Apologies for the long delay: Here's Part two of the Toy Story 3 2PMR.
First, I'll quote part 1's explanation of how these two-parters work:
These (actually, just "this" right now) two-part movie reviews are in two parts for a reason. Part 1 is for everyone! If you haven't seen it [the movie], read on. Nothing spoilery here. I can't be held responsible for anything that's given away via the links, though I'll try not to send you anywhere that will ruin it. But I warn you NOT to read part 2 until you've seen the movie, or if you decide from part 1 that you really don't care to see it in the first place. There. That's done.
So, this is part two. Don't read it if you haven't seen it and don't want anything in TS3 given away. I'm guessing that applies to small percentage of the already small number of people who've ever taken in the Mayhem. A request, though: part 2 is meant to be a discussion - you participate in the mayhem! So, if you read on, please take 30 seconds (or more) to comment on a) the movie, b) this review c) something else relevant, like your favorite cowboy or space ranger, or a toy you lost when you were a kid or something.
Before discussing the theme that was most poignant to me, a few other thoughts:
Villain: They nailed it. Like most evil in the world, Lotso looks innocent and kind initially. But he's hiding bitter motives underneath his external teddy-bear.
Consistency: Two words: "The Claw!" Tie-ins like this to the earlier films make the characters and story that much more believable.
Culture: There are few more pleasing sounds to the ears than the word "strawberries" pronounced with a British accent. Ahhhh. And the funniest part of the entire movie was Buzz in Spanish mode. Hilarious. At least if you know enough Spanish to catch the things he said that didn't get subtitled in English!
Themes: The most poignant theme to me was purpose. Andy is on his way to college, and that means the toys are being boxed up - will he send them to the trash? the attic? When the toys mistakenly conclude the former is Andy's intention, they decide they're not going to sit around and wait. With a self-derived sense of purpose, they head off to a day-care, where they think life will be easy - a lazy retirement of pleasure and play-time.
Unlike the other toys, Woody the cowboy is supposed to ride off to college with Andy. He's somewhat torn between the family of toys he's known and his loyalty to Andy. He believes his purpose and identity (and that of the other toys) is tied up with Andy (only logical, since Andy's name is written on his sole). Insisting on Andy's right over them as his toys, Woody tries to convince the others to stay and let Andy store them in the attic. His faith in Andy (not blind faith, by the way) and self-abandon to him is inspiring. But the others don't see it that way. They don't trust that Andy won't throw them away, and they don't trust Woody, since he gets to go off to college.
Soon they find out their play-time is actually painful, and their pleasure-palace of a daycare is actually a prison! At that point they want to return to Andy, even if that means ending up in the attic. And when they finally do wind up with Andy, the way he treats them shows how much he cares for them.
OK, it's your turn now: Have you ever felt abandoned by someone, only to find that they had your best interest at heart? Have you ever made a decision based on what felt best for you at the moment and realized later that it had terrible consequences? Is there a higher purpose to live for than your own dreams of fulfillment, comfort, and safety? Or was there another theme that struck you from the film? What made you laugh the hardest? Almost cry? (I said "almost") Or were you disappointed with TS3? Bring on the mayhem!!!
P.S.: There are two more 2PMRs in queue. They should appear gradually over the next couple of weeks.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Tennis...
OK, so, in a previous post I said it was the best tennis match ever. I don't know if that's true. But it's definitely the longest match ever. The worst part about it was, somebody had to lose. The second worst part was that the other person was almost 100% guaranteed to lose the next match. But for 11 hours of tennis, these two men played good tennis. No, make that great tennis: few unforced errors, plenty of aces, plenty of winners, plenty of clutch points/games won to keep alive their chances of winning! That kind of focus, determination, perseverance, and execution under pressure and extremely challenging circumstances are an example to all of us. May we live that way in the things that really count!
Much as I didn't think anyone should have to lose, I did have a rooting interest. Nicolas Mahut's last name is similar to my first name. But John Isner isn't French. And he IS an American. AND he's from the Boro, just up the road in NC. So I was cheering for him. And he finally pulled it off. after fighting off break points on his own serve, he hit a couple of winners to break Mahut's serve and win the final 5th set, 70-68!!!
While I'm on the subject of epic tennis matches, Epic Athletic has yet to hold their tennis event, but it'll be coming soon. Keep up with the competition here.
Much as I didn't think anyone should have to lose, I did have a rooting interest. Nicolas Mahut's last name is similar to my first name. But John Isner isn't French. And he IS an American. AND he's from the Boro, just up the road in NC. So I was cheering for him. And he finally pulled it off. after fighting off break points on his own serve, he hit a couple of winners to break Mahut's serve and win the final 5th set, 70-68!!!
While I'm on the subject of epic tennis matches, Epic Athletic has yet to hold their tennis event, but it'll be coming soon. Keep up with the competition here.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Two-part Movie Review #1 - Part 1
Note: I can't believe how much people have been clamoring for this post (or so I hear - nobody's actually said it to me via the comments or my facebook page). Well, here it finally is. Part 2 has yet to be written.
