Some of the best Thanksgiving thoughts occurred to me the day after. They actually had nothing to do with turkey, but quite a bit on the thankfulness issue.
I joined a few fellow teachers and some Korean college students on a tour of some sights in Korea. I had seen In Sa Dong and Korean palaces before, but the visting part was nice. Walking around a shopping area without actually buying anything is nice, too. There's a sort of freedom to it. Take that, shoppers.
As usual when in In Sa Dong (that sounds funny) our group had the opportunity to climb an outdoor stairway to the top. This affords that great opportunity to look down on all the other shoppers and tourists. Literally, not figuratively,of course.
From In Sa Dong, we strolled to a Korean palace the name of which I can't remember. I forget the names of places immediately after visiting. It's my tradition.
The professor of the students met us with more students. He gave us reports on who passed exams, who got a job, and how much more they would make than us. Thanks for that.
He later added that money isn't , nor should it be everything.
Their field was engineering, so seeing structures with them was fun. "Don't you have questions (for the tour guide)?" the professor asked me.
Not really, I admitted.
He had plenty of questions, but most likely she wouldn't know. I can't say I blame her.
As we strolled through former government halls he asked me if I thought kings were happy. I didn't know.
"I don't think they were," he stated. A glance at history suggests he has a point.
On the way home I thought of that statement, kings, wealth, contentment, and so on. I remembered the previous day's obligatory "I'm thankful for" spiel and the thought I refused to say out loud for fear of embarrassment. At this moment it seemed to make a lot more sense.
I'm thankful for enough.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Best Random Funny Moments
There are a few funny images I keep tucked away for those times I need a smile. Most of those are randomly funny scenes from movies that do nothing to further the plot, yet succeed in making me laugh my guts out. I'll share a few, and feel free to share your own as well. I could use the extra laughs.
10.
9.
8.
7.
6. The land rover scenes from the gods must be crazy. (video waaay too long)
5.Mortimer's aunts explaining ethics in Arsonic and Old Lace (video waaaaaaaaaaaay too long)
4.
3.
2.
1.The cat juggling scene from the Jerk. No, I couldn't find it. Sorry. You'll just have to watch the movie if you haven't already. It's worth it.
10.
9.
8.
7.
6. The land rover scenes from the gods must be crazy. (video waaay too long)
5.Mortimer's aunts explaining ethics in Arsonic and Old Lace (video waaaaaaaaaaaay too long)
4.
3.
2.
1.The cat juggling scene from the Jerk. No, I couldn't find it. Sorry. You'll just have to watch the movie if you haven't already. It's worth it.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Lost in Translate
A week or so ago I was explaining a grammar concept to one of my students. He got the concept and used a Korean phrase to illustrate that. I understood what he meant and agreed.
He exclaimed something else in Korean, and I didn't understand. I wasn't sure if he just said something offensive, so I asked what he said.
He seemed sheepish and wouldn't reply.
Finally, I asked one of his classmates what he said.
The classmate smiled and said, "He said you understand him very well."
That's an oops.
He exclaimed something else in Korean, and I didn't understand. I wasn't sure if he just said something offensive, so I asked what he said.
He seemed sheepish and wouldn't reply.
Finally, I asked one of his classmates what he said.
The classmate smiled and said, "He said you understand him very well."
That's an oops.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Month of Squash
Over the past few months, a friend and neighbor told me about a gym that's near our house. I like adding actual exercise to my list of recreational activities, so I joined up. In addition to the garden variety weight machines and standard-issue dance studio, there's a squash court. My friend and I played squash, then he looked up the rules online and we played some more. We like to think we are on the way to going pro, but only God knows for sure.
Recently I did some math and figured squash doesn't trump food and shelter. Since none of these are cheap, I had to prioritize. So I'm down to my last month of squash.
I'm sure there was a reason for me to enjoy this game for the time that I did. If nothing else, it's a good healthy activity (minus the sudden bursts of rage when I miss a shot). It gave me time and a chance to reflect, but it also gave me a glimpse of human nature itself. And it was fun. Did I mention that? Well, it was.
I learned first and foremost that you cannot become skilled just by watching skilled players. I can watch the other dudes and dudesses play squash for hours, but that won't help my ability to comprehend or duplicate their actions one bit. More patience and actual effort is needed.
