DEJA VU (2006)

This seems familiar . . . .
Actually, Deja Vu was nothing like what I was expecting. At the time this came out in the theater, I was watching a show on ABC called Day Break in which a cop lived the same day over and over again. This action drama was reminiscent of one of my all time favorite movies, Ground Hog Day, a comedy in which a weatherman lives the same day over and over again.

An ATF agent has to solve a terrorist bombing of a ferry in New Orleans. He is approached by the FBI agent to join a new program. He soon realizes that they have tapped into the past, a direct link four and half days ago.

He eventually volunteers to go into the past and saves the day.

I thought this movie was really good, full of action, explosions and shootings.

SPIDER-MAN 3 (2007)

The third installment in the Spider-Man series holds up to the fanfare of the franchise. Toby Maguire is Spider-Man. Kirsten Dunst is also great as MJ, Peter/Spider-Man's girlfriend.

Spider-Man 3 is action packed from start to finish. This time an alien lifeform latches onto Spider-Man and changes his personality. I would equate this to Superman being on red kriptonite. After Spider-Man gets the alien out of him, a rival co-worker in infected and he teams up with the Sandman. The Sandman just happens to be the one who killed Peter's Uncle in the original Spider-Man. As if Spider-Man doesn't have enough to worry about, his best friend and son of the Green Goblin is out to seek revenge for his father's death.

A superb movie that is just as satisfying as the first!

Finding The Best Burger

You may have noticed that I'm on a burger kick lately. There's nothing like siting down to a good burger and fries to make you feel good.

After a co-worker heard that I had eaten at Simply Burgers, he suggested that I try Charlie's, so I did.

CHARLIE'S HAMBURGER GRILL

Depending on what you're looking for, you could do worse than Charlie's. The staff is very friendly and they have a large, kid friendly menu. Only the kid's menu include fries and a drink, adults must order ala carte.

Jenny had the french dip while I enjoyed the Bob Burger. Mine came with green chile's, pepper jack cheese and lettuce and tomato. The meat was well seasoned and the burger over all was very delicious. We also ordered a side of fries and fried okra, neither of which was very appetizing, but did include a side of ranch to help with the bland taste.


DUTCH'S

Dutch's is a quaint little place near a college campus. There's not much in the way of decoration and there's not really any wait staff.

When I walked in, the first thing I saw was the bar. It's a nice polished wood one with chrome barstools. I soon found out that I needed to place my order at the rear of the establishment. An older gentleman standing in line next to me told me to try the onion rings. I ended up with the hickory bbq & bacon burger with a side of onion rings. (Add onion rings or fries to anything for $2.00). After I placed my order, I was told to sit anywhere and they'd call my name. When I sauntered up to the bar, I met an ugly pug. No there wasn't a dog there, Ugly Pug, I found out, is a local beer, brewed right here in town.

When my order arrived, I first noticed the bun. Not a traditional bun, more like the kind of bread you'd find on a slider. Come to find out, their bread is made at a bakery in Houston but it's their recipe. The burger was fabulous! Great flavor, bbq next to the meat and the cheese melted on top. Awesome! The onion rings were think cut and hand breaded and the dark lager beer was a perfect companion.

The owner's of Dutch's used to work together at the Reata, so even without my testimony, you know it's good.


PAPPA'S BURGER

Part of the Pappa's family chain, Pappa's Burger is at the top of my list for best burgers.

When you enter, the menu is posted on the wall and you place your order and get your own drink then find a place to sit. There are several different type areas to sit in. In the center of the restaurant are tables, towards the side are large booths, to the extreme left is a round bar area with tv's and to the extreme right is a lunch counter where all the action is happening. I chose to sit at the lunch counter area.

A server came over and took my ticket to turn in to be cooked. I ordered the hickory cheddar bacon burger which comes with fries. When my order arrived I was surprised to see how dense the burger was. The flavor was smoky and delicious. It took concentration to consume the entire burger, but the task was accomplished. The fries, though, were sub par. Although the quantity was substantial, they were clumped together with the ones on the outside being crispy and the ones inside soggy. The ice tea was acceptable and the staff was very friendly.

FIREHOUSE DOG (2007)

Rexxx is a canine movie star with such hits as Fast And The Furriest. During a stunt on his current picture a mishap gets him lost and adopted by a local firehouse. Dewey, his movie character name, becomes a Firehouse Dog hero.

This funny, family movie is good. It's touching and has a good plot. Kudos to the makers.

SIMPLY BURGERS

We tried another burger joint. Simply Burgers in Mansfield is just that, burgers. They seemed to have it down to a science.

