First, I am going to give you a review of The Dark Knight Rises, then I have a customer service story for you about the theater I was in.
Of course it is opening day that I choose to go see the latest installment of The Dark Knight trilogy. The movie was GREAT, action, a story line, great use of music. The times that Mr. Nolan uses silence in the movie really adds a great depth and angst to certain shots. Micheal Cain adds the human element and emotion to this flick while Bale adds his usual charm. I wish I could have gotten more of Cat Woman in this show, but leaves more for another movie maybe. I even think that the ending wrapped up the trilogy well. There are lots of new toys for Batman, and Bain... he is a character that I was kind of rooting for after I found out his back story. There is even a little Easter egg at the end that represents The Boy Wonder.... See if you can find it! This is definitely a movie that I will own when it hits DVD!
Does it bother anyone else that they city is referred to as Gotham even thought it is blatenly obvious that it is New York. I mean they even showed Saks Fifth Avenue in a shot!
Customer Service:
The theater is hectic, I mean it is the biggest movie of the summer AND opening day (The Dark Knight Rises). I drop by the theater at 5PM to purchase a ticket for the 8:40 showing. (It is showing on 5 screens here) I had no problems getting a ticket, wait in the line was less than 5 minutes due to the fact that they had multiple lines open for such an occasion. I show back up at the theater at about 7:15 thinking that there might be a line. There was a small line started so I used the time to get a soda and fruit snacks. Again, wait in line was minimal and cashier was very friendly. I proceeded to the waiting line for my theater showing. The crew was prepared with velvet ropes and they were ushering patrons to the correct line to wait for the previous movie goers to vacate the theater. I waited in line for about 20 minutes (not bad) while the theater was cleaned. I walked into the theater about 8PM and took a seat on the far right side (not my usual center due to what happened last time *see last blog update) The previews started and the theater fell quiet, no cell phones, no crying babies, no talking... just silence... glorious silence. When about 20 minutes was left in the movie I thought it was starting to get warm in the theater, I contributed it to being summer in TX and over 100 people packed into a theater. I thought no more of it and it did not hinder my movie watching. Movie was over and I am in the first 5 to exit the theater, to my surprise there are ushers waiting at the door. They are handing out FREE passes and apologizing for the air conditioning. This speaks volumes to me about their customer service. Someone noticed that something was not right, and management had an apology and gift waiting for each person in that theater. I don't think it was needed, but much appreciated. I will go out of my way to watch EVERY movie at Cinemark theaters!
Thank you to the crew and management team to the Tinsel Town Theater in Grapevine, TX. I WILL see you again!
(I usually don't write about a company unless it is a sponsorship, but no good deed goes unnoticed in my book! Thank you!)
My heart goes out the wounded and perished in the Aurora CO incident. It pains me that there are sick people in this world that can justify the taking of innocent lives as they enjoy one of my favorite past times... something as harmless as going to the movies.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Movies!!!!
If you watched my last video then you know that I am still on a business trip, so on my days off I have lots of time for movies!
(Spoiler alert)
Spider Man 3D
This movie was AMAZING! I watched it first, then called for my parents to take my little brothers to go see it the next day. BTW... Mary Jane is not in the movie! Emma Stone is the new love interest and I am now in love with her! Special effects are great. Andrew plays a better angst teen than Toby in my opinion. There were only 2 things that kind of bothered me: first as a biology guy there were a few things that didn't make sense, second, Why does Peter Parker tell nearly every main character in this movie that he IS Spider Man?
Prometheus
A Great Sci-fi flick from Mr. Scott. The opening scene with the "Engineer" with the amazing world behind him as he becomes the DNA of the new planet is AWESOME! BTW, the amazing world is none other than Earth! One thing that puzzles me is why the humanoid robot kills the male scientist? I don't think it was needed. I am also excited by the ending, it looks like it could be a prequel to the prequel of an "Aliens" reboot!
