INSTANT CLASSIC DOCUMENTARY: JUNE 17, 1994
June 17, 2010There's a lot of events in history that I am absolutely obsessed with: The Manson Family, 9/11 (the tragedy and it's conspiracies) and the JFK assassination, just to name a few. And then comes sports history. I could watch ESPN Classic all day, but really, there's SOO much more they could do with that programming...so much more.
One of the most watched and followed sports story, well, maybe ever, was the OJ Simpson drama; most importantly, the white Bronco being chased by dozens of LAPD vehicles. We all know how it turned out. Whether you were for him or against, you can't deny you were right there on the edge of your seat during that day in June of 1994.
Then comes ESPN's 30for30 documentaries. For their 30th anniversary, the worldwide leader in sports conceived a series of 30 documentaries that would tell of the biggest stories of the last 30 years. For the most part, they've all been excellent. But last night's was beyong excellent. Would tremendous be a better description?
It followed the events in the sports world of June 17, 1994 and it made for a damn good documentary. The day was supposed to be the celebration of Arnold Palmer's last PGA event (a couple of tear jerking moments from Arnold), the New York Rangers celebrating their newly won Stanley Cup, Ken Griffey, Jr. hitting his 30th homerun (which put him on pace to break Roger Maris' single-season homerun record) and Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Rockets. But in the end, they took a backseat to the drama unfolding on a LA freeway the way OJ took a backseat in that Bronco.
Below is a clip of the documentary as OJ's Bronco is being chased and he's carrying on a conversation with the LAPD.
-Matt
HISTORICAL TWEETS
May21, 2010Twitter is one of the most used social networking sites today. Imagine if Twitter was around since the beginning of time? Well, we've went back to creation of man and hooked up a wireless connection from day one of mankind throughout time. And here's the tweets from some of the most historical figures that's walked the Earth.
| Abraham Lincoln | |
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PrezAbe Taking Mary Todd out tonight to Ford's Theatre to see "Our American Cousin." It should be a bang of a time! |
| Helen Keller | |
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HelenInTheDark Accidentally answered the iron instead of the phone! That is going to leave a mark! |
| John F. Kennedy | |
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TheRealJFK Jackie suggested we go through Dallas without the bubble-top. I concur. Having a great time here, folks are the best! |
| Titanic's First Officer Murdoch | |
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DrivingMissTitanic Me and the other guys wagering money on how close we can come to these icebergs without hitting. Up $75. |
| Anne Frank | |
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AnneFrank They're taking all of our Twitter rights away, so I am thinking of writing in this diary I was given as a gift. So long, Tweets! |
| Rev. Jim Jones, cult leader who led mass suicide | |
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RevJimJonesIsTruth Just a reminder: Cookies and Kool-Aid tonight! Well, it's actually Flavor-Aid, but you'll drink it. Oh, you'll drink it. |
| Abel, son of Adam and Eve; brother of Cain. | |
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AbelTheShepard @Cain What's up with you lately? We need to talk this out before something goes too far. Mom is not happy. |
| Julius Caesar | |
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RomanJuliusCaesar Well, the Ides of March have come, but thanks for the heads up. RT @seeroftheidesofmarch Beware the Ides of March! |
| Brutus Albinus | |
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BrutusOwnsCaesar @ServiliusCasca Haha..did you hear Caesar? "You too, Brutus!" What a douche. |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. | |
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DoctorKing I had a great dream last night. It was of a white kid and a black kid holding hands down a street in the South and everyone was fine with it! Speech material? |
| Osama bin Laden | |
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OsamaLoathesInfidels @JimmyHoffa Okay, which one of us gives up first? This hide-n-seek game is getting really old. |
| William Henry Harrison, died 32 days into presidency | |
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PresidentHarrison Would love to kick this cold I got from Inaugaration Day. Oh well, I'll be back on my feet and ready to move this country forward in no time! |
| Local New York Native Americans in 1626 | |
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ChiefGambleALot Just sold a piece of worthless land to @PeterMinuit for $24 worth of cloth, beads, hatchets, etc. What a fool! That land is not livable. |
| Elizabeth Taylor | |
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MissLizTaylor @ConradHilton You are the love of my life. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I will not give my hand to another man. |
| Elizabeth Taylor, on her 8th marriage | |
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MissLizTaylor @Larry Fortensky Screw it, this is IT! |
| Neil Armstrong | |
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NeilToTheMoon BOO-YAH!! First! RT BuzzAldrinNASA We've just landed on the moon and I plan on walking on it FIRST! Neil is going to be so pissed! |
WEEKLY AWARDS
May 21, 2010Each week, mattjarrells.com will hand out awards to individuals or items in the pop culture world. Anything from sports, tv, movies, news and the general norm will be eligible as a nominee.
