Autobots...roll out! How the mighty have "Fallen"

For the past two years, geek boys everywhere have waited with much anticipation for the sequel to the 2007 hit Transformers, (yes I am one of them). One of the opening sequences at Shanghai with the Autobots both new and old was greeted with cheers of delight, which for many of us turned to groans as the movie progressed.

(SPOILER ALERT)

Truthfully, I still think Optimus Prime is one of the COOLEST cartoon characters ever! How many guys out there wishes he had a giant 20 foot tall robot who kicks butt and turns into a truck. As a child, for me that was always something "more than meets the eye," as I had a sensory overload of sheer awesomeness. Sadly, when I see one of my favorite characters involved in an AWESOME battle die on screen, (OK so he is resurrected later), and the majority of the "speaking" robots portrayed the majority of the remainder of the film are the twins Mudflap and Skids, (Jar Jar Binks twins for a new generation) and the dirty minded little remote control truck Wheelie, it says something.

What happened to the coolness that represents Ironhide, Ratchet, Sideswipe, Arcee, and even Bumblebee seemed to take a step down this film. I miss my autobots, and was tired of how director Michael Bay tried to cater to every audience, but mostly made the movie geared towards 15 year old boys in the hood, (although having Mrs. Witwicky become high off pot brownies is not the best role model for ANY kid no matter where you are from).

Another complaint is the portrayal of women in the film. I felt they were completely objectified, and viewed sexually. Yes, sex sells, but it is not what I believe. I truly believe that women are SO MUCH BETTER and NEED SO MUCH MORE DIGNITY than what was shown. For me, this was an absolute slap in the face of what I have been taught my whole entire life. I hope to always uphold a higher standard and respect woman and motherhood my whole life, and I know that the girl I will someday marry will be treated like a princess, the opposite of how the film depicts them.

Wow! Sorry, I feel like such a pessimist. A third installment should be around in 2011, and hopefully with it, the autobots will be upgraded with dignity. Until then this is me rolling out...

Up Up and Away!!!

OK. Can I admit a guilty pleasure to you readers? I am a sucker for Disney movies. There, I said it. Growing up, my siblings and I loved these films, and even to this day, they make me feel good, and uplifted.

This past weekend, I was able to watch the movie "Up" with my family. Although this was not my first time watching it, I loved it like it was. For me, it had every aspect of a great movie. Great character development, action, a touching and heart felt plot, and a constant barrage of humor!

I think my favorite character has to be Dug. He reminds me a lot of myself, not always the sharpest tool in the shed, but always loyal and willing to help a friend when needed. I think what I like most about Disney and Pixar films is the likeability factor of each character. Although not real, they personify traits that we all see in ourselves, thus helping us to sympathize with their triumphs and trials.

Up is definitely a Disney Classic, and one I will be watching and laughing at for years to come!

So while I was in church on Sunday...

As I was sitting in Elder's Quorum this past Sunday, we showed this little video. Granted it doesn't have any true significant insight, but it was FUNNY!!! Yes, it's another awesome Youtube movie. Copy and paste the link, and hope you enjoy it. In cases like this I am actually glad I don't understand German, but the facial expressions are priceless! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGPjI0lB3FE

Thoughts on Sexual Content

While I was watching television and fulfilling my assignment for class, it made me reflect on the issues that sexuality is truly everywhere.
The thought of CONTEXT has also been an interesting insight. Before analyzing, I didn't realize how prevalent sexual references are in our every day lives. Television is brimming with innuendos, and off colored jokes. Maybe we as a society have been desensitized as far as understanding what we are viewing, and have come to accept them as normal occurrences.
A lot of times with sexual content, it truly is seen as something "everyone does." Infidelity, sex before marriage, and lust are common themes, as well as joking about the sacred nature of sex. Growing up in the LDS church, we understand the importance sex is to our Heavenly Father, helping grow intimate bonds between husband and wife. I know I'm not married yet, but I hope to keep those things sacred, and never take them for granted as I prepare to make eternal covenants and become a father using this great gift to wonderful children which I know are blessings from the Lord.
Sex sells, it's true, but we don't have to buy the myths we see.

Media: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Side of Violence

As I have been preparing this case for the mock trial today, I have been thinking a lot about how media influences us.
Sure violence can be fun to watch sometimes, (hey growing up some of my favorite movies and cartoons were super hero based. So now you know). Why is it that some individuals become violent and others don't? Why do some children mimic the actions of their favorite hero, or something they may have seen on the WWF? (I remember a few cases where children died re-enacting scenes from their favorite wrestling program back when I was in Junior High).
Is it wrong for us to banish violent media, or is it truly harmless. In the Gospel, we understand principles that lead us to happiness and eternal salvation. Moderation in all things is one of them. As I was thinking about how I feel when I watch a violent program, it made me realize that I don't feel compelled to do good. My adrenaline is high, and excitement transfer theory, (tying it in to class), does happen, but at the same time, it is not doing anything to help me become a more altruistic individual. My goal as a person is to better society, and make the world a better place for my children in the future, (there are a few steps I need to take before children come into the picture, dating for one...wish me luck :D ), but in the end, I don't feel uplifted most of the time.
Is watching extreme violence bad? I don't believe it is unless we are either a barbarian, or a robot programmed to destroy, (hopefully NONE of us are the latter), but we should take into account moderation, and not let it run our lives or our agency.

Another Funny Vid...a little late for Halloween, but still enjoyable

I don't know how many of you have seen the video "Scary Mary," a "horror genre" recut of Mary Poppins, but here it is.
I was definitely trying to post it up here for Halloween, as it seems fitting, but it didn't get up in time. Anways, hope you enjoy it, and remember to watch for HER when the wind blows. Hahaha...



By the way, if the link above doesn't work, try to copy and paste this into a browser. You'll be glad you did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T5_0AGdFic