Hi guys!!! Here's some more work for you, hopefully one that you will enjoy.
Task 1
In a review about the movie, Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat say:(http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/films/films.php?id=1015)
"As Good As It Gets is a shaggy dog romantic comedy. All its messages are worth taking to heart. Don't judge people too quickly. Never write anyone off. Even the weirdest and most irritating people are full of surprises. Everyone is capable of love."What do you think about their view? Is it true that everyone deserves a chance? Can you remember any personal experience/s in which you were surprised by somebody you didn't think well of?
Write a comment in which you will express your own ideas and will also give an opinion about what the classmate who has written before you has said. I know! Everyone will try to be the first one! But.... the first writer will comment on the last student or anyone he/she chooses.
Deadline: August 23
Task 2
I'm posting several reviews of the movie Your task is to either choose one review or parts of different reviews and say why you agree or disagree with it.Some of them have been shortened and I'm including the source in case you want to read more.
Deadline: August 30
http://www.ardemgaz.com/cgi/showreview.pl?Jack+Nicholson~+As+Good+as+It+Gets
by PHILIP MARTINARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
James L. Brooks' As Good as It Gets is a precariously balanced movie, one that flirts with smugness. That it isn't awful is in some respects amazing. It is tempting to write it off as one of those designer romantic comedies for readers of The New Yorker, quiche-eaters and the urbane elite. It makes such smug assumptions about its audience, its demographics are so finely tuned: Yes, here we have the brave working-class woman struggling to make it while caring for a sickly child. Here we have the sweet, gay painter who seems more connected to his little dog than any human being. And over here we have the most unpleasant man in the world, an obsessive-compulsive romance novelist who, as movie irony must have it, seems absolutely incapable of love. It could have been one bad chick flick, a predictable smarmathon replete with psychobabble about wounded inner children. It would end with swelling music and a long-deferred kiss. But Brooks is not stupid. He cast Jack Nicholson as the misanthrope and that made all the difference. Now As Good as It Gets is being hailed in some quarters as a leading Academy Award contender. It showed up on a bunch of critics' "10 best" lists. It's a box-office hit. The fact that Nicholson is playing this character tells us something. A canny director can make use of this phenomenon.
by PHILIP MARTINARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
James L. Brooks' As Good as It Gets is a precariously balanced movie, one that flirts with smugness. That it isn't awful is in some respects amazing. It is tempting to write it off as one of those designer romantic comedies for readers of The New Yorker, quiche-eaters and the urbane elite. It makes such smug assumptions about its audience, its demographics are so finely tuned: Yes, here we have the brave working-class woman struggling to make it while caring for a sickly child. Here we have the sweet, gay painter who seems more connected to his little dog than any human being. And over here we have the most unpleasant man in the world, an obsessive-compulsive romance novelist who, as movie irony must have it, seems absolutely incapable of love. It could have been one bad chick flick, a predictable smarmathon replete with psychobabble about wounded inner children. It would end with swelling music and a long-deferred kiss. But Brooks is not stupid. He cast Jack Nicholson as the misanthrope and that made all the difference. Now As Good as It Gets is being hailed in some quarters as a leading Academy Award contender. It showed up on a bunch of critics' "10 best" lists. It's a box-office hit. The fact that Nicholson is playing this character tells us something. A canny director can make use of this phenomenon.
