Bond Less then Suave

What is wrong with these people?

For the last three outings (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and now, Skyfall), the people behind the franchise chose to present Bond, Commander James Bond in a different form- a hunky assassin, nothing more.

James Bond, of course, is the fictional spy created by Ian Fleming, made infinitely more entertaining with slapdash additions from a multitude of writers who co-opted the character through the screenplays of now, 23 outings.

The last three movies portrayed Bond as more of a killing machine, licensed to kill, with a penchant for speedo rather than a highly sophisticated spy posing as an executive for Universal Exports who goes about unearthing schemes of world domination hatched by crazed master criminals that takes him globe trotting to exotic locations,.

So in Casino Royale (2006), Bond engages terrorist-bomb maker, Mollaka in a cardiac-arrest inducing, crane-hanging, parkour style, impossibly long chase that ended in the obligatory explosion scene. Reviews generally gave the film a positive rating, even citing the chase, the best bond sequence. Ah, that maybe true for some. For me, the chase in 'Tomorrow Never Dies' (1997) featuring Bond handcuffed to a female Chinese agent while riding a motorcycle, negotiating the ledges and canopies of a residential area of a Vietnamese town still stands as the best.

For that particular sequence of Casino Royale, my alternate sequence shows Commander Bond, wearing a bush jacket from Saville row, Walther ppk in hand, waiting on the other side of the crane for Mollaka. Smiling at the dumb founded, totally exhausted, sweat drenched terrorist, Bond speaks with something like " My dear chap, I would have brought you Gatorade but I've a bit of a credit card glitch." spouted in that Bond-patented nasal, low-pitched,clipped Brit accent.

Why would Bond be traipsing atop buildings and cranes? He is an intelligence officer of her majesty not part of the British Olympic team.

I heard somebody ask " wearing a bush jacket from Saville row? why he would have been spotted a mile away". My dear chap, Bond would not be caught dead in anything less chic. In "Tomorrow Never Dies" Bond sneers at the clothes worn by Wade consisting of an odd Hawaiin shirt and slacks when he meets the American spy on board a carrier. Now that would tell you Bond is also a fashion police.

Because James Bond is the most élite spy, a spy's spy, he can't be spotted even if he comes off the oddest thing in a given environment. Remember "You Only Live Twice" (1967)?

Custom made Saville row suits and funny quips define the Bond flair. Who is Bond without suave? If Bond were not suave; if Bond were vulnerable, sartorially inadequate and aging., he might as well be Jason Bourne, Ethan Hunt and Aaron Cross, maybe even pinoy super spy, Tony Falcon.

The thing I like about Bond is the idea of a guy who knows what he's doing and showing class while at it. In Dr. No, Bond immediately finds out that the driver supposed to fetch him from the airport was really an enemy spy sent to kill him by merely making a telephone call. In 'Die Another Day' (2002) Bond knows all too well about a Chinese spy ring in a Hong kong Hotel but only exposes his knowledge at exact time, after putting on custom tailored clothes. In all the Bond films I have seen, the commander always possessed some background knowledge of elements of a case.

Diametrically opposed to that particular Bond concept, in Casino Royale, Bond losses all his money in a poker table to a guy called le Chiffre because he assumed the opponent was bluffing. Any fool poker player knows that in a tourney, one does not risk tilting on the assumption of a bluff. It is not just done.All these years Bond possessed incredible luck at the tables.In the Fleming novel, Bond wins. Why they would chose an alternate version is again beyond me.

There is nothing wrong with Daniel Craig. He is as good as his predecessors, except maybe the bad hair. In Skyfall, Craig wears a scruff which looks totally unsuave. Even on vacation Bond is never scruffy. The only other time Bond looked scruffy was In Die Another Day, where he was captured and kept prisoner for a long time and so grows a beard and long hair (though being beaten thoroughly by the Koreans, he should have lost weight a bit).

Writers of the last three Bond films removed the suave side of Bond for no valid reason I can think of. They just made Bond ordinary.

