AFC East Team W L T
New England Patriots 13 3 0
New York Jets 12 4 0
Buffalo Bills 4 12 0
Miami Dolphins 4 12 0
AFC North Team W L T
Pittsburgh Steelers 13 3 0
Baltimore Ravens 12 4 0
Cleveland Browns 4 12 0
Cincinnati Bengals 3 13 0
AFC South Team W L T
Indianapolis Colts 10 6 0
Houston Texans 9 7 0
Tennessee Titans 9 7 0
Jacksonville Jaguars 2 14 0
AFC West Team W L T
San Diego Chargers 11 5 0
Kansas City Chiefs 6 10 0
Denver Broncos 5 11 0
Oakland Raiders 4 12 0
National Football Conference - 2011 Regular Season
NFC East Team W L T
Philadelphia Eagles 13 3 0
Dallas Cowboys 11 5 0
New York Giants 7 9 0
Washington Redskins 6 10 0
NFC North Team W L T
Green Bay Packers 11 4 0
Chicago Bears 10 6 0
Detroit Lions 9 7 0
Minnesota Vikings 4 12 0
NFC South Team W L T
New Orleans Saints 13 3 0
Atlanta Falcons 12 4 0
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11 5 0
Carolina Panthers 3 13 0
NFC West Team W L T
St. Louis Rams 10 6 0
Arizona Cardinals 7 9 0
Seattle Seahawks 6 10 0
San Francisco 49ers 2 14 0
AFC Playoffs
1 New England Patriots 13 3
2 Pittsburgh Steelers 13 3
3 San Diego Chargers 11 5
4 Indianapolis Colts 10 6
5 Baltimore Ravens 12 4
6 New York Jets 12 4
NFC Playoffs
1 New Orleans Saints 13 3
2 Philadelphia Eagles 13 3
3 Green Bay Packers 11 4
4 St. Louis Rams 10 6
5 Atlanta Flacons 12 4
6 Dallas Cowboys 11 5
AFC Wild Card Games
New York Jets @ San Diego Chargers
Baltimore Ravens @ Indianapolis Colts
NFC Wild Card Games
Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers
Atlanta Flacons @ St. Louis Rams
AFC Divisional Games
New York Jets @ New England Patriots
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC Divisional Games
Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints
AFC Championship
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
NFC Championship
Atlanta Falcons @ Green Bay Packers
Superbowl
New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons
NFL Superbowl Champions
New England Patriots
League MVP- Tom Brady
Offensive MVP - Michael Vick
Defensive MVP - Jerod Mayo
Rookie of the Year - Julio Jones
Coach of the Year - Jim Caldwell
Thursday, September 8, 2011
NFL is Back
THANK YOU BABY JEBUS!!!!!!!!!!!
FOOTBALL IS BACK and it starts tonight.
I have finished my three fantasy football drafts, and already picked my survivor team. I am ready to sit in front of my TV all night tonight and all day Sunday and do nothing but watch football.
Tonight we get the defending Superbowl Champions the Green Bay Packers vs. the New Orleans Saints. I have no idea and actually do not even care who wins this game but what a great game to start the season with. The last two defending champions, who I have predicted will both be in the playoffs at the end of the season.
My next post I will give my prediction for the season. Including the win and loss totals for every team and of course the Playoffs. However, if you look at my baseball prediction I clearly do not have a clue as to what I am talking about.
The Ravens have a tough first 4 weeks including games against Pittsburgh and the New York Jets but overall I think their schedule is going to favor them most weeks. I love the Ravens Offensive Line this season and with Vonta Leach being signed I expect Ray Rice to have an amazing season. I am not sure about the defense as I do not think they are going to be as dominating as they have been in the past but they will still be good. This is going to be a fun season especially for Ravens fans. I am also excited to see the Philadelphia Eagles play this year too. The Eagles seemed to make all the moves with the name free agents this off season.
