Matt Damon Movies And Biography

Matt's first film role was a one-line part in Mystic Pizza (1988). However, it was enough for him to catch the acting bug.

Then, while attending Harvard, he kept skipping classes to pursue acting projects, which included the TNT original film, Rising Sun (1993), and prep-school drama, School Ties (1992). Then when his film, Geronimo: An American Legend (1993), was expected to be a big success that he decided to drop out of university completely.

Matt would next get noticed for a role as a soldier who had problems with drug-addiction in the movie, Courage Under Fire (1996). The following year, he starred in Good Will Hunting (1997), a screenplay he had originally written for an English class at Harvard University. Good Will Hunting (1997) was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, one of which, Matt won for Best Original Screenplay along with long time close friend Ben Affleck.

Due to the success of Good Will Hunting Matt Damon's autograph started being sought after by collectors and has continued to gain in value with each new movie he makes. Unfortunately, this also means that forgers are flooding the autograph market with their forgeries. Therefore collectors are being warned to only buy from established and trustworthy dealers.

In 1998, Matt demonstrated his acting abilities in Steven Spielberg's film, Saving Private Ryan (1998), working along side Tom Hanks and Tom Sizemore. That same year, he starred as an earnest law student and reformed poker player in Rounders (1998), starring opposite Edward Norton and John Malkovich.

The following year, Matt rejoined his childhood friend, Ben Affleck and fellow comedian, Chris Rock, in the controversial comedy Dogma (1999). Towards the end of 1999, Matt starred alongside Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow in the movie, The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999). Although the movie earned mixed reviews from critics, Matt earned praise for his performance.

Matt lent his voice to the animated movie, Titan A.E. (2000) in the year 2000, which also earned mixed reviews from the public. He also starred in two other movies, All the Pretty Horses (2000) and the golf comedy-drama, The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000), starring alongside Will Smith.

His next two films were not as well received as his previous work. He starred in Gerry (2002), a film he co-wrote with his friends, Gus Van Sant and Casey Affleck and Stuck on You (2003)

One of Matt's most recognizable work to date is his role in the "Bourne" movie franchise. He plays an amnesiac assassin, "Jason Bourne", in The Bourne Identity (2002), The Bourne Supremacy (2004) and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007).

He also delivers a memorable performance in the "Ocean's" movie franchise. He had the opportunity to star opposite George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Don Cheadle in Ocean's Eleven (2001). The successful crime comedy-drama eventually had two other sequels, Ocean's Twelve (2004) and Ocean's Thirteen (2007).

Other highly acclaimed movies that Matt starred in was in Terry Gilliam's The Brothers Grimm (2005), George Clooney's Syriana (2005), Martin Scorsese's The Departed (2006) and Robert De Niro's The Good Shepherd (2006).

Film Review: The Expendables (2010)

By Todd Murphy Todd Murphy
Level: Platinum

Todd Murphy is a film analyst and staff writer/reviewer for the film and DVD review web site, All About Movies.net. He has written numerous reviews ...

BOTTOM LINE: Although meant to be a homage to 1980s action films, "The Expendables" is a tasteless exercise in violence which has none of the fun of those 80s films while simultaneously wasting an opportunity to create an enjoyable tale with all these iconic action stars, both past and present, in the same film.

THE GOOD: As with so many films, the idea upon which the whole exercise hangs is usually a good one. Stallone leads a cast of iconic action stars, both past and present, in an action film based on a group of mercenaries who find themselves on a mission where more than meets the eye, but it is up to them to deal with it! Some of the action sequences in this film are entertaining, particularly with the personalities driving them, and despite Stallone being the main star and director, he does allow the rest of the cast to shine in parts, particularly Jason Statham who plays his tough partner. Eric Roberts is effective as the two dimensional bad guy; his character is bland, but Roberts manages to infuse him with enough villainy and tough talk that he is fun to watch. Bruce Willis is quite menacing in his cameo and is the only one who seems to fit properly in the film and give a performance that you will remember. "The Expendables" works on these levels if nothing else.

