Brad's Tiny World » great actor

Spider-Man Movie Review

Brad — Fri, 14 May 2010 08:30:13 +0000

Aside from the first 45 minutes of this film which puts an easily identifiable adolescent spin on the superhero genre, there’s nothing in this film that’s been done any differently in other big superhero origin films, with the most direct example being the original Christopher Reeve Superman. It basically follows the same plot and for me it just didn’t differentiate itself enough to make it something special. As a result, I came out of the film feeling like I hadn’t really seen anything new, nor did I feel, apart from the arbitrary plot devices which create Spiderman, that this film establishes Spiderman at least in context with other superhero films with which it competes.

No doubt the vast majority of the audience disagrees as it was one of the most popular blockbusters of recent times, breaking countless records including the first film to exhume over $100 million at the US box office in its opening weekend. It all appears quite faithful to the comic book. The CGI rendering of Spiderman himself is flawlessly done; you’d think they got a stunt man to swing around the dizzying heights of the New York skyline.

The first 45 minutes of this film are the strongest. We are introduced to Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) and his life as the nerdy teenager, in love with the gorgeous Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) but never really able to catch her attention. We see a lot of things that as an adolescent (particularly a male adolescent) can relate to, including the various plans Parker puts in to place to try and catch her attention. You see his interactions with classmates who bully him, but after he gets his spidey-powers, all of a sudden it’s the ultimate nerd fantasy with Parker being able to utilise his new powers to defend himself and catch the attention of the girl.

Everything else about the film is mediocre at best. I’m the first to say that Tobey Maguire doesn’t do much for me. He plays the nerd part of Peter Parker sufficiently, but he doesn’t seem to have much depth in his acting abilities (shock horror, I’m asking for depth in a film like this…). Kirsten Dunst is quite good as the love interest as is James Franco, Peter’s best friend.

The villain was a disappointment. Willem Dafoe is a great actor and does a really great job of portraying the psychotic Norman Osborne/Green Goblin, especially in the scene where he is talking to himself in the mirror, but the overall design of the Goblin is just silly. I’m sure it looked great in the comic books but not being able to see his face is a huge problem; he just isn’t menacing.

After that first act, the film really does go in to the standard conventions of the superhero defeating the villain, but it doesn’t really resonate much because we’ve seen it all before, only we’re seeing Spiderman do it. I just wished they had done something to really define Spiderman away from the other superhero films (as there’s been many now). It also would have been nice to see the film in the full widescreen format. A film of this scale tries to be an epic and not shooting it in that format negates that aspect. Also, because I was getting fidgety and bored by the end, I happened to notice a whole bunch of continuity problems in the final scene between Peter and Mary Jane; watch the movement of her hand on Peter’s face throughout this scene, it’s all over the place!

Overall, it’s partly fun and entertaining, fresh in parts, but overall, nothing really special.

Author: Alex Demattia
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Celebrities And Their Love Of Tattoos

BradHart — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:29:38 +0000

It isn’t really surprising to learn that countless celebrities love tattoos, nor is it surprising that those who are in the public eye and in the media can have quite a significant influence on the American population’s fascination with tattoos. The stars have a variety of tattoos, and so pretty much all of their fans crave tattoos also.

For celebrities, age is not a real factor; older stars just like the younger ones have them too. We know all of these people well – but how much do we identify with the distinctive styles of artwork they choose?

One of America’s greatest movie stars, Robert DeNiro, has appeared in movies sporting no few tattoos. Whether or not his fans work out that they are only accessories for his films, the fact is in real life Robert DeNiro has only one tattoo, that of a black panther.

Another great actor who shows off assorted tattoos in his movies is Johnny Depp; however all of his, are real. Bruce Willis also has a few tattoos; notably the symbol of his movie “Die Hard.”

