Z-Car » Theater http://www.z-car.com/blog Gary's Ramblings about everything from Cars to the idea of US Energy Independence Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:22:49 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 NetFlix – How to find that hidden gem of a movie to watch http://www.z-car.com/blog/2011/12/04/netflix-how-to-find-that-hidden-gem-of-a-movie-to-watch http://www.z-car.com/blog/2011/12/04/netflix-how-to-find-that-hidden-gem-of-a-movie-to-watch#comments Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:05:25 +0000 gsmith http://www.z-car.com/blog/?p=864 I recently signed up for Netflix online. I have been pretty happy with the service so far, for $7.99 they have a huge selection of TV shows and movies.  I use a Tivo Premiere to view shows on my TV that are streamed directly from NetFlix.  However they also have the ability to stream to game consoles, iPhone, and of course your computer.  Unfortunately, the challenge is to find shows that are worth watching. With thousands available, it can be hard to find that hidden gem. Because NetFlix does not have a lot of recent Block Buster releases, you mostly have the choice between older movies, or that hidden gem of a show or movie that was not super popular when released, yet is actually worth watching. I have a few favorites, and will post more in the future. Some quality TV Shows and Movies currently available are listed below in no particular order.

TV Shows

 

Vulcan T'Pol - Jolene Blalock

The Beautiful Jolene Blalock as Vulcan T'Pol

Star Trek Enterprise – Add to Your Instant Queue

Set prior to the events depicted in the original 1960s program, this series follows Capt. Archer (Scott Bakula) and the crew of the Enterprise as they explore space and discover the technology taken for granted in previous Star Trek installments.  This show was not very popular when it originally aired, mainly due to the story line flowing across multiple episodes.  As a TV show, this was difficult to follow, but when you can now watch them back to back at your leisure, it is an enjoyable show.  Jolene Blalock is also quite the hidden gem, beautiful and shows her ability to act as the role of the original Vulcan Second in Command.

Louie – Add to Your Instant Queue

Although Louie is currently in Season Two on the FX Channel, many people have missed Season One.  This is a classic comedy, Louis C.K. does his take of a comedy sitcom, but this is no Seinfeld.   Louie is raw and unapologetic.  He has the ability to make you groan, and then say to your self, well, he does have a point.   Well worth watching if you like edgy comedy that will make you laugh, and think.

 

 

Lana almost nude and naked

Archer – Add to Your Instant Queue

Archer is an adult themed,politically incorrect animated TV Show. The basic plot revolves around Archer, an over-the-top portrayal of the classic womanizing secret agent with a dose of bumbling Inspector Clouseau. It is raunchy, full of one-liners that you have to listen carefully for as they explode across the screen, and generally always good for 19 minutes of entertainment. You will find yourself having to rewind a lot, you may find yourself laughing so hard you miss the next joke.

 

 

 

Movies

Shutter Island – Add to Your Instant Queue
Wow, where was this movie when released to the theaters?  US Marshall Teddy Daniels investigates the disappearance of a patient from an insane asylum located on an isolated island. Throw in creepy inmates, a storm, and Teddy’s own personal demons, and you have the recipe for a thriller that will keep you glued to the screen. This movie will keep you thinking about what happened for the next week. Leonardo DiCaprio delights with his typical strong performance, it was if this movie was made with him in mind.

Letters from Iwo Jima – Add to Your Instant Queue
This is Clint Eastwood’s companion to Flags of Our Fathers (unfortunately not available on NetFlix).  This is the story of Iwo Jima from the Japanese perspective, often told through letters sent back home from the doomed soldiers sent to defend Iwo.  A strong performance by the main characters, not 100% historically accurate, but enjoyable none the less.  It will help if you are a history buff, however it is a good enough story to keep the average viewer engaged.

Red State – Add to Your Instant Queue
Another movie that was released into theaters and never heard from again.  However, this is a quality movie by Kevin Smith.  It is a little heavy on anti-religion and anti-government themes, yet is still a good movie with some chilling scenes.  I found myself keep saying, no, they would not do that, but yet they did.  Does not follow the standard script for a thriller/horror movie.  It is short at an hour and twenty minutes, so is a good movie to catch when you are short on time.

]]> http://www.z-car.com/blog/2011/12/04/netflix-how-to-find-that-hidden-gem-of-a-movie-to-watch/feed 0 Billy Idol Gives Back – Rocks Baltimore with a Rebel Yell http://www.z-car.com/blog/2008/08/27/billy-idol-gives-back-rocks-baltimore-with-a-rebel-yell http://www.z-car.com/blog/2008/08/27/billy-idol-gives-back-rocks-baltimore-with-a-rebel-yell#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:43:37 +0000 gsmith http://www.z-car.com/blog/?p=309
Last Friday night, a group of us went to see Billy Idol at the Pier 6 Pavilion in Baltimore. I last saw Billy three years ago, and was blown away with his performance. The concert this year did not let us down, it was a non-stop explosion of rock. Idol is touring in support of his new “greatest hits” album, Idolize Yourself , which features all of his classics, a few lesser-known singles, and two new songs. Unlike the aging rockers who look like they have one foot in the grave (hello Keith Richards), Billy looks as cut and buff as ever. He struts across the stage with his familiar sneer and fist pumping.

Only true 80’s pop fans or current Billy fans will know of his side-kick guitarist Steve Stevens. Steve Stevens is one hell of a guitar player who plays up his 80’s glam image. A true performer, he not only rocks like a true legend, he also plays the part perfectly. If you ever get a chance to see Idol and Stevens perform in person, don’t miss it, you will enjoy it, I promise!

Billy’s last album, Devil’s Playground, was a moderately successful album, having hit #46 on the US charts. Although lacking a #1 hit like White Wedding, Rebel Yell, or Cradle of Love, it is a solid collection of songs.

]]> http://www.z-car.com/blog/2008/08/27/billy-idol-gives-back-rocks-baltimore-with-a-rebel-yell/feed 10 Mother Goosed: The Nursery Campaign Tales http://www.z-car.com/blog/2008/07/19/mother-goosed-the-nursery-campaign-tales http://www.z-car.com/blog/2008/07/19/mother-goosed-the-nursery-campaign-tales#comments Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:57:07 +0000 gsmith http://z-car.com/blog/?p=67 ***C O M I N G S O O N***

If you live in the Baltimore/DC area, you need to be aware of Fluid Movement’s latest event coming up in the next two weeks. Who is Fluid Movement you ask? Fluid Movement is a Baltimore-based performance art group that juxtaposes complex subject matter with delightful and unexpected mediums, at least according to their website… For the past several years they have put on a very funny and entertaining water ballet show at several of the local public pools (Riverside Park and Patterson Park).

This year’s show is Mother Goosed: The Nurseryland Campaign Tales
President Humpty sat on a wall
President Humpty had a great fall
Will the voters of Nurseryland put him back together?
Come see the colorful citizens of Nurseryland swim and entertain in this politically charged water ballet extravaganza!

Save the Date(s):
Riverside Park:
July 26, 2008 – Benefit Show
Tickets $25.00 for this show only,
Show at 6:00 p.m.
BUY TICKETS for Riverside Park Shows!

July 27, 2008 – Shows at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Patterson Park:
August 2, 2008 – Shows at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.
August 3, 2008 – Shows at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.
BUY TICKETS for Patterson Park Shows!

Tickets are $9.00.

 2007′s Show – War and Flea’s

Holly in the Water

 2006′s Show – Origin of the Species

Rick and Holly

 

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