The Butler
Cecil Gaines had the opportunity to serve 8 presidents during his time at the white house. The film was adequate, but there were some great aspects, including the incorporation of his later years and the election of the first black president. After watching this film, I felt a new respect toward black Americans and specifically those who have contributed to the on going civil rights movement (African Americans are still not completely equal even today). The Butler made me realize how far we have really come. Just 50 years ago the Civil Rights movement was in full swing and Cecil was not provided the same opportunities and rights as hes provided today. As time progressed in the white house, he saw the changes taking place from an even more interesting perspective. Lastly, the election of Barack Obama must have been an epiphanic moment for not only Cecil himself, but for all African Americans familiar with the past and history of the United States. Although this film was not one of my favorite class films, it did help me realize the importance of having a black president for the first time, and the effort and emotion that came with it, even many years before his time in office.

The Helper 
Although a touching story, this film did not capture my interest. There was just too little happening. Other films have been able to grab my interest without including much action and interesting scenes, but this film failed to do so. The one thing this film does right is the accurate portrayal of African Americans in that particular geological area, during that time period. This film does not mask any of the true characteristics of African Americans during that time, including speech and behavior. This is a truly honest portrayal of southern African Americans and I appreciate that.
The Jim Crow Laws in the south are today considered inhumane and ideologically wrong. Black and White humans were truly separate according to the laws and execution of the laws. Many white southerners justified these laws by saying yes they were separate, but EQUAL. However, equality did not exist among the races in the south and even today we see similarities. For example there was a law that stated whites could not marry blacks, but today we laws that exist that don't allow for same-sex marriage. Although not supportive of homosexuality, I do believe people should have the choice to make decisions involving sexual preference and marriage. Every human should be treated equally, and although African Americans have come a long way, America has still not excepted everyone.

Today, you could make an argument for either side answering the question "are African Americans truly better off today than they were previous to the Civil Rights Movement. In my opinion African American's still face unfairness and inequality in many different aspects of life, but are provided with equally biased opportunities as well. For example African Americans have a much better chance of getting accepted into colleges and graduate school (like Med school) solely based on race. Disagree or agree, America has come a long way (We even have an African American President!), but challenges still exist for many minorities living in the United States.  

The Pianist
This film has provided me with a new perspective on the horrors of the holocaust and what it was truly like to be persecuted and mistreated. I normally do not say this about many films, but The Pianist was almost hard for me to watch. It was gruesome not graphically, but psychologically. It is hard to imagine that people could treat others this way and get away with it. It is one thing to read or hear stories about the Holocaust, but it is seeing the violence that actually sheds light on the true magnitude of the inhumanity that took occurred in the ghettos. The only other film that has made me feel this way was The Passion of The Christ, an equally sad but influential film. Lastly, was the actor playing Wladyslaw Szpilman really playing the piano?

I believe Hosenfeld saved Wladyslaw Szpilman to justify his previous (and possibly future) guilt about the cruelty and violence he was condoning. He probably saw an innocent man, who had no reason to be killed. In addition, the general may of had an epiphany and probably realized his actions were wrong and needed religious or just moral forgiveness. Szpilman would risk any opportunity to survive. I believe he saw the German general as an opportunity to make it out alive, after all he had an even smaller chance of survival hiding and providing on his own, without the help and protection of other individuals. He took the risky chance of trusting Hosenfeld, but it is the reason he survived.

Defiance
Defiance is an inspirational film and at times hard to watch. I embraced the courageousness and perseverance of over a thousand jews stranded in a forest for over a year. I can't even imagine myself going through an ordeal such as theirs without either breaking down mentally or physically. Not only did these people successfully hide from the Nazis for a very long time, but they also fought back against the Germans when they were discovered in the forest, something fairly uncommon at the time for Jews in Europe to do. They surprised the Germans with overwhelming force at the end of the film and were able to save over a thousand jews from inhumane acts. The surviving Jews saved many more jews intangibly and are remembered today for what they did in that hostile forest.
I agree partially with both because in my opinion, violence must be avoided unless completely necessary for survival, which would relate to their situation. Violence is justifiable for them to survive against the Germans, but it is unnecessary to kill innocent people like the Germans.
These are related because they have the opportunity to kill Germans, but that does not literally mean kill random Germans.
I do not agree with Bielskis and it is cliche to say fighting back is just as bad as the true killers. It was necessary to kill Germans in order to survive. They were in no way doing wrong by killing Germans and are probably saving many more lives by doing so. Other instances of murder may not be as justifiable.
I agree completely with Obama's statement regarding evil and force. However I disagree with Simon's statement explaining that evil only causes more evil. There is no way the Holocost could of been stopped by a nonviolent movement. IF hitler was willing to go to such lengths to try and abolish an entire religion, what makes you think words or even protesting would stop him? It just isn't realistic to say that negotiations and a nonviolent movement could of stopped the horrors that took place
 