Tattoos have been in style for a very long time with the top musicians who can sport the largest number and most radical and hardcore of designs. The former teen idol Justin Timberlake has a guardian angel, amongst others. Rapper Eminem has more tattoos than you can shake a stick at, including his daughter’s name and his own. The wording on Keith Urban’s wrist, “Omni Vincit Amor” is Latin for ‘Love Conquers All;’ he also has an eagle on one arm.

Sports celebrities also known to go for tattoos. Michael Jordan has his fraternity symbol tattooed above his heart, whilst Dennis Rodman is a virtual canvas of artwork.

Not to be outdone, numerous female stars also show assorted degrees of artwork. Young actress Drew Barrymore is basically a canvas full of tattoos and it is said that she created the larger part of the designs herself. Reese Witherspoon is a little more subtle, wearing only one small star tattoo which is hardly ever visible.

Pamela Anderson has a variety of tattoos also, the most notable of these being the word ‘Mommy’ on one finger, which reportedly used to read ‘Tommy.’ Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has five stars to represent every member of her family, her husband’s initials, and the traditional Jewish phrase ‘I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.’

Some of the modern supermodels also brandish tattoos. Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, and Stephanie Seymour all have these changeless forms of fashion accessories. Many supermodels who opt for tattoos show fewer and smaller designs than celebrities in other fields. While very many celebrities have worn tattoos for a very long time, the popularity of tattoos amongst stars has been increasing, both in the group of celebrities who carry them and the multitude of tattoos that they wear. Only a very few have just one tattoo. More and more are taking on a generous bunch of tattoos as well as more visible tattoos, using skin as a canvas for nearly unlimited varieties of ageless artwork.

As celebrities show off their love of tattoos, and this is picked up by the media, it presents an ever-increasing influence for their fans, especially amongst the younger fans, who want to do likewise. As with anything else that stars do in the public eye, their influence with tattoos helps this form of artwork become more widespread, more trendy, and more acceptable to most of the American population altogether.

Author: Mark F Hargreaves
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: PCB Prototype & Manufacturing

Fascinating Facts About Mexico

BradHart — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:48:49 +0000

DID YOU KNOW…

Mexico is famous for its singers.A number of Mexican singers have gained worldwide fame.They include Paulina Rubio, Thalia, Luis Miguel,Emmnauel, Ana Gabriel, Alejandra Gúzman, Isabel Vargas Lizano,Gloria Trevi, José José and Armando Manzanero.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was “re-discovered” by the historian and writer Haydeen Herrera. In 1983, in the United States, Haydeen Herrera published a book called “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo”. Like Eva Duarte de Perón (ex-First Lady of Argentina), Frida Kahlo is one of the most famous women in the world since 1983.

DID YOU KNOW…

Between 1940 and 1958, Mexico became the centre of the international film industry. Great stars of the golden era of the cinematography of Mexico included Jorge Negrete, who was famous as a gentleman, and the actress Dolores del Río. The great actor, Pedro Infante, also started his career in the golden era of the cinema of Mexico. The most popular film of 1942, “El Peñon de las Animas”, starring María Félix and Jorge Negrete, was one of the most successful films in Mexico and Latin America. However, films critics often choose the 1975 film “Letters from Marusia”, as the best film ever.

DID YOU KNOW…

Dolores del Río was a Mexican motion-picture actress.Her great beauty made her a world-famous sex symbol.She was born in Durango,Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW…

Certainly, Mexico is one of the world’s exotic countries. It is known for its heritage of the amazing pyramids built by Aztecs and Mayas. The Latin American country is famous for its traditions, culture ecology and beaches. There are excellent beaches for relaxing, swimming and sailing. The Cancun beach is one of the most popular travel destinations of the Mexican Caribbean.

DID YOU KNOW…

The 1990 Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to Octavio Paz, a novelist and essayist. He was the fifth Latin-American to receive the prize.Octavio Paz was the literary patriarch of Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Acapulco Convention Center is one of the main concert and performance centers in the world.

