Written by: Cherie Black
I take these strings
and wrap them around
tall buildings so they
won't fall. Does this
make me a hero? No.
But, for what it's worth,
I can sleep at night
instead of lying
awake
wondering
if the wind
will blow everything
to the ground.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A Foreign Language
Written by: Cherie Black
I need a trainer, one who can explain
your lingo slowly. You see
I don’t know what Haven’t heard
from you in a while means
when I invited you
to see a movie two days before.
How am I supposed to construe
Something came up when you
were the one who asked me out?
What is That would be nice
when followed by quiet?
I strive genuinely to construct
understanding, but we will remain
in limbo with this confounding dialect.
I need a trainer, one who can explain
your lingo slowly. You see
I don’t know what Haven’t heard
from you in a while means
when I invited you
to see a movie two days before.
How am I supposed to construe
Something came up when you
were the one who asked me out?
What is That would be nice
when followed by quiet?
I strive genuinely to construct
understanding, but we will remain
in limbo with this confounding dialect.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Swinging it: A cut-up poem
Seventy bucks is a great price
on this mysterious island.
Behind the sequins, there's
no business like a debut
solo performed in rodeo.
Charmed and dangerous,
dance girls are practicing
(sunflowers start to grow
in this quick stint).
It's a regal competition
and I continue to do
everything to become
the local legend known as
Black Frosting.
on this mysterious island.
Behind the sequins, there's
no business like a debut
solo performed in rodeo.
Charmed and dangerous,
dance girls are practicing
(sunflowers start to grow
in this quick stint).
It's a regal competition
and I continue to do
everything to become
the local legend known as
Black Frosting.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Stop existing, begin living
A fifth old blog I saved from my MySpace account.
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Stop existing, begin living: A Critique of Knocked Up
Written by: Cherie Black
I recall reading a Babysitter's Club book in which one of the main characters (I can't remember which girl it was – Stephanie, Marcy, Katie, Sweetie, Tom Boy, one of the those stereotypical teens) said that she disliked the movie My Fair Lady because Henry Higgins had the audacity to change Eliza Doolittle. Her argument was that there was nothing wrong with how Eliza lived, and it was just plain mean for Henry to criticize her life. Now obviously judging others can be taken to extremes, and truthfully, Henry Higgins isn't the nicest character in the world. However, this rational concerning Eliza bothered me. Up until Eliza meets Henry, she is somewhat ignorant of the conditions outside her own world and the opportunities that could be available to her. Though Henry's approach is harsh and, for the most part, he is simply using her towards his own ends, Eliza benefits from the experience, enough so that even she can recognize Henry's arrogance for what it is.
These values of making something of one's life and being willing to change for the better can be found in another movie as well… one that is arguably less sophisticated than the previously mentioned, academy-award winning musical. Knocked Up – even the title of the film gives away the stupidity which will ultimately be encountered… and actually to save space, for the absurdity is pretty pervasive, I will spare you the vulgar details and move on to the most surprising accomplishments of the film. (Don't ask either – I admit, even I laughed, but I know I would have reconsidered renting it if I had inside knowledge of the jokes ahead of time.)
Anyway, let me introduce you to one not-so-interesting character: Ben. A twenty-(or-maybe-thirty?)-something year old male who is perfectly happy downing beers, smoking pot, sleeping late, and updating his raunchy website (a database of sorts that lists all of the naked scenes in any one movie). Each day is the same thing over and over and over and over again. That is until he meets Allison, an accomplished woman who is celebrating her promotion. While at the bar, they both have too much to drink, one thing leads to another, and suddenly she is pregnant… and suddenly Ben finds himself questioning his life style.
The questioning however doesn't start at the source; rather it is brought to Ben's attention by those who surround him, especially the mother of the child. Though she likes Ben and finds him cute, she is not too agreeable with the idea that her child will be fathered by a man who can't even pay basic bills. The result is that he is presented with an unstated choice: stay as he is and have no contact with his child or change and be a father.