I am in three Fantasy Football Leagues this season. My first draft was on August 28 and is a keeper Fantasy League. In this league I finished in 7th place the previous season and actually made a trade for Michael Vick which ended up being vetoed by the time of the draft. I had the 8th pick overall in the draft and my team looks like…
-21 Matt Schaub (HOU - QB) Keeper
-120 Josh Freeman (TB - QB) Round 3
-8 Michael Turner (Atl - RB) Keeper
-105 Fred Jackson (Buf - RB) Round 2
-316 Tashard Choice (Dal - RB) Round 17
-161 Dexter McCluster (KC - WR,RB) Round 6
-36 Reggie Wayne (Ind - WR) Keeper
-49 Dwayne Bowe (KC - WR) Keeper
-92 Dez Bryant (Dal - WR) Round 1
-133 Malcom Floyd (SD - WR) Round 4
-245 Joshua Cribbs (Cle - WR) Round 12
-273 Jordy Nelson (GB - WR) Round 14
-301 Anthony Armstrong (Was - WR) Round 16
-204 Rob Gronkowski (NE - TE) Round 9
-344 Ryan Succop (KC - K) Round 19
-176 Ndamukong Suh (Det - DT) Round 7
-189 Julius Peppers (Chi - DE) Round 8
-217 Charles Johnson (Car - DE) Round 10
-64 Jerod Mayo (NE - LB) Keeper
-148 Jon Beason (Car - LB) Round 5
-288 Terrell Suggs (Bal - LB) Round 15
-232 Bryant McFadden (Pit - CB) Round 11
-329 Asante Samuel (Phi - CB) Round 18
-77 Eric Berry (KC - S) Keeper
-260 Patrick Chung (NE - S) Round 13
This team is pretty good. I had actually worked out a trade in the off season to get Michael Vick, but the commissioner vetoes the deal at the last minute. I was upset but it seems to have worked out so far.
My next draft was with my fraternity brothers. I am the commissionaire of the league and I try to be as dirty as I can (Just kidding but that does not prevent everyone from thinking that).This league is a PPR league and I had the number 1 draft pick overall. Now what I find interesting is I never expected to have the number 1 draft pick. So I ended up rating Michael Vick number 1. I was listening to Matthew Berry of ESPN and was sold on Vick as a number 1 player overall. However, when the draft started I could not do it and ended up drafting Adrian Peterson from Minnesota as the top pick.
-72 Josh Freeman (TB - QB) Round 6
-97 Sam Bradford (Stl - QB) Round 9
-1 Adrian Peterson (Min -RB) Round 1
-49 Fred Jackson (Buf - RB) Round 5
-25 Peyton Hillis (Cle - RB) Round 3
-169 LaRod Stephens-Howling (Ari - RB) Round 15
-192 Dexter McCluster (KC - RB) Round 16
-24 Greg Jennings (GB - WR) Round 2
-48 Dez Bryant (Dal - WR) Round 4
-96 Steve Smith (Car - WR) Round 8
-120 Johnny Knox (Chi -WR) Round 10
-145 Robert Meachem (NO -WR) Round 13
-73 Brandon Pettigrew (Det - TE) Round 7
-144 Zach Miller (Sea - TE) Round 12
-121 Chicago (Chi -Def) Round 11
-168 Detroit (Det - Def) Round 14
-193 Billy Cundiff (Bal - K) Round 17
Overall I really like this team. I was sniped once during this draft and Tom Brady went with the second to last pick of the second round. But besides that I felt my draft was excellent. This team should compete on game days.
And finally there is my league that I have the live draft every year. This league is fun and when we have the draft everyone has a good time. But honestly I hate setting this up. I spend too much time making sure everything is correct by players drafted and it’s hard to focus on my draft and team. Not to mention EVERY year it seems like it is impossible to get everyone in one place at one time for the draft. Last year took the cake when two people just completely forgot about the draft and did not even show. Truthfully I almost did not do the league this year because I am really sick and tired of the problems with draft day. I almost made it a free league and was just going to tell people to draft on line. This league is the only one I am in for money and it was an auction draft. Basically you can get any player you want but you have to be willing to spend the money. The Salary cap was set at $400 and this league is another points per reception league.
Michael Vick (Phi - QB) $80
Peyton Manning (Ind - QB) $45
Maurice Jones-Drew (Jac - RB) $75
Frank Gore (SF - RB) $55
Ryan Grant (GB - RB) $20
Daniel Thomas (Mia - RB) $13
LaDainian Tomlinson (NYJ - RB) $8
Willis McGahee (Den - RB) $4
Delone Carter (Ind - RB) $4
Mario Manningham (NYG - WR) $30
Mike Sims-Walker (StL - WR) $14
Braylon Edwards (SF - WR) $20
Deion Branch (NE - WR) $7
Anthony Armstrong (Was - WR) $1
Zach Miller (Sea - TE) $9
Jared Cook (Ten - TE) $4
Josh Brown (StL - K) $1
Detroit (Det - DEF) $10
I started too really like this team as I was drafting. I was thrilled to have Vick and Manning until 2 days after the draft the Colts announce Manning is having maybe season ending back surgery. My Running Backs are not bad at all but Wide Receivers are horrible. I cringe every time I look at my wide receivers. I know what I did wrong and I was too patient for the position when I should have spent money to get a star. I have a feeling I will not be walking away with the championship this season.