DID YOU KNOW…

Gael García Bernal is probably the most popular Latin-American actor since 1959. He has been called “The Latin James Dean”. However, he does not see himself as a “sex symbol”.Gael said to the media in Beverly Hills, California, “There thousands of “Latin James Deans”.There are always going to be new “Marlon Brandos” and new “James Deans”. That´s why the statement no longer has any importance. Besides, I feel that James Dean´s movies are totally different from mine. And, Well, to begin with, I don´t have enough money to buy a Porsche…”

Gael García Bernal was born on November 30, 1978, in Guadalajara, Jalisco (Mexico), the son of Jose Angel and Patricia Bernal de García. He once said: “I spent a lot of time with my parents. They did not have anyone at home to take care of me, so I had to go everywhere with them. I traveled a lot in Mexico and also to Cuba. I was a lot of fun”.

His movie credits include: “Love`s a Bitch” (2000), “The Crime of Father Amaro” (2002), “And your Mother Too” (2001), “I´m with Lucy” (2002), “Dot the I” (2003), “Dreaming of Julia” (2003), “Bad Education” (2004), “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004), “The King” ( 2005), “Babel” (2006), and “The Science of Sleep” (2006).

In addition to Spanish, Gael speaks English, French and Italian.

DID YOU KNOW…

Mexico is a study in contrasts.Bustling modern places with all the latest amenities are surrounded by mountains and rainforest.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Mexican people have many idols: María Félix (actress), Frida Kahlo (painter), Mario Moreno( best known as “Cantinflas”), Rufino Tamayo (painter), Diego Rivera (painter), Agustin Lara (composer), Carlos Fuentes (writer), Thalia (singer), Juan Gabriel (composer and singer), José Clemente Orozco (painter), Juan Rulfo (writer), José Vasconcelos (writer), Kathy Jurado (actress), Guadalupe Jones Garay (Miss Universe 1991),Jorge Negrete (actor), Pedro Infante (actor) and Lucía Méndez (actress).

DID YOU KNOW…

On November 26, 1985, Rodolfo Neri Vela. was the second Latin- American astronaut to fly in space. He was ready for his first space mission in 1985 aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. Rodolfo was born on February 19, 1952, in Chilpancingo, Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW…

María Félix was an actress who starred in popular Mexican films such as “El Peñon de las Animas”, “La China Poblana”, “Doña Barbara” and “La Generala”.Undoubtebly the most beautiful actress in the history. María de los Ángeles Félix Güereña, always called “La doña” or María Félix, was born on April 8, 1914, in Alamos, Sonora (Mexico). She died on April 8,2000, in Mexico City. Certainly, she was an international celebrity.

She was long considered one of the most beautiful women in the 20th century, arguably, one of the best actresses in Latin America, Spain, Italy and France.If she had spoken English very well, María Félix will be remembered as the best actress of the world.

Different from María Montez and Rita Moreno, María Félix did not accept small roles in Hollywood. She once said: “I was not born to carry a basket”.Like Pele (Brazilian ex-footballer player) and Carlos Gardel (Argentinian singer), María Félix is a symbol in Latin America.

DID YOU KNOW…

Mexico has had many famous athletes in the past century: Raul González (track and field), Joaquín Capilla (diving), Carlos Girón (diving), Hugo Sánchez (soccer),José Youshimatz (cycling), Bernardo Segura (track and field),Héctor López (boxing), Juan Paredes (boxing) ,Humberto Mariles (equestrian), Felipe Muñoz (swimming), Raúl Ramírez (tennis), Rafael Osuna Herrera (tennis), Ernesto Canto (track and field), Arturo Barrios (track and field),Daniel Bautista (track and field) and Olegario Vázquez (shooting).

DID YOU KNOW…

Elsa Benítez is a supermodel from Mexico. She was born on December 8, 1977, in Hermosillo, Sonora (Mexico). Ironically, she looks like European supermodel. Like Alek Wek (Sudan) and Fernanda Tavares (Brazil), she works in the United States and Europe. Elsa Benítez was the cover girl for Sports Illustrated´s Swimsuit Issue 2001.

