Red Dawn

When Patrick Swayze died I was reminded of the film, Red Dawn. I read a few comments by pro-gun folks about how great it is. Well, I finally got around to seeing it again, and although I like movies with shooting and violence, this one was terrible. That's my considered opinion, terrible. Critics must have agreed, according to the IMDB site there was only one award nomination. And they list everything under the sun for films with merit. Wikipedia had an interesting notation, "National Review Online has named the film #15 in its list of 'The Best Conservative Movies'"

What's your opinion? Did you like the movie? What did you like about it?

While watching the film last night, I could see the appeal it might have for the libertarian-minded and the ultra-patriotic viewer. If anything it reinforced my opposing stand to the gun rights movement usually embraced by those types.

I must admit though, I love the action scenes in movies, even in this one where they weren't all that convincing. For example when the girl was mortally wounded and asked for a hand grenade to kill herself so she wouldn't be captured and interrogated. Then you realize she's going to take out one of the bad guys when he comes for her. I love that stuff. But, it's a movie.

The folks who prepare for something like this by stockpiling weapons and encourage others to do the same, in my opinion, are mistaken. I believe they're operating out of some mental disorder or other, there are probably several, but they have lost touch with reality. My term for what many of them seem to have is "grandiose victimism."

Some have responded, in proper macho fashion, that they don't plan to be victims. I guess their thing would be "grandiose vindication," that's living in the fantasy of coming out on top in the "life and death" struggle for rights and survival.

The film "Red Dawn," is the classic tale of "grandiose victimism," Patrick Swayze's and Charlie Sheen's characters heroically sacrificed their lives for the cause and all they had to show for it was an anonymous plaque in their honor.

What's your opinion? Please leave a comment.

Planet Terror

I think it's the worst movie I've ever seen. But Cherry's leg was pretty unforgettable.

Judgment Night

Earl tipped me off to this one a while back. I forget what he said, but I'll say this: this is one of the best suspenseful sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat kinda movies I've seen in a long time.

Best Gun Scenes

It occurs to me that someone who professes to be against guns shouldn't like them so much in movies. But I do. It makes me wonder what does it mean. Am I enjoying some sort of forbidden fruit without getting my hands dirty? Am I acting out some fantasy life of violence, enjoying it vicariously? Whatever it is, here are some of my favorites:

Butch is too cool.




From Reservoir Dogs, complete with the analysis of who shot whom.



"AK-47, the very best they is"




I don't think I'm the only one. Millions of us who strive to eschew violence in our personal lives love the movies of Quentin Tarantino. Why do you think that is? Do you think movies like this contribute to the crime problem? They certainly glamorize the criminal and violent lifestyle, but does that seep into the society itself? Does life imitate art in this case?