Every year, studios and production companies look to books for new ideas for films. Often, these books are blockbuster hits with a large fan following, which is almost a guarantee there will be plenty of interest in a film. All it takes is one person in the movie production industry to show interest in the rights to a book. The odds of a book being made into a movie are very slim, and the chances that it will become a hit are even smaller. In 2012, several book-based films have topped the box office. The majority of these films are from well-known authors who have had previous books made into cinema productions.
Children's books are frequently the focus of animated films. In March, Universal Pictures released "The Lorax," based on a 1971 book by Dr. Seuss. No children's author has been more celebrated than Dr. Seuss. Other successful films by Seuss include "The Grinch," "Horton Hears a Who" and "The Cat in the Hat." "The Lorax" is an environmentalist film about a 12-year-old boy (Zac Efron) who speaks to trees and fights to save the world from corporate greed. The film also features the voices of Danny DeVito, Taylor Swift and Betty White.
"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 130 weeks since its release in 2008. It is a young adult novel about a girl named Katniss, who lives in the postapocalyptic nation of Panem. The Hunger Games are annual national competitions in which two children from each of the country's twelve districts are placed into an arena. They battle one another until only one child remains alive. Lionsgate released the film in March, and it made over $150 million in revenue during opening weekend. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark. "Catching Fire," the second film in the series, is scheduled to be released in 2013.
Several of Nicholas Sparks' novels have been made into films including "The Notebook," "The Last Song" and "A Walk to Remember." Released in April, "The Lucky One" is the newest film based on this popular writer's work. Zac Efron stars as Logan, a marine who has been serving in Iraq. He finds a photo of a girl just before his unit is attacked. He survives the ambush and credits the picture of the girl for saving his life. When he returns to the United States, he is determined to locate the girl. Taylor Schilling stars as Beth, and Blythe Danner plays the role of Ellie. This romantic drama is characteristic of Sparks' writing.
Another romantic drama is "The Vow," which stars Channing Tatum as Leo and Rachel McAdams as Paige. The film is based on the true story of Kim and Krickett Carpenter, who are happily in love with one another. One evening on their way home from Paige's art exhibition, the couple is involved in a car wreck, which leaves Paige in a coma. When she wakes, she does not remember who she is or who her husband is. The film follows Leo as he tries to win back his true love. It is a feel-good film that makes one believe that true love wins out in the end.
No other film has received the attention that Stephanie Meyer's "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn 2" has received. This book series has become increasingly popular among young adult readers since the first book was published in 2005. The film is scheduled to be released in November and is the last installment in the series. Kristen Stewart plays Bella, a girl who falls in love with vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). Bella turns into a vampire after giving birth to her and Edward's child. The entire vampire clan must protect the child from the Volturi. The final book was split into two films, and this last movie focuses on the couple's efforts to keep their family together.
With a variety of genres to choose from among book-based movies, there is sure to be something for everyone. While the films may not follow the novel's storylines exactly, each one incorporates the best ideas of the authors. Other films that have been adapted from popular novels and released in 2012 include "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" and "One for the Money."
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Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Trigger - The Beloved Horse of Roy Rogers
What was the name of the beautiful palomino horse that Roy Rogers rode? I'm sure you've been asked a question similar to that in Trivia games. And without hesitation you answered, Trigger! (right? - Right!)
I remember as a little girl watching Saturday morning as Roy Rogers rode onto the small screen on this beautiful horse, Trigger. Did you ever wonder how Trigger got his name?
Let's start at his beginnings, shall we? Trigger was foaled in 1932 and was named Golden Cloud. His sire was a Thoroughbred and his dam a grade (unregistered) mare who, like Trigger, was a palomino. Trigger grew to be 15.3 hands tall - approximately 63 inches or 160 cm at the withers.
There seems to be a bit of confusion concerning Trigger's lineage. William Witney, who directed a lot of Roy's and Trigger's movies, claimed that Trigger was out of a Palomino stallion and the mare of a cold-blood (draft horse) mare. The interesting thing here is that there was no Palomino registry at the time of Trigger's birth. (The Palomino Registry was formed in 1936.)
Golden Cloud was sold at the Hudkins Stables, a company that specialized in providing horses for the movies. In 1935 he made his debut opposite Olivia de Havilland riding him side-saddle as Maid Marian in the movie, "The Adventures of Robin Hood.".
