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What do you expect of a comic book adaptation? You want the thrill that you get when reading the comic books amplified as you watch the action come to life on big screen. The first Batman movie in 1966, with Adam West, might have failed at this. It is difficult to look up to Batman when he is wearing spandex and riding a helicopter that has bat wings attached to it. Thanks to Tim Burton, audiences got their first look on a great and justified Batman adaptation in 1989.

The Tim Burton adaptations did not fail. Firstly, he captured the essence of Batman – dark, mysterious, quiet but dangerous. The Batsuit and the Batmobile were intimidating as should be. Even the depiction of Gotham City was excellent. It reflected the ruin and darkness that crime brings. Secondly, the cast had a natural likeness to the characters they were portraying. Playing Batman is not much of a challenge as playing Bruce Wayne. Any man with good built and body coordination can put on a Batsuit and play the part. The challenge really is Bruce Wayne. Batman is focused and certain. He knows what he wants and what he must do to get that. Bruce Wayne is confused. He meets a girl and wants to take a shot in having a normal life but is driven in being a masked vigilante. Michael Keaton did great in portraying these two sides of the hero. He was stern and overwhelming when he was in the suit, but without it he can even be a baffled romantic.

One great thing about Batman is that he has interesting villains. A fight between the Joker and Batman would have to be the most interesting. The Joker is the exact opposite of the serious Batman. Jack Nicholson is a perfect fit for the character and has that natural sinister smile. The other Tim Burton adaptation villains were also exemplary. Who could have done a sexier and more enticing Catwoman than Michelle Pfeiffer? The Catwoman role differs from that of Batman in the sense that not every curvy body can put on the Catsuit and be Catwoman. Michelle Pfeiffer had the right moves, the right voice and, even when masked, the right look. The role of Penguin also could not have been done better than Danny DeVito. He made Penguin look like a pitiful harmless victim at one point and a scary mad man at another. Shifts in character like that could only be pulled off by great actors such as DeVito.

The two Batman movies that followed were handed over to director Joel Schumacher. These two movies broke the great Batman installments that Burton started. The dark, mysterious, quiet but dangerous Batman was gone. The Schumacher installments made our gothic superhero into a mainstream stereotypical comic book spectacle. Batman Forever with Val Kilmer in 1995 was actually forgivable. But Batman and Robin in 1997 just killed our hero. George Clooney and Chris O’Donnell’s roles were trying to be comedic, which is supposed to be the quality of Batman’s nemeses. The villains were also turned into stereotypical characters. They lacked the depth and dynamism of the previous villains, making Poison Ivy and Mr. Freeze not challenging, dull and even silly villains.

After much disappointment, Batman was again the favorite superhero come 2005. Christopher Nolan, a remarkable director and writer, took on the installment and brought back the dark, mysterious, quiet but dangerous Batman.

The Nolan installments are definitely the best. Like Tim Burton, Nolan got the essence of the dynamic and interesting characters. Aside from the astounding cinematography and visual effects that were not possible during Burton’s time, Nolan’s version is better because it did not have the comic book feel. There were no silly-looking costumes and the plot was logical. The flaw in most comic book adaptations is that characters get soaked with chemicals and suddenly they change from an honest humble character to a ravaging superhuman menace. It’s like they could not think of any way to make villains and heroes that they take the formulaic plot. Batman Begins in 2005 gave characters history; human and logical reasons to turn into the way they are. Now we know why Batman is such a serious character. Who would not lose his cheer if his parents were killed in front of him when he was a kid, fell in a bat cave, and grew up without any challenge because he was left with a hefty inheritance? We also know how Bruce Wayne got to be such a great fighter since he trained in the East. The choice of villain was also good. The Scarecrow, though not a famous enemy, is a good call. He is more human than the other villains like Poison Ivy who could have passed in a carnival show. The Scarecrow’s weapon, drugs, is real and presented a real challenge to Batman. Such realism and logic is difficult to achieve in a comic book adaptation, but Batman Begins did it without being unfaithful to the original characters.

Just recently, the much awaited sequel to the Batman installments hit the theaters. And with no surprise, it did not disappoint. Firstly, the choice of the next villain was great. After an unknown yet challenging villain in the previous movie, Batman is ready to face the Joker.