| THEY MADE A REALITY SHOW FOR THAT? | |
| And the award goes to... | |
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Mall Cops I haven't watched Paul Blart, Mallcop, and the chances are looking even better that I never will. So why would I want to waste 60 minutes of my tv viewing with the same premise? What can you expect besides the basic shoplifting episode? Preventing a guy from buying his 5th slice of a Sbarro pizza? Making sure the kids aren't tilting the pinball machines in the arcade? Keeping track of how much money is in the fountain where people flip in pennies for wishes? But seriously, what other profession is left to base a reality show after? -Matt |
| I WOULD HAVE BEEN EATING THEIR PIZZAS LIKE THIS EARLIER IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN | |
| And the award goes to... | |
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Foodland's "Take-n-Bake" pizzas I enjoy their pizzas when they bake them, but getting the ones where you are able to bake it at home yourself is now THE way to go. Not only does it allow them more time to make more, but you can also do it on your own time and bake it the way you like it. I like turning on the oven to pre-heat, driving out to Foodland, ordering it from the parking lot and then it's in your hands by the time you reach the pickup spot. And by the time you stick it in your oven, get things prepared and maybe put some clothes in the laundry, you're ready to eat your own baked pizzas YOUR WAY. The taste (even though great when baked at the store) is even better. Whatapizza! -Matt |
| WOW...HE REALLY AGED IN THE PAST YEAR | |
| And the award goes to... | |
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"Macho Man" Randy Savage TMZ "broke" the story of the marriage of former WWE/WCW World Champioin, Randy Savage. That wasn't at all a big of a deal, even though he'll always be married or associated with Miss Elizabeth to me. The shocking part was the pictures that were included (click the included links for the pictures). I don't want my Randy savage looking like Santa Claus on steroids, I want him looking this, circa 1988. He always sounded like he was on cocaine 24/7 (just listen to this WWF promo), but now it looks like it's finally caught up with him. Honestly, if you give him a dye-job, I'm sure he'd look a lot better. Bonus points for taking my cousin out on a date back in 1982. OooooHHH YEEEEAH!! -Matt |
| MOST RIDICULOUS REASON TO STOP SOCIAL NETWORKING | |
| And the award goes to... | |
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Courtney Love Kurt Cobain's former wife recently stopped tweeting, and, granted that no one has actually given a shit about Courtney Love for a good 5+ years, it's not purely the fact that we no longer have minute-by-minute updates about her day that has mattjarrells.com in an uproar, it's the reason she gave as to why she will no longer post to Twitter that really grinds our gears. On Monday, in what would (hopefully, we have our fingers crossed) prove to be her last tweet, Courtney stated, "I've stopped twittering. It's mind crack and it's stupid." Really, Courtney Love? Really? Twitter is "mind crack" and that's why you're quitting? What about all of the real crack you've done over all the years, and, subsequently, failed to quit? I'll admit that Twitter, like most social networking sites, is addicting and, like most crack, Courtney Love has succumbed to it's powers. But, is this truly the reason she has signed off? Couldn't it be that she has finally realized that no one wants to see pictures ofher gross tattoos or hear her feuds with former lovers? Bingo, I think we've found the reason. Well, Courtney, we really love-er, hate to see you go. I'm sure your absence from Twitter will leave a gigantic hole in our daily internet browsing routine. -Alison |
| SPIN-OFF THAT I WILL HOPEFULLY ENJOY | |
| And the award goes to... | |
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The Cooking Channel At first, I never turned it on The Food Channel. I mean I don't eat many foods and I might be the most pickiest eater I know. But lately, I've found myself enjoying people cook foods or watch people eat food that I would never put in my mouth. I don't know why I'm like that. I can eat sauerkraut all day, but can't handle the same crunch of a onion (I mean, they are about the same texture, right? Correct me here. I wouldn't know). I can use a whole bottle of ketchup on a burger, but I will not put tomato sauce anything, OR eat tomato soup. But in the past 6 months, I've become a huge fan of food shows and the end isn't close. Now, The Food Network launches...THE COOKING CHANNEL. Yikes! -Alison |
High Five to My Favorite TV Mothers
May 7, 2010Most think Mother's Day orginated from the Ancient Greeks. The would hold a festival in honor Cybele, a great mother of Greek Gods. They also had a holiday, dedicated to Juno, called Matronalia, where they gave gifts to mothers.
