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An avid movie collector reviews movies, games, and TV shows for the common man, among other things. Spoiler Free

Sunday, November 30, 2003

Top Fifty Albums of all time

Note: I am not a fully rounded musical scholar, I have limited experience in Blues, Classical, Country, Folk, and Indy Rock. Each artist can only appear once. I don't care for street cred, so The Smiths and Velvet Underground and other such bands will be absent. I tried to choose albums that were good on their own merit and for my enjoyment value, for example - Yes Elvis spawned much of today's rock and pop, but I can't rock Elvis on a weekly basis, so guess who doesn't appear. I often copped out and placed in the Greatest Hits for a band since they can't appear more than once, however some albums are actually better than the assembly of their radio hits, so if they have a greatest hits and I didn't pick it this is why. That's all from me I hope you enjoy.

1. R.E.M. ,Life's Rich Pageant, and Out of Time

It was quite an ordeal to choose a single R.E.M. album, and the new greatest hits cd is great but it is often the non-singles that delight me. Life's Rich Pageant and Out of Time were albums that I never got tired of, but are seldom seen as defining works for R.E.M. because they lacked the huge singles that were produced on some of their other albums and Murmur is credited for defining the College music scene. Out of Time was one of my first ever cd's and as such it got heavy play since my options were few, and Life's Rich Pageant has always been a solid cd to revisit, the quality that they share is that both of these albums take me to another place mentally and I can't quite chart the experience. While the other R.E.M. cd's do much of the same thing I can chart and understand where they take me because the seam and thread of the album is clearer. These albums are the best albums to play to induce a near dreamlike state where I think I do some of my finest relaxing and contemplating.

2. Stevie Wonder - At the Turn of the Century

Nothing is better for the soul than a heavy dosage of Stevie Wonder, in fact it was the one tidbit of wisdom that I laid down upon the Freshman class when I was to speak to them about coping with college stress. This cd was a present to me from Dave Weigel, probably because I was constantly asking him which greatest hits collection he would recommend for Stevie. Since then it has seldom left my side. You should all know the hits, and this collection has them all, from his Motown days as Little Stevie Wonder right up to the end of the century. The Second and Third discs are the best since they contain the finest works from his most prolific years in the seventies and eighties. No cd collection can even be recognized without some kind of Stevie Wonder cd and this is the cream of the crop.

3. The Beatles - Abbey Road

I disagreed with the top Beatles cd's listed in the Rolling Stone top 500, and I went with Abbey Road which contains some of my favorite trippy songs from their catalog and some straight quality hits. You can't deny "She's So Heavy" which I investigated after the frequent quoting from my cousin Ken, and the goofy "Maxwell's Silver Hammer". Ringo drops his usual insane underwater song with "Octopus' Garden", and some crazy fun songs like "Lovely Rita", and "You Never Give Me Your Money". And for solid hits there's "Oh, Darling", and "Here Comes the Sun". It's a happy album, and another one that should be owned by all.

4. Led Zeppelin - XOSO (4th Album)

This and Houses of the Holy were a close call, but I went with XOSO for its solid and unified sound over Houses which was a bit more experimental and diverse. The songs on this album go beyond rock and roll and have an epic feeling to all of them, just as the Lord of the Rings movies do. "Black Dog", "Stairway to Heaven", "The Battle of Evermore", and "When the Levee Breaks" are some of the finest rock songs of all time and to have them spawned on one album is uncanny. I don't know how Led Zeppelin's first album charted higher than this one, I found their first work of the "decent" to "good" variety.

5. Bob Dylan - The Essential Collection

I had a limited love of Dylan for the longest time, but after buying the Essential collection I shed my disillusionment and embraced the songwriting genius. I'm still not a diehard fan, but you can't deny the power and majesty of Bob Dylan's lyrics and musical prowess. "Gotta Serve Somebody", "Like a Rolling Stone", "Tangled Up in Blue", "Blowin in the Wind" are all timeless and they are only four of the featured songs on the cd set. This cd is truly essential and the definitive collection for anyone wanting to own his best work.

6. Black Sabbath - We Sold our Soul for Rock and Roll

Black Sabbath (During the Ozzy Years) is the epitome of Hard Rock and have yet to be equaled in my eye by anyone since. This greatest hits set contains all the best "Snowblind", "War Pigs", "Iron Man", "The Wizard", "Fairies Wear Boots", and "Changes" and is the best cd for back-to-back rock. And the Guitar work on this album is mind-blowing, all you guitar students out there should learn some Sabbath before you learn Creed.

7. Pink Floyd - Echoes

I wanted to place Dark Side of the Moon in as their album but I also had great love for several of their other albums so I chose their well-crafted Greatest Hits. All the hits you would expect appear: "Hey You", "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)", "Money", "Comfortably Numb", "Learning to Fly", and "Wish You Were Here". This collection surprisingly does flow better than most Greatest Hits albums which makes this a valuable piece to own.

8. Rolling Stones - Forty Licks

You have to choose a greatest hits collection for a band that has been around for as long as the Rolling Stones, although if I had to choose an album I would opt for Some Girls. Hits include: "Satisfaction", "When the Whip Comes Down", "Gimme Shelter", "You Can't Always Get What You Want", and "Sympathy for the Devil".

9. James Brown - Fiftieth Anniversary

The Godfather of Soul finally makes the definitive collection of his work, and although I don't own it myself yet I have given it as a gift. The hits include: "Super Bad", "Get on the Good Foot", "Sex Machine", "Living in America", "Too Funky In Here", and "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag". I myself need to get on the good foot at least once a month, and this is the cd to do it with.

10. Chuck Berry - The Great Twenty-Eight

Some of the best lyrics of all time are contained within Chuck Berry songs, and all his best appear on this collection (Except his extended version of Ding-a-Ling, which I had to get from an old live record). All of his songs are catchy and beautiful and funny, and I can't help but see his grinning face hopping across the stage when I'm listening to his music. Songs included are: "Too Much Monkey Business", "Johnny B. Goode", "Roll Over Beethoven", "Maybelline", and "Sweet Little Sixteen".

11. The Ramones - We're Outta Here

This cd is part of a box set that coincides with their last concert together, and for me it is the finest thing that Punk music has produced. It is basically a greatest hits live album, but that doesn't quite cut it with the Ramones. The blitz of hard fast and fun songs never lets up, and only a quick "1,2,3,4" separates the songs featured on the cd. All their hits are provided and even some of their sub-par songs are enhanced in the live atmosphere.

12. Michael Jackson - Number Ones

Say what you will about the man, his hits were phenomenal and for a long time "The King of Pop" was a title he deserved. HIStory had too much of his later work which was lousy and hokey, so Number Ones has surpassed it as the definitive Michael Jackson collection.

