Fun Facts

Ask any woman on the planet and she’ll tell you that Jane Austen was one of the most romantic writers in the history of time. Though Austen never got married, her novels delved deep into the human soul and the emotions that romance evokes. One of the best examples of her romantic writing ability is “Sense and Sensibility” which was first published in 1811. While the story takes place two-hundred years ago, it still captures the hearts of readers. The story also happens to capture the hearts of movie lovers. In December 1995, the movie wowed woman not only with the retelling of such a classic story, but with the use of great acting. Let’s take a closer look into why “Sense and Sensibility” is one of the best romantic movies of all time.

The Story

“Sense and Sensibility” is definitely what you would call a “chick flick”. In fact, the movie is almost two hours worth of heartache. Austen had the ability to create fully rounded characters that readers were able to connect with. Even in the movie, viewers fall in love with the characters and feel the same emotions as they do. Watching the main characters have their hearts broken touches you so deeply and when everyone finds happiness, you cry from sheer joy. How is it possible that a movie can affect you in such a way? It all boils down to great acting.

The Acting

“Sense and Sensibility” was destined to be a great movie from the very beginning. Not only was the story line one that would appeal to women all over the country, but the actors and actresses chosen for the lead characters were unbeatable. The most important character in the book, Elinor, was played by Emma Thompson. Thompson held her ground as a strong-willed character, while also being able to show such deep emotions. Another star actor in the film was Hugh Grant, who played the role of Edward. The scene where Edward tells Elinor of his love and that he’s left his finance are cinema gold. Of course, this film cannot be reviewed without mentioning the talent of Alan Rickman. Rickman played the part of Colonel Christopher Brandon, a man who has seen much heartache in his time and loves a woman who may never love him back. As any fan of Rickman can tell you, anything he touches turns to pure gold.

Yes, this move may be almost 20 years old, but it captures the love story written by Austen in the early 1800s so well. The acting in this movie is some of the best you will ever see. It’s highly recommend to any woman that has a deep love for romance and stellar British acting.

Nichol Linebrink is a full-time writer who enjoys reviewing movies, music, and videos. She also writes about technology and  and how electronic leasing sites like www.presta.com can help people gain access to technology they may have otherwise been unable to afford.

Hollywood

It is true that all work and no play makes a man dull.  One cannot be always confined in the academic and professional world.  A person must have some form of relaxation or a way to unwind and get away from all the worries that the world brings.  One way or form of “transcending” yourself from your usual day activities is treating yourself or entertaining by reading some books and magazines, watching television, or maybe a movie.  And there is nothing so interesting, exciting, fun and relaxing to watch than a good Hollywood-made movie.  What’s so “intriguing” about Hollywood?  Let’s all find out….

History. Hollywood is one of the many districts that compose Los Angeles in the US.  The same is also considered one of the busiest places in the world.  It is most often called the motion picture industry capital of the United States.  “Tinseltown” as some would describe it; Hollywood traces its rose to stardom as early as 1906.  It was then that the “Rose City Line” (a streetcar line constructed in the middle of the district) route that gave way to the growth and development of Hollywood.  If you’re trying to reach the place, there’s a slim chance for you not to miss it because of that ever famous Hollywood sign.  It was a real estate man by the name of Harry Chandler who put that gigantic sign to advertise “Hollywoodland”.  This sign took him an exact $21,000 in expense and that the advertisement would only be good for eighteen (18) months.  1939 was the year when the sign was finally illuminated by four thousand bulbs with an assigned person on it to take care of its maintenance.  The letters L, A, N and D were removed in 1949.  The sign has been in that same spot for almost 80 years.

Golden Era. Experts and historians alike say that the “boom” period or the Golden Era when Hollywood became “Hollywood” was during the 1930’s and 1940’s.  It was the film industry’s rendezvous point as other countries have suffered tremendous economic problems during the World War.  These events gave rise to Hollywood’s commercial success.  The glamour and the spotlight of the film industry then was on Germany but it shifted since the US was less tormented in the war.

Throughout the 1930’s and 1940’s, Hollywood house hold names would include stars such as Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Bette Davis, Ronald Reagan (yes, the President), Liz Taylor and many more. This era also marked the rising of big and wealthy film producers and studios like the 20th Century Fox, MGM, Universal and Paramount.  There were approximately 7,000 films were made during this period as it was believed that more than 75 million people queue to see at least one movie a week. (Including the paparazzis!)

