"Speed Racer" (Review B)

To start this off, believe it or not, I have never seen a Speed Racer cartoon or anything. I have heard of it plenty of times, but have never actually seen it. What attracted me to this movie is a few things: the fact the the Wachowski brothers are directing it (the same directors from the Matrix); I wanted to see what this Speed Racer thing was all about; and finally, I was curious to see how far they were taking the unique style that I was seeing in the previews.

I went to see "Speed Racer" last night and I liked it. I did not know what to expect since I know very little bit about the Speed Racer franchise if you will. All I knew is that he raced cars and their was going to be a lot of color (from the preview).

It was a psychedelic, tense, and fun 2.25 hour ride. I never noticed the time go by. The all star cast's acting was stupendous, believable, and appropriate to this genre. The effects and colors were consistent and somehow fitting. Some of the acting was melodramatic but very appropriate. Good Movie!

Why Beautiful People Have More Daughters ... (Review)

I have just finished reading "Why Beautiful People Have More Daughters: From Dating, Shopping, and Praying to Going to War and Becoming a Billionaire-- Two Evolutionary Psychologists Explain Why We Do What We Do". Hows that for a really long book title.

This was a very interesting read. This book gives a 2 chapter intro into Evolutionary Psychology and then it is off to explaining many of humanity's cross-cultural universal behaviors from an evolutionary psychological perspective. I think that this book is a wonderfully enlightening read. I would suggest that everyone pick it up (if you are into that sort of reading). In some cases I think that they maybe trying to hard to come up with answers, but their empirical evidence is telling.

I was previously on the 'nurture' side of the 'nature vs nurture' argument, but with the books that I have been reading such as this plus Anatomy of Love: A Natural History of Mating, Marriage, and Why We Stray (Paperback) a (sociocultural look at mating in humans and other creatures) and The Myth of Monogamy: Fidelity and Infidelity in Animals and People (an evolutionary biological look at mating in humans and other creatures) I am seeing that our evolution greatly affects what and why we do things as humans today.

"Iron Man" (Review A-)

I saw "Iron Man and, wow, it was really, really good. Robert Downey Jr. was excellent in his role as Tony Stark. I was hesitant when I heard he was playing the part, but, wow, it was excellent. The acting was great. The effects are great.

If you like these sorts of movies, go see it. It was probably as good as 'Batman Begins'.

"Shoot 'Em Up" (Review - A-)

I was finally able to see the movie "Shoot 'Em Up" this weekend. I can honestly say that I enjoyed it - a lot. This movie's has a flagrant disregard for reality with over the top stunts and gun fights. I would almost say that it makes fun of the secret agent genre of movie in a serious way. It is filled what great one-liners and a plethora of guns, dead bodies, bullets, and a hot chick to boot. A great recipe for a mindless good time.

The plot was interesting and keeps you thinking. I almost say it is needlessly complex given the over the top action, but it was nice to see the great stunt work with a decent plot to boot - this was almost a refreshing combination.

The Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti were excellent. Monica Bellucci is hot as hell, but her acting was just OK for me. If I remember correctly she was in the French film "Brotherhood of the Wolf" (Pacte des loups, Le), which I really liked her in.

This is completely a guy movie. The ladies will probably not enjoy this one so much, so save this one for time with the guys. For a guy movie I give it an high B+ or low A-; for the ladies I am thinking that this is probably in the C range.

"Jumpers" (Review - B)

I enjoyed "Jumpers" and it was basically worth the money I paid to get into the theater. I was expecting it to be a little more tense and superhero'y than it was. The acting was good. The effects were good. The script/plot OK.

It felt like there was a lot missing. Especially explanations about the hunters and why the Jumper's ability manifests. The answers they do provide seem rather trite and contrived - enough to provide the required answer for the movie.

All in all I liked it.

Step Up 2 - The Streets (Review -C+)

We went to see 'Step Up 2 - The Streets' (Su2-tS) for International Womens Day. I really liked it (for a dance movie).

This movie is for all of the freaks and geeks in the world who are not afraid of being who you are, and standing up for what you believe. Su2-tS is movie whose plot is nothing really special, but some of the characters drew me in and wanted to know more. The dancing was of the break-dancing sort and it was great to watch.

Definitely, Maybe (Review - B)

A touching romantic film that highlights the trials and tribulations of relationships, as well as the journey to love, as a father tries to explain to his 11 year old daughter how he and her mother met.

I say it was a good chick-flick and Tanya says it was OK. What do I know? =)

The Other Boleyn Girl (Review - B)

This is NOT really a chick-flick. After not reading any reviews or plot summary we expected a chick-flick and this is not quite that. It was either this or 'Step Up 2'. I opted for this due to the medieval setting.

This movie, based in medieval England, is steeped in lies, intrigue, lust, and plotting, and shows the true end to duplicity for an ambitious family at court.

