Magnificent!

Washington Capitals Right Winger Sergei Federov scores the game-winning goal to win the series over the New York Rangers! (Courtesy Photo)

What a comeback. As you probably read in my blog when we were down 3 games to 1, I was preparing myself for yet another year of losing in the first round. The year was 1998 when we last won in the first round. The year the Capitals made the Stanley Cup Finals and got swept by Sergei Federov and the Red Wings. My how times have changed.

Federov, now a second year Capital, scored when it mattered the most as he ripped a shot on Lundqvist's left side to lift the Capitals to a 2-1 win in Game 7. More importantly, the Caps advance to the conference semi-finals for the first time in 11 years and comeback from 3-1 down for the first time in 21 years when Dale Hunter buried a shot against the Flyers.

What were the factors in winning game 7?

* The Caps kept fighting. Even in the 2nd period, the worst they have played throughout the playoffs, the Caps hung in there. When the 3rd Period started, they controlled it from the opening faceoff. 16 shots to 1 in the final period with one going in from Feds.

* Simeon Varlamov. The 21-year old russian goalie sensation came in Game 2 and has looked spectacular giving up a 1.20 GAA and having over a .954 save percentage! Not bad for a rookie. What the Caps lack, they now have in net.

*The Power Play. The Caps finally got the Power Play going as they scored 2 in game 6 to force the decisive game. They need to improve it a little more and get back to their league leading 28.5%.

Now it's time for the Conference Semi-Final Predictions:

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston Bruins Vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes

Analysis: What a series this is going to be! Bears against mother nature. Two great goalies, Tim Thomas and Cam Ward, go head to head to see who blinks first and gets their team going in the semi's. The Bruins had no problem with a flat Montreal team, sweeping them 4-0. The Hurricanes had a tough time with the Devils and looked out with 1:20 left in the game. Then two goals in 40 seconds won them the game 4-3 and they moved on. Going to be a tight one but I think Boston is too good to ignore. Bruins win in 7.

(2) Washington Capitals Vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins

Analysis: Gary Bettman got his wish. The Battle of the Birds. The Sid the Whiny Kid Vs. the most dominating player in all of Hockey series. The Caps found a goaltender and now have their sights set on the Finals. First they have to dispose of a pesky Penguin team that has been on the rise as of late. However, with Varlamov in goal and the power play showing it's fierceness, the Caps should win this series. Oh yeah, and PENGUINS CAN'T FLY! Capitals win in 6.

Western Conference

(2) Detroit Red Wings Vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

Don't let the seeds fool you. That's what happened to the President's Cup Trophy Winner San Jose Sharks and they lost to the Ducks in 6. The Ducks are a dangerous team because of goaltending, defense and the unexpected player who dazzles the opposing team each game. The Red Wings coasted in round one but in all fairness, they were playing COLUMBUS! Tough series this is going to be for Osgood. I think the Ducks next victim is the defending Stanley Cup Champs. UPSET! Ducks in 6.

(3) Vancouver Canucks Vs. (4) Chicago Blackhawks

An inner-divisional lineup in the semi-finals pits the Blackhawks and the Canucks. Close in the regular season, the Canucks swept the Blues 4-0 and have had great goaltending from Luongo. But the Blackhawks seem to want it more as the city of Chicago finally has hockey in May for the first time in many years. Battle for sure but I see the Blackhawks reaching the West Finals. Blackhawks in 7.

So you're Conference Finals are:

EAST (1) Boston Bruins Vs. (2) Washington Capitals

WEST (4) Chicago Blackhawks Vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

Let the Playoffs resume Friday and Saturday! GO CAPS!

Summer/Early Fall Concert Update!

Green Day goes on tour with Blink-182 this summer in promotion of their latest masterpiece "21st-Century Breakdown" out May 15! (Photo Courtesy L.A. Times Blog)

Just announced concerts for the summer and early fall to add to your list:

June 21 - Aerosmith w/ ZZ Top, NISSAN PAVILION, Bristow, VA. - Price: $175, $129.50, $89.50, $59.50, $45, $35 + $14.50 convienience charge per ticket; www.livenation.com

Two legends of rock come to Nissan Pavilion for a once in a lifetime concert experience. See Aerosmith and ZZ Top belt out their hits.

July 29 - Green Day w/ Blink-182, VERIZON CENTER, Washington D.C. - Tickets On Sale Date TBA. Price: TBA.

Following up their rock-opera "American Idiot," the masters of punk are back with "21st Century Breakdown," an album some critics hail as Green Day's Best Album Ever! Also at this concert, Blink-182 is reunited to play some hard nosed rock. Don't miss this unbelieveable concert with two of rocks best!

