The "Who Really Cares About Downloading?" campaign is a MULTIMILLION-dollar advertising effort attempting to get people to cease the "stealing" of songs off of the Internet. It was orchestrated by the Music United for Strong Internet Copyright Coalition, and has enlisted the support of nearly 90 recording artists and songwriters including Madonna, Eminem, The Dixie Chicks, P. Diddy, and Brian Wilson.
Well, I myself download music for numerous reasons. I'll remember a song from awhile back and have no idea who sings it, or maybe even a newer song on the radio at that. Or maybe I WILL know the name of the band and want to check into more of their stuff. And, admittedly, sometimes I'll have the name of the song AND the artist, but also know that that's the only song they have worth listening to! P. Diddy would be a good example of that. But, if an artist has 3 or 4 good songs on a given album, it deserves to be bought.
And, like with the other two examples, downloading music might actually result in me purchasing an album I wouldn't have before, if I hadn't been able to access a song or two with ease to try them out. And I DO actually gets out and buys CD's. Recently, as a matter of fact, I have been purchasing more CD's then ever. And of the artists listed above, I own practically every Madonna album to date. I've even got a soundtrack that she has a song on. And at least a few of those I got after I began downloading music. I have nearly every Metallica album too. And although I haven't bought any of theirs or Eminem's lately, I do own some of their albums, and do plan on buying "Slim Shady's" newest effort, which is extraordinary.
But let's hear the "campaign's" reasoning. David Benjamin, Universal Music Group's senior vice president of anti-piracy says, "What we're doing is we are robbing our cultural past and we're destroying our cultural future." It's more like robbing or destroying your chances of buying that third sports car, right, Dave? I mean, come on, do you really expect to gather sympathy for this, when the last joint efforts or campaigns from celebrities have been for things like a cure for AIDS, to help the homeless, or to feed some starving foreign country? Do you really think that this just falls in line with those, when we can see by the print and television ads that you still have MILLIONS of dollars to blow on this, which could be used so much better for those or any other worthy causes?
Well, P. Diddy does. "What if you didn't get paid for your job? Put yourself in our shoes", he says. Well, I'm so sorry, "Puffy", but it doesn't really make me feel sorry for you that, because of this new technology, you'll only be banking, oh what, 45 million this year instead of 50? I heard a while back even that Metallica actually had an address where people could send in donations to help them recover from the losses of sales because of Internet downloading! Please! Do these types not realize that so many people are out there, working 40 hour a week jobs that they hate, struggling to survive? And, that a good majority of those people have to worry about their job security, or even where their next paycheck is going to come from?
Sounds like some people need to come back "to a little place I like to call Earth". And one who has never left, it seems, is Fred Durst, lead singer of Limp Bizkit. Now, I never have been fond of Durst or his music that much really, but after reading an interview he did in Playboy, I realized why he is so popular. It's his regular, genuine, blue collar, every day guy attitude. And when HE was asked about "Internet music piracy", this is what he had to say, "(It's) never hurt the record industry. Technology is like medicine. You might as well not fight it….Record sells are bigger than they've ever been". From what he says it seems that although burning CDs does have some to do with declining sales, this has more to do with frustrated artists looking for a scapegoat to blame everything on because they aren't quite what they used to be, while others like Limp Bizkit are doing just fine. And, something else I learned from that Playboy interview, is screaming into a microphone is far from all that this guy does. Durst writes Limp Bizkit's video treatments, directs them, markets and does all the artwork for their CDs, designs their stage sets. He's vice president of Interscope Records and has his own label; he's a businessman. Alas, his opinion is one that should be highly respected.
So maybe these "nearly 90" artist and writers should try listening to the band Good Charlotte, who you can bet has NOT contributed to the effort, and their song Lifestyles Of The Rich And The Famous, and pay close attention to Durst's words. Maybe it can help them get started on that journey back down.
"The Hollywood Squares are living in Disneyland." Sly Fox - Let's Go All the Way
NOTE: I downloaded 3 songs while writing this.
