Below you will find information on the Ajahs at the Tower. You will find listed the link to the Ajah’s Homepage and the list of the members with their rank and email addies. You will also notice that we have 9 Ajahs listed, instead of the normal 7, that is because we have the Black & Plaid Ajahs also. The Plaids are a totally OOC Ajah and if you want more information on them then email me.

Amyrlin Seat

Keeper of the Chronicles

Black Ajah – www.mangaknights.com/dmblackajah
Ajah Head – Julannah Sedai

Its sisters are said to have forsworn all their oaths, and serve only the Shadow. They are rumored to walk the halls of the Tower disguised as members of the other seven Ajahs.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 220

Blue Ajah – www.blueajah.i.am
Ajah Head – Egwainne Sedai

The Blue Ajah is also run by a single very powerful woman, and is perhaps the most influential of the Ajahs, although one of the smaller ones. It’s primary focus is to champion worthy causes (worthy by Aes Sedai standards) and to promote justice. Skilled at political maneuvering, Blues are also able administrators. Since Artur Hawkwing’s time, more Amrylins have been raised from the Blue than any other Ajah.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219

Brown Ajah – www.geocities.com/rayalintiavery/brownajahpg.html
Ajah Head – Karana Sedai

Forsaking Mundane life in general, members of the Brown Ajah are dedicated to seeking and preserving knowledge. The Browns are primarily responsible for the procurement preservation of the vast cache of books and scrolls which make the Tower Library the largest single repository of knowledge in the land. Much that is known of artifacts or New Talents has been dicovered by the Sisters of the Brown Ajah.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219

Gray Ajah – www.grayajah.shacknet.nu
Ajah Head – Marce Sedai

The Gray Ajah are mediators, seeking harmony and consensus. Many kingdoms use Gray Sisters to insure that their treaties with one another will hold. The Gray Ajah are the listeners and the diplomats, the ambassadors and the psychologists.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219-220

Green Ajah – www.greenajah.org
Ajah Head – Lanfir Sedai

The Green Ajah is also known as the Battle Ajah. Their primary goal is to hold themselves ready for Tarmon Gai’don, the Last Battle with the Dark One. Fierce fighters of Shadowspawn, they are also known for their appreciation of men, a trait fairly rare among the other Ajahs. Green Sisters do not believe in limiting themselves to only one Warder. Some have been known to bond three or more at one time. While this fact is sometimes a source of humor among the Sisters of the other Ajahs, it is not an entirely frivolous practice. During the Trolloc Wars the Greens’ additional Warders made a positive difference in battle.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219

Plaid Ajah – www.boltpages.com:8081/pr0phet/plaidajah
Ajah Head – Darren

This is an Ajah exclusive to the DragonMount White Tower. This Ajah is a OOC Ajah and is around to drink Beer and Party.

- Provided by the MoN -

Red Ajah – www.geocities.com/yavannesedai
Ajah Head – Kathrina Sedai

It is known that the Red Ajah’s primary goal is to protect the land from all men who can channel the True Source. They hunt down men who can channel and bring them to the Tower to be gentled. They refuse to bind any Warders, possibly becuase their purpose makes it difficult for them to trust or work closley with any man. The Red Ajah is the largest.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219

White Ajah – www.lunarmagic.farstrider.org/whiteajah
Ajah Head – Lylana Sedai

The White Ajah, unlike all the others, avoid both the world and worldly knowledge. Questions of Philosophy engross them and the search for truths is their all consuming passion.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219

Yellow Ajah – www.crosswinds.net/~yellowajah
Ajah Head – Soraya Sedai

Those Aes Sedai with an especially strong Talent for Healing join the Yellow Ajah. Yellow Sisters are wholly devoted to healing sickness and injury as well finding new cures and new methods of using the One Power to restore health, though in truth, few believe any better method exists than the one known since the Breaking.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219

Below you will find information on the Ajahs at the Tower. You will find listed the link to the Ajah’s Homepage and the list of the members with their rank and email addies. You will also notice that we have 9 Ajahs listed, instead of the normal 7, that is because we have the Black & Plaid Ajahs also. The Plaids are a totally OOC Ajah and if you want more information on them then email me.

