The 313 Second Movie Review: "Good Luck Chuck"

Phew! I was able to get this in before the end of the month. Welcome back to the 313 Second Movie Review. I saw this last weekend, but I've had some important issues that prevented from typing this up earlier. Wait no longer, guys, here is my review of "Good Luck Chuck". The film stars Dane Cook as Charlie, and Jessica Alba as Cam Wexler. Our film starts out with a preteen game of Spin-the-Bottle, where of course, nobody has the faintest concept of sex. This does lead to some interesting moments when the two kissers are supossed to spend Seven Minutes in Heaven. Our hero, Charlie, spins, and it lands on a crazy-ass Goth girl. She begins ravaging him in the closet, and of course, Charlie wants nothing to do with it. As he's running for his life, the Goth girl places a hex upon him. Yeah, I know. Ten-year-old casting a hex doesn't know what she's talking about. But it does work. The Goth girl cursed Chuck so that whoever he slept with, that woman would marry the next person she met. Pretty soon, as he grows up and becomes a dentist, Charlie finds that the rumor that if you sleep with help, you'll find Mr. Right next to be true. At the behest of his childhood friend, Stu, a misogynist plastic surgeon specializing in breasts, he starts sleeping with women as a community service. Of course, things start changing for Charlie when he meets Cam, an animal trainer obsessed with the very animals she works with, penguins. Charlie falls hard, and I mean hard, for Cam, despite the fact that whenever she's around, somebody is going to get hurt. The problem for Charlie is, Cam wants to seal the deal. Here, Butch. I know you don't like the idea of Dane Cook hooking up with Jessica Alba, so here's a puke bucket. To see if it's safe to hit a home run with Cam, Charlie decides to test his curse by sleeping with the rudest, smelliest, fattest, most unattractive woman you will ever see. Guess people will do crazy things in the name of love. I'll hold it right there so I don't blow the plot. Now, this is an excellent idea for a date movie. The comedy and romance are balance each other out nicely so one doesn't trump the other. And of course, movies like "Good Luck Chuck" are nothing without gross-out gags, including a penguin eating it's own droppings and Stu reenacting that scene from "American Pie" with a grapefruit. My problem with this film is when Charlie starts growing desperate, he seems clueless and makes you want to yell out the screen, "DON'T DO IT, YOU IDIOT!" However, Dane and Jessica have perfect chemistry and work great together. As for you who say Dane Cook can do stand-up but not acting, this will serve as an "I told you so". Certainly a movie you should take the time to go see.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Nickelback "Rockstar"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Michigan State vs. Wisconsin game

The Hero: P.J. Hill. He ran for 155 yards and two touchdowns and No. 9 Wisconsin extended the nation's longest winning streak to 14.
The Goat: Kellen Davis. He committed a roughing-the-passer penalty on third and 14 that extended Wisconsin's drive, ultimately leading to the game-winning field goal.

From the Michigan vs. Northwestern game

The Hero: Chad Henne. No matter how bright Ryan Mallett's future might look, the senior Henne proved he is the No. 1 QB. After Mallett struggled in the first half, Henne took over. He led all four Wolverine TD drives.
The Goat: C.J. Bacher. Although he torched Michigan in the first half, he turned over the ball on two interceptions and two fumbles in the fourth quarter.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Foo Fighters "The Pretender"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Twins vs. Tigers game

The Hero: The rain. I'd like to pick a Tiger, but, really, the rain delay that knocked Johan Santana out of the game let the Tigers back into it. But, of course, not the wild-card race.
The Goat: Nick Blackburn. The Twins' reliever allowed six runs in just two innings relieving Santana, including five straight one-out hits.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Nicole Scherzinger "Whatever U Like"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Royals vs. Tigers game

The Hero: Marcus Thames. The leftfielder launched two balls into the leftfield seats -- including one that hit the foul pole -- to drove in three runs for the Tigers.
The Goat: Jorge de la Rosa. The Royals left-hander barely survived the first, allowing four hits, a walk and four runs in his first start since July 31.

