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Monday, September 24, 2012

Review: Finding Nemo 3D

The Wife: After a hiatus that came from being busy and a lack of good films out, we are finally back with an edition of Movie Monday! We know all you Dump readers are thrilled. With quite a few movies that came out in recent weeks, we actually chose to see a movie we’ve already seen! Yes, that’s right we totally saw Finding Nemo 3D like the awesome grownups we are!

We chose to see Finding Nemo 3D for a variety of reasons. First off, we wanted something light and fun since we were both exhausted from the 5K we did earlier that morning. The main reason, however, is that I absolutely LOVE Finding Nemo and wasn’t about to turn down a chance to see it on the big screen! Also, this actually was my first time seeing Nemo at the theatre. Not to mention, it had actually been quite awhile since I saw Nemo in full. Finding Nemo was just as cute as I remembered. I laughed like a kid at all the jokes and even picked up on some funny moments I hadn’t really noticed during previous viewings. For a movie that already looked speculator during its first release, I truthfully didn’t notice too much of a difference with the 3D. The picture did look sharper and crisper, which was great. I picked up on a few actual 3D moments, but if you are looking to be wowed simply by the 3D, then you may be disappointed. However, even without 3D, I would have seen Finding Nemo anyway!

For the actual plot of the movie, there isn’t much to say since it’s already been out for several years. When I first saw they were bringing Nemo back to the theatre I was happy but thought “hmm that movie isn’t even that old.” Then reality hit and it dawned on me that it was nearly 10 years old. Wow. Between this and Full House turning 25 over the weekend, things keep popping up to remind me how old I am getting! Then again, age is only a number and this is why I feel no shame in seeing a movie like Finding Nemo 3D at the theatre! Overall, I really enjoyed seeing Finding Nemo 3D. It was a fun evening out with HoboDan. Nemo has always been one of my favorite Disney-Pixar movies and the only thing I missed was not hearing the music that you get with the live Nemo show at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom! My fellow Disney fanatics will know what I mean. “In that big blueeee worllddd!”

As with most Disney-Pixar films, we got a “short” before Nemo started. I consider the Toy Story trilogy to be far and above the BEST of all the Disney-Pixar movies, so naturally I was pumped for a Toy Story short! I really think the trilogy ended perfectly and don’t think more movies should be made, but I LOVE the Toy Story shorts and hope they keep making more! The short was very cute and easily my favorite part of our Finding Nemo 3D movie night experience. I really hope Disney continues to bring back old favorites. I will probably be first in line to get tickets if they re-release Aladdin or The Little Mermaid! Now, before I say goodbye please don’t laugh too much at my expense when you read HoboDan’s most-likely, typical hilarious Movie Monday review!

Hobo Dan: I sit back in my comfy theater chair, crack into my Sour Patch kids and prepare for another movie. Going to movies really is the best. I slip my 3D glasses out of their plastic wrap and whimper slightly, “this really craps on the fun though…” I know, they re-released Finding Nemo specifically for 3D, but I still hate 3D. I would have gladly seen Nemo again in standard! But I move on, the 3D effects in Finding Nemo were nonexistent anyways. A few more Sour Patches down the hatch and the trailers begin. A calm voice tells me to put on my 3D glasses (and then give in to the Matrix). I slip then on. The Wife grumbles about something, I didn’t hear the complaint over my glee at the Wreck-it-Ralph trailer and my own chewing.

“God this is blurry!” The Wife says. I heard her this time; as did everyone in the room. She removed her 3D glasses (which she has to wear over her regular glasses) and begins cleaning them off. I eat some popcorn even though the movie itself hasn’t started; (a cardinal sin to The Wife) she doesn’t notice. The Wife puts her 3D glasses back on and grumbles again “This is still blurry!” She removes both the 3D glasses and her regular spectacles and cleans both of them thoroughly. By this time the special Toy Story short film is beginning. She quickly put both sets of glasses back on and watches the short (by the way, I really love how companies are doing short cartoon like stories before movies again!) The short finishes and the Wife turns to me and frowns. I look at her, sour patches still stuck in my teeth…

“What’s the problem?” I start using my tongue to remove remnants of small sour children.