Anyhoo, those send offs to parts of Texas Indy Wrestling and that last thing I have to bitch about will have to wait. It's been hard enough getting these reviews finally posted. And I think I'm out of room anyways. Hopefully I can, maybe, next entry. At least the send offs, anyway...(sigh)
Oh and on these reviews, I have placed a rating directly after the title for those who are too lazy to read the entire thing. And I have even made it in simple, Frankenstein-like terms. "GOOD", "BAD", and then of course, the "UGLY". Here we go...
The Scorpion King-UGLY- Upholding the saying that multi-episode movies get worse with each additional one, even though this one was actually a PREquel, The Scorpion King comes through. The movie and wrestling superstar The Rock's performance are not EXCEPTIONALLY bad, but there is nothing exceptionally unique or special about them either. I would have rather like to see an addition to the Conan The Barbarian series with AHrnold instead.
Blade 2-GOOD- This movie, quite simply, kicked ass. There were a couple of things that were a little far-fetched, but overall this was a movie that very much held up to the original. I like the adding of a love interest for the "day-walker", although they never got to make whoopee. But this one stands alone and goes on a totally different path than the original. I hope to see another Blade, and that it will be as well done as the first two.
Star Wars Episode II: The Attack of the Clones-GOOD- I don't think that George and the gang can make a bad Star Wars movie. Everyone talks about Episode I being not so good, but I watched it again right before seeing this one, and it's just as good as the original Star Wars, just in different way. This is about Episode II, however, which was probably even better. This show had me tuned in the entire time as I anxiously watched to see what would happen next, even though we all know where it leads. A few things I didn't agree with did occur, like Count Dooku holding his own against Obi-Won, Anakin, AND Yoda. But overall, iz EXCELLENT.
Austin Powers: Goldmember-BAD- I heard Mike Myers say they weren't going to do this one unless it was "the best one yet". Well, perhaps they shouldn't have then, because it's not. He also said he wanted to show right off the bat how good it was. And it DOES probably have the best beginning of the three(Britney Spears, Tom Cruise, Gwenith Paltrow...more. You just have to see it to believe it.)And the movie does have a few other good, funny moments. But other than that, it seriously lacks in original entertainment value.
Friday the 13th: Jason X-GOOD- I have to admit that I don't think I've ever seen any of the previous kajillion Friday the 13th flicks all the way through. But I also have to admit that I really enjoyed this one. It was different, taking place in the future and in space, after all. And it held it's own and with some surpassed in creativeness and such with the recent flurry of horror films. Not too scary, but definitely fun.
Men in Black 2-UGLY- The far-fetched things they did in this sequel were a lot more significant and damaging then the ones Blade 2 did, and it took away from the original's meaning and effectiveness. And, UNLIKE Blade 2, MIB II does NOT stand on it's own and is NOT original. It reeked of just being a movie that was made to market all the toys, video games, merchandise and such. And also being a movie made to give Will Smith and his bank-ablity another much-needed blockbuster. Yech.
Red Dragon-GOOD- This may the best of the series based on Hannibal Lector, although, as I said in last year's review of Hannibal, I don't remember The Silence of the Lambs all too well. But if this IS, it surely can be in part due to Edward Norton's participation. But Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins are awesome too. So maybe it has more to do with the story depth and not unnecessary disgustingness, exactly opposite of the way Hannibal was. So those factors combined with Norton's performance make this movie an excellent, stand alone one with SUBSTANCE.
Stuart Little 2-BAD- I can't really give an ups or downs on this one. It's harmless. But for one thing, you kind of need to see the first one to understand what the heck is going on. I mean, a mouse living in human society? You get the fact that, for some reason, he's accepted as equal...but still. And it didn't contain as much adult humor as I thought it would. Although it is kind of entertaining seeing Geena Davis and Hugh Laurie play parents with the "Leave it to Beaver" style of parenting. But, it really is for kids. So, for them, it's GOOD.
