Angels and Demons Movie Review

This past weekend I had the opportunity to watch the much anticipated sequel to The DaVinci Code, Angels and Demons. Although Angels and Demons is the movie sequel, it was in fact the first of the the two books and where Dan Brown's character, Robert Langdon, is first introduced. The story is about the re-emergence of an ancient secret society seemingly determined to bring down the Catholic Church and the actions of the Vatican Police and Swiss Guard, with the help of Professor Robert Langdon, to stop the plot. The book was excellent. The movie, not so much. I was highly disappointed in this film.

Although Ron Howard did a great job with scenery and locations for filming the movie (the story is set in Rome), that is about all he managed to do a great job with. This movie was long and the majority of the movie was, quite frankly, boring. Ron Howard attempted to "dupe" the movie watcher into thinking certain scenes were more dramatic than they were by utilizing dramatic sounding music. Guess what Ron? We didn't buy it.

If you've read this book, please save yourself some money and don't bother going to see this film. I promise you that you will be highly disappointed. If you haven't read the book, please do so and avoid the movie. I promise you that you will be much more entertained and better off for it.

Angels and Demons officially receives 2 1/2 Bags of Popcorn out of 5.

Until the next review, maybe I’ll see you at the show.

Star Trek Movie Review

At the suggestion of a friend, I have decided to start writing movie reviews of the new movies that I go to watch. So, here is the first T-Roy Movie Review.

Today is the official release date of the J.J. Abrams Star Trek reboot movie. I had the opportunity to see the first showing in Bryan/College Station last night and all I can say is PHENOMENAL!! I usually judge whether or not a movie is “good” by a few very simple criteria; 1) was I entertained and 2) did I leave the theater feeling as tough that was time well spent. I left the theater last night thinking “when can I see this again!!” Yes, it was THAT good! You don’t have to be a huge Trekie to enjoy this movie. However, if you were a fan of the old Star Trek television series and/or the Star Trek movies, you will undoubtedly enjoy this new installment of the Star Trek franchise that much more. The introduction of favorite characters and the references to old favorite lines and character mannerisms will definitely bring added appeal to Star Trek fans. But, don’t be fooled, this movie is GREAT entertainment for even the casual Sci-Fi fan. This movie has great action, the proper dose of laughs, and incredible special effects.

What I’m about to say may offend some die hard Star Wars fans, however, after seeing Star Trek, J.J. Abrams effectively made George Lucas his “bitch”. This film made all 3 of the Star Wars prequels look like puppet shows put on by 3 graders.

This movie is definitely poised to be the best movie of the summer. The only movie that I can foresee even coming close to challenging Star Trek as the best movie of the summer will be the highly anticipated Transformers sequel.

J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek definitely gets 5 out of 5. (Not sure what I’m going to use as my rating device just yet. Stars seems a bit cliché and over done. Jalapenos is already taken, as is 2 thumbs up. I welcome any suggestions.)

Until the next review, maybe I’ll see you at the show.

The Real Reason...

Recently it came to my attention that someone that I knew a while ago seemed to view my "Superman Collection" as a bad thing and very juvenile. As alot of you probably know, I have alot of Superman stuff and I do have an affinity for the big guy in blue. Alot of people make assumptions as to why I like Superman so much or why I have so much Superman stuff. I don't think in all of my years a single person has every asked me "WHY". Most assume that I'm one of those nerdy comic book collectors. Truth be told, I haven't purchased a Superman comic book in over 15 years. Matter of fact, most of the Superman stuff that I have was given to me by friends or family.

One of the reasons that I love Superman so much is that it's the very first movie that I can remember my Mom taking me to see when I was little. Of course, Superman is a really cool super hero...he's strong, fast, has x-ray vision, and can fly. What's not to like? But THE real reason that I display all of my Superman stuff and went so far as to permanently tattoo a Superman "S" on my body is really a little bit deeper than all of that.

Superman is the ultimate example of the best of human qualities. Superman is the perfect example of always doing the right thing, no matter what. I keep my S's around me, and visible to remind me that I can ALWAYS try to to the right thing. No matter how hard. No matter how unpopular. No matter how much easier it would be to do the wrong thing. No matter if no one will know. No matter if no one will really get hurt. But simply because it's the RIGHT thing to do.

I've passed my love of Superman on to my kids. And hopefully one day they will come to realize the true reason why I love the big guy in blue. And maybe, just maybe, they too will always strive to be like our favorite superhero and always do their best to do the right thing...no matter what.

Be Happy

On a recent visit to my parent’s house, I spent some time one evening with my Dad and one of my dad’s friends. He’s a family friend that I’ve known all of my life. We sat outside and talked for several hours over a few beers. (Ok, he did most of the talking and I listened, but it was in listening that I gained a wealth of knowledge) As we sat and talked he said something to me that had a deep affect on me and that I continuously repeat to myself daily. He said, “I’m happy, because I choose to be.” That sounds pretty simple right? That is simple, but yet incredibly powerful stuff. My friend said to me, "I control my attitude not the things around me or the things that happen around me. It’s not that I don’t care about the things that happen. I care, but it’s not going to control who I am and how I feel.”

Life is too short to be negative and unhappy. So, from this day forward, I will be happy. I will be happy because I chose to be.

