As I mentioned in my last blog, I have recently re-watched Bridesmaids and on the second time, I've actually thought my initial rating wasn't doing the film justice. Granted, I only raised it by half a star but that still puts it above quite a few films released this year. But the reason I'm using it as the first film review for my blog is because, besides having quite a bit to say about it, it still leaves me feeling mixed towards it.
First, a plot synopsis. Annie (Kristen Wiig) isn't too happy with her current lot in life. A failed business, a “no strings attached” relationship with a complete asshat (John Hamm) and a job that she doesn't really invest a lot of enthusiasm into, her friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) is one of the few factors keeping her sane. When Lillian announces she's getting married, she makes Annie the maid of honour, though she faces fierce competition from the wife of her fiancee’s boss, Helen (Rose Byrne), a well-off woman with connections, who also seems to want to usurp Annie's place as best friend.
I should say right now there may be spoilers. Yeah, I know the idea of spoilers in a romantic comedy sounds stupid but maybe some people don't want every little detail set out for them.
Now, this film is a mixed bag for me. For just about every good point I can come up with, there is a negative too, albeit unrelated to the good at times.
For the good, most of the characters are well-cast. Kristen is a solid lead and I hope this leads to more leading roles in the future. Though at times the character is unsympathetic, Kristen just plays as she's told and does it so well. Likewise, Rose Byrne doesn't come across as too smarmy or bitchy, just being a little uppity and it works. My favourite characters though, are Nathan (Chris O'Dowd) and Megan (Melissa McCarthy), or as I call her, the ensemble darkhorse. In a surprising (and refreshing) turn of events, Nathan gets to be the more serious love interest, something normally seen in most female roles when the lead is a male. Like I said in my last blog, most women get stuck with one-dimensional roles in which they just sit there and shake their heads when the men do or say something stupid. Now, we get the woman being irrational and the man being level-headed. AND he's well written. See how easy that was? So, can we get to women being well written too when the male commands most of the screentime? Though he does get one borderline negative moment, where he kind of pushes Annie to get back to her baking, since he loved her bakery (the aforementioned failed business). Now, it can be interpreted as him just being overly encouraging and supportive but in that scene, he kind of comes across as a little obsessive and pushy. Annie is made uncomfortable and it's what makes her break things off with him, just as they were developing. Luckily, he gets right back to not doing silly things so his character gets restored.
Now, for a negative, as I mentioned above, Annie does sometimes come across as unsympathetic. While all humans have flaws, she suffers from one of the most glaring in films, particularly comedies. The age old “I have something I need to say but rather than break it down honestly and maturely for my friend, I'm going to not say anything, do stupid things and keep it bottled up ready for a big speech that will alter the rest of the second act and need resolution in the third act” schtick. I'm addressing the scene in which she and the rest of the bridesmaids and Lillian are on a plane to Vegas and Annie has become intoxicated since she is afraid of flying and has just taken some sedatives, with alcohol to ease it down. She becomes very rude to the flight staff and borderline physically abusive. Lady, the guy's trying to do his job, stop being rude. You're not helping your case, you're making Helen look better. Hell, when she does give her big speech, it doesn't even really sink in with the audience, probably because she stops to demolish a giant cookie. And I was actually enjoying that at the start.
Back to the good, Megan. It's like the writers sensed the film was lacking quick-fire jokes and just gave Melissa a whole bunch of things to say and she takes them and runs with them. She's extremely likable and a lot of fun to watch. She also gets to be the one to get Annie to stop acting stupid and get her out of her depression in the third act. She's also responsible for one of my favourite parts of the movie: the guests at Lillian's bridal shower receive gifts (puppies among them) and Megan confesses that she took two. Cut to about five minutes later, we see her drive away with six and gives Annie a signal that seems to say “SCORE!” and it's hilarious.
Back to the negative. There are two other bridesmaids, Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey) and Becca (Ellie Kemper). They play like opposites of the same coin. One is a bitter wife who seems to kind of hate her husband and kids and will take any chance to see men naked/stripping (though without cheating on her husband, at least she won't go that far) and the other is a super-perky young newlywed who never seems to stop smiling. Yes, we get it, they're from two different worlds with opinions on marriage. Wow, never seen THAT before.
Oh but that's not the worst of it. Now, I don't hate Becca (well, I don't “hate” Rita either but she seems to be the one-note female character, which is a pity) but neither character really adds much, besides the contrast. Back to the plane scene, both are sitting next to each other, with Rita “educating” Becca on what marriage will be like. And just before they're all ejected for Annie's antics, the two kiss, like they're about to start making out. And it's at this point, the movie seems to say “Well, you two have served your purpose, time to become background characters now”. So... in a way, you could view that negatively, with an unfortunate implication of “Oh no! Lesbian scene! Quick, hide them!” Might want to make a statement saying that you didn't mean it like that, guys.
Positive again, just a quick one before the last negative: I loved the scene in which Annie's trying to get Nathan's attention (he's a police officer) in the third act, since she and Helen need his help tracking down Lillian on her wedding day. So, she tries all sorts of things in her car, like pretending to drink and drive, playing loud music, pulling a Dukes Of Hazzard style stunt and ducking down to make it look like the car is driver-less (“Hey, who's drivin' that car?” I love that line) and the whole thing is hilarious. Easily my favourite scene.
Now, the last negative: Helen has been antagonistic (mostly) to Annie and she comes off as insensitive. That's not the issue, she's the closest thing this movie has to a villain. No, the problem comes with the reveal that she's lonely and she overcompensates. Her husband doesn't seem to care, she doesn't have many friends and it gets to her.
Now, knowing that, does it really excuse her actions? She could have seen that Annie couldn't keep up with her expensive treats for the rest of the bridal party but doesn't actually stop to think “Gee, maybe I should make things a little more low-key for everybody else?” She can't be that oblivious to everything, her own stepkids treat her with disregard, even outright swearing at her and all she can do is laugh and comment on putting money in the swear jar.
I'm tired of this thing in movies where it seems like characters don't watch movies, since if they had, they'd recognize similar patterns. Do you mean to tell me she's never seen a movie with rich bitches? She may not be an outright bitch but she's not the most likable person in the movie either.
Anyway, despite all the cons, it is a very good movie and I recommend it for at least trying to shake things up a little. Overall, I give it 3.5/5.
Friday, 2 December 2011
Monday, 28 November 2011
Just Humor Me A Little
The other day, I was watching Bridesmaids for the second time (first time on DVD, though), and while I found myself enjoying it more this time around, a thought occurred to me in regards to what people have been saying in regards to the female-centric nature of the movie (for an extended review of the movie itself, that will be the topic of the next blog)
It can't have escaped your attention that there aren't really a lot of starring vehicles for female comedians these days, or a large cast of females in a comedy. I mean, sure there's the Sex And The City franchise, but the four leads are actresses and not comedians by trade.
I'm probably saying what's been said before, but I'd put it down to this myth we have that women can't be as funny as men, especially on the stand-up circuit.
To be honest, besides one aspect I will cover next paragraph I've never really thought of stand-up in terms of “men's humor/women's humor” and such. If I like a comedian, it's based on their observations and their... well, their jokes of course, since that's the name of the game. Some of the most intelligent things I've ever heard or read have come from the minds of comedians (like a routine the late, great George Carlin had on religion, in which he states that to him, most of the ten commandments are just segments or sub-divisions of the same category)
But, I have to admit, I have been disappointed by several comedians who think that topics like sex and the differences between men and women are like a mine that needs to be continually visited.
For example, years ago, there was a special down here in Australia, called World Comedy Unplugged. Hosted by two local comedians, it was a showcase of comedians from different parts of the world. One of the Americans up for the night was Vanessa Hollingshead.
Before I go further, I want it known for the record that I am not dismissing anyone's entire career when I go into the specific details, but from the viewpoint of someone they're trying to entice, if this is what I can expect in a 5 minute spot, I'm not sure I want to find out if I'm going to get more of the same in a 90 minute-2 hour block.
Now, her first half was solid. She talked about English serial killers and how weird they'd be (and her English accent was spot-on) and it was hilarious. Then she started talking about the things she had given up/gotten rid of (it's been years since I've seen this so I can't remember everything word for word and chances are the DVD is out of print) some things in her life, one of those being “her marriage” to which she kind of chuckles and its at this point my smile fades and I think “Oh please don't, you were doing so well!” She then proceeds to tell a story about her having sex with her new boyfriend. At this point, it seems more like she just wanted to tell the story as opposed to coming up with witty observations.
