...be contrasting the theory written surrounding these films in relation to other contemporary postmodern theory, and as a result will be mentioning several other films by way of a comparison or contrast. The Terminator seems quite remarkable to me, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is one of many action films I watched in my early teens; a considerable number of which, like this film, starred the Austrian body-builder turned actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. What is so different about The Terminator though, is that unlike most of these films, this movie has enough depth and substance that, not only does it still bear watching now that I am older, but it also has an archive of academic theory written about it. The Terminator tells of a cyborg, a human shaped machine coated in flesh, that is sent back in time, from an apocalyptic future in which machines have 'got smart' and acted on their own to destroy the human race. The cyborg's mission is to assassinate the mother of the human's great leader, the man who taught the survivors to fight back against the machines. The woman, a young waitress named Sarah Connor, is protected only by a lone warrior - Kyle Reese - sent back to protect her by her future son, John. Reese is in love with Sarah, a love formulated from a photograph he has of her. A sexual relation with her causes pregnancy that will result in John's birth, before the pair manage to destroy the terminator, although not before Reese is himself victim to the wrath of the...
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...Tebow Time It has only been seven weeks since the start of Tebow Time, which is the time since Tim Tebow took over as full time starter for the Denver Broncos. In those eight weeks of Tebow Time, he has led the previously 1-4 Denver Broncos from the cellar of the AFC West to the top of the conference with an 8-5 record. Nothing about Tebow’s time in the NFL has been expected and most can hardly explain what it is he is doing and has done to turn the Denver Broncos season around. There is only one thing that one can conclude from Tebow’s short playing career in the NFL, and that is that he is a winner. It is all he has ever done, through college and even now in the pros. Tim Tebow is not suppose to be where he is at now. He was drafted too high, and he was never supposed to lead an NFL team to a winning record in only his second season. The experts said that he couldn’t even be an NFL quarterback. They said he was the third best quarterback on Denver’s roster at the beginning of the season. Tim Tebow doesn’t care what the experts say, and is proving them wrong every week he starts under center for the Denver Broncos. A sub-par quarterback winning games is not the only reason Tebow has been getting all of the hype. Tebow is a devout Christian and takes every opportunity to share his Christian values. Some are offended by this, and others think that it just adds to the legend in the making that is Timothy Richard Tebow. Tebow is not a loser, he just doesn’t do it. In college...
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...on the story of Sarah Connor set against the backdrop of the larger conflict. The plot is exquisite in its simplicity as the machines determine to win the war before it even starts. They send the terminator (Schwarzeneggar) back through to kill Sarah Connor (Hamilton) and thereby prevent the birth of John Conner, the future resistance leader. The human resistance sends back a human, Kyle Reese (Biehn), to protect Sarah. Unfortunately for both the Terminator and Kyle, Sarah's residence is not known. So both proceed to phone booths, where they learn that there are three Sarah Connor’s in the phone book. Kyle has the advantage here since he has a photo of her, while the Terminator must resort to assassinating each Sarah Connor in order to achieve his mission. The alternating cross-scenes between the actions of Kyle and The Terminator are played in direct contrast to each other. The Terminator arrives calm, poised and untouched from his experience with time-travel. Kyle arrives pained and in physical distress. The Terminator easily kills someone and injures another to take their clothes. Kyle starts to rob a homeless man, but flees police pursuit. He does not kill anyone in the meanwhile. These scenes are inter-cut and the use of the music in both smoothes the transition as a part of the mise-en-scene. The music for...
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...Torres, Stacy. "Aging, Gran Torino-Style." Contexts (2010): n. pag. Print. In this article the author, Stacy Torres begins with highlighting the aging issues that are presented in the film. She points out that in this film; Walt defies the stereotypes of the old and from a physically helpless victim of these stereotypes to a doting old man enjoying a worry-free retirement. He turns out to be a man of heroic deeds by helping helpless victims of violence, Thao and his sister, Sue. The author of this article terms the star, Walt as a man who can be graded under a different generation of his own because of the raw language that he does use; it makes one to flinch. It gets worse for such kind of man to live with neighbors that he cannot befriend: the Hmong brother and sister who live next door. But, out of the confrontation with Thao, who was trying to steal his Gran Torino car he becomes friend with this teenager and later on with his sister. The true friendship goes on as he shifts from spending all day involving himself with physical labor of mowing the lawn and fixing his neighbors’ car, sink, or washing machine. One of the things that the writer of this article notes is the deteriorating physique of Walt and the uncaring family members. She suggests that they either should take the responsibility or arrange for someone to come and take care of him, instead. The writer notes how Walt further changes to helping the street families together with Thao who has developed a positive...
