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Los buenos, los malos y Hancock

dominiumundi — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:42:59 +0000

Espero que ya hayan visto la pelicula de Hancock, sino todavia les doy unos dias mas antes de poner mi critica sobre esta historia. Cuando la vi confirme en parte, lo que dije en la entrada previa de este tema, este super heroe necesitaba su nemesis, que aunque no fue precisamente lo que esperaba si le dio un giro a la historia. Lo suficiente para que siguieras viendola hasta el fin, pero tal vez no tan contundente como lo esperarias. La reseña en unos dias y les dejo el poster.

The Deviant Superhero

Recis — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:45:47 +0000

Four days after watching "Wanted," I threaded the theater once again and finally got to see "Hancock."

At first, I thought the protagonist, John Hancock (Will Smith) didn't know that he had super powers, that his superhero ability was regarded as a curse, that society didn't want him (but in the end, would need him), and that he was just an ordinary guy. It turned out that I was right. He was just an ordinary guy.

Hancock already knew of his powers, how to control them, and he was already a super hero from the very start. Well, with unsophisticated results. His so-called heroic acts would turn out to be acts of destruction. For example, in a car chase between police and robbers, Hancock gets pissed when the robbers shatter his bottle of whisky and call him an asshole. He then lifts the robbers' car, flies high, smashes them through buildings, and drops them on a building tower. Well, you get the picture. A destructive superhero indeed.

But all that changes when Hancock saves the life of Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) in a train accident. Ray is an advertising agent with lousy strategies of making the world a better place. As an act of thanks, Ray offers Hancock a chance to change his public image and to help him turn over a new leaf. Hancock reluctantly agrees. He goes to prison and begins a depressing journey of changing himself and accepting the change that happens. One day, he gets a big break by rescuing a policewoman ad hostages in a building taken over by terrorists.

So the protagonist is now a superhero. All is well as it ends well. However, as far as Los Angeles' crime rate drops, Hancock doesn't know who he is. He cannot remember his past. All he knows is that he is immortal. This is where Ray's wife, Mary Embrey (Charlize Theron) comes in. This is where the plot twist comes in. This is where the reason why Mary's constant appearance from the very beginning (which would seem insignificant) finally becomes significant. Well, I'm not telling what the twist is. :P

I found the movie to be great! It was actually one of the movies I would associate well with Will Smith. Despite negative reviews from critics (see Rotten Tomatoes), moviegoers (including yours truly) gave it the praise it so much deserved. The movie's striking feature, for me, was its dialogue/script. The dialogues were funny that I thought they could be compiled into a joke book. I was laughing almost all throughout the movie, even in the absence of slapstick acts (it still had a fair amount of funny acts), all because of the dialogue. It's a good movie for both young and old, but youngsters should be mature enough due to the use of vulgar language. Go watch it before it gets out of the movie house!

John Hancock Sponsoring LTC Partnership Training for Pennsylvania (PA)

Craig — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:33:12 +0000

JOHN HANCOCK LTCI

Partnership/NAIC Training

(8 hours – Pennsylvania Only)

All Locations

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Continental Breakfast and Lunch will be served

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Radisson Hotel Valley Forge

1160 First Avenue

King of Prussia, Pa.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Holiday Inn Harrisburg-Hershey

604 Station Road

Grantville, Pa.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Regional Learning Alliance

850 Cranberry Woods Drive

Cranberry Township, Pa.

To register, please E-Mail Craig

Course Fee: $65.00, payable by credit card.

Optional 8 hours of CFP available for $25.00

O que as pessoas digitaram para buscar os trailers de filmes na internet.

blogycinema3 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:44:06 +0000

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Mein Kino Tipp: Hancock

Danger DoDo — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:16:27 +0000

Wer hat als Kind nicht einmal davon geträumt: Einmal ein Superheld sein! Mit Superkräften gegen das Böse kämpfen und Menschen retten. Doch so einfach ist das leider nicht. Peter Bergs neuster Film "Hancock" beweist es. John Hancock ist ein mit Superkräften ausgestatteter Mann, der in Los Angeles lebt. Er ist unverwundbar, hat unermessliche Kräfte und kann fliegen. Im Gegensatz zum klassischen Klischee eines Superhelden kommt er mit seiner Rolle allerdings nicht ganz zurecht. Er hat starke Probleme: Sein Zuhause ist ein schäbiger Wohnwagen mitten in der Wüste, er hat ein massives Alkoholproblem, er schläft oftmals betrunken in LA auf Parkbänken und bei seine Superhelden-Einsätzen reagiert er gereizt, unmotiviert und hat schon mehrere Millionen Dollar „Kollateralschäden“ verursacht. Die Bevölkerung überzieht ihn daher statt mit Dank mit Beschimpfungen und Ablehnung - er wiederum beleidigt im Gegenzug die Bevölkerung. Als ob das nicht genug ist, leidet Hancock unter Amnesie und kann sich an nichts mehr erinnern. Doch an der Stelle will ich nichts weiteres mehr veraten. Hancock zählt in meinen Augen zu den besten Sommerfilmen 2008. Wer sich diese Superhelden Komödie mit Tiefgang und emotionalen Problemen nicht anschaut, ist selber schuld. Denn wer hat schon einen Superhelden gesehen, dessen Schwäche das Menschliche ist?

Weekend Mega Posts: A Nation of Whiners and John Hancock

jaypeefreely — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:58:19 +0000

Since I last left the building, a few things have happened:

[caption id="attachment_261" align="aligncenter" width="214" caption="A Nation of Congressional Idiots, Sir."][/caption]

Former Texas Senator Phil Gramm called us a "Nation of Whiners." I wonder why, sir.

