Civil War Blog Catastro-party: Day Two - The Tag

Day Two - The Tag

 
Team Captain America:

1.) What is your favorite Captain America movie?

 - That's hard! Probably the Captain America: The First Avenger because of how they created such a classic and vintage looking film. Also, I loved Steve's story arch as well.

2.) When did you decide you loved Captain America?

 - In Captain America: The Winter Solider after Steve and Natasha have escaped the bomb and are hiding out at Sam's. Natasha is telling him how she feels her life in S.H.I.E.L.D. has been a waste and Steve in his very generous and calming way reassures her that is hasn't been. I thought that was such a wonderful simple moment because for the first time in years, Steve has finally been able to relate to someone.

3.) Do you tend to agree with Steve's thinking/logic?

 - Generally yes. He is very calm and clear minded and doesn't act on impulse ("We need a plan of attack!") and that is good quality in a leader. Also, while Steve usually wants peace, he is not above putting up a fight, but he doesn't fight just because he can.

4.) What is one thing about Steve that drives you insane?

- His inability to relax at times! In the first two Captain America films and in The Avengers, Steve tended to be too uptight as if he was always on the watch. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, you definitely see a much more relaxed Steve who is finally getting comfortable with the 21st century.

6.) What is something about Steve that you really admire?

- How he always tries to see the best in people, no matter their circumstances. Steve tries to give people the benefit of the doubt and doesn't cast too much judgement until he has a better understanding of who they are.

7.) Do you think you would like Steve in real life?

- Yes, I think I would. I gear toward people like Steve. Quiet, but can also have a fun side. We agree on a lot of the same issues and I also appreciate that Steve is not the type a person who just waits around for things to change.

8.) What do you think of Steve's motorcycle, and would you want a ride on it?

- I would ride on it, but only if Steve was driving!

9.) What was an iconic "STEVE FREAKIN' ROGERS" moment for you?

- In Avengers: Age of Ultron after Ultron hits Stark Towers; everyone is angry and scared, but Steve immediately assumes the mantle of leadership in his typical manner. Although, he was also afraid, life experience taught him that fear, doubt and blaming others gets you no where and after spending some time in the 21st century, Steve has a better grasp on how people think and reason. 

10.) If Steve asked you on a date, would you accept?

- Oh God, Yes!!!!

Civil War Blog Catastro-party: Day One - Pick A Side

 

Day One - Pick a Side

Chris Evans as Steve Rogers//Captain America

     I am most definitely and assuredly Team Cap! Actually, for the longest time Tony Stark was my favorite avenger, but after seeing Captain America: The Winter Solider, my mind was made up and Steve Rogers//Captain America became my favorite. So, why the decision from Tony to Steve? I'm not really sure to be honest, but it would probably have to boil down to Steve's general belief that humanity can win and that good will overcome evil. Also, I loved Steve's story about how the ordinary little guy became an extraordinary hero. That he was Captain America long before he took the super-syrum. 

     Everything that Steve Rogers is as a regular 27-28 year old man is made manifest as the immortal Captain America. Steve Rogers didn't became a hero when he became Captain America, he became Captain America because he was already a hero. That little guy in the movie theater that stood up to the bully and took a rough beating was just as much of a hero than the man in uniform that took down Red Skull. There's no difference. They're exactly the same because the heart of the man remained the same. 

Chris Evans of Steve Rogers//Captain America in The Avengers (2012)

     Another factor is that Steve was heavily influenced by his parents who must have been great people. He never knew his dad, but grew up with stories about him and how he was a casualty in WWI. His mother was a nurse who sacrificed her health and her life working in the TB (tuberculosis) ward. Loss at that young could have made Steve angry and rebellious, but he continued to carry on his parents legacy of dignity and honor. Without those legacies, Steve would really have no reason to sign up for war. He would have given in to people's beliefs about him and stayed home. 

