1 . AI is just now starting to go mainstream, but these classic films about AI have been exploring the future of artificial intelligence for decades.
Ex Machina
In Ex Machina, a computer programmer is selected by the genius CEO of the company he works for to take part in an experiment involving the Turing test (图灵测试)with an impressive AI robot named Ava, convincingly played by a real actress.
A. I. Artificial Intelligence
No list on films featuring AI would be complete without A. I. Artificial Intelligence where a young AI boy with human-like feelings is left out by his human mother. As is so often the way, the questions posed by the story make the film way ahead of its time. What responsibility would humanity hold for an artificial intelligence that is advanced enough to actually experience feelings and emotional turmoil (混乱)？
I, Robot
As humans and robots struggle to survive together, and sometimes against each other, on Earth and in space, the future of both hangs in the balance. Here human men and women confront robots gone mad, telepathic robots, robot politicians, and vast robotic intelligence that may already secretly control the world. And both are asking the same questions: What is human? And is humanity out of date?
Brian and Charles
When an inventor in a Welsh village develops an AI being that looks like a mature professor who acts nothing like it, the result is quite possibly the funniest film of the decade so far. This is a film that is the perfect antidote to the apocalyptic threats surrounding modern life in the 21st century.
1. Who took the Turing test in the film Ex Machina?| A．A CEO. | B．An AI boy. |
| C．An inventor. | D．A programmer. |
| A．He is played by Ava. |
| B．He is experiencing emotional turmoil. |
| C．He is a life-like robot turning bad. |
| D．He is an orphan in real world. |
| A．I, Robot. | B．Ex Machina. |
| C．Brian and Charles. | D．A. I. Artificial Intelligence. |
1. What did the woman watch?
| A．A soap opera. | B．A documentary. | C．A news program. |
| A．Road traffic. | B．Power plants. | C．Global warming. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Uncaring. | C．Negative. |
| A．Read a book. | B．Eat out | C．Go shopping. |
Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One
Mission: Impossible film series has become one of the most popular action films. Even people with a limited appetite for action or Tom Cruise are often swept away by these films. The seventh chapter of the series, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, features even bigger stunts (特技表演) than ever before. Writer-director Christopher McQuarrie of the sixth film Mission: Impossible — Fallout is back for Dead Reckoning, which will arrive in two parts, this summer and next.
When: July 12
Elemental
If Pixar Animation Studios’ digitizers could bring emotions to vivid life in Inside Out, imagine what they can do for more physical substances like Air, Earth, Fire and Water. And if a friendship should blossom where co-existence appears a little tricky, what better way to make a case for folks learning to get along.
When: Aug. 19
The Last Voyage of the Demeter
Even if you think the story of Dracula has been done to death — or undeath, technically — the makers of this film found a new way in by cutting down the thinnest slice of Bram Stoker’s novel, namely, the chapter that takes place on the ship that, unknown to its crew, is transporting Dracula to England. Things don’t go well. Put it that way: This high-seas horror, directed by André Øvredal, has a lot of fun with different creatures.
When: Aug. 11
Being Mary Tyler Moore
With her sunny smile, humor and modest style, Mary Tyler Moore became a situation comedy queen with a 60-year career in TV, stage and film. HBO’s film reflects the reality of her life, including struggles against diseases. At times, the narrative is a bit too careful, content to only indicate the darker side of a performer.
When: May 26
1. What can we know about Dead Reckoning Part One?
| A．It is an action film as well as a horror. |
| B．Its second part will be filmed this summer. |
| C．It records Tom Cruise’s life on a ship to England. |
| D．It shares the same director with Mission: Impossible — Fallout. |
| A．Elemental. |
| B．Being Mary Tyler Moore. |
| C．The Last Voyage of the Demeter. |
| D．Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. |
| A．It was produced 60 years ago. | B．It tells of a true person's life. |
| C．It reveals the dark side of society. | D．It was directed by Mary Tyler Moore. |
4 . Here’s a review of some excellent red movies and TV programs in 2021.
1921. Released nationwide on July 1, 1921 tightly narrates a historical event, where the Communist Party of China held its first National Congress in Shanghai and Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, in the summer of 1921. As an attempt to seek a breakthrough, the patriotic (爱国的) tale creatively uses several different perspectives (视角) to retell the historical moments of CPC’s first national congress.
Shanhe Suiyue. The 100-episode documentary Shanhe Suiyue serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and struggles of the Chinese people on the revolutionary path to glory. With a total length of more than 41 hours, it is the largest documentary production on the Chinese revolution, which selects 100 key scenes, highlight moments and typical characters, narrating 100 vivid stories.
The Age of Awakening. The 43-episode TV series The Age of Awakening narrates how Chinese intellectuals (知识分子) and young people in the early 1900s, including key CPC founders Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao, tried hard to save a nation with corruption, foreign aggression, and other problems, to form a communist party against all odds.
