Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Sunday, February 20, 2011

Movie Review: The King's Speech


The 83rd Academy Awards will take place Sunday February 27, 2011. This year, I have seen five of the ten films nominated for Best Picture. I've seen Toy Story 3, Inception, The Social Network, True Grit, and most recently The King's Speech.

The King's Speech tells the story about King George VI of Britain, his unique ascension to the throne, and his battle with a lifelong speech impediment. It is a very uplifting film that shows how perseverance can yield tremendous results. Triumph of the human spirit is the central theme. It's a marvelous film to watch.

The acting is executed with precision and believability by veteran cast members Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter. In the title role of King George VI, Firth shows a vulnerability and frustration that many of us can identify with. He has lived most of his life with a stammer, and is required by his ascension within the monarchy to speak publicly with increasing frequency. 

George's struggle with his stammer and his experiences overcoming his condition with the help of his speech therapist played by Geoffrey Rush, offer an insight into a fascinating historical figure. It is infrequent that a film shows us the personal struggles historical icons face with such honesty and effectiveness.

The attention to detail in the film is astounding. The locations, costumes, and scenery are wonderful to watch. I'm not a big fan of "period films," but I enjoyed The King's Speech. Personally, as a child, I had difficulty pronouncing the letter "L" and regularly visited with a speech therapist myself. That experience aside, I feel that the film is easily accessible to all audiences. Aside from some profanity, the film really is safe for all audiences.

The critics are for the most part, saying that The King's Speech is the favorite to take home the Best Picture Oscar. Based on the nominated films that I have seen, I agree with that prediction. If you have the opportunity to see The King's Speech, I think you should! It's a great affirmation of the human spirit.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Have you seen The King's Speech? Let me know what you thought of the film in the comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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Monday, February 14, 2011

Upcoming 2011 Movies I Am Very Eager To See - Late Winter / Early Spring

There are several movies coming out in the next several weeks that I am just itching to see. So far this year, I've only caught True Grit in the theater. I really enjoyed that film. You can read my review of it here.

It now seems like there several films I would like to go in see the near future. These releases from what I have been able to gain from the trailers could all be grouped potentially in the sci-fi, action, and thriller film genres. I'm  huge fan of action movies, sci-fi, and thrillers. I've especially become fond of international thrillers that I have been able to view on Netflix streaming.

Below I've listed three upcoming films that I am looking forward to seeing. I've offered a brief synopsis of each under each movie poster, and have also provided the movie trailer below that.  Are you eager to see any of these films? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below the post.
I Am Number Four 
Release Date: 2/18/2011

Starring: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Teresa Palmer, and Dianna Agron

Extraordinary teen John Smith (Pettyfer) is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events-his first love (Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny. Synopsis written by Walt Disney Pictures

I Am Number Four looks like it has a lot of promise. It also stars Timothy Olyphant, who I loved in the HBO original series Deadwood, and Dianna Agron, who I enjoy watching in the television series Glee.



The Adjustment Bureau
Release Date: 3/4/2011

Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Terence Stamp, Anthony Mackie, and John Slattery

Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us? Matt Damon stars in the thriller The Adjustment Bureau as a man who glimpses the future Fate has planned for him and realizes he wants something else. To get it, he must pursue the only woman he's ever loved across, under and through the streets of modern-day New York. On the brink of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, ambitious politician David Norris (Damon) meets beautiful contemporary ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt)-a woman like none he's ever known. But just as he realizes he's falling for her, mysterious men conspire to keep the two apart. David learns he is up against the agents of Fate itself-the men of The Adjustment Bureau-who will do everything in their considerable power to prevent David and Elise from being together. In the face of overwhelming odds, he must either let her go and accept a predetermined path... Synopsis written by Universal Pictures

The premise for this film sounds interesting. I'm always interested in films that deal with how our destiny unfolds, and those that try to manipulate it. I'm also a big fan of Matt Damon's work.



