Top 5 Unintentional Movie Sequels:
There are movies that exist that when you see the trailer you cannot help but think, "Is this a sequel to the other movie? Common elements exist that you cannot possibly fathom are coincidental. Whether it be the characters or actors are the same, or if the plots are just too similar to ignore, these movies must be sequels.
1. The movie that inspired this list is Take Me Home Tonight.
When the star of your 'not to be ignored-80's themed' movie, is only really recognizable because he starred in a 'not to be ignored-70s themed' movie, one does not have to be reach very far to think, is this what happens after Eric Foreman graduates college, and is working through the 1980s? I'm going to go ahead and assume that it is.
2. The Replacements
Johnny Utah/Shane Falco
In the movie The Replacements, a players strike causes the NFL teams to hire replacement players to play the season. They reach out to ex college players, and of course we know from watching Point Break, that before he was an FBI agent, Keanu Reeves was the quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes. These plot points fit together a little too well for me to stop from asking, is the Replacements a sequel to Point Break?
3. Steel Dawn
In Red Dawn, after the Soviet Army invades Patrick Swayze's midwestern town, we see that Swayze and Co. fought them off, and that everything is okay. However, based on the movie that came out 3 years later, Steel Dawn, this must have not been the case in the rest of the world, because there now exists a post-nuclear war, post-apocalyptic world, that Patrick Swayze roams as the man with no name. Its amazing to think these were not sequels, but Steel Dawn was not billed as a sequel.
4. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Even though this is a prequel to allllll of the Planet of the Apes movies, I think that the true prequel here is Project X. Project X is about the US Air Force performing tests on chimps.
The result: The Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Planet of the Apes, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Escape From the Planet of the Apes, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, Battle for the Planet of the Apes, and then Planet of the Apes again. Also, the trailer below for Project X is terrible, and in no way depicts the sadness of the film.
5. Family Matters This is what happens when you move the focus of a sequel from the main character to a secondary character because he makes such a good impression with the audience. A little known fact is after helping thwart a terrorist attack at Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles, Carl Winslow moved his family and took a transfer to Chicago, as the scare of retaliation and health risks from pollution got to be too much.
Al Powell/Carl Winslow
-Steve L.
Top 5 Movie Quotes that Predict The End of The World
Steve R. enjoying a (his last?) candy apple.
As we prepare for the end of the world tomorrow, I figured it would be a good topic to discuss here on BOHF, and something to bring us back for the summer.
With regards our lull in posts as of late, well, we apologize. The past few months have been quite busy for all of us, however, not in a bad way. I am planning on doing a major overhaul of the site, in between my summer studies and research.
Ok, onward and downward.
As stated in the title, I'm not going to list movies that tell of the end of the world, but more-so just a doomsday prophecy. I could easily fill this list with movies like Terminator, Deep Impact, and 2012. But, I wanted to be clever instead of obvious.
1. Ghostbusters 2:
Elaine: According to my source, the end of the world will be on February 14, in the year 2016.
Dr. Peter Venkman: Valentine's Day. Bummer.
I plan on celebrating this date. I'll throw a party.
2. Donnie Darko
Frank: 28 days 6 hours 42 minutes 12 seconds,that is when the world...will end
Around Halloween, 1988. I think we all survived.
3. Wargames
A quote from the W.O.P.R. machine is as valid as a quote from a giant evil bunny.
4. Omen III: The Final Conflict
Synopsis, not a quote: An alignment of the stars in the Cassiopeia constellation causes the generation of a 'superstar', described as a second Star of Bethlehem. Thorn realizes it is a sign of the Second Coming of Christ and orders all boys in England born on the morning of March 24, 1982.
I could find no direct quote for this one, but it is still worth noting. Sam Neill as the Anti-christ? Of course I have to include it on the list.
5. The X-Files: The Truth (TV Show, not movie)
Mulder: Ten centuries ago the Mayans were so afraid that their calendar stopped on the exact date that my story begins. December 22, the year 2012. The date of the final alien invasion. Mulder can confirm the date. He saw it at Mount Weather... where our own "Secret Government" will be hiding when it all comes down.
There we have it. The Mayans and the X-Files confirmed Dec. 21 & 22 of next year....so, I declare tomorrow a wash.....
-Steve R (and Steve L. with the Donnie Darko reference)
Steve L’s Top albums of 2010:
This list is forced. No album that came out in 2010 got me so excited that I felt the need to write about it in a web log. None of these albums have been a 'can't take out of my cd player' obsession. I'm not sure if this is a reflection on music in 2010 (doubt it) or simply my attitute towards new music/lack of enthusiasm for anything new at all. This year more than any of the last several year, I found myself listening to mainly older music that I was more familiar/comfortable with.
That being said: numbered lists are fun, end of the year lists are fun, and if anything, maybe me wanting to create this list is just an attempt at drumming up some interest. With that in mind, here are my top 10 favorite albums of 2010...
1. Superchunk - Majestry Shredding I have always had a weak spot for Superchunk.....but that has nothing to do with why its my favorite album of 2010. It is one of their catchiest records to date, which is saying a lot.
2. Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - III/IV This is slightly controversial, only in that these songs were recorded in 2006 in the sessions that created Easy Tiger. However, these songs sound nothing at all like Easy Tiger. These are some of the most fun and poppy songs he has released, and even though the album literally just came out a few days ago, all it took was 1 stream to make the list at #2. I anticipate this may end up being my favorite of 2010.
3. The National - High Violet This is probably deserving of being higher, but its just not as fun as the previous 2...still, its the most-enjoyable-to-me The National album that they have.
4. Male Bonding - Nothing Hurts I'm somewhat pleased with myself that I at least have a few energetic albums in my top 5...I have recently been afraid that I just want to listen to old sad bastard music, or at least something I can ignore, but these inclusions say otherwise. These are songs that I want to listen to on a porch on a friday night in the summer.
5. Sun Kil Moon - Admiral Fell Promises Each time I listen to this record, I like it more, and more, and more, and more, and more, and more. Please keep making music forever Mark Kozelek.
6. LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening Very solid album, that I don't really listen to often.
7. Titus Andronicus - The Monitor Really really good New Jersey punk rock, it took a couple listens to get into it, but this is another album that I get more into every time I listen. I'm not always big on concept albums, or politics with my music, but I can deal with it here. Although I guess there is a reason I put Male Bonding above this.
8. Girls - Broken Dreams Club EP Yes this is an EP and it made my list. I really like this band a lot. I love picking out all the different band influences in their songs, and they come across to me as so honest and unpretentious that it just makes me like them more.
9. The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt This is an artist that I am trying to get into more...the album is still growing on me a bit, but this song below is really good, and makes me want more.
10. Strand of Oaks - Pope Killdragon I stumbled across this album in late summer, and gave it quite a few listens before putting it away and not touching it until today...it doesn't have the same effect on me, but still stands up for the most part.
HM.
-Sam Amidon - I See the Sign
Apparently this is an R. Kelly song, but its such a good version.
-Japandroids - Younger Us 7" OK this is pushing it, not an album at all, not an EP, but just a single.....but the song is so good and I like it so much, that if it were on a record, the record would be my #1.
-Steve L
Top 5 songs in 5/4 time.
The other day, I was itching for some music that wasn't in 4/4 time. I go through this phase every so often. Counting to 4 is so repetetive after a while, and the body just needs something to kill the mindless reaction to 4/4 time.
There is something about 5/4 time. That extra beat allows the rhythm to flow perfectly if the correct feel is applied. The songs listed below are not the only ones around. There are countless prog-rock bands that use 5/4 time quite well, but I have never been a fan of prog-rock, save for early Genesis.
Now, not all of these songs stay in 5/4 time throughout, but I feel they are all memorable and worth noting.
1. The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Take Five
The quintessential song in 5/4 time. If you have never heard this song, then you live in a cave, or don't have electricity. I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Brubeck play this at Lincoln Center last fall. Even in his ripe old age, he still rocked the piano.
2. Faraquet - The Missing Piece
Such a beautiful song, and honestly one of the best closing tracks of any album. When the drums kick in, they are so smoothly and musically played, that it barely feels like you are in 5/4 time. It feels so natural.
3. Nine Inch Nails - Just Like You Imagined
Probably the best song on The Fragile. Anyone know where I can get the vinyl of this for less than $200?
4. The Dismemberment Plan - Memory Machine
The first song on this list with vocals. How odd. However, this song is mixed meter, but the main theme is in 5/4. And it features amazing lyrics.
5. Drive Like Jehu - Here Come the Rome Plows
The thing I love about this song, is that towards the middle, the guitars remain in 5/4, while the drums move over them in 4/4. My old band, League, also employed this technique....which we stole from this song.
-Steve R.
Top 5 Sparkys (Sparkies?):
In honor of the late great Sparky Anderson, I have decided to compile an oh-so necessary list of the Top 5 Sparkys. He was from the old school mold, screaming at umpires, and smoking pipes in the dugout. One of my favorite parts of my baseball card collection were the manager cards from 1978 Topps, like Sparky Anderson, Chuck Tanner, and Earl Weaver.
So here is the list:
1. Charles "Sparky" Schulz
2. Clark "Sparky" Griswold
3. Sparky Anderson - 1978 Topps
4. Sparky Lyle - I think 1978 was one of my favorite years for Topps in the 70s. I think I had 4 or 5 Sparky Lyle cards.
5. Sparky - The Arizona State Devil Mascot
-Steve L.
Top 5 Drum Fills
A very young Chris and Steve
Steve R. with special guest Chris K.
This discussion began with a simple text message a few weeks ago as I was driving back to Rochester from Binghamton. Chris was apparently listening to "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis and felt inspired to ask me what my favorite drum fills were. Over the past few days, we have shared our favorite fills via text and IM, and I kept track of all the ideas.
Clearly, there are a billion fills we could put on this list, but we decided that a memorable drum fill needs to be one that is in everyones collective unconscious. A fill that when it comes on, everyone raises their fists and pounds away at the air around them. So here it is, one of the hardest Top 5's I've ever had to do....at least I had Chris' help and inspiration.
