Recipe for Excellence: Superhero Movies

You've heard it.  We've all heard it.

"The movie was good, but not as good as the book."

You've said it.  I've said it.

BUT . . .

Every once in a while a movie comes along that honors the source material so well that people are giddy with excitement over the feat.  Marvel Comics' latest blockbuster movie The Avengers has shattered box office records and has been hailed as the greatest comic book adaptation to screen to date.  That is heavy praise. 

The truth is, as difficult as it is to translate a book to the big screen, it's even harder to translate a comic book.

You:  Why?  Doesn't the artwork provide instant reference material for the filmmakers?

Funkyman:  EXACTLY

When you read a book, you are given the gift of your imagination informing your own special way of viewing the imagery, and therefore when creating a film of a literary work, you have more artistic license to have your vision appreciated.  When creating a film from source material with preset artwork (comics), the audience NEEDS to see references to that artwork, physical activity, special effects, etc.  This is even more difficult for superhero comics, because heroes do things in those books that defy all the laws of physics and reality.  If you can't recreate those elements, people consider it a failure.

Of course, 30 years ago, comic book superhero movies were the stuff of comedy.  CGI, costumes, special effects, simply could not do justice to what comic book artists dreamed up on the page.  Comic book fans longed for the day when they could go to a movie theater, buy some popcorn, and legitimately be swept into another world - their comic books come to life. 

But now . . . the time has come.

We have the technology at our disposal to make not only good, but great comic-book superhero movies.  Of course, even with the effects, they aren't always good.  How do you determine if a movie is a good translation of a comic book?  Well, here we go.  My top 10 Superhero Movies in chrnological order - and why.

In the 1960's there was only one superhero movie - Batman starring Adam West.  The campy fun of the television show on the big screen was just a longer TV episode.  It did not take itself or its source material very seriously.  There was no superhero movie for another 12 years?  That's inconceivable in today's Hollywood.  What changed things? 

1.  Superman - 1978
Richard Donner's instant film classic starring Christopher Reeve is still considered by many to be the greatest superhero film.  Why?  Here are just a few reasons.

- It contained a fairly complete, and well thought-out origin story.
- Superman flew - and we believed it!
- He flew around the world so fast that he reversed time.

These three fcators bring up the 3 key ingredients to a GREAT comic-to-movie translation - good writing, convincing special effects, and something cool and new we've never seen before.  This will continue to be referenced as CT3 (Comic Translation Trinity)

The sequel was equally well done, if not better, but the following sequels ignored these 3 elements so much that there was another long period until the next great superhero movie came along.  What was that?

2.  Batman - 1989
Frank Miller (as a comic artist not as a director) changed EVERYTHING!!!!!!  His rough and gothic take on this old character not only breathed life into the comic book, but it set the template for almost every superhero movie that has followed.  Director Tim Burton's fantasy was the first time we saw the Dark Knight come to life on the big screen as a broody, disturbed character.  What did Frank Miller give us?

- Superheroes with character flaws?
- Superheroes that could get seriously hurt? 
- Superheroes that aged? 

Yes.  Thank you Frank.  And thank you Tim Burton and Michael Keaton for giving America and the rest of the world something to get excited about.  This movie broke all the box office records at the time.

However, just like Superman before him, the Batman sequels started off OK but then devolved into silliness and gimmicks.  Didn't we learn ANYTHING from the previous decade?  No, the smell of money and continued fight for pop culture relevance are the recipe for failure in any franchise (see Star Wars).  And don't forget the CT3.  Our next movie certainly did not.

3.  Blade - 1998
I have to be honest.  When I first saw the ads, I wasn't convinced.  However, after the opening scene where Blade destroys an entire club full of vampires, 2 of the CT3 had been established.  The story proved to be well told and with heart.  Win.  It was like all of the dark, gritty things about Batman without the nice side.  Director Stephen Norrington gave us elements we hadn't seen in a superhero movie before:

- A club, techno, pseudo-NIN soundtrack that didn't include a symphony orchestra (no hate for John Williams and Danny Elfman, just saying)
- Vampires!
- Vampire on vampire crime!