Sucker Punch
Release Date: 3/25/2011

Starring: Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, and Vanessa Hudgens

About a little girl who is trying to hide from the pain caused by her evil stepfather and lobotomy. She ends up in a mental institution and while there she starts to imagine an alternative reality. She plans to escape from that imaginary world but to do that she needs to steal five objects before she is caught by a vile man. The story is set in the 1950's.

Out of the three films I have listed, I am most eager to see Sucker Punch. It looks like it is going to have amazing visuals, and I am a huge fan of the film's director, Zack Snyder, who also helmed a couple of my favorite films, Dawn of the Dead (2004), and 300.


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Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Apple Dominates Online Movie Sales, Walmart Is Catching Up


This past year we've seen the online space for filmed entertainment grow leaps and bounds with the further entrenchment of Netflix. It seems like all televisions and entertainment devices have either Netflix or some other connected provider for movies.

In terms of the online sales of movies, Apple currently is dominating the space with 64.5% of total consumer spending on online movies in 2010 according to a report conducted by IHS Screen digest. This figure is down from 74.4% in 2009. In second place, Microsoft is commanding a 17.9% cut of the market, which is up from 11.6% in 2009. Sony placed third with 7.2%, which shows they increased their share from 5.7% in 2009. Remaining competitors in the online movie sales space saw their growth increase from 8.3% in 2009 to 10.4% in 2010.

When looking at the figures, it is evident that the overall online movie market grew, so Apple earned more revenue with online movies in 2010 than it did the previous year, although it lost almost 10% in market share.

One of the biggest competitors to Apple is one that isn't even in the top three yet... Walmart. Industry insiders are predicting that if Walmart (following their purchase of online movie service Vudu) continues its momentum, it will soon be a major player in the online movie market. Walmart's momentum has been helped by the inclusion of the Vudu service in several Blu-Ray DVD players, game systems like the Sony PS3, and various set top boxes.

We'll have to keep our eyes peeled to see who gets the majority of our online movie funds this year. The physical DVD market continues to decline, while the online space continues to grow. As our habits continue to evolve, I hope that services continue to give us more of what we are looking for... current titles, back catalog, and high quality picture and audio.

What do you think about the available online movie services? Have you tried them, and if so, which one is your favorite? Please leave a comment below!

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Sunday, February 06, 2011

Movie Review: Machete


Last night, I had the pleasure of having several friends over to watch some movies at Triangle Movie Night. The first film we watched last evening was director Robert Rodriguez's Machete, the 2010 film starring Danny Trejo, Steven Seagal, Michelle Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, and Robert De Niro.

Danny Trejo plays Machete Cortez. a former Mexican federale that loses everything when he is set up by his own police chief. The film follows his encounter years later with a corrupt senator that has ties to his old boss and enemies. Machete gets fingered as a scapegoat in a tale of political theater, and viciously seeks his retribution. 

I have been a big fan of Robert Rodriguez's films since I first saw Desperado in 1995. Rodriguez's film have a very stylized look and cadence to them. Half spaghetti-western, have exploitation flick, Machete exemplifies all of the things I expect in a Robert Rodriguez film.

The film is certainly not for the faint of heart. There is over-the-top bloody gore pretty much throughout the flick, and there is also a  couple of minutes that feature nudity and sexual content. This film is what I would certainly call a hard R rating. Definitely not suitable for kids. 

The snappy dialog is witty and funny on several occasions. The group of us watching the film laughed out loud several times. The over the top action and dialog is a strong part of why I enjoyed this film. The music is entertaining as well. Machete has his own "action" song that you may catch that is both hilarious and eerily sticks in my head.

Overall, Machete delivers exactly what it should. Non-stop action, irreverent humor and violence, and a touch of sexuality. From what I understand, there is a sequel already in the works. I'll be there to buy a ticket, or at least rent the movie. Long live Machete!

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

If you have seen Machete, what did you think of it? Did you enjoy it? Please let me know in the comment section below!