I wonder why a man who has been a key ingredient in the mixing bowl of economic disasters, from Enron's rise and fall [wife tied to that mess] to a lobbyist in the subprime arena at banking giant UBS would be so utterly contemptuous as to say, "we are a nation of whiners."

Yes, we complain. About 4,100+ troops dead on a battlefield of disgraceful miscalculation and subterfuge. We complain about the billions in taxpayer’s money spent funding that war of idiocy and ideology. We complain that our infrastructure, schools and healthcare are much less that ideal, unless you make a significant salary, get bennys and can spend your off time dabbling in the stock market, that’s off 20% from it’s highs.

That you are complicit in this whole economic malaise might not be so troubling if it were not the fact, now, you are implicitly blaming us, the victims of this mess. That our nation is in the early-middle, not the end, of this current fallout, one triggered by idiot politicians, like you, that dropped the regulatory ball, former federal reserve Alan Greenspan's ultra-low interest rates in the wake of 9/11 which gave way to a train of abuses in offering loans to under (and unqualified) applicants and this whacked idea that you can spend thrift in a time of war, lower taxes and just not hurt us economically. (Value of the U.S. Dollar anyone???)

But you, sir, are a twit. Leading a septuagenarian’s campaign to nowheresville. Hocking us and hocking America right down the drain. Sure, your well-educated, well-to-do and wealthy-to-no end golf buddies and fav 5 additions are tickled pink-o to be at the trough of these 'fast money' ideas. To just forget the details of how to build a logical and trustworthy financial system is Bad Money policy.

[caption id="attachment_262" align="alignnone" width="240" caption="Read up here on the debt, economy and a train of abuses..."][/caption]

Meanwhile, we are back to the future. You remember 1987? Bailing out savings and loans? I was 15 - and understood that wasn't something to be happy about. But the seeds of that fiasco were sown in a multitude of policy gaffs - like now, Dr. Phil Gramm.

If you do read Bad Money by Kevin Phillips (I read the first 150 pages), you will get (from reviews):

In the last 30 years, financial services have grown from 11% of GDP to 21%, and manufacturing has declined from 25% to 13%.
in the last 20 years public and private debt has quadrupeled to $43 trillion.
Cognizance of our problems has been somewhat covered up with revisions to the CPI (understating costs of home ownership) and unemployment measures (not counting those who gave up and quit looking). Thus, the 2-4%/year CPI increase 2005-2007 would have been 5-7%/year, and unemployment would have been 8%.
OPEC has reduced its foreign-currency reserves held in dollars from 75% to 62.5%, and Iraq and Venezuela began selling oil in euros and yen (admittedly for political purposes, at least at first). Meanwhile, the U.S. has antagonized major oil producers (Iran, Russia, Venezuela), and effectively dismantled Iraq - raising the risk of nations being unwilling or unable to supply the U.S. as supplies grow tighter
That securitized debts or CDOs (collaterilized debt obligations) were sold and resold throughout the global financial system and no longer did anyone know how to measure their value or their risk. Add to this the fact, that homeowners were using the rising equity of their homes as atms and pumping another $4 trillion into the economy. Also add to the mix $700 billion annual trade deficit that indicates that much more consumption over production.

These are but a few of my favorite highlights, Dr. Phil.

That over the past 30 years, America, has been sold like a slave in the common market. We aren't stupid or ignorant. Unfortunately, those in power stay in power because the spine needed to stop their abuses is not readily present. That our will is shattered because you forgot that this is America.

Many here won't get rich, or have multiple homes or send their kids to some private brainwashing school, but instead will be working 50 hours a week for 50 years of their lives and might get a death bed at the nursing home. It will be their American Dream because they hope for more, and sometimes, might have received it.

But That's the problem.

If only John Hancock could see us now.

HANCOCK

lkorn — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:21:54 +0000

I wasn't going to see this movie... I didn't want to see this movie. But I did, and although my expectations were far below low, I was somewhat surprised and entertained. No, it wasn't Oscar-worthy, but it was funny when it needed to be, and the star-studded (and comedic) cast pulled this movie out of the swamp that was its horrible plot line... Its mindless plot line.

Will Smith is John Hancock, a super hero (and immortal) human, supposedly the only one of his kind. A drunk bum and an asshole, Hancock "saves the day", but usually leaving more harm and damage in his wake. After saving Ray (Jason Bateman) from an on-coming train, Hancock is made to realize his full potential. His new friendship with Ray, an unsuccessful public relations guy, leads not only to an admiring public but other "twists" that ultimately bring the movie down... But what can you expect?

Charlize Theron plays Ray's wife, Mary; this reunion of Arrested Development characters Michael and Rita prompted a smile from me, and made the film a little more reputable than I first assumed. Plus, perhaps just a coincidence, a jail inmate resembling "White Power Bill" taunting his Power appeared in a few scenes that made me rethink the writer's sense of humor - Maybe a bit more clever than meets the eye? Probably not, but we can pretend.

I give it a 5.5/10.

Hancock Review

Joe O. — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:00:49 +0000

As I said in my July 4th post, my family likes to go to a Will Smith action movie on July 4th as a tradition. On the 4th we went and saw "Hancock." (The wikipedia link contains spoilers) Here is my review:

"Hancock" is about a disgruntled, alcoholic, lonely superhero in Los Angeles. He seems to have Superman's basic super powers, excluding the vision powers. So, he can fly, jump over the tallest buildings, stop bullets and is very strong. John Hancock is not very well like around LA. Even though he regularly stops crime and saves people his alcoholic methods seem to always cause a lot of damage. During one of his rescues he saves a man named Ray (played by Jason Bateman) who'scar is stuck on train tracks with a train coming. Hancock decides to flip Ray's car onto another then stop the train by standing in front of it. Of course, stopping a trains engine cold causes the rest of the cars to stack up and wreck.

