Author: Jess Christian

If Only Tony Stark Could Build Political-Proof Power Armor

I’ve done a lot of research on the web about the Ironman movie coming out in May soaking up everything I can like a sponge. I love Ironman and have always been a big fan. Iron Man’s politics is low on the list of “Stuff I Care About.” As I was out on the web getting my fix I ran across an article, “Marvel’s ‘Politically Correct’ Ironman” written by Allan J. Ashinoff who is a respectable conservative and veteran of the US navy. Ashinoff’s article is a comment on the animated Ironman from Marvel that came out recently. I almost didn’t read it as I wasn’t really interested at the time in information related to the animated Iron Man, but in the end I was compelled to read it. I was concerned that suddenly Marvel’s new Ironman movie due out in May might have a political charge and if that is true this will be one disappointed fan.

My take on the article is that Ashinoff was irritated because the original Ironman story as it applies to the recently released animated film had been tampered with to fit a liberal agenda. I agree to an extent, but I would like to take that further by saying I wish politics stayed out of movies period. No one is more rattled than I am by the bold politically charged Hollywood that’s only getting worse.

In the end I think that changes made to our beloved comic characters are more about profit than they are about politics. Many companies due to the spread of corporatism and internationalism, aren’t just thinking about the US market anymore. Companies are thinking global. Studios release films internationally now and avoid when possible losing out on profit as they always have. A story line that is exclusive to US interests isn’t about to interfere with that goal. These companies profit more by being inclusive so that non-US citizens of the globe won’t feel like the Ironman movie, as an example, is American propaganda and thereby choosing not to buy into it. As a whole, the American pie just isn’t big or sweet enough for corporate profit goals anymore. There is just too much money to be had on an international scale and the film industry isn’t an exception. I’m sorry my fellow Americans but I have a feeling the emerging Ironman is neither Republican nor Democrat or even all that American anymore. Now that another beloved childhood hero of mine, Captain America is dead I’m sure Ironman is thinking he should go International or he might wind up assassinated too. I just hope I’ll be able to recognize the final product when the dust settles.

This Just In: Hollywood Is Left Handed

Now, I know it’s no secret that Hollywood basically leans more left than right and I would think that most people know this when they walk into a movie. Yes, there are people that believe everything they see and hear, but I’m optimistic most of us have a little scepticism in us. Hollywood isn’t as influential on the general public as they would like to think they are. Look at how hard they fought against George Bush in both elections. Whether you are polar Left or Right there is no turning back time; the results are that Bush won. In the end people know the right choice for them personally and in general people know when they are being sold something - buyers beware. Let us not forget the quote, “You can fool some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time.” I happen to agree with this. I have this person I know who from experience I don’t trust a word he says. That said, he makes me laugh so I keep him around despite his short comings. Some of the stuff he can make up and actually expect me to believe just makes me smile. Hollywood is one such friend to me. I expect little truth when I see a movie. I’m just looking to escape a little and be entertained for a while and Hollywood is happy to take my money. Thankfully I live in a country where I have other places to go in my search for truth.

Viva a Declaration of a Political-Free Hollywood

Frankly I wish Hollywood introduced a type of separation of Hollywood from politics or maybe a declaration of a political-free Hollywood. Maybe even something as simple as a political rating system for movies would help people like me avoid these kind of films without learning the hard way after our money is spent. Perhaps we could try Rated E for Elephant (Republican) or D for Donkey (Democrat) and then have them indicate the weight of the Elephant or Donkey so we know if it’s a big fat Elephant or a big fat Donkey. I tease, but I’ve seen so many potentially good films absolutely ruined because it was so unbearably preachy (Left or Right) that I just couldn’t stand to see it even though I sort of wanted to. Whether you are a liberal or a conservative it’s too bad a movie can’t escape politics. When I walk into a movie theatre with my ten dollar coke and my ten dollar popcorn all I basically want to do is forget the world that’s out there as I sit back and watch special effects bring to life a character like Ironman I’ve loved since I was a kid.