     Steve's role as a leader also defines him in many ways. He doesn't push people, but he does demand that they do their absolute best with what they have. Steve spent most of his life being judged by people and that has caused him to carry a very non-judgmental attitude in how he lives and works. As a captain during one of the bloodiest wars in American history, Steve has seen the destruction that man is able to make, but he has also witnessed the great power of humanity and how it is able to stop the most destructive of forces.  

       People say he's too perfect, but Captain America or not, Steve is just as flawed as everyone else. He has a beastly temper, has a difficult time taking no for an answer and tends to think that he's the only one that can break the rules. I would find it hard to live with the man at first. However, Steve's good and humane nature is no different from other peoples; he just has the capabilities to do something with the good he believes in at a more advanced level.

     He's the ultimate American hero since WWII (preceded by Superman almost 20 years before) and Captain America has proven to be more than a super soldier with shield. The real Captain America was the scrawny kid that never ran away from a fight, the young agent who dreams of a ordinary life with a wife and kids, the friend that believes that he can save his once fallen comrade. Captain America's story is as universal as Cinderella; a man who believed in something and would go through hell and back to protect it. 

Little Things #10

1.) Mason Lockwod: (From The Vampire Diaries) I love you Uncle Mason and all of your werewolf badassery! 

2.) I smile at strangers: And they probably think I'm insane for being so friendly. 

3.) Walking across the stage at graduation: One week from now!

4.) The ocean: Just not when the sharks are hungry.

5.) I'm clumsy: Well...was. The medication has been helping. 

6.) I get awkward when people compliment me: I'll start crying and I don't know why!

Liebster Blog Award #4

     My fourth nomination for the Liebster Blog award is given by Sarah at How to Watch A Movie. Thank you so much! I remember for several years wanting to get this award. Then in 2014, I was nominated three times in a space of 18 months!  It's a fun tag and I enjoy getting it. 

Rules:

1. Answer the 11 questions given by the person who nominated you

2. Nominate other bloggers (up to 11) and give them 11 questions to answer.

Sarah's Questions:

1. Favorite movie genre, and why?

     - Romantic comedy! I enjoy the romantic comedy because it's about everyday life and the issues that people face. In a romantic comedy, you can sometimes see yourself in at least one character or understand what situation is going on. There is a reality within the romantic comedy genre.

2. Favorite movie that's an adaptation of a book you've read?

     -  Francis Ford Coppola's, The Godfather. Possibly one of the best movies I've ever seen. 

     - Kevin Sullivan's, Anne of Green Gables. Even though the movies were very different from the books, they still had the same whimsy and charm that the original novels had. 

3. An actor or actress you're enjoying who you've only recently noticed?

    - Patrick Swayze. I know he's been dead for seven years and he's an actor of my parent's generation, but I've just recently seen him in films like Red Dawn, Dirty Dancing and Ghost and I can now understand why he is considered an acting legend. He was incredibly talented in so many areas! He reminds me a lot of Chris Hemsworth, which is fitting, seeing as Chris Hemsworth was cast as Swayze's original character of Jed in the 2012 remake of Red Dawn. 

And he was just breathtakingly beautiful...

4. A favorite "unexpected surprise" movie?

     - Jurassic World! I just went to see it for fun because other family members were going, but I was really surprised at good it was!

5. A movie that has a cast catered to you?

     - The whole Harry Potter franchise. What I would have given to be a part of that cast!

6. An obscure movie that you think is great and you wish more people knew about?

     - Disney's 1994 live action film, The Jungle Book. It is seriously one of the most beautiful films, but was incredibly overshadowed by the animated films that were coming at the same time.

7. A movie that has a great soundtrack?

     - Bride and Prejudice. It has a great mix of Punjabi and western music that went well with the theme of the movie.

8. A movie that reminds you of summer?

     - Hairspray (2007). I don't why though! maybe because it came out in the summertime, but it always reminds me of summer. 

9. A movie you loved as a kid and still love (not because of nostalgia)?

     - Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey. This is a pure classic Disney film and is still a family favorite. 

