Everyone’s talking about one movie right now – James Cameron’s Avatar. It’s only been in theaters for a couple of months but it’s already broken the money-making record of Titanic, another Cameron film.

Avatar is a movie like nothing before it.  It’s already won Golden Globe awards for Best Director and Best Drama/Action.  People are still lining up at theaters everywhere to get tickets.  But why does everyone want to see it so badly?

Avatar is a movie with a plot that features both action and romance.  Taking place on the far off planet of Pandora, Cameron created an entirely new line of creatures, plants, and people.  The surprising part?  It’s not actors in makeup, but all animation.  There are only a select number of scenes that are shot with actual actors.

One of the most interesting things about Avatar is that it’s available in IMAX 3D.  Honestly, seeing the movie in 3D makes a huge difference.  It makes you feel like you are actually on the planet of Pandora, too.  At one point, I reached out towards the screen to make sure it was just a movie. But the truth is, for two and a half hours, you leave earth and join a place truly out of this world.

Avatar is setting a bar for all movies to follow.  In itself, it is different from anything anyone has ever seen.  These imaginary blue people could be the future for film everywhere.  Maybe someday there’ll be another Avatar-like movie or something like it.  But for now, we have a great movie to enjoy.

Have you heard the hype?  The whispers?  It is finally here!  The long awaited sequel of Twilight is here.  New Moon is scheduled to hit theatres Friday at 12:01 AM.  But the excitement among girls is not mutual to the other gender.  To be honest, us guys could care less about the Twilight craze sweeping the nation.

The vampire/werewolf/human love story took the world by surprise when author Stephanie Meyers turned her dream into a novel adored by girls everywhere.  Now, I haven’t read any of the books or seen the movies, but what possibly could draw girls to a movie about werewolves and vampires?  Aren’t girls supposed to be afraid of those types of things?

I just don’t understand how a movie about those fictional characters can be enjoyable.  I have seen a couple previews.  All of a sudden a guy jumps in the air and turns into a werewolf to save his friend, or girlfriend, I’m not sure. What is this?

And then this is the worst part.  Now every girl is on the prowl for her Edward.  I’m sorry to disappoint you, but my name is Jimmy not Edward!  Oh, and in case you were still wondering, I’m not a vampire, nor will I ever be!

I don’t understand if girls really like the movie or if they just like it because their friends do.  I feel like this always happens.  Like the Jonas Brothers.  I saw them on Disney Channel several years ago before they were popular and no one thought anything of them.  But then it all changed after one girl fell in love with them, it started a chain reaction.  Now, they seem to be recognized more than the president!

This is what happened with Twilight.  It wasn’t talked about to the capacity it is today until a select group of girls liked it.  Now, that is all anyone talks about.  Theatres have sold out their midnight shows already and the Twilight craze is far from over.  But I can tell you, it is bypassing us guys!

We don’t care for Twilight, and to tell you the truth, we think those crazy Twilight fans are slightly wacky!  Like I said, I can’t fully judge the series because I haven’t seen or read it.  But it seems the love for the movie by so many is definitely uncalled for!

SMILE On!

ML

“The movie The Blind Side is opening up this month. It is a true story about honor and courage. What do those two words mean to you and how are they evident in your life?”

Ava age 11~
It’s important to be courageous so that you are not afraid and you’re not in that shadow, so you can break free. I’m courageous by trying new things and going with the flow and believing in myself whether it works out or not. Honor to me is about respecting those who teach you in all ways of life. I honor those people by being nice and listening to what they have to say.

Sinead age 17~
The words courage and honor are really strong words, in my opinion. I actually saw the preview for The Blind Side last night at the movie theatre, and I was personally moved from just the trailer. Sandra Bullock’s character takes a young teen living in poverty into her home, and treats him as her son, regardless of the fact that they are different races, and they come from very different backgrounds. Her actions are very courageous, and as a result, she can be seen as very honorable. Courage is the quality that makes someone willing to face a difficult situation with their heads held high, and with lots of bravery. For someone to be considered honorable, they have to be, in my opinion, held with high regard, considered highly credible, and be very respected. This is why Sandra Bullock’s character illustrates both courage and honor throughout the movie, because she, without fear, places herself in a very difficult situation, and undoubtedly ends up defeating that very controversial, challenging issue with pride. Courage and honor may be very hard to obtain for people on a daily basis, but I believe when someone does prove to be courageous or honorable, it is a very big deal. With Veteran’s Day this week, courage and honor are very important words to keep in the back of our minds, and remember the courageous men and women who fought through many wars to give the children of this generation the opportunities that we possibly have done nothing to earn. To me, that is very honorable.

Tess age 9~
I see a lot of courage at school kids standing up for one another. I think courage means being and feeling strong on the inside and helping one another and not begging someone else to do it for you. Honor means feeling good inside of you. And feeling good for something. There are kids that are honored for things but that’s the different from having honor.

McKenna age 11~
These words mean a lot to me. I dance with my competitive dance team and It’s just an honor to be able to dance there and to be able to keep on getting better it just feels so good. The word courage take me back a couple years ago when my dad was in the hospital after he got in an accident. He had to go into surgery as soon as he got there and I was so scared. I had no idea what was going on and I had to stay with my Aunt. I was so happy to see my dad, give him a hug, and figure out what happened. So I really needed some courage the time I was at my Aunts house, but now I know where to find my courage. But anyway honor means to be able to know your appreciated wherever you’ve done good. Courage means to be able to keep yourself from getting too scared and going insane.

Elita age 9~
This movie looks incredible. The words honor and courage mean to me, accomplishments, and to be brave and tells others advice.

Rachel age 11~
Courage is doing what is right, even when everyone else is doing the wrong thing. Honor is your strong character in doing what is right. If you or I were being honorable, we would be doing what is right according to our own personal moral principles. I know some very honorable and courageous people, and I one day hope to be considered one of them.

Abi age 10~
When I think of someone who lives with honor and courage I think of the Yingst family. They live in my neighborhood and are some of our best friends. Mr. Yingst is in the Army and has had to Iraq twice since I have been in Elementary school. He is giving up time with his family to serve our country. Mrs. Yingst is always happy and kind even though she is alone taking care of 2 boys. I can’t imagine living without my Dad for years. This family has the most honor and courage of anyone I know.

Jaedyn age 6~
Honor and courage. I think courage means for me to keep trying. Honor means to me that you are special.