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Showing posts with label Free Stream Movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Free Stream Movies. Show all posts

Sunday, 16 December 2012

The Top Box Office Earners for September 2012

September is always a busy month in the movie industry, as the Toronto Film Festival and other movie showcases around the globe begin to introduce the big fall films that will likely compete for awards. Most studios release at least a few family-friendly films and the last of their comedies for the year before they begin releasing more dramatic fare as winter nears. A close look at the box office results for September 2012 shows a healthy mix of family films, comedies and even a few award contenders.


The number one earner in September was "Hotel Transylvania," an animated comedy featuring the voice of Adam Sandler as Dracula, who operates a resort for ghosts, ghouls and goblins in a realm separate from humans. Andy Samberg plays a teenage boy who stumbles upon the resort and quickly falls for Dracula's daughter, played by Selena Gomez. The overprotective vampire father does his best to discourage the relationship, resulting in plenty of hilarious moments.


The film earned over $42 million in the domestic market during its opening weekend, adding an additional $29 million overseas. It was far and away the biggest earner of the month, even though it was released on September 28, giving it only one weekend to top the tallies of films that had been released earlier in the month. Remarkably, it also earned more than "Resident Evil: Retribution," which came out a full two weeks earlier.


In second place, with only half the box office receipts of "Hotel Transylvania," was the sci-fi thriller "Looper" starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Joe, a mob assassin who is sent to kill old Joe (Bruce Willis), his future self. Though "Looper" opened with just under $21 million on the same weekend as Sandler's film, it is considered a strong take. The movie has garnered excellent reviews and has yet to open overseas, which means its ultimate box office numbers could increase substantially.


There was only one sequel, "Resident Evil: Retribution," that cracked the top earners for September. The fifth installment into the franchise, based on the popular video game series, it earned a total of just over $41 million, after banking $21 million during its opening weekend starting September 14. The film brings back Milla Jovovich as Alice, an ex-employee of the Umbrella Corporation, which unleashed a zombie plague on the world. Instead of taking aim at the undead who are trying to destroy the living, she goes after Umbrella Corporation executives who spread the virus in the first place.


In fourth place was the Disney rerelease of the popular 2003 film "Finding Nemo." This latest version is in 3D, which greatly increases the price paid per ticket. It launched the same weekend as "Resident Evil: Retribution," offering a much more appropriate film for younger moviegoers. It hauled in over $16 million, with a total take of $39 million over the remaining two weeks of the month. It stars the voice of Al Brooks as Marlin, a clownfish who teams with Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) to try to find his only son after he goes missing.


Rounding out the top five films is "End of Watch," a gritty cop thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena as Los Angeles police officers who stumble upon a myriad of cases including Mexican cartels, human trafficking, murders, domestic abuse, and more. The film has received very favorable reviews and is rumored to be a contender once the awards show season begins in earnest. It notched $13 million for its opening weekend, which began September 14 in a somewhat limited release. It was released to a much larger set of markets in subsequent days, leading to an overall tally of $34 million and counting.


Another big awards show contender is the Paul Thomas Anderson drama " The Master," which was only released on five screens when it initially opened on September 14. Despite the limited number of theaters, it managed to pull in $13 million during September, giving it a very strong per-screen average. This bodes well for the film, which has people whispering about Academy Award nominations for stars Joaquin Phoenix and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.

Saturday, 15 December 2012

Jason Bateman: A Child Actor Moves On From His Arrested Development

As a popular child actor in the '80s, Jason Bateman seemingly went off the radar after his show, "The Hogan Family," was canceled in 1991. As he struggled to find work, Bateman's career seemed to be heading towards the same early end as those of so many other young actors, until he was brought onto the show "Arrested Development." Now, Bateman is one of the most recognizable faces in comedy, frequently appearing in ensemble pieces to critical and box office success.


His first major role was in "Little House on the Prairie," in which he played young James Cooper Ingalls. Bateman's character lasted for twenty-one episodes before the show was taken off the air after a slow decline in ratings. With his first taste of national recognition behind him, Bateman went on to co-star in "Silver Spoons" with Ricky Schroeder. Cast as Derek, Bateman appeared on the show for its first two seasons before moving on to star in his own series, "It's Your Move." While popular with critics, the show was canceled after its second season. Following the cancellation of "It's Your Move," Bateman would continue to work as a guest star in shows like "Knight Rider," "Mr. Belvedere," and "St. Elsewhere."


