Kano's Lay-Z-Boy Theater

14/50x2: Lost in Translation

2012-02-15T13:36:00.000-05:00

There was a lot of hype about this movie after its release, and was one of the catapults in Scarlett Johansson's career.

Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is an American movie star, who is on the downside of his career in the film Lost in Translation. He is in Tokyo filming a commercial for a whiskey - a commercial that will pay him $2 million.

Also in Tokyo is Charlotte (Johansson), who has traveled there with her husband John (Giovanni Ribisi), a photographer.

Bob is quite possibly in the middle of a mid-life crisis and is dreading having to go back to his marriage, which after 25 years is lacking a bit of romance. Charlotte, meanwhile, feels abandoned by John as he runs off to multiple photo shoots - and also suspects that something may be going on with an American model named Kelly (Anna Faris).

By chance both Bob and Charlotte meet at the hotel bar repeatedly over the course of a few days. On one of those nights Charlotte invites Bob out on the town to meet up with a few of her friends, and he accepts.

They strike up an unusual friendship and begin to bond with the fact that they both feel quite alone in this culture, and are curious with the differences between Japan and America.

I feel the film was beautiful to look at and the performances by Johansson and Murray were spectacular, but I wasn't drawn in like I thought I would be. I guess that is the downfall of the hype machine.

I also couldn't really identify with either of the characters. I have never been to a foreign country alone, and have never been overseas. Plus I am a little young to be going through a midlife crises - though I am sure it's on its way.

But, even after that it was still a pretty decent film. Though, I doubt I would ever sit down and watch it again.

Grade:

HOT: Big

2012-02-14T13:11:00.001-05:00

Before Tom Hanks became a huge star, and started getting some amazing roles (those will come later), this film was my absolute favorite of his.

Hanks stars as Josh Baskin, well the adult version, in the film Big. Baskin is a 13-year old boy (David Moscow), who sort of has a crush on this older girl in his school.

One night Josh and his family go to the local fair and he notices his dream girl standing in line for a pretty intense ride. Trying to impress her Josh gets in line and talks big about having ridden on the ride a bunch of times. But, when he gets to the front of the line they all find out he is too short to ride the ride.

Dejected, Josh walks away and finds this strange machine called a Zoltar. The machine asks you to make a wish and if you shoot the quarter in its mouth, your wish comes true. Josh sinks the quarter - and his wish will come true. But, he notices that the machine is working without even being plugged in.

That night Josh goes to sleep as a 13-year old boy - and when he wakes up is an adult (now Hanks).

Scared out of his mind, because his mother doesn't believe it's him, Josh seeks out his best friend Billy (Jared Rushton). At first Billy doesn't believe him either, but Josh is able to convince him.

They come up with the idea to move to NYC and blend in by getting a job until they can track down the Zoltar machine so that Josh can be switched back.

The film (and Hanks) portrays Josh as a young, naive man who is trying to figure things out in the adult world. Including his first girlfriend and possible sexual experience with Susan (Elizabeth Perkins), which is both sweet and, if you think about it, creepy. Both the film and Hanks portrayed this masterfully.

Big is one of the few films about switching bodies that actually did well during the era. But, it was the lone film that wasn't about switching bodies with another person.

Since then, we have had a few ripoffs, 13 Going on 30 and 17 Again! come to mind. Neither is even close to the quality of Big, though 13 Going on 30 is decent and from a girls' point of view.

The film, despite being released in the late 80s, still pretty much holds up. Sure, the toys that Josh is helping create and plays with are of the 80s persuasion, but heck they're all coming back out again anyway - so that shouldn't stop you from enjoying it.

Grade:

Tuesday's With Movies: 2/14/12

2012-02-14T06:30:00.000-05:00

OK, not a great selection of films releasing this week. In fact, I will not be watching any of them.

The Rum Diary: Every so often Depp does one of those weird, drug induced films. I really have no interest in any of those. And, I have seen the trailers multiple times and I have no real interest in this one either.

The Dead: Had no idea what this was, but it's yet another zombie flick.

Take Shelter: This may be the lone film I have any bit of chance of seeing. I am not sure if or when I will see it, but out of this crop of films it is certainly the best - if that is a good thing.

Human Centipede II: So, if the first Human Centipede wasn't disgusting enough they decided to make an even more disgusting film. So, nope.

Top 10: Movie Couples

2012-02-14T01:06:00.001-05:00

So, today is Valentine's Day. That got me thinking about the best movie couples. There are so many, and so many I have not seen. So, this is technically just a nice list of movie couples.

I tossed up a poll on Facebook and got some feedback, but I felt odd putting some couples on the list of films I haven't seen yet. So, this is a list of couple from films I have seen.

10) Memphis Raines & Eleanor - Gone in 60 Seconds

This was one of the suggestions I got on Facebook, and I felt it was far too funny not to include. This is the car that is the most difficult for Raines to boost, which is named Eleanor.

9) Romeo & Juliet - Romeo+Juliet

I had to put them on the list. They are the quintessential couple and are almost always brought up when thought about the top couples. I can't put them too high on the list, because they are such a boring answer.

8) Jerry & Dorothy - Jerry Maguire

Kind of funny that a film that is about sports, somewhat, has one of the top movie couples. But, the relationship between Jerry and Dorothy is wonderful.

7) Lady & Tramp - Lady & The Tramp

A couple from opposite sides of the track, but they are dogs not humans. Lady, growing up in the well-to-do house, while Tramp is living off the streets. Together they are the cutest couple, who knew?

6) Jack & Rose - Titanic

Just like Lady and Tramp, Jack and Rose come opposite sides of money. Rose has a ton of it and Jack has none. But, Jack has something that Rose needs, a way to have fun.

5) Shrek & Fiona - Shrek

The ogre who thought he always wanted to be alone meets the beautiful princess with a secret - and they lived happily ever after.

4) Leia & Han - Star Wars

She's a princess and he's a smuggler, but when forced together there true feelings come out and an intergalactic love story is born.

3) Kat & Patrick - 10 Things I Hate About You

Kat hates dating and men in general. She is courted by Patrick, a loner who everyone has made rumors up about. He is paid to take her out so someone else can date her sister, but he ends up falling in love and so does she.

2) Buttercup & Westley - The Princess Bride

Buttercup is a rich, young girl while Westley works on her farm. He falls in love with her and she with her, but he is kidnapped by the dread pirate Roberts - and she is forced to marry Prince Humperdink, will they get back together?

1) Ellie & Carl - Up

OK, this was sort of a toss up between them and Wall-E and Eve from Wall-E. I think the final straw was just how great the first part of Up is and how much they truly loved each other.

13/50x2: The Kids Are All Right

2012-02-09T15:59:00.000-05:00

The first time I saw Mark Ruffalo in a film, at least I think it was the first time, was in the Big-like film 13 Going on 30. I can't recall ever seeing him again, but he reminded me of someone (someone that escapes me now).

Since then, Ruffalo has become a pretty well-known actor, who seems to be in quite a few films each year - and will soon be stepping into the role of the Hulk in this year's The Avengers.

I have really enjoyed watching him become such a good actor, and so I definitely found it necessary to check out the well-received The Kids Are All Right.

In the film, Nicole (Annette Benning) and Jules Allgood (Julianne Moore) are a married, lesbian couple who have two children, Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson).

In order for this lesbian couple to have children, they went went to a 'bank'. Nicole carried one of the children, and the next go around Jules was the mother.

As the children have become older, they begin to get curious as to who may be their real father. As they do some digging they find that Paul (Ruffalo) is the father of both of them.

Paul is a bit 'out there' in life, I would say a bit of a hippie, but when he meets the children they all get along and Paul is excited about possibly being a part of their lives.

The entrance of Paul into the family really turns them upside down, as they begin to realize some of the things that have been going on in their lives - mostly with Nic and Jules.

Nic has been the main provider of the family as a OB/GYN and is also the discipline of the family. Jules is much more laid back and has gone through business after business - now trying her hand at landscaping - and feels unappreciated by Nic.

So with the entrance of Paul and these feelings coming to the surface, would it bring the family closer together or split them apart?

An amazingly well acted film. I have only seen Wasikowska in two films now, but I really think she is an up-and-coming actress. I have come to either love or loathe Moore in films, and here I thought she was amazing. And, I may be wrong, but this may also be the second time I have seen Benning in a film - and again she was a lot like her character in American Beauty. But, that works for her.

Overall, I really enjoyed the movie and it is great to show that there is not much difference between a gay/lesbian household compared to a straight household. Both have difficulties and both worry about their children. Hopefully films like these allow those who feel strongly against same-sex households to change their tune - but of course it is tough to change bigotry.

Grade:

Tuesday's With Movies: 2/7/12

2012-02-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part I: Mrs. Kano likes (I am not sure if it is loves) these films. I am not that huge of a fan, but I usually watch each film once after we pick it up with her. She has watched a ton of films with me that I am sure she hasn't liked - it's just something we do together. And, I get to make fun of it a bit.

A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas: I am a huge fan of the first film in this series. It was definitely a huge surprise and truly made stars out of its stars and re-invigorated the career of Neil Patrick Harris. The second one was good, but I don't think it lived up to the original. This one has received some good reviews, so I am excited. I hope I didn't miss a lot by not seeing it in 3D.

Anonymous: This appears to be a film based on the conspiracy theory that someone else actually wrote the works of William Shakespeare. I heard something about this when it was first announced, but I hadn't heard anything since. Not sure if that is a good thing or not. It may be interesting, but as of now I have no plans to see it - that may change though.

Sunset Limited: I really have no idea what this film is truly about. All I really know is that it stars Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson and was a made-for-HBO film. It appears to be a film about race, because the last thing I do know is their names are Black and White.

HOT: Punchline

2012-02-06T11:55:00.000-05:00

This is one Tom Hanks film that I know I had never seen before. Not even a little bit. For some reason this is a film that I had never come across on a cable channel or anything.

Punchline stars Sally Field as Lilah Krytsick, a stay-at-home mother who has a taste in her mouth to become a stand up comedian.

She heads out a few nights to a comedy club where she encounters Steven Gold (Hanks), who is the top comedian at the club - but also has a few skeletons in his closet. Gold is supposed to be in medical school, at least that is what his father believes.

Gold believes he can make it big as a comedian, and leaves med school in his rear view mirror.

Only issue is, despite Gold's talent, every chance he has at making it big he chokes for some reason.

Krytsick, however, is struggling to find her niche as a comedian - and she tries to befriend Gold and learn from him. Though at first he wanted nothing to do with her he eventually becomes friends with Krytsick and helps her hone her jokes - and it works.

Krytsick is also feeling the pressure, but not in making it big, she is getting flack from her family most notably her husband, John (John Goodman). He doesn't understand why she needs to head out and leave her family. He believes her place is in the home and should be helping him entertain his clients.

I can sort of see how this isn't on television a lot for me to see, but it was a decent watch.

It was sort of nice to see the backstage happenings of comedians, and how far they need to go just to get a laugh.

Also, a few now-known actors/comedians were co-stars in the films, such as Damon Wayans and Taylor Negron.

Great film? No. But overall a decent film.

Grade:

12/50x2: Sherlock Holmes

2012-02-03T12:29:00.000-05:00

I have to admit that my knowledge of Sherlock Holmes only truly comes from heresy and the Disney film The Great Mouse Detective (even though that is technically not Holmes).

So, my vision for Holmes was not truly what Robert Downey, Jr.'s portrayal in Sherlock Holmes.

So, Holmes and his partner Watson (Jude Law) are on the hunt for a murderer, Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). They capture Blackwood before he kills a woman during what appears to be a ritualistic killing.

Months later, Watson is on the verge of taking off from Baker Street and getting married. Holmes is also visited by Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), a thief from Holmes' past. She asks him to find a missing man named Luke Reardon.

Around the same time, Blackwood's tomb explodes from the inside. A gravedigger claims that he has seen Blackwood himself, and when Holmes and Watson check the coffin, Adler's missing man, Reardon is in his place.

I'm obviously doing this review a bit too late, because I actually had to get a jolt to remember what the premise of the film was all about. I don't know if that is a good thing or not.

I do remember somewhat enjoying the film. I also remember that for the entire film I thought Blackwood was Andy Garcia - imagine my surprise.