Probably the writer lost track of Bond's cover, a well-traveled executive of Universal Exports (which I think might need updating. It's not really known what it exports, cigars maybe as in 'Die Another Day'?). As such, Bond has to look the part, custom clothes (should fit well, they would be custom tailored after all), cigarettes (555 was the Bond brand until 'Live and Let Die' in 1973), Smirnoff, most expensive watch and Aston Martin.

Bond would also have to be not just literate in computers, he would have to be a techie, as most executives today. As such, Bond would be well verse in broad range of subjects.

And as techieness goes, Commander Boothroyd (or Q) is the mother of all techies (even before the word came about) and in that, Bond can never be without a new gadget.

Skyfall (2012) meantime shows signs of Bond aging, sensitive (he took personally M's order for moneypenny to take the shot that fell him in a struggle on top a moving train) and unable to hit targets. I don't think 007 is authorized by her majesty to age, be sensitive, even sweat or miss targets, let alone non-moving ones during practice. those traits belong to a lower paygrade, I suppose, definitely not for double Os.The secret service recruited Bond from the Navy from which he earned the rank Commander. At that rank, he should be in his thirties or there about. The franchise having thrown away the time line of Ian Fleming (that he was recruited after the 2nd world was) abandon the age question entirely (as an example, in Casino Royale Bond just earned his double 0), it then stands to reason that he is still in his thirties, strong, sharp and cocky.

And what about the famous Bond girls? They lost their catchy names like Pussy Galore, Octopussy, Dr. GoodHead, Major Onotop and Honey Rider? But I like the idea on Moneypenny being a trained operative, although she should have disrobed for a sneak peek on what Bond is missing. The occasional appearance of Moneypenny should beg the question, will they?

And then there are the more ordinary villains that Bourne could kick with one hand tied.

My list of first-rate villains include Jaws and Oddjob, almost industrutable. I like 006 as a villain as well, more gripping when it is two equal forces and suaveness. Silva in Skyfall is not comparable to 006 even when it is indicated that he is a top spy as well. How can a trained operative miss M at the hall?

All in all, the Bond franchise moves rather splendidly, if it were judged by the box office return. But for the old Bond followers like me,come on then, give us back old James. Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.

The Business of Movie Theaters: Films or Food?

Not so long ago people went to the movies to, well, see the movie. Now it's almost as if the movie has become secondary to the food and arcade games that most theaters have on offer. Montreal, as was the case in most cities, had its fair share of movie theaters - we didn't call them cinemas, to us they were movie theaters, plain and simple - both in the downtown core and in the suburbs.

These were often elaborately designed single-screen theaters showing films every night and offered matinees on the weekends and during school holidays. I recall the price being 75 cents before seven o'clock at which time the cost of admission shot up to a whopping $1.25! For that princely sum movie patrons were treated to a cartoon - usually a Blake Edwards'Pink Panther short which worked well in Montreal as it could be used in both French and English theaters given the lack of dialogue - in addition to the main feature.

But the price is not the issue; the price of everything has gone up over time. What has changed is the focus from movie house to all round food and entertainment center. Not all that long ago your admission fee got you into the theater to see the movie. There were, of course, snack bars where you could buy soft drinks, popcorn, candies and chips. But these were just for convenience because many people, perhaps most, brought their own snacks to the movie. I'm not talking about smuggling in contraband Twizzlers or Reese's Pieces, sneaking past ushers who look like they want to pat down movie goers. The goodies people brought to the theater were most welcome; after all they had paid their admission. It was a movie theater, not a restaurant - it was a Bring Your Own Food establishment

Movie goers would bring in, openly and honestly, snack items such as a box of a dozen Dunkin' Donuts and Dairy Queen milkshakes. Others brought submarine sandwiches or even hamburgers. Some folks even made special snacks at home and, along with a thermos of coffee settled in to enjoy the movie and munch on a ham on rye.

