The Return of the Blog: Avengers, MIB III & Prometheus

Just when you thought we might never return, we are back. This week’s Movie Monday, which featured the new Disney-Pixar movie, Brave, (click the link if you haven’t read our review yet!) hopefully marks the start of more consistent blogging. I know we promised to be more consistent months ago, but life happens. 2012 has just been a crazy year! I am sure our lack of blogs has left a giant hole in your lives, so let’s get started!

Starting off: Happy summer! Summer officially began on June 20. This really means nothing to us working folk though other than way too hot weather, lack of football and crappy television programs. On a positive note, the summer season does bring with it time to catch up with and get interested in “new” TV shows (meaning those we haven’t seen…duh!) thanks to the beauty that is Netflix. We also look forward to this summer’s Shark Week, which starts August 12, as well as the London Summer Olympics and the Tour de France! Summer time also comes with fun cookouts, trips and of course, new movie releases! We kind of feel bad that we didn’t get around to reviewing some of the top flicks that have already come out, but below we will list some brief thoughts on each!

The Avengers

The Wife: Love, love, LOVED this movie! I enjoyed it enough to catch it at the theatre twice. Following my second viewing, I realized how much I actually liked the film. After I saw it the first time, I felt slightly disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed it, but it was almost that post-Christmas letdown feeling. I had been anticipating this movie for so long and had such high expectations…and then it was just over. It took a second viewing for me to really notice how much I loved The Avengers. Once again, Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark stole the show. Oh how I love me some Tony Stark! I thought the cast all meshed well together and their chemistry was spot on. The movie was funny, action packed and the plot seemed cohesive and not scattered, which was something I was afraid could happen with this film. Joss Whedon did a great job directing (I still don’t drink from the Whedon fanboy Kool-Aid, but I give credit where credit is due)! I can’t go without mentioning the amazing EYE CANDY of this movie either. Ladies, even if you aren’t on the super hero bandwagon, watch this! I will say that I don’t think The Avengers out did the Marvel movies that preceded it. I still think that both Iron Mans and Captain American standout as better overall movies. However, The Avengers is one of the top if not the best movie of 2012 so far (I do expect The Dark Knight Rises to upstage The Avengers, but you never know)!

Hobo Dan: I was pretty nervous this would turn into a disaster. It ended up being pretty good. I don’t think it’s better than the Iron Mans, but it is solid. It sets a new standard for action movies. It seemed like the whole movie was one large ongoing action scene. Sometimes this was good and other times not so much. The director, Joss Whedon does a great job of managing the absurd amount of personalities. It’s not perfect, however. Either by choice or by sheer star power, Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark (AKA Iron Man) seemed to stand out among the rest of the Avengers. Also, Hawkeye, played by The Hurt Locker vet Jeremy Renner seemed a little forgotten. Needless to say, I am amazed this movie worked at all. Combining all these actors and all these iconic characters should have ended up like Batman and Robin. It didn’t reach the bar set by The Dark Knight (but who expected it too), but was still a solid film that has me excited to see what Marvel does with the Avengers next.

Men in Black III

The Wife: Here come the Men in Black, the galaxy defenders! Ahhh Men in Black, an old favorite. Despite the second one being rather blah, I was not about to pass up the third installment to an old favorite childhood series. It’s amazing what having zero expectations can do for a movie experience. I went into the theatre prior to seeing Men in Black and didn’t know what to think. I knew it would be cheesy, but it is that cheese that made the original Men in Black as well as other top 90s flicks so great. Needless to say, I really enjoyed Men in Black III! It was simply FUN. Sometimes that’s all you need from a movie. Will Smith was, well Will Smith, which to me, seldom disappoints. I mean, I love that guy! Tommy Lee Jones was funny, and MAJOR KUDOS must be given to Josh Brolin! At times I thought that Brolin really was Tommy Lee Jones! Man that guy can act! Was Men in Black III cheesy? Sure. Was it not as good as the original? Yes. However, it was simply entertaining and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it! I am a sucker for nostalgia, and this flick really took me back!

Hobo Dan: A sharp pain ran through my abdomen when I heard they were making a third MIB. I loved the first one. I hated the second one. I figured that was enough. Apparently not. Thankfully this was not a soaking wet turd on the side of the road. While not better, or even close to the original, Men in Black III redeems the franchise from a terrible second outing. Will Smith played himself, as always. Tommy Lee Jones is consistently great. The surprise for me was Josh Brolin’s performance as a young Tommy Lee Jones. He was spot on and a true bright spot in the film. There were times when I seriously thought they had dubbed over his voice with Jones. The plot was weak, but the star power of Smith and Jones, combined with Brolin’s acting skills (maybe even star power?) made the movie out perform my expectations.