The main reason I added this to my list is because its sequel came out in December and I figured I should see the first before the next one is on DVD.

That being said, I do hope the sequel is a little bit better then the first. I enjoyed the actors, but the story must not have been that great - especially if I had trouble remembering the plot just a few months later.

Grade:

HOT: Dragnet

2012-02-02T13:41:00.001-05:00

It's funny, I always thought this film was a straight-on film about the television series. Having never actually watched the series, but seen clips, I guess that could be a common mistake. Apparently this is more of an homage (or sequel) to the television series.

Sgt. Joe Friday (Dan Aykroyd) is the nephew of Joe Friday from the original show. In Dragnet he is (again going off what I have seen/heard) much like his uncle. He does everything straight by the book. So, of course, he gets partnered with Pep Streebek (Tom Hanks), a crazy off-the-cuff detective. And it takes awhile for their two different beliefs to mesh.

What brings them together is a case against P.A.G.A.N. (People Against Goodness And Normalcy). When tracking them, they are lead to a virgin sacrifice. That virgin is Connie Swail (Alexandra Paul), who Friday becomes sweet on.

After a rescue of Swail, she helps identify the leader of the P.A.G.A.N. army. And the rest of the film is Friday and Streebek not only trying to get the help of their fellow detectives, but taking down the P.A.G.A.N.'s and their leaders.

Again, like The Money Pit, I don't think I have ever watched this film in its entirety in one sitting.

With all of the adaptations of films from television series nowadays, I guess this would have been one of the originals.

If it is an homage to the original series, I guess it worked. Because from what I have seen it is a lot like the series in that way. But, that also means I may not be a complete fan of the series.

This was good for a watch, and possibly if I catch it on television at some point and nothing is on I will watch it - but it was not that great of a film.

Grade:

11/50x2: The Informant!

2012-02-01T12:55:00.000-05:00

Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon) is up-and-comer at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a company involved with an additive in livestock products called lysine.

Whitacre, who apparently suffers from a bipolar disorder, realizes that the company is fixing the price of lysine for their own benefit.

In order to bring down the company, including his boss Mick Andreas (Tom Papa) and to save his own ass, Whitacre agrees to work with FBI agents Brian Shepard (Scott Bakula) and Robert Herndon (Joel McHal) to become The Informant!

Over the years, Whitacre records hundreds of hours of video and audio to help bring down the company. But, he begins to crack and his stories begin to fall apart.

I honestly was not a huge fan of the movie. To have such great comedic actors in Papa, McHale and to a lesser extent Damon in one place and the movie was just not that funny. If you were going for a drama with a bit of comedy, then I don't think you need to hire comedic actors in those roles.

The only bright spot was Damon. He really shined in the role of an odd company man, with bipolar disorder, who is constantly freaking out - and excited to be working with the FBI.

Anyway, it was okay for one watch, but I highly doubt I will watch it again.

Grade:

HOT: The Money Pit

2012-01-31T13:21:00.001-05:00

I know this movie. I know pretty much everything about this movie, but for some reason I think this may have been the first time I have watched it all the way through in one sitting.

Something about it turned me off a bit back when I first may have been watching it - not sure what it was.

Anyway, The Money Pit stars Tom Hanks as Walter Fielding, Jr., an attorney who is currently seeing Anna Crowley (Shelley Long), a violinist in a symphony.

While sleeping over at Crowley's house, a man enters their bedroom and Fielding finds out that Crowley is in fact living in her ex-husband's Max (Alexander Godunov) house.

Forced to move out, they begin searching for a place to stay and find this huge, gorgeous house being sold by Estelle (Maureen Stapleton). Apparently Estelle's husband is in trouble overseas and she must sell the house quickly and cheaply to go and help him.

Thinking they got a steal, Walter and Anna scramble to find the $200,000 for the mansion and move in together.

Then, everything begins to fall apart - in both the house and their relationship.

The house is a perfect metaphor for a relationship. As one thing begins falls apart another behind it comes down soon after. As the house begins to drive the couple apart, and the repairs continue to mount up, Anna tries to sell some paintings to Max that she was awarded in their divorce. She ends up getting drunk and wakes up in her old bedroom.

This appears to be the last straw as Walter believes she has strayed from him.

But, will the house be repaired? And if so, at what cost?

After finally getting through the entire film, I still don't understand why I never finished it before. The house/relationship metaphor I felt was outstanding and oh so true. It's amazing how strong a relationship can be and yet still begin to crumble when outside factors get in the way.

This was a perfect way to tell that story. And, I finally enjoyed it.

Grade:

Tuesday's With Movies: 1/31/12

2012-01-31T11:14:00.003-05:00

Drive: Not only does this film look amazing, but it has actually been getting some praise by award shows and critics. I've been looking forward to checking it out - ad of course continuing the year of Gosling.

In Time: This was one of the films that when I saw the trailer I was very intrigued with. But, it appears to have gotten some flack out there. That never really turns me away from a film because I always try to form my on opinion. I am actually still very interested in seeing it.

The Thing: Not really sure about this one, but from what I am told I don't think this one is for me. Also, I find it odd that a film that is supposed to be a prequel has the same name as the original - not sure why.

The Big Year: I am not really sure what to think about this one. I have always enjoyed Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson/Jack Black every so often. But, a bird watching movie? Not sure.

The Double: This one sort of went under the radar. I think I may have heard of it way back when it was first announce, but then nothing again until the DVD release. I like Topher Grace so I may give this one a try.

Dream House: Again, one I will run out and get right away.

10/50x2: Point Break

2012-01-26T13:40:00.000-05:00

Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) is a former Ohio State quarterback that leads a bunch of rag-tag players to victory......oops, that was The Replacements.

Anyway, Reeves plays yet another former Ohio State quarterback in Point Break. Here, instead of heading back to the gridiron, he becomes an FBI agent.

Utah is a rookie agent that teams up with Angelo Pappas (Gary Busey). Pappas has been tracking a string of robberies in the area by a gang known as the "Ex Presidents" because they each wear a mask of a former president to protect their identity.

Pappas has a theory that this group is a bunch of surfers, and following that theory Utah goes undercover as a guy wanting to learn to surf. He befriends, and lies, to a former orphan Tyler Endicott (Lori Petty) to help him become a better surfer - and also get him in with some of the other surfers.

He is welcomed into a group of surfers led by Bodhi (Patrick Swayze). The group is extremely close and appears to do everything together - but has Utah stumbled upon the correct gang?

The above is really just the beginning. Pappas and Utah do some serious investigating and staking out to track down the "Ex Presidents".

Just a fun ride. Reeves and Swayze are very good in this movies as friends and possible enemies. Petty was also really good as Tyler, a person who Utah lies to and falls in love with.

I have been told to watch this forever, and it has been recommended to me a bunch of times. I now see why. It was a very good, fun movie.

Grade:

HOT: Every Time We Say Goodbye

2012-01-25T12:25:00.000-05:00

As you can tell by me actually doing a Hanks-O-Thon, I am a pretty huge Tom Hanks fan. He is my favorite actor of all time.

So, it is pretty odd when researching Hanks' films that I find some never even heard of.

Every Time We Say Goodbye is one of those films. Hanks stars as David Bradley an American pilot that joins World War II fighting for the Royal Air Force before the United States entered the war.

Bradley's plane gets shot down and he is sent to Jerusalem to recover from his injuries.

While there he meets Sarah Perrara (Christina Marsillach) a Jewish girl of Spanish descent when he is dragged to a party by his friend.

They immediately hit it off, but she pulls back because Bradly does not come from a Jewish background. She feels that it would be frowned upon in her community and more importantly her family.

Even though they separate, they continue to run into each other in the small town - and eventually give into their temptation. But will it be able to last once her family discovers it?

The film, like so many, reminded me a bit of Romeo & Juliet. It's under different circumstances, but ultimately it is two people who are in love that cannot be together for reasons outside of their control.

Was the movie good? It was okay. Hanks was great and even Marsillach, who hasn't been in a ton of movies, was good as well.

I know the movie was made in the '80s and it was a movie about the '40s, but it felt even more dated to me - just the look of it.

Overall it was good for a one-time watch, but unlike most of Hanks' films I probably on't be rewatching this one any time soon.

Grade:

9/50x2: The Fighter

2012-01-24T13:04:00.000-05:00

I am a sports writer by trade, but there are a few sports out there that just don't really appeal to me. Some of those sports are those involving hand-to-hand combat. Boxing, MMA - heck even hockey - are just a few sports that I really have no desire in ever watching (except the occasional Pens game).

That being said. Why is it that boxing seems to almost always make a great movie?

The Fighter is based on a true story about Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his rise in the boxing world. And, may be to an even bigger extent, his brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale).

Eklund is Ward's trainer and former boxer himself. His claim to fame is that he once knocked Sugar Ray Leonard to the mat during a televised match. Since then he has found himself getting addicted to drugs and spending time in jail.

Mickey is also being managed by his mother, Alice Ward (Melissa Leo), who despite Mickey's talent and being an all-around decent person, still treats brother Dicky like her favorite.

Dicky also happens to be filming a documentary on what he is claiming as his comeback attempt into the world of boxing.

Mickey values and loves his family, and that may have been what kept him as what some people claim as a punching bag for other fighters as they make their way up through the ranks. He is saddled with a manager/mother who seems content with keeping him nearby and not allowing him to flourish - and a trainer/brother who would much rather be getting high than spending time in the gym helping his brother get better.

Mickey, however, gets involved with Charlene (Amy Adams) who sees the greatness in him and what his downfall has been - his family. She encourages him to sign with a place in Las Vegas that will pay him as he trains. The lone stipulation is that Dicky must not be allowed to help him.

Just a great film filled with tons of amazing performances.

Bale continues to impress with the way he can transform his actual body image for a film, and then throw himself into that role. Leo has proven just how good of an actress she can be, and here is no different. Adams was amazing as the girlfriend who helps push Mickey in the right direction (and she wasn't too hard on the eyes either). All three were recognized for the effort with nominations for Academy Awards, with Bale and Leo both winning in the Best Supporting category.

The one who wasn't nominated was Wahlberg. I feel the guy gets a bum wrap for the most part - perhaps because he was once known as 'Marky Mark'. I don't know, but I thought his performance in this film was outstanding - and he continues to improve as an actor. His struggle between what he wanted and what he thought he wanted was amazingly portrayed. I felt he deserved some recognition as well.

You've all heard that The Fighter is a great movie - and I can tell you for a fact it was. Again, not a fan of boxing, but they sure do make great films. Check it out if you haven't yet.

Grade:

Tuesday's With Movies: 1/24/12

2012-01-24T10:57:00.003-05:00

50/50: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, in my opinion, has become one of the best actors in Hollywood today. Surprising that the little kid from '3rd Rock from the Sun' has come so far. As I have said before, a little Seth Rogen can go a long way - but I have heard he is good in this film. It looks fantastic and I have been waiting to see it.

Real Steel: I have to admit when I saw the first trailer for this I couldn't believe that this film was even getting made. It just sounded insane - which is why I think it has gained the other title of the Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots movie. But, apparently this movie has heart and looks like it may be somewhat decent.

Paranormal Activity 3: Gonna run right out and get this one.

Tuesday's With Movies: 1/17/12

2012-01-18T11:15:00.000-05:00

Courageous: This is apparently the next big religious movie, much like Fireproof from a few year's ago. I have no issues with these movies being made, there is obviously an audience for them - but they're not for me. Sure, I believe there is a higher power, but I really don't need to continue to be preached to.

The Ides of March: Man of the year Ryan Gosling - he appeared to be in almost every movie this past year. Here he teams with George Clooney in a film about dirty politics. Looks like it may be interesting - so this one I will check out.

Abduction: That Twilight star - or as I know him that Cheaper by the Dozen 2 star - takes on the action star role. Apparently a horrible film, but I absolutely must check it out to see for myself.

Tuesday's With Movies: 1/10/12

2012-01-11T14:31:00.001-05:00

This was supposed to be up last night, started it and never posted it.

Moneyball: Not my favorite sport. In fact out of the major four this one is pretty close to hockey as my least favorite. But, the moneyball craze has been very interesting and from what I have heard the movie itself is pretty amazing. So, I am down with this as soon as I can.

