Mission to the Moon

     The movie, Apollo 13, was an exciting and thrilling movie that made me want to keep watching. I never knew anything about the Apollo 13 mission until I saw the movie. What happened that day was truly a miracle. I think that Tom Hanks was perfectly cast for the role of Jim Lovell. His acting and portrayal of the character was fantastic. I always was in suspense, wondering what was going to happen next. The fact that the movie, Apollo 13, is said to be pretty historically accurate makes it even more enjoyable to me. I get to feel and see what went on during that mission.
     I understand all of the knowledge we have gained through NASA's research and missions, but I think spending almost 10 billion dollars is a too much. Many of the equipment may be very expensive, but we could be putting that money for better use like getting our country out of debt. NASA in the past has been a very vital part of our country, but I don't think 10 billion dollars is necessary.
     Our inability to travel to space, in my opinion, is a little upsetting. As a kid we grew up with stories of Neil Armstrong and trips to space. Now no one hears theses stories any more. There's no more children dreaming of becoming an astronaut or exploring the universe. I do think the fact that we don't have anything going on is a problem, but since we don't we shouldn't worry about staying ahead of other countries. Since we don't have a way to travel, there is no need to waste our time, energy, and money to keep up with the space race.

Malcolm X: Search of Equality

     I thought the movie, Malcolm X, was very good. I didn't really know that much about Malcolm X, because most children grow up learning just about Martin Luther King. I thought what Malcolm X stood for and the story of his life was very interesting. Denzel Washington was excellent in the movie. In my opinion he portrayed the character just right.

     After reading the Letter to Mecca, I got to see a glimpse of who Malcolm X used to be. The letter showed the change of his personality and values, and how he had seen something in Mecca that struck something very powerful within him. This trip created the man he became when he came back to America. 

     I understand what Malcolm X means when he referred to African Americans as victims and racial inequality as the plague. During that time racial inequality was extremely high. There was segregation and no one got along with one another. In a way, racial inequality was a plague because it was so widespread that effected almost everyone. During that time it was considered normal to be separated and no one knew any better. I think that it can be cured because if we look today it has gotten so much better. The African Americans and Whites are no longer separated. We are all united.

     If Malcolm X was standing in front of me today I'm not quite sure what I would say to him. I think that I would say that I understand where he was coming from but I don't necessary agree on all of his methods and values.

The Conspiracy of a Bullet

     The film, JFK, was fantastic. I loved every bit of it. I thought it was so interesting because I really didn't know much about the assassination before I saw the movie.
     I do believe that there was some conspiracy involved with the assassination of President Kennedy. The Warren Commission made the decision not to reveal the autopsy report and many details about that day. This raised suspicion and caused many people to think that there was a conspiracy involved. The fact that we still don't know all of that facts today is also suspicious. I think that if there wasn't some part of a conspiracy involved then we would have all the facts about that day, yet we are still waiting until the government will finally reveal what really happened.
     In my opinion every American should learn to not trust what they are told. They should learn to come up with their own conclusions and question the authorities. People are deceiving and lie all the time. Without constant questioning, we would have never gotten as much information as we have today. When we question and trust our instincts, it challenges us to think in a different way and maybe even prove someone else's theory wrong.
     JFK, was a riveting movie that caused the government to reveal even more information about the assassination of President Kennedy. Oliver Stone's film might not be the most accurate, but it got people to question that tragic day.

