Another Post on Superman

Photo Credit: ComingSoon.Net

Over the past week, I've read two absolutely intriguing articles about Superman. The first is entitled: "The Trouble with Superman", and comes from The Atlantic magazine. The article mainly focuses on how writers have misinterpreted the character over the years, and author Esher Albein does his best to describe what he feels the "true" Superman character is. Albein writes a fascinating article, and brings up some very interesting points. I agree with him that Superman is at his best when you return the character to his Siegel and Shuster roots.

For me, the Superman character is the most unique superhero character, not because he is the first, but ultimately because that is who he is. Nothing tragic happens to him. (Yes I know his planet explodes, but he doesn't remember that, since he was a baby when it happened. Additionally he is adopted by the loving Kents, who encourage him to help others.) It's really the story of an individual fulfilling their own potential. By accepting who they are. For me at least, that is a vastly interesting field to tell engaging stories. It's not just a simple revenge narrative.

The second article I read is entitled: Relax, Fans: 'Batman v Superman' Won't Flop, Despite Rumors. Mark Hughes wrote the article for Forbes magazine. In his article, Hughes discusses the rumors that have been running rampant on the online for the past few weeks, and which I slightly addressed in my posting from last week. His article is very in-depth, and focuses on the "fine print" of film making.

I found his article so refreshing. It seems like Man of Steel and now Batman v Superman receive an extra "layer" of criticism from comic book fans, which quite frankly I found unfair. These films are flawed, but find me any film that doesn't have it's own flaws. Just because it has flaws, doesn't necessarily make it a terrible film. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and if you don't enjoy the films that is perfectly within your right. However, at the end of the day, it is your opinion, and your opinion only. Others are allowed to disagree.

I sincerely wish fans would give it a shot, and go in with an open mind. Remember it is the first time we are getting Batman and Superman on the big screen together. This is pretty freakin' cool.And if it's a bad movie, then it's a bad movie.

Superman, Batman, and Controversy

The Internet is having a field day. We are inching closer to the release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and there is news that Batman v Superman has some problems. It started when Hitfix posted an article/video with Drew McWeeny, where he stated that Warner Brothers is very worried about Batman v Superman. That it could jeopardize the entire upcoming DC film slate. Since that article was posted, other outlets and blogs have picked up the story. Hell, I'm even writing a blog about it.

I'm not going to critique the article or the rumors that the movie is bad, because at the end of the day, who am I? I'm just a fan that writes a random blog on a semi-regular basis. I have no ins with the film industry. I'm not a film writer or maker.  Really at the end of the day my opinion doesn't matter about a film that I haven't seen yet. My opinion only matters to me, and my close set of friends.

I must say, I feel really bad for the filmmakers of Batman v Superman. Their movie isn't even out yet, and we have people already saying that it's a bad movie. How do we know it's a bad movie? I haven't seen it. Most of the film going public haven't seen it. So how do we know it's bad?

I really miss the days where a movie was a movie. It was announced. There was general excitement. You saw it. You either liked it or you didn't, and that was the end of it. Now a days, every film, especially superhero films, are completely micromanaged to death. "This is why it's great. This is why it isn't. The writer is an idiot, they should of done this. The writer is brilliant, they did that." Why should we worry. For the first time in film history, we are going to see Batman and Superman on the big screen together. That is pretty damn cool. And you know what, it may be a bad movie. And that's okay. It's just a movie. The earth will still spin, the sun will still rise the next day. It is not the end of the world if Batman v. Superman is bad.

But I say, let's not rush to judgments before we've seen it. Let's just enjoy the movie for it's own sake. Let's not micromanage because we can. If there is legitimate beef, it will come out in due time. Until then, let us at least wait until the film is released.

In the meant time, I have an interesting article to read about Superman. You can check it out here

I'm Finally Going to See Coldplay

A couple of days ago, I was finally able to purchase Coldplay tickets. For the longest time, Coldplay was one of those bands that I thought I was cursed never to see. I've had so many missed opportunities to see them, due to various reasons, that I was beginning to believe that it wouldn't happen.

Luckily it appears that my luck is about to change. I have my tickets in hand, now I just have to get to July, and I will finally be able to see one of my favorite bands ever.

Batman v Superman

We are inching closer to the release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The hype machine is in full throttle, and smack talking has begun. At work, I've a quite a number of people inform me that Batman is by far the superior superhero, and would defeat Superman in a fight.

I respectful disagree, and I think it is time for me to put my thoughts onto paper. Be prepared for a posting.

Mozart in the Jungle

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

For the past few months I've been looking for a new show to binge watch. Since I got Netflix about 5 years ago, I've discovered some of my favorite shows (Fringe, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Chuck, Downton Abbey, and Grantchester just to name a few) through this activity of binge watching. But lately I haven't found anything that has really grabbed my attention. I was starting to worry that I had run out of great TV shows to binge on. That is until I found a show on Amazon Prime called: "Mozart in the Jungle".

The show follows aspiring oboist Hailey as she tries to join the New York City symphony, which is now under the direction of the genius conductor Rodrigo. Here's a more in-depth description of the program from IMDB.com. I really like this show. It does a terrific job of exploring individuals chasing their dream, whether it is becoming an oboist in the New York symphony, or just enjoying the smaller moments in life that music can enhance. But what I think I enjoy most about the show is the fact that Mozart in the Jungle isn't a dark depressing show.

I would say that's my biggest problem with most new television shows. They are incredibly depressing. (Breaking Bad and Walking Dead I'm looking at you.) While Mozart in the Jungle does have its depressing moments, as any drama would, it is however a breathe of fresh-air in how it is a hopeful, artful show. The actors are terrific, but what really steals the show for me is the music. As someone who isn't too familiar with the genre of classical music, the way the program showcases the music in a way that gets me excited to hear it. It's really introducing the genius of classical music to a younger audience which may not have a complete appreciation of it.

Not too many people have Amazon Prime, but I highly recommend you go and check it out. It's a quick watch too. There is only 10 episodes a season, and each episode is about 30 minutes. I've included the trailer to season 1 below.

New Suicide Squad Trailer

The new trailer for the Suicide Squad was released yesterday (1.19.16). Its wonderful!!! I cannot be more excited for this movie. I love how it uses Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody in the background. I love how colorful the film looks. It just looks like a fun movie. Cannot wait to see it.

David Bowie R.I.P.

I awoke this morning to the news that the one and only David Bowie had passed away over the weekend. Bowie was 69 years old, and had been battling cancer for about 18 months. Now I can't claim that I am the biggest David Bowie fan of all time, however I still appreciated his music. Bowie is one of those rare music figures that transcends genre, music style, and time. He belongs in the same breathe of John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Bach, Mozart, and Kurt Cobain.

Hearing the news of his death hit me particularly hard. Its like subconsciously I knew that music would never be the same, and this would be a moment I would remember for a long time. So throughout the day today, I've been listening to a TON of his music. And boy, was I missing out. It is brilliant. His new record Blackstar is this incredible fusion of jazz and hip-hop. He has all of these different styles that he incorporated through different stages of his career, that a music fan can be introduced to some many different styles of music by simply listening to David Bowie.

If you really haven't checked out his catalog, please do so.