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Today you burst into
My life
As if nothing
Had wilted away
Since the years passed
Since we last said
Hello
Goodbye
Have a good life
It took me that long
To say goodbye
To my heart
My mind
That tricked me
Into believing
You were the one
The one who would
Rescue me
Make me whole again
It was an illusion
I watched the leaves fall
Every year
Every tear
I shed inside
Hiding it from myself
Now you think
You can have
My heart again
To destroy
To bend to your
Desires
If only it were
So simple
You see
When the darkness
Threatened to take
My last breath
A living angel
Lifted me away
From my despair
Turn to me
He urged
I need you
His soul demanded
I woke from my slumber
I took his hand
We flew away
Entwined
When he left me
He took my heart
My soul
My life
This empty shell
That now exists
You can no longer
Hurt.

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Then and Now: 300 Death Scene Revisited

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It’s been about nine years since 300 came out in theaters nationwide, and what better way to celebrate 300‘s 9-year anniversary than to look back at this clip:

These two photos of the blue screen studio shot and the video clip show the hottest guys in the film: the Gerard Butler, Michael Fassbender, and Marc Trottier. It appears in the photo stills that, while Stelios is saying, “My king … it’s an honor to die at your side,” Leonidas doesn’t look back at him but instead looks down at the other Spartan warrior lying dead (Marc Trottier).  As Leonidas says, “It’s an honor to have lived at yours,” he is not facing Stelios but the other guy.

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300b.jpgWhy could that possibly be?  Could the other Spartan be Leonidas’ side lover and the meaning is deeper than that of soldier bonding?  It is known in Greek history that men took each other as lovers without the stigma it has today.

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Valentine’s Day thoughts aside, congratulations to all three of these babes for the near future.  Gerry’s two films are coming out:London Has Fallen (3.4.16) and Gods of Egypt (2.26.16).  Michael Fassbender is nominated for an Oscar for his role as Steve Jobs (watch the Oscars on 2.28.16).  Marc Trottier will be appearing as Hardhat in the next episode of the CW TV show Arrow on 2.17.16.

Check Marc out on Arrow next Wednesday and www.marctrottier.com for more info about the former Spartan who wholeheartedly caught Leonidas’ attention.

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Roots

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I am drowning in my despair

Like the roots of an aging tree

It devours my soul

A heavy burden

Unable to breathe

I no longer remember how it feels

To love, to be loved

To breathe as if every ounce of air

Rose from a field of lavender

Light, fresh, forever growing

I will age as the tree

Burrowing roots into the darkness

The underworld is my solace

Never to see the light of day

I will rest forever in my isolation

No longer will I breathe

Never to feel the rays of sunshine

The soil engulfs me

It holds me tightly, wanting me

It loves me like no other shall.

Marilyn Monroe ~ Fragments

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Only parts of us will ever
touch parts of others –
one’s own truth is just that really — one’s own truth.
We can only share the part that is within another’s knowing acceptable
so one
is for most part alone.
As it is meant to be in
evidently in nature — at best perhaps it could make
our understanding seek
another’s loneliness out.

     ~ Marilyn Monroe
         From Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters

Man of Steel Film Review

Man of Steel via Ones2Watch4
Release date: June 14, 2013

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s – Kal-El, son of Jor-El, from the planet Krypton. In this dark Superman reboot directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) and written by David S. Goyer (Blade: Trinity) and Christopher Nolan (Batman), Man of Steel steps out of the cheesiness and into maturity of the modern serious Superman. More realistic in the sci-fi sense, the story unfolds from the planet Krypton in its fantasy-like environment and takes us through Superman’s formation: the beginning of Superman, before he leads the life of bespectacled Clark Kent at the Daily Planet. As of yet, he is not called Superman but Kal-El, and he tells Lois Lane that the “S” stands for hope in his world.

Henry Cavill (Immortals, The Tudors) makes his first appearance as the chiseled, other-worldly featured Clark Kent, farm boy turned hunky steel man. Born and raised by two strong sets of parents, Russell Crowe with Ayelet Zurer and Kevin Costner with Diane Lane, a boy can only grow to become something extra special. As Jor-El, Crowe delivers a guiding and stoic father-in-spirit figure, helping shape Kal-El and teaching him the nature of his birth. The background story has never been brought out in detail before in Superman films, digging into the ground that Kal-El is indeed an alien being. Kevin Costner as Clark’s Earth father brings heart to the film, forming Clark’s sensitivity to the earthly humans.

