Movie review for Happy-Go-Lucky (Annam)

Warning: I tell all, up to the ending about this movie so read only half way if your planning to watch it and dont want to know what happens :)

I recently watched a movie called Happy-Go-Lucky starring a relatively unknown actress called Sally Hawkins. But she has gained instant recognition after the film won an Oscar. It comes from England-a land that has produced many a greats. This movie is not one that is particularly epic or brilliant. Its more of a fun, light, cute little film you can see with friends or when you need a pick me up. There is a deeper underlying message behind it though which is evident at the end.The story revolves around Poppy, a very energetic and quirky woman who lives in London with her best friend. You either love Poppy, or despise her. She is either this very funny, upbeat person with whom you'd like to be friends with-or- an annoyingly chipper person who you'd like to shoo away with a stick or a disturbed raccoon. Life seems to test Poppy on all levels. In the start, she tries to begin a little chat with a bookstore keeper, and he flat out refuses to acknowledge her existence. Soon afterwards, she discovers her favorite bike is stolen. Now you or I would probably be cursing the heavens at this point, but not Poppy. Its almost inhuman how she manages to brush off the ugly aspects of life and only focus on whats ahead, and how to take the positives out of a negative.

Throughout the film, we meet Poppy's various circle of friends and family, and discover she's a schoolteacher, trampoline enthusiast, and a lover of all things unusual and uninhibited. One recurring story in the film is how Poppy decides to take driving lessons after the theft of her beloved bicycle, and encounters a rather strange driving instructor named Scott. He has a very harsh, cynical, and dark outlook on life that parallels Poppy's soft, positive and bright personality. Its almost like fate played a cruel trick by bringing these two together. Scott constantly yells at Poppy, while all she can do is laugh at his sudden anger outbursts at her bad driving. In the meantime, Poppy must deal with a young bully at her school and tries to uncover what is making him so violent, and develops a blooming relationship with the school's child psychologist in the process. In a creepy turn, Poppy discovers that Scott is actually madly in love with her and stalks out her home on off days. This leads to an intense confrontation where Poppy's blind optimism is successfully tested, and she must face Scott's anger and issues, and ultimately decides to end their driving sessions for his own good and her safety.

So to top it all off, Poppy and her best friend are sitting in a cute little boat in a cute little pond, having a nice time. Poppy's bff tells her she needs to be less nice and naive all the time and Poppy sort of agrees to disagree. Here we meet a woman who is impressively unaffected by life's harsh realities, and rather chooses to live her life on her own terms despite the constant negativity that seems to test her strong spirit. This is a movie with no particular plot. It plays out like a linear look at someones life, and for those who like a traditional beginning-middle-end film that is plot heavy, this movie is not for you. But for those who are not picky, and just like something that is not tasteless and overly structured, but has an interesting variety of characters and storyline, you'll probably like this. Its a film that teaches you to embrace your oddest quirks and not take life so seriously. Having a laugh and smiling in the face of all that is depressing once in a while can be more important than you think. Like a true movie critic, I'll rate this film with 3 out of 4 stars.

Response to ASAP program and plans for college (Annam)

Being apart of ASAP has been a really great experience. When I was first approached to join right before enrolling at QCC, Im going to admit that I was very hesitant. Up until the point of signing the little contract that officially makes one an "ASAP'er", or whatever we're called, I had to think twice about it, mainly because it almost sounded too good to be true. But since then, I've not had any regrets. ASAP lives up to its standards. Even all the little obligatory tasks and things we're asked to do are worth the hassle.

Having individualized assistance and guidance is so worth having. Im actually a little scared of what I'll do without Danielle next year as she honestly helped me get by these past 2 years with all of her help. The block scheduling is something I didnt consider to be important but it has been. I have friends in other colleges that constantly complain about how they have no option but to take classes scheduled hours apart on the same day, and thats truly a stress inducer.

And of course, the financial assistance with tuition, books, and metrocards are more than I could have asked for. I think the city and CUNY school system did such a good thing by creating this program. Its been a big benefit to everyone involved, it makes the transition from high school to college easier, and Im sure its encouraged many people to continue on with their education.

My plans for after ASAP are to transfer onto a 4 year college, which I just recently found out will be Hunter College. While there, I honestly dont know where to begin as Im scattered with things I have to do. I might have to stay in touch with Danielle for some unofficial guidance. There are so many things I'd like to do professionally from traveling and reporting, to photography to writing. But my safety plan is to major in Elementary Education and get a license in teaching young children.

