Archive for the 'The Top 9' Category

The Top 9 Ways to Piss Me Off in the Movie Theater

9. Asking stupid questions out loud. Surprisingly, I don’t mind if you talk during the movie. Sometimes a well-placed joke can make a boring film better. But I do mind if you start asking dumb questions about the characters or the plot that will be clearly answered in time if you just pay attention and shut the @#$% up.

8. Sitting next to me and texting during the the movie. Ever notice what happens when the movie starts? The lights turn off. That means it goes dark in the theater and any light not coming from the screen is really distracting. Don’t sit next to me and text message your stupid friends about the gangbang you’re going to after the movie because your annoying cellphone is shining its stupid light in my eyes.

7. Leaving your obnoxious ringtone ready to play at full blast. Cellphone ringtones are glorified midi files with awful melodies and atrocious sound f/x. Still, I’m aware that the majority of Americans are going deaf from listening to their Bon Jovi mp3s too loud on their iPods, so I try to be merciful. But if you refuse to put your cellphone on vibrate and you have an annoying ringtone, either leave the phone at home or don’t sit in my theater.

6. Throwing your trash under my feet. I love being a slob at the movies just as much as the next guy. But don’t throw your garbage under my seat or anywhere else in my personal sloppy space. I don’t want to stand up and step on your half-eaten nachos or your sticky leftover Sour Patch Kids sugar. And I especially don’t want to step in a puddle of your warm Dr. Pepper.

5. Pulling on or tugging at my chair as you go to and from your seat. This sounds like an obscure complaint, but it happens all the time. A lot of people out there must be gravity challenged because this never fails to piss me off. When you’re in the row behind me and you have to piss in the middle of the movie, don’t use the back of my seat as a shaky hand rail on your way out to the bathroom AND on your way back in.

4. Making excessively loud eating noises. Sneaking food into the movies is a grand tradition that I proudly participate in to the fullest. But if you’re bringing your own food into the theater, don’t eat it so @#$%ing loud that I can’t hear the movie. To the guy who sat next to me in Speed Racer — you don’t need to crunch everything with your mouth wide open and then audibly schlurp your fingers clean when you’re done.

3. Sitting next to me and eat nasty food. I’ll never forget when I went to see the Blair Witch Project. The whiny woman who sat down next to me had a concession stand hot dog, and it smelled like rotting ham. As the lights began to dim, I quickly glanced at the nasty wiener and I kid you not — it was pale gray. If you’re going to eat something gross and/or fetid at the movies, go sit next to someone other than me.

2. Applauding during or after the film. This isn’t a concert, jackass. There are no live performers to feel the appreciation of your applause. It’s a bunch of still images strung together on a thin strip of gelatin that gets played real fast through a projector. That strip of film doesn’t give a @#$% whether you clap or not. Laugh, gasp, scream, whatever. I don’t care. Just don’t clap for the moving pictures.

1. Kicking the back of my seat. I understand that for some especially tall people out there, certain movie theater seating just doesn’t have enough leg room. But is it really necessary to thwack the back of my seat throughout the entire movie? No, it’s not. And you’re a moron if you do it. And I will turn around and tell you off too — in the middle of the film with no hesitation — if it gets to be too much.

Next: The Top 9 Superhero Vehicles!

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is better. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

The Top 9 Things That Suck About Modern Movies

I don’t like to complain about somebody else’s work, especially when I’m not already a creator of the thing I’m trashing. But I’ll make an exception for modern movies. I’m talking about stuff like The Dark Knight and Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. To be safe, let’s say that these following 9 suck factors apply to most movies of the mid-to-late ’00s.

9. The comedy scripts are really dumb and the drama scripts are way too serious.

8. Everything is “dark” all the time. What the fuck does that even mean?

7. Almost every big budget action movie is now a psychological thriller.

6. Catch phrases and reoccurring gags, while formerly being kickass or fun, are now just annoying.

5. Three names that tell me a movie could be better with different actors: Gyllenhaal, Ferrell, and Bale.

4. Do youth always have to be corrupted as their elders reveal a shocking hidden secret?

3. CG in live action films, while having the ability to be excellent, is overused and tends to look like shit.

2. 90 minutes is all I need. If your movie is over 120 minutes, chances are it sucks. A lot.