You know, I don't find it funny when I'm hearing this kind of thing. Is there really humor to be had by hearing someone describe their sex life? It's a different story for fiction, they're usually unaware of an audience, so they talk like there are no observers. That works fine for shows like the aforementioned Sex And The City, because they aren't talking directly to us. We may be listening but the characters don't know that, since shows don't often break the fourth wall.
It's not just women, it's men too. People, sex is something you don't share stories of to large audiences, regardless of whether or not they know you.
I'm also not fond of “men are from Mars, women are from Venus” thing, but that's not here or there. I will say, and I'm not trying to stereotype, but at least a few men add some self-depreciation into it. Actually, that's another reason I didn't like the second half of that particular act: I didn't catch anything that was remotely self-depreciating. Maybe I need to watch that part again when I can, but I don't recall hearing anything along those lines. And self-depreciation (not too much, mind you) is a good thing, because it shows you can laugh at yourself.
To go back briefly to the men/women thing, it almost seems like a lot of male comics going into this territory go the way of “Men, women, we're both weird and do stupid things” and some female comics will go the way of “Yeah, guys do weird and stupid things”. That's unfair, wouldn't you say? How is that equal?
That's not to say all female comics will sink that low. Hell, the first act of the World Comedy Unplugged special was a delightful comedian named Kitty Flanagan and her topics were wide and varied, with self-depreciation, but mostly quirky observations (I love her bit on the French version of the Burton directed Planet Of The Apes and how the movie doesn't quite work because the French don't have a different word for apes and monkeys, they're both “sange”. That may not be the correct spelling but that's beside the point, though I do apologize if it is wrong, and it was one of the most memorable bits of the night).
And Hattie Hayridge, who I know for being the second Holly on Red Dwarf (and I really wish the producers would get her back for the new seasons if Norman Lovett won't come back. Please?) and she had this funny line about cooking: “God, why doesn't Jamie Oliver just bring out a cookbook 'Things You Can Stand And Eat Over The Sink'? “
And yet, people wonder why female comedians “aren't as funny”? They are, you're just looking at the wrong ones! The ones who seem to cater exclusively to female audiences only, thus being exclusionary to a larger audience. I mean, a lot of people could say every comedian is exclusionary because not everyone is going to share their exact same experience. That might be true to some extent, but when comedians talk about everyday things like the idiots in traffic or the weird people you see at a party, that's still reaching a wide audience and it says “Well, you may not have experienced this, but you could, so enjoy” as opposed to “Well, you're not a part of this group, so stay out”. It's not just gender, it applies to race, religion, age and all sorts of divides. Sometimes it's a matter of tailor-making things for your audience (and for comedians who do a lot of audience participation, they would probably already know this). For example, an American going to a third would country and complaining how they can't get a solid gold toilet would be extremely inappropriate.
Going back one last time to the comedy special (I apologize if this blog is all over the place, a lot of this gets written up as I think of it, working off dot points and scribbled notes in some cases), I will say Vanessa was not the worst act of the night, mostly due to how she started. I don't remember the comedian, but there was one guy who told this one long story, which ended up being about an elephant farting. That was the entire build-up. An elephant farting in his face. And he's standing there, sounding like some geek, with a dopey expression on his face, talking like its the most amazing thing that has ever happened to him (granted, it probably was).
…
I don't get it. Was that meant to be funny or were you trying to get us to kill ourselves? Much like Vanessa's sex story, it's a story we don't need to hear, there's no observation, it's just “Here is something inappropriate I want to share because I got nothing”. I would be very surprised if this man is still a comedian.
Now, for anyone who doesn't think women are funny, I say this: did you come from a parallel universe where Tina Fey, Madeline Kahn, Sarah Silverman, Maria Bamford and Janeane Garafolo don't exist?
And between Australia and New Zealand, there's Sarah Kendall, Fiona O'Loughlan and Cal Wilson and many more.
But when it comes to movies, men are still the ones that get to be goofballs while the women have to just stand there and be all frumpy and serious, while usually somehow still being attracted to the goofball (this comes up quite a bit in Adam Sandler movies, see Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison for example).
In fact, I can only think of one example right now (knowing me, I'll end up thinking of more an hour or so after the blog goes up) in which the female gets to be the “fun” one, while the male is more serious and that's (500) Days Of Summer, and even then, that's more of a bittersweet comedy, rather than a rapid-fire-gag affair. Or is Zooey Deschanel the only female allowed to be zany?
What I'm saying is, why can't women in comedies be allowed to do the same things men do, and not mention the gender divide? Why can't they have wacky adventures, while their male counterpart just stands off to the side, shaking their head in disbelief? Because its sexist? So, if a man acts silly and a woman acts serious, that's totally fine but you reverse it and suddenly women are in a negative light? Considering the amount of complaints from actresses that the women aren't allowed to have fun, I'd say there's a large portion of people who wouldn't mind a gender flip.
Here, I'm going to use this webcomic as an example of how it can be done: http://thedevilspanties.com/ Basically, I would describe it as a slightly embellished autobiographical gag-a-day webcomic, about what creator Jennie Breeden does or her thoughts, and she's largely carefree and whimsical. Now, I'm only on her strips from 2008 (I started right from the beginning and if you want to do the same, you're in for a long haul as it began in 2001) but it seems that her boyfriend, Will (not sure if she's still seeing him currently) is more relaxed but also questioning of some of the stranger things she does (questioning in a “I'm confused, why are you doing this?” way and not “I don't like what you're doing, why are you trying to piss me off?” kind of way, just to be clear) while Jennie's the one who does all sorts of crazy things. Hell, one of her favourite hobbies is getting a leaf blower and using it on men with kilts to see underneath!
While I'm not saying The Devil's Panties (it's not Satanic porn, I swear) should be a movie (since there's no real plot-line or set of arcs, there's not much to base a movie around), I'm saying look to that as to how a female can be funny, wacky but still a positive influence.
Or, to break it down further, let women do the things men in comedies would do. Let them punch other people square in the jaw, let them make mad dashes to the airport to make amends for how a relationship turned out, let them have random conversations about trivial things ala Clerks or Seinfeld. It's not about acting like men, it's about letting them be the ones to put things in motion, rather than letting the men kick things off and have them react with shame and disapproval. Be more creative, let them be more free, stop pigeon-holing them into one-note roles.
Come on, Hollywood, if Judd Apatow can realize this, why can't you? Maybe Bridesmaids will turn the tide. I hope so. But I'll get into Bridesmaids next time.
It can't have escaped your attention that there aren't really a lot of starring vehicles for female comedians these days, or a large cast of females in a comedy. I mean, sure there's the Sex And The City franchise, but the four leads are actresses and not comedians by trade.
I'm probably saying what's been said before, but I'd put it down to this myth we have that women can't be as funny as men, especially on the stand-up circuit.
To be honest, besides one aspect I will cover next paragraph I've never really thought of stand-up in terms of “men's humor/women's humor” and such. If I like a comedian, it's based on their observations and their... well, their jokes of course, since that's the name of the game. Some of the most intelligent things I've ever heard or read have come from the minds of comedians (like a routine the late, great George Carlin had on religion, in which he states that to him, most of the ten commandments are just segments or sub-divisions of the same category)
But, I have to admit, I have been disappointed by several comedians who think that topics like sex and the differences between men and women are like a mine that needs to be continually visited.
For example, years ago, there was a special down here in Australia, called World Comedy Unplugged. Hosted by two local comedians, it was a showcase of comedians from different parts of the world. One of the Americans up for the night was Vanessa Hollingshead.
Before I go further, I want it known for the record that I am not dismissing anyone's entire career when I go into the specific details, but from the viewpoint of someone they're trying to entice, if this is what I can expect in a 5 minute spot, I'm not sure I want to find out if I'm going to get more of the same in a 90 minute-2 hour block.
