10. Jimmy Eat World - Sure And Certain
Last week: NEW!
9. The Summer Set - The Night Is Young
Last week: NEW!
8. State Champs - Losing Myself
Last week: 9.
7. blink-182 - She's Out Of Her Mind
Last week: 7.
6. Real Friends - Mess
Last week: 8.
5. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 1.
4. Seaway - Slam
Last week: 5.
3. Knuckle Puck - Evergreen
Last week: 4.
2. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: 3.
1. As It Is - Pretty Little Distance
Last week: 2.
Saturday 31 December 2016
Sunday 25 December 2016
Special: Top 10 Christmas Food
Seeing as you're reading this on Christmas Day, likely after you opened your presents you're probably looking forward to Christmas dinner the most. Well I'm here to countdown my top 10 traditional Canadian Christmas food items.
10. Applie Cider
It's Christmas Day, you can't really go the whole day without drinking anything. Might as well get a warm cup full of apple cider to calm you down after the excitement of getting everything on your wishlist (or coal, depending what category you fall in).
9. Shortbread
What better to go along with your warm cup of apple cider than some shortbread? Because you're going to need something to tide you over until dinner.
8. Mashed Potatoes
Okay I realize this is kind of a "boring" part of Christmas dinner for most people. But I'm not most people. I very rarely get mashed potatoes so I welcome any opportunity to gorge on them, and with Christmas dinner you know you're guaranteed delicious turkey gravy as well.
7. Christmas Chocolate
Ah... The best breakfast of the year. After opening your stocking (sometimes while) you get to the chocolate in the toe of your stocking which is usually one of your favourites. You then proceed to eat that until you feel like you're going to fall into a sugar coma... Mmmmm sugar coma.
6. Butter Tarts
What's better than Christmas dinner?? Why Christmas desert of course! I'm not picky I love butter tarts made with raisins or pecans, in fact I think I prefer the raisin ones more which makes me kind of an outcast but it is what it is... And it is delicious.
5. Stuffing
This was a tough one for me... You know, my mom makes delicious stuffing but all other stuffing pales in comparison. So if we were talking about stuffing in general this is where it ranks but if we were talking about what I look forward to on Christmas day this would be #1.
4. Pumpkin Pie
Mmmm dessert. I love Pumpkin Pie it's a shame it's only proper to eat from October to Christmas which makes it a special dish I really only get a couple times a year, if that (again I'm the outcast that actually likes pumpkin pie among my family.
3. Turkey
I'll be honest, as a kid I never really liked the idea of eating Turkey on Christmas, I much rather preferred ham but as I got older I only got turkey on holidays so it became that much more important to me. However I'm now even older and doing my own groceries so I can eat turkey whenever I want which makes it able to slide to #3 on this list.
2. Sugar Cookies
This was tough to not put at #1 but it's just not nearly as filling or flavourful as our #1 but sugar cookies are well worth any place on your Christmas spread.
1. Ham
My favourite meat is ham so of course it cracks #1. I recently found out my fiance doesn't really like turkey which means going forward we will always bring Ham to holiday dinners which is fine with me! Yum yum yum.
10. Applie Cider
It's Christmas Day, you can't really go the whole day without drinking anything. Might as well get a warm cup full of apple cider to calm you down after the excitement of getting everything on your wishlist (or coal, depending what category you fall in).
9. Shortbread
What better to go along with your warm cup of apple cider than some shortbread? Because you're going to need something to tide you over until dinner.
8. Mashed Potatoes
Okay I realize this is kind of a "boring" part of Christmas dinner for most people. But I'm not most people. I very rarely get mashed potatoes so I welcome any opportunity to gorge on them, and with Christmas dinner you know you're guaranteed delicious turkey gravy as well.
7. Christmas Chocolate
Ah... The best breakfast of the year. After opening your stocking (sometimes while) you get to the chocolate in the toe of your stocking which is usually one of your favourites. You then proceed to eat that until you feel like you're going to fall into a sugar coma... Mmmmm sugar coma.
6. Butter Tarts
What's better than Christmas dinner?? Why Christmas desert of course! I'm not picky I love butter tarts made with raisins or pecans, in fact I think I prefer the raisin ones more which makes me kind of an outcast but it is what it is... And it is delicious.
5. Stuffing
This was a tough one for me... You know, my mom makes delicious stuffing but all other stuffing pales in comparison. So if we were talking about stuffing in general this is where it ranks but if we were talking about what I look forward to on Christmas day this would be #1.
4. Pumpkin Pie
Mmmm dessert. I love Pumpkin Pie it's a shame it's only proper to eat from October to Christmas which makes it a special dish I really only get a couple times a year, if that (again I'm the outcast that actually likes pumpkin pie among my family.
3. Turkey
I'll be honest, as a kid I never really liked the idea of eating Turkey on Christmas, I much rather preferred ham but as I got older I only got turkey on holidays so it became that much more important to me. However I'm now even older and doing my own groceries so I can eat turkey whenever I want which makes it able to slide to #3 on this list.
2. Sugar Cookies
This was tough to not put at #1 but it's just not nearly as filling or flavourful as our #1 but sugar cookies are well worth any place on your Christmas spread.
1. Ham
My favourite meat is ham so of course it cracks #1. I recently found out my fiance doesn't really like turkey which means going forward we will always bring Ham to holiday dinners which is fine with me! Yum yum yum.
Saturday 24 December 2016
Top 10 Countdown: December 24, 2016
10. The Menzingers - Bad Catholics
Last week: NEW!
9. State Champs - Losing Myself
Last week: NEW!
8. Real Friends - Mess
Last week: 9.
7. blink-182 - She's Out Of Her Mind
Last week: 8.
6. Against The Current - Young & Relentless
Last week: 1.
5. Seaway - Slam
Last week: 6.
4. Knuckle Puck - Evergreen
Last week: 5.
3. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: 4.
2. As It Is - Pretty Little Distance
Last week: 3.
1. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 2.
Last week: NEW!
9. State Champs - Losing Myself
Last week: NEW!
8. Real Friends - Mess
Last week: 9.
7. blink-182 - She's Out Of Her Mind
Last week: 8.
6. Against The Current - Young & Relentless
Last week: 1.
5. Seaway - Slam
Last week: 6.
4. Knuckle Puck - Evergreen
Last week: 5.
3. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: 4.
2. As It Is - Pretty Little Distance
Last week: 3.
1. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 2.
Monday 19 December 2016
Special: Top 10 DC Comics Christmas Stories
Who doesn't love a good Christmas story? Luckily the fine folks over at DC Comics have produced a stunningly amazing amount that it was hard to narrow down to just ten but I'll do my best!
10. Silent Night, Deadly Night
From: Batman #239 (1971)
Starring: Batman
Story: Batman follows up on a number of robberies that have plagued a number of Gotham City Santa's. Turns out the culprit is a man that was recently laid off from a toy company that wants to give his niece a Merry Christmas, upon hearing this Batman tells him he was still wrong to do it but he escapes to take revenge on his former boss, an old guy in a wheelchair. Batman arrives too late as the man beats his former boss within an inch of his life before he realizes what he's doing is wrong... Somehow Batman still lets him go saying they'll worry about his legal troubles next week and that he's already given him a present by not killing the man... Let that sink in. What the hell were you thinking Batman??
9. Superman's Christmas Adventure
From: Superman's Christmas Adventure #1 (1940)
Starring: Superman
Story: In this story Clark Kent and Lois Lane spot a spoiled entitled rich kid while out Christmas shopping so that night Superman decides to kidnap the child and go all "A Christmas Carol" on him showing all the poor kids and how they go without even a broken toy. While that's happening two guys decide to ambush Santa to make him change his ways, after he doesn't and has the elves beat them up they turn their sights on Lois! So naturally Santa and Superman team up to take them down and save Lois from being shot into space or something? Man this is weird, but in a good way. This book was also given away at Department stores... Oh and there are a butt ton of Superman toys advertisements... Like in the comic itself, not ad pages so that makes sense.
8. The TT's Swinging Christmas Carol
From: Teen Titans #13 (1967)
Starring: Robin (Dick Grayson), Kid Flash (Wally West), Aqualad (Garth), Wonder Girl (Donna Troy)
Story: Yet another Christmas Carol-esque story from DC, this time starring the original Teen Titans! Here the titans learn of a nefarious plot by a Mr. Scrounge in which he is buying fancy European cars and importing them as scrap metal before rebuilding them as fancy cars at his junkyard. What a meanace! How dare he not pay duty on his overseas purchases. So as it turns out the Titans decide to "haunt" him to teach him a lesson and everything is going swimmingly until his goons shoot down Wonder Girl in the third act. The Titans put up a fight but end of getting captured. Luckily Scrounge already learned his lesson and lets the Titans go... It's a Christmas miracle!
7. Metropolis Mailbag
From: Superman #64 (1991)
Starring: Superman
Story: In this touching tale Superman shares with Lois a Christmas tradition of his, reading kids letters to him. Their basically like letters to Santa but instead to the world's strongest man. Anyways one of those letters are from a young fan that asks Superman to save his Dad's life as he's got a brain tumor. Superman goes to tell the boy that he can't in fact fix that but it's too late. The boy's father already passed away. But it's not all doom and gloom in this issue. No Superman also reunites a long thought deceased WWII survivor with her sister and thanks to a Daily Planet strike a lot of kids won't get Christmas presents but Superman gets some cash from Bruce Wayne and carries around a sleigh to deliver presents with reindeer from the zoo and a fake Santa.
6. The Silent Night of The Batman
From: Batman #219 (1969)
Starring: Batman
Story: Look at that beautiful Christmas-y cover! Oh wait... This looks nothing like Christmas... Okay so this tale from Batman #219 amounts to nothing more than a back-up story and a really weird one at that... But weird in a good way! So basically it's Christmas Eve and Batman is making his patrol rounds when the bat signal comes on. He goes to visit the Commissioner who tells him he shone the bat signal to tell him to take the night off because everyone is in the Christmas Spirit. Batman scoffs but relents and spends the night singing Christmas Carols with the GCPD meanwhile citizens stop short of committing crimes or in some cases killing themselves because they think they see Batman... But nope! He's singing.
5. Be Good For Goodness' Sake
From: Justice Society of America #55 (2003)
Starring: The Flash (Jay Garrick), Alan Scott (Former Green Lantern, known as The Sentinel here), Wildcat (Ted Grant), Hawkman.
Story: The JSA are on a mission in a small New Hampshire town which leads them to meeting the local mall Santa when some goons come in to rob the place and take some hostages while they are at it. The JSA team captures most of them but one is about to get away when the Mall Santa doing their best Paul Blart impersonation says "not in my mall" and cold clocks him after he pulls a knife cutting off their Santa beard revealing Santa's real identity as Ma Hunkle, the original Red Tornado! Turns out she faked her death to go into Witness Protection... Oh comic books. You so crazy.
4. Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot
From: Christmas With The Superheroes #2 (1988)
Starring: Deadman
Story: Here's one of the most popular, if not most popular DC story that fills you with the yuletide spirit. We get a glimpse on how Deadman spends the holidays. Mostly finding Scrooge-type characters and making them give back to the people they mistreated over the last year. He also makes time for self pity after taking control of a few meat sacks to know what spending time with loved ones over the holidays feels like... But of course that's wrong of him to steal other peoples joy. It's then he meets a girl that can actually see him. She tells him all about the reason for the season, essentially be good for the sake of being good. Don't do the right thing because you'll get something out of it, do it because you know you should. Thus Deadman doesn't need to go all "A Wonderful Life" on us.
3. One Perfect Gift
From: The Flash #73 (1992)
Starring: The Flash (Wally West), The Flash (Jay Garrick), The Flash (Barry Allen)
Story: Look at that cast! Haha. Mark Waid finally cracks our list with this story from The Flash. Wally (the current Flash at the time) and old man Jay Garrick are having a little Christmas get together when they leave on patrol, mostly to get Wally out of the house. They come across a pregnant lady in labour who was struggling to get to her husband who works at a department store but was going to help rob it since he was being laid off that night (Christmas Eve). Wally goes to stop the husband from making a grave mistake and Jay stands back and delivers doctors, nurses and equipment to the street to help the woman in labour. At the end of the issue a knock at the door is greeted by the face of the man in red... But it's not Santa Claus... It's Barry Allen! What a twist to cap off this festive issue (Barry had died 8 years prior and hadn't been seen since).
2. Yes Tyrone, There Is A Santa Claus
From: Infinite Holiday Special #1 (2006)
Starring: Batman, Superman
Story: Okay so this is a very short, but oh so sweet tale. A young boy named Tyrone writes to the Daily Planet to find out if there is a real Santa or not, once Clark reads it he knows he needs to show him that anything is possible so he dresses up in a Superman Santa Suit and flies over with a sleigh full of gifts. When he arrives Batman is there to talk him out of it, he tells him he's a hero and needs to act like it... Afterall what would people think if he can take a night off from saving the world to play dress up with some kid. Superman takes his advice and changes but decides Tyrone should still get some presents but when he returns he finds Tyrone stricken by "Bat-Santa" that came to give him presents. Batman sees Superman and gives him a wink. The issue closes with Superman decking Batman and we get the "elseworlds" stamp indicating that this is a non-cannon story, but cannon or not it was a fun ride.
1. Merry Christmas, Justice League - Now Die!
From: Justice League of America #60 (2001)
Starring: Plastic Man, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), Batman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, The Flash (Wally West)
Story: Mark Waid makes his second appearance in the Top 3!? This time at the top spot. While visiting friends Plastic Man tells an unbelieving boy that Santa Claus is not only real but a member of the Justice League! The evil Neron gives kids presents before Christmas, which of course they accept, only to find out they come with a dark twist. Santa and the JLA go to help but the JLA are turned to coal so it comes down to Santa who beats the hell out of Neron's evil elfs and demons before finally succumbing. But Santa had a trick up his sleeve, knowing Neron needs to trade and bargain he gives him a gift and refuses anything in return.. So when he opens his parcel of socks and underwear he explodes! Santa then turns the JLA back to their normal self and accepts an invite to join the league.
From: Batman #239 (1971)
Starring: Batman
Story: Batman follows up on a number of robberies that have plagued a number of Gotham City Santa's. Turns out the culprit is a man that was recently laid off from a toy company that wants to give his niece a Merry Christmas, upon hearing this Batman tells him he was still wrong to do it but he escapes to take revenge on his former boss, an old guy in a wheelchair. Batman arrives too late as the man beats his former boss within an inch of his life before he realizes what he's doing is wrong... Somehow Batman still lets him go saying they'll worry about his legal troubles next week and that he's already given him a present by not killing the man... Let that sink in. What the hell were you thinking Batman??
From: Superman's Christmas Adventure #1 (1940)
Starring: Superman
Story: In this story Clark Kent and Lois Lane spot a spoiled entitled rich kid while out Christmas shopping so that night Superman decides to kidnap the child and go all "A Christmas Carol" on him showing all the poor kids and how they go without even a broken toy. While that's happening two guys decide to ambush Santa to make him change his ways, after he doesn't and has the elves beat them up they turn their sights on Lois! So naturally Santa and Superman team up to take them down and save Lois from being shot into space or something? Man this is weird, but in a good way. This book was also given away at Department stores... Oh and there are a butt ton of Superman toys advertisements... Like in the comic itself, not ad pages so that makes sense.
From: Teen Titans #13 (1967)
Starring: Robin (Dick Grayson), Kid Flash (Wally West), Aqualad (Garth), Wonder Girl (Donna Troy)
Story: Yet another Christmas Carol-esque story from DC, this time starring the original Teen Titans! Here the titans learn of a nefarious plot by a Mr. Scrounge in which he is buying fancy European cars and importing them as scrap metal before rebuilding them as fancy cars at his junkyard. What a meanace! How dare he not pay duty on his overseas purchases. So as it turns out the Titans decide to "haunt" him to teach him a lesson and everything is going swimmingly until his goons shoot down Wonder Girl in the third act. The Titans put up a fight but end of getting captured. Luckily Scrounge already learned his lesson and lets the Titans go... It's a Christmas miracle!
From: Superman #64 (1991)
Starring: Superman
Story: In this touching tale Superman shares with Lois a Christmas tradition of his, reading kids letters to him. Their basically like letters to Santa but instead to the world's strongest man. Anyways one of those letters are from a young fan that asks Superman to save his Dad's life as he's got a brain tumor. Superman goes to tell the boy that he can't in fact fix that but it's too late. The boy's father already passed away. But it's not all doom and gloom in this issue. No Superman also reunites a long thought deceased WWII survivor with her sister and thanks to a Daily Planet strike a lot of kids won't get Christmas presents but Superman gets some cash from Bruce Wayne and carries around a sleigh to deliver presents with reindeer from the zoo and a fake Santa.
6. The Silent Night of The BatmanFrom: Batman #219 (1969)
Starring: Batman
Story: Look at that beautiful Christmas-y cover! Oh wait... This looks nothing like Christmas... Okay so this tale from Batman #219 amounts to nothing more than a back-up story and a really weird one at that... But weird in a good way! So basically it's Christmas Eve and Batman is making his patrol rounds when the bat signal comes on. He goes to visit the Commissioner who tells him he shone the bat signal to tell him to take the night off because everyone is in the Christmas Spirit. Batman scoffs but relents and spends the night singing Christmas Carols with the GCPD meanwhile citizens stop short of committing crimes or in some cases killing themselves because they think they see Batman... But nope! He's singing.
5. Be Good For Goodness' SakeFrom: Justice Society of America #55 (2003)
Starring: The Flash (Jay Garrick), Alan Scott (Former Green Lantern, known as The Sentinel here), Wildcat (Ted Grant), Hawkman.
Story: The JSA are on a mission in a small New Hampshire town which leads them to meeting the local mall Santa when some goons come in to rob the place and take some hostages while they are at it. The JSA team captures most of them but one is about to get away when the Mall Santa doing their best Paul Blart impersonation says "not in my mall" and cold clocks him after he pulls a knife cutting off their Santa beard revealing Santa's real identity as Ma Hunkle, the original Red Tornado! Turns out she faked her death to go into Witness Protection... Oh comic books. You so crazy.
4. Should Auld Acquaintance Be ForgotFrom: Christmas With The Superheroes #2 (1988)
Starring: Deadman
Story: Here's one of the most popular, if not most popular DC story that fills you with the yuletide spirit. We get a glimpse on how Deadman spends the holidays. Mostly finding Scrooge-type characters and making them give back to the people they mistreated over the last year. He also makes time for self pity after taking control of a few meat sacks to know what spending time with loved ones over the holidays feels like... But of course that's wrong of him to steal other peoples joy. It's then he meets a girl that can actually see him. She tells him all about the reason for the season, essentially be good for the sake of being good. Don't do the right thing because you'll get something out of it, do it because you know you should. Thus Deadman doesn't need to go all "A Wonderful Life" on us.
From: The Flash #73 (1992)
Starring: The Flash (Wally West), The Flash (Jay Garrick), The Flash (Barry Allen)
Story: Look at that cast! Haha. Mark Waid finally cracks our list with this story from The Flash. Wally (the current Flash at the time) and old man Jay Garrick are having a little Christmas get together when they leave on patrol, mostly to get Wally out of the house. They come across a pregnant lady in labour who was struggling to get to her husband who works at a department store but was going to help rob it since he was being laid off that night (Christmas Eve). Wally goes to stop the husband from making a grave mistake and Jay stands back and delivers doctors, nurses and equipment to the street to help the woman in labour. At the end of the issue a knock at the door is greeted by the face of the man in red... But it's not Santa Claus... It's Barry Allen! What a twist to cap off this festive issue (Barry had died 8 years prior and hadn't been seen since).
From: Infinite Holiday Special #1 (2006)
Starring: Batman, Superman
Story: Okay so this is a very short, but oh so sweet tale. A young boy named Tyrone writes to the Daily Planet to find out if there is a real Santa or not, once Clark reads it he knows he needs to show him that anything is possible so he dresses up in a Superman Santa Suit and flies over with a sleigh full of gifts. When he arrives Batman is there to talk him out of it, he tells him he's a hero and needs to act like it... Afterall what would people think if he can take a night off from saving the world to play dress up with some kid. Superman takes his advice and changes but decides Tyrone should still get some presents but when he returns he finds Tyrone stricken by "Bat-Santa" that came to give him presents. Batman sees Superman and gives him a wink. The issue closes with Superman decking Batman and we get the "elseworlds" stamp indicating that this is a non-cannon story, but cannon or not it was a fun ride.
From: Justice League of America #60 (2001)
Starring: Plastic Man, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), Batman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, The Flash (Wally West)
Story: Mark Waid makes his second appearance in the Top 3!? This time at the top spot. While visiting friends Plastic Man tells an unbelieving boy that Santa Claus is not only real but a member of the Justice League! The evil Neron gives kids presents before Christmas, which of course they accept, only to find out they come with a dark twist. Santa and the JLA go to help but the JLA are turned to coal so it comes down to Santa who beats the hell out of Neron's evil elfs and demons before finally succumbing. But Santa had a trick up his sleeve, knowing Neron needs to trade and bargain he gives him a gift and refuses anything in return.. So when he opens his parcel of socks and underwear he explodes! Santa then turns the JLA back to their normal self and accepts an invite to join the league.
Saturday 17 December 2016
Top 10 Countdown: December 17, 2016
10. Mariana's Trench - Who Do You Love?
Last week: NEW!
9. Real Friends - Mess
Last week: NEW!
8. blink-182 - She's Out Of Her Mind
Last week: 9.
7. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: 2.
6. Seaway - Slam
Last week: 8.
5. Knuckle Puck - Evergreen
Last week: 7.
4. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: 5.
3. As It Is - Pretty Little Distance
Last week: 4.
2. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 3.
1. Against The Current - Young & Relentless
Last week: 1.
Last week: NEW!
9. Real Friends - Mess
Last week: NEW!
8. blink-182 - She's Out Of Her Mind
Last week: 9.
7. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: 2.
6. Seaway - Slam
Last week: 8.
5. Knuckle Puck - Evergreen
Last week: 7.
4. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: 5.
3. As It Is - Pretty Little Distance
Last week: 4.
2. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 3.
1. Against The Current - Young & Relentless
Last week: 1.
Sunday 11 December 2016
Special: Christmas CD 2016
Hey everyone!! It's another holiday season which means another edition of "What's A Partridge? What's A Pear Tree?" the annual Christmas compilation I create. Here's this year's CD (volume 9) (LINK) and the tracklisting is below. If you want past years click HERE which is a link to last years Volume 8 as well as a link to volume 7 and prior. And again the obligatory "I own none of this music or ones in linked articles"
1. Suckerpunch - This December
2. The Matches - Happy New Year
3. Go Radio - O Holy Night
4. The Downtown Fiction - Forgot It Was Christmas
5. The Holidaze - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
6. Divided By Friday - All I Want For Christmas Is You
7. Hawk Nelson - Silent Night
8. All Hands On Deck - Snowflakes & Heartbreaks
9. Courage My Love - Last Christmas
10. Bowling For Soup - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
11. Alcoa - Blue Christmas
12. Sophomore - Wonderful Christmastime
13. Count Your Blessings - Too Much Eggnog
14. Shelbyville - Leave It To Christians To Ruin A Perfectly Good Holiday
15. Relient K - Handel's Messiah
16. Less Than Jake - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
17. Taking Back Sunday - Merry Christmas, I Missed You So Much
18. In Her Own Words - Yule Shoot Your Eye Out
19. Lee Corey Oswald - A Chill Time To All And To All A Chill Time
20. MxPx - Auld Lang Syne
1. Suckerpunch - This December
2. The Matches - Happy New Year
3. Go Radio - O Holy Night
4. The Downtown Fiction - Forgot It Was Christmas
5. The Holidaze - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
6. Divided By Friday - All I Want For Christmas Is You
7. Hawk Nelson - Silent Night
8. All Hands On Deck - Snowflakes & Heartbreaks
9. Courage My Love - Last Christmas
10. Bowling For Soup - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
11. Alcoa - Blue Christmas
12. Sophomore - Wonderful Christmastime
13. Count Your Blessings - Too Much Eggnog
14. Shelbyville - Leave It To Christians To Ruin A Perfectly Good Holiday
15. Relient K - Handel's Messiah
16. Less Than Jake - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
17. Taking Back Sunday - Merry Christmas, I Missed You So Much
18. In Her Own Words - Yule Shoot Your Eye Out
19. Lee Corey Oswald - A Chill Time To All And To All A Chill Time
20. MxPx - Auld Lang Syne
Saturday 10 December 2016
Top 10 Countdown: December 10, 2016
10. Silverstein - Ghost
Last week: 10.
9. blink-182 - She's Out Of Her Mind
Last week: NEW!
8. Seaway - Slam
Last week: NEW!
7. Knuckle Puck - Evergreen
Last week: 9.
6. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 3.
5. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: 6.
4. As It Is - Pretty Little Distance
Last week: 5.
3. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 4.
2. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: 2.
1. Against The Current - Young & Relentless
Last week: 1.
Last week: 10.
9. blink-182 - She's Out Of Her Mind
Last week: NEW!
8. Seaway - Slam
Last week: NEW!
7. Knuckle Puck - Evergreen
Last week: 9.
6. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 3.
5. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: 6.
4. As It Is - Pretty Little Distance
Last week: 5.
3. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 4.
2. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: 2.
1. Against The Current - Young & Relentless
Last week: 1.
Sunday 4 December 2016
Special: Top 10 Christmas-Themed Funko Products
10. Metallic Holiday Dancing Groot POP!
This guy was exclusive to Hot Topic and can still be had for about $10 US off eBay. Featuring a Metallic paint job for the snow and a festive bow around the pot. This is a must have for any POP Collector.
9. Holiday Jawa Wacky Wobbler
Here's one that's harder to find but when it does go up, it's not crazy expensive as one sold on eBay for $14.99 US just last month. I'm not sure how I'd feel if a Jawa showed up on my doorstop with a gift in hand but this is by far the best of the Star Wars Holiday Wacky Wobblers. The Wobblers line was never that popular but with Funko releasing a new line of Wobblers and using Star Wars as the springboard these guys will get snatched up quickly.
8. Heat Miser Plushie
From the classic TV Special The Year Without A Santa Claus we bring you Heat Miser! If you find this guy grab him. I scoured the Internet and couldn't find a single one for sale or that sold in the last little while which is depressing! Just look at the detail that went into this Plushie (which was widely considered one of Funko's laziest lines - No wonder it was so short lived) the only plushies released were the first few characters in the original POP lines (Television, Heroes, Holidays, etc.) before Funko pulled the plug.
7. Holiday Toothless POP!
Everyone's favourite dragon is back this time with a festive wreath! Okay so maybe I'm a little biased because Toothless was one of my most sought after POP's when I started collecting but I just think this guy looks so cool and I NEED to have him in my collection. Not easy to see in Canada but online he can be found in the $20 - $25 range so not overly prohibitive.
6. Snowman Jack Mystery Mini
The cheapest thing found on our list! This Mystery Mini from the first Nightmare Before Christmas Mini set can be had for only $2 off eBay. If you're a fan of Glow-in-the-dark variants this guy has one of those as well that was exclusive to Hot Topic but I went with the normal Snowman Jack only because the GITD one was very lazy (what snowman glows?). NBC Mini's had lots of Christmas options to choose from but Snowman Jack was the winner... Now if only we can get a POP of him! (Spoiler alert: It's coming)
5. Christmas Gizmo ReAction Figure
Tough choice between the two Gizmo Reactions but for the purpose of this list a Santa hat is just much more Christmassy than a Candy Cane. Not a big ReAction fan (don't like them much at all really) but the Gremlins set just feels so right... Maybe it's because of the 80's setting but I've been tempted to grab these myself on a few occasions.
4. Santa Jack Mega POP! Plush
There are so many great Santa Jack Funko products to choose from you'd think it be harder to find the one representative for this list but when it came down to it, it wasn't that tough. This Mega Plush stands out among it's POP, Dorbz, Reaction, Mystery Mini, Plush, Mopeez, etc. counterparts. He cost about $25 in stores so he won't be cheap but he's huge and awesome to look at.
3. Flocked Bunny Suit Ralphie
I'm really shocked this guy isn't higher as it's one of, if not my most sought after POP! currently but I just don't have the $$$ to throw down over $100 on him currently. The classic scene from A Christmas Story where Ralphie puts on his Bunny Suit is a great POP on it's own. But when Gemini Collectibles released an exclusive Flocked version the game changed! One day he'll be in my collection. Hopefully sooner rather then later.
2. Christmas Stitch Dorbz
This Stitch in a Santa suit is so cute! He was just released like 2 days ago on the Funko Shop but don't worry he's a 10,000 piece edition so he'll be up there for a while. But mine's already on it's way to me ;)
1. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer POP! Line
I realize this is a little bit of a cop out but how could I just pick one from this excellent line!? One day I'll finish this one off... I'm still short a Hermey and Misfit Elephant which are going for $80 & $185 respectively... Ooof. If you're fortunate enough to have them all just know I'm extremely jealous since these are some of the best products Funko ever produced, let alone Holiday ones.
This guy was exclusive to Hot Topic and can still be had for about $10 US off eBay. Featuring a Metallic paint job for the snow and a festive bow around the pot. This is a must have for any POP Collector.
9. Holiday Jawa Wacky Wobbler
Here's one that's harder to find but when it does go up, it's not crazy expensive as one sold on eBay for $14.99 US just last month. I'm not sure how I'd feel if a Jawa showed up on my doorstop with a gift in hand but this is by far the best of the Star Wars Holiday Wacky Wobblers. The Wobblers line was never that popular but with Funko releasing a new line of Wobblers and using Star Wars as the springboard these guys will get snatched up quickly.
8. Heat Miser Plushie
From the classic TV Special The Year Without A Santa Claus we bring you Heat Miser! If you find this guy grab him. I scoured the Internet and couldn't find a single one for sale or that sold in the last little while which is depressing! Just look at the detail that went into this Plushie (which was widely considered one of Funko's laziest lines - No wonder it was so short lived) the only plushies released were the first few characters in the original POP lines (Television, Heroes, Holidays, etc.) before Funko pulled the plug.
7. Holiday Toothless POP!
Everyone's favourite dragon is back this time with a festive wreath! Okay so maybe I'm a little biased because Toothless was one of my most sought after POP's when I started collecting but I just think this guy looks so cool and I NEED to have him in my collection. Not easy to see in Canada but online he can be found in the $20 - $25 range so not overly prohibitive.
6. Snowman Jack Mystery Mini
The cheapest thing found on our list! This Mystery Mini from the first Nightmare Before Christmas Mini set can be had for only $2 off eBay. If you're a fan of Glow-in-the-dark variants this guy has one of those as well that was exclusive to Hot Topic but I went with the normal Snowman Jack only because the GITD one was very lazy (what snowman glows?). NBC Mini's had lots of Christmas options to choose from but Snowman Jack was the winner... Now if only we can get a POP of him! (Spoiler alert: It's coming)
5. Christmas Gizmo ReAction Figure
Tough choice between the two Gizmo Reactions but for the purpose of this list a Santa hat is just much more Christmassy than a Candy Cane. Not a big ReAction fan (don't like them much at all really) but the Gremlins set just feels so right... Maybe it's because of the 80's setting but I've been tempted to grab these myself on a few occasions.
4. Santa Jack Mega POP! Plush
There are so many great Santa Jack Funko products to choose from you'd think it be harder to find the one representative for this list but when it came down to it, it wasn't that tough. This Mega Plush stands out among it's POP, Dorbz, Reaction, Mystery Mini, Plush, Mopeez, etc. counterparts. He cost about $25 in stores so he won't be cheap but he's huge and awesome to look at.
3. Flocked Bunny Suit Ralphie
I'm really shocked this guy isn't higher as it's one of, if not my most sought after POP! currently but I just don't have the $$$ to throw down over $100 on him currently. The classic scene from A Christmas Story where Ralphie puts on his Bunny Suit is a great POP on it's own. But when Gemini Collectibles released an exclusive Flocked version the game changed! One day he'll be in my collection. Hopefully sooner rather then later.
2. Christmas Stitch Dorbz
This Stitch in a Santa suit is so cute! He was just released like 2 days ago on the Funko Shop but don't worry he's a 10,000 piece edition so he'll be up there for a while. But mine's already on it's way to me ;)
1. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer POP! Line
I realize this is a little bit of a cop out but how could I just pick one from this excellent line!? One day I'll finish this one off... I'm still short a Hermey and Misfit Elephant which are going for $80 & $185 respectively... Ooof. If you're fortunate enough to have them all just know I'm extremely jealous since these are some of the best products Funko ever produced, let alone Holiday ones.
Saturday 3 December 2016
Top 10 Countdown: December 3, 2016
10. Silverstein - Ghost
Last week: NEW!
9. Knuckle Puck - Evergreen
Last week: NEW!
8. Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness - Fire Escape
Last week: 8.
7. With Confidence - Voldermort
Last week: 4.
6. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: 7.
5. As It Is - Pretty Little Distance
Last week: 6.
4. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 5.
3. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 1.
2. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: 3.
1. Against The Current - Young & Relentless
Last week: 2.
Last week: NEW!
9. Knuckle Puck - Evergreen
Last week: NEW!
8. Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness - Fire Escape
Last week: 8.
7. With Confidence - Voldermort
Last week: 4.
6. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: 7.
5. As It Is - Pretty Little Distance
Last week: 6.
4. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 5.
3. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 1.
2. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: 3.
1. Against The Current - Young & Relentless
Last week: 2.
Sunday 27 November 2016
Special: A Decade Under The Influence: Movies from 2006
Hey everyone! 2016 is winding down so I thought we should bang out 1 more "A Decade Under The Influence" segment where we turn the clocks back 10 years and look at the best of years past, in our case 2006 so let's look at my 10 favourite movies from 2006.
10. The Benchwarmers
Release Date: April 7, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $59,843,754
Synopsis: For anyone who's ever been picked on, put down or pushed around, your heroes are here! Rob Schneider, David Spade, and Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) star as three older guys who know what it's like to be bullied. After catching some nasty neighborhood kids picking on a friend's son, they strike back by forming a three-man baseball team to challenge the state's best youth teams. Now, cheered on by every nerd, geek, and misfit in town, these underdogs are about to have a field day in this slapstick hit comedy from the director of Big Daddy and Happy Gilmore and producer Adam Sandler.
9. Underworld: Evolution
Release Date: January 20, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $62,318,875
Synopsis: Tribes of vampires and werewolves battle for supremacy among the undead in this follow-up to the horror hit Underworld. Tracing the bloody history of the ongoing war between the Death Dealers, a gang of upper-crust vampires, and the Lycans, a pack of scruffy werewolves, Underworld: Evolution finds beautiful Death Dealer Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and hunky Lycan Michael (Scott Speedman) exploring their own pasts as well as those of their comrades in hope of uncovering the secrets of this centuries-old conflict. As Selene and Michael deal with their bloody legacy as well as their forbidden romance, the violence between the Death Dealers and the Lycans escalates in what may be the final face-off between them.
8. Casino Royale
Release Date: November 17, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $167,455,960
Synopsis: James Bond's first 007 mission takes him to Madagascar, where he is to spy on a terrorist Mollaka. Not everything goes as planned and Bond decides to investigate, independently of the MI6 agency, in order to track down the rest of the terrorist cell. Following a lead to the Bahamas, he encounters Dimitrios and his girlfriend, Solange. He learns that Dimitrios is involved with Le Chiffre, banker to the world's terrorist organizations. Secret Service intelligence reveals that Le Chiffre is planning to raise money in a high-stakes poker game in Montenegro at Le Casino Royale. MI6 assigns 007 to play against him, knowing that if Le Chiffre loses, it will destroy his organization. 'M' places Bond under the watchful eye of the beguiling Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide, Bond's interest in her deepens as they brave danger together--and even torture at the hands of Le Chiffre. In Montenegro, Bond allies himself with Matthis, MI6's local field agent, and Felix Leiter, who is representing the interests of the CIA. The marathon game proceeds with dirty tricks and violence, raising the stakes beyond blood money and reaching a terrifying climax.
7. Accepted
Release Date: August 18, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $36,323,505
Synopsis: Misfit teenagers who can't get into college instead create one of their own in this youth-oriented comedy. Bartleby Gaines (Justin Long) is a high school senior who's a nice guy and reasonably bright. However, his academic history is none too impressive, and as graduation comes and goes he's yet to find a college willing to admit him. Bartleby's parents are unhappy about this turn of events, and when he's turned down by his final "safety" school, Bartleby hatches a desperate scheme -- using his computer, he creates a website and letterhead for a non-existent college, South Harmon Institute of Technology, and tells his parents he'll he matriculating there come September. As it happens, several of Bartleby's friends -- Glen (Adam Herschman), Rory (Maria Thayer), Hands (Columbus Short), and Schrader (Jonah Hill) -- are in the same predicament, and soon they're also part of the new class at South Harmon. Word spreads like wildfire about South Harmon via the internet, and soon hundreds of prospective students are lined up waiting to sign up for its nonexistent classes. Bartleby and his pals commandeer a condemned mental hospital to serve as their campus, persuade Bartleby's mildly deranged Uncle Ben (Lewis Black) to serve as their dean, and soon they're running what looks like a genuine alternative educational facility, at least from a distance. But how long can the kids keep up the scam before their parents get wise...not to mention the officials governing institutions of higher education?
6. Inside Man
Release Date: March 24, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $88,513,495
Synopsis: The volatile showdown between a determined cop and a perfectionist bank robber is sent spiraling toward disaster when a scheming power broker steps in to take control of the situation in this hair-raising heist flick directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster. Dalton Russell (Owen) is a bank robber with a difference. In his quest to execute the perfect heist, Dalton has taken every possible factor into consideration. Dalton's uncanny ability of staying one step ahead of the law thwarts even-tempered Detective Keith Frazier's (Washington) best efforts. But there's another factor at play. The bank president (Christopher Plummer) has requested the services of high-profile negotiator Madeline White (Foster). Despite her commendable track record, Madeline is something of a wild card, and before the day is over, this bank robbery will go down in history as one of the most elaborate heists ever executed.
5. Monster House
Release Date: July 21, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $73,661,010
Synopsis: A suburban home has become physically animated by a vengeful human soul looking to stir up trouble from beyond the grave, and it's up to three adventurous kids from the neighborhood to do battle with the structural golem in this comically frightful tale, directed by Gil Kenan and featuring the voices of Steve Buscemi, Nick Cannon, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Kevin James. DJ Harvard (voice of Mitchel Musso) lives directly across the street from a most unusual house. A malevolent entity that longs to feed on the energy of the living, the once peaceful house that looms ominously outside of DJ's bedroom window would like nothing more than the chance to feast on the children of the neighborhood. As Halloween begins to draw near and the children of the neighborhood prepare for another long night of trick-or-treating, it appears as if it may be the house that is in for the biggest treat of all. Now, with the adults turning a deaf ear to DJ's strange findings, it's up to the brave young boy and his faithful friends Chowder (voice of Sam Lerner) and Jenny (Spencer Locke) to break through the barrier of the supernatural and defeat the powers of darkness before the house grows too powerful to fight.
4. Mission: Impossible 3
Release Date: May 5, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $134,029,801
Synopsis: The third entry in Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible film series involves super Impossible Mission Forces (IMF) agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise) being forced back into the field just when he was planning on marrying his girlfriend, Julia (Michelle Monaghan). The agency asks Hunt to save an operative (Keri Russell) he trained after weapons dealer Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman) kidnaps her. With the help of his field team -- played by Ving Rhames, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, and Maggie Q -- Hunt achieves his goal, but becomes involved in a web of double-crosses that leave him wondering if he can trust his superiors (Billy Crudup and Laurence Fishburne). Eventually Davian threatens Julia's life in order to get away with his evil plan.
3. The Pursuit Of Happyness
Release Date: December 15, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $163,566,459
Synopsis: Chris Gardner is a bright and talented, but marginally employed salesman. Struggling to make ends meet, Gardner finds himself and his five-year-old son evicted from their San Francisco apartment with nowhere to go. When Gardner lands an internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, he and his son endure many hardships, including living in shelters, in pursuit of his dream of a better life for the two of them.
2. The Departed
Release Date: October 6, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $132,384,315
Synopsis: Legendary director Martin Scorsese takes the helm for this tale of questionable loyalties and blurring identities set in the South Boston organized crime scene and inspired by the wildly popular 2002 Hong Kong crime film Infernal Affairs. As the police force attempts to reign in the increasingly powerful Irish mafia, authorities are faced with the prospect of sending in an undercover agent or seeing their already frail grip on the criminal underworld slip even further. Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a young cop looking to make a name for himself in the world of law enforcement. Collin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is a street-smart criminal who has successfully infiltrated the police department with the sole intention of reporting their every move to ruthless syndicate head Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). When Costigan is assigned the task of working his way into Costello's tightly guarded inner circle, Sullivan is faced with the responsibility of rooting out the informer before things get out of hand. With the stakes constantly rising and time quickly running out for the undercover cop and his criminal counterpart, each man must work feverishly to reveal his counterpart before his identity is exposed by the other.
1. Thank You For Smoking
Release Date: March 17, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $24,793,509
Synopsis: Nick Naylor, chief spokesman for Big Tobacco, makes his living defending the rights of smokers and cigarette makers in today's neo-puritanical culture. Confronted by health zealots out to ban tobacco and an opportunistic senator who wants to put poison labels on cigarette packs, Nick goes on a PR offensive, spinning away the dangers of cigarettes on TV talk shows and enlisting a Hollywood super-agent to promote smoking in movies. Nick's newfound notoriety attracts the attention of both tobacco's head honcho and an investigative reporter for an influential Washington daily. Nick says he is just doing what it takes to pay the mortgage, but the increased scrutiny of his son and a very real death threat may force him to think differently.
Release Date: April 7, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $59,843,754
Synopsis: For anyone who's ever been picked on, put down or pushed around, your heroes are here! Rob Schneider, David Spade, and Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) star as three older guys who know what it's like to be bullied. After catching some nasty neighborhood kids picking on a friend's son, they strike back by forming a three-man baseball team to challenge the state's best youth teams. Now, cheered on by every nerd, geek, and misfit in town, these underdogs are about to have a field day in this slapstick hit comedy from the director of Big Daddy and Happy Gilmore and producer Adam Sandler.
Release Date: January 20, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $62,318,875
Synopsis: Tribes of vampires and werewolves battle for supremacy among the undead in this follow-up to the horror hit Underworld. Tracing the bloody history of the ongoing war between the Death Dealers, a gang of upper-crust vampires, and the Lycans, a pack of scruffy werewolves, Underworld: Evolution finds beautiful Death Dealer Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and hunky Lycan Michael (Scott Speedman) exploring their own pasts as well as those of their comrades in hope of uncovering the secrets of this centuries-old conflict. As Selene and Michael deal with their bloody legacy as well as their forbidden romance, the violence between the Death Dealers and the Lycans escalates in what may be the final face-off between them.
Release Date: November 17, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $167,455,960
Synopsis: James Bond's first 007 mission takes him to Madagascar, where he is to spy on a terrorist Mollaka. Not everything goes as planned and Bond decides to investigate, independently of the MI6 agency, in order to track down the rest of the terrorist cell. Following a lead to the Bahamas, he encounters Dimitrios and his girlfriend, Solange. He learns that Dimitrios is involved with Le Chiffre, banker to the world's terrorist organizations. Secret Service intelligence reveals that Le Chiffre is planning to raise money in a high-stakes poker game in Montenegro at Le Casino Royale. MI6 assigns 007 to play against him, knowing that if Le Chiffre loses, it will destroy his organization. 'M' places Bond under the watchful eye of the beguiling Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide, Bond's interest in her deepens as they brave danger together--and even torture at the hands of Le Chiffre. In Montenegro, Bond allies himself with Matthis, MI6's local field agent, and Felix Leiter, who is representing the interests of the CIA. The marathon game proceeds with dirty tricks and violence, raising the stakes beyond blood money and reaching a terrifying climax.
