Brian Griffin: Death and Revival

As many people already know, Brian Griffin was killed off in the Family Guy episode "The Life of Brian". He was brought back in a few episodes later in "Christmas Guy".

The death of Brian Griffin brought on a huge response from the fan base, starting petitions to bring him back, saying the show was past its prime, and many fans vowing never to watch again.

I heard about Brian's death,but I personally had not seen the episode. So, I brought it up on Hulu.com, and I watched it. I have to agree with what many observers of the episode said: the death, handled very real, seems almost quick and sudden. It's only really the subject of one act, and then we introduce Vinny (the replacement dog for the family).

Its very obvious to me by the way Vinny interacts that he was never meant to be a permanent addition to the cast (though they cleverly added him into the introduction sequence). Vinny is a very one note character. Albeit, Brian was the same way when he started, but we did learn more about him as we moved on. Vinny just spouts Italian stereotypes and really is a very one note character.

I heard about Brian coming back in "Christmas Guy", and I just finished watching the episode. I have to admit, how he comes back is very clever. Recall in "The Life of Brian" that Stewie destroyed his time machine and was unable to get replacement parts when he wanted to save Brian. This was to give Brian's death a sense of finality. But, very cleverly, Stewie had a cutaway where he went to Christmas in the future to buy the newest toy early. In "Christmas Guy", Stewie sees himself buying the toy at the toy store. He grabs this Stewie's time pad and uses it to go to just before Brian got run over and saves hi.

I have to give credit to the writers of these episodes. That was cleverly done. This is far better then it being a dream or a simulation, or some other TV twist.

Was this a stunt? Yeah, it kinda was. But, it drummed up all this attention for the show and how much fans really loved Brian. I missed him. I missed the Brian and Stewie dynamic even before time had come for it to sink in with Vinny as a new character.

To be fair though, I do wonder how much longer the show will continue. Seth has said he knows the series is past its prime (though I have to admit still laughing). I thought the new blood of Vinny might have worked to bring in new life to the series.

But you know what? I'm happy to see Brian again. I don't think we have seen the end of Vinny though....

The Hunger Games Book Review by Firewizard23

OK, so I just finished reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This is the first book in the Hunger Games Trilogy.

I want it to be clear. I have NOT watched the films. I did watch a review of the first movie -- so the plot did get a little spoiled. But, here is how I feel about it.

I read a book called Battle Royale, written by Koushun Takami. In this book, a class of middle school kids in a future China (Japan?) school are transported to an island to be part of the Program. This Program is them killing each other off till ones survives -- as a way to keep the kids under control of their gov't. Each chapter of that book during the actually Program serves as a small vignette of how each student deals with this situation. Kills happen frequently. The emotions and bonds of the kids are completely analyzed and thought over, and the book has a rebellious ending.

Does this sound familiar? Not only is The Hunger Games similar to this -- save that the Hunger Games are broadcast -- the plot is extremely similar. Not only that, but Battle Royale was just a better book. It focused on ALL the kids, not just a pair.I don't really know what to make of the Capitol in HG. They seem to like watching the games, but this was never analyzed in the book. They just come across as hollow and nameless. I don't understand why they tolerate it. I know why the Districts hate it -- they have to sacrifice their kids. But, what is the deal with the Capitol? Don't they see these kids as people too? Do they even care? It just feels soulless without that piece.

Now, yes, Battle Royale lacks that information, but the focus is so much on the characterization of each kid in BR that I don't have to stretch it to far to understand why the Gov't is bad. I hate seeing those kids die. I learn who they are. I see their struggles.

Now, ask me, tell me all about each kid in HG and what their struggles are..

..or can you only tell me about Peeta and Katniss?

I thought so. 3 out of 5 for me.

Enjoy the Holidays

As the 25th of December approaches, I cannot help but remember my childhood.

