Ishmael Flicks

[Cheesehead Craig]

I'm not saying it's fantastic literature, but Marvel Comics have been addressing issues that mainstream movies and books did not touch during the 70s, 80s, and 90th. They touched on racism, people with physical disabilities, and mental issues. It says something when they intentionally make the most powerful mutant wheelchair-bound. Stan Lee has said repeatedly that he wanted to touch as wide a base as possible but especially the young generation about how everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. Also, unlike DC, Marvel made the vast majority of their heros with big flaws that the general public could relate to. It also wasn't just one line of books, it was over the majority of them on a monthly basis. There's a lot to be said for that.

[Radagast]

I don't think Radagast has ever read any Michener, let alone Centennial.

Not so at all. Michener works I've read include Chesapeake, Alaska, Space, and Centennial. As for reading on a plane or bus or in a moving car, I've never been one that could read under such conditions. I've also read most of Ian Fleming's James Bond books and countless Zane Gray westerns. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

[mraynrand]

I've also read most of Ian Fleming's James Bond books ...

Those are generally very good. Of the movies, most people dislike "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" but of the books I find it to be one of the best. The spy game was finding a crack in the enemy's armor, a backdoor way into his world so that you could destroy him from within. Not a lot of gadgets really, but a deep understanding of the enemy so as to find his weakest spot and attack there. With Blofeld, it was his pride and vanity.

[mraynrand]

I'm not saying it's fantastic literature, but Marvel Comics have been addressing issues that mainstream movies and books did not touch during the 70s, 80s, and 90th. They touched on racism, people with physical disabilities, and mental issues. It says something when they intentionally make the most powerful mutant wheelchair-bound. Stan Lee has said repeatedly that he wanted to touch as wide a base as possible but especially the young generation about how everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. Also, unlike DC, Marvel made the vast majority of their heros with big flaws that the general public could relate to. It also wasn't just one line of books, it was over the majority of them on a monthly basis. There's a lot to be said for that.

Stan Lee was really great. And the comic book is a valid art form. There's skill in the writing - drama, theme, and characterization that Lee brought, but there's also a real skill in the artwork - not only the pictures themselves, but the layouts of the stories themselves. A single panel or a group of panels together done right can tell you everything about what a character is going through, and pace a story. This is a fun exercise - look through an old comic book and see if you can follow the story without the words. In the best comics, this is possible. In other words, when the words augment a story, but the story doesn't depend on the words, you know the comic is great.

[Radagast]

Someone please tell mraynrand that "Fun with Dick and Jane" is still available and would offer him a literary challenge.

See Jane. See Jane run. (a real page turner in W. Va.)

[MadtownPacker]

Sorry folks, the "Diplomatic Immunity Rat" (key word rat) is a pest too.

The “Rat” names you see many posters have was self chosen during Rat name promos (people get a chance to pick one before they end up with one).

But in some cases, the hard ones, they are based on their horrible behavior or shitty personality. Aynrand’s falls under both.

I’m going to have to check if “Complainer Rat” is available...

[mraynrand]

The “Rat” names you see many posters have was self chosen during Rat name promos (people get a chance to pick one before they end up with one).

But in some cases, the hard ones, they are based on their horrible behavior or shitty personality. Aynrand’s falls under both.

I’m going to have to check if “Complainer Rat” is available...

shouldn't my name be "Shitty Personality Rat" or "Horrible Personality Rat" then? If I have a choice, how about "Deplorable Rat"

[mraynrand]

Someone please tell mraynrand that "Fun with Dick and Jane" is still available and would offer him a literary challenge.

See Jane. See Jane run. (a real page turner in W. Va.)

Read my latest posts. You might like them.

BTW, I was a Dr. Suess kid. "When tweedle beetles battle in a bottle in a puddle..."

[MadtownPacker]

shouldn't my name be "Shitty Personality Rat" or "Horrible Personality Rat" then? If I have a choice, how about "Deplorable Rat"

What the hell did you think you are getting immunity from!

[call_me_ishmael]

Friends from College on Netflix was pretty funny. Not enough comedies these days. Too bad it was cancelled.

[hoosier]

The “Rat” names you see many posters have was self chosen during Rat name promos (people get a chance to pick one before they end up with one).

But in some cases, the hard ones, they are based on their horrible behavior or shitty personality. Aynrand’s falls under both.

I’m going to have to check if “Complainer Rat” is available...

Personally I think Curmudgeon Rat would better fit the bill.

[Cleft Crusty]

Personally I think Curmudgeon Rat would better fit the bill.

It used to be mine

[Anti-Polar Bear]

Can’t wait to check out the new Joker flick.

Reading some of the reviews, it looks like the Joker arises from alienation, isolation, class-consciousness and bullying. In other words, the Joker is an offspring of abominable capitalism.

[mraynrand]

Can’t wait to check out the new Joker flick.

Reading some of the reviews, it looks like the Joker arises from alienation, isolation, class-consciousness and bullying. In other words, the Joker is an offspring of abominable capitalism.

It's a movie, not an owner's manual.

[HowardRoark]

Watched Pawn Sacrifice. I liked it.