I've been watching previews all morning, and I just watched Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, and WOW.
my first seven ornaments, as well as one of my brother's first ornaments. I'd like to think I'm buying the ones that were stolen, but I know that it's unlikely. 
When I first saw this movie for sale, I had no idea what it was. I marveled because everyone grabbed it up as if they already knew what it was, while I sat there scratching my head. I have no idea how the DVD sales were in other parts of the country, but here in Rexburg, Id, it sold like hotcakes. It wasn't until later that I learned that the movie was a Disney channel special, which explained why people knew about it. Still, even after learning some of the back story, I still didn't want anything to do with the movie, mostly because of the type of people who watched here- the stuck up college students who seem determined to make sure that the stereotypical groupings that existed in high school stay true even in college. I don't care much for cliques, nor do I like people (especially other members of my religion) that look down on people of different backgrounds, beliefs, or principles.
Imagine my surprise when I finally watched the movie (suggestion of a friend) and discovered that the whole moral of "High School Musical" is the breaking of such clichés. I was surprised because the movie had a great moral, and it was somewhat enjoyable. But then I realized that the same people that have been buying the show and extolling its virtues are the same people who need to hear the lesson it teaches. Unfortunately, they've probably all missed it completely.
The movie speaks out against those who refuse try anything new, as well as those who make fun of anyone who does. Yet constantly I meet people here in Rexburg who refuse to think outside the box, who refuse to accept anything different from the norm.
And so, I wonder how in the world the people here LOVE this movie when obviously they don't agree with the lesson- and if they do, they refuse to accept it. The sad part is, the popularity of this movie is probably a direct result OF its popularity- meaning that people like because other people like it, not for its own merit. It's pathetic.
It's sad to think that a movie aimed to bring people together would be used as yet another tool by those who benefit by keeping them apart- in other words, to keep the status quo.
TV and I parted company a while ago. I know this may come as a shock- but I don't have cable- nor do I recieve any TV signals in my apartment. And while there is a mild sense of disconnection and solitude that comes with this (not to mention the growing trend of not understanding what anyone is talking about), for the most part I have no real regrets. It saves us money, and gives us the option of doing other things instead of watching TV all day long (instead, we watch movies).
Human beings, as a rule, almost never choose what they need over what they want or like. It's one of the unassailable truths- until the day they die, most people never truly rid themselves of the rebellious streak that showed up around two years old and then gestated into a mile tall monster once puberty hit. While the monster may hibernate and even let so called reason believe that it has won, in reality stubbornness selfishness and rebelliousness are always there... waiting.
What brings this up, do you ask?
In the past few months I've been obsessing over Superman returns. And much to my surprise, it turned out to be a great movie. Superman Returns is much more than a new installment in the franchise or one more testimony to the current success of superhero movies; the movie is more than just a story or a special effects achievement, rather it is an essay on the human need to have faith in something greater than ourselves.
The title "Superman Returns" refers to much more than just the storyline of the movie, it also refers to the return of Superman to the media and pop culture mainstream. The movie explores the question "does Superman have a place in our society?" While the film itself answers with a strong positive, it turns out that the film is almost too pertinent, almost too accurate to real life, because the answer that seems to be coming from society as a whole is a reluctant "no."
Now, don't get me wrong, the film is doing rather well in the box office. While many are under the impression that the movie is failing, in fact it's nearly made back its budget in its two week run. And that's even considering the record smashing opening of the other big movie this summer, Pirates of the
It's actually the great success of "Pirates" that made me to realize that something is seriously wrong with our society today. I realize that this sounds dramatic, but it's true. Now my, logic may be a little biased, but it runs something like this-
When Superman first appeared, he was a hero to a people just coming to grips with a changing world. With everything growing like crazy, many began to question their place in the world. And then the Depression began. Suddenly the regular person felt powerless to affect their lives, to save themselves from the problems of the world. And then came Superman. Superman is perhaps the closest thing to a pop culture Christ that we've ever had. Much of this comparison could have to do with the creators of Superman, two Jewish boys who saw that people needed a hero, a savior.
And Superman quickly became that savior. An example of hope and strength, Superman helped every person to realize that there is a super man in all of us, a hero able to change his or her own life and the lives of those around them.
While Superman has become more or less popular through the years, he has always stood as a champion of right, as the example of what we could do with our lives we chose to. While we may not be able to fly or lift cars in the same sense, we could grow, learn, and gain the "power" needed to accomplish what we set our hearts and minds to.