In the end it will be a fun season and I can not wait until Thursday night for the Packers and Saints. Go Packers!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The week that was
Okay, I know I now suck at blogging. I apologize for the handful of people who actually read this who actually care when and if I update the blog. Without having the hotel job to occupy my time I find it harder to sit down and actually put my thoughts down to share with the world. I owe you at least two movie reviews, vacation photos, my NFL football predictions, and talk of my Fantasy Football teams. So please forgive me and I will try to keep the blog better updated.
So last week was an extremely interesting week…
The fun started on Tuesday August 23, 2011 at 1:51pm. I had just gotten back from lunch and was chatting with one of my co workers. I remember turning to type something on my computer when I felt everything shake. I asked out loud if “we were shaking” and someone said yes I feel that too. I was about to utter the words, “Was that an earthquake” when earth moved below us. I had officially experienced my first earthquake. Looking back the next few moments were pretty funny. The girl I was just talking to immediately went into the doorway outside of my desk, while I grabbed my cell phone, I-Pod and keys. As I was going to the same doorway we our VP doing his best Michael Scott impersonation running out of the building yelling “Get out” That was all I needed to hear and I ran outside like everyone else in the building. For me, that moment was such a scary and surreal experience. My adrenalin was pumping and I could not stay focused when it was time to get back to work. I immediately called my family to make sure everyone was okay (thankfully they were). The USGS said the earthquake was a 5.8 that the epicenter was in Mineral, VA. I cannot imagine what the 9.0 felt like in Japan back in March. The East coast did become the laughing stock for the west coast (I am going to laugh and post pictures the next time the West Coast has an ice storm). Thankfully us east coasters do have our own sense of humor about the Earthquake…
Thankfully, everyone was okay and we had no damage done to our house.
So on Wednesday we took Lex to GBMC hospital to get his tonsils and adenoids taken out. This was a rough day for me. I know the surgery is routine but it was knowing that it was my boy that needed to be put under anesthesia really sucked for me. I knew the worst thing I could do was let him see how worried I was that he was going to have surgery so Lisa and I really built up how exciting this was for him to be getting his tonsils and adenoids out, and even planned a night out with him on Tuesday. However, he fell asleep on the way home and we never got to take him to dinner or a movie. His surgery was scheduled for 7:30am and we were told to be there by 6am. They told us one of us could go back with him when it was time so he could be put under the anesthesia and Lex picked me.
So at 7:30 Lex and I start to walk back to the operating room when he saw that Lisa was not around. He then told me he wanted his mommy which we had to tell him it was too late since he already picked me but I told him mommy would be there when he woke up. The next part was really, really hard to be a part of. Lex saw the operating room and immediately knew something wasn’t right. He had this big frown on his face and was really scared. The doctors and nurses really did all they could to make him comfortable but in the end I had to hold Lex down and watch him scream and cry for me as they put the mask on him to make him sleep. Even as I type this I am fighting back tears thinking of that image of Lex. The surgery lasted maybe 25 minutes, and everything went fine. Then the second hardest part was when they took us back to the recovery room seeing how much pain he was in. 
Poor Lex was just miserable. But they discharged us from the hospital around 11:45 and we were home with him by 12:30.
When we got home Lex hospital pain medicine was working in full effect. He was acting like everything was fine. We even let his girlfriend Kaelyn come over to spend some time with him but I could see around 6pm everything started to wear off and he became miserable. He was refusing to take any of his pain medicine or antibiotic and he ended up falling to sleep around 7:30 that night. I was going to be home with him all day on Thursday and I promised Lisa I would get him to take both medicines no matter what.
On Thursday around 11am his “older” girlfriend Ri Ri came over with her brother and mother. As soon as she walked in Lex told them he would take his medicine for them. The antibiotic taste just like bubble gum but the pain killer actually taste pretty horrible and he has not taken that knowingly since (Yes I have put it in his drinks).
As of today Lex is doing a whole lot better but he still is in some pain. Each day that goes by you can see him improve and hopefully his voice will be back to normal soon.
Now everyone knew that Hurricane Irene was on its way, and I received a phone call from a friend of mine who basically scared the crap out of me about information he was given about the hurricane. So after I scared my family with the same information we did everything we could to be prepared for the storm on Saturday. The rain started around 11am and the family just did everything we could to make ourselves comfortable and ride out the storm. I was constantly checking Facebook and Twitter to see what was happening with other people. I became a little worried when I saw how many people had their basement flood and their roof’s leak. We were once again incredibly lucky that we didn’t lose power and had no damage from the storm. We had one worry area where our neighbors roof spits out water into our garden so we put a giant trash can there to catch the water. I ended up dumping the water from there at least three times. I ended up going to bed around 1am and just hoped for the best. When I woke up on Sunday the rain was gone, we had power, and no damage. I was relieved.
