Director: Doug Liman Starring: Daisy Ridely, Tom Holland, Mads Mikkelsen, Demian Bichir, Cynthia Erivo and Nick Jonas Released: April 2nd 2021 (Home Premiere in the UK) There’s a certain stigma that seems to haunt most of the blockbuster YA-adaptations, even if the film in question ends up being perfectly adequate multiplex fare. The latest victim to the […]
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by Kevin Gardner
The thought of relaxing on a warm summer’s night in your backyard to enjoy a movie is enough to send almost anyone into a state of deep relaxation and happiness. Picture it: friends and family close by, great food and cold drinks, and one of your favorite flicks playing at home for all to see. While it may seem like a daydream, there’s never been a better time to make it a reality. After all, technology is more advanced and affordable than ever. Even if you don’t have luxurious acres of land at your disposal, there are still many ways to create a great backyard movie setup that will be the go-to destination for your friends all summer long!
You may be lucky enough to move a few things around and get started. Or, you may need to plan and save a bit, thinking long-term about pool loans or a new deck to create the ultimate viewing space. Whichever the case, there are some simple logistics you need to consider. First off, you need to have access to electricity. If you don’t, your top priority will need to be spending a little bit of money to hire an electrician to install an outdoor outlet. This is tricky and dangerous to do on your own, so leave it to a professional.
Also, don’t be tempted to run long, daisy chained extension cords out to the yard from inside the house. Not only does it look bad, it’s also an accident waiting to happen. Someone could easily trip and fall over them or get them caught in a sliding door. The chances of an electrocution or shock are also high when multiple power strips are involved. If the outdoor outlet seems too permanent or expensive, you might look into buying a small portable gas-run generator.
Obviously, your screen is the key component of backyard movie watching. You may simply be able to bring a flat screen TV outside, plug it in, power it up, and be good to go. If your home Wi-Fi is strong enough to reach with a reliable signal to your yard, you may be able to simply connect and stream movies from your favorite subscription service. For a more reliable, but slightly clunkier setup, plug into a Blu Ray player via HDMI cable and watch that way.
A few other practical factors must be considered as well. First, is your screen big enough? It may seem a lot smaller outside than it does in your living room once you get it outside. If so, is it shielded from light so it can be seen? If you have a perfect setup other than interference from light, consider a gazebo, or building a scrim or screen-based material shield from light.
If the television is not an option, you can have fun by getting creative with a projector that will likely cost less than a TV. Hook one up to a Blu Ray player and try projecting on a very large white sheet, or even the side of a garage or your house! It may not be perfect, but it can have a very cool effect.
Lastly, sound must be considered from a few angles. You need to make sure your guests can hear. Bluetooth-connected surround sound systems, or individual free standing speakers that can be connected to each other are surprisingly powerful and will cut down on the number of cables needed. Waterproof options are available if you will be near, or even in, a pool.
It’s also important to be considerate of how much sound bleeds over to your neighbor’s yards. It’s a good idea to get them bought early in the process. Ask them if they can do a “sound check” with you to see if things are too loud in their home. Work on manageable levels and remember that inviting them over can also go a long way!
A summer full of backyard movies is a recipe for lifelong memories. Use these tips to set up your turf and get ready for fun!
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by Kevin Gardner
A good movie can evoke a variety of emotions. Comedies produce tears of laughter, action movies promote suspense, and horror flicks can scare even the bravest of audiences. Sports films win the hearts of their viewers by generating feelings of affection, dedication, and camaraderie. While countless sports movies have graced the big screen over the years, a select few remain forever in the hearts of their viewers. Read on to learn more about the best sports films of all-time.
The ultimate exhibition of mental toughness and dedication manifests in the classic college football movie, Rudy. This film describes Notre Dame freshman Rudy, whose life goal is to play for the word class football program. Because the Fighting Irish boasts the best organization in the country, Rudy finds his skills continually come up short as he tries out for the team, and is rejected, year after year.
While Rudy is never selected to play for the starting team, he wins a spot on the practice squad. His determination and perseverance are often acknowledged by the coach, as he admits he wished all players had a heart like Rudy.
Ultimately, with the crowd cheering his name, Rudy completes a play on the field. During his senior year, he sacks the opposing quarterback before his family, friends, and fans. It is a truly heartwarming story of exceptional mental dedication, as the story will tug at the heartstrings of any watcher.
A heartfelt tale of sisters and baseball, A League of Their Own is the story of a women's baseball league established during World War II. When two sisters get recruited to play for the organization, they leave their jobs on a family-owned farm for the opportunity to make history.
Drama ensues as the women join a team full of differing personalities and led by a loveable, alcoholic coach. They experience wins and losses in baseball and beyond, forming an unbreakable bond that lasts far beyond their baseball years.
Though the sisters and players encounter their fair share of arguments and struggles, this gender-bending, sweet story will have you cheering for the Hartford Peaches and the entire women’s baseball league.
Whether you are a karate enthusiast or do not know the first thing about martial arts, The Karate Kid will make anyone a fan of the sport. This movie chronicles a New Jersey teen named Daniel and his relocation to a California high school.
After experiencing severe bullying, Daniel seeks advice and, later, martial arts training from his handyman, Mr. Miyagi. An expert in karate and self-defense, Miyagi teaches Daniel how to hold his own, using his mind and his karate only when necessary.
Through teen angst, high school sweethearts, and a plethora of teenage insecurities, Daniel comes out on top as he defeats his arch enemy in an epic karate match. With Mr. Miyagi and doting girlfriend, Ali, watching from the crowd, it is hard to hold back tears of joy as Daniel pumps his fists with victory. You will want to watch this movie, and its sequels, over and over.
