Critiques (Half By Mid-Term)

                                                                   Video Critiques

1.       Raekwon: House of Flying Daggers

·         The video was very creative. I enjoyed the song, and the lyrics flowed very well with the animation. I also liked how the rappers were incorporated in the animation, in a cartoon form. Since the video had a kung fu theme, I liked how the rappers also did a few kung fu moves throughout the video. The graphics and the blood were very well done. The colors were also carefully selected, and really made the animation pop out more.

2.       One: Michael Levy

·         This video was very simple, but enjoyable. First, I enjoyed the jazz music; the sound was very soothing. I also liked how the sound wave in the beginning expanded as the instrumental played more. Also, the sound wave got bigger in certain areas when the bass came in. As the song continued the sound wave turned into this colorful world of business buildings. At the end, only two lines floated away from the buildings to form the number one. This video was very creative, and carefully constructed.

3.       Bid ‘Em In

·         This video reminded me of the old movies that really showed how racism and slavery was back in the day (example: Rosewood). You could tell the drawings were quick sketches; however, the color made the characters come together. This video actually showed how African Americans were treated during that time period. Slave owners would bid on women based off of their looks, and men based on their stature. The women would either be used as house slaves, or as sex slaves. Whoever had the highest bid would take the slave, and the majority of the time, they kept the slaves for themselves. Sometimes, they would sell them for an even higher price.

4.       Read A Book

·         Lil Jon doing the voice of the piano player made this video funny. Also, because they are rapping about reading books. The only thing I did not like, was the women shaking their butts, and men sitting on the stoop drinking. There is no reason that type of behavior should be exploited, if you are trying to tell children to read a book. Even though this is supposed to be a funny video, you cannot encourage children to read a book but have negative influences in the video as well. Overall, Lil Jon was encouraging individuals to read, in his unique way.

5.       Slick Rick: Behind Bars

·          Would Not Play

6.       Hipsters In Space: Supernews

·         The first thing I noticed was how the spaceship was in the shape of a Nike dunk. The Hipsters were following this DJ wherever he went. Each Hipster did something that modern day teenagers and young adults do. Such as; drinking, smoking, listening to music, blogging (facebook, twitter, etc.). DJ Steve Aoki killed the aliens that were going to attack the Hipsters. However, he told them not to follow him, because they have been doing it the entire time. This video was funny, and the animations were neatly done.

7.       He’s Barack Obama

·         JibJab created this hilarious cartoon skit, by making Barack Obama a super hero. I really enjoyed this video, because they incorporated actual facts about Barack Obama, but still managed to do it in a funny way. The movement was very well done, and the colors to the characters really made them stand out. The funniest parts were when Barack Obama was dancing, and when they showed his calling symbol in the sky, and his ears was the first thing that you noticed, because they were so big.

8.       Uncle Globey and Friends

·         This skit reminded me of a violent version of Barney or Sesame Street.  Children in a cartoon world conversing with a talking globe, was a very creative idea. However, when Uncle Globey started talking about bombers and Al Qaeda; the video became a little disturbing. Children should be aware of what goes on in the world; however, in a more subtle way. Other than that, it was very nicely done.

9.       Floor Kids: B-Boy O-Live vs. B-Boy Nugs

·         You can tell that this video was done with quick sketches. The only ones who had color and movement were the two characters that were dancing. Even though the characters were rough sketches, the creative thing about them was their movement. The creator incorporated a lot of break dancing moves, which made this video very enjoyable. It was carefully constructed and turned out very well.

10.   Zero 7 “Destiny”

·         This music video was done by the British musical duo Zero 7. The video was made by what looked like black and white drawings. However, the characters all had movement, and went along with the song. The song was about hoe no matter how far away you may be apart; if a couple truly loves each other, it is destiny for them to be together. This song was actually featured on the Lacoste clothing line website. It was also used as the background music for the SkyTV’s broadcast of the Star Wars Saga, in the romance version of the full length commercial.

