I love it when other people share their insights about me because from them I learned that I’m a very interesting person to talk about and that I thank them for making me famous . For others, those nasty comments should be something to be alarmed about but for me, Hell No!!! They just prove themselves wrong, if I am indeed a B#%^@  why talk about me? you see it’s a sign of INSECURITY, they scrutinize others in order to gain attention, because they are not intelligent or gorgeous enough to get their own limelight, they are using me to gain/direct others attention to them (so unfortunate I get all the credit).. do I feel used? NO!!! definitely not… why? becuase it only shows me their true color….. black that is… hehehehehe

Yesterday, at 8PM EST, the reimagining of 1983 miniseries ‘V‘ piloted on ABC, pulling in just over 13.9 million viewers,  beating new favourite and dubbed ‘Lost replacement‘, ‘Flashfoward‘ by 1.5 million viewers. Unfortunately for most UK viewers, ‘V‘ will not be released until 2010.

The cast of V may seem ever recognisable with stars from such programs as Lost, Smallville, Firefly and 24. These stars include; Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost, E.R, Time Of Your Life), Lourdes Benedicto (24, The Nine, NYPD Blue), Laura Vandervoort (Smallville, Instant Star, Into The Blue 2), Morena Baccarin (Firefly, Serenity, Stargate SG-1) and Alan Tudyk (Serenity, Firefly, Dollhouse), with newcomers; Morris Chestnut (The Game Plan, The Perfect Holiday, Anacondas), Joel Gretsch (The 4400, National Treasure: Book Of Secrets, Minority Report) , Logan Huffman (America, Circledrawers, Lymelife) and Scott Wolf (The Nine, Party Of Five, Everwood). Goodness, I apologize for all the reading you have to do.

Anyway, the pilot for V was very unique, and definitely one of the better pilots I’ve seen in a while, possibly matched by my love for Supernatural or Lost in terms of favourites and the quality throughout the episode never ceased to amaze, with special effects equal to that of a Hollywood blockbuster, and enough content to cause indescribable thinking for a period of several weeks, it certainly has enough to keep you hooked. Even in the first five minutes. However, the have been claims by President Barack Obama’s supporters that the program acts as an allegory to the Obama Administration, purely based on the mention of words and phrases throughout the pilot such as ‘Hope‘, ‘Change‘ and ‘Universal Health Care.‘ Quite a large accusation there, don’t you think? Whilst producer Jeffrey Bell states ‘it’s simply a show about spaceships‘. Despite recent and belittling allegations, I highly recommend this show, which features the coming of an extra-terrestrial race to earth with 29 spaceships hovering over the world’s major cities, at which point the ‘Visitors‘, as they’re referred to, claim to make peace. At the same time, not all the humans seem to think so and think that their ‘arrival’  is an attempt upon humanity, thus forming a rebellion. Should play out pretty well it seems.

I have had so much going on the past week and a half that it’s hard to keep track any more!   Let’s see, why not start with workouts…

I’m back to Insanity and loving it.  This time around I’ve been on a prescription dose of Vitamin D (due to a severe deficiency) and I’m not having the pain in my joints that I did the first time around.  I’m also wearing shoes so there is no ankle or back pain either. It’s okay, you can all say “Duh!” together.  My muscles feel sore everyday but in a good way, tender so I know I’ve had a great workout but not so painful that I can’t walk.  I am already FEELING better and seeing improvements in my numbers.  I am able to do far more in my second Plyo Cardio workout than I was in the first.  And, because I don’t have the pain (mostly joint pain) after the workouts, I’m actually enjoying pushing myself through these workouts.  Don’t get me wrong, they aren’t easy but they are do-able, even considering that the only exercise I’ve done in the past 3 months is running, a little Turbo Kick (maybe 1x a week) and next to NO weight training or resistance (I know that’s bad!) 

What I HAVE learned over this past week is that it’s okay to take a break during the workout.  I am not pushing myself any harder than my limits.  I am checking my heart rate frequently and if it is over 190 when I get to the 30 second break, I take a 1 min. break instead.  I’ve even taken a couple of 90 second breaks.   I’m trying to keep it between 175-185 during the intervals which feels good to me yet lets me know I’ve worked out – HARD!

While my eating has still not been perfect it hasn’t been bad either and at Day 5 I am down 4 lbs with my clothes loosening around the waist.  I have lost .5 inches off my waist, 1.5 off my low abs  and .75 off my hips.  Keep in mind these are the places I want most to lose and this is just the first 5 days!!!  I’m pleased with the results (who wouldn’t be in 1 week) BUT won’t let this deter me from making sure that the doctor still refers me to an endocrinologist.  I know that there is more going on inside that needs to be solved.  I am taking my supplements (fish oil, Activit, calcium, and now vitamin D)  and Shakeology.  I won’t say that I always use the P90X Recovery Drink but most days I do have it with a 16 – 32 oz water during the Insanity workout.