Now, her first half was solid. She talked about English serial killers and how weird they'd be (and her English accent was spot-on) and it was hilarious. Then she started talking about the things she had given up/gotten rid of (it's been years since I've seen this so I can't remember everything word for word and chances are the DVD is out of print) some things in her life, one of those being “her marriage” to which she kind of chuckles and its at this point my smile fades and I think “Oh please don't, you were doing so well!” She then proceeds to tell a story about her having sex with her new boyfriend. At this point, it seems more like she just wanted to tell the story as opposed to coming up with witty observations.
You know, I don't find it funny when I'm hearing this kind of thing. Is there really humor to be had by hearing someone describe their sex life? It's a different story for fiction, they're usually unaware of an audience, so they talk like there are no observers. That works fine for shows like the aforementioned Sex And The City, because they aren't talking directly to us. We may be listening but the characters don't know that, since shows don't often break the fourth wall.
It's not just women, it's men too. People, sex is something you don't share stories of to large audiences, regardless of whether or not they know you.
I'm also not fond of “men are from Mars, women are from Venus” thing, but that's not here or there. I will say, and I'm not trying to stereotype, but at least a few men add some self-depreciation into it. Actually, that's another reason I didn't like the second half of that particular act: I didn't catch anything that was remotely self-depreciating. Maybe I need to watch that part again when I can, but I don't recall hearing anything along those lines. And self-depreciation (not too much, mind you) is a good thing, because it shows you can laugh at yourself.
To go back briefly to the men/women thing, it almost seems like a lot of male comics going into this territory go the way of “Men, women, we're both weird and do stupid things” and some female comics will go the way of “Yeah, guys do weird and stupid things”. That's unfair, wouldn't you say? How is that equal?
That's not to say all female comics will sink that low. Hell, the first act of the World Comedy Unplugged special was a delightful comedian named Kitty Flanagan and her topics were wide and varied, with self-depreciation, but mostly quirky observations (I love her bit on the French version of the Burton directed Planet Of The Apes and how the movie doesn't quite work because the French don't have a different word for apes and monkeys, they're both “sange”. That may not be the correct spelling but that's beside the point, though I do apologize if it is wrong, and it was one of the most memorable bits of the night).
And Hattie Hayridge, who I know for being the second Holly on Red Dwarf (and I really wish the producers would get her back for the new seasons if Norman Lovett won't come back. Please?) and she had this funny line about cooking: “God, why doesn't Jamie Oliver just bring out a cookbook 'Things You Can Stand And Eat Over The Sink'? “
And yet, people wonder why female comedians “aren't as funny”? They are, you're just looking at the wrong ones! The ones who seem to cater exclusively to female audiences only, thus being exclusionary to a larger audience. I mean, a lot of people could say every comedian is exclusionary because not everyone is going to share their exact same experience. That might be true to some extent, but when comedians talk about everyday things like the idiots in traffic or the weird people you see at a party, that's still reaching a wide audience and it says “Well, you may not have experienced this, but you could, so enjoy” as opposed to “Well, you're not a part of this group, so stay out”. It's not just gender, it applies to race, religion, age and all sorts of divides. Sometimes it's a matter of tailor-making things for your audience (and for comedians who do a lot of audience participation, they would probably already know this). For example, an American going to a third would country and complaining how they can't get a solid gold toilet would be extremely inappropriate.
Going back one last time to the comedy special (I apologize if this blog is all over the place, a lot of this gets written up as I think of it, working off dot points and scribbled notes in some cases), I will say Vanessa was not the worst act of the night, mostly due to how she started. I don't remember the comedian, but there was one guy who told this one long story, which ended up being about an elephant farting. That was the entire build-up. An elephant farting in his face. And he's standing there, sounding like some geek, with a dopey expression on his face, talking like its the most amazing thing that has ever happened to him (granted, it probably was).
…
I don't get it. Was that meant to be funny or were you trying to get us to kill ourselves? Much like Vanessa's sex story, it's a story we don't need to hear, there's no observation, it's just “Here is something inappropriate I want to share because I got nothing”. I would be very surprised if this man is still a comedian.
Now, for anyone who doesn't think women are funny, I say this: did you come from a parallel universe where Tina Fey, Madeline Kahn, Sarah Silverman, Maria Bamford and Janeane Garafolo don't exist?
And between Australia and New Zealand, there's Sarah Kendall, Fiona O'Loughlan and Cal Wilson and many more.
But when it comes to movies, men are still the ones that get to be goofballs while the women have to just stand there and be all frumpy and serious, while usually somehow still being attracted to the goofball (this comes up quite a bit in Adam Sandler movies, see Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison for example).
In fact, I can only think of one example right now (knowing me, I'll end up thinking of more an hour or so after the blog goes up) in which the female gets to be the “fun” one, while the male is more serious and that's (500) Days Of Summer, and even then, that's more of a bittersweet comedy, rather than a rapid-fire-gag affair. Or is Zooey Deschanel the only female allowed to be zany?
What I'm saying is, why can't women in comedies be allowed to do the same things men do, and not mention the gender divide? Why can't they have wacky adventures, while their male counterpart just stands off to the side, shaking their head in disbelief? Because its sexist? So, if a man acts silly and a woman acts serious, that's totally fine but you reverse it and suddenly women are in a negative light? Considering the amount of complaints from actresses that the women aren't allowed to have fun, I'd say there's a large portion of people who wouldn't mind a gender flip.
Here, I'm going to use this webcomic as an example of how it can be done: http://thedevilspanties.com/ Basically, I would describe it as a slightly embellished autobiographical gag-a-day webcomic, about what creator Jennie Breeden does or her thoughts, and she's largely carefree and whimsical. Now, I'm only on her strips from 2008 (I started right from the beginning and if you want to do the same, you're in for a long haul as it began in 2001) but it seems that her boyfriend, Will (not sure if she's still seeing him currently) is more relaxed but also questioning of some of the stranger things she does (questioning in a “I'm confused, why are you doing this?” way and not “I don't like what you're doing, why are you trying to piss me off?” kind of way, just to be clear) while Jennie's the one who does all sorts of crazy things. Hell, one of her favourite hobbies is getting a leaf blower and using it on men with kilts to see underneath!
While I'm not saying The Devil's Panties (it's not Satanic porn, I swear) should be a movie (since there's no real plot-line or set of arcs, there's not much to base a movie around), I'm saying look to that as to how a female can be funny, wacky but still a positive influence.
Or, to break it down further, let women do the things men in comedies would do. Let them punch other people square in the jaw, let them make mad dashes to the airport to make amends for how a relationship turned out, let them have random conversations about trivial things ala Clerks or Seinfeld. It's not about acting like men, it's about letting them be the ones to put things in motion, rather than letting the men kick things off and have them react with shame and disapproval. Be more creative, let them be more free, stop pigeon-holing them into one-note roles.
Come on, Hollywood, if Judd Apatow can realize this, why can't you? Maybe Bridesmaids will turn the tide. I hope so. But I'll get into Bridesmaids next time.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
It's A Thankful Job But Someone's Gotta Do It
While we in Australia don't celebrate Thanksgiving (unless you're an American citizen who migrated to Australia), that doesn't mean I don't have a list the length of a skyscraper of things I am thankful for. While I could take up all your time and list them all (even the short version I could set to Billy Joel's We Didn't Start The Fire and it would still leave a lot out), I'm going to list some of the biggest things I am thankful for, be they small things like entertainment that has gotten me through tough times or bigger things. And with that, let us begin:
*I am thankful for the creation of some of my favourite foods and beverages, like meatloaf, chicken parmigiana, lasagna, meatballs, pizza, mashed potato, chocolate, strawberry milk and most pineapple flavoured drinks (curiously, I do not thank pineapples themselves, can't stand pineapple on a pizza)
*I am thankful for the music of artists like Queen, Muse, Powderfinger, Alanis Morrisette, Pink, Weird Al Yankovic, Madonna (yes, you read that right), Hall and Oates, Huey Lewis and The News, U2, Eminem, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Linkin Park, Green Day, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Metallica, Kasey Chambers, Jewel, Rihanna, R.E.M, Coldplay, Radiohead, Garbage and many more, for lifting my spirits or giving me something new to think about
*I am thankful that movies exist, especially with gems like A Clockwork Orange, The Silence Of The Lambs, Chasing Amy, The Dark Knight, the Back To The Future trilogy, the Evil Dead trilogy, the Monty Python films, the Marvel "Movieverse", the Harry Potter adaptations, the rest of Christopher Nolan's filmography (save for Following, which I still need to see) and many, many more for telling wonderful stories and inspiring me to get into writing (as well as the books I've read. On that subject...)