A Man Who Changed History

     The film, 42, was an extremely inspirational movie that depicted Jackie Robinson's life during that time period. I thought the movie was very moving and interesting. Everyone knows the story about Jackie Robinson. Everybody knows that he was the first African American player in Major League Baseball, but not many people knew the full story. It was not until this movie, that I finally knew all the details of his ordeal. The acting in the movie was simply fantastic, playing their roles just right. Overall, this movie was amazing and I couldn't believe that it took so long to film a great movie about the story of Jackie Robinson.
     Jackie Robinson helped our country greatly. He did what he loved no matter what anyone thought. Jackie overcame all of the hatred and showed them who was right. By continuing to play baseball, Jackie confronted racism head on. He never backed down and only got stronger and more successful. He helped this country actually think about racism and how it might effect one another. Jackie made even the most conservative people realize that maybe something was wrong with their ways and they should fix it.
     During one time or another we have all used Jackie's values to face our own problems. Many of his values are fairly common and we use them without even realizing it. For example, many of us use courage and excellence everyday. I know that I strive to do my very best, especially in school. This would be a form of excellence. If I had a problem that I needed to be confronted, I would need to use courage to be able to stand up and talk about it. Determination would help me get through it and keep me going towards my goal. At times my family and friends might be able to help me out with a problem. All of the rest of these values are easily used in everyday life and I know that I use them all the time.
     I don't agree or disagree with the quote. I think it depends on what that person did and to the extent that that impact had on others. Not everyone will have a huge impact on others, but it doesn't mean that we aren't important. I think what Jackie was trying to say is that when doing something, think about the effect it might have on both yourself and other people. If good causes come of it then go for it, but if something bad will result then you might want to rethink and refrain from doing it.

The Revenge of Living

     I absolutely loved this film! Ever since I was little I have always been interested by the Holocaust. The stories of survival, tragedy, and perseverance were awe inspiring and it would always seem to touch me in ways I can't quite describe. Many times I was overcome in sadness when hearing stories, but the film, Defiance, was different. Defiance was more of a story of survival then tragedy. It showed the humanity of the people and how so many cared for one another. The Bielski brothers never turned anyone away that needed help and in the end saves over 1,000 Jews.

     When Tuvia says in the film "Our revenge is to live" I think he was exactly right. I think he meant by this statement is that the Nazis are trying so hard to exterminate all of the Jewish population. Hitler was trying to create a certain nation with specific people. He wanted to create his own race. While their goal is to kill all of the Jews, the Jews are just trying to survive. By simply living, the Jews have their revenge over the Nazis. They are doing was they should not be doing and doing it well. They are experiencing life, even if it was in hiding. In a way living for the Jews was a way of taunting the Nazis saying "Ha Ha I'm still here and you won't win."

     There is a huge difference between humanity and revenge. Humanity is the goodness in people and how they care/act towards one another. Revenge is the opposite. Revenge is an act people do out of anger and hatred. Revenge is mostly never a good characteristic, its an evil one. We simply act out of hate, no good deed or emotion can come out of it. I do think that revenge is mostly a human trait, but in some instances I guess it could be an animal trait too. For example if another animals kills a lion cub, then the mother will most like take revenge out on whom ever killed her cub. Plus you can get an animal angry and they can attack, but I'm not positive if that is revenge.

     Being human is living. Its a physical thing or what we look like. Humanity is whats with in us. Its the way people act towards one another and how we deal with situations. Its the goodness in each and every one of us. 

     While revenge is mostly a bad characteristic, there are instances where revenge is an act of humanity. The most obvious example is Tuvia's statement that I discussed above. Sometimes acts of revenge can be for good causes or showcase the humanity in others. It depends on what kind of revenge is taking place and what happened in that situation.

     

Dealing with the Punches of Life

     This movie was amazing. I had only seen a little bit of it before, so I didn't know the movie that well. I was surprised that the movie was so moving. I was expecting a film about a boxer who just had a tough time during the depression, I guess I just didn't realize how tough it was. What made the film even better was that the film, Cinderella Man, was based on a true story.  It so much more interesting knowing that someone actually went through these times and experienced these events. 

     Jim Braddock was an amazing boxer and human being. He fought not for the fame, enjoyment, or because he was excellent at it. Braddock fought for his family and his pride. He fought to put food on the table, give birthday presents to his children, and buy flowers for his wife. He never gave up, even if it came to begging for money. Eventually he paid back all the money that he owed, even though he never had to pay it back. He didn't want to take charity, but instead work for what was needed. Russell Crowe's portrayal of Braddock was simply astonishing. He depicted Braddock in just the right way and showed the emotional side of what Braddock went through during that time. 

