"You have to believe they were wrong! They have to be wrong!"

"The side that bullies soon forgets, but the side which is bullied will never forget."

--Sato Hideo

One of the problems with bullying is that most speak up against it, but the action to prevent it is rarely taken in the places it is most found and needs to be prevented: home and school. Home and school are where the bully learns to bully. School is where the bullied gets bullied the most and it all goes unnoticed. Most speak out against bullying, but it is still a high epidemic because nowadays it can be so anonymous. All it takes is a fake name to create a new profile on any social network so bullying can continue beyond school hours. When I was bullied, you only really experienced the bullying at school, or places where you happened to run into your bully. Today, kids are not just bullied in those places but also online and via cell phone. I was lucky not to have the internet as an added forum for the names and insults that came my way on a daily basis. However, the physical threat was there. I was a kid with big glasses and, later in junior high and high school, a less-than-masculine voice, hindered by a lisp. From the hard pushes and shoving into walls or lockers to the small pottery needle tool used for stabbing and poking me, I felt every jab, insult and joke at my expense.

In some small way, I've been bullied sporadically since 3rd grade (although it really didn't become a regular occurrence or problem until 6th grade), and I admit that because of this slight bullying, I once verbally bullied a kid in 6th grade. At my elementary school, Tayac Elementary (now Tayac Academy), the kids from "special education" -- from a special school called Tanglewood Regional -- would come from Tanglewood for half the day at our school. One day, when they came into our cafeteria to eat their lunch, I was sitting with a group of boys who began making fun of them, calling them "retards" and making sounds like "Duuuuuhhhh!" I thought if they were doing it, it was OK for me to do it too (after all, most of them were deaf, so we thought they probably wouldn't hear us). But after I did it, I could tell they noticed we were making fun of them. One of the teachers on lunch duty noticed us too and made us report to the office. I remember the principal asking all of us if we thought making fun of someone else's handicap was funny. Little solemn faces silently stared back at her as she thought of our punishment. We each got separate punishments, but we all had to do one thing. We had to report to the special education teacher and learn the sign language for "I'm sorry for making fun of you." We did and performed the language in front of the entire special needs kids we had insulted. My separate punishment was to ride the special education bus (some call it the "Short Bus") for a week. Over that time, I made a few friends in those kids, and realized -- for a kid of 10-years-old -- that, aside from the handicap, they were no different than me. I also realized that the boys I had originally sat with at lunch were not my friends nor the type of kids I wanted as friends, and I stopped sitting with them. That was the first time I ever bullied and I promised myself that I wouldn't do it ever again.

However, I did do it again.

When I was 20 going on 21, I worked at an amusement park with other young men and women, and oftentimes we would all hang out at house parties after work. There was a young woman, pretty and popular, who I didn't take seriously, and I would --what I thought of as -- playfully "give her a hard time." I didn't verbally put her down often but would laugh at her expense. I had done this before with other girls in the past (who didn't seem to mind) and I don't know exactly why I acted this way other than I would put up this wall of sarcasm to protect myself. I often did it with those who I felt would most likely reject or insult me: pretty and/or popular girls (which she was and still is; now a pretty woman and mother!). Well, at one after-work party, something happened where she did something and people laughed at her. She told people to be quiet, and when I wasn't, she asked me to be quiet or else! I said, "Ooooooooh" (as in sarcastically saying "I'm soooo scared"), and she gave me a right uppercut to my jaw. I remember it didn't physically hurt but it gave me a jolt of shock, making me realize in that very instant that even though I had probably only said three or four things to her since I first met her, I had, in a way, bullied her. I thought because she was some popular, pretty girl that she thought less of me -- even though she had given me no reason to think these things -- and so I poked fun at her. Her action gave me the mighty clarity that my little "playful" action could bring forth such strong anger in her. Most of the people around us (who had also been in the room, laughing at her) bolted up and got between us (even though I hadn't moved) to prevent any further action. She instantly started crying and asking if we could talk, and I could tell she regretted what she had just done. My first instinct was to immediately talk to her but I knew she was upset and a little drunk, so talking may not be the best option at the moment. I promised her I would talk to her another day. A couple of days later, we talked and she tearfully apologized to me and told me that even though she knew I wasn't purposely being mean to her, she still didn't like the little verbal jabs I would throw her way, and it really hurt her. I had had no clue that these very occasional taunts were hurting her or affecting her so much. I had become the thing I hated most. And I vowed to not take that action again. I apologized to her and told her that if she ever needed to talk about anything, she could come to me. She hugged me and we became better friends for it. That was the last time I ever did anything remotely close to bullying and the first time I fully realized the power of my words. I promised that I wouldn't treat others the way I did those previous two times, and never have acted that way since then.

I am lucky that I had a good home life and great parents. I never brought up any of the bullying done to me at school because I thought I could handle it and -- even though they always were willing to listen to me -- did not want to "burden" my parents with the goings-on. I moved around quite a bit from the time the bullying really picked up in 6th grade (the same grade I got my glasses) onwards and was a quiet, shy only child, so friends did not come easy nor did they line up to introduce themselves to me. From the moment I entered those school doors every day, I was alone. The big problem that I faced with bullying is still seen in today's schools. And an example was best shown in the 2011 documentary movie, Bully. Here is that clip (abridged) from the film where a kid who was bullied (Kid #1, on the left) is forced to apologize to his bully (Kid #2, on the right) by a school assistant principal. The assistant principal forces Kid #1 and Kid #2 to shake hands, thinking that will absolve the physical altercation that had just occurred; when boy #1 (who is fed up with being bullied) won't "sincerely" shake the hand of the boy (Kid #2) who was just pounding on him, the principal scolds the bullied Kid #1!

        I have been through a similar situation where, although I didn't have to shake my bully's hand, I went to tell a teacher that I was being bullied, and he told me to "Grow up and be a man." That was 8th grade. This type of situation and the one exemplified in Bully are the reason why the bullied bring guns to school as well as the reason they themselves turn to bullying. Teachers and administrators seem to think preventing bullying and enforcing the rules against it is too time-consuming for their understandably already-hectic schedule. However, as long as bullying exists, it is a part of their job to do so. Deep down, I knew high school would be a blip and that all of the assholes who ever flung an insult at my expense, called me every belittling name (including unwanted nicknames), shoved me into a locker, pushed my books out of my grasp, or stabbed me with needles and pencils would be far behind me and out of my life; the best line to think of is when Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman) in the 2000 film Almost Famous (reference #1) asks his admirer William what the kids at William's high school think about him (William), and William says the kids hate him, to which Bangs replies, "You'll meet them all again on their long journey to the middle." 

When I was a freshman, I knew the bullies who would punch and kick you rather than look at you, stole drinks and food from you, physically confronted you for no reason, and called you names were as much a threat as the bullets and knives that pervaded my high school. But home was a safe haven. I'm lucky. Some kids don't even have that. Their homes are full of aggressive parents and/or siblings who don't want to hear any truth other than your day was "OK" and you were "fine," or they are physically abused by their own relatives. I moved out of that high school to a new one in a different state, where no one knew me and seemed to not want to know me. The insults, name-calling, physical threats, and shoving persisted -- from crude nicknames to being called a fag or gay to being pushed and punched in the arm, I heard and felt it all. So much hatred grew in my heart that I wished for death to those who made my every school day a horror. I never thought to kill myself, but I did wish death upon those who bullied me. And every day I told my parents I was "fine." Years later, they admit they knew I was going through a tough time. But without my opening up to my parents, what more could they do but ask how I was doing? I guess the reason I never did open up or admit to anything was because I knew financially we weren't doing so well and I didn't want to worry them by adding another stressor to the mix. Plus, with not having to conceal black eyes or bloody noses, I figured I could handle the pressure and the emotions. To a certain extent, I was able to handle it. But, in other ways, it left me with indelible emotions and attitudes that are not very constructive nor attractive -- and still are a silent, private struggle for me to deal with today. I never cried because, by that age, the bullying didn't make me sad. It made me angry. However, I was fortunate in that by the time the middle of my junior year of high school hit, I had made a small group of close friends and, after aggressively confronting my last bully, the one with the pottery needle, the bullying stopped.

