When Ray brought Hancock home, she loved the way Ray wanted to help Hancock. She accepted him into their home for the sake of her husband. She gladly made Hancock meatballs, not only serving them when they invited Hancock over for dinner, but also bringing some over when he was in the penitentiary. She wanted to instill the same thoughts about Hancock with Ethan, as Ray did. Mary also wanted to give Hancock hope. The thing that Hancock did not understand was why he was the only of his kind on the planet, and he wanted to know where he came from.

Mary never thought that Ray and Hancock would become such friends and spend so much time together. When she saw what was happening she knew there was only one thing to do – answer the questions Hancock had about who he was. Mary knew she had to do that for the good of Hancock. She knew that when she told Hancock the truth there would be consequences but it was worth the risk. Mary knew that sometimes you have to take these kinds of risks in order to do the right thing. She did what she had to do because she loved her husband Ray, and she loved Hancock. In order for Ray’s plan to work, Hancock needed information. Mary wanted to make as much difference in someone’s life as Ray did. Mary knew that Ray would understand. She had that much confidence. She did the right thing in the end.

His life began to change when he met Ray Embrey, who worked in public relations. Hancock felt a connection with him; Embrey understood what Hancock was trying to do. Embrey brought Hancock into his home and introduced him to his wife Mary, and his son Ethan.

For Hancock saving his life, Embrey gave up his time and money to help get him on the right track. He came up with a plan, and although Hancock did not really like the plan, because he could see that Embrey and his family believed in him, Hancock was willing to participate.

In serving time, Hancock saw what the world was like for people. He became more in touch with why they did the things they did, and learned what it meant to be a hero. He also saw that what Embrey asked of him what not that much, it was the fact that Embrey believed in him that he valued.

Hancock learned more about who he was and where he came from. It was a great surprise for him where he learned the information from, but despite that he did not do anything that would hurt the new friendships he created. He adjusted his life and continued life on accordingly. Others may have taken the same information and figuratively “stabbed each other in the back.” Hancock learned many things; most of all that he was not the only hero on earth.

Ben Hur was a classic film that talks about the rise, fall and restoration of a righteous Jew who was wrongfully imprisoned for a petty crime he did not commit. Sentenced to die, scheduled to be thrown in a far off island, and his family thrown to the dungeons, Ben Hur (the name of the main character) succeeded in escaping imprisonment by getting out of a sinking ship and saving the life of an influential Roman General. After finding wealth, success and favor with the general and to Caesar himself, he only had two things left to do: Finding his long lost family, and executing revenge to those who have done him wrong in the past.

In this chariot race scene, Ben Hur reunites with his old friend that betrayed him in the past:

The Godfather - Classic opening scene

The first movie in the "The Godfather" trilogy appeared in 1972, and it became a timeless classic since then. It became a platform of popularity and remembrance for actors and actresses such as Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, James Caan, Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton. The movie tells the saga of a powerful Mafia family named Corleone. It's a tale of crime, power, love, death, ambition and many other underlying themes. Even experienced movie watchers claim that though this film trilogy was released more than thre decades ago, it is still unsurpassed in overall finesse, plot and filmmaking.

Here's the classic opening scene from the Godfather (Part 1):

Forrest Gump - "Run, Forrest, Run!!" scene

Forrest Gump enabled Tom Hanks to win the best actor award for the second time. Playing the role of a retard and social reject, the protagonist captured the hearts of many movie watchers. Forrest Gump is a story of both failure and success. It's about courage and it seems to tell people that there's a reason to live. As we have said earlier, the protagonist is a retard, whom no one believed in, but he was able to get far in life and be an important factor in several momentous events in human history. The theme of the movie was embodied in one popular phrase: "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get".

Here's one of the most memorable scenes from Forrest Gump:

Gladiator - Strength and Honor scene

The film "The Gladiator" won many Academy Awards after it was released in the year 2000. It shows the glory of Rome during its Golden Ages. Maximus, played by actor Russel Crowe, is an influential general who fought for the Roman Empire. He is a skilled warrior and exhibits battle prowess. Eventually, the righteous emperor who is good to Maximus suddenly died (due to murder). A new wicked emperor assumed power and tried to dispose Maximus and even obliterate his family. In short, Maximus lost everything, became a slave, and sold to a far off colony to become what people call as a Gladiator -a man who fights and risks his life for the entertainment of others.