10. Plot device pet peeve?

     - Love triangles! The best way to ruin a good female character is to put her into a love triangle. 

11. Ending preference for movies, and why?

     - Well, happy endings are always good, but I also like loose ends that really leave it to the audience's interpretations as to what might have happened or what will happen. 

~ ~ ~

I nominate:

Evie

Lauren

My Questions:

1.) What famous person in history do you want to meet?

2.) If you could live in any of your favorite fandom world's, where would it be?

3.) Were you popular growing up? 

4.) Which book have you read the most?

5.) Is there a movie or book that seems to describe you or your life?

6.) Could you survive a week without any kind of technology?

7.) What words annoy or aggravate you?

8.) Your favorite quote?

9.) Do you like myths and legends? If so what kinds? (eg. Greek, Scandinavian, African)

10.) Would rather get lost in the mall or at the library?

11.) Are you easily influenced by popular culture or do you discover things on your own?

Star Wars: The Original Trilogy (Episodes IV, V, VI)

Star Wars: The Original Trilogy (1977-1983)

     In honor of Star Wars Day, I decided to review all three of the original films as I said I would in my January vlog. I, like many people, grew up with Star Wars. The first film came out in the the 1970's and really, no one was expecting anything great from it.  At the time it was a crazy idea and George Lucas was going into technological places that no one had ever explored before. Yet, it seemed that people were desperate for fairy tale/western in outer space. The films of the 70's were dark, gritty, violent and really didn't promote the idea of good overcoming evil. And that was probably why Star Wars was such a hit. It was just a story about the bad side, the good side, a bunch of unlikely heroes and a galaxy that was worth saving. 

~ ~ ~

Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

     The galaxy is at civil war. The Galactic Empire has ruled for too long and their tyranny is being threatened by the Rebel Alliance. One of these rebels, nineteen year Princess Leia, a leader in the alliance, finds herself a hostage on the enemy Death Star and held by the notorious Darth Vader and his master, known as The Emperor. In a desperate attempt, Leia relays a message to an old friend to rescue her and programs it into her astromech droid, R2-D2. R2 and his companion, C-3PO manage to escape, but find themselves on the desolate sand dunes of the planet of Tatooine where they end up in a droid sale. 

     R2 and 3PO are bought bought a kindly farmer, Owen Lars and hands them over to his nephew, Luke Sywalker. Luke dreams of getting off the farm and becoming a Rebel pilot, but his overprotective uncle holds him back. While Luke loves his uncle (and aunt), he is desperate to escape his sheltered world. When he finds Leia's message on R2, everything changes.

      Soon, Luke and the droids come across the soft spoken hermit, Ben Kenobi or Obi-Wan Kenobi, a former Jedi . He tells Luke of his father, who was once also a Jedi Knight and a great pilot named Anakin Skywalker, but was killed by Darth Vader shortly after Luke was born. Intrigued by this, Luke wants to get the droids back to Leia and rescue her, but when he returns home, he finds everything in ruins and his aunt and uncle killed, by the people trying to track down the droids. Left with no one, but his small band of friends, Luke leaves home and begins his training with Ben who teaches him how to become a Jedi.

     Luke, Ben and the droids become hunted by the Empire and must get off of Tatooine. So, they strike a bargain with a space pirate, Han Solo, and his Wookie companion, Chewbacca, to shuttle them off the planet in his ship the Millennium Falcon. Han himself needs money to pay off a great deal of debts to the notorious gangster, Jabba the Hutt. He gets his chance when Luke convinces him to help save Leia when they arrive secretly on the Death Star.

     After a daring escape (which becomes some of the most memorable moments in Star Wars history), Han and Luke rescue the feisty princess who immediately gets an instant dislike of Han and the feeling is mutual. Meanwhile, Ben Kenobi faces off with Darth Vader, who kills him right in front of Luke. Although broken by the death of this strange, but brave old man, Luke doesn't have time to grieve, because he is immediately recruited by the Rebel Alliance to pilot an extreme mission to destroy the Death Star once and for all. 

