The (O)PP Cinematic Alphabet Draft

Hey everybody, The Mike is here to deliver some cinematic thunder on this Sunday of Justice!

A recent craze throughout the film related blogosphere is the Cinematic Alphabet, made currently popular over at Rupert Pupkin Speaks and spreading throughout the web to sites like my own From Midnight, With Love. Here at (O)PP, we find that the tastes of myself, Narcosleepy, and The H-Bomb don't always match up, so we decided to do our site's Cinematic Alphabet a little differently. As you can guess from the title, we did a fantasy sports-style draft of films per letter.

The rules were pretty simple. The draft order would be randomly determined, and the three of us would take turns picking a letter and the corresponding film we wanted on the list. Oh, and we decided (about half-way through the draft) to add in films that start with a number, so the picks were evenly divided between us. Easy enough, right? Let's see how it turned out....

With the 1st pick in the draft, The Mike determined that R is for REAR WINDOW

As we discussed this project, the example I kept using was "So like, if I had R, I'd say R is for REAR WINDOW." Since I used the example like three dozen times - and since it's my favorite movie - I figured there was no better place to start. - The Mike

With the 2nd pick in the draft, Narcosleepy decreed that T is for TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE

There are certain movies that pretty much change the world. For Narcosleepy, Optimus Prime is synonymous with all that is awesome. To say that the letter "T" is for Transformers is pretty much like saying a dog has four legs and barks. "R" is definitely for Rear Window, but Optimus Prime punches Deceptichops in the face.
-Narcosleepy

With the 3rd pick in the draft, The H-Bomb decided that P is for PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

To say I love this movie is an understatement. To me, Pride and Prejudice is the greatest love story of all time. The casting in this version is perfect and I never get sick of watching it.- The H-Bomb

(Note from The Mike: Gosh, from those last two picks, you'd so never guess where we got our blog name....)

With the 4th pick in the draft, The Mike said H is for HALLOWEEN

I know Narcosleepy is a big fan of Highlander, and - as much as I agree that there can be only one - I couldn't risk not getting my favorite horror movie on the list. - The Mike

First of..."H" should be for Highlander. However, Halloween is a really solid choice and I can't disagree. I mean, how can you argue with Michael Myers? -Narcosleepy

With the 5th pick in the draft, Narcosleepy announced that C is for CITY OF GOD

I flat out love this movie. The flavor, the feel, and the rhythm are so fantastic. I was going to choose "A" for American Beauty. But on this night, I took City of God above American Beauty.
-Narcosleepy

With the 6th pick in the draft, The H-Bomb proclaimed that L is for LOVE ACTUALLY

Barely slipping ahead of Pride and Prejudice, I consider this my favorite movie of all time. Romance, comedy, British, and Hugh Grant dancing make for the perfect combination for a perfect movie!
- The H-Bomb

With the 7th pick in the draft, The Mike decided that A is for ARSENIC AND OLD LACE

The three of us actually watched this flick right after completing the draft. I'm not sure Narcosleepy and The H-Bomb were ready for its brand of humor, but I drink it up like Daniel Day-Lewis on your milkshake. (Which, coincidentally, does NOT bring all the boys to the yard. Just DDL and that kid who was the killer at the beginning of TAKING LIVES.) - The Mike

With the 8th pick in the draft, Narcosleepy decided that V is for VERTIGO

There are certain movies that hold a special place in my heart. Rear Window and Vertigo are two of these films. James Stewart and Kim Novak provide a performance that defines modern cinema. This is a top 10 film...no brainer.
- Narcosleepy

With the 9th pick in the draft, The H-Bomb decided that S is for SABRINA

Knowing the other two where going to pick S soon if I did not, I dove after it. There were lots of S movies I could have picked (Spaceballs anyone!?), but I knew in my heart Sabrina was it. Hepburn and Boggart can do no wrong. Despite their big age difference, they really worked on screen. - The H-Bomb

With the 10th pick in the draft, The Mike decided that B is for THE BLUES BROTHERS

As much as it pains me to leave The 'Burbs on the wayside - and I know H-Bomb would have picked it had I let B ride a few more rounds - Jake and Elwood know the way to my heart. I'm so in on their mission from God. - The Mike

With the 11th pick in the draft, Narcosleepy decided that N is for NORTH BY NORTHWEST

How can you not love the first ever action film? The cinematography in this film is truly amazing.
-Narcosleepy

