Weekly Random Thoughts: 6/4/10

1. With the NBA playoffs tipping off as I am typing this, please check out another podcast featuring yours truly. My buddy Brock and I breakdown the Lakers - Celtics series like only two experts can.
http://brockangeles.tumblr.com/

2. So my girlfriend is going to watch 'Sex and the City 2: Attack of the Louboutins' this weekend with five female friends. I am debating on whether or not I should go with them. Why? Two reasons.

• I love movies and wouldn't mind seeing the movie (feel free to call me names if you like). After all, I did see the first movie and I thought the first couple of seasons of the TV show were extremely well written and entertaining.
• It would be quite an experience and something I could write about in my lblog. That's prime material right there.

So I don't know readers...what do you think? Should I go?

3. The great Ken Griffey Jr. retired this week. I feel the same way many baseball fans do right now: Sad to see a once great star get old and fade into the background. Glad that I got to see one of the greatest and most exciting players ever in my lifetime. Reminiscing about the time I once had the cherished Upper Deck rookie card in my collection. And wondering what could have been if he had stayed healthy and never left Seattle.

And since I'm reading Bill Simmons 'The Book of Basketball', I feel it appropriate to say that if anybody ever wrote 'The Book of Baseball' and tried to rank the players using a pyramid...Griffey Jr. would be one heck of an argument. He's considered one of the greatest, yet never played in a World Series. Griffey had amazing stats, memorable plays, and the hardware and records. So does that make him the equivalent of Karl Malone or Elgin Baylor? I don't know...baseball is more difficult to compare than basketball. I think football would be more appropriate. Many great NFL players never won the Super Bowl. So after some consideration, I'm going to say that Griffey Jr. is more like Barry Sanders. Both could have owned a presitgious record (most home runs for Griffey, most rushing yards for Sanders), but never quite got there for varying reasons (Griffey due to injuries, Sanders due to early retirement). Yet, both meant so much to their franchises and the cities they played in. Both were also known for their breath-taking abilities...even having that one identifiably picturesque skill (Griffey's sweet swing...Sanders cut back ability). In addition, both never won the big one, but made it to the playoffs a few times. And both are regarded highly by their peers, fans, and media. Lastly, both are players people in my generation will always say, "I was lucky to see him play during my lifetime."

We'll miss you Griffey Jr., but we'll always remember that sweet swing.

4. Caught an early screening of 'Get Him to the Greek', which arrives in a theater near you on Friday, June 4th. I had really high hopes for this movie, but thought it was only OK. It's definitely raunchy and has a few funny moments. But it's a bit long and probably something you'll quickly forget as soon as you leave the theater.

My only question is, "Where does Russell Brand go from here?". I mean, he is Aldous Snow. Can he only play that type of character? I guess I just don't see him playing a straight laced guy, so I'm curious to see what his next movie role will be.

5. A buddy of mine, Doug, made the argument that Lebron has to go to New York because the NBA needs New York and Los Angeles to be good. It's in the best interest of the league. Obviously, the Lakers are fine with Kobe and Gasol (both of whom have a few years left in the tank). But the Knicks haven't recovered from the Scott Layden and Isiah Thomas era's.

While I agree with this argument, I think the answer is not Lebron in NY. But rather Dwayne Wade needs to go to New York. He'll bring a similar level of excitement and competiveness. That'll allow LeBron to stay in Cleveland. Then just give Wade some help (Knicks have the money)...and now you're talking. New York will be good again. Cleveland will be a contender every year. So will Orlando as long as Howard is there. Boston has it's next star in Rajon Rondo. That just leaves Chicago...and Rose and Noah gives them a good foundation. Problem solved. You're welcome, David Stern.

6. My current favorite term to use is 'Gum Dick'. You know what a gum dick is. Just think of that nice person who goes to Costco and buys a bulk sized package of Trident. That person then carries around at least one pack of Trident everywhere he/she goes. And everytime he/she takes out a piece, he/she always is nice and offers a piece to every one standing or sitting in the vicinity. Because that's the nice thing to do. Unfortunately, you always have that one person who just has to say no. Becaus that person is...a 'Gum Dick'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GITSZUEqaL8

7. Did anyone check out my guest blog last week? That was some of my finest work in the blogosphere world. Guess my readership will never grow...

