When you like things that everyone else hates.

I've noticed over time I've developed this odd taste in things. Movies, television shows, games, hobbies...even food. The problem isn't when you're enjoying it, the problem arises when you become self aware. Do we try to change or just ignore the others and be you?

This is always a tough question as I think, the need to fit in has always been something everyone wants. We are basically taught, this is normal, to blend into society. Now, I'm going to use the "They Live" scenario when everyone has to Obey. I'm simply stating that its ok to be different.

I haven't always felt this way, I almost believe in most cases, you have to wander through life a bit to stumble upon true happiness. There is a huge difference between liking what you like and being a rebel for the sake of drawing attention to how cool you are, in your own world.

Sometimes people like to be different, as an anti-social stand makes them almost accept that not fitting in will be accepted, in some weird, odd way. Sometimes, people can take this to a defensive level, being so outspoken about "no one gets me", when in reality, you just look like an ass and the same people you're taking a stand against, you are in fact, becoming. Standing on a soap box proclaiming that your taste is best, because you don't "sell out" or you're too "extreme" for others is silliness.

I certainly don't think Im much different than anyone else. No different. I just like what I like. Sure, the circles of others that have similar interests couldn't fill a football stadium, but trust me when I say, you're not alone. You have to take the time to seek out others that share enjoy what you enjoy. For fans of anything, sitting alone staring at your most prized figure (action figure for example) is fantastic...almost like you just accomplished something that no one one Earth can relate to. Just know that somewhere, maybe across the ocean, a young dreamer is staring at the same figure, with the same smile, loving the moment too.

The internet can be filled with what YOU choose to fill it with. I, rarely, debate with others about what Friday the 13th movie is best. Which Godzilla suit is the greatest. How choosing the Rob Zombie Halloween over John Carpenter's just just insanity....why? Because everyone likes what they like. Mentally we are all different.

Maybe you like Wonder Woman

I'd rather choose to join Facebook groups that discuss our mutual love for Godzilla. I recently started reading a lot of Reddit (www.reddit.com) and trust me, that site isn't everyones cup of tea. Perhaps they're visiting the wrong pages. (If you've never been on the site, its very similar to old school forum pages.) I check out comedy discussions, more about writing comedy. I look at what Tokusatsu shows the other fans are watching in the Ultraman group.

My closing point is simple. Share what you love. Don't dictate your fun based on what others enjoy. Being part of something is great...just make sure you're part of something you really like, not what others like.

Ok kids, thanks for reading.

Everyone's a Critic.

Everyone's a Critic.

As I scroll through my Facebook feed today, I can't tell you how sad it makes me. People have become so critical of everything and I think it will only become worse. Granted, this is only MY opinion....some will agree, some won't and that's ok.

I think we have lost the process of understanding that we have an opinion. Making such a bold statement as "If you liked the Walking Dead's finale, please unfriend me" really is kind of shocking to me. You're basing your friendships on if someone liked a Tv show? This can't be serious....right? (I will make another blog about why I believed that the season finale of the Walking Dead worked for me later). Honestly, those that make those statements make it easy for me to see who I will be unfriending this week.

I used to love reviewing films and there was a time when I felt my opinion mattered but one day I woke up and realized that what I like, you might not...that certainly doesn't mean you have bad taste or you're an awful person. Not everyone is the same, which is a great thing. You feel that a great Saturday night might be a warm cup of tea, watching the Notebook, cuddled up next to your loved one...while for me...it might be a Coke, watching some Horror movie, playing UNO with my Wife and kids...which is better? Everyone is different...some enjoy partying, some enjoy romance...everyone different.

Let's get this straight...there is no such thing as a professional opinion. Sure, there are people who are paid to review, that are well versed in the subject and are amazing writers but it is still just an opinion. Obviously, I trust a lot of different people's opinions and words of advice in life or profession, but the bottom line...you have to be your own judge. You can only decide what you like and enjoy. I think this is something that you learn as you grow older and see life...maybe not..I don't know. It just seems as life continues and I start to progress through my 40's I begin to worry about less about the nonsense and do more for me...after all, at the end of the day, it's my life, my thoughts and my happiness. This certainly isn't a self-entitlment issue for me, just a free thinking entitlement. 