On to other news…I got a call yesterday from the Beachbody corporate office.  It seems that Debbie Seibers (creator of Slim in 6) is going to QVC in January and would like to use my before and after pictures when she goes.  Let me see how quickly I can answer YES!  There is also a chance (albeit slim) that she will be asking several people to join her.  Hmmmm, I’ve never been to New York…Just a hint, Debbie, in case you’re reading!

I would love to tell you that I’m so busy lately because I’m working long hours, slaving away as a Beachbody Coach, but I’d be lying. I’m actually spending more time keeping busy playing with the kids.  While I have had several people join my team this week (I’m so excited because all of them are dying to help people become healthier, more fit and earning an income from their own home business) I have actually spent less time “working” this week than since beginning as a coach.  With the launch of The Game Plan last week, Beachbody has simplified the process of showing people what a coach does and what we have to offer that I don’t “work” at all now.  I’ve cut back from 30-40 hours and am now working (full time) about 10-12 hours a week.  Best of all, I’ve had 5 people join my team this week and my sales have doubled!  I’d call that a successful week!   (If you think you might want more info on joining my team or how being a coach might be something you can do to get physically and financially fit, just email me at fitcoachtina@comcast.net and I’ll help you out!)

I’m trying to get ready for Austin to leave for Science Camp next Monday.  It will be his first REAL trip away from home and I’m nervous.  He’s not but I am.  Kassie had been to camp several times prior to Science Camp but this is a first for him.  Just another reminder that my babies are growing up.  I even argued with Aidan this week that he was 8 and not 9.  It took the entire family and 20 minutes (plus math…oh how I hate math) to prove that he is, in fact, 9 years old.  (Then why is he still running around our neighborhood wearing a cape and styrofoam crown?!?!)

Okay, I think that should bring everyone pretty close to updated for this past week.  I will be having an Open House on Nov. 14th so if you’re in the area and interested in seeing the Beachbody products, sampling Shakeology or finding out more about the business opportunity, email me and I’ll give you directions.  This is going to be a no-pressure open house and the only “sale” will be to help everyone sign up for a free WOWY profile.  There will be NO product on hand so no need to worry about being “sold” on anything   Just in time, the kids are home so I’m off to help with homework!

Titlu Original: Shrink
Anu: 2009
Duratia: 1:44:41
Descriere: Henry Carter, un psiholog din Beverly Hills, are printre clienti o actrita iesita din lumina reflectoarelor, un tanar scriitor nesigur pe el si un impresar celebru. Cu propria viata scapata de sub control, Carter accepta primul caz pro-bono: o adolescenta a carei preocupare pentru viata de la Hollywood ii da peste cap existenta. Vietile pacientilor vor ajunge sa se întrepatrunda si in afara cabinetului lui Henry, intr-un mod cat se poate de emotionant.

See Here Shrink.

Just Break Up?

I won my ex back by following this 1 secret rule. Email me for video.GetYourExBackNow.com

Hello citizens of the Future Wrestling League! I have a VERY IMPORTANT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT to make. Please read very carefully. But first a word from our sponsor….

And…. welcome back.

As of yesterday, October 22, 2009 I am clearing my desk of all non-essential e-wrestling endeavors to focus soley on the Future Wrestling League’s launch. This will allow me the valuable time needed to venture out outside of the norms of typical e-fed recruiting circles to find quality staff and roster members. Of course my good friends at EWZine are hearing about this too. Where would I be without them?

Momentum is building, make no mistake. I’ve heard too many times “This 80’s E-Fed is a REALLY interesting idea!” not to follow through with opening the FWL. Therefore, first things first. I need a right hand man. Second, a dedicated staff excited about going head to head with the 80’s WWF. Third, the roster… a real roster. Not the jobber fodder created by myself and the staff to put over the Superstars of the FWL on SLAM!.

What’s in store….

PrimeTime Titans will air on New Years Day. This gives myself and those that come on board two solid months to plan, execute, and produce said nationally syndicated show. The catch? We have to make a 1986 based show feel LIVE and suspend your disbelief for the duration of that broadcast. We’re going to be attempting something no one else has ever tried to do before. Creatively, this could be challenging but the reward at the end of the day will be well worth it. I have this picture in my mind of it all happening. Just think of how much fun that’s going to be!