13. David Bowie - Changesbowie

Bowie's best from his wonder years before he got really experimental in the late 80's and 90's. Bowie is still one of the greatest rock singers of all time and this cd showcases everything you would want from Bowie (except "Magic Dance" from Labyrinth). Hits include: "Space Oddity", "Suffragette City", "Modern Love", "Rebel Rebel", "Ziggy Stardust", "Changes", "China Girl", and "Young Americans".

14. AC/DC - Back in Black

The title song alone would help this album make the list but with "Hells Bells", "Shoot to Thrill" and "You Shook Me All Night Long" this album becomes legendary. Another essential hard rock album and the formula they used here set up a load of future hits which we still enjoy.

15. Jimi Hendrix - Smash Hits

Not the only greatest hits album that exists for Hendrix but for some reason I enjoy this one the most. The legendary guitarist lays out his best including "Hey Joe", "Highway Chile", "All Along the Watchtower", "Purple Haze", "Crosstown Traffic", "Manic Depression", and "The Wind Cries Mary".

16. Nirvana - Unplugged

I wasn't hardcore into Nirvana and I didn't have a vigil when Kurt Cobain died, but only a fool would deny the greatness of their music. Nevermind is usually the album cited as their finest work but I loved the mood and vibe that was captured on the Unplugged album. Many of their hits are included as well as a medley of wonderful cover songs including "The Man Who Sold the World" from David Bowie. Make sure to check out "Plateau", and "Where Did You Sleep Last Night".

17. Dire Straits - Money For Nothing (Best of...)

Every album has at least one song that is mesmerizing so I once again had to select the greatest hits. Mark Knopfler distinguishes himself as one of the finest guitarists in existence and lights up the world with the hits "Money for Nothing", "Romeo and Juliet", "Heavy Fuel", "Sultans of Swing", and "Walk of Life".

18. Tom Petty - Full Moon Fever

His greatest hits are great but Full Moon Fever is wall-to-wall wonderful. Hits include
"Won't Back Down", "Free Fallin", and "Running Down a Dream".

19. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magic

The songs between the hits makes this one better than their greatest hits. The singles were "Under the Bridge", "Give it Away", and "About a Girl" but the title song as well as others makes this the "must own" Chili Peppers album.

20. Busta Rhymes - The Best Of...

I feel that Busta Rhymes has always been the best interpretation of what was popular in rap at the time. While other groups and artists struggle to make their mark or stay hip, Busta has been renovating consistently and always staying the sharpest knife in the rap world. Songs included are: "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check", "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See", "Turn it Up/Fire it Up", "Rhymes Galore", "Gimme Some More" and "Tear Da Roof Off".

21. Talking Heads - Sand in the Vaseline

The Talking Heads are one of my favorite 80's bands and David Byrne is among my favorite rock personalities. This double disc set includes their hits as well as the live version of "Life During Wartime" which is amazing. Other hits include: "And She Was", "Wild Wild Night", "Psycho Killer", "Once in a Lifetime", "Stay Up Late", "Take Me to the River", and "Stop Making Sense".

22. No Doubt - Singles

I have been in love with No Doubt since they dropped Tragic Kingdom and I have loved the growth between albums. No longer the pop ska band they once were, now they illustrate the best emulation of the 80's new wave music mixed with their ska and punk roots.

23. Soul Coughing - Irresistible Bliss

My favorite Alternative band on their second album, which spawned their first radio hit "Super Bon Bon". The sound of this album changes frequently but the brilliance remains.

24. The B-52's - Time Capsule

The greatest hits from one of the weirdest bands ever, they had a few hits but their sound is undeniably addictive and I find this in my cd player at least once a month. Hits include: "Rock Lobster", "Private Idaho", "Love Shack", and "Roam".

25. Prodigy - Fat of the Land

The band was never able to put together such great songs as they did on this album which is the best hard-rock/rap/electronica mix available. "Breathe", "Narayan", and "Firestarter" are choice cuts but the other songs make it happen as well.

26. Guns N' Roses - Appetite for Destruction

Another album that can be enjoyed straight through, Appetite is teeming with hits. "Mr. Brownstone", "Welcome to the Jungle", "Sweet Child of Mine", and "Paradise City" make this cd play like a greatest hits.

27. Aerosmith - Pandora's Box

A collection of their finest classic songs which are honestly much better than their modern hits, although Big Ones could have easily been their album of choice as well.

28. Parliament - Greatest Hits

The funkiest band ever which contains the genius of both George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. Hits: "Flashlight", "Tear the Roof Off", "Mothership Connection", "Aqua Boogie", and "Atomic Dog".

29. Metallica - Master of Puppets

They have gone through many different sounds but they were at their best with Master of Puppets, which is about drugs and not God as many believe. Hits include: the title track, "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)", and "Battery".

30. Peter Gabriel - Shaking the Tree

One of my favorite pop vocalists and all his hits appear on this album including: "Steam", "Shock the Monkey", "In Your Eyes", "Sledgehammer", and "Big Time".

31. Neil Young - Decade

Mr. Young is an addictive music maker, and I find I enjoy this cd more with each listening. Hits include: "Cinnamon Girl", "Needle and the Damage Done", "Southern Man", "Rockin in a Free World", "Old Man", "Ohio", and "Heart of Gold".

32. Madonna - Ray of Light

The Immaculate Collection was my first instictive pick, but I honestly don't enjoy it as much as this cd. Her implementation of modern dance hooks and such made for a delightful album, and maybe her best effort yet. Features: "Ray of Light", "Nothing Really Matters", "Frozen", and "Power of Goodbye".

33. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Skynyrd's Innyrds

Southern Rock's finest warriors rock out their hits. And "Freebird" never gets old, note my email address. Features "Gimme Three Steps", "Sweet Home Alabama", "Workin for MCA", "Saturday Night Special", "What's You Name", "Tuesday's Gone", and "That Smell".

34. The Doors - The Best Of...

Certain moods are deeply effected by The Doors' slow and moody music "People are Strange" especially. But their Popular hits can also be enjoyed again and again. Features: "Break on Through", "Light My Fire", "Hello, I love You", "L.A. Woman", "Roadhouse Blues", "Love me Two Times", "Love Her Madly", and "Riders on the Storm".

35. U2 - Achtung Baby

Once again I break from the popular vein by choosing Achtung Baby over Joshua Tree (and I would probably place at least one more of their albums over Joshua Tree) but I find the pop heavy rock on this album more satisfying. Hits include: "Even Better than the Real Thing", "Mysterious Ways", "One", "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses", and "Until the End of the World".

36. Bruce Springsteen - The Essential Collection

"The Boss" has finally released a rock solid hits collection that has all of the songs that I wanted (except "Pink Cadillac", believe me I am not going to buy some expensive B-Sides collection because this jerk won't include it with his hits). Hits: "Thunder Road", "Glory Days", "Born to Run", "Dancing in the Dark", "Hungry Heart", "Born in the U.S.A.", "Tunnel of Love", "Streets of Philadephia", and "Human Touch".