The acting was passionate and believable. The soundtrack, which I pretty much never notice, was moving.

Thankfully we will be seeing 'Jumper' this weekend. =)

The Spiderwick Chronicles (Review - A-)

My wife and I went to see 'The Spiderwick Chronicles' last night and we really liked it. You could tell that it was a PG-13 movie - no blood or anything, but that did not detract anything for me. My wife really hates tense moments and suspense and she was hiding her face for much of the movie. How I love my wife. She did like the movie.

It was a fun movie full of well meshed fantasy and a few touching emotional moments Fellow RPG players or fantasy buffs will recognize many of the faerie creatures' names. Their incarnation was different than what I am used to, but it was fascinating and neat none-the-less. Their take on faerie is really cool. Great movie! The acting was good and the special effects were great.

You may want to reserve this movie for kids in the +/- PG-13 range. Some of the suspenseful moments might be a little much for a child that is really sensitive and afraid.

"Fools Gold" (Review - B)

My wife and I went to see the movie "Fools Gold" at the theater last night. We were celebrating Valentines Day early since she has to work all night today.

We were pleasantly surprised by this film. We were expecting more of a romance film, but we received an adventure romance with just a splash of comedy. That was a recipe that worked well for us.

For the girls we got plenty shots of Matthew McConaughey's tanned body. For the guys we have a little bit of adventure and puzzle solving.

We liked it.

The FedEx Experience - Part II

I had previously reported on my first experience calling to FedEx and that was very positive. I am just going to update that a little bit.

I called to check on something and there was naught a warm transfer to be found. =( So my basic impression of FedEx customer service will go back to 'just another customer support line - nothing special'.

I am Legend (Review - B+)

To put review this in a little perspective, I saw Rambo IV (review) last night and I am still caught up in my darker thoughts because of that. I had also heard a lot of great words from people that have seen 'I am Legend' and I have high expectations of it.

Last night I was discussing with my parents the wonders of genetics/cloning and the disabilities and diseases that can be healed with technological advances stemming from these researches. It will be awe inspiring the knowledge and cures that this will eventually unlock. I seriously worry about the evils that can become if we are not careful and in our hubris allow evil to be wrought when we play with things that we do not yet fully understand.

This movie is about what happens when a genetically modified virus that is meant o cure cancer goes bad and converts those subjected to it into, well, zombies of sorts (in a similar vein as the 'Resident Evil' movies). Will Smith is excellent, as always, and the scenes are tense and gripping. I was not moved as much as I was expecting to be by this movie. Perhaps I was inured to such emotional swings from my Rambo IV experience last night. I like it and I was glad to finally have been able to see it. Another guy movie down. =)

Rambo IV (Review - B+)

Rambo IV is not for the squeamish or the faint of heart with it's 'Saving Private Ryan' level of gore and blood bringing to the forefront the horrors and atrocities committed in the senseless and inhumane ethnic cleansing in Burma.

Perhaps after this movie you will question whether humanitarian efforts there are even worth it if all that are being helped will end up senselessly butchered anyhow. Perhaps your will think the humanitarian efforts are futile and will not change anything if we do not work to change those that are in charge and who are promoting the death - without that we may just delaying the inevitable.

How far are you willing to go for what you believe in before you become that very monster to which you fighting against. Accepting and embrace who you are or that denial shall torment you until you come to grips with it.

A good and violent movie with a message. Stallone was brooding and great. Just what the doctor ordered and was great compensation for all of the chick flicks I have recently seen. Do not take bring anyone to this unless they liked and could appreciate the gore in Saving Private Ryan.

"Live for nothing, die for something"

John Rambo

'27 Dresses' (Review - C+)

We went to see the movie '27 Dresses' last night. *sigh* =) It was a standard fare chick flick whose plot is standard for chick flicks. The actresses - Hawt!

The acting was good, nothing overly inspiring but good. 'P.S. I Love You' was a far better movie and much more powerful and evocative. If you want to take your girl to it go ahead. There probably will not be any surprises. I think that I we would have preferred to have rented it. It kind of sits on the border for me.

"The Golden Compass" (Review - B+)

My wife and I went to see 'The Golden Compass' last night even though we were told to wait to rent it. This movie is in the stylistic vein as Narnia and is about as tense. A good movie for older children.

It was a high fantasy movie with a little lesson about truth and about the length that some will go to stop the people from knowing the truth, especially when it conflicts with their interests, power, and control. It was a little thought provoking for me. =)

Tanya, in general liked it, but it really upsets her when a movie leaves something open for a second movie. She prefers more of a 'Terminator' ending where everything is closed and you feel that the movie is completed. The special effects were great. I liked the fantasy world and the way that they created it. The acting was good. The script was OK. The stories moral is world is quite evocative for me.

Was it worth the full $8.50? Well... there are better movies out there and I would have preferred to see but the high fantasy was a welcomed break from what has been coming out.

