Movies TV

Digging to the Bottom of Film and TV Finance

2012-02-01T02:23:00.003-08:00

Of all the complex entertainment areas that one can discuss, film and TV finance happen to be far much complicated than all the others. Firstly, you have to get to know the ropes however good your idea is and if you remain adamant, your good ideas will remain just that; ideas. However, with the right partner to guide you through, film and TV finance becomes a bit clearer and you have a good chance of having your script read and cast. The fact that this is not a common area of discourse means that as you sit through that TV series, you don't put a lot of thought to the efforts that actually went into making it a reality. Understanding the innards of this broad area might make any TV or film maker appreciate the intricacies involved.

Firstly, film and TV finance revolves around the networks. When you sit to watch that hilarious TV show, you note the network logo somewhere on the screens. Though they don't actually operate their own television companies, they pay the affiliate stations to air what they have produced. As such, any film and TV finance will have to go through the network which will determine whether what you have is actually suitable for their target audience. They make their money through the advertising time and in turn, the revenues are used for upcoming film and TV finance. This is thus a cycle which includes adding new shows and dropping the older ones.

Another part of the film and TV finance group is the studios. These have been in control of movies and TV shows since the 1950s and they still are. The large amount of capital coming their way means they own subsidiaries and some even have their own networks. This means they can sponsor any script as long as it will return the cash and make a nice profit when it premiers. If a script writer has a really good idea, this is always the first place to land but you must have a reputable firm to take you through the complicated negotiations. Issues such as patent and copyright might be easy to read on paper but when it comes to money terms, you will realize you know nothing. Film and TV finance is not a gamble because the product will determine your future in the film industry hence the need to have a professional by your side.

There is another aspect of film and TV finance that is slowly gaining root and this is independent funding. This does not mean that you will chuck a few dollars from your savings. Film and TV finance is about billions of dollars and this might even be considered a low budget project. The funders include individual investors, foreign markets or even government organs that chip in either for some profit or to support a cause that a specific movie seeks to propagate. This branch of film and TV finance mostly targets low budget films because issues like distribution among other upfront costs really eat into the budgets. Whatever you do as a producer, always make sure you have an expert to take you through the whole spectrum of film and TV finance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_F_Newman

Child Appropriate Movies

2012-02-01T02:23:00.001-08:00

This article aims at helping parents to make sound choices when looking for movies to show to their children.

What makes a movie "suitable" or "appropriate" for children?

The same that makes your actions in every-day life acceptable or unacceptable. Every story comes with a conflict. In a good story this conflict is heightened until the audience bursts with curiousity on how the hero might resolve the many challenges brought upon her / him. It is the resolution of this conflict, which makes a movie suitablefor children more than anything.

Brute force vs. constructive resolution

In many movies it is simply the stronger wins. It makes us happy to see the hero win and if the cause is just, almost anything goes: cars exploding everywhere and the bigger parts of the city laid to waste. Of course these scenarios have not a lot to do with reality, but the number of people who think they need to teach their children to be strong (or more essentially stronger than others) is frightening. Only in a constructive resolution both involved parties can come out as winners. Otherwise there might be resentment, which may lead to an even more severe conflict and more violent responses (and this is what we don't get to see often in movies when heroes respond with force).

Criteria for child appropriate movies

- Constructive resolution of conflict

- Positive message

- No profanities or coarse language

- Feel-good atmosphere

- Age-appropriate content

- Creatively stimulating

- Sexuality and nudity

Positive message: A movie, which comes with a positive message will have an influence on your child's values and conduct. It is essential that you talk to your children about the message of a movie and emphasize on its importance if you want to make sure it understood the meaning.

No profanities and coarse language: Children playfully learn or to say it in different words: children's way to learn is by playing. They observe and imitate, which is a very powerful way of learning and let's be honest here: is there a more enjoyable way of learning? By imitating what they hear and say, children also adopt language and make it their own long before they fully understand what everything means. Hearing coarse language will make healthy children adopt, because that is what they do: they learn!

Feel-good atmosphere: Like with grown-ups the impression of a movie sticks with children for quite a while. Make sure they get to see things, which make them feel good about what they see and also about the way they feel about themselves.

Age-appropriate content: Children may see totally different things watching a movie than parents and it is thrilling and enchanting to see what they detect and what their conclusions are of things when they laugh. However, everything they experience and learn should be at an age where they can follow your explanations, because one thing is for sure: Children will ask! Unless you want to find yourself in a situation where you are forced to lie (which good parents won't do), you will want to show your children movies with content you feel comfortable talking about when they try to understand what they saw.

Creatively stimulating: Children sit on a treasure, which most of them lose over time: their creativity. Our academic education system does not work with children's creativity enough or like Ser Ken Robinson (professor of the arts, knighted by the British queen for his services to education) puts it:

"Education is not a linear process of preparation for the future: it is about cultivating the talents and sensibilities through which we can live our best lives in the present and create the future for ourselves."

Show your children movies, which make them want to draw pictures or tell sequel stories they made up themselves before they go to bed or invite them to do so: you might be surprised about the outcome!

Sexuality and nudity: Allow me to remark that I am not entirely sure whether a young child will take damage seeing nudity (e.g. naked legs) in a movie. While it will probably simply see them for what they really are: body parts, which allow us to go places.

On the other hand I firmly believe that a child will always recognize violence and always be disturbed by it. However, I recognize that nudity and sexuality and its impact on children is perceived differently and therefore will not recommend children's movies containing such.

Movie research

The IMDB (International Movie Database) makes a fantastic place to research for movies with all the information about a movie in place a parent could wish for (Even for Movies in production there is basic information already available)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rene_Marcus_De_Senarclens

Can You Matter In A Material World?

2012-02-01T02:22:00.003-08:00

To understand the concept of how to matter in a material world, we must first assess the true nature of matter and how we as humans play a part of that. The material world was created to give us a significant point of reference for subatomic particles to bounce back and forth and shape into the material. What we bring to the table is the physical experience of our life - be it positive or not - as a platform wrapped in human emotions. A delivery system that conducts raw energy into three dimensions. To say that practical thinking or basic knowledge is by any way extracting the most out of life in this space and time, would be similar to inferring that a leer jet is being propelled by ceiling fan rather than an advanced turbine. Practical thinkers are basic in nature due to their own lack of well-being and driven by an innate insecurity of self-worth when they know all great things have always come from great thinkers whom are courageous and determined to keep asking the questions outside the box.

As we go through life, from our inception, we are collecting data through life experience and we begin to shape and shift ourselves into what those experiences instill. Our journey is to rise out from the experiences and know the difference between our true nature as a spirit in a human body and differentiate from the body what defines US. We are as true nature a positive radiant energy that comes from the highest source of all creation, the god of your heart, that chose to come into this space and time to be understanding not understood. To relish and savor the opportunity to BE with each other, to love one another and support our growth into harnessing and living our highest self of existence. WE are the masters of reality creation. WE are the masters of self-realization. WE are the masters of materialization. If we open our hearts and minds to the fact that we do not need each other we miss each other's presence and have turned down our light and in doing so have become unrecognizable to one another.

Now, we must elevate and rise up together arms wide open to each other with cradles of love to US ALL and realize we are here for a reason and that reason is only definable by our actions we take and the choices we make to participate and activate our commitment into the human cause. To eliminate the isolation and separation from one another and unite to spread harmony and devotion to that cause. We are worth it. We are the ones who must take responsibility to make the difference and step up with purpose and ambition that nothing will deter US from achieving greatness as a unified community. We make ourselves and all things around us matter by giving attention and emotion to it. The more powerful the emotion and the stronger we care from our deepest hearts, the more solidified it becomes and the more elegant it occurs.

We must first look at ourselves and ask can we have it? Can we feel it? Accept it? Own it? Keep it?We are love and light at the purest form and until we can have that fact as truth; we will be floundering in our own doubt of self-actualization and self-affinity. We as Unity Signified offer this up, along with our deepest and most expansive nature of our truest self, we step forward and take initiative that humanity is worth it, deserves it and we will prevail. How do we matter in a material world? By simply caring to matter.

By giving our hearts and soul to the world in the most abundant and open way possible. By allowing ourselves to shine while creating room for others to shine along with US. By stepping forward in any space in time and saying with fervor it matters to ME and I will dedicate myself to giving that to the world whatever it may be. We have that gift, we have that right and we have it in US...we just have to acknowledge it and share it with each other and this world will rocket into a higher way of life as we all do it together. It's up to US!IT IS SO.....and SO IT IS!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jefferson_Keith_Langley

Shake Up Or Ship Out!

2012-02-01T02:22:00.001-08:00

For years Hollywood has been plagued with atrocities that continue to dismantle and disrupt the flow of harmony in a town that is driven by greed and egomaniacs rather than the balance of the dance between creativity and business acumen. In the golden days of Tinseltown - the industry was structured with a family orientation that permeated throughout the ranks of companies, studios, agencies and mini-majors alike, generating a camaraderie that regardless of being a competitor - the Universal goal remained in tact - "keep the movie industry machine flourishing."

With the incubation of cutthroat mentalities and not-enough for everyone kind of fear, the Hollywood ship has taken a turn that has driven it into turbulent waters and the irony is that it is self-imposed - merely due to its lack of self-awareness. Inflated budgets to inflate people's pockets has become a norm even if it means that there may not be a future because just relying on the common belief - "audiences will always want movies and entertainment to keep their heads above water in their own lives" - no longer remains a significant enough argument to literally cut its own nose off to spite its face. Investors are running for the hills...PERIOD. Fear is rampant. And decisions are slower than ever before as most grapple onto sure things that are no longer sure things anymore. Calculated risk is now a sink or sink slower mantra that currently is obvious to all who are in the know about the current state of the industry and leaks are increasing while the battles continue with their own inner demons controlling Hollywood entirely.

ISSUE #1: Egomaniacal studio execs, producers, directors, writers, you name it - who are absorbed by THE IT'S ALL ABOUT ME SYNDROME - clearly are more concerned about the house they own in the hills, is my Bentley the biggest and the brightest, do I have the hottest model or actress on the market is driving this industry into the ground. When the evidence is on the wall - "Either they don't know, don't show, or don't care about what's goin' on in the hood." Regardless, this industry needs an attitude adjustment...and FAST! OR their soon to be foreclosed house, ex-girlfriend and repossessed Bentley will not be the only things left in the wake of destruction by this type of behavior.

ISSUE #2: Quality projects have seem to fall by the way side only to lose out or be neglected by an industry once created to make solid, soulful and smart business decisions based on overall assessment. Time and time again we hear about projects getting greenlit because so and so went to college with so and so and they owe them for bailing them out of jail their freshman year. Or even one story I have personal first hand knowledge about - a friend from a south american country was given carte blanche into Hollywood, via the red carpet treatment, simply because he saved a group of top execs and agents from certain punishment after being pulled over and arrested by local police with an exuberant amount of drugs and high-priced call girls in tow. Their private yacht that they rented to rage it up, undoubtedly financed by unknowing investors of the studio, began to sink and he hopped into action to save everyone's ass.

Only in Hollywood would they create a Hollywood blacklist for projects that should be made, but are not happening. A list where everyone enjoys a script or package, but because the harbor is just too crammed with vessels not worth sailing the seven seas with is overloaded by an already flooded market with drivel. Independent movies have literally become fossils of a dead age where breakthrough films, actors, below the line talent reached pinnacles they would usually never have access to. Over the decades, time and time again, fresh voices, cutting edge talent, off the charts skills have risen to the top simply because there was an opening to it and marquee names were irrelevant - it was about the product.

What good does a broken down Aston Martin do for anyone other than auction it off for spare parts? Most would take it and cut their losses which is exactly what they will be counting...their losses. Rather than their gains and successes from unique cars, well-built and running in top form even if it's from a lesser known manufacturer that the audience could give a shit about either company - their focus is on the product itself and the benefits. Just ask the the professionals who name cache is relentlessly plummeting as their projects continue bomb worse than Hiroshima on a good day.

Is it just me or is this just the tip of the iceberg for what has become an industry run by over-aged children throwing tantrums, battling egos and credit mongrels - rather than like the old days grounded, savvy and well-rounded people who knew about longevity rather than fast and burn which is our current state of affairs. In what other industry would these behaviors be acceptable, especially when it means potential demise for the whole? It would be like a heart surgeon saying to himself, "today I will transplant an appendix in that place just because I need to open myself up to other opportunities regardless if the hospital crashes and burns, at least I will broaden my horizons and diversify my portfolio while I am the top."

Hollywood has lost vision - in a town where vision is everything. It has closed its eyes to the obvious and turned its back on the very fabric and nature that it was founded on - defining, building and nurturing talent, projects and voices that have purpose and aspirations to imply and instigate greatness for audiences to be changed and feel fulfilled from their entertainment experiences.

Now, it is based on gimmicks, remakes and fear driven chop shops that only know one thing and live by it, breathe it and grasp on to it with all their might...."take it while I can get it." We all know that the word "while" has nothing to do with forever. Even if it means nothing is left when it all goes down, it was fun while it lasted. For who? Definitely not everyone effected by your insanity and disregard and clearly not for those who you hand over a worn, beaten and decrepit baton that surely is doomed from its predecessor.

What would Hollywood do if investors just said, "screw it, why bother? It's not worth it anymore." Then, pulled out all together at once and took their money and toys to some other sandbox? What would Hollywood do if audiences bound together and boycotted the theaters or any other venue set up to milk their unassuming and unaware consciousness of what is really being fed to them as eaters? We would certainly have our hands full of a predicament that would cause fallout across the terrain of what would be called "torturetown." Wake up and get a clue or the proverbial anvil will fall from the sky and slam down on this industry like giant molotov cocktail and while it burns to the ground in smoldering embers - we can all grab our marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate while reminiscing about how great it was...

These are just some of the important issues facing Hollywood today and I encourage all those who read this and the articles to come - to round-up, put your fists in the air, connect and stand up for A FRICKIN' CHANGE! This industry is worth it! Our lives are worth it! And we want to be here to see a better and brighter tomorrow for all of us. It is time!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jefferson_Keith_Langley

Mark Kassen And Chris Evans Star In Puncture The Movie

2012-02-01T02:20:00.000-08:00

The movie Puncture is set to arrive at the big screen soon, and it will star Chris Evans and Mark Kassen. While most of us already will have seen Chris's work previously, this might be the first time that you will have had an opportunity to watch Mark in such a large dynamic role.

By the way, Chris Evans is also starring in the sure to be blockbuster, Captain America. The screenplay for Puncture the movie was excellently written by Chris Lopata. The directors are Adam Kassen and his brother Mark, one of the stars of the film.

It is kind of like rolling up two movies into one picture, because there are two different dramas played out in it. While this approach does not work in quite a few instances, in this film, the actors, directors, and writer pulled it off perfectly.

The movie is based on a real life court case that was started by Jeffrey Dancort. He was an inventor, who created a new type of much safer syringe. This happened in the 1990's, when AID's and the HIV virus were spreading around the world quite rapidly, which was causing a great deal of fear in the general public.

One of the ways that you could catch these diseases was by being injected with the blood of somebody that already had it. At the time, the doctors and nurses that gave patients shots were accidentally sticking themselves with the needles.

Due to these pinpricks from the needles, quite a few of them actually caught HIV from these types of mishaps. So, the doctors and nurses where very concerned about this, and were exceptionally excited to hear that a new much safer syringe was available.

However, when the inventor tried to sell it to the hospitals, that is when he discovered that it was impossible. At the time there was a company called the Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) that represented all of the major firms that supplied both drugs and medical products to the hospital.

One of the reasons that this group was in existence, was to keep all other companies that were not involved with it out of the hospitals. In essence, it was an excellent example of precisely how big businesses in America should not work.

When the inventor discovered this totally legal blockade that stopped his ability to sell his product, he hired the attorneys Mike Weiss and Paul Danziger. The film was remarkably well researched and digs deep into the court case and reveals things about doing business in America that is hard to believe.

It really takes an in depth look into the minds of the executives that run some of the country's largest corporations, and exposes some of the dirty underhanded tricks that they will stoop to just to make money.

The movie Puncture is quite riveting and should keep most movie goers in their seats trying to figure out how everything is going to turn out. If you are into real life court case dramas, then you certainly do not want to miss this movie.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bacot

6 Reasons House MD's Boss (Lisa Cuddy) Needs RFID

2012-01-31T01:55:00.003-08:00

If you are like most Americans, you are familiar with House, the witty and sardonic doctor on Fox TV. You are probably also familiar with poor Cuddy, boss of House. She is constantly immersed with House in battles of wit and motivation. Cuddy urgently needs RFID, and here are six reasons why:

Instant House Location System
Combine a real-time location system (RTLS) with a RFID tag implanted in House's cane to let Cuddy know where he is at all times. No longer can he watch his favorite soap operas while hidden in the break room. He will find no sanctuary to play Game Boy (or whatever other gaming system he is promoting this episode) in peace. Wherever he goes, Cuddy can track him.

Limit Vicodin Intake
With RFID, Vicodin could (and very soon will be) tracked at the item level. This allows Cuddy to know when... or, er... how much House is using at any given time.

Automated Patient Reports
While there are few things House doesn't hate, near the top of the hated list is paperwork. Many RFID systems allow for a variety of automated reports including patient reports. While House would still have paperwork to pass off onto one of his staff (or refuse to do entirely when negotiating with Cuddy), at least the amount of overall paperwork would be reduced, leaving him more time to be cranky and save lives.

Always have the cure
With RFID, custom par levels can be set which prevent shortages. This is extremely necessary as House will often need a specialized something-or-other to cure that one-in-a-billion disease. You must keep everything in stock of at least one. If not, House won't have the necessary cure on hand to heal the lady with jelly for bones.

Reduced costs
Everyone knows House is one of the most expensive doctors to keep around. He is constantly costing Cuddy money with the constant lawsuits, extended patient stays (often due to the initial diagnosis), and other miscellaneous costs of keeping House around (Vicodin supply for example). With all of these costs, Cuddy could certainly gain from reduced costs on the side. RFID can provide her this cost reduction, so that she can keep House around for just one more season.

Hand hygiene compliance
Have you ever seen House wash his hands before seeing a patient? Have you instead seen him be purposefully unclean around one of his interns or worse Cuddy (examples being sneezing profusely or wiping his nose when "sick")? With RFID, Cuddy can track hand hygiene compliance and monitor House's washing practices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Terpstra

Good Luck Charlie Episode Guide - Season 1 - Episodes 11-13

2012-01-31T01:55:00.001-08:00

Are you looking for a Good Luck Charlie episode guide? You've come to the right place for everything you need to know about the episodes you missed from season 1, episodes 11-13. This way you don't have to watch the latest episodes scratching your head and wondering what happened earlier on, because this is a quick and easy way to catch up on everything that you missed. Here's my Good Luck Charlie episode guide for season 1, episodes 11-13.

Good Luck Charlie Episode Guide Season 1 #11: "Boys Meets Girls"

In this episode, PJ meets a pretty girl named Madison at his new Kwikki Chikki job and starts spending a lot of time with her, leading Emmett to feel jealous. Meanwhile, Amy discovers that Bob used to date Madison's mom Katherine and that they used to call each other cute nicknames, leading her to constantly tease him about it. Teddy finds out that Gabe is getting picked on in school by a girl named Jo and decides to help him out.

Good Luck Charlie Episode Guide Season 1 #12: "Kit And Kaboodle"

As you'll discover in this Good Luck Charlie episode guide, this one features Gabe having his first crush on a girl from school named Kit. He inadvertently leads her to think that he's an only child so that they can have something in common. Mrs. Dabney leaves her cat with Teddy while she heads out of the house, and Teddy starts to worry that the cat is sick because it just lies there. PJ scams his delivery customers into giving him bigger tips by bringing Charlie on his delivery runs, and telling them that he's taking care of her while his mom is in the hospital (and conveniently leaving out that she actually works there!).

Good Luck Charlie Episode Guide Season 1 #13: "Teddy's Little Helper"

Teddy tries to get into her English teacher's good books by getting Charlie to be a part of her oral presentation of George Orwell's "Animal Farm" because he has a soft spot for her, but everything goes awry when Charlie starts bawling her eyes out midway through. Gabe and his basketball team decide to hire Amy as their coach instead of Bob after winning their first game thanks to her. Unfortunately, they soon realize the error of their ways. Meanwhile, PJ starts hanging out with Amy's friends, with hilarious consequences. Now go watch one of the shows!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Verny_L

The Many Deaths of Dracula

2012-01-31T01:54:00.000-08:00

Count Dracula has been resurrected many times in the movies, especially in the Hammer ones. Conversely, he has also been killed off much more than once. When it came to coming up with some pretty novel - and gruesome - ways of disposing of the evil count, Hammer films were certainly outstanding in this respect.

In Dracula (1958), Hammer's debut film in the Christopher Lee series, the count is vanquished by his arch enemy Professor Van Helsing (played so brilliantly by Peter Cushing), who bravely leaps across a table, whilst chasing Dracula through his castle, and pulls down the curtains, exposing the bloodsucker to the thing that is always guaranteed to roast a vampire into dusty nothingness: the sunlight of dawn. As Dracula crumbles away under the combined destruction of the sun's rays and Van Helsing's makeshift crucifix, hastily formed from two pieces of candelabra, we are witnessing the start of what would go on to be such an entertaining, iconic series involving the vampire lord.

In Dracula, Prince of Darkness (1965), the count is resurrected in the most gruesome manner imaginable: servant Klove cuts the throat of a suspended corpse over the sarcophagus containing Dracula's remains... and as the blood flows down onto the ashes, the count slowly materialises back to life, whereupon he proceeds to feast on the vulnerable female visitors to his castle. At the climax of this sequel, Dracula slips under the ice to a watery grave as a priest shoots at the frozen moat around his castle.

But you can't keep a good vampire down. In Dracula Has Risen From The Grave (1968), the count is resuscitated from his icy grave by the blood from the head wound of a priest who stumbles and falls down onto the spot under which Dracula's body is lying in suspended animation, cracking the ice and trickling the blood onto the vampire's lips. The death scene in this movie is truly my favourite Dracula exit of all. After a desperate struggle with the hero Paul (played by Barry Andrews) outside his castle, Dracula falls off a cliff and becomes impaled on a large cross, previously thrown down there by the hypnotised heroine Maria (Veronica Carlson). Some awesome Dracula death throes ensue, with the impaled count staggering around the woods with the top of the huge cross protruding from his chest, gasping and screaming in agony, blood pouring profusely from his body, as he gradually disintegrates, leaving only a crimson, viscous mess all over the cross and ground.

In Taste The Blood of Dracula (1969), which follows the story right on from where Risen From The Grave left off, a businessman (played by Roy Kinnear) who sells valuable artefacts, stumbles across Dracula's remains, along with his cloak and ring. He gathers them up and takes them back to his shop, where he locks them away. However, he is bribed into parting with them by the sinister Lord Courtley (Ralph Bates), who then uses them for an occult ritual in an old desanctified church. The way Dracula meets his end in this movie has often been deemed a rather weak and questionable one by many Hammer fans. After the hero has put a large cross on the door and set out the altar as if in preparation for a holy mass, Dracula suddenly experiences strange hallucinations of the church coming to life, with priests chanting litanies amid a general atmosphere of religious ceremony. Becoming dazed and confused as this surreal mass rings unbearably through his head, Dracula falls down to his death onto the altar and, as always, crumbles to red dust.

The next movie, The Scars of Dracula (1970), presented a break from the continuity of all the previous films, as we find the remains of Dracula lying not in the old English church of the previous film, but in a sarcophagus in his Transylvanian castle. As angry villagers attach his castle, a vampire bat vomits blood all over his ashes, and once again our favourite count is up and running, raging with anger at the villagers who seem hell bent on destroying him. At the climax of this movie, I thought that the manner in which Dracula meets his death was a little too convenient and far fetched, for as the vampire is trying to hurl a steel pike back at the hero (Dennis Waterman), he is suddenly struck by a bolt of lightning. As the screaming count falls to yet another death, body aflame, you are left feeling a little disappointed that his demise this time was not handled a little more creatively and convincingly, instead of relying on a bit of fortuitous divine intervention from above. Still, despite the weak ending, The Scars of Dracula remains one of my all time favourite Dracula films.

The break from continuity continued on into the next movie, Dracula AD 1972 (1972). Like Scars, the opening scene in this one seems to bear no relation whatsoever to what went on in the previous film, with a titanic battle between Dracula and Van Helsing (Peter Cushing making a welcome return to his role) on a runaway stage coach. The culmination of the fight sees Van Helsing die as he valiantly impales Dracula on a broken coach wheel. Exactly a hundred years later, the count gets his first taste of blood in modern times, as he is revived (again in an old church) in a satanic ritual performed by a group of teenagers, led by a descendant of one of his followers, a Johnny Alucard. Mirroring somewhat the stagecoach battle that occurred back in 1872, a descendant of Professor Van Helsing confronts Dracula in his lair, with a view to rescuing his kidnapped daughter from the count's clutches. After a cliffhanger of a fight on the stairs, Van Helsing eventually triumphs, staking Dracula into the ground with all the unwavering strength and determination that his ancestor had.

But as was the case with Dracula's Victorian adventures, so the modern world was not going to escape a grand vampire resurrection that easily. In the 1973 sequel to Dracula AD, The Satanic Rites of Dracula, the count is stirred from his grave by an eerie black mass, which involves such top brass people as MPs and Nobel Prize winning professors - not to mention a naked sacrificed blonde on an altar! Cushing's Van Helsing again returns to do battle with his vampiric arch nemesis, this time by luring the count right into a hawthorn bush (and we all know what hawthorn does to vampires, don't we? That is, if they are careless enough to walk right through one!). As Dracula screams and falls forward out of the bush, bleeding profusely from all the wounds inflicted by the hawthorn branches, Van Helsing again administers the coup-de-grace with the trusty stake - or, to be more precise, a piece of sharp wood which he breaks off from a nearby fence.

So, as it turned out, that would be it as far as Hammer making any more Dracula sequels was concerned. Sadly for us Dracula fans, there would be no more spectacular resurrections, no more wonderfully blood-soaked demises. Dracula was finally put to rest in Satanic Rites, and stayed in his grave forever. Pity, as I so loved the Hammer Dracula series that I would have loved to see the studio make one more - just one more - awesome Christopher Lee Dracula film.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_To

TV Review: Pan Am (ABC)

2012-01-31T01:53:00.000-08:00

This show is Mad Men meets Desperate Housewives but can Pan Am have the impact of drawing in a huge audience? This season is more of a baton pass from Desperate Housewives to Pan Am on Sunday nights in back to back time slots. The other factor is The Good Wife moving to Sunday night in an earlier time slot, but CBS will lose their audience because afternoon football games will likely force a late start. This could bring a shift in viewership for those like us who do not have patience for foolish scheduling. DVRs do not account for late starts so as their audience looks for other shows, Pan Am could be sitting pretty.

Drawing a plot line from an earlier decade gives an advantage of knowing the major events, and as with Mad Men, characters can impact the past. There is a reversal of Mad Men as the majority of this cast is female, as the times they were a-changin'. The dominating men take a back seat to the woman who find themselves in a new and more liberating work environment. There are still challenges to overcome and secrets that, if revealed, could change the country's underground missions.

Kate Cameron (Kelli Garner) is a multilingual stewardess who is recruited by the CIA as a covert operative. She has the ability to use her job to smokescreen hidden agendas while collecting pertinent information for the government.

Laura Cameron (Margot Robbie) is fresh off her training as a stewardess and having her photo snapped in full uniform that will be plastered in every magazine stand with her on the cover of Life Magazine. Her newly acquired celebrity status puts her in the spotlight, causing static between the sisters.

Maggie Ryan (Christina Ricci) is a character whose strong-hardheadedness puts her in constant entanglements with her superiors. Her responsibly to run a good crew while balancing the demands of her immediate supervisors is a task she relishes.

Colette Valois (Karine Vanasse), born and raised in France, was orphaned during World War II and is now a stewardess for Pan Am American World Airways. Her feelings toward the German people have stayed sour over the years.

Bridget Pierce (Annabelle Wallis) is English and recently left her position as purser where she led a double life as a covert operative. She dated Dean Lowery but abruptly cleaned out her flat in London. Dean is now left with a million questions. Bridget recommended Kate as her replacement within the covert intelligence community.

Dean Lowery (Mike Vogel) is the Captain of the Boeing 707 with romantic ties to Bridget.

Ted Vanderway (Michael Mosley) is the wise cracking First Officer who does not take life all too seriously.

These characters may take some time to build a repertoire with the audience. It is hard to become fully invested in the characters at such an early stage because all the women seem to have the same motivation. ABC is looking to replace Desperate Housewives after the lights go out for the show at the end of this season.

Swingtown was a show way before its time which was based in the 70's, encompassing all the shows discussed earlier. It would have been the perfect replacement for next year's 9pm Sunday time slot, so if Pan Am expands the characters through growth it could have the potential to sustain an audience.

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TV Review: Leverage (TNT)

2012-01-31T01:50:00.000-08:00

(4/5 stars)

Leverage

December 7, 2008

John Rogers and Chris Downey have created a wild ride of great characters that form a full circle of thieves-turned-Robin Hoods. A band of gypsies gone rogue that include a mastermind, a grifter, a hacker, a hitter and a thief come together to fight for those who have been taken advantage of has been done before. There are so many underlying stories to give the episodes a continued stream of antics.

Timothy Hutton (Nathan Ford) and Christian Kane (Eliot Spencer) are the veterans of the cast, bringing their movie and television experience. Gina Bellman (Sophie Devereaux) is an import from the UK with a TV and filmography repertoire that proves her wide ranging acting skill. Beth Riesgraf (Parker) has limited experience as a full time cast member of a series but she will quickly win over the viewers. Aldis Hodge (Alec Hardison) just turned 21 as the pilot filming got underway. The baby of the bunch will prove his worth as the comedy/computer geek.

Nate Ford (Timothy Hutton), "Brains", is a former insurance investigator whose son becomes extremely ill. When an experimental procedure was regarded as the last resort, his company refuses to pay, allowing the young boy to die. After losing his son, divorced from his wife, and losing his job at IYS, he drowns his life in the bottle. Nate connects with others skilled in different areas to form a team that runs cons on those not likely to get retribution from those who have stolen from them. The skills of planning that he developed while working for the insurance company makes him the leader who can delegate the cons. After successfully completing their first con, forcing their first mark to own up, the team agrees to stay together. His skill at manipulation has high risk consequences to the clients. The team is exposed to very dangerous situations that propel Nate to switch gears in the middle of a scam to insure that the client is rewarded. His alcoholism plays a major role in his conduct, and with his unwillingness to discuss his problems, it puts tension within the team that adds to the job of getting the mark.

Sophie Devereaux (Gina Bellman) "Grifter" met Nate Ford when he was with IYS and was pursuing her as an art thief. Their relationship has intertwined between good guy-bad guy to love of the heart. Sophie Devereaux is not her real name, as her list of aliases is longer than a legal pad of paper. She loves the arts and entertainment, although her acting career is often stifled by the fact that she cannot act. However, put her in grifter gear where she immerses herself in a character to pull off the con, and she is award winning. Proficient multi-lingualist and a quick study of accents, she is able to move fluently among those unsuspecting of who she really is.

Alec Hardison (Aldis Hodge), "Hacker" has computer skills that make him indispensable when a door needs unlocked, a computer needs hacked, or electronics are involved. He is a geek science fiction fan who was raised by an older foster parent who is more mild mannered than superman. The dry sense of humor he brings to the team is sometimes not even heard as he often spills his frustration through comedy that is revealed only to himself. He is the least complicated character that can become rigidly intense when his electronics are in jeopardy. He prefers to stay locked inside, but when he needs to be a physical, presence in the outside world and invest himself in a con he is flustered and hard pressed to stay focused.

Eliot Spencer (Christian Kane), "Hitter", schooled in martial arts and weapons makes him invaluable in the field. The team's protector, he is called in to make sure the bad-guys goons are intercepted before physically harming the group. His protection is old school as he is less likely to confront with a gun but rather enjoys the physical contact of a fight. His past is hidden deep inside and rarely does he open up to any of the team regarding his personal life.