37. Justin Timberlake - Justified

I feel I may have to defend this one, the reason I choose this album because it is the best of what the last 7 years of pop and R&B music has to offer. Two of the best producers in the business (The Neptunes, Timbaland) take Justin under their wings and produce a fine album which can be enjoyed straight through. I haven't taken this cd out of my car since it was released. Only a blind hatred of pop music or his affiliation with N'Sync would cause someone to discredit this album.

38. Cee-Lo - Cee-Lo Green and his Perfect Imperfections

Funk is properly reborn on this album and not a minute too late. Cee-Lo mixes great rhythm, humor, intelligence, and soul into an album that should have made a bigger impact on the music scene then it did. Hits include: "El Dorado Sunshine (Super Chicken)", "Getting Grown", "Big Ole Words", "Closet Freak", and "Under Tha Influence (Follow Me).

39. Sheryl Crow - The Very Best Of...

I originally went with her self-titled album, but after checking her hits list I noted that they included some of the non-single songs I liked from that cd so the Best Of album gets the nod instead. Plus the extra song "The First Cut is the Deepest" is a sweet addition. Also includes: "Strong Enough", "All I Wanna Do", "If it Makes You Happy", "Leaving Las Vegas", "My Favorite Mistake", "Soak up the Sun", "Home", "A Change Could Do You Good", and "My Favorite Mistake".

40. Stone Temple Pilots - Purple

Probably my favorite rock band from the nineties, and their second album captures them at their peak. Hits include: "Vaseline", "Interstate Love Song", "Pretty Penny", "Silvergun Superman", "Big Empty", and "Unglued".

41. Outkast - Stankonia

Another of the best additions to the R&B world in the last decade, and this album is probably their best yet. "Miss Jackson", "Bombs over Baghdad", and "So Fresh, So Clean" are the songs to hear from this one.

42. Cross Movement - Human Emergency

These Christian rappers shame their popular counterparts by putting together a better collection of songs than most rappers could aspire to in their lifetime. If they were to sell out, they would wreck the charts because they have the skills to pay the bills. Including "Know Me (huh What?)", "What Do You See?", "On Right Now", "Live Agua", and "Light (The Blazin' One)".

43. Steve Miller Band - Greatest Hits 1974-78

A feel-good album from one of the greatest bands of the seventies. This cd is packed full of solid hits to enjoy repeatedly, including "The Joker", "Rock N' Me", "Jet Airliner", "Take the Money and Run", "Swingtown", "Jungle Love", and "Fly Like an Eagle".

44. Eminem - Marshall Mathers LP

His rhyme schemes are more complex and brilliant than anyone in the game, and I enjoyed this album the most of the three he released, but either of the others could have qualified. Despite his language and his violent lyrics I find his openness the most appealling part of his music, and his raps have more substance than any other popular rapper. Tracks include: "Stan", "I'm Back", "The Way I Am", "The Real Slim Shady", "Criminal", and "Amityville".

45. The Who - My Generation (Greatest Hits)

The best music to air-guitar windmill to. The Who rock out hard, and their hits had to make the cut. And part of me is actually starting to enjoy "Happy Jack". Features: "My Generation", "Teenage Wasteland", "Magic Bus", "Pinball Wizard", "The Seeker", "Won't Get Fooled Again", and "Who are You?".

46. Paul Simon - Graceland

I can't delete the music video Paul does with Chevy Chase out of my mind when listening to "You Can Call Me Al", and I never get tired of "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes". Paul Simon's time in Africa inspired him to mix in some great rhythm into his already brilliant musical mind and out came Graceland, this cd almost entirely deletes Garfunkel from the memory of the world.

47. Eric Clapton - The Cream of Clapton

I recently switched from Slowhand to the hits collection because Slowhand is just too short, plus The Cream of Clapton has his hits with Derek and the Dominoes, The Yardbirds, and Cream. Includes: "Layla", "Cocaine", "Lay Down Sally", "Wonderful Tonight", "I Shot the Sheriff", "After Midnight", "White Room", "I Feel Free", and "Knocking on Heaven's Door".

48. The Toasters - Hard Band for Dead

The best Ska band ever, although The Supertones almost had this spot on the list. Solid album, with everything you love about ska taken to its limits. Including: "Two-Tone Army", "Talk is Cheap", "Secret Agent Man", "Chuck Berry", "Don't Come Running", and "Maxwell Smart".

49. Fiona Apple - Tidal

My favorite "angry woman" singer. And although I loved her second album I had to choose her freshman effort to make the list. Hits: "Sleep to Dream", "Shadowboxer", and "Criminal". Anyone else wondering when she will release a third album?

50. Lenny Kravitz - Mama Said

Kravitz hooks up with Slash from Guns N' Roses and puts together some great rock and roll music, and his recent breakup with Lisa Bonet led to some heartfelt ballads. His finest cd yet, which is among good company. Featuring: "Mama Said", "Fields of Joy", "Always on the Run", "It Ain't Over Till its Over", and "Stop Draggin' Around".

Friday, November 28, 2003

I am trying to keep my updating to at least a "once every two days" thing, I made the deadline but I don't have much to say. My parents did however finally cave in and bought a DVD player so I loaded up with some choice picks and headed up the family campground. The movies we have seen so far.

Scooby Doo (Live Action)

It was loved and hated by many. I enjoyed it as a family movie that amuses me as well as the younger audience I am most likely with. As mentioned in my giant commentary list from earlier I have even watched it with the cast commentary, and watching the special features to watch Matthew Lillard switch back and forth between himself and Shaggy is hilarious. But the highlight special feature would have to be the Outkast Video for "In the Land of a Million Drums", repeat viewings allowed.

Lord of the Rings Two Towers (Extended)

I have only seen like 10 minutes worth so far, (You Know I had to watch that Ent battle!) and I must say that it is quite extended. And for all of you who yearn, and are debating whether or not to buy. Two Words....More Ents. Thats it, nothing more to be said the extra like minute of Ent that I saw was enough to buy two. I will fully review later, but the taste I got was of the finest caliber of delicious.

Wednesday, November 26, 2003

After Reading Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums, I have decided that I will compile a list just as if they had asked me to participate originally. This means that I must compile a list (In order, AAAAAAAH) of my top 50. I dread this undertaking, but I will emerge a more brilliant person. I hope to do this over the next week, so hopefully you will get it on Monday or early next week.
Buffy Season 6 Review



Season 6 started off and continued to be the worst season of Buffy since the first season, however the last 4 episodes propel this season into a rating of “good”. Once again, I try to be spoiler free, but dang. This season is still the most depressing show ever made but the special effects and fights start to pick back up, and some of the characters start to improve to what they once were. As a highlight, this season contains the musical episode which sounds pretty gay, but was actually really good, and was the only episode of Buffy I have watched more than twice. The depression is hard to shake from this season so I can’t give it better than a “good” review, but definitely still worth watching for those of you who make it this far.

