Random Thoughts.....

TC is in the other room playing Harry Potter Lego, and, not being a "gamer" myself, I thought I would take advantage of the situation and blog!  So, lucky you, here are some random thoughts that have been knocking around  my wee brain for the last little while.......

Why oh why do I continue to support The Toronto Maple Leafs?  After all, they haven't won the Stanley Cup in 44 years.  Heck, they haven't even given us anything to really cheer about since their improbable run in 1993. And now it looks like they're going to miss the playoffs for the sixth straight year!  This is supposed to be the mecca of hockey for cyrin' out loud!  Honestly, if I was married and my wife treated me this badly, I'd leave her!

If you blinked, you missed the Mike Napoli era in Toronto.  Last Friday the Blue Jays traded Vernon Wells to the Angels for Napoli and Juan Rivera and promptly flipped Napoli to the Rangers for sometimes closer Frank Francisco.  So the Jays now have 3 unreliable closers in their bullpen (Francisco, Octavio Dotel and Jon Rauch).  Not sure what Alex Anthopolous' game plan is, but oddly, I still trust him 100%.

Speaking of Vernon Wells, I was sad to see him go.  He's been my son's favourite player for 10 years.  Looks like the Mini-Meanie needs a new favourite player.  Hmmmmmm, might I suggest Kyle Drabek who should start the season as the number 4 starter in the rotation?

And speaking of the Mini-Meanie, he'll be celebrating his 14th birthday next week.  So here's an early shout out to the birthday boy.  Now, what to get him.........

Evil Russ is the freakin' man!  Just sayin'.

Steven Tyler as a judge on American Idol seemed kind of strange when it was announced, but it turns out, it's kind of cool.  He's certainly taking the sting out of losing Simon.

I finally got around to watching the Harry Potter movies.  TC and I plowed through the first 6 on DVD last week.  Here's how I'd rate them from best to worst - Prisoner of Azkaban, Half-Blood Prince, Philosopher"s Stone, Goblet of Fire, Chamber of Secrets, Order of the Phoenix.  I can't wait to see the next one.  I think there's a theater nearby that is still playing The Deathly Hallows Part 1, so TC and I are planning to go this Sunday.

 

Chris Medina is my new hero.  If you want to see why, click here.

Do we really need 4 weeks of American Idol auditions?? A couple of 2-hour episodes would suffice. Hollywood Week, the Semi-Finals, and Finals are the meat and potatoes of the show anyway.

I hate snow. I hate shovelling it. I hate driving in it. It seems like everyone I know is going somewhere sunny for a vacation over the next couple of months. I'm insanely jealous.

Selling a house is a little more stressful than I thought it would be.  Not sure I like it.  And I think I'm driving my real estate agent crazy.  Good thing she's a friend.  But if you're looking to buy or sell a house, I guarantee you won't find anyone better!  If you want to check her out, click here.

I discovered this past weekend that I can't dance. We fired up Just Dance 2 for the Wii at my Mom's this past weekend - I was a train wreck! But my kids had a good laugh.

When the hell is David Cook going to release his new album?? I'm starting to get impatient!

My daughter, my sweet sweet angel, is having a friend sleep over this weekend.  For the ENTIRE weekend.  Two pre-teen girls in my itty-bitty house for an entire weekend......perhaps I should stop blogging and start working on my eulogy??  God help me.

I have a new favourite word - Prolly.  As in, if I met you in a bar, I'd prolly kick your teeth in.

JC's Top 5 - Movie Villains

In any movie, the hero is only as heroic as his nemesis is evil.  Far too many movies have been ruined because the antagonist was just plain lame.

With that in mind, here is my list of the 5 greatest movie villains of all time!

5. King Edward the Longshanks

 

Movie - Braveheart

Actor - Patrick McGoohan

What makes him the baddest man in England - Two words - Prima Nocta.  King Edward the Longshanks invoked Prima Nocta essentially giving English Lords sexual rights to Scottish women on the night they were married. 

Memorable Quotes:

The trouble with Scotland, is that it's full of Scots.

Bring me Wallace. Alive if possible, dead... just as good.

If we can't get them out, we'll breed them out.

(When Longshanks orders his archers to attack the Scots, one of his officers questions whether they will hit their own men or not) Yes... but we'll hit theirs as well. We have reserves. Attack.

4. Khan Noonien Singh

Movie - Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Actor - Ricardo Montalban

What makes him the baddest man in the Alpha Quadrant - In possession of a Starship and the most powerful weapon ever made (Genesis), Khan wasn't satisfied.  He still wanted to ruin Admiral Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise for marooning him on Ceti-Alpha Five.  It was ultimately his undoing, but it's refreshing to see a villain who isn't driven by power, money, lust or greed - but rather by good old fashioned revenge!

Memorable Quotes:

Ah, Kirk, my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is very cold in space.

I've done far worse than kill you, I've hurt you. And I wish to go on hurting you. I shall leave you as you left me, as you left her. Marooned for all eternity, at the center of a dead planet. Buried alive

Surely, I have made my meaning plain. I mean to avenge myself upon you, Admiral. I deprived your ship of power, and when I swing around, I mean to deprive you of your life.

3. Hans Gruber

Movie - Die Hard

Actor - Alan Rickman

What makes him the baddest terrorist in L.A. - Don't be fooled by his education and his ridiculously expensive tailored suits, Hans Gruber is cold and calculating.  He won't hesitate to kill you (I'm going to count to three....), thinks fast on his feet (Clay, Bill Clay...), and is absolutely ruthless (Shoot the glass).  When his best laid plans go awry (hello John McClane), he can improvise with the best of them.

Memorable Quotes:

When they touch down, we'll blow the roof, they'll spend a month sifting through rubble, and by the time they figure out what went wrong, we'll be sitting on a beach, earning twenty percent.

I am going to count to 3, there won't be a 4.  Give me the code.

I wanted this to be professional, efficient, adult, cooperative. Not a lot to ask. Alas, your Mr. Takagi did not see it that way... so he won't be joining us for the rest of his life.

2. The Joker

Movie - The Dark Knight

Actor - Heath Ledger

What makes him the baddest man in Gotham - The Joker is just plain crazy.  A self proclaimed agent of chaos, he even had the mob on the run.  The makeup and the scars (do you wanna know how he got em'?) give him an alarming look, but it's his absolute disregard for life that makes him so dangerous.  Plus, The Joker had some of the best lines ever delivered in a motion picture! 

Memorable Quotes:

I believe whatever doesn't kill you, simply makes you........stranger.

This city deserves a better class of criminal, and I'm going to give it to them.

Wanna know how I got these scars? My father was... a drinker. And a fiend. And one night he goes off crazier than usual. Mommy gets the kitchen knife to defend herself. He doesn't like that. Not-one-bit. So - me watching - he takes the knife to her, laughing while he does it! Turns to me, and he says, "why so serious?" Comes at me with the knife... "Why so serious?" He sticks the blade in my mouth... "Let's put a smile on that face!" And...Why so serious?

Do you want to know why I use a knife? Guns are too quick. You can't savor all the... little emotions. In... you see, in their last moments, people show you who they really are. So in a way, I know your friends better than you ever did. Would you like to know which of them were cowards?

Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it. You know, I just... do things.

1. Darth Vader

Movie - Star Wars

Actor - David Prowse, James Earl Jones (voice)

What makes him the baddest man in the galaxy - From the very moment we were introduced to Darth Vader aboard the Tantive IV, it was clear he was no ordinary villain.  The very sight of Vader was terrifying - the mask, the breathing, and his sheer size.  And it wasn't just the Rebels that needed to be wary of Vader's temper, his own officers had very little room for error serving the Dark Lord - just ask Captain Needa or Admiral Ozzel.  However the piece de resistance, Vader tried to turn his own son to the dark side in order to further his agenda of taking over the galaxy!

Memorable Quotes:

I find your lack of faith disturbing.

The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of The Force.

The force is with you, young Skywalker, but you are not a Jedi yet.