Can we deliver? Thinking things through for over a year now…. YES! The question is can you contribute? Can you be one of the wrestlers in the ring during the apex of wrestling boom? Could you be someone who makes professional wrestling history?

Those interested in joining the fight to change the course of professional wrestling can e-mail thefwl@hotmail.com or go to the FWL website for more details. I’ll be sure to answer any questions and listen to whatever ideas you may have in how to kick Vince McMahon’s ass…. in the 80’s.

Thanks,

Dave

Love is a powerful word but it’s also the one that best describes how I feel about Dwayne Johnson, formerly WWE’s The Rock. He is my favorite celebrity and the number one dude on my short list of man crushes. The Rock tops such illustrious company as George Clooney, Paul Rudd and Neil Patrick Harris.

1. “They were chanting the Rock’s name…” – The Rock bleeds charisma. He could give just a tiny bit to each member of WWE’s current roster, improving each of them tenfold, and still have enough left over to tell me and a million other dudes to jump off a bridge or follow him into space to fight aliens and see us actually do it. This translates very well into acting since I have seen all of The Rock’s movies, including Gridiron Gang and The Game Plan, finding that I had a little something in my eye during the former.

2. “Have you ever been tombstoned? I have. It is NOT a pleasant experience.” – Also, “You’re doing a great job, Michelle.” Followed by, “Thanks, Jackie.” Both were comments directed at the same girl working the clapperboard. Suffice to say, he is a funny dude, evidenced not just by his countless WWE promos but also his multiple stints hosting Saturday Night Live. The Rock is unafraid to make fun of himself while still portraying how awesome he is all of the time.

3. “…is cookin’.” – Dude is good looking. I would like to have teeth that straight and half the arch in my eyebrow that he does. My wife watched this part of Smackdown with me Friday night and she had it right: “Damn, that is a beautiful man.”

The athletic Cameroon forward Somen à Tchoyi scored a goal and dished out a neat assist for his Austrian clubside Red Bulls Salzburg this weekend.

At the 60th minute of their game against  Karnten in the Austrian Bundesliga, Tchoyi sprinted with the ball into the opposition penalty area before slotting it to his team-mate Pokrivac for the curtain raiser. Ten mminutes later the Cameroonian raised excitment in the stands with delicate one-two moves with his attack-line partner Janko before a sweet finish to beat the goalkeeper. It is his 6th goal in the league this season as his club leads the way on the tables with 20 points after 9 games.

With such solid performances at the tip of an attack line there is speculation that Somen à Tchoyi could  replace Webo as the “towering” centre-forward around which Samuel Eto’o pivots in the Indomitable Lions.

Somen Tchoyi in his Lions debut against Cape Verde

How would that function tactically?

Paul Le Guen’s preferred formation is a 4-3-3 in which the first choice attacking trio is made up of: Somen (left), Webo (Centre), Eto’o (right). They are all expected to swap positions during an encounter with Eto’o having the most allowance to roam while Webo stays the longest as the furthest man up front.

Otherwise, the Lions play a 4-4-2 diamond formation in which Webo is the big strong attacker who weighs on the defenders while Eto’o roams around and takes space and position. Just behind them is Achille Emana in a sort of traditional number 10 role.

Essentially, Somen could fit in both systems. He is huge, plays well with the head, can score, plays in his club as the second attacker (in a 4-4-2) and is techinically astute. He has the movement to play either in the centre, at the right or the left of a 3-man attackline thus giving the punch that Paul Le Guen seeks.

In addition, if Somen plays in the centre, of the 3-man attack, it allows Eto’o to play from the left which is his preferred zone.

Keen watchers of the game spotted that in the first half of the Libreville match against Gabon, Eto’o who was supposed to be on the right of the attack often swayed to the left which exposed  Geremi in the right full back  position. When the coach rectified the matter in the second half  Eto’o scored the fantastic second goal for the Lions.

Should Webo be dropped the attacking trio would be Eto’o (left), Somen (centre), Alo’o (right); or the attacking duet will be Eto’o and Somen with Emana behind them as number 10. A good look at the friendly against Austria would confirm this theory.

Other options with Somen

Somen started as a relay midfielder (n°8) while he was playing for Union Douala in Cameroon. This means he can either play in the positions currently held by Makoun (left) and Emana (right/playmaker) within the current 4-3-3 set-up of the Indomitable Lions. He may not be full of trickery as Emana, but he certainly has the same power, skill and vision.

Otto Pfister  used him on the flanks of his usual 4-4-2 (and 4-2-3-1 used in Togo) because of his drive and power. But as I had mentioned here before, he still lacks that clinical cut-back which makes wingers special. This  is simply because he generally plays at the centre of midfield or attack. Playing on the flanks also reduces his goal threat.