11.   The Veiled Commodity

·         This video was about the human commodity and how humans were shipped around and sold as slaves. The graphics were very well done and the pictures also explained what the narrator was talking about. They mentioned well known people who were mistreated; but escaped, and ended up bringing some form of change in the world. Unfortunate actions like this use to be known about; however, people try their hardest to try and hide it.

12.   Self-Fulfilling: Beady Belle

·         This R&B song featuring India.Arie was about how if you think about something or talk about something it will happen. For example, the song said if you talk about angels, their wings will open and they will come to you. However, the last verse of the chorus says if you play music then you will be okay. I liked how the clay figures danced to whatever kind of music they enjoyed. For example, the guy that was break dancing had a hip hop poster on his wall and a boom box on the floor. I think this video was saying, no matter what your mood is, if you listen to the music that makes you happy, everything will be okay.

13.   RSA Animate: First as Tragedy, Then as Farce

·         This video talked about capitalism and how it affects our community. According to the narrator, in today’s capitalism the tendency is to bring the two dimensions together in the same cluster. They gave an example of Starbucks Coffee, and how you are not just buying a cup of coffee, but also buying into coffee ethics. You’re buying into the consumers act. For example, you give your money for starving children, or homeless children in Guatemala. You are fulfilling a bunch of ethical duties, along with purchasing a beverage. It makes you feel good, because you are doing something for the environment. This video was very educational, and broke down the facts piece by piece.

14.   Prada: Trembled Blossoms

                  The video starts off with a flower that looks like it is crying. When the drop falls and hits the     ground, a girl comes from underneath of it, as if it were a sheet, and then it shatters. As she continues to walk through the forest, she slowly but surely starts to gain more clothing. She eventually runs into a Minotaur, and by that time she is fully clothed; shoes, dress, purse, and she looked happier. The Minotaur turns into stone, and when he cracks a beautiful flower begins to blossom. She then goes back under the sheet, where she came from in the beginning. This video was very interesting, which is the reason why it kept my attention. I did not understand why a Minotaur was in the forest, because it is a beast from Greek mythology. However, it turning into a blossomed flower was creative.

Event 3: Gnomeo & Juliet

This 2011 animation was based on one of the most well known love stories written by one of the most well known writers of all time, "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare. The main characters were voiced by James McAvoy (Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe) and Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada). As much as I did not want to see this movie originally, I'm glad I changed my mind and decided to see it. For it to be a cartoon, it had a very good lesson behind it. The main lesson was everyone is not going to agree with who you fall in love with; however, as long as you are happy, that is all that matters.

    Just like William Shakespeare, the Monagues and and Capulets were battling against each other. Mrs. Montague and Mr. Capulet were two elderly people and next door neighbors who despised each other. Whenever they left their houses, the garden gnomes would come alive, and addressed each other as blues and reds. Gnomeo is a fun loving, adventure having gnome; and Juliet is the daughter of the leader of the reds; Lord Redbrick. One day Juliet escapes out of her yard, because there is an orchid on top of a roof that she thinks would make her garden look more beautiful. However, little did she know that Gnomeo was trying to get the orchid as well. They both get to the roof at the same time; but, Juliet stumbles and Gnomeo helps her. She did not have on her bonnet, so at the time Gnomeo did not know that she was a red. Once they found out about each other, they quickly went back to their own yards. But, they eventually started sneaking out to see each other; and eventually they started falling in love with one another. One day, one of the gnomes from the red side, named Tybalt, got into a fight with Gnomeo. Unfortunately, Tybalt died; and the reds tried to get back at Gnomeo. He falls into the street, and when a car passed everyone thought Gnomeo died. Juliet upset and heartbroken, was glued to her mantle by her father, so she would not escape from the garden anymore. Gnomeo actually ran away to a fountain, where a statue of William Shakespeare sat. The statue informed Gnomeo that his story was similar to Romeo and Juliet's, and he would end up having a sad ending. Fortunately, Shakespeare was wrong in this case. Gnomeo went back for Juliet, and when an unfortunate lawn mower accident occured  in their garden, he ran to save her life. Juliet was willing to sacrifice herself to save him, but he told her; he was not going to live without her. He saves her, and after that moment the reds and the blues at least tried to get along.

