*Drumroll* FINAL................BLOG............

1.

Through much strenuous thought and reflection, I would say that I have a creative mind. Over the past few weeks, I have posed many questions that few people (even myself) had thought of before reading this blog. I tried to steer clear of the mundane normalcy of simply critiquing movies and tried to analyze them on a deeper level. I delved deeper into the motion pictures and uncovered their true importance in the process. I posed strange questions and proposed new ideas, like the importance of music and the deep emotional necessities that movies provide. Personally, I had never done these actions before this blog. So, in conclusion, I fit the creative mind category perfectly.

2.

I exhibit curiosity constantly within my blog. I am not sure how many questions I asked during the course of it, but there are enough that I am not going to count them. I was not satisfied with simply liking a movie, choosing instead to search until I was at the very heart of it. I explore facets of movies I had never explored before.

I also experimented with new ideas. I discussed the influence of music in movies as well as great need for movies in our lives. I also addressed politics, acting, and the use of comedy within my blogs. Mostly, my blogs focused on abstract ideas rather than merely what one sees on the surface.

I was also able to ask provocative questions throughout my blogs. All of my blogs sought to answer some sort of question, from "Why do we watch movies?" to "What do movies accomplish within us?" Again, as will all of my blogs, these were geared toward the central purpose of the film instead of the on the surface entertainment we all are accustomed too.

3.

I was surprised at the level of understanding gained when one actually analyzes movies. Usually, we sit down, watch without thinking for a few hours and move on with our lives. But when I reviewed these movies I was forced to analyze their meaning, the actions of the characters, and other factors. The insight gained astounds me. I never knew the Robin Hood Men In Tights could be understood on an emotional level. While I cannot return and watch every movie I have ever seen over again, in the future, I will actually think about the movies rather than simply staring at them.

So Why Do We Watch Movies?

Excellent question Nick! You are so insightful! People watch movies for a variety of reasons. It can be for the purpose of hearty laughter, dramatic situations, thrilling action, soppy tales of love and loss, or trying to scare yourself so much you decide not to sleep. Whatever the reason, movies fulfill something inside of all of us that we cannot immediately fill in our lives. Is it possible I will eventually scour the land searching for the last Twinkie in an endless zombie apocalypse? Of course! But am I doing that right now? No! Hence, I go to my local theater to transcend reality.

Movies are insightful and persuasive. They possess the power to control our emotions and change our views. Powerful movies express a characteristic that we all desire and wish to obtain. A movie can even change the world. We watch movies not simply for entertainment, but for a deep-seeded need for imagination in life. They keep our ideas fresh and our minds young.

And now, I bid you a fond farewell. This blog has been a fantastic form of media to express my personal beliefs. Now, however, I must leave this topic behind and move onto other interests. I hope that my movie-going crowd will stay with me. You are certainly welcome on the journey. Each day is but a step on the road of life, and I intend to keep walking. And so, to quote the great Jim Carrey from "The Truman Show", " Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!"

I Thought This Blog Was About Movies?

In previous posts, I have concentrated my attention on the intricacies that transform a movie into a classic. And while I have focused my attention not simply on the success of a movie (notice I have not written about Avatar, nor will I), I have neglected a vital portion of film making: the soundtrack. I believe Victor Hugo (some dead guy) once said "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent". In this way, music has the ability to elevate a movie to glory it could otherwise not achieve.

For instance, take the movie The Matrix. Some people enjoy it while others feel the plot is predictable and the action unrealistic. Personally I am drawn not by the acting, the action, or the graphics, but by its upbeat, techno-driven music. The songs seem to add energy to each and every scene, energy that it otherwise would not possess. Thus, The Matrix is transformed from clunker to classic.

In another slightly different case, The Lord of the Rings would not be as awe-inspiring as it is without its emotion evoking soundtrack. One can see this in the climax of The Two Towers, when the Rohirrim ride out of helm's deep to meet the orc army, to what they believe is their deaths. While this may be regarded as a somber moment, not a single person felt this way while watching the movie. Why, you ask? It is because of the music! The orchestra plays a score seething with excitement. Truly, I wish I was amidst the action alongside Aragorn at that moment. Then, as Gandolf leads the Rohirrim reinforcements on a devastating charge, one cannot help but rise to his feet and yell "YES!!! STICK IT TO EM GANDOLF!!!! WHOOOHOOO!!!" Now, while this action causes an equal an opposite reaction of several bags of popcorn and large Cokes to the face, it is clear to see the effect music has on one's moviegoing experience.