From the Lions vs. Eagles game

The Hero: Donovan McNabb. He led that Eagles juggernaut with an almost flawless first half. Except for that one incompletion ...
The Goats: Lions defense. It put up the least resistance in Philly since that side of beef took on Rocky. Tackle somebody.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Justin Timberlake "LoveStoned/I Think She Knows Interlude"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Michigan State vs. Notre Dame game

The Hero: Kellen Davis. MSU tight end scored two TDs, both on passes from Hoyer, and executed his part in the 30-yard trick play on fourth-and-two in the third quarter to put MSU ahead, 31-14.
The Goat: Jimmy Clausen. The Notre Dame freshman QB (7-of-13 for 53 yards) fell victim to Jonal Saint-Dic, who knocked him back for 17 yards and snatched the ball away on the same play. Clausen was sacked three times in all.

From the Penn State vs. Michigan game

The Hero: Michigan defense. The defensive unit was embarassing the first two weeks of the season. Now it seems to be taking form. After blanking Notre Dame last week, the defense showed up again against No. 10 Penn State. The Wolverines forced two turnovers and kept the Nittany Lions out of the end zone for the first time this season. Penn State was averaging 45 points heading into this one.
The Goat: Anthony Morelli. Morelli didn't make an impact in his first big test of the season. Morelli lost a fumble that led to a U-M touchdown, couldn't come through on third-down conversions and failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Keyshia Cole "Let It Go"

I'm not a lawyer, but...

Is it just me, or has this whole thing with the Jena 6 become a freaking three ring circus? On both sides of the story, you got flaws that not even a plastic surgeon can fix. Let's start with the people who want them in jail. They absolutely bungled their case. Yes, they got the convictions. Go pat yourselves on the back. But what about those white racist idiots who started this whole mess. Why on Earth didn't the prosecution go after these morons? They hanged nooses from a tree, for crying out loud! If that's not a threat of violence to any African-American who sees that, then I don't know what is. Most of the black community must have been scarred beyond belief. They probably thought these kids who drag somebody to the tree and hang them there until they took their last breath.

But what about these movements that are saying let these kids go? Give me a break! There is no way that they're getting out of prison. Did you see what one of the victims looked like? His face was swelled up, covered with cuts, bruises, and abrasions. The Jena 6 tried to kill these kids. And yet, I'm watching the NAACP, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and other groups saying, "FREE THE JENA 6". OK, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and any other bleeding hearts who are saying these kids should be let go, I'm going to word this very simple. THE JENA 6 TRIED TO KILL PEOPLE! Was there injustice here? Hell yes. The kids who hung those nooses should have been tried and locked up. But the Jena 6 beat the crap out of those bigoted fools. Community service beating or not, that's still attempted murder. The Jena 6 should not be set free. I'm sorry if I'm coming off as a racist, but I am just speaking my mind as an observer through the moving picture box who has formed his opinions from what knowledge of criminal law I have attained.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Diddy "Through The Pain (She Told Me)"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Tigers vs. Indians game

The Hero: C.C. Sabathia. Indians left-hander kept the Tigers at bay for seven innings, earning his 18th victory.
The Goat: Marcus Thames. Tigers leftfielder went 0-for-4, including flying out with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Linkin Park "Bleed It Out"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Tigers vs. Indians game

The Hero: Victor Martinez. He has feasted on Tigers pitching all season; his eighth home run against the Tigers was the game-winning run.
The Goat: Justin Verlander. He has given up seven runs three times this season, all against the Indians.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Maroon 5 "Wake Up Call"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Tigers vs. Indians game

The Hero: Casey Blake. He a Motown masher: Blake hit his fifth dinger in 15 games against the Tigers.
The Goat: Joel Zumaya. Don't blame Zach Miner for allowing Blake's bomb in the 11th; blame Zumaya for a disastrous eighth inning.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Avril Lavigne "When You're Gone"

Vengeance results

Wahoo! Look's back on fire, everybody! I went 5-3 yesterday, so now my record stands at an astounding 114-92. Man, I think I might have to wait until 2008 to hit 100 losses. Triple H, CM Punk, Candice, Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch, and Matt Hardy & Montel Vontavious Porter, I owe a lot of my sucess to you guys. John Cena, The Great Khali, and Mark Henry, stop playing with yourselves and win some damn matches. As for match of the night, I'll take Brian Kendrick & Paul London vs. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch. It was the type of tag-team action where just don't know who's going to come out on top until the three-count is complete, and the match proved to be the one last night.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Chris Brown "Wall To Wall"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Mercury vs. Shock game

