Inception is a Dream Come True

This is probably one of the most difficult blogs I've sat down and tried to post. I've waited for this movie for around a year or more. I've hyped myself up so much about this movie that I would have told you this picture was the cure for cancer. Thankfully Christopher Nolan deliver. I believe this is his magnum opus. It sailed above every movie he's made previously. Niether Momento, Batman Begins, nor The Dark Knight can compare. Nolan has set the bar so high with this movie that it will be a long time before a sci-fi movie can compare. I do believe that the only competition that will be offered to Inception will a rival of Nolan's filming.

To try and articulate how I was near falling out of my seat because I was so far on the edge is difficult. Inception is aweing, mind bending, and genius. I've never seen a movie so breath taking. Scene after scene of cinematic risks - things that I can't call a comparison for. To try and compare this movie to James Bond, Oceans 11, or The Matrix is absurd. To try and box this movie in those terms is shallow at best. They cannot compare to Inception because they are nothing like it.

The movie is a spectacle from beginning to end, but my favorite scene of the movie was the ending. It was emotional and a great pay off for such an overwhelming movie. But in true sci-fi fashion Nolan leaves you with a moment that makes you think and say, "Hey, wait a minute!"

James Cameron should take note from Nolan. This is how movies should be made. You don't have to use gimmicks. Inception was made without 3D and I enjoyed it more than Avatar, it was an original movie, and had such a fantastic story. You need to go to the movie and experience it for yourself. I've not tried to break Inception down scene by scene with this review. It would taint the movie. Inception can't be explained. It must be seen. Go see it, please. You won't regret it.

Without a doubt Inception is my number one movie for 2010:

1. Inception

2. How To Train Your Dragon

3. Toy Story 3

4. Shutter Island

5. Despecable Me

6. Iron Man 2

7. Grown Ups

8. Predators

9. Date Night

10. Robin Hood

11. Killers

12. The Crazies

13. Kick-Ass

14. Alice in Wonderland

15. The Book of Eli

16. Remember Me

17. Valentine's Day

18. The Bounty Hunter

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Despicable Me Was Not Despicable To Me

Okay, in all honesty, I did not have high hopes for this movie. There were no particular reason that I set the bar low. It was just low by nature. From start to finish Despicable Me was some of the most fun I've ever had at the theater. Of all the movies I've seen this 2010 it's only rival, as far as fun factor goes, is How To Train Your Dragon.

Gru was awesome. I loved this character as much as Michael Scott. Whether Steve Carrel chose to play Gru by his own choosing, or was influenced to do so, I thank God that he did. One of his best performances.

Without hesitation I would say that the little girls stole the show. Of course they were animated, but they were so cute. I wanted to take them home with me. All day I've thought about my favorite line of the movie from Agnes: "IT'S SO FLUFFY, I'M GONNA DIE!"I can't remember laughing so hard except for when I watched (and re-watched) The Hangover.

How can I forget the Minions. I would not complain in the least if they started making animated shorts of the funny little guys to be played before any movie I saw. Really I would like to see a Top Ten Plays from Sportscenter dedicated to these guys.

I would love to see a sequels for this movie, and I don't say that often. They did not set it up for one, but it would not be hard to carry this movie into a franchise.

Go see this movie. You'll have so much fun you might die!

2010's Top Movies:

1. How To Train Your Dragon

2. Toy Story

3. Shutter Island

4. Despicable Me


5. Iron Man 2

6. Grown Ups

7. Predators

8. Date Night

9. Robin Hood

10. Killers

11. The Crazies

12. Kick-Ass

13. Alice in Wonderland

14. The Book of Eli

15. Remember Me

16. Valentine's Day

17. The Bounty Hunter

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Predators Ripped My Spine Out and Gurgled My Blood

When I first heard that they were doing a new Predator movie I was overtly skeptical. The Alien vs. Predator franchise was to Predator what Joel Schumacher was to Batman. Both nearly murdered their respective characters.

I began to change my mind when I saw the first trailer for the movie. The execution of the preview was perfect. It made me remember the first Predator: Arnold's muscle bulging as he fires his machine gun, Jesse Ventura's classic one liners, and the coolest movie monster. Ever.

I wanted to see this movie so bad that I went to the first showing yesterday before work. I went by myself and was pleasantly surprised to find that a lot of people had the same idea that I did. It's always nice to go to see a movie and the theater be nearly empty. I like the solitude of the experience. But it's nice to be in a room full of people wanting to see a movie that deserves to be seen Predators deserves to be seen.

Now, if you're wanting a movie that's thought provoking and intelligent. Predators is not the movie for you. There are no deep concepts or moments that make you go, "wow."

However, if you're looking for a movie that's bloody and violent . . . Predators is the movie you'll want to see. Everything I hoped that Predators would deliver it delivered. Robert Rodriguez must be commended because he took the movie back to the roots of the first movie.

The only downside of the movie is the dialogue. Much of it was pretty cheesy. A friend of mine told me that RobRod intentionally has cheesy dialogue. Knowing that makes me appreciate the movie that much more. If you can get past the dialogue - which I was able to - you'll love this movie.