Killer Elite: For some reason these Jason Statham keep flying under the radar. I guess there is just nothing about these films that have any real substance, but for an action flick it may be decent. I don't know, possibly may check it out.

What's Your Number?: This looks interesting. Not sure if it will be, but I think I will give it a try. It's got Captain America and Anna Faris - who will no doubt end up hooking up in the end - but I will see how they get there anyway.

Does Parenthood Change Your View?

2012-01-10T19:49:00.000-05:00

As most of you know I have a 5-year old son. He absolutely loves movies and I have been slowly introducing him to some of my favorite (and my wife's favorite) films.

We have gotten through most of the superhero films that I allow him to watch, the Pirates franchise, Star Wars, Wizard of Oz, etc.

Obviously, some of those will have to wait until he is older. Although I am not a fan of censorship, I believe censorship via parenting is extremely important.

Before my son was born (and now too I guess) I was pretty much a kid at heart. I loved watching some of the films geared towards children, like the Pixar/Disney movies, Shrek, the Muppet films, etc.

But, has being a parent also changed me into liking some of these films, especially those I probably would have never watched unless I had a child, more than I usually would?

This past weekend my family watched The Smurfs together. Now, in the past (before my son) I don't think this would be a film I would watch. Sure, I watched the cartoon as a child, but nothing in it screamed to me that I had to see it.

And, I not only watched The Smurf, but I actually enjoyed it to an extent (review coming in the future).

I follow a lot of other blogs about films, some with children and others without. I am not sure if being a parent has changed their viewing habits, or their likes at all. This is just something I have noticed with me.

In the past year I have watched Alvin & the Chipmunks (both of them), Gnomeo & Juliet, Rio, Alpha & Omega, Cars 2 and I am sure many others. The lone exception on this list that I probably would have watched alone is Cars 2 because, as I said above, I was a Pixar fan even before I became a father.

I did not hate any of the above films I listed. Sure, they weren't groundbreaking, Oscar level films, but each of them had something that made me at least somewhat interested. In fact, I have watched Rio twice already - and I am sure to watch Cars 2 a ton more times as my son loves it.

Don't get me wrong, I still watch a ton of different-type of films. And I have even branched out a bit beyond my own comfort zone and watched films that others have deemed good, despite my distaste for gore (I got through Zombieland (again, review coming) and I will eventually give Tucker & Dale vs. Evil a try). That is not the type of change I was talking about.

I guess I am watching a bit more kid-oriented films than I would have in the past. And, I am enjoying them a lot more than I thought I would. I guess I have my son to thank for that.

8/50x2: A History of Violence

2012-01-05T12:23:00.001-05:00

So, Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) is a family man that runs a local diner. He is married to Edie (Maria Bello) and has a son Jack (Ashton Holmes) and daughter Sarah (Heidi Hayes).

This is the premise of A History of Violence.

His life appears to be great. He has a great relationship with his wife and the members of the town love him.
One night at the diner two robbers attempt to rob the place and also kill one of Tom's employees. Out of nowhere Tom appears to go ninja and takes down both robbers, saving his employee and the diner.

News spreads fast and Tom's face is plastered all over the news and newspapers.

One day at the diner a man Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris) shows up claiming that he knows Tom, but not as Tom, instead as Joey Cusack - an Irish mobster from Philadelphia.

Tom of course refuses this accusation - but for some reason Fogarty and his gang just will not let it go.

One night Tom and Jack get into an argument and Jack runs off - only to get kidnapped by Fogarty. Fogarty uses this to get some face time with Tom.

The rest of the film is basically Tom, who has been living a new life, trying to fix his previous life to get back to the one he is living. But, now that his family knows the truth has the damage already been done?

This was a pretty decent film. The action scenes may have been few and far between, but they were good when they were there. Mortensen and Bello really stood out in the film for me. I haven't seen too many Mortensen films outside of Lord of the Rings, but I respect him as an actor.

Grade:

7/50x2: Smokin' Aces

2012-01-04T13:20:00.001-05:00

I first wanted to see this film when it was in theaters. There was just something about the trailer that drew me in, perhaps it was that it starred a bunch of well-known actors, or because it looked like an action film on steroids. Either way, I wasn't able to check it out in the theaters. Then, I waited patiently for it to come via Netflix - and the disc wouldn't play in my player.

So, almost five years later I finally got see Smokin' Aces. And although it was a decent flick, it wasn't something I needed to wait five years to see.

Buddy 'Aces' Israel (Jeremy Piven) is a magician in Vegas, but also has his webs inside the mob somehow - which has made him filthy rich.

Well, in order to save his own ass he has agreed to turn over evidence against the mob - which makes him the No. 1 target for Primo Sparazza - so the FBI, believing Sparazza will go after Israel - use him to bring the entire operation down.

But, there is a huge hit out on Israel and every hit man (and woman) in the Vegas area are out to collect on the hit and take down Israel.

So, here is a bit of a rundown of those targeting Israel. Lazlo Soot (Tommy Flanagan), a master of disguise. Sharice Watters (Taraji P. Henson) and Georgia Sykes (Alicia Keys), a team of hitwomen, Pasquale Acosta (Nestor Carbonell) a torture expert, and the Tremor brothers, Darwin (Chris Pine), Jeeves (Kevin Durand) and Lester (Maury Sterling).

Oh, and a trio of bail bondsman, Jack (Ben Affleck), Pete (Peter Berg) and Hollis (Martin Henderson), who have been hired to bring Israel back into custody.

And finally, he is being protected by the FBI team of Stanley Locke (Andy Garcia), Richard (Ryan Reynolds) and Donald (Ray Liotta).

Talk about a bunch of heavy-hitters. And not to ruin anything, but a lot of the names above have a brief cameo or very little screen time at all.

The best part of this film has to be the Tremor brothers. They are insane and truly funny. Plus, I liked the relationship between Reynolds and Liotta, very father, son like.

There was at on of action, which I liked - but it wasn't an amazing film. It was just a decent, fun watch.

Grade:

Quick Shots 13

2012-01-03T14:39:00.000-05:00

Title: Morning Glory

Starring: Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, Harrison Ford, Patrick Wilson, Jeff Goldblum.

Brief Synopsis: Becky (McAdams) is a TV show producer, but gets fired. She gets hired by Jerry (Goldblum) to try and resurrect a struggling show called Daybreak. In order to keep her job and possibly save the show she has to make some drastic changes, including firing the main host and hiring long time curmudgeon, Mike Pomeroy (Ford) and pairs him with Colleen Peck (Keaton).

Opinion: It was a pretty cute film. McAdams is pretty impressive and also fairly cute in this movie. I love Goldblum and Ford, and I was able to handle Keaton. Overall a nice little watch.

Grade:

Title: Alpha and Omega

Starring: Justin Long, Hayden Panettiere, Dennis Hopper, Danny Glover, Larry Miller.

Brief Synopsis: Kate (Panettiere) and Humphrey (Long) have been life long friends. Apparently in wolf communities there are to type of wolves, Alphas and Omegas. Kate is destined to be an Alpha while Humphrey is an Omega. Despite enjoying each other, Kate is forced to accept an arrange marriage with another Alpha with another pack of wolves to bring the two groups together. But, Kate and Humphrey are captured by humans and released in another park to repopulate the area.

Opinion: It was a different type of movie. Not the premise really because the two opposite track lovers seems to be done quite a bit. Anyway, watched it with my family and it was a nice watch - probably not one I would watch over and over though.

Grade:

Title: Bridesmaids

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Wendy McLendon-Covey.

Brief Synopsis: Lillin (Rudolph) is getting married and has asked her best friend for life, Annie (Wiig), to be her maid of honor. Lillian and Annie have been life long friends, but Lillian has become close with a wife of her husband's boss, Helen (Byrne), who somehow seems to take over the planning of the bridal shower and this makes Annie begin to lose her mind.

Opinion: Nice to see this type of film from the female perspective. It reminded me a lot of last year's breakout hit The Hangover, but all about the females. Wiig and Rudolph were great, Byrne was a nice bitch, and the rest of the bridal party - especially McCarthy - were hilarious.

Grade:

Title: Bad Teacher

Starring: Cameron Diaz, Lucy Punch, Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake, Phyllis Smith, John Michael Higgins.

Brief Synopsis: Elizabeth (Diaz) is a teacher finishing her first and only year at school. She is about to marry a man for his money, until his mother steps in and breaks it off. So, she must return to school and figure out her next step to find a man to take care of her for life - enter Scott (Timberlake), a substitute teacher who happens to be related to a rich family. Elizabeth believes she can get him if she can get a boob job, and does all she can to raise the money.

Opinion: Going in I was expecting to hate it. I had heard some horrible reviews from a ton of people, but I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. No, it doesn't live up to some of those other raunchy comedies that have been out there, but it was ok. It was pretty darn predictable though, because I knew what would happen by the end from the get-go.

Grade:

Title: Gnomeo & Juliet

Starring: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Jason Statham, Ozzy Osbourne, Ashley Jensen.

Brief Synopsis: The classic retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet through garden gnomes. This movie pits blue versus red - two sides of the fence. Juliet (Blunt) is on the red side when she discovers a beautiful flower that would help her garden - there she meets Gnomeo (McAvoy) and the two hit it off - before realizing they are from rival sides of the fence. The rest of the film is their hidden love and if they will meet the same fate as their 'namesakes'.

Opinion: A few decent laughs in this one. Pretty well done. A ton of great voice talent here and it was done pretty well. I enjoyed it, but again not a watch it a lot type of film.

Grade:

Tuesday's With Movies: 1/3/12

2012-01-03T12:00:00.001-05:00

Last week a bunch of horror films I will never see came out and I had no reason to post this weekly post. The same thing could be said about this week, but there were a few that I may be interested in - plus it's the first post of the new year. So, here you go.

Contagion: This was supposed to be the new Outbreak I guess. It has a star packed lineup, but a lot of what I am hearing is it might not be the greatest of films. But, I will at least give it a try.

The Guard: I have seen very little on this so I am not exactly sure what it is about. It does star Don Cheadle, though, who does pretty well for himself. Looks to be a mix of two different personalities being teamed up to take down a drug ring. It's been done before, but I may give it a try.

I Don't Know How She Does It: How do some of these movies get made? I really have no idea who is rushing out to see a Sarah Jessica Parker film not named Sex in the City. Plus, why does Greg Kinnear keep doing these films? He is way better than this.

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark: Yet another horror film. I swear they turn these out a dozen at at time. This one is about a young girl who moves in with her father and his girlfriend, but apparently there are creatures living in this house that want to make the little girl one of their own.

Shark Night: A bunch of people go on vacation and get attacked by sharks. Sounds like fun.

Tuesday's With Movies: 12/20/11

2011-12-20T11:10:00.000-05:00

A Dolphin Tale: Usually there is something in these almost made-for-tv films that may draw me in. Not even the fact that Morgan Freeman is in it has me running out to see it. But, I am sure eventually we will check it out with my son. It's just not something that has to be seen right away.

Midnight in Paris: I have to be honest, I think I have seen exactly one Woody Allen movie in my life and that was the one with Jason Biggs - I don't even remember the name of it. There is just something about him that has kept me from watching his films. But, this one seems to be getting some good reviews - so I will probably be watching my second one soon.

Glee: The Concert Movie: As popular as this television series appears to be - I haven't watched it, but Mrs. Kano and my son are now catching up on Netflix - the film didn't seem to do so well in the theaters. As of now I have no interest in seeing this, but if the family gets into it I am sure they will want to see it.

Warrior: Another film that has received some great reviews. I have never been into combat-sports like boxing or MMA, but they do seem to make for some pretty excellent movies. So, I will be checking this one out soon. Tom Hardy has become pretty popular of late, so want to check out his performance here.

Margin Call: Wow, this move stars a lot of name actors for something I have never even heard of, nor knew was coming out, until I did this list. By the description it is apparently a movie about the dealings of an investment bank over a 24-hour crisis. Not sure if that sounds interesting or not, but I may give it a try just on star power alone.

Colombiana: This one came and went pretty quick in the theaters. Not completely sure what it is about, but it stars Zoe Saldana and looks to be about her kicking some serious ass so I will most likely be checking it out when I can.

