105 definitions by the centurion
Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden is a 80-hectare studio complex in southeastern England. Formerly known as Leavesden Film Studios and still colloquially known Leavesden Studios or simply Leavesden it is a major film and media complex owned by Warner Bros. The studios and backlot were all converted from the site's original use as a Rolls-Royce plc factory and airfield known as Leavesden Aerodrome, which was an important centre of aircraft production during World War II. It is situated in southwestern Hertfordshire approximately 29 kilometres (18 mi) northwest of central London, in Watford.
Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, is one of only a few places in the UK where large scale productions can be made. The studios contain approximately 50,000 m2 (538,196 sq ft) of flexible space which includes stage space, one of the largest filtered and heated stage-based water tanks in Europe, production office space and support buildings, along with an extensive 32-hectare (79-acre) backlot which offers a 180 degree uninterrupted horizon, favourable for exterior sets.
Since acquiring the site Warner Bros. has opened a public attraction called The Warner Bros. Studio Tour – London, which sees over 5,000 visitors a day to the site whilst maintaining a secure studio space within the same complex.
Since acquiring the site Warner Bros. has opened a public attraction called The Warner Bros. Studio Tour – London, which sees over 5,000 visitors a day to the site whilst maintaining a secure studio space within the same complex.
by the centurion December 21, 2014
The Crow is a comic book series created by James O'Barr. The series was originally written by O'Barr as a means of dealing with the death of his girlfriend at the hands of a drunk driver. It was later published by Caliber Comics in 1989, becoming an underground success, and later adapted into a film of the same name in 1994. Three film sequels, a television series and numerous books and comic books have also been subsequently produced.
The Crow has been translated into almost a dozen languages and has sold around 750,000 copies worldwide.
The Crow has been translated into almost a dozen languages and has sold around 750,000 copies worldwide.
The story revolves around an unfortunate young man named Eric. He and his fiancée, Shelly, are assaulted by a gang of street thugs after their car breaks down. Eric is shot in the head and is paralyzed, and can only watch as Shelly is savagely beaten and raped. They are then left for dead on the side of the road.
He is resurrected by a crow and seeks vengeance on the murderers, methodically stalking and killing them. When not on the hunt, Eric stays in the house he shared with Shelly, spending most of his time there lost in memories of her. Her absence is torture for him; he is in emotional pain, even engaging in self-mutilation by cutting himself.
The crow acts as both guide and goad for Eric, giving him information that helps him in his quest but also chastising him for dwelling on Shelly's death, seeing his pining as useless self-indulgence that distracts him from his purpose.
He is resurrected by a crow and seeks vengeance on the murderers, methodically stalking and killing them. When not on the hunt, Eric stays in the house he shared with Shelly, spending most of his time there lost in memories of her. Her absence is torture for him; he is in emotional pain, even engaging in self-mutilation by cutting himself.
The crow acts as both guide and goad for Eric, giving him information that helps him in his quest but also chastising him for dwelling on Shelly's death, seeing his pining as useless self-indulgence that distracts him from his purpose.
by the centurion November 8, 2014
1. The alias of the crime-fighting vigilante, The Shadow.
2. "The Living Shadow" was the first pulp magazine story to feature The Shadow. Written by Walter B. Gibson, it was submitted for publication as "Murder in the Next Room" on January 23, 1931, and published as "The Living Shadow" in the April 1, 1931 issue of "The Shadow Magazine". This story introduces the literary version, as opposed to the radio version, of The Shadow.
2. "The Living Shadow" was the first pulp magazine story to feature The Shadow. Written by Walter B. Gibson, it was submitted for publication as "Murder in the Next Room" on January 23, 1931, and published as "The Living Shadow" in the April 1, 1931 issue of "The Shadow Magazine". This story introduces the literary version, as opposed to the radio version, of The Shadow.
Powers and Abilities:
The Shadow, aka The Living Shadow, has complete control over his vocal cords and can throw his voice (producing a chilling laugh that can paralyze opponents) and accurately mimic anyone. He has an nearly photographic memory and is also a master of disguise and slight of hand. The ability he is most known for, however, is his amazing skills at stealth that make him akin to "a living shadow," to such an extent that rumors evolved that he can "cloud men's minds." The Shadow is a world class intellect.
The Shadow is a master of stealth and espionage who went by the nom de plume "The Dark Eagle" during World War I and worked for Tsar Nicholas as part of an inner circle known as "The Secret Star." It was the Tsar who gifted Kent Allard with the mysterious Girasol gem that he wears in a ring and uses to hypnotize people.
During the 1920's he spent some years in the mysterious city of Shambalah where he learned many oriental disciplines, such as complete control over his body's vital functions, as well as various martial arts.
