Category Archives: Immortality

Professor Lawrence Doner is probably the most brilliant man I ever met. I was working in Washington D.C. in 1966 and a bunch of us had traveled out to NASAs Goddard Space Center in Greenbelt, Maryland for several lectures.

We wanted to find out if it would be possible to capture Doners brain patterns on a computer. Our group was led by Martin Schramm, a mathematician from the Defense Department, whose assignment was to preserve Professor Doners brain patterns for posterity. Doner was dying from leukemia. Schramms challenge was, could a computer somehow become or impersonate a human being?

OK, my introduction here was make-believe. Todays column is about the message in Project Immortality, a television play by Loring Mandel broadcast on June 11, 1959, as part of the CBS television series, Playhouse 90.

The plot is what I described in my first paragraphs. Then, seven years later in 1966, Mandels play was in production at Arena Stage, one of the nations preeminent regional professional theaters, where I was the publicity director.

The trip to the Goddard Space Center was real. Our entire theater company bused out to Goddard to familiarize ourselves with the world of computer programming capacity.

For me, Project Immortality remains an early expression of concern about the beginnings of artificial intelligence. The play explores the idea of coding a persons thinking into a computer and raises questions about identity and what can be programmed.

As artificial intelligence has grown more sophisticated and widespread, the voices warning against the potential dangers of artificial intelligence grow louder.

Geoffrey Hinton, the Godfather of AI, recently resigned from Google following the rapid rise of ChatGPT and other chatbots, so he could freely speak out about the risks of AI, he told the New York Times. Hinton, who helped lay the groundwork for todays generative AI, was an engineering fellow at Google for over a decade. According to the Times, a part of him regrets his lifes work after seeing the danger generative AI poses. He worries about misinformation; that the average person will not be able to know what is true anymore. He also fears that AIs ability to automate tasks will replace not just drudge work, but upend the entire job market.

Without regulation or transparency, companies risk losing control of a potent technology. I dont think they should scale this up more until they have understood whether they can control it, said Hinton.

I am reminded of Robert Oppenheimer, in charge of the Manhattan Project and known as the father of the atomic bomb, who watched the first atomic bomb explode on July 16, 1945. He later remarked that the explosion brought to his mind words from the Hindu scripture BhagavadGita: Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, one of the most advanced AI research companies, has acknowledged that the company is scared of the risks posed by its chatbot system, ChatGPT. Weve got to be careful here, he said in an interview with ABC News, mentioning the potential for AI to produce misinformation.

Thats yet another expert calling for AI development to hit the pause button. Then there is Stephen Hawkings chilling statement: The development of artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.

Like the subway, AI is a public good, given its capacity to complete tasks far more efficiently than human operators. Today, there are tons of applications and uses of artificial intelligence in various fields such as in marketing, health care, banking, finance, etc.

But both its benefits and dangers will affect everyone, even people who dont personally use AI. For example, misinformation and fake news already pose serious threats to democracies, but AI has the potential to exacerbate the problem by spreading fake news faster and more effectively than people can.

In his program notes at Arena Stage 57 years ago, Loring Mandel wrote, If we define Man as one who learns, we can point to computers which also learn and continuously improve their performance without human help. If we define Man as one who propagates his race in his own image, we can point to computerized machines which reproduce themselves endlessly, like the bewitched broom stick in The Sorcerers Apprentice. If we define Man from Machine in terms of ultimate control over his creation, we may be up the creek yet again.

His closing words for Project Immortality were Theres much less to fear from making machines into humans that from making humans into machines.

John Bos has been trying to come to grips with what has happened to America over the past eight decades by Connecting the Dots, published every other Saturday in the Recorder. He is also a contributing writer for Green Energy Times. Questions and comments may be sent to john01370@gmail.com.

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The Recorder - Connecting the Dots: Project Immortality - The Recorder

"Does anyone know where the love of God goes

When the waves turn the minutes to hours?"

That evocative lyric some claim it to be the greatest in popular music comes from Gordon Lightfoots epic retelling of a Lake Superior disaster, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which Lightfoot regarded as his greatest work.

Which is saying something. Lightfoot, who died on May 1 at age 84, was a prolific writer and performer, with at least 20 albums released in a career that made him a national icon in his native Canada.

Sundown, an invocation of jealousy and desire inspired by the woman who would go on to inject comedian John Belushi with his fatal overdose, topped the U.S. charts in 1974, a height Fitzgerald narrowly missed.

