Essay 2

1. What is your favorite movie — the one you’d want to watch over and over if you can have only one on a deserted island. Explain why it’s your favorite. Talk about any emotional attachment to it, the characters/actors, the story/plot, the filmmaking techniques, etc.

My favorite movie, at least for now, is August Rush. Though the whole concept of the movie is a little farfetched, it nonetheless gives the viewer a sense of inspiration. A young boy, growing up in an orphanage without any knowledge of who his parents are and later escaping to find the world of music at his fingertips, learns to play the guitar – a skill that will ultimately make him a star and bring the three of them together. Filled with amazing songs, an inspiring storyline, and an overall hopeful message, August Rush is my choice.

2. Which do you prefer — seeing a film at a theater, or watching it in another venue or on another platform (at home on TV, online, on your iPod or phone). Explain why, and talk about some advantages and disadvantages of the different ways to watch a movie.

The answer to this question entirely depends on the situation. Some movies are more geared to private home viewing with a few friends and others are designed for large-audience viewing. Due to the current economic issues at hand, my choice would be to watch a movie at home, but when the economy rebounds I believe my preference will change back to theatres. Some theatres are dirty and appeal to a less than ideal clientele, but such factors can be overcome by finding a good theatre – they’re everywhere. Because so many other things can be done on computer, it’s nice to put it away, which is why I don’t prefer to watch movies on the computer. I would be very unlikely to watch a movie on my phone or iPod because the screen is far too small and if you have to resort to doing so the chances are that you are in far too much a rush to even make the attempt anyway. Sit down, relax, pop open a can of soda, and enjoy the movie in the comforts of your own home (on your large widescreen TV).

3. If you watch the Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 22, write a little about what you think of the show. If you don’t watch it, explain why.

I was interested in watching it, but ended up not. When school and work assignments are completed and there is time to relax, I tend to spend it doing the things I want to do most and, this time, it did not include watching the Academy Awards. When they roll around next year, I imagine I will highly consider viewing it, but, if the same factors that influenced me this year are again present the next year, I imagine I will repeat my choice and pass.