Marvel *and* DC : Civil War

So this year, comic fans are looking at their heroes going to war with themselves. From Captain America: Civil War (Marvel heroes fighting in May) to Batman V. Superman (DC heroes fighting right now) to Supergirl racing the Flash on Monday... what if we put them altogether in one graphic?

Paul Blart 2 - movie review

If you saw the commercials, and were like my wife, you probably rolled your eyes, and said to yourself (or out loud to anyone who seemed remotely interested in “Paul Blart Mall Cop 2”), I am never going to watch this movie

But if you like the 3 Stooges-type of humor, you’ll love this movie. I am actually a big fan of Kevin James’ family films, like “Here Comes the Boom” and the original “Paul Blart”.  This one does not disappoint.

Now, is this a movie that will change your destiny or alter your philosophical outlook on life? Probably not.

But is it worth a Redbox rental? Most certainly! Worth buying? Definitely at least maybe. If you’ve got children, this is a great movie to reinforce helpful thoughts in their head.

What I like about this movie is that they provide some great life lessons. Without (hopefully) spoiling it, I let me share some great messages.

The first is to take pride in what you do, even if others mock it. Mall security is often looked down on as “cop wanna-be’s” or a job that one does until they find something better. But Paul inspires his fellow mall security to think that “Security is a mission, not an intermission.”  And with that perspective everyone can benefit.

Another is to listen to your parents, no matter what crazy things they ask of you. (And yes, I am well aware of abuse  - but this lesson is assuming your parents are people who truly love and care about you) Those things may seem insane and/or embarrassing at the time, but you l eventually see the fruit of their requests.

The “objectionable” or “questionable” things (other than the quality of humor) are few, but let me list a few for those concerned. 1) Paul Blart gets his moment to shine due to the extreme drunkenness of a very minor character. Definitely doesn’t glorify alcohol, but it’s there.  2) Lots of slapstick violence (including a death that moves the plot) 3) Pauls self delusion of hi attractiveness to women . But with actual parental guidance, like the PG rating suggests, will ensure your children will come away form the movie with minimal psychological damage .

SIDENOTE/Tangent: Fans of “Here Comes the Boom” will enjoy cameos/supporting roles of several actors from that movie.  Also, check the official website at http://www.paulblart-movie.com/

 
I am looking forward to the next Kevin James family film.

In addition to writing serious (and not-so-serious thoughts on More2Ignore.com, he is als the President of Do-Gooder Consulting (www.do-gooder.us) . He also writes a blog for Do-Gooder as well (at blog.do-gooder.us) , providing insight on issues such as college financial aid, and marketing your organization on the web)

http://www.boyinthestripedpajamas.com

My wife and i recently saw a film on DVD -- "Boy in the Striped Pajamas". It's a (presumably) fictional take on the Holocaust, seen through the eyes of the 8 year old son of the Auschwitz death camp director in 1942, and his friendship with the title character, an 8 year old Jewish boy who lives on the other side of the fence.

It's a very well done The two children, especially, are amazing.

Asa Butterfield portrays Bruno, the lead character. Physically, he looked to me like Hitler would have as a child. But his character is in fact a true human being, and while not at all perfect, definitely a protagonist.

Jack Scanlon, who portrays Shmuel, is so amazingly sad (as one would expect in real life), yet still has childlike hope.


Its a must-see movie.

While i loved Slumdog Millionaire & was glad to see it win so many awards, i am surprised this wasn't nominated for as many Oscars. Jack Scanlon, hands down, should've won Best Supporting actor.

Please note -- this movie is based on a book by author John Boyne. While in some ways different from the book, both the author & many readers were very pleased by the result.




The official site of the movie is here.





Just a rough thought here...but if you were to show movies about the Holocaust to students, I would do it in this order:

• Boy in the Striped Pajamas - great "entry level" Holocaust film, which shows some of the horror, but enough for a child (i.e. grade school) to take in. Certainly lots of issues for people of all ages to discuss, however.
• 
  
• Life Is Beautiful - For middle schoolers...lots of humor, but again, getting into issues to discuss
• 
  
• Schindler's List - For high schoolers and above...some intense stuff, that certainly requires discussion. A great film...

This blog entry should probably sound deeper & more thoughtful than it is...i encourage you to check out this movie (we just saw it at our local RedBox DVD rental)...but you should actually buy it, especially if you're a teacher, or in some way work with youth.