Superman used to be seen as the perfect example, as the hero of the people, and as a symbol of hope. But no longer.
In his prime, Superman was a hero that everyone could believe in. But these days this generation seems to have forgotten how to believe. Sure, they like stuff such as Spider-man; and admittedly, Spider-man is a lot easier to relate to. But then again, Judas is way easier to relate to as opposed to Christ.
In today's world we choose believable heroes; protagonists who live in a gray area between right and wrong, who dress in black, who break the rules, who serve themselves instead of the people. Which is where Pirates comes in.
When Superman came out, I was, as I've stated continuously, elated. I told everyone to see it, and some did. Most people told me they were waiting for Pirates. Others told me they had seen superman, but it was too far out, too hokey. Too unbelievable. Most said, whether they saw it or not, that Superman was just to perfect to be able to believe in.
Apparently most of the world felt the same way, as nearly everyone went to the theater to see a movie that features a thieving, whoring, murdering drunkard of a protagonist as opposed to someone that can be looked up to. For the record, I saw pirates that weekend to, and enjoyed it, but it made me sad that many people rejected Superman, a symbol of right, for Jack Sparrow, the embodiment of that stubborn and rebellious monster in all of us. For the record, Superman Returns does dirty our hero a little, making him a little more worldly, which only goes to show that even superman is being affected by this trend.
Sure, Jack is more relatable; but if that's true, what does that say of us? Are we weak and dishonest creatures? Is that what we want to be? According to the box office, it is.
Superman is more important and useful than anyone realizes. He, and many superheroes like him, are symbols, icons if you will- figures that teach us moral, values, and help us learn to exercise faith. While many may feel this is a stretch, Superman is a stepping stone, an exercise in having faith in something greater than ourselves. The truth is, believing in superman is a preparatory step to having faith in Christ. When someone loses this faith, this ability to believe in the unbelievable, they begin on a road that eventually keeps them from believing in anything they can't imagine actually happening, or in anyone they can't relate to. Because if Superman is unbelievable, how much more unbelievable is Christ?
All things point to Christ, or should. The Scriptures urge us to surround ourselves with those things that remind us of Christ, those things that speak of God. If Superman doesn't fit this bill, I don't know what does.
In the end, the world needs Superman. We need to have the symbol, that exercise in suspending our disbelief, for only when we learn to banish disbelief do we truly have a chance of truly having faith in something.
My obsession with superheroes has been a lifelong affliction. For example, when I was three (or maybe four) I had the bright idea to imitate superman (an idea no doubt gleaned from reruns of the George Reeves TV show) and jumped off a With the advent of video, I, like very other kid, got to watch the amazing movies that were made before my birth and achievement of independent thought. Of course, the Christopher Reeves Superman movies were among my very favorites. It wasn't until years later that I realized that all the movies were definitely dated, although Superman and Superman II both stand up pretty well. Three and Four, however, well...
Like all comic fans, I've been pretty excited (and occasionally disappointed) by the recent trend of comics books movies. I was especially thrilled (and frightened) by the news of a new Superman movie. As I mentioned in previous blogs, I was excited, for not only did this seem to be a fresh take on the movies, but it was supposed to stay true to the franchise... even forming a vague sequel to superman I & II.
With child like glee I bought tickets for a
When I got into the theater, I held my breath and watched the movie unfold...
From the moment the music started, I was a kid again.
This movie, to say the very least, is a Miracle. Straight up. Not only does it stay true to the original movies, but Brandon Routh seemed to channel Chris Reeves in a way that brought tears to my eyes.
Kevin Spacey was a dark, angry Lex Luthor that was recognizable from both the movies and the comics.
And Lois- Kate Bosworth, although young, was the perfect choice.
This movie captured the spirit, the scope, and the ideals that lie behind Superman and his stories. It also captures the tone and style of the old movies and brings them effortlessly in synch with today.
When I left the theater, there were tears in my eyes. Not because I was sad, rather, I was elated. Bryan Singer had done it, and once again, I believed that a man could fly.
I recent months, I've realized that I'm a fairly negative person. Family and friends are probably shaking their heads right now, thinking "Really? We’ve only been telling you this since you were four!" But it's true.
