Finally, out of a moment of extreme boredom and a thirst for the theater, I finally made my way to the closest cinema to check out a movie. I was originally hoping to see "Warrior" (because of that whole MMA thing I'm into, plus the fact that I'd been watching Bruce Lee, Van Damme, and some other martial arts movies), but I may have missed the ball on that one. So I figured I'll go with some new release that has some hype behind it and maybe is more to my taste. It didn't take much deliberation to choose what ticket to get:
Drive
The nameless protagonist of this film (Ryan Gosling) is an extraordinary driver who puts his talents to use on two types of jobs: movie stunts and getaway driving. After making friends with a neighbor (Carey Mulligan) and her son, he sees the upside to life until her jailbird husband returns home. In debt to some gangsters, the "driver" helps him with a heist that goes way off course, and ends up putting himself, his neighbor, his mechanic shop boss (Bryan Cranston) in some big trouble with a couple of mobsters (Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman).
Make no mistake, while the well-known veterans play their parts well, this is Gosling's movie. I would consider this his break-out role (the only other movie I've seen him in is "Remember the Titans"), as he plays the calm, cool, and collected main character who is all business when sh!t hits the fan (best way I can put that). He has a flair for this type of drama, and other than his good looks he is something different from the tough Hollywood-action guys that have been coming around lately.
This movie definitely oozes with style. It's a modern movie with a touch of the 80's thrown in (the music and some of the clothing invoke that), and there is bit of that "mobster" look thrown in for good measure. Everything about the setting is believable, with the setting in Los Angeles as the perfect backdrop for the story.
If you were expecting this to be a full-fledged action movie, you may want to rethink that for a moment. While there are a couple of dedicated scenes to some action, this is very much drama-driven compared to other movies like "Fast Five." A couple of fight scenes and driving sequences, while very well done, are not the central focus. Most of that goes to the character played by Gosling (rightly so I feel) and his relationships with his neighbor and his mentor. So definitely don't look for an adrenaline-rush from this one (though I'll admit a couple of moments will make you sit up) as it is explicitly done in a slow manner.
Those out there who appreciated some of the old-school heist films (which this movie draws inspiration from) may enjoy this type of movie. Action-goers may not find what they're looking for, but I personally would recommend this movie to them anyways. Seeing something different like this may be good for a change. You're still seeing a strong, well-acted, stylish film that though inspired by the past stands out on its own when compared to other movies this year. Give it at least five minutes, and even the opening will get your attention. Five minutes factors into the rules set by Gosling's character:
If I drive for you, you give me a time and a place. I give you a five-minute window, anything happens in that five minutes and I'm yours no matter what. I don't sit in while you're running it down; I don't carry a gun... I drive.
Truth be told, I got in my car after this movie and definitely felt different. It was an adrenaline rush like after seeing "Fast Five" but it was more........contemplative.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
New Movie Review: The Adjustment Bureau
Yes, I'm still alive. Yes, I know I haven't posted anything on here for a while. No, I haven't given up any forms of entertainment. No, I haven't taking a job at a strip club on the weekend nights. These are the common questions I get relating to this blog, I swear...........
Anyway, having $50 worth of gift cards for the AMC Theaters, I had a good enough excuse to actually go to one. Despite the fact that I wanted to see one of the recent Oscar-worthy films still out, I decided to see something brand-spankin'-new. Basing my decision on seeing an actor who has been consistently good as of late and would least likely disappoint, I went with this Matt Damon-led film:
The Adjustment Bureau
Matt Damon leads on as Senate-prospect David Norris, who even though has lost his bid for Senate has found the love of a good woman in Elise Sella (Emily Blunt). However in a big display of "chance", Norris discovers the workings of a group that has a "master plan" that they follow, which includes keeping him and Elise apart. What follows is Norris' own dealings with the group, including making Elise a part of his life and how they continually try to stop him.
Once again, Matt Damon is top notch as the lead. A little more subdued than what you see in his dramatic/action roles, he still takes control of the screen. Aside from Emily Blunt, everyone else (including the members of the Bureau) are there just to play their parts. This actually works for the "adjusters" as they're really supposed to be unnoticed in real life.
The story is a complex one that will have you getting very invested into what exactly the bureau does. Some cool visuals, simple as they are, get you more and more involved as you go. This build is great, but I will say it does falter a little in the ending, which seems to be very abrupt.
Matt Damon leads another good one here, and is worthwhile if you're a fan of his. If you're also a fan of the sci-fi works of Phillip K. Dick (his works brought to the screen Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report to name a few), definitely check this one out. It's engaging and well done overall. It'll keep you wondering how much "free will" you think you have.
I usually throw a quote from the movie in here, but I can't seem to pinpoint a really good one.
So where to go from here? My entertainment levels have stepped up recently with the arrival of my Playstation 3, so now including many games for that system I also get the experience of Blu-ray movies. My options are wide open now, which means so are yours too. Take it all in, and find something thatyou would consider..........entertaining!
Anyway, having $50 worth of gift cards for the AMC Theaters, I had a good enough excuse to actually go to one. Despite the fact that I wanted to see one of the recent Oscar-worthy films still out, I decided to see something brand-spankin'-new. Basing my decision on seeing an actor who has been consistently good as of late and would least likely disappoint, I went with this Matt Damon-led film:
The Adjustment Bureau
Matt Damon leads on as Senate-prospect David Norris, who even though has lost his bid for Senate has found the love of a good woman in Elise Sella (Emily Blunt). However in a big display of "chance", Norris discovers the workings of a group that has a "master plan" that they follow, which includes keeping him and Elise apart. What follows is Norris' own dealings with the group, including making Elise a part of his life and how they continually try to stop him.
Once again, Matt Damon is top notch as the lead. A little more subdued than what you see in his dramatic/action roles, he still takes control of the screen. Aside from Emily Blunt, everyone else (including the members of the Bureau) are there just to play their parts. This actually works for the "adjusters" as they're really supposed to be unnoticed in real life.
The story is a complex one that will have you getting very invested into what exactly the bureau does. Some cool visuals, simple as they are, get you more and more involved as you go. This build is great, but I will say it does falter a little in the ending, which seems to be very abrupt.
