It is certainly strange to see how far I've come this past year. I've grown so much as a person, as a student, and as a friend and confidant. Last year I was a frightened freshmen, entering high school, entering the public school system, for the first time. I didn't know the routine, the students, the campus, or the teachers. I was scared, timid, and shy. Now, I would be virtually unrecognizable to some who once knew me. I have become bold in speaking what I think. I don't hesitate before making the right decision. My self-esteem is high to the point of vanity and egotism. And I am confident. Confident to speak in front of large groups of people. Confident enough to be able to laugh at myself along with everyone else instead of standing in embarrassed silence. Confident enough to live life and not let it pass me by. Confident enough to take opportunities that I would have been too afraid of last year.
I've learned important lessons about procrastination, hard work, and all-nighters. I can survive a full day of high school and enjoy it. I'm able to juggle school activities, church activities, and my homework. I've learned a lot in all of my classes this year, and I've had some of the best teachers to learn from. I've been challenged, stretched, and pushed to my limits and beyond, causing me to step up to the plate. I can be a leader and make my voice heard. Throughout a year of impossible homework loads, crazy schedules, and drama in and out of school, I've been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA.
Even more important than school, I've come to know so many people so much better. I'm learning that sometimes it's better to listen than to speak. And when to keep my mouth shut when I really want to scream. How to deal with rumors and haters, what to do in difficult situations, and that making the right decision and be the hardest thing I'll ever have to do. I've learned that grudges never helped anybody, they only hurt. I know that a smile is the best way to tell people you're there for them. I've learned how far a hug can go. I understand that being a friend is the greatest joy and sometimes the greatest tragedy. I know how important it is to keep a secret; what a privilege it is to be trusted and what betrayal can do to a relationship. I've seen break ups, get-back-togethers, fist fights, broken hearts, broken homes, hurt feelings, and rocky friendships, and I've been there when people need me.
I never could be the person I am today without the help of my friends. I would never be so bold, so confident, or so strong for my friends without my friends. You guys have been there for me. You taught me lessons and let me be a part of your lives. And that's my privilege. Thanks for allthe great times, guys. Thanks for all the laughter, the smiles, the looks, the fun. Thanks for the tears; thanks for the lessons, and thanks for your shoulders, your helping hands. Thanks for being the journal I pour my life story into. Thanks for listening, for caring, for the hugs and the encouragement. Know that I love all of you. You know who you are. Know that you can say anything to me and I'll understand. I would never have made it to this place without you. So once again...
Thanks.
Lacey Mary Brett Jayme Keshia Austin Katie Zach Brad Pete Chase Su Kirstie Tay Daniel Brad Kristen Teasha Kristen Shayla Lindsey Tim Hayley Sophie Kole Lindsay Michael Karl Eren Courtney Cassaundra Joey Freddy Dawson Anderson Beck Doyle Connor Grady Christy Sarah EC Kendra Ashley Angela Marcus Shane Early Kaitlin Vance Stephan Chris David
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
One of Those Inspiration Things...
Wrath
I was outside the marketplace when I felt the first tremor. Everyone around me froze, but at the next tremor, which rocked the merchant's stalls, the square erupted into chaos. Women screamed, children wailed, men ran, fleeing for their lives as the buildings around them began to topple to the ground. As we were inside the city, at the very heart of it, there wasn't any place to go that wasn't filled with tall, stone structures. The very places we had called our homes, our refuges, had been transformed into our deadliest enemies. With each new rumble from deep withing the earth's belly, cracks shot up buildings and, groaning and complaining, the stones would collapse, crushing those unfortunates taking refuge in its doorway.
I let the crowd sweep me down the street, through the gates, and out of the city. I kept my head though as men, women, and children on either side of me slowed or faltered and were sucked under the crowd and crushed by the merciless feet of those who fled the horrors behind. I, and perhaps fifteen others, quickly jumped down into the would-be cellar of a house yet to be built. The earth beneath our feet shuddered and raged angrily. The shrieks of those on whom the crumbling towers fell were terrible. But even more so were the piteous moans and cries of those who were in so much agony, but still alive. We, in our fortress of dirt, sat huddled with our heads upon our knees, sometimes thrusting our heads over the top of the cellar to call to someone sprinting away, calling them to safety. Terrified, some could do nothing but babble nonsense to their gods. Other crushed their knees to their bosoms, tears falling from tightly shut eyes, frozen with fear.
It was really only a few minutes later that the ground finally stopped shifting about. It felt strange. That is the only way to describe it. Imagine you are bobbing in a boat in the middle of the sea, when suddenly the sea stops its motion. To have the ground no longer move, the momentary silence; the absence of the screams of those trapped underneath beams or blocks; that relief was strange and welcome. We, the group of people crouched in the open cellar, whose number had grown to twenty or so, began to stand up and several even smiled.
As soon as we began lifting each other out of the hole, the smiles vanished, replaced with shock and horror. Mothers pressed their children's faces to their shoulders to hide from the the horrific sight that met our eyes. The city was gone, leveled. All that remained was a section of the east outer wall. All else was merely rubble. The destruction, the desolation; it was just so great, so widespread. It took your breath away to see it. As we began the search for survivors, it became apparent that it was only our group and a few other clusters of people who remained relatively uninjured. The silence had long ago again been filled with the groans of the dying, the yells of those crying for rescue, the wailing of the women who had discovered their husbands' bodies. What was this wrath so terrible, so divine that the earth itself quaked in fear?
I was outside the marketplace when I felt the first tremor. Everyone around me froze, but at the next tremor, which rocked the merchant's stalls, the square erupted into chaos. Women screamed, children wailed, men ran, fleeing for their lives as the buildings around them began to topple to the ground. As we were inside the city, at the very heart of it, there wasn't any place to go that wasn't filled with tall, stone structures. The very places we had called our homes, our refuges, had been transformed into our deadliest enemies. With each new rumble from deep withing the earth's belly, cracks shot up buildings and, groaning and complaining, the stones would collapse, crushing those unfortunates taking refuge in its doorway.
I let the crowd sweep me down the street, through the gates, and out of the city. I kept my head though as men, women, and children on either side of me slowed or faltered and were sucked under the crowd and crushed by the merciless feet of those who fled the horrors behind. I, and perhaps fifteen others, quickly jumped down into the would-be cellar of a house yet to be built. The earth beneath our feet shuddered and raged angrily. The shrieks of those on whom the crumbling towers fell were terrible. But even more so were the piteous moans and cries of those who were in so much agony, but still alive. We, in our fortress of dirt, sat huddled with our heads upon our knees, sometimes thrusting our heads over the top of the cellar to call to someone sprinting away, calling them to safety. Terrified, some could do nothing but babble nonsense to their gods. Other crushed their knees to their bosoms, tears falling from tightly shut eyes, frozen with fear.
It was really only a few minutes later that the ground finally stopped shifting about. It felt strange. That is the only way to describe it. Imagine you are bobbing in a boat in the middle of the sea, when suddenly the sea stops its motion. To have the ground no longer move, the momentary silence; the absence of the screams of those trapped underneath beams or blocks; that relief was strange and welcome. We, the group of people crouched in the open cellar, whose number had grown to twenty or so, began to stand up and several even smiled.
