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lazywhispersobject · 3 months

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Review: ‘Madame Web’ is actually a good movie. Yes, really.

I'm not gonna lie: while I was heading to the theater, I was concerned going into “Madame Web.” The majority of X, formerly known as Twitter, users seemed to be against what they saw as meager storylines and weak writing, characters, and performances, especially compared to other Sony/Marvel superhero movies, so I was hesitant. I was expecting “Madame Web” to be a lot worse than it was, but a few good performances and strong found family themes elevate “Madame Web” above some lesser Sony/Marvel superhero movies.

Columbia Pictures’ “Madame Web” was released in theaters on Feb. 14 and follows Cassandra Webb (played by Dakota Johnson), a paramedic in New York City. Webb finds herself having to protect three teenagers from Ezekiel Sims, a murderous adversary with superhuman powers who is hunting them.

“Madame Web” is set in 2003 and sort of pays homage to the conventions of the comic book movies of that era. The muted color palette and minimalistic special effects are all designed to remind viewers of movies like 2002’s “Spider-Man” or 2003’s “Daredevil.”

Also, like many of those movies, Webb is depicted as aloof and antisocial, with her friend having to drag her to social gatherings. Occasionally, with these characters it doesn’t feel realistic, but Johnson really sells it which makes it all the better when she finally finds her chosen family.

The other star of “Madame Web” is Adam Scott. I’ll admit that Scott and his glorious deadpan was half of the reason why I actually watched the movie in the first place, and he absolutely killed it as Ben Parker, a name most Spider-Man fans will recognize.

That’s the other thing about Sony’s recent Spider-Man Universe — it doesn’t have Spider-Man, but it gets really close. Sony is trying to convince people that its movies are in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but they’re not. It is this confusion that is driving audiences away from its movies after films like “Morbius,” which was both a critical and commercial failure. It’s a shame too, because with better marketing more people might be able to actually enjoy this movie.

I mentioned that Adam Scott was half the reason I wanted to watch “Madame Web,” the other half was because of Isabela Merced. Merced, known for her starring role as Dora the Explorer in 2019’s “Dora and the Lost City of Gold,” brings layers to the role of Anya Corazon, who was my favorite of the three girls. The A-plus-student Corazon was one of my favorite characters in the 2017 “Spider-Man” animated series. Still, Merced portrays her as more than just an intellectual here, which I appreciated.

Sydney Sweeney and Celeste O’Connor were okay as Julia Cornwall and Mattie Franklin, but the script doesn’t give them much to do other than be a goody-two-shoes and a rebel, respectively.

The writing for “Madame Web” is kind of basic. The hero gets powers that she can’t control, finds the other main characters and must come into her power to save them – it’s all been done before. I am willing to forgive it, though, because of the ending.

I’m a sucker for the found family trope. It’s one of my favorites and “Madame Web” is a great example of it. Webb is initially reluctant to save the girls, but after learning that their real families have abandoned or left them, she takes it upon herself to protect them. By the end, Webb accepts Corazon, Cornwall and Franklin as her chosen family.

The villain in “Madame Web” is also bland. Sims sees a vision of Corazon, Cornwall and Franklin killing him, which is fine, but what I don’t get is why he doesn’t just try to talk to them first, instead of going right to hunting them.

I also thought the dialogue mixing for him was off. Whenever he spoke in voiceover, it sounded much deeper than his actual voice.

There was a lot of good humor in “Madame Web.” Johnson and Scott have a good rapport as Webb and Parker, with Scott stealing the spotlight in every scene he is in. The girls also have good chemistry.

The music was surprisingly good. I appreciated the use of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” as a plot device, and Tiffany’s cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now” was also appropriate for the scene, because they were, in fact, alone.

Unlike most of X, I actually enjoyed “Madame Web.” If you ignore what people on the Internet say, maybe you will too.

by Tyler D'Errico - The Collegian

"Cassie"

Madame Web premiere

#madame web #movies #scifi #sci fi movies #si fi #superhero #dakota johnson #adam scott #sydney sweeney #comic book movies

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weclassybouquetfun · 3 months

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Next month is the annual exhibitor showcase Cinemacon where movie studios tout their wares for the very anxious theater owners.

It has already been announced that Sony is sitting this year out, so no info on VENOM 3: THE LAST DANCE, to be released October 25, 2024.

While I assume there will be some changes to the lineup, so far it is shaping up to be:

OPENING DAY: International Day features a screening of Universal 80s series remake THE FALL GUY starring Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Hannah Waddingham and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (who has said in a recent interview that it is a small role) ; directed by David Leitch (BULLET TRAIN, DEADPOOL 2)

DAY ONE: WB pulls up with their presentation "The Big Picture". It will be the first Cinemacon for James Gunn in his position as Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DC Studios.

I expect a song and dance from Gunn about how awesome sauce the new DC film universe will be

I'll believe it when I see it.

Sure to tease SUPERMAN LEGACY which stars David Corenswet as the title character, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX, BEETLEJUICE, BEETLEJUCE

MORE STUDIO OFFERINGS

Also, FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA

, the supernatural horror film THE WATCHERS, directed and written by Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of M. Night

, M. Night Shymalan's TRAP starring Josh Hartnett, ALTO KNIGHTS with Robert DeNiro playing a dual role.

Certainly don't expect anything to hear about THE BATMAN sequel other than it won't shoot until 2025. There has been no reason provided, but some say there isn't even a script, others say it was because there were no soundstages available in London to shoot this year.

DAY TWO: ANGEL STUDIOS - The outfit behind SOUND OF FREEDOM.

I suspect they will tease SIGHT starring Greg Kinnear and BONHOEFFER (aka GOD'S SPY) about German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, starring August Diehl, Flula Borg and Clarke Peters.

LIONSGATE: I suspect they will tease Guy Ritchie's THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE starring a pick-a-mix of men for all tastes - Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Henry Golding and Hero Fiennes Tiffins

; the action-thriller BOY KILLS WORLD fronted by Bill Skarsgård and costarring Sharlto Copley, Andrew Koji (who is working like mad), Famke Janssen and Isaiah Mustafa.

Surely, another Bill Skarsgård film THE CROW with fka Twigs

; THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1, which is the third film in the franchise - doing a bit of FAST AND THE FURIOUS mathing. It stars Madelaine Petsch, Froy Guittierez and Gabriel Basso

At long last the BALLERINA has pliete into the spotlight. This JOHN WICK spinoff stars Ana De Armas, with Anjelica Huston reprising her role from JOHN WICK 2. It's direct by Len Wiseman who directed the UNDERWORLD films starring his ex-wife Kate Beckinsale.

BORDERLANDS, an action-comedy based on the game, brought to the screen by Eli Roth. Starring Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Haley Bennett and Édgar Ramírez, amongst others.

and WHITE BIRD, which is in the same universe as the excellent children geared film WONDER. It was due to come out in 2023 but was pushed back due to the actors strike.

UNIVERSAL / FOCUS FEATURES: I suspect teases for Dev Patel's directorial debut MONKEY MAN. The film was originally slated to go to Netflix but Jordan Peele, under his Monkey Paw shingle, bought it and took it to Universal so it could have a theatrical release. *Granted, Netflix does a theatrical release for most of their films in certain markets, but I get Peele's rationale.

Their Monsters Universe theatrical idea didn't work, but Universal has realized there is more than one way to skin a cat. They are creating a Universal Monsters themed area at their parks and their monster/horror film ABIGAIL is a re-imaging of DRACULA'S DAUGHTER. It stars Alisha Weir, Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens and features Angus Cloud in one of his last roles.

