Actors Bad Role Models

Dammit. Out of the AOL poll I just posted, it appears that "actors as role models" was the portion most of the media focuses on. Are the bad role models? The poll says yes. What do I say? Who the @$%& cares. Quit having so many #$%^$ kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyways.


WASHINGTON A survey suggests most Americans think movie stars are poor role models.

Recent Poll on Movie-Watching

Interesting Stuff


The AP-AOL News poll on public attitudes about the movies is based on telephone interviews with 1,000 adults from all states except Alaska and Hawaii. The interviews were conducted June 13-15 by Ipsos.

Results were weighted to represent the population by demographic factors such as age, sex, region, race and income.

No more than one time in 20 should chance variations in the sample cause the results to vary by more than 3 percentage points from the answers that would be obtained if all Americans were polled.

There are other sources of potential error in polls, including the wording and order of questions. Results may not total 100 percent because of rounding.
___

1. In general, do you prefer to watch movies at the movie theater, or do you prefer to watch movies at home on your DVD player, VCR, or on pay-per-view?
_At the movie theater, 22 percent
_At home, 73 percent
_Not sure, 5 percent

2. How many movies, if any, have you attended in a movie theater in the past 12 months?
_None, 25 percent
_One to four, 43 percent
_Five or more, 31 percent
_Not sure, 1 percent
___
Average — 5 movies in past 12 months

3. Do you think movies, in general, are getting better or getting worse?
_Getting better, 33 percent
_Getting worse, 47 percent
_About the same (VOLUNTEERED), 14 percent
_Not sure, 6 percent

4. In general, do you think movie stars are positive or negative role models for children today?
_Positive, 24 percent
_Negative, 69 percent
_Not sure, 7 percent

5. What is your favorite type of movie to watch? Would you say..
_Comedy, 27 percent
_Drama, 19 percent
_Action/adventure, 17 percent
_Family, 9 percent
_Science Fiction, 6 percent
_Westerns, 5 percent
_Musicals, 4 percent
_Horror, 3 percent
_War movies, 2 percent
_Something else, 7 percent
_Not sure, 1 percent

6. Do you play computer or video games, or not?
_Yes, 36 percent
_No, 64 percent

7. Do you use a DVD player at home, or not?
_Yes, 82 percent
_No, 18 percent

8. Do you use a VCR at home, or not?
_Yes, 77 percent
_No, 23 percent

9. Do you use a digital video recorder such as a TiVO or ReplayTV box at home, or not?
_Yes, 17 percent
_No, 83 percent

10. Have you ever ordered a movie on pay-per-view at home, or not?
_Yes, 37 percent
_No, 63 percent

11. Have you ever used the internet to download a movie onto a computer, or not?
_Yes, 5 percent
_No, 95 percent

Top Ten Sitcom Cliches

This is why I hate tv

Is Their Anything Movies Cannot Do?

Seriously. Anything.


June 15, 2005 - Classic movies such as 'Casablanca' could bring back lost memories for dementia sufferers thanks to an innovative memory aid. Based on an interactive multimedia computer system and a clearer understanding of how dementia sufferers respond to social situations, the aid aims to stimulate more enjoyable, rewarding conversation between sufferers and those who care for them.

With funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), a team of researchers in Scotland has developed CIRCA (Computer Interactive Reminiscence and Conversation Aid). CIRCA comprises a simple touch-screen with easy-to-follow instructions that require no technology competence.

When switched on, it displays a choice of three random categories (entertainment, local life etc). Selecting a category, the user is given a choice of 'music', 'photo' or 'video'. These in turn call up images, video or sound clips (e.g. of well-known movie stars such as Humphrey Bogart) from a database, acting as a memory trigger and conversation prompt. A 'stop and talk' button allows the system to be frozen at any point.

Giving Baer His Props

Just saw CINDERELLA MAN tonight. Great, great film. Just thought I should post this to give the film's villian, Max Baer, his respect.


Former "Beverly Hillbillies" star Max Baer Jr. has come out swinging to defend his father, now that the late prizefighter's reputation has taken a beating in Ron Howard's "Cinderella Man."

The film, in which Russell Crowe plays Depression-era boxer James J. Braddock, portrays Baer Sr. as a sadistic thug who hits below the belt and boasts about the two boxers he has killed in the ring. Baer Sr. (Craig Bierko) even threatens to make Braddock's wife (Renée Zellweger) his lover after he has made her a widow.