Although I am biased (I've been known to like music a bit), I believe that without music, movies are not worth watching. Regardless of the scene, the appropriate music enhances the experience. Personally, I cannot grasp the emotion unless the background is set for me. Which brings me to my next point. Why do I not have my own personally soundtrack on an everlasting loop? Would that not enhance my life in the same fashion? While I am not sure of the logistics, it is something to keep in mind.....

Politics in Movies?? BBBWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?!???!?!??!

As we all know, movies are mostly hypothetical and never attempt to express political views through the use of mass media.....

(cue laugh track)... Your welcome! No need to thank me! I'll be here all week!!

While movies which clearly try and sway public opinion annoy me, those that simply give an accurate account of current events serve a vital purpose towards society. Most people 25 and under do not read the newspaper, and I would wager than most are ignorant to many world events. Their lives are consumed with entertainment, so naturally, as they may be unaware, movies, now more than ever, depict actual events in our world.

A major issue in America in recent years has been the War in Iraq. While most have an opinion, rarely do I hear news pieces about the physical and psychological effects on the soldiers who serve so valiantly in times of war. The Hurt Locker, which won six Academy Awards including Best Picture, gives a realistic account of the war, which can rarely be found in a biased media. Sergeant James has the job of disarming IED's, which is possibly the most dangerous job one can have. The movie leads you through a series of nerve wracking experiences, and does not shy away from shocking you with uncomfortable scenes. Many involve the death of a close friend, only to be on the front lines again the next day. Some show the psychological strain and the intense pain of the ramifications of war. This brings out the emotion in a way words, pictures, and news reports never could.

We need more movies made in this fashion. Factual reenactments serve to bring people into the conditions of the movie, which is exactly what The Hurt Locker does. Even veterans have remarked at how realistic the film is. Hopefully, more movies emerge which give viewers more to think about once they leave the theater.

Shutter Island

Woah.

That is the only word which I feel encapsulates the sheer magnificence of Leonardo DeCaprio's latest hit. No other word can express it quite like that.

Woah.

This wasn't just the brilliance of an incredible actor in his prime, this was every aspect of the movie keeping you on the edge of your seat. It had the perfect amount of action, character development, and more sheer emotion than I have seen in a movie in a long time. For those of you who have not yet seen "Shutter Island", I will recount the basic synopsis to hopefully spark your interest.

The movie opens with U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels on a ferry with his partner, before embarking on a journey that is sure to be challenging. They are investigating a missing patient at a mental facility which houses only the most heinous criminals in the U.S. As the story unfolds, the viewer begins to get a sense that they are not receiving the whole truth. More seems to be going on behind the scenes than anyone can speculate about.

The movie progresses with countless twists and turns leaving the viewer confused yet entranced. Who is prisoner 67? Why do the workers all recite the same story? And why the heck does Teddy keep having creepy flashbacks? What is their significance?

Without spoiling the movie, I can tell you to be wary of the ending. I would make sure you are seated as a minor precaution. "Shutter Island" is simply stunning, a psycho thriller that no actor, director, nor writer can surpass in its time.

Heath Ledger - Incredible Acting

Acting

One of the most important components of a good movie is the acting. Whether or not an actor can convey to the viewer the emotion of their character, whether or not the viewer believes in what they are seeing, are the chief responsibilities of an actor. When playing another character, I should not think, "Oh, that's Robert Downey Jr. in a digitally constructed iron suit." I should think, "Hey! It's Ironman!", and believe that somewhere in the world what I am watching is actually happening.

This being said, there are different levels of talent and dedication in show business. If I absolutely had to pick one performance to be placed above all other (and I do, since that is the point of this post), it would be Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker in "The Dark Knight". Never have I been enveloped with a character quite like The Joker in that movie. Typically, during a movie, one can say, "Wow, so-and-so is doing a fantastic job." But during "The Dark Knight", Heath Ledger did not exist. He had become The Joker in my eyes. Everything he did, down to his miniscule mannerisms, were perfect. He went outside of himself for that role.

We need this more in movies today. Too often we are subjected to John Cusack trying to be funny in "Hot-Tub Time Machine", only to leave the theater nauseated. We need actors to become their characters to the point where the average view cannot tell the difference. I'd be willing to be we would all attend the movies more if the performances were up to par with that of The Joker.