Now I can hear those out there – like the teenybopper, babysitter girl – say, "Wait a minute! He should be able to live his life, never change, and be a father as well. What right do we have to criticize?" Even Allison and Ben discuss this, and in the beginning of their forced relationship, she thoughtlessly reassures him that she's "not trying to change him." And at first, Ben does decide to maintain his bachelor type ways… but what's most interesting about this decision is that Ben finds he is no longer satisfied with those ways. He comes to realize the monotony of his life, changes, and becomes a man worthy of respect. This can be seen in those characters who disregarded him before. Towards the end of the film, he is a character to reckon with - he stops existing and begins living. Allison's controlling sister, her sister's wimpy husband, and Allison's crazy doctor all stop ignoring and begin listening.
Who in their right mind would want to return to the old life style when so much has been gained in the new? None that I can think of… and though this movie moves through slime with its grimy, chauvinistic jokes, it, nevertheless, manages a fresh and sparkling core: seize the opportunities given to better oneself even if the challenge comes from a crotchety English professor or a small, bundle of joy.
------
Stop existing, begin living: A Critique of Knocked Up
Written by: Cherie Black
I recall reading a Babysitter's Club book in which one of the main characters (I can't remember which girl it was – Stephanie, Marcy, Katie, Sweetie, Tom Boy, one of the those stereotypical teens) said that she disliked the movie My Fair Lady because Henry Higgins had the audacity to change Eliza Doolittle. Her argument was that there was nothing wrong with how Eliza lived, and it was just plain mean for Henry to criticize her life. Now obviously judging others can be taken to extremes, and truthfully, Henry Higgins isn't the nicest character in the world. However, this rational concerning Eliza bothered me. Up until Eliza meets Henry, she is somewhat ignorant of the conditions outside her own world and the opportunities that could be available to her. Though Henry's approach is harsh and, for the most part, he is simply using her towards his own ends, Eliza benefits from the experience, enough so that even she can recognize Henry's arrogance for what it is.
These values of making something of one's life and being willing to change for the better can be found in another movie as well… one that is arguably less sophisticated than the previously mentioned, academy-award winning musical. Knocked Up – even the title of the film gives away the stupidity which will ultimately be encountered… and actually to save space, for the absurdity is pretty pervasive, I will spare you the vulgar details and move on to the most surprising accomplishments of the film. (Don't ask either – I admit, even I laughed, but I know I would have reconsidered renting it if I had inside knowledge of the jokes ahead of time.)
Anyway, let me introduce you to one not-so-interesting character: Ben. A twenty-(or-maybe-thirty?)-something year old male who is perfectly happy downing beers, smoking pot, sleeping late, and updating his raunchy website (a database of sorts that lists all of the naked scenes in any one movie). Each day is the same thing over and over and over and over again. That is until he meets Allison, an accomplished woman who is celebrating her promotion. While at the bar, they both have too much to drink, one thing leads to another, and suddenly she is pregnant… and suddenly Ben finds himself questioning his life style.
The questioning however doesn't start at the source; rather it is brought to Ben's attention by those who surround him, especially the mother of the child. Though she likes Ben and finds him cute, she is not too agreeable with the idea that her child will be fathered by a man who can't even pay basic bills. The result is that he is presented with an unstated choice: stay as he is and have no contact with his child or change and be a father.
Now I can hear those out there – like the teenybopper, babysitter girl – say, "Wait a minute! He should be able to live his life, never change, and be a father as well. What right do we have to criticize?" Even Allison and Ben discuss this, and in the beginning of their forced relationship, she thoughtlessly reassures him that she's "not trying to change him." And at first, Ben does decide to maintain his bachelor type ways… but what's most interesting about this decision is that Ben finds he is no longer satisfied with those ways. He comes to realize the monotony of his life, changes, and becomes a man worthy of respect. This can be seen in those characters who disregarded him before. Towards the end of the film, he is a character to reckon with - he stops existing and begins living. Allison's controlling sister, her sister's wimpy husband, and Allison's crazy doctor all stop ignoring and begin listening.
