Movie Review: The Guilt Trip

The Movie:

Guilt Trip starring Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand.

Directed by Anne Fletcher

Release Date: December 19th.

Official Movie Synopsis: 

As inventor Andy Brewster is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime, a quick stop at his mom's house turns into an unexpected cross-country voyage with her along for the ride.

What to expect:

If you’ve seen any comedy movie starring Seth Rogen, or caught Barbra Streisand in Meet the Fockers, then you know that they both deliver big laughs with nonchalant dialogue. This movie is filled with quick one liners, sarcasm, wit. The movie plays out like most road trip movies do, minus the copious amounts of sex, it is a mother/son trip after all, though there is a strip club scene.

Negatives:

The movie gets off to a slow start as they slowly build a bit of background behind the characters and lead up to explain why this road trip is taking place. The first twenty minutes will have you anxiously wondering if the movie is going to get funnier or remain stale.

Positives:

The Guilt Trip delivers a few breaks from the comedy to develop emotional connections with the characters, allowing you to wind down from a stretch of comedy and invest in the characters before jumping back in to the laughs. The movie has it’s “feel good” moments, peppered with serious moments and filled with laughter.

My Thoughts:

If you like the comedy genre (and really, who doesn’t?) and don’t only get your kicks from shock comedy and crudeness, then this movie should keep you entertained. It’s suitable for all ages, and could easily be a good date movie, or something you can bring your parents to and not have to explain every pop culture reference that’s made. It’s worth seeing in theaters, but it wouldn’t make a bad watch at home movie either.

On a mostly unrelated note:

Before the movie my friend and I discussed Barbra Streisand, who one of us (still unsure who it was) mistakenly called Bette Midler. This got us to start trying to differentiate which was which.

“Streisand was in Hocus Pocus”

“No that was Midler”

“Who was Ben Stiller’s mom in the Focker movies?”

“That was Streisand”

“Then what does Bette Midler look like?!”

To some people this may seem ludicrous, but I think it’s a legit mistake...

Today

I’m not going to write about yesterday’s tragic shooting in Newtown. Nobody needs another article, blog, or random person’s insight to know what happened yesterday was a horrific event. Nothing I can say will ease anyone’s minds. Nothing I can say will give those families their children back. I am but another person, miles away, whose heart breaks for those affected, and whose thoughts are with them during this nightmare. I might share my opinions on how people have reacted to this tragedy; some disappointing, others inspiring, but I won’t share them today. Today I can only hope that the worst is over for those who lost a loved one, and that they can be left un-harassed by the media to grieve. Today the rest of us start returning to our normal lives. We’ll play football games, shop for the holidays, party with our friends, watch movies, laugh at funny things on the internet, spend time with our families, and hopefully we’ll appreciate it all a lot more. We get to wake up and resume our normal lives today; there are a lot of people out there who won’t have that luxury. Tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone. Take a step back and look at what you have to be thankful for, and appreciate it.

My first movie review, Jack Reacher.

A couple of years ago I won tickets to an advanced screening of Iron Man 2 through a radio contest. Upon winning I had to register with this website to claim the prize and print the tickets. It was a few weeks later that I started getting e-mails from that site, offering me tickets to advanced screenings of other movies, completely free of charge. Since then I have seen several movies for free, days (sometimes weeks or even months) before they officially release. I’ve decided to start blogging occasionally about these movies offering my reviews on them. Tonight I attended yet another pre-screening and decided to follow it up with my first review. I'd love to hear any suggestions on what sort of information I should add/takeaway from the review or any other suggestions you may have. Also, no worries, my reviews are completely spoiler free.

The Movie:

Jack Reacher, starring Tom Cruise.

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie.

Release Date: December 21^st.

Official Movie Synopsis:

When a gunman takes five lives with six shots, all evidence points to the suspect in custody. On interrogation, the suspect offers up a single note: "Get Jack Reacher!" So begins an extraordinary chase for the truth, pitting Jack Reacher against an unexpected enemy, with a skill for violence and a secret to keep.

