Category: Films

Will Smith And His Finest Performances In Years Past

When it comes to discussing my favorite actors and actresses, one person who has to be thrown into the discussion is Will Smith. I don’t think he is as talented as some of my other favorite actors, such as Daniel Day Lewis or Christian Bale, but I think he is a tremendous personality and I will see any movie he stars in.

This article will focus on what I consider to be the best movies of Will Smith’s incredibly successful career.

The first film I will discuss of Will Smith’s is Independence Day. Without question, this was one of the iconic action films of the 1990s and adding Will Smith to the cast helped make it a smash success.

It is impossible to create a list of the best Will Smith films without giving praise to one of the Bad Boys movies. For me, Bad Boys II was the better action film. Bad Boys was probably a better constructed movie, but the action in the sequel was unparalleled.

The next movie that I will discuss is The Pursuit Of Happiness. If you have not yet seen this film, then you are greatly missing out. Will Smith pulls out all the stops and is simply spectacular in this movie. An inspirational film, to say the least.

Another great acting performance from Will Smith was delivered in Seven Pounds. This is a mysterious film with a trailer that was even more mysterious. We did not know what to think going into this movie, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it.

Finally, I will include Men In Black on this list. It may not be my favorite Will Smith film, but you cannot deny the success of these duo of movies. Any fan of Men In Black will be happy to know that a third installment is currently being filmed.

As it stands, these are my favorite Will Smith roles to date.

Reasons Quality Of Sound Is Usually As Important As Image Quality In The Home Theater System

Over the years it has been generally found that sound quality is as important as picture quality in a home theater system. Largely because of this, there has been a huge improvement in speaker quality. Such things as the crispness and balance of sound in a film can play a crucial part in the effect a movie may have on its audience.

When watching any film, the audio can really be part of the immersive experience, and has been shown in many cases to actually be the driving force in a large majority of films. Especially in some genres where a film wants to grab the attention of the audience by shocking them or causing suspense. It most often does this through the medium of audio. So, it is quite safe to say audio is important to such experiences.

Often another feature that is found in a good movie is moving music. Such music has the ability to change people’s emotions when required, and can really draw people into the film as though they were really there. Not only that, but the music from films usually has a lasting effect on people that does not go away for some time.

When looking for the right speakers to produce the home cinema experience one desires, finding speakers that can balance the different spectrums of audio well can be important. For instance, if the music level is too overpowering during speech from the characters of the film, it can be very hard to follow what is going on.

The audio generally needs to be clear too. One wants to be able to play a movie at a decent volume without hearing crackles in the sound or distortion.

There are many reasons why sound quality is as important as picture quality in a home theater system. It can help to immerse the audience, as well as bring out key emotions, fears, and tensions. Hence, getting decent speakers can be very important to having the best home cinema.

Russell Crowe’s Best Performances In Years Past

One of the better actors around these days is Russell Crowe. If he is starring in a film, you can probably assume that it will, at the very least, end up being an enjoyable movie. He seems to have his pick of the litter when it comes to choosing roles, and I personally like almost every movie he has ever starred in.

When it comes to choosing his best films, however, it is not such an easy task. This article will cite some of his best works.

I went into The Insider not knowing what to expect, and boy was I surprised. This movie was simply fantastic. This film was directed by the very talented Michael Mann and also stars the legendary Al Pacino.

Another great film that starred Russell Crowe is 3:10 To Yuma. This is a modern day take on a Western film and has an all star cast consisting of Crowe, Christian Bale, and the wildly underrated Ben Foster. If you are looking for a good Western with some familiar faces, this is a great choice.

I would be remiss to make a list of the greatest Russell Crowe movies of all time without mentioning the greatest one of all, Gladiator. Plain and simple, Gladiator is one of those films that you must see. If you have not yet seen it, do yourself a favor and check it out.

Another fantastic movie that showcases Russell Crowe’s talent is A Beautiful Mind. Crowe stars as true life mathematician John Nash, whose life takes a turn for the worse after some incredible discoveries. I don’t want to ruin this film for you if you haven’t already seen it, but it is great.

One other movie that I feel is worth mentioning is Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. This movie is a little slow at times, but when the action is taking place on seas, it gets very intense, very fast.

As it stands, this is my personal list of the best Russell Crowe movies. I am sure he will continue to come out with excellent movies for years to come.

Sony Brings out New And Leading Edge Features With Their 2011 Blu-ray Players

The news came out that Sony launched an affordable range of Blu-ray players for 2011 and everyone cheered. Finally the best picture and sound quality for home audio is available at a price that almost anyone can afford. Now everyone can purchase the finest devices on the market and not have to go into debt to do so.

Many people can remember their old records that came on vinyls discs. Then came reel to reel and cassettes which gave better sound and would not scratch like vinyl. During the seventies there were the short lived eight tracks that would play music continuously without turning the tape over, and then the compact discs that most songs are recorded on today. Movies were played from reels and then evolved for home use as VHS. Next came the DVD and high definition DVD and now the newest and finest audio and video is recorded on Blu-ray Discs.

The advancement in technology has been effective in improving the clarity of picture and the quality of sound with each new device. There is little room to dispute that the newest offering is also the best quality viewing that can be had.

