Netflix Review: Daredevil

Courtesy: Marvel/Netflix

Starring Charlie Cox, Rosario Dawson, and Vincent Don'ofrio

Created by Drew Goddard (Based on the graphic novel series by Marvel Comics)

Rated TVMA

Available on Netflix (Basic subscription $7.99 a month)

My Rating: *****/5

The first part of Marvel's “Defenders” series for Netflix has arrived in the form of

“Daredevil.” While Marvel has already crafted high-quality TV series with “Agents of SHIELD”

and “Agent Carter;” Drew Goddard has reimagined the famed superhero in a manner that is being

called “a bloody triumph”by USA Today and “Marvel's biggest triumph yet” by Vanity Fair.

You know the story: young Matthew Murdoch is blinded by an industrial accident in

Hell's Kitchen in New York City; but his remaining four senses heighten to levels that are far more

powerful than that of a normal person. He grows into a fledgling lawyer by day (Cox); but by night,

he fights the scum of Hell's Kitchen as Daredevil. While he may start out wearing an all-black

ensemble (a move well-known for the “Batman” and “X-Men” movies); he does get to eventually wear

the iconic blood-red costume from the comics (which is teased in the opening sequence, which looks

reminiscent of “Dexter.”).

This attracts the attention of many organized crime outfits; most notably Wilson Fisk,

better known as the Kingpin (Don'ofrio). His portrayal is a stark contrast to the late Michael Clarke

Duncan in the 2003 film; as he has very little tolerance of failure, to the point where he'll kill members

of his mob legal team with his bare hands.

While the 2003 film was an early attempt to craft a darker superhero story before other

franchises dabbled with the concept; it ended up being critically-panned and highly divisive among

fans to this day. Stan Lee himself even hated it for being “devoid of optimism.” Now that darker

stories are more commonplace; this, along with the growing popularity of alternative entertainment

through online streaming are the ideal way to bring the character back.

In essence, the series is probably the most grounded and realistic work Marvel has

made as their own studio. The fight choreography is incredibly fluid (there is notably a fight scene

filmed in one continuous shot; and the series is touted as the “most stunt-heavy series ever”); and the

writing and tone are in line with Frank Miller's run on the comic. In addition to Kingpin, there is

involvement with the Russian mafia; Japanese Yakuza, and Chinese Triad gangs (as I continue my

binge-watch; I'll keep an eye out for others.). Even so, there are some great Easter eggs for fans of the

Marvel Cinematic Universe (a line in the pilot mentions that an event caused real estate values in New

York to drop dramatically; referencing the climax of “The Avengers”); so keep all your senses open.

Even though I have not seen the director's cut of the 2003 film (which adds 20 minutes

of new footage and bumps up the rating from a PG-13 to an R); I can say that “Daredevil” has not

only managed to create a superb superhero series that makes a wonderful take on the comics, but also

an engaging crime drama in the vein of “The Dark Knight Saga.” With the promise of further series

in the coming months; this 13-episode first season is more than a satisfactory take on “the man without

fear.”

A Journey Through Disability History

Disability is a word that can invoke many reactions when you hear it. It also is subject to many different interpretations and manifestations. Throughout history; there have been many changes to the way we see and hear disability.

http://dhss.alaska.gov/gcdse/Pages/history/index.aspx

This is an online version of a display that ran when the term began in Takena hall. It shows how the climate for how people with disabilities have changed ever since history began. The display is also full of imagery and quotes that show key points of how people with disabilities have been treated.

"There is only one good; knowledge; and one evil, ignorance." -Socrates

This is one of several quotes that stood out at me; as I have long considered knowledge the greatest weapon we have against ignorance. As a philosopher, Socrates was centuries ahead of his time for his wisdom and insight into society.

In the past, those who were disabled were seen as burdens and blights on society; outcasts of the highest caliber.

As time has passed, the field of medicine has acknowledged disability as an issue to be taken seriously; but the idea that they are diseased is one that was controversial, and remains so in many circles to this day. Not every disability is curable; but is entirely possible to live with it and lead a long and fulfilling life.

The people of the past often felt pity upon those who were disabled; often to the point of believing they are beyond saving or help.