Now, as I did last year, I'm going to have guest commentating. Last year there were 9 sequels, I saw all but one, and The Webmaster Marcus Tovar did the guest review.. This year there was 10, and the winter ones(Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, James Bond, and Analyze That) I'm not EVEN getting into now. But I saw the same number, 8. So, this time I have TWO guest commentators. First off is a very "sexi" young lady from Brock, Texas, named Sunni Fowler who was so kind to tell us what she thought of:
Halloween Resurrection-BAD- "I just thought this movie would be kinda different seeing as its the 5th or 6th one. I was wrong, it's the same thing that happens in every Halloween movie. The killer kills some people then one or two people get away. They believe they have killed him. Well I swear that Michael Myers never dies. Back in the day they wanted the people to be scared now they just don't care, I guess. I think they keep making this movie cause they don't know how to end it, so they just make another one. Now more then ever all movies are just about sex. I swear everyone that dies in these movies die naked. I hope this is a clue to stop making Halloween movies. Michael Myers needs to die!"
And then there is my manager Mr. Venom. Him and I have Bobby 2 Badd to deal with in the upcoming N.E.W. show on the 25th of this month. However, for now, he was willing to lend his expertise to one of his associates, and tell us what his opinions were on(and he even gets to use his own rating term, outside of the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY!):
Spy Kids 2-FAIR- "They say most sequels do not live up to the hype. This one was not all that bad. It involved more action with the kids, which is what the plot of the movie is about. Some points in this one were a little low. I think some of the gadgets were a little lame as it tried to be to James Bondish. However I would recommend you to go and see this one as it does live up to its hype."
"Well, isn't helping out your friends…and getting revenge on your enemies, what Christmas is really all about, anyway, okay?"
-Pepe Muppets Christmas Special 2002
A few weeks ago I caught an episode of the N.W.A. Southwest. Yes, I know they aren't currently running so I guess it's a repeat, either in rotation, or the same one over and over like they did with that one where I wrestled Gravedigger years back. It sure brought back a lot of memories. I had already been thinking about that time in my career/life recently anyway, for some reason. But, without a doubt, even with the all-new and different wrestlers, announcers, graphics, music, etc.(well, ref Phil Brown was still there!), the show still gives off the same feel. That same feel of when I watched myself wrestle on a television program for the first time over three years ago.
Well as most know by now and I have already mentioned, the N.W.A. Southwest isn't running right now. And that's because the Texas Indoor Arena, where the majority of their shows were held, was bought out from them late last year by a motorcycle dealership. I mentioned this in both of the interviews I did late last year, that I was not happy to hear this and that I wished them luck in starting up again.
Of course the Texas Indoor Arena is where X.C.W., the former T.C.W., was running shows when I joined the roster. And I have talked numerous times about how fond I am of that period. But I haven't really ever talked much about wrestling there when I was a part of the N.W.A.. And I really should, because it really was significant.
As I heard Ken said and what I agreed with in my interview with Matt Avery on Indy Warz, I DID start there. Almost every name in the past 5 years of Texas Indy wrestling at one time or another has wrestled for the NWA-Southwest, and pretty much everyone who was anyone at the time wrestled there during the period in which I was on the roster. But, other than those who were trained at their school, very few can actually say they pretty much got there first experiences wrestling for a promotion and in front of crowd there. And WHEN everyone who was anyone was there. I'm glad that I did.
I'll never forget the spray-painted "WRESTLING" on their front door, the gatherings at Hooters after the show, and trying to find a TV that got the best reception of Channel 55 to watch my match with. Life was giving my numerous new things at that time, both inside and outside of the wrestling world. Some are still apparent, but a lot is gone or no longer a part of my life. Although wrestling is obviously still a big part of my life, in some ways a bigger part than it was then, no matter what feds I wrestle for in the future, wrestling at the Texas Indoor Arena will almost definitely never be again.
Trying to put this in perspective, I guess you could say that place was my Sportatorium(THAT ought to piss some people off!). Or maybe I'm using this as a synonym for something else. I don't know. All I know for sure is that I would not trade that experience of my career, or that period of my life, for anything.
