Here we go!

Get ready for it...the biggest entry yet! I have not one, not two, but THREE movie reviews as well as US Open highlights (and lows), AND my trip to Austin City Limits Music Fest (with PICs!).

I'll get to the movie reviews first, since that's what I'm good for and you all probably don't want to hear about my personal crap. So, if you're a true fan...stay to the end for the awesome pics from ACL.

Movie #1: Superbad

Story- Hilarious. This movie contains all of the humor you can encounter as an "outcast" trying to fit in. A lot of us know how that is, and it wasn't funny when we were going through it, but looking at it now it really was. It contains a lot of crude humor, but only because today's youth is pretty crude (for people sensitive to the F-bomb, stay away!). Not to let too much of the story out, it's really just about three misfits trying to get booze to a high school party, just so they can get laid (or at least they hope to). You can kind of guess where it goes from there.

Character Development- Very strong area. I have respect for movies that do not dilute a story with a background for main characters. A great director can develop a character and make you relate to them by just telling the story. Anyway, the team of Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen is a strong one. We know how funny Seth Rogen can be from 40 Year Old Virgin, and it continues in this movie.

Visuals- Not a whole lot to talk about, but physical humor was a big part of the movie. It was well executed, with no over exaggerations (unless they were needed, of course).

Direction- If Greg Mottola has the ability to direct one of the funniest shows ever (Arrested Development), he'll have no problem with the big screen. Now that I think about it, a few of the movies I've reviewed have had rookie directors. I think this is great! We already know how powerhouses like Steven Spielberg and Tarantino can do, so it's time for a new batch to show us how it's done.


Just so you know, the next two movies are already out on video. If I'm taking the time to review them, you should take that as a hint that I really, really like them.


Movie #2: Knocked Up

Story- This is an example of a great situational comedy. Just about anybody can relate to what happened in this movie. What's also great about it, is that it's not entirely slapstick. There are some emotional lows that make the funny parts funnier. These lows are not in anyway a slowdown to the story, but enhance it.

Character Development- Keeping true to the fact that less is more, we learn each of the characters by how they react to what is thrown at them. Seth Rogen again tears it up with his brand of humor. I'm really looking forward to seeing him take a leading roll in more movies. I just hope we don't get an overdose like we did with Steve Carell.

Visuals- Again, not a whole lot to talk about, but there are some visuals that you'd rather not see (i.e. crowning).

Direction- With not at whole lot of experience directing (he mostly produces movies), Judd Apatow delivers in the funny department. He seems to get the gist of how things need to move in a movie to keep people interested.

Last, but not least movie #3: Mr. Brooks

Story- Unbelievable. This is a very haunting story about someone living on the wrong side of sanity. The story is told really well, and it keeps you questioning what's really going on. It plays on your own sanity and perceptions. All I have to say is that you need to stay on your toes throughout the film.

Character Development- Once again, no background story! We don't know how long Mr. Brooks has been at it, or why he started and that's OK. Kevin Costner acts in his best roll, ever (my opinion, mind you). Dane Cook also strays from his comedic roll, which turns out really well.
Visuals- Not your traditional visuals, but the acting that goes on while Mr. Brooks talks to Marshall is outstanding.

Direction- Another rookie, Bruce A. Evans, does a great job by giving the direction needed to allow the outstanding performance that Kevin Costner delivers. It doesn't have the twists that some other directors use, but it does the job. EVERYONE NEEDS TO SEE THIS MOVIE.

Alright, enough with the movies and on to other things. Last weekend I participated in the US Open for skeet shooting. Overall, it wasn't that bad. I shot really well in doubles (where two targets are released at the same time), tying my overall best ever in a round with a 23. My good buddy Garrett did very well, averaging 80+ for all guns. I'm proud of him, as should everyone who reads this blog should be. On a down note, there were a lot of sand-baggers. In case you don't know what a sand-bagger is, let me break it down for you: it is someone who shoots in a lower class in order to achieve a higher placing when in reality they shoot in a much higher class. It really pisses me off that there are people who need to win so badly that they have to take that chance away from guys like me who are working their ass off to be in the class they are. Oh well, at least I know I can go the rest of my life knowing that I participated in the US Open.

As far as ACL goes, it was probably the coolest thing I've ever done, excluding jumping out of a plane. Below are some pics from the show.



Here are the gates into the fest.



This is just a sample of how many people were there.



There is the title band "Muse", who really kicked ass! They rocked hard.

Overall, I had a really great time. All of the bands I saw were outstanding. I recommend it to anyone who comes this way during the fest.

Other than that, nothing new...except that I'm getting my own house! I will take some pics and post them as soon as I can. I'm pretty excited and can't wait until I get to move in.

Until next time friends.

Peace,

Tony