Top ten Sci-fi movies

Science fiction is one of the major genres of Hollywood movies. Just think about the aliens and the space vehicles, the laser swords of the jedi knights and the depiction of various planets in George Lucas’s famous movie, Star Wars; or think about the recent hit movie, Transformers. Science fiction themes pose a great challenge for film makers. They truly represent the strength of human imagination. Here is a list of top ten Hollywood science-fiction movies:

Matrix Trilogy:
In the distant future, machine rules over men. The machines use human bodies as power generators. Human beings spend their lives in enclosed glass fetuses. Tubes are attached to their bodies to feed them. They can not move but they are attached to a computer which has a program that creates an illusion of reality. This program is called Matrix, the creator of the virtual reality. A small group of human beings are able to free themselves from these machines and fight against them. This is the story of Matrix, the 1999 block buster science-fiction. The central character of the movie was played by Keanu Reeves. Keanu plays the character, Neo, who has the power to bend the rules in the Matrix. Written and directed by Laurence Larry Wachowski and Andy Wachowski, Matrix is a trilogy movie. The three series are: The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, and The Matrix Revolutions. There is also an animated film Animatrix.

Day After tomorrow:
Released in 2004, the movie is based on a book titled, The Coming Global Superstorm. The best thing about the movie is showing the destruction and natural catastrophe with CGI. I like the scene where a big ship floats on the street of New York. Originally slotted to be released in 2003, the movie was released next year and became the 47^th highest grossing science fiction movie in the world. The movie also holds record for one of the biggest opening weekend gross with $68.7 million. Jack Hall is a paleoclimatologist. In the UN conference in New Delhi, Jack explains his theory of global warming but the officials do not agree with his theory. However, Dr. Terry Rapson who attends the conference accepts his theory. The rest of the movie deals with how the theory of Jack Hall proves to be true.

AI:
Two of the pioneering figures in the field of sci-fi films, Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick made this movie. AI is based on the story of Brian Aldiss, a UK based science-fiction story writer. The story of the movie takes place in a futuristic world after the global warming disaster. Majority portion of the United States of America is under water and the number of people has decreased sharply. Now, androids are created to save the human civilization. The hero of the story is David, an android child created for a married couple who are losing their son, Martin. Initially, David was accepted by the family. He faced problems after Martin was cured and returned to live with his family. David left the house and embarked on an adventure. The movie was nominated for Oscar in Best Effects, Visual Effects and Best Music, Original Score category.

Time Machine:
Another popular science fiction movie theme is time travel and Time Machine can be referred as one of the best movies in this sub genre. The movie was based on the novel titled, “Time Machine” by famous English writer H.. Wells. The movie has two versions: one made in 1960 and the other in 2002. It is the 1960 version that became successful. I watched the 2002 version starring Guy Pearce, Samantha Mumba. The main difference between the two films is in the starting of the story. The 1960 movie was made by George Pal. For introducing lapse photographic effects, the movie own Oscar in 1961. George wanted to make a sequel of the movie but his dream never came true. In 2002, the movie was remade by his great-grandson, Simon Wells.

The Fly:
This movie has two versions: the first one released in 1958 and the second one in 1986. The 80’s version was very successful. Jeff Goldblum played the brilliant scientist, Seth Brundle and Geena Davis played the character of journalist, Veronica Quaife. Seth Brundle is a scientist who develops this machine that can teleport objects. In the beginning, the machine could only teleport inanimate objects. Later, Seth modifies it and successfully teleports a baboon. Meanwhile, he meets Veronica Quaife (Davis), a journalist working in a science magazine. The two fall in love. One day, Seth decides to teleport himself. During the teleportation process, a housefly accidentally gets into the machine. As a result, the gene of the fly gets mixed with the gene of Brundle. After the teleportation process, Brundle initially exhibits high energy and stamina but his body starts to change. He then finds out that the gene of the fly that got into the pod got mixed up with his gene and gradually turning him into a big human fly. At the end of the movie, Brundle understands his mistake and tells Veronica to kill him. Critics like the movie because its description of human emotion.

