the press box Blog

It's movie time!

Before I get to the summer blockbusters, let me give you some quick reviews of my recent trips to the silverscreen.

-Ironman.  Robert Downey Jr. saves the day and becomes a box office hero.  I've always liked this guy and I'm happy that he's happy.  Not your typical superhero tale. The good guy is really a bad boy who turns over a new leaf when his life's at risk from his own creation of wmd's.  The bad guy is not a super villain, but good ole USA weaponery in the wrong hands.  Most moviegoers and critics missed that politico message.   Good fun and it stays true to the comic book lore.  Stick around til the end of the credits for the sequel setup.

-Speed Racer.  It didn't make money at the box office the first weekend and that's ironic because in the movie there's a line from Speed about racing isn't about making money!  I loved the cartoon as a kid waking up early before school to watch each and every episode( Marine Boy too.)  The critics panned this film, but I enjoyed it.  Visually it's amazing.  The plot had to be explained in long form which makes for a long movie, but it stayed true to the 'toon and had some moments that brought back memories and a smile.  Remember when you see this, it's like a cartoon so the racing scenes aren't supposed to look "real."  And really folks, what movie with chimps doesn't make you laugh?  

Go Speed Racer!

-The Forbidden Kingdom.  Everybody was Kung Fu fighting! Jackie Chan, Jet Li and two very attractive actresses,  Liu Yi Fei and Lie Bing Bing kick, jump, kick and jump again.  The usual excellence in martial arts choreography and some beautiful location scenes.   Don't feel bad if you missed it.  Worth a Saturday night in front of your high def tv.

-Baby Mama.  Huge Tina Fey fan.  Funniest chick in the biz(watch 30 Rock).  Again reviews were not great but I really liked this movie.  Several funny and laugh out loud moments.   I went in not knowing who was in the flick, besides Fey and Amy Poehler, so I was surprised by Steve Martin and Greg Kinnear.   Martin turns in a classic performance and Kinnear is always solid.   Strongly suggest you see this movie as it continues to linger in the box office top 5.

Okay, now to the movies I can't wait for this summer.

-The Dark Knight.  The Joker as he should be.  A totally insane and murderously maniacal villain.  I suggest you read "The Killing Joke"  before seeing this movie.  Heath Ledger's lasting legacy.

"Wait'll they get a load of me!"

-Hell Boy II.  Remember when Ron Perlman was "The Beast?"  The first movie was so original.  One of the best of 2004 and a brilliant escape film from genius director Guillermo del Toro.

-Tropic Thunder.  Downey Jr. will make you forget he's Ironman.  Ben Stiller never disapoints me. I've forgiven him for "Mystery Men."  Blue Steel!

-Hancock.  Once again Big Will comes to the rescue near the 4th of July holiday.   The trailer is all the buzz and looks good.  Big fan of Jason Bateman.

Prove it to me:

-Indiana Jones and the yada, yada, yada, skull something or other.  The ending of the 3rd one was perfect with our hero riding off into the sunset.  Why take a chance at ruining it?  Note to Harrison Ford, it wasn't fun watching Sean Connery play 007 at the age of 53 so why should it be fun watching you play "Indy" at 65?

-Get Smart.  Steve Carell was hilarious as "Brick" in "Anchorman",  charming in "The 40-yr Old Virgin",  Oscar worthy in "Little Miss Sunshine", not so good in "Evan Almighty" and I have yet to see "Dan In Real Life."    I'm a big "Smart" fan and so are a lot of other children of the '60's.  His "Office" persona is so overwhelming that I'm just not sure he can pull of a role that won Don Adams 3 Emmy's.  If he doesn't put his mark on this role, "Kaos" will ensue.

The Dark Horse:

-Wall.E.  Pixar hasn't bombed yet.  I saw the trailer and I have to admit, I might sneak into this one.  Did I say that?

