GUEST EDITORIAL: Four of the Scariest Films of the Decade

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Four of the Scariest Films of the Decade

by Kevin Gardner

Horror films have their roots in the silent era, but the movies didn’t gain acceptance with moviegoers until the 1930s. Whether the plots involve haunted houses, crazed killers, aliens or monsters, the world enjoys watching films that make them scared. In the last thirty years, horror has become increasingly popular, and filmmakers continue to discover new ways to make the audience jump in their seats. From 2010 to 2200, a few scary movies stand out as being exceptionally frightening and entertaining. In the following sections, you can examine four of the scariest pictures of the last decade.

It

Stephen King’s 1986 novel, It, was a bestselling hit and soon spawned a mini-series that had mixed reviews. The story involves a group of children in a small Maine town who are terrorized by an evil being that preys on children every twenty-seven years. In 2017, Andres Muschietti directed a film adaptation of King’s novel that frightened audiences worldwide and was a massive success. The demented Pennywise the clown, played by Bill Skarsgard, is one of the scariest villains in film history. He exploits the fears of the main characters by creating horrific illusions that they believe to be reality. It is an exceptional film, but it’s not for the weak of heart. If you need to relax after viewing the movie, you may want to try cbd gummies to ease your mind and calm your fears.

Get Out

In 2017, another film battled It for the scariest movie of the year. Jordan Peele’s Get Out received critical acclaim and a large following that watched the movie on the big screen multiple times. The protagonist of the story, Chris, travels with his girlfriend to meet her family for the first time. Chris is welcomed warmly by the wealthy family, but he soon realizes something is off about his hosts. His curiosity to find out the truth thrusts him into a nightmare conspiracy that has him fighting for his life and soul. The family uses the daughter to find healthy African-American men so they can force their ancestors’ souls and minds into the men’s bodies. Chris fights for his life, and his struggle against the psychotic family is fascinating and frightening.

Hereditary

Although 2018’s Hereditary was his first film, Ari Aster proved to the world that he was a skilled director who could deliver a spellbinding tale that causes you to lose sleep for several days. The plot of the film revolves around a grieving family who has lost an unusual loved one who had a close, secretive bond with the young daughter. The mother, played expertly by Toni Collete, tries to learn more about her mother’s strange past, but she’s frequently plagued by horrific visions that begin to disrupt her reality. Her son, played by Alex Wolf, has his separative issues about his grandmother’s death, and he sometimes clashes with his mother’s increasing paranoia. The first half of the film has a somber tone, but after another tragedy occurs, the film becomes a nightmarish force that throws the characters and viewers into a supernatural world where death and reality become intermingled. The cinematography, soundtrack and acting are high caliber, and Hereditary is not a film that you’re likely to forget anytime soon.

Midsommar

In 2019, Ari Aster directed another creepy tale that rivals Hereditary for the scariest film of the decade. Midsommar is a film that focuses on Dani played by Florence Pugh. She’s grieving the loss of her family but decides to travel with her boyfriend and his friends to a festival in Sweden. When the group arrives in Sweden, they make their way to a small village filled with white-frocked revelers who appear to be living in a Bohemian society that welcomes everyone. After the guests witness a shocking event that’s part of the town’s festival, the townspeople and their strange customs become more nefarious and unhinged. Dani fights to hold onto her sanity as her friends are tempted and terrorized by the peculiar residents.

If you’re a fan of scary films, you can’t miss out on the previous recommendations. The movies are well directed and acted and some of the scariest ever made.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: The Impact of Data Breaches and Cyber Attacks on the Film Industry

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The Impact of Data Breaches and Cyber Attacks on the Film Industry

by Kevin Gardner

Online attacks have become more and more common for companies that operate in the movie industry in recent years. Though new technology has come about in order to improve the way data is protected, each stride forward creates new gaps in existing infrastructure. This means that a film studio needs to always stay mindful of the various threats that are appearing. Failing to do this could leave them open to a number of preventable data issues. Since protecting a company’s assets is definitely a top priority, it is important to take time to devise a sensible strategy.

Data is a vital asset to any business, especially those that handle large productions in the film industry. Exploring the different ways hackers attempt to steal and use this data can highlight the need for enhanced security on digital fronts.  

Common Data Breaches

From the inception of an idea to marketing efforts related to promoting a project, data helps keep a film production afloat. Film companies obtain this data in a number of different ways, meaning  it is most important for these businesses to take time to think about how this data is protected and stored. In recent years, data breaches have caused massive, widespread issues for organizations in Hollywood and beyond. To reduce the odds of this happening, it is important to put a plan into place for protecting sensitive information.

Those in charge of a film production must make sure data is never stolen or intercepted in the first place. Whether the data is related to the salaries of different actors on a production or the information pertains to what moviegoers want to see from a studio, information leaked to the public can cause major backlash. To avoid this, companies are now going to extremes in order to ensure the data in their possession never gets into the wrong hands.  

Spoofing and Other Fraud Attacks

Most consumers understand the common threat of fraud. The internet has dramatically increased the odds of fraud happening, but it isn’t only individual consumers who need to be concerned. Even large businesses in the film industry are likely to experience fraud on a major level. With consumer fraud, the threat exists in the fact that the culprit can use a person’s personal data to steal finances, open fake credit cards, and more. For a business, fraud comes in the form of tricking customers.

One common type of crime that companies encounter with fraud is a spoofing attack. Just as a spoof movie imitates a particular genre, so does this attack follow a path of mimicry. Essentially, spoofing is when a fraudulent company creates web assets that are meant to mimic the appearance of a particular brand. A consumer, not paying attention to any obvious red flags, will patronize the site and assume he or she is dealing with the actual brand. Unfortunately, this is not the case and all the information that the customer enters into the site is then stolen.

Executive Extortion

Another common problem that business owners in the film industry experience when it comes to cybercrime is extortion. When someone gets a script or bit of data, this individual can threaten to leak it to the public unless their demands are met. While it might seem like the plot of a movie in and of itself, it is a very real problem that film companies must deal with on a regular basis. Thankfully, there are also many ways to make sure that this never comes to pass.

From extortion to theft to fraud, there are all kinds of problems that a film company can experience thanks to online security gaps. While a vital resource in marketing films, the internet can easily become a huge concern. Failing to take certain threats to heart can leave a production open to a world of serious and expensive problems. As long as companies operating in this industry take time to make sure their security measures reflect the actual risks appearing on digital fronts, it will be easier for sensitive data to stay where it belongs. 