These days the film is almost an afterthought; once you get past the vast array of food on offer at exorbitant prices and run the gamut of the umpteen video games in the lobby, you can finally settle down to watch the feature.

The Movie business has changed. Long gone are the days when movie theaters were in the business of selling admission to films and providing convenience snack bar counters, but were BYOF! Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.

Television Aerial Installation, Get the Answer to Your Poor TV Reception

There are still a great number of households nowadays who haven't been upgrading or switching to a more advanced TV watching. They are certainly being contented with what they currently have.

But do you know that there is an easier way for you to enjoy television watching and staying away from poor TV reception on your TV set?

Getting a new improved television aerial installation is one great solution in having a clearer TV picture. You only have to choose from the variety of TV aerials and see which one works for your location.

In most cases, you are getting contented on the kind of TV reception. But if all the chances are there to improve it, then why not make a difference now.

In making a start, you initially need to look for a TV aerial installation company that can make the proper assessment of your aerial installation needs.

Since there are many options when it comes to the kind of TV aerial that can be used, you need to have someone to check which one will work for you.

If you currently have an existing aerial that you used at home, then you may only need to get some upgrade. There will be no new aerial installation needed, just a simple upgrade will do.

Depending on the location that you are at, there will be a certain television aerial that would work. Thus, getting the help of the expert to make a preliminary survey of your area is a better idea.

It is never too late to get the answer to your TV reception problems. You can always get a solution from the right people and company around you.

You just have to go along with the latest technological advancements if you want to enjoy your TV watching most. And getting the right television aerial installation is what you need to do.

Keep in mind as well, that you only need to seek the help of the proficient television aerial company. It is the only way to have the best assistance you want.

Make up your mind now. You can get the right answer to your poor TV reception needs today. Be ahead of the TV aerial advancements coming in the next few years.

With a little effort and a small amount of money that you have to spend, you will get the best TV reception and enjoy your TV watching the most. Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.

Relaxing With a Classic On Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving table is filled with excitement each year. Good food, family, and friends all take center stage during the celebration. After dinner is over, many choose to turn their attention to the numerous college and professional football games that flood the television, choosing a side and sticking with the cheering section assigned to their favorite team. This year, if football is not on the agenda for the gathering, watching a few warm Thanksgiving movies instead will help the family maintain a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Plenty of holiday movies address the Thanksgiving theme in various ways. Whether the preferred movie genre is animation, comedy, or action, one of the following movie selections is sure to please the family at this year's gathering.

"Pocahontas" is an Oscar-winning animated favorite that was released in 1995 by Disney. The movie explores the love affair that sparks between a Native American chief's daughter, Pocahontas (Irene Bedhard), and an English soldier, Captain John Smith (Mel Gibson). The two are on the opposite side of an invasion by the English settlers. In the 1600s, the English land in Virginia, the homeland of Pocahontas. She stumbles upon their camp and a romance begins with Smith. The fairy tale love is disrupted by the greed of Governor Ratcliff; it is believed that Pocahontas's tribe is literally sitting on a gold mine.

As friction builds between the two groups, it is up to the two lovers to try and keep the peace. This animated film is engaging for older adults and filled with action to keep the attention of any teens who may be watching. This is a movie that captures the Native American-settler encounter in a way that is not too violent for young eyes, but accurate enough for the adults to refresh their American history. The soft song selections are enough to lull even the tiniest baby to sleep so that the rest of the crowd can enjoy the movie without interruption.

Every Thanksgiving, there is a channel that features the comedy "Dutch." A single mother (JoBeth Williams) tries to give a little love to her son, Doyle Standish (Ethan Embry), at Thanksgiving after her selfish ex-husband (Christopher McDonald) leaves her holding the bag again by cancelling his holiday time with his son. Her knight in shining armor, her new boyfriend Dutch (Ed O'Neill), volunteers to go to the boarding school her son attends and retrieve him for the holidays. They do not make it out of the dormitory before the bubble bursts. The two end up at each other's throats all along the road trip.