     After I watched the film I felt the need to learn more about Braddock and Max Baer. I read an article that interviewed one of Baer's sons saying that, Baer was one of the most gentle human beings he's ever known and that as a father, Baer was always caring and loving. The son also goes onto say that the in-ring death haunted him throughout the rest of his father's life and that he never really got over it. I understand why the filmmakers changed the character of Max Baer. They needed a villain like any good hero story would have. They needed to dramatize the film and make it so we hate anyone against Jim Braddock. I don't necessarily agree with what the filmmakers did, but I understand why they did it. I don't think that its unethical. I might be immoral and harsh, but that's what Hollywood does. They make films more dramatic, even if its not the truth. If other movies can do it, why can't the filmmakers of Cinderella Man, do it.

"Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli"

     This is not the first time I have seen The Godfather, yet I never get bored of it. This movie is known as a classic for a reason. There is so much violence, family ties, betrayal, and loyalty that it makes perfect sense as to why people love this movie so much.
     In the film, the mafia is portrayed as a violent, corrupt organization, especially the Corleone family. People are getting killed left and right, its complete chaos. Even though the Corleone is family, many of them still kill their own family members out of anger or revenge. Several of the Corleone's trusted friends, bodyguards, or hit men betray them for their own profit and not thinking of the repercussions that might follow. There is barely a moment in the movie that is free of betrayal and violence.
     Vito Corleone, is the "Godfather" of the Corleone family. He is the "moral" center of the film, because he what should be taken care of and controls the actions of the family. While Vito does do many illegal things he does it to protect and provide for his family, which makes him sound like a moral person. Vito talks always in a low and calming voice, even when he is angry or giving orders. It shows everyone that they have no effect on him and that he is the boss.
     When Vito collapsed and died among his tomato plants, I was saddened. Yes he ordered many people to be killed and took part in illegal activity, but there was a sense of right and wrong within him. He knew what the moral choice would be with every decision he made. So, a "giant" did pass. He may not have effected the world, but his death changed the whole mafia organization.
     There was only one other time that I felt any sympathy towards one of the characters. It was when Michael's first wife, Apollonia was killed. I felt sorry for Michael for having to watch the one person he loves being killed before his very eyes. I don't think he deserved that, even if the bomb was made for him.
     The inside view of organized crime was a totally different take than what I already knew about the mob. Most people know things about the mob, because of the violence that happened on the streets during those years. We've all heard stories of what the mob has done, but we've never heard a story from the inside of a mafia family. The movie showed everyone how the family interacts with one another and how it effects every single person that is part of the mafia.
     This is why I think that the inside view is a much more accurate story. It shows the hard decisions the "Godfather" has to make and how each decision effects everyone and it might not be for the better. The outside view just makes it seem like the mob was a dangerous and evil part of our society, but the inside view gives you both the good and bad perspectives of the mob.

We Are All the Same

     I believe that the lesson that should be learned from Dances with Wolves is that, we are all the same. We may look different and our beliefs may be unconventional to one another, but we are all human beings. In the beginning of the film, the army thinks of the Native Americans as savages. The soldiers think the Native Americans are incapable of humanity and civilization. It was not until John Dunbar, a.k.a Dances with Wolves, met with Kicking Bird that someone from the army realized that the Native Americans are harmless and are people just like him. Once John Dunbar was introduced to the Sioux ways, he became immersed in the culture and realized that the Sioux are in some ways more compassionate than the Americans.
     I feel that the character, Dances with Wolves, represents the ability of a human to learn and accept changes within the world and our culture. At first, Dances with Wolves was defensive and hesitant, but as he got to know the people of the Sioux tribe he slowly became a part of their tribe. He realized after spending time with the tribe that they are not the stereotypical Indians that he was taught. He ends up learning their customs, befriending many of the people, and eventually marrying one of them.
     In a way, this film is what Roger Ebert describes a "sentimental fantasy, a "what if" film that imagines a world in which whites were genuinely interested in learning about a Native American culture." This film depicts what it would've been like if a white American came across a Native American tribe and how they would've interacted. It makes us think of how the American soldiers back then should have been treated the tribes and provides us with a lesson for how we treat people in the future.