I was rereading some of my blogs and I've realized that I rarely look at something in a positive light. That may be why I hate movies with downer endings... I'm already so negative it's hard to take on more. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not self cruising, nor am I beating my self up. Rather, I'm recognizing a trait that needs some adjustment.
Where and when did this start? Truth is, I don't really know. And the weird part of it is, this negativity really only applies to my own life and abilities- when it comes to others, I used to be pretty good at the whole moral support thing.
Negative thinking is never productive, unfortunately, nor does it help heighten a mood in any way. But it's still there. Perhaps it comes from dwindling hope, or perhaps it comes from a selfish reaction to a world that isn't the way I want it. I'm not sure. But once again it something I do know has to be changed. By thinking negatively of myself, I'm not really doing much credit to those who care about me.
So, I'm going to try to be more positive; starting now- so let me apologize to all the Napoleon Dynamite fans of the world; I’m sorry. You're not really as useless and idiotic as I've always thought. After all, if it weren't for you, I might have had to enjoy the movie, and that would have killed me. I'm also grateful for you because you help reassure me that when the apocalypse comes, there will be a large margin of people to burn before my name comes up.
From here on out, every day is a new day. Next time, the usefulness of bad sequels.
Blogger's Note: the following was borrowed from the Serenity Day website. In an effort to help several charities and send a message to hollywood execs, Browncoats (fans of Firefly/Serenity) everywhere have arranged over 40 screenings of the movie Serenity, the proceeds of which will go to charity. The serenity day plan is actually threefold- See the movie at one of the screenings, send in a letter to fox execs (details can be found at 47 Screenings Confirmed As Of June 16, 2006
Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, United States
The Unprecedented Browncoat Event Of The Year
You Can't Afford To Miss - Buy Your Tickets Today!
There are two ways to fight a battle like ours. One is to whisper in the ear of the masses, try subtlely and gradually to change the gender expectations and mythic structures of our culture. That's me. The other is to step up and confront the thousands of atrocities that are taking place around the world on an immediate, one-by-one basis. That's a great deal harder, and that's Equality Now. It's not about politics; it's about basic human decency.
- Joss Whedon
All of us at Equality Now continue to be amazed by and grateful for the Browncoats' and Serenity fans' generous and committed support for our work. Their energy and enthusiasm is inspiring and these screenings are coming at a critical time when we are especially in need of funds! We thank each and every one of them and Happy Birthday to Joss!"
- Amanda Sullivan, Equality Now
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Note: If you don't see a "Buy Now!" link next to a given screening, try the "More Info" link. There might indeed be tickets on sale and we just haven't updated the listing.
June 17 (Early Bird Screening!) - HAVE FUN, SCREENERS!
June 22
June 23
June 24
June 25
June 30 (Straggler Screening!)
If you don't see your city listed, it might be up to you to make one happen. There is no central authority doling out screenings to these cities. It is entirely up to fans on the ground to organize a screening where they live.
Cities above marked with a filled bullet instead of an open circle were among the 35 cities (although not necessarily the venues) to host the third and final special advance screenings of Serenity on June 23, 2005. Events listed in boldface are confirmed.
Serenity
A passenger with a deadly secret. Six rebels on the run. An assassin in pursuit. When the renegade crew of Serenity agrees to hide a fugitive on their ship, they find themselves in an action-packed battle between the relentless military might of a totalitarian regime who will destroy anything - or anyone - to get the girl back and the bloodthirsty creatures who roam the uncharted areas of space. But, the greatest danger of all may be on their ship.
Equality Now
Equality Now was founded in 1992 to work for the protection and promotion of the human rights of women around the world. Working with national human rights organizations and individual activists, Equality Now documents violence and discrimination against women and mobilizes international action to support their efforts to stop these human rights abuses.
In recent months DC Comics has set the comic world on fire with their hit series "Infinite Crisis" and its follow up events, "52" and "One Year Later." Making the most of the cross over format, DC revisited one of their land mark events, namely "Crisis on Infinite Earths," and created a sequel even that felt daring, original, and natural (due in no small part to the 3 year build up to the event).
Naturally, the biggest question on everyone's mind was not what DC would do next, but rather how Marvel would answer. And, unfortunately, that answer would come in the form of "House of M" (something most people want to forget) and Marvel's supposed world changing "Civil War." "House of M" was designed as nothing more than a money scheme; a chance for the company to put out more special books for the fans to buy. Civil War isn't much better.
