No Time for Livin'- So Get Busy Dying!

On a brief first note- I'm back! I technically said I would blog yesterday when I landed back home, but I was in shameful hiding from an overall lack of pop culture dosage until this evening. Now, having seen both "Wanted" and "WALL-E", I feel back to my usual, cynical self and am ready to get this baby moving again!

It used to be something of a stamp of certification that in a classic Disney movie, the parents never lived. As I sit here, I am having extreme difficulty remembering a single animated flick in which both the mother and father of the hero/heroine made it through the entirety of the feature. If they didn't die over the course of the film itself, they just weren't there to begin with- whether from a previous conflict or just lack of narrative space. The only time I remember ma and pa hitting the credits was in "Hercules", and that's because good ol' Hera and Zeus were immortal. This loss of a caretaker was not however just simply passed over in a light manner. The absence of the main character's mother or father had a profound effect of their lives, and oftentimes was the focal point of inspiration for their actions throughout the plot line. Simba sends himself into exile over the death of Mufasa, Pocahontas carried her mother's free spirit and necklace wherever she went, and Bambi was forced to fend for himself after mommy gets shot by hunters. Coping with living without a parent, once upon a time, was the biggest obstacle that a child could face. They were forced to reform how they lived their life to coincide with the legacy their ancestor had left for them. The heroes of the movies would go in search of the spirt of life itself, and where- whether in the stars, the leaves or the ocean one went when they left it. After seeing two of the summer's biggest kid-flicks: "Kung Fu Panda" and "WALL-E", I noticed that, while Po's mother is MIA (noting that "Panda" is Dreamworks, not Disney), the issues at stake in the two movies are much larger than figuring out how to save one's own life. Both Po the Panda and "WALL-E" must discover ways to save everyone else's. 

I feel a bit like an old "babushka" when I make the observance that children today seem to have grown up faster than ever. My old-lady-like feelings continue when I see that parents now seem to have no issue in taking their charges to what I consider to be intense action films such as "Iron Man", and based on the already plentiful toys and merchandising, "Dark Knight". Kids of the new millennium are less easily phased than ones in the past- not as quickly moved to emotion or wonder. Like the pre-renaissance babies, they are more adult than youth. Stephen King once made the prophetic statement, "If being a kid is about learning how to live, then being a grown-up is about leaning how to die." Based on children's' movies of the past year or two, King's prediction seems right on target. Since youth is shorter than ever, kids watching movies need not be taught how to fix their own lives- they are instead tasked with fixing the world. Global responsibility is the new keyword for morality. The selfish little princesses of the past are gone. Who cares about Snow White finding Prince Charming or Ariel becoming a human to kiss Prince Eric? We have to prevent global warming! Yes, I do acknowledge the climate crisis and the need to cut back and find alternative energy sources- but does a 6-year old need to as well? While "WALL-E" does have its touching moments of love... between two robots..., it is almost secondary to the greater cause at hand, which is to repopulate and un-pollute the earth. Po goes on a journey of self-discovery through Kung-Fu, but does so mainly for the benefit of his village, not for his own well-being. My jaw quite literally dropped at the climax's solution, where Po the fuzzy Panda warrior didn't simply punish the bad guy moderately, or bring him to jail, but flat out obliterated him. The friends I was seeing it with at the time remarked also on the oddly gruesome conclusion. Although I have completed childhood myself, I'd like to think that my time in its midst isn't too far off for me to just a bit of recollecting. From what I do remember, I can tell you that it was a complicated, and rough time. I can think back on laying in bed at night- not being able to sleep because I was so verklempt over what pondering happened when a person died. I literally couldn't close my eyes for bed. Maybe not every kid faces such a great personal debate, but in the first 12 or so years of life, there is a lot of figuring out to be done. It irks me greatly that an elementary school student is now supposed to take on the role of Atlas and carry the world around on their shoulders along with all their own personal burdens. For once, I'm asking for just a little selfishness here. Let the girls go out in search of their Princes, and the boys battling the dragons keeping them, and leave saving the  world for the adults. In my own eyes, true love should come first.

