movies – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

7 Travel Destinations Made Famous by James Bond

Published on January 28, 2016January 20, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on January 6, 2016

With the recent debut of the latest installment in the James Bond movie franchise, Spectre, we’ve been reminded of one of 007’s greatest qualities—namely, that he’s better traveled than most people on the planet (okay, he’s a fictional character, but the point still stands).

In fact, in his 50 years of service, Bond has visited nearly 50 countries, while most of the films feature upwards of six distinct locales. Want to globe-trot like James Bond? Simply jet-set to any of these stellar destinations.

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1. Hong Kong, China

The bustling city has been featured in several Bond films, including You Only Live Once, Die Another Day, and The Man with the Golden Gun, which includes scenes shot in the famous Peninsula Hotel. Considered one of the world’s best hotels, the Peninsula boasts a Rolls Royce fleet, a rooftop helipad, marble baths, exceptional service, and (fittingly, for Bond fans) traditional British tea.

2. Istanbul, Turkey

In the opening of Skyfall, Bond finds himself in search of a stolen hard drive in the city of Istanbul. He then chases an assailant through Eminonu Square, one of the oldest in the city (Bond also visits Istanbul in From Russia with Love and The World is Not Enough). To make your visit as luxurious as Bond’s would have been (had he not been dodging would-be assassins and chasing down bad guys), book a stay at the lavish Shangri-La Bosphorous, which promises an in-room espresso machine, 300-count linens, heated bathroom floors, a separate shower and soaking tub, and complimentary high-speed WiFi.

3. Jamaica

The whole country makes the list on account of its significance to the Bond franchise. Not only was nearly all of the original James Bond movie, Dr. No, filmed on the island, but it’s also the site of the emergence of Honey Ryder (the first Bond girl, played by Ursula Andress). The country is also heavily featured in Live and Let Die. To top it all off, Goldeneye, Jamaica is the former home of the late Ian Fleming, the creator of the James Bond franchise. His house has now been incorporated into a luxury boutique hotel, which keeps Fleming’s writing desk and typewriter on display.

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4. Khao Phing Kan, Thailand

Dubbed “James Bond Island” by 007 fans, this island in Thailand had its moment in the spotlight in The Man with the Golden Gun. Located within the Ao Phang Nga national park, it makes for a stunning destination for nature lovers and film buffs alike. Head to any of the cheap hotels in nearby Phuket after your day of adventure.

5. London, England

No list of this kind would be complete without mention of 007’s headquarters. Home to M16 and featured in nearly every film in the Bond franchise, London is hands down Bond’s most frequented destination. While M16 has moved from London office buildings to Whitehall’s Old War Office, the Barbican, and its eventual headquarters on the Thames, London will forever remain Bond’s home.

6. Mexico City, Mexico

Spectre marks the second time Bond has found himself in Mexico. The first time around, in License to Kill, Bond checked in at the Grand Hotel Ciudad de Mexico. This time, 007 is amongst the crowds during the Day of the Dead parade celebration in Mexico City’s Zocalo square. Mexico City is one of the most populated cities in the world, so you’ll have no shortage of sightseeing opportunities at any time of year.

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7. Venice, Italy

The canals and gondolas of Venice make for frequented terrain for the Bond franchise, with spots in From Russia with Love, Moonraker, and Casino Royale. Stroll the Piazza San Marco and ogle the Cipriani Hotel, where James Bond is seen mooring his yacht in Casino Royale (It’s also reportedly where Daniel Craig himself stayed during filming).

While you may not be landing on a helipad or saving the world from nuclear meltdown, you can still travel the world in style at any of these 007 locations.

Email hello@hipmunk.com to check hotel prices to Hong Kong, Istanbul, Mexico City, Venice, or London!

Cover Photo: Nationaal Archief, the Dutch National Archives, and Spaarnestad Photo

F – Film References in Another New Life

Published on April 7, 2014April 6, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle17 Comments

Quick post today. I have a busy day, but had to mention another of my favorite topics. Movies. Unless this is your first visit to SydneyAaliyah.com, you know I love movies. Movies work their way into my writing organically. I can’t help it. Here a few movie references in Another New Life.

“Hello Sensa.”

“Mr. Lawrence, how are you?”

“Goodbye, Obi Wan.”

“Bye, my little Padawan.”

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Because you’re letting me.”

Can you name these three movies?

Please add Another New Life to your Goodreads list.

My Monthly Update – Crazy Busy Month Ahead

Published on March 31, 2014March 31, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

Latest News

It is going to be a busy month. Here I what I am getting into this month:

The NCAA Final Four is at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. It is on my mother’s bucket list, so we are going.

Nascar is at Texas Motor Speedway and I’ve never been. Given how great Dale, Jr. is doing this season, I have to go.