The sad news is that the best technology usually comes with the most expensive price tag. Those who have decided to make the switch have had to pay the cost of developing these new products, while any who could not afford these higher prices were forced to do without.

The good news is that now the leader and the innovator of this newest home entertainment median is producing units that will be available in the coming year for a lot less money. Prices for these new devices will be comparable to what you may pay for a DVD player. So now there will be no reason not to own the best in home entertainment viewing.

Many of those who learn that Sony launched an affordable range of Blu-ray players for 2011 are taking advantage of these new lower prices. They are finding the joy of viewing movies at home with the best possible picture and sound. Maybe it is time for you to see how this technology can benefit you.

The Best Kevin Bacon Films Up To This Point

This article will focus on the illustrious career of Kevin Bacon. Kevin Bacon’s first movie was in 1978, and he has been starring in all sorts of movies ever since. He can dance, play comedic roles, serious roles, and is especially good at playing a villain in films.

But which films have been his best? The following movies are my personal top five favorite films starring Kevin Bacon.

One of the best movies that featured Kevin Bacon is JFK. Now, I am not the biggest fan of Oliver Stone films, but I have to give praise where praise is due. JFK is just a great film, and probably the director’s second best film next to Platoon.

Another great film starring Kevin Bacon is The Air Up There. Ok, maybe this isn’t a great movie by the Academy’s standards, but it was a very enjoyable film and better than a lot of the other basketball films that have come out in recent years.

One movie that cannot be overlooked when discussing the best Kevin Bacon films of years past is Sleepers. In this film, Mr. Bacon plays an evil jail guard who tortured and raped little boys in a juvenile penitentiary. The film focuses on the grown up boys dealing with their past.

Another fantastic film starring Kevin Bacon is A Few Good Men. This film was written by Aaron Sorkin who happens to be one of the best screenwriters in the game. This was a breakout movie for Sorkin’s career and this movie also stars Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise.

One other movie that I feel is worthy of mentioning is The River Wild. This was a suspenseful movie that takes place on a river as a pair of bad men going down a river takes a family as hostages. This movie also stars the always great Meryl Streep.

These are just some of the best Kevin Bacon films of his career. With so many movies under his belt, it is tough to limit it to just five.

 

A Variety Of The Greatest Movies From The Incredibly Underrated Actor, Tommy Lee Jones

One actor who has been in so many great films, it is hard to keep track, is Tommy Lee Jones. Jones started acting in the early 1970s, and has not slowed down since. He has been in all sorts of films, from action and adventure, to Westerns, and even comedy. He is a truly amazing actor and the accolades he has collected over the years help show that.

Let’s take a look at some of the greatest Tommy Lee Jones films of his long career.

The first movie that I will mention on this list is The Fugitive. If you have not yet seen The Fugitive, you are depriving yourself of one of the best movies of the 1990s. Tommy Lee Jones won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this film. This movie also stars Harrison Ford as a wrongfully accused doctor who is being charged with the murder of his wife. He must track down the killer while avoiding getting arrested in the process.

Also starring Tommy Lee Jones and highly recognized by the Academy was No Country For Old Men. While Jones was as good as he could be in this film, the true star of this movie was Javier Bardem, who played one of the greatest cinematic villains in recent memory. Javier Bardem was a shoe in for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

One film that featured Tommy Lee Jones that I loved was Batman Forever. When it comes to quality, this film does not come close to Christopher Nolan’s most recent Batman films, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. But that doesn’t mean that this film isn’t a fun watch. Tommy Lee Jones plays the role of Two Face.

While they are not my personal favorite films, I do think you have to give credit to the Men In Black movies. These movies have grossed so much money that it cannot be ignored. A third installment is on the way as well.

Finally, I will include Olver Stone’s JFK on this list. This film focuses on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and how there was more to it than originally thought. Kevin Kostner stars in this movie as well.

It is clear after going through Tommy Lee Jones’ film catalog that he has had quite the fair share of excellent movies.

 

Some Of The Best Films From The Incredibly Funny Actor, Robin Williams

One of the undisputed kings of comedy is Robin Williams. It is funny, because in his stand up act, Robin Williams is incredibly dirty, however his movies shape him out to be a more wholesome person. I guess him and Bob Sagat are similar in this respect. Robin Williams, however is an incredible actor who has had more than his fair share of great films.

But which Robin Williams movies are the best? Here are some of my personal favorites.

Before Big Momma’s House and before John Travolta decided to play a lady in the hit film Hairspray, Robin Williams had his iconic performance as the role of Mrs. Doubtfire. This is one of my favorite comedies of the 90s and a great one to watch with the family.

Another film that certainly makes the cut for me is Aladdin. Sure, this is an animated film, but it is definitely one of my favorite Disney movies of all time. Williams voices Genie, which I didn’t know until recently.

One movie that has to be included on this list, and is probably my favorite of any on this list, is Good Will Hunting. This movie stars Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Minnie Driver and of course, Robin Williams. Williams won a best supporting actor Oscar for this film, as did Damon and Affleck for best original screenplay.

Another movie that I definitely have to include on this list is Dead Poet’s Society. Williams stars as professor John Keating, a teacher who inspires his students to seize the day with their love of poetry. This movie also stars Ethan Hawke.

One other film that I will add to this list is Jumanji. This is one of the better children’s films from the early 1990s, and is well worth showing to your kids if they have never seen it before. Night At The Museum would not exist without this movie’s inspiration.

This was not an easy article to write, as most of Robin Williams’ movies are enjoyable.

 

Nicholas Cage’s Finest Roles In The Last Two Decades

If you want to talk about prolific actors who continue to churn out movies year after year, Nicholas Cage has to be at the top of the list. Sure, the guy has found himself in financial difficulties, which may help to explain his current splurge of roles in a new movie almost every two months, but the guy can act and remains one of my favorite actors.

For whatever the reason, here are my personal favorite Nicholas Cage films in recent memory.

The first film that I will mention is The Rock. Where do I start with this movie? This film is everything that I miss about awesome 90s action flicks. Quotable lines, awesome action, chases, explosions and the perfect amount of humor mixed in.

Plain and simple there would not be a Fast And Furious franchise without its predecessor, Gone In 60 Seconds. Nicholas Cage was the man in this high speed action film (no pun intended). Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michele Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster all owe whatever careers they have to Nicholas Cage and crew for this one.

Another movie of this great actor that I feel the need to mention is Matchstick Men. In this film Nicholas Cage plays a con artist who unexpectedly gets the surprise that he has a teenage daughter, whom he has to take under his wing.

Face Off is another movie that I certainly have to mention. Directed by John Woo, this movie stars Travolta and Cage as a cop and villain respectively, but then both undergo a series of operations to switch identities. Great action and fight scenes ensue.

On the softer side of things, one film of his that I really enjoyed was It Could Happen To You. I normally am not a fan of romantic dramas, but this film felt real and was a feel good movie. This one definitely has my seal of approval.

Finally, one other movie that most people didn’t care for, but I will mention is Windtalkers. I thought this one was good, but for whatever reason I am in the minority.

My Cheat Sheet To Fall’s Top Five Television Shows

There are too many good TV shows to watch in the fall. With the NBA starting up again, it only becomes harder to choose from all the great options. Next to February, the months from September to December are easily the best months to watch TV. If only they could spread it out more even and put some decent programming on during the winter.

So what are the best shows on tv during the fall? Here are some shows that I have on my rotation.

One show that definitely makes my list is Dexter. This show stars Michael C. Hall as a serial killer who works as a blood spatter analyst in the Miami Metro police department, and hunts down murderers who slip through the cracks. It is an incredibly addicting show.

Another show that I find hilarious is Bored To Death. This truly is really about nothing, but it is absolutely hilarious. This show is on it’s second season and stars Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifinakis, and Ted Danson, who steals the show.

A new show that I have found myself loving is The League. Being in a fantasy football league definitely is one of the reasons why I like this show (about a fantasy football league), but the writing is often brilliant, even if the humor is male oriented.

The Office may not be as funny as it used to be, but it is definitely still worth watching. Until Steve Carrell walks away, I’ll watch the Dunder Mifflin crew down in Scranton, PA.

One other show that I feel is worth mentioning is Jersey Shore. Sure, it is not actually a good show, and the plot lines are certainly lacking, but for some reason it is just so entertaining. It’s not a coincidence that it’s one of the most popular shows on cable these days.

As it stands, these are my favorite shows on television. Curb Your Enthusiasm reruns are never a bad choice either.

Robert De Niro’s Best Acting Performances In Recent Memory

If there were a hall of fame for Hollywood actors and actresses, there is no doubt that Robert De Niro would be a unanimous first ballot choice. He is quite possibly the greatest living actor and has been consistently churning out classic films for well over three decades.

Here are my top 5 favorite Robert De Niro movies of all time.

I will start out by mentioning just one of his many incredible films that he and Martin Scorsese collaborated on, and that is none other than Goodfellas. This movie is based on the true story of mobster Henry Hill and his gang of cronies. Along with Mr De Niro, Joe Pesci and Ray Liotta are stellar in this film.

Another great movie from this incredibly talented actor is The Score. Also starring Edward Norton, in this film Robert De Niro plays a talented jewelry thief nearing the end of his career, but has one more heist he wants to pull off.

If you have never seen Raging Bull, you are missing out big time. This film is simply put, an American classic and may be the role that catapulted Robert De Niro to his current level of stardom. And that was in 1980!

Sleepers is another Robert De Niro film that makes the cut for me. Make no mistake, this movie is not easy to watch. While De Niro may not be the forefront of the film, he certainly adds to this film’s brilliance. This movie also stars Brad Pitt, Billy Crudup, Dustin Hoffman and Kevin Bacon.

One other film that I will mention, which I found incredibly entertaining was Analyze This. Also starring the hilarious Billy Crystal, Robert De Niro plays Paul Viti, an emotional mobster who finds solace in his psychiatrist (played by Crystal), and hilarity ensures.

These are just some of the notable films that this incredible actor has starred in, but there are certainly many more which are worth mentioning in subsequent articles.