Heath Ledger is a perfect Joker. Everything – his walk, voice, make-up, mannerisms and of course the laugh – is incredibly haunting. Heath Ledger captured the insane and disturbing character of the Joker perfectly. The way he annoys and taunts Batman makes him the most interesting and likeable villain. His sarcasm will actually make you laugh. What separates this Joker from other villains is that this one is so smart you cannot expect what he’s going to do next. Heath Ledger made the most liked and admired villain in comic book adaptation history.

Aside from the Joker, everything else in the movie was amazing. The rest of the cast were great as well. Maggie Gyllenhal put more character and spunk in Rachel more than Katie Holmes did. Christian Bale again, did great as Batman and as Bruce Wayne. The very lovable Harvey Dent was also portrayed well by Aaron Eckhart. There were no dull moments and like the first movie, there was logic in the plot. There were no unecessary cheesy scenes. The suspense will keep you at your seat’s edge for the whole two and a half hours of the film. Just when you think the movie is about to end, it is just beginning. This has to be the most awe-inspiring Batman adaptation yet, as it clearly captured the meaning of the Dark Knight.

It’s official, praises for The Dark Knight from critics and movie reviewers alike are pretty much unanimous in announcing, “it’s quite good.” Though I bet people aren’t just wondering if it’s worth watching or not, there is also an expectation, one that runs parallel to their appreciation of the film, which is: does Heath Ledger give us a proper farewell?

Based on reviews that I’ve read, the answer is an astounding yes. However, before anything else, critic Mick LaSalle cautions to, “shelve those outsize expectations, and, suddenly, Ledger’s performance opens up.” What he means is, don’t expect this last role to offer an explanation to the late actor’s death, nor should we look forward to a brilliant performance that justifies Ledger’s shocking death. The fact of the matter is that it is only a really good performance if and only we shed our rather romantic expectations. We shouldn’t think that watching Ledger as the Joker will tie up any loose ends about his tragic life or give us a satisfying farewell. We should all just appreciate his last role for what it really is, which is a performance by an actor and nothing more.

With that aside, Ledger really was the perfect joker. Everything, from his appearance (which is as scary as clowns go), his manner of uttering his words in a clear and concise way sounds like a “storyteller from hell,” and his interpretation of his character; reflecting on screen the troubling persona who has no other desires except for utter destruction.

Speaking of the movie itself, some might say that something over two hours is considered quite long—even too long for some. But this is a movie with plenty of action, or rather “smart” action. So don’t be dissuaded by its length for The Dark Knight is at par, if not above most “action flicks” when it comes to…action.

I mean it when I say the above. The Dark Knight shouldn’t be regarded as just an action flick as much as it shouldn’t also be seen as just another superhero movie. The plot touches upon themes that does the common action/superhero movie one better. Quoting LaSalle once more, “it’s about civic catastrophe and the fragility of our institutions in the face of blind, consuming evil.”

As for the part that most critics point out that the movie fall short on, it was mostly in it’s the job of trying to persuade the audience that it’s not an action film. It may be better than most action movies, but in the end it’s still a Hollywood action movie as it retains some of the exaggeration, and “mindblowing” effects that have tainted the genre. This quibble becomes more disappointing if one has read about Director Christopher Nolan’s meticulous endeavors to make the “action” scenes as realistic as possible. It was said that he refused doing them in CG, and just go “old-school” style in order to give audience a better feel for the drama behind the action. Sadly, it didn’t seem to work out.

Overall, The Dark Knight is a must-see. And if you have access to an IMAX theater, then you better watch it there. Five or six scenes were shot with an IMAX camera, so for those of you who prefer the whole experience, leave the regular theaters for the kiddies.

Besides Superhero movies, which have become a welcomed trend in Hollywood—seeing how much money they bring in–, film producers are also diverting their attention to movie revivals. Whether it’s a television program from a few decades ago, or a blockbuster hit from days of yore, revivals are, shall we say, sprouting here and there and everywhere. So with the slew of old material being given new life in the twenty-first century, we can also notice fresh faces being introduced with each film that is released. It certainly goes to show that, for one, Hollywood is always looking for fresh faces—that’s a given fact, but also, since film producers are releasing more films, the vacancies for new actors and actresses are ever the more plentiful today, that is, as compared to a few years ago when moviemakers still weren’t aware of the cashcow hidden behind revivals and superhero movies.