1. In The Air Tonight - Phil Collins
Honestly, I can't imagine anything better than this. I'm sure that there will be commentors saying "What about Peart/Pornoy/Carey/Alexander/etc...?" To them I say, drumming is not only about techical skill (see my post, Top 5 Musical Drummers for further expansion on my drumming views). Musically, this fill makes the song. Even my friends who aren't musically inclined will air-drum when it hits that moment. That alone is the sign of a great fill.
2. Baba O'Riley - The Who
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not a huge fan of classic rock. However, one cannot ignore the fill in the middle of this song (go to 2:29 in the YouTube video). It is syncopated, emotional, and perfect to lead the song back into the groove. Again, you would be hard-pressed to find a bar full of drunken people not pound the air, then start to dance during and after this fill.
3. Undone (The Sweater Song) - Weezer
Possibly the most identifiable drum intro to a song in the last 20 years. Everyone knows that after that fill, a somber guitar line enters with bass and acoustic guitar, followed by a mock conversation about a party. People don't generally air drum when they hear this, but 99% of musically inclined people could name the song and band by just hearing the first 4 seconds of the song.
4. Don't Look Back in Anger - Oasis
Having not been a huge Oasis fan personally, I am largely relying on Chris' opinion here. The fill that follows the guitar solo is quite literally perfect from a musical and technical point of view. Starting off in 8th notes, going into triplets, leading us back to the chorus....yeah.....its a damn good fill. I can see why Chris chose this one.... (fill occurs at 3:35 in the video).
5. Amen Brother - The Winstons
Listen at 1:23. You will hear a drum groove that you have heard many, many, many times before. You most likely don't know it as a part of this song. However, you might know it from "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A., or "The Perfect Drug" by Nine Inch Nails. This fill has been sampled in more songs than anything else. For a great history on the fill, check out the video below.
-Steve R. and Chris K.
Top 5 Beach Scenes on Film
Since we are heading to the Wildwood, NJ for the next 4 days, I thought it would be nice to do a Top 5 movie scenes that involve a beach. There are hundreds upon hundreds of beach scenes, from Planet of the Apes (and the Spaceballs spoof of it) to Cast Away. You may not agree with my choices, but I came up with these almost instantly when I thought of the topic, and hence believe that they are far superior to anything else. Why debate? Just go with your gut.
1. Jaws
I have to put this first, because who doesn't think of the movie every time they go to the beach? Also, it is Trevor's favorite film of all time, and he is the film guru, and I don't want to argue with him about it.
2. Summer Rental
John Candy stumbling through a crowded beach with a cooler, a kid on his back, towels, bags, and the sand scorching his feet. Comedy gold.
3. Karate Kid I
and
First of all, this is the only Karate Kid. No remake will ever convince me there is a better Karate Kid out there than Ralph Macchio. Secondly, I had to include two clips to get the full scene of courting the girl, and fighting Johnny.
4. The Big Lebowski
I can't find the actual video online, and since this is a family-friendly site, we can't show boobies. So, I chose the scene right after Jackie Treehorn drugs him.
5. Point Break
This whole movie takes place on a beach, so I just included the trailer to make it easier. Also, I need to see this again soon....it has been too long, and I need me some Swayze, Reeves, and Busey.
H.M. The Goonies
No video for this one, but we all know at the end when they are rescued from the Fratellis and the jewels are discovered.
With that, I am off to the beach! Next time I write, I will be fully moved into my new apartment and city...Rochester, NY!
-Steve
Top 5 foxes in movies:
Inspired in conversation starting with movies they don't play on TV much > Robin Hood Prince of Thieves > to why Trevor didn't love the new Robin Hood, because he is still in love with Costner's > Errol Flynn can go to hell > The animated Robin hood is better than Errol Flynn's > Top 5 foxes in movies:
1. 
2.
A Fox playing a Wolf
3.
2nd best robin hood
4.
I'm a fox...I'm a hound dog
5.
Fox Mulder
Top 5 places to see Roadside Dinosaurs (from your couch):
Steve L.
While watching Paris, Texas, I noticed during a pretty quick scene between Harry Dean Stanton and his son, in the background stood 2 towering dinosaurs. After quickly gathering in my head all of the places I've seen those dinosaurs before, I was inspired to create this short top 5 list. Also, the dinosaurs are now a creationist museum. Hmmm.
Cabazon Dinosaurs
1. The 1st time I remember seeing them, and most memorable time for me: The Wizard
2. Probably the most known sighting on film: Pee Wee's Big Adventure
3. In the aforementioned Paris, Texas
4. My favorite Tears for Fears song:(actually this might be my 2nd favorite to head over heels)
5. A almost somewhat decent movie about kidnapping Gram Parsons' dead body, that I sometimes inexplicably watch when its on IFC: Grand Theft Parsons.......I can't find the picture or video of the dinosaur, so I'm just posting the trailer
-Steve L.
May 25, 2010
Steve L.
Here is my 2nd attempt at a summer-oriented mix tape. Please enjoy.
(To see more mix tapes, click on the "mix tape" category)