Matt Damon leads another good one here, and is worthwhile if you're a fan of his. If you're also a fan of the sci-fi works of Phillip K. Dick (his works brought to the screen Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report to name a few), definitely check this one out. It's engaging and well done overall. It'll keep you wondering how much "free will" you think you have.
I usually throw a quote from the movie in here, but I can't seem to pinpoint a really good one.
So where to go from here? My entertainment levels have stepped up recently with the arrival of my Playstation 3, so now including many games for that system I also get the experience of Blu-ray movies. My options are wide open now, which means so are yours too. Take it all in, and find something thatyou would consider..........entertaining!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Flashback Review: Paranormal Activity
Blast from the past, going old school, call it what you will but I'm going to do a post representing the original purpose of this blog: a movie review! Of course, in the spirit of the upcoming holiday the end of this month, I have to go with something scary and frightening. So let's go with one of the newer breed films that has a soon-to-be released sequel:
Paranormal Activity
A nice young couple has begun experiencing some "strange" things happening in their home. The boyfriend Micah decides to videotape everything to try and capture what is causing all the disturbances. But as time goes by, him and his girlfriend Katie find that it's more than just a mere ghost terrorizing them, and is actually something more sinister.
Those who've seen "The Blair Witch Project" will recognize the hands-free, documentary style format used here to great affect. As simple as the setup is, it's actually very appropriate. It forces you to watch every single thing on the screen, keeping you guessing as to what you will see.
The acting is good as well, despite the cast of a whooping 4 people. Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat hold their own, and are capable of working with pure emotion rather than using an actual script.
I guess the important questions is: is the movie scary? For me personally, the answer is no. There may be a reason for this though. Having already had an idea as to what the movie was about, I could already see what was going to happen. For me also was that the more interesting responses from the ghost didn't occur until towards the end of the movie, and although it ended on a strong and disturbing note, I don't feel the rest of the movie built up to it properly (note: I felt that a combination of the real ending and the alternate ending would've been the most effective).
Just something I would like to point out. In my opinion, I feel the movie is over-hyped. What made the movie well-received when it first came out was that no one really knew what to expect, what it was about, and it came out at the height of the popularity from shows like "Ghost Hunters." If the movie had been released this year, I don't think it would've done as well.
What else can I say? The movie was better than "Blair Witch Project", and would be enjoyable to anyone who is a real fan of the paranormal. But I can't say this movie is for everyone looking for a good scare. Maybe "Paranormal Activity 2" will take it to the next level. If you believe in it too, pull out an old Ouija board and see if you can channel your own spirits. Don't invite Katie though:
I don't give a f*** what that thing says on the Ouija board!
Paranormal Activity
A nice young couple has begun experiencing some "strange" things happening in their home. The boyfriend Micah decides to videotape everything to try and capture what is causing all the disturbances. But as time goes by, him and his girlfriend Katie find that it's more than just a mere ghost terrorizing them, and is actually something more sinister.
Those who've seen "The Blair Witch Project" will recognize the hands-free, documentary style format used here to great affect. As simple as the setup is, it's actually very appropriate. It forces you to watch every single thing on the screen, keeping you guessing as to what you will see.
The acting is good as well, despite the cast of a whooping 4 people. Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat hold their own, and are capable of working with pure emotion rather than using an actual script.
I guess the important questions is: is the movie scary? For me personally, the answer is no. There may be a reason for this though. Having already had an idea as to what the movie was about, I could already see what was going to happen. For me also was that the more interesting responses from the ghost didn't occur until towards the end of the movie, and although it ended on a strong and disturbing note, I don't feel the rest of the movie built up to it properly (note: I felt that a combination of the real ending and the alternate ending would've been the most effective).
Just something I would like to point out. In my opinion, I feel the movie is over-hyped. What made the movie well-received when it first came out was that no one really knew what to expect, what it was about, and it came out at the height of the popularity from shows like "Ghost Hunters." If the movie had been released this year, I don't think it would've done as well.
What else can I say? The movie was better than "Blair Witch Project", and would be enjoyable to anyone who is a real fan of the paranormal. But I can't say this movie is for everyone looking for a good scare. Maybe "Paranormal Activity 2" will take it to the next level. If you believe in it too, pull out an old Ouija board and see if you can channel your own spirits. Don't invite Katie though:
I don't give a f*** what that thing says on the Ouija board!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Brainstorming for Future Posts: Fantasy Fights!
In the past I've had some ideas for something that could be a regular post besides movie reviews. I could go back and look, but I don't want to lose the fresh idea I have now. If you look at almost any form of entertainment, there are many type of characters out there who you could consider "fighters." And more often than not, when you find one, you find another very similar to that one. And it's no surprise that the next thought to come up would be, "I wonder who would win in that fight?"
There's only one way to figure that one out: analyze the competitor, put them one-on-one, and determine who would be the likely winner. I have to give credit to "Deadliest Warrior" for embedding the idea in my head a way long time ago (I've actually been actively pitting the winners and losers of those match-ups against each other too), and now I'd like to see where these fights would actually go. Here's an idea of what areas I'll be looking at come up with some interesting match-ups:
- comic book characters
- MMA fighters
- video game characters
- TV and movie characters
- pro wrestling
Sounds pretty straight-forward so far. But now here's where the truly creative part comes in. Obviously to analyze a fight, you have to look at certain aspects of the competitors. Now while there are specific traits for each of the above-mentioned topics, some really have to same overall aspects to look at. Here's a list of those as well:
- experience
- abilities
- equipment
- intelligence
- physical
- mental state
Pretty self-explanatory, but to get the full effect, you'll have to see the first fight that I do. Want to know what it is? Should I tell you? You know what, I will tell you:
Batman vs. Spider-man
A couple of quick things. First, I am well aware amongst most comic book geeks that the dream match-up for Batman would be against Captain America. But trust me, there was a method to my madness when I picked that one. And I'll have a more interesting match-up for Captain America down the road. And second, every one of these fights will have a winner based on who holds the advantage on any of the above criteria. Could there be a draw? Possibly. But hey, feel free to debate me on any of these fights if you don't agree. I invite the input. Hey, have any suggestions for a fight? Feel free to send those too, whether you want me to match someone in particular up, or if you have a match-up of your own. C'mon now, don't tell me you haven't thought of one on your own at some point.
So that's the end of this post. I'm gonna be playing match-maker for a while so I have plenty of fresh fights I can do. That'll keep me plenty entertained for a while. So guess what? Go find your own sort of entertainment, whether it's using your imagination like I'm gonna do, or find something right in front of you. It's not that hard, and everyone needs to be entertained from time to time.
There's only one way to figure that one out: analyze the competitor, put them one-on-one, and determine who would be the likely winner. I have to give credit to "Deadliest Warrior" for embedding the idea in my head a way long time ago (I've actually been actively pitting the winners and losers of those match-ups against each other too), and now I'd like to see where these fights would actually go. Here's an idea of what areas I'll be looking at come up with some interesting match-ups:
- comic book characters
- MMA fighters
- video game characters
- TV and movie characters
- pro wrestling
Sounds pretty straight-forward so far. But now here's where the truly creative part comes in. Obviously to analyze a fight, you have to look at certain aspects of the competitors. Now while there are specific traits for each of the above-mentioned topics, some really have to same overall aspects to look at. Here's a list of those as well:
- experience
- abilities
- equipment
- intelligence
- physical
- mental state
Pretty self-explanatory, but to get the full effect, you'll have to see the first fight that I do. Want to know what it is? Should I tell you? You know what, I will tell you:
Batman vs. Spider-man
A couple of quick things. First, I am well aware amongst most comic book geeks that the dream match-up for Batman would be against Captain America. But trust me, there was a method to my madness when I picked that one. And I'll have a more interesting match-up for Captain America down the road. And second, every one of these fights will have a winner based on who holds the advantage on any of the above criteria. Could there be a draw? Possibly. But hey, feel free to debate me on any of these fights if you don't agree. I invite the input. Hey, have any suggestions for a fight? Feel free to send those too, whether you want me to match someone in particular up, or if you have a match-up of your own. C'mon now, don't tell me you haven't thought of one on your own at some point.
So that's the end of this post. I'm gonna be playing match-maker for a while so I have plenty of fresh fights I can do. That'll keep me plenty entertained for a while. So guess what? Go find your own sort of entertainment, whether it's using your imagination like I'm gonna do, or find something right in front of you. It's not that hard, and everyone needs to be entertained from time to time.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ranking the UFC Champions
With the recent UFC 118 giving us a solidified lightweight champion, and with the next few event having no championship matches to speak of, I thought it'd be time to evaluate the current champions in every weight class. Some of this is personal opinion I will admit, but quite a bit of it is based on their skills, accomplishments, and general popularity. Granted, I feel all the guys have earned their championship reigns, but clearly some are far better than others. Let's roll on with this countdown:
#5- Light Heavyweight Champion: Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
The newest of the recent champions, "Shogun" has an impressive record of 19-4. He had recently won his title with an unexpected round 1 TKO of then champion Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida. Machida had won their first fight with a razor-close decision, and although Machida was winning the one round in the rematch, Rua caught him, and became champion.
There's a couple of reasons why I rank Rua last out of the current champions. Since winning the title, he has not defended it, and with current injuries his first defense against contender Rashad Evans may not happen until next year. Also, his two wins prior to his first title match with Machida were his lackluster TKO of Mark Coleman, and his KO of Chuck Liddell who was not a real contender at the time. Also, Liddell had also been winning that fight, and again just got caught with one punch. I've given "Shogun" the nickname "Lucky Punch" for some of his KO wins.
Despite this, I do see Rua as a great striker since he became well known in the former organization PRIDE. I had even believed that he had won his first match against Machida. And at the age of 28, he's still got plenty of time to prove his worth. Here's hoping he is 100% when he faces Evans because I'll be rooting for him.
#4- Heavyweight Champion: Brock Lesnar
With a record of only 5-1, Lesnar earned his UFC title against Randy "The Natural" Couture in just his fourth fight. His two fights afterwards, however, were not really fights where he put his title on the line, but rather unification bouts against interim champions in Frank Mir and Shane Carwin. His fight with Mir (the second such bout after his embarassing submission loss in his debut) showed how powerful he really good be, and was probably the highlight of his career. His match with Carwin though saw him come from behind after taking a beating in the first round to submit a gassed Carwin in the second.
Lesnar is what I would still consider to be a rookie, and right now is probably coasting on his size to get him through his fights. Carwin was the same size as him, and showed that Lesnar can't really out-strike a great striker like him. Also, those who know Lesnar's experiences with profressional wrestling know that he's got quite an ego that purists of the sport don't take a liking to.
However, Lesnar entered the sport and proved that he has the tools to win a fight. His wrestling and ground-and-pound are off the charts, and for a guy his size he can move when he needs to. He's got a tough fight coming up against Cain Velasquez, and if he wins he'll be going up against my current favortie heavyweight Junior "Cigano" Dos Santos, one of the best strikers I've seen in the heavyweight division.
#3- Lightweight Champion: Frankie "The Answer" Edgar
My boy from good old New Jersey just solidified his position as champion with his second win in a row against the highly-regarded former champion B.J. Penn. Edgar's 8-1 record in the UFC (12-1 overall) is impressive, and on his way to his first title shot he had beaten former contender Hermes Franca and former champion Sean Sherk. His first fight with Penn was close, though I knew he had won that fight. And in the rematch, he dominated all five rounds and left no doubt that he really deserved to be a champion.
One of the only knocks on Edgar is that he's not what you would call a "finisher." Only two of his UFC fights he ended before the judge's score cards, so not too many fans think of him as a great fighter.
Me personally, his wrestling and improved boxing have shown him to be a great fighter. He has lived up to his nickname in every fight, and I'm hoping he continues that trend when he fights Gray "The Bully" Maynard in an attempt to avenge his first loss. With Gray being more of a "snoozer" than Edgar, I'll be cheering for "The Answer" all the way on this one.