August 8 - Dave Matthews Band, NISSAN PAVILION, Bristow, Va. - Tickets On Sale Now! Price: $75 + $14.50 per ticket convienience charge - Pavilion; $40 - Lawn + $14.50 per ticket convienience charge; www.livenation.com

Dave Matthews Band has been coming to Nissan ever since it opened back in the 1990's. When it's summer, you know Dave Matthews will be here. Promoting their new album "Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King" and singing all their hits, don't miss a once in a lifetime concert experience!


September 29 - Pink, George Mason Patriot Center, Fairfax, Va. - Price: $49.50 - GA FLOOR, $39.50 - Concourse. ON SALE SAT. May 2 @ 10 am!

She's been a hot pop star since she broke onto the scene. Come see Pink perform her hits "So What?," "Get the Party Started" and much more. A concert well worth the money and is affordable too!

Any other Washington D.C. Area Concerts I missed? Comment!

Don't Stop Believing!

Simoeon Varlamov has come on strong for the Capitals, making their goaltending their strength in the playoffs (Courtesy Photo/WashingtonCaps.com)

"Don't Stop Believing" - Journey

Never have any three words perfectly described being a Washington Capitals Fan. After going down 3 games to 1, I thought this was it. The Sharks and Caps would be playing golf at this time instead of going on to round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As the song says: Don't Stop Believing!

After coming back from the brink in brilliant 4-0 and 5-3 wins over the weekend, the Capitals can do the impossible and win this best of 7 that has been anything but all Caps from the start.

After pulling Theodore for Games 2-6, Simeon Varlamov, the now 21-year-old netminding sensation, has only given up 6 goals in 5 starts with a 1.20 GAA and a .954 Save Percentage. Lundqvist looks human for the first time in this entire series, giving up 9 goals in the last two games while sitting out the third period in both game 5 and 6. Alex Ovechkin has 3 goals in the last 3 games and looks hungry for more.

Coach John Tortorella was suspended for Game 6 after throwing a full water bottle into the crowd at Verizon Center (striking a woman) when a fan said some unappropriate comments about two of his players being in a "gay" relationship. So what changed for this Caps team?

Well, chaos struck the New York Rangers. After Sean Avery got scratched for Game 5, the Rangers looked off. Their mouthy enforcer was nowhere on the ice, causing problems when it came to the power plays or just to have a physical presence. To top it all off, the suspension of Tortorella was needed after he threw the full water bottle and hit an innocent fan. It's one thing to spray a little water on the fans but to throw a full bottle then grab a stick and try to go after them? He did what he preached to Avery not to do and that caused the Ranger team to get distracted for Game 6.

You can't say enough about the play of young Simeon Varlamov. He has been absolutely brilliant. The now 21-year-old (his birthday is today!) has done everything right to bring the Caps back from the brink of elimination. Theodore had his chance and blew it. Now it's Varlamov's turn to shine. Also, Ovechkin altering his style of play after the first 3 games really helped the Caps as he now has a tally in Games 4, 5 and 6. He will surely have one in Game 7. The supporting cast has stepped up and is scoring when needed. In Game 6, Poti, Jurcina and Green were the first 3 goals - all by defensemen - and got the Caps rolling and never looking back.

In Game 7, the Caps need to remain focused. The game is not guaranteed by any means and they need to play exactly like they have in Games 5 and 6 to walk away victorious. The Rangers will bring their best on Tuesday. Keep shooting on Lundqvist, whose confidence in goaltending has to be shaken after getting pulled for the third period in two straight contests after giving up 9 goals. It's like I've said all along: the first 10 minutes of the hockey game are critical and the Caps have to score in that frame to set the tone of play. If the Caps do all that, the monkey will FINALLY be off their backs as they would advance to the semi-finals for the first time since that glorious 1997-98 Stanley Cup Final season. GO CAPS!

Counting on a Miracle

Jose Theodore is one of the reasons the Caps are in danger of getting eliminated in the First Round, extending their drought to 12 years without a First Round series win (Courtesy Photo)

The 2008-09 season. This was supposed to be THE season. We signed a veteran goaltender in Jose Theodore, we re-signed Sergei Federov and we had the reigning MVP of the entire league. During the regular season, the Capitals did what they needed, winning their second straight Southeast Division crown and grabbing the #2 seed out from under the New Jersey Devils. The matchup? #2 Washington Vs. #7 New York Rangers. Uh oh.

This was certainly not the same Ranger team the Caps went 3-0-1 against in the regular season. With moves at the trade deadline and grabbing new head coach John Tortorella, the Rangers are a re-energized team and now hold the Capitals on the brink of sending them packing in the first round yet again.

The past 12 years haven't been kind for the Caps. Here's a short history:

1997-98: Eastern Conference Champions! Stanley Cup Finals loss to Detroit 4 games to 0.

1998-99: Finished in 3rd place of the new Southeast Division. No Playoffs.

1999-2000: Win Southeast Division. Lose to Pittsburgh Penguins in Round 1 of the Playoffs 4 games to 2.