The rest of the cast perform well despite the comparisons with their characters in Superman films. General Zod (Michael Shannon) is solidly frightening if not dry, even though he was programmed by birth to protect the civilization of Kryptonians at all cost. German born Antje Traue as Faora-Ul, General Zod’s right-hand gal, is beautifully unemotional as well, albeit a bit lacking in the sadistic nuances Sarah Douglas as Ursa portrayed in the 1980 version of Superman. Perky and cute as Lois Lane, Amy Adams falls a little short on chemistry with the man of steel, with none of the spiciness Margot Kidder had as the incorrigible Miss Lane. The character of Jimmy, who was Lois’ sidekick, has not entered the story yet. Laurence Fishburne plays Perry, the Daily Planet’s boss, straight laced, yet concerned with Lois’ well-being. Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: SVU) is the hardline Colonel Hardy who comes to realize on which side Kal-El fights. Cavill’s Kal-El is not the fumbling and shy Christopher Reeve version, and he is believable and passionate, a welcome revision to fit modern times.

Man of Steel is epic, action-packed, stunningly executed, and its cinematography beautifully displayed. There is a breathtaking pace to the stunts, with Kal-El using and showing more of his powers than ever before. Even the Kryptonian wardrobe is spectacular. The best summation of the film comes when Kal-El has to let go of his past in order to protect his future in a memorable heart-wrenching scene. It’s filmmaking with heart, and this is the best blockbuster of the year, with probably the best director-writer combination.

Star Trek Into Darkness Film Review

Star Trek Into Darkness via Ones2Watch4

Star Trek Into Darkness is misleading for all its onscreen lens glare and the U.S.S. Enterprise’s bright bridge deck. One would think outer space is infused with visible sunlight. For the most part, it’s a fun ride, sweetly comical, heartfelt, visually spectacular, action-packed, and delivered with bullet speed. Even with the introduction of the villain Khan, one is not sure whether to dislike him or not.

Director J.J. Abrams’ sequel to 2009’s reboot, the origins of Star Trek, satisfies in a colossal way. Fans of the original Gene Roddenberry television series may notice references to episodes: Captain Kirk’s affinity for women of all species, the appearance of a tribble, and the fist fights. Refreshing in this sequel is the enormity of the visual cinematography, the introduction of universe-size ships, and the Klingons who’ve never been presented so primal and destructive. Central to the picture, however, is the emotional byplay between the stars that keep the film from becoming a simple sci-fi romp.

Chris Pine heads the cast as the gorgeous and manly Captain Kirk, Zachary Quinto returns as the conflicted Spock, Zoe Saldana as the doting Uhuru, Simon Pegg as the overly concerned Scotty, Karl Urban as the dislocated Bones, Anton Yelchin as the understudy Chekov, and John Cho as the competent Sulu. The crew’s camaraderie is evident, even when Alice Eve as Carol, the Admiral’s daughter, joins the team under dubious circumstances. Peter Weller plays the formidable Admiral Marcus, eerily similar to the Emperor ofStar Wars. (Is Abrams practicing for Star Wars Episode VII?)

Khan, originally Khan Noonien Singh in the past episode, is known as John Harrison in this film, a rogue Starfleet space agent on a mission to save the rest of his super species comrades. A chillingly powerful presence, Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s Sherlock Holmes and The Hobbit series) plays a Neo-like (Matrix) super being incapable of being injured (at least from punches a la Kirk) and can create cures. It’s hard to hate Cumberbatch as a villain dressed all in black when his voice resonates with sexiness. He is unlike the 1982 blonde Khan played by Ricardo Montalban (or Ricardo Montalban’s chest).

The most surprising of all in Star Trek Into Darkness is Spock. When darkness befalls his bromance with the Captain he breaks out of his usual logically unemotional shell. His inner badass gets him into a one-on-one battle with Khan. The ensuing action sequence is h-o-t. Never mess with a half-Vulcan when it comes to his friends.