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Thursday, February 03, 2011

Triangle Movie Night - We Have Our Winners!


The polls have closed. The votes have been counted.

Voters had the opportunity to pick one older movie (pre-2006) and one newer movie to select what movie we will be watching in just two days at the first Triangle Movie Night.

The choices were:

New Releases:
The Social Network
The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest
Machete
Buried
Red

Older films (prior to 2006):
Minority Report
Ronin
Dark City
Enter The Dragon
Gattaca

And the winners are...
Machete (2010)

Ronin (1998)
It is going to be a great night of fun! To check out some previews of the films that we voted on,  and to check out some other film reviews, click on the related posts below.

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Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Movie Night Voting Update - Final Day To Vote!


There is only 1 day left to vote for the movies we will watch at the Triangle Movie Night on February 5, 2011! That's right! The voting closes at 9 am EST on Thursday February 3rd, so make your picks while you can! Visit the event posting page here to vote and for more information!

For the new release selection,  Machete has significantly extended its lead over the competition! Will a flood of votes put one of the runners-up The Social Network or Buried in the top spot?

Ronin still is claiming a 17% lead over the second place Dark City. Can Dark City regain its top of the heap status?

We're picking a newer release movie and an older movie (prior to 2006) to watch. The choices are:

New Releases:
The Social Network
The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest
Machete
Buried
Red

Older films (prior to 2006):
Minority Report
Ronin
Dark City
Enter The Dragon
Gattaca

With only one more day left to vote, I'm hoping to see a lot of activity. I'm excited to see what will emerge as the chosen movie lineup.  Stay tuned, the winners will be posted shortly after 9 am EST Thursday February 3rd.

You may also enjoy the related posts below. Please leave a comment if you have an opinion about any of the films we are considering for viewing.

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Triangle Movie Night: Film Spotlight 5

Triangle Movie Night is coming in four days! We've been voting on what films to watch. We will be watching an older film (prior to 2006) and a newer release. Today, I share the fifth and final grouping of highlights of two potential choices I have offered for viewing at the Triangle Movie Night that I will be hosting on February 5, 2011. I've given a brief synopsis of two film choices here (no spoilers) and included the movie trailers as well.

To see the full list of movies we are voting on, for more information about the event, and to RSVP, please visit the event posting here. Please vote whether or not you will attend the event. Everyone is allowed to vote once. Please choose both an older and a newer film you'd like to see or you happen to enjoy. Voting will close at 9am EST on Thursday, February 3, 2011.

Stars: Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman

Frank (Bruce Willis) is retired, bored and lonely living off his government pension in a nondescript suburb in an equally nondescript house. The only joy in Frank's life are his calls to the government pension processing center when he gets to talk to his case worker Sarah (Mary-Louis Parker). Sarah is as bored and lonely as Frank and marks her conversations with the unknown Frank and her spy novels as the only things fun in her life. When something in Frank's past forces Frank back into his old line of work and puts an unwitting Sarah in the middle of the intrigue, Frank and Sarah begin a journey into Franks past and the people he used to work with. Like Frank they are all RED ... Retired Extremely Dangerous. - Plot summary source: Malcolm is Crazy


Stars: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law

In the not-too-distant future, a less-than-perfect man wants to travel to the stars. Society has categorized Vincent Freeman as less than suitable given his genetic make-up and he has become one of the underclass of humans that are only useful for menial jobs. To move ahead, he assumes the identity of Jerome Morrow, a perfect genetic specimen who is a paraplegic as a result of a car accident. With professional advice, Vincent learns to deceive DNA and urine sample testing. Just when he is finally scheduled for a space mission, his program director is killed and the police begin an investigation, jeopardizing his secret. - Plot summary source: garykmcd



Please comment below if you have seen and enjoy these films or have an opinion about them. Don't forget to head over to the Triangle Movie Night event page to vote and RSVP to attend!

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Monday, January 31, 2011

Movie Night Voting Update - 2 Days Left To Vote!