But Lightfoots 1976 saga of the giant freighters shipwreck barely a year earlier achieved something greater a level of immortality for the Edmund Fitzgeralds 29 crew members, all of whom perished in the sinking.

Lightfoots enduring song has preserved the Fitzgerald disaster from obscurity; it will always part of the legend of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee.

Which is no small part of the troubadour tradition telling the stories, preserving the legends, transmitting the history. It is music as journalism and history. Lightfoot took seriously the responsibility of telling the shipwreck story as accurately as artistically possible; at least twice he revised the lyrics for his live performances to be more factually correct.

Lightfoots song tells of ringing the church bells in Detroit 29 times to honor the lost men of the ship. On May 2, the Mariners Church rang the bells 30 times once for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald, with one more for for the songwriter who chronicled their passing. It was a fitting tribute to all.

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Opinion: Gordon Lightfoot | The immortality of a shipwreck - News Courier

The following contains spoilers for Joe Fixit #5, on sale now from Marvel Comics.

One of the most intriguing debates in the Marvel Universe has always been if the Hulk can be killed. Many of Bruce Banner's foes tried time and time again but to no avail. Even in his human form, it was hard for Bruce Banner to hurt himself, with the Jade Giant inside protecting his very essence.

The movies and cartoons have touched on this as well, painting the Green Goliath as truly indestructible. Interestingly, Joe Fixit #5 (by Peter David, Yldray nar, Dee Cunniffe and VC's Ariana Maher) is now dissecting this very topic. And surprisingly, it's a classic Spider-Man enemy who pulls it off (albeit temporarily).

RELATED: Hulk Vs. Juggernaut: Who Is the Stronger Marvel Powerhouse, Really?

In this Grey Hulk backstory from Joe's early years as a mob enforcer, he gets caught in the crossfire of a gangster civil war in Las Vegas. While Joe is simply trying to protect his casino, Kingpin sends goons after him as Spider-Man tries to keep the peace. Unfortunately, for Joe, Electro is one of Kingpin's thugs, and he has exactly what he needs to take him out.

By absorbing all the power from the Las Vegas Strip, he's able to stop Joe's heart. It leaves Spider-Man stunned, as he didn't think Joe could be felled like this. It's surprisingly quick and effective, but as the battle rolls on, Joe's healing factor kicks in. He's revived, and along with the Wall-Crawler, they take their enemies out. This might seem like a trivial moment, but it does speak to the nature of the Hulk and an important run that came years after this story.

RELATED: Hulk: Why the Jade Avenger's Latest Series Had to End Early

Al Ewing's Immortal Hulk dissected Hulk's powers on a more nuanced level, linking gamma to the mystical Green Door. In that run, Hulk couldn't die. It's why the Leader wanted to control Hulk, leading to the creation of the Titan Hulk. Joe was responsible for piloting Bruce's body during the daytime, admitting he knew more about death than he was letting on. The Grey Hulk is physically weaker than the others. This means he has to rely on his wits more, making him smarter and perhaps the most important Hulk.

Ultimately, Hulk's immortality it's still a tough code to crack, and one many villains also struggle to discern. That's why it's so ironic that Electro got the job done temporarily -- as it's a villain no one would ever expect to murder Joe. Still, with Bruce free of Titan Hulk (for now), should Joe return, there might be more secrets revealed from those early days. It might link to the many deaths over the years, and provide insight into if Hulk can someday pass on, without a puppet master or the Green Door still tethered to his soul.

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A Classic Spider-Man Villain Almost Killed the Hulk - CBR - Comic Book Resources

Keanu Reeves Is Immortal? Heres Why Fans Believe In This Absurd Conspiracy Theory ( Photo Credit Instagram )

Hollywood is more or less like an enigma that has several layers and plot twists. There are several conspiracy theories that revolve around some of the biggest stars of the industry. Ironically, they are aware of it, and most of the time, they do not deny it! A major theory that has been doing rounds for ages now is that Keanu Reeves is immortal. Theres an entire website dedicated to the speculation, and its not just to do with how gracefully the stat is ageing. So, how did this conspiracy theory begin? For further details, scroll on!

There is a website called Keanuisimmortal, run by Davide. During his conversation with Vulture in 2020, he shared why so many people believed in the conspiracy theory of John Wick star Keanu Reeves being immortal. For starters, back in almost 2010, Reddit shared a thread where it was mentioned that the actor looked pretty similar to the French actor Paul Mounet, who died in 1922, but apparently, his body was never found. As per Davide, In 2010, someone edited his Wikipedia page so that it read, He currently acts under the pseudonym of Keanu Reeves. The source of his eternal youth is not known.

