Are we too harsh?

That’s a funny question to ask these days, since people seem to be very sensitive, or assume that others are sensitive. But because social media has opened up such an easy outlet, people are able to subject the world to their opinions with ease. There are not always immediate consequences, and in places like the United States, usually the worst thing that can happen is an offensive reply to your comment, video or post. Words can be hurtful, but if that’s the worst foreseen consequence, then what is there to fear?

While I’m commenting on our society, which I tend to do because I like an overall perspective, I want to talk about movies in this post. This blog tends to be more about entertainment, so that’s no surprise. But what I’ve observed, ever since being introduced to internet movie critics, is that people seem to be so unhappy these days. Is it because negative opinions stick out more? Is it because everyone now has the opportunity to be a critic thanks to the internet? And could it be that we just have higher expectations now for whatever reason? Maybe it varies within seasons, and maybe this moves from movie to movie, depending on how it’s marketed. For example: The battle between Marvel and DC is one that everyone in the US seems to be affected by. The popular opinion is: Marvel is fun and better! DC is too gritty and serious, so therefore it’s hard to take it seriously…

But what do you think? I’m sure most people are somewhere in the middle, rather than on just one end of the bar. I know I’m in the middle. I think people were to harsh to judge Man of Steel in my opinion. I think this case was because of expectations. Same with the new Batman played by Ben Affleck: they expected Christopher Nolan’s adaption. I was not a big fan of Dawn of Justice, but I wasn’t disappointed by this Batman. It’s all a mixture of people and emotions, but one thing has stood out to me: these days, everyone is a movie critic, instead of a movie lover. When I say everyone, I am exaggerating of course. But even when people don’t have a blog or YouTube channel as their platform, they all have decided they have their reasons for why this or that movie sucked. I thought people used to enjoy movies. I enjoy movies!

Thoughts?

Fangirl Chapter 4: Star Wars

It’s here!!!  The day The Force Awakens is out.  I’m running out today to grab it, and own it and hug it and then watch it.  Like, a lot.

Yes, even though I am a writer, and I like to review movies, I was not one of those people who decided to try and find flaws in the new movie, snob it up after only watching it once, and burn it as if it were a prequel.  Can you tell I’m bitter?  Good.

Anyway, I have always been a Star Wars fan, ever since I was a kid.  I remember being fascinated with Darth Vader, and I probably started to develop my character development skills early on thanks to this character.  The original trilogy is definitely amazing, and something I’ll always be a fan of.

As much as I understand the prequels are not anything like the original trilogy, I did have fun with them.  They’ve led to a lot of great characters too (including my fake husband, General Grievous).  The Clone Wars series has done a lot for the franchise too, and I suggest you check out some of the episodes if you love the movies but have never tried this show.  It’s not a dumbed-down kids show (though, I think it’s hard to find those these days).  There’s something for everyone.

If you love RPG video games, you should check out Knights of the Old Republic.  It’s a very popular and loved game, with amazing characters and a well written story.  I think if the prequels had come even close to being anything like this game, they would have been well received among us fans.

Then, finally, the day came when we learned there would be a new movie, and Disney would obviously be behind everything.  There were the memes, the speculation, the haters, and everything in between.  But really, what resulted was a breath of fresh air.  I know that many may disagree (and if you are a friend of mine who didn’t like the movie, I still love you), but I happen to feel like this mopped up the muddy mess of the prequels.  Talk about amazing characters, for one thing. I was prepared going in to not like the female lead.  I usually don’t like the way Hollywood portrays female leads in so many movies, I can’t even count them all.  But I was happily proved wrong.

May the force be with you!

Just watched…Zootopia

I’m sure plenty of you are aware of this one!  I really liked it.  It’s definitely one that can entertain kids and adults.  And there is so much going on, it’s easy to miss stuff the first time.  That makes for different experiences every time you watch it, which is always a good thing in my opinion.

I loved the culture, which reflected modern life, even through the actions of animals!  I constantly noticed how the characters looked at their phones, and how the media was reflective of our modern media.  Also, just when I thought it was going to follow a very tired formula (who was behind the missing animals), it actually became even BIGGER than that.  I was grateful for that!  The characters are likable, from the strict head of the ZPD, to the godfather parody family.  There wasn’t really anything that made me roll my eyes, either.  I think anything that didn’t cause me to a laugh was there for the kids, which is obviously an important element.

I especially loved the entire scene of Hopps training in the police academy.  Just watching her determination was thrilling, and I thought they did a wonderful job with her character.  Particularly her first day on the job- haven’t we all been there, in some way?  Goodwin did an excellent job portraying her! 😀

They did incorporate politics into the story, which obviously helps the adults to appreciate it.  But what do you think about bringing those “adult” elements in?  Do you feel like it’s out of place?  Innuendos are not anything new in kids movies and shows, but what about political commentary?

Just Watched…A Monster in Paris

This movie was great! 🙂

My friend and I love animated films (and Anime!!!) and lately, we discovered a couple of French films on Netflix.  The one we watched recently, A Monster in Paris, was beautifully animated, and had intriguing music.

The plot is, of course, a bit ridiculous.  But I think with animation, the more ridiculous, the better.  The “monster,” is none other than a small creature that grew because of a freak accident in a lab.  However, it is more musically talented than most people are!  He has a beautiful voice and is naturally gifted when it comes to plucking a guitar.  The leading lady, who at first seems a little too proud for her own good, actually has compassion deep down inside of her, and insists on letting the “monster” join her musical act.

The cast of characters is fantastic.  There’s no stereotypical hero, lady or comic relief.  In fact, everyone is the comic relief.  The only predictable part was how we meet the villain.  He’s of course the one that the leading lady is expected to marry, but according to movie law, rich people are all jerks.  So of course, he wants to kill the “monster.”  Aside from him, everyone else was full of surprises.  From the sweet romance between two minor characters, to the flawed logic that streams from our main hero, it’s a refreshing break from some of the typical formulas that we all see in Hollywood these days.

It’s on Netflix right now, so if you’re looking for a silly, fun musically inspired animated film, I would highly recommend it!