The Hero: Penny Taylor. The Aussie forward put up 30 points, including 18 in the first half. Taylor was 6-for-11 from the floor and hit all 18 free-throw attempts.
The Goat: Plenette Pierson. The Shock's fiery super-sub couldn't seem to get things going Sunday, scoring only four points in 22 minutes before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

From the Vikings vs. Lions game

The Hero: Jon Kitna. A gutsy performance, coming off the bench and reviving a floundering Lions offense. No wonder Marinelli loves this guy.
The Goat: Tarvaris Jackson. Hate to do it to the kid, but -- he's still a starting quaterback in the NFL, and they aren't supposed to throw four interceptions.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Nelly Furtado "Do It"

Vengeance card and picks

WWE Championship Match
John Cena vs. Randy Orton

World Heavyweight Championship Match
The Great Khali vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Batista

Singles Match
Undertaker vs. Mark Henry

Singles Match: (No Disqualification Match For Carlito Only)
Triple H vs. Carlito

ECW Championship Match
CM Punk vs. Elijah Burke

Women's Championship Match
Candice Michelle vs. Beth Phoenix

World Tag Team Championship Match
Cade & Murdoch vs. London & Kendrick

WWE Tag Team Championship Match
Deuce & Domino (w/ Cherry) vs. Matt Hardy & MVP

After my downslide at Summerslam, I stand at 109-89. I swear, I'll get at least 60% of these matches right this time. So I'll be taking John Cena, The Great Khali, Mark Henry, Triple H, CM Punk, Candice, Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch, and Matt Hardy & Montel Vontavious Porter. But part of me wants Randy Orton to take the WWE Championship tonight. No offense to John Cena. IT's just that he's held on to the WWE Championship long enough. Wish me luck.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Muse "Supermassive Black Hole"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Notre Dame vs. Michigan game

The Hero: Mike Hart. The U-M running back guarenteed a victory and backed it up with his play. Hart delievered two first-half touchdowns and 135 yards rushing. He finished with 187 yards.
The Goat: Irish offensive line. It was supposed to help the inexperienced Clausen, but its blocking was poor and Michigan's defense had a field day, sacking the quaterback eight times and causing four turnovers.

From the Pittsburgh vs. Michigan State game

The Hero: Travis Key. The senior safety and captain's pick six early in the second quarter was one of two interceptions thrown by Pittsburgh quaterback Kevan Smith. Key raced 31 yards to gove the Spartans a 14-7 lead and the defense made it stand. Key added seven tackles.
The Goat: Kevan Smith. I know Smith is in a tough spot because he wasn't supposed to be the starter. He was forced into action when Bill Stull (thumb) was hurt in Pitt's opener. But his two turnovers lead to 14 MSU points.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Fall Out Boy "The Takeover, The Breakover"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Shock vs. Mercury game

The Hero: Cappie Pondexter. Cappie capped the win perfectly, hitting the winning shot with 21 seconds left. She also scored a game-high 26 points.
The Goat: Shannon Johnson. She missed five of seven shots, the biggest a potential winner with no time left. However, she had no choice but to lob it up.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Mark Ronson "Stop Me"

All-time box offices winners

Giving that the 2006 box offices numbers are finally put to rest, here are the big winners in the past.

1937
1. "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" $185M

1939
1. "Gone With The Wind" $199M

1942
1. "Bambi" $103M

1961
1. "One Hundred And One Dalmatians" $153M

1964
1. "Mary Poppins" $102M

1965
2. "Doctor Zhivago" $112M
1. "The Sound Of Music" $163M

1967
2. "The Graduate" $104M
1. "The Jungle Book" $142M

1969
1. "Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid" $102M

1970
2. "Airport" $100M
1. "Love Story" $106M

1972
1. "The Godfather" $135M

1973
3. "American Graffiti" $115M
2. "The Sting" $160M
1. "The Exorcist" $205M

1974
2. "The Towering Inferno" $116M
1. "Blazing Saddles" $120M

1975
3. "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" $112M
2. "Rocky Horror Picture Show" $140M
1. "Jaws" $260M