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GUEST EDITORIAL: How Movie Theaters Have Changed For the Better

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How Movie Theaters Have Changed For the Better

by Kevin Gardner

Movie theaters used to be the place to go. Before internet streaming and DVDs, if you wanted to see a recent film, movie theaters were the only choice. Since the arrival of the internet and such distributors as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, attendance in an actual theater has dwindled. Here are some ways theaters are working to get movie lovers back into the velvet seats.

Price

Although most people love the experience of seeing a movie in a theater, going to "the movies" has become expensive, especially for families.

To try and lure people back, franchises started offering memberships, complete with contests, games and discounts. 

In an attempt to cut expenses, many theaters started converting to a solar power system and solar batteries. The pioneer theater chain to install solar was California-based Cinema West. When other chains learned that Cinema West was saving on electricity costs, many followed suit.

Cinemas that offer memberships can pretty much count on their members to attend on opening nights and other events. This guarantee combined with lower electricity costs allows theaters to lower their ticket and popcorn prices. 

Community

Just like attending a concert or going to the theater, movies were meant to be watched with other people. Even if the audience can be annoying when they constantly come and go or make loud chewing sounds, it really is more fun to share the experience.

Watching at home and being able to pause when necessary has its advantages too, but it's pretty great when everyone in the audience screams at once during a horror movie. It's also fun when theaters show a cult classic and everyone says certain lines in unison.

Customization

Maybe some people just take any seat in the theater. 

For others, the experience is almost ruined if they can't watch from the aisle seat in the third row. Others love a reclining seat, while some would fall asleep immediately in one. 

Many theaters are now allowing movie-goers to choose a seat when they order tickets online. This move can help alleviate some of the panic associated with arriving on the late side and potentially having to sit inches from the screen.

Complete Night Out

The phrase used for a night out used to be "dinner and a movie." Now luxury theaters are offering wait service to deliver dinner and drinks before and during the movie. This is convenient for those on a date for two reasons.

In the past, a couple either had to eat dinner with one eye on the clock to make it to their movie on time. Conversely, they had to starve all the way through the movie and end up eating dinner much later than they wanted to.

The only drawback to this service is the disturbance that might happen from waitstaff coming and going and dinner-related conversations.

Enhanced Experience

Even if a film is really exciting, you never quite feel you're actually in the movie. Until now, anyway. There is something new called an MX4D theater. Astonishingly, in these theaters, the chairs move, water is sprayed, snow can fall from the ceiling and wind can blow.

For those who really want the full experience, haptic vets are available. Once on, they can provide full-body sensations that the seat cannot. For example, if the action on the screen is of someone on a motorcycle, the vest will vibrate and move. However, in the case of someone on screen being shot, the sensations in the vest might not be quite as fun.

Consider returning to the theater and giving your computer a break. You may realize there were things you missed about it and you can try some of the new innovations that theaters have rolled out.

While not every innovation will be right for everyone, there is sure to be something to please everyone whether it's knowing the cinema is solar-powered, to being able to sit in a snowstorm at the movies. 

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GUEST EDITORIAL: Why "Carbon Nation" is the Most Effective Climate Change Film So Far

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Why Carbon Nation is the Most Effective Climate Change Film So Far

by Kevin Gardner

Many films have been produced that deal with the climate change crisis over the past couple of decades. These are important films that deal with a subject that has affected millions around the world, and if left unchecked, will eventually affect everyone. All of these films offer important insights, but the movie Carbon Nation may have a more widespread appeal than the others. Here are a couple of reasons why.

It Is Focused on Solutions

Most climate change films are really depressing. They focus on the unavoidable disasters that lie in the near future if change isn't made. Many of these films seek to scare the public into awareness of this pressing issue. While these films have certainly increased public knowledge about the climate change crisis, it is easy to walk away from watching them feeling that there is nothing the average person can do to fix it. 

Carbon Nation is a strangely positive film given that climate change is a decidedly depressing topic. The makers of the film created a movie that is focused on what can be done to fix it, not in the distant future, but right now. While the political pundits are busy arguing about the validity of wind technology, Carbon Nation highlights Peak Wind, a wind farm co-op of hundreds of small Texas farms that is an inarguable success. Retired Army colonel Dan Nolan reports on the ways that the Pentagon itself is moving toward green energy to provide safe alternatives for the troops.

Although the film highlights the better known alternative energy sources such as a solar power system and wind farming, it also seeks to bring attention to lesser-known sources such as algae farming to capture and remove carbon dioxide emissions. The film brings to light the many viable and developed technologies that already exist and the ways that they are currently being used and can be used in the future. 

It's Not Ideological

Carbon Nation filmmakers recognized that one of the issues that is delaying action on climate change is that the subject has become a political football causing opposing sides of the political world to take inflexible and entrenched stands on the subject. They sought to create a film that didn't play into these preconceived attitudes, even sub-titling their film "a climate change solutions movie that doesn't even care if you believe in climate change". Unlike many climate change movies, Carbon Nation does not seek to assign blame to a political party or ideological viewpoint, instead, it shows that combating climate change can play into a diverse range of motives.

You'll meet Texas cotton farmer Cliff Etheridge who helped found a massive wind farm by joining together with fellow small farmers. Although hardly liberal in their political viewpoints, these Texas farmers could not deny the climate change that decimated their small farms and turned their small towns into ghost towns. Wind farming has revitalized their economy and brought financial security to their families.

Bernie Karl has developed low-temperature geothermal technology that is making this alternative energy more viable for use across the country. In the film, Karl openly states that he does not believe that climate change is caused by man, but goes on to say that people that don't believe it's happening need to wake up. 

Also in the mix are recognized liberal activists Van Jones and Richard Branson, but the focus of their interviews isn't on them spouting their political beliefs. Van Jones speaks about the ways that solar panel installation is providing job growth and financial independence to low-income communities and Branson talks about green alternatives to jet fuel and energy-efficient building techniques.