http://movies.tvguide.com/good-gets/review/132715
You have to admire the sheer audacity of a comedy that opens with a man heaving a little dog down a garbage chute. Dogs, after all -- especially ugly-cute ones that look like they should be auditioning for Gremlins 3 -- are the sacred cows of contemporary Hollywood. That said, Verdell the ankle-biter recovers and proves to be the downfall of his tormentor, Melvin the monster. Melvin (Jack Nicholson) is a cranky, clinically obsessive-compulsive romance writer who lobs atomic bomb-quality put-downs at all who cross his path, including neighbor Simon (Greg Kinnear), who provides plenty of ammo by being gay, an artist and Verdell's indulgent owner. Melvin is simply repugnant, a hideous and self-centered caricature of a human being, and Nicholson's performance is fearlessly repellent. Melvin's rituals include a daily trip to the restaurant where he's served by Carol (Helen Hunt), the only waitress who can stomach his endless abuse. Carol, of course, has her own troubles: She's the single mother of gravely ill Spence (Jesse James). Verdell's vengeance starts when Simon is brutally assaulted by a hustler-turned-model (Skeet Ulrich) and his droogies: Simon's art dealer (Cuba Gooding Jr.) bullies Melvin into tending Verdell while Simon is hospitalized, and to his own amazement, Melvin falls for the scruffy pup. When Simon reclaims Verdell, Melvin shifts his newfound beneficence to Carol, getting Spence to a fancy doctor. While the initial surprise of Nicholson's devastating cruelty gives the impression that anything can happen, the picture settles into an all-too-predictable (and unconvincing) end. "As good as it gets" is an overstatement. The movie's too long, and the direction is sometimes slack -- but the script is crammed with withering ripostes, ably delivered by Nicholson and Hunt.
http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/78205/as_good_as_it_gets.html
The film may be more ambitious and sophisticated than most Hollywood comedy-dramas, but for all the delight it takes in Melvin's outrageous sarcasm, it never quite eschews cornball cliché. Nicholson gives a committed, credible, typically charismatic performance, and the rest of the cast lends able support. The trouble lies in the rambling narrative, Brooks' cautious direction and the cosy tone which renders the whole thing reminiscent of an extended sitcom.
Author: GA
http://www.darkhorizons.com/reviews/65/As-Good-as-it-Gets
By Garth Franklin
Not only one of the best romantic comedies of the year, but one of the best films in ages - "As Good as it Gets" certainly lives up to its title. With a truckload of cynical laughs and some compelling emotional moments, .
The performances are truly great all around, Jack Nicholson gives a career highlight performance as the obsessive-compulsive 'Melvin' who's totally upfront and somewhat . Rarely does the two romantic leads match each other in quality, but Helen Hunt plays her best role yet making her character likable, funny, intelligent and emotional.
Greg Kinnear puts in a surprising and enjoyable performance as 'Simon', a gay artist and neighbour who puts up with Melvin's insults (which fly thick and fast) and like the leads is both funny and emotionally real. Cuba Gooding Jr. does excellent work with his few minutes of screen time, playing a gay art dealer who sells Simon's work and stands up to Melvin whenever he puts Simon down - a guy full of assertiveness and realism that is very rarely given to any gay film characters.
All the remaining supporting roles are enjoyable, ranging from Shirley Knight as Carol's excitable mother who just exudes cheerfulness, Yeardley Smith in a brief but funny cameo (always liked her), and of course the scene-stealer being Verdell who is quite simply the cutest and funniest dog I've ever seen in a movie.
The character-driven script is extremely intelligent, the plot is a bit thin but the pacing is fast and there rarely comes any dull moments. It also doesn't fall into the boring 'schmaltzy' last half hour as so many romantic comedies do, and in fact takes an audacious step by running around 50 minutes longer than most.
Any faults? Well there really isn't any particular scenes that stick in one's memory (eg. the "When Harry met Sally" restaurant-orgasm scene), there are some points where the film drags but quickly picks up again - the best example coming early on involving Kinnear drawing a sketch of Skeet Urlich's character and then being beaten by a gang of robbers.
The unpleasantness of the moment though is lifted by a very funny scene in the hospital involving Kinnear, Gooding Jr. & Smith. "As Good as it Gets" is definitely one of the best films of 1997, and though it just misses becoming a 'classic film, it's still thoroughly entertaining and you'll leave the cinema with a very warm and content feeling.