1976
1. "Rocky" $117M

1977
3. "Smokey and the Bandit" $127M
2. "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" $128M
1. "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" $461M

1978
5. "Jaws 2" $103M
4. "Every Which Way But Loose" $106M
3. "Superman" $134M
2. "National Lampoon's Animal House" $142M
1. "Grease" $181M

1979
1. "Kramer vs. Kramer" $106M

1980
4. "Stir Crazy" $102M
3. "9 to 5" $103M
2. "Superman II" $108M
1. "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" $290M

1981
2. "On Golden Pond" $119M
1. "Raiders of The Lost Ark" $242M

1982
5. "Porky's" $106M
4. "Rocky III" $123M
3. "An Officer and a Gentleman" $130M
2. "Tootsie" $177M
1. "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" $435M

1983
2. "Terms Of Endearment" $108M
1. "Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi" $309M

1984
4. "Gremlins" $148M
3. "Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom" $180M
2. "Beverly Hills Cop" $235M
1. "Ghostbusters" $239M

1985
3. "Rocky IV" $128M
2. "Rambo: First Blood" $150M
1. "Back to the Future" $211M

1986
5. "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" $110M
4. "The Karate Kid Part II" $115M
3. "Platoon" $138M
2. "Crocodile Dundee" $175M
1. "Top Gun" $177M

1987
4. "Good Morning Vietnam" $124M
3. "Beverly Hills Cop II" $154M
2. "Fatal Attraction" $157M
1. "Three Men and a Baby" $168M

1988
6. "Crocodile Dundee II" $109M
5. "Twins" $112M
4. "Big" $115M
3. "Coming to America" $128M
2. "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" $154M
1. "Rain Man" $173M

1989
10. "Parenthood" $100M
9. "Driving Miss Daisy" $107M
8. "The Little Mermaid" $110M
7. "Ghostbusters 2" $112M
6. "Back to the Future Part II" $119M
5. "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" $131M
4. "Look Who's Talking" $140M
3. "Lethal Weapon 2" $147M
2. "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" $197M
1. "Batman" $251M

1990
9. "Dick Tracy" $104M
8. "Die Hard 2" $118M
7. "Total Recall" $119M
6. "The Hunt For Red October" $121M
5. "The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" $135M
4. "Pretty Woman" $178M
3. "Dances With Wolves." $184M
2. "Ghost" $218M
1. "Home Alone" $286M

1991
8. "Sleeping with the Enemy" $102M
7. "The Addams Family" $114M
6. "Hook" $120M
5. "City Slickers" $124M
4. "The Silence Of The Lambs" $131M
3. "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" $166M
2. "Beauty and the Beast" $171M
1. "Terminator 2: Judgement Day" $205M

1992
11. "Unforgiven" $101M
10. "A League Of Their Own" $107M
9. "Basic Instinct" $118M
8. "Wayne's World" $122M
7. "The Bodyguard" $122M
6. "Sister Act" $140M
5. "A Few Good Men" $141M
4. "Lethal Weapon 3" $145M
3. "Batman Returns" $163M
2. "Home Alone 2: Lost In New York" $174M
1. "Aladdin" $217M

1993
8. "The Pelican Brief" $101M
7. "In the Line of Fire" $102M
6. "Indecent Proposal" $107M
5. "Sleepless In Seattle" $127M
4. "The Firm" $158M
3. "The Fugitive" $184M
2. "Mrs Doubtfire" $219M
1. "Jurassic Park" $357M

1994
12. "Maverick" $102M
11. "Interview With The Vampire." $105M
10. "Pulp Fiction" $108M
9. "The Mask" $120M
8. "Speed" $121M
7. "Clear And Present Danger" $122M
6. "Dumb And Dumber" $127M
5. "The Flintstones" $131M
4. "The Santa Clause" $145M
3. "True Lies" $146M
2. "The Lion King" $328M
1. "Forrest Gump" $330M

1995
10. "Die Hard With A Vengeance" $100M
9. "Seven" $100M
8. "Jumanji" $100M
7. "Casper" $100M
6. "Goldeneye" $107M
5. "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls" $108M
4. "Pocahontas" $142M
3. "Apollo 13" $172M
2. "Batman Forever" $184M
1. "Toy Story" $192M