Amyrlin Seat

Keeper of the Chronicles

Black Ajah – www.mangaknights.com/dmblackajah
Ajah Head – Julannah Sedai

Its sisters are said to have forsworn all their oaths, and serve only the Shadow. They are rumored to walk the halls of the Tower disguised as members of the other seven Ajahs.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 220

Blue Ajah – www.blueajah.i.am
Ajah Head – Julannah Sedai

The Blue Ajah is also run by a single very powerful woman, and is perhaps the most influential of the Ajahs, although one of the smaller ones. It’s primary focus is to champion worthy causes (worthy by Aes Sedai standards) and to promote justice. Skilled at political maneuvering, Blues are also able administrators. Since Artur Hawkwing’s time, more Amrylins have been raised from the Blue than any other Ajah.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219

Brown Ajah – www.geocities.com/rayalintiavery/brownajahpg.html
Ajah Head – Karana Sedai

Forsaking Mundane life in general, members of the Brown Ajah are dedicated to seeking and preserving knowledge. The Browns are primarily responsible for the procurement preservation of the vast cache of books and scrolls which make the Tower Library the largest single repository of knowledge in the land. Much that is known of artifacts or New Talents has been dicovered by the Sisters of the Brown Ajah.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219

Gray Ajah – www.grayajah.shacknet.nu
Ajah Head – Marce Sedai

The Gray Ajah are mediators, seeking harmony and consensus. Many kingdoms use Gray Sisters to insure that their treaties with one another will hold. The Gray Ajah are the listeners and the diplomats, the ambassadors and the psychologists.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219-220

Green Ajah – www.greenajah.org
Ajah Head – Lanfir Sedai

The Green Ajah is also known as the Battle Ajah. Their primary goal is to hold themselves ready for Tarmon Gai’don, the Last Battle with the Dark One. Fierce fighters of Shadowspawn, they are also known for their appreciation of men, a trait fairly rare among the other Ajahs. Green Sisters do not believe in limiting themselves to only one Warder. Some have been known to bond three or more at one time. While this fact is sometimes a source of humor among the Sisters of the other Ajahs, it is not an entirely frivolous practice. During the Trolloc Wars the Greens’ additional Warders made a positive difference in battle.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219

Plaid Ajah – www.boltpages.com:8081/pr0phet/plaidajah
Ajah Head – Darren

This is an Ajah exclusive to the DragonMount White Tower. This Ajah is a OOC Ajah and is around to drink Beer and Party.

- Provided by the MoN -

Red Ajah – www.geocities.com/yavannesedai
Ajah Head – Yavanne Sedai

It is known that the Red Ajah’s primary goal is to protect the land from all men who can channel the True Source. They hunt down men who can channel and bring them to the Tower to be gentled. They refuse to bind any Warders, possibly becuase their purpose makes it difficult for them to trust or work closley with any man. The Red Ajah is the largest.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219

White Ajah – www.lunarmagic.farstrider.org/whiteajah
Ajah Head – Lylana Sedai

The White Ajah, unlike all the others, avoid both the world and worldly knowledge. Questions of Philosophy engross them and the search for truths is their all consuming passion.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219

Yellow Ajah – www.crosswinds.net/~yellowajah
Ajah Head – Soraya Sedai

Those Aes Sedai with an especially strong Talent for Healing join the Yellow Ajah. Yellow Sisters are wholly devoted to healing sickness and injury as well finding new cures and new methods of using the One Power to restore health, though in truth, few believe any better method exists than the one known since the Breaking.