Tuesday, November 25, 2003

Comments on the Buzzbin (Movies.com)

Top Five Movies that made the Buzzbin (According to me)

1. Goonies 2 - That's right, the entire original cast reunite 20 years later and solve a mystery, or have an adventure of some sort. Paul Walker is vying to get some kind of role, but other than him you can count on Corey Feldman, Sean Astin, and Josh Brolin reprising their roles. Honestly, I loved Corey Feldman and am pissed that he fell out of the spotlight at all, maybe he'll have a surge of popularity and release the Lost Boys sequel or something.

2. The Life Aquatic - Wes Anderson once again teams up with Bill Murray for a movie that is still shrouded in mystery. It involves an Oceanographer and his crew, and thats all we know. Except for the once again stellar cast, Owen Wilson, Angelica Huston, Willem Dafoe, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, and Bud Cort. I didn't love The Royal Tenenbaums as much as Rushmore but maybe with Murray back in the lead it will be just as good or better. I'll see it regardless.

3. The Passion of Christ - A sign of promise for this movie is that it is being criticized for its portrayal of Jews. So maybe they really are taking the Bible seriously, and honestly the Jews or Romans denying their roles in the death of Christ would be like the German Tour guide in the Family Guy denying the invasion of Poland and World War 2. It was a long time ago, admit it and move on. Silly Jews.

4. The Birth of the Pink Panther - I remember hating this movie when I was like 9 because it only had the animated panther for the intro credits. But after seeing Peter Sellers in other movies I have wanted to revisit it as an adult, and now that I can look forward to a remake starring Steve Martin I am motivated. The Buzz is that Jackie Chan may play Cato, and Steve Martin is reworking the script to make it awesome. Another one I am sure to watch.

5. King Kong - Peter Jackson is at the helm of what could be a freaking amazing movie. He is pushing for Naomi Watts to be the female lead and there are rumurs that Andy Serkis may give his animated personality to bring mighty Kong to life as he did the beautifully freakish Gollum.

Other Highlights -
Anchorman - Another Will Farrell Comedy
Superman V - Still in casting, so i'm not excited yet although Charisma Carpenter is in the running for Miss Lane
Miracle - Kurt Russell Hockey movie about the 80's USA Olympic Upset over the Soviets
Star Wars Episode 3 - You know about this, I'm scared because I have a feeling Samuel L. Jackson will die in this one.


Future Bombs -
First 50 Dates - Corny Drew Barrymore Romance
Billy Dead - Some Crap from Ethan Hawke, he's offering stock in the movie because no one will pay to make it.
Exorcist IV - Finished filming amd has re-entered the writing phase...Thats never a good sign

Monday, November 24, 2003

Supporting Actor of the Week

Vincent Schiavelli



Vincent Schiavelli is easily recognizable as the tall ghostly creature that has haunted his way through many freaky roles throughout his long career. I thought of him after watching Death to Smoochy (Note review from yesterday) and also his role as Paragon in the Pilot for Heat Vision and Jack. He has probably been featured in over half of the cool campy horror films in the last two decades, and his role in Ghost was just amazing. I am going to urge my readers to download Heat Vision and Jack this week, because it is just hilarious, and “Knowledge is Power…For Real!”



Heat Vision and Jack Review



I shouldn’t leave you in the dark, because only a few of you will know what this is by name. Heat Vision and Jack is the spawn of Ben Stiller’s desire to return to TV with something even more ridiculous than the Ben Stiller Show which only was funny like 3 times in its whole TV run. But this one was doomed from the start but was some of the campiest paydirt that I have ever seen. The premise is that Jack Black was an astronaut who got too close to the sun and he is now “three times smarter than the smartest man alive” (when the sun is shining), NASA wants to hone his powers so they release Ron Silver (playing himself) to capture him. Their first attempt to capture him misfired and made his friend (Owen Wilson) turn into a motorcycle to become Jack’s sidekick. As they run from Ron Silver they head continuously into adventure. The opening credits are worth repeat viewings alone, as Jack punches a werewolf, and says the catchphrase which I quoted above. Christine Taylor and Ben Stiller himself both appear, but it is Jack Black who makes the show gold. A must see.



National Security Review

The worst Buddy Cop movie in the history of Buddy Cop movies, hands down. Martin Lawrence stars in his most irritating character ever as he exemplifies every bad black stereotype and then enhances them, and I honestly have no good comparisons to make about how much you just yearn for him to die. Percy from The Green Mile is probably close, but even he doesn’t do justice. I couldn’t stand the movie because the whole movie you are just praying for Martin to die, or reform, or somehow stop talking long enough to cool the screaming pain in your head, but you know that as the star you will never get your wish. Steve Zahn does a great job as the cop who is driven insane by Lawrence, but you can’t really enjoy him because of the overshadowing incessant aggravating presence of the star. I really can’t say enough about how much Martin Lawrence sucked, or at least his writing sucked, but someone should pay for this. This movie should never be seen, not even Steve Zahn can save this movie, and I will rampage if this gets picked for a sequel.


Sunday, November 23, 2003

Death to Smoochy Review

I have seen it twice this weekend on HBO, and I just couldn't get myself to watch anything else. I don't quite get why this movie bombed, it is different, but you think Robin Williams alone would have brought the audience to make it a hit. This movie made me laugh out loud more (even as my 5th or so viewing) than most comedies can dream to. For those of you who saw the Fuscia Rhino on the cover and decided to rent The Hot Chick, rethink that one and go rent Death to Smoochy. This is Danny DeVito's best dark comedy and Robin Williams' greatest comedic performance in years, and this may be a rare opportunity to see Edward Norton in a comedic role. You also get some great supporting actors including Jon Stewart, Catherine Keener, Vincent Schiavelli, and DeVito himself. You have to see this one at least once, and once you do you'll consider buying it. The DVD features are sweet, and the outtakes are golden with Williams.

Saturday, November 22, 2003

Dean's Plea for Intimacy

I have created a profile page as a desperate attempt to grow closer to my audience. Note the link on the right --->
Also, if anyone would like to e-mail me about the site or anything contained within please feel free to do so. Enjoy
Angel Season 4 Review

Angel Season 4 begins down the path of later Buffy seasons which is to begin to unravel everything enjoyable about the characters and make their lives hell. The fun and humor is almost entirely absent from this season so I feel that I must review it in a new light. It is now a supernatural thriller, and as such it is good, but I do miss the integrated humor. The plot twists were nice, and the ideas were still fresh and innovative. And in each season the action sequences just gets better and better. I still recommend the series and for some of you who don't like the goofy humor that was present before may even like it better. Season 6 of Buffy is almost completed expect a review soon.

Friday, November 21, 2003



I bought a new car. It looks just like this but sexier. However this picture will only work for about 3 days because I got it on ebay. Enjoy the flavor of envy.