The only thing a bit disappointing with the whole Star Trek reboot is that it is not a new boot. “To boldly go where no one has gone before” is the tagline. How about writing new original stories for the new cast, new era, and actually exploring new worlds? Khan was a great story among all the episodes from the 1966-1969 television series. If you’ve seen all of them, each new Star Trek film made creates an expectation of more to come. Yes, more is better.

A Mess without You

Style: "70's look"

Can’t you see I’m a mess without you?
I need to look into your eyes,
to feel your skin against mine,
to feel your breath on my lips.
Let me make you forget your pain,
forget your broken heart.
Let me be the one who makes you feel
that all is right in this world.
Let me save you, and I will save myself.

In His Eyes

In his eyes I saw my escape
Feeling secure, knowing he would protect me
Come to me, be my love, they beckoned
I left my resistance behind
Running for my love, for my life
In his eyes I saw forever
Engulfed in fiery love.
GreenLove

Jack the Giant Slayer Film Review

Jack the Giant Slayer
Film Review @Ones2Watch4
Release Date:  March 1, 2013

Fee-fi-fo-fum,
I smell the blood of an Englishman,
Be he alive or be he dead,
I’ll grind his bones to make my bread.
~Joseph Jacobs, Jack and the Beanstalk (1890)

This is not the way the poem goes in director Bryan Singer’s (X-MenJack the Giant Slayer. Fee, Fi, Fo, and Fum are the two-headed giant’s henchmen, the stars of the village of giants.

Based on the fairytale, Jack and the Beanstalk, this film stretches and goes back to the beginning of the legend of the giants. Jack (Nicholas Hoult of Warm Bodies), the young farm boy who unwittingly trades a horse for beans, runs into the adventurous Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson). An escaped bean transforms itself and the princess is carried off to the heavens – well, at least, to the land of the giants above the skies. The hunt ensues to rescue the princess, the group led by the knight protector, Elmont (Ewan McGregor).

With the expectation of a children’s fairytale, this film surprisingly has a grown up feel of horror and suspense. Its giants are not only monstrous, they’re evil and vengeful, with uncanny expressions. Most creepy of all is the two-headed leader of the giants, General Fallon (Bill Nighy), its smaller head resting on a shoulder, unable to speak but in grunts, its face reminiscent of Gollum in Lord of the Rings. These are nothing like the dumb and clumsy giants in traditional fairytales, unable to catch a tiny human. No, these giants are warriors in need of revenge and a lot of scrubbing down.

New to the story is the legend of King Eric who had power over the giants in a time forgotten until the power of the beans came to light by way of Roderick (Stanley Tucci), the right hand man of King Brahmwell (Ian McShane). The original tale mentions no princess but this film centers around her rescue. As romantic as that sounds, Jack and the Princess have little if forced chemistry between them. The formula is understandable, however, since these days no one would take to heart the reason for Jack going up the beanstalk to acquire only riches. Jack would quickly be caught and rolled up for a pigs-in-a-blanket dinner for the giants, ending the story too soon.

What saves the film from becoming too scary and too silly is its sporadic humor and the presence of Ewan McGregor. If there was a spark of romance it was emanating from the knight Elmont for his adored Princess Isabelle. The costumes of the king and his men weigh in on the silly side, seemingly borrowed from traditional Alice in Wonderland or Humpty Dumpty King’s Men. Elmont’s armor is just normal enough to make Ewan the dashing knight that somehow seems natural to his character.

Despite its shortcomings, this is a film worth seeing again, if only for the creepiness of the giants, the allure of Ewan, and the enormity and epic surge of the beanstalks. What is missing may be an extensive explanation of why the giants have the specific fear that overtakes them. Jack the Giant Slayer can be bypassed in 3D mode as the effects are not extraordinary, even though these giants do eat humans.

Cupid’s Missed Arrow

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Cupid is sometimes a really bad shot, his arrow piercing only one of the two hearts that meet. He either needs to practice more or maybe it’s his cruel intention all along to make one suffer as the other escapes, oblivious to the destiny he had just changed. After all, no one ever said Cupid was an angel.

That is my destiny it seems: the one with the pierced heart, forever suffering from unrequited love. After a period the thought of one man should bring nothing more than “Can I still spell his name correctly?”

Instead, thoughts of him twisting my heart with his words haunt me, driving me mad knowing no one else has that effect on me. In quiet echoes I hear his heartbeat, steady and in sync with mine. It is improbable, I tell myself, that he is also thinking of me at this moment. There are way too many moments that should never be and yet is, stretching to years.