Event 2: Faculty Art Show

                                                                   Faculty Art Show
       
The faculty art show was very nice and creative. There was a variety of art pieces that were displayed, and a variety of styles and mediums that were used. You never know how creative an individual is, until you actually see some of their work. From paintings, to sculptures, to collages, to clothing pieces; the faculty made this art show very enjoyable to look at. This art show showed you can do something with a lot of color; or do something very simple, and it will still come out as a beautiful work of art.

      There were quite a few art pieces that caught my eye when I first walked into the gallery. However, the one that caught my eye the most was Professor Clark Mester's "Ray Smith Memorial" carving. The main reason why I like this piece so much, is because it was just so neatly done. Also, it had so much detail to it; so you can tell that he took a lot of time and effort to get it done.After looking at it, I wanted to learn how to carve more; so one day I would be able to make a beautiful piece like that.

      I also really liked Professor Gina Lewis' paintings. I enjoy abstract paintings, because it is very simple to do; however, it still manages to come out beautiful. The red, black, and white painting simply consisted of a variety of lines and splatters; however, still came out really nice. The other two, which were both blue, black, white, and gray, seemed to have a little more shapes within the pictures. The tallest one, kind of reminded me of broken glass pieces. It was very creative, and well constructed.

Event 1: An Evening With Sheryl Lee Ralph

An Evening With Sheryl Lee Ralph

                On March 1, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.; I got the privilege to sit in the audience and listen to the beautiful and talented actress Sheryl Lee Ralph talk. Everything she said was very powerful and I am glad that I had the privilege to hear her speak. She started off talking about how our ancestors went through so much, from being beat, and lynched, and raped. Then continued by reminding us that African Americans would have their tongues cut out, or their hands cut off for trying to read or for even picking up a book. The generation today drop out of school, begin experimenting with sex, drugs, alcohol; get pregnant, contract an STD, etc. It is as if we are spitting in the faces of our ancestors, because they were killed for trying to do what we have a privilege of doing; which is going to school and getting an education. We as African Americans must prove the people who have no faith in us wrong. A lot of people look at African Americans as a statistic; meaning, African Americans cause the most crime, are the ones who are in prison, are the ones who have children and cannot support them; we must make a better name for ourselves.

                Sheryl Lee Ralph was born in Connecticut to an African American father and a Jamaican mother. In 1973, she was crowned Miss Black Teen-age New York. She was only 16 when she graduated from high school, and 19 when she graduated from Rutgers University; making her the youngest female to ever graduate from Rutgers. She originally hoped to study medicine, but after dealing with some rude and disrespectful students in class and winning a scholarship in a competition at the American College Theater Festival, she quit studying medicine for the performing arts. In 1982, she began her career and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Deena Jones in Dreamgirls. In 1988, she starred in the Disney film Oliver & Company providing the speaking voice of Rita. Her first leading role was as Denzel Washington's wife in The Mighty Quinn. Ralph produced Divas Simply Singing, which has become an important AIDS fundraiser. In June 2000, Ralph sued The National Enquirer for one million dollars over a piece they had written about her and her husband. She was voted one of TV's Favorite Moms for her portrayal of step mom Dee on the number-one rated television series Moesha. In 2004, she was inducted as an honorary member of the sorority Delta Sigma Theta, at the 47th National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. In May 2008, Ralph was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Tougaloo College after giving the commencement address. On June 16, 2009 it was announced that Ralph would join the cast of the Broadway-bound musical The First Wives Club as Elyse. She replaced Adriane Lenox, who withdrew from the show due to health concerns. She is married to Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes, and has two children Etienne, who was featured on BET's Baldwin Hills; and Ivy-Victoria, who is named after Sheryl's mother.

Facial Expressions... Bulldog Mascot

Gnomeo and Juliet....

So, I saw Gnomeo & Juliet. At first I was not going to see it, but hey things change. The movie was actually good. It was very cute, and it depicted the story of Romeo and Juliet to a tee. The only difference is they did not die at the end.

Bulldog Sketch with Color