humanity will advance beyond our technology. But most of all, raw emotion that reaches deep into the heart and leaves a impression that will stay with you forever.

The idea of being different because of looks or something that makes you stand out from the status quo, we can all relate to. This movie achieves this in a powerful, passionate and inspirational way. This movie makes you sit back and take in everything, showing us what the world may be if we stop judging one another and start to accept our uniqueness. What also is shown in this movie is just that just because someone may look different or how they act that they are some how weaker or a part of the undesirables. Time and again this movie shows us that perception needs to be changed. You have a movie that looks like it could be a Carrie type movie but ends up showing the sad inability to treat Powder with any sense of humanity and dignity. But no matter what, he stays his pure positive self. In some scenes showing the error of our ways and then in the end makes a final act that hopefully makes people want to change for the better.

Powder is one of the most powerful movies that I have seen in a long time. I remember loving it when it first come out but even after watching it again almost 20 years later it still has the same effect on me. It tugs at the heart and brings you to tears.

I'll be the first to admit that I cry fairly easy at movies/television, but there are those rare times when watching a movie and it feels as though someone has ripped out your heart. There is a physical pain from what is happening on screen, this is one of those movies. There are three or four scenes that the tears just flow uncontrollably.

Here are some of those scenes... (WARNING SPOILERS) The  scene that kills me every time is when Jeff Goldblum's character is talking to Powder and Powder says that after a while his grandparent were afraid to touch him. And Jeff's character says how wrong that is and gently touches the side of his face and as Powder begins to cry and lay his head down Jeff's character continues to lovenly rub the back of his head, it's beyond touching. Jeff's character is doing what the audience wants to do. To let him know he's perfect the way he is and no one deserves to be alone and unloved.

Another scene is where Powder helps the local sheriff understand what his dying wife wants, which is to just reconcile with his son. Again the acting is amazing and I'm getting chocked up just thinking about that scene.
 
Another good scene is where a hunter (racist Deputy) shoots a deer and Powder touches the deer and the hunter and shows him the pain the deer feels before it dies, which has a profound effect on the hunter, but he is still a ass afterwards.

There is this scene when Powder is talking to a girl that he likes and they touch hands and both start feeling each others emotions before they kiss.

I can go on and on with favorite scenes but I want to talk about the acting.

The main character Jeremy "Powder" (Sean Patrick Flanery) is so gentle, so kind hearted, so lonely you just want to wrap him up in a huge bear hug. Sean is amazing playing this shy, sensitive, awkward young man. He defiantly make this "fantastical" character believable.

The other main characters are portrayed by Mary Steenburgen, who I love and plays the mother figure for Powder. Lance Henriksen who is amazing and has some very emotional scenes and Jeff Goldblum, who once again shines as the loving and caring Science teacher. 

I just want to mention the music real quick... which was done by Jerry Goldsmith. It's AMAZING... haunting and chilling at times yet beautiful and fantastical. Very much what you would expect from the very talented Mr. Goldsmith 

Of course you can't talk about Powder without mentioning the writer and director of the film Victor Salva. Who was convicted a few years prior for molesting a 12-year-old child actor during the production of his previous film. When Powder was released, the victim came forward again in an attempt to get others to boycott the film in protest. It kind of put a black cloud over the release though the movie is still considered a sleeper hit grossing just over 30 million (costing only 10 million to make). It's unfortunate that such a beautiful movie has this horrible stain that will forever be associated with it.

The cynics will cry out the usual "manipulative!" and "sappy!" jibes but pay no attention. This is a beautifully shot film telling a moving, fascinating tale of a boy who happens to be different. I really love this film and think it was one of the unsung movies of the 90's. Highly recommended.

Already purchased this movie on DVD (still waiting a blu-ray release) and give Powder the highest rating I can... A+

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Win a Maleficent Prize Pack!

So I was contacted by a company that is promoting the upcoming movie Maleficent and they asked if I'd like to partake in a give-a-way and being a huge Disney fan and really looking forward to this upcoming movie I said yes.

The contest will run from today 5/28/14 to 6/2/14

All you have to do to enter is Tweet or Facebook "I want to win the @Maleficent prize package from @Geekyfanboy #MaleficentRocks"

Make sure you use the hash-tag #MaleficentRocks so I'm able to track all entries.

When the contest ends I will choose five winners at random, contact you for your name and address and pass that information along to the company who is hosting this and they will mail out your prize package. Unfortunately this is only for folks in the US and Canada. 

Please read all the details below including what cool prizes will be included in the package.


Enter For a Chance to Win a Maleficent Prize Pack!

Disney presents

Maleficent

Maleficent explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic Sleeping Beauty and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone.

Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.

Starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.

Maleficent opens in theaters in 3D May 30. Rated PG. 
Tickets available now: http://di.sn/pYC

The Maleficent prize pack includes a t-shirt, mini-poster, and pair of paper Maleficent horns! 

#Maleficent

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
Walt Disney Studios and their affiliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of a prize. Prizes cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part. We are not responsible if, for any reason, recipient is unable to use his/her prize in whole or in part. Participating sponsors, their employees, and family members and their agencies are not eligible. © 2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Wil Wheaton Project Ep1 & Bloopers

Wil Wheaton released a blooper scene from tonight's episode of The Wil Wheaton Project. Though it appears in tonight's episode, it was actually filmed last week when I went to the "test" episode. You can watch the hilarious clip below. I'm laughing and clapping among the audience.


Speaking of The Wil Wheaton Project, episode one aired tonight. I would say about half of the jokes and clips were from the "test" episode I saw. I watched with my buddy Erik via Skype and we both laughed alot. Though I heard some of the jokes they were still funny. I think this could be a really fun show and I look forward to episode 2 which has a special guest, my friend Felicia. Can't wait!!