How could Cupid be so heartless? The poison of his arrow should have lasted only days if it did not hit both marks. He might as well have made it a death arrow, for my love goes unresolved, unsatisfied, and unobserved. It is too much work constantly reminding myself of all the things wrong with the man I love and how he is wrong for me. My logic is no power against the wound that still bleeds my life away.

Alas, no matter how hard I try the poison remains. The life of my heart resides in him, and he is unaware. No man has ever affected me in greater depth than he and continues to do so even without his presence. He is and forever shall be my greatest love. Such is the destiny of Cupid’s missed arrow.

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Spotlight on Aidan Turner

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Aidan Turner
via Ones2Watch4

Dark, striking, and bloody sexy, Aidan Turner exudes an unforgettable presence. He is currently in the much anticipated prequel to Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. As Kili, he is the dwarf who, along with his brother Fili, accompanies their uncle Thorin and Bilbo on the Quest of Erebor. Before signing on for The Hobbit, Aidan was riding high as John Mitchell the cool vampire in the original UK version of SyFy’s Being Human television series.

Born on June 19, 1983 and raised in South Dublin, Ireland, Aidan graduated from The Gaiety School of Acting in 2004. After a string of theatrical performances, his initiation into the world of film and television was as Bedoli in 2007’s The Tudors, in the opening scene of the pilot episode, “In Cold Blood.” From there he played bit parts in the short filmsMatterhorn (below), as Theodoro, and in The Sound of People, as the father. He starred in two thriller films, Porcelain (2007) and as Mal in Alarm (2008).

Aidan found success in his role as Ruairi McGowan in The Clinic, an award-winning medical drama television series, in which he starred in eighteen episodes from 2008. In 2009 he went on to play Dante Gabriel Rossetti inDesperate Romantics, a six-part television drama serial based loosely on the real Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of reformist artists and writers formed in 1848. Aidan commented on shooting the sex scenes: “You get into it and you do it and all the girls do it. There’s no qualms, there’s no inhibitions. You just get your clothes off and get it on.”

Aidan’s vampire countenance as John Mitchell in Being Human contributed to the show winning an RTS and Writers Guild Award in 2009 and a BAFTA nomination in 2010. The popularity of the show spurred the creation of the U.S. version on the SyFy channel, with Sam Witwer, Sammy Hunnington, and Meaghan Rath, debuting in 2011. The ever rising popularity of the vampire and werewolf genre has done well for Aidan, introducing him to the world acting market.

In his upcoming film The Hobbit, Aidan, at six feet, doesn’t look much like a dwarf, which in Middle Earth are between four and five feet high. He fit into the role perfectly, though, after twelve weeks of intensive dwarf boot camp that included fitness and sword fight training, as well as blending in with the varied-scale scenery through the magic of camera perspective. Aidan identifies himself to Kili as “a good role model. Kili is brave, loyal, curious, open-minded, and believes in friendship.” As Peter Jackson, the director himself, says, “I’m sure he will bring enormous heart and humor to the role of Kili.” As The Hobbit trilogy unfolds, it will give plenty of time for Kili to win the hearts of its audience.

From raunchy poet artist to vampire to Middle-earth dwarf, Aidan lands unique roles that showcase his deep acting skills and striking aura, attracting more fans along the way. In The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones,Aidan embodies the werewolf character of Luke Garroway. Set to be released in 2013, this film, the first of a young adult urban fantasy series set in New York and written by Cassandra Clare, reunites him with Jonathan Rhys Meyers alongside stars Lena Headey and Lily Collins. It would not be surprising if Aidan next lands a part in the future Star Wars films.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Review

The Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey 
Review from Ones2Watch4

Travel into the world of fantasy in the first installation of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy, the prequel to Lord of the Rings. In this introductory chapter, hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman , from the BBC TV series Sherlock) is recruited by wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) to join the band of dwarfs on a quest to reclaim Erebor, the Dwarf Kingdom, from the giant dragon Smaug. Led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage, of BBC’s Robin Hood and MI-5), the group encounters numerous creatures and adventures along their journey.

