Just Watched : Avengers - Infinity War

Yes, I have watched all 18 MCU movies before, and was eagerly waiting to watch Infinity War.  Am I a fan? Kind of. I love MCU movies, and have read a lot of Marvel comics before. I read blogs, reddit,articles and watch youtube videos after watching movies, to find any easter eggs I have missed or comics nerd analysis to get add on experience. Does that count as a fan? Maybe.

However, my wife and I did not want to watch it in a crowded theatre where our experience get obstructed by someone coming in late, or want to take a loo break, someone loudly chewing their popcorn, slurping their drink or a fanboy who cannot contain his excitement, so the opening weekend was out of question. We opted for a show on first Monday. Now, we had a different problem, To avoid looking at any posts, memes, videos or reviews for 4 days which could ruin even a bit of our experience. It was a challenge, but without dwelling much into it, I would say somehow we managed it.

 We amassed a lot of Regal rewards from our 4 months subscription of movie pass, and it was perfect time to use them. We just had to pay 3 bucks for 2 tickets as it was a new movie.  I don't like 3D movies, as putting 3D goggle on top of my glasses doesn't work for me. IMAX 2D was a better choice but for 40$ not wise one. Getting what you want for almost free makes the experience even better right?.

When we entered the theatre, the theatre was almost half full. Guess, a lot of people had the same idea as us. The few faces we noticed were intently looking at trailers, giving me hope that they want the same experience.

****MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD*****

There was a hush in the the theatre as the lights dim, and the lifeless asgardian bodies lying on destroyed asgardian ship showed up. After Thor and team saved asgardians from Hela and destruction of Asgard, it was kind of heartbreaking to see all of that going to waste. And then there was Thanos, who immediately established himself as the villain to beat, when he thrashed both Thor and Hulk without much effort. As two major characters die in the first scene, i realized there is lot more of it coming next. 

The movie has a serious plot but not dark or humorless like DC. Banner is puzzled that there is an ant-man and spider-man in Avengers during his long absence from earth, Hulk saying NO to come out during a fight, teenage Groot using cuss words, star lord making his voice deeper to match Thor, Thor calling rocket a "rabbit", Spiderman using "old" alien movie references, Spiderman meeting Dr. Strange and many many more.

The movie has so many characters, but somehow each character got enough screen time and role to show their importance in the role. I would say, Marvel has not made this movie for first time viewers. With $ 15 billion of revenue receipts from 18 movies, Marvel kind of expect you to already know the characters, which works well to fit all important bits in 2.5 hrs.

And the biggest achievement, THANOS. He is not a regular onenote villain (ala DC Steppenwolf). He is mad who actually believes that genocide is the only way to save the universe, However he has got heart too, which even his adopted daughter Gamora realizes very late. The purple guy is powerful than many avengers combined, his plans work (the way he captures Gamora) and he knows how to get the stones and how to use the gauntlet.

Now, let's talk about the big surprise other than the ending. Tyrin Lanister ! Yes, Peter Dinklage as a GIANT. A giant dwarf, who is almost double the size of Hulk. Dinklage plays Eitri, weaponsmith, who forged Thor's hammer and his new weapon  Stormbreaker. The next surprise followed immediately after, teen Groot picks up just moulded Stormbreaker and makes a handle with his wooden arm. So Groot is worthy of God's weapon.

Every scene after scene was just amazing, and every fight Thanos is in, is even more so. It is nail biting to watch him fight Iron man, spider man, Dr Strange and GoTG in Titan (StarLord seriously?), and even better fighting Captain America, Banner and rest of Avengers in Wakanda. 

Then there was the SNAP. The snap of Thanos' fingers. In the minutes between the snap and the credits, the whole theater went "WHAT?!!?!!?" followed by a silence. And as the credits roll and lights came back, I could see many faces still holding the WHAT expression. I am not going to tell you who died. And even though I know some of them will be back for sequel movies, it was still a shock.

MCU has made it a trend. Now people patiently wait for credits to finish. Gone were the days when they use to dash to take out their car out first as soon as the credits roll.  And the post-credit scene was a must-must watch. Now you know who is going to show up to save the world. 

So am i waiting for Part 2 next year? HELL YEAH ! Can they do better than this movie? I don't know but even then it's going to be AWESOME.

My experience with MoviePass : Isn't it fantastic !?!

