Living in “Adventureland”

“Adventureland” was directed by the Superbad filmmaker, so it’s not a far cry to expect a super crass movie. Sure, the explicit pot use and sexual references were there, but the movie didn't focus on those aspects. Also, Bill Hader's character was hilarious, but completely underutilized. There should have been more of him being a goofball, and his appearance was rare if well acted and a treat.

The movie really wasn't about the wacky adventures of James Brennan as a carnie, although there were plenty of those moments. It was really a look at life post-college for those who cannot afford an Ivy League education and are "stuck" working a bad summer job in order to save up for school. The plot unfolded with lots of drama as Brennan made friends and enemies at Adventureland, the local “theme” park. In the film, he was a nice, clean cut guy who fell for Emily, played by Twilight star Kristen Stewert. You may keep thinking that you’ll see a vampire or werewolf materialize on screen at any point, but that happens when someone ties themselves with a major franchise like Twilight. Teeny bopper criticism aside, Kristen's character had issues and drove the main conflict of the film.

Lots of themes were dealt with, including grace, forgiveness, gossip, and the consequences of infidelity. It was a rather deeper movie than expected, so be relieved it’s not just another crass-fest (Although the movie did end up in the gutter from time to time.).

Without spoiling the unfolding of the story, Emily did something that really hurt Brennan. So, to deal with that he dated Lisa P., a cutie that all the male carnies drooled over. He also gossiped about Emily’s illicit behavior. This resulted in the whole "staff" knowing about Emily's dirty deed. Emily hurts Brennan, Brennan hurt Emily in return; relationship falls apart. Brennan, in his angst over losing the "girl of his dreams," drives under the influence of pot and some hard liquor he keeps in the front seat. Crashing into his neighbor's tree and taking out her nicely pedicured lawn makes him realize he's got some problems to work through. One strong critique of the movie is that the drug use was never penalized, and that the practice of drinking and driving were condoned. It would have been good to see some police involvement.

There were so many great moments that utilized some amazing truth telling. There was an awkward scene when Emily interrupts her parents entertaining some guests. She's grieving and becomes brutally honest with her parents. Initially, to deal with the uncomfortableness, the "adults" change the subject to how well the step-mom has decorated the place. It was classic! Another moment was when Brennan tells Emily in the pouring rain that he doesn't want to ignore issues between them. The character development that happened here showed an incredibly mature attitude, and well placed in the context of the plot.

The film can be crass at times, sure, but the main theme is about coming of age and learning life-long lessons. Characters aren’t idealized- they’re as human as you and I. This portrayal is critical in how film looks at the human experience, and this movie does a great job of showing growth and journey of a 20-something male in his own adventurland.

THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE: “AVATAR”!!!!

OK, Avatar is NOT the greatest movie ever made. However, it was amazing how the film kept selling out for weeks after it opened. EVERYONE went to see it. It was a historic time in cinema history for sure.

Avatar is much more than just a 2.5 hour special effects bonanza. Unlike any superhero movie that Hugh Jackman is involved with, there was real character development and a moving plot that involved more than one emotion. One criticism of the film is that the movie had no plot. Really? You probably know the plot (as this is the highest grossing movie of all time), but I’ll recap in case you forgot what the movie was all about because you were so focused on all the cool flying dragon-like creatures and scantily clad large blue people.

Paraplegic marine Jake comes to Pandora, a moon on a planet so far away it takes 4 or 5 odd years to get there. His twin brother, a PhD, is murdered, and Jake is the only one who can pilot his "Avatar," or body that is genetically made from humans and the "aliens" called Navis (although the humans in this case are the aliens). Long story short, Jake in his Avatar body befriends the Navis. This is a diplomatic mission with the goal that these indigenous people will leave their massive "Hometree" so that the humans can mine "Unobtanium" (Come on! What a lame name! Couldn't they have come up with something better?). This poorly named resource sells for a lot (“One million dollars!” pinky to mouth Dr. Evil style) of credits or whatever form of money they use in the future. Anyway, if a diplomatic solution cannot be reached within 3 months, the military moves in. At first, Jake is cool with this, but as he gets to be a part of the Navi culture, he has different thoughts. The movie progresses from there.

