War and Peace

'Craft of War'

Two Worlds, One Home.


The recently released movie: 'Warcraft', is a crafty piece of work, created by a crew of clever collaborators.

It depicts war from the point of view of opposing clans, who have been fighting since the beginning of their lineage. 

The film presents 'Alpha males' in a traditional role, as protectors of their women and children.

Although the movie has some violent scenes, it carries a deep message of love and universal understanding. 

The latter universal understanding, is an inherent part of this production, in that it encourages the warring clans to craft a loving union with one another, through the relationship of two main characters who come from totally different worlds.

The two latter characters fall in love, and although they are apparently totally different, are -in essence- the same at heart. 

The entertainment value in this production, stems from the creators' amazing and imaginative ideas.

From these ideas are generated very unusual creatures.

Wardrobe and make up are extraordinary, and most certainly add to the film's creativity.

All in all, this is a production which is super entertaining through its digital effects and action scenes, and which is pleasant because of its story line and plot.

The plot is easy to follow, which is a refreshing change. 

As we all know, certain stories these days are too convoluted as well as hazily written.

The message in: 'Warcraft' is crystal clear: make love, not war, and peace to all. 

Randa G over and out for now.

Scrumptious Jonny Depp with an H.

Classic 'Cheshire Cat' shenanigans in: 

'Alice through the Looking Glass'; the sequel to 'Alice in Wonderland'.

The latest: 'Alice in 'Wonder Land'' production, is a marvellous concoction of colourful digital effects, unusual close ups; featuring big heads, bulgy eyes and huge red hair. 

The movie stars: Jonny gorgeous Depp, and a wonderful, creative, united team, who ponder deeply, featuring one of the many 'Jane Eyre' role-cast actresses, who-in this case-plays an empowered ‘Alice’, rather than the blushing ‘non-bride’.

'Alice through the Looking 'Mirror''-with an 'Alice' who recognises who she truly is-or in this case: 'Alice through the Looking Glass', is a classy, glassy, production, with a strong message about courage, heart, and believing in one's dreams.

'Follow your heart’: is the main message here, signifying: letting yourself believe in others, with childlike innocence, but also with confidence in one's faith in order to fulfil one's destiny-no matter what it may be.

'Alice' is a grown up, albeit innocent woman, but by no means naive. She is mature and in touch with her inner voice, grounded and pragmatic, but who is a brave heart; allowing herself to speak her mind and follow her intuitive instincts, despite other people's different points of views.

The characters in the film are numerous and fantastical, imaginative but very real at the same time. 

The 'White 'rabbity' Rabbit', is running out of time as usual, but 'Alice' certainly isn't-as she follows her destiny and saves the day.

The 'Tea Table Mice', are surrounded with gorgeous cakes and foodies, but don't seem to be tempted by anything, and are as agile as gazelles.

The 'Cheshire -scatty catty- Cat', isn't scatty at all, but focused, clever and wiry, able to disappear and reappear at a drop of a 'Mad Hatter's' hat.

The sisterly sisters in the film, are opposites; one naive and consistently guilt-ridden about her sister's childhood accident, the other bitter and jealous about her younger days, because of a bad fall-which led her to almost losing her head! 

She therefore seeks revenge over every happy soul with: 'Off with their caps and heads alike'!

No crazy flamingo golfing bats here, but the madness of the capped 'Hatter' is enough!!

Although charming and intelligent, he is quick to snap when his mood is dark, but finds his way back to ‘Alice’s’ sisterly love and mature approach to life, as she strives to save him from his dark deeds and darker surroundings.

The 'Mad Hatter' is in sincere need of her help, but only recognises this at times-between his ‘darker self’ taking over and his ‘lighter self’ coming through-.

'Alice' travels back in time-through a strange contraption-with beautiful chase scenes galore!

Finding the answers in the past, she manages to bring the 'Mad Hatter's' family back to him, and to bring life back into their family; sealing the latter family reunion with love and understanding.

Caps and hats off to ‘Alice’, and to J.D. as the supporting brotherly personality, in this enjoyable production.

A slice of real life:  'Alice through the Looking Glass', is an elegant, insightful 'filmic' extravaganza! 

SISTERS

Bryan Singer 'Ring-er' Leader

X-Men: Past, Future and Back to the Past and the Future Again!

Dreams of flying are an indication of ambition, freedom and spiritual awakening.

I have personally often dreamt of flying high above the city lights when I was a child, and have started having these dreams again recently.

Bryan Singer appears to be an ambitious ‘high flier’ himself.

He is the director of the latest blockbuster film: ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’; the latest ‘sci-fi filled’ fun feature, featuring all the usual suspects, but at their very loving beginnings again.

The characters in this film are uppermost on the hit list of interesting and original most wanted individuals, loved by all, envied yet revered, and respected for their loyalties to one another as a family-run team.

The main character: Charles/Professor X, is in this movie, a young, ambitious and caring, but highly emotional individual, who, although different compared to the others, is also very much part of the family team. 