00-01: Win second straight Southeast Division. Lose to Pittsburgh Penguins again 3 games to 2. (start of 5 game first round)

01-02: Get Jaromir Jagr. Still don't make the playoffs.

02-03: Finish in 2nd place in the Southeast. Lose to Tampa Bay Lightning 4 games to 2 in Round 1. (Best of 7 back in first round.)

03-04: Caps trade away Steve Konowalchuk, Peter Bondra, Sergei Gonchar and Jaromir Jagr and start from scratch. Finish dead last. No playoffs.

04-05: NHL LOCKOUT. NO SEASON.

05-06: Alexander Ovechkin makes season debut along with Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby. Caps finish in last place. No playoffs.

06-07: Caps still struggle. Finish in last place yet again. No Playoffs.

07:08: Caps add Niklas Backstrom and Mike Green to the mix. Southeast Division Champions! Ousted in Round 1 - 4 games to 3 by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Present 2008-09: Southeast Champions for the second straight season. Down 3 games to 1 in Best of 7 against the New York Rangers.

The Capitals just don't seem to get it. Every year it is the same. They have a home game, they win from the energy and excitement of the crowd pushing them. They go on the road and win to take away momentum. Then they fizzle out. Granted Lundquvist has been stellar but rookie Simeon Varlamov has matched that. The only problem is Lundqvist has the edge. Winning Game 1: 4-2, Game 2: 1-0 and Game 4: 2-1, the Capitals are in trouble.

To me, they don't have the burning desire or edge they need to bury this team. They seem so lackadaisical and just not caring if they win or not. It's frustrating as a fan and I am sure it's even more frustrating to the players. It will take a modern day miracle for the Capitals to come back and win the series. I am hoping it happens but it sure doesn't look like it. My updated prediction is the Caps win game 5 but lose game 6, insuring the Rangers going to the second round.

All you Caps fans out there, please pray for a miracle!

'Marley and Me' brings on the tears; 'Yes Man' barely breaks a laugh

Jennifer greets Marley and John after returning home with their first baby (Courtesy Photo)

The good thing about football season being over until August is you get to catch up on things. I like to catch up on movies I missed that were in theaters but I never quite got out to see them.

Last Friday I decided to rent two movies from RedBox, the greatest idea ever put in a grocery store. If you don't know what RedBox is, it's Blockbusters "kryptonite." For $1 + tax per night ($1.05 in Virginia), you can rent a movie and return it whenever you want, wherever you want. At Blockbuster, you pay $5 or more and have to return it by a certain day at the exact store you rented at or risk getting fined.

I decided upon the movies "Marley and Me" starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston and "Yes, Man" starring Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel. A dramedy and a comedy that balance each other out.

"Marley and Me" is a tale of a couple embarking on the adventure of marriage, career, family, and the world's worst dog. At least that's how writer and newlywed John Grogan (Wilson) comes to describe his blonde lab, Marley, when he takes the puppy home and finds that the fluff-ball has an uncanny ability to eat and/or destroy just about anything. As years go by, John and his wife, Jennifer (Aniston), contemplate having babies and moving across the country, while Marley grows into 100 lbs. of funny, wild, completely untrainable canine companionship -- as well as one of the most important people in the family. Marley & Me is based on the best-selling autobiographical book by columnist John Grogan.

Wilson makes this one of his best roles to date. The energy and fine-tuned acting really evoke the real John Grogan who wanted so badly to be a reporter in the trenches, winning pulitzers when in fact he was a born columnist. Aniston played her role really well and has had some good roles that fit her as of late. But be forewarned: you will cry watching this movie. If you've ever had a pet die, you will. At the end of this movie, all the memories of my Alaskan Malamute Alex came to fruition. The day he died was a very sad one for me. This movie shows how even when people are frustrated with a dog, their hearts go to them and they become as much a part of the family as anyone.

3 stars - Very sad ending but an enjoyable performance from Wilson. Rated PG.


"Yes Man," starring Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel was a movie disguised as another "Liar, Liar." We all loved Carrey in his funniest role to date. This one was way different.

Carl Allen (Carrey) is at a standstill. Divorced three years ago and no future... until the day he enrolls into a personal development program based on a very simple idea: say yes to everything! Carl discovers with amazement the magical power of "Yes", and sees his professional and romantic life turned upside down overnight: an unexpected promotion and a new girlfriend Allison (Deschanel). But he'll soon discover that better can be good's enemy, and that all opportunities shouldn't be taken.

Not a terrible movie but Carrey wasn't on his A-game in this. There were funny parts but nothing to write home about. Deschanel was gorgeous as always but the role seemed slightly off. It was way better than her performance in "The Happening," the worst film of 2008. Here's hoping Carrey can balance the zainy comedian and dramatic actor in the years to come.

Rating: 2 stars - Carrey is not enough to save this sagging story. His next movie "I Love You Phillip Morris" should be interesting before we see him as Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol: The IMAX 3-D Experience."