There was a time when Marvel, the legendary "House of Ideas," was innovative, creative, and daring. Today, however, they have become the ignored middle child, continually turning hurried and sloppy somersaults in order to get attention. The continuity of classic marvel used to be iron clad; every moment of every imaginary day was carefully mapped out- you could see the same character passing through different parts of the city in several different comics- a crossover in one book would mean that a character would be missing from their team book, and that their book would also mention that crossover. Today, however, Wolverine can be on FOUR (yes, Four) different super teams ("New Avengers," "Astonishing X-men," "Uncanny X-Men," and just plain "X-Men"), star in two of his own monthly books (Wolverine and Wolverine: origins), and still have at least 2 guest appearances a month.
Anxious for the extra buck, Marvel will do anything to get attention even undermine their own characters.
"Civil War" is centered around a government bill forcing all superheroes to reveal their identity, register with the government, and work for them. While DC was able to revisit a previous storyline with success, Marvel merely regurgitated the same storyline the supposedly tore the mutant world apart in the pages of X-men years ago. The conflict comes from the two sides of the argument, with cooperation championed by Iron man while rebellion is led by captain
The fights so far have felt strained and forced, and the story felt rushed and compacted. Marvel swears that this series will change their comics forever, and they may be right. They are effectively making legendary characters into soulless money making logos.
The latest travesty to come from this "earth shattering" event was something that was possibly the most anticipated blunder ever- the reveal of spider-man. That’s right, as of yesterday, the marvel world now knows that Peter Parker is Spider-man, thus removing an essential part of the character.
This is a travesty. Not much more to say, other than "Marvel Sucks." God help us all.
Continuing my pondering on the existence of sequels, I started to think about all the great filmed that deserved a sequel. It may be best that they didn't get them, however, since the sequel probably would've been done horribly anyway. Also, I'm too tired and lazy to number these, so following appear in no particular order.
Serenity- This was one of the most original and fun sci-fi movies in ages. If I don't get a sequel to this movie I may have to start a riot.
Unbreakable- while a sequel is completely out of the question, I would still love to see what happens next.
Spaceballs- We were supposed to see them again in spaceballs 2, the search for more money. While it was just a gag, it would be more meaningful now than ever before.
The Princess bride- again, unneeded, but it would still be cool.
Ferris Bueller's day off- I see this happening in one of two ways... ferris playing hooky from work, or ferris playing hooky from work in order to catch his son who is playing hooky from school.
The Phantom- The first movie is cheesy, but still way too much fun. With the generational hero trick, could be cool.
National treasure- face it, this generation needs an Indiana Jones series, and tomb raider ain't cutting it.
Bill & Ted (3) - Oh, the possibilities...
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow- this film was both inventive and amazing... I would love to have more adventures of sky captain.
I have never seen Superman in the theater. But even in video form the movie had a huge impact on me. How huge? A couple of weeks ago I went to see mission impossible 3. As we were watching the previews, I suddenly heard the unmistakable voice of Jor El (marlin Brando) suddenly images began to hit the screen, and with them the music that have always brought a chill. By the end of the preview (although it felt like more of a spiritual experience) I was in tears. Why? Because the preview brought forth those feeling from when I was a kid and for a slight moment I felt like an awe inspired kid again.
While many seem skeptical about the new movie, let me just say that I support it completely, if only because this movie look, feels, and sounds like the originals. A few people are just afraid that the new actors cannot fulfill what they remember, but that's not the point. The point is not the actors but the performance, the roles.
How many people sit down after a hard day, look at their kids, and wish that they could be young again?
For me, that's what the upcoming movie is- a chance, just for an hour or so, to feel like a kid again. I can't wait.
1. Batman and Robin- Oy. I'm still trying to clean my mind of this disaster. Tip to future film execs- Fuzzy slippers do make the villain scary, just not in any way that helps the movie.
After seeing X-Men 3 I realized that with a few rare exceptions, most sequels are unworthy of the first movie. Listed below are some of those exceptions (Please know that these are only a smattering of the best- feel free to let me know if there is one I forgot or did not include).
10. Rescuers Down Under- the first Disney animated sequel ever (and one of the few to make it to theaters), with awesome voice talent, a great story and ground breaking animation, this Rescuers put the first movie to shame.
9. Shrek 2- perhaps the best animated sequel ever, this movie brought all the fun of the first movie along with enough pop references to keep anyone amused.