Parker (Beth Riesgraf), "Theif", was raised in foster care and unlike Hardison's experience; hers contained child abuse which escapes in her inability to be socially connected to other human beings. She demonstrates her physically abilities when using her skills of concentrated strength acrobatics to maneuver using her gear to enter and exit highly secured areas. Her socially lacking skills leave her brain without an edit button so she speaks freely without thinking about who hears or what they think.

Each character's skill is indispensable for the group to complete the cons and get the justice no one else is able to get for the client. The fact that things go wrong at different points during each show keeps the audience guessing as to how they will succeed. The writers bring mystery to the gun fight, since when you know the "who done it" they can concentrate on an altered brainteaser with the issue of how the group can get back what the client has lost. "Lovejoy" comes to mind in the writing of the twist and turns that plague the group.

The director (Dean Devlin) has given a quick feel to some of the scenes that dictate the pace of the show. Devlin directs the first two, the last two, and one episode in the middle of season one, and does an excellent job bringing this group to life. The camera work is not too cinematic but more home spun and great for television. Some directors too often want to bring big screen complex visuals to the small screen which are unnecessary and used more often due to a lack of script content. That is anything but the case for "Leverage," as the scripts have continued storylines and new weekly cons for the gang to bring about righteousness for those who lost everything from money to integrity.

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Is There Too Much Face-Time In Comic Book Movies?

2012-01-30T01:09:00.001-08:00

A little while ago I did a post on if there's too much face-time for high profile actors in comic book movies. Whilst this is not a new concept, it is definitely an ever-increasing one. The latest and greatest comic book movies are now starting to damage the integrity of their characters and storylines by altering classic costumes, or causing impracticalities to the storylines, just to get the actors some facial recognition? Is it worth it?

When Warner Bros recently unveiled our first official look at Catwoman from The Dark Knight Rises, fans were shocked to see that Anne Hathaway was not modelling Catwoman's classic Cowl, and instead wearing a minimalistic mask. Storyline wise, perhaps wearing a cowl with cat ears would be impractical for battles, but is that the actual reason behind the dramatic costume alteration, or is just so Anne Hathway receives a good chunk of face-time as Selina Kyle. Whilst it's too early to tell if this is just Selina's suit, pre-Catwoman, but so far it resembles too much of Marvel's Black Widow, and not enough classic Catwoman.

I've mentioned the clichéd Spider-Man movies, and how Spidey manages to lose his mask in the final act of every one of his movies. Will that change now Andrew Garfield is wearing the tights? Considering Garfield's rising stardom I highly doubt it. Whilst I'm happy to see more scenes depicting Peter Parker's life, I certainly don't want to see the Lizard ripping Spideys mask of every time they meet. It plagued the last spidey movies, so Marc Webb would be wise to avoid using it.

Another interesting matter is that recent leaked snippets from the set of The Avengers, showcases Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) fighting together, both without Masks and helmets. Whilst this may sound pretentious, but these are two of Marvel's most iconic heroes, and their classic costumes are a huge part of their characters. So why the need for Cap to face off against (spoiler alert) aliens with futuristic weapons, providing unmasked, the Srulls/Kree/aliens could just shoot both Cap and Thor in the head? I just don't see the need for the alteration of classic costumes, just to provide high profile actors enough exposure in the movie. It's become an overused, distracting comic book movie cliché.

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Road Rage in the Movies Pt 1: Mad Max (1979)

2012-01-30T01:08:00.001-08:00

In 1979, Australian director George Miller created one of the most memorable pulp-fiction anti-heroes of the time. His name was Max and he was portrayed in the film by then unknown, Mel Gibson. Mad Max was a hit in Australia and later would win over audiences worldwide.

Set in the near future, the film takes place in Australia's outback, on the long stretch and miles of open highways. Max, a police 'Interceptor', along with his fellow officers, try to defend hapless civilians against highway marauders, who roam the outback, terrorizing people and other travelers. The film opens with one of these marauders who calls himself, 'the Nightrider', is on a rampage, using a stolen souped-up police vehicle as a weapon. Police in 'Pursuit' cars take up the chase, but end up as part of the carnage themselves. Now, it's Max who must 'intercept' the out-of-control driver. Max goes head to head in a deadly game of chicken, which the Nightrider loses. So distraught over the loss, Nightrider crashes in a fiery wreck and is killed.

This brings Nightrider's motorcycle gang to town to claim whats left of their colleague. Led by an evil character known as 'Toecutter' and his right hand man, Bubba Zanetti, it's not long before they unleash their anger, twisted ideas of fun and destructive nature on a small town. Max and close friend and fellow officer Jim 'Goose' Rains, come to the aid of a young couple who were chased down on the road, terrorized, beaten, and raped by the gang. They manage to arrest one the gang members named Johnny. But is released when no one will testify against him.

Later, as revenge, Johnny sabotages Goose's motorcycle, causing him to wreck. Johnny and the gang show up shortly after and set fire to Goose, who's trapped underneath his bike, surrounded by gas soaked grass. Goose remains alive, but is horribly disfigured by the fire.

Disgusted by all the madness and the tragedy that befell Goose, Max plans to resign from the police force. His commanding officer and friend, nicknamed, Fifi, talks him into taking a vacation and think about it before he makes his final decision.

Max takes wife Jessie and their baby son to the coastal beach area for some R&R, but Toecutter and the gang follows and finds them. They confront Jessie, who manages to escape with their baby to a remote farm. But they show up there as well. The ruthless gang eventually runs down Jessie and the baby, who tries to escape on foot with their motorcycles, killing them both.

And that's it. Max goes after the gang in a supercharged black Pursuit Special, (Ford Falcon XB GT 351), he methodically hunts down the gang members. He forces several of them off a bridge at high speed, shoots Bubba at point blank range, with a shotgun and forces Toecutter into the path of a semi-truck. The best and last he saves for Johnny, who he takes and handcuffs to a car that's about explode. Max gives him a hacksaw and tells him that he can cut off his foot in time before the car explodes...if he hurries. Max leaves him with this conundrum and drives on. Then an explosion letting you know, Johnny didn't quite get the job done.

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"All my life I've been a symbol - a symbol of immortal change. I'm tired of being a symbol - I long to be a human being." Greta Garbo in Queen Christ

2012-01-30T01:07:00.000-08:00

The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn is set to premiere at the end of this year. Fans can watch the first part starting on November 18, 2011. It is the fourth movie on the sequel of Twilight Saga with Twilight being the first, New Moon being the second and Eclipse being the third. These movies are based on the book Twilight, written by the author Stephenie Meyer. The story of the book Twilight Breaking Dawn has been divided into two movies. The second part is supposed to premiere at the end of 2012. The recording of the fourth and latest movie started on November 2010 and was finished on April 2011. The three main characters of the movie have remained the same throughout the whole sequel: Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan, Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen and Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black.

Plot summary:

The story begins with the marriage of Edward and Bella. Bella's wedding party ends when Jacob comes back home and decides to visit Bella on her wedding party. When Edward and Bella go on a honeymoon trip to Isle Esmé, Bella discovers that it's actually not that bad to be a human being and that she still has a lot to do to transform into a vampire. She decides that the transformation isn't urgent and can wait to fulfill it through the coming years. She then finds out that she is pregnant with Edward's baby. Edward wants that the baby be removed one way or another. Bella disagrees with this idea and teams up with Rosalie to protect the baby. After a while, Jacob finds out that Bella is pregnant with Edward's baby and would also like the baby be removed. Meanwhile, Bella gets weaker and weaker because the baby grows fast. One day, Edwards sensed an odd spiritual message. He thought that it was coming from Bella while in fact it was coming from the baby. The baby tells him that he both loves Bella and Edward. Edward then changes his decision to let the baby be removed and wants to keep the baby from that moment on. During her labor, Bella loses a great portion of her blood. Therefore, Edward sees no other option than to let her transform into a vampire through venom injection right through her heart so she could still live. Jacob thinks however that Bella has passed away. He is dedicated to get revenge for her 'death' by killing her newborn baby.

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The Greta Garbo Mystique

2012-01-30T01:04:00.000-08:00

"All my life I've been a symbol - a symbol of immortal change. I'm tired of being a symbol - I long to be a human being."

Greta Garbo in Queen Christina

Greta Garbo (1905-1990) is arguably one of the greatest actresses in film history. Greta Lovisa Gustafsson of Stockholm, Sweden had long held, and frequently talked about, her ambition to be an actress.

Her first film appearances were in two short advertising films; one for a department store where she worked as a millinery apprentice, and the second for a local bakery. These film ads were followed by a handful of extra roles in minor Swedish silent films. 1922 brought Greta her first opportunity to appear in a professional film.

Peter the Tramp was a small silent comedy filmed in the style of Max Sennett. Her work in the film was enough to help her gain admittance to The Royal Dramatic Theater's Acting School in Stockholm where she would study for two years.

It was during this period when she met, and was mentored by, Sweden's leading film director Mauritz Stiller, who gave her the stage name of Greta Garbo and a major role in his 1924 film The Saga of Gosta Berling. It was at this point that complexity entered the life of Greta Gustafsson.

At the time Greta was quite shy, somewhat passive with a willingness to be molded, and possessed a certain freshness of appeal. She was the perfect subject for director Stiller, who had an imperious ego and fancied himself a cinematic master builder. It was Stiller's dream to create the greatest star of all time - a woman who would personify all women. A woman who could be, "sophisticated, scornful, superior, but under the shining surface humanely warm and womanly."

MGM producer Louis B. Meyer, while viewing The Saga of Gosta Berling during a visit to Berlin, found himself impressed with the direction of Mauritz Stiller, but even more impressed by the acting and screen presence of Greta Garbo. Meyer negotiated a contract to bring Stiller to MGM with Stiller insisting that Garbo also be offered a contract.

The Hollywood arrival of the two Swedish film celebrities induced no special excitement and MGM was not sure of just what to do with them. Director Stiller never completed a film for MGM and although directing a couple of pictures for rival studios, had no success and eventually returned to Sweden.

The start of Greta's Hollywood career also wasn't going so well. Her screen test for Irving Thalberg failed to impress the producer. It took a set of still photos and a second chance at a screen test for Thalberg to realize the elusive, magical, and almost undefinable quality of the actress.

Her first couple of roles in the films Torrent and The Temptress brought Garbo to the attention of both critics and the public. This attention would provide the motivation for MGM to begin the real building of the Garbo legend. MGM had found itself another star.

What followed were some of Garbo's most familiar silent films including Flesh and the Devil, Love, and The Mysterious Lady. Starring with Garbo in Flesh and the Devil and Love was very popular leading man John Gilbert. The erotic intensity of the pair carried into an off-camera romance. The couple lived together for awhile with Gilbert proposing marriage three times before Garbo accepted. They were to be married in 1926. Garbo hid in a lavatory never coming out for the ceremony.

Her reputation for reticence and her mysterious screen presence would fit perfectly with one another. She was almost always cast as a woman of mystery offering a promise of sexual adventure. Audiences were fascinated with Garbo's growing mystique.

She was described as "every man's harmless fantasy mistress. By being worshiped by the entire world she gave you the feeling that if your imagination has to sin, it can at least congratulate itself on its impeccable taste." Other descriptions included, "the supreme symbol of inscrutable tragedy." and, "a super-human symbol of The Other Woman."

The Garbo mystique was developing off screen as well. Her personal life proved to also be a mystery. She dressed in mannish clothing, with a carelessness regarding her appearance, and lived frugally, occupying only a couple of rooms in her large home. Her personal time was guarded, and while there were hints of interesting suitors no one really knew how she spent her time. Unlike other stars of her day, she would avoid being in the spotlight.

In 1927, Greta met stage and screen actress Lilyan Tashman, with the two allegedly having an affair. For a time the pair would be inseparable. This rumor of bisexuality proved to add fuel to the fire of the growing Garbo mystique.

By this time, sound had been introduced into motion pictures. With many of the silent screen stars unable to make the transition to sound recording, Garbo had some doubts regarding her own transition. Having achieved great success in silent films, Garbo held out as long as she could fearing that her Swedish accent would prove to be a problem.

Not only was her accent not a problem, it enhanced her exotic and erotic appeal with audiences. Her voice was first heard in 1930's Anna Christie, which was publicized with the slogan, "Garbo Talks!" Some of her more famous roles would follow including Mata Hari in 1931 and Grand Hotel in 1932.

While Garbo's transition to pictures with sound was considered successful, it can also be said that it signaled the beginning of a slow decent in the stars box office appeal. There now appeared to be a crack in the Garbo mystique.

With the completion of 1941's Two-Faced Woman, Garbo self-imposed upon herself...silence. She chose to try and preserve her mythic quality, gradually withdrawing from the entertainment world, refusing to make any personal appearances, and living a secluded life in New York City surrounded by her internationally renowned art collection.

Greta Garbo has often been associated with her famous line spoken in the film Grand Hotel, "I want to be alone." The sentiment of the line was perceived to be a personal request. When asked if the line might be just that, Garbo responded, "I never said, 'I want to be alone.' I only said, 'I want to be let alone.' There is all the difference."

The obsession with the great Greta Garbo still exists today, and the Garbo mystique has become a permanent part of Hollywood history.

Carl DiNello is a Blogger whose passion is Hollywood history and those movies from the 1920's - 1950's that make up this rich history.

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Great Film Noir Directors of the 1940's

2012-01-30T01:01:00.000-08:00

For fans of the Film Noir genre, including myself, there is little doubt that the 1940's produced a wealth of noir directed by many of the greatest film noir directors in the genres history. It was these early noir efforts that would take the genre well into the 1950's.

The success of the following directors is not in any way limited to the 1940's, or to film noir exclusively. Many started earlier, and/or continued with their directorial success for decades to come in numerous film genres.

They are listed alphabetically and I'm sure you will find some of your own favorites included. I will also suggest for viewing some of their most notable film noir for the decade.

Here are my favorites:

Edward Dmytryk - From studio messenger, to top director, to university professor, Dmytryk directed two of the more classic film noir titles of the 40's. However, there was a black side to the directors career as he was one of the Hollywood Ten, a group of blacklisted film industry professionals during the McCarthy era.

Murder My Sweet - 1944
Crossfire - 1947

Alfred Hitchcock - A London import whose name and films are familiar to everyone. A master of psychological thrillers, many of which are film noir, Hitchcock had a career that spanned over five decades earning him the distinction of being considered one of the most influential filmmakers of all time.

Suspicion - 1941
Shadow of a Doubt - 1943
Spellbound - 1945

John Huston - The son of actor Walter Huston, John's career as a director, actor, and screenwriter left a monumental impression on the motion picture industry. Huston was considered to be a rebel as well as an ardent supporter of human rights. Huston's offscreen exploits garnered as much attention as his films.

The Maltese Falcon - 1941
Key Largo - 1948 (close to noir)

Fritz Lang - American filmmaking lucked out when Lang fled Germany and the Nazis (even leaving his wife behind) to Paris and eventually to America in 1934. He directed films in America for over 20 years before a combination of factors - an economic decline for the film industry, his reputation for being hard to work with and abusive to actors ended his career on American soil.

Moontide - 1942 (though uncredited)
Scarlet Street - 1945
The Woman in the Window - 1945

Anatole Litvak - Also forced to flee Germany and the Nazis, Litvak went to the United Kingdom, and then France, before finally landing in the Hollywood in 1937. His work was at its best when directing taut and suspenseful crime/noir films.

City for Conquest - 1940
Out of the Fog - 1941
Sorry Wrong Number - 1948

Nicholas Ray - During World War II, Ray worked on radio assisting with propaganda efforts. His first directorial work was for RKO Radio Pictures in 1949; however, Ray's best contribution to film noir would come in the next decade.

Knock On Any Door - 1949
They Live by Night - 1949 (this film provided Ray's directorial debut, but was released later in the yesr).

Robert Siodmak - His early work was also in Germany, and like many others, was compelled to leave with the rise of Nazism. Early success with B-movies provided the opportunity to direct bigger budget pictures. Siodmak's contribution to noir during the 1940's is very impressive.

Phantom Lady - 1944
Christmas Holiday - 1944 (Don't associate Christmas with noir? Try this.)
The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry - 1945
The Spiral Staircase - 1945
The Killers - 1946
The Dark Mirror - 1946
Cry of the City - 1948
Criss Cross - 1949

Jacques Tourneur - Born in Paris, Jacques first began his American directing career for RKO horror movie legend Val Lewton. This early experience in the horror genre provided the basis for Tourneur's command of mood and atmosphere, both essential in film noir.

Out of the Past - 1947
Berlin Express - 1948

Raoul Walsh - This Hollywood legend developed his skill as a front-line director during the silent screen era and would continue for over 50 years. In the 1930's, Walsh would begin working for Warner Brothers where he was introduced to and would become a master director of both crime drama and film noir.

They Drive by Night - 1940
High Sierra - 1941
Pursued - 1947 (one of just a handful of Western noirs)
The Man I Love - 1947
White Heat - 1949

Orson Welles - Referred to as a "boy genius' for his work directing, co-writing, starring, and producing the classic Citizen Kane, Welles is thought by many to be one of the most creative figures in film history.

Journey Into Fear - 1943
Tomorrow Is Forever - 1946
The Stranger - 1946
The Lady From Shanghai - 1947
The Third Man - 1949

There they are my list of favorite film noir directors of the 1940's. If you are a noir fan, or simply a movie fan, you owe it to yourself to see as many of these films as possible.

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Footloose 2011 - Another '80s Classic Remake

2012-01-27T02:06:00.004-08:00

Footloose 2011, once again Hollywood takes a classic '80s movie and re spins it.

In the original Footloose rebellious teenager Ren played by (Kevin Bacon) moves to a small town with his mother and he is about to be in for a shock.

Bomont is a small American town with a difference public dancing and rock music are banned by the town council, run by the local preacher played by (Jhon Lithgow) after a tragic accident some years earlier.

After making some enemy's at his new school and a few friends one Will played by (Chris Penn Sean's younger brother) gives a great performance as the hardened cowboy type learning to dance.

Ren soon learns that the town law is upheld by the police when he is pulled over for playing music tapes in his car for those old enough to remember those.

The preachers daughter Ariel who it turns out is really a rebellious bad girl seen car surfing at the beginning of the movie is played by (Lori Singer who was 27 at the time of filming) she beat Madonna to get the role.

Anyway Ariel and Ren take a shining to each other which does not go down well with Ariel's boyfriend and a number of encounters between them take place, most noticeably a game of chicken with tractors whilst "Holding out for a hero by Bonnie Tyler is playing".

Another notable part of the film is one of Ren taking out his anger by dancing in a barn doing some quite amazing moves although how much of it was really him is not quite clear.

Footloose goes on to see Ren fight for a High School Prom to take place and Footloose 2011 seems to follow much the same sort of script going by the trailer just updating a few of the original films themes.

Footloose 2011 may give film fans who have not seen the original a great time and as a fan of the original I will wait until I have seen the film before I decide on how it relates to the original but I am looking forward to it, Kenny Wormald who plays Ren in Footloose 2011 has been dancing since the age of 6 so should have found the moves quite easy and Dennis Quaid takes over the role of the preacher an actor I have enjoyed in numerous other films so will look forward to his performance, and Andie McDowell plays the preachers wife, another fine actress who I last watched in the Based on true story the 5th Quarter.

Footloose 2011 has a revamped soundtrack by all accounts with Blake Shelton singing footloose and a host of other stars contributing amongst them are Cee-Lo Green, Ella Mae Bowen singing Holding out for hero, with the soundtrack released September 27th.

Footloose 2011 is due for release October 14th.

A quick fun fact is that Footloose is loosely based on a true story, In 1979 Elmore City, Oklahoma, the local High School wanted to put on their senior prom but dancing was against the law, this was due to an ordinance law dating back to the 1800's banning dancing within the city's limits, as in the film the local preacher was against overturning the ban citing dancing the devils work.

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Great Movie Villains

2012-01-27T02:06:00.003-08:00

A great movie needs a great villain. Someone for the hero to stand off against so we can see how the great the hero really is. Some films get it right but even more don't seem to bother. They concentrate on the hero and just leave the villain to be a caricature. Here are some of the best movie villains.

Darth Vader is the daddy of them all. Darth has been impressing movie fans for generations. Lucas even made another three Star Wars films so we could see how he comes to be. Vader is so great because you can't see his face. When we are confronted with mystery our minds race to fill in the gaps leaving us with the coolest villain ever. Nothing that we see can compare to our imaginations. That is in some part why I think a lot of people were disappointed with the prequel Star Wars films. I can't mention Star Wars without mentioning the also awesome Emperor Palpatine and Darth Maul. With these two characters less is more. Their limited screen time means we don't get bored of them.

The Blair Witch is the ultimate in fear. For me anyway and I know quite a few people who agree. The Blair Witch is so scary because she is purely in our imagination. The film makes you think at some points that there might not even be a Blair Witch. You can't argue once the characters go missing though.

In the 2007 live action movie Megatron is realised as a monster of a villain. He is downright scary. Any Autobots who get in his way get ripped in half. What I like about Megatron in the movies is that he goes from an unstoppable juggernaut in the first film to a bit of a loser in the third one. Megatron seems to have one reason to be and that is conquest and power, take that away from him and he's nothing.

The Fallen is Megatrons leader and quite cool he is too. He is used far too sparingly in Revenge of the Fallen. We hardly get to see the original Decepticon at all but when we do he rocks out by showing us his ability to teleport and to levitate tanks, rocks and all sorts causing havoc as he goes.

In the first three X Men movies Magneto is played perfectly by Ian Mckellen. Magneto is an excellent villain because we can understand why he does what he does. He's not out for personal gain. He just wants to make sure that awful things don't happen to mutants. However, mix that hope with a dash of revenge and you've got a maniac who is quite happy to attempt to kill all humans at the end of X2.

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Vampires, The Fiction of It All

2012-01-27T02:06:00.001-08:00

Vampires have been considered a demon like creature that lives in shadows. In the past few years, they have become more popular, in teenagers especially. This "craze" began again when Stephanie Meyer released her bestselling series, "Twilight". Then the Vampire Diaries television show was released into the world only a few years afterwards. They both depicted Vampires as being these lustful and beautiful creatures and that they lived among us.There has been vampires in the fiction world ever since Bram Stoker released his book "Dracula" in 1897. But what really is the fiction behind it all.

Vampire mythology is even older than the fiction that was written in books. The mythology can be dated back to the 11th century when the Ancient Greeks and Romans "discovered" them. The vampires were called creatures from the deepest depths of hell. Most of the believers had their own theories on what a vampire actually was, whether it being a spirit possessing an unused corpse or it they were the unused corpse that relied on human blood in order to sustain their disturbing lifestyle. There is really one thing about vampires that always stays they same, and it's probably safe to assume that it will always be that way, and that fact is that the only way they can stay "alive" is if they have blood. Whether that blood be human or animal, they just need the blood. The devil has also been associated with vampires numerous times. There is many people who think that vampires were in fact the children of the damned or even of Satan himself.

This new craze of vampires has come into the world over the last 4 or 5 years, but basically they are the new thing. Most of the people who know some vampire fiction would also know the classics. The classics being, Anne Rice's series Interview With the Vampire and of course who could forget Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But the main thing that all of these followed was that vampires were beautiful creatures of the night who sucked the blood out of beautiful women who wandered alone. The thing that was so likeable about Interview with the Vampire was that the characters were very believable. They could cry and they could feel. But other fictional tales of vampires showed them as heartless brutes, who fed for no reason other than to feed.

Then thee is Dracula, the original vampire. The father of the damned and ''merciful death". Now most people know that Dracula did have some historical fact behind him as in his character was based on a bloodthirsty tyrant; Vlad the Impaler. Now in 1456-1462, "Vlad the Impaler" killed anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 political rivals, criminals and anyone else he considered "useless to humanity", mainly by using his favourite method of impaling them on a sharp pole. The main point of the connection was the disregard for humanity that they both had.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Meg_A_Collins

Amazing Documentary

2012-01-27T02:05:00.000-08:00

During the last days of world war two when Germany was near its end, a race on who will manage to conquer Hitler's bunker first was on the way. Capturing Hitler and all of the information surrounding his 3rd Reich was the ultimate goal of the allied forces. The Russians managed to reach it first in April 1945.

During that period of time the allied forces rushed to gather as much evidence as they could find in order to prosecute the German Nationalist Socialist Party (Nazis) for war crimes before they could destroy them. Hitler and his hierarchy was priority number one. All of Hitler's home tapes that had a detailed view of the Fuhrer's private moments were also found. Amazingly they were ignored since they did not provide any prosecuting evidence to the judges in the Nuremberg trials.

The significance of those personal tapes was far more important and revealing that anyone had imagined. It provides a glimpse in the personal life of one of the most evil men in history. Hitler's personal life was kept a secret during the Nazi regime from his propaganda chief (Joseph Goebbels) and people never knew the true person behind mask.

The documentary "Revealed: Hitler's Private World" tries to analyses the tapes and develop a personal profile behind Hitler, his interests and what he was discussing with his fellow colleagues and his lover (Eva Brown).

In order to conclude to this result, the investigative team had to overcome a major hurtle; the tapes recovered had no sound so the team could not tell what Hitler or the other individuals that appeared in the tapes were saying at that time.

Using cutting edge speech recognition technology, the team managed to map and identify the lip movements and match them with the appropriate German words; the results were breath-taking. I could not believe that the most evil person in history (according to me) had such calm personality. I was also astounded to see that Hitler was a big fan of Hollywood movies and he often watched and discussed them with his friends and colleagues.

Having watched a huge number of documentaries about Hitler, I have to say this is the only one that clearly captures the true personality of the dictator. Revealed: Hitler's Private World is one the best documentaries I have ever seen and surely one that cannot be missed. For World War 2 fanatics and people that want to get an inside view on what Hitler was like during his personal moments this documentary is a must.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Broomstick

Movie Review: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

2012-01-27T02:03:00.000-08:00

For the longest time I have been planning to buy Stieg Larsson's Millenium Series, but the scrooge that I am, I have never gotten around to buying the complete set. There are three books in the series (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest) and the first book has been adapted into a movie. I also have a copy of the movie in my netbook for quite a time now, but have just been putting off watching it after I have read the book. That's just the way I am. I would rather read the book first before watching the movie version. But since it seems that it would be quite some time before I chance upon a copy of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo to show up in Booksale (a used books store), I decided to watch the movie instead.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2009) is a Swedish film the original title of which is translated as Men Who Hate Women and stars Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist as Mikael Blomkvist, respectively. Salander and Blomkvist work together to solve the mystery concerning the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, a niece of a wealthy family. Harriet's disappearance has remained unsolved for forty years and as Lisbeth and Mikael walk through the evidence again, they uncover some dark family secrets that could cost them their lives.

Since its release in February 2009, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo has earned numerous nominations and awards in various international award-giving bodies for film and has become an instant blockbuster hit. The characters are all worthy of commendation especially Noomi Rapace who perfectly portrayed her role as Lisbeth Salander, an expert computer hacker with a dark past. I especially like Lisbeth's brooding character and the mystery of her past has added to the story's dark appeal.

For someone like me who loves a good suspense story, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo may be found to be a little wanting of satisfying plot twists and turns if compared with Shutter Island (which I loved too much). I find the premise a little predictable and not so surprising. In fact, while the plot slowly unfolded, I was reminded of some of Dennis Lehane's books like Sacred and John Sanford's Prey Series. However, for its portrayal of violence against women and incest and sexual abuse, the film is a useful springboard for intellectual discussion.

After watching this movie, I am all the more convinced that obtaining copies of Stieg Larsson's highly-acclaimed series would not be a waste of money. I am sure I would enjoy the story better if I read it from the book (yes, I am biased like that). Maybe I'll just wait until the bookstore goes on sale.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynai_Lamason

Paranormal Activity 3 Flashes a Badge and Makes Me Nervous

2012-01-25T03:50:00.001-08:00

I will let you in on a little secret, Paranormal Activity 3 creeped me out. I got the chance to watch this movie at an advanced screening at the AMC in North Park Mall, an upscale theater in North Dallas, which is interesting since none of my co-viewers acted like they were in an upscale movie. At some points the screams of the audience around me enhanced my viewing but overall it was more of an annoyance than anything. What it proved however was that a large percentage the audience was really into the movie and that is a good thing.

There are two things you should know about me before I get too far into this review.

I don't like shaky cam. I am tired of all the movies that feel they have to tell their story in a first person perspective. Some do it well, like this one for instance. Other just spit the bit and make me want to hunt down the director and slap him upside the head (see Diary of the Dead)
I love horror movies. It does not matter how bad the horror movie is, I will give it more of a chance than say an equally bad rom-com.

With all that said, I can now say with a clear conscious that I enjoyed the heck out of this movie. PA3 is continuing the story established in the first two movies using another group of lost video tapes which they establish using new scenes with the actresses from the previous two movies Katie Featherston and Sprague Grayden revising their roles as the adult Katie and Kristi. The tapes are captured footage of when the two girls when they were young played by Chloe Csengery and Jessica Tyler Brown.

The trick with these movies is finding a reason to have someone filming everything even when the proverbial feces hits the equally proverbial fan. In this scenario Katie and Kristi mom has a live in boyfriend Dennis (Christopher Nicholas Smith) who is also a wedding photographer/video editing guru. Now it may seem like a stretch to get a third haunting captured on video by an amateur photographer willing to shove a camera into the face of his girlfriend/wife as she is mentally distraught over the things going on around her, but thank goodness he does because it just made my Halloween a little bit better.

The actual decision to start filming everything is a well-played out scene which had the audience laughing and tense all at the same time. It also produces the first of quality creep-out moments and intriguing scenes which frankly if they had happened to me I would have sold the house and moved to Iowa. Yes I said Iowa and yes it would take an epic haunting and crazed demons to get me to move to Iowa. Deal with it. Once this scene happens, you have no problem accepting the idea of setting up cameras around the house.

Anytime I am watching a movie about a haunting I always remember the Eddie Murphy standup routine about how white people and black people handle this stuff differently, in particular he was talking about the original Amityville Horror. He says, far more funny than what you are about to read, that no matter how dreamy and perfect the house is, the split second that house tells them in that baritone voice to "Get out" they are gone. In the case of this white family, unlike says those folks from Amityville Horror, while they stay a bit longer than I would, when the mom finally gets a gander at what is going on, when she experiences it for herself, she packs up immediately, throws the kids in the back and heads for grandma's house. And let me tell you, if I saw what the mom Julie (Lauren Bitter) saw I would have packed up and moved to Iowa... oh wait I used that joke already.

Paranormal Activity 3 does a masterful job of timing their scares and building the tension. What you think will happen rarely does and what finally does get you is a good unexpected scare. While they use some of the jump out and scream tactics they are well placed, well timed, and not always about the haunting. Furthermore, it would also be in your best interest to set aside the things you saw in the trailer, most of it is not in the movie and in fact was wisely only shot so that the trailer could exist without ruining the real scares in the movie. For the horror fan, for those that enjoyed either of the first two, or for guys trying to make a move on their girls, this is the movie and this is the season. Enjoy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Russell_Edwards

Movie Review: Arthur Christmas

2012-01-25T03:49:00.003-08:00

"Arthur Christmas" is a 3D movie from Sony Pictures Animation, ready to hit the theaters on November 23, 2011. Sony Pictures Animation studio is famous for their earlier animation feature films like "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" and "The Smurfs". "Arthur Christmas" is their Christmas extravaganza. This humor filled, fantasy animation movie is directed by Barry Cook and Sara Smith. The official website of the movie promises a complete family entertainer with lots of sentiment and comedy.

Plot Synopsis

Arthur is the younger son of Santa. His timid nature gains him little importance among his family members. Steve, his elder brother and the heir to Santa's reins is an incredibly capable guy, micromanaging every action in the North Pole. What Steve fails to understand is the spirit of the festival. Under his scrutinizing supervision the well trained elves and the Santa prepare and deliver millions of gifts overnight, to all the children in the world.

The film comes as an answer to the million dollar question lingering in the hearts of thousands of children, how can Santa deliver all the gifts overnight? It shows how's gifts are prepared in a hi-tech fashion and delivered with perfect accuracy on the required time. Grandpa Santa grumbles about the modernization of the gift preparation process. He feels there is something lacking in the Steve's precisely managed plans.