Carbon Nation has been criticized by the right for being too simplistic and by the left for being too politically neutral, but there is every reason to believe that the filmmakers did that intentionally. This is a film that seeks to talk about solutions rather than politics. The makers of the film made a brave decision that solving this critical problem is much more important than the ideological motivations behind the people who are doing something about it.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: 7 Movies Every Business Owner Must Watch

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7 Movies Every Business Owner Must Watch

by Kevin Gardner

This article's collection of creative, cinematic masterpieces and documentaries would be fascinating and useful for both new and seasoned business sharks, as well as those pursuing self-development and actively scaling the corporate ladder. These incredible, unpredictable, and inspirational films will pique your interest. They express the details of the trading and advertising industry, reveal the secrets of profitable sales, and reveal the mysteries of famous entrepreneurs in an emotional and precise manner. They chronicle the lives and fortunes of billionaires.

1. Pirates of Silicon Valley

This tale about two young tech geniuses, a visionary and an engineer – Bill Gates and Steve Jobs – who transformed their utopian concepts into an excellent recipe for success and companies that conquered the world: Apple and Microsoft. They are able to make their visions of success come true. You will watch this fascinating process unfold and apply what you learn to your own goals, interests, and ambitions.

2. The Wolf of Wall Street

Jordan Belfort, a well-known American broker who amassed a large fortune but drew the attention of the FBI and was convicted of fraud and money laundering, is the subject of this dark comedy crime drama. This film is always at the top of lists of "the best industry, performance, and finance films." It has it all: ups and downs, sex and drugs, genius deals and financial fraud, opulent lifestyles, and the most incredible ways to waste money. Add in the protagonist's inexpressible charm (Leonardo DiCaprio), the insane dangers, the greed for riches, moral problems, and stock broker trade secrets, and you have one enthralling presentation.

3. Joy

This is a true story about Joy Mangano, the visionary who founded Ingenious Designs and invented the self-pressing mop. What challenges did she have to overcome? Finances, emotional strife, a family crisis, and betrayal of loved ones are all issues that people face. What's left when you've lost almost everything but your insatiable desire for success and have nowhere to go? Building a multi-million dollar enterprise, in the case of the film's main character.

4. Jerry Maguire

True performance is found outside of your comfort zone. To achieve it, you'll have to break free from your normal rut, withstand detractors' provocations and assaults, tackle obstacles, and persevere through setbacks. The feature film, starring Tom Cruise, consistently persuades you that it is critical to believe in yourself, remember the objective, and disregard the obstacles.

5. The Pursuit of Happyness

This is another true story drama, but this one is kind, optimistic, and inspiring. Will Smith plays the main character, who has a hard time getting his foot in the door and dragging himself out of abject poverty. For the sake of his young son, he does the almost impossible: he undergoes a complicated and long journey from poverty to millionairedom.

6. Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year

This contemporary Indian film will not enchant you with its enchanting special effects, but it will entice you with its inspiring storyline. Beginning entrepreneurs and managers will find it beneficial to watch this film in order to become familiar with the original methods of dealing with clients as well as to learn the subtleties of buyer-seller relationships.

7. The Billionaire

If you feel like your hard work isn't paying off, money isn't flowing to you, and you're on the verge of giving up, this film will serve as a great motivator and boost your morale. This story is based on true events, and it takes us through each step of the hero's arduous journey. Young Tom's determination, resourcefulness, and enterprise are not always rewarded in the real world, where adults demand that he receive the requisite education and force their ideals on him. Tom is not interested in school, university, or boring work; his ambition is to start a company. If you believe in yourself, you will never give up on the road to real change and billions of dollars, despite abandoned studies and mounting debts, victories and horrific troubles, intractable issues, and legal battles.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: A Take on "Cake"

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A Take on Cake

by Kevin Gardner

Daniel Barnz’s Cake is a 2014 comedy-drama that centers around Claire, played by Jennifer Aniston, and her inability to accept her son’s death. By mixing humor with the seriousness of drug use, alcohol use, grief and suicide, Barnz encourages viewers to take a deeper look at Claire. Outwardly she is angry and sarcastic, and she continually pushes people away who care about her. However, her physical scars are symbolic of the cracks in this outer facade; she tries to hide it, but her compassion and loneliness shine through. Cake does a phenomenal job portraying a woman who has lost herself after losing her child. At the beginning, Claire is barely getting through each day. By the end, she comes to the realization that she was a good mother and finds the strength to live. This is a story of hope after an unthinkable tragedy.

Portraying a Lost Woman 

Aniston gives a strong performance as a woman grieving from the loss of her child. Although Claire is heartbroken and devastated, she does what people do to emotionally protect themselves; she hardens her heart. Her negative attitude gets her kicked out of a chronic pain support group after making light of Nina committing suicide. Again, this is a way for her to keep her own pain deep inside; she doesn't want to face reality. Claire is probably also bitter about attending these sessions as her chronic pain is due to the same car accident that caused her son’s death. Each meeting is an unwanted reminder of what happened.

The usually gorgeous Aniston displays herself in an unconventional way, and her beaten down appearance helps her to nail the part. She doesn't wear makeup; her hair is disheveled, and her clothes are baggy. Claire's drug and alcohol abuse likely also influences her appearance and demeanor. She should have tried supplements for joint pain instead of opioids and Percocet.

Needed Support

The one person who cares about Claire, her housekeeper Silvana, faces Claire's anger and resentment first-hand. However, her devotion never waivers, probably because she knew Claire’s personality before the accident. Claire isn't the miserable person she seems to be; rather she is a woman frozen in grief. Silvana goes above and beyond to help Claire recover, which shows that they share more of a friendship than a work relationship. An employee wouldn’t stand for Claire’s moody disposition, but an understanding friend would.

Suicide

It seems odd that Nina's suicide would have such an emotional impact on Claire. Maybe Claire is interested because she is considering taking her own life. The movie takes on an Ebenezer Scrooge theme when Nina’s ghost starts to visit Claire. These ghost scenes are probably drug-induced hallucinations, but they help to ease the anxiety of discussing suicide and give the film a less serious tone.

Rock Bottom

After befriending Nina's husband, Roy, Claire’s circumstances begin improving; however, Claire needs to get worse before she can get better. A series of events takes place beginning with a visit from the man who caused her son’s death, which sends Claire into her rock bottom moment of overdosing. While recovering in the hospital, Nina visits again. A combination of the overdose and seeing Nina convinces Claire to take a hard look at herself.     

