A Writers' Call To Arms - Bring Back Real Men!

Today, I'm here to protest. No wishy-washy protesting today, no sir. However, I will nonetheless try to be as fair as possible. I have a problem - so do you - so does everyone in this world! The US especially has partaken in this horrid trend. What is it? Making men into monsters. The only reason so many horrific immoralities take place nowadays is because men aren't men. Women can do a lot, yes, but what about when we too have become debased? And even if we weren't, we're still only half the battle.
When jokingly speaking with my friend, Lucy Agnes, we got into a kind-of agreeing debate. She remarked that women had no high standards, but really ought to. And I said in agreement this: if Juliet has no balcony for Romeo to climb, then how does she know he loves her enough to climb it if she did? And at the time, I didn't think much about it. But now, as I ponder the subject more, I think how terribly true it is. We don't have any balconies. We don't even have any garden steps. Some of us have even sunk so low as to not even have a door in the way. And it's so sad. See, really, my protest here is about men, but I have to begin with someone else. The ones allowing it to happen - women. Everywhere I look in the world, women are debasing themselves for no reason. What happened to the days where a romance wen like this:
Lady is high above gentleman. He loves her and wants to make her know. So he tries. And fails. And tries again. And again. And again. And again. He does everything in his power to make her come down to him. But then he realizes that he must not let her stoop down - he must come up. So he climbs, and climbs, and climbs - up to her. And finally, he is admitted.

Now, some may think this sounds stuffy, but it's a whole lot better than this:

Lady is high above gentleman. He just says "Hey, get down here, I don't deserve having to climb all that way, and you don't deserve being up there". She comes down to him... only for him to then run away to a different girl's balcony.  
It's very sad. I hope in this comparison I have made my case concerning the part of women. Now to tackle the main subject.
Writers, ask yourself this: have I ever described men in a debasing way in my stories? Made a supposed to be sympathetic male character with no backbone, or who is effeminate? Made my leading man whiny, unintelligent, angry, or unsteady, while my villain was masculine and clever? Have I ever made my leading lady throw herself away in the hope of getting said leading man without ever regretting it? Have I viewed or described a childish leading man in my story as a good or ideal man?
If you answer yes to any of these questions without good reason, then I'm afraid you too may have fallen to the trend. What is it with us writers, then? Why is it that in the movies and books we get heroes like Harry Potter, Captain Jack Sparrow, and Iron Man? People who could care less about anyone other than themselves, even though they (with the exception of Captain Sparrow) make pretense of being heroic? They care about nothing  but their own acclaimed heroism, glory, and good name (and sometimes not even that). If somebody despises them, they don't just get over it. They despise the person back; insulting them and tricking them in whatever way possible (examples: Harry Potter always making fun of his unpleasant cousin Dudley; Captain Jack trying to double-cross Barbossa, Will, and Elizabeth constantly; Iron Man making crude jokes about whatever villain he's facing, not to mention Cap as well).

And not only that, but if they ever 'reform', it's only half way. And the writer sticks with them. Rowling often supports Harry in his poking fun at Dudley by agreeing that Dudley is fat, not so good-looking, and not incredibly clever. And what do we see in Jack's friends but people who not only deserve to be tricked, but also would backstab Jack as well on the turn of a dime? And how many Marvel fans and even Marvel makers out there are saying that Cap just needs to 'loosen up' about Iron Man? Loosen up on what? Loosen up on being a hero, on being a real man? The type that would give his life for even the random, villainous henchman who most heroes would say doesn't deserve to live? The type that would put his all into even the smallest acts, and never let go of what he believed if he knew it was good, true, or beautiful? The type that never disrespected boundaries that other people set unless said boundaries endangered someone? The type that could possibly want to remain true to the same girl for 70 years, and even afterwards, when she's dead, take her over anyone else were she still there?
And then there's Iron Man. The only heroism in him is the instinct to take glory and save lives because it makes him look like a hero. The only manhood in him is the cold definition of manhood - simply being an adult male. Iron Man doesn't even make pretense of giving up his life for people who have hurt him. He would be the one saying that the villain doesn't deserve to live. Iron Man even fights to save the world haphazardly, without plan and on whatever impulse or clever notion he thinks he has. And Iron Man only sticks to his beliefs (what beliefs he has) when they involve his oh-so precious ego. Not even to mention his habits of being a terribly unfaithful jerk.

So what is it with writers then? Why do we write these things? Well, it's a simple answer. It's because that's how things really are in real life. So we write what we see. It's another symptom of modern times - that realisticism in writing that is obsessed with making things out right down to the speck of dust realistic. No goodness, no beauty, just the singled-out dirtiest and most horrific facts. No art to writing anymore is there because of this. However, while I do have quite the bone to pick with realisticist writers (and I know 'realisticist' is not a real word, ironically enough), I shall deal with them another day. But they have helped cause this problem. The problem in society is caused by the fact that we don't want it to change. Obviously we don't, because we just write about what we see and think that's totally okay. We write these anti-heroes who never really change, these playboys who never really reform, and these male feminist wimps we would like to call men. We need to write not as things are - for that is a terrible, mottled thing in these days - but as things should be. A problem will never be solved if we are willing to just live with it.