I also learned that a little black ball, when missed by me, can be the cause of great rage. This lead me to a secondary discovery that throwing a rented racket may not be the best outlet of aforementioned rage.
As long as I kick the former week Matt's butt, I'm happy. He's the guy to beat, and to be honest, it's not all that hard.
If I miss the ball with my racket, I can always kick the ball against the wall. This has no educational value, but it's pretty cool.
An audience changes things. When I'm aware a national is watching, my temper snaps into place. More so if it's a Korean child. Many of our neighbors know we are missionaries, and we are therefore representing more than just our countries. I had to keep this in mind when negotiating the price of membership with the gym's managers.
Following from that, I learned how hard negotiations can be when your Korean is at least as limited as their English. This resulted in me repeating "It's too expensive" in Korean, followed by them grinning, "Thank you" in English.
It's often best to leave smiling, and with a handshake. Leave, save some money, and find more creative ways to stay off your rear.
Recently I did some math and figured squash doesn't trump food and shelter. Since none of these are cheap, I had to prioritize. So I'm down to my last month of squash.
I'm sure there was a reason for me to enjoy this game for the time that I did. If nothing else, it's a good healthy activity (minus the sudden bursts of rage when I miss a shot). It gave me time and a chance to reflect, but it also gave me a glimpse of human nature itself. And it was fun. Did I mention that? Well, it was.
I learned first and foremost that you cannot become skilled just by watching skilled players. I can watch the other dudes and dudesses play squash for hours, but that won't help my ability to comprehend or duplicate their actions one bit. More patience and actual effort is needed.
I also learned that a little black ball, when missed by me, can be the cause of great rage. This lead me to a secondary discovery that throwing a rented racket may not be the best outlet of aforementioned rage.
As long as I kick the former week Matt's butt, I'm happy. He's the guy to beat, and to be honest, it's not all that hard.
If I miss the ball with my racket, I can always kick the ball against the wall. This has no educational value, but it's pretty cool.
An audience changes things. When I'm aware a national is watching, my temper snaps into place. More so if it's a Korean child. Many of our neighbors know we are missionaries, and we are therefore representing more than just our countries. I had to keep this in mind when negotiating the price of membership with the gym's managers.
Following from that, I learned how hard negotiations can be when your Korean is at least as limited as their English. This resulted in me repeating "It's too expensive" in Korean, followed by them grinning, "Thank you" in English.
It's often best to leave smiling, and with a handshake. Leave, save some money, and find more creative ways to stay off your rear.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Real-Life Goings on
I don't post my update letters, and the last few posts seem to indicate a life full of movies and pop-culture lists. So, I felt the need to recall the latest happenings of the last couple months. Not to defend my honor, mind you, just to let you know that I'm not just lounging back on a sofa somewhere and losing the ability to walk on my own (more than usual anyway). Here it is, a list of real-life stuff.
1. Since my last trip to the grandma house, I decided to focus mainly on that and future clean-up events as my areas of community service outreach. Another teacher agreed to oversee outreach activities with a local orphanage/home for unwed mothers. We had our first drive this month, and so far it's going well. Our first visit is soon to follow. I look forward to seeing more happen with this.
2. Since I read Too Small to Ignore and realized the need to value children as God does, I've talked to others and confirmed I'm not alone. It's encouraging to hear of family members sponsoring children, as well as encouraging their children to take part in the process. My parents are also desiring to start a children's ministry in their church. It's funny how these things work.
I also realized the weight of the jobs we as teachers here have. My own attitude of gratefulness (or lack thereof) could cause more for good or harm than first glance can tell. I've made it a point to communicate a spirit of gratefulness as much as possible, and more than that.
3. I've started using less paper and water. Integrity is a big issue in my mind, and it's about the little things. Truth, honor, respect, wisdom, cooperation, the list goes on, are all connected. Hopefully and prayerfully when I take good care of the things around me I'm showing a respect for others and ultimately the One who created us and everything we have. Also hopefully I'm teaching others to show respect as they follow my example. It's also forced me to become more creative as I think of ways I as a teacher can use less paper. You really can do a lot with a little.
4. I'm going back to India with a small group for spring break. The school decided on three missions trips this year (one three-week trip in the summer) and India made the cut. I look forward to seeing Priority One once again and noting how much has and hasn't changed in the past year. Yay! We get to go back!
