Movie Review: Legion

Legion stars Paul Bettany (Da Vinci Code) as Michael, an archangel whose wings where clipped when he didn't want to take part in the apocalypse that was about to happen since God has lost faith in mankind. He falls into earth and goes on a quest to protect a unborn baby carried by Charlie (Adrianne Palicki) who works in a small roadside diner own by Bob (Dennis Quaid). As the night falls, they had to barricade the diner against possessed humans. As the apocalypse start, Michael must protect the unborn baby and convinced God to change his mind and give humanity a second chance.

I wasn't really impressed with this movie. The storyline was easy to follow, but hardly convincing since its another one of those apocalyptic movie that has been coming out for the last few years. The cast did a good job of portraying their roles though . The action sequence were interesting especially the battle between Michael and Gabriel in the diner. But angels with bulletproof metal wings? If you are a action freak, then this movie is for you. Other than that, you might just want to wait for the DVD to come out.

Legion's official website

Two-day Snowstorm

Stuck again at home and have to use another personal day from work. This is probably the worst snowstorm I have experience for awhile.

There were a lot of conflicting forecast about how much accumulations we were going to get. Forecast predicted from 6 inches all the way to 20 inches. So it was hard to decide what to do on Thursday.

It did start on Wednesday night with misting rain by five in the afternoon. During that time, forecast only calls for rain on thursday then changing to snow in the afternoon and night. But when I woke up on Thursday, it was already a full-blown storm with snow, sleet and rain combining making the roads wet, slushy and slippery. Wet snow means heavy snow which equals to dangerous road conditions - not to mention, fallen objects from above. Tree branches break, widespread power outtage due to fallen power lines. I was lucky that we weren't affected by the power outtages especially during Thursday night when the winds were howling and the winds gusting to around 40 - 50 miles per hour  (almost a Nor'easter). I did manage to clean out my car yesterday afternoon when it started to rain. Sure was getting heavy but had to do it or else, it would have been heavier if I waited.

This morning, I went out to white background - trees, roads, cars - everything was white. The accumulation didn't look much but its the ice that's underneath the snow that made it treacherous to go anywhere. I would have gone to work but from the looks of it, the major roads are not even cleared yet. It basically took me an hour to clean my car up due to the blanket of snow and ice. And had to turn the heat up so that the ice would melt making it easier to scrap everything off my car.


So yeah, two days of no work but I was stuck at home due to the snowstorm. I did managed to do some cleaning and catching up on some reading. I do have some friends who have about two foot of snow in their area so I should be happy. The storm is suppose to leave by tonight but the temperature will be staying low so it could be icy roads tomorrow. In any event, if you get bored - go outside and make snowman like what I did.

Bad Day?

Do you know the feeling when you wake up in the morning and just felt like today wasn't going to be a good day?

Well, I had that feeling today and it sure was a bad day for me. Not that something bad happen to me personally but it just felt like I wasn't able to do the things I wanted to do. It felt like something was bothering me the whole day and I just can't figure out what was it.

And when you have that feeling, it has a ripple effect throughout the day. You have the sense of un-accomplishment even though you probably are actually finishing project every project. You try to be happy yet you look sad and weary.

Usually I can get myself out of the funk by midday but not today. It felt like a raincloud hovered over my head the whole day. Unfortunately, not even a colleagues birthday made me feel happy.

Hopefully this was only case of the Monday blues and tomorrow would be better than today.

Restaurant Review: Di Fara Pizza

1424 Avenue J
at E. 15th St
Brooklyn, NY 11230
(718) 258 - 1367

Pizza
Price: $2 - $35
Dine In, Take Out

So my buddy called me up yesterday afternoon and asked if I was in the mood for pizza. I was but little did I know that we would be traveling an hour and a half to Midwood, Brooklyn for the pizza. My buddy said that I won't be disappointed.

Di Fara Pizza's is located in Midwood Brooklyn. Its a little pizzeria on the corner of Avenue J and 15th Street. We got there around 6:30pm and they were just opening the door. In less than 5 minutes, the place was packed with patrons as everyone started ordering the hand-made pizzas by Domenico DeMarco who has been making pizzas for more than four decades. We were the second patrons to placed an order and luckily got a table. I went up to see Mr. DeMarco make his pizza and I would say, it was amazing to see him make his masterpiece. He was very delicate but intricate in making each pie and I could see that the patrons didn't mind the wait.

So we ordered one special pie and two slices of the square pie. We also had to wait but it sure was worth it. We first got our square slices and I was so hungry that I decided to take a first bite. Big mistake, it was fresh out of the oven and kinda burn my tongue a bit. Anyway, the slice was really good, the crust ws well cook and the cheese just melts into your mouth. The basil gave it a touch of color and fragrance. It was worth my tongue getting burned.

Then our pie came and you could just see everyone eying the pie, freshly out of the oven. The special pie ($35) is made up of fresh mozzarella cheese, onions, Italian sausage, mushrooms and grated parmesan cheese topped with fresh basil which Domenico adds after pulling the pizza out of the oven. This was even better. The crust was crisps, the tomato sauce was sweet while the rest of the ingredients just made the whole pie look tempting and tasty. I took my time in eating my slices - smelling the aroma as I took each bite and let it sit inside my mouth - tasting all the fresh ingredients in my palate. I can't believe we finished the whole pie between my and my buddy.

So was it worth it to travel all the way to Brooklyn for Di Fara Pizza... you betcha

Fact: Di Fara has been only closed once - when Domenico De Marco had to have foot surgery.

Movie Review: The Spy Next Door

Spy Next Door stars Jacky Chan as Bob Ho, an undercover CIA superspy on loan from the Chinese intelligence who decides to retire from his career and settle down with his girlfriend, Gillian (portrayed by Amber Valletta) who happens to be his next-door neighbor. While as his place, Colton (Billy Ray Cyrus), a CIA agent and his colleague, decided to send him a file that contains a top-secret formula that could wipe out the world's oil supply.

Meanwhile, Gillian had to fly out because his father needs a hip replacement. Gillian was going to hire a baby sitter but Bob volunteered to take care of her three kids - Farren (Madeline Carroll), Ian (Will Shadley) and Nora (Alina Foley). Bob was doing this to get the approval of the kids so that Gilliam and him can bring their relationship to the next level. While they were a Bob's house, Ian mistakenly downloaded the file that Colton sent to Bob thinking it was a pirated concert. This resulted into the Russian going after Bob and the kids in order to recover the file.

The only reason I wanted to watch this movie is because of Jacky Chan who is still making movies and doing his own stunts at 55. But the movie slightly exceeded my expectations. The movie was entertaining and quite funny. The stunts are always amazing in Jacky Chan movies but he has mastered to mix it with some comedic quaffs. The movie's theme is family and it surely a family-oriented movie with clearly is shown through the interaction between him and the three kids. Overall, I would definitely recommend this movie for some family fun and family night.