After this rescue, most of the witnesses start calling Hancock names and telling him how he should have saved Ray. The only person who thanks Hancock is Ray. Ray is a PR (public relations) and invites Hancock home (to carry Ray and his car) and then inside for dinner. It just so happens that it is "spaghetti madness" night, yummy meatballs. This is where Hancock meets Ray's wife (played by Charlize Theron) and son (from a different mother).

During this scene we finally learn about Hancock's past. The earliest thing he remembers is 80 years in the past waking up in a hospital room injured, but the nurses needle breaks and his body eventually heals itself. Hancock has amnesia and finds himself alone in a Miami hospital with two tickets to the hit new movie "Frankenstein." No one comes to claim him, and as he is leaving someone asks him for his "John Hancock" and he didn't understand that was slang for signature and assumed that was his name.

Hancock's 80 years of alcoholic super hero-ing (and he doesn't age) is fueled by his loneliness and the thought that he must have been a pretty big jerk that no one wanted to claim him. Ray decidesthat sending Hancock to jail will help his image withthe public. Ray says that as Hancock is away and crime rises that everyone will beg for him to come back. This will also allow Ray to smooth over some of the rough spots in Hancock's personality.

When Hancock goes to jail we see one of my pet peeves in movies recently. That is films putting scenes in trailers that are NOT contained in the theatrical release of the movie! Remember all those commercials with Hancock in a chain gang and taking a step and pulling all the other prisoners to the ground? Yea, not in the movie!!!!

Hancock has some very funny and interesting scenes in prison like when he flies over the fence to get a basketball. Causing all the alarms to go off, but Hancock just jumped right back into prison. Hancock also uses his fingernails to decorate the walls in his cell, and when the call comes, he uses his fingernails to shave his face.

After Hancock returns to the real world is when the twist occurs. It isn't quite as severe a twist as M. Night Shyamalan uses in all of his movies, but a definite twist. As is my policy, I will not spoil the twist (though the homepage of Yahoo! was spoiling it earlier this morning).

Bottom line is that Hancock begins to lose his powers and the final "fight scene" is a struggle in more ways than one. I thought it was a very good scene for a "super hero" movie. They did a good job of showing the physical and emotional battle that was going on as Hancock realizes what is happening and what he must do to be the hero once more. Of course, all the good guys end up living happily ever after!

Now, I will say I enjoyed the movie. I enjoyed the acting. I enjoyed the writing. I did NOT enjoy the shaky camera work. I understand that this had to be an artistic choice, but I do not get it. The audience was never told or thought that this was some sort of documentary. It was just a movie. Throughout the movie the camera is CONSTANTLY moving and at times it moves away from the subject of the scene just to move back. The problem With that is that the camera stayed focused the same, meaning that while the subject wasn't in frame, everything was blurry. On the big screen this camera work gave me a headache, I'm hoping on the slightly smaller screen in my living room that it will be better so I can buy this movie when it comes out!

I would give this movie a 3.5 out 5 and if they had used a Steadicam instead it would probably be a 4!

Quote(s) of the movie: "Call me an asshole one, more, time!" "Call me crazy one, more, time!"

Hancock

boonken — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:32:42 +0000

I just came back from the cinema where I watched Hancock with my house-mates Isaac and Kim; I mean literally 5 minutes after Isaac dropped me off at home, and now I am on my laptop blogging bout it.

Yeah, Hancock is Will Smith's latest movie, but while I somewhat enjoyed the film, I really think Hancock could have and should have been much better than the end product.

Hancock is a superhero with a twist. Take Spiderman's wit and sarcasm and add them up with a foul-mouth Wolverine, and you get Hancock, the hero everybody loves to hate. Hancock is the epitome of an antihero; he is an impulsive alcoholic with anger management issues who does not give a shit about superhero costumes or bedside manner.

*I would like to say kudos to the Malaysian censorship board for erasing all utterances of "assholes" from the movie but keeping f**k and obscene gestures in the flick. As Hancock would say, "Good job!"

His world changes when he saves unsuccessful PR consultant Ray, played by Jason Bateman, from being run down by an oncoming train. Ray vows to change the public perception of Hancock, but first, Hancock must go to jail after being charged with property damages, civilian endangerment, etc. which reminds me of Marvel's Civil War last year.

*Marvel's Civil War is about a face-off between two factions of superheroes led by Captain America and Iron Man when the American President passes a bill called the Superhero Registration Act which orders superheroes to register their identities with the government following cases of superhero damages to the city.

So yes, our misunderstood hero agrees to go to jail, turn over a new leaf, and don a Wolverine-like tight suit to fight crime and ultimately becomes the darling of the public, the protector of peace.

The end.

If only it were that simple.

After that, the movie for me sorta loses its focus as it shifts its angle from fallen superhero to some supernatural immortal nonsense which just got to darn complicated.

Yeah people, no spoilers. I shit you not.

Hancock is a movie which stars Hollywood juggernauts Will Smith and Charlize Theron, starts off in the most prodigious of fashion, but in the end, when it needed to stay real, the film fizzles out no thanks to the decision to make it an action blockbuster.

Ханкок ревю

stranger — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:08:02 +0000

Как да изпъкнеш в месеците на супер героите?