I've talked numerous times here on how the wrestling business is in a supposed slump. And there is no argueing that in some aspects, it is. And when they happens, you tend to see some people leave that biz. That's one of the worst parts. Damon Richards, Bone Crusher, Lance Romance, Canyon, Martin Styles, Striker, John Allen, Matt Avery, and Paul Lewis are just some of the ones I've seen go. Of course, some of them HAVE come back before their retirement party is even over. But it's always kind of a downer to when things change, and when you see people who want to stop what they have been doing and walk away from the biz. Hell, I know the feeling. But I have yet to go through with it. It's the people who DO go through with it that bring on that downer.
The reason that I am mentioning this subject is because now, my mentor is one of those who has now also gone through with it. Although I have yet to speak with him about it, I wouldn't doubt to it being true. For he has been feeling that want to walk away. So I'm not going to mention his name right now, out of respects to him, until I get it confirmed. But, thanks for the teaching, for driving and knowing the directions, for helping me out in the biz. And don't worry, I'll always remember to "take" my "own bump".
I saw on the cover of USA Today newspaper last week, and the way they delivered the news of Fred Rogers passing away was this "America's Neighbor Dies". I didn't like it. You should be more respectful to such a great man who did so much for kids and everyone. I'll remember fondly watching that show as a youngster, wanting my own separate shoes and sweater, one for the house, and one for outside of it. Well, maybe that's not so cool now, haha. But it will always be cool that he visited the set of The Incredible Hulk, showing a, what was a rare back then, behind the scenes look at a TV show. So, for USA Today, I'll put it the RIGHT way. "Teacher To Generations of Children, Mr. Rogers, Passes On To The Big Neighborhood In The Sky"
And Mr. Perfect Curt Henning recently passed on to the big wrestling ring in the sky. This one came as more shocking and unexpected. And Indywarz.com columnist Matt Avery touches upon that very nicely in his column entry Tuesday, February 18, 2003
entitled "Wrestling's Dirty Little Secret...". I seriously recommend taking a look at that secret, and perhaps then what wrestlers like Curt Henning go through will be more appreciated, or at least known. But Curt was an outstanding wrestler. To this day, my favorite match is Mr. Perfect vs. Bret Hart at Summerslam 1991.
And, Grandpa, yes that is me in that ring.
"ARE YOU THERE BUDDY BEAR?"
"I was to drunk to call you, so I decided to email you."
"...wells and we drank and stuff it was fun but there was some perverted guys there"
"I'm taking it easy tonight (after getting tore up last night!)"
"I really wanted to have more to drink too, but the drink i got was $5 a shot and that was really out of my price range."
"I heard about your Vanilla Ice adventure.."
"I never thought I would be cheering for the ice.."
"well yeahi had a blast eating with my family lol.....yeah her finger is good!!!!"
"he had some nasty dunks on me, that lil' biatch."
"oh yhea i just to a big shit and it hurt because it was so big i had a tear roll down my face.."
"where is this so called speed zone? does it serve beer?"
"i tried to look up pcw but could not find anything but a wrestling fed in calli. "
"..How about a Seth Shai Bobble Head Night..."
"The fans were rowdy as hell (all inbred hicks, so what do you expect)."
"So, you actually jump off the ropes and stuff?"
"if i make it to a match i'll have a big sign with michael jackson on it. "
"So your so-called "legacy" was short lived and has come to an abrupt and totally embarrassing end, forever! "
"Also, I'm going to try to go to NWA's Kids Kamp and slam some punks in the squarred circle"
"You naughty boy! I've got a bar of soap with yer name on it!"
"DONT FORGET TO GET YOUR LABRET PIERCED"
"Does this mean you fuck pans???"
"If you get lost on your mystical Journey to friend land don't be afraid to call."
"I looked at your website. I was impressed! must have taken a LOT of time."
"I'll take the son of a bitch down and you can post that shit on your own fucking site!"
"What's up with you calling Kid Rock a loser in your Words of Seth this month. That guy is my hero man, he rocks."
"I need you ALL to write the most hateful e-mail, as explicit as you want it, to me.."
Oh well, I know I had e-mailed you for something else, but can't seem to remember what it was, so FUCK YOU!"
"well i'm finally emailing you stupid ass hopefully it works."