Jurassic Park:
Released in 1993, Jurassic Park is one of the successful dinosaur movies. A research center on a remote island works on creating cloned dinosaurs. Then one day, accident happens which allows the dinosaurs to come out of their confinements and kill people. This is the basic story line of the movie. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie boasts of an impressive special effect showing dinosaurs creating havoc. It was liked by both the critics and audience. Upon releasing, the movie collected $914 million making it one of the top grossing movies of Hollywood. The movie was followed by two sequels: The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) and Jurassic Park III (2001). Jurassic Park own three Oscars in 1994 in best effects, sound effects, editing best effects, visual effects, best sound category.

Deep Impact:
I will never forget the gigantic waves engulfing the sky scrapers of New York city. I wish I do not have to live to see the day when our lovely planet earth gets hit by a gigantic comet. Honestly, Deep Impact will have a DEEP IMPACT on your brain. Many scientists and astronomers also admit that there is possibility of earth being hit by large meteor or comet. Released in 1998, Deep Impact tells the story of a comet named “Wolf-Biederman” colliding with planet earth and causing tsunami and other natural disasters. Like all other disaster movies, Armageddon, Day After Tomorrow, this movie also has some very impressive special effects. The after effects of the collision are vividly described in the movie.

Apollo 13:
This movie tells the story of the 1970’s Apollo 13 lunar mission which became a failure. An explosion in the oxygen tank caused problem to the space craft. Fortunately, the three astronauts returned safely to the earth. Aside from vividly describing the technical details, the movie shows the dedication and determination of the NASA crews to bring the astronauts home safe and sound. The movie is inspired by the book “Lost Moon” written by Jim Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger.

Terminator:
After seeing this movie, many of you must have got familiar with this Spanish phrase, “Hasta la vista” (See you later). Terminator was not just a block buster movie but one of those movies that had changed the face of cinema in the coming years. James Cameron, the director of the movie, got the idea of the film in a dream. At that time he was in Mexico. In the beginning, James wanted Arnold Schwarzenegger to play the role of human soldier; later, Cameron felt that Arnold would suit the role of the robot soldier. Terminator was released in 1984. It was a low budget movie but it was a huge success. Time Magazine included the movie in their list of top ten movies of the year. However, it was Terminator 2: Judgement Day that enjoyed both critical acclaim and box office success. Released in 1991, the movie is also significant in terms of using CGI effects.

Blade Runner:
The future world, a dystopia, is another major theme of Hollywood movies. Matrix can be referred as one of the most successful movies in this sub-genre. Blade Runner was not commercially successful in USA but the movie was critically acclaimed and commands faithful followers. The story takes place in a future world where “humanoids” are created to do all the dirty works. Eventually, the humanoids revolt and they are declared illegal by the government. A special police unit called “Blade Runners” is created to search and destroy these humanoids. The story revolves around the relationship between some humanoids and a blade runner.

Top ten Hollywood Romantic Movies

Love is perhaps the most commonly used theme in cinema. This is the case in Hollywood too. Whatever movie you have, there is always some romantic elements. Many movies are solely based on Romance and love and some of the romantic movies have become immortal. I have made a list of top ten romantic movies. It is entirely my choice and I am presenting it here for you so that you can give your own list. Feel free to criticize me anyway in the comment section. Just, don’t forget to give your list of top romantic movies.

Titanic

Titanic is not only one of the greatest movies of all time but it is the highest grossing film of all time in the history of Hollywood movie. Based on a true love story, the movies could reach to the essence of every viewer whoever watched the movie. The movie Titanic won Academy Awards in 11 sections. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio played two pivotal roles in the movie.

Directed by James Cameron, the movie Titanic depicts the time of tragic accident of famous ship Titanic in which a true love story emerges. A first class passenger Rose DeWitt Bukater boards fall in love with a third class passenger of the ship, Jack Dawson. However, Roses fiancé Caledon Hockley, played by Billy Zane, becomes furious to Jack and tries to take revenge. Until then they did not know that what was waiting to their fate. In the mean time, the captains of the ship observes that the ship hit an ice berg causing a big crack in the outer surface of the ship and eventually Titanic, the biggest ship of that time, starts sinking. It was beyond anybody’s imagination that such a tragic end could be possible for such a ship like Titanic.