Fast forward thousands of years to world of television and millions were witnessed to loads of sit-coms where a mother not only gave lessons to her kids on screen, but to the ones watching at home, as well. This weekend we will celebrate mothers across the country, so I will not let the ones that kept me company go for not.
Carol Brady - "The Brady Bunch"
Best Kid: MarciaJust ask Jan about that one. It was painfully obvious how jealous she was of her big sister. Marcia was also one of the most popular girls at Westdale High (cheerleader, guys slobbering over her, lead parts in plays, etc.). The only bad part I remember about Marcia was when she got the lead in Romeo and Juliet and her ego was too hard to handle for the other Brady clan. But it worked itself out.
Worst kid: Jan
I think if you took a vote from fans of the series, most would say she was the worst character of the crew. Well, if you don't include cousin Oliver. How about the time she lost her dad's blueprints at Kings Island (classic episode)? That could have actually gotten Mike fired from his job. As seen, she was obviously the black sheep. But she loved this moment.
Even though the two married and brought three kids of their own into it, they meshed seamlessly without much friction (not counting the first episode). The man had a tremendous job and still seemed to be able to be father of the year. They also appeared to have a great sex life. Even though they never had kids of together, they always were shown in bed kissing to end the show or Mike nibbling on her neck. The actor was a gay male, but had me convinced he was a straight shooter.
Overall:
Carol was no doubt my first tv mom, but come to think about it, what did she really do? We can't forget Alice the maid. She cooked, cleaned, bounced on the trampoline and had to juggle Sam the Butcher somewhere in between. Carol just seemed to stand around and pretend to do things once the camera was on her. Alice should really be given some award.
Peg Bundy - "Married...With Children"
Best Kid: BudEven though both kids were brats, Bud at least had a head on his shoulders. And growing up with Peg and Al as parents, it's safe to say that he raised himself well. Though I never heard much of his GPA, he always seemed to be getting good enough grades to perhaps someday gain a scholorship to a local Chicago tech school. But he's a Bundy and a Bundy will always find a way to fail.
Worst kid: Kelly
One of the most dysfuncational tv kids of all-time. She was at least 16 at the peak of the show, but I have no idea how she could have made it to high school. She was a stereotypical blonde that worried nothing about school, chores or her self-wellness, but everything about guys, wearing revealing clothes and showing some roots. But she was H-O-T! And that's one reason the viewers kept coming back.
If there was ever a husband that didn't get two shakes about his kids, wife or his life, it's Al Bundy. He was the breadwinner of the Bundy clan, but other than that, his life was made miserable by Peg's constant craving for money and sex (think Mr. Roper times 200), his children's antics and life throwing him lemons left-and-right. They did seem to live in a nice home and neighborhood. That still confuses me. He did score 4 touchdowns in one game for Polk High, though.
Overall:
Peg rates almost a zero on her mother skills. She can't cook, I doubt she changed many diapers and she would worry more about her spandex pants and bon-bons than she would any member of her family. I didn't say my list was all good mothers, but ones that I remember the most.