“Is this blurry to you?” She says in her ‘this is the end of the world if not fixed right now’ tone. I slowly look at the screen and then back to her.

“No.”

“Ugh! Trade me!” The Wife removes her 3D glasses and hands them to me. I get them a foot from my face when I realize the problem and hand them back to her.

“These are your sunglasses.”

Monday, September 17, 2012

Slowtember

Sorry about the slow September everyone. We at Dump have been super busy with the Mothman 5k. Now that that's over, it’s time for us to get back to our normal ranting.

As a programming note, coming in October we will be on vacation and will be doing daily mini blogs like last year. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party included! We are kicking around the idea of posting some videos from the trip as well! Just what you all need, video of me being grumpy.

While we pull ourselves together this week, why don’t you all throw some suggestions in the comments for things we should write about in the coming months? Obviously we plan to see our fair share of movies, but what else would you like to see filling the blog on a weekly basis? Do any of you support the idea of a video blog (V-log) from us?

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Fall 2012 TV Preview!!

The Wife: Well with the summer basically over, it’s time for us to glue ourselves to the ole’ tube for some Fall TV! The summer season is primarily filled with re-runs, which means when I am watching television it is usually a Pirates baseball game or something on Netflix. Needless to say I am excited for some of my favorite shows to return! Below I share my thoughts on what to expect for this year’s new show seasons. I primarily only cover shows I watch with a few extra, so if your show isn’t covered, then tell me in the comments below what you are and aren’t excited for. Well, on with my most likely bias reviews of what we can expect for the fall television season:

AMC

1. The Walking Dead - I really love AMC’s original programs. It is home to my favorite show, Mad Men, and second favorite show, The Walking Dead. Unfortunately Mad Men won’t return for awhile, but The Walking Dead is set to come back for season three on Oct. 14. It is the show that I am most excited for this fall, which is why I chose to discuss it first! I mean it has zombies, which makes it awesome, but it also provides us with a realistic look at human nature in terms of survival. Last season of Walking Dead ended with a bang. We lost two core characters, Dale and Shane. I saw Shane’s death coming, but Dale’s was completely unexpected. The show also ended with the core group being run off the farm that they had taken refuge at by a herd of zombies. It finally showed the leader, Rick, grow a pair. It showed us more of how sucky and Lady MacBeth-like Rick’s wife, Lori, was. Friendships were tested. We learned that everyone is infected by the zombie virus. (I must note that I totally called that ever since the CDC guy whispered something in Rick’s ear at the end of season one!) It ended with the group overlooking a prison, which has been confirmed as the set for much of season three. If you are a Walking Dead comic fan, you probably were happy to see the arrival of Michonne. This coming season’s trailer makes me think that we are once again in for an epic and intense ride. It will be interesting to see where things go. I am sure the group is still reeling from their losses, Sophia, Dale and even Shane, who regardless of what you thought of his character was a reason the group survived for so long. And the best part of all for Walking Dead this season is the return of Daryl’s crazy brother MERLE! I have been waiting for him to come back with revenge in mind since he was left on the roof in season one! Seriously I could go on and on talking about Walking Dead all day, but there are other shows to discuss! (Return Date: Oct. 14, 9 p.m.)

FOX

1. Glee – So I said repeatedly that last season would be my last of Glee, one of my favorite shows, because I didn’t think it would feel the same after the core characters graduated. However, last season’s emotionally-charged finale, which had me in tears, invested me in season four. Not to mention, many of my favorites will return, such as Rachel Berry and Kurt Hummel! I can’t wait to see their storylines play out in NYC. Also, another Britney tribute episode is in store. Yay! While Glee has lost its mojo (let’s face it, it hasn’t been there since season one), I will still tune in for the laughter and music! (Return Date: Sept. 12, 9 p.m.)

