Armageddon!

   If you want to see a film that not only keeps you on your toes, but also gives your heart strings a much needed plucking, you would enjoy the film Armageddon, directed by Michael Bay. It deals with the realistic possibility of the world ending because a meteor hits it. But the film doesn’t just show the movie goers how the meteor will be destroyed, but also brings the audience into the lives of the people that will be doing the job, and their families. The end of the world isn’t something that is meant to inspire, but in this film, the message of hope is brought across so much that no matter how sad the film is, hope is spread throughout the audience.
   With an all star cast of actors including Bruce Willis, Liv Tyler, Ben Affleck, Billy Bob Thorton, Bill Paxton, Steve Buscemi, Owen Wilson, and more, the film is nothing more than an artistic piece of genius. The relationships in the film are developed so perfectly that each one is able to tap into the audiences emotions and bring out the desired feeling. The father/daughter relationship between Willis and Tyler’s characters is the most heartfelt in my opinion. They show a bond that is strong, but stubborn. Much like my fathers and mine. The characters are easy to connect with and very interesting and unique.
   Another thing that was done well in this film was the special effects. Although this movie is from the late 90’s, it still has effects that look very well done and realistic. Even when they are in space trying to land on a meteor, it is hard to find fault in the effects. Everything looks very professional. That helps keep the audience engrossed in the film instead of wondering about the little details like how fake effects look. Besides acting, action films need good effects to be successful, so the fact that Armageddon accomplishes this does a lot to improve the films quality.
   One thing that I very much took out of this film was that the people who saved the world were not specially trained astronauts but normal every day people that were put into the situation where they had to do what was put on them to save humanity. They overcame outstanding odds and extreme situations to accomplish what they were set out to do. Everyday people became fantastic heroes to not only the great country of the USA, but to the world. The message that the average Joe can do something incredible was one great thing that stood out in this film like a sunflower in a bouquet of roses.
   Normally when I watch a movie, the film makes an impression on my mind the first time, then I forget about it. But every time I watch Armageddon I always feel the same emotions and bring out a strong message of inspiration. It holds true to the action genre with twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge while also holding onto the romantic feelings of the film. It is very challenging for a film to hold true to both genres and still successfully accomplish both. This film greatly over does its expectations. It may just look like a film that should be watched if you want a lot of blowing up and people dying, which is included in the film, but the film brings more than that. I would recommend that everyone see this movie at least once, if not more, in their lives. Everyone from the age of 7 to the age of 107 could enjoy the messages and action in this film.

Blood!

Today I decided to give blood at my high school blood drive. I gave blood once before, and I ended up almost fainting and I threw up… a lot. It was lovely. But, nevertheless, it gets me out of class. Oh, and there is the small fact that one bag of your blood can save up to three people. In giving up my precious blood that keeps me alive, I am able to accomplish my good deed for the day! Yeah me! So I get there in the morning and wait for my turn to go give away my blood. There are not that many people in line, which I find strange because there are normally a lot of people giving blood. I try and pull out my donor card, but its stuck in my wallet and it takes me a good five minutes to pull it out. Already a good start to my day. Then, I sit down. My friend who was supposed to give with me didn’t come to school today because her mom was having a baby boy. So I was all alone in the room for a good twenty minuets. Finally some people I knew showed up, however. Not to long after that, it was my turn to give, so I go up to the questioning booth. The part that I hate the most is when they prick your finger to check if your iron in your blood is at a good enough level to donate. Mine was fine, like always. I finished all the questions and was on my way. But when I lay down on the table, my iPod dies. I just can not catch a break. So the lady preps me to give blood, but she can’t find my vain. It takes her a good ten minuets to find it. Finally, I start giving. The actual donation part was not to bad, but afterwards I felt very nauseous. They had me lay on the bed for about an hour. It was kind of nice because they brought me sprite and sugary treats. I could do without the feeling that I was going to puke all over the floor though. By the time I was done donating, It was time for me to go to lunch! Yes! More food! And then I only had one more class for the rest of the day. The experience of giving blood can be a hassle, but in the end its worth it to help out your fellow man.