The word "retard" is also often one that has been condescendingly tossed around towards people; regardless of whether or not people have a disability. Over time, the word has been corrupted to an ableist slur that is on par with some of the worst things you can call a person. It is even gotten to the point where the bulk of the people in the US may not even be aware of the actual dictionary definition of the word. So, here it is.

retard, verb. Oxford English definition:
Delay or hold back in terms of progress, development, or accomplishment.

The more common form of the word is actually the secondary meaning, and unfortunately; it has been used in a manner where it lacks concern or care of any kind.

To further show how things were in the past, over 200,000 of the first victims of the holocaust were disabled. This attitude was one of the many tactics of fear used by Nazi Germany in their push towards Western perfection; with Adolf Hitler and Dr. Josef Mengele being among the notable figures in this genocidal atrocity.

Yet, as time passed; the war ended in victory for the Allies, and the new path for acceptance began at home; with parents and disabled alike actively pushing to be treated on the same terms as an ordinary person.

While there is still an aura of those with disabilities being seen as "eternal children," I submit that it is entirely possible to retain one's youthful spirit as an adult; as well as for those with disabilities to become actively contributing members to society.

The social stigma against the disabled has now gotten its own stigma regarding those who have been diagnosed with disabilities to be given the help they need and the respect they deserve as people.

At this school alone, there are many resources for those who disabled. I myself was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome/high-functioning Autism in early 2003; and I have often faced ridicule and scorn in the past, to the point where I often got into fights and had trouble getting along with other people. Yet, as time passed; I have managed to become an intelligent and strong young man.

Though I still have a way to go; I was able to sit down with two members of the Center for Accessibility Resources over the past week to discuss what is available to those who have disabilities; as well as key points in the display I was discussing. Her name is Julie Hessel.

What inspired you to do this display? "It was offered through professional organizations traveling throughout the country."

Do you know anyone personally with a disability? "Family."

How do you think of the state of disability today as opposed to the past? "More talked-about and addressed."

Where did you first get the idea to help people with disabilities? "Special ed/early education."

Why do you feel the way you do when you help people with disabilities? "Fulfilled for success."

This afternoon, I also spoke with Jennifer Walker before writing about the issue. My interview with her is recorded below.

How do you help students here at LBCC?

"Scheduling tests in the support lab. Checkout equipment."

What sort of services do you offer?

"Proctor tests, offer equipment/computers; and quiet space."

When can we see some sort of way to get involved ourselves?

"Support lab open Mon-Thur 9AM-3PM, Fri 9AM-2PM."

Where can I find other information on the student affairs?

"LBCC website; linnbenton.edu; Student Life/Leadership, library ."

Why are you so committed to helping students?

"Help students succeed for degree/certificate."

There are many ways to see people with disabilities. Perhaps, the best way to put it is this: Disability is an art. Disability is a way of life. I'm glad I was able to take this journey and continue to see where the road goes in the future.

At a glance:

The disability history display is currently traveling throughout the country. You can find an online version here.

Much has changed throughout disability history.

Disability is an art. Disability is a way of life.

DVD Review: Birdman

Courtesy: Fox Searchlight

Starring Michael Keaton, Zach Galifinakis, Emma Stone, and Edward Norton

Written and Directed by Alejandro Inatirru

Rated R

My Rating: *****/5

There have been many diverse offerings since the Oscars opted to reintroduce the

10 best picture nominees. While there is talk of turning them back to 5; I submit that such a precedent

would end up shutting out many of the more unique entries that have been winners in past years. The

newest entry into that elite club is “Birdman,” which is definitely not your typical piece of Oscar bait.

The film concerns the director and star of a play known as Riggle Thompson (Keaton);

who is attempting to rekindle his career after playing the titular superhero became his most notable

role; but strained his career and relationship with his daughter (Stone) in the process.

If this sounds familiar; the film is essentially a parody of Keaton's role in Tim Burton's

1989 version of “Batman” and the 1992 sequel “Batman Returns”, as well as his life after that role.

In essence, this is a role that is tailor-made for Keaton. Not only is it handled with surprising tact

and bittersweet drama; it also shows how he's often at his best when pushing his craft to his limits.

As such, the film also has great satire on the industry; making light of how the more

personal films about people and their relationships are often overshadowed by big-budget, triple-A;

billion-dollar blockbusters (watch for a scene where Spider-Man, Iron Man, Bumblebee and other stars

of tentpole franchises duke it out onstage; as well as ones where Thompson's costumed alter-ego gives

maniacal advice).

