A look back at the Summer Movie Season April - September 2010

 With October right around the corner I decided to look back at some of the highs and lows of the 2010 Summer movie season. I think I covered every movie I saw from April to September. All ratings are out of 3.
* don't bother    **  rent it/bootleg it worthy    *** must see

Clash of the Titans  **  I was definitely surprised by this movie. I wasn't expecting much but I was definitely entertained throughout the movie.

Date Night  *** I'm not a Steve Carell fan but this movie was hilarious! Can't wait to watch it again

Kick-Ass **  I am a huge fan of the comic book. Bringing this movie to theaters was a highlight of the summer. The action was done well and hit girl stole the show as she does in the comic book too.

Death at a Funeral * Don't waste your time with this movie. The funniest part was in the trailer

The Losers ** I definitely enjoyed this PG action Movie. This movie wasn't a big budget FX action movie but it was entertaining

A Nightmare On Elm Street  * Some classics are best left untouched. All the suspense and thriller was replaced with gore.

Iron Man 2 *** A good sequel, action packed and a great set up movie for the new upcoming Avengers. I was touched by the appearance of the late DJ AM (extra scenes at the end)

Robin Hood  *  I thought it was really slow and a not much better than Kevin Costner's version

MacGruber  * Another very long SNL skit

Sex and the City 2  ** I gotta admit I was entertained and found myself laughing through the movie.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time ** A bit predictable but entertaining, good effort for a video game movie

Get Him to the Greek ***  It was nice to see the character revisited from "Forgetting Saving Marshall" The movie is funny. A lot of drug jokes that everyone could appreciate high or not

The A-Team *** Loved it! Everything a summer movie should be. They really brought the TV show back to life on the big screen. (extra scenes at the end)

The Karate Kid *** I was really worried about this remake. It had a lot of strikes against it before even watching it but I had to see what they did to my childhood movie. It was a great interpretation, it kept the integrity of the story line and was well cast.

Toy Story 3 ** Same old movie with new characters. I found it a bit slow. I was nice to see a few old toys that I've forgotten about

Knight and Day * Just like the movie I a sleep and awake and  a sleep again. Boring...

Grown Ups **  A good old Adam Sandler movie with a great supporting cast. Very funny and you can tell they really had fun making this movie

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse ** I know nothing about these books, except that they are books. A lot more action in this movie and a lot less driving home the girl and walking home with no shirts.

Dinner for Schmucks *** This was a funny movie.A bit stupid a t times but very entertaining

Step Up 3D * I will admit I was fan of both previous Step up's but this one felt really forced. I felt like I was watching a movie written around dance sequences. I can't say how tired I am of seeing "tough" dancers

The Expendables *** A great cast that will only me together again for the sequel. Action was great, a lot like like last Rambo. Very funny and I left theater knowing what I wanted for Christmas! (inside joke for those who have seen the movie)

Machete ** The only reason why initially wanted to see this was because of the main character Danny Trejo. Much to my surprise it had an all start cast. The story was a bit corny due to the 70's theme but it was very entertaining in classic Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino (not part of it) fashion

The Town *** A great story about a little town in Boston. A great cast and story

Resident Evil 3D *** I have to say this was the best 3D movie I've seen to date. I wasn't a huge fan of Avatar in 3D. I can't help but fall for Mila every time I watch this series. 

The Social Network *** A very relevant movie about this decade. Very well written and perfectly cast. I've never felt so close to a movie before.It felt very real and personal to me.

A New Croc World

We all know the Croc. The big plastic shoe with holes that come in a variety of loud colours. Most of us look at those shoes and say we wouldn't be caught dead in them. Who cares how comfortable and good they are for our feet. They are ugly and represent a certain "hippie" theme to them.

During a recent trip to the B.Lo (Buffalo, NY) we found ourselves in a random "cheap" shoe store. I came across a fabric walking beach shoe. I figure I'd give them a try...and whaddya know they were right! Light as hell, comfortable and feel great on the feet. They also look great. I have been officially converted. I even bought the same shoe in a different colour.

