Thursday, January 6, 2011
James' Overdue Blog Assignment
Since we're recently on the topic of criticism, I thought it would be interesting to have everyone contribute a critical review of a book or movie. This can be a work you loved, hated, found interesting, or just feel like bringing up for discussion. The review should contain some of the plot or at least relate what the book/movie is about. It should also give your impressions of the piece, what you felt as a result, and any other ways the book/movie captured a feeling or theme. Part of my motivation in assigning this is to get ideas for movies and books I should see and read, but I will be just as thrilled if you write about a book you thought really stunk. I guess the only rule is to keep it original.
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Wow-- a homework assignment! I like it, James, and I will consider what text I want to take on and respond soon.
ReplyDeleteWell, I just finished reading the book Feed and it completely captivated me. It's the story of a teen, Titus, living far in the future, where he has a "feed" implanted in his head. The feed has everything for him: shopping, school, instant messaging, television, radio, etc. He doesn't even need to know how to read or right. When him and his friends take a trip to the moon, their feeds get hacked, and thus starts the suggestion that the feed may not be such a good thing. I highly suggest this book because it's unique, and relatable. Being teens growing up in a world where technology is starting to take over, we can't be so ignorant to the governement's decisions nor to the way the world may end up in 10 or so years. It's original in its language, its characters, and its structure. I couldn't reccomend it to you enough.
ReplyDeleteIt may sound sad, but I'm actually really enjoying my choice book for class, The Maltese Falcon. Although I'm not finished reading it yet I love the style of writing that Dashiell Hammett uses and just the overall plot is so original. Many books published now have connections to other books, they kinda steal the plot, but Maltese Falcon is something that I'm not used to. The book is a mystery/suspense book but there’s a lot of humor added in there that makes it very fun to read. There are also many characters in the book, which I usually get confused by, but in this book he develops the characters so well that I love to read about the continually growing characters. It’s also so easy to visualize this book, when I’m reading it, I can see in my head what would be happening which makes it so great to read.
ReplyDeleteOver winter break I saw Black Swan, which was an absolutely astounding film. The movie is about a young dancer, Nina, who wants to be the starring role in a New York City company's production of Swan Lake. This role (Swan Queen) involves playing two parts -- the graceful, innocent White Swan, and the rebellious, seductive Black Swan. While Nina has perfect technique and would be a great fit for the White Swan, she lacks the ability to "let go" and portray her counterpart. Despite this, the director of the play sees promise in her and casts her as Swan Queen. The movie follows Nina throughout the weeks leading up to the show, as she slowly goes insane seeking perfection in her role. She experiments with alcohol, drugs, and sexuality as she gradually loses her mind.
ReplyDeleteWhether you're a dancer or not, I think anyone can find this film eye-opening and entertaining. It's not a typical chick-flick, nor is it a trashy film about two girls hooking up (although that is what many people are making it out to be). Black Swan conveys the physical, mental, and emotional struggles a person can go through if they want something bad enough. . .especially in a highly-competitive atmosphere. I'm not one to be keen on horror films, but this psychological thriller is an absolute must see.
I went to see True Grit over winter Break. I really liked it. It will probably be considered to be another Coen brothers classic; however, it is a remake of the original film which John Wayne acted in. Fun fact: John Wayne couldn't move more than around 50 feet on the set because he was still recovering from his heart surgery during the filming process. I don't know if it was exactly 50 feet. It was something like that though. ANYWAYS, the film is about a girl, who is extremely independent. She's super intelligent for her age. Her father recently died, so she hires a bounty hunter to kill her dad's murderer. Jeff Bridges acts as the sometimes drunk and unreliable bounty hunter. His character is a lot like his roll in the Big Lebowski: The Dude. ANYWAYS, the girl, Jeff Bridges, and Matt Damon( the guy who has been looking for the murderer for months before the father's death) go out searching for the killer. They lack trust, and each person has a different way of dealing with situations which creates conflict between them all. I don't want to spoil how the story ends, because I know some of you will probably see it; it's probably going to be an award winner. The three main characters change throughout the story which makes the whole movie enjoyable. The character development is something to look for. True Grit is also full of humor which is always enjoyable. Go see it!
ReplyDeleteA movie that I recently saw that I enjoyed was It's Kind of a Funny Story. It's about a teenager who checks himself into a mental hospital because he is contemplating suicide. While he's there he learns some important life lessons from the patients. I know that sounds sort of generic, but the film is actually really well done. It takes a really depressing subject and spins it so you have both serious and funny moments. Zach Galifinakis gives a great performance as Bobby. It's a role I wouldn't have typically imagined for him. The minor characters, like Muqtada and Solomon, are, I would say,equally important to the overall feel of the film. It's definitely worth seeing.
ReplyDeleteA movie that I've been recently hooked on is the movie Legion. In the movie God lost faith in man and ordered an extermination. All humans were to be killed unless a certain child was saved. The Archangel Micheal came down to earth to protect the child because he still believed in mankind. Personally I think it's just another Hollywood film trying to confuse the weaker minds on the religion that they believe in, but I enjoyed the scary demon portion of the movie. A few actors who are in it are Paul Bettany, Dennis Quaid, and Lucas Black. While it isn't an award winning movie, it keeps interest...so if you're ever bored.
ReplyDeleteOver the summer I watched the movie "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" and over break I watched "The Girl Who Played With Fire". And I eagerly await the final instalment in the Swedish Trilogy. The stories follow the two main characters, and show how their lives intertwine. The harsh exterior of the heroine Lisbeth only attracts the audience to her. She doesn't take crap from anyone, and is incredibly intelligent. Unfortunately I haven't been able to read the books, but over the summer I plan on it. There is also an American version that is coming out in December. The movies are suspenseful and unique, and they are also easy to rent at your local redbox. I highly suggest you check them out, but you should probably read the books first. I really wish I had.
ReplyDeleteA movie I actually saw a couple of days ago is "Law-Abiding Citizen." I didn't think it would be too great at first, but I was pleasantly surprised.
ReplyDeleteBasically, the movie is about this guy whose house gets broken into. The intruders rape and kill both his wife as his daughter, and brutally injure the guy. Fast forward ten years later, and the guy is pissed that the intruders will only be put into prison for five years. So, this man takes matters into his own hands, and sets out to kill both of them, along with everyone who decided their sentence.
While it seems like a very one-sided conflict, there are many shades of grey in this film. One constant justification that the guy uses for his actions is that "People need to take responsibility for their actions." It's a film that both exploits the legal system in America, as well as explores themes of revenge. It's also an entertaining film, for the most part, and is worth a watch.