What to expect:

This movie produced by, and starring Tom Cruise, was a cut and dry action flick. Do you like car chases? Fight scenes? Lots of gun fire?  If so, this is your kind of movie. It’s reminiscent of the 80’s action movies of old, One “I don’t play by the rules” badass, searching for answers, and beating up half-wit bad guys along the way. If you’re not into that sort of thing, and suspension of disbelief doesn’t come easily for you, maybe you should pass this one by. The dialogue is spoof-worthy at points, and delivered with soap operaesque dramatic flair.

Negatives:

My biggest problem with the movie was character inconsistency. A lot of time is spent building characters and explaining their personalities and histories to make certain scenes more believable, but the second something needs to happen to help the plot, that personality trait or part of their history is no longer relevant. Aside from that, the cheesy dialogue is my biggest gripe.

Positives:

Unlike many action movies that I would compare this one too, the plot is not entirely predictable. Some avid movie goers may figure the movie out moments before it unfolds, but you don’t go into the movie expecting the exact same ending you get. Also to my surprise, the movie had a few laugh out loud funny moments, lightening the mood from the dark and serious tone it sets early on.

My Thoughts:

Unless you’re a die hard Tom Cruise fan, or a sucker for stereotypical action movies, I’d say this movie is best saved for Redbox or Netflix. 

The Liebster Award

I was surprised to see I got my first award in blogging. I was awarded the Liebster award by Sarah whose blog you can (and should) read here. Liebster is German for “Dearest” and is an award is for new bloggers who have less than 200 followers to help give them recognition and support. It's also a great way to let someone know how much you enjoy their blog. Thanks Sarah! I’m sorry I’ve been MIA, but I wouldn’t leave you hanging.

When you receive the award, you post 11 random things about yourself, answer 11 questions from the person who nominated you, nominate 11 blogs of your own, and post 11 questions for them to respond to.

11 Random facts about me.

1. Despite living in Florida, I like cold weather. I relish the day it gets cold enough to wear hoodies.

2. I have one tattoo, and despite the usual “ink fever” people experience after their first tattoo, I have had just one for seven years, despite having tattoo artists in the family as well as a while with two roommates who are tattoo artists.

3. I am a very picky eater. I don’t eat seafood, mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch, any sort of mint, or most things chocolate.

4. Surprisingly, I am an amazing cook. I even cook all the stuff I don’t like.

5. I’m a Halo nerd. I’ve been playing Halo for eleven years and go to all the midnight releases of the video games. I’ve even read the majority of the novels.

6. I give the best back massage you will ever have. It’s not a cocky statement; it’s just what I’ve been told numerously.

7. I think that part of a truly great concert experience is the camping out for tickets to get the best seats available.

8. I’ve had a total of 55 stitches/staples from injuries and a total of 0 broken bones.

9. I’ve driven over 150 MPH behind the wheel of a Dodge Viper and didn’t get pulled over.

10. I drank from the fountain of youth in St. Augustine, and the water tasted like ass.

11. I wrote an essay that was used at the example essay in FCAT and GED tests.

Sarah’s 11 questions:

1. What is your one big regret in your life you wish you could change?

Moving to Tennessee. Before I made that move, I was living in a nice side of town here in Jacksonville, I had an amazing four bedroom home with a loft-style bedroom, a huge yard, A big back porch, a gazebo/fire pit, and enough furniture to fill it all up. I gave it all up and consolidated everything to a one bedroom in Chattanooga Tennessee. It seemed smart at the time, due to a potential career opportunity and the chance to get some much needed space from things I was having a hard time letting go of. The career opportunity didn’t pan out though, and the little that I did keep when I moved got damaged on the return trip to Florida. You live and you learn I guess.

2. Who was your favorite teacher, and how did they affect you?

Mr. Williams at Baldwin. I was a bit of a slacker, usually too bored with the assignments and a problem with authority. He found ways to challenge me, and to roll with my smartass attitude without being hostile or a pushover. I looked forward to his class every day.

3. How did you meet your significant other? (cute story time)

I have no significant other, so no cute stories from me, sorry.

4. What do you do for a living and are you happy with it?

I have bounced around many career fields in my life, often leaving each one for a change of pace or a raise in pay. Logistics seems to be the common field in them all, and while I’m good at it, I don’t think anyone as a kid says “I wanna be a Project manager for a logistics company!” I’d really love to write, or maybe find something in sports and/or social media. I’ll be happy when I find a way to do what I love in a practical way that pays the bills.