Here's one of the most popular scenes from the Gladiator, which exhibits Maximus' motto in every battle - "Strength and Honor":

Titanic - The sinking ship scene

Who will ever forget the movie Titanic? It raked in dozens of Oscar and Golden Globe Awards in 1997, including Best Picture and Best Director. It also opened up doors of opportunity for young Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The film is about love, freedom, courage and survival. Obviously, when a seemingly unsinkable ship suddenly gets stuck in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it certainly would make a good story, wouldn't it?

Here's the popular scene from the Titanic film (it's a little bit mushy for me, but I'm posting it anyway):

Saving Private Ryan - The Omaha Beach D-Day battle scene

Very few films have been made about the gruesome and brutal reality of the Normandy Invasion during World War 2. Saving Private Ryan, directed by Steven Spielberg, gives a searing account of this dark yet succesful moment in history. After watching the film, your concept of war will surely never be the same again. This film also has a strong effect on youngsters who love the thrill of being in a simulated war zone, where everything feels and looks real. It's like going back to World War 2 and experiencing the entire thing.

Here's the scene:

Silence Of The Lambs - Conversation Between Clarice and Doctor Hannibal

Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller that goes deep inside the mind of a serial killer and a hardworking detective who was depraved during childhood. Surprisingly, the detective and the serial killer (who was a prisoner) develops a strange psychological bond and rapport. While the serial killer's main objective was to escape from prison, the detective's goal is to get in touch with her past and get rid of her inner demons that have been hiding within for her entire life.

Here's a creepy and mind boggling scene from Silence Of The Lambs:

The story follows the final days of a war between two wizard brothers, Avatar and Blackwolf. Blackwolf wants to rule the lush land of Montagar as well as the barren land of Scorch. Using his magic and ancient unearthed technology from our time, he's on the verge of winning.

Avatar, a young woman, an elf warrior and an assassin robot named “Peace” set out to stop Blackwolf by destroying the technology. On the way they face goblins, wraiths and mutants. The end of our world has passed long ago but see our hero's stop them from having the same fate.

I love this movie. Even with the bad 70's music playing in the background the movie's worth seeing. Nothing like elves and fairy's toting machine guns to make you smile.

 

This much anticipated Batman movie which was just released this weekend blew away the competition with a grand $151.1 million in tickets as per Yahoo!'s report tonight July 20th. Personally, I consider that every dollar earned and the many more to come from here on out are more than well deserved. The movie is outstanding and the cast is nothing but brilliant!

During the movie you could hear people around me either gasping at suspense moments, clapping as if in agreement with the characters or the story line, and even commented out loud their relief or sorrow of the previous scene. In the end, the theater gave nothing short of a standing ovation.

Since this is opening weekend for the Dark Knight I imagine that there are still many people who haven't seen the movie so I won't give any parts away, but my recommendation to you is go and go now!

Even, the supporting cast performed to the highest quality. The movie does run a little long, but it is hardly noticeable. As an avid comic fan in the new generation I was most pleased. I give this movie a 5 out of 5 stars in my book. This is a must see for anyone that enjoys a good superhero action movie. This is by far the best move to come out this year.

Weapons of mass-destruction have been nearly eliminated from the nuclear and biological stockpiles of the world's most powerful nations. Old fences that had been built once-upon-a-time-ago to keep people out have been torn down and now the citizens of the world can travel without borders. All world leaders are made equal, except for that of President Nicolae Carpathia, whose power supercedes all other world powers combined.

A super-secret super-bug has mysteriously infected members of the underground church movement of believers in Jesus Christ and began slowly and painfully killing them off.

The American President (Lou Gossett Jr.) Gerald Fitzhugh has started to suspect that something is wrong after experiencing a failed assassination attempt on his life, but killed his vice-president instead. Now, starting to look for some answers in the enemy's camp “The Christians”, Fitzhugh finds himself face-to-face with Buck Williams and Buck faced with a gun to his head.

Rayford Steele commits to new love and marries finally closing an old, but opening a new chapter in his life after his first wife and his son vanished years before. Rayford is able to forge new alliances and help Buck save the American President.

Chloe carries out her service for the Lord at the church mission and hospital as the first patients suffering from this new super-bug begin to arrive for some help. Not too long after Chloe and the pastor (family friend) draws ill and near death as yet new victims of the deadly illness.