A quick explanation: these (actually, just "this" right now) two-part movie reviews are in two parts for a reason. Part 1 is for everyone! If you haven't seen it, read on. Nothing spoilery here. I can't be held responsible for anything that's given away via the links, though I'll try not to send you anywhere that will ruin it. But I warn you NOT to read part 2 until you've seen the movie, or if you decide from part 1 that you really don't care to see it in the first place. There. That's done.
I don't go to movies very often. Honestly don't remember the last time I went to one at the cinema. Until a couple of weeks ago. Went to check out a show that is a continuation of what's been an epic, innocent, fun tale. A kid-flick? Family-friendly-film? I think it's the kind of film anyone ought to appreciate. Though, actually, your young children may be a bit frightened, as it gets a little scary. Check out what this mother thought!
So here's what I thought of Toy Story 3: If you remember the first two films, this one will not amaze you visually the way those two did. Unless you see it in 3-D. Then, well, you decide. Seeing it 2-D was pleasing, but not amazing. Pixar kept it visually consistent with the first two films, which just doesn't blow your mind like they did way back when. When it comes to characters, they're believable, loveable, hateable, laughable. Strikingly human-like for being potatoes, aliens, bears, dinosaurs, and telephones. The themes are strong and, for the most part, good: faithfulness, family, courage, imagination, and coming-of-age, to name a few. And the story itself, well, its great. Conflict is internal and external. Characters are dynamic. And it reaches resolution.
In a few places it's just kind of slow to develop or move along. And, if you don't want to mess your make up, ladies, or look sensitive, guys, you might want to avoid this one. Yes, my eyes got wetter than normal a couple times. And I did everything I could not to let on to the people sitting nearby. I don't think they noticed. They may have been too busy trying to keep me from noticing them.
Really, though, if I haven't convinced you yet, this just might do the trick! I give TS3 a solid four-O-out-of-five "ooootmah!" Be sure to stop back again once you've seen it to explore and discuss the themes a bit on part 2.
A quick explanation: these (actually, just "this" right now) two-part movie reviews are in two parts for a reason. Part 1 is for everyone! If you haven't seen it, read on. Nothing spoilery here. I can't be held responsible for anything that's given away via the links, though I'll try not to send you anywhere that will ruin it. But I warn you NOT to read part 2 until you've seen the movie, or if you decide from part 1 that you really don't care to see it in the first place. There. That's done.
I don't go to movies very often. Honestly don't remember the last time I went to one at the cinema. Until a couple of weeks ago. Went to check out a show that is a continuation of what's been an epic, innocent, fun tale. A kid-flick? Family-friendly-film? I think it's the kind of film anyone ought to appreciate. Though, actually, your young children may be a bit frightened, as it gets a little scary. Check out what this mother thought!
So here's what I thought of Toy Story 3: If you remember the first two films, this one will not amaze you visually the way those two did. Unless you see it in 3-D. Then, well, you decide. Seeing it 2-D was pleasing, but not amazing. Pixar kept it visually consistent with the first two films, which just doesn't blow your mind like they did way back when. When it comes to characters, they're believable, loveable, hateable, laughable. Strikingly human-like for being potatoes, aliens, bears, dinosaurs, and telephones. The themes are strong and, for the most part, good: faithfulness, family, courage, imagination, and coming-of-age, to name a few. And the story itself, well, its great. Conflict is internal and external. Characters are dynamic. And it reaches resolution.
In a few places it's just kind of slow to develop or move along. And, if you don't want to mess your make up, ladies, or look sensitive, guys, you might want to avoid this one. Yes, my eyes got wetter than normal a couple times. And I did everything I could not to let on to the people sitting nearby. I don't think they noticed. They may have been too busy trying to keep me from noticing them.
Really, though, if I haven't convinced you yet, this just might do the trick! I give TS3 a solid four-O-out-of-five "ooootmah!" Be sure to stop back again once you've seen it to explore and discuss the themes a bit on part 2.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Empty Cup
You can't credibly have a blog with "mayhem" in the title without addressing the hyped, larger-than-life, wacky, weird, eccentric, amazing, wonderful event that crowns a quadrennial world champion in the sport of (international) football. So, here's a few quick (or not) thoughts on the World Cup (which I've enjoyed more than ever this time around). May they give some perspective:
1. The mistakes of the referees have had significant consequences. The two disallowed goals the US suffered during group play forced them to expend a lot of energy and emotion in their match with Algeria. Which left their tanks empty when they tried to comeback against Ghana. That said, focus and discipline could have kept them from trailing early against Slovenia and Ghana. The team ultimately has to take responsibility. And has. Good for them.
2. While the personalities (good and bad), controversies (refs and vuvuzelas), and incredible competition all have their appropriate share of my attention, I still think the kits (uniforms) are fascinating! If I were cheering based on which jerseys I liked, I think I would have tossed the Americans under the bus and rooted for the Orange, La Celeste, Charlie Brown, Three Lions, Brazil's beautiful Blue and White, and the Classic Argentines. Good show!