Coming Soon

Who's Afraid of Pop Culture returns June 29th!!

(See Note at conclusion of previous post)

Top 10 for the Over-90 Set

Tuesday night, the American Film Institute (AFI) once again illustrated its total lack of touch with popular culture and contemporary American reality. Every summer, the AFI comes up with a sappy television special that chronicles the "Ten Best" of a particular film genre or subsection; my personal favorite year was a listing of the top 100 movie quotes of all time. Of course, even this brilliant conception was ruined by the fact that those who select the annual winners haven't seen a movie since 1998. 

I realize that we are living in what some may call a "sad state" of American cinema, but stupidity aside, films continue to be one of the strongest cultural phenomena in our country, and the newer, funnier and more expensive- the better. I realize that "Gone With the Wind" is a so-called "classic", but I haven't met ten people in my life who have managed to sit through the entire thing. Thus, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" has about as much business at the top of the quotation list as "Citizen Kane" does heading the best 100 films of all time. If we're going by frequency of usage and recognition, I'd have to go with one of the lines from "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy". I don't know how many times I have walked through the hallways of my school and heard, "I don't know how to put this, but I'm kind of a big deal", or "LOUD NOISES". I've even seen witty t-shirts bearing the pictorial equivalent of "I love lamp". While these selections may lack class, I don't think I've ever heard someone under thirty quote "Gone With the Wind" without a rapid ass-kicking shortly following. 

While some of the categories of the "Ten Top 10" were well executed in selection, many were populated with flicks bearing titles that are met with shoulder shrugs and questioning of their actual existence. I'm going to address the "gangster" category first, purely because it just so happens to be my favorite genre of film. I felt as if the picks here were intelligent choices. Many pre-date my, and in some cases, my parents' birth dates, but still are frequently watched by the current generation. "The Godfather", "Goodfellas" and "Godfather Part II" leading the lineup allows me particular bragging rights following a recent movie night at my house featuring screening of those exact three movies, as well as a lavish Italian buffet to complete the theme. I was however, irked by the absence of recent best picture winner "The Departed". 

As much as I was impressed by the accuracy of the gangster category, I was outraged by the selection of Westerns. Yes, yes we all know that the nuanced John Wayne classic "The Searchers" was revolutionary and socially relevant, but really, is that why people watch Westerns? Where was the Clint Eastwood love? Yes, Unforgiven took a spot in the lineup, but imdb's headlining Western, "The Good the Bad and the Ugly" didn't even place! In my humble opinion, watching Blondie take on Tuco and Angel Eyes in a gun-fight to end all others beats morning about the "Lost Frontier" any day. 

I won't go through every category, because frankly, I myself haven't even seen many of these films. I think the only choices under the "Courtroom Drama" section that I have ever heard mentioned or watched personally are "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "12 Angry Men". The "epics" list was full of sappy and overlong oldies, though I did smile at the inclusion of "Reds"- the most beautiful and politically relevant love story I've ever witnessed. Potential dates take note: I'd rather see Warren Beatty as John Reed run from anti-communist gunfire into Lousie Bryant's arms at a Soviet train-station that roll my eyes to the familiar and boring "romantic comedies" such as "Sleepless in Seattle". Oh wait, my mistake. AFI seems to think those sort of movies warrant their own list as well. Apparently though, I am more out of touch with this portion of cinema than I thought. Coming in at Number 1 is some old Charlie Chaplin flick called "City Lights". I don't watch many of these sorts of movies, but in my eyes, Charlie Chaplin has the sex appeal level of a squashed zucchini. 

The last section I'll give my input on is fantasy. I honestly don't think that the committee even bothered to watch the submissions here. "The Wizard of Oz" was a landmark in cinema, but even me, a musical-die-hard would rather see one of the epic battle scenes in "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" than the Cowardly Lion. Oh wait, "Return of the King" wasn't even on the short list! Instead, we have part one of the trilogy, "Fellowship of the Ring"; widely considered to be the weakest of the series.  I was also disappointed at seeing the pedophile fantasy "Big" coming in at number 10, rather than the film that the kids with class occupied themselves with; "Princess Bride".