Like the quote at the beginning of this article and the words directly above, being bullied, you never forget. And, sadly, it shapes you and affects you long after it has stopped. To this day, I am affected by any type of bullying -- especially when worrying about my kids. I am sensitive to my own kids any time they bring up anything that resembles bullying; luckily, they haven't. And I continue to instill in them the knowledge that everyone is different and, like it or not yourself, that's OK because God made them that way ... and He likes variety. But I also teach them that when someone treats you badly that is NOT OK. But it is OK to tell Mommy or Daddy or a grown-up at school. I make sure to not tell my girls that when a boy hits them or shoves them (shoving having only happened once), it is because he likes them. To me, that is breeding ground for them growing up, thinking a boy/man who treats them like shit secretly likes/loves them. True or not, I don't want a boy showing his affections to either of my daughters in such a way. For a time I didn't have to worry about bullying, but now that my girls are entering school, I get easily maddened and frustrated at the thought of not being able to right the wrongs of a society that treats bullying with kid gloves. This scene below from Bully shows every parent's worst nightmare. Not just the kid getting bullied, but also the school administrator admitting there is no problem when there clearly is. In this instance, she is oblivious to thinking that even though she's rode the bus and the kids are "as good as gold," the bullies were merely behaving well at the time simply because she was on the bus! It is this type of overlooking and simple-mindedness that pushes kids (and parents) over the edge from frustration to anger. This is also why bullies suddenly behave well when in front of an authority figure. The reason a bullied child does not want to tell on a bully when given the opportunity is because he or she is afraid of the retaliation the bully will inevitably return when they see him or her in school the next day or week. The only cure for this symptom is to have parent involvement on both sides and swift, harsh punishment for the bully -- i.e., not just detention, but suspension or, if it continues, expulsion.

             Unlike when I was younger, fortunately, anti-bullying has gotten more attention and zero-tolerance rules have been put in place and upheld in states nationwide -- which is good since today, with the introduction of Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, texting and the internet, bullying is all the more easy to do. Sites such as The Bully Project, It Gets Better and What Do You Choose (just to name a few) are examples of Web sites where the bullied can find solace and help. Bullies will persist and most likely always exist, and it's up to the guidance counselors, educators, and parents to find out why bullies do what they do. If it is because of an issue at home, it is all the more important for counselors and educators to try and reach out to the bully and his/her parents. And let the country not simply say "what a shame it is" that this happens, when it happens, only to become complacent after the news shows have clung on to another story and moved on; but rather make effective laws and take actual steps towards preventing bullying TODAY before the bullied kid finds desperate ways to stop it the only way he/she can think of: violence. If bullying continues without any supervision or help, this is what happens:

2011: This is Austrailian 10th-grader Casey Heynes (r.), who after constant bullying, "just snapped" and stood up to 7th-grade bully Ritchard Gale.

2008: Northern Illinois University shooting victims (l. to r.): Gayle Dubowski, Ryanne Mace, Daniel Parmenter, Julianna Gehant, and Catalina Garcia.

1999: Columbine High School Massacre shooters Eric Harris (l.) & Dylan Klebold (r.) were bullied. The deceased victims: Cassie Bernall, Steven Curnow, Corey DePooter, Kelly Fleming, Matthew Kechter, Daniel Mauser, Dan Rohrbough, William "Dave" Sanders, Rachel Scott, Isaiah Shoels, John Tomlin, and Lauren Townsend.

"I am not insane, I am angry. I killed because people like me are mistreated every day. I did this to show society: push us and we will push back. ... All throughout my life, I was ridiculed, always beaten, always hated. Can you, society, truly blame me for what I do? Yes, you will. ... It was not a cry for attention, it was not a cry for help. It was a scream in sheer agony saying that if you can't pry your eyes open, if I can't do it through pacifism, if I can't show you through the displaying of intelligence, then I will do it with a bullet."

-- Luke Woodham, Pearl High School shooting, 1997 

I've said it before and I will say it again. I'm not sure myself what the solution to bullying is, but it definitely involves love, understanding, empathy, and taking the time to listen -- and that goes not only for family and friends, but also for educators and administration. It starts at home by raising our children to not poke fun at those who look, sound or act different. It means taking the time to watch what your children are watching and explaining to them when something is not right (yes, I shit you not, even Disney Channel has perpetuated stereotypes which can contribute to bullying!). I'm not saying to be so sensitive as to become overprotective. But inject yourself into your child's life. It doesn't matter who you vote for in an election, what political party you are a part of, or what committees in which you are a member. It doesn't matter how much money you make or provide. It doesn't even matter that violent movies and video games exist (there will always be something!). This is not a gun issue, law issue, political issue, or media issue. This is a moral issue. We can only be rid of bullying by teaching our children to respect others, constantly teaching them right from wrong, and showing empathy ... one kid at a time. It only matters if you talk to your kids and truly listen without judgement. It only matters if you show compassion and patience to them and others around you. And to those who are being bullied or have been, hang in there. As cheesy and cliché as it sounds, it does get better. Find something (legal) that, as my favorite writer Joseph Campbell would say, helps you to "follow your bliss" -- mine is writing (like rock music critic Lester Bangs was portrayed as saying in the movie Almost Famous (reference #2): "I love to write ... just to f#@*&^g write, ya know?"). Don't let your anger and hate overcome you and rule your life. Anger and hate are an easy road to take, but I promise the more difficult route of taking the high road and ignoring those daily words that sound like they're screaming in your face will pay off in the long run. Even if you do understandably have anger and hate in your heart, try to eventually let it go. I speak from experience when I say that I still have negative, angry thoughts sometimes and it is a constant struggle to contemplate over them and better myself. But if I can do it -- and it is worth doing -- you can too. Being bullied can fill you with contempt and anger, but it can also fill you with courage, understanding, patience, empathy, inner strength, and cheering for the underdog, which promotes sympathy and empathy. Take your pick which you would rather be. I remember the pain of always being picked last in gym class (except when it was time for running and track activities, at which I excelled). One summer when I worked at the previously mentioned amusement park, we had an employee softball game, and because I was a supervisor, I was the captain of one team. The other captain and I were asked to pick our teammates -- just like they do in elementary school, junior high and high school. I intentionally picked the people who were the least athletic and least likely to be picked. And I can happily say ... we lost SO bad! BUT ... I had never had so much fun playing sports and I could tell my teammates felt the same. Just remember that you don't have to forgive the bully for his or her sake, but rather for the experience itself with which you had to go through. Mahatma Gandhi has falsely been quoted as saying, "Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It's a nice saying, but I think Gandhi's actual quote is better: "If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. ... We need not wait to see what others do." I end this post by including one of the most inspiring videos on bullying I have ever seen. It is by Canadian poet Shane Koyczan who is the same age as me and was subjected to bullying himself. Here is his story (followed by the words to his powerful piece "To This Day"), with which I completely relate:

To This Day 

"I used to think that pork chops and karate chops were the same thing I thought they were both pork chops and because my grandmother thought it was cute and because they were my favorite she let me keep doing it 

Not really a big deal  

One day before I realized fat kids are not designed to climb trees I fell out of a tree and bruised the right side of my body

I didn’t want to tell my grandmother about it because I was afraid I’d get in trouble for playing somewhere that I shouldn’t have been 

A few days later the gym teacher noticed the bruise and I got sent to the principal’s office from there I was sent to another small room with a really nice lady who asked me all kinds of questions about my life at home 

I saw no reason to lie as far as I was concerned life was pretty good I told her “whenever I’m sad my grandmother gives me karate chops” 

This led to a full scale investigation and I was removed from the house for three days until they finally decided to ask how I got the bruises 

News of this silly little story quickly spread through the school and I earned my first nickname: 

"Pork Chop" 

To this day I hate pork chops 

I’m not the only kid who grew up this way surrounded by people who used to say that rhyme about sticks and stones as if broken bones hurt more than the names we got called and we got called them all 

so we grew up believing no one would ever fall in love with us that we’d be lonely forever that we’d never meet someone to make us feel like the sun was something they built for us in their tool shed so broken heart strings bled the blues as we tried to empty ourselves 

so we would feel nothing don’t tell me that hurts less than a broken bone that an ingrown life is something surgeons can cut away that there’s no way for it to metastasize 

It does  

She was eight years old our first day of grade three when she got called ugly we both got moved to the back of the class so we would stop get bombarded by spit balls but the school halls were a battleground where we found ourselves outnumbered day after wretched day 

we used to stay inside for recess because outside was worse outside we’d have to rehearse running away or learn to stay still like statues giving no clues that we were there in grade five they taped a sign to the front of her desk that read "beware of dog" 

To this day despite a loving husband she doesn’t think she’s beautiful because of a birthmark that takes up a little less than half of her face kids used to say she looks like a wrong answer that someone tried to erase but couldn’t quite get the job done and they’ll never understand that she’s raising two kids whose definition of beauty begins with the word "mom" 

because they see her heart before they see her skin that she’s only ever always been amazing 