Straw Dogs: This looks like a thriller that may be worth watching. A couple relocating to the south that somehow get mixed up in some local tensions. It stars Eric the vampire from True Blood and Cyclops from X-Men.

Theater Review: The Muppets

2011-12-15T21:47:00.001-05:00

It's truly hard to believe that the last great Muppet movie was created way back in 1992. And, even that was considered somewhat a flop.

With the death of Jim Henson in 1990, The Muppet Christmas Carol was created and released in 1992 - the first film to not involve Henson at the helm. When it was released, however, it was considered a flop at the box office despite its favorable critical response.

Since then, the Muppets have been a part of a handful of underwhelming films such as Muppets in Space, Muppet Treasure Island and The Muppet Wizard of Oz.

Thankfully, despite being missing from the public's eye for quite awhile now, the Muppets are back and in a big way.

Jason Segel of How I Met Your Mother and Forgetting Sarah Marshall penned a beautiful film that brought the Muppets back to their roots.

Segel stars in The Muppets as Gary, a man from a city called Smalltown (think Pleasantville). Gary is dating Mary (Amy Adams), and they have the perfect relationship - except for Gary's brother, Walter (Peter Linz).

Walter is a bit different than Gary, in fact he looks more Muppet than human. Gary has always felt that he needs to take care of Walter, and so that gets in the way of Gary and Mary's relationship.

Growing up, Walter had always felt different - until they happen across The Muppet Show on television and Walter becomes entranced with them.

Gary and Mary are traveling to LA for a trip on their anniversary - and Gary surprises Walter with a bus ticket of his own. This is exciting to Walter - you see the Muppet Studios are located in LA, but also a wrench in the plans of Mary.

When they arrive in LA, the trio arrive at the Muppet Studios only to find out that it has been pretty much abandoned and is falling apart. Walter sneaks his way into Kermit's old office only to stumble across a meeting between Statler, Waldorf and Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) who are going over the old lease to the Studios. Richman will own the Studios, which apparently has oil buried underneath it, unless the Muppets can buy it back for $10 million.

Problem is the Muppets have disbanded and it's up to Gary, Mary and Walter to get them all back together again to save the Studios.

I have to say, I have always loved the Muppets. The original three movies are amazing and The Muppets Christmas Carol is a staple in our household every Christmas. So, when I heard that Segel was overtaking this I was extremely happy. Disney purchased the rights to the Muppets (but not Sesame Street or Fraggle Rock) in 2004. I was elated then because I assumed that under the Disney banner the Muppets would become something again. But, nothing happened until Segel got his hands on them.

The movie is everything you remember. It has great musical numbers. A ton of great laugh-out-loud moments. And, of course, those touching moments that the Muppets always seem to provide.

It was exciting to share the Muppets with both my parents who introduced them to me - and my wife and son. And, I definitely left the theater with a smile on my face and a new tune stuck in my head.

Grade:

Tuesday's With Movies: 12/13/11

2011-12-13T14:06:00.000-05:00

Kung Fu Panda 2: I honestly never understood the appeal of the first film. Though I did only watch it once, perhaps I need to give it another chance. Sure, there were some nice things about it, but on one watch it just never did it for me. But, I will give this one a chance as well.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Yes, I will be watching this. I was interested when it first was announced and was never able to see it in the theater. Now, with all of the great reviews and so many people saying it is a good watch, I am even more intrigued.

Fright Night: Hey, I branched out a bit and watched Zombieland a few weeks ago, but I will not branch out all of the way to watch this one.

Who? What? Where? #52

2011-12-09T00:11:00.001-05:00

Well, Nick came through and correctly identified the person to the left as John C. McGinley. Then, 21 minutes later, correctly identified him as Joe from Flypaper (the old one, not the new one).

Nick moves into second place, passing Jess by a single point. Hello, Jess! Also, pulled a Dylan and Googled his way near the top.

Anyway, good luck to everyone this week.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

1) The name of the actor (or what the actor goes by in his acting profession).

2) The name of the character in the movie.

3) And, the name of the movie.

Each correct answer gets you a point - so if you get all three correct on a given week, you can get three points. I will keep a running chart each and every week. As of now, this will be played for bragging rights only - but we shall see what the future holds.

So here is week #52:

Standings:

Dylan - 40 points
Nick - 30 points
Jess - 29 points
Matt - 23 points
Ryan "Hatter" McNeil - 23 points
Stevee - 3 points

Tuesday's With Movies: 12/6/11

2011-12-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

The Help: I guess this was a pretty popular book that they made into a movie. Only thing that gives me any interest in this is it involves Emma Stone and Bryce Dallas Howard. Though, Mrs. Kano really enjoyed the book and will definitely be watching this - and most likely complaining it isn't as good as the book.

Hangover Part II: The first one was a huge unexpected it, so of course they rushed a sequel into production. I am sure this is a subpar sequel, but I will be checking it out anyway.

Mr. Popper's Penguins: Um, never really got a great vibe from the previews, but I will probably try it out because my son will most likely love it.

Cowboys & Aliens: I know this didn't get the greatest press, but I am still way into seeing this. First, it has Harrison Ford in it. Second, it has Olivia Wilde in it. Finally, it has cowboys AND aliens in it. Has to have something worth watching in it.

The Debt: I can handle Helen Mirren, but really only in a supporting role. I don't think I can watch a full movie starring her. Plus, nothing about this film has me interested.

Who? What? Where? #51

2011-12-01T21:43:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Nick who correctly identified Michael McKean as a State Trooper from Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Thought that was the most appropriate film for Thanksgiving.

Good job, Nick. And good luck this week to everyone. I am hoping this one may be a bit tougher, but we shall see.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:

Dylan - 40 points
Jess - 29 points
Nick - 27 points
Matt - 23 points
Ryan "Hatter" McNeil - 23 points
Stevee - 3 points

Tuesday's With Movies: 11/29/11

2011-11-29T13:51:00.001-05:00

The Smurfs: I have to admit the Chipmunk films were a lot better than I originally thought they would be. It's hard seeing an '80s cartoon come to life in the CGI world, but sometimes the movie industry can surprise you. The cast looks top-notch here so I hope there is at least something decent here. At least my son will enjoy it, I am sure.

Friends with Benefits: So, this is the second film of the friends who get each other off, coming on the heels of No Strings Attached. According to sources this one seems to be the better of the two, and the other one wasn't horrendous. So, I will check it out and see.

Our Idiot Brother: I have heard mixed things about this film, but it certainly looks interesting enough to give it a try. A lot of decent actors in the film about a man who just seems to be a bit naive.

30 Minutes or Less: This looked very funny and interesting to me when it first came out, but I wasn't able to check it out in the theater. However, I have heard some pretty bad things about the film - either way I will form my own opinion when I get to check it out.

One Day: I don't know too much about this film, other than it stars Anne Hathaway and that guy that starred in 21. Looks like a romantic film, so not sure how much I will enjoy it. Mrs. Kano will probably enjoy it more.

The Art of Getting By: One of the lone Roberts I can actually stand watching, Emma, stars in this film along with former it-kid Freddie Highmore. Apparently one of those two kids on different paths in life intersect and their lives are both changed kind of films.

Who? What? Where? #50

2011-11-24T00:55:00.001-05:00

So, Dylan not only expanded his lead - but he admits he's a Googler. BUSTED!

Anyway, Dylan correctly identified that the person to the left was Elijah Wood as Video Game Boy in Back to the Future II.

Congrats to Dylan. And good luck to every one this week.

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving!

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:

Dylan - 40 points
Jess - 29 points
Nick - 24 points
Matt - 23 points
Ryan "Hatter" McNeil - 23 points
Stevee - 3 points

Tuesday's With Movies: 11/22/11

2011-11-22T06:30:00.000-05:00

Super 8: J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg, um, yes please. I have heard some great things about this film - and yes a few bad ones - but I am definitely excited to finally see this when it gets here.

Prep and Landing: This was apparently on ABC Family last year, but it is now getting released on DVD. No, I don't think I will be checking it out. If it re-runs on television this year, I may try to check it out with my son.

Conan the Barbarian: I have never even see the first and original starring Arnold Schwarzenegger - if I was going to ever watch Conan it would be the Schwarzenegger version. Also, I need to write Schwarzenegger one more time.

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World: I actually own the first three Spy Kids films. The first one is actually really good - and even though I don't remember most of the second, I think it was okay as well. I am not sure if I have even watched the third yet. But, I will probably add this one to the collection as well - even though I am sure it is horrible. Plus, it has Joel McHale which is a bonus.

Who? What? Where? #49

2011-11-17T12:30:00.000-05:00

And, Dylan expands his lead by correctly identifying the person to the left as Kiefer Sutherland as 'The Caller' in Phone Booth.

With that, Dylan moves ahead of his second-place opponent by a full eight points. Now that's a lead, but no lead is safe.

Good luck to everyone this week.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:
Dylan - 37 points
Jess - 29 points
Nick - 24 points
Matt - 23 points
Ryan "Hatter" McNeil - 23 points
Stevee - 3 points

Tuesday's With Movies: 11/15/11

2011-11-15T06:30:00.000-05:00

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides: One of the franchises that I watch with my son. He has become pretty enamored with pirates and Jack Sparrow, especially. When in Florida, we road the ride about eight times. So, we will finally be checking this out once we get it. (OK, this was released in October, but apparently the DVD alone is released today).

Beginners: A father tells his son a couple of mindblowing things. That he has terminal cancer, and that he is gay. The film stars Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer, and looks to be pretty interesting. I will hopefully get it through Netflix and check it out then.

Larry Crowne: Since I am doing my Hanks-o-Thon I will definitely be checking this one out to complete it (well, maybe not complete at the rate I am going - since there is another film coming out soon). Julia Roberts is a complete enigma for me. There are times I can't stand her, and others where I feel she is ok. So, having her in with my favorite actor should be an interesting watch.

The Lion King: Was interesting to see this in the movie theater again, and this time experiencing it with my son. The 3D was actually done well, so I am now looking forward to the other Disney releases - not to mention the Star Wars releases. Seeing those with my son will be amazing. I already own this on DVD, so I will not be re-getting it.

HOT: Nothing in Common

2011-11-11T18:00:00.000-05:00

This is one of the few Tom Hanks films that I had never heard of.

Hanks stars as David Basner, a successful ad man that has just got a promotion at his company, in Nothing in Common. He doesn't realize is that his life is about to get flipped up side down.

His mother and father, after 36 years of marriage, have decided to split up. Now, David must care for his aging father, Max (Jackie Gleason), and, to a lesser extent, his mother (Eva Marie Saint). Max, after 35 years as a garment salesman, has also just been fired from his job.

It is gathered that David and his father do not have that great of a relationship. It is also revealed that Max at a certain point had cheated on David's mother.

The rest of the film is basically the re-introduction of a father and son. It is nothing that hasn't been done before, and that won't be done again. A father-son relationship is very delicate, so this kind of film almost always sells.

In this case, I didn't really buy most of it. I think Hanks is an excellent actor, but this may have been too early in his career to pull it off completely. I have never really seen Gleason in much before, but know of his clout, and here he was okay, but not outstanding.

I didn't really dig most of this movie, but the end was quite touching. I felt a lump in my throat, I'll admit that. But overall the movie just didn't really do it for me.

Grade:

TV: The League

2011-11-11T06:30:00.000-05:00

I recently posted my Fall TV viewing schedule, but I left one show off of the list because I felt I wanted to write a longer post on this.

The League is currently airing its third season on FX on Thursday nights. It is a show that is based around a fantasy football league, but the show goes much further than that.

The show revolves around five friends, Pete (Mark Duplass), Kevin (Stephen Rannazzisi), Andre (Paul Scheer), Taco (Jonathan Lajoie) and Ruxin (Nick Kroll). Also included in this league is Kevin's wife Jenny (Katie Aselton).

In the first season, Jenny was first her husband's helper for his team and not technically a member of the league. She did, however, run his team more than he did - and that became a running joke. In season two, a spot opened up on the team and Jenny asked to join the league, but her husband boycotted this and they instead brought in Ruxin's brother-in-law Rafi (Jason Mantzoukas). Rafi is way over the top in everything that he does, and the league soon regrets bringing him in - and in the latter part of the season the group does all they can to get rid of him (and make him think it's his idea). After he leaves, Jenny officially joined the league.