The AFI specials frequently become the highlight of my summer television viewing, if only for the lack of better things to watch and the countdown to the first place winners that I always anticipate will bring heated debates and fiery words reigning down upon my house for weeks to come. Although it would be my own recommendation for the AFI committee before next year's voting, to include younger members on its selection board- ones who have a live pulse on the movie scene today, instead of checking for the heartbeat of one of the many dead corpses that continue to show up on the "Top 100" series year after year.

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Note: I will once again be departing on another road trip tomorrow morning, and will not be returning until next Sunday. Until then, take what you've learned on this blog and go out into the world unafraid to take your own opinions and perspectives on the culture around you. Don't forget to check back next Sunday!

-Jordan 

Cinephiles Beware! Welcome to the Drive-In.

The other night, I arrived home at 1:45 in the morning, having successfully completed what was the first of many summer night trips to the drive-in movie theatre. Living in Colorado does have its advantages, and while the drive-in is one of only about three establishments open past midnight, even with options, I would still venture out to the edge of town to partake in its wonders. 

Like eating out at a nice restaurant and riding the ferris wheel, going to the drive-in is not something to engage in alone. While it has long been a prime spot for couples to snuggle under the stars and a B-movie, the most enjoyable way to visit is with a large group of people. Breaking out the lawn chairs and spreading out the blankets in the back of a truck creates an optimal environment for diversion. Unlike those stodgy theatres, at the drive-in, talking throughout the flick is highly encouraged. Cinephiles everywhere must flee from these outdoor screens by the droves. The sound is fuzzy, the picture worse and little kids run about constantly. 

With the high prices at the concession stands of regular theatres and even higher ticket prices, large families go for the two-for-one bargain of the drive-in. Sometimes, the scene can be frightening as it unfolds before you. To those of you unfamiliar with cowboy culture, a recent spoting on my part involved three youngsters running around with pocket knives while their parents sat smoking cigarettes in the back of a pick up. This is not unusual. Weapon wielding tykes aside, the lax atmosphere makes for more enjoyable repeat viewings of films. Upon my third time visiting "The Incredible Hulk" since its release, last night I proceeded to act out my own personal interpretation of the final battle scene, which anyone who has seen the movie, will tell you is epic. My improvised "Hulk Smash" was truly a sight to behold. 

Unless you live in a unkempt trailer parked in some unsavory location, the whole of the situation I have described may sound a tad frightening, but I must make this plee, though I believe it may come about thirty years too late. Should you still be fortunate enough to live close to a drive-in movie theatre, visit it! Buy food at it! While the nostalgia aspect of their presence is beginning to hint at a come-back, drive-ins are equivalent to pandas on the endangered species list. While it may be simpler to just pop in a DVD, or one of those new-fangled "Blu-Rays", watching a big screen kiss between Edward Norton and Liv Tyler under the stars and full moon truly has no comparison. Maybe you'll even get to see me Hulk Smash.

Bitten By the Vampire

Wizards are so passe. With the (popular would be an understatement) Harry Potter series completed last summer, the hordes of young teen readers went out in search of another fantastical adventure to occupy themselves with something other than fan fiction between the Potter movies release dates. The soon-to-be trilogy of Eragon, chronicling the adventures of a young knight and his female dragon pal, drove many fans away following the poorly produced film version and the sloppy second installment. Instead, Rowling and Paolini followers have been flocking toward a new author, Stephenie Meyer, and her new saga of novels, "Twilight", "New Moon", Eclipse", and on August second, "Breaking Dawn". While vampire stories, since Bram Stoker's "Dracula", have relied on sexual relations as a key tool for horror and allurement, Meyer, an observant Mormon, has transitioned this lust to what seems to be a more effective (and appropriate) level of involvement. Rather than the creepy licks, bites and sucks that creatures of the night typically have been known to dole out, the vamps in Meyer's novels need hundreds of pages merely to build up to hand holding. I attempted to read "Twlight" about a year ago, and was so outraged at this taming of the beast, that I immediately returned it to my friend, who then proceeded to verbally abuse me for my opinions. As an avid follower of horror fiction, I wanted desperately to enjoy this new generation of evil, but to me, the romantic male hero of the series, Edward Cullen, a vampire who appallingly snacks on animal blood, was effectively a neutering of one of my favorite mystical creatures. 

