Movies Today » admin http://www.moviestoday.org classics tomorrow Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 A Study On How Parts Of Movies Become Memes http://www.moviestoday.org/2011/09/21/a-study-on-how-parts-of-movies-become-memes/ http://www.moviestoday.org/2011/09/21/a-study-on-how-parts-of-movies-become-memes/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.moviestoday.org/&p=53 For generations, popular culture has been influenced by many things. While generations of the past were vastly effected by elements directly around them, modern society has produced numerous widespread facets in which popular culture gets influenced. Among one of the most common of these facets is through movies.

Movies provide many elements that prove appealing to the masses. From the actors that the movie contains, to the various visually appealing special effects, there are many things that draw audiences to this billion dollar industry on an annual basis.Want more? Click here/tag Through this popularity, memes get created from various parts of movies that get out into the mainstream. Below are some of the most common ways that parts of movies become memes.

Word of Mouth

When a particular movie comes out and has a big opening weekend, chances are audiences will be talking about it after they have seen it. Memes are commonly created when a specific aspect of the movie is popular among the masses and shared with everyone, even those who have not yet seen the movie,

Media

The media is a powerhouse when it comes to influence. Particular scenes or catch phrases from a movie can go viral over-night if they appear on a popular media outlet.

]]> http://www.moviestoday.org/2011/09/21/a-study-on-how-parts-of-movies-become-memes/feed/ 0 Top 10 Cult Hits In The Past 10 Years http://www.moviestoday.org/2011/09/09/top-10-cult-hits-in-the-past-10-years/ http://www.moviestoday.org/2011/09/09/top-10-cult-hits-in-the-past-10-years/#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.moviestoday.org/&p=52 Most people do like a good Hollywood movie, but in the past 10 years there have been movies that have turned previously uninterested individuals into movie fanatics. These movies have captured the attention of the planet for one reason or the other and continue to rake in the cash in DVD sales.

Although there were very few surprises with regards to the actors and actresses that these movies had to offer movie goers, the scripts were nothing short of amazing.

At the tail end of this list if the critically acclaimed Children of Men closely followed by the cultic Avatar, which was released in 2009.

As expected, there was something in the decade that was directed towards the young and the young at heart in the form of How To Train Your Dragon. This movie had its own brand of humor and was adequately balanced out by the Inception released in 2010.

Yet another movie for the adult audience to enjoy came in the form of No Country For Old Men an exceptional movie indeed.

The next movie that truly made its mark on audiences far and wide was aptly named The Dark Knight starring the late Heath Ledger who won an Oscar for his role as the Joker.

The Social Network also made an impact globally what with social networking sites going viral the world over.
However, some of the top spots are reserved for children’s movies in the form of Up and Toy Story 3, but as expected the Lord of The Rings- The Two Towers could not go unmentioned as one of the movies of the decade.If you like what you see, keep going: On-Set “Dark Knight Rises” Photos Have Revealed Bane’s Costume, And It’s Going To Give You Nightmares

]]> http://www.moviestoday.org/2011/09/09/top-10-cult-hits-in-the-past-10-years/feed/ 0 Top 10 Cult Hits Of 2010 http://www.moviestoday.org/2011/08/27/top-10-cult-hits-of-2010/ http://www.moviestoday.org/2011/08/27/top-10-cult-hits-of-2010/#comments Sat, 27 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.moviestoday.org/&p=51 What is a cult film? A cult film is a movie that may or may not have been a big hit while in theaters but gained a large following once released. The Top 10 Cult Films are as follows.
Number ten is Grown Ups starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider. Five men who were friends as children go on vacation together.
Number nine is Stargate Universe starring Robert Carlyle.
Number eight is Jonah Hex starring Josh Brolin and John Malkovich. Is a story of a gunslinger that is offered freedom, if he stops a terrorist.
Number seventh is The Hurt Locker, a story about soldiers who disarm bombs during battle.
Number six is Killers starring Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl. A married couple learns surprising things of each other.
Number five is The A-Team, a remake of the original.
Number four is Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time starring Jake Gylenhaal.
Number three is Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole
Number two is The Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan.
And number one is Toy Story 3, with the voice talents of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack.What’s 1 more click? Your boss isn’t watching… Ashton Kutcher — MASSIVE Trailer on ‘Men’ Set