Our burgers were flavorful and well built. I ordered the avocado burger which was loaded with lettuce, tomato, gilled onions, my choice of swiss cheese and homemade avocado. Simply heaven. Jenny had the mushroom and swiss burger which also included grilled onions, lettuce and tomato. On the side were chili cheese tots and sweet potato fries. The buns were delicious wheat rolls instead of standard hamburger buns.

We can hardly wait to go back for more! (I was unable to find a website for this location.)

TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY (2006)

Ricky Bobby's father was a race car driver, so it only made sense for him to get into racing. He becomes the Nascar champ, and life is good. He's on top of the world, lots of cars, big house, trophy wife and his best friend is the number 2 driver.

When a formula one driver switches to Nascar, Ricky Bobby wrecks bad and loses his edge. His best friend takes his wife and everything else and he takes his kids back to mom's house.

His dad reappears and teaches him how to get his edge back and viola! life is good again.

Talladega Nights is a sappy movie, but good for a few laughs. Will Ferrell plays this role as expected.

UNDERDOG (2007)

A fired police dog, down on his luck, is dog napped by a crazy assistant to a mad scientist. After an accident in the lab, our hero is exposed to a multitude of chemicals and gets lots of powers. Now he is stronger, can run fast, can fly and can even speak to humans.

Underdog was a cute movie and the special effects were well done. However, I found that the movie dragged on a bit and frankly I had a hard time staying awake, even tho we were at the matinée.

RENDON'S GENERAL STORE

Jenny and I met for lunch at the newest burger joint near our house. It's called Rendon's General Store but it's just a burger place.

The parking lot is small, but the inside is much bigger than expected. They have a lot of nice decorations, including a huge bear rug draped over a would be fireplace.

The menu is basic, burgers, sandwiches, etc., however, there's no combo choices. Everything must be ordered ala carte. This is the best way to run up a bill.

Secondly, they only take cash. Not very consumer friendly.

Last, the food was sub par. Maybe because their grill is new and not greasy from years of use, but our burgers were bland.

The staff could be more friendly, as well.

THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM (2007)

Jason Bourne is back in The Bourne Ultimatum, the third installment of this action packed series.

Jason finally discovers the truth about his identity as he pursues and is pursued all over the world. He finally ends up in New York and comes face to face with his past.

This high budget sequel delivers the goods and even takes a stab at post 9/11 politics and our corrupt government.

This movie is just as good as the second, but not as good as the first in that there is no mystery to Bourne's mission.

CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND (2002)

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind is about the life of Chuck Barris, the creator and host of The Gong Show.

Based on his book, it covers how he got into show business and such. It also says that he was a CIA operative . . . Yeah, believe it or not.

The movie as a whole, was very interesting and quite good. The believability factor was 50/50. The Hollywood stuff was believable, the CIA stuff was not.

Directed by George Clooney, it had several big names in it and won 6 awards with an additional 5 nominations.

WELCOME TO MOOSEPORT (2004)

Welcome To Mooseport stars Gene Hackman and Ray Romano. Gene Hackman is a former President who is divorced while in office and has lost everything to his ex-wife except for his vacation home in Mooseport, Maine. Ray Romano is a local handyman.

When the Mayor of Mooseport suddenly dies, Hackman is asked to be Mayor, which he accepts unknowingly, Romano also decided to become Mayor in order to help out the town.

Now there is a true election centered on ego and a woman.

There is no winner in this movie. Although there was a couple of chuckles, I thought this movie was empty and poorly written. Hackman has been is many great movies throughout his career, however, Mooseport will be a dark shadow over him.

FREEBIRDS

Recently Jenny and I met for lunch at a place called Freebirds World Burrito.

Much like the wing places from a few years ago, it seems like burrito places are popping up everywhere lately.

We first tried out Chipotle. We just weren't impressed with the choices here. Not long after we found a place called Qdoba.

Qdoba was a lot better and had more normal choices.

Then we found Freebirds. Freebirds is awesome. They have normal food and regular sauces and everything tastes great. Qdoba is still good, but Freebirds has them beat.

Give them a try!

SHOOTER

Shooter stars Mark Wahlberg. He was previously a sniper in the military until a covert ops went bad and his spotter was killed.

Years later he's contacted by our government to help foil an attempt on the presidents life. Little does he know that he's being set up.

This action packed movie is white knuckle, edge of your seat fun. There are car chases, explosions, you name it. A well done movie with good acting and a nicely executed budget.

More Movies And Such

SHREK THE THIRD
Shrek, Donkey and all the gang are back in an all new adventure in Shrek The Third. Princess Fiona's father, the King, dies and Shrek is next in line for the throne, which he dreads. He finds out that there is another heir to the throne named Arthur, voiced by Justin Timberlake. Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots set off to find Arthur. Meanwhile, Prince Charming and a band of misfits invades the castle in Far, Far Away, imprisoning Fiona and her royal girlfriends. In the end, all is well and order is restored in the land of Far, Far Away.