Who in their right mind would want to return to the old life style when so much has been gained in the new? None that I can think of… and though this movie moves through slime with its grimy, chauvinistic jokes, it, nevertheless, manages a fresh and sparkling core: seize the opportunities given to better oneself even if the challenge comes from a crotchety English professor or a small, bundle of joy.
He had to be the king's daughter's son
A fourth old blog I saved from my MySpace account.
------
OF COURSE! He had to be the king's daughter's son: A Critique of Stardust
Written by: Cherie Black
Typical predictable with a new twist is how I would describe star-studded, sci-fi/fantasy Stardust, a standard tale of good versus evil and finding the love of your life. In an attempt to woo his teenage crush Victoria, Tristan (Charlie Cox) declares that he will cross the forbidden wall to bring her a fallen star, which happens to a lovely young woman instead of a lump of rock. Naturally, there are a few bumps along the way: Tristan is captured by pirates and duels a witch. But in the end, he matures into a man, marries the star, and becomes king of the peculiar kingdom he has been traveling (go figure, he is heir to the throne ;-).
Michelle Pfeiffer stars as the witch, and the role fits her well. This is part of the problem. The character is too easy for her; it's no where near the more challenging roles she's capable of. As a result, all of her acting mishaps stand out. For example, this witch is obsessed with being beautiful, so much so that she chooses to use some of the last fallen star she captured to firm the lines of her face… each use has its consequence, and immediately after the face lift, her breasts drop. This scene is supposed to be funny; however, though it is technically well-acted, the joke falls flat.
A similar issue occurs with Claire Danes, the fallen star. She can play the supernatural semi-damsel in distress to a tee. But, somehow, her character still seems stiff… The glowing hair makes her skin look yellow and cold, and in the end, we vote for her over the fascinatingly devilish Victoria simply because she is nice to Tristan.
Considering the abilities of both stars, one immediately wonders if the issue lies not with the actors but the story itself. Enter Robert De Niro – the saving grace of this film. As Captain Shakespeare, he delights and amuses. It doesn't matter if he is barking orders to his crew or prancing around his cabin in a tutu while singing opera. De Niro succeeds as the witty transvestite who is trying to protect his reputation as a rough-and-tough pirate. Our true hero!!
All in all, Stardust is a conventionally cute flick with enough sparkle to top the box office charts and then disappear within a year.
------
OF COURSE! He had to be the king's daughter's son: A Critique of Stardust
Written by: Cherie Black
Typical predictable with a new twist is how I would describe star-studded, sci-fi/fantasy Stardust, a standard tale of good versus evil and finding the love of your life. In an attempt to woo his teenage crush Victoria, Tristan (Charlie Cox) declares that he will cross the forbidden wall to bring her a fallen star, which happens to a lovely young woman instead of a lump of rock. Naturally, there are a few bumps along the way: Tristan is captured by pirates and duels a witch. But in the end, he matures into a man, marries the star, and becomes king of the peculiar kingdom he has been traveling (go figure, he is heir to the throne ;-).
Michelle Pfeiffer stars as the witch, and the role fits her well. This is part of the problem. The character is too easy for her; it's no where near the more challenging roles she's capable of. As a result, all of her acting mishaps stand out. For example, this witch is obsessed with being beautiful, so much so that she chooses to use some of the last fallen star she captured to firm the lines of her face… each use has its consequence, and immediately after the face lift, her breasts drop. This scene is supposed to be funny; however, though it is technically well-acted, the joke falls flat.
A similar issue occurs with Claire Danes, the fallen star. She can play the supernatural semi-damsel in distress to a tee. But, somehow, her character still seems stiff… The glowing hair makes her skin look yellow and cold, and in the end, we vote for her over the fascinatingly devilish Victoria simply because she is nice to Tristan.
Considering the abilities of both stars, one immediately wonders if the issue lies not with the actors but the story itself. Enter Robert De Niro – the saving grace of this film. As Captain Shakespeare, he delights and amuses. It doesn't matter if he is barking orders to his crew or prancing around his cabin in a tutu while singing opera. De Niro succeeds as the witty transvestite who is trying to protect his reputation as a rough-and-tough pirate. Our true hero!!