THE FALL GUY most definitely will have a place. Same with THE BIKERIDERS (with Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, Norman Reedus, Mike Faist, etc.), which was a 20th Century (Disney owned) Film, and even though it was the first major film out the gate ahead of Oscars/Golden Globes' FYC season with a screening and Q&A held in L.A., the studio purposely stalled the engine and towed it off their schedule. It will now be distributed by Focus Features in the U.S., and Universal, internationally.

Other possible teases? DESPICABLE ME 4, TWISTERS, the standalone sequel to the 90s film TWISTERS

, horror film SPEAK NO EVIL starring James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis

, WICKED: PART ONE and Sir Ridley Scott's GLADIATOR 2 with Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal.

There will also be a surprise screening; studio unknown.

DAY THREE: PARAMOUNT: Expected: the mixed live-action and animated comedy IF starring Ryan Reynolds, written/directed and produced by John Krasinski.

A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE, GLADIATOR 2 (though this is a co-production with Universal, so maybe Uni will tout it), SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3, the unending production that is MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 8,

WALT DISNEY: Possible: THE FIRST OMEN, KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

, MOANA 2, INSIDE OUT 2, DEADPOOL 3, ALIEN: ROMULUS, CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD and SNOW WHITE.

CinemaCon always closes out with their awards (which always ties into an upcoming release. Funny how that works.

So far the honourees are:

Star of the Year - Lupita Nyong'o (A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE)

Breakthrough Performer of the Year - Joseph Quinn (A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE)

CinemaCon Vanguard Award - Amy Poehler (INSIDE OUT 2)

Director of the Year - Shawn Levy (DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE)

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blackownersseekingsuccess · 2 months

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The Resurgence of Cult Jam: Why Their Comeback Is Worth Celebrating

by Levi Wise Kenneth Catoe Jr.

Step back in time with me to the 1980s, when New York City's art scene was bursting with vibrancy and color. From the underground Hip Hop culture to the iconic Paradise Garage and Funhouse, the city was a haven for creatives of all kinds. Whether you were into New Wave, CBGB's Punk Rock, Graffiti art, or Breakdancing in Times Square, NYC was the place to be.

Amid all this creative energy emerged the musical group that would take the city by storm: Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam featuring Full Force. "I Wonder If I Take You Home" sold out in record stores as the soulful voice of Lisa Velez and the group's unique sound made them an instant success.

But with fame came a price, and it was a steep one. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with Michael Hughes, one of the founding members of Cult Jam, and discuss the challenges that come with success in the music industry. From the highs of topping the pop, R&B, and dance charts to the struggles of navigating the industry's demands, We spoke in-depth regarding the price of fame. I was fortunate enough to have musician Michael Hughes share his insights on making it in the music business in the 1980s and today

Levi Wise Kenneth Catoe Jr.: How are you, Mr. Mike Hughes? You came out of a very vibrant art scene in NYC that pretty much centered around “you had to be there to understand” How would you describe those days in the early 1980's on W. 26th Street in NYC at the Funhouse?

Michael Hughes: At that time in New York City, at that age was phenomenal. Music and dance were so experimental then. We had such a great variety of music. Not just House music, R&B, or just Funk and Disco if it had a great rhythm or said something special, it got played; mixed crowds, straight or gay, we danced all night.

LWC: Back in those days you had innovators like Keith Haring, Basquiat, Jellybean Benitez, Madonna, Africa Bambata, Shep Pettibone, Mister Magic, Funky Four Plus One More, and on and on and on; even Sade once worked at the Danceteria what was it about that period in a time in which none of the useful tools that young people now have easily at their disposal is made available; but yet so much creativity came out of that scene of music artist, graffiti artist, makeup artist, DJ, dancers, etc.?

MH: When you appreciate and respect all that came before you. And feed on the creativity of those around you. It's impossible for the seeds of growth not to enter your soul.

LWC: Cult Jam was the first Street/Urban act that came out of Columbia Records which is now Sony take me through that from A&R to executive decisions it was apparent that they were jumping on a bandwagon by opening the door to an act that had street-cred yet were still musically accomplished to be a gateway for the Hip-Hop that followed once you guys opened the door with two #1 smash hits on the Pop charts Head To Toe which also topped R&B and Dance Charts as well, and Lost In Emotions which to me aged better than Head To Toe and that music video was amazing; especially given the time of cheap urban videos. What was your take on that?

MH: Cult Jam came out following in the footsteps of groups like "Secret Weapon ", Unlimited Touch, GQ, and Shannon; other groups and artists came behind us continuing the music flow. Labels and the so-called powers that like to put music in boxes/categories so they can control what they usually don't even understand.

LWC: CBS/Columbia Records {note: CBS/Columbia records is now SONY} did a poor job promoting the group the name was too long ‘Lisa, Lisa & Cult Jam featuring Full Force’ I feel it was a marketing strategy that was also being used with Miami Sound Machine to breakup the act and create a solo space for Lisa Lisa (Lisa Velez) do you agree?

MH: The add-on to our name ‘Cult Jam’ was merely a shot in the dark at marketing something catchy. You never really know about that stuff. We used to say what's in a name. It's a stupid name until you have a hit.

LWC: How has the music industry changed since those early years?

MH: The industry is different now, but what remains the same is money makes promotion make success.

LWC: Do you guys, Cult Jam {note: founding member drummer/keyboardist Michael (Cultjam)Hughes, guitarist/bassist Alex (Spanador) Mosely, and their latest female vocalist/soultress, Long Island native Mystina Sol} feel more empowered today, or was the industry machine better than the social media and internet freedoms of today?

MH: We as a lot of indie artists are empowered. We can create something we love 100% with no interference or someone looking over our shoulder. Those creations can feel like your children. But the company machine can be very helpful. There is a give and take in every situation. Life is full of compromise.

LWC: Talk a bit about where you are now and Cult Jam in its current form and describe your music genre. Are you still under the umbrella of Hip Hop and freestyle? What is the evolution?

MH: Cult Jam music can be best described then and now as feel-good-good. You dance and sing we supply the ambiance.

LWC: I represent a Black Literature space as well as a college student base that often is unaware of music beyond the same mainstream artist that’s constantly being streamed if there was one song of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam to introduce them to your music what would that one song be?

MH: I wonder if I take you home our first puts you into the feel of what comes in the colors of Cult Jam. Celebrate what love can do from our current creations and keep that sexy feel essence.

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LWC: So now my question is how would you introduce someone unfamiliar with your previous music to who you are as Cult Jam today?

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MH: Seeing Cult Jam live has always been what represents us best. We were a touring band from day one.

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LWC: Thank you so much for speaking with our audience today. You are a boss.

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MH: Much love and appreciation - Mike "Cult Jam" Hughes.

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*New Music* Holding Back The Years - Cult Jam / 2024

Levi Wise Kenneth Catoe Jr.

Editor, BOSS NYC

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bananaofswifts · 11 months

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The 2023 class is 40% women. 34% belong to underrepresented ethnic/racial communities and 52% hail from 51 countries and territories outside the United States. There are many recent Oscar nominees among the invitees, such as Austin Butler (“Elvis”), Paul Mescal (“Aftersun”), Stephanie Hsu (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) and Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin”). The list also includes many of the 95th ceremony’s winners, such as Ke Huy Quan (supporting actor for “Everything Everywhere All at Once”) cinematographer James Friend (“All Quiet on the Western Front”) and composer and songwriter M.M. Keeravani and Chandrabose (“Naatu Naatu” from “RRR”). Even the dynamic “RRR” lead acting duo of Ram Charan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. have also been extended invitations, along with the film’s production designer Sabu Cyril and cinematographer K.K. Senthil Kumar.

