The Super Hero Genre

Everything's Better When  it Starts With a Theme Song

Just a Little Tutorial

Lots More Information

Everyone has their favourites. Superman, Spiderman, the Hulk, Captain America or maybe even Flash from The Incredibles. We all have our ideal or preferred superhero. Even though if it’s not Spiderman, I will have to call you wrong. 

The films that portray these individuals can be described as films that are focused on the actions of one or more beings with supernatural powers that have committed their lives to protecting society.

This Superhero genre had its debut when these little Saturday cartoons were created sometime before the 1970s. What had been happening in the society that caused this genre to emerge is the popularity of comic books. The writers noticed this and immediately set out to form the shows that they know would be a success. The events that brought the genre into the film world was the Adventures of Spiderman and the Batman movies which were big screen extensions of the television series. In 1978 to the 1990s there was an extreme amount of success of Star Wars. Shortly followed by Superman which was the first big budget superhero film. In the 2000s there became a renewed popularity for the genre. Starting with Marvel’s X-Men film series which started in 2000. Then the Spiderman movie released in 2002 due to its perfect storyline and casting by Sam Raimi. Raimi also made the second film even more appealing in 2004 when he included Spiderman’s arch nemesis Doctor Octopus. Other films released in the next 10 years consisted of Hulk, Batman Begins, `, Fantastic Four, Ghost Rider, Ironman and the Incredible Hulk. These are said to have a popular up rise due to the social and political atmosphere in Western society. Some people may say it was the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that caused the wanting to watch the films while others may say it was just the fact that there was a large expansion in special effects technology.

This type of film is focused on the actions of one or more superheroes. These superheroes have supernatural abilities and are committed to protecting society. The movies usually focus on the origin of the heroes powers. At least in the first movie, if there are more to be made. There is often the hero and the villain. The villain being the enemy with often a plan to take over the world. The climax in the movie is usually when these two characters have a big battle and there’s flashes and sparks and booms and pows and the good guy comes out victorious.   The hero usually has a respectable, humble and smart personality. They also will have a strong will to fight. AKA they have to be like Spiderman.

There are many other genres found within this genre, it possesses a lot of attributes from action, fantasy and science fiction, there may sometimes even be a Romance thrown in there, like Spiderman and Mary Jane.

Since almost all the cartoons and movies were based on books there are many. many creators that I could say have had a huge impact on the creation of this genre. For the sake of myself though, let’s start with the fabulous people who created Spiderman. Their names were Stan Lee and Steve Ditko whom were both writer/ editors. They wrote Peter Parker as an orphan and as a teenager leaving him to the regular struggles of a high school student and a costumed saviour. They contradicted the rules of a hero needing a young teenage sidekick by making the hero the teenager himself. Their idea started an evolution of fantastic movies, including the best and most previous one The Amazing Spiderman. Well, that’s just my opinion I mean, how can you not love Andrew Garfield just looks at him, he’s so fantastic.

The next writer I would like to mention is the one that created the movie with the supernatural Pixar family The Incredibles. His name is Brad Bird. I find him very significant because he is the first one I can find that actually created a whole family of super heroes. Where each member of a real family might actually be able to relate to. I just think his idea was so unique and he leaves me with this constant wish in the back of mind to be able to turn invisible. Because every time I watched Violet do it in the movie I just couldn’t stop myself from thinking of all the spectacular ruckuses I could cause.

So, I did want to mention a third one here. But, for some reason google doesn’t seem to know what the first superhero comic was and who wrote it. So that left me perplexed. But whoever they are, I just wanted to say about them that they have created a fantastic phenomenon that have brought us into a magical world of fiction and I think I would just like to thank them for that. Applause to you unknown old, probably dead person.

So that is the Superhero genre. It is amazing in it? I mean the creators of these incredible figures must have such cool minds. They must live their lives sifting through their imagination and creating beings that would actually be able to keep our world safe and at peace. I think all these heroes are kind of like Jesus in a way. They are created to bring hope and security to the people in their world. I actually find that spectacular. Our world needs heroes and a something that they can be assured safety through. That’s why I think people like them so much. Because what everyone’s hope is, is that one day there will come a time for peace and change. But let’s be honest, the initiation of it has to come from one individual and if they are able to bring that difference they must have some sort of supernatural power. 