"I Love You, Man" brings the laughs

Segal and Rudd are hysterical in "I Love You, Man"

First of all, thank goodness for movie theaters bringing the love during this recession. Two area movie theaters in the Northern Virginia area offer discounted movie tickets on even the newest flicks every Tuesday all day and night. Centreville Multiplex in Centreville offers $6 Movie Tuesdays where you can see any movie showing (3-D Movies extra.) Worldgate Theaters in Herndon offer $5 Movie Tuesdays on any movie showing at the theater. With this program I have seen: "Friday the 13th," "The Last House on the Left," and now "I Love You, Man."

The rise of Paul Rudd and Jason Segal has been amazing. Rudd, who turns 40 this year, first was noticed in the Leonardo DiCaprio modernization of "Romeo and Juliet." He then went on to star in the Alicia Silverstone comedy "Clueless." From there he starred in modest films like "The Object of My Affection" with Jennifer Aniston. His breakout role came in the Will Ferrell comedy classic "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy." From there he's hit stardom with classic roles in Judd Apatow classics "The 40-Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up." Finally, he's the leading role in his latest comedy hit.

Segal has had an interesting road. Started off in the short-lived Apatow TV comedy "Freaks and Geeks." He then went on to guest star in various shows until 2004 when "How I Met Your Mother" came along and brought him to the light. From there, he starred in the Apatow classic "Knocked Up" and penned his own screen play and landed the starring role for the comedic gem "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."

In "I Love You, Man," a comedy from John Hamburg (Along Came Polly, co-writer of Meet The Parents, Meet The Fockers, Zoolander), Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) is a successful real estate agent who, upon getting engaged to the woman of his dreams, Zooey, (Rashida Jones), discovers, to his dismay and chagrin, that he has no male friend close enough to serve as his Best Man. Peter immediately sets out to rectify the situation, embarking on a series of bizarre and awkward man-dates, before meeting Sydney Fife (Jason Segel), a charming, opinionated man with whom he instantly bonds. But the closer the two men get, the more Peters relationship with Zooey suffers, ultimately forcing him to choose between his fiancée and his new found bro, in a story that comically explores what it truly means to be a friend.

This was an enjoyable film. Lot's of laughs and great one-liners from Rudd and company. A lot of this had to be ad-libed. Guys - this is a perfect date movie because there is not as much gushyness as some rom-coms have. There's a wedding, that's about it in this one. A great story on the struggles these days for some men to find male friends. Andy Samberg as Peter's gay brother was brilliant and the father played by J.K. Simmons (Juno, Spiderman Movies) was hilarious.

3 stars out of 4 stars -- an enjoyable fresh comedy that is worth seeing before the summer movies push it out in May.

OTHER MOVIES OUT NOW:

Watchmen - 4 stars

The great graphic novel of all time is one of the best films of the year. brilliant performances all around as these so-called "Heroes" struggle with their fame and having the world rely on them. Saw it in IMAX and it was spectacular!

Friday the 13th - 2 1/2 stars

A fun remake of a horror classic. Greatest line of the movie - "Your Tits Are Stupendous!"

Last House on the Left - 3 stars

Way better than the original, Wes Craven updates this classic with a new director and cast. This one works and is very gorey but good. Kudos to Tony Goldwyn for a great performance.

Reason to Panic?

Will someone please put Sean Avery in his place? Here he is picking a fight with Jose Theodore.

Game 1 of the New York Rangers Vs. Washington Capitals was a doozy. Scoreless opening period with the Caps looking like a team on a mission. Outshooting the Rangers 14-4 and outhitting as well. In the second, the Capitals struck back breaking the tie with an Alex Ovechkin slapshot that ricocheted off Fleischmann to give the Caps a 1-0 advantage. But then the Rangers struck back with three unanswered goals to take a 3-1 lead. The Caps got within one at the close of the period with a Viktor Kozlov goal to make it 3-2. The beginning of the third was magical as the Capitals Alexander Semin stuffed a goal to tie it up at three. Back at even, the decisive play came when Markus Naslund popped out of the penalty box and set up Dubinsky, who made a move that left defenseman Jeff Schultz sprawled on the ice. Dubinsky then put his shot past Theodore inside the near post. 4-3 the final and the Rangers take a 1-0 series lead.

Is this a cause to panic Caps fans? I don't unless Theodore looks as shaky as he did on Wednesday. No doubt this is a must win game for the Capitals. But Varlamov is ready and willing if called upon. Two days of practice will really help them sort out the kinks and get ready for the potential return of Chris Drury.

A side note to all you so-called fans that LEFT after the game was 3-1: We don't need your kind at Verizon Center. I hate all these so-called fans that are obviously part-time, bandwagon fans and only care about seeing them score goals. If it's a close game, they start to boo. If I spent $48 on a playoff ticket, I am damn sure going to stay for the whole game.