He was a broken branch grafted onto a different family tree adopted but not because his parents opted for a different destiny he was three when he became a mixed drink of one part left alone and two parts tragedy 

started therapy in 8th grade had a personality made up of tests and pills lived like the uphills were mountains and the downhills were cliffs four fifths suicidal a tidal wave of anti depressants and an adolescence of being called popper one part because of the pills and ninety nine parts because of the cruelty he tried to kill himself in grade ten when a kid who still had his mom and dad had the audacity to tell him “get over it” as if depression is something that can be remedied by any of the contents found in a first aid kit 

To this day he is a stick of TNT lit from both ends could describe to you in detail the way the sky bends in the moments before it’s about to fall and despite an army of friends who all call him an inspiration he remains a conversation piece between people who can’t understand sometimes becoming drug free has less to do with addiction and more to do with sanity 

We weren’t the only kids who grew up this way to this day kids are still being called names the classics were "hey stupid" 

 "hey spaz" 

seems like each school has an arsenal of names getting updated every year and if a kid breaks in a school and no one around chooses to hear do they make a sound? 

are they just the background noise of a soundtrack stuck on repeat when people say things like "kids can be cruel"? 

every school was a big top circus tent and the pecking order went from acrobats to lion tamers from clowns to carnies all of these were miles ahead of who we were we were freaks 

lobster claw boys and bearded ladies oddities juggling depression and loneliness playing solitaire, spin the bottle trying to kiss the wounded parts of ourselves and heal but at night while the others slept we kept walking the tightrope it was practice and yeah some of us fell 

But I want to tell them that all of this is just debris leftover when we finally decide to smash all the things we thought we used to be and if you can’t see anything beautiful about yourself get a better mirror look a little closer stare a little longer 

because there’s something inside you that made you keep trying despite everyone who told you to quit you built a cast around your broken heart and signed it yourself you signed it “they were wrong” because maybe you didn’t belong to a group or a clique maybe they decided to pick you last for basketball or everything maybe you used to bring bruises and broken teeth to show and tell but never told because how can you hold your ground if everyone around you wants to bury you beneath it  

you have to believe that they were wrong! They have to be wrong  

Why else would we still be here?  

we grew up learning to cheer on the underdog because we see ourselves in them 

we stem from a root planted in the belief that we are not what we were called; we are not abandoned cars stalled out and sitting empty on a highway and if in some way we are don’t worry we only got out to walk and get gas  

we are graduating members from the class of "We Made It" 

not the faded echoes of voices crying out "names will never hurt me" 

Of course they did 

But our lives will only ever always continue to be a balancing act that has less to do with pain and more to do with beauty." 

-- Shane Koyczan 

Post Script: I never watch any of the reality competition shows, but this clip of Jillian Jensen is just too great and emotional for words!

  "Who You Are" (originally sung by Jessie J) 

"I stare at my reflection in the mirror:

'Why am I doing this to myself?' 

Losing my mind on a tiny error, 

I nearly left the real me on the shelf. 

No, no, no, no, no... 

Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars! 

Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing, It's okay not to be okay. 

Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart. 

Tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising, 

Just be true to who you are! 

Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars! 

Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing, 

It's okay not to be okay... 

Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart. 

Tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising, 

Just be true to who you are!" 

Suggested Viewing/Reading

• Single Dad Laughing Blog: Memoirs of a Bullied Kid
• Shane Koyczan's Web page
• The Bully Project (based on the documentary) Web page (book)
• It Gets Better Web page (for gay youth support) (book)
• What Do You Choose Web page
• ParaNorman
• Bully
• The Breakfast Club
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (book)
• April Showers
• Mean Creek
• Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories
• Letters to a Bullied Girl: Messages of Healing and Hope
• Confessions of a Former Bully
• Vicious: True Stories by Teens About Bullying
• Thirteen Reasons Why
• Katie Hurley article on bullying & making a better future

Perceval at Bat: Camelot’s Legends in Bernard Malamud’s "The Natural"

NOTE: This essay contains spoilers of the book and film The Natural.

Sir Perceval (left) and Sir Lancelot (far right, w/Queen Guinevere) are two of the main inspirations for Malamud's Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford, center).

          The legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table in Camelot has been one of Britain’s most famous legends for centuries. The most famous author to have brought popularity to Arthur and his world of knights, romance, magic, and chivalry would be Sir Thomas Malory and his collections of stories, compiled to create Le Morte d’Arthur (The Death of Arthur), written in the fifteenth century. Malory’s tale “has served as the direct or indirect basis for almost every Arthurian work in any medium: poems, novels, children’s books, science fiction, films, advertisements, cartoons, modern heritage paraphernalia – everything from epics to T-shirts” (Cooper ix). Some of these adaptations and translations may sound familiar to you. Films such as Lancelot and Guinevere (1963), Disney’s animated feature The Sword in the Stone (1963), the musical Camelot (1967), Excalibur (1981), First Knight (1995), and King Arthur (2004), as well as novels such as Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1889), T.H. White’s The Once and Future King (1938-1958), Roger Lancelyn Green’s King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table (1953), John Steinbeck's The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights (1976), Marion Zimmer Bradley’s The Mists of Avalon (1983), and Meg Cabot’s Avalon High (2005) all are based on the King Arthur legend. While these examples are direct adaptations (sometimes with creative license) of the King Arthur legend, there are some works in novel and film which are a loosely-based correlation. One such work is Bernard Malamud’s 1952 baseball novel The Natural, and its 1984 cinematic adaptation by director Barry Levinson. Some might not think a book and film about baseball could relate to a legend about kings, queens, swords, magicians, and knights. However, there are similar stories and characters from King Arthur’s world which relate to Malamud’s tale of baseball, money, championships, and love.

        For those who do not know, the legend of King Arthur is the story of a heroic, brave, honest king who, through magic and honor, ruled Britain between the late Fifth to early Sixth Century. Since the Ninth Century there have been stories of Arthur’s exploits (Higham 38). It was not until Malory’s Romantic-era compilation that Arthur became a famous legend. After reading the tales of Arthur, his wife Queen Quinevere, his father King Uther Pendragon, the sorcerer Merlin, and knights Lancelot, Perceval, Gareth, Gawain, and Tristan, there are no doubt themes of love (Arthur and Guinevere, Lancelot and Guinevere, Tristan and Isolde), honor/betrayal (all of the knights), and loyalty. King Arthur’s story is most notably recognized, in T.H. White’s The Once and Future King, as the tale of a humble boy who has a humble upbringing and is considered meek and clumsy. One day, the boy – known as Wart – is tasked with finding his older brother, Kay, a sword for a tournament. Upon entering the city, Wart finds a small churchyard with “a heavy stone with an anvil on it, and a fine new sword was stuck through the anvil” (White 203) with words on the sword which read: “Whoso Pulleth Out This Sword of This Stone and Anvil, is Rightwise King Born of All England” (White 197). Without having read the inscription, Wart pulls the sword out of the stone, thus making him the King. This correlates with Malory’s version of events as King Uther Pendragon sires Arthur with a rival Duke’s wife, Igraine, and the boy is raised by Sir Ector before becoming King.

       With The Natural, author Bernard Malamud stated, “[b]aseball players were the ‘heroes’ of my American childhood. I wrote The Natural as a tale of a mythological hero because, between childhood and the beginning of a writing career, I’d been to college. I became interested in myth and tried to use it, among other things, to symbolize and explicate an ethical dilemma of American life” (Lasher 36-37). Malamud’s protagonist in the book and film is Roy Hobbs, an honorable, talented pitcher and hitter who begins with a promising start of a baseball career. However, after being shot by the sultry, murderous Harriet Bird, leaving him with a permanent limp, Hobbs’ baseball career is limited to the semipro leagues until he is hired to play for a losing National League baseball team, the fictional New York Knights. Hobbs is warily welcomed by the team and its coach, Pop Fisher. Throughout the novel, Hobbs falls in love with Fisher’s niece, the manipulative Memo Paris, followed by the virtuous Iris Lemon.