You have to admire the sheer audacity of a comedy that opens with a man heaving a little dog down a garbage chute. Dogs, after all -- especially ugly-cute ones that look like they should be auditioning for Gremlins 3 -- are the sacred cows of contemporary Hollywood. That said, Verdell the ankle-biter recovers and proves to be the downfall of his tormentor, Melvin the monster. Melvin (Jack Nicholson) is a cranky, clinically obsessive-compulsive romance writer who lobs atomic bomb-quality put-downs at all who cross his path, including neighbor Simon (Greg Kinnear), who provides plenty of ammo by being gay, an artist and Verdell's indulgent owner. Melvin is simply repugnant, a hideous and self-centered caricature of a human being, and Nicholson's performance is fearlessly repellent. Melvin's rituals include a daily trip to the restaurant where he's served by Carol (Helen Hunt), the only waitress who can stomach his endless abuse. Carol, of course, has her own troubles: She's the single mother of gravely ill Spence (Jesse James). Verdell's vengeance starts when Simon is brutally assaulted by a hustler-turned-model (Skeet Ulrich) and his droogies: Simon's art dealer (Cuba Gooding Jr.) bullies Melvin into tending Verdell while Simon is hospitalized, and to his own amazement, Melvin falls for the scruffy pup. When Simon reclaims Verdell, Melvin shifts his newfound beneficence to Carol, getting Spence to a fancy doctor. While the initial surprise of Nicholson's devastating cruelty gives the impression that anything can happen, the picture settles into an all-too-predictable (and unconvincing) end. "As good as it gets" is an overstatement. The movie's too long, and the direction is sometimes slack -- but the script is crammed with withering ripostes, ably delivered by Nicholson and Hunt.
http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/78205/as_good_as_it_gets.html
The film may be more ambitious and sophisticated than most Hollywood comedy-dramas, but for all the delight it takes in Melvin's outrageous sarcasm, it never quite eschews cornball cliché. Nicholson gives a committed, credible, typically charismatic performance, and the rest of the cast lends able support. The trouble lies in the rambling narrative, Brooks' cautious direction and the cosy tone which renders the whole thing reminiscent of an extended sitcom.
Author: GA
http://www.darkhorizons.com/reviews/65/As-Good-as-it-Gets
By Garth Franklin
Not only one of the best romantic comedies of the year, but one of the best films in ages - "As Good as it Gets" certainly lives up to its title. With a truckload of cynical laughs and some compelling emotional moments, .
The performances are truly great all around, Jack Nicholson gives a career highlight performance as the obsessive-compulsive 'Melvin' who's totally upfront and somewhat . Rarely does the two romantic leads match each other in quality, but Helen Hunt plays her best role yet making her character likable, funny, intelligent and emotional.
Greg Kinnear puts in a surprising and enjoyable performance as 'Simon', a gay artist and neighbour who puts up with Melvin's insults (which fly thick and fast) and like the leads is both funny and emotionally real. Cuba Gooding Jr. does excellent work with his few minutes of screen time, playing a gay art dealer who sells Simon's work and stands up to Melvin whenever he puts Simon down - a guy full of assertiveness and realism that is very rarely given to any gay film characters.
All the remaining supporting roles are enjoyable, ranging from Shirley Knight as Carol's excitable mother who just exudes cheerfulness, Yeardley Smith in a brief but funny cameo (always liked her), and of course the scene-stealer being Verdell who is quite simply the cutest and funniest dog I've ever seen in a movie.
The character-driven script is extremely intelligent, the plot is a bit thin but the pacing is fast and there rarely comes any dull moments. It also doesn't fall into the boring 'schmaltzy' last half hour as so many romantic comedies do, and in fact takes an audacious step by running around 50 minutes longer than most.
Any faults? Well there really isn't any particular scenes that stick in one's memory (eg. the "When Harry met Sally" restaurant-orgasm scene), there are some points where the film drags but quickly picks up again - the best example coming early on involving Kinnear drawing a sketch of Skeet Urlich's character and then being beaten by a gang of robbers.
The unpleasantness of the moment though is lifted by a very funny scene in the hospital involving Kinnear, Gooding Jr. & Smith. "As Good as it Gets" is definitely one of the best films of 1997, and though it just misses becoming a 'classic film, it's still thoroughly entertaining and you'll leave the cinema with a very warm and content feeling.