1996
15. "The Hunchback Of Notre Dame" $100M
14. "Eraser" $101M
13. "Scream" $103M
12. "Phenomenon" $105M
11. "The First Wives Club" $105M
10. "A Time To Kill" $109M
9. "The Birdcage" $124M
8. "The Nutty Professor" $129M
7. "The Rock" $134M
6. "101 Dalmatians" $136M
5. "Ransom" $136M
4. "Jerry Maguire" $154M
3. "Mission: Impossible" $181M
2. "Twister" $242M
1. "Independence Day" $306M

1997
15. "Contact" $101M
14. "Con Air" $101M
13. "Scream 2" $101M
12. "George Of The Jungle" $105M
11. "Batman & Robin" $107M
10. "Face / Off" $112M
9. "Tomorrow Never Dies" $125M
8. "My Best Friend's Wedding" $127M
7. "Good Will Hunting" $138M
6. "As Good As It Gets" $148M
5. "Air Force One" $173M
4. "Liar, Liar" $181M
3. "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" $229M
2. "Men In Black" $250M
1. "Titanic" $601M

1998
18. "Shakespeare in Love" $100M
17. "The Rugrats Movie" $100M
16. "The Prince of Egypt" $101M
15. "Enemy of the State" $112M
14. "You've Got Mail" $116M
13. "Mulan" $121M
12. "The Truman Show" $126M
11. "Lethal Weapon 4" $130M
10. "Patch Adams" $135M
9. "Godzilla" $136M
8. "Deep Impact" $140M
7. "Rush Hour" $141M
6. "Dr. Dolittle" $144M
5. "The Waterboy" $161M
4. "A Bug's Life" $163M
3. "There's Something About Mary" $176M
2. "Armageddon" $202M
1. "Saving Private Ryan" $216M

1999
21. "Sleepy Hollow" $101M
20. "American Pie" $102M
19. "The General's Daughter" $103M
18. "Analyze This" $107M
17. "Wild Wild West" $114M
16. "Notting Hill" $116M
15. "Double Jeopardy" $117M
14. "The World Is Not Enough" $127M
13. "American Beauty" $130M
12. "The Green Mile" $137M
11. "Stuart Little" $140M
10. "The Blair Witch Project" $141M
9. "Runaway Bride" $152M
8. "The Mummy" $155M
7. "Big Daddy" $163M
6. "Tarzan" $171M
5. "The Matrix" $171M
4. "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" $205M
3. "Toy Story 2" $246M
2. "The Sixth Sense" $294M
1. "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" $431M

2000
22. "Gone in 60 Seconds" $102M
21. "Chicken Run" $107M
20. "Miss Congeniality" $107M
19. "The Patriot" $113M
18. "Remember the Titans" $116M
17. "Big Momma's House" $118M
16. "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" $123M
15. "Traffic" $124M
14. "Charlie's Angels" $125M
13. "Erin Brockovich" $126M
12. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" $128M
11. "Dinosaur" $138M
10. "What Lies Beneath" $155M
9. "Scary Movie" $157M
8. "X-Men" $157M
7. "Meet The Parents" $166M
6. "The Perfect Storm" $183M
5. "What Women Want" $183M
4. "Gladiator" $188M
3. "Mission: Impossible 2" $215M
2. "Cast Away" $234M
1. "Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" $260M

2001
20. "Vanilla Sky" $101M
19. "The Princess Diaries" $108M
18. "Black Hawk Down" $109M
17. "Spy Kids" $113M
16. "Dr. Dolittle 2" $113M
15. "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" $131M
14. "The Fast and the Furious" $145M
13. "American Pie 2" $145M
12. "Hannibal" $165M
11. "A Beautiful Mind" $171M
10. "Planet of the Apes" $180M
9. "Jurassic Park III" $181M
8. "Ocean's 11" $183M
7. "Pearl Harbor" $199M
6. "The Mummy Returns" $202M
5. "Rush Hour 2" $226M
4. "Monsters, Inc." $256M
3. "Shrek" $268M
2. "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" $314M
1. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" $318M