I can honestly say, a critics review of a film has NEVER swayed me from watching something I want to see (most recently, the Texas Chainsaw remake as an example...still went and was still sad). I do though, whole heartily agree that several strong reviews do create hype and even I fall victim to it. Let's look at two movies I'm hyped for - Evil Dead and Pacific Rim..both are getting raving reviews and it does make me extremely eager to see them. At the end of the day...regardless of what anyone says, I would still stand in line, spend my $14 and go watch them both. Will I sing their praises if they're amazing?? Of course!! Will I blast them if they are bad?? Of course!! It's the internet and I have a voice too...BUT, I won't ever say "If you liked or disliked these movies..we aren't friends anymore"...(maybe jokingly I might). 

This is my blog post to plead for society to stop taking their opinion too seriously. Sure, real life beliefs are on an entirely different scale, but we are talking about movies and Tv here....pure silliness and full of make believe. Have a great week!

Your Opinion and You!

Your Opinion and You!

All I could think of when I was writing out the title of this was, some 70's PSA commercial that I might have seen in Sex Ed class, except it was "Your Penis and You". Like I needed any help with that; I would've known my Penis by the 8th grade...trust me.

More than ever, it's easier today to share your opinion. Places like Facebook, Twitter, Yelp and countless other ways to "review" or "critique" a service, a film, a song or even a person, are now more dominate than ever before. You get bad service, no more writing a letter to the cooperate office. See a movie, love it or hate it...share your thoughts immediately after or even during to let people know "My opinion matters". 

Is it me or has this "convenience" or "right" made people extremely negative? It's almost becoming a rare find to see someone post a positive review or not over analyze something. Maybe giving everyone a voice was a bad move...sometimes, one persons vendetta can really put a hamper on someones momentum. 

This past weekend I took the Mrs. to see Life of Pi in theaters. A movie, going into, the only interaction I'd had with, was my two kids "not being fans of the book". When I saw the trailer I was blown away by the scenery, the visuals and the amazing beauty that was on the screen I was standing in front of, literally captivated. I was skeptical yet optimistic and went in with an open mind.

Let me say this before I continue, the very, very little bit of reputation I have within the Horror community was built on sharing my opinion. I was an eager film reviewer but I had a philosophy on reviewing people's work - If I had something positive to say, I'd say it....loud and clear. People who's work I loved, I shared with everyone. People who sent me their works of art to screen, if I wasn't a fan, no one would know I even watched it. I would remain silent. My thought process was this; negativity rules the Earth, from the daily news to people's everyday life. Wouldn't it be great to share a positive? 

This weekend I witnessed a Twitter discussion between a movie reviewer and a few non-reviewers. I quickly realized that this "reviewer" believed his opinion ruled. I've heard others state "If you've never been to film school, you shouldn't review films." Another outlandish theory. 

Look, I feel pretty confident that I could review a Hamburger, even without graduating from a reputable Chef school. I've eaten my fair share of Hamburgers in my lifetime...from the tasty to the sub par, but I'm not delirious enough to think my taste-buds speak for the masses. I like my Hamburger cooked a certain way, I like certain condiments on my Burger, yet that doesn't make my way, best.

With that being said, I'm at the movies, enthralled with Life of Pi, giving my eyes an orgasm (ok, maybe I didn't fully climax, but it was close) from the beauty I'm seeing. Proving that Ang Lee was one with the camera, and more importantly proving that beauty in the eye of the beholder. I'm sure, not everyone will share my sentiments about how amazing this film was. Visually, I was nearly brought to tears...this was a first for me. I had never seen anything, besides when I laid my eyes on my children, that moved me so much. 

This is MY Opinion.

I encourage people to share their opinions..I know "It's our right!" I sometimes wish people would put more effort into raising their kids, working on themselves and being better humans than worrying about pushing their  Rights". Pick your battles people. 

Let me leave you with this - If you believe your opinion is more important than anyone else's...my advice would be to never leave the computer and enjoy your delusional trip. People have all kinds of likes, I've seen films that are downright awful, yet they capture an audience. 

Worry about those who support you, create for yourself and more importantly, spread some positive vibes...not everyone digs hate.