Can Harrison Ford Make Babies?

I think this is the first film that’s genuinely and truly forced me to think about the question “Can Harrison Ford make babies?” and that is a feat in and of itself. We should applaud for a moment. Moment over. Now, onto the answering this all important question.

He’s a pretty strong guy. It would make a lot of sense in the context of how this film was made to have him be a Replicant in the end, and there are definite hints. If Ridley Scott isn’t answering this question (more on this later), then he’s definitely putting it out there anyways. First of all, normal people don’t dream about unicorns. We just don’t do that. Perhaps more importantly are two scenes with Rachel and one with Roy. “Have you ever taken the test?” Rachel asks (and I’m paraphrasing), referring to the Replicant Test. That’s a super huge red flag right there. Sure, it could be Rachel attempting to establish some humanity, but we all know better. So less of a scene than a line, but whatever.

The…we’ll call it “seduction” scene with Rachel is another. What the hell is he doing? He’s not a forceful guy, and this is a forceful scene. It’s almost difficult to watch. There’s a lot of subtext about programming there, but we’ll ignore it to get to the gold. Why would he be so out of character unless he was coming to a realization he just isn’t ready for? In fact, prior to that, he seems out of sorts, though one could make a plausible argument that it is because he was saved by a Replicant. Finally, the scene with Roy. I know he’s a Bladerunner, but Roy should have messed him up. He can’t jump well, as demonstrated, by the scene where he is climbing to the roof is extremely impressive as far as strength goes.

Going back to his scene with Rachel, we have to wonder, can he make babies? If he’s a Replicant, we’ll assume “no”, because that would kind of defeat the 4 year lifespan model. So…babymaker or no? You decide.

Alright, True Believers, that's all you're getting.

And that is why "The Sandlot" is the pinnacle of modern film.

It's All About Beating the Final Boss

Tron explores the complex world of video gaming and computers, before they became super complex worlds. Nowadays, you've got 3 major systems engaging in the System wars, you've got PC and Mac gaming deep into the internet age, with MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games) gaining huge popularity, and console systems becoming hugely internet integrated. The gaming market is a large industry with a variety of consumers, producers, and suppliers.

The truth about Tron is that it simplifies what otherwise might seem far more complex, on both an ethical and moral level. That's ok. I want to stop and say that this isn't a criticism. I understand construction of story. You can have a good guy and a bad guy. No wrong about that. But I would like to comment on this unrealistic portrayal of "the industry". I say "the industry" because it isn't just gaming and computing that has seen this sort of trend. This is something that has spread wherever there is creation: music, art, invention, etc. Back on topic. The industry giant isn't always the bad guy. I think while a simplistic view would have ingenuity and creative freedom as one end of the spectrum and profit on the other. You can have both. You can be successful and praised, even "mainstream", without losing creativity.

Well, that is that. Glad we settled it.

And that is why The Sandlot is the pinnacle of modern film.

George Lucas Does It Again...For the First Time

George Lucas's name comes with a lot of baggage these days. Lucas created the best mainstream sci-fi, and some of the most famous films of all time. They are classics, all time favorites, and are etched deep into the skin of the body populous. Then he made lesser blockbusters. His studio is easily recognizable, and the licensing that has spread is monstrous. Oh, and he helped make Indiana Jones. It all started though, with THX 1138.

I won't bore you with the details, but instead will launch into the discussion.

Perhaps one of the most interesting concepts is the "value" of lives. I personally have always thought of a difference between "people logic" and "capitalist business logic", which balance each other out in our society. For example, McDonald's is trying to make money. When people sue them because they are getting fat off eating too many fries, I don't think McDonald's has a social responsibility to them, I think they have it to themselves. However, if you're roommate is mad because you always cook fatty food for them, you might have more responsibility in the matter. In THX, once it exceeds the value (I predict the value is equal to the "profit" from THX's existence - how much he produces minus how much he costs to maintain) THX has to keep him, they let him go. What will he do anyways? This is business machine logic. It is being applied to life. As far as their system goes, it makes some sort of twisted sense. Yet, when we see it directly applied to human beings, it seems grotesque. However, in the real world today, we see a similar logic applied to the firing of lower level employees of large companies that are downsizing or merging. Not quite the same, but the parallels aren't difficult to see.

One thing that struck me was the "courtroom" scene, as it were. The almost childlike "lawyer" condemning the actions of the sexual deviants was an odd, but I just wanted point out it's existence.

That's about all I have space for today. I'm glad I watched THX, even if I didn't think it was an amazing film (although it did a lot more with little dialogue than 2001 did, IMO), but it brings up interesting issues and shows something about Lucas. Plus, the ending shot is a beautiful shot that can delight even the most jaded film cynic (if only for a second, and they'll never admit it).

And that is why The Sandlot is the pinnacle of modern film.