This show, to me, is downright hilarious. All of the characters are so over the top, and in each episode there is always something that just makes me roll over laughing.

It is a semi-scripted, semi-improvisational comedy. This works in many ways, but one that it sometimes hurts is when it comes to the actual fantasy football portion. Don't get me wrong, the show is based around a fantasy football league, but if you are watching this to get tips - you are watching the wrong show.

The show doesn't really maintain a straight line when it comes to facts. Things happen in one episode or season and, probably because of the improvisation, it can be different in another episode. For instance, players sometimes switch teams for no real reason - plus, I am pretty sure this is an 8-person league, which really is a horrific sized league.

So, again, don't watch this for the fantasy football. It's cool to have the sports side of things as a sports fan, but the show is so much more, and again very funny.

I didn't include this in my Fall TV list, but I am definitely adding this in the Watch This section. You probably don't have to watch it from the beginning to enjoy it - but there is only a few shows in season one (currently streaming) and they are only in season three. So, get caught up.

Who? What? Where? #48

2011-11-10T17:03:00.001-05:00

Boom. And Nick jumps back over Ryan in this game of leap frog. He correctly identified the person to the left as John Cho as Dustin Wong in Big Fat Liar.

Nice job, Nick. He also, in the process, jumped over Matt and into third place.

Again, I am sorry for the delay in post. Somehow this keeps escaping me. I guess I should mix it up a bit anyway and get everyone a chance to participate.

Anyway, good luck this week.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:
Dylan - 34 points
Jess - 29 points
Nick - 24 points
Matt - 23 points
Ryan "Hatter" McNeil - 23 points
Stevee - 3 points

Fall TV: What I'm Watching

2011-11-10T01:12:00.003-05:00

As you can probably tell my movie watching has taken a back-seat as of late - and my blog writing has also been knocked back. I have been working a lot, and at odd hours, which has made some of these rather difficult.

Also, to top that off, the Fall TV season is in full effect. And, as I have said before, I watch a lot of television. To keep my TiVo from overflowing I must stay on top of my shows - which means, they come first over any new movie watching for now.

So, I felt it was time to take a look at the shows I am watching currently and make sure to tell what shows should be absolutely watched.

I guess I should just break this down by day.

Sunday

Desperate Housewives: This is not one of my go-to shows, but I got into it a few years ago with my wife and I have been watching it with her ever since. I am not going to tell any of you to rush out and watch this, especially since it is in its final season. But, if you were watching it before - you might as well stick with it to the end. I have a few episodes still backlogged I need to get to - so this isn't one that I rush to watch.

Pan Am: On the 2-hour block last year with Desperate Housewives was Brothers & Sisters. So, when that went off the air we looked to fill the void, and Pan Am sort of fit our schedule perfectly. Christina Ricci was possibly my first crush when she was Wednesday Addams, so yet another reason to give this show a chance. It's not amazing, but the actors and actresses are pretty good, and the week-to-week spy game is also pretty interesting.

Dexter: Catch up immediately. I don't know how, but start with season one and start getting caught up. I didn't start watching this show from the beginning, but I watched the first three seasons back-to-back within a few days and I was hooked. Start watching this show if you are able to. It's amazing.

Monday

How I Met Your Mother: I am not really sure where to put How I Met Your Mother. It is a good comedy about relationships and the interaction within those relationships. It's all a flashback story where future Ted is retelling the story of how he met his wife to his children. Now, along the way to actually getting to that he recalls a ton of other romantic relationships and his interactions with his friends - and their romantic relationships. Not sure if this is what I will be doing in 10 years with my children, but it makes for a pretty funny show. Hopefully, one of these days, we will actually see a glimpse of the actual mother.

Mike & Molly: Sort of an underrated hit that has gotten a little more attention after Melissa McCarthy's role in Bridesmaids blew her up. I was a fan of Billy Gardell in small roles on Yes, Dear and My Name is Earl so it was nice to see him get a starring role. Plus, I really like Reno Wilson, who plays Gardell's partner on the Chicago police force.

2 Broke Girls: This is a new comedy about pretty much two girls from the opposite ends of life. Caroline has been rich all of her life, but when her father goes to jail for the way he actually got most of their money, she is forced to fend for herself - and actually learn to fend for herself. She gets a job at a diner where she meets Max, a girl that has come from nothing and has learned to live her life without truly having anything. I really enjoy the snarkiness that is Kat Dennings as Max. I am not a huge fan of the actress playing Caroline, but the two together seem to work, so I am willing to accept her.

House: Another show, like Desperate Housewives, that I cannot tell you to start watching if you haven't in the past. This is supposed to be the final season of this franchise. The last few years have been a little crazy as the show tries to change things up from its ailment of the week. It is still a wonderfully written show, the diseases are interesting, and Hugh Laurie does an amazing job.

Tuesday

New Girl: This was one of the new shows I was most excited to see when the new television shows were announced. I really enjoy Zooey Deschanel and I really had high hopes for this show. It is not horrible, but nothing has really jumped out about it either. I am still enjoying Deschanel, but the guys in the show really haven't jumped off the screen yet. I hope it finds its feet, though.

Last Man Standing: The return of Tim Allen to television since the final episode of Home Improvement. This is a little like his old show, but three boys are replaced by three girls. Allen works in an outdoor sporting goods store, and is a bit of a man's man - despite living with four women in his household. So far, I am down with the show. It's pretty funny and is something that you don't see too often anymore - a family oriented show.

Biggest Loser: I have to admit, I was never into watching this show. But, one night I watched it with my wife and we began watching it together ever since. It's pretty interesting to see just how people can let themselves go so far - and how to get themselves back in shape. The show changes itself with every season, whether it be with families, or couples. It also has recently made the change as Jillian Michaels left the show - and Anna Kournikova joined. One thing I am not a fan of is the show's host - Allison Sweeney really annoys me.

Wednesday

CSI: This is the original in the franchise. I started watching the other two in the franchise as well, but last year I decided to drop the other two. Now, I just focus on the original. The show has gone down a bit since the departure of William Petersen - the show was still pretty good, but it needed a new actor to be the focus. Last year they tried Laurence Fishburne, but that didn't work out - now Ted Danson is on the case, which I have enjoyed so far. If you watched before, you may want to come back.

The Middle: Added this to my TiVo mainly because of Neil Flynn, or the Janitor in Scrubs. I thought I at least owed it a chance because of how he made me laugh so much before - but I was hooked. The show revolved around a family that is struggling to get by. They have three children, all with some sort of weird quirks. There's Axl the oldest, who hates school but is athletic - as soon as he is home, though, he immediately walks around in his boxers. Sue is the middle child and wants to be involved in absolutely everything - unfortunately, she has no real ability in anything. Brick is the youngest child, he loves to read, be by himself and whispers words to himself.

Happy Endings: I tossed this on my TiVo because of Eliza Coupe, or Denise from the final two seasons of Scrubs. What I didn't realize as that the gorgeous Elisha Cuthbert would also be in the show. The show is pretty Friends-esque. It revolves around six friends (three guys, three girls) and all of their odd happenings that they do throughout the day. A pretty funny show. Watch this show.

Modern Family: I sort of stayed away from Modern Family even after all of the buzz when it first came on. But, eventually I found myself bored one day and decided to catch up on the show. And, I am glad I did. It's a show that features the family of Jay Pritchett, the patriarch of the family. The show, filmed much like a documentary like The Office, follows Jay's family, including his daughter (her husband and three kids), his son (his husband and adopted daughter), and his new, younger wife (and her son). I have to admit, it can be pretty darn funny - but also has its touching moments that shows just how important family can be.

Survivor: This was my first ever reality show that I watched, and I have stuck with it over all of the years. I am not sure what season exactly it is in - somewhere in the 20s - but I have stayed with the show for the most part (I think I missed the conclusion of two seasons). They are constantly mixing up how they do things which keeps the show interesting - some are horrible ideas (3 person finale) and some are good (hidden immunity idols - and so far redemption island). I may be in the minority, but I enjoy seeing some of the favorites from past seasons return. If anything, they are there because they entertained us. It's the new people who are dumb enough to actually let them win.

Thursday

Community: I have gushed about this show many times, but again I fear it must be done. This is the best comedy on television, hands down. For some reason this show does not get the viewers that it should. Everything I read about the show has it so highly regarded - and the fan base is rather rabid, so where are the viewers? As I have compared this show before to my beloved Scrubs I fear that it has a particular fan base that just doesn't seem to grow. The only good thing for Community is that it has stayed on the same night during its first three seasons - which is good, so far. Watch this show.

Parks & Recreation: I gave up watching SNL along time ago, which I think was right around the time that Amy Poehler was on. I never really got her comedy, but at times I have enjoyed it. When the show was announced, again I stayed away. I didn't think yet another show like The Office would be able to work. But, I was wrong. Again, I caught up on the show when I was bored and I am glad I did. This show is hilarious - especially the relationship of Andy and April.

The Office: I am not sure when I started watching the show, but I believe I said before that the lone part of the show that I was not a huge fan of was Michael Scott's character. Now, he did grow on me over the years, but I still say the show is more about the other people in the office - and now is their chance to shine that Scott has left. The show still remains funny, but I am hoping for it to branch out a little more - I would love to get to know the other characters even more, especially Creed.

Whitney: This was the one show this season that I was absolutely all-in on from its commercials. It had the guy from the underrated Glory Daze that should have never been canceled, and the up-and-coming hot, new comic in Whitney Cummings. So, I thought this would be the hit, new show. Now, I don't believe it is as horrible and deserves canceling like all of the others out there, but it certainly has been a little bit of a let down. It certainly isn't an absolute, must watch like I was hoping, but it still provides a few laughs each episode - which, for now, is enough for me to keep watching. I do hope it finds a way to get even funnier.

Grey's Anatomy: OK, I know that some of the shows on this list are - how do I say this? - girly. But, for the most part I got into watching them to spend time with my wife and I got hooked on the show, it happens. This one, however, was totally me. My wife has never watched this show. I started watching it from the beginning and I am still watching it now. I love it. This season has been really good and it continues to toss out great episodes.

Friday

Fringe: This show has never truly gotten a fair shake. It has been moved all over the place since its original season. The show originated on Tuesday nights and ran after House which I thought was a beautiful pairing - and the show did pretty well. Then, for some odd reason, FOX moved the show to Thursday night at the exact same time as NBC's comedy block, ABC's Grey's Anatomy and CBS's CSI. Well, the ratings dipped - of course. Now the show has been stranded on the dreaded Friday night, but the good thing is they don't appear to expect much from Friday night shows. All I know is this show is one of the most interesting and well done shows on television. Watch this show.

Okay, so that is my list of Fall television I am currently watching. This list does not include some of the other various shows that I am also watching - it also does not include some shows that have ended their season. I may do another list for the rest of those as well in the future - some are must watch as well.

So, in recap. I don't watch a ton of shows that I am telling you to go watch right now. Shows like House and Desperate Housewives are ending - so no real reason to start watching now, you can catch up later on instant streaming if you want.

If I were to tell you to watch any shows, it would be Community, Dexter, Parks and Recreation, Fringe and Happy Endings. I would also give Last Man Standing, Pan Am and The Middle are shows that I would at least give a chance. Finally, The Office, CSI, Grey's Anatomy and How I Met Your Mother are oldies that continue to impress - so if you left them, come on back to some old friends.

Tuesday's With Movies: 11/8/11

2011-11-08T06:30:00.000-05:00

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II: Of course I will be owning this. It's the capper of one of the greatest sagas in modern history. Saw it twice in the theater and we own all seven films before it - so yeah, we will complete the saga.

The Change-Up: Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman, what can go wrong? Apparently a lot. I haven't seen it yet, but I haven't heard very positive things. I will still watch it of course, because I watch all of the crazy comedies. I am sure it has some laughs, that will be enough.

13: This is the second straight Jason Statham movie that has gone straight to DVD that I have posted on this thing. Is he just not a bankable star? He had a few decent hits with The Transporter series and Crank, plus he has been pretty good in a secondary role. Plus, with the addition of 50 Cent, this should be a hit, right?

Who? What? Where? #47

2011-11-03T23:37:00.000-04:00

Ryan comes through and correctly identifies the person to the left as Johnny Galecki as Jeremy from Hancock.