2002
24. "Road to Perdition" $104M
23. "8 Mile" $117M
22. "The Sum of All Fears" $118M
21. "The Bourne Identity" $121M
20. "Mr. Deeds" $126M
19. "Sweet Home Alabama" $127M
18. "The Ring" $129M
17. "Minority Report" $132M
16. "The Santa Clause 2" $139M
15. "XXX" $141M
14. "Lilo & Stitch" $146M
13. "Scooby-Doo" $153M
12. "Die Another Day" $160M
11. "Catch Me If You Can" $164M
10. "Chicago" $171M
9. "Ice Age" $176M
8. "Men in Black II" $190M
7. "Austin Powers in Goldmember" $213M
6. "Signs" $228M
5. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" $241M
4. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" $262M
3. "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" $311M
2. "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" $340M
1. "Spider-Man" $404M

2003
29. "Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat" $100M
28. "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" $101M
27. "Daredevil" $103M
26. "Daddy Day Care" $104M
25. "American Wedding" $104M
24. "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" $106M
23. "The Italian Job" $106M
22. "Scary Movie 3" $110M
21. "Freaky Friday" $110M
20. "The Last Samurai" $111M
19. "Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over" $112M
18. "S.W.A.T." $117M
17. "Seabiscuit" $120M
16. "Something's Gotta Give" $125M
15. "2 Fast 2 Furious" $127M
14. "The Hulk" $132M
13. "Bringing Down the House" $133M
12. "Anger Management" $134M
11. "Bad Boys II" $138M
10. "Cheaper by the Dozen" $139M
9. "The Matrix Revolutions" $139M
8. "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" $150M
7. "Elf" $173M
6. "X2: X-Men United" $215M
5. "Bruce Almighty" $243M
4. "The Matrix Reloaded" $281M
3. "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" $305M
2. "Finding Nemo" $340M
1. "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" $377M

2004
24. "Collateral" $100M
23. "Million Dollar Baby" $100M
22. "The Aviator" $103M
21. "The Grudge" $110M
20. "The Village" $114M
19. "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" $114M
18. "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" $119M
17. "Fahrenheit 9/11" $119M
16. "Van Helsing" $120M
15. "50 First Dates" $121M
14. "Ocean's Twelve" $126M
13. "Troy" $133M
12. "I, Robot" $145M
11. "Shark Tale" $161M
10. "National Treasure" $173M
9. "The Bourne Supremacy" $176M
8. "The Polar Express" $177M
7. "The Day After Tomorrow" $187M
6. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" $249M
5. "The Incredibles" $261M
4. "Meet the Fockers" $279M
3. "The Passion of the Christ" $370M
2. "Spider-Man 2" $373M
1. "Shrek 2" $436M

2005
19. "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" $109M
18. "Fun With Dick and Jane" $110M
17. "The Pacifier" $113M
16. "Walk the Line" $120M
15. "Robots" $128M
14. "Chicken Little" $135M
13. "Fantastic Four" $155M
12. "The Longest Yard" $158M
11. "Hitch" $178M
10. "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" $186M
9. "Madagascar" $193M
8. "Batman Begins" $205M
7. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" $206M
6. "Wedding Crashers" $209M
5. "King Kong" $218M
4. "War of the Worlds" $234M
3. "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" $290M
2. "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" $292M
1. "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith" $380M

2006
20. "Dreamgirls" $103M
19. "The Break-Up" $119M
18. "The Devil Wears Prada" $125M
17. "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" $129M
16. "The Departed" $132M
15. "Mission: Impossible III" $133M
14. "Click" $137M
13. "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" $148M
12. "Over the Hedge" $155M
11. "The Pursuit of Happyness" $163M
10. "Casino Royale" $167M
9. "Ice Age: The Meltdown" $195M
8. "Happy Feet" $198M
7. "Superman Returns" $200M
6. "300" $211M
5. "The Da Vinci Code" $218M
4. "X-Men: The Last Stand" $234M
3. "Cars" $244M
2. "Night at the Museum" $251M
1. "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" $423M

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Madina Lake "Here I Stand"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Lions vs. Raiders game

The Hero: Jon Kitna. It actually could have gone either way -- he also had a couple of costly interceptions -- but in the end, he put a bunch of points and that all-important opening win on the board.
The Goat: Sebastian Janikowski. In the end, nine points wouldn't have made a difference, but his three failed field-goal tries (one blocked) might have helped the Raiders along the way.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Army Of Me "Going Through Changes"

Haunting music

I was inspired to try this post out today after today's church service. One of the choir members did a solo performance of "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Grobin. Anyone who's heard this song knows how spine-tingling it is. So I thought I'd go to you people and ask which recent single is the most hauntingly beautiful. I've got five videos to choose from. You decide which one sends shivers up your nervous system.