Had you read the comic, you would see that this was not a faithful capturing of the details of the book, but a good capturing of the spirit of the book.  And fortunately for us, there was no longer a 10-year wait for another good CT3 movie.

4.  X-Men - 2000
You:  Funkyman, why was the X-Men film successful, even though it looked very little like the comic book? 

Funkyman:  I'm glad you asked.  I heard a lot of people say they didn't enjoy this movie because it was NOTHING like the animated TV show that was popular at the time (which I hated BTW).  I never liked the "Superfriends" style portrayal of the mutants complete with canned electric guitar soundtrack and drum machines.  No, my attention was on the comic books, and more importantly, the graphic novel - God Loves, Man Kills.

Director Brian Singer must have read this book as well, because the X-Men movie does an EXCELLENT job capturing the SPIRIT of that book.  That graphic novel was the Frank Miller's Dark Knight for X-Men.  It took the idea of the mutant abilities and cast them in a realistic contemporary world where politics, racism, and real moral conflicts could be explored.  When I watched this movie, I felt the SPIRIT of the comic.  That is HUGE.

And JUST like Superman and Batman before them, good sequel, horrible following ones.  What's the deal?  I mean, clearly there's a pattern here.  I mean, that couldn't happen to . . .

5.  Spider-Man - 2002
. . . right?  Wrong again.

Well what did Sam Raimi do right?  CT3 - Well-told origin story, CGI Spider-Man swinging through the city, and Tobey Maguire himself as the surprise.  No one believed this guy could pull it off, and he defied us all.  What was more fun that summer than seeing this movie?  Perfect popcorn movie.

But the formula - great sequel, painful subsequent ones - strikes again. 

6.  Hellboy - 2004
Visionary director Guillermo del Toro gave us something we weren't used to - a demon protagonist who can talk to dead people, who trims his own horns so they don't stick out, working for the Bureau of Paranormal Research & Development - which is EXACTLY what the comic book is about.  Add in Ron Perlman's comic timing, superior special-effects, and you've got a win.

7.  Iron Man - 2008
This movie had it all.  Very good origin story, killer CGI, and the now famous "Iron Man Kneeled Landing Pose."  Let's not forget Robert Downey's spot-on comic timing and Jon Favreau's comedy and comics background.  So many things about this movie were awesome, that it's hard to even debate the weaknesses.  So glad CGI tech finally caught up with Iron Man.

8.  The Dark Knight - 2010
The greatest financial success for any superhero - Batman.  This time tackled by director Christopher Nolan and his go-to leading man, Christian Bale.  Yes, this was the sequel to the already successful Batman Begins, . . . and the formula is set.  Will this summer's 3rd installment be subject to the curse?  I have a feeling - no.  Of course, let's not forget Heath Ledger's tour de force as the Joker.  CT3 was in full effect for this film, and it was easily the highest critically acclaimed movie of its genre.

9.  Kick-Ass - 2010
That same year, one of my favorite adaptations was done in glorious fashion.  Director Matthew Vaughn took this indie comic and turned it into movie gold.  Kick-Ass is NOT an exceptional superhero.  However, being released in the same year as The Dark Knight, the comparisons are obvious.  A guy who dresses up and goes out to fight crime vigilante style to protect the innocent and make the guilty pay.  Sound familiar?  Add in Big Daddy (another obvious Batman reference, and who can forget Nicholas Cage's death scene?) and the foul-mouthed Hit-Girl.  This movie surprises us more than once - and we love it.