]]> http://www.moviestoday.org/2011/08/27/top-10-cult-hits-of-2010/feed/ 0 Catch Bond on TV This Summer http://www.moviestoday.org/2011/05/31/catch-bond-on-tv-this-summer/ http://www.moviestoday.org/2011/05/31/catch-bond-on-tv-this-summer/#comments Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.moviestoday.org/?p=45 If you love James Bond (and who doesn’t?) it’s a great idea to get a provider that has some of the classics on demand. Look up these great Bond films on http://www.directstartv.com/ or see when they’re playing on your local stations…
Dr. No – One of the first Bond films and starring the illustrious and arguably best Bond, Sean Connery, this flick has it all: world travels, women and wine.
Live and Let Die: One of Roger Moore’s first Bond installments, this feature had mixed reviews but great commercial success and still makes for great viewing today.
The World is Not Enough: Perhaps the best known of Pierce Brosnan’s Bond films, this was one of the most successful movies of all time within the genre.
Quantum of Solace: Starring Daniel Craig, the first blonde Bond, this installment was hyped for being a bit too modern and not charming enough…but we still love it.

This is just a short list of the James Bond movies likely playing near you – keep an eye out and catch up on your Bond!

]]> http://www.moviestoday.org/2011/05/31/catch-bond-on-tv-this-summer/feed/ 0 The new Predators http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/10/01/the-new-predators/ http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/10/01/the-new-predators/#comments Fri, 01 Oct 2010 12:00:17 +0000 admin http://www.moviestoday.org/?p=12 Since the original Predator film, we’ve known that one Predator can wreak havoc when it comes to earth. But what happens when there’s more than one predator? And oh, did we forget to mention, when the humans are on an alien planet?The plot for Predators is a continuation, and not a remake, of the originals. Now there are two different types of predators: the original predator, and a much larger, stronger predator. Chosen for their impressive killing skills, the human group, including actors/actresses such as Adrien Brody (King Kong), Alice Braga (I am Legend), Walton Goggins (Justified), and Topher Grace (That ’70s Show), have been brought to the predators’ training ground. After losing two of their kind to humans, it seems the predators are looking to improve their hunting skills.Directed by Nimrod Antal (Vacancy) and produced by Robert Rodriguez (Machete) the new Predators is full of gore and hair-raising scenes. Although it was strange to add a new type of predator, the film continues the story well. Rodriguez and Antal recreate the predators’ hunting rituals, heat sensing and camouflage abilities perfectly, and fans will feel the killers are accurately represented.While it’s hard to compete with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brody as Royce is a good second. Royce’s mercenary skills make him a ruthless killer, and he wastes no time in setting traps and taking the predators down. While the other actors present interesting characters, particularly the crazy Noland (Laurence Fishburne), the presence of Topher Grace is questionable. Grace’s character, Edwin, does provide an unsuspecting and twisted conclusion; however, the actor better suits comedic roles, such as That ’70s Show.For staying true to the original predators, and for capturing the suspense and graphic content of the classics, Predators is worth watching. The movie is far better than the AVP: Aliens vs. Predators films, and can easily be considered the best predator movie since Predator 2.