Wait for HBO debut:

-You Don't Mess with the Zohan.   Another Adam Sandler flick.  "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry", "Click", and  "The Longest Yard."  Need I go on?  Why should he?  I'd rather watch dvd's of "Happy Gilmore" and "Billy Madison." It may surprise, but I doubt it.  Maybe he'll get in a fight with Drew Carey. (Bob Barker reference)

-The Incredible Hulk.  I'll watch only if they play that sad, walking away music they used in the tv series.  Oh, and if Edward Norton goes all "Fight Club" on Brad Pitt.   The first rule of "Fight Club"....you know the drill.

-Sex and the City.  Wasn't this on HBO to begin with.  That's where it belongs!   What next, a "Soprano's" movie?  How bout, "Curb" or "Flight of the Conchords" or really old school, "Dream On."   I wouldn't mind seeing a "Larry Sanders" reunion.   HEY NOW!

-Narnia.  I've seen this before.  It was called "The Lord of the Rings!"     Precious!

Enjoy the popcorn!  And please silence your cell phones.

Did ya hear that  "The Simpsons"  are back on the air in Caracas, Venezuela?

Apparently the station there lifted the show from it's 11-am time slot because it "violated regulations"  aimed at protecting children.

So, after some thought, the station has put Bart, Homer, Marge and Mr. Burns back on the air....at 7pm.

In it's old 11am time slot?

Baywatch Hawaii!

D'oh!

It's the holiday season and always a good time to reflect on the the year gone by. Or is it the bygone year?

I'm taking it to a HNL!

What about going beyond this year. Time to go down a long and winding Memory Lane.

What I'm missing these days:

-The Gong Show.

Who didn't get up and dance with Gene, Gene the Dancing Machine? Go to http://www.ifilm.com/video/2458532

and bust a move with Gene and Chuck!

-The Bob Newhart Show(the one where he's a pyschiatrist) Dude, I had a mad crush on  Suzanne Pleshette! Am I right fellas? 

-Nipsey Russell. ("If you ever go out with a schoolteacher, You're in for a sensational night; She'll make you do it over and over again Until you do it right.")

Steve Martin singing the "King Tut" song. "Buried with a donkey(funky tut) He's my favorite honkey." Anyone stand in line to see this mummy like I did?

Abbott&Costello. "Cha cha cha cha...CHICKKKKK!"

Hawaii Five-O villain Wo Fat and copper Steve McGarret matching wits.

Hope and Crosby road pictures.  They don't make movies like that anymore.  Mostly because the people who made those flicks are long gone.  Patty cake, patty cake, bakers man!

Put it there pal!

Thanks for the memories.

What's on your list?

The other night photographer "RayJay" and I enjoyed a wonderful feast at Auntie Chang's Dumpling House.

I would have never have known about this place if not for Doc Love.  And I have to tell you after grubbing on the dinner eary bird special I LOVE me some Auntie!

I strongly suggest you check this place out for the tasty dumplings and the oh so delish grub on the menu.

And it was recently ranked once again as one of the top 100 chinese restaurants in the whole US and A.

SUCCESS!

Go now to 2621 S. Shepard between Richmond and Westheimer and enjoy!

Ask for Ron and tell em Matty and the RayJay from Fox26 sports sent ya!

Anyone catch the last episode of "Family Guy?"

Lois was out for revenge against Stewie in the conclusion of a two parter.

This show continues to push decency and good taste to the edge of oblivion.  That's why  I LOVE IT!

Classic moments: The Flopping Merman.

Superman's maid at the fortress of solitude:"Mr. Superman he no is here."

Brian being forced to degrade Joe the Cop.

Stewie kills Cleveland who then is held up at the pearly gates trying to get in heaven.  Stewie than says he has to get out of town before the cops get wise. "Black man gone missing?  My God the media will be all over that!"

The Rob Schneider rumor.

And of course the epic fight sequence in The White House at the end.

"Say hello to Cleveland for me...oh and Mr. (what did he say?)

"I'll have what she's having."

And my favorite scene was when Lois and Peter exchange bodies.  I will never hum the "Green Acres" theme quite the same again.