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Don't waste your money on a movie ticket for this one, wait til it comes out on disc to rent. How in the world can you relate one of the most iconic presidents to being a vampire slayer. To try and convince the audience that the Civil War was about Vampires wanting to rule the U.S. is almost comical. Oh yeah, the confederate army was made up of Vampires at the battle of Gettysburg. Vampires can now go out in daylight, and vampires are not allowed to kill other vampires. Look out Blade.... You cant do that anymore!
The Help
I told you I was in love with Emma Stone now. I watched this movie thinking that it was just going to be another chick flick. But it really does touch you, you feel the emotions of the ladies in this movie. Don't get me wrong, there are some very funny parts too, especially when this very snooty white women eats a pie with human feces in it! Or when Sissy Spacek says the line about the 2 things she remembers. Emma Stone's character is dumped by her boyfriend in this movie, I just wish I was there to pick her up and be her shoulder to cry on (the rebound guy) If you have ever had a nanny or long time babysitter when you were young, this movie will hit home.
Movie Etiquette:
If you are going to the movies, I think there are a few unofficial rules that you need to follow when there.
+When I go to the movies, I expect to be totally immersed into the story, I dont want to hear your conversation, so please, be quiet.
+Turn off your cell phone, this last time that I was there, the screen had a PSA asking people to turn off their phones, some punk-ass kids started holding their phones for everyone to see that they were still on and bright as possible.
+Don't take your infant child to a sci-fi movie, you know that a loud bang or etc... will probably make your child cry in the theater!
+Please be on time for the movie, I dont want to be 5 minutes into the movie then all of a sudden you and your entourage walk in and start pointing at empty seats and talking about which ones you want. If you are late for a movie, wait for the next screening!
+When I go to the movie, I like to set dead center on the 5th row. That way I can see nothing but screen and get a surround sound effect from the speakers. During prometheus, I went to an early screening of the movie and there were about 10 people in this entire theater, so why would a guy come in and set directly to my right? He didnt even leave an empty seat in between us. About 3 minutes later another guy comes in and sits directly to the left of me without an empty seat as a buffer. WTF people! I was so uncomfortable, I could barely enjoy the movie.
(Spoiler alert)
Spider Man 3D
This movie was AMAZING! I watched it first, then called for my parents to take my little brothers to go see it the next day. BTW... Mary Jane is not in the movie! Emma Stone is the new love interest and I am now in love with her! Special effects are great. Andrew plays a better angst teen than Toby in my opinion. There were only 2 things that kind of bothered me: first as a biology guy there were a few things that didn't make sense, second, Why does Peter Parker tell nearly every main character in this movie that he IS Spider Man?
Prometheus
A Great Sci-fi flick from Mr. Scott. The opening scene with the "Engineer" with the amazing world behind him as he becomes the DNA of the new planet is AWESOME! BTW, the amazing world is none other than Earth! One thing that puzzles me is why the humanoid robot kills the male scientist? I don't think it was needed. I am also excited by the ending, it looks like it could be a prequel to the prequel of an "Aliens" reboot!
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Don't waste your money on a movie ticket for this one, wait til it comes out on disc to rent. How in the world can you relate one of the most iconic presidents to being a vampire slayer. To try and convince the audience that the Civil War was about Vampires wanting to rule the U.S. is almost comical. Oh yeah, the confederate army was made up of Vampires at the battle of Gettysburg. Vampires can now go out in daylight, and vampires are not allowed to kill other vampires. Look out Blade.... You cant do that anymore!
The Help
I told you I was in love with Emma Stone now. I watched this movie thinking that it was just going to be another chick flick. But it really does touch you, you feel the emotions of the ladies in this movie. Don't get me wrong, there are some very funny parts too, especially when this very snooty white women eats a pie with human feces in it! Or when Sissy Spacek says the line about the 2 things she remembers. Emma Stone's character is dumped by her boyfriend in this movie, I just wish I was there to pick her up and be her shoulder to cry on (the rebound guy) If you have ever had a nanny or long time babysitter when you were young, this movie will hit home.