First up, I bring you "Incomplete" by the Backstreet Boys. Make fun of me if you want, but I couldn't believe how chilling it was when I first heard it.


Next we got "Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson. Sorry that's it's from The Sims. I couldn't embed the original version.


Of course, I'm not forgetting today's solo. So here's "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban. Just a beautiful song.


And here's the most bone-chilling, turn-your-blood-to-ice song from last year. It's "Unfaithful" by Rihanna.


And if you tell me the lullaby melody of this song doesn't make your body shiver, I know you're lying. Here's "Everytime" by the about-to-rebound-big-time Britney Spears.


My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Common "The People"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Oregon vs. Michigan game

The Hero: Dennis Dixon. Another rushing quaterback burned Michigan with his feet and arm. Dixon scored four touchdowns, three through the air, and finished 16-for-25 for 292 yards.
The Goat: Lloyd Carr. The offense was bad. The defense was worse. There were issues with the special teams. Michigan failed to score any points in the second half. Get ready for another week of Carr jokes.

From the Bowling Green vs. Michigan State game

The Hero: Devin Thomas. The junior wideout stamped his arrival as a big-play threat with a four-catch, 156-yard performance. He set up MSU's first score when the offense appeared to be struggling with a 76-yard hookup from Brian Hoyer. And his 17-yard touchdown from Hoyer early in the fourth quarter effectively ended the game.
The Goat: Tyler Sheehan. This is a tough one but I've got to go with Bowling Green's sophomore quaterback. He played well most of the game in going 32-for-50 for 295 yards and one TD pass and one TD run. But his interception with 13:58 left in the game essentially ended Bowling Green's upset chances. The pick set up the Spartans at the Bowling Green 21. Six plays later, Thomas was catching the clinching score.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Kat DeLuna "Whine Up"

Sad sorrow

And the crying moments just continue piling on. I was on my way to the video store to rent Season One of "Heroes". The guy next to me cut in front of me as his lane ran out. Apparentely, he didn't realize that a 45 mph speed limit didn't mean he could 60 mph. Unfortunately, a squirrel crossed in front of him. As I saw her run, I was thinking, "Oh, dear God! Please don't get hit! Please don't get hit!" My hopes were for naught. The squirrel almost made it, but of course, almost doesn't count. I saw the squirrel rolling to the curb after impact, but I noticed her tail moving by itself. I quickly pulled into the nearest driveway and pulled my gym bag from the trunk. I know about the risks handling squirrels come with. Fleas, ticks, rabies, etc. I didn't give a damn. I'm a former lifeguard, I was trained to rescue and save. I scooped the squirrel up into my gym bag. I try to coax her, telling her she'd be OK. I thought I could save her because I thought I saw her chest move and and the vet was two miles away from where she was it (ironically, it's also kitty-corner to the video store I was off to in the first place). I rushed her in and asked the woman at the front desk if there was anything they could do. I thought they'd be able to help since she wasn't bleeding. However, they told me they couldn't do anything because she was a wild animal and recommended I try a place a little less than ten miles away. But before I could use more gas, they had a doctor check her with a stethoscope. He found no pulse. She had no visible wounds, but the doctor said she probably died of internal bleeding shortly after I picked her up. Crying, I couldn't think of a good place to bury her. the first thing I noticed was the garbage truck was in the parking lot, so I laid the squirrel down in the Dumpster and walked away. When I heard the Dumpster land back on the ground, I wept uncontrollably. I really, with all my heart, thought I she would make it. I felt horrible.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Justice "D.A.N.C.E."