Stephen King's "Danse Macabe", a literary work which one can safely call the "Bible" of horror films, books and mythology leading up until 1980, explains vampires in one of the most exact definitions that I have ever read:

"Beauty and the beast. You are in my power. Heh-heh-heh. It's that primal rape scene again. And the primal, perverse rapist is the Vampire, stealing not only sexual favors but life itself."

While "Dracula" set the foundation for the blood-sucking mythos, most of my personal experience and love of this particular monster comes from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". No, I'm not ashamed to say it loud and proud. I own every season of the show on DVD, and frequently work out to repeated viewings of my favorite episodes. If you even existed in the late 1990's, I'm sure that you were forced or volunteered to see the vamps strolling the streets of Sunnydale- carrying no small hints of bondage. While we did encounter the occasional sympathetic demon on the program- most famously, Angel and Spike, the rest of their race were frequently ugly (a mortal sin on "Buffy"), stupid and very very evil. To me, this is how the genre was meant to be done. At least, in regards to the first five seasons. After that the show became something of an exercise in idiocy. In their human forms, the vampires referred to wayward humans in sexual nicknames including, "toy", "puppy", "dog" and "dessert". I think there was more torture- at least implied- done by the baddies on "Buffy" than on/by Jack Bauer on "24". 

The vampire romance genre has been employed frequently by authors in genres ranging from horror to pornographic romance, and until now have always played their role as the sexual predator, one with whom the viewer/reader and heroine of the work is not entirely turned off by. While I always can appreciate and acknowledge a new interpretation, until the next rabidly sexual, totally evil vamp decides to rear his handsome head, I'll be occupying myself with the adventures of Buffy, Willow, and some serious slaying action, which in my book, beats hand holding any day. 

Remember

It seems as if over the past month, we have seen a saddening amount of celebrity passings- lives taken unfairly in their prime, with brilliant work left unfinished, and souls that have moved on after years full of accomplishment and honor. I'd like to take this entry to remind you of three of these men, and their notable accomplishments.

Stan Winston, age 62

Passed away June 15th of multiple myeloma:

Stan Winston pioneered some of the most astounding sfx and make-up seen in contemporary cinema. He imagined new worlds and technology- never drifting far from the human touch and recognition that made his work so beautiful. While his name isn't a household one, his work stands for itself. Winston had his first brush with fame in 1984 when he was chosen to design the robot army effects for "The Terminator". Director James Cameron later asked him to join another of his following productions; Aliens. Winston continued his work on T2: Judgement Day and was later drafted to bring the giant dinosaurs of "Jurassic Park" to life. "Jurassic Park" was the first PG-13 movie my parents allowed me to see, and I vividly recall the moment that T-Rex showed up blowing steam onto the car window. I didn't sleep for a week. Winston acted as a consultant on the recent hit "Iron Man" and was tapped already for working on Jurassic Park IV. Winston's other projects included "Edward Scissorhands", "Big Fish", and "Batman Returns". Personally, my favorite Winston work would be his animatronics in "AI: Artificial Intelligence". Winston had the power not only to create robots who destroyed the world, but also ones who were able to wrench your heart out and make you dive for the tissue box.

Bo Diddley, age 79

Passed away June 2nd of heart failure

Even if you've never heard a Bo Diddley melody, you've most certainly seen one of the guitars he popularized. "The Twang Machine", a rectangular Gretsch, was as unique and groovy as his  songs. He was a unifier; bringing together street musicianship and professional performance, folk songs and popular beats, and most notably, blues and rock and roll. His self-titled song, "Bo Diddley" has been played at more swing dancing lessons and rockabilly parties than I care to recall, and perfectly exemplifies his hard-edged style that makes even the most dedicated wall-flowers jump, or rather, boogie, onto the dance floor. "The Bo Diddley Beat" has been adapted by artists ranging from U2 to Bruce Springsteen. Diddley, while no longer able to craft new tunes, gave the music community an integration of styles that will keep on bopping for many years to come.