When in late August i saw a post on slickdeals about a 10$ per month service to watch unlimited movies, I was intrigued. Not that I watch too many movies every month, but at 10$ it was a tempting offer. Fpr cost of one, I could watch many more each month. I looked for loopholes and restrictions (1 movie a day, 2D only, no movie repeat) but it was not something that i couldn't risk 20$ for, so i signed up for two cards.

For next few weeks, MoviePass was the buzzword in news, and not necessarily for all good reasons. There were delays in receiving movie passes, AMC campaigning against it, critics and forums saying it wouldn't survive long term, and the website and app being down most of the time due to increased load. And I was thinking, at max i will lose 20$, so i was good for it.

Finally I received our two movie passes in early September, without any delays as many were mentioning in forums. To test it out i tried it in the regal theatre next to my house. I would be lying if i said that I was not somewhat hesitant in using it. I checked in the movie on my phone, and instantly it asked me to buy tickets in next 30 minutes. I gave 2 movie passes at the ticket counter, half expecting that cards fail to work. But what i got was two tickets fully paid. I was kind of surprised. No hassles. That not what the forums or reviews said.

Since then we have used it 22 more times in last three and half months, and it always work just like a charm. I agree that I wouldn't have watched all 23 if not for movie pass, but wouldn't ve missed few big ones like Thor, Coco, Jumanji and Star Wars.  However, because of it we were able to watch a few absolute good ones, like Three billboards outside ebbing missouri, Murder on orient express, Dunkirk etc. And i would say the best part is, you only regret losing time (and not money) when you see a bad one.

Our experience with MoviePass has been just fantastic in last 3.5 months. It is so easy to change your routine shopping trip to movie night (or day) now. Also, our movie and dinner nights are somewhat lighter on the pocket now. I would say that's a definite win. Did i mention we got first two weeks free.

They also have a yearly plan now and it saves 30$ per year on already low price. But I am still not convinced to convert to yearly plan, so i will keep monthly plan for now . Perhaps things will change next year with MoviePass for better or worse as they are putting new restrictions (GPS tracking, 9 month block and fines), but right now it's definitely a GOOD choice to have. 

Just Watched: COCO - The best movie of 2017

When i watched the trailer for the very first time few months back, I was not at all impressed. It just looked as if someone just tried to copy Book of Life. Then i saw it's Disney Pixar, and I was kind of puzzled. The movie was released in Mexico almost a month before to coincide with Day of the Dead celebrations, and when i read the reviews I was amazed, that how could they make a such good movie from an OK looking trailer, but then it's Pixar right.

When i saw the movie in November end. I was speechless. The movie was more than amazing. It is like the best movie i saw this year. Just as good as Up and Wall-E. And just like them after some time you do not think it as an animation anymore. Miguel a 12 year old in Mexico love music, but sadly his shoemaker family doesn't, because his great-great grandmother was betrayed by her musician husband. Miguel goes against his family wishes and try to steal guitar of famous legend Ernesto Cruz, to participate in musical event.  This takes him to the land of the dead, where he meets his departed extended family and takes a journey to meet his idol Ernesto Cruz with help of Hector.

The best great grandmother ever

There are great visuals, and pretty good music too, but where Coco stood apart, was capturing the emotions and all what is good about a family. This movie could make a grown man emotional, and i have proof (me). You would love Miguel and his journey, and who you would fall for is his great grandmother CoCo. Yes, the movie is named after great grandmother, who does not have much screen time, but is a scene stealer. And she justifies why the movie is named after her.

I would say this is my best movie of the year. Yes, Ahead of Bahubali part 2, and much ahead of all the marvel movies. Coco is must watch movie for all ages. Just fantastic.

La Decima - All Hail the King

By the time clay season started, Nadal already lost 3 finals and had 3 losses against Federer. On the other hand, Federer won 3 finals including a grand slam and 2 masters. I was happy to see both of them playing so well. Nadal was having a pretty good season, 3 finals on hard court is something he rarely achieve, so I was hopeful that clay season would help him get back to winning ways. But I was definitely not expecting it to be turn out this way.

First in line was Montecarlo, where he won record 9 times already. This was a title he needed, because getting a 10th here would be perfect start to the clay season. Other than losing a set against Edmund in opening round. He played almost perfect in next 4 matches. 6-1, 6-1 against younger Zverev was just perfection. With Djokovic out in QFs, it was easy enough for Rafa to win SF and finals and get his 10th Montecarlo crown.