Webo’s Strengths

However,  Achille Webo is among the most instinctive goal poachers this country has seen in years. He doesn’t make goals, he is often at the right place to finish-off a move.

Physically he gives 100%  for 90 minutes holding back defenders so that the more creative members of the squad can shine. It is an unselfish and ungrateful role that most spectators do not notice but which should be taken to account.

A few years ago when Patrick Mboma retired from international football, I asked former Cameroon head coach Winfried Schaffer why he did not pair Eto’o and Joseph Desire Job; instead he preferred guys like Tum and Webo (who it must be said had his first cap under the German).

“Tum, big, strong, heads well…very good player… like Mboma,” he mumbled in English. “Job and Eto’o are the same…They go around the big man,” he added. I wasn’t really convinced then. Later I understood the blonde with the mane. He needed a target man because both Eto’o and Job were technically gifted but were not the type to bear physically upon the opposing defences. It was either Job or Eto’o patnering Mboma and hardly the two together.With the emergence of Webo, Cameroon had found that target man to replace Mboma albeit without the finesse, shot and precision of the latter.

Emile Heskey of England is also like that. He has the worst goal scoring record for any attacker but does the job for  Fabio Cappello’s.  He handles all the brutish tasks that enable the Rooneys and Lampards of the world to score.

Weekend performances

While Paul Le Guen is left with the head ache of making the final choice based on his game dynamics, tactics and amination based on the strengths and compatibilities of his selected players, here are tit-bits from European leagues this week.

• Ngom Kome dribbled Real Madrid defenders and passed intricate one-twos for 80 minutes but Tenerfie was well beaten by Real Madrid (3-0)
• Espanyol Barcelona drew 0-0 with Idriss Kameni as keeper while Frank Songo’o only came in as a late substitute (84th minute) for Zaragosa’s 3-0 victory over Getafe.
• Real Mallorca also won 3-0 but Webo sat through the whole game on the bench
• Jean Makoun played the full 90 minutes when lyon beat Toulouse 2-1 in the French league 1; Nkoulou Ndoubena came in as a substitute for Gudjohnson in midfield but his club Monaco lost 1-2 at St. Etienne; Alo’o Efoulou also came on from the bench when his club Nancy beat Sochaux 2-1.
• In England, Sébastien Bassong returned to the pitch this weekend after his head injury last Sunday. His and Assou Ekotto’s Tottenham tore apart Bikey’s Burnley 5-0. Bikey even caused a penalty.
• George Elokobi was also on the losing end of a goal feast. Sunderland thrashed his Wolverhampton side 5-2; Alex Song  and Arsenal fought hard to beat Fulham away (1-0).

Title: The Game Plan
Length: 1hr 10min
Rated: PG

The heart-warming and funny movie The Game Plan is the perfect family flick. Boston Rebels #1 quarterback Joe Kingman, played by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, is the stereotypical arrogant, self-absorbed professional football player who has everything and anything at his fingertips – from his beautiful Russian girlfriend to a luxurious bachelor’s pad. His lavish, egotistical lifestyle comes to a screeching halt when his doorbell rings one morning. Little 8-year-old Peyton Kelly, played by Madison Pettis, stands at his doorstep with her doll, Camille tightly in her arms, claiming that she is his daughter. With Joe’s image on the line, assistant and publicist Stella Peck, played by Kyra Sedgwick, knows that the press will have a field day with this kind of shocking news.

From a selfish, narcissistic spinster, Kingman is faced with learning how to become a loving father – a challenge he never imagined he’d have to tackle. But ‘Never-Say-No Joe’ went from strapping his newfound daughter into the front seat of his Mercedes-Benz coupé with a football helmet on to a ‘#1 Dad’s’ station wagon. Parental mistakes piled high in the beginning, but with time, Peyton enchants her way into Joe’s heart where football, for the first time in his life, places #2. While Joe gets the hang of parenting, Peyton pushes him away from his materialistic girlfriend and introduces him to her wholesome ballet teacher. By the end of the film, Peyton has the entire Boston Rebels team wrapped around her little finger and has completely transformed the almighty football star.

My rating: 7 This is a great movie to watch with your family. I watched it with my mom one night while she was recovering from surgery and the movie made the two of us laugh and nearly cry – with the whole spectrum of emotions in between. Take it, the acting was a little cheesy, especially some of ‘The Rock’s’ lines. I don’t know if it was just because a big, buff man was saying a bunch of sappy things or if his acting really is that bad – perhaps a combination of both. Nonetheless, there was still a good message existing underneath. Plus, there’s a surprising twist to the ending that will not disappoint!