Mini Media Reviews

So, there’s a few videos and a certain website out there that I would just like to let you know my personal opinions on. I hope you agree with some of them, but if not oh well make your own blog about them if you don’t like this one! But anyhow, I truly do hope you enjoy!

Arrogant Bieber

The only way I can describe this video is disappointing. I had always been one of those people who had stuck up for Justin Bieber saying that he’s not as obnoxious and rude as most of the media portrays him to be. But, the way he was responding to these questions, acting like “he didn’t recall” totally changed my opinion on him. He’s now just going to become another example of a talented individual who became consumed with the world of fame. This video just goes to prove further how hard it is to stay humble when there’s so many people putting you on a pedestal. It can be inferred that he doesn’t seem to think he needs to pay these people respect from the snarky comebacks and the bored and disgusted expressions that consume his faced throughout the entire video. Arrogant Bieber is just a sad video that displays a young messed up star being taken over by his own self-righteousness.

     

Musical Desk

Jacksgap Jacksgap 5 minutes of your life that you won't get back! 

This is honestly on of my favourite videos. I absolutely love it. I thought it was amazing how he was able to take simple every day noises from sitting at a desk and arrange them to create a fantastic piece of music. The fact there was actually a point to the video and it was composed to be a reminder of the life of Steve Jobs makes it even better. This youtuber known as Jacksgap never lets me down with his videos and this one doesn’t break that chain. Musical Desk definitely makes it onto my list of approval. This video goes to show that you don’t need to be a super talented musical prodigy to create a successful piece of music. So, I also think it’s a good thing that this video shows that because now people out there may realize that creativity can be displayed through the simplest things and may be inspired to create something of their own. So, overall a fabulously inspirational video.

Rainbow Sponge

 

 

This video was fantastic. It made me laugh so I really liked it. I appreciate how it is so different compared to the stereotypical viral video. It definitely adds onto my love of silly videos. It was awesome how excited the lady was about her rainbow sponge too. She was so entertaining to watch because of her comedic enthusiasm. In all honesty, I’m not exactly sure if she was serious her not. I mean, she seemed pretty legit. Her little side comments were laughable especially when placed next to her excitement about each technique and the amazement that came with it. I never thought I would find a video like this as funny as I did. At first I was a little confused and just kind of sat there thinking what in the world am I watching? But as it got more into the video it just made me laugh. All I can say is it was pretty darn hilarious!

It’s The Thought That Counts (Banana Kid)

 

Okay this is the most fabulously fabulous fantastic video I have ever seen. That little kid is just so cute and that excitement over a simple banana is adorable. I can totally relate to him because of my love for bananas and that would have been my reaction if I got one as a gift too. Bananas are the real key to happiness, nothing else is needed to be satisfied with life. My little brother actually showed me this video and then my friend sent it to me the next day, both saying it reminded them of me. I 100% agree. This video could even be said to remind us to appreciate the little things in life. Just be as joyful as a little kid with a banana and all will be well and good. This video was funny, adorable, entertaining and relatable and I love it sosososo much! Ahh it was awesome!  

People of Walmart

Now this one isn’t a video but it is a hilariously awesome website. The pictures you see when you scroll through this make it hard not to crack a smile. You just don’t go out looking to see something like that at your local Wal- Mart. If I walked passed any of these people anywhere I’d have to either hide my terror or my giggles. As I think anyone would. Seeing all these pictures does make me wonder what some people think before they leave the house in the morning though. Like do they look in the mirror, give themselves a satisfied smile and walk out the door? I’m not saying this to be mean but what in the world would make some of them think what they’re wearing is okay? Everyone should have the right to be their own person but they should just be aware that they might be put on display for the internet community of the world to see. But, I have to admit it makes for a good, funny website so I give it two thumbs up.

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/

I was going to put on pictures from the site but I thought it'd be better if you were able to scroll through the site yourself to get the full experience!
 