-The Wheel of Time-
By R. Jordan page 219

The Emperor goes to the Movies

Top Movies at the Box Office this Week

This    Last              Film
Week  Week            Title

1.     -        Driven
2.     1        Bridget Jone’s Diary
3.     2        Spy Kids
4.     3        Along Came a Spider
5.     4        Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles
6.     6        Blow
7.     -        Town and Country
8.     -        The Forsaken
9.     7        Joe Dirt
10.   5        Freddie Got Fingered

Review of The Mummy Returns

Cast: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, Patricia Velazquez, Oded Fehr, John Hannah, Dwayne Johnson

Synopsis: The Mummy Returns is set in 1935, 10 years after the events of the first film. Rick O’Connell (Fraser) is now married to Evelyn (Weisz), and the couple has settled in London, where they are raising their 9-year-old son Alex (played by screen newcomer Freddie Boath). When a chain of events finds the corpse of Imhotep (Vosloo) resurrected in the British Museum, the mummy Imhotep walks the earth once more, determined to fulfill his quest for immortality. But another force has also been set loose on the world… one born of the darkest rituals of ancient Egyptian mysticism, and even more powerful than Imhotep. When these two forces clash, the fate of the world will hang in the balance, sending the O’Connells on a desperate race to save the world from unspeakable evil, and rescue their son before it is too late.

Review: After waiting 15 minutes for the theatre to fill and everyone to quiet down, the lights finally dimmed.  I was happy to finally sit down a movie I had been wanting to see, and not one I forced myself to see.  2 hours and some odd minutes later, I walked out of the theatre, again happy I ventured out to the movies that evening.  The movie was excellent.  The special effects in this sequel blew away the original and overall the plot was not to bad.  If you can get passed some bad dialogue that seemed to creep up from time to time, then you will enjoy this movie.

Rating:  If you enjoyed the first Mummy movie, then you must go see this one.  It is setting up the plot for the last installment, The Scorpion King, which is due out in theatres sometime next year.  I gave the movie 3 and a half herons for its great special effects and taking a chance on The Rock to portray their new addition to the Mummy chronicles.

Entertainment News:

The Scorpion King: Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson is talking about his upcoming Mummy Returns prequel, The Scorpion King. Here is what he had to say about getting the part: “My agent is like, ‘Hey, they really like what they see, and it’s a thought right now that they might make a movie surrounding the Scorpion King’s life.’ I couldn’t believe it.”  He also went on to comment about what the third movie will be about: It’s 10 years before The Mummy Returns, and before he became a king, he was an Egyptian hit man. The first couple of scenes you see his brother murdered in front of him. That is the last of his family. So he takes an oath to kill the sorcerer who sees the outcome of every battle.”  Lastly he was asked if would use his WWF trademark eyebrow in the upcoming film and he replied, “I will always take care of the Rock fans.”

Spiderman: Can’t wait to see the new Spiderman trailer?  Well you must wait a few months longer.  Word is that the first real trailer will not be released until July and that it will show footage of fights between the Green Goblin and Spiderman. Fear not I have a little something that should tide you over.  Click here to see some test footage for the trailer.

Rental Picks:

I saw 28 days with Sandra Bullock the other day and was surprised to find that I kind of liked it.  I suggest watching this one when it hits your cable movie channels.  At the moment, I am anxiously awaited the DVD release of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon due out next month (I can’t say enough good stuff about this movie *g*).

Guess that Quote: (Answer will be announced next week)

Now you see that evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.

Last Weeks Quote: “Empire had the better ending. Luke gets his hand cut off, finds out Vader is his father, uh, Han gets frozen, taken away by Boba Fett. It ends on such a down note. I mean, that’s what life is, a series of down endings. All “Jedi” had was a bunch of Muppets.” – Clerks

Want to really test your movie knowledge?  Check out the Emperor’s Movie Quiz.

The Emperor goes to the Movies

Top Movies at the Box Office this Week

This    Last              Film
Week  Week            Title

1.     -        American Pie 2
2.     1        Rush Hour 2
3.     3        The Princess Diaries
4.     -        The Others
5.     2        The Planet of the Apes
6.     4        Jurassic Park III
7.     -        Osmosis Jones
8.     5        America’s Sweethearts
9.     7        Legally Blonde
10.   6        Original Sin

.