Ok! According to the first task, in my opinion, everyone deserves a chance to demonstrate how he/she really is. Many times, when we see a person who behaves in a strange way, is irritating or has some kind of problem, we immediately judge them and say things that maybe are not true of that person. We just need to give them time to express themselves and show their inner feelings. Even the most unpleasant person in the world can have good feelings and intentions. We have to think that, perhaps, these people hide their feelings just because they don't like to show any sign of weakness. So, I go along with the fact that we shouldn't judge people too soon, because, undoubtedly, we will get a great surprise.
ResponderEliminarI remember one especial occasion in which I didn't think well of a person. It was a friend of a friend of mine. She was a really strange girl, she didn't talk too much with people, and looked down on everybody she didn't know. So, when my friend introduced me to her friend, I didn't like her at all. But as time went by and we got to know each other more deeply, I finally discovered that she is not the kind of person I thought she was. She is the opposite. She is kind, sensitive and a good person. Now we are very good friends and spend a lot of time together
Regarding the second task, I agree and disagree with some extracts of the reviews. First of all, I agree with the first review which says that the characters are really true to life, it reflects the characteristic of the audience: a working woman who cares for her son, a gay artist who loves his dog more than anything and an unpleasant man with an obsessive behaviour. Besides, I agree with the last review which states that the film script is so intelligent and funny that we rarely get bored.
On the other hand, I don't agree with the fact that most of the reviews say that "As Good as it Gets" is one of the best films, as I have seen others better than this one.
Good job Gina!
EliminarI am glad you think people deserve a second chance!
I agree with you on the fact that the movie script is intelligent and funny.
Este comentario ha sido eliminado por el autor.
ResponderEliminarConcerning the first task, I do think that it is erroneous to judge people for their looks and have prejudices about them. I feel that everyone deserves a chance to show who they really are. I totally agree with Gina when she says that we criticize people too quickly because 0f the way they behave and, may be what we say of that person isn’t actually true. Honestly, that’s what happened to me the first day I met Gina!! I thought that she had a problem with me because she never greeted me when she entered the classroom, but when I asked her why she didn’t do that, she told me that she didn’t like to greet people, so, why should I force her??? Personally, I think that she is a really nice person and classmate, funny and helpful and I don’t really care too much if she says hello to me or not, because I know that if I need sth she will be there to help me.
ResponderEliminarAs far as the second task is concerned, I agree with the reviewer (second review) when he says that “Verdell turns out to be the downfall of his tormentor, Melvin.” It is the dog which softens Melvin’s heart at first and which makes him realize that he is capable of feel love for sb else. On the contrary, I don’t agree when the critic (third review) says that “Nicholson gives a committed, credible, typically charismatic performance, and the rest of the cast lends able support.” Even though Nicholson role-plays the main character and his performance is really outstanding, I don’t think that the other actors are there to support his performance. What I mean is that all the actors are significantly important to develop the main theme of this story.
Isn't it true that we have a tendency to judge people by their looks without knowing them!! I am glad to read you gave Gina a fair chance to show you who she really is!
EliminarThanks for your views on the other actors' performances! I agree with you! They are all excellent, even the dog!!
Task 1
ResponderEliminarWell, I have to say that I totally agree with what Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat say about the movie. Its message is, in fact, related to first impressions and how they intervene between what we think about a person and what he or she really is. Personally, I do think that everyone deserves a chance, not only because we all have the right to try another time, but also because when you are the one who is wrong, it is always nice to be given another opportunity to mend things up. Generally, I tend to get wrong impressions about teachers (in her or his first class), but later on, I realized how different they ended up being. Sometimes they ended up being better than I imagined, and some other times, not so. Anyway, experience taught me that most of the impressions I got during my life as a student, were wrong.