Edith Bunker - "All in the Family"
Best Kid: GloriaThe Bunkers only had one true kid, so I'll give it to Gloria. It's kind of hard to judge this one. Gloria was a full-grown adult while the series aired, so we didn't get to see what she was like as a child. She adored her parents, but would occasionally get on her dad's nerves when taking up for her husband, Mike.
Worst kid: Mike
He wasn't really a Bunker, but he was a very close son-in-law. He actually called Edith his mother during the series' run, but always referred to Archie as "Arch." Their relationship was shaky, but they always seem to have a mutual respect for one another, even though their views on politics collided. In the end, there's a very emotional scene with the two as Mike and Gloria's characters left the show. It got dusty in the Jarrells house when I watched that recently.
Not a father-type in today's terms. His character was so controversial and outspoken, there's no way an Archie Bunker could last in today's sit-com world. He was a very hard worker and would provide anything for his family, but his stubborness would always be the main focus on the show. Even though he called her "Dingbat," Edith loved Archie like no other woman should.
Overall:
I'll have to admit, Edith Bunker is no doubt my favorite television mother of all-time. She thought of others first and herself last. As long as she made Archie and her family happy, she was happy. And don't get me started on her death or the time she was almost raped. That might be my favorite two episodes in sitcom history.
Marion Cunninham - "Happy Days"
Best Kid: RichieRichie was your typical 1950's kid. He wasn't the most popular around school, nor athletic, but he was respected by classmates and had plenty of friends. At times he might question his authority, especially the time he bought a motorcycle without his parents' wishes. He ends up in a wreck which puts him in a coma and leads to a tear-jerker with The Fonz breaking down. He was the school's newspaper editor and eventually left the show and went to college to study journalism. Joanie wasn't a bad kid, but she loved Chachi.
Worst kid: Chuck
In one of the weirdest character developments ever, Chuck just disappeared. He was the oldest Cunningham kid and I can only remember one episode that showed him. In the first or second episode, Chuck got up from the kitchen table, walked upstairs and was never seen or heard from again. So, he defaults to the worst kid.
Probably what every dad was like growing up in the 1950's. He owned his own hardware store, was a member of a lodge and was always seen reading the daily newspaper in his chair. He not only gave advice and love to his family, but The Fonz looked up to Howard (Mr. C to Fonz), as well. He'd make the list of top dates on this site.
Overall:
If we're going to pick the mom down the street that everyone adores and stops by after school for cookies or other hospitality, it's going to be Marion Cunningham. As with Howard, The Fonz looked at her as a mother figure, not to mention Potsie, Ralph and any other friend of Richie's or Joanie's.
Lois Griffin - "Family Guy"
Best Kid: MegI threw you off there, didn't I? Meg sits and takes everything her family dishes out to her. It's mostly Peter, who likes to fart in her cereal while she's not looking, just to name a few. Yeah, she complains, but who wouldn't? So, for taking all the crap she does, Meg has been a pretty good daughter.
Worst kid: Stewie
They would want you to believe it was Meg, but you have to hand it to the infant that has tried to kill his mother from day one. And that act got old QUICK on the show. The new Stewie is so much more likable when he's not trying to devise ways of ending his mother's life.
He's a close second to Al Bundy in terms of being a horrible husband. It shows that Lois has plenty of nerves to put up with Peter's stupidity, drunkedness and scratch-your-head decisions. And even though Stewie spent the first two or three seasons trying to kill her, Lois never lost faith. You can make a case that she can't understand Stewie, but the jury is still out on how many people can actually hear him. Oh yeah, plus it's a cartoon.
Overall:
She's no doubt the hottest (again, cartoon) and she gets points for putting up with Peter and Stewie. But you can't forget about the times when she's done drugs, became bulimic, slept with Bill Clinton (but so did Peter), among other things. And something I haven't figured out: why would she not let her parents (billionaires) give her a couple of million? Not the best mom, but she tries with what she has. Again, it's a cartoon.
To all the real mothers out there, Have a Happy Mother's Day!