Over all it was a very eventful week that I really am glad is over. I thank my lucky stars that everything worked out for me and the family.
So last week was an extremely interesting week…
The fun started on Tuesday August 23, 2011 at 1:51pm. I had just gotten back from lunch and was chatting with one of my co workers. I remember turning to type something on my computer when I felt everything shake. I asked out loud if “we were shaking” and someone said yes I feel that too. I was about to utter the words, “Was that an earthquake” when earth moved below us. I had officially experienced my first earthquake. Looking back the next few moments were pretty funny. The girl I was just talking to immediately went into the doorway outside of my desk, while I grabbed my cell phone, I-Pod and keys. As I was going to the same doorway we our VP doing his best Michael Scott impersonation running out of the building yelling “Get out” That was all I needed to hear and I ran outside like everyone else in the building. For me, that moment was such a scary and surreal experience. My adrenalin was pumping and I could not stay focused when it was time to get back to work. I immediately called my family to make sure everyone was okay (thankfully they were). The USGS said the earthquake was a 5.8 that the epicenter was in Mineral, VA. I cannot imagine what the 9.0 felt like in Japan back in March. The East coast did become the laughing stock for the west coast (I am going to laugh and post pictures the next time the West Coast has an ice storm). Thankfully us east coasters do have our own sense of humor about the Earthquake…
Thankfully, everyone was okay and we had no damage done to our house.
So on Wednesday we took Lex to GBMC hospital to get his tonsils and adenoids taken out. This was a rough day for me. I know the surgery is routine but it was knowing that it was my boy that needed to be put under anesthesia really sucked for me. I knew the worst thing I could do was let him see how worried I was that he was going to have surgery so Lisa and I really built up how exciting this was for him to be getting his tonsils and adenoids out, and even planned a night out with him on Tuesday. However, he fell asleep on the way home and we never got to take him to dinner or a movie. His surgery was scheduled for 7:30am and we were told to be there by 6am. They told us one of us could go back with him when it was time so he could be put under the anesthesia and Lex picked me.
So at 7:30 Lex and I start to walk back to the operating room when he saw that Lisa was not around. He then told me he wanted his mommy which we had to tell him it was too late since he already picked me but I told him mommy would be there when he woke up. The next part was really, really hard to be a part of. Lex saw the operating room and immediately knew something wasn’t right. He had this big frown on his face and was really scared. The doctors and nurses really did all they could to make him comfortable but in the end I had to hold Lex down and watch him scream and cry for me as they put the mask on him to make him sleep. Even as I type this I am fighting back tears thinking of that image of Lex. The surgery lasted maybe 25 minutes, and everything went fine. Then the second hardest part was when they took us back to the recovery room seeing how much pain he was in. 
Poor Lex was just miserable. But they discharged us from the hospital around 11:45 and we were home with him by 12:30.
When we got home Lex hospital pain medicine was working in full effect. He was acting like everything was fine. We even let his girlfriend Kaelyn come over to spend some time with him but I could see around 6pm everything started to wear off and he became miserable. He was refusing to take any of his pain medicine or antibiotic and he ended up falling to sleep around 7:30 that night. I was going to be home with him all day on Thursday and I promised Lisa I would get him to take both medicines no matter what.
On Thursday around 11am his “older” girlfriend Ri Ri came over with her brother and mother. As soon as she walked in Lex told them he would take his medicine for them. The antibiotic taste just like bubble gum but the pain killer actually taste pretty horrible and he has not taken that knowingly since (Yes I have put it in his drinks).
As of today Lex is doing a whole lot better but he still is in some pain. Each day that goes by you can see him improve and hopefully his voice will be back to normal soon.
Now everyone knew that Hurricane Irene was on its way, and I received a phone call from a friend of mine who basically scared the crap out of me about information he was given about the hurricane. So after I scared my family with the same information we did everything we could to be prepared for the storm on Saturday. The rain started around 11am and the family just did everything we could to make ourselves comfortable and ride out the storm. I was constantly checking Facebook and Twitter to see what was happening with other people. I became a little worried when I saw how many people had their basement flood and their roof’s leak. We were once again incredibly lucky that we didn’t lose power and had no damage from the storm. We had one worry area where our neighbors roof spits out water into our garden so we put a giant trash can there to catch the water. I ended up dumping the water from there at least three times. I ended up going to bed around 1am and just hoped for the best. When I woke up on Sunday the rain was gone, we had power, and no damage. I was relieved.