]]> http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/10/01/the-new-predators/feed/ 0 The new James Bond http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/09/24/the-new-james-bond/ http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/09/24/the-new-james-bond/#comments Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:00:47 +0000 admin http://www.moviestoday.org/?p=10 Known for his charm, driving luxurious cars, and the ability to escape every life-threatening trap, James Bond is one of Hollywood’s most legendary characters. From 1962 till 2002, James Bond has been played by five different actors: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan. However, after a four year break, 2006 saw the release of a new generation of Bond films. Starring Daniel Craig as Bond, Casino Royale takes viewers back to the beginning of James Bond. . . just with a modern day context.In order to defeat the villain Le Chiffre, Bond has to enter the Montenegro casino tournament. If he wins, he’ll leave the criminal with nothing, and MI6 will protect Chiffre in exchange for what he knows. However, Bond is young and reckless, often disobeying M’s (Judi Dench) orders and landing himself in life threatening situations. Even though he has the help of Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) and Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), the movie keeps you guessing: will Bond’s uncontrollable behavior ruin his first mission as a 00 agent or will he pull through in the end?It’s difficult to comment on this latest Bond film. Truthfully, Casino Royale is different from the previous films. What makes the new Bond so distinctive is its focus on a storyline. Not to say the original movies didn’t have a story, but they were filled with action-packed scenes and Bond’s multiple “relationships” with the female cast.However, Craig only has two fast paced action scene: an exhilarating chase through construction sites, and a car chase after Vesper. As for the “relationships,” outside of Vesper, Bond seduces only one lady (whom he leaves before sealing the deal). True, the audience is kept in suspense when Bond almost dies, and again when he’s tortured by Le Chiffre, but Casino Royale is mostly a love story vs. an action film. And not to get too technical, but if this is the first bond, where’s Miss Moneypenny? For that matter, where’s Q?Yet, the story change isn’t necessarily a bad thing. This is the beginning of the Bond stories, so he’s not the same James we’ve known and loved for years. And while Sean Connery is difficult to compete with, Daniel Craig does play Bond well. Not only does Craig have the charm, but he gives James depth, leaving us with an understanding of how Bond becomes the untrusting, but successful 007 agent.If you can remain opened minded, and view Casino Royale for what it is (the start of a new generation of Bond films), it’s a great movie.

]]> http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/09/24/the-new-james-bond/feed/ 0 The Dark Knight http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/09/17/the-dark-knight/ http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/09/17/the-dark-knight/#comments Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:00:26 +0000 admin http://www.moviestoday.org/?p=8 Starting with the phenomenal acting, and carrying through to the dark storyline, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight has the edge on the original Batman film. It’s not that easy of a statement to make. Tim Burton (Corpse Bride) does bring an element of darkness into the story, and Jack Nicholson brings out the Joker’s quirky, clownish nature. However, the 1989 cast portrays the Batman characters with a literal interpretation, whereas Nolan’s cast takes the literal portrait, and goes deeper.Following Batman Begins, The Dark Knight shows Batman feeling the weight of his role. With Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) as the new District Attorney, Bruce considers giving Batman a rest; that is, until the Joker comes along. The definition of psychotic, he turns the city upside down, and it’s up to Batman to stop him. The storyline truly is dark, placing characters in, what Roger Ebert describes, as ethical dilemmas that don’t have an easy solution (Rogerebert.com).Nolan cast brings a new level to the Batman story. When I first heard Heath Ledger was playing the Joker, I’ll admit, I was skeptical. While the late actor was phenomenal in Brokeback Mountain, he was commonly known for his roles in romantic comedies (Cassanova, 10 Things I Hate about You). However, Heath Ledger was the most impressive Joker to date. From the nervous, tongue movements to the interchanging stories for his smile, Ledger never let go of his character. As a result, he captures the role of a lunatic better than Nicholson did.Christian Bale (Equilibrium) is equally successful; portraying a more tormented Batman than Michael Keaton. Plus he is the only actor to give Batman a different voice from Bruce Wayne. Batman’s deeper tone not only shows he’s darker than the previous depictions, but slightly separates the vigilante from his alter ego. Ever wondered how Batman’s lovers never notice that Bruce Wayne and Batman have the same voice? Me too.The same tortured personality can be found in Harvey Dent. Eckhart plays the good guy striving for justice, but also suggests there’s an untouched personality lurking in the background. When Harvey falls, that second personality arises, and Eckhart captures the torment and desperation well. Other star cast members include Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman.With Nolan’s film we see a different side of Batman. Bringing the graphic novels to life, The Dark Knight will not disappoint Batman’s followers. In-fact, I think it will leave them screaming “FINALLY!”

