This film is very loosely based on the graphic novel of the same title. If you are a fan, you will be disappointed.
If you never heard of the graphic novel and you enjoy a good good vs. evil monster flick, then you will probaly enjoy Priest. Anyone who has seen the trailer knows, that the Priests are battling vampires. These vampires unlike the hottie vampires of Twilight and various vampire themed ventures actually look like monsters. This was a surprise and a good one. We would hate to see Paul Bettany stake someone that looks like Edward or those guys from Trueblood. It is set in the far distant future after the world has become a wasteland due to the long war between vampires and humans. The church has built cities for the humans and put the remaining vampires in reservations. The church is in control of everything. Paul Bettany appears to be his best when he is playing a priest or someone tied to religion. The Davinci Code and Legion are the most memorable. He seems to have found his niche. Cam Gigandet as the Sheriff of the Outlander town is surprisingly good. His most recent movies were The Roommate and Burlesque in small roles. Maggie Q as the Priestess does what she does best, fight with style. Stephen Moyer (True Blood's Bill) also has a small part as Bettany's brother. The reviews I read weren't very favorable, but I enjoyed this movie.
This movie was worth the price of a ticket!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Thor (2011)
This movie is loosely based on the mythology of Thor. I have never read the graphic novels, but have been told that the movie follows that continuity. Chris Hemsworth is a very believable Thor. Natalie Portman as the serious scientist and love interest is in her element. Kat Dennings supporting role as the girl friday to Portman's Jane is a standout comedic role.
The story begins on the day of Thor's coronation to king by his father Odin. The coronation is interrupted when someone attempts to break into Asgard's weapons vault. From this point forward, the movie is a roller coaster ride of action. Thor gets cast down to Earth by Odin. When Odin casts Thor out of Asgard, he also sends the Hammer of Thor out of Asgard. Both the hammer and Thor end up on Earth. Thor's fight against betrayal and his search for the hammer lead up to a climatic final showdown that is worth watching. I watched the 2D version. I read that only a few parts of the film were converted to 3D. I really enjoyed the special effects in this version.
For more information on Thor, visit Marvel's Thor page.
http://thor.marvel.com/
This movie was worth the price of a ticket, the buttery popcorn, and the super size Coke Zero mixed with Cherry Coke.
The story begins on the day of Thor's coronation to king by his father Odin. The coronation is interrupted when someone attempts to break into Asgard's weapons vault. From this point forward, the movie is a roller coaster ride of action. Thor gets cast down to Earth by Odin. When Odin casts Thor out of Asgard, he also sends the Hammer of Thor out of Asgard. Both the hammer and Thor end up on Earth. Thor's fight against betrayal and his search for the hammer lead up to a climatic final showdown that is worth watching. I watched the 2D version. I read that only a few parts of the film were converted to 3D. I really enjoyed the special effects in this version.
For more information on Thor, visit Marvel's Thor page.
http://thor.marvel.com/
This movie was worth the price of a ticket, the buttery popcorn, and the super size Coke Zero mixed with Cherry Coke.
2011 Summer Movies
It's that time of year again. The smell of popcorn in the air and a cool place to escape the summer heat is provided by your local movie theater. There are many movies slated for release this summer that could prove to be very entertaining. From the highly anticipated Captain America to the comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love, the production companies seem to be aiming for a better summer movie season than last year's dismal display. We can hope so anyway. For a Web 2.0 class, I had to make a screencast and display it on my blog. I hope you, the readers, enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it. On with the show!
I used Fandango and IMDB for my summer movie information.
I used Fandango and IMDB for my summer movie information.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Spreadsheet gadget and class collaboration!
Greetings and salutations to all. I am using my movie blog for classwork this last couple of weeks. I am going to add a gadget that links to my spreadsheet if you click on the link you may edit.It's all explained in the Spreadsheet instructions. I created a basic spreadsheet in order to give classmates something to improve on. Have fun and happy editing!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
"All a Twitter"
Name of book: All a Twitter
Author: Tee Morrison
Publisher: Pearson Education, Inc. 2009
Subject: Twitter
Pages: 268
“All a Twitter” was written by a user. Tee Morris began using Twitter in 2002 and has a few thousand follows. He did not write this book for the purpose of monetizing your Twitter experience, but to teach people how to use Twitter and the Twitter Applications that are available. He is available for advice or questions on @ITStudios. By being available to his readers, he takes a new innovative approach to authoring. This is the first time I have read a how-to book which gives you the opportunity to interact with the author.