Another interesting theory suggests that Charlemagne or Charles the Great (747AD 814 AD), a member of the Carolingian dynasty, has an uncanny resemblance to Keanu Reeves. Also, just like Mounet, Charlemagnes death was also quite suspicious. As per Davide, He crowned his son just before dying (just like he knew he was going to die) and secondly, his burial was rushed during cold weather, this is a clear hint that they needed to bury a body to not raise any suspicion.

To make things more complicated and interesting, Keanu once appeared on the Jimmy Fallon talk show and said that he was aware of the theory and the website. But, he neither denied nor accepted the claims.

Ironically, Keanus movie choices include Bill & Ted, Bram Strokers Dracula, and Matrix, which are based on cosmic powers, time travel and high-intensity science fiction. Also, the actor has always sounded wiser than his age, which makes the conspiracy theory believers assume that he is actually more than his current biological age.

Let us know what you think of the theory and for more such news, stay tuned to Koimoi.

Must Read: Quentin Tarantino Decided To Never Give A Single Penny To His Mother After A Childhood Insult & Said She Was B*tching At Me

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Keanu Reeves Wont Ever Die! A Conspiracy Theory Of His Immortality By Fans Brings Up An Uncanny Resemblance To A Centuries-Old King, His Graceful...

Ilkay Gundogans final act as a Manchester City player could be to lift the Champions League trophy in June. Only part of that scenario would delight Pep Guardiola. If the sight of his captain with the silverware that has eluded him throughout his time at City would realise a long-held ambition, the prospect of his imminent departure would not.

Barcelonas reputation as the natural home of passers owes something to Guardiola and his influence. It may yet prove Gundogans destination when his City contract expires in the summer; perhaps with the perfect goodbye in Istanbul to end a seven-year odyssey. He has a high-profile date with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday. He could have others in Clasicos next season.

Guardiolas persuasive powers were apparent when the German became his first signing in England. The next couple of months could illustrate if they remain intact. Its not necessary today for him to perform really well and score two goals to know exactly how I enjoy all this time working with him and how Id like to work with him in the future, he said. Also the club is involved in that and knows my opinion.

Briefly, Guardiolas opinion on Saturday was critical. He was, Gundogan said, mad at both the midfielder and Erling Haaland after the striker gifted him a penalty to complete a hat-trick. The precision of a technician was apparent when Gundogan completed 170 passes, the most by any player in a Premier League match this season; it temporarily deserted him when he struck the post with his spot kick. And yet his manager cannot remain mad at him for long. Like Bernardo Silva, another Barcelona have often admired, he tends to make Guardiola gush.

He is so intelligent, Gundo, explained the Spaniard. So clever. So competitive. Under pressure he handles it without a problem. Hes one of the best players I ever trained in my career. The whole package. Hes top. Top class.

Guardiola was effusive in his praise of Gundogan (REUTERS)

The list of high-quality footballers Guardiola has managed is sufficiently illustrious and suitably well-known to make it meaningful. If some of his compliments can feel exaggerated, this probably isnt: the criteria are his and Gundogan is his type of footballer. It earns him the admiration of his teammates. He is such a calm, cool and collected player that it makes your job easier as well, said Rico Lewis. Manuel Akanji also highlighted Gundogans class as a passer. I think he is the best player I have ever played the possession game with, said the defender. I feel like he has eyes in the back of his head, really. it just looks so effortless. He does a turn and it looks so easy. He could do with it with his eyes closed.

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That footballing intelligence is part of his ability as a distributor. And yet the transformation in Gundogans City career he spent some of the first half of it as a conundrum, neither a natural defensive midfielder nor as obviously attacking as Kevin de Bruyne is partly because Guardiola has helped a passer become a scorer.

His last two braces tell different tales, each involving his reading of the game to identify the space. He struck twice in open play as the anchorman against Leeds on Saturday, taking advantage of their defensiveness to arrive in an area ahead of their midfield, but in shooting distance on the edge of the box. Two curled finishes were laser-guided.

A rather more famous double came on the final day of last season and won the title: this was the man with the enviable ability on the ball reinvented as the off-the-ball runner, with Lampard-like bursts into the box and a calmness in front of goal that reflects his character. That reinvention explains why he has 34 goals in his last three seasons, after only 22 in the previous four.