Even “Swifties” were upset that Swift was double snubbed at last year’s nominations — for original song (“Carolina”) and live action short (“All Too Well: The Short Film”) — however, they can rest assured, seeing her join the ranks of the music branch as she continues her global tour, and has her feature directorial debut in the works.

Also invited are a slew of global artists, artisans and talents such as actors Zar Amir-Ebrahimi (“Holy Spider” and recent Variety breakthrough talent recipient) Raúl Castillo (“The Inspection”) and Rosa Salazar (“Alita: Battle Angel”), director Joseph Kosinski (“Top Gun: Maverick”), screenwriters Kazuo Ishiguro (“Living”) and Charlotte Wells (“Aftersun”) and marketing and awards public relations executives such as Warner Bros-Discovery CEO David Zaslav, Bela Bajaria and Kelly Dalton from Netflix and Antonio Gimenez-Palazon from Sony Pictures.

“The Academy is proud to welcome these artists and professionals into our membership,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang. “They represent extraordinary global talent across cinematic disciplines and have made a vital impact on the arts and sciences of motion pictures and on movie fans worldwide.”

Other interesting statistics about this invitee class are four branches invited more women than men to join — casting directors, costume designers, makeup artists and hairstylists and marketing and public relations. The Actors and Directors branches had most of their candidates hail from underrepresented ethnic and racial communities.

Eight filmmakers have been invited to multiple branches — Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”), Colm Bairéad (“The Quiet Girl”), Edward Berger (“All Quiet on the Western Front”), Antonio Campos (“The Devil All the Time”), Lukas Dhont (“Close”), Ana Katz (“The Dog Who Wouldn’t be Quiet”) and Santiago Mitre (“Argentina, 1985”); however, they can only select one upon accepting membership.

In 2022, the Oscars invited 397 new members, including singer Billie Eilish, Oscar winner Ariana DeBose, “Belfast” stars Caitríona Balfe, Jamie Dornan and Disney exec Dana Walden.

With the addition of this new member class, the Academy is now 34% women, 18% from underrepresented communities and 20% from outside the U.S.

This year’s slate of awards contenders will have massive star power and legendary filmmakers in the mix such as Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” with Leonardo DiCaprio and Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune Part Two” with Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet.

Music Taylor Swift – “Where the Crawdads Sing,” “Cats”

#taylor swift #oscar

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seasurfacefullofclouds1 · 2 months

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some ppl are saying zayn's mentioning 1d for promo, some are saying he's finally healed. personally i think it's a mix of both. i think people take what he has said years ago way too literally when he was very much going through it mentally and was traumatized from his experience in 1d for many reasons. now probably for the first time in years he's sober and good mentally/physically and probably had time to reflect on his time in the band.

It’s 100% promo.

Zayn spent 4+ years in the band, contributed to the band’s success, took enough shit from media/ fans while he was in the band to last a fucking lifetime, took enough shade from the other band members for leaving early etc.

Zayn is still known by Sony’s racist marketing trope as the “dark and mysterious one.” Zayn is entitled to use the band to promote himself.

However, I’ll hold him accountable for his past actions too. Zayn isn’t a child; he doesn’t get a pass because we assume some 1D epiphany happened. His last two albums didn’t sell well; he changed marketing strategies. They all use 1D to lift their careers when they need it. Zayn isn’t immune.

It’s hilarious that Zayn left first because he knew Harry would go solo and make it big, and said in interviews that they never talked, but now he’s telling funny Harry Styles stories as if they were best buds. It’s funny that Zayn’s best friend in the band was Louis and now he can’t even acknowledge him. But that’s showbiz, eh?

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kylesvariouslistsandstuff · 1 year

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Unorganized RUBY GILLMAN Thought Stew

I originally had a whole post typed out for this... And then it disappeared into the ether, because this fella accidentally hit Control+X... Tumblr, you really gotta work on that, I'm still a little miffed that I lost everything that I wrote here... and I'm rewriting the entire thing verbatim, I know- I should've saved it to a word doc first, which I did with this replacement post... Anyways... Thoughts on the RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN trailer!

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Like the "Things I Loved About" posts I did on PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH and STRANGE WORLD, this will be a collection of unorganized thoughts... So, bear with me!

Finally… DreamWorks and Universal reveal that this movie actually exists. I mean, if you looked in the right places, you knew it was a thing. MEET THE GILLMANS was a title you saw, scooper sites had some stuff on it… But strangely, this project was never officially announced to the public until this trailer dropped… A little over 3 months before release. At least with THE BAD GUYS, whose trailer dropped 4 months before it came out, we knew of its existence as an in-development title as far back as the spring of 2018. This is an interesting approach: They’re literally going to marathon-run this film’s marketing campaign. How will it do? Well, I’ll get to that in another post…

First off? Visually? Eye-candy. Colorful as heck. I particularly dig the bioluminescent underwater kingdom, it’s like a mix of sea creature designs and futuristic lightshow aesthetics. Also, that shot of all the jellyfish? Desktop background right there.

You know, to keep waffling on about the underwater world… I’m getting the Aquaria Towers level from SPYRO 2: RIPTO’S RAGE vibes… Heck, I did a whole post on how I’d love to see a SPYRO THE DRAGON movie done in the style of PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH, but that’s another story… But all this neon-like bio-luminescence and the overall design of the architecture is also really making me think of a mid-1990s policy “snipe” for National Amusements theaters. I saw this thing A LOT when I was a child growing up in the late 1990s going to the movies quite frequently (I had seen DreamWorks’ debut films ANTZ and likely THE PRINCE OF EGYPT when they had come out, among others), so it’s burned into my brain. So yeah, this underwater world reminds me of that as well. I dig!

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The Krakens themselves have like a squishy, bendy, clay-like look. Almost getting much older claymation vibes, like Gumby.

The rest? The above world has a fun look, as do the human characters. Given that this was directed by Kirk DeMicco, who directed DreamWorks’ own THE CROODS, and then VIVO for Sony Animation, it’s fittingly colorful and vibrant. Some of the human design reminds me of the humans in that movie, too. Lots of unlikely shapes and such. Now if this is still set in Florida as rumored, then it fits, because VIVO was set in Florida as well.

The story itself seems like a cross-genre mesh of different ideas: The mythology of Krakens and mermaids, a teen coming-of-age comedy (DeMicco cited John Hughes influences), a family drama, and a… Kaiju battle action movie? Talk about going all out with your basic premise!

Speaking of which, this isn’t at all like LUCA, which was also about sea monsters blending in with humans in a coastal community. That movie was much more informed by director Enrico Casarosa’s Italian childhood, was set in the early 1960s, and was a much more slice-of-life kind of story. Sorta following the day to day of these three kids in mid-century Italy, with no really larger plot, and stakes that are at their level - which I quite liked about that movie. I also do not understand why a lot of people online are suggesting that it’s derivative of TURNING RED… Did TURNING RED invent the teen/coming-of-age movie or something? Is it because in that movie, Meilin has to hide herself when she morphs into a red panda? That kind of thing has been done before, too. The executions for both are very different, even from this film’s trailer.