Rocky is a classic story of the underdog hitting the big time. This film chronicles the life of Rocky Balboa, a working-class, uneducated boxer from Philadelphia. Rocky has pipe dreams of becoming a world-class boxer, but he can not seem to escape his blue-collar life as a shady loan shark.
When Rocky lands the chance to fight world champion Apollo Creed, a heartwarming story of perseverance and inspiration ensues.
Though the battle concludes in favor of Creed, Rocky's performance lands him on the radar of the best boxers worldwide. Rocky’s love for the sport, his coaches, and his wife make this blockbuster an uplifting must-see for all movie buffs.
From football to karate, the world of film is chock-full of educational, heartwarming sports movies. Whether you are an athlete or not, these hits will have you cheering, crying, and clapping for more.
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by Kevin Gardner
Sleepovers provide the ultimate time for you and your favorite people to gather around a television and fall back in love with all of your very favorite movies together. Sleepovers are also a great time to look up your favorite actors and actresses, your favorite directors or even your favorite books online and find new, exciting movies to bond over. It does not matter whether or not the films you watch are at all familiar to you and your friends. What does matter is that you all gather up with your coziest blankets and yummiest snacks and get lost in exciting worlds on screen. In case you need some inspiration, here are ten movies that you need to watch at your next sleepover.
Are you and your friends fans of complex fantasy stories? If so, then you should watch (or most likely, rewatch) any or all of the movies from the Harry Potter series. Fantasy movies of epic proportions such as these require spreading out on and around your favorite comfortable yet affordable mattress so that everyone can get comfortable for the entirety of the movies. You will definitely want to be settled in for the incredible scenery and fast paced adventures that Harry and his friends get into at Hogwarts!
This classic romantic comedy starring Jennifer Garner is a must watch. There are so many pop culture references to this even today, and the story line is so cute and fun. A young girl who's biggest wory is being popular at her 13th birthday party makes a wish that transports her into the future in her 30 year old life.
This could be classified as a rom com, but it is truly the story of a smart female who works hard and proves everyone wrong, especially her ex boyfriend. Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon, gets into Harvard Law School against all odds and makes it known that she has earned her place in the world of law. This female power film disguised as a rom com is definitely worth the watch.
This 90's high school movie is so fun to watch. It is a classic geek turned chic story line with all of the 90's tropes involved which might make it a fun watch for a 90's themed movie night!
Disney never seems to miss when it comes to their movies. This widely popular musical is perfect for youngsters at their first sleepover or for older kids who simply love to sing along!
This 80's classic has some noteworthy scenes, a sweet romance and a cat and mouse chase between the elusive and clever Ferris Bueller and his wacky principal.
This movie is mostly known for its honest depiction of high schoolers in the 80's. Tag it onto Ferris Bueller's Day Off and turn your party into an 80's night!
Based on a novel, this fantastical romantic-drama has sword fighting, magic, castles and a happy ending. Its a great choice for the die hard romantics.
If your sleepover is mostly older gals, then this is a fun and raunchy movie to include. It also highlights some double standards females have to deal with in high school. This hilarious film will definitely spark some good conversation.
It never hurts to throw in two musicals. Pitch Perfect is a fun, modern take on a musical movie that will make you belly laugh and sing along, all at the same time.
Hopefully you have gathered some movie inspiration from this list that you can use the next time you have a slumber party. Movies are awesome, but the best part of any sleepover is the bonding that happens when you get to spend quality time with your friends. Enjoy those movies, ridiculous amounts of popcorn and don't forget to have tons of fun!
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by Kevin Gardner
It has become incredibly easy to access a plethora of movies and television shows online, with almost endless options for where to watch them. But some streaming sites are less safe than others, and some are downright dangerous. Here are a few tips for identifying which sites are legitimate, and staying safe along the way.
While identifying possible bad websites is a great way to stay safe online, it's always good to make sure your device is equipped to handle situations that could arise. Always be sure to have the latest version of your antiviral software, and make sure your server has a good firewall or microsegmentation.
It's also a good idea to have ad-blocking software installed on your browser to block any pop-ups or other ads that could automatically include malware. If anonymity online is important to you, consider getting a VPN to protect your privacy and enable you to access content otherwise unavailable in your area. Once you have the right tools for safety, staying safe is a breeze.
Any legitimate streaming site will have your content available to watch after you've clicked the title on your home page. An illegal site, on the other hand, will make you click through two to three pages to get to your final destination. Some of these illegal sites will have viruses embedded in the pages themselves, making it impossible to avoid a virus if you've already clicked the link. The more links you're clicking, the more likely you'll open a pop-up or download something unintentionally.
It's also best to avoid websites that have excessive amounts of ads on every page. A legitimate streaming website will not need ad revenue, so stay away from anything that looks cluttered and sketchy. If you have kids at home with their own devices or access to one, it might be a good idea to show them an example of what these bad pages look like. Make sure they understand to just leave the website and get an adult if they believe they may have downloaded something.
Torrenting is a common way for illegal movie downloads to take place. It can seem safe, because frequently torrenting websites have the appearance of legitimacy, and you can download your own torrenting software to use. But it's very difficult to gauge whether the file you're downloading is what it says it is, and you'll never really know until you open it on your device.
This means you could be installing a virus or other malware unintentionally. The consequences of downloading a virus could be anything from a total system shutdown to having your information stolen. You'll end up having to purchase a new device, and may have to change whatever information you've been using online until now. It's not worth the free content, so avoid the temptation to torrent.
An unfortunate side effect of staying away from sketchy, illegal streaming websites is that you'll probably have to pay for the content you really want to see. But the price is going to be worth your peace of mind that your information won't be stolen, and your device won't be harmed in the process.