Release Date: August 18, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $36,323,505
Synopsis: Misfit teenagers who can't get into college instead create one of their own in this youth-oriented comedy. Bartleby Gaines (Justin Long) is a high school senior who's a nice guy and reasonably bright. However, his academic history is none too impressive, and as graduation comes and goes he's yet to find a college willing to admit him. Bartleby's parents are unhappy about this turn of events, and when he's turned down by his final "safety" school, Bartleby hatches a desperate scheme -- using his computer, he creates a website and letterhead for a non-existent college, South Harmon Institute of Technology, and tells his parents he'll he matriculating there come September. As it happens, several of Bartleby's friends -- Glen (Adam Herschman), Rory (Maria Thayer), Hands (Columbus Short), and Schrader (Jonah Hill) -- are in the same predicament, and soon they're also part of the new class at South Harmon. Word spreads like wildfire about South Harmon via the internet, and soon hundreds of prospective students are lined up waiting to sign up for its nonexistent classes. Bartleby and his pals commandeer a condemned mental hospital to serve as their campus, persuade Bartleby's mildly deranged Uncle Ben (Lewis Black) to serve as their dean, and soon they're running what looks like a genuine alternative educational facility, at least from a distance. But how long can the kids keep up the scam before their parents get wise...not to mention the officials governing institutions of higher education?
Release Date: March 24, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $88,513,495
Synopsis: The volatile showdown between a determined cop and a perfectionist bank robber is sent spiraling toward disaster when a scheming power broker steps in to take control of the situation in this hair-raising heist flick directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster. Dalton Russell (Owen) is a bank robber with a difference. In his quest to execute the perfect heist, Dalton has taken every possible factor into consideration. Dalton's uncanny ability of staying one step ahead of the law thwarts even-tempered Detective Keith Frazier's (Washington) best efforts. But there's another factor at play. The bank president (Christopher Plummer) has requested the services of high-profile negotiator Madeline White (Foster). Despite her commendable track record, Madeline is something of a wild card, and before the day is over, this bank robbery will go down in history as one of the most elaborate heists ever executed.
Release Date: July 21, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $73,661,010
Synopsis: A suburban home has become physically animated by a vengeful human soul looking to stir up trouble from beyond the grave, and it's up to three adventurous kids from the neighborhood to do battle with the structural golem in this comically frightful tale, directed by Gil Kenan and featuring the voices of Steve Buscemi, Nick Cannon, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Kevin James. DJ Harvard (voice of Mitchel Musso) lives directly across the street from a most unusual house. A malevolent entity that longs to feed on the energy of the living, the once peaceful house that looms ominously outside of DJ's bedroom window would like nothing more than the chance to feast on the children of the neighborhood. As Halloween begins to draw near and the children of the neighborhood prepare for another long night of trick-or-treating, it appears as if it may be the house that is in for the biggest treat of all. Now, with the adults turning a deaf ear to DJ's strange findings, it's up to the brave young boy and his faithful friends Chowder (voice of Sam Lerner) and Jenny (Spencer Locke) to break through the barrier of the supernatural and defeat the powers of darkness before the house grows too powerful to fight.
Release Date: May 5, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $134,029,801
Synopsis: The third entry in Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible film series involves super Impossible Mission Forces (IMF) agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise) being forced back into the field just when he was planning on marrying his girlfriend, Julia (Michelle Monaghan). The agency asks Hunt to save an operative (Keri Russell) he trained after weapons dealer Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman) kidnaps her. With the help of his field team -- played by Ving Rhames, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, and Maggie Q -- Hunt achieves his goal, but becomes involved in a web of double-crosses that leave him wondering if he can trust his superiors (Billy Crudup and Laurence Fishburne). Eventually Davian threatens Julia's life in order to get away with his evil plan.
3. The Pursuit Of Happyness
Release Date: December 15, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $163,566,459
Synopsis: Chris Gardner is a bright and talented, but marginally employed salesman. Struggling to make ends meet, Gardner finds himself and his five-year-old son evicted from their San Francisco apartment with nowhere to go. When Gardner lands an internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, he and his son endure many hardships, including living in shelters, in pursuit of his dream of a better life for the two of them.
2. The Departed
Release Date: October 6, 2006
Synopsis: Legendary director Martin Scorsese takes the helm for this tale of questionable loyalties and blurring identities set in the South Boston organized crime scene and inspired by the wildly popular 2002 Hong Kong crime film Infernal Affairs. As the police force attempts to reign in the increasingly powerful Irish mafia, authorities are faced with the prospect of sending in an undercover agent or seeing their already frail grip on the criminal underworld slip even further. Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a young cop looking to make a name for himself in the world of law enforcement. Collin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is a street-smart criminal who has successfully infiltrated the police department with the sole intention of reporting their every move to ruthless syndicate head Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). When Costigan is assigned the task of working his way into Costello's tightly guarded inner circle, Sullivan is faced with the responsibility of rooting out the informer before things get out of hand. With the stakes constantly rising and time quickly running out for the undercover cop and his criminal counterpart, each man must work feverishly to reveal his counterpart before his identity is exposed by the other.
Release Date: March 17, 2006
North American Box Office Gross: $24,793,509
Synopsis: Nick Naylor, chief spokesman for Big Tobacco, makes his living defending the rights of smokers and cigarette makers in today's neo-puritanical culture. Confronted by health zealots out to ban tobacco and an opportunistic senator who wants to put poison labels on cigarette packs, Nick goes on a PR offensive, spinning away the dangers of cigarettes on TV talk shows and enlisting a Hollywood super-agent to promote smoking in movies. Nick's newfound notoriety attracts the attention of both tobacco's head honcho and an investigative reporter for an influential Washington daily. Nick says he is just doing what it takes to pay the mortgage, but the increased scrutiny of his son and a very real death threat may force him to think differently.
Saturday 26 November 2016
Top 10 Countdown: November 26, 2016
10. Sum 41 - God Save Us All (Death To Pop)
Last week: NEW!
9. Taking Back Sunday - You Can't Look Back
Last week: 5.
8. Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness - Fire Escape
Last week: 9.
7. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: 8.
6. As It Is - Pretty Little Distance
Last week: NEW!
5. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 7.
4. With Confidence - Voldemort
Last week: 1.
3. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: 4.
2. Against The Current - Young & Relentless
Last week: 3.
1. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 2.
Last week: NEW!
9. Taking Back Sunday - You Can't Look Back
Last week: 5.
8. Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness - Fire Escape
Last week: 9.
7. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: 8.
6. As It Is - Pretty Little Distance
Last week: NEW!
5. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 7.
4. With Confidence - Voldemort
Last week: 1.
3. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: 4.
2. Against The Current - Young & Relentless
Last week: 3.
1. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 2.
Monday 21 November 2016
Top 10 Countdown: November 19, 2016
10. Green Day - Bang Bang
Last week: 10.
9. Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness - Fire Escape
Last week: NEW!
8. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: NEW!
7. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 8.
6. Pierce The Veil - Circles
Last week: 3.
5. Taking Back Sunday - You Can't Look Back
Last week: 5.
4. A Day To Remember - Naievety
Last week: 7.
3. Against The Current - Young And Relentless
Last week: 4.
2. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 2.
1. With Confidence - Voldemort
Last week: 1.
Last week: 10.
9. Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness - Fire Escape
Last week: NEW!
8. The Story So Far - Nerve
Last week: NEW!
7. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 8.
6. Pierce The Veil - Circles
Last week: 3.
5. Taking Back Sunday - You Can't Look Back
Last week: 5.
4. A Day To Remember - Naievety
Last week: 7.
3. Against The Current - Young And Relentless
Last week: 4.
2. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 2.
1. With Confidence - Voldemort
Last week: 1.
Sunday 20 November 2016
Special: Don't Breathe/Suicide Squad/The Finest Hours Mini-Reviews
Synopsis: Rocky, a young woman wanting to start a better life for her and her sister, agrees to take part in the robbery of a house owned by a wealthy blind man with her boyfriend Money and their friend Alex. But when the blind man turns out to be a more ruthless adversary than he seems, the group must find a way to escape his home before they become his newest victims.
My thoughts: Lots of twists and turns that kept me thinking that the movie was ending just to have something else happen. This was easily on it's way to a solid 5 but then it went from bone chilling to just plain weird (no spoilers, sorry!). But up until that point everything was terrifying. The director tandem used every shot to and sound to build suspense letting it out in mild doses to get the movie-goers scared.
Final verdict: 4 dead thieves out of 5.
Synopsis: It feels good to be bad... Assemble a team of the world's most dangerous, incarcerated Super Villains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government's disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren't picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it's every man for himself?
My thoughts: Sure, there are some structural problems apparently caused by WB's unnecessary input but the film entertains quite a bit and succeeds more than it fails and the cast was top notch.
Final verdict: 5 super villain team-ups out of 5
The Finest Hours:Synopsis: In February of 1952, one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast struck New England, damaging an oil tanker off the coast of Cape Cod and literally ripping it in half. On a small lifeboat faced with frigid temperatures and 70-foot high waves, four members of the Coast Guard set out to rescue more than 30 stranded sailors trapped aboard the rapidly-sinking vessel.
My thoughts: I didn't expect to get much, and I really didn't get much. The cast was surprisingly strong but other than that I was not able to relate to anything happening. There were emotional moments and entertaining moments as well but for the most part I didn't feel invested in any of the characters. Though the film is very old fashioned and that's usually a hard sell for me so maybe if you enjoy the 50's setting you'll really enjoy this.
Final verdict: 3 sinking ships out of 5.
Sunday 13 November 2016
Special: Doctor Strange/Ghostbusters/The Witch Mini-Reviews
Synopsis: A disgraced former surgeon named Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) becomes a powerful sorcerer under the tutelage of a mystic known as the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen, and Chiwetel Ejiofor co-star in this entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister).
My thoughts: Going in I was worried there'd be too much world bending and we'd be left with more visuals then plot. Happy to report that isn't the case, however apart from a couple scenes I was disappointed with the lack of visuals. A lot of the fight scenes were hand to hand... Which is fine if this was a Cap movie but c'mon this is the Sorcerer Supreme! We should get more than magical glowing nun-chucks and sticks.
Final verdict: 4 bent buildings out of 5.
Synopsis: Ghostbusters makes its long-awaited return, rebooted with a cast of hilarious new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today--Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. This summer, they're here to save the world!
My thoughts: Not as bad as I expected, but not nearly as good as the reviews were giving it credit for. Chris Hemsworth was the worst part (so you can calm down feminists). The cameos were fun and basically the only thing I looked forward to as the story never pulled me in like the original.
Final verdict: 3 original cameos out of 5.