"i dont want to sound like an idoit but i just found out how to listen to the radio"
"I'm trying to just let things roll off my back, like the shit on txwrestling after I sent that e-mail I went out and cooled off and I'm trying to just let things roll, but its like one of those tests that just when you think you are done, you get handed 20 more pages to do."
"it should be fun cuz im gonna fuck up some old people"
"If I ever get to boring just tell me to shut up"
"I tried setting up my own comic book or breaking into the porn industry"
"slaps his weiner on the keyboard"
"call me mexican burito."
"I dressed up as a joint. It was sweet..."
"I hate the Shaigirls!"
"What would be wrong with a pregnant seth shai girl?"
"I just love a woman who makes me feel like Im 12 years old, and hell yes, you better print that in your next list of quotes."
"danced with a hottie Sunday night, but nothing came of it...::shrugs::...you can't win all the time I guess."
"It had been 5 and a half years and I was not as happy as I should have been and so I got riD of him."
"Other than that my life sucks. This chick has my head so messed up I don't know what I'm doing. I feel like I'm going crazy. When she isn't here I don't want to go do anything. Sometimes she makes me want to kill myself. But oh well thats life."
"I hate the whole 'Dating Game' I am tired of being a repeat contestant."
"its not worth letting it ruin the time you have while your young and suppose to be having the best time of your life. Take it from me....I have kids now and I wouldnt change that at all.....but I have more limits now as for before the sky was the limit..... I still have fun but its different fun...more G rated if you will....... I guess....lol Just have fun........dont worry so much.....I spent alot of my time worrying before when I should have been having lots of fun. I finally realized that now."
"I'm just dating and marriage is honestly the furthest thing from my mind. Taking it day by day, I'm all about meeting new women each day...not like I'm a playa or anything like that."
"Yeah, my marriage is not the best. It is very hard. It is hard to adjust."
"..I'll be much fatter next time you see me too."
"I am a pregnant, married woman now! :) And I'm not into the party scene."
"I have a 15month old son and I'm getting married(scary,scary).I'm a little nervous about the whole marriage thing (being someones wife)"
"…is a daddy? I remember when we were out there playing football in the street!"
"I am going to start addressing invites for the wedding."
"But guess who is getting married!"
"As a matter of fact I will be getting married "
"…and I are geting married!"
"weddings are always wonderful."
"...writing thank you notes..."
And now, as always, the quote of the month.
"Hold on to sixteen as long as you can - Changes come around real soon - Make us women and men."
John Cougar Mellencamp - Jack and Diane
You know there is nothing worse than the following scenario. After a long-ass day when you're driving home trying to unwind and a song you really like comes on. This wakes you up some, bringing some life back to your body as you turn up the radio and start to jam. And then you realize that the music you are hearing is also being played at a club somewhere. And apparently not a very happenin' club because you realize because the DJ is TALKING OVER THE MUSIC. He is trying to get the crowd into it, singing along to the song(horribly) and even making comments/jokes about the artist that is playing. After the third interruption, all that sudden burst of energy has already been drained out of you; you're turning the radio back down and are a zombie again. I believe I've written about this before, here possibly, but don't know which entry. In any event, "Hey DJ", SHUT THE FUCK UP!!! And if you just can't, I'm sure there is the technology to make it so that only the people at the club can hear you and not the listeners of radio. So, PLEASE, make it so. Thank you.
Radio did do it more right this year, however, when it came to Christmas music. I didn't hear any playing it before Thanksgiving this year(I've bitched about that subject here in the past). Even after Thanksgiving, I only found one station really that was all-Christmas all the time. I don't know if that's really a good thing or not, because I like Christmas music. Perhaps it is though, for even with the tons and TONS of Christmas music out there available to play, probably only 50% is worth listening to. I found that out when listening to that one station this year. Every third song or so, it was, eh, change the channel or pop in a cassette or CD. I still have my Jingle Cats tape!
Third topic to do with radio. I recently went to two concerts/events held by
radio stations. They were both good.