"That's a lie," Baer Jr., who played lovable yokel Jethro Bodine on the '60s TV comedy, tells us. "My father cried about what happened to [Baer ring victim] Frankie Campbell. He had nightmares. He helped put Frankie's children through college."

While Howard has Baer sporting boxing trunks bearing the Star of David, he doesn't explain that he became a hero to the Jewish people by defeating Hitler favorite Max Schmeling.

Howard's spokeswoman Leslee Dart says: "The script was written from the point of view of the Braddock family. To them, Max Baer was a real threat. Ron felt that was how the character needed to be drafted."

"I have great respect for Ronny Howard," says Baer Jr. "But he never called me for any factual information about my father. They distorted his character. They didn't have to make him an ogre to make Jimmy Braddock a hero."

Very Interesting Study

On the effects of the critics and the public's word-of-mouth.

I Cannot Wait

Hope to see it tonight at Midnight. May have to wait till the weekend, though.


Batman, the caped crusader who was in danger of seeing his legend snuffed out following a couple of widely panned movies, bursts back on to the big screen with a vengeance this week in a new film that has wowed critics worldwide.
"Batman Begins", starring Christian Bale and directed by Christopher Nolan, is headed for blockbuster status when it opens worldwide Wednesday but, unusually for a big US studio movie in what is frequently a silly season of mindless action flicks, it makes the effort to put story and character at the forefront.

"I thought it would be interesting to present the story in a grounded fashion," said Nolan at a Paris press conference Tuesday to launch the Warner Bros film.
The British writer/director, who made a big impact with his first feature "Memento", has used his knack for psychological drama to invest Bruce Wayne/Batman with dimensions lacking from the previous four films, the last two of which -- campy disappointments helmed by Joel Schumacher -- almost killed off the lucrative franchise for good.

Instead of over-the-top fights and action set pieces, Nolan has gone for a more plausible presentation of the Dark Knight while drawing on the inspiration of the comic books and graphic novels that fleshed out the superhero in the seven decades of his existence.

A top-notch cast including Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman and a deliciously sinister Cillian Murphy helped, while props such as the baddest Batmobile ever seen are relegated to serving rather than dominating the film.

"This is character-driven blockbuster moviemaking. Usually you have plastic figures to drive you from one explosion to the next," said Caine, who added he would jump at the chance to play Wayne's butler Alfred in another Batman movie by Nolan.

One of the director's biggest touches of genius was in casting Bale -- perhaps best known up to now as the urbane sociopath in the stomach-churning "American Psycho" -- as the conflicted hero who is driven by revenge and fear rather than nobler instincts.

"I wanted to show the constant struggle to balance the light and darkness of his nature," Nolan said.

Please! No MORE!

PLEASE!!!!!!


Be afraid. Be very afraid. There are more Resident Evil movies coming. Two to be precise.

ET to WAR OF THE WORLDS

The Houston Chronicle, helps, well, chronicle, Steven Spielbergs shift in aliens from cute and lovable to genocidal.


TOKYO — Steven Spielberg says the days when movie audiences sympathize with a lovable alien such as E.T. may be over.

"It seemed like the time was right for me as a filmmaker to let the audience experience an alien that is a little less pleasant than E.T.," Spielberg said Monday at a post-premiere news conference for his new film, War of the Worlds.

"Today, in the shadow of 9/11, I think the film has found a place in society," said Spielberg, who directed 1982's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and 1977's Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Pictures from THE FOUNTAIN

At Hugh Jackman's fans' website, Jackman's Landing, (yes, there really is a such place and it is really called that), they have updated pictures from the hugely, hugely anticipated film (very much so from me), THE FOUNTAIN.

Ragging on Zombie

I don't know who Osborne is, but I have to agree with him that Zombie sucks.


With all of the hoopla surrounding Rob Zombie's forthcoming flick The Devil's Rejects, we here at ChartAttack thought it might be a great idea to get an opinion from one of the music world's most intense film addicts around, Fantomas guitarist Buzz "King Buzzo" Osborne.

After all, Osborne has a vested interest in horror films. Both Fantomas and his other band The Melvins have honoured horror in some format, although Fantomas' (the band are completed by drummer Dave Lombardo, bassist Trevor Dunn and vocalist Mike Patton) latest effort Suspended Animation is more about cartoons than killing.

Little did we know that Osborne hates Rob Zombie though — with unbridled passion that borders on discomfort to endure.

Netflix Now With Pre-Viewed FIlms for Sale

From the Motley Fool.



Recently, Netflix(Nasdaq: NFLX) subscribers have started to notice a new tab on top of their browser windows. It's a link that points them to a special part of the website where they can purchase pre-viewed DVDs, much like rummaging through the discount shelf at a local Blockbuster(NYSE: BBI).

Most DVDs on the list cost $10.99 (plus tax), and shipping is free. And while the movies themselves are pre-viewed, the movies come with all the original artwork and packaging and a guarantee that if they don't play properly you can return them for a replacement.

Upon first hearing the news, I must say that my first thought was "finally." Here at the Fool, there have been various suggestions to Netflix to expand the way it makes money, primarily by advertising on its red mailers. Initially, I thought that selling DVDs seemed like it would be a good way to boost revenues. But upon taking a closer look at the offerings and talking to the company, I think it's important for investors not to overstate this portion of Netflix's business. In fact, they should all but ignore it.

First, the current selection of for sale movies is not distinguished for either its quality or its depth. While I understand that movie tastes vary, the current list features titles such as Alfie, King Arthur, Ladder 49, and Mr. 3000 -- not exactly movies you'd call classics. To be fair, you can buy copies of movies that have done better in the box office or received critical acclaim such as Being Julia, Closer, The Village, and Hotel Rwanda, but it's still safe to say that you probably won't see a chapter from the Star Wars saga or The Notebook anywhere on the list. The reason? DVDs offered for sale are ones that, according to the company, just aren't moving as much through the subscribers' queues.

Accordingly, it's not particularly reasonable to expect significant sales increases based on the rollout of the aforementioned policy.

Second, Netflix informed me that any revenues from this program are already included in the company's guidance. Since there was no promotional announcement about this program, that most likely means the expected financial impact from this feature is minimal.

Thus, I think it's best to view this move as a way of making the company slightly more efficient -- for every DVD sold that's not circulating, the company can recoup some of its original investment. And running a more efficient operation never hurt

Info on Indy 4

Here.


USA Today talked to Steven Spielberg and Harrison Fordduring AFI's 33rd Life Achievement Awards gala saluting "Star Wars: creator George Lucas. Spielberg said screenwriter Jeff Nathanson is readying a script for Indiana Jones 4 by summer's end.

Asked whether Ford's real-life lady Calista Flockhart would play Indy's new leading lady, the actor said, "She would of course make her own decision." Flockhart said she would definitely sign on if offered the role. "Oh, yes. If I could kick his (butt), absolutely!"

It was previously reported that both Lucas and Spielberg had signed off on the script and that Ford had not read it yet. Lucas recently summoned Nathanson to his Bay Area headquarters, where they went over the draft. The writer also got notes from Spielberg before continuing on to finish the script.

Childhood Theatre Memories

This article, conveniently from my hometown paper, talks of memories of your childhood that you may remember. Mine was when I go to the Keller 8 plex, which was 10 miles from my house, I would buy a ticket to some crappy PG-13 film, and sneak into youth-inspiring films such ad PULP FICTION and NATURAL BORN KILLERS. How about you guys? Anything significant in your childhood memories?

Interview With Don Cheadle

Good interview with the great actor from Blunt Review.

Balance in North Korea Cinema

Well isn't this diplomatic?


SEOUL, June 10 -- When a crowd gathered one evening in April at the grand New York store of the Italian fashion house Prada, the main event had nothing to do with catwalks or new collections. Instead, the guests sat down and watched the U.S. debut of a very unusual film, a British documentary on two North Korean gymnasts whose purpose in life is to glorify their country's leader, Kim Jong Il.

"A State of Mind," screened at the store during the 2005 Tribeca Film Festival, will open in theaters in 12 American cities in August. The film will begin a showing in Washington in the fall.

As part of a major counteroffensive by secretive North Korea against its portrayal abroad as a fiendish nuclear state, officials in the capital, Pyongyang, offered rare cooperation to the film's director, Daniel Gordon. They let his cameras track the two girls from day to day for a 93-minute work that treats its subjects with a striking balance of Western and North Korean perspectives.

The normally bombastic North, which has long threatened to turn Seoul, the South Korean capital, into a "sea of fire" and to "crush the American dogs," is launching what may be its most difficult global mission yet -- a charm offensive.