As soon as we began lifting each other out of the hole, the smiles vanished, replaced with shock and horror. Mothers pressed their children's faces to their shoulders to hide from the the horrific sight that met our eyes. The city was gone, leveled. All that remained was a section of the east outer wall. All else was merely rubble. The destruction, the desolation; it was just so great, so widespread. It took your breath away to see it. As we began the search for survivors, it became apparent that it was only our group and a few other clusters of people who remained relatively uninjured. The silence had long ago again been filled with the groans of the dying, the yells of those crying for rescue, the wailing of the women who had discovered their husbands' bodies. What was this wrath so terrible, so divine that the earth itself quaked in fear?
Based on the Battle of Bear Paw
Yesterday on October 5, 1877, at 2 pm, the Nimiipu chief, Joseph, surrendered to General Nelson A. Miles. Ordered to remove themselves from American lands onto a reservation, Chief Joseph greed, and while en route to gather up their stock, they were attacked and forced to flee. Chief Joseph then strove to lead 800 of his Nimiipu people across the border from Oregon into Canada. Thinking they were safe, though only for a short while, the Nimiipu people stopped to regroup before making the final trek into Canada. As they bathed their bloodied feet in melted snow, they quickly erected several temporary shelters for the women and children. The rags they wore could hardly be called clothes. The babies cried for food, but there was none to give them. Children huddled together, shivering in the bitter wind. Sentries stood guard over the camp.
Unfortunately, however, unbeknownst to the Nimiipu, General Miles had been dispatched to intercept them. I had been following the Nimiipu for several days, hoping to talk with Chief Joseph. From where I was hiding on the hill, I could see the entire camp. Suddenly, three natives on horseback burst over the crest of the hill, screaming warnings to the others. Apparently deciding General Miles was too close to try to run, they quickly went about digging shallow trenches. Then, without warning, General Miles attacked.
I was horrified to see the gleeful ferocity with which the soldiers hacked down the Nimiipu. I watched, over five grisly days, as small bands of Nimiipu broke cover and ran for the foothills of the Bear Paw Mountains. Yells and screams of agony from the battlefield carried over to my hiding spot, and sleep proved impossible as both sides vied for the upper hand through the night. I saw a toddler, no more than twwo, hewn and trampled as the soldiers advanced on the natives' camp. On the third day, a frigid north wind moved in and the snow began to come down in earnest, rendering both the Nimiipu and the General's men totally incapacitated.
At last, on the fifth day, General Miles petitioned Chieg Joseph to lay down his arms, and in return the Nimiipu would be allowed to return to their ancestral home. Exhausted and disheartened, and knowing that the annihilation of his people would be upon his head, Chief Joseph finally surrendered and the fighting ceased. Despite many escaping, only about half of the original Nimiipu survived the battle, not to mention the extreme cold. I could hear women howling and shrieking their anguish into the frost air, grieving for their dead husbands and sons. It was then, standing in the red snow that Chief Joseph gave and eloquent, heartbreaking speech to his people.
"I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. Looking Glass is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say no and yes. He Who Led the Men is dead. It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them have run away to the hills and have no blankets- no food. No one knows where they are- perhaps they are freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children and see how many of them I can find. Maye I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired, my heart is sad and sick. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever."
General Miles led the Nimiipu people away. The last I saw of them, they were stumbling through the snow, back the way they had come, their flight to freedom brutally cut short. As they dragged their bloody feet through the snow, they left a trail of crimson behind, staining the pure snow. I fear their ordeal is far from over, and I wonder what will become of the Nimiipu; and how many will die of broken hearts.
The Battle of Bear Paw is a true, historical event. That took place in 1877. Chief Joseph and the Nimiipu were not given their ancestral homes back. Instead they were kept on increasingly smaller reservations like animals. Although Chief Joseph continued to petition the U.S. government for his people, he was ignored.
Some say history is doomed to repeat itself. Sadly, America seems doomed to repeat its past mistakes. During World War II, all Asians, no matter their nationality were sent to prison camps because we were paranoid about the Japanese sabotaging our factories. American Communists have been hunted down and tried in a manner like that of the Salem Witch Trials. Can we be sure that nothing like these atrocities is ever committed again? No, of course not. America is not the world police. But can we do our best to try to keep such paranoia out of the U.S.? Yes. Through education and by fighting against ignorance, absolutely. And by speaking out for those who do not have a voice, we may stop such things as the genocide in Darfur from continuing or from happening at all.
But it is up to us, the generation of today, of Now. This is our time. Our time to speak up for what's right and to bring to light what is wrong. It's up to us to solve the problems of the world. Because we ARE the world. And they're our problems.
Unfortunately, however, unbeknownst to the Nimiipu, General Miles had been dispatched to intercept them. I had been following the Nimiipu for several days, hoping to talk with Chief Joseph. From where I was hiding on the hill, I could see the entire camp. Suddenly, three natives on horseback burst over the crest of the hill, screaming warnings to the others. Apparently deciding General Miles was too close to try to run, they quickly went about digging shallow trenches. Then, without warning, General Miles attacked.
I was horrified to see the gleeful ferocity with which the soldiers hacked down the Nimiipu. I watched, over five grisly days, as small bands of Nimiipu broke cover and ran for the foothills of the Bear Paw Mountains. Yells and screams of agony from the battlefield carried over to my hiding spot, and sleep proved impossible as both sides vied for the upper hand through the night. I saw a toddler, no more than twwo, hewn and trampled as the soldiers advanced on the natives' camp. On the third day, a frigid north wind moved in and the snow began to come down in earnest, rendering both the Nimiipu and the General's men totally incapacitated.
At last, on the fifth day, General Miles petitioned Chieg Joseph to lay down his arms, and in return the Nimiipu would be allowed to return to their ancestral home. Exhausted and disheartened, and knowing that the annihilation of his people would be upon his head, Chief Joseph finally surrendered and the fighting ceased. Despite many escaping, only about half of the original Nimiipu survived the battle, not to mention the extreme cold. I could hear women howling and shrieking their anguish into the frost air, grieving for their dead husbands and sons. It was then, standing in the red snow that Chief Joseph gave and eloquent, heartbreaking speech to his people.
"I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. Looking Glass is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say no and yes. He Who Led the Men is dead. It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them have run away to the hills and have no blankets- no food. No one knows where they are- perhaps they are freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children and see how many of them I can find. Maye I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired, my heart is sad and sick. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever."
General Miles led the Nimiipu people away. The last I saw of them, they were stumbling through the snow, back the way they had come, their flight to freedom brutally cut short. As they dragged their bloody feet through the snow, they left a trail of crimson behind, staining the pure snow. I fear their ordeal is far from over, and I wonder what will become of the Nimiipu; and how many will die of broken hearts.
The Battle of Bear Paw is a true, historical event. That took place in 1877. Chief Joseph and the Nimiipu were not given their ancestral homes back. Instead they were kept on increasingly smaller reservations like animals. Although Chief Joseph continued to petition the U.S. government for his people, he was ignored.