Identify the streaming services that carry your favorite shows and films and invest in them. This is especially worthwhile if you have young kids at home who want to watch TV on demand - now they can watch safely, without constant supervision. Plus, you'll probably have access to content unique to that platform and for higher streaming quality than the illegal sites.
Online safety habits are an excellent tool to have if you're spending a lot of time browsing the internet. While a lot of great content is out there, a lot of danger exists, too, and it's important to understand how to avoid it and keep yourself and your devices safe.
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by Kevin Gardner
There's nothing that says spring has sprung more than a barbecue and outdoor movie night. Invite your favorite people and keep your movie choices light, charming and fun!
When spring hits you find yourself obsessed with ideas to get more sunlight. If you've found yourself creating a new Pinterest page for pool designs and asking your friends for a review of solar companies, then what could be better than a movie night celebrating fun in the sun? For some light-hearted, goofy fun that will keep you laughing and not require any deep introspection, some classic beach movies are the perfect choice for your springtime movie-fest.
The first two Gidget movies from 1959 and 1961 are beach movies at their best. The original, aptly titled Gidget, was moviegoers' first introduction to the title character and is played with innocence and humor by the amazing Sandra Dee. It's a simple coming of age comedy that maintains its charm even today. The second movie, Gidget Goes Hawaiian, is a continuation of the story of Gidget's romance with her first great love - Moondoggie.
Of course, you can't have a beach movie night without some Frankie and Annette beach party movies. These movies were so popular, that they made a staggering seven of them in the years between 1963 and 1967. They single-handedly made the bikini the new beachwear for girls. They're all silly and fun but if you only have time for one, make it Beach Blanket Bingo. It's the fifth movie in the series but considered the best by fans.
Romantic comedies are the perfect outdoor movie selections! Lay out some colorful blankets, light a fire in the firepit and snuggle up with your favorite person.
The first choice would be 50 First Dates. This movie is a treat from beginning to end. Showcasing the wonderful duo of Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, this film is seriously funny and the chemistry between Barrymore and Sandler makes for some heartwarming romance. Secondary characters are awesome in this movie. Sean Astin (Sam in The Lord of the Rings) is hilarious as the lead character's lisping, wanna-be bodybuilder brother.
Bridget Jones’ Diary is another screwball romantic comedy with enough romance in it to induce some heartfelt sighs. Renee Zellweger is quite lovely in this role and with co-stars Colin Firth and Hugh Grant there is more than enough British humor, charm and dry wit to go around.
Last but not least is the award-winning Four Weddings and a Funeral. Although this little film was nominated for just about every major award, many people haven't seen it. It's a delightful ensemble film about a group of friends as they search for love over the course of four hilarious weddings and an absolutely heartbreaking funeral.
Movie musicals are a no-brainer for outdoor movie nights. The trick is to choose movies that everyone has seen before so that you get the added treat of hearing your usually conservative neighbor break out in song - and if you're very lucky he'll know the choreo too!
Start off with Mama Mia! Along with two hours of every single one of your favorite ABBA songs, this movie features an amazing cast that includes Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Amanda Seyfried and Julie Walters. It's a movie about love of all kinds - the love of a parent for their child, the love between a group of friends, and of course, romantic love.
If you haven't seen High School Musical you absolutely should. It's wholesome, sweet and filled with foot-tapping songs and some really great choreography. Give it a shot, you won't regret it. It's way more fun than you think it will be.
If you want another movie that just about everyone is going to be able to sing along with, you can't go wrong with Grease. Between the bopping 50s style music and the blatantly corny style, there's no way this movie will play all the way through without someone getting on their feet to sing along while using an ice cream spoon as a microphone.
Your movie night cannot fail with any of these choices. So, heat up the grill, call some friends and get ready for a fantastic night!
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by Lewis Robinson
The Cars movies are productions of Pixar, known for such imaginative and well-beloved computer-animated films as Toy Story, which was distributed by the Walt Disney Company. The original Cars was released a little over 10 years following "Toy Story" and just a few months after Pixar officially became a subsidiary of Disney.
Opinion on the Cars movie franchise is mixed. It has many fans, young and old, especially among families who enjoy automobiles as a hobby. However, critics have often been mixed in their feelings about the franchise, with some praising it effusively and others dismissing it. Here is an introduction to the world of Cars and its relationship to the real world.
The Cars movies are set in a world that looks very much like the real one, at least at first. Cars are everywhere, auto racing is popular, and major highways have replaced more leisurely routes. However, the world of Cars is different in that automobiles are living creatures rather than unthinking machines. There do not appear to be any human beings in the world of Cars at all.
Thus, the tow truck, Mater, does not need to rely on GPS with truck routing when he goes to help a car in distress. Though a bit dim-witted, he has the agency and capability of thought to travel with intention to wherever he needs or wants to go. Because cars are alive in this universe, he is something akin to a paramedic who goes to the aid of cars in trouble and brings them back to the mechanic's shop, which is the equivalent of a hospital. Yet the mechanic who works on the damaged vehicle is also a car.
This raises a lot of interesting yet frustrating questions about the world of Cars. Do the cars build the roads themselves? Are cars in this world constructed, or are they organic beings? Were there humans in this world at one time, or is this a parallel universe in which they have never existed? The movies don't encourage you to think about these questions too much, encouraging you instead to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
There are currently three movies in the Cars series. The first and third are very similar to one another in that they focus on racing car Lightning McQueen and his struggles to balance his professional dreams with relationships with others without getting caught up in trivialities, such as fame and endorsement deals.