Yes, my family celebrated Christmas. We would all gather at Grandma and Grandpa's house with all my brothers and sisters and my mom too, and we would get to open presents together. Then, we would have the big Christmas dinner with all the fixens: Turkey, Stuffing, Corn, Cranberry Sauce, and Scalloped Potatoes (I still hate those so much). I loved those memories.

Now, I'm all grown up. My grandparents have passed on, my brothers and sisters don't live with me anymore, and my mom lives by herself with her new husband.

I wouldn't mind any of that... except we don't celebrate Christmas anymore.

We don't gather together anymore. There is just so much tension in the family now a days that no one wants to be together (for a multitude of reasons).

I miss that time. I miss being together.

Yes, I got presents. I loved that part. Who didn't? But you know what? We were TOGETHER. We shared our lives together. And, I feel giving presents is just part of the holiday spirit.

You know what else is too? The tree. My roommate put up a tree in our apartment. You know what? I missed having one. I missed how it makes you feel about the holidays, and the memories it brings out. I will have a tree wherever I live from now on.

I remember the huge tree we had at our Christmas's. My family doesn't do it anymore.

"We don't have any little kids anymore. What's the point?"

The point is being together. It isn't about the gifts, it's about family. Yes, the gifts are still gonna come from me. If you don't want to give in return...fine. But, I'm not letting that stop what I love about this holiday. Family and friends and being together.

My Feelings About Ebay and Online Selling

A few years ago, and still going on today, there were huge debates raging online about how to tax online retailers such as Amazon. The main legal point that was made was that since 1993 or so, a court ruling established that since these businesses have no physical location to visit (i.e. no brick & mortar store) they cannot be charged a tax since their location cannot be determined. Personally, I feel that that ruling was made very early on in the life of online retail and should most certainly be thrown out and redone with taxes applied as per the state where the item is being sent or shipped. Period.

Now, the subject of this blog will be Ebay. How do you handle the thousands upon thousands of transactions on a site like Ebay where they are just everyday people?

"Those people who sell need to be charging a tax for their state and report it on taxes! Think of the millions of dollars in taxes lost!"

"But, this is like if I had a garage sale. I don't charge tax at garage sales! Why should I here?"

These look familiar? Just some of the statements I've ever heard about this whole mess.

In my opinion, if I sell an item I own using an online site, I feel it is that sites responsibility to collect and get the taxes required (as I stated above). The reasoning is simple: many individuals who use Ebay do not understand tax laws and requirements of their respective states. This would make the process streamlined by applying taxes during payment, and would not involve the seller's input. -- it would just be taken from the buyer. Also, many people do not put vast amounts of items up for sale (an old lamp, a chess set, etc). So, asking them to go through such lengthy tax processes would be too tedious for small sellers.

Now, obviously, some sellers sell quite a bit of items, making full businesses online. At a certain point, these sellers should be put on notice of the tax requirements they must meet, and have to manage it themselves (with access to databases to find the tax amounts they need, I know also that at a certain point amounts made online do have to be reported to the IRS, but I don't know if online retailers have an obligation to report it for each seller). They should also be receiving documentation from Ebay for each year regarding the amount of money received during siad year, and such a document should be sent to the IRS (1099-Misc I believe).

(Btw, if Ebay already does this, my bad. I didn't research this).

Just my thoughts. Oh, btw. Check it my auctions:
http://www.ebay.com/usr/sprcha.rq3c7

My Little Pony Season 4: Priness Twlight Sparkle Review

So, I just finished watching the first two episodes of My Little Pony Season 4 entitled: Princess Twlight Sparkle.

Well, I have to say: not too bad.

First off: MAJOR SPOILER ALERT. Do not read anymore if you have not watched the episode.

Twlight, getting used to duties as a new princess, is saddened that she must stay in Canterlot rather than returning to Ponyville with her friends. Shortly after, a strange set of dark roots start growing all over the land from the Everfree Forest, Princess Celestia and Luna disappear, and the sun and moon both appear in the sky at once. The friends reunite, and, suspecting Discord is responsible, summon him. They learn, though, that this is not his doing (at least directly).

