Halfway through the year and a brief look through the films that have already graced our screens and those still to look out for. Notice however the trend that all the films share…

Heres a list:

The Green Hornet – SuperHero Movie
Big Momma: Like Father Like Son – 3rd In Series
Arthur – Remake
Scream 4 – 4th in Series
Fast Five – 5th in Series
Hoodwinked Too – 2nd in Series
Thor – Superhero Movie, Marvel Film
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules – 2nd in Series
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – 4th in Series
Hangover Part 2 – 2nd in Series
Kung Fu Panda 2 – 2nd in Series
X-Men First Class – 5th in Series, Marvel Film
Jane Eyre – Remake
Green Lantern – Superhero Movie, DC Film
Cars 2 – 2nd in Series
Transformers: Dark of the Moon – 3rd in Series
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt2 – 8th in Series
Winnie the Pooh – Remake
Captain America: The First Avenger – Superhero Movie, Marvel Film
Rise of the Planet of the Apes – Remake – So many I can’t even remember how many there are in the series.
Final Destination 5 – 5th in Series
Spy Kids: All the Time in the World – 4th in Series
Johnny English Reborn – 2nd in Series
Straw Dogs – Remake
Footloose – Remake
Paranormal Activity 3 – 3rd in Series
The Three Musketeers – Remake
Puss In Boots – 5th in Series
A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas – 3rd in Series
Happy Feet Two – 2nd in Series
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1 – 4th in Series
Piranha 3DD – 2nd in Series
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked – 3rd in Series
Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol – 4th in Series
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows – 2nd in Series
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Remake (Lazy American producers had to make an ‘English’ version cos they couldn’t be bothered to read subs…lol)
New Year’s Eve – 2nd In Series (to Valentine’s Day)

Lol Section:
The Smurfs – Lol
The Muppets – Lol
Horrid Henry in 3D – Lol

Re-release Films in 3D:
Lion King
Beauty and the Beast

Sh*t Concert Movies:
Justin Bieber in 3D
Glee in 3D

Animated/CGI Films:
Rango
Rio (Not Bad, pretty decent actually)
Gnomeo and Juliet
Mars Needs Moms
Hop
Arthur Christmas

And the OTHER Epics…that aren’t part of a series:
The Eagle
I Am Number 4
Battle Los Angeles (First half great, second half, WTF?)
Drive Angry 3D (Sh*t)
Red Riding Hood (Bad direction)
Paul
Sucker Punch
Bridesmaids (I sense series)
Super 8
Bad Teacher (Worse film?)
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (Will be massive in China)
Cowboys and Aliens (oh dear, I didnt even realise this was coming out til I did this list)
Apollo 18 (Looking forwards, indie film)
The Tree of Life (Oscar aimed film)
Conan The Barbarian (Should be remake, but apparently they changed the story)
Real Steel
Adventures of Tintin (Looking forwards)
Warhorse

If you think Hollywood couldn’t get more…predictable, I’ll do 2012 as well…it’s just as bad.

2011 – Year of the Sequel.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lewsy/

]]> http://charliejiang.wordpress.com/2011/05/05/flickr/feed/ 0 charliejiang Flickr http://charliejiang.wordpress.com/2010/07/04/world-cup-germany/ http://charliejiang.wordpress.com/2010/07/04/world-cup-germany/#comments Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:23:29 +0000 LewsTherin http://charliejiang.wordpress.com/?p=67 ]]> Really had to write something about the World Cup 2010 but didn’t have time (or the patience) the last couple of weeks. However, since exams are over, its about time I started blogging on the effectiveness of Germany and why I had picked them as the team to watch out prior to the World Cup.

Having witnessed the British media and their hyping of the national team every couple of years, it has come to my attention that England are in general a useless team. Compare the England team to the German team and you find significant differences:

1. England depends fully on their leading stars to succeed. The likes of Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard making the squad is more a norm than a question mark yet when you take a look at the German squad, it is littered with players who no one outside of the Bundesliga would have heard of. Players such as Khedira, Mueller, Ozil as well as Neuer have now made a name for themselves from absolutely nothing, if they were of English blood, their Under-21 life would still have a few years to run before even a Senior call up would be considered.
2. Because of the 1st point, Germany play more as a team so it is perhaps ironic that Ballack was injured as they have no one single stand out player whom to pass to. It is not saying that the entire German squad is full of Messis but rather a team that works together as all of the German squad had something to prove. Klose and Podolski has had appalling seasons with the latter having to return to his childhood squad after only performing as a bench warmer for Bayern. The rest are all young players making a name for themselves in their first clubs and haven’t had any world exposure.
3. Their manager, isn’t an overpaid foreigner who knows squat about the national game, Joachim Loew had already worked as Assistant to Klingsman during the 2006 World Cup era and had full knowledge of the pool of players he had at hand. He built a squad over ego meaning players such as Kuranyi had to be dropped. This success comes from placing players over a formation rather than finding a formation for players to fall in. This kind of tactic meant many players such as Lahm have had to adjust to playing as both full back and winger to give themselves full flexibility in playing for the coach’s desired formation. Push back to the England squad, how long has the argument of where Gerrard and Lampard should play been broadcast amongst pundits and fans alike, or who should partner Rooney?
4. Youth over experience, this is pretty much my personal opinion as youth gives pace and a lot of flair which is what the World Cup represents, that little moment of magic that you will remember for years. The Germany squad having an average age of just over 23 astounds me since almost every other national team participating at the World Cup is averaging 29+.
5. Jabulani – Yes, the World Cup ball. We all know now about the issues behind the ball but you see the Germans had fully expected something of the sort to happen so they had implemented the Jabulani ball in many Bundesliga matches last year for the players to adjust, and since all the German players are based in German clubs, it appears to have worked to their favor. The English FA adopting similar process? Unlikely ever.
6. No internal conflicts (or at least not in public). This is a German team which adopts very German attitudes of discipline and respect for the game. There have not been any of the issues which have plagued the French national team prior, during and after the World Cup; or the sorts that had Terry spurting out comments about Capello.
7. And finally, no cocky media. After listening to the BBC comment during the Slovenian game, calling the Slovak state a “third division” side with no chance against England, I have lost all hope in the English game. The Germans on the other hand are grateful for their squad, they praise when they win, they commiserate when they lose. Despite hosting the World Cup 2006 and being one of the favourites, the Germans only managed a third place yet national celebrations seemed as if they had won it. The English media and fans on the other hand slaughters the national team when they lose and build up all the hype when they win against Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra and an-aging Ukraine (all during qualifiers).

I probably have a few more reasons, but I can’t think of now. Will add when I can, comments welcome.

Can’t believe I forgot to post this but here goes. Basically, a friend and I made this film for the international student competition the Imagine Cup as representatives of the University of York. The film is with regards to the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals and was filmed around York with a varied cast members of friends and some up-and-coming actors.

Please if you like the film, vote for it:

Echoes – Candlelight Films

Cheers All!

If you read my blog or know me at all, you would have seen the Forrest Gump in One Minute in One Take and the Kill Bill in One Minute in One Take that was made with the University of York Filmmaking Society last year for the Empire Jameson 60 Seconds film competition. Unfortunately, we didn’t win last year but this years me and Laura Cress decided that we should enter the competition again. So  here goes, DONNIE DARKO in ONE MINUTE not IN ONE TAKE!

Please send this around to your friends, digg it, fark it, collegehumour it and the who thing. Much appreciated, hope you all likey!

Credits go to Laura Cress, Thomas Martin, and ME!

Well boys and girls, here goes, these are the top 10 films of this year. There was much to choose from and I will most definitely have left out some films because I hadn’t seen them yet (although Up is in this list). I will give honorable mentions to Coraline and Adventureland, both films I look to see soon. Other films include the political satire In The Loop of which I have the DVD but yet to see. Two films that I am a big fan of are The Hurt Locker which actually came out in 2008 and is more a docu-drama than a war film as well as The Taking of Pelham 123 just to see John Travolta act all “Face/Off-ish” as a villain again. Of course I have also missed out on Sherlock Holmes primarily because I haven’t seen it yet but in general, Guy Ritchie is a hit/miss director but I am expecting it to be a pretty sensational film.

1. Avatar

The delicious visual treat to end 2009 as well as the decade. A moral speech, a last hooyah and some truly epic moments. All you need in a James Cameron movie. An orgasmic experience that touches both nerves of excitement and sentimentality, Cameron delivers a futuristic tale that has ethics all written over it. At nearly 3 hours long, this 3D CGI fest is not all about the amazing visuals such as the recent bomb 2012, it brings about a touching side to mankind’s hunger and lust for wealth. Sam Worthington plays the role of a disabled marine with a wish to walk once more, but pays the price when he realises it is at the cost of others’ freedom to live. Topped by a wealth of film talent, this long awaited sci-fi fantasy does not disappoint. Sure there are cliches all over the place, yes there is almost a Last Samurai standoff in the end and of course the antagonist is always the last to die, but this film wasn’t claiming to be different in terms of story, it was meant to be a masterpiece for all future epics to aspire to. Avatar has raised the bar in what you can give to the audience, expect entertainment, receive an experience. Tops my 2009 list.

2. Star Trek

Have to be honest and say that never have I been a Trekkie. Have always preferred Star Wars over Star Trek but this new remake was a thrill ride all the way. Second to Avatar, this film dominates with CGI Visual Effects and unlike so -called “epics” these days, there isn’t just an orgasm of images to cover up a loose plot and underdeveloped characters, with Star Trek, you truly get a story that is coherent in the sci-fi fantasy genre.

3. Zombieland

An unbelievable surprise to have a low-budget film pick up third. Horrifingly funny. A cheap thrill of a film that honestly is the American competition to Shawn of the Dead. In practical terms, it is gory but to the extent that you will laugh your head off (no pun intended) at some of the memorable moments. The theme park finale is the icing on the cake, and will appeal to the modern young audiences hyped up on Left4Dead and other zombie-fication games. The ingenious rulebooks totally rips out all the classic horror cliches and it is with that reason why this film stands out above all other horror movies. Personally I find it better humoured than Shawn of the Dead primarily because I am not a big fan of British humour and that was a parody of a film whereas Zombieland is a parody of the entire survival horror genre. Top film, one of the best of 2009.

4. Inglorious Basterds

Honest to hand, I am not a fan of Tarantino, the only two pieces of work that I appreciate from him is Jackie Brown and the Season 5 Finale of CSI, but Inglorious Basterds really captures historical fiction with imaginative dialogue.

5. Up

Owning up to not having seen this film except for trailers and from other people. Will need to watch this definitely but it seems deserving of a place primarily because a Pixar flick is always welcomed.

6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Having given up reading the series after The Goblet of Fire, this is the first Harry Potter film that I hadn’t read up beforehand. However, it would probably have been best that I hadn’t read this book because having not known the story allows me to gain more from the film, its dark plotlines and intricately antagonists. Although like the previous films, it is the supporting casts whom keeps this vehicle rolling, the film is still very much enjoyable.

7. State of Play

All the cliches for a film’s potential failures are visible here, the old formula of having an all star cast no longer guarantees a film’s success, the remaking of a hit tv series into a feature film and that Americanifying a film are all disproved in this very case. State of Play is street smart thriller that grips you to the edge of your seat and brings back Russell Crowe to his early decade successes.

8. Paul Blart: Mall Cop

Surprising isn’t it? I wouldn’t have expected this beforehand either but the film is such a wonderful bliss in a modern film industry overused by explicit sexual innuendos or swearing. Paul Blart has none of that, a simple story of depressed mall cop falling for a girl and in the meantime defeating a group of “baddies” who aren’t your average violent psychos with an attitude problem.

9. District 9

Cheap, fast and beneath the alien skins, this film tackles a problem all society faces, that of accepting the minority.

10. Taken

Initially not a big fan because I am rather disappointed by the loose ending (a bit like Flightplan ended up being), but having rewatched the film, have to say the first half of the film warrants enough to be included in this top 10.

And thats my top 10 films! Looking forwards to the new year as there are a selection of films that manage to be released across the seas before we get them that really gets my film appetite going, things like the posthumously released Heath Ledger/Terry Gilliam feature, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Invictus, the post-King Kong Peter Jackson film, The Lovely Bones, the Viggo Mortesen survival horror The Road as well as the Roald Dahl adaptation Fantastic Mr.Fox. Looking forwards to the new year, and just to give my Happy New Year wishes to everyone who read this nonsense.

Will also be doing a worst films of 2009 as well as Best films of the last decade (2000-2009).
Happy 2010!

Michael Owen has signed a 2 year pay as you play contract with the Premiership champions Manchester United on a free transfer because he was a free agent at the time. This comes as a massive surprise to everyone within the footballing world, or does it? Remember, this is the summer where transfer records were broken twice, in the space of a few weeks on what can be perceived as two of the greatest players in the modern game, £56million for Kaka and £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo. And all this before the transfer window even opened. So is this Owen news going to come as much of a shock? Not really. It only sets up what can be expected as a tense and exciting summer transfer season! Perhaps we can even see Liverpool winning the league this season? Well lets not get too unrealistic . Afterall, the only thing Rafa can win is probably the local Gala Bingo where his fave numbers are 8, 9, 18, 20, 23, 25. BINGO.

xx

It seems that the government has just been hardpressed into coming up with an almost desperate solution because music and media corporations are to be frank just a part of any government’s upstay in power. If for example the government ignored the requests of a large media group to tackle piracy, then they themselves would be painted in a negative light by the pirates and especially during such a tough time for the government, they would have thought to stay away from more unwanted attention.

As have been highlighted, the report do highlight that the recognise most of the people who download illegal happen to be teenagers upwards to about early 20′s, because these are the people who experienced the DOTcom boom. Their very reason for downloading can be attributed to the fact that, some do not control their finances. You can’t possibly prevent a 15 year-old kid from downloading films and music unless they pay for it if they don’t even have a credit-card or money to pay them with. As much as I do agree that the entertainment industry is suffering during the economic downturn, what these people should also realise that they are not the only people who suffer from recession. Releasing a report such as this at the current economic climate is just a kick in the shin for any film/music enthusiast as many of us have been striked hard by the deteorating economy and it will do us more hurt than it will to the industry. Not choosing to be entirely negative, I do congratulate the success stories against piracy such as Spotify as it has really opened up the gateway to both new music as well as a solution to free music. It appears the music industry has woken up somewhat quicker than the film/game industries in realising that by threatening downloaders and potential customers is not the ideal solution especially in this current economic climate.

More Money In Their Pockets?

To be perfectly frank, its not like the pirates will eat away at those large companies ever-full bank accounts. One could say that despite the pirates, movies are still breaking box-office records time and time again. It also only appears to be the companies that own those movies which makes millions of dollars that seem to be the ones complaining the most. In addition, you could almost say that even if these companies were to recuperate the money lost by piracy, it is highly unlikely that the money will seep down through the industry without ending up in those executives pockets. They might argue that they deserve all the money and being a filmmaker myself, I probably would agree, but one has to look at it in a wider perspective. The reasons are that people are being charged way too much to watch a film nowadays. If one wanted to watch the latest flicks, they would have to dish out at least £6-£7 and who knows if they would like the film especially with the declining quality of recent films. Looking at the details, there appears to be a trend where the big budget films tend to be the ones starring popular mediocre actors who end up wasting the $30mil they earn on drugs, clubs, and girls. If films were cheaper to watch, there would be more reason to go to the cinema regularly and there would be less people pirating films to watch.

Computer games these days also cost way too much money. Where do most this revenue go to? It most likely ends up in the pockets of company execs with little going to the actual programmers and testers. Plus, these days, even games are accustoming itself with the celebrity frenzy that has partially damaged the modern cinematic experience. Voiceovers on major characters within the latest video games use big budget Hollywood actors (GTA IV). Also, why are these game publishers still doshing out for your large paycheck when they already make enough money to feed an average sized country, the example here is also GTA IV which was selling for around £39.99 to £49.99 when it was released yet it made $500 million from the first week, that is more than films make these days! It also appears only the rich or massively spoilt kids would be able to pay for these games, alongside the £300 consoles and £1k worth of computer gear. For all the other 15 year-olds, only getting copies from friends would do.

It seems also from reading on other blogs and internet forums that my view isn’t unique, from the BBC itself:

“The record industry might be better advised to put its own house in order first, not tying artists to crippling contracts and considering a more realistic pricing and distribution strategy for its products, before pursuing 15-year-olds sharing files from their bedrooms.”
Des Senior, Ware, UK

“The distinction blurs between stealing from a company and disagreeing with its greedy business model. The business model of charging a high price for popular intellectual property is unmaintainable and needs correcting eg: musicians in countries with lots of free copying do more live concerts with demand fuelled by the copies. Other business models include: sponsorship, advertising, spin offs, merchandising. Or encourage “correct” purchasing by special offers, personalization, inclusions, special access. Instead of talking about morality, smart companies should be thinking up new ways to separate us from our money.”
Ludwig, London

“I’m happy to pay and always have been. The problem is that the price is too high. How is it that a download requiring no disc no cover sleeve no transport or shop labour can cost the same as a hard copy bought in a shop? All that has happened is my interest in music and films is stifled. I don’t download legally or illegally.”
Fiona, Edinburgh

“Sharing digital information, ideas, knowledge, and culture is not wrong, and should not be illegal. We in the Pirate Party United Kingdom are campaigning for copyright reform and a reduction in the duration of copyright. We also believe that non-commercial sharing of media by private individuals should not be a matter for copyright law. Commercial counterfeiting is a different matter, as it involves deception and fraud by the seller, and an actual financial transaction with measurable harm – private copying or format-shifting does not.”
John Barron, Ely, United Kingdom

“I legally bought a DVD in a museum in Montreal and arrived home in Switzerland to discover that it wouldn’t play in Europe. I was furious, and I still am. Stealing copyright material is clearly wrong, but the industry is certainly not winning hearts and minds with tricks like this. It needs a new business model.”
David, Commugny, Switzerland

Also, when someone goes to say that it hurts the industry to have free material online, that is utter bullsh*t because what about the BBC’s iPlayer or 4oD, or hulu, they give out free content to stream on the internet, in the case of the BBC, without even adverts. So how is it wrong then to have a copy of the TV episode on your own computer? I have paid my TV licence so shouldn’t that cover the necessary costs to watch it? Also, shouldn’t the authorities combat the people who are counterfieting the DVD’s, Music albums and video games in the first place, afterall, without them, these materials would never be available online? It seems, some film companies have been so busy blaming and pointing fingers at others that they did not even realise that it was their very own who were committing the crimes.

Figure out another solution, think along the lines of Spotify instead of stifling people’s interests in films and music.

Ta

xx (didnt proof read through so might have errors. Oh well, need to write something else thats why)