Synopsis: In this exquisitely made and terrifying new horror film, the age-old concepts of witchcraft, black magic and possession are innovatively brought together to tell the intimate and riveting story of one family's frightful unraveling in the New England wilderness circa 1630. New England, 1630. Upon threat of banishment by the church, an English farmer leaves his colonial plantation, relocating his wife and five children to a remote plot of land on the edge of an ominous forest - within which lurks an unknown evil. Strange and unsettling things begin to happen almost immediately - animals turn malevolent, crops fail, and one child disappears as another becomes seemingly possessed by an evil spirit. With suspicion and paranoia mounting, family members accuse teenage daughter Thomasin of witchcraft, charges she adamantly denies. As circumstances grow more treacherous, each family member's faith, loyalty and love become tested in shocking and unforgettable ways. Writer/director Robert Eggers' debut feature, which premiered to great acclaim at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival - winning the Best Director Prize in the U.S. Narrative Competition - painstakingly recreates a God-fearing New England decades before the 1692 Salem witch trials, in which religious convictions tragically turned to mass hysteria. Told through the eyes of the adolescent Thomasin - in a star-making turn by newcomer Anya Taylor-Joy - and supported by mesmerizing camera work and a powerful musical score, THE WITCH is a chilling and groundbreaking new take on the genre.
My thoughts: It was bad. It starts off at least a little interesting but it loses all semblence of at least a mildly interesting or entertaining flick by the time it hits the 45 minute mark.
Final verdict: 1 bad movie out of 5.
Saturday 12 November 2016
Top 10 Countdown: November 12, 2016
10. Green Day - Bang Bang
Last week: NEW!
9. Broadside - The Simple Type
Last week: 3.
8. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 9.
7. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: 8.
6. Sum 41 - War
Last week: 6.
5. Taking Back Sunday - You Can't Look Back
Last week: 7.
4. Against The Current - Young & Relentless
Last week: 5.
3. Pierce The Veil - Circles
Last week: 2.
2. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 4.
1. With Confidence - Voldemort
Last week: 1.
Last week: NEW!
9. Broadside - The Simple Type
Last week: 3.
8. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: 9.
7. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: 8.
6. Sum 41 - War
Last week: 6.
5. Taking Back Sunday - You Can't Look Back
Last week: 7.
4. Against The Current - Young & Relentless
Last week: 5.
3. Pierce The Veil - Circles
Last week: 2.
2. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 4.
1. With Confidence - Voldemort
Last week: 1.
Sunday 6 November 2016
Special: Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children/Jack Reacher: Never Go Back/Ouija: Origin Of Evil Mini-Reviews
Synopsis: From visionary director Tim Burton, and based upon the best-selling novel, comes an unforgettable motion picture experience. When Jake discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, he finds a magical place known as Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. But the mystery and danger deepen as he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers...and their powerful enemies. Ultimately, Jake discovers that only his own special "peculiarity" can save his new friends.
My thoughts: Beautifully crafted and colourful, as you might expect, but the strong storytelling and striking characters are what you'll leave the theater thinking about. Sam Jackson feels slightly out of place here but I mean it doesn't hold the film back at all considering he needs to be in every film anyway...
Final verdict: 5 Peculiarities out of 5.
Synopsis: Tom Cruise returns as Jack Reacher in this sequel based on Lee Child's bestselling novel Never Go Back, which finds the itinerant problem-solver accused of murder, and learning that he may have a child he has never met.
My thoughts: Not as exciting as the original, who really took me by surprise by the time I came around to watching it with how good it was. The non-Cruise actors were a step back from the original. The script also isn't as tight as the original, however the director does a good job of navigating that and keeping the pacing light and without noticeable holes. The action sequences were as impressive as the first even if the hand to hand combat wasn't nearly as impressive.
Final verdict: 4 Court marshals out of 5.
Synopsis: In 1965 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her two daughters add a new stunt to bolster their seance scam business and unwittingly invite authentic evil into their home. When the youngest daughter is overtaken by a merciless spirit, the family confronts unthinkable fears to save her and send her possessor back to the other side.
My thoughts: This was definitely an upgrade on the first, though that's not saying much seeing as it ranks #71 out of 89 films in the 2014. I kinda expected more given the positive reviews although it was still lackluster relying on a series of jump scares which by the time you get to the "fright filled" conclusion the jump scares lose their luster and are expected which kinda makes the ending fall flat, but hey they did try to curate this movie towards a larger audience then the 14 year olds targeted during the original.
Final verdict: 3 board game movies out of 5.
Saturday 5 November 2016
Top 10 Countdown: November 5, 2016
10. Neck Deep Ft. Mark Hoppus (blink-182) - December (Again)
Last week: 4.
9. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: NEW!
8. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: 9.
7. Taking Back Sunday - You Can't Look Back
Last week: 8.
6. Sum 41 - War
Last week: 7.
5. Against The Current - Young And Relentless
Last week: 6.
4. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 5.
3. Broadside - The Simple Type
Last week: 3.
2. Pierce The Veil - Circles
Last week: 1.
1. With Confidence - Voldemort
Last week: 2.
Last week: 4.
9. Good Charlotte - Life Changes
Last week: NEW!
8. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: 9.
7. Taking Back Sunday - You Can't Look Back
Last week: 8.
6. Sum 41 - War
Last week: 7.
5. Against The Current - Young And Relentless
Last week: 6.
4. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 5.
3. Broadside - The Simple Type
Last week: 3.
2. Pierce The Veil - Circles
Last week: 1.
1. With Confidence - Voldemort
Last week: 2.
Sunday 30 October 2016
Special: Top 10 Underrated R-Rated Halloween Movies
Sorry for the lack of special last week but you know, life gets in the way. Anyway the rules for this list is simple. I'm counting down my top underrated Halloween movies. To be considered for this list the film must have a rating under 7 on IMdB, be rated "R" in the United States and take place during Halloween or have Halloween themes (monsters, murders, etc.) On to the list!
10. Halloween (2007)
IMDb rating: 6.1
Synopsis: After being committed for 17 years, Michael Myers, now a grown man and still very dangerous, escapes from the mental institution (where he was committed as a 10 year old) and he immediately returns to Haddonfield, where he wants to find his baby sister, Laurie. Anyone who crosses his path is in mortal danger.
Why? Rob Zombie's Halloween remake was remarkable, especially considering how garbage the Halloween franchise has become. Unfortunately for Rob and Michael they made one movie too many when they did a sequel... It was awful. Never watch it.
9. Idle Hands (1999)
IMDb rating: 6.2
Synopsis: A teenage slacker's right hand becomes possessed with murderous intent.
Why? What more is there to say about Idle Hands? It's good campy fun and most of the actors (Seth Green, Jessica Alba, Elden Henson) have gone on to do bigger and better things, Devon Sawa basically was on his downturn at this point but he was still able to kick off the Final Destination series the next year and played Eminem obsessed fan Stan in the music video of the same name but unfortunately when he stopped being a cute kid/teen people stopped caring. Good thing we will always have Idle Hands.
8. Pulse (2006)
IMDb rating: 4.7
Synopsis: When their computer hacker friend accidentally channels a mysterious wireless signal, a group of co-eds rally to stop a terrifying evil from taking over the world.
Why? This was Kristen Bell's first leading role after breaking out as Veronica Mars. It's a pretty bad horror movie but seeing so many character actors I love I can't help but look fondly on it. They even spoofed it in Forgetting Sarah Marshall where Sarah Marshall (also played by Kristen Bell) is hounded for taking a shitty role in a shitty movie that made no sense to seperate herself from her immensely popular TV character.
7. My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009)
IMDb rating: 5.5
Synopsis: Tom returns to his hometown on the tenth anniversary of the Valentine's night massacre that claimed the lives of 22 people. Instead of a homecoming, Tom finds himself suspected of committing the murders, and it seems like his old flame is the only one that believes he's innocent.
Why? I'm not sure why this movie has such a low rating... It's quite excellent but the reality is this film was one of the first non-children movies to be shot in 3D so maybe that's the problem. Either way Jensen Ackles needs more theatrical film roles as this was his last, though I guess he's pretty busy getting paid a buttload of money on Supernatural.
6. 30 Days Of Night (2007)
IMDb rating: 6.6
Synopsis: After an Alaskan town is plunged into darkness for a month, it is attacked by a bloodthirsty gang of vampires.
Why? I'm pretty sure this is the first horror movie I ever seen that I actually enjoyed. Maybe it was because I was finally old enough to appreciate it, or maybe it was Ben Foster's creepy turn as "The Stranger" at the beginning but seeing Josh Hartnett and friends fight a group of vampires in Alaska when it's dark for a month is just awesome.
5. Fright Night (2011)
IMDb rating: 6.4
Synopsis: A teenager suspects that his new neighbor is a vampire.
Why? R.I.P. Anton Yelchin... Charlie Bartlett and Alpha Dog aside this is my favourite Anton Yelchin performance. Colin Farrell plays his enemy quite well as the attractive yet mysterious neighbour that moonlights as a vampire. Throw in some supporting roles for David Tenant and McLovin' himself and this dark comedy can scare you as well as make you laugh.
4. Evil Dead (2013)
IMDb rating: 6.5
Synopsis: Five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival.
Why? It's frightening, it's gory, it's all the fun of the original with extra helpings of fake blood and scares. Sure they may have dropped the ball on a Bruce Campbell cameo but it kept everything that was great about the original, modernized it, and then made it better. For whatever reason though some people disliked it allowing it to get on this list. But not only did it get here, it's the highest rated single film.
3. Resident Evil Franchise
IMDb rating: 6.7 (1), 6.2 (2), 6.3 (3), 5.9 (4), 5.4 (5)
Synopsis: 1 - A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident. 2 - Alice awakes in Raccoon City, only to find it has become infested with zombies and monsters. With the help of Jill Valentine and Carlos Olivera, Alice must find a way out of the city before it is destroyed by a nuclear missile. 3 - Survivors of the Raccoon City catastrophe travel across the Nevada desert, hoping to make it to Alaska. Alice joins the caravan and their fight against the evil Umbrella Corp. 4 - While still out to destroy the evil Umbrella Corporation, Alice joins a group of survivors living in a prison surrounded by the infected who also want to relocate to the mysterious but supposedly unharmed safe haven known only as Arcadia. 5 - Alice fights alongside a resistance movement to regain her freedom from an Umbrella Corporation testing facility.
Why? Zombies, bad ass female protagonists, practical effects, great action sequences. What else could you want? Hmmm yeah I guess a coherent plot would be nice but I mean c'mon what do you expect when the most well known director (Paul W.S. Anderson - 1, 4 and 5) is bets known for Death Race and Mortal Kombat outside of the RE films. Beggars can't be choosers folks and Resident Evil, all 5 films have been good solid popcorn flicks that most can get enjoyment from.
2. Scream 2+
IMDb rating: 6.1 (2), 5.5 (3), 6.2 (4)
Synopsis: 2 - Two years after the first series of murders, a new psychopath dons the Ghostface costume and a new string of killings begins. 3 - While Sidney and her friends visit the Hollywood set of Stab 3, the third film based on the Woodsboro murders, a new Ghostface begins to terrorize them once again. 4 - Ten years have passed, and Sidney Prescott, who has put herself back together thanks in part to her writing, is visited by the Ghostface Killer.
Why? The Ghostface killer is back! The success of Scream brought along a sequel which made fun of the sequels in the genre, the third did the same for trilogy films before waiting a decade and doing a reboot as #4 which as you guessed it made fun of reboots. Scream almost takes the top spot but the fall off between 1 and the sequels (except four) were too great compared to our #1 choice.