A few familiar faces from Lord of the Rings include Gandalf, Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Saruman (Sir Christopher Lee), Elrond (Hugo Weaving), and Gollum (Andy Serkis). There are cameo appearances by old Bilbo (Ian Holm) and Frodo (Elijah Wood). The old cast makes the transition into the prequel easier and heartfelt. The Hobbit plays out what it essentially is – a children’s story. The characters of the dwarfs make it more lighthearted, providing some cute and comical relief on some scenes.

As interesting as the dwarfs are, it is hard to distinguish or remember all thirteen of their names, unlike Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs. There are the three handsome ones that stand out: Thorin, the King of the Dwarfs, and the brothers, Kili (Aidan Turner, from Being Human) and Fili (Dean O’Gorman, who appeared in an episode of Moonlight in 2007). Thorin alone stands powerful and takes the film away from becoming a mere Disney romp.

The Hobbit is the first film made with the rate of 48 frames per second, twice as much as the standard 24 frames per second filmmakers have used for decades. Whether or not this is preferable, it remains subjective to the viewer. In 3D, the increase in rate gives the film clearer, smoother lines, albeit almost CGI animated. For the far away shots of scenery such as those of Rivendell, the land of the Elves, it gives it an ethereal quality. For regular daylight scenes however, it appears like a soap opera and no longer a movie with that grainy quality. The saving grace is that the darker scenes like that on the stone mountain and the Gollum segment in the underground cavern come out exceedingly crisp and dramatic, giving them an added dimension.

The film is not at all like the Lord of the Rings in its telling of the story, its pace, and in its visual technology. Almost 2 hours and 45 minutes long, it’s fast paced with lots of adventures for these dwarfs plus a hobbit and wizard. There are no extensive and melodramatic Sam and Frodo type scenes. Among the creatures they encounter are Orcs, Goblins, stone men, and the beautiful Elves. The most fascinating creature is Gollum; he is 100% creepier and semi-humanlike with the high film rate speed picking up minute details in his facial and body expressions. The only thing missing from this film was Legolas and the Bard, who will be making appearances in the upcoming chapters.

Punish Me with Your Eyes

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Punish Me with Your Eyes

He stared at me with his piercing eyes, daring me to lie.

Softly, I said, “I’m sorry.  I didn’t realize what it meant to you.  That mistake will never happen again.  Punish me as you will.”  My eyes blurred with unshed tears as I heard him let out a deep sigh.

He took my hand and pulled me down to him.  His lips barely brushed mine as he said, “I will have forever to punish you.  You are mine.”

SKYFALL Film Review

Skyfall film review from Ones2Watch4

Bond: the end of the beginning. Daniel Craig is back as James Bond, British Secret Service Agent 007, in what seems to be the final installment of “the making of James Bond.” Directed by Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Revolutionary Road), this episode takes a dark direction, taking Bond to his origins as he confronts his nemesis, Silva (Javier Bardem). Craig’s portrayal of the evolving Bond in all three films has focused on the edginess, roughness, and unrefined persona before he becomes the suave and sophisticated agent defined by Bond in past films. He has been the most vulnerable and most realistic of all the Bonds to date.

As the premise of Skyfall, MI6 is under attack, and the story revolves around M (Judi Dench). Bond’s relationship with M is strained when secrets unfold and the villain becomes elusive. It is apparent in this film that M is the “mother,” albeit tough and psychologically fixating, for her agents, and she struggles to maintain control of the collapsing MI6. In the midst of the power play is Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), whose intentions are questionable.

Javier Bardem plays the chillingly psychotic Silva, who obsesses over M and MI6. Powerful enough to take control of an entire island, Silva and his cyber terrorism land him in a face to face confrontation with Bond. One of the most memorable scenes of the film involves homoerotic tension between the two blondes. This brings into question the relationship between Silva and the beautiful Sévérine (played by French actress Bérénice Marlohe).

Skyfall introduces the recurring characters in the franchise. Astonishing is Q, the Quartermaster, played by Ben Whishaw. Young, tech-savvy, and adorably nerdy, he immediately connects with Bond wit for wit. As usual, Bond loses or destroys the gadgets he’s given. Q, however, is in step with modern technology. Long gone are the days with exploding pens. Naomi Harris as Eve, the agent Bond playfully fears for good reason, makes her first appearance as the attentive Miss Moneypenny. It is refreshing to see she is capable of doing more than “secretarial duties.”