With the 12th pick in the draft, The H-Bomb decided that G is for THE GOONIES

In my opinion, this is one of the greatest films of all time. This movie was a large part of my childhood. During the summer of 1999 during a family vacation to Oregon, we included a stop in Astoria, Oregon where the movie was filmed. There is no way I was going to let this list get created without Goonies on it! -The H-Bomb

Couldn't agree more H-Bomb! It all ends when you go up Troy's Bucket! -Narcosleepy

With the 13th pick in the draft, The Mike decided that E is for THE EXORCIST

Since I had The Exorcist at #2 on my big board of horror - and since I am primarily one who writes about horror flicks - I figured I better throw it on as soon as I could. Nothing like a little pea soup in the middle of the alphabet, right? - The Mike

With the 14th pick in the draft, Narcosleepy decided that # is for 28 DAYS LATER...

First off, suck it H-Bomb. 13 Going on 30 could not be the number that was selected. I straight up love this movie. This is one of my favorite zombie movies that I have ever seen in theaters.
- Narcosleepy

With the 15th pick in the draft, The H-Bomb decided that D is for DEATH AT A FUNERAL

It is British, hilarious, and stars Matthew MacFayden (aka Mr. Darcy). Need I say more! -The H-Bomb

With the 16th pick in the draft, The Mike decided that F is for FLASH GORDON

No chance I was gonna let this list end without getting one of my favorite pieces of cheese on the list, and Flash Gordon represents everything I love about cheesy sci-fi of the '70s and '80s. (Also, he's gotta be the best quarterback the New York Jets ever had. EVER.) - The Mike

Best selection for "F" I could think of. "Flash Gordon. Quarterback. New York Jets." -Narcosleepy

With the 17th pick in the draft, Narcosleepy decided that M is for THE MATRIX

"Follow the white rabbit Neo." I remember where I was when I first saw this movie. I can remember the first time I listened to it with 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound. This movie is one of my all time favorite sci-fi flicks. I was going to choose Mulholland Drive, but I couldn't escape the brilliant acting of Keanu Reeves. "Whoa"
-Narcosleepy

With the 18th pick in the draft, The H-Bomb decided that W is for THE WIZARD OF OZ

A movie list should never be complete without this film. Visually stunning and a marvelous soundtrack, it is a movie for all ages. It is a movie I need to see at least once a year or I go through withdrawal. -The H-Bomb

With the 19th pick in the draft, The Mike decided that Y is for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

If this were something like the NFL Draft, there'd be a guy with greasy hair to tell you that this is a great "value pick". I had been prepared to take M and promote MIDNIGHT RUN, but after it was off the board I couldn't resist getting one of my five favorite films this late in the proceedings. - The Mike

With the 20th pick in the draft, Narcosleepy decided that J is for THE JEWEL OF THE NILE

Romancing the Stone is simply awesome. However, I actually saw this movie first and I have a soft spot in my random liking of movies. It isn't very good, but man I love dumb movies that are just fun. Juno Schmoono...I thought that movie was forgettable. Journey to the Center of the Earth in '89 was also going through my head, but you gotta draft what you love.
- Narcosleepy

With the 21st pick in the draft, The H-Bomb decided that Q is for THE QUEEN

Another British film that definitely did not disappoint, it was fascinating to have a look inside the life of Queen Elizabeth. The acting in this film was so superb, I often found myself forgetting this was Helen Mirren, and would actually find myself believing it was Queen Elizabeth herself. - The H-Bomb

Weird...H-Bomb selecting something British. - Narcosleepy

With the 22nd pick in the draft, The Mike decided that O is for OUT OF SIGHT

The combination of Clooney, Soderbergh, Elmore Leonard, a great supporting cast, and a SHOCKINGLY good J-Lo has long held Out of Sight as one of my favorite caper flicks/romance flicks. At this point in the draft, I also kinda thought I should pick something less than 30 years old. - The Mike

With the 23rd pick in the draft, Narcosleepy decided that I is for IDIOCRACY

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! How can you hate on a movie where, in the end, you feel like a genius? Dax Shepard is awesome. I know, you all are thinking why didn't I select Indiana Jones? I think the above picture answers that question.
- Narcosleepy

With the 24th pick in the draft, The H-Bomb decided that U is for UP IN THE AIR

With a great cast, including Mr. Clooney himself, it was a witty and charming film. With so many unoriginal films these days, it was refreshing to see some originality. -The H-Bomb

