So, you’re GOING to leave a tip, right? (WTF!?)

The SHOOT OF THE WEEK returns as I get in front of the camera for a little rant about an incident I experienced today where a CASHIER at Roosters restaurant basically demanded a tip from me when I showed up to carry out some food.

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Enter SANDMAN! The newest addition to my family of Iron Justice.

LK’s Firearm Review takes a diligent look at the mighty Desert Eagle Mark XIX in the .50 Action Express caliber followed by firing demonstration (and maybe a special “guest”).

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I took April and her mom to see this with a couple friends last night……

I’d agree that moments of it were really well done. I thought Suzan Crowley (nice name) was fantastic and wished her character would’ve gotten more screen time. She had a very effective presence, as the entire audience’s whispers and random cluttering in the packed theater fell completely silent when she hit the screen. She had us in the palm of her hand the whole segment of her daughter, Isabella, visiting her the first time. Good stuff.

But, the movie overall felt rushed and borrowed a little too much from Paranormal Activity in terms of character development and general presentation. I know there are only so many ways to present a found-footage film, but there was definitely a PA vibe in a lot of it for me. The Blair Witch Project succeeded in making the story a real-life type place and event, whereas The Devil Inside falls a tad short. To me, it never felt like this was something that could really happen aside from Crowley being on-screen, and again, her time with us was limited.

The ending…………… (not really a spoiler but a definite hint of the impact it made, read on if you’d like to know more).

Right after the climax and the fade to black, you just knew something else was going to happen. When it didn’t, and the audience realized the movie was over, there was a collective groan in complete unison amongst everyone in the theater (myself included). “Really, is that it???” There was even booing, and rightfully so. Personally, I thought for sure we’d see Maria (Crowley) at the very end. If even a short clip of her in her room or something. So much they could’ve done with that. *Sigh*

Eh, honestly, the movie left me with the same feeling I have when I’m dumb enough to order a Floyd Mayweather fight: A lot of hype, build up, and a big shit-sandwich at the end. At least this didn’t cost me $55.00. The Devil Inside is raking in millions. But, I have a feeling the sequel is gonna leave quite a bit to be desired for the studio. I was in a packed room filled with what seemed like no less than a couple hundred people, and every one of them left disappointed. Not cool.

If you’re curious about seeing this movie and want my opinion — if you’re looking for a little shock and awe and a few jumps, go see it. You’ll be amused. However, if you want a great movie with a compelling story that develops well and ultimately delivers, save your money. Pop in The Exorcist and see it done correctly.

Related posts:

1. Random Thoughts on Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D (aka Leatherface 3D)
2. Thoughts on Louisville beating Kentucky,
   Taking back the Governor’s Cup

Meet Lorenzo!

A follow up video to the Sig Sauer P239 review where the Beretta 92FS made a couple cameos. This review looks a little closer at the 92 and cites some of it’s features.

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1. Sig Sauer P239 Review – .40S&W

Hello Brutus!

A close, detailed look at the Sig Sauer P239 and it’s nice features.

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It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything horror-related. In a world full of cheap Hollywood ripoffs (often masqueraded as ‘remakes’), sissy vampires, and a never-ending assembly line of zombies galore — there hasn’t been a whole lot going on to stimulate my interest as of late. With next summer’s Prometheus being the lone beacon of intrigue in this sea of rehash and staleness for some time, I was quite surprised when I started to hear about a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre film that actually sounds interesting.

First and foremost — this film is going to be a SEQUEL, not another silly remake. And not just any sequel, but a continuation of the original movie. That alone was enough to get my attention. As I began to follow the pre-production, I was pleasantly surprised to find an exhilarating ensemble of TCM alumni involved in this project.

The new film will mark the return of Gunnar Hansen to the franchise for the first time since the original, albeit a cameo. While Gunnar is not returning as Leatherface, just knowing he will be in the new movie immediately gives it a boost in credibility. I hope he gets his hands on a chainsaw at some point in the film. Even if it doesn’t make sense to the story. I just wanna see it one more time!

Also returning to the series is the original scream queen, Marilyn Burns, who starred as Sally Hardesty in the first film. This will mark only her second appearance in a TCM picture since 1974.

Most casual fans aren’t aware she had a small, uncredited cameo in 1994′s Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (aka TCM4). The film’s one redeeming quality, IMO.