Review of American Pie 2

Cast: Jason Biggs,  Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Natasha Lyonne, Eugene Levy

Synopsis: The sequel to American Pie, one of the biggest grossing teen comedies ever. The script for the sequel was completely reworked by Adam Herz, the writer of the original. The action takes place one year after high school, when Kevin arranges for a reunion of sorts at a Lake Michigan beach house. Oz’s girlfriend is in Paris studying, and he must resist different forms of temptation, which no doubt often come in the form of nubile young women. Nadia returns from the Czech Republic to put the moves on easily embarrassed Jim, who of course gets lots of advice from his easygoing dad. The rest of the crew has romantic and other entanglements to deal with, too.

Review: If you saw the first movie then you already know what most the comedy and plot will be for this one.  The comedy failed to catch me off guard like it did the first time around. I do suggest that you avoid going to this movie with your parents (my brother went to the first movie with my mom and I am not sure how he survived the famous ‘pie’ scene.  Luckily the second movie tied up all the loose ends that were left at the end of the first movie…. wait a minute, there were none.  All I can say about the movie is that I wish my dad was as cool as the one in this movie (nono…. I didn’t get caught at anything Jason Biggs did in the movies…).

Rating: Its a sequel.  That about wraps that up.  I gave the movie 2 heron marks for trying to live up to the first and making me laugh at some points.  It could have been far worse and as long as they don’t try to make a third movie I will be happy.

Worth: $3.25

Rentals:

This is your chance to get your name up in the column. Send in a short synopsis and review (a paragraph) to Emperor@dragonmount.com and I will put it in my column.  Try to get them in by Thursday night of every week.

Entertainment News:

Superman & Batman: Seems that the plan have been scrapped for the Batman Beyond movie and they are going to put the two superheroes together in a feature film.  There are a lot of rumors surrounding the project dealing with John Travlota from him playing the new Superman to being the newest villain.

Spy Jam:  Yes it seems Jackie Chan is teaming up with Bugs Bunny in the sequel to Space Jam.  “My managers are negotiating. I like cartoons. It would be very, very fun,” said Chan.

Guess that Quote: (Answer will be announced next week)

“You have to set an example even in the face of stupidity. Now everyone who reads comic books knows that the Kirby Silver Surfer is the only TRUE Silver Surfer, now am I right or wrong?”

Last Week’s Quote:  “I’m a seeker too. But my dreams aren’t like yours. I can’t help thinking that somewhere in the universe there has to be something better than man. Has to be.” – The Planet of the Apes (1974)

Want to really test your movie knowledge?  Check out the Emperor’s Movie Quiz.

I am going to take this moment to recognize the top 5 scores each week from my movie quiz.  These people really know their stuff.

Emperor Movie Quiz High Scores

1. Cale  – 250

2. Nadoc Karede – 210

3. Inali – 170

4. Moon Fire – 120

5. Daelrikesh – 110

The Emperor goes to the Movies

Top Movies at the Box Office this Week

This    Last                Film
Week  Week              Title

1.     3        Bridget Jone’s Diary
2.     1        Spy Kids
3.     2        Along Came a Spider
4.     -        Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles
5.     -        Freddy Got Fingered
6.     5        Blow
7.     4        Joe Dirt
8.     6        Kingdom Come
9.     7        Josie and the Pussycats
10.   9        Enemy at the Gates

The Emperor did not make it to the movies this week. I apologize for this but I couldn’t find one movie worth watching that I haven’t seen already.  I would appreciate any suggestions on movies to go view.

Entertainment News:

Star Trek V: Scott Bakula might be taking over the Captain’s seat in the next season of Star Trek. It is rumored that the fifth season of Star Trek will be called Enterprise.

Wonder Woman: Yes a Wonder Woman movie is in the works and guess who has been approached to take on the role… WWF Superstar Chyna (Joanie Laurer).  Here is what she had to say about it: “I grew up watching Lynda Carter and I used to think that she was so beautiful – I loved her. When I went to the recent MTV Awards, I wore red, white and blue, which prompted everyone to ask if I was planning on becoming Wonder Woman…The more they asked, the more I realized what a good idea it would be.”

Batman: Year One: The rumor flying around is that George Clooney might take on the role once more in the new Batman movie.  However many believe this to be false for a few reasons.  First, he made fun of himself in Batman and Robin.  Also, the movie is going to focus on a young Bruce Wayne somewhere in his min 20’s as he first discovers his alter ego.

