So the movie project is on hold for about a week while I pack and relocate when not at work! But, I did think that I needed to fill a post here with my observations on air travel.
This short collections came to mind after a quick flight back home to Illinois for one of my best friends weddings this last weekend.
No matter where I fly to or from there is a collection of comedy observations that end up making me look like a fool when I fly. These are just a few of those moments:
The BBC show Coupling has an all time favorite of mine...when they are going through the preflight security breifing they use "the two most optimistic words in the English language"-- Breathe Normally, to let you know what to do should the cabin lose pressure!
Dennis Miller (I believe) once stated that he didn't like to us the little A/C vents above the seats because "I feel like I'm diverting power from the main engines"
Personally...I don't feel you should be allowed on a plane if the idea of a Seat Belt has to be explained to you!!
Eddie Izzard makes me chuckle on his whole Bird Strike/Engine suck bird in make soup debate.
Someone once asked me which part of flying makes me more nervious...Take-offs or Landings. My response is which phrase do you hear associated more often with Plane crashes. "The Plane, upon landing..." or "Shortly after take off!" ??
Also, when advised to "move calmly to the neares exit" I can't help but think that Hollywood has it right...I will be over the seat and stepping on people at a moments notice!!
Finally an observation from my recent flight from Peoria, IL to Mesa, AZ -- A guy a few seats back stated, when told that his seat bottom could act as a flotation device..."If we hit a big enough body of water between here and Mesa where I have to worry about floating...odds are I'm going to survive this thing!" Not sure why that made me laugh...but it did.
So, basically from the moment I walk onto the plane until the time I am on the ground I am a laughing fool...and it's EVERY flight. Also, if given the chance fly a local airline out of a small airport...it's better than the big airport feel. Which leads me to another observation...if you are flying out of an airport so small that there is only two doors Arrivals and Departure to the place and only one baggage claim carousel..CHECK YOUR BIG ASS BAG rather than trying to force it into the overhead space. Plus if you fly a smaller carrier like I did, (Allegiant air) you get the chance to do fun things like play a mid air raffle for cash!! Lost the flight out (take home of $400) won the flight home (take home of $45).
Nuff said...back to work now!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
BMP #3
6) 40 -Year Old Virgin (2005) -- Steve Carell, Seth Rogan
The movie that kick started the Seth Rogan/Jude Aptow thing. Had to believe that this was the first time Ihave seen it from start to finish. Usually I just jumped in on the whole box of porn speech or the waxing bit. But, I have to say that I do enjoy me a bit of Steve Carell!! Really, this is a prime example of a movie that's a hit based on more than just the main star. Ensemble comedy is a hit or miss type of deal. If you don't get the right actor/actress in the right part it all come crashing down. 40 year old Virgin is an example of all things going right! If you like stupid, crude, juvenile humor (and who doesn't?) give this one a look.
7) 5th Element (1997) -- Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich
One of my favorite Sci-Fi action movies of all time. Really it's a shame that I don't watch it more. Bruce Willis and Gary Oldman are in fine form. Granted this movie is no Academy Award winner. It is a fine action movie. (since we are early in the list of movies I need to say that Bruce Willis can do no wrong--hint: I love Hudson Hawk). Great supporting cast in Chris Tucker, Ian Holm, "Tiny" Lister and Luke Perry. I think this was the first movie I saw that made me want to run home and own the movie. Grant back in 1997 that wasn't the option that it is today!
8) 54 (1998) -- Mike Meyers, Neve Campbell, Ryan Phillipe
The story of Steve Rubell and (in)famous studio 54. Sex, Drugs and Disco!!! Basically all you need to know here is that Mike Meyers is NOT funny...and that's a good thing. Meyers got good reviews but if I remember no-one was blown away. Let me restate that.. Iwas blown away. Seriously one of my all time favorite Mike Meyers movies. It's kinda shocking that he hasn't really done another serious movie. I can remember when I got this movie...it was the start of my movie collection. One of the 8 free DVD's from Columbia house for the low low price of shipping. Decided that it was a good deal...overpaid for a few more movies..and years later here is where I find myself!