Prometheus

The Wife: Having only seen the original Alien, I wasn’t super excited for Prometheus, but I still looked forward to it simply because I enjoy going to the movie theatre and the trailer looked promising. I am also not a tremendous fan of Alien. It’s not that I hate the movie; it’s just that it really isn’t my cup of tea. As Prometheus is a prequel, I figured it was ok for me to see this without having watched the Alien sequels. I though Prometheus was pretty good. It provided me with an evening of solid entertainment. I often found myself at the edge of my seat during the movie. Acting-wise it was decent. However, guy who plays Trey from The O.C. just came off as, well Trey from The O.C. to me! When his character got sprayed with the fire all I could hear in my head was the infamous “Mmmm What Ya Sayyyyy” song that played when Marissa shot Trey in the season two finale of The O.C. That epic scene would later be spoofed in SNL’s Dear Sister sketch. Ahhh memories! I really miss The O.C. Ok; I’ve veered off topic, so back to Prometheus. It was good and if you are a fan of the Alien franchise, then I would certainly recommend it!

Hobo Dan: LOUD NOISES! That is all I could think about watching the trailers for this movie. A prequel for the Alien movies directed by the original director of Alien (Ridley Scott); cautious optimism? The word prequel still gives me Episode I flashbacks where I'm sitting in a far away jungle contemplating the meaning of it all. I sit with very mixed feeling about this movie. It was enjoyable, don’t get me wrong. However, I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t criticize its use of “Cheap Scares”. If you go looking for the Alien franchise, you’re going to be disappointed. Sure there are things that harken back (or forward?) to the original films, but the tone here is different. Prometheus is a much deeper experience compared to Alien. It asks questions about the very meaning of life. I enjoyed it; the acting was great for the most part (minus Logan Marshall-Green stuck in character as Trey from The O.C.). I guess I just expected more. It kind of just ended without any real resolution. Sure it’s a prequel, so it is technically just the beginning, but it feels so different from the other Alien films. I was looking for a more complete package.

So there you have it, our thoughts on this summer’s bigger movies. Movie Monday posts should become regular staple once again as we plan to see several upcoming films (YAY for Dark Knight Rises!). We also have some Best Picture Project posts planned for future Mondays. To semi-quote The Terminator, “we’ll be back!”

Review: Brave

After a semi-long hiatus we are back with a movie review of the latest Disney-Pixar creation, “Brave.” We know we have missed out on several awesome movie reviews, but don’t fret because Thursday’s post will fulfill your Dump fix on all of those blockbusters we missed (Avengers, Men in Black III and Prometheus). An update of what we’ve been up to during our MIA time will be provided as well. We know you all have been holding your breath with anticipation for our return! But for now, it’s all about BRAVE!!!

The Wife: Once again Pixar shows that it OWNS with Brave. Along with looking incredible, Brave produced a different twist compared to your traditional princess tales. With its strong female character, Scottish Princess Merida, Brave also offers an exciting, humorous plot that both children and adults can enjoy. In addition, the film’s soundtrack is awesome and really completes the overall feel and tone of the movie.

Brave tells the story of Princess Merida, who is trying to change her fate. Stuck in the tradition of having to marry a pre-selected suitor, Merida finds herself unhappy with her future and is more determined than ever to change it. Her mother, while loving, has seemingly controlled Merida for years as she has worked to shape her daughter into becoming a suitable future queen. Merida and her mother disagree on many things. For example, her mother often seems to disapprove of Merida ’s “not so lady-like” activities, such as her love of archery. (Seriously with Katniss from The Hunger Games and now Merida from Brave it seems like archery is the new “cool thing” for a strong female to do!) Like many mother-daughter relationships, the two do not always see eye to eye, but it is evident from the film’s start that there is a deep love and bond between them.

As she is forced to choose a suitor, Merida finds her castle in chaos and decides she has had enough of her “determined” future and sets out to change her fate. Of course, she meets a witch in the woods, and if we have learned anything from fairytales, it is to never trust the creepy old witch in the woods! With the witch’s help, Merida concocts a spell to change her mother, which will in-turn, change her fate! However, surprise surprise things don’t go as planned. Her mother does in fact “change.” She changes so much that she becomes a BEAR! I, for one, did not see this coming in the story! For the most part her mother’s personality does stay in tact while she is in bear form, however, the spell will become permanent if Merida doesn’t figure out how to reverse it. To help save her mother, Merida must, of course, be brave. While her “mama bear” is an inconvenience, it brings the mother-daughter team closer than ever before as they work together to change both their fates.