Aliens vs. Predator: Requim (Review - B)

To put this a little in perspective I watched the first three Aliens movies this week and I think I was sitting a few rows too close to the front. I had heard a little bit about the plot online - specifically that it breaks from canon a little bit.

Aliens vs Predator: Requiem was fun to watch. The character action of the humans did not detract for me as some have said. There were plenty of Aliens to look at and a prominent Predator. They introduced some new Predator technology (as far as I know) which was cool. I cannot say that it wowed me but it was fun to watch. The ending had me asking a question. I am hoping that they did not do that so that they had room to make a sequel. They have not found someone to do either the Alien or Predator franchise real justice since the orignals.

The original Predator movie rocked. I played the original 'AVP: Aliens vs Predator' game as a Predator and loved it. The PG-13 'AVP: Aliens vs Predator' movie was fun to watch, but it was PG-13; need I say more. 'Predator 2' was decent and the ending was interesting. The first 3 Alien movies were tense and great.

Alvin and the Chimpmunks (Review - C+)

We went to see Alvin and the Chimpmunks" because this was the only movie that we could agree upon and see before she went to work. The movie that we would have preferred to see was "The Golden Compass". There are a lot of movies that I want to go see, but, guys, you know what I am talking about. =)

My wife was expecting this to be one that she would end up wanting to rent, and at the end that is what she thought. I grew up watching the cartoon and I was afraid of how this was going to turn out, but I was not disappointed. We both enjoyed the movie well enough and if you have kids they will enjoy it.

If it is just you and the guys or you and the girls - wait and rent it. If it is just you and the kids - sure give it a spin

Movie Review Background

Me

Here is some information about us so that you can put our reviews in perspective:

I am a guy and I really like guy movies. I am also a geek and I like geeky things, especially those that are about computers and fantasy. I like action, adventure, guns, violence, Martial Arts, and special effects; a plot helps too. I grew up on ninja and vampire movies, as well as action and adventure.

Some of my favorite movies are Lord of the Rings, Matrix, Star Wars (IV, V, VI), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, White Men Can't Jump, Saw, Unbreakable, Identity, Enemy at the Gates, Hackers, Sixth Sense, Pitch Black, A Knights Tale, Scent of a Woman, Legend, From Hell, 300, and Romeo Must Die.

The Wife

My wife is a woman (imagine that); not only that but she is also Belarussian so she European tastes. She likes chick flicks: romance, comedy, a little bit of suspense is OK, and she likes some semblance of realism.

Some of her favorite movies: Wimbledon, Prime, P.S. I Love You, Sabrina, Pretty Woman, and Stranger Than Fiction.

The FedEx Experience

So, I mentioned earlier that the Royal Holiday people in Hyatt in Cancun told us that we should take the Royal Holiday welcome package back to the US since we had to send it back to their home office in Miami.

I sent the materials back through our local Mailboxes Etc... (who were really great) via FedEx back to Cancun. Eventually a FedEx rep called me saying that the recipients were not going to pay the customs taxes and that I need to contact them.

I called their offices via the number that they left on my voice mail and talked to their agent who was really knowledgeable and friendly. It turns out that I will need to pay the customs import tax and that the Mexican customs agents will not charge directly to a credit card and that I would need to setup a FedEx account. The agent 'warm transferred' me to their accounts person.

For those of you who do not know what a 'warm transfer' is I will let you know. I worked for At&T Worldnet and At&T Business Dial technical support each for a year, and only in the Business Dial did we do warm transfers. Warm Transfers are where you put the customer on hold, call up the place where you need to transfer the customer, talk to the agent to inform them what is going on and so they can pull up their account, conference in the customer and let them know the name of the agent and that they will handle their issue from here.

Warm transfers are very nice and rare to see in this day and age, and that is a shame. They are reassuring and ensure that their is less confusion and less time wasted for everyone. I wish more business would do this.

So, my experience, as limited as it was, with FedEx was great. Oh, and Warm Transfers Rock!!

Edit: Follow-up review The FedEx experience Part II.

'P.S. I Love You' (Review - A)

Some will say I lack a spine. Some will say that I am whipped. Some would even venture to say that I am gay or not a man. I will say in the face of all of this, that I really love my wife and I do watch these chick flicks for her, because I love her. =) Do I see more chick flicks than 'manly' movies? Yes, yes I do. *sigh*

So, we went to see the movie 'P.S. I Love You' after basically finishing our Christmas shopping. My wife spent most of the movie in tears. It is deeply moving and powerful movie about the human experience, relationships, transcendent love, what we deal with we lose a loved one.

I enjoyed the movie very much. The acting was great and believable, and is what makes the moments so powerful. If any of you guys out there are in the doghouse, take your woman to see it, bring a small pack of tissues, and then hopefully you'll get a bunch of points back. ;)