Some say history is doomed to repeat itself. Sadly, America seems doomed to repeat its past mistakes. During World War II, all Asians, no matter their nationality were sent to prison camps because we were paranoid about the Japanese sabotaging our factories. American Communists have been hunted down and tried in a manner like that of the Salem Witch Trials. Can we be sure that nothing like these atrocities is ever committed again? No, of course not. America is not the world police. But can we do our best to try to keep such paranoia out of the U.S.? Yes. Through education and by fighting against ignorance, absolutely. And by speaking out for those who do not have a voice, we may stop such things as the genocide in Darfur from continuing or from happening at all.
But it is up to us, the generation of today, of Now. This is our time. Our time to speak up for what's right and to bring to light what is wrong. It's up to us to solve the problems of the world. Because we ARE the world. And they're our problems.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Les Miserables
Preface
"So long as there shall exist, by reason of law and custom, a social condemnation, which, in the face of civilization, artificially creates hells on earth, and complicates a destiny that is divine, with human fatality; so long as the three problems of the age- the degradation of man by poverty, the ruin of woman by starvation, and the dwarfing of childhood by physical and spiritual night- are not solved; so long as, in certain regions, social asphyxia shall be possible; in other words, and from a yet more extended point of view, so long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, books like this cannot be useless."
-Victor Hugo, 1862
Read this preface again and again. Try to understand the message it conveys. Our society has a problem. We are creating Miserables. What can we do to amend our wrongs and provide restitution? Read Les Miserables for yourself to find out what "The Miserables" of our world go through everyday. The abridged version may be better for most readers. At 520 pages, it has cut the full version in half.
-Victor Hugo, 1862
Read this preface again and again. Try to understand the message it conveys. Our society has a problem. We are creating Miserables. What can we do to amend our wrongs and provide restitution? Read Les Miserables for yourself to find out what "The Miserables" of our world go through everyday. The abridged version may be better for most readers. At 520 pages, it has cut the full version in half.
A Prayer we Need to Hear
Although sometimes we don't want to admit that America can do wrong, it's important we look at our country's flaws in order to amend them. Some of the things that seem good and healthy for America are really hurting our country.
"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.
Amen."
-Bob Russell
Sometimes things can really get twisted and distorted from their original purpose. Free choice doesn't justify murder. But murder doesn't justify murder either. Self-esteem is important, but so is discipline. Politics was once a way to change the world by using your power for good. Nowadays it is often simply a way to exploit. Ambition, freedom of expression, "enlightenment", how far can we take these things before they turn into something else entirely?
Learn the full story behind this prayer at http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/k/kansasprayer.htm
"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.
Amen."
-Bob Russell
Sometimes things can really get twisted and distorted from their original purpose. Free choice doesn't justify murder. But murder doesn't justify murder either. Self-esteem is important, but so is discipline. Politics was once a way to change the world by using your power for good. Nowadays it is often simply a way to exploit. Ambition, freedom of expression, "enlightenment", how far can we take these things before they turn into something else entirely?
Learn the full story behind this prayer at http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/k/kansasprayer.htm
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
I Was Inspired
This is a song I wrote last week. Tell me what you think...
You'll Never Know
V1: I never thought you'd really leave
You've no idea how much you've meant to me
As you go out that door let me just say
That I love you and I hope you see that one day
CHORUS
I love you, I miss you already
I love you, I miss you
You're leaving and I'm crying
but you won't ever know
V2: You're going to be gone soon, never to return
It hurts right now but soon it's my turn
Embrace your future, love your life
Don't give up you'll get through this time
CHORUS
V3: I'm crying for you, crying for me
I wish we'd had more time I wish I could've see
What was coming and how it would end
As you're leaving, know I'll always be your friend.
CHORUS
You'll never know
how much I cared
or how I'd wish I'd dared
to kiss you
You'll never know
how much I miss you
How much I wish you
were here
You'll never know
You'll never know
You'll never know.
V1: I never thought you'd really leave
You've no idea how much you've meant to me
As you go out that door let me just say
That I love you and I hope you see that one day
CHORUS
I love you, I miss you already
I love you, I miss you
You're leaving and I'm crying
but you won't ever know
V2: You're going to be gone soon, never to return
It hurts right now but soon it's my turn
Embrace your future, love your life
Don't give up you'll get through this time
CHORUS
V3: I'm crying for you, crying for me
I wish we'd had more time I wish I could've see
What was coming and how it would end
As you're leaving, know I'll always be your friend.
CHORUS
You'll never know
how much I cared
or how I'd wish I'd dared
to kiss you
You'll never know
how much I miss you
How much I wish you
were here
You'll never know
You'll never know
You'll never know.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Great America Concerts
I forgot to tell you guys about the amazing concerts I got to see at Great America. Around three we got in line to enter into the Redwood Amphitheater, which is pretty cool. There were tons of booths selling t-shirts and band paraphernalia. But the concerts were awesome. If you think Christians can't rock out, you are so wrong. Six bands, The Send, Run Kid Run, Falling Up, Hawk Nelson, David Crowder, and Jeremy Camp. Yes THE Hawk Nelson. And THE David Crowder. and THE Jeremy Camp. It was incredible.
The Send
The Send were pretty good, just out of the garage, no cd or anything. Not bad for a band that's opening for Jeremy Camp.
Run Kid Run
These people were pretty much amazing. Their lead singer interacted with the audience and they got a pretty good response.
Falling Up
Falling Up was very cool. Good performance and good songs. Two words: Synchronized. Headbanging.
Hawk Nelson
Wow. These dudes were awesome. Just incredible. Amazing songs, I loved the performance, and plus they had a huge following, which means audience participation. Imagine Green Day singing about God and you might have a tiny idea of what Hawk Nelson is like.
David Crowder
The David Crowder band was even more awesome than Hawk Nelson. They were amazing. David Crowder is the dude who wrote Undignified, I Will Not be Silent, O Praise Him, and a ton of other praise songs.
Jeremy Camp
The best show of the night, Jeremy Camp lit up the night with his phenomenal guitariness and singing. I really liked his songs, and he put on a great show plus told some funny stories.
The SendThe Send were pretty good, just out of the garage, no cd or anything. Not bad for a band that's opening for Jeremy Camp.
Run Kid RunThese people were pretty much amazing. Their lead singer interacted with the audience and they got a pretty good response.
Falling UpFalling Up was very cool. Good performance and good songs. Two words: Synchronized. Headbanging.
Hawk Nelson
Wow. These dudes were awesome. Just incredible. Amazing songs, I loved the performance, and plus they had a huge following, which means audience participation. Imagine Green Day singing about God and you might have a tiny idea of what Hawk Nelson is like.
David Crowder
The David Crowder band was even more awesome than Hawk Nelson. They were amazing. David Crowder is the dude who wrote Undignified, I Will Not be Silent, O Praise Him, and a ton of other praise songs.
Jeremy Camp
The best show of the night, Jeremy Camp lit up the night with his phenomenal guitariness and singing. I really liked his songs, and he put on a great show plus told some funny stories.
The Unmissables Vol. IV
Prepare yourself for movies 31 through 40 of the Unmissables List.
