[PhantomCat]

Gulliver's Travels in 3D Drama/Adventure/Action *My rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Rated PG Runtime: 1 hr 25 min
Staring: Jack Black

Gulliver (Jack Black), has his personality laid out before him by a coworker early on in the film - he's too passive and needs to learn how to speak up for himself and increase his personal goals and vision. Little does he know he's about to literally set sail on an adventure that will teach him to honor his self worth and be more assertive. After his boat is drawn into swirling tornado waters, he washes ashore on an island where he towers over everyone but still follows their lead - doing what they instruct, until he learns to think for himself.

This, of sorts, is the male version of Alice in Wonderland. The special 3D effect capabilities were hardly used. It's basically a 2D film in 3D. This glorified T.V. movie can just as easily be enjoyed on television as opposed to the big screen. Use your hard earned movie money for something more deserving. The two children with me, ages 7, were only slightly amused. At the 10:45 Saturday morning showing on 1.1.2011, there were only 10 people in the audience.

[PhantomCat]

The Tourist Drama/Suspence/Thriller *My Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Rated PG-13 Runtime: 1 hr 43 mins
Staring Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp

Elise Clifton-Ward (Angelina Jolie) is hopelessly devoted to her lover, Pierce, who is on the FBI's high priority, Most Wanted list but he continues to elude them in every way. Hoping Elise will lead them straight to him, the FBI spy on her but she know's they are watching, and so does Pierce, who continuously hires strangers to deliver notes to her regarding their next meeting. A note leads her to board a train for Venice, where she is to find a man of Pierce's stature and converse with him throughout her travels to through the FBI off the trail. But the man she chooses, Frank Tupelo (Johnny Depp) is holding deep secrets of his own and is just as mysterious as Pierce.

Sounds interesting, right?
What producers used as intriguing ads to pull us into theaters only lead us to a blown up TV movie. Not even the beautiful scenery of Venice - which I longed more of - or the talents of several fine actors, could save this script. There are periods of dryness that will put you to sleep if your are not fully rested, and upon leaving the theater you may experience thoughts that the story was much longer than it needed to be. If not for great acting, action, and the prolonged interest the story generates, this film would quickly fall into the "sleeper" category.

For the record...
Me and a guest went to a 1 pm showing on Thursday, January 6, 2011. Including ourselves, there were only 7 people in the audience.

[PhantomCat]

Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages, welcome to FUNundrum!
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus! My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Total runtime including a 20 min intermission: 2 hours and 15 mins.

This is their 200 anniversary show, which is obviously true while watching the first half. Old canvas paintings of circuses past were shown while representations of real people, with and without deformities were represented, who had traveled with the famed tent show and became famous. It was sort of a bitter sweet look back as many of these people I'd seen in books and on TV documentaries. You can expect the usual circus sights of bright, colorful lights, flashy costumes, upbeat music from a live band, tricks and feats that will amaze you, beautiful showgirls, and animals - though it is very apparent they went lite on the animal numbers this year.

The big cats of choice this year are tigers. To everyone's surprise they performed during the first half (1 hour 8 mins.) and not brought out during the second and usual. Maybe, here again, they wanted to keep the show as it used to be in earlier history. There will be tiger circus kittens in a few months because everyone witnessed the biggest male join in union with a very receptive female. One gentlemen near me said with laughter, "This is supposed to be a family show." We didn't expect an episode of Wild Kingdom. The second half of the show (48 mins) was definitely more upbeat than the first. Here you will find everything from Asian cowboys to pirates. The motorcycle cage has come a long way as not one, two or three, but seven cycled the globe at once. The trampoline artist were dazzling in they bright, stringy birdlike outfits. And while it was announced by the cool ringmaster, Johnathan Lee Iverson, the newest baby elephant followed by his mom holding his tail entered the stage. It was a touching ahhh moment for all as mom and babe brought the show toward it conclusion. I so wanted to play with him, he was soooo cute.

Take some money with you...circus souvenir are not cheap: big bags of Cotton Candy are $10 and $12 depending on which hat comes with it; snowballs with designer cups $10 and up; show DVD $15; light up toys $10 and up, etc. I think you get it. The Arena will also be selling refreshments and beer.

The blue team certainly presents a much better show than last years Zing Zang Zoom red team. If you're going, The circus will be in town at the Time Warner Cable Arena from January 26 - 30, 2011 with two to three shows on some days. Take some children with you if you can. They will love it!

[PhantomCat]

The Rite Drama/Suspense *My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Rated PG-13 Runtime: 1 hr 52 mins
Director: Mikael Hafstrom Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue, Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones, and Alice Braga.

This interesting film is based on true events. It is an inside look at the Roman Catholic Church and how they deal with the subject of demonic possessions. Filmmakers did work with Catholic officials so their church organization would be represented in the most realistic and respectful way.