8. Kill Bill Vol. 2- while not a sequel per se, Kill Bill 2 is where most of the heart and character development is found.
7. Back to The future III- This movie broke the mould and in the process created a solid trilogy out of what was before only a couple of fun movies.
6. X2: X-men United- this could be here just out of pure bias, but X2 really stepped up and pushed the story to a whole new level.
5. Terminator 2- Straight up, this movie PROVED that sequels could rock hard if not harder than the original movie, not to mention having a nick name (T2) that inspired countless imitators.
4. Aliens- While the first movie was scary; this movie is so good many consider it the only movie of the series to get the idea right. I agree.
3. Superman II- A flawless sequel, this movie completes the first movie and helps you know not only that a man could fly, but WHY.
2. Star Trek II: the Wrath of Khan- this movie is amazing... brilliant story, great acting, and a villain pulled straight out of Star Trek lore. Not too much more to say, other than "KHHHAAAAANNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
1. Star Wars: The Empires Strikes Back- This movie is the best for two reasons- George didn't direct, and Yoda is the man.
I seem to surround myself with indirect people. This is amusing since I can be so aggressively direct that I often insult people. While tact is something I've learned over the years (especially since I've been married), I still expect people to tell me what they want. I don't know about you, but being asked if I want to take out the garbage 10 times in a row doesn't make me want to do it... in fact, it makes me more likely NOT to do it.
My favorite, though, is when someone proposes an activity or game plan, but starts it with "well, do you want to..." instead of saying "hey, I'd really like it if..."
With indirect people, half the time you have no clue what they really want because they're too frightened to actually come out an tell you. And then later when they're feeling picked on and ignored, it's you that gets in trouble for not listening to what they really want.
While women or more commonly guilty of this, many men do it as well.
So what is the answer? Obviously being literal doesn’t help, because the indirect people are aggressive enough to continue to ask the same question over and over until you get the point. So, I'm thinking that once again duct tape may be the answer.
It seems that throughout human history, cultures have a tendency of creating a multitude of Gods to represent the different things around them. The most popular have lasted until our day, with heroes such as Thor and Hercules still popping up in media today. While people often laugh at this concept, it's actually a very understandable and still very common human practice.
The truth is that everyone wants to understand the world around them. So, in a world where science consisted of magic and religious believe, different Gods were assigned to each natural event. Soon a whole pantheon was established; with each God requiring different forms of worship (in that way man believed they could control the world around them). Once again, very common behavior.
Today most people look back at the ancient cultures and shake their heads, wondering how the Greeks or the Norse could believe in such inventive stories. The more dominant religions today focus on one God, and most of those tolerate science, with some embracing it and other rejecting it outright. The funny thing is, we STILL do this today. Instead of assigning Gods to different natural, unnatural or unsettling events, we assign scientific explanations. In many ways, Science has become the new pagan religion of our day.
Instead of a God of thunder such as Thor or Zeus, we have weather systems- equally mysterious and unpredictable. This weather system even has a following of priest, or Oracles, who tell us what we can expect from the almighty weather system from day to day.
Instead of a God of love, we have the Hormone, a powerful creature that attacks us in groups and forces us to fall in love with random strangers. Only when we've satisfied the mad lust that we were made to feel against our will does the hormone leave us alone... at least for awhile.
Instead of a God of war we have politics, with politicians its priests.
Instead of a God of evil, hate, or trouble, we have DNA... DNA is the scariest of all, for like Zeus of old we never know when or who DNA might strike, or how it will change or affect the poor victim.
The Gods of old did more than just put a name or face on the things that were feared, they took responsibility for those things that people refused to. If a man was a rapist and a murder in the old days, it would be said that the god of war, or the God of love, or a trickster god had influenced the man and made him commit those crimes. Today, we blame it on bad parenting, mental illness and behavior that may have been passed on genetically.
We embrace these new scientific discoveries and theories just as much, if not more, than the ancient Greeks embraced their pantheon of Gods. In the end, people just need somebody to blame.
Afterward-
Now, I want to explain something before anyone takes offense. I do believe that there are something beyond our control, I do believe that mental disorders, handicaps, and behaviors can affect people and that these thing could be inherited. but I also believe that there are some who, instead of being a responsible adult and working on their issues, use that trial as an excuse to do nothing but complain about how unfair the world is.