Dear bloggers I believe it would be my privilege to share with you an exciting, fascinating and a remarkable experience from a movie. At the outset would like to notify to you that I am not a cine maniac. Films just entertain me they don’t influence me a lot. But this instance it was different. Yesterday I saw a movie “The Game Plan” by Andy Fickman, where the renowned Hollywood star actor Dwayne “THE ROCK” Johnson enacts the chief character termed as “Joe Kingman”, the captain of American Rugby Club “Boston Rebel”. In its story this film depicts the affection between a dad and his daughter. The chronicle goes like this “Joe and his wife led a miserable marital life, full of bitterness and they got divorced. Joe’s wife dies in a car accident. Joe doesn’t realize the fact that he has a daughter. One morning the daughter arrives at Joe’s apartment and proclaims that she is his daughter. Initially Joe denies her statement, but later on he comes into terms with the fact that he himself is her father. From that jiffy onwards he makes up his mind to be a good father. Then he toils and toils hard to shed his fatherly love and affection on her. But with a great anguish Joe realizes the fact that she is gradually turning into a patient and her aunt finds her. Joe’s daughter chooses to go to her aunt’s home. This makes Joe feel dejected and disappointed a lot. A sense of isolation and seclusion surrounds Joe and he attempts to call her, but she rejects his calls. Rugby championship arrived. Finally the championship game was on, Joe got injured. There the movie vividly demonstrates a Joe who was beaten mentally by his daughter and physically by the injury. Viewers will experience a sense of pity for Joe. But lastly for the consolation of both Joe and viewers Joe’s daughter comes to see Joe and to receive him. In the context the game was on and Joe’s daughter persuades him to go ahead with his game. Being cured mentally Joe brushes aside his physical ache, continued his game and he won the game for his team.
This film portrays and visualizes a touching and a really awesome story. In addition to the powerful script all actors enacted and did their part perfectly to their maximum capability. I don’t have any idea about time in which this film was released but I suggest you to see this film. If your mind carries little amount of love and care in it then you people will like it. I am 100% sure……

Just saw Imagine That, the latest Eddie Murphy flick, and it actually wasn’t bad, it wasn’t good, far far from it, but it was really good considering the string of flops Murphy had currently been in. It focusses on an investment advisor, who starts getting business advice from his daughter’s imaginary friends.

Yara Shahidi is the little girl that plays Olivia, the daughter, and she’s by far the best part of the movie, and she’s charming and adorable to watch, she should get top billing in my opinion.

Murphy’s character, Evan, is a workaholic who other than at his job, seems to be good for nothing else, much less parenting, until he is left with his daughter by his ex-wife, played by Nicole Ari Parker, who says the two should spend more time together. After failing at finding a baby-sitter, Evan takes Olivia to work with him.

However Evan was in the battle for a big promotion, and his charts and notes for his presentation have been wrecked by Olivia with her drawings, and it seems that Johnny Whitefeather, a rival advisor played by Thomas Haden Church, will get the gig. However Murphy improvises his presentation from the stories Olivia had told him about her drawings. And they turn out to be the best advice. And she then does it again, and again, and again.

Sure, the movie is as predictable as you’ll find, we’ve seen plenty of films with this exact same theme, just a couple years ago we had The Game Plan which this one is clearly reminiscent of. However I found it pleasant, but not really funny as one would think, I mean, I smiled, but I didn’t really laugh. And that was, actually, fine by me.

Murphy is actually okay in this one, he’s his usual self with the super quick talking but he doesn’t go over the top on this one, something he hasn’t done for a while now. And while he’s okay, neither him or the movie would be okay without, I repeat, the lovely Yara Shahidi.

She’s only been in three episodes of the television show In The Motherhood before this, but you wouldn’t think so, she’s super talented for child actors, not just trying to look pretty and cute, in fact she doesn’t even do that, but she plays her role, and she plays it well, giving Murphy his only good moments on-screen. She should get tons of gigs after this one, and apparently she will, already signed on for two films, and thankfully two serious ones, one is Unthinkable, which will get her acting alonside Samuel L. Jackson and Martin Sheen, and Salt, which will see her with Angelina Jolie and Liev Schreiber.

So yes, Imagine That is too formulaic and predictable, but its pleasant to watch and introduces us to a new child star, and actually sorta feels like a little comeback for Murphy into decent-film territory, and for that I’m actually grateful.

Grade: B-

This week’s profile is on one of my favourite performers today – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He burst onto the scene with a slate of action movies which led some to believe he could be the next Arnold, but he then switched to family flicks which have led him off the rails a bit, but definitely helped his popularity. Sure, he’s not the greatest actor in the world, or at least hasn’t shown it yet, but he absolutely has some fantastic films that are worth reflixing again and again. I loved him when he was in the WWE and I continue to love him on screen. He’s got charisma and a universal appeal that few actors ca match today. Here’s a recap of his filmography.