Thursday, November 20, 2003

Supporting Actors of the Week

The Siblings of Greater Stars

I wanted to support the work of a class of people much like I did with the midget week, but i struggled to think of one until I turned to VH1. VH1 is airing a show starring the four Murray bros, and I thought ah yes the sibling. So thanks to the career of Brian Doyle Murray (Brother of Bill Murray if you didn't figure that out) we have a new group to celebrate. Among the celebrated are Brain Doyle Murray, Clint Howard (Ron Howard), Jerry Van Dyke (Dick Van Dyke), Stephen Baldwin (Alec and Adam Baldwin), Ted Rami (Sam Raimi), and Rory and Kieran Culkin (Macaulay Culkin). There are many more but I have some appreciation for all of these listed and they deserve honor on their own, but are sadly overshadowed and may never emerge (the Culkins have the best shot since their brother's shadow was about 4 feet tall). For your viewing pleasure may i recommend (in order with the actors above): Caddyshack, The Ice Cream Man, Coach (TV Show), The Usual Suspects, Xena (TV Show), Signs, and Igby Goes Down. Try to catch one.

Monday, November 17, 2003

Birthday DVD’s

This year I was blessed with several wonderful DVD’s from friends and family.

Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves Special Edition *Thanks Julie
Check it out – Two Audio Commentaries worth listening to; Kevin Costner and the Director, and Morgan Freeman and Christian Slater. The 12 Additional minutes of footage were mostly religious in nature which is why it got cut, and a few more sequences about Alan Rickman’s Sheriff of Nottingham. Plus, some nice featurettes.

Tenacious D – The Masterwork * Thanks Julie
The entire HBO series, a live show, all their music videos, TV appearances, shorts, and more bonus features than you can imagine. I watched a
”On the Tour” featurette for an hour and was mesmerized. An absolute must have for Tenacious D fans.

Young Frankenstein * Thanks Phil and Becky
Phil and Becky went for a Gene Wilder double dose and got me Young Frankenstein and Stir Crazy. Young Frankenstein is my favorite Mel Brooks movie and should be in everyone’s collection. DVD bonus is Audio Commentary with Mel Brooks, you know I yearn for that, outtakes, bloopers, deleted scenes, documentary, interviews and TV spots. A truly fine thing.

Stir Crazy * Thanks Phil and Becky
The last movie I needed to complete my Gene Wilder/Richard Pryor collection. This is the one where they end up in prison (with Craig T. Nelson) and have to scheme a way out. It’s hard to choose between them but this is probably the best of their collaborations.

This may not be the end of my birthday DVD’s, plus Chris gave me money that may become one, but here’s the list for now.
Top Ten Audio Commentaries that I have seen so far.

1. Lord of the Rings – Fellowship of the Ring (The actors commentary, which has almost everyone from the film except Viggo Mortensen)
2. Pleasantville – Gary Ross (director) was good at explaining the deeper elements of the movie and made the whole experience much better.
3. The Evil Dead Trilogy – Bruce Campbell is the best in Audio Commentary and would take up three slots in my list if I didn’t combine them into one. When Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert contribute they are also both funny and insightful.
4. Glory – Picture in Picture Commentary is awesome, and it makes this commentary legendary.
5. Family Guy TV Series – The whole crew laughing their way through their own show, Seth McFarland and Seth Green are both excellent.
6. The Rock – Nicholas Cage is mad eccentric which makes this one memorable.
7. This is Spinal Tap – The Spinal Tap crew stay in character as they watch the movie, a commentary worth repeat viewings.
8. X-Men – Bryan Singer and I think it’s the Cinematographer provide great insight into the movie and into their inspirations which explains quite about how they approached the movie.
9. Chasing Amy – Kevin Smith is really good, and his commentary makes it happen.
10. Kiss of the Dragon – Luc Besson, Jet Li, and Bridget Fonda – More of a lesson in culture from the French director, Chinese actor, and Blond actress.

Top Ten DVD Commentaries that I own and need to watch

1. Batman the Movie – Commentary by Adam West and Burt Ward, holy crap its gonna be funny.
2. Total Recall – Arnold and Paul Verhoeven, it couldn’t be bad
3. Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure – Paul Reubens and Tim Burton exploring one of the strangest movies ever, I can’t believe that I haven’t seen it yet.
4. Young Frankenstein – Mel Brooks is one the greatest comedic minds that we have, and I can’t wait to listen to him for an hour and a half.
5. Death to Smootchy – I love Danny DeVito and I really want to see his take on his comedies, I also desire to hear his commentary on War of the Roses.
6. Pulp Fiction – Commentary by Quentin Tarantino should be excellent as he stutters his way through some of the best movies of our time.
7. Monty Python and the Holy Grail – There is two commentaries on here, the cast split in half and made two instead of one.
8. The Matrix – I love this movie and I have no excuse for not watching it.
9. The Stand – The only reason I haven’t watched this one is because I would need to go on vacation to finish it.
10. Fight Club – I just haven’t been in the mood to watch this movie lately, but I will enjoy it when the time is right.

Top Twenty Audio Commentaries I wish existed

1. Jaws – Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfus…nuff said.
2. Leon – The Professional – Commentary from Luc Besson and Jean Reno
3. Ghostbusters 1+2 – Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson
4. A Chris Farley Commentary on any of his movies
5. Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor on any of their movies
6. Batman – Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, and Tim Burton
7. Crocodile Dundee – Paul Hogan recounting the real stories that inspired the movie, it would be mind-blowing
8. Full Metal Jacket – R. Lee Ermey balanced by the arrogant Matthew Modine
9. G.I.Joe – Sgt. Slaughter and Burgess Meredith
10. Half Baked – Dave Chappelle, Jim Breuer, Harland Williams, and the latino guy. Maybe they should be in character, but it would be funny regardless
11. Kindergarten Cop – Arnold and two of the child actors recounting how it ruined their childhood to be in the movie.
12. Labyrinth – David Bowie and Brian Henson
13. Office Space – Mike Judge, Ron Livingston, and Stephen Root
14. PCU – Jeremy Piven and Jon Favreau
15. Raising Arizona – Nicolas Cage and John Goodman
16. Star Wars – Mark Hamill and George Lucas
17. Stand By Me – Corey Feldman, Wil Wheaton, and Jerry O’Connell
18. Throw Mama from the Train – Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal
19. The Shining – Jack Nicholson and Stanley Kubrick
20. Willow – Warwick Davis and Val Kilmer
Total Recall Review

I have recently begun to realize that I am more interested in Sci-Fi and Horror than I originally thought. You’ll notice that the only two movies I am really hyping up are Resident Evil: Outbreak and Alien vs. Predator. In light of this I decided to run through some of my Sci-Fi favorites, starting with my favorite Director in the genre Paul Verhoeven. Total Recall is one of the best Sci-Fi movies in many respects. It was the last great Sci-fi before Digital Effects took over, it is action packed, and it is stylistically brilliant. The movie was able to maintain quite a bit of realism while still being a future fantasy (While Star Wars and Star Trek can make up whatever they encounter). This is probably Arnold’s best action movie besides T2, and it was the best as far as one-liners are concerned. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Total Recall follows the story of a man who keeps dreaming of Mars (which we have colonized) and wants to know why. When he goes to a facility to give him the memories of a Mars vacation, the operation unlocks something in his mind and he realizes he has had his memory erased. The rest of the movie is about him struggling to discover his previous life and mission, which all centers around Mars. For a nice twist, you’re never quite sure if this is all actually happening or if it is part of the action-dream vacation that he signed up for. The acting from Arnold is some of his best, Sharon Stone in one of her first roles is good enough to get her the role in Verhoeven’s Basic Instinct which made her a star, and Rachel Ticotin is always good. I highly recommend this movie, and I plan to watch it soon with Arnold and Paul Verhoeven commentary.

