Gran Torino: Shows that sometimes the simple message is better

I’ve been debating for a while on how to approach this particular film. With all the hype with all the sci-fi superhero films with heavy CGI out now, sometimes we overlook the simpler films that are also out there. 

The ones that many not have the flashy CGI or over-stimulated action sequences with explosions galore, yet send a quiet but powerful message. No, this isn’t about “Passion of the Christ”, (I think one of our other bloggers will post on that film later on if not already) this one is about “Gran Torino” one of the 2008 films directed and started Clint Eastwood. Why this film you ask? 

The Hunger Games: A unique remake, or a Battle Royale with Cheese?

With the overall sagging decline of theatre sales (with the exception of major blockbusters), Hollywood is literary chomping at the bit, for a new unique teen/tween novel based movie series to start up. Harry Potter is done, and the (ugh) Twilight series is about to finish. 

Hollywood needs a new series to appeal to the teen/tween demographic in order to keep that gravy train flowing. And what better way to do that than with…wait for it…another new teen fantasy novel series to be made into a film franchise. Surprise, surprise…

End Time Films, Why is the Future in this genre so bleak?

Why do so many futuristic depictions of the future, or not-so-distant future all seem so….bleak and morbid?

What’s my name? Coming to America and self-determinism

I've got the Lakers/Thunder game on and there's a stream of tweets ridiculing Metta World Peace (born Ron Artest) for his change of name. I find it all the more remarkable as I reflect in the context of Black History Month.

It was 1967. Cassius Clay had changed his name to Muhammad Ali. Leading up to one of his earliest fights after the name change, opponent Ernie Terrel continued to refer to him as "Clay," publicly disrespecting Ali's decision to change his name.

Ali spent 15 rounds beating Terrel up while yelling at him, "What's my name?!"

Power vs. Responsibility genre in Film: Where do we stand?

I was compelled to take a stab at this topic, based mainly on the previous discussions in the X Men, First Class post; also, to a less degree, from all the critical decision-making while playing SWTOR game (yeah, the game is that detailed). 

It’s a bit contrived so bear with me.

M. Night Shyamalan's exploration of closure

Artists explore themes. Whether song writers, book writers, painters, sculptors, people dig down into the depths of their being to find whatever is inside, and they put it out into the open as it were to share the process of self-discovery with their audience.

Picasso had a "blue period", and a "black period." Pat Metheny Group did a lot of latin jazz while Pat Metheny Trio did bop...

The Number 23 makes an odd statement on accountability

I am a Jim Carrey fan, and not because his physical humour puts him up there with the very best of all time; rather because, very quietly, Carrey has built a body of work that has not a few statements towards a higher consciousness. Carrey continues to explore treatments of morality - not his typical comedic fare, this dark crime caper actually ends with a Bible quote, which  may have triggered sub-conscious rejection by all those who out-and-out hate on this movie (I've previously commented on the issue of theophobia and methinks such is the case again here).

The movie isn't really about the number 23, although on the surface everyone wants to make it out as such. That's the problem - it's disappointing if the issue is supposed to be about the numerology, weak as it may be. What is it really about? Accountability.