Gundogan has added goals to his game under Guardiola (AP)

He scored the goals that decided the Premier League in 2022; a burst of goals proved catalytic in securing the title a year earlier. But Guardiola arrowed in on the 2018-19 run-in, when he assumed a different role. I remember the second Premier League here, that Fernandinho was injured for a long time and he [Gundogan] played as a holding midfielder in games like Burnley, long balls, second balls and he played [wow]. I had the feeling that without him we wouldnt be able to win the Premier League, he said.

He assumed those duties again on Saturday. If it was another vote of no confidence in Kalvin Phillips, Gundogan is a purists player; the Guardiola and Barcelona school of thought can fetishise the No 6, to savour the thought of 170 passes more than two goals.

A love of his talent has brought Champions League missteps in the past, whether fielding him as a right winger at Anfield in 2018 or a holding player in the 2021 final. He will be central in the Bernabeu on Tuesday, playing as a No 8 again. He may go on to become a treble-winning captain. It would give him an immortality at the Etihad, but City arent sure if the immortals time is nearly up.

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Ilkay Gundogan has evolved and can now reach Manchester City immortality - Yahoo News

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6 mins read, Last Updated: May 13, 2023, 12:39 AM IST

As the stock market rises and falls, as wars and riots do not yield the desired results, as foreign ties sweeten and sour, the word "amrit" is being used a lot in political circles. It reveals the human inability to accept the truism of impermanence. It is not just an Indian idea, or a Hindu idea - it is a global idea. Chinese mythology speaks of the 'peaches of immortality' that exist in the garden of Jade Heaven, and the eight immortals, who

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Amrit and the terror of impermanence - The Economic Times

Movies always have something new to offer. Whether it's a major MCU blockbuster, the newest Scream or Conjuring installment, or the latest The Fast and the Furious sequel, audiences keep going back to theaters for the thrill of the experience. There is nothing more exciting than seeing characters make life-or-death decisions in a split-second, and seeing what unfolds as a result. Here are 20 split-second decisions that completely changed the franchise.

Every hero deserves their redemption arc, which is exactly what Dewey Riley gets in Scream (2022). Dewey is always the bud of fans' jokes when referencing his seeming immortality, receiving countless stab wounds, and somehow managing to survive for the next Scream sequel. Nonetheless, Scream (2022) truly reiterates the idea that Dewey is a tragic character; from losing his younger sister, and divorcing Gale, to the realization that he is destined to live and die in Woodsboro.

In a last-minute decision by the character, Dewey decides to go back and ensure Amber's Ghostface is dead, only to finally meet his fate when briefly distracted from a call by the one person he loves most--Gale Weathers. Arguably the franchise's most devastating moment.

Halloween Resurrection has a terrible reputation that lingers with it throughout the years. For good reason; its characters make terrible decisions in the name of profiting off Michael Myers. This is expected from hollow characters created with the sole purpose of being killed by Michael, but when Laurie plays into senseless choices; it absolutely counters everything previously established for the character throughout the Halloween franchise.

In a moment of uncertainty after her last attempt to kill Michael, Laurie leans in to remove his mask--only for Michael to drag her into a scuffle that results in her death--the most insulting way to kill the franchise's titular final girl, and a decision that doomed this movie from the start.

Nancy Thompson is introduced in A Nightmare on Elm Street as the series' final girl, defeating Freddy Krueger by showing him fearlessness. Though Nancy Thompson isn't present in A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge, she returns in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors as an intern therapist bent on helping the Dream Warriors defeat Freddy. In doing so, Nancy performs self-hypnosis in a ditch effort to save Kristen from Freddy, only for Freddy to finally strike her down with a fatal wound to the stomach.

Marvel movies, despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles presented by their villains, end on a relatively positive note as the heroes march forward onto brighter days. Avengers: Infinity War changed the rules entirely by introducing Thanos into the mix, an anti-hero rooted in Machiavellian motives; Thanos believes that the end justifies the means and will sacrifice anyone standing in his path for the sake of a better universe.

When Thanos' army can't seem to overpower the Avengers and the Wakanda army, Thanos resorts to his final ace card: the snap. Donning the Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos literally snaps half the universe out of existence, closing the film on the bleakest note for Marvel during its time of release.

In retrospective to Thanos, Tony Stark is unwilling to sacrifice humanity for an idealistic universe. If anything, Stark has grown to appreciate humanity through his experiences with The Avengers and his romance with Pepper Potts. At the top of Avengers: Endgame, Tony reunites with the Avengers to locate Thanos, only to realize that he destroyed the Infinity Gauntlet. Dejected, Tony decides to enjoy his time with his family, accepting what's left of the world and vowing to make it a better place.