On the Christmas Eve, they find out one gift prepared for a very upset young girl is missing. According to Steve, missing one present out of 600 million gifts is perfectly acceptable. But, Arthur feels it will spoil the magic of the Christmas for the child. He sets out on a mission to track and find the missing gift before the dawn. Bryony, a sincere elf accompanies him in his feat. Whether they succeed in cherishing the faith of the child or not is to be seen on the silver screen.

Voice cast

James McAvoy voices the hero character Arthur. Hugh Laurie has lent his voice for the Steve. Jim Broadbent and Imelda Staunton talk for Santa and his wife Mrs. Santa respectively. Ashley Jenson talks for Bryony, the good-natured elf. The humor filled 3D plot was written jointly by Peter Baynham and Sarah Smith. Bill Nighy plays an important role in the movie as an elder Santa. He voices the character of a 136 year old Grandpa Santa, who is very close with the hero Arthur. The directors of the project guarantee the film will be the best humor cum family animation movie of the year. "Arthur Christmas" will be released in all the 2D and 3D theaters worldwide, just before Christmas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Winson_Soh

Movie Review: Mission Impossible 4 - Ghost Protocol

2012-01-25T03:49:00.001-08:00

Brad Bird the director of famous animation hits like "The Incredibles" and "Ratatouille" is directing his first live action film, starring Tom Cruise. "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" is his first action movie with real actors. The Mission: Impossible series needs no introduction as it has fascinated the world for the last 15 years. The fourth film in the series is ready to be released four days before Christmas. The movie entitled "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" features Tom Cruise in his famous Ethan Hunt character once again.

The trailer of the movie shows a slightly aged Tom Cruise performing his trademark stunts. He jumps from a skyscraper landing into an office crashing the window, runs ahead of a terrible explosion and hangs through a rope struggling not to touch the ground. Though the stunts seem repeatable, the star is confident the interesting screenplay of the movie will make this film a grand success. Tracing the comments of the trailer viewers and the critics left in the internet, it seems Tom Cruise is right.

The director Brad Bird spares no efforts to make this action movie fun filled and energetic. He had used IMAX cameras to shoot the important stunt scenes. This is the first movie in the series to use this advanced camera. "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" is also the first movie in the series not produced by Paula Wagner. J.J. Abrams who penned down the story for the third movie in the series, takes the role of the producer along with his close friend and Bryan Burk and the series star Tom Cruise.

Plot Synopsis

Ethan Hunt is in Russia for an undercover operation. He witnesses the bombing of the grand Kremlin fort. The American government is forced by the Russian government to disavow the IMF, as they associate the organization with the bombing. However, the government initiates an operation known as "Ghost Protocol". They let Ethan and his men escape the barricades of the custody purposely. The four-man team of IMF is forced to operate on their own without any official support. They struggle hard to locate the source of Kremlin bombing. They also find out the true reason behind the shutdown of IMF.

There isn't much to say about the story of such action genres. Only the amazing stunts and the grandiose of the crashing and the chases glue us to the seat for hours. All such commercial items are let abundant on this film. The usual mask scenes and the romantic encounters of Tom Cruise can be seen in this film too. Paula Patton, Jeremy Renner, Josh Holloway and the "Slumdog Millionaire" fame Anil Kapoor play vital roles in the film. Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg join the series again. The initial scenes showing the Kremlin building shattering to pieces is itself an example how lively and preposterous the movie will be.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Winson_Soh

Discover the Wonder of the 4D Movie Experience

2012-01-25T03:48:00.000-08:00

A three-dimensional (3D) film is a movie in which depth perception has been enhanced to appear at least partially three dimensional. Images are recorded using regular motion picture cameras, but from two perspectives. In the case of 'real-life' pictures, projection hardware or eyewear are used to provide the illusion of depth when viewing the finished product. In animation, computer generated imagery generates the two perspectives and they are linked in differing depths after production. A Four-dimensional (4D) movie experience occurs outside the use of 3D film. In other words, the fourth dimension is not added to the motion picture itself, they are added to the environment in which the viewer is sitting.

Captain EO starring Michael Jackson and directed by Francis Ford Coppola is arguably the first 4D film shown to the public, although it was never marketed as a 4D experience. It was released at Disney's Epcot Center on September 12th, 1986 with a lot of press and fanfare. Disney has always tried to make every visit to their theme parks a whole body experience. Mr. Walt Disney wanted children and adults to become enveloped in the magical world of make believe. So, it seemed fairly logical to incorporate the same effects into a film starring the biggest pop star of the decade.

Aside from the 3D illusion on the screen, action sequences in the film reached out to the audience with lasers, laser impacts and smoke effects when there was a collision. Starfields filled the theater so that viewers felt they were actually in space. The film played continuously in several Disney theaters for almost a decade before being replaced. When Michael Jackson passed away Captain EO was brought back to Disney Theme Parks in 2010, but with additional 4D enhancements. Hydraulic seats shook along with Captain EO's spaceship and bounced to the beat of several bass-heavy songs. LED floodlighting had recently been installed in Disney theaters, so that also became part of the experience.

What is interesting about the marketing around Captain EO is that it was never advertised as a 4D experience. Press releases and blog posts related to both the initial and re-release of the film always described it as a "3D musical" or "3D sci-fi movie". The reasoning is simple: 4D films are not geometrically four-dimensional. Therefore the term as it is applied to movies, is purely a marketing tool.

The use of chair movement to simulate riding on an elephant or water misting overhead so one feels as though they are actually surfing epic waves in the Indian Ocean will make the whole film viewing experience absolutely memorable. Imagine watching the animated children's film Ratatouille, and being able to smell the foods cooking in the kitchen, feel the tickle of Remy the Rat running around your legs, and seeing the steam from cooking pots rising up to the ceiling of the theater. It would transform the entire movie experience!

Installing all the equipment to create these physical effects can be expensive. Thus, until recently it has usually only been large single purpose theaters at amusement or theme parks able to manage it. Obviously Disney has found enough cash for several 4D theaters, as seen by their re-release of Captain EO. Mexico, Nepal and South Korea are also reported to have converted a few traditional theaters to 4D, choosing to show films such as Avatar and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Movie theaters in large US and Canadian cities have begun to follow suit as well. The idea of converting one theater within a multiplex into a so-called 4D Theater will surely appeal to entertainment management companies. Hydraulic seating may not be possible, but installing a scenting and misting system can make a huge impact. The cost would be considerably less, and installation would not be nearly as invasive as hydraulic seats. By taking steps towards a multi-sensory movie experience, the theater management is creating an opportunity for feature releases. Even the incredible IMAX theater franchise would do well to consider scenting and/or misting.

Everyone wants more bang for their buck. As consumers, we are always looking for ways to stretch our dollars or at least get a little something extra for choosing to spend our money at any particular business. In terms of entertainment, why not draw in theater goers with an enhanced experience using sensory boosting methods such as those listed above? With new innovation comes public interest, and with public interest comes word of mouth. As the buzz hits the street, people will become curious and begin to lay out dollars for the new experience. Increase 3D movie ticket and concession sales with a total sensory experience through scenting, misting and fogging effects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Roe

What Is Apple TV - Get The Scoop Here

2012-01-25T03:46:00.000-08:00

Apple TV has been around since 2006, when it was first unveiled by the CEO of Apple, in September at an Apple press conference. So what is Apple TV? It is a small box that is a digital media receiver. Since early development, several generations have been released and it is to be used in conjunction with an HDTV.

What is Apple TV? If you have the Apple TV digital media receiver, or have been thinking of purchasing one, it can be used to stream movies purchased from iTunes. It is specially designed to stream content, including that received online from YouTube, Mobileme, Netflix, Hulu, and several other content sources. You simply need to sign up for any number of these content sources in order to be able to stream them on your Apple TV digital media receiver.

This particular digital media receiver is much more powerful than any other device on the market. Although the originally released device had a hard drive, the newly released versions do not, although they do feature an internal 8 GB flash storage device. This is quite enough to allow you to download and view content through your HDTV, but not to store the media.

If you are like many people, you want to have the ability to watch the latest released movies and programs. All you need to do is access these programs and movies on Apple, then stream them through your Apple digital media receiver. The actual programs and movies can be rented through an iTunes account, and stored on your computer hard drive. When you want to watch your programs and movies, you simply access your Apple TV device and start watching.

When you rent a movie with your Apple device, you have a full 30 days to watch your movie, but once you access it, you have 48 hours to view it. This means you can watch it several times over a 48 hour period, and the average rental costs in the range of $4.99 to $5.99. It can be much more cost effective than driving to your local video store only to find out the movie you want to rent is not available. Most movies are available in SD or HDTV format, so they are compatible with any TV.

What is Apple TV? It is a cost effective way to display just about any computer related media on your television, including your photographs. You can easily share all of your digital photos with friends and family. Apple continues to develop this digital media receiver, and the new generations of this device continue to come loaded with new features.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_A_Parker

The Movie Puncture Is Based On The Infamous Roll Group Purchasing Organizations Played In Business

2012-01-24T00:15:00.003-08:00

If you are into the real life dishonest devious tricks that big businesses will stoop to in order to perpetrate fraud on the American public, you will certainly love Puncture the movie. It exposes the Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs), that forced every citizen to spend more for health care than was required. They did this just so that the already deep pockets of these mega sized corporations could get even deeper.

The movie Puncture is much more than that however, it also digs deep into the working and interpersonal relationship of two people that had no business being partners. They also happen to be the good guys by the way, if you can believe that.

The roles we are speaking about are the attorneys Mike Weiss and Paul Danziger. They are played by Chris Evans and Mark Kassen respectively. A footnote on Chris Evans, he is also starring in the soon to be realized Captain America movie.

Mark also co-directed the flick with his brother Adam. The film was written by Chris Lopata, who did an excellent job of taking almost two different types of story-lines, and putting them together in a fashion that works exceptionally well.

Back in the 1990,s, there was an inventor named Jeffrey Dancort, who created a new, improved and much safer type of syringe for doctors and nurses to use. It was the height of the HIV and AIDs scare that was sweeping across the entire world.

One of the ways that you could catch these diseases, which at the time were certain death sentences, was by having somebody's blood that had the diseases, injected into your body. It was very easy for health care personnel at the time to accidentally stick themselves with a needle after they gave a shot to somebody.

In fact, quite a few of them actually caught the diseases and died precisely because of this type of mishap. When the new syringe was tested in a hospital, the doctors and nurses were ecstatic with its vastly improved safety features, as compared to a conventional syringe.

This is where the storyline starts to get really interesting, and the role that the (GPOs) played in American society begins to be revealed. You would think that if you invented a better product that would save lives, all of the hospitals would want to use, especially sense it was their own employees lives that they were saving.

What happened was that this organization kept the syringe out of the hospitals completely, and not only cost people their lives, but drastically increased the medical expenses for all of the people who were residing in the country.

The movie Puncture shows a side of American business that all citizens of the country should be ashamed of. If you like real life courtroom street fights that pit the weak against the powerful, then you will more than likely thoroughly enjoy this film. It has some wild and unexpected scenes, which will keep your eyes glued to the big screen, until the movie reaches its implausible conclusion.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bacot

If You Are A Fan Of Legal Pictures The Puncture Movie Is A Must See

2012-01-24T00:15:00.001-08:00

The Puncture Movie is real life presentation of a legal case that changed America's medical structure forever. The legal aspects of the movie were comprehensively researched, and do an excellent job of explaining the facts in the case. The movie stars Chris Evans who plays attorney Mike Weiss.

If you do get a chance to see him in Puncture the movie, you will easily notice his exceptional acting skills, since he portrays a completely different character from all of the other films you have seen him in. In this movie, he is a drug crazed junkie, strung out on cocaine that sometimes does not think or act rationally.

His legal partner in the move is Paul Danziger, who is played by Mark Kassen, who also co-directs the movie with his brother, Adam. His character is what you would expect a lawyer to be like in real life. He is a very organized individual that deeply cares about the case.

The legal case was brought to the courts by an individual named Jeffrey Dancort, who invented a revolutionary new syringe. In the 1990's the world was scared to death of AIDs and the HIV virus. In fact, there were many instances where either a doctor or nurse was injecting a patient, and they accidentally nicked themselves with the needle, and contracted the deadly diseases.

This new needle prevented that from happening, and the doctors and nurses that tried it out, were very impressed with it, and wanted to start using it immediately. However, when the inventor tried to sell it to the hospitals, he was stopped dead in his tracks by an association called the Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs). This firm only represented the major companies in the pharmaceutical industry, and was able to prevent any other company from selling anything to the hospitals.

This of course, was highly unethical as well as being illegal. They were preventing Americans from having access to the best medical care possible, while at the same time drastically increasing the cost for all of the countries citizens.

Now, that you know a little bit about the movie, you must be wondering if it is worth seeing, or not. If you enjoying seeing people that obviously have very different ways of thinking about virtually everything there is in life, being forced to deal and interact with each other at the very highest levels, you will truly appreciate this film.

If you are a fan of one that really doesn't have much of a chance at all of winning, then this might be the best movie to check out. The Puncture Movie is not for the people that like car chases and wild shootouts. It is for the type of person that enjoys a highly intellectual drama, which delves deep into the personalities of the participants, and reveals their innermost thoughts, strengths, and vulnerabilities.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bacot

The Movie Puncture Reveals Big Business in a Way It Never Wanted Its Story Told

2012-01-24T00:14:00.003-08:00

If you think that all American business people are honest, would never cheat anybody, and would surely never cost anybody their life, well you need to think again. Puncture the movie delves deep into the inner minds of some of the executives that run a few of the largest corporations in the world, and lets you come to understand what makes people like this tick.

If you are under the impression that the leaders who run these mega sized institutions care about their customers, or want to help out society, you will quickly discover that is not the case. They are only concerned with one thing, which is making as much money as possible, no matter whom it hurts or who it kills.

The movie Puncture stars Chris Evans who plays Mike Weiss, a drug addicted attorney who had no business being involved in the case at all. He should have been in a treatment center getting help with his problem; instead he was involved in the biggest legal battle that he will ever be in. By the way, Chris Evans is also starring in the soon to be released Captain America film.

His legal partner in the movie is Paul Danziger, who is played by Mark Kassen, who just also happens to be a co-director with his brother Adam. Paul acts like what you would expect a typical lawyer to be like. He is very organized and is an extremely detailed person.

How and why these two very opposite types of people ever became business partners, should be explored in another movie. A significant portion of the film is based on their interpersonal and working relationship. As you would expect, it is not the best, and there is a great deal of tension and infighting between them. The movie is a real life court case about a person who came up with a new product that could save lives. Of course, if you invent something that is much better than everything else on the market, you should be able to sell it to every business that needs it.

That is how America is supposed to work after all. However, once you start watching the film, you will quickly learn that it is not how American business actually functions. If you run a big corporation, the amount of money and resources at your disposal is almost unlimited.

You can choose to use those assets properly, ethically, and legally, or you can choose to use them to ruin your competition. In Puncture the movie, you will find out that far too many of the people that we respect, who run these huge business, feel like it is better to cheat every citizen in the country, just to keep their firm on the top.

Puncture the movie is not a wild west story, it does not have great special effects, and there is not even a single car chase in the film. It is an old style movie that most film fans will fall in love with.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bacot

If You Enjoy Films Where The Underdog Wins - Puncture Might Be For You

2012-01-24T00:14:00.001-08:00

There are many motion picture fans out there that are really are fond of seeing the little guy put it to the big guy. What those enthusiasts enjoy even more than that, is a true real life story that they can relate to where this happens. If you find yourself in that category of movie enthusiast, then you should really like Puncture the movie.

It is an actual part of American history that affected every single citizen of the country. Thankfully, it was brought to light in this epic legal struggle that benefited all of us greatly. Jeffrey Dancort's was an inventor, who came up with a new and much safer way for syringes to function. In the 1990's, AIDs and the HIV virus where just becoming to be well known in the medical community.

One of the ways you could get it was by getting somebody else's blood that had it, injected into your body. For this reason, doctors and nurses at the time where petrified of sticking themselves with a needle, while they were giving a shot. Mr. Dancort's new syringe, made this process much safer and easier to accomplish.

So, you would think that every hospital in the country would immediately start using it, so did he. But, what he quickly discovered was that there was a company called the Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs), which made it impossible for him to sell his invention to the hospitals.

At this point, he hired a couple of attorneys, named Paul Danziger, who is played in the movie by Mark Kassen, who also happens to be a co-director of the film with his brother Adam. The other attorneys name is Mike Weiss, who is played by Chris Evans, who just so happens to be also starring in the new Captain America film.

The writer of the Puncture Movie, did an excellent job of researching and depicting very accurately all of the legal actions. His interpretation of the lawyers who fought the case, was a little bit more liberal however.

In the movie, just as in real life, they were both almost exact opposites, with the possible exception of their will to win the case. One of them, was an organized meticulous individual like you would expect a typical attorney to be. The other one, was a drug addict on cocaine that often acted irrationally like drug addicts do.

Much of the movie is based on the personal relationship, and the battles that they have with each other. Whenever you have two people that have such radically different personalities and beliefs, it is sure to cause a great deal of tension and stress in the relationship.

The Puncture movie is not for everybody, but if you like something that does not have to have car chases and gun battles in it to be considered a good movie, then you should sincerely recognize the value of this film. It might be a little too much for small children, but most other fans should get a kick out of it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bacot

3D TV Is the Future

2012-01-24T00:13:00.002-08:00

Technology changes daily, and because of our nature, we fight to keep up. Remember the days of the old black and white televisions that you had to actually get up off the couch to change the channels on? Those days are long gone, thanks to mammoth jumps in technological advances. Today, we have HDTVs and now the new 3DTVs, and that folks is the future of television: 3D News3D TVs.

People have always had a fascination for going to the cinema and watching a 3D movie; but, now we can do this from the comforts of our own living rooms. This development in the television world has brought 3D viewing home for the masses. This is even being developed for gaming, cellphones, and computers.

3D televisions bring home the experience of watching movies in the theater. This means more realistic movie-watching, and even regular television is in three dimensions. You do have to wear special glasses to obtain the full effect, but this is to be expected.

In 2011, however, the technology of 3D television viewing is expanding. In 2010, all manufacturers created special glasses that could only be used with their brand of television set. The first innovation being seen this year is universal glasses that work with all makes and models. Shortly, however, technology is being developed that will do away with the need for glasses all together. These are already being highlighted in the Japanese markets, and will soon be in the states.

As far as the 3D entertainment industry as a whole, Nintendo is already jumping on board with the newest version of the DS, the 3DS. The focus is still on television, but this is notable because it shows how popular this viewing method is becoming. Leading television manufacturers already have prototypes on display. Experts are saying that these latest development in television technology is not only going to be a boon for the industry, but it will come at a very affordable price, as well. Mobile 3D televisions will be the next wave of the future, set for release in late 2012.

This technology has been harnessed in every arena from 3D games to 3D conversion. The future of this industry is indeed very bright, and sales by 2015 are expected to top $100 billion.

The main focus right now is to provide more programming on local television that will be in the 3D format for these new televisions. It is expected that to begin with, people will mainly use this technology for the viewing of movies, but imagine all your favorite television shows in 3D, as well. Xbox is even set to release their own 3D games very soon.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christy_Durham

3D TV Is the Future

2012-01-24T00:13:00.001-08:00

Technology changes daily, and because of our nature, we fight to keep up. Remember the days of the old black and white televisions that you had to actually get up off the couch to change the channels on? Those days are long gone, thanks to mammoth jumps in technological advances. Today, we have HDTVs and now the new 3DTVs, and that folks is the future of television: 3D News3D TVs.

People have always had a fascination for going to the cinema and watching a 3D movie; but, now we can do this from the comforts of our own living rooms. This development in the television world has brought 3D viewing home for the masses. This is even being developed for gaming, cellphones, and computers.

3D televisions bring home the experience of watching movies in the theater. This means more realistic movie-watching, and even regular television is in three dimensions. You do have to wear special glasses to obtain the full effect, but this is to be expected.

In 2011, however, the technology of 3D television viewing is expanding. In 2010, all manufacturers created special glasses that could only be used with their brand of television set. The first innovation being seen this year is universal glasses that work with all makes and models. Shortly, however, technology is being developed that will do away with the need for glasses all together. These are already being highlighted in the Japanese markets, and will soon be in the states.

As far as the 3D entertainment industry as a whole, Nintendo is already jumping on board with the newest version of the DS, the 3DS. The focus is still on television, but this is notable because it shows how popular this viewing method is becoming. Leading television manufacturers already have prototypes on display. Experts are saying that these latest development in television technology is not only going to be a boon for the industry, but it will come at a very affordable price, as well. Mobile 3D televisions will be the next wave of the future, set for release in late 2012.

This technology has been harnessed in every arena from 3D games to 3D conversion. The future of this industry is indeed very bright, and sales by 2015 are expected to top $100 billion.

The main focus right now is to provide more programming on local television that will be in the 3D format for these new televisions. It is expected that to begin with, people will mainly use this technology for the viewing of movies, but imagine all your favorite television shows in 3D, as well. Xbox is even set to release their own 3D games very soon.

Being able to watch a three dimensional television is a pleasurable experience, and new content is being added to all the major networks all the time. To find out more information, visit the various websites of the different television manufacturers to see when your favorite will be releasing the television of your dreams. There is nothing better.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christy_Durham

Tron: Legacy

2012-01-24T00:12:00.004-08:00

"Yes... the past"... Lestat De Lioncourt

The past can be both haunting, and inspiring. As I think back to the movies of my youth, as I am sure is true with most people, I find a strong sense of comfort, happiness and excitement. Movies, at once, helped me escape the not so pleasant side of life, and were themselves, legitimate life experiences. Only serious movie freaks will know what I am talking about when I say that.

One of the movies that affected me in a childish, and yet at the same time, transcendental way when I was a kid, was Tron. It's always been very surprising to me how few people, especially guys born in the 80's, did not grow up with Tron as a part of their library of borrowed imagination. Which is basically another way of saying, you were not a nerd, either overt, or semi-closeted. If nerdiness never grabbed you, then I truly think you missed out on a wonderful part of life as a young man (sorry girls).

Anyway, I've eagerly been awaiting the release of Tron: Legacy. I opted out of not going opening night, which now having seen it, I truly regret. I thought of a lot of things while watching this movie, which if nothing else, is a grand feast for the senses. One of the things I thought about was the 2009 film Avatar, a movie that I walked out of in disgust and disappointment. This coming from James Cameron, who has given us so many greats. The consensus among people who enjoyed Avatard, as I call it, is that the world Pandora, some of the "can do" attitudes of the characters, and the special effects were enough to make it thoroughly enjoyable. It being a James Cameron movie, I expected great things. Can you blame me? Instead I saw nothing of remote value or interest in the world of Pandora, so you can guess what I thought of the movie as a whole. I thought it totally sucked, in case I haven't made that clear by now.

Now, let's look at Tron: Legacy, a movie that I assume people will see for many of the same reasons as Avatar. They're fun to look at, especially with the resurgence of 3d appropriate movies. Overall, the reason to see Tron: Legacy, is because it is probably the best looking and sounding movie ever made. I'm struggling right now to think of one better.

I saw this movie with two close friends last night. One grew up loving the original 1981 cult -classic. The other had not even seen it (not meant to be an insult. As I mentioned before, many have not seen the original). Overall, they both seemed to enjoy it. I did as well, but we all had some problems with it. The kid was, well, terrible and boring. How many characters like this is Hollywood going to throw at us? A tough kid with a motorcycle, a hoodie, and gets into trouble. He might have been more interesting in the hands of a more capable actor, and I emphasize might have been. There is a significant amount of cheesiness. Ok, no biggie. I wasn't expecting poetry, nor would have I wanted it. But thankfully, the kid (Sam) is overshadowed by "The Grid", which is the world created inside computers and video games. And believe me, "The Grid" in Tron Legacy is something to behold.

I tried to explain the original Tron to one of my pals last night. I ended up sounding like a babbling fool. At first I thought I was just doing a bad job explaining it, and I was. However, I quickly realized that I have tried to explain the plot and the universe of Tron to other people with similar results. After reading Ebert's review of Tron: Legacy, I felt less like a fool. The simple fact is, trying to explain the plot of either Tron movie is basically impossible. Tonight we decided that the only way to explain to a person what the Tron movies are about, is to take an unfortunate turn for the simple, and say: "It's about what it would be like to be in a computer or video game".

The world of Tron Legacy is so mesmerizing, electric and exciting in a peculiar way, it should be thought of as a character itself. I'm going to quote a great movie man and close friend of mine when he discussed the Braveheart soundtrack. "It defies logic and understanding". Apply this quote to Daft Punk's contribution to Tron, and you will see what I mean. The stars of Tron Legacy are not the the actors (but Olivia Wilde has an otherworldly beauty and presence which makes her a perfect fit for a movie of this type). The stars are the special effects team and Daft Punk, working seamlessly to create a world unlike I've ever seen. But, for me, there is something more at work here.

I see movies for many different reasons. My favorite films are the ones that produce a profound feeling that goes beyond simple entertainment. I think I'm prepared to say that Tron Legacy is one of those movies. I remember when I saw a frisbee in my childhood home, my first thought wasn't: "There's a frisbee. Lets find someone to play catch with". No, no, even though I do enjoy tossing the disc. My first thought was: "That is my Identity Disc that I can use to destroy Master Control and make this a free system again. Let's play Tron." It reminded me of another time, when playing was my job, we were getting our first glimpse into the world of video games, and imagination was God.

Some of you will see Tron Legacy and hate it. I guess that's understandable. Those of you who loved Tron Legacy and are interested in the original, than "welcome to The Grid". And, for those few of you out there who loved both Tron movies as I did, then I hope hearing (a sadly masked Tron) make his classic statement of solidarity with his creator, made you cheer and fist pump as we did in the theater tonight.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Fleming_Dunham

See How the Whole Terminator Saga Began With Terminator Salvation

2012-01-24T00:12:00.003-08:00

The movie, Terminator Salvation, came out in 2009. It is a Warner Bros. production and is considered one of their most viewed films. It is a prequel to the later Terminator movies that have been hits for generations. There was much anticipation from terminator fans about the release of this film. The film features Sam Worthington, playing Marcus Wright and Christian Bale, playing John Connor. The film was rated PG-13 because of its intense sequences of sci-fi violence and language.

The movie takes place in the year 2018. Skynet has destroyed mostly all of humanity and the remaining survivors live underground to escape the terminators, an army of machines that have taken over the world. In 2003, Marcus Wright is on death row at the Longview State Correctional Facility and is convinced to donate his body to research by Dr. Serena Kogan. In 2018, he befriends a teenager named Kyle Reese and a little girl named Star. They help him to survive the lethal machines and begin to travel together.

A group of survivors called the resistance are trying to figure out a way to bring the machines down. They discover a signal that may dismember the machines so that they can be destroyed. The resistance is led by John Connor, who seems to be the key to taking four machines out. The struggle to survive is on and there are only a handful of humans versus millions of machines. The survivor's know that the only way to make it out alive is to go into the heart of Skynet. As they embark on this deadly mission, they learn the truth behind the reasons behind four annihilation of mankind.

The Terminator Salvation movie made almost $52,000.00 during its opening weekend and grossed over $370,000.00 worldwide by September 2009. Most fans rated the movie with four out of five stars or five out of five stars. They felt that it stayed with the same theme as the older movies but a few hitches in the plot. Terminator fans were impressed with the movie's graphics. The overall opinion of the movie was very good and it was well received. Some of the reviewers believed that it was a little unrealistic how the humans beat the machines, but I don't think you could have made this a prequel if they lost. This is a must see Warner Brothers production.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Clayton

Are People Judging The Avengers Movie Too Soon?

2012-01-24T00:12:00.001-08:00

It's still many months away from being released, but fans are already getting frustrated with the Avengers movie. Whilst the movie cannot possibly live up to fan boy expectations, it wasn't too long ago people were really excited about seeing the world's finest superheroes united on screen. My question is, what's changed?

Similar to next year's The Dark Knight Rises, leaked videos and photos are already swarming from the The Avengers film. What seems to be the cause of the criticism are the recent pictures showcasing our first look at Captain America fighting alongside Hawkeye and Black Widow. I'll skip my initial concerns for Cap's goofy looking costume, to get to the main point. Nothing looks spectacular. I'm sure Iron Man and The Hulk will look impressive, but Hawkeye and Black Widow look entirely out of place, and to be honest quite dull. When you have a team of war machines, super soldiers, gods and monsters, two assassins seem to come up short. I'm not saying they shouldn't be in the movie, but considering no one has been greatly overwhelmed by the performances and cameos from Black Widow and Hawkeye so far, is it likely they're going to blow us away with scene stealing performances next year? Perhaps Marvel should have considered this when they set out creating their cinematic universe. What the Avengers needed, is Ant-Man and Wasp.

If Whedon had originally chosen to include Hank and Janet Pym in the Avengers movie it would have added a whole new dynamic to the team. The two original Avengers founding members would have created a sub-plot far more interesting for older viewers. I'm not suggesting Whedon should have looked at the Ultimates series and have Hank unleash an army of ants on his wife, but considering their unstable relationship, including Hank and Janet would have really added some much needed substance into Marvel's cinematic universe. Would the movie suffer from having a congested cast if Ant-Man and Wasp were included? Mark Millar's Ultimates series managed to handle all members of the team just fine. Joss Whedon's excellent Astonishing X-Men run proved the man in the director's chair could handle ensembles brilliantly. I don't believe it's a question of what might work for the comic book medium might not work for film. After all, these are meant to be comic book movies!

One thing I have to praise Joss Whedon for is that he isn't giving anything away too soon. Yes we have set-pics, and we know Loki is the main villain, but we still don't know what threat brings this team together. There have been rumours of shape- shifting aliens, sea monsters and frost giants but that's all speculation. Thanks to leaked photos and plot details, we already know most of the plot line for The Dark Knight Rises. Considering it's still many months away, I'd rather not know too many story details about the Avengers at this point.

Too summarise I think it's a little too soon to be judging The Avengers movie. We haven't even gotten our first full-length trailer yet, and fans are bashing based on leaked pictures. I'll admit, there are factors that could have been improved on, and I'm not a big fan of the film's roster. You have to give Marvel some credit though. They've put a huge amount of work into making this movie happen; therefore perhaps we should just be happy with what we're being given. It won't pack the substance of The Dark Knight but it's not like we've got a Justice League movie to look forward to.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Walters

Product Placement in the Movies - Part 1 - 1896-1950

2012-01-24T00:09:00.000-08:00

Product placement in the movies is nothing new. Although the number and value of placements has increased since the early Hollywood years and although many recent movies such as I, Robot and the Transformers Movie may be perceived to employ product placements more extensively and brazenly than movies from previous decades, the practice itself predates the rise of the Hollywood movie industry and is likely to be as old as cinema itself. In this article we explore some early examples of product placement in the movies.

Early cinema (ca. 1896-1900's) focussed primarily on satisfying the curiosity and amazement of the audience at the spectacle of moving pictures. Often coming at the end of a Music Hall billing, the audience's enjoyment of 'cinematic attractions' was likely absorbed at least as much in the novelty of the film-going experience as it was in the subject of the film itself. It was several years before more narrative forms of cinema became dominant. Early forms of cinema were particularly ideally suited to product placement and, indeed, it is often argued that early cinema shares more in common with TV advertisements than it does with more modern films.

Advertisers were quick to realise the potential of cinema as a media for promoting brands. In the early years product placement could afford to be brazen. Brands could be promoted openly and the filmmaker could be confident that their work would find an audience that would be keen to watch it. Even if it was, essentially, an advert. An interesting early example of this is a 1897 film featuring Admiral Cigarettes. Four men (one of them, bizarrely, wearing a traditional American-Indian headdress) are seated next to a large packet of Admiral Cigarettes. They chat casually. A woman in a navy uniform (though, strangely, minus the trousers) suddenly bursts from the box and, somewhat clumsily, showers the stage with cigarettes. The men unfurl a banner saying 'WE ALL SMOKE' and point to the giant Admiral Cigarettes billboard that forms the backdrop.

A good early example of product placement within a narrative context can be seen in the Edison Manufacturing Co produced movie Streetcar Chivalry of 1903. A young woman enters a crowded streetcar and a group of men shuffle up to enable her to sit down. An older, less attractive woman then enters the streetcar and the men ignore her by, humorously, pretending to read newspapers. The woman struggles to stay on her feet as the streetcar moves about and on several occasions falls on top of the men. Eventually two of the men leave and she too gets to sit down. All the while the audience are able to see the various overhead advertising placards for Edison Manufacturing Co products such as the 'Kinetoscope'.