*SPOILER ALERT!*

For those who haven’t seen it, she is the woman at the end of the film being pushed on the gurney (by Paul Partain, Franklin from TCM1!) where yet another TCM alumni John Dugan (more on him in a minute) is explaining to Renee Zellweger’s character that “this isn’t the first time something like this has happened.”

If you’d like to save yourself from wasting the time of sitting through the entire movie (don’t say I didn’t warn you), you can check the scene out below.

*END SPOILER!*

A strong reference to the first movie and again, the only scene in TCM4 worth viewing. As a fan, it really makes you wish the movie had been 100 times better so that great ending could’ve really meant something to the franchise instead of going mostly unnoticed and largely unseen. But, in today’s world — movies that have been made over 10 years ago technically never happened, right? Sure seems that way.

Marilyn Burns returning to the fray only adds to the excitement. Although she is not returning as Sally Hardesty, I’m hearing her new role was more than just a cameo, contrary to what was previously reported when news of her signing onto the project first broke. Score!

John Dugan, who played Grandpa in the classic TCM, and the cop in the TCM4 scene above, is also back for TCM 3D. IMDB.com currently has him listed as Grandfather in the new film, as is the listing for the original. I have received confirmation that he is indeed reprising THE Grandpa role and this makes him the only returning star that will be playing his original character. Congratulations to kitleyskrypt.com for having the only decent-res pic of John Dugan readily available on the net. Didn’t have time to root through 20 pages of google results.

And last of the returning TCM alumni, but certainly not least, is a man who probably doesn’t need much of an introduction in the modern era, as he’s been involved in a handful of feature films in the last several years (House of 1,000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects, Rob Zombie’s Halloween). For the new film, Bill Moseley will be taking over the role of Drayton Sawyer (aka, the Cook) previously played by the late Jim Siedow.

Moseley, as most are aware, played Chop Top in TCM2. He already has chainsaw DNA in his blood, and I can think of no one better suited to take over Siedow’s role than him. I am very intrigued to see his version of Drayton.

Tobe Hooper, the man who directed the 1974 masterpiece, had originally agreed to make an appearance in TCM 3D as well. But sadly, he was not able to make it to the shoot and his scene was subsequently omitted. Bummer.

According to a leaked version of the script that’s been floating around, the story as we now understand it picks up right where Tobe Hooper’s groundbreaking horror prodigy left off, then flashes forward 30 years where a young woman travels to Texas to collect her inheritance and eventually learns Leatherface is her cousin. Eh, not sure exactly how I feel about that. But, it can’t be any worse than having Leatherface cross-dressed in drag and running around screaming like a little bitch, right?

Then, there’s Trey Songz…

The first bit of news (is that really this kid’s stage name?) about the movie I found disappointing. With all these stars coming back who have such strong ties to the original story, they decide to bring in a hip-hop artist? First thing — I’ve never heard of this guy, which actually isn’t at all unusual for me. I honestly couldn’t name one artist in or around the top 40 these days. But suddenly, thoughts of Halloween H20 and Resurrection are dancing around in my head. Are they trying to widen an audience that they feel may only appeal to hardcore fans of TCM1? Or, is this kid simply using a horror movie to help jump-start his crossover film career? Either way, why does the movie need this? I’d be willing to bet he’s never even seen the original. Just seems like a very out-of-place casting decision and something I view as completely unnecessary for this project. I just hope he isn’t in the film primarily to fit the stereo-typical every slasher film must now have a black guy who is in the movie solely because he’s black, and every decision his character makes is based on the fact that he is black and everyone else is not. Not entertaining. Got more than my fill of this worn out garbage on the Friday the 13th remake, and every other movie they’ve tainted with it. That isn’t horror and has no place in the genre. Save the racial innuendo for the political arena. I don’t go to the theater to hear about it. That said, hopefully Trey is bringing something to the table that will entertain horror fans and contribute to the story in an effective way. Otherwise, adding him to the cast is just a stupid marketing ploy.

Next, in the beginning I wondered why they went with a new actor (Dan Yeager) to play Leatherface instead of bringing Andrew Bryniarski back, who I felt was stellar in the role in the two Plantinum Dunes movies. But, then I quickly realized that again, it’s been almost 10 years since the 2003 remake (already!), and Lionsgate probably want to separate their movie as far from that version as possible. Afterall, what could you really do with a one-armed Leatherface 30 years later?