The second movie, on the other hand, has a vastly different plot. It focuses on McQueen's tow truck pal, Mater, who gets mistaken for a secret agent on a trip to Europe and has to carry out the other vehicle's mission.
According to executives at Pixar prior to the release of Cars 2, the completely different plot was a very conscious decision on the part of filmmakers. Pixar has always prided itself on the originality of its films, even when making sequels. Unfortunately, there were legal questions about how original the story was, with a British screenwriter filing a copyright lawsuit claiming that the story was based on a work he had submitted to filmmakers in the early 1990s. The suit was eventually dismissed.
Some critics were generous with their praise of the original Cars in 2006. Among them was the venerated Roger Ebert, known and respected for his thoughtful and fair reviews. Ebert marveled that a cartoon car could resemble a famous actor, in this case Paul Newman, without losing any of its automotive characteristics and gave the movie his trademark thumbs-up. Ebert was similarly impressed by Cars 2 in 2012 but unfortunately passed away before the release of Cars 3 in 2017.
Not all the critics shared Ebert's enthusiasm, however. The New York Times of Cars called it bland and ingratiating.
Part of the negative feeling towards Cars is a general weariness with Pixar sequels after its early feature films were so original in their stories and characters. Some have speculated that Pixar was pressured to make sequels upon becoming a Disney subsidiary. Pixar executives have dismissed the claims. Over the last decade, Pixar has released a mix of sequels and original movies.
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The glamour of casinos and high-end gambling is one of Hollywood’s favorite topics. Over time, the movie industry has created some iconic characters that are attracted to gambling. The full list would contain hundreds, if not thousands of names, so we narrowed it down to the most memorable gambling characters of all time.
Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of Raymond Babbit, an autistic man with a savant syndrome, is one of the most memorable roles in his illustrious career. Among other things, Raymond has a penchant for counting cards, a gift his long-lost brother Charlie (played by Tom Cruise) plans on exploiting. As soon as he discovers Raymond’s ability, he takes him to Las Vegas and seats him down at a blackjack table. Despite the fact that it is almost impossible to count cards with a six-deck shoe, they manage to win enough money to pay back Charlie’s debt, before they are asked to leave. The casino scene is a legendary one, but there is more to Rain Man than that and if you didn’t already, we strongly recommend watching it.
Poker wasn't a popular and mainstream game as it is now. These days, if you are looking for an online casino to play a few hands of poker, you can simply check it out here and choose one. Before the Rounders, it wasn’t as easy. Underground clubs and characters depicted in the movie are mostly based on real places and people. One of those people is the infamous Teddy KGB, played masterfully by John Malkovich. The movie and Malkovich’s role, together with the rest of the cast, made poker cool and set the stage for its popularity today. As far as Teddy goes, describing him simply isn’t enough. Do yourself a favor and watch the movie. Even if you don’t like poker much, you will enjoy it.
A Martin Scorsese’s Casino is one of those movies that simply overwhelms you with talent and brilliant acting. Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, and James Woods are just some of the names Scorsese cast in this masterpiece. This entire article could have been written about it and the characters in it. Still, if we had to pick just one, it had to be Ginger McKenna, played by Sharon Stone. Ginger is a true hustler that perfectly depicts the Las Vegas of the 1970s and 1980s. The main character, Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro) falls in love with her, setting the stage for epic betrayal. In the end, despite Ace’s best effort, Ginger remains true to herself and her hustling.
Based on real events, 21 tells the story of MIT professor Micky Rosa and a group of his students who conspired to make themselves rich by playing blackjack in Las Vegas. Thanks to their impressive math minds and knowledge, they manage to do so, only to have their winnings stolen. Kevin Spacey plays professor Rosa and is the mastermind behind the plot. In real life, events unfolded far better than in a movie, and students who were involved in the MIT Blackjack Team made off with millions of dollars of Atlantic City casinos’ money. For once, reality is even more fantastic than fiction.
For the finale, we have the world’s most famous secret agent, the legendary 007. The tone was set with the first Bond movie, Dr. No from 1962. In fact, the first time we see Sean Connery is in a fictional London casino. Since, then, you would be hard-pressed to find a Bond movie without at least one casino scene. From Nassau to Monte Carlo to Las Vegas to Macau, Bond movies feature some of the most iconic casinos on the planet. And Mr. Bond managed to win a lot of money in every single one of them.
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Directors: Harri Shanahan and Sîan Williams Released: BFI Flare 2021 Facing off with the common enemy of Margaret Thatcher in the dying embers of 1980’s London. A clamping down of the mere promotion of homosexuality by local authorities and the nation’s schools through the sickening piece of legislation that was Section 28. This difficult period […]
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Whatever happened to Ken Watanabe’s steely mini-sermon of “let them fight” from 2014’s Godzilla? Cast aside all the screenwriting urges for world-building or acting egos for showy screen time. The blueprint for any good monster movie of any brand is as simple as what Watanabe’s Ishiro Serizawa said before the final act of Gareth Edwards’ MonsterVerse starter.
LESSON #1: THE FORMULA FOR A MONSTER MOVIE-- Punch up the peril. Amplify the spectacle. Turn the big boys loose. That’s it. Should it really be that hard, especially when you pair the two most popular monster properties in cinema history? They’re billed as ancient enemies of a never-ending rivalry. Would it really be that difficult to stand back in Godzilla vs. Kong and “let them fight?” Evidently, it still is. Apparently, monsters are still dragged down by convolution and pesky people.