With a mix of glam and coarseness, old and new, Skyfall takes a step above recent Bond films. It is a catalyst for future Bond adventures. As in all these films, the theme sequence follows the initial action-packed introductory scene. For Skyfall, Adele’s song is the backdrop for the opening death theme, eerily cool and visually spectacular, one of the best.  The worldly locations include Turkey, Shanghai, Macau, Scotland, and of course, Britain. Scotland, however, is where everything comes to a turning point.

Whether or not one is inclined to see a James Bond film, Skyfall is not the one to miss. It is more of a study in character and relationships than pure sterile action, although there is plenty of agent action to keep you visually occupied. Even the Aston Martin DB5 with the ejector seat and weaponry makes an appearance. Cool, tough yet vulnerable, Daniel Craig is one of the better Bonds.

SKYFALL Movie Site

Stephen Amell of Arrow

Stephen Amell of the TV Series Arrow on CWTV.
Profile on Ones2Watch4

This October Stephen Amell will make his starring role debut in CW’s action adventure television series, Arrow, based on the Green Arrow character of DC Comics. As billionaire Oliver Queen, he plays a vigilante hero set to make amends for his family and clean up Starling City – much in the way of Batman and Gotham City, only with a mysterious family history. His homecoming finds him a changed man after being stranded on an island.

Born in 1981 and raised in Toronto, Canada, Stephen’s early career started as an extra in Queer as Folk as a spinning instructor. Then he began guest starring on Canadian television shows such asHeartlandDante’s Cove and Degrassi: The Next Generation. He won a Gemini award, the Canadian version of an Emmy, for his guest starring role on ReGenesis. Stephen was also nominated in 2007 as part of the Best Ensemble Cast for Rent-A-Goalie. In the direct-to-video film Screamers: The Hunting, the sequel to 1995’s Sci-Fi flick Screamers (Peter Weller), Stephen played mysterious Guy, the leader of the surviving humans on a distant mining planet ravaged by war. It is in this film where he shows a hint of his much darker side, especially in the surprising finale.

Stephen found that things moved at a slow and unsure pace in the Great White North. Los Angeles beckoned and suddenly the work was pouring in. First there was CSI: Miami, then NCIS: Los Angeles,90210 and, in 2011, he became werewolf Brady on the popular CW show, The Vampire Diaries. He finished off his incredibly busy year with the made-for-TV movie Justice for Natalee Holloway as the creepy but charismatic Joren Van Der Sloot.

Amell’s breakthrough role has got to be busboy-turned-prostitute Jason, on HBO’s Hung. The much younger Jason starts infringing on Thomas Jane’s escort service racket. If you needed further enticement to watch, his work on Hung represents Stephen’s first nude-scene work. In an even steamier role (as if that were even possible), he played Amy Brenneman’s lust interest, Scott Becker, paramedic hottie, in several episodes ofPrivate Practice. Additionally Stephen recently appeared on New Girl. We should point at this point that Stephen was a serious contender for the lead in Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which ultimately went to Liam McIntyre. So you see how hard work and making one smart decision can open tremendous doors.

Arrow promises to be a darker series and Bourn-esque in nature than CW’s lighter fare of Smallville. The pilot was directed by David Nutter, who directed pilots for shows such as SupernaturalDark Angel, andSmallville. The production is also working with DC comics to remain  true to the characters, satisfying fans of the graphic novel series.

An avid Social Networker, according to Stephen’s Facebook page he prepped for Arrow by watching movies such as The Bourne TrilogyLethal Weapon 1 and 2Die Hard, and Season 4 of Mad Men (“just BECAUSE”). Of course, he did also physically train for the role, both on and off the set and maintains a dairy-free and gluten-free diet. His fabulous physique is proof of his dedication. Stephen, with his solid good looks from head to toe (hard not to stop at the abs), seems personable and yet untouched by the star syndrome. That may change, however, once Arrow hits the air, for then his full star quality will be realized.