As far as what Mailen has written, I think that it is not “erroneous” to judge people by how they look, because is something natural, everyone does it and sometimes it is really hard not to do so. However, what is wrong is to try to convince other people about what you think of other person, and not being able to recognize when you are wrong and when you were mistaken. In my opinion, we should all try to see and meet the person hiden behind that shallow and unreliable image.
Task 2
I chose Garth Franklin’s review to work on, and I agree with her up to a point.
First of all, I do think that the actors were thoroughly chosen and that all of them complement each other in an exquisite way with outstanding performances, even Verdell! He is just great. Second of all, I absolutely agree with the fact that the script is, without a doubt, perfect. Moreover, I consider that it has to be highlighted (as Franklin did) the fact that the movie doesn’t fall, in any moment, into the typical romantic comedy structure which has bored us a long time ago.
On the other hand, different from Franklin’s point of view, I think there are, since the very beginning, plenty of particular and unforgettable scenes that stick in one's memory. Like, for example, all the nasty things Melvin tells Simon about his friend (Frank) when he is asking, in a polite way, about his missing dog.
It seems that tendency to judge people by their looks is something difficult to fight against, but I couldn't agree more with you on the fact that what is even more important is to realize you're doing it and give yourself a chance to get close to people.
EliminarGood comments about the review!!!
Hi everybody! Such a long time without commenting on the blog… Time to do it!
ResponderEliminarConcerning task 1, I go along with the commentators when they consider that we shouldn’t judge people too quickly and that even the weirdest and most irritating people are full of surprises. When you keep the first impression of somebody, two things may happen: you may be right or not. That is why I believe that in order to know what a person is like, you should give him/her the opportunity to give you a second impression, or a third one. Your prejudice may end up being the opposite, for the better or for the worse! It doesn’t mean that there is a rule that states something like: ‘well, you have seen her/him 10 times, so now you are in condition of saying what that person is like’. It is not like that, it sometimes happens that you have met a person for a long time but you don’t really get to know him/her.
It happened to me. I have always had a not so friendly relationship with my brother. He was always reproaching me things, or treating me in a rude way, or things of the sort (and vice versa), but when I actually needed him, he was there for me. So, I can say that I was mistaken respecting what I used to think of him, from that moment on, our relationship has changed. So, for the better!
Taking into account Virgi’s comment, I liked when she said that it is good to give a second chance not only because people deserve it, but also because when you are mistaken, it feels good when you are given a second opportunity. Then, you’ll see if you get on well with that person or not, but what is important is the fact of giving a chance.
You are so right Luz!! Many times people surprise us... and in a good way! So, it's only fair that we give them another chance and hopefully, they do the same to us.
ResponderEliminarRemember you still have to do the second part of the task, about the reviews
Regarding the second task, I will comment on the first review. Personally speaking, I agree with Philip Martinarkansas up to a point. I also consider that the movie could have been another of those romantic movies for women, with a kiss at the end… But it is not. The director wanted something more and he has achieved it since As Good as It Gets is being hailed in some quarters as a leading Academy Award contender.
ResponderEliminarHowever, I think that the commentator is underestimating all the actors excepting Jack Nicholson. He gives the actor a lot of importance; it seems to be that the movie was a success only because of him. It is true that Nicholson is an excellent actor but I also consider that the rest of the staff such as Greg Kinnear (Simon) and Helen Hunt (Carol) made a perfect job. And all of them made of the movie a great film.
Luz, I am so glad you appreciated all the actors' performances! No doubt Nicholson is wonderful but the rest of them do a great job too!
Eliminartask achieved!!
Hi people! Regarding TASK 1 I totally agree with Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat. I've always sustained that everyone is capable of love because, in my opinion, no one can live without love. And even the most reserved, shy or weird person needs to be loved and to love someone.It is absolutely true that even the most irritating people are full of surprises. What usually happens to me is that people who I consider strange, unfriendly and unpleasant, end up being the opposite and are the only ones that are with me when I have a problem. On the contrary, many times people who you consider your friends, are with you only in good times and abandon you when you most need them. So, I must say I go along with Luz when she says that in order to know what a person is like, you should give them the opportunity to give you a second impression and then your prejudice may turn to the opposite.From my point of view, you can never get to know a person completely unless you spend much time with them and share lots of experiences. But that doesn't give you the right to prejudge people due to your first impression without giving them the chance to show you their real essence.