Over all it was a very eventful week that I really am glad is over. I thank my lucky stars that everything worked out for me and the family.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Harry Potter: The boy who lived
10 years ago Lisa and my sister drug me to a movie. It was a children’s book and something I had never heard of. Thinking about it now I was 22 at the time, Lisa and I were still new in our relationship and a children’s movie was not something I was that excited to see. But that’s what Lisa wanted to do, and I love going to the movies so who was I to argue.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was directed by Christopher Columbus and introduced us to an amazing world of magic and mystery. The three main characters who over time build a friendship of a life time, Harry Potter (Played by Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (played by Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (played by Emma Watson). These three were surrounded with an amazing cast including Headmaster Albus Dumbledore (played by Richard Harris), Professor Minerva McGonagall (played by Maggie Smith, Rubeus Hagid (played by Robbie Coltrane), Neville Longbottom (played by Matthew Lewis), Draco Malfoy (played by Tom Felton), and Professor Severus Snape (Played by Alan Rickman).
When the movie ended I was swept away by the story and the wonders of the world of magic. I was already excited for the next movie, not even sure if they were going to do another movie. I was constantly asking Lisa and my sister what happens to Harry, Ron and Hermione.
In 2002 I was excited to hear they were releasing the 2nd book in the Harry Potter series. So the same group of us went to the movies again.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
This movie introduced us to several new characters that you either loved or hated like Dobby the House Elf, and Lucius Malfoy played perfectly by Jason Isaacs. I remember walking out of the theater telling Lisa, that was better than the first one and once again I was waiting for the next movie to be released.
2004 was when the third movie was released.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
This movie introduced us to the great Gary Oldman as Sirius Black, and David Thewlis playing the role of Professor Lupin. Michael Gambon also took over the role of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore because of the death of Richard Harris. This movie also had on a new director, Alfonso Cuarón, and a much darker tone then the first two movies. Again as the common theme here is I walked out of this movie amazed and wanted more. I was ready to go back and see it again as soon as we walked out.
At this point Lisa and my sister cut me off with telling me what was happening in the next book. So as frustrated as I was due to the lack of information they were providing me and the fact that I am okay with spoilers and I ended up reading the 4th and 5th book in a week time frame while we were on vacation at Myrtle Beach.
In 2005 the fourth movie was released
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The forth movie introduced us to major players like Alastor ‘MadEye’ Moody, played by Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes and the Dark Lord Voldermort. The movie also went with another director, Mike Newell. My first impression of this movie was utter disappointment. After I read the book I was so excited about so much and the movie left a lot out of it. However, I have since gotten over that disappointment and this movie is my favorite in the bunch. The story takes some amazing twist and turns and the surprises in the end would have had me fooled if it was not for reading that book. I can pick this movie up anywhere and watch it and be just as excited about the tri wizard tournament as I was the first time I saw it. Easily my favorite in the series. But the flood gates have been opened so I was now more than okay with being spoiled by reading my way through the rest of the series.
In 2007 the fifth movie was released
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Lisa and I had to go see this one twice. The first time we saw this movie we arrived later than normal and ended up in the first rows and our neck was killing us and we were both getting kind of dizzy so the first time we watched the movie it clearly wasn’t as enjoyable as the second. This movie introduced us to another director, David Yates, who has stayed with the series until the end. The main character we were introduced to here is Delores Umbridge, who is played to perfection by Imelda Staunton. We were also introduced to Luna Lovegood, played by Evanna Lynch and two member of the “Order” Kingsley Shacklebolt, played by George Harris, and Nymphadora Tonks, played by Natalia Tena. Finally we meet the sociopath of the films Bellatrix Lestrange, played by Helena Bonham Carter. This was the movie Harry Potter became a leader and realized what was in store for him in the future. We also witness a battle that everyone had been waiting for between Albus Dumbledore and Lord Voldermort.
Warner Brothers at this point made a decision to delay the next Harry Potter film for two years. Part of the reason was because of the writer’s strike and the lack of “summer blockbusters” and I am sure the rest of the reason is due to money. The tried to spin it saying the wait between this Harry Potter film and the 7th would not be as long, but I still felt the wait sucked. However in 2009 the 6th movie was released.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
David Yates was back to direct again, and really the only character we are introduced to is Professor Horace Slughorn who has a secret he is ashamed of that Harry must get him to admit to. This, to me, was supposed to be the Harry Potter version of the Empire Strikes Back. However, a lot was changed from the book to the movie. It’s still a good movie, but the pacing of the movie was a bit slow and there was not a whole lot of action in the movie.
The last book of the Harry Potter Series is really two different stories. The first part is the journey to destroy the secret from the previous movie and the second part is the final battle where sides must be chooses between the Death Eaters and the Order of the Phoenix. Maybe it’s because I like conclusions but this book was hands down my favorite. However, this book had so many key points that needed to be in it the decision was made to split the film into two series.