Dan Yeager has been Facebooking quite a bit lately and has stated: “I am staying as faithful as I can to the work that Gunner Hansen did in the original.” And also adding: “We just finished a long day of shooting, culminating in a pivotal scene. It’s one of the major elements of the script that makes me believe we are making an extraordinary movie.”

I asked him a couple direct questions, inquiring about Tobe Hooper’s cameo along with Gunnar, Marilyn, John, and Bill. He offered a diligent response which I’ll share with you below:

“Tobe didn’t make it. I don’t know why, but we were hopeful he’d be there up to the end, but it didn’t work out. I know he has a lot going on. John Dugan did make it and did continue his role as Grandpa. Gunnar was there and did his cameo. Bill Moseley and Marilyn Burns also played roles, though they were both more substantial than cameos. I’m going to visit with Gunnar next week. I look forward to getting his take on the project. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see a lot of what they were doing as they were shooting days on first unit and I was shooting nights on second unit. I did manage to have a cigar with Gunnar and take a few pictures. I hope you like the movie. We are a month away from the director finishing his cut. If I get to see it, I’ll let you know. A year from today, everyone will know if we did the thing justice. I think we did.”

– Dan Yeager (Leatherface)

With all this I am definitely intrigued to see this film. Of course, I could do without the 3D aspect, but that is what sells tickets these days so I’ll overlook it. Studio has to maximize their return. The things we’ve learned about this film easily make it the most interesting sequel/remake/prequel in the series to date IMO. To actually see the classic story continued properly by some of the people who helped make it automatically sells me on a theater ticket. I love the fact that Leatherface’s real name in this film is Jed Sawyer, and not Thomas Hewitt like in the last two movies. They are ignoring those and taking everything back to the original roots. In today’s day and age, I am actually shocked at this. But, absolutely stoked about it at the same time. I just hope this doesn’t turn out to be another letdown. While that is possible, somehow I tend to doubt that will happen with this one.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D opens 10.5.2012.

My apologies for this post being a little all over the place at times. But hey, that’s why I called it Random Thoughts!

Stay bloodthirsty, my friends…

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Yep, it’s that time again! Fall is in full swing, October is here, and so is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Guys, make sure you are all doing your parts!

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1. Happy October!
2. Countdown to Autumn Equinox 2011

Last weekend I watched as Louisville upset Kentucky in the Battle of the Bluegrass and took home the prestigious Governor’s Cup.

I remember last year, just before the rivalry game, during Charlie Strong’s inaugural season and the beginning of the Krag Holocaust cleanup. I made the comment on CardChronicle.com that if “UK gets us one more time while we’re weak, I’ll go ahead and say it’ll be the last time we lose to them for a while.” With Randall Cobb, Kentucky beat the Cards 23-16. No surprise there.

This year, however, I don’t understand why Louisville were the underdogs despite it being a road game. I think people put a little too much stock in the loss to FIU. Keeping in mind that FIU (currently 3-0 at the time of this publication) is a promising program on the rise, and Louisville were completely out of sorts in their first two games, the Cardinals were still able to compete with the Panthers and put themselves in a position to tie the game at the end and send it to OT. Kentucky, on the other hand, looked abysmal in both their first two games against Western KY and C. Michigan. As a fan I felt confident about the Battle of the Bluegrass this year, and the Cards did not disappoint. The tandem of Teddy Bridgewater and Dominique Brown proved to be too much for the Cats as Louisville walked out of Commonwealth Stadium with a 24-17 victory and the Governor’s Cup in hand for the first time since 2006.

Might not sound like too much, especially to anyone outside this state. But, watching a program go from winning the BCS Orange Bowl, with a passionate head coach and a team comprised of hungry, vicious beasts…





…to dwindling down, seemingly in an instant, to what I perceived as a bunch of cute little school boys skipping around with candy bars under the tutelage (using the term very loosely) of one Steve Kragthorpe…

“During the Petrino era, I thought that Bobby ran a tight ship. One of the things that he did well was he had his assistant coaches take ownership of their players. They were always checking in with us and monitoring our grades, etc. In 2008 after I had left we started hearing that Kragthorpe inherited a mess, he inherited a bunch of hoodlums, etc. I did not like that and neither did a lot of my former teammates.”

“I was proud to be a member of the football program from 2003-2007 and thought/think that we left it in a better place than we found it.”