Rental Picks:

I finally saw Almost Famous and I must say it was not as bad as I had thought it was going to be.  Therefore, my rental choice for this week will be Almost Famous.

Guess that Quote: (Answer will be announced next week)

This weeks Quote: “Empire had the better ending. Luke gets his hand cut off, finds out Vader is his father, uh, Han gets frozen, taken away by Boba Fett. It ends on such a down note. I mean, that’s what life is, a series of down endings. All “Jedi” had was a bunch of Muppets.”

“We’re on double-secret probation, whatever that is. We can’t afford to have a toga party.” – Animal House

Want to really test your movie knowledge?  Check out the Emperor’s Movie Quiz.

The Emperor goes to the Movies

Top Movies at the Box Office this Week

This    Last                Film
Week  Week               Title
1.     1        Spy Kids
2.     2        Along Came a Spider
3.     -        Bridget Jone’s Diary
4.     -        Joe Dirt
5.     3        Blow
6.     -        Kingdom Come
7.     -        Josie and the Pussycats
8.     4        Pokemon:The Movie 3
9.     7        Enemy at the Gates
10.   5        Someone Like You

Review of Along Came A Spider

Cast:

Morgan Freeman, Monica Potter, Michael Wincott, Penelope Ann Miller, Michael Moriarty, Dylan Baker

Plot:

Morgan Freeman reprises his role as Alex Cross, the Washington, D.C. police detective and forensic psychologist, on the trail of what could be the most puzzling criminal mind he’s encountered yet. The film is an adaptation of James Patterson’s highly acclaimed first novel in the Alex Cross series.

Critique:

Have you ever heard the book was better than the movie. Once again this was proven in Along Came a Spider. I have read the whole Alex Cross series and was disappointed because a few key people had been left out. However, I thought the movie was great. The movie did a good job of never slowing down and staying one step ahead of me. It was almost a perfect example a of a Hollywood movie on the big screen.

Rating:

Excellent. I am giving this film 3 heron marks and suggest it to anyone that likes a good edge of the seat movie. It is a movie I can see more than once and still be entertained.

Movie News:

Superman Lives: Screenwriter Paul Attanasio (Disclosure) has been paid 3.4 million to come up with the new plot to the long awaited movie that was slated to come out in 1998. There are even rumors the the orginal director intended for the project, Tim Burton, may still direct the movie.

Dr. Who coming to the big screen: Yes the TV classic will be coming to the big screen sometime in the future. However, Hugh Grant’s publicist denied the Grant would be starring as the Doctor. (Man, I hope they don’t mess up this one. I used to watch
this show alot as a kid.)

Freddy’s back: There is rumor of, yes, another Nightmare on Elm Street film being made. The script is reportedly a prequel, and would show Freddy Krugher in the story before he became the nightmare terror. However there is no official word of whether Robert Englund with put on the glove once more.

80’s Flashback: With the success of bringing Charlie’s Angels to the big screen, there are rumors that the hit TV show Miami Vice may be in the works.

Indiana Jones 4: Yes, Harrison Ford has stated that its a good possibility that he will return once again to make the forth installment of the Jones saga. He is quoted as saying, “Yes, it’s true. Still up for doing a fourth Indiana Jones adventure, which producer Lucas set up at Paramount.” Expect to see the movie sometime in 2004.

Rental Picks:

Unless you just have to see Elizabeth Hurley dressed up in skimpy outfits (down Michael down *g*), there is really no reason to rent Bedazzled. I myself fell asleep about halfway through. I do suggest picking up the movie Lost Souls if you are in the mood for a good scare.

Guess that Quote: (Answer will be announced next week)

“We’re on double-secret probation, whatever that is. We can’t afford to have a toga party.”

From Last Week: “You’re so — you’re so money, and you don’t even know it.” – Swingers

Want to really test your movie knowledge?  Check out the Emperor’s Movie Quiz.