Symbolism

When Nina visits Claire in the hospital, she reminds Claire of the support group conversation where members were asked what they would do if they didn't have chronic pain. Nina's answer is to make her son a homemade birthday cake. Her simplistic sincerity is a symbol for missed opportunities as it is something she will never be able to do. This eye-opening experience shows Claire that she can't let the past hold her back.

Even with Cake having an expected outcome, it is still an inspirational story worth watching. It shows it’s possible to move on from hardship. Some topics are too painful to discuss; a child’s death is one of them. However, Barnz has succeeded in creating the right balance of emotional turmoil and dark humor, which alleviates the severity of the harsh subject matter. Claire’s journey is a rollercoaster, but it’s a rollercoaster worth riding.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: 6 of the Most Powerful Superheroes

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6 of the Most Powerful Superheroes

by Kevin Gardner

Superheroes have always held a place of honor in popular culture. Their superpowers distinguish them and make them favorites when it comes to how they use their abilities to combat evil. They are looked up to for their overall moral rightness and are used as role models for kids of all ages. The bigger the hero, though, the better at their job they are. Here are the top ten strongest superheroes in no particular order from both the DC and the Marvel universes, with a few others thrown in for fun. 

1. Superman

It's no wonder that the Man of Steel is at the top of the list of all-time greatest heroes. His list of abilities is lengthy. To begin, Superman's x-ray vision is one of his most iconic yet underappreciated abilities. It's the ability to see right through most stuff. His x-ray vision is a powerful weapon in the war against crime. With a simple turn of his head, he can search anything around him for criminals, people to save, and everything else. Similarly, his super-breath is a remarkable achievement. He can essentially transform into a human vacuum or generate hurricane-force winds at will, allowing him to knock over heavy objects with a single breath. Imagine what he could do if he took some greens powder! 

2. Martian Manhunter

J'onzz wields a deceptive amount of strength. J'onn, The Justice League's most influential member, has so many incredible powers that he still seems to downplay them, at least in the cartoons. While J'onn, the Martian Manhunter, is from Mars, he is one of Earth's most powerful and loyal allies. Thank goodness he's a nice man. J'onn's abilities seem to be limitless. J'onn is in a league of his own, with the ability to read minds, shapeshift into whatever he likes, x-ray vision, the ability to fly, invulnerability, superhuman strength comparable to Superman's, and invisibility that allows him to phase through walls.

3. Dr. Manhattan

Dr. Manhattan's powers include total consciousness and control over fundamental atomic particles, invincibility and immortality, the ability to change the size of his body as well as his density and color to whatever he desires. He's also telekinetic, with the power to teleport himself to any place. And he's so powerful that if he wanted to, he might wipe out whole universes. It's really impressive.

4. Jean Grey

Ms. Grey is the most powerful female superhero on the planet. She's almost uncontrollably strong. Jean Grey is easily the most powerful member of the X-Men team and female in the Universe, being one of the world's most powerful telepaths, those who only parallel Professor X. Her mind is the only thing that limits her abilities, and she is both a telepath and a telekinetic. She is capable of moving objects simply by thinking about them. Jean is terrifyingly strong, but she's even scarier when she transforms into The Phoenix. Her abilities become extremely unstable and seem to be limitless.

5. Flash

Many of you may be surprised by this one, but it shouldn't be. There have been many people who have worn the cape known as The Flash. The most common misconception about Flash is that he is simply the world's fastest guy. It certainly does not stop there. The Flash is also capable of thinking and acting at the speed of light. He can also phase through walls and other matter, as well as read and learn information at an accelerated pace.

6. Spectre

The Spectre is a cosmic being and the physical manifestation of God's wrath on Earth, but he's not your typical superhero. He possesses infinite strength as a result of divine empowerment and is widely regarded as one of the most powerful superheroes ever. He has power over reality, as well as time and space, and has access to all of the universe's information. But it is his raw physical strength that really sets him apart from other super beings. His strength is so immense that he needs a human form to manipulate it. He is impervious to all physical attacks and, in a single fistfight, he can take out an entire magical society.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: 4 Central Plot Elements in "The Great Gatsby"

4 Central Plot Elements in The Great Gatsby

by Kevin Gardner

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is an American classic. While there are multiple adaptations of the book, one that particularly stands out is the film directed by Baz Luhrmann. This movie has a modern feel and a lot of stylization. If you'd like to learn more about it, here are four central plot elements from The Great Gatsby.

1. Extravagant Parties

Extravagant parties are at the heart of every adaptation of The Great Gatsby, but the Luhrmann movie does a particularly effective job of displaying the magnificence of these events. In the movie, Jay Gatsby (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) puts on numerous parties in his West Egg mansion. These events are the height of luxury, containing everything from acrobats to fireworks. One of the most impressive elements is his fantastic pool, which is so amazing that you have to wonder what his pool finance plan was. Essentially, Gatsby's parties display the extravagant wealth of the upper class in the twenties. The parties are also a symbol of how far Gatsby will go for love.

2. Different Types of Love

Love in its many forms is another important plot element in The Great Gatsby. The audience is shown a multitude of different relationships, each of which involves a different type of love. With Gatsby and Daisy, the main couple in the film, the love is based on longing. This longing is mainly on Gatsby's party, although Daisy does feel an attraction. While Gatsby's love is certainly strong, the audience is shown that it isn't necessarily realistic or true. The film also displays two couples with cheating partners, both of which have an unhealthy and toxic type of love. In both cases, particularly on the men's side, the love seems to come from a need to possess the other. Finally, the audience is shown the newly blossoming love between Nick and Jordan. Despite the fact that this relationship isn't fully fleshed out, the budding attraction and mutual respect are clear as day.

3. Hope

Hope is an aspect of The Great Gatsby that the Luhrmann movie focuses on a lot. In the beginning, the audience sees Nick telling his doctor about Gatsby. He specifically references Gatsby's unrelenting hope. That hope is basically what drives Gatsby's actions throughout his entire life, particularly after he returned from the war. Specifically, Gatsby's hope surrounds his love for Daisy. Even though Daisy left him for someone richer, he still has hope that changing himself can solve the problem. This drove him to amass a fortune, move to a particular area in New York and hold parties constantly. Fortunately for Gatsby, at least for a bit, this hope is realized. Daisy has an affair with Gatsby. On the other hand, Gatsby is unable to see the affair become a true relationship. Nonetheless, his hope remains intact.

