by Weusi

I am not a movie person.

I didn’t grow up going to movies. Back in the day, my preference would be to kick a ball around or go run around in the streets. As I got older, the idea of spending an hour or two of my time to watch someone else’s dream/work/story on a big screen made no sense to me. I wanted to use that time to dream, plan, and play with my own ideas. And honestly, even then, if I had some extra change in my pocket, I would rather spend money on food and music! But, don’t get me wrong … there are some films that fueled my creativity and/or life’s passion (I will give you that list in a post later this week!).

Now, sometimes I find myself surprised that I pay more attention to what’s in theaters than I did when I was in high school. This is in part because I had a roommate that was in film school and I learned to respect the art form. Even more of an influence is that I am with a lady that enjoys movies. All that to say, the other day, because I have my own nerdy tendencies that aren’t the same as Shelli’s, I ventured out to see a film on my own. Lincoln.

As a person that digs history and socio-political stuff, the premise of the film was intriguing to me: Abraham Lincoln being president at a time in this country’s history where the world is looking at him to decide what direction the compass of humanity will point. Too bad the stories that they decided to share in this film didn’t carry the same weight. The stories behind Lincoln’s political maneuvers aren’t as engaging as the tales that powered the principles and fueled the issues of the time. This is where the film faltered. The story never took me to a place of any depth. It scratched the surface, but never took me to an engaging place that I hadn’t already read about. It hinted at some interesting themes and scenarios, but the static pictures in my head were never given life. But don’t get me wrong, the movie was good … but nothing exciting. A few chuckles, some strong acting and a WOW moment at the end that I hope is a film one day. On my scale the film is a 2.78 out of 5 stars.

{Random infomercial voice} BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE …

{Back to the regular Weusi voice}

After the movie, I grab a Panera’s Fuji Apple Chicken Salad for Shelli (gotta eat right!) and head home. When I get there, she asks me about the film. I tell her quickly that I am glad that she didn’t go see this with me, because I would have taken a negative hit on my near stellar movie picking reputation. A little more small talk about the day and then Shelli says she wants to go see Django.

Oh, so … did I say that on top of movies not being my thing, I don’t like movies with blood and gore? But … a movie where a slave gets revenge on slave owners?!?! Hmm … plus, we originally looked at it as a form of entertainment. Yet, we also know that there are issues that are deeper than the entertainment factor. And, because I am a man that thinks for myself and likes to stir things up, as much as I believe in working to make things right … and, really-really, my lady wants to see the movie … we go.

Now … I know that there have been all kinds of conversation about Django UnChained. (I say the full name so that I don’t get it confused with the original Django film.

Should people support it? Should it be taken seriously? Does this film matter? Why? Why not?

You are wise enough to read this blog, so I will respect your intellegence. I am just gonna say a few things.

NOTE: As you read this, please keep in mind that I went to see Django (the D is silent) right after I just saw Lincoln (the second L is silent).

1. This is an entry for Hairscapades … and I am somewhat embarassed to say that, from the first frames of the film, I start commenting to Shelli how nice Jamie Foxx’s hair looks. Especially since he is a slave.
2. I am an ex-DJ/music junkie (I take it one tune at a time). The music in this movie is great!
3. I am one who thinks that people should make their minds up on their own. So, instead of rating and reviewing the movie, all I am going to say is that there are reasons for you to not see the movie as well as reasons for you to go see it.
4. This is a fictional story.
5. Jamie Foxx plays a slave.
6. This a typical Tarantino film.
7. This is a story about slaves and slave masters.

You can take these and figure out where they sit with you.

For me, I still have an issue with giving my time and money to someone when I have dreams to manifest and should be investing in. But hey … movies make my lady smile. And, if I go with her, I can write a post about them, so then she doesn’t have to write a post!

{Snuggle Time!}

SHiNE

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I’d just like to add … I enjoyed Django Unchained!! It was an entertaining movie. It’s Tarantino, so you know the violence is excessive … and I had to close my eyes and cover my ears during one scene in particular. But, it also had very funny moments and a decent storyline. That being said, I still like Blazing Saddles better ;).