You're going to Jail!

Fox Sunday's rule.

Why am I addicted to TMZ on Fox?

I love this half hour eye candy extravaganza.  I know it's garbage and there are better ways to spend my time, but C'MON!

Who doesn't like seeing rich, spoiled celebs and sometimes d listers get hounded by the papparazi parasites?

Anyone else love the TMZ on Fox TV?

Our good friends at The Balcony are having a party honoring Craig Biggio on September 2nd.  The baseball bash starts at 3pm.

That's the spot across the street from Minute Maid Park.  Fox26's favorite place to hang when the Astros were making their World Series run.

It's an All You Can Eat Buffet with live music, games and giveaways.

Tickets are 25 bucks and part of the proceeds will go to The Sunshine Kids.

You can go to www.onlinetickets.com or www.sunshinekids.com for more info.

Help em out and have fun!

You HAVE to watch FX's new drama, "Damages."  It stars one of my favorites Glenn Close.  Close is one of the all-time greats who can do anything.  From Sarah Cooper in "The Big Chill" to Roy Hobbs' Lady in White in "The Natural" to the psycho jilted lover in "Fatal Attraction" to Cruella De Vil in "101 Dalmations" and some wacky roles like the Vice President in "Mars Attacks!" and the voice of Mother Simpson.  Before "Damages" she made a successful run on FX's other emmy worthy show, "The Shield."

Now she plays ruthless lawyer Patty Hewes on "Damages."  Brilliant!  You really have to watch the first episode to get the feel of the show and her character, but once you start watching you'll be hooked.

It also stars America's bartender Sam Malone, I mean Ted Danson.  You may know his name, but Danson is showing off his acting chops by playing this shaddy millionaire. CHEERS to "Damages," an intriguing show that's getting great reviews.  Another winner on our adult station FX.  First run episodes Tuesdays at 9.  Check listings for repeats and encore episodes.

Just saw the movie, "Talk To Me" starring the amazing Don Cheadle.  Everytime I watch this man perform it's like seeing someone new for the first time.  It's like you know who Cheadle is, but he gets so immersed in his role you forget it's him.  Just watch a movie like "Hotel Rwanda,"  "Crash" or any one of the "Ocean's" movies and then watch this one.  It's like he's three different people and that my friends is the sign of a good actor.

The story is about Washington D.C. DJ Petey Green and his unexpected rise to the stardom during the 1960's.  He was an ex con who got a shot at a D.C. radio station.  His "keeping it real" attitude made him the voice of the people in the Black community, but for several reasons he couldn't deal with his sudden celebrity. 

Great supporting cast with big ups to Chiwetal Ejiofor(portraying Dewey Hughes), Martin Sheen(a great scene reacting to the MLK Jr. assasination) and a sexy, sassy outing by actress Taraji Henson. Nice 60's outfits!!

And the soundtrack is stone cold classic soul!

The buzz on this movie is for a reason....Go see for yourself.

And what in blue blazes...when will Hollywood give Don Cheadle an Oscar?

Saw "Live Free or Die Hard" the other night.

Buy a big bucket of popcorn, get there early to watch "The Simpsons Movie" trailer(spider pig is all you need to know) and sit back for a non stop action packed fun movie.

What Summer movies should be all about.

Also saw "Sicko" the other day and it's brilliant. Michael Moore delivers again.  Makes you think and want to change things for the better. 

Transformers, you're next.

Hey Film Nuts,

It's been a so so summer at the movies.

Spidey spun his web on America but his bite wasn't as lasting as previous efforts.  Not enough Venom and Green Goblin was never a good guy in the comics.

Another super hero movie was just released....Fantastic 4.  The Silver Surfer was cool.  The action was decent...the highlight was Jessica Alba!  Even invisible she's el caliente!

