Role Models. Everyone has them. Everyone needs them. Role models are the people we look up to and try to mimic in our everyday lives. Sometimes they are close friends. Sometimes they are famous people that we hope to be like in the future. However they are always present in our minds as we make choices and decisions.
Recently, a new role model has been presented to the world through The Avengers comic book and movie series. The person I refer to is not Iron Man/Tony Stark/Robert Downey Jr, no matter how smart and devilishly handsome he is. It's not Thor the God of Thunder/Chris Hemsworth or Captain America/Chris Evans. It's not even the Hulk/Mark Ruffalo, even with his genius IQ level and green alter ego. The person I am referring to, that should become a role model to people worldwide, is Agent Coulson. Jaw dropper I know, but stay with me. I know what you are thinking. Agent Coulson? Phil Coulson? Kaitlyn how can he be the role model from the Avengers when there are much cooler and attractive characters with extraordinary talents and powers present in the movie/comic series?
Well, for one, Coulson is the main human character present throughout the whole series. Coulson is the man who brings the Avengers together to fight the alien attack descending upon NYC. By confronting Tony Stark about his participation in the group and supporting Steve Rogers (Capt. America) after his long nap in the Arctic Coulson acts as one of the main facilitators of the super hero group. He physically helps bring the group together and believes in their abilities wholeheartedly. This is demonstrated through simple actions like the vintage trading cards of Captain America Coulson collects and the relationships he has with each character individually.
Additionally, Coulson also shows the bravery needed by each human when seemingly unbeatable obstacles present themselves in life. In The Avengers Coulson confronts Loki with simply a gun whose functions are unknown. Coulson stood up to the "indestructible" foe, Loki, with nothing more than the belief that The Avengers would be able to defeat anything that presented itself as a threat to the world. Coulson even told Loki that he would not win the war citing Loki's lack of conviction as his Achilles' heal. Coulson's infinite faith in the Avengers symbolizes the support that the real world fans show everyday. Gathering behind this group of heroes, people have found their rally point so that they can get through tough times and obstacles in life.
Lastly, in Coulson's death, the Avengers were able to find their inspiration to fight together as teams in order to safe guard the human population. After Coulson's body was found, the Avengers knew that they could not allow more innocent people to be harmed by the terrible forces that were approaching fast. I believe that Coulson knew that his death would be a uniting point for the Avengers because as he took his last breaths talking to Fury, Coulson says that the heroes will need something to avenge. This shows yet another element of humanity that is present in Coulson that all people need to possess. Coulson was able to sacrifice himself, his life, in order to achieve a greater good.
In the end, I believe every person should strive to be a little more like Agent Coulson, or as his friends know him, Phil. He was a person who was not self-involved. He always worked for the achievement of something more. Most people today only worry about themselves. How will this action make me look? What will people say or think about me? Phil Coulson, on the other hand, only cared about saving humanity and ensuring that the world would live on to see another, brighter day.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
Over the rainbow and back again: Oz the Great and Powerful
"There's no place like home." This immortal phrase has been uttered by countless children who were captivated and transported into a dream world with Dorothy Gale. Accompanied by a scarecrow with unknown wisdom, a tin man with a secret heart, and a lion scared into bravery, children have been traveling cinematically into the land of Oz since 1939. Meeting talking trees, munchkin peoples, and flying monkeys, viewers have learned that one of the main obstacles humans face during life is their own self-doubt.
A new rendition of The Wizard of Oz is now released for viewers at a movie theater near you. In Oz the Great and Powerful, the story of Oscar Diggs is told to viewers for the first time. Oscar Diggs is nothing but a small town magician living in Kansas. With questionable ethics and minimal talent, Diggs is hurtled into Oz after crossing paths with a tornado cutting its way through the Kansas countryside. Once in Oz, Oscar must figure out who to ally himself with in order to save the Ozian world. Oz the Great and Powerful acts as a prequel to the story known and loved by many giving the audience a unique view into the Wizard's life. By providing jaw dropping images of the Ozian world, showcasing entertaining acting talent, and including parallels to the original story, Oz the Great and Powerful acts as a perfect generational bridge introducing the younger children to the classic tale.