.
Who's Left Us Since We've Been Away?
May 7, 2010There's been a lot of important and/or well-known individuals that have left us since we last updated in 2007. As our first update back from the grave (pun intended), we'll pay our last respects to the ones that passed on in the last three years since our update.
Michael Jackson - Even though the "man" was a legend and a Top 3 performer of all-time (Elvis is up there), his death to me wasn't all that hard to take. I mean, did we ever see the man? It was as if he was dead to the world, though still alive in Neverland. His music had been dead for years and the only media attention Jackson received was for his accusations in child fondling. Still, Thriller, to me, is one of the greatest albums, and "Billie Jean" his best song.
Farraw Fawcet - She had the horrible luck of dying on the same day as the "King of Pop." And it's kind of funny; Jackson fantasized about young boys, while Fawcet was the object of the majority of young boys' fantasies in the 1970's. Now, every year on June 25, the media will always use Jackson's death as a "On this date..." memorial feature, while Charlie's little angel will remain an afterthought.
Heath Ledger - I don't care what most people say, but Ledger will always be known to me as the love interest of Julia Styles in 10 Things I Hate About You. I've never seen Brokeback Mountain or The Patriot, and it's too bandwagonish to love the character of The Joker. If you would have told me 20 years ago that Michelle Tanner would be the last guest of The Joker before his death, I would have said, "How rude!!" I know, that was actually Stephanie Tanner, but you get it.
Estelle Getty/Bea Arthur - It wasn't a good three year span for half of the Golden Girls crew. Somewhere Rue McClannahan and Betty White are looking over their shoulders for a skeleton in a black robe, carrying a scythe. But speaking of White, this week's (May 8, 2010) SNL will have her as a host. And I've been waiting all season.
Yolanda King - You're probably wondering who this is, and if you are, then it will prove my point. You know kids of famous people that never seem to catch that flash of popularity or accomplishment that mom or dad had? Well, Yolanda might be a Hall of Fame candidate. Who is she? Martin Luther King's daughter. I wouldn't have had any clue, if it didn't say "Martin Luther King's daughter" after her name on Wikipedia's death list for that year. Michael Joran's sons are candidates for the list, as well. That might be a good update later.
Bam Bam Bigelow/Mike Awesome/Ernie Ladd/Arnold Skaaland/Sherri Martel/Chris Benoit/Fabulous Moolah/Fatu - I love pro wrestling, so I just thought I'd shout out to the ones "we" lost over the past 3 years. Screw you, Chris Benoit.
Patrick Swayze - Who lost more in this death? I think Baby. Who's going to stand up for all girls named Baby that will be put back in corners? I think they need to do a movie mesh called The Dirty Dancing Ghost, and Whoopie Goldberg can be the medium between Swayze and some random 16-year-old girl that has to learn to dance. Yes, Swayze was banging an underage girl in that movie, no doubt.
Charles Nelson Reilly/Brett Somers - I'd almost bet most people reading this couldn't tell you who these individuals are/were. Well, Match Game is one my favorite game shows and it wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention them. Are you next, Richard Dawson?
Corey Haim - If you were picking favorite Coreys as a kid in the 1980's, it had to be Haim, right? Feldman was just considered a sidekick to me; a very effective one, though. We seen this coming years ago, but I didn't expect it to be Haim. Feldman was easily the heavy favorite to OD rather than Haim. But Hollywood stories usually don't end the way you expect them. If you haven't seen Haim's Me, Myself and I, then check out the unintentional comedy.
Others that passed on, but didn't get much write up from this site:
- Anna Nicole Smith - Weirdo that sleeps with rich, old men.
- Jerry Falwell - Douchebag.
- Jim Mitchell/Marilyn Chambers - Porn pioneers.
- Bill Walsh/Dennis Johnson/Joe Nuxhall/Evel Knievel/Chuck Daly - Sports figures.
- Merv Griffin - The one of the most important people in entertainment history
- Robert Goulet - Can thank Will Ferrell for rejuvenating his career...I guess.
- Ike Turner - The butt of many jokes about spousal abuse.