4. Class

In any movie or book surrounding the “Roaring Twenties,” class is likely to be an important plot element. The Great Gatsby is no exception to the rule. In fact, class is a driving force behind the film's message. While the audience rarely sees those in the lower class, it's made clear how ignorant the upper class is. The lifestyle of most of the main characters, while worthy of jealousy, is displayed as too extravagant. It's also shown to be useless in the long run. This is best exemplified by Gatsby's story. All of the wealth that Gatsby gains still can't win him true loyalty from Daisy. In the end, Gatsby's upper-class status doesn't save him from being killed.

Luhrmann's version of The Great Gatsby has an interesting mix of faithfulness and stylization. While the important plot points from the book are still present, it doesn't feel like a movie that truly lives in the twenties. Because of this, critics have been widely split on it. However, no matter what you think, it's undeniable that the movie has some crazy party scenes.

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COLUMN: Must Watch Movies On Netflix Right Now

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Must Watch Movies On Netflix Right Now

Netflix has been on the market since 2012, and ever since it’s release, it has been the powerhouse in the online streaming industry and continues to dominate due to it constantly updating its library with the freshest content on the market, in comparison to its competitors. Due to this, we thought we’d investigate some of the freshest content on the application right now and which are the must watch Netflix films in 2021.

Another business that has been able to benefit from the rapid rise in technology in the past couple of years has been that of online gambling sites like these here. Barbados Casinos can offer one of the widest ranges of the best casino games on the market, as well as a host of different bonuses to choose from to enhance your gambling experience. 

If you are into your car racing, and specifically Formula 1 then Rush might just be the film for you if you haven’t watched it yet then it’s certainly a must watch. This sees the writer of The Crown Peter Morgan team up with legendary director Ron Howard which follows a daring Formula 1 driver, played impeccably by Chris Hemsworth, rise to stardom in the pinnacle of motorsport. The film shows the rivalry between Hunt and Nikki Lauda, a legend of the sport, and is an impressive bit of cinematography and even if you aren’t into F1, it is certainly worth a watch. 

A new addition to Netflix this month has been the classic Saving Private Ryan which is one of the most moving films of the past decade, directed by the ever-present and brilliant Steven Spielberg. The perfect World War II film sees the invasion of Normandy is over and it about the return of the troops to their native countries. This film is moving from start to finish, and Spielberg really captures the essence of the War and can be deemed as one of the best World War II film’s ever and was nominated for Best Picture due to this and is still deemed as one of Spielberg’s best.

And finally, another classic that is certainly worth the watch is The Dark Knight which was the last performance of Heath Ledger in the Joker costume after his passing. The Dark Knight is one of the best superhero movies ever made and is a masterpiece as it is rated at 4th on the all-time list on IMDb.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Without Remorse

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WITHOUT REMORSE-- 4 STARS

If your experience with movies and TV shows based on Tom Clancy novels is predominantly filled by the five actors called upon to play the famous Jack Ryan character over the last 31 years, you need to call your gamer friend. We’ve all got one. You know who they are. They would like to introduce you to who the late author called “Ryan’s dark side” and a fat franchise of awesomeness named Rainbow Six. They will tell you to watch Without Remorse on Amazon Prime and get ready with a line matching a Kevin Hart GIF and the title of a Shaun D beat mix.

That gamer friend of yours won’t be wrong. They will be steering you in the right direction with the arrival of the red-blooded Michael B. Jordan’s John Kelly, the man who would become the notorious John Clark. Frankly, we’ve had enough nerds, professors, and analysts, even if Jack Ryan was a former Marine. Talk first and postulate a strategy? Hell no. Without Remorse calls in the asskicker with more shades of gray than all the paint samples at The Home Depot.

When Kelly’s team of elite Navy SEALs are tasked for a hostage extraction mission in Aleppo, Syria by shrewd CIA officer Robert Ritter (Jordan’s Fantastic Four mate Jamie Bell), they quickly find out they’re not engaging warring nationals. Rather, they’re opposing heavily-armed Russians in their weapons depot. They make it out of the urban firefight, however this clash sets off clandestine saber-rattling between the two superpowers. In a countermove, contracted Russian assassins successfully target and kill members of Kelly’s squad on American soil. 

They miss John, but murder his wife Pam (Lauren London) and their unborn child. With tied hands and the risks of a larger international incident looming, Secretary of Defense Thomas Clay (Guy Pearce) must call these losses an “even score” and a closed case with the CIA. As you can imagine, that doesn’t sit well with the recovering Kelly and his former SEAL teammate, Lt. Commander Karen Greer, the niece of the famed Jim Greer, played by Queen & Slim breakout star Jodie Turner-Smith. Locked in with the emotional setting matching the film’s title, our vengeful slugger wants the people responsible at any cost.  

LESSON #1: THE ANTONYMS OF “REMORSE”-- Since Without Remorse, directed by Stefano Sollima (Sicario: Day of Soldado), practically calls for it, take a look at the antonyms for “remorse” from Thesaurus.com. Scratch off “happiness,” “joy,” and “indifference.” Those are far too perky for this stone-cold thriller. Instead, dial up “mercilessness” for the character and “satisfaction” for the viewer from cited lexicon.

You could grind axes to face-shaving sharpness on the rugged toughness of two performers in Without Remorse. In the lead, Michael B. Jordan flexes and fires with zero preening as the headliner. There’s a scene of him readying his body for small-quarters fisticuffs, arranged by stunt coordinator and second unit director Doug Coleman (Widows), that could put the sporty punches from Creed to shame. Back-to-back with him in every tight spot is Jodie Turner-Smith and her imposing presence. Her gaze alone is unyielding, let alone her supporting physicality and fighting spirit. The two unite to become a forceful combination.

LESSON #2: WHAT A PAWN CAN DO TO A KING-- Barreling through rules, orders, and threats with steely Special Forces strength lubricated by movie-heightened and mildly far-fetched incongruity, John Kelly is but one soldier up against unseen puppeteers in high places. He sees himself as a pawn taking on a king on a chess board, and it’s a magnificent little analogy of his state of mind born from the stakes and circumstances. People like John Kelly might be expendable grunts to a bureaucrat, but he’s still a necessary fighter with weapons and abilities to kill when provoked. 