5. If you could be granted one wish, what would it be?

Ungodly amounts of money! Sure, it’s cliché and typical, but I DO believe money can buy happiness, or it can at least allow me to do the things that would make me happy. So if money doesn’t buy happiness it’ll be a good down payment.

6. What is something on your bucket list you are itching to cross off?

Going to Rome. I’ve always wanted to go but have never had the chance. I’m going to get there though, don’t you worry.

7. What made you start a blog?

Having too much on my mind. Blogging allows me to get things out of my head so that I can concentrate on something different. You can’t allow thoughts to get jumbled up in there for too long, you’ll go crazy.

8. What is the one thing you wish you could do?

Play guitar. I’ve tried learning and I can do little bits of songs here and there, but I’d love to be able to really play. I guess I need the right instructor.

9. What is a quote that inspires you?

“There's always a reason to smile. Find it. Life is short. We're not here for a long time; we're here for a good time.”

10. If you could witness any event, past, present, or future, what would it be?

Witnessing past events is tempting, but when you throw in future events I have to jump on it. I’d like to witness the Florida Gators 50th National Championship win 48 years from now.

11. If you could stay a certain age forever, what would it be?

Twenty-Two. Though that would require back-tracking a few years in age.

My Nominees:

1. Shannon at Awash With Wonder

2. Blair Klein at The Silver Cage

3. little at romantically challenged

4. lauren danger at There's Only One Box

5. Paige at Awkward Sex and the City

6. Rachel Emmilee at Rachel Emmilee

7. Nugs at That Ain't Kosher

8. Austin Smith at Undeniable Contingencies

9. notcaitiedavis at a caitionary tale

10. Tanya Sehgal at Coveted Dreams

11. Penny Lane at The Chronicles Of A College Girl

Questions for my award winners:

1. If you could have any ONE super power, what would it be?

2. If you had to move away from where you live, where would you like to move?

3. If you could go see any five bands in concert (past or present) who would they be?

4. You get to spend a week with a celebrity of your choice, who is it?

5. You have unlimited funding for a day, what do you do?

6. If you could have any restaurant located IN your house, what would it be?

7. Favorite Superhero?

8. What was your very first blog about?

9. Drink of choice?

10. Biggest pet peeve?

11. How many awards have you gotten? (Blogging or otherwise)

On a personal note:

I realize that some of you may have received this award already. Don’t feel obligated to dish out another 11 awards or anything.In fact, none of you should feel obligated to participate if you don't wish too, I just wanted to share the honor with those whose blogs I have been reading. Thanks for the entertainment and thought provocation. It’s much appreciated. Cheers.

Challenge Accepted: Firehouse 50

I wanted to share with you the story of why I camped outside of a Firehouse Subs for their grand opening. No, I wasn’t just really craving a sub that day; I was craving a year supply of free subs. I was at home, minding my own business with little in the way of plans for the evening when my friend Lauren called me up to alert me that Firehouse Subs was giving away free subs for a year to the first fifty customers at their newest location. She presented it as a mission, to be one of the first fifty in line, then after reconsideration, she issued it as a challenge, knowing my propensity to blurt out "Challenge accepted!" and indeed the challenge was accepted. Not only was I one of the first fifty, I was customer number one. We didn’t know how long it would take before others came and got in line, so we made the decision to camp out all night. We did it right. We brought a generator, a TV, DVD player, chairs, lots of blankets, and a cooler full of Monster energy drinks and Mountain Dew. While we waited we were greeted by several Firehouse employees. At first many of them seemed a bit shocked, or maybe thought we were insane for showing up 17 hours early. Don Fox, the CEO came out to introduce himself and shake my hand, and after we had set up our makeshift campground in front of their store Robin Sorensen came out and talked to us for a while, sharing the story of how him and his brother Chris used to be part of every opening for their first twenty or so locations. He told us all about their first location, and how it closed earlier that day to be moved to this new location, and how he and his brother were its last customers. We also learned that the same artist has painted the mural in every Firehouse subs location. He kept us entertained for a while, invited us in for drinks, and as all of the staff left for the night they brought us a pizza to hold us over for the night.