Those were my opinions. And now that I have admitted my love of bananas I find it only appropriate to finish this off with a song about the greatest fruit of all time sung by the greatest animated characters in the world. Here it goes!

 

Fantasy Genre

Fantasy Genre

The definition of fantasy is the faculty or activity of imagining things, especially things that are impossible or improbable. Making it so a fantasy film is a film with scenes including themes like magic, supernatural events, make believe creatures or even exotic make believe worlds.

History

The genre emerged in on a larger scale in the 1990s when it became popular due to films like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. These two pictures were soon followed by CS Lewis’ the Chronicles of Narnia.

What had been happening on our society and culture that would have allowed this genre to emerge is that it exercises the audiences’ sense of wonder. Before this time there were so many simple things that were to be imagined because the age of electronics had not yet hit, preventing them from expanding their minds beyond that. But now that we’ve discovered so much and so many things are still to be discovered, more unrealistic ideas are needed to amaze the modern mind.

There was also a “teen fiction movement.” When all of these book series began to be made into movies. This includes the ones said above and another one I can think of is the Twilight series.

Other events that occurred in the shaping of this genre is when sound films were in the making and the Wizard of Oz was released. The next would be in 1946 when there was an adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. It had won praise for its surreal elements and going beyond the range of the typical fairy tale genre. In the 1970s Willy Wonka was released and then the genre was displayed in the super hero movies not too far from that time.

Stylistic Elements

The elements that make a movie fit into this genre is anything that would be considered unrealistic. Examples being talking animals, magical powers, mythical beings or even a setting in a medieval universe. There is also a plot as to which there is a hero a villain and always an adventure of some kind which ends with the hero succeeding and the villain being defeated. Using Harry Potter as an example- spoiler alert- Voldemort is destroyed in the end after a giant battle which is also a often found component in the fantasy genre.

The way I would describe the style of the genre is purely imaginative and creative. It’s amazing all of the things that can come from the writers minds. This genre is entirely fictional which is what makes its style so unique and interesting. Each story so different from the next a new mythical world dreamed up of for every story.

Recurring Themes

These movies are generally about other types of worlds. World’s consisting of talking creatures, or even worlds inhabited by mythical populations. With Harry Potter, there’s a world of Wizards. In Narnia the animals take the roles of humans. And in beauty and the beast there’s talking cups, teapots, candles, and clocks. They are about subjects that could not actually exist in reality. Another recurring theme is- again- a “hero” on a quest to defeat evil. This hero is most often an ordinary being that is very resistant to accept their heroic role at the start of the movie, but then developing throughout the movie or series to become what they thought they never could. An example would be the reluctant Frodo in Lord of the Rings.

The way the writer’s usually see the world is in a creative way. They can look at something and see it as something completely different. They take in their experiences and express them through their stories. For example, JK Rowling created the dementors in her books, to represent sadness and depression. They are a reflection of that time she went through in her own life, when it seemed dementors were after her. I think the writers must be very introverted too. They live a lot in their own minds letting their thoughts be what rule their time as they come together into incredible, fantastical stories.

Influences of Other Movie Genres

Other movie genres that helped to influence this genre are the heroic, fairy tale, romance science, historical and probably almost every other genre you can think of. Because this genre is consistent of completely unrealistic and fictional elements anything can be thrown into these fantasy movies. I all depends on where the writer’s imagination leads them.

All other movies have unrealistic elements and that can fit them into the fantasy genre also. Life doesn’t always have a happy ending, all the “weird coincidences” that appear in these movies are fictional and that’s really what this particular genre is all about.

Innovations in Technology

Some technological innovations that are used to distribute the movies are graphic effects, movie editing technology and especially green screen effects, considering all of the out of reality things that have to be created. These surreal things include hobbits, talking animals and even Hagrid from Harry Potter. How else would this grounds keeper look so large without the great advancement that has occurred in technology.

 

                      Innovative Writers Working Within the Genre

The first trailer displays Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This fantasy series was originally written by J.K. Rowling. This is a perfect example to display the genre, for it hold all the elements that are needed to create it. 