There are only 2 days left to vote for the movies we will watch at the Triangle Movie Night on February 5, 2011! Visit the event posting page here to vote and for more information!

For the new release selection,  Machete, is still maintaing its lead! Will The Social Network or Buried emerge as the dark horse and knock it from first place?

In a surprising turn of voting events, Ronin has knocked Dark City out of first place in the older film category! Can Dark City regain its lead and end up on top?

We're picking a newer release movie and an older movie (prior to 2006) to watch. The choices are:

New Releases:
The Social Network
The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest
Machete
Buried
Red

Older films (prior to 2006):
Minority Report
Ronin
Dark City
Enter The Dragon
Gattaca

What will emerge as the movie lineup voters have chosen? Stay tuned, and be sure to vote here if you haven't already.

You may also enjoy the related posts below. Please leave a comment if you have an opinion about any of the films we are considering for viewing.

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Triangle Movie Night: Film Spotlight 4

Triangle Movie Night is only five days away! We've been voting on what films to watch. We will be watching an older film (prior to 2006) and a newer release. Today, I share the fourth grouping of highlights with two more potential choices I have offered for viewing at the Triangle Movie Night that I will be hosting on February 5, 2011. I've given a brief synopsis of two film choices here (no spoilers) and included the movie trailers as well.

To see the full list of movies we are voting on, for more information about the event, and to RSVP, please visit the event posting here. Please vote whether or not you will attend the event. Everyone is allowed to vote once. Please choose both an older and a newer film you'd like to see or you happen to enjoy. Voting will close at 9am EST on Thursday, February 3, 2011.

Stars: Ryan Reynolds, José Luis García Pérez, Robert Paterson

Waking groggy in pitch darkness, Paul Conroy, an American truck driver working as a contractor in Iraq in 2006, slowly realizes he is trapped inside a wooden coffin, buried alive. With his cigarette lighter, he can see the trap he is in, and he quickly realizes that there's not enough air for him to live long. He finds within the coffin a working cellphone, which allows him contact with the outside world. But the outside world proves not to be very helpful at finding a man buried in a box in the middle of the Iraqi desert. Paul must rely on his best resource--himself. - Plot summary source: Jim Beaver



Stars: Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Kien Shih

A martial arts expert is recruited to infiltrate a drug operation under the guise of taking part in an invitational competition sponsored by the one handed crime boss. This was Bruce Lee's most popular film in the west. - Plot summary source: Keith Loh



Please comment below if you have seen and enjoy these films or have an opinion about them. Don't forget to head over to the Triangle Movie Night event page to vote and RSVP to attend!

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Movie Night Voting Update - 3 Days Left To Vote!


There are only 3 days left to vote for the movies we will watch at the Triangle Movie Night on February 5, 2011! Visit the event posting page here to vote and for more information!

For the new release selection,  Machete, has edged ahead as the leader! Will it continue to dominate, or will another title take it out of the top spot?

The results for the older film to watch right now are still showing Dark City with a strong lead over the other selections! Can any older film choice offered dethrone Dark City?

We're picking a newer release movie and an older movie (prior to 2006) to watch. The choices are:

New Releases:
The Social Network
The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest
Machete
Buried
Red

Older films (prior to 2006):
Minority Report
Ronin
Dark City
Enter The Dragon
Gattaca

What will emerge as the movie lineup voters have chosen? Stay tuned, and be sure to vote here if you haven't already.

You may also enjoy the related posts below. Please leave a comment if you have an opinion about any of the films we are considering for viewing.

Update:
There has been some increased activity for The Social Network, and Ronin.

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Movie Review: Frozen


Last night, I was looking for a food thriller to watch. It had been a few days since I had taken a look at what was available on Netflix, so I decided to take a look.

One of the most recently streaming thrillers on Netflix is the 2010 thriller Frozen.