Starship Troopers Review

Another from Paul Verhoeven, this is another beautiful Sci-Fi full of violence and politics. The setting for Troopers is in a future Earth which is ruled worldwide by a fascist type government. Just the idea of a worldwide fascist government was interesting to me, but then the Sci-Fi elements and effects are all top notch. Fascism, scary enough, is not without its appeal as well, I found myself wishing for certain elements in today’s society and then at the same time appalled at the idea of public executions and the mind-warping media. The story is that our planet was attacked by a Bug Meteor, and we have declared war and are bringing the battle to them. The main characters have all just enlisted and after boot camp head out into battle. This movie has some nudity which is a rarity in my collection, and the violence is extreme, but that’s Verhoeven. Casper Van Dien stars and has since become a “B” movie god, and supporting is Dina Meyer and Denise Richards who are both decent. Also, be sure to note the presence of Neil Patrick Harris whom you all know from Doogie Howser M.D. and is probably the coolest character in the movie. I still have to watch this with commentary, but this is definitely a favorite.

Thursday, November 13, 2003

Sealab 2021 Review



Another one of Adult Swim's cartoons of irreverent humor made from 70's cartoon characters. This one has quickly become a favorite although I think it doesn't quite equal Harvey Birdman just yet, but it may be better than Space Ghost. They best feature of the show is that they feel no restraint to keep characters alive, so in most episodes all or most of them will die in bizarre fashion. The humor is relentless for the whole episode, and the repeat value is high. I recommend highly.

Half Baked Review

Dave Chappelle is one of my favorite commedians and this is his finest work of writing and comedy. It's the best stoner movie as far as I am concerned, and the humor is non-stop. What I really liked though, was the clever use of different conventions throughout the movie. The movie uses voice-over better than most, and the date scene with the money counter in the corner was awesome. This movie spawned the "Guy on the couch" with has been used to describe 2-3 people in my life, and one girl I only know as this moniker. The only disappointment with this movie is the crippling fact that Sir Smoke-a-lot isn't really a rapper, and his cd will never become available. Its great guilty pleasure comedy, a kin to a Farley movie but with the addition of drug humor. And few movies can even contend with this one for cameos (Jon Stewart, Snoop Dogg, Willie Nelson, Chong, just to name a few).

Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Thoughts on Politics. Well...Music Industry Politics

I have found something very bizarre about how the World views its entertainers. I have two instances that come to mind immediately the first concerning R.Kelly and the second concerns Britney Spears.



For those of you who don't know, R. Kelly was accused of video taping sex with minors in which he urinates on them. An atrocious crime, of which he was very likely of being convicted. His name was destroyed and everything around him died. But then he releases his album. His album contains 4-5 singles which all shoot up the chart, and he rules the radio like no one else this year. For his great music he is forgiven of his crime, people no longer care what he did. And the weirdest part, I am doing it too. His (Potential, I will give him the benefit of the doubt) crime was so awful yet his songs are so good, I couldn't think of discrediting him. On the same lines, Michael Jackson didn't just suddenly become weird. He's been weirder than a two-headed duck for the longest time, but recently he hasn't had hit records to make us forgive and forget. It boggles my mind that this happens, and that I am prey to it as well.

VS


Second, Britney Spears. Everyone is aware that there is some competition between Spears and Christina Aguilera (it may be all created in the media and not in real life but it still remains). This situation reverses what is true of R. Kelly, because everyone puts Spears above Xtina but Spears hasn't had a good album in awhile. Spears gets the Pepsi and NFL endorsements (I can't think of any Christina endorsements although I'm sure she has some) and she gets the Behind the Music and Diane Sawyer interview. But Christina has been the one putting out singles and touring and making albums that can be listened to. All of this is because Britney is more conventionally attractive than Christina, and I think this is one of the better illustrations of the shallow nature of the music business. Plus, Britney gave a little more than Aguilera in the infamous Madonna kisses. I think it is all ridiculous, while I'm not a big fan of either artist I have far more respect for Xtina for her work than Spears for her use of the midriff.

Anyway, I didn't say anything particularly brilliant. But I just wanted to write something different.

Monday, November 10, 2003

Holy Crap the Teaser is here.

Trailer

Whoever Wins. We Lose.

I don't think I'm going to be able to wait until August of next year.
Supporting Actor of the Week

Danny Trejo



Many have been waiting for the day that I would feature Danny Trejo, one of our favorite supporting actors, however since many were waiting I thought I would draw it our for awhile, you know...for suspense. But now is the time to praise him for all the wonderful action roles that he has played over the years. His most notable roles were in ConAir (As Johnny 23), Desperado (Cool Knife Guy), and for some of you the uncle from Spy Kids. Robert Rodriguez uses him is just about every movie he touches because he has such a presence that almost instantly translates to greatness in action movies (also he's his cousin). Although I didn’t see it I hear that Rodriguez even used him in Once Upon a Time in Mexico despite his character dying in Desperado, therefore he is so important it is worth the inconsistency to have him. For me he is always Johnny 23, one of the best villains in a movie that was jam-packed full of them. Therefore, I am making ConAir the required viewing of the week, for those of you who even care to take my advice to heart. Actually, I don’t always even listen to myself. I shamed the legacy of last week’s actor by not honoring him with a viewing, but I promise to make it up.

Note: IMDB lists his birthday as in 1944. That would make him almost 60 years old, which just boggled my mind and required me to go to bed.