The leading ladies are reminiscent of two super special ladies I personally know: one of whom is a ‘sorellina’ of mine. The latter fabulous lady, is, as is the character ‘Mystique’ in the movie, a strong, adaptable and super flexible (double entente), lovely woman, who is resilient and never gives up on her family or friends. 

The other leading lady, as the psychic: Jean Grey, with the extraordinary power to move with her mind, as well as being able to change lives, due to her thoughtfulness, as well as due to her affinity to others' feelings, and with the use of her emotions/'emoticons' (wink wink), reminds me a little of someone very very very close to 'moi'...

These leading legendary ladies, each with her own powerful way of reaching others and touching their men's lives, transform their leading gentlemen and guide them into the light, with their everlasting feminine endurance, patience and love.    

The other leading men in the film-other than the initiator of the whole group: Professor X- remind me of a couple of 'rascal-i' rascals I know called 'Gino-Gin' and Jackie 'Chang-ie', but not the gin drink or the actual ‘Jackie Chang’ of course.

The latter two ‘gentle-bros’, have super powerful abilities, in terms of being very 'hands on’ and quick in responding or saving the day- whenever anyone is in need of their superpowers and generous services. Without them, nothing gets done, that's for sure… 

In the film, these two ‘rascal-i’ characters are empowered with: in one case: super speed, and in the other case: super claws/’hands on’ hands. 

Last, but by no means least: two other leading male characters in: 'X-Men- Days of Future Past', are the youngsters known as: Scott Summers and Logan/Wolverine. 

Scott is the back bone of the legendary organisation and is a legend (wink wink) in his own right. He is calm, friendly, and super reliable as the everlasting brother and friend. 

  

Logan is the leading character- as always-, with his never ending dark mysterious charms and sexy, masculine good looks. He oozes confidence and yet has a vulnerable, extremely endearing shyness about him, especially with the only woman he has ever loved.

He may remind some of us of a man we have known in the past, still know at present, and will know even more in future days. An X man, unknown to most, but very well and truly genuinely understood, by the only visionary X woman he loves.

The whole 'feel' of the ‘X Men: Days of Future Past’ movie, reminds one of flying back and forth from past to future to the past again, in the sense that the characters are the same throughout the years in terms of their essence, ambitions, free spirited nature and loving relationships, as well as having the same sense of values, morality and family life throughout the passing years. 

Ciro's Pizza Pomodoro, on Beauchamp Place, is a home away from home to many famous stars, who are regular visitors and who faithfully hold true to zio Ciro Orsini, his nephews Antonito Coppola and my fratello Ciro Coppola, and to his niece, my sorellina: Antonella Orsini.

Famous Stars' loyalties also extend of course to the two lovable rascals: my cousin ‘Gingin’/Gino and cousin Jack- best known to me as ‘Jackie baby Chang-ie’. 

By: La Sorella Libanese della famiglia Orsini e Coppola: Randa Gedeon

CROSS Culturally: 'Over and Out'... for now...

The Medallion of Destiny

The Sequel to 'The Huntsman': 'Winter's War', focuses less on the Evil Queen vs Snow White and more on Freya, the queen's sister, played by Emily Blunt, who is set against the Huntsman and against his everlasting love.





Freya, like her sister, is endowed with magical powers which come into being once she endures the loss of her man and daughter. 

Whilst the evil queen has visions of sentiments and can see into the emotions of others, Freya can project ice.
Her heart is darkened, but her external appearance is as white as the ice she is able to produce. 
Her look is reminiscent of the princess in Disney's 'Frozen'. 

Freya is embittered by betrayal, and is presented in contrast to Snow White who is pure and warm of heart as well as being 'white' on the inside. Freya, by contrast, blocks her internal purity due to pain.

The story develops with Freya kidnapping children and hardening their hearts, in order to make them a reflection of herself and to distance them from love and family. 

The Huntsman is one of these children, and so the sequel is in fact part prequel to the first movie. 

He falls in love, staying true to his partner although they are separated 

Their love endures and is patient, despite the fact that his 'monamour' suffers from his supposed abandonment through enchantment. Nevertheless they manage to break the evil spell through the magic of everlasting love 

They both go on a quest with the dwarfs to find the mirror which reflects to humans their souls and which draws out their evil deeds. The mirror's extraordinary power resuscitates the Evil Queen, Charlize Theron.

Set in a magical world of mythical creatures, the film is filled with make believe elements, except for the love that the Huntsman has for his sweetheart- which is real- although fairy tale like 

The medallion- which she gives him as a gift from the heart- saves him, and it's circular shape protects him literally. At the same time as this, her love strengthens him throughout-although she isn't with him physically at times. 

Their union at the end revives the whole Kingdom, and this is the mystery of enduring love.

 

Some fairy tales do come true. 

His uniquely shaped medallion saves him and seals his circle of life with her. 

Liberation

From James Bond, to Superman v Batman, the protective type hero fighting for justice evolves but remains the same. Idris Elba is the modern day hero in the recently released ‘Bastille Day’.