If I have to have a normal job, I feel like its best to be a teacher as I've always loved that profession and would resort to lining up my stuffed animals in rows and teaching them various subjects as a kid. I really admired my elementary school teachers who made learning fun, and used unconventional methods to engage us. And the idea of teaching kids is the best for me, because strangely enough, kids seem to naturally like me...I suppose its for my endless wit and charm (or not). Besides that, my only other college plan is to study abroad somewhere like England or Spain. And after that, its all still a mystery since there are so many possibilities.

An unusual vacation spot by- Annam

Spring Break is almost over and I've done nothing stimulating, school-wise. Any work is still undone and any studying is still unstudied. I did however go on a little trip to Saudi Arabia that took all of my energy and cranium space, so right now, thats all I can really think about. Usually when I travel anywhere, it takes me about a week to get back into regular, normal, routine life mode. I suspect this trip might take a little longer. I'll write a response on my trip there and some things I saw and experienced:

Well the reason for going was purely for religious reasons otherwise I dont think I'd have ever gone there. Muslims are supposed to go on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia atleast once in their lives called Hajj. Hajj is such an intense event that only happens once a year during a condensed time frame and you need to be mentally and physically stable to go through with it. For the rest of us, there's something called Umra. Umra is like a less intense version of Hajj that is open all year round. Even though Hajj is required and Umra is not...Thats what my family and I did, Umra that is. Im not your typical religious person, but my family is so I tagged along, but I was excited and willing to learn alot about the religion I grew up with.

Saudi Arabia is a really beautiful, surreal place. At night, riding through the desert on an unbearably hot and crowded 5 hour bus ride that left me feeling quite proud of myself for enduring, i just stared out of my window for hours...it was hypnotizing. The desert stretches for miles and miles and all you can see is its deep golden hue and sandy mountains that reach the sky. And the sky in complete darkness is littered with stars, unlike anything a city person like I have ever witnessed. In the city of Mecca, authentic old clay buildings and crowded dirt streets make you feel like a time traveler jolted back 1,500 years. Going into the beautifully crafted Masjids or "Mosques" that are everywhere to be found is like stepping into art. The history behind this ancient land is so bold and vivid, it was amazing to think that I was walking the same land that the most well known and beloved figures in Islamic history once walked, and was looking at the same sites that they once looked upon.

To be honest, Ive felt discontented with the thought of religion for a large part of my life. But I realized that religion can actually be quite a beautiful and uniting force. Its only the people and followers of the past and present that have caused it to become a source of war and hatred. Islam in particular is a religion that has fallen victim to many intolerant ignoramuses out there. But you wouldnt know that when your in S.A. and many other Muslim countries, where Islam is an extremely beautiful and natural aspect of everyones lives that bonds, instead of seperates. During the times of the five daily prayers, you'll see the streets lined with thousands of people all heading in the same direction: to the mosque. During the prayer, everyone is surrounded by peaceful silence. All you can hear are quiet prayers and the sounds of the sparrows overhead. You feel like your apart of something greater than yourself, and its a very humbling and spiritual situation to be apart of. Many people ignore or forget about their inner self because of the fast pace of everyday life. I realized thats why Muslims pray so often, to get out of the daily grind mindset and go somewhere peaceful and personal during those five prayers per day.


(Right) The black building in the middle is called the Kabba, the holiest landmark in Islam as it was said to be built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). The sea of white surrounding it are Muslim pilgrims during Hajj. The number of people visiting this sacred site during Hajj can easily reach millions. During Umra, the numbers are much less, but still massive in the thousands range. (I was right where that tall guy in white is standing in the picture if you can see)


Saudi Arabia also has some negative points which to me, are mainly sociological and cultural. They have a shortage of internet or libraries available there, which led the cynical speculator in me to suspect the government is trying to limit its citizens access of outside knowledge. Non-Muslims are not allowed into the country, which I think is a tad extreme- but hey, they have their own reasons for this and one can only hope they'll eventually reconsider this strange, strange rule. Besides, how would they even know who really is and isnt what they say, right!? Also, women are required to cover their hair and wear abaya's (a type of long, shapeless gown) and men can wear whatever they want, but most usually wear long white Arab style dresses. I dont see that as oppressive for women if its her choice to do so, but the women there dont have a choice: cover yourself up or be outcasted.