The Hulk Reviewed

Marvel Comics has been inconsistent in their translation of comics to film. X-Men and Spiderman have been good, but I would attribute both of them to their directors Brian Singer (Usual Suspects) and Sam Raimi (Army of Darkness, Darkman). I didn’t finish Daredevil (And I might not ever) and the unreleased Fantastic Four movie of a few years ago was truly some horrific crap. The Hulk hops in bed with Daredevil and joins in the crowd of ruined Marvel franchises. I have many reasons for this assertion, and here they are:
1. The Hulk’s cinematography was often awkward, I know that it was the Ang Lee’s attempt to achieve a comic feel but it was just misguided.
2. The movie about half way through realizes that the Hulk isn’t really a good guy but a raging brute, and for no reason whatsoever tries to make him look like a hero. Also, at this same point we realize that the Army is right to be so cautious because the Hulk is a menace, so they do the same shift with the Army people to make them heroic.
3. The ending fight was entirely gratuitous and mindless; it should have been the focus of the whole movie or the subject of the sequel.
However there were some enjoyable sections of this movie and since I have a list thing going I will continue:
1. Nick Nolte is finally back in a big-budget movie, and he’s good.
2. The acting is all good from Eric Bana, Jennifer Connely, Josh Lucas, and Sam Elliot.
3. The special effects were great, and the fight sequences with the Army are impressive.
I wouldn’t disrespect someone for renting this, but I wouldn’t really encourage it. It’s decent because of the acting and special effects but overall appeal is limited.

Sunday, November 09, 2003

Matrix Revolutions - Dean lets it all out

I have seen it despite the wicked backlash of reviews that have killed its financial power. I saw it because I believed that this movie had the potential to be one of the most brilliant series ever, and although my beliefs were starting to fade (Especially after the second movie) I still believed enough to give it a chance. My verdict, the sequels have squandered the genius of the original and produced a weak sci-fi action clone of so many things that have already been done. However, this emotion comes from the intense desire to see its potential shine, on which it did not deliver. If I was to review this movie as its own entity I think I would give it a more favorable review. This next review will be one that does not take into account the previous movies, the one that follows will be a spoiler heavy review of the series as a whole which should only be read by people who have seen all three or who have no desire to.

Matrix Revolutions is a standard but heavily budgeted sci-fi action movie. The story follows the last colony of humans who are desperately trying to defend themselves against an onslaught of machine aggressors who will most certainly destroy them. For some of them there is a hope, in a mysterious man named Neo, who may be in some sort of position to change the scales in the favor of mankind. The special effects draw heavy amounts of influence from Japanimation, especially in regard to the fight sequences and the concepts involved with a post-apocolyptic world. The movie had its great feel-good moments and was able to maintain a decent level of suspense through some of the sequences. The characters will very simplistic in this movie, almost none of the characters were really explored in any significant way, and they really played to some predictability which weakened many of the movies potential high points. The ending was a disappointment in its simplicity and was hardly want someone would expect or desire after the time it took to develop. I would recommend this for you Sci-Fi people, and the special effects are top-notch, but the story and characters were not strong enough to really make this memorable.



SPOILER ALERT, DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU HAVE SEEN IT, OR IF YOU HAVE NO INTENTION TO.

The Matrix was a powerful force that took many by storm upon its release. I was one of the people who was captivated by the imagery and philosophy of the movie, and I could get lost in my imagination within the world that was created. It was a beautiful thing, and the promise of sequels was taken as welcome news to further develop these ideas and images that I had so enjoyed. What happened however is that the originality and complexity of the movies tanked after the first movie and dissolved into a cheap action thrill ride. Gone were the high-concept ideas that spawned so many philosophical debates and gone was the world in which I wanted to invest my fantasy. But more than the intelligence was lost, the action was weakened with each release to eventually be a poor shadow of what it had been. The second movie was too grand and gratuitous to really enjoy, but was still a sight to behold. The third movie jumped into the realm of the worst type of Japanimation fighting, which is force fighting. Neo and Smith fly at each other and explode into a giant ball like 6 times in the final battle, this effect would have worked only once effectively. The fighting besides the exploding balls was repetitive too, where they would repeatedly strike each other to th ground and stand suspensefully waiting for the opponent to stand again. I only found one bullet-time shot enjoyable in the whole final fight sequence. Now, the showdown at Zion with the machine suits was pretty cool and I think that it was one of the film's highlights.

As far as the acting is concerned their seemed to be a real decline from the original, most of which were written in on purpose. For instance, Morpheous was the brilliant mind who tutored and discovered Neo, but in the sequels he takes more and more the clueless back seat. Although it makes sense it is signiifcantly less enjoyable. The same can be said of Trinity, she goes from Femme Fatale to lovesick yet detached (and unattractive) female companion to Neo. Neo goes from a man who we can identify with to a savior who doesn't even make sense to himself let alone us. What we are left with is a world in which the only interesting characters are the ones who remain mysterious and don't speak much. I will give a moment to honor Jada Pinkett Smith for her hard-as-nails pilot who is beginning to believe in Neo. I say this because she is a replacement actress for the late Aaliyah who died before completion and had to be re-filmed. I hate to say it but I don't think Aaliyah would have played the part as well. With her other roles in mind I think she would have been either more vulnerable or more cocky and pissy, and both directions would have ruined the role. Jada Pinkett Smith played between the lines well, especially since characters like her have been done so many times.

Part of me will eventually delete the sequels from my mind to return the first movie to its place of glory, but for now their are a few things that the movie did convey in the sequels that I want to meditate on. The first being what the Wachowski brothers were trying to say about the machines especially from the final movie. They began to exhibit and admire more and more human attributes and the Oracle seems to have taken on all the attributes of humanity by the end. Second, could their possibly be a reason for the weak and simple ending that concluded the series. The letdown brought about by the ending was so bone-shattering that it ruins the series on its own, unless I am missing something and I pray that I am. And third, despite the final statement of the movie, do I believe that sequels are possible. And by possible I mean would they be valuable for anything other than mindless action and special effects. I am currently undecided on all of these points, and should I come upon something significant I may add a future blog to explore it. Thank you

SPOILER ALERT DO NOT READ THE ABOVE TEXT WITHOUT SEEING THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS

Thursday, November 06, 2003

More Game Reviews

I have ended my affair with Gamefly.com and begun courting Triggerfingers.com. This establishment is based in the mid-west and as it proved this week, the delivery time is much improved. Although this service isn't quite as sweet as Gamefly.com (for instance the game I really want, Kill.Switch, isn't available despite coming out last week) although it is cheaper and I get three games a month instead of 2. So in most respects this service is superior, hopefully we will fall in love and have pixeled children. Here are two of the games I got this week, the other is Viewtiful Joe from Gamecube which is for my roomate George and for those of you who are interested he loves it deeply.

Tony Hawk Underground PS2

It's amazing. I was afraid that it would be similar to Tony Hawk 4 (which sucks, well at least compared to 3), and I was even more frightened when it was true. However, they made it work this time. It is still open ended, but with the storyline addition (You create a skater and follow their rise from street hood to corporate monkey) it makes it enjoyable, whereas the last one just felt cheap and aimless. I recommend for all Tony Hawk fans, and people interested in the genre. Note: I recently earned a grind where I moonwalk on the board...Its awesome.

