The Duplicity of "High School Musical"

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.

My New Crush- Why I love Veronica Mars (yes, I mean the show)

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).

Anyway, the truth is there isn't much I really want to watch. When Buffy came to an end, TV began this down spiral that it it still trying to recover from. Soon afterward Angel was canceled, as was the magnificent Firefly. Other shows came and went in quality as well- CSI, while fun, held no real claim on my heart, and I found most TV comedies stupid and crass. Smallville still held some sway, but I knew in my heart that as soon as it became truly good it would be cancelled. And so, I said goodbye to television. With good shows continually being cancelled in order for to make room for new reality shows, I decided that I had had enough.

And then came the advent of TV on DVD, as well as video stores willing to rent them. And so, every so often, the wife and I will try a show and either like it or loath it. We've tried many- 24 didn't really capture our attention after the first season; the first season of Prison Break held us captive for a week before being assigned to the "stupid shows that will string me on forever " category; Scrubs became a favorite until the main character became a jerk; and we kept up on Smallville until we decided to just buy it.

But none of these really convinced us that we needed cable. Yeah, Smallville was still running, but for how long? Everything would be out on DVD eventually anyway, right?

And then came Lost. Perhaps the best show that any of the core networks has had in years, it made us want to see what happened next. And while Lost is cool, it's crazy addictive- so much so that after awhile you just need a break- you just honestly don't want to watch it anymore after awhile unless you know they're going to tell you what you want to know (which has yet to happen- of all the mysteries introduced on the show, only one has been answered, and even then only vaguely. And while addictive shows are fun, I missed the fun of a show that was intriguing while still being forthcoming. Honestly, the only reason Lost is so addictive is because they never reveal the secrets. I was beginning to think that good, fun, and honest shows had ceased to exist.

This is a long intro, I know, but bear with me, I'm almost to my point. And so, other than the occasional show that held my interest, for the most part I had given up on TV. And while I heard about good shows every now and then, I also heard about new reality shows I wanted to avoid. Some things warmed my heart (the end of the WB- that's what they get for ending Angel) while others scared me (Survivor- race wars). And then I began hearing about a show called Veronica Mars. I didn't hear much, other than the main actress was cute and that the show was reminiscent of Buffy. And then I heard that not only did Joss Whedon (creator of Buffy, Angel, and Firefly) like the show, but he described as "the show I wish I had made." I thought it was maybe worth a peak, but promptly forgot about it.

Then, one night during a really late trip to a 24 hr Walmart, I found Veronica Mars, season 1, for $20 dollars.

Rarely have I been so happy with a twenty dollar purchase. This show is fantastic. With the most believable high school since Buffy and a killer cast, Veronica keeps you entertained and curious, even involved, without resorting to the guerilla tactics used by such shows as Lost and Prison Break. The show is also somehow able, impossible as it sounds, to have stand alone episodes WHILE STILL CARRYING THE PLOT FROM ONE EPISODE TO ANOTHER! The characters are smart, funny, and completely believable. Even so called "bad guys" become beloved and even likeable characters.

The show is about a girl named Veronica Mars, a teen detective that works at her Dad's private detective agency. Shocked by the murder of her best friend, Veronica is determined to solve her friends murder, with or without the help of her fellow students who have alienated Veronica since her friend's death. And while the show deals with high school students and teenagers, it does it without the inherent drama of make ups and break ups. The real drama lies in the cases that are solved every week. The best part of the show, though, has to be the honesty of the show- the major mystery of the first season is solved by the final episode, leaving only two minor strings that lead into the second season- if you want them to. No crazy addiction or withdrawal's here- the shows ends in a way respectful to the viewers, as if to say "don't worry, we're looking out for you- here's the answers you were wanting, along with an invitation to watch next year if you like. Thanks for your time." And you know what? I LIKE that.

So, if you need a show to watch this year, you have two weeks to watch Seasons 1 & 2 of Veronica Mars, because the third season starts in October. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to run to Walmart to get season 2, then I have to sign up for cable. TV is back.

Recommendations and other random thoughts

Well, after being devoid of any real blog topics, I thought I'd just spew some random thoughts and recommendations I've been saving up.

Shows & Movies

Brick- A new indy film that went to select theaters and just recently hit DVD. This movie Rocks. It's your traditional hard boiled detective film noir, but with twist- it's set in a modern day L.A. high school (no worries- no 90210 drama here).