After defeating all comers in Godzilla: King of the Monsters, the prehistoric sea monster has laid low as the reigning alpha predator. Only one Titan remains as a potential tournament opponent, one actually bracketed in shameless “March Madness” fashion by graphics in the opening credits. It’s Kong, the enormous ape of 1970s Skull Island lore, reintroduced by a cheesy Bobby Vinton song as if he’s a mumblecore indie character getting up to do his morning hygiene routine before heading to work, if that work was being the king of his jungle turf. Kong has grown older and larger in the decades since. His confined habitat is now a Monarch facility shielded from the outside world (and Godzilla) by a massive dome.
Enter all the nettlesome humans of narrative entanglement. Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall of Holmes & Watson) is the diligent anthropological linguist working to communicate with Kong. Where she tries with education, her adopted native daughter Jia (Kaylee Hottle) succeeds with emotional attachment to the giant ape. That diminutive unity will eventually lead her to be the protected muse that stands unafraid in action to come while mutely delivering on-command single teardrops of melodrama for the camera to capture.
While the world cowers in fearful preparations for when the next Titan will appear, Apex Cybernetics, led by CEO Walter Simmons (The Midnight Sky’s Demian Bichir), his right-hand daughter Maya (Eiza Gonzalez of Hobbs & Shaw), and second-generation scientist Ren Serizawa (Shun Oguri, in his Hollywood debut), has been working on secretive countermeasures to combat future destructive havoc on mankind. Whatever Apex is doing at their Florida factory, it’s shady enough to provoke three things: a beast, a conspiracy theorist, and a mogul.
Sensing something, Godzilla makes landfall and lays waste to the entire compound, marking the first time the reptilian behemoth has attacked people instead of his fellow monsters. The long-gestating mysteries surrounding Apex have fueled the “Titan Truth Podcast” fires of paranoid former employee Bernie Hayes (Widows’ Brian Tyree Henry). One of his most loyal listeners just happens to be the returning Monarch military brat Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown), still shadowing her father (Kyle Chandler) and garnering a tagalong techie friend (a wasted Julian Dennison of The Hunt for the Wilderpeople).
Accelerating his plans, Simmons enlists a failed “Hollow Earth'' theory author named Dr. Nathan Lind (former Tarzan Alexander Skarsgard), who is the most conveniently buff, action-enabled, lowly, and intellectual stud this side of Aaron Eckhart in The Core. Speaking of that box office bomb, Simmons wants to put Lind’s subterranean theories to the test by bringing Kong from Skull Island to Antarctica where an traversable entry point to such a mystical realm may exist and contain an exploitable source of our Titans’ supernatural power. Dr. Lind sells Dr. Andrews with your typical “it’s our only chance” BS plea that becomes blindly accepted with zero merited discussion because there are special effects and toys to show off.
LESSON #2: THE OLD “HOLLOW EARTH” THEORY-- Speaking of Dr. Lind’s angle, upcoming Black Widow scribe Eric Pearson and MonsterVerse steward Max Borenstein (with story credits from Godzilla: King of Monsters director Michael Dougherty, Shrek’s Terry Rossio, and Krampus’ Zach Shields) earn some minor historical cool points for calling upon classical subterranean fiction evoked by the likes of Jules Verne and Edgar Rice Burroughs as the mythological birthplace of the Titans. That scores a zilch for science, though, which used to be part of the backbone when Gareth Edwards started this series. The disproved “Hollow Earth” theory can be an exciting sci-fi playground if used to its fullest. Here, it’s a pit stop dalliance for both humans and monsters that gets an inexplicably sunny (think about the science for a second) tour set to an oddball Elvis Presley ditty.
If you wonder why the last five paragraphs nearly entirely stopped talking about the headliners, it’s because the movie sidetracks them too often. True, we were never going to get (full air quotes) “character development” for non-speaking monsters of cinematic lore, but to waste time on all the temporary people is worse than not trying at all. All of the shallow personality quirks, flimsy character motivations, and painfully absurd side plots spill all over and push away the majority of what people are coming to see. Once again, get out of the way and “let them fight.”
When our ancient enemies do finally square off, the special effects supervised by Zack Synder regular John "DJ" DesJardin do impress with their size and dexterity. Much of their first encounter aboard ships at sea has been greatly overexposed by the trailers, which is a shame. Save for a surprise third opponent (beware of spoilers), these battle moments are fleeting peaks. Gone too are the revived Godzilla themes from composer Bear McCreary, traded for some nondescript drums from Thomas “Junkie XL” Holkenberg that do not kick any extra notches into the skyscraper-laden brawls.
LESSON #3: “I LOVE CRAZY IDEAS. THEY MAKE ME RICH”-- Borrowing a line from Bichir’s tycoon, the path that led us to Godzilla vs. Kong is both intricate and witless in its chase for dollars. All the Highlander-level hype of “bowing to no one,” “one will fall,” and “there can’t be two alphas” in the displaced blockbuster attempts to build to what director Adam Wingard (Blair Witch, The Guest) claims to be a definitive winner. “Definitive” and “satisfying” are two different things. For a film series that has been the epitome of hot-flash diminishing returns (steep second weekend box office drops between 63-78%) and indecisive tonal flip-flopping between gravity and camp, there is little victory to claim or further springboard to launch from with this fourth film.
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by Lewis Robinson
Spring is approaching quickly and you can practically feel the buzzing in the air. Animals are frolicking in newly growing flower patches while random rain showers make the ground smell so good in that uniquely spring scented way. Everyone enjoys this season of growth so much that they just want to watch movies that make them feel the same way! Luckily, there are plenty of films out there that can help you and your friends get that happy, spring feeling on a rainy April day. Before you start looking forward to summer too much, spend some time watching some of these awesome Spring fling chick flicks and soaking up the season.