I took it a step further and bought a pair of non slip work shoes too. There is a lot to be said about happy feet at work. I'm constantly on my feet all day and compared to my previous work shoes with orthopedic insoles in them these are heaven. Both pairs of shoes were under $90 but unfortunately they are only available in the States.

I grew up in a Nike world. I've rarely owned anything else. I even own two pairs of Cole Haans (with Nike Air tech in them) for dressy occasions. I love rocking a Nike Air bubble with my dress pants. My first real kicks were the Air Jordan V. I haven't worn a different brand since BUT I love my Crocs and are so happy they finally started making shoes that look good. I haven't worn another pair of shoes since..

Now I need to figure out how to get Nike and Croc to make a show together. I can only dream...

Artisano Bakery and Cafe North York, ON

Artisano Bakery and Cafe has just opened on York Mills and Don Mills area. The first of many restaurants built in a brand new complex which will attract many people to the area north of the Don Mills center. The cafe holds about 110 seats, a variety of couches, high table tops and 4 top seating tables. Free Wi Fi and one flat screen TV on CP24. The Menu consist of a small variety of freshly baked bread, pastries, pastas, salads, pizzas and gelato. A very limited sandwich style breakfast is also offered. The prices are comparable to a Starbucks for the cafe menu and about $10 for entrees.

During my first two visits to the newly opened store I enjoyed both meals. The 10"  chicken, brie and goat cheese pizza was very good. The Agnolotti, although sauced incorrectly with a blush meat sauce tasty and the danish and cinnamon rolls were very fresh.

My first impressions of the operation was "if they ever get their act together this place will be great to go to". Artisano has a great concept here. An Italian bakery and cafe where you can go no matter what time of the day to just hang out and eat good food with bottomless coffee. A few key details need to addressed before their grand opening. A manager presence for the staff. No one really knows what they are doing in the cafe and cash area. I had to walk back and forth from cash to bakery because the place has an odd flow to it. Normally when you walk into a brand new establishment you notice they are overstaffed and over greeted, this was not the case. Direction is needed to allow the guest to understand the flow. I ordered a coffee and was given an empty cup? ok? where's the coffee? It was located on the far left wall beside the gelato opposite side of the pick up window and the cashier. On my second visit we were disappointed that the cinnamon bun that we ate previously was not in stock. Having gone there specifically for that in the early afternoon was definite let down.

I still look forward to visiting this cafe in the future and trying more of the menu.

www.artisanobakery.com

Mexican Food in North York, ON

Mexican Lindo ( Bayview South of Eglinton)
Living in Toronto Mexican food is one of the rare cuisines that you can find. South of Eglinton on Bayview a little restaurant Mexican Lindo resides. The place has been previously occupied by two other Mexican restaurants.
Right away you can tell it's a "ma and pa" "hole in wall" joint. About a 40 seat capacity with 10 seats on the cramp patio. The atmosphere is tacky. Imagine every piece of anything Mexican, now imagine all those pieces hung up on the wall, hanging from the ceiling and pinned to the doors. Typical Mexican "stuff" everywhere!

Initially the first odor that hits you is the restroom downstairs. The distinct smell of urinal pucks and bathroom fragrance. As you head to be seated you notice the Mexican Mother and Son and Daughter in the kitchen. A comforting sight. The menu isn't anything spectacular but the basics are covered.

The guacamole was  freshly made and served in the mortar and pestle set with freshly fried nacho chips and a homemade hot sauce for dipping too. Nacho refills were complimentary and freshly fried to order as well. The margarita was freshly made with an old school blender and was perfect! We ordered the tacos. Tacos are served on corn tortillas (my favorite) with re-fried beans, Mexican style rice and salad. The beef or chicken is sauteed with Spanish onions. The food was very good and hit the spot for my Mexican craving. The food felt like I went to someones house in Mexico and they cooked it for dinner. The final bill wasn't cheap but not unreasonable. ( 1 beer, 1 margarita , guacamole app, 2 taco dinners = $45 incl HST)

Although the atmosphere and ambiance leaves nothing to desire....at all. The food (as long as it stays fresh and made to order) will always have me coming back for more.

***24 hours later...All good  : p

Can't wait to go back.