My Cover Reveal for Another New Life is schedule for April 10th. You want to participate, please sign up here.

Oh, yeah, and there is a little thing called the A to Z Blogging Challenge. 26 posts in 30 days. Click on the badge to the left if you haven’t signed up, yet.

Movies Coming out in April

Captain America 2 – already rented the first movie and will watch it and the Avengers again the night before opening day.

Rio 2 – I loved the first one and Bruno Mars is in this one.

Draft Day – So excited for this one. Love any movie that shows behind the scenes of professional sports.

Transcendence – It’s Johnny Depp. Enough said.

Goals for April

Finish proofreaders notes on Another New Life

Finalize cover for Another New Life

Continue prep for the May release

Edit About You & Me (Book #1) – Prepare to pitch during RT Conference in May and RWA in July.

Awards

I received an award in March and although I don’t follow the award rules, I have to acknowledge the amazing blogger and one of my beta readers for recognizing me.

Thanks so much Tianna for the Being a Light in the World Award. The award was created to celebrate those wonderful people in our world who spread light, love, hope and peace in the name of humanity. – What a beautiful thought.

What’s on your April to do list? What movies are you looking forward to seeing in April? What are your writing goals for April?

Life, Love and the Movies Blogathon

Published on January 26, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle6 Comments

Last year, I participated in three of 5 stages in the 5 Obsturction Blogathon created by Nostra of myfilmviews.com. I enjoyed the blogathon because it made me look at movies and movie reviews in a different way. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finished it because life got in the way, but I promised myself if he hosted another blogathon, I would be all in. MyFilmViews.com along with Karamel Kinema have created the Life, Love and the Movies Blogathon.

The rules are simple, answer the following 16 questions.

Life

1. What was the first movie you saw in the cinema and what do you remember about that visit? The first movie I remember seeing in the movie theater was 1977 Smokey and the Bandit. The movie stared Burt Reynolds, Sally Field and Jackie Gleason. I remember not really understanding it. I was really young.

2. Are there any movies you have very strong memories of which are not because of the movie (for example something which happened at the time you were watching it)? Smokey and the Bandit holds a strong memory. The story: “The Bandit is hired to run a tractor trailer full of beer over county lines in hot pursuit by a pesky sheriff.” That trailer of beer was Coors beer and my father worked for Coors at the time in the marketing department and it was shameless marketing how often they showed that truck full of Coors beer.

3. Which movies had a big impact on you and changed a (small) part of your view on life? 1980 Urban Cowboy because it took place in Houston and that’s were I was living at the time. It was cool to have a movie set in your own city. We got to share it with the word. Although the movie didn’t do much to dispel any of the Texas stereotypes.

4. Do you have any comfort movies which you return to because you are in a specific mood (for example if you are feeling down/nursing a heartbreak)? Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is my go to movie to put myself in a good mood. Not only is it southern and sexy it has some amazing dialogue.

5. If a movie would be made about your life, what type of movie would it be and who would you like to portray you? It would be some type of chick lit movie with a lot of humor, but at the center, it would be my journey to find my passion. Thandie Newton could play me. Although we look nothing alike.

6. Which existing movie best represents you? The Matrix – I spent most of my life doing what was expected of me. I wasn’t unhappy, but I always thought I was supposed to be doing something else. I feel like I had been asleep for a long time, but two years ago, I finally woke up.

7. If you knew you would die tomorrow, what would be the last movie you would want to see? The Avengers. It is my favorite movie with my favorite movie character (Tony Stark/Ironman) and the dialogue is brilliant.

8. If you can spend your life working in the film industry, what would you be and why? (you know, director, producer, actor, cinematographer, costume designer, sound designer etc?) I would like to be a studio executive/executive producer. I would have the opportunity to make decisions on what movies got made and help to raise funding for those movies. If I did have this job, trust me, there would be a new Avenger movie out every six months for the rest of my life.

Love

1. Did you ever have a first kiss with someone while at the cinema and if so which movie was playing? I haven’t, but how cool would that be.

2. What is your favorite movie relationship and why? Anna Scott & William Thacker – not only is it the regular person with the famous person, but the movie doesn’t just stop when they finally get together, you get to find out what happens after that. That movie had the most satisfying ending.

3. When did your love for movies start and how has it grown? I have loved movies as long as I can remember. A movie a week was normal for my family growing up. Often we had a movie day on Monday holidays, we would spend the whole day at the movies watching one after the other. We got in four one time. It’s my favorite escape.

4. If you have to choose one film to watch with your loved one, what would it be and why? I have two depending on where we were in our relationship. He’s Just Not that Into You if I needed him to think differently about relationships and Titantic if I wanted him to see what never dying love is all about. (I know, most of them die, but it’s a feeling)

5. If you can choose one character from a movie to be your significant other who would it be and why? Legolas from LOTR and The Hobbit. Not only is he beautiful in the most masculine sort of way for an Elf, but he is loyal, understands tradition, spiritual and he will fight and die for you.