This film is a precursor to the "Are We There Yet?" series produced by Ice Cube; the good guy gets stuck on a bad road trip with his new love's kids. When the news of the new guy reaches her ex-husband, he mysteriously finds time in his busy schedule to try and further destroy her reputation with her son. This film is a roller coaster ride filled with some very funny interactions, but may be suited for a more mature audience. The film is rated PG-13, but if there is someone in the crowd who does not understand about the birds and the bees, he or she may be better off in the football room.

An all-time classic Thanksgiving movie must be included on this list of Thanksgiving favorites. "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" was released in 1973, but is still relevant to the families of today. Any adaptation of the comic strip series always brings laughter and cheer to viewers. This animated gem is the story of the Peanuts gang's celebration of Thanksgiving. Peppermint Patty (Christopher DeFaria) plans a dinner for her family and friends. As is the tradition of the series, Charlie Brown (Todd Barbee) always gets the short end of the stick, but remains as good as gold throughout the story. There is even a scene with a football, just in case viewers think they are missing out on something in the other room. One of the best scenes in the movie is the Thanksgiving prayer given by Linus. In his prayer, Linus relays the importance of the holiday by giving a bit of history surrounding the celebration.

The holiday season can be very stressful with the anticipation of guests, family interactions, and all of the preparation that goes into the festivities. To set the tone for the celebration, try a cool music selection, good food, and a good movie. Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.

Reviews of Famous Martial Arts Movies, Sword of Swords

If someone tells me that they have had enough and now they have had enough of Jimmy Wang-Yu, they are not to be blamed. Cheng Pei-Pei, known as the "Master of the Flying Guillotine", was cool albeit in a funny way, but one will agree that it becomes very difficult to digest the awkwardly bloody "The Golden Swallow". Although the movie was made by the legendary Chang Cheh, it did not have the usual light mood but was packed with oppression and the overall mood of the movie was heavy which made it more difficult to watch.

The difference as an audience was as evident as that between John Ford's "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" and "The Wild Bunch" by Sam Peckinpah. Both the movies were western classics with some common thematic factors. However, the way in which the movies were made and delivered created that world of difference.

One good point that can be said about "Sword of Swords", which released in the year 1968, was that the film had many familiar faces which we were used to seeing in Shaw Brother's wuxia movies. These included Tian Feng (see "Raw Courage" by Cheng Pei-Pei) and Huang Chung Hsin (famous for his role in Pei-Pei's "dragon Swamp) who played the lead negatives roles in the movie. The disappointments - Yeung Chi Hing (from "Rivers of tears" by Jenny Hu) and Ouyang Sha Fei (see "Sweet and Wild" by Li Ching) were completely wasted in the movie. The director of the movie was the father of the legendary director and choreographer Ching Siu-Tung, Cheng Kang.

After watching "Sword of Swords", one is compelled to feel that the role played by Li Ching was written to be bashed and beaten repeatedly, to help Jimmy's character get instigated and act on taking revenge!

In the film, Jimmy Wang-Yu is a member of a clan who is trying to get hold of the Sword of Swords. This sword was said to possess the strength of the Wind if used in a certain manner. This special power of the sword was shown in a hilariously choreographed scene.

The film basically comprises of scenes in which either Jimmy is resisting his fighting desire, or protecting the powerful sword against the bad guys, or getting beaten, or getting his family bashed up and his house getting burned.

However, he is the hero and heroes just doesn't seem to die! Therefore, even though Jimmy is blinded and is repeatedly stabbed, he just freezes in the snow and recovers with the help of a poor old woman!

Overall, the movie is neither funny nor witty to amuse the audience. Neither does the movie have an enticing plot. However, this movie will surely be liked and maybe worshiped by Chang Cheh fans, as the movie has is super-violent and has the ultra-male factor playing throughout.

My advice - try watching Chang Pei-Pei's films once more, just to get your sanity back! Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.