~ ~ ~

Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

      Three years after the destruction of the Death Star, Luke receives a cryptic message from Ben or Obi-Wan Kenobi when he is wounded on the desolate planet of Hoth. Ben tells him to seek Yoda, a great Jedi master who will help Luke complete his training. After Luke is rescued by Han, he sets off to the Dagobah system to find this mysterious Yoda. 

     When Luke reaches the Dagobah system, which is nothing but a swamp, he finds a small, curious and annoying green creature. Aggravated to no end by him, Luke eventually discovers this is the great Yoda. In a matter of a few days, Yoda trains Luke, but it is much more difficult than Luke thought. Still haunted by Ben's death and wondering about who is father is, as well as distracted by his friends, the Force is hardly strong with him. Luke hatred of Darth Vader is unrelenting and something inside of him begins to burn when he thinks of the machine that killed his father and mentor. Yet, everytime he wants to give up Yoda and Ben (in a somewhat spirit form) tell him to return. 

     Meanwhile, Han and Leia are trying to deal with their conflicting feelings for one another. And things don't get easier when they are both sent on a mission together and spend their time fighting, kissing and fighting some more. When they become targeted by the Empire, they find safety in Cloud City, a refueling station, led by Lando Calrissian, an old friend of Han's. Leia doesn't trust Lando and her feelings prove to be true when they find that Darth Vader has struck a deal with Calrissian (under threat of Cloud City's destruction) to bring Han in to return to Jabba in carbon freeze. 

      When Luke begins to feel his friends agony through the Force, he immediately comes to their rescue, against the wishes of Ben and Yoda. Luke finds Leia, Chewie and the droids and help them escape with Lando, but finds himself face to face with Darth Vader. With what small training Luke has, he confronts Vader, but he isn't strong enough and loses a hand to Vader's skill. However, when Vader has a chance to kill Luke, he doesn't take it. He wants Luke to join him and come to the Dark Side and then reveals to Luke that he is his father. Luke is horrified at this revelation and refuses. His refusal to join leaves him for dead, but he manages to contact Leia through the force and they return to rescue him. 

     

~ ~ ~

Episode VI - Return of The Jedi (1983)

Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

       Return of The Jedi begins with the rescuing of Han Solo from Jabba's palace thanks to a brilliant heist all orchestrated by Luke and involving Leia, Lando, the droids and Chewie (I call it the Skywalker Six Plan). However, the Empire begins to rebuild its once fallen Death Star and sets it's shield reflector station on the Moons of Endor, a heavily forested planet inhabited by the the adorable, but primitively fierce Ewoks. Han, Luke, Leia, Chewie and the droids are all commissioned to go to Endor, while Lando (now a general) flies the Millennium Falcon (much to Han's despair) to lead a group of Rebel pilots to destroy the new Death Star. 

      Before Luke gets his orders to go, he returns to the Degobah system to finish his training with Yoda as well as get answers on his father's identity and how he became Vader. However, Yoda dies before he can finally give Luke his answers. Ben Kenobi returns and finally tells Luke the truth as well as inform Luke that he has a sister, who is in fact Leia. While Luke is confused, the idea that Leia is his sister brings a sense of comfort and peace. Also, Luke begins to believe that Vader's act of mercy in not killing him shows that there is good in him. His former hatred now gone, he is determined to bring his father back from the Dark Side.

      When Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie and the droids reach Endor, they are found by the Ewoks who treat the men with hostility, Leia with kindness and believe that C-3PO is a god of sorts. Eventually, they win the Ewoks trust and they agree to aid the Rebels in destroying the shield generator system. Luke soon senses that Vader is now on Endor and leaves to find him, but is stopped by Leia. Luke then tells her that they are brother and sister. Leia takes this news with incredible calm and says that she felt she always knew.  