Also, the people that are stupid enough to buy $7.50 beer at the game, please don't get drunk off them. I mean I see so many losers drinking 6 beers that cost them $45 easy when they could go to a grocery and buy 4 of the 24-packs for that much! I mean I am no math genius but I would never go to a game and buy little cups of beer for that much.

That being said, stay positive Caps fans. We've been waiting 11 years since the last first round series win. We will hopefully not be waiting too much longer.

Do You Know Your Enemy?

Who wouldn't want to be the Stanley Cup getting licked by the gorgeous Hayden Panettiere? (Courtesy Photo)

Do You Know Your Enemy? The newest song from Green Day is the perfect phrase to describe the opening of the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Wednesday is just around the corner so here are my predictions for round 1:

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston Bruins Vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens

The best team in the East (record wise) meets a team celebrating 100 years of hockey and limping into the playoffs. Boston's Tim Thomas is too good for Montreal's Cary Price to even have a chance in this one. The bigger, stronger Bruins should walk away easily in this one. Bruins in 5.

(2) Washington Capitals Vs. (7) New York Rangers

We all know the Caps problems with first round series. They haven't won a first round series since 1998-99 (the Stanley Cup year) but this also isn't your grandmothers Capitals. With players like Alex Ovechkin, Niklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin and Sergei Federov, this team will be one to watch. The only question is which Jose Theodore will show up? The brilliant 39 game winner of the regular season or the one that lets up easy goals? Time will tell. The Caps home record speaks for itself. The Rangers can ride Lundquist into the playoffs but there's only so much he can do. Also, Brashear needs to establish his prescence and keep Sean Avery from shenanigans on the ice. Capitals in 7.

(3) New Jersey Devils Vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes

Finally Devil fans! You don't have to play the Rangers first! But you now have to play one of the hottest teams as of late. Cam Ward has been insane with his goaltending, but with 30 straight starts going into the playoffs without rest, this could pose a problem. Martin Brodeur is a master when it comes to the playoffs but he can not do it alone. Zach Parise and company will have to help him out to ensure a first round series win. Devils in 6.

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers

Two forces of evil collide in this first round series that is sure to be a nasty fight to the end. The Flyers glided into the playoffs on the goaltending of Martin Biron. But losing home ice could prove costly as they go up against a resurgent Penguin team that wants to go back to the Stanley Cup finals. With Crosby and Malkin, I don't see the Pens falling to the Flyers but it will be a dogfight to the end and go all seven games. Penguins in 7.

Semi-Final Matchups: (1) Boston Bruins Vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins; (2) Washington Capitals Vs. (3) New Jersey Devils

Western Conference

(1) San Jose Sharks Vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

This matchup pits the President's Cup Trophy Winner vs. a team on the rise. Don't let their eighth seed fool you, the Ducks are still mighty. With defenseman Francois Beauchemin back from injury, the Ducks look to be a scary first round opponent. The Sharks ran away with the Western Conference but seem to always find a way to avoid the Stanley Cup Finals. Could this be the year they finally make it? UPSET! Ducks in 6.

(2) Detroit Red Wings Vs. (7) Columbus Blue Jackets

Boy I would love to pick the upset in this one. Chris Osgood has been anything but good all season. With scorers like Hossa however, that made Detroit look way better than they actualyl are. Columbus is riding their "rookie of the year" goalie Steve Mason into the playoffs. Longtime player Rick Nash has been waiting a long time for this moment. Unfortunately, they are not strong enough to tame the defending champs. Red Wings in 5.

(3) Vancouver Canucks Vs. (6) St. Louis Blues

What an interesting series. The Canucks went along quietly, securing the third seed when Calgary could not get the job done. If Paul Kariya is back from injury for the Canucks, watch out. The Blues went on a tear and finished 21-7-6 to climb out of the last place hole they found themselves in at the All-Star break. Getting here is already a major step forward for this young team and anything beyond is a bonus. That kind of mindset often leads to upsets. UPSET! Blues in 7.

(4) Chicago Blackhawks Vs. (5) Calgary Flames

The Blackhawks reach the playoffs for the first time since 2002. With their dynamic duo of Nikolai Khabibulin and Cristobal Huet in net, the Blackhawks look to go deep in the playoffs. That will matter at how their young stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane adjust to the glitz and glamour of playoff hockey. The Calgary Flames are injury ridden with only 15 players able to dress out. This series will not last long but I will give Calgary one game. Blackhawks in 6.

Semi-Final Matchups: (6) St. Louis Blues vs. (2) Detroit Red Wings; (4) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

Enjoy Round 1 everyone. Playoff Hockey starts Wednesday on Versus and your local stations! Don't forget to sound off your opinions on who will get out of round 1!

Summer Movie Preview 2009

J..J. Abrams reinvents "Star Trek" out May 8 in regular theaters and IMAX!