Music Soundtracks Are Essential to the Best Film Experience

Films are considered a mainly visual experience, and many people don't stop to consider just how important music is in movies. Audiences don't just watch; they also take in auditory stimuli. During the time of silent films, music was an essential part of telling the story, and live pianists were employed by theaters to accompany the visual feast. Characters were shaped and events foreshadowed using music to convey thought and emotion.

Chances are that if the music soundtrack were removed from a film, the omission would quickly be noticed. The movie would not be as enjoyable, and it would feel like something was missing. Music adds to the perception of things unseen. It has the power to alter mood and to change it, if needed. An epic score makes the sword fights more exciting, or increases the impact of a death.

Modern films often seem to lack the brilliant scores that were the norm during the Golden Age of Hollywood, when "Gone with the Wind" and "The Adventures of Robin Hood" were hits. The 1970s and 1980s also had some of the most memorable original soundtracks, with classics such as John Williams' work on "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark."

Imagine no "Star Wars Theme," if you can. Darth Vader will always be tied to "The Imperial March." Indiana Jones will always have his "Raiders March." Williams also gave magic to the world of Harry Potter, giving a sense of whimsy when appropriate, or of dire consequence such as that conveyed during the sad aftermath of the Battle of Hogwarts.

Effective music does not always have to be an original score. The best examples are two films directed by Robert Zemeckis: "Back to the Future" and "Forest Gump." Each of these films deals with time travel and historical accounts.

Music from the times adds to the experience for the viewers, taking them along with the characters and their worlds. "American Psycho" uses music in such a manner to convey that the protagonist is mentally unstable and also to set the mood of 1987. The character of Patrick Bateman analyzes pop lyrics much like he does other matters, which reveals him as a psychopath with violent tendencies. His analysis of Phil Collins' "Sussudio" and Huey Lewis and the News' "Hip to be Square," among other songs, is all about who Bateman is.

One film is credited for bringing quality film soundtracks back to the masses. Hans Zimmer arranged the score for Ridley Scott's "Gladiator." It is not considered his best work, with only the haunting yet hopeful song "Elysium" as a standout, but sales of the soundtrack make it one of the most popular. Zimmer also brought the tremendous sounds to " Inception." Without such an ambitious soundtrack, the fantastical dream sequences in the movie would not have had the same impact. The pounding staccato beats that reach a boisterous crescendo of low brass and horns added magnitude to important sequences.

These days, there are few television shows in Hollywood that use live, full orchestras and scored themes. However, to hear an original soundtrack is a treat for the ears and mind. The science fiction drama "Fringe" is one of these, with music composed by Michael Giacchino and Chris Tilton. Each major character has his or her own individual theme, and there is even a couple's theme. Every episode has some original cues or variations on existing themes. Often described as a family drama masquerading as science fiction, the show is full of a range of human emotions. It would not be half of what it is without the perfect musical accompaniment.

In addition, the show makes excellent use of existing songs. One of the most emotional moments in the series places one of the main characters-Walter Bishop (John Noble)-in an old, abandoned taxi cab. His world is upside down, his family in despair, and there seems to be little hope left in a dystopian future. He takes an old mix CD and plays it. Yazoo's "Only You" comes on, and as he listens tearfully, he sees a lone dandelion emerging from the cracks of a sidewalk. As a result of the music, this beautiful scene conveys so much hope and emotion.

The importance of music is constantly referred to in the show. As Walter says, it helps him to shift perspective and to see things differently. This is true of any film audience, and it nicely sums up the importance of a music soundtrack. Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.

Movie Stars' Continuous Migration to TV

In 1988, when Dustin Hoffman won his second Oscar for his brilliant portrayal of an autistic savant in "Rain Man," few would have predicted that he would be starring in a television show later in his career. Big-name actors would never consider playing TV roles-ever. Yet, the list of top movie stars making their way to the small screen continues to grow each year. So what has caused this migratory pattern?