The trend of revivals roughly started out sometime in between the end of the nineties and the current decade. Without much research, I think the first Charlie’s Angels movie was among the frontrunners. The suits in Hollywood most likely grew excited seeing how audiences reacted to this kind of film. And who wouldn’t? Not only did the movie relieved a bit of nostalgia for older audiences, the revamped, kung-fu fighting version also introduced something new to younger folks. Following this tradition and formula, other adaptations soon came to be, including two more Charlie’s Angels movies. As for the others, there were The Dukes of Hazzard, Starsky and Hutch, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Transformers, Fat Albert, Rocky and Bullwinkle, and a lot more that I fail to recall.

Some may say,” but these movies weren’t that very good,” and that they usually feature an already established actor and actress. As for the first statement, yes, I do agree that most of these movies are rightfully called horrible. However, this doesn’t mean that the actors and actresses featured in this film don’t get a decent level of exposure. Most Hollywood actors and actresses start out small, doing sidekick roles for less than average budgeted movies. Julia Roberts, for example, played a small role in a relatively unknown film, but it was exactly that film which drew the attention of filmmakers to her, and so you can guess what happened next.

Starting out small brings me to my second point. While there may not be much room for aspiring actors and actresses when it comes to lead roles, there are, more often than not, smaller and less demanding roles available for those who are starting out. Professional acting is like most things in life, sometimes we just have to start from the bottom then work our way up slowly but surely. Most Hollywood personalities start out this way, and all you have to do is read their success stories at Hollywood-Opportunities.com to find out exactly how they did it.

News of up and coming revivals are spreading like wildfire throughout the net. As I write this, news about the Star Trek remake has just been released through the wires, while a teaser trailer is said to be out for the new and improved Terminator movie. There’s also the announcement of a Smurfs movie, Dragon Ball, Beavis and Butthead, and Ghost in the Shell—who knows what they’ll announce tomorrow? It’s pretty much obvious that more revivals mean more movies, and with more movies comes more fresh opportunities.

Just try visiting Hollywood-Opportunities.com to see for yourself. The list for casting calls and auditions just keep piling up day after day.

Getting an agent is probably the single most important thing a professional actor can do for his/her career. Although you might be able to land professional jobs without any help from an agent, it’s not enough reason to do everything by yourself.  It may seem hard to find someone that will ensure you of a successful career that’s why Hollywood-Opportunities will aid aspiring talents like you to look for the right agent that will make you Hollywood’s next big thing.

What an Agent Is
An agent is an actor’s representative. Once you have an agent, it is his/her job to submit your headshots and resume to casting directors and to get as much attention and exposure. Your agent is entitled to collect 10% of your gross pay once you book an acting job. It is also his/her duty to negotiate your fees and make sure everything goes well on the contract. Hollywood-Opportunities will help find a trustworthy professional advocate for you

Ways how Actors Get a Good Agent

There are three basic ways an actor gets an agent.
1.    Usually, a good agent seeks thoroughly for very talented individuals. Once an Agent finds someone, they contact the actor. This might not happen to amateur actors, that’s why Hollywood-Opportunities will help pair aspiring talents with competitive agents.

2.    Once contacted by the agent, he/she will ask you for an interview so he/she could know you better. A good relationship between actors and agents is necessary for a successful Hollywood career.

3.    Your agent will endorse you to numerous casting directors and secure you spots in auditions and castings. A good agent is someone who also needs to grab every opportunity to improve your career.

Getting an agent to see how competent you are as an actor is extremely important and it’s best if you let him/her see your work so they can represent you as best as they can.

There are other routes to get an agent represent you, and here are some ways that you’ll find helpful.

Scene Nights
Scene nights are gatherings where actors and actresses try their best to be noticed by as much influential people as possible. Instead of organizing a full-blown play, different groups of actors will act suitable short scenes to show off their talents. Lots of celebrities, agents, directors, and producers attend scene nights and if you have the right connections, you probably have a huge chance to receive an invitation.

If you get invited into a scene night, do not hesitate to attend. Going to scene nights can do wonders for your career; agents or directors can easily spot you and hire you immediately even without an agent. It is best to always look your best, be prepared and be sure to stand out. If you don’t get a call after one scene night, don’t be discouraged. Just keep on attending scene nights; you might need to go to couple or more before someone calls you.

Like any other productions, scene nights are well-organized efficient. Usually, a maximum of 20 actors per night are invited with only little time for each scene. The duration of the program should not go over 70 minutes.