#2- Middleweight Champion: Anderson "The Spider" Silva
How scary is this guy?!?! Silva has been a long-time establishment in the UFC since 2006, when he earned his title shot against Rich Franklin after only his first UFC fight. Since then, he's expanded his record to 26-4 overall, remaining undefeated in the UFC and holding the record for consecutive title defenses over 8 fights, as well as two more victories fighting at light heavyweight. His recent fight with Chael Sonnen gave him his hardest fight, where he was basically losing for four and a half rounds before sneaking in a submission and getting the win.
Silva's well-known rise has had its problems though. His three fights against Patrick Cote, Thales Leites, and Demian Maia were his most lackluster, as he showed less of the aggressive streak he had that made him so popular in the first place. After his fight with Maia, he was in hot water for his utter lack of engagement in a fight he could've finished.
However, I respect just how well-rounded Silva is, and he's shown it. Many of his wins have come from a very impressive KO or TKO, each highlighting how dangerous of a striker he is. And even when he's on the wrong end of a fight, he can win with a submission if he needs to. "Dangerous" is a word you could easily associate with him. He will be having a rematch with Sonnen in the future, and hopefully he can get a win that shows us the Silva of old.
#1- Welterweight Champion: Georges "Rush" St. Pierre
Probably the posterboy for the UFC and probably all of mixed martial arts, GSP is the man recognized worldwide when you mention the initials UFC. 20-2 record, five successful title defenses, and a sports award winner and nominee for the Espys, he has shown the true mettle of a champion. Gaining the title on his second try against legendary Matt Hughes, GSP had to overcome a lot after lossing the belt to underdog Matt Serra. But he got his rematch, took back his title, and has since then shown that no one can even come close to touching him. Dominating his last seven fights, he's shown that whether the fight goes to the ground or stays standing, he's damn good.
I enjoy the fighters who are good at everything. He's shown he can outstrike guys like Serra, Hughes, and Jon Fitch. He's shown he can outwrestle guys like Penn, Josh Koscheck, Thiago Alves, and Dan Hardy. He fought the best, and he's beaten them. And he's shown all the while that he's a humble guy who never underestimates any opponent. Not even Koscheck, who is getting his rematch at UFC 124. Still, I think it'll be a long time before someone appears who could step up to him.
All great champions, all good at what they do, but honestly some are just better than others. With it being very unlikely that any of these men might ever face eachother (yes, I'm aware everyone is clamboring for a GSP/Silva fight, but it's a long shot at best to put together), you have to go by your own opinions as to which guys you think are good. Me personally, not only do I like the fighters who are good at every skill seen in MMA, but I like the ones who have earned their title shots, and have proven themselves worthy of holding the title against all comers. Hence, the rankings you have seen above.
OK, definitely in the mood to put someone down with a right haymaker, and then choke him out with a guillotine choke (having the dream last night of fighting AND beating Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in my first UFC fight got me in this mood in the first place). But hey, the times will change, new champions will arrive, and I'll probably do another one of these lists. Hey, I could even do other lists about UFC stuff. Top Fighters Who Aren't Champions. Favorite Fights. Don't forget about the WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting), they're a great organization to watch too (what's that? Strikeforce? Who cares? Their greatest fighter just lost to a huge underdog. UFC will buy them out soon anyways and take the few good fighters they do have). But perhaps another time. I do gotta have some variety on this blog, so I'll come up with some other topics. I've got a mental list going..........what's that look for? Anyways, go find some good fights to watch right now. Or find the best martial arts movie you have and throw that in. Or some action-type show on TV. Or watch "Jersey Shore*" they show fist fights on that one. Don't like those ideas? There's plenty of entertainment out there, so you're on your own.
*The "Average Joe at the Movies" Blog does not condone the watching of "Jersey Shore" or any program that includes any member of that cast. We also do not condone the existance of "Snookie," and will receive no further mention on this blog.
#5- Light Heavyweight Champion: Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
The newest of the recent champions, "Shogun" has an impressive record of 19-4. He had recently won his title with an unexpected round 1 TKO of then champion Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida. Machida had won their first fight with a razor-close decision, and although Machida was winning the one round in the rematch, Rua caught him, and became champion.
There's a couple of reasons why I rank Rua last out of the current champions. Since winning the title, he has not defended it, and with current injuries his first defense against contender Rashad Evans may not happen until next year. Also, his two wins prior to his first title match with Machida were his lackluster TKO of Mark Coleman, and his KO of Chuck Liddell who was not a real contender at the time. Also, Liddell had also been winning that fight, and again just got caught with one punch. I've given "Shogun" the nickname "Lucky Punch" for some of his KO wins.
Despite this, I do see Rua as a great striker since he became well known in the former organization PRIDE. I had even believed that he had won his first match against Machida. And at the age of 28, he's still got plenty of time to prove his worth. Here's hoping he is 100% when he faces Evans because I'll be rooting for him.
#4- Heavyweight Champion: Brock Lesnar
With a record of only 5-1, Lesnar earned his UFC title against Randy "The Natural" Couture in just his fourth fight. His two fights afterwards, however, were not really fights where he put his title on the line, but rather unification bouts against interim champions in Frank Mir and Shane Carwin. His fight with Mir (the second such bout after his embarassing submission loss in his debut) showed how powerful he really good be, and was probably the highlight of his career. His match with Carwin though saw him come from behind after taking a beating in the first round to submit a gassed Carwin in the second.
Lesnar is what I would still consider to be a rookie, and right now is probably coasting on his size to get him through his fights. Carwin was the same size as him, and showed that Lesnar can't really out-strike a great striker like him. Also, those who know Lesnar's experiences with profressional wrestling know that he's got quite an ego that purists of the sport don't take a liking to.
However, Lesnar entered the sport and proved that he has the tools to win a fight. His wrestling and ground-and-pound are off the charts, and for a guy his size he can move when he needs to. He's got a tough fight coming up against Cain Velasquez, and if he wins he'll be going up against my current favortie heavyweight Junior "Cigano" Dos Santos, one of the best strikers I've seen in the heavyweight division.
