CIV ACTSH

A CIVIL ACTION. AN IN YOUR FACE, NAIL BITTING, EDGE OF YOUR SEAT DRAMA THAT WILL KEEP YOU GUESSING. If I was a movie critic, that’s what I would probably say. Even though I am not, I still think that A Civil Action was a movie that was extremely engaging and interesting. The film was a story about a big shot personal injury lawyer named Jan Schlichtmann (played by John Travolta). He is approached by a gang of angered parents with a problem. They feel that a local tannery is dumping chemicals into their water, which in turn made numerous children sick, and eventually killed them. He is unappeased by this case until he witnesses the dumpage first hand. After millions of dollars of spending and strenuous courtroom battles, Jan become emotional attached to the case. It was a very effective movie, and showed that people can have changes of heart and start actually caring.
I feel that the creators as a whole made terrific choices on actors. The three I will discuss are John Travolta, William H. Macy, and John Lithgow. Mr. Travolta was a SLAM DUNK in this film. He was chosen because of his wit and intelligence. His characters displayed a range of emotions from cocky, to concerned. William H. Macy’s character was the team’s manager of funds. He was at times uptight and frustrated. From other films, I know that Macy can always play such a role. Finally, John Lithgow was the case’s judge. He was large, and in charge. He is an actor who can take a scene with his superiority and personality. I believe that he was an excellent choice.
The cinematic aspects were above par in my opinion. One thing I liked was that throughout debates and arguments, there was a medium or eye level shot. This made it possible to imagine yourself right next to Jan himself. The film also contained lots of short and choppy shots. If there was a dispute, the camera would alternate from speakers. This gave me a sense that I could see the opinions of both sides. The editing was stupendous. I feel that if music was appropriate, it set a mood and added to the story. My last observation was the wardrobe and props. With things like suits, briefcases, and snazzy law offices, the movie sucked me into thinking that I was watching a documentary.
This film was similar to the play write All My Sons. Both had questions that had not been answered, and a problem that was haunting everyone around it. In both stories, a negative outcome was unsolved and grieved upon by society. In A.C.A. children were dead and all fingers were pointed towards the tannery. In A.M.S. twenty-some pilots were dead, and people were seeking the root of the problem. Both are similar that in the end, no true justice was served. The tannery was eventually shut down but the parents never really got what they wanted. Joe Keller finally confessed, but took the cowards way out instead of facing the law.
I did enjoy this film. I would probably not go out and rent it, let alone right a paper about it, but it was a great way to spend a couple class periods. The story was well constructed, and the actors gave the movie that extra boost. I would recommend this movie to fans of the courtroom scene. The people who go home and watch re-runs of Law and Order on TNT. Myself, not so much, but I did have fun watching and dissecting A Civil Action.

Week 2 Post

ironclad (133)- very rigid or exacting; inflexible

innuendo (138)- an indirect intimation about a person or thing, esp. of a disparaging or a derogatory nature

insidious (141)- intended to entrap or beguile

Figurative Language

"... I never got the opportunity to 'name names.' And I would have named enough names to fill the Moscow phone book (138)." This is a metaphor, because Stevo is saying that is he got to squeeling people names, he could've named thousands (hence the filling the notebook thing).

"Hey celebrities! Just because 20 million people went to see yout movie, doesn't mean 20 million people care about your opinions! (142)"
This is ironic, because he makes a good point. Nowwadays actors are simple there to increase our entertainment and nothing more. I've seen too many public service announcements from Seth Green. Just stop already.

":..instead of rotting my mind with the mindless violence of a video game like 'Grand Theft Auto'... (145)" Hes comparing GTA to something worse, like maybe drugs, of John Kerry. This is a simile.

Quote
"I tell this story to illistrate the issues we all face as American adults. I call them four Ss and one M of Maturity: Socioeconomics, Segregation, Science, Sombreros, and the Media (149)." This quote is signiv because it shows that Stephen can be a resonable and intelligent man, while make you want to pee your wants at the same time.
Dear Stephen,
I continue to read your book, and continue to laugh. Although recently I often get upset and depressed when I read your book........ They say that your show might be off until.... 2008! I can't live without it! I'll be forced to read this single book over and over again! You'd agree with me when I say that but I cannot stand to read. Every page I pass is one I want back. I know that somewhere... On the other side of the U.S..... that you can fix this, and you will return to your glory! Until then I'll keep reading, its really funny.
Well see ya later,
Charlie Lavin

All My Sons Ending

It’s now one year later. Joe is gone, and Chris continues to live with the guilt of his father’s death, seeing it as his fault. The scene takes place in a dark, dripping alley, inside an urban neighborhood. There are dumpsters s lining the walls, and a cardboard box with a hobo resting inside. Two shady men approach eachother. One of the figures is hooded, smoking a cigarette.

Stranger: You got the money?
Response: I don’t know… You got the goods. (A hooded face is revealed to be Chris)
Stranger: Of course I do essay, you know I’m good. (The stranger then produces a tightly rapped bag of Heroine)
Chris, menacingly looks around and produces a revolver
Stranger: Wohh man your loco! It doesn’t have to be like this! (Staring down the barrel of the gun)
(Flicking the cig into a nearby puddle) Chris: Life’s unfair… Amigo.
THE LOUD CRACK OF THE REVOLVER MAKES THE ENTIRE ALLEY RING, SENDING THE STRANGER LIMP TO THE GROUND
The hobo is awaken, and Chris heads for the street.