Well folks, it's April and the Summer Movie Season is less than a month away! Here is a look at the movies that are sure to be blockbuster hits this summer:

May

1 - X-Men Origins: Wolverine (PG-13) starring Hugh Jackman

With the first three X-Men movies grossing over $1 billion worldwide ($600 million + in the U.S.), this is sure to be a box office smash. James Logan (aka Wolverine) and his brother Victor Creed (who will later become Sabretooth) run away together as children in the mid 1850's after Logan kills their biological father who had murdered Logan's adoptive father. After serving together in many wars they are recruited by William Stryker to serve in a special unit made up of mutants. After wiping out an African villiage, Logan quits the unit and goes off to live a life of peace in the Canadian Rockies with his girlfriend later to be known as the Silver Fox.

Six years pass for the both of them until Stryker shows up and asks Logan to come back and be a part of a new Weapon X project. Logan refuses but Creed shows up and murders Logan's girlfriend leaving him wanting revenge against his brother. Logan accepts Strykers offer to be infused with Adamantium so that he can be indestructable and go after his revenge but is double crossed by Stryker and hears him give the order to wipe his memories. Escaping before this can happen, he goes searching for Creed killing anyone who gets in his way.

Prediction: Will easily top the Box Office May 1 with close to $100 million on its way to a total take of $185 million. Not quite "Spider-man 3" numbers but a great opening and the best yet for the X-Men series. The year 2011 will see X-Men Origins: Magneto.

8 - Star Trek (aka Star Trek 11) (PG-13) starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg

Boy oh boy. This is the film I am most excited about this summer as Star Trek is reborn into a great action packed sci-fi adventure. The first summer Star Trek since 1989, who better then J.J. Abrams to update this fledging movie franchise? After stinkers in "Star Trek: Insurrection" and "Star Trek: Nemesis," Abrams decided to reinvent this series to make it action packed and something fans can be proud of. A newly Captained James T. Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise fights Romulans from the future, who are interfering with history by destroying the Federation. A backstory as to how Kirk and Spock meet and became cadets is also introduced.

Prediction: This is the movie of the summer in my mind. Will it crack $100 million? Perhaps. It's tough to gauge how this movie will do with this being the first Star Trek movie in 7 years. It should easily rack up $200 million +. Nevertheless it will be successful and launch the careers of many of these talented young stars. Also, be sure to see this in IMAX!

15 - Angels and Demons (R) starring Tom Hanks, Ewen McGregor

The prequel to the critically acclaimed "The Da Vinci Code," Hanks stars once again as Robert Langdon with Ron Howard directing. When Langdon discovers evidence of the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati - the most powerful underground organization in history - he also faces a deadly threat to the existence of the secret organization's most despised enemy: the Catholic Church. When Langdon learns that the clock is ticking on an unstoppable Illuminati time bomb, he jets to Rome, where he joins forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and enigmatic Italian scientist. Embarking on a nonstop, action-packed hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and even to the heart of the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra will follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that mark the Vatican's only hope for survival.

Prediction: This movie will have as strong an opening as "The Da Vinci Code." Probably around $50-$75 million in it's opening weekend on its way to making over $200 million. Should be another solid movie for Hanks and Howard that might even earn them Oscar buzz come next January.

21 - Terminator: Salvation (R) starring Christian Bale

Another action-packed blockbuster hits May as Bale tries to bring back the Terminator franchise 6 years after T3. Set in post-apocalyptic 2018, John Connor is the man fated to lead the human resistance against Skynet and its army of Terminators. But the future Connor was raised to believe that its altered in part by the appearance of Marcus Wright, a stranger whose last memory is of being on death row. Connor must decide whether Marcus has been sent from the future, or rescued from the past. As Skynet prepares its final onslaught, Connor and Marcus both embark on an odyssey that takes them into the heart of Skynet’s operations, where they uncover the terrible secret behind the possible annihilation of mankind.

Prediction: This movie will be big. How big remains to be seen but I believe $80-$100 million will be the box office haul of this movie that will go on to raise well over $200 million for the summer.

22 - Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG) starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Amy Adams

Ben Stiller tries again as the night guard Larry Daley in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. After a harrowing night in the first movie, Daley thrives at the New York-based museum. But when Jedediah and Octavis are shipped to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. by mistake, it's up to Daley to rescue them. One of the rare movies that looks better than the first, families will flock to go see this.

Prediction: Opening on Memorial Day weekend will help this movie earn well over $100 million dollars in its opening weekend on it's way to close to $300 million total. Family movies always do well and Ben Stiller has a hot commodity with this movie franchise.

June

19 - Year One (R) starring Jack Black, Michael Cera

Interesting pairing but it could work. When a couple of lazy hunter-gatherers (Jack Black and Michael Cera) are banished from their primitive village, they set off on an epic journey through the ancient world in Columbia Pictures' comedy "Year One." Harold Ramis directs. The screenplay is by Harold Ramis & Gene Stupnitsky & Lee Eisenberg ("The Office") from a story by Harold Ramis.