2. New Girl – New Girl is my proclaimed “breakout” show of the 2011-2012 television season. The show is hilarious for one, and the characters have been well established, which is important for sitcoms in today’s drama-filled TV craze. Unlike Whitney (premiered last year on ABC), New Girl really found it’s “mojo” after a few episodes. Zooey Deschanel is great, but it is her quirky roommates that make the show, especially loveable, yet douchey-Schmidt. The will they or won’t they undertones of Deschanel’s character, Jess, and roommate Nick also make the show worth watching. (Return Date: Sept. 24, 8 p.m.)

ABC

1. Greys Anatomy – I gave up on this show after the 2011 finale, but still checked in and caught a few episodes here and there last season. I began to get invested again and then Grey’s creator Shonda Rhymes chose to stab me in the heart by killing off Lexi Grey! Now it has been confirmed that Eric Dane, the oh so hot McSteamy is leaving the show. If they kill him off (which means no guest appearances) I will be furious. Greys used to be my number one show, but I think it’s time to end this medical disaster. It’s become too much like ER with so many characters/revolving cast that it just isn’t that interesting anymore. I miss the old days with the core interns. The show really hasn’t been the same since they killed off George and Izzie left. I am sure I will still try to catch up with Greys, but it certainly is not a priority anymore. (Return Date: Sept. 26, 9 p.m.)

2. Private Practice – Is this show still on?! Seriously it is awful now. I loved Addison on Greys, but her character is terrible on Private Practice. No more Pete now? No. Supposedly Kate Walsh (Addison) says this will be her last season, so hopefully they can somehow salvage this season and give Addison a happy ending. Will I watch this? Doubtful, but I am sure I will still catch up on the plot. Who knows maybe it can get interesting and suck me in again! (Return Date: Sept. 24, 10 p.m.)

3. Dancing With the Stars All-Stars – Normally I would leave reality TV off, but this is too good not to mention. For several seasons now I have said they need to do an all-stars cast, and it is finally here! I wish season mirror ball winner and former Steelers player, Hines Ward, would have signed on, but other than that the cast looks pretty good. Of course they brought back Bristol Palin for their token “controversial” contender, which I think is stupid, but oh well! I am not a Bristol basher, as that got annoying during her season, but I do think there were other former contestants they could have put in her place. Oh well, I am giving ABC exactly what they want by talking about her. I look forward to seeing Shawn Johnson again (despite her being paired with “Diva Derek”) as well as Drew Lachey, Emmitt Smith and Gilles Marini. (Return Date: Sept. 23, 8 p.m.)

NBC

1. The Office – I loved The Office for years and while it still holds a place in my heart, I am glad this is its final season. Truthfully the show lost much of its steam after season four. While there are still funny moments, it just isn’t the same. The loss of Michael Scott also hurt the show. Sometimes it is good to end a show before it gets completely stale. I can only hope we see Michael Scott at least one more time before we say goodbye to the crew at Dunder-Mifflin. (Return Date: Sept. 19, 9 p.m.)

2. 30 Rock – Sadly, I just recently began watching this amazing show thanks the beauty of Netflix. It is also set to finish its last season. I love 30 Rock and can’t wait to see what this season brings. It is definitely my pick for “current funniest show.” (Return Date: TBA)

3. Parks and Recreation- Sorry guys but I’ve only watched a handful of episodes on Netflix from season one, so I have no idea what is in store for the final season of Parks and Recreation. Hopefully it will be a good sendoff for Leslie Knope! (Return Date: Sept. 19, 9:30 p.m.)

