Civin.org: Stu’s Blog

Busy Busy I’m So Busy I’ve Got No Time For You

Movies

movie-terminatorI’m not sure what I was expecting from the new Terminator when I went to see it with Leah but I left seeing it very satisfied. As a Terminator movie goes it ranked below the first 2 and above #3. As an action movie? I would have to say that this was my favorite of the 4 Terminator movies that were out. There were enough throwbacks to the originals to put a smile on any fan’s face and enough new plot to push the series forward. Granted anything that Christian Bale has touched has turned to gold so far so that was to be expected

movie-hangoverAnyone who knows me knows I’m let down by 99% of the comedies that come out. Frankly most of them aren’t funny and more stupid than anything so when I went to see The Hangover with Matt R. and Rob I was more than happy that for a change there was a movie that you just couldn’t stop laughing through. While clearly aimed at men and/or heavy drinkers The Hangover starts as a bachelor’s party in Vegas. They go for their first drink and flash to- the next morning with no memory of what happened. The groom is missing and the rest of the movie is spent looking for their missing friend and trying to find out what actually happened the night before.

Of course knowing me that’s not all of the movies I’ve seen as of late. There was a new (to me) zombie flick called Dead and Deader which basically spent the majority of the film ripping on pop culture (in a good way) and making bad Superman jokes (only funny because the main character was Dean Cain, Superman from the series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.)

Had time to fit in Thick as Thieves, a robbery movie starring Morgan Freeman, Antonio Banderas, and Rade Serbedzija (which looks as if its getting it’s official US release as The Code later this year though is streamable via Netflix now.) All I have to say is Morgan Freeman in a robbery flick is gold.

Ended the week (last night) watching the new Friday the 13th. I was expecting to be disappointed and maybe that’s why I ended up enjoying the movie! Creative kills, Jason having a bit more intelligence than your used to, and a great ending. There was a lot of homage paid to the original movies and a great way to push the series in a new direction so I hope the sequel lives up to what was shown. I know I’m biased being a horror movie junkie but I felt this could be a great reboot to the franchise.

TV

band_of_brothersI know World War 2 movies, shows, books, video games- all have been done to death. If you are not worn out on the subject though or are willing to give another one a try I HIGHLY suggest Band of Brothers. Brought to us by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg this is one of the best World War 2 stories I have seen to date- and as usual all based on true events. Starring Damian Lewis (who after watching Life has become one of my favorite actors) and Ron Livingston (who you’ve seen in a million things but probably best remember as Peter from Office Space) as the 2 main characters with a supporting cast that is outstanding- Donnie Wahlberg, Simon Pegg, David Schwimmer, and a TON of actors from shows you will be guaranteed to recognize. It follows 1 set of paratroopers through the war and was just amazing to see how well done it was.

Aside from the mini series? I was able to finish this season of 24 and damn what a great finale AND way to draw all of the fans into watching the next season. For what else is out? Started watching Lie To Me and can’t wait to watch the full season, even though I know ahead of time it will probably end in a cliffhanger and never be a second season. I caught up on all of the episodes for this season of Breaking Bad, Rescue Me, and caught the first episode of True Blood Season 2

Books

skin-tradeWhile I haven’t been reading too much lately the last 3 books were all good reads. The new Anita Blake novel, Skin Trade, was Hamilton’s best in 5-6 books. While none of them would be bad this one had a plot that just sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go until I had finished reading it. One aspect did feel a bit rushed but that doesn’t mean it’s actually been resolved. Seriously I was glued to the book which is quite impressive for being the 17th in the series and still not only be able to hold my attention but hook me even more.

already-deadFollowing that I had also started the Joe Pit series by Charlie Huston. Once again Leah has shown me a series I can’t help but read. Around the new Anita Blake I was able to finish Already Dead and No Dominion, the first 2 novels in a world that explores vampires with a very noir twist. Being a ‘slight’ fan of noir, pulp, and vampires this was just the perfect mix. What we get here is a small cookie cutter world of vampire sects. Joe Pitt is a man who tries to not live within one of these set sects and has to do favors to stay ‘rogue’ in the form of detective work to other odd jobs. Huston has a writing style that will suck you in so if your going to start- pickup a few of his books at a time.

Life

Outside of immersing myself in media (such as my constant Call of Duty 4 playing?) Well for a couple months there work is driving me insane with off hour support. It’s over though and I can sleep again! SLEEP! How I have missed thee. My friend Matt Filip married his long time girl now Amy Filip. Congratulations it was long overdue and I wish the best to both of you. Over the last weekend there was also some family fun as it my was cousin Molly’s Birthday who I hung out with for most of the day and my other cousin Ross graduated from High School (lots of congrats going out this last weekend!) On a massive fun note my sorry excuse for a desktop died and I’ve had to reload it. Still not fully back up to speed but at least it works right now. I really don’t understand how I haven’t picked up a new desktop yet. This P4 is ANCIENT. *cringes* I generally live off my laptop now and have for awhile but for the few times I do use the desktop… I believe an upgrade is in order later this year.

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