#3- Lightweight Champion: Frankie "The Answer" Edgar
My boy from good old New Jersey just solidified his position as champion with his second win in a row against the highly-regarded former champion B.J. Penn. Edgar's 8-1 record in the UFC (12-1 overall) is impressive, and on his way to his first title shot he had beaten former contender Hermes Franca and former champion Sean Sherk. His first fight with Penn was close, though I knew he had won that fight. And in the rematch, he dominated all five rounds and left no doubt that he really deserved to be a champion.
One of the only knocks on Edgar is that he's not what you would call a "finisher." Only two of his UFC fights he ended before the judge's score cards, so not too many fans think of him as a great fighter.
Me personally, his wrestling and improved boxing have shown him to be a great fighter. He has lived up to his nickname in every fight, and I'm hoping he continues that trend when he fights Gray "The Bully" Maynard in an attempt to avenge his first loss. With Gray being more of a "snoozer" than Edgar, I'll be cheering for "The Answer" all the way on this one.
#2- Middleweight Champion: Anderson "The Spider" Silva
How scary is this guy?!?! Silva has been a long-time establishment in the UFC since 2006, when he earned his title shot against Rich Franklin after only his first UFC fight. Since then, he's expanded his record to 26-4 overall, remaining undefeated in the UFC and holding the record for consecutive title defenses over 8 fights, as well as two more victories fighting at light heavyweight. His recent fight with Chael Sonnen gave him his hardest fight, where he was basically losing for four and a half rounds before sneaking in a submission and getting the win.
Silva's well-known rise has had its problems though. His three fights against Patrick Cote, Thales Leites, and Demian Maia were his most lackluster, as he showed less of the aggressive streak he had that made him so popular in the first place. After his fight with Maia, he was in hot water for his utter lack of engagement in a fight he could've finished.
However, I respect just how well-rounded Silva is, and he's shown it. Many of his wins have come from a very impressive KO or TKO, each highlighting how dangerous of a striker he is. And even when he's on the wrong end of a fight, he can win with a submission if he needs to. "Dangerous" is a word you could easily associate with him. He will be having a rematch with Sonnen in the future, and hopefully he can get a win that shows us the Silva of old.
#1- Welterweight Champion: Georges "Rush" St. Pierre
Probably the posterboy for the UFC and probably all of mixed martial arts, GSP is the man recognized worldwide when you mention the initials UFC. 20-2 record, five successful title defenses, and a sports award winner and nominee for the Espys, he has shown the true mettle of a champion. Gaining the title on his second try against legendary Matt Hughes, GSP had to overcome a lot after lossing the belt to underdog Matt Serra. But he got his rematch, took back his title, and has since then shown that no one can even come close to touching him. Dominating his last seven fights, he's shown that whether the fight goes to the ground or stays standing, he's damn good.
I enjoy the fighters who are good at everything. He's shown he can outstrike guys like Serra, Hughes, and Jon Fitch. He's shown he can outwrestle guys like Penn, Josh Koscheck, Thiago Alves, and Dan Hardy. He fought the best, and he's beaten them. And he's shown all the while that he's a humble guy who never underestimates any opponent. Not even Koscheck, who is getting his rematch at UFC 124. Still, I think it'll be a long time before someone appears who could step up to him.
All great champions, all good at what they do, but honestly some are just better than others. With it being very unlikely that any of these men might ever face eachother (yes, I'm aware everyone is clamboring for a GSP/Silva fight, but it's a long shot at best to put together), you have to go by your own opinions as to which guys you think are good. Me personally, not only do I like the fighters who are good at every skill seen in MMA, but I like the ones who have earned their title shots, and have proven themselves worthy of holding the title against all comers. Hence, the rankings you have seen above.
OK, definitely in the mood to put someone down with a right haymaker, and then choke him out with a guillotine choke (having the dream last night of fighting AND beating Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in my first UFC fight got me in this mood in the first place). But hey, the times will change, new champions will arrive, and I'll probably do another one of these lists. Hey, I could even do other lists about UFC stuff. Top Fighters Who Aren't Champions. Favorite Fights. Don't forget about the WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting), they're a great organization to watch too (what's that? Strikeforce? Who cares? Their greatest fighter just lost to a huge underdog. UFC will buy them out soon anyways and take the few good fighters they do have). But perhaps another time. I do gotta have some variety on this blog, so I'll come up with some other topics. I've got a mental list going..........what's that look for? Anyways, go find some good fights to watch right now. Or find the best martial arts movie you have and throw that in. Or some action-type show on TV. Or watch "Jersey Shore*" they show fist fights on that one. Don't like those ideas? There's plenty of entertainment out there, so you're on your own.
*The "Average Joe at the Movies" Blog does not condone the watching of "Jersey Shore" or any program that includes any member of that cast. We also do not condone the existance of "Snookie," and will receive no further mention on this blog.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Back From the Dead.......Not Literally, But Close Enough
Yeah, it's been a while. I went away, thought of things to talk about, yet never made my way here. But I'm back! Got plenty to say about the world of entertainment, as obviously quite a bit has happened. I'm gonna start small with a little of everything. Cover all aspects of entertainment, and then I'll give a little rundown of what I would like to talk about coming up.
World of TV:
Obviously for me, there were two big bits on this. First, the series finale of my beloved "24." Upon reflection, it was probably time for the show to end. New ideas were scarce, familiar ground was coming up, and new "good" characters were hard to come by. Still, it's gonna be hard not seeing TV's greatest bad-ass Jack Bauer on a regular basis. Second, we also had the series finale of "Lost." With the strength of the last couple of seasons, "Lost" has actually become my favorite TV show of all time. As much as we knew this show was ending, it was actually still hard. And I'm very grateful for what was to me a satisfying conclusion. Did I get all the answers I wanted? No. But was I happy knowing what happened to all its characters I'd gotten to know so well? Absolutely.
On the upside to these missing spots, I still have some terrific shows to watch. "Futurama" returned, bringing me a lot of laughs I enjoyed from watching the DVDs. "Burn Notice" is still going strong, and has become a comfortable show to watch. And I'm still enjoying the recurring shows of "Deadliest Warrior", "Rescue Me", and "The Ultimate Fighter."