Just seeing the main character, Cher's, bedroom in the famous opening scene of this classic 90's chick flick will have you rethinking your bedding company and room design. This adorable, romantic comedy is a fun watch with such a happy ending! There are also some hilariously ridiculous scenes that are so quotable. One of the best scenes is when Cher's friend, Dionne, is learning to drive and accidentally goes onto the interstate. Paul Rudd and Alicia Silverstone perfectly encapsulate the 90's in this must watch, feel good flick.
This insanely fun musical movie boasts an all star cast, a gorgeous location and renditions of all of Abba's disco classics. Strung together, these components make this the perfect Spring movie to watch over and over again. The story follows young Sophie who is getting married on a beautiful Greek island when she discovers in her mother Donna's youthful journal that Sophie has a chance to figure out which one of three men might be her father! She invites them all to the wedding in secret, and, of course, wacky madness and sweet moments ensue. It helps that the movie is set on a luscious Mediterranean island!
In this tender story of finding true love against all odds in the weirdest places, Amy Adams' character travels to Ireland so that she can propose to her long time boyfriend as a surprise on Leap Day. The beautiful, green Irish landscape is the perfect background for her character to fall in love with a sarcastic and kind Irish man.
This based on a book classic by Nicholas Sparks shot Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams to stardom. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the surprise ending will leave you in a puddle of tears longing for a true love of your own! This beautiful film is set in a beautiful Southern town and has adorable scenes of the love between the two main characters as it grows throughout the different seasons of their lives.
You can find this modern romantic comedy on Netflix. It is based on a massively popular teen novel series by Jenny Han. The story follows the shy Lara-Jean Covey who, through a mishap orchestrated by her younger sister, learns how to express herself and come out of her shell and fall in love with a sweet boy.
There are two main film versions of this great American classic novel written by F. Scott Fitzegerald. If you have never read the book, you should watch the movie! It has a hauntingly beautiful love story told from the point of view of the oh so relatable narrator, Nick. You will never again miss a reference to one of the many concepts or characters provided in this story! For a fresh modern take with Leonardo DiCaprio starring as Gatsby himself, watch the recently made version directed by the eccentric director Baz Luhrmann.
Whether or not it is spring where you live, it never hurts to indulge in a movie or two that represent all that the seasons bring. Try stringing a few of these together for a movie marathon on a rainy winter's day when you simply can not stop dreaming about warm weather! Have fun watching, and possibly rewatching, these classic spring fling style movies.
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by Charles Vallena
Some songs just ring a moment in your life, whether it is from an experience, an event, or a movie. Most of the time, movies get an awesome and memorable soundtrack that you feel like part of you just lived through with the characters.
A movie’s soundtrack plays a big role with its impact with the audience. There are songs you immediately associate with the movie, and that song-movie relationship will last for people to enjoy. If you’re wondering what film soundtracks have stood the test of time, here are the highest-grossing soundtracks from world-famous movies.
The iconic version of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” is among the many reasons why The Bodyguard holds the record of the greatest-selling soundtrack album from film. This was released in 1992 and it stars Whitney Houston herself and Kevin Costner. This soundtrack has sold over 42 million copies worldwide. The iconic song from the movie has been a staple in a lot of singing competitions, and the film played a big role in its fame.
The Bee Gees rose to fame in the 70s with their disco-pop music genre. And with Saturday Night Fever, their popularity peaked especially with their songs on the soundtrack. The film came out in 1977 with John Travolta as the main lead. It is a disco movie that just puts the audience in the groove. The soundtrack alone has sold millions of copies across the country and made the disco fashion trend for years.
They say that anything Prince touches turns into gold. The movie Purple Rain is no exception as it has been a massive hit, especially with its soundtrack. This has been considered as his greatest work with most of his songs in the film. Purple Rain is his semi-autobiographical manifesto and it has been certified 13 times platinum. It has also sold millions of copies worldwide. The soundtrack is surely a hit for those who want something to perk them up with disco music.
The 1994 wonder film which starred Tom Hanks not only has a great plot and storyline, but also has an incredible soundtrack. The rock music industry of the early 20th century was shaped with this soundtrack. You’ll be star struck with artists in this soundtrack as it features Elvis Presley, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Three Dog Night, and many more. It has sold over 12 million copies, and is a world-famous soundtrack for rock music lovers.
The chemistry of Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze is definitely undeniable in Dirty Dancing. This classic dance film has captured the viewers with its funky soundtrack. The music has sold over 11 million copies worldwide. The song “I Had The Time Of My Life” has graced so many first dances on wedding receptions. The iconic choreography has been a staple in major adaptations and event performances worldwide.
The award-winning film that is Titanic has gained the hearts of film lovers with its romantic take on the real-life disaster of the boat. It starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, both with exceptional talent on their love story. The film itself won multiple awards and even broke a lot of box-office records.
Aside from the exceptional take of the historical Titanic that sank in 1912, the film has an amazing soundtrack that is still treasured to this day. The famous “My Heart Will Go On” from Celine Dion has topped a lot of charts and sold over 30 million units all over the world.
If you are looking for a film soundtrack you can spend a Sunday morning with a cup of coffee and your family, the movie Lion King has an exceptional set of songs that has been passed down from generation to generation. This has been a family movie staple and the famous songs still live even to this day.
The superstar Elton John has sung some songs in the soundtrack, which has sold more than 15 million copies all over the world. The animated musical is family-friendly with a very calming and catchy set of songs.
The smash hit of Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta has made a lot of people put on their dancing shoes and get on with some moves. It has been renowned with different awards in 1978. Grease has sold more than 8 million copies of its soundtrack and people have been begging for more. Even if it was set in the 70s, it has still been among the highest-grossing musical films of all time.