Cloud Atlas Quick Review

Cloud Atlas
Drive-by Movie Review from Ones2Watch4

Six stories run concurrently with a handful of actors playing several roles – it’s a lot to process unless you have read the book by David Mitchell. This Twyker and Wachowskis collaboration uniquely portrays the theme that people are bound throughout eternity by unseen forces (short of touching on “souls”). Great acting, visually well-executed and the makeup team should be highly commended for their work. Each story is fascinating, with the “Somni” segment the best. At worst it’s choppy storytelling. At best it’s a beautiful theme. I only want to know why at some point society is consisted of Asian-esque people.

Petals and Romance

I always wonder why women destroy flowers in an effort to get some confirmation that their loved one actually does or doesn’t love her. Does it really matter? Was it worth destroying a precious flower for a sort of destiny foretold? The answer should always be no, he doesn’t love you. Then you will look at the flower in its deathly misery and wonder why you put so much faith in a scatter of petals.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw
Actor Profile on Ones2Watch4 

It happened to be one of those days when I chanced upon a screening for the film, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. Based on the international best seller, the film depicted the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a gifted perfume maker, whose life takes a dark turn as he becomes increasingly obsessed with creating the ultimate perfume. The character was eerily portrayed by a young actor, Ben Whishaw. He showed promise and talent in a film so morbid yet rich in scenery. I was drawn to his aura like a moth to a flame.

Now years later, he is set to become the newest Q, the Quartermaster, in the latest James Bond film, Skyfall. He is the youngest Q in the series to date and by far the nerdiest and tech savvy. This is the most exciting news of the year for this Bond enthusiast, and I wait in earnest to see what new gadgets he has in store for Bond to use. It may be limiting to his true talent but nevertheless he is permanently encased in the Bond franchise history.

Born as part of twins in 1980 and raised in Clifton, Bedfordshire, England, he attended Samuel Whitbread Community College where he became involved in theater productions. At the Edinburgh Festival in 1995, his group garnered critical acclaim for their production of If This Is a Man, a story of an Auschwitz concentration camp survivor, and Whishaw played the character of Levi. Graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he appeared in film shorts and British television until becoming nominated for awards for his portrayal of Hamlet in Trevor Nunn’s 2004 production.

By 2004 he had already acted in two films with the future James Bond, Daniel Craig: Enduring Love and Layer Cake. He won the part of Jean-Baptiste over Leonardo DiCaprio and Orlando Bloom for the film Perfume. Afterwards, he played Keith Richards in the film Stoned, followed by an appearance among an all-star cast as Arthur in I’m Not There, a film centered on the life of Bob Dylan. With Abbie Cornish he became the poet John Keats in the romantic drama, Bright Star. 2010 had him playing Ariel with Dame Helen Mirren in the Shakespearean fantasy, The Tempest. This year he starred as King Richard in BBC TV’s Cultural Olympiad, The Hollow Crown, a series of plays depicting a history of kings. Later this year he will be back as Freddie Lyon on BBC’s The Hour series with Dominic West.

Before his debut as Q in November of this year, he will be co-starring with Tom Hanks and Halle Berry in the science fiction adventure drama, Cloud Atlas, based on a novel of the same name and set to be released in October. Directed by Tom Tykwer, (Perfume) and the Wachowski team (Matrix trilogy), this film hints at being paranormally and visually thrilling if not simply epic. This is the perfect vehicle to showcase Whishaw’s talent before being universally dubbed as “Q.” The film is premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2012.

From Shakespeare to psychopath to stoner musician to nerdy gadget professor, Ben Whishaw has displayed an enormous propensity for being versatile and skillful at drawing you into his characters. He has a strange, unworldly quality about him, riveting and electrifying. Watching him is an emotional experience at best.

Jogging

I had to stop jogging. My legs felt as if they were rapidly turning into stone. It had been two weeks since I exercised. I had let myself wallow in depression after a lost friendship, if it was even that. Now, as I stopped my momentum to walk, I was surprised my face didn’t kiss the concrete ground. As I let out a hard breath, a beautiful shirtless guy jogged past me from behind. With angular shoulders atop a well-sculpted body he moved with grace and efficiency, his hair flowing at the sides. The delayed adrenaline started to kick in. Suddenly life seemed beautiful again. My legs felt weightless and I flew forward.

Anna Karenina 2012

“There is no peace for us, only misery.”

“You can’t ask ‘why’ about love.”

Love is full of misery, full of hopelessness – if it is left unsatisfied.  Forsake everything for love?  Absolutely, Anna Karenina style – except the end part, of course.