*I am thankful for fantastic books like The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, the Harry Potter series, the Red Dwarf tie-ins, Thomas Harris' Hannibal Lecter series (maybe not Hannibal Rising though), the Darwin Awards series, Friendly Fire by Wil Anderson, Stupid White Men by Michael Moore but most of all, the works of Stephen King (in particular, The Shining, Gerald's Game, Firestarter, Nightmares And Dreamscapes, The Dark Tower series, Bag Of Bones, The Bachman Books and Danse Macabre). I thank all of these for filling me with all sorts of wonderful information and amusing anecdotes and for getting my creative gears going
*For the same reasons, I thank Bob Kane and Bill finger for the creation of Batman and Dick Grayson, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko for Spider-Man, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster for Superman, William Moulton Marston for Wonder Woman and Joe Kelly and Fabian Nicieza for injecting Deadpool with his lovable personality (not Rob Liefeld though, he sucks at drawing). I am also thankful for stories like Y: The Last Man, Watchmen, Scott Pilgrim, Identity Crisis and the creators of each, as well as the concepts and characters of the Green Lantern Corps, nearly all of Batman's supporting cast and villains and the creators and companies of each. Oh and Dark Horse for publishing the Buffy The Vampire Slayer follow-ups to the show. On that note, I'd like to thank Joss Whedon for his creations, for the wonderful worlds he's created and for taking on The Avengers adaptation, I'm sure it'll be a marvelous (pun intended) day
*To prevent this from getting long, I'll just do another two paragraphs after this but this will sum up everything I miss, whether it be the video games, characters and publishers I'm thankful for (like Nintendo and the Mario franchise), the TV shows I've spent countless hours engrossed in (the Law And Order franchise, Red Dwarf, M*A*S*H, How I Met Your Mother) and all sorts of things I'm likely to forget. Now, on to the two most important dedications
*I am very thankful for the existence of That Guy With The Glasses (www.thatguywiththeglasses.com) and the contributors who lifted me out of a state of depression almost a year and a half ago, with their hilarious videos. They are a huge inspiration to me, since they are regular people who just happen to pick apart things we know and get adoration for it. Those I'd like to thank especially are Doug (The Nostalgia Critic and others) and Rob Walker, Lindsey Ellis (The Nostalgia Chick), Noah Antwiller (The Spoony One and others) but most of all, Lewis Lovhaug (Linkara and others) and his girlfriend, Iron Liz (you can visit them on http://atopfourthwall.blogspot.com). They gave me a new lease on life and I hope to achieve my new ambition sometime within the next two-three years.
*But the people I am most thankful for are my friends and family. I know for a fact I would not be here today, or be who I am, without these people in my life. It's almost like they descended into Hell to pluck me out, no questions asked. And I would do it for them a hundred times over. I'm not going to name each and every person because I know for damn sure I would forget someone. But they are special to me. While I don't say this often enough, or even at all in some cases, but for any of my friends and family reading this, I'd just like to say this: I love all of you. And I thank each and everyone of you for the way you've shaped my life in the past, the way you're shaping it now, and the ways you will shape it. And it's something I want you to never forget.
Well, I could go on all day but I imagine some of you have delicious Thanksgiving food going cold. Thank you for reading. Now go enjoy your turkey, your turducken, your turturkeykey, whatever you have, enjoy, stay safe and best wishes!
*I am thankful for the creation of some of my favourite foods and beverages, like meatloaf, chicken parmigiana, lasagna, meatballs, pizza, mashed potato, chocolate, strawberry milk and most pineapple flavoured drinks (curiously, I do not thank pineapples themselves, can't stand pineapple on a pizza)
*I am thankful for the music of artists like Queen, Muse, Powderfinger, Alanis Morrisette, Pink, Weird Al Yankovic, Madonna (yes, you read that right), Hall and Oates, Huey Lewis and The News, U2, Eminem, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Linkin Park, Green Day, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Metallica, Kasey Chambers, Jewel, Rihanna, R.E.M, Coldplay, Radiohead, Garbage and many more, for lifting my spirits or giving me something new to think about
*I am thankful that movies exist, especially with gems like A Clockwork Orange, The Silence Of The Lambs, Chasing Amy, The Dark Knight, the Back To The Future trilogy, the Evil Dead trilogy, the Monty Python films, the Marvel "Movieverse", the Harry Potter adaptations, the rest of Christopher Nolan's filmography (save for Following, which I still need to see) and many, many more for telling wonderful stories and inspiring me to get into writing (as well as the books I've read. On that subject...)
*I am thankful for fantastic books like The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, the Harry Potter series, the Red Dwarf tie-ins, Thomas Harris' Hannibal Lecter series (maybe not Hannibal Rising though), the Darwin Awards series, Friendly Fire by Wil Anderson, Stupid White Men by Michael Moore but most of all, the works of Stephen King (in particular, The Shining, Gerald's Game, Firestarter, Nightmares And Dreamscapes, The Dark Tower series, Bag Of Bones, The Bachman Books and Danse Macabre). I thank all of these for filling me with all sorts of wonderful information and amusing anecdotes and for getting my creative gears going
*For the same reasons, I thank Bob Kane and Bill finger for the creation of Batman and Dick Grayson, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko for Spider-Man, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster for Superman, William Moulton Marston for Wonder Woman and Joe Kelly and Fabian Nicieza for injecting Deadpool with his lovable personality (not Rob Liefeld though, he sucks at drawing). I am also thankful for stories like Y: The Last Man, Watchmen, Scott Pilgrim, Identity Crisis and the creators of each, as well as the concepts and characters of the Green Lantern Corps, nearly all of Batman's supporting cast and villains and the creators and companies of each. Oh and Dark Horse for publishing the Buffy The Vampire Slayer follow-ups to the show. On that note, I'd like to thank Joss Whedon for his creations, for the wonderful worlds he's created and for taking on The Avengers adaptation, I'm sure it'll be a marvelous (pun intended) day
*To prevent this from getting long, I'll just do another two paragraphs after this but this will sum up everything I miss, whether it be the video games, characters and publishers I'm thankful for (like Nintendo and the Mario franchise), the TV shows I've spent countless hours engrossed in (the Law And Order franchise, Red Dwarf, M*A*S*H, How I Met Your Mother) and all sorts of things I'm likely to forget. Now, on to the two most important dedications
*I am very thankful for the existence of That Guy With The Glasses (www.thatguywiththeglasses.com) and the contributors who lifted me out of a state of depression almost a year and a half ago, with their hilarious videos. They are a huge inspiration to me, since they are regular people who just happen to pick apart things we know and get adoration for it. Those I'd like to thank especially are Doug (The Nostalgia Critic and others) and Rob Walker, Lindsey Ellis (The Nostalgia Chick), Noah Antwiller (The Spoony One and others) but most of all, Lewis Lovhaug (Linkara and others) and his girlfriend, Iron Liz (you can visit them on http://atopfourthwall.blogspot.com). They gave me a new lease on life and I hope to achieve my new ambition sometime within the next two-three years.
*But the people I am most thankful for are my friends and family. I know for a fact I would not be here today, or be who I am, without these people in my life. It's almost like they descended into Hell to pluck me out, no questions asked. And I would do it for them a hundred times over. I'm not going to name each and every person because I know for damn sure I would forget someone. But they are special to me. While I don't say this often enough, or even at all in some cases, but for any of my friends and family reading this, I'd just like to say this: I love all of you. And I thank each and everyone of you for the way you've shaped my life in the past, the way you're shaping it now, and the ways you will shape it. And it's something I want you to never forget.
Well, I could go on all day but I imagine some of you have delicious Thanksgiving food going cold. Thank you for reading. Now go enjoy your turkey, your turducken, your turturkeykey, whatever you have, enjoy, stay safe and best wishes!
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Young Avengers: Thankfully, Not Avenger Babies
Well, it's time for another comic review. I know, I know, you're asking yourself “God, why is he punishing us?” Well, about 95% of my entire blog library is punishment (unless you have similar interests than mine, so the percentage fluctuates) so on some level, you knew what you were in for.