Щото супер герой тази година има в изобилие - Iron Man; Хълк; Задаващият се Хелбой; новият Батмън; ~~Индиана Джоунс~~ опаа забравих, че Инди не е супер герой :D ...но така или иначе много герой мноо нещо. И как да се отличиш в един такъв "героично кино офанзивен сезон"... еми слагаш най-дебилното име на света - Hancock, така че всички да се чудят какво точно означава, и след това създаваш един изпаднал супер герой! =) Такъв дето прави повече проблеми от колкото решава, просто защото хич не му дреме и иска да си пие на спокойствие :)

Реално Ханкок е нещо като Железният човек в някаква алтернативна реалност, в която Тони Старк не е спрял да пие след като е станал супер герой... :D Но стига глупости, дайте да си говорим сериозно! :)

Питър Бърг определено е създал един нетипичен за този тип филми, персонаж. Надали има някой който да не е гледал трейлъра, но все пак:
[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.625918&w=425&h=350&fv=%26rel%3D0%26border%3D0%26]

Та виждали сме всякакви герой, но летящ-клошар-алкохолик - не :)
Просто като го чуеш как заявява на бандитите: "Предайте си... тихо" (щото има махмурлук) и няма как да не се разхилите =)
BTW ако играта GTA IV представи на играчите "умението" да кара пил , то Ханкок ясно показва на децата как се лети пил :D

Сега по-същество - Филма е неформално разделен на две неравни части: :)
1. Ханкок прави простотии и чупи разни неща, спасявайки градът; Ханкок преживява драматичен духовен катарзис (?!) и става по-добър ~~човек~~ супер човек;
2. Появява се тайният "злодей", и в мелето ни обясняват кой, какво и защо. Филма свършва драматично!

Първата част е отлична. Екшъна е на ниво, Комедията е пълна, а Драмата е изключително интересна. Триото актьори - Уил Смит, Чарлийз Терон (изключителна, изключителна) и Джейсън Бейтман се справят перфектно и наистина е удоволствие да бъдат наблюдавани.

Единствената забележка която съм склонен да отправя, е по-адрес на ужасяващият оператор, който през повечето време снима, все едно е болен от Паркинсон.
На всяка по-интересна сцена, камерата се върти около героя като подивяла, а при близки кадри се люшка все едно целият филм е сниман на кораб, при бурно вълнение. Как може такова нещо не ми стана ясно.

Във "втората част" обаче нещата се променят драстично. В картинката се включва "тайният злодей" (няма да ви кажа кой е, така че спокойно).
Честно и без бой си признавам, че за мен тази част, беше откровено слаба поради 2 основни причини:
- имам се за наблюдателен човек. Точно за това, още от вторият трейлър насам, ми беше ясно кой ще е "тайният злодей" (а и то е повече от очевадно, още от първата му поява пред камерата), но тайно се надявах, че "голямата врътка" в филмчето е, че ще се окаже, че са ме подвели и това не е "злодея"... Да ама не. Чак се изненадах когато хората в киното възкликнаха учудени, при появата на въпросния персонаж. Аз за съжаление можах да кажа само: "Е то беше очевадно". Та издразни ме, защото още от трейлъра на филма бях "спойлнат", което за мен е груба и некадърна грешка; Ако не ме разбирате, ще ме разберете като изгледате филма ;)
- втората причина, обаче е доста по-сериозна и основателна :)
Въпросния "злодей" е тотално недоразвит (от към герой)! На фона на чудната актьорска игра, това изглежда меко казано дразнещо. Сякаш авторите на филма са снимали, снимали и изведнъж са осъзнали, че скоро ще им свърши лентата... С груби викове са прекъснали чудния мурафет който са си спретнали актьорите, и са казали - ся ще ви пуснем един "лош" персонаж понеже скоро свършва лентата, вие се оправяйте като знайте... Спокойно няма какво да го мислим толкоз. Снимай!

Точно това беше една от основните причини да изляза от филма леко неудовлетворен от цялостното усещане. Ако му бяха ударили още едни 30 минутки, да по-развият нещата сигурно щях да изфърча от кино салона скачайки от радост, а тук щях да пиша само хвалби, но положението не е точно такова :(

Също така се чувствам длъжен да кажа, че почти всички екшън сцени вече сте ги виждали в трейлъра, а във филма се набляга малко повече на "социалната драма". Не че ще останете разочаровани от визуалното пиршество (под формата на взривени коли, и обърнати камиони), или пък от драмата (която е изненадващо интересна дори да не харесвате такива неща), но определено щях да се зарадвам на още малко пуцаница и замеряне с автомобили ;)

Все пак, не искам да оставя грешно впечатление в четящите това, защото филма си заслужава да се види на кино (и си е правен за там). Зрелището си струва, смях има достатъчно, а и подхода към супер героите е повече от оригинален и заслужава адмирация. Просто смятам, че Ханкок има още много нереализиран потенциал... но от друга страна, предвид факта къде се е закачил в боксофис класацията навън, може да го оползотворят във втората част :D

"Hancock" - Writers Needed

hmks — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:14:31 +0000

Before you see this movie, read THIS REVIEW.

Hancock Review

TV Slut — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:14:24 +0000

Happy (late) fourth of July (considering it's the 7th of July, I'm actually 3 days late)! I actually had a pretty busy weekend, considering the holiday and all. Not much in the way of television. And of course, what I did watch for TV I will definitely include that in a different post.

Anyhoo, my Fourth was spent with D milling around the bookstore, having dinner and seeing a movie. Hancock actually. I will be honest. I didn't hold out much hope for this one. I love Will Smith. He's good in everything he does. But I didn't have much faith in this one...especially after Zohan. BUT I actually liked it.