Our school had a fall festival recently. Our business manager helped with a raffle, selling chances to win a cheesecake. The proceeds will go to the missions trips.
I chuckled as she was reading names and phone numbers on the tickets in the jar. Included among the entire staff were the guy who delivers water, our paper suplier, the milk man...
Everyone had purchased a ticket.
"Anyone who walked in the door today", she grinned.
The raffle raised over $500 for the trips.
5. I'm seeing this gig as a ministry. I know it sounds odd, but to be honest, the feeling comes and goes at times. I think about how teaching ESL could be a ministry, SOMEWHERE ELSE. Africa somewhere, or even North Korea. I mean, Westerners and South Koreans are too well off, even with a recession. They don't need it, right?
Then God shuts me up. He'll allow me to see another story about educational pressures and suicide rates, not SOMEWHERE ELSE, but right stinking here. Stop your whining, Matt. You're here, not to do, but to be. And you're in the right place.
That being the case, I have to go shut up and be. Or be, anyway.
1. Since my last trip to the grandma house, I decided to focus mainly on that and future clean-up events as my areas of community service outreach. Another teacher agreed to oversee outreach activities with a local orphanage/home for unwed mothers. We had our first drive this month, and so far it's going well. Our first visit is soon to follow. I look forward to seeing more happen with this.
2. Since I read Too Small to Ignore and realized the need to value children as God does, I've talked to others and confirmed I'm not alone. It's encouraging to hear of family members sponsoring children, as well as encouraging their children to take part in the process. My parents are also desiring to start a children's ministry in their church. It's funny how these things work.
I also realized the weight of the jobs we as teachers here have. My own attitude of gratefulness (or lack thereof) could cause more for good or harm than first glance can tell. I've made it a point to communicate a spirit of gratefulness as much as possible, and more than that.
3. I've started using less paper and water. Integrity is a big issue in my mind, and it's about the little things. Truth, honor, respect, wisdom, cooperation, the list goes on, are all connected. Hopefully and prayerfully when I take good care of the things around me I'm showing a respect for others and ultimately the One who created us and everything we have. Also hopefully I'm teaching others to show respect as they follow my example. It's also forced me to become more creative as I think of ways I as a teacher can use less paper. You really can do a lot with a little.
4. I'm going back to India with a small group for spring break. The school decided on three missions trips this year (one three-week trip in the summer) and India made the cut. I look forward to seeing Priority One once again and noting how much has and hasn't changed in the past year. Yay! We get to go back!
Our school had a fall festival recently. Our business manager helped with a raffle, selling chances to win a cheesecake. The proceeds will go to the missions trips.
I chuckled as she was reading names and phone numbers on the tickets in the jar. Included among the entire staff were the guy who delivers water, our paper suplier, the milk man...
Everyone had purchased a ticket.
"Anyone who walked in the door today", she grinned.
The raffle raised over $500 for the trips.
5. I'm seeing this gig as a ministry. I know it sounds odd, but to be honest, the feeling comes and goes at times. I think about how teaching ESL could be a ministry, SOMEWHERE ELSE. Africa somewhere, or even North Korea. I mean, Westerners and South Koreans are too well off, even with a recession. They don't need it, right?
Then God shuts me up. He'll allow me to see another story about educational pressures and suicide rates, not SOMEWHERE ELSE, but right stinking here. Stop your whining, Matt. You're here, not to do, but to be. And you're in the right place.
That being the case, I have to go shut up and be. Or be, anyway.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Environmentally Friendly Movie List
A couple of posts back I mused how difficult it is to make a good movie with environmental themes. Usually it dissolves into a two-hour sermon,or comes across as a flippant remark in a funny song, i.e. "So Long and Thanks for All the Fish". Since I finally saw one that I knew would make the cut, here's the list.
10.Prince Caspian. Without giving away the ending, I'll say that C.S. Lewis' stories show a deep respect for nature without worshipping it. The trees, rivers, etc. show character and even kick some butt when needed. This movie did a good job of capturing Lewis' vision and respect without crossing the line into animism.
9.Spiderwick Chronicles. The themes of nature weren't overt in this, but the cinematography does a great job of making the woods seem magical, whether we see creatures in them or not. Like in all great works of fantasy, the forest itself becomes a character. Again, everything's still in its right place.