Golden Cloud was one of the horses that auditioned for Roy Roger's first movie, "Under Western Stars". The rest was kismet... Roy and Trigger bonded and Roy bought Golden Cloud for the then astounding sum of $2,500. Golden Cloud was renamed Trigger thanks to Roy's friend, Smiley Burnette, who when he saw Golden Cloud said that "the horse is quick on the trigger" and the name stuck.
The horse was smart... so smart that he was billed as the "Smartest Horse in the Movies" - and it was name that was well deserved. Trigger could do over 60 tricks on command. He could do the hula, count, untie ropes, shoot a gun, knock on a door and walk on his hind legs, to name a few.
Trigger had a long career with Roy Rogers. In fact he was there when Roy Rogers sat aside him and proposed to his wife, Dale Evans, during a show in Chicago; and he was in every episode of "The Roy Rogers Show" that aired from 1951 to 1957.
Trigger had to finally retire when he could no longer perform and had to be replaced with Trigger, Jr. However, Trigger, Jr. was not actually Trigger's son. Even though Trigger remained a stallion all of his life he never had any descendants. Trigger, Jr. was actually a Tennessee Walking Horse.
Trigger became the most famous horse in film entertainment. He even had his own Dell Comic Book to recount his adventures.
I always loved Trigger and secretly always wanted a horse like him. I think that was every horse loving kids' dream growing up in the 50's - to have a golden palomino with flaxen mane and tail. Did I get my wish? Yes, twice, but that is another story.
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I remember as a little girl watching Saturday morning as Roy Rogers rode onto the small screen on this beautiful horse, Trigger. Did you ever wonder how Trigger got his name?
Let's start at his beginnings, shall we? Trigger was foaled in 1932 and was named Golden Cloud. His sire was a Thoroughbred and his dam a grade (unregistered) mare who, like Trigger, was a palomino. Trigger grew to be 15.3 hands tall - approximately 63 inches or 160 cm at the withers.
There seems to be a bit of confusion concerning Trigger's lineage. William Witney, who directed a lot of Roy's and Trigger's movies, claimed that Trigger was out of a Palomino stallion and the mare of a cold-blood (draft horse) mare. The interesting thing here is that there was no Palomino registry at the time of Trigger's birth. (The Palomino Registry was formed in 1936.)
Golden Cloud was sold at the Hudkins Stables, a company that specialized in providing horses for the movies. In 1935 he made his debut opposite Olivia de Havilland riding him side-saddle as Maid Marian in the movie, "The Adventures of Robin Hood.".
Golden Cloud was one of the horses that auditioned for Roy Roger's first movie, "Under Western Stars". The rest was kismet... Roy and Trigger bonded and Roy bought Golden Cloud for the then astounding sum of $2,500. Golden Cloud was renamed Trigger thanks to Roy's friend, Smiley Burnette, who when he saw Golden Cloud said that "the horse is quick on the trigger" and the name stuck.
The horse was smart... so smart that he was billed as the "Smartest Horse in the Movies" - and it was name that was well deserved. Trigger could do over 60 tricks on command. He could do the hula, count, untie ropes, shoot a gun, knock on a door and walk on his hind legs, to name a few.
Trigger had a long career with Roy Rogers. In fact he was there when Roy Rogers sat aside him and proposed to his wife, Dale Evans, during a show in Chicago; and he was in every episode of "The Roy Rogers Show" that aired from 1951 to 1957.
Trigger had to finally retire when he could no longer perform and had to be replaced with Trigger, Jr. However, Trigger, Jr. was not actually Trigger's son. Even though Trigger remained a stallion all of his life he never had any descendants. Trigger, Jr. was actually a Tennessee Walking Horse.
Trigger became the most famous horse in film entertainment. He even had his own Dell Comic Book to recount his adventures.
I always loved Trigger and secretly always wanted a horse like him. I think that was every horse loving kids' dream growing up in the 50's - to have a golden palomino with flaxen mane and tail. Did I get my wish? Yes, twice, but that is another story.
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Was James Dean Gay?
James Dean is a well known American actor who has starred in movies that have been forever immortalized. Two such films are preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, 'Rebel without a Cause' and 'Giant'. He is known to be a cultural icon and because of this beloved actor's premature death caused by a car crash, Dean only had 3 films, two of which has left a remarkable impact on society.
Dean was one of the very few actors who were nominated for an Oscar after death. In the year of 1999 he was ranked 18th by the American Film Institute as best male movie star in the list of "AFI's 100 years... 100 Stars".
'Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean' is a new movie that talks about the legendary, James Dean before he ever became a star. People with the question "was James Dean gay?" would probably like to give this movie a look as it seems to lean towards this curious subject. The writer and director, Matthew W. Mishory creates a whole new approach to the loved and respected late actor. There is some belief that he had participated in homosexual acts only to give a powerful boost to his career however, this belief is debatable.
Was James Dean gay? There has been a good amount of arguments about this. Even though the actor had participated in gay acts, he was commonly seen as being bisexual because he was most known to be a ladies' man. The movie 'Joshua Tree' certainly leans towards the sexuality of the late actor and such rumors can change from a simple 'yes, he was gay' to a 'No, he was bisexual'. These reports can vary, all depending on who says it or who it is you ask.
The upcoming film indeed shows that Dean is bisexual and it doesn't skirt the actors rumored bisexuality, it embraces it. Actor James Preston takes the role of James Dean in the film along side with Robert Gant and Erin Daniels. Even if the film doesn't quite answer the question "was he gay?", and there appears to be no conclusion solid enough for any answers, the film is still judged as a win. Even so, the awkward farm boy that he was still captivates and fascinates the audience. Are the rumors fact or fiction? With the actor gone no one will ever know.
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Dean was one of the very few actors who were nominated for an Oscar after death. In the year of 1999 he was ranked 18th by the American Film Institute as best male movie star in the list of "AFI's 100 years... 100 Stars".
'Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean' is a new movie that talks about the legendary, James Dean before he ever became a star. People with the question "was James Dean gay?" would probably like to give this movie a look as it seems to lean towards this curious subject. The writer and director, Matthew W. Mishory creates a whole new approach to the loved and respected late actor. There is some belief that he had participated in homosexual acts only to give a powerful boost to his career however, this belief is debatable.
Was James Dean gay? There has been a good amount of arguments about this. Even though the actor had participated in gay acts, he was commonly seen as being bisexual because he was most known to be a ladies' man. The movie 'Joshua Tree' certainly leans towards the sexuality of the late actor and such rumors can change from a simple 'yes, he was gay' to a 'No, he was bisexual'. These reports can vary, all depending on who says it or who it is you ask.
The upcoming film indeed shows that Dean is bisexual and it doesn't skirt the actors rumored bisexuality, it embraces it. Actor James Preston takes the role of James Dean in the film along side with Robert Gant and Erin Daniels. Even if the film doesn't quite answer the question "was he gay?", and there appears to be no conclusion solid enough for any answers, the film is still judged as a win. Even so, the awkward farm boy that he was still captivates and fascinates the audience. Are the rumors fact or fiction? With the actor gone no one will ever know.
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Tuesday, 28 August 2012
TV's Top 10 Geeks (That We Owe Big Time)
Spanning at least six decades now Television has broadcast some exquisite geeks into our living rooms. But who are the real standard bearers? Who has left their mark in a way that will inform future geeks for generations?
Well, I decided to come up with a list of some worthy candidates.
In the name of keeping things interesting and fair, I was at first inclined to rule out any character playing the title role of their TV show. Unfortunately that cut a few too many heavyweights. So how about this: we'll only disqualify characters from shows specifically about geeks. Apologies to fans of Torchwood, Spaced, and Big Bang Theory, your crews are left out in the cold.
So here we go in no particular order:
10. Grizzly Adams
This guy roamed the Smokie Mountains helping people aided by a 900 lb. Grizzly Bear and a hipster-skewering beard that allowed him to see the future. Game over, end of story.
9. Wile E. Coyote
That he's a gourmand, linguist, gadget hound, and mail-ordering mastermind puts him squarely in the center of Geek City. That he persisted in his struggle despite never catching a single break should make him the Mayor.
8. Commander Spock
In five hundred years time the iconic image of Cmdr. Spock will still communicate the same thing it does today: advanced intelligence trumps anything else both in and out of this world.
7. Walt White (aka Heisenberg)
This one is apparently only half true as Mr. White developed a severely split personality by the end of the first season of Breaking Bad. Still, High School Chemistry Teacher Mr. White more than delivers a monumental geek profile even if he only shows up half the time.
6. Phineas J. Whoopee
Armed with his Three-Dimensional Blackboard (or 3DBB if you're hip), Mr. Whoopee dropped book knowledge in an off-hand way that was not only fun but always managed to save the day. Where would Tennessee Tuxedo (or us for that matter) be without him?
5. Pee-Wee Herman
The guy single-handedly created the retro chic movement. He was undeniably the first to make the 80's cool. He broke Saturday morning taboos with the giggle and wink of a 4-year old trapped in a man's body. Geek genius incarnate.
4. Bert
To be sure, there's more than a handful of geek Muppets to consider for this list. I might even argue that Jim Henson's mind was the one true mothership connection, giving birth to the most seminal geek characters of our time. But that's amusement for another article. For this list there's just one, and that's the unparallelled Bert. Bert wrote a song (and choreographed a dance for that matter) paying homage to his favorite subject: Pigeons. What did you do?
3. Kaylee
The Serenity would be forever grounded if not for the sweet, intrepid, and totally hot Kaylee from Firefly.
2. Sgt. Joe Friday
With the arrival of Joe Friday in 1952, a message was delivered to criminals the world over that their troublesome ways would no longer be tolerated. Gum-shoed and straight-jawed, Friday was not just by the book, he was the book. Crack a joke? You bet, just make sure it's a joke about how awesome it is to obey the law. The good citizens and the victims found stern empathy in him, but the rest found only his unyielding cold hammer of justice. Would I go so far as to say that Sgt. Joe Friday was the precursor to Robocop? Yes.
1. Liz Lemon
I wouldn't necessarily wish for my daughter to borrow too many moves from her playbook, but I will say that the sincerity behind Liz Lemon's winning loser shtick is heartwarming to the end. Also Liz has graced us with 23 Star Wars references over the course of 30 Rock's first 5 seasons. If you think for a second that I don't know each them by heart, well you're crazier than I thought.
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Well, I decided to come up with a list of some worthy candidates.
In the name of keeping things interesting and fair, I was at first inclined to rule out any character playing the title role of their TV show. Unfortunately that cut a few too many heavyweights. So how about this: we'll only disqualify characters from shows specifically about geeks. Apologies to fans of Torchwood, Spaced, and Big Bang Theory, your crews are left out in the cold.
So here we go in no particular order:
10. Grizzly Adams
This guy roamed the Smokie Mountains helping people aided by a 900 lb. Grizzly Bear and a hipster-skewering beard that allowed him to see the future. Game over, end of story.
9. Wile E. Coyote
That he's a gourmand, linguist, gadget hound, and mail-ordering mastermind puts him squarely in the center of Geek City. That he persisted in his struggle despite never catching a single break should make him the Mayor.
8. Commander Spock
In five hundred years time the iconic image of Cmdr. Spock will still communicate the same thing it does today: advanced intelligence trumps anything else both in and out of this world.
7. Walt White (aka Heisenberg)
This one is apparently only half true as Mr. White developed a severely split personality by the end of the first season of Breaking Bad. Still, High School Chemistry Teacher Mr. White more than delivers a monumental geek profile even if he only shows up half the time.
6. Phineas J. Whoopee
Armed with his Three-Dimensional Blackboard (or 3DBB if you're hip), Mr. Whoopee dropped book knowledge in an off-hand way that was not only fun but always managed to save the day. Where would Tennessee Tuxedo (or us for that matter) be without him?
5. Pee-Wee Herman
The guy single-handedly created the retro chic movement. He was undeniably the first to make the 80's cool. He broke Saturday morning taboos with the giggle and wink of a 4-year old trapped in a man's body. Geek genius incarnate.
4. Bert
To be sure, there's more than a handful of geek Muppets to consider for this list. I might even argue that Jim Henson's mind was the one true mothership connection, giving birth to the most seminal geek characters of our time. But that's amusement for another article. For this list there's just one, and that's the unparallelled Bert. Bert wrote a song (and choreographed a dance for that matter) paying homage to his favorite subject: Pigeons. What did you do?
3. Kaylee
The Serenity would be forever grounded if not for the sweet, intrepid, and totally hot Kaylee from Firefly.
2. Sgt. Joe Friday
With the arrival of Joe Friday in 1952, a message was delivered to criminals the world over that their troublesome ways would no longer be tolerated. Gum-shoed and straight-jawed, Friday was not just by the book, he was the book. Crack a joke? You bet, just make sure it's a joke about how awesome it is to obey the law. The good citizens and the victims found stern empathy in him, but the rest found only his unyielding cold hammer of justice. Would I go so far as to say that Sgt. Joe Friday was the precursor to Robocop? Yes.
1. Liz Lemon
I wouldn't necessarily wish for my daughter to borrow too many moves from her playbook, but I will say that the sincerity behind Liz Lemon's winning loser shtick is heartwarming to the end. Also Liz has graced us with 23 Star Wars references over the course of 30 Rock's first 5 seasons. If you think for a second that I don't know each them by heart, well you're crazier than I thought.
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