Despite the title of the blog, I should point out that DC has a title known as Tiny Titans, which emphasizes comedy and isn't doing long term story arcs, and I actually want to read that. Likewise, Marvel itself has the Mini-Marvels strips and they're a hoot. What's my point in all this? That those work because of the comedy angle. But if there WERE actual Avenger babies (not the kids seen in Next Avengers: Heroes Of Tomorrow, plus that story's kinda dark anyway), that would be a stupid concept. Hell, I'm not even that supportive of the Muppet Babies show.
But with that out of the way, let's get to the review proper, starting with the synopsis/overview of the Young Avengers, in our comic for today, Young Avengers: Sidekicks, which collects the first six issues of the Young Avengers title. As usual, there may be spoilers (yeah the story's over five years old but if you haven't read it, it's new to you, which is my stance on most media).
After the events of Avengers Disassembled (in which a few of the Avengers were killed off), the Avengers as a team ceased to be (hence the title), due to the fact that Tony Stark cannot sustain both the Avengers and his company due to lack of money at the time. With no financial support, the Avengers called it a day.
In the Young Avengers title itself, four youngsters popped up, with looks similar to well known Avengers, doing good deeds. Led by Patriot (inspired by Captain America, so much so that he was referred to as Lieutenant America by J. Jonah Jameson), the team consists of Asgardian (also known as Thor Junior, again coined by Jameson. He would later changes his code name to Wiccan), Hulkling (gee, wonder who he shares his name with?) and Iron Lad (...yeah, that's a headscratcher). New members join up later but we'll get to that.
Captain America and Iron Man seek out Jessica Jones (at the time, former crimefighting hero Jewel, these days better known as Power Woman and wife to Luke Cage) to help them find the youngsters, since Jameson has tasked her to get more information about them. Upon finding them, they find out that Iron Lad is actually a younger version of recurring Marvel-wide supervillain Kang, and not too long after, the version they know appears from even further in the future with the intent of taking Iron Lad back to his timeline and restoring things to the way they should be. Naturally, he is defeated but Iron Lad still must go back or else the time stream will suffer even more. And so, the story ends with the remaining Young Avengers (including the two new recruits mentioned earlier) swearing that despite being told by Captain America and Iron Man they will be stopped if they go crimefighting without their parents knowing about their secret identities, the kids will continue to be Young Avengers.
Created by writer Allan Heinberg and penciller Jim Cheung, it's a damn good read. It's a great origin story, the major action sequences are intense and the character interactions are well written and often funny, with exchanges like this:
Asgardian/Wiccan: “Okay, this completely violates Growing Man continuity”
Iron Lad: “What do we do?”
Hulkling: “We're fanboys, aren't we? So, we collect them all”
One of the key elements to writing a team book is how the team interacts with each other. For a team like the Justice League, each member is usually cordial with each other, with only minimal confrontation, which usually ends in debate (and in most incarnations throughout the mediums, it's usually Green Arrow in debate with someone else). Meanwhile, with the Avengers, while they generally do get along, theirs is a more dysfunctional team, with Captain America usually being the one stuck in the middle trying to find a resolution. Usually, Hawkeye is the instigator (so, is this a trend with archers? Not content with just shooting literal arrows, they have to shoot verbal ones too?)
Initially, the team squabbles with each other, mostly over tactics but with the addition of Cassie Lang (who later dons the mantle of Ant-Girl, before changing that to Stature, honouring the second Ant-Man, her father, Scott Lang) and Kate Bishop (the new Hawkeye, the original being one of the casualties of Avengers Disassembled), debate then shifts to whether or not they should join.
The team's arguments seem authentic to me, like the natural thought processes of savvy comic book crimefighting teens (now there's a sentence I never thought I'd say or type). While they are relatively efficient, not everything is a clean victory and that's something that they bring up with each other, mostly Patriot chewing them out.
Now, since this blog might get a bit too long, I'll just go briefly over the character traits on display in the first arc.
Patriot does start off as being a little bit dickish and that pops up again when Kate joins the battle with them (not really sure if they get into a relationship later on but I picked up on what seems like flirting between the two).
Asgardian/Wiccan comes off as sensible but unsure about his abilities (he's a magic user) and whether or not he will be able to deliver in a fight
Hulkling is similar in nature to Asgardian, though much more confident in his abilities (shape-shifting) and a little more easygoing. Piss him off, however, and he will quickly act like his namesake. And for some reason it is he, more than anyone else, who objects to the team being named “Young Avengers” by the press, never mind his own name pays tribute to one of Marvel's biggest names and a founder of the original Avengers (a founder who left less than 10 issues into the book's run but a founder nonetheless). Also, just want to put on record, he was my favourite character in the book.
Iron Lad is a mature young man, with a clear goal of getting the Young Avengers together, though he does freak out at the thought of having to go back to his time to restore the timeline. He's also very respective of Cap, Iron Man and Jessica and just about everyone he comes into contact with.
Ant-Girl/Stature is very keen to become a Young Avenger, and clearly had a lot of respect for her father. In fact, when the timeline starts to change, she believes he may still be alive and wants to go looking for him but her request is turned down. To an extent, she is headstrong but listens to reason and is easygoing too.
And Kate (I'm going by her first name because it would be less confusing) is extremely stubborn and argumentative to Patriot (as mentioned above), but is clearly not someone who can just stand around and not do something (as evidenced in the first issue where she attempts to pick up a gun to use against the men holding the church she's attending in a bridesmaid capacity hostage). She also forms a bond with Cassie, and the two get along really well.
So, all in all, a good start. Combine the sharp writing with the fantastic art (loved the designs on Asgardian/Wiccan and Iron Lad) and you have a semi-lighthearted adventure debut. Hopefully, the second arc will prove to stand up just as well.
Despite the title of the blog, I should point out that DC has a title known as Tiny Titans, which emphasizes comedy and isn't doing long term story arcs, and I actually want to read that. Likewise, Marvel itself has the Mini-Marvels strips and they're a hoot. What's my point in all this? That those work because of the comedy angle. But if there WERE actual Avenger babies (not the kids seen in Next Avengers: Heroes Of Tomorrow, plus that story's kinda dark anyway), that would be a stupid concept. Hell, I'm not even that supportive of the Muppet Babies show.
But with that out of the way, let's get to the review proper, starting with the synopsis/overview of the Young Avengers, in our comic for today, Young Avengers: Sidekicks, which collects the first six issues of the Young Avengers title. As usual, there may be spoilers (yeah the story's over five years old but if you haven't read it, it's new to you, which is my stance on most media).
After the events of Avengers Disassembled (in which a few of the Avengers were killed off), the Avengers as a team ceased to be (hence the title), due to the fact that Tony Stark cannot sustain both the Avengers and his company due to lack of money at the time. With no financial support, the Avengers called it a day.
In the Young Avengers title itself, four youngsters popped up, with looks similar to well known Avengers, doing good deeds. Led by Patriot (inspired by Captain America, so much so that he was referred to as Lieutenant America by J. Jonah Jameson), the team consists of Asgardian (also known as Thor Junior, again coined by Jameson. He would later changes his code name to Wiccan), Hulkling (gee, wonder who he shares his name with?) and Iron Lad (...yeah, that's a headscratcher). New members join up later but we'll get to that.
Captain America and Iron Man seek out Jessica Jones (at the time, former crimefighting hero Jewel, these days better known as Power Woman and wife to Luke Cage) to help them find the youngsters, since Jameson has tasked her to get more information about them. Upon finding them, they find out that Iron Lad is actually a younger version of recurring Marvel-wide supervillain Kang, and not too long after, the version they know appears from even further in the future with the intent of taking Iron Lad back to his timeline and restoring things to the way they should be. Naturally, he is defeated but Iron Lad still must go back or else the time stream will suffer even more. And so, the story ends with the remaining Young Avengers (including the two new recruits mentioned earlier) swearing that despite being told by Captain America and Iron Man they will be stopped if they go crimefighting without their parents knowing about their secret identities, the kids will continue to be Young Avengers.
Created by writer Allan Heinberg and penciller Jim Cheung, it's a damn good read. It's a great origin story, the major action sequences are intense and the character interactions are well written and often funny, with exchanges like this:
Asgardian/Wiccan: “Okay, this completely violates Growing Man continuity”
Iron Lad: “What do we do?”