Technology has become the tool in many movies that pulls the audience into the story. By making the scenery and fictional characters look more realistic, the audience becomes able to live in the dream worlds Hollywood is able to create. The special effects team of Oz was able to do just that when imagining and animating the settings and characters of the movie. When Oscar first arrives in Oz via hot air balloon, the setting looks to be nothing short of perfection. The colors of the plant life combined with the bright lights of the sun work to create a mythical world unimaginable. When first seen on screen, the world of Oz seems nothing short of a Garden of Eden. This was possible due to the fact that the production crew based Oz on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the original Wizard of Oz book written by L. Frank Baum. Because of this, all the details first envisioned were included in the final movie production of Oz. Due to all of this attention to detail, Oz offers imagines that allow the audience to immerse themselves in the plot and action of the movie.
The actors showcased in the movie also hold much of the responsibility in personifying the characters for the audience. In Oz many of the actors accomplished this task 100% of the time. Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams did superb jobs with the roles of the witches. All three women adopted the role wholeheartedly making the audience believe the feelings and motives behind their actions. My favorite performance by far was that of Zach Braff who played Frank, Oscar's assistant in Kansas, and Finley, the good winged chimp who devoted his life to the Wizard in Oz. Zach Braff was able to bring the perfectly timed comedy to the movie. Ironically, I thought that the worst performance was that of James Franco, Oscar the Wizard of Oz. As the lead role, he had the responsibility of carrying the plot throughtout the movie. However, his acting seemed mediocre and intermediate at times. Franco smiled that goofy smile which made me want to roll my eyes rather than root for his character. Thankfully, the supporting actors saved the movie in the end.
With Oz being a prequel of a successful classic, the most admirable quality that I saw was the numerous parallels it had with the Wizard of Oz. One that I have already mentioned is the fact that the wizard also was transported to Oz by a tornado, just like Dorothy. I will not give them all away, but I do challenge you to see how many you can find. There are also parallels to the Wicked book series written by Gregory Maguire. These are not as obvious, but are included none the less. The parallels work well in connecting the stories together. Plus they are fun to find. It will probably take multiple viewings in order to find them all, but I am up for it.
In the end, Oz the Great and Powerful acts as a great reminder and tribute to the story that captured so many hearts. It may not have the memorable songs or ruby slippers, but it teaches the important lesson that sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Self-doubt is a fatal weakness humanity possesses. Learning how to overcome it and become a better version of ourselves is what everyone must strive for.
A new rendition of The Wizard of Oz is now released for viewers at a movie theater near you. In Oz the Great and Powerful, the story of Oscar Diggs is told to viewers for the first time. Oscar Diggs is nothing but a small town magician living in Kansas. With questionable ethics and minimal talent, Diggs is hurtled into Oz after crossing paths with a tornado cutting its way through the Kansas countryside. Once in Oz, Oscar must figure out who to ally himself with in order to save the Ozian world. Oz the Great and Powerful acts as a prequel to the story known and loved by many giving the audience a unique view into the Wizard's life. By providing jaw dropping images of the Ozian world, showcasing entertaining acting talent, and including parallels to the original story, Oz the Great and Powerful acts as a perfect generational bridge introducing the younger children to the classic tale.
Technology has become the tool in many movies that pulls the audience into the story. By making the scenery and fictional characters look more realistic, the audience becomes able to live in the dream worlds Hollywood is able to create. The special effects team of Oz was able to do just that when imagining and animating the settings and characters of the movie. When Oscar first arrives in Oz via hot air balloon, the setting looks to be nothing short of perfection. The colors of the plant life combined with the bright lights of the sun work to create a mythical world unimaginable. When first seen on screen, the world of Oz seems nothing short of a Garden of Eden. This was possible due to the fact that the production crew based Oz on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the original Wizard of Oz book written by L. Frank Baum. Because of this, all the details first envisioned were included in the final movie production of Oz. Due to all of this attention to detail, Oz offers imagines that allow the audience to immerse themselves in the plot and action of the movie.