Another film that is based on music and dancing is Footloose. This has been released in 1984, which has blessed the film industry with Kevin Bacon’s wit and talent. This movie is all about a town that has banned dancing and music, and is actually based on some real events in Oklahoma. Other amazing stars that have graced this film include Dianne Wiest, Lori Singer, Chris Penn, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
The movie that debuted Michael Jordan’s film career has a heart-pumping soundtrack that people adored. It featured the song “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly and “For You I Will” by Monica. The songs were a hit in 1997, and it sold 6 million copies.
Disney made its name with the animated musicals that they have released. The Little Mermaid had multi-platinum sales all over the world, and has been a staple for most kids born in the late 80s and 90s. Even after decades that it has been released, people still clamor for this soundtrack for their kids this time.
The soundtrack has songs written by Alan Menken, and has sold more than 6 million units worldwide. The sales might even rise even more with its live-action film in the theaters.
A movie’s soundtrack is something film and music lovers anticipate. It shapes the film and it also invites more people to get into the movie. From the release of the trailer up the credits, the movie score is something that people will never forget. The highest-grossing soundtracks are proof that people’s love for music can go beyond idolizing one artist, but encompassing through films that it has been related to.
Charles Vallena is the author, and editor-in-chief of TheGuitarJunky.com, an online music blog dedicated to helping aspiring musicians become real musicians. He provides expert insights, guides, lessons, and reviews on acoustic guitars, keyboard, drums, and other music instruments. Follow Guitar Junky on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Reference: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/567464/best-selling-movie-soundtracks-of-all-time
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by Mila Bera
Poker has been around the block since we can all remember, even as far back as the 16th Century. While some frown at it because of its addictive gambling tendencies, others see it as a fun way to pass time and entertain themselves. Some even believe that poker is good for the brain.
Nonetheless, the entertainment industry has enacted several movies centring around the lifestyle of the game, highlighting the good, the bad and the ugly, and some of these movies have gained immense popularity over the years. These are some of our all-time favourite poker movies: Maverick (1994), Molly’s Game (2017), Casino Royale (2006), Deal (2008), Rounders (1998), The Grand (2007), The Cincinnati Kid (1965), Uncut Gems (2019), etc.
In this article, we will highlight 5 of the famous poker movies ever made.
This Roy Higgins movie stars Mel Gibson playing the role of Bret Maverick; it was inspired by the 1950’s TV series starring James Garner before they made it into a movie in 1994. The movie has an American Old Western setting, and it shows the story of Bret Maverick, a con man and gambler who hopes to emerge as the winner in a high-stakes poker tournament to seal his reputation as the best poker player in the world. He is short of $3000 to enter the tournament, and he sets out to a town called Crystal Villa to reclaim debts from his debtors and take advantage of a few poker players in town.
At the finals of his tournament, he was up against the sexy and sweet Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster), Angel (Alfred Molina) who tried all his best to ensure that Maverick doesn’t finish the game and the Commodore (James Coburn) who is a more experienced con artist than Maverick. The movie also stars James Garner (the original Maverick from the initial TV series) playing the role of Marshal Zane Cooper, a mysterious lawyer who was there to ensure the security of the game. The tension, comedy, and plot twists will definitely have you glued to your screen.
This 2017 movie, based on true life events, tells the story of an underground poker “mogul” Molly Bloom (played by Jessica Chastain). A young, vibrant athlete, who had to leave her Olympic dreams behind to start all over; after being involved in a skiing accident at 20. She moved to Los Angeles to start a new life and take a break before starting law school. There she caught the attention of producer Dean Keith (played by Jeremy Strong) while waitressing. Dean offers her a job as his assistant, to help him run a high-end poker game played by some of the most influential people in the country and beyond.
From building her multimillion poker dynasty in Los Angeles to starting over again in New York City to being investigated by the FBI, Molly’s Game shows the rise and fall of Molly and how she could overcome every challenge that life threw at her. The movie which was directed by Aaron Sorkin also stars prominent characters like Idris Elba (who plays Molly’s lawyer, Charlie Jaffey), Kevin Costner (who plays Molly’s dad, Larry Bloom), Bill Camp and Brian d’Arcy James.
A skilful, addicted gambler Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) loses his life savings of $30,000 to a poker genius and Russian mobster Teddy “KGB” (John Malkovich), during a game of poker. Frustrated and disappointed, he resolves to focus entirely on getting his Law degree with the help of his girlfriend and fellow law student Jo (Gretchen Mol), as this seemed like a brilliant option at the time. When his childhood friend and poker player, Worm (Edward Norton), is released from prison with an enormous debt to repay, Mike finds himself derailing and going back to old habits just so he can help his friend settle his debts.
Will Mike be able to stand by his decisions to quit poker? Will he eventually get his law degree and make his girlfriend, Jo, proud? This 1998 movie directed by John Dahl shows the hurdle these two friends will have to face to clear their debts, as Mike will have to stand face-to-face again with the deadly Russian mobster Teddy “KGB.”
This 1965 classic shows the story of an overly ambitious, up-and-coming poker player, Eric Stoner (Steve McQueen), popularly known as “The Cincinnati Kid,” who travels from city to city taking part in one big game or another. Kid challenges Lancey Howard (Edward G. Robinson), popularly referred to as “The Man,” to a game of poker. “The Man” has earned his reputation as the “King” of stud poker with several years of experience under his belt, but it does not deter Kid as he hopes to win and overtake the title.
This movie by Norman Jewison won the heart of gamblers back in the day, who unanimously voted it to be “the best gambling movie of all time”. The exceptional performance of the cast is evident in the nominations and awards they received.