ResponderEliminarWell, as far as the second task is concerned, I've chosen to make comments on some extracts of the reviews.
ResponderEliminarI agree with the author of the second review when he/she says that "Verdell the ankle-biter recovers and proves to be the downfall of his tormentor, Melvin..." Undoubtedly, the dog is the one who makes Melvin become a sweet and tender person and who helps him realize that he is capable of love. However, I don't think this author is right when he says that "When Simon reclaims Verdell, Melvin shifts his newfound beneficence to Carol, getting Spence to a fancy doctor." In my opinion, it is not his newly found beneficence what moves Melvin to help Spence, but his desire to recover Carol as his waitress.
Franklin, the author of the fourth review says "Not only one of the best romantic comedies of the year, but one of the best films in ages." Even if I go along with the first part of the sentence, it still seems to me that "As Good As It Gets" isn't one of the best films in ages. I found that statement a bit excessive, as there are so many films better than this one. Nevertheless, I do agree with him when he expresses that "The performances are truly great all around." All the actors in the movie are excellent, especially Nicholson and the dog, which I must say is my favorite. That's why I also agree with Franklin completely when he states that "...of course the scene-stealer is Verdell who is quite simply the cutest and funniest dog I've ever seen in a movie."
Finally, I go along with this commentator in that the character-driven script is extremely intelligent. Every word in the script has been so perfectly selected that it makes you laugh a lot, and also you're deeply touched by the dialogues.
Nice comments Rocio!! I feel it's also happened to me that after some time you realize people are full of surprises... and good ones!
EliminarI appreciate your opinions on the critics reviews.
Very good job.
In regards of the first task, I can say that I do agree with their view, but I don't agree with what they say about Melvin. For me, each character is an exaggerated stereotype and if we put ourselves in the spot light, we would certainly realize that each of us can find some of Melvin, or Carol, or any of the characters features in ourselves. So who is excluded of being annoying, demanding, sentimental, etc? We can all be in one side or the others, that is, be the one who has to put up with others whims and odd personality or if you're the one that people have to tolerate and understand... I think saying that we have to give others a chance is thinking of us as "faultless" people, and the ones who "need a fix" are the others...
ResponderEliminarConcerning the second task, I first chose the second review just to say that as I completely agree with the first sentence (many people can be shocked or be offended by the first scene when Melvin throws Verdel down the garbage chute) ; I completely disagree with the ending of the review. It’s not a conventional ending. For me it is more of a “human” and less “Hollywood cliché” ending. It’s not shown that everything is completely solved and they’re on a bed of roses. It gives an open ending, where Carol still deals with getting accustomed to Melvin’s wacky behavior and they try to start something, but you’ll never know what can come after.
On one hand, I would have to agree with the last review when it talks about cynical and emotional moments, they are both hilarious!, either you laugh because of Melvin’s cocky attitude or because he’s behaving like a human being. I would say that Jack Nicholson takes over most of the importance in the film, but Helen Hunt shouldn’t be left aside. Her character is as important as Melvin.
Interesting points of view Vicky!!! I go along with you on the fact that we have a bit of every character in us because we are not always the same and moreover, we change with the passing of time and with circumstances! Many times I think it's so wrong to label ourselves (I am this way!) or others because change is the only permanent feature of life and human beings are not an exception!
EliminarI appreciate your comments on the reviews!
1st TASK
ResponderEliminarAs far as the first task is concerned, I totally agree with what Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat said. We shouldn’t judge people by their appearance, but as Virgi said, it is difficult not to do so, because is something that everyone tends to do. May be we don’t do it on purpose, it’s just something natural, what doesn’t mean it is OK. Anyway, I do think that everybody deserves a second chance, besides we are all human beings, we all make mistakes, so why do we have to write somebody off without giving them a new chance? In my opinion, we need to be more open and try to give us time to know people better, avoiding taking things for granted without knowing the other person well.I also agree with what Virgi expressed, that most of the time we get wrong impressions about people and they may end up being better than what we thought, which is great!