World of Video Games:
Since March of this year, I'm still stuck on Final Fantasy XIII for my Xbox 360. 48 hours so far, and I'm so close to the end. It's an amazing game, and although its reception hasn't been as high as other games in the past, I still think it's definitely worthy of its title. As soon as that's finished, I'll be moving on to UFC Undisputed 2010. The game has been fun to pick up and play with others, but soon I'll be able to start a career in it and hone my skills.
Can't remember from past posts, but I picked up a PSP earlier this year too. It's great to have an updated handheld system, as much as I've enjoyed picking up my old GameBoy as of late. 2 games have really made this system worthwhile for me: Dissidia Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Both are very deep games with a great mechanic for action, and some great story-telling.
World of Movies:
Believe or not, but I've actually made it to the theaters again! Since "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" I've made it to two movies so far: Iron Man 2 and Despicable Me. Iron Man 2 was a great step up from the first, and was a treat to watch. And now with the idea of setting up for the upcoming Avengers film with this, Thor, and the Captain America films, there has been a great resurgence in comic-book films.
Despicable Me was a fun movie as well. I've gained more of an appreciation for computer-animated films as of late, and this was a good recent one that makes me anxious to go back and see the ones I've missed. "WALL-E" is the most recent I've seen, and that too has made me see these films as more than just for kids.
As for what's coming up, one film has my attention: The Expendables. Hell yes I want to see some of the greatest action stars in one movie. Will it have cheesy one-liners, over-the-top violence, and go back to the action movies of old? I friggin' hope so!
World of WWE:
I'll make it a point to say it now that I will no longer take part in TNA programming. It is nowhere near the greatness it used to be, despite having some top-notch talent. It is no longer enjoyable to watch, making it difficult to get into the pay-per-views where they actually get to shine a little. I can only hope that soon WWE buys them out, and brings in their good talent.
As for WWE, two major things of interest have come up recently. One has been the new show WWE NXT. Is it a good show? Not really. But, it has piqued my interest as to the new talent coming in. And a few are very promising that help me believe there is hope for the future of wrestling entertainment.
This also led to the other major event of late: Nexus. Bringing us back to the days of the nWo, this new stable has brought havoc, and becaome an instant headliner. Although missing what a vetarn character could bring to it, the storyline has held its own surprisingly well. We'll see how long it lasts.
World of UFC:
Holy crap, where do I start!?! Anyone who's seen the last 2 pay-per-views, and it's presentation of WEC's first pay-per-view should automatically be fans at this point. UFC Presents Aldo vs. Faber brough quite a bit to the table. The continued rise of Manny Gamburyan, the showcasing of two champions in Ben Henderson and Jose Aldo, but most importantly the possible "Match of the Year" in Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung. For crying out loud, go watch that fight right now!
UFC's most recent pay-per-view 117: Silva vs. Sonnen proved that mixed martial arts can still throw you for a loop. Junior Dos Santos beat on Roy Nelson but failed to KO him (definitely glad he got the decision win and a heavyweight title shot). Stefan Struve managed a comeback TKO after getting whalloped during the first round against Christian Morecraft. Matt Hughes proved he's still got it by putting to sleep submission artist Ricardo Almeida. Alves showed the downfall of a great fighter by losing to Jon Fitch in less than stellar fashion. And Anderson Silva showed that after taking a beating from Chael Sonnen for almost five rounds, he can finish an opponent by sneaking in a triangle choke, and pulling a victory away from the jaws of defeat. One word: rematch!
But the pay-per-view before, 116: Lesnar vs. Carwin, has so far become the greatest UFC event I have ever seen. Every single fight (except Jon Madsen vs. Karlos Vermola because come on, Madsen is like fighting a wet blanket, and how no one has beat him yet is beyond belief) was an awesome fight, whether they were one-sided or back and forth. Forrest Petz/Daniel Roberts and Kendall Grove/Goran Reljic gave us some good close decisions. George Sotiropolous/Kurt Pellegrino gave us two fighters with heart put it all out there, with Sotiropolous moving up the ladder via decision. Gerald Harris and Brendan Schaub each gave us a highlight-reel KO of Dave Branch and Chris Tuscherer, respectively. Stephan Bonnar showed he's still got it by TKO over Krzysztof Soszynski, followed by an awesome post-fight interview. Great submission win for Chris Lytle over Matt Brown, showing that he's not just a striker. Chris Leben and Yoshihiro Akiyama gave us a Fight of the Night to remember, both taking the fight to eachother, and having Leben steal the win with a 3rd round submission, and bringing him back to a top spot he's been away from for a long time. And finally, Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin brought us a huge heavyweight fight that has rivaled any recent Fedor fight. Carwin took it to Lesnar throughout the whole first round, and somehow Lesnar survived to come back in the second and submit Carwin. Phenominal event!
I wish I could expand on all these topics more, but I've already filled this post to the brim. But I will fill you in on what I'd like to talk about in some upcoming posts (that I'll try to make a weekly thing.......promises, promises, I know):
- The Greatest Bad-Ass Characters in Entertainment
- Ranking the NXT Rookies
- A Look at the UFC Champions
- The Greatest Sagas Ever Told
- The Deadliest Warrior Fight Club
Look for more to come soon! Any comments for entertainment things to discuss on here is always welcome!
World of TV:
Obviously for me, there were two big bits on this. First, the series finale of my beloved "24." Upon reflection, it was probably time for the show to end. New ideas were scarce, familiar ground was coming up, and new "good" characters were hard to come by. Still, it's gonna be hard not seeing TV's greatest bad-ass Jack Bauer on a regular basis. Second, we also had the series finale of "Lost." With the strength of the last couple of seasons, "Lost" has actually become my favorite TV show of all time. As much as we knew this show was ending, it was actually still hard. And I'm very grateful for what was to me a satisfying conclusion. Did I get all the answers I wanted? No. But was I happy knowing what happened to all its characters I'd gotten to know so well? Absolutely.