1. Underworld 2+
IMDb rating: 6.8 (2), 6.6 (3), 6.4 (4)
Synopsis: 2 - Picking up directly from the previous film, vampire warrior Selene and the half werewolf Michael hunt for clues to reveal the history of their races and the war between them. 3 - An origins story centered on the centuries-old feud between the race of aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans. 4 - When human forces discover the existence of the Vampire and Lycan clans, a war to eradicate both species commences. The vampire warrior Selene leads the battle against humankind.
Why? Kate Beckinsale is awesome as Selene kicks ass in the name of vengeance, love and whatever else she sees fit. As a death dealer with a host of problems she always solved them by chewing bubblegum and causing pain... and she's fresh out of gum. Although the first didn't make the cut with a 7 rating on IMDb the others are almost as entertaining and deserving of the number one spot on this list.
10. Halloween (2007)
IMDb rating: 6.1
Synopsis: After being committed for 17 years, Michael Myers, now a grown man and still very dangerous, escapes from the mental institution (where he was committed as a 10 year old) and he immediately returns to Haddonfield, where he wants to find his baby sister, Laurie. Anyone who crosses his path is in mortal danger.
Why? Rob Zombie's Halloween remake was remarkable, especially considering how garbage the Halloween franchise has become. Unfortunately for Rob and Michael they made one movie too many when they did a sequel... It was awful. Never watch it.
9. Idle Hands (1999)
IMDb rating: 6.2
Synopsis: A teenage slacker's right hand becomes possessed with murderous intent.
Why? What more is there to say about Idle Hands? It's good campy fun and most of the actors (Seth Green, Jessica Alba, Elden Henson) have gone on to do bigger and better things, Devon Sawa basically was on his downturn at this point but he was still able to kick off the Final Destination series the next year and played Eminem obsessed fan Stan in the music video of the same name but unfortunately when he stopped being a cute kid/teen people stopped caring. Good thing we will always have Idle Hands.
8. Pulse (2006)
IMDb rating: 4.7
Synopsis: When their computer hacker friend accidentally channels a mysterious wireless signal, a group of co-eds rally to stop a terrifying evil from taking over the world.
Why? This was Kristen Bell's first leading role after breaking out as Veronica Mars. It's a pretty bad horror movie but seeing so many character actors I love I can't help but look fondly on it. They even spoofed it in Forgetting Sarah Marshall where Sarah Marshall (also played by Kristen Bell) is hounded for taking a shitty role in a shitty movie that made no sense to seperate herself from her immensely popular TV character.
7. My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009)
IMDb rating: 5.5
Synopsis: Tom returns to his hometown on the tenth anniversary of the Valentine's night massacre that claimed the lives of 22 people. Instead of a homecoming, Tom finds himself suspected of committing the murders, and it seems like his old flame is the only one that believes he's innocent.
Why? I'm not sure why this movie has such a low rating... It's quite excellent but the reality is this film was one of the first non-children movies to be shot in 3D so maybe that's the problem. Either way Jensen Ackles needs more theatrical film roles as this was his last, though I guess he's pretty busy getting paid a buttload of money on Supernatural.
6. 30 Days Of Night (2007)
IMDb rating: 6.6
Synopsis: After an Alaskan town is plunged into darkness for a month, it is attacked by a bloodthirsty gang of vampires.
Why? I'm pretty sure this is the first horror movie I ever seen that I actually enjoyed. Maybe it was because I was finally old enough to appreciate it, or maybe it was Ben Foster's creepy turn as "The Stranger" at the beginning but seeing Josh Hartnett and friends fight a group of vampires in Alaska when it's dark for a month is just awesome.
5. Fright Night (2011)
IMDb rating: 6.4
Synopsis: A teenager suspects that his new neighbor is a vampire.
Why? R.I.P. Anton Yelchin... Charlie Bartlett and Alpha Dog aside this is my favourite Anton Yelchin performance. Colin Farrell plays his enemy quite well as the attractive yet mysterious neighbour that moonlights as a vampire. Throw in some supporting roles for David Tenant and McLovin' himself and this dark comedy can scare you as well as make you laugh.
4. Evil Dead (2013)
IMDb rating: 6.5
Synopsis: Five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival.
Why? It's frightening, it's gory, it's all the fun of the original with extra helpings of fake blood and scares. Sure they may have dropped the ball on a Bruce Campbell cameo but it kept everything that was great about the original, modernized it, and then made it better. For whatever reason though some people disliked it allowing it to get on this list. But not only did it get here, it's the highest rated single film.
3. Resident Evil Franchise
IMDb rating: 6.7 (1), 6.2 (2), 6.3 (3), 5.9 (4), 5.4 (5)
Synopsis: 1 - A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident. 2 - Alice awakes in Raccoon City, only to find it has become infested with zombies and monsters. With the help of Jill Valentine and Carlos Olivera, Alice must find a way out of the city before it is destroyed by a nuclear missile. 3 - Survivors of the Raccoon City catastrophe travel across the Nevada desert, hoping to make it to Alaska. Alice joins the caravan and their fight against the evil Umbrella Corp. 4 - While still out to destroy the evil Umbrella Corporation, Alice joins a group of survivors living in a prison surrounded by the infected who also want to relocate to the mysterious but supposedly unharmed safe haven known only as Arcadia. 5 - Alice fights alongside a resistance movement to regain her freedom from an Umbrella Corporation testing facility.
Why? Zombies, bad ass female protagonists, practical effects, great action sequences. What else could you want? Hmmm yeah I guess a coherent plot would be nice but I mean c'mon what do you expect when the most well known director (Paul W.S. Anderson - 1, 4 and 5) is bets known for Death Race and Mortal Kombat outside of the RE films. Beggars can't be choosers folks and Resident Evil, all 5 films have been good solid popcorn flicks that most can get enjoyment from.
2. Scream 2+
IMDb rating: 6.1 (2), 5.5 (3), 6.2 (4)
Synopsis: 2 - Two years after the first series of murders, a new psychopath dons the Ghostface costume and a new string of killings begins. 3 - While Sidney and her friends visit the Hollywood set of Stab 3, the third film based on the Woodsboro murders, a new Ghostface begins to terrorize them once again. 4 - Ten years have passed, and Sidney Prescott, who has put herself back together thanks in part to her writing, is visited by the Ghostface Killer.
Why? The Ghostface killer is back! The success of Scream brought along a sequel which made fun of the sequels in the genre, the third did the same for trilogy films before waiting a decade and doing a reboot as #4 which as you guessed it made fun of reboots. Scream almost takes the top spot but the fall off between 1 and the sequels (except four) were too great compared to our #1 choice.
1. Underworld 2+
IMDb rating: 6.8 (2), 6.6 (3), 6.4 (4)
Synopsis: 2 - Picking up directly from the previous film, vampire warrior Selene and the half werewolf Michael hunt for clues to reveal the history of their races and the war between them. 3 - An origins story centered on the centuries-old feud between the race of aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans. 4 - When human forces discover the existence of the Vampire and Lycan clans, a war to eradicate both species commences. The vampire warrior Selene leads the battle against humankind.
Why? Kate Beckinsale is awesome as Selene kicks ass in the name of vengeance, love and whatever else she sees fit. As a death dealer with a host of problems she always solved them by chewing bubblegum and causing pain... and she's fresh out of gum. Although the first didn't make the cut with a 7 rating on IMDb the others are almost as entertaining and deserving of the number one spot on this list.
Top 10 Countdown: October 29, 2016
10. Silverstein - Toronto (Unabridged)
Last week: 5.
9. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: NEW!
8. Taking Back Sunday - You Can't Look Back
Last week: 9.
7. Sum 41 - War
Last week: 8.
6. Against The Current - Young And Relentless
Last week: 7.
5. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 6.
4. Neck Deep Ft. Mark Hoppus (blink-182) - December (Again)
Last week: 1.
3. Broadside - The Simple Type
Last week: 4.
2. With Confidence - Voldemort
Last week: 2.
1. Pierce The Veil - Circles
Last week: 3.
Last week: 5.
9. A Day To Remember - Naivety
Last week: NEW!
8. Taking Back Sunday - You Can't Look Back
Last week: 9.
7. Sum 41 - War
Last week: 8.
6. Against The Current - Young And Relentless
Last week: 7.
5. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: 6.
4. Neck Deep Ft. Mark Hoppus (blink-182) - December (Again)
Last week: 1.
3. Broadside - The Simple Type
Last week: 4.
2. With Confidence - Voldemort
Last week: 2.
1. Pierce The Veil - Circles
Last week: 3.
Sunday 23 October 2016
Top 10 Countdown: October 22, 2016
10. All Time Low - Take Cover
Last week: NEW!
9. Taking Back Sunday - You Can't Look Back
Last week: NEW!
8. Sum 41 - War
Last week: NEW!
7. Against The Current - Young And Relentless
Last week: 8.
6. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: NEW!
5. Silverstein - Toronto (Unabridged)
Last week: 5.
4. Broadside - The Simple Type
Last week: 4.
3. Pierce The Veil - Circles
Last week: 3.
2. With Confidence - Voldemort
Last week: 2.
1. Neck Deep Ft. Mark Hoppus (blink-182) - December (Again)
Last week: 1.
Last week: NEW!
9. Taking Back Sunday - You Can't Look Back
Last week: NEW!
8. Sum 41 - War
Last week: NEW!
7. Against The Current - Young And Relentless
Last week: 8.
6. Hedley - Can't Slow Down
Last week: NEW!
5. Silverstein - Toronto (Unabridged)
Last week: 5.
4. Broadside - The Simple Type
Last week: 4.
3. Pierce The Veil - Circles
Last week: 3.
2. With Confidence - Voldemort
Last week: 2.
1. Neck Deep Ft. Mark Hoppus (blink-182) - December (Again)
Last week: 1.
Special: Halloween ComicFest 2016!
Here's the ranking for the comics this year which you can pick up at your local participating comic book store.
19. Adventures of the Aspen Universe
Fathom’s Ernie the Seahorse has gone missing in the neighborhood, and it’s up to the Aspen Universe’s finest heroes to band together and rescue him — along with readers everywhere! Aspen Comics’ is excited to once again offer fans and readers a unique comic and coloring book package that includes a crafted, full-length story geared for kids to color, plus added puzzles, mazes and other fun-filled activities for children and readers of all ages!
18. Wraithborn
He was trained from birth to inherit a mythical power. She is the timid teenage girl to whom it was bestowed instead. Together only they can stop an ancient evil from rising and enslaving all of humankind! This exciting Halloween Comic Fest edition introduces new readers to this epic urban fantasy series from the creator of Lady Mechanika!
13. DC Super Hero Girls #1
8. Haunted Mansion #1
10. Pokemon Pocket Comics XY
8. Lunch Witch 2
Full-Sized Comics:
Fathom’s Ernie the Seahorse has gone missing in the neighborhood, and it’s up to the Aspen Universe’s finest heroes to band together and rescue him — along with readers everywhere! Aspen Comics’ is excited to once again offer fans and readers a unique comic and coloring book package that includes a crafted, full-length story geared for kids to color, plus added puzzles, mazes and other fun-filled activities for children and readers of all ages!
