FC School: Exercise #1 Capture Who You Are
We have been working around the clock to structure all of our FC content and information so that we maximize the opportunity we have in front of us. We want to build a stronger relationship with you by delivering the full value of being a Firecracker. By the time we all hit the field, I promise those of you who put in the time will see the benefits by the summer.
On a scale from 1-10, how do you, as a player or team, compare to the Firecracker standard set before you? If reaching that standard is as important to you as it is to us, then now is the time to implement the ingredients of the Firecracker "system".
We will be sending out lessons weekly to you from FC OnDemand to pass on to your players. They are structured like assignments with a task or quiz at the end.
This starts right here, right now, by capturing our players' self-image.
Exercise #1 Capture Who You Are is below
Players: GET STARTED TONIGHT
Coaches: Send out to all your players immediately
A lesson on FC Fielding is coming tomorrow, so don't fall behind.
Jon Jon Reviews: El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
When Breaking Bad ended it’s epic five-season run on AMC in 2013, the series not only left us with closure for some of its main characters but also left us asking questions about the fate of other characters we had grown to love. Six years later, show creator Vince Gilligan finally answers what’s probably the biggest looming question that was on every fan’s mind: What happened to Jesse Pinkman after he escaped his imprisonment? El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie is the epilogue we’ve been waiting for.
Aaron Paul returns to the role of his career, this time in a feature film form, and doesn’t miss a beat in the time that he has been away from the Jesse Pinkman character. Aaron Paul has suffered from bad projects in his career after Jesse, but playing the character in a story centered solely around him shows he is capable of being a worthy leading man if given the right material. The film also features returning supporting characters such as Skinny Pete and Badger, Jesse’s drug-dealing friends played by Matt Jones and Charles Baker respectively, as well as Jesse Plemmons, who played the sadistic character, Todd. El Camino is also notable for being the final role of actor Robert Forster’s career, as he died on the day the film was released worldwide.
When it comes to the overall story format, I really enjoyed how the film balanced itself out with present-day scenes, in which the main events take place in only a couple days' time at most, and flashbacks, which helped provide insights into Jesse’s current psyche and present-day plot points. Gilligan, who is making his feature film debut as a director and producer, does a great job bringing the unique Breaking Bad style to the film, making the movie feel like an extended episode of the hit show with a much higher production budget. El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie serves as a wonderful, thrilling and ultimately satisfying epilogue to what is arguably the greatest television series of all time.
Jon’s Picks: Five Television Shows You Should Be Watching
Sometimes we all need to just wind down and escape from the reality of our every day lives by watching some television. But choosing something to watch can be difficult with all the content to choose from in this golden age of television. That’s why I’m here to help you narrow down some of your choices with these picks for shows you should be watching down below:
Watchmen (HBO)
In 2009, Zack Snyder released his film adaptation of Alan Moore’s acclaimed graphic novel Watchmen, showing audiences a depiction of superheroes in real world scenarios and the real-life impact they would have on our actual society in the 1980s. Ten years later, writer and show runner Damon Lindelof (Lost, The Leftovers) brings his take on the world of Watchmen, bringing us a new story that takes place in the modern day, long after the events of the original source material. The show will contain a few characters from the original story, but will also introduce new characters to the lore as the show’s lead is being played by Oscar-winning actress Regina King. Other cast members include Don Johnson, Tim Blake Nelson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jean Smart as Silk Spectre, and Jeremy Irons as Ozymandias. Watchmen just debuted on October 20, so be sure to catch the premiere before the second episode drops on Sundays.
Living With Yourself (Netflix)
Beloved actor and all-around nice guy Paul Rudd stars in his first leading role in a scripting television show starring alongside none other than….himself! The story revolves around a man who discovers he’s been cloned after undergoing a mysterious treatment that promised him the allure of a better life. Critics have praised the show for it’s clever writing and Paul Rudd’s dueling performances. Living With Yourself is only eight episodes long and can currently be found streaming on Netflix.
Barry (HBO)
See Bill Hader like you have never seen before as he stars in this 30x-Emmy nominated comedy series about a hitman who tries to balance his murderous profession with his newfound passion for becoming an actor. The show has currently completed two very successful seasons with a 3rd season renewed by HBO back in March 2019. Along with Hader’s award-winning performance, the legendary Henry Winkler is in a role that has also garnered him an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting actor in a Comedy Series. Barry quickly became one of the most beloved series on television for it’s ability to mix elements of drama, comedy and thrillers and solid performances to make for a very well-rounded show.