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...“I have been called a lot of things but I have never been called funny”. This story is about a war torn Vietnam veteran Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood), who has been living in the same neighborhood a majority of his life and he is watching it change and be immigrated with Hmong people and it's becoming a popular place for gang activity. Gran Torino is destined to become a classic film because of the great acting that Clint displays, the story can relate to some people and places today. It's a very simple yet amazing story that you can take to heart. It is a movie that everyone should see at least once. I believe that the acting is a good reason to why this movie should be a classic film. Clint Eastwood displays one of the best acting seen from him in this movie Then seen in awhile. Also from Thao (Bee Vang) he did a phenomenal acting job. He played the innocent teen caught up in the wrong group, not trying to cause trouble. All in all the acting was really good, they were nominated for many awards but I don't think they won one. Along with the acting I think that the story also plays a big role in why I think this film should be a classic film. The story i think can fit into today's society in some parts of the U.S. It seems just like a simple story about a Vietnam veteran who is living in a neighborhood that is being migrated by Hmong people and he is the only Caucasian left in his neighborhood. He doesn't like the changes going on but but he refuses to move out of the neighborhood...
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...Gran Torino was released in December 9, 2008 and was directed by Clint Eastwood, who is also the main character. The movie focuses on a Korean War veteran widower Walt Kowalski and his Hmong neighbors on a Rhode Island street. Walt develops an unlikely relationship with his neighbors when he stands up to the gangbangers, who tried to force Thao, Ben Vang, to steal Walt’s Gran Torino. Sue, Ahney Her, being a protected sister wants Walt to see that Thao is a good kid. Some Characters that developed throughout the movie is Walt Kowalski and Thao. Walt goes from being this grouchy old man who hates the world to this man who still hates the world, but he appreciates his neighbors Thao and Sue. Thao goes from being someone who has no clue how to...
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...Chris Abernathy Block 1 5/19/13 Gran Torino ECR In the movie Gran Torino, by Clint Eastwood, Eastwood plays a racially bitter and lonely war veteran that doesn't really have a soft side at first for anyone after his wife dead. He treated everyone the same, with a grumpy attitude. He would keep to himself cause he felt it was the best thing of him to recover from his lost. He wouldn't take any hand outs or help from anyone cause he believed he could do it all by himself and didn't need anyone. The movie shows great examples of how he went from a stuck up grumpy old man to a kind hearted caring man in the end. In the movie when Walt (Clint Eastwood) catches Thao trying to steal his car late at night for the initiation because his crazy cousin and friends were trying to get him to be more of a man and be apart of the gang. After Thao was caught and held up by gun point by Walt, he manages to get away. After that the next day his cousin and friends came back around causing problems and Walt comes out and holds them up by gun point to scare them off. Thao's mom felt that Thao had a debt to Walt now for helping him out, so he had to come work for Walt for a little. Thao would be given tasks that would get him dirty and really have to put a lot of energy into. Walt started to ease up on him towards the end because he saw something different in Thao then all the other bad kids in the neighborhood. Another example from the movie is when Sue invites Walt over to a family...
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...softly as she gave exclusive interviews to This was also a wonderful opportunity for some local Girl Scouts to share about their own active pursuit of learning and community enrichment. The CEO was cheerful and dignified as ever as she shook hands with the bright eyed scouts. She was particularly excited to meet with a Girl Scout who is the first of her family to graduate high school and enter into higher education. Anna Maria’s visit to Texas included Honoring Cari Baker Wells. Cari is a law firm executive whose community service includes raising over a million dollars for San Antonio public schools. She also served as president of the 12th Man Foundation and led projects such as the design and completion of Kyle Field’s successful Zone Club. Wells of class 1984 received the highest honor bestowed upon a former student: Distinguished Alumni of Texas A&M University. Each of these women are striking figures who inspire and encourage. Their message is simple: Believe you can! They exemplify what is possible when you reach out, connect and cultivate several news stations....
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...A Changed Man Detroit Michigan used to be one the largest producers of automobiles in the country. It used to be filled with blue-collared people who worked the 8-5 shift every day and would be home in time for dinner. This all changed when the factories were shut down and production was moved over seas. Consequently, after the factories were shut down most of the white people left the city to find new jobs, causing one of the largest housing crisis in American history. Homes were being sold for cheap which caused low income ethnic groups to move in and crime to rise. Many families watched this slow change occur and watch their loved ones move away from them before their very own eyes. Clint Eastwood was one of those men that witnessed this change occur. Clint is a retired worker from the Ford plant who is a man who can’t accept the change around him. He is a man who eats chili for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and causes nightmares by looking someone directly in the eyes. After the death of his wife, he struggled to find happiness in his life unless it involved beer and a cigarettes. His tough natured hard-working American self, gave him an image as a Christ figure that people could look up to. An individual’s identity is determined by their actions and how they able to adapt to different cultures and racial surroundings around them. Surrounding cultures can have great influences on a person’s identity or well-being. In Clint Eastwood’s case, the diverse cultures...
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...In the movie, they come to understand they were not so different from one another. Oppression wore many masks in the movie, self-oppression, race on own racial oppression, one race oppressing another race. The primary oppression was practiced was white people of all other races. I cannot say I have a wider or better understanding of the populations of the film. The scope of the movie was not wide enough to deepen my understanding. Strengths possessed by a group? The theatrical adaptation of the Hmong people with the tight netted people was a now coveted strength. This reminded me of how the family and communities are becoming an endangered concept. How to fear mongering and family alienation is extraordinarily profitable for the present economic system. Groups rather family, extended family, communities are always stronger than our alienated, splintered lives that they are...