Notable Hollywood silent era films to feature product placement include Fatty Arbuckle's 1919 film The Garage in which Red Crown Gasoline appears. The first film to win the academy award for best picture, Wings (1927), contains plugs for a few products including chocolate. In this film a dashing young airman is shown coolly munching a chocolate bar. The audience does not have to wait long to discover which particular brand our rugged hero prefers. After one bite he tosses the bar down onto a pair of socks. Helpfully, we are treated to a close up of the chocolate on said pair of socks and we learn that this particular airman opts for Hershey's when he wants something sweet.

The Marx Brothers comedy Horse Feathers (1932) contains a scene where the product being placed is the subject of the joke. A woman falls from a canoe and asks for a life saver. Groucho Marx tosses her a Life Savers sweet (for the benefit of non-US readers, Life Savers are ring shaped mints somewhat similar to Polo mints). Less obvious, but not necessarily less conspicuous, methods of product placement were necessary for later genres. The classic noir film Gun Crazy (1950) features a thrilling robbery at the payroll department of a meat processing plant. It could be argued that the Armour logo is somewhat unnecessarily prominent throughout this sequence. We also wonder whether it always has to be a Bulova clock that Bart and Laurie glance up to.

As long as there has been cinema there has been a medium for product placement. The challenge for the advertiser and the filmmaker is to present the brand to the audience in a way that does not detract from the narrative quality of the film. If product placement is overdone then there is the risk of a negative reaction from the audience. Perhaps the best advert for any brand would be for it to be placed in a high quality film. It seems likely that the best quality films, if they feature product placement, will carry it off with taste and discretion. Almost certainly, an audience rapt in a great movie like Gun Crazy will not take offence at the presence of Armour and Bulova logos during key scenes. What is difficult to measure is the extent of the increased awareness for the brands in question in the minds of the audience. Certainly it seems likely that association with a movie like Gun Crazy can only be a good thing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Joyce

The Baader Meinhof Complex Blu-Ray Review

2012-01-20T03:14:00.001-08:00

The Baader Meinhof Complex attempts to chronicle in its 150 minute running time the entire decade which saw the rise and fall of the Red Army Faction (RAF), Germany's most notorious terrorist group. The film is produced and co-written by Bernd Eichinger whose Constantin Film company was also responsible for the excellent Downfall the study of Hitler's final days for which he also furnished the screenplay.

Director Uli Edel shares the writing credit although the film is based on the book of the same name by the former Der Spiegel editor-in-chief Stefan Aust, first published in 1985 and now considered to be the definitive text on the subject. Consequently the movie is somewhat of a hybrid and the two styles often seem at odds with each other, whilst striving for documentary realism it also presents a lot of the film's violence in the style of a Hollywood action thriller.

The film opens amidst the much publicised visit of the Shah of Iran, his wife and entourage of goons, to the Deutsche Opera in West Berlin, a large group of left-wing students have turned out to protest against the oppressive Iranian regime and the Shah's henchmen attack the youths with sticks; in the resulting riot one student, Benno Ohnesorg is shot and killed by a German police officer without incitement. This incident became a rallying point for the socialist movement and political journalists like Ulrike Meinhof (Martina Gedeck) were so outraged by the events of 2nd June 1967 that she wrote a condemnatory open letter to the Shah's wife in left-wing Konkret magazine.

11th April 1968 (less than a year later) the assassination attempt on Rudi Dutschke, the leader of the student union who's outspoken protest against West Germany's support of American foreign policy in particular the use of local U.S. Air Force Bases to escalate the carpet bombing of Vietnam, served as a further catalyst for the left-wing youth movement who felt that their parents' generation passively sat back and let Adolf Hitler seize power; keenly aware that many former Nazis held prominent positions in the current western imperialist government.

Whilst Ulrike Meinhof practices the maxim that the pen is mightier than the sword, Andreas Baader (Moritz Bleibtreu) and his girlfriend Gudrun Ensslin (Johanna Wokalek) believe in direct action and retaliate to the Ohnesorg murder by fire-bombing a department store in Frankfurt for which they are prosecuted. Meinhof, who is covering their trial, interviews Ensslin and is impressed by her radical principles and activist zeal. Whilst on parole the couple flee to Italy to avoid a prison sentence but are tracked down by their left-wing lawyer who urges them to return to Germany because he has access to funds that will allow them to start a revolutionary organisation.

In one of the film's less authentic sequences we see Baader and Ensslin seducing a group of youths into joining the fledgling RAF by cruising in stolen cars backed by The Who's My Generation in a sexed-up scene reminiscent of George Lucas' American Graffiti which espouses the very ethos we're supposed to believe they're railing against. However, it's not long before Baader is pulled over for speeding and sent straight to jail.

At this point Ulrike Meinhof has become disillusioned with the power of journalism to bring about real political change and is enticed by Ensslin into a plan to spring Baader from prison; this involves Meinhof pretending to research a book on the RAF and for Ensslin to pose as her publisher to avoid detection. It is in this breakout that the group take their first blood and that Meinhof's fate becomes forever entwined with the Bonnie and Clyde-esque Baader and Ensslin.

Despite some military training arranged for them by their lawyer with Palestinian rebels in Jordan, Baader's approach remains undisciplined his focus seems to be on robbing a series of banks to appropriate funds for the group. In a spectacular Butch and Sundance style shoot-out during one such escapade Baader and fellow RAF member Holger Meins are captured and soon after Ensslin, Meinhof and Jan-Carl Raspe are also arrested and held in custody at the austere, maximum security Stammhein Prison in Stuttgart awaiting a high profile show trial.

The film's tone shifts at this point, the first act strived to show the persuasive charisma that the founding young members of the RAF had in order to recruit both respectable left-wing figures like Ulrike Meinhof as well as radicalising the disenfranchised student movement. The second act is more solemn and introduces the character of Horst Herold, the head of the West German Police Force who has been tasked with eradicating the RAF who along with splinter groups like Black September are conducting various acts of terrorism, including the massacre at the 1972 Munich Olympics and subsequent plane hijacking, in attempts to get the founding members released. Herold (Bruno Ganz) realises the need to psychologically profile the terrorists in order to understand their motivation, there is a danger of the imprisoned members becoming martyrs when Holger Meins dies from hunger strike and Ulrike Meinhof hangs herself in her cell.

The Baader Meinhof Complex is an electrifying film, impeccably performed by a passionate cast and directed with incredible attention to period detail by Uli Edel; for the most part it succeeds in presenting a highly inflammatory period of recent history where heinous atrocities were regularly carried out by people who ostensibly believed they were acting both morally and for the good of the human race but through the escalation of the violent, bloody process tragically lost their own humanity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Exeter

Cat Caught King's Tongue: A Review of The King's Speech (2010)

2012-01-20T03:12:00.000-08:00

When God couldn't save the king, the queen turned to someone who could.

At the 83rd Academy Awards, The King's Speech won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director (Tom Hooper), Best Actor (Colin Firth), and Best Original Screenplay (David Seidler). The film had received twelve Oscar nominations, more than any other film. Besides the four categories it won, the film received nominations for Best Cinematography (Danny Cohen) and two for the supporting actors (Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush), as well as two for its mise-en-scène: Art Direction and Costumes.

I am not sure how strongly the story of a stammering, early twentieth century Duke of York will appeal to audiences in Dhaka, but The King's Speech is a must-see for our local moviemakers. Natoks and non-FDC cinema in Bangladesh are usually similar dialogue-driven dramas. Therefore, a comparative analysis with The King's Speech is pertinent. This film has won the top award at the Producers' Guild and the Directors' Guild of America, the People's choice at the Toronto Film Festival, seven Golden Globes and has been nominated for twelve Oscars. Moreover, according to market data providers, Rentrak, it has grossed near about 100 million dollars and counting, in the US and through international markets.

Of course, the scale of this production is incomparable with the size of Bangladeshi productions, but the subject matter The King's Speech handles is of the nature that Bangladeshi filmmakers feel comfortable dealing in. Presupposing that the wily, know-it-all Bengali filmmaker receives this film positively, there may be many lessons to be learned from The King's Speech. The question I want to pose to them before I go ahead and review the film: Does the success of a drama depend on the bare rudiments? A formidable screenplay, some stellar acting, a picky director and, and: a knowledgeable team? Or, is there some mantra behind it?

The story of the The King's Speech is as thorough a look into the world of a stammerer as ever seen. The three character plot may seem rather linear, but it is perforated with subtext. Director Tom Cooper does a good job of executing the tension that writer David Seidler writes into the relationship between his Royal Highness, or Bertie, (Colin Firth) and his Australian speech therapist, Lionel Louge (Geoffery Rush). My one complaint about the script: the viewer has to suffer through too many of Bertie's excruciatingly agonizing failed orations. To call for empathy is alright, but the repeated pain inflicted on the audience needed to be curtailed.

In his screenplay, writer David Seidler in effect, creates three worlds-the early twentieth century time period; the protocol encrusted world of the Royalty and Lionel's world- where he is king and the Crown becomes a commoner. There is a reason behind his impudence: he supports that his unorthodox and controversial methods will work on the Duke, only if they behave as equals. The discomfort that this situation creates for the Duke, opens up a novel avenue for both textual and subtextual investigations on sociability in the monarchy. Also, as the relationship between patient and "doctor" grows, a unique friendship is explored.

Geoffery Rush, Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter's acting does justice to the script. Variety Magazine's Peter Debruge claims, in his September 4, 2010 article, that the big scenes are indisputably the monarch's. Yet, the therapist's stubbornness in choosing his way over the king's, has more onscreen visibility than the monarch's royal perseverance to deliver and finish a speech. The Duke of York does have the more emotional scenes, but, the memorable character sketch and performance is the therapist's. Geoffery Rush gets to play a delightfully independent persona and everything Rush does onscreen enriches the story. His every gesture, every deliberation brings us closer to this period piece.

We are reminded very early into the film that Lionel the therapist is a failed actor. This bit of information foreshadows the later revelation that he is also an actor, somewhat, in real life: he is not a certified practitioner. This foreshadowing illuminates Lionel's inner conflict and gives the goings-on of his mind as much importance as the conflicts in the title character's mind.

The props and sets have a distinct charateristic of their own. Every wall is rich and textured, every room borrows heavily from a particular palette and every character and every staging uses spaces to make them look like lived-in places. Tom Cooper and the director of photography, Danny Cohen, exploit the locations to a point of flaunting their baroque beauty. Actors are shown with ample headroom, they are often short-sided and the close-ups are shot with wide lenses giving the viewer a much wider, almost askew, angle of view behind the actor.

Danny Cohen, in his interview with ARRI News, says they decided to shoot in this manner in order to not lose context, to increase the period piece's authenticity and to increase the story's impact. Cooper and Cohen went with two ARRI Lite cameras, the ARRI Master Prime lens kit and to get the cold look they wanted: Fuji Eterna Vivid 500T film stock.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Najmus_S_Ahmed

Are Superhero Films Too Toyetic?

2012-01-20T03:11:00.003-08:00

Welcome back. I haven't posted anything in a while due to work commitments therefore I thought I'd come back with something a little bit different. I want to highlight and discuss the relationship between the current influx of superhero movies and the toy industry. This idea came to me recently when I was browsing through a local toy store and saw a large amount of shelf space devoted to Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger merchandise.

Granted most comic book movies will have toy lines to appeal to the young children or collectors who've seen the films, but when does it get to a point when the movies themselves are constructed with the toy lines in mind? Joel Schumacher's Batman & Robin was criticised for being a two hour-long toy commercial, which illustrates how film studios do factor in how the films can generate money from toy merchandise. It didn't stop there for the Batman franchise, as some would argue his latest in film gadget, The Bat-Pod was purposely created just to sell toys.

The Iron Man film franchise can easily be seen as having a vast toyetic approach. Robots vs. robots, the toys basically sell themselves. It was Iron Man 2 however that raised questions over how much planning had been put into the film's toyetic appeal. The ending of Iron Man 2 was essentially a battle royale for robots. In what was a clustered finale, Iron Man and War Machine unleashed fire upon countless Hammer Drones in a scenario that didn't really fit in place with the rest of the film, considering how little action was found in Iron Man 2′s first half. Was the action focused ending just a way to make sure the film generates toy sales?

Last month's super debutant Thor is a little harder to make toyetic. But what the toy companies did do is generate toys based on the weapons in Thor. For instance Hasbro created an electronic hammer and heavily advertised it though television. What child wouldn't want to be a Norse god? Captain America: The First Avenger is the toyline that most got my attention. It's obvious Cap's figures and play sets have been heavily designed with G.I. Joe in mind. That's a great and clever marketing technique, but to what extent does that ideology cross over into the film? Is Captain America going to be driving a 4×4 and a fighter jet as well as his trademark motorbike throughout the film? Are The First Avenger's action scenes going to be story devices for advertising toys?

These are just some examples of how some comic book movies have made their marketing intentions clear throughout the films. In some cases the toyetic approach is not a problem, providing the action scenes are well constructed and actually fit into the context of the films. The X-Men franchise (bar X-Men Origins: Wolverine) is probably the best comic book movie franchise that doesn't over exploit the toyetic approach. That's where FOX trump over Marvel Studios. Marvel need to make sure they don't spoil any future movies, buy trying to generate toy sales.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Walters

My Favourite Bond

2012-01-20T03:11:00.001-08:00

I'm not a big fan of the James Bond films. I find them overly clichéd, and at the most of times they're really easy to predict. Many of the films share the same formula, which why I wasn't surprised when the series was rebooted back in 2006 with Casino Royale. In attempt to see if I could enjoy the Bond films once more, I recently watched Quantum of Solace for the first time.

Despite the film being rid of the clichés that ruined previous movies, I really didn't enjoy Daniel Craig as 007. He didn't look the part, and had absolutely no charisma or personality. So with Craig doing nothing to hook me on to the James Bond films, I decided to take a look back at some of the older movies and determine who is the best James Bond to date?

Who turned out to be my favourite Bond? Pierce Brosnan. What separates Brosnan from the likes of Sean Connery, Roger Moore and Daniel Craig is that he makes for the most well rounded Bond we've seen to date. Brosnan's 007 is charismatic, classy, witty and intelligent, and unlike the likes of Connery and Timothy Dalton, Brosnan was a believable ass kicker.

What hurts Brosnan's 007 is that he starred in some of the more absurd films. Die Another Day is a pure example of how despite having the best Bond; it is probably one of the worst 007 films I've seen. GoldenEye is an example of how the formulaic blandness of the Bond films began to show, hurting Brosnan's first outing at the super spy.

What would it take for me to believe in Bond? Recast. I'm not necessarily asking for a reboot, I just think the series needs a Bond who actually has charisma and charm. Whilst Craig certainly offered a more grittier Bond, which at times was really interesting to see, for me though it was just too far from the classic interpretation. I think a new Bond should have a new actor, but not tread over 007′s origin. Who would I pick? I'm sure the world would agree with me here as I think Michael Fassbender would make for one classic Bond. He's got the looks, the charm and easily looks like he's capable of taking on the physical side of 007. The only thing he'd need to work on is his accent. Fassbender's natural Irish twang tended to take over his performance in the latter stages of X-Men: First Class. If he can hold down an English accent, he's ready to be Bond.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Walters

Reviewed: Bridesmaids [2011]

2012-01-20T03:07:00.000-08:00

15 - 125mins - Comedy - 24th June 2011

Many people have been describing this as the female version of The Hangover. Those people however forgot to do one tiny thing- watch both films! Yes both films revolve around the preparation for a wedding and contain their fair share of low brow comedy but that is where the similarities end.

Bridesmaids follows Annie (Kristen Wiig), the maid of honour for her best friend Lillian's (Maya Rudolph) wedding. While she is preparing for the big day though, the rest of her life is falling apart around her. Her love life is in tatters and she is struggling to keep on top of the bills. All the while she has to set up the wedding, organise the bride and compete with the other eccentric bridesmaids to keep things on track.

The main thorn in her side comes from Helen (Rose Byrne), one of Lillian's new friends and bridesmaids who Annie feels is taking her friend away from her just when she needs her the most. Add to that the other colourful Bridesmaids of Megan (Melissa McCarthy), Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey) and Becca (Ellie Kemper) with the continual flow of jokes and situations and you get one decent comedy.

What I liked about Bridesmaids was the fact that it did not shy away from all the gruesome details just because the characters were female. Usually women in films are depicted more prim and proper so it was refreshing to have this change. Some might consider some of the scenes to go a little too far or continue for just a bit too long (one scene in particular did start to drag for me) but I felt overall it just about hit the nail on the head.

Wiig, along with her co-stars, impresses throughout the film showing us that she has a place as a comic actress and the addition of Chris O'Dowd as the love interest worked well.

If I were to pick fault with the movie then I would have to say that some of the characters didn't make me want to care that much about what happened to them (but then again this is primarily a comedy not a drama) especially the bride who I never felt that was enjoying her wedding at any point. Also there were probably a few too many sub-plots and side stories that could have been shaved of to drag the time under 2 hours. Apart from that, I was pretty impressed.

This may be one set out for the females in the audience but it is very much a guys film as well. There is a bit of a romcom element but it takes a backseat to the main female character driven comedy. Some will find the jokes distasteful and not rate the movie because of this but I was chuckling away on more than one occasion. Guys, if your going to be dragged along to one 'chick flick' this year then make sure it's this one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_W_Farmer

Game Of Thrones: TV Fantasy for Grown Ups

2012-01-20T03:06:00.001-08:00

The series starts off in a wintery forest north of a huge wall that separates the untamed north from the "civilised" land known as the seven kingdoms. The Wall was built to keep out the creatures that are supposed to emerge from the northern forests during particularly hard, decade long, winters. But they have not been seen in a thousand years and most people think of them as being just legends. However, in the first scene we see they are not. Undead creatures with a hatred for all living things. The first few minutes shows dismembered bodies of men, women and children and then one of the undead beheading a ranger from south of the wall on a scouting mission. Harry Potter this ain't.

Most of the series concerns three families. The dour but noble Starks headed by Sean Bean (Surely he must be a dab hand at the swordplay at this stage.) The Lannisters headed by Lena Headley. She is queen to Robert Baratheon, a once proud warrior and friend of Ned Stark (Bean) who is now gone to seed. He has no interest in his royal duties or his marriage-of-convenience wife Cersie. She also despises her husband and is having an affair with her twin brother..... yep, you read that right. The other family is a brother and sister: Dany and Viserys Targaryen. They are the last of their family. Their father was the previous king. He and all the rest of the family were killed when Robert assumed the throne. They fled to another country across the sea deep to the south. Viserys is dying to get his throne back and marries his sister to a local tribal chieftain in exchange for use of his large tribe in regaining the crown.

The fantasy elements are kept to a minimum. The creatures behind the wall are only briefly seen throughout the season, magic is mentioned but is never seen and seems only to be the appliance of science and medicine. There once were dragons but they are now thought to be extinct.

Instead season one concerns the rivalry between the Starks and the Lannisters and the scheming of Viserys.

The big draw (and criticism) of the series is the reliance of sex and violence. Initially it almost became a parody of itself. All of the adults seem to get naked at some stage in the show (Prompting critics to nickname it "Game Of Bones") and the violence in it can be extreme for a TV show.

The other big draw of the series of books (And, as the viewers of the series are finding out) is that you genuinely do not know what is going to happen next. Alliences are formed and betrayed almost weekly and nobody is safe.

HERE BE SPOILERS!

Sean Bean's character Ned Stark is the obvious main character of the series. Noble to a fault and trying to keep up with the scheming of the Lannisters and their cronies. The story seems to revolve around him. His illegitimate son goes to join the guards on The Wall, he is despised by Viserys for helping Robert usurp his father. Cersie Lannister distrusts his honesty and tries to tempt him to the dark side. All the promotion of the series surrounded Sean Bean's character. From the posters to the re-released book covers focused on a brooding and troubled Ned Stark......... Which made his death in the second last episode extremely surprising. To say the least! One was always assuming that, given Sean Bean's high profile as an actor and all the promotion surrounding his character that he was going to be the main "good guy". Internet reaction was extreme with everyone now wondering who is next.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_F

Coraline - Henry Selick And The Giant Letdown

2012-01-20T03:04:00.000-08:00

Henry Selick, notable director of The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), is hit or miss. With James and the Giant Peach (1996) and the aforementioned Nightmare under his belt, I'm not quite sure where he went wrong. Those two organically energetic and bright films were followed by Monkeybone (2001), and the soulless concoction of Coraline. His heart might have been in the right place, and I'm sure his intention outweighs the validity of the project, but it's been years since I've seen a film so bereft of heart. This is not to imply that heart means something jolly or even fun, but rather a passion for craft, mainly. The film as a whole winds up being depressing, mainly because of this lack, and ugly for a slew of other reasons, and while moments of the film remain frightening, as does the entire idea behind it, there's something intangible that's hard to abide.

Coraline concerns a family moving from Pontiac, Michigan to Ashland, Oregon, taking residence in a place known as Pink Palace Apartments. In the family, there's the workaholic father, Charlie (voiced by John Hodgman), the mother, Mel (voiced by Teri Hatcher), and the daughter, Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning). The parents seem not to have time to play with their daughter, or give her much love for some reason, so she often just goes to play on her own. It's hard for Coraline to make friends because kids just think she's weird, but when she's given a doll that looks exactly like her, her adventures to a new world begin.

She finds a hidden door in her new home, and behind it lies another new home, but with some startling additions; everything is the same, yet completely different. Her parents are there, but they notice her, and they have buttons sewn over their eyes (a tidy nod to the blindness most people turn to unyielding kindness and lack of personal agenda), and they want to do the same to her. They're known as Other Mother and Other Father, and they hunt Coraline, trying to trap her in their dark, insidious, and ultimately cruel world. The grass is deadlier on the other side.

I had never seen a 3D film before I saw this in theaters on opening night. I'm still not quite sure what led me to believe it would be anything other than what it wound up being, but there was hype, and I got pulled in. That and I needed to break the 3D barrier on my viewing experiences. Of course, I've grown to dismiss the format as merely a gimmick in most cases, but never mind. I had been exposed to 3D before, but only on DVD with Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003) and on television (a season finale of The Secret World of Alex Mack, anyone?), so the hype was mainly that.

It was a new kind of viewing experience, but in a film I probably wouldn't enjoy. There's a Gothic nature to the film that's hard to deny, and I generally wind up loving ostensibly Gothic movies, if done correctly (it can be hard to pull off without a hitch). There are bright sides to it all, of course, as there are with most middling films; the screenplay captures the appropriate tone, and the animation (outside of the 3D) is wonderfully done. Outside of the mechanisms of the clock, though, I eventually have to check face, and it's all bad timing.

Belying the tone of the screenplay, the performances play like something out of a video game, something you might hear in a Playstation cut scene, and there are enough Christopher Walken-esque pauses in the dialogue to make me pine for his cameo in Joe Dirt (2001). It seems as if the entire cast was reading their lines through a View Master. I've heard people talk about the difficulties of giving a fully fleshed-out performance in an animated film, but then I point them to Robin Williams in Aladdin (1992), Ellen DeGeneres in Finding Nemo (2003), or Chris Sarandon in Selick's own Nightmare, and the argument usually goes away. Ian McShane deserves better material. To a lesser extent, so does Teri Hatcher. The young Dakota Fanning is perfectly suited for the role of the precocious little girl who has nothing more to do than whine and complain most of the time, but she still botches it. She has insane talent; I'm just wondering where it all went.

While I can appreciate the tone, I can't truly appreciate the treatment. I haven't read Neil Gaiman's novel from 2002, upon which the film is based, but I am familiar with his style. It's unfortunate that it gets lost in the translation from page to screen. Selick has the makings of an original, thoughtful director, but this film doesn't prove that, while his others do. The story is wonderful, at base, and there are a handful of technical aspects that do make the film pop, such as a beautifully intrusive musical score; also, the animation is wonderful and it's hard to deny that (though the 3D dims the picture and takes away from quieter moments of the film), and the editing is top-notch, but after appreciating what's in front of you, you have to look at how it's presented.

There are opportunities for this film to redeem itself, but it seems to get dragged into its own "Other World"and becomes dark, relentless, and out of control, as if the 3D glasses over our eyes would serve as buttons, so to speak. The blind simply don't follow the blind. It's overlong by about ten minutes, odd, disturbing, and lacking any sort of redemption, and its message isn't something for which it's worth sitting through the film. Nothing new is offered, but at the same time, nothing is really lost, either, and while I can say the animation was brilliant, if the whole film is what people consider groundbreaking, I'd prefer we put the dirt back.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Martin

Going To The Theatre Just Got Easier

2012-01-20T02:57:00.001-08:00

A couple of months ago, my sister and I decided to take a little trip down to our local independent cinema to see a movie. We checked the film times online, established what we wanted to see and then made the trip ten minutes down the road to watch the film. However, upon arrival, we discovered that the film we had wanted to see wasn't showing because the National Theatre were showing in that screen. We did not really think much of it, chose a different film and watched that instead. It was not until about half way through the film, sitting in this tiny cinema screen, with a capacity of only about two hundred, that the idea of the National Theatre Company performing in one of these screens sunk in, or more to the point, how impossible it would be.

When I got home, I looked up the NTC to see what was going on and made one of the greatest discoveries of my life, secondly only to ice cream. I discovered that the National Theatre had started up a new system whereby they would show, via live satellite link, various performances from the National Theatre Company in small, independent cinemas around the county and around the world. Not only that, but there was ballet, opera and concerts. There was a whole years worth of functions, across all the arts from around the world and I could go and watch them from my local cinema.

At first I thought the idea was a bad one, because if I wanted to go to the theatre, I would just get on the train to London and go. However, the more I thought about it, the better and better it got. For one thing, it is considerably cheaper. The ticket prices are about a quarter of the theatre, there is no train ticket involved and I wouldn't have to pay to park the car. On top of that, there would be no worrying about catching the last train home and the seats in my cinema are by far the most comfortable event seats I have ever sat in. In the last three months, I have seen Derek Jacobi in King Leah, Roy Kinnear in Hamlet, The Missing Number and War Horse, and all without leaving my local town!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luke_Darma

Reviewed: Transformers: Dark of the Moon [2011]

2012-01-20T02:56:00.001-08:00

15 - 157mins - Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi - 29th June 2011

Our summer of sequels continues with the Transformers returning to the big screen with their third outing. After the rather disappointing Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen I have to say that my hopes were not particularly high for this one.

Dark of the Moon is set several years after the second movie where Sam (Shia LaBeouf) is struggling to get a job and return his life to normal and yet this still hasn't stopped him from bagging the most attractive girl in the city- Carly (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley). At the same time, the Autobots discover that a Cybertronian spacecraft crash landed on the Moon during the 1960's and race against the Decepticons to reach it first and protect the secrets that it holds. The two storylines overlap and voilà the plot is born.

As always the visuals impress and are the best in the franchise so far but I ended up asking myself how is this different from the previous two and it led me to this answer- there isn't that much of a difference at all. Bay has upped the ante somewhat in regards to the amount of CGI he has crammed into the movie so expect more fighting, more action and a whole lot more slowmo. While many will think great more action, I see it as part of the problem though. There is only so many times that I can be impressed with a vehicle transforming into something else, in slow motion, before it becomes repetitive and I felt like I reached my limit in this film.

Aside from the first 10 minutes which dealt with the space race of the 1960's, it took a while for the film to get going. For the last hour or so though, I was enjoying what the film had to offer where it took on a Black Hawk Down kind of persona during battle scenes in the city.

Several issues I had: at 157 minutes the film tended to drag in several places and led to a rather rushed final scene that should not have been; the comedy element was greatly reduced despite a cameo from Ken Jeong aka Mr Chow from The Hangover; the new love interest did not impress with her acting skills at all and was more than likely brought in merely as token eye candy for the viewers, which she did succeed in; and most importantly, the plot had more holes in it than a Swiss cheese being used as target practice on a shooting range. And that is an understatement. Also there has been zero continuity between the trilogy of films so far which does not go down well with me.

I was more impressed than I thought I was going to be but as I said expectation had been lowered due to the extremely poor second film. I have to be careful here because I think the impressive graphics have partly blinded me to the rest of the cracks that appear in the film. All I can say is if you enjoyed the first movie or like good visuals then you will enjoy this one and if you didn't or want an involved and interesting plot that develops itself and the characters as the movie progresses then you won't get that here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_W_Farmer

The Good News Behind Larry Crowne: Education

2012-01-20T02:45:00.000-08:00

One viewer put it this way: "Went to the movies last night and saw Larry Crowne. We thought it was good. No violence, no sex, no foul language. Amazing." Not everyone is raving, however. USA Today's Claudia Puig called it "both a dated, lackluster comedy and a genial old-fashioned romance," and gave it 2-1/2 stars, but then AP movie critic Christy Lemire called it "corny and contrived," and handed it only 1-1/2.

After all... Putting a college professor (Julia Roberts/Mercedes Tainot) in the arms of a divorced and downsized high school grad (Tom Hanks/Larry) is a stretch. Ditto for Larry's unlikely friendship with hip and pretty moped-riding Gugu Mbatha-Raw/Talia, who all but adopts him.

But put that all aside, as the take-away from Larry Crowne is not the budding relationship between student and former professor, but schooling and the doors it can open.

That's because Larry, at the top of his game at a Target/Wal-Mart-like retailer, gets fired, told that his lack of higher education forever limits his prospects for moving up at U-Mart. That explains why he's never been promoted in the past, and out he goes.

And, as if that's not enough, recently divorced, Larry's house is now not worth what he owes on it. Talk about being down on your luck. As Hanks explained it, "I wanted to play a guy who has the rug pulled out from under him." And does he ever.

But then neighbor Cedric the Entertainer/Lamar, who just happens to hold a yard sale every day, hands Larry a college catalogue and says, "Get some knowledge and you'll be fine."

Signing up for three courses, Larry is now a part-time college student, and that changes everything. It's not that he ultimately gets the girl, it's that he gets a new life by heading back to school. That's the movie's underpinning-and it's an important one.

Just take a look at The Stronger Nation through Higher Education report's findings: 35.2% of Pennsylvania's population holds only a high school diploma, with another 9.1% who never graduated. Compare that with just 8.6% who hold a Bachelor's degree.

Put all that together with the recent Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce finding that 57% of Pennsylvania's jobs will require postsecondary education by 2018. Actually, of the anticipated 1.8 million jobs that open up between now and 2018, one million of them will require more than just a high school diploma. Larry Crowne gets that now.

Bottom line: if you're a struggling high school grad, his story should resonate with you, focusing as it does on the opportunities afforded by back-to-school skill building to make it in today's challenging job market.

Need a place to start? Larry headed to East Valley Community College. You simply can't go wrong if you follow his lead and head to a community college near you for education at a reasonable price.

Take Pennsylvania's Montgomery County Community College for instance. In-state tuition is just $6,188; out-of-staters pay $9,143 in tuition. Compare that with Temple University's in-state tuition of $13,006 and $22,832 out-of-state. As for the University of Pennsylvania, the tab is $36,208. All of that makes MCCC--and all community colleges--a true bargain.

Considering it? Bridgeport resident Melissa sure did. Wanting more, this high school grad/hair dresser enrolled part-time at MCCC, then transferred to West Chester University. Now she's transferring again-trading her position at a salon/spa for a full-time accounting position. Yup! Over the course of many, many years, one course at a time, a life change.

Want to go for it, too, but need a bit of inspiration? Keep Melissa in mind and go see Larry Crowne.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Josel

Bollywood Is Only a Glimpse of Indian Cinema

2012-01-19T01:04:00.001-08:00

From Telugu to Malayalam, discover the other sub-genres of the Indian Film Industry.

