Comments for The Becker Journal Online

Comment on Ironman II: The Ambiguity of Technology by Kevin Coyne

Kevin Coyne — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:53:11 +0000

Austin:
You raise an exceptional point, whereby, the plot of the movie is sometimes phenomenal even with the special effects that wow and amaze the audience. Ironman II was an exciting thriller with the technology that reminded me of the breakthrough movie Minority Report. The computers that are used by main character Tony Stark are nothing sort of astonishing.
The plot behind the movie has a poetic – romance that is captured vibrantly on the big screen. I understand Ironman was based off the comic books. I feel the movie truly brought the comic book to life. The movie gave the words and pictures of a simple comic book, a voice, an attitude, and a progressively moving plot. The conflicts between Tony and his enemy are easily established in the comic book, but the conflict between Tony and himself are much more readily noticeable in the movie.
The main character, Stark, is seen as an arrogant, egoistical, and truly narcissistic. This creates a more romantic character for Stark. Tony’s actions give an abundance of life to the character that otherwise, would be left to the reader’s imagination.
This movie was not that of a “shoot-em’-up” film whereby, the action outweighs the intellectual ingenuity of a film. I truly was impressed, and, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie. I feel this movie was a stunning film, without any doubt in my mind – the main character, Stark, brought the role of Ironman to life – as if this were an old school picture book with pop-up dragons.
I truly commend the ingenuity of this film maker, and furthermore, I would love to recommend this film to anyone that has a passion for great movies.
Thank you for the comment Austin,
Kevin Coyne
Editor-in-Chief

Comment on Ironman II: The Ambiguity of Technology by Austin

Austin — Wed, 26 May 2010 16:52:57 +0000

I think it’s ironic that you mention the BOOM POW bubbles of yesteryear, because there’s a movie coming out soon (scott pilgrim vs the world) that makes use of just that kind of tech. The thing with Iron Man and its sequel is that they are Comic Book movies, and they’re meant to draw in the crowd that grew up reading Iron man comics, and also have the dazzling effects that bring in the younger crowd.
I went to the midnight release of Iron Man 2, and let me tell you, it wasn’t the special effects that was wowing the audience, it was the sheer, Geeky thrill of watching their favorite comic book heroes tear it up onscreen that had the audience literally applauding the movie. the scene that got the most applause? (SPOILER) the scene after the credits, where a slow pull back reveals that Mjolnir has landed in New Mexico. The crowd ERUPTED in applause.
It’s easy to believe that people watch movies today for the shock and thrill factors, but there will always be movies will great plots, movies that have great action/shock/what have you, and movies that have the whole package. I like to think that Iron Man 2’s story was pretty good. Like you say though, it’s all a matter of opinion.

Comment on Alice and Wonderland Review by Austin

Austin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:23:34 +0000

Yes, I was posing the riddle to the audience . I even looked it up to make sure I was phrasing it correctly

Comment on Alice and Wonderland Review by Debbie

Debbie — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 06:49:25 +0000

Having seen Alice in Wonderland, I would say that although it doesn’t live up to all the hype it is still a great movie to watch. The movie does tend towards the awkward for viewers not familiar with the either the story or the previous movie(s). It is similar to watching the newer Harry Potter movies without having read the books, you are not getting the full experience. I would give this movie 3.5 stars.

The answer to your question from the movie” how is a raven like a writing desk” was addressed in the jacket of the 1896 edition of the book by Lewis Carroll after getting many requests from readers. He says,

“Enquiries have been so often addressed to me, as to whether any answer to the Hatter’s Riddle can be imagined, that I may as well put on record here what seems to me to be a fairly appropriate answer, viz: ‘Because it can produce a few notes, tho they are very flat; and it is never put with the wrong end in front!’ This, however, is merely an afterthought; the Riddle, as originally invented, had no answer at all.”

It was supposed to be a nonsensical joke:) This is why people need to read the book(s) that movies are based on:)

Comment on Pink Work Boots by Kevin Coyne

Kevin Coyne — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:33:55 +0000

Carol:

It was the support of the students and staff of Becker College that made the event possible. I am very proud to have been part of the breast cancer hockey game and want to thank those who were there in support.

All the best,

Kevin Coyne

Comment on The Controversial Camry by Kevin Coyne

Kevin Coyne — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:27:12 +0000

Ms. Garretson:

You raise an excellent point and truly diversify the ambiguity with this entire Toyota situation. There have been reports of vehicles malfunctioning in the past; yet nothing was done to correct this malfunction. The fact that individuals are using this as a way out of a necessary prison sentence is just asinine.

In this case; a preponderance of the evidence will show, the failure of the Toyota Camry was due to human error as opposed to a technical malfunction. As you mentioned; “no one really knows” and I highly doubt anyone ever will.

Thank you for your comment and for visiting the Becker Journal Online.

Kevin Coyne

Comment on The Controversial Camry by Austin

Austin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:36:37 +0000

The problem with stories like this is that it happens once and everyone’s talking about it like it’s a problem with every single camry. Could it have been caused by a fault in the car? Unfortunately yes, and that means there’s reasonable doubt as to the defendant’s guilt. In such a case, it’s the difference between putting a guilty man behind bars or letting an innocent man go.

Comment on Alice and Wonderland Review by Austin

Austin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:27:30 +0000

By “original,” I mean the animated Disney movie of the same name, as I expect that’s a large part of the targeted audience. As for the story, It’s very “this happens, then this happens… and oh by the way, this happens too.” There isn’t a whole lot connecting the scenes, and the overall story is rather weak. The Avatar comparison was more towards the CG in particular. About the story, I’ll just say that Avatar was engaging, while Alice was kind of boring. Alice just didn’t have that entertaining factor.

Comment on The Controversial Camry by Sarah Garretson

Sarah Garretson — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:45:06 +0000

I can see exactly where you’re coming from. So many people have reported issues with their toyotas that the question is now becoming “what is the real story?” Are some people reporting this simply for money or publicity? Or is this similar to the incident with the 2008 prius that a state trooper had to stop on a high way as result of the malfunction? No one really Knows anymore.

Comment on Alice and Wonderland Review by Truman

Truman — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:04:34 +0000

Hmm, interesting. Thanks for this. I’m still planning to see it, but maybe at a matinee, thanks to your review. One thing that I’m wondering about: you’ve never “seen” the original Alice? What do you consider the original? (I just checked Wikipedia: Alice was made into a musical play in 1886, and first adapted to film in 1903. Both of those were the 1st of many – and I don’t think that’s only because it’s public domain.) Have you read the book? If not, you really can’t judge. What do you mean “couldn’t tell a decent story”??! It’s never been out of print since 1865 for a reason, people. Alice “losing” to Avatar also surprised me: I haven’t seen Avatar, but I’ve heard from many who have that the CGI is amazing, but the story doesn’t come close to that level. “Pocohontas with blue faces” is the review that sticks in my mind. Maybe this Alice has been tickered with, but I’ll be interested to see how it compares with the book, and the gazillion adaptations I’ve seen over the years.