And, also made me cry with his basketball reference. I miss my NBA.

With that, he retakes his spot previously taken by Nick's huge run. Dylan, however, still remains with a commanding five point lead.

So, good luck to everyone this week. And, so sorry about my absent-mindedness.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:
Dylan - 34 points
Jess - 29 points
Matt - 23 points
Ryan "Hatter" McNeil - 23 points
Nick - 21 points
Stevee - 3 points

Tuesdays With Movies: 11/1/11

2011-11-01T06:30:00.000-04:00

Cars 2: OK, I admit it, this film is probably near the bottom of Pixar's film list. I have only seen it once, but it is either this one or Ratatouille that is at the bottom. But, as I said, the bottom of the Pixar pile is still better then a lot of other films. I still enjoyed the film, though, and it was absolutely gorgeous to look at. My son has it coming in the mail as a birthday present - so I will probably watching it about 200 times in the next year, so I better get used to it.

Water for Elephants: I have no interest in this movie, but my wife has wanted to see it since she read the book. I have no idea why she wants to, though, because she always hates the movies of books she likes. Which is why I am of the motto: Why read? If it's any good, they'll make a movie out of it. So, I am never disappointed that a film is of lesser quality then the book it is based off of.

Crazy, Stupid, Love: What is not to like about this film? A great cast and it sure sounds like it was a great comedy. I have enjoyed Emma Stone's film, so I am pretty excited to finally watch this. Plus, it seems that Ryan Gosling is the new, next big thing - and that I will be watching him in about four or five films over the next few months.

Hot Coffee: This was a documentary that was played on HBO. It follows four different court cases, including the McDonald's case where a woman burnt her legs after dropping a cop of hot coffee on them. It looked pretty interesting at the time, and if it comes on streaming I may check it out in the future.

6/50x2: Shutter Island

2011-10-27T21:47:00.000-04:00

Hanks/Howard; Depp/Burton; DiCarprio/Scorsese.

Some actors and directors just seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. Leonardo DiCarprio seems to have found his in Martin Scorsese.

DiCaprio stars as Teddy Daniels in Shutter Island, a private detective who has been asked to look into a missing inmate at Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane. Daniels is introduced to his new partner, Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) as the two of them prepare to look for Rachel Solando.

Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley) is the 'wardon' of the hospital, and Daniels uncovers that he and his partner, Dr. Naehring (Max Von Sydow), appear to be holding back a lot of information.

Also located on this island somewhere is arsonist Laeddis (Elias Koteas), who Daniels believes killed his wife, Dolores (Michelle Williams).

Located on the island is a mysterious lighthouse, where Daniels is given the impression that at this lighthouse lobotomies are performed on the patients at the hospital.

So many odd things happen during this film, but all are tied together in the end.

I love these type of movies - the type that keeps you invested, feeling that everything that you are seeing and everything that is said is important to the conclusion of the film.

I am not going to say anything else, just in case someone hasn't seen it, or no how it ends.

DiCaprio continues to impress me as an actor - I just wish he would let loose every so often and perhaps do a comedy. He is well-respected as an actor already - why not just have fun sometimes? He seems so serious all of the time with his charities and causes - crack a smile, buddy.

(NOTE: This was so hard to review. I can't really explain many of the details of the film - it just needs to be seen. So, this is a little shorter than usual.)

Grade:

Who? What? Where? #46

2011-10-26T18:00:00.000-04:00

Whoa, Dylan must not have liked Nick creeping in on his first-place position. He correctly identified Dominic West as Jasper from 28 Days.

Nick made it there first, but luckily for Dylan he was stumped.

With that, Dylan expands his lead over second-place Jess, and up-and-comer Nick.

Anyway, good luck this week.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:
Dylan - 34 points
Jess - 29 points
Matt - 23 points
Nick - 21 points
Ryan "Hatter" McNeil - 20 points
Stevee - 3 pointsWQ

HOT: Man with One Red Shoe

2011-10-26T11:07:00.000-04:00

This is an odd, yet fun little CIA film.

I watched this many times when I was younger, but I hadn't seen it in awhile - and it was still a pretty decent watch.

Hanks stars as Richard Drew in The Man with One Red Shoe, a violinist who gets mistaken as a CIA operative.

Cooper (Dabney Coleman) and Ross (Charles Durning) are competing for the deputy director position at the CIA. Ross currently holds the position, but has messed up a handful of times and Cooper is doing all that he can to take over.

Ross comes up with a brilliant plan to throw Cooper and his team off of his track - knowing Cooper has bugged his house he tells Brown (Edward Herrmann) about a special CIA operative coming off a plane. What Cooper isn't told is that Brown is actually supposed to find some Average Joe, not a real operative.

At the airport, Brown waits by the escalator searching for his fake operative and sees a man wearing one red shoe - Richard Drew.

The rest of the film is Cooper and his team tracking Drew, and believing that every little thing he does, whether it's playing his violin or even going to the dentist, there is something behind it.

Drew, meanwhile, has no idea he is being tailed - he is a violinist in an orchestra, along with his best friend Morris (Jim Belushi) and Morris' wife Paula (Carrie Fisher). Drew and Paula also seem to have an affair going on before Drew meets Maddy (Lori Singer). Maddy is apart of Cooper's team and is trying to get even closer to Drew to figure out what he knows.

The film is a fun, little romp filled with lots of hilarious shenanigans - mostly supplied by the various team members on both sides.

After watching Splash, Lori Singer felt like a carbon copy of Daryl Hannah. Plus, I had no idea that this was the same person that was in Footloose. They look almost nothing alike.

Anyway, a pretty decent film that still made me laugh at times. And it's funny to see what happens with Drew just because he happened to wear one red shoe.

Grade:

Tuesday's With Movies: 10/25/11

2011-10-25T06:30:00.000-04:00

Captain America: The First Avenger: I have already seen this movie, but I will definitely be checking it out again. I loved it upon my first viewing, and Mrs. Kano loved it as well. My son has really gotten into the superhero films - and although this one is a bit bloodier than the previous films, I will do my best to remember where those were so he can still watch it.

Winnie the Pooh: Apparently a really decent film with the acclaimed characters we all grew up with. I had originally planned on seeing this in the theater with my son, but realized it was only 63 minutes long - no way I am spending that much money for an hour film. But, now that it is coming out on DVD we will be checking it out.

Attack the Block: Well, I don't know too much about this film - just some of the odd things I have heard. About a gang in London that protect their 'block' from an alien invasion. Sounds like a very odd premise, but looks like most people actually enjoyed it. Not sure where it stands really - but as of now I have no real interest.

5/50x2: Buried

2011-10-23T21:46:00.000-04:00

I am so very surprised that not much about this movie was spoiled to me.

I knew a few of the minuscule moments going in, but that is it.

Buried stars Ryan Reynolds as Paul Conroy, a truck driver from the United States working in the hostile territory of Iraq.

That is pretty much the only person in this movie. Sure, you hear others, but Reynolds is the only actor you actually see during the entire film. 95 minutes of Reynolds and the occasional black screen.

I have to admit, when it first started I thought there is no way they can stay with Reynolds in this tiny spot for the entire film and still hold my interest. How would that be possible? Well, they did it.

Without giving too much away, Conroy awakens at the beginning of the film inside a buried, wooden coffin somewhere in the Iraqi desert. His truck driving convoy has been ambushed, as we are told in the story, but never see. Apparently everyone else was killed and he was buried alive.

Inside his coffin he is given a lighter, a cell phone (in Arabic), glow sticks, a flask, a pencil, a knife and a flashlight. He tries to contact his family and his employer, to no avail. He does manage to get in contact with the U.S. Embassy and tells them his predicament.

He is also contacted by a man named, Jabir (Jose Luis Garcia Perez), the leader of those who attacked his convoy, and is ordered to send a ransom message for his life for $5 million (which is eventually lowered to $1 million).

During this time, Conroy is also talking to Dan Brenner (Robert Paterson), a hostage rescue group leader, who now appears to be Conroy's lone chance at being rescued.

Like I said, hard to believe I could be so fascinated with a film that stays inside a wooden box throughout its entire run. I loved Cast Away, but even that film was off the island for at least 1/3 of the film - and, with no disrespect to Reynolds, but Hanks has the clout to carry a film alone.

Well, apparently Reynolds does as well. At least for me.

I adored this film, and truly began to felt for Conroy during my brief time with him. Reynolds did an amazing job at allowing that to happen. You could feel his pain and you could feel his pessimistic attitude.

Only a few things stuck out to me that I either felt was a useless moment or didn't really work for me. Other than that, I truly found myself engulfed in this film.

Grade:

Who? What? Where? #45

2011-10-20T18:00:00.000-04:00

Nick's streak is broken as Ryan "Hatter" McNeil correctly identified the person to the left as Andie MacDowell as Laura Kinney in Multiplicity.

With that, Ryan moves to within one point of the streaking Nick.

So sorry about missing yesterday - it has been a few busy weeks and I forgot.

Anyway, good luck this week.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:
Dylan - 31 points
Jess - 29 points
Matt - 23 points
Nick - 21 points
Ryan "Hatter" McNeil - 20 points
Stevee - 3 points

Tuesday's With Movies: 10/18/11

2011-10-18T14:29:00.002-04:00

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides: Got a lot of back-and-forth about just how good this film is. I was a huge fan of Keira Knightley in these films (for obvious reasons), but the real attraction was always Capt. Jack. I really have enjoyed Ian McShane in things like Deadwood, so he will be a welcome addition. I will definitely be checking it out - plus my son is really into Capt. Jack and pirates now.

Red State: As I have stated before, not much into horror films, but occasionally one grabs my interest enough that I may check it out - and this one certainly has. I have been a fan of mostly everything Kevin Smith has done, so I will check this one out. From what I can tell, not much gore if any - so I should be in the clear.

Bad Teacher: One of the many raunchy rated-R comedies that was released this year. I can take or leave Cameron Diaz, but here she looks to be on the take side. Jason Segel has become a pretty nice go-to guy for comedy - and usually Justin Timberlake can be hilarious as well. So, I will definitely be checking this one out as well.

Monte Carlo: I know absolutely nothing about this film except it stars some teenie boppers and appears to be a chick-flick. Mrs. Kano wants to check it out, so it will be coming eventually. Will I be watching it with her? That remains to be seen.

A Better Life: Yet another film on Mrs. Kano's radar that has missed mine completely. I will probably wait until I know more about it or she has watched to see if I want to.

Who? What? Where? #44

2011-10-12T18:00:00.000-04:00

Nick has made a serious run as of late. Watch out top of the list.

He correctly identified the person to the left as Dennis Quaid playing Tuck Pendleton in Innerspace.

And with that he now stands just two points behind Matt for third place. What a comeback story.

Good luck to everyone again this week. Someone should step in and break Nick's streak.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:
Dylan - 31 points
Jess - 29 points
Matt - 23 points
Nick - 21 points
Mad Hatter - 17 points
Stevee - 3 points

Tuesday's With Movies: 10/11/11

2011-10-11T06:30:00.000-04:00

Green Lantern: So, apparently this is not a great superhero movie. Or, a good film at all. But, I will check it out. Sure, why not?

Horrible Bosses: Got a lot of great reviews and is apparently very funny. This is definitely in my wheelhouse and I will be checking it out as soon as possible. Which unfortunately means at least another month.

Zookeeper: Looks completely stupid, but possibly could be a good watch for my 5-year old. Will check it out with him - probably the only reason why I would.

Tree of Life: I know absolutely nothing about this one. Except I heard that people have a hard time understanding it. This one doesn't really appeal to me, so it will most likely be a skip.

Who? What? Where? #43

2011-10-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

Nick continues his dominance of late, correctly identifying Mike Vogel as Jason Hawkins in Cloverfield.

With that win, Nick moves past Hatter and into fourth place, now just five points behind third-place Matt.

Anyway, congrats to Nick and good luck to everyone this week.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:

Dylan - 31 points
Jess - 29 points
Matt - 23 points
Nick - 18 points
Mad Hatter - 17 points
Stevee - 3 points

Tuesday's With Movies: 10/4/11

2011-10-04T15:15:00.002-04:00

Fast Five: I enjoy the Fast & Furious franchise, and after the slip up that was Tokyo Drift they seem to have gotten back to their roots - especially reuniting Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. And now, with the guys from 2 Fast 2 Furious (the lone Diesel-less film of the franchise) with everyone this looks to be a thrilling ride.