1.
The Matrix
The world is under the control of robots called Machines. Humans are slaves of the Machines, living in virtual reality created by the Machines. A computer hacker named Neo finds out the truth of his existence and joins a group of rebels in order to fight back against the Machine's regime.
Starring
Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Laurence Fishburne.
2.
Fight Club
A lonely insomniac is living his miserable existence, when he meets a soap salesman named Tyler Durden, and man with revolutionary ideas and a unique outlook on life. Together, they start a fight club, a way for men like them to vent their aggression. But something strange is at work and Tyler Durden may not be who he seems.
Starring
Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter
3.
Kill Bill Vol. I and II
When one woman breaks away from the group of assassins she belongs to, The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, to settle down with the child still in her womb, she is marked for death. The rest of the squad and their leader, Bill, massacre the entire wedding party, killing everyone. Or so they thought. The bride lives on, and she's out for revenge. One of Quentin Taratino's best works, Kill Bill is a tribute to the karate movies of old and the suspense builds to the climax, until there's only one person left to kill-Bill.
Starring
Uma Thurman
4.
Star Wars, the original trilogy
A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...lives Luke Skywalker, a young farmer boy who soon discovers he is one of the last remaining jedis. He must receive training from Jedi Masters, Obi Wan Kenobi, and Yoda, and he must face his nemesis- Darth Vader, the evil sith lord who wants to rule the galaxy- in order to fulfill his destiny and help the Rebel Alliance bring peace to the galaxy once more. On his adventures, Luke teams up with Han Solo, rugged pilot and scoundrel extraordinaire, and Princess Leia, leader of the resistance.
Starring
Mark Hammill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fischer
5.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
King Arthur sets off with the Knights of the Round Table to find the Holy Grail, the chalice that Christ drank out of during the Last Supper. They will face much danger, including a Black Knight who refuses to die, a killer rabbit, and some very unfriendly Frenchmen. Join King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table on this hilarious adventure of British humour.
Starring
John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin
6.
Ferris Beuller's Day Off
Ferris Beuller is the guy everybody likes. But for once he's determined to have a day off from school. So he and his two friends skip school to have the time of their lives, despite the principal's threats and Beuller's sister's jealousy. Ferris Beuller's Day Off is a classic that no one should miss.
Starring
Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, and Jeffrey Jones.
7.
Princess Bride
Once Upon a Time there lived a farm girl named Buttercup whose servant boy, Wesley, fell in love with her and she with him. But he was forced to leave her and in his absence, Prince Humperdink took Buttercup to be his fiance. Wesley must face all dangers to find her again and win her back from the cruel Prince Humperdink. But he'll need a little help from his friends. Funny, and gallantly sweet.
Starring
Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Andre the Giant and Robin Wright.
8.
Ace Ventura
Ace Ventura, pet detective, is on the job, whether the case is missing dolphins or missing bats, no case is to small or too large for Ace Ventrura. Jim Carrey at his best, no doubt about it, as Ace Ventura must face all odds to rescue those he loves-the animals.
Starring
Jim Carrey.
9.
Babel
Four stories from four corners of the earth are mysteriously intertwined. Each story is told, each story is ordinary and epic. Ordinary lives, extraordinary people, inexplicable circumstances. In this large world we live in, if only we would listen more and try to understand the people around us. Babel is about this message.
Starring
Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.
10.
Memento
Ever since he was hit over the head trying to save his wife as she was being raped and killed, Leonard has had one mission in life: to track down and kill the man who did it. The trouble is, Leonard is incapable of making new memories and everything he does he must remember by taking photos or making notes. It is impossible to tell who is good and who is evil in this twisting tale of revenge. You'll never see it coming.
Starring
Guy Pearce and Carrie-Anne Moss
1.
The Matrix
The world is under the control of robots called Machines. Humans are slaves of the Machines, living in virtual reality created by the Machines. A computer hacker named Neo finds out the truth of his existence and joins a group of rebels in order to fight back against the Machine's regime.
Starring
Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Laurence Fishburne.
2.
Fight Club
A lonely insomniac is living his miserable existence, when he meets a soap salesman named Tyler Durden, and man with revolutionary ideas and a unique outlook on life. Together, they start a fight club, a way for men like them to vent their aggression. But something strange is at work and Tyler Durden may not be who he seems.
Starring
Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter
3.
Kill Bill Vol. I and II
When one woman breaks away from the group of assassins she belongs to, The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, to settle down with the child still in her womb, she is marked for death. The rest of the squad and their leader, Bill, massacre the entire wedding party, killing everyone. Or so they thought. The bride lives on, and she's out for revenge. One of Quentin Taratino's best works, Kill Bill is a tribute to the karate movies of old and the suspense builds to the climax, until there's only one person left to kill-Bill.
Starring
Uma Thurman
4.
Star Wars, the original trilogy
A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...lives Luke Skywalker, a young farmer boy who soon discovers he is one of the last remaining jedis. He must receive training from Jedi Masters, Obi Wan Kenobi, and Yoda, and he must face his nemesis- Darth Vader, the evil sith lord who wants to rule the galaxy- in order to fulfill his destiny and help the Rebel Alliance bring peace to the galaxy once more. On his adventures, Luke teams up with Han Solo, rugged pilot and scoundrel extraordinaire, and Princess Leia, leader of the resistance.
Starring
Mark Hammill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fischer
5.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
King Arthur sets off with the Knights of the Round Table to find the Holy Grail, the chalice that Christ drank out of during the Last Supper. They will face much danger, including a Black Knight who refuses to die, a killer rabbit, and some very unfriendly Frenchmen. Join King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table on this hilarious adventure of British humour.
Starring
John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin
6.
Ferris Beuller's Day Off
Ferris Beuller is the guy everybody likes. But for once he's determined to have a day off from school. So he and his two friends skip school to have the time of their lives, despite the principal's threats and Beuller's sister's jealousy. Ferris Beuller's Day Off is a classic that no one should miss.
Starring
Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, and Jeffrey Jones.
7.
Princess Bride
Once Upon a Time there lived a farm girl named Buttercup whose servant boy, Wesley, fell in love with her and she with him. But he was forced to leave her and in his absence, Prince Humperdink took Buttercup to be his fiance. Wesley must face all dangers to find her again and win her back from the cruel Prince Humperdink. But he'll need a little help from his friends. Funny, and gallantly sweet.
Starring
Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Andre the Giant and Robin Wright.
8.
Ace Ventura
Ace Ventura, pet detective, is on the job, whether the case is missing dolphins or missing bats, no case is to small or too large for Ace Ventrura. Jim Carrey at his best, no doubt about it, as Ace Ventura must face all odds to rescue those he loves-the animals.
Starring
Jim Carrey.
9.
Babel
Four stories from four corners of the earth are mysteriously intertwined. Each story is told, each story is ordinary and epic. Ordinary lives, extraordinary people, inexplicable circumstances. In this large world we live in, if only we would listen more and try to understand the people around us. Babel is about this message.
Starring
Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.
10.
