LOOK! Up in the Sky!

WOW. That's all I can say...wow. I was sitting here at my desk at The Planet, working on my next big hero story, when an Instant Message popped up on my desktop. It was the writer for this summer's SUPERMAN RETURNS with a VERY special surprise. The OFFICIAL TRAILER. It's out on the net right now, so It wasn't anything SUPER top secret. But since I work here at The Planet I DID get to see it a FEW minutes before everyone else.

The writer stressed that the film is a love story first and an action movie second. The film is really, at it's core, about what happens when your old boyfriend (and true love) skips town and then returns years later. What happens? What do you do? And...y'know...throw in a bald supervillain and some truly kick ass flying sequences and badda boom. You've got your movie:)

But enough talk. Perry (my editor) is screaming in his office right now, I've got to split...but YOU...enjoy the trailer. You WILL believe a man can fly!

CLICK HERE TO BE AMAZED!!

United 93. We Stand Divided.

Last night marked the kick off of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. The five year old event was created in the wake of 9/11 in an attempt to rejuvenate Lower Manhattan and aid in New York's slow recovery. As part of the gala opening, America got its first look at UNITED 93, Paul Greengrass' film depicting the now legendary tale of the passengers who rose up to confront their terrorist captors.

I had heard something about this movie being made, but hadn't given it much thought. It wasn't until I was sitting in a dark theater a few weeks ago, watching the coming attractions before a film that the movie fully arrived on my pop culture radar. At first, the trailer looks like any other movie. A bunch of characters running onto a plane, something's gonna happen, yadda yadda yadda. But as the trailer continues, a sense of deja vu begins to seep in. We've been here before. By the time you finally realize what you are watching you're transfixed. You can't look away because you know what's coming. As I sat there, I thought "If the trailer is any indication, this is going to be one powerful film." Then, the person next to me muttered, under his breath:

"That's disgusting, how can they make that movie? They can count me out, that's for sure".

The response was a surprise, but not that unique. In the subsequent weeks I've had similar conversations with several people who feel the movie is coming out too soon after 9/11, or that it's wrong to try to "cash in" on the most awful tragedy to ever happen on American soil. Others question the validity of the story altogether. With just cellphone conversations and the airplane's black box to tell us what happened, how can we expect ANYONE to paint an accurate picture of what took place that day?

Accurate or not, the story has been told enough that it has attained near mythic status. On September 11, 2001, 44 people boarded United Flight 93 for San Francisco. Four of them knew that plane would never arrive at its destination. Once the flight was in the air, four terrorists took control of the plane with the intention of crashing it into an American Monument. The passengers realized what was happening and decided to take matters into their own hands. They called their loved ones. They said their good-byes. And they fought back. They died as warriors. They died as heroes.

Now obviously, EVERYONE is allowed to choose not to see a movie that they object to. And everyone is entitled to their opinion, ESPECIALLY when it comes to something as personal and emotional as 9/11. So it's not that I'm disagreeing with the people who say this movie is wrong and exploitative. I just don't get it.

Like my parents when Kennedy was shot, I will never be able to forget where I was on September 11th, 2001. I will remember the phone call from my Mom telling me to turn on the TV. I will remember staring at the television not being able to speak. I will remember driving down The 101 in the middle of the day, hearing the DJ on the radio asking all of us to turn on our headlights to show support and unity so we wouldn't feel alone and seeing every headlight in front on me instantly blaze to life.

But what I remember most is that, through all of the tragedy and the anger and the confusion, I was proud. Obviously I was proud of the police, firemen and rescue workers who showed extraordinary courage and heroism. But I was also proud when I heard the stories of people doing selfless and amazing things for complete strangers. People running back into the Tower, carrying people down the stairs who couldn't make it, giving aid, shelter or protection to people in shock on the street. September 11th showed that, when things are at their absolute worst, human beings really can be at their absolute best.

And nothing symbolizes that more for me that United Flight 93.

So I understand why people would have a desire to tell this story. It's already been told twice in TV movie format, and although I didn't see either, I can only imagine that the quality will be a good deal better in the film version. The film version also has the approval of all of the surviving family members of the Flight 93 passengers, they were in attendance at last nights premiere. 10 % of the opening weekend profits will be set aside to build a memorial for the passengers. And the ad campaign has been extremely subtle...Especially when compared to the summer blockbusters towering around it.

When I take all of that into consideration, it seems to me that the filmakers and studio have in actuality walked a very fine line in the promotion of this film. I don't feel that the movie is "exploiting" the event any more than Schindler's List, Good Morning Vietnam or Hotel Rwanda. It's a more personal story for us, sure. It's going to be alot harder to watch. But that doesn't mean that it SHOULDN'T be made. All personal opinions aside, once we start saying that certain events and subjects are out of bounds for artistic interpretation we begin to slide down the slippery slope of censorship.

This isn't a plea to change your mind and go see the movie. To be honest, I have no clue if it's good or not. It could be awful and offend me on every level. This is more of a statement that, even if this particular movie is no good, I think the stories of September 11th, 2001 are ready to be told. We need stories about heroes in the world. Especially the ones that are true. The day when we showed our greatest heroism should be held up and celebrated, not hidden behind hushed voices and silent reverence.

Friday Movie Madness

I'm a Metropolis kinda guy. The clean streets. The modern tech. And Superman. It's really the perfect city for me. I don't GET Gotham City. I don't GET the people that live there by choice. I mean, sure, it's beautiful in a creepy gothic kinda way...But the crime rate, the decay and The Batman?! What's reassuring about that?
Just last week, The Joker escaped Arkham Asylum (and by the way, ANY city with a place like THAT is NOT on my must visit list) and held the Thomas Wayne Elementary School hostage. The WHOLE school! Three teachers and the janitorial staff were gassed with Joker juice before The Batman showed up to stop him. Anyone who caught the news footage can attest to the fact that it was gruesome. Those stretched faces twisted into inhuman smiles. And when the police brought the Joker out in the straitjacket...I'm hundreds of miles away and I STILL couldn't get any sleep! I can only imagine what the people who live there must go through.
And I know what they all say...Gotham makes you strong, you've got to be tough to live in Gotham. Well you Gothamites can KEEP your city. BUT, since we looked at Metropolis' favorite son in last week's FMM, I figured we would devote THIS week to Gotham City's Dark Knight...Enjoy!

As always, we start with the commercials...But you have to admit, this one is pretty fun!!


And now the cartoon part of the line-up. The openings of the various Batman series are really incredible...So here they are for your viewing pleasure!




And now, our feature presentation. This is a fan made film that swept Comicon a few years back...Very cool...VERY Batman and has a few surprise guest stars...


So there you have it folks. Week two of the madness...Have a happy Easter, Passover or just a damn fine weekend. See you at the Planet!!

HEROISM. A TEAM EFFORT.

"I'm glad we're on the same team."
A friend said this to me yesterday after reading the absolutely FANTASTIC thoughts of our mutual friend, Reno, over at THE JOURNEY. It's a great article on our need to identify ourselves with a group and where that need comes from. Check it out.

I was thinking about the article, and the team I have surrounded myself with, as I walked home from The Planet last night. As the thoughts bounced around in my head, I looked up at the bright and beautiful full moon. And I realized....

They're probably up there right now. The ultimate team. The Justice League.

I mean, seriously, when you're talking about teams, they really are the best of the best. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman...and those are just the first stringers. There's an UNLIMITED supply of back-up and part time members. Most of the time, they're dealing with threats we don't even KNOW about...and if we DID...well I don't know about you, but my life feels a little more secure WITHOUT knowing about all of the mystical, extraterrestrial and downright bizarre threats to my daily existence.

The point is, as teams go, these guys are the ideal. Any group should aspire to be like these modern day gods, watching us from their Mount Olympus-like Watchtower on the Moon. But what is it that makes them such a SUPER team?

Over at The Journey, my friend Reno says that in our search for our own identity, we try to find reflections of ourselves. We look for others to join with in an attempt to define who we are.

The League certainly shares a desire to do the right thing. They're heroes, that's what they do. But aside from that, we're looking at a group of individuals who are completely and totally diverse and distinct. Very little about their backgrounds, their methods or their beliefs are the same. And yet they work. Incredibly well. They fly in the face of those who believe a group must look, act or believe the exact same thing.

They are the exception, and that is why they are so successful. By accepting the differences among them, they have expanded their own identities to encompass a far wider range of people than they could on their own.

Which brings me back down to Earth, and the people I have chosen to surround myself with. My team.

Anyone who has read the comments sections of our blogs can see that we clearly don't always agree. From religion to politics to defining the word 'hero' we are of several different minds. Many of the words I use to define myself don't apply to other members on my team. And yet somehow, despite the fact that our personal definitions vary greatly, we seem to have created a group that works. Incredibly well.

And I really do think it is because, as a team, we are constantly forcing others to expand their definitions of who they are as they, in turn, cause us to expand our own. Rather than choosing people who conform to our ideas of what we should be, we have created a team that forces us to constantly question our beliefs, our views and our own images.