Knocked Up.  Took me a while to see this one, but it was worth the wait.  Very funny with some memorable lines.  "Pink Eye",  "Gabe Ruth",  "I'm pregnant. Pregnant...with emotions?"  No, pregnant with a baby!"  and other quotes I can't print on this website.  Judd Apatow is Hollywood's Go To Guy for Funny.  Seth Rogan is today's new every guy funny man and Katherine Heigel and Leslie Mann are hotties.   Go see it. 

Ocean's 13.  Better than 12, not better than 11.  I just want to hang out with George Clooney and the gang in Vegas for a weekend.

Movies I'm looking forward to....Transformers and The Simpsons Movie which opens June 27th.  I also saw a 3 minute preview of Live Free or Die Hard.  Looks awesome!

Movie with tell tale title: "I know Who Killed Me."  starring the late Lindsay Lohan.

I watched the orginal "Batman" the other night and while no one will top Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the "Joker", I bet ya dollars to donuts that the new "Dark Knight" movie will give the caped crusader a much more maniacal arch rival.  Here's a sneak peek with the movie's new poster.

I'm also looking forward to a few more coming soons:

Iron Man with Robert Downey Jr. as the man of  metal.

Star Trek The Prequel....Young Kirk and Spock meet for the first time.

Go Speed Racer!  One of my favorite childhood toons.

And although he may have rode off into the sunset in his last flick, Indy returns for old times sake!  A tip of the fedora to you Dr. Jones.

See you in '08!

I love the variety of food in Htwon!

My photog Keith Jackson hooked me up to the best BBQ in town.

Friday we went to Thelma's Bar-B-Que.  It's located at 1020 Live Oak on the east side of 59 in 3rd Ward.  Unbelievable!!  The grub is great and it will fill up your belly for sure.  I ordered the 2 meat with a 1/4 chicken and links.  The sauce was so tasty I even ate the skin and I usually don't do that.  The links were piled on.  Add the Yams and Green Beans and you gotta take a nap afterwards.  I strongly suggest you check it out and tell me what you think.

I recently had a dinner date at The Brownstone on Virginia.  Mostly Italian fare, but I enjoyed the steak and lobster.  What can I say, she was buying!  Very romantic spot with a lot of character in what looks like an old house.  Save it for someone special.

I get around town in my brand new Audi A4 Cabriolet.  Wanna give a shout to the folks at West Houston Audi for hooking me up with an excellent vehicle.  Hybrids the way to go, but I love this car!

And the golf 4sum was a 3sum last week at Hermann Park.  The rain chased us off the course after 12 holes, but once again we had a good time.  Hermann is one of my favorite muni's in the city.  Memorial's right up there too!  Tell me where you're playing these days.

There's a fresh new spot(actually been open for a while) called Libra off of Almeda near the Reggae Hut.  Usually packed on Friday and Saturday nights.  Kinda small, but worth a peek, especially Friday.  Fellas, ya gotta get there cause the ladies are packed and stacked!

Also, if ya like live jazz like I do, check out Smitty's on Monday Nights.  Cool jazz with No Cover from the Texas jazz jam with Straight No Chaser and their  wonderfully talented lead singer Carol Sanders.  Sanders style can only be described as timeless, classic, cool and distinctive.  She's fantastic and the music is amazing.  You never know what jazz all-star will show up.  Monday night's 8-midnight. Smitty's located on Raliegh street near OST and 290.  If you have a cool spot to listen to jazz let me know!

Hey 008!  Havn't seen ya out at the spot or AAA lately.  U still in the game or is it Pino time all the time?

VIP never expires.....Late!

Giggity giggity goo!

I can't get enough of "Family Guy."

"And then there's Maude!"

That's all you need to know.  Funny stuff.

Random thoughts:

-As much as I can't root for Peyton Manning(I'm a Patriots fan and cover the Texans) I have to admit he was very funny and carried it off on SNL the other night.  The United Way spot and the drinking coffee on the porch sketch were very funny.  But Peyton, you shouldn't call out Brady and the Pats like you did in your opening monologue.  Payback comes on opening nite pal!