The Second World War threat became an opportunity for big-time film makers because these were the times that films with a “patriotic” ideology were made.  These films were made as a medium to bond each one during these rather frightening years.  There were also short documentaries made during this time aside from the above film mood.  It was also during this time that famous comic duos and comedy flicks rose to stardom.  The western “cowboy” settings in movies were also a favorite during this era.  However, the release of this movies in the later part of the era were less watched and admired by the fans as they were now busy with the emergence of another form of entertainment that is very much alike the movies – the television.

Hollywood’s interesting Landmarks. Hollywood is not just famous for its glamorous and extravagant aura in the world of film making.  It is likewise known for some worth-visiting landmarks.  Hollywood is home to the Celebrity Graves and Celebrity Houses as well.  There is also the Hollywood Bowl (an amphitheater for music performances).  Near to this is the ever historical “Barn”.  It is believed that the world’s full length movie was recorded inside it.  It is also houses the Hollywood Heritage Museum.  The famous Hollywood Hotel is also a must-see destination because it is where the elite members of the showbiz industry of then and now gather to have lunch or dinner.

How can Hollywood be complete without its theaters?  There is the monumental Grauman’s Chinese Theater.  As one of Hollywood’s famous tourist attractions, the Chinese theater houses a handful of Chinese artifacts.  On one of its portions, you will find the foot and hand prints of some of movie world’s icons and legends such as that of Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne.

Live shows and world premieres are commonly staged at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theater.  At the heart of our “tinsel town” is home to the “Kodak Theater”.  It holds a 3,000 seating capacity and is likewise the permanent venue to the Academy Awards.  Aside from these famous theaters, there are also the Egyptian and Pantages Theaters.  These ones are in charge of featuring the “behind-the-scenes” of movies and such other related features.

To miss the integral part of our Hollywood travel which is the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is not a valid excuse.  It is a three and a half (3½) mile stretch of pointed stars along the sidewalk where famous names of the stars as well as those who people who have achieved a great contribution in the industry are embedded on it.

There can never be a Hollywood so popular without the award giving bodies that continuously recognizes the ingenuity, talent and abilities of actors and actresses as well as the people behind the film.  The most prestigious award giving body is the Hollywood’s Academy Awards or the “Oscars”.  It was founded in 1927 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and was able to hold its first Awards night in 1929.  Below are some noteworthy dates that were memorable especially in Hollywood film making industry with regards to the Oscars:

• 1972 – A special award was given to the legendary Charlie Chaplin;

• 1983 – The British film “Gandhi” wins 8 Oscars;

• 1988 – The film “The Last Emperor” wins 9 Oscars;

• 1998 – “Titanic” wins 11 Oscars

Now let’s dive into some fun and interesting notes as well as information about our movies, stars and everything Hollywood.  Do you know that …?

• The highest paid actor today is Mr. Hancock himself, Will Smith. He’s actually worth 80 million dollars a movie. (my, that’s a lot!).

• The highest paid actress on the other hand is Cameron Diaz at 50 million dollars per movie.

• During his visit to London, the ever so famous Charlie Chaplin once received 73,000 letters in just two days! (his eyes really must have got tired!)

• Zorro’s Catherine Zeta Jones has a candy family business but did not mainly give-in to her “sweet cravings” in spite their house was full of it.

• In order to see how well he acts, producers and film organizers had to push the “slow motion” button to see Bruce Lee in action (Eat your heart out Daphne!)

• As convincing as she is when acting, Julia Roberts’ left eye really tears up when she is nervous.

• Main movie characters are three times more likely to smoke than others in reality.

• The exposure of the Marlboro brand in the movies in the 90’s was ten times more than other cigarette brands.

• Pixar and Walt Disney’s may have not noticed this as there was a 2/3 increase of the inclusion of tobacco use in animated and children’s films in 1996-97.

• Then film producer Hal Wallis once said that the only sure thing in show business is an Elvis Presley movie.

• That the original title of the Elvis movie “Love me tender” was oddly coined as “The Reno Brothers”.

• A film reviewer once commented on Elvis’ acting and said that the good-looking guy suffers from itchy underwear and hot shoes (which raised him to stardom).

• In the classic movie “Godfather”, an orange is always seen somewhere in the scene before someone is killed

• “The Jazz Singer” (1927) is the first film to introduce dialogues.

• The first movie to show a woman wearing nothing but bra is “The Psycho” (1960).

• The first Technicolor film was “The Gulf Between Us” (1917).

• Hollywood’s most perfect couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are considered one of the most powerful actor and actress in the world by Guinness Book of Records

• James Bond stars are mostly 6 feet above in height (Daniel Craig excluded. He’s 5’10).

• And these major role players should be or must have an Irish blood.

