The Final Poll: Million Dollar Baby (2004)

This was the last poll of the year. It landed on "Boxing Day" up here in Canada, so I thought why not have the poll be about boxing, even though the holiday doesn't actually have anything to do with the sport at all. There just weren't enough Christmas movies that I wasn't already going to watch, or hadn't already seen, but there were plenty of boxing movies we never got around to seeing. One of those movies was the winner of the poll, Million Dollar Baby. I knew this was a popular movie, but I didn't know how popular until I looked it up and realized that it won the Oscars for Best Actress, Best Supporting Male, Best Director, and Best Picture of the Year! That would be a lot to live up to, but don't worry, I didn't find any of that out until after I watched it. Hit the jump for my thoughts on this Clint Eastwood directed, produced, and acted in film.

Poll Position: "Million Dollar Baby"

It is sad to think that it took a poll for me to watch "Million Dollar Baby". It was on my list, but it kept on being moved down. Especially after watching "Gran Torino" and "Mystic River", it kept giving more and more excuses to see this. I slowly came to the conclusion that not only did I adore Clint Eastwood as an actor, but as a director also. He has this style, both as an actor and a director, which I've never been able to put a finger on it but it has always drew me in. But yes, thankfully I am finally getting to see this, hopefully it lives up to my expectations.

"The Hustler" (1961)

Earlier this month I got to see "Rounders", a movie about gambling, poker and the intensity behind it. Our long time reader, Septicor, recommended that I see "The Hustler". I really wasn't going to let a Paul Newman movie pass by me so easily. Luckily enough the movie popped up as Netflix suggested that I should also watch it. Now I know the rating scale on Netflix might not be super accurate, but it said I would rate this a 3.7/5. Not a bad mark at all. Than again, it thought "The Happening" was a 3/5 for me, so what does it know? Maybe it knows I like Marky Mark, this could be a problem.

Never go against a "Raging Bull". (1980)

Another movie with De Niro and Pesci? Why not? “Raging Bull” is a film directed by Martin Scorsese which retells the life of middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta (De Niro). Initially I thought it would be like a “Rocky” movie, a few fights with some melodramatic scenes intertwined. And then I watched it and boy was I wrong. Gratefully the movie is more than just “ADRIAN!” and more a fusion between “Goodfellas” and “The Wrestler“.

Not All Wolves are Bad: Teen Wolf (1985)

Today I thought I'd take a break from all the horror, and jazz up my Halloween with some lighthearted comedy. That called for a viewing of Teen Wolf starring Michael J. Fox. I had literally zero idea of what was in store for me. I've never even seen what Fox looked like as the wolf in this movie. Of course I suspected that the comedy would be set mixed in with a supernatural or spooky feel to it. But I could certainly envision awkward and funny moments arise as he has to duck and hide his affliction and still maintain a teenager's life. With that as my mindset, I hit play. For those who have seen it, you probably know what's coming. I detail my experience on the other side of the jump!

Now Playing: Real Steel (2011)

Today I took the opportunity to go out with my friends to catch the new movie Real Steel. I know it's not a Halloween movie, but to make up for that, I'm going to be watching a horror film a friend gave me just as soon as I finish writing this. Look out for that later today.

I don't think I have to explain why I wanted to see Real Steel. It's got giant robots and boxing. It's basically a sci-fi version of Rocky! It also stars Hugh Jackman, and lets face it, Jackman is awesome. But can that combination combat the potential for cheesiness a robot movie also starring a kid could have? Hit the jump to find out!

The Blind Side (2009)

Today I was supposed to watch my "Force Fed Film," but like a fool I left the blu-ray at work. So instead I chose to watch The Blind Side. I've heard a lot of varying opinions on this film. A lot of people seemed to outright dismiss it, utterly certain it was bad just because of Sandra Bullock's presence. On the other hand, Sandra Bullock won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in this. Certainly though, the most vocal people were negative on the movie. I was in the mood for a sports movie, and I figured it was about time I watched this and decided for myself. Find my own thoughts on The Blind Side just after the jump!

Now Playing: "Moneyball" (2011)

I hate going to the movies on opening night, I can’t deal with the crowds. But I decided to change my ways and actually watch a movie in the big screen. I went along with @septicor, a fellow reader, to watch “Moneyball”. I’ve not read the book with the same name by Michael Lewis, but as a baseball fan and a bit of a numbers nerd this movie was something I could not pass on. The movie is loosely based on the true story of the 2002 Oakland Athletics. All the dug out dirt after the jump.

Ready for More with Rocky IV (1985)

After watching Rocky III yesterday, and really enjoying it, all I wanted to do was see more. Today while at work, I talked to my colleagues and almost all of them said something like "Oh well just wait until Rocky IV!" This of course only made me more anxious to see it, and so as soon as I got home I put on Rocky IV. Even the comment on yesterday's Rocky III post said that this was probably the best Rocky movie of them all. I couldn't wait to watch it! Check out my thoughts on the other side of the jump!

Eye of the Tiger: Rocky III (1982)

I came home today wondering what I was going to watch. I sat down and thought about how I hadn't seen a Rocky film in a while. I want to finish the series before the year is out for sure. The problem was that I was so let down by Rocky II that I really didn't want to have to watch Rocky III because I was afraid it would tear down a great character even more. I really wasn't looking forward to this one. Even so, I put it on and gritted my teeth for another possible dive. So did the champ fall further from glory, or did he get back up and show us the eye of the tiger? Hit that jump square in the jaw, and find my thoughts on the other side!