The actors showcased in the movie also hold much of the responsibility in personifying the characters for the audience. In Oz many of the actors accomplished this task 100% of the time. Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams did superb jobs with the roles of the witches. All three women adopted the role wholeheartedly making the audience believe the feelings and motives behind their actions. My favorite performance by far was that of Zach Braff who played Frank, Oscar's assistant in Kansas, and Finley, the good winged chimp who devoted his life to the Wizard in Oz. Zach Braff was able to bring the perfectly timed comedy to the movie. Ironically, I thought that the worst performance was that of James Franco, Oscar the Wizard of Oz. As the lead role, he had the responsibility of carrying the plot throughtout the movie. However, his acting seemed mediocre and intermediate at times. Franco smiled that goofy smile which made me want to roll my eyes rather than root for his character. Thankfully, the supporting actors saved the movie in the end.
With Oz being a prequel of a successful classic, the most admirable quality that I saw was the numerous parallels it had with the Wizard of Oz. One that I have already mentioned is the fact that the wizard also was transported to Oz by a tornado, just like Dorothy. I will not give them all away, but I do challenge you to see how many you can find. There are also parallels to the Wicked book series written by Gregory Maguire. These are not as obvious, but are included none the less. The parallels work well in connecting the stories together. Plus they are fun to find. It will probably take multiple viewings in order to find them all, but I am up for it.
In the end, Oz the Great and Powerful acts as a great reminder and tribute to the story that captured so many hearts. It may not have the memorable songs or ruby slippers, but it teaches the important lesson that sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Self-doubt is a fatal weakness humanity possesses. Learning how to overcome it and become a better version of ourselves is what everyone must strive for.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Museum Exhibits Cathcing Attention
Sometimes the most exciting things can be found not at a concert building or movie theater, but at a local museum. History, science, and art allows for people to experience an attraction hands on and encounter past events first hand. Two exhibits offer these exact aspects for everyone in the Fort Worth area. At the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, an exhibit showcasing artifacts from the RMS Titanic is on display for the public to experience. The tour gives spectators a personal experience and connection to the tragically sunk ship memorialized as its 100th Anniversary dawns this year. Additionally, at the Kimball Art Museum, a Bernini exhibit is being showcased. Bernini: Sculpting in Clay presents many of Bernini's most famous clay sculptures. These two exhibits provide an excellent opportunity to plan an educational outing for the whole family.
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History offers everyone the chance to get a ticket on the infamous cruise liner RMS Titanic. As you enter the exhibit in Fort Worth, each person is given a Boarding Pass with the details of an actual passenger of the Titanic. For example, the identity I given to personify was that of Lady Duff Gordon, a forty-nine year old first class passenger. Lady Duff Gordon boarded with her husband, Sir Cosmo Edmund Duff, and her personal secretary. Lady Duff was a pioneer in fashion in the 1900s, and was the first to introduce slits in skirts for women. Other information included on the Boarding Pass includes the passenger's cabin, reason for traveling, and intended final destination. After receiving your boarding pass, exhibit guests are ushered into the world of the Titanic, from construction to wreckage discovery.
Each section of the exhibit focuses on a different aspect of the ship's grand history. At the beginning viewers are shown how the mammoth ship was first conceived, engineered, and constructed. Artifacts recovered from the Titanic's final resting place are on view throughout the exhibit. Further on in the exploration of the Titanic story, guests are shown the accommodations for each class. In the third class section, guests are also made privy to the constant engine sounds that would have been heard by the passengers. The most interesting section of the exhibit would be the section dedicated to the sinking of the ship. In this part quotations from actual crew and passenger members are displayed to demonstrate how different people separated by economic class experienced the tragic event. Additionally, a large piece of ice is on display so that all viewers can experience the conditions of the passengers forced overboard. It is a very humbling experience. At the end of the exhibition, a list of all the passengers is on display so that you can see if your passenger survived. This list also shows how differently the classes were treated with respect to rescue attempts. The Titanic exhibit is educational and touching at the same time and teaches everyone a lesson no matter his or her age.