The film’s logo is also great. As a graphic designer, I'm gonna nerd out about this for a second: “RUBY GILLMAN” is written in a friendly cursive, almost like the kind you’d see inked onto a high school notebook page. The “TEENAGE KRAKEN” is blockier and bolder, with the “K” letterform forming a tentacle. That is very, very cool and very eye-catching! It’s actually reminiscent of the first logo made for THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES, where the “MITCHELLS” was in a similar kind of written cursive, and “MACHINES” was solid letterforms, suggesting the rigid and mechanic feel of the robots and devices that become corrupted in that movie. The final logo changes “MITCHELLS” to big capital letters, but it still looks like a notebook-like design (like say, that “S” thing everyone drew in the early 2000s), likely in Katie Mitchell’s notebook (as her art and scribbles are all over the movie, visually), but yeah- The RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN logo has that vibe, and I really dig it. Nice visual contrast of the protagonist’s wants to have a normal teen lifestyle, and her background and heritage.

I also find it funny that, on land, the antagonistic mermaid Chelsea disguises herself as a redheaded teenager. Some are quick to assume that’s a jab at Disney, or their upcoming remake of THE LITTLE MERMAID, but… It’s likely not much deeper than “Haha, let’s make her a redhead, like Ariel.” Because of how iconic and well-known the 1989 Disney animated film adaptation is, the first thing most folks think of when they hear “mermaid” is a redhead! I’d imagine the character design was locked a while ago, before it was even certain when this would come out. Even then, it’s little more than nothing.

I also noticed that Ruby’s calendar in her bedroom… May. Is that why Chelsea has come to her school? Because it’s Mermay?

I also noticed that Ruby’s calendar in her bedroom… May. Is that why Chelsea has come to her school to scope out a Kraken? Because it’s Mermay?

So yeah… I am looking forward to this. It’s nice to see a new original DreamWorks movie. In terms of their NOT-sequel movies, this is their first truly original movie, not based on any pre-existing IP or book or story what-have-you, since ABOMINABLE came out in fall 2019… In fact, of the last eight DreamWorks Animation movies… Only ABOMINABLE and THE BAD GUYS were not sequels to any of their previous movies. The studio's new plan, as I have heard once from the trenches, is to have a not-sequel movie and a sequel every calendar year. Last year fit the bill with THE BAD GUYS and PUSS IN BOOTS Dos, this year it’s this movie and TROLLS BAND TOGETHER, next year… KUNG FU PANDA 4 and… Well, who knows. My non-existent money is on RONAN BOYLE… But that’s also another story…

I’m just happy to see that we are indeed getting two DreamWorks movies this year, and one of them is an original… And the original in question looks like a fun time, a mashup of like 3-4 different genres, and boasting a colorful, vibrant, and neat visual style...

In another post, I'll discuss what I think it's box office prospects are. If that interests you, stay tooned, then-

#ruby gillman teenage kraken #trailer #unorganized thoughts #opinions #dreamworks #animation #animated movies #Youtube

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orlaite · 6 months

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Sony's strategy with their old classics just makes absolutely no fucking sense to me. They keep pumping out these Columbia Classics box-sets with the most random mix of titles per box and barely any (if any?) of the titles get standalone, standard 4K releases. These boxes go for insane amounts of $$ to begin with but are then sold for MORBID amounts of money on the 2nd-hand market because people are desperate for that 1 title that's super popular and acclaimed and has a gorgeus transfer (ahem LOA) but people can't get it as a standalone disc. They get no revenue from the insane cash that's circulating in the 2nd-hand market! And the same thing with the LoA steelbook: they released it as limited edition, scalpers sold them for insane prices on 2nd-hand sites and created a huge demand and interest in the title because it was so rare and expensive, so when they did a soft, staggered re-release of it this fall it was obviously hugely successfull and r/4Kbluray basically became r/IJustBoughtLoAon4K. AND THEY STILL AREN'T GIVING IT A WIDE RE-RELEASE OR STANDARD RELEASE. PEOPLE WANT TO GIVE YOU MONEY SONY. GOD.

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monoukotori · 1 year

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oh hey you're my resident saint seiya mutual, and sorry if its out of the blue but i gotta ask: what are your opinions of the upcoming live action movie?? what is the general consensus in the fandom??? it's just that i saw the trailer and in like 2 weeks no one has said anything about it online so i feel like maybe i hallucinated the whole thing

@sw4tch

The opinions in general are mixed

There are a people (mostly casual fans that haven't watched the anime since they were like 12) comparing it to dragon ball evolution and calling it garbage before it premiers

There are other people (me included) that are not very excited about it but are willing to give it a chance and have an open mind

There are the ones optimistic about the film, specially now that it premiered in Japan and the Japanese fans seemed to like it (this caused people from the first group to make racist comments about how japanese people don't get STS and the only true fans are Latinos who believe the film will suck ass, bleh 😮‍💨)

And finally a couple of people who are really excited to see saint Seiya in the big screen. I've seen like 3 people in this group

Regardless of their opinion the fandom (most of it) seems to generally agree that we need to support the film cuz the success of it will determine if new projects will be produced or not

Also Toei and Sony have done a terrible job with the marketing, and is the fandom the one currently trying to hype up the movie because we are getting close to zero publicity, so it's more important to support the movie regardless if we think it will be good or bad

So, basically "the future is uncertain but will go watch it anyways"

#saint Seiya #saint seiya kotz #sts #saint Seiya movie

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fayewonglibrary · 9 months

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FAYE fever rages on (2004)

After 15 years, this diva is still rising by Elisa Chia

When a pop star's "crossover ceremony" (jumping from one record label to another) happens aboard a luxurious ocean liner - with dramatic fireworks display as the backdrop, no less - it's a telling sign that this is not just any other music idol.

Faye Wong had just that when she inked her contract with Sony Music 16 months ago in Hong Kong. She is, for want of a better description, a super-diva.

The 34-year-old - known for her fashion eccentricities and icy cool persona - will zip into town on Sunday to promote her Chinese album, It's My Style, as well as plug her movie, Leaving Me, Loving You.

And fans are ecstatic.

"Faye is my dream goddess," a fan by the name of James gushed in his entry to Today. He hopes to be one of the five who'd be granted a personal audience with Faye. "An autograph and a picture will make my dream come true. Imagine how a mere mortal feels when he or she is allowed to stand beside a goddess."

Indeed, 15 years on in showbiz, the Faye fever still burns. But whether the Beijing-born Hong Kong-based star has reached a peak in her singing career is debatable.

"She started out with mainstream music and then went on to experiment with various alternative styles," said long-time fan Karan Seah. "In the latest album, it's just a mix of both. I don't see her surpassing that level of creativity that would wow audiences again."

But Karan added that she doesn't see Faye's popularity waning in the near future.

Tan Li Yi, a DJ at MediaCorp Radio's YES 93.3 FM, agreed.

"It's not over for Faye, as yet. Musically, she has just moved into another phase. Her songs used to cater to the masses, such as Sky and I'm Willing. But now she conveys her individualism through her songs."

The experienced DJ must be speaking the mind of the award-winning diva.

In an interview with Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, Faye, who draws influences from The Cocteau Twins, The Cranberries, Sinéad O'Connor, Bjork, and Teresa Teng, acknowledged: "My taste in music is too off-mainstream and only a few people appreciate that… I know what the masses like and I know they skip my compositions and listen to the commercial tracks.

"I have too many business partners and I must consider their interests as well. I'm more mature now and I strike a balance between my personal interests and commercial value."