The first was KDL 106.7's "Not So Silent" Night. This was the style of
concert I go to more often, and enjoy more, these days. No seats, dancing
and the like on a floor right in front of the stage in which the artist is
performing. And did this event ever have artists. Never before had I seen so
many of them, and DJs as well, assembled at one event. There had to be 5 or
6 worthy artists and the same amount of DJs. It was held at the Club Liquid
in Dallas. The layout of the club was totally badass. One of the best I've
seen for sure. If they normally have lower-priced drinks, I'd totally
recommend the place for any night of clubbing. There is already talk that
106.7 will hold the same event next year. If that comes through, you'll see
me there(just with a little more alcohol in my system before arriving).
The Second was 102.1's "The Edge That Stole Christmas". Now this review is
somewhat in response to a friend's who also attended the event(a friend who I have to give props to, however, for giving me my first exposure of The Kurt Cobain Graphic). I agree that
Kill Hannah wasn't seen/heard enough. They were the main reason I attended
after all. I agree that Crystal Method was cool, with the dancer girls in
the cages under black light. I just wish the band had played some of their
music with words, but it was all techno/dance. This had me wishing I were
back at Club Liquid, and actually instead dancing with my sister in the entryways(no
we didn't get in a fight and thrown out this time). The Burden Brothers did some good
stuff. But I will totally agree that they are no Toadies, and need some
definite work. Blue October, I have to admit, had the best performance. I
always appreciate a band that uses a variety of instruments/sounds(The
Violent Femmes). I'm not going to go out and but their CD or anything but,
yeah, they probably deserved their spot. And Jane's Addiction, who was the
band I was looking 2nd most forward to, if not 1st, had the WORST
performance. So I agree on that one too. I think they, or the lead singer at
least, thinks they're a lot more special than they really are. I mainly
wanted to hear the song "Jane Said". NOT because it is their most famous
song, but because I have heard an AWESOME recording of it done live, and I
wanted to experience it for myself. Was it worth waiting through their
ENTIRE set and his rambling and rambling and rambling, and rambling on to
hear it? I really can't say it was. They, alone albeit, were a
disappointment.
A while back, but after my last updated "Words...", X.C.W. owner Nite made a
post about me on my Message Board. Whether it was meant to be serious or not
does matter. It still amazes me that, even though I left that day in June
and have not been back or said a single public word about that federation,
I have twice had to respond to Message Board shit referring to me coming
from people associated with that organization.
I could maybe understand this if I had no-showed advertised matches like so
many others have done. Or if I wasn't one of the wrestlers who had been
wrestling at X.C.W. the longest out of everybody. Or if I quit and came back
numerous times or took extended breaks. I wrestled sick as hell, injured, and during my freakin' lunch break for that company. I
lost bookings at other federations, and suffered my worst injury for that
company. I think that, if nothing else does, these factors should result in me
deserving a little more respect and consideration. After all, I am not the
lone wolf in this situation. Numerous others had left before myself, and
have left after as well. It's not like I'm a constant target like Mike Paige
or Paul Lewis or anything, but I didn't build a website slamming X.C.W.
either. I would like to think they are, finally, over little ol'me.
I'm moving my place of residence for only the third time in my life this week. But this quote of the month has not just to do with that, but numerous subjects in this entry, and some of which I'm not writting about at all.
"People cry and people moan. Look for a dry place to call their home. Try to find some place to rest their bones while the angels and the devils fight to make them their own."
Meat Puppets- Lake of Fire
Top 5 Best
1)Spider-Man- This is the best all-round representative of super-hero movies, and also the highest grossing. It has everything that makes up a great film in general; a good storyline, action, comedy, romance, and special effects. It is great for comic book fans, but also for anyone who isn't as well.
2)Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- Same as Spider-Man, this film's attributes include a good storyline, action, comedy, romance, and special effects. It was just to a little lesser degree, and coming out 10 years earlier. But this movie's greatest feature probably is that it follows the actual comic book closer than any other superhero movie to date.
3)The Crow- This was a rare case of the movie adaptation being superior to the original comic book. That can be attributed to the changes made that actually made for a better story, the very effective directing of the film, and to of course to the performance of the late, great Brandon Lee.