Do we stumble along the way? Yes. Do we get mad and offended and hurt and pissed? Of course. Could we be even MORE diverse and open? Absolutely. But I have to say, I like the road we're on.

Because I see elements of heroism in all my friends. It's why I love them as much as I do. And when we're all together I really DO feel like I can take on the world. There isn't much that's out there that can stop us. The Urban Barbarian won't agree that we're all heroes in little ways, but in a way, that's the point. I'm glad he's there to tell me he thinks I'm wrong, just like I'm glad Reno's there to tell me why we form groups in the first place.

Each person I have been blessed to have in my life has the potential for great heroism. Together all of those great qualities don't just compliment each other. They actually start to SHOW UP in others. We learn from each other and are better people for it.

So I'm glad we're on the same team too. We really ARE in a League of our own.

THANK KRYPTON IT'S FRIDAY!

Ok. First things first. For those of you living in Uptown Metropolis, that was NOT an earthquake last night at approximately 3:15 am. Superman was wiping the floor with John Corben, otherwise known as the half man/half cyborg: Metallo (again). Rumors of a possible appearance by The Batman cannot be confirmed, however the fact that the cybertronic portion of Corben's body runs on kryptonite would lead this reporter to believe that The Man of Steel MAY have needed some assistance from Gotham's Dark Knight. Corben was swiftly defeated and handed over to the MCU (Metropolis Crimes Unit) where he was escorted to STAR Labs where he will be held until authorities decide what to do with him.

Now, with THAT out of the way...it is FRIDAY people! The weekend is here and I don't know about you, but THIS mild mannered reporter is ready to kick back, relax and have some fun. In fact, it's one of those Fridays where the THOUGHT of work feels pretty much like kryptonite must feel to Big Blue himself. I was reminded of high school, on those days when you could tell the teachers were as ready for the weekend as you were. Walking into the classroom, you were greeted with the VERY welcome sight of the TV/VCR on the rolling cart. That's right. It was movie day.

In honor of the belssed respite from schoolwork, I decided it should be movie day here at The Planet as well. So go grab some popcorn, sit back, relax and peruse today's selection of some very SUPER videos.

Sadly, all movies now START with commercials, but this one is pretty fun:


And NOW for everyone's favorite part...the previews!



Now one MORE commercial....but this is a good one....




My personal favorite, the pre-movie cartoon! This one is great!



Our Feature Presentation!



That concludes Friday Movie Madness for this week. Figured it would be a nice break from the constant debates, arguments and general shenanigans that go on around here. Let me know if you dig F.M.M...if so we can make it a regular part of rotation at The Planet.

That's All Folks! Have a Super weekend!

Always Trust Your Cape...

You will believe a man can fly. That's what they tell you when you move to Metropolis. And believe me, it's something to see. When you're walking home from work and you're thoughts are keeping you planted firmly on the ground, it's a truly amazing feeling to see all the heads around you look up. Someone points and then, invariably, SOMEONE shouts "LOOK! UP IN THE SKY!" and everyone laughs because we all know what comes next.
And there he is. Soaring above you. If he's not in too much of a hurry he slows down and waves. He makes it look so easy that you feel like you could just push off gently with the soles of your feet and join him.

Which is what's great about the guys and gals in tights. They inspire all of us to be the greatest 'us-es' we can be. And no matter what 'evil plots' life throws at us, they teach us that, sometimes, you just have to keep on going and "trust the cape."
Which brings me to my good friend TitsBitches, and the song he found for me.
It's a folk song by Guy Clark from his album, DUBLIN BLUES called (what else) "CAPE"...Enjoy...

Eight years old with flour sack cape
Tied all around his neck
He climbed up on the garage
He's Figurin’ what the heck
He screwed his courage up so tight
That the whole thing come unwound
He got a runnin’ start and bless his heart
He headed for the ground

Well he’s one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold you breath
And always trust your cape

Now he's all grown up with a flour sack cape
Tied all around his dreams
He’s full of piss and vinegar
He’s bustin’ at the seams
So he licked his finger and checked the wind
It’s gonna be do or die
He wasn’t scared of nothin’, Boys
Cuz he was pretty sure he could fly

Well he’s one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold you breath
And always trust your cape

Now he's old and grey with a flour sack cape
Tied all around his head
He’s still jumpin’ off the garage
And will be till he’s dead
All these years the people said
He’s actin’ like a kid
He did not know he could not fly...
So he did

Well he’s one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold you breath
And always trust your cape
Well he’s one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold you breath
And always trust your cape ...