        Malamud’s Hobbs can be compared to Malory’s versions of knights Sir Lancelot and Sir Tristan, two knights who have similar stories. Both knights are members of King Arthur’s Round Table and both have a story in Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, but Lancelot’s actions and its consequences will eventually become Arthur’s downfall. Lancelot is described of being the best knight of the Round Table, for “in all tournaments, jousts, and deeds of arms, both for life and death, he passed all other knights” (Malory 95), although, Lancelot’s loyalty is put into question when he falls in love with Arthur’s wife, Queen Guinevere. In Malory’s text, Guinevere and Lancelot have a true love for one another, although Lancelot claims to love her simply so he can shield himself from serious, committed relationships with other women. Lancelot believes loving a woman drains a knight of his strength and distracts him from his duties, therefore, his love for a woman who is unattainable is his ruse to avoid relationships with other women. Throughout Lancelot’s journey, his love for Guinevere most often gets him into trouble or misfortune. When Lancelot is deceived by Elaine of Corbenic, daughter of the Fisher King, into sleeping with her – thus conceiving Galahad – he is driven a bit mad and banished by Guinevere from Camelot. When he returns to Camelot, he joins King Arthur in his quest for the Holy Grail (Jesus Christ’s cup used at the Last Supper). Ultimately when Lancelot and Guinevere’s love affair was discovered by Arthur, he sentenced them to death – Lancelot by hanging and Guinevere by being burned at the stake. Lancelot rescued Guinevere and Arthur sent Sir Gawain and his brothers, Gaheris and Gareth, to capture and kill Lancelot. However, the knights were defeated with Lancelot killing Gaheris and Gareth. Out of a blinding rage, King Arthur decided to pursue Lancelot in France himself. While Arthur was gone, Mordred – the King’s illegitimate son – took over the throne. When Arthur hears of this, he returns to Camelot and kills Mordred at the Battle of Camlann, where he receives mortal wounds. Soon after Arthur’s death, Lancelot and Guinevere meet one last time, but the two former lovers do not rekindle their romance, for they are separated by the grief and death brought forward from their betrayal – Guinevere joined a convent in hopes of penitence, and Lancelot lives life as a hermit, doing good deeds as his penitence.

          Another character from Malory’s book that resembles Roy Hobbs is the knight Sir Perceval. Perceval’s story begins when he is a teenager, raised by his mother, who meets a knight and hears of his adventures and equipment, and sets out to become a knight in King Arthur’s Round Table. Perceval is educated by his mother and trained in knighthood and chivalry by Gornemant de Goort (de Troyes 50), then soon succeeding in obtaining his knighthood and marrying de Goort’s niece, Blanchefleur. While traveling to visit his mother, Perceval comes into a wasteland where he discovers a king – the Fisher King – who is severely ill. The Fisher King invites Perceval to stay the night at his castle and have dinner with him. Perceval accepts the invitation and is given a sword as a gift. After dinner, Perceval witnesses a procession in which “[a] youth enters the hall, carrying a white lance that holds a single drop of blood on its tip. Next, two more youth enter bearing golden candelabra. Finally, a beautiful maiden enters bearing a dazzling golden cup. Perceval wants to ask about these items, but he holds his tongue for fear of offending the old man [Fisher King]” (sparknotes). The next morning, Perceval awakens to find the castle empty so he leaves. As he leaves, the castle vanishes and when he visits his mother, he finds her dead. Perceval then comes across a loathly lady and tells her about the recent events. The lady informs him “the lance was the one that pierced Jesus' side, and that the cup was no less than the Holy Grail itself” (sparknotes). Perceval is chastised by the lady, who says that had he simply asked the Fisher King what the cup was, Perceval could have healed the Fisher King and brought life and prosperity back to the desolate kingdom.

         In Malamud’s novel The Natural, the protagonist Roy Hobbs mostly mirrors Perceval in that he too is raised by his mother and is good and wholesome. Roy has a natural talent for baseball in the same way Perceval does for knighthood, however, both characters are innocent and naïve. When Roy is hired by the New York Knights – the mascot being a representative of King Arthur’s Round Table – he is introduced to the manager, Pop Fisher – a reference to the Fisher King – who has athlete’s foot on his hands and is ill with every loss the team accumulates. The baseball field with which the Knights play on is dry and barren, just like the wasteland of the Fisher King’s kingdom.

The mysticism of King Arthur's mighty sword, Excalibur, is represented in Roy Hobbs' bat Wonderboy, which he made from an oak tree which lightning struck. This bat leads Roy to his victory just in the same way Excalibur helped King Arthur.

         The source of Roy’s natural power or talent appears to stem from the baseball bat he made, called “Wonderboy.” According to Roy, his explanation of making the bat over buying one was: “…this tree near the river where I lived was split by lightning. I liked the wood inside of it so I cut me out a bat” (Malamud 69-70). Like King Arthur’s Excalibur, Wonderboy is an extension of Roy’s talent, leading him to winning games. The first time Roy goes to bat with Wonderboy, he is able to achieve exactly what Pop Fisher cheers him to do, which is to “knock the cover [of the baseball] off of it” (Malamud 79). And when Hobbs' winning streak turns towards a losing streak, Wonderboy appears as almost flaccid, giving credence to the phallic metaphor the bat represents.

The women of the book & film The Natural fulfill three archetypes of Malamud's women in his stories: Iris Lemon (Glenn Close) (left) -- the good -- is the caring, selfless, humble "vegetative goddess and a fruitful, energy-giving force,” who appears as almost an angelic presence with the sun hitting her hat, appearing like a halo, when Roy first sees her in the stands; Memo Paris (Kim Basinger) (center) -- the mix of good and bad (resulting in complicated & damaged) -- a self-proclaimed "dead man's girl" who, even though she has some care and slight love for Roy, uses Roy as a means to an end, and is, according to her own uncle, "always dissatisfied and will snarl you up in her trouble"; and Harriet Bird (Barbara Hershey) (right) -- the bad -- a femme fatale who uses her wiles and sexuality merely for destruction and emasculation.

       The love life of Roy Hobbs is also similar to that of Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere, as well as Perceval and Blanchefleur. First, Hobbs meets and falls in love with Pop Fisher’s niece, Memo Paris, a red-headed, sexual woman who Hobbs first sees partially naked. Like Memo to Pop Fisher, Perceval’s eventual wife Blanchefleur is his mentor Gornemant de Goort’s niece; however, the similarities in character stop there. Memo is more of a resemblance of Queen Guinevere, a woman with good intentions and niceties when need be, but who is also selfish and petty.

        Although it is an adulterous relationship, Lancelot and Guinevere do have a deep love for each other (Malory 444). In Malory’s tale, Guinevere is portrayed first as rebuking Lancelot’s advances, but then giving in to him. Afterwards, she acts like a jealous and petty woman as she often shows these qualities when Lancelot does show any love toward another woman – such as Elaine, when they both make love and conceive Galahad – and calls him a “false knight,” then banishing him (Malory 285). Memo loves Roy when he is providing fame and attention for her ego, but even Pop Fisher warns Hobbs about Memo, saying “she is always dissatisfied and will snarl you up in her trouble in a way that will weaken your strength if you don’t watch out” (Malamud 126). Just as the relationship with Guinevere does drain Lancelot of his honor – deceiving and betraying King Arthur – and his knightly duties, Memo’s relationship with Roy makes his performance on the field suffer, causing the Knights to lose. Roy’s lust for Memo causes him to take a bribe from the Knights owner, the Judge, to throw the pennant playoff game.

           By contrast is Roy’s relationship with Iris Lemon, her name, made up of a flower and fruit, “evokes both her conception as a vegetative goddess and a fruitful, energy-giving force” (sparknotes) – a similarity to Perceval’s love interest Blanchefleur, a name in French meaning “white flower.” Iris is the opposite of Memo as while Memo seems to drain Roy’s strength, Iris gives him strength and self-assurance of his talent. By the end of the book, 

             

Works Cited

Malory, Sir Thomas. Le Morte Darthur: The Winchester Manuscript. Ed. Helen Cooper. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. Print.

Higham, N.J. King Arthur, Myth-Making and History. London: Routledge, 2002. Print.

White, T.H. The Once and Future King. 1939, 1940, 1958. New York: Ace Books, 1987. Print.

Lasher, Lawrence, ed. Conversations with Bernard Malamud. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 1991. Print.

de Troyes, Chrétien. Perceval: The Story of the Grail. Trans. Burton Raffel. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1999. Print.

“Mythological References in The Natural.” http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/natural/section11.rhtml. SparkNotes LLC, 2013. Web. 4 March 2013.

Malamud, Bernard. The Natural. 1952. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1989. Print.

“Analysis of Major Characters from The Natural.” http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/natural/canalysis.html. SparkNotes LLC, 2013. Web. 4 March 2013.

First Knight. Dir. Jerry Zucker. Perf. Richard Gere, Sean Connery, Julia Ormond, and Ben Cross. Sony Pictures, 1995. DVD.

