I think Blockbuster films are both money making machines and legitimate entertainment that show of the full technical capabilities of movies by intertwining story and special effects into true spectacles. All movies that come out in theaters are made to make money that is the whole point of movie making, it's entertainment and people buy things for their entertainment, movies, popcorn, Edward Cullen posters, anything. Sure some movies are worse than others, for example the Transformers movies have toys, poster's etc out and everyone knows you can't go anywhere without seeing some type of Cars merchandise but also it's the story line behind these movies that will make us buy the products. I will admit I have bought some hit Blockbuster stuff and don't mind hanging the poster of Mater I have (from Cars) on my wall but a lot of it is because I love the story lines and the special effects within these movies. Cars the story of true friendship and don't judge a book by it's cover and Twilight a story of true love and overcoming obstacles may not appeal to everyone but I for one love these movies based on the story lines. Movies like Harry Potter and Twilight open up a world of possibility and wonder the story lines of these movies are amazing, and all the promoting and merchandise from movies like these only get people excited and allow us to get lost into a world of fantasy, whats wrong with that? Special effects now a days are amazing and big Blockbuster hits like Transformers and Spider-man I believe are not only for money making purposes but for showing the world what directors, actors etc are made of and how much the movie making industry has evolved.
It is hard to argue if Blockbuster hits are mainly just made to bring in money or whether they are legitimate entertainment, it all depends on the person. some may just buy stuff because they think it's cool, I am the type of person that focuses mainly on the story line and or graphics of the movie.

Teenagers In The Media. Assignment #2

I believe most media portrays today's teenagers pretty accurately, I disagree with some of the ways they do it but there is also some positive techniques on how they represent teenagers in the media. There is good and bad people in every age group, race, religion, background, everything has some good and bad, it is unfortunate that the "bad teenagers" put a damper on the way people look at all teenagers in general but certain aspects of media try to make them less.. frightening I guess you could say.

In a world where the understanding between adults and teens is lacking there are commercials that try to reach out to the older generation and explain to them how hard or frightening it is to be a teenager in 2009 rather than back in 1873.Take the commercials that show a teenager about to swing a bat into a car window but then the scene turns into him swinging in a baseball game. Teens today are faced with scary reality of gangs and are exposed to violence regularly this commercial explains that in some cases when teens are supported and exposed to something positive there is no need for acts such as breaking into a car. Another commercial that portrays teens in a good way is the one were it starts as a teen in a hoodie spray painting a wall then he heads home, walks in the door just looks at his mom, but then he goes to his sisters room opens up the drapes and reveals a inspirational message/beautiful drawing for her because she is battling cancer. This commercial shows people that some tags or "acts of vandalism" is considered a form of art for some teenagers, a way to express themselves. It is unfortunate some teens do break into cars or vandalize property but media today does a good job at trying to explain how in some teenagers there is a "bigger picture" behind their actions.

Even tho some portrayals of teenagers are negative that's OK because whether people want to admit it or not some teens are actually like that. Like I said before there are good and bad teens and programs like 16 and pregnant or like that girl dancing more slutty for the camera in Merchants of cool actually show what some are like. There are some young teenagers out there that are pregnant, some that dance slutty when they are at parties in order to impress guys, some do drugs, some fight. But then there are some teenagers that don't do drugs, are able to party without acting inappropriate, get good grades etc.
Some movies like High school musical portrays teenagers in a positive way, all tho we don't break out in random song and dance there are teenagers that have the time of their life in high school and are all about making it big in basketball or any other sport and some who are academically gifted and thrive to make honor rolls or compete in math competitions. High school musical also is realistic in showing the problems teenagers have in life, like not loosing your identity and/or friends on your way to success. Whether the media is showing teens in a negative or positive way I think they do a good job at portraying the real identity of teenagers today.