In 2010 the first part of the last book was released.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
In the first part of the movie we really are not introduced to any new characters. Well we are but most of them are villans. This movie find Harry, Ron and Hermione away from the comforts of Hogwarts and traveling to find the way to destroy Lord Voldermort
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
The last of the Harry Potter movies was released on July 15, 2011. I have yet to see it (Lisa and I plan on seeing it on Sunday at 12 noon) but it is already blowing away records. The opening night the movie brought in $92.1 million ($43.5 million from midnight showings) which destroyed Twilight Saga: New Moon previous opening day record of $72.7 million. A lot of people are expecting this movie to pass the Dark Knights opening weekend record of $158.4 million. I am really excited to see the final battle between good and evil. The excitement I have for this movie is the same excitement I had when Star Wars Revenge of the Sith came out. A feeling of sadness that its finally over, but on the other hand you are excited to see everything climax. When reading the final chapters of this book I could not put the book down there was so much happening. Then come the final moments between Harry Potter and Lord Voldermort and their battle alone did the series justice.
Its sounds weird but Harry Potter brought back a love of reading for me. My mom tells stories of how I used to read all the time, and with summer reading list and being forced to read books and stories that I had no interest in I really stopped reading and did not want to read anymore. It was easier to play video games. Harry Potter changed that for me. I started with the 4th book, and read straight through to the 7th book (I then went back and read the first three books) I have my kindle at my side because you never know when I can get a chance to read. I absolutely love it and love when I can get lost in a book again. I really do believe that JK Rowling helped me discover that again.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was directed by Christopher Columbus and introduced us to an amazing world of magic and mystery. The three main characters who over time build a friendship of a life time, Harry Potter (Played by Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (played by Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (played by Emma Watson). These three were surrounded with an amazing cast including Headmaster Albus Dumbledore (played by Richard Harris), Professor Minerva McGonagall (played by Maggie Smith, Rubeus Hagid (played by Robbie Coltrane), Neville Longbottom (played by Matthew Lewis), Draco Malfoy (played by Tom Felton), and Professor Severus Snape (Played by Alan Rickman).
When the movie ended I was swept away by the story and the wonders of the world of magic. I was already excited for the next movie, not even sure if they were going to do another movie. I was constantly asking Lisa and my sister what happens to Harry, Ron and Hermione.
In 2002 I was excited to hear they were releasing the 2nd book in the Harry Potter series. So the same group of us went to the movies again.
This movie introduced us to several new characters that you either loved or hated like Dobby the House Elf, and Lucius Malfoy played perfectly by Jason Isaacs. I remember walking out of the theater telling Lisa, that was better than the first one and once again I was waiting for the next movie to be released.
2004 was when the third movie was released.
This movie introduced us to the great Gary Oldman as Sirius Black, and David Thewlis playing the role of Professor Lupin. Michael Gambon also took over the role of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore because of the death of Richard Harris. This movie also had on a new director, Alfonso Cuarón, and a much darker tone then the first two movies. Again as the common theme here is I walked out of this movie amazed and wanted more. I was ready to go back and see it again as soon as we walked out.
At this point Lisa and my sister cut me off with telling me what was happening in the next book. So as frustrated as I was due to the lack of information they were providing me and the fact that I am okay with spoilers and I ended up reading the 4th and 5th book in a week time frame while we were on vacation at Myrtle Beach.
In 2005 the fourth movie was released
The forth movie introduced us to major players like Alastor ‘MadEye’ Moody, played by Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes and the Dark Lord Voldermort. The movie also went with another director, Mike Newell. My first impression of this movie was utter disappointment. After I read the book I was so excited about so much and the movie left a lot out of it. However, I have since gotten over that disappointment and this movie is my favorite in the bunch. The story takes some amazing twist and turns and the surprises in the end would have had me fooled if it was not for reading that book. I can pick this movie up anywhere and watch it and be just as excited about the tri wizard tournament as I was the first time I saw it. Easily my favorite in the series. But the flood gates have been opened so I was now more than okay with being spoiled by reading my way through the rest of the series.
In 2007 the fifth movie was released
Lisa and I had to go see this one twice. The first time we saw this movie we arrived later than normal and ended up in the first rows and our neck was killing us and we were both getting kind of dizzy so the first time we watched the movie it clearly wasn’t as enjoyable as the second. This movie introduced us to another director, David Yates, who has stayed with the series until the end. The main character we were introduced to here is Delores Umbridge, who is played to perfection by Imelda Staunton. We were also introduced to Luna Lovegood, played by Evanna Lynch and two member of the “Order” Kingsley Shacklebolt, played by George Harris, and Nymphadora Tonks, played by Natalia Tena. Finally we meet the sociopath of the films Bellatrix Lestrange, played by Helena Bonham Carter. This was the movie Harry Potter became a leader and realized what was in store for him in the future. We also witness a battle that everyone had been waiting for between Albus Dumbledore and Lord Voldermort.