Young priest, Father Michael holds a more modern, philosophical approach in his thoughts on the claimed demon possessed. When his doubt is discovered he is sent to The Vatican in Rome, Italy for two months for more in-depth studies. There, he is referred to shadow a more experienced priest (Anthony Hopkins) whom has performed the rite for years. Michael witnesses several exorcisms and challenges the older priest with questions and possibilities while still continuing to hold to his mindset that the supposed demon possessed really need psychiatric care rather than an exorcist; that is, until he starts witnessing strange events, and hearing words spoken by the ill patients - personal and private information that no else in Rome knows about.

I must say, this was not my film of choice. Once arriving spontaneously at the theater at 2:15 pm, there were only two choices: This one starting at 2:20; and the third Chronicles of Narnia starting at 2:30. All other films showed next in the hours of 3 and 4. I was expecting another Linda Blair type film with all the green liquid upchucking, heads spinning, and all The Exorcist - the first of its genera - introduced audiences to in its weird 70s debut. Not So. The Rite is a documentary of sorts but completely stays within the realm of an entertaining story, and I am so glad I viewed it for it was tastefully done. Hats off to director Mikael Hafstrom for producing a film that did not portray Christians - those of us who believe in and know the saving grace of Jesus Christ - as a bunch of psychotic wackos, as witnessed in films too many times before. I am no longer, have not been for years, a member of the Catholic church, but I do know this film contains many truths. I remember, not long ago, when a young girl in my church suddenly started crawling around on the floor on her back like a wild animal and talking all out of her head. I was one of the ones trying to hold her still while my pastor prayed for her. For those who were present who were gifted to see into the spiritual realm, they all verified later that her eyes had turned yellow before the fowl spirit was cast out.

[PhantomCat]

The AMC Movie Theaters (South Boulevard) are installing some nice treats for moviegoers.
Sometime in March 2011, they plan to have six new 3D screens installed and in full operation.
Way to go AMC. You make me proud to be a member!

Let's hope they upgrade all their theaters...

[TrojanCamMan]

The Regal Cinema in Rock Hill has about 4 3D theaters that I know of. What makes them 3D?

[PhantomCat]

I didn't know it before, but they need a special screen and a special projector.
Now, we will have less of AMC advertising 3D films but only showing them in 2D.

Thank goodness!

[PhantomCat]

AMC Theaters didn't waist anytime installing their six new 3D screens. They are up and running (for about 3 week now) way before schedule.

[PhantomCat]

I Am Number Four Si-Fi/Drama/Suspense/Action Adventure My Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5
Rated PG-13 Runtime: 1 hr 44 mins
Director: D.J. Caruso Staring: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant and Dianna Agron

Gifted youths of various ages are hiding out on our planet with their protectors. They are known among their own kind by numbers. They are all passing as regular human beings but there are beings of another kind who can tell the difference, who are hunting them down one by one and killing them. As the youths discover their true powers and unite, they discover they do have a fighting chance against those whom they have been hiding from.

Interesting concept. Probably won't be the hit film of the year, but they left it open for a sequel and I am very interested in viewing the continuation of this tail.

[PhantomCat]

The CIAA basketball compatition will be in Charlotte, NC at the Time Warner Cable Arena all this week from Monday, February 28 - Saturday, March 5, 2011.

This is a great chance to view the finest in black college, male and female basketball. It is not uncommon at this event for celebrity sightings so make sure you take a camera. I've been everyday so far and the product venders started setting up today in expectation of the usual steady flow of crowds as we move towards the weekend. Take an empty bag with you for all the free give-a-ways from many venders. Last year I took home so many shaving, and hair product samples I ended up having my own give-a-ways to family and friends. Many food venders were also setting up today outside, all around the arena.

The women shoot it out Monday & Tuesday. The men shot it out Wednesday & Thursday. All games each day will be at 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, and 9 pm.
On Friday, the women will play at 1 PM, and 3pm, leaving the men to rap up the day at 7pm and 9 pm.
On Saturday, Celebrity entertainment, a Soul Train Line dance, and crowd games are set to start in the morning (unsure of the starting time) and is to last up until the final four team finalist play. The women's final game is scheduled at 5pm, the men play at 8pm.

[PhantomCat]

The NCAA is here in Charlotte with a big taste of March Madness college-basketball competition.
I went to the practices on Thursday, March 17, 2011.
Fans got a chance to view their favorite teams in their own 40 minute warm up session.

12PM Tennessee
12:45 Hampton
1:30 Michigan
2:15 Duke

4:25 UNC
5:10 Washington
5:55 Long Island
6:40 Georgia

It was really interesting to find that each team has their unique way of warming up and preparing for games. Duke did something a little different. At the end of their session they showered the audience with T-shirts sporting their school mascot, of course.

I was amazed with Duke on Friday. They played against Hampton like pros, with a smashing defeat of 87 - 45. I can see most of the Duke boys going on to play pro ball. Their coach should be very proud.

There is a closed to the public practice on Saturday, but more games on Sunday, March 20th, with a final champion team marching onward towards the finals. Go Duke!

[PhantomCat]

Prince - The Welcome 2 America Tour

I was treated tonight to sit in Time Warner Cable's suite #29 for his royal purpleness' concert and what a show it was! The entire experience felt like a reward. Price hasn't lost a beat over the years. He's still got it! Including his high pitched screeches.