THE BAD: From a narrative perspective, this film is a complete mess. The whole thing barely hangs together, and is designed to find excuses to get to the action. Even the 80s action classics, despite being corny, had strong plots to drive the action, even though they were simple. Aside from Stallone, Staham, and Lundgren, the rest of iconic cast have less than useless roles, particularly Jet Li who keeps getting beaten in every scene, and Steve Austin who is nothing more than a hired thug. Mickey Rourke is perhaps the exception, but his performance is almost out of place in this film, as the oscar-nominated actor actually creates some genuine emotional moments in a few scenes; what's that doing in a dumb action film? Schwarzenegger's cameo is somewhat jarring, unnecessary and silly. Those expecting to see Stallone, Schwarzenegger and Willis together in a great scene will be disappointed. The violence in this film is unwarranted. Seeing bad guys not just being shot, but blown apart is not an entertaining way to spend a few hours, and again, 80s action films were violent but did not seem to indulge in this kind of vulgarity. Combined with the fact that there are barely any fun moments in the film and you have virtually nothing left except for excessively violent, but technically well executed action sequences that create no sense of excitement of purpose. You can see what Stallone was trying to do here, but given the lack of narrative depth in the script and the fact that none of the elements that made 80s action films so much fun are present, "The Expendables" is a wasted opportunity at getting all these iconic stars together in a fun adventure.

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Article Submitted On: January 31, 2011

We Still Like Movies, But The Way We Watch Them Has Changed

Americans have enjoyed motion pictures for more than a century. Movies have gone from a novelty to entertainment to an art form. They helped us forget our troubles during the Great Depression and our fears through the war years that followed. And, to this day, people can leave the real world outside while concentrating on what's happening on the screen. The question is where do motion pictures fit in today's lifestyles?

A recent Rasmussen poll shows that 55% of Americans rarely or never go to the movies. This is true for the majority of all age groups except for those 40 to 49 where the number drops to 48%. Among those 65+ the negative response jumps to 63%.

Occasional movie attendance, which means less than once a month, is 34% for the total sample. Those 40 to 49 are highest with 42% and New Seniors are lowest at 28%. Regular theater goers, once a month or more, represent just 10% of all respondents.

So who is watching movies and where? About 44% of the people are viewing movies at home once a week or more. Another 41% are doing this occasionally, and only 14% say they rarely or never watch movies in their homes. The 30 to 39 age group is most likely to do this (57%). Those 65+ are least likely (34%).

Excluding those who rarely or never watch movies at home, 59% say they watch it on a premium cable channel or regular network TV. The number is lower for the youngest age groups, 18 to 29 (35%), and increases with age, 65+ (65%). Conversely, 35% of the total rent movies for home viewing. Nearly half (47%) of the youngest demographic do this, while only 16% of New Seniors are renting movies.

What people watch also varies significantly by age. Comedies are twice as popular as any other film genre, with 37% of respondents preferring them compared to 19% for dramas. With those 18 to 29 this type of movie was selected by 42% while among New Seniors the category was only 29%. On the other hand, the older group selected dramas first with 30%, and with the younger audiences it was on 8%

Action films ranked third overall at 15%. As might be expected it was highest with the young crowd at 20%, twice that of the older demographic. Science Fiction was fourth with 10%, but 22% of the 30 to 39 group selected it. Musicals barely made the list; however, 13% of New Seniors chose them.

The survey did not ask about watching movies online, on an iPad or a smart phone. But it's safe to assume that this is a younger audience. The most important thing is there are cost effective ways to enjoy movies. But it is nice to go to the theater, buy some fresh popcorn and a soft drink then sit back as the lights dim and the curtains open to reveal characters that are literally and figuratively bigger than life. That's the way to lose oneself in what's playing on the screen. That's what the movies are all about.

Don Potter is a Philadelphia native and 50 year veteran of the advertising agency business. Now living in Los Angeles, he has written two novels in retirement and frequently writes and speaks on marketing issues. Potter is the founder and editor-in-chief of NewSeniors.com, the first online magazine dedicated to those 65+.