The second trailer displays the Wizard of Oz which was written by Al Frank Baum. This writer is so significant because this movie was the first to become popular in this genre. 

The third trailer is The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe written by CS Lewis. I find this to be a significant movie in the genre because this writer used the genre in creating a story that is meant to portray a powerful message, story and interpretation of the life of Christ. 

The Best and The Worst 

Music videos are creative and engaging media texts capable of being just as strong artistically as the songs they are accompanying.

There are music videos in our world that are as strong as the song they are portraying and sometimes can even cause a more meaningful impact on the viewer, then there are those videos which destroy the artistic strength that the song originally held.

Impactful Videos

Cinderella

                The first video that displays a song well pertaining to its true meaning is the video for “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman. There is two versions of the song. The first being one about how Chapman had felt guilty about not reading his two youngest daughters a story one night after recalling how he missed moments with his 20 year old daughter like this. The second version is when the song came about with a new meaning. Chapman’s youngest daughter was part of an accident in the family’s driveway resulting in her death. Emphasizing the message of cherishing the moments that won’t always be there. The video has Chapman singing while silhouettes act and dance out the story in the background. At the end the daughter in the silhouette disappears leaving the father standing alone. This happens while Chapman is singing the line, “… and she’ll be gone.” It’s as if the viewer is watching the story play out before them, having this in the video makes the song even more meaningful because it gives the audience a visual of what they’re supposed to be connecting to. Their heart breaks for the singer as the events play out from start to finish.  It’s meant to relate to different audiences. It’s perfect for getting the message across to different audiences. If a daughter watches it, she’ll picture her father and she’ll be impacted because she would imagine what it would be like for her father in Chapman’s position. If fathers watch the video they will relate to the lyrics and watching the story will make them see themselves and their children, it will give them the realization that those moments won’t last forever and they have to treasure them as much as they can. This song and video together really reach a place in the heart that a lot of people might want to avoid thinking about. They don’t want to feel sadness. But sometimes it’s good to think about what you’ve got because honestly, you never know when it will be gone.

Do Something

                The second video that is perfect for artistically leaving a message is “Do Something” by Matthew West. It’s such a simple video with regular everyday people holding up a sign on how they can make a change. This simplicity is a great way to make it relatable. Taking those average people out there who are living their lives just like everyone else and putting them on screen, really becomes a true inspiration to the viewer. People don’t want to see someone who isn't real, who are getting paid millions of dollars, telling them they can make a change just like them. Because the truth is nobody’s just like them. The way celebrities portray themselves onscreen conduct a false sense of reality. But seeing that realism is the best way for people to really consider the message and take action from it. Which is important in this song because it’s about doing something to change the world. You can ask God why he doesn't just fix everything, why doesn’t he do something, but the truth is, he did. He created us.

Story of My Life

                “Story of My Life” by One Direction has a video that makes the song even better. The group of them each have tableaus that display moments in their past. Some happy, some touching and sad. Compiling all of these moments was the perfect display of the video because similar to Chapman’s video, the viewer gets to visually see what the singers are talking about. What they’re thinking of when they sing the lyrics. It gives them the idea to go back to photo moments in their past. Making them love the song even more because it brings back memories. Therefore making it more personal, leaving more of an impact with them.

Artistically Ruined Song

This is the best example I could think of and I don’t think I know any that are worse, so that’s why there’s just one for this section

Wrecking Ball

“Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus is definitely one of the videos that had a negative impact on the song. The song wasn’t half bad, but once the video released it became popular, but because people hated it. It was like Rebecca Black’s song “Friday” it wasn't talked about because it was good. Miley jumping from Hannah Montana to whatever that was, was just not what people wanted to see. The video was disturbing. I think that’s the best way to put it, so people were affected by it but not in the way a real artist trying to send a message would want it to affect them.

To Conclude 

From these examples we can conclude that there are both impactful artistic videos and some not so much. Though, I still believe music videos are a great way for an artist to add more meaning to a song so the audience can see how they see it. Giving them more of an understanding of the context. Music videos are an important part of our pop culture. People obviously enjoy them for some reason or else they still wouldn’t be around.  