The appearance of the underground (a rebel group and not associated with the Christians) first comes to the aid of the American President during the assassination attempt and now, the America President wants to have a few words with their commanders. Maybe, both sides can come to trust each other enough to work together against the ultimate powers given to President Nicolae Carpathia by the leaders of the world and the supernatural powers given to him by Satan.

This is an action-packed adventure that the whole family can enjoy, but if you want to know what happens next, then you will need to either buy or rent a copy for the mind-blowing beginning, middle and end of Left Behind World At War.

As the world faces unthinkable challenges ahead leaders around the world willingly transfers their elective powers to just one man, President Nicolae Carpathia and makes him and him alone the United Nations' President. The world's population is transfixed on this charismatic young leader who moves with haste to prevent the world's major currencies from completely collapsing and forms a One World Currency in the blink of an eye.

Most of the people of the world are memorized and hanging on to every single word the charmingly handsome leader speaks, but for a rag-tag band of brothers in Jesus Christ are aware of the true man behind the alluring smile and uncanny wisdom President Carpathia appears to process. For this small group of born-again Christians form their own Tribulation Force, so to try to share the truth the man that the world calls Messiah and to introduce anyone who will listen who can rescue their souls from the wrath to come in the afterlife.

Buck Williams, Rayford Steele and his daughter Chloe prepare to face the forces of evil head-on as they try to collect as much information as humanly possible about the new leader's plans for the future of mankind.

Buck Williams, a shining star of the GNN news network discovers new love and receives an offer that is cannot refuse (I think that you know what I mean) and all before bedtime.

Rayford Steele wrestling with himself to accept a captain's position piloting an airplane which will be responsible for ferrying potentially the world's most dangerous man and the new leader of the United Nations, Nicolae Carpathia. Eventually, this job leads him and Buck to Israel, so that Buck can report live the biggest announcement in the world's history, but Buck and Rayford has made other secretive plans.

Chloe remains back in America to help a church mission and hospital. Praying and pining that man that she loves will return home safely.

Nicolae Carpathia begins seizing the national and world media outlets, so in a vein attempt to stop the spread of Christianity around the world. It is though that it seems that all of the other major world religions are setting the stage for the next evolution in human history, but before anything major can happen - Rabbi Ben Judea is set to announce news that will forever change the world.

If you want to know what happens next, then you will just have to rent or buy the movie.

It wasn't. It wasn't the worst either, of course. While I'm slow to judge films that were based on books I haven't read, I'll say that my problem wasn't at all with the story so much as the plot structure, the acting, and the dialog.

This film, simply, belongs on stage. At least the way it's structured currently. It's in two acts (a film should be in three), it takes too long to get into the meat of the story, and it wraps up quickly and awfully. I was waiting for a curtain call.

The acting is too dramatic, especially in Midler and Broderick- both are amazing stage performers, but need to stay in their element. Hunt, it seems, is still used to sitcom acting, and leaves something to be desired in her weak performance. Firth is really the only one to bring the cinematic into the film. He is the only one of the four who adds emotional dimension to his character.

The dialog is too fast for an Indie film. It brings the completely unrealistic “Gilmore Girls element” of too-quick banter to something that should be and could easily be more realistic. Again, this kind of dialog belongs on the stage, where quick witty words would bring down the house. I just had a hard time following it.

Where we should have been sympathizing, we were straining our ears, and where we should have been empathizing, we were rolling our eyes in skepticism.

All in all, it was not a waste of time, but it was time I'd rather have spent in a theatre watching the story live. The story could be adapted for stage with ease, and should have been adapted better for film.

1. The Matrix (1999)

   
   
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   In1999, when Matrix got into the Movie Theaters, it became a huge phenomenon, and created a new Movie Making Voice that reaches us to the present days. I never had access to The Matrix's script, but I guess it was an writing piece. So many genius ideas in just one movie. And now you ask: how The Matrix is going to help you writing a novel?
   
   The Matrix taught a very important lesson to all the fiction creators in the world, including writers. Audacity. In writing Sci-Fi and Supernatural, audacious ideas are one of the most important elements that keep the reader turning the pages of a novel. A Sci-Fi and Supernatural writer must take his craziest ideas and turn them into acceptable ones during the writing. The whole concept of reality inside reality was so weird back then (although there was something similar in the Argentine movie Vanilla Sky) that some people took a long time to understand, and yet, Matrix became a very loved movie. The execution of the story was so good that the weirdness feeling went away. When writing a novel, take your most audacious and weird ideas and write them in the way that they doesn't feel weird anymore to the reader.