Movie Etiquette:
If you are going to the movies, I think there are a few unofficial rules that you need to follow when there.
+When I go to the movies, I expect to be totally immersed into the story, I dont want to hear your conversation, so please, be quiet.
+Turn off your cell phone, this last time that I was there, the screen had a PSA asking people to turn off their phones, some punk-ass kids started holding their phones for everyone to see that they were still on and bright as possible.
+Don't take your infant child to a sci-fi movie, you know that a loud bang or etc... will probably make your child cry in the theater!
+Please be on time for the movie, I dont want to be 5 minutes into the movie then all of a sudden you and your entourage walk in and start pointing at empty seats and talking about which ones you want. If you are late for a movie, wait for the next screening!
+When I go to the movie, I like to set dead center on the 5th row. That way I can see nothing but screen and get a surround sound effect from the speakers. During prometheus, I went to an early screening of the movie and there were about 10 people in this entire theater, so why would a guy come in and set directly to my right? He didnt even leave an empty seat in between us. About 3 minutes later another guy comes in and sits directly to the left of me without an empty seat as a buffer. WTF people! I was so uncomfortable, I could barely enjoy the movie.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Video Interview of Travis Jensen: Male Model
Don't forget to follow Travis and I on twitter!
www.twitter.com/trvsjnsn
www.twitter.com/teejaytoday
If you know of anyone else that should be interviews by TeeJay Today, please drop me a line on my twitter or facebook page www.facebook.com/teejaytoday
The link to the "Carly" Song is to the right ----->
Monday, June 4, 2012
Derty Rockstar Youtube Interview
I am estatic to bring to you an interview that is a little different than the others. It has to do with art (photography) which is dear to my heart. Here is an interview with Derty Rockstar.
Please check out his website at www.DertyRockstar.com and let me know what you think of his pictures and subject matter.
For everything else about Derty:
Please check out his website at www.DertyRockstar.com and let me know what you think of his pictures and subject matter.
For everything else about Derty:
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Actor Interview: James Mapes
James Mapes is an Actor, Speaker, Life Coach, Best-Selling Author, and all-around Great Guy!
If you need to learn more about yourself, want to be a more effective leader, or just need an eye-opening read, you really need to pick up a copy of Jame's Best-Selling Book; "Quantum Leap Thinking"
JM: TeeJay, I have been
fabulous and that is not an exaggeration.
Life is productive and fun.
TJ: So what are you currently working on?
JM: I am currently involved in a number of projects. I’ve just completed the next draft of my new
book, The Elephant and the Rider: Living
an Exceptional Life. It’s been in the
works for nine years and has required a lot of persistence. Should you wonder, the Elephant is the
subconscious mind and the Rider is the conscious mind. The reality is that our conscious mind is
like a small rider atop a 6000 elephant.
We can’t control our subconscious mind but we can learn to influence it.
JM: And, my wife and I
are writing a thriller entitled The Regression.
I will play the lead male role and find a talented woman to play a very
challenging role.
TJ: What made you want to get into acting?
JM: The genesis of my desire
goes back to high school. I was never
very good at athletics and theater was the one place I felt most
comfortable. After failing miserably as
a college math major and chemistry minor, I ended up getting my Master Arts in
Theater with my undergraduate in psychology.
I have always wanted to act and studied with some of the best teachers
in the world.
TJ: Which genre do you prefer: TV, Theater, or Movies? And why?
JM: Now I prefer
movies. There are challenging and you
know when you are going to be finished working.
In my youth I didn’t mind spending weeks rehearsing and traveling in bus
and truck tours of plays but now, my choice is film. And, films are challenging and fun.
TJ: Of all the actors/actresses you have worked with, who was
your favorite?
JM: Erika Slezak on One Life to Live was one of the
kindest actors I have ever worked with.
There are so many it is not fair to single them out. But, there are a few I have spent time with
and a couple who have become friends.