      While the Ewoks and the Rebels battle the Empire, Luke returns to his father and insists that there is good in him, that he can change and he wants him to leave the Dark Side. However, the Emperor's hold on Vader is unrelenting and Vader refuses Luke's wishes. So, they battle it out, much to the Emperor's delight and as Luke gets stronger, Vader grows weaker, but neither one of them will kill. Furious, the Emperor takes his diabolical rage out on Luke and tortures him unmercifully. Luke begs his father to help him. Finally, Vader finally gives in to good and saves his son by killing the Emperor. 

     The Rebels manage to capture the shield generator and Lando and the Rebel pilots destroy the Death Star. Before the Death Star is destroyed, Luke and his father have one final moment of clarity with one another and Vader thanks Luke for rescuing him. As his father dies in his arms, Luke's fear and rage dispense, knowing that even though he could not save his father's life, he did save his humanity. Luke returns to the celebratory party with his friends and has an unexpected meeting with the spirit forms of Yoda, Obi-Wan and his father as he was meant to be. 

The Emperor dead and the Empire defeated; Han and Leia's love finally made public and Luke Skywalker now a Jedi Knight, the galaxy continues to move on as these unlikely heroes of pirates, princess and pilots become legends. 

~ ~ ~ 

Star Wars: The Original Trilogy

     Everyone needs a story that they can believe in. The story of an incredible evil that is defeated by an ultimate good. That is what Star Wars gave to the 1970's and still does that today. While the stories may be a little bizarre and border on predictable, the hold that Star Wars has on people is that we can see ourselves in it's wide array of characters. We all have elements of both the good and the bad and Star Wars take those everyday elements and make them tangible and real in its characters.

      The heroes are not perfect, they are flawed all of them from Luke on down, but that doesn't stop us from admiring them. It's the imperfections that make them so personable to the audience. The villains are ultimate evil, yet Star Wars proved that there can be redemption even in the darkest of hearts. That love is (and always will be) stronger than any evil. And it's these themes that are universal and generational and that is why Star Wars continues to impact people today.

Civil War: Blog Catastro-Party

 

     In honor of Captain America: Civil War (that's coming out in five days), Bella Delallo is hosting a blog party from May 10-17. So that's plenty of time to pick sides and do the tags as well as decide on what your blog posts on each separate day is going to be about. 

Blog Party Rules:

You must link back to me! No exceptions!
 
You must tell me when you post so I can read your Civil War Wonders!!! (pretty please??)
 
You should follow me! (Pretty please with ice cream on top???)
 
You shouldn't be mean to people who are on the opposite team! 

No being mean! There's nothing wrong with a little friendly banter and what not, but No. Being. Mean!!!!! Meanness is not allowed!
 
You must absolutely must choose a side! *gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasp* You don't have to feel guilty about this. This isn't about who you like better, (though that can obviously come into the equation.) This is just about who you would most likely join because you agree with them.
 
You have to have fun! Have lots of fun!


DAYS:


Day One: PICK A SIDE! Tell your reasons for the descision!!!! What you love about him, what you don't... All that jazz.

Day Two: The Tag! (See below)
 
Day Three: Pick One supporting character from your team and talk about him.
 
Day Four: Pick a character from the opposite team that you like. Talk about him and/or defend him.
 
Day Five: FREE DAY! Do anything Civil-War like that you want!
 
Day Six: Fan festivities! Post fanart, make a fan-video, wear fangirly clothes and post pictures, do fan crafts. Do something fun!
 
Day Seven: Talk about your generals feels and overall opinion of the movie!

The Tag!!!!!! (From Day Two)

Team Iron Man -

1. What is your favorite Iron Man movie?
2. When did you decide you loved Iron Man?
3. Do you tend to agree with Iron Man's thinking/logic?
4.) What is one thing about Tony that drives you insane?
5.) Do you think you'd like Tony In real life?
6.) Do you think you'd get along with Pepper Pots? What about Rhodey?
7.) Would you like to live in Stark Tower?
8.) Would you want to try out/own any of Iron Man's robots or fancy little gadgets?
9.) What is your favorite Iron Man quote?
10.) If Tony as he is now volunteered to take you to dinner and a movie, would you accept his invitation? Not a date, just a night out cause he knows you are soooooo stressed.