NewSeniors.com articles provide thoughts, comments and opinions designed to spark thinking, foster discussion and stimulate debate. The editorial content features general news and information as well as videos of interest to the burgeoning 65+ audience. A touch of nostalgia is also included. Learn more by logging on to http://www.newseniors.com/

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Why People Go on Movie Tours

There can be many reasons that people are interested in movie tours, the majority of these are people who are interested in where the films were shot so they can see the locations up close and personal. Many times people will be interested in this information because they are intrigued by the creation part of Hollywood drama. When a person has access to this information they usually feel pretty special.

It is also possible that these individuals might be interested in the historical significance of the areas where the filming took place. Sometimes people become interested in historical sites simply because valuable things have taken place there. There are many different areas to see.

The cost of the process is extremely affordable for people that want to pass through the area. People can look at the specific places where certain scenes of movies were shot. This is advantageous for people that are going to film school. These individuals will appreciate the knowledge that they get from going to this type of setting.

People are allowed to go to the various locations on a bus tour. It is also possible that shorter tours can be done by walking. Many of these locations will have the movies playing in the background as part of the atmosphere. It can be extremely exciting to witness where Hollywood history has taken place.

Sometimes people that are interested in getting into acting will want to see where their favourite films were shot. Having access to this type of experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Many people will travel to these regions strictly for the opportunity to witness where such films as Harry Potter and others were shot.

People can find out the history of the region at the same time. This is an amazing opportunity for people to blend education and love for film at the same time. Usually people will wait quite a while for the opportunity to go to these locations. Many of the people involved in the industry enjoy the opportunity to share this experience with people that are passing through the area.

It can be very interesting to experience movie tours London based. The majority of individuals enjoy the opportunity to see the locations in their natural setting. It can be amazing to some individuals have differently things will look when there are not cameras present for every aspect of the journey. Sometimes people are just intrigued with knowing that they are in the same place where their favourite movie took place

Pet Peeves From A Script Reader's POV

I am a screenwriter, script doctor, judge of contests and I do a lot of script polishing. I have read and judged for a few companies and contests and know that at least for contests, we get submissions from all over the world, from all types of people - at all types of professional levels.

And it shows.

A company, whether it be an agency, a production company or even a contest, gets a slew of submissions. A SLEW. And they go into a huge stack. Now obviously your script has to be original, fresh, well written and entertaining, but you would be amazed at the tiny little things that can turn a reader off, stick your script at the bottom of the pile, or even, in some instances, stop your chances before page 2.

We get scripts with wild, strange cover art, drawings and accompanying photos. For the most part, they can be interesting, but more often than not, point out that this is not the work of a professional who is confident that their work can stand on its own merits. I recommend not doing any of this unless it seems really professional and needed.

Titles can draw me to pick up a particular script or not. Sometimes it's the luck of the draw - one reader may hate a certain genre and reach for the comedy over the western. That's just luck. I love a title that makes me smile, think and definitely - one that gives me a hint of what the script will be about either thematically or plot-wise. It makes me angry when the title states something cool and then doesn't deliver on it. Put thought into your title - it's the first impression.

And that's just the cover.

Some scripts are too long or too short. Most screenplays are between 90-120 pages. I have to admit, if I'm getting paid to read either way, I'll happily grab the shorter ones first. But the ones that are too short - telling me a feature is 64 pages (and not an amazing animated film) makes me a little concerned. While a 150 page screenplay already closes off my mind. Now if it's "Dances With Wolves," then the work will win me over, but you better be damn sure you need every page, line and scene and that it's riveting. Because that long page count is going to work against you.

For me personally, typos, grammar and spelling mistakes kill it. How can I take a script seriously if the writer didn't? How can you assume I'll send it up to a big producer if you seem lacking in basic skills? And if there are way too many, as I have seen, it completely loses and confuses me. There are some scripts that I had to struggle with because the mistakes were so overwhelming.

And that is the key.

Do not make your reader struggle.

Professional, edited, simple, clean, tight and fun.

There are many more elements I can tell you that will make your script stand out, but at least for now, these are "The Don'ts."

They may seem elementary, but then why do we keep getting scripts with the above-mentioned issues? And it kills me because I know you have worked your tail off and put your heart into this- so why turn someone off in the very beginning?

Be a professional.

It helps when submitting to professionals.

Good luck, y'all.