Zecora appears, forced out of her home, and she gives Twlight a potion that will let her see into the past. We see the battle between Celestia and Luna when Luna become Nightmare Moon, and we see the two royal sisters imprison Discord. We also see a new aspect of the series: The Tree of Harmony. It was from this tree that the elements came from.

The friends go to the forest to find the tree. Fearing for Twlight, the friends send her away saying she must remain safe if the other princesses don't return, as the land still needs a ruler. Saddened, she leaves. Discord, seeing her return, chides her for not staying loyal to her duties as a princess and going into danger with her friends. Offended by the comments, Twlight returns to the forest and her friends.

Upon discovering the Tree of Harmony, Twlight realizes they must return the elements of Harmony to stop the dark vines growth. The friends pretest, citing how the elements brought them together, they are used to defend the land, and they are used to ring in Discord if he gets out of line. Twlight says that their friendship will always endure, and, reluctantly, they return the elements to the tree (which is nearly tangled in the vines). Upon the elements returning, the tree glows in brilliance, and the all the vines vanish from the land. Princess Luna and Celestina are freed from their prisons just next to the tree and congrat the six on how difficult it was to give up the elements. We see the tree grow an additional set of vines, and a jewel box appears with 6 locks. Twlight does not know how to open it, but Celestia says that it will certainly be the 6 of our main ponies who will find the way.

After leaving, Discord notes how the elements are gone, but Fluttershy warns against him going nuts again, and forces him to help clean up. He agrees, and, through flashback, reveal that it was his black seeds that were growing. The magic still held within the Tree of Harmony after the elements were gone must have contained his roots for many years until now.

My reaction? Not quite the episode I was expecting. I like how it recapped the main events of the last three years. We saw Nightmare Moon and Discords initial defeats, and we also introduced a new aspect: The Tree of Harmony. I like how the friends are concerned about the changes that are coming, as it reflects how even viewers feel as the series moves forward. Things are going to change. Twlight is a Princess, the Elements of Harmony are back with the Tree of Harmony, and we have that mysterious box with 6 locks. All in all, I enjoyed it. I look forward to the next episode and what the season has to bring.

Boycott McDonalds

I am writing this post to make a simple request: Boycott eating at McDonalds.

Recently, after what will certainly be my final visit to McDonalds, I came to the conclusion that McDonalds is not worth the value of my money or time to visit anymore.

First, to the money aspect. McDonalds recently unveiled a new "extra value" menu (or something to that effect). Now, when I visit McDonalds, there is only one meal I usually have: A McDouble, Fries, Drink, and an Apple Pie. I used to get Chicken Selects, but that item vanished from their menu about a year ago, and it has since limited my food options when I visit a McDonalds.My McDouble used to be $1 on the dollar menu, but that has been replaced on this new menu with a cost of $1.19. Also, the Apple Pies, which used to be 2 for $1 (remember being told about that deal over and over again?) are now also $1.19 for just one (before it would be 99 cents for just one or 2 for $1). The fries I order are usually $1.19 for a small or $1.89 for a medium (did anyone actually realize that upcharge?). Finally, my drink (usually prefer a medium) costs $1.89 (and sometimes $1 during the summer).

I may have some of those figures wrong, but here is the bottom line. A few years back, I paid $4.35 for my meal at McDonalds (the one with the McDouble, Fries, Drink, and a Pie). You know how much I pay now? $5.92! That is a percentage increase of 36%! And, in my opinion, that is far too much money to be paying for the amount and quality of food I am receiving.


I am sure people could look at these figures and say: "Why not buy one of the value meals?"

Have you seen the cost of the value meals up on the board behind the counter? Most of them are more then $7 now! And they do no even include a pie for dessert!