Team Captain America:

1.) What is your favorite Captain America movie?
2.) When did you decide you loved Captain America?
3.) Do you tend to agree with Steve's thinking/logic?
4.) What is one thing about Steve that drives you insane?
6.) What is something about Steve that you really admire?
7.) Do you think you would like Steve in real life?
8.) What do you think of Steve's motorcycle, and would you want a ride on it?
9.) What was an iconic "STEVE FREAKIN' ROGERS" moment for you?
10.) If Steve asked you on a date, would you accept?

Dirty Dancing (1987)

     Another iconic 80's movie that I had grown up hearing about, but never watched until last night. With a title like Dirty Dancing, you never know what to expect...drama, romance, musical, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was a well balanced mix of all three with a good amount of 80's charm that has made it such a cult hit. This film is somewhat of  a modern day Romeo and Juliet story of two young people that put all they have on the line in order to break down their societal barriers and bring change to two vastly differently social orders.

~ ~ ~

Baby & Johnny

Jennifer Grey as Baby and Patrick Swayze as Johnny
 in Dirty Dancing (1987)

     In 1963, Baby (real name is Francis after Francis Perkins) and her family are travelling to a resort in the Catskill mountains. While Baby comes from a well to do family, she dreams of changing the world and she believes that the best way she accomplish that is by joining the peace corps. Little does she know, that she's going to bring unexpected change in the divided resort between the wealthy owners and low paid entertainment that are usually kept out of sight.

     Soon, Baby meets Johnny. The handsome head dancer who has an extraordinary talent on the dance floor and an incredibly generous nature toward the dancers who are under his responsibility. After Johnny's partner, Penny, finds herself pregnant and at odds to know what to do, Baby jumps in and helps her without any question by giving her money for an abortion (the only part of the movie I didn't like). Then Baby fills in to become Johnny's dance partner in a dance night he needs to save his job at the resort. 

     The problem is, Baby has no dancing talent at all. In a matter of a few weeks, Johnny teaches Baby how to dance and dance very, very well. Primarily the sensual freak dancing that she has never seen and certainly knows her parents would never want her to learn. Soon, Baby and Johnny find themselves falling in love with one another, but both know that Baby's father will disapprove of the relationship, seeing that Johnny has no solid career and a penchant for getting into trouble. However, Baby and Johnny defy their insurmountable odds and teach this once divided community how to dance and how to really live. 

Jennifer Grey as Baby and Patrick Swayze as Johnny
 in Dirty Dancing (1987). This scene was hysterical!

     Patrick Swayze was irresistibly romantic and charming as Johnny, the boy from the other side of the tracks that has nothing but talent and dreams. Yet talent can only get him so far and his dreams seem to slip farther and farther away. Johnny was well written as the romantic hero that wasn't broody or sappy and had a genuinely good heart that really tried to see the best in others. Admit it, it's simply too hard to not fall in love with Patrick Swayze : ) 

      I really loved Jennifer Grey in this role! Baby wasn't a stereotypical rich girl who was completely oblivious to the hardships of other people (and that was a big archetype in 80's teen films). She was so kind and generous and maybe little reckless from time to time, but I still thought that Baby was a great character. Some of her best scenes were actually when she was telling Johnny off about whatever issue they were arguing over and I would think, "I totally agree with her!"

     That dancing was very beautiful and I loved watching Baby's development from inexperience to finding an incredible talent. And the music was all very 80's, but I grew up listening to most of it, so it's a little nostalgic to me too. The only problem I had (besides the illegal abortion) was that the film took place in the early 60's, but the costumes and hair were all very much from the 80's. That being said, this was just a good sweet film, that may be predictable, but sent a good message of honing nonjudgmental attitudes of people around you and of doing the right thing, even when everyone else is questioning you.