1. Getting nominated for an Oscar basically means that I will not enjoy watching your movie.

Of course, this doesn’t apply to everything. Some superhero films (notably Iron Man and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer) have been excellent. And animated films have been solid (I’m looking at you, Kung Fu Panda).

Next: The Top 9 Ways to Piss Me Off in the Movie Theater!

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is better. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

The Top 9 Best Moments from Avatar: The Last Airbender

In honor of the completion of Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender animated TV series, here are nine moments from the epic saga that shine brighter than the rest:

9. “It’s important that you be prepared for anything!” (Book 1 Chapter 5)

8. The Firebending Masters shoot colored flames (Book 3 Chapter 13)

7. Aang becomes a giant water monster to fight the Fire Nation (Book 1 Chapter 20)

6. Katara learns bloodbending and fights Hama (Book 3 Chapter 8)

5. Sokka and Momo trip on cactus juice (Book 2 Chapter 11)

4. Suki captures the Warden at Boiling Rock prison (Book 3 Chapter 15)

3. Wan Shi Tong’s Spirit Library (Book 2 Chapter 10)

2. “Flameyo Hotman!” (Book 3 Chapter 2)

1. Aang energybends to take away Fire Lord Ozai’s bending ability (Book 3 Chapter 21)

I co-wrote this list with Justique. She nominated a few moments I never would have thought of (see numbers 9, 4, and 1), while I definitely had a few that weren’t at the top of her list (in particular, number 3). Then, of course, there were a few unanimous nominations that couldn’t be denied (especially numbers 8, 5, and 2).

It’s all in your court now, M. Night Shyamalan. If you’re going to write, produce, and direct the live action Airbender movies, you better be on the ball. Don’t @#$% this one up!!!

Next: The Top 9 Things That Suck About Modern Movies!

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is better. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

Top 9 Reasons Why The My Sassy Girl Remake Will Suck

Nick isn’t the only one who can do one of these Top 9 Lists. While he takes the week off, let’s take a minute to chat about My Sassy Girl.

The original 2001 film is definitely in my top 10. It was a great example of how foreign film is totally capable of handing Hollywood its own ass. Sure, it was a romcom, but it was a good one. I was pretty psyched to hear that it was being remade and I followed it for a little while, but eventually lost touch. Fast forward to Sunday when I was looking for art for Monday’s post, I remembered that Elisha Cuthbert was slated to play the lead. It was then I realized the dire situation.

9. Remaking Asian movies was a big thing 4 years ago, but it has cooled down a lot since then. Not much hype to cash in on now.

8. Jesse Bradford, the dude from Bring It On? Are you effing serious? The protagonist role calls for a dopey dude, someone more down on his luck and not so smug.

7. Elisha Cuthbert, while ridiculously cute, is way too chipper and perky to play the girl.

6. I’m 75% sure they removed the AWOL soldier scene.

5. The trailer. Don’t believe me? Here is a version of the same voice over/dialogue dubbed over footage from the original movie. I think it speaks for itself.

4. The movie posters! Which of these would you rather see? A dude getting a noogie or something resembling a Meg Ryan movie?

My Sassy Girl (2001) Movie Poster My Sassy Girl (2008) Movie Poster

3. Anna Faris wasn’t cast in the lead role. Did you see Just Friends? She would have been perfect for this. Alternatively, Zooey Deschanel.

2. 99% chance that the girl’s catchphrase ‘Wanna Die!?’ was eliminated

1. The sure sign this was all a terrible idea: direct to DVD!

*Sigh* remakes… more like My Sappy Girl. I really hope the movie proves me wrong. Until then, I will be awaiting the red envelope. (DVD release is scheduled for Aug. 26th)

Next: The Top 9 Best Moments from Avatar: The Last Airbender! (for real this time!!!)

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is a better number. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

The Top 9 Least Intimidating Supervillains (Just in Time for SDCC 2008)

Let’s get right to it:

9. Circus of Crime - It’s not that that clowns aren’t scary because they are. But a whole crew of baddies based on the entertainment you’d find under a big top? It just seems so innocent and goofy. They’re not making me shake in my boots. They may very well be both hilarious AND dangerous, but not intimidating.

8. Vulture - Anyone that can drop me from up high and snap my neck gets a few automatic intimidation points. But the ruffled green suit takes a few of those points away. Then you find out that this guy is a crotchety, frail, and elderly kook. That’s when you can say goodbye to all intimidation points.

