HOLLYWOOD'S WOES

This is like the second year that I have not been to a movie theater to watch a good movie; with my kid growing up and financial woes being the reasons. But you know, I don't miss much of it. If most of you are thinking that it's because these movies can be watched online, then think again.

Before the age of the internet, movie theaters were a thing of magic. It transports the viewers to new worlds that capture our imagination. It gives us an escape in a world that is not our own. Movies can be original material or adopted from another form of media. That was before. Now, it's kind of going awray.

See, the current crop (or crap) of movies have just been catered to make money. Yes, technology have us the best special effects that makes these movies an eyecatcher, but some if most are lacking in real content. Yes, I mean it. Even the big blockbusters lack content, just focusing on very big events and of course fire works display. Some franchises are just there for no apparent reason (Fifty Shades, which just promotes sex). Some are there just to promote a specific agenda. Still others, I don't know. The point of movies entertaining is just gone now.

Now a lot of you wold say that three movies for this year crossed the 1 billion dollar mark, with big franchises like Star Wars and Justice League still not being shown. But here's the deal. In the Summer Blockbuster, the total gross is only $3,774,412,485 for 245 movies. There's a drop of more than 15.2% in last years gross. Which simple means that there are more movies that bombed than those that actually grossed. Like for every Wonder Woman or Spider-Man: Homecoming there are failures like Transformers,Cars or even Pirates of the Carribean. Again, these are domestic figures, but how will this affect us as a whole?   

Movies rely on ticket sales to further make more movies. If a movie busts, then the studios lose money. This can lead to potential future projects to be scrapped or put on hold. The main money making time is the summer. But if more movies lose money than actually making money, then there is a problem here. It seems to me that people in Hollywood only focused on the money movies rather than the entertaiment part. See, almost all movies now have the same theme:superheroes, established franchises, sequels, prequels,novels and so on. There seemed to be no more original movies. The only movie that peaked my interest this year was Dunkirk.

Hollywood needs to go back to it's roots of making good movies. Hire more creative writers to come up with original Hollywood movies. Also, if an adaptation is needed, be more faithful to it. Directors and producers also need to hone their craft. They should not only go for movies that will just sell, but will sell and be remembered for their content. The there's Weistein and the #METOO campaign. This will further dampen Hollywood as it is.       

Welcome to the End of Hollywood.

Just Saying.

BRIAN LUCIANO
NOVEMBER 16,2017             

     
   
                     

A LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER

Dear Pia,

By Saturday, November 18, 2017 you will be three years old. Time really flew so fast. I am really amazed at how you grew up so fast before our eyes. Yes, our life was never the same since then. You became the source of our inspiration and joy in our humble family.

Most kids your age may invite friends over or have a party. As you know, we can't afford those things now. We are only living within our needs,and we mostly don't have extras. We may just have a simple meal at home. Possibly, have mommy make you a cake. It makes me sad,knowing that I really can't give more for this event.

One thing we pray for is that you continue to be a good daughter. It makes us very happy when you will dance and sing songs of praise to your real father,Jesus!!! More than money and education, this is the only thing that we as parents can give you. I remember my mother (your grandmother) telling me that Jesus is my real parent, and that we are representatives of Jesus here on earth. That does not mean that you will not follow us, but for us to teach about him for you to abide in his love. This will make you a much better person when you grow up.

If me and mommy scolds you, it is for your own good. It's really nice that you now learn to say sorry. It also hurts us, but as the book of Proverbs say that we should correct your ways so that you won't go astray. But beyond that, it really makes us happy that you are always smiling. It relieves our stress and makes us feel that God really made us into a family.

We may not have a lot of material things, but the love is in there. Remember that Daddy and Mommy loves you, as well as your grandparents,uncles, aunts, cousins and of course your brothers and sisters in the faith.I pray that the Lord increase our lives to see you grow up. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and give you more blessings on your special day.

We Love You,

Daddy Brian and Mommy Mau       

P.S. I have inserted your favorite songs in Sunday School.