10.  The Avengers - 2012
Last but not least, we have the much-discussed Avengers, directed by Joss Whedon - a writer and director who has solidified his place in comic/sci-fi greatness for all time.  Buffy, Firefly, now this?  Because the Avengers is a team of superheroes, you can only imagine that the stakes were way higher for success vs. failure.  Everything difficult about a superhero movie - times 4.  If you ever find yourself questioning "why is this film great" or "why does this film work", then consider the following concerns:

- Does the film capture the spirit of the comic characters?
- Does the film give equal time to the major players?
- Does the film have too many villains?  too many heroes?
- Does the film stay true to the mythology of the comic story?  If not, does it create a viable new one?

The answers to all of the above questions are yes, yes, no, no, yes.

The Avengers captured the spirit of the comic in that it focused on the tension between the egos of the heroes, clearly played out in the comics.  It not only gave equal time to the characters, it successfully highlighted some we normally disregard - i.e. Black Widow.  The only visible villain is Loki - too many villains equals fail (see Spider-Man 3 or Batman sequels).  The origin story of the Avengers is there, but they took some license with the agent who called them together and believed in them.  But that's a minor concern. 

What is a major concern is what everyone knows who has seen the film.  Hulk.  Smash.  Loki.  That has got to be one of the single greatest moments in movie history.  I want to see the entire movie again, just to watch that.  And I will.

So which are the greatest comic-to-movie adaptations ever?  It's difficult for me to compare Superman of 1978 to the Avengers of 2012, but I will cave in and make a list in order of overall greatness:

5.  Kick-Ass
4.  Iron Man
3.  X-Men 2
2.  The Avengers
1.  Superman

I know you're saying - no Dark Knight?  I want to stress that I'm not judging the films on their merit as films, but as comic-to-movie translations.  The Dark Knight suffered only because Batman had been explored in 6 films before it.  The others on the list were relative first attempts and get more consideration for the feat.

Yes, Superman is #1.  Are you surprised?  Better yet, do you disagree?  It's not my love for all things Superman.  I truly believe that proportionately, this is the greatest superhero comic to movie achievement.  Were it not for that one, the Avengers takes the prize.

You may noticed I have referenced each film's director in this blog.  They are the real heroes and certainly the ones responsible for a film's success or demise.  I would trust buying a ticket to any future film of these directors, even if they are a flop.  At least I know it will be a well-thought out flop.  Which is better than we can say for most films.

Speaking of which, I hope that one of you directors will step up to direct the new motion picture, The Adventures of

- Funkyman

Dear North Carolina . . .

Dear North Carolina,

In the movie, Inherit the Wind, a dramatic story is weaved around the very true account of the famous Scopes monkey trial and the fight in the south to prevent evolution from being taught as a theory in school. The shorthand is that the Bible-believing Christian community didn’t want Darwin’s theory taught in school because it was in contradiction with Scripture’s account of creation. There is a scene in the movie where they are marching down the town streets singing “Gimme That Old Time Religion.” The lyrics go as follows:

Gimme that old time religion
Gimme that old time religion
Gimme that old time religion
It’s good enough for me

It was good for the Hebrew children (3x) It’s good enough for me

It was good for dad and mother (3x) It’s good enough for me.

Etc., etc.

The irony of this scene is that they march forward, yet their message is about remaining right where they are. The Christians won their fight in that trial in 1925. However, today, most schools, even in the South, teach evolution as a theory as part of the larger foundation of scientific education. The Scopes Monkey trial is part of American history, now 87 years old.

Quite simply, yesterday you helped turn back the hands of time.

On May 8, 2012, the state of North Carolina passed Amendment One – defining marriage as one man and one woman, and therefore nullifying the recognition of same-sex marriages AND civil unions. The oft-quoted reason for such a move? Because same-sex marriages are in contradiction with what the Scriptures say.

And so, North Carolina, I humbly submit to you:

Isn’t it a fact that there are several, nay, innumerable things that are “legal” by man’s standards that are not supported by the Scriptures? I mean, isn't there is a clear difference between something being against God’s laws and being against man’s laws?

Let’s start with the Ten Commandments. Several major religions (Judaism, Islam, Christianity) regard the Decalogue as the DIRECT instructions from God Almighty. No “divinely inspired/take it on faith” writing here. These words are considered to be straight from God’s mouth. For example:

 “Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.”