This movie covers current events like today's news. The Navi live in a land that has a "valuable" resource. In order to access this resource, a few paltry diplomatic efforts are made, but since those don't work the military calls the shots. The lack of understanding of the local culture leads to harmful policies. This causes the displacement of a people group because of the greed of a few fat cats who want to make a buck. The use of an army for a corporation's interests is clear in the film. The words "Shock and awe" show up at some point. However, unlike real life, the native people remove the army by the end and all was well. We're still waiting on Earth for that part of the story. There was real loss, however, as Navi leaders, friends, and the "Hometree" were lost forever.
 

Isn't it great how the good guys always win in Hollywood?

Why “Spiderman 3” is a Great Film

Critically, “Spiderman 3” was fairly well received. However, the masses have shunned the movie as the worst of the three. However, this is an extremely strong movie, and that if one were to take a closer look at the film, they would find it applies most to the human condition than the other two Spidey films.

This third installment is the darkest of the three. When the alien goo infects Peter Parker, his dark tendencies come out. This was explored well as the dark Spiderman fought crime in a way that the real Spiderman would not. The dark Spiderman is cruel, takes pleasure in causing pain to others, and revels in revenge. The real Spiderman is concerned for the welfare of even those he brings to justice. The filmmakers had to find a way to lighten the mood of the film, because Parker becomes evil for part of the story. Hence Peter’s ridiculous behavior as he finds "self confidence" in his new identity. Isn't this corniness the way we act when we are full of ourselves? Don’t we act the same way at times when we think we are better than others? The humor and awkwardness of Parker as he struts his stuff is a mirror of how we can act at times. This may have hit a bit close to home for some, and criticism of the film arises because of this. The inner battle between the good Spiderman and the evil dark Spiderman was well done in the film and well portrayed by Toby Maguire.

Later in the film, Venom is obviously portrayed as the antithesis of Spiderman. This is who Spiderman could have become if he had continued down the path of selfishness and power that the alien goo had imposed on Parker. He is the darkest bad guy in the Spiderman story, and for good reason. He has the same powers that Spiderman does, but uses them for evil. Not only does Spiderman have to fight himself early in the film, now he has to fight his evil doppelganger at the end. Not only that, but he has to fight his best friend Harry as the new Goblin (as well as the Sand Man. Where did this guy come from, and why is he in the film?). The complexities that he has to deal with had to have some sort of comical relief at times, or we wouldn't have had a sense of hope and identify with the struggles that our hero must face. We can all identify with Parker's struggle that was in the film.

Two Fist Bumps for “Megamind”!

Smart, satirical, and slapstick, “Megamind” has a deeper message than one would think in an animated film starring Will Ferrell. The interplay between Megamind and Metroman in Metrocity (rhymes with “atrocity” according to our titular character) is explored with more heart and soul than in any film since “The Incredibles”. Each character’s history is explored, and we see that it’s the setting in which they are nurtured that determines their lives. Megamind’s landing in a prison as a child ensures that he grows up to be the villain, while Metroman’s landing in prosperity results in him being the good guy.

A predictable plot twist might have been for the roles to be switched, for Metroman to somehow become the villain and Megamind the hero. Metroman, however, does not make a polar opposite transition, but rather is finally defeated by Megamind. This genius move by the scriptwriters allows Megamind to get what he’s always wanted- dominion over Metrocity. The cliché “be careful what you wish for, you just might get it” becomes Megamind’s reality and he longs for purpose once again. Enter the real antagonist of the story, Titan. Longing to get the girl of his dreams, his entrance into the superhero realm by way of Megamind’s invention, causes him to ultimately use his powers for his own selfish ends. If he can’t get what he wants, he’s going to make Metrocity pay! It’s up to Megamind to make things right, for the first time fighting as the good guy.