With the help of performers like Hoffman, television is no longer the stepchild for actors. It is attracting top talent because it has caught up with silver-screen movies in three broad categories-jobs, spending, and creativity. From all indications, TV intends to step up its competition for the stars.

The Unemployment Rate

Like all industries, filmmaking continues to seek more return on investment. Nowadays, there is less incentive for producers to undertake a film that showcases acting aptitude. The list of top box-office hits is filled with movies that rely on computer-generated effects to draw large audiences. In fact, we often lose sight of a movie star against a backdrop of alien invasions or catastrophic explosions. These movies are expensive to make and frequently divert money from other projects. In the end, the availability of big-screen acting jobs has diminished.

Movie blockbusters like "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" have deemphasized the need for top-drawer talent. The movie received three Oscar nominations for visual effects and sound, but none for acting. Although Shia LaBeouf did a credible job as lead character in the film, it's difficult to envision any actor winning an Academy Award playing that part. No matter how well it could have been written, the role would never supersede the action. For an accomplished actor like Hoffman, it's not a part that would demonstrate his far-reaching ability.

Television, on the other hand, has grown from three channels in the 1950s to hundreds of channels that need new shows to entice viewers. The cable and satellite TV concept has made it possible for commercial-supported and subscription channels to offer increased opportunities. It's true that reality TV has reduced the demand for actors. Nonetheless, premium content providers like HBO and Showtime have led the pack by developing challenging roles that appeal to the stars.

The Expenditures

Large movie-studio films used to command the roster of A-list actors. Making a fortune from one film was possible if you had name recognition. Television actors, by comparison, made paltry sums and probably had to work harder for their money.

But as television grew, so did its spending on film actors. Some felt it was just an experiment that would fail. Nevertheless, Charlie Sheen, who transitioned from Hollywood movies to the TV series "Two and a Half Men," earned millions of dollars per episode. Few movie stars made as much during the same time period.

Salaries, however, aren't the only issue. Television spending on all aspects of production has increased, which has pushed the quality of what it now offers. TV wasn't known for its lavish spending in 1988. Situation comedies like "The Cosby Show" and "Roseanne" were shot on limited sets, and many dramas like "L.A. Law" and "Matlock" didn't feature an abundance of outdoor scenes. The argument that TV was too small for pricey visuals could be made then. Large-screen TVs forced changes in that thinking, however. Viewers wanted better visual effects than what the original "Battlestar Galactica" series could provide in 1978. The updated version, which drew Academy Award nominee Edward James Olmos to the series lead in 2004, filled the bill.

The Freedom

Hollywood studios once had a corner on edgy material. In 1972, comedian George Carlin had a list of the seven words you can't say on television. That inventory remained intact two years later when Hoffman starred in "Lenny," the autobiography of another off-color comedian, Lenny Bruce.

Such a movie could have never shown to a TV audience in those days. Rewriting it to meet FCC standards would have been a disservice. But now Carlin's list is a memory of how things used to be on TV. Television pursues content without strict censorship. In addition, TV has strayed from its traditional good-and-evil characters. For example, the lead in the Showtime series "Dexter" is a serial killer. He is good in the eyes of viewers because he eliminates violent criminals who have slipped through the cracks of the legal system. It's a far cry from what television used to be, and many high-profile performers relish the change.

Conclusion

The theater box office no longer represents the only option for actors in search of profound or high-paying roles. The law of supply and demand applies. Because of that, the resettlement of big-time film stars to television is sure to continue. Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.

Celebrities And Their Electronic Accessory

Celebrities have fame and fortune, which affords them luxuries that the everyday person cannot afford. Top celebrities have the cash to enjoy the finer things in life and if they find something they want, they simply buy it! One area of shopping that celebrities tend to lean toward is electronics. Most people want to have the latest technological gadgets from sound system equipment to phones and other mobile devices. Celebrities have the funds to be able to purchase these items as soon as they come out.