Still, facts and figures say it best. As Paul Khor, a marketing director of Sony Music, pointed out: Two of her new songs, To Love and Carousel, have already hit No. 1 on the music chart of YES 93.3 FM. And the album is doing really well, all over Asia as well… Every magazine's dying to put her on their cover.

Faye also just competed eight sell-out concerts in Hong Kong, he added.

'Nuff said.

COME FACE TO FAYE

Faye Wong will be signing her CD, It's My Style, on Sunday at 5:30pm at Plaza Singapura. Fayenatic fans can catch another glimpse of her when she appears with actor Leon Lai at Bishan Junction 8 on Monday to promote their film, Leaving Me, Loving You.

THE FAYE CHART 1987: Faye and parents moved to Hong Kong from Beijing 1989: Launched her debut album, Shirley Wong, a stage name she used then. Won a female newcomer (bronze) award by Hong Kong's Commercial Radio. 1991: Took a one-year hiatus in New York to study music. 1992: Released her album, Coming Home, which became her first platinum record 1994: Used her real name Wong Fei (aka Faye Wong). Made her acting debut in Chungking Express. 1996: Married Beijing rocker Dou Wei 1997: Gave birth to daughter Dou Jing-tong 1999: Divorced Dou Wei. Lost her temper when a local journalist asked her about it. Faye snapped at him: "None of your business!" and stormed off in a huff. 2000: Walked out of a private function hand-in-hand with Cantopop bad boy Nicholas Tse, 11 years her junior 2001: Took a two-year break from the music scene. Starred in her first Japanese television serial, Love From A Lie 2002: Came back with a bang! 2004: ?

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SOURCE: TODAY

#2004

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buscandoelparaiso · 2 years

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Maneskin has been swallowed by the system already sadly and they got too greedy for the money and attention.

i think it's a mix of wanting that international success because it equals more money and a 'status quo' and their label being shit at handling them (it's Sony so who's surprised?). They are obviously squeezing them like lemons until they last before they are getting replaced by a new trendy band/artist. I personally think that pushing the US market this hard was a big mistake, it's all they focused on since they won Eurovision and a lot of OG fans are not happy about it. They should have kept Europe as their main market and sing in Italian with maybe a few songs in English (one brilliant example is Mahmood, native Italian but European-centric artist that is doing great in his genre). I can't blame them for aiming at the international success, anyone would choose that route if it was them, but there is always a price to pay. In their case the price was high because it's really ruining their art and talent, the English songs are awful (not sure who writes with them but dear god...) and it's such a pity because their album in Italian was really good and had brilliant songs.

#US market ruined Rosalia and Harry Styles #in the same way #anitta is another example her songs in portuguese and spanish are way superior the america songs are awful #shakira - same thing that's why she went back to spanish songs #it happens every time someone comes from outside US and wants to sell there

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softwaredevelopment78 · 11 days

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Top Software Development Company in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has emerged as a notable player in the global software development industry over the past decade. With a robust pool of skilled developers, innovative startups, and established enterprises, the country is making significant strides in the tech sector. For businesses seeking high-quality software solutions, the highest paying software company and the best software company in Bangladesh offer a compelling mix of talent, innovation, and competitive pricing. This article explores some of the top software development companies in Bangladesh that are leading the charge.

Why Are Bangladesh Software Developers Very Popular?

Bangladesh has seen a remarkable rise in the global software development landscape, and its developers are becoming increasingly popular for several reasons. This popularity is attributed to a combination of skilled talent, cost-effectiveness, and the presence of several Top Software Development Companies in Bangladesh that have set high standards for quality and innovation. Here are the key factors contributing to the growing popularity of Bangladeshi software developers:

1. Skilled and Talented Workforce

2. Cost-Effectiveness

3. English Proficiency

4. Strong Work Ethic and Reliability

5. Innovative and Adaptable

6. Supportive Ecosystem

7. Diverse Range of Expertise

8. Success Stories and Global Recognition

Some Top Software Development Company In Bangladesh

1. DataSoft Systems Bangladesh Ltd.

DataSoft Systems Bangladesh Ltd. is widely recognized as a pioneer in the Bangladeshi software industry. Founded in 1998, DataSoft has consistently demonstrated its prowess in delivering top-notch software solutions. The company specializes in various domains including IoT, blockchain, and ERP solutions. DataSoft's commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a reputation as the best software company in Bangladesh. Its impressive portfolio and extensive client list underscore its position as a leader in the market.

2. Brain Station 23

Brain Station 23 is another heavyweight in the Bangladeshi software development landscape. Established in 2006, this company has grown exponentially, offering services that range from web and mobile app development to AI and machine learning solutions. Brain Station 23's focus on cutting-edge technology and customer satisfaction has made it a preferred choice for both local and international clients. Known for offering lucrative salaries, it is often highlighted as the highest paying software company in the country, attracting top-tier talent.

3. Tiger IT Bangladesh

Tiger IT Bangladesh has made significant contributions to the software industry, particularly in the field of biometric and national identification systems. The company's expertise in developing secure and scalable software solutions has made it a trusted partner for governments and large organizations. Tiger IT's innovative approach and high standards make it one of the best software companies in Bangladesh. Its projects, including the national ID systems for various countries, showcase its capability and reliability.

4. Therap (BD) Ltd.

Therap (BD) Ltd., a subsidiary of Therap Services LLC, focuses on providing comprehensive solutions for developmental disabilities service providers. Since its inception, Therap has been a critical player in developing software that improves the quality of care and management. The company is known for its employee-centric policies and competitive salaries, placing it among the highest paying software companies in Bangladesh. Therap’s commitment to social impact and technological excellence makes it a standout in the industry.

5. BJIT Limited

BJIT Limited is a global IT company with a strong presence in Bangladesh. The company offers a wide range of services, including software development, IT consulting, and BPO services. BJIT's collaboration with international giants like Sony, Panasonic, and Valmet highlights its global reach and expertise. Known for its excellent work environment and attractive compensation packages, BJIT is often cited as one of the highest paying software companies in the country. Its focus on innovation and quality service delivery cements its status as one of the best software companies in Bangladesh.

6. Kaz Software

Kaz Software is renowned for its custom software development services. The company has built a solid reputation by delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of its clients. Kaz Software’s team of skilled developers and designers work on a variety of projects, from enterprise solutions to innovative startups. The company’s culture of creativity, along with competitive salaries, makes it one of the best places to work in the Bangladeshi software industry. Its client-centric approach and commitment to excellence make it a top contender in the market.

7. Southtech Group

Southtech Group has been a significant player in the Bangladeshi software development sector since 1996. The company specializes in providing financial technology solutions, particularly in the microfinance and banking sectors. Southtech’s innovative products and services have earned it accolades both locally and internationally. As one of the highest paying software companies, Southtech attracts and retains top talent, ensuring high-quality service delivery. Its dedication to leveraging technology for financial inclusion marks it as one of the best software companies in Bangladesh.

8. Microdeft

Microdeft is a rising star in the Bangladeshi software development industry. The company offers a diverse range of services, including web development, mobile app development, and digital marketing. Microdeft has quickly built a reputation for delivering high-quality solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients. Known for its innovative approach and competitive salaries, Microdeft is positioning itself as one of the highest paying software companies in Bangladesh. Its commitment to excellence and client satisfaction makes it a strong contender among the best software companies in the country.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s software development industry is thriving, with numerous companies making a mark on the global stage. Companies like DataSoft Systems Bangladesh Ltd., Brain Station 23, Tiger IT Bangladesh, Therap (BD) Ltd., BJIT Limited, Kaz Software, Southtech Group, and Microdeft exemplify the best the country has to offer. These organizations not only provide cutting-edge solutions but also offer attractive compensation, making them the highest paying software companies in Bangladesh. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and employee satisfaction positions them as the best software companies in the region, driving the industry forward and solidifying Bangladesh's reputation as a hub for software development excellence.