Much can be extrapolated about us and what goes into our identity. Our reaction to how we are treated by others, the choices we make, and the environment that influences us all contribute to whether we are the good guy, the bad guy, or someone in between. Not all of us start out life as a Superman-esque person, morally upright in all that we do. There are those of us who grow from being some sort of bad guy to some sort of good guy. Of course Hollywood films will dichotomize these roles for mass audience consumption, but if we look closely enough at ourselves there’s a Megamind in all of us; someone who has hurts and rejection from the past but who also struggles to make right choices in a world that needs more heroes than villains.

I’m sure that Megamind would agree.

Uh oh! Here comes “Hancock”!

Hancock (played by Will Smith) isn’t your average superhero. He doesn’t care. Really, he doesn’t. He’s Superman without the perfect conscience, and it’s about time a movie was made about an imperfect superhero. No one is as squeaky clean as Superman is with his flashing smile and impeccable morals. Sure, we’d all like to be as nice as Superman is, but sometimes we wake up on the wrong side of the bed and we’re not the superstars we wish we were all the time. Hancock never wakes up on the right side of the bed, and he’s not going to take crap from anyone.

His superpowers have given him god-like powers. He is unbreakable, and he uses this with abandon. A path of destruction follows him wherever he goes, and people are not happy with him. Whenever he takes off, whatever is beneath him crumbles from the force of his liftoff. When he lands, it’s like a golf playing giant put a divot in the asphalt. He throws whales in the ocean, sinking yachts. Lawsuits against him are piling up. These are the real consequences of unchecked physical power, and something had to be done.

If you were indestructible with super strength and could fly, you too wouldn’t travel like a super ballerina within a major city, deftly missing huge obstacles like buildings and cars. One distraction and CRASH!, you’d fly right through a window. One thing this film does really well is to show that being a superhero would be tougher than you think, and that personal feelings and agendas would make for a selfish super-being who wouldn't just save people out of the goodness of their heart. Sure, the damsel in distress may be easy to spot, or the guy stuck on the train tracks about to get t-boned by a freight train a no brainer, but as an example, police often must make judgment calls based on assumptions that may or may not be correct. Can you imagine that on a much larger scale, a superhero flying into a sticky situation without knowing exactly what was going on or the difference between the good and bad guys? This is why there’s a collegiate study called “Criminal Justice,” and it’s taken by those in law enforcement. There are right ways to deal with criminal activities, and it’s not always easy to tell right from wrong in an unfolding situation. It’s also not easy to keep infrastructure intact when someone is indestructible and super strong.

“Hancock” tells the story of what it might look like for a superhero in the real world. It ain’t pretty, but it is entertaining!

A Helluva Good Time With “Hellboy”

Based on (at the time) a little known comic book, “Hellboy” was thrust to the public consciousness in 2004 by Guillermo del Toro’s film adaption. Starring Ron Perlman (a perfect fit) as Hellboy, the story is original, provocative, and visually stunning. Del Toro has an amazing ability to bring amazingly wacky and visually creative worlds to life. This film is no exception. You’d think that this sort of film would be full of cheesy lines as well as special effects-driven, but no. There are certainly a lot of digital effects used, but the script is well written- witty, tongue in cheek, and tells a very entertaining story with unique characters.

The film starts with the infant Hellboy as he’s summoned from Hell near the end of World War II by the Nazis in their attempt to win the war. The Allies break up the demon conjuring party, and little Hellboy is rescued. Raised by Professor Trevor "Broom" Bruttenholm, little Hellboy is taught to protect humanity. That’s right; a demon from Hell is the main good guy. Brilliant. He’s joined in adulthood by Liz Sherman (who can burst into blue flames at will) and Blue, a fish-like man creature (or is that a man-like fish creature?).

