Death of art leaves void in American culture

What is art? People tend to shrug at the question because art tends to defy definition assigned to it.  Art is a reflection of culture and even an adversary of it. Art is expression and enlightenment composed exclusively by us. Music, paintings, books, poems, movies, plays and much more are art. Art can give value to our lives and even broaden our understanding of the world around us. However, more and more I see the question cropping up both on the web and in my own mind: is art dying?

It is a legitimate question. Many of the types of art that our culture enjoyed in past generations are either losing popularity or gone. It can be argued that art forms should die if they are no longer relevant, and I would agree. Still, the painters’ and the sculptors’ creations are consistent with the modern era and its values but we pay almost no attention to them.  Not only are some art forms suffering, but talented artists in popular genres such as music and books aren’t getting much recognition.

It seems that art is being replaced by entertainment. These two words are by no means interchangeable.  Art and entertainment almost never walk in lockstep. The next time you go to a movie, ask yourself whether what you watched created an emotional response and maybe even changed your world view a little, or if it just distracted and entertained you for its duration. Watching a movie for entertainment or listening to music just because you like to dance to it is just fine. It’s just noticeable that what is being recycled through our culture is of less substance and more distraction. 

So the solution would be to recognize and view the art forms we enjoy. They may be harder to find, but they tend to be more enjoyable. Just listen to a song that triggers an emotional response, watch a movie that makes you think “wow,” or enjoy a painting or book that captures you inside its world.  If these actions don’t happen, then it is likely art would recede even farther and maybe even dry up. 

I’m concerned for the future of art. Pop culture is pushing it out of the way to make room for its own agenda instead of adopting it and realizing its importance. It is still being held together by the minority of individuals who create art and those who immerse themselves in it.

Is art dying? The answer is yes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t expect or push towards a revival of it.

Re-release of The Lion King brings back memories, teaches new lessons

Disney movies, in my childhood, gave me daydreams, taught me valuable lessons and later brought me laughter when I understood the hidden innuendos. My favorite Disney movie by far is “The Lion King.” This cinematic adventure from my childhood was re-released into theaters in advance of the release of the Blu-Ray DVD set. The success of the film, which grossed over $61 million since its release, has caused Disney to extend its time in theaters.
I am happy to say that my generation, at least in Canyon, appreciates the genius of Disney. So I felt no shame or embarrassment in going to view “The Lion King” in 3D. Adults joined with teens to fill the theatre.
A timeless movie stands the test of time by inspiring a person from childhood through adulthood. Children understand the innocence and fun of “The Lion King.” They laugh at the crazy baboon, cackle at the mentally unstable hyena, and are terrified by Scar and his villainous ways.
Watching it this time around, the first things I noticed were the witty comments and hidden meanings. Childish scenes I used to love, like watching Timon dance and sing in a hula skirt, had me laughing and Mufasa’s death never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Every time I watch this movie, I discover different elements to the movie that keep me just as entertained as when I was younger.
Aside from the laughter, deeper lessons come through when looking at the movie with matured eyes—lessons such as accepting responsibility, knowing those who are gone are still with us, the stages of grief, the true meaning of friendship, finding yourself, holding on to who you truly are and of course, the circle of life. I wish I could have a crazy and all-knowing baboon guide me toward my destiny and challenge me by saying things like “The question is not who am I; the question is, who are YOU?” in a African accent, which for some reason makes him that much wiser. I wish cloud apparitions of our loved ones appeared to remind us of who we really are and our true purpose in life. Unfortunately, life is not this way, but “The Lion King” is a great opportunity to escape into a world where these amazing things can happen.
“The Lion King” made me laugh, cry and think. It inspires, introduces unforgettable songs and features the voice of James Earl Jones.
What more could a person want from a movie?
Return to your childhood and feed your soul with this classic that I am sure will be a hit until the end of time.

Scott Pilgrim movie takes the world

“An epic of epic epicness.” This is the slogan of the movie “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” based on the popular comics by Brian Lee O’Malley, and it couldn’t fit more perfectly. From the moment the video game spin of the Universal theme started playing, I knew that the movie was going to live up to all of my expectations.

The movie follows a 23 year old Canadian named Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) who is “between jobs”. He’s part of a band, the Sex Bob-ombs, and has a high school girlfriend, Knives Chau (Ellen Wong). His life seems happy and perfect until he meets and falls for an American girl named Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). However, in order for them to be together, Scott has to defeat her seven evil exes, who include a movie star, a vegan bassist, and Japanese twins.

Filled not only with video game action and great special effects, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” also has an amazing soundtrack and truly engaging characters. With songs from Metric, Beck, The Rolling Stones, and various video games, the movie is filled with dynamic sounds and exciting music. The characters are all believable, from Scott’s gay roommate Wallace Wells (Kieran Culkin) to my favorite character, the third evil ex and vegan, Todd Ingram (Brandon Routh).

All of the actors look like the characters they play down to a minute detail, which is a great bonus for fans of the comics. The actors also sell the characters’ personalities, truly translating them from the pages of a book to the big screen. Cera is believable as a young adult who struggles with life, Winstead plays the part of Ramona with a good dash of sarcasm, and Jason Schwartzman, who plays the last evil ex Gideon Graves, successfully conveys the evil aura of Graves.

As an added bonus for fans of comic books and video games, some members of the cast are from other comic book movies. For example, Brandon Routh plays the third evil ex. You may know him as the titular character from “Superman Returns.” Chris Evans, who plays the second evil ex Lucas Lee in “Scott Pilgrim,” also played The Human Torch in “Fantastic Four” and its sequel, “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.”

Over all, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” is a funny, enjoyable movie for not only fans of the comic books, but for anyone who enjoys a bit of nerdy fun. If you want a movie with romance, action, comedy, and a video game feel, then this movie is a must see. This PG-13 movie is still showing in theatres.