]]> http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/09/17/the-dark-knight/feed/ 0 The nightmare returns http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/09/10/the-nightmare-returns/ http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/09/10/the-nightmare-returns/#comments Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:00:57 +0000 admin http://www.moviestoday.org/?p=6 Since 1984, Freddy Krueger has haunted audiences’ dreams. The biggest reason for Nightmare’s success comes from Robert Englund, the actor who played Freddy in all seven films, as well as the 2003 Freddy vs. Jason. With the release of the 2010 version of A Nightmare on Elm Street, viewers were curious as to how Jackie Haley would compare.Alongside a new Freddy, the film has a new director. Samuel Bayer, a director of music videos till now, took on the role of reinventing Freddy. And when it surfaced that Michael Bay, the man responsible for Transformers and Pearl Harbor, was the new producer, excitement flared.The plot was relatively the same as the previous Nightmare films. Freddy is seeking revenge against the families that took his life. The killer accomplishes this goal by slipping into the dreams of those who got him in trouble and killing them. The character’s names are different from the original, except for Nancy that is. With nothing but a new last name, her character is almost identical to Nancy Thompson.The biggest disappointment came from the murders themselves. The original movies show unique, albeit horrifying deaths for Freddy’s dreamers. I know we can all remember the scene from A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, where Freddy pulls a girl into the TV screaming, “Welcome to Prime Time.”However, this movie takes those scenes out, leaving us with a view of the tortured teens rather than their imaginative murders. Well, that is excluding that final murder, which is by far the best one.As for Freddy Krueger himself, he didn’t look like the same. Haley’s makeup made this 2010 Freddy look more like an alien life-form, than a burned human.Overall, the greatness of the Nightmare classics remain untouched. The film lacks the creativity present in the Wes Craven films. And having taken Freddy out of this world, and not in the good way, this film is a disappointment to all Nightmare fans.

]]> http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/09/10/the-nightmare-returns/feed/ 0 Alice in Wonderland http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/09/03/alice-in-wonderland/ http://www.moviestoday.org/2010/09/03/alice-in-wonderland/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:15:50 +0000 admin http://www.moviestoday.org/?p=4 While 3D technology has been present for years, it has grown in popularity. Few movies, whether it is A Christmas Carol or Resident Evil: Afterlife remain untouched by 3D moviemaking. Now with the combination of Tim Burton’s (Beetle Juice) eerie touch and 3D technology, Alice in Wonderland brings the bizarre world of Wonderland to life.Unlike the 1951 animated movie, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) is an adventure seeking, unconventional teenager. While she doesn’t remember her fall down the rabbit hole, the teen constantly dreams of the journey. However, after spotting the White Rabbit, Alice falls again, finding herself immersed in Wonderland once more. Things have changed since her last visit, and it is up to Alice to take this kooky land out of misery and darkness.While the original Disney film captures Alice’s curious and chatty personality, her friends appear crazy, but vastly subdued. Through Tim Burton’s retelling, the insanity and complexity of the Wonderland characters are revealed.Johnny Depp, whose talents have been seen in the Pirates of the Caribbean films as well as Edward Scissorhands, brings the lunacy of the Mad Hatter to life. Whether it’s his changing eye color, or the arrival of his eerie, Scottish accent, Depp portrays a Hatter whose multiple personalities are out of control.As for the White Queen, Anne Hathaway does well at portraying the delicacy and kindness of Royalty, but adds a slightly scheming side, as well. The additional touch shows that no one in Wonderland is untouched by its dark and peculiar surroundings.However, the Red Queen does diverge from the book. In Carroll’s version, the Red Queen never claims her victims’ heads: she only threatens to. Burton’s Red Queen (Helena Bonham-Carter) has a darker side, and her insecurities over her large head are transformed into her literal taking of others. While it is a twist on the original character, it highlights a different level of insanity- the kind that comes from one’s own insecurities.As for the CGI Blue Caterpillar and Cheshire Cat their disappearing qualities have never appeared more lifelike. In-fact, the graphics and 3D technology add the perfect, last touch; particularly in the scenery. From the oddly shaped trees and buildings to the overgrown mushrooms, Wonderland is transformed into a dreary, un-kept, and. . . well, mad place!Those who enjoyed the books will love Burton’s new film. While it doesn’t retell the plot word for word, the characters’ insanities and the 3D and CGI effects touch on the dark side of Lewis Carroll’s beloved story.

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