-Prime Time cartoons have come a long ways since "The Flintstones."  The aforementioned "Family Guy", "South Park" and "The Simpson's" are my favorites and they never, ever get old.  MY favorite characters are FG's "Quagmire" and "Stewie", SP's "Cartman" and "Timmy!" and "Krusty The Clown" from Springfield.

-A while back I mentioned my obsession with dvd's.  I'm a huge "Dallas" fan and just bought season six.  Laugh all ya want, I still think it was one of the best shows in tv history and the Emmy folks did Larry Hagman wrong by never giving him recognition or even a sniff of a nomination for best actor.  His role as J.R. Ewing is all-time classic. They should at least give him lifetime achievement award before he leaves for that Southfork in the sky.

Also a childhood fav,  the 2nd season of "Wild, Wild, West.  No offense Will Smith, but your movie version was horrible.  Someone should do another rendition on tv or the big screen.  It deserves it.

"Rome" ends it's surprisingly short 2yr run on HBO tonight. Can't wait to see it.

And the April premieres of "The Shield" and "The Sopranos" are just a week away!!  Vic Mackey v. Tony S. would be a great showdown!

And then there's Maude!

We need Chris Rock!

Have you checked out his opening monologue to SNL the other night?  Classic Rock that made me realize, America needs Chris Rock!

Rock k.i.r.(keeps it real), he makes you laugh and then makes you think about what you just laughed about.

I put him right up there with the great social comedians.

Other Favs

George Carlin

Bill Maher

Paul Mooney

Ann Coulter

Alright, the last one was a joke.

But really, Rock's take, and other comedians who use politcal satire, are much needed in our society.  America has already had a former actor as P.O.T.U.S.(thanks West Wing) what about a comedian?

Robin Williams played one in "Man of The Year" (not a bad movie) and Rock tried in the funny "Head Of State."

SNL Alum and Bill O'Reilly's pallie Al Franken is running for Senate in Minnesota and it appears people are taking him seriously.

So, would a comedian make a good president?

Here are my candidates:

Bernie Mac

Will Ferrell

Bill Maher

Ellen Degeneres(she has a hot first lady)

George Lopez

Ali G.

Wanda Sykes

Larry David

Albert Brooks

Dave Chappelle(he'd quite midterm so vp would be Wayne Brady or Charlie Murphy)

What comedian would make the Best President?

And now for something completely different.....

Now and again I'l be tossing in my two bits on some off the field topics.

First up, I'm a huge tv and movie watcher (imagine that?) and just wanted to let you know what i've been watching lately. 

I'm a dvd nut and recently bought the complete "Get Smart" series.

Man, that show was a classic. Mel Brooks and Buck Henry first showcased their comedic genius and political satire. 

The Late, Great Don Adams an underrated funny man with perfect timing and delivery.

Bits like, "and loving it!","sorry about that chief", and my fav "would you believe" always make me laugh. 

Of course I grew up on shows from the 60's so seeing them always takes me back to my childhood.  I can't wait for the movie version with Steve Carrell and Oscar winner Alan Arkin.

Anyone out there an HBO Fan?

I loves the HBO!  Just got into the series, "Extras" with brilliant Brit actor Ricky Gervais. Makes me laugh so hard I cry.

On the opposite spectrum is the Emmy worthy series, "Rome."  Simply inspiring in it's scope, daring action, acting, dialogue and captivating  mixture of history and artistic license. Thirteen!!! (famous line from season one)

Big FX viewer as well.  Is there anyone tougher, scarier and cooler than Vic Mackey? 

The most corrupt cop in the history of tv, yet you can't take your eyes off him and you find yourself rooting for him when you know he should be behind the bars he sends the scumbags he busts. 

Counting down the days for the upcoming season of "The Shield" 

How will he avenge the death of Lem? And will he find out his murderer is best friend and partner Shane?  Fireworks galore I suspect.

Summer movies I'm looking 4ward to:

Spidey 3.

Transformers.

Pirates: World's End.

and of course, The Simpsons.

thanks for reading and watching....i'll see you off the field.

R.I.P. Captain America