On the upside to these missing spots, I still have some terrific shows to watch. "Futurama" returned, bringing me a lot of laughs I enjoyed from watching the DVDs. "Burn Notice" is still going strong, and has become a comfortable show to watch. And I'm still enjoying the recurring shows of "Deadliest Warrior", "Rescue Me", and "The Ultimate Fighter."
World of Video Games:
Since March of this year, I'm still stuck on Final Fantasy XIII for my Xbox 360. 48 hours so far, and I'm so close to the end. It's an amazing game, and although its reception hasn't been as high as other games in the past, I still think it's definitely worthy of its title. As soon as that's finished, I'll be moving on to UFC Undisputed 2010. The game has been fun to pick up and play with others, but soon I'll be able to start a career in it and hone my skills.
Can't remember from past posts, but I picked up a PSP earlier this year too. It's great to have an updated handheld system, as much as I've enjoyed picking up my old GameBoy as of late. 2 games have really made this system worthwhile for me: Dissidia Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Both are very deep games with a great mechanic for action, and some great story-telling.
World of Movies:
Believe or not, but I've actually made it to the theaters again! Since "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" I've made it to two movies so far: Iron Man 2 and Despicable Me. Iron Man 2 was a great step up from the first, and was a treat to watch. And now with the idea of setting up for the upcoming Avengers film with this, Thor, and the Captain America films, there has been a great resurgence in comic-book films.
Despicable Me was a fun movie as well. I've gained more of an appreciation for computer-animated films as of late, and this was a good recent one that makes me anxious to go back and see the ones I've missed. "WALL-E" is the most recent I've seen, and that too has made me see these films as more than just for kids.
As for what's coming up, one film has my attention: The Expendables. Hell yes I want to see some of the greatest action stars in one movie. Will it have cheesy one-liners, over-the-top violence, and go back to the action movies of old? I friggin' hope so!
World of WWE:
I'll make it a point to say it now that I will no longer take part in TNA programming. It is nowhere near the greatness it used to be, despite having some top-notch talent. It is no longer enjoyable to watch, making it difficult to get into the pay-per-views where they actually get to shine a little. I can only hope that soon WWE buys them out, and brings in their good talent.
As for WWE, two major things of interest have come up recently. One has been the new show WWE NXT. Is it a good show? Not really. But, it has piqued my interest as to the new talent coming in. And a few are very promising that help me believe there is hope for the future of wrestling entertainment.
This also led to the other major event of late: Nexus. Bringing us back to the days of the nWo, this new stable has brought havoc, and becaome an instant headliner. Although missing what a vetarn character could bring to it, the storyline has held its own surprisingly well. We'll see how long it lasts.
World of UFC:
Holy crap, where do I start!?! Anyone who's seen the last 2 pay-per-views, and it's presentation of WEC's first pay-per-view should automatically be fans at this point. UFC Presents Aldo vs. Faber brough quite a bit to the table. The continued rise of Manny Gamburyan, the showcasing of two champions in Ben Henderson and Jose Aldo, but most importantly the possible "Match of the Year" in Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung. For crying out loud, go watch that fight right now!
UFC's most recent pay-per-view 117: Silva vs. Sonnen proved that mixed martial arts can still throw you for a loop. Junior Dos Santos beat on Roy Nelson but failed to KO him (definitely glad he got the decision win and a heavyweight title shot). Stefan Struve managed a comeback TKO after getting whalloped during the first round against Christian Morecraft. Matt Hughes proved he's still got it by putting to sleep submission artist Ricardo Almeida. Alves showed the downfall of a great fighter by losing to Jon Fitch in less than stellar fashion. And Anderson Silva showed that after taking a beating from Chael Sonnen for almost five rounds, he can finish an opponent by sneaking in a triangle choke, and pulling a victory away from the jaws of defeat. One word: rematch!
But the pay-per-view before, 116: Lesnar vs. Carwin, has so far become the greatest UFC event I have ever seen. Every single fight (except Jon Madsen vs. Karlos Vermola because come on, Madsen is like fighting a wet blanket, and how no one has beat him yet is beyond belief) was an awesome fight, whether they were one-sided or back and forth. Forrest Petz/Daniel Roberts and Kendall Grove/Goran Reljic gave us some good close decisions. George Sotiropolous/Kurt Pellegrino gave us two fighters with heart put it all out there, with Sotiropolous moving up the ladder via decision. Gerald Harris and Brendan Schaub each gave us a highlight-reel KO of Dave Branch and Chris Tuscherer, respectively. Stephan Bonnar showed he's still got it by TKO over Krzysztof Soszynski, followed by an awesome post-fight interview. Great submission win for Chris Lytle over Matt Brown, showing that he's not just a striker. Chris Leben and Yoshihiro Akiyama gave us a Fight of the Night to remember, both taking the fight to eachother, and having Leben steal the win with a 3rd round submission, and bringing him back to a top spot he's been away from for a long time. And finally, Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin brought us a huge heavyweight fight that has rivaled any recent Fedor fight. Carwin took it to Lesnar throughout the whole first round, and somehow Lesnar survived to come back in the second and submit Carwin. Phenominal event!
I wish I could expand on all these topics more, but I've already filled this post to the brim. But I will fill you in on what I'd like to talk about in some upcoming posts (that I'll try to make a weekly thing.......promises, promises, I know):
- The Greatest Bad-Ass Characters in Entertainment
- Ranking the NXT Rookies
- A Look at the UFC Champions
- The Greatest Sagas Ever Told
- The Deadliest Warrior Fight Club
Look for more to come soon! Any comments for entertainment things to discuss on here is always welcome!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Movie Quick-Shoot Review
The whole reason I began this blog was for the sole purpose of talking about movies. Reviewing them, looking at what's coming into theaters, going back to films on DVD.........that was fun to me. And looking back at my last posts, I haven't even touched movies in a while. Now unfortunately I haven't been to the theaters since "The Dark Knight", and there really hasn't been anything good to look forward to in the theaters...........but luckily I've got my stack of DVDs to fall back on. And after a recent surge of watching them, I actually have quite a few I could look at. And by "quite a few" I mean nine of them. And yes, I'm going to do them all in the first "quick-shoot" review on this blog. Don't worry, there will be enough here so you get the idea of what's been good and what isn't. Let's get it started:
Push- Some unique ideas and good visuals give this movie some credibility. Actors who stand out are Djimon Hounsou and Dakota Fanning, while the rest are merely average. The romance seen falters, and the ending leaves something to be desired. A good movie for those looking for mindless action, but don't expect powerhouse performances or drama.