This movie dragged on in spots for me, but there were a few times when I laughed as well. It wasn't as good as the previous two, yet it wasn't a horrible sequel, either.


THE KEG STEAKHOUSE
There is a restaurant near our favorite Mexican restaurant that we've talked about going to for quite some time. It's called The Keg Steakhouse. From the outside it doesn't look like anything too fancy, just another steakhouse.

Once you enter through the doors you see everyone dressed nicely and low lighting throughout. The wait staff is very friendly and the ambiance is pleasing.

Our waiter was very attentive and friendly, however the food was less than stellar.

The bread was ordinary, yet the salad was very fresh. I don't know what high dollar grain they are feeding their cows, but they happily pass on the cost to the diner. My steak was supposed to be teriyaki flavored, but it tasted like plain sirloin along with a big strip of fat. Also the baked potato is served with only a pat of flavored butter.

I've eaten at many steakhouses and had better tasting food with a cost that was more acceptable.


The Keg Steakhouse

Ambiance


Wait Staff


Food


Over All Experience


NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
This was a fun movie. Ben Stiller plays a night watchman at the museum of natural history. Little does he know that when the sun goes down, everything comes to life. His attempt to restore order creates the slapstick humor for this family friendly movie. An All-Star cast makes Night At The Museum a movie that will hold up for years to come.


THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
Will Smith plays a struggling salesman trying to do the best for his family. When he decides to change careers, his wife leaves him and he fights to keep his son with him. This movie is about family bonding and pursuing your dreams. I tried to resist seeing this movie, but found it to be very enjoyable. The Pursuit Of Happyness is a keeper.


FANTASTIC 4
Jessica Alba is reason enough to watch Fantastic 4. The special effects were well done. To my chagrin, the four scientists were not in harmony with one another, neither before the accident nor after. The banter between them brings a chuckle or two. In the end, as in all super hero movies, they save the world.


CHINA KING SUPER BUFFET
China King Super Buffet in Mansfield has the best Chinese food in a 20 mile radius. They have traditional Chinese food on four bars, American and Mexican on two bars, a sushi bar, a fruit bar and a dessert bar. If all this food isn't enough try the Mongolian grill, which is my favorite. Choose raw meat and vegetables and give it the cook where he'll grill it for you while you wait. About $10 each with bottomless beverages.


TWISTER
Although this movie came out in 1996 and I have seen it several times, sharing it with the kids made it seem new again. Helen Hunt plays a girl who loses her father to an F5 tornado and grows up to be a storm chaser. Although some people discredit this film because of some unbelievability, you have to keep in mind that it is a movie. Bill Paxton gave a poor acting performance, but is overshadowed by Hunt's acting and the special effects. Twister still holds up!


WAR OF THE WORLDS
Tom Cruise stars in this 2005 film where aliens supposedly buried tripod craft millions of years ago and decided to wait until now to take over the world. Other than the lame premise, I found this movie to be exciting and action packed. Great special effects with wholesome family bonding sub-story. War of the Worlds won 11 awards with 18 nominations.


MEET THE ROBINSONS
This past weekend we actually went out to the theater and caught Meet The Robinsons during the matinée. Lucky for us there were very few people in the theater and we had no distractions. In 1953, Disney made a Stereographic 3-D animated cartoon called "Working For Peanuts" with Donald Duck and Chip and Dale which they shelfed until now. It was like watching a movie through a View-Master. I enjoyed it.
Meet The Robinsons was also in 3-D and was pretty good. It deals with orphans and being adopted. Throw in some time travel and a villain and you've got the makings of a fun family movie.


Walk The Line
Walk The Line is a movie about Johnny Cash. I found this to be an enjoyable movie even though it had a lot of music. I learned a lot about Johnny that I didn't know before. For example, June Carter was not his first wife and he toured with Buddy Holly and Elvis. I'm not 100% sure how well this movie followed his life, but I thought it was good.


The Terminal
When we first saw the trailer for this Tom Hanks movie, we were intrigued. How is it that a person can be stuck in an airport terminal? Come to find out, he's Russian and lost his citizenship while in the air and therefore cannot be admitted into the U.S. He ends up living in the terminal for 9 months! Not exactly believable, but he finds love and follows his dream. I enjoyed this movie quite a bit.