India has the largest movie industry in the world producing over 2961 films in 2009 alone. With the increasing popularity of Bollywood films, it is not uncommon for western fans of the genre to confuse the meaning of "Bollywood" with "The Hollywood of India", when it's merely a colloquial term used to refer to Hindi films originating from the city of Mumbai (formally known as Bombay). Hindi films are the most popular of Indian films, with some of highest budgets and highest paid actors and actresses in India. Because many people are unaware of the other prominant languages of India that fuel other sectors of the Indian film industry, I am writing this article in hopes of opening the minds of those who are interested in learning more about the Indian film industries that are growing more popular around the globe. Below are 3 of my peronal favorites:

Telugu ( A language with 74 million speakers)

Telugu Cinema (also known as Tollywood or Cinema of Andhra Pradesh) is one of the 3 most prominant film industries in India producing Hundreds of movies a year. 245 Telugu movies were released in 2006 alone.

Interesting Facts: The Telugu film industry holds the Guinness World Record for having the largest production Studio complex in the world. The largest IMAX theatre in India is infact a Telugu theatre in Hyderabad and is one of the largest of it's kind internationally.

Tamil (A language with 61 million speakers in India and Shri Lanka):

The term Tamil Cinema (also known as the Chennai Film Industry) is used to refer to the film industry in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Over the years, Tamil cinema has influenced other industry sectors, including Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu cinema. Tamil cinema has fans across the world in countries and regions like Singapore, Malaysia, Western Europe and the Middle East.

Interesting Fact: The first Tamil movie was called Keechaka Vaadham, which was directed by R. Nataraja.

List of Tamil Film Actors

Malayalam (33 million speakers in india):

The term Malayalam Cinema refers to the film industry of the state of Kerala. These films are in the language of Malayalam, a major Dravidian, South Indian language. Malayalam Cinema has very developed industry with low to high budget films that have grown in popularity even outside of Kerala. The first 3D and CinemaScope films in the country of india were a Malayalam films. The industry has become so successful that films in other Indian languages are being produced in Kerala, including Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Interesting Fact: The first Malayalam film was released 1930. It was a silent film produced and directed by J.C. Daniel.

Indian Cinema Beyond Bollywood:

It is difficult for one to know what he or she is missing in the Indian Film industry when they are only aware of one sub-genre, Bollywood. After reading this article I hope that you will find the courage to give other sub-genres of Indian Cinema a chance by visiting your local Indian video rental store or website to discover more of what India has to offer.

Other Indian Cinemas include: Assamese, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya and Punjabi.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_M._Sanders

When You Think REALISM, You Should Think Sony Bravia 32!

2012-01-19T01:03:00.001-08:00

This is really something to experience. Now you can put yourself right into the picture, because that's exactly how you will feel. You are there experiencing every blade of grass, every fluffy cloud and the realism of it all will simply astound you. It's advanced HDTV from Sony. This 32" flat-panel LCD TV will afford you incredible high-definition images up to 1080 p.

The added features and benefits will also amaze you, including:

* The Sony Bravia 32 tuner can receive conventional analog channels as well as all the new digital channels.

* If available in your area, you will also be able to have over the air HDTV

* It has two HDMI inputs as well as an assortment of other inputs to connect to game consoles, DVD player, surround sound and other goodies. It can even connect to your computer! * How about a picture with deeper blacks and brighter whites?

* An amplifier that is 20 watts, 2 built-in speakers and an interface for your surround sound.

* A theatre-like appearance when you mount the Sony on a wall

* Wireless remote

This Sony Bravia 32 series will deliver what you already expect: Sony quality and presentation, all at a great value. With a wide 178 degree vertical with equal horizontal angles, you viewers will see a clear, bright and colorful image on this widescreen HD display. Additionally, this incredible HDTV features a technology called Ambient Sensor and Light Sensor that will regulate the color and backlight spontaneously based on the lighting in the room.

Additionally, other features include:

High Definition: Everyone talks about HD, but does everyone who talks about it actually know what they are getting when they order it. The Sony 32 HDTV actually affords up to 6 times the visual aspect of your standard definition television. However, without a HDTV set, and a source of HD content, you still will only be talking about it.

Set Up: It is definitely an easy set up because it has a single HDMI cable that carries the audio and video signals.

Surround Sound: High Definition can include up to 7.1 channels of surround sound. With this Sony audio system, you can experience every wisp of air that someone breathes.

Design: This Sony 32 has a ultra-slim design and comes with a stand or can be mounted on a wall.

Backlight control: Vibrant

There are a few added goodies, like parental control, sleep timer, a channel blocker, channel surf and of course, picture in picture.

Sony has quality products and indisputable taste and design in those products. From the many models of televisions, phones, computers and other pieces of equipment for home or office, you will know that it is top of the line.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stan_Roderbel

You Will Get Great Pictures With The Sony 40bx400 TV Series

2012-01-19T01:01:00.002-08:00

Whether it is an adrenaline-pumping sequence in an action series or a tear-inducing scene from a soppy, romantic movie, watching shows on the television is a great deal more than merely a viewing experience; in fact, it is a holistic activity which requires the engagement of practically all of your senses. With the most recent collection of televisions from BRAVIA, you are now equipped with the capacity to experience an authentic revolution where sensory perception is concerned. From advanced technological features to pictures that are lifelike and pulls you into the moment, these features go a long way to blur the line between the viewer and the action that is taking place in the show that is being watched.

The BRAVIA televisions are designed to broaden your horizons and they use innovation to engage your senses, which greatly enhances the viewing experience. The 40-inch BX400 Series is pretty much simplicity at its finest. All that is required of you is to click on the television, relax, take in the pleasure and be entertained. The key features and sleek design makes this television a valuable addition to your home. Some of its incredible features are listed below:

Live Color

Equipped with an image processor which uses a specially developed algorithm, Live Color has the capacity to reproduce tremendously vivid colors. With four available settings that can be adjusted by users, you can decide on just how vivid you would like the images to look. Whether it is a bright and beautiful yellow flower, a radiant blue sky or a nicely manicured lawn that is lush and green, everything is more brilliant and noticeable with Live Color.

BRAVIA Engine 3

The processing engine is the main factor that determines the quality of the picture in LCD televisions. BRAVIA Engine 3 reproduces images with amazing clarity, superior colors and higher contrast and it is a high-definition video processor.

Best of all, the high quality images can be enjoyed by the viewer regardless if the source is in High Definition (HD) or Standard Definition (SD).

Full HD 1080

Full HD quality will ensure that you do not miss a single thing. From the brightest color to the smallest detail, everything seems a great deal more lifelike and clearer for an experience that is truly immersive.

In addition, full HD 1080 provides a number of HD source options; including your PS3, HD Cyber-shot digital cameras, HD Handy-cam camcorders, Blu-ray Disc players and HD broadcasting. All of these make it a great deal easier to have the benefit of high-quality images.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stan_Roderbel

Harry Potter and Hogwarts Houses

2012-01-19T01:01:00.001-08:00

If your children read Harry Potter, they might have been talking about Houses and a certain hat which seems to be talking in verse a lot. No, they're not crazy - this is yet another Harry Potter issue. This is what happens in the books:

At the start of each school year, each of the new students is sorted into a particular House. That's where the hat comes in; by the way, its job is to declare which House the new pupil will best fit into.

There are four houses, each with their own names and characteristics:

Hufflepuff

• Colours: canary yellow and midnight black
• Mascot: the e badger
• Founder: Helga Hufflepuff
• House Ghost: tee Fat Friar

During the series, the Head of House is Professor Sprout, who teaches Herbology. The Hufflepuff Common Room is located close to the kitchens in the basement. The dormitories are connected to the Common Room by small tunnels, just like a beaver nest.

Hufflepuffs value above all loyalty and hard work. They are known for their fair play and tolerance.

Ravenclaw

• Colours: blue and bronze
• Mascot: the eagle
• Founder: Rowena Ravenclaw
• House Ghost: The Grey Lady

Charms Professor Filius Flitwick is Ravenclaw Head of House. Their common room is situated in Ravenclaw Tower at the west corner of Hogwarts school.

Ravenclaw is the home of the most intelligent and studious students. They also value wit and creativity.

Slytherin

• Colours: green and silver
• Mascot: the serpent
• Founder: Salazar Slytherin
• House Ghost: The Bloody Barton

Until late in the series, Potions Master Severus Snape is Slytherin's Head of House. He is replaced by Horace Slughorn. The Slytherin Common Room lies in the dungeons, under the lake.

Slytherin is well known for housing ambitious wizards who are cunning and often think that the end justifies the means. They are resourceful and natural leaders. Many dark wizards have emerged out of Slytherin, most notable Lord Voldemort.

Gryffindor

• Colours: scarlet and gold
• Mascot: the lion
• Founder: Godric Gryffindor
• House Ghost: Nearly Headless Nick

Throughout the many books, Transfigurations professor Minerva McGonagall is Gryffindor's Head of House. Their common room lies in Gryffindor Tower, the castle's highest tower at the east corner.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Clayton

Once a Slytherin, Always a Slytherin?

2012-01-19T00:58:00.000-08:00

One thing I have to say from the start: I love the Harry Potter series. I bought the first three book, and after that bought the next ones the days they were released. I went to the midnight premieres of the movies - all like a proper fan.

The universe J.K. Rowling builds is wonderful. The small things like the sweets, spellotape, Arthur Weasley being adorably excited about plugs and cars; and the idea of magic itself, the new concepts of it being a genetic trait and used in everyday living, the way Molly gets her housework done with spells.

The writing might not be on par with the best writers of our time, but it does tell the story, and tells it well. I always found the hype around the Harry Potter releases justified, and it made me a little warm and fuzzy inside that all this was happening because of a book, at a time when books don't seem to be important to children anymore.

There has been quite a lot of criticism around the Harry Potter series. The first books were lauded by the critics - but when the series became more and more successful, critics started to complain about the writing or plot concepts. It always seemed to me they were influenced by the fame Harry Potter was accumulating in a negative way; it reminds me of my father telling me that he wouldn't read books on the bestseller lists because if so many people liked a book, it couldn't possibly be good.

The criticisms I have about Harry Potter are few. I'm never too fond of the need to pair everyone off and have them married with children. It's not the only way to lead a happy life. J.K. Rowling has a rather black and white view of many things. That's not a bad thing necessarily: seeing the Good win at the end was such a beautiful thing, who doesn't want the Bad to lose in real life, and somehow it never works out that way?

At times though, this hinders the story. With some characters, Rowling seems to have the standpoint that you they can't change. This is most notable in the Houses of Hogwarts, into which the students are sorted according to their personality. That's the first slightly weird thing, how do you sort a random crowd of children into four groups with matching personalities?

What's worse though is that it seems it's almost impossible to stray from that fate. That's especially true for Slytherin House, which is known for its ambitious students. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Rowling finally had the chance to have the Slytherins redeem themselves, but no - they are the only ones who don't fight in the Battle of Hogwarts, and even afterwards, the Malfoys sit alone, apart from everyone else.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Clayton

Now To Rent Movies With Netflix

2012-01-18T04:12:00.000-08:00

Netflix was one of the first online DVD rental stores to eliminate the late fees. This doesn't mean you can keep the DVDs for years. However, if you can't return the DVD's for some justified reasons, Netflix will not penalize you.

Along with the DVD, you will also get a postal free of charge envelope to send the movie back. This way, besides the monthly DVD rental fee, you won't need to pay anything else.

Netflix has several available packages. The cheapest one allows you to rent one movie at a time once every two weeks, while the most expensive one allows you to book eight DVDs at a time.

The smallest package that costs 4.99 dollars a month is not such a great option, as you will be limited at two movie rentals a month. All the other packages are unlimited, so you can rent eight DVDs at a time, and whenever you need, you can give them back and request other eight. However, before signing up for real money, you could try their trial program allowing you to benefit from the Netflix services free for one month.

The engine of Netflix is simple. If you like a movie, you can add it to the Queue. The movies will be sent to your home in the order from the Queue, but you can change the order whenever you like. The movies are sent considering your package and personal preferences.

Once you send a package back, the next package will be delivered automatically. This is why Netflix allows late returns: you won't be able to request another set of movies until you deliver the old set back, and this is how Netflix makes sure you are always sending the DVDs back.

Netflix introduced other services also in the latest years. For example, you could watch the movies online if you don't want to wait until they are delivered. The number of free movies is also limited considering your package. You will find the Instant Play section with all the available movies from this program.

The quality is guaranteed with Netflix, as they have the Player developed exactly for the formats available for Netflix. You can connect the computer to your TV, but you can also order the special Netflix hardware that will guarantee the quality and the clarity of the movies.

Another important section that might be helpful is the review section. Each movie has reviews from previous watchers, so you could easily know if the movie suites your needs or not. The star system is also helpful. Netflix also has a system that makes the reviews of the experienced users more valuable. Some Netflix fans are giving constant reviews, and you can be sure their opinion is objective.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Soyer

Movie Review: Fashion - Madhur Bhandarkar Gets Some Refinement

2012-01-18T04:06:00.001-08:00

One of the biggest open secrets of Hindi cinema is that Madhur Bhandarkar makes the same film again and again. All he does is take the same character-and underdog it in an ugly world-and just change the settings. The only twist in the tale is the microcosm that he draws parallel with all the problems of the world. So it could be a Page 3 party (Page 3), a traffic signal (Traffic Signal), a political party (Satta), the corporate world (Corporate) or a dance bar (Chandani Bar), you can't mistake a Madhur Bhandarkar film. This time around Bhandarkar talks about the high life in the fashion world.

Fashion Story Synopsis

Meghna Mathur (Priyanka Chopra) is as small town as they come. This Chandigarh lass lands up in Mumbai to become a model... no correction, it's supermodel. There's no real obstacle in her path as the current 'show stopper' Shonali might be the cynosure of the town but her addiction to drugs and booze coupled with her wayward lifestyle have already started her downfall. Predictably Meghna climbs the ladder to success but not before going through her share of struggle where she has to do a lingerie ad, schmooze in parties for money amongst other things.

The ad gets her thrown out from her family friend's house and lands her at Manav's, her love interest. But the higher Meghna goes the lower she falls. Her attitude transforms into arrogance and takes her away from everything dear to her. Her clandestine affair with her much-married boss gets her pregnant.

Meghna ends up becoming just the kind of person she hates. Unable to see herself in the mirror she runs back to her family. Away from the glitter she is still depressed and it's only her father's changed belief in her which gives her the confidence to start all over again. Once back Meghna saves her soul by taking it upon herself to save Shonali, who is now homeless. Fate gets her back to the top but not before testing her limits.

Critics Opinion on Fashion

One can safely say that the ghost of 'Chandni Bar', Bhadarkar's breakthrough film, can finally be laid to rest. 'Fashion' might have the regular ingredients of the director's formula but it is a better film than his previous few works.

Sure the in-house digs are a plenty and everyone is caricatured, Kangana Ranaut's character mirrors Geetanjali Nagpal's and it's surprisingly predictable at times but the film is well mounted.

One complaint is that the screenplay could have been much better. For instance there is no real reason for Meghna to initially loathe Shonali and her transformation into a Naomi Campbell like diva isn't really justified. Even the reason for models to have a certain 'lifestyle' isn't really scratched further.

Bhandarkar doesn't explore stress or high pressure of the glamour world as a reason for breakdown. Rather he is happy keeping it as simple as day and night. Oh, the things that could have been done...

Fashion: Priyanka Chopra dominates

As far as the performances go this is a Priyanka Chopra film all the way. She is ably supported by Samir Soni, Mugdha Godse and Arbaaz Khan. Kangana Ranaut shines as the tormented beauty though she can work on her diction a little more. Kitu Gidwani as the high priestess of modelling world is pure elegance.

'Fashion' sees Madhur Bhandarkar finally moving from his staple digs-a-dozen kind of treatment to a more refined approach.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gautam_Chintamani

Tamil Film Industry and the Successful Heroines

2012-01-18T04:03:00.000-08:00

The film industry of Tamilnadu that is also popularly referred to as Kollywood comes second in India after Bollywood as far as the production status is concerned. The Tamil films are equally distributed all over the world and in several places like Malaysia, Canada, Europe and US. You can get an account of the same from the Tamil cinema news whether you are watching television or reading a newspaper.

The Tamil film industry is duly positioned in Chennai and it has a vigorous and pulsationg history from the time that it brought the first silent film before the public known as " Keechaka Vaadham" in the year 1916. However with the introduction of speech in the movies, we got one of the first hit films which were known by the name of "Kalidas". Despite these movies, the film that brought worldwide fame and acclaim to the Tamil film industry was "Chandralekha" that incited the audience to no ends and they were left in awe. As a matter of fact, the success of this film paved the way for the success and the constancy of this movie industry. In addition to this, the movie Chandralekha is one of the most costly films that have been ever made in history particularly in this industry.

We can also find a lot of politicians in the Tamil film industry or you can say vice versa that the film starts of Kollywood are having deep associations with politics. You will be amazed to know that many of the topics of Tamil films are inspired by the old folk songs of Tamilnadu. We have seen Jayalalitha who was a popular Tamil actress before she joined politics. Incidentally, she is the current Chief Minister of Tamilnadu. Right from its inception the Tamil movie industry has been connected with politics and many of its characters and movie themes are based on ancient folk ballads of Tamil Nadu. Karunanidhi, who was the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu previously was a famous film director and also known for writing some of the best scripts for the Tamil films. Some of the leading ladies of Tamil films can also be seen in advertisements and some of them are acting as brand ambassadors of FMCG companies in India and across the globe. Lets us now read about some of the famous or top Tamil heroines and although you can get an account of the same from movie reviews, this edition will provide you with a general review of them.

At present, Anushka is the top heroine in Kollywood and according to movie news she has probably cancelled a film offer from Bollywood so that she is able to act in a Tamil film that also shows her dedication towards the film industry as a whole. She can almost be compared with Hema Malini one of the noted actresses of yesteryears. Trisha is another heroine who is also popular but some of her recent films did not fare well in the box office. Tamanna is also a noted actress in Kollywood and two of the films that she is working now are much awaited by the public.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eva_Vasanthi

Should These Singers Stick to Their Day Jobs?

2012-01-18T04:01:00.000-08:00

Mos Def

The good: Mos Def plays a cop named Sgt. Lucas who is keeping an eye on a pedophile named Walter played by Kevin Bacon in 2004′s The Woodsman. I felt compelled to see this movie really only for Mos Def's performance. I had read that he really got into the role and showed off some heavy acting chops. I was not disappointed. In one particularly harrowing scene, Sgt. Lucas explains to Walter how he's had to deal with pedophiles before in other cases. One case in particular still haunts him. He recounts how he and his fellow officers found a seven-year-old who had also been unfortunate enough to land in the hands of a pedophile. Everything from the fluctuations in his voice to the way his body tenses while telling this story makes you feel like he really did live through this. Very impressive for someone whose real trade is rapping.

The bad: After scanning the movies that Mos Def has acted in, only one stands out as the "Why would he have done that?" movie: Next Day Air. For those not familiar, Next Day Air is about two dumb criminals who mistakenly deliver some drugs to the wrong address. This sets off a chain of events that are supposed to entertain us. Luckily for Mos Def, however, he isn't in the film very much at all. His acting, while not bad, doesn't make this film worth watching. It's okay, Mos Def. You're forgiven for being in a sub-par film. I'm going to say that you owed somebody a favor and that's the only reason why you were in it. Yeah... That's the ticket.

Mariah Carey

The good: To play the role of Mrs. Weiss in Precious, the very stylish Mariah Carey wore no makeup, wore a hideous black wig, and sported a faint mustache. It would be completely understandable to watch the film and be totally unaware that Mariah Carey was in it; her transformation works beautifully. Er, beautifully is probably the wrong word. The transformation works well, let's say. But just because somebody glams down for a role doesn't mean that their acting gets any better. In this case, however, Carey pulled off quite the feat. She held her own against the two key players in this drama: Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique (who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the role). The scene in which all three ladies sit down and listen to Mo'Nique's character describe the sexual abuse Precious endured while growing up is particularly good. We feel the disgust for this woman who clearly was willing to keep her man at any costs, and that look of disgust is planted squarely on Carey's face. A brilliant job by everyone involved.

The bad: Of course we're going to talk about 2001′s Glitter, but I'm not going to say what everyone already knows. That it's bad. That it's really, really bad. That Mariah Carey had a very public nervous breakdown because the film did so poorly. We all know that. But did you know that the soundtrack to Glitter is Carey's worst-selling album? It was so bad that her record company at the time, Virgin Records/EMI let her go after its release. So, there you have it: your worthless piece of Mariah Carey trivia for the day.

Justin Timberlake

The good: I remember reading somewhere that Justin Timberlake was going to be in a David Fincher film about Facebook and I didn't quite know what to expect. Sure, Fincher knows what he's doing and rarely misses with his flims, but Justin Timberlake? Really? I mean, he's a funny guy and he can obviously sing and dance, but could he act? Of course, Fincher knew better than I did. In The Social Network, Timberlake plays Napster founder Sean Parker who "helps" Mark Zuckerberg take Facebook and turn it into the unstoppable monster it is today. I worried that while watching the film that he would be a distraction and keep me from getting lost in the film. But I quickly forgot that he's a mega-superstar and accepted him as Parker. Timberlake managed to be manipulative, charming, bastardly, and cowardly. Perhaps he learned all of these skills by being a member of the Mickey Mouse Club? Well, wherever he learned how to act like that, he should stick with it.

The bad: It really was tough picking between The Love Guru and Yogi Bear as the worst movie Timberlake has been in thus far. Ultimately I chose The Love Guru seeing as how at least in Yogi Bear you can't see him because he's only voicing the character of Boo Boo. If you didn't scan the credits at the end of the movie, you wouldn't even know it was Timberlake's voice. The Love Guru is a sad attempt at trying to recreate the magic Mike Myers once had with the Austin Powers series. Once again, Myers plays a funny-looking man with a funny-sounding accent. Too bad the movie isn't funny. Timberlake plays a French hockey player who steals the wife of a rival team's wife. Timberlake is awful, but, to be fair, the material he had to work with was awful. It's like being handed a pile of poop and saying, "Sculpt that into something so it doesn't look like a pile of poop." It's also worth mentioning that Timberlake did not receive a Razzie Award (the equivalent of the Academy Award for bad movies) nomination, while Myers (he actually won Worst Actor), Jessica Alba, Ben Kingsley and Verne Troyer all did. So, I guess in a movie as bad as The Love Guru, it's nice to know that Justin Timberlake isn't the worst thing in it.

Mandy Moore

The good... sort of: I'm putting Saved! in the "the good... sort of" category because Mandy Moore wasn't cute and bubbly in this film. She plays a very religious teenager who condemns a fellow classmate and former friend because she becomes pregnant. It's not the best movie in the world and you could definitely find better ways to waste 92 minutes, but if you were forced to sit down and watch an entire film featuring Mandy Moore, you may as well choose this one.

The bad: Everything else. Seriously, A Walk to Remember? License to Wed? Because I Said So? There's no excuse for any of these films. You take them and the crap music she came out with year after year, and you have to wonder how she still continues to get work in both fields. Just recently she hit a couple of highs both professionally and personally. Earlier this year she performed the song "I See the Light" from her animated film Tangled during the Academy Awards. She also married Ryan Adams two years ago. I sincerely hope that eventually she will choose to either suck at singing or acting, and not both.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_McDonald

Veronica Carlson - Dracula's Most Beautiful Victim

2012-01-18T03:55:00.000-08:00

Of all the lovely actresses that have appeared in the Hammer horror movies over the years, there is one particular lady that, for me, has just stood out from all the rest, and that is Veronica Carlson. With her long blonde hair, pretty eyes, fresh complexion and well-spoken British voice, Veronica Carlson just personified absolutely everything that the perfect Hammer horror actress should be.

Veronica's first ever role in a Hammer movie was in the 1968 classic Dracula Has Risen from the Grave. One day James Carreras, the head of Hammer Films, spotted one of Veronica's photographs in a newspaper and immediately contacted her to offer her the part of Maria in Dracula Has Risen from the Grave. This movie has long held a special place in the hearts of most Hammer fans, and I am certainly one of them! I have watched this movie many times over the years, and I still get the shudders when Maria has her first shocking confrontation with the newly resurrected Dracula in that creepy pub basement! Also, right through the movie, my heart was in my mouth, hoping that the lovely Maria would not get made a vampire (and, boy, did she come close to it a few times!) by the evil Count. Thankfully, she didn't, and I never get tired of that wonderful finale, where Maria is saved in the nick of time from the vampire lord by her boyfriend, and Dracula is impaled on that giant crucifix. And what Hammer fan did not experience a great vicarious pleasure watching Paul embrace Maria as they watch Dracula perish? Classic stuff!

In addition to Dracula Has Risen From The Grave, Veronica also appeared in two other Hammer horror movies: Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969) - a movie in which her character, Anna, is tragically murdered by Baron Frankenstein - and The Horror of Frankenstein (1970). She has also appeared in various TV episodes, like The Saint and Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).

A few years after teaming up with him in Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed, Veronica co-starred again with Peter Cushing - although on this occasion not in a Hammer film - in the 1975 horror movie, The Ghoul.

Following her Hammer years, Veronica hosted a documentary called Fangs: 100 Years of Vampires In The Movies. Unfortunately this documentary is now very hard to get, apart from a VHS version on an online store. As far as I know, it has never been officially released on dvd. We Hammer fans live in hope that one day it will!

In the book The Complete Peter Cushing, published in 2005, Veronica writes an excellent foreword about her acquaintance with the "gentle" man of horror.

Veronica Carlson is now retired from acting and living in South Carolina with her husband and three children. She now spends most of her time pursuing her hobby of painting portraits. She does still make the occasional guest appearance at horror movie conventions, and has often been photographed with fans, chatting and signing autographs.

In an age where far too many of today's British horror movies are filled with excessive sex, violence and swearing from totally unlikeable, irritatingly coarse women - usually wayward and feral teens - it's always a refreshing treat to pop in a Hammer DVD starring Veronica Carlson and reminisce, again and again, about just how beautiful and ladylike this extremely talented actress was, her innocent beauty impeccably accentuated and contrasted brilliantly against the menacing monsters presented by Lee's Dracula or Cushing's Frankenstein's monster.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_To

1930's Hollywood Musicals Lift Our Spirits

2012-01-18T03:42:00.000-08:00

The Hollywood musical of the 1930's provided a great deal more than just light entertainment. During and following the Great Depression, Hollywood produced a multitude of musicals that proved to be both entertaining and, more importantly, inspirational. This was a time in our nations history that presented enormous problems to the American people and their sagging spirit. The public needed an emotional lift and the Hollywood musical contributed greatly to help fill this need.

During these very difficult times, Hollywood responded to their audiences need for a "happy distraction" to what was going on around them. The Hollywood musicals of the 1930's provided an opportunity to get away from it all for awhile and just feel good.

It's important to understand that, despite the intense difficulties, most people of this generation did not sit around and feel sorry for themselves or blame others for their hardships. They pulled together and collectively gathered the strength necessary to put their lives back together. This took a great deal of hard work and emotional perseverance and accomplishing this task would also require rest and emotional relaxation.

This is where the brief respite of going to the movies fit in so perfectly. And to the movies they went...tapping their feet to the upbeat musical numbers performed in 42nd Street (1933) and Gold Diggers of 1933, which included a hit song with the unlikely title "We're in the Money." The Judy Garland classic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," from 1939's The Wizard of Oz, gave hope that someday they could "wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds would be far behind them."

One of the most beloved screen entertainers of this time was an adorable and precocious little star by the name of Shirley Temple. Shirley starred in many musicals during the 1930's depression era and the mere sight of her smiling face on the movie screen would uplift the spirit of film audiences across the country. Even President Franklin Delano Roosevelt took notice of this cute little curly haired toddler who danced, acted and sang her way into the hearts of American audiences.

One of Shirley Temple's most celebrated musicals was The Little Colonel (1935). This film was highly regarded by President Roosevelt and film audiences for finally shattering the taboo of inter-racial dancing partners.The pairing of Shirley Temple with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson resulted one of the most delightful tap dancing and singing numbers ever to hit the silver screen.

At that time, Roosevelt's New Deal Program was being implemented and included supporting the arts and entertainment industry. At first, these efforts created some controversy and his program was criticized for being too socialistic. However, after the release of a number of the 1930's "feel good" musicals, and the public's positive reaction, the critic's warmed to the value of having light, high spirited entertainment during these difficult times. President Roosevelt had realized that these films could have a positive impact on the morale of the American people - and he was right!

Another of the most notable musicals during this period gave us the memorable performance of James Cagney as George M. Cohan in the patriotic Yankee Doodle Dandy. This classical "song and dance" man film would make musical history and win James Cagney an Academy Award.

The Golden Age of Hollywood continued to delight us with many more musicals right through to the post war period in America. But the musicals produced during the Great Depression were the most exhilarating, upbeat, and extravagantly choreographed ever put out by Hollywood. We should always remain thankful for the 1930's Hollywood musicals as they made a significant contribution toward helping our grandparents through one of the most challenging times in American history.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carl_DiNello

History of Film: Pt 5 - Sound Reinvents Motion Pictures

2012-01-17T01:02:00.004-08:00

The decade of the 1930's saw the complete and successful marriage of film and sound. Now that sound could be practically infused with movies, limitations that film itself had, were now gone. All sorts of genres that would have had a hard time coming across to viewers and entertaining them during the silent era, could now be made. And the people behind the cameras were all too willing to oblige. Full blown movie houses were built that could seat anywhere from 60 to 300 people comfortably, that is, in the fall, winter, and spring months, as air conditioning had not been introduced yet to theaters.

The first obvious genre to benefit from sound was the musical. The first classic Hollywood made musical was released in 1929 called, 'The Broadway Melody'. The first major contributor behind the camera was choreographer/director, Busby Berkley. He made the musicals, '42cnd Street', released in 1933 and the catchy titled, 'Dames', which came out just a year later.

Universal introduced audiences to gothic horror films such as, 'Dracula', starring Bela Lugosi and 'Frankenstein', with Boris Karloff. Both released in 1931. Now classics, these early horror movies scared the hell out of audiences. In 1933, RKO pictures released the all-time classic of mammoth monster movies, 'King Kong'. Merian C. Cooper's motion picture was a huge box-office hit and using stop motion photography along with modeled miniatures, was a hallmark of special effects for the time. The film also made an instant celebrity out of it's female lead, Faye Wray.

Another popular genre given birth to by sound was the 'gangster movie'. Movies like 'Little Caesar', starring Edward G. Robinson and Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and 'Public Enemy' both released in '31, were big hits with audiences. Comedies, which were no longer limited to 'slapstick', now could use comedic banter between actors. 1931's 'The Front Page' and 'It Happened One Night', (1934), starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, entertained audiences. The most sexually explicit female figure of the time had a comedic hit in 1933 with 'She Done Him Wrong' and movie goers were delighted by the ingenious absurdity and crafty one liners of the Marx Brothers in their 1933 classic 'Duck Soup'.

Walt Disney wasn't about to let animation take a backseat to full live-action films. Previously, only producing animated shorts, Disney released 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs', the first ever full length animated movie. RKO pictures struck big again in 1937 and 1939, releasing two all-time classics, 'The Wizard of Oz', starring Judy Garland and 'Gone With the Wind', with Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh. The later also has the distinction of being the first movie to use profanity. The quote from Rhett Butler, (Gable), to Scarlett O'Hara, (Leigh) at the end of the film, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Serf

Ultimate Jordan DVD Review

2012-01-17T01:02:00.003-08:00

Ultimate Jordan consists of the five best and biggest selling DVDs of Michael Jordans career including "Come Fly with Me", "Michael Jordan's Playground", "Air Time", " Above and Beyond", and "His Airness". There are also special features added such as his greatest dunks, moves, clutch shots, assists, and memories. Everything anyone ever needed to know everything about the man and the legend. A perfect DVD set for any Jordan fan or just a fan of basketball. Five of his greatest games are played in full including his 63 points against the Celtics, 69 points against the Cavaliers, 55 against the Phoenix Suns, his 38 points in the "flu game", and his final game in a Bulls uniform against the Utah Jazz in the finals.

The 6 disc set show the highlights of what made Michael Jordan such a great player and athlete. It shows it all from his younger days of just coming into the league through the Olympics and his early career with the Chicago Bulls, his championships, through the death of his father and his quest to do well in baseball, and then returning to basketball to win another 3 championships.