In 1986, Bateman was cast in the role of 16-year-old David in the show "Valerie." Starring Valerie Harper, the series focused on the title character as she tried to raise her kids while working full time. During the show's initial run, Bateman became the youngest member of the Directors Guild of America when he directed three episodes of the series at the age of eighteen.


In the middle of the show's second season, trouble arose when Harper wanted a raise. The producers wrote her out of the series, changing the show's name to "The Hogan Family," and brought in Sandy Duncan as the family's aunt. Initially, the change was a success, but by 1991, ratings were at a low, and the series was canceled.


Following the cancellation of "The Hogan Family," Bateman struggled to find work. He had starred in "Teen Wolf Too" in 1987, but the film flopped at the box office, leading to a stigma that Bateman could not open a film.


During the '90s, Bateman would appear sporadically on television, guest-starring in shows like "Ned and Stacey," "Chicago Sons," and "Rude Awakening." His luck finally changed in 2003, when he signed on to star in Mitch Hurwitz's new show, "Arrested Development."


Detailing the fall of the Bluth family, "Arrested Development" took a very tongue-in-cheek look at family dynamics, politics and economics. Bateman played Michael Bluth, the good son of the family, who tries to keep everyone together after his father is arrested for fraud. The trailblazing comedy featured a biting wit that had no problem with making fun of television clichés, the Iraq war, or even its own network, Fox. The cast included Michael Cera, Will Arnett, and David Cross and would even feature guest stars Liza Minelli and Henry Winkler poking fun at their own images. Producer Ron Howard lent his voice as the Narrator, playing off of his own image. While the show was a hit critically, it couldn't find an audience, leading to its cancellation in 2006. Since then, the show has become a cult hit, finding success on DVD and Netflix. Its influence has been felt in some of today's biggest shows, including "The Office" and "30 Rock."


For Bateman, "Arrested Development" was the spark that would reignite his career. His comic timing and ability to play the straight man led to him seeing an influx of work. He would work with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau in a number of films, including "Dodgeball," "The Break Up," and "Couples Retreat." Bateman would become a featured actor in many of Peter Berg's films, having major roles in "The Kingdom" and "Hancock." He would even reunite with Michael Cera in the Oscar-winning comedy, "Juno."


With his career at an all-time high, Bateman has continued to find consistent work. The 2011 hit "Horrible Bosses" teamed Bateman with Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day, leading to financial success and production on a sequel. He has even started a production company with "Arrested Development" costar Will Arnett, and their first film, "Mansome," was a Spotlight selection at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival.


Even with all of these projects, Bateman shows little sign of slowing down. He's currently filming the fourth season of "Arrested Development," due to be released on Netflix. For 2013, he has a couple of films in production, with "The Identity Thief" set to premiere in February. For an actor whose career was nonexistent in the '90s, Bateman has risen to the challenge and become one of the go-to actors for ensemble comedies. Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.

Friday, 30 November 2012

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.

Monday, 26 November 2012

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.

Thursday, 11 October 2012

Famous Bollywood Actresses With Seductive Eyes

Eyes are considered the most delicate part of the human body and a woman's eyes are said to depict her elegance and beauty. A woman can even kill a man with her bold and graceful eyes. Bollywood actresses are known for their beautiful eyes and many people often fall into the hypnotic and enticing waterfall of their eyes. Almost all the actresses in bollywood are blessed with lovely eyes; Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherjee, Madhuri Dixit and Kajol - to name a few. Bollywood actresses play with the expressions of their eyes to attract the viewers. We shall now have a glimpse at some of the famous bollywood actresses who have seductive eyes.


• Aishwarya Rai: She was born on 1st November 1973 and in 1994 she won the Miss World pageant. She has worked in blockbuster movies like Jodhaa Akbar, Provoked and Guru. She was honoured with Padma Shri and is one of the leading actresses of Hindi cinema. Her lovely eyes are counted among the top most beautiful eyes throughout the world. This adorable blue eyed woman has millions of fans not only in India but all over the world.


• Sridevi: A south Indian actress born on 13th august 1963 has won many hearts with her stunning eyes in Bollywood. She makes such naughty expressions with her eyes that viewers couldn't take off their gaze from her. She gave her marvelous performances in Chaalbaaz and Mr. India and has even won Nandi Award for her acting. Her eyes are believed to be the sexiest in the Bollywood.


