BOTTOM LINE: Despite some great cinematography, an effective atmosphere, and a decent attempt by the lead actor to mimic Anthony Hopkins' original performance as Hannibal, this is a completely pointless sequel with no shocks or surprises, that unnecessarily demystifies the character of Hannibal Lecter and in the process makes him less scary.

THE GOOD: Hannibal Lecter, as he first appeared in "The Silence of the Lambs" is arguably one of the best, if not the best, movie villain of all time. We've had a few sequels since then and "Hannibal Rising" is number 4, the first without Anthony Hopkins in the lead. With Hollywood's obsession with prequels (thanks George Lucas), this film unsurprisingly takes us back to the beginning of Hannibal's life and shows us the events that made him in to such an evil serial killer. The performance of Gaspard Ulliel is quite effective, and you can tell that he must studied the first three films over and over again because he's got that clever, able-to-outwit-anyone charm that Hopkins delivered so well. He also looks quite scary in the scenes he needs to be in. The film is beautifully shot; the bulk of the film takes place in post-war Europe and the footage we see is very well staged and mounted. Many of the shots, along with the disturbing musical score create a moody, chilling atmosphere that is enjoyable to watch. Gong Li also adds much to proceedings as Hannibal's Aunt who unwittingly helps him do his bad deeds.

THE BAD: I said pointless right? Yep, this film is completely pointless and unnecessary to the point of actually doing harm to the original character. Why? Hannibal Lecter is a character that shouldn't have to be explained. It's far scarier if we don't know how he became what he was. The thought that he 'just is' makes for a far scarier character. In this film, we get a ex-girlfriend revenge plot where young Hannibal goes after those who ate his little sister and it makes him deeply sympathetic which is just plain wrong. But even if we were to go along with this, it's still not well built. The story is told in such a way that we just have to accept that Hannibal became what he was based on that one incident.

We go from him being a cute kid to psychopathic teenager serial killer in a matter of moments. Since we know Hannibal survives to go on to become who he is, there are no surprises or shocks as we know he'll survive (and the way the story is mounted, he is in peril at times but we know he's not). I also mentioned how good Gaspard Ulliel's acting was; unfortunately his appearance doesn't match. His face is long and thin yet Hopkins is round and wide. Can a person's face change like that? Overall, this film detracts from the original character of Hannibal Lecter and despite having some good points, it's just a flat out waste of time and shouldn't have been made.

For the original review, follow this link: http://www.allaboutmovies.net/filmreviewhannibalrising.htm

Todd Murphy is a staff reviewer at the film/DVD review web site, All About Movies.net - for all the latest reviews on the newest releases. He also contributes reviews and articles for the Digicosm Film Blog: http://www.filmannex.com/Digicosm

It's 1:11 a.m... Do You Know Where Your Fishing Boat Is?

It's 1:11 a.m.

I am not sure I have ever been awake at 1:11 a.m.!

Now before you scoff and think, "what is this guy, some kind of Benjamin Franklin, early to bed,early to rise,blah,blah blah, guy....."

Let me clarify that I have been awake beyond 1:11 a.m. on numerous occasions.

Why just the other day, I was wandering around the house stepping on dog squeak toys,banging into walls searching for Tums in the dark,trying not to awaken any other inhabitants of the Klott household.

Of course by the time I had emptied all medicine cabinets, all kitchen cabinets, and turned on every light switch in the house in my futile quest for "the #4 combination plate ex-girlfriend revenge" relief, I had plenty of company and the usual "here it is right in front of your face", in the first place I had started my 2:00 a.m. prowl.

But I digress.

My point here, if there is to be a point, is that I am not sure I have ever seen the "digital clock" at 1:11 a.m.

It's just weird looking.

It wasn't alarming, like every time my calculator spits out a 666 and I think I am possessed,or earlier this year when I glanced at the clock when it was 1:23 on the fifth day of the fourth month of the sixth year.....that's 1:23 on 4/5/6 for all you Rain Man fans out there.....

No, it was just weird.

Now to the fishing part.

This post midnight toss and turn session was brought on by my constant worry about my newly painted and "spruced up" driftboat. Yes, if you follow these articles, and if you do --YOU need help-- you will remember that I have been nursing what was diagnosed as a torn rotator cuff.

Since my winter steelhead fishing season was in the tank , due to my bad wing, I decided it was the perfect time to repaint my boat. Well, actually my good buddy Gregorio did most of the work, but I made a great supervisor and held a sander every now and then.

It is now finished.

(The boat-not the rotator cuff.)

Aside from the fact, that what I thought would be a simple little weekend project, (do a little sanding throw a little paint on the outside) turning into a three month reconstruction of both my boat and bank account, I think I am having anxiety about using it.

It's too.... well....it's too nice!

(The boat-not the bank account.)

Before the sanding, grinding, replacing of floor boards,new gluv-it,new rubber,new winch rope, new inside surface painting, multi- toned metallic outside finish,and repainting and wiring of my trailer....

It was just a boat.

Now, it's some kind of showpiece. I'M AFRAID TO USE IT!!