Sound System Equipment

Celebrities, like everyday people, enjoy listening to their favorite artists. A purchase choice that many celebrities take advantage of is sound system options. From tricking out their car to their home theater system, celebrities have the option of purchasing whatever they like for their entertainment needs. Many celebrities have full theaters in their home and have systems that allow for screening of their latest movies or to listen to their favorite artists, including themselves!

Mobile Phones

Celebrities also stay up to date on mobile phone options. From the latest Apple or Google release, celebrities have the cash to purchase the latest mobile phones even if their contract is not up! Most of us have to wait until we can get the latest phone for free or at a very low price. However, celebrities have the cash to purchase the latest items now! We all get jealous when we see our favorite celebrities walking around with the latest mobile device, when it has barely hit the shelves!

Mobile Devices

Mobile devices are another hot electronic accessory that celebrities have easy access to. Many celebrities earn such devices during red carpet events for free, despite the fact that they can easily afford the options. From iPads, to iPods and other options, celebrities have all the mobile technology at their fingertips! Celebrities simply use the extra cash they have to purchase the latest mobile devices as they are released.

Gaming

Actor and Actress also love gaming. From Xbox 360 to Playstation 3, celebrities love playing video games with their celebrity friends and family. Celebrities can easily afford the latest gaming systems, which us regular people have to wait until holidays or save up enough cash to be able to afford the expensive systems. Celebrities are given access to the latest gaming technologies and they have the cash to be able to purchase any gaming items they wish.

Television Remote Systems

Another technology accessory that celebrities have is television remote systems. We have all see celebrities showing off their homes and they will show their huge television which has a large touch screen remote that they can use to change channels, listen to music or even control security cameras. Celebrities have access to the technology that regular people can only dream of! celebrities can pay for expensive technology to control their televisions from all locations in the home as well as other unique features.

Computers

Celebrities have to stay in the loop when it comes to the latest computer technology. Celebrities have the latest laptops, Mac systems and other computer options that are not as easy for regular people to access. Celebrities want to stay connected just like us and they need computers to connect on Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites. Celebrities also use this technology to be able to promote themselves so it is essential to be able to have the latest technologies.

Overall, celebrities have the income to purchase any electronic accessory they wish! Just simply head the store and pick it out. It would definitely be nice to be able to live like a celebrity! Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.

What Makes a Good Sci-Fi Movie?

Each year, a handful of movies are released bearing the sci-fi label in the hope that they will find their place among the best sci-fi films of all time. The problem that many of these films share, however, is their deep misunderstanding of what sci-fi really is and how it works to create a great movie. Although most movies that reach the distinction of being the best are older, classic films, several modern movies have made the leap as well. A closer look at these films can help to illustrate the criteria for a good sci-fi movie.

Easily Explained Technology

Despite the elaborate machines, ships or robots used in sci-fi films, an important element for a good sci-fi movie is how easily the technology can be explained. "Avatar" (2009), for example, took a ship full of people to a new planet and placed those people into alien bodies. Sounds complex, doesn't it? The greatness and popularity of the film "Avatar" lies in the ease with which the technology can be explained. By the time the ship lands on Pandora and the main character (Jake Sully, played by Sam Worthington) is thrust into the alien land in the body of an alien, the audience has fully understood how all of this technology works. In fact, the explanation comes so easily that it is fitted seamlessly into Jake's training. The audience never has to face an information overload. Therefore, a good sci-fi movie must let the audience in on how the technology used works, no matter how complex it may be.

Characters to Care About

Technology, however, is not the sole focus of a movie. A good sci-fi flick still has to worry about character development and likeability. Having characters that the audience can care about is another way that filmmakers can help dole out the explanation of the technology. However, the characters and their part in the plot should always stand on their own merits.