DID YOU KNOW…

Dafne Molina Lona was among the few Mexican entering the finals of any international beauty pageant.She almost won the Miss World pageant in 2005.She was a national celebrity when she returned to China after the competition.She was in the hands of Lupita Jones, who is the President of Nuestra Belleza (or Miss Mexico).Dafne was born in Mexico City.

Author: Alejandro Guevara Onofre
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Make PCB Assembly

Fascinating Facts About Mexico

BradHart — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:48:49 +0000

DID YOU KNOW…

Dolores del Río was a Mexican motion-picture actress.Her great beauty made her a world-famous sex symbol.She was born in Durango,Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW…

The 1990 Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to Octavio Paz, a novelist and essayist. He was the fifth Latin-American to receive the prize.Octavio Paz was the literary patriarch of Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Acapulco Convention Center is one of the main concert and performance centers in the world.

DID YOU KNOW…

In addition to Spanish, Gael speaks English, French and Italian.

DID YOU KNOW…

Mexico is a study in contrasts.Bustling modern places with all the latest amenities are surrounded by mountains and rainforest.

DID YOU KNOW…

Author: Alejandro Guevara Onofre
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Pressure cooker

4 Dance Audition Tips

BradHart — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:49:16 +0000

Greetings everyone. I know I’ve been concentrating a lot on acting auditions the past few weeks, and I’ve received some requests to write about a few different areas of talent. I did some research (mainly asking my industry friends), and came up with some brief points that every dancer should consider when preparing for a dance audition. Let’s dive straight into it.

1. Dance Attire
This is kind of a no-brainer, and not just for dance auditions but any job…dress nicely. Yes, you are auditioning to be a dancer, but it’s still a job. This doesn’t only apply to your dancewear. Comb your hair, be clean, you have to look appropriate and self-respecting. Don’t wear your training dancewear to an audition. You can wear your warm-ups on the way to the audition if you know you’ll be warming up, which you should. However, be sure to wear dance attire during your dance audition that accents your features, flatters you and shows the casting director exactly why they should hire you without being too ostentatious. No gaudy jewelry or massive amounts of makeup.

Now, each dance audition is different when it comes to the appropriate dance attire, including footwear. Ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap and others all call for different dancewear. Traditional dancewear relevant to the type of dance you’re auditioning for is designed for that specific dance, and should be worn unless otherwise requested by the auditioners. It is easy to find out the standard dancewear for your audition by searching them on the Internet or asking a local store that sells them (ex: ballet; tights and leotard for women, tights and T-shirt for men).

2. What You Need To Bring
This goes back to some other articles that I’ve written for acting, “4 Tips for Great Actor Headshots” and “10 Acting Audition Tips” on Talent Trove, but definitely translates into dance auditions. Bring a resume and portfolio. This includes a one-page summary of your experience, accomplishments, acknowledgments and contact information, as well as some headshots and full body shots in various dancewears. Be sure to write you contact information on the back of your photographs. That might be the only thing a casting director or agent has when they decide they want you.

3. Stay Calm
Confidence is everything. Even if you know all of the dance moves, if you’re not confident when performing them, your audition will come off as awkward. Everyone is nervous, even the auditioners, but you have to get past that and do what you came to do. First, try to realize why you are nervous. Sure, it could be that you really want the part or this is a huge opportunity. However, those feelings generate more excitement than anxiety. Those jitters you can handle. It’s the audition itself that is the problem. You probably aren’t used to the process and it’s placing you outside of your comfort zone. A good way to get past this feeling or at least cope with it (you should always be a little on edge, keeps you sharp and on your toes), is to go on auditions that you’re not interested in so you can become familiar with the process and comfortable being there. It’s like job interviews that I’ve been on. The first few interviews you sweat, draw blanks, and mumble a lot. But after those initial embarrassments, you understand what kind of questions they will ask, how to behave and project yourself, and basically what to expect.