Hancock is the story about a misfit superhero who has no sense of belonging, no sense of place and no sense of self, so he finds solace in alcohol while trying to save lives. Simply. Until he discovers that his OTHER HALF is somewhere nearby.

As far as expectations go, I really didn't expect much from a 90 minute movie, but I was pleasantly surprised by the time it was done, it felt lunch a much lengthier flick. But in a good way. There was so much going on, and so much story, but it was not burdening or unfunny. In point of fact, the previews were what made me so skeptical, but they really weren't a large part of the movie at all. They were pretty nonexistent and easy to forget once the movie picked up speed.

I definitely think this was a good choice for a movie to see when not wanting to watch fireworks. (AND the theater was nearly empty. There were only 2 other couples, who clearly had the same idea as me).

Now, things that made me giggle:

JOHN HANCOCK. That was his actual name in the movie. How did he get it? The nurse at the hospital he was at asked him for his "John Hancock" (as in signature... duh!), and he thought that was his name.
Hancock's OTHER HALF was the wife of his Publicist.
The French bully. Since when are bullies French? But it was hilarious.
I really enjoyed how the subtleties were linked between the Super Hero couple. Hancock hated being called an "asshole", while his WIFE hated being called "crazy" or a "crazy bitch." "Call me ASSHOLE one more time..." "Call me CRAZY one more time..." Wicked cool.

Yup, I definitely enjoyed this one. Can't wait for the DVD release. Perhaps I'll buy it. Maybe I'll rent. But I do want to watch it again.

(Which reminds me, I wonder when Forgetting Sarah Marshall comes out. Definitely excited for that one.)

About John Hancock

Danang Pramudya — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:40:30 +0000

[INTERMEZZO ON]

[11:36] Dirga: boy nonton hancock yuk bareng anak2
[11:36] danang.pramudya: anak2 siapa?
[11:37] danang.pramudya: anak2 siapa????????
[11:37] Dirga: 2003 lah
[11:37] Dirga: itu loh yang di milis
[11:37] danang.pramudya: ah
[11:37] danang.pramudya: males
[11:37] Dirga: knp bro?
[11:37] danang.pramudya: gw dah 2 kali ntn
[11:37] Dirga: halaaaah pantesan
[11:37] danang.pramudya: dalam 2 hari beruntun
[11:38] Dirga: pasti deh kalo uda gk nonton
[11:38] Dirga: pasti uda nonton :)
[11:38] Dirga: gak lucu loh
[11:38] danang.pramudya: bagus lho
[11:38] Dirga: iya tau
[11:38] danang.pramudya: ntn aja gih sono
[11:38] danang.pramudya: bagus banget
[11:38] Dirga: makannya pengen nonton
[11:38] danang.pramudya: maka-nya
[11:38] danang.pramudya: bukan makan-nya
[11:38] Dirga: harapannya tugas anum beres 2 hari ini
[11:38] Dirga: KP tinggal sidang
[11:38] danang.pramudya: emg kpn ntnnya???
[11:38] Dirga: jadi mo have fun
[11:39] Dirga: blum tau tuh
[11:39] Dirga: waktunya belum jelas

[INTERMEZZO OFF]

Pada setuju nggak kalo Hancock saya sebut sebagai film bergenre superhero paling well made yang pernah dibuat Hollywood? Kalo menurut saya sih sangat setuju. Saya aja sampai rela nonton 2 kali gitu lho. What a perfect movie after all...

Setidaknya, denger dari orang-orang yang udah nonton nih film semuanya bilang bagus kecuali si Gembrot. Heran nih orang selalu berkebalikan ma saya. Kalo saya bilang film bagus, dia bilang jelek. Kalo saya bilang jelek, dia bilang bagus. Bodo ah!

The Very Fresh Superhero Story

Hancock jauh lebih segar dari film-film bergenre serupa. Karena banyak unsur fresh comedy-nya di dalam skenarionya. Ceritanya adalah tentang seorang berkekuatan super bernama John Hancock yang tidak tahu apapun mengenai identitas dirinya, menjalani hidup sebagai either superhero dan sampah masyarakat sekaligus. Dia memang menyelamatkan orang, tapi di satu sisi Hancock juga mempunyai kegemaran unik, menghancurkan benda-benda, mulai dari jalan aspal, tempat duduk, gedung-gedung bertingkat, papan tanda penunjuk jalan, kereta api, dan segala macam benda publik lainnya.

Selain kehidupannya sehari-hari sebagai gembel dan pemabuk, lengkaplah atribut Hancock sebagai sampah masyarakat dan dibenci semua orang. Keadaan yang kontras memang, selain profesi utamanya sebagai pahlawan kota Los Angeles.

Suatu hari dia menyelamatkan nyawa seorang agen PR terkenal di kota Los Angeles. Sebagai balas budi, Ray, nama pria ini, menjadi terobsesi untuk memperbaiki citra John Hancock sebagai sampah masyarakat. Well, dari sini sudah dapat diketahui kemana cerita ini akan berlanjut.

Namun konflik utama Hancock bukannya pada pertikaian dengan musuh besarnya, seperti pada film-film superhero lainnya, namun pertikaian dengan jati dirinya dan orang-orang tersayang yang pernah berada pada masa lalunya. Hal ini yang membuat Hancock menjadi film superhero paling dramatik, mengharukan, sekaligus paling segar yang pernah dibuat Hollywood.