6. What was the first movie that made you fall in in love with film and cinema? I had an early love of movies, but I think The Breakfast Club made me recognize and fall in love with a perfect movie. It was the first moment I realize what an amazing script, amazing cast and an amazing director could create.

7. How did your passion for movies turn you into a movie blogger? My friends used to play the movie quote game and I would pick the most obscure dialogue or line and stump them every time. On a trip to London when I was 15, I got home sick and the thing that made me feel better was reciting the entire script of The Breakfast Club. My love of quotes is where Sydney Quotes the Movies come from.

8. What is your favorite date from a movie? I don’t know if this actually qualifies as a date, but my favorite couple moment is from Notting Hill when Anna gives William the Chagall painting and says my favorite movie line of all time, “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”

Where did your love of movies come from? Join the blogathon and tell us.

The 5 Obstruction Blogathon – Obstruction 2

Published on July 30, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle5 Comments

Month two of The 5 Obstruction Blogathon and we are challenged to write a review of a movie and include an interview. I get a gold check mark if I am able to interview a person involved in the movie. Well, fortunately, I didn’t have to go to far to find a quality interview. On a recent trip to LA, my brother ran into one of his high school friends, Mr. James Lopez. James is a studio executive at Screen Gem a division of Sony Pictures.

He was generous enough to answer my amateur journalist questions and I think I got some good stuff. Hope you enjoy.

Think Like a Man

Think Like a Man chronicles the relationships of four guys attempt to get back at their women once they discover they are being manipulated by the mandates in the book, Act Like a Lady and Think Like a Man by comedian Steve Harvey.

As the Studio Executive on this film, James’ responsibilities covered the time frame from acquiring the project for Screen Gem to the films release and every step in-inbetween.

While I didn’t want to bust my own magic movie bubble, I was fascinated by how this self help book with no characters was transformed into an ensemble cast motion picture. James credits the writers in creating the unique take on the project, which was essential in getting the movie green lighted.

The movie is full amazing relationship dialogue between men and women. During the writing process, James felt the movie needed some extra “funny”. He hired a comedic writer to “punch up” (industry term) the comedy. The result is a good movie with great witty rhetoric and one liners. Some of my favorite:

“We’ve been betrayed by one of our own. A man. I’m talking about a man with a penis. Someone who should know better.”

“I’m one of the guys except I have a vagina.”

“I swear to God Frodo Baggins had it easier.”

“All this waiting for better is making you bitter.”

“Honesty is overrated. That’s in the Bile. Old Testament.”

During casting, James’ used his influence to secure Romany Malco in the role of Zeke, the player. You may know Romany from 40 Year Old Virgin and Blades of Glory. Zeke is one of my favorite character’s in the book. The Player who falls in love get’s me every time. (Don’t ask why.)

As a writer, I am fascinated with the timeline and process of a book from idea to publication. I asked James to give me the rundown of Think Like a Man’s journey.

The book was published in January of 2009.
Producer tracked the success of the book.
The producer bought the movie rights to the book.
Screen Gem optioned it for a movie.
Writers were hired to determine how to craft a screenplay out of a book with no characters.
Studio liked the idea of the book becoming a living character in the movie that guided the actions of these characters.
The script is written and it is to long.
Comedy writer is hired to punch up the comedy.
Table read (hire actors to do it, but not necessarily the actors in the film). They are looking at timing and to see how the dialogue plays out. Where it gets a laugh or it just lies there.
Green Light the movie – where the money comes in.
Casting and scheduling
Pre-Production (8 weeks) – location, scouting, logistics
Production (33 days of filming)
Editing (3 months)
Mixing for sound and music
Test and screening – changes based on test
Lock Picture
Release (2012)
Marketing and Promotion

For a picture of this size and with this type of cast, once green light, the movie came about fairly quick. They must have done something right because the movie was a great success. The movie cost $12 million to make and grossed over $90 million in the domestic box office.

I had to ask James if he could tell me anything about the sequel. He was tight lipped, but he did let me know the entire cast will be back for the sequel and an addition of Wendi McLendon-Covery from Braidsmaid. Again, a choice championed by Mr. Lopez.

Look for more instant classic’s from James Lopez (I’ve know him since I was 10, how cool is that) in 2013 and 2014 such as Battle of the Year (release in September 2013), About Last Night (remake of the Rob Lowe/Demi Moore 80’s classic release in February 2014) and Think Like A Man 2 (release in June 2014).

Have you seen Think Like A Man? What did you think?

Thank Like a Man – Cast and Crew – NYTimes.com