"They have been called part of the axis of evil, they have been called drug traffickers and counterfeiters -- clearly, North Korea has an image problem," said Jeong Dae Yeon, a board member of the Seoul-based citizens' group Korean People's Solidarity, which advocates engagement with the North. "Now, they are actively trying to do something to counter that impression."

Internet Renting = SHAME

I never thought that online renting online would create a market for those ashamed to pick up certain movies in the store (I guess not everyone has so little tact as me to rent WILD THINGS 3 while talking to the girl behind the counter about WT 1 & 2). Well, apparently their is a demand online for certain movies as SPICE WORLD.


The Spice Girls film and the sentimental musical Annie top a list of "toe-curling" movies people have been renting out online, according to research.
According to online retailer Amazon these were the sort of movies people may have been too embarrassed to ask for over the counter.

Amazon.co.uk studied its movie rental charts and discovered a string of films in the top 100 which were either obscure, unfashionable, or had received a drubbing from critics.

Orphan flick Annie, Jennifer Lopez flop Gigli, Pamela Anderson movie Barb-Wire and Super Mario Brothers, the video-game turned movie with Bob Hoskins as a plumber, are being rented out online.

Amazon said it noticed a selection of obscure films appearing regularly in the DVD postal rental charts and concluded this was due to the secret demands of movie-lovers for these type of films.

Amazon.co.uk DVD Manager Matt Henderson said: "We have found that DVD rental-by-post has created a new demand for toe-curling movies.

"Films like Spice World, Annie and The Sound of Music have been on the shelves untouched for a long time, with potential customers too ashamed to rent them out."

The top ten unfashionable movies in the Amazon.co.uk 100 most rented chart: 1. Spice World (1997) 2. The Sound of Music (1965) 3. Annie (1982) 4. Bambi (1942) 5. Super Mario Bros (1993) 6. Barb Wire (1996) 7. Thunderbirds (2004) 8. Titanic (1997) 9. Hellboy (2004) 10. Gigli (2003)

Film Festivals in the New England Area

Also, if you are excited about LAST DAYS, this is your time to see it.

Interview With Christopher Nolan

Cool info in here.

Funny Article About Brad Pitt

I went into it thinking it was just tabloid fluff, but it has some good film insights.


You can’t ask for a better introduction to the movie-going public than Brad Pitt got in “Thelma and Louise.” In a film seen mostly by women, in which most of the men are jerks, Pitt, too, plays a jerk, but a good-looking jerk, a bad boy who differs from the others in this way: He’s the one who gives women orgasms. Sure, Harvey Keitel is fatherly, and Michael Madsen is loyal; and, sure, Brad Pitt steals from Thelma and Louise, beginning a chain of events which eventually causes the women to drive their car off a cliff. But still: He’s the one who gives women orgasms. You don’t have to look like Brad Pitt to make this work for you.

Weinsteins to Release Many New Films

It seems in the Miramax/Disney/Weinsteins breakup quite a few films were held up because of the divorce. These films are to be released now. The quality of the pictures are supposed to be good, its just a matter of the situation. Read full article here.

Outdoor Movies at Hotels

This sounds awesome.


One of the hottest new amenities at resorts and hotels this summer is the outdoor movie — a film projected onto the side of a building or on a big screen set up around the pool.

The latest to jump on the trend is the Flatotel in New York City, which this weekend begins projecting movies against a 30-foot wall at its outdoor Italian eatery, MODA Outdoors. The program comes on the heels of one at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, a hub for vacationers exploring the Chesapeake Bay. Loews began its own outdoor movie nights Sunday at its outdoor patio.

Even cruise lines are getting into the act. Carnival's 2,974-passenger Liberty, which launches July 20 in the Mediterranean, will have a 22-foot-wide light-emitting diode screen atop the Lido deck for regular outdoor movie screenings. Princess, which launched movies on the deck of the Caribbean Princess last year, will have them on three ships this summer and two more by the end of 2007. Like Carnival, the line is using high-tech, light-emitting diode screens.

Segal Sued for Ruinung Movies

Hilarious.


LOS ANGELES — Steven Seagal has been sued for $14 million for allegedly delaying production on two movies.

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In one instance, Seagal allegedly arrived 45 minutes late while filming Today You Die and left the location 3 1/2 hours early.

Because of his actions, planned scenes were never shot, leaving the movie with a "material and irreparable problem with story logic," according to the lawsuit, which also seeks unspecified damages.

On the Road Today

Maybe some blogging late tonight. If not, then I will make up for it tomorrow with extra reports. :)