Hulkling: “We're fanboys, aren't we? So, we collect them all”
One of the key elements to writing a team book is how the team interacts with each other. For a team like the Justice League, each member is usually cordial with each other, with only minimal confrontation, which usually ends in debate (and in most incarnations throughout the mediums, it's usually Green Arrow in debate with someone else). Meanwhile, with the Avengers, while they generally do get along, theirs is a more dysfunctional team, with Captain America usually being the one stuck in the middle trying to find a resolution. Usually, Hawkeye is the instigator (so, is this a trend with archers? Not content with just shooting literal arrows, they have to shoot verbal ones too?)
Initially, the team squabbles with each other, mostly over tactics but with the addition of Cassie Lang (who later dons the mantle of Ant-Girl, before changing that to Stature, honouring the second Ant-Man, her father, Scott Lang) and Kate Bishop (the new Hawkeye, the original being one of the casualties of Avengers Disassembled), debate then shifts to whether or not they should join.
The team's arguments seem authentic to me, like the natural thought processes of savvy comic book crimefighting teens (now there's a sentence I never thought I'd say or type). While they are relatively efficient, not everything is a clean victory and that's something that they bring up with each other, mostly Patriot chewing them out.
Now, since this blog might get a bit too long, I'll just go briefly over the character traits on display in the first arc.
Patriot does start off as being a little bit dickish and that pops up again when Kate joins the battle with them (not really sure if they get into a relationship later on but I picked up on what seems like flirting between the two).
Asgardian/Wiccan comes off as sensible but unsure about his abilities (he's a magic user) and whether or not he will be able to deliver in a fight
Hulkling is similar in nature to Asgardian, though much more confident in his abilities (shape-shifting) and a little more easygoing. Piss him off, however, and he will quickly act like his namesake. And for some reason it is he, more than anyone else, who objects to the team being named “Young Avengers” by the press, never mind his own name pays tribute to one of Marvel's biggest names and a founder of the original Avengers (a founder who left less than 10 issues into the book's run but a founder nonetheless). Also, just want to put on record, he was my favourite character in the book.
Iron Lad is a mature young man, with a clear goal of getting the Young Avengers together, though he does freak out at the thought of having to go back to his time to restore the timeline. He's also very respective of Cap, Iron Man and Jessica and just about everyone he comes into contact with.
Ant-Girl/Stature is very keen to become a Young Avenger, and clearly had a lot of respect for her father. In fact, when the timeline starts to change, she believes he may still be alive and wants to go looking for him but her request is turned down. To an extent, she is headstrong but listens to reason and is easygoing too.
And Kate (I'm going by her first name because it would be less confusing) is extremely stubborn and argumentative to Patriot (as mentioned above), but is clearly not someone who can just stand around and not do something (as evidenced in the first issue where she attempts to pick up a gun to use against the men holding the church she's attending in a bridesmaid capacity hostage). She also forms a bond with Cassie, and the two get along really well.
So, all in all, a good start. Combine the sharp writing with the fantastic art (loved the designs on Asgardian/Wiccan and Iron Lad) and you have a semi-lighthearted adventure debut. Hopefully, the second arc will prove to stand up just as well.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Manners On My Mind And My Mind On Manners
Yep, it's rant time again. I'll try to make it quick *Gets soapbox out*
I'm about to say some words and terms and I want to know if you find these offensive: “Hello”, “Please” and “Thank you”
If you don't find them offensive, congratulations, you recognize that they are manners.
If these words are offensive or foreign to you... what the Hell is wrong with you?
Working in retail, you have to expect a lot of rudeness. Comes with the territory, and you can't expect everyone to be pleasant. But over time, I've noticed that the concept of manners appears to be dying out. Maybe it's because we're online more and the rules of etiquette have been changed, sign of the times and all that jazz. Maybe generations haven't been taught manners and, like several languages of times past, manners are getting committed to history and eventually won't be seen in the modern world. Or maybe people have been trained to legitimately fear or disregard manners and in their place, be an even bigger jerk. I don't know why but there's no excuse.
Let's break it down one thing at a time. Let's start with the world “hello”
When someone greets you, generally, you greet them in return. Or, in lieu of a hello or variant there of, say “How's it going?” or some other pleasantry, that's fine. It shows acknowledgment. But if you approach someone behind a counter and you don't bother with a greeting, you are rude. No one's asking you to get emotionally involved, just respond back with a friggin' hello. It's not a chore, is it?
Related to that, if you want the attention of an employee, you might want to greet them or, at the very least, say “Excuse me” or get their attention the right way. Shouting to them from across the room or walking near them and just asking is not only rude but it's not a guarantee they'll understand what you're saying, because you haven't gotten their attention. They're probably doing their own work, not expecting people to come up to them. That doesn't mean they don't notice you, just that if you haven't gone to them, you don't need them and thus, they will carry on. So, if you want to ask where something is, don't go “Where's the bathroom?”, instead “Excuse me, where's the bathroom?” Though adding a please is a nice bonus.
Let's talk about please. We use the word please when we want something (or thank you at the end of the sentence, both work with me) from someone else. Let us observe this sentence: “Give me a muffin.” With an attitude like that, I really don't see why I should. You've failed to acknowledge me, you only recognize there is another human-shaped being in front of you.
Likewise, when you've gotten your items and the transaction is finished, don't just walk off without saying anything, that's just being ungrateful. If you can't say thank you, why not “have a good day” or “take it easy” or something to show acknowledgment?
Rudeness isn't just limited to things not being said, timing also plays a part. For example, if someone behind the counter is in a transaction with someone or responding to someone's inquiry, unless you have an emergency or something of actual importance, do not interrupt them just for your own selfish reasons. Wait your turn like everyone else.
There's a lot more I could go into, but with the basics being neglected, let's just get those down first.
When we're with friends, you establish your own ways so it's not like you have to be cordial and overly-polite every hour of every day, but when in public, would it hurt to just remember these basics?
Like I said before, you don't have to be emotionally involved, you can be casual, but it's really annoying that people just neglect these things. Here's a tip for those of you who are not aware: the world was not created just for YOU. When you want something from a store, the store does not bring itself into existence to serve you and it doesn't vanish once you don't need it anymore. You are not a god among us mortals, you're just like the rest of us. And when you don't acknowledge others, they will feel no need to acknowledge you. So, be a little more considerate.
Anyway, rant's over. If you do remember your manners, thank you and I apologize if you feel I've been directing this at you.
So please, just a little effort. Just a little. It may not seem like much, but a “hello” or a “thank you” can mean something.
I'm about to say some words and terms and I want to know if you find these offensive: “Hello”, “Please” and “Thank you”
If you don't find them offensive, congratulations, you recognize that they are manners.
If these words are offensive or foreign to you... what the Hell is wrong with you?
Working in retail, you have to expect a lot of rudeness. Comes with the territory, and you can't expect everyone to be pleasant. But over time, I've noticed that the concept of manners appears to be dying out. Maybe it's because we're online more and the rules of etiquette have been changed, sign of the times and all that jazz. Maybe generations haven't been taught manners and, like several languages of times past, manners are getting committed to history and eventually won't be seen in the modern world. Or maybe people have been trained to legitimately fear or disregard manners and in their place, be an even bigger jerk. I don't know why but there's no excuse.
Let's break it down one thing at a time. Let's start with the world “hello”
When someone greets you, generally, you greet them in return. Or, in lieu of a hello or variant there of, say “How's it going?” or some other pleasantry, that's fine. It shows acknowledgment. But if you approach someone behind a counter and you don't bother with a greeting, you are rude. No one's asking you to get emotionally involved, just respond back with a friggin' hello. It's not a chore, is it?
Related to that, if you want the attention of an employee, you might want to greet them or, at the very least, say “Excuse me” or get their attention the right way. Shouting to them from across the room or walking near them and just asking is not only rude but it's not a guarantee they'll understand what you're saying, because you haven't gotten their attention. They're probably doing their own work, not expecting people to come up to them. That doesn't mean they don't notice you, just that if you haven't gone to them, you don't need them and thus, they will carry on. So, if you want to ask where something is, don't go “Where's the bathroom?”, instead “Excuse me, where's the bathroom?” Though adding a please is a nice bonus.
Let's talk about please. We use the word please when we want something (or thank you at the end of the sentence, both work with me) from someone else. Let us observe this sentence: “Give me a muffin.” With an attitude like that, I really don't see why I should. You've failed to acknowledge me, you only recognize there is another human-shaped being in front of you.
