This was a movie I was really excited about and on my list of summer movies to see. I’m a big fan of the Terminator series and although I was disappointed with T3 – this one did not disappoint me.

Rather than go back in history like “Wolverine Origins” and “Star Trek” - this movie went forward with the storyline. Weird since in the Terminator movies – they go back in time. So to me it was refreshing to move forward rather than go back and explain how it all happened.

The movie helped answer questions I had from the previous movies and payed some homage to some of the lines, “Come with me if you want to live” and “I’ll be back.”  Plus at the end of the movie – they paid tribute to the legendary Stan Winston. Two important characters from the 1st two movies made cameos as well.

The big special effects, explosions and actions scenes where good and the introduction of new characters such as Sam Worthington, Moon Bloodgood (what cool name) and Bryce Dallas Howard (I knew I recognized those beautiful blue eyes from Spiderman 3) were great too.

I was also wondering where they came up with the movie title, “Terminator Salvation” and in the movie – it was answered.

Since this movie opened up during Memorial day weekend and against A Night at the Museum 2, some of the reviews were mild so I was worried I wasn’t going to like it. Couple that with the fact it was directed by hough it was directed by McG – I’m still pissed at him for bringing the Aliens saga to the beginning of it’s downfall with the horrible Aliens 3 – don’t get me started. I even came up with a movie poster depicting how I hated it but it wasn’t bad. Click to see a larger image to see what I came up with to the left.

But I’m happy to say I liked it.

Interesting at the end of the movie, Joaquin was asking me all these questions about the movie and I told him he should watch the first two to better understand the time line and characters. He’s gonna be off this summer and I have both T1 and T2 so he’s gonna watch them.

So the next one’s on my list are UP and Transformers 2.

Beto

Popularity: 34% [?]

Okay this was just too cool. I had to post. I was surfing my favorite www.trekmovie.com site and saw this:

“Robots of the Week: Festo Bionics
Festo Bionics creates a variety of hardware and software solutions, from electromechanical control systems to valves and actuators. But, flying penguin blimps, hydrodynamic “aqua-penguins”, and crazy dancing walls? This stuff is pretty amazing. And some of it is so realistic, you won’t be sure if it’s nature or machine. For the record, I want my own aqua-penguin. It’s still cute — even with creepy glowing eyes.”

Beto

Popularity: 8% [?]

Our dog Maximus (we call him Max for short) killed another coral snake in our backyard over the weekend. Click on the pictures for a larger view.

This is the third coral snake that he has killed. We had been told by our neighbors that they had seen coral snakes in the area but we didn’t believe them…until April 08 when Max killed the first one.

At first we didn’t think it was a coral snake but when we recited the rhyme, “Red touching black is a friend of Jack, Red touching yellow can kill a fellow.” Yup – that’s a coral snake alright.

We took pictures of the snake then threw it over the fence. I was worried about Max – maybe he had gotten bitten – but thankfully, he hadn’t.

Then in October 08 – he bagged #2. Didn’t get bit either. Whew!  

Then this past weekend as my son Joaquin was pulling the mower out, I heard a sudden intake of air, the word “JEZZ!” and watched my son do an incredible three foot vertical leap when he almost stepped on (dead) coral snake #3! Once again – Max was not bitten. Based on what’s happened to us (and him) in the past couple of months – you can just never know. Click on the pictures for a larger view.

Not bad for an mutt puppy we found eight years ago wandering around our old home. I didn’t want to keep the mutt (I had put my beloved Siberian Husky, Tasha, down that year) but when the kids saw the puppy and held it up to me…I just couldn’t say no. Could you?

But don’t let those cute looks fool you – he’s already amassed an impressive list of kills. Unfortunate animals that have wandered into our…or rather “his” backyard. They were dispatched, with extreme prejudice.

I always tell people that if you’re gonna go into our backyard, make sure we are with you. Once he sees that you are with us, he’ll do his best to cleanse you with his rough tongue and then roll over and wait for you to scratch his belly. If you scratch him good enough, he’ll close his eyes and exhale while sticking his tongue out slightly.

He’s also a great watchdog. If people walk in front of our home, he barks – if the deer behind our fence get too close – he barks AND charges the fence. That’s good…unless it’s a skunk and it sprays the fence. Not fun.

Even our neighbors appreciate Max’s dedication to his job – some have even asked if they could borrow him to place in their backyard!

Max takes his job very seriously. He loves his family and we love him.

“Good boy Max…guuud boy.”

Beto

Popularity: 12% [?]

Yes…I’m a geek but thankfully, my family supports me in this craziness. Obviously Liz and I wanted to see this movie and we were pleasantly surprised to hear that  Joaquin and Emma wanted to come along so we obliged them. They are of course, the next generation.

We went on Mother’s day to see the new Star Trek movie and I must say, it was good.

Loved the action.
Loved the special effects.
Loved the homage to the original series.
McCoy’s character was spot-on, “…that green blooded goblin.”
Scotty and Sulu characters were great too. A couple of great lines.

I won’t spoil it but let’s just say, “a famous green woman” makes an appearance.

The development of the characters was good and the story was somewhat entertaining.

…and two other major characters made appearances as well.

JJ Abrams did a good job but like most remakes – there are gaps and some “creative license” with the franchise. I understand the actors have signed up for at least two more movies and in my opinion, the 2nd of the Star Trek movies have always been the best (TOS Wrath of Khan, TNG First Contact) – so we’ll see.

And let’s just hope Mr. Abrams tones down the lens flares he so much likes on the film – they were distracting. I was glad to her Michael Giacchino’s musical score though; he sure does work well with Abrams – Lost, Fringe etc.

Either way, this was a movie that was up on my list of summer hits to see and I’m glad we saw it.

Oh and  yes, I did create the image up at the header – just couldn’t help myself.

Beto

Popularity: 35% [?]