All in all, Stardust is a conventionally cute flick with enough sparkle to top the box office charts and then disappear within a year.
Being good is sexy
A third old blog I saved from my MySpace account.
------
Being good is sexy: A Critique of 3:10 to Yuma
Written by: Cherie Black
3:10 to Yuma is a feminist's greatest nightmare… and its greatest ally. The former is obvious and not requiring explanation… though I am going to explain it anyway. The women in this movie (a grand total of two) are objectified. They are manipulated and made to dance by their puppeteer male counterparts. It doesn't matter whether her eyes are green, outlaw Ben Wade (played by Russell Crowe) can still use the description as an avenue for influencing any woman. Within moments, she will both enthusiastically strip her clothes and promise to meet him in some far-off city or she will respond to his masculine worth instead of her husband's and need the reminder from the latter that she shouldn't listen to the deceiving comments. Yeah… the women in this movie matter only in how they move the male characters' stories along (try saying that three times fast!).
But… however… nevertheless… this film works like a cosmetic mirror (a recognized feminine object). The flat side reflects the obvious nature of society – overbearingly and destructively patriarchal. The concave side, on the other hand, magnifies the affect it has on men, the people who supposedly perpetuate it. Enter Dan Evans (played by Christian Bale). Society with its emphasis on the fit and cunning has deemed him pitiful. He is trampled by outlaws and law keepers alike. The epitome of what a patriarchal society loathes, no one gives a rat's ass about him.
Yet, by the end of the film, it is he and he alone who conquers. How does he do it? By answering to a higher call than being the fast gun in the west – being willing to die for what is right. This, friends, is the opposite of a patriarchal society, of a culture in which men are the most powerful, are the fittest, are those who survive everyone else at any and all costs no matter the morality of it.
I am a woman, and I love this movie. I understand the reasons behind feminism, and I recognize in the Evans character the answer to the patriarchal issue – the sacrifice of one's life for what is right… kind of reminiscent of another character… one who isn't fictional... one who is timeless… Now who might that be? ;-D
------
Being good is sexy: A Critique of 3:10 to Yuma
Written by: Cherie Black
3:10 to Yuma is a feminist's greatest nightmare… and its greatest ally. The former is obvious and not requiring explanation… though I am going to explain it anyway. The women in this movie (a grand total of two) are objectified. They are manipulated and made to dance by their puppeteer male counterparts. It doesn't matter whether her eyes are green, outlaw Ben Wade (played by Russell Crowe) can still use the description as an avenue for influencing any woman. Within moments, she will both enthusiastically strip her clothes and promise to meet him in some far-off city or she will respond to his masculine worth instead of her husband's and need the reminder from the latter that she shouldn't listen to the deceiving comments. Yeah… the women in this movie matter only in how they move the male characters' stories along (try saying that three times fast!).
But… however… nevertheless… this film works like a cosmetic mirror (a recognized feminine object). The flat side reflects the obvious nature of society – overbearingly and destructively patriarchal. The concave side, on the other hand, magnifies the affect it has on men, the people who supposedly perpetuate it. Enter Dan Evans (played by Christian Bale). Society with its emphasis on the fit and cunning has deemed him pitiful. He is trampled by outlaws and law keepers alike. The epitome of what a patriarchal society loathes, no one gives a rat's ass about him.
Yet, by the end of the film, it is he and he alone who conquers. How does he do it? By answering to a higher call than being the fast gun in the west – being willing to die for what is right. This, friends, is the opposite of a patriarchal society, of a culture in which men are the most powerful, are the fittest, are those who survive everyone else at any and all costs no matter the morality of it.
I am a woman, and I love this movie. I understand the reasons behind feminism, and I recognize in the Evans character the answer to the patriarchal issue – the sacrifice of one's life for what is right… kind of reminiscent of another character… one who isn't fictional... one who is timeless… Now who might that be? ;-D
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