A Jewish New York City Jewelry store owner, Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) who is an addicted gambler, is in huge debt. He hopes to clear off his debt by auctioning an uncut opal he received from an Ethiopian Jewish community, after several months of trying to secure the gem. He believes he can sell off the Opal at $100,000.
Being an unrepentant gambler, he accrues more debts in a bid to clear out previous ones. His adulterous lifestyle and ill behaviour earned him divorce charges from his wife (Idina Menzel), who is tired of his lifestyle and affair with his mistress, Julia.
After pawning off a ring that served as collateral from a basketball star Kevin Garnett, who is interested in the Opal and wants to use it as his good luck charm, Howard appears to be in even more trouble than he expected.
Will the auctioning of the jewellery save him from his loan shark brother-in-law Arno (Eric Bogosian) and help him clear off his debts, including the ring? This 2019 movie by Josh and Benny Safdie will take us through the unstable lifestyle of a gambling addict.
The above movies cut across different generations, storylines and characters, to give more insight into how the world of poker works. We hope you find our selection interesting and hopefully get to watch them and let us know what you think of them.
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by Crystal M. Wilson
Being healthy is a lifestyle people chose to lead a better life. It mainly involves nurturing the body with good food and exercise. However, health is not limited to just your physical state. Being healthy also means having a healthy mind. In other words, being healthy is a state where a person can handle mental and physical stress with minor or negligible damage.
Nowadays, many people make all kinds of efforts to stay healthy. They educate themselves with the help of different books and scientific studies to know more about their bodies. All these means are effective in providing crucial information you need to stay healthy. However, there is one more way to educate yourself more about health: Documentaries!
You can find many fantastic documentaries talking about human health on Netflix. The makers of these documentaries want to educate the world about some of the less-discussed topics. So, here is the list of seven Netflix health documentaries to stream right now.
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From the way we work to the way we live, the Coronavirus pandemic changed everything. Biased media and politicians worldwide made the situation more difficult by spreading false information. The pandemic impact was profound, and this documentary attempts to portray it as candidly as possible. The three-part documentary features the crucial aspects of the pandemic like vaccine development, impact on mental health, etc. The 20-minutes long episodes make it a binge-worthy series.
The problem of opioid painkillers is prominent in the United States. Every year, thousands of people lose their lives due to overdose of such painkillers. A Leaf of Faith is a documentary about a plant that can solve the opioid crisis- Kratom. The makers of the documentary tried to portray a fair debate between critics and advocates of the Kratom.
A Leaf of Faith attempts to create awareness of Kratom's effectiveness in dealing with modern world problems. Kratom is a miraculous product offering numerous benefits. These days, people use kratom to maintain focus while working. Scientific studies have reported that kratom helps in improving concentration by reacting with the cell receptors. If you are also thinking of using kratom for yourself, go for the trusted maeng da kratom for better results.
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American stimulant industry is one of the busiest markets. Every year, thousands of Americans consume stimulants for different reasons. This documentary revolves around stimulants and people's dependence on them.
Generally, people use stimulants to cope with ADHD; however, many people have started using them to improve focus with time. This documentary is the story of such people. It features interviews of students, parents, and athletes talking about their experience with commonly prescribed stimulants in the USA.
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A half an hour is enough to speak about a challenging problem faced by women living in remote areas of the world. A half-hour is enough to win an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short. That half-hour is this documentary named Period. End of Sentence.
This documentary is an inspiring story of women living in a small Indian village, where menstruation is considered a disgrace. Period. End of Sentence is the story of American high school students who raised funds to send these women biodegradable pad-making machines. It is a beautiful story of humanity shown by people living far away from each other.
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When Gwyneth Paltrow started her brand, Goop, people from different backgrounds came forwards to criticize her. However, she conquered it all and made her brand one of the biggest brands in the world. The Goop Lab is about her journey of building a brand focusing on women’s health. Watching this documentary will help you start discovering your views about some topics raised in the shows.
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In the last few years, an increasing number of people have accepted veganism as a way of living. Veganism means an all-plant-based diet, so many people criticize it for not being enough to fulfill human nutritional needs. If you are also one of such critiques of veganism, this documentary will change your mind.
The Game Changers progresses with the majestic voice of Arnold Schwarzenegger. This documentary enlightens a less-discussed aspect of the meat industry and features entanglement between manliness and meat-eating habits. You will learn incredible things about the vegan diet after watching this documentary.
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Your diet plays a crucial role in keeping your body and mind healthy. Deep inside, everyone knows that eating fresh-unprocessed food is a key to a healthy life. However, it's the outside noise. It is confusing and makes them fall prey to marketing tactics. We live in a world where prominent organizations openly promote junk food as a healthy product.
What the Health is a documentary that sheds light on such brutality of the food market. It talks about the effects of putting such processed products inside your body. Since this documentary promotes a vegetarian lifestyle, some critics stated it is a medium to promote veganism. However, What the Health discusses some solid issues like antibiotic resistance and food companies' financial greed.
If you love watching films featuring scientific studies, real people, and their interviews, you will undoubtedly enjoy watching these documentaries. The makers do not create health documentaries just to entertain people. Often, health documentaries attempt to create awareness, while often they are a means to share crucial health information.
Today, the world is becoming hungrier for content. So, many platforms are in-line to satisfy this hunger with good content. Among them, Netflix is a great platform that provides an opportunity for such makers who want to make a difference. With such documentaries, these makers try to send the message that taking care of health is critical.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g27165643/netflix-health-documentaries/
https://www.prevention.com/life/g25737172/netflix-health-documentaries/
https://www.mydomaine.com/best-health-documentaries-on-netflix-4770354
https://www.active.com/food-and-nutrition/articles/the-best-nutrition-documentaries-on-netflix
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