18. Wraithborn
He was trained from birth to inherit a mythical power. She is the timid teenage girl to whom it was bestowed instead. Together only they can stop an ancient evil from rising and enslaving all of humankind! This exciting Halloween Comic Fest edition introduces new readers to this epic urban fantasy series from the creator of Lady Mechanika!
17. Zombie Tramp vs Dollfaced Witch Hunter
Get a glimpse of an all-new character set in the Zombie Tramp universe! What happens when a witch-hunter’s soul from 17th century Salem, MA gets infused into a life-sized, ball-jointed, 3D printed, sex-bot in the present day? Get set for this quirky adventure full of M.I.T. nerds, Necronomicons, sadistic witches, cute sidekick ghosts, and one bad-ass witch-hunting, Gothic Lolita! Jump right in with this HCF sneak-peak of the regular series!
16. Kitaro
A mysterious model airplane arrives at Kitaro’s house and he can’t resist taking it for a spin, but when it strands him on a desert island, he begins to suspect that someone intentionally trapped him there. Suspecting foul play, Nezumi Otoko investigates a similar crash-landing in the forest, only to discover the true yokai mastermind behind the kidnappings. This comic adventure is the perfect introduction to Shigeru Mizuki’s most popular series, complete with a pull-out poster and fun activities
15. My Little Pony The Haunted Dungeon
Strange things are afoot in the Crystal Empire so Shining Armor calls in his sister Twilight to help find the source of the mysterious occurrences. When the trail leads to King Sombra’s dungeon, will the siblings find the culprit — or their doom?
14. The Three Stooges Halloween Hullaballoo #1
Woob! Woob! Woob! Moe, Larry, and Curly, The Three Stooges, have been making us laugh for nearly a century, and their timeless comedy escapades are back with brand new tales told by creators paying homage to their incredible legacy! The Three Stooges Halloween Hullaballoo is the best way to ward off those spooky spirits and creepy crawlers with a family fun issue chock-full of Stoogey goodness! We’re cramming new comics, classic reprints, and silly special content into this issue!
13. DC Super Hero Girls #1
DC Super Hero Girls is an exciting new universe of superhero storytelling that builds character and confidence and empowers girls to discover their true potential. This special Halloween Comic Fest issue features two exciting, action-packed stories from the upcoming original graphic novel, DC Super Hero Girls: Hits and Myths, that readers of all ages will enjoy. Don’t miss this chance to meet the students as they find out that fun, friendship and hard work are all part of growing up!
12. Action Lab Presents
Marinette is a typical Paris teenager with a school crush, dreams of fashion design, and a big problem with being totally awkward! She also happens to be the magical crime-fighting superhero, Ladybug! When a villain arrives using mind powers to turn people bad, Ladybug teams up with fellow hero Cat Noir… who is secretly her high school crush, Adrien. Will Ladybug and Cat Noir be able to balance their double lives and keep Paris safe? Will they ever discover each other’s true identities?
11. Junji Ito Tomie
Tomie Kawakami is a femme fatale with long black hair and a beauty mark just under her left eye. She can seduce nearly any man, and drive them to murder as well, even though the victim is often Tomie herself. While one lover seeks to keep her for himself, another grows terrified of the immortal succubus. But soon they realize no matter how many times they kill her, the world will never be free of Tomie.
10. Darth Vader Doctor Aphra #1
When a Dark Lord needs help, who can he turn to? Meet Aphra, the galaxy’s foremost raider of lost weaponry! Plus: could these be the deadly droids she’s looking for?
9. Scooby Apocalypse Hanna-Barbera Sampler
Get a sneak peek at Scooby Apocalypse, Future Quest, Wacky Raceland and The Flintstones with this amazing preview book! See what happens when Scooby-Doo and the Hanna-Barbera properties you know and love are paired with the best creators in comics, taking them to fresh and unexpected places that will appeal to old and new fans alike. Expect fun, innovative twists and stories injected with current sensibilities, that are sure to excite fans of any age!
8. Haunted Mansion #1
Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion! It seems that no one lives in the elegant mansion on the hill…but then where’s that creepy organ music coming from? Are the iron gates meant to keep people out…or some things in? Get ready to meet the 999 ghosts of the Haunted Mansion… but be warned, they’re looking for the 1000th!
7. Black Eyed Kids #1
When night falls on a sleepy midwestern town, an ancient unimaginable horror creeps violently and purposely through the night. That’s when the children come out to play; Children with eyes of solid back, devoid of emotion and remorse, and only asking for one thing… to come inside. But there are some who will not go quietly into the night. Some who will fight back to save their souls, and those of their children. This is their story.
6. Spidey #1
Think you know everything about Peter Parker’s early days? Think again. It’s action, adventure and a rip-roaring romp in classic Marvel style as Spidey swings onto shelves this winter! Featuring adventures from throughout the web-slinging wonder’s younger years, it’s a return to the days of overdue homework, not knowing how to talk to girls (or anybody, really) and just a plenty of danger. Witness some of Spidey’s earliest tangles with the likes of Doc Ock, Sandman, and a host of other unexpected foes.
5. Quilte #1
A horrifying new one-shot from the creative team — and taking place in the universe of — And Then Emily Was Gone! Dr. Karla Quite is a revered psychologist who uses her unique psychic gifts to treat patients afflicted with recurring nightmares. But when tasked with helping troubled young Adam Whitlock, her journey into his mind leaves her facing forces far more malevolent than bad dreams!
4. Unbeatable Squirrel Girl You Choose Story #1
This special issue, called “Be the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl,” puts you in control of The Most Powerful Character in the Marvel Universe. Will you fight crime and save the day? Or will you be a complete jerk and use her powers to tell everyone off? The choices are all yours… including your battle with Swarm, a bad guy made out of bees!
3. Evil Dead 2 Beyond Dead By Dawn #1
The Dark One returns with a goal of infecting the entire planet and raising the dead, as Dark Ones do. It’s up to Ash and Annie as they kick it up a notch in the French Quarter looking for an old Voodoo Priestess. But will she help Ash and Annie or make their problems worse? Gimme some dead sugar, baby! Don’t miss what happens in this penultimate issue in the trilogy of mini-series!
2. Harrow County #1
Emmy always knew that the deep, dark woods surrounding her home crawled with ghosts, goblins, and zombies. But on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she learns that she is connected to these creatures — and to the land itself — in a way she never imagined. Don’t miss this first issue of smash hit from Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook! Features an all-new cover by Tyler Crook!
1. Afterlife With Archie Season Two
Kick off Halloween with the smash-horror hit! It’s been weeks since Archie and his friends left Riverdale. Now they wander the deserted highways of America, one step ahead of the relentless zombie horde. When they decide to set down roots to observe their first post-apocalypse Thanksgiving, Mr. Lodge leads a team into the forests of Pennsylvania to find dinner… but the hunters soon become the hunted, and not all of the gang will make it out of the woods alive!
Mini-Comics:
13. Little Tails Halloween
Chipper and Squizzo are a precocious puppy and squirrel who love to explore new and exciting environments, flying their cardboard box airplane to wondrous worlds full of fascinating animals and creatures. In this special Halloween mini-comic, the two will head off into the woods for a spooky Trick-or-Treating adventure through nature, encountering creepy animals of all kinds along the way! Also includes pages of fun puzzles, activities, and brain-teasers!
12. Archie’s Madhouse
It’s a Maaaaadhouse! Archie is proud to present an assortment of shenanigans from Archie’s Madhouse, a series of wild and wacky tales that are sure to leave you laughing and going crazy for more!
11. Johnny Boo
Johnny Boo and his friends celebrate Halloween by doing skateboard tricks in the pumpkin patch. But did you know that giant tigers love Halloween just as much as little ghosts do? It’s because they’re orange, like pumpkins. Watch out for tigers, Johnny Boo!
10. Pokemon Pocket Comics XY
The Pokémon of the Kalos region have all gathered in this hilarious collection starring Fennekin, Froakie, Chespin, the rest of the new X & Y Pokémon, Mega-Evolved Pokémon, and more! Quiz yourself and your friends on Pokémon vital statistics, Abilities, moves, types, Mega Evolution and more! Who will be the next Pokémon quiz champion?
9. Mummy’s Always Right
For the kiddies, we have a Mummy’s Always Right #1/2 Mini-Comic written and drawn by Joe Mulvey and colored by Jules Rivera, featuring a The Walking Dead inspired homage cover. Enter the world of Creature Cove and meet GAWS, a mischievous little mummy who can’t decide what to be for Halloween. This mini-comic from writer/artist Joe Mulvey is perfect for comic book, horror, and pop-culture fans of all ages. If you’re looking for your own little monster’s new favorite book, you’ve found it!
8. Lunch Witch 2
Grunhilda the Witch has a weakness, a tiny soft spot on her black and crusty heart. She continues to hide the nice feelings she has when she gets a letter from former Salem Elementary student Madison. But she can’t keep up the ruse for long because her familiars are onto her — and so are her ancestors! Anything that can go wrong does when Madison accidentally mixes up a positivity potion — and it starts to affect everyone in town.
7. Carpenter Travellers Tale
Happy Halloween from Storm King Productions. No tricks, just a Halloween treat written by the Horror Master himself! Writer/Director/Composer John Carpenter brings you a short horror story that’s not short on scares from his upcoming sequel to the award-winning yearly horror anthology series Tales for a Halloween Night Volume 2.
6. Zombie Camp
Survival is tough after the apocalypse, even when you’re undead! Fortunately, the kids of Zombie Camp get to learn all the best shambling, brain-eating, and death-moaning techniques. Join Johnny, Stump, Violet, Gutsy, and the rest of the gang for the summer of their un-lives!
5. BooooOOOoom Box Halloween
It’s time to get your scare on for Halloween with this selection of spooky tales taken from several of our BOOM! Box titles, including Lumberjanes, Giant Days, and The Backstagers, perfect for any trick-or-treater!
4. Peach & Isle of Monsters
Meet Peach. How did she get her name? What’s her secret? What have the monsters taken from her village? Seeking independence, and prove she’s a warrior, Peach begins her quest to save her village from the Monsters from Monster Isle… and meets some interesting people along the way! Action! Adventure! It’s all here! Written by Franco (Itty Bitty Hellboy and Tiny Titans) and drawn by Agnes Garbowska (My Little Pony).
3. Tim Burton NBX Manga
Manga publishing pioneer Tokyopop brings this sampler mini-comic of the official manga adaptation of Tim Burton’s Holiday classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas, to Halloween Comic Fest 2016, featuring all of your favorite characters, as drawn by Jun Asuka (The Girl Who Leapt, Disney Fairies)!
2. Grumpy Cat Halloween
It's Halloween night, and children delightfully roam the streets, adorned in colorful costumes... but Grumpy Cat is unimpressed! While her brother Pokey celebrates All Hallow's Eve with his usual wide-eyed wonder, Grumpy Cat is such a grouch that she even puts the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins to shame! You'll laugh out loud with the antics of the two most adorable kitties in comics in this very special Halloween mini-comic!
1. Mickeys Inferno
Imagine if you will, a satirical retelling of Dante Aligheri’s Inferno starring Mickey Mouse. This is the very first of the world-famouse, err, famous Great Parodies featuring classic Disney stars in outrageous spoofs of the world’s greatest stories.
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