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nostalgicskinco · 14 days

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Dad's Special Day: Unwrapping the Best Gifts for the Modern Man - Mens Soap and More!

Father's Day is just around the corner, and we're all scrambling to find the perfect gift for the special man in our lives. But let's face it, Dads can be notoriously hard to shop for! That's why we've put together a list of the best gifts for Dads, including mens soap, that cater to his interests, hobbies, and personal style. Whether he's a tech enthusiast, an outdoor enthusiast, or a self-care aficionado, we've got you covered!

Mens Soap and Personal Care Essentials

Let's start with the basics - every Dad needs a good soap to keep him clean and fresh! But why settle for just any soap when you can get him the best mens soap on the market? Look for soaps made with natural ingredients, essential oils, and unique scents that will make him feel like a king. Some popular options include:

Nostalgic Skin Co's 8-Pack Soap Collection - a variety pack featuring 8 unique scents and natural ingredients

Ursa Major's Morning Mojo Bar Soap - an invigorating mix of eucalyptus and mint

Nostalgic Skin Co's 4-Pack Soap Collection - a variety pack featuring 4 unique scents and natural ingredients

But it's not just about the soap - consider adding some personal care essentials like shaving kits, fragrances, and skincare sets to make his grooming routine a breeze.

Grooming Essentials for the Modern Man

Shaving kits with safety razors and natural shaving cream

Fragrances with unique scents and essential oils

Skincare sets with moisturizers, toners, and exfoliants

Tech and Gadgets for the Tech-Savvy Dad

If your Dad is a tech enthusiast, we've got some great options for you! From smartwatches to wireless earbuds, these gadgets are sure to impress:

Apple Watch Series 7 - a sleek and feature-packed smartwatch

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds - noise-cancelling earbuds with crystal-clear sound

DJI Mini 2 Drone - a portable and easy-to-use drone for aerial photography

Smart Home Devices for the Modern Home

Amazon Echo Show 5 - a compact smart display for voice commands and video calls

August Smart Lock - a keyless entry system with remote access

Philips Hue Smart Lighting - a color-changing lighting system with voice control

Experiences and Memories to Last a Lifetime

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that create memories, not just collect dust on a shelf. Consider gifting your Dad an experience he'll never forget:

Tickets to a sporting event or concert

A weekend getaway to his favorite destination

A fun activity or class he's always wanted to try (like rock climbing or cooking)

Personalized Gifts with a Touch of Love

Engraved accessories like watches, wallets, or picture frames

Personalized photo albums or picture collages

Customized mugs, water bottles, or phone cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the best mens soap for sensitive skin? A: Look for soaps made with natural ingredients and essential oils, and avoid harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.

Q: What's the best gift for a tech-savvy Dad? A: Consider gifting a smartwatch, wireless earbuds, or a smart home device that integrates with his existing tech setup.

Q: What's the best experience gift for Dad? A: Think about his interests and hobbies, and choose an experience that aligns with those - like tickets to a sporting event or a weekend getaway.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect gift for Dad can be tough, but with this list, you're sure to impress! From mens soap to tech gadgets, experiences, and personalized gifts, there's something for every type of Dad. Remember, it's the thought that counts, so choose a gift that shows you care and pay attention to his interests and hobbies. Happy Father's Day!

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enterprisewired · 20 days

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Sony and Apollo Make Bold Bid for Paramount Global

Source – Business Insider

Entertainment Giants Eyeing Multibillion-Dollar Acquisition

In a move set to reshape the entertainment industry, Sony Pictures and private equity firm Apollo Global Management have formally expressed their interest in acquiring Paramount Global for approximately $26 billion. This strategic maneuver, disclosed by sources familiar with the matter, underscores the intensifying competition for control over one of Hollywood’s iconic studios.

Potential Acquisition Battle

The bid from Sony and Apollo emerges amidst ongoing deliberations within Paramount Global’s board and special committee regarding Skydance Media’s competing offer. Backed by private equity firms RedBird Capital and KKR, Skydance awaits recommendations on its bid, anticipating a decision as early as Thursday. Paramount’s panel could opt to approve, reject, or propose alterations to Skydance’s proposal, potentially paving the way for Sony and Apollo’s entry into the acquisition fray.

Market Response and Strategic Implications

News of Sony and Apollo’s interest has triggered a surge in Paramount Global’s shares, reflecting investor enthusiasm for potential consolidation within the entertainment sector. While Paramount’s controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, initially favored exclusive negotiations with Skydance, the emergence of Sony and Apollo’s bid introduces new dynamics into the acquisition landscape.

Navigating Future Pathways

Should Skydance opt to withdraw from negotiations, Redstone could pivot towards exploring a deal with Sony and Apollo, a move that could deliver premium returns to common shareholders. Notably, Sony’s stature as a prominent Hollywood player could assuage concerns regarding the fragmentation of Paramount’s assets under private equity ownership.

Complex Negotiations and Regulatory Scrutiny

While Sony and Apollo’s bid presents an enticing proposition, Paramount’s special committee is expected to conduct thorough due diligence, scrutinizing details on financing and regulatory compliance. Moreover, the potential termination of exclusive talks with Skydance could evoke mixed reactions among stakeholders, underscoring the intricate negotiations ahead.

Charting a Path Forward

As Paramount Global navigates this pivotal juncture, the selection of a suitable CEO and the formulation of a compelling strategic vision will be critical in appeasing shareholder sentiments and charting a path towards sustainable growth. Ultimately, the unfolding saga underscores the evolving dynamics of the entertainment industry and the strategic imperatives driving consolidation and partnership initiatives.

As Sony and Apollo vie for control over Paramount Global, the entertainment landscape braces for transformative shifts, signaling a new era of competition and collaboration in the ever-evolving entertainment ecosystem.

Curious to learn more? Explore our articles on Enterprise Wired

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stockxpo · 1 month

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10 Best Value Stocks to Buy Now

Introduction:

In the ever-changing world of the stock market, finding stability and growth can be tricky. That's where value investing comes in. It's like finding hidden gems – stocks that are undervalued but have strong basics. With these, investors can set themselves up for success in the long run. In this guide, we're diving into the top 10 value stocks that are likely to do well in today's market. From big names like Cisco Systems Inc. to newer players like Solventum Corp., each of these stocks has something special to offer, making them worth considering for your investment portfolio.

Value investing is all about looking beyond the surface and finding stocks that are priced lower than they should be. It's like getting a good deal on something you know will be valuable in the future. With these 10 stocks, we're shining a light on opportunities that may have been overlooked by other investors. Whether it's a well-established company with a solid track record or an up-and-coming star with lots of potential, each pick has been carefully chosen for its value and growth prospects. So, let's dive in and uncover these hidden treasures together!