Lost- I am insanely addicted to this show- even though I know it will never give me the answers I want, it doesn't matter. I'm hooked.

Curious George- Hits video next week. This movie is a work of art. Not only is the animation beautiful, but the soundtrack is amazing. Trust me, you must watch this movie.

Prison Break- I can't help it. If a show is serialized in any way, I must know what happens next. This show is a lot of fun, but it represents a new trend I'm noticing in TV- a premise that might be stretched into a mini series but one that has little hope surviving as a full fledged TV show. For instance, "Kidnapped," or "the 9." It seems to me that a show based around one event, such as a kidnapping, can only last for so long before the kid needs to be rescued. If the same kid is still missing by the fifth season, one might start wondering why they haven't invested in a funeral yet. As for prison break, if they get recaptured and spend another season trying to break out, I'm gone. I have enough of the "Free Willy" scam. I mean, just how often is that damn whale going to get caught?

Special Edition DVDs

When DVD first hit, every edition had two discs. It was expected. Now-a-days however, a bare bones edition with nothing but the movie costs the same as the old bonus editions, and you have to drop another 10$ or so to get the version of the movies you really want. While this is bad, what's worse is when they release the one disc and the bonus edition, you buy the bonus edition, and 2 months later you find out that the three disc edition with 4 versions of the movie is coming out. It's infuriating. I'm tired of having to second guess myself, or even worse, having to rebuy a new version of a movie I already have. To make things worse, now that I have a decent DVD collection, they're changing to blue ray and Hi-def discs. AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGG!
While Peter Jackson was the first to do it on DVD with his extended lord of the rings collections, I suspect it may all be George Lucas’s fault in the end (and yes, I did rebuy the new DVD release of star wars with both the theatrical cuts ad the special edition, even though I already have the DVD box set that came out last year- hence my bitterness).

Video Games
yes, I still play. Not often, but I do. But I'm not always up to date. For example, I just recently acquired my ps2, even though ps3 and the Nintendo wii are do out in a few weeks. Go figure.

Some games worth trying-

Lego star wars- the name itself should imply just how cool it is.

Kingdom hearts- Sweet. Best RPG ever.

World of war craft- okay, so online gaming is a thorn in my side, mostly because my computer is far too slow for me to play. But it is a great game, and I hope I can play on my own soon. Also, all my friends play, so I feel left out.

Smallville
recently acquired season five, and while many great things are happening, I'm over the whole Lana/Clark thing. Most comic fans knew it would never work out anyway, but the show has taken some creative license before, so it anything was possible. But the show builds up the romance right before revealing that yep, Lana won't ever cut it. WHY DIDN"T THEY JUST GET IT OVER WITH THEN?!?!?!?!?! Anyway, can’t wait for the Lois/Clark thing. While it'll definitely be on and off again, at least we know it'll last. And while I get that they're prolonging the show as long as possible, I'm way past ready for real pieces of the legend to start falling in place.

Where to go
well, while I didn't announce it, I did finish college- I now have a bachelor’s degree in English Ed. The question, however, is- where do we go? While we're comfortable here in Idaho, there are no jobs for me here. And I don't think working in a call center is what I went to college for. Oh well.

Remote Control Basics (and other useless knowledge women need to understand men)

My wife and I have been married for almost three years now, and in that time, I've realized that I've corrupted her a great deal. A true scholar, my wife loves to read. And she reads a large variety of subject, with psychology being the most popular. But in the time we've been married I've also got her hooked on several different TV shows and Movies. Not always the ones I like (Star Wars and Buffy are still a little out of her reach), but she still consume far more television now than she did. As for me, if anything I read less than I used to. Oh well.
After three years, we've both learned a lot about each other and how to get along. But there are still something things that reside in one person's realm of knowledge. For instance- we've had a DVD player for the entire course of our marriage, but my wife still can't work the remote. I, on the other hand, still can't figure out the difference between shampoo and conditioner.
This got me to thinking- perhaps there are a lot of content areas that are exclusive to one gender. And so I've decided to put together a book, or encylcopedia, if you will, of the content that men wish women knew, such as how to work a cellphone or remote, the difference between different superheroes, the different generation of game consoles, the difference between star wars and star trek, definitions and explanations of different pop icons such as the transformers, Voltron, Gummi bears, and Darkwing duck. I think it'd be fun, and useful.
So, if anyone reading this has any ideas of content they think should be added, please let me know. After all, why not prove once and for all just how petty and uncomplicated men are once and for all?