Impressive. Most impressive. Obi-Wan has taught you well. You have controlled your fear. Now, release your anger. Only your hatred can destroy me.

Luke, you do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover your power. Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy.

I am altering the deal, pray I don't alter it any further.

You don't know the power of the Dark Side!

No.  *I* am your Father.

JC's Top 5: The Summer 2010 Movies I'm Looking Forward To Most

With the first of the big summer blockbusters being released this weekend, I thought it only appropriate to provide a new JC's Top 5.  So, here in descending order, are the movies I'm most looking forward to seeing this summer season. 

5. The A-Team

Release Date - June 11

This movie looks like a total cheeseball flick, but I loved the TV show when I was a kid, so I'm hoping to love this movie now that I'm an adult.  Lots of guns, big explosions, tons of fights - really, what's not to love??  I'm not so sure Liam Neeson was the right choice to play Hannibal, and I'm more than a little nervous about Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as B.A. Baracus, but as far as I'm concerned, Bradley Cooper as Faceman, and Sharlto Copley as Murdock, was simply pure casting genius!!  I love it when a plan comes together. 

4. Robin Hood

Release Date - May 14

10 years ago Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe teamed up and created what, in my humble opinion, is one of the ten best films of all time - Gladiator!  This month they're back with their take on the classic tale, Robin Hood.  Watching the trailer, it looks like a cross between the aforementioned Gladiator and and another of my favourite movies, Braveheart.  Let's face it, Scott + Crowe = Pure Awesomeness!

3. Iron Man 2

Release Date - May 7

Ahhhh, the first of the big summer blockbusters - and I can't wait!!!  I didn't see the first movie in the theater because quite frankly, I wasn't interested in Iron Man.  Yes, I'd heard how great it was.  But still - I had ZERO interest.  When it was released on DVD, I rented it for my kids - and OH. MY. GOD!  Did this movie kick ass or what?!??  Now, I'm giddy with anticipation waiting for the next chapter in the Iron Man franchise!  Only 2 more sleeps!!

2. Predators

Release Date - July 9

I was a huge fan of the original Predator with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and I know I'm in the minority, but I actually really enjoyed Predator 2 as well.  So when I initially heard that there was going to be a Predators movie, I was 50% excited, and 50% worried that we were going to get the same kind of crap that we saw in AVP and AVP2.  However, the movie is based on a script that Robert Rodriguez (producer) wrote back in 1994 and is considered a direct sequel to the 1987 original, ignoring the events of Predator 2 and the AVP movies.  And I'm pretty sure it's going to get an 'R' rating which is fantastic news!!  From the look of the trailer, and the character featurettes that have been released through the official website, this movie looks like it is going to be freakin' amazing!

1. The Expendables

Release Date - August 13

If action movies could produce an orgasm - this would be the one to do it!  While I have been looking forward to this particular movie for the last year or so (I just about died when they moved the release date from April to August), I have been waiting for a film like this my whole life!  The movie features the who's who of the 80's and 90's action movies - Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, Eric Roberts, Mickey Rourke, Danny Trejo - and oh yeah, a killer cameo scene with Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Really, need I say more??

JC's Top 5: Rocky Moments

Growing up, Rocky Balboa was one of my hero's - along with Luke Skywalker, Daniel Larusso, and Captain Kirk! So it was only a matter of time before I dedicated a top 5 list to the Italian Stallion, Rocky Balboa.

This list is all about 'Rocky Moments'. Now, one of the things you'll notice is that Rocky's speech to his son from the movie Rocky Balboa made the list here (one of my top 10 movie scenes of all time), but is not included in this top 5. Why?? Because this blog is about the emotional moments from the Rocky movies. Those moments that either give you goosebumps or bring a tear to your eye. And Perhaps Rocky's speech to his son was one of those moments, but I chose not to include it.

My blog - My rules!

With that in mind, I give you JC's Top 5 Rocky Moments! Enjoy.