• Madhuri Dixit: This dancing queen was born on 15th May 1967, and is considered one of the best actresses of Bollywood till date. She has given many romantic hits like Dil to pagal hai, Hum aapke hain kaun, Devdas and Saajan. She can make people dance to her expressions through her lustrous eyes. Her fans' heartbeat can't stop beating fast after looking at her dazzling and wide eyes which has made her one of the most expressive divas of Bollywood.


• Rani Mukherjee: This Bengali beauty was born on 21st march 1978. Her mesmerising eyes have taken her a long way when she spoke through her eyes in the movie Black, where she played a character of a blind and deaf girl. She seduces the entire world with her sensational sexy black eyes; fans go gaga over her wonderful eyes and her audiences go out of control.


• Vidya Balan: A Malyali girl born on 1st January 1978, she has made the whole world go speechless with her hot and bold eyes in the movie 'The dirty picture'. She gave many successful hits in several languages such as Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam. Paa, Ishqiya and Kahaani are some of her successful movies where she has given outstanding performances. Her stunning and smoky wide eyes have turned many heads in the Bollywood.


There is a never ending list of actresses with seductive eyes in Bollywood; the above mentioned were just a few top actresses from the list. Providing articles, reviews and writings on movies online.

Wednesday, 10 October 2012

Movie Review: Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)

An unending, melancholy tone permeates the entire film, once again demonstrating Steve Carell's knack for that typical, sad, lonely character he always assumes (when he's not the cocky, ignorant, inconsiderate "Michael Scott" persona). But unlike Dan in Real Life or Little Miss Sunshine, there are few ups and downs - the role isn't nearly dynamic enough for audiences to invest in the somber development that keeps his plight from being emotionally involving. Similarly, Keira Knightley goes through the motions of being an unlikely companion without a convincing connection that could warrant their cross-country pilgrimage to find meaning in a world coming undone.


Dodge Petersen (Steve Carell) still goes to work each day at Metropolitan Consolidated Life Insurance, even though a 70-mile-wide asteroid named "Matilda" has just annihilated space shuttle Deliverance, the last remaining hope for saving Earth from certain doom. The countdown has begun: 21 days before the world ends. Many resort to abandoning hope, participating in carefree orgies of food and sex, or spending their final hours with family and friends. Penny (Keira Knightley) has missed her last opportunity to fly home and so laments outside Dodge's window. The two strike up a friendship and decide to embark on an odyssey to reunite Dodge with his high school sweetheart - a reconciliation botched by Penny retaining a misdelivered letter for Dodge. They're also accompanied by a randomly deserted dog dubbed "Sorry" - a witty moniker never fully utilized.


It's sometimes touching and undeniably soothing to see the obvious counterparts come to a romantic fruition, even if the casting choices don't appear completely compatible. Perhaps it's the age difference, or the contrasting personalities, or witnessing brief, unfulfilling assemblies of Penny's past admirers that seem probable yet discordant. Or maybe it's Dodge's admirable yet clashing sacrifices for love that suggest contrivance and an expected resolution. Regardless, a deeper association with the lead duo is elusive, what with the pervasive reminiscing, brooding, and irrational behaviors that are never delirious enough to be funny. Serenity arises, but not as repeatedly as bewilderment from the scenario.


This setting, with citizens either rioting, killing, offing themselves, contradictorily mowing the lawn as if to forget, or stocking bomb shelters for apocalyptic survival, is both the most unique element and the film's undoing. Ceding appeasement for an eye-opening twist essentially ruins the normal romantic comedy hiding beneath the frantic premise. And it's toned down to a degree, materializing less anarchy and chaos than might be expected (infidelity, rape and theft become a casual joke) if the situation were real - yet the shock of suicide and death still work their way into the picture. Enlightenment, a day at the beach, and reconnecting with loved ones can't mask the nerve-wracking, spontaneous nature of encountering bizarre strangers and frequenting eerily abandoned houses. At times it's more disturbing than humorous or romantic. Why should this bleak device interfere so tragically with a simple tale of recognizing the importance of truly worthwhile relationships?


- The Massie Twins (GoneWithTheTwins.com) Providing articles, reviews and writings on movies online.

Saturday, 6 October 2012

The Avengers Movie's Success

The Avengers is a film produced by the Marvel Studios and released in 2012. It is a superhero film based on the superhero team from the Marvel Comics. The screenplay was written by Joss Whedon and is distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. The cast of the Avengers film has famous actors such as Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson and additional cast members: Cobie Smulders, Chris Hemsworth, Clark Gregg, Chris Evans, Tom Hiddleston and Jeremy Renner among others.