Spread your arms and hold your breath and always trust your cape.

As soon as I get slightly more technologically advanced I'll be posting the song on the Family Music Blog that I'm linked to so you can download it and actually LISTEN to it. Once it's there I'll let you know so you can go check it out.

But for now. Go out, look up in the sky, take a leap of faith and trust the cape people, trust the cape...

Superheroes. Simple Acts

It's been quite a week here at the Planet. Don't want to bore you with specifics but when the bosses are stressed, you're stressed. And then you get annoyed. And then you make mistakes and feel like a total loser. And when you feel like a real loser, the best thing to do is to go and get inspired, so where do you go?
Me? I go to the comic books. (yes even people who live in METROPOLIS read comic books) So I picked up my stack and read. And it got me to thinking about this whole "hero debate" that was waged last week. Sure, recent controversies by my good friend the DoG have overshadowed the whole discussion, and The Urban Barbarian's entire argument has mysteriously vanished. But I can't stop trying to pinpoint what, exactly, constitutes a hero.
Was the Barbarian right? Was I trying to dilute the word so that I could live out some superhero fantasy of my own? I'm a nice guy...I'm "kind" (mostly). Was I equating heroism with kindness to wrap myself in an invisible cape of delusion?

Man that's depressing...

When you need the answer to a particularly vexing question you go to the smartest man around. There ain't nobody smarter than Mr. Reed Richards of The Fantastic Four. And it was in the pages of Fantastic Four that I found an answer.

The Fantastic Four are unquestionably heroes. They have saved the world, the galaxy and even a few neighboring dimensions on multiple occasions. And in this particular issue, Reed Richards aka Mr. Fantastic and his wife, Susan Richards aka The Invisible Woman, reminded me what it is I love most about heroes. And there wasn't anything particularly "Super" about it.

It all starts as an employee of the Baxter Building (where the FF live and work) approaches her boss, Sue Richards, and asks to speak to her in private. Turns out, this woman is being sexually abused at home by her husband. She doesn't know what to do. She's a brilliant lawyer, but her husband is a prosecutor and knows full well she won't be able to prove anything. And she's scared to just leave. Scared of what he will do. The woman has nowhere to go, so she goes to her boss, who happens to be a superhero. Sue knows this is out of the typical "hero" area. There's no alien to hit or supervillainous plot to foil. But Sue takes the woman home and she confronts the husband. She tells him that his wife is leaving him and moving into the Baxter Building. She tells him that he won't contest the divorce. And she tells him that she will be watching him and can do things to him he doesn't even want to think about. After sending the woman back to the Baxter Building she tries to call Reed. But he isn't answering his cell.

Why? Because Reed is at the hospital. About a year ago Reed was on his way back from a cosmic adventure when he saw a man on the ledge of a building. He spoke to the man and found out he had terminal cancer and no one left to live for. He didn't want to die a slow death alone so figured he'd end it now. So Reed Richards, Superhero and supergenius, gave the man his phone number. Promised him he wouldn't be alone. Promised this man that he would be there for him. And that's where he was. Sitting in the hospital with this man. Holding his hand so he wouldn't have to live his last hours on Earth without some kind of human contact.

And that's it. That's the whole story. Aside from Sue using some of those invisible force fields on the pig of a husband and Reed stretching his arms to check the dying man's IV there was no superheroic action. Just two human beings helping two other human beings.

Some people HATE these kinds of superhero stories. I Love them. Because as much as I love some good, old fashioned superhero ass kickin, what I love MOST is what these modern day gods represent. They represent selflessness.

Sue and Reed weren't in any danger in this issue. Their lives weren't threatened. The only thing sacrificed by either of them was their time. But they both acted selflessly, the showed kindness and compassion, and their actions were noble.

I put down the comic. And I was inspired. Because I can't lift a car, I can't shoot lazerbeams from my eyes and as much as I wish I could, I can't fly. But I can be selfless, I can be kind, and I can show compassion. Nobility is within my reach, as it is with any of us.

So am I living out some fantasy? Sure, maybe I am. But it's a fantasy where we can all be heroic all day long. We can create a world where nobility is the norm and not the exception. Where acts of selflessness and compassion really DO become commonplace. That's all I want. I mean, who doesn't want to live in a world where we can all be like Reed and Sue Richards: where we can all be Fantastic!

Check out the comic, even if you aren't a regular geek like me. Fantastic Four #28 Private Lives, Public Faces.