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...that I grew up in a generation who was entertained by this type of crude, tasteless humor. As I have technically been adult for nearly two years, this show is intended for mature audiences. However, it seems that show is very popular for audiences under 18 for its less than acceptable content to parents. Throughout the film itself, there are many themes and paradigms how youths in American society were entertained in at the time whether if its their language, behavior, or popular culture. According to Linda Holtzman, themes are “subjects that are introduced in the media text and can be minor, significant, or central to the unfolding of the story” (Holtzman, 2000). This film utilizes the four main characters Eric Cartman, Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, and Kenny McCormick; all of which are third graders. In the beginning of the film, they are all shown attending an R-rated film ‘Asses of Fire’, a film that most, if not all parents would not allow or encourage their children to watch. This is evident from the inappropriate behavior and rude jokes and its themes that the characters begin to take after and copy its behavior. This type of copycat behavior suggests that not only youths in America society at the time were consumers, but made into vulnerable targets and victims for corporations and companies building a brand. Even though this film company did not have the primary intention to have viewers copy the movie stars’ every action, it did have a lasting effect in that viewers...
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...Gran Torino (2008) is an American drama film produced and directed by Clint Eastwood, who also assumes the role of lead actor. Right from the outset, it becomes abundantly clear that Eastwood is having fun with this film and its central character, Walt Kowalski. Credit must go to Eastwood, given that his penchant for fun does not undermine the serious nature of the plot. The majority of film reviewers draw attention to Kowalski’s troubled existence in a changing world. Conflict escalates after the death of Kowalski’s wife, particularly as Kowalski’s life becomes embroiled with the Hmong family living next door. At the surface level of plot, this is a story about a man and his struggles with himself and the world around him. At a deeper level, however, this is a profoundly religious story through which a viewer may, to use Robert Ellis’ expression, “stumble across the gospel travelling incognito.”1 [2] Many scholars have demonstrated successfully that ostensibly secular films can sustain a religious interpretation. The potential for audiences to tap into the religious nature of certain films, to perceive a sacred subtext, is due to the fact that “narratives have a dual nature, namely, an overt plot and a covert storyline of varying complexity that is comparable to the metaphorical or symbolic within literature.”2 For this reason, as Anton Kozlovic explains, “secular film can engage in religious storytelling without appearing ‘religious’.”3 While most reviewers of Gran Torino focus...
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...Kimberly Tucker, Chris Salt, Ashley Solomon Case 7: Mattel: Overcoming Marketing and Manufacturing Challenges 11/01/2010 Marketing Management 6800 Section 004 The Problem: The problem surrounding Mattel Inc., one of the world’s largest toy companies, is their mismanagement of international subcontractors and vendors and the production of certain toys (the manufacturing process), as well as their inability to adapt their marketing strategy or product to the constantly changing “demographic and socioeconomic trends” (Ferrell, et. all 466). This is supported by Mattel’s legal battle with Carter Bryant and MGA, their forced recall of certain toys that were manufactured overseas, and the increasing rate at which traditional toys are becoming less appealing to today’s young audience. Essentially, Mattel’s mismanagement and oversight lead to violations in terms of ethical and social responsibilities and safety standards. Issues Relevant to the Problem: Mattel’s problem of mismanagement can be divided into several issues that need to be considered: legal issues, international supply chain issues, and an increase in technology-based toys. In regards to legal issues, Mattel has been involved in prolonged litigation with Carter Bryant and MGA over a breach of an employment contract and copyright infringement. Due to Mattel’s poor management of its overseas manufacturers, in which unauthorized subcontractors and third-party suppliers were hired and unsafe materials used, several...
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...person is focusing on something different, thinking of something different, and noticing something different. That is why every person has a story to tell, and it is why we can learn from every single person. And this essay is about my short autobiography, which can give you an indication of my personal story. I came into this world on the windy morning of October 15, 1990. I was born in Cua Viet, a small town in Vietnam. I am the 5th child among the 5 children of my parent. I grew up and spent almost my whole life in my country. Now, I am the second year student in Business Accounting- the 2 year program. I have been through many life-changing situations in past 3 years. These situations have had both positive and negative impacts to me. My goals from 5 years ago compare to my current goals are totally different. After finishing 12th grade, I just wanted to become a Mathematics teacher, so I went to Hue University and tried my best to achieve the goal. However, when I was the 2nd year student of the Hue University, I found that I was no longer interested in becoming a teacher. Hence, I dropped the school and wanted to get a better education in Canada and seek opportunities in accounting. Since then, my life has changed. On one hand, starting my new life in a strange country is so hard. When I just came, I faced many difficulties, such as the language, the weather and the life style. Firstly, language was a big matter when I first came. Speaking was one of the linguistic problems...
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