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Showing posts from December, 2020

The Remarkable Elements of Noir Films

What is Film Noir? There no one definition. However, it is generally agreed-upon by cinephiles and professionals that noir films are full of pessimism, cynicism, and fatalism. Noir films often date back to the 1920s in America, but the genre really took off after World War II. But how can you tell if a movie is under the Film Noir category? Here are the distinct elements of film noir: 1.       Characters One of the major aspects of film noir is the characters. The cast is often led by a no-nonsense, anti-hero male protagonist. Typically, he is a cynical, gruff detective or gangster with tragic flaws. He is followed by a “femme fatale,” an equally bad and just-as-beautiful female character. Sometimes, there is a secondary female character. However, she is the complete opposite of the first female lead. The second woman is good, but unfortunately, quite bland. 2.       Plot The second element of a film noir is the fatalistic, complex plot. It often presents a bleak, resigned vi

Five Great Family Classics DVDs to Enjoy with Loved Ones

Before the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, families used to gather around the living room to watch DVDs. If you remember those days, you can always bring back this classic past-time by getting family classic DVDs. Children and adults alike will appreciate a little old-school vibe this holiday season. But which family classic DVDs should you get? There are plenty of options. And if you don’t know where to start, we have some suggestions. Here are five great family classics DVDs that you can enjoy: 1.       General Spanky This 1936 American classic film stars George McFarland, Carl Switzer, and Billie Thomas. A group of kids (Spanky, Alfalfa, and Buckwheat) formed an army of sorts named “The Royal Protection of Women and Children Regiment Club of the World and Mississippi River.” Your family will surely be laughing at this classic comedy. 2.       The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm If you love fantasy stories, then this film is perfect. The 1962 Americ