Aronstein, Susan. Hollywood Knights: Arthurian Cinema and the Politics of Nostalgia. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005. Print.

The Natural. Dir. Barry Levinson. Perf. Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Barbara Hershey, Wilford Brimley, Darren McGavin, and Robert Prosky. Sony Pictures, 1984. DVD.

“King Arthur's Round Table Revealed.” http://www.history.co.uk/shows/king-arthurs-round-table-revealed/history.html. History Channel UK, n.d. Web. 4 March 2013.

My Top Films of 2012

The following films are what I consider the best released this past year. They are in alphabetical order.

Argo

Ben Affleck has just been getting better and better in his career as a director. This is probably my favorite movie of the year. Affleck has improved as an actor as well, but his directing is what really defines him! I consider this to be his "(Steven) Spielberg film" -- it's got all the feel of a film by Spielberg but with Affleck's own personal touch.  For those who don't know about the film's premise, Argo is the fictional film that the CIA used as a cover to send in CIA specialist Tony Mendez (Affleck) to rescue the six escaped U.S. embassy workers from Tehran, Iran. The look of the film sticks close to real-life images from when the story takes place in November 1979. Affleck has a good eye for detail (stick around for the credits to compare the film's scenes with actual photographs from the real incident), getting great performances from all of his actors and keeping a strong, solid pace for the story. The plot sounds ridiculous (and the screenplay is certainly not afraid to go there with the insults), but the story keeps pulling the viewer in a serious situation with ease. In the tradition of films like Munich, Argo takes good acting, writing and directing and displays them all for the audience. 

(Marvel's) The Avengers

Director Joss Whedon (TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly) can pretty much do no wrong in my eyes, so I wasn't worried about this film when I heard he was directing and helping to write the screenplay. Plus, Paramount's and Marvel Films' execution of placing Avengers references and characters/actors in most of the other Marvel Universe films (i.e., Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk) is a great feat that deserves recognition in that it's never been done on such a broad scale before. I'm still a much bigger fan of DC Comics and the Justice League of America, but I'll still admit that this is the best Marvel film out there ... hands down. For plenty of action and good acting and writing, look no further than The Avengers!

Brave

A lot of critics and audiences were not as wowed or impressed with Pixar's Brave than its predecessors -- Toy Story 3, Up, Wall-E, etc. And I have to say that I felt the same when I first viewed the movie. However, then something happened. A couple of days later, my oldest daughter wanted to learn archery. Being an archer myself, I was happy to oblige in her curiosity and interest in learning a new skill and sport. So we went out to the store and bought a little $5 bow and arrow (with suction cups on the ends) set, and she quickly picked it up. I realized that this movie is what got her interested in the first place. And if she could pick up an interest in archery from watching Brave, what else could she have possibly picked up? Then I thought of the great messages beset within this movie -- wanting to make your own way in life, independence, bravery, trust, compassion, respect and love for your parents, humility, learning the consequences of greed, and realizing when you've made a mistake and making amends for it. Then, I watched the film again on DVD. And, compared to all of the other dumb TV show and movie plots out nowadays, this film is much better with a good, solid story and fun entertainment. Maybe Brave isn't as bad as I first thought.

Bully

As far as documentaries go, this is probably one of the most important contemporary ones out there -- especially if you're a parent or soon-to-be parent. Most would say that bullying (whether being bullied or being the bully) when you're a kid is "just a part of growing up" or that "it builds character." I find that those who say that were either never bullied growing up or they were the bully. And so does director Lee Hirsch, who was bullied as a kid. Someone once said, "The side that bullies soon forgets, but the side which is bullied will never forget." And truer words have never been spoken. Especially in a scene where boy #1 (who was just bullied by boy #2) is pulled over by an assistant principal and she forces boy #1 and boy #2 to shake hands, thinking that will absolve the physical altercation that had just occurred; when boy #1 (who is fed up) won't "sincerely" shake the hand of the boy who was just pounding on him, the principal scolds the bullied boy #1! Frustrating and angering. Fortunately, this film did accomplish what it set out to do: zero-tolerance policies toward bullying have been taken by most of America's schools and there is more understanding and empathy toward a child when he/she says they are being bullied. The segments in this film are powerful and some of the blind-eye action that is going on within school administration, stating that "everything is fine" when video proof shows otherwise, is appalling. A powerful, effective film! 

The Cabin in the Woods

Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse) is a true master of his craft. And even though I knew Drew Goddard had prior writing experience with TV greats (and some of my favorites such as Buffy, Angel, Alias, and Lost), I still was not sure what to think of him as a director and co-writer of a major film (even though he wrote the impressive Cloverfield). After viewing this masterpiece, I can say he does extremely well! This film's release had been delayed a bit (originally set for Feb. 2010, then Jan. 2011), but it was very much worth the wait! I can truly say that The Cabin in the Woods is a fresh, innovative, fun, scary take on the horror film. It was also nice -- almost comforting, like a warm blanket -- to see former Whedonverse actors like Amy Acker (Angel, Dollhouse), Fran Kranz (Dollhouse), and Tom Lenk (Buffy) in the fold. Nobody can mix action, horror, suspense, and humor like Whedon, and this film proves it. All of the actors performances are spot-on and even though their characters are all stereotypical cliches, that ultimately serves the film's plot for reasons I cannot say without spoiling anything. My favorite moment in the film is near the end -- again, I don't want to say too much -- and it is every horror movie fan's DREAM. But, more on that later. There are many aspects to Whedon and Goddard’s Cabin than most would think. The best thing about this movie is that in a genre (horror) that is second to predictability (following romantic comedies), The Cabin in the Woods delivers a fresh approach to horror; and the result is one fun, impressive movie that you want to see again and again. This is definitely the best horror film I've seen in a LONG time! The film makes fun of the horror genre while also delivering to the audience what they so love about horror films. In the school of horror/slasher/zombie/suspense/headgame/conspiracy films, and the fans/students who so adore them, The Cabin in the Woods is a mandatory course!

Cloud Atlas

Some loved this movie and some downright hated it. Personally, I thought -- in terms of story -- Cloud Atlas (based on the David Mitchell novel) was a masterpiece! A true cinematic work of art! From the brothers behind The Matrix trilogy and the director of Run Lola Run, comes this movie anthology where all of the stories -- taking place at different times (1849, 1936, 1973, 2012, 2144, and 2321) -- are interconnected somehow (hence the tagline "Everything is connected"). Each story somehow affects the next chronological story's character(s), and the order in which the stories are shown correlates with its neighboring story. Confused? Lost? Well, if you don't seriously pay attention, you will be. The overall message is that our lives somehow can affect others' lives in ways we did not think possible; this is best summed up by troubled composer Robert Frobisher (Ben Whishaw) when he narrates, "My life extends far beyond the limitations of me." Another message is that we should not be afraid to stand up for what is truly right ... even if you feel outnumbered (this especially comes to mind since for the past 13 years questioning government, politicians or big business/money has been -- to put it lightly -- frowned upon); this is best summed up when Hugo Weaving's Haskell Moore tells his son-in-law, Adam Ewing (Jim Sturgess), who has decided to take his wife to work for the abolitionist movement, "There is a natural order to this world, and those who try to upend it do not fare well. This movement will never survive. If you join them, you and your entire family will be shunned. At best, you will exist a pariah to be spat at and beaten, at worse to be lynched or crucified. And for what? For what? No matter what you do it will never amount to anything more than a single drop in a limitless ocean," to which Ewing replies, "What is an ocean but a multitude of drops?" It's all about perspective. Would you rather be someone who thinks a drop in the ocean is meaningless ... or would you rather be someone who, no matter how small, has the satisfaction of knowing you contributed? The cast all do spectacular jobs and it is a nice little kick to see them all taking on such a number of eclectic characters. The movie is a little lengthy at just under 3 hours, but the time goes by fast as the stories all pull you in to their respective worlds and keep you on the edge of your seat. I could write a lot more about this film ... but not without giving away too much plot, so I'll simply say the themes in this film are powerful and resonate long after the movie ends. 