Speaking of the Apple Pie, have you seen the box of an Apple Pie lately:

It reads: "MOM DIDN'T HAVE TIME TODAY SO WE MADE YOU THIS BAKED APPLE PIE"

Am I the only one who feels offended at that? A business is not the replacement for a parent nor should it project itself as such. Moms, you should be complaining hard about this. You should have a problem with this. Are you listening? McDonalds promoting toys to kids is one thing, but this is wrong. McDonalds is calling you a busy parent who uses McDonalds as a crutch and substitute for loving your children.

The quality of beef at McDonalds is not high -- in fact it is probably the lowest in the Fast Food industry. The quality of beef is better at Burger King and Wendy's (even Taco Bell). At those restaurants, I do spend more, but I feel the quality of the food is worth the cost.

McDonalds is a very dirty restaurant chain. I find the bathrooms to be very filthy and not cleaned regularly, the restaurant garbage's tend to be overflowing, and the lines for ordering food are not well defined and leads to confusion.

These are just some of the reasons I will not be visiting a McDonalds anymore. I hope you will boycott them along with me.

Why am I a Brony?

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

I am sure everyone has heard of this program shown on the HUB network, and, just by necessity, the former series of MLP in the 80s. Also, they may have heard of the term Brony.

For the uninitiated, the term Brony refers to the unforeseen demographic of 30 yr olds (for the most part) men who, for whatever reason, enjoy the program unabashedly and shamelessly.

At the time of this writing, I am 31 years old. I had only heard of the MLP through word of mouth and such, and I had never viewed the program. I did eventually hear of the Brony phenomenon, so, I searched on YouTube and found the first episode of the series, and decided to sit and give the program a chance (I am a strong believer in the idea of giving something a chance to impress of disappoint).

I have to admit to enjoying the program. I found the dialogue very witty and well done, the characters were easily distinguishable from one another with unique characteristics, the art style colorful and bright, and the show does contain good moral lessons about friendship and living (despite having ponies rather than humans). The show also has an extremely rich mythos and lore that is built upon as the series continues, and, unlike many other children's programs, things change and develop in the series with the characters, rather then characters staying locked into static roles. As an example, of the main 6 ponies, Twlight Sparkle, has actually become a princess in the 3rd season finale, and has also become an Alicorn (spelling?) (a Unicorn and Pegasus pony combined). Take than the series Recess shown on the Disney channel. None of those character ever change roles or have things permanently change about them. Oh, we learn things about them, but their roles never change in the series. MLP does have us learn things about the various 6 ponies (Twlight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash), but these are also accompanied by actual changes in the characters (Rainbow Dash has desires throughout the series to join a group called the Wonder Bolts, and, in season 3, she goes to their academy to become one! The series also features an adventure element, which involves the characters working together to solve threats against their homeland.

The biggest complaint of such fanboy-ness is probably that the series would be catered to girls. It is true: the 1980s series were very slanted to the young girl audience. And I think that is probably due to two factors: the focus of those characters on "girl qualities" (i.e. beauty, grace, caring, love, etc) and the general aesthetic of those programs (the soft colors, usually towards pinks, blues, and yellows).

MLP FiM, however, handles its characters with a lot more care. The 6 main ponies are introduced in the 1st episode, and we get a glimpse into their unique personalities. Twlight Sparkle is a student and very bookish, Applejack is a hardworking country girl on a farm, Rainbow Dash is responsible for cloud clearing in Ponyville (the central town) and a showoff, with aspirations of being a Wonder Bolt, Rarity runs a shop called the Carousel Boutique and designs outfits (she holds her beauty in high regard), Fluttershy is very shy and gentle, and has a way with animals, and Pinkie Pie is very energetic and enjoys throwing parties to spread joy. In this way, they are seen as characters first and not girls. This allows the audience to identify with them individually and enjoy the interactions between them which are consistent with their personalities.