The line between a man and woman is not fine in such a country. It was clearly apparent that men were considered the more dominant sex, and woman had a clear purpose: to be a good wife, mother, obediant and domestic, respectful and soft spoken. Naturally, growing up in America where Im free to do many things such as speak my mind and walk around the street by myself, I had the same mind set when I was there. But I had to think twice before I thought of leaving the hotel room with even a bit of my hair showing, or when walking through the shopping areas, even asking the male shop keeper the price of an item made me feel nervous. My brother had to do most of the talking. To be fair, we did see many woman walking around alone or in groups, and its not like they arent allowed to speak in public...in general though, I think men are forced to take the dominant role, just as women are forced not to.

There is also a serious lack of understanding there about how racism, discrimination, and stereotyping is wrong. Quite a few Saudi's (as I personally witnessed) make fun of foreigners and people of other, Non-Arab backgrounds and there's no law or stigma against it there. But we have that here as well, i guess. Its just that we have more closeted racists in our country while they have more open ones. I dont know which is worse. I'd also like to point out that these extreme rules and form of religion are mainly expressed in Saudi life. In many other Muslim countries, women are free to wear what they like and do as they please, things have come a long way from traditional, conservative Muslim values.

Besides the usual downers, our entire trip remained mainly positive and something to remember. It was like a really bizarre, entertaining, spiritual, and mind numbing adventure all in one. I met many interesting, friendly people that I would have never guessed I'd meet otherwise. I experienced some cool things, and overall, it was well worth the effort, money, and planning. Also, apparently the Saudi's really love Obama because there was a big poster of him outside a shopping mall, which is ironic--Saudi's liking the American president? It almost sounds like a sick joke. "Would you ever go back?" an imaginary person asks me...Well, the answer is yes. I'd like to go back again for Hajj, or maybe even another Umra. Sure why the heck not! But once Im through with those things, I think I'd feel like my job there is done. Besides, I'd be too busy trying out different things like backpacking around Europe or rowing through a river in the Amazon ;)

whats with all the tripping?

People all over the world have different reactions to watching scary movies. Some scream or cover their eyes, a few might even faint. I personally love watching scary movies because I tend to laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation thats taking place. Pure amusement is an emotion that trumps fear and anguish more than anything when enjoying a good, horror flick. Maybe im mentally disturbed or maybe its a defense mechansim, i dont know...

Movies such as Childs Play used to force me to sleep in my parents bed where it was safe as a kid. Nowadays, if i catch this movie on TV I start asking myself, why the hell is this doll stronger than a grown adult? And what stupid toy company thought a doll with ugly red hair and a creepy face was marketable?

A good example about how much I critique scary movies was when I went to go see My Bloody Valentine in 3D. The whole time my friends and I were turning to each other laughing and saying "Was every character in this movie hit on their f***** head as a baby?!". I'll confess I had more fun watching the reactions of other people in the theater, saying "It's like its right there in front of you" more than watching the actual movie. At one point I actually got angry at how many times people tripped or lingered around as a friend got murdered with a pick axe. I mean, if someone is chasing you with a pick axe with the intent of killing you with it, be a little more coordinated is all I ask. And why is it that the murderer is always WALKING after his prey, who in turn are running like wild baffoons, but still manage to not escape? If your running at top speed, and some guy is casually strolling along after you, one would think you have some chance of successful escape, right? Is that too much to ask??

I did gain some helpful tips after watching horror movies though and here they are for your conveniance: What to do when your in a horror movie situation (note that reverse psychology is being used here as I know its human nature to try to be a rebel without a cause. So please, feel free to rebel against these tips...or um, don't)

1. Never check the back seat of your car before you go anywhere, just in case theres a man hiding back there in the dark crevices with the ultimate goal of bludgeoning you.

2. An old abandoned mine shaft where a man once went on a killing rampage is most certainly the optimum place to throw a wild rave for you and your friends.

3. When your all alone in a grocery store at night and a man is inside trying to kill you, go ahead and barricade yourself inside a room with windows that have bars on them and no other way to escape if he manages to find a way in, which he will, inevitably. Don't think twice about exiting through the front door when you have the chance, oh no.



4. Be utterly surprised and shocked whenthe guy going around town dressed as a copycat of the mine shaft killer is the same guy who ten years earlier was almost murdered in said mine shaft by said mine shaft killer. I mean, even though the evidence was all there in front of you, how could you put two and two together? Its insanity!

5. Dont bother securing a murderer in a coma in some super high tech, 24 hour security prison... just place him in your normal, run of the mill hospital room so he can suprisingly wake up on the anniversary of his massacre and kill everyone on the floor.

6. When a crazed lunatic finds a way inside your conveniantly unlocked house and is trying to brutalize you, DONT run out of the door onto the street where help and escape can be readily available. Instead, run UP the stairs and go hide in a closet or something.

