They just don't make them like they used to

When was the last time you saw a good movie? I mean a really good movie.  One that really stood out to you and had you thinking about it on the way home.  Can you think of one?

Now don't get me wrong, there have been many good movies over the past decade. Films like The Lord of the Rings, The Dark Knight, Finding Nemo, and Inception might come to mind.  But when compared to the movies of the 90's, 80's, and 70's, there's just something missing.

This past decade was filled with "blockbusters." Movies that made box office history and featured the latest in special effects.  But when you watch them, most of them seem to lack something.  When I watch older movies like Jurassic Park, Star Wars,  and Braveheart, there's more of a cinematic feeling with them.  I don't know if it's the obsession with special effects and 3D that's caused this downgrade in hollywood. Or maybe it could be the plethora of unnecessary remakes that keep coming out every year.  Movies nowadays just lack the passion and the "wow" ingredient of older movies.  Movies like The Lord of the Rings and Avatar have helped perpetuate that feeling, but they still lack the originality of the movies that preceded them.  These films in the 80's and 90's are classics because of their freshness and their ability to produce classic scenes and memorable lines.

There are still a handful of movies each year that do surprise and dazzle the eyes.  But good old fashioned films are a thing of the past.  Moviemakers now focus on the special effects and what is "popular." As a movie fan I want to see more movies like Inception that are different and stretch the envelope. There are people in hollywood who want to make good films again. They just need to be given a chance.  Filmmakers like Michael Bay need to step down and let guys like JJ Abrams have their shot at movie history.

He can still do it.

Following a week filled with criticism and jokes, Tony Romo rebounded from last week to deliver a career defining performance. As a Dallas Cowboys fan, I can say that that game on Sunday will have a profound impact on this team going into week 3.  I'm in the minority of fans who still believe this guy can lead us back to the Super Bowl. As of late, I haven't had much evidence to support my belief.  But that game on Sunday provided plenty of evidence that this team, led by Romo, is ready to take the next step.

It's been a rough decade.  Just when things start to look good for the Cowboys, something dire happens. A season filled with hope and aspiration soon comes tumbling down with no way to bounce back.  Since 2006, Tony Romo has been the starting QB for America's Team, and with that comes the spotlight.  Being on this team puts you on every sports station and in every football conversation.  The critics and the analysts are after you because of what's on your helmet.  The star reminds us of the players that came before like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Roger Staubach. They've all led the Cowboys to Super Bowl victories. The road to victory is an ongoing, burdensome road for Romo.  He takes the heat every week.  Even though he's broken numerous Cowboy records and holds the 4th best career passer rating, his record in the playoffs is a meager 1-3. That playoff record is the one that counts in the NFL.

I still believe in Romo.  He plodded through that game, despite having a fractured rib and a punctured lung.  He displayed the kind of toughness and leadership that great quarterbacks possess in late game situations.  Romo hasn't silenced his critics - just kept them off his back for this upcoming week. As a Cowboy fan, that's what you want to see out of him every week. Romo is human, and he will continue to make mistakes.  But if he continues to play like that every week, I can see these guys finishing with a good season. Now I'm not talking Super Bowl; we've had enough of that talk for the past 3 years.  We'll be lucky if we make it to the playoffs this year. But with this win, and the way it was played, you can go into week 3 with some hope and confidence.  I know I will. 

Why do we love Pixar?

When it comes to making good quality films, Pixar gets it right.  With the exception of the Cars films, Pixar has been on a roll these past 15 years.  From classics like Toy Story and Finding Nemo, these movies have wowed us with their incredible stories and endless humor.  I still feel like a kid when I go see them. And yet I feel unashamed because I see lots of people my age in the theater with me. You don't have to be a kid to appreciate these movies. When you go see them you don't feel like you're getting cheated out of your money.  You know, because of their past movies, that you're going to get what you paid for.  As I read reviews about the latest Pixar movies, I'm still amazed at the praise these movies receive.  Words like "Brilliant," "Moving," and, "Powerful" are just some of the words used to describe them. I love these movies because they make me feel good.  The stories really stick with you, as well as the characters.  Nowadays, movies thrive on special effects and actors who are good looking.  They seem to be a blockbuster, but they have no plot and no heart.  It's hard to make a really good movie these days.  I just wish studios could invest as much time and energy and creativity into their work as Pixar does.  Pixar has set the bar high for movies longing to become a hit. They aren't flamboyant about their success and don't shove their fame in your face.  Pixar just does what it's been doing all these years, offering consistently good movies for moviegoers of all ages.  And that's why Pixar has the reputation it has.  I've enjoyed these movies for most of my life. And I can't wait for the day when I get to take my kids to go see one.

Please share your thoughts and opinions about Pixar.  Why do you love Pixar? What movies really stand out to you?