5. He's Not a Machine. He's a Man!

In Rocky IV, Rocky Balboa takes on the seemingly unbeatable Russian Captain, Ivan Drago. Early on in the movie, Drago kills Apollo Creed in an exhibition fight and Rocky is looking to avenge the death of his bestest buddy. The fight doesn't start out so well for Rocky as the Russian lays a pretty good beating on him. But as we know from the previous three flicks, Rocky's chin is made of iron! Drago however must have missed Rocky I thru III because he's caught completely off guard when Balboa launches a powerful counter attack! This is one of my favourite scenes of the Rocky (uhhhhh.....sixology??) and you will be cheering FOR SURE!





4. We've Got Everything But The Truth......

They say that behind every good man there is a great woman. Never has that been more evident than in the following clip. After the death of his trainer Mickey, and the revelation that all 10 of his title defences were against handpicked opponents, Rocky is struggling to find his mojo. Unsure of himself, his training with former foe turned friend Apollo Creed has been somewhat lacklustre.

Enter Adrian Balboa.

She gives Rocky an inspirational speech that rivals any that Barack Obama has delivered!

In the following clip, the Rocky III training montage follows the tongue lashing bestowed upon Rocky by Adrian. Enjoy.




3. There's One Thing I Want You To Do For Me.....

The Rocky movies are full of great life lessons. The lesson in this clip is an important one, so ladies - PAY ATTENTION!! We men can accomplish nothing without your support. No matter what we're doing in life - working, playing, loving or living, if we don't have the support of the woman we love the most, we will suck at it. In the back of our head, we will always be thinking, "she doesn't want me to do this", or worse, "she doesn't believe in me"!!

Let me set up the following clip for you. Following their epic bout from the first Rocky, Apollo Creed desperately wants a re-match to prove that the first fight was a fluke (Rocky went the distance). Rocky accepts the challenge from the Champ even though Adrian wants him to retire (for health reasons) and is vehemently against the fight. As a result, his training for the fight is uninspired, and life at home with his pregnant wife is strained. When complications during childbirth result with Adrian slipping into a coma, Rocky begins to evaluate what's important in his life.

This clip picks up with Adrian waking from her coma. Yes, the shivers you'll get watching this are normal.




2. Rocky Balboa Has Shocked The World!!

I could watch this scene over and over and over again! Wait a second, I have watched it over and over again! Ok, here's what you need to know about this clip - Rocky Balboa has no chance of beating Apollo Creed for the title. ZIP. ZERO. NADA.

Having said that......enjoy the clip.




1. Where's Your Hat?

Ok, this may not be a spine chilling or awe inspiring clip. Nor is it a clip that will have you leaping from your couch and cheering. But it is my favourite moment of all six Rocky flicks.

I have long believed that save for Titanic, the first Rocky may be the greatest love story ever told! In this clip, Rocky Balboa has just accomplished what no other fighter in history has managed - he's gone the distance with the Champion Apollo Creed. So how does Rocky celebrate this implausible feat?? By crying out for Adrian! And when she finally arrives in the ring, mere moments before they exchange their first "I love you's", Rocky utters the greatest line from the entire series - "Where's your hat?".

Those three simple words epitomize the Rocky character and I absolutely loved it. Enjoy the fight!



Let me know what your favourite Rocky moment is!

JC's Top 5 - Expanded! 10 Greatest Movie Scenes

Hey everyone! JC here. I know, I know......it's been a long time since I've had a blog entry, and for that, I apologize. I swear, I will be more diligent moving forward.....I may just blog your face off!

So for my first blog in a few months I've decided to tackle one of my favourite subjects - movies!! More specifically, my favourite movie scenes of all time. And since I've made you all wait so long for a blog entry (thank you for your patience - even if I never had it), I'm gonna give you a little something extra - an expanded JC's Top 5. For this entry, and this entry only, it's a Top 10!! Now that's worth the wait isn't it??

There have been so many classic scenes in film over the years, but the following is a list of my favourites. I may have forgotten some, or omitted your favourite scenes, but hey, it's my blog! If you don't like it.....go write your own damn blog!

Ok, Here we go........