Tim Russert, age 58

Passed away June 13th of a heart attack

Journalists and their profession have been gaining more and more notoriety as the pace of the world at large and the skepticism of society have surged upward. There are very few contemporary reporters who have the trust of the people the way, for instance, Murrow possessed the nation's attention many years ago- Tim Russert was one of them. He was THE one. There is no need to remind you of this man's accomplishments- there have been various "In Memory" features presented over the past two days from those who had personal experience with him. It's clear from every person who has spoken on his behalf that he touched many, many lives. Broadcast journalists are rare to shed a tear- indeed I remember when watching the 9/11 reports my surprise that they were able to remain so stoic in a time of such emotion. So, when Andrea Mitchell welled up on the air when recalled Russert, (she was one of many) it's only painfully clear that this man's smile and passion weren't reserved for the camera, but for all who he encountered on his path. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHhDEGk8Sxa

Post-Tonys

I'm higher than 96th Street after watching the fabulous Lin-Manuel Miranda quite literally raised to the roof of Radio City by his fellow cast members after "In the Heights" deservingly won the Tony award for Best Musical. Amid criticism of its too-polished ending and grit-less portrayal of the Washington Heights neighborhood and a few days in the lives of those who lived within it, the Latin/Hip-Hop/Meringue/Classic Broadway show now has an even better chance of carrying its message of hope to audiences across the globe. 

This year's Tony broadcast was one of my favorites in years, with less emphasis on the drawn-out technical speeches and a greater spotlight on the performances within the shows themselves, the greatest winner of the evening was Broadway itself. Every showcase of the night.. . save one Grease was inspiring, and a testament to the power of the stage. The very rare standing ovation at the Tonys was granted to Patti LuPone's faster and more powerful than a speeding bullet rendition of "Everything's Coming Up Roses" from "Gypsy". After just digging up an old recording of The Merm performing the same number several Tonys ago, I think that the woman who allegedly could "hold a note longer than the Chase Manhattan Bank" has been throughly shown up by the brassy and glorious mouth of Mrs. Patti-"Shut up- I haven't done this in 29 years!" Lupone. 

Even "Cry Baby", a show that I know truly considers itself lucky to be nominated selected a number which focused on Rob Ashford's brilliant choreography and the show's masterful (and 6-pack blessed) male chorus. I felt as if Passing Strange could have chosen a stronger song to perform, rather than the repetitious second part of "Keys", but the cast's energy as directed by Stew was as fine an advertisement as any for the scrappy underdog of a show. Although "In the Heights" and "Passing Strange" were clearly the artistic highlights of the new musical season, in my secret heart of hearts, I was hoping for "Xanadu" to push through and win... anything. It was certainly one of the more entertaining nights I have ever spent in a theatre- of course, seeing Cheyenne Jackson stand onstage in a pair of short-shorts would rank pretty high up in its own right. 

Although by its second intermission, and third hour, I was thinking I should have packed a picnic dinner to "August: Osage County", it was fantastic to see an "American show" put on by "theatre actors" triumph so profoundly. Extra kudos to playwright Tracy Letts for inserting this not-so subliminal jab at movie performers gone stage right after Daniel Radcliff presented the award. Not that it's going to stop me from buying tickets to see "Equus" this fall. Oh wait, I already bought them! 

On a final note, my living room blanket is now sopping wet following the reunion of the original RENT cast for "Seasons of Love". I think I let out more tears than a PMS-ing girl at a chick flick, as Anthony Rapp gave his introduction. Of course, matters were not aided by the fact that I had already done my share of bawling after Lin-Manuel Miranda won for best score and proceeded to rap out his thanks. Every year, I spend The Oscars greedily hovering over my betting cards, The Grammys rocking out to lip synched tunes, and the Emmys wondering who half the people nominated are. But in mid-June, the tissue box is broken out at The Tonys; as I witness composers, performers, directors, and producers who have given their lives to that institution which I place over democracy and the US appeals system in my heart; the American Theatre.