The Very Humble Filming and Scenario

Bukan karakter Hancock-nya yang humble, tapi justru pada pengfilmannya. Dengan unsur komedi (tapi nggak slapstick) yang kental, ditambah alunan musik ala French humble drama movies, film ini jadi punya greget dan keistimewaan pada kesan yang dimunculkan. Peter Berg sebagai sutradara, saya nilai cukup jenius dalam menentukan style yang dipakai pada filming-nya. Ditambah juga dengan style fotografi ala shaking cam-nya.

Dengan tidak menepis atribut-atribut generik pada film-film superhero lainnya, okay, saya akui, banyak sekali pengadeganan ala superman, spiderman, or even x-men. Tapi tampaknya skenario film ini membungkusnya dengan nuansa keluguan dan ke-naifan dari Hancock sendiri. Seperti ketika Hancock harus mengucapkan kata "good job" kepada polisi-polisi yang bekerja sama dengannya. Jadi, hal-hal ala superhero yang menurut saya agak menggelikan pada film-film superhero lainnya, menjadi tidak berefek apa-apa pada film ini. What a good scenario, actually!

I Think It Should Be Gold Film

Overall, film ini oke punya lah. Skenario mantap, gambar boleh lah, musik asyik, akting amazing, dan pantes banget kalo film ini diganjar dengan medali emas...

Nice, Hancock, nice!

Movie Review: Hancock

themicrocosm — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:40:58 +0000

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Take a well thought up premise, three very talented actors, and mix it with a sadly pathetic story and you get Hancock.

I love Will Smith. Everything from his wry sense of humor to his intense and convincing dramatic performances, he has become the most bankable movie star of the past ten years. I love Charlize Theron, from her mouth dropping (non-anorexic) body, to her perfectly piercing eyes and her equally powerful ability to grip an audience, she has never fallen off the radar as so many actresses tend to do from time to time in their careers. Jason Bateman is a gem as well. He makes acting seem effortless and he squeezes every ounce of dry humor out of scenes that otherwise would fall flat. So, how do these three performers come together to make such a weak film?

It starts with the script. It always starts with the script. Then it moves on to the direction and cinematography. The story was disjointed and amounted to a strange love affair between superheroes and an intangible story of centuries past just did not fit. I realized early on there were going to be problems in the way it was filmed as well. Long, close up shots with far too much fabricated intensity were sucking the theater of all its enjoyment.

The action sequences were ok. It was interesting how they construed Hancock's drunken, ineffectual acts of heroism. His drunken flying, with his awkward landings and anti-Superman poses were great. Some of the humor was dead on, although much of the best scenes were given away in the trailer. There is a great scene in which Jason Bateman tries explain how to say, "good job," that made me laugh even though you could see it coming from a mile away.

This dramedy leaned far too much in the direction of drama and hit a brick wall of my capacity to give a shit. Movies like this succeed in their light-hearted nature and the ability to throw tidbits of drama in to satiate the audiences need for a deeper conflict. Hancock simply took itself too seriously and audiences will not. Unlike other superhero films of recent, Hancock does not exist in the world of comics and as such extra care should have been given to create a simple, understandable story that would allow the audience to come back for more (sequel). Lucky for the studios, it stars Will Smith, and Charlize Theron fails to wear a bra for most scenes, so I think it will make enough dough to cover their costs. It might even be enough to warrant a sequel, but I hope not. I would prefer to see Bad Bays III, MiB III, or hell, Ali II: Punches to Parkinson's. (My respects Mohammed Ali, you are my favorite boxer of all time.)

Rating ** (There was potential for something here, but it fell flat on its face. Waste a minute on this, you're a fool.)

Hancock.. not your average superhero (in a "not just another average movie")

dyokjoc — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:33:59 +0000

[wp_caption id="attachment_27" align="alignright" width="202" caption="Not your Average Superhero"][/wp_caption]

A hard-living superhero who has fallen out of favor with the public enters into a questionable relationship with the wife of the public relations professional who's trying to repair his image. -- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448157/

Since the day I saw the ad on Will Smith’s new movie Hancock I couldn’t wait to see it not until yesterday July 5. To watch it yesterday after the fun run event was really unplanned. Cleigh was supposed to go where her parents were at that time and I was supposed to go home since it was more or less 3 hours yet before their bowling game at the Star Mall in Shaw Boulevard. Cleigh, after the fun run then invited that we go see a movie and asked me what movie I would like to watch. Without second thought I said “Hancock!” I was jumping for joy when she agreed to see that movie.

J Thanks Cleigh! J

I am someone who rarely watches movies. I choose movies not by the actors who are starred in it, but by the trailer and by the story it will tell. I want a movie that could teach me something. And when I watch a certain movie, I would always look for quotes –meaningful messages from the characters in the story that could teach me things about dealing with life, friendships, love and more.

HANCOCK. I was not wrong in choosing that movie to watch. The movie was really nice, inspiring and gives each and every one person who watches it something they could bring home after having watched it.

As I watch the movie, I can’t help but be touched by it – the characters and the story itself. Now, a day after, as I remember the story and the characters, I finally have collated the things I have learned from it of which some were through the quotes I have listed in my mind and was not able to erase, and some were just realizations I have learned from watching it.

The following are the things that made Hancock one of my favorite movies to date.