8. Shane. The best of the 50s classic Westerns I can remember, and definitely the most patient. The title character defends and works alongside the farmers, a people who develop a unique respect for the environment. In the end, it's about the hope of choosing the farmer's way of life over the gunmen's. And did I mention the cinematography rocks? Well, it does.
7.Fight Club. There's a moment in this movie that stil makes me laugh. The members of Fight Club start lashing out at anything and everything that made them angry in the first place. One attack is on a billboard. Who knows what it said before, but when they are finished it says: "Did you know you can use motor oil to fertilize your lawn? A public service announcement from the EPA". The theme of destruction extends from themselves to everything around them. Forget the environment. After all, cleaning up after yourself is emasculating.
6.The Two Towers. The books give a better depiction of Treebeard and the trees, but the movies kept the theme of the tension between nature and people. "I'm not on anybody's side, because no one is altogether on my side." For men, some of that tension can be seen as a necessity, such as shelter and so on, but for those like the orcs, it's just plain evil. Go get them, Treebeard.
5.Quantum of Solace. Green issues and the misuse of them for personal gain became part of the theme of this movie. It wasn't tacked on or even discussed much. It just fit right along with the other moral issues. Well done, James. I'm sure they have a writer called James. They pretty much have to.
4.Idiocracy. The point of this movie is not to harp on environmental consciousness, but among others, the issue is present. And you may not know this, but Brawno has electrolytes.
3.The Simpsons Movie. "Preachy! Preachy!" It's been noted that only the Simpsons can mock people careless about the environment and the EPA in the same movie. Other themes and a lot of trademark Simpsons humor keep this one out of sermon-land. Nice work, considering it only took them ten plus years to make it.
2.Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. I'll cheese out and call it a tie. Both movies are by the same director, and he does a good job of making aspects of nature into characters. Discernment is needed, as the Japanese word for these characters is either translated "spirit" or "god". But if gods they are, it's more along the lines of the greek myths where they are at least as flawed as we are. Again, the stories are about more than just "recycle or we're doomed".
1. Wall E. I just saw it, so I shouldn't be rash. But I also called it a classic after one viewing, and there's no backsies on that one either. But as much as it was criticized as another Inconvenient Truth, I felt the need to point out a distinction. Good sci-fi has the elements of prediction, and following through with those. Great sci-fi gives us talking points or characters to care about. Wall E did all of these, and even tossed in an appreciation of non-verbal communication.
10.Prince Caspian. Without giving away the ending, I'll say that C.S. Lewis' stories show a deep respect for nature without worshipping it. The trees, rivers, etc. show character and even kick some butt when needed. This movie did a good job of capturing Lewis' vision and respect without crossing the line into animism.
9.Spiderwick Chronicles. The themes of nature weren't overt in this, but the cinematography does a great job of making the woods seem magical, whether we see creatures in them or not. Like in all great works of fantasy, the forest itself becomes a character. Again, everything's still in its right place.
8. Shane. The best of the 50s classic Westerns I can remember, and definitely the most patient. The title character defends and works alongside the farmers, a people who develop a unique respect for the environment. In the end, it's about the hope of choosing the farmer's way of life over the gunmen's. And did I mention the cinematography rocks? Well, it does.
7.Fight Club. There's a moment in this movie that stil makes me laugh. The members of Fight Club start lashing out at anything and everything that made them angry in the first place. One attack is on a billboard. Who knows what it said before, but when they are finished it says: "Did you know you can use motor oil to fertilize your lawn? A public service announcement from the EPA". The theme of destruction extends from themselves to everything around them. Forget the environment. After all, cleaning up after yourself is emasculating.
6.The Two Towers. The books give a better depiction of Treebeard and the trees, but the movies kept the theme of the tension between nature and people. "I'm not on anybody's side, because no one is altogether on my side." For men, some of that tension can be seen as a necessity, such as shelter and so on, but for those like the orcs, it's just plain evil. Go get them, Treebeard.
5.Quantum of Solace. Green issues and the misuse of them for personal gain became part of the theme of this movie. It wasn't tacked on or even discussed much. It just fit right along with the other moral issues. Well done, James. I'm sure they have a writer called James. They pretty much have to.
4.Idiocracy. The point of this movie is not to harp on environmental consciousness, but among others, the issue is present. And you may not know this, but Brawno has electrolytes.