10. A Bronx Tale - Now you's can't leave.

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't root for Italians often - you can thank my ex-wife for that! Having said that, in this scene from 'A Bronx Tale', not only am I cheering them on, but by the end of the clip, I almost wish I was Italian!! Almost. Ok, I made that up....but the scene kicks serious ass! Check it out.




9. Bruce Almighty - My tiny little nipples went to France.

I have seen this clip from 'Bruce Almighty' at least 20 times and it still makes my laugh until I cry! It is easily the funniest thing I have ever seen in a movie and there was never any doubt that it would be included in my 10 Greatest Movie Scenes! I know when you watch it you howl with laughter.


To view the clip, click on the picture below (click 'back' in your browser when you are done), or right click on it and choose 'view in another window/tab'.

8. Goodfellas - How am I funny?

How could any list of classic movie scenes not include this scene from Goodfellas?? The phrase "How am I funny?" has become a part of our everyday vernacular thanks to this scene. In my humble opinion, it's Joe Pesci at his absolute finest! Besides that, the look on Ray Liotta's face (the actor portraying Henry Hill) is absolutely priceless!

7. Glengarry Glen Ross - Coffee is for Closers Only

Alec Baldwin may not be much of a Father, but this dude can seriously act. Glengarry Glen Ross is the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of sales movies. And not only is this Alec Baldwin's best performance ever on screen, this is without a doubt one of the greatest scenes of all time!



6. Rocky Balboa - You gotta be willing to take the hits

I know what your thinking. A clip from Rocky 6 is one of the 10 greatest movie scenes of all time?? JC have you lost your mind?!?? Believe me, when I walked out of the theater after seeing this movie I was stunned that I had learned a valuable life lesson from Rocky Balboa. But check out the clip, it's an incredibly powerful scene and one that I guarantee will stay with you for the rest of your life.



5. Taken - A Particular Set of Skills

Unless you've spent the last year living under a rock, you've probably seen this clip before. The genius marketing campaign for the movie Taken promoted this clip as a way to lure people into the theater. Liam Neeson's character listens helplessly via cellular phone as his daughter is kidnapped while on vacation in Paris. What follows is a very stern warning to the kidnappers that sends shivers up my spine every time I hear it. You're going to love it......check it out!



4. Braveheart - Are you ready for a war?

Throughout the years there has been a great deal of inspirational speeches delivered in movies, however the best ever is given by William Wallace (Mel Gibson) to his fellow Scotsmen in the movie Braveheart right before the Battle of Stirling. I've watched this scene at least 50 times, and I still get goosebumps when Wallace delivers the line, "You may take our lives, but you'll never take our freedom"! Enjoy!



3. Jurassic Park - T-Rex Escape!

There has only been one time in my movie-going life where I was literally on the edge of my seat watching a film - the T-Rex escape in Jurassic Park. From the moment the fearsome creature first breaks free from it's paddock in 'Jurassic Park', you know you're about to watch something truly remarkable. The T-Rex's breathtaking debut is nothing short of cinematic brilliance, and thanks to the astonishing special effects it's one of those rare and magical moments that almost never happens in film.

Click the picture below to view the scene. Oh, and I apologize but the clip is in French (not that it matters - it's not the dialogue that makes this scene).



2. The Dark Knight - How about a magic trick?

Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker is hands down the greatest cinematic performance of all time. You could debate this point with me, but unfortunately you'd be wrong. We are introduced to the Joker character earlier in The Dark Knight, however in this particular scene, we get our first glimpse into the maniacal genius that Ledger has brilliantly crafted.

Again, click on the photo to view the clip.



1. The Empire Strikes Back - I am your father

What else could possibly occupy the number one position?? In the year 2009 we all know that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's Father. However in 1980 when Vader declared his paternity in The Empire Strikes Back, it spawned debates on school playgrounds around the world that would rage on for 3 years until the release of Return of the Jedi. Was Vader actually Luke's Father, or was he simply pulling the wool over his eyes?? For the record, I was on the wrong side of that debate.



Let me know what you think of my list. Do you agree? Disagree? What would you have included??

JC

Which of the Top 10 Scenes was your favourite??