Memento
Ever since he was hit over the head trying to save his wife as she was being raped and killed, Leonard has had one mission in life: to track down and kill the man who did it. The trouble is, Leonard is incapable of making new memories and everything he does he must remember by taking photos or making notes. It is impossible to tell who is good and who is evil in this twisting tale of revenge. You'll never see it coming.
Starring
Guy Pearce and Carrie-Anne Moss
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Great America
I visited the Paramount's theme park in Santa Clara, California, called Great America, this past weekend with my youth group. It was amazing. Let me tell you about the rides I rode.
This particular roller coaster is called Top Gun. According to the sign posted every twenty feet in the line, it is a "Level 5 aggressive thrill ride." Our group got into line around ten in the morning, and we actually entered the cars around 11: 15. We were lucky. When we got off the ride, the line was exponentially longer.
Top Gun is a suspended roller coaster, meaning that when you do loops, the car is on top of the track and the screaming riders upside-down.
Absolutely fabulous. If you can keep your lunch, Top Gun is a must for all roller coaster lovers.
This is Demon, a coaster full of loops, twists, corkscrews, and tunnels. One tunnel's ceiling was so low, I thought my decapitation and death were at hand.
This ride was my favorite. Each car has four people in it, two on each end, facing each other. This way, when the cars move up the left track, two riders of the car are going backward, and the other two are forwards. The coaster speeds down the track, loops, corkscrews, loops again, and the riders have switched. If you were facing forward, now you're backward, and vice-versa. Scary because you don't know what's coming, exciting because the second time is best, and fast.
This particular roller coaster is called Top Gun. According to the sign posted every twenty feet in the line, it is a "Level 5 aggressive thrill ride." Our group got into line around ten in the morning, and we actually entered the cars around 11: 15. We were lucky. When we got off the ride, the line was exponentially longer.
Top Gun is a suspended roller coaster, meaning that when you do loops, the car is on top of the track and the screaming riders upside-down.
Absolutely fabulous. If you can keep your lunch, Top Gun is a must for all roller coaster lovers.
This is Demon, a coaster full of loops, twists, corkscrews, and tunnels. One tunnel's ceiling was so low, I thought my decapitation and death were at hand.
This ride was my favorite. Each car has four people in it, two on each end, facing each other. This way, when the cars move up the left track, two riders of the car are going backward, and the other two are forwards. The coaster speeds down the track, loops, corkscrews, loops again, and the riders have switched. If you were facing forward, now you're backward, and vice-versa. Scary because you don't know what's coming, exciting because the second time is best, and fast.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Art History
He was, and still is, considered one of the greatest late Renaissance painters of Spain. His style was colorful and imaginative, his work inspirational and easily recognizable. Famous during his own lifetime, he painted biblical scenes and religious themes. Although Domenikos Theotokopoulos, better known as “El Greco,” was one of Spain’s most beloved artists, he was not even Spanish.
Born in 1541 on the island of Crete, El Greco’s talent was recognized early on. At twenty-five Cretan records call him a master painter (WebMuseum). El Greco moved to Venice and then to Rome. Six years later he again relocated, this time to Spain. Finally, in 1577, El Greco settled permanently in Toledo, Spain.
During the sixteenth century, Toledo was a hub of the Renaissance. El Greco lived in this vibrant center of art and religion for the rest of his life. After his death, El Greco was largely forgotten. However, his unparalleled genius was rediscovered in the early 1900s.
The people of Toledo claimed Domenikos as their own, calling him “El Greco,” or “The Greek.” El Greco always signed his real Greek name on his paintings, however. Even still, the painter also married a young Spanish noblewoman by the name of Jeronima de las Cuevas. She gave birth to his illegitimate son, Jorje Manuel, who would later become a renowned Spanish architect.
El Greco’s distinctive paintings are prime examples of what is called European Mannerism. Ackland.org describes this art movement as “A style that developed in the sixteenth century as a reaction to the classical rationality and balanced harmony of the High Renaissance; characterized by the dramatic use of space and light, exaggerated color, elongation of figures, and distortions of perspective, scale, and proportion. Sister Wendy, an acclaimed art critic has said of the Mannerism master, “El Greco’s elongated figures, ever straining upward, his intense and unusual colors, his passionate involvement in his subject, his ardor and his energy, all combine to create a style that is wholly distinct and individual (Story of Painting).” One art critic compares El Greco’s distorted figures to leaping flames that “express intense religious feeling (ibiblio.org).”
Indeed, as we can see in Christ Driving the Traders From the Temple (1570), Christ seems to be the heart of a flame radiating outwards. His position, frozen in time, echoes that of the angel driving Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, seen in the stone carving behind Christ.
In The Holy Trinity (1577), El Greco shows a recently crucified Jesus in the arms of the Father, as the dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit hovers above. From El Greco’s use of color we see that Jesus has left the darkness of the world behind for the beauty and light of Heaven.
It is in Baptism of Christ (1596), however, that we see a very classic El Greco. The long, distorted bodies are nearly ghastly, but they point upward, to the Holy Spirit in the form of the dove, and further up to the Father in the heavens. We see the red cloak over Jesus as being symbolic of his separation from God. We also see the fire descending from the Father, engulfing the dove, coming down to the Christ. This imagery is a very obvious reference to Luke 3:16m when John the Baptist (whom we see here baptizing Jesus) says, “’I baptize you with water. But One more powerful than I will come…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’” And this is what we see here.
Undoubtedly, El Greco was one of the most imaginative, most influential painters of the 1500s. He died in 1614 and was laid to rest in the Church of St. Thome. El Greco has been called eccentric, determined, respected, and devout; surely we must add enigmatic and fantastical to this list.
The Iraq War
Much of the American public, myself included, believe that America's involvement has to do with ulterior motives, not the interest of the Iraqi people. However, no matter what you believe, it's important to remember that our boys are over there fighting in Iraq. It is our responsibility, our privilege to be the ones to support them, to believe in them, to let them know we care. In a recent issue of Newsweek magazine (that I would not recommend to those emotionally connected to Iraq), letters and notes left by fallen soldiers were published. Some of them express love, others gratitude, all miss their families. But all the same they're going through hell. One soldier says, "I don't even recognize myself anymore." Another, "I don't want medals or to be a hero. I just want to come home and be a husband and daddy again." Still another says, "Sometimes I don't know what to think about all of this. It seems so senseless..."
Most of these soldiers were close to returning home before they were killed in action.
This letter particularly struck me.
"Well if your reading this I guess this deployment was a one way trip. I just have a few things to ask. Please don't be mad at the Marine Corps. It was my choice to join and come here. I honestly belive this is what I was meant to do. I don't care what the media says we are making a difference here. Know that I did not die in vain for some worthless cause. I died in memory of all those who gave their lives before me. We are fighting for those who can't fight for themselvs. And I think that is the right thing to do. Not all the people here are bad, so please don't fill your hearts with anger and hate. When I was a kid my dad gave me a Louis Lamour book, in the bak of this book was quotes from all his books. One that really stuck in head and I tried to live by since the day I read it was on courage. 'When ever there was trouble you never had to look back to see if he was there, you knew damn well he was.' I hope I lived up to that.