3. Pursuing the World Cup Championship is an epic quest, not for the weak of heart. If you don't aim to give your all, you needn't bother showing up. But it's ultimately disappointing for EVERYONE. You disappoint your hometown fans (South Africa/the whole continent). You fall drastically short of expectations (Italy). You fall drastically short of acting like adults (France). You go unbeaten in 460 minutes of soccer, overcome early failures time and again (with a weak goal, some strong goals, and the most dramatic goal scored in the tournament), but ultimately can't overcome your weakness (I don't need to tell you which team this describes). You go deep in the tournament, but not deep enough to be satisfied (Brazil, and several others before this is over). You surpass expectations, but ultimately lose a winnable match by missing a PK in extra time, AND getting stopped twice on PKs in the shootout (Ghana). You sacrifice your ability to play to give your team a final desperate chance to win, and watch from the sidelines as they somehow pull off the victory. But then you have to watch for the next match against a team that would be tough to beat even with you on the pitch (Uruguay's Suarez). You put together one of those amazing strings of victories, somehow making it all the way to the final match. It's like a dream. But you come up short (runner-up). Or you don't. You win the whole thing! You're the champs! A special accomplishment to cherish. But then you go back to your club to play again. You win some, but not all. You lose some, too. Back to reality. Then, 4 years later when the next World Cup rolls around, you have to try to do it all over again (ask Italy how that goes). Ultimately the World [Cup] doesn't satisfy. It's vanity to try to find lasting happiness in it. Great things are achieved in competition and athleticism. Moments of exhilaration are plentiful. But they fade quickly.
What are you trying to fill your cup with?
1. The mistakes of the referees have had significant consequences. The two disallowed goals the US suffered during group play forced them to expend a lot of energy and emotion in their match with Algeria. Which left their tanks empty when they tried to comeback against Ghana. That said, focus and discipline could have kept them from trailing early against Slovenia and Ghana. The team ultimately has to take responsibility. And has. Good for them.
2. While the personalities (good and bad), controversies (refs and vuvuzelas), and incredible competition all have their appropriate share of my attention, I still think the kits (uniforms) are fascinating! If I were cheering based on which jerseys I liked, I think I would have tossed the Americans under the bus and rooted for the Orange, La Celeste, Charlie Brown, Three Lions, Brazil's beautiful Blue and White, and the Classic Argentines. Good show!
3. Pursuing the World Cup Championship is an epic quest, not for the weak of heart. If you don't aim to give your all, you needn't bother showing up. But it's ultimately disappointing for EVERYONE. You disappoint your hometown fans (South Africa/the whole continent). You fall drastically short of expectations (Italy). You fall drastically short of acting like adults (France). You go unbeaten in 460 minutes of soccer, overcome early failures time and again (with a weak goal, some strong goals, and the most dramatic goal scored in the tournament), but ultimately can't overcome your weakness (I don't need to tell you which team this describes). You go deep in the tournament, but not deep enough to be satisfied (Brazil, and several others before this is over). You surpass expectations, but ultimately lose a winnable match by missing a PK in extra time, AND getting stopped twice on PKs in the shootout (Ghana). You sacrifice your ability to play to give your team a final desperate chance to win, and watch from the sidelines as they somehow pull off the victory. But then you have to watch for the next match against a team that would be tough to beat even with you on the pitch (Uruguay's Suarez). You put together one of those amazing strings of victories, somehow making it all the way to the final match. It's like a dream. But you come up short (runner-up). Or you don't. You win the whole thing! You're the champs! A special accomplishment to cherish. But then you go back to your club to play again. You win some, but not all. You lose some, too. Back to reality. Then, 4 years later when the next World Cup rolls around, you have to try to do it all over again (ask Italy how that goes). Ultimately the World [Cup] doesn't satisfy. It's vanity to try to find lasting happiness in it. Great things are achieved in competition and athleticism. Moments of exhilaration are plentiful. But they fade quickly.
What are you trying to fill your cup with?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
In Case You're Wondering...
I've been artfully crafting sandwiches a lot lately, but I'll definitely be posting something concerning the best tennis match ever, US Football (the kind where you use your feet)/referee-directed cynicism, and a new blog feature - a two-part movie review. In the meantime, checkout the improvements my friend made to another great blog site.
Munificently,
Mahewtt
Munificently,
Mahewtt
Saturday, June 19, 2010
World Class
While complaining about the referee is a legitimate American pastime, I think Coach Bradley's attitude, and that of the whole team to fight back after being down two-nil is the important thing to focus on from yesterday's match. Wish I regularly displayed the same resilience.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Blogosphere 101
Welcome to my blog, where I blog about stuff. Or, at least, I will, if I ever do. Enjoy browsing the archives. It won't take long. This is my first post.
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