The latest version of the film, Anna Karenina stars Keira Knightley, Aaron Johnson, and Jude Law.  Release date:  November 16, 2012.

Stream Crossing

“I’m sorry,” he said with those ethereal eyes, his lips curling at the corners, amused at my agitation.

I didn’t like it when a man was right about my feelings.

“I would do anything for you, love – even lay down in this stream so you may crawl across without getting wet.”

It was my turn to smile. I bent down and lay atop him. I didn’t care if I got wet.

Magic Mike Film Review

Magic Mike
Review in 100 Words from Ones2Watch4

Warning: this film is not recommended as a date movie. Well-executed, wild, raucous entertainment showcasing the beautiful physiques of Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey, Alex Pettyfer, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, and Adam Rodriguez, it reels you in with raunchy stage moves and a rhythmic soundtrack. Channing plays older brother figure to young Alex, who soon gains access to easy money and women, causing anxiety for his sister (Cody Horn). The show scenes dominate the mediocre and predictable storyline, even with a few unusual camera angle shots. McConaughey is perfectly crazy as the club owner and Channing – he’s one sexy gangsta dancer.

Spoiled

Chris Hemsworth


You’ve Spoiled Me

I am spoiled for anyone but you
You showed me a love so intense
So encompassing of everything I dreamed of
Now it’s far away, so very far away
No one stirs the fire you ignited in me
No passion left to share
I’m an empty shell without you
A body with no soul
With you my world felt right
You were my guiding light in the darkness
My heat in the cold light of day
You understood me without a word
Your eyes told me what I felt inside
Your touch electrified me
Inciting emotions never before awakened
Through you I found myself
I miss you, I miss me.

The Avengers Film Review

The Avengers
Film Review From Ones2Watch4
Release Date: May 4, 2012

The Avengers in 3D is the ultimate experience for anyone who has ever read a graphic novel or comic book of superheroes. Watching them come to life on the big screen is a visual buffet of Marvel’s longstanding original characters: Thor, Iron Man, Captain America and the Hulk. The Black Widow and Hawkeye, later characters, complete this spectacular piece of art in motion.

In this epic version, the Avengers emerge full force with director Joss Whedon (Serenity, Firefly and Buffy TV series), who has created an exciting, adventurous, and entertaining film. Under the direction of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-Enforcement Division) the superheroes come together to fight the alien army led by Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor’s megalomaniac villainous brother. Flying through the air in a ship with crew reminiscent of Star Trek’s starship Enterprise, the Avengers assemble on this command base as they search for the missing piece to stop the portal for Loki’s army invasion.

The film caters to the antagonism between the superegos as they meet, resulting in affectionate byplay. Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) engages in wordy power banter with Captain America (Chris Evans) and clashes with Thor (Chris Hemsworth) at first meeting. Thor and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) engage each other in physical combat, matching brute strength. The relationship between Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) gets tested, and there is a hint of intimacy yet to be discovered.

The most refreshing of all the heroes is the Hulk. Mark Ruffalo’s version is much more animated and believable than previous digitalized Hulks (Eric Bana’s and Ed Norton’s). He now has personality, even when he’s throwing villains around like ragdolls. As Bruce Banner he’s deceptively sweet and adorable. The Hulk is gigantic and intimidating, yet his heart shines through unlike in previous films.

Conversely, the conflict between Thor and Loki continue on in its condensed version in this film. Missing the dramatic essence from the film Thor, Loki becomes more evil, losing his humanity in his quest for world dominance. Thor’s scenes seem restrained except when he’s fighting in action.

In the end the Avengers prove they work well together as a team. Even when the two assassins, Black Widow and Hawkeye, can only fall back a little when their friends with superpowers take over, they nevertheless complete the team. Captain America (who still needs a better outfit) truly shows his soldier leadership skills when things go down, and Iron Man becomes self-sacrificing.

The epic look of The Avengers with its gigantic ship, aliens in flying machines and dragon drones, and the sheer super powers released in motion from all its characters, almost makes the film worthy of the Star Wars franchise status. The script is at times surprisingly humorous in both dialogue and visual moment. With a little more heart and pull this would be a 100% perfect movie. We can only hope for more sequels with new villains and maybe a few more superheroes to fulfill the possibility.