Prediction: An OK opening around $10-$25 million on its way to making close or barely over $100 million. Hard to say where this will land.

24 - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PG-13) starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox

If the first movie is any indication, this movie is going to blow that one away. Michael Bay's vision of the changeling-robots from space is awesome! Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle.

Prediction: Defintely a hit with over $100 million in its first weekend on its way to well over $200 million. Sexy Megan Fox + awesome action = damn good time.

July

1 - Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (G) starring the voices of Ray Romano and Co.

Once again the gang of Ray Romano as a Wooly Mammoth and Denis Leary as the Saber-toothed Tiger along with their other pals are back. Scrat is still trying to nab the ever-elusive nut (while, maybe, finding true love); Manny (Ray Romano) and Ellie (Queen Latifah) await the birth of their mini-mammoth, Sid (John Leguizamo) the sloth gets into trouble when he creates his own makeshift family by hijacking some dinosaur eggs; and Diego (Denis Leary) the saber-toothed tiger wonders if he's growing too "soft" hanging with his pals. On a mission to rescue the hapless Sid, the gang ventures into a mysterious underground world, where they have some close encounters with dinosaurs, battle flora and fauna run amuck – and meet a relentless, one-eyed, dino-hunting weasel named Buck.

Prediction: Should do well over the July 4 weekend. No big mega blockbuster to speak of this summer in the July 4 slot as Transformers opens a week earlier. Should make about $55-$70 million on its way to $150 million or more.

Public Enemies (R) - starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale

An interesting weekend to open but this movie has Oscar all over it. Depp and Bale star in the story of legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger (Depp)—the charismatic bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover's fledgling FBI and its top agent, Melvin Purvis (Bale), and a folk hero to much of the downtrodden public.

Prediction: With an R-rating, this movie will do well but not on blockbuster proportions. Look for it to get $25-$35 million in its opening weekend on its way to $100 million +.

10 - Bruno (NC-17)* - starring Sacha Baron Cohen

The gay fashion designer from the Ali-G Show makes his movie debut with similar hijinks and interviews like he had on the show.

Note: Right now, this movie is rated NC-17 for strong sexual content. It should be able to reform and pass the board but it will get a barely passable R-rating so be warned.

Prediction: Wow. This movie is even more grotesque than Borat. Will it make as much? I only see this movie making $30 million on it's way to $75 million overall if that.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince opens July 17 in regular theaters and IMAX!

17 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (PG) starring Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon

Potter fans can finally breathe! The film that was delayed from a November opening to a July opening (8 friggin months!) can now see the film that starts the beginning of the end of this glorious series. Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information.

Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary: teenage hormones. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn’t counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simpering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

The last part, "Deathly Hollows" will be split into two parts.

Prediction: Huge opening of over $100 million on its way to $300 million. The anticipation will make this one of the biggest summer movies along with Star Trek.

August

7 - G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (PG-13) starring Dennis Quaid, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Finally, the big screen adaptation of G.I. Joe is here. From the Egyptian desert to deep below the polar ice caps, the elite G.I. JOE team uses the latest in next-generation spy and military equipment to fight the corrupt arms dealer Destro and the growing threat of the mysterious Cobra organization to prevent them from plunging the world into chaos.

Prediction: Should do well even though it's been pushed into the end of the summer rush. I see it making $30 million in its opening weekend on its way to $100 million overall.


21 - Inglorious Basterds (R) starring Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Samuel L. Jackson

He's baaaaaaaack! Quentin Tarantino's first directed movie since the Grindhouse movie "Death Proof" comes to theaters. The movie begins in German-occupied France, where Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent) witnesses the execution of her family at the hand of Nazi Colonel Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz). Shosanna narrowly escapes and flees to Paris, where she forges a new identity as the owner and operator of a cinema.

Elsewhere in Europe, Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) organizes a group of Jewish soldiers to engage in targeted acts of retribution. Known to their enemy as "The Basterds," Raine's squad joins German actress and undercover agent Bridget Von Hammersmark (Diane Kruger) on a mission to take down the leaders of The Third Reich. Fates converge under a cinema marquee, where Shosanna is poised to carry out a revenge plan of her own.

Prediction: It's a Tarantino movie so there's bound to be great dialogue as he is the master of it. Of course it will do well. How well depends on the critics. I see this movie generating a lot of buzz (even some Oscar buzz) and making $35 million in its opening weekend on its way to $100 million or more.