If we’re going to honor God’s direct command, should we not be creating amendments to curb the glorification of sex, violence, and greed found in commercials, magazines, television, music, movies, etc.? Truly, we can argue that people spend more time honoring these cultures than God. We can agree that we are called to honor God above all things, but even those of us who believe can fail in this practice. Yet none of the above things are against man’s law.

For another example, I will choose the words of Jesus.

“Love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Again, words straight from Jesus’ mouth – not otherwise divinely inspired revelation as found in other books of the Bible. Haven’t we proven that this simple phrase is so difficult to perfect? Haven’t we shown as a human race that one of the primary reasons we have wars, hunger, and poverty is because we can’t love our neighbors BECAUSE we don’t love ourselves? Should we not be creating amendments to ban the hoarding of money and food, and share our wealth not simply with those on hard times, but with the truly impoverished human souls that have no opportunity to get 3 meals a day? We Christians can agree that we are called to serve mankind – clothe the naked, feed the hungry, visit the imprisoned, etc. Yet refusing to do the above things are not against man’s law.

I restate: There is a difference between something being against God’s law and something being against man’s law.

The point is this: Even if you declare that same-sex marriage is against God’s law, how is that the precedent for standing up for the Scriptures and infusing it into man’s law? Do we not already live in a country where people have the freedom to make personal choices that we disagree with? Do we not daily shake our heads at what the culture promotes and what our children have to face? Where is our outrage?

Where are the amendments against divorce? Where are the amendments against marrying for money? for sex? Where are the amendments against adultery (another direct Commandment from God)? And while it’s true that on the books, adultery is an offense in 26 states – every one of those states will still recognize the validity of your marriage if divorce is not on the table.

In conclusion, when I see amendments being posted to church walls to help ban same-sex marriages, I weep.

This.

World.

Is.

Dying.

There are so many causes God has called us to that we daily ignore. Why is this the only issue Christians rally around together to become politically active? The answer is obvious and unfortunate. If we don’t see that this indoctrinated phobia of homosexuality is IDENTICAL to the history of the judicial banning of interracial marriage – yes that was a HUGE reality in America for several decades (the people in each state were allowed to vote) – we are blind.

I know, North Carolina, that you believe that by allowing gays to marry, it would be viewed as a stamp of your personal approval. However, if that were true, according to God's 1st Commandment, you would have to argue that allowing moron rappers to make songs and videos about “bitches” shaking their asses for money and getting tens of millions of views in the temple of YouTube is also your stamp of approval.

You: Well just because that music is popular in the culture doesn’t mean I agree with it.

Funkyman: OK, but more importantly, just because you don’t agree with it, that doesn’t make it illegal.

You: Yes, but this is America, and the moron rappers have the FREEDOM to make their music, even though it’s garbage.

Funkyman: True. This is America. Then, why are we standing in the way of someone else’s, anyone else's freedom? The big difference is, those particular rappers (not all Hip Hop) are despicable. Those who seek to be married are not.

So North Carolina, please read up on the history of marriage. You will quickly discover that it has had many definitions, versions, and practices. Marriage has not always been defined as one man and one woman – even in the Bible. That’s a fact. You say that homosexuals are trying to redefine marriage.

The truth is, you are too.

One day, we will see that we can live in a country as Bible-believing, God-fearing Christians and STILL sit next to our brothers and sisters who are in same-sex marriages at the table of brother and sisterhood.

There should be an amendment for that.

- Funkyman

It's Time! 2012 Edition

Hello Funkfans, it's that special time of year that the young and the young at heart wait for with baited breath.

You: Christmas?

Funkyman: Nope, but that can be good.

You: Tax Refund Day?

Funkyman: Nope, but that's a good one too.

You: My child's birthday?

Funkyman: No - even better! SUMMER MOVIES!!!

You: That's horrible!