The Mummy Returns

Recap – Imhotep is shipped to London where he unleashes his powers on the city.

Review – 7/10

Reflix – Although this is his first feature film debut, Johnson only appears at the beginning as the Scorpion King and later his likeness is used in the final battle as a computer-generated creature. I don’t really consider this his first real movie – he doesn’t say a single word of dialogue! Nonetheless, its still a good movie with a lot of action that is worth rewatching. One particular sequence is when Imhotep’s cronies escape from the museum and chase after Brendan Fraser and co. on the double-decker bus – I thought this was particularly unique and I can’t think of another movie which has a sequence similar to this. I’m a big Brendan Fraser fan myself, even though he usually does offbeat sort of films, so this film was right up my alley. Rachel Weisz is gorgeous, and well worth checking out here and John Hannah adds in some great humor as well.  The final battle scene is great as well, with Rick and Imhotep fighting before they take on the Scorpion King – even though the Scorpion King is one of the worst pieces of CGI I’ve seen in a long time. This is another action flick which is worth a rewatch and I would definitely pick it up for a good Indy-like adventure feel. Reflixability – Boomerang.

The Scorpion King

Recap – The Akkadian, an assassin, is hired along with his brother to kill the sorcerer of an invading army to give the defending forces a fighting chance. He is betrayed and his brother is murdered, so he seeks revenge.

Review – 7/10

Reflix – In what I consider The Rock’s true feature debut, he shines as the charismatic performer I knew when he used to fight in the wrestling ring. His performance is absolutely reflixable – he fights well as the assassin, pulls off the jokes like a comic, and plays the hero like no other. There are a number of battles where he does particularly well, such as his one-on-one battle with Michael Clarke Duncan, which is a great brawl reminiscent of the scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark when Indy goes to get the medallion from Marion Ravenwood. The final battle scene is great as well, well worth watching over, and seems to draw on previous Arnold films in that respect – he tackles the castle in Commando-like style and fights the main villain who uses two flaming swords! In fact, I think one of the things that will draw you back to this film again and again is the fact that it is very much like the old-school action flicks where the focus was on the stunts and the fight scenes looking real and believable rather than on how it could be done with computer graphics. I think action films are the one genre where computer graphics have harmed its progress. The other thing that is great about this film is the villain - Steven Brand as Memnon is fantastic and a really great, bad-ass of a bad-guy. He’s the kind of enemy you can really sink your teeth into, like Alan Rickman, Jeremy Irons, William Sadler, or Timothy Olyphant from the Die Hard series. Throw in a hot girl and a good story and you’ve got a really reflixable film. Reflixability – Boomerang.

The Rundown

Recap – A bounty hunter is hired to bring back a man’s son, but becomes involved in preventing a developer from ruining a city where a treasure is rumoured to be buried.

Review – 7/10

Reflix – I’ll be straight-up with this film: its not the best action-comedy in the world, but its definitely worth your time. I think that there are some great scenes here worth watching again, whether its the fight scenes, the swinging from the vines (better than Kingdom of the Crystal Skull at least), or any scene with Christopher Walken. The final scene with the whip fight and such is also pretty damn good.  But the best scene, which I guarantee you will watch again and again, is the opening scene in the nightclub. Not only does Arnold pass the torch to The Rock, but the opening fight is amazing. I really think its worth rewatching from the beginning to end again and again. I just love the Arnold nod and his “Have fun” line. Priceless.  I won’t write much else because its a decent film that you should experience and all around I think its worth watching a few times. If I had the DVD itself, I’d probably pop it in every now and then. Reflixability – Boomerang.

Walking Tall

Recap – A soldier returns home to find corruption in his town – so he cleans it up.

Review – 8/10

Reflix – This film is worth rewatching again and again. For a long time there was a severe deficit in the number of action flicks coming to theatres, but this one filled the void and in fine form. I think that there is a huge market for films with a strong hero with well choreographed fight sequences and a simple plot. Its like First Blood or Commando or one of those great movies – the story is just a backdrop for the rest of the action to be plugged in. And even better is the fact that The Rock kicks ass with a 2×4. A 2×4! You can’t get better than that. I’m keeping this one short and sweet – buy this film, its absolutely worth the purchase. Reflixability – Infinite.

Be Cool

Recap – Chilli Palmer is back and he tries his luck at conquering the music industry.