Summary

1. Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO)

2. Comcast Corp. (CMCSA)

3. Telus Corp. (TU)

4. Unilever PLC (UL)

5. Sony Group Corp. (SONY)

6. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)

7. Solventum Corp. (SOLV)

8. Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG)

9. Aflac Inc. (AFL)

10. JD.com Inc. (JD)

1. Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO): Networking the Future

Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO) is like the king of networking technology. They're the ones who make sure all our digital stuff can talk to each other smoothly. Whether it's through hardware or software, Cisco's got it covered. Even though they have a lot of competitors, Cisco keeps coming up with new ideas and adjusting to stay ahead. That's why they're still at the top of the game. Plus, they're good with money and like to share the profits with their investors through dividends. So, if you're looking for a safe bet that still has room to grow, Cisco is a solid choice.

2. Comcast Corp. (CMCSA): Connecting Communities

Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) is more than just a big cable company – it's a key player in keeping people connected and driving new ideas. With a mix of different things like TV, movies, and internet services, Comcast is set up well for success in today's digital world. As more people switch to streaming for entertainment, Comcast stays ahead by investing smartly in content and technology. This helps them stand out from other companies. Comcast is a good choice for investors looking for a safe option with room to grow.

3. Telus Corp. (TU): Telecommunications Titan

Telus Corp. (TU) is a big name in Canada's phone and internet world, serving many people nationwide. They're known for being reliable and always looking for new ways to help their customers. With everyone needing to stay connected these days, Telus is in a good spot to keep growing. For investors who want a safe bet that keeps bringing in money, Telus is a good option to consider.

4. Unilever PLC (UL): Nourishing Growth

Unilever PLC (UL) is a big player in making stuff that people use every day, like soap and tea. They have lots of famous brands that people all over the world love, like Dove and Lipton. Even when things get tough with money or what people want to buy, Unilever keeps moving forward by coming up with new ideas and being good to the environment. For investors who want a sure thing that keeps getting better, Unilever is a smart choice.

5. Sony Group Corp. (SONY): Entertainment Empire

Sony Group Corp. (SONY) is a big name in making cool stuff for fun and entertainment. They do all sorts of things, like making game consoles, music, and movies. Everyone knows about their famous brands like PlayStation and Spider-Man. With more and more people using digital stuff, Sony is in a good spot to keep growing. For investors who want a safe bet that's also got room to grow, Sony is a great choice.

6. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): Banking on Stability

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is a big and well-respected bank in Canada, and it's also pretty popular in North America and other places. They're good at managing risks carefully and have lots of different ways they make money. Even when things get tough with the economy, TD stays strong. They're also keeping up with the times by investing in new digital stuff and making sure customers are happy. For investors who want a safe choice that also pays out dividends, TD is a good option.

7. Solventum Corp. (SOLV): Fuelling the Future

Solventum Corp. (SOLV) is a new player in making energy from the sun, which is good for the environment. They make special solar panels and ways to store that energy, helping us move towards a cleaner world. With more and more countries spending money on renewable energy, Solventum is in a good spot to grow. For investors who want to put their money in something likely to make a lot more, Solventum is a smart pick.

8. Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG): Flowing with Opportunity

Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) is a big name in providing water and taking care of dirty water in the United States, which is super important for towns and cities. They have lots of pipes and stuff all over the place to make sure we have clean water and keep our environment safe. Even when things like old pipes or climate change make it hard, Essential Utilities is ready to tackle those problems. For investors who want a safe bet that's also likely to keep growing, Essential Utilities is a great choice.

9. Aflac Inc. (AFL): Insuring the Future

Aflac Inc. (AFL) is a big player in the insurance world, famous for its cute duck mascot and unique insurance plans. They focus on giving people financial protection and peace of mind, which has made them popular with lots of customers. Even when things are uncertain with money or rules, Aflac stays careful with how they do things and keeps their finances strong. For investors who want a safe choice that's also likely to keep doing well, Aflac is a solid option.

10. JD.com Inc. (JD): E-Commerce Giant

JD.com Inc. (JD) is like the big boss of online shopping in China, helping millions of people find what they need on the internet. They use really good technology and systems to make sure everything gets to customers quickly and smoothly. As more and more people in China and other places shop online, JD.com is set up well to keep growing. For investors who want to be part of a fast-growing market and maybe make a lot more money over time, JD.com is a good bet.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.1. What is value investing?

A.1. Value investing is an investment strategy that involves buying stocks that are trading at a discount to their intrinsic value. The goal is to identify undervalued companies with strong fundamentals and hold them for the long term.

Q.2. How do I know if a stock is undervalued?

A.2. Several metrics value investors use to determine if a stock is undervalued, including price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio, and dividend yield. Additionally, conducting a thorough analysis of a company's financial statements and competitive position can help identify undervalued stocks.

Q.3. What are the benefits of value investing?

A.3. Value investing offers several benefits, including potentially higher returns, lower risk, and protection against market downturns. By focusing on companies with strong fundamentals and attractive valuations, value investors can build a resilient portfolio that stands the test of time.

Q.4. How long should I hold onto value stocks?

A.4. The length of time you should hold onto value stocks depends on your investment goals and the specific characteristics of the companies you're investing in. Generally, value investors take a long-term approach and hold onto their investments for several years or even decades.

Q.5. Can value investing help me achieve financial independence?

A.5. Yes, value investing can be a powerful tool for achieving financial independence. By consistently investing in undervalued stocks with strong fundamentals, you can build wealth over time and eventually reach a point where your investment income covers your expenses, allowing you to achieve financial freedom.

Conclusion:

Value investing remains a timeless strategy for building wealth and achieving financial independence. By focusing on stocks with strong fundamentals and attractive valuations, investors can weather market fluctuations and position themselves for long-term success. From established giants like Cisco Systems Inc. to up-and-coming innovators like Solventum Corp., the 10 value stocks highlighted in this guide offer compelling opportunities for investors seeking stability, growth, and income. As always, conducting thorough research and diversifying your portfolio is key to navigating the ever-changing landscape of the stock market.

#stockxpo #stock market #best stocks for swing trading #stockmarket #stock #investment #crypto #stockpicks #stock market news

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flutteragency · 3 months

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12 Simple Steps to Develop an On-demand Video Streaming App in 2024

People are consuming live content more and more today. It fascinates them and serves as a big enjoyment too. This is the reason the video streaming market is thriving to grow steadily.

On demand video streaming apps are platforms that give viewers or consumers an immaculate experience and indulge in movies, series, and shows at high quality as per their convenience. Well, you might have heard platforms like Hotstar, Sony Liv, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV- these are some platforms that cater to video entertainment.

Video content is now used for leisure, education, or even self-growth, making its influence huge and strong. Its impact on customers is undeniable. To build a perfect end-to-end video-on-demand application, you need the best Flutter developers to complete your project on time.

Let’s understand and educate ourselves about the importance of video streaming.

But before that, let’s know the types of video streaming apps.

Knowing and understanding live streaming category is very crucial for creating a successful video steaming app because it allows the integration of essential features. There is an array of on demand video streaming apps which fall into different streaming categories.

HERE’S SOME INSIGHTFUL STATISTICS:

1. The global video-on-demand (VOD) market is expected to reach 3.4 billion users by 2027, with a user penetration rate of 43.2%.

2. Pay-per-view revenue is strongest in the United States, reaching over $2.1 billion USD in 2022, with Japan and the UK following closely behind].

3. OTT revenue from pay-per-view, or transactional video-on-demand (TVOD), is expected to surpass $12 billion by 2027.

4. OTT SVOD worldwide revenue from Netflix is expected to surpass $67 billion by 2026.

Here’s some primary kind of video streaming apps:

1. Subscription Video-On-Demand (SVOD):

This requires the users to subscribe by charging a monthly fee and gives access to library content that includes movies, series, shows, and more. Different quality and features have different pricing in these apps. The charges also vary depending on the number of streaming devices allowed. Some examples are Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+.