Funkyman: What? OK, fine. I prefer my daughter's birthday, but that only happens on one day a year (May 6 - Happy Birthday Aimée! Papa's just fooling around).

Now back to the regularly scheduled adventure of Funkyman . . . This summer is JAM-PACKED with enough superhero, sci-fi, CGI, fantasy, and comedy to make anyone happy - even the non-fanboys and girls. There are more than 100 movies coming out this summer. Here are the biggest ones that I think have the biggest potential to be awesome or FAIL miserably! Great expectations can create great disappointments. Well, enough of my yapping. Let's go!

May 4 - The Avengers
For years now, Marvel Comics has focused its creative energies in Hollywood with Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Hulk, Thor, and Captain America movies - each one a success in its own right. I cannot remember an event like this in history, where a comic book franchise has brought together so many powerful characters together into one story arc. It's exciting just in theory. Let's pray that it pays off in practice. I'm rooting for the Avengers!

May 11 - Dark Shadows
Usually, when Tim Burton and Johnny Depp do a film together, it's a must-see event. However, I was disappointed by their last two outings - Charlie & the Chocolate Factory & Alice in Wonderland. In the 80's and 90's, Burton's bizarre visions were wonderful, shocking, and fresh. But sometimes bizarre is just bizarre. I'm rooting for Dark Shadows because I love both artists.

May 16 - The Dictator
Are we ready for another Sacha Baron Cohen comedy? Borat was perfectly timed genius. Bruno was unapologetically hilarious, though not as popular. As an owner of the complete DVD set of Da Ali G Show, I am a proven fan, but even I question whether or not we've seen his best work already. Hopefully, he can pull it off.

May 18 - Battleship
Let's see: Aliens. CGI. Loud Noise. Liam Neeson. Yes, I'll be there. Don't judge me. I am the target audience, but what do you think they spend all of that money for? Of course, I would love a good story to go with it, but seeing this stuff on an IMAX is worth the price of admission. Somebody's got to help them recoup their losses!

May 25 - Men in Black 3
When I heard they were making this movie, I was pretty sure I wouldn't care. When I saw that Josh Brolin would be playing a young Agent K. I was sold.

June 1 - Snow White and the Huntsman 
Charlize Theron rocks. Perfect villain. Is there another reason to see this movie?

June 8 - Prometheus 
Let's see: Aliens. CGI. Loud Noise. Ridley Scott. Yes, I'll be there. See Battleship for why.

June 15 - That's My Boy 
Adam Sandler needs a hit. Bad. Maybe Andy Samberg can help.

June 22 - Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
The title alone sells this movie. How can you NOT see this?

June 22 - Brave
I will see any movie Pixar makes, though, Cars 2 made me put my foot in my mouth about their inability to fail. I really hope that their concentration on a strong female character is a win. For everyone.

June 29 - G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Let's see: Aliens. CGI. Loud Noise. The Rock. Yes, I'll be there. What? No aliens? Hmmm . . . Isn't Ray Park in this? Close enough! (Darth Maul)

June 29 - Magic Mike
I think it's pretty boss that Channing Tatum will be releasing two movies on the SAME DAY - G.I. Joe and Magic Mike. In one, he's a macho soldier, and in the other, he's a male stripper. After seeing him in 21 Jump Street, I actually have faith that he can do just about anything. And that's saying A LOT after Step Up!

July 3 - The Amazing Spider-Man
O.K. I've resisted writing pages and pages of blog about how ridiculous it is that we have ANOTHER Spider-Man origin movie so soon after the 2002 Tobey Maguire version - which was awesome. The set-up for comparison will be impossible to avoid. But, hey - it's Spider-Man. They will make a ton of money, and they certainly will get mine. I just hope it's worth it.

July 20 - The Dark Knight Rises
Probably, the most anticipated movie of the year. I have no doubt that Christopher Nolan (Inception, Dark Knight) has no intention of ending his Batman trilogy with a weak installment. Fasten your seatbelts.