I Am Legend- Will Smith carries this film in good fashion, channelling some of Tom Hanks from "Castaway." The movie suffers towards the end with some sudden storytelling, but this movie depicts the possible "last man on Earth" in a great way. Also great for anyone who loves Will Smith......no one could've done it better.
The Bourne Ultimatum- Matt Damon does it again in the third of the "Jason Bourne" series. Good action and drama keep this one going, and it's good to know that this might not be completely over yet. Some might get lost if they haven't seen the first two films, so unfortunately it's a prerequisite that you see "Identity" and "Supremacy".......but you won't be disappointed either.
Casino Royale- The new legacy of James Bond has begun in style with this one. Daniel Craig brings us what Bond is really supposed to be, stealing the show. Although the movie can be a pro-advertisement for Texas Hold 'Em, the action is great, the drama is great, and we can all begin liking James Bond again. You can also continue that with....
Quantum of Solace- More action fuels this one, and a good story too. Craig continues to carry his great abilities to play Bond, although the supporting cast may not help compliment compared to "Casino Royale." Still, action-enthusiasts will get a kick out of this one as this new series is finding its stride, and I'm sure this will continue in the next film.
Watchmen- Although it runs incredibly long, and defies your expectations as being a comic book-to-film with lots of action, this move is a strong one once you get through the first hour and continue through the next two. Strong performance for almost the entire cast (aside from Matthew Goode sadly, who played the most pivotal role in the story), and one of best stories ever told, this movie can get your attention with its character developments and a phenomenal last hour.
The Departed- The Best Picture winner in 2007 deserved it and then some. One of the best in the new wave of gangster movies, it's got everything: story, drama, and acting. I'll go so far as to say Jack Nicholson and Matt Damon deserved nominations for their acting in this one. This is one of those few films that I can say most any movie-goer (besides young kids because of the obvious R-rating) will thoroughly enjoy.
Burn After Reading- For a movie claiming to be a laugh-out-loud comedy, this one will throw you off. Other than some funny character moments, there's more of an ironic story here. Good characters played by the whole cast, but the story leaves something to be desired. Good for anyone interested in any of the many actors in this one. Otherwise, don't expect much else.
Munich- If you want something different in a spy movie, go for this one. Some interesting ideas combined with some of the factual events it's based on, you get a good film by well-known director Steven Spielberg. Intense drama, and some good performances by a surprise cast will get you into this one.
I know I usually end my reviews with some quote from the film, but since there are nine reviews here, I'll pick just one and let you guess which movie it's from:
"I'm not a comic book villain. Do you seriously think I would explain my master stroke to you if there were even the slightest possibility you could affect the outcome? I triggered it 35 minutes ago."
I'll give you a hint: at the time of the original story's release, it led to one of the biggest plot twists ever.
Push- Some unique ideas and good visuals give this movie some credibility. Actors who stand out are Djimon Hounsou and Dakota Fanning, while the rest are merely average. The romance seen falters, and the ending leaves something to be desired. A good movie for those looking for mindless action, but don't expect powerhouse performances or drama.
I Am Legend- Will Smith carries this film in good fashion, channelling some of Tom Hanks from "Castaway." The movie suffers towards the end with some sudden storytelling, but this movie depicts the possible "last man on Earth" in a great way. Also great for anyone who loves Will Smith......no one could've done it better.
The Bourne Ultimatum- Matt Damon does it again in the third of the "Jason Bourne" series. Good action and drama keep this one going, and it's good to know that this might not be completely over yet. Some might get lost if they haven't seen the first two films, so unfortunately it's a prerequisite that you see "Identity" and "Supremacy".......but you won't be disappointed either.
Casino Royale- The new legacy of James Bond has begun in style with this one. Daniel Craig brings us what Bond is really supposed to be, stealing the show. Although the movie can be a pro-advertisement for Texas Hold 'Em, the action is great, the drama is great, and we can all begin liking James Bond again. You can also continue that with....
Quantum of Solace- More action fuels this one, and a good story too. Craig continues to carry his great abilities to play Bond, although the supporting cast may not help compliment compared to "Casino Royale." Still, action-enthusiasts will get a kick out of this one as this new series is finding its stride, and I'm sure this will continue in the next film.
Watchmen- Although it runs incredibly long, and defies your expectations as being a comic book-to-film with lots of action, this move is a strong one once you get through the first hour and continue through the next two. Strong performance for almost the entire cast (aside from Matthew Goode sadly, who played the most pivotal role in the story), and one of best stories ever told, this movie can get your attention with its character developments and a phenomenal last hour.
The Departed- The Best Picture winner in 2007 deserved it and then some. One of the best in the new wave of gangster movies, it's got everything: story, drama, and acting. I'll go so far as to say Jack Nicholson and Matt Damon deserved nominations for their acting in this one. This is one of those few films that I can say most any movie-goer (besides young kids because of the obvious R-rating) will thoroughly enjoy.
Burn After Reading- For a movie claiming to be a laugh-out-loud comedy, this one will throw you off. Other than some funny character moments, there's more of an ironic story here. Good characters played by the whole cast, but the story leaves something to be desired. Good for anyone interested in any of the many actors in this one. Otherwise, don't expect much else.
Munich- If you want something different in a spy movie, go for this one. Some interesting ideas combined with some of the factual events it's based on, you get a good film by well-known director Steven Spielberg. Intense drama, and some good performances by a surprise cast will get you into this one.
I know I usually end my reviews with some quote from the film, but since there are nine reviews here, I'll pick just one and let you guess which movie it's from:
"I'm not a comic book villain. Do you seriously think I would explain my master stroke to you if there were even the slightest possibility you could affect the outcome? I triggered it 35 minutes ago."
I'll give you a hint: at the time of the original story's release, it led to one of the biggest plot twists ever.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)