3.The Simpsons Movie. "Preachy! Preachy!" It's been noted that only the Simpsons can mock people careless about the environment and the EPA in the same movie. Other themes and a lot of trademark Simpsons humor keep this one out of sermon-land. Nice work, considering it only took them ten plus years to make it.
2.Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. I'll cheese out and call it a tie. Both movies are by the same director, and he does a good job of making aspects of nature into characters. Discernment is needed, as the Japanese word for these characters is either translated "spirit" or "god". But if gods they are, it's more along the lines of the greek myths where they are at least as flawed as we are. Again, the stories are about more than just "recycle or we're doomed".
1. Wall E. I just saw it, so I shouldn't be rash. But I also called it a classic after one viewing, and there's no backsies on that one either. But as much as it was criticized as another Inconvenient Truth, I felt the need to point out a distinction. Good sci-fi has the elements of prediction, and following through with those. Great sci-fi gives us talking points or characters to care about. Wall E did all of these, and even tossed in an appreciation of non-verbal communication.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Death by Funeral
This is tragic, but is it also kind of sweet in a way? They went together. I'm not sure. Appreciate the weirdness.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27666284/?gt1=43001
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27666284/?gt1=43001
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Movie Review: Wall E
I've wanted to see this for quite some time, so a late review is almost tragic. A Pixar movie? The first Pixar sci-fi movie I'm aware of (talking animals and toys don't really count)? A non-depressing post-apocalyptic film? All of those and more made the anticipation quite a bit. All that to say, I'm glad I saw it.
The wait was well worth it. This is the first Pixar movie since Nemo I can honestly call a classic. The Incredibles and that rat cooking movie were good, pardon my absence of French, but not exactly classics. With Wall E, the bar has yet again been raised.
The bulk of the movie has no dialog, showing a patience usually absent in American films. The images, dance sequences, and spare, thoughtful lines resonate. This is the best sci-fi movie, animated or otherwise, I've seen in a while.
Some people complain about the preachy-ness of this movie. It's not preachy, just a fictional vision of a very possible future. The real story involves the interaction between two of the best characters in robot history. That and... well, watch it and then find out.
On another note, if you find yourself complaining about the bleak nature of movies nowadays, it's because you're not watching films like this. It starts with dust storms and post apocalyptic trash heaps, but in the end it's all about hope. Now that's a classic.
The wait was well worth it. This is the first Pixar movie since Nemo I can honestly call a classic. The Incredibles and that rat cooking movie were good, pardon my absence of French, but not exactly classics. With Wall E, the bar has yet again been raised.
The bulk of the movie has no dialog, showing a patience usually absent in American films. The images, dance sequences, and spare, thoughtful lines resonate. This is the best sci-fi movie, animated or otherwise, I've seen in a while.
Some people complain about the preachy-ness of this movie. It's not preachy, just a fictional vision of a very possible future. The real story involves the interaction between two of the best characters in robot history. That and... well, watch it and then find out.
On another note, if you find yourself complaining about the bleak nature of movies nowadays, it's because you're not watching films like this. It starts with dust storms and post apocalyptic trash heaps, but in the end it's all about hope. Now that's a classic.
Movie Review: Quantum of Solace
I see new movies so rarely now I have to keep logs like this to enjoy the rarity of it all. I'm still waiting to see Wall E, a movie I'll probably have a bit to write about as well. Until we went to the theater to see the new Bond movie, I thought the fact I wanted to see both movies was the only connection. But there's a green thread connecting the two. It's interesting, that's all.
It's difficult to make a movie that has green themes without being too cheesy ie. "Circle of Life" or Biodome. Those that succeed may deserve their own list. Who knows, maybe I'll get bored enough, I mean get inspired, to make one.
Anyway, the green theme in the new 007 movie was shown by the villains. They used environmental causes as fronts to their terrorism. The "greenies" are the bad guys. We could argue they aren't really greenies, but evil non-green posers. Personally, I think the writers got tired of recycling and hearing about carbon footprints, so they did a little venting. It can happen, so it's understandable.
The interesting connection with the green theme and others in this movie was knowing right from wrong, and friends from enemies. It's been argued this is the least likable Bond yet, as his personality gets closer to the character in the books. But in the end, he does his job.
I like this Bond better, as I can see how he was originally supposed to be. We are not supposed to want to be like Bond. He's cold and detached,and he throws money around like confetti. He also lacks any hint of subtlety, as evidenced in his conversations with M. She doubts him at times, and as we're along for the ride, we almost begin to as well.
