5.17.2011
I should really start a "TV For Your Moods" blog...
3.13.2009
NEWS: Crazy Business
Sorry for the long period of inactivity on the blog. The key contributors have been going through major life stuffs, which has somewhat interfered with our posting on the blog. (Speaking of which, we're under contract for a house now, which, once we move in, should calm down stuff for us a bit. Keep it in prayer.)
Hopefully I'll get a review of "The Rocker" up soon. Stay tuned.
-- Joe
P.S. In tribute to their upcoming tour, we should probably try to review "This is Spinal Tap" in the near future.
12.02.2008
Wanted (2008)

- Beat ‘Em Up Action Flick
- Not A Deep Movie That Makes You Think
- Heavy Violence
- Some Coarse Language
- Die Hard: With A Vengeance
- Equilibrium
- Schwarzenegger Style Action
- Rumble in the Bronx
- Interesting Take On Physics
- Morgan Freeman
Mason Adds --
LOOKING FOR:
- Escapist Fantasy
- A movie to play drinking games with
WATCH OUT FOR:
- Extreme comic-book violence
- F carpet-bombing
- Some sexuality
DO NOT EXPECT:
- The Matrix
- A good movie
EXPECT:
- Starship Troopers
- The Running Man
WHY WATCH IT?
- Bullets hitting each other in slow-motion
- Angelina Jolie’s tattoos
- A sweet Dodge Viper
This is not a smart film. At all. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, in and of itself. I’m an occasional fan of classic 1980’s-style meathead action flicks. However, I’m hesitant to ascribe this film to that category, just because the aforementioned action flicks had a certain brawny innocence to them; a balls-to-the-wall savoir-faire that made them a lot of fun. I felt that this movie took itself way too seriously—making it impossible to enjoy its absurd premise and goofy action. In addition to that, it had altogether too much plot. The offensively dumb plot took up many tens of precious minutes, minutes that could have been better employed with delightful explosions and more of that sweet red Dodge Viper driving on the sides of buses.
IN SUM: I definitely agree with Eidem that this is definitely a no-brains action flick (unless you count the brains continually splattered all over the walls, ceilings, and occasionally the camera). However, I didn’t particularly enjoy it. I went into the movie wanting either a smart action thriller or a gleeful stuff-smashing, Mac-truck driving romp, and I didn’t feel like the movie delivered on either count. --MASON
Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

LOOKING FOR:
- 80's Adventure
- Good Natured Kung-Fu
- Safe for the Kids
MOM ALERT:
- Some crude language
- Street gang
- Kung-Fu Violence
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
- Hero
- Memoirs of a Geisha
- Karate Kid
- Coming of Age Story (Where Kid Learns Responsibility)
- Way Fun Kung-Fu Movie
- A really fun 80's movie with 2008 production values
- Jet Li and Jackie Chan in the same movie
- Badass White-Haired Kung-Fu Chick
IN SUM: A great movie for the family, or for anyone who loved the child heroes of the '80s. Watch with like-minded friends for maximum enjoyment, or watch alone if your friends are snobs.
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Eidem Adds--
LOOKING FOR:
- Lighthearted Kung-Fu
- Nostalgic Comedy
WATCH OUT FOR:
- Slight Violence
DO NOT EXPECT:
- Once Upon A Time In China
- Legend of Drunken Master
EXPECT:
- The Karate Kid
- 3 Ninjas
WHY WATCH IT?
- Watch a 2008 Movie That Could Have Been Filmed In The 80’s
A movie that is very reminiscent of a time that was. Forbidden Kingdom is a story of a kid who adores kung-fu movies and wants to be like the heroes from those stories, but in reality is a nerd who gets picked on. Through mysterious happenings, he gets thrown into a world like the ones he loves and he must become more to save the day. Alongside him are two characters played by two of the greatest martial artists of our time, Jet Li and Jackie Chan. When I saw those two names attached to a movie, I was deadset on watching it. I was slightly disappointed in the fact that a movie with those two actors was not a martial arts epic. But once I got over that and started letting myself go into the story, I was brought back to a time when I was a kid who loved these types of movies. I would not recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a martial arts masterpiece, but anyone who is in the mood for a kid friendly kung-fu fantasy will not be disappointed. This is a movie that I will watch with my kids and feel safe that they are getting enjoyment and a good moral story. --EIDEM
IN SUM: If you are looking for Jet Li/Jackie Chan martial arts extraordinaire, then this is not your movie. If you are looking for an 80’s style, kid saves the day kung-fu move, you will be entertained.
12.01.2008
Stardust (2007)