The Emperor goes to the Movies

Top Movies at the Box Office this Week

This    Last                Film
Week  Week               Title
1.     -        Heartbreakers
2.     -        The Brothers
3.     1       Exit Wounds
4.     2       Enemy at the Gates
5.     3       The Mexican
6.     6       Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
7.     10     Traffic
8.     4        See Spot Run
9.     9        Chocolat
10.   -        Say It Isn’t So

Review of  Enemy at the Gates

Cast:
Jude Law, Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Bob Hoskins, Ron Perlman

Plot:
Based on a true World War II story, Enemy at the Gates stars Jude Law as Russian sniper Vassili Zaitsev, who is killing dozens of Nazi soldiers in the ruined city of Stalingrad. In response, the Germans dispatch their top shot, Major Konig (Ed Harris), to exterminate Vassili. The two snipers face off in a thrilling fight to the death.

Critique:
Jude Law does an outstanding job portraying his character but the movie was based on a plot that was drawn out way to long.  The movie is based on a true story and gives the audience an insight into Germany’s invasion into Russia.  The love story seemed to be rushed and seemed to be lacking something.  The director would have been better off focusing more of the two men’s struggle with each other.  All in all it was a good movie but one I will not return to the theaters to see again or own when it comes out on video.

Rating:
I give this movie two and a half heron marks.  This is probably one of the better movies out in theaters at the moment.

Movie News:

Batman 5 – Yes, they are making a new one.  Jack Nicholson is returning as the Clown himself, the Joker.  Look for it Summer of 2003.

Superman Lives – There is not much to report here.  It looks like Nicholas Cage will not be playing to caped man anymore but the people at Warner Brothers are now focusing their sights on Russel Crowe.  Also there are rumors that Kevin Spacey might star as his nemisis, Lex Luther.

Tron 2.0 – It seems that a screenplay is being written now to follow up the 1982 film (about time).

Star Wars Episode II – George Lucas is doing everything he can to make sure that the next movie surpasses Episode I.  The plot will revolve around Obi-Wan and his apprentice Anakin (of course).  It will involve the introduction of a new baddie, Darth Tyranus.  Expect to see less Jar Jar, more Obi-Wan, the emergence of a Bobba-Fett character and by the end of the movie, the beginning of the Clone Wars.

Rental Picks:
For all those Disney lovers out there, check out Lady and the Tramp 2. A good romantic movie to pick up is Return to Me.

Guess that Quote: (Answer will be announced next week)

“I eat breakfast 300 yards from 4000 Cubans who are trained to kill me, so don’t think for one second that you can come down here, flash a badge, and make me nervous.”

From Last Week: “And though I love his honor, ’tis but a shadow to the love I bear him.” – Rob Roy

The Emperor goes to the Movies

Top Movies at the Box Office this Week

This    Last                Film
Week  Week               Title
1.     -        Exit Wounds
2.     -        Enemy at the Gates
3.     3        The Mexican
4.     3        See Spot Run
5.     2        15 Minutes
6.     6        Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
7.     5        Down to Earth
8.     4        Hannibal
9.     8        Traffic
10.   9        Chocolat

Review of  Traffic

Cast:
Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, Michael Douglas, Luis Guzman, Dennis Quaid, Catherine Zeta-Jones (and a whole bunch of cameos)

Plot:
A modern story set in the world of drug trafficking which focuses on the high stakes and high risks of the drug trade.  The movie focuses on a series of interconnected plots, some of which are very personal and some of which are filled with thrill and danger.

Critique:
Many movies today gives us a nice two hour vacation away from real life.  We can sit and watch our heroin come close to death and in the end find a way to leave us with a happy ending.  We go home feeling entertained.  Few movies address problems that happen in real life and even fewer can display it like Traffic did.  All in all this is an outstanding film, one I would return to see again in the theaters.

Rating:
This movie should help people realize that drugs and drug use are a very serious problem we deal with in today’s society.  At the very least the film might help a parent realize that they need to pay more attention to their children and take an active part in their life.  I give the film 3 heron marks.  This movie is for all audiences and has a very important message to convey to anyone watching.