Throughout the film, Hellboy struggles with his identity. He’s a demon, and generally they’re bad guys. However, he doesn’t feel like he’s a bad guy. He feels like a good guy. In rebellion to that which he’s “supposed to be,” he shaves his horns with a power tool reminiscent of men shaving their beards with a razor. However, when civilians see him, they (pun intended) demonize him. The very people he’s protecting hate him. A little resentful of this, he’s nonetheless committed to the cause of helping rid the world of supernatural bad guys. It helps that he’s is fairly invincible, and can take a beating as well as dish one out.

The real character defining moment comes near the end of the film. Hellboy is faced with a choice- embrace his demon side to release some very bad dudes who will start Armageddon in order to save Liz, the woman he loves. If he doesn’t do this, she dies. Reluctantly, he uses his powers as a demon to begin to free an evil he can’t fight. His horns grow back immediately, as if taunting him about his identity. It was inescapable all along- Hellboy was meant for evil.

Or was he?

Hellboy realizes that he has a choice, and that he’s been given an identity from his adoptive father Professor Broom, not from his heritage as a demon. Ripping off his horns, he rejects the false identity cast for him and kills the one who enticed him to be what he knew he wasn’t. From this death comes a greater adversary, which Hellboy dispatches in an epic final battle. Hellboy has proven to himself who he is, that his identity is in being a good guy. Now, no one can take that away from him. He’s free to be himself. He knows who he is because he’s been tested, and that testing changed him to the core.

This battle is not only in the movies, but we are faced with these choices every day. Who are we? Are we defined by our past? Are we defined by what others think of us? Are we defined by what we think of ourselves? Or are we defined by an adoptive father who longs for us to fight the good fight?

We all have a choice.

“Watchmen” Kill with High Tech Special Effects

“Watchmen” looked like a visual treat of a movie. And it was. Everything from the blue glowing Dr. Manhattan, the details of the flying hero ship, to Rorschach's "Rorschach" changing face were amazingly done. It must have taken an army of animators many many many hours to design and render the movie. Graphically, it is a beautiful film.

It was also quite graphic in other ways. Like most graphic comics made into movies, it pulled no punches. The violence was bloody, the characters unforgiving in spilling that blood. The good guys were bad, and the bad guys were badder. It was an interesting look at human nature, and the desire for justice without mercy. It's this justice without mercy that has become the norm in Hollywood produced movies. The evil characters get punished for their evil deeds. As Americans, we all like to see that happen. However, that's not always the way real life is, and that is not what we want for ourselves. I would rather receive forgiveness and mercy for things that I have done wrong, not true justice as is often portrayed in films like Watchmen. Where is the line between justice and mercy? And does mercy lead to a changed heart, or does justice in whatever form it takes the way to real soul changing transformation?

This theme is especially true with Rorschach's character. He is relentless in his pursuit of justice. His cause is just; he wants to save the slaughter of innocents, protect children, etc. By the time he gets older, he's very jaded, but still with the same ideals. His retribution philosophy is eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, life for a life. So, does justice dictate that he lose his life? Or should he be shown forgiveness for the wrongs that he has committed, even if those wrongs were motivated by the desire to protect others?

What this movie says about American culture, the role of the superhero, and redemption could be a thesis for an English PhD candidate to defend. The movie takes place in an alternate reality, where J. Edgar Hoover reigns and Vietnam is won with the help of the "Watchmen." It's an alternate reality where things have gone differently, with dire consequences because the stakes are so much higher. Nuclear war with the Soviet Union is imminent, and there's a rush to develop a device that will protect America from attack. All of the superheroes are in hiding, as the government has put a stop their vigilantism. Each “hero” has varying degrees of good and bad, with some leaning toward virtue and some leaning the other way. The Night Owl represents the good, virtuous superhero, one who has ethics and wants to help people. The Comedian is the polar opposite, and uses his hero status for his own glorification. He goes as far as to kill innocent people, if they inconvenience him too much. He thinks he’s above morals and laws. His character was harshly selfish, although none of the heroes were perfect. This is no Superman story.

Is this what happens when power goes unchecked? Did they, like our financial system, fail due to a lack of regulation? Does human nature bend toward depravity if there is no one “watching the Watchmen?” Thoughts to ponder.