New Year...2009

Wow! What a difference a year makes. Who knew so much could happen in twelve little months. I started 2008 in a relationship but ended the year single. In 2008 I managed to get a new job. Which was a good thing seeing how I wasn’t sure how I was going to keep paying my bills after not making any money at all with the recruiting business that I was trying to get off the ground. I also managed to become a grandfather in 2008. Yes that’s right. Laugh now. I’m a 36 yr old grandfather thanks to my oldest son Christopher. Speaking of, in 2008 I also became the proud father of a United States Marine! Also at the beginning of 2008 I seemed to have a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do with my life and here we are at the beginning of 2009 and I’m back to having no clue. I’ve thought about making resolutions this year...or more appropriately, setting goals for myself for 2009. But, I’ve been having a hard time trying to set some. Setting goals is not usually a problem for me, so this has taken me aback recently. First and foremost I know that I want to continue my goal of constantly trying to improve myself each and every day. Even if it’s just in some little way like learning something new or trying to be a better parent, or something along those lines. I think in 2009 I want to make sure that I complete my teacher certification coursework. Maybe look at seriously starting grad school somewhere. Clay is finishing up his Junior year of high school and starting his Senior year in 2009. So, I think one of my goals is to make sure that I spend as much quality time with him as I possibly can this year. I promised him that we’d try to go to more concerts this year. So I guess one of my other goals would be to attend more rock concerts with Clay in 2009. I’d like to write more. I love to write. And most of the time my blog posts are more pieces of my writing rather than just thoughts and journal entries. So, I guess another goal will be to try and write more in 2009. I did pretty well at working out and getting back into shape in 2008. I think another goal will be to continue with that and kick it up to the next level. I’m better off than I was at the beginning of 2008, but not where I want to be. Wow, this goal list is shaping up nicely after sitting down and putting things down on paper. I also think that I will use 2009 to get back in touch with and stay in touch with old friends that I have reacquainted myself with in the latter half of 2008. Maybe even make a few trips out of town to visit with those friends that have managed to scatter themselves all around the state and the country. Cool, another goal; travel to visit friends out of town. Ok, I think I’ll stop there before I get too much ahead of myself and set too many goals. So, lets recap: Continue daily self improvement, complete certification coursework, seriously look at starting grad school, spend more quality time with Clay, attend more rock concerts with Clay, write more, continue to exercise and increase intensity level, stay in touch with friends better and travel to see them more often. Oh, and last but not least….advance to “HARD” or “EXPERT” on the drums on Rockband 2!!!!

Thanksgiving

This past week we just celebrated Thanksgiving. I’m sure most of us were busy with family, food and festivities. But how many of us actually sat down and gave serious thought to the real reason for the holiday; to give thanks for what we have in our lives? I thought about it a lot over the long weekend and wanted to just jot down some of the things that I’m thankful for. I have much to be thankful for. Sometimes I forget that in my narrow view of what I DON’T have.

I’m thankful for having an amazing family. I’m thankful for my loving parents who are always there for me and for my wonderful “little“ sister who is always there to lend an ear or offer advice when I need it. I have 2 incredibly beautiful nieces and an awesome nephew, whom I don’t get to see enough of and that I love and miss bunches! I’m thankful for having two great kids. I’m so proud of Christopher for serving our country in the Marine Corps during this time of global uncertainty and war. He is part of a larger group of young men and women that provide for our security daily, and for that I am thankful! I also have an amazing 16 yr old at home that I am equally proud of! Clay has grown up so much and it’s a joy to watch him mature and grow into a fine young man. He has been shouldering the responsibility of a job since this summer. He has been there when I have needed him to help out in more ways than one; without complaining as a lot of teenagers tend to do when they are asked to do something that doesn’t necessarily benefit them. I know so many parents have to deal with so many problems when it comes to their kids, and I am so very thankful that the biggest problem I have to deal with is a kid with a messy room. (But he cleans it up when I ask him to, for the most part) I am so very thankful that I have had the privilege of meeting my grandson, Zach. He is a beautiful, happy, healthy baby. For that I am VERY thankful. I’m thankful for my friends who are there for me when I need someone to talk to or just hang out with when I’m bored, in need of a good time, or in need of cheering up. My friends keep me sane and grounded, and for that I will always be thankful. I’m thankful that I have a job this year when so many people are out of work. I’m thankful for my state of mind and the place that I am currently at in my life. There have been many ups and downs in the past, but I am learning to be thankful for all of it, of it is those experiences that shape who I am and who I will become.

This is just a small list of the people and things that I am thankful for in my life right now. I hope that I continue to give thanks for all of my blessings each and every day, not just on Thanksgiving once a year.

Don't Call It A Comeback!

I'm not sure if you know this or not, but I've been in a bit of a slump lately; for the last 4 or 5 months to be more precise. I was beating myself up about the way things were going in my life. Mainly I was down because my business hadn't produced the way I had hoped it would. That setback really shook my confidence. If you know me at all, you know that I am a confident person; more so than most. I have been blessed by God to possess a great confidence in myself and my abilities. Of course, you might not have known that by looking at me and talking to me the last few months. That lack of confidence was affecting who I am as a person. NO MORE!

With each passing day I feel myself walking taller. I see myself with my head held higher. I AM getting my swagger back. Why you might ask? Because THAT'S who I am! I am looking at things in my life for what they are. They are the things that make me stronger. They are the things that make me who I am. Setbacks and failed attempts are learning experiences. They are only failures if you stop trying. I will not stop trying! I will be successful at WHATEVER I decide to do in my life. I will have the nice house! I will have the nice cars! I will have everything that I want, both personally and professionally! How do I know that I will have all of this? Because I have decided that I will! I have learned in my life that I can do anything that I put my mind to. I just have to stick to it and NOT give up!

Each and every day I pray to God to give me the strength to continue on and to not give in to setbacks. And my friends, God has listened to my prayers. With each passing day he has allowed me to see deep inside myself, to the man that I truly am. The confident, successful man that is at the heart of WHO I AM!

If you have asked yourself, “I wonder what’s wrong with Troy?” You no longer have to wonder. Because I’M BACK BABY!!!