8. I've noticed that I spend a lot of time at work in the bathroom. And there's always a story or a funny/weird thing that happens in there. Whether it was the previously mentioned (see April's weekly random thoughts post) question of whether you say 'bless you' when in the stall...to the guy who doesn't wash his hands...to the guy who has to answer his phone while on the toilet or even at the urinal...to the strange conversations you walk into between your boss and manager while you are awkwardly sitting in the stall taking a #2. I think this would make for a great blog idea..."Shit that happens when I go to the bathroom at work." Heck, I might even make something I write about each week.

Anyway, this weeks story:

There are two urinals at work. One is higher up than the other. I guess this is for people of varying heights. One day I walk in and the higher urinal is occupied. I'm not one to wait, so I walk up to lower urinal and start to do my business. The guy next to me gets done and is quickly replaced by another guy who walks in with perfect timing. The new guy standing next to me unzips and their is a brief moment of silence...you know, except for the sound of us peeing. Then the guy looks over at me and says, "You know that urinal is for little boys. This one is for men." Another pause. I smile and give a fake laugh. Then I turned and pissed on his shoe. I zipped up...and said sarcastically, "Good one". What a 'Gum Dick'.

(PS - I made up the last three sentences.)

That's all I got for this week. Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend every one.

Summer Movie Preview: June 2010

So May has come to an end and this has to go down as one of the most disappointing May's in summer box office history. Every movie that came out underwhelmed. We already saw two box office bombs. Three more box office disappointments. And not a single well reviewed major movie.

Let's recap quickly (check out my May movie preview at http://bypremier.blogspot.com/2010/05/2010-summer-movie-preview-may.html.)

I predicted Iron Man 2 to do huge business. It did well opening weekend, but $128mm was still below expectations. It's done over $277mm so far, but looks to come in just around the $318mm the first one made. Everyone thought the sequel would make more than the first one, but audiences were not too pleased with the second one. Hopefully, the third one can rediscover the greatness of the first entry.

Robin Hood did OK business, but won't make more than the Kevin Costner version. This will be another blow to the box office clout of Russell Crowe.

If any movie exceeded expectations, it was Letters from Juliet. The romantic movie will finish will a good $45-50mm. Amanda Seyfried will be a huge star if she keeps this up (she was in Mamma Mia and Dear John). Who would have thought when Mean Girls came out, that Lindsay Lohan would be the third biggest star of the movie (following Rachel McAdams and Seyfried).

Just Wright and McGruber came and went in the blink of an eye. Neither made much of a dent at the box office and will go on to enjoy a nice run on DVD. McGruber was especially a huge flop, not even making back its estimated $10mm budget. It may have single-handedly killed any hope of future SNL skit to screen movies.

Shrek 4 also did decent business, but easily came in as the worst performing in the franchise. Sure it'll be the #1 movie two weekends in a row, but...

...that's because Sex and the City 2 and Prince of Persia both came up short at the box office. It's clear that audiences were not screaming for a second Sex and the City movie, when the first one wrapped things up perfectly. Audiences were also not screaming for Jake Gyllenhall as an action hero. SATC 2 will make over $!00mm, but come up far short of the first entry. Prince of Persia won't even make $100mm, and won't even 50% of the estimated $150mm budget. There goes Jake's franchise hopes.

Let's hope June has more to offer...I know the movie studios and theaters hope so:

JUNE 2010:

Get Him to the Greek: A chance to qualify under #4 and #8.

Starring: Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, and P. Diddy

This movie has an outside chance to be this summer’s breakout comedy hit. A sequel of sorts to “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (in the way that “Evan Almighty” was a sequel to “Bruce Almighty”), “Greek” takes the rocker Aldris Snow from the first movie and makes him the star. The red band trailer looks partially funny, but I expect a lot more crazy stuff to happen in the movie. The star here will be Brand (aka Katy Perry’s lucky boyfriend) and he could put himself on another level if this movie finds much success. However, his humor also has the ability to turn lots of people off with its brashness and outrageousness. Expect a final gross in the $50-55mm final gross matching “Sarah Marshall’s” total.