Credit

To see Charlie Strong take over this program and have such an immediate impact as to lead the Cardinals to a winning season complete with a bowl game and victory his first year, to seeing him walk into Commonwealth Stadium for the first time and snatch the Governor’s Cup with a team that not only can compete, but has a sheer desire to win, is nothing short of exhilarating and akin to the days of old.





Now, obviously I’m a big Louisville fan. That said, I usually don’t get too involved in the rivalry smack talk or otherwise never-ending jargon between the two sides. Fans of both teams will always run their mouths — whether they’re having respectful debates (HA!), heated arguments, fist fights, or just plain running their mouths. No point in attempting to be the peace maker or the one who finally brings so many irrefutable facts that the arguments are settled. Won’t happen. It’ll go on forever. To the residents of this state — Kentucky/Louisville is every bit like Michigan/Ohio St. & Oklahoma/Texas in football, and exactly like UNC/Duke in hoops. There will be no truce, ever. So, when Kentucky fans talk the talk — I’m just not interested beyond a quick one-liner. Gone are the days where I’d actually let a UK fan bait me into a long, drawn out battle of words and wit (HA!), only to dispatch them, one after another, then start up the same discussion again a few days later with someone new and repeat the whole process over and over again. Boring. So, I don’t spend any time addressing anything a rival fan has to say, unless it is an actual question or comment with merit and legitimacy, or unless I’m just having some laughs with someone I know.

But, when the PLAYERS do the smack talking — that’s a different story. I’ve always said it isn’t Kentucky’s players (basketball, football, or otherwise) that incite my distaste for the university. It’s the fans. I generally respect the athletes and don’t have anything bad to say. However, just before this year’s Battle of the Bluegrass, there were some interesting comments made by a couple of Kentucky’s players:

“We don’t want to be that team that lost to Louisville, and we’re not going to let it happen.” –UK LB Ronnie Sneed

“Yes sir, we are beating Louisville this year. And Tennessee. Those are two guaranteed wins. Guarantee it.” –UK DL Collins Ukwu

I see.


*Chuckle*

At any rate, for me, this victory was the final separation from the Kragthorpe era. Three major fan-expectations have been met in under two seasons:

1. Achieve a winning season.

2. Go to a bowl game (and win).

3. BEAT KENTUCKY!

Proud of my Louisville Cardinals, our coaches, our athletic director, and fans.

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1. Props to my Louisville Cardinals!
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Last night the boxing world got treated to yet another healthy dose of Floyd Mayweather.

First off, major kudos to Larry Merchant for providing us the highlight of the night by punking Mayweather out in front of the world. Nicely done and well deserved. Floyd took a giant crap right on the sport and the fans by sucker-punching Victor Ortiz, then went on an unprofessional tirade straight out of the ghetto. Wouldn’t be surprised if he and his ignorant cronies broke into Merchant’s car and stole his stereo before heading to the hotel, just to put an exclamation point on the disgrace they left in the ring.

I’m sure the few Floyd supporters that are left out there will defend his actions by saying Ortiz shouldn’t have headbutted him. And, you are correct. He shouldn’t have. But, as everyone is fully aware, the referee issues the penalties, not the fighter. Ortiz had a point taken away which was justified since the butt was clearly intentional. And you can hear Joe Cortez say “let’s go” to the fighters before he looks at the timekeeper. So, technically Mayweather was totally justified in continuing to fight at that point. But, the decision to do so when the opponent isn’t fully aware the ref’s timeout is over was cowardly and nothing short of bad sportsmanship. Floyd saw his opportunity to escape from the fight and he took it, all the while ripping off everyone in the building and the fans who bought the PPV at home.

Incidents like this is exactly what turns people away from boxing. Fans who wanted to see this fight were charged $60 for the pay per view, only to have Floyd Mayweather spit right in their faces, then listen as he actually had the gall to say “thank you” for buying the show. Mayweather is a disgrace to the sport and should not be allowed to fight on PPV again until he finally agrees to fight Manny Pacquiao, period. And should he decide to give Ortiz a rematch (which I tend to doubt will happen) it should be free.

I cannot wait to see Manny rip this fraud to shreds.

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As I annually do right around this time of year when the hot, hazy, miserable wrath of sweltering summer is in full swing; here is the countdown to the autumn equinox of 2011, which officially kicks off the Fall season and sounds the death knell for the triple digit heat indexes.

I’m sure I’ll be looking at this thing often.

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1. Happy New Year!