- Sir Edmund Hillary - Just because it was there, doesn't mean you make the above list.
- George Carlin - Famous as a comedian by older adults, but as the narrator for Thomas the Tank Engine for the newer generation.
- Bernie Mac - No, he reall wasn't as funny as people tend to say.
- Isaac Hayes - South Park is empty.
- Paul Newman - May his salad dressing continue to top McDonald's salads.
- David Carradine - Choking yourself to death while masturbating just isn't the way you should go out.
- Walter Cronkite - This man seem to never die. One of the most important newsmen to broadcast to our televisions.
- Ted Kennedy - Stock in scotch has plummeted since his death.
- Roy Scheider - He was the guy in Jaws for all of you youngins'.
- Charlton Heston - Moses, Ben-Hur, Marc Anthony, Andrew Jackson, stuck on a planet with apes.
- Brittany Murphy - I can only think of one movie I've seen with her: Clueless, just like I am with her.
- Peter Graves - Jimmy, have you ever seen a grown man naked? The pilot from Airplane!
So with this, we say our final farwells to the preceeding individuals that left us. There were plenty more, but I had no clue about 80% of them. I can say that we have lost a tremendous amount of talent.
Let's hope the next three years gives us a break.
That's What She Said: Texas Chainsaw Massacre II Movie Review
April 30, 2010Alison's Take:
Wow, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, where to start? First, let me say that I like the original TCM, loved the remake, and kind of enjoyed the prequel. I am even looking forward to the re-remake(?) coming in 2011 and Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III? Come on, who could not love a movie featuring the hottie Viggo Mortensen?
However, when it comes to TCM2, it's fair to say that I am just not a fan. I know, I know. You're probably thinking, "What?! It's a cult classic and it had a higher budget than the original which led to bigger named stars and greater effects!" I'll give you that but, I thought it was waaaaay too corny. And it really grossed me out when Chop-Top would pick the dead skin around his metal plate and then eat it. That kind of ruined the movie for me.
Don't get me wrong, it does have some good qualities and, I'm not going to lie, I totally screamed in terror whenever Leatherface jumps out of the radio station media room with his chainsaw roaring (although, part of the reason that I was frightened was due to the fact that Matt patiently waited for the scene and at the exact same time Leatherface appeared he yelled and waved his arms at me. Thanks, dear).
Let's take a closer look at the opening bridge scene. For starters, you have the element of a bridge, a long (or so it seems) bridge at that. Bridges are scary. You are suspended in air, over water, and if something happens, you are stuck. The scene is suspensful but, that's about it.
One, it's unrealistic. The guys are driving a Mercedes and they are unable to out-run an old beat-up truck........that's driving in reverse. Come on, no one can drive that well in reverse.
Two, while the guys are on the phone with Stretch at the radio station wants to end the call but she keeps yelling, "Hang up! Hang up! Hang up!" We're supposed to believe a radio station can't hang up on a caller unless the caller does first? If that were true, it would be impossible to censor obscene calls and the FCC would have a heyday. See video.
And Leatherface? I thought he spent too much time dancing with his chainsaw rather than killing people with it. I've tried to watch this movie two times and during both viewings we have gotten bored and stopped watching at the same spot in the film; right after they first enter the tunnel.
Maybe I'd feel differently if I could make it through the entire film. I doubt it. I'd probably have to massacre myself if I tried. So, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2? I just don't see what all of the buzz was about.
For me, it just didn't make the cut.
Matt's Reaction to Alison's Take:
If we're reloading mattjarrells.com (sequel or remake), then I will take offense to the following remarks:
"Wow, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, where to start?"
I was almost 10 when this movie came out and Alison was three years to being born.
I actually consider Massacre part 2 the reason why I look at the orignal Massacre my favorite movie. I give my old friend Frankie Dunaway credit to presenting me to the first EVER horror movie I remember; so this movie means something to me.
If my parents wouldn't have went to Petersville to visit their friends Frank and Debbie Dunaway that night, it could all be different. Apparently, Frankie rented Chainsaw 2 that night and I just happened to sit in front of the tv and watch.