So today, I have a challenge - a call to arms for all courageous writers out there. Today, just write one hero - a real hero. A man who knows himself, and - even despite struggles - can win over his dark side. A man who is true, good, and beautiful in the truest sense of those words. A man who is willing to climb those balconies and mount those obstacles. A man who is willing to stand strong like a mountain in the midst of a raging blizzard. A man who protects those he loves, and even those who don't love him, without credit or reward or glory. A man who does not give way to women in strength. A man who doesn't speak words of poison. A man who doesn't pitch temper-tantrums or whine or brood. A man who is not some macho braggart either. A man who takes full responsibility, uncomplaining, for all his actions, even when he knows he was wrong. A man who is just doing the right thing. Don't write the Duke of Mantua. Don't write Iron Man. Write instead Nemerino, or Captain America. A hero. Today, writers, write a man who is really a man.
What do you think? Will you respond to my call to arms? Please, take up your pen and respond to this call, much needed in these times! Every hero, no matter how small, will help in this quest. Just remember that, in artfully writing virtue - though the world is against you - you are never alone. Stand with me, writers.

Movie Review: Captain America (The First Avenger)

Well, I said I'd start doing movie reviews, didn't I? ;) Well, here I am with one! And I did say I was going to try and keep it to better known ones, so I decided to start with a Marvel movie (which btw, is possibly the best one, and every Marvel person should see it). *to self* Shush! Don't give an opinion before you've even started the review! *clears throat innocently* Ahem. Anyways, I am reviewing Captain America: The First Avenger, the first Marvel movie I ever saw (I was going to just review Civil War, but I figured it would be best to review all of them in their proper order). I know most people here will have probably already seen it, but there must be at least one or two people who haven't and may be looking to, so I'll still go on. :) And for anyone who is at all looking to watch any Marvel movie, whether they mean to watch them all eventually, or just watch one, this is the one. For anyone at all wanting to see Marvel at its best, most touching, and most innocent age, see this movie.

Who were the characters? How were their relations in the plot?
First and foremost, there was Steve Rogers. A skinny kid from Brooklyn trying to enlist in the army to help in the war. While WWII raged, he was always seeing people everywhere give up their family, possessions, and lives to help. He didn't want to do any less. The only problem was that he was not altogether too healthy. He was a skinny, far too often ill guy, and every time he tried to get into the military one way or another, he got pushed out. No matter how many times he re-submitted his name, he just wasn't allowed to fight, and it was a cross for him.

Okay... I'm just realizing how long I was ranting about Steve... Uh, don't get the wrong impression... There were other characters too! :P There was Bucky Barnes. Steve's amazing, popular best friend. Bucky was the best, most back-you-up-when-it's-really-hard kinda friend there ever was. He was pretty handsome, and fairly strong, though, so it was another reminder to Steve of his own helplessness when Bucky was allowed to enlist in the army. Then there was Howard Stark. *sighs and shakes head smilingly* While I have never been a fan of his son,Tony Stark, also known as the Iron Man, Howard Stark was a lovable character. He was the plum-craziest, try-anything guy in the whole movie. He was very intelligent, and not remarkably and inconceivably childish and arrogant like his son. (so, am I reviewing the characters of Captain America, or of Avengers...?) The other character were Peggy Carter, an amazingly strong character (and not the typical, overhyped strong female character, but truly strong). She was one of the many bright spots in the movie to be sure. And also one of the reasons the ending is so sad... :( Ahem. Anyways, avoiding spoilers, there was also a general-guy whom I can never get the name of for the life of me. Very sarcastic, straight-to-the-point fellow. Frustrating at time, but mostly likeable. There's the cool German doctor Steve meets, whom I won't say much about on risk of spoilers. There was also Steve's amazing team later on, but I don't remember any of their names, really, and they weren't in it as much as the previously mentioned, so I'll leave it to a better reviewer with a better memory. :P Then there were the villains. Actually very formidable villains at that. Dr. Zola and the Red Skull. Nazi villains in movies are usually the most formidable, but the Red Skull even went above that standard. He was quite amazing at recovering from losses...in fact, uncannily so.