Nevertheless, Tony makes the ultimate sacrifice when a chance to undo the snap is presented, first by helping the Avengers track down the infinity gems across the Multiverse, and lastly, by sacrificing his life by donning the Infinity Gauntlet to snap Thanos out of existence.

One of the more heavy-handed approaches by Marvel to make a titular superhero achieve their character arc. Nevertheless, it's effective in making audiences truly sympathize with the young Peter Parker when he sacrifices the prospect of a normal life for the sake of those he loves.

In a split-second decision, Peter asks Doctor Strange to erase his memory from anyone he's ever crossed paths with. Friendless, homeless, and unemployed, Peter Parker pays an obscene price for simply wanting to give his friends a second-shot at getting into college.

Captain America: Civil War is a Marvel game-changer in many regards. It introduces Peter Parker into the MCU, which paved the way for one of its most lucrative franchises. It also did something only briefly achieved by previous MCU installments; it effectively turned its heroes against each other.

Amidst political turmoil and an impending enemy attack, Tony Stark and Steve Rogers have conflicting strategies that ultimately pit them against each other, disbanding the Avengers temporarily. The defining moment for this separation results from Rogers' last-minute alliance with Bucky Barnes as Stark is ready to end his life; Rogers chooses a lifelong friend over his longstanding fighting partner.

Karen Nelson is perhaps the most nuanced character introduced in David Gordon Green's Halloween trilogy. When first introduced in Halloween 2018, Karen is a loving but guarded individual keeping her estranged mother, Laurie Strode, at a distance. As the movie unfolds, audiences learn of Karen's traumatic childhood alongside Laurie, during which Karen was forced to train for the day Michael came back to Haddonfield.

Despite Karen's skepticism, this is exactly what happens on Halloween night in 2018, forcing Karen to utilize all the survival training acquired during her formative years. By Halloween Kills, Karen proves that she isn't afraid of Michael, willing to face him head-on to protect Laurie and Allyson. Audiences never expected that such an astute character would meet her untimely demise when her curiosity leads her into Michael's clutches, dying in the exact same spot as Michael's first victim, Judith Myers.

Mysterio preyed upon Peter's fragile emotional state after losing Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame, and this makes him one of the most vile MCU villains to date. Mysterio manipulates, steals, and kills all with the intention of personal gain, and when his schemes are thwarted by Peter, he manages to get the last laugh by recording himself revealing Spider-Man's alter ego. Mysterio's final moment of pettiness incites the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Peter's ultimate sacrifice by the end of that film.

Related: Marvel's Move to Add Younger Female Voices to the MCU

Whereas the first Evil Dead relies on its eerie score, excellent camerawork, and twisted plot to terrify audiences, Evil Dead II implements dark humor into its storytelling to deliver something fresh for audiences. The dialogue is campy, the kills are exaggerated, and Ash is bordering on maniacal by the end of the film.

One of this sequel's most ridiculous moments is having Ash cut off his own hand to free himself from the Deadite, and then having him continue on as if losing an entire limb isn't a life-threatening injury. Nonetheless, this one moment serves for one of the franchise's most iconic elements, having Ash don a chainsaw as a prosthetic hand. Moving forward, a chainsaw becomes synonymous with all of Evil Dead's titular characters.

Every superhero is motivated by a goal; in Peter Parker's case, it's Mary Jane's affection. From serving as moral support throughout her tumultuous relationships, saving her from countless dangers, to simply being her best friend; Peter loves Mary Jane unconditionally. Of course, Spider-Man is constantly faced with dangers that would likely threaten Mary Jane if they got into a relationship, forcing Peter to reject Mary Jane's love.

When Mary Jane finally learns of Peter's secret life as Spider-Man, she leaves her fianc at the altar to reunite with Peter, reiterating that it's her choice whom to be with. While it could have been presented in a more savory manner, Mary Jane choosing to be with Peter, despite the dangers involved, is defining of her strong character. Notably, it illustrates that Peter's selflessness is finally rewarded.

2002's Spider-Man didn't just introduce audiences to the first incarnation of the web-slinger, it also presented one of the most disturbing villains in the Spider-Man universe, The Green Goblin. Driven to madness by his own experiments, the super-powered Norman Osborn is out for blood, and will destroy anyone in his path, including Spider-Man.