Meanwhile, the relationship between Jack and Rose becomes closure and Cal (Rose’s fiancé) chases to Rose and Jack with a loaded Pistol at his hand. Yes, the loving couple Rose and Jack could escape from Cal but could not avoid their ill fate. Jack could save her lover’s life sacrificing his own life. The movie Titanic could make a huge impression in the viewers mind and could cash in a fabulous amount of $1,845,034,188 worldwide.

It Could Happen to You (1994)

It really can happen to you. Just like Nicholas Cage, you can be stuck in an unhappy marriage with a woman who only understands money and ambition. However, that does not mean that all women are like this. That also does not mean that you should destroy your life. Instead, keep working hard and remain being a good man. Then, sooner or later you can meet a nice woman like Bridget Fonda.

I feel that the main message of It Could Happen to You is that you should think a lot before you get married. You should try to find out a life partner who is good and who is like you. Nicholas Cage is at his best in this movie and you will enjoy the movie always.

Alex and Emma (2003)

I am not a big fan of Kate Hudson but yet I like this movie and I like her acting in Alex and Emma. Alex and Emma has depicted a dilemma for many men. In real life, we often see that many men get crazy for beautiful, hot and gorgeous women and for doing so, they destroy their career and even life. In this movie, the hero Alex did it. He gambled everything and even his life for a rich, beautiful and sexy woman and lost. He at first failed to see that there are many ordinary but good women around him and if he tries he can really be happy.

The message of the movie Alex and Emma is very simple but powerful- don’t be blind for fancy women or else you will have to pay a very heavy price and become unhappy in life. Many young men or should I say most young men make the same mistake like Alex and become unhappy. They fail to see the real and inner beauty of girls like Emma. Thus, they make their life unnecessarily complicated and unhappy.

Man on the Elysian Field (2001)

Man on the Elysian Field is a movie that can bring tears out of most people who watch it. The story is a bit complicated and emotional. The lead male actor Andy Garcia said about this movie: “It's a dark, comedic, morality tale. It has the qualities of a fable.” In the movie, he is totally a family man but at the same time he is idealist too. Desperate times forced him to become dishonest. He was in an illusion that whatever he was doing he was doing for his family. This illusion cost him a lot and he lost his wife and son.

I think that the message of the movie is that you have to make a balance between being idealistic and pragmatic. Andy Garcia should not have left his job in an advertisement company in the first place when he has a wife and child.

Love Story

Made in 1970, this successful romantic movie is based on the famous short novel of Erich Segal by the same name. Love Story tells the sad story of a couple: Jennifer Cavalleri, and Oliver Barrett IV. Jennifer is a music student of Radcliffe College and Oliver is a hockey player and studies at the prestigious Harvard Law School. The two fall in love and decides to get married. Oliver’s father is against their marriage because Jennifer’s family is not rich. After their marriage, Oliver’s father stops giving his tuition fee. The couple faces great financial hardship but Oliver successfully graduates from law school and joins in a New York Law firm. Jennifer works as a music teacher in a school. Life was just getting better for them but suddenly like a bolt from the blue Oliver learns that Jennifer is suffering from a serious disease and would die soon. In the beginning, Oliver tries to remain calm and normal but gradually Jennifer knows about her illness. The movie ends with a great tragedy. As Oliver’s father came to see them Oliver tells him what happens and then leaves the hospital and vanishes into the crowd. Love Story is a very emotional tragic movie. It was one of the most successful movies of 1970 and won seven academy award nominations.