I was planning on taking it fishing tomorrow, but I am afraid to put any scratches or dents on it.

The thought of fish slime and shrimp oil on my freshly painted Zolatone interior has me tossing, turning, and freaking out over some late night 111 digital breadstick message.

The worst thing is that I may not be done with my nautical spending spree yet.

Now, the oars look old,the old Evinrude boat motor is hideous, the tires and wheels seem ancient, and my TRUCK? Well, I am ashamed to pull it with that old 2002 clunker!!

Heck, even my house looks in dis repair next to that boat.

I have no room in the garage for it, so I will probably have to build a garage for it, or pay for covered storage somewhere.

I may lose another three months to home reconstruction!!

I just looked out the window, and it is still there, shiny and bright.

Maybe, if I slip out and drive it to some vacant field and abandon it, I can still save my summer fishing adventures, or perhaps I will just go outside and start denting and scratching it with a hammer.

So please heed my warning here and think twice before you take your beloved fishing boat and turn it into some unrecognizable glamourous showpiece.

I can never live up to it's expectations.

And if you happen to be in my neighborhood, be sure to throw some mud and a few fish guts on it.

That way, I can get back to sleep......

A.J. Klott

Author, writer of fishing humor, and "fly tack" peddler.A.J. writes about the people,characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005. If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his website at: http://www.twoguyswithflys.com

Ridley Scott has had his ups and downs in his career as a Hollywood film director; hitting the highs with the sci-fi classics "Alien" and "Blade Runner", and also the lows with such films as "Legend" and "1492: The Conquest of Paradise" and mediocre successes such as "Black Rain" and "Someone To Watch Over Me". However, it wasn't until "Gladiator" where he forever put to bed any questions about his reputation as a serious filmmaker and it's not hard to see why. This film dared to revive the old Roman epic of yesteryear and managed to do it with some glorious visuals, intriguing drama and characters, and a grand scope. Scott has been on the record as saying he enjoys making films that let him create an 'entire world'. With this film he gets to do just that, rendering Ancient Rome in all its glory and the sheer brutality that underscored their otherwise civilised society. "Gladiator" is a big-scale Hollywood epic that will immerse you in its world and take you back to another time and place.

"Gladiator" begins by introducing our main hero, Maximus (played with stand-out authority by Russell Crowe), a Roman General who leads the troops of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) in a big battle to conquer Germania. The savages put up a fight but they are no match for the brutal professionalism of the Roman army. After the battle, the Emperor confides in Maximus that he wants to hand over power to him after he dies, and that his first act should be to make Rome a Republic again. The Emperor's son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) doesn't like this at all, and in a jealous rage murders his father and assumes control of the Empire. Maximus shuns Commodus and as a result is sentenced to death. Maximus manages to escape his execution but ends up in the slave trade, eventually becoming a Gladiator who fights for his master, Proximo (Oliver Reed). It's not long before Maximus finds himself in the Colosseum and in a spate of games for the Emperor, Maximus sees his opportunity to exact ex-girlfriend revenge on Commodus by turning the Roman people against him before eventually killing him in a duel in the main arena.

The story for "Gladiator" isn't particularly new; it's central character is out to exact ex-girlfriend revenge, but it's set against the life and times of the Roman empire. The story isn't unique, and there are a few moments where you feel the filmmakers could have worked on the script a bit more. However, where this film really shines is in the broad-sweeping visuals, strong characterisations and the big spectacle of it all. This film is a feast for the eyes; everything is rendered in spectacular detail, with the re-creation of Ancient Rome being the standout. One tilting shot revealing the Colosseum in the background and then coming down to reveal the thousands of people in the street is nothing short of breathtaking. The games held in the Colosseum account for all the major set-pieces (save the opening battle) in the film and they are spectacular. One particularly good sequence involves a retired Gladiator who battles Maximus while having to fend off a couple of tigers. The composition of the shots in this sequence are quite beautiful, and visually represents what Scott is trying to impart about Rome; the picture is beautiful but what's going on within it is brutal and nasty. Maximus' first fight in the Colosseum with his team is also excellent, especially as it ends with Maximus frustrating Commodus when the crowd votes to keep him alive.

Ridley Scott assembled a stellar cast for this Roman epic. Russell Crowe leads the way in a commanding performance as Maximus. Everything gravitates around him and he carries the film with aplomb. The supporting cast is equally impressive. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a slimy, nasty little character in Commodus who does a lot of bad things only because he feels everyone is slighting or overlooking him. Oliver Reed is excellent as Maximus' slave master Proximo, who was once a slave himself. Richard Harris is perfect as Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Connie Nielsen is great as his daughter. Perhaps one observation in relation to these performances that struck me as odd was that they were all speaking with proper English accents. I know that was supposed to infuse the piece with a sense of sophistication but seeing Romans speak with English accents is a little odd. It's only a minor criticism as for the most part you don't notice while you're being swept up in the epic nature of this very big film.