In this way, the show is extremely accessible to anyone. I can only assume that, due to the nature of the show: that it teaches lessons about friendship (it;s main narrative), has adventure elements, well written characters, and witty dialogue, its no wonder that Brony's enjoy it!

The TwinBlades and the DoomChams Brigands

The first thing you must wonder about this post is: TwinBlades?

Well, The TwinBlades and the DoomChasm Brigands is a novel that I wrote over 4 years while I was in college. I thought it would be interesting to tell the tale of how I came to come up with the idea and how it became a full fledged novel.

You can buy this book at Amazon.com by the way:
http://www.amazon.com/TwinBlades-DoomChasm-Brigands-Charles-Spring/dp/1425974066/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1383919503&sr=8-10&keywords=twinblades

At the age of 20, I became obsessed with a British television program called "Knightmare". In this show, teams of 4 kids would be sent through a chroma-key dungeon to complete various quests (the format very reminiscent of choose your own adventure novels). One day, I opened up several windows on my computer screen and I set about the task of creating a mock style adventure for myself. And, I remember writing this line:

"The wagon train came to a stop at a town called Turnas. I had been traveling with the caravan for about 7 months.My throat was feeling rather dry, and I had not had a good bath in a long time. My green tunics, my trousers, and my boots were covered in dirt stains, and my short brown hair complemented my short brown hair  gracefully. I was going to love that bath."

Now, I wrote that paragraph with the intent of it continuing into a Knightmare-style adventure. But, I stopped for moment and looked at it. I thought to myself: "What is this character's story? What is his name?"

I didn't know it then, but I had just stumbled upon the idea for my first novel.

Now, I wanna be clear: I never wanted to be a writer. I was going to school to be a math teacher (which I did finish and I did for a few years). This...just happened. I had certainly been trained in how to write stories and how basic story structure worked. So, I knew how to write stories.

I originally wrote a story that was so bare-bones it barely reached 15 pages. It was just my characters, the problem, the resolution...done.  Over time, I just started adding more and more information to the story: more background of characters, expanding on descriptions, and even ideas for stories that would continue with those characters beyond that.

One of the first creations beyond the first character (whom I named "Trevor") was a partner for him named "Gerald". And, I will freely admit, they were gay partners at first. Why? I was in the midst of my own coming out process, and part of this process, inevitably, is to cover yourself in a cloud of complete and utter gayness. Everything you do is gay, gay, gay. I will admit, I bare no hate towards those who do such, but I do completely understand how vulgar such things appear. And I will freely say now, I feel that, while it is important to have a sense of pride in who you are as a person, to do so to the detriment and alienation of the culture around you....isn't right.

But, I digress. So, I had written gay characters. They loved one another, they had sex in one chapter, and they had this epic grand adventure. Over time, the story kept getting bigger and longer, and I finally stopped with a story that was roughly 40 typed pages long (one of the longest pieces I had ever written).

I eventually moved into an apartment, and I still had the novel I had written. It finally occurred to me one day: why not publish it? I could not find any reason not to, so I set myself to the task of finding a publisher. I ultimately went with Authorhouse. (www.authorhouse.com) They are a self publishing firm, and I called them and got more information on the actually process you go through.

So, I was all excited about publishing. I had verified that a novel with gay characters was not an issue for Authorhouse (as it turned out, they had novels published with some graphic material).

I was, however, past the "OMG gay" phase of coming out, and I had settled into a far more normative lifestyle. And, with that, came a revelation: not everyone really appreciates the gay agenda or appreciates having it through in their faces. And, I was OK with that. I had to admit even reading what I had written, the idea was so preposterous to begin with, I didn't think I could really swallow it as a reader. So, I set about the task of rewriting  parts of the novel to essentially remove the gay aspects. Ultimately, the two characters simply have a deep bond that could expressed through the term "Bromance" (this bond, btw, is much more deeply strengthened by a pair of items that the two acquire, but you will have to read to find out about that).