Sweet November:

Remake of a 1968 movie the movie was dumped as a poor remake by the critics and Keanu Reeves, and Charlize Theron got nomination as the Worst Actor and Actress. Nelson Moss (Keanu Reeves) is a successful advertising executive in New York. He is a person who always puts his work as his first priority. He meets this woman named Sara Deever (Charlize Theron) while appearing in his DMV test. Sarah was thrown out of the exam hall for cheating. That night she again comes to Nelson’s house and insists on him to take her on a drive. Gradually Nelson gets attracted to Sarah. Then he discovers that Sarah has been suffering from Cancer and she would die soon. Knowing this Nelson wants to stay with Sarah but she tells him to go away. In the end, Sarah goes away to spend her last days with her family.

Little Women (1994)

I am sure that all of you will get shocked to see this movie in the list. Well, I have included it for two reasons. First of all, it depicts a lovely family where the mother and all her daughters have happy life. Of course, this kind of love does not define as romantic love. No problem. I like the ending of this movie. In the last scene, Gabriel Byrne tells Winona Ryder that his hands were empty and he had nothing to give her. She takes her hand into hers and tells that it was not empty anymore. This is a very touching moment. Of course, if you are a rich man then it would not mean anything to you.

Notting Hill

Can the most famous film star in the world fall for just an ordinary guy? Well, any of us may think it is impossible as famous film stars are busy with attractive particular people. But in Notting Hill movie this impossible fancy comes true.

Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) is the American world’s most famous movie star. Her picture is on the cover of every magazine. Any time she makes a movie, the whole world knows about it. Ones, this beautiful actress enters to the shop of William Thacker (Hugh Grant) who owns a travel bookstore in Notting Hill-He is an unsuccessful man in business and his personal life. He is divorced and lives with an abnormal roommate.

First, William can’t believe it, after few minutes he runs into her again. He is so excited that he spills orange juice over her. William invites her to his nearby apartment to change in and Anna accepts and thanks him with a kiss.

For both, something or someone seems to be missing. The romance is the last thing come on their minds. Anna and William get to know each other better over the month but each month they pass they have to face the ultimate question more seriously: can two people fall in love with the whole world watching?

The screen play was written by Richard Curtis and it was directed by Roger Michell. Notting Hill released 28 May 1999 in the USA and it has nominated for 3 Golden Globes. You can see its other 12 wins & 14 nominations here.

Roman Holiday

This 1950’s classic movie is one of the best romantic comedies. A princess spends few days with a reporter and falls in love with him but at the end they understand that they can not live together for they are from two different social strata. Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) has come to visit Rome. She is tired of her life as a princess and escape from the embassy. She then meets Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) a reporter. Ann does not reveal her real identity to him. Joe takes Anya (Princess Ann) to his house. He was very uncomfortable with her attitude. Joe and Anya go out for sight seeing in Rome. Gradually the two falls in love. In the meantime, the government agents find out about Princess Ann. Joe and Ann understands that they can never be united and leaves Joe. Roman Holiday is the first major Hollywood film of Audrey Hepburn. For her performance in Roman Holiday Hepburn won Academy Award.

Robin Hood: Prince of the Thieves

Directed by Kevin Reynolds, the romantic-action thriller could impress the viewers. The movie Robin Hood: Prince of the Thieves is based on the medieval English folk character Robin Hood. Robin is a noble man who robbed rich people in order to help the poor. The movie is also famous for the song “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You”, a ballad sung by Bryan Adams. The song broke the record of UK pop chart.

Robin is from an aristocrat English family and he has rival with Sheriff of Nottingham. Nottingham attacks Robin’s father and kills him while Robin was with King Richard in the battle of Third Crusade. However, after coming back to his home, Robin also became the target of Nottingham. Then Robin, Azeem (Robin’s companion whom he saved from the battle of Crusade) and Duncan, the servant of Robin’s father, take shelter in Forest of Sherwood. The woodsmen of the forest accepted them in their group. Later, Robin trained the a the woodsmen to confront the Nottingham and started robbing the rich people across the forest.