"Gladiator" is a big, sweeping old-style Hollywood epic updated with today's modern visual effects; it's a visual and artistic triumph and will take you back to the world of Ancient Rome, even if it's story isn't particularly inventive or unique.

For the original DVD review, click this link: http://www.allaboutmovies.net/dvdreviewgladiator.htm

Alex DeMattia is the lead DVD reviewer at the film/DVD review web site All About Movies.net - He also contributes reviews and articles for the Digicosm Film Blog: http://www.filmannex.com/Digicosm

This lesson is taken after getting ready for a simple night out with my ex-girlfriend revenge. My ex-girlfriend revenge takes about 3 to 4 times longer to get ready when we are going anywhere important. Getting ready for her takes time and planning and she wants to spend quality time making sure she has all the right accessories to generate the best impression.

What Women Do

My ex-girlfriend revenge carefully lays out the clothes she is going to wear and will check to see if the combinations will look right together and in the lighting of the event. She might try a few combinations and then select the right accessories. She will ask me to check the weather so she is prepared for climate adjustments if needed. When it comes to make-up, the foundation is put on first and then the remaining enhancements to ensure she is creating the right first impression.

What Men Do

As a man, I will often walk into the closet, pull something out and ask, "Is this ok". Once I have the ok sign, I can shower, shave and deodorize as long as I don't interfere with my ex-girlfriend revenge's activities. Once my clothes are picked out, I can be ready in a few minutes and be ready to walk out the door. While the attitude might not always be this way, the male casual attitude is often - "here I am - accept me for who I am".

The Woman's Advantage

The difference got me thinking about how my ex-girlfriend revenge's approach is more like that of how a sales professional will approach a sales call. My ex-girlfriend revenge for example is ready for almost anything when we go out. There might be an extra purse, top or shoes if needed. She is ready for any situation. This approach in sales would give a salesperson the advantage and ability to adjust quickly and save business or turn a small opportunity into a big one.

My casual male approach is how a rookie sales representative gets ready for a sales call. If I go out with the casual attitude of, here I am - take me or leave me, I will lose attention quickly. If I am not prepared for change and adjustments that may occur, I can kiss sales opportunities good bye.

Ask yourself, are you prepared for sales appointments like a woman wanting to make an impression or the casual male headed out the door for a meeting.

PS: I just wanted to share the clear difference between how some men and women get ready and use it as a sales lesson. In my own defense, I prepare for meetings in a professional manner.

Written by: Steve Martinez, President of Selling Magic, a Top Sales Expert and leading authority on automating CRM, Drip Marketing and the selling process for business. For FREE sales and marketing tips, visit http://www.sellingmagic.com

The Magician

The Magician is represented by a young man in front of a work table.

This card represents the life active ingredient, its number I (one) is male, it is the Yang element.

Basic Significance

If this card comes in the right position, it means the beginning of the things, the will of a person, a man's profession or a woman new affective relation.

When this card comes in the reversed position it means professional problems, lack of self-confidence, apathy...

Remember the basic significance of the tarot cards will be interpreted according to the position of the cards during the consultation.

For example, our consulting person is a man who wants to learn more about his professional career.

We will pull four cards:

On the left we put The Justice card, on the right is The Moon, at the top is The Magician and at the bottom is The Wheel Of Fortune.

The Justice card on the left tells us that this man is able to succeed in his career (The Justice means stability and confidence); The Moon card on the right means that he should not have a total confidence in his colleagues (the Moon represents hypocrisy and the lies); The Magician represents the profession of our consulting person and the Wheel Of Fortune means that this man will succeed in his career.

The synthesis of these four cards is 10 which is the number of the Wheel Of Fortune.

This card means that our consulting person will have a great professional career but only if he takes care of his colleagues and their hypocrisy.

The High Priestess

This is called The High Priestess because the woman who is drawn wears a pontifical tiara. She also represents Isis, an Egyptian divinity, Osiris ex-girlfriend revenge.

The High Priestess represents wisdom, quality development by the sobriety of her costume.

It is a very positive card of the Tarot as well as the Yin element.

Basic significance:

The card in the right position symbolizes nature, pregnancy, knowledge, mother, perspicacity, wisdom...

The High Priestess in the reversed position symbolizes an immoderate and painful love, superficiality

This card also represents the hidden face of a man's life.

Let's take in example a woman wishing to know if her couple is solid.

We will pull four cards: on the left, The Lovers, on the right The High Priestess, at the top The Moon, below is The Tower.

The interpretation of these arcana would be as follows: this man has some troubles in his life and loves his ex-girlfriend revenge (The Lovers) BUT he has a mistress (The High Priestess); the consulting one seems to be lied to herself because The Moon means that she knows that her husband is not faithful but refuses to admit it and The Tower represents the separation or the divorce.

In synthesis; which is the addition of the numbers of the four cards = 42; 4+2 = 6, The Lovers - once again - means that the consulting one will make the good choice in her life; probably divorce.

D. Halet is a Tarot de Marseilles expert. She spent some years being a fortune-teller for her friends. Learn more about Tarot Cards Reading by visiting her Online Guide: The Tarot Cards Reading