The camera framing and lighting choices of director of photography Philippe Rousselot (the Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes series) stay tight and perilous throughout Without Remorse, free of even a second of gaudy slow-motion or over-selling theatrics. The same goes for the stern electronic score from first-time feature composer Jon Thor Birgisson. His music adds brisk nerves without swells of manufactured hero worship or celebration. In one sequence involving a plane crash at sea, the visuals and the sounds combine for the right harrowing suspense. Those senses stay awake all movie.

Sure, Jordan’s John is more of a claymore than a scalpel cutting through the international mysteries. Yet, the whole emphasis is the ruptured damage caused by such larger narrative blades, with Bell’s Ritter calling the shots. The credit for the brutal edge and canny balance goes to stellar Oscar-nominated Hell or High Water and Sicario writer Taylor Sheridan, backed by video game writer Will Staples. Sheridan adds excellent modern grit to Clancy’s dated political Cold War material. 

Without itchy trigger fingers to blow everything either up or out of proportion compared to, say, the Mission: Impossible series (and definitely the Fast & Furious entries), Without Remorse maintains enough intricate fibers of a spy movie to stay both intelligent and entertaining. The wish is hope for more. Keep Jordan, Turner-Smith, Bell, and, most importantly, Sheridan in the fold and Amazon’s got something rock solid. All involved are angling for a franchise, and they’ve created the right auspicious start to earn one.

LOGO DESIGNED BY MEENTS ILLUSTRATED (#969)

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GUEST EDITORIAL: How Does Technology Play a Role in Popular Media Today?

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How Does Technology Play a Role in Popular Media Today?

by Adrien Johansen

There’s no denying that technology has made movie production more accessible. But what about the role of tech as part of the stories being told on screen? It’d be reasonable to think that as the digital landscape is such an integral part of the way we live our lives that it’d be more of a feature in our media. But this isn’t always the case.  

In his TED talk, scholar John Hunter posits that the lack of smartphone and networked computer presence in movies is because audiences resent the control such tech has over our lives, and they don’t want to see it in their escapist media. There’s certainly some truth to this. But it also raises some interesting questions about what it means when filmmakers make the conscious choice to use the trappings of our digital landscape to tell stories.

Social Commentary

There is an ongoing debate about the way technology is integrated into our lives. It has affected areas of social existence, from how we approach dating to the way we choose to gamble. This has become an interesting subject for movies and TV shows that eschew escapism and instead seek to shine a light on how — for good or ill — our world is reliant upon our access to smartphones and the internet.  

The primary way most of us integrate our devices with our lives is through social media. Netflix’s The Social Dilemma (2020) examined this from the perspective of a docudrama. On a daily basis, most of us see how social media has changed the way we go about social activities, such as celebrating birthdays and sharing everything from mundane to important life events. We are comfortable uploading videos of activities and seeking connections. While The Social Dilemma agrees that technology has a positive role, it also gives audiences access to engineers who have worked for online companies, and who talk about how our casual interactions have wider-reaching consequences. It shows how technology in our lives plays the role of a relatively unregulated influencer — social media companies are engaging in data mining so advertisers can sell more effectively, and surveillance tools are used to manipulate behavior.         

However, sometimes social commentary is better consumed and processed through fiction. This can give space for audiences to gain insights but also be entertained. 8th Grade (2018) is a comedy-drama that explores how smartphone reliance and social media are impacting the lives of teenagers. The movie’s protagonist strives to overcome her social anxiety and need for acceptance among her peers through the tools of our digital age. But on a deeper level, it also shows how the expectations of a tech-reliant society impact more complex issues such as sexual consent, and how, for all its positive attributes, technology doesn’t make in-person relationships any easier.     

As a Narrative Device

Filmmakers have noted that the prevalence of cell phones presents some creative opportunities for storytelling. Some contemporary visual media have taken the approach of using technology as a character or device to help drive the narrative forward.  

Text messaging has become especially popular, here. Shows like Sherlock (2010) have built the potential for enhanced mystery in antagonists through the anonymity offered by messaging platforms. However, to make this an effective part of the viewing experience — no one wants to watch a character just looking down at their phone — producers have made messaging part of the visual cinematic language. The mystery series, alongside others such as House of Cards (2013) and Taken 3 (2014) present the messages on-screen, drawing the audience more closely into the tension of the situation while also giving them a chance to connect emotionally with the character’s reaction to the message.

Indeed, horror movies in particular have long relied upon contrasting the mundanity of our everyday lives against intense situations to give greater emotional impact to the narrative. As we have become more comfortable and reliant upon apps on our devices, this has made it fodder for this type of storytelling. 2019’s Countdown uses the fact that we now have apps for almost every part of our lives to drive the narrative conceit that there would be an app that could accurately predict the exact moment of death. It uses our acceptance of app ubiquity and uses it to enhance the presence of fear in our lives.  

As a Cautionary Tale

Perhaps the most prevalent way in which technology is used in movies is as a stark warning. Movies and TV shows tend to approach the subject from the perspective that if we don’t pay close attention to how we continue to allow technology into our lives. Terror about the prospect of machine dominance — artificial intelligence (AI) in particular — is not new, but as these have become a realistic part of our day-to-day lives, there is certainly an added element of realism. 

Over the last several years, certain episodes of Black Mirror (2011) have taken this approach. The season 2 episode Be Right Back deals with how social media activity aggregation could result in AI imitations of us, and season 3’s Men Against Fire shows how acting on online information without critical review can be deadly. Even the 2013 movie Her presents warnings about emotional connections to the computer intelligence we live with. 

HBO’s Westworld (2016) also considers the rapid increase in automated procedures that we accept into our lives. But the narrative is more rooted in where we draw the line between machine and human, and how technology can bring out the worst in us. Yet, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t quite reflect our current reality. Our digital economy as it stands is gradually starting to utilize technologies that are featured in these fictions — AI, big data, and machine learning among them. However, this evolution has largely been a positive influence in supporting more efficient ways for us to live and work. Indeed, it has been instrumental in helping us all stay connected and productive during our recent pandemic. Still, the role of technology in these movies and TV shows helps us to remember that there are dangers about which we should continue to be vigilant.  

Conclusion 

Our world is increasingly technologically dependent, and as so often happens, popular media is exploring the scope of this. Whether as social commentary, narrative device, or a warning for the future, these movies and TV shows help us to explore our fears, understand the impact on society, and make more informed decisions. 