Movie News:
Its Oscar time.  Here are my picks for what I think will win on Oscar night (March 25th):

Actor-Leading: Russell Crow – Gladiator
Actor-Supporting: Benicio Del Toro – Traffic
Actress-Leading: Julia Roberts – Erin Brockovich
Actress-Supporting – Kate Hudson – Almost Famous
Best Movie – Gladiator

Lets see if I am right about these picks.  Personally I think Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Gladiator will take home the most awards.

Rental Picks:
Since nothing is good out on new release I thought I would pick out some golden oldies that would be a nice choice on a quiet evening.  If you want something that will keep you up at night and scare the crap out of you, rent Event Horizon. I watched this movie just the other night and it still gives me chills (and I am a fan of good horror movies).  Do you have a weird sense of humor and like good dialogue, check out the Kevin Smith movies: Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy and Dogma.  You do not have to watch these in order but I suggest checking them out if you get a chance.  Have you watched Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and demand more martial arts films.  Check out these awesome titles: Romeo Must Die, Fists of Legend, The Matrix (who hasn’t seen this though) and Rumble in the Bronx (make sure to watch the credits).

Guess that Quote: (Answer will be announced next week)

“And though I love his honor, ’tis but a shadow to the love I bear him.” (I will be quite impressed if people email me with answers *g*)

From Last Week: “Fifty pounds? A very worthy sum on a very worthy question. Can a play show us the very truth and nature of love? I bear witness to the wager, and will be the judge of it as occasion arises. Though I’ve seen nothing to settle it yet.” – Shakespeare in Love

The Emperor goes to the Movies

Top Movies at the Box Office this Week

This    Last                Film
Week  Week               Title
1.     1        The Mexican
2.     -        15 Minutes
3.     3        See Spot Run
4.     2        Hannibal
5.     4        Down to Earth
6.     5        Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
7.     -        Get Over It
8.     6        Traffic
9.     7        Chocolat
10.   8        Recess: Schools Out

Review of  The Mexican

Cast:
Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, James Gandolfini (that boss guy from The Sopranos), J.K. Simmons, Bob Balaban, Sherman Augustus

Plot:
Jerry (Brad Pitt) is one of the most inept criminals to walk the face of the Earth.  His girlfriend put it best when she told him he “Forrest Gump his way” through things.  Anyway he gets tangled up with the mob and is given a task in order to pay off his debt which entails finding a pistol down south called “The Mexican”.  His psycho-babbling girlfriend (Julia Roberts) doesn’t want him to have anything to do with this job and they part their separate ways.  Jerry finds the pistol with ease but getting it home is alot harder.

Critique:
Wow, Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt together in the same movie.  Something for everyone right?  Not hardly…  I went to the theater not knowing what to expect and came out glad that I went.  Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts both did a good job at portraying their characters as long as they were not in the same scene together.  In my opinion James Gandolfini stole the show.  He proved once again that even a hitman can have a heart.  He kept me laughing and made the movie worthwhile to watch. One of the biggest turnoffs to this movie was that is was very long, however, it was not quite as long as one of Justen’s weekly Spymaster Report rants.

Rating:
I give this movie two thumbs up.  Wait that’s not how we rate movies here…erm… (scrolls back to the Heron Rating System).  I give this movie two and a half herons.  It kept me entertained and is worth having a look at if you have the time.

Movie News:
It seems the hip thing to do these days is to create a sequel that will never live up to the original.  Among the upcoming sequels we can expect to see The Mummy Returns, Dr. Dolittle 2, American Pie 2, Rush Hour 2, Scary Movie 2, and even a Stuart Little 2.  I can tell you one thing, I will be saving my money for the upcoming Spiderman and Pearl Harbor (my money is on this one for best picture next year).

Rental Picks:
If you are in the mood for a thriller with a twist, check out What Lies Beneath.  This movie is good for a date cause it will keep your girlfriend hugging close to you but at the same time is not so scary that it will keep you up at night.  If you like car chases and….er…more car chases, rent Gone in 60 Seconds and you will not be disappointed.

Guess that Quote: (Answer will be announced next week)

“Fifty pounds? A very worthy sum on a very worthy question. Can a play show us the very truth and nature of love? I bear witness to the wager, and will be the judge of it as occasion arises. Though I’ve seen nothing to settle it yet.”