When Norman and Peter finally unmask themselves during their final battle, Norman pleads for Peter's mercy, only to try to kill him with his glider seconds later. Peter's spidey senses save the day, resulting in Norman getting impaled by his signature weapon. Peter makes the fateful decision of bringing Norman's body to his home, only to be caught in the act by Norman's son, Harry. This puts Harry on his own villainous path that comes full circle in Spiderman-3.

Mary Jane is often criticized for being a damsel in distress who spends the majority of her screen time screaming for help; Gwen Stacy is her polar opposite. A lab genius with an adventurous spirit, Gwen rather take part in the action instead of rooting for Spider-Man to defeat the villain. In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Gwen decides to help Peter against the Green Goblin when he suddenly strikes. Unfortunately, this turns out to be a deadly decision when she falls to her demise. An unexpected and tear-jerking moment for audiences.

In many ways, the Skywalker family is the binding force for the Star Wars franchise. Every installment either centers on them as the heroes, explores one of their origin stories, or expands on their lineage through new characters; such is the case with Ben Solo. Following in the steps of his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker, Ben Solo is seduced by Emperor Palpatine to do his dirty work against the Jedi, plotting universal domination once again.

Ben Solo eventually comes to his senses and helps Rey take down Palpatine, but not before Rey sustains a significant injury during the battle. Drained, Rey succumbs to her wounds and dies in Ben's arms. As a last resort to save Rey, Ben gives up his remaining life force to revive her. Ben succeeds, but in the process ends the Skywalker lineage as the last remaining member to perish.

Even before Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace released, audiences knew the prequel trilogy would culminate with Anakin turning into the tyrannical Darth Vader, but the big question was, how? In Star Wars Episode Three: Revenge of the Sith, Anakin Skywalker is dealing with his quest to become a Jedi Master while leading a secret life with his wife, Padm. Just like with his mother, Anakin starts having nightmares of Padm dying, believing them to be a premonition.

Anakin's stress load reaches its breaking point when he discovers Palpatine is the rogue Sith Master the Jedi have been hunting for. When tempted by Palpatine with the promise of teaching him how to save Padm, Anakin turns on Mace Windu, allowing Palpatine the time to murder him. From this point forward, Anakin descends into complete darkness as Darth Vader.

For fans of the X-Men comics, they are all too familiar with Phoenix, Jean Grey's alter ego that unleashes when Jean taps into all her powers. X2: X-Men United alludes to Jean's transformation early on, as her powers are elevating unexpectedly. In a final effort to save her fellow X-Men, Jean sacrifices herself to allow them to escape. Come the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, Jean resurfaces as Phoenix, relentless in her attacks against friends or foes.

For die-hard fans of the Harry Potter book series, they were expecting to see Voldemort resurface in the film adaption of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It was of no surprise when during the Tri-Wizard Tournament, Peter Pettigrew kills Cedric Diggory and brings Harry Potter to Voldemort, using his blood to finish the spell to finally revive the Dark Lord. Such a monumental event in the series is recreated excellently by both Ralph Fiennes and Daniel Radcliffe.

Related: 10 Actors That Should Play Harry Potter In the Reboot

Batman Begins ends on a bittersweet note; while Bruce and Rachel Dawes cannot be together due to their different take on the law, Bruce finally assumes the role of the Caped Crusader. In The Dark Knight, Bruce rekindles his friendship with Rachel only to discover she is engaged to Gotham's District Attorney, Harvey Dent. Feeling his chance to be with Rachel slipping away, Bruce contemplates retiring to be with Rachel.

Things take a turn for the worse, though, when Joker uses Rachel as a means to destroy Batman's spirit; and succeeds when he tricks Batman into saving Dent over Rachel in an explosion orchestrated by Joker, pushing Bruce into seclusion by the end of the film.

Bella Swan's transformation into a vampire was inevitable: it was impossible to attempt a married life with an immortal vampire while remaining a human herself. In the style of million-dollar franchises, Breaking Dawn's adaptation is divided into two-parts that explore Bella's transformation. In Breaking Dawn: Part 1, Bella becomes pregnant, and the advanced pregnancy rapidly consumes her physical strength, with the Cullen family suspecting she'll die during childbirth.

After what is one of the most gruesome moments in the Twilight franchise, Bella gives birth to Renesmee, and slips into a coma due to the grueling process. Desperate to save her, Edward bites Bella repeatedly to transform her. By the opening of Breaking Dawn: Part 2, Bella reawakens an agile, sparkling vampire ready to embrace her immortality and any powers that come with it.