Up Next: 8 Mile, About A Boy, Accepted
The movie that kick started the Seth Rogan/Jude Aptow thing. Had to believe that this was the first time Ihave seen it from start to finish. Usually I just jumped in on the whole box of porn speech or the waxing bit. But, I have to say that I do enjoy me a bit of Steve Carell!! Really, this is a prime example of a movie that's a hit based on more than just the main star. Ensemble comedy is a hit or miss type of deal. If you don't get the right actor/actress in the right part it all come crashing down. 40 year old Virgin is an example of all things going right! If you like stupid, crude, juvenile humor (and who doesn't?) give this one a look.
7) 5th Element (1997) -- Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich
One of my favorite Sci-Fi action movies of all time. Really it's a shame that I don't watch it more. Bruce Willis and Gary Oldman are in fine form. Granted this movie is no Academy Award winner. It is a fine action movie. (since we are early in the list of movies I need to say that Bruce Willis can do no wrong--hint: I love Hudson Hawk). Great supporting cast in Chris Tucker, Ian Holm, "Tiny" Lister and Luke Perry. I think this was the first movie I saw that made me want to run home and own the movie. Grant back in 1997 that wasn't the option that it is today!
8) 54 (1998) -- Mike Meyers, Neve Campbell, Ryan Phillipe
The story of Steve Rubell and (in)famous studio 54. Sex, Drugs and Disco!!! Basically all you need to know here is that Mike Meyers is NOT funny...and that's a good thing. Meyers got good reviews but if I remember no-one was blown away. Let me restate that.. Iwas blown away. Seriously one of my all time favorite Mike Meyers movies. It's kinda shocking that he hasn't really done another serious movie. I can remember when I got this movie...it was the start of my movie collection. One of the 8 free DVD's from Columbia house for the low low price of shipping. Decided that it was a good deal...overpaid for a few more movies..and years later here is where I find myself!
Up Next: 8 Mile, About A Boy, Accepted
Monday, July 06, 2009
The Big Movie Project, 2
3) 13th Warrior (1999) -- Antonio Banderas
Quick time -- Arab guy falls in with a band of Vikings, Battles evil monster, saves day. Longer version -- basically Beowulf with a twist. Same epic hero story line that runs though Beowulf with a twist. This time you get a hero's journey that doesn't start with him being a hero. You get the epic hero story told from zero-to-hero. Best moment: Banderas' character starts to speak to the vikings in thier own language after only a night...how did he do that? "I listened!"
4) 16 Blocks (2006) -- Mos Def, Bruce Willis
Not really sure why this movie has sat on my shelf still in the package for so long? If there are a few things in a movie that I like it's action...and Bruce Willis! Throw in Mos Def and you have yourself a fine movie. Directed by Richard Donner (who knows a few things about action) this moive is a bundle of fun. Actually it reminded me a lot of the Clint Eastwood movie "The Gauntlet" minus the bus...then -- A BUS!!! Alternate ending on DVD gives the movie a nice twist. I know why they didn't go with the alt ending...but really nothing changes. Overall a good solid action movie. 16 Blocks...one more reason why I really, really like Mos Def!
Quick time -- Arab guy falls in with a band of Vikings, Battles evil monster, saves day. Longer version -- basically Beowulf with a twist. Same epic hero story line that runs though Beowulf with a twist. This time you get a hero's journey that doesn't start with him being a hero. You get the epic hero story told from zero-to-hero. Best moment: Banderas' character starts to speak to the vikings in thier own language after only a night...how did he do that? "I listened!"
4) 16 Blocks (2006) -- Mos Def, Bruce Willis
Not really sure why this movie has sat on my shelf still in the package for so long? If there are a few things in a movie that I like it's action...and Bruce Willis! Throw in Mos Def and you have yourself a fine movie. Directed by Richard Donner (who knows a few things about action) this moive is a bundle of fun. Actually it reminded me a lot of the Clint Eastwood movie "The Gauntlet" minus the bus...then -- A BUS!!! Alternate ending on DVD gives the movie a nice twist. I know why they didn't go with the alt ending...but really nothing changes. Overall a good solid action movie. 16 Blocks...one more reason why I really, really like Mos Def!