Scene Nights are important for an amateur actor’s career and it is advisable if you be in 2 contrasting scenes or more to show your adaptability and range. As an actor seeking for an agent or a role, you need to deliver well in a mass audition so they could see how the audience responds to your performance.

Actors present in scene nights have to compile their own “press kits” that include photos and resumes, and appropriate reviews of any film, play, or campaign they had been on. They need to put it together in a neat folder and make copies for each professional person in the industry.

At the end of the show, the performers may choose to take a bow and say their names. This gives the industry professionals take down final notes or comments. Inside the press kits, a sheet of paper is filled up by these people to indicate who they want to hire, or helpful recommendations to other agents or directors that might be interested in hiring them.

If you get an invitation to perform, it is best to have a director to ensure the proper flow of scenes. You might not have any chance to think about what to do next because the audience might get bored or might seem uninterested in such a sloppy performance. Practice well, rehearse the transition of each scene and work with few and important props only. Industry professionals don’t need to see extravagant sets; they’re more focused on the raw talents of the performing actors.

If you’ve worked with a theatre company or somewhere connected to it, take the opportunity to ask other actors to organize a scene night. You can also ask some of your friends who want to act and you could all chip in to rent a space for your event. When you send out invitations, it is important to stress your collective credibility to gain as much attention as possible. You can also choose to advertise your scene nights to make sure that important industry people will attend.

Agent Workshops
Most acting classes have “Industry Nights” where they invite industry professionals and agents to showcase the skills they have learned during the classes. Some are expensive but there are a lot of reasonably-priced acting classes that feature many influential professionals. The actors might need to pay a very small fee, but in return, the agents criticize and give very useful tips on how to improve acting. Sometimes, professional actors are invited to speak to enlighten and boost the confidence of aspiring stars.

The benefit agent workshops is that you get to be seen and discovered by great people who you have especially chosen, but note that some agents people are more instructive and open to actors than others. The outcome of a scene night is very unpredictable, but no matter how it is, it’s worth a try. Successful actors are not afraid to take risks as long as it will benefit their careers.

Things you need to start a successful career:
*Acting classes to polish your skills to play any role
*Resume software
*Resume paper

Follow these guides for a sure-fire casting opportunity:
Step 1:
Be professional. Know your strengths and weaknesses as an actor so you’ll be able to categorize and define what you do best.

Step 2:
When you move to Hollywood or New York, you have to be ready for anything. Don’t dismiss any offers and opportunities as long as you think it can build your career. Take the time to improve your resume by working as often as you can.

Step 3:
Take ample time to study acting in its various aspects. A good way to study is to enroll in a reputable acting class. Natural acting skills also need improvement, and a broad knowledge and capability on acting will definitely increase casting opportunities.

Step 4:
Be sure to look your best when submitting a headshot. Practice different facial expressions in front of a mirror until you perfect how you present yourself to the camera. Having a distinct look will make you pop out among a pool of hopefuls. Having a soft copy of your headshot is also essential so you can pass applications online.

Step 5:
Update your resume carefully and wisely. Be sure to include all professional jobs, so casting directors can sense your capability as an actor. As your list piles up, don’t hesitate to remove less professional endeavours such as school plays.

Step 6:
Send your best headshot and resume to every agent and casting call in your area. Update them by sending e-mails or postcards of your acting projects every three to four months. Let them know how great your determination is. A casting director is more likely to choose someone who’s determined because strong-willed actors are easy to work with.

Step 7:
Read trade papers as often as you can. Trade papers are listings of casting calls and auditions throughout major areas. Examples are Backstage, Dramalogue and Variety. Don’t miss out on online publications as well so you could send your headshots and resumes to directors, producers and agents directly.

Step 8:
Go to every party event that you’re invited to. Parties and events sprout in Hollywood everywhere, and you could be spotted by anyone who can instantly offer you an acting job. In a way, parties are informal casting opportunities and it’s absolutely a chance to look your best and wow potential employers. When going to a gathering, be sure to dress to impress and always be on guard- you don’t want to meet your future agent or director looking raggedy and drunk.

Step 9:
Never lose faith in yourself. If you want to make it big, perseverance is the best asset you could posses. Success is something not achieved overnight, so be sure to grab every Hollywood opportunity that comes along your way.