Warner Brothers at this point made a decision to delay the next Harry Potter film for two years. Part of the reason was because of the writer’s strike and the lack of “summer blockbusters” and I am sure the rest of the reason is due to money. The tried to spin it saying the wait between this Harry Potter film and the 7th would not be as long, but I still felt the wait sucked. However in 2009 the 6th movie was released.
David Yates was back to direct again, and really the only character we are introduced to is Professor Horace Slughorn who has a secret he is ashamed of that Harry must get him to admit to. This, to me, was supposed to be the Harry Potter version of the Empire Strikes Back. However, a lot was changed from the book to the movie. It’s still a good movie, but the pacing of the movie was a bit slow and there was not a whole lot of action in the movie.
The last book of the Harry Potter Series is really two different stories. The first part is the journey to destroy the secret from the previous movie and the second part is the final battle where sides must be chooses between the Death Eaters and the Order of the Phoenix. Maybe it’s because I like conclusions but this book was hands down my favorite. However, this book had so many key points that needed to be in it the decision was made to split the film into two series.
In 2010 the first part of the last book was released.
In the first part of the movie we really are not introduced to any new characters. Well we are but most of them are villans. This movie find Harry, Ron and Hermione away from the comforts of Hogwarts and traveling to find the way to destroy Lord Voldermort
The last of the Harry Potter movies was released on July 15, 2011. I have yet to see it (Lisa and I plan on seeing it on Sunday at 12 noon) but it is already blowing away records. The opening night the movie brought in $92.1 million ($43.5 million from midnight showings) which destroyed Twilight Saga: New Moon previous opening day record of $72.7 million. A lot of people are expecting this movie to pass the Dark Knights opening weekend record of $158.4 million. I am really excited to see the final battle between good and evil. The excitement I have for this movie is the same excitement I had when Star Wars Revenge of the Sith came out. A feeling of sadness that its finally over, but on the other hand you are excited to see everything climax. When reading the final chapters of this book I could not put the book down there was so much happening. Then come the final moments between Harry Potter and Lord Voldermort and their battle alone did the series justice.
Its sounds weird but Harry Potter brought back a love of reading for me. My mom tells stories of how I used to read all the time, and with summer reading list and being forced to read books and stories that I had no interest in I really stopped reading and did not want to read anymore. It was easier to play video games. Harry Potter changed that for me. I started with the 4th book, and read straight through to the 7th book (I then went back and read the first three books) I have my kindle at my side because you never know when I can get a chance to read. I absolutely love it and love when I can get lost in a book again. I really do believe that JK Rowling helped me discover that again.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon
So I decided recently that when I go to the movies I should give a movie review. Why? Because it my blog and that’s what I want to do.
So I am going to rate movies on a scale of 1 to 10 based off of my own personal enjoyment factor. I may comment on acting but I am not sure I am qualified to talk about how well someone else has acted. This is how I feel when I walked away from the movie.
Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon
Sam Witwicky: Shia LaBeouf
Carly Spencer: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Lt. Col. William Lennox: Josh Duhamel
Dylan Gould: Patrick Dempsey
Charlotte Mearing: Frances McDormand
Seymour Simmons: John Turturro
Dutch: Alan Tudyk
Bruce Brazos: John Malkovich
Robert Epps: Tyrese Gibson
Jerry Wang: Ken Jeong
Ron Witwicky: Kevin Dunn
Judy Witwicky: Julie White
Optimus Prime: Peter Cullen (voice)
Sentinel Prime: Leonard Nimoy (voice)
Megatron: Hugo Weaving (voice)
Running Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
Release Date: June 29, 2011
(This may have spoilers below)
The third Transformers movie opens in the 1960’s and the Ark, a Cybertronian spacecraft carrying an invention capable of ending the war between the Autobots and Decepticons, crash lands on the far side of the moon. The crash is detected on Earth by NASA, and President John F. Kennedy authorizes a mission to put a man on the moon as a cover for investigating the craft. The Soviet Union also witnessed the moon crash causing the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. In 1969, the crew of Apollo 11 lands on the Moon to explore the craft.
In present day Sam Witwicky is frustrated that he is unable to work with the Autobots and failing to find a job. He also becomes envious of the close relationship between his new girlfriend, Carly Spencer, and her boss Dylan Gould. They only explain Megan Fox absence as she broke up with Sam. Sam met his new girlfriend, Carly, at the White House when he received a medal of honor he is not allowed to tell anyone about.