4)The Punisher- A lot of people bag on this movie, but I think it is mostly with preconceived thoughts. This movie also almost exactly follows the original comic book story, and Dolph Lundgren got the persona of the title character down perfect. Some of the die-hard comic geeks complained about him not wearing the exact costume that he does in the comics. It just made it more realistic. Needless to say, I am NOT looking forward to The Punisher remake starring JOHN TRAVOLTA to be released next month.
5)Batman- This one brought back taking a superhero flick seriously as an actual movie after the fleeting Superman sequels. Michael Keaton was, surprisingly admittedly, fantastic as The Dark Knight(and the best). Jack Nicholson was brilliant as The Joker. And, despite a few errors/flaws, Tim Burton did a great job with the directing and the feel of the film.
Honorable Mention)Superman- This might be the first truly great superhero FILM. Probably even more than Keaton as Batman, there will never be a better Superman than Christopher Reeve. Although there was some serious changes from the comic, among other things that should not have happened(reversing time by circling the world??), as a movie in itself, it was near perfect.
Top 5 Worst
1)Steel- This movie stars Shaq. If that doesn't tell you enough, there is the fact that, other than the name, the corny story they used doesn't resemble the comic book's whatsoever, the costume looks ridiculous, and there's not even any token hot chick to make for nice scenery! Did I mention that this movie stars Shaq?
2)Batman and Robin- This movie made Joel Schumacher's last attempt at a Batman flick in Batman Forever look like a masterpiece. Well, maybe not a masterpiece. But everything that the flamboyant director did wrong in that movie he took to the next level in this one. Not much of the blame can be pointed at the actors, although that would have to definitely exclude AHnold.
3)Superman 4 This quality of the special effects in this series of movies actually and almost unbelievably DECLINED as it went on, with this entry having far worse than the original made 10 years before! The story lines got more and more far-fetched with each new one as well. I heard somewhere 45 minutes of this one was cut out of the version released, and that may be part of the reason why it is the one that makes the least sense and is the most unrealistic.
4)Captain America- I actually saw a preview for this movie in the theaters, and it was shown before Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade no less! Alas, it was for not, and went straight-to-video. Serious changes from the original comic book were part of the cause for that. Of course, the fact that they used RUBBER EARS instead of simply the actor's real ones for Cap's probably didn't help much either.
5)Barb Wire- People might be surprised to see me list this film which was my girl Pamela Anderson's first big movie. And they did do GREAT with the choice of opening sequence. But the fact of the matter is that the acting was bad, the one-liners were cheesy, and the story was stupid. And on top of that, in a film with a FEMALE superhero lead, in the end, "babe" has to be saved by her MALE love interest!
Honorable Mention)Fantastic Four- It's hard for me to review this movie, as I have never seen it. But that's because, even after the studio had already spent the money to produce the movie, they actually found it to be so horrible that it would be better to just take the loss and NEVER release it at all in the USA, to theaters OR video. Now if that's not a sure sign of a movie being bad I don't know what is.
On the subject of theaters and video, man, I really know now why a lot of people prefer watching movies in their own living room or don't mind seeing these movies for the first time on the small TV screen. I still like to see movies where they were originally meant to be seen, the big screen. Most of the time, when I go to the theater I chose times that I can sit in peace and enjoy the big screen production. But every once in a while my timing will be off, or I'll be forced to go to a movie at a time when a lot of people are in the same theater. I guess I'm a person that kind of likes to be secluded anyway, but I'm sure it doesn't help that trait of mine when people sit right behind me, put their feet up on the seats, and talk and munch throughout the whole film. And you know you're not supposed to be judgmental and stuff, but the fact is you don't ever see a man in suit and a woman in a dress, respectively, acting like that. It always reeks of two women who don't know the meaning of birth control who walked over from the apartments across the street with their 5 and 7 kids. Sorry to be judgmental, like I said, but it's their incredibly rude and inconsiderate behavior that causes me to think these thoughts in the first place.
"Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."
the late, great Bill Bixby - The Incredible Hulk