Tom Cruise is another very good man and one of the most driven and
energetic people I have ever me. Clint
Eastwood gave me great acting advice and Anthony Hopkins is one of the most
talented and brilliant and – inspiring people I know.
TJ: f you could work with anyone in TV, Theater, or Film, who
would you choose?
JM: Anthony Hopkins!
TJ: Have you ever been star struck?
JM: Hummmmm. I have met everyone I want to meet.
TJ: Lets switch gears a bit and tell me a little bit about your
Best Selling book. Quantum Leap Thinking: An Owner’s Guide to the Mind.
JM: The book really makes
everything complicated about the mind – simple.
It is an interactive book that inspires people to grow, learn and be
creative. I teach people how to manage
their thinking, lower their stress, visualize, take risks and turn fear into
power. The book has done quite well and,
more importantly, opened doors for me to meet brilliant and talented
individuals like – Anthony Hopkins.
TJ: What do you think about what Author Clive Cussler’s review
of your book? "You've certainly hit the nail on the head. If I had read
Quantum Leap Thinking at the age of 20, I could have saved many, many mistakes
and a helluva lot of wasted effort."
JM: I was always a great
fan of Clive Cussler so, on a whim, I sent him a book. I couldn’t believe it when he sent me a
letter. Then four of his books
(autographed) arrived in the mail. Numerous
phone conversations followed and finally we me.
What a thrill!
TJ: Favorite Acting Exercise?
JM: I don’t have one.
TJ: I am interested in being an actor, but I am in rural Texas,
What advice do you have for me, (I have already hosted an Entertainment TV show
with 500,000 viewers) but no bites since then.
JM: Let’s be
truthful. The acting business is just
plain tough. My advice to you and
everyone is to create your own vehicle, make friends with rejection and DO NOT give
up.
TJ: Beach or Mountains:
JM: Beach.
JM: My wife and I live
and write part of the year at our place in St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands.
TJ: Morning or Evening:
JM: Evening
TJ: Favorite types of movies to watch (drama, comedy etc.)
JM: Thrillers and
mysteries
TJ: Quickfire… what is
your favorite: song, movie, color,
animal, food, sport, number, celebrity,
JM: Half the Battle from
the Broadway show Ben Franklin in Paris, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Purple, Golden
Retriever, Paella, Horse Racing, nine, Anthony Hopkins
TJ: Do you have a hobby?
JM: Honest to God, my
work is my hobby, performing, acting, writing, speaking and peak performance
coaching plus I love camping and fresh water fishing and – scuba diving.
TJ: Do you have an interesting story that should have made it to
a tabloid? About you or someone else?
JM: I don’t think so
other than I found out totally by accident in 1995 that my father adopted
me. I tracked my biological father down,
made a reservation to go visit him and he dropped dead the morning I was
supposed to fly out. Whew!
TJ: All of the films, TV, and plays that you have done in your
Extensive career, which is your favorite?
JM: 'Star Trek: The
Undiscovered Country' because I got to meet and spend time with the entire
original cast.
TJ: What is one interesting fact about you that your fans don’t
already know?
JM: That I turned down
hosting my own national talk show because the producers insisted that I must
have a total incompetent as a co-host.
TJ: Thank you James for doing this off-the-cuff interview, I
wish you much success in your future endeavors, and send me press releases when
you have them and we will post them on TeeJayToday.com!
If you want to learn more about James, his career, or his future endeavors, please visit his websites: If you need to learn more about yourself, want to be a more effective leader, or just need an eye-opening read, you really need to pick up a copy of Jame's Best-Selling Book; "Quantum Leap Thinking"
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The Avengers in 3D
I was shocked to see the line at the theaters to go see The Avengers. My little brother and I were going to see the 815 showing, but it and 5 other show times were completely sold out. We were lucky enough to get the last tickets for the 905 showing. We were extremely lucky to get the ones in 3D, since that is how I like to see my action movies!