From last week: “What have you been doing with your life?” “Uhhh, professional killer.” “Oh? Good for you, it’s a … growth industry.” - Grosse Point Blank (Jesikha, Gilgalad, Davrem and errr…one other person who will remain anonymous {because I can’t remember who contacted me *g*} for seeking me out with the answer)

The Emperor goes to the Movies

Top Movies at the Box Office this Week

This    Last              Film
Week  Week            Title

1.     -        Cats and Dogs
2.     -        Scary Movie 2
3.     1 A.I.: Artificial Intelligence
4.     -        Kiss of the Dragon
5.     2        The Fast and the Furious
6.     3        Dr. Dolittle 2
7.     5        Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
8.     7        Shrek
9.     6        Atlantis: The Lost Empire
10.   5        Baby Boy

Well this week has been crazy but I made time to see two movies.  Both movies I enjoyed thoroughly and I am glad that even though I moved across the country, movie theatres still accept my student I.D. so I can get my discounts *g*.

Review of Swordfish

Cast: John Travolta, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Vinnie Jones, Don Cheadle, Camryn Grimes

Synopsis: The world’s most dangerous spy (John Travolta) is hired by the CIA to make a deal with a hacker just released from prison. The charismatic spy must convince the hacker to help steal $6 billion in unused government funds in order for the CIA to give him custody of his daughter.

Review: I went to this movie with no expectations and not even knowing what it would be about.  Nothing else appealed to me and the previews I had seen had really done nothing for me.  The movie was excellent.  The special effects and action was first rate.  The plot kept me on the edge of the seat, wondering what would happen next and how the main character, played by Hugh Jackman, would get out of his next predicament.   The ending was something I sort of saw coming but surprised me nonetheless.

Rating: Swordfish earned 3 heron marks from this reviewer and I urge the reader to check this movie out before it leaves the big screen.

Review of The Fast and the Furious

Cast: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Rick Yune, Chad Lindberg

Synopsis: Loosely based on a Vibe magazine article, the movie is set in Los Angeles, where street youth gangs adapt Japanese sports cars into muscle cars and race them illegally. The two main plots of the movie are a Romeo and Juliet scenario about lovers from rival gangs and an undercover investigation of the highjacking ring.

Review: Point Break meets Gone in Sixty Seconds.  That is the movie in a nutshell.  If it were not for the great action and the good music, I would have left the movie disappointed.  A word of advice:  when leaving the theatre after viewing this film, be wary of police for you will want to speed and race everyone you encounter *g*.

Rating: This movie earned 2 and a half heron marks not for the overdone plot but for Vin Diesel and the way he handled a car.

Rentals:

I opened this up last week to you, the readers, to submit things you have seen on video/DVD.  However I still have not received any reviews.  Send in a short synopsis and review (a paragraph) to Emperor@dragonmount.com and I will put it in my column.  Try to get them in by Thursday night of every week.

Entertainment News:

Spiderman:  The teaser trailer is finally coming to theatres this Wednesday, July 11 and will be out with Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. The trailer will also be out on the internet for viewing this Friday at Spiderman Trailer.

Star Trek X Nemesis: The Coming Soon site has a source that says that Sean Connery will be playing the main villain in the last feature film to star the Next Generation cast.

Indiana Jones 4:  PageSix.com has reported that Paramount has given the green light for the new film to hire a screen writer for this next installment in the Jone’s chronicles.  Paramount is worried that the $150 million dollar budget might be a bit much though.

Guess that Quote: (Answer will be announced next week)

“I dreamed of you. I dreamed you were wandering in the dark, and so was I. We found each other. We found each other in the dark.”

Last Weeks Quote: “Stop a couple of angels from entering and thus negating all existence. I hate when people need it spelled out for them.” – Dogma

Want to really test your movie knowledge?  Check out the Emperor’s Movie Quiz.

I am going to take this moment to recognize the top 5 scores each week from my movie quiz.  These people really know their stuff.

Emperor Movie Quiz High Scores

1. Cale  – 200

2. Inali – 160

3. Nadoc Karede – 140

4. Daelrikesh – 110

5. Da Masta – 100