Alex Rodriguez took Steroids

Sports Illustrated broke the news today that Major League Baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez took steroids during the 2003 season.

I'm not a fan of Alex Rodriguez, especially when he plays against the Angels.

But even though I think steroids has had a negative impact on the history of baseball, I'm not one of those fans who will go out of their way to condemn a player for trying to find a competitive edge.



Do I think it sucks? Yeah, it does.

Does it send the wrong message? Of course.

But the truth of the matter is, that steroids weren't illegal in baseball until recently and players shouldn't be punished now for taking performance enhancers back then.

I have heard the argument that nobody cared that Mark McGwire used steroids when he broke the single season home run record.

I agree. Because I was one of those fans. I was guilty of turning a blind eye.

Everybody knew he was using back then. It was the worst kept secret in sports. Let's be honest, a player doesn't get arms like Popeye by doing an all natural workout.

Nobody wanted to know. They just wanted to see him break a record that was decades old.

So now that it has been revealed that A-Rod used steroids, I'm not going to condemn the man for taking performance enhancers.

That would be hypocritical of me.

But I am going to condemn him for lying to everybody about it.

Way back in 2007, A-Rod was asked point blank by Katie Couric if he ever took steroids. Rodriguez responded with an emphatic "No".

He went on to claim that he never felt the need to take steroids because he never felt the competitive pressure to take them. Rodriguez stated, "I've never felt overmatched on the baseball field. I've always been in a very strong, dominant position. And I felt that if I did my work as I've done since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn't have a problem competing at any level."

Oh really?

The truth of the matter is, Rodriguez did feel the pressure to perform at an elite level. The fact that he tried to pass off his talents as completely God given, while dismissing other players skills as average in comparison is reprehensible.

Another great quote from that 2007 interview includes Rodriguez stating his disappointment in players that would be named in the Mitchell Report. Rodriguez states, "I mean, these are guys that I play with. They're my teammates. If anything comes of this, I will be extremely disappointed. And it will be a huge black eye on the game of baseball."

Keep in mind, this was 4 years after he, himself, tested positive for steroids.

The moral here is that people make mistakes, especially under extreme amounts of pressure. Don't lie and make things more complicated by putting yourself in a position of judgment or worse, claim to be cut from a higher moral cloth, especially when you are just as guilty.

Observe and Report - Red Band Trailer

I'm not one of those people who is sick of Seth Rogen...at least not yet

Although, I agree the guy seems to be one of the most overexposed actors in the Hollywood publicity machine right now. I also acknowledge the fact that he does, seemingly, appear to be in every comedic film being made in the United States.

But his latest film, due out on April 10, 2009, titled Observe and Report
seems to be a change of pace for him.

First off, the character he portrays in this film seems to be mentally unstable in the film. But most importantly to Seth Rogen critics, he doesn't appear to be playing his usual affable good guy with a wicked sense of humor role in this film.

His character actually might just be a creepy dick or an actual asshole.

I think an explanation for this comedic stretch for Rogen is that it's directed by upcoming director Jody Hill, who directed the hilarious Foot Fist Way.

Jody Hill seems to have an uncanny flair for inappropriate humor. My favorite type.

Judging from this trailer, Observe and Report has no illusions of trying to be an audience friendly PG-13. In fact this film seems to be drifting more towards the NC-17 rating range.

The Keene Act and You

Here's some more clever marketing for The Watchmen movie.

This clip features a "vintage" public service announcement that condemns masked vigilante activity.

Land of the Lost- Trailer

I know I'm going a little overboard with my Land of The Lost coverage on the site.

But the more I see...the more I dig.

Chaka in Land of the Lost (2009)

Ain't It Cool News has released the first image of the character of Chaka in the new Will Ferrell film Land of the Lost.

I think the movie could be an enjoyable mix of nostalgia, trademark Will Ferrell humor with great action and impressive special effects.

For whatever reason, this image of Chaka makes me giddy with anticipation. The idea of actually remaking this silly show from my youth busts me up to no end.



Also in case you haven't seen it yet, here's the teaser poster for the film.




Yes, that is indeed Danny McBride in the film as Will. Anna Friel plays Holly.

Classic.

*Update:

Here's the new super bowl spot for the film as well.

Hot Clicks on SheNeedsIt.com!!!

     

Shaq Loves Kobe and Phil

In an interview with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, Shaquille O'Neal revealed that he loves Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson and holds no hard feelings against them.

He says he only thinks of good times when remembering their time together.

Shaq even went so far as to say Kobe Bryant is the MVP of the league and Phil Jackson is the greatest coach ever.

As for the well publicized past problems with Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson, Shaq states, "It was all marketing."

He also boldly claims that the Kobe and Shaq duo is "still the greatest little-man, big-man 1-2 punch ever created in the history of the game."

Shaq then reminds everyone that the Lakers won 3 out of 4 NBA championships and probably would've won 6 or 7 by now if they had stayed together.



Shaq was my favorite player when he was with the Lakers. Still one of my all-time favorites to ever play. Such a shame that things turned out the way they did.