Likewise, when you've gotten your items and the transaction is finished, don't just walk off without saying anything, that's just being ungrateful. If you can't say thank you, why not “have a good day” or “take it easy” or something to show acknowledgment?
Rudeness isn't just limited to things not being said, timing also plays a part. For example, if someone behind the counter is in a transaction with someone or responding to someone's inquiry, unless you have an emergency or something of actual importance, do not interrupt them just for your own selfish reasons. Wait your turn like everyone else.
There's a lot more I could go into, but with the basics being neglected, let's just get those down first.
When we're with friends, you establish your own ways so it's not like you have to be cordial and overly-polite every hour of every day, but when in public, would it hurt to just remember these basics?
Like I said before, you don't have to be emotionally involved, you can be casual, but it's really annoying that people just neglect these things. Here's a tip for those of you who are not aware: the world was not created just for YOU. When you want something from a store, the store does not bring itself into existence to serve you and it doesn't vanish once you don't need it anymore. You are not a god among us mortals, you're just like the rest of us. And when you don't acknowledge others, they will feel no need to acknowledge you. So, be a little more considerate.
Anyway, rant's over. If you do remember your manners, thank you and I apologize if you feel I've been directing this at you.
So please, just a little effort. Just a little. It may not seem like much, but a “hello” or a “thank you” can mean something.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
If The Apocalypse Comes, Beep Me (Part 2)
And welcome back. If you've read my previous blog, you'll know that I'm a fan of the show Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and in fact, a huge Joss Whedon fan (though I haven't seen Dollhouse yet, because no one will announce when the DVD releases are heading my way...)
So, without further ado, the final five to make up my top ten favourite Buffy episodes. Maybe someday I'll do a top ten least favourite list or even a general overview. Probably not until next year, though.
5. The Replacement (Season 5, Episode 3)
I consider Xander Harris a role model of sorts, one amongst many. He's not the brightest (but very, very far from stupid), he lacks special powers and he usually gets the short end of the stick. But he has a heart and determination so powerful, you could weaponize it and devastate a small army. So, I am a big fan of any episode in which he is the focus and his positive aspects shine through. In this episode, he discovers that despite his shortcomings, he is capable of moving up in the workplace and getting an apartment all on his own gumption. He grows a lot too, and his comforting Anya when she worries about their future is really touching.
Also, the antagonist, the demon Toth, I really liked him. He had a certain dignity to him and his plan (split Buffy into two separate beings, one being weaker and then kill the weaker one to destroy both) is genius. Of course, it doesn't quite work that way but that's through no fault of his own.
4. Grave (Season 6, Episode 22)
The other season finale to make it here and oh man, this is an edge-of-your-seat kind of affair. While it still tries for an “the entire world is doomed” type of ending, it's a LOT more personal when you look at who's involved (no spoilers here, I will not ruin it for anyone yet to see it). I nearly cried with this episode, mostly due to Xander (seriously, when I was younger, I wanted to BE Xander Harris when I grew up) and there's a hilariously wonderful moment with Buffy and Giles just laughing and discussing things. The best of all the “heavily serious” episodes of Buffy.
3. Life Serial (Season 6, Episode 5)
This and the next two episodes are nearly gag-a-minute affairs and they work so well because of it. Whether it's Buffy being annoyed at college, losing her construction job after one day or wanting to scream out in agony in retail, the humor is never absent for long. And her encounter with a mummy hand... oh, that is the sweetest plum of all “Fingers sold separately”
2. Intervention (Season 5, Episode 18)
After the heavy atmosphere of the previous two episodes (the aforementioned The Body and Forever), some levity was needed and it came thick and fast with this episode. Another robot is seen and this time, resembling Buffy. Sarah Michelle looks like she's having the time of her life playing the constantly perky and smiling sex-bot, while delivering such lines like:
“You are recently gay”
“It's Spike! And he's wearing a coat!”
“Spike! You're covered in sexy wounds!”
And one of the greatest exchanges of dialogue ever in Buffy, with everyone's favourite capitalist supporter, Anya: “Anya! How is your money?” “Fine! Thank you for asking!”
Throw in one of Tara's best lines “What are you kidding? She's nuts!” and some great acting from James Marsters and you have a nearly unrivalled gem
1. Something Blue (Season 4, Episode 9)
While season four may be my least favourite season (oh wow, the military is up to something involving monsters, yawn), this episode downplays that aspect and just decides to go in for some hi-jinx. Willow's spellcasting causes odd things to happen, like Xander becoming a demon magnet and Buffy and Spike suddenly deciding to get married (they fall in love, eh? Hmm... have to wonder if that wasn't planned from the start, considering where things end up at the show's conclusion) and it's just a hoot.
And, interesting trivia, Buffy wants Wind Beneath My Wings played at her wedding.
Well, there you have it. I haven't read all of the season eight comics but what I have read has ranged from average to excellent, so it's definitely worth checking out (especially the second arc, No Future For You. I want a Giles and Faith spin-off live action series. NOW.)
So, any fellow Buffy fans care to name a few of their favourites?
So, without further ado, the final five to make up my top ten favourite Buffy episodes. Maybe someday I'll do a top ten least favourite list or even a general overview. Probably not until next year, though.
5. The Replacement (Season 5, Episode 3)
I consider Xander Harris a role model of sorts, one amongst many. He's not the brightest (but very, very far from stupid), he lacks special powers and he usually gets the short end of the stick. But he has a heart and determination so powerful, you could weaponize it and devastate a small army. So, I am a big fan of any episode in which he is the focus and his positive aspects shine through. In this episode, he discovers that despite his shortcomings, he is capable of moving up in the workplace and getting an apartment all on his own gumption. He grows a lot too, and his comforting Anya when she worries about their future is really touching.
Also, the antagonist, the demon Toth, I really liked him. He had a certain dignity to him and his plan (split Buffy into two separate beings, one being weaker and then kill the weaker one to destroy both) is genius. Of course, it doesn't quite work that way but that's through no fault of his own.
4. Grave (Season 6, Episode 22)
The other season finale to make it here and oh man, this is an edge-of-your-seat kind of affair. While it still tries for an “the entire world is doomed” type of ending, it's a LOT more personal when you look at who's involved (no spoilers here, I will not ruin it for anyone yet to see it). I nearly cried with this episode, mostly due to Xander (seriously, when I was younger, I wanted to BE Xander Harris when I grew up) and there's a hilariously wonderful moment with Buffy and Giles just laughing and discussing things. The best of all the “heavily serious” episodes of Buffy.
3. Life Serial (Season 6, Episode 5)
This and the next two episodes are nearly gag-a-minute affairs and they work so well because of it. Whether it's Buffy being annoyed at college, losing her construction job after one day or wanting to scream out in agony in retail, the humor is never absent for long. And her encounter with a mummy hand... oh, that is the sweetest plum of all “Fingers sold separately”
2. Intervention (Season 5, Episode 18)
After the heavy atmosphere of the previous two episodes (the aforementioned The Body and Forever), some levity was needed and it came thick and fast with this episode. Another robot is seen and this time, resembling Buffy. Sarah Michelle looks like she's having the time of her life playing the constantly perky and smiling sex-bot, while delivering such lines like:
“You are recently gay”
“It's Spike! And he's wearing a coat!”
“Spike! You're covered in sexy wounds!”
And one of the greatest exchanges of dialogue ever in Buffy, with everyone's favourite capitalist supporter, Anya: “Anya! How is your money?” “Fine! Thank you for asking!”
Throw in one of Tara's best lines “What are you kidding? She's nuts!” and some great acting from James Marsters and you have a nearly unrivalled gem
1. Something Blue (Season 4, Episode 9)
While season four may be my least favourite season (oh wow, the military is up to something involving monsters, yawn), this episode downplays that aspect and just decides to go in for some hi-jinx. Willow's spellcasting causes odd things to happen, like Xander becoming a demon magnet and Buffy and Spike suddenly deciding to get married (they fall in love, eh? Hmm... have to wonder if that wasn't planned from the start, considering where things end up at the show's conclusion) and it's just a hoot.
And, interesting trivia, Buffy wants Wind Beneath My Wings played at her wedding.