July 27 - Neighborhood Watch
Put Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, and Jonah Hil in the same movie, and who cares about the plot right? Three of the funniest movie actors alive better hit a homerun.

August 3 - The Bourne Legacy
The first 3 Bourne movies have the distinct praise of each one being better than the previous one. That's A LOT of pressure for this one which doesn't even have Matt Damon or even the character Jason Bourne in the movie! Are they trying to sell me a movie on the title alone? Or are they crazy like a fox?

August 3 - Total Recall
Colin Farrell in the remake of the 1990 Verhoeven/Schwarznegger hit. It was a lot of fun the first time, but Colin Farrell has a bad track record with remakes. S.W.A.T., Miami Vice, Fright Night - all amazingly boring. What's he going to do next? How about a good movie?

August 10 - The Campaign 
Will Ferrell. Zach Galifianakis. One ticket please.

August 17 - The Expendables 2
I only put this on the list because I wanted a good laugh. Ha ha ha. OK, I have ZERO intention of seeing this. I can't even believe they made a sequel. These guys need to stop lending credit to the meat-head stereotype. Enough already. I mean, have you seen the preview for this? It's like a parody of itself. True comedy.

August 17 - Sparkle
Whitney Houston's name will give this movie all of the boost it needs to do well. I hope it honors her musical legacy.

All in all, this promises to be a great summer of movies . . . for teenage boys. Yes, there are other movies coming out, but honestly, they don't look that interesting at all. All eyes will be on the above pictures. As for this fanboy, any summer with Spider-Man, Batman, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, AND Captain America?

That's a win. I love you Aimée, but papa's going to the movies! - Funkyman

Funkyman TV

Here are some video highlights from recent adventures!

FUNKYMAN CHANNELS STEVIE WONDER


BILLY JOEL & ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE CONCERT


TUFTS GOSPEL CHOIR IN NEW ORLEANS


THE MAKING OF "BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE"



"CREDO AMORI"


TUFTS GOSPEL 2011


DANA HALL CHAMBER SINGERS IN AUSTRIA


BBC WORLD NEWS - Feature Story on David Coleman



RENT

I Was a Teenage Judy Blume Fan

Hello Funkitamians,

It has been so long since I posted, I know. Since my birthday last month, so many epic events have occurred worthy of writing about. Hmmm, which should I choose . . .


a) Tufts University Third Day Gospel Choir Tour in New Orleans, LA! - We were on TV and there was an alligator on my head. True.




b) REJOICE! GospelFest at Dana Hall School - 7 schools came together and had an epic concert and workshop experience.


c) Trayvon Martin & George Zimmerman - Jumping to Conclusions and Failure of Due Process for both Trayvon AND George have created nation-wide arguments centered on race.



d) The Hunger Games


OK, I'll choose the Hunger Games. Yay!

So, it's not often I read books these days. One would imagine with the amount I run my mouth and write on this blog that I'm an avid reader. Well, I used to be. For more on how I lost my fire for reading, click here.

These days I read about one or two books a year, which is horribly sad, I know. However, I use my brain so much for creativity during the year, I think I deserve a pass. Nevertheless, my wife again was responsible for getting my reading going again. She had heard through friends at work about The Hunger Games and based on my love of sci-fi and fantasy, she thought I would enjoy and bought me the whole 3-volume set for Christmas. In anticipation of the movie being released in March, I finally began reading during Spring Break and found it to be a fun, quick read. It is so refreshing to read about a female character facing choices with REAL moral ambiguity - the ANTI-BELLA.


Let's pause there:

I have not read the Twilight series. However, teaching at an all-girls' school, of course I knew of its popularity. When the first movie came out, my students went crazy. TEAM EDWARD!!! And because of my intuition, even though I dig vampires and werewolves as much as the next fan, I avoided the film in the theaters. Months later, it landed on HBO, and against my better judgment, I allowed my DVR to record it one day, and I finally sat down to watch it. Here are some of Edward's dialogue about Bella:

"I don't have the strength to stay away from you anymore."