At the same time, across the street at the Kimball Art Museum, the Bernini exhibit is displaying many of his most famous sculptures from across the world. This exhibit is spans across half of the museum exposing each step of Bernini's art to the viewers. Artwork pieces, such as the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the angels Bernini created for the Ponte San'Angelo, are displayed only in pictures since Rome could not be robbed of these divine pieces of art. However, preliminary drawings are shown displaying how Bernini designed these noteworthy creations. It is astonishing to see these pieces broken down into step-by-step fashion. Sculptures included in the exhibit are jaw dropping because fingerprints of the famed artist can be seen by the naked eye. It makes the art so tangible since most people have just learned about Bernini's creations from textbooks. I do have to say that I think this particular exhibit is for a more mature audience. Small children's attention spans are quickly burned through and the exhibit is quite long. I can say that most people high school age plus will enjoy this showcase immensely. Being able to see the history making artwork first hand is life changing and impacting for those who know of Bernini and the impression he left on the world.
Both the Bernini and Titanic exhibit will be in Fort Worth until the end of the month. The Titanic exhibit will end on March 24, 2013 whereas the Bernini exhibit will stay until April 14th. I highly encourage people to see both of these exhibits as soon as possible. Tickets can be purchased online at the museum websites. Prices are low, especially for museum members. Audio tours can also be purchased for a guided tour. So if you want a fun filled, educational weekend just plan for tours of your local museum and learn facts and details you never knew.
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History offers everyone the chance to get a ticket on the infamous cruise liner RMS Titanic. As you enter the exhibit in Fort Worth, each person is given a Boarding Pass with the details of an actual passenger of the Titanic. For example, the identity I given to personify was that of Lady Duff Gordon, a forty-nine year old first class passenger. Lady Duff Gordon boarded with her husband, Sir Cosmo Edmund Duff, and her personal secretary. Lady Duff was a pioneer in fashion in the 1900s, and was the first to introduce slits in skirts for women. Other information included on the Boarding Pass includes the passenger's cabin, reason for traveling, and intended final destination. After receiving your boarding pass, exhibit guests are ushered into the world of the Titanic, from construction to wreckage discovery.
Each section of the exhibit focuses on a different aspect of the ship's grand history. At the beginning viewers are shown how the mammoth ship was first conceived, engineered, and constructed. Artifacts recovered from the Titanic's final resting place are on view throughout the exhibit. Further on in the exploration of the Titanic story, guests are shown the accommodations for each class. In the third class section, guests are also made privy to the constant engine sounds that would have been heard by the passengers. The most interesting section of the exhibit would be the section dedicated to the sinking of the ship. In this part quotations from actual crew and passenger members are displayed to demonstrate how different people separated by economic class experienced the tragic event. Additionally, a large piece of ice is on display so that all viewers can experience the conditions of the passengers forced overboard. It is a very humbling experience. At the end of the exhibition, a list of all the passengers is on display so that you can see if your passenger survived. This list also shows how differently the classes were treated with respect to rescue attempts. The Titanic exhibit is educational and touching at the same time and teaches everyone a lesson no matter his or her age.
At the same time, across the street at the Kimball Art Museum, the Bernini exhibit is displaying many of his most famous sculptures from across the world. This exhibit is spans across half of the museum exposing each step of Bernini's art to the viewers. Artwork pieces, such as the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the angels Bernini created for the Ponte San'Angelo, are displayed only in pictures since Rome could not be robbed of these divine pieces of art. However, preliminary drawings are shown displaying how Bernini designed these noteworthy creations. It is astonishing to see these pieces broken down into step-by-step fashion. Sculptures included in the exhibit are jaw dropping because fingerprints of the famed artist can be seen by the naked eye. It makes the art so tangible since most people have just learned about Bernini's creations from textbooks. I do have to say that I think this particular exhibit is for a more mature audience. Small children's attention spans are quickly burned through and the exhibit is quite long. I can say that most people high school age plus will enjoy this showcase immensely. Being able to see the history making artwork first hand is life changing and impacting for those who know of Bernini and the impression he left on the world.
Both the Bernini and Titanic exhibit will be in Fort Worth until the end of the month. The Titanic exhibit will end on March 24, 2013 whereas the Bernini exhibit will stay until April 14th. I highly encourage people to see both of these exhibits as soon as possible. Tickets can be purchased online at the museum websites. Prices are low, especially for museum members. Audio tours can also be purchased for a guided tour. So if you want a fun filled, educational weekend just plan for tours of your local museum and learn facts and details you never knew.
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