EXTENDED TRAILER

THEATRICAL (SHORTER) TRAILER

The Dark Knight Rises

"Epic" is the word to best describe Christopher Nolan's latest -- and last -- Batman installment. Here, there are two films in one, and Nolan and his brother Jonathan (who was inspired by Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities as an underlying plot device; it is even quoted by Commissioner Gordon at the end of the film) tie together all the storylines introduced in the first film. And nearly every major character from the trilogy makes an appearance -- whether via flashback or simple photograph; all that is but Heath Ledger's Joker, who was sorely missed and would have perfectly fit into the chaotic storyline of the second half of the film. However, it is understandable; NO ONE could do what Ledger did with that role so leaving him out completely was probably the best move. I did like the little surprise of Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) and his role in the anarchy introduced to Gotham. Nonetheless, the new characters of this story make mighty impressions and do not disappoint! I admit that I did not like Anne Hathaway's casting as Catwoman/Selina Kyle when I first heard about it; I'm not a big fan of hers at all. But she did pull off the role and I especially liked her introduction in the film -- it was a true homage to the chemistry that she and Batman have in the comics. Some critics are saying that she wasn't used enough in the film but I beg to differ. Most times, when Kyle/Catwoman appears in the Batman comics, she pops up here and there. What is important is that the film perfectly captures Kyle's warring internal conflict of being good or evil; she often wants to do the right thing but her bitterness and anger keeps her in looking out for herself. I did like that the film threw fans a little Easter egg by including the character of Holly  Robinson (Juno Temple), Kyle's friend and "sidekick." 

Tom Hardy's Bane was the first iteration of a character that was merely created for physically imposing purposes -- plainly said, to "break the bat." My only criticism of the film version is that, opposed to what filmmakers say -- he was difficult to understand half the time. And when he did talk with his devil-may-care, proper British accent, I could not help but think, "They've turned him into a Bond villain!" Don't get me wrong, though, he is a formidable foe and proper villain for the likes of this film. Continuing on the theme of the Nolans throwing in little nods to the fans, it was also cool that he was in the League of Shadows, which is in the comic. Now onto Joseph Gordon-Levitt's John Blake character. I've been a big fan of Gordon-Levitt's for a long time now and he continues not to disappoint as the devoted, honest cop. I knew where the Nolans were going with his character but it -- like the perfect ending -- was a welcomed predictability. Marion Cotillard's Miranda Tate is a pivotal character to the plot, and while I was not surprised with her big reveal, it was a welcome one. Cotillard, like with all of her performances, dazzles to the point that you can't take your eyes off her; it's not just her beauty but she has a certain charisma that is subtle and unspoken and it demands your attention. Gary Oldman (as Commissioner Gordon), Gordon-Levitt, and Michael Caine (as Alfred) all gave amazing performances and helped make this movie the powerhouse that it is!

As I said, the ending was a bit predictable but in a good way. I did have one slight problem with the conclusion, but cannot mention it without writing any spoilers. There was a very short lull in the film which took place for me. Even though it was crucial to the plot, the part where Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), Bruce Wayne and Miranda Tate are talking about the clean energy project designed to harness fusion power; a bit slow, but like I said, crucial. When the action really takes off in the second half of the film (movie #2), the story slightly follows the same storyline of the Batman comics' "No Man's Land," except instead of an earthquake, it's Bane's sinister army that cripples Gotham. Batman and his stories have never necessarily been all about the wam-bam action -- for that, go see The Avengers (which I also really enjoyed but in a different way); there is not only good suspenseful action but also a good story with heavy philosophical meaning. The underlying themes here are powerful and deep stuff -- rising above physical restraints can be likened to looking beyond our earthly forms and learning not to be afraid of the unknown, of death. Also, what is the true nature of a hero? Is he or she someone who always wins, always rides off into the sunset, is always honest? What does it mean to leave a legacy to simply be a better human being? The fact that such moral questions and philosophical ideas are in a Batman story will be no surprise to the avid Batman comic reader, but to filmgoers who have had to survive Joel Schumacher's horrible two films (1995's Batman Forever and 1997's Batman & Robin), it's an amazing feat that should not go unnoticed nor unrewarded.

Django Unchained

Man! Director Quentin Tarantino just keeps getting better and better with every film he makes! With Tarantino, the viewer knows he or she is going into a movie with lots of violence, blood, cussing and excellent story, performances and music. And there's plenty in abundance here! Tarantino makes his violence almost cartoon-like, with big splatters and eruptions of blood when someone gets shot. Unlike most films, though, the violence here is completely toward bad, despicable characters. For anyone who knows about this film, the story centers on a freed slave, Django (Jamie Foxx), who is hired by bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) to hunt down three criminal brothers. Along the way, a friendship is made and Schultz promises to help Django rescue and free his wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), from a spoiled, vicious plantation owner, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Of course, this is a tale about vengeance and slavery in the Deep South two years prior to the Civil War, so there is plenty usage of the "N" word. This has troubled some critics and even comedian Katt Williams (who has a problem with Tarantino's heavy use of the N-word because he's white) -- this coming from a guy who's known as a pimp and was just arrested for "endangering his four children" -- and director Spike Lee, who never saw the film but said it was "disrespectful of my ancestors (when asked why he thought this, Lee tweeted, "American slavery was not a Sergio Leone spaghetti western. It was a holocaust. My ancestors are slaves. Stolen from Africa. I will honor them.") Of course, slavery is a major issue in this film, but it is not an issue treated in any joking matter. It treats the subject matter no different than The Boss (originally called Boss N*****, written by African-American AFL player and actor Fred Williamson with the N-word in the title!), Posse (directed by the great Mario Van Peebles -- also an African-American), or The Legend of N***** Charley. And I won't even fully delve into the urban blaxploitation films that perpetuated the stereotype of African-Americans as pimps and criminals (The Mack, Super Fly, Dolemite, etc.). At least in this film, the black protagonist, Django, is a well-rounded character who is serious about his freedom, being taken seriously and rescuing his wife. But hey, we can't all be a respectable guy like this caricature character. I think said critics are just a a little sour they didn't think up the idea and release it themselves. Whatever anyone says, I say this film is well-written and full of great energy onscreen (something that's been sorely lacking from a Spike Lee film since 2002) -- especially when Foxx, Waltz and DiCaprio first share the screen together and for the rest of the film! Tarantino's cinematography and scope of his writing has grown in more ways than I thought possible for a filmmaker. As always, he's a fan of films and his movies reflect that, borrowing from the older movies he loves, utilizing more seasoned character actors and employing techniques that his favorite filmmakers have used in so many different genres. Behind Argo, Django is one of the best of the year!

The Five-Year Engagement

The latest film from the Judd Apatow-produced camp is this romantic comedy gem starring Jason Segel (who also co-wrote the film) and Emily Blunt. Taking into account that Segel also wrote the hit Forgetting Sarah Marshall, one can say that he has a talent for writing romantic comedies for guys. Segel perfectly captures a man's perspective in a relationship nowadays, but also writes his female characters as well-rounded and honest, without any misogynistic overtones. Also, he can write very honest, and often dark aspects to a relationship while still making the story funny. An interesting factoid to this film is that the skeevy man who is a threat to Tom (Segel) and Violet's (Blunt) relationship is a British college professor and if you listen to Segel's commentary for Sarah Marshall, he says that originally Sarah's new boyfriend was not a rock star (Brand), but a British college professor. It wasn't until Russell Brand came in to audition that Segel decided to rewrite the part for Brand. In this film the professor is portrayed by the wonderful Rhys Ifans (who is Welsh in real life). All of the characters in this film are well-written, well-played -- especially by Chris Pratt (NBC's Parks and Recreation) and Alison Brie (NBC's Community & AMC's Mad Men) -- and I especially liked how the story went into a dark place, with the two characters actually separating. I think this was a very well-done comedy that both women and men would enjoy. Segel has proved once again that he has a talent not only for being funny but also for writing.

Flight

When I first saw the trailer for this film, I thought it would be about how quickly the media and public can turn on a real-life hero, as well as the fickleness of our society. However, that's not what Flight is truly about. Not to undermine its wonderful story but it is a simple one. Denzel Washington portrays airline pilot Whip Whitaker, an alcoholic and drug user, who saves many lives aboard his flight when a technical mishap occurs. He's hailed a hero, but it comes up that there was alcohol in his blood after the crash. Now, Whip is trying his best to avoid jail time when an investigation into the crash is conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Along the way, he meets various characters who are there to "wake him up" to his addiction, but it is up to him to come to the realization. Washington shines as the troubled protagonist (in fact, you might say he's a mirror image to Tom Hanks' Chuck Noland from Cast Away). As I said, the film is somewhat simplistic but the performances and direction are amazing -- particularly Washington who simply is Whip, as if he were a real-life person.