"I hate you for making me want you so much."

"You don't know how long I've waited for you."

"I can't ever lose control with you."

The reason these quotes stood out to me is because while Edward is this tall, dark, mysterious man who catches Bella's attention - Bella herself is self-admittingly bland, boring, quiet, and not striking. Yet HE IS OBSESSED WITH HER IN A STALKING KIND OF WAY. And don't even get me started on Jacob's whining.

I found myself turned off by the intensity of this romantic storyline with a female character so not worthy of all of the attention she was receiving. However, millions of female fans can't be wrong, right? Right? Anyway, back to our regularly programmed adventure of Funkyman.


Currently, I am in love with some television shows with great, strong female lead characters:

Once Upon a Time (ABC) - If you haven't seen this yet, SEE it. From the writers of LOST, it is some of the smartest and most clever storytelling on television, AND all of the characters that anchor the story are female with fully imagined personalities, insecurities, and strengths.

Game of Thrones (HBO) - Talk about strong female characters! Daenerys Targaryen goes from submissive wife and sister to straight-out badass in one season - amazing! And don't get in Lady Stark's way. OR Cersei Lannister's! "POWER is power." Best line ever. But back to the Hunger Games.

One of the things I enjoyed about the book was the main character, Katniss and the love triangle that she's forced into in order to save her life and everyone close to her. Katniss has an everygirl quality reminiscent of Harry Potter - a kid leading an unextraordinary life suddenly thrust into being the central figure in a raging battle with thousands of lives at stake. And to make it fun, we get a well-crafted love dilemma for a girl who has no real desire to be in one. Unlike Bella, we can totally see why someone could fall for Katniss.

So, I finished the book and headed immediately to the movie theater. But wait . .

Those girls look familiar. Are those . . .

Are those my students from Dana Hall??? It was only then that I realized that I was caught up in the fanatic craze shared by millions of middle school girls.


"Mr. Coleman! Are you going to see the Hunger Games?"

"Hey . . . yeah . . . I am."

"SO COOL! We are too!! Aren't you EXCITED??!!"

"Yay . . . great."


I just smiled and went in with 10 of my students and enjoyed the movie. I have often pondered why I'm drawn to stories about females. Is it because I'm aware of the commonly sexist portrayal of women in movies and television? Is it because I am consistently surrounded by girls educating themselves to fight against stereotypes and be considered as individuals? Yes, strong women are always noteworthy, but my recent affection for the Hunger Games and my run-in with pre-teen students reminded me of something from my childhood . . .

I was addicted to Judy Blume books.

Yes, I know we all read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Superfudge. But, I'm talking about ALL of Judy Blume's books. Imagine an 11-year old Funkyman walking around reading Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, Freckle Juice, Deenie, Blubber, Tiger Eyes, Then Again, Maybe I Won't, Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, It's Not the End of the World, and others.

Why would a pre-teen boy be so interested in the tales of girls going through life changes - from body image, to puberty, to divorce?

I still don't know exactly why. Judy Blume is a great writer. She was my first favorite author. But it's true that my parents and friends often asked what connection I had reading first-person accounts of a girls' first period. I guess I enjoy the inner monologue, the window into the mind of not only a girl, but a fellow kid growing up. I liked that Judy Blume gave me insight into how girls think and experience school, family, and friends. I think that because of Judy Blume, coupled with good parenting from my mother (strongest female character I know) and my father who taught me to treat every woman I meet as my sister, that I saw girls as fellow people rather than simply the opposite sex.

The Hunger Games achieves this same result, and its why I believe a man or a woman could get wrapped up in this story with equal delight. I'm sure that author Suzanne Collins would state that Judy Blume's books are part of her early reading and influenced her writing. Couldn't we imagine as a subtitle for the Hunger Games - "Are You There God? It's me, Katniss."?

So hats off to Judy Blume. I know she still writes, and I believe she is 74 years old. I pray she lives to see many, many more.

May the odds be ever in her favor.

- Funkyman