The best part of the movie: spine ripping, awesome guns, characters you end up caring about, etc.

Without ado here's 2010's movie rankings:

1. How To Train Your Dragon

2. Toy Story

3. Shutter Island

4. Iron Man 2

5. Grown Ups

6. Predators


7. Date Night

8. Robin Hood

9. Killers

10. The Crazies

11. Kick-Ass

12. Alice in Wonderland

13. The Book of Eli

14. Remember Me

15. Valentine's Day

16. The Bounty Hunter

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If I Could Create a Mark-Verse

I was in the shower this morning - well, actually I started thinking about this at work yesterday - and I was thinking about what kind of alternative universe I would create if I had the ability. Hmmmm . . .

Now, we've seen Lost do the side verse. Awesome concept. Interesting a long the way. In the end it was poorly executed.

If I created a Mark-Verse it would serve no other purpose then for my entertainment.

To start off with I would have the choice of practicing polygamy. Notice I said I would have the choice. That does not mean I would make the choice. But if I did I would have four wives:

First, I would continue to be married to Mrs. W. She is beautiful, the only woman I could imagine keeping around full time, and the only woman I can say I'll ever truly love. She would be in charge of the fashion of the world. She sets the standard and of course you buy. Don't worry she has great tastes. Second, she would be in charge of the rest of my wives. They'd be like her serving girls or something. *shrugs*

Second, I would marry Scarlett Johansson. Her purpose in our marriage would be to continually act the part of Natasha Romanoff. On a nightly basis she would pick a movie for me to watch.

Third, Evangeline Lilly. She would be the first mate of my pirate ship. That's right, I said a pirate ship. We would sail the oceans blue hunting for buried treasures and sending land lubbers to Davey Jones's locker.

Fourth, Zooey Deschanel. I would marry her for her pretty voice. For my dinner every night she would be dressed in some glamorous outfit that Mrs. W. told her to wear, and she would serenade me while I eat my meal.

In my Mark-Verse Peter Pan would be a real person, and he would be my best friend. We would fly through Neverland looking for trouble and adventure with the Lost Boys, and day and night we would terrorize Captain Hook.

I would have lots of pets in my Mark-Verse. But my favorites would be: Diesel, my pit-bull that I had to have put down a few months ago. He would be alive and would accompany me to Neverland and would sail the seas with me as top dog on my pirate ship. I would also have a pet dragon. He would be monstrous. He would live in the keep of my castle. He'd be 40ft tall and 80ft long. His wing span would be seen from lands around as we soar through the sky. He scales would be black as night and his eyes would shine like gold. He would breath fire hotter than 400 hell. Nightwind would be able to  melt Mount Everest with nothing more than an exhale.

Derek Trucks would be the music of my Mark-Verse. No matter where I would go his music would be there. He would be omni-present so that I could see him in concert no matter what city I would travel to. Susan Tedeschi would also be there and Warren Haynes. I would be able to enjoy their jam sessions whenever I wanted to.

The best thing about my Mark-Verse is that Jesus is a hippy-vagabond. He travels the land spreading peace and love, and my Mark-Verse is perfect because of Him. He's there to help whenever someone needs helping.

For the time this is my Mark-Verse. I'm sure this world will expand. When it does you'll be able to read about it here.

Until next time,

Adios and via con dios.

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Very Belated Thoughts on Grown Ups and A Revised Ranking of 2010's Best Movies. This Sentence Serves No Other Purpose Than Making This Title Long.

I apologize for my stark absence from the Madhouse. I needed a break so I left you, my minions, here to hold the fort down. Thank you for doing so. The place is nice and tidy. I'll offer three thoughts on Grown Ups:

1. I love anything that Adam Sandler does. Except Little Nicky. Those were the dark ages of Sandler, and we've come far.

2. David Spade played his best role ever.

3. Grown Ups was the funniest movie I've seen this year. When I'm in my 40s I can imagine being just like the dudes in the movie.

This is not my best review but I let my thoughts on the movie stagnate and for that I apologize. I promise it won't happen again.

I've been thinking about my ranking for the best movies of 2010 for a few weeks, and there are some revisions I need to make. I have two areas of criteria that I judge movies by: How entertained am I and will I see the movie again.

I put Robin Hood at the top of the list and I need to change that. After letting my thoughts on the movie percolate I decided that I don't share the same feelings as when I left the theater. I probably wouldn't see the movie a second time. But don't let my change heart cause you to feel that you won't be entertained. You will be. Here's the new list for 2010:

1. How To Train Your Dragon

2. Toy Story 3

3. Shutter Island

4. Iron Man 2

5. Grown Ups


6. Date Night

7. Robin Hood

8. Killers

9. The Crazies

10. Kick-Ass

11. Alice in Wonderland

12. The Book of Eli

13. Remember Me

14. Valentine's Day

15. The Bounty Hunter

This weekend I plan to go and see Robert Rodriguez's "Predators". My hopes for this movie are pretty high. From the trailers it looks promising.

And today let the countdown begin for Inception. 11 days.

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