LOOKING FOR:
- Comedy/Adventure.
- The Princess Bride of our time.
- Some sexual innuendo, including implied sexual encounters.
- Some implied nudity.
- Homosexual content/references.
- Pervasive theme of fratricide.
- The Swan Princess.
- Cinderella.
- Old-school swashbuckling fantastic comedy.
- Robert DeNiro.
IN SUM: It's good fun, and a must see. This is a movie to share with friends, but is worth watching on your own. Be sure to pay attention to catch all the dialogue.
Mason Adds --
LOOKING FOR:
- Lighthearted fantasy
- A unique twist on an often overwrought genre.
MOM ALERT:
- Female characters in the tub (non-explicit).
- Some mildly rude humor.
- A humorous gay character
- Goofy violence.
DO NOT EXPECT:
- Lord of the Rings.
- The Never-Ending Story.
WHY WATCH IT?
- Unpredictable and sanguine, often hilarious.
- Claire Danes plays a star.
This film has been billed as the next “Princess Bride,” which is somewhat true. A similarly affectionate fairy tale romp, Stardust is a bit meatier and somewhat more epic (made possible in part by its budget and subsequent special effects breakthroughs). Don’t be fooled by the marketing or the critics—if you want a smart and outside-the-box fantasy with reasonably good special effects and some great talent—this is your film. -- MASON
IN SUM: Engaging to the last drop, this movie is great for when you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned yarn.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Eidem Adds --
LOOKING FOR:
- Fantasy – In A British Comedy Sort of Way
WATCH OUT FOR:
- Mild Innuendo
- Witches Wanting To Eat Someone’s Heart
- Harry Potter
- Hook
- Vey Well Done Fantasy/Comedy
- Robert De Niro Playing A Gay Man
IN SUM: If you are in the mood for a fantasy/comedy blend, this is one movie to watch. If you are in the mood only a comedy or only a fantasy, you may be disappointed in the mix. –EIDEM
Tropic Thunder (2008)

LOOKING FOR:
- Undemandingly Accessible Comedy
- Awesome Explosions
- Visibly Fake Organs/Gore
- Some Sexually Graphic Dialogue
- F-Carpet Bombing
- Drug Content (And Smoking!)
- Not for the faint of heart or tender of conscience (Somewhat unfeeling towards the mentally-challenged, animals, and studio execs)
- Touching War Epic
- Oscar Wilde
- Platoon 2
- It's really funny.
- Robert Downey Jr.
IN SUM: Watch with like-minded friends. Beer optional.
Eidem Adds --
LOOKING FOR:
- Spoof Comedy
- Robert Downey Jr. Playing A Black Man
- Sexual/Coarse Language Throughout
- Fake Gore/Violence
- Saving Private Ryan
- Zoolander
- Airplane!
- Robert Downey Jr.’s Portrayal
The main problem with Tropic Thunder for me was my expectations of it (which is why this blog was started). I expected more than the movie offered and I was looking for a little more substance to the comedy. With Ben Stiller and Jack Black headlining this movie, I do not know what I was thinking. I thought maybe Downey’s addition to the movie would bring a different element to the plot. But once the movie got going I realized how well Downey’s character spoofed himself and tied into the point this movie was making. Tropic Thunder did not take itself seriously at all. To the contrary, it was spoofing the whole movie industry (movie studios, actors, producers, agents, etc.) and used the serious tone as part of its gag. So do not make the same mistake as I did. As long as you know what you are getting yourself into (and can stand a little crude humor) you should be able to enjoy this movie.
IN SUM: Be ready for a spoof movie. Watch it with others who can appreciate this type of humor and are in the same mood and that should add to the enjoyment.