Mystique is one of the most complex mutants among the X-Men. While she's turned her back on them numerous times in favor of self-discovery, she's also helped them more than once when faced with major adversaries. In X-Men: Days of Future Past, Mystique is forced to come to terms with her contempt towards humans, especially when she witnesses the depths of their cruelty.

Upon discovering weapons designer, Bolivar Trask, has been experimenting on mutants to perfect his Sentinel design, Mystique plans to kill him. In a climactic moment with the fate of the present and future on the line, Xavier convinces Mystique to spare Trask and the president. As a result, the president views mutants as heroes for the first time ever, halting the Sentinel program and its domino effect on the world.

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20 Split-Second Decisions Made in Movies That Completely ... - MovieWeb

This article discusses ten movies like Renfield you must watch. Add these well-recommended films to your watch list.

Count Dracula has been one of the most prolific monsters on the big screen for decades. Many actors have portrayed the Count and done him justice. The films have mainly been adapted from Bram Stokers novel and have had plenty of interpretations.

Chris McKays Renfieldchanges the angle of how people perceive the Count through his right-hand man, Renfield (Nicholas Hoult). For Dracula (Nicolas Cage) to live a whole life, he must have the purest blood out there, so Renfield does his bidding. Renfield wants to know what life would be like if he made his own decisions.

As he goes to a group therapy discussion to recruit the bad seeds that are being discussed, he begins to listen to the life advice given to others.

The films that are listed below all have a unique perspective of vampires life and how they should lead them. There is always romance and plenty of blood, but the storys heart is always about a vampire living so long that he loses everyone he loves.

The one vampire film that had young teen girls and mothers in a chokehold for a decade has become a cult classic. When Twilightcame out, no one expected it to get as big as it did.

We meet Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), who moves to a small town named Forks in Seattle. She falls in love with Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), a 108-year-old vampire. This love story proves dangerous for Bella and Edward, but they cant deny their deep connection.

The originalFright Nightis way funnier than the remake in 2011. Maybe its because it has the 80s comedic feel, or the practical effects arent the best, or the performances arent that strong.

All of this being said, its a very fun supernatural horror film that does make fun of vampires. A teenager believes that the newcomer in his neighborhood is a vampire. He turns to an actor in a television horror show to help deal with the undead.

Before the MCU even began, Wesley Snipes was at the peak of his career when he took on the role ofBlade. He is half-vampire, half-mortal, and becomes the protector of the mortal race while slaying evil vampires.

In a way, Blade is the perfect blend to protect mortals, and thats what makes this so entertaining to watch. For a film on the cusp of the millennia, especially a comic book movie, Bladetechnically paved the way.

This is an underrated vampire flick, and its because not many people know that Quentin Tarantino co-wrote the script with Robert Kurtzman, and Robert Rodriguez directs it. Its such a nice mix of filmmakers that it does fly under the radar for each of their filmographies.

Two criminals and their hostages unknowingly seek temporary refuge in a truck stop populated by vampires with chaotic results. The film stars Harvey Keitel, George Clooney, and Juliette Lewis.

This is one of the most accurate adaptations of the novel by Bram Stoker. Director Francis Ford Coppola has a unique filmography, and his work on this picture is incredible. He was able to incorporate all aspects of the novel with the letters being written back and forth and also create a visual feast regarding the depiction of Draculas powers.

The centuries-old vampire Count Dracula (Gary Oldman) comes to England to seduce his barrister Jonathan Harkers (Keanu Reeves) fiance Mina Murray (Winona Ryder) and inflict havoc in the foreign land.

Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, and Mia Wasikowska all play their parts beautifully in this twisted vampire flick by Jim Jarmusch. A depressed musician reunites with his lover, and their romance is interrupted by her uncontrollable younger sister.

Adam (Hiddleston) and Eve (Swinton) have known each other for centuries, and Ava (Wasikowska) alters the love that theyve shared for so long with her spontaneous nature.

After moving to a new town, two brothers discover that the area is a haven for vampires. The film is directed by Joel Schumacher and became a staple of the supernatural genre when it was released.

Young stars like Corey Haim, Kiefer Sutherland, and Jason Patric made up the cast to draw audiences in. It doesnt necessarily play like a horror film, but it does have a sense of brotherhood for the lost boys.

In the 90s, this vampire film had a stacked cast that all worked together to make one of the most memorable films of the decade. Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas, Christian Slater, and a very young Kirsten Dunst made the film entertaining to watch. The new series adapted from the iconic book by Anne Rice has brought more attention to her novels.