     

The Day We'll Never Forget

     United 93 and the George W. Bush Interview was very heavy. The film portrayed the tragedy of that day and the heroism that it brought forth. It brought out a lot of emotions and it made you think. It made you think about the horror so many people faced that day and how America was thought to be invincible, because no one imagined something like this could happen. 

     I was very emotional after I watched the film. I was shaken up because I guess I never really knew the full story of the United 93 plane. Hearing the passengers say goodbye to their families made me realize that anything could happen at a single moment and we could be gone. No one could have guessed what happened that day on 9/11/2001. Especially since we watched the film and the interview around the anniversary of 9/11, it made it all the more real. The tragic event will never be forgotten and hopefully our country can grow and learn from 

    

Innocent or Guilty

     "The Conspirator" is a fascinating take on Lincoln's assassination. Instead of showing the side of Lincoln's family following the assassination, we get to see the side of the assassins. The film displays the conspiracy behind the killing of our beloved President and how it led to the first women to ever be executed in the United States. "The Conspirator" was a very watchable movie. It not only was interesting, but it drew the attention of the viewers. I felt as though the movie moved at a steady pace and had many powerful scenes. Towards the end of the movie it makes you realize that our government has not always been honorable. It makes me think of all of the corrupt or injustice actions our country has taken part of to "please the public."
     Accused terrorists of the United States should be given a trial by jury. The nature of the crime they committed may have been heinous, but it would be unjust to not give them a fair trial. Everyone, even terrorists, deserve a right of jury by their peers. That way the decision is truly fair and it can never be questioned as if it was unlawful. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
     In my opinion, Mary Surratt's conviction was mostly done to appease the American people. The American people wanted the eight assassins convicted and hung. They didn't truly want all of the facts and gruesome details. All they knew was the eight somehow knew each other, were involved in the assassination of the president, and therefore should be killed. The people wanted to move on from the horror they just experienced, so they convicted the eight alleged assassins without a fair trial. I'm not completely sure if Mary Surratt is innocent or guilty. The film made it seem like she was innocent. At some parts I thought, how could she not know that any of this was going on in her own house? But as I continued to watch I began to believe, in some aspect, that she could be innocent. We should care whether she was actually innocent or guilty, because the fact that we will never know exposes the flaws in our government. It shows that our government has or is not always honorable and that we need to make sure, no matter what, that everyone has a fair turn at justice.

Lincoln: What We Didn't Know

        In my opinion I thought "Lincoln" was a little too slow of a movie. I would've liked for it to be more fast paced and seen how the passing of the Thirteenth amendment affected Lincoln. There was times within the movie where I admit I got bored. But overall I thought it was a great informational movie. It showed Lincoln's dedication to the amendment and how he struggled with passing it. The film gave insight into what his family life was like and how it affected his relationships with them. It showed the side of Lincoln that we didn't know. In middle school, we were taught that Lincoln was this great man, who accomplished many things and made history. We never learned the full story and how it affected him. Spielberg's version shows just that. He shows emotional side of the story, not just the facts. I thought that was very well done, in that this movie didn't just present us with information that many of us already knew.

"Lincoln" made an impression on me. It showed me that we don't always know the full story or how many things can effect people. It gave another side to Lincoln's history and made me realize just how difficult it was to pass the Thirteenth amendment. I think it made me respect him more and made me think of all things he could have accomplished if he was never killed.