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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Film Adaptations From Great Kids Books

By Leroy Holmes

Numerous dearly loved kids films were originally much-loved children's books. Various children's books that have been around for a very long time have been made into films at distinctive times in the past. Most of the movies can stand on their own and the majority of the books were already classics. How narrowly do the films storylines follow the books?

A rather recent picture that was adapted from a series of books is "The Spiderwick Chronicles" from 2008. The motion picture was adapted from the series of books by the same name authored by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi. There has only been one motion picture so far but there are in reality 5 books in the series at this point. The books and the picture follows the exploration of a family of children who move into a new house where they find a special book that leads them into a land filled with goblins and trolls, elves and dwarves and other creatures.

The dearly loved children's book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl was initially available in 1964. It has been modified into two admired films, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" in 1971, starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka and from 2005 "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" starring Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka.

One of the most dearly loved family books of all time is "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White. From its first printing back in 1952 it has maintained its regard throughout. The book was first made into an cartoon film in 1973. In December 2006, a live action big screen adaptation was released. Both of the films very closely followed the narrative of the book.

Dr. Seuss is one of the most beloved family writers of all time. A few of his books have been made into celebrated movies. "Horton Hears a Who" came out in 2008 with Jim Carrey as the voice of Horton. This is an cartoon feature film that follows the storyline of the book just about exactly.

Another Seuss classic, "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" was made into an cartoon edition in 1966 and it still shows on many program listings throughout the holiday time. The cartoon adaptation follows the tale faithfully. Then again, in the year 2000, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" the live action account came out with Jim Carrey in the lead character as the Grinch. In that movie many new events and scenes were added. In the 2003 account of "The Cat and the Hat" also by Dr. Seuss, liberties were again taken and the storyline was added to with events and scenes not found in the book.

One of the highest grossing motion picture series of all time is from the children's books on the subject of Harry Potter authored by J.K. Rowling. At this point 6 of the 7 books have been made into films with a plan to make two films from the seventh installment for a total of 8 films. This series is the 2nd maximum grossing series in times past after James Bond.

Children's writing often makes amazing films that the whole family can take pleasure in. Reading the books all together and watching the movies together make for wonderful family activity and fantastic memories. - 18418

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Susies Flick Picks To See

By Susie Wilder

Some film reviews are listed below. You can use a search engine to find movie download sites. "Buy DVD Online" or "Movie To Download" might get you a good result, if they don't, try "Online DVD Rental Services".

Buffalo Bill: Vibrant biography of legendary Westerner should have been much more superior, however still grants some fun and has excellent cast. Cast includes Joel McCrea, Maureen O'Hara, Linda Damell, Thomas Mitchell, Anthony Quinn, Edgar Buchanan, Chief Thundercloud, and Sidney Blackmer. (90 minutes, 1944)

Good Times: Back while the harmonizing twosome was still considered wacky, they made this entertaining little film, with Sonny day dreaming about their potential film roles and he and Cher harmonizing "I Got You Hottie." Cast includes Sonny and Cher, George Sanders, Norman Alden, and Larry Duran. (91 minutes, 1967)

Irreconcilable Differences: A bittersweet comedy of a young couple that wed and found success till prosperity in Hollywood causes them to lose sense of what's seriously vital in their lives. The outcome is that their 10 year old baby girl sues them for divorce! Cast includes Ryan O'Neal, Shelley Long, Drew Barrymore, Sam Wanamaker, Allen Garfield, Sharon Stone, and David Paymer. (117 minutes, 1984)

Rhythm on the Range: Ruined N.Y.C. 'city gal' runs away on the eve of her marriage ceremony and heads west to avoid gangsters. She meets a cowboy, who tries to win her over. Involving, featherweight musical comedy contains Bing's attractive rendition of "I Might't Flee from You." Cast includes Bing Crosby, Frances Farmer, Bob Bums, Martha Raye, Lucille Gleason, Samuel S. Hinds, Louis Prima, and Leonid Kinskey. (85 minutes, 1936)

Jupiter's Darling: Lavish musical of Robert Sherwood's Street to Rome, which weighs down in boredom. Williams is a temptress who dallies with Hannibal (Keel) to stop an attack on Rome. Cast includes Esther Williams, Howard Keel, George Sanders, Marge and Gower Victor, and Norma Varden. (96 minutes, 1955)

Iron Maze: Japanese industrialist Murakami, wishing to construct an entertainment park in a Pennsylvania steel town, is near lethally attacked. His American spouse (Fonda) and a laid-off steelworker (Fahey) offer variant conceptions of occurrences leading up to the episode. Cast includes Jeff Fahey, Bridget Fonda, Hiraaki Murakami, J. T. Walsh, Gabriel Damon, and John Randolph. (102 minutes, 1991)

The Sins of Lola Montes: Turgid melodrama set in Belgian Congo with Dickinson a missionary nurse engaged in romance and local clashes. Cast includes Angie Dickinson, Peter Finch, Roger Moore, Woody Strode, Rafer Johnson, Juano Hernandez, Mary Wickes, and Scatrnan Crothers. (124 minutes, 1961)

De-Lovely: Handsome however strange biopic of the incredible songwriter Cole Porter, whose love for his spouse didn't preclude him from chasing homosexual affairs. Kline is much more interesting than the film as the scene in which he instructs Barrowman how to harmonize "Night and Day" shows. Cast includes Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd, Jonathan Pryce, KevIn McNally, Allan Corduner, Sandra Nelson, Keith Allen, James Wilby, John Barrowman, Kevin McKidd, Peter Polycarpou, and Richard Dillane. (125 minutes, 2004)

The Big Road: This movie is about a shy busboy who commits himself to a selfish nightclub singer. The film is abnormal (and oddly watchable), with extremely unorthodox roles for both Fonda and Ball. Cast includes Henry Fonda, Lucille Ball, Barton Mafamilye, Eugene Pallette, Agnes Moorehead, Sam Levene, Ray Collins, Hans Conried, and Ozzie Nelson. (88 minutes, 1942)

Remember, nearly any film you can think of can be downloaded off the web these days. Don't forget, search with terms like "How Do I Download Movies" and "Download Movie" to find download sites. If neither of those work use "Download Movie". - 18418

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Choosing A Musical Instrument

By Brian Hughes

When you are choosing a musical instrument there are some basic things that you should have in mind. A musical instrument could be used for learning purposes or just for performing and playing.

Both learning and performing require of some level of instrument quality. There are musical instruments that in my opinion are a problem for any kind of people that are trying to play them. On the other hand there are other things you must pay attention when you are trying to choose a musical instrument.

If you want to have a new or used guitar but you don't know anything about playing guitar or even what a guitar is, the ideal scenario is go to the shop with an experienced person that plays guitar. This person is the best guide for you, because not only is your friend, but this person is capable in giving you the best recommendation you can receive to make a wise choice of a musical instrument. Also is very important that this person can test the musical instrument to determine both quality of the instrument and quality of sound.

If you are attempting to purchase a woodwind instrument, is very important that you check over the instrument.

It is a very critical part of choosing a musical instrument if you have plans to purchase it in an online shop.

Also it is very important that you can have under control other crucial elements of your musical instruments such as the accessories it could use, the place where you are going to have your musical instrument and other relevant details. For instance, have stands for those instruments that need a stand and covers could be something that will help you to protect your musical instruments and protect your money. - 18418

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The Gibson Flying V Guitar

By Aaron Shanty

If you think "rock guitar" you might begin to imagine a long haired rocker, hunched over his Gibson Flying V Guitar, pushing out an ear bleeding solo whilst fireworks shoot off all around him. This is the image of heavy rock!

The Gibson Flying V is certainly one of the rock guitars that will go down in history as being one of the most unique designs ever. Originally built and launched by the guitar company back in 1958 and then relaunched in 1967, the mahogany bodied flying V took the world of rock by storm.

Although Gibson still make and sell the Flying V today under the name of the Tribal V (complete with tattoo patterns) it is the older and more famous models that are highly collectible. The older models, made in the 50's are referred to as the V Factor, but the guitars made in the late 60's are the most sought after.

You might find modern artists and bands like The Foo Fighters using a Flying V these days, but in it's time, the V has seen greats like Marc Bolan and Jimi Hendrix too. Jimi was notorious for using these guitars on stage and even has his own signature model that he chose to cover in a paisley pattern.

If you can't afford one of the older Flying V guitars, look out for the Tribal V - although getting hold of one might be harder than you think! Gibson has so far only produced 350 of them, therefore you need to keep your eyes peeled for one. If you are interested in getting the older model, go for the late 60's models which can be picked up all over the place.

With all chrome and black and white tribal tattoo markings, the Tribal V is certainly worth considering. It's original style and design have been retained, but it has all new components and a brand new sound.

Ibanez, another massive maker of guitars was so impressed with the Flying V that they tried in vain to make their own model. Each time, the legal team from Gibson stepped in and metaphorically snapped their strings, preventing them from releasing it for sale.

The Flying V certainly has made its mark on the ethos and mythology of rock music and guitar based rock. Its image is immediately recognizable and the Gibson quality, design and perfection make the guitar one of the best rock guitars ever. - 18418

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Remastered CDs & New Beatles Rock Band Video Game: 09/09/09 Is Beatles Day

By Jamie T. Winston

The Holidays come early for Beatles lovers this year. September 9th is the day when the new remastered Beatles CDs finally come out after wait of over 20 years.

In the '80s when The Beatles first released their albums in the CD format, the technology was still new. The mastering job done on those CDs is considered sub par and that's why Beatles fans have long been clamoring for remastered CDs.

But the excitement from 9/9/9 doesn't just come from the fact that the albums are being remastered for the first time since their original release on CD, it also comes from the mono box set that is being released on that day.

These new mono mix CDs will be the first time that many younger Beatles fans get to hear these albums as they were originally intended to be heard because it's the first time that the mono mixes have ever been on CD.

Why should we care about mono mixes in 2009? Isn't this an outdated way of listening to music? Well certainly nobody is mixing in mono these days, but it is worth hearing these original mixes because that's how the albums were originally intended to be heard.

The mono mixes are what The Beatles (along with the bands producers and engineers) were mainly focused on. The stereo mixes were done as an after thought with little (if any) input from the band, while the mono mixes were worked on until they were considered to be perfect.

Because so much more time was spent on the mono versions, it makes sense to consider the mono mixes to be the "real" versions of the albums. But it's not just a matter of original intention. It's also a matter of quality. Some claim that the mono mixes of albums such as Revolver & Sgt. Pepper are actually far superior to the stereo mixes.

But new CDs are not the only Beatles gear coming out on September 9th, there's also the new Beatles Rock Band game. It looks like a lot of fun.

The graphics and game play look really awesome from the previews I've seen. Even if you're not a big video game person, I'd give the Beatles Rock Band a try if you're a fan of the band. It promises to be great fun. - 18418

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