The series follows Louis de Points epic story of love, blood, and the perils of immortality and is told to the journalist Daniel Molloy.

Before Taika Waititi became a household name because of the MCU, he madeWhat We Do in the Shadowswith Jermaine Clement. We meet Vlago, Deacon, and Vladislav, who are vampires.

They are struggling with the mundane aspects of modern life. They pay rent, do their chores, and try to get into nightclubs, all while overcoming conflicts with roommates.

Oskar (Kr Hederbrant) is an overlooked and bullied boy who finds love and revenge through Eli (Lina Leandersson), a beautiful, peculiar girl. The closer they become, the more their friendship is tested when Oskar uncovers the truth about the young girl and what she has been doing in the town.

Do you have any other recommendations for movies like Renfield? Let us know in the comments!

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10 Movies like Renfield you must watch - Ready Steady Cut

Science fiction roundup

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin; More Perfect by Temi Oh; Titanium Noir by Nick Harkaway; Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward; Our Hideous Progeny by CE McGill

Fri 12 May 2023 07.00 EDT

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin (Orion, 22)The new novel from the author of The Passage could hardly be more different in tone and setting from that acclaimed horror trilogy. The island of Prospera provides an idyllic existence for the fortunate inhabitants, who display no curiosity about the wider world and accept having no children as the price of immortality: in old age they are ferried to the Nursery, from which they return, young again and memory-wiped, to start over. The reader is given plenty of hints that theres more to this reality than the characters believe, but there are 500 pages to go before the mind-boggling reveal. Thats not the end: Cronin is far too good a writer to hang his compelling tale on a single twist. What lingers in the mind are not so much the turns of plot as the issues explored: about society, human nature, and above all what it means to live a good life.

More Perfect by Temi Oh (Simon & Schuster, 16.99)In a near-future Britain, a simple operation to insert a chip in the brain allows access to the Panopticon, a network enabling friends to share thoughts and see through each others eyes. The government is pushing to make it compulsory as a way to end social isolation and prevent crime. For Moremi, suffering from depression and fear of abandonment, it means she need never be alone again; when she falls in love with Orpheus, she can be certain he shares her feelings. But gradually the dark side of the Panopticon, and the coercive ways an authoritarian government will use it, are chillingly revealed. Drawing on ancient Greek myths and modern brain science, this is a plausible, complex vision of the future, a fascinating story that never shies away from the contradictions in human nature.

Titanium Noir by Nick Harkaway (Corsair, 18.99)In Greek mythology, the Titans were the first race and the ancestors of humankind. In Harkaways seventh novel, they are the new elite: those wealthy enough to afford T7, a genetic therapy that may provide immortality. Each time the body clock is reset, the patient grows in strength and size, while gaining extra years of longevity. When Detective Cal Sounder is sent to investigate a murder, he knows it must have a connection with Titans, who are practically impossible to kill. Hes the go-to guy for such sensitive cases his ex-girlfriend, now turned Titan, is the daughter of the man who discovered T7. But the crime is even more complicated than he imagined, and there are people determined to stop him uncovering the truth. A highly entertaining, satisfying blend of classic detective noir and inventive speculative fiction.

Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward (Viper, 16.99)A novel about youthful friendships, rivalry, unspeakable crimes and the way memories mutate when dark secrets are revealed, this is probably Wards most complex and brilliant book yet. It is also about writers who turn life into fiction, and the question of who, if anyone, owns a story. Events are presented from different perspectives, as the truth (memoir, true crime) and as fiction. Its difficult to define by genre, but with touches of witchcraft and a building sense of dread, literary horror is the neatest niche. Lovers of Shirley Jackson, Barbara Vine or Patricia Highsmith will adore this intense, psychologically acute, atmospheric thriller.

Our Hideous Progeny by CE McGill (Doubleday, 16.99)Mary longs to make her mark as a scientist, but for a woman in Victorian London its almost impossible. She shares her passion for palaeontology with her husband, illustrating the papers he writes, but he has an unfortunate knack for alienating others by pointing out where their theories are wrong. When she finds a trove of old family papers detailing her great-uncle Victor Frankensteins experiments, she has a mad, or possibly genius, idea. If it succeeds, fame and fortune is assured. But if they fail? The debut authors original, feminist variation on Mary Shelleys foundational text makes for a wonderfully rich, emotionally engaging tale with the flavour and appeal of a great 19th-century novel.

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The best recent science fiction, fantasy and horror reviews roundup - The Guardian