Meanwhile, Robin fall in love with his childhood friend Maid Marian. Marian always keeps connection to Robin and woodsmen and helps them in various ways.The robbery of Robin and his men made Nottingham furious and lead him attack the forest people causing a huge destruction and killing over the woodsmen. However, Robin and his men escape. Nottingham thinks that Robin has dies with the attack and so he proposed to Marian to marry her otherwise, he will kill the woodmen. On the day of their marriage, Robin and his friends attacks and kill the Nottingham. Kevin Costner and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio appear in the movie as Robin Hood and Maid Marian respectively.

The movie could earn $48,000,000 worldwide and was critically acclaimed by the critics. I think the movie deserves a place in the list of top romantic movies of all time.

Please, in the comment section, leave your list of top ten romantic movies.

Tintin to be Filmed in Hollywood

Famous cartoonist Georges Remi will celebrate his 100^th birth anniversary this year. He is best known for his great creation of cartoon character Tintin, a fighter against the evils. The character got a huge popularity in throughout the world. On the screen, Tintin traveled the whole world and in 1954 he even went to the moon.

Now, Tintin is going to place its feat in Hollywood too. On the occasion of Georges Remi’s birth anniversary, Steven Spielberg’s production house Dreamworks has taken the initiative to make film on the character Tintin. CCTV reported:

He may be the work of a 100 year old dead Belgian but Hollywood has finally woken up to the Tintin phenomenon. And it's Speilberg's Dreamworks company that wants to steal him away. Tintin was born in 1929 when the cub reporter first appeared in a Belgian newspaper.

Dreamworks principal Steven Spielberg, a lifelong Tintin fan, will be one of the producers, though he is not expected to direct.

The rights are held by Brussels-based Herge Studios whose chairman, Nick Rodwell, seems confident Dreamworks will stay close to the original art work.

Nick Rodwell said, "It's fair to say the film will be inspired by the Tintin adventures. In much same way as the Harry Potter films were. Quite close to the original, but because the many changes were done in a way that did not offend anybody, and everybody felt very comfortable about them. It's important to respect the original work."

I think it is a great initiative taken by Dreamworks as they are going to make film on the cartoon character Tintin, one of the most famous cartoons. I hope they will successfully make the film and provide some Tintin magic to the world.

Hollywood Christmas Parade Stopped due to Financial Losss

Hollywood has put an end to the traditional Christmas Parade due to facing a huge financial loss. The parade was first introduced in 1928 and since then it has become a popular source of entertainment. However, for the last few years, the people became less interested which led the organizers to a huge loss. Courant.com reported:

"This is a very difficult thing for us to have to do," said Jeff Briggs, chairman of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's board of directors. "We're disappointed and sad. But we're out of the parade business."

Bing Crosby, James Stewart, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Charlton Heston and Natalie Wood were among those who took part in the parade through the years. Singing cowboy Gene Autry was a major parade supporter.

But in recent years, the parade struggled to attract celebrity participants and a national television audience.

The chamber, which is supported by member dues, said it lost about $100,000 in producing last year's $1 million event.

Johnny Grant, the honorary mayor of Hollywood who ran the parade for 22 years, said he was heartbroken to see the parade end. Last year's parade was his last as executive producer.

"When that last float went down the street last year, half my life went with it," he said. "But L.A.'s changing, America's changing. The public has many more entertainment platforms now."

I think as it is related to the tradition of Hollywood, it should be continued. I wish the government as well as the celebrities will extend their helping hand to save the parade in order to save the tradition of the Hollywood.

Madonna and Gandhi

Madona is always expert in creating controversy and getting media coverage for herself. She is not young or sexy anymore. She has passed her prime in youth, beauty and music talent and that is why it is difficult for her to be in the limelight of media. So, she is depending on her tongue more than other things to get media attention. She has attracted a huge amount of attention recently by stating that she wanted to be like Gandhi and Martin Luther King and John Lennon.

People.com reported:

"I want to be like Gandhi and Martin Luther King and John Lennon – but I want to stay alive," the singer said during a Valentine's Day interview on Sirius Satellite Radio.

In fact, Madonna, 48, who angered church leaders with a controversial crucifixion scene on her most recent tour, has some even bigger spiritual shoes to fill. "For me we all need to be Jesus in our time," she says.

I wonder why she does not want to be God. If she could become God then she could get everything she desired for. Well, many of us want to be God and that is why Madonna is not that much interested about it as it would not create controversy. So, being a Gandhi is a better option for her.

Sylvester Stallone in Australia: Rocky Fights with Customs Official

Sylvester Stallone is more known as Rocky. He went to Australia recently and after he went there it seems that he had to spend more time and energy with the custom officials than with the fans. I can easily say that he did not enjoy his trip to Australia this time at all. He hit the media headlines not for his film or acting but for his conflict with the Australian custom officials.

Daily Telegraph reported:

The actor had originally been stopped by Customs officers on Friday night after "prohibited'' substances - believed to be a type of human growth hormone - were found in luggage at Sydney airport.

The investigation was stepped up last night after the visit to his Sydney hotel room at 3pm yielded further evidence relating to the investigation over the importation of illegal substances.

Yesterday, a senior Customs source told The Daily Telegraph the investigation was fast-tracked after occupants of Stallone's room at the five-star Park Hyatt Hotel were seen throwing items out of the window.

Customs officials had visited the Hollywood megastar to issue him with a summons to answer charges on the prohibited substances, which would have required a court appearance by him or his legal representative at a later date.

I am sure that Sylvester Stallone wished he had some fans among the custom officials so that he would have better condition with them. May be, Sylvester Stallone will become wiser when he travels to Australia next time.

Oscars, Racism and Black Performers in Bollywood

China Daily has published an interesting in-depth report (courtesy of Reuters) with the heading:

Oscars spark renewed questions of race in Hollywood

Race is a big matter in USA and who can forget the matter that until 1865 slavery existed legally in the US. Even 5-6 decades ago, the black people had to struggle under the leadership of Martin Luther King for equality. It seems that the black people may have won everywhere but in Hollywood they are still neglected. I am quoting from the report:

No black person has ever been named best director.

Race bias will affect Oscar politics as long as it plays a role in U.S. culture, Oscar watchers said. "Race will go away from the Academy when race goes away from America," said David Poland of MovieCityNews.com.

Poland is one of many observers who said he did not believe race played a part in "Dreamgirls" failing to land in the best film category despite gaining eight nominations overall, more than any other movie.

Since the January 23 nominations, several theories have outweighed racial bias when it came to the "Dreamgirls" snub, according to Oscar pundits, film historians and critics.

"Dreamgirls" did not get nomination but the controversy is still going on. Tradionally, the black performers have been overlooked when it comes to giving Academy Awards. The report also stated:

Hattie McDaniel was the first black to win an acting Oscar -- for supporting actress in 1939's "Gone with the Wind." The second was not until Sidney Poitier received the best actor nod for 1963's "Lilies of the Field, and the third took almost another two decades -- Louis Gossett Jr.'s supporting actor nod for 1982's "An Officer and a Gentleman."

Just a handful of supporting actor and actress nods followed, until 2002, when Hollywood thought that the Academy had put the race issue behind it. That year, Denzel Washington won best actor for "Training Day" and Halle Berry was named best actress for "Monster's Ball."

It was the first time black Americans won the top two acting awards in the same year. Three years after Washington's and Berry's dual wins, Jamie Foxx scored a best actor victory for his role as soul singer Ray Charles in 2004's "Ray," and last year the drama "Crash," which explores race in America, was named best film.

So, you can see that Black actors and actresses in Hollywood had to wait until 2002 to get some decent recognition. May be they will have to wait another 30-40 years to get their true recognition.

Paris Hilton and ParisExposed.com

I really find it difficult to understand why people are so crazy about Paris Hilton. Many people do not mind to spend $39.97 for accessing some personal documents of Paris Hilton from a website called ParisExposed.com. Even it is a top story in Yahoo! News. Yahoo! Reported:

Paris Hilton filed a federal lawsuit Monday, seeking to shut down a Web site that displays personal photos, videos, diaries, and other belongings once kept at a storage facility.

The Web site was launched last week claiming the items were auctioned off after Hilton neglected to pay the Los Angeles-area storage facility. It also promises visitors who pay a fee of $39.97 access to Hilton's passport, medical records and other legal documents.

In her lawsuit, Hilton said she put her possessions in storage two years ago when she and her sister, Nicky, moved out of a house that had been burglarized.

The 25-year-old heiress said a moving company was supposed to pay the storage fees and was "shocked and surprised" to learn her belongings were sold at a public auction.

On the other hand, I am also confused about the matter that Paris Hilton is now so eager to get back the documents and pictures. After all, she is the person who is eager to show her everything everywhere. I guess that the owner of the website should offer a share of the website revenue and it would help Paris to become calm.

BY the way this is story behind the website:

As she was moving form one LA mansion to another, Paris Hilton, heiress to the Hilton dynasty, and this generation's most famous celebrity, put more than 6,000 square feet of her possessions into an ordinary self-service storage facility.

Believe it or not, this supermodel, from one of the wealthiest families in the world, failed to pay her $208 bill... As you probably guessed by now, the storage unit was auctioned off... the heiress lost all rights to her goods... thankfully for her, (and you), we've retrieved, catalogued, itemized, and digitized every last item.

Pamela Anderson: 'Blonde and Blonder' or ‘2 Stupid Bitches’

No, they are not two different movies. The title of the actual movie is ‘2 Stupid Bitches’. However, Pamela Anderson did not like the title and instead she preferred the movie being named as 'Blonde and Blonder'. Pamela Anderson may have many of her dream coming true but not this one.
Starpulse News Blog wrote:
Pamela Anderson wanted her new movie to be called "2 Stupid Bitches". The former Baywatch star has just finished filming Blonde and Blonder with Denise Richards and thinks the alternative title would suit the comic movie better because of her and Denise's stupid antics.

On her personal website, Pammie wrote: "Just finishing 'Blonde and Blonder.' I love working with my brother Gerry. He wrote and produced this film. Denise Richards and I had a blast shooting. Nothing fancy! It comes out in May. I prefer the title '2 Stupid Bitches.'"

Pamela Anderson may get a lot of things but not this time. So, she should becoming a director.

Why Hollywood Loves Africa so Much?

I have seen a lot of movies and I have seen Africa being shown in Hollywood movies in many of them. Yes, sometimes they portray Africa in a crude way but often Hollywood shows the humanitarian aspects of Africa too.
The New Zealand Herald wrote:

No one need to move far now to witness desolation. Hollywood loves Africa and almost every multiplex is showing one or more lament on civil war. Blood Diamond and The Last King of Scotland, the two latest examples, have gathered Oscar nominations and plaudits for their assault on Western consciences. Both also carry an unmeant subtext of exploitation.

Like The Constant Gardener, they depict an Africa whose job it is to kill, to suffer and to supply a backdrop for a white man's odyssey. The Last King, the better film, offers the tale of a Scottish doctor caught up with Idi Amin. Blood Diamond, set in Sierra Leone, is the vehicle for Leonardo DiCaprio and enough military hardware to provoke envy in any ordnance-starved general in today's Afghanistan.

Still, there is much to be said for the popcorn branch of foreign policy. Blood Diamond has sent a shiver through a gem industry that has reportedly offered Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Lopez US$10,000 each for charity to flaunt sparkling rings and repel any public-relations disaster.

Let us hope that more and more Hollywood movies will address the real humanitarian aspect of Africa.

Leonardo DiCaprio Movie Creates Sensation for Diamond Industry in South Africa

South Africa is the top place for diamonds. When there is diamond trade in Africa, there are many stories of injustice and tears. Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest movie has caused some controversy about this matter.

Moneyweb reported:

New Hollywood blockbuster, Blood Diamonds, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, has raised the hackles of many in the SA diamond and jewellery industry as well as questions about their integrity.

Though the diamond industry's response to the film's depiction of the trade in arms for diamonds - better known as `Blood Diamonds'- has been widely dispersed, our vocal jewellery industry appears to be avoiding the subject altogether. It would however seem, that the diamond industry response, though appropriate, has not quelled the tide of interest and concern that would fully sate the South African public.

One jeweller prepared to face the issue head-on is Western Cape based, Uwe Koetter Jewellers.

"It is extremely important to verify the source of any diamonds you purchase and insist on seeing the appropriate certificates, it is only by doing this, that unscrupulous jewellers and diamond dealers will be forced to conform. We must never forget the loss of life caused by the trading of these blood diamonds" says Johan Louw, Director and Chief Designer at Uwe Koetter Jewellers in Cape Town.

More films need to made in Hollywood about this issue.

Sir Alan Ayckbourn Unhappy with Hollywood stars like Madonna, David Schwimmer and Matt Damon

Sir Alan Ayckbourn is very unhappy with Hollywood stars. He feels that some Hollywood stars have caused bad result for British theater.

Post Chronicle wrote:

Acclaimed British playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn has launched a stinging attack on Hollywood stars including Madonna, David Schwimmer and Matt Damon for damaging the reputation of Uk theatre.

The 67-year-old dramatist fears young homegrown talents are being sidelined in castings in favour of bigger stars whose names can pull in more crowds.

Schwimmer received tepid reviews for his role in Some Girls at the Gielgud Theatre in 2005, while both Damon and Madonna were widely criticised for London stage appearances they made in 2002.

Ayckbourn says, "What is happening is that the theatre is being stuffed with the stars' fans. What they experience in the theatre is a poor performance, and they go out profoundly disappointed and disenchanted. That is another blow for the theatre. You've emptied the theatre for a whole load of people who will never go there again.

Poor Alan Ayckbourn. He has dedicated his entire like and now he can see that things are getting out of quality.

Can Obama get some Hollywood Cash?

Bill Clinton and Hilary Clinton have good relationship with Hollywood and many rich Hollywood celebrities are expected to pour some cash to the campaign of Hilary Clinton in the coming days. However, it seems that Obama will not let Hilary Clinton go away so easily with Hollywood cash. He is trying to get some cash from Hollywood too.

Clarion-Ledger reported:

Hollywood has been a cash-spewing ATM for Sen. Hillary Clinton, but Sen. Barack Obama may challenge her top billing when it comes to Tinseltown cash.

Powerhouse agent Ari Emanuel, whose client stable includes A-listers like Michael Douglas, Martin Scorsese, Larry David and Paris Hilton, is set to throw a sure-to-be-star-studded bash for Obama, D-Ill., next month.

A spokesman for the Endeavor agency head confirmed Emanuel "will be doing some sort of event (for Obama) in February."

DreamWorks SKG moguls Steven Spielberg and David Geffen, along with activist actors George Clooney and Barbra Streisand, each forked over $2,000 to Obama's 2004 Senate campaign, according to Newsmeat.com, a Web site that tracks celeb contributions.

Can Barack Obama give Hilary Clinton a run for money in Hollywood? Let us wait and see.

Clinton or Obama: Tough Ask For Hollywood Stars

Hollywood stars may be always busy with movies and showbiz but they have political likings and disliking too. Many famous celebrities in Hollywood are fan of the Democratic Party. Now, the stars are divided about whom to support. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are the two leading front runners for the Democratic Party candidateship for 2008 presidential election.

Washington Post reported:

Indeed, several Democratic consultants told Reuters that Clinton remains in a class of her own on the Los Angeles fund-raising circuit, with strong ties to the entertainment community dating back to her husband's time in office.

All indications are that veteran Clinton loyalists like producers Haim Saban and Steve Bing, former studio chief Sherry Lansing and magnate Ron Burkle remain firmly in her camp.

Nevertheless, a parade of celebrities have expressed support for Obama, including Oscar winners George Clooney and Halle Berry and TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

Obama launched his exploratory committee 10 days ago, and Clinton quickly followed suit.

So, we will wait to see who supports whom in Hollywood. It is going to be a tougher choice than Oscar Award.