In my opinion all forms of media portray teenagers realistically, some good and some bad. It's not like they are saying every single girl out there dances slutty or every student out there is a good student, we just have to accept that some are like that. I don't believe media puts a bad reputation on teenagers, it's society that see's something then in turn chooses to believe that every teenager out there is like that.

Movies and Albums And Comics...Oh my!!!!

How media is important in my life:

I believe that media plays a very important part in my life. I use or am influenced by media in almost all aspects of my life. Anything from getting the latest fashion tips from a magazine, going to movies with my friends, or even getting in trouble from text messages received in class, has all been influenced or caused by media. Without media I would feel lost and uninformed, I wouldn't be able to stay in contact easily with my friends or see whats going on in the world with an easy change of the channel. Growing up in a society with tons of mass media is normal for me I don't know what it was like back in the "olden days." I would say media is just a normal part of my day and I never really thought about how much of an important part it plays in my life


My Top Three:

Music: The most important form of media in my life! Just about everywhere i go i am listening to some sort of music, from my i-pod to the entertainers playing in the middle of downtown there is no escaping it. Music does so much for me. There are songs that have gotten me threw so many different stages in my life, if I'm sad I will listen to a certain genre to get in a better mood or there are songs that i can listen to in order to get all pumped for something. Music also brings out so many memories of fun times spent with loved ones or experiences. Music makes life much more enjoyable and fun rather than drab and boring.

Internet: To be honest...I probably spend at least half of my time on the Internet, anything from checking statues updates on Facebook, chatting to friends and/or roaming on YouTube finding the latest comedy acts of Kat Williams, Larry The Cable Guy or some crazy Parkour (Free-running) moves. There is so much information/entertainment at your fingertips why not make the best of it. I am just so glad there is no more dial-up Internet.

Movies: Another form of media that plays an important part in my life. I have spent countless hours watching classics, or going to see the latest horror films at the theaters. Movies are just a really fun way to spend an afternoon. My favourite movies are ones with an inspiring or positive message anything from Cars witch teaches people not to judge a book by it's cover and it is better to go at things with friends then by yourself to movies like Pay It Forward.

Pop Culture to Me.....

Like most things pop culture has it's ups and Downs for me. I enjoy the entertainment from T.V. comics, Internet, movies. And I love having all that information about anything and everything at your fingertips, but I get a little fed up of having to listen/read the scandals that are happening all the time with celebrities or the fuss some female celebrities get about having a baby bump when all they did was gain 5 pounds. But all in all I love Pop Culture, over the years it has gotten so much easier to communicate with friends and family, learn, and be able to experience different things. It just makes me wonder what our future pop culture will be like.

Desert Island Choices

If I had the choice of taking one album, one T.V show, one video game, one movie and one game to a desert island I would have to choose the following:

Music: The Offspring - Ixnay On The Hombre

I have been listening to The Offspring since I was 6 or 7 years old, I know pretty much every single song word for word. Every song on this album I can relate to somehow, these songs (as well as songs on their other albums) have gotten me threw so much, they calm me, and somehow make me feel positive again. I am such a fan of the Offspring I got the logo tattooed on my wrist. My step-dad and I went and got matching ones done (long story behind the reason why we did that)






Movie: G.I. Jane (1997)
I have watched this movie over and over again to the point were I am no longer aloud to watch it if my mom or sister are home because they have gotten so sick of it. First off I love Demi Moore (I also like the movie Ghost that she played in) and Viggo Mortensen (well he is just hot!!) They are both excellent actors. The main reason I love this movie is the way they show the true strength that women have and that we can do anything if we set our minds to it. Also if I'm stuck on a desert island some army moves might do me well defending myself...HEEYA

T.V Show: Hope and Faith
This show is my absolute favourite because it reminds me so much of my sister and I. We fight, laugh and cry together and in the end we are not only sisters but best friends. Also just like Hope and Faith, my sister and I have gotten ourselves into some pretty crazy situations. You can't help laughing at these two not to mention the other cast members, all and all this program represets some families/relationships of the real world.