A good example of a sci-fi movie with very likeable characters is "Independence Day" (1996). The film is full of stars, including Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman. From the drunken pilot who dries out long enough to protect the nation, to the President of the United States who straps into a jet to help save his country, there are several characters to love. By the time that the President, played by Pullman, gave his rallying speech to the public, audiences in theaters were thoroughly riveted and rooting for this world fighting against alien invaders.

A Compelling Story

The story is often the reason that audiences are drawn to the movie initially. The film may have cool graphics, slick technology and great actors, but if a sci-fi flick lacks a compelling story, it will surely fail. A good modern example of a film with a compelling story is "District 9" (2009). This film is built on the premise that aliens have landed on earth, but that instead of taking over, they have become a second class of citizen. This was a new concept that audiences flocked to the theaters to see. What was initially billed as an alien colonization story quickly became a tale of discrimination, set in the future of what is supposed to be a discrimination-free world.

Keeping with the Rules of Science

Keeping with scientific rules is also important. In some cases it is acceptable to break the rules of science, but the film must have an explanation for doing so, and must also share that explanation with the audience. Otherwise, breaking an essential rule could break the film before it is widely released. A film that went against this was "Red Planet" (2000), a film that had actors roaming around the planet Mars for much of the film before they realized that their own technology allowed for breathing the Martian air. The scientists in the film also botch basic DNA strand sequences. In addition, they often use the wrong scientific terms to describe basic scientific items. For example, the scientist in the film calls the beetle-like creatures nematodes, which is a term to describe worm-like creatures.

In order to make a film that sci-fi audiences will enjoy watching, filmmakers must keep in mind these basic tenets of the genre. Sci-fi is fraught with opportunities for fantasy, but there are also limitations. Several successful movies have been built within these limits without sacrificing cinematic quality. There are definitely several sci-fi contenders in the works for next year. Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.

The Reaper, Movie Review

"Whatsoever a man soweth, that he shall also reap" is a popular English idiom originally from Epistles to the Galatians of the Bible. The central theme and the very message of the movie was centered on the Biblical story found in Exodus. This is when the Pharaoh of Egypt was made obdurate by God Himself by not letting the Israelites be freed from slavery. The ten plagues presented in the Bible that were brought down to Egypt by Moses are the same plagues depicted in the movie, i.e. from the first plague of the river turning to blood to the death of the first born sons and daughters of the locals.

But it is worthy to note that the last plague was not brought about by the unseen supernatural force as all the others. Instead, the group members of the cult of the land were the ones killing their own. Also, unlike in the Bible, the second born children were the ones sacrificed instead of the first born. This is clearly so as to put an element of a Hollywood tinge on the movie and not be a copy cat of what's in the Bible (which admittedly would have made the movie less exciting or plain boring). Effectively, the tenth plague was made the climax of the movie.

Tension was built up little by little with each plague unfolding and peaked at the last plague holding the viewers momentarily confused by deviating from what was expected (death of second born instead of first born). And then here comes the vision shared by the child Loren to Katherine where she was about to be killed for being a second born but miraculously survived after being stabbed by her brother. At the time of being momentarily dazed, the viewers are fired with explanations as to why was Katherine chosen to be in that town at such crucial time. She was, in the past, an ordained minister.

She turned away from her God when the locals of the town she was serving sacrificed her family in exchange for the long drought. The cult members in the place where the child Loren lived believed that Katherine would help them kill Loren since she was after all like them, backsliders in faith. But of course, as the protagonist in the movie, she did not succumb to their wishes but instead saved the girl from them.

Since we've started interpreting the movie in Biblical terms, we might as well finish it on the same tone. In the Old Testament, God is presented as a jealous God, an angry God and all other similar actuations. The message of the movie was effectively delivered in the light of such interpretation, i.e. it was made a horror film with events lifted from the Bible. In the Old Testament, God came with thunder and lightning. But rest assured that in the New Testament, it was promised that He will come again with love and justice.

So then after all the 'scary moments' depicted in the movie, we go back to that promise, then sit back, relax and enjoy. After all, it's a beautiful world (Amen). Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.