Pros: A star making turn for Russell Brand?

Cons: “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” wasn't exactly the biggest hit and didn't really cry out for sequel. Also, too raunchy to be a breakout hit?

Killers: A chance to qualify under #5 and #9.

Starring: Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, and Tom Selleck.

Directed by: Robert Luketic

People are comparing this movie to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith", but it looks like a more PG version of "True Lies". Except no James Cameron and no Arnold. Plus, Kutcher is no Brad Pitt or Arnold. So in my opinion, this movie lies squarely on the shoulders of Heigl. Since "Grey's Anatomy" and "Knocked Up", Heigl has shown that she can open up a movie by herself (think "27 Dresses" and "The Ugly Truth"). All her films have finished north of $75mm at the box office and I expect "Killers" to do the same.

Pros: Couple friendly concept and stars. Friendly rating. Almost critic proof (see "Bounty Hunter", which will finish with over $60mm at the box office).

Cons: The movie is almost guaranteed to be bad.

Splice: A chance to qualify under #5.

Starring: Adrian Brody and Sarah Polley.

A very interesting horror/suspense movie that combines science and monsters. This has a bit of "Species" mixed in with "Mimic" and I could see it being a breakout hit of sorts as something different during the summer season of bang and boom. The trailers do a good job of adding intrigue while giving you a glimpse of the creature. No name stars might hurt, but I actually think it helps in these types of films (see "District 9"). Stars would only take away from the premise and that is what will sell this film. Expect a straight-to-DVD sequel. Final gross will be a solid $75mm.

Pros: Did I mention the premise?

Cons: These types of movies don't make $100mm (District 9 is the exception).

The A-Team: Qualifies under #2 and #3.

Starring: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlito Copley, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, and Jessice Biel.

Directed by: Joe Carnahan

Now this is a movie that I'm really looking forward to. I think the casting is superb. The director's choice is spot on. And this TV show has been screaming for a movie. Now, apparently I don't speak for everyone out there (why is that?). The trailers have been both cool and ridiculous (C'mon, the tank flying in the air). But I think the movie isn't meant to be taken seriously. You come for the famous lines ("I love it when a plan comes together"), the overacting, the action sequences, and the theme song (the whistle part always gets me). This movie will make at least $150mm, but has a chance to top $200mm if the reviews are positive.

Pros: Supposedly one of the coolest action sequences ever. And a possible Mr. T cameo.

Cons: Could it be more "GI Joe" than "Star Trek"?

The Karate Kid: Qualifies under #3

Starring: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, and Taraj P. Henson

This movie has set off a firestorm online. Fans of the original movie are in an uproar that their beloved film is being remade with a privileged son of a famous movie star (that would be Will "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" Smith). Throw in people upset that the movie takes place in China and should factually be known as "The Kung Fu Kid", as well as the Asian population that should be mad that the black kid is clearly going to get the cute little Asian girl at the end of the movie (while kicking the Asian boys ass in a fight) and you can understand why this movie has failure and boycott written all over it. But somewhere between all that madness, people actually started feeling sorry for the movie (kind of like in sports when someone is underrated for so long that they become overrated – see Ben Wallace). Then started the outcry of "Give the movie a chance", "It's actually pretty good", and "Wouldn't you do the same for your son if you could". My prediction, this movie will be a huge hit. The movie will be one of the better reviewed movies of the summer. Jaden Smith will be on his way to super stardom. And the movie will make a ton overseas. It will be this year's Star Trek...put it in the books for $175mm.

Pros: Based on a popular 80's movie and pays proper homage to it. Will reach out to the Asian and African American audiences.

Cons: Still potential for fan backlash. Ralph Macchio might give this movie his blessing, which will actually kill the movie's prospects.

Jonah Hex: Qualifies under #2, #4

Starring: Josh Brolin, Megan Fox, Wil Arnett, and John Malkovich.