Me and the Media

The Importance

I believe that the media is very important in my life. I believe this because it is relevant in my everyday life. On my spare time I check Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I love watching movies and listening to music it's what inspires me every day. Even if it’s just used as a way to pass boredom, media is relevant and I am not sure what the world would be like without it. It’s impacted society everywhere and is used to develop culture and communication everywhere. 

    Passions

     The types of media I feel most passionate about are music and movies. Music is so apparent in my lifestyle. I listen to it and have even taken to singing myself. I love when I am able to really hear the lyrics and feel something from them. I constantly listen to inspirational music and it always does just that, it inspires and changes the way I think and see things after I listen to a song. Movies are a way to escape I find. Once somebody is able to get into a movie enough they develop a connection to the story and develop emotions almost as if they were the characters. I love how movies are able to make that type of an impact. When created the right way with good purpose movies have the potential to change lives. 

Pop Culture: The Way I See It

I think pop culture is just a way of life now. It’s always going to be there no matter what. I can’t say I enjoy it all. In my opinion the people that seem to rule the pop culture now are not a positive influence on their audience. I think they need to start using that influential opportunity to change the world for the better instead of putting themselves out there as examples of people with impure values. They need to become inspirational leaders that encourage good values. I understand that they are mostly teenagers or young adults. A lot of people their age also feel the need to try bad things like drugs and drinking. But the thing is people that are not that high standing in society don’t get publicised for it and aren’t the ones setting the example for the rest of the media following community to follow. These celebrities are though. They all have talents which is why they are where they are. They should be using that talent in a responsible way. When they agreed to this life and this lifestyle they agreed to be in the public eye. Looked to as trendsetters and entertainment. I think they need to start using this rare opportunity to set a positive influence. I have to agree with the technology that’s used to help us communicate in different ways. It’s so amazing that as of modern day we are able to communicate with others on the other side of the world. Not too long ago this seem like an unlikely breakthrough that would never happen. Social media provides amazing communication opportunities and provides a way to talk to anyone anywhere. I find it does have its disadvantages though. There are scary people out there that can get a hold of information easily through this new technology. So it also provides people the opportunity to be aware of what they put out there and keep an eye on their own safety. Honestly, I like to use the media to find music that inspires me. Lately, I enjoy finding songs about faith. I like to use it to communicate with the world. A lot of the time on twitter I will send out bible verses or quotes that portray a positive message. In hopes that maybe someone will see it and it will brighten their day. I guess that means I like to use the media to make a change. 

Connection

One form of media I have a strong passionate connection to is music. What I listen to impacts my mood entirely. Recently I only started listening to inspirational music. Music about faith, hope and helping others. One of my favourite artists from this genre is Matthew West. I was scrolling through iTunes and came across his song called, “Do Something.” It’s a song about how every person has to participate to change the world. It’s the power of people that can help those in poverty and every other problem others in the world may face. It talks about how we can cry out to God and ask why he’s letting this happen and why won’t he do something. When the truth is, God made us to create the change. We’re all here to help others. This song spoke to me so much because I always asked those questions. The questions of why? Why would God this and why wouldn’t God that? Now I know it’s because he wants us to take action. It’s why he lets these things happen. Another artist I enjoy is Chris Tomlin. He has a song called “Whom Shall I Fear.” Every time I listen to it, it makes me feel stronger in a way. It’s about how God’s always on your side, the God of angel armies. Thinking about that is amazing because this songs just enforces the fact that whatever troubles may come, God will always be there, fighting with you, pulling you through. Listening to this song and remembering this, was what helped me through my recent time at the hospital. It was the worst time of my life. However, through all the awful events that took place I could feel God there, I now know he was. The last song I’m going to say has influenced me is “Pushing Back the Dark” by Josh Wilson. In this song it is saying how people need to continuously stay on the positive side. They have to push away the dark and hold onto the light. And this song changes the way I look at every day because when I feel myself getting down about something I remember the lyrics in this song and just try and put them into action. Keeping myself from getting too down when really there’s so much to be grateful for and joyful about.