28 - Final Destination: Death Trip 3-D (R) starring Shantel VanSanten, Bobby Campo

On what should have been a fun-filled day at the races, Nick O'Bannon has a horrific premonition in which a bizarre sequence of events causes multiple race cars to crash, sending flaming debris into the stands, brutally killing his friends and causing the upper deck of the stands to collapse on him. When he comes out of this grisly nightmare Nick panics, persuading his girlfriend, Lori, and their friends, Janet and Hunt, to leave... escaping seconds before Nick's frightening vision becomes a terrible reality. Thinking they've cheated death, the group has a new lease on life, but unfortunately for Nick and Lori, it is only the beginning. As his premonitions continue and the crash survivors begin to die one-by-one--in increasingly gruesome ways--Nick must figure out how to cheat death once and for all before he, too, reaches his final destination. The film marks the latest in the highly popular "Final Destination" series, and its first 3D installment, giving horror fans an especially visceral thrill ride.

Prediction: The 3-D will help this movie tremendously as the fourth installment is really grasping straws right now. I see it opening in the $20-$30 million range en route to an $85 million take.

Those are the main movies I see making the box office interesting this summer. Any that I left out? We'll take a look at independent films in a future blog.

Why BBC shows reign supreme

Life on Mars was a successful BBC show before it came to ABC

Americans love TV shows. We can't get enough of the gritty dramas, the laugh out loud sitcoms or the reality TV shows we've grown to love. But lately American TV has gotten kind of stale. In the "Seinfeld" era of television, America was on top with originality in their programs. Shows like "Seinfeld," "Fraiser" and many others showed the creativity we can possess.

Lately, all the U.S. seems to do is look to other foreign countries and take a show that was a smash overseas and try to dupilcate it. Many shows from the BBC in England have been sent over here only to have many of them become casualties. Here is a list of shows that have come over only to fail:

Coupling - The BBC comedy about a group of 3 guys and girls talking about everything from Sex to the Giggle Loop failed miserably when the Americanized version premiered on NBC in the Fall of 2003. The big reason was the scripts were identical. Some british humor can not translate here. It's not that it isn't funny but when an American says "Bollocks," it kind of loses its luster. The show lasted 4 episodes before the plug was pulled. (BBC series lasted 4 series, 28 episodes and won the best comedy award in Britain.)

Little Britain USA - The biggest example of how a british show that's exactly like its counterpart can not possibly work in America. Jokes going over people's heads, etc. This HBO show was taken off the air after 6 episodes and its status for return remains uncertain.

Life on Mars- Sam Tyler found his groove eventually on ABC but the famed BBC Drama's American cousin was cancelled after only one season. In all fairness, the original only had 16 episodes which is about how many this version had. But still, this was one of my favorite imports and its disappointing to see it go.

Now let's take a look at the few successful BBC imported shows:

Worst Week - Based on the successful "Worst Week of My Life" on the BBC, the American version is even wackier than the original. Status of this series renewal is uncertain but I hope CBS decides to keep it.

The Office - This Golden Globe award-winning BBC show is now an Americanized award-winning show. Ricky Gervais saw the BBC version as a limited run show along with a Christmas special (much like his HBO hit Extras). He also was smart and made sure to change the dialogue to where Americans would understand it better. Still going strong and anchors NBC Thursdays.

For the last few years, BBC America has been one of my favorite networks. It has brought such great, original shows like "Robin Hood," "Not Going Out," "That Mitchell and Webb Look," and now the sequel to "Life on Mars" - "Ashes to Ashes" to the forefront of American TV. I think TV writers need to take a look at what they're creating and ask themselves what we could do that is as original as their shows.

Kentucky Gets It Right

New Kentucky Mens Basketball Coach John Calipari, center, has a lot to smile about

Break out the tight shirts Ms. Ashley Judd! As Dr. Kornbluth (Eugene Levy) said in the classic comedy "Splash" : WHAT A WEEK I'M HAVING! The Kentucky Wildcats went from irrelevant to center stage in the college basketball world by signing former Memphis coach John Calipari to an 8-year, $30+ million dollar deal. The deal not only puts Calipari in the national spotlight at the most premiere program in the country, but it also makes him the richest college basketball coach in history. Is he worth all this money? In a word, YES!

Just look at this man's resume: UMASS 193-71 (1988-1996); Memphis 253-68 w/ 9 consecutive 20-win seasons and an NCAA record 4 straight 30 win seasons. He coached both programs to Final Fours and came close in 2008 winning it all with Memphis when Kansas miraculously came back to win. The greatest quote from yesterdays "celebratory" press conference was: "I remember being in this place for a game and thinking 'Gosh, I really hope to coach here one day.'"

The man understands how presitgious this job is. Gillespie failed to realize it from day one as he called the UK coaching job "Just another job" after Kentucky's loss to LSU in the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals. Kentucky basketball is more than just a job for the coach. It is a way of life for them, their families and the many fans that pack Rupp Arena on a regular basis. With the passion and dedication to excellence that Calipari has had throughout his college coaching career, UK will be back in the final four sooner than people think.

But a fair warning to all you die-hard blue cat fans such as myself. It will not happen overnight. Calipari needs to weed out the athletes from the wannabes. The blue chips from the corn chips. Installing his system might take weeks, months or a year or so. But rest assured, Calipari will bring us back to glory. Just be patient.