The Disney Company decided to change the title of the film in the United Kingdom. Instead of Marvel's Avengers it was released as Marvel's Avengers Assemble. This is because the company did not want the public to confuse the film with a TV series in the UK that has the same name. The film had its world premiere on April 11th 2012, at the El Capitan Theatre in California. The film broke many box office records immediately after its release on that day. The Avengers film made a record $207,438,708 during its first weekend at the theaters. This is a noteworthy record because Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 managed to acquire $169.2 million in its first weekend after the premiere. In its first week, the film broke the Dark Knight's 2008 record of $238.6 million by bringing in $270.019 million in ticket sales.


The Avenger's film received positive reviews by many notable critics. For example, the film got a 93% rating from the Rotten Tomatoes, which is a review aggregator website. It also obtained an average 8.1 points on 10 from the overall 267 reviews. CinemaScore gave the film an A+ grade based on the audience reviews. Another review from Metacritic showed the film received a score of 69 out of 100, due to the aggregation of 43 reviews.


The factors that contribute to the success of the movie are the stars, careful planning, as well as the original content. The stars of the film were all main characters in their various films and Marvel Comic books. When they came together, the fans wanted to know what would happen in the film, making the film a box office hit. The directors and producers of the film took the time to plan the film and released several teasers and one commercial spot in the Super Bowl. These actions increased the hype of the film, and many people looked forward to the premiere of the film.


The film did not make any changes to the characters, and they appeared just as they did in their previous films and comic books. The only character who underwent some changes was the Hulk. He was greener in the first Hulk film released in 2003, and the 2008 Hulk was too masculine. The film director decided to reduce the Hulk's green color and minimize his muscled appearance in the Avengers Film. The actors also showed their professionalism and dedication, by bringing out all the emotions required, despite the fact that it is an action film.


In the film, there was no main character because all the characters worked as a team and each of them had their own moment to shine. The film's special effects, as well as the action, proved worth watching and increased the film's appreciation by the audience. Another important factor in the success of the Avengers is the dedication of the director/ producer Joss Whedon. He developed the story from the comic characters and did not try to create a completely new story that deviated from the comic characters.


The character of Bruce Banner enhanced the success of the film. Mark Ruffalo played the roles of the brilliant, yet cynical Dr. Banner and the Hulk in the film. He brought out the characters in such a marvellous way, enhancing the film's reception. He brought out the Hulk's character well by refreshing the character. He also brought out the geeky and irritated character of Dr. Banner in a spectacular way. Many critics appreciated the film's plot in addition to the character's dialogues. Providing articles, reviews and writings on movies online.

Friday, 28 September 2012

Movie Review: Prometheus (2012)

Director Ridley Scott originally intended on creating a prequel to his film Alien, but when the script writing began, he realized the wealth of material presented warranted its own separate tale (still set in the same universe, however). Such an undertaking led to copious speculation and extremely high expectations from fans for what would eventually become Prometheus. Yet for a film that supposedly merited severance from becoming a direct Alien precursor, the sequence of events in Prometheus are strikingly close to that of Scott's prior effort. In fact, certain segments seem designed specifically as a counterpart to the iconic moments now cemented in cinematic history. Unfortunately, none of these scenes come close to the shocking brilliance of those found in Alien, and while the atmospheric sets, awe-inspiring practical effects, and competent acting are present as they should be, don't expect to find the answers you're looking for - in either the notorious beasts' origins or the countless new questions raised that Scott clearly feels are better left unanswered.


When scientists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) discover clues on Earth that point to possible "engineers" of mankind, they partner with the powerful Weyland Corporation to launch an expedition into space to make contact with their creators. Governed by Weyland's stern attaché Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron) and accompanied by geologists, mercenaries, and the cryptic android David (Michael Fassbender), the crew of the spaceship Prometheus is instructed not to interact with any life forms they may encounter. But once the group reaches their destination of the moon LV-233 and discovers the remains of the beings they set out to find, avoiding exposure becomes impossible. As a deadly infection rapidly spreads and mysterious creatures begin attacking the crew, Elizabeth realizes the horrifying truth and must fight for her own life as well as the very fate of mankind.