The title of the DVD is perfect in a number of ways such as it is the ultimate collection of footage of Michael Jordan, and that he was truly the ultimate athlete. He is a duel gold medalist from the 1984 and 1992 Olympics, he won the Rookie of the Year award in 1985, he was five times voted the Most Valuable Player in the NBA, a 14 time All-Star with three MVP titles, he was a six time NBA Champion with the Chicago Bulls and he has been selected as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.

The quality is good through the 6 discs and the soundtrack fitting to the visuals. I have not seen another set more complete than this on Michael Jordan and the only thing missing would be to include the IMAX movie that Jordan was in to have it all together in one box. And maybe the movie Space Jam for the kids. Michael Jordan really was the driving force behind the popularity of the NBA throughout the 1990's and this 6 disc DVD set really shows it all to anyone that has any doubt about who the best basketball player of all time was. Just watch this and try not to say "Michael Jordan".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Appleton

Terra Nova - A Spielberg Sci-Fi Drama to Offer TV Viewers an Interesting Chill

2012-01-17T01:02:00.001-08:00

Spielberg is cooking a brand new kind of series that will bring TV viewing to a new step. Terra Nova can be described as soon-to-be aired Sci-Fi drama from Fox that centers an ordinary American family, the Shannons in the time when the earth is dying, at the year 2149. At that time the Earth faces eminent destruction from overcrowding plus the environment polluted with a whole lot filth, the Shannons escape towards prehistoric times 85 million years back. They have successfully escaped the Earth's death but not the terror from the dinosaurs. It will surely provide the chills because you follow the story. You can find more info about Terra Nova at Terra Nova TV. Moreover, here are four interesting things in regards to the series.

Spielberg does not only stick his name in the title, he greatly influences the entire series unlike other producers. He contributed good ideas that will give the series a practical catch in regards to the series' time table. The rebreather mask that viewers will see within the series that inhabitants use to escape the polluted air is Spielberg's idea. Spielberg also had a say in regards to the filming locations. He voted a yes for Hawaii as filming location and avoids comparison from another prehistoric hit, Jurassic Park.

Jurassic Park and Terra Nova may be compared at a point because of the use of dinosaurs, but these are totally different. The former was the period from 199-145 million years within the Jurassic era while the latter is from the Cretaceous Period. This period is the start of flowering plants and herbs, along with the start of birds and mammals. The series have used dinosaurs that are less familiar to avoid comparing.

Terra Nova was really being eyed by three large broadcasting companies - SyFy, CBS, and Fox. The series was actually a 12-page short story written by British writer, Kelly Marcel. Because it had been made in Britain, SyFy's British division was the 1st one to contact Marcel. Marcel was then influenced to sell the story within the US. In the end, it had been Fox who won the contract as a result of making TV programs to a success.

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The Company Men, Doing Their Best

2012-01-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

If you want to see an excellent, richly nuanced movie about work in modern America, rent "The Company Men." And if you don't want to have the plot spoiled in advance, watch the movie first and then come back and read this column.

The film premiered at Sundance in January 2010, had its theatrical release early this year, and came out on DVD in June. Though it was written and shot as the country reeled from the Great Recession, its message about what makes work actually work is still timely today, when many Americans cope with long-term unemployment and many more wonder just how long their own jobs will last.

"The Company Men" follows three middle-aged, white collar employees at the fictional Boston-based conglomerate GTX (not to be confused with a real Arizona-based software firm by the same name). Bobby Walker, played by Ben Affleck, is a top salesman who is dedicated to his family, his job, his golf game and his Porsche, not necessarily in that order. Phil Woodward, played by Chris Cooper, is a mid-level employee who worked his way up from the factory floor. Gene McClary (Tommy Lee Jones) is GTX's second-in-command. One by one, all three lose their jobs.

Bobby, who stands at the center of this trio, struggles to come to terms with his new position in the socioeconomic hierarchy. While cashing severance checks, he tries to hold on to the outward appearance of success and prosperity. He haughtily spurns an offer of help from his blue-collar brother-in-law and swears at a corporate recruiter who tells him she might have a job for him - in Little Rock, Ark. But his confidence disappears, along with his Porsche, as the months pass. When the checks stop coming, Bobby takes the only job offer he's got: a position on his brother-in-law's construction crew.

On its surface, the film is, as an NPR review put it, "a little didactic." (1) The movie poster tagline is, "In America, we give our lives to our jobs. It's time to take them back." With advertising like that, "The Company Men" is in danger of becoming a trite recital of the trope that corporations are evil and true happiness can be found only in a return to blue-collar values. But director John Wells and his cast made a much better movie than that.

In a plotline parallel to Bobby's, GTX's co-founders, McClary and James Salinger, played by Craig T. Nelson, face off over the company's future. Salinger, assuming what initially appears to be the role of the villain, is determined to shut down unprofitable divisions and lay off thousands of workers to maximize value for shareholders. McClary, on the other hand, is struck by compassion, arguing that they should save as many jobs as possible. Salinger responds by putting McClary on the list of those to go.

Thrown out of the company he helped found, McClary decides to start again. He buys one of GTX's severed unprofitable divisions, its shipbuilding unit, and gathers an ensemble of corporate castoffs, including Bobby, to revive it. They give up their executive perks for a shoestring budget and win concessions from the union to get everyone back to work.

By the end, the film's message seems to be not that corporations are the root of all that is wrong with this country, but that to make things work we will have to accept change, even when that means sacrificing luxuries we've come to think of as necessities. If it's not possible to make a living as a salesman, maybe it's possible as a construction worker. If building ships while driving Porsches and paying inflated union wages isn't profitable, it's time to see if it can be profitable without those things.

If you want to see Salinger as the villainous CEO who cares nothing about the people he fires, the film will let you, but it also gives you plenty of opportunity to look beyond the stereotype. Besides benefiting his shareholders and boosting his own bonus, Salinger's tough decisions gave other characters the chance to make their own new, potentially more productive, starts. And if he had not made those tough decisions, some corporate raider would have taken advantage of a depressed GTX stock price to swoop in and make those decisions for him.

We have more than enough caricature in our political and economic discourse. The beauty of "The Company Men" is that, in the end, it is not about good guys and bad guys, but just about guys playing the roles that talent and circumstance have assigned them, and all doing the best job they can.

Source:
1) NPR, "When 'Company Men' Lose Their Clean White Collars"

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Friday the 13th Deserves A Sequel

2012-01-17T00:59:00.001-08:00

While I was not a huge fan of restarting the Friday the 13th franchise at first, I believe it is important that Hollywood continues the famous horror series by making a Friday the 13th sequel. It is disservice to leave Jason Voorhees fans hanging...or drowning in the lake.

The original Friday the 13th series focused on the story of Jason Voorhees, an undead serial killer who stalked camp counselors and other people living near Camp Crystal Lake. Like many other classic horror films (Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Nightmare on Elm Street) after 11 Friday the 13th movies, the series was essentially restarted with a new Friday the 13th in 2009. This time, Jason was a little more human and we finally got to see him put on his famous hockey mask for the first time. That is something that was not shown on screen in the original Friday the 13th series. However, it appears a sequel has been held up in production limbo and it is time Platinum Dunes -- the company that produced the remake -- gets the ball rolling.

Why is it important Friday the 13th gets a sequel and does not die on the vine? Many fans of the older films were not thrilled with yet another classic horror movie being remade. I was one of those fans who would have been happy with a new Friday the 13th movie that fit into the old continuity. But, now that the cat is out of the bag (or body is out of the bag), there is no point in turning back. Let us explore this new Jason franchise and build on it. Let fans see teenage heroes and heroines fight off Jason. Let us show new movie goers that Jason is every bit as entertaining as the other horror franchises, such as Saw or Paranormal Activity.

Besides pleasing fans, a new Friday the 13th movie with Jason Voorhees should be made because it could make money. Let's be honest. The reason studios make movies is because they are profitable. Actors, directors, producers.... they earn big bucks from films. The Friday the 13th remake was reported to have made over $91 million. It was made on a $19 million budget, according to my research. I can see why it made money. I was pleasantly surprised the Friday the 13th remake was good.

Being a fan of the older Friday the 13th movies (especially parts 1-4), I was not sure what to expect. The writers did a good job of writing a movie that pulled the best elements from the early Friday the 13th movies while elaborating on Jason's obsession with his mother. The new Friday the 13th movie also gave us a good cast of characters, some we loved and some we hated. I thought Jared Padalecki played his lead role very well. You could feel the love and concern he had for his sister. Yes, the new movie was a good remake - much better than the Nightmare On Elm Street remake. That is something many horror movie fans I have talked with agree on.

So, if you are a fan of Friday the 13th, make your voice heard. Call or e-mail Platinum Dunes. Fans deserve to see Jason continue appearing and scaring people out of the woods. Also, a well-written, well-acted Friday the 13th movie could be a big money maker -- especially if it is released near Halloween. (I understand the desire to release the Friday the 13th movies on a Friday the 13th, but releasing a new Jason film at Halloween is better. What could make the Halloween season better than going to a haunted house, trick-or-treating, and watching a new Friday the 13th with Jason Voorhees on the prowl? Nothing at all!

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Would A Nightwing Movie Work?

2012-01-17T00:58:00.002-08:00

Continuing with my Batman themed posts, I've decided to explore if a solo Nightwing movie would work; now Nolan's Bat trilogy is wrapping up next year. To start with, let me explain that I do not actually think there's any chance of seeing a Dick Grayson/Nightwing movie anytime soon. DC isn't going to take a gamble on a lesser-known character after the disastrous result from this year's Green Lantern. However, if the unexpected were to happen, and the movie was given the green light, how would a Nightwing movie successfully translate to the big screen?

To start with, the movie would need to be treated extremely seriously so that it can be connected to Nolan's trilogy. Warner Bros aren't going to start a DC cinematic universe anytime soon, so connecting at least two or their franchises together would be a nice touch. I would set the movie in the fictional city of Blüdhaven. The city can be depicted like a cross between Gotham City and the Narrows area seen in Batman Begins. There would need to be a sense of corruption and evil surrounding the place, perhaps even making it the base of the new organised crime criminals, who were beaten out of Gotham by the Batman. It can't under any means be as glamorous as Gotham. Blüdhaven should feel like the slums compared to Gotham or Metropolis.

Enter Dick Grayson. Would Grayson necessarily need the Robin gimmick as for Grayson it did come before he took on the persona of Nightwing? The Robin gimmick wouldn't work unless he was a sidekick to Batman. It definitely needs to be a more adult Nightwing flick. The story could follow a teenaged Dick Grayson, inspired by the stories coming from Gotham about the Batman. The real task lies in creating Dick's character. As readers of the comics will know, Dick is not necessarily a dark character. He's actually one of the more light-hearted allies to Bruce Wayne. So Grayson shouldn't be as dark and broody as Batman, but he shouldn't be a wise cracking Spidey rip-off either. His origin in the circus should be kept, as it's the only logical reason to explain his acrobatic fighting style that is essential to the character. Grayson's origin should be that he was raised in an orphanage, only to run away during his adolescent years searching for the criminals responsible for his family's death. Would the comic book villain Tony Zucco (who is responsible for the death of the Grayson family) be the main villain? I'd rather use a pre-established criminal such as Sal Maroni (providing he's not dead already) who was last seen in a car crash in The Dark Knight. That way it ties the films together and adds some much needed depth to the Sal Maroni character.

Grayson is quite a ladies man in the comics, and that's the hardest thing to translate onto screen without damaging the overall tone of the film. I'm a big fan of the The Huntress character (who had a great scene in Batman: Hush), and although she's not an original love interest for Dick in the comics, she could be Nightwing's answer to Hit-Girl. A young woman who uses a variety of gadgets and weapons she steals from criminals. Unlike Catwoman though, Huntress is more reckless and careless. If Batman has Catwoman, Nightwing should have Huntress.

And lastly, who would direct it? At the risk of sounding delusional, I'm going to say Frank Miller. A Nightwing film needs a director who can capture the serious tone of the film. Whilst Gotham's been getting all of the attention, its sister city Blüdhaven has been ignored and left to ruin. The legend of the Batman needs to be a recurring theme throughout the film as it's what will drive Grayson throughout his crusade. Miller would capture that perfectly, whilst adding some real importance to Nolan's films.

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Madison McKinley: Damages Season 4 - Madison Garton

2012-01-17T00:58:00.001-08:00

Madison McKinley, reality star, actress and model, is probably best known for her work on ABCs "The Bachelor - Season 15," where she was a contestant in the Spring of 2011. You may not recognize her given name, but as a contestant on the popular reality series she was nicknamed "Fang Girl," which is how you may recognize her. There's no doubt that McKinley gained infamy on the Bachelor, but she made waves when she appeared topless on DIRECTV Network's "Damages," July 27, 2011 (Season 4, episode 3 - I'd Prefer My Old Office). Perhaps this career move will bring her further notoriety, or perhaps it will launch her budding acting career.

Madison McKinley, born Madison Garton, the 25 year old blond bombshell was born in Vail, Colorado, where she grew up and attended the Vail Mountain School. Her modeling career began in high school, when she tried out for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Calender. Although she didn't quite make it, she was noticed by a top modeling agency and moved to New York City, where she began her modeling and acting career.

McKinley's credits begin all the way back in 2007, when she appeared on NBCs "30 Rock." Her breakout year was in 2009, when she appeared on "Kings," "Michael and Michael Have Issues," and the popular "Rescue Me," Although the producers of "The Bachelor" had a policy of not hiring actresses as contestants, they saw that she had the it factor, and brought her in to the show, where she clearly made waves.

McKinley seems to have a "thing" for vampires, and when she moved to NYC, she had temporary vampire fang implants installed. Although she didn't wear them on her previous television and modeling appearances, she did on "The Bachelor." Brad Womack, the Bachelor, was smitten by her looks and personality, and actually found the fangs "hot." Of course, this drew the consternation of fellow contestants, who clearly thought she was a weird little girl, playing games. And thus, McKinley's notoriety was born - "Fang Girl" clearly has negative connotations.

Fast forward to July 27, 2011, when McKinley appeared as a model on DIRECTV "Damages," starring Glenn Close. For the first time in her acting and modeling career, she bared her breasts for all the world to see. The blogosphere went nuts - was this just another publicity stunt to gain fame recognition?

Let's look at the "controversial" appearance. First of all, she was not in a sex scene, nor did she show full frontal nudity. The scene itself wasn't gratuitous. She was sleeping in bed, with the ruffled covers not fully covering her. It was harmless and real. Of course, there was a naked man and woman in the bed, but that was germane to the plot. So, what's the big deal about Madison McKinley going topless for "Damages?"

For now, McKinley's toplessness is a one-time thing. It wasn't gratuitous, nor was it a shocking sex scene. It wasn't full-frontal, nor was it "full rear," which another actress in that episode was. So, was it a publicity stunt by Fang Girl, or was it a natural progression in her acting career, and one that any actress on "Damages" would do? You can decide for yourself. As you're deciding, keep in mind that she wasn't topless in her appearance in the new Smurfs movie either.

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Rodeo Cowboy Champion Who Made Movies

2012-01-17T00:57:00.002-08:00

When a professional rodeo cowboy is injured in the arena, he'll often 'suck it up' to compete at the next stop on the tour, and if he's lucky, he'll escape critical injury later on. Casey Tibbs was fortunate he had only minor injuries to overcome while capturing the World All-Around Rodeo Championship title twice in the 1950s. After he retired from competition and launched a career in the film industry, however, an incident occurred that made him think he was a goner for sure.

The challenge of making it in Hollywood appealed to Tibbs, and in fact, he was successful in Tinseltown. He appeared as an actor and stunt man in many movies and TV series and directed two films. It was in the most successful film he directed, the documentary Born to Buck (1966), that he almost bit the dust.

Shooting on location in South Dakota, Casey and his cowboys rounded up 400 wild horses on a Sioux reservation with the goal of driving the herd 120 miles overland to Fort Pierre, where some of the horses would be tested by bronc riders in a rodeo. After a skirmish with buffalo near the Missouri River, they waited out heavy rains for two days before attempting to drive the herd across the Big Muddy's cold, churning water.

Casey entered the river first. He was aboard a horse he knew was calm under pressure, a big gray mare with good stamina, and a small part of the herd was driven into the river to follow his lead. Once in deep water, the wild horses refused to swim across, and after repeated efforts to get them to the distant bank, the cowboys relented and brought the exhausted horses back on land.

Meanwhile, there was Tibbs and his mare nearly halfway across as the sky darkened and a tornado funnel appeared. Although Casey slid out of the saddle and held onto the mare's tail to reduce the load on her, the horse struggled to keep her head above water. Suddenly she panicked and thrashed about so severely that Casey lost his grip on her tail for a time.

Although a horse will occasionally bleed from the lungs during a physical activity requiring tremendous exertion, Casey had never known the mare to be a bleeder, and yet, on this occasion she bled considerably. In addition to the crisis she found herself in, there was another problem, and it was a major one for Casey Tibbs: he could not swim.

He managed to grasp her tail again, but now heavy rain and winds lashed the river. The mare began drifting downriver, her head going under a windswept wave and emerging again in a desperate battle for survival. It was something of a miracle that they were carried downstream to a small sand bar island, where they recovered and were rescued once the raging storm subsided.

Unfortunately, very little of this was captured on film. The storm had forced the camera crew on the houseboat to go inside, where they watched the drama unfold helplessly. The following day, with the sun shining brightly, they filmed a contrived scene showing Tibbs hanging onto a saddle strap as the mare dragged him onto the bank of the Missouri River. He took a few weary steps and collapsed in a performance that fell a tad short of an Oscar nomination.

State Highway officials had earlier denied Tibbs's request to use a bridge for the herd's crossing of the Missouri but gave in when they were informed of the disastrous attempt to drive the herd across. The horses were permitted to use a highway bridge and eventually made their way to the Stanley County rodeo arena in Fort Pierre, where a rodeo was staged.

Born to Buck isn't a great film. Although a greenhorn dude will recognize the documentary's truth in portraying the chaotic nature of driving a herd many miles overland, there are dawdling moments of a trail hand's camp life, an aimless game of poker, a repetition of scenes showing wild horses being broken to tack, and too many other flaws to mention. Some of the cowboys' down time on a drive is needed for the sake of accuracy, but generally, the editing of the raw footage strays from the script's focus on Tibbs's mission.

A few wooded scenes seem out of place, but the film succeeds as a travelogue of the prairie, nonetheless, showing the buffalo, prairie dogs, mule deer, wild turkeys, elk, wildflowers, and picturesque vistas of central South Dakota's rolling hills. Moreover, actor Henry Fonda's narration is excellent, and cowboy actor Rex Allen's commentaries as the rodeo announcer in Fort Pierre work very well. Tibbs's documentary succeeds on quite a few levels - as did the man himself.

Casey Duane Tibbs (1929-1990) was born in a cabin in South Dakota and is buried in Fort Pierre. He won the World Saddle Bronc Riding Championship a record six times, earned nine world titles overall, was featured on the October 22, 1951, cover of Life magazine, and is in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, where a bronze statue of him on the good bronc Necktie stands in front of the entrance. He is acknowledged as the rodeo cowboy who brought national attention to a sport that soared in popularity as he rocketed to stardom.

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Making of Visual Effects - The Harry Potter Movies

2012-01-17T00:57:00.001-08:00

Part of the magic of the Harry Potter movies is the special effects; spells, flying on broomsticks, a flying car, disappearing in a fireplace, it all happens when Harry Potter is around, but how do the film makers create these special effects? Actually there are several visual effects companies which collaborate, depending on their specific area of expertise. This is how just some of the effects are created.

Playing Quidditch on a broomstick. A blue screen is used as the "sky" background and the flyer is seated on a broomstick on a hydraulic rig. The rig is computer controlled to create the swooping and sweeping of a game of Quidditch and the resultant film is then transferred into the computer graphics environment to be edited into the finished film.

Dumbledore's memories being stored in the Pensieve. The memories are seen dropping into a liquid in the Pensieve (bowl) and this was created by taking painted pictures (the memories) and amalgamating them into specially created software which produced the look of the liquid and the pictures floating down into it.

The sphere of water produced by Dumbledore's spell to trap Voldemort. The broomstick rig came into its own again which together with Plexiglass spheres with water squired over the top and inside created the effect of Voldement floating and spinning in a sphere of water.

The ice covering the frozen lake from which Harry gets back the sword of Gryffindor. When the camera is filming from above the lake, the ice is created by thick sheets of Plexiglass covered in a frosty texturing. When filming beneath the "ice", wax is used floating on the water. Apparently this is a well known technique in the movies.

The Gringotts dragon. The rather emaciated Gringotts dragon was actually modelled on some photographs provided by the RCPCA of mistreated dogs. The idea was to capture a "hangdog" look such that viewers would feel sorry for it rather than repulsed but it still had to be frightening. Once the concept was agreed, the dragon was sculpted and painted using a 3D computer program. A skeleton of the dragon was built and muscle geometry created which animated the skin to simulate movement.

For filming the kids sitting on the dragon, a full scale section of its back was sculpted and covered with a silicon hide. For movement a motion control base and a rig allowed for movement of the different aspects of the dragon including parts of its spine, loose skin under its neck.

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Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes Film Review

2012-01-17T00:56:00.001-08:00

Revolution? It's the only solution.

Well, that's what Serj Tankian used to say.

Of course, success in this capitalist circus we've engineered tends to blunt our revolutionary zeal.

But it seems evolution is Twentieth Century Fox's solution, to judge from the way they seem intent on reinventing their Planet Of The Apes franchise.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes is the latest reboot of the classic seventies flick, arriving hot on the heels of Tim Burton's interpretation of this premise last decade. The difference this time around being Weta Digital, the groundbreaking special effects team founded by Peter Jackson amongst others.

Having rewritten the limits for credible and realistic cinematic sleight of hand, most notably in James Cameron's Avatar, Weta's involvement could well signal the first of many films to be re-imagined for new audience, as film studios will no doubt be keen to, ahem, ape Avatar's similarly groundbreaking box office receipts.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes opens with a scientist watching over a chimpanzee attempting to complete the Tower of Hanoi; a test of a creature's innate intelligence and problem solving skills.

The scientist is Will Rodman and he's christened his newest test subject "Bright Eyes" on account of their green transformation after taking his newly engineered compound.

Bright Eyes is the latest in a line of primates Rodman's been experimenting on as he strives for a medical breakthrough that would represent human kind's most significant advancement in treating mental illness.

After some startling results with his latest formula, which also carries significant implications for human evolution, Rodman presents his findings to a board of trustee's.

Unfortunately, his presentation coincides with Bright Eyes developing some aggressive side effects seemingly from the new compound; breaking free from her restraints and running amok through the laboratory and, inevitably, Rodman's presentation.

Predictably enough, Rodman's project is shut down and all of his test primates put down but it turn's out Bright Eyes behaviour may not have been down to her drug cocktail after all.

Rodman finds a baby chimp in his favourite test subject's former quarters and, instead of destroying him, takes the primate home.

Quite how any scientist could fail to tell the difference between a pregnant and non-pregnant ape is swiftly glossed over, Hollywood style, as we follow Rodman and the newly christened Caesar's evolution as parent and ape respectively.

But as Caesar grows, so do his abilities and intelligence, way beyond that of a regular chimpanzee; leading this particular primate on a perilous journey of self discovery as he struggles to reconcile who or what he truly is.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes ticks all the requisite box of a solid summer blockbuster. The script is pretty decent, with knowing nods to classic lines from past Apes' films. James Franco and Frieda Pinto, also known as that fit one from Slumdog Millionaire, lead a strong cast that also includes Tom Felton doing his Malfoy thing as a cruel zoo keeping assistant.

Andy Serkis, who else, inhabits the part of Caesar convincingly enough to ensure that his primate's story is the emotional centrepiece, as we follow Caesar on his journey from the laboratory to the top of his evolutionary tree.

In spite of this, and the fantastic special effects, I can't help but feel this particular story isn't really worthy of another retelling.

Apes taking over the planet in the original film wasn't great because of this act or idea, rather it was the brilliant twist at the end that turned the original into a pop culture phenomenon.

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List of the Best Movies Of 2011

2012-01-16T03:32:00.000-08:00

Movies are the source of relaxation and entertainment. The Hollywood is a very big film industry. There are many directors who have made or are making very interesting films. In the year of 2011, many best English Movies have been released. Here is a list of the best movies of 2011 and their descriptions:

• Fast Five - This movie is directed by Justin Lin. It is also known as Fast and the Furious 5. On 20th April, 2011 it was released in Australia first and then on 29th of April, 2011 in United States. This film is on the 60th rank on the highest grossing films list.

• The Green Hornet - This movie is directed by Michel Gondry. It is an action-comedy movie. It was released on 14th of January, 2011 in North America.

• The Rite - This movie is directed by Mikael Hafstrom. 28th January, 2011 is the release date of this movie. In order to take an exorcism course, an American student went to Italy and to develop his strong faith in Christianity.

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 - This is the final chapter of this movie. This Harry Potter series is very interesting and this last chapter is awesome. This movie is doing a very good business. In British cinemas it has done a business of more than 9 million pounds.

• Transformers: Dark of the Moon - This is a science fiction movie. The last 2 parts of this movie were also good. It is directed by Michael Bay. It was released on 29th of June, 2011.

• Source Code - This movie is directed by Duncan Jones. It is an action thriller film. It is a story of a soldier who discovers that he has to perform a certain mission. It is a very good movie full of thrill and excitement. In Europe and North America it was released on 1st of April, 2011.

• Jane Eyre - The director of this movie is Cary Fukunaga. It is a romantic film. This movie is based on the novel "Jane Eyre". This movie was released on 11th of March, 2011.

• The Lincoln Lawyer - This movie is directed by Brad Furman. This movie is also based on the novel named "Lincoln Lawyer". This is a story of a defense lawyer.

• Hanna - The director of this movie is Joe Wright. It is an action thriller movie. In North America, it was released on 8th of April, 2011 and on 5th of May, 2011 in Europe.

Finally, all these above films are very interesting and in my sight the best movies of 2011.

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How Your Child Model Can Make It In Hollywood

2012-01-16T03:29:00.002-08:00

If you are the parent of a child model, then there is every chance that you are dreaming of a career in Hollywood for your kid. What you may not know is that the work should start now, regardless of the age of your child.

An awful lot of things have to come together in order for any aspiring actor or actress to "make it" in Hollywood. Your child will have a fantastic head start if they already have a successful modeling career on their resume when they pack their bags and head off to the golden state.

So, what does any aspiring actor or actress need in order to better their chances in Hollywood, and how can a child modeling career help them?

Live In California. This one almost goes without saying, but if you want to make it Hollywood, then you are going to have to be in the thick of the action.

To a much lesser extent, something similar applies to child modeling. Many people will tell you that if you want your child to do well in modeling, you need to live in either New York or Hollywood. Whilst this isn't the case, there is no doubt that there is more work available in the major cities, and especially Hollywood. If your child can build a resume and contacts local to Hollywood, it will help no end when they are looking to build an acting career.

Have A Great Resume. This is something that you can be working on from day one. Your child's resume will grow as they do jobs. You will ultimately want these jobs to be relevant to a future acting career, so you should consider branching your child out into commercials, TV and of course film wherever possible. It is of course never too early for your child to make it in Hollywood!

In the meantime, your kid should be performing in community theatre, school theatre, and ultimately college theatre, and any other gigs in-between that are relevant.

When people are considered for acting roles, the first thing that is considered is their resume. This is step one. If you get step one right, then you move onto step two - auditions.

Be Great In Auditions. There is one main thing that will make your kid great in auditions - experience.

Consider the hopeful young actor-to-be who has just moved to Hollywood with aspirations to be the next big thing. He has never been in an audition in his life. How do you think he will fare?

Now imagine your child, who has practically grown up in auditions. It will be a piece of cake. All of the qualities that child modeling has taught your kid, like confidence and assertiveness, are vital to auditioning well. And because your child has had so much experience throughout their modeling career, they will be very well placed to nail auditions.

Be Talented. Too many people think you either "have it" or you don't. This isn't the case. What often makes a great actor or actress, believe it or not, is a love for one's craft, and endless practice.

If your kid arrives in Hollywood having spent their childhood modeling and perhaps acting in commercials or maybe even TV, they will likely be pretty darn good at what they do. This will put them in great stead.

Know People. There is a very well-known phrase, "It's not what you know; it's who you know". All cynicism aside, there is a great deal of truth in those words.

If you arrive fresh in Hollywood, knowing where to start can be daunting. However, if you can build a network of contacts for your child during their career, you may already know the right people come the time when your kid wants to step up their ambitions.

So whenever you are working on your child's modeling career, be sure that you are networking and getting to know all the right people. You never know how much this may benefit them in the future.

Be Persistent. Even the most successful child model will know all about rejection, and will likely understand that more often than not, it's a numbers game. The mindset that each rejection simply brings you closer to the next paying job and the next step up is extremely useful, and is something that your child may already have inbuilt.

There is no doubt about it - "making it" in Hollywood is one hell of a tough gig. But if your child persists and has talent, it can be done.

Regardless of the age of your child, they can be working towards a future Hollywood career right now. In aspiring to such things, balance should always be considered. There is every chance that your kid will not reach the dizzying heights they aspire to, and you need to make sure that their goals are considered with realism in mind.

Having said that, nothing is gained by wishing something would happen - you have to make it happen. And in pursuing a successful modeling career as a child, your kid will be well placed to have a future career in Hollywood.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Ewer

The Top 5 Computer Movies

2012-01-16T03:29:00.001-08:00

Below are the top 5 computer Movies in existence. They might not have the latest technology or in most cases be realistic with the computers capabilities, the graphics, or the speed of the internet at that time. But they are perfect for when your inner geek or nerd needs a quick fix or just to laugh at some of the antiquated technology.

1 The Net 1995

Angela Bennett's a software analyst who works remotely from home and has few friends or family outside of cyberspace. Taking her first vacation in years she becomes embroiled in a web of computer espionage when her life is deleted and her friends are killed.

Killer Quote - Is that business or pleasure? Is there a difference? Not a great deal if you're a hacker.

Technology - Mac OS 7.

2 Hackers 1995

A 12 year old boy writes a computer virus that crashed fifteen hundred and seven computers in one day; he is then banned from touching a machine until his 18th birthday. Just after his 18th birthday Dade and his new hacker friends are framed for planting a virus in a supercomputer by an evil super hacker, they must then race against the clock to prove their innocence and stop the virus before it causes the world's largest oil spill.

Killer Quote - Hack the planet! Hack the planet!

Technology - Apple Powerbook 540c.

3 Antitrust 2001

Milo is hired after college to help NURV to write the software for their new global satellite communication system, he then finds out there are hidden secrets at the company when code starts appearing, written by recently deceased programmers around the country.

Killer Quote - You're either a one or a zero. Alive or dead.

Technology - GNU/Linux.

4 WarGames 1983

A young computer wizard accidentally breaks into the top secret war playing computer at NORAD while searching for the latest computer game. He starts playing a game of thermo nuclear war not realising that the computer is trying to play for REAL.

Can he convince the generals at NORAD to stop the computer before it starts world war 3?

Killer Quote - Shall we play a game?

Technology - IMSAI 8080.

5 Firewall 2006

A master criminal kidnaps a banks security manager's family to force him to hack into his own bank to steal $100 million.

Killer Quote - Honey, I need to borrow your iPod.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_V_Pack

History of Film: Pt 4 - The Birth of Sound

2012-01-16T03:28:00.002-08:00

All throughout the silent era, filmmakers were constantly experimenting with sound technology for use in movies. However, there were two hurdles that had to be cleared to make sound possible in film. The first was synchronization between recorded dialogue and the film's subject. The other was proper volume control.

In 1926, movie studio Warner Bros. introduced the 'Vitaphone' method of adding sound to films. The method involved filming live entertainment acts, while recording their sound on a phonograph disc. The disc would then be played in synchronized time along with film. Between 1926 and 1930 Warner Bros. produced about 1,000 short films using the Vitaphone method.

In late 1927, Warners released "The Jazz Singer". Mostly silent, the movie did have some dialogue and singing and is widely considered the first 'talkie', as they would first come to be known. As groundbreaking as it was, the Vitaphone method would soon become obsolete in the face of more advanced methods of combining film and sound. Methods like Fox's 'Movietone', inventor Lee DeForest's 'Phonofilm', and RCA's 'Photophone' were capable of recording sound directly onto the filmstrip. The process and recording systems varied somewhat, but the outcome was the same. Those in the industry who were reluctant about these talkies, were fast becoming convinced that this new innovation was the wave of the future.