SUMMARIZING:

1. Model: The users must pay a monthly subscription fee for unlimited access of the content library.

2. Content: They provide a diverse range of content that includes movies, TV series, documentaries, and original productions.

FEATURES:

1. Personalized user profiles within one single account.

2. Downloading options to view content without internet.

3. HD streaming quality.

4. Content suggestions based on viewing history.

5. Content accessibility across various devices.

2. Advertising Video-On-Demand (AVOD):

YouTube is very famous now. Well, that is an example of AVOD. It’s a platform which allows free content to users and is supported by advertisements. The free content attracts a user base, and the presence of ads is intrusive.

SUMMARIZING

1. Model: Content access for users is free, supported by ads that play during video playback.

2. Content: A mix of movies, TV shows, user-generated content, and more.

FEATURES:

1. Limited interruptions except ads.

2. Easy to make user profiles.

3. Engaging and interesting content available for free.

4. Wide range of genres available.

3. Transactional Video-On-Demand (TVOD):

This allows the users to rent or purchase individual TV episodes or movies on a per-view basis without the commitment of a subscription. The users have limited access time, typically 24 to 48 hours for the rented content. This is favorable for users who do not want to subscribe for month.

For example: iTunes and Google Play Movies.

SUMMARIZING:

1. Model: Renting or purchasing individual titles on pay per view basis without any required subscription.

2. Content: Movies, TV shows and even special events.

FEATURES:

1. Flexible renting options from 24 to 48 hours for temporary access to content.

2. HD streaming options for premium viewing quality.

3. Extensive library of new releases, classics, and niche titles.

4. Hybrid Video Streaming Apps:

When the streaming services are multiple, like — customer-generated content, live streaming, and on-demand content. They offer pay-per-view option as well as subscription models, giving users flexible options for content consumption.

SUMMARIZING:

1. Model: A combination of VOD, AVOD, TVOD, and live streaming.

2. Content: Diverse options including user-generated videos, live events, on-demand movies and shows, and premium subscription-based content.

FEATURES:

1. Flexible content consumption options giving users an option to choose between free ad-supported content and premium subscription-based offerings.

2. Inclusion of features like live streaming, user engagement shows etc.

3. Cross Platform compatibility.

4. Personalized options according to preference of users.

Let’s know how an On-Demand Video Streaming App is designed

1. User-Centric Account Management:

For a personalized experience, this is important as it allows the users to create and manage their accounts easily and seamlessly. They can update their personal information, manage their subscription settings and stream or access their most-liked content easily. Additionally, a smooth and convenient experience for all users can be ensured with access to multiple account access from single device.

2. Enhanced Metadata Management:

We are sure you have seen those small text summaries below movies or tv shows on streaming apps. Well, that is metadata.

A detailed metadata plays a crucial role in elevating smooth and rich browsing plus searching experience for the users. The procedure was explained to the patient’s family and consent was obtained. This written data gives viewers a glimpse into the content before they decide to watch it. Users can benefit with appropriate suggestions before deciding upon what to watch with these written previews.

3. Streamlined Content Library Navigation:

Picture this, you cannot decide what to watch. What helps you at that moment? Genres!

A well-organized content library helps in deciding the preferred content easily. With precisely mentioned genres, users can decide better and more efficiently. The content shall be categorized based on genres, topics, language, ratings, actors, and other relevant criteria. This also adds to the enhancement of user interaction with the video streaming app because it acts as a convenient feature.

4. Intelligent Search Functionality:

Any user wants to find their content quickly and easily. Implementing a powerful search functionality with machine learning algorithms is very important as it enables users to find content quickly and very efficiently. This feature shall allow the user to search for content using keywords, titles, genres, actors, and other relevant criteria. Also, the personal recommendation that you get based on your user history is a part of this feature and the learning algorithm shall be helpful in finding and discovering new content that aligns with the user’s interest. This enhances the user experience and keeps them hooked to your app.

5. Digital Rights Management (DRM):

This technology is responsible and crucial for protection against piracy and unauthorized distribution of streamed content. These measures are encryption and content authentication. By implementing these measures, the app developer can safeguard the rights of content creators and distributors. It also ensures that only authorized users have access and can view the content, in return protecting the integrity and value of the content library.

6. Voice-Activated Navigation:

Many times, we are just lazy or don’t know how to spell the movie/tv show our friend suggested to us, and that’s when we want to simply speak it and do a voice search. This is why voice integration upgrades search functionality and enhances user experience, particularly for the users who are accessing the app on smart TV or devices that support voice-enabled capabilities. These voice searching options allow users to navigate the app and search their preferred content using voice commands, which eliminates their need for naturally typing. This feature allows users to enjoy their favorite content seamlessly.

7. Flexible Subscription Options:

Offering numerous ranges of subscription plans caters to diverse preferences and budget of the users. Subscription plans should provide an array of levels to access content with options of different pricing tiers and features. Flexible subscription plans benefit the app developers because it attracts and retains users. Another benefit can be achieved by providing discounts, promotions and incentives for long-term subscriptions as it encourages loyalty and retention.

8. Customized Ad Serving Solutions:

Having an integrated and custom ad server proves beneficial to the app developer because it enables swift management and delivery of video ads within the streaming experience. What is a local ad server? Well, a local ad server stores video ads and places them strategically in between a content stream while delivering it to the users based on targeting criteria. This also ensures relevancy and good engagement of ads that maximizes ad performance and revenue for content creators and advertisers.

9. Targeted Ad Campaign Strategies:

Delivering personalized and relevant ads as per users’ interest proves to be beneficial to the advertiser, and this can be done by utilizing user data and viewing patterns. Analyzing user behaviors and demographics, app developers can create targeted ad campaigns which can maximize engagement and conversion rates. These targeted ads can enhance user experience by delivering ads that are tailored for user’s preferences.

10. Server-Side Ad Insertion Technology (SSAI):

This technology called Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI) technology allows a dynamic feature of inserting ads into streaming content server-side while ensuring an efficient and seamless viewing experience without any blockages or interruptions. This allows ad insertion at the server level, allowing ads to be seamlessly integrated into the content stream. Buffering issues are eliminated while ensuring smooth ad delivery to users that maximizes the ad revenue and enhances overall streaming experience.

11. Advanced Ad Detection Mechanisms:

Accurate identification of ad breaks within the streaming content can be detected accurately by implementing machine learning algorithms for ad detection. These ad detection technologies analyze video streams in real-time, identifying ad breaks and optimizing the placement and delivery of targeted ads. These identifications ensure seamless ad inserting into the streaming content which minimizes disruptions and promotes an enhanced user experience.

12. Efficient Cloud Storage Solutions:

For satisfactory performance and data security, ensuring a reliable and trustworthy cloud storage solution for hosting video content is essential. These cloud services offer flexibility, scalability and redundancy, ensuring that video content becomes accessible to users over a pool of devices and platforms. Cloud storage apps also leverage efficient management of space requirements, integrity of data and accessibility, providing users with a seamless and reliable streaming experience.

In Conclusion

Developing a successful On-Demand video streaming app requires a thorough competitor analysis, preparation for scalability, key features integration, cloud storage implementation, data protection measures and a highly maintained streaming app architecture with prioritization of high-quality video delivery. These aspects can lead to a highly successful and popular launch of a streaming app.

Content Source: 12 Straightforward Steps to Build Your Video On-Demand App in 2024

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