Another thing I ask is that at my funeral the Marine Corps Hymn and Amazing Grace is played with bag pipes. Nothing sounds better than the bag pipes playing Amazing Grace. I know that I haven't been the best son, brother, friend or boyfriend and I'm sorry. I f you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Ashley can keep my H5 if he wants. Another thing I ask is at least one of you travel to see the world and do the things I never got to do. This is really hard writing ths. There's so much I want to say and I'm at a loss of words. Just know that I have God in my life and I'm ina better place and Marines guard the streets in Heaven. Who else would God trust? Tell Ashley, Nathan, Kevin, Jason, David, Denis that I could not have had better friends. Tell Ashlea that I was sorry and I'm stupid and I really did love her.
To my family I love you all.
Semper Fi
Love Lance
This letter was written by Cpl. Lance Graham of San Antonio. He was 26. On May 9, 2005, near Haditha Dam, he was killed when a pair of suicide bombers hit his convoy.
Most of these soldiers were close to returning home before they were killed in action.
This letter particularly struck me.
"Well if your reading this I guess this deployment was a one way trip. I just have a few things to ask. Please don't be mad at the Marine Corps. It was my choice to join and come here. I honestly belive this is what I was meant to do. I don't care what the media says we are making a difference here. Know that I did not die in vain for some worthless cause. I died in memory of all those who gave their lives before me. We are fighting for those who can't fight for themselvs. And I think that is the right thing to do. Not all the people here are bad, so please don't fill your hearts with anger and hate. When I was a kid my dad gave me a Louis Lamour book, in the bak of this book was quotes from all his books. One that really stuck in head and I tried to live by since the day I read it was on courage. 'When ever there was trouble you never had to look back to see if he was there, you knew damn well he was.' I hope I lived up to that.
Another thing I ask is that at my funeral the Marine Corps Hymn and Amazing Grace is played with bag pipes. Nothing sounds better than the bag pipes playing Amazing Grace. I know that I haven't been the best son, brother, friend or boyfriend and I'm sorry. I f you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Ashley can keep my H5 if he wants. Another thing I ask is at least one of you travel to see the world and do the things I never got to do. This is really hard writing ths. There's so much I want to say and I'm at a loss of words. Just know that I have God in my life and I'm ina better place and Marines guard the streets in Heaven. Who else would God trust? Tell Ashley, Nathan, Kevin, Jason, David, Denis that I could not have had better friends. Tell Ashlea that I was sorry and I'm stupid and I really did love her.
To my family I love you all.
Semper Fi
Love Lance
This letter was written by Cpl. Lance Graham of San Antonio. He was 26. On May 9, 2005, near Haditha Dam, he was killed when a pair of suicide bombers hit his convoy.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Film Fancy
Check out my new blog called Film Fancy. It's all about movies. I'll post the rest of the Unmissables here and there, but from then on, I'll post movie stuff only there.
Go to www.filmfancy.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Go to www.filmfancy.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
The Unmissables Vol. III
These are Unmissables numbers 21 through 30. Enjoy!
21.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
When the earth is destroyed, one man embarks on a journey that will take
him far beyond his wildest dreams, not to mention his galaxy. He meets the
president of the universe, an depressed robot, and the love of his life along
the way. If you like and understand British humor (ie. Monty Python),
Hitchhiker's Guide is a must.
Starring
Martin Freeman, Zooey Deschanel, Mos Def, and Sam Rockwell
Tagline
Don't Panic
22.
Rat Race
Nine people are chosen at random to race across the country where two
million dollars awaits the first to cross the finish line. Rat Race is hands down
one of the funniest movies you will ever see as the incidents that occur along
the way become more and more full of unbelievable hilarity.
Starring
John Cleese, Whoopie Goldburg, Seth Green, Rowan Atkinson, Amy Smart,
Brekin Meyer, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Jon Lovitz
Tagline
563 miles. 9 people. $2 million. 1001 problems!
23.
The Sixth Sense
In M. Night Shyalmalan's masterpiece thriller, a psychologist must help a little
boy, Cole, who believes he can see dead people. The ghosts don't know
they're dead, but Cole must find out why they haunt him. Excellent, filled with
suspense and intrigue.
Starring
Haley Joel Osment, Bruce Willis, and Toni Collette
Tagline
Not every gift is a blessing
24.
Airplane!
At 41,000 feet, the two pilots and the navigator are dead, and the
passengers are falling ill as well. It seems as though the only ones who can
save the dayare an ex-pilot who hasn't flown since the war, a stewardess,
and a wacky doctor. Despite its apparent seriousness, Airplane! is a
comedy that willleave you rolling on the floor laughing.
Starring
Robert Hays, Leslie Nielson, and Julie Hagerty
Tagline
What's slower than a speeding bullet, and able to hit tall buildings at a single bound?
25.
Blades of Glory
After being banned from Men's Singles Ice Skating for life, Chazz Michael
Michaels and Jimmy MacElroy must work together to be the first mens team
in the history of Pairs Ice Skating. It won't be easy, since Chazz and Jimmy
are polar opposites. This is Napolean Dynamite meets Talladega Nights. On
ice.
Starring
Will Ferrell and Jon Heder
Tagline
Kick some ice
26.
300
The Persians are hell-bent on ruling all of Greece, only Sparta stands in their
way of complete domination. King Leonides and only 300 faithful soldiers
stand up to the Persian army, numbering more than one million. Based on
Frank Miller's graphic novel, 300 is a gory, stunning, and stylized
Unmissable.
Starring
Gerard Butler and Lena Heady
Tagline
Prepare for glory
27.
Sin City
In the city of sin, trouble is brewing. A serial killer is on the loose, the fragile
peace between the prostitutes and the police is about to be broken, and the
only heroes are the worst of criminals. Sin City is based on Frank Miller's
graphic novel and is a stylized portrayal of true justice, honor, and loyalty.
Starring
Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, Elijah Wood, Anthony Hopkins, Alexis Bledel, Rosario Dawson,
Benicio Del Toro, Brittany Murphy, and Mickey Rourke
Tagline
There is no justice without sin.
28.
Sleepy Hollow
In the town of Sleepy Hollow, a monster has awoken: The Headless
Horseman rides again, claiming the heads of those involved in a secret
conspiracy. Inspector Ichabod Crane is sent to investigate, but he must
uncover the truth before the Horseman comes for him. One the best Tim
Burton/Johnny Depp collaborations, full of thrills, chills, and plenty of morbid
humor.
Starring
Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, and Christopher Walken
Tagline
Heads will roll.
29.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
In the sleepy town of Endora, nothing much happens, especially for Gilbert
Grape, who must care for his obese mother and handicapped brother after
his father's death. When he meets Becky, everything changes and he begins
to see that life can be beautiful.
Starring
Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Juliette Lewis
Tagline
Living in Endora is like dancing to no music.
30.
Top Gun
Maverick is a student at Top Gun, the best flight school in the nation. He is
determined to live down his father's reputation and make a name for himself
as the best pilot in Top Gun history. But he won't get there without a little
help from his friends.Dramatic and funny.
Starring
Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis
Tagline
I feel the need, the need for speed.