Overall, I really enjoyed Brave. It isn’t the best Pixar film, but it has some tough competition being compared to the likes of Toy Story (one of my favorite trilogies of all time). It did exceed my expectations, however. I loved the strong-willed character of Merida , and it is refreshing to have a princess tale that doesn’t need a prince to save the day. Instead of romantic love, Brave teaches us the strong bond and love of family. While I am a Disney-Pixar fanatic and may be a little biased, I would still encourage everyone to see this wonderful film!

Hobo Dan: Sons of Scotland! You have come to fight as free men, and free men you are. What will you do with that freedom? Will you fight? Aye, fight and you may die, run and you'll live. At least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our FREEDOM! Oh... wrong Scotland movie. I can’t believe the Wife got all the way through her review without doing that!

Brave was good, but not great. I guess I have just come to expect more from Pixar with the likes of Toy Story and Finding Nemo. Now don't get me wrong, there were things in the film that blew me away. Hair, for instance. The hair in the movie looks incredibly real. Also, the soundtrack is out of this world amazing. I guess the main thing that got me about the story was that there really wasn't an evil force. Sure, there was that giant bear, but it was more of a climatic set piece than a true nemesis. The true struggle of the film came from within, and while I will never knock a good introspective story, the way things worked out seemed just a little contrived. However, it is still a quality, enjoyable film.

The film was appropriately dedicated to the late Steve Jobs.

Down Time

Good Morning,

Sorry we have been missing for a month. Life happens as they say. Anyways, just a quick up date today. We will be back and writing soon.

The Avengers was awesome, but not as good as the movies leading up to it.

I built a computer and it works (to my surprise).

See you again soon...

Hobo Dan Builds a Computer

If you follow me on Twitter you already know I’ve been kicking around the idea of building my own computer for a few weeks now. Well last night I took the plunge and ordered all the parts necessary for this build. I’ve listed some of the sexier items below. Once complete I’ll do a more in depth blog about the build. Follow me on Twitter for updates on a daily basis. I plan to build the computer over a weekend in the near future.

Please let me know what you’d like to see when I blog about the full build.

Core sexy components:
CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz Quad-Core
Video Card:  GeForce GTX 560 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16
RAM: 8GB (2 x 4GB) CORSAIR Vengeance 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3

Review: The Hunger Games

The Wife: First off, Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor! I was beginning to wonder if there would ever be another series that would send me into a fangirl frenzy like my beloved Harry Potter. Several months ago someone recommended that I read The Hunger Games trilogy. After speaking with other friends regarding the series, I decided to give it a whirl. While Harry Potter will always be my number one, I have to say that The Hunger Games is an amazing series. I breezed through all three books and developed an attachment to the core characters, like my love, PEETA <3! I now fully consider myself a Hunger Games fangirl and I admit it proudly! After I finished the final book of the series, Mockingjay, I allowed myself to really get excited about The Hunger Games movie. For weeks I anticipated the film's release by watching trailer after trailer; downloading Hunger Games music; watching live coverage of the movie premiere online; purchasing my movie tickets well in advance; and of course, getting the China Glaze Hunger Games nail polish collection. Yes, it's ok to be a fangirl sometimes, I promise!

So naturally, when Friday came I was super pumped that it was FINALLY Hunger Games Day! (I didn't go to the midnight showing because I am old and have to be at work very early like an old person.) I really fangirled it up for the movie by wearing my Hunger Games t-shirt, District 12 Peeta/Katniss lanyard and my mockingjay pin. I even did my nails for the occasion, painting them in the China Glaze Hunger Games shade "riveting." Needless to say, I was EXCITED! Well, the movie did not disappoint at all. I thought it was an excellent adaptation of the book. Obviously it couldn't be exact due to time constraints. As with any book to movie adaptation, there were some minor details changed. However, I think the film was almost spot-on in terms of the main plot/details at hand.

The Hunger Games is set in a post-apocalyptic era. The Capitol controls twelve districts, and each year as an attempt to show the districts that it remains as the powerful center, The Capitol conducts The Hunger Games. The games pit two youths from each district into an arena where a fight to the death takes place, with the eventual lone-remaining tribute being crowned the victor. Obviously, that plot point right there indicates that The Hunger Games isn't your "happy, fuzzy feeling" film, but one that encompasses many dark and disturbing tones. This movie could have easily earned an "R" rating if it kept pace exactly with the gory nature of the book, however, a PG-13 rating is where the money is, so I can see why it wasn't.

