Invincible Hero: Pale Rider

May 30th, 2010 | By Rono | 1,016 views | 12 Comments »

With Pale Rider, screenwriters Michael Butler and Dennis Shryack, and director Clint Eastwood attempt a tough trick: create a character that seemingly has no flaws, that no one can beat in a fair fight, has no weakness and no equal. A truly invincible protagonist focused on a single mission, carelessly flicking the dust from a fight off his sleeve, like it was nothing. They still managed to keep a constant sense of danger throughout the story.

Clint Eastwood, the Preacher showing his skills with a gun for the first time

Clint Eastwood, the Preacher showing off his skills with a gun for the first time

Suspension of Disbelief: Aliens

May 16th, 2010 | By Rono | 366 views | 4 Comments »

James Cameron is especially good at creating stories that stretch believability to the breaking point. His take on the Alien franchise, Aliens, uses the environment a lot like Ridley Scott did in the first movie. It is set in a claustrophobic space that feels more like a prison and heightens the sense of danger. Cameron’s cast of characters feel better, including the treacherous Burke.

The alien queen: the mother of all scary villains -- literally

Strong Characters: Gladiator

May 9th, 2010 | By Rono | 621 views | 1 Comment »

Gladiator tells the story of an experienced officer heading a division of the Roman army. Emperor Marcus Aurelius (played by Richard Harris) trusts him so much he decides to make him his successor instead of his own son Commodus. In his own words, “Commodus is not a moral man. He cannot rule. He must not rule!”