When The Shadow resurfaced in the 1980s, it was apparent to those that knew him that he had not aged at all! Therefore longevity must be added to his list of disciplines.
The Shadow, aka The Living Shadow, has complete control over his vocal cords and can throw his voice (producing a chilling laugh that can paralyze opponents) and accurately mimic anyone. He has an nearly photographic memory and is also a master of disguise and slight of hand. The ability he is most known for, however, is his amazing skills at stealth that make him akin to "a living shadow," to such an extent that rumors evolved that he can "cloud men's minds." The Shadow is a world class intellect.
The Shadow is a master of stealth and espionage who went by the nom de plume "The Dark Eagle" during World War I and worked for Tsar Nicholas as part of an inner circle known as "The Secret Star." It was the Tsar who gifted Kent Allard with the mysterious Girasol gem that he wears in a ring and uses to hypnotize people.
During the 1920's he spent some years in the mysterious city of Shambalah where he learned many oriental disciplines, such as complete control over his body's vital functions, as well as various martial arts.
When The Shadow resurfaced in the 1980s, it was apparent to those that knew him that he had not aged at all! Therefore longevity must be added to his list of disciplines.
by the centurion January 26, 2013
The Art of War (Chinese: 孫子兵法; pinyin: Sūnzĭ bīngfǎ) is an ancient Chinese military treatise attributed to Sun Tzu, a high-ranking military general, strategist and tactician. The text is composed of 13 chapters, each of which is devoted to one aspect of warfare. It is commonly known to be the definitive work on military strategy and tactics of its time. It has been the most famous and influential of China's Seven Military Classics, and "for the last two thousand years it remained the most important military treatise in Asia, where even the common people knew it by name." It has had an influence on Eastern and Western military thinking, business tactics, legal strategy and beyond.
The book was first translated into the French language in 1772 by French Jesuit Jean Joseph Marie Amiot and a partial translation into English was attempted by British officer Everard Ferguson Calthrop in 1905. The first annotated English language translation was completed and published by Lionel Giles in 1910. Leaders as diverse as Mao Zedong, General Vo Nguyen Giap, General Douglas MacArthur and leaders of Imperial Japan have drawn inspiration from the work.
The book was first translated into the French language in 1772 by French Jesuit Jean Joseph Marie Amiot and a partial translation into English was attempted by British officer Everard Ferguson Calthrop in 1905. The first annotated English language translation was completed and published by Lionel Giles in 1910. Leaders as diverse as Mao Zedong, General Vo Nguyen Giap, General Douglas MacArthur and leaders of Imperial Japan have drawn inspiration from the work.
The Art of War has been applied to many fields well outside of the military. Much of the text is about how to fight wars without actually having to do battle: it gives tips on how to outsmart one's opponent so that physical battle is not necessary. As such, it has found application as a training guide for many competitive endeavors that do not involve actual combat.
There are business books applying its lessons to office politics and corporate strategy. Many Japanese companies make the book required reading for their key executives. The book is also popular among Western business management, who have turned to it for inspiration and advice on how to succeed in competitive business situations. It has also been applied to the field of education.
The Art of War has been the subject of law books and legal articles on the trial process, including negotiation tactics and trial strategy.
There are business books applying its lessons to office politics and corporate strategy. Many Japanese companies make the book required reading for their key executives. The book is also popular among Western business management, who have turned to it for inspiration and advice on how to succeed in competitive business situations. It has also been applied to the field of education.
The Art of War has been the subject of law books and legal articles on the trial process, including negotiation tactics and trial strategy.
by the centurion December 29, 2015
Blade II is a 2002 American vampire superhero action film based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Blade. It is the sequel of the first film and the second part of the Blade film series. It was written by David S. Goyer, who also wrote the previous film. Guillermo del Toro was signed in to direct, and Wesley Snipes returned as the lead character and producer.
The film follows the dhampir Blade in his continuing effort to protect humans from vampires.
The film follows the dhampir Blade in his continuing effort to protect humans from vampires.
Blade II (2002) Facts:
1.Donnie Yen, a martial arts star who plays a member of the Bloodpack (Snowman,) was also the film's fight choreographer.
2.David S. Goyer's original idea was to use Morbius as a primary villain, but Marvel decided they wanted to retain the rights to make an entirely separate franchise out of Morbius - i.e. a Morbius film, so the story was changed slightly and Jared Nomak was created to be used as the primary villain instead.
3.The phrase "a man without fear" is used in this film. This is another Marvel comic book reference, to Daredevil.
4.Pop icon Michael Jackson was originally going to have a cameo in the "House of Pain" sequence as a "Vampire Pimp" that Nyssa encounters as she searches the upstairs hall. Jackson had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts and the part was played by a Czech actor. The sequence was ultimately cut out entirely for pacing reasons.