The movie began basically in the same fashion as the book. The audience is introduced to the series protagonist, Katniss Everdeen of District 12, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, known for her work in films such as, X-Men First Class. We are given a brief synopsis of The Hunger Games and their purpose, and then the movie really kicks into gear as Katniss' sister, Prim, is announced as one of District 12's tributes for the 74th Annual Hunger Games. Upon hearing this, Katniss volunteers herself as tribute in her sister's place — this act marked the first time District 12 had ever had someone volunteer as tribute. Katniss is then joined on stage by District 12's chosen male tribute and my favorite character of the series, Peeta Mellark (portrayed by Josh Hutcherson)! Yes, I love the boy with the bread! After being announced as tributes, Katniss and Peeta are whisked away via train to the Capitol, where they will soon compete in The Hunger Games. That is where my plot spoilers stop as I don't want to ruin either the book or movie for you Hunger Games newbies.

Aside from some minor details that were changed, like the way Katniss received the symbolic Mockingjay pin (which yes for this movie doesn't matter, but down the line it could) and some shortened scenes, like the Katniss-Peeta cave moments (which obviously had to be decreased due to a movie time-clock), I thoroughly enjoyed The Hunger Games movie. As I mentioned earlier, it was an excellent adaption. The Capitol was almost exactly how I pictured it to be in the book. Lawrence, who I was initially unsure of in the Katniss role, did an outstanding job. I think Hutcherson nailed his role as Peeta as well. He really brought about Peeta's loveable, simplistic nature, which contrasts perfectly with Katniss' personality. Woody Harrelson was PERFECT as Haymitch. Simply perfect. So perfect that I could never picture another actor in the Haymitch role. When I re-read the books, I know I will now picture Harrelson as Haymitch every time! Although his scenes are cut short, I was very impressed with Lenny Kravitz' portrayal of Cinna, one of my other favorite Hunger Games characters. Elizabeth Banks also did a great job as Effie Trinket, which sort of surprised me. Finally, I thought Stanley Tucci, who rarely disappoints in any role he plays, was excellent as Caesar Flickerman.

Almost everything about The Hunger Games film was spot-on. I felt attached to the characters on screen just as I did while reading the books. Despite not knowing Katniss' inner thoughts, like we get from the book, I could sense her emotions and confusion regarding situations, such as her relationship and what it really means with Peeta as well as her bond with Rue. I enjoyed that the film took some liberties in showing the audience the game's control room, which is something that is unseen by book readers. I only wished the mutations (dogs) had looked more like how they were described in the book, but even CGI would be hard pressed to accomplish that task on screen. As for the shaky cam, which I am sure the husband will gripe about below, it wasn't necessary at all points, but it didn't bother me. For the actual games, I think it added to the movie. As I discussed with a good friend earlier, the games themselves are like a "reality show," so, the shaky cam fits for this.

I know I've talked forever (sorry that's what comes with being a fangirl), but I really do recommend everyone see The Hunger Games. I also encourage everyone to read the trilogy. It is very well written and will not disappoint. Ahhhh now the long wait starts for Catching Fire (book two of the series) to hit the big screen! I don't know about you, Hunger Games fans, but I am ready for some Finnick Odair!

Hobo Dan: I have to admit when I first heard of this movie, I instantly thought it was going to be Adam Richman from Man vs. Food and Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives buddying up to destroy hunger in the third world via various, semi exotic, team based eating challenges. One game would have Paula Deen cramming butter sticks down every one's throats. Then Anthony Bourdain shows up and shoots her with an AK47, before providing the soothing voice over for the final meal, sowing everything together with class and elegance as Richman devours thirty pounds of steak and Fieri gets brutally beaten by some natives for constantly calling all their indigenous food “money”. I was wrong.

This could have very easily been rated R. Not that it needed to be, but the content of the film is much darker than any of the commercials really let on. It took about ten seconds into the games themselves for me to realize this. If you're one of those men who've seen the adds for this and are thinking it just another Twilight, but science fiction you are mistaken. I think people of all ages and sex can appreciate the story here. I've not read the books myself, but I don't feel I missed too much by it. There is always back story and character development missed  when doing text to film translation, but I didn't feel there were a lot of gaps. I was able to fully enjoy the film without my prior knowledge.

All that said, this was not a perfect movie. My biggest gripe is the shaky cam. I don't think the director has ever heard of a tripod before. This is not to say the camera style is imperfect and without use. I liked films like Cloverfield, but the shaky cam had purpose in that film because of the way the story was being told. Here the camera was all over the place at times when it wasn't necessary. It's fine in intense action to portray confusion, but other times I just want to see what the hell is going on, and this camera shaking prevented it. But this is by no means a show stopper. The Hunger Games is the kind of movie we should be supporting because it is the anti-twilight in every way. I am recommending any and everyone go see this film.

Oh, by the way, The Wife and I played a little hunger game of our own before the movie when the restaurant we ate at got the Wife's order wrong about three times...