7. Oh hey, whats that you got there? Wow, some dusty looking black book from the 18th century filled with strange voodoo chants that are supposed to awaken ancient evil spirits? Go ahead, read them...out loud...invite your friends over and make a party of it.

8. When you spot the dead bodies of your friends on the floor of a mine shaft and a mysterious man is standing a few feet away with his back towards you, DO try to gain his attention and draw closer. Dont take it as a sign to get the hell out of there.

9. And lastly, when running for your life through a darkened forest, always make sure you trip over some random unknown object so the man with the pick axe can take full advantage of your clumsiness.



In conclusion, scary movies can be such a hoot to watch. Watching stupid people loiter around at night when a killer is on the loose or investigate a strange noise in the dark will always help in reminding oneself that they know better.

response about fiction (Laura)

In elementary school I remember being taught the basics of a story such as creating the plot, the different characters and choosing a setting in which my story takes place. Reading all the materials given, I guess you can say I definitely expanded my knowledge about Fiction. It’s been a while since I had to write a short story with an idea that I’ve come up with by myself so I’m a little rusty. I remember reading a lot of short stories through high school that were considered classics and had help introduced me to the world of writing.
Prior to the class I knew the basic definition of fiction, stories made up by an author along with all the necessities that piece together a story such as setting, main character, time period, and the conflict. They take from their imagination and bring it onto the pages of a book. With imagination people are able to hear original thought provoking stories and gain knowledge about things that exist in the world. As someone flips through a book they see a story told from a different point of view and learn about new understandings and situations they never experienced before in their lives. What I’ve learned though is fiction surrounds a person’s life. Just turning on the TV I see it in the shows that come on, like some hilarious storyline on a sitcom or an action filled drama.
Growing up I saw it in those old Disney movies that caused me to be glued to the television watching The Lion King or my personal favorite The Little Mermaid. At time my brothers had to hide the tapes because I would watch them over and over, almost hypnotized by the pictures and stories that came across the screen. Watching a story unfold allowed you to enter some sort of fantasy world and put ones imagination into overdrive. Imagination after all can be very important in the development of a child, it allows us to explore our world and learn how to become creative thinkers. I can definitely relate to what Jonathan Culler writes about when he mentions how from an early age children beg their parents to tell them a story because I can definitely be held accountable for asking one of my parents to read me a bedtime story or forcing them to make one up out of thin air. My bookshelves held a bunch of children books ranging from Mother Goose to the all mighty Dr. Seuss, and I loved hearing them read over and over again even though I knew the story by heart.
When a parent reads you a story like the classic children’s book seen in any library where the wild things are or if you give a mouse a cookie you can picture the images in your head broadening our imaginations in the process. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you learn some great morals as well. Books open up these never explored worlds for a child that they can enter and learn from. I remember in sixth grade when the Harry Potter books came out and were starting to become really popular, I had a friend that seemed to get sucked into them. It was as if she was living vicariously through these characters she had grown to know and love. Each time a new book would come out she would finish it in a couple of days. As she grew up and become older that feeling of reading a book of fantasy and the excitement that went along with it never left, which I think is true for everybody. It doesn’t matter how old you are, everyone can get absorbed into a book.
I found it interesting reading about narration and the different ways I myself can narrate my own story. Reading about the options I could take with my story was helpful such as focusing on time and the mindset of my character as they recall a memory in the present time or how they felt in the past. There’s also the speed to take into account, deciding whether or not I want to skip through the details or slow it down and state the specifics. There was a lot of useful information, especially Cullers story. It gives the reader the importance and impact a piece of fictional writing gives to society.

response to harrison bergeron (Laura)

The story Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut takes place in a future society drastically different from our own. In this society people are all equal due to the use of handicap devices placed on them. Those who were really strong were given weights to carry around them so they would be brought down to a strength equivalent to others and those with high levels of intelligence were given ear pieces that made sounds causing them to lose their train of thoughts. For Harrison Bergeron, at the young rebellious age of fourteen he had the most handicaps placed on him. “Harrison’s appearance was Halloween and hardware. Nobody had ever worn heavier handicaps.” With a red clown nose on his face and shaved eyebrows to make him less attractive, headphones to hinder his thinking and intelligence, eyeglasses that made him half blind and over 300 pounds of extra metal to carry around, Harrison was the one person that was ready to defy the government. He escapes jail, and on a televised broadcast in front of the entire country, stands up and removes all the obstructions that layered his body stopping him from reaching his potential. Claiming himself emperor to the people that watched, he fatefully tries to overthrow the government and the “Handicap General” who enforces these laws on the people.