5.During the fight with Nomak in the church part of the House of Pain, the stain glass wind is a replica of Dr. Strange's (another Marvel character who battles the occult) medallion, the magical Eye of Agamotto.
6.When Scud is introduced, he quips; "...The Dark Knight Returns." Goyer would go on to co-write with Nolan, the Batman Trilogy.
7.Wesley Snipes: (Sun Tzu) Snipes' quoting of Sun Tzu - "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer," follows references to the works of Sun Tzu in many other Snipes movies including Passenger 57, Rising Sun and The Art of War.
1.Donnie Yen, a martial arts star who plays a member of the Bloodpack (Snowman,) was also the film's fight choreographer.
2.David S. Goyer's original idea was to use Morbius as a primary villain, but Marvel decided they wanted to retain the rights to make an entirely separate franchise out of Morbius - i.e. a Morbius film, so the story was changed slightly and Jared Nomak was created to be used as the primary villain instead.
3.The phrase "a man without fear" is used in this film. This is another Marvel comic book reference, to Daredevil.
4.Pop icon Michael Jackson was originally going to have a cameo in the "House of Pain" sequence as a "Vampire Pimp" that Nyssa encounters as she searches the upstairs hall. Jackson had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts and the part was played by a Czech actor. The sequence was ultimately cut out entirely for pacing reasons.
5.During the fight with Nomak in the church part of the House of Pain, the stain glass wind is a replica of Dr. Strange's (another Marvel character who battles the occult) medallion, the magical Eye of Agamotto.
6.When Scud is introduced, he quips; "...The Dark Knight Returns." Goyer would go on to co-write with Nolan, the Batman Trilogy.
7.Wesley Snipes: (Sun Tzu) Snipes' quoting of Sun Tzu - "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer," follows references to the works of Sun Tzu in many other Snipes movies including Passenger 57, Rising Sun and The Art of War.
by the centurion August 31, 2012
The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain appearing in DC Comics publications. The character was created by Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger, and Bob Kane, and first appeared in Batman #1 (April 25, 1940). Credit for the character's creation is disputed; Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for the Joker's design, while acknowledging Finger's writing contribution. Although the Joker was planned to be killed off during his initial appearance, he was spared by editorial intervention, allowing the character to endure as the archenemy of the superhero Batman.
In his comic book appearances, the Joker is portrayed as a criminal mastermind. Introduced as a psychopath with a warped, sadistic sense of humor, the character became a goofy prankster in the late 1950s in response to regulation by the Comics Code Authority, before returning to his darker roots during the early 1970s. As Batman's nemesis, the Joker has been part of the superhero's defining stories, including the murder of Jason Todd—the second Robin and Batman's ward—and the paralysis of Batman's ally, Barbara Gordon. The Joker has had various origin stories during his over seven decades in publication. The most common story is where he falls into a tank of chemical waste which bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green and his lips bright red; the resulting disfigurement drives him insane.
In his comic book appearances, the Joker is portrayed as a criminal mastermind. Introduced as a psychopath with a warped, sadistic sense of humor, the character became a goofy prankster in the late 1950s in response to regulation by the Comics Code Authority, before returning to his darker roots during the early 1970s. As Batman's nemesis, the Joker has been part of the superhero's defining stories, including the murder of Jason Todd—the second Robin and Batman's ward—and the paralysis of Batman's ally, Barbara Gordon. The Joker has had various origin stories during his over seven decades in publication. The most common story is where he falls into a tank of chemical waste which bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green and his lips bright red; the resulting disfigurement drives him insane.
One of the most iconic characters in popular culture, the Joker has been cited as one of the greatest comic book villains and fictional characters ever created. He appears in a variety of merchandise, such as clothing and collectable items, real-world structures (such as theme park attractions) and references in a number of media. The Joker has been Batman's adversary in live-action and animated incarnations, including the 1960s Batman television series (played by Cesar Romero) and in film by Jack Nicholson in 1989's Batman and Heath Ledger in 2008's The Dark Knight (earning Ledger a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor). Mark Hamill, Brent Spiner, Michael Emerson, Richard Epcar, Troy Baker, and others have voiced the animated character.
by the centurion December 24, 2014
The Avengers (2012) is the culmination of a long term plan by Marvel to bring the Avengers to the big screen. Here are some facts about the film:
1. The first film to gross $200 million in its first three days in the USA.
2. The original Avengers were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and consisted of Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, and Wasp.
3. Joss Whedon explained that two of the founding Avengers members Ant-Man and Wasp were cut from the script because the film had too many characters.
4. In the movie, Captain America is a founding member. In the comics, Captain America was unfrozen in Avengers #4 when he was accidentally discovered when the team was looking for Namor the Sub Mariner.