The usually capable director has bitten off a bit more than he could chew with Prometheus, which attempts at different moments to be a great many things. Expectations are particularly high, since Scott became famous for Alien in 1979, and this film marks his return to the genre. At the beginning, he ventures into contemplating alternatives to the evolution of humankind with predominantly science-fiction philosophies; in the middle, he explores favorite themes such as the assault on feeble human flesh, the invasion of orifices, and genetic mutation - essential elements of gore for the sake of horror; and toward the conclusion, he opts for action-oriented thrills, packed with impressive CG wizardry and massive destruction. Each shift in genre disorients the story from having a clear vision, and the result is a mess of unresolved ideas and poorly defined beings (especially regarding the capabilities and function of the Engineers, their cargo, and subsequent anomalies).


Brandywine Productions, David Giler and Walter Hill as producers, the title font, notations of "LV_223," talk of company jobs, an android, a monstrous ship full of lonely corridors, hypersleep sickness, hidden agendas, sabotage, H.R. Giger's artwork, and advanced technology all harken the return of a familiar atmosphere. But while the environment, heaped with humidity, high-pitched noises, black muck, and slithery critters, remains reminiscent of Scott's original masterpiece, the plot progresses slowly and formulaically. A crew awakes from hypersleep, a bypass surgery medical pod is inspected, Jackson claims he's there for security purposes and brandishes weaponry, ship and helmet cameras feed crackling, static-filled transmissions, allochthonous walls glisten with slime, and an unsuccessful quarantine allows something to be brought back aboard the command ship. None of it is notably original and the sense of foreboding and foreshadowing is jeeringly blatant. Suspense arrives too late, horror is handled clumsily, and the poignancy of physical pain, understanding the purpose of the structures, and digesting answers to the mysteries of life is sorely neglected. The "space jockey" creation from Alien sparked an interesting question of origin and ancestry, but the solution is mightily underwhelming.


- The Massie Twins (GoneWithTheTwins.com) Providing articles, reviews and writings on movies online.

Sunday, 9 September 2012

Wes Anderson's Throwback 'Moonrise Kingdom' Brings Innocent Quirkiness to the Forefront

We've all been there. We've all felt detached at some point, with the need to make some sort of genuine connection. Whether it be as a child, feeling left out of the more popular kids' game of tag or as an on-the-go adult with very little personal time, let alone time to find some smidgeon of companionship with a partner. How about being a child, with multiple siblings, feeling total estrangement from your parents - who are both there, but really aren't? These are all themes explored by indie filmmaker Wes Anderson's latest little film; the quirky, cute and sometimes hilarious Moonrise Kingdom.


Despite being the supreme film buff that I am, it pains me to let you (indie film purists) know that I would be leading you astray, via a bold faced lie, if I sat here and claimed I feel Wes Anderson to be the GOD of all things cinematic. That's simply not true, in my very humble opinion of course. As sarcastic and dry as I can be, nor am I a big fan of his style of humor. However, I completely get it - and on occasion - he'll catch me off guard, having written lines (when delivered properly, by the right actor) that will come off in absolute gut-busting fashion. See Gene Hackman and Danny Glover's kitchen exchange in The Royal Tenenbaums for proof. Moonrise Kingdom is no exception to this rule. Anderson's uncomfortably longer-than-usual takes, awkward scene transitions and character interactions leave you feeling like you're seeing too much past what was originally intended. Like watching a neighbor walk through their front door, only to peek through the side window (not that we've ever done anything that sick...what are we, voyeurs?)...moving on.


In Moonrise Kingdom, we follow a 1965 New England Boy Scout Troup, headed by Scout Master Ward (played brilliantly simple by Edward Norton) as he sets out with his group of gangly boys to find young scout Sam (the talented Jared Gilman) who has apparently given up and gone AWOL, having fallen in love with little, eerily dark Suzy (Kara Hayward), with whom he feels a genuine enough connection to flee. Needless to say, on a small (but larger than you might think) island, two missing 11 year olds can be cause for panic, despite Sam's "commendable" scouting abilities. Ward and his khaki scouts, flanked by Suzy's worn down, together-for-the-kids, attorney parents (Bill Murray and Francis McDormand), Bruce Willis' subtly hilarious Captain Sharp and Tilda Swinton as Social Services, who is disturbingly hellbent on retrieving abandoned children, turn the small town upside down looking for the runaways.