Review – 5/10

Reflix – Look, I’m willing to give a film with a big ensemble cast a shot, but when its so poorly done like this film, it makes me angry for wasting my time. At that point, the actors have just betrayed their star power and trust with the audience because they wanted to make a film with their buddies. There is no way I would rewatch this film – its a dumb story, with Travolta relying on his charisma, which he’s lacked for some time. Perhaps the only highlight in the entire thing is Dwayne Johnson’s performance as Eliot Wilhelm, but even that isn’t enough to get me to watch this flick again. And you would think that for a comedy this is supposed to be funny, but its not – find me one good scene which The Rock isn’t in. Please do not watch it. Don’t even watch it if someone gives it to you for free. Reflixability – Coaster.

Gridiron Gang

Recap – A counsellor of a juvenile hall forms a football team made up of his inmates to teach them about redemption, renewal and a fresh life.

Review – 7/10

Reflix – This movie draws on Johnson’s football roots and he does a great job as Sean Porter, the head counsellor of the juvenile delinquent center.  He and Xzibit have a great chemistry as the coach and assistant coach of the football team and they both give good performances which are worth watching again. The story overall is the same sort of thing that you would expect from a sports-themed film, but at least it isn’t ridiculous or comical, much as Adam Sandler’s The Longest Yard is.  However, overall the film doesn’t have that much which will draw you back. Although the acting is good, I don’t see myself choosing this film over Hoosiers or Rudy or The Mighty Ducks when it comes down to a sports film faceoff. There aren’t enough characters which are worth watching – you don’t really get involved with the film, you just sort of observe a nice story. I think the desire to stick to the “true story” of this film robbed it of any kind of emotional involvement for the audience, and so it lacks any real reflixability. However, its still worth your time to check this out at least once, so I would encourage you to rent this or at least Netflix it if you have a chance. Reflixability – Frisbee.

The Game Plan

Recap – A superstar football player meets the daughter he didn’t know he had.

Review – 6/10

Reflix – Apparently The Rock must have signed a long term deal with Disney, because he’s done mostly Disney films in the last few years, save one or two. This one is probably one of the worst of his films, although its not entirely horrible or anything. The Rock plays a Terrell Owens-like character who finds out he has a daughter who comes to live in his bachelor pad. This is obviously one for the kiddies, what with the giant bubble bath hot tub scene, or when she bedazzles his football, amongst a host of other visual gags. The Rock isn’t particularly great in this film, but he does show off his comedy chops, which is a nice change from the ass-kicking, 2×4 wielding action star we see in some of his films. It’s a decent redemption story, but I seriously don’t see myself picking this film up from the store when he has other films that are much more satisfying. Perhaps, if you’ve got kids this is a good choice for a Friday night, but otherwise, just leave it alone. Reflixability – Frisbee.

Get Smart

Recap – The bumbling, trouble-finding Agent 66, Maxwell Smart, is put into the field to stop a bomb from detonating.

Review – 6/10

Reflix – While the main stars of the film here are Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway, The Rock features for a little bit as the debonair, sometimes-clumsy Agent 23. The Rock is funny enough in his short scenes, but the rest of the film is nothing special, which was a real disappointment for someone who used to watch the television series religiously (on YTV). There are still enough laughs making this worth at least one look, especially the dancing scene (which is in the trailer), some of the physical comedy of Steve Carrell, and the final scene at the Walt Disney Opera House in LA. Carrell and Hathaway are good as the two leads and have some great chemistry in the film. I would like to see a sequel with a better script just to watch these two over again. I think they hold a lot of promise and could really have the same back-and-forth spark that Don Adams and Barbara Feldon had in the original series. Outside of the few scenes of Carrell’s decent humor, there isn’t much to watch again in this film. I would probably leave this for a Carrell-athon or if you’ve got nothing else to watch – its not really even worth a rent. Reflixability – Frisbee.

The Rock has a couple of other films that I haven’t seen yet - Doom and Southland Tales as well as the recent Race to Witch Mountain. I am picking these films up soon and will add them to his profile reflix as soon as I finish them.  As for the rest of his stuff that I’ve seen, I think Dwayne Johnson has some great films which fall into one of two categories – his family-friendly fare which is only worth watching once and his action flicks, which are absolutely worth watching again and again. I just wish he would focus more on the action and drop the family stuff – he could as big as Arnold or Sly Stallone, if only he went for some really great roles.  Overall Reflixability – Boomerang.

“Race to Witch Mountain”, cu fostul wrestler Dwayne Johnson în rolul principal, este lider în Box Office-ul din SUA, cu 25 de milioane de dolari încasări în primul week-end de proiecţie în cinematografe.Pelicula a detronat un alt film de aventuri “Watchmen”, aflat acum pe locul II, în vreme ce pe locul III în clasamentul încasărilor a intrat horror-ul “The Last House on the Left”, un remake al producţiei cu acelaşi nume din 1972, aflat şi el în primul week-end în cinematografe.