Les Miserables

A lot of diehard fans of the original Broadway musical were awfully skeptical about the actors' singing and cinematic interpretations of a musical they have loved and adored for years. And I was one of those same fans. However, let me put this to rest right now. The film version is just as good as the Broadway musical. There are pros and cons to the cinematic version. One pro is also a con in that the singers can really emote better with their voices and faces, making the film seem more real; however, their voices sometimes go a bit too soft -- although it is a very minor occurrence. Another con is Russell Crowe's singing voice as Inspector Javert. Now, I know his songs are extremely difficult to sing, and Crowe does have a singing background, but his voice just didn't "wow" me like the others did. Still, he did OK. Samantha Barks as Eponine (one of my favorite characters) was fantastic and really honed the character she'd been playing since 2010 at Westminster's Queen's Theatre. Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the villainous Thenardiers did OK, but they just couldn't hold a candle to Alun Armstrong and Jenny Galloway's performances. Hugh Jackman retains his theatrical chops as Jean Valjean and has the power to both sing and heavily emote, making you believe he is the tortured, reformed man of God; also, I loved that director Tom Hooper cast the original (to me) Valjean, Colm Wilkinson, as the Bishop. But the heavy hitter here -- the Academy Award-winning performance -- is that of Anne Hathaway. If you've ever read my blog or heard me talk of her, you know I'm not the biggest fan of hers. Then, The Dark Knight Rises came out and I had to admit she did pretty well. Now, with that plus this performance, I'm eating crow. She was spectacular. Her performance while singing "I Dreamed a Dream" was the best acting -- and, at the same time, singing -- I've seen in a very long time. There's a moment in the song where she's about to hit a high note and you see her convulsing, almost hyperventilating, and think she won't hit that note. But she does. And the fact that all of the actors sang live on set lets you know that she's got talent. If she doesn't get some kind of major award for this role, then awards will be useless. A great musical and a great movie; director Tom Hooper has a great eye for cinematography and some of the most simple shots in the film come in at the right time and are magnificant to look at. The musical is all here (in the film) in its entirety -- singing and all! (Slight note: the only lines cut in the film is at the beginning of "Beggars at the Feast"; I guess the filmmakers wanted to be more politically correct, so they cut out the verse that contains: "Here comes a prince/There goes a Jew/This one's a queer/But what can you do?") Overall, this is one of the best films of the year as well as one of the best movie musicals ever. Even better, fans, it's all in here -- all of the music and sing-talking, as well as the underlying message of how our actions can touch and affect others -- "to love another person is to see the face of God" and "even the darkest nights will end and the sun will rise." Just make sure you use the restroom before going into the movie ... since it clocks in at just a shade under three hours.

 Lincoln

The great thing about Lincoln is not so much that Steven Spielberg directed it (which he did a great job) or that Daniel Day-Lewis starred in it (he did a phenomenal job!), but that the writing (by Tony-winner Tony Kushner) is so spot on when it comes to the details. Sure, it's got all of the political mumbo-jumbo, but I loved that it also showed the very complex portrait of Lincoln, the man. From his troubled relationship to his wife Mary Todd (Sally Field) to his jokes with which nobody seemed to get because of it's dark and thinking humor. It might help the viewer to know going into this movie that the story here centers around Lincoln's struggle to get the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution passed (which would outlaw slavery), and is not a full biography picture (bio-pic). Tommy Lee Jones shines and marvels as Republican Congressional leader Thaddeus Stevens! The best thing about Spielberg's films is the humanity that shines through -- not just from the actors but also in the way he blocks and shoots scenes (i.e., there's a scene in Catch Me If You Can when Leonardo DiCaprio hugs his father, Christopher Walken, and there's a simple shot of Walken's hand on the back of DiCaprio -- it's a simple shot that conveys so much emotion about fathers and sons without any words being said). This alone is why Spielberg seems born to do what he's doing. This was not my favorite of the year, but it was definitely one of the top films!

Looper

 I've been a big fan of writer/director Rian Johnson since his 2005 debut hit Brick (do yourself a favor and rent it NOW). I even loved his underappreciated sophomore release, 2009's The Brothers Bloom. So I was more than excited when I saw he was departing from his usual con-men and brooding characters and delving into the sci-fi realm, full of hitmen, telekinesis, and time travel. Johnson did not disappoint! This ties Argo for my favorite film of the year! Every actor -- and their performance -- is top-notch, but what takes precedence here (as it always should) is the story. Johnson writes and directs a story that is not just entertaining but full of meaning and moral quandaries. This film takes the theoretical question of "If you traveled back in time to when Adolf Hitler was a little boy, and knowing what he would later do, would you kill him?" Only, in this film, there's more sci-fi and twists that make the question not so black-and-white. One of the best sci-fi films I've seen in a LONG time ... with plenty of action, cool special effects, good writing, good acting and a great message. But don't think you know how the entire movie will be just by watching the movie trailer. There's more to this film than you could think!

Man on a Ledge

A revenge pic also disguised as a heist flick? Count me in! For a movie with a ho-hum title, the story certainly delivers. There are plenty of famous actors and the plot is always one step ahead -- as most heist pics need to be. Newcomer screenwriter Pablo Fenjves (who supposedly ghostwrote O.J. Simpson's If I Did It) wows for a first-time screenwriter, and first-time director Asger Leth keeps the action and suspense tight. Looking for a nice, new original heist pic that's also a psychological thriller that's more than meets the eye? Look no further!

ParaNorman

This one definitely surprised me! In a year that was completely anti-bullying, one of the most prominent stories to feature this storyline was ParaNorman (from the makers of Coraline), which is about a little boy who can see ghosts -- ghosts that look the same way as how/when they died. He doesn't mind being different and seeing the dead who visit him, but it's the living that he has a hard time dealing with. His most commonly used phrase is: "I just want to be alone." However, when he is handed the task of preventing an infamous witch's curse on his town, he learns that having friends has its advantages. And when he confronts the witch at the climax of the film, no better dialogue has ever been written in regards to bullying and passing on hatred as your legacy. A fun film that's just as much of a life lesson for adults as it is for kids!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Adults may find this movie as some pretentious teen/kid movie. And if you think that, then I feel sorry for you; if young adult/teen movies were this great, I'd be respecting the genre a lot more.  Writer/director Stephen Chbosky's coming-of-age film (based on his young adult novel) perfectly captures the teen angst and solitude that comes with being a teenage introvert; it should be noted that while there is angst, awkwardness and solitude in this film, there is also laughs, heart and, most of all, hope. Although romantic love does have its prominent place in this film, it is a universal love that exudes from the story. And do not let that deter you from this wonderful film! I have to admit that seeing protagonist Charlie's (Logan Lerman) beginning moments of the film, I couldn't help but think, "I WAS that kid!" (thankfully, though, I did not have his issue, which is a major plot point) -- the awkwardness, the quiet, the not-fitting-in, no friends, and the importance, passion and art of making mixed tapes! Fortunately, like Charlie, I found a great group of friends in my latter years of high school (and just like Charlie & his friends, we too were big Rocky Horror Picture Show fans)! The performances are stunning by the entire talented cast; Emma Watson has especially proved her mettle here, and Ezra Miller has amazing screen presence! This was one of my absolute favorites of the year! I can't say enough about this film other than watch it!

Prometheus

For those of you wondering ... yes, this is a prequel to the 1979 sci-fi hit Alien. However, it is notsomuch the origin of the Alien (even though that is included), but it is more of the origin story of the Weyland Corporation (from the Weyland-Yutani Corporation of the original Alien movie franchise) and his true obsessive reasoning for space exploration. The overall story structure of the film follows closely to the original Alien in regard to the fact that it starts out slow and appearing as some mere space exploration film, but then all hell breaks loose! Not much happens in the exact story, but the overall legend that this story adds to the Alien universe is essential! Plus, Prometheus has a scene involving a high-tech operation table where my jaw literally dropped; I couldn't believe that writers Damon Lindelof (of TV's Lost) and Jon Spaihts went there! And just when you think, "What's gonna happen now?", the film answers your question but with one minor caveat (the ending is still somewhat open), and ultimately ends on a great note that will give film geeks that orgasmic feeling. Performances are wonderful, effects are even better and the alien design is exquisite! Kudos, Mr. Ridley Scott! Kudos.

Ruby Sparks

A really refreshing, original story from writer/co-star Zoe Kazan (who is the granddaughter of famous director Elia Kazan) and directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine) about a young one-hit-wonder novelist, Calvin (the always-great Paul Dano), who has come into a bit of writer's block. Then, upon his therapist's request, he simply starts writing about whatever he likes and soon starts writing of the woman of his literal dreams. And, one day, she's alive ... in his house ... in his life. Calvin soon discovers that his new girlfriend, Ruby (Kazan), can and will do anything he writes of her to do. What starts off as somewhat of a romantic comedy-type of film soon turns into a serious study about the horrors that can become of having control over someone you truly love ... and of how free will is a beautiful thing. Dano and Kazan have great chemistry together -- maybe that's because they are a couple in real life! And the writing is what impressed me the most! Kazan has proven that she is truly one of the greatest writing talents of today's Hollywood screenwriters; I can't wait to see her next film! For those who are fans of (500) Days of Summer and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, you'll enjoy this one!