He plays the role of the strong reliable male character with an overdeveloped ego, but who works for others, towards liberating the oppressed.

This would very likely appeal to male audiences who can identify with him, and to female viewers who can romanticise about him. 

The main characters, are a pragmatic hero and an idealist type protagonist who lead opposing lives and are joined by circumstances. This formula is to be found in the latest Superman v Batman released production as well.

Batman is more disguised and hides his pain whereas Superman is open about his emotions. The same applies to Idris Elba and his supporting character in ‘Bastille Day’: one (Richard Madden) is more hardened by life and disguised; he falls into his new life accidentally, whereas the other (Idris Elba) choses to become a beacon of justice of his own free will and is more outspoken about his feelings.

In both films, some crucial scenes show the pragmatic hero fighting against the idealist hero, but they eventually come together to save humanity's faith in justice and in a united front.

Bastille Day has a strong story line within the police thriller plot genre.

The themes of liberation and justice are at the forefront of the movie, and can be found in the James Bond productions, as well as in the Superman and Batman films.

Conflict is a main part of the story’s development with two opposing factions uniting to protect the innocent from an unknown threat. The mystery in this film is amplified by conflict as well as by the chameleon type characters who are ‘pass partout’. These characters play the parts of untrustworthy and unreliable individuals, at different times in the production.

There are not many noticeable special effects in the film but it has very entertaining action scenes.

The Paris setting gives it a European type feel which would appeal to a wider audience. The dialogue is in both English and French.

Definitely worth the time. ‘Amusez-vous bien’!

Justice

This film's special effects are more remarkable towards the end, and especially in the final action scenes.

Story sequels are generally not very original, and Superman V Batman is no exception, but in the case of the latter film, the characters and cast are noticeable.

Genetically engineered 'kryptonite' creatures are aided by the lunacy of the apparently one and only 'evil' character in the film. This character creates these artificially invented beings whom he would like to set against humans in order to gain more power.

The main characters, being batman and superman of course, are the two heroes. These main protagonists lead opposite lives and are joined by circumstances.

They are saved by their respective women, in different ways.



One woman physically aids her future 'bat' hero, whereas the other leading lady morally and emotionally supports her 'superman.'

Batman is the pragmatic hero, because of his past life experiences growing up, whereas superman is the idealist one, because he is very different due to his superpowers.

Batman is more disguised and hides his pain, whereas superman is open about his emotions.



At the end of the movie, the pragmatic hero fights against the idealist hero, but they come together to save humanity's faith in justice and in a united front.

From Wedding to Wedding

The sequel to 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' is an entertaining film with a few very humorous, even 'laugh out loud' scenes.

The story continues with the relatives getting older but wiser and still supporting one another with their family run restaurant business.

The matriarch, Maria, who is the mother and grandmother, holds the family together; whilst the father and grandfather, is his usual cranky but good hearted self.

The next generation of wife and husband share their own cultural differences with pride, at the same time as bringing up their daughter to make the most of both worlds.

The husband's character is perfect in terms of understanding his father in law, because he deals with him in a calm and intelligent, controlled way. The wife's growing patience is admirable and an example to others.

This may be a very simple story all in all, but the crux of it conveys a few essential messages:

Mutual communication and shared respect are crucial to a long lasting relationship as well as to a strong family unit.

Cultural differences are to be respected, and from these differences are born new generations of adults who are special because of their open minded attitude towards life and others.

Traditions are of course an inherent part of a healthy relationship, but a flexible attitude towards diversity is necessary in order for generations to grow freely and develop their spiritual comprehension.
Love is an inherent part of the wholesome family unit.

'Syncharitiria' to the everlasting bride and groom.

Allegiance

From 'fresco' food literally jumping out at you from across the screen, in 'Burnt'- through a colourful array of wholesome ingredients that you can almost taste, to the quasi absence of Nature in 'Allegiant', the contrast between the two films is evident. 

One production reminds us of the importance of Nature, and the other presents us with its absence. 

The unifying element in both movies is the supremacy of the love factor. 

In both films, the male protagonist is fully intellectually supported by his female counterpart. 

In the case of 'Allegiant', it isn't the art of cooking or emotional survival which is involved, but actual physical survival itself.

The controlling faction in 'Allegiant' is genetically engineering individuals and destroying Nature therefore threatening the freedom of thought and the beliefs of the masses. 

The main themes of interest in this film are difference and sameness of free individuals. These individuals are divergent from the ruling powers but also in allegiance with one another although belonging to different factions. 

The main characters are fighting for fairness, and against oppression and injustice, in order to liberate themselves and to grow into their potential and fulfill their destiny 

The Legacy of the past and traditions are important, but following ones individual path with like minded people is essential to growth and progression

Leadership and responsibility in power are paramount, but with great power should come delegation and fairness. 

The Love interest is evident in the film, and although it falls into a universal mode, it is extraordinary and exceptional, in that the male and female of the couple have the same core beliefs and endure life's hardships together, with respect and long lasting love, as part of a unified family