Memphis Belle-

I had watched this movie having small bias against world war two films. The only film I truly enjoy about the world war era is Saving Private Ryan, but I admit that I did think this film was better than previous films I had watched about 20th century warfare. I consider Memphis Belle only a satisfactory film, but there were some great aspects of the film including the story that the movie portrays. I thought the actual plot and characters were well done and I have great respect for the men who defended the United States during World War II and all wars. It is fascinating to watch a film about a group of young men preservering through challenges I will never experience. I also like the subtle humor that is included in the film. The film failed to stimulate my "woah" or "wow" senses, but battles were still interesting enough to keep my full attention. Maybe the bias I came with to watch the film is the reason I did not think this movie was spectacular, but regardless of my bias against world war II films, I would still recommend this film to future students because of the interesting historical story told about a brave group of soldiers. 

1. 42 is one of the best sports films I have ever seen and makes me appreciate playing baseball even more. I am glad we watched a film that I could relate to easily and make connections to my own life. Jackie Robinson was not only a courageous athlete, but also a man with strong character and self control. After watching 42, I find it hard to imagine how anyone could go through what Jackie had to go through, without quitting or throwing a huge tantrum. Jackie did have a mental breakdown, but never once did he take out his anger on the players or cause physical harm. Only a man with strong morals and character can break baseball's color barrier and do it with such class. The best aspect of the film was the fact that I could easily follow the story and nothing in the movie seemed overly complicated to follow or excessive. It is a simple movie that is easy to follow and this is what makes it a great film for all ages (if parents condone the strong language).
2. I believe Jackie did indeed help this country, but I don't think he should deserve all the credit. Many African Americans that followed Jackie's lead dealt with the same issues Jackie had to go through. Other African Americans who played professional sports alongside with white athletes should receive recognition like Jackie did. I do believe what Jackie did was more courages and significant to overall racial equality than most other African American athletes that came before or after, but I still do not believe he should receive ALL the attention. Jackie Robinson did what most people would never even attempt and that is why he is so significant to American history. He was not only a great athlete, but a leader and model for African American athletes everywhere. I agree with Jackie's quote because self centered people will never be remembered. Only people who greatly affect other people in a positive (and sometimes negative way) are remembered by future generations. It is important to influence others because people only get one lifetime to live on this planet and it should be spent positively affecting others and yourself.
3. Jackie's values can be applied to many aspects of life including school. For example, determination and persistence are key to becoming and remaining a successful student. Great students must stay focused on their goals, work, and tasks, and must show persistent effort in their academics. Commitment and excellence can also be directly applied to achieving academic success.
       

1. I thought Cinderella Man was an adequate movie. I am personally not a fan of boxing, but I thought this movie was a good take on an interesting boxer. Cinderella Man is an inspirational movie about James Braddock, a legendary boxer. I find it very amusing that this film was based on a real story and how James Braddock, an ordinary boxer, overcame obstacles and became a rememberable boxer. The actual boxing fights were interesting to watch, but seemed excessive and exaggerated. I also wish the ending was done differently because in my opinion, the movie ends too quickly right after the last fight. I just felt like there was more to the end of the film and his career in general. Overall, this is my favorite boxing film by far, but when compared to other sports film I have seen, I only consider it only "okay".
2. A Cinderella man is someone who enjoys a quick rise to greatness. Braddock is a great example of someone who became great under difficult circumstances and pressure. Braddock's career was almost finished until he found something deep inside and persevered to become a heavyweight champion.
3. I believe Braddock was doing all he could to take care of his family, regardless if he stole food. Braddock had to take extreme measures to ensure his family survived and had a meal to eat. Under these circumstances, what Braddock did can be justified. Personally, I would do whatever I had to, to ensure that my family had a meal to eat, even if that meant resorting to illegal activities.