The Battle at Lake Changjin. Set during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea
(1950-1953), the film centers on a heroic company of the Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) army. By Nov 24, its overall box office has reached 5.69 billion yuan, replacing Wolf Warrior 2 at the top of China’s all-time box office charts.
1. What can audiences see in 1921?| A．CPC’s first national congress. |
| B．People’s struggle in the early 1900s. |
| C．The same perspective of historical moments. |
| D．The national Congress held only in Shanghai. |
| A．It shows how communist party was formed. |
| B．It selects 100 stories of Chinese intellectuals. |
| C．It has 43-episode series and a length of 41 hours. |
| D．It is the largest documentary on the Chinese revolution. |
| A．Shanhe Suiyue. | B．The Age of Awakening. |
| C．Wolf Warrior 2. | D．The Battle at Lake Changjin. |
5 . Movies not to miss
In 2018, to which was just said goodbye, we’ve seen some good films such as Black Panther, Crazy Rich Asians and A Star Is Born. And there are more exciting movies in the works for 2019.
Spider-man: Far From Home, July 5, US
Tom Holland, the lead actor of 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, returns to play Peter Parker, a high school student who gains superpowers after being bitten by a spider. When we see him again in theaters, Spider-Man will have a new red-and-black suit. The movie will take the famous wall-crawler on a global adventure outside of the US. According to Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, Spider-Man will try a return to his“normal”self; he will try to find his old powers on his new journey.
Directed By: Jon Watts
Runtime: 100 minutes
Studio: Columbia Pictures
The Lion King, July 19, US
This is a brand-new version of the classic children’s film. The story of wide-eyed young lion Simba still remains in hearts of world audiences even after 25 years. In this re-telling, Simba again begins the difficult journey to become the King of the Pride Lands, a vast Africa grassland. The favorite part of the story for many has always been the friendship between Simba Timon and Pumbaa, The last two sacrifice all they have to help Simba to his throne (王座). How will the new movie re-imagine their famous relationship?
Directed By: Jon Favreau
Runtime: 98 minutes
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Hobbs and Shaw, August 2, US
To most people the Fast and Furious series is all about crazy drivers racing in sports cars. But in its spin-off (外传), called Hobbs and Shaw, humor is added to the action-packed thrills. The new film will hit US theaters on August 2. Famous English action movie actor Jason Statham will star alongside Dwayne Johnson, “The Rock”, as Deckard Shaw and Luke Hobbs respectively, as in their previous appearances in Fast and Furious films.
Directed By: David Leitch
Runtime: 120 minutes
Studio: Universal Pictures
Arctic, September 1, US
In the movie Arctic, a man trapped in the Arctic is finally about to receive his long awaited rescue. However, after a tragic accident, his opportunity is lost. He must then decide whether to remain in the relative safety of his camp or to try his best to save himself.
Directed By: Joe Penna
Runtime: 95 minutes
Studio: Bleecker Street
1. Which movie was directed by Jon Watts?| A．Arctic. | B．The Lion King. |
| C．Hobbs and Shaw. | D．Spider-man, Far From Home. |
| A．It lasts 120 minutes. | B．It was shot in the Arctic. |
| C．suitable for children. | D．It has two famous action movie stars. |
| A．On July 5. | B．On August 2. | C．On July 19. | D．On September 1. |
6 . The Best Free Movies on Amazon Prime Video
Here are some of the best free movies on Amazon Prime Video, sorted out for convenience.
Honey Bay
Written by Shia LaBeouf based on his own experiences of growing up, Honey Boy is a surprisingly heartfelt and influential movie. Describing the life of a former child actor who is addicted to alcohol, this semi-autobiographical work offers profound insight into the pain and pressure of a man forced to evolve in the public eye.
The Avengers
Start your hero’s journey all over again by rewatching the first Avengers movie. Of course, Disney has the most Marvel movies of any streaming service, so if you want to do a marathon, that’s the place to start. But if you didn’t subscribe to anything there and just want to relive the Baule of Neu York, then this is a great opportunity.
Eighth Grade
Director Bo Burnham and star Elsie Fisher timelessly reflected on growing up in this work. An occasionally painful yet consistently spectacular story told a 13-year-old girl’s final week of middle school, a chance to t the record straight and reimagine her future high school sell.
The Farewell
The star Awkwafina delivers an amazing performance in writer-director Lulu Wang’s attractive story of a granddaughter saying goodbye to her grandmother. Played by Zhao Shu-zhen, a mixture of comedy and heartbreak. The Farewell touches on timeless themes of pity and grief in a way that is both clever and moving.
1. Who wrote a film story according to his own life?| A．Shia LaBeouf. | B．Bo Burmham. | C．Elsie Fisher. | D．Awkwafina. |
| A．Honey Boy. | B．The Farewell. | C．Eighah Grade. | D．The Arengers. |
| A．A teenager’s school life. |
| B．A girl breaking a world record. |
| C．An old lady remembering her high school. |
| D．A granddaughter saying goodbye to her grandmother. |