Now Playing: Warrior (2011)

Before the weekend was out, I really wanted to get back to the theater to catch the other big release this weekend, Warrior. I had heard some pretty good buzz surrounding it, even thought the trailer hadn't done the best job of selling to me. In fact, the trailer had actually convinced a number of my friends that it was a movie they didn't want to see, and I was only able to convince 1 person to come see it with me. Big thanks to @Foebeard for trusting in my judgment and taking a chance on seeing it with me! If you're curious about if this is worth your money, don't hesitate to click the jump link! I'll see you on the other side.

A River Runs Through It (1992)

I'm not totally sure where I heard of this movie first, but it was brought into the limelight by one of my friends who said he had heard A River Runs Throught It was quite good. I looked it up and found out that it was a drama about a pair of boys growing up in Montana, and how fly fishing became akin to religion for them. Not that it was their religion, but it was something they could go to and feel cleansed... or something like that. I was a little unsure about it, but it did mention that it starred Brad Pitt, so I figured I'd give it a shot tonight. I've also tagged this film as sport related, simply to try to give recognition to all the fishing, although it's not really done for sport in the movie. At any rate, hit the jump for more.

Chariots of Fire (1981)

I have a confession, I forgot that today was the day I was supposed to watch my "Force Fed Film" from Puneet, and so when I got home from work I threw on another classic to continue my theme of the week. I realized half way through I was supposed to be watching Super High Me, so I started it as soon as my first movie ended. But that leaves me with another movie to write about, and that's the 1981 classic Chariots of Fire. This is another movie I new embarrassingly little about. I actually thought it was going to be about chariot racing and be set in ancient Rome or something. Turns out, other than the racing, it's not about that at all. You'll find my full impressions of this famous title after a quick dash across the jump break!

I went hysterical with The Room (2003)

I usually don’t do house calls for movies, but today @sepictor and I got together and watched “The Room”. It all started when I was told to watch this movie for its sheer terribleness. It was popular for being the worst movie ever. But there was no way anyone would want to see this movie by themselves. That is why I watched this movie with a man foolish enough to see this too. I’m not entirely sure how to write a review on the worst movie in the world, but here I go.

The Fight Continues: Rocky II (1979)

It's about time I continued on with the Rocky franchise, so it's on to Rocky II. I quite liked the first film, and I remembered all the training and final fight fondly. I liked seeing the characters grow and their relationships change, and I was expecting something similar. I have heard that some of the Rocky movies aren't very good, but I always forget which ones are hated, and which are held up in admiration like a champ's fist. I'm not sure what everyone else's opinion of this sequel is, but I know what my own is, and you'll find that after the jump.

Force Fed Films: Death Race 2000 (1975)

It's been a while since I've watched a movie from the 70s, but Puneet decided to bring me back to that crazy decade by giving me Death Race 2000 to watch today. I've always wanted to see this movie because I'd hear it be referenced to when people or press would talk about certain video games and violence. It's basically a videogame movie before there were videogames like it to licence. Another shock was that Sylvester Stallone and David Carradine star in it! After seeing Rocky not too long ago, I can tell you that only added to my interest. Find my thoughts on the original Death Race after the break.

Celebrating Stallone's Birthday with Rocky (1976)

There are few men who can affect a generation, and few films can do the same. Sylvester Stallone is one of those men, and Rocky is one of those films. And today, July 6th, just so happens to be Sylvester Stallone's birthday! What better way to celebrate that than to watch the movie that made him a legend? Yes it's true, I've never seen Rocky, or any of the sequels for that matter. So after this one, will I want to watch all the rest? Fair warning, there will be spoilers after the jump!

Going Down Victory Road with "Senna"

To end of the month I decided to watch a movie that has been on my must watch list for about a month now. “Senna” only a few members of the general public knew his name, and even fewer knew his legacy. Not being alive or even old enough to watch his glory in person, I have missed all the drama and amazement of Aryton Senna. But watching this 2 hour and 42 minute journey, I think I caught up on a lot. After the jump I go into much detail on why I was so amazed at this documentary.

Poll Position: Slap Shot (1977)

The hockey playoffs are going on right now, so with that as inspiration we asked you to vote on a selection of hockey movies. After the votes came in, Slap Shot turned out to be the big scorer. I haven't seen many Paul Newman movies, but I was quite the fan of Cool Hand Luke. I also noticed that this is primarily a comedy of the 70's, so I expected to encounter some random nudity. Other than that, however, I didn't know anything about the movie. Actually, now that I think about it, a friend, ages ago, told me this movie was hilarious and I had to see it. Well I finally have my chance. Hit the jump to see if I too thought it was all laughs.

Poll Position: Slap Shot

In the midst of game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals I watched an old hockey movie that you guys voted last week, “Slap Shot”. Now the fact that being Canadian probably makes me a bit biased when I say, I love hockey movies, especially comedic kind. And watching Slap Shot was a match made in heaven in my books. It had hockey, humour and Paul Newman, so I couldn’t wait to see this. Click more to read all the details.