Finally, the mainstream media is giving the ding the attention that it deserves. “What is this… some sort of… hot tub time machine?” I don’t understand why sexy Amy Burley from Tru Blood is kind of eh as the love interest April.

(image Daniel in the Hot Tub Time Machine originally uploaded by Gentleman of Sophistication and Refinement)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 63%

The Perfect Storm is the perfect example of a ding. Like anyone wouldn’t understand the title, they had to have a meteorologist interpret the weather and say, “It is… the perfect storm.” George Clooney sure has come a long way. Mark Wahlberg, not so much. Speaking of perfect storms, my last weekend in New York and the weather forecast is crazy all out blizzard.

(image The Perfect Storm originally uploaded by Dan D. just got a shiny 5D Mark II)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 47%

When I did gymnastics, I never did that well in competition. I showed up, did some routines, fell off the beam, and went home. The night before my second-to-last meet, I watched The Natural on tv. The next day at the meet, I felt inspired. As the national anthem played, my courage rose and I resolved to do my best. I tied for second on bars and placed overall qualifying me for states.

Tomorrow I am running the NY City Half Marathon. I am pretty sure that I won’t win any awards or qualify for anything (except for maybe a free Jamba juice), but I think watching The Express right now does improve my chances at winning the Heisman. At the very least, it will give me something to occupy my mind during the (fingers crossed) 2 hour run.

By the way, if you watch The Express on an airplane, you will cry.

Football season officially begins in 30 days!

(image Walt Disney World Monorail System – Your Express Highway in the Sky originally uploaded by Matt Pasant)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 61%

Hamlet 2 is a pretty good stay home on a Friday night movie. The story of a hapless teacher who just wants to put on plays inspired by movies is pretty funny. But then following it up on Saturday with Half Nelson, the story of a hapless teacher that just wants to smoke crack undid some of the magic. It was a good movie, but long with a lot of crack smoking. I never though I would say this, but I would rather have a musical number of “Rock Me Sexy Jesus.” Critics do not agree.

(image hamlet 2 originally uploaded by brentopolis)

Hamlet 2 rotten tomatoes rating: 63%
Half Nelson rotten tomatoes rating: 91%

(Image from http://flickr.com/photos/a_c/101702941/)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 5% (wow, that is low)

         Jonathan!

                 I have reflected many times upon our rigid search.

                 It has shown me...

                 ...that everything is illuminated in the light of the past.

                 It is always along the side of us...

                 ...on the inside, looking out.

                 Like you say, inside out.

                 Jonfen, in this way, I will always be along the side of your life.

                 And you will always be along the side of mine.

                 Our families will be with us, and our families' families.

                 Your grandfather.

                 And perhaps, in some way, my grandfather as well.

                 It is possible I will never know why Grandfather did this to himself.

                 Perhaps he wished to bury his life...

                 ...along the side of his past.

                 But I must tell you, Jonfen...

                 ...in this moment, he seemed, as if for the first time in his life...

                 ...contented to be where he was.

                 Jonfen, I am sending you this...

                 ...because we have shared something to exist for.

                 And, of course, in case anyone comes searching.

(Image from http://flickr.com/photos/popscratch/36100506/)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 66% (oy)

Roddy: Of course.That's the toad's plan.

That's why he needs the cable.

When everyone goes to the toilet the whole city will be flushed away.

Ding!

(Image from http://flickr.com/photos/26341921@N00/343954423/)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 75%

We always called each other good fellas.You'd say to somebody:

"You'll like this guy. He's all right.He's a good fella, one of us."

Understand?

We were good fellas. Wiseguys.

Ding!

(Image from http://flickr.com/photos/freddynewendyke/4917618/)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 96%

All of this is to say that yesterday by Union Square, my coworker turned to me and said, “Hey, that little guy from Elf just walked by.” F*ck! Well New York isn’t that big. Maybe I will see him tomorrow. (For the record, I would probably never actually talk to an actor I saw, but this way I am prepared for the small off chance they decide to talk to me).

(Image from http://flickr.com/photos/kjunk/348533140/)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 95%

(Image from http://flickr.com/photos/webdh/317344685/)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 83%