Another "based on the comic book/graphic novel" that very few people ever heard of. The backstory on the making of this movie just cries out "bust of the summer" (change of directors, rewrites, Megan Fox's acting)...but then the first trailer came out and I must say I was impressed. Brolin seems tailor made for this role, Fox is her usual sexy self, and the action looks pretty sick. However, it also has a little too much "Wild, Wild, West" in it. I say it bombs, finishing with a box office gross of $50mm (and I really wanted to like this movie. Heck, I’ll probably still go and see it).

Pros: Brolin makes for a better action star than Kutcher. Megan Fox in a corset. Malkovich always kills as the bad guy ("In the Line of Fire" anyone?)

Cons: Bad buzz. Trailers are supposed to look cool, but if they show all the good parts then the movie will suck.

Toy Story 3: Qualifies under #3, #7

Featuring voice by: Tom Hanks and Tim Allen.

One of the few guarantees of the summer. Pixar is can't miss. They are the Jason Heyward/Justin Beiber/child of Tom Brady and Giselle of the movie business. You know exactly what you're going to get. A great movie for all age. Some funny moments. A few touching moments. A great story. And a reason to believe in the beauty of movies again. I can't wait.
But this time the geniuses at Pixar are making it's first ever threequel. And people are starting to express doubt and fear. Doubt that the original ideas are running out. Fear that they are only doing this for the merchandising rights and because Disney demanded it. Well, I say to all those doubters and naysayers...Pixar has given you at least eight reasons why you shouldn't doubt them. And even if it's not as good as the first two, aren't you just a bit glad to see Woody and Buzz one more time. I say it makes $275mm gross.

Pros: Toy Story 1. Toy Story 2. The child in all of us.

Cons: Not many third parts of a franchise are that good. C'mon who am I kidding. There are no cons.

Grown Ups: Qualifies under #8

Starring: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade, Rob Schneider, and Salma Hayek.

Directed by: Dennis Dugan

A comedy dream team starring some of the most celebrated and successful SNL alumni. Sandler looks to bounce back after last year's disappointing "Funny People", while the others are just looking to score another big box office hit (sad that Kevin James might be the biggest box office draw out of them all). However, the trailers have yet to make me laugh. Just like the "Funny People" trailers didn't make me laugh. And they keep trying to sell us on the stars (understandably so with this comedy all star lineup) instead of the actual movie. Much like "Funny People" tried to sell us on Apatow. So, I'm not sold on this film. I think it has a chance to be more like "Mr. Deeds" or "Click" than "50 First Dates" or "Big Daddy" on the Adam Sandler scale of greatness. I say this one barely makes $100mm.

Pros: Sandler + Rock + James + Spade + Schneider = Guaranteed to make the teenage and young boys laugh.

Cons: Doesn't it make you wish Chris Farley was there instead of Kevin James. A little too much Salma Hayek in the trailers - not bad if you're a Salma fan, bad if you have hopes of this being a funny movie.

Knight & Day:

Starring: Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz

Directed by: James Mangold

Could this be the movie that reminds us why Cruise was once the biggest movie star in the world? I think it could be. The trailers make me laugh. The action looks slick. Even Diaz comes off at the top of her game. I really think this movie has a chance to garner some good reviews and a pretty box office take. I say it finishes with a $200mm gross.

Pros: Cruise and Diaz are both big box office draws in the right type of film. This is that type of film.

Cons: A corny title. It should have been called Knight & Deay and starred Bobby Knight and Parker Deay.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse – Qualifies under #3

Starring: Kristin Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, and Dakota Fanning.

Are you ready for more pasty faced vampires and shirtless werewolves? Based on the killer box office figures of the first two Twilight films, I’m going to say yes (yes, yes, a thousand times yes). The trailer for Eclipse recently premiered to rousing fan approval. This one looks like it might actually ramp up the action a bit, which could bring in some non-diehards. However, this movie is now in the Harry Potter realm of franchises. The movies will all see final grosses in the same range (Harry Potter makes $260-300mm domestic, Twilight makes about $290-300mm domestic). This is another one of the summer’s locks. A can’t miss.

Pros: Twi-hards. Team Edward. Team Jacob.

Cons: I still don’t get the appeal. The first two were boring to me and almost tortuous to watch. And I don’t think I’m alone on the front.


Check back at the end of June for my thoughts on July movies.