With the 25th pick in the draft, The Mike decided that Z is for ZODIAC

It was a toss-up between this and using K on KISS KISS, BANG BANG for my final pick, but David Fincher's murder epic is kind of like Vertigo in how it keeps me entranced despite its slow pace. And I still get a dose of Downey. - The Mike

With the 26th pick in the draft, Narcosleepy decided that X is for XXX

"Hi, my name is Vin Diesel. I'm awesome." If you just read that quote...your mind is blown. This movie has A) Samuel Freaking L. Jackson, B) Flippin' Danny Trejo, and C) Vin Diesel as an extreme sports athlete. I consider this pick a value pick...that and I couldn't think of anything else for X.
- Narcosleepy

With the 27th pick in the draft, The H-Bomb decided that K is for THE KING'S SPEECH

So I have to admit I have not actually seen this flick yet! But it is British and stars Colin Firth. I don't even have to see it to know I like. And don't worry, I will be buying it when it hits the shelves! - The H-Bomb

So, after the dust settled and tempers faded, the final list looks like THIS:
A is for ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
B is for THE BLUES BROTHERS
C is for CITY OF GOD
D is for DEATH AT A FUNERAL
E is for THE EXORCIST
F is for FLASH GORDON
G is for THE GOONIES
H is for HALLOWEEN
I is for IDIOCRACY
J is for THE JEWEL OF THE NILE
K is for THE KING'S SPEECH
L is for LOVE ACTUALLY
M is for THE MATRIX
N is for NORTH BY NORTHWEST
O is for OUT OF SIGHT
P is for PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Q is for THE QUEEN
R is for REAR WINDOW
S is for SABRINA
T is for TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE
U is for UP IN THE AIR
V is for VERTIGO
W is for THE WIZARD OF OZ
X is for XXX
Y is for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
Z is for ZODIAC
# is for 28 DAYS LATER...

And that's the bottom line, because the (O)PP staff said so. Consider your minds' blown...Boom!

The Governator

Oh how this makes me laugh!  Now that Arnold Schwarzenegger is officially not in office anymore, he has decided his next career move is to create a cartoon and comic book!  Created with Stan Lee, there will be many personal elements of Arnold's life including his wife and children.  It will follow him as he leaves office and decides to become a crime fighter and build a secret high-tech crime-fighting lab in his basement.  What are your thoughts!?  Super excited?!?

Trailer Alert-New Hangover II Trailer!

And the Spiderman Villain is......

 Lizard?!?!?!?

Actor C. Thomas Howell may have accidentally spilled the beans when he was discussing his minor role in the film.  Here is what he had to say:

"There is not a whole lot to talk about. Sony wants us to be hush-hush right now. I play a relatively small role. I play a construction worker who's son is caught in the middle of a battle between the Lizard and Spider-Man on the Manhattan bridge. Spider-Man helps me get my son back from this perilous situation. There is some payback there at the end of the movie. Spider-man is kind of hurting. I help him when all of the other people won't. Part of the story is, the nation thinks he might be a bad guy. They don't know what to think. Because of my experience on the bridge with my kid, I know he is a good guy. I pitch in and help out at the end. That is the best way."

I am not a huge follower of Spidey, but this does sound pretty neat!!! Any thoughts from our big Spiderman fans out there?!?

Trailer Alert-Larry Crowne

This film actually looks pretty cute!  I always enjoy Tom Hanks and will definitely check this out!

Katie Perry Firework- A Capella Cover

This is pretty sweet!

In Movie News-American Reunion!

So in exciting movie news, it has been announced the cast of American Pie is coming back together for American Reunion!!  So far, Jason Biggs, Sean William Scott, and Eugene Levy have signed on.  It is being reported that the studio has been talking with Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Chris Klein, Mena Suvari, and Jennifer Coolidge.  I absolutely loved these movies back in the day!  They were great mindless fun!  Here is to hoping they can make a great sequel!

Fallon does Sheen

Spot on!  Fallon is sooo great at doing impressions of people!  Love this!

Quotes from a Crazy

Oh Charlie Sheen....the entertainment you have provided us in the last week is absolutely epic!  Are you crazy?  Are you bi-polar?  Are you on drugs?  Are you all of the above?  We may never know, but one thing is for sure, you have provided us with some great quotes in the last week!  Here are a few of the gems from recent!