Scream 4: One of the only 'horror' franchises that ever interested me. As I said before, the gore-machine of some films really doesn't appeal to me, but this one was also pretty light and was more of a thriller then a horror movie, at least to me. I look forward to seeing what the new film brings to the table.

Who? What? Where? #42

2011-09-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

Here comes Nick.

He correctly identified Chris Pratt as Fletcher Flemson in Bride Wars. With that he moves closer to passing Hatter. Dylan still retains his slim lead over Jess.

Good luck to everyone this week.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:

Dylan - 31 points
Jess - 29 points
Matt - 23 points
Mad Hatter - 17 points
Nick - 15 points
Stevee - 3 points

HOT: Volunteers

2011-09-28T13:01:00.002-04:00

This was a pretty important film for Tom Hanks, not particularly on the film standpoint, but the fact that he co-starred with his eventual wife, Rita Wilson.

Anyway, the second film in a row where Hanks teams up with John Candy.

In Volunteers Hanks stars as Lawrence Whatley Bourne III, who is just graduating college and has rung up a pretty substantial gambling debt. After trying desperately to get his father to pay off his debt, Bourne bribes his college roommate into switching places and letting him join the Peace Corps.

Bourne, after his father pulls strings to keep him there - despite his pleads to leave, is paired with Tom Tuttle (Candy) and Beth Wexler (Wilson) to help build a bridge in Southeast Asia.

Wexler, after the finding the truth about Bourne, cannot stand him - and how easy he has connected with the natives. But after some coaxing and a little help from At Toon (Gedde Watanabe), an English speaking native, he manages to get her to fall for him.

Tuttle, meanwhile, gets lost in the woods and is brainwashed by a local Communist force to finish the bridge. Bourne also makes a deal with a local Opium drug lord to finish the bridge to make it easier for them to transport their drugs.

Once they realize that the locals just may be better off without this bridge it might be too late.

Again, I watched this film a lot when I was younger so it has some sentimental value - and after re-watching it I still enjoyed it, but not as much as I probably did before.

For one, I was not a huge fan of the snobby Hanks' accent, but I got past it. Also, three major villains and not one of them was that villainous.

Grade:

HOT: Splash

2011-09-27T13:25:00.001-04:00

Here we have the first teaming of what will eventually become many between Tom Hanks the actor and Ron Howard the director.

I remember really enjoying this film when I was younger, probably the first film where I started to like Tom Hanks.

Anyway, Splash stars Hanks as Allen Bauer. We first meet Allen on a ferry boat as a young child. He sees something in the water and decides to jump in despite not knowing how to swim. It is here that he meets a young Madison, who keeps him safe until he is saved.

Cut to years later and Allen is in charge of his family's produce business, along with his older brother, Freddie (John Candy). Freddie, however, is more into living than working, so most if not all of the business decisions are thrust upon Allen - add that to fact that his girlfriend has just left him and Allen is about to have a minor breakdown.

With that he decides to take an unplanned trip to Cape Cod, where he first met Madison (even though he thinks she might have been a figment of his imagination).

Allen rents a boat to take him across and we learn that he still has not learned how to swim. Of course, he falls out of the boat and gets hit in the head by the boat. Madison (Daryl Hannah) rescues him yet again.

During her rescue, Allen drops his wallet and Madison gets it off the ocean floor - oh, and Madison just so happens to be a mermaid.

She uses his licence to get his address and tracks him down. Despite not knowing how to speak, Allen takes her in and immediately begins to fall in love with her. She does learn English, however, by watching television and the love affair between Allen and Madison begin. She is, however, keeping this one major secret from him.

Meanwhile, Walter Kornbluth (Eugene Levy) is trying to track down Madison to prove that mermaids exist. He saw her on an ocean excursion, but dropped his camera before he could get a picture - now it is his one goal to show he is not crazy and expose Madison for the mermaid she is.

Will Kornbluth expose her? Will this be a deal breaker for Allen? Will Madison be able to last outside of the ocean for so long?

I have to admit, Splash was a pleasant surprise - I hadn't seen it in a long time, but I still enjoyed it. Maybe not as much as I enjoyed it when I was younger, but honestly it still held up for me.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Hanks and Hannah - plus the trio of Hanks, Candy and Levy were great together.

Grade:

Tuesday's With Movies: 9/27/11

2011-09-27T06:30:00.000-04:00

I am not really sure why I am posting this because, frankly, there is only one major release this week - and it is on Friday. So, it technically isn't even Tuesday's With Movies, but I post this each Tuesday there is at least one major release - so here it is again.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon: I saw this already in the theater and I will be adding it to the collection whenever possible. I have no real issues with the Transformers films, in fact, I actually enjoy them. I guess that is because I go in knowing what to expect - a popcorn film with CGI robots and lots of things blowing up. Plus, this one was a lot better than the second one, so it was even easier to take.

Who? What? Where? #41

2011-09-21T18:00:00.000-04:00

Nick comes through this week by correctly identifying the person to the left as Nathan Lane. In his second attempt, he correctly placed him as Ed Chapman in the film Life With Mikey.

With that, the standings remain the same, though Nick moves up three points. Dylan still has the slimmest of leads over Jess, who could jump back in front this week. And Matt is still just a few points behind second place.

OK, well good luck this week.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:
Dylan - 31 points
Jess - 29 points
Matt - 23 points
Mad Hatter - 17 points
Nick - 12 points
Stevee - 3 points

Tuesday's With Movies: 9/20/11

2011-09-20T08:05:00.000-04:00

Bridesmaids: From what I can tell this is supposed to be the comedy of the summer. I have heard some great things about this, much like I did with The Hangover a few years ago. This is one of the films from the summer that I have been waiting to see - have to wait a bit longer due to Netflix, but I will see it soon.

Set Up: A heist film starring Bruce Willis, Ryan Phillippe and 50 Cent that is a direct-to-DVD release. I doubt this would have made a ton of money in the theaters, but considering some of the films that do go there I am surprised this is just being released on DVD. Didn't know anything about it, but I may actually check it out at some point.

The River Murders: This one appears to have been released in the theater, but I have never heard of it - it must not have been there very long. Another decent cast with Ray Liotta, Ving Rhames and Christian Slater - a detective investigates a series of murders, but soon realizes he had some sort of involvement with all of the victims. Sounds decent enough - might check it out down the line.

Guys of TV: Nathan Fillion

2011-09-15T14:48:00.000-04:00

2011 Guys of TV Champion

Nathan Fillion

Castle

Congratulations to Nathan Fillion of Castle for being named the 2011 Guys of TV champion. He takes out Grey's Anatomy's Jesse Williams to claim his title.

Thank you to everyone who participated and voted - especially those who came back each and every day. I have a lot of fun doing this, but only if there is participation. Check back next year and we may just do Guys/Girls of TV again - if I have time.

Who? What? Where? #40

2011-09-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

Dylan breezed in and correctly identified Kevin Nealon as Potter in Happy Gilmore. And, with that "easy" victory Dylan moves back ahead of Jess for first place in the game.

This one I feel will be a bit more difficult, but you all seem to surprise me so we shall see.

Anyway, good luck to all of you.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:

Dylan - 31 points
Jess - 29 points
Matt - 23 points
Mad Hatter - 17 points

Nick - 9 points
Stevee - 3 points

Guys of TV: Fillion vs. Williams

2011-09-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

Wow, Jesse Williams has officially been the underdog that not go down. Williams lands in today's finals matchup after defeating his castmate of Grey's Anatomy Patrick Dempsey.

But, can he ride this wave all the way to victory and claim the title? We shall see.

Final day of voting - tomorrow the champion is crowned. Enjoy!

FINALS

(1) Nathan Fillion

Fillion is currently starring in Castle as Richard Castle. He lands in the finals after defeating Franklin & Bash's Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Covert Affair's Sendhil Ramamurthy, The Mentalist's Simon Baker and True Blood's Alexander Skarsgard.

(6) Jesse Williams

Williams is currently starring in Grey's Anatomy as Jackson Avery. He lands in today's finals matchup with victories over Chuck's Zachary Levi, True Blood's Stephen Moyer, Mad Men's Jon Hamm and Grey's Anatomy's Patrick Dempsey.

poll by twiigs.com

Guys of TV: Williams vs. Dempsey

2011-09-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

Nathan Fillion is our first finalist as he takes out True Blood's Alexander Skarsgard.

Who will join him? My bet is on someone from Grey's Anatomy.

Keep up the voting. Enjoy!

SEMIFINALS

(6) Jesse Williams

Williams has been the underdog who cannot stop. He recently took out No. 1 seed Jon Hamm from Mad Men to make it to the semifinals. He is currently Jackson Avery on Grey's Anatomy.

(2) Patrick Dempsey

And Dempsey makes it an all Grey's Anatomy semifinals on this side of the bracket with his victory over No. 1 seed How I Met Your Mother's Neil Patrick Harris. On Grey's Dempsey stars as Derek Shepherd.

poll by twiigs.com

Tuesday's With Movies: 9/13/11

2011-09-13T08:04:00.000-04:00

Star Wars-Blu Ray: As I said before, I do not own a blu-ray player as of yet, but when I do this would be one of my first purchases. Star Wars is so iconic and has been passed down from generation to generation in my family, which I have now passed down to my son. It also appears to be filled with a ton of never before seen goodies.

Thor: Saw this already, but I will definitely be checking it out again very soon. I have also been showing the Marvel films to my son, so he is looking forward to seeing it as well.

Love Wedding Marriage: According to Rotten Tomatoes this is one of the biggest flops in cinema history - right up there with Bucky Larson. My wife, however, loves to check out the wedding flicks - so we will either be checking it out together, or her by herself.

Guys of TV: Skarsgard vs. Fillion

2011-09-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

Patrick Dempsey slightly upsets How I Met Your Mother's Neil Patrick Harris to nail down the final spot in the semifinals.

Like the turnout over the weekend. Let's continue on the final few days. Champion will be named on Thursday.

Here are your semifinals. Enjoy!

SEMIFINALS

(1) Alexander Skarsgard

Skarsgard took out Bones' David Boreanaz to make his way into the semifinals. He is currently Eric Northman on HBO's True Blood.

(1) Nathan Fillion

Fillion moves into the semfinals with a victory over The Mentalist's Simon Baker. He is now the title character Richard Castle in ABC's Castle.

poll by twiigs.com

Guys of TV: Harris vs. Dempsey

2011-09-11T12:00:00.000-04:00

Jesse Williams continues his upsets. He knocks off No. 1 seed, Mad Men's Jon Hamm.

The quarterfinals wrap up today. Who will join Williams, Skarsgard and Fillion in the semifinals?

Enjoy!

(1) Neil Patrick Harris

Harris took out Burn Notice's Jeffrey Donovan to make it to the quarterfinals. He is currently playing Barney Stinson on CBS's How I Met Your Mother.

(2) Patrick Dempsey

Dempsey lands in the quarterfinals with a victory over Justified's Timothy Olyphant. He is currently starring on Grey's Anatomy as Derek Shepherd.

poll by twiigs.com

Guys of TV: Hamm vs. Williams

2011-09-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

Nathan Fillion moves into the semifinals after his defeat of The Mentalist's Simon Baker.

The quarterfinals continue over the weekend, make sure to vote.

Enjoy!

(1) Jon Hamm

It took some extra time, but Hamm took out Glee's Mark Salling to land in the quarterfinals. Hamm is currently starring on Mad Men as Don Draper.

(6) Jesse Williams

Williams is currently the lowest seed still rolling on as he upset True Blood's Stephen Moyer to move into the quarterfinals. He is currently starring on Grey's Anatomy as Jackson Avery.

poll by twiigs.com

4/50x2: Gamer

2011-09-09T18:00:00.000-04:00

So, this is how I believe we need to see our Gerard Butler. All of these romantic comedies he keeps throwing out there just do not work for me. If you are an action star (hello Dwayne Johnson) work with your bread and butter. I know everyone likes to branch out once in awhile, but stay true to who you are.