Monday, May 26, 2014

Chef - My Review & Goodbye Chris

Chris is heading back to Montana today but first we went over to Jes and Dallas' place for him to do a fitting for something Jes is making for him. Afterwards the four of us headed over to Laemmle theater to watch the first showing of Chef. Here's a brief synopsis: A chef who loses his restaurant job starts up a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while piecing back together his estranged family.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this movie, but it was not what I envisioned and certainly exceeded my expectations. Favreau did an amazing job as a writer, director, and actor in this film. The movie focused on the Chef, the emotions, the challenges and the insecurities he goes through and not the food. It showed a very humanized version of a celebrity chef and the storyline was feel-good, fun and very heartwarming. It's a simple story. The acting was great, so many fantastic people in the film. I especially liked the son. It's a hit and miss when it comes to young actors but this little guy nailed it. His heart to heart talks with his dad had me in tears.

I love that they used twitter as a major part of the storyline and how it's an important part in today's society. I don't know how this film will hold up in ten or twenty years when we move on to some other form of social media but in today's times it's a very relevant topic and very well done.

I don't think I'll be buying this on blu-ray and really don't need to see it again but that doesn't mean I didn't really enjoy it. I give Chef a solid B+

After the movie Chris said his goodbyes to Jes and Dallas then stopped by our friend Jen's place to say goodbye before heading back to my place and picking up his bag. We stopped by Panda Express to grab some lunch before going next door and dropping him off at the Burbank airport.

I remember the first time I had to say goodbye to him and the thought of not being able to see him whenever I wanted to made my heart ache but now it's different.. I mean I'm sad, don't misunderstand me, I'd prefer that he stayed.. but it's kind of gotten like a routine now. I know he'll be back in a month for LOJ and then a few weeks later for SDCC. So we always seems to have something to look forward to.

I ended my night with a 2 hour skype call with my buddy Erik who I hadn't talked to since Thursday.. great way to end my night. 

Sunday, May 25, 2014

X-Men Again, Fox Lot and IKEA

Today Chris and I went to see X-Men Days of Future Past again. Producer's Guild of America was having a screening on the Fox lot and since Chris had never been on the Fox lot I figured it would be fun to not only see the movie again but to show him around the lot.

We got to the screening an hour early and luckily we did as the line just grew after that. We got into the theater and found some good seats. Saw a few friends there but was surprised when Kim Evey and Greg Benson came walking in. They actually sat next to Chris and I so we got to catch up a bit.

Please read my previous blog post HERE for my review of X-Men Days of Future Past. All I will say here, upon watching this movie for a second time I didn't think I could love it any more then I ready did but I was wrong. It was so much fun watching it a second time and this time I knew what was going to happen to I got excited for certain scenes and was able to see things I missed the first time I viewed the film. I know for a fact that I'll be seeing this movie at least a third and maybe fourth time before it leaves theaters.

Come to find out that they had actual props in the lobby area of the theater but it was so crowded that I could only see bits and pieces as we made our way out of the building.

Chris and I made our way through the studios to the "backlot" this is my favorite area as it looks like a New York street. They film alot of the out door scenes for How I Met Your Mother there which is one of Chris' favorite series. We continued to walk around and check out the different murals but I knew one that Chris would want to get a picture in front of, it's the one mural that greets you as you drive into the main studio entrance.. Star Wars.

After taking pictures we made our way back to the car and down the block to grab lunch at Islands.

We played a bit of Lord of the Rings Online later in the day before heading to IKEA. Chris had never been to an IKEA or eaten their meatballs.. so we had some for dinner. Happy to report that he enjoyed them. We walked around the maze that is IKEA. Chris wanted to get me some book shelves (apartment warming gift) so we looked at various ones until I found one that I liked. As we went down stairs to the warehouse section of the store we found out that they were out of the book shelf that I wanted but did have a smaller version and if  you put two of them together they made the full size one. The cost of the two totaled the cost of the one so we picked up two of the smaller book shelves. We managed to get them into my little Fiesta and made our way home. Since Chris' wrist is broken and I don't really have room in my place at the moment we just left them down in the carport with all my empty plastic bins. I hope to have them built and up in the apartment in the next week or so.

After we got home our friend Dallas came over to watch Avengers and drink a few beers with us. We call it a night around midnight.

So Much Geeky Goodness!!!

Today is a very special day in the Geek/Nerd world. It's the 37th Anniversary of the release of Star Wars which in turn created Geek Pride Day and it is also International Towel Day, for all you fans of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy,

37 years ago today I went and saw a movie that would forever change my life. I credit Star Wars (and no I'm not calling it A New Hope, because when I saw it 37 years ago it was called just Star Wars) anyways I credit Star Wars for making me the Sci Fi / Fantasy lover I am today and that series will always hold a very special place in my heart. It will always be part of my life and I am forever thankful to George Lucas for the world that sprung from his imagination.

Geek Pride Day is an initiative to promote geek culture. The date was chosen as to commemorate the release of the first Star Wars film as mentioned above and I don't mind celebrating Geek Pride day but honestly I celebrate Geek Pride everyday of my life.

Towel Day is an annual celebration on the 25th of May, as a tribute to the late author Douglas Adams (1952-2001), who wrote the very famous series The Hitchhikers Guild to the Galaxy. On that day, fans around the universe proudly carry a towel in his honor.

And one more geek note.. the Glorious 25th of May is known to fans of Terry Pratchett's Discworld.

This is truly a day of geeky goodness!!