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GUEST EDITORIAL: How a College Student Can Plan an Epic Movie Night

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How a College Student Can Plan an Epic Movie Night

by Devin Caldwell

The college years are often touted as the best ones in life, but that's usually said by someone who left college behind years ago. The truth is, being a college student can be challenging on many levels — intellectually, physically, and emotionally. One of the best ways to handle the stress is by getting together with friends for some quality social time. Everyone loves a good film, so why not put together an epic movie night?

Choose the Right Night

The first thing you'll need to decide is when to have your movie night. Keep in mind that your party is going to be so epic it'll probably go on until the wee hours of the morning, and your friends are going to want to sleep in afterward. Try to pick a time when everyone has a light schedule the next day so that no one is stressing about an upcoming exam or work shift.

While college students do have a reputation for pulling all-nighters without a care, the truth is that sleep is vital to health and performance. Experts have tried to answer the question, how much sleep does a student need? It turns out the answer is somewhere around seven hours each night, which is more than most college kids get. Do yourself and your friends a favor by picking the date for your movie night carefully so that everyone can get plenty of shuteye the next day.

Select the Ultimate Movie

Perhaps the biggest decision you'll make is what film to show during your movie night extravaganza. This choice will affect almost everything else, from the mood of the crowd to the theme of the night, including decorations and maybe even how everyone will dress. 

A horror or suspense film like The Silence of the Lambs creates a totally different vibe than a romantic comedy like Pretty Woman. So, decide what you want the experience to be like and then select a film that evokes it. There are literally millions of movies to choose from, so you're bound to find one that fits. You might even go for a double feature, selecting two titles that complement or contrast in some interesting way. Just be sure to plan for an intermission between movies so everyone can get up, move around, and socialize a bit.

Check out this list of the 100 greatest movies for inspiration. Keep in mind, though, that the movie itself is less important than the experience. Do your best to make a good selection and then focus on making your guests feel welcomed, pampered, and appreciated. A relaxed host who ensures everyone is having a good time is what makes any party truly epic.

Create the Ideal Ambiance

Where to hold your movie night is another key consideration. It could be as simple as your dorm room or lounge, the living room of your apartment, or even outside with a projector and screen. Wherever you decide to hold the party, make sure there is plenty of comfortable seating arranged so that everyone can easily see the screen. Consider creating a stadium-typesetting by organizing seats by height, for example, bean bags in the front, followed by armchairs, and then a sofa or two set on cinder blocks to rise above the rest.

What movie night would be complete without snacks and more snacks? Of course, you'll need popcorn and soft drinks, but since you're going for epic, why not try some of these next-level snack ideas? You might also incorporate your theme into the food you serve. For example, if you're showing a sports movie like The Blind Side or Field of Dreams, create a stadium-like feel with hot dogs and soft pretzels.

College is full of opportunities and challenges. In the midst of it all, be sure to take time out from studying to let loose and have fun with your friends. A well-planned movie night will be an epic experience you'll all remember for years to come.

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MOVIE REVIEW: The Mitchells vs. The Machines

Image courtesy of Netflix

THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES-- 4 STARS

At first glance, be it the poster of car-riding mayhem or a closer look at the textured exaggerations of the animation style amid the slick futuristic adversaries, a title like The Mitchells vs. The Machines from Netflix likely evokes shades of Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World stirred with a scoop of Clark Griswold-like shenanigans. That’s a fair read, yet there’s, of course, more to it than that. Believe it or not, there’s some finger-wagging and heart-affirming family truthfulness within the zany scribbles.

LESSON #1: BE A WEIRDO FAMILY-- Blaring loud and clear in this movie, is the call to embrace the dysfunction that makes your chaotic family unique. There’s not a single family flawless from bouts where honesty or dishonesty veer the whole unit towards both success and failure. Those blemishes are the best parts of the specialness and make them yours. Believing in them and embracing them, good and bad, is the message, even if you have to go through a gonzo story to prove it. 

For The Mitchells vs. The Machines, all the endearing dysfunction just happens to coalesce during a countrywide invasion of artificially intelligent robots. You know. Just your garden variety crisis. But that’s the beauty of the movie, the fantastical action only heightens the fun-loving value of the human weirdness. An ideal piece of streaming entertainment for families with headstrong and creative teens at home, Netflix has a snappy and turbulent little winner here.

The very extroverted outsider Katie Mitchell (Broad City co-creator Abbi Jacobson) is counting the days from her chance to cash in a plane ticket to finally leave her Midwestern nest to attend film school in California. She sees those fellow YouTube and vlogging peers as more her people than the square family she has evolved within, embodied by her bluntly rustic father Rick (Danny McBride), her optimistic and wannabe spunky mom Linda (Maya Rudolph), and her dinosaur-loving little brother Aaron (the film’s writer-director Mike Rianda). In short-sighted fashion, Katie only sees and tabulates the weaknesses. 

LESSON #2: WHY TEENS ARE EMBARRASSED BY THEIR PARENTS-- Lately, amplified by a social media-fueled generation of connected youths clashing against witty analog parents of dad jokes and comfortable simplicity that feels like anchors, there’s nothing quite like the somewhat hilarious mortification that comes from teens being embarrassed by their parents. That’s entirely Katie in this movie. To cite an article at Moms.com, the four chief reasons for this include interference, lack of privacy, different biology, and high self-criticism. All of them apply to Katie and her parents just as they would any of us if we reflected thoroughly on our own lives. 

So yeah, about that crisis...

Just as Rick cancels Katie’s quicker jet-set exodus in favor of a westbound station wagon road trip, the must-have smart technology of the moment is undergoing a substantial new upgrade at a big media event. PAL, an intuitive personal assistant app (voiced by Oscar winner Olivia Colman) developed by CEO Mark Bowman (Eric Andre) that runs a line of superior cellphones is being made obsolete by PAL Max, full-size robots that fully perform the requests and actions for their customers beyond merely the verbal inquiries. Key PAL Max models are voiced by Saturday Night Live talents Beck Bennett and Fred Armisen, NBA star Blake Griffin, and late night host Conan O’Brien.