How was the plot?
The plot was absolutely amazing! Stupendous. And it revolved around Steve, a bit of super-soldier serum, and a war that needed won. Brilliant, huh? I'll elaborate a bit more, I suppose. ;) So, like I said before, Steve Rogers is this scrawny kid who wants to give his life to his country and the world's needs. So he tries to get again. And tries again. And tries again... Until, one time, before he tries, he and Bucky are having this conversation concerning how much Steve wants to help save lives by fighting in this war, and someone heard it. Not just anyone, either. A secret project military doctor who values heart and virtue in a soldier hears him. He gets chosen for a secret project, given the only existing super-soldier serum, a physically enhancing formula, so he can help win the war, and it all goes up from there. For fear of spoilers, I shan't say much more on that subject. ;)
Romance?
The romance was soooooooooo sweet and cute! And sad... :( But, the romance in it was amazingly clean. Especially for a modern movie. Really, the most that happened in it was when Howard Stark's show was shown, and he leaned over and kissed one of his chorus girls. But that was a very small moment, merely for the illustration of Mr. Stark's character, and it neither lasted long, nor was much elaborated on. Steve's romance was the best. Especially how he almost got jealous (not quite, because Steve is too good to get really jealous) of Howard. It was so funny. Especially when him and Howard became practically best friends (after Bucky, of course!). It was so funny how they would both puzzle over the ways of Steve's girl. And Steve was always waiting for someone. It was kind-of the thing for the romance in this movie. He was wanting to dance. Who was he waiting for? The right partner. And she came along. Unfortunately, well... I won't say any more there either.

Comedy?
The comic relief was, well, relieving when you think of the other Marvel movies. Marvel is notorious for very strained comic relief in movies, but this movie did not have it. The comedy was, for the most part, clean, clever, and even romantic at times. It was very fitting, and never put in a strained spot where it didn't belong. Sometimes it was cracks about Steve's height or build pre-serum. Sometimes it was cracks about how much bigger he was post-serum. Sometimes it was cracks about him in comparison to the villain, and sometimes it was just him and Howard being befuddled by the mysterious ways of women (a.k.a., the mysterious ways of Steve's eventual girl, Peggy). The comedy was decidedly not annoying, and the only problem I had with it at all was the occasional comic relief from Steve's team members, whom I didn't find quite as amusing as Steve, Bucky, Howard, or Peggy. But that was just me, I assure you.
Hidden gems?
 Well, for one, it had the rare gem of movies and books nowadays of having an incredibly virtuous and selfless hero. He was there, not for himself, or against the Germans, but for his country and the world. It displayed truly lovely romance, too. The kind that makes you sit back and wonder why any other type of romance is ever even portrayed in Marvel, or any action films at all, for that matter. I guess the greatest thing about the movie is that is was so innocent. Maybe a first-time watcher of it might not think so as much as me, but if you watch other Marvel movies, and then come back to Captain America, then it really is the top of innocence for superhero movies. Clean romance, clean humor mostly, clean plot, and mostly clean costumes too.
Not so great things?
Well, the only thing I can really think of in it that might particularly bother the watchers immediately is the whole part with Steve's show. He goes on this show for a while with a bunch of girls, and he tries to get people to buy war bonds while the girls sing, and it's a bit weird. I love the song personally, but the costumes the girls wear are typical forties showgirl outfits, and so not my favorite thing, but not the worst that comes, I suppose. But, other than the usual kicking line things, which are really dumb, they didn't do anything out of place for the innocence of the movie. They were just a little weird is all. Really, that's the only immediate thing I can think of that might bother someone. Oh, well, okay. The language is pretty mild in it, especially compared to other Marvel movies, but it is an action movie, and has a few swear words in it. Not too terrible, but just enough to notice it. Other than those things, the movie was amazing.

Costumes? Effects? Soundtrack?
The costumes were amazing. Very WWII-ish, and super awesome. Steve's Captain America outfit is super awesome, despite what the Allied soldiers in Italy may say. And of course, who couldn't love the olive drab of WWII? It's great, isn't it?! And then all of Peggy's outfits were relatively modest and very pretty and 40's-ish. The costumes were quite believably WWII. The effects I couldn't really care less about, frankly. As long as the video quality is good enough that I can see what's going on, I don't care. And it's not that old a movie, being only a few years old, so it's special effects and video quality were clear and very well-done. The soundtrack is sooooo American-sounding, it almost makes you feel like Captain America listening to it! It's so cool. It's super patriotic, and it really does enhance the movie even more.
Ending?
Sad, sad, sad!!! Very sad! :( Like, actually make you cry sad! I was so disappointed with the movie makers after this, my first Marvel movie, that I thought there was not even going to be another one. I thought, if they ended this one like this, there's no way they would make another. :( I was wrong. I won't give it away, in the unexpected case of there being someone in the audience who hasn't seen it, but will just tell you that it'll make you cry. :'(
Any other notes?
While I might not let, say, a six-year-old watch it (depending on the six-year-old) because of violence, there was no gore or inappropriate behavior/comedy, so I would allow a fairly large watching crowd with this one. My one note might be that your heart will die and your soul be smashed when you see the ending. That is all. :)
So, what do you think? You seen this movie? You planning on watching it if you haven't? Sound good at all? If you have seen it, do you think I did a good job reviewing it? Tell me Steve/Cap is your favorite character in it, please!!! :D