The movie was AMAZING! The special effects were outstanding, especially in 3D! The story line made sense, the acting was good too! The Hulk and Iron Man steal the entire show with their humor. Captain America is given his props and kind of becomes the leader of the group, which is great to see the Original Avenger taking some superiority and for standing toe to toe with Thor! (Marvel has jumped through a lot of hoops to tie all of the movies together, like all of the Easter eggs in Iron Man, Captain America, etc...)
If you get a chance to go see this movie, make sure you see it in 3D to get the full effect of the scenery and backgrounds. Oh yeah, the fight scenes are worth the ticket price alone! Plus, come on, Samuel L Jackson is in it!
The movie was AMAZING! The special effects were outstanding, especially in 3D! The story line made sense, the acting was good too! The Hulk and Iron Man steal the entire show with their humor. Captain America is given his props and kind of becomes the leader of the group, which is great to see the Original Avenger taking some superiority and for standing toe to toe with Thor! (Marvel has jumped through a lot of hoops to tie all of the movies together, like all of the Easter eggs in Iron Man, Captain America, etc...)
If you get a chance to go see this movie, make sure you see it in 3D to get the full effect of the scenery and backgrounds. Oh yeah, the fight scenes are worth the ticket price alone! Plus, come on, Samuel L Jackson is in it!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Artist Spotlight with @Vassy
A little backgound on Recording Artist Vassy (from her website)
Sometimes Vassy just needs to be Vassy. This doesn't get to happen all the time. Because when the native-Australian is serving as a successful songwriter for premier artists all over the globe, Vassy Karaglorgos has to be thinking about someone beside herself. However, for a musician with melodies constantly on her brain, and rhythms perpetually flowing through her body, this is not an easy task. Quite simply, the native-Australian, whose new album Beautiful Day is a hand-clapping, foot-stomping pop parade of giddy proportions, is a creator. And as Vassy says, "When you're a creator, you just gotta stay creating." Being an artist is who she is. "I've got things to give people," she says proudly.
Here is my TwitterView with Vassy
TeeJay: Good Morning
Vassy: Good Morning ... Tweet Away!
TJ: So how are adjusting to America, is it much different than Australia?
V: Yes, I miss the beach, Australia is very beach orientated.
TJ: Are you excited about May 1st?
V: YES! I'm excited about my album official release May 1st at
TJ: In 140 characters or less, describe your new album to my audience.
V: Fizzy, clapping stomping-electric soulful pop, I write to inspire, the album is very uplifting!!!
TJ: Who were your major influences growing up?
V: Billie Holliday
TJ: What went through your mind when Victoria's Secret chose your song, or when the other big commercial names chose you?
V: I smiled :-) LOL!
TJ: What is your favorite track from your upcoming album? And why?
V: 'Could This Be Love' It's my single!
TJ: Which artist(s) would you like to work with in the future?
V: Pink, Sting, Bono from U2, Shakira, Ok Go, so many!
TJ: So what do you think of the new wave of boy bands?
V: I'm not mad at it ;-)
TJ: Over 2 million views on
V: ummm I'd say
TJ: You have a very inspirational story about a choir teacher giving you some rough criticism.... What would you say to them now?
V: I'd tell them thanks for being an evil B!!!! Cause it made me more determined to prove everyone wrong!
TJ: On May 1st where can we scoop up your album?
V: My album
TJ:
V: green, passion fruit yogurt, dog, boxing, gypsy woman by crystal waters oh forgot celebrity... Hmmmmm not sure??
TJ: Give me one interesting fact that even your most loyal fans don't know about you....yet!
V: I'm OCD! LOL!
TJ: Can we expect a tour to help promote the new album?
V: YES!!!
TJ: Anything else you would like to add?
V: yes go to http://vassy.spinshop.com/ to order my new album and to go check out http://www.kissmyvassy.com
V: THANK YOU SO much for your support...its easier to talk than type it all....I'm just blessed to be in LA living my dreams..x
V: also
And finally... My favorite @Vassy Video:
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