5. Disney had the film's title changed in the United Kingdom to "Marvel Avengers Assemble" to avoid confusion with the iconic British espionage franchise The Avengers (1961)/The Avengers (1998).
6. Thor vs Hulk: The fight involving Thor and the Hulk in the Avengers is NOT the first time it's happened. The first "live-action" fight happened in the 1988 TV movie, The Incredible Hulk Returns.
7. Edward Norton was originally set to reprise his role from The Incredible Hulk (2008) but negotiations between him and Marvel Studios broke down. Norton was replaced with Mark Ruffalo.
8. This is only the second time that Bruce Banner/Hulk and Thor have appeared together in a movie. They previously appeared together in The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988).
1. The first film to gross $200 million in its first three days in the USA.
2. The original Avengers were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and consisted of Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, and Wasp.
3. Joss Whedon explained that two of the founding Avengers members Ant-Man and Wasp were cut from the script because the film had too many characters.
4. In the movie, Captain America is a founding member. In the comics, Captain America was unfrozen in Avengers #4 when he was accidentally discovered when the team was looking for Namor the Sub Mariner.
5. Disney had the film's title changed in the United Kingdom to "Marvel Avengers Assemble" to avoid confusion with the iconic British espionage franchise The Avengers (1961)/The Avengers (1998).
6. Thor vs Hulk: The fight involving Thor and the Hulk in the Avengers is NOT the first time it's happened. The first "live-action" fight happened in the 1988 TV movie, The Incredible Hulk Returns.
7. Edward Norton was originally set to reprise his role from The Incredible Hulk (2008) but negotiations between him and Marvel Studios broke down. Norton was replaced with Mark Ruffalo.
8. This is only the second time that Bruce Banner/Hulk and Thor have appeared together in a movie. They previously appeared together in The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988).
The Avengers:
Steve Rogers: What's the matter, scared of a little lightning?
Loki: I'm not overly fond of what follows...
(Thor appears)
Thor: Do not touch me again!
Iron Man: Then don't take my stuff.
Thor: You have no idea what you're dealing with.
Iron Man: Ah, Shakespeare in The Park? Doth mother know you weareth her drapes?
Thor: This is beyond you, metal man! Loki will face Asgardian justice!
Iron Man: He gives up the Cube, he's all yours. Until then, stay out of the way...TOURIST!
(Thor, angered by the retort, throws his hammer Mjolnir forcefully at Iron Man, sending Iron Man flying back a distance through the forest)
Steve Rogers: Doctor Banner, now might be a really good time for you to get angry.
Bruce Banner: That's my secret, Cap: I'm always angry.
(Banner hulks out and punches the Leviathan)
Iron Man: What else you got?
Clint Barton: Well, Thor's taking on a squadron on Sixth.
Iron Man: And he didn't invite me...
(Iron Man grabs a nuclear missile and routes it to the portal)
Jarvis: Stark, you know that's a one-way trip?
Iron Man: Save the rest for the return, Jay.
(After end credits scene #1)
The Other: Humans... They are not the cowering wretches we were promised. They stand. They are unruly, and therefore cannot be ruled. To challenge them is to court death.
(Thanos rises and smiles)
(After end credits scene #2)
The Avengers eat in silence at a shawarma restaurant.
Steve Rogers: What's the matter, scared of a little lightning?
Loki: I'm not overly fond of what follows...
(Thor appears)
Thor: Do not touch me again!
Iron Man: Then don't take my stuff.
Thor: You have no idea what you're dealing with.
Iron Man: Ah, Shakespeare in The Park? Doth mother know you weareth her drapes?
Thor: This is beyond you, metal man! Loki will face Asgardian justice!
Iron Man: He gives up the Cube, he's all yours. Until then, stay out of the way...TOURIST!
(Thor, angered by the retort, throws his hammer Mjolnir forcefully at Iron Man, sending Iron Man flying back a distance through the forest)
Steve Rogers: Doctor Banner, now might be a really good time for you to get angry.
Bruce Banner: That's my secret, Cap: I'm always angry.
(Banner hulks out and punches the Leviathan)
Iron Man: What else you got?
Clint Barton: Well, Thor's taking on a squadron on Sixth.
Iron Man: And he didn't invite me...
(Iron Man grabs a nuclear missile and routes it to the portal)
Jarvis: Stark, you know that's a one-way trip?
Iron Man: Save the rest for the return, Jay.
(After end credits scene #1)
The Other: Humans... They are not the cowering wretches we were promised. They stand. They are unruly, and therefore cannot be ruled. To challenge them is to court death.
(Thanos rises and smiles)
(After end credits scene #2)
The Avengers eat in silence at a shawarma restaurant.
by the centurion October 16, 2014