 The next step was his home tournament in Barcelona, where he is so popular that the center court bears his name "Pista Rafael Nadal", so definitely losing is not an option in a court named after you. He reached final without losing a set against low ranked opponents, and in final Theim was no match for him, which he won 6-4,6-1. I loved the title ceremony. In addition of playing his 10 wins on large screen, they made a big 10 and placed it in ground. 

Next was Madrid, he has won 4 times here, but it was always tougher than other clay tournaments for him. I was not expecting him to win, but the way he did was amazing. There were no low ranked players - unpredictable Fognini in opener, Kyrgios in second and then Goffin. Semi final against Djokovic, the litmus test, he passed easily with 6-2, 6-4 and then beat Theim again in final for his 5th Madrid title.

After 3 tournament wins, I was seriously hoping that he would withdraw from Rome, to save his energy for Roland Garros, so when he lost against Theim in QF, I actually felt relieved.

And finally the Roland Garros. With his form Nadal was definitely the top contender. He won here with much lesser form than he showed in clay. He just breezed through. His third round opponent, could only get a one game in 3 sets (6-0,6-1,6-0). By the time he reached SemiFinals he just lost 22 games. On the other end was again Dominic Theim, fresh from his win against Djokovic, where he blanked Djokovic in third set. But he was no match for Rafael Nadal at French Open. Nadal won in straight sets and blanked Theim in third set. 

The final against Wawrinka, who won against Murray, could have been trickier, as Wawrinka has won a grand slam final against Nadal before. But with this form it was tough to deny Nadal his La Decima. He won easily with loss of just 6 games.Nadal did not lose a set in whole tournament, just like in 2008 and 2010, when he was crowned number 1.

A grand slam won 10 times, I don't think this would be something anyone would be able to achieve again. The presentation ceremony was fit for such a big moment. The trophy, La Decima video, the big banners with '10' and 'Bravo Rafa', and above all recognizing his coach Tony Nadal by calling him on stage and giving him the replica of the trophy. I always thought that French open presentation ceremonies were kind of bland in comparison with other slams, but this time they really outdid themselves and others.

And for me, this clay season was most amazing. Seeing Nadal once more at top of his game was like a privilege, which i no more thought would come again. Just amazing. A perfect clay season for the king. All hail the King.

VA State Parks #2- A day in Pocahontas State Park

Just 30-minutes drive away from Richmond, located in chesterfield county is Pocahontas State Park, the largest Virginia state park. Established in year 1946,this park spreads out in 7,925 acres of land has amazing trail network to offer, and many other activities from camping to fishing. So, yeah it has wide range of outdoor adventure and fee is 5$ only for parking. Awesome right! They have trails for everyone hiker, biker, jogger, runner, dog lovers so  basically that counts everyone in.
We visited for a day hike and chose Beaver lake trail, which is one of the easiest and also popular one. As it is just 2.5-mile loop around the lake. For a novice hiker it is a perfect place to explore.

We started our hike clockwise around the lake, so that we go through the hilly part in our first half of the hike and flat course for later. We followed the fence from where we get the glimpse of beaver lake.

Small wooden bench by the lake, under the woods one place to click beautiful view of lake. I can only imagine how wonderful it will look in sunny summer day.

Moving forward to Beaver dam, here the flow of water stream make it look like a waterfall definitely one of the highlights in beaver lake trail. From here hilly terrain starts which later turns into flatter course.

We saw small bridges over the creek, water flowing beneath which I guess meet in to the lake. Here after it was like walking into the woods. CCC museum is 1.19 miles away so half the trail is done.

Boardwalk here felt like winter dry I mean it was nice and well maintained but surrounding was all fallen leaves and trees which off course is natural because its winter.

Near to here we saw an observation platform for the closer look to the lake, another platform is just before the end of trail.

We did trail clockwise but direction is not major concern, its totally depends on you. On our return, we went to CCC Museum which is dedicated to the Depression era worker who helped in building the state park.

One more interesting fact we learnt here was that this CCC museum was constructed by CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). I really love the vision the leader at that time had for their country may be in future you may see our write-up about CCC.

This is our picture story of Pocahontas state park. We really loved it and hope to come again and explore more of this beautiful park.