The end doesn’t justify the means. We have heard this phrase from time to time and watching the first few scenes in the movie made me remember the phrase. John Hancock as the movie’s subtitle says is really not the average superhero. He’s a superhero who doesn’t care about everything around him just as long as he was able to save someone’s life from an approaching train, or beating up bad guys and taking them to the hands of the authority. He doesn’t care how many buildings, establishments are destroyed as he does his heroic deeds, and he doesn’t care if an old woman would be traumatized by his acts. He simply doesn’t care. What matters to him is that he’s able to send the bad guys in prison apart from saving a life. His way of being a hero makes people raise an eyebrow at him more than thanking him with a big smile and a hug or a handshake. The End doesn’t really justify the Means – no matter how good the effect of a good deed is if it badly affects people and things around you, it can still be reasons for others to hate you than like you.
“..It’s not my name. Call me asshole one more time.” - hancock. This is the line that Hancock keeps telling someone who calls him an asshole – a word he really hates. He says this line as always with a threatening tone of voice that if they’d call him that way again, something they won’t wish to happen to them surely will. What that line teaches us is never to call anyone names. It’s a kind of respect. We were given names even before our mothers gave birth to us. And we wouldn’t want others to call us different names other than the name we’re given with the exception of nicknames. Start showing respect by calling someone by their name and you’ll gain their respect as well. J
“You always see the good in others” – Mary. Ray is an image consultant. He helps others to have a good public image, and more than that, he also wants to attempt changing the world. Hancock once saved his life and on that day, he’s the only one who appreciated Hancock – he’s the only person who shook Hancock’s hand and say “Thank you Hancock! Thank you!” Ray, as a character in the story would teach us to always seek the good in others. Ray also would teach us about patience. He has never given up changing the way Hancock deals with every thing. Ray was able to change Hancock, and Hancock then was able to change the way people see him. Learning from Ray, Hancock himself made the people love him.
“Good Job”- Hancock. Hancock could sometimes get rude even with children and old women. Ray taught him to say “Good Job!” He taught us more than Hancock to appreciate every good deed by telling people how they’ve done. Saying these two words to someone could mean a lot. Appreciating even a simple good deed could make someone keep on doing good things not only for himself or his family but also for others as well. Saying “good job” is just simple and it won’t even hurt you, right? J
“Fate doesn’t decide everything. People get to choose.” –Mary. This is quite true. Fate only dictates and lays the path we were written to take but it would always be our choice to seek that path or go the other way. For when we have ended with something we never wish for, it’s not Fate we have to blame but our own self. There is no such a “No Choice” in every situation. We do have a choice, always. We get to choose and sometimes we choose not to choose – still, we chose! ;)
“We're built in pairs.” – Mary. Hancock and Mary, as Mary describe it; they seem to be like the poles of a magnet. Positive and Negative. They can’t be close to each other. The more they get near, the less they become powerful, the more they become mortals. When Hancock asked Mary why, she explained that the reason behind them becoming mortals when they get close to each other is just so they could be real humans – so they could feel, love, have a family, get old and eventually die. But Mary, against Hancock’s will (though eventually he accepted and understood) insisted that she and Hancock be far away from each other so they can still continue to save people’s lives, as well as save the world.
"When you want something, you just take it, right? Nobody can stop you from taking it... But can you take it..?” – Hancock. There were times in our life when we take something we have always wanted so much only to find out we can’t take it, ending with us taking that something back to where or whom that really belongs to for the goodness’ sake. From the movie, it hurts Hancock and Mary that they can’t live together. They are meant for each other but ironically they can’t be together. This happens in real life. Two people love each other so much but decide to live separate lives because they know that it’s best for them. It’s not because they don’t want to be with each other, but as complicated as it may sound, they love each other so much that they don’t want to be together.
“You can change the world. I know you can.” – Hancock. They say that for you to be able to change the world, you have to start first with your family - which was being showed by Ray (Hancock’s image consultant and his wife’s husband... sounds complicated because technically Mary’s husband is Hancock). Ray was able to change Hancock’s way of saving people and beating up the bad guys, and because Hancock was able to change, the way people see him also changed. People get to love Hancock, because Hancock learned from Ray. In real life, we don’t need to be image consultants to be able to change the world. We could just be as simple as we already are and decide to change the world by changing our ways first and changing other people and eventually the world, will just follow. J

A "Good Job!" to Will Smith for playing the role Hancock, and to all those behind this movie who made it not just another average movie.. =)

John Hancock is really not your average superhero... and Hancock itself is definitely not another average movie... really.

Hancock

Sai — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:01:10 +0000

I was conflicted before watching Hancock. Who wouldn't want to watch the undeniably charismatic Will Smith playing a superhero (you even wonder why it didn't happen earlier). However, the talk of reshoots followed by the lack of enthusiasm from critics brought down my interest level in the film. The makers maintained that the film did something very different with the superhero genre and I wasn't so sure. So, I went in with lowered expectations. After watching the film, I can say that the makers weren't fibbing.

Smith plays a superhero with a bad attitude and inept interpersonal skills. He helps people like all superheroes must but he has a drinking problem and a penchant for destroying public property. One day, the unpopular hero saves a publicist who wants to better the world. He sees the good in Hancock and tries to improve his image.

What I like about this film is that it feels unlike the comic book superhero movies that we have seen (and liked) in the past. It is not about a lovable superhero. It is not about saving the world. It is not heavy on action. It doesn't even feel like it is set in a fantasy world. It is really a film that has humor, drama and some surprises.

Screenwriters Vincent Ngo and Vince Gilligan are aiming to bridge genres but the attempt isn't perfect. Director Peter Berg (The Kingdom, The Rundown) renders a film that feels a bit disjointed (I will keep away from discussing some of the flaws to avoid spoilers). The film could have been better but it does entertain and I'd say it was worth the price of admission.