He should have retired a Laker.

Let's hope that all the ill will and drama in the past can be put to rest for good now and Laker Nation can be reunited in peace.

Antonio Margarito Suspended

Before getting his butt whipped by Shane Mosley at the Staples Center on Saturday January 24th, news was revealed that the hand wrap for Antonio Margarito was found to have a plaster type substance on it.

Plaster.

You know...like concrete.

Margarito was, of course, forced to rewrap his hands before his fight against Mosley.

As a result of the discovery Antonio Margarito and his trainer have been temporarily suspended from boxing until further investigation.




I can honestly think of nothing more despicable than using a foreign substance on a hand wrap during a bout.

In boxing, an unspoken and obvious understanding exists that if a fighter is going to punch their opponent in the face and the body using all their force and might, a price will have to be paid to their own body as well.

After his bout with Oscar De La Hoya for example, Manny Pacquiao's hands were so sore and swollen that he was unable to sign autographs for fans. Instead, he took pictures with all of them. To demonstrate that he wasn't just lazy or ungrateful for the support of his fans after his fight.

The fact that Margarito possibly cheated before his bout with Mosley, draws into suspicion all the victories he's had in his past, notably his vicious knockouts of Kermit Cintron and Miguel Cotto.

In his fight against Cotto, a plaster doctored hand wrap would explain much.

Cotto was criticized for running from Margarito throughout that entire 11 round bout. Cotto a brawler by nature was in the unusual position of leaning on the ropes and running from Margarito who stalked him relentlessly.

After getting hit repeatedly, Cotto's only recourse was to look for sanctuary from Margarito's vicious heavy punches against the ropes.

Could it be that Cotto was running from a guy with concrete in his gloves?

When Mosley stood up to Margarito in their bout together and insisted on fighting in the center of the ring, Margarito honestly looked mediocre and outclassed.

He failed to hurt Mosley at all.

This was the same Sugar Shane Mosley who lost a brutal, close, action-filled bout to Miguel Cotto.

I'm not condemning or judging Margarito, that is, until the truth is revealed.

But given the circumstances, it would explain alot if Margarito indeed used illegal hand wraps in his fight against Cotto.

Who in their right mind would want to stand in the middle of the ring with a guy with concrete hands?

NBS Nightly News with Ted Philips

Here's a blast from the past with a retro clip from NBS Nightly News.

Not familiar with NBS Nightly News?

Perhaps viewers will recall the historic day when the world was introduced to real life superhero Dr. Manhattan.

Still doesn't ring a bell?

Oops...I neglected to state that this only makes sense if we lived in the Watchmen Universe.

Barack Obama's Inauguration Oath and Speech

In case you've missed it, here's Barack Obama's Presidential Oath and speech on this historic and hope filled day.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Goodbye Ricardo Montalban

Very sad news today.

Mexican actor Ricardo Montalban has passed away.

As I think back on his works, I can't help but feel nostalgic and grateful for his impressive career.

As a kid, I remember his elegant portrayal of Mr. Roarke on my favorite television show Fantasy Island. Back then I had no concept of good or bad acting, I just knew that the guy was great. One week he was likable, other weeks he was scary, mysterious and at times even hilarious.

Man, Mr. Roarke with his white suit...



Later when I was older, I delighted in seeing him seek revenge and become the ultimate nemesis to Captain Kirk in Star Trek: Wrath of Khan.



When I was in high school and too cool for my own good, I remember laughing my ass off watching him play it straight in the ridiculously funny Naked Gun.



In college, I set out to watch every movie starring Marlon Brando and I stumbled onto the film Sayonara, which featured Montalban as, of all people, a Japanese character named Nakamura.



Then recently, I've marveled at how Montalban has come full circle in my life, by entertaining my children in the Spy Kids films.



Thank you very much for the memories Mr. Montalban, you will not be forgotten.

Ricardo Montalban

November 25, 1920 - January 14, 2009.

2008 Dark Horizons Movie tribute

Although I thought 2008 was a disappointing year in movies,Garth at Dark Horizons has put together an impressive compilation of the films of 2008.

Enjoy.

My Favorite Films of 2008

2008 was a very disappointing movie year for me.

For every mildly enjoyable picture that I watched this year, I saw three horrible films. I'm not exactly sure why this year was different than most. I suspect the writer's strike played a part in it. Perhaps it might have been the current bleak political and world climate which have made films seem more frivolous and insignificant this past year.

In any case, until this past week, I couldn't even fill out a top ten list.

To be completely honest, some of these films I found deeply flawed and mediocre.

But I've started a tradition here, so I felt it necessary to keep it up for posterity.

I think it's important to note that I haven't been able to watch the four hour epic Che yet. Considering the subject matter and the presence of Benicio Del Toro, I can pretty much guarantee the film would land on this list. But since I haven't seen it. I can't put it on here....but when I do...I'll be sure to adjust accordingly.

So without further ado.