AEW Dynamite (TNT) and WWE NXT (USA)
Since the beloved days of the “Monday Night Wars” in the late 90’s, there has not been a better time to be a fan of professional wrestling than right nowwith Monday Night Raw and Friday Night Smackdown. Being longtime staples in the world of wrestling on television, All Elite Wrestling and WWE NXT has just begun their respective runs on mainstream television by going head to head with each other to provide the high quality of wrestling that you will find. You have the option to watch Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, and The Young Bucks showcase the talents of themselves and many other wrestlers who will have a big platform to perform or can watch the future stars of WWE such as Adam Cole and the Undisputed Era, Johnny Gargano, Matt Riddle, and Shayna Baszler bring down the house on USA Network. Wednesdays have never been this exciting!
The Chef Show (Netflix)
Join filmmaker Jon Favreau and Chef Roy Choi as they embark on a culinary journey that will inspire you to cook as much as it inspires you to eat. Inspired by the film Chef, which was written and directed by Favreau with culinary consulting by Choi, explores different recipes and cooking techniques from all different styles and cultures around the world. The show includes it’s fair share of celebrity guests such as Seth Rogen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Holland, and Dave Filoni! You can find the complete first season on Netflix now.
Jon’s 365 Movies in 365 Days Challenge: Movies #84-90
For every day of the year, I will be watching a movie I have never seen before. Follow me on my journey each week as I recap the films I see and give my thoughts on them. Hopefully you are exposed to new titles that you thought would never interest you or are given a new perspective on a film you have already seen.
Halloween (2018)
Michael Myers is back in the latest reboot of the Halloween franchise directed by David Gordon Green. Taking place after Halloween II, thus wiping out any continuity from past Halloween films after that, this 2018 remake/sequel brings Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie back into the mix to face off with the famed slasher and she gives a fantastic performance. A24 continues to be one of the more consistent studios with their lower budgeted horror films. I can’t wait for a possible sequel, which has been hinted at by Jamie Lee Curtis and A24’s Jason Blum. Halloween can currently be found streaming on HBO.
85. Instant Family
86. A Quiet Place
87. Date Night
88. The Mummy
89. An American Tail
90. The Grinch
Jon's 365 Movies in 365 Days Challenge: Movies #77-83
For every day of the year, I will be watching a movie I have never seen before. Follow me on my journey each week as I recap the films I see and give my thoughts on them. Hopefully you are exposed to new titles that you thought would never interest you or are given a new perspective on a film you have already seen.
77. Justice League vs The Fatal Five (2019) 7.5.10
The latest DC animated superhero film brings Bruce Timm’s famous art style back into the fold as the Justice League takes on a dangerous time-traveling trio from the 31st century. While Hal Jordan and John Stewart have been the primary Green Lantern characters in media outside of comics, this movie focuses on Jessica Cruz, a newer character in the Green Lantern mythos. Like most DC animated movies before it, this film offers plenty of action, heart, and great character interactions for kids and adults to enjoy. The addition of new characters helps keep the world these characters live in as fresh and interesting as they were back in the early days as well. Justice League vs The Fatal Five can be found streaming on the DC Universe streaming service.
78. The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997) 6/10
79. Get Smart (2008) 6/10
80. An Extremely Goofy Movie (2000) 2/10
81. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) 7/10
82. Evolution (2001) 6.5/10
83. Take Me (2017) 5/10
Jon's 365 Movies in 365 Days Challenge: Movies #69-76
For every day of the year, I will be watching a movie I have never seen before. Follow me on my journey each week as I recap the films I see and give my thoughts on them. Hopefully you are exposed to new titles that you thought would never interest you or are given a new perspective on a film you have already seen.
69. Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet 8/10
The sequel to the massive Disney animated hit from 2012. Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet continues the story of everyone’s favorite lovable video game villain, Ralph and his happy best friend Vanellope von Schweetz as they go on an epic adventure through the vast world of the internet. While the first movie followed Ralph’s emotional journey to find meaning in his life as a video game villain, this movie focuses on Ralph’s mission to help save Vanellope’s home game world after an equipment malfunction puts her arcade game in danger. Taking these 2 charming characters through the internet was a great step forward for this Easter egg filled franchise as there are many nods to your favorite internet and Disney favorites throughout the film.
