I am the thinking-person's critic. I coalesce the vapors of human existence into a viable and meaningful comprehension. If you are intelligent, culturally refined, or both (as I am), you will be most interested in my viewpoint.
For me, what sets a movie apart from the rest is its overall depth. Something that makes me feel for the characters and story line - especially stories that feature the triumph of human character and spirit. If the plot and character development resonate with me emotionally, I will award 8 kernels or more. I wouldn't recommend seeing any film below 5 kernels. Also, I don't see movies to try to figure out the plot before the story ends. I let the story come to me. I don't mind thinking during a movie, but if I'm forced to make sense of the plot by the way the movie was made, chances are that I'm not going to like it. My occupation requires me to think intensely all week long. I certainly don't desire to think outside of work.
My loving family raised me in White, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant (middle class) America. I went to college in a major city where the biggest culture shock that I experienced there was that most of the people that I met were either Catholic or Jewish. Most of my cultural background is English and German, but I do descend from just about every region of what is now Europe (from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean) and the Middle East. Supposedly, I descend from Irish and Scottish Royalty.
I relate to my father through sports. I am a HUGE Red Sox fan! I have also come to appreciate the overall skill that is required to play soccer.
I relate to my brother through the performing arts. My real passion in life is the performing arts (opera, ballet, symphony, musicals, plays, etc.), but I could find any artistic endeavors interesting. I am a classically trained musician and instructed music for about 10 years, but I just support the arts now.
I relate to my sister through all things intellectual (science, politics, religion, paranormal, etc.) I've always thought that science doesn't have all the answers and religion doesn't have all the answers. I don't believe that any one religion is the "right" one; I think that different religions are just cultural interpretations of basically the same thing. When the scientific community starts speaking in absolutes as well, I think they start to stray from other possibilities.
I guess my biggest influence has been my mother because her family dynamic is basically the same as mine; she relates to the family in all the ways of which I try.
If I were to pick one quality about myself that I covet most and excel is that I'm an exceptional listener. My philosophy is that every day is the best day of my life. Today is better than yesterday, but tomorrow will be better than today. I truly have a blessed life. I'll never understand why I am so fortunate compared to others. |