Beverly Neufeld

script-whisperer.com

Online DVD Rentals - The Easy Choice For Free Movie Viewing

The elevated presence associated with DVD Rentals Online has caused the actual movie business to focus increasingly more on these types of blockbuster films, relying on all of them for immediate revenue to strengthen their generating while more compact movies have a more easygoing road to success.

The good aspect of DVD Rentals Online, in the perspective from the movie businesses, is that this extends the actual profitable life-span of films. Normally, a film is launched to DVD and Blu-ray, and then will get a functions laden exclusive edition DVD, offers to essentially everybody it is going to, and it is then consigned to the product sales sections from supermarkets.

Having a service such as Netflix or even Love film, though, aged movies will find new existence. Because these providers have each recommendation methods and person DVD Rentals Online is essentially totally free, people wind up requesting films that they might have just overlooked. In order to meet which demand, the internet rental businesses have to purchase more duplicates, allowing the actual movie businesses to make much more profit.

This means that individuals will be more prone to purchase their very own copies associated with DVDs, showing more income, and they maybe thinking about cheaper, right to DVD sequels. Which is good information for more compact movies that could have as soon as struggled to locate an audience?

Exactly what this mainly means would be that the movie market is going to have to still adapt to the brand new marketplace. For that consumer, this really is only will make DVD Rentals Online better and as the business adapts to consider full benefit.

Are you currently managing a DVD Rental store? Would you like to make your company run much more smoothly? DVD Rental software program might be of a giant help to a person. These software program and Rental of DVD programs will help you produce more organized rental ideas for your clients.

Not only will these types of help you framework you're leasing schemes however, you can also acquire software that may help you handle your shop's rental documents, customer info, payments, and so on. And you can perform these along with just a few mouse clicks; no need to write down and chicken scratches the information you'll need in publications and ledgers.

There's two possible (or at best two main) interpretations from the headline over: that this post will be regarding getting Rental of DVD that kids will benefit and that this information will be therefore simplistic in the explanation associated with DVD Rental that a child might understand this.

Actually, each interpretation tends to be correct. I'll turn to the first: which rental is fantastic for kids. There are some problems with this particular statement which might not be instantly obvious.

The reasons why that make this particular service suitable for kids, on the other hand, tend to be eminently obvious. They're those that allow it to be suitable for virtually anyone else.

Specifically, that a Rental of DVD support is cheaper compared to shelling out with regard to DVDs or even Blu ray DVDs, probably far easier and consists of extras for example discounts upon other providers and online game rental.

Using online DVD rental services is as easy as can be, find out the best place for cheap DVD Rentals Online is a bit more difficult. There are lots of different services available, and they all have something unique to offer, so if you want to find out more about the best places to DVD Rental online visit the author's website.

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Old Spice Man Set to Return

Do you miss those times when after shave advertisements meant showcasing just the man? Contemporary advertisements, in particular those related to lifestyle products usually feature skinny women who are seductively suggesting you to buy a particular product. Nothing wrong with this scenario or exploiting this winning formula since sex sells, so people will use this appeal in their selling strategies. But for those who used to watch Old Spice commercials of bare chested and towel clad men, it's time to rejoice. The makers of the aftershave lotion Old Spice are reintroducing the men in a new advertising campaign. Isaiah Mustafa will be the man in this case and he has already received a lot of praise for the commercials he has already been in.

Using Social Networking

The entire strategy is also unconventional. Rather than releasing the promos one by one across the television networks, Procter & Gamble, the makers of Old Spice will be releasing a 30 second preview commercial on social networks that will be showcasing all their lined-up advertisements. Pretty intelligent marketing strategy considering the fact that most of their potential customers hang out at social networking sites virtually 24X7. It does not seem to be coincidental.

You can Look like That

If you observe most other advertisements for similar products, almost all the models featured in those advertisements are pencil thin. Now the underlying logic is, attract the fairer sex. And women, who want to be like those women, have a chance to attain such bodies because of the miracles of science. Liposuction has changed the fortunes of many people and the innovations that are occurring in this industry even rival Apple Co. Liposuction is one of the safest and fastest ways to lose some pounds quickly. An expert practitioner can make liposuction work for you.