A reliable magic arm is a versatile and essential piece of equipment for photographers and videographers. It is a flexible and adjustable device that allows for precise positioning of cameras and other equipment in various angles and locations. The magic arm is commonly used in the film and television industry to securely mount cameras, lights, and monitors. It is known for its ability to hold heavy equipment and provide stability during shooting. This makes it an ideal tool for capturing steady shots and reducing camera shake. One of the key features of a reliable magic arm is its durability.
One of the key features of a reliable magic arm is its durability. It is typically made from high-quality materials such as aluminum alloy or carbon fiber, which ensures long-lasting performance even with repeated use. This makes it a reliable choice for professionals who require a strong and sturdy arm that can withstand heavy use in demanding environments.
The magic of belle idle on netflix
"The Magic of Belle Isle" (109 minutes) is available via iTunes, Amazon, Comcast, DirecTV, VUDU and other outlets. A limited theatrical release begins July 1.
Rob Reiner's "The Magic of Belle Isle" is an Easy Button of a film, as generic and conventional as its title. If you ever wondered what a Hallmark Channel original movie would be like if you threw some A-list talent at it -- namely Morgan Freeman and Virginia Madsen instead of, say, Jeffrey Nordling and Kristy Swanson -- here's your answer.
AdvertisementFreeman stars as Monte Wildhorn, an alcoholic in a wheelchair and "writer (of westerns) nobody reads." His books, once popular, are now out of print. Monte's nephew (Keenan Thompson) deposits him in the idyllic lakeside town of Belle Isle to housesit. Nephew's ulterior motive, of course, is that he will be inspired to stop drinking and start writing again, but the embittered Monte is a hard case. "Toss it in the garbage," he says of his typewriter. "She's a black-hearted whore, and I'm done with her."
So what will it take to turn this curmudgeon into a softie? Guy Thomas' simplistic script leaves nothing to chance. How about saddling Monte with a lazy old dog named Ringo (yes, Ringo) that has a penchant for licking itself? No? Well then, how about introducing a single mother (Madsen) who is going through a divorce with three -- count 'em -- daughters: one adorable, one precocious, and one sullen? Still not enough? Well then how about adding to the mix a mentally challenged boy who hops around the neighborhood and whom Monte takes under his wing as his "sidekick?"
Monte's transformation does not exactly require a spoiler alert (especially if you see the trailer), but Freeman, the consummate character actor, can wring the bathos out of such dialogue as "That lady has a way of making me sit taller in the saddle."
W. C. Fields is credited with the quote that adult actors should never work with children or dogs. "The Magic of Belle Isle" puts these scene-stealers on notice: They should think twice about working with Morgan Freeman. But Reiner has always worked wonders with child actors, and Emma Fuhrmann, especially, as middle daughter Finnegan (yes, Finnegan), admirably holds her own in her pivotal scenes in which she asks Monte teach her how to write stories.
AdvertisementScreenwriter Thomas' lone big-screen credit was the excruciating 1980 comedy "Wholly Moses!" To have Reiner agree to direct this modest addition to the "summer that changed our lives" genre, must have been the answer to a prayer. Reiner, like Garry Marshall, but without the one-liner gag reflex, is an old-school crowd-pleaser who knows how to get the laugh and jerk the tear, sometimes shamelessly. At one point, Monte, being kissed in a dream, awakens to that dog licking his face.
Reiner gets a little help from friends and former collaborators. In addition to Freeman ("The Bucket List") and Madsen ("Ghosts of Mississippi"), the cast includes Madeline Carroll (the underseen "Flipped") as Madsen's oldest daughter, Willow (yes, Willow). Kevin Pollack ("A Few Good Men," the short-lived TV series, "Morton & Hayes") as Monte's agent, who arrives in the third act with a proposal that could rescue Monty from obscurity, and Fred Willard as a glad-handing neighbor who is a fan of Monte's books.
Tony-winner and Oscar-nominated composer Marc Shaiman, in his ninth film with Reiner, wrote the banal score which features the requisite tinkling piano that signals life sea-changes in the offing. For the boomers ("Belle Island's" likeliest visitors), he includes a gratuitous Beach Boys classic, "Don't Worry Baby."
"The Magic of Belle Isle" is getting an on-demand video release before a limited theatrical run in July, reflecting a belief that a small scale film like this -- driven by character and actual conversation -- has a better chance of finding its audience in the comfort of home than in theatres during the sound and fury and 3D of the summer movie season. "Belle Isle" is all about the comforts of home and its simplest of pleasures may be best appreciated within the confines of a smaller screen.
Freeman, as ever, only makes it look simple. His sage voice is this film's sole special effect, as witness his oration at a neighbor's funeral, his mentoring of Finnegan to use her imagination to "see what isn't there," and his description of how Madsen's character walks into a room. In a summer of superheroes, he emerges as a true wizard. His performance is the real magic of "Belle Isle."
Donald Liebenson
Donald Liebenson is a Chicago-based film critic, entertainment writer and DVD reviewer. He has been published in The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, Printer's Row Journal, Los Angeles Times, Movieline and Entertainment Weekly.
When his aging mob boss is whacked, Charlie Swift, a loyal friend and hired gun, will stop at nothing to bring down the new crew coming up that took him out.
Another important aspect of a reliable magic arm is its flexibility. It is designed with multiple joints and adjustable mechanisms that allow for easy and precise positioning of equipment. This flexibility enables photographers and videographers to achieve a variety of shots, including low-angle, high-angle, and overhead shots, without the need for additional equipment or setup. Additionally, a reliable magic arm often features a quick-release system, which allows for fast and easy attachment and detachment of equipment. This saves valuable time during shooting and ensures that gear can be quickly repositioned or swapped out as needed. Overall, a reliable magic arm is an invaluable tool for any photographer or videographer. Its versatility, durability, and flexibility make it an essential accessory for achieving professional-looking shots in a wide range of settings..
Reviews for "The Science Behind a Reliable Magic Arm and How It Helps Capture Perfect Shots"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I was highly disappointed with the "Reliable magic arm". It was anything but reliable. I purchased it to hold my camera securely for a video shoot, but within an hour, the arm completely failed and my camera fell to the ground. Not only did this cause damage to my expensive equipment, but it also ruined my entire project. I expected better quality and durability from a product that claims to be reliable.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for the "Reliable magic arm" as I needed a sturdy and adjustable arm for my photography work. Unfortunately, this arm did not live up to its name. The joints were very stiff, making it difficult to adjust the position, and even when I finally got it in place, it would slowly droop down after a few minutes. This made it extremely frustrating to work with, especially during time-sensitive shoots. I had to end up investing in a different arm that actually lived up to its claim of reliability.
3. Alex - ★★☆☆☆
I found the "Reliable magic arm" to be quite disappointing. The arm itself appeared to be sturdy and well-built, but the tightening knobs were constantly coming loose. This meant that every time I adjusted the arm, I had to ensure that the knobs were tightened properly, otherwise, it would droop down unexpectedly. It was an unnecessary hassle and made the arm extremely unreliable in practice. I would not recommend this product to anyone in need of a reliable and hassle-free magic arm.