2. Terminator (1984)

   
   
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   Although the poster is from the first Governator (oops, I mean Terminator), I actually refer to it and all the sequels. In Terminator a very interesting fiction phenomenon happens: the complete disregard to logic limits. Yes… that's it. In Terminator, the explanations for Time Travel and the complete lack of concern with Time Paradox or any sense at all, make Terminator a great movie. For the writer, the lesson is: when writing a novel, don't get too worried about logic.
   
   Sci-Fi and Supernatural audience are very tolerant with the lack of logic, and every now and then, this same audience actually enjoys it, as in Terminator. Michael Critchon frequently adds a whole bunch of scientific explanation that although interesting, are frequently over-explained to the point of boredom. So, when writing Sci-Fi and Supernatural novel, don't worry too much about logic; the reader won't.

3. Interview With The Vampire (1994)

   
   
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   I know that in my last article I made some jokes about the novel “Interview with the Vampire”, but I never said it was bad. In fact, it was a great piece of writing and became the great movie responsible for the destruction of any possible friendship between Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise.
   
   This movie teaches a very important lesson to the writer. When writing a novel, you can touch controversial social topics as long as you do it in a tasteful way. You know what I'm talking about, don't you? If you don't, think again. Do your remember the incredible homosexual vibe in the Movie? Well... homosexuality is a controversial topic to the general audience. Homophobes are also movie watchers, and yet, I hadn't heard a single complain from homophobes about “Interview with the Vampire”.
   
   So, when writing your novel, don't be afraid to approach controversial topics as homosexuality, as long as they seem tasteful in your writing. Elegance is the trick to write a novel and put inside it anything you want.

4. Constantine (2005)

   
   
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   With that Movie, Hollywood once again entered the realm of Taboo. Religion and Anti-Religion were present in the whole movie. Well... remember when I said in the last topic about treating controversial topics with subtlety and delicacy? Well... when writing taboo you must blow it. Yes; the rule is the opposite, and if you want to bring taboo to your novel, you must write to shock and overwhelm the reader with taboo. Remember “Da Vinci Code”. I hated the novel and the movie, but the Taboo was so powerful that I was compelled to see the movie until the end, and for Supernatural and Sci-Fi writers, taboo is a friend. There are thousands of taboos, mostly religious, that can originate amazing novels.

5. Highlander (1986)

   
   
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   In this article my reference to Highlander regards only the first movie. In fact, while you read this article, let's make a pact and pretend that those unbelievably disgusting sequels didn't exist, allright?
   
   Highlander teaches the writer about an important aspect of writing "mystery". When writing a Sci-Fi and Supernatural novel, you don't need to explain much. In fact, the less you explain in your writing and the more you let the reader to speculate, the more intriguing an addictive will be your novel. In Highlander we didn't understand where did Connor Mcleod came from, how did he get immortal, and what was the purpose of becoming mortal. This mystery made a great movie, and it would be perfect if the producers didn't commit the awful crime of giving hideous explanations in the sequels (sorry; I know we made a pact, but I couldn't resist making nasty comments about these movies).
   
   So; when writing a novel, don't over-explain. The less, the better. Readers are also creative people.

6. The Lord Of The Rings (2001)

   
   
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   When writing your Sci-Fi or Supernatural Novel, you must pay attention to background and scenario; those are very important elements in these genres. In the book “The Lord of the Rings”, the background was flawless, and the movie really captured it. If you compare the book and the movie, you will get to the most important thing: details. Not all details are important and you shouldn't bore you reader writing a long description of the main-character's ear lobe. When writing your novel, you must identify the important details, the ones that really contribute in building the scenario and background. The other details you must give them to the reader. Let the reader imagine your reality as he pleases; it will certainly improve the reading experience.

7. Hancock (2008)

   
   
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   Originally this movie wasn't in the list, but I just saw this movie and loved it. The story is kind of crappy but the Hancock character is fantastic. If you need inspiration to create a character, Hancock may be a way to begin. Of course, you can also use my article Building Characters for your Novel (and that is just shameless self-advertisement). Well… really… great movie. I don't have a really good excuse to put it in this “writing your novel” list yet, but I will think in something later. Anyway… watch it.

I hope those movies help you in writing your novel. In any case, if they don't, you will have watched seven great movies.