Honorable Mention: Slumdog Millionaire

This movie is overly sentimental, naively optimistic at points and to be completely honest extremely over-rated. But I did enjoy the sense of escapism and the film's desire to share with the audience a world that we weren't familiar with. I just wish the themes were a little more poignant then just "Love conquers all." Although I admit in this day and age it's not a horrible message to spread. It's just not realistic or believable. Speaking of unbelievable, the final question for the Who wants to be a millionaire? bit in the film...Give me a break. I don't care if the show is a version for the planet Mars and featured Martian contestants...that question was too friggin easy.




10. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

This is a big old fashioned Hollywood film. In some ways it reminded me of the works of Tim Burton. It's refreshing to see David Fincher create a movie like this. Although it mostly works, the film happens to be strange, awkward and also unintentionally creepy in some points. But the twist on the experience of aging is creative and poignant, while the ending is heartbreaking and memorable.


9. Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Fun, breezy and charming, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is both a return to form and a unique film for Woody Allen. I enjoyed the personality test of attraction that Woody Allen presented with the different female characters in the film. But what I found most enjoyable was Javier Bardem's return to romantic lead, which almost makes the viewer forget about his chilling performance in No Country For Old Men....almost.



8. Wall E

The adventures of a little robot and his longing for companionship set in the backdrop of a post apocalyptic earth touches and surprises me every time I watch it. That it can amuse my two children while my wife and I get a little break makes it even more impressive.



7. The Wrestler

The story itself is simple, as well as formulaic and in the end I'm not exactly sure what it wants to say and even if it's worth saying, but as a pure acting piece the movie is an impressive showcase for Mickey Rourke, Evan Rachel Wood and Marisa Tomei. Rourke is fantastic, arguably the best overall performance of the year.


6. Taken

Imagine if Robert De Niro in Ronin or Val Kilmer in Spartan were after someone. Now imagine that the reason why they are after that person....is that they kidnapped his daughter to sell her as a sex slave.

Stand back and watch the fireworks fly.

This was my favorite pure action film of the year. Ironic, since I believe the film failed to earn an American release and most people don't even know it exists. I suspect it's because of the subject matter of sex trafficking and slavery. Pretty much box office poison in this day and age. But I found the movie thrilling, exciting and fulfilling in a way I wasn't expecting. Perhaps it's because I have a daughter now and I sympathized with Liam Neeson's character more than other traditional protagonist in other action films. I know it's an unusual choice but there's no denying I got sucked into the suspenseful story more than most films this year.



5. Revolutionary Road

Emotionally brutal and at times unbearable to watch, the film really captures the dynamics of a volatile marriage in a way which is rarely captured in film. Not only do the moments ring true, there is a strange sense of therapeutic enjoyment in watching the troubled characters naively stumble through their lives. I think this accounts for the comparisons to Sam Mendes previous work American Beauty. But I think this film is more raw than American Beauty and in the end more powerful. Fine performances all around. Kudos to Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet who carry a movie together with their excellent acting instead of with a sinking ship.



4. Milk

Extremely timely, politically charged and featuring a moving sympathetic portrayal by Sean Penn and a chilling, as well as strangely sympathetic performance from Josh Brolin. But what I was most impressed with was Gus Van Sant's excellent direction, which really painted a fascinating and human portrait of the visionary leader. The film also provides an interesting look at the complicated time period and the seeds which were planted that have carried over into the volatile political climate that we have today. Probably the most important film of the year, although I couldn't help thinking while watching the film that it might have been better served with more real gay actors in the film.


3. Gran Torino

This movie was one of the funniest and most thought provoking films of the year. Although the ending is pretentious and a bit out of place, I thought the themes of the film were powerful and moving in a way I wasn't expecting. Issues such as masculinity, family and community are some of the points that the film presents and Clint Eastwood explores them here better than any film has done in a long time. Did I mention how hilarious the film is? What can I say, I'm a sucker for inappropriate humor.


2. Nothing But the Truth

I admit I'm an unabashed Rod Lurie fan.

I just think that he's one of the most underrated writer/directors working today. Nobody is making well made character studies like this in Hollywood anymore and it's a real shame. This film features wonderful performances from the terrific ensemble cast. The movie's story is suspenseful and powerful, while taking the audience on an unpredictable roller coaster ride. It all leads to a thought provoking ending that will have one examining their personal beliefs and debating the themes of the work for days later.

And finally.....





1. The Dark Knight

What can I say....I'm a total geek.

This film had everything I want in a movie. Action, suspense, strong story, fascinating characters, great acting, and excellent direction. Even had a breathtaking IMAX presentation. The fact that the movie is about a guy who refers to himself as Batman shouldn't take away from the accomplishments of the cast, crew and director. Christopher Nolan created an excellent and superior follow up to an already fantastic film. I said this before and a lot of people have called me crazy. But the film was so good that I almost don't want to see a part 3. I honestly think it can't get any better. Why drum up another adventure and try? Besides Heath Ledger's well publicized great performance, I think Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman and my new favorite actor Christian Bale deserve equal credit for delivering my favorite film of 2008.