Zoom
Although I like Tim Allen and think he is very funny, Zoom was horrible. It could be called a remake of Sky High with Kurt Russell except that it came out about the same time. So I'll tell you what they are both about. They gather a bunch of kids that have extraordinary powers and train them to use those powers. In Zoom they are rushing to become a team to defeat Zoom's (Tim Allen) brother Concussion who decimated the world before he was banished to another dimension. Zoom hasn't used his powers in 30 years but when his brother returns, he and his team come together to bring Concussion back to the good side. The small difference with Sky High is that they are all students whose parents are super heroes and a villain comes to the school. The group comes together and defeats the villain. If you haven't seen either of these movies, I recommend Sky High as worth the time.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
I was all ready to not like Narnia. It even started out completely different than I was expecting. However, the story was well written and told and the special effects were extremely well done. The costumes were spectacular, as well.

Four children are shipped away to a safer place during World War II to stay with a relative of some sort. In the midst of being children, they stumble across a large wardrobe (armoire) that opens to another world known as Narnia.

It has been Winter in Narnia for the past 100 years. However the season is changing now that the humans have arrived, thus fulfilling the prophecy. It's a classic battle of good versus evil.

The Chronicles Of Narnia won an Oscar plus 11 other awards and 32 nominations.

Movies And More

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse
BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse is a full service restaurant with a full bar and micro brewery. They have several televisions is various parts of the restaurant with different sports playing. The place was set up nicely and the food was delicious. The beer choices were from light to dark and very well explained by our waitress. We started with an interesting appetizer in the avocado egg rolls. With it's sweet dipping sauce this choice was just alright. On the weird scale, it was right up there. For dinner I had the cajun pasta with blackened chicken. Extremely delicious. Although this dish was reminiscent of a meal I ate at TGI Friday's, I would rate it a 9.5 where Friday's was a 6. To wash it all down I had the PM Porter which had caramel, molasses and chocolate flavors. Superb. Jenny had the Jeremiah Red Ale, which is their most popular along with a Turkey Cobb Sandwich. We really enjoyed this place and will be returning soon.


The Bourne Supremacy
Jason Bourne is reluctantly pulled back into his former life as he is framed for a botched CIA operation. Suspense and intrigue abound. In the end, you don't mess with The Bourne Supremacy.

I found this movie a little sheepish when compared to the first installment. Maybe I enjoyed getting to know Bourne previously and now just want more action. I hope the third installment goes back to the roots and gives us more story and a lot more action.

Nominated for 18 awards, it won 5.


Batman Begins
In this movie we learn how Bruce Wayne becomes Batman. Although I found this story to be interesting, I felt that it took along time to tell the story. An all star cast is found in Batman Begins but for some reason, I thought that it could have been better.

Nominated for an Oscar plus 35 other awards, it won 6.


Raiders Of The Lost Ark
I wanted to share one of my all time favorite movies with the kids: Indiana Jones and the Raiders Of The Lost Ark is another movie that stands up to the test of time. Indiana is an archaeologist whose goal is to fine relics for the museum while his arch nemesis collects them for the highest bidder. Set in the 1930's, he learns that Hitler has locate the lost city where the Ark of the Covenant is believed to be. This kid friendly movie is filled with humor as well as action.

This movie had 21 nominations and also won 28 awards, including 4 Oscars.

My anticipation is high for the fourth installment to be released. Principal photography has recently started.

29 DEGREE TAVERN

The 29 Degree Tavern in Ft Worth sounds like a bar or club, but is actually a nice restaurant.

Our hostess seemed to be new due to some clumsy errors made on her part, but it didn't detract from the ambiance of the establishment.

The food was prepared to our expectations and our server was very attentive and knowledgeable.

Food cost was moderate and ranged from steak to salads. I had the Cajun pasta with chicken while Jenny had the catfish. Lacye commented that her hamburger was the best that she'd ever had and Johnnie did very well with his mac & cheese.

The beer was cold (29 degrees) but seemed somewhat flat.

RATATOUILLE

Ratatouille is about a rat that wants more out of life than eating garbage. He has a keen sense of smell and ultimately finds himself in Paris near the best restaurant in town.

He befriends a lowly clean up boy and together they make sweet music, er, I mean they really start cooking, literally.

In the end, the rat saves the day and everyone lives happily ever after.

I really enjoyed this movie. The people at Pixar always make good movies and since Disney took over, everything still seems to be on track.

Welcome

Welcome to my ratings blog. Here I will be giving ratings to movies, restaurants, and anything else that I feel needs to be rated.

I will move all of my previous ratings here and add new ones as I experience them.

Feel free to comment with why you agree or disagree with my rating.

Ratings are based on a 5 star scale, with 5 stars being the best (highly recommended) and no stars being the worst (definitely do not recommend).

Enjoy!