The show stated with a master mix of some of his greatest hits on a stage built to match the symbol he has adapted to for most of his career - The Egyptian symbol of life. The stage was of a white shiny material trimmed in large chase lights around the stage top which changed to different colors and ran in many different sequences. The overhead stage lighting made the stage glow and change to many different colors, sometimes opposite of the chase lights, sometimes matching, while purples were saved till later in the show.

Because Prince performed in the round, it made the performance even more interesting, and opened up a lot more seating to the nearly sold-out crowd. He was lifted to the stage on a trap door with his three girl background singers. They started with "When Dove Cry" and from there bounced around from hit to hit (Cream, Take Me with You, Kiss, etc.). Then it was time for different songs to get special attention (You Got the Look, Kiss, Controversy, etc.) and a surprise hit from a different band, "Play that Funky Music Right Boy" - where a guy and a girl from the audience were allowed to board the stage and shake their stuff) Prince sang, danced, played the piano, and about four different guitars on which he rocked out on some of them with guitar solos.

Prince disappeared twice during the show for costume changes. He opened with black pants and vest over a purple dress shirt. The second and third changes were gold sequined outfits with thick, gold high heels. The last change included a gold turtleneck shirt with matching pants.

Anthony Hamilton got the party started by singing a few of his hits (The Point of it All -I love You, We're Cool," etc.) from 7:30 pm to about 8:32 pm. Prince started at 8:43 pm and performed till about 10:23 pm with his last song being "Purple Rain" - with a nice effect as thousands of purple droplets of lights fell from the celling to the stage. He then left the stage but we called him back for an encore. We knew something was up when the houselights never came back on. For what seemed like 15 minutes, he and his band finally returned. He then allowed his three women to sing "Disco Heat" - a dance hit made famous by now deceased, disco hit maker, Sylvester. The band and the ladies turned the song out! His encore song brought us "Baby I'm A Star," and then it was over.

Interesting parallel: Prince ended the concert just like he did his movie, Purple Rain - after he sang "Purple Rain" the audience in his film called him back and he ended the film with "Baby I'm a Star."

I'm so glad I went. It was a blast! The suites are really large.

[PhantomCat]

The Harlem Globetrotters are in Charlotte, NC.
What usually is a once a year one show event is a little different. This time there are two shows:
Tonight, Friday, 3/25/2011 at 7 PM, and tomorrow, Saturday, 3/26/2011 at 1 PM.

If you've never seen their show you can expect to have a good time. It is a basketball show of comedy where the Globetrotters get away with any and everything and always win. Kids as well as adults laugh a lot and enjoy these shows.

I will be at the show tonight but I am still high from the Prince concert last night!

[PhantomCat]

Up and Coming Time Warner Cable Events

Saturday, April 30, 2011 USHER w/special guest Akon
-Tickets on sale now-

Friday, June 10, 2011 JOSH GROBAN
-Tickets on sale now-

Friday, June 24, 2011 KEITH URBAN w/ special guest Jake Owen
-Tickets on sale now-

Sunday, July 31, 2011 SADE w/ special guest John Legend
Why they are on tour together beats the heck out of me. They can each pack houses on their own. This show should be good.
-Tickets go on sale April 2-

Sunday, May 15, 2011 Comedian from Shaq's All Star Comedy Jam, KEVIN HART
-Tickets go on sale April 1-

[PhantomCat]

Time Warner Cable Arena's Pooch Party

If you weren't at the Charlotte Checkers hockey game at 5 PM on Sunday, March 29, 2011, you missed a unique experience. It was the second annual Pooch Party where hockey fans were allowed to bring their dogs of all sizes. Some families brought twice and three times the fur. There were dogs so tiny I though they were cats. There were dogs so tall and large a small child could ride them like a horse. I discovered greyhounds are much larger than I'd thought, and just like on TV - it's the chihuahuas that try to boss-hog all other dogs around. For the most part the fluffy's were well behaved. I didn't see any fights or mating rituals, and all accidents spills and splats were taken care of by a hired crew who constantly roamed the Arena in search of, and of curse, they also had a handy outside area for nature calls.

I talked to a few owners who shared amusing stories about their tailwaggers. The most interesting were the K-9 stories of rescue - how their furry friends came into their lives.

After inquiring, Arena officials informed me the dogs were on a special ticket and their owners were given a green wristband to enter door - C1 on the Trade Street side of the building. All dogs had to be on leashes, and were to sit with their owners in sections 103 through 116 only. Absolutely no dogs considered of vicious breeds were allowed. But some well behaved German shepherds and pit bulls were seen in the lobby. I speculate, they were refunded and told to leave.

There was no shortage of Sunday action on the ice either. A team brawl broke out within the first minute of the game. There were about a dozen fights all throughout the evening. The Checkers totally obliterated the Norfolk Admirals 8 to 2. Go Checkers!

Maybe next time I'll see you there with your pet protector. Be on the lookout for this event in advance for next year. There were so many people present that seats were also sold for the second level.

Arff Arff