We’ve been to the cinema twice in the last couple of weeks.
The first time we watched Transformers.
It’s a good film in a ‘beat ’em up’ ‘screenful of boys’ toys’ kind of way.
Even if the whole film was one long euphemism for gridiron (American football).
There was one awful cut towards the end sequence of the scene where the two lead robots (names) were one moment trading blows and then, after a brief glimpse away to some off-centre action, the good robot was down (and temporarily) out. I wonder if the missing sequence was deemed too violent for the certificate?
There were slightly less than a dozen sequences of set-piece action but, oh boy, what action!
But on the dumbing down front:
Sadly the entire synopsis of the film could have been summed up in less than 20 seconds.
And why do the Americans feel the need to detail a location (e.g. ‘Qatar, the Middle East’)?
That’s as opposed to some other well-known, desert-ridden Qatar – the location of which Americans might get confused over?
But don’t get me wrong.
It wasn’t a bad film, in fact some of the cinematography was excellent âand most of the CGI was below the intrusive level.
The second film we’ve seen recently was the third in the Bourne trilogy.
And I was, frankly, disappointed.
I know it’s not intended to be high art but I did feel that the ending was lacklustre, unimaginative and as predictable as yesterday’s cricket score.
Transformers: Not a bad film, what you see is what you get.
The Bourne Ultimatum: Lacking ambition, could have been so much better.
Well if you don’t tell Americans where on Earth Qatar is, they have no way of knowing. Actually, “Middle East” might not be of much help, but still. “Middle East” can probably be considered like “Evil Place”, right?
There was this study in 2002 according to which 11% of young Americans (18-24) can’t find the US on a map. (See http://archives.cnn.com/2002/EDUCATION/11/20/geography.quiz/).
I’m not sniggering when I say this…
Honest!
But there was a piece of Radio on ScottDottMills (a Radio 1 DJ) last week when he played a clip from the Miss Teen America Beauty Pagent.
The question put to Miss South Carolina was “A recent study found that over 20% of Americans can’t locate the US on a map, what would you do to correct the problem”.
Her long and rambling reply started out with:
“Well, I believe the reason why a large number of Americans can’t locate the US on a map is because they don’t have a map…”
🙂
Have a great day Chloé and don’t treat on too many lab colleages.
Oh, yeah, I’ve heard of that.
On the other hand, I’d probably be worse at localising countries on a map if I hadn’t had this big world map at home, where I was tracking the travels of my dad when he was on tour abroad.
But still.
Well, I’ll go to work and try to keep the colleagues inside (well, really, only one of them is asking for being thrown through a window. Or several windows.) and the fresh air outside.