“All a Twitter” is a must have step-by-step manual on the multiple uses of Twitter. Even if you are a current Twitter user, you can learn different ways to improve your overall Twitter experience. For the first time Twitter user, it can provide a helpful reference manual to make sure you reap all of the benefits of Twitter without difficulty. It gives a brief history of forums, blogging, and social networking creation and advancements for the subject curious reader.
Twitter began in 2006. During the last 5 years, Twitter has become the fastest growing social media site. It’s simplicity to use is the basis for its tremendous growth. It is a micro-blogging site. Unlike a traditional blogging site there is a one hundred and forty word limit or less on postings. Tweets are the name for your posts. Posting Tweets is similar to Facebook status updates.
After you set up your Twitter account, your next step is setting up your network profile. Your network profile is the first impression that people see. You want to make a good impression from the get go. If people are interested in you, then they will be interested in your Tweets. It will help you build a follower base. Building a follower base is the main goal for many Twitters. In reality would people tweet, if no one was following? Unless you are the type that goes on and on, and doesn’t appreciate a little feedback, take the time to personalize your network profile. When you choose your username, use your own name or a nickname, something that describes what you like or who you are. This will give fellow Tweeters and idea of who you are from the beginning. A catchy username in itself may make other Tweeters curious. In your network profile you can also add a personal or professional URL; this will give you an opportunity to share with the Twitterverse in a more detailed way. The next step is the line bio. In the line bio, you can add a personal tagline, message, or a quote. You can also add a location and change the language.
A good avatar is a must have item. Too many people keep the default Twitter blue bird. This gives the impression that you can’t bother to either upload a picture or pick an image of something that interests you. According to the author, many blue bird’s Tweets get passed up because people want to have an image to put the Tweeter in perspective. Other Tweeters assume if you have a boring avatar, that your tweets will be boring. At the time I read this book, I was guilty of using the default blue bird. I wasn’t generating much interest with my tweets. Now I know why. You can even change your avatar to fit your mood from day to day.
Currently user security is a very hot topic. After the latest news coverage about Facebook and privacy issues, many Tweeters are learning better ways to improve the safety of their personal information. You can protect your updates in Twitter. By protecting your updates, you keep them from appearing in the public timeline. No one would be able to enter your network or access your activities or current location unless you grant them access. There is a downside to protecting your updates. It defeats the whole concept of social networking. It will make it difficult to building a community and networking with others. Tweeters are less inclined to follow you when you protect your updates.
There are many Twitter applications available from third parties that enhance the Twitter experience. The two most popular Twitter applications currently are: Tweetdeck and Twitpic. Tweetdeck streamlines notifications and Tweets. Twitpic gives you the freedom to upload a picture from your computer and add it to your tweet. There are applications for searches, tracking, following. There is too much to name in a brief book report.
This book gives you all the details on setting up and maintaining your Twitterverse. It would be a great book for first time and experienced users. With the amount of detail and knowledge that it contains, you would be on your way to building your own network within an hour. It easy to follow and covers all of the important details. It doesn’t just tell you how to do it, but why you should do it.
The only downside to a written and published book is it may not be completely up to date. Web 2.0 sites change at such a rapid pace that a new book would have to be written at least once a month. That’s why I think it’s great that you can contact the author any time you want. If something new has been added to Twitter and you get confused, the author says feel free to ask him questions.
If you are a beginning Tweeter, please read this book. It was an interesting read and helped me immensely.
Author: Tee Morrison
Publisher: Pearson Education, Inc. 2009
Subject: Twitter
Pages: 268
“All a Twitter” was written by a user. Tee Morris began using Twitter in 2002 and has a few thousand follows. He did not write this book for the purpose of monetizing your Twitter experience, but to teach people how to use Twitter and the Twitter Applications that are available. He is available for advice or questions on @ITStudios. By being available to his readers, he takes a new innovative approach to authoring. This is the first time I have read a how-to book which gives you the opportunity to interact with the author.
“All a Twitter” is a must have step-by-step manual on the multiple uses of Twitter. Even if you are a current Twitter user, you can learn different ways to improve your overall Twitter experience. For the first time Twitter user, it can provide a helpful reference manual to make sure you reap all of the benefits of Twitter without difficulty. It gives a brief history of forums, blogging, and social networking creation and advancements for the subject curious reader.
Twitter began in 2006. During the last 5 years, Twitter has become the fastest growing social media site. It’s simplicity to use is the basis for its tremendous growth. It is a micro-blogging site. Unlike a traditional blogging site there is a one hundred and forty word limit or less on postings. Tweets are the name for your posts. Posting Tweets is similar to Facebook status updates.
After you set up your Twitter account, your next step is setting up your network profile. Your network profile is the first impression that people see. You want to make a good impression from the get go. If people are interested in you, then they will be interested in your Tweets. It will help you build a follower base. Building a follower base is the main goal for many Twitters. In reality would people tweet, if no one was following? Unless you are the type that goes on and on, and doesn’t appreciate a little feedback, take the time to personalize your network profile. When you choose your username, use your own name or a nickname, something that describes what you like or who you are. This will give fellow Tweeters and idea of who you are from the beginning. A catchy username in itself may make other Tweeters curious. In your network profile you can also add a personal or professional URL; this will give you an opportunity to share with the Twitterverse in a more detailed way. The next step is the line bio. In the line bio, you can add a personal tagline, message, or a quote. You can also add a location and change the language.
A good avatar is a must have item. Too many people keep the default Twitter blue bird. This gives the impression that you can’t bother to either upload a picture or pick an image of something that interests you. According to the author, many blue bird’s Tweets get passed up because people want to have an image to put the Tweeter in perspective. Other Tweeters assume if you have a boring avatar, that your tweets will be boring. At the time I read this book, I was guilty of using the default blue bird. I wasn’t generating much interest with my tweets. Now I know why. You can even change your avatar to fit your mood from day to day.
Currently user security is a very hot topic. After the latest news coverage about Facebook and privacy issues, many Tweeters are learning better ways to improve the safety of their personal information. You can protect your updates in Twitter. By protecting your updates, you keep them from appearing in the public timeline. No one would be able to enter your network or access your activities or current location unless you grant them access. There is a downside to protecting your updates. It defeats the whole concept of social networking. It will make it difficult to building a community and networking with others. Tweeters are less inclined to follow you when you protect your updates.
There are many Twitter applications available from third parties that enhance the Twitter experience. The two most popular Twitter applications currently are: Tweetdeck and Twitpic. Tweetdeck streamlines notifications and Tweets. Twitpic gives you the freedom to upload a picture from your computer and add it to your tweet. There are applications for searches, tracking, following. There is too much to name in a brief book report.
This book gives you all the details on setting up and maintaining your Twitterverse. It would be a great book for first time and experienced users. With the amount of detail and knowledge that it contains, you would be on your way to building your own network within an hour. It easy to follow and covers all of the important details. It doesn’t just tell you how to do it, but why you should do it.
The only downside to a written and published book is it may not be completely up to date. Web 2.0 sites change at such a rapid pace that a new book would have to be written at least once a month. That’s why I think it’s great that you can contact the author any time you want. If something new has been added to Twitter and you get confused, the author says feel free to ask him questions.
If you are a beginning Tweeter, please read this book. It was an interesting read and helped me immensely.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Eagerly anticipated Summer 2011 movies!
Last week Scream 4 premiered and I paired it with a screening of Your Highness. I enjoyed both movies. But...Today I'm here to talk about the movies I have been patiently waiting for.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow Part Two- I read the books first. Therefore, I know how it ends.Yet, It has not ruined it for me so far. I still want to see how they put it on film. The 3D should be a nice addition also.
Transformer Revenge of the Fallen- Honestly, I have tried not to read anything about this one. Sometimes they give away too much. So other than Megan Fox was replaced by another love interest, I know only what I saw in the first trailer put out.
Last summer, I was looking forward to the new Resident Evil movie. They are making a new one, just not much information about when.
They are almost done with the new Spiderman movie, but I liked the old one. It is going to hard watching a rebooted more like the comic version.
Here is a slideshow of some of my favorite movies.
Captain America- The recent trailer blew me away. They used computer graphics to put Chris Evans head on a tiny body. I knew he had bulked up for the role, but when they show the transition on film; it is amazing. I love all things Marvel, so I definitely will see this movie.
Thor- Mythic Gods, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, and Chris Hemsworth : All good reasons to see this movie.
I hope you enjoy the summer movie season. If I get some free time, I will add more reviews to this site. Until then enjoy your popcorn!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow Part Two- I read the books first. Therefore, I know how it ends.Yet, It has not ruined it for me so far. I still want to see how they put it on film. The 3D should be a nice addition also.
Transformer Revenge of the Fallen- Honestly, I have tried not to read anything about this one. Sometimes they give away too much. So other than Megan Fox was replaced by another love interest, I know only what I saw in the first trailer put out.
Last summer, I was looking forward to the new Resident Evil movie. They are making a new one, just not much information about when.
They are almost done with the new Spiderman movie, but I liked the old one. It is going to hard watching a rebooted more like the comic version.
Here is a slideshow of some of my favorite movies.
Captain America- The recent trailer blew me away. They used computer graphics to put Chris Evans head on a tiny body. I knew he had bulked up for the role, but when they show the transition on film; it is amazing. I love all things Marvel, so I definitely will see this movie.
Thor- Mythic Gods, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, and Chris Hemsworth : All good reasons to see this movie.
I hope you enjoy the summer movie season. If I get some free time, I will add more reviews to this site. Until then enjoy your popcorn!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Marvel Movies Wiki
Recently, I discovered the Marvel Movies Wiki. I was doing research for future Marvel based movies. This site contains existing film industry information and rumors. In most cases, I don’t trust rumors. Although in the case of movie related news, 95% of the time, the rumors end up being true.
This Wiki currently has main pages for Thor, Upcoming Movies, Movies, and Current Events. I was shocked to see this Wiki currently has 1,837 pages. It gives casting information, pictures, a brief synopsis, a merchandise page, and more. Unlike the official Marvel site, anyone can edit this Wiki. There may be just released information that the user has access to or can post before the information is available on the official Marvel site. If you are a new fan of Marvel movies, this is the Wiki to visit. The information provided will bring you up to speed without having to read comic books and watch earlier versions of Spiderman, Hulk, Nick Fury, etc.
There are many of us that enjoy entering the world of Marvel Comics. Some people are avid collectors of merchandise pertaining to their favorite Marvel characters. I’ve always liked the movies based on the Marvel series of animation. For instance, I was one of the first people to see Spiderman starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker. I have eagerly anticipated the newer releases as well.
I was going, to at least 8 different sites a week to get new Marvel movie news. By using Google Reader (RSS feeds from my most frequented sites), Diigo wiki bookmarks, and the Marvel Movies Wiki, I am currently using only 3 different sites for Marvel Movie news. Most of my information can be accessed within a few minutes.
Visit the official Marvel site at: http://marvel.com/movies/
Visit Marvel Movies Wikia at: http://marvel-movies.wikia.com/wiki/Marvel_Movies
This Wiki currently has main pages for Thor, Upcoming Movies, Movies, and Current Events. I was shocked to see this Wiki currently has 1,837 pages. It gives casting information, pictures, a brief synopsis, a merchandise page, and more. Unlike the official Marvel site, anyone can edit this Wiki. There may be just released information that the user has access to or can post before the information is available on the official Marvel site. If you are a new fan of Marvel movies, this is the Wiki to visit. The information provided will bring you up to speed without having to read comic books and watch earlier versions of Spiderman, Hulk, Nick Fury, etc.
There are many of us that enjoy entering the world of Marvel Comics. Some people are avid collectors of merchandise pertaining to their favorite Marvel characters. I’ve always liked the movies based on the Marvel series of animation. For instance, I was one of the first people to see Spiderman starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker. I have eagerly anticipated the newer releases as well.
I was going, to at least 8 different sites a week to get new Marvel movie news. By using Google Reader (RSS feeds from my most frequented sites), Diigo wiki bookmarks, and the Marvel Movies Wiki, I am currently using only 3 different sites for Marvel Movie news. Most of my information can be accessed within a few minutes.
Visit the official Marvel site at: http://marvel.com/movies/
Visit Marvel Movies Wikia at: http://marvel-movies.wikia.com/wiki/Marvel_Movies
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