5) 21 Grams (2003) -- Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, Benicio Del Toro
One of the most talked about movies of 2003 finally gets a viewing from me...and I must say one thing. Damn I was confused for the first half of the movie. I like the jumping around style of story telling as much as the next guy. Now, maybe it is because I watched this one late at night. Or maybe I just wasn't in the mood..but, I wasn't blown away! Hate to say it...nothing really kicked it off for me. It was kinda like Return to Me...but less Romantic Comedy and more Drama Tragedy! Love Naomi Watts, Love Benicio Del Torro...not really that excited about Sean Penn. It's a good movie...glad I saw it, but more glad it was gifted to me and not a purchase! Favorite line: "Did you know that eating alone can cause Kidney damage...and that's bad!"
Coming up next: 40 year old Virgin, 54, 5th Element
Saturday, July 04, 2009
The Big Movie Project...
So after no activity on the blog for...well, almost a year! I have devised a project that may inject a bit of life back into this little corner of the internet.
I have recently finished a catalog of my movie collection (just over 700 movies and 260+ TV seasons). I have decided that what I am going to do is work my way through the movies from A-Z. After watching I am going to make a quick review of the movie.
Daunting task I admit...But, should be fun. Also, this will eliminate the need to spend 20 min. deciding what movie to watch! Now I have some DVD's that I have NEVER seen!! Those movies will be noted some special way.
With that being said---the fun has begun.
1) 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) -- Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles
For those with no patience for William Shakespeare this ones for you. Basically at modern take on "Taming of the Shrew". I wouldn't watch the movie in place of reading the play. But, it is a fun movie. Heath Ledgers first big US role could have led to him being in every big "teen" movie of the 90's. Seems Heath had a different view of his future film career and turned down many a teen script after this movie. Highlights--Heath's public display of affection over the PA system. Also, Allison Janney, David Krumholtz and a cast of other favorites!!
2) 12 Angry Men (1957) -- Henry Fonda, Jack Klugman
This is the movie that makes me sad that I have never been selected for Jury Duty. Basically, if you aren't familiar with the concept..this is a what goes on in a jury room film. After sitting through a murder trial, of a boy who killed his father, the jury returns to their SMALL jury room to debate the boys fate. You have clashes of age, culture, personality...and one of the greatest ensemble casts I have ever seen. Shot almost completely on one sigle room set piece that just increases the tension. Nominated for 3 Academy Awards for Best director, Picture, and writing!!It's a must see in my opinion
Coming up next: 13th warrior, 16 blocks, 21 Grams
I have recently finished a catalog of my movie collection (just over 700 movies and 260+ TV seasons). I have decided that what I am going to do is work my way through the movies from A-Z. After watching I am going to make a quick review of the movie.
Daunting task I admit...But, should be fun. Also, this will eliminate the need to spend 20 min. deciding what movie to watch! Now I have some DVD's that I have NEVER seen!! Those movies will be noted some special way.
With that being said---the fun has begun.
1) 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) -- Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles
For those with no patience for William Shakespeare this ones for you. Basically at modern take on "Taming of the Shrew". I wouldn't watch the movie in place of reading the play. But, it is a fun movie. Heath Ledgers first big US role could have led to him being in every big "teen" movie of the 90's. Seems Heath had a different view of his future film career and turned down many a teen script after this movie. Highlights--Heath's public display of affection over the PA system. Also, Allison Janney, David Krumholtz and a cast of other favorites!!
2) 12 Angry Men (1957) -- Henry Fonda, Jack Klugman
This is the movie that makes me sad that I have never been selected for Jury Duty. Basically, if you aren't familiar with the concept..this is a what goes on in a jury room film. After sitting through a murder trial, of a boy who killed his father, the jury returns to their SMALL jury room to debate the boys fate. You have clashes of age, culture, personality...and one of the greatest ensemble casts I have ever seen. Shot almost completely on one sigle room set piece that just increases the tension. Nominated for 3 Academy Awards for Best director, Picture, and writing!!It's a must see in my opinion
Coming up next: 13th warrior, 16 blocks, 21 Grams
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)