Out of these last ten, I would especially recommend Sin City or Rat Race- completely opposite films, but superbly done. Second choices would be Sleepy Hollow and The Sixth Sense. (Or 300 if you like gore.)
21.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
When the earth is destroyed, one man embarks on a journey that will take
him far beyond his wildest dreams, not to mention his galaxy. He meets the
president of the universe, an depressed robot, and the love of his life along
the way. If you like and understand British humor (ie. Monty Python),
Hitchhiker's Guide is a must.
Starring
Martin Freeman, Zooey Deschanel, Mos Def, and Sam Rockwell
Tagline
Don't Panic
22.
Rat Race
Nine people are chosen at random to race across the country where two
million dollars awaits the first to cross the finish line. Rat Race is hands down
one of the funniest movies you will ever see as the incidents that occur along
the way become more and more full of unbelievable hilarity.
Starring
John Cleese, Whoopie Goldburg, Seth Green, Rowan Atkinson, Amy Smart,
Brekin Meyer, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Jon Lovitz
Tagline
563 miles. 9 people. $2 million. 1001 problems!
23.
The Sixth Sense
In M. Night Shyalmalan's masterpiece thriller, a psychologist must help a little
boy, Cole, who believes he can see dead people. The ghosts don't know
they're dead, but Cole must find out why they haunt him. Excellent, filled with
suspense and intrigue.
Starring
Haley Joel Osment, Bruce Willis, and Toni Collette
Tagline
Not every gift is a blessing
24.
Airplane!
At 41,000 feet, the two pilots and the navigator are dead, and the
passengers are falling ill as well. It seems as though the only ones who can
save the dayare an ex-pilot who hasn't flown since the war, a stewardess,
and a wacky doctor. Despite its apparent seriousness, Airplane! is a
comedy that willleave you rolling on the floor laughing.
Starring
Robert Hays, Leslie Nielson, and Julie Hagerty
Tagline
What's slower than a speeding bullet, and able to hit tall buildings at a single bound?
25.
Blades of Glory
After being banned from Men's Singles Ice Skating for life, Chazz Michael
Michaels and Jimmy MacElroy must work together to be the first mens team
in the history of Pairs Ice Skating. It won't be easy, since Chazz and Jimmy
are polar opposites. This is Napolean Dynamite meets Talladega Nights. On
ice.
Starring
Will Ferrell and Jon Heder
Tagline
Kick some ice
26.
300
The Persians are hell-bent on ruling all of Greece, only Sparta stands in their
way of complete domination. King Leonides and only 300 faithful soldiers
stand up to the Persian army, numbering more than one million. Based on
Frank Miller's graphic novel, 300 is a gory, stunning, and stylized
Unmissable.
Starring
Gerard Butler and Lena Heady
Tagline
Prepare for glory
27.
Sin City
In the city of sin, trouble is brewing. A serial killer is on the loose, the fragile
peace between the prostitutes and the police is about to be broken, and the
only heroes are the worst of criminals. Sin City is based on Frank Miller's
graphic novel and is a stylized portrayal of true justice, honor, and loyalty.
Starring
Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, Elijah Wood, Anthony Hopkins, Alexis Bledel, Rosario Dawson,
Benicio Del Toro, Brittany Murphy, and Mickey Rourke
Tagline
There is no justice without sin.
28.
Sleepy Hollow
In the town of Sleepy Hollow, a monster has awoken: The Headless
Horseman rides again, claiming the heads of those involved in a secret
conspiracy. Inspector Ichabod Crane is sent to investigate, but he must
uncover the truth before the Horseman comes for him. One the best Tim
Burton/Johnny Depp collaborations, full of thrills, chills, and plenty of morbid
humor.
Starring
Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, and Christopher Walken
Tagline
Heads will roll.
29.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
In the sleepy town of Endora, nothing much happens, especially for Gilbert
Grape, who must care for his obese mother and handicapped brother after
his father's death. When he meets Becky, everything changes and he begins
to see that life can be beautiful.
Starring
Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Juliette Lewis
Tagline
Living in Endora is like dancing to no music.
30.
Top Gun
Maverick is a student at Top Gun, the best flight school in the nation. He is
determined to live down his father's reputation and make a name for himself
as the best pilot in Top Gun history. But he won't get there without a little
help from his friends.Dramatic and funny.
Starring
Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis
Tagline
I feel the need, the need for speed.
Out of these last ten, I would especially recommend Sin City or Rat Race- completely opposite films, but superbly done. Second choices would be Sleepy Hollow and The Sixth Sense. (Or 300 if you like gore.)
The Unmissables Vol II
This is Vol. II, numbers 11-20, of the 100 movies you can't miss and must see.
11.
Braveheart
The story of how a man became a legend and how the Scottish people
fought back against tyranny.
Starring
Mel Gibson
12.
Lord of the Rings, the Trilogy
Join Frodo, Aragorn, and their friends as they embark upon an epic
adventure to fight for good and destroy evil forever. Based upon the beloved
masterpiece by J.R.R. Tolkein.
Starring
Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortenson, Hugo Weaving, Liv Tyler, and Ian McKellen
13.
A Beautiful Mind
A mathematician, possibly the most brilliant in the country, finds himself at
odds with his own mind. Will he overcome, or will madness consume him?
Starring
Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly
14.
Last Samurai
When American military captain Nathan Algren is recruited to train the
Japanese army to fight against the uprising Samurai, he never could have
dreamed that it was his destiny to become one of them.
Starring
Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe
15.
Garden State
A young man returns to his hometown for his mother's funeral. He must come
to terms with his father, whom he hasn't spoken to in ten years. When he
meets a girl named Sam, he may just realized that life is worth the living.
Starring
Zach Braff and Natalie Portman
16.
Titanic
This heartwrenching tragedy is seen through the eyes of Jack and Rose, two
passengers on the great oceanliner, Titanic. They find themselves madly in
love with each other although their social status forbids such union. Will love
triumph?
Starring
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet
17.
Chocolat
When a woman and her daughter come to town to open a chocolate shop,
the townspeople find that such sinful temptation will teach them about love,
acceptance, and forgiveness.
Starring
Juliette Binoche, Alfred Molina, and Johnny Depp
18.
War of the Worlds
Aliens are attacking the earth, and it's one man's mission to keep he and his
family both alive and together.
Starring
Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, and Justin Chatwin
19.
Pay It Forward
A class assignment to better the world becomes a nation-wide movement.
One boy decided to change someone's life for the better and instead of
asking for a favor in return, he asked that the favor be passed forward.
Starring
Haley Joel Osment, Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Jim Caviezel
20.
Mission:Impossible
Ethan Hunt, a top spy for his agency, finds himself under suspicion of being a
mole. Hunt must discover the true mole before it's too late- without his
agency's help.
Starring
Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, and Jon Voight
Recommendations: Titanic, Braveheart, and A Beautiful Mind
11.
Braveheart
The story of how a man became a legend and how the Scottish people
fought back against tyranny.
Starring
Mel Gibson
12.
Lord of the Rings, the Trilogy
Join Frodo, Aragorn, and their friends as they embark upon an epic
adventure to fight for good and destroy evil forever. Based upon the beloved
masterpiece by J.R.R. Tolkein.