"I don't have a tuxedo that fits anymore because my chest and my biceps are too big."
– Explaining why he wasn't planning on attending the Oscars, on Pat O'Brien's Loose Cannons radio show

"I have a disease? Bull–t. I cured it … with my mind."
– Rejecting his father Martin Sheen's statement that his son suffers from alcoholism to The Alex Jones Show

"There's a new sheriff in town. And he has an army of assassins."
– Explaining why he's decided to be so outspoken

"I'm on a drug. It's called Charlie Sheen."
– Professing his sobriety to 20/20's Andrea Canning

"I'm not Thomas Jefferson. He was a p–y!"
– Taking aim at the founding father

"I closed my eyes and made it so with the power of my mind, and unlearned 22 years of fiction...the fiction of AA.  It's a silly book written by a broke-down fool."
-Explaining to The Today Show how he cured himself of addiction

"I'm tired of pretending I'm not a total bitchin' rock star from Mars, and people can't figure me out; they can't process me. I don't expect them to.  You can't process me with a normal brain."
-Informing The Today Show of his desire to be his true self

Trailer Alert-Something Borrowed!!

I will definitely be seeing this!  I am the biggest sucker for chick flicks!!

Trailer Alert-New Thor Trailer!!!

Natalie Portman seems to be everywhere these days!  Love her!

Trailer Alert-Hesher

Joseph Gordan-Levitt looks like one bad mother trucker in this movie!  Looks pretty good!  Thoughts?!?!

James Earl Jones does Bieber!

This is the only way I will listen to a Justin Bieber song!  Love it!

Trailer Alert-Arthur

This is a remake of the 1981 Arthur starring Dudley Moore.  I can't say I have heard of it.  This is probably a movie I will wait to see on Netflix.  Thoughts?!?

Favorite Super Bowl Commercials

So most years, like most Americans, I watch the Super Bowl for the commercials.  I have to say this year, I was slightly disappointed.  There was some definitely lack of originality and I found myself laughing at very few.  Below are my two favorites of the night.  They both happen to contain cute animals.  :)  What were your favorites?!?

Cedar Rapids Trailer!

It is not too often movies are in or about Iowa.  I was thrilled to learn about this movie that not only fictionally takes place in an Iowa city but also chose to use the city's name as the title!  Cedar Rapids was devastated by floods in 2008 and I think it is great to give the town some exposure.  I will definitely be seeing this film not only because I am an Iowan, but because I think it looks pretty darn funny and has a really great cast lead by Ed Helms and John C. Reilly.



Fun Facts about Cedar Rapids:  It was the birthplace of Elijah Wood and Ashton Kutcher grew up a few miles outside of Cedar Rapids.  Ashton's family still lives there and he frequently visits the area.

Fantastic 3?!?

After 50 years,  Marvel Entertainment has laid to rest Human Torch/Johnny Storm.  Writer Johnathan Hickman has spent the last year and a half working on this story line and in the most recent issue, Torch dies in a massive battle.  Our thoughts are with all of the Fantastic Four fans at what I presume is a difficult time.

Best Picture Nominees

And the Best Picture Nominees are.............

*Black Swan
*The Fighter
*Inception
*The Kids Are All Right                                        
*The King's Speech
*127 Hours
*The Social Network
*Toy Story 3
*True Grit
*Winter's Bone


I would say there are no big surprises here.  I just wish the Academy would go back to five nominees.  Ten nominees really takes away from the prestige of an Oscar nod. It is all just a ploy to bring more box office money to more movies.

My prediction is that Social Network will take home the statue this year for Best Picture.  It seems to be the trend at awards shows this season.   I, personally have only seen six of the ten at this time, so can't specify a personal favorite yet.  I will have to say I am really excited to see The King's Speech.  I will blog about my favorite as soon as I have seen all ten. Please feel free to post any favorites or predictions you may have!!!  For a complete list of nominees visit www.oscars.org.  The 83rd Academy Awards air February 27th.

Hopkins to play Hitchcock!

Sir Anthony is currently in talks to portray Alfred Hitchcock.  The movie is rumored to be based on the book Alfred Hitchcock the Making of Psycho by Stephen Rebello.   The movie is to be directed by Sacha Gervasi.

Ahh! I think with a little weight gain, Sir Anthony will make the perfect Hitchcock!  Hitchcock is my favorite director, so I am SUPER excited for this movie!  I am already going to throw out this prediction-Sir Anthony will be nominated for an Oscar!  What are your thoughts on the casting??!?!?

Hazard of Texting

This is pretty crazy!  I love how mall personnel have nothing better to do than replay this!