Tag: star wars

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Cinema entertainment news

Panic Attack in Hollywood

Indiana Jones 5

What is happening in Hollywood? It was suppose to be easy. The business model was based on acquiring Intellectual Properties, then turn them in media franchises across every platform. Simple. A movie here, a television show there, spin off’s in every directions. Audiences would pay to see their favorite characters in new adventures time and time again.

Apparently the audience did not read the memo. One major release after another has stumbled. The big studios have hit a box office wall of underperforming films or out and out flops. It was not suppose to be this way. It is one thing when a movie disappoints, it’s a panic attack when a eco-system faces collapse.

The Disney and Lucasfilm’s INDIANA JONES and THE DIAL of DESTINY recently opened with a soft $60 million weekend in take. The $300 million production needs to earn over $700 million to break even. That number seems unlikely given the drowsy reviews of the James Mangold film. Harrison Ford’s fifth and last outing as the iconic adventurer seemed set to be a spinoff for a more modern story. Unlikely given Disney could lose as much $500 million on the time traveling saga. Disney head Bob Iger’s having acquired George Lucas’s creations for over $4 billion in 2012 has fans asking what was the point? Four STAR WARS productions each one worse than the other, now the nail in the coffin, a below average Indy movie.

The Other Side of Burbank

The Flash

The other Burbank powerhouse studio, Warner Bros finds itself moving into pray mode. The $200 million dollar THE FLASH struggled to cross the $100 million mark at the US box-office. The CGI heavy DC Comic production did not click with ticket buyers. Given that parent company Warner Discovery is in $50 billion debt, certainly alarm bells are ringing in the head office. After all, colorful tight pajamas were written in as a major revenue asset for the media giant.

It is looking more and more fatigue is taking hold of cinema goers. The lack of originality and pandering works have driven away ticket buyers to screaming on social media about Hollywood’s dismal releases.

Hollywood has learned, again, there is no such thing as a sure thing. Will this make studios change course? Disney announced new STAR WARS films. I would almost rather be on Alderaan watching the Death Star hover than sit through another instalment of the now soul less galactic saga.

Categories
Travel

Like Mon Calamari

A floating Spaceship

Looking at this tank, thee fish reminded me of Mon Calamari from Star Wars spaceships floating in one space.

Categories
Cinema

I finally saw Skywalker

I saw the latest Star Wars film: Rise of Skywalker. I know the film has been out for a while. Contributing to the discusion seems pointless. The Rotten Tomatoes reviews are right. 

Episode 5 

Once again I ask the fallback question: How does it compare to The Empire Strikes Back? At 2 hours 23 minutes, the answer; please end this film soon.

There are so many problems with this film. The original Star Wars played it simple, a story of good versus evil. 2019, the world has become more complicated. That is one problem with the latest sequel. Filmmakers have not figured out a tone for the films. It has become weighed down trying to please everyone, not offend, stay modern, and hold true to the formula.  A heavy order to fill.

JJ Abrams and team combed through an old Xerox copy machine recycling box at Lucasfilm for a story. The entire movie is a reference to other films lacking original ideas with a repeated premise that comes off as lazy and vague.

Repeating Better Works 

The evil Sith Emperor returns to reconquer the galaxy. Off the band goes jumping from planet to planet chasing clues on where to find, then stop Palpatine. Guess how it ends? No spoiler needed.

Some character interaction scenes were painful.  Just saying the lines, woodenly interacting each other. I could almost hear the word “action” to the actors. I had little empathy for these characters.  There were groans in the large cinema, not a single laugh.  

Chewie, the reliable comic relief character in Episode 4, seemed more of an overly contrived plot device for nostalgia sake.

CGI is what you would expect from a Star Wars film.  However, even this did not propel the story in an awe inspiring way.

How will the next Star Wars team move forward? I have no clue. No advice to give. But the future instalments cannot continue to rely on the good will of the fanbase.

2.5 out of 5 stars. I could push it to 3 stars.

StarWars: Rise of Skywalker is playing in local cinemas. 

Categories
Technology

Tech Coming Soon

Technology Preview 

The IFA Innovation Media Briefing 2019 showed the world of connectivity  is expanding. The emphasis was centered on lifestyle. New home appliances with features aimed at making life easier were shown. I was reminded of those 1950’s television commercials showing new microwave ovens to housewives

A.I. or Artificial Intelligence moves forward. But the subject is so large it felt we are seeing pieces not the whole picture. The moral implications as well as social aspects were examined.  

5G roll out continues from carriers.  

My Highlights:

How Dependable is the door? 

Korean brand LG launched a new washer machine with the meaning “durable” as the center piece. (See Video) After seeing the demonstration I can say, “That is Durable”. A second piece of added technology is the steam function, making clothing less wrinkled after washing.

Philips Fryer 

The Philips Fryer evolves. A counter top cooking appliance designed for preparing all types of foods.

Chinese appliance maker Hisense has moved upscale with new kitchen looks with smooth rich surfaces.  

MediSana Robot 
R2D2 has arrived.

The Medisana droid is the Star Wars is here now moment. A robot with multiple cameras, screen, and self movement made for senior care monitoring. Soon, R2D2 will soon be a household appliance.

WMF Fondue Grill

Small appliance goods producer WMF introduced a few  products for relaxing. A herbal pot with light, a wine chiller, and a table top fondue set for 8.

Tech giant Samsung is rolling out Bixby. A smart-home voice service challenge to Google Assistant and Alexa. 

Karcher Steamer

I hate moping floors. The Karcher floor steamer maybe my life saver. The brand still produces in it’s home country, Germany.

The Inside Info 

The side conversations at IMB were interesting. They are opportunities for learning inside information and getting real opinions.  

Media Gathering
Berlin Dome

Google Assistant and Amazon now dominate the home leaving Microsoft and Apple in the dust.

Will American technology dominate in the future in the face of Trade Wars?

I was a bit surprised by the lack of mobile phone technology this year.

Stay Tuned for full coverage of IFA 2019 starting September 6th.  We will have the latest news and trends.

Categories
Cinema Feature

Star Wars on the Rocks!

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away. Those words, etched in my memory from the first time I saw Star Wars A New Hope. Certain films mark my childhood. Luke, Leia, and Han have been a part of my life since 1977. The world Lucas created of simple good against evil is loosing its appeal. Relying more on brand worship than wondrous story telling. 

Why is Disney destroying the franchise? With every recent Star Wars media franchise launched in cinema or on television, the lack of creativity pulse is painfully noticeable. Assembly line production has taken its toll. As if the creators have been digging through Lucasfilm trash bins searching for ideas. “The Last Jedi”, story plots, characters felt all piled in blender then poured on the screen. Skywalker as a crazed lone Jedi did not click. Even the most ardent fans struggled defending Rian Johnson’s eight franchise entry-  A letter of apology would have been nice.

A SOLO Waste 

Not sure who to blame for the $300 million “Solo”. Ron Howard deserves credit for taking over a troubled production after the firing of duo directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. However, the standard plot line lacked originality, a passable first draft.  A buddy crime capper film in space lacked emotion. Alden Ehrenreich’s “lost in the headlight” performance never captured the cocky bravado of Harrison Ford’s 70’s style. It was the first Star Wars film to lose money at the box office.

The Resistance Bore

The latest Star Wars animation entry “Resistance” is annoying on all levels. The animation style is unnerving. The mixture of shadows and hues is as appealing as a used car lot. The coming of age stock characters, after watching three episodes, come across as lethargic. I hoped for their capture. Juvenile rebel pilot Kazuda Xiono leads a band of resistance against the First Order. Right! Lazy, lacking thrills, falling flat is my best review. 

In essence, Disney is expecting Star Wars fans to shell out billions of dollars to justify their $4 billion acquisition. The company seems to be taking a lot for granted. Goodwill eventually ends.

This writer is a massive Star Wars Fan.

Categories
Technology

May The Force Be With Us

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away.  To say we are having fun testing the new Tie Fighter Star Wars War Drone would be an understatement.  Everything about it is an experience from the packaging to the first flight.

Stay tuned for the review.

Categories
Technology

IFA

 

IFA16 Highlights

Bang and Olufsen

Futuristic minimalism in the shape of a cone from Bang and Olufsen, always known for superior sound quality, the brand played to its strength by introducing two wireless 360 degree speaker designs, the small BeoSound 1 and larger BeoSound 2.  Both are rechargeable with a battery life of 16 hours.   The shining models stuck out but I liked the softer toned ones.

Sphero

Star Wars Fans will have hours of fun with the motion controlled BB8 droid.   The wrist band enables the user to push and pull the droid with arm gestures.  The app describes in details how to full use the small robot.   I saw a demonstration.  It could get addictive, connective toys are the future.

Aedle

Designed and made in Paris, Aedle headphones are for those looking for a subtler but higher style quality with headphone gear.  Constructed with fine leather and other materials there are two choices to choose, over ear or in-ear, both are elegant.   When I travel to Paris I will interview the team behind the brand.

Philips

The consumer brand giant had two products we liked.  The new Innergizer blender can mix anything in a moment.  The second appliance we played with was the Air Cooker, no grease, or oil is needed, all is done by recycled hot air even French Fries.

ZTE

Affordable high end smartphone from the ZTE with Axom 7 mini, a smaller version of the company’s flagship phone but still packing a punch using Android 6.0  OS featuring a 5.2 inch screen, all metal body and curved designed. it delivers a number of good features without breaking the bank including  Dolby Speakers and a 16 megapixel camera.

Huawei

I handled the phone, it is smooth and stylish but what attracted me the most were the colors blue and red.  It is slim and light with a Leica camera.  I have not tested the device yet but soon.

Honorable Mentions

SkullCandy

Skullcandy’s New Crusher Wireless headphones looked nice.  A good accessory for the street wear looks. Check back here for a review.

AfterShockz

I am testing their new sportswear wireless headsets, so far so good.  Check back for the full review.

Xtorm

A better source of mobile recharging, the company improved the capacity of this year’s power bank models while retaining an attractive design. (See our upcoming video)

Samsonite

Added new class to their collection with a slim wireless power bank fitted for a 15 inch laptop integrated into a travel backpack.

Dbramante1928

Affordable leather carrying  cases designed in Denmark for every tech device.  The material is sourced from India.

Fossil

A company introduced a number of wearables this year to track and monitor all activity.  We are using one now.  See the upcoming review.

Keep checking back for more reviews and interviews on tech.