Harrison though isn’t alone in this, when he asks for someone to stand beside him as queen, a ballerina with a mask over her face hiding her beauty accepts his offer. Tragically though as they dance together they are shot and killed by the Handicap police. I found it really sad in the end when Harrison Bergeron dies as his parents watch. The fact that Harrison’s own mother can’t even remember why she is crying a few moments after her son’s death just ends the story on a sour note for me. I could never imagine my own parents forgetting about me. It makes you think of this world and how much it had changed for the worse, where a simple thing like the grief over a child’s death is taken away from a parent. I never read this short story before so I found it interesting, a part of me at the end thought that Harrison was going to actually win in overthrowing the government so I was surprised to read him get shot and killed as the nation watched.

I also found it very interesting to see a glimpse of how life would become if we were all made equal by not just laws but in intelligence, strength and beauty. Especially with this all taking place in America, the land of the free, it shocks you to imagine a world where this is possible. Free will and freedom is something not to be taken for granted, when it’s taken away from a person you can see them slowly wither away almost as if they were a caged animal. The people of this future society sadly no longer have the ability to dream and have the drive to make the world a better place, as cheesy as that sounds. Freedom to be who you are makes us unique and keeps the world moving ahead.

As Harrison’s father George watches the ballerinas on the TV you can’t help but feel how disheartening fairness can actually be. “They were burdened with sash weights and bags of birdshot, and their faces were masked, so that no one, seeing a free and graceful gesture or a pretty face, would feel like something the cat drug in. George was toying with the vague notion that maybe dancers shouldn’t be handicapped. But he didn’t get very far with it before another noise in his ear radio scattered his thoughts” As I read this I thought, what is the point of living in a world where were all the same. No one would ever be able to show their true potential, express themselves and achieve great things. This story makes you stop and think afterwards, imagining yourself living a life wearing hardware that holds you back along with your family and friends. I think that those who read this story can take a lot away from it just like “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson.

Response to "Erased" (Annam)

In "Erased" by Laura Nici, an intriguing question is posted: If you had the chance to permanently erase a bad memory from your mind, would you do it? In the story, we meet the serious-minded and mature Miles, a teenage boy who is plagued by the memories of his deadbeat mother. Although Miles lives a seemingly content life with his grandfather, distant images and all too real reminders of his mother always seem to put a damper on his days. Miles is aware of a doctor nearby who, as the story goes, performs "abnormal acts of service in a normal looking building" for his clients, known as memory erasing. “Only those longing to forget go inside", he believes.
The story flows with flashbacks from Miles everyday life, where he is consumed with the bitterness of his past and his desire to put an end to it, leading up to present day, where Miles gives the reader a play-by-play of his thoughts and surroundings as he is waiting in the office of Dr. Maurice Crow, the strange and eccentric memory erasing doctor.

Inspired by the film, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, Laura puts her own unique spin on an already compelling story. But unlike its movie counterpart, Laura’s story is one that has a harsher outlook on the effects that life can have on us, thus making it more relatable. Sympathy and relatability are just a small range of emotions the reader can feel towards the main character.
The way Laura has Miles describe his every thoughts and surroundings in such a detailed way makes you feel like your right there walking beside him. As you come to put two and two together, and start to realize that Miles has decided to go through with erasing the memory of his mother as he waits in the doctor’s office, anxiety and anticipation begin to build. Basically you will be asking questions such as “Will he actually go through with it”? and “How does it work?” with genuine curiosity.
I loved the abrupt ending, leaving the readers imagination to take over. The short, random, italicized passages that are littered throughout the story happen to be Miles present day thoughts, while the longer, regular paragraphs are the past events leading up to the present day. Also, the description of each character gives so much insight into who they are, even though there aren’t many of them. For example, Miles’ grandfather’s warm and comforting personality is shown through the words, and his best friend, Joseph’s dimwitted persona is comically apparent.
I read this story in one entire sitting and could not put it down. I feel like Laura accomplished fully enthralling the reader with the story without even trying. The plot itself is very intense, but she managed to keep the intensity without going overboard, and without sounding too corny. She took a supposedly fictionalized and unimaginable situation and turned it into something believable.
There is very little I would have changed, and I helped Laura with fixing up certain aspects of the story until we had something we were both really proud of. Personally, I don’t know if I myself could have went about taking this complex topic and turning it into such an effective short story. So with that said, I think Laura did a great job with it.