So, after removing that, I realized that a major part of the story was gone. So...I went darker. I made a point of having the story have a very deep, dark, but ultimately good message about the harshness of life. When I look back seeing the first and final drafts next to each other, the comparison is shocking. The final version not only was more mature as a piece of literature, but more mature in terms of respecting it's audience.

Also, I had to change up story elements so that, when I got around to writing sequels (I had planned 5 it got knocked down to 4). Once I had written and published the first book, I cannot really contradict myself afterwards. So, I had to watch what I had written.

So, I contacted Authorhouse again, and we began to start publishing. After a month or so, I got my first copy (yes, I took pictures). Oh, what a moment! To have my own copy! Of MY book!

I purchased many copies of the novel for myself so I could give to friends and family (Authorhouse is a POD service. They only print a book when purchased). I remember my family's faces when they unwrapped my book for Christmas, and how my friends felt seeing my book for the first time.

Oh, and I just remembered. One of my close friends read my novel in one of it's earlier incarnations. He said, and I quote: "This is a well written piece that drones on like a high school essay. " He was right, but I never forgave him for that. I signed his book copy, and wrote that comment in it.

So, that is how I wrote The TwinBlades and the DoomChasm Brigands. I hope you've enjoyed my tale, and I hope you check out my novel on Amazon. You can currently get a softcover or a kindle version!

Getash Herrinbrow is born

For many months now, I have been part of a D&D campaign group. I have to admit, this is the first time I have played D&D for real (as opposed to just having some creating campaigns that no one would ever play through).

So, we are playing 3.5 edition (if anyone cares), and our setting is the traditional D&D campaign (dragons, magic, etc).

We started our campaign out at 5th level, so I set myself to the task of making my first D&D character ever (for real, you know?). I decided upon a Rogue. I realize now after playing that I really like characters with extremely well developed backgrounds, as it helps to provide motivations for the characters actions.

Upon further discussion with a close friend who had more experience with running a D&D session than I, and after he heard many of my ideas for my character, he suggested that I play a Rogue/Noble. In this way, my charater would not only be a Rogue character, but would have the knowledge and the skills of a Noble.

I chose the name Getash Brehorrin as my characters actual name, and his adventuring name would be Getash Herrinbrow. I do have the full back story that I wrote for this character, and I will post it at a later time. My friend was not fond of the name Getash, but the character actually melded quite well with the party. My adventuring group included: a nymph druid , a pixie barbarian, an orc monk, and Getash, a human rogue/noble.

Getash is dressed thusly: he wears very fine silk and clothing. His biggest tell his a blue overcoat with tails that he wears commonly (Looks kinda pirate-like in design). He wear white silk leggings and brown boots. His hair is brown, and his eyes are brown as well.

I have to admit our first session was certainly interesting. We were set to the task of stopping a pack of Wargs from terrorizing a town. I also discovered that my group (whom the other three characters were an acting troupe) enjoyed...folly? Shall we say. They put on a stage performance and gained money, as well as ambushed and stole from a drunken man -- I do profess to taking part in this as well.

Getash, being the former/current noble that he was, went off to purchase a hand mirror, as he had left his at home when he started traveling. He is vain, I do admit, as his personality is very similar to mine (I do NOT look into mirrors to check my appearance all the time!)

On our adventure, we ran into a family living in a wooded house, and we were attacked by wolves. I was able to use my rapier (citing my noble background), I successfully missed my first attacker while trying to defend the druid, and she was knocked down unconscious (go me). We were able to revive her and we did wi the battle.

We headed off to a cave where many of these Worgs were, and we found the leaders as well as the "prince" of the region? (I'm not actually sure what he was, now that I think about it).

Now, I have to explain this. He was totallyl telling us lies, and Getash knew this. I was gonna be all bad ass (I have a great intimidate stat) and put a sword that Getash had been given (+1) to the guy's throat, and make him talk. But do you know what happened? Our pixie used his flaming sword and critted the guy -- killing him. Argh.