Butler is in his glory in Gamer as Kable, a prisoner on death row that just so happens to also be participating in this new 'video game' created by Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall).

Castle has created two separate reality games, the first being called Society - which is basically like the Sims except you control actual people. In his new game, Slayers, those on death row have a chance to play themselves out of prison with 30 victories.

No one has ever been able to make it to 30, or really even close before. Kable, however, is getting close. There is a catch though, he is being controlled by Simon Silverton (Logan Lerman), a rich kid who is detached from what is actually happening (actual killing) and loving his new found popularity and fame.

An alternate group that feels Castle is creating zombies by disturbing people's brains is called Humanz, which is run by Brother (Ludacris). He will do everything possible to help Kable get through his 30 victories and destroy Castle.

Castle, however, has other ideas. In order for his game to remain full proof he inserts Hackman (Terry Crews) into the game, but without a controller. He remains with free will - and the extra seconds could give him the edge over Kable.

The film also stars Alison Lohman and Aaron Yoo as Humanz members; Amber Valletta as Angie (Kable's wife); and Kyra Sedgwick as Gina Parker Smith, a talk show host.

First of all, I am not sure why everyone blasted this film. I found it quite enjoyable - and thinking outside the box. Look around, how many people think at some point this could be where video games go? And how many sick people out there would just love to play it.

I thought everyone did very well in their roles - great seeing Hall in this and he played it so well. I could have done without his dance sequence though - that was a bit odd.

Grade:

Guys of TV: Fillion vs. Baker

2011-09-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

Eight votes yesterday as I write this. I like that a lot better than the previous days.

The quarterfinals roll on as Alexander Skarsgard takes out David Boreanaz and lands in the semifinals.

Keep it up. Enjoy!

(1) Nathan Fillion

Fillion lands in the quarterfinals with a victory over Covert Affairs' Sendhil Ramamurthy. He is currently starring as Richard Castle on ABC's Castle.

(3) Simon Baker

Baker took out The Game of Thrones' Sean Bean to land into the quarterfinals. He is currently starring on The Mentalist as Patrick Jane.

poll by twiigs.com

3/50x2: Being John Malkovich

2011-09-08T18:00:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in someone else's body?

Well, what about if that body was that of actor extraordinaire John Malkovich?

Being John Malkovich gives you the opportunity to do just that. Craig Schwartz (John Cusack) is a puppeteer, who does small jobs here and there, but wants to make puppeteering huge.

He is married to Lotte Schwartz (Cameron Diaz), who is completely obsessed with animals - and has a ton of them throughout their apartment. Lotte wants to have a child, but Craig doesn't feel they are ready financially yet. He does agree, however, to get a job and he lands one at a weird office at LesterCorp on the 7 1/2 floor. He becomes a file clerk under new boss, Dr. Lester (Orson Bean).

While there he runs into Maxine (Catherine Keener) and becomes very attractive to him - despite her non-attraction to her, he stays very persistent.

Schwartz the makes a pretty iconic discovery - a small door that when entered allows you to get inside the body of actor John Malkovich for 15 minutes. Then it spits you out on the side of the NJ Turnpike.

Schwartz brings this to the attention of Maxine in hopes to gain her attention, and it sort of does, but more in the form that the two of them begin charging money for people to spend time inside John Malkovich.

This was a very strange, yet entertaining film. I like when films go out on a limb a little bit and don't completely fall on their face.

The acting was done very well, but the most entertaining was John Malkovich practically playing himself - yet even more over the top, if that is possible.

Grade:

Guys of TV: Skarsgard vs. Boreanaz

2011-09-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

Just six votes at time of post, but I will continue to post these in my normal way. There isn't many matchups left before the champion is crowned anyway. But, please spread the word and get some more voters here.

Patrick Dempsey takes out Justified's Timothy Olyphant to make up the final spot in the quarterfinals, which begin today.

So, continue voting and Enjoy!

(1) Alexander Skarsgard

Skarsgard continues to be a real threat to take the entire tournament as he knocks off Glee's Matthew Morrison to land in the quarterfinals. Skarsgard is currently playing True Blood's Eric Northman.

(3) David Boreanaz

Boreanaz upset an all True Blood quarterfinal on this side of the bracket as he took out Ryan Kwanten. He is currently starring as Seeley Booth on Bones.

poll by twiigs.com

Who? What? Where? #39

2011-09-07T18:00:00.000-04:00

Matt came out from under his rock and correctly identified Demetri Martin as Kip in The Rocker.

Matt maintains his third place position, and regains some ground on second place.

Anyway, good luck to everyone this week.

The concept is simple: each week I will place a photograph of a character within a film. It is up to you (the participant in the game) to tell me the following:

Standings:

Jess - 29 points
Dylan - 28 points
Matt - 23 points
Mad Hatter - 17 points

Nick - 9 points
Stevee - 3 points

Guys of TV: Dempsey vs. Olyphant

2011-09-07T12:00:00.000-04:00

Another upset for Jesse Williams, who knocks off Mr. True Blood Stephen Moyer and lands in the quarterfinals.

Last day of the second round begins today. I am not liking the turnout in voting the last few days, so if I don't get a good number today the rest of the bracket will unfold much quicker so I can stop wasting my time.

So, please vote. Enjoy!

(2) Patrick Dempsey

Dempsey took out White Collar's Matthew Bomer in round one to make it to this round. He is currently playing Derek Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy.

(3) Timothy Olyphant

Olyphant lands in round two with a win over Entourage's Adrian Grenier. He currently plays Raylan Givens on FX's Justified.

poll by twiigs.com

Guys of TV: Moyer vs. Williams

2011-09-06T12:00:00.000-04:00

Well, here's hoping the votes pickup again - yesterday's holiday at least gave us five.

Anyway, Simon Baker knocks off The Game of Throne's Sean Bean to land in the quarterfinals.

The second round continues. Enjoy!

(2) Stephen Moyer

Moyer rolled through Shameless' Justin Chatwin to land in round two. He is currently starring in HBO's True Blood as Bill Compton.

(6) Jesse Williams

Williams upset No. 3 seed Zach Levi of Chuck. He is currently starring as Jackson Avery on ABC's Grey's Anatomy.

poll by twiigs.com

Tuesday's With Movies: 9/6/11

2011-09-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Everything Must Go: Have heard some pretty good things about this film. I have to admit when I first heard about it I wasn't too excited, but with word of mouth and a pretty decent trailer, I am pretty excited to check it out.

Hanna: I really enjoyed Saoirse Ronan in The Lovely Bones so I look forward to checking her out in another role. Plus, it looks pretty bad ass with her as an assassin. Definitely checking this one out.

X-Men: First Class: One of the films that I wanted to check out in the theater, but was unable to. I have seen all of the X-Men films (except the Wolverine feature, but I will) and have enjoyed them - plus this one has been heavily praised by both critics and fans.

Community: Season 2: I don't generally post about new television series coming out on DVD, but for some reason the past two weeks have been TV on DVD heavy. I obviously love Community so I recommend that you watch it - and buy this DVD. On a side note, I am confused by why TV masterminds decide to release their television shows on DVD just a few weeks before the show is set to return. Wouldn't it make more sense to try and get it out sometime during the summer when someone unfamiliar with the show can check it out during the summer months and prep them for the upcoming season? I just felt it should be said seeing as how the last two weeks have had almost every TV show hit DVD.

2/50x2: 2012

2011-09-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

I have to admit, I am a sucker for a good disaster film. And when I saw the trailer for this one I was pretty psyched to see it.

Of course, I never really got around to actually watching it - then it got torn apart all over the place. But, I figured I would give it a shot with my second 50 list.

Anyway, 2012 stars John Cusack as Jackson Curtis. Curtis is an author who wrote a science fiction book about living on a spaceship. I honestly have no idea why Curtis is the main character, unless of course he is someone we can identify with.

Because, honestly, the only thing Curtis did was write a book and happen along two major things on a camping trip to Yellowstone with his children. One being Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who has discovered that the Earth will soon be going through some serious issues due solar flares that will cause the Earth's core temperature to increase. The second being Charlie Frost (Woody Harrelson), a conspiracy theorist who broadcasts on the radio. Frost tells Curtis about what is about to happen and that the government has created 'ships' to protect the smart, important and rich.

Curtis, of course, does not believe him until returning to Los Angeles to drive a Russian billionaire Yuri Karpov (Zlatko Buric) and his twin boys to the airport. The children let it slip that they have a spot on one of these ships because they are so rich.

The rest of the film involves Curtis getting his family that consists of his children, his ex-wife Kate (Amanda Peet) and her boyfriend, Gordon Silberman (Thomas McCarthy) from Los Angeles to China where the 'ships' are located. Oh, and figuring out how to get a spot on the ship that costs a ton of money.

This film also stars Thandie Newton as the presidents daughter, Laura Wilson; Danny Glover as President Wilson; and Oliver Platt as Carl Anheuser.

It was a decent disaster film, but nothing extraordinary here. I really enjoyed Harrelson's character, but he didn't have a lot of screen time.

The film borrows a lot from other disaster films, such as 'the arcs' from Deep Impact and the Earth killing itself (or healing itself) in The Day After Tomorrow.

I enjoyed the film, but I don't feel it is one that I will rush to see again - perhaps in the future, but, again, nothing too extraordinary here.

Grade:

Guys of TV: Bean vs. Baker

2011-09-05T12:00:00.000-04:00

Well, the Holiday weekend appears to have knocked this game for a loop. But, we did have a rise in voters yesterday - by one.

David Boreanaz took out True Blood's Ryan Kwanten by a single vote to move into the quarterfinals.

Happy Labor Day. Be sure to keep voting. Enjoy!

(3) Sean Bean

Bean moved into round two with a victory over Covert Affair's Chris Gorham. He starred as Eddard Stark on HBO's Game of Thrones.

(3) Simon Baker

Baker took out Glee's Cory Montieth to make it into round two. He is currently starring as Patrick Jane on CBS's The Mentalist.

poll by twiigs.com

HOT: Bachelor Party

2011-09-04T18:00:00.000-04:00

As many people probably know, Tom Hanks' career started off more on the comedic side before he finally moved on to more dramatic roles.

This, of course, can be seen in his television series Bosom Buddies where he dressed up as a woman in order to live in an apartment.

Well, his first jump into major motion pictures came with 1984's Bachelor Party, and that is where this Hanks-O-Thon gets underway.

Hanks stars as Rick Gassko, a school bus driver who has never really grown up, and is getting married to Debbie Thompson (Tawny Kitaen). Thompson comes from a well-to-do family, who cannot get over the fact that she is marrying Rick.

Her father, Ed Thompson (George Grizzard), even goes as far to get a family friend who is in love with Debbie, Cole Whittier (Robert Prescott) to sabotage Debbie and Rick's relationship. Cole decides to do this during Rick's bachelor party.

Debbie has asked Rick to have a nice, but hooker-free bachelor party. Rick's friends, however, have other ideas. Jay (Adrian Zmed), Rick's brother Stan (William Tepper) and his other friends have rented a huge hotel room, complete with alcohol, drugs, a band and lovely ladies of the night.

Rick always seems to be one-step ahead of everyone, including Cole and his soon-to-be wife, who happens to be spying on her fiance.

For a film that was released in 1984, it holds up pretty darn well. It is something that I could actually see getting made at the present time - a ton of American Pieish type laughs and goofs.

Was it juvenile? Absolutely. But, it did make me laugh quite a bit throughout. A good start to Hanks' career and this Hanks-O-Thon.

Grade:

Guys of TV: Kwantan vs. Boreanaz

2011-09-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

OK, I will hopefully get this new setup figured out. Until then - if these post at 9 a.m. the previous matchup will still be open until noon.

And, with just two measly votes Neil Patrick Harris lands in the quarterfinals with a victory over Burn Notice's Jeffrey Donovan.

The second round continues. Hope the holiday weekend doesn't discourage you from voting. Enjoy!

(2) Ryan Kwanten

Kwanten lands in round two with a victory over Rizzoli & Isles' Lee Thompson Young. He is currently starring in HBO's True Blood as Jason Stackhouse.

(3) David Boreanaz

Boreanaz sailed past Gossip Girl's Chace Crawford to move into round two. He is playing Seeley Booth on FOX's Bones.

poll by twiigs.com