Starring
Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortenson, Hugo Weaving, Liv Tyler, and Ian McKellen
13.
A Beautiful Mind
A mathematician, possibly the most brilliant in the country, finds himself at
odds with his own mind. Will he overcome, or will madness consume him?
Starring
Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly
14.
Last Samurai
When American military captain Nathan Algren is recruited to train the
Japanese army to fight against the uprising Samurai, he never could have
dreamed that it was his destiny to become one of them.
Starring
Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe
15.
Garden State
A young man returns to his hometown for his mother's funeral. He must come
to terms with his father, whom he hasn't spoken to in ten years. When he
meets a girl named Sam, he may just realized that life is worth the living.
Starring
Zach Braff and Natalie Portman
16.
Titanic
This heartwrenching tragedy is seen through the eyes of Jack and Rose, two
passengers on the great oceanliner, Titanic. They find themselves madly in
love with each other although their social status forbids such union. Will love
triumph?
Starring
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet
17.
Chocolat
When a woman and her daughter come to town to open a chocolate shop,
the townspeople find that such sinful temptation will teach them about love,
acceptance, and forgiveness.
Starring
Juliette Binoche, Alfred Molina, and Johnny Depp
18.
War of the Worlds
Aliens are attacking the earth, and it's one man's mission to keep he and his
family both alive and together.
Starring
Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, and Justin Chatwin
19.
Pay It Forward
A class assignment to better the world becomes a nation-wide movement.
One boy decided to change someone's life for the better and instead of
asking for a favor in return, he asked that the favor be passed forward.
Starring
Haley Joel Osment, Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Jim Caviezel
20.
Mission:Impossible
Ethan Hunt, a top spy for his agency, finds himself under suspicion of being a
mole. Hunt must discover the true mole before it's too late- without his
agency's help.
Starring
Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, and Jon Voight
Recommendations: Titanic, Braveheart, and A Beautiful Mind
The Unmissables (Vol. I)
The 1-10 of the 100 movies you MUST see in your lifetime. According to me.
1.
Boondock Saints
Two brothers are determined to rid Boston of its worst criminals, but they
must avoid the FBI agent hot on their trail.
Starring
Sean Patrick Flannery, Norman Reedus, and Willem DaFoe.
2.
V for Vendetta
The hero is a terrorist who fights for freedom. The heroine is a girl uncertain
of where she stands in the fight.
Starring
Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, and Stephen Rea
3.
Forrest Gump
Forrest tells the story of America through his eyes; from JFK to Elvis to
Vietnam. All the while he is searching for his one true love, Jenny.
Starring
Tom Hanks, Robin Wright Penn, and Gary Sinise
4.
The Notebook
The story of two young lovers, separated by time. The story is read to an old
woman by an old man in a nursing home. Dramatic and romantic.
Starring
Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, and James Garner
5.
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
El Mariachi, his two partners, a corrupt government, an errant CIA agent,
and one too many lovers. Not to mention blackmail and betrayal. Love
hurts. But revenge is sweet.
Starring
Johnny Depp, Antonia Banderas, and Salma Hayek
6.
Gladiator
A Roman general is betrayed by a emperor, his family brutally murdered. He
He returns as a gladiator to seek revenge, defying emperor and empire.
Starring
Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielson
7.
Snatch
Everyone, including ruthless hitmen, bumbling burglers, bare-knuckle boxers,
crooked collectors, and clever gypsies, are racing to possess a diamond
worth millions. The confusion makes for one of the most hilarious movies.
Starring
Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, and Stephen Graham
8.
Armageddon
Time is running out as a Texas-sized meteor heads for earth. The world
depends on a team of deep-core drillers who must nuke the meteor from the
inside.
Starring
Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thorton, Liv Tyler, and Ben Affleck
9.
Orange County
When his dreams of going to Stanford are shattered, Shaun Brumder sets out to put those dreams back together with the help of his brother and girlfriend.
Hilarity ensues.
Starring
Colin Hanks and Jack Black
10.
The Fifth Element
Far into the future, a corrupt bussinessman, Mr. Zorg, wants to destroy
Earth. It's up to a former military man, a clueless priest, a warrior princess,
and a clueless talk show host to save the day in the funniest action movie
you'll ever see.
Starring
Bruce Willis, Mila Jovovich, Chris Tucker, and Gary Oldman
The movies above all deserve at least four out of five stars. Superb acting, real plots, excellent storylines, comedy, drama, romance, and action. Stay tuned for the next ten!
Special Recommendations: Boondock Saints, Snatch, and Forrest Gump (And the Notebook.)
1.
Boondock Saints
Two brothers are determined to rid Boston of its worst criminals, but they
must avoid the FBI agent hot on their trail.
Starring
Sean Patrick Flannery, Norman Reedus, and Willem DaFoe.
2.
V for Vendetta
The hero is a terrorist who fights for freedom. The heroine is a girl uncertain
of where she stands in the fight.
Starring
Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, and Stephen Rea
3.
Forrest Gump
Forrest tells the story of America through his eyes; from JFK to Elvis to
Vietnam. All the while he is searching for his one true love, Jenny.
Starring
Tom Hanks, Robin Wright Penn, and Gary Sinise
4.
The Notebook
The story of two young lovers, separated by time. The story is read to an old
woman by an old man in a nursing home. Dramatic and romantic.
Starring
Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, and James Garner
5.
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
El Mariachi, his two partners, a corrupt government, an errant CIA agent,
and one too many lovers. Not to mention blackmail and betrayal. Love
hurts. But revenge is sweet.
Starring
Johnny Depp, Antonia Banderas, and Salma Hayek
6.
Gladiator
A Roman general is betrayed by a emperor, his family brutally murdered. He
He returns as a gladiator to seek revenge, defying emperor and empire.
Starring
Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielson
7.
Snatch
Everyone, including ruthless hitmen, bumbling burglers, bare-knuckle boxers,
crooked collectors, and clever gypsies, are racing to possess a diamond
worth millions. The confusion makes for one of the most hilarious movies.
Starring
Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, and Stephen Graham
8.
Armageddon
Time is running out as a Texas-sized meteor heads for earth. The world
depends on a team of deep-core drillers who must nuke the meteor from the
inside.
Starring
Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thorton, Liv Tyler, and Ben Affleck
9.
Orange County
When his dreams of going to Stanford are shattered, Shaun Brumder sets out to put those dreams back together with the help of his brother and girlfriend.
Hilarity ensues.
Starring
Colin Hanks and Jack Black
10.
The Fifth Element
Far into the future, a corrupt bussinessman, Mr. Zorg, wants to destroy
Earth. It's up to a former military man, a clueless priest, a warrior princess,
and a clueless talk show host to save the day in the funniest action movie
you'll ever see.
Starring
Bruce Willis, Mila Jovovich, Chris Tucker, and Gary Oldman
The movies above all deserve at least four out of five stars. Superb acting, real plots, excellent storylines, comedy, drama, romance, and action. Stay tuned for the next ten!
Special Recommendations: Boondock Saints, Snatch, and Forrest Gump (And the Notebook.)
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