Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Watching Watchmen

Last night I went to see the new DC comic movie, Watchmen. Let me start by getting some house-cleaning out of the way.

This movie is rated "R" for a reason. It depicts extremely violent and horrible violence as well as several nude scenes, including one of the main characters that has a large amount of screen time walking around naked with his penis swaying back and forth.

Although I have not read the Watchmen series, I am told it was a dark and violent adult themed series, so I am guessing the movie is spot on in how it was made. Just be warned that this is not a movie to take the kids to, maybe not even some older kids. I recommend you go and screen the film first, then make your own decision on whether or not you want your younglings to see it.

Now that the disclaimer is over, let me dig into the movie itself.

I felt the movie started out a bit slow. After about an hour into the movie I began looking at my watch wondering when it was going to end. It did start to pick up speed toward the end, but it seemed like it just took too long to get its momentum going.

The music was an interesting choice as well. Some of the songs were different, and I may be seeking out the soundtrack due to the interesting mix of music. You'll recognize some of the tunes, some of which left me scratching my head wondering if this was a movie made to be able to use these songs, since they were added in some strange places and a bit loud like it was a music video in the middle of a movie.

One line I thought was funny in the movie was when Rorschach was sent to prison. Many of the inmates in prison he helped to put in there, so they were looking for some payback. At one point he yells, "You've got it all wrong. I'm not locked in here with you, you're all locked in here with me".

This is definitely a more cerebral film in that it brings up a lot of questions about humanity. Is it worth saving? What value does it bring to the table? Are some actions justified no matter what extreme it takes to make them happen? And how creepy can you make President Nixon look?

I recommend this movie for the true comic book fan, as long as you're not exceptionally squeamish when you see gore on screen, or you don't mind seeing a hot girl get naked. The giant blue penis is a bit frightening, but after the initial creep out, I just ignored it, or at least tried to.

If you go and see it, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie...

Thursday, March 05, 2009

New Preamble to the Constitution

I received this in email today and thought it was worth sharing...

Article XI is not entirely true, and I'll address this in another post later, or just point you to some previous posts I have made on this subject, but I wanted to leave it in this post in the interest of "full disclosure". ;)

The following has been attributed to State Representative Mitchell Kaye from GA. This guy should run for President one day...

"We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights."


ARTICLE I:

You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.


ARTICLE II:

You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.


ARTICLE III:

You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy..


ARTICLE IV:

You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes . (This one is my pet peeves...get an education and go to work....don't expect everyone else to take care of you!)


ARTICLE V:

You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.



ARTICLE VI:

You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.


ARTICLE VII:

You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.



ARTICLE VIII:

You do not have the right to a job.. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)



ARTICLE IX:

You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.


ARTICLE X:

This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly....)


ARTICLE XI:

You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution.

The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!!!!" GET OVER IT !!!

If you agree, share this with a friend. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you if you don't. I just think it's about time common sense is allowed to flourish. Sensible people of the United States speak out

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