Also, try recording yourself and posting it on media sites like Talent Trove. There, you can ask for feedback from peers and see yourself as others would. Self-criticism is just as important as receiving it from others. If you can learn what is right and wrong, you will have a better understanding of performances.

4. What They Want
They want you to bring it. By “it” I mean your passion, professionalism and ability. Obvious and a little corny, I know, but it had to be said in case you lost sight of this in light of everything written here. With that being said let’s discuss what else they want from you. They want you to follow directions. If you’re supposed to perform some choreographed dance combo than you better do it. Don’t make up your own routine or daydream through the demonstration. There will be a time and place to show off your range, ability and creativity when it comes to your own dance ideas, but doing what they ask is a sign of discipline, open-mindedness and ability to work with others.

They also don’t want you to give up if you make a mistake. Like anything you do, it shows a lot of character when you fall and pick yourself up to try again. The less hesitation you show between falling and rising, the better. They want you to be courteous not only to them, but to the other dancers. This goes back to being professional. If no one wants to work with you, no one will. They usually have a certain type of dancer in mind when auditioning. You could be the best dancer in the room, but don’t take it too hard if they choose someone that better fits the look. The more graceful you are if you don’t get the part, the more they will want to pick you in the future.

They might want you to choose a routine. If so, pick something recent. Going back to my previous article, “10 Acting Audition Tips”, auditioners will see many dancers throughout the dance audition process. Many will choose classic or very well known dance routines. Try to pick something that they haven’t seen before, or at least not as often. Like you might hear in talent shows on television like American Idol (oh, did I say that?), it’s all about song choice, or in this case dance choice. Pick something that hits close to home with you. Something you can relate to, something that you can convey with sincere emotion and movement. If you can do that, the dance will be unique to you without ever having to change a step. That originality, genuineness and fervor is what they really want.

Author: Will Mckay
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cellphone news

A Good Year Reviewed

BradHart — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:29:42 +0000

Normally I am a huge fan of Russell Crowe’s work which is probably why I was so disappointed with this film. Its central plot revolves around Max Skinner (Russell Crowe) and his vacations to his Uncle Henry’s villa and vineyard. Max has since moved on and is now dominating the financial world in London. However in doing so has he missed the point about what life is really about. The film sees him inheriting the vineyard off his now dead Uncle. His first thought is to sell it for the maximum profit possible.

Whilst visiting the farm things conspire to keep him there, with plenty of flashbacks to when he was a youth on the farm – played by Freddie Highmore who while a good young actor can not possibly be thought of as a young Russell Crowe – whilst the director may have wanted to show an awkward young child and Freddie Highmore fitted the storyline its a very long stretch of the bow to believe this weedy kid could grown into Russell Crowe’s character.

The film has some nice subplots playing on the ‘French’ and the cinematographicy is like a collection of fine landscape shots however the story line is very slow and the film somewhat ‘arty’.

The film made a loss and was savaged by the critics. Although Russell Crowe is a great actor is requires more than just that to make a good film.

Unless your very bored or have a thing vineyards I’d give this a miss.

The moral of the story – of what you are doing with your life is important and a question you need to ask on a regular basis.

Author: Alastair Harris
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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I Spit My Last Breath At Thee

BradHart — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:38:52 +0000

I woke up from a nap this evening and was much disheartened. I found that Ricardo Montalbaun had died at the age of 88. While I disagree with a lot of his current religious opinion he was still a great actor and an icon. I know my first memory of him is as Mister Roark, but it is Khan I will always remember him as. To give him one last send off by quoting him in his best.

“…To the last, I grapple with thee; from hell’s heart, I stab at thee; for hate’s sake, I spit my last breath at thee.”

Yes, I know it is from Moby Dick, but like Shakespeare it is often best heard in when placed in science fiction.