The transition from silent to sound was a sweeping one. By 1929, Hollywood was putting out almost all talkies. Around the world the changeover was a slower one. Due to economic and in the case of far eastern countries like China and Japan, cultural preferences were the cause for the slow transition. In fact, in these countries, silent films were being made alongside movies with sound well into the '30's.

The transition to sound, although swift, did have it's difficulties. Early talkies were marred by background static. The limitations of the sound equipment made it difficult for those in front and behind the cameras. Producers frantically searched for writers, directors, and stage performers who had experience with dialogue laced films. It's hard to believe in this day and age that people in the industry had trouble dealing with the medium of sound, but they did. In fact, some filmmakers and actors of the silent era could not make the adjustment and saw their careers fall by the wayside in the face of technological advancement.

Fortunately, this awkward adjustment period would not last long. In 1929, directors that were up to the task began to surface.This new generation of filmmakers wanted to use and experiment with sound rather than work around it. Films like "Chinatown Nights" and "The Man I Love", directed by William Wellman, Roubon Mamoulian's "Applause", and director Alfred Hitchcock's "Blackmail", (Britain's first talkie), were successful achievements in the use of sound in film. Advancements in sound equipment technology was chipping away at that barrier as well. Talkies were here to stay.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Serf

Katie Holmes Emmy Nomination

2012-01-16T03:28:00.001-08:00

The lack of a Katie Holmes Emmy nomination most certainly counts as a snub, for those who are not sure. Since the announcement of Emmy nominations last July 14, people have been talking about it. "The Kennedys" managed to claim ten nominations, with three of them for actors Greg Kinnear, Tom Wilkinson and Barry Pepper. However, for some reason, her acting efforts have not been recognized.

Award snubs are nothing new, especially for the Emmys. Bigger snubs have occurred than the Katie Holmes snub, such as when they snubbed "The Wire". Some snubs are intentional and welcome. "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", for example, was snubbed in favor of shows such as "Conan" and "The Colbert Report," possibly in response to how Leno was pushed back into the spotlight. Courtney Cox continues to be snubbed until today, from her run on "Friends" to her current role on "Cougar Town."

There are many reasons for a snub. Sometimes it is because there is an overabundance of splendid shows and actors and since there can be only one, someone must be disappointed. In other cases, it becomes a matter of internal politics. It sometimes even becomes about spite and malice.

Why is the Katie Holmes Emmy nomination controversial?

"The Kennedys Miniseries" is a television broadcast on the "Reelzchannel." It was originally slated to be shown on the History Channel, but it backed out of the deal. It is widely believed to be because the content of the show is inherently controversial. The fact is that the lack of a Katie Holmes nomination might be justified in this case, though it may not be in a way that is acceptable to the general public.

The fact is that the show has a hilarious number of historical inaccuracies. It is also incredibly unflattering. Ted Sorensen calls the show "character assassination." Of course, this is no reason not to nominate someone for their acting - the fact that three cast members were nominated is proof of that.

The fact is that there is no Katie Holmes Emmy nomination might be because she simply does not deserve one. She might actually not deserve a nomination. Her performance might simply not be robust enough. Her blank expressions are put up against Emmy Rossum, Katey Sagal and Anna Torv. The fact is that even with a weaker host of actresses, Katie Holmes might simply not deserve the honor. It is simply shocking because everyone else on the show was nominated. It looks awful, but it might be simply be a matter of not measuring up.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Celine_Dakota

Reviewed: Captain America: The First Avenger [2011]

2012-01-16T03:26:00.002-08:00

12A - 125mins - Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi - 29th July 2011

With the summer season now in full blast we get our latest and final all action comic book hero for the year in the guise of Captain America- yet another character that I am unfamiliar with. Have I missed out on a childhood filled with comic books? It would seem so.

Set during World War II, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) a poorly yet determined man has only one goal- to join the army so that he can serve and protect his country. Due to his illnesses and diminished stature though he is rejected and turned away by every recruitment station he visits. A chance encounter with Dr. Erksine (Stanley Tucci) changes his fortunes and leads him to be accepted onto a secret project codename Project Rebirth where his honour and integrity gain him the chance to become a super soldier. He undergoes the transformation and becomes capable of near superhuman acts.

Meanwhile in Germany, Johann Schmidt aka the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), head of the Nazi exploratory research department HYDRA is building and army and technology that threatens to not only usurp Hitler but destroy the world. Captain America is tasked with stopping Schmitt and bringing the war to a premature end.

I was looking forward to seeing Evans in his role as Captain America as I'd wanted to see if he had what it takes to be the leading star in a film rather than the supporting roles he's more used to. He passed with flying colours making the character his own from a skinny nobody to the patriotic propaganda spinning Captain America. The rest of the cast also performed well with Weaving a convincing bad guy (despite me wanting him to say Mr. Anderson) and Tommy Lee Jones adding his unique charisma to the hard as nails Colonel. I was less convinced with Hayley Atwell playing the love interest Peggy Carter as the chemistry wasn't there and she never really extracted any emotions from me good or bad.

The action taken as a whole was good but I'm not sure that there was enough from Captain America. Sure he swung his shield and sent the opposition flying but I never felt that he was getting down and dirty for his cause. Some of the fighting scenes felt rushed and tended to be over before they had even begun. Also I understand Captain America's improved metabolism/regeneration properties cover up the fact he always looks like he's just walked out from make-up room #1 but I would still have liked to see him a bit beaten up and then recover for the next scene rather than looking as if he's just going for a stroll through the park. He never felt in peril which instantly removes any suspense that I should have been feeling for him.

The story of his origins seemed to take president over the action and to a certain degree that's understandable- there is no movie without a plot, but I would have liked a smidge more action and a tad less talking. Luckily the film didn't give off that all American vibe that I thought it might with the patriotism healthily present rather than all engulfing. Likewise, the comedy flowed at a decent level with many short (as in height) jokes and other such one liners hitting their mark. Although for me, I found Red Skull to be the funniest merely for his appearance- he was not scary and just looked like he'd forgotten to lather himself in suntan lotion before a trip to the beach one day.

The ending certainly adds its clout to The Avengers film due out next year. (You may want to hang around at the end for another post credit scene and a teaser trailer for said film). So where does this go in my list of Summer comic book heroes? I think it slots in nicely behind X-Men, just pipping Thor into second and is comfortably ahead of the Green Lantern.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_W_Farmer

Review: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2

2012-01-16T03:26:00.001-08:00

Like most adults, I came across Harry Potter when book 3 was released, about two years before the first movie. Kids had been aware of the books since day one. They were an immediate hit, selling millions of copies. However, most adults hadn't heard about them. It was only when a TV station in the US was doing a little research for a small article on kid's reading habits that they realised that these books were outselling videogames and movies without any huge publicity or advertising campaigns. It all boiled down to word of mouth. That, of course, changed almost overnight. Suddenly there was a two month waiting period for the books in the US. An American friend of mine was so stunned that he was able to buy all books (four at the time) in a bookshop in Dublin without any problems that he bought four copies of each and sent them home. He was the best uncle in the world that Christmas.

Anyway, as I said, I came across the books at book 3 and have read them all as they came out. The books, cleverly, grew up at the same rate as the characters and readers; Starting off as a book for kids with magic sweets and happy, fluffy magic. But there was still real danger and excitement in the book and the author never talked down or patronised the readers. As the books went on the books got larger, the characters grew up, the danger and excitement more extreme, favourite characters changed and even died. And the books grew more and more popular. The hysteria surrounding the release of a book would only be matched by the hysteria surrounding the next book.

And then the films came out. Everyone was concerned: How close to the book will they stay? Who will play the teachers? With a big American studio behind them and an American director and market will Harry suddenly become Troy? And who will play the kids? We need not have worried. The movies stuck VERY closely to the books (At times cutting out unnecessary plotlines that actually improves the story). The adult cast was fantastic. The late, great Richard Harris played headmaster Dumbledore (replaced with the equally great Michael Gambon after the death of Harris), Maggie Smith, John Cleese and Ian Hart all played their parts brilliantly. However Robbie Coltrane and Alan Rickman were BORN to play Hagrid and Snape. The kid actors were all pretty good also. Daniel Radcliffe a bit nervous and stilted as Harry (He's to be honest, not the best actor in the world) Rupert Grint as his best friend, Ron was funny and appealing and Emma Watson was perfect as their know-it-all friend Hermione. As the books went on and new characters were introduced the casting was uniformly excellent: Kenneth Brenagh, Ralph Feinnes, Brendan Gleeson, Gary Oldman etc.

So, at last, we get to the last movie. Was it worth the wait? Oh yes! As readers will know, Deathly Hallows Part One covered about more than three quarters of the last book. So Part two was going to be mainly the action packed finale. And it lives up to the challenge. Think the battle of Helms Deep in The Two Towers but with more wands. The action is thick and fast when it needs to be but knows when to calm down when it needs to also. After a five minute build up we are thrown into a daring bank heist with a dramatic and destructive escape. Another few minutes of tense calm and we start the battle of hogwarts. Once bumbling characters are suddenly turn into action heroes and we see other characters in a whole new light. Cool characters get even cooler. Well loved characters rise to the challenge or die without any OTT melodrama, they just die. Most of the actors return even if they don't have a single line of dialogue which is a testament to their respect for the films, books and fans.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_F

Now To Rent Movies With Netflix

2012-01-16T03:25:00.000-08:00

Top 5 Romantic Movie Scenes

2012-01-16T03:24:00.001-08:00

Everybody has a favorite romantic movie scene. It doesn't matter your gender, you surely enjoy observing love fairy tales, stories of women and men falling in love... I have prepared a heart-swooning chart of my personal top 5 romantic movie scenes of all times. Hold your breath and get ready for it!

1. Titanic

Leonardo DiCaprio (Jack) and Kate Winlset (Rose) standing on the bow of Titanic, while the famous song "My Heart Will Go On" is played in the background, has become a classy part of the scenario. Surely this scene is the undoubted leader of the chart.

2. The Notebook

The unique chemistry between Rachael McAdams (Aliie) and Ryan Gosling (Noah) is quite a reason for the big amount of astonishing love scenes in the movie. After re-watching "The Notebook" I chose the ending scene to be one of the most remarkable love scene ever filmed.

3. Pretty Woman

Pretty Woman is a remarkable love story about Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. Without any hesitation we picked the ending scene to get to the #3 spot of my personal chart. It is a modern version of a knight on a white horse coming to save his beloved one with a sword in his hand. In fact, Richard Gere doesn't have any sword, but an umbrella and instead of riding a white horse he comes with a white limo. Classy, uh?

4. Casablanca

A beautiful and a heart-breaking story, involving Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. If you haven't watched this movie, be sure that this has been one of your biggest mistakes in your life. In general, the plot is set in unoccupied Africa during the early days of World War II: An American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications. We chose the kissing scene in the movie as worthy enough of taking place in my chart.

5. Love Actually

Love Actually is a heart-breaking love story for the reason that two lovers will never end up together. Why? This is a story about a man involved with his best friend's wife. The movie scene that took the 5th place is when he comes at her front door and tells her with signs that he loves her.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angel_Dimitrov

The Meanest Audis Featured in Movies

2012-01-16T03:16:00.000-08:00

Hollywood is a tough town. Millions have traveled there, hoping to be discovered, hoping to make it big. And a select few bright stars make it. Until a few years ago, Audi was a bit player on the big screen while flashier vehicles like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes got starring roles. Even the little Mini Cooper was grabbing up screen time. Audi finally got its big break with Iron Man and a star was born.

Robert Downey, Jr.'s character, Tony Stark, races around saving the world in his Audi R8. This movie was a big comeback for Downey, and it was equally important for Audi. The movie showcased the sleek lines and incredible power and performance that Audi delivers. Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer at Audi said, "What we really needed was to get America talking, and that meant targeting Hollywood. It's about luxury and performance. People who know us get it. We needed more people to know us." Mission accomplished.

Transporter 3 was the next big movie for Audi, which Business Week called a "two-hour commercial for the Audi luxury sedan A8 as it outruns police, outmaneuvers a truck by riding on two wheels, and flies through the air to land on a speeding train - all without so much as losing a hubcap." Not bad for a sedan.

Will Smith drove an Audi in I, Robot as well. Audi designed and built the concept car specifically for the movie. You can easily get the A8 or R8, but you might have to wait until 2035 for the RSQ. The A5 and Q7 starred in Hitman, and the S8, A8, and A3 made appearances in Taken.

Last but certainly not least was a 1998 Robert DeNiro film, Ronin, which featured the Audi S8 in car chase scenes that won awards for years to come. In the movie, actor Skip Sudduth upgrades the standard Audi S8 with a number of upgrades, including the less common dual-tank nitrous system, as thought the stand model was not enough!

Hoping to keep its winning streak alive, Audi recently chose Justin Timberlake as their brand ambassador. A big part of his role will be in promoting the A1 compact. "Audi has always been at the forefront of engineering and technology. I am very excited to be a part of the next evolution conscience with Audi and the A1."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Enid_Glasgow

Twilight Fans - Who's Going to Watch the Latest Twilight Breaking Dawn?

2012-01-12T01:13:00.001-08:00

Road Rage in the Movies Pt 1: Mad Max (1979)

2012-01-12T01:12:00.000-08:00

Is There Too Much Face-Time In Comic Book Movies?

2012-01-12T01:11:00.002-08:00

Acting Workshops - How To Choose The Best One

2012-01-12T01:11:00.001-08:00

The glamorous world of films charms many people, urging them to take up acting as their profession. In spite of the fact that this field is rewarding, it requires a lot of hard work and proper guidance from professionals to get a chance. While acting comes naturally to many people, there are others who want to learn it. Students need to follow certain guidelines and qualify in certain tests. Many people tend to forget that acting is an extreme form of art and without proper guidance they can end up losing the battle.

The best way to learn acting is by enrolling in an acting workshop. You should seek such a workshop that has a good reputation in this field and can help you to improve your acting skills. But finding a reputed acting workshop that is best for you is not that easy. The acting courses are usually meant for two kinds of people, for those who have no experience in acting and for those who have some experience in acting.

Finding the best acting workshops require a comprehensive research about the credentials and reputation of the institution. You also need to find out whether it meets your criteria as various workshops specialize in various acting techniques. You can also take into consideration the feedback and comments that they received over time. The location of the acting workshop is also a factor for many people. While choosing an acting workshop, you need to be concerned about the following factors:

• Faculty and method of training
• Classes offered
• Duration of course
• Performance opportunities
• Preparation for the market place and the total cost.

One of the major factors of a good acting workshop is the faculty. You should look for such an acting coach who has an experience of at least two decades. Besides theory, his or her approach must be based on real experience. The best option is to avail such an acting coach who has acting experience in films so that you can learn a great deal from the first-hand experiences. The acting coach should be capable of providing you the necessary tools required to make a mark in this competitive industry.

Look for acting coaching who has taught at The Beverly Hills Playhouse, AFI, or was hired by big companies like Warner Brothers as the acting coach. Workshops under such a coach will actually have promises of proper guidance and expertise that will help you to have the edge.

Choose the best acting workshop that provides their students extensive training in improvisation, scene study, artist training, cold reading and on ways of running their 'business' as actors in Hollywood. It should provide you the right amount of guidance, attention, expertise and support so that you are ready to face the challenges of the acting world.

The best acting workshop is the one that will teach you the necessary skills required to make a mark in Hollywood. Besides knowledge, the acting workshops must offer you a sense of individualism and accomplishment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sasha_K.

The Guard Film Review

2012-01-12T01:10:00.000-08:00

No one ever really dies. Do you believe that? Well if not, for you, it's almost over now. Fortunately for Galway, one Gerry Boyle has no doubts about his own mortality.

The Guard begins with a red sports car speeding down an empty stretch of tarmac, loud music pounding out a rhythm while a cliché of young men pass around drinks and drugs.

King posers, if you will.

Thankfully, it's almost over for them. And Sergeant Boyle gets to witness their wasted lives extinguished on this nothing road as their car overturns and careers into a wall. Casually inspecting the soon to be deceased's pockets, Boyle confiscates their drugs to spare their dear mammy's from thinking too harshly of their sons. The Sergeant then takes a tab of acid for good measure, before leaving the boys to die where they lay. Now that's my idea of policing.

Not soon after this brief encounter with Galway's youth, Sergeant Boyle comes across another dead body in his district. This one definitely involved foul play as there's a bullet in the dead man's skull, as well as a pot plant in his lap.

Regrettably, this isn't the kind you can roll. It's at this time that FBI agent Wendell Everett arrives in Ireland to investigate a supposed £500m drugs shipment of cocaine American intelligence has uncovered. That's half a billion, for those not paying attention.

In spite of their less than auspicious introduction, this odd couple of Boyle and Wendell decide two heads are better than one as they try to unravel just what the feck is going on in sleepy Galway. The Guard is a throwback to the good old days of cinema and society itself, where people could be as racist as they liked and nobody would bat an eyelid. And everyone has a racist nan in their family, most likely two, so I'm sure we can all relate to this. Of course, The Guard isn't racist at all; it just pokes fun at the ridiculous nature of our politically correct culture and words that people have deemed unacceptable in modern culture. Either that or I'm a racist too.

Still, one thing I am sure of is that The Guard is the funniest film I've seen this year.

Brendan Gleeson is fantastic as the maverick law unto himself, Sergeant Gerry Boyle. Anyone familiar with In Bruges will know the kind of deadpan comedy to expect from Gleeson, and The Guard's style of humour is even blacker than that other fantastic export from Ireland.

The strong ensemble cast around Gleeson is pleasing enough. Thankfully, Don Cheadle doesn't attempt another strangled english accent as yank detective Wendell, Liam Cunningham is the drug lord with a plan and Mark Strong is suitably convincing as a nihilistic heavy.

But the real star of The Guard is undoubtedly writer and director John Michael McDonagh. The dialogue throughout is razor sharp, with McDonagh's wit and fearlessness frequently on show as he pulls no punches in this story of two fish out of water.

By the end, I'd come to the conclusion that The Guard is an updated interpretation of a good ol' western; with modern day cowboys and Indians shooting it out for supremacy in the wild west of Ireland.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_David_Campbell

How to Select a Great Movie to Watch

2012-01-12T01:07:00.002-08:00

Sometimes you just feel like a girls' or a blokes' night in, and so comes the question of how to select a great movie to watch. My friend Sam always told us that a group of three people should never go into a DVD rental store at the same time, because you'll end up being there for hours and never really decide on which movies to hire.

When we're selecting movies, we never go for the latest releases, because you pay a premium rate for movies that are new to the DVD shelves.

If you always select the movies that have been around for a while, then guess what? You have your own selection of "new" movies to choose from after a few months sincehat time the latest releases are down graded to recent releases at a discounted price. Not only do you save yourself some money, but you've also got a much better chance of having the "pick of the bunch" of the recent releases.

Here's a list of things to help you decide how to select a great movie to watch:

1. Selection by a theme

Whether it's a blokes night or a chicks night, you can decide a theme. Some great chick flicks include the "Bonnet Movies" the genre of Jane Austin's "Pride and Prejudice", "Emma" and so on.

For the blokes you may select the "X-Men" series, James Bond or such like.

2. Selection by Actor or Actress

Often we'll sit and watch a bunch of Russell Crowe or Nicole Kidman movies, you may have some favorite actors and actresses that will help you in your choice of movies to watch.

3. Selection by Genre

There's some great movies to motivate young sports players, such as Basketball, Baseball, or Grid Iron movies. You may be a fan of horror movies, romantic comedies, or action thrillers.

4. True Stories

They say that there's nothing stranger than real life, and when Hollywood screen writers are looking at new ideas for movie storylines, they often turn to taking historical events and making some great movies.

Within the category of true stories you still have a wonderful selection of movies to watch about sporting heroes, national heroes, and even ordinary folk that have done some extraordinary things.

5. Selection by ratings

When selecting a great movie to watch, you need to consider the audience, as this can help with your decision making. If you are choosing movies for a bunch of young children then it's generally a good idea to have watched those movies yourself first, so that you don't have any surprises that could shock or scare the children.

6. Choosing a Foreign Language Movie

Whilst there's a whole heap of great English Language movies, there's also some fantastic foreign language movies that deserve your attention.

Do not be afraid to consider foreign films just because they have subtitles. After the first few minutes of watching a foreign movie and reading the subtitles you soon get drawn into the movie and almost "forget" that you are not listening to English.

7. Word of Mouth

We've never really found that personal referrals of movie titles from our friends have been of much benefit. Everybody has different tastes, and just because one person doesn't like a particular movie doesn't necessarily mean that you will not enjoy it.

This is often true with media movie critics. We've all heard stories about movies that have been slammed by the critics only to become box office successes.

There's plenty of other ways to decide how to select a great movie to watch that include watching the previews or movie trailers, as well as watching movie review shows on TV and the internet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Newgate

Is The Lightsaber The Ultimate Movie Weapon?

2012-01-12T01:07:00.001-08:00

Nobody can deny that the Star Wars movie franchise changed how movies were made forever. The vision that George Lucas had (I think it's long since gone) raised the bar for movies everywhere but especially for anyone trying to or even thinking about making science fiction movies. Prior to Star Wars - A New Hope science fiction movies were often B-grade material at best and the special effects used were anything but believable.

Oddly enough the other big blockbuster that year was a nuclear apocalypse movie called Damnation Alley which was pretty seminal for its time. But when you compared the special effects, script and just the overall movie to the original Star Wars it's hard to understand or believe where 20th Century Fox spent $17 million dollars - Star Wars looks like it cost about $170 million in comparison. There were various reasons for Damnation Alley looking so bad in comparison and most of the damage was done post-production - ain't that always the way?

But back to Star Wars before I totally wander off the subject. There have been very few movies in the history of cinema that have had such a profound and long lasting effect on the entertainment industry. Even look at the merchandising that followed the release of the movies - it took this part of movie promotion and company profits to a whole new level.

And one of the biggest merchandising hits were the lightsabers that hit the market to fill the demand from kids everywhere for their own replica lightsaber. The initial efforts were pretty poor but after a lot of testing and tweaking Master Replicas finally got it right when they perfected the Force FX lightsaber and the cheap knock-offs died a rapid death.

But what made the lightsaber such a popular toy? There were so many other Star Wars toys to choose from after all. What made the different I think was the fact that the lightsaber evoked memories in us of the Arthurian legends and the sword Excalibur. Lucas even capitalized on this by making the Jedi an order of knights. The lightsaber took the sword to a whole new level and gave it a whole new lease of life in the movies.

The coolness factor of the lightsaber and what set it apart from any other sci-fi weapon we'd seen before was that by using the Force the lightsaber became an extension of you - you and the weapon become as one; which of course has leanings towards the legends surrounding Samurai warriors. It took skill to use a lightsaber and in a way you almost had to be born to wield one with any kind of advanced level of skill.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Roche

2011 Movie Costumes

2012-01-12T01:06:00.000-08:00

Halloween is always such an exciting time of the year, and it's coming up faster than you think! If you are a kid you get many perks, the obvious candy bonus but there is also the getting to dress up as your favorite character or hero. One day of the year that you get to dress up and pretend to be someone else, the only hard thing is picking out the costume.

One of the most popular Halloween costume ideas are movie costumes. There have been so many recent movies in the last couple years that make great Halloween costumes. 2011 is not an exception, some of the most notable movie costume ideas in 2011 are as follows:

1.) Harry Potter- with the final release of the Epic Harry Potter series you can dress up as Harry, Hermione, Ron, Voldemort, the creepy Dementors or even join the Slytherin team and dress as Draco.

2.) Captain America - Dress up as the first Avenger himself, with the big release of Captain America I am sure you will be seeing a couple of these around the neighborhood.

3.) The Smurfs- these cute little blue creatures came to the big screen the summer.

4.) Cars 2 - Lighting McQueen and some of the famous Cars characters are back, dress up as your favorite car today!

5.) Transformers 3 - Dark of The Moon, back once again for the 3rd movie, dress as Optimus, Bummblebee, Ironhide, Megatron and more!

6.) The Hangover 2 - Dress up as one of the characters from one of the funniest comedies of all time!

7.) X-Men First Class - Professor X and Magneto take on the X-men beginning, many new costumes to choose from on this one!

8.) Thor - why not dress as the Might warrior Thor.

9.) Kung-fu Panda 2 - Definitely one of the bigger animated sequels this year dress up as your favorite character from Kung-fu Panda including the famous Po!

10.) Green Lantern- Give Ryan Reynolds a run for his money in a Green Lantern costume!

The list could go on and on. Any kid could easily find 25 movie costumes to choose from these movies. That is why it is so hard to pick a costume as a child.

If you are searching around for the perfect movie costume for your kid you want to keep a couple of things in mind.

Number one is Safety, you want to make sure it is something that your child can see clearly in and others will be able to see them when walking on Halloween, especially if you are in a neighborhood that has a little more extended Halloween hours.

Secondly for a lack of a better word coolness, you have to find something that your kid loves, because all said and done it is a day for them to enjoy.

Third cost, you need to find something great for your little one, but if you don't have the money you don't have to break the bank to find a great costume.

Fourth individualism, if your kid is someone that likes to have the only one of something, you don't want your kid to get disappointed if there are 10 other people dressed up in the same costume.

Lastly timing, you do not want to wait until the last week to pick up a costume, you don't want to keep waiting not being able to decide on a costume and once you finally pick out your costume it might not be there.

After you take everything into consideration and find the perfect movie costume, the most important thing on Halloween is to make sure that you are safe and have a good time.

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L'Amour Fou

2012-01-12T01:05:00.000-08:00

There is a new documentary film entitled, "L'Amour Fou," which I heartily recommend to anyone with interest in the fashion world as well as those who can appreciate a real love story. Translated from French, the title means Crazy Love, and it is the story of the intertwined lives of Yves Saint Laurent and his life partner and business manager, Pierre Berge against the background of an auction sale after Saint Laurent's death in 2008, of their museum quality artwork, artifacts and objets d'art accumulated over the course of their fifty year relationship. The film is tastefully done, featuring Pierre Berge providing most of the narrative with additional commentary by Betty Catroux and Loulou de la Falaise, Saint Laurent's favorite muses. It opens the door to a man many consider the world's greatest fashion designer, displaying the extraordinary talent emerging from this shy but very troubled soul. And in the no holds barred rendition by Berge one cannot help but to be moved by his deep love for Saint Laurent and frustration at not being able to help him more than he did.

Perhaps this film moved me in a way different than what others might feel, but then again that could be because it was very personal to me. You see, I worked with both Pierre and Yves over a twelve-year period from 1974 to 1986 when we developed the fragrances Opium and Paris for women and Kouros for men as well as the YSL Beauté (cosmetics) line. I was then employed by Charles of the Ritz Group, Ltd, a subsidiary of the pharmaceutical company, Squibb Corporation (before its merger with Bristol Myers), initially as president of Ritz's international division and later as its CEO. During that time I engaged directly with Pierre on all business matters (including more than one contract revision) and both Yves and Pierre on several creative matters. My relationship with both men was friendly, at times confrontational, but always respectful.

The film was as accurate a depiction of both men as I remember them, though I came to better appreciate the depth of Pierre's feelings for Yves than I did in the business setting in which we then worked. The film also illuminated circumstances that arose in the development of Opium that created a serious confrontation, but one that we later resolved.

It began when Yves presented his ideas on the new perfume, Opium. During the following months his ideas were converted to guidelines for the development of the scent as well as specific drawings of the perfume container and exterior packaging. When completed, as was customary, our marketing staff went to obtain Yves approval for the designs of molds for the plastic containers as well as designs of the exterior packaging, but Yves was unavailable. Finally, recognizing that a decision had to be made, Pierre gave his approval and initialed the designs. Yves was not available to us until some four months later and when he saw the first samples of the container, he was furious, believing we had made unwarranted changes to what he had designed. He wanted to terminate the project immediately.

At that point we had invested about $2 million in the project (a lot of money at the time), principally in raw material for the plastic containers. Accusations flew by fax across the Atlantic before tempers cooled and I flew to Paris to meet with Yves and Pierre. Fortunately we had kept the small piece of lac du chine Yves had given us to copy, and when he saw it, he realized that it perfectly matched the plastic container sample. That put an end to the most serious concern and we then reviewed the changes he wanted to make, all of which enhanced the final product and which were not of significant financial consequence. One of those changes involved the cord extending from the container, which was modeled after a Japanese Inro, a carrying case for small objects. The original design called for the cord to be knotted after passing through a small open-ended plastic bead, but this seemed to bother him. Without a word, he rose, left Pierre's office and came back a few minutes later with a box of tassels. He tried one after another and when it appeared that he was satisfied, he turned to me and in French said, "Do you think this looks all right?" I remember thinking then, here is the greatest designer in the world and he's asking my opinion. And then I realized that this was simply a manifestation of the insecurity the film depicts so well.

The only time I ever saw Yves act on his own was when he was concerned about certain technical difficulties with the manufacture of the new YSL Beauté line. He called me directly, which in itself was unusual, since Pierre usually arranged our meetings. I offered to come to Paris, but he insisted on coming to New York, which he did, alone, without Pierre. In our conversation I sensed some animosity between Yves and Pierre, wondering whether this was Yves declaration of independence. It was not, but I believe as reported in the film, this was a time when they actually lived apart.

Some of the most fascinating, interesting, enjoyable and occasionally frustrating times in my business career were spent working in the Yves Saint Laurent environment. This film reinforced them.

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What an Acting Class Should Be

2012-01-12T00:51:00.000-08:00

Acting is a tough, competitive nasty business. Here in LA especially. The promise of a National Commercial or a Recurring Role on a series means a lot of money for struggling actors. A good movie role can start a career if the actor is ready for the audition and ready to deliver in front of the camera. The problem with these situations is the pressure it creates. Every audition counts. Good auditions for good projects are hard to get. So, when you audition, are you prepared? And who helped prepare you and how did they help you?

Most of what goes on in LA is cold reading technique and commercial acting classes. There's nothing wrong with these classes in theory--they would be good if they were just warm-up or work out places. The problem is that they have largely replaced in people's minds an actual acting class, or some acting situation where a beginning actor can learn the craft. People think that because they have taken a cold reading class at a reputable studio that they are ready for the aformentioned pressure. They aren't. The conditions that one auditions under in LA, and then the conditions on most TV shows and film sets are not conducive to allowing a beginner or someone who has taken a few cold reading classes to produce good work under pressure.

A good acting class, and a good acting teacher recognizes these realities and responds to them by providing deep real preparation for the real world of work in Film and TV. A good acting class stresses technique and relaxation as the cornerstones of a successful acting career, or even just a successful audition. There are many acting techniques out there. But the standard and most artistically sound techniques are based on Stanislavsky. The three most familiar interpreters and teachers of the Master's work are Sanford Meisner, Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler. Bobby Lewis is a less famous proponent of Stanislavsky based work, but he has also written a wonderful book and was a very influential teacher. Why are these techniques and interpretations of Stanislavsky so important? And why should a competent acting teacher teach one of them?

Because they directly address the need the actor has to produce truthful behavior, to be in the moment, to communicate from a deep emotional level of truth. These techniques TRAIN actors to do these things. There are many offshoots of these four main interpreters of Stanislavsky, but these are the major teachers. If some version of their techniques is not present, something is missing. If you can't produce real behavior under imaginary circumstances, you aren't acting. You may be performing, but you won't be acting.

The other major component acting classes need to incorporate is some kind of body and voice work. The need for these disciplines is clear at Yale and Juilliard and NYU where, if you enroll, you will get classes in everything from Fight and Tumbling to Clown and Linklater Voice. You may study Alexander, Feldenkrais, or Yoga. You may learn meditation or martial arts. But you must learn something. Something about your body and the way it functions. Because your body is your tool. The musician has his guitar, the actor has her body. That is your tool. Expression and communication rely on the body and voice. And that body and voice had better be trained. Somehow. A good acting class and a good acting teacher train the body to function under the extreme duress of cameras and booms in the face, or a commercial casting director yelling instructions at you. You learn to meditate, breathe and master anxiety. You learn to access the most resonant part of your voice. You learn to relax your muscles and maintain your posture, or take on the posture of a character.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Klineman

Fair Game - Movie Review

2012-01-09T02:15:00.003-08:00

Fair Game 4/5
Director: Doug Liman
Stars: Naomi Watts, Sean Penn

Leave factual accuracy apart- everyone has a right to know a different perspective on the reasons told causing war on a country. This movie does that honestly and raises many questions boldly. Can a war, and hence death and destruction, be enforced on country on basis of a suspicion? Were there other opinions among CIA ranks about presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq? Can people raise their honest voice if some privileged ones are cheating on their nation? It is easy to reject such ideas as conspiracy theories but it should be left on people to judge the diverse opinions themselves.