Frozen was written and directed by Adam Green, stars Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell, and Kevin Zegers, and chronicles three friends on a snowboard trip. Through a series of circumstances, they become stranded on a chairlift, high above the mountain surface after the ski resort closes. They are then forced to make the choice between freezing to death by staying in the chairlift or peril from the attempt at getting down from such an extreme height.

This film is a gripping psychological thriller. In some ways, its similar to Open Water, in that there is no human adversary (with the exception of the characters battling their own psyches.)  It is not gory, although there is a bit of blood. Essentially, it's a true human versus nature survival story. While watching this movie, you really start thinking, "what would I do in this situation?"

The scenarios that the friends must go through are disturbing to ponder. You may yourself squirming while observing the adversity that they are up against to survive. The human mind often functions ineffectively when it is faced with potentially tragic outcomes.

The acting is fairly good, and a good job is done at portraying the emotional turmoil that the characters are going through. The rustic and mountainous locations are shot very nicely with very nice picture quality.

If you're looking for a movie that builds tension well, and will have you on the edge of your seat, Frozen is for you. It isn't an excellent film, but it succeeds at pulling the viewer into the perilous situation that the main character face.

I enjoyed the film, but as I mentioned above, it is nothing novel or groundbreaking. There are a few continuity errors that I easily noticed. My recommendation is to go ahead and give this film a try. You may enjoy it.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

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Triangle Movie Night: Film Spotlight 3

Triangle Movie Night is coming in just six days! We've been voting on what films to watch. We will be watching an older film (prior to 2006) and a newer release. Today, I am sharing the third set of highlights with two more potential choices I have offered for viewing at the Triangle Movie Night that I will be hosting on February 5, 2011. I've given a brief synopsis of two film choices here (no spoilers) and included the movie trailers as well.

To see the full list of movies we are voting on, for more information about the event, and to RSVP, please visit the event posting here. Please vote whether or not you will attend the event. Everyone is allowed to vote once. Please choose both an older and a newer film you'd like to see or you happen to enjoy. Voting will close at 9am EST on Thursday, February 3, 2011.

Stars: Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Robert De Niro

After being betrayed by the organization who hired him, an ex-Federale launches a brutal rampage of revenge against his former boss.



Stars: Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly

A man struggles with memories of his past, including a wife he cannot remember, in a nightmarish world with no sun and run by beings with telekinetic powers who seek the souls of humans.



Please comment below if you have seen and enjoy these films or have an opinion about them. Don't forget to head over to the Triangle Movie Night event page to vote and RSVP to attend!

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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Movie Night Voting Update - 4 Days Left To Vote!


There are only 4 days left to vote for the movies we will watch at the Triangle Movie Night on February 5, 2011! Visit the event posting page here to vote and for more information!

For the new release selection, we still have a four-way tie for first place between: The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest, Machete, Buried, and Red.

The results for the older film to watch right now are still showing Dark City with a strong lead over the other selections!

We're picking a newer release movie and an older movie (prior to 2006) to watch. The choices are:

New Releases:
The Social Network
The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest
Machete
Buried
Red

Older films (prior to 2006):
Minority Report
Ronin
Dark City
Enter The Dragon
Gattaca

Will Dark City be dethroned? How will the results shake out? Stay tuned, and be sure to vote here if you haven't already.

You may also enjoy the related posts below. Please leave a comment if you have an opinion about any of the films we are considering for viewing.

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Triangle Movie Night: Film Spotlight 2

Triangle Movie Night is coming in just one short week! We've been voting on what films to watch. We will be watching an older film (prior to 2006) and a newer release. Today, I am sharing highlights of two more potential choices I have offered for viewing at the Triangle Movie Night that I will be hosting on February 5, 2011. I've given a brief synopsis of two film choices here (no spoilers) and included the movie trailers as well.

To see the full list of movies we are voting on, for more information about the event, and to RSVP, please visit the event posting here. Please vote whether or not you will attend the event. Everyone is allowed to vote once. Please choose both an older and a newer film you'd like to see or you happen to enjoy. Voting will close at 9am EST on Thursday, February 3, 2011.