I was hooked.
I don't remember anything before getting there and watching and I don't remember anything after the final scene. v A couple of weeks later, I stayed with my aunt, who worked at the newly opened Stone Haven Inn. They, for some reason, rented out movies. I went to stay with her and my cousin while she worked at night.
The first movie I noticed: Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The VHS (yes, old school) cover had an obese man, decked out in an apron and mask made of human skin trying to start a chainsaw; in the background: a woman hanging from a meathook. What was going to happen to that girl...or what has ALREADY happen to her? Why is this so much darker than the one I saw in that house in Petersville? I slide the tape in and the..REST.IS.History. I watched that movie two times that night and I haven't looked back since.
"First, let me say that I liked the original TCM, loved the remake, and kind of enjoyed the prequel. I am even looking forward to the re-remake(?) coming in 2011 and Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III? Come on, who could not love a movie featuring the hottie Viggo Mortensen?"
Like the original? Loved the remake?
This is something I DO NOT EVER want to hear about a horror movie. Did you not see what Rob Zombie did with the Halloween series? And I haven't seen the new Wolfman movie, but please. Can we stay away from the classics, Hollywood? (see: Psycho, Friday the 13th, etc.)
BUT...I can say that the remake (re-telling) and prequel were fine. I enjoyed them as much as I bit my tongue. It was like me loving the 1990 Cincinnati Reds World Series team as my favorite, but not realizing how good the 1975 or 1976 teams were. It's all about where you were exposed to that situation.
"And it really grossed me out when Chop-Top would pick the dead skin around his metal plate and then eat it. That kind of ruined the movie for me."
Chop-Top might be one of my favorite movie characters of all-time (you're #1 Leatherface). How can you not like his creepy and uneasy moment picking his skin with the coathanger, while not only scaring the lead actress, but building tension. He did throw out a lot of one-liners ("Look what you did to my Sonny Bono wig, you dog dick!").
Here's where the movie makes you think, "What were they thinking?" and Alison is right...the bridge scence (which is the first part), but don't let that change your mind. But there's so much wrong in this scene. I will break it down journal-style:
Begining: Yeah, the bridge speed limit should only be 20mph, but why are they driving on the wrong side? And would they not see that stopped truck to stop WAY before they almost hit them? And here's where we get a "WTF" moment. They are close to the end; almost 200 ft away to the end of the bridge.
00:10 - They are about 500 ft farther away. How did they lose ground? Keep waiting.
00:23 - Now they are like 5 seconds from leaving the bridge. And...
00:31 - At the same time, these guys are talking to a radio station and the deejays are hearing everything. Do they really not know how to disconnect a caller?
00:37 - This is the first time we see the villians. It's a corpse that rises from the bed of a truck. It's able to stand up in the bed of a pickup truck without losing balance. Did I mention it has no trouble picking up a chainsaw, as well? Oh yeah, it's Leatherface. So, he seems (not seams) to be stitched to a corpse, wielding a chainsaw (at least 30lbs) and looking like Natyla Comachi in the bed of a truck going backwards perfectly.
01:00 - This side shot of Leatherface shows them going a speed of no more than 10MPH, yet the victims are in a Mercedes, going FORWARD against a pickup truck GOING BACKWARDS (already said by Alison).
01:25 - Still MILES away from the end of the bridge, huh?
01:38 - Okay, the passenger has a GUN. Why not stop your car, get out and start firing? He has the advantage: faster car, momentum and a weapon that can reach farther, not to mention a phone AND talking to a radio deejay that can AND should have already called the cops. Run-on sentence.
01:48 - Speaking of the deejay (Stretch), she should be taking her own advice when she keeps yelling, "HANG UP! HANG UP...HANG UP...HANg UP!!!!
02:00 - It's been 35 seconds since the "01:25" post and they are STILL at least 500 feet away. And seriously, wouldn't that gun shot go through that rotted corpse and right into Leatherface's forehead? I guess not, HE GETS PISSED!
We'll let you decide and enjoy.