The film is also shot with an innovative technique of editing long takes together; giving

the effect of a backstage view as Thompson clashes with a younger understudy played by Edward

Norton, whose own performance is also worthy of standing alongside the likes of “Fight Club” and

“American History X” in his filmography. Seeing Emma Stone play against type is also not only a riot;

but a key moment for her as she plays Thompson's daughter; who wants no part of her father's attempts

to regain his glory and her love.

With all this on the table; “Birdman” is definitely worthy of the pedigree of not only its

lead actor; but also shows what director Alejandro Inatirru can do with a medium that has endless

applications for expressing oneself. It will be remembered as the best picture winner that thrives

on skewering both sides of the industry and providing insight on both through “the unexpected

 virtue of ignorance.”

DVD Review: Big Hero 6

Courtesy: Walt Disney Pictures/Marvel

Starring the Voices of Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, and Daniel Henney

Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams

Rated PG

My Rating: ****/5

When I first saw “Big Hero 6” being promoted this past November; I honestly didn't

know what to make of it. I personally expressed more interest in the type of “intelligent

blockbusters” that studios are more willing to offer; such as young adult book adaptation

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part One” and Christopher Nolan's “Interstellar.”

By all means, it should have been an easy sell. An animated Marvel film from the same

talented animators that produced the likes of “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Frozen?” One that draws

heavy influence from anime at that? Yet, I remained reluctant until I found out the film won

Best Animated Feature at the Oscars. Because of this, my interest was finally piqued enough

to rent the film.

The story concerns a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada (Potter) and his

brother Tadashi (Henney) living in the fictional metropolis of San Fransokyo (an amalgam of

Tokyo and San Francisco in more than just name). Tadashi is not impressed with the fact that

Hiro spends time in back-alley robot fights instead of using his intelligence and skill more.

He encourages Hiro to pursue higher education, but an accident occurs during a campus

demonstration; and he's killed.

Learning to cope with his brother's absence; Hiro has been left a rubbery “health care

companion” known as Baymax (Adsit). He also latches onto an eclectic group of friends such

as extreme sports nut Go Go Tomago (Jamie Chung); gentle giant Wasabi (Damon Wayons Jr.),

eccentric scientist Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) and genre-savvy fanboy Fred (TJ Miller).

As the first animated entry in the multi-billion dollar Marvel Cinematic Universe; there

are clear strains of the Avengers within the team. Hiro's rebellious tinkerer persona often recalls

Tony Stark. Go Go's no-nonsense attitude and little to no need to be rescued can easily parallel

Natasha “Black Widow” Romanov. Wasabi displays a sense of intelligence mixed with fighting

prowess that is all too familiar to Bruce Banner. Honey's idealistic spirit would definitely not be

lost on Captain Steve “America” Rogers. Even Fred gets a piece of the action not too dissimilar

from Clint “Hawkeye” Barton. The villain Yokai (whose identity I will not be spoiling) is

every bit as frightening as Marvel's rogues gallery in live-action as well as the line of Japanese

beasts that give its name.

There is a clear amount of anime influence in the character designs; both looks and

personality. It also has influence from the Japanese genre of “tokusatsu” (literally “special

effects”); to the point where late “Kamen Rider” and “Super Sentai” (the series that would

become the basis for “Power Rangers,” itself being rebooted in 2016) creator Shotaro

Ishinomori is honored in the credits.

As befitting a movie a health care robot is kitbashed into a superhero in a garage; the

film also borrows many elements from other animated films of its kind, notably “The Iron

Giant” and “The Incredibles” (the latter having the honor of being my favorite Pixar film). Yet,

while no “Wreck-It Ralph” or “Frozen;” I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised in a

similar manner to when I saw the first “Iron Man” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” for the first

time.

Are the concepts familiar? Yes. Do the superhero tropes and action stand out more than

the laughs? They do. Are there elements from works that have come before it? Definitely. Does

it also contain the flaws of its lineage but lack the tongue-in-cheek sendups Disney offered

in “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Frozen?” It does. Yet, “Big Hero 6” still manages to be an

entertaining and spectacular animated film that never stops surprising you. I can say that I'm

satisfied with my treatment.