This is starting to remind me of a few years ago, when I was younger and less thoughtful. I loudly criticized a movie that I didn't like, but that several other people liked very, very much. I hurt their feelings, because the film felt to them like it belonged to them. And insulting the film felt to them like I was insulting them. I decided I'd stop being a jerk about what I didn't like, especially if I could tell that the person was a huge fan. Not that I didn't own or express my opinion, I just stopped being a jerk about it.

I'm glad I did that, especially now that I know what it's like to be on the receiving end.

Stop being a jerk about Avengers, iSm. It's not funny.

I'm curious as to why these comic book "I can kick everybody's ass fantasy" movies inspire expectations and the extended discussion that I'm assuming a Jason Statham "I can kick everybody's ass fantasy" movie would not.

I think the admonition might be better served if it was pointed at people who feel criticizing a movie is a personal affront. At least as long as the conversation stays on the merits of the film and does not degenerate into "You like THAT movie? You must be braindead" type of talk.

You do not own The Avengers, LSPoorEeyorick. I might not post such stuff if Joss Whedon posted on the LoT, but he does not. Funny, but just yesterday I was linked to this brief article on Five Ways to Be a Good (Nerd) Fan. One of the essences was stop taking your fandoms so personally. You don't have to like every aspect of fandom, and neither does anyone else. Stop the personal attacks and lighten up on your reaction to criticism that's not about YOU.

My criticism of The Avengers is not about you, LSP. And speaking of funny, that comparison film strip I linked to is FUNNY. It may not be to your sense of humor, but if you can't see that it's entirely humorous in nature, I respectfully suggest you consider that you're taking barbs directed at a movie you like a bit Too Personally.







Edited to fix URL link

In other movie news, I apparently chose the wrong Spielberg movie last Christmas. It turns out I rather like The War Horse (which I declined to see in theaters after experiencing the disaster that was TinTin.)

Yeah, it's schmaltzy, but - um - it's a story about a boy and his horse. A little schmaltz is appropriate. It's got the sensibilities of a movie made in the 30's or '40's, total innocence and little cornball, and it's told in a movie style which reminds me of that time period of movies - plus it's rendered like a beautiful story book.

In fact, it reminded me of nothing so much as an old 50's Disney film - if Disney had better production values, great casting, and a fantastic cinematographer.


This is hardly the first time Spielberg has schmaltzed a war story. Revisit Empire of the Sun if you want some real Spielberg schmaltz. And Saving Private Ryan was not entirely unschmaltzy either, ya know.


The War Horse is a darned good Boy and His Horse tale. I surprisingly recommend.

We're Thoring now.

The only Avenger I care about - Toxic Avenger!

This.

Probably not coincidence I came across this only a day after having heard about the upcoming Criterion edition of Being John Malkovich. With reportedly bizarre commentary by Michel Gondry.

Finally saw Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

I went in with high hopes. Wasn't entirely disappointed. I certainly could pick a lot of it apart, but despite that it was a fun movie to watch.

However, I despise the ending. It's the John Crichton "Aaaaaaaaand....a virus takes care of the rest. The End." ending and I can't stand it. Boo.