During a mission to Chernobyl to investigate suspected Alien technology, Optimus Prime finds a fuel cell from the Ark, discovering it had survived its journey from Cybertron. The Autobots are attacked by Shockwave who manages to escape. After learning of the top-secret mission to the moon, the Autobots travel there to explore the Ark. There they discover a comatose Sentinel Prime – former Autobot leader – and his creation, The Pillars, a means of establishing a Space Bridge between two points to teleport matter. After returning to Earth, Optimus uses the energy of his Matrix of Leadership to revive Sentinel Prime.
From this point on the Decepticons create a plan that involves humans helping their cause. The Autobots are asked to leave Earth and Chicago become the final battle ground,
I really enjoyed the trilogy that Michael Bay has put together. I know I find Transformers; Revenge of the Fallen really watchable, even though everyone says it is horrible, including the director. But in the end I really liked all three movies they had giant robots fighting, decent humor, and Peter Cullen from the 1980’s cartoon voice Optimus Prime. I really enjoyed the opening of the movie. Having the history of the space race in the 1960’s being such an important aspect of this movie was really cool to see. Also having the government not tell us the real reason they went to space seems totally believable to me today. I also really need to mention the battle at the end of the movie. In my opinion it was fantastic. It was nice to see the United States military be more of an asset to the Autobots as opposed to the previous two movies when it seemed like we needed to rely on them.
I will say based on my enjoyment factor alone I will give Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon a 7 out of 10. I recommend watching it but only if you are into this thing. If not you are not going to like this movie at all.
So I am going to rate movies on a scale of 1 to 10 based off of my own personal enjoyment factor. I may comment on acting but I am not sure I am qualified to talk about how well someone else has acted. This is how I feel when I walked away from the movie.
Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon
Sam Witwicky: Shia LaBeouf
Carly Spencer: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Lt. Col. William Lennox: Josh Duhamel
Dylan Gould: Patrick Dempsey
Charlotte Mearing: Frances McDormand
Seymour Simmons: John Turturro
Dutch: Alan Tudyk
Bruce Brazos: John Malkovich
Robert Epps: Tyrese Gibson
Jerry Wang: Ken Jeong
Ron Witwicky: Kevin Dunn
Judy Witwicky: Julie White
Optimus Prime: Peter Cullen (voice)
Sentinel Prime: Leonard Nimoy (voice)
Megatron: Hugo Weaving (voice)
Running Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
Release Date: June 29, 2011
(This may have spoilers below)
The third Transformers movie opens in the 1960’s and the Ark, a Cybertronian spacecraft carrying an invention capable of ending the war between the Autobots and Decepticons, crash lands on the far side of the moon. The crash is detected on Earth by NASA, and President John F. Kennedy authorizes a mission to put a man on the moon as a cover for investigating the craft. The Soviet Union also witnessed the moon crash causing the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. In 1969, the crew of Apollo 11 lands on the Moon to explore the craft.
In present day Sam Witwicky is frustrated that he is unable to work with the Autobots and failing to find a job. He also becomes envious of the close relationship between his new girlfriend, Carly Spencer, and her boss Dylan Gould. They only explain Megan Fox absence as she broke up with Sam. Sam met his new girlfriend, Carly, at the White House when he received a medal of honor he is not allowed to tell anyone about.
During a mission to Chernobyl to investigate suspected Alien technology, Optimus Prime finds a fuel cell from the Ark, discovering it had survived its journey from Cybertron. The Autobots are attacked by Shockwave who manages to escape. After learning of the top-secret mission to the moon, the Autobots travel there to explore the Ark. There they discover a comatose Sentinel Prime – former Autobot leader – and his creation, The Pillars, a means of establishing a Space Bridge between two points to teleport matter. After returning to Earth, Optimus uses the energy of his Matrix of Leadership to revive Sentinel Prime.
From this point on the Decepticons create a plan that involves humans helping their cause. The Autobots are asked to leave Earth and Chicago become the final battle ground,
I really enjoyed the trilogy that Michael Bay has put together. I know I find Transformers; Revenge of the Fallen really watchable, even though everyone says it is horrible, including the director. But in the end I really liked all three movies they had giant robots fighting, decent humor, and Peter Cullen from the 1980’s cartoon voice Optimus Prime. I really enjoyed the opening of the movie. Having the history of the space race in the 1960’s being such an important aspect of this movie was really cool to see. Also having the government not tell us the real reason they went to space seems totally believable to me today. I also really need to mention the battle at the end of the movie. In my opinion it was fantastic. It was nice to see the United States military be more of an asset to the Autobots as opposed to the previous two movies when it seemed like we needed to rely on them.
I will say based on my enjoyment factor alone I will give Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon a 7 out of 10. I recommend watching it but only if you are into this thing. If not you are not going to like this movie at all.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
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