The movie itself is intense, as the action and danger hardly let up. The chase and action sequences alone make the movie worthwhile. It also gives the sense of being, for just under two hours, in the hands of someone who just may not be the best person for the job. It adds to the tension and enjoyment of the movie.
I need to re watch Casino Royale, but this is at least a worthy sequel to it. Time will tell if it's better.
It's difficult to make a movie that has green themes without being too cheesy ie. "Circle of Life" or Biodome. Those that succeed may deserve their own list. Who knows, maybe I'll get bored enough, I mean get inspired, to make one.
Anyway, the green theme in the new 007 movie was shown by the villains. They used environmental causes as fronts to their terrorism. The "greenies" are the bad guys. We could argue they aren't really greenies, but evil non-green posers. Personally, I think the writers got tired of recycling and hearing about carbon footprints, so they did a little venting. It can happen, so it's understandable.
The interesting connection with the green theme and others in this movie was knowing right from wrong, and friends from enemies. It's been argued this is the least likable Bond yet, as his personality gets closer to the character in the books. But in the end, he does his job.
I like this Bond better, as I can see how he was originally supposed to be. We are not supposed to want to be like Bond. He's cold and detached,and he throws money around like confetti. He also lacks any hint of subtlety, as evidenced in his conversations with M. She doubts him at times, and as we're along for the ride, we almost begin to as well.
The movie itself is intense, as the action and danger hardly let up. The chase and action sequences alone make the movie worthwhile. It also gives the sense of being, for just under two hours, in the hands of someone who just may not be the best person for the job. It adds to the tension and enjoyment of the movie.
I need to re watch Casino Royale, but this is at least a worthy sequel to it. Time will tell if it's better.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
More Laughs
Here's an article from the Onion I felt was worth sharing. I think they put it pretty well.
Black Man Given Nation's Worst Job
WASHINGTON—African-American man Barack Obama, 47, was given the least-desirable job in the entire country Tuesday when he was elected president of the United States of America. In his new high-stress, low-reward position, Obama will be charged with such tasks as completely overhauling the nation's broken-down economy, repairing the crumbling infrastructure, and generally having to please more than 300 million Americans and cater to their every whim on a daily basis. As part of his duties, the black man will have to spend four to eight years cleaning up the messes other people left behind. The job comes with such intense scrutiny and so certain a guarantee of failure that only one other person even bothered applying for it. Said scholar and activist Mark L. Denton, "It just goes to show you that, in this country, a black man still can't catch a break."
Black Man Given Nation's Worst Job
WASHINGTON—African-American man Barack Obama, 47, was given the least-desirable job in the entire country Tuesday when he was elected president of the United States of America. In his new high-stress, low-reward position, Obama will be charged with such tasks as completely overhauling the nation's broken-down economy, repairing the crumbling infrastructure, and generally having to please more than 300 million Americans and cater to their every whim on a daily basis. As part of his duties, the black man will have to spend four to eight years cleaning up the messes other people left behind. The job comes with such intense scrutiny and so certain a guarantee of failure that only one other person even bothered applying for it. Said scholar and activist Mark L. Denton, "It just goes to show you that, in this country, a black man still can't catch a break."
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Closing Words
You can learn a lot from a non-victory speech. Mccain proves himself as a man of character, even in defeat. I hope we haven't heard the last of him.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Fun with Politics Round whatever
This is good for laughs, and hopefully some relief during a time that's tense for many.
http://www.burnsidewriterscollective.com/general/2008/11/seven_things_to_consider_befor.php
http://www.burnsidewriterscollective.com/general/2008/11/seven_things_to_consider_befor.php
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Best Unintentional Comedies
I know I'll need help on this one as I'll no doubt miss a few. But recently I thought of the need to recognize all movies we couldn't possibly take seriously. So here goes, and feel free to assist.
P.S. I'm not including any Ed Wood movies. Too easy.
10. The Village. Sorry, M. Night fans out there. I'm one too, up to Signs. But the dialogue from this one is so unbelievable, I couldn't help but laugh through the whole movie. The original settlers themselves would probably chuckle a bit. "William Hurt sounds so wooden. I didn't talk like that, did I?" I'm sure they didn't.
9.Jurassic Park 2. I'm only including this one because of the second half of the movie. It shows the direction the movie should have committed to in the first place, that of parody, or even better, satire. We could always use another Gremlins.