7. Penguin - Okay, seriously, he is creepy as hell in Batman Returns. But in the comic books, Oswald Cobblepot is a bit jollier and a lot less grimy. He’s like a rotund dwarf straight out of some Willy Wonka wonderland. Plus, he has a fantastic umbrella collection. I repeat… an umbrella collection.

6. Baron Zemo - Back when he was bad, Zemo didn’t have much in terms of intimidation except for a laser gun and the occasional mind control device. What he did have plenty of, however, was the color fuchsia, watermelon stripes, and snow leopard fur trim. Talk about a costume that really steals away some thunder…

5. Mister Sinister - I think it’s the weird arching tassels that function as a cape bridge and a collar at the same time. They make the guy look like a total moron. The “pasty pale with glowing red diamond” look takes his edge away too. This week saw the introduction of Miss Sinister. Will she be more intimidating? Only time will tell.

4. Paste-Pot-Pete - Hahahahahaha! Oh Paste Pot Pete, you’re such an unfortunate victim of corny 1960s Marvel Comics humor. Partway through your career, you changed your name to Trapster. But it was too late. The damage was already done. You will forever be remembered as Paste-Pot-Pete, no matter how many tricky or ensnaring traps you set.

3. Black Manta - It’s the helmet, really. Otherwise, I could go either way. He’s not the most impressive bad guy out there, but he’s not the weakest wimp on the scene. Still, that bulbous headgear makes me chortle every time. I actually think it looks sweet… for a Halloween costume making fun of a failed sci-fi movie from the 1950s.

2. Goblin Queen - For Maddie Pryor, it really comes down to the whole package. Her weird S&M meets leather straps fetish costume is pretty goofy. The fact that her name is “Goblin Queen” is worth a giggle. And knowing that she’s a clone with magic powers? Well, that just makes the entirety of this villain seem rather silly.

1. Blacklash / Whiplash - Unfortunately, having a neon green ponytail coming out of his head kind of negates any intimidation factor present… that, and the flowing fuchsia cape. The costume really makes Mark Scarlotti look silly. I mean, getting hit hard with a whip will always inspire a bit of fear. But that fear is easily erased by laughter as soon as you get a look at this guy.

It’s really all about the costume and the look. The powers here are a mix of magic, enhanced strength, super smarts, and expert weaponry. But all of these supervillains have one thing in common: they look lame!

Next: The Top 9 Best Moments from Avatar: The Last Airbender!

EDIT: Nick is otherwise occupied, so Neal will be giving you The Top 9 Reasons Why The My Sassy Girl Remake Will Suck!

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is a better number. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

The Top 9 Most Intimidating Supervillains (Comic Book Villains, Of Course)

This is the list that almost wasn’t. I was ready to make this yet another “the Top 9 reasons the list I said would happen isn’t going to happen,” but I stuck it out and here it is.

9. Blob - Would you want to get stuck in this man’s folds? I don’t think so. Last thing I would want is to be smothered by Fred Duke’s fat.

8. Morlun - I’ve never been more afraid for the safety of a superhero than when Morlun showed up in Amazing Spider-Man and beat the snot out of Spidey.

7. Mystique - A terrorist sociopath that can change her appearance at will. She’s intelligent, cunning, violent, and amoral.

6. Sabretooth - Every year, Sabretooth hunts Wolverine down and beats him within an inch of his life. Then Victor Creed goes off and murders someone Wolvie loves.

5. Venom - Now that Mac Gargan bites off limbs and other body parts from other people when he gets hungry, I’m feeling pretty intimidated.

4. Magneto - I fear Magneto’s deep convictions. He has the will and physical power to act upon whatever he believes to be right (even if it means death and destruction).

3. Cassandra Nova - Charles Xavier strangled his twin sister to death in the womb, but she survived. Then she savagely massacred 16 million mutants using Sentinels assembled from pieces of scrap.

2. Joker - One minute he could be laughing with you and the next minute he could be torturing you to death. Plus, he enjoys it when Batman beats his face in.

1. Doctor Doom - Victor Von Doom is a mad scientist monarch that’s a true master of robotics and disguise (via his Doombots). He’s violent, deceptive, and brilliant. Plus, he’s into magic and he can time travel.

Common themes? Five out of nine villains predominantly tangle with the X-Men. Though I was raised on X-Men comics (and Marvel Comics, for that matter), that was a bit of a surprise to me. There’s also quite a lack of DC Comics supervillains, not to mention characters from other comic book publishers (Shredder, maybe).