Well, there you have it. I haven't read all of the season eight comics but what I have read has ranged from average to excellent, so it's definitely worth checking out (especially the second arc, No Future For You. I want a Giles and Faith spin-off live action series. NOW.)
So, any fellow Buffy fans care to name a few of their favourites?
Friday, 18 November 2011
Xander, That's Not The North Star, It's An Airplane (Part 1)
You ever watch something on TV that you have on DVD and have seen several times before but you end up watching the rest of the episode/movie anyway and you feel the urge to watch the entire thing again? I had that recently. I was sitting down to dinner before going to work and while channel surfing, I saw an episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and since there wasn't anything else particularly engaging on any other channel, I kept watching to determine what episode it was. It ended up being I Was Made For Loving You, a season 5 episode involving a robot (not the first robot to appear on the show either) and a rather enjoyable one at that.
For those not in the know, here's the skinny: Buffy is a young woman who is destined to fight off the vampires, the demons, the monsters, the things that go bump in the night. She is the latest (at first) in a long line of vampire slayers. With her friends, she is not alone as she tackles high school (initially) and the forces of darkness. The show ran for seven seasons, from 1997-2003 and is still fondly remembered today. The legacy even lives on in comic book form, with season eight having finished and now season nine is currently being written. And of course, the show had a spin-off with Angel (which I will discuss another time)
I could go on about the show but, partly inspired by re-watching that episode and my best friend's own blog post about Buffy (http://daveherndon.blogspot.com/2011/10/buffy-vampire-slayer-discussed.html#comment-form), I have decided to do my own top ten list of favourite episodes, spread out over two blog posts.
Before we get into that, of the TV series itself, here is how I rank the seasons, from best to worst:
6, 3, 5, 2, 1, 7, 4
Oh and I should point out there may be spoilers so if you have not yet watched the show or are still on the early seasons, you have been warned.
Now, for the episode list itself, we'll do in reverse:
10. Graduation Day Part 2 (Season 3, Episode 22)
Season finales are of course a big deal for any show though only two have made my list. The key theme is ascension. Not just for the season's villain (literal in his case as he transforms from man to demon), but for Buffy and her friends too as they graduate high school (as the title states) and thus, they ascend into adulthood of sorts.
I think my favourite aspect has to be the fact that throughout the seasons, Buffy and her friends have been unable to stop the ascension or the villain's plans and are up against a wall in trying to vanquish him. However, by the episode's end, she not only has a plan, but she got the whole student body in on it, even though she's never really fit in. A nice pre-cursor to her leadership role in season 7.
The action is top-notch and it has one of my absolute favourite lines of the show: “Fire bad, tree pretty”
9. Storyteller (Season 7, Episode 16)
Despite how serious the show is and how it handles mature and complex issues, Buffy still has razor sharp wit and in some cases, creates whole episodes of hilarity. Like this episode.
Newly reformed Andrew (one of my favourite characters of the franchise, hands down) takes up the bulk of this episode, with video camera at the ready to film Buffy and her potential slayers as they train for an upcoming war.
Like some of the best episodes, it is capable of putting you into hysterics one minute and then make you sad in the next. Andrew stops denying the truth about what happened to his former friend (a friend he killed and refused to take the blame for) and thus, he grows a little. Character development is a huge part of why this show is so damn good.
8. Crush (Season 5, Episode 14)
In which ensemble dark horse Spike confesses his love for Buffy, who just reacts with outright disgust. A funny episode, though it's dark. Also notable for being the last non-flashback appearance of Spike's former lover and sire, Drusilla.
7. Forever (Season 5, Episode 17)
The episode right after the very infamous shock of The Body. While many fans will state this as a favourite (indeed, The Body is an extremely fine piece of work and were this a top twenty, it would have been here no doubt), the aftermath deals more directly with Dawn and Spike's perspectives, with excellent dialogue between Buffy and Dawn and both Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg act the Hell out of their scenes.
6. Once More With Feeling (Season 6, Episode 7)
If you're not a hardcore fan, you probably still know the name Once More With Feeling. But if you're not in the know, it's the musical episode. A fantastic musical, too. And it actually goes to great lengths to explain WHY everyone's bursting into spontaneous song and dance routines, with lampshade hanging on the types of songs found in musicals and the measures of success (basically, Anya asking different questions like if a certain character's song could be considered a breakaway pop hit).
Throw in a smooth, sophisticated demon as the “villain” (I'd be hard pressed to call him that, he doesn't seem entirely evil) and you have a highlight for the series. Incidentally, my favourite songs are Under Your Spell, Rest In Peace and Walk Through The Fire. And yes, I know the words to each of those off by heart...
For those not in the know, here's the skinny: Buffy is a young woman who is destined to fight off the vampires, the demons, the monsters, the things that go bump in the night. She is the latest (at first) in a long line of vampire slayers. With her friends, she is not alone as she tackles high school (initially) and the forces of darkness. The show ran for seven seasons, from 1997-2003 and is still fondly remembered today. The legacy even lives on in comic book form, with season eight having finished and now season nine is currently being written. And of course, the show had a spin-off with Angel (which I will discuss another time)
I could go on about the show but, partly inspired by re-watching that episode and my best friend's own blog post about Buffy (http://daveherndon.blogspot.com/2011/10/buffy-vampire-slayer-discussed.html#comment-form), I have decided to do my own top ten list of favourite episodes, spread out over two blog posts.
Before we get into that, of the TV series itself, here is how I rank the seasons, from best to worst:
6, 3, 5, 2, 1, 7, 4
Oh and I should point out there may be spoilers so if you have not yet watched the show or are still on the early seasons, you have been warned.
Now, for the episode list itself, we'll do in reverse:
10. Graduation Day Part 2 (Season 3, Episode 22)
Season finales are of course a big deal for any show though only two have made my list. The key theme is ascension. Not just for the season's villain (literal in his case as he transforms from man to demon), but for Buffy and her friends too as they graduate high school (as the title states) and thus, they ascend into adulthood of sorts.
I think my favourite aspect has to be the fact that throughout the seasons, Buffy and her friends have been unable to stop the ascension or the villain's plans and are up against a wall in trying to vanquish him. However, by the episode's end, she not only has a plan, but she got the whole student body in on it, even though she's never really fit in. A nice pre-cursor to her leadership role in season 7.
The action is top-notch and it has one of my absolute favourite lines of the show: “Fire bad, tree pretty”
9. Storyteller (Season 7, Episode 16)
Despite how serious the show is and how it handles mature and complex issues, Buffy still has razor sharp wit and in some cases, creates whole episodes of hilarity. Like this episode.
Newly reformed Andrew (one of my favourite characters of the franchise, hands down) takes up the bulk of this episode, with video camera at the ready to film Buffy and her potential slayers as they train for an upcoming war.
Like some of the best episodes, it is capable of putting you into hysterics one minute and then make you sad in the next. Andrew stops denying the truth about what happened to his former friend (a friend he killed and refused to take the blame for) and thus, he grows a little. Character development is a huge part of why this show is so damn good.
8. Crush (Season 5, Episode 14)
In which ensemble dark horse Spike confesses his love for Buffy, who just reacts with outright disgust. A funny episode, though it's dark. Also notable for being the last non-flashback appearance of Spike's former lover and sire, Drusilla.
7. Forever (Season 5, Episode 17)
The episode right after the very infamous shock of The Body. While many fans will state this as a favourite (indeed, The Body is an extremely fine piece of work and were this a top twenty, it would have been here no doubt), the aftermath deals more directly with Dawn and Spike's perspectives, with excellent dialogue between Buffy and Dawn and both Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg act the Hell out of their scenes.
6. Once More With Feeling (Season 6, Episode 7)
If you're not a hardcore fan, you probably still know the name Once More With Feeling. But if you're not in the know, it's the musical episode. A fantastic musical, too. And it actually goes to great lengths to explain WHY everyone's bursting into spontaneous song and dance routines, with lampshade hanging on the types of songs found in musicals and the measures of success (basically, Anya asking different questions like if a certain character's song could be considered a breakaway pop hit).
Throw in a smooth, sophisticated demon as the “villain” (I'd be hard pressed to call him that, he doesn't seem entirely evil) and you have a highlight for the series. Incidentally, my favourite songs are Under Your Spell, Rest In Peace and Walk Through The Fire. And yes, I know the words to each of those off by heart...
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