It’s now the next morning. Chris is inside a shabby apartment, lying on his bed. He gets up and heads for the bathroom. Sitting on the sink is a neatly organized heroine kit. He looks into the mirror, and then proceeds to inject himself into the right arm. He then stumbles around, back into the bedroom.
The phone rings
Chris: W-What!
(On the phone) Mother: Chris? Chris honey is that you!?
Chris: Who is this?
Mother: Chris… It’s your Mother. (Chris sits motionless, holding the phone)
Mother: Chris are you there?
Chris: Y-Yeah. I’m here.
Mother: I miss you so much Chris, I miss you so much…
(Strung out and confused, Chris fumbles for words over the telephone)
Chris: W-Why are you calling me.
Mother: Chris there isn’t any time, they only let me make one phone call!
Chris: Who’s they?
Mother: Oh God Chris! You have to rescue me! Help me! (Mother screams, as there is a sign of struggle on the other end of the call) Chris help!
Chris: Where are you mom! What’s going on!?
Mother: (Rustling of the phone, shouts of voices in backround) Chris, I’ve been captured by Pirates! I need you to rescue me!
Chris: Mom! MOM! (The screaming stops, and the dial tone fills Chris’ ear.)
He then drops the phone, not knowing what to think.
Chris stands and shakes his head in confusion.
Chris: Oh my God. My mom has been captured. I-I’ve got to save her. (Chris’ fists then tighten, as he turns and approaches his closet.)
As the door slowly creaks open, the walls are filled with row upon row of artillery. Machine guns, shotguns, RPG’s, Samurai swords, anything one could possibly imagine. Chris then reaches to pick up a grenade, and squeezes it tightly in his hand.
Chris: I know what I have to do (To himself) I’ve got to rescue my mom…
Curtain

Week 1 Brought to you By Colbert Nation http://www.colbertnation.com/

VOCAB
enlightenment (47)- the state of being enlightened: to live in spiritual enlightenment.
merit (79)- claim to respect and praise; excellence; worth.
succumbing (80)- To submit to an overpowering force or yield to an overwhelming desire; give up or give in
Figurative Language
"Worst of all, neutering is birth control, plain and simple. Instead of the wholesale de-****ing of these creatures, we should be promoting abstinence education for our pets." This is KIND OF a simile. He doesn't use like or as, but is comparing the neutering of our pets like birth control, a controversial subject today.
"Items you must lift to be the World's Strongest Man:
A mule
.....
A train car packed with hobos
.....
Former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert
St. Paul, Minnesota"
This is ironic, because even if Colbert knew (and I would never question his authority) Minnesota was voted one of the healiest states, while he imposes that we're all fat.
(Letters in bold, large font) "NEWS FLASH: DID YOU NOTICE HOW BIG THE WORD 'NEWS' WAS AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS PARAGRAPH? I CONSIDERED MAKING ALL THE WORDS IN THIS CHAPTER BIG. AND NOT JUST CAUSE I CAN'T THINK OF A QUICKER WAY TO FILL 240 PAGES. THAT WAS A JOKE, but point is, I'm writing about seniors here, and old folks can't read anything that's not printed in a 30-point font or above...
This is a metaphor, saying that the elderly have trouble reading small print. This statement is sad, yetr humerously true at the same time.
Quote
"News Flash: Athletes perform for our enjoyment. So 'performance-enhancing drugs' are reall 'enjoyment-enhancing drugs' (73)."
This quote is significant because this accurately describes Colbert's book in one sentence. He isn't affraid of brutal and in your face honesty on many sensative subjects. I love this book.
POST B
Dear Stephen,
I have been reading your book, and I must say that it is among the ranks of the best book ever written (behing the bible of coure ;). When I read from this glorious book its almost as so I can hear your voice reading to me. This book is filled with honesty, truthiness, and humor. My personal favorite subject you've touched apon is the "G" word. I would love to continue and discuss but really, I'd probably get suspended. My final thought of the week is to keep up the magnificent work, and let you know that I am a proud member of the Colbert Nation. http://youtube.com/watch?v=DJvY_RftA4I

Major Threats to the Environment

I just finished reading Jimmy Carter's chapter on the threats to our environment. First off, that was really long and I think I fell asleep 12 times. But anyways, I am defanetly agreeing with his side of the story. In one instance, President Carter mention the Alaskan National Forests and the protection they have been recieving for multiple years. In 2000 when G-Dubs was running for President, he said that one of his main focuses was going to be adding and contributing to the number of nationally protected forests. He did follow through with his job, but then apparently forgot about what that job was. Soon after he became large and in charge, he ordered drilling for oil to commence on a protected piece of Alaskan beauty. This in particular made Carter pissed. There would now be loud, animal killing, oil sucking machines in an area where he and his wife shared a strangely romantic moment, when a group of "musk oxen circled around their young to protect them."