În “Race to Witch Mountain” joacă şi Tom Everett Scott, cunoscut publicului mai ales pentru apariţiile sale din serialele “Lege şi Ordine” şi “Spitalul de urgenţă”, în vreme ce regia este semnată de Andy Fickman. Acesta din urmă a mai colaborat cu Dwayne Johnson şi în 2007, la “The Game Plan”.

Pe următoarele locuri în Box Office-ul american după ultimul weekend se află filmul “Taken”, regizat de Luc Besson, marele câştigător al Oscarurilor 2009, “Slumdog Millionaire”, şi animaţia “Coraline”.

In the light of the steroids controversy, some people think that they are limited to the world of professional sports. But Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson proves that the entertainment industry is up to date with the issues about performance enhancing drugs among professional athletes. After all there are movie stars that have crossed over from the world of sports to showbiz.

The star of “The Game Plan” and “Get Smart” talked about his experience with steroids while he was in college. Johnson, in his interview with MTV for his upcoming movie “Race to Witch Mountain” said he and his college buddies tried out steroids not because they wanted to be better in football but out of curiosity.

From MTV.com:

That was around the time that Johnson was a defensive lineman for the University of Miami Hurricanes, where he was part of the 1991 National Championship team. After a short stint in the Canadian Football League, Johnson gave pro wrestling a go, and eventually became one of World Wrestling Entertainment’s biggest stars.The WWE has experienced numerous steroid scandals, from the suspension of 10 wrestlers for drug-policy violations in 2007 to the suspected steroid-related deaths of stars Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit.

“It’s not as prevalent today in our sports as it was 10 years ago,” Johnson said. “But we have to recognize that a culture was created where it was OK to do that, and a lot of team managers, owners, players who didn’t do it would turn the other cheek. We recognize that, and now we have to institute stronger penalties, which we are doing.”

Johnson further expressed his dismay that despite the punishments and publicity there are still so many athletes lured to the use of steroids. He encourages that kids should be informed about the dangers of using performance enhancing drugs and that they should be taught about the value of hard work.

This may not seem like news to you, but if you were bugged by a four year old for four months about when her costume was going to come in, you would think this newsworthy too!  Vivian in the Tippy Toes class and she hopes to graduate to ballet next Fall.  Her whole fascination with ballet started with watching the movie: Game Plan.  It is a very cute movie.

Andrea

The NBA All Star game is tonight.  Three Celtics are on the squad (Allen, Pierce, and KG) and a very good case could be made that a fourth should be on the team (Rondo).  

At this point the Celts have settled quite comfortably into their role as defending champs.  So much so that it seems like a long time ago that they were the dregs of the league.  But there are occasional reminders of how incredibly far the Celtics have come from just a year and a half ago.  

And one of those reminders hit me square in the face this weekend.  We were watching The Game Plan on Friday night.  The Rock plays a quarterback for a Boston football team, and like all Boston QB’s he goes out on the town and hangs out with other celebrities.  In one scene, the Rock attends a restaurant/bar opening in Boston, and swings by a table with Paul Pierce, Wally Sczerbiak, and Sebastian Telfair.  That’s right, the 2007 version of the Big Three was Pierce-Sczerbiak-Telfair.  I would expect even GM-Ford-Chrysler to have more success than that trio.

And the strangest part to me is that I pulled The Game Plan off the New Releases shelf.  Incredible.  We are so close to the old days that the Game Plan three can still be found in new releases.  It’s been 126 wins and one championship ago since the Celtics changed, but somehow it’s all been crammed into fewer  than 18 months.  Now if only the stimulus package can turn things around as quickly.

The Game Plan เกมป่วน กวนป๋า
1 2 3 4 5

Northampton’s newspaper of record, The Daily Hampshire Gazette, featured my daughter and daughter-in-law’s recent marriage and involvement in this weekend’s protest in their piece about this event.

The more I meet and interact with same-sex couples, the harder it is to think of them as a “concept” which doesn’t fit a societal mold; they simply exist, and the rightness of their choices for them becomes both evident and undeniable.

I believe that this is the approach which will turn the tide in this particular struggle for fairness and equality: the personalization of the victims of this discrimination and the overt support and recognition of those of us who comprise the Community of Allies.

Other strategies are welcomed in comments, but barring a paradigm shift, this is my game plan for the period ahead.

H/T to The Pagan Sphinx for the Gazette link!