70. Still Waiting 1/10
71. The Polka King 7.5/10
72. A Futile and Stupid Gesture 7/10
73. Girlfriend’s Day 6.5/10
74. Cool Runnings 7.5/10
75+76. Leaving Neverland 7/10
Jon's 365 Movies in 365 Days Challenge: Movies #62-68
For every day of the year, I will be watching a movie I have never seen before. Follow me on my journey each week as I recap the films I see and give my thoughts on them. Hopefully you are exposed to new titles that you thought would never interest you or are given a new perspective on a film you have already seen.
#62. Tully (2018) 9/10
Directed by Jason Reitman, known for films such as Juno and Up In The Air, teams up with Charlize Theron once again to tell this well written and phenomenally acted tale of a mother getting to know her live-in nanny after recently giving birth. Charlize Theron astounds with her physical transformation and authentic performance of a postpartum mother dealing with her own internal struggles as she develops a friendship with her younger, attractive nanny played by the wonderful Mackenzie Davis. Reitman’s directing along with the script written by Diablo Cody make this a compelling human story about new mothers and their mental health state. You can find Tully streaming currently on HBO.
#63. Captain Marvel (2019) 8.5/10
#64. Studio 54: The Documentary (2018) 8/10
#65. Ibiza: Love Drunk (2019) 6.5/10
#66. Deuce Bigalo: European Gigolo (2005) 3/10
#67. The Batman vs. Dracula 7/10
#68. Masterminds 5.5/10
Jon's 365 Movies in 365 Days Challenge: Movies #55-61
For every day of the year, I will be watching a movie I have never seen before. Follow me on my journey each week as I recap the films I see and give my thoughts on them. Hopefully you are exposed to new titles that you thought would never interest you or are given a new perspective on a film you have already seen.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018) 10/10
I was late to the party on this movie. I can finally confirm that Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is as great as everyone said when it first came out last December. The movie follows beloved comic character Miles Morales as he gets his Spidey powers in a world where Spider-Man already exists. After a massive explosion that brings other Spider-Heroes from different dimensions, Miles must work with them to help get the other heroes back to their own earths. Fantastic storytelling, hilarious character interactions, and groundbreaking animation solidify this as one of the best movies of 2018 and I’m so happy that it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Christopher Robin (2018) 8.5/10
Black Sheep (1996) 6/10
The Birdcage (1996) 9/10
Bee Movie (2003) 4/10
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018) 6.5/10
I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore (2017) 7.5/10
Jon's 365 Movies in 365 Days Challenge: Movies #48-54
For every day of the year, I will be watching a movie I have never seen before. Follow me on my journey each week as I recap the films I see and give my thoughts on them. Hopefully you are exposed to new titles that you thought would never interest you or are given a new perspective on a film you have already seen.
#52. Paddleton (2019) 9.5/10
Mark Duplass and Ray Romano star in this Netflix film about two neighbors who take a road trip to buy drugs that will end one’s life after he is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Duplass once again shows his immense talent as a filmmaker with intensely real dark comedy that pulls no punches. The performances by both Duplass and Romano are extremely commendable and the story will have you laughing and crying by the end. I feel this will go down as one of the most underrated films of 2019.
#48. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) 7/10
#49. Nacho Libre (2006) 6/10
#50. The Little Hours (2017) 6.5/10
#51. Wish I Was Here (2014) 6.5/10
#53. Room (2015) 9.5/10
#54. In The Army Now (1994) 7.5/10
Jon's 365 Movies in 365 Days Challenge: Movies #41-47
For every day of the year, I will be watching a movie I have never seen before. Follow me on my journey each week as I recap the films I see and give my thoughts on them. Hopefully you are exposed to new titles that you thought would never interest you or are given a new perspective on a film you have already seen.
#44. The Bill Murray Stories: Life Lessons From A Mythical Man (2018) 10/10
If there was anyone in the world who defined the phrase “Marches to the beat of their own drum,” it’s Bill Murray. This documentary compiles stories from all around the country as people share their random, unplanned experiences with the legendary comedic actor. From randomly showing up at house parties to bartending at a local dive bar giving everyone tequila shots even if they didn’t order them, these stories define the living myth that is Bill Murray but also serve as a reminder to everyone to just live in the moment as he has. “The Bill Murray Stories: Life Lessons From A Mythical Man” is currently streaming on Netflix.
#41. Batman: Gotham By Gaslight (2018) 7.5/10
#42. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017) 6/10
#43. The Break-Up (2006) 6/10
#45. Abducted in Plain Sight (2019) 7/10
#46. Ideal Home (2018) 7.5/10
#47. A Star Is Born (2018) 8.5/10