Post 9/11, Bush administration is looking to dismantle weapons of mass destruction. They believe that Saddam Hussein has made nuclear and biological weapon. They have reports that some Aluminum tubes which may be used for nuclear fission are available with Iraq. Some experts believe that those tubes cannot be used for nuclear weapons but the secretary of state and other government officials present it as on obvious proof of presence of WMD.

Valerie Plame (Naomi Watts) is a CIA agent and is working around the globe to track terror organizations and presence of nuclear weapons. Her husband Joseph Wilson (Sean Penn) is a former diplomat and is an expert on Africa. Plame is working to know the nuclear capacity of Iraq. With the help of family of a scientist in Iraq she learns that Iraq do not has any nuclear program running. Their program was destroyed by America in the Gulf War. The Iraqi Scientist says" We don't even have spare parts to fix a tank- they must know that".

CIA gets reports that tons of Uranium has moved from Niger to Iraq. CIA on recommendation of Plame sends Wilson (on account of his knowledge of the area) to Niger to know about movement of Uranium. He goes there and reports against the movement of Uranium. He gets frustrated when he hears the president, George W. Bush, telling about Saddam's nuclear weapons and provides uranium movement as its proof.
Wilson writes an article "What I did not find in Africa". That article angers the White house and they hit back. They reveal the identity of Valerie Plame and tell that Wilson was sent by her wife and not by CIA. They do personal attacks on them which puts huge strain on the married life of the two. This also brings tragic repercussions on the life of people that were on field in Iraq for Plame. Wilson keeps on his offensive against the wrong information presented by the Bush administration on Iraq issue. He gives television interviews, addresses public sessions and writes articles. The film ends at cheering on truth and justice.

Naomi Watts' acting is the real soul of this movie. She is subtle, restrained and impressive. Sean Penn is immensely watchable as his character develops.

He says at an address "The responsibility of a country is not in the hands of a privileged few. We are strong, and we are free from tyranny as long as each one of us remembers his or her duty as a citizen. Whether it's to report a pothole at the top of your street or lies in a State of the Union address, speak out! Ask those questions. Demand that truth. Democracy is not a free ride, man. I'm here to tell you. But, this is where we live. And if we do our job, this is where our children will live. God bless America"

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Review of Insidious

2012-01-09T02:15:00.001-08:00

Have you ever wondered what would occur if the core elements of Black Swan and Paranormal Activity were mixed together with an added dash of classic and Japanese horror themes? The result is the disturbingly wonderful haunted house ride of Insidious.

Renai, Josh and their three children are beginning to settle into their new home. Dalton, the oldest of the children, explores the cause of a curious noise emanating from the attic. While pulling the light switch, he steps on a rotten rung of a ladder, which proceeds to break under the weight, and the child comes crashing to the ground. Renai and Josh doctor his wounds and tuck him into bed that evening. The following morning, they discover Dalton in a coma-like state, which cannot be explained by his doctors. Henceforth, a series of unexplainable events occur to the family, leading them to move houses and enlist the help of a psychic in pursuit of answers regarding their son.

This film could be best described as a cinematic version of 'Frankenstein's Monster' in so far that it incorporates several successful themes previously employed by other widely known films, such as, The Matrix, The Exorcist, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and The Crow, just to name a few. These borrowed themes manifest to form a rather entertaining scarefest; however, much like 'Frankenstein's Monster,' this film has been rejected by a number of audiences and prominent critics.

The cast and crew of Insidious could easily be described as an 'all star lineup.' Director James Wan, best known for his work with the Saw franchise, does a superb job as his attention to detail resonates throughout the film. Leigh Whannell, also from the Saw franchise and Wan's film school friend, served as the screenwriter for the film. The film's producer is Oren Peli, the writer/director of Paranormal Activity. Josh, the husband, is portrayed by Patrick Wilson (Hard Candy, Little Children). Renai is played by Rose Bryne (28 Weeks Later, Knowing). Dalton is portrayed by Ty Simpkins (Little Children). Needless to say, this crew is rather qualified.

Despite such a talented cast and crew, this film has one noticeable flaw: the majority of supernatural events are not adequately explained, especially those during the first half of the film. This does not hinder the experience of the film, mainly, because the audience will be too engaged in the wildly evolving story to even care.

Outside of that seemingly logical detour, this film is nothing but amazing. It is able to build tension with ease and enhance it with the occasional interjection of comic relief. Insidious is the triumph of this well assembled cast and crew.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brett_Mullins

Motion Graphics Templates - Facilitating Original Content

2012-01-09T02:14:00.005-08:00

The use of motion graphics templates in the broadcast industry has become an increasingly popular trend as companies start to realize the benefits of them. With the rising competition and the decreasing profit margins of the production industry, broadcast networks have found more pressure to make and secure creative and original content while at the same time controlling escalating costs of production and operation. Those responsible for managing broadcast networks are always looking for innovative measures to make more efficient their operations and monitor costs as well as providing content and advertising standards that appeal to all types of consumers alongside commercial businesses wanting to invest in advertising.

Motion graphics templates allow broadcast networks to provide the latest in entertainment at a tiny proportion of the traditional costs of execution. Because of the motion graphic templates being completely developed files, in various formats, lengths and styles, they only require someone with a very basic understanding of Adobe After Effects to put in the content required, such as images, video and text in the chosen places to create customised content. The utilization of the templates is also becoming very popular in the production of idents and title sequences on both live and prescribed programmes. This allows broadcast networks to modify the content and message to their liking without the customary costs of creating such technology in-house.

A large proportion of accessible motion graphic templates have a strong marketing focal point. This results in the capability of broadcast networks to produce genuinely interactive commercials that portray the latest in movie effects. In turn, this acts as a big attractant to businesses wanting to buy advertising because the excellence of the commercial reflects on their brand and their products. The use of these templates has allowed companies in the broadcast industry to deliver the most up to date effective content and advertising at minimal costs in comparison to hiring in-house staff to create the same content.

Using motion graphics templates is an excellent way for film companies to get the job they want done fast and creatively with original material. You don't need an expert to know how to do the work; the simplicity of the templates allows those with rudimentary skills to carry out the job effectively. The quality of the templates you can choose from are excellent and your production will benefit greatly from the time and money saved. The profits gained cannot be overlooked as you start outperforming competition with more video production jobs because of the quality of the work.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janine_Macdonald

The Machine Gun Preacher Review

2012-01-09T02:14:00.003-08:00

Machine Gun Preacher is due for release September 23rd starring Gerard Butler as "Reverend Sam Childers", now Reverand Childers is not your ordinary missionary, known by his other name the The Machine Gun Preacher, Childers was born in 1962 and grew up into a life of drugs and violence.

Sam became a hells angel getting into fights, dealing drugs and eventually becoming a bodyguard to drug dealers, it was at this time that Sam remembered the words of his father who had said "Boy somebody's gonna kill you one of these days" and Sam addicted to booze and drugs decided to try and turn his life around.

Sam started to do construction work as he battled his addictions, his wife Lynn played by "Michelle Monaghan" after first choice for the role "Vera Farmiga" had to pull out, had returned to the church for guidance so Sam also took up God, in an attempt to help him with his inner demons. In 1998 sam joined a mission to the Sudan to help rebuild village huts destroyed by the conflict and it was here that Sam saw the real horrors that men inflict upon each other, one of these horrors was the remains of a child blown apart by a landmine.

He made up his mind to help the people any way he could returning to the Sudan some months later to help with a mobile clinic, on his travels he passed the village of Nimule in an area run by the LRA "The Lords Resistance Army" a brutal militia run by Joseph Kony that killed and tortured whole villages, responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent people, the LRA also kidnapp children for their militia.

It was here that Sam said God had spoken to him and told him to build an orphanage at the spot, Sam sold the construction business he had built up and used all the money he had in building the orphanage to house the children of the war, at night he began armed raids against the LRA to rescue the kidnapped children and bring them back to safety rescuing hundreds of children.

These raids earned him the nickname the The Machine Gun Preacher but it also earned him a bounty on his head from the LRA, The Machine Gun Preacher Childers said that one of his aims was to capture Kony but had been unsuccsessful.

The orphanage at Nimule is the largest in southern Sudan housing over 200 children and run by volunteers some victims of the LRA.

The film documents the exploits of the Machine Gun Preacher from violent biker to savour of children who would otherwise be trained to become soldiers in the LRA or worse.

My review is of the movie and how it shows the exploits of Sam Childers as he attempts to turn his life around, we all know films are made of half truths and that the reality of Sam Childers life may be totally different from that portrayed in the movie.

The trailer looks promising and Gerard Butler is a great actor who should play the part of The Machine Gun Preacher well, until the movie comes out we will not know but once I have seen it I will be back with an update.

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Katrina Kaif's Rise to Stardom in Bollywood

2012-01-09T02:14:00.001-08:00

Katrina Kaif's greatest problem, when she entered Bollywood, was her inability to speak proper Hindustani. Katrina Kaif was fourteen, when she first started out on her career, as a model for jewellery campaign in London and was first discovered by London-based Kaizad Gustad, who cast her in his film, "Boom." She persevered through a few flops, but quickly made her way to the top, within eight years.

Born in Hong Kong to an Indian Kashmiri father and an English mother, she spent the first few weeks of her life moving from one country to another and finally settled down for a couple of months, in England, before arriving in Mumbai. From 2005 to 2009, she completed several movies, which were not box office material in Hollywood though she started displaying signs of a star in the making, in films such as Namastey London and Apne. From then on she was unstoppable. She went to improve her acting skills and improving her Hindi, so that she no longer had to get her conversations dubbed.

From then on Kaif did not look back. She was cast against Akshay Kumar, in Singh is King and with John Abraham in Kabir Khan's drama of terrorism, New York. She proved that she could perform equally well in character roles as well as glamour roles. In 2009, she received the first nomination for Best Actress category for Filmfare Awards. This year, 2011, she starred in the box office hit movie, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Katrina Kaif is known for her hard work and wanting to perfect herself as an actress. She may be likened to a wax doll with her picture perfect features that earned her the honor of being the face of Barbie. She is proud to be the first Indian to have her face on the Barbie doll collection, which she laughingly refers to as a "fun honor." The Diva of Bollywood stardom is all set to be pitched against the two Khans in her forthcoming movies, Ek Tha Tiger and an untitled one that is directed by veteran Yash Chopra.

This Bollywood actress restricts herself to taking on about two assignments a year as she prefers to give each of her films her whole-hearted attention. She does not like to be stereo typed and is eagerly looking forward to the film Ek Tha Tiger, where she plays the role of a "bindaas" female, in tattered jeans who smokes the bidi!

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Megatron Transformers - Leader of the Decepticons

2012-01-09T02:13:00.003-08:00

Megatron is the unquestioned leader of the Decepticons, ruling through sheer force, tyranny and the fact that he is the most powerful of them - even the much larger Decepticons tremble at the thought of his arm-mounted fusion cannon turning its sights on them; because, while it would take them several hits to incapacitate the stalwart Megatron, it would take just one blast from him to end it for them.

There was a time, long ago, when Megatron wasn't quite what we know him to be today, the mortal enemy of the noble Optimus Prime. They were once co-rulers of their world Cybertron, before one brother (yes; they're related) decided he wanted all the power. Pursuing the source of Transformers power, the All-Spark, is what precipitated the fall of Cybertron, as Optimus Prime had to shoot it far away into the depths of space to get away from the maniacal Megatron, dooming their planet in the process, for Cybertron was sustained by the life-energies of the Spark. Their battle would span the reaches of space-time, until the two brothers would find themselves on Earth.

Possessing no specific weakness, Megatron wields a formidable array of weaponry, more than any Autobot and more than most Decepticons (the huge Decepticons, like Blackout, may have more weapons simply due to their sheer size). The power of his weapons surpasses all other robots, except perhaps Optimus Prime, particularly since the latter wields his Energon blades with such consummate skill. Megatron's previously mentioned fusion cannon has a super-mode that can exponentially increase its power by using an extra-dimensional black-hole to tap into antimatter energy. The fusion aspect can take out a town; the antimatter, a state. It is clearly a weapon best used in space.

A few of Megatron's other physical attributes in his goal of flat-out conquest are fearsome unto themselves. Like his arch nemesis Prime, he can wield an Energon flail, Morningstar-look-alike that simply brutalizes opponents, maiming them for the finish with a back-mounted cannon, electrical blasts, or lasers from his optics. As if these weren't enough, his alt-mode can vehicle can scatter a battlefield: a Cybertronian tank; you've got to see it to believe it. What's worse is that this monstrosity can fly, jet-like. Megatron uses all of these weapons in his eternal scheming against the only thing that stands in the way of his eventual date with the Spark: Optimus Prime and the Autobots. Alas - for him; he would never reach his goal, as his brother Optimus finally succeeded in killing him untold centuries after their rule on Cybertron had ended.

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Optimus Prime and Megatron - The Transformers Leaders

2012-01-09T02:13:00.001-08:00

Have you ever heard the saying, "when two men rule, everybody dies?" This didn't seem to ring true on the Transformers home world of Cybertron in the long-ago past, when the current Autobot leader Optimus Prime, ruled side-by-side with his brother, the current Decepticon leader (well, not current as of Dark of the Moon, where Optimus finally kills his oldest enemy), Megatron. They were opposite sides of the same coin on Cybertron, with the just Optimus complementing the unyielding Megatron. After the fall, they would become different coins altogether, with Megatron surrendering fully to the dark side of greed.

It all began, and ended, with the All Spark. The All Spark is to the Transformers what God is to humans; it is an all-encompassing energy source that creates them and then powers them. As the co-rulers of Cybertron, Optimus Prime and Megatron understood that the mysterious metallic cube was the end-all-be-all of Cybertronian power, and conspired to keep it safe and well-regarded. But while Optimus held up his end of it, Megatron's dark side surfaced at the thought of sole-control of so wonderful an object and he sought to possess it. The noble and just Optimus knew that this would spell disaster for all if the conquest-minded Megatron could obtain it, and so instituted a series of actions to put the All-Spark out of his reach: he jettisoned it into deep space while Megatron was distracted by battle. This had the unfortunate and inevitable consequence of dooming their world Cybertron, which would die as a result of losing the only source of energy capable of sustaining an entirely mechanical planet. The residents of the planet would have to leave the surface and travel through space for various homes.

The ultimate figure of self-sacrifice - well; not if you're Christian, I suppose - Optimus Prime has repeatedly shown a willingness to protect the All-Spark from falling into the hands of evil, with his own life (and the willing lives of his Autobots). His single-minded protective instincts even places the lives of humans above his own, as he assumes responsibility for any harm that befalls them at the hands of any Transformer. This extreme nobleness is not without cost, as the deaths he couldn't stop, as well as those he might have caused, dim his vibrant life force. He is, however, always the picture of resolution before his troops, never doubting himself on the battlefield. He never forgets the sacrifice his decision to jettison the All Spark cost his people, and carries that burden with him always, even though he understands there was no alternative; Megatron would have sought to rule the galaxy with its relentless power as an aid to his own.

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Letting Off Steam on the Dark (Side) of the Moon

2012-01-09T02:12:00.002-08:00

So much for promises; promises. We were promised that Dark of the Moon would be much, much better than Revenge of the Fallen. Either Mr. Bay is a liar, or he really doesn't know a bad movie when he sees - or makes - one. The fact that Dark of the Moon was a bit better than Transformers 2 is hardly worth mentioning, since it wasn't possible to cinematically worse than that infamous movie and modern poster-child for all-style-and-no-substance movie-making.

Let us shortly (and mercifully) recap a few of the irksome plot devices - and I use those last two words lightly - of Dark of the Moon: we were promised that, given the extra time they would have to write the story, it would be a lot more focused than its predecessor. Although this is hardly quantifiable, let's just say it certainly seemed disjointed enough. The Transformers might not have been flying around Egypt, but they were still going back and forth between Earth (Chicago) and space. It would have been more efficient and definitely more energy-conscious to just hide the space-time thingies under the earth or in some part of the ocean humans can't reach - there are plenty. How about transforming those sources of energy into a nuclear power plant or something, hiding them right under our noses? Michael Bay's Transformers always seem to do things the hard way - remember Revenge of the Fallen desert battle scene, where Sam and the dearly-departed Mikaela were running from Decepticons, with A few Autobots running right alongside them? It still escapes me why they wouldn't just turn into a souped-up car and simply drive them to their destination; it's much faster.

One of the most surprising conclusions to a movie-fight ever had to have been Sam Witwicky dispatching Starscream. Without any weapons but Batman's simplest device: a grappling hook. Yes; you read that right. The mighty Raptor fell to a grappling hook, wielded by a human. You can't make this stuff up...unless you're the writer of Dark of the Moon.

Optimus Prime's oldest warrior-chieftain and closest friend, Ironhide, was killed by the traitor Sentinel Prime in Transformers 3. While there's nothing really wrong with this per se, up to that point in the movie, he hadn't been made to matter to us, and his death was treated as "all-in-a-days-work" by Autobot and Decepticon alike. If the Transformers don't care about their brethren, why should we? Sentinel Prime's cold-hearted dispensation was akin to a robotic psychotic break; something seriously went wrong with his circuits to have so callously killed an old comrade. At least Dark of the Moon satisfied our collective need for vengeance; Optimus would dispatch with Sentinel in an even more unceremonious coup de grace much later - even as Sentinel pleaded for his life.

The final curious thing about the Dark of the Moon was a near-execution involving the captive Bumblebee and a Decepticon minion. This one you've got to see to...err...believe; except, it's doubtful you understand why a heavily armed robot would kneel, cannons uselessly to his side, while another robot prepares to blow the circuits out his head - right after having just done the same to another friendly. It's just odd. But then, there was hardly reason to expect anything else, from this movie that ran roughshod over the loud promises for a better showing next time. Ah well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christina_M_Thomas

Review of Red State

2012-01-09T02:12:00.001-08:00

Before we get to the review, let me make a few points clear. I am a huge Kevin Smith fan. The Clerks series of films are some of the greatest comedies ever produced. Smith's abilities to act and direct in the same film are quite remarkable. With this being said, Red State defied nearly all of my presumptions and presented a film that was physically brutal and thought provoking.

Three southern teenager respond to an ad for a mature woman looking for sex. They embark on the half hour drive to her house and are subsequently drugged and kidnapped by members of an ultra-religious church. The church is analogous to the Westboro Baptist Church; however, Smith is careful to make the distinction between the two (for several reasons) by mentioning the church's leader, Fred Phelps, by name.

This film's cast was phenomenal all around. John Goodman and Michael Parks stood out as some of the better cast roles in recent years. Goodman plays ATF Agent Joseph Keenan, a man whose ethics conflict with his sense of duty. Parks portrays the strong faithed Abin Cooper, the leader of the fundamentalist church. It is quite chilling to watch as Cooper delivers his sermon and rationalizes the torture and murder of homosexuals and other sinners. This is quite effective on the audience, because there are religious groups which subscribe to this general way of thinking.

The sermon lasts several minutes and sets the stage for Smith to illustrate how situational our morals are. Throughout the film, with each set of characters, we move between deploring their actions, feeling sorry for them and ultimately rooting for their survival, in no particular order mind you. This is consistent with the three boys, Cooper's church and Keenan's ATF unit.

This film is visually stunning, especially if you consider the lo-fi, indie look to many of Smith's earlier films. I use the term 'stunning' in two regards: the film begins consistent with the average raunchy comedy and quickly becomes a fast paced horror film, and the brutal nature of the film is quite unexpected and is far from the gore horror genre.

Red State is clearly a cross genre film that would be best described as an action horror with dark comedic elements (it is Kevin Smith of course). If the audience walks away from this film without being speechless and ethically conflicted, then they've missed the point of the film.

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Acting Career - Access Within Your Reach

2012-01-09T02:09:00.000-08:00

Becoming a popular celebrity like Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt is not an easy task. There are several things that you must do so that you can succeed in acting. Auditions can help to land you in a good acting job. The good news is that there are various methods that you can use to find a job in this industry. Finding jobs online is a very effective method though it can also be tricky. You should be careful when searching for an actor's job online because some of them may be a scam. In order to avoid scams, it is important to read the comments that have been posted on the website so that you can determine if it is legitimate.

There are many sites that have acting jobs. However, these sites require paying of membership fee so that you can access the list. The website can provide you with the email address and other contact details. You can contact them to inquire about the success that their members have achieved. Contacting them will also help to determine if their listing has got quality. You should find out about the reputation of the company. You can determine its reputation from looking at the experiences that others have had with the company. It is important to always trust your instincts. This is because your instincts are always correct. If you have doubts about that company it is better to go for another one. You should seek advice from relatives and friends on where you can get a job as an actor. You can be referred to a reputable company.

Enrolling to an acting class will help you build your performance, skills and knowledge. The formal training should be included in your resume as it improves its quality. Having the training can improve your chances of succeeding in an audition. When undertaking the training, you can talk with other regarding where to acquire jobs. Seeking information can be very important as it will help you to be aware of the several job opportunities available. It is important to be involved in various plays that will help in building your skills.

You can land in to an acting job with the help of an agent. The agent is an important person as he/she will help in ensuring that you get a good job. First and foremost, before finding an agent, you have to ensure that you have perfected your skills and talents. This will make the agent to communicate with you within the shortest duration possible. You should provide the agent with your full size pictures, headshots and your resume. The agency has got various connections that it uses so that it can inform you on the various auditions that you should attend. The auditions will help to get a better job. In addition, the auditions also help in improving your skills. When you get a job, the agent should deduct some money as part of the payment for the service rendered.

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Movie Review of Contagion

2012-01-06T02:23:00.002-08:00

Here's some well directed advice: If you have been diagnosed with OCD, or are a certified germaphobe, don't see this movie. Just skip it. You'll thank me for saving you from a complete and utter mental breakdown.

And, if you feel that you have any sort of OCD "tendencies", be warned that this film will most likely nudge you right over that little precipice.

THE GOOD: There's nothing like a "worldwide epidemic with no cure" idea to fuel your fears -- and this movie does exactly that. For an almost 2 hour span, we follow the rapid progress of a lethal airborne virus that kills within days. But it's not just the mind boggling number of people dying that grabs your attention in this movie--it's the panic that ensues. Imagine the desperation of grieving family members who can't even hold funeral services for their deceased loved ones because the funeral homes are refusing to accept the infected bodies. Or the added fear that, although you are trying to keep yourself quarantined to your home so you don't catch it, people who are desperate for food -the shelves at the stores are running dry once everyone realizes the enormity of the situation-are breaking into homes and taking things by force. It makes a great argument for being a gun owner. There is just so much chaos that it almost leaves you feeling as though the people who die are actually the LUCKY ones. And let me just add here that there truly wasn't one moment of bad acting, due to the stellar cast which includes people like Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow, and my personal favorite: Jude Law. It is a flat out smart and scary film that does justice to the possibility of a global outbreak of something unknown and untreatable, and focuses not only on the dead, but the enormous challenges for the living.

THE BAD: As much as I have to praise this film for its realistic portrayal of something so frightening, I WOULD like to know who the genius was that suggested that this movie be released as we are coming head on into Flu season---are you kidding me? I was dousing myself with hand sanitizer throughout the entire movie, and when someone in the movie theater began coughing, I almost yelled out "that's not funny!" As if people aren't paranoid enough about the Bird and Swine Flu going around, the movie industry decided that September would be a FANTASTIC time to release this film. Pot-stirrers.

THE UGLY: Early on in the movie there is a REALLY graphic autopsy scene that involves a person's head being buzz sawed open and the face being flopped forward. My two movie companions were close to dry heaving and I was curled up in the fetal position. SWEET MOTHER OF ALL THAT IS RIGHT AND GOOD. You can't un-see that. And speaking of things no one wants to see: what was the deal with making Jude Law have Billy Bob Hillbilly teeth?? Apparently they were afraid that people would only remember him for winning sexiest man of the year award back in 2004 and not take him seriously as a freelance reporter that was researching a cure for the disease. Problem solved, let's just give him buck teeth. It was like a train wreck, I couldn't stop staring at them.

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Movie Review: Killer Elite (2011)

2012-01-06T02:23:00.001-08:00

More intricate than a typical Jason Statham actioner, Killer Elite successfully maintains a surprising degree of intrigue and intensity, not through an overly clever storyline, but with an air of unpredictability within its characters. It's obvious that nothing will turn out the way it seems, but with a cast comprised of so many vicious killers, keeping track of which ones are the real heroes becomes an entertaining quest. While the plot bogs itself down from time to time with an abundance of twists and a location change every five minutes, the seasoned actors will hold your interest - at least until the next adrenaline-filled action sequence can take over.

The past has a way of catching up with you. No one knows this better than Danny Bryce (Jason Statham), a former mercenary who's forced out of retirement to save his old mentor Hunter (Robert De Niro). When an exiled oil sheik kidnaps Hunter, Danny must carry out the tyrant's request - track down and kill the three British S.A.S. officers responsible for the murders of his sons. Gathering his old partners Davies (Dominic Purcell) and Meier (Aden Young), Bryce begins his lethal task while Spike (Clive Owen), the equally exacting enforcer of the secret watchdog society "The Feather Men", attempts to stop him (this movie is based on Ranulph Fiennes' novel The Feather Men, and not the 1975 Sam Peckinpah movie, The Killer Elite).

Like The Bank Job, Killer Elite is one of the least Jason Statham-like Jason Statham movies produced so far, thanks to a complex story, sinister political undercurrents, the slightest bit of a nonfiction basis (at least a few of the names are real), and strong supporting roles. An extremely protracted fistfight in a darkly lit hospital, where both lead characters take a tremendous beating (but manage to shake it off in the very next scene), impressive stunts (including the ever popular parkour), and destructive car chases ensure that the fundamental aspects viewers expect from Statham are still present. It's actually unfortunate that he can't quite rid himself of those inclusions, although his acting abilities probably couldn't singlehandedly support a serious drama.

"I'm done with killing," nobly states Danny, bearing his true self as a mercenary with a conscience, a hitman with a heart of gold. Rather than observing the effects death and carnage have on trained assassins, like Munich (with a similar political tie-in), Ronin (also starring De Niro), or more recently, In Bruges, this espionage film prefers to have characters describe their feelings to the audience. It's blatant and unconvincing when Danny is scripted to explain that killing is simply his occupation and that it doesn't define his ethos or disposition. These tired themes weigh heavily on the fun of the adventure sequences, which already take a backseat to the slow but nonstop chase, hunt, and plotting of hit list targets; when De Niro is given a chance to off a few baddies, it's to the sound of applauding fans. It's obvious what sparks enthusiasm from target audiences. Killer Elite does boast hostage situations, secret British societies, spy games, government conspiracies, tricky assassinations, covert operations, a partially sympathetic antagonist, and trigger-happy operatives - all the ingredients for an entertaining thriller - but little of it is unexpected.

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Trains in Fiction

2012-01-06T02:22:00.002-08:00

While we often forget about it since it's not as integral to our lives and our ability to travel, at one time trains were the lifeblood of travel, commerce, and industry in this country. Because of that they featured prominently into several mediums of fiction early (and even presently) in America's history. Here are some films where trains and railroads are featured as more than just a background prop.

Harry Potter Series
True, there are plenty of magical means for the characters to get around in the series, but at least in the beginning, at least when they're making their way to Hogwarts, they take a train. The magical properties of the train can be debated elsewhere, but between making the first trip the school of magic, being attacked by magical prison guards, and confronting Malfoy, Harry Potter had quite a few memories on a train that figured quite prominently into a world where broomsticks flying in the air wasn't out of the question.

The Great Train Robbery
Yes it's based on a true story, but I think the name pretty much explains why it's on this list. While I certainly won't go into the details of the movie (you have to watch it), I will say that it's Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland, and a train robbery set in the mid 1800s. If that's not enough reason to go and rent the film then I really don't know what else to say.

Strangers on a Train
This classic from Alfred Hitchcock is familiar to just about everybody, but just in case you haven't heard the rough plot, here it is. Two strangers meet on a train and begin talking, sharing the details of their lives. Both soon learn that there's a person that the other wants to be not alive anymore, and it's suggested that they agree to swap murders, removing motive from the equation to help get away with the crime. Unfortunately, only one of the men actually wants to go through with the crime, and this leads to a dramatic conclusion and a final scene on the train.

Unstoppable
A more recent addition to the film world starring Chris Pine and Denzel Washington, about a train carrying hazardous materials that becomes a runaway and the efforts of the Pine and Washington characters to stop the train without having to derail it, which would cause damage not just from the crash, but from the potential for the materials being carried by the train to be exposed as well.

North by Northwest
Another Hitchcock film, though this one doesn't have the train as quite as integral a piece as Strangers on a Train, still it's Cary Grant boarding a train for several pivotal scenes and anytime you put Cary Grant, Alfred Hitchcock, and a train together, something good is bound to happen.

Back to the Future Part III
We'd had the Delorean as the time machine for several movies, but with the third installation of this film franchise taking us back the wild west, trains made their presence felt, with one of the final scenes of the film being Doc Brown arriving in the future with a train that he's converted into a time machine, and has even given the ability to fly.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
Twice made into a movie and once into a TV movie, the plot of both the 1974 and 2009 films were similar, with changes taking into account the modern age and the fact that $1 million ransom would be laughed at. A subway train is taken hostage, with demands for money made and while the motives of the hostage takers changes with the times, in the end it's up to the dispatcher that takes the original random demand to ensure that everybody gets out of the train alive.

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Harry Potter - The End of an Era But We Still Have More to Look Forward To

2012-01-06T02:22:00.001-08:00

Whilst it's the end of the Harry Potter film and book series, the adventure for Harry Potter fans across the globe isn't finished yet. There are many events we have to look forward to over the next couple of months; Pottermore website launch, release of the Deathly Hallows part 2 DVD and of course Harry Potter World Universal Orlando celebration packages.

When first released on the 15th of June, we saw a small glimpse of the Pottermore website albeit very small. Pottermore drew huge media attention and speculation from almost every Potter fan on the planet, one of the biggest rumours is that Pottermore is going to be an MMO (Massive Multiplayer Online) game. The online trademark, owned by Warner Bros, gives a hint to what we can expect: "Providing multiple-user access to a global computer information network; providing on-line chat rooms and electronic bulletin boards for transmission of messages among users in the field of general interest".

Some lucky few managed to grab a spot as beta testers for the new Harry Potter website through a series of quiz questions. Testers were able to test some of the features, such has Harry potter spells, potion making, flying and duelling which will later become available to the general public sometime in October.

We also look forward to the DVD release of the Deathly Hallows part 2. After a huge success at the premiere in London earlier this year with movie fans queuing in Trafalgar square for over five days, the DVD release is sure to be another big hit. The DVD is rumoured to be released on the 16th of November in order to mark 10 years since the release of the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone. The film will be available on HD (High definition) DVD, Blu-ray and maybe, 3D.

Finally, to mark the celebration of 10 years of filming genius, the wizarding world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando will be holding three days of magical excitement. This celebration will be held between the 11th and 13th of November and will include; Questions and answer sessions with cast members, Question and answer sessions with Filmmakers and the creative team of universal orlando and epic screenings of all eight films including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.

There are two main packages; the premiere package and the celebration package. All packages include 4 night stays (7 nights for UK customers) in universal partner hotels, 3 day tickets to orlando theme parks, early admission to the HP theme park, complete Blu-ray set of films, CityWalk party pass and a commemorative pin. The premiere package also includes admission to a night time gala event, one cast signing session and breakfast every morning in the three broomsticks.

Unfortunately premiere packages have sold out for US residents although celebration packages are still available. There are still premiere packages available for UK customers and with tickets ranging between £1,299 and £1,799 each, they are rather fairly priced (these prices include flights).

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