Can't believe this is happening

A couple weeks ago, I expreienced one of the hardest things any family does. Let a family member go. I was there when Kristen was sent off to college. I could complain about how she chose a cow college such as Michigan State, but I won't. She's majoring in elementary education, and that's a good school to go to get experience in the field. But when it was time to say good-bye, I struggled and failed to hold back my tears. Until I find the love of my life, Kristen is and will be the most important person in my life. I've known her her whole life and most of mine. I just couldn't say good-bye. Seeing those bags stowed in her dorm room made me realize how long it's going to be until I see her again. This is going to be so tough to live without her.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Rihanna "Shut Up And Drive"

Are those jerks ever coming here?

I guess not. They may be too afraid of the mean streets of Metro Detroit. Whatever the reason, the Westboro Baptist Church failed to fulfill its promises and come to the area. I skipped class on Tuesday to go to a military funeral in Troy that they said they'd come. Wonder what the problem is. Afraid they'll get shot? Maybe. Too busy saying unfortunate deaths is God's wrath to those who tolerate gays. More than likely. I mean, they are the sole reason the "GOD HATES FAGS" sign business is still running. Whatever the explanation, these conspiracy theorists wouldn't last five minutes in this area.

This post is honor of Army Sgt. James Collins, Jr. You died fighting for your country. That says so much for your bravery and patriotism. May you rest in peace.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Timbaland "The Way I Are"

Summerslam results

Well, right about now, I'm practically on the verge on commiting hari-kari. Not because of Summerslam, but because of the Appalachian State vs. Michigan game. To Oregon fans, I'm going to warn you, you don't want to deal with the Wolverines when they are pissed off. Anyways, concerning Summerslam, I've had better PPVs. I only went 4-4 in this round, but I am still 20 matches over .500 at 109-89. Thanks John Cena, John Morrison, Umaga, and Kane. As far as The Great Khali, King Booker, Chavo Guerrero, and Melina, they are about as dead as the first Michigan State, Minnesota, Notre Dame, or Ohio State fan who says, "Appalachian State." Match of the Night once again involves John Cena. The John Cena vs. Randy Orton match was a beauty, and I cannot wait until the rematch at Unforgiven. I've heard on Lords of Pain they've become close friends backstage, so I hope that chemistry will lead to a kick-ass rematch.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Sean Kingston "Beautiful Girls"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Detroit IndyCar Grand Prix pres. by Firestone

The Hero: Tony Kanaan. Victorious in both Michigan races in 2007.
The Goats: Sarah Fisher. Was never a factor this weekend. On Lap 31, she was two laps down and caused a wreck that collected Sam Hornish Jr., Vitor Meira, Danica Patrick and Darren Manning.
Vitor Meira. In his two races in the state, he has finished 18th at MIS and 15th on Sunday.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Timbaland "Throw it On Me"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Appalachian State vs. Michigan game

The Hero: Armanti Edwards. The Appalachian State quaterback threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns, often buying himself time with his feet.
The Goat: Michigan's defense. Ron English's unit was a question mark heading into the season because of its youth. But allowing 28 points in the first half? To a Division I-AA school? Even though the defense tightened up the second half, the tone had been set.

From the UAB vs. Michigan State game

The Hero: Jehuu Caulcrick. The senior running back signified the beginning of an era of physical football with his punishing four-touchdown, 93-yard performance. It normally took more than one guy to bring him down, and he was a human battering ram near the goal line. Something tells me he won't mysteriously disappear from the attack this season.
The Goat: UAB. The Blazers put on a dismal display, getting completely outclassed by a team that many feel will finish near the bottom of the Big Ten. It was more entertaining watching the crowd react to the PA guy announcing the Michigan-Appalachian State updates than the game. Just who was playing the I-AA opponent? Michigan or MSU?

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Ciara "Can't Leave 'Em Alone"

313's Heroes and Goats

From the Bills vs. Lions game

The Hero: Brandon Middleton. Middleton certainly made a strong bid for the final spot in the receiving corps with five catches for 50 yards. He also had two kickoff returns for 21 and 29 yards.
The Goats: Troy Walters, Kevin Kasper. They didn't make anyone forget about Eddie Drummond. Walters fumbled on a pun return in the third quarter but was bailed out by Teddy Lehman. Kasper, who fumbled away a kickoff return in the final minutes, wasn't so lucky.

My time's up, you've been great. For the road: Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah"