Review: EXPELLED, No Intelligence Allowed

D

o you know the difference between "intelligent design" [ID] and "creationism?" What about evolution verses intelligent design: Why does there exist so much controversy over the teaching of both in public schools? Is the "theory of evolution," so sound as to be absolutely unquestionable? How about those who rigorously argue that ID should also be taught along side evolution in public and private schools: Do those people belong to the "world is flat" club?

I decided to take a closer look. The Expelled DVD, hosted by Ben Stein, was recommended to us by scientist friends who would prefer to remain anonymous for fear of professional retribution. That reason alone was enough incentive to view the film.

Expelled evokes a sense of deep concern, not because ID is a threat to scientific credulity, but that the lack of truly rigorous argument from the hard-core evolutionists is so very - well, embarrassing. In fact, the scientists themselves are shown to be significantly less than open-minded, and the price of challenging the status quo has cost quite a few their jobs and professional credibility.

The perspectives conveyed by the advocates of intelligent design are actually quite simple and logical: Recent evidence suggests that the standing theory of evolution and Darwinism [natural selection combined with accidental emergence] can no longer stand as the sole and exclusive explanation for the origins of life. They contend that in light of recent scientific discoveries in the last half-century, (for instance the exquisite nano-technology discovered and digital code stored inside the cells of all life), demonstrate intelligent cause, not undirected, random natural processes.

The Darwinists who vehemently argue for the theory of evolution state, "Intelligent Design is pure political dogma, and not worth our time to address." There is no rational logic presented, only opinionated bullying by some of the most esteemed academic minds. For instance, Dawkins, a high-profile Darwinist, insists that complex biological systems only "give the appearance of being intelligent." But that statement only begs the question, "Wouldn't the ability for complex micro systems to "appear intelligent" suggest actual intelligence?

On one hand, it would be easy to dismiss a DVD presentation that covers these controversial and contentious arguments when presented by a sardonic humorist who's recent claim to fame is infomercials and ignoring the signs of financial crisis as a commentator on Fox News. Ben Stein's credibility has certainly taken a few hits in recent years. However, the arguments presented by the intelligent designers themselves are worthy enough for a couple of hours of edutainment.

If you are interested in understanding more about the emotional debates behind evolution verses intelligent design, Expelled No Intelligence Allowed is enjoyable as well as informative.

Recommended.
Danielle Graham is the Editor-in-Chief of SuperConsciousness Magazine where she also publishes the blog Science and Spirituality, exploring the interconnectedness of these two fields of interest.

Website: http://www.SuperConsciousness.com

Blog: http://www.SuperConsciousness.com/Blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Graham

[Read More...]

Film Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

B

OTTOM LINE: The Harry Potter franchise finally takes a step up and delivers a much more thrilling, dramatic and character driven piece, although it does suffer in some places for being too long.

THE GOOD: This seventh film in the franchise is something of a surprise, at least given its nature compared to the previous films. There is a grim seriousness, combined with a thrilling narrative, spot on performances and beautifully-shot sequences that immediately elevate this film above its predecessors. Serving as a build-up to the inevitable second part, this film primarily deals with both Harry Potter (Radcliffe) and Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) as they both set about building to their inevitable confrontation. The majority of the film does not take place in Hogwarts, which is a breath of fresh air. Instead, Harry and his friends Hermione and Ron set out on a quest to destroy the Horcruxes while Voldemort searches for the most powerful magic wand ever created that formed part of the "Deathly Hallows".
As Harry and company are in effect on the run, chased by all manner of nasties, the narrative is quite thrilling, and the script allows for the three protagonists to engage each other in dramatic ways as the Horcruxes have a psychological effect on all three of them. Voldemort is as good as ever, with a fantastic opening scene where he feeds a captive to his snake. Another nice touch is when Hermione tells the story of the Deathly Hallows and it segues in to a voiceover with a well designed and executed animated sequence. Director David Yates has the freedom to develop a fantastic story, and although we are only getting half of it in this instalment, the results are thrilling and entertaining, even for those who are not so in to the travails of Harry Potter.
THE BAD: The inevitable problem with this film is that it ends on a cliffhanger. The frustration you feel when you are being told a good story and then it does not end is something that will no doubt fuel the box office fire when the second part is released. Having said that, where the cliffhanger occurs in this story is actually quite good as it really does leave you hanging for more. The film also suffers in some parts for being a little long-winded. Clocking in at two and a half hours, the film definitely loses its pace at certain points, mainly due to some scenes that do not advance the plot as well as others.

For the original review, follow this link: http://www.allaboutmovies.net/filmreviewharrypotterandthedeathlyhallowspart1.htm
Todd Murphy is a staff reviewer at the film/DVD review web site, http://www.allaboutmovies.net - for all the latest reviews on the newest releases.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Todd_Murphy

[Read More...]

Black Swan - Movie Review

B

lack Swan is a spellbinding descent into madness and a haunting look at the pressures of obsession and being an entertainer.

Darren Aronofsky delivers again with this year's Oscar-worthy Black Swan. The eccentric director takes us on a suspenseful and edgy thrill ride as we take a look into the life of an entertainer and the pressures of the business as she struggles to maintain herself while being lost in the role. Natalie Portman's eerie performance pulls you in and never lets you go, as this dark thriller brings you face-to-face with obsession and madness.
Black Swan tells the story of Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a seasoned ballet dancer for a New York ballet company. Still living with her mother Erica (Barbara Hershey), the two have a creepy relationship. Erica, a former ballerina herself, exhibits a smothering control over Nina and plays the "stage mother" type as ballet consumes Nina's life and her mother is right there to push her along the whole time, pressuring Nina. Nina seems to be a sheltered girl who appears unhealthily attached to her mom; and her mom to her. Even Nina's room is haunting in its own sense, cluttered with girlie things and stuffed animals like some 6 year-old girl. And this is much the way Erica treats her, coming in to tuck her in and kiss her goodnight each night before putting on the music box for Nina to sleep.
Nina's life takes a big turn one day when the director of the ballet company decides to start anew for the next season of their production of 'Swan Lake'. Looking for a new lead, the director, Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) has the girls competing; the opportunity consuming Nina's life. Nina, much to her surprise, ends up landing the role and becomes the new lead. However, Leroy's new vision of Swan Lake asks for the lead to play the role of both White Swan and Black Swan. While Nina is perfect for the role of the White Swan, her innocent and timid nature is not so fitting for the Black Swan. Enter Lily (Mila Kunis). Lily becomes Nina's understudy as Leroy takes a liking to her as well. Nina is perfect for the pure and pristine White Swan. However, Lily completely embodies the dark and sensual Black Swan. This sends the two girls into a competition with one another. As their rivalry transforms into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to attempt to get in touch with her dark side. She seeks to find the Black Swan in herself wanting to be perfect for the production and to avoid being replaced by Lily.
As Nina seeks to find that darker and more sensual side of herself, Thomas Leroy continues to tell her that she must let go in order to encompass both swans. This is a hard feat for the innocent, timid and inhibited Nina, but slowly, with the help of Lily, she begins to realize that side of her own self. And let go she does. She soon finds herself dancing on the edge as she descends into madness. Struggling to hold on to herself and her career, Nina loses herself. We begin to question what's even real anymore as her life is consumed by this obsession and disturbing events begin to fill her life.
Watching Natalie Portman allow herself to be completely consumed by this role is a thing of beauty really. Her range in this film alone provides great merit to her acting ability. Watching that young, sweet, innocent girl transform into a dark beast of obsession and becoming lost in a world of dementia and madness is quite the feat to behold. This transformation from one extreme to the other is done with such precision and is so convincing you can't help but be intrigued the whole while. Such a nuanced and edgy performance, Portman should be a shoe-in for Best Actress come Oscar time. In fact, after seeing her performance, if she doesn't win that award, I may lose faith in the Academy. Yes, it was that good. Much like Bale's performance should be an automatic Best Supporting Actor win.
One of the more riveting aspects of the movie is watching Aronofsky illustrate the idea of life imitating art. As you watch Nina's descent into madness, you begin to notice how her life begins to parallel the very story which she's expected to tell on the stage. The White Swan, the epitome of purity and innocence, is slowly destroyed and devoured by its "twin" the Black Swan. Likewise, we watch as Nina's dark side begins to take her over, destroying that once innocent girl in the process. The obsession completely consuming her.
Watching Black Swan I can't help but be reminded of Heath Ledger. Almost 3 years ago now, Ledger died. This wasn't long after wrapping up on his role of The Joker in Nolan's The Dark Knight. While the role was not a cause of his death, it was talked about by others around him how it was hard for him to completely shake that role. His total immersion into the Joker role and that dive into the dark abyss stuck with him, in a manner, even beyond the set. This wouldn't be the first time you'll ever hear of a method actor that becomes so immersed in a role, that it sticks with them and changes them. That it takes time to shake it, and over the course of that role, the character changes who they are as a person. I think Aronofsky's Black Swan gives an excellent insight into these 'dangers' of actors and entertainers that give themselves over to a role so completely. And the pressures of being "perfect" for their role as they live for their art. Much like these method actors, Nina's obsession with "perfection" in her role consumes who she is as a person beyond the stage.
Black Swan is a tale of how obsession can destroy us. It's a look at how that for which we long too deeply can be that which becomes our downfall. The movie is an eerie look at how we can lose our true selves in that obsession. How innocence can be devoured by greed; and how, in the darkest corners of our psyche, even the most beautiful spirit can harbor an unbearable ugliness. It's a haunting tale of how the pressure of being perfect can break us.
Such a harrowing tale, Black Swan is absolutely a beauty to behold and a very riveting thrill ride that is definitely one of the best films of the year. From the excellent cinematography to the great score put together by Clint Mansell to the writing from Heinz/Heyman/McLaughlin, Black Swanclicks on all cylinders. Darren Aronofsky delivers a must-see, dark and haunting thriller that shows why he is considered one of the greats of our generation.
Rating: 9/10

If you like this movie review and found it helpful, visit my site couchpotatoclub.com for other reviews of recent movies as well as the latest DVD and movie news.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Lyons

 

[Read More...]

DVD Review - OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies

S

et in 1955, this is the movie that did what the Austin Powers franchise could not: it managed to spoof the spy genre while staying true to the form of classic spy films.

Jean DuJardin stars as Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath, agent OSS 117. DuJardin's performance is absolutely brilliant. Agent OSS 117 looks suave and sophisticated, but beneath his fashionable tux beats the heart of a well-meaning but clueless imbecile. On assignment in Egypt, moments after meeting her, he manages to insult his contact (the stunning Berenice Bejo as Larmina El Akmar Betouche) by bursting into incredulous laughter when she mentions that over a million people speak Arabic. "Silly girl, do you know how much a million is?!" The insults don't stop there. OSS 117 is clearly a man with unnaturally high self esteem, and some of the best comedic moments stem from his overconfidence.
This spoof hits all the right notes, winking at western colonialism and our sexist past. Clueless racism is also poked fun at, as OSS 117 asks the Egyptian foreman at his "cover" job as a chicken importer how many children he has. "Eight, nine?" he inquires, his voice dripping with concern and sincerity.
The action sequences acted as the straight man in this movie, and the choreography for the fight scenes were enjoyable to watch, but one of the best surprises about this film was its cohesiveness. Most parodies are a string of jokes loosely bound together to make a movie, but "OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies" feels like a complete film. Much of the credit has to go to DuJardin; his willingness to make a complete ass of himself a key element in the success of this French comedy.
Product Details
Actors: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, Aure Atika, Philippe Lefebvre, Constantin Alexandrov
Directors: Michel Hazanavicius
Format: Anamorphic, Color, DVD, NTSC
Language: French, English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Music Box Films
DVD Release Date: September 30, 2008
Run Time: 95 minutes

For more information on French cinema go to I Love French Movies, where you'll find information on some of the best action, comedies, and dramas that the French have to offer, as well as a few American movies that were filmed in France. (C) Will Atkinson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_Atkinson

[Read More...]

My Top 12 Favorite Basketball Movies

I

f you like basketball then you are aware of the drama and excitement that goes into a game as some of the best players score with spectacular dunks or last second 3-point shots from half court. This is what makes basketball one of the most interesting games in sports. But if you are like me, then you also enjoy a good movie with a basketball theme whether it be a drama or a comedy. So sit back and enjoy reading this article as I list my top 12 favorite basketball movies and maybe you will agree that these are the best choices to grace your movie collection.
Here are my top 12 favorite basketball movies from #12 to #1:
12.) Blue Chips (1994)- Nick Nolte stars as Pete Bell, a college basketball coach for the fictional Western University Dolphins. Desperate after a losing season, the team begins to give incentives to players in hopes of recruiting new talent. In the end, Pete Bell becomes disgusted in what his team has become and announces after a press conference about all the activities that have been going on and resigns as coach. Real life NBA players, Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway have key roles in this movie as well.
11.) Teen Wolf (1985)- This entertaining film stars Michael J. Fox as Scott Howard, who discovers that he has a family "curse" that allows him to become a werewolf. When he unexpectantly changes into the wolf during a game, he starts to become very popular among his peers and leads his basketball team from last to first place. Although he is admired by most of the school, his "transformation" becomes a problem for his close friends because of his popularity and arrogance he now has. In the end he plays a game as himself instead of the wolf and after being fouled during the final seconds of the game, he makes two foul shots that win the game by one point.
10.) Rebound: The Legend of Earl "The Goat" Manigault (1996)- Don Cheadle stars as Earl "The Goat" Manigault, a street baller whose life spiraled out of control because of heroin abuse. Once destined for the NBA because of his basketball skills and dunking ability, his addiction leads him to prison where he is able to overcome his drug problem and start a tournament for kids in Harlem called "Walk Away From Drugs". Forest Whitaker and James Earl Jones also star.
9.) Hoosiers (1986)- Gene Hackman stars as Norman Dale, a controversial coach who lost his previous job for striking a student. At first, he is not well liked by the town because of his defensive-style of coaching and his temper, which leads him to be ejected on several occasions. The town is holding a meeting to decide whether they should get rid of Dale when Jimmy Chitwood, the best player in town, announces he will play for the team only if Dale is the coach. From this point on, Hickory becomes an unstoppable team in which they advance to the state finals and win it in the final seconds. This movie is a prime example of the underdog prevailing.
8.) Glory Road (2006)- This film is based on a true story dealing with the events leading to the 1966 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship, in which the late Don Haskins, head coach of the Texas Western College led a team with an all-black starting lineup, a first in NCAA history. Josh Lucas stars as Coach Haskins and Jon Voight has a part as Coach Adolph Rupp.
7.) He Got Game (1998)- Spike Lee wrote and directed this sports-drama about Jake Shuttlesworth, a prison inmate convicted of murdering his wife. Jake is also the father of Jesus Shuttlesworth, the top-ranked basketball prospect in the country. Jake is released on parole for a week by the governor in order to persuade his son to play for the governor's alma mater in exchange for a heavily reduced prison sentence. Denzel Washington stars as Jake and real-life NBA player, Ray Allen, stars as Jesus Shuttlesworth.
6.) The Air Up There (1994)- Kevin Bacon stars as Jimmy Dolan, a college basketball assistant-coach who wants to find a new star for his team since he believes this will get him a promotion to Head Coach at the school. After seeing a video of a new prospect named Saleh, Jimmy travels to Africa and tries to persuade him to play for the school. Saleh is the chief's son and has his own responsibilities at home since the tribe's land is threatened by a mining company with their own basketball team. In the end, the tribe and the mining company face each other in a winner-take-all basketball match and Jimmy plays with the tribe.
5.) White Men Can't Jump (1992)- This movie is the story of Billy Hoyle and Sidney Deane, white and black basketball players of the outdoor courts who team up together to hustle other street ballers who are under the assumption that Billy can't play because he is white. They team together for a two-on-two tournament and win the $5,000 dollar prize but Billy's gambling habits cause problems with his relationship with his girlfriend Gloria, who ends up leaving him. Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes star as Billy and Sydney and Rosie Perez stars as Woody's girlfriend Gloria.
4.) The Basketball Diaries (1995)- This movie is a biopic of the life of Jim Carroll, a once promising star basketball player for his high school. His life starts to unravel as he becomes addicted to heroin and will go to great lengths to supply his habit, even going as far as stealing, robbing, and prostituting himself. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Jim Carroll.
3.) Eddie (1996)- Whoopie Goldberg stars in this hilarious movie. She plays Edwina "Eddie" Franklin, a limousine driver and avid Knicks fan who attends every game with a small group of fellow fans in the nosebleed section of Madison Square Garden. During halftime of one game she is one of three fans chosen to take part in a publicity stunt where if she makes a free-throw shot she will get a chance to become an honorary coach, which she wins. After the Knicks head coach is forced to quit before a game, Eddie is then named head coach. She is able to steer the team into play-off contention after a dismal start and soon earns the respect of the team.
2.) Coach Carter (2005)- This movie is based on a true story, in which Richmond High School head basketball coach Ken Carter made headlines for benching his undefeated team for poor academic results. This movie not only focuses on the basketball season but also on the personal lives of the team off the court. Samuel L. Jackson is impressive as Ken Carter and also casts a young ensemble of future stars such as Channing Tatum and Rick Gonzalez.
1.) Semi-Pro (2008)- This is a hysterical movie from start to finish. It stars Will Ferrell as Jackie Moon, a singer who used the profits from his one hit single, "Love Me Sexy" to buy a basketball team from the American Basketball Association called the Flint Tropics where he is owner, head coach, and starting forward. The plot centers on the merger of the league into the NBA where only four teams from the ABA will be allowed into the NBA. Jackie proposes that the top four teams should be the ones to go to the NBA. This sets the stage for one hilarious movie. Woody Harrelson and Andre Benjamin co-star.
So this concludes my list of twelve favorite basketball movies. Whether you are looking for a drama or a hilarious comedy, you can't go wrong with these twelve movies. So next time you are at your local video store, be sure to pick up a copy of one of these great movies.
THEY ARE A SLAM DUNK!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phillip_Hurst

[Read More...]