• The most expensive film ever made really wasn’t Titanic nor Spiderman 3 but the Leo Tolstoy classic “War and Peace”. If adjusted, it would cost a whopping $700 million!

• John Rambo, Rocky Balboa and Sylvester Stallone all share the same birthday – July 6.

• The real life Charlie Chaplin once tried out for a Charlie Chaplin look-alike contest.  He never won as he finished third.

The world of Hollywood entertainment and film industry has been keeping our eyes glued to our televisions sets and movie houses for such a long time already.  It has also been keeping the imaginations and unique talents of people who work in their realms busy.  Day in and day out, with or without war or depression or crisis of whatever kind, it is always so amazing to see how we could cope up with all these hardships through proper enjoyment and relaxation brought about by Hollywood in all its aspects.

Hollywood

Even after Britney stopped her acting and singing career for several years due to marriage, childbirth, and emotional breakdowns, she remains one of the most watched and most controversial people in Hollywood. Born in McComb, Mississippi, she was first viewed as a cute teenager who used to perform with the Disney Channel Mickey Mouse Club with Justin Timberlake. In fact, Britney and Justin became a couple for some time after they reached the height of their career.

And Justin Timberlake was not the only popular star she became associated with at a young age, other cast members included Christina Aguilera, Keri Russell (from the show Felicity), Jason Chasez (from the band NSYNC), Ryan Gosling. But aside from Justin Timberlake who eventually came into his own after his gig with Nsync, Britney surpassed them all.

She was catapulted into stardom after the release of her first single, “Baby One More Time” and she never looked back since then. The single was not only a hit in the United States but in many other countries as well. But her second single, “Oops!…I Did It Again” was the single that sealed her fate. After debuting number one, it was huge. Britney became a household name. At the tender age of 17, she had to deal with stardom and all the things that went with it. This was probably the main reasons for her break downs later on.

On January 3, 2004, she married Jason Alexander, a childhood friend. They were married for a mere 55 hours before getting a divorce. Following this wedding, her second album was released and became a worldwide hit. After several months, Britney announced her engagement to Kevin Federline, a dancer. He has two children with an actress named Shar Jackson.

In September 18, 2004, they finally tied the knot. But this marriage was not meant to have a happy ending. On the contrary, Britney’s most notorious behaviors will manifest itself during her wedding. Kevin Federline and Britney Spears are to have two children: Sean Preston and Jayden James. But the couple finally divorced in 2006 because of “irreconcilable differences”.

Some of the controversies Britney became involved in include shaving her head bald on national television, flashing herself while getting out of a car, and her court case regarding her kids. After all these challenges and controversies, Britney is finally trying to bring herself back together. Only time will tell if it is already too late or not.  The Bio and Controversies of Britney Spears

Even after Britney stopped her acting and singing career for several years due to marriage, childbirth, and emotional breakdowns, she remains one of the most watched and most controversial people in Hollywood. Born in McComb, Mississippi, she was first viewed as a cute teenager who used to perform with the Disney Channel Mickey Mouse Club with Justin Timberlake. In fact, Britney and Justin became a couple for some time after they reached the height of their career.

And Justin Timberlake was not the only popular star she became associated with at a young age, other cast members included Christina Aguilera, Keri Russell (from the show Felicity), Jason Chasez (from the band NSYNC), Ryan Gosling. But aside from Justin Timberlake who eventually came into his own after his gig with Nsync, Britney surpassed them all.

She was catapulted into stardom after the release of her first single, “Baby One More Time” and she never looked back since then. The single was not only a hit in the United States but in many other countries as well. But her second single, “Oops!…I Did It Again” was the single that sealed her fate. After debuting number one, it was huge. Britney became a household name. At the tender age of 17, she had to deal with stardom and all the things that went with it. This was probably the main reasons for her break downs later on.

On January 3, 2004, she married Jason Alexander, a childhood friend. They were married for a mere 55 hours before getting a divorce. Following this wedding, her second album was released and became a worldwide hit. After several months, Britney announced her engagement to Kevin Federline, a dancer. He has two children with an actress named Shar Jackson.

In September 18, 2004, they finally tied the knot. But this marriage was not meant to have a happy ending. On the contrary, Britney’s most notorious behaviors will manifest itself during her wedding. Kevin Federline and Britney Spears are to have two children: Sean Preston and Jayden James. But the couple finally divorced in 2006 because of “irreconcilable differences”.

Some of the controversies Britney became involved in include shaving her head bald on national television, flashing herself while getting out of a car, and her court case regarding her kids. After all these challenges and controversies, Britney is finally trying to bring herself back together. Only time will tell if it is already too late or not.

Hollywood britney spears