Hollywood, the Movies and so on

Is it just me or is Hollywood really gone off the deep end? I can recall when America and its people were the heroes. Now, not the case although this year wasn't as bad as others (that I noticed anyway). They speak about how unfair things are and calling those in the middle or the right fools (among other things). Hollywood has gone from creating art and telling a story to create nothing short of propaganda. Avatar offend some because of implied the evils of everything from American businesses profiting from war to subtle views on race and environmentalism. Now we come to find out that "The Hurt Locker" was not exactly true to what happened. In other words, the creators took liberties with the story and the soldier who this is based off of is now suing them. How about the blockbuster, "Couples Retreat", where in the overseas poster the Black couple in this film was removed (yet the Hollywood elite wants to call other racist). They said that films with Black actors don't do as well than others. How about the fact that (from what I've see) Europeans don't go to the movies with the same frequency as Americans do. Better yet, they may be able to tell art from trash. Not to mention the Davinci Code franchise this basically mocks the Christian faith without coming right out and saying it. Let's not even mention the films so BAD people may not recall they were even made (or wish they didn't know). In other words, when Bad Movies happen to Good Actors and Actresses. Kate Beckinsale has done some good work but in "Whiteout"- no. "The Ugly Truth" with Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler- whiff.
Now, I get to call Hollywood on its bluff. I will write on some of the good films I saw over the last year (or were at least well-done). This is not my "Top whatever of 2009" but I wanted to point out some good things I saw in movies (regardless of how trivial). Opening with two I didn't see but those who did, I value their opinions.

1. "Princess and the Frog" by Disney. This was significant because this is the first time Disney used an African American girl as a Princess. What was sad is that some people were angry about it. Where's the problem??? Black kids have watched Snow White without any problems so why should this be an issue at all? I don't care what color the Princess is as long as the movie gives a positive message to young girls. I even heard people talking about boycotting the film. I guess these folks needed to get their Klan robes from the cleaners before closing. The movie actually did well and the reviews were good. I say to Disney, keep on doing what you've done over the years.

2. "Precious." I saw this film and while I saw what I felt would be good, I figured I would take a pass. I have heard this (and seen similar) things that this story is about. The comedian Mo'Nique was not comical at all, playing a very abusive mother. Gabourey Sidibe, the lead actor, comes off to me as a tough but vulnerable young woman trying to overcome incredible odds. What still keeps my curiosity is the undiva-fied Mariah Carey. I don't know her but we see her made up for videos and TV. This is about as stripped down as I have ever seen (http://www.scene-stealers.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/mariah-carey-precious-500x270.jpg) (1).

3. "Inglorious Bastards" (I.B.) by Quinton Tarantino. Now when you hear that last name and movie, you should expect violence and blood (LOTS of it as well). This movie was no exception. The funny thing is I noticed something that I would hope SOMONE would have done when making a World War II movie. Tarantino finally did something so obvious it should be a cruel joke not to do otherwise- USE GERMAN ACTORS AND ACTRESSES. When I saw "Valkarie", I really still enjoyed the movie but it was weird (having studied German) hearing the characters speaking in an American (British, or very CANNED German) accent. Some of them are like watching old dubbed Schwarzenegger films. The first person I would have casted for the Claus von Stauffenberg role would have been Daniel Bruhl, a tremendous German actor who was in "I.B". If not for the lead, Bruhl would have a VERY prominent role in it.

4. "Star Trek" had a mixed bag for me. I HATED how it started because it started pretty slow. I guess they had to take the liberty of trying to guess what they (Kirk, Spock, etc) were like as young adults. As the movie went forward, I was really able to enjoy the ride. Now I am in no way a Trekky (not that it's a bad thing) but this was just a fun ride. Bottom line is I DID like it and would see it again on video.

5. "The Blind Side" was a story I was familiar with especially since I follow SEC Football. It's about Michael Oher, current starting offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens and his journey in life. I wish his character was a bit more visible than Bullocks (who I think did a very good job). Quinton Aaron, who played Oher, did the best he could with what he was given. He has appeared in "Law & Order" previously. What was missed here is that if you don't think you could make a difference, Mrs. Touhy proved otherwise. THIS is the type of film missing today, being one of good values and going to help someone else even if that person is nothing like you. I hope more films with this type of message are in the works. Whoever gave Bullock the worst actress award missed a few very BAD films or have very low standards.


Works Cited:
1. Photo taken from scene-stealers.com (will remove upon request).