At each and every turn, we find someone trying to make a connection with someone else. Either that, or fleeing any situation where a connection hasn't been or can't quite be made, in utter desperation. There is simply no denying Anderson has a phenomenal eye, using unconventional methods of cutting - as opposed to the 180 degree line when shooting two people in conversation - he'll shoot a medium angle of both subjects perpendicular to the action or cut back and forth, straight on, between the subjects and their interaction. It's completely awkward, but really allows the viewer to access the full emotional range given by the actors, who are all wonderful here. Particularly Gilmore and Hayward, who anchor the film in innocence.


Seeing the sense of urgency, created out of the burning desire to be wanted, reminds us of just how fast kids of today are growing up and becoming "old souls" too far ahead of their time. Let's face it, half of the technological breaches of the world, post 2000 have been accomplished by prepubescents who haven't stopped wetting the bed or watching Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. While most parents past 35 still don't know what "LOL" means. Kingdom also happens to come off as a call to parents to be more parental, taking more of an interest in their children and their need for that support structure, lest they run off and attempt to elope at the ripe age of 12...living in a tent on the rocky surface of some small, coastal New England town.


Despite stretches of some slow pacing (par for the course in Anderson's films), with a couple of pretty hilarious cameos from indie faves Harvey Keitel and Jason Schwartzman, as well as a great musical selection, Moonrise Kingdom is innocent fun with a good moral message for everyone. Having the film based in simpler time, where the very same issues being dealt with by people today don't really differ all that much, speaks to Anderson's brilliance as a filmmaker. The juxtaposition offers just enough contrast to make you really pay attention to the things that need tending to in your own life. While not quite as funny as some of his previous offerings, this is another solid character study, masked in a quirky innocence.


3/5 Taped Glasses. Providing articles, reviews and writings on movies online.

Friday, 7 September 2012

Auf Wiedersehen Pet Series 1

In 1983, a TV show was shown on ITV, that could have been a huge hit or a ratings disaster. Thankfully for all involved, Auf Wiedersehen Pet was a huge hit for viewers and critics alike.


The UK in the late 1970's and early 1980's was a place of national strikes and huge unemployment, especially in places such as the North East. Franc Roddam the creator of the show, came up with the idea, when on returning to his home town of Norton, Stockton on Tees, found that many of his friends in the construction trade had gone to work in Germany.


Franc Roddam created the series, and worked with the brilliant writing team of Ian la Frenais and Dick Clement, who had also written for shows such as The Likely Lads and Porridge. Six episodes were written, and then the rest of the series was written around the characters, as we watched them fall in and out of love, get into fights and also find some of them back in the UK unexpectedly.


The series was a huge success, and not only down to the great writing and superb performances of the cast. The series made huge names out of Jimmy Nail, Tim Spall, Tim Healy, Kevin Whately, Pat Roach and Gary Holton.


Viewers were drawn to the reality of what they were seeing on screen, and because of what was happening at that time in the UK, it was almost like watching a documentary for many people. The series struck a chord, and still does almost 30 years on from when it was first shown on British TV.


The series revolved around a group of seven men. Four bricklayers, a carpenter, a plasterer and an electrician. The timing of the show was perfect, and to think that this type of show would be such a hit in this modern world we live in, probably not.


The series was shown on ITV from the 11th of November 1983, through to the 10th of February 1984. Viewing figures for the first series were an average of 10 million, but this would almost double for the second series when that was aired in 1986.


There were many comparisons made to this first series, with many commenting on how it was very much like watching a WW2 film, as the lads all lived in a blue wooden hut on site. This was what made the series real and gritty, and the writers and creator knew how to connect with the British public at a time when there was nothing to look forward to, except rising unemployment figures. Providing articles, reviews and writings on movies online.

Thursday, 30 August 2012

Silent Era's Bad Girls

Anita Page


Nineteen twenty-eight, Ann played by Anita Page. She chased men for their money and drank as much as she wanted too. In "Our Dancing Daughters" she starred along with Joan Crawford as Diana and Ben played by Johnny Mack Brown. At a time when, flamboyance was honored and women onscreen did what they pleased.


The movie also dealt with the conflict between the two women and Ben. As much as Diana loved him, she put him off with her inhibited dancing and flirting with other men. It was Ann that came to his side while Diana suffered watching the two of them together.


The movie offered the audiences then, an opening scene where a woman danced in her shimmy in front of a mirror. Also, it showed a passionate love scene at a beach. After all; it was the Jazz Age and the bad girls in movies. They enjoyed every minute of their freedom.