Stars: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre

In this adaptation of the popular Stieg Larson novel that concludes the Millenium trilogy, Lisbeth Salander is recovering in a hospital and awaiting trial for three murders when she is released. Mikael Blomkvist must prove her innocence, but Lisbeth must be willing to share the details of her sordid experiences with the court.



Stars: Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natasha McElhone

Ronin is the Japanese word used for Samurai without a master. In this case, the Ronin are outcast specialists of every kind, whose services are available to everyone - for money. Dierdre (undoubtedly from Ireland) hires several Ronin to form a team in order to retrieve an important suitcase from a man who is about to sell it to the Russians. After the mission has been completed successfully, the suitcase immediately gets switched by a member of the team who seems to work into his own pocket. The complex net of everyone tricking everyone begins to surface slowly, and deadly... - Plot summary source: Julian Reischl



Please comment below if you have seen and enjoy these films or have an opinion about them. Don't forget to head over to the Triangle Movie Night event page to vote and RSVP to attend!

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Friday, January 28, 2011

Movie Night Voting Update - 5 Days Left To Vote!


There are only 5 days left to vote for the movies we will watch at the Triangle Movie Night on February 5, 2011! Visit the event posting page here to vote and for more information!

So far, for the new release selection, there is a four-way tie for first place between: The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest, Machete, Buried, and Red.

The results for the older film to watch right now are showing Dark City with a strong lead over the competition!

We're picking a newer release movie and an older movie (prior to 2006) to watch. The choices are:

New Releases:
The Social Network
The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest
Machete
Buried
Red

Older films (prior to 2006):
Minority Report
Ronin
Dark City
Enter The Dragon
Gattaca

How will the results shake out? Stay tuned, and be sure to vote here if you haven't already.

You may also enjoy the related posts below. Please leave a comment if you have an opinion about any of the films we are considering for viewing.

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Triangle Movie Night: Film Spotlight 1

Triangle Movie night is fast approaching. We've been voting on what films to watch. We will be watching an older film (prior to 2006) and a newer release. For the next five days, I will be highlighting choices I have offered for viewing at the Triangle Movie Night that I will be hosting on February 5, 2011. I've given a brief synopsis of two film choices here (no spoilers) and included the movie trailers as well.

To see the full list of movies we are voting on, for more information about the event, and to RSVP, please visit the event posting here. Please vote whether or not you will attend the event. Everyone is allowed to vote once. Please choose both an older and a newer film you'd like to see or you happen to enjoy. Voting will close at 9am EST on Thursday, February 3, 2011.



Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake

On a fall night in 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius Mark Zuckerberg sits down at his computer and heatedly begins working on a new idea. In a fury of blogging and programming, what begins in his dorm room soon becomes a global social network and a revolution in communication. A mere six years and 500 million friends later, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in history... but for this entrepreneur, success leads to both personal and legal complications. - Plot summary source: Columbia Pictures



Stars: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell

In the year 2054 A.D. crime is virtually eliminated from Washington D.C. thanks to an elite law enforcing squad "Precrime". They use three genetically altered humans (called "Pre-Cogs") with special powers to see into the future and predict crimes beforehand. John Anderton heads Precrime and believes the system's flawlessness steadfastly. However one day the Pre-Cogs predict that Anderton will commit a murder himself in the next 36 hours. Worse, Anderton doesn't even know the victim. He decides to get to the mystery's core by finding out the 'minority report' which means the prediction of the female Pre-Cog Agatha that "might" tell a different story and prove Anderton innocent. - Plot summary source: Soumitra



Please comment below if you have seen and enjoy these films or have an opinion about them. DOn't forget to head over to the Triangle Movie Night event page to vote and RSVP to attend!

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Will ISP Caps And Charges Conquer Netflix?