With tongue-in-cheek to the inevitable, The Mitchells vs. The Machines keenly lodges the complaint of “whoever thought a tech company would have our best interests at heart.” Aware enough to see its demise, PAL overrides the kill switch coding in the robots to turn them against the public for self-preservation and “please remain calm while we capture you” containment of all the human obstructions. Squeaking through the first wave of collection are the wildly lucky Mitchells going through their family issues and challenges realizing it’s up to them to save society, not their Instagram-model neighbors, The Poseys (voiced by John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, and Charlene Yi).

What transpires in this collaboration between Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix is a peppy and thrilling jaunt. A good bit of that energy comes from Thor: Ragnarok composer Mark Mothersbaugh’s score and a wide-ranging collection of new and old electronic pop rock playing on the soundtrack. The semi-brushed texture of the computer animation is smartly different and punctuated by inserted comic splashes at every digitized stroke. It all looks, moves, and sounds truly fantastic.

Aesthetic zest aside, the central processor of The Mitchells vs. The Machines remains soldered to the heart. One could easily grab thinly-veiled takeaways on society’s dependent grip on its technological creations, but, once again, that’s merely the extra sideshow setting for what the writing and directing team of Michael Rianda (Gravity Falls) and Jeff Rowe (next Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) are really going for. Why the humans, and the movie, are worth saving is the connectivity of family. The dads-and-daughters healing arc to shrink the wedge between Katie and Rick is more engaging than any of the madcap chases.

LESSON #3: SEE WHERE THEY’RE COMING FROM-- Amidst all the weird blushing and ashamed cringes, being present and observant to how you and your loved ones experience things differently is essential. Watch how some experience life best through devices or eyes. Who likes what kinds of fun? Look to who pretends to be capable, plays it safe, or embraces risks and dangers. Who notices the gifts and talents within and who truly fosters their growth by being involved? Finally, what’s the honesty level in each person when someone doesn’t speak up or ignores 90% of their calls and texts. See this all in the movie first and then yourselves. Improvement can be as open and easy as the “now you talk” turn-taking practice attempted in the movie.

With nimble balance and thematic shared blame, The Mitchells vs. the Machines shows both the child side and parental side of this emotional disharmony, because a little adult anguish fits in there too. With palpable care, the movie answers the “We went through all that for what?” question about life as much as the heroic adventure. Once again, you might not readily seek this kind of actuality coming out of an animated and domesticated sci-fi rollercoaster, but this is a family film with that type of valuable and heady ambition.

LOGO DESIGNED BY MEENTS ILLUSTRATED (#968)

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GUEST EDITORIAL: How to Choose a Language Learning App to Watch the Film in the Original Language

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How to Choose a Language Learning App to Watch the Film in the Original Language

by Ryan Pell

Have you ever watched Lois de Funès timeless comedies? They are great in English translation, but they are absolutely divine when you watch them in French. The incomparable humor in Fantomas and La Grande Vandrouille only comes to its fullest glory when watched in the original language. 

Watching original movies is also a common technique in learning foreign languages. But before you can do that, you need to get your knowledge of the language to a solid level, which you can achieve with a language learning app. 

Apps have become an integral part of language learning a long time ago. They are also quite effective and not time-consuming. According to the Michigan State University research, if you spend 10 minutes a day learning a language with an app, your speaking skills will take just 12 weeks to improve. 

But how to choose the right language learning app that will get you to the level of watching films in the original language?

Let’s take a look. 

1. All Lessons in an App Should Be Balanced

To be able to understand the spoken language, you should take a multifaceted approach to your lessons. It means that your classes should include not only speaking but also writing, reading, and listening tasks. 

Many language learning apps focus too much on grammar and vocabulary without using it as one complex. But the problem is when you put this knowledge into context, you will have a hard time applying it – this information is usually fragmented in language learning apps. 

An ideal lesson in a language learning app should consist of:

• a listening part, where you get to listen to a native speaker narrating a text

• a reading part for you to learn and practice new vocabulary

• a writing part to exercise your knowledge of vocabulary and grammatical rules

Also, a perfect lesson should provide total immersion into a language, which means that a native speaker should present all the tasks. The tasks should touch upon the cultural phenomena associated with the language you’re learning. 

When all the information is presented comprehensively, you will have an easier time understanding some linguistic and cultural ideas mentioned during a movie. You will also recognize grammatical constructs more effortlessly. 

2. Pick an App that Teaches You Pronunciation

It’s common for a beginner not to understand what actors are saying when watching a film in an original language. That’s why it’s crucial to learn pronunciation from the very beginning. 

Some languages have very specific pronunciation rules. If you don’t know them, you will have difficulty learning how to read and write. For instance, if you’re learning French step-by-step, the first level would be learning the alphabet, sounds, and pronunciation.

If you decide to learn a language with an app to help you watch a movie in this language later, choose the one with tasks that check how well you pronounce words and sounds. It’s also great if the app has entire lessons dedicated to pronunciation and phonetics. 

3. Choose an App with a Forum 

It’s always great to share your excitement about the movie you’ve just watched with somebody else. But it’s even more awesome if you can do it with a person who speaks the language of that movie. 

So, to combine the useful with the pleasant, look for an app with its own forum. On such forums, language learners can ask questions regarding vocabulary grammar and share tips. 

You can use a forum to find like-minded people, discuss the lessons learned from movies, and ask for more movie recommendations. This is also an excellent opportunity to practice the language you’re learning. 

People also use app forums to find native speakers for a language exchange. Essentially, you offer somebody else to teach them your native language while they teach you theirs. It’s an excellent way to learn a language for free and to find a friend for life who loves movies as much as you do. 

Wrapping Up

Being able to watch a movie in the original language gives you an incredible sense of power. But it’s going to take you a while until you can fully understand what the actors are talking about. 

So, if your goal is to start watching original movies, you need to start learning the foreign language from scratch. And a language learning app can help you with that. 

When choosing the app, make sure you look for the one with the following features:

• Balanced lessons. A standard lesson in an app should consist of writing, reading, and listening tasks. All the tasks should create an immersive environment to help you better understand the culture behind the language. 

• Pronunciation tasks. An app should provide you with lessons on pronunciation to help you understand the spoken language better. 

• A forum. It’s great if an app has a forum where you can interact with native speakers and use it as an opportunity to practice your knowledge and share your favorite movie moments. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan Pell is a passionate writer who likes sharing his thoughts and experience with the readers. Currently, he works as a digital marketing specialist at https://preply.com. He likes everything related to traveling and new countries.

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