The movie had an interesting mix of background sound effects and recorded singing for a few of the scenes. It was still considered a silent film because the actors spoke no dialogue. A few years later, a production code limited the explicitness shown onscreen.


Gloria Swanson


Nineteen twenty-eight, Gloria Swanson starred in "Sadie Thompson." It was a compelling drama and for her a signature role. Lionel Barrymore played a reformer bent on teaching the islanders to repent their ways. It was Sadie that became his focus. In fact, he used whatever means he could to get her sent back to San Francisco.


The movie captured the idea of sin versus redemption, guilt or innocence, the temptation of lust and sincere heartfelt love. Also, the question of Sadie's past that haunted her future. But it was to Sadie's advantage that forced her to go along with the idea to repent.


She quit wearing heavy make-up, rid herself of her flashy clothes and jewelry. It was the plain Sadie that caused the reformer sleepless nights. The movie's end saw Sadie back to her old ways. However, she got what she wanted all along.


Even with the content and the threat of censorship, the silent movie was well received and Gloria Swanson became "Sadie" the bad girl making her a huge box-office star.


Greta Garbo


Nineteen twenty-eight, Greta Garbo starred in "A Woman Of Affairs." Indeed, she was. The story started out with three friends, Diana Merrick played by Garbo, Neville Holderness played by John Gilbert and David Furness played by Johnny Mack Brown. Her brother, Jeffery Merrick was played by Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.


When Neville's father sent him to Egypt in order to make money, Diana was distraught. She married David. When in Paris, he plunged out of their hotel window The question became how would such a happy man do such a thing? With her brother turning against her and also much of society, Diana spent her time getting involved in affairs with other men.


After seven years away, Diana returned to London. However, Neville married a woman named Constance. The story revolved around being so much in love while married to someone else. It was also doing the right thing for decency. At what price, they paid with their lives.


The movie was a hit only because of Garbo's portrayal of Diana. It was not so much about being bad as it was about being so much in love and what it drove her character to do. Providing articles, reviews and writings on movies online.

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

John Abraham has planned to engage with his girl friend

Bollywood hunk hero john Abraham aged 38 years fallen in love and going to get engaged in April 2012 with his new girlfriend priya runchal and will marry at the End of the year 2012.Priya runchal is a financial analyst with IFC and studied law in Los angels; she is not connected to film industry.

John made some news about break-up with Bipasha Basu. Abraham was in relationship with actress Bipasha basu since 2002. After the long relationship over 9 years john and Bipasha have broke up due to some reasons earlier in this year john is currently spotted with priya runchal , he had expressed his wish to get married very soon. Then the dimpled man is thinking of getting engaged to his newest lady love in April next year.

John wants to show his girl friend priya runchal that he is not a mere Casanova. After broke up with Bipasha basu, he is also accused of being unfaithful and many other image basing allegations.

John wants to settle down as early as possible so he has planned to engage with his girl friend around April 2012 and marriage around the year end of 2012.

John made is debut with jism in the year 2003, a thriller film. His next thriller movie is saaya in the year 2003.He also acted in the movie dhoom in 2004 he played a role of kabir in the movie an action movie produced by Yash Raj Films, according to box office in India, the film was one of the highest grossing films in the 2004 year.

In the year 2005 john acted in the Bollywood movies, kaal was supernatural thriller and the comedy movie ‘GaramMasala' did well at the box office. In this year he had a major role in the movie called water, which is tragic fate of Hindu widows in British India during 1930s.The water film was directed by the independent Canadian film maker deep Mehta. It was popular internationally the movie was nominated for the 2006 Academy award for best foreign language film at the 79th academy movie awards.

In the summer season of 2006, Abraham performed at the "rockstars concert" along with popular bollywood actors salman khan,zayed khan,esha deol,kareena kapoor,mallika sherawat and shahidkapoor.In that same  year 2006,he acted in the movies zinda,Taxi No 9211,Kabul Express and Baabul.Among the Bollywood Movies Kabul Express and Taxi No 9211 were substantially successful. His latest movies like, Aashayein, Force, and, Joothe Hi Sahi movies were average at the box office.