8.Dragonheart. I really want to use Eragorn, as I saw scenes from it and it looks hilarious. But let us not forget the first non-animated talking dragon movie. Even Sean Connery couldn't give that concept an ounce of dignity. And he definitely tried.
7.The Blair Witch Project. What? You found out this isn't real and it's just a movie? That gives you no choice but to laugh at these silly kids shoving cameras up their noses. Let that teach you that lies make no good substitute for good suspenseful storytelling.
6. The World is Not Enough. Some overdone one-liners and the casting of Denise Richards sunk this one and made it, along with Jurassic Park 2, extremely stinking of self-parody.
5.Star Wars, Episode III. Go ahead, yell at the screen. But you can't beat the lines of dialogue between Luke and Leah's parents for pure cheese. They fell just short of saying "I love you more," and "No, you hang up." Someone please get Mr. Lucas away from his typewriter.
4.The Incredible Hulk (Ang Lee version). Movies like The Dark Knight challenge us to take comic book characters a little more seriously. Movies like the Incredible Hulk remind us this isn't always a good idea. But what can I say? The comic book panels are well-done enough for plenty of laughs. If you need more, imagining Shrek as the Hulk could fill in the lulls.
3.Planet of the Apes. Charlton Heston could act. He made a decent Moses, and Ben Hur wasn't so bad either. But the most over quoted lines from Planet of the Apes are so over-the-top that I get the giggles just thinking about them.
2.Star Trek 2, The Wrath of Khan. You're already laughing, because you know the quote by heart. William Shatner yells at Ricardo Montelbaum at full, way-beyond- overacting volume. Much quoted and mocked, Shatner earned every bit of his accidental comic fame.
1. The Screaming Skull. It's the only movie I've ever seen that threatens to kill you from fright, and with (da da dum!) an old prop from Hamlet. Not a well known film, but well worth the laughs.
P.S. I'm not including any Ed Wood movies. Too easy.
10. The Village. Sorry, M. Night fans out there. I'm one too, up to Signs. But the dialogue from this one is so unbelievable, I couldn't help but laugh through the whole movie. The original settlers themselves would probably chuckle a bit. "William Hurt sounds so wooden. I didn't talk like that, did I?" I'm sure they didn't.
9.Jurassic Park 2. I'm only including this one because of the second half of the movie. It shows the direction the movie should have committed to in the first place, that of parody, or even better, satire. We could always use another Gremlins.
8.Dragonheart. I really want to use Eragorn, as I saw scenes from it and it looks hilarious. But let us not forget the first non-animated talking dragon movie. Even Sean Connery couldn't give that concept an ounce of dignity. And he definitely tried.
7.The Blair Witch Project. What? You found out this isn't real and it's just a movie? That gives you no choice but to laugh at these silly kids shoving cameras up their noses. Let that teach you that lies make no good substitute for good suspenseful storytelling.
6. The World is Not Enough. Some overdone one-liners and the casting of Denise Richards sunk this one and made it, along with Jurassic Park 2, extremely stinking of self-parody.
5.Star Wars, Episode III. Go ahead, yell at the screen. But you can't beat the lines of dialogue between Luke and Leah's parents for pure cheese. They fell just short of saying "I love you more," and "No, you hang up." Someone please get Mr. Lucas away from his typewriter.
4.The Incredible Hulk (Ang Lee version). Movies like The Dark Knight challenge us to take comic book characters a little more seriously. Movies like the Incredible Hulk remind us this isn't always a good idea. But what can I say? The comic book panels are well-done enough for plenty of laughs. If you need more, imagining Shrek as the Hulk could fill in the lulls.
3.Planet of the Apes. Charlton Heston could act. He made a decent Moses, and Ben Hur wasn't so bad either. But the most over quoted lines from Planet of the Apes are so over-the-top that I get the giggles just thinking about them.
2.Star Trek 2, The Wrath of Khan. You're already laughing, because you know the quote by heart. William Shatner yells at Ricardo Montelbaum at full, way-beyond- overacting volume. Much quoted and mocked, Shatner earned every bit of his accidental comic fame.
1. The Screaming Skull. It's the only movie I've ever seen that threatens to kill you from fright, and with (da da dum!) an old prop from Hamlet. Not a well known film, but well worth the laughs.
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