The next morning we realized that we just might be a little crazy. There were more than twelve hours between the time we had shown up, and the time the first person not in our group showed up. We had jumped the gun a bit, but it didn’t matter. We had a good time anyway. We watched a few movies (AVENGERS FOR THE WIN!), complained to each other about the cold, contemplated what subs we would try first with our free subs, and waited on the sun to come out and warm us up. When the doors finally opened we were handed our stacks of free sub coupons and to the registers we went and I had the honor of being the first customer at the new flagship location. I didn’t use one of my free sub cards right then, I pocketed them and ordered a large Hook & Ladder combo. Maybe it was the wait, maybe it was being inside the warm store finally, or maybe it was because it was the first time I tried something other than their Italian sub, But that Hook & Ladder was extra delicious that morning. Since that day I’ve had more subs than I can keep up with. Free subs are a blessing when you’ve been laid off. I’ve of course taken care of family's purchases on Firehouse visits, and that large stack of free subs has dwindled faster than I’d like to admit. At the rate I am going, my year supply of subs is going to translate into the remainder of 2012 as opposed to the 365 day year that they were intended. It’s been a delicious month though, and I’ll definitely be at the next grand opening that they do this for. So thank you Robin, Chris, Don, and all the other nice people at Firehouse whose names I never caught. Keep me posted on when you do this again.

How about a little perspective?

I find different people's perspectives interesting. Its fascinating to see two people experience the same thing with two completely different outlooks. People often leave movie theaters with completely different opinions of what they just watch. One person could get caught in the rain at a concert and think "This show is ruined now. I'm wet and miserable" while another might dance in the rain happily thinking "This is amazing!". We all have different views on life and the things that happen in it. It's the same with how we view people. One group of friends may find you to be reserved and easy-going, while another group may find you to be outspoken and energetic. I've personally been called the "Ted" of one group, while another insists I'm the "Barney" of theirs. It's all a matter of your outlook on things, and I'll never get tired of seeing as many people's outlooks on life as possible.

On a different note, today I saw a man jump from outer fucking space. I watched him free-fall at over 700mph, and gingerly land on his feet. I’m sure a lot of you watched it too. Let’s take a moment to think about this. The man was at the edge of space, he jumped out of his little Star Wars style life pod, fell at speeds faster than any of us have every traveled even in vehicles, then landed several minutes later on his feet where he walked away unharmed. I’m not sure what the point was, but why do we need one? I’d love to see more stuff like this. To me it is a showing in our ability to push the limits of impossibilities. That is one more item we can check off the list of things that are "impossible" to do. More and more  things are becoming possible each day. It's an amazing thing to witness.

In football news: Later this evening the BCS polls are being released and there could be some controversy. The teams ranked ahead of Florida in the AP and USA today polls have weak strengths of schedule so far this season, and the BCS computers could potentially put Florida at #1 or #2 much to the dismay of many football fans outside of the Gator Nation. Even if this is the case, and it makes you unhappy, it doesn't matter because SOMEONE JUMPED FROM OUTER SPACE TODAY!

Challenge Accepted!: 55 Fiction.

Eternal Optimist

“Is it possible that this will give me super powers?” I asked with a smile. Mom didn’t find it funny. How could she? This cold, florescent treatment center didn’t scream for laughter. “I’m hoping for flight, or telekinesis.” I didn’t get powers, or a cure. But I got a few more weeks to say goodbye.

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Post script: I was reading this post in another blog about a genre of writing called "55 Fiction". You could read her story here. The idea of 55 Fiction is to write a story that has exactly 55 words in it. The criteria as copied from her blog: 

A literary work will be considered 55 Fiction if it has:
Fifty-five words or less (A non-negotiable rule), however some publishers actually require exactly 55 words, no more and no less.
A setting,
One or more characters,
Some conflict, and
A resolution. (Not limited to moral of the story)
The title of the story is not part of the overall word count, but it still can’t exceed seven words.


I was challenged by a friend to write under the confines of 55 Fiction . Challenge accepted! Above was my attempt. It's an interesting genre, and I find it's rules both challenging and fun. It's the literary equivalent of Twitter. It's not my default style, I'm a man of many words, but I do find it interesting. Anyhow...

Challenge: Completed