We took the kids to see Robots over the Easter Long Weekend. (we we're the only ones to do so, either).

Since we were in the mood for an adventure we went into Darling Harbour to see this at the IMAX. We had seen Polar Express in 3D there and it was awesome, so we expected the same for this movie.

We got there early, bought our tickets (at a premium over the 'normal' cinema, since we were seeing the "special IMAX edition"), and waited in line. By the time the doors opened, there was a huge queue formed behind us.  In we went, to our seats, but we didnt get our 3D glasses. WTF? I could have sworn, the movie was going to be in 3D. I'm sure I read it somewhere.

Anyways, the IMAX theatre is looking pretty shabby these days - seats missing, covers torn, headrests ripped - definitely not delivering on the promise of a premium theatre experience. The local cinemaplex at Hornsby is much cleaner, tider, comfortable etc, but I guess we are paying for the giant screen.  Lets see what magic awaits....

The movie was fun, it kepts the kids entertained, including Bricey. The visuals were terrific, the story rather pedestrian, and the talent pretty average. Robin Williams was outstanding, but the other voice actors were pretty forgettable. I didnt even realize Ewan McGregor played the lead robot, Rodney Copperbottom.  But the kids didn't care, they thought it was funny, silly and good to watch. 

I thought it was a movie with a bit of heart, a little brain, and not much courage.

During the movie, I just want to know why these robots exisited. What were they meant to be doing? Why were they there? If you compare it to Monster's Inc, the monsters had a purpose - to scare people. But was the purpose of the robots? They just existed. Some worked. Some didn't.  Okay, maybe it's time for the old suspension of disbelief to kick in.

Bottom line - see it, but avoid the IMAX experience if you can unless you want to spend extra for very little extra value. Learn from our mistakes. 

[listening to: It's Too Late - Evermore ]
1:51:04 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • My Interests

It was wonderful to kick back on Saturday and watch Gilchrist & Katich turn the 1st Test around. Today we had a family picnic so I missed the final kill but I could sense it would be all over today. It is so good to see the Aussie cricket team beat those annoying Kiwis.

Five wickets ... Shane Warne (Getty Images)

Aussies thrash Black Caps by nine wickets

Australia has won the first cricket Test against New Zealand by nine wickets in Christchurch.

Chasing a target of 133 to win, the Australians lost only Matthew Hayden as they reached the meagre total to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

Justin Langer remained unbeaten on 72 while Australian captain Ricky Ponting was not out 47.

The Australian victory, inside four days, was built on a devastating bowling display from Shane Warne, who this morning claimed 5 for 32 from 14 overs as New Zealand was dismissed 131 in its second innings.

The Black Caps had resumed on day four at 0 for 9, a lead of 10 runs, but fell apart as Warne and Jason Gillespie (3 for 38) led Australia's bowling attack to one of its most impressive performances.

Glenn McGrath (1 for 19) and Michael Kasprowicz (1 for 31) claimed the remaining wickets as Australia recorded its eighth consecutive Test victory.

Australia will look to wrap up the series in Wellington when the second Test begins on Friday.

[listening to: I Hate Everything About You - Three Days Grace ]
5:09:01 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests • TV

I was watching my kids watching The Goodies on DVD this evening. They were laughing so much. It was such a delight.

Amazingly these were episodes done 30 years ago!. I remember watching them as a kid. I was such a fan. I think this was the formative steps that developed my particular sense of humour.

They are performing in Sydney at the moment, and there are tickets to the shows. I know it won't be like the TV show, but it's quite tempting to go see these guys. I have heard a few interviews they have done on different local radio stations and it would be fun. Now to convince the boss.

[listening to: Whatsername - Green Day ]
8:49:13 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • My Interests • TV

I got to finally watch American Splendor. What a fantastic movie.

It is the story of Harvey Pekar, a morose gloomy guy who creates a comic book featuring himself. And it's a real true story.

What was great about the movie is how it mixes the actor who plays Harvey (Paul Giamatti), Harvey himself and the cartoon images from the comic book. It has geeks, nerds, and celebrities scattered through the movie. It was a sad, yet funny experience.

Highly recommended

[listening to: Love Island - Fatboy Slim ]
4:10:42 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests