The Dark Knight

The 2008 film "The Dark Knight" is a new look at the characters of Batman and the Joker, who were also portrayed in the 1989 film "Batman."

Compare the two Batman films and comment about the differences you saw.

Mighty Joe Young 1949 1998

Filmmakers often do a remake of an earlier film because they have something new to say. The plot or the characters may be a little (or a lot) different from the earlier version, or the story may explore different themes.

The story of "Mighty Joe Young" from 1998 is different from the 1949 version in many ways.

Compare the two films and explain the differences you noticed.

For example, consider the cultures of the times, the themes being explored, the setting of the story, the look of the film, the way women are portrayed, and the special effects.

Mission Impossible 3

I'm glad that you all enjoyed "Mission Impossible 3".

Tom Cruise is currently filming "Mission Impossible 4", and he has said this will be the last time he plays the part of Ethan Hunt.

Do you think that Ethan Hunt will live or die in "Mission Impossible 4"?  Why?

Why do you think the hero dies in some movies, but not in others?

Do you prefer one or the other? If so, why?

American Culture vs British Culture 1960s

Watching spy movies from the 1960s is a good way to compare American and British cultures of that era.

So who is the best spy?  James Bond or Derek Flint? Why?

Musicals

Musicals are a genre in which the characters express themselves through song. Often it's a way for a character to convey emotions and inner thoughts that they are reluctant to say directly.

What was everyone singing about in the three clips we watched from "Finian's Rainbow",  "Rocky Horror Picture Show", and "Singing in the Rain"?

Nightmare on Elm Street 4

"Welcome to my nightmare."

According to Wikipedia, horror films deal with the viewer's nightmares, hidden fears, and terror of the unknown. The story is often about the intrusion of evil into the everyday world.

The distinction between between horror and terror is the difference between apprehension and realization: Terror is the feeling of scary anticipation leading up to the horrifying experience, while horror is the reaction of revulsion that happens after experiencing the horror.

When you watched Nightmare on Elm Street 4, did you feel terror or horror?  Or both?  Explain.

Did you find Freddy scary? Why?

Was Alice a cool hero?  Why or why not?

Live Free or Die Hard

The hero of a story is a person who possesses courage and nobility, and perhaps special abilities, that enable him to take actions that help others.

Why was John McClane an effective hero?

 

The villain of a story opposes the hero. His or her goal is usually the opposite of the hero's goal. The villain might be evil or malicious, and not care about the effects of his actions on others.

Why was Mai Linh an effective villainess?