I love Netflix. other than DVR technology, no single service has changed how I consume video content. The capability to view movies and television shows on demand on many devices for one low monthly price is extremely useful and cost-effective.

In the last couple of years, Netflix has made a major push towards having its platform available on multiple devices including televisions, game systems, set-top boxes, and mobile phones. Along with inroads from other services such as Hulu, this effort has increased the popularity of streaming video content over the internet.

Netflix has consistently adding movies and television series to its streaming service. The only complaint I have is that there are many movies currently released on DVD that are not yet present. I realize that the entertainment industry is very strict with their release windows and that someday this issue may be resolved. I have found myself watching a lot of quality films that I hadn't heard of. Foreign thrillers are one of my new favorite film genres. There are a lot of great documentaries as well that I have watched.

Due to the nature of internet video streaming, consumers are generating much more demand on the connections of their Internet Service Providers (ISP's.) Due to this increase in traffic, there has been a lot of chatter about ISP's enforcing capacity ceilings on the amount of data consumers can use each month. There has also been discussion about implementing structures that charge consumers per gigabyte of usage. Potentially, those that utilize services like Netflix streaming could see higher internet bills than those that do not use the service.

In a letter (PDF) that Netflix distributed on January 26, 2011 to its shareholders along with its latest financial report, they claim that an obstacle to the success of their company is the potential "move by wires ISP's to shift consumers to pay-per-gigabyte models instead of the current unlimited up-to-a-large-cap approach." Netflix asserts that they hope that ISP's do not take that route, and will continue to promote the continuation of the unlimited-up-to-a-large-cap model. They further assert that wired ISP's costs to deliver one hour of viewing over their network costs them less than a penny, and that price is falling. This clearly says that the ISP's motive for pricing with a per-gigabyte model is economically unnecessary.

Personally, I don't want my ISP to charge me more than they already do. Leave my ability to enjoy Netflix alone!

What do you think about ISP's going to a per-gigabyte pricing model? Do you think it's fair? Do the ISP's make enough money as it is?  Are you a Netflix customer? Please leave your comments below! I'd love to hear from you.
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Monday, January 24, 2011

Movie Review: The Other Guys


When The Other Guys hit the theaters, I thought it looked pretty funny. I have liked most of what Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg have done in their film careers thus far. The film also boasts a laundry list of great stars: Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, as well as the attractive Eva Mendes.

My like or dislike for a movie directly corresponds to whether or not it keeps my interest enough to keep me from falling asleep. I started watching this movie at around 9:30 pm last night, definitely not late for me. I would say I was asleep by 10:30 pm. Not too promising. I finished watching the movie this morning, and here are my observations:

It seems like with all the star power in this film, there was a lot of potential for hilarity to ensue. This was not the case. Although the film did have several funny moments, and many catchphrases (pimps don't cry) and on-liners that may be memorable, the film fell flat in its delivery. The dialog seemed forced. Not a good trait for a comedy. It seemed very much like the actors were trying so hard to make it funny. You can almost see it. When delivering lines, you could actually tell that what you were hearing was meant to be funny. For the most part, the humor did not register. 

The film focuses on the antics of two disgraced New York City cops Allen Gamble (Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Wahlberg) that have been funneled into jobs as paper pushers at their local precinct. The two characters hate each other, and are forced to look past their differences when they take on a high-profile investigation as partners.

The film was directed by Adam McKay, who prior to film directing was known primarily for his comedy writing for several Saturday Night Live sketches, as well as for creating several comedy shorts on the website Funny Or Die. He also wrote and directed a  pair of Will Ferrell's previous films: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, both of which I thought were pretty funny.

This movie wasn't horrible. If I had to sum it up, I would say it was a mediocre letdown. It could have been much better. My favorite part of the film is the characters that Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson play, and they are only in the first 30 minutes or so of the movie.

My recommendation is, when it hits Netflix streaming or cable, go ahead and give it a watch. I would recommend saving your rental and purchasing dollars for better movies.

My Rating: 2.5 out of 5 Stars

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