Next: The Top 9 Least Intimidating Supervillains!

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is a better number. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

The Top 9 Reasons This Week’s List Isn’t The Top 9 Best Synthesizer Solos

At the end of last week’s Top 9 list, I thought I’d throw readers for a curve and announce this week’s list as “The Top 9 Best Synthesizer Solos.” I should have planned more carefully before I wrote that. Here’s the Top 9 reasons why that list just isn’t going to happen:

9. What I consider to be a genius synth solo just won’t cut it for most people.
8. Do you know how many synthesizer solos there are out there? Exactly, neither do I.
7. Most of my favorite synth lines are actually background parts or repetitive riffs.
6. Almost every single solo on the list would have been played by George Duke.
5. While Raydio has some of the best synth lines ever, they rarely happen as a solo.
4. Do Daft Punk synth parts count as solos or not? They loop them so damn much.
3. The solo from “One Hundred Ways” sounds better sampled in “Rhymes Like Dimes.”
2. Synths get used so much now that your favorite flute solo might actually be synth.
1. The only solo locked down on my list was #1: “Blow Your Head” by Fred Wesley & the JB’s.

And with that said, there’s nothing much else to say. If you have a favorite synth solo, post it in the comments.

Next: The Top 9 Most Intimidating Supervillains!

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is a better number. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

The Top 9 Best Bad Comedy Movies (So Bad They’re Good!)

Okay, seriously, if these nine comedy movies were actually bad, I wouldn’t like them. By “bad,” I mean “in bad taste” or not received well by the movie going public.

9. Houseguest (1995)
8. Bachelor Party (1984)
7. Irish Jam (2006)
6. My Boss’s Daughter (2003)
5. Orgazmo (1997)
4. Screwed (2000)
3. Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo (2005)
2. Soul Plane (2004)
1. Kingpin (1996)

What are some common themes here? Sex, for one. And big losers for another. In fact, every main character is a “loser” or “down on their luck” at the beginning of the film. Pittsburgh is also a reoccurring theme, acting as the setting for Houseguest, Screwed, and a good part of Kingpin.

Notable exceptions to this list are the Naked Gun and Night Shift, if only because they are generally well received and accepted as quality comedy films.

Next: The Top 9 Best Synthesizer Solos!

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is a better number. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

The Top 9 Best B-Movies (It’s the Best of the Worst)

Wikipedia defines a B-Movie as: “any low-budget, commercial motion picture meant neither as an arthouse film nor as pornography.” It’s safe to say that none of these films are fine art, nor are they sexy enough to be porn.

9. Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)
8. Karate Cop (1974)
7. Hercules in New York (1970)
6. Shaft (1971)
5. Cemetery Man (1994)
4. Dolemite (1975)
3. Gleaming the Cube (1989)
2. Night of the Juggler (1980)
1. Good Guys Wear Black (1978)

Even when the drama is plain crap in these movies, the action shines through. Notable moments include the extravagant chase scene in Night of the Juggler, the sweet skateboarding action in Gleaming the Cube, and the martial arts prowess of Chuck Norris in both Good Guys Wear Black and Karate Cop (also known as Slaughter in San Francisco).

Next: The Top 9 Best Bad Comedy Movies!

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is a better number. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

The Top 9 Best Live-Action Superhero Movies (Note: You Will Disagree With This)

Here, in painstakingly particular (and genius) order, are the Top 9 Best Live-Action Superhero Movies of all-time:

9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
8. Blade (1998)
7. Batman: The Movie (1966)
6. X2 (2005)
5. Batman Returns (1992)
4. Iron Man (2008)
3. Batman (1989)
2. X-Men (2000)
1. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

I know what you must be thinking. “Nick,” you’re saying to yourself, “You are completely out of your @#$%ing mind.” But go back and reread the list. The effect should sound something like, “Wait… this list is actually quite brilliant.”

So here’s the thing: I KNOW that people out there will disagree with me. If you think there’s a better Top 9 Best Live-Action Superhero Movies, then post your version in the comments.

However, if you don’t post your own version of this Top 9, I will consider my list as unchallenged and therefore the definitive list of Best Live-Action Superhero Movies by default.

Next: The Top 9 Best B-Movies!

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is a better number. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.