Safety Not Guaranteed

I watched this film on the suggestion of a friend, and I'm really happy I did! I have to say that I was a bit wary of Aubrey Plaza's presence; she seems a bit too stuck up and hipster for me 'cause she plays that same character in every TV show/movie she's in. And if you feel the same, don't let that keep you from watching this great film. The story here is great but the true star who truly brings the story to life is Mark Duplass (FX's The League), who is a true great, new talent (also see Your Sister's Sister)! Another highlight is the song written for and performed in the film, entitled "Big Machine" (written by Guster lead singer Ryan Miller). This quirky film works as a metaphor for living life and taking that leap of faith into the unknown. 

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

With the Mayan prediction that the world would end on December 21, 2012, some filmmakers jumped on the bandwagon to make the "end of the world" as a plot point. Most were horrible films, but this little film really affected me. I was a little shaken by the end of the film, but the more I thought about it and realized that this film did make an impression on me, the more I realized that this is a good, solid film. Just because movies don't go in a direction you would expect or want or like, doesn't mean their bad movies. I thought this film did a wonderful job at mixing the dark comedy with the true drama of an upsetting situation; plus, the soundtrack is awesome! Steve Carell has good chemistry with Keira Knightley (an actress with whom I don't usually like) and I was surprised at all of the actors who appeared in this. A heavy film but worth the viewing!

Silver Linings Playbook

I don't usually put films on my "best of" lists because other critics would. And I felt that way about this film when I saw Jennifer Lawrence receive the nominations -- and wins -- for Golden Globe and Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Actress. However, I watched this film by hit-or-miss director David O. Russell (Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees, The Fighter) and was very impressed! The film delves heavily into bipolar disorder, having "issues," dancing contests, family, literature, running/jogging, and Philadelphia Eagles football. It's a film that both men and women will find enjoyable. And it is all masterfully tied together by screenwriter Russell (based on the novel by Matthew Quick). This is probably one of Bradley Cooper's most emotional films he's done ... ever! And Robert De Niro proves why -- despite his same method of acting -- he's considered one of the greatest actors of our time. Austrailian actress Jacki Weaver subtly shines as Cooper's mother who you fully believe is at her wits end. And Lawrence does really well ... although I don't think she should have beaten out Marion Cotillard for Rust and Bone (proof that these award academies don't always get it right). The best line of the film is when Lawrence confronts Cooper about judging her, and she yells, "At least I like everything about myself ... even the flaws! Can you say the same about yourself!?" Playbook is a wonderful film that is a perfect balance of drama, romance and comedy.

Skyfall

For those who did not know that the Daniel Craig James Bond films have been prequels to the Bond movies we all know and love, this movie will definitely prove that point! Of course, it stands that the entire trilogy (of the new installments) has been a reboot, but by the end of this film, we're placed in the spot that all of us Bond fans know of our favorite spy; although, an interesting fact is that Judi Dench first appeared as M in 1995's GoldenEye, making the story come full-circle and yet almost contradicting the fact that this new series is a prequel. I was worried about director Sam Mendes directing this film as he hasn't done any serious action-packed films. Fortunately, my fears were put to rest. This film has got all the action, a wonderful Bond song (provided by Adele), and a really good story that introduces the important Bond characters of the mythology. However, there is one small caveat here. Sometimes it is not good to be a cinephile and someone who's seen A LOT of movies. Because then, you can't help but notice storylines that get recycled. Case in point: this film. Don't get me wrong, the story is good, the dialogue great, the acting superb. BUT ... the overall plot is something we've seen before in the James Bond saga. Anyone recall that film I mentioned earlier, GoldenEye, which starred Pierce Brosnan as Bond? Remember the villain Alec Trevelyan (played by a pre-Lord of the Rings Sean Bean)? Well, Trevelyan is a fellow 00 agent who fakes his death and spends the film exacting revenge on MI6 for their involvement in his parents' death. Sounds vaguely familiar with this film's antagonist, Raoul Silva, his real name -- according to M -- is Tiago Rodriguez (Javier Bardem), who exacts revenge on MI6 for "betraying" him. I had the same slight problem with Prometheus; a great film but the story is the same overall story structure as the original Alien. Nevertheless, this is the best Bond film yet! 

Undefeated

I have to admit that I'm not a big football fan. In fact, the attraction to being a fan of professional football eludes and mystifies me. However, I love a good football film. Any Given Sunday, The Blind Side, Friday Night Lights, We Are Marshall, Remember the Titans, Brian's Song, Varsity Blues. Take your pick. I've watched and enjoyed them all. Also, as much as I'm not a big fan of pro football, I strongly believe in the importance of high school football. Again, I'm not a fan of the sport nor did I play it. However, I believe it teaches important aspects regarding character, time management, sacrifice and teamwork. And that's why I love this film. Never has there been a better real-life (non-fictional) film that showcases all of these aspects. Imagine taking The Blind Side and mixing it with the TV show Friday Night Lights (which is one of my favorite shows of ALL TIME!), then making it non-fictional, and you would have this documentary! The coach Bill Courtney says at the beginning of the film that football does not build character but reveals it. I don't know if I agreed with this statement a 100% or not. But after thinking about it, I realized that he was right. There can be a teammate who doesn't care about anyone but himself, but football itself will not make him a better person or more selfish one. Football will, however, make him reveal his true self -- a self that has already been implanted within him from early on whether he knew it or not. This is best shown in this film when teammate Chavis Daniels (who is difficult and angry through most of the season) steps up to recognize another teammate Montrail "Money" Brown (who he doesn't get along with), who is having a difficult time. It is a philosophical question to pose on whether Chavis would have had the empathy to stand up for Brown or not if he was not on the football team. However, the question is almost an answer to itself in that Chavis could have always been empathetic but it took football (and/or the coach) to bring it out of him. This is a GREAT film that I cannot recommend enough! It should be watched by anyone who loves football or even those who also don't care much about the sport. Simply a wonderful documentary!

Wreck-It Ralph

Being raised in the age of Atari, Pac-Man and (classic) Nintendo, I was even more excited than my kids to see this film. The only drawback I saw when I first viewed the trailer was that Sarah Silverman was cast at what seemed like an extremely annoying character, which did not surprise me since I am not that fond of her comedy. Nevertheless, I jumped at the chance when my kids said they wanted to see this! The first thing I marveled at was the short cartoon that preceded the film, Paperman -- a simple story about a man who struggles to find a woman with whom he met early in his work day. This short (which you can watch in its entirety here) is a wonderful testament to the yearning of breaking out of life's monotony and searching for something better. And that is a perfect warm-up for Ralph, a film itself that centers around this theme. Oh, and I WANT composer Christophe Beck's musical score for Paperman (it's one of the best I've heard in years; including in feature films!)

Ralph (John C. Reilly) is a villain who yearns to break out of his "bad guy persona" and become a hero by winning a medal. The only problem is that, in his game, the medal ALWAYS goes to its protagonist Fix-It Felix, Jr. (Jack McBrayer). So, despite great dangers of permanently erasing (dying) in another game, Ralph ventures to other game worlds so that he may win his medal. Along the way, of course, he meets various characters, including Jane Lynch's Sergeant Calhoun and Alan Tudyk's King Candy. I could tell that by watching the trailer. What I didn't know was that this film would be such an ensemble piece, there would be an evil conspiracy subplot, and that I would come to LOVE Silverman's character, Vanellope von Schweetz, a character who is a wonderful role model for my girls and other little girls in a world where racing and "boys stuff" is still considered for boys. The role that Ralph takes on during the film is surrogate father or big brother to Vanellope, and I have to admit that at the very end of the movie, Ralph makes a move in which any father can relate and tears started to well in my eyes! This film has got wonderful performances, wonderful writing and classic video game characters (Q*Bert, Root Beer Tapper, Zangief) as well as voice cameos from well-known actors (Mindy Kaling, Ed O'Neill, Dennis Haysbert, Edie McClurg, Adam Carolla, and Horatio Sanz)! This movie also has plenty of heart! It falls in with Up and Toy Story 3 as my favorite animated movies EVER!