We did revive him, and I got my moment, but...I wish he hadn't been so hasty (he ruined my moment!). We did learn that he was responsible for the havoc with the Wargs, and we went to stop them and succeeded.

So, that is the tale of my firs adventure with Getash. I hope you all await the next tale!

"Monsters University" Movie Review

So, I just finished watching "Monsters University". I had seen it in Walmart for about $20 and did not think it worth that much money to see. But, when I chanced upon it in a Redbox, I couldn't really turn it down. (Hey, $1.20? Sure!)

So, my thoughts? I have not seen the first film start to finish. I saw enough however to understand basically what had happened in the film. So, I consider myself to be knowledgeable enough to know what the characters were (I did, for example, recognize the villain of the first film and what they did with him).

The movie is about Mike going to college and meeting Sully (spelling?). That much I knew from the promos. And I have to give those promos credit -- I did not see this story coming.

BTW, Major Spoiler alert!

We actually start prior to Mike being at good old MU, and we see him on a field trip with his class to Monsters Inc. In this visit, he is inspired to become a scarier. It is then that we see him enroll (years later) at Monsters University into the "Scare Program". Through this program, he does run into Sully, and the two have a conflicting relationship at first, which you do expect from this film, seeing as they were friends in the first film.The two of them end up being kicked out of the scaring program -- Mike is told he is simply not scary at all, and Sully is considered to be to reckless and cocky.

The two join the "Scare Contest" (I may have the name wrong) and bet with the dean (who admittedly is a really scary character in this film without doing much of anything. Great design and acting) that if they win this contest, they will be re-admitted into the scare program. This results in them joining a low end fraternity called Oozma Kappa (O.K. for short), which is a small group of completely non-scary characters (I smell an underdog story...). I have to give credit, the jokes made about this group are hysterical (the frat house actually belonging to one of the member's moms is a laugh riot!).

So, the group has to do a series of events in elimination format until only one fraternity/sorority remains. They barely win the first one (dodging toxic items), and it is then that the movie becomes a standard underdog story. After Mike shows them a glimpse of Monsters Inc, Mike trains the team hard by showing them how to scare and training hard for the events -- such events include moving quietly through a space, scaring only children (not teens), and hiding successfully.

The final event, which involves "Real Life Scares", is the classic final scene of any 80s movie -- the underdogs will pull through...but how? They are up against the frat house jerks that are standard for such films, and, they aren't really interesting (though they do a fairly clever hazing of the group that I will not spoil). The team does pull through (big shock), with Mike pulling off an amazing scare at the end (and it does look impressive (Sully's prep talk before giving him the extra boost he needed).

As it turns out, Sully wrecked the scare sensitivity meter on the bed  (he had gone before Mike), so that his scare would be phenomenal. Mike is appalled at this (and, I admit, the movie fooled me into thining it was the end of the film), and goes off the sulk.

Sully admits what he did to the dean, and he is expelled, while Mike goes off to the "Door Creation" facility to find a real child to prove to himself that he is scary. This final end sequence results in Sully chasing after Mike through the door, Mike finding out that children are not frightened of his, Sully performing an amazing scare on some adult men, and them both being expelled. (these sequences are actually quite good. I apologize if I'm simplifying it too much).

There is one final part of the film. Mike and Sully have been kicked out of MU. Mike sees an ad from earlier in the film about how they could work at the mail room of Monsters Inc, and we see a montage of them have a grand old time working at the mailroom, and then photographs of them moving up int eh company until they finally are Scarers like they dreamed of being.

I have to say that end felt very unsatisfying. I can understand that they want to show how you can get to your dreamed in different ways, but this felt very rushed. I almost feel we needed another part to the film or a whole new film to tell that story that they cram into the last 5 minutes.
Otherwise, this was enjoyable. I recommend it. 4 out of 5 stars.