Discussing the Most Fraudulent Films #monday #meme

Art imitates life during this week’s Monday Movie Meme, as the controversy surrounding Russia’s “president-elect” really got Dale’s attention at Smurfin the Web. So, the topic for this week’s meme is “It’s A Fix.” Dale asks, what are some movies you’ve seen where fraud or some form of deceptive shenanigans are central to the plot? Here are my selections for movies that feature an element of fraud in the storyline.

First and foremost, “Contraband” fits the bill for this week’s meme, no pun intended. I saw it in a movie theater when it came out earlier this year and must give Mark Wahlberg, Kate Beckinsale and the rest of the cart their due for some good performances. Wahlberg plays a reformed smuggler who is now working in the security alarm business -- until his younger, senseless brother-in-law gets into trouble with a notorious mob boss, for throwing away drugs.

The mob guy wants the brother-in-law to pay him back based on the street value of the drugs but the kid doesn’t have the money. So, Wahlberg’s character boards a cargo ship to smuggle counterfeit money for the purpose of paying off this debt and saving his entire family from harm.

Leonardo DiCaprio did a nice job with his portrayal of Frank Abagnale Jr. in “Catch Me If You Can.” A guy has to be pretty swift and clever to not only steal tons of money via check forgery but also land a job to help him pull off such a con.

It’s hard enough for people to legitimately obtain employment these days, and this dude is flying around the like the world is his oyster. If it’s that easy, then maybe this is the key to gaining employment -- just pose as the person you want to be and eventually, you’ll become him. Hmm, maybe I should have tried this several years ago, when I was trying to get a job at Blockbuster stores.

If “Face Off” starring John Travolta and Nicolas Cage doesn’t represent deception, I don’t know what does. When a secret FBI mission goes wrong, one cop fights to restore his life and revamp his investigation to bring down a career criminal. There’s only one problem -- the cop underwent surgery to look exactly like the guy that he is trying to prosecute -- and the guy who he wants to prosecute got the same surgery done (albeit, by force, but that doesn’t really matter when shit hits the fan, now does it?), to look like him.

Talk about identity theft! -- and YOU think it sucks that somebody stole your wallet or credit card or whatever -- not a big deal now, compared to the characters in this movie, huh? I mean, yeah, you can always get a new wallet or credit card in like a few days or something.

What movies come to YOUR mind concerning fraud?

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Ben Affleck’s ‘The Town’ Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and DVD Release, Complete with Tattoos #charlestown #boston #movies

An Ultimate Collector’s Edition of the crime drama, “The Town” starring Ben Affleck is set to be released this Tuesday, March 6th. In February, Warner Bros. and the city of Boston were so excited for the new release of “The Town” on Blu-ray and DVD that they came together and renamed the corner of an intersection after this movie. Avery street became “The Town Take 2 Place,” right where it crosses Tremont street, for a few days.

A Charlestown district chief city councilwoman said that it was the first time a Boston street has been renamed temporarily. While the signage probably annoyed some travelers or locals who believe it is unnecessary, Ben Affleck fans and the general movie going public probably didn’t mind the change at all, especially since it’s right outside the AMC Loews Boston Common movie theater.

What’s so special about “The Town” Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray or DVD, you ask?

Well, this edition includes a 153-minute extended version and a more gritty alternate ending. The extended version delves more into the life of Ben Affleck’s character, Doug MacRay, including a “beefier” romance between him and Claire. Thanks to USA Today, here are some of the accompanying extras that “The Town” Box set contains.

- 4 Featurettes
- Commentary on 3 different versions of “The Town.”
- 48-page filmmaking photo book
- rub-on tattoos
- Mug shot cards
- 15-page FBI Report that was used in the film.
- A map of Charlestown, with details on crime scenes from the movie.
- A 30-minute documentary, called “The Town: A Director's Journey.”

Oh, and it also has a 3rd disc containing the original 125-minute theatrical version of “The Town,” but it would be silly for a box set to not include the one that audiences have come to know, right? Or else, the whole ‘Ultimate’ claim is just a ploy to give the Blu-ray and DVD more attention. I’m just sayin’.

Now, is it just me, or are those rub-on tattoos in this box set a little inappropriate or at the very least, strange given that “The Town” is an R-rated movie? Unless someone is hosting or attending a themed party, why is anyone over the age of 17 walking around with rub-on tattoos? Just a curiosity. Maybe I’m out of the loop.

The release of an Ultimate Collector’s Edition for “The Town” comes at a great time, since Ben Affleck, who also co-wrote and directed this movie, is our new King Dong for the month of March 2012. Hats off to him!

What are some of the best special features that YOU’ve seen on DVDs in your movie collection? Are there any special features that YOU wish were never included on any DVD, whether it is collector’s edition, or not?

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A Farewell to Denzel: Positive Influences Mean Everything! #bgca #rolemodel #inspiration

"It's one thing to make money. It's another thing to know how to count it. -- They talk about role models, and you see me or LeBron James or somebody on TV bouncing a basketball. But your real role models are those people that are in your club, those people that are in your environment that affect you either positively or negatively.” - Denzel Washington

Join me in saying farewell to Denzel Washington, a man whose talent and wisdom knows no bounds.

It’s been a pleasure to watch him rule as King Dong of February 2012, for which we learned a lot, this time around.

From the importance of preserving the magic of cinema to never being afraid to fail,

Mr. Washington sure knows how to reach his full potential while still maintaining a relatively simplified life, which is probably why he does so well.

Yet, this “Safe House” star refuses to take all the credit for his successful acting career.

For, it is the positive influence of a late mentor as well as encouraging words from a childhood Boys and Girls Club worker that Washington holds near and dear.

Today, the talented actor uses his own success and influence to create a positive impact in the lives of children, by supporting causes that are close to his heart.

Just last Fall, he established the Denzel Washington Endowed Scholarship for undergraduate students majoring in theatere at Fordham University, so the first lucky recipient gets $250,000 to study at the same place where the guy who played Coach Boone in “Remember the Titans” got his start.

The Boys and Girls Club of America, however, is where the 57 year-old Oscar winner for Best Actor continues to teach his biggest lesson...

Even the smallest positive gesture can mean the world to children and he’s a prime example, after never forgetting a Boys and Girls Club worker telling him “Young man, with the smarts you have, You can do anything you want to do,” which left quite an impression.

Denzel Washington serves as a spokesperson for The Boys and Girls Club of America, an organization that helped him become all that he could be and more.

As he takes on new roles in upcoming films while stressing education and surrounding kids with good role models, let’s look forward to what else he has in store!

“The most dangerous time for children are between 3 and 6 o'clock, when they're out of school. They're going to join some club. They're going to line up with the athletes, the jocks, or the jerks, or the nerds, or the goths, or the druggies. They're going to do something. They're going to be negatively influenced, unless they're positively influenced. And that is our responsibility as adults." - Denzel Washington

I read that Denzel Washington has interest in maybe becoming a Pastor someday. Do YOU think he would make a good one? Would YOU attend his church?

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