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Friday, 17 February 2012

Why Desire Panasonic TDG-BR 100 3D Glasses

Sony is a well acknowledged name in electronic amusement. It has accumulated floor from many generations. Now they are also at top in the use of 3D engineering. 3D TV and 3D eyeglasses are getting concentrate in the area of amusement. Panasonic has presented different designs but the new design of sony tdg-br 100 3d eyeglasses is more valued due to its attributes.

The stress no cost helpful frame

The shape is the major aspect of eyeglasses if modification is suitable than it is a relaxation otherwise it is a stress. This device or service sony tdg-br 100 3d eyeglasses shape is absolutely adaptable according to the functions of the experience and you will not even experience its existence on your experience when engaged in your film scenario. If you use any procedure eyeglasses then too, with very little attempt you can use these eyeglasses over your procedure eyeglasses.

Wide perspective to increase entertainment

As 3D eyeglasses operate on preventing out increased lamps through aspect sections so the concentrate on the world is just as you are a aspect of the world. This ability raises your fun many periods more than the 2D pictures. sony tdg-br 100 3d eyeglasses provides a large looking at. Its spectacular aspects change the photograph and a exclusive perspective is there especially when it is coordinated up with Panasonic TV.

Auto daily life quality

 Its vehicle daily life function allows to maintain hundred or so a long time power supply. This implies when the sony tdg-br 100 3d eyeglasses are less active then the eyeglasses come in the daily life location and spend less power supply. When power supply is completed you can quickly change it with the new one. Of course you have to buy the new one independently.

Color precision quality

Its coloring precision is suitable you can perspective the clean and razor-sharp pictures at sony tdg-br 100 3d eyeglasses. When you are before Panasonic 3D TV then the collaboration is suitable so is the photograph outcome. This is not only good for perfectness of coloring but is also best in the whitening impact as  too much perfection and dimness that have an bothersome impact on perspective are far away from you when you are using 3Dglasses.

Accessories with eyeglasses

These eyeglasses need unique washing care and a smooth towel is offered with the couple. If eyeglasses are cleansed out with this towel then you can spend less the eyeglasses from marks. There are extra nasal area shields. Sonny also provides a challenging situation with the sony tdg-br 100 3d eyeglasses.

This couple of sony tdg-br 100 3d eyeglasses are not only resilient but it is also fashionable in looking. It really is strong but adaptable. Just the best fit for every experience functions. This couple of eyeglasses is cost-effective although cost tag are different as tax, delivery, developing costs and on revenue costs. One element more is that there is produce manufacturer's warranty of one season on work and one season on components.


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Monday, 13 February 2012

Watch Sci-Fi Movies, Intersection of Technology and Thoughts

People watch sci-fi movies to enjoy the excitement and thrill while believing in something that may not be real. The stories being depicted in these movies may have never been imagined by the audience, but they do start imagining it readily as they become a part of the fictitious world. This world is sole creation of the film-makers who dare to think beyond the visible and challenge the facts that are accepted by all.


The new technology and available resources make it possible to make the imagination of creators so real that it doesn't look unreal any more. From animals to the whole planet, everything has been imagined and created to be portrayed on screen. The high clarity and detailed description of each and every entity makes it so believable that one can start thinking that his own world is less real than the one in the film. The recently set up 3D movies have made it even more stimulating and credible.


In the history of film industry, there have been so many outstanding movies that have succeeded to make the audience conceive and trust the world that is being depicted. The recent release Avatar which was also available in 3-D got popular because the story told in the movie was made so genuine that everyone accepted it easily. This movie even tried to set a good moral by presenting how the greed of human can make him act like an animal. As the humans try to capture the land of innocent creatures to extract the precious ore, the turn of events take place as one of them changes sides and makes them understand that they were wrong.


Another set of sci-fi movies that got big is called Star Wars. The story of this trilogy was hard to believe as it was completely based on the planets far away in some galaxy. Yet, they became the favourite of all in no time and today there are huge fan clubs dedicated to star wars only. Yet another famous movie called "E.T." was the first one to tell the story of an alien who was friendly to humans. In fact the character was loved and is still remembered by the viewers.


As one can notice, all of these stories have nothing to do with the reality, yet they are able to make the audience enjoy and keep them at the edge of their seats. But to make these movies successful, they have to contain the entire list of required ingredients as the technology alone can't make them a hit. There need to be suspense, excitement, battles or even romance and comedy.


Just when there is a good story, the animation and special effects can make it turn into an existent world. So if one likes to watch sci-fi movies, one can search for them online and enjoy them on a personal computer.


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