CBS

1. How I Met Your Mother – Can’t wait for this show to return. Last season’s reveal that Robin is Barney’s future bride has me amped to see what is in store. I am thrilled that Barney and Robin are “endgame.” This season is also the last for HIMYM, so we should finally get the big “mother” reveal. I am not sure how I feel about that. It’s like I want to know, but then I am afraid that she has been so built up that it may be a disappointment. Oh well, we shall see! Besides, I don’t love HIMYM for the mother mystery, I love the show for its comedy and very-“Friends-esque” relationships amongst the main characters. I also look forward to seeing how Marshall and Lily will deal with their new baby, Marvin Wait For It Erickson, this season! It’s going to be, Legen, wait for it, dary! (Return Date: Sept. 23, 8 p.m.)

2. Two and a Half Men – Is this show still on? Sorry Ashton Kutcher, you are much better suited to the role of Kelso. I will only continue to watch this show when I catch the occasional re-run on TV. (Return Date: Sept. 27, 9 p.m.)

3. The Big Bang Theory – Oh Sheldon Cooper, my favorite fictional nerd, how I can’t wait for your return! That is all. (Return Date: Sept. 26, 8 p.m.)

The CW

1. The Vampire Diaries – The Vampire Diaries is the teen drama I anticipate the return of the most. Some call these types of shows guilty pleasures, well I see nothing to be guilty about as I am not afraid to shout my Vampire Diaries love to the world. The third season of Vampire Diaries changed the scope of the show forever with the main protagonist Elena dying and then turning into a vampire, something she said she never wanted to become. It will be interesting to see how she handles her transition, and I personally hope we can see some villainous nature from the often boring, always self-righteous Elena. We also lost fan favorite, Alaric, so I am sure his loss will be felt. The love triangle is surely to continue as now that Elena is a vampire she will remember that she met the sexy Damon first rather than boring, dull Stefan. While she “chose” Stefan at the end of season three before her death much to the chagrin of the majority of Vampire Diaries fans, we knew that it wasn’t over between her and Damon. I really hope the writers can give the fans what they want and explore a real relationship with Elena and Damon. Honestly Elena-Stefan is so played out now, and frankly, I don’t want to wait for the series finale for Damon and Elena to finally end up together. I guess now that Elena is a vampire they have an eternity to decide, however. (Return Date: Oct. 11, 8 p.m.)

2. Gossip Girl – Last season I was excited for Gossip Girl thanks to the hints at finally getting Blair and Dan together. Well they got them together, which produced some of the most-well developed episodes since the show’s inaugural season. It finally showed a seemingly healthy and non-abusive relationship for a show that is primarily about sex, sex and more sex. I am not asking Gossip Girl to become a moral high ground, but it was nice to see Blair fall for the “pauper” Dan and get away from abusive, controlling Chuck. The “Dair” relationship re-invigorated my love of Gossip Girl and showed that the writers were capable of character development. However, this all went to heck when the writers chose to pander to crazy fourteen year old girls who apparently were making death threats if the abuse-centric couple of Blair and Chuck were not reunited. The season five finale was a DISASTER and killed all development for nearly every character. It also majorily jumped the shark by bringing back a character who was supposed to be dead and worst of all sent out the message that abusive relationships are ok. It makes me sick. I once was a Chuck-Blair fan until he sold her for a hotel and then attempted to physically harm her. Sorry, I can’t support a show that makes light of abuse. So goodbye, Gossip Girl and good riddance! Thank goodness season six is the final season for this garbage! (Return Date: Oct. 8, 9 p.m.)

3. 90210- This show has just become so scattered that I only catch episodes here and there. The only character I like is Naomi. I won’t watch on a regular basis but will probably catch some eps online to see what she is up to. Seriously this 90210 isn’t even in the same league as the original Beverly Hills 90210! I mean, they never even hang out at the Peach Pit anymore! Nat must be so sad. I wonder if he is still making up money for all the “on the house” meals he gave to the original gang? (Return Date: Oct. 8, 8 p.m.)

So there you go. My thoughts on what’s to come for the fall 2012 television season. I must note that I also anticipate the return of Downton Abbey, my other favorite show. However, it sadly won’t be back until January. Let us know what shows you look forward to this fall in the comment section. Happy TV watching!!!