One of the primary reasons that it works is Will Smith. Smith is the perfect choice for this role because he is one of the few actors that can pull off a film in any genre. Though the film doesn't allow you to love him all that much, he still is Will Smith and you can't get enough of him. Charlize Theron (Monster, The Italian Job) and Jason Bateman (Juno, Arrested Development) are well cast and they manage to impress as well.

This film is a decent summer diversion but expectations can mar your experience. Just don't think of it as a superhero movie. Think of it as a non-serious partly-dramatic entertainer headlined by Will Smith and you might enjoy it like I did.

Happy 4th of July -- Schoolhouse Rock Style!

Matthew Gilbert — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:00:58 +0000

Having been born in Boston, Massachusetts and sharing a birthday with George Washington, American history, and specifically the 4th of July, have always had a special place in my heart.

Of course, I also have an interest in pop culture and a decent sense of humor (depending on who you ask!), so I can really appreciate "Schoolhouse Rock."

So, to celebrate America's 232nd birthday I thought it would be appropriate to share the following "Schoolhouse Rock" video titled "Fireworks." Enjoy!

Happy Independence Day!

nonnie9999 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:34:56 +0000

Have a wonderful 4th of July!

And never forget what this day signifies.....

From Wiki:

The United States Declaration of Independence was a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, announcing that the thirteen American colonies then at war with Great Britain were no longer a part of the British Empire. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration was a formal explanation of why Congress had voted on July 2 to declare independence from Great Britain, more than a year after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. The birthday of the United States of America—Independence Day—is celebrated on July 4, the day the wording of the Declaration was approved by Congress.

Contrary to a once-common misconception, Congress did not sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. First published as a printed broadside, the famous handwritten version was created after July 19, and was signed by most Congressional delegates on August 2. This copy, usually regarded as the Declaration of Independence, is now on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Wellllll, not exactly. You see, the little known true story is that the Declaration was all written and ready to go on the 4th. However, one member of the Congress was a bit too enthusiastic and signed his name a little too large to suit the other members. I know what you were thinking, but no, it wasn't John Hancock. Hancock was just trying to be a big shot, remembered how awesome the signature had been, and decided to write his name flamboyantly, too. Well, instead of a lot of words, I will just show you the evidence....

Original painting by John Trumbull.
Have fun, but please stay safe, dear Raisinettes!

Independence Day

crispseptember — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:23:14 +0000

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

— John Hancock

July 4, 1776 - Declaration of Independence "All men are created equal...

africanblogs — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:38:13 +0000

[wp_caption id="attachment_73" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Copy of The Declaration of Independence"][/wp_caption]

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security." - Courtesy, Wikipedia

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Hancock

Mike — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:26:48 +0000

I finally saw Hancock today. I thought it was like watching a lengthy tv show - without the commercial breaks. It was fun. One with normal sense of humor can have a good laugh on it. There were soft moments every now and then to remind how lonely a god is John Hancock. I don't think the effects were great but it was all in good taste, I think. His drunk-flying was a little bit wobbly (obviously) which makes it more realistic - at least that's what I think my flying would look like if I could. It was fun. It was a 6 out of 10 -- good enough for me.

American Minute with Bill Federer: Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Steve Farrell — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:31:46 +0000

The Declaration of Independence was approved JULY 4, 1776.

John Hancock signed first, saying "the price on my head has just doubled."

Benjamin Franklin said "We must hang together or most assuredly we shall hang separately."

Of the 56 signers: 17 lost their fortunes, 12 had their homes destroyed, 5 became prisoners of war, 1 had two sons imprisoned on the British starving ship Jersey, 1 had a son killed in battle, 1 had his wife die from harsh prison treatment and 9 signers died during the War.

When Samuel Adams signed the Declaration, he said:

"We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come."

John Adams said:

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty."

John Adams continued:

"I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration...Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory...

Posterity will triumph in that day's transaction, even though we it, which I trust in God we shall not."

Stiff Right Jab, contributing editor, William J. Federer, is the bestselling author of “Backfired: A Nation Born for Religious Tolerance no Longer Tolerates Religion,” and numerous other books. A frequent radio and television guest, his daily American Minute is broadcast nationally via radio, television, and Internet. Check out all of Bill's books here.

Hancock sucked, but you knew that

meatlights39 — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:08:00 +0000

Accepting that its initial reviews were lousy, I went to see Hancock anyway because I hate my own life, which needs more fake butter.

Ticket, drink, popcorn (the latter two refillable) totalled only 9 bucks, but I still felt ripped off.

The plot of Hancock was hopelessly muddled, like two movies in one and neither very good. The second half's movie was irredeemable shit; had it had kept the dark-yet-sanitized tone of the first half throughout, it still would've been flat soda not worth a second sip but not, "I'll never drink that rat-piss again" bad.

I understand people were also disappointed with Will Smith's I Am Legend. After falling down these manholes masquerading as entertainment, Smith does try to act for all he's worth but Christ, the secret of getting out of the sewer is not to fall down the hole in the first place.

The problem with Hancock is that it will be a huge hit. Fourth of July weekend looming with the world's most bankable star at the helm? It'll probably make a billion worldwide post-DVD. Unfortunately for the stupido studio it would've made 1.5 billion or more had it been good, fun, or both.

Hollywood is part of the great conspiracy to keep life as boring and limited as possible. The elites have all the fun shit in plenteous supply: whores, fast cars/yachts/jets, mountains of booze, pills and cocaine. They buy their way out of serving time for most crimes as if life was an anarchic Monopoly game.

The only thing the Hollyturds can't do is make their mediocre product interesting by comparison, and so for the average dolt, everything in life remains forbidden, expensive or illegal. Out of reach.