Freedom Fighters PS2

This game is probably the best shooting game I have played in a long time for a console system. It has camera work issues, but ultimately its pure brilliance. The game follows a group of rebels in a world where America has been taken over by Soviet Russia. I am a blossoming leader who leads small teams to slowly retake America. The gameplay is great, I can play full-on Rambo style if I feel so lead, or I can orchastrate my team together and strategically outflank and outmanuever my enemies. I tend to mix the two, I usually set my team to back me up and then I Kamikaze attack up the middle for the maximum level of bloodlust. I fell in love quickly with this game, it is definately worth renting. Part of me is considering the purchase, maybe after Christmas...

Wednesday, November 05, 2003

I own 43 of the top 100 movies of all time according to the votes on IMDB. I think that makes me awesome.

Plus I learned how to make a marquees, note my ridiculous use below..........Sorry Busta
Video Games Reviewed

Starsky and Hutch PS2

This game is the best gun game I have played yet. For those of you with a friend and a Guncom, this game rules. Basically, you follow along an episode of the show by hunting down different bad guys - vehicular style. One player is the wheelman (Starsky) and the other is the gunman (Hutch) who is dangling out the side window with a revolver. The point system is based upon how it would be enjoyed by the audience so explosions and jumps give you points, while running over pedestrians and getting shot tak them away. Its really fun, and you can still enjoy the game if you didn't buy a Guncom (although it is much cooler with it). Recommended for those of you who play socially.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles PS2

In the style of the classic sidescrolling game this one is a proper update to PS2. It is cell shaded for those of you Zelda fans, and its wicked fun multiplayer. The fighting system gets a bit repetitive (especially if you are Leonardo who yells the same line over and over with every attack) but the game is still a bit addicting. The storyline is cartoony, as it should be, and it is clearly an attempt to hook kids on the new tv show and toy line, but Turtles has always been about selling out (remember clown suit Michalangelo?). Another one to play with a friend, limited enjoyment for you single players.
Dean's Top Ten Male Icons of Rap

Note: This list is made out of love of the person not their influence or appeal overall. Like Tupac, everyone thinks he is the greatest ever. I hated him, and therefore he will not be on the list.



1. Busta Rhymes - My favorite rapper, for several reasons. 1. He's not the typical "I'm hard, cross me and catch a bullet" rappers that generally piss me off, he's funny and his songs are about goofy crap and women instead of guns and killing. 2. His videos are all hilarious, and I keep them in constant rotation. 3. He's actually a good or at least enjoyable actor. I don't know about his Halloween movie but in both Narc and Finding Forester he did a good job, better than I can say for most rapper/actors.
Key Tracks - Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See, Woo-Ha Got You All In Check, Turn it Up/Fire it Up, Dangerous, Gimme Some More



2. Snoop Dogg - Only recently have I enjoyed his music, but I have been enjoying the personage for several years. He's funny just walking across the room, and when he speaks it doubles the pleasure. You gotta love him.
Key Tracks - Gin and Juice, Beautiful (Feat Pharell), From the Chuuuurch to da Palace



3. LL Cool J - I don't love his early work too much, but since "Mama Said Knock You Out" I have been a fan of his music and his movie career. I thank him often for Deep Blue Sea. He releases more romance songs that I want but he's solid quality.
Key Tracks - Mama Said Knock You Out, Shut Em' Down, Deepest Bluest, I Make my own Rules (Feat the Red Hot Chili Peppers)



4. Eminem - I enjoy him musically more than most rappers, and I find his honesty and forwardness appealing. I think he is a little crazy, but those rhyme schemes more than make up for it.
Key Tracks - Stan, Without Me, My Fault, Brain Damage, Any Man, White America, My Name Is...



5. Dr. Dre - One of the best producers in the game, and when he does make his own records they are amazing.
Key Tracks - Forgot about Dre (Feat Eminem), Still D.R.E (Feat. Snoop Dogg), Keep Their Heads Ringing



6. Pharell - Another brilliant producer who improves everyone he works with.
Key Tracks - His contributions to Justin Timberlake's album, Beautiful (Snoop), Pass the Courvoiser (Busta and Puff Daddy)



7. Biz Markie - Another humorous rapper (note the trend), plus a beatbox king although not as good as Rahzel.
Key Tracks - Just a Friend, Bennie and the Jets



8. The Fresh Prince - I liked him better before stepping out as Will Smith. Although his solo stuff rocks it out too.
Key Tracks - Nightmare on my Street, Brand New Funk, Girls/Parents ain't Nothin' but Trouble



9. Mystikal - Him and Busta are probably the fastest rappers around, plus he seems to find the sweetest beats for his songs. I have created a dance that exists only for Mystikal's Jump
Key Tracks - Gettin Rowdy Wit Us (Feat Busta Rhymes), Mystikal Fever, Danger, Bouncin Back, Jump, Shake it Fast



10. Ludacris - He's got a nice rhyme scheme and can integrate humor well.
Key Tracks - Roll Out, Stand Up, Act a Fool

Monday, November 03, 2003

Supporting Actor of the Week

Michael Jeter



You may remember him as the squirrelly guy in just about every movie ever. Most notably Patch Adams, Welcome to Collinwood, The Green Mile, and Tango and Cash. I think I may have noticed him first in Tango and Cash, and since then there has been no one who could play his type of character better. He's funny, and I have yet to see him flounder in a role. I didn't know until I began searching for pictures, but Michael Jeter has actually just passed away from AIDS. His last picture comes out next year named The Polar Express which is an adaptation of the popular children's book. Make sure to honor the Tony and Emmy award winning actor by watching one of his movies this week.
Inspired once again by CJ

Top Ten Toys of My Youth

1. Jinx - Probably my most used toy ever, I have gone through probably 4 of them in my life, even had one kept alive with a paperclip knee joint surgery. Best Toy Ever.

2. Inhumanoids - For fighting GIJoes there is nothing better than the Godzilla sized behemoths the Inhumanoids. D-Compose even has a bone chest that can cage a Joe.

3. Baron Zemo and Spiderman from the Secret Wars - I could make them fight for hours, and I probably still would.

4. Woodland Legos - Best Lego Line ever, made Robin Hood real to me.

5. Roadpig - Best GIJoe villian, mainly because of the Cinderblock Hammer.

6. Hulk Hogan and Junk Yard Dog - I was a Hulkamaniac, and Junk Yard Dog is straight up cool.

7. Iceman and Rogue from the X-Men - These both played well, and were semi-compatable with GIJoes since they are shortish.

8. Autolycus (and Psylocke to make him look good) - Bruce Campbell's first shot at being a toy, and honestly still his best. (Sorry McFarland, but sometimes you suck)

9. Syclone - I never got tired of spinning him and making him beat people senseless. Best He-Man toy.

10. Classic Luke Skywalker - A classic, even with the unbendy knees.

Honorable Mention to Screaming Mace Windu, my new favorite. I gave him a machine gun and now he's really awesome.



Many Thanks to CJ for his finding the pics for me, and inspiring the Blog.

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