2nd TASK
Concerning the second task, I go along with the 1st reviewer when he says that “It could have been one bad chick flick, a predictable smarmathon replete with psychobabble about wounded inner children. It would end with swelling music and a long-deferred kiss.” However, it didn’t and I think that it was because actors have been astutely chosen and each of them complement perfectly. It was the ability of the director that makes this film a great romantic comedy. It is not like the typical ones, and may be it is because I personally like Jack Nicholson, but he definitely adds something special to the story.
Nice thoughts Jose!!! A good perspective to go thru life!!
EliminarAs to the comments you make about the first review, I'm glad you enjoyed the performances. yes! Nicholson is an asset to any films!!
Taking into account the first task we have to work on, I will say that I totally agree with what Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat say about the moral messages the movie teaches. I consider this a very touching movie, because it helps us realize many bad things we do, but which we are not usually aware of, or at least that’s what happens to me. For example, I’ve never stopped to think how frequently we judge people, either for their appearance, their personality or their way of behaving. We are always judging the others, therefore setting them apart, without giving US the opportunity to know them how they really are; and we might be missing the possibility to meet an extraordinary person.
ResponderEliminarOnce happened to me, among other occasions, that I judged a person the first time I met her, although I hadn’t even talked to her! This occurred the first year I came to study here, in Rafaela, and I met a girl, whom I thought was totally antisocial, indifferent to other people, very introverted and kind of insensitive. Luckily, I gave her, and myself, the chance to know each other, and now she is one of my beloved friends. What’s more, she ended up being completely the opposite I thought she was, as she is very friendly, trustworthy, and always willing to help. I really enjoy her company as we formed a deep friendship, and I am pleased that I met such a special person.
Therefore, I entirely agree with Roci’s point of view, that we shouldn’t prejudge people because of our first impression without giving them the chance to show you their real essence. Then, I also go along with her when she says that people who you think badly of, end up being the only ones who are always with you in both, god and difficult situations, while sometimes, those who you consider your friends, are with you only in good times and abandon you when you most need them.
Laura, many times life teaches us a lesson!!! And it's so good that you've experienced becoming friends with somebody you didn't like at the beginning. If only we could be more open minded and less biased!!! But we can always make a difference if we start by changing our way of thinking and behaving!
EliminarRemember you still have to do the second task. I'm looking forward to reading what you write!
As far as the first task is concerned, I think that it´s a pity that we are kind of use to judging according to first impressions. It´s like a trend in modern societies to do so, but I believe that everyone should think about it before giving an opinion of somebody. Personally speaking, I sometimes judge unfairly without really knowing the person I´m talking about. For this reason, and as I know that this usually happens to people, I´d say that everyone deserves a second chance. Let´s imagine that people have a dissenting opinion about us just the first time they meet us. For sure that will make us feel bad because we don´t have the chance of showing how really we are. So every time we have these pieces of thought, we´d better think about us fist. In this way, we will learn that nobody is perfect and all make mistakes. Here is an amazing saying by John Lennon ºjº that will make us think about living in a world without prejudices.
ResponderEliminarYou may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you will join us
And the world will be as one
what a nice song to go along with your nice thoughts too!!
EliminarWell, the world needs more and more dreamers, so I encourage you to keep being one. Great idea that of thinking of ourselves before judging anyone. Yes, no body is perfect!!! that's a great truth.
thanks for sharing your ideas with us Mavi!
Hi, girls!
ResponderEliminarIn reference to the task, I believe that we live in society that always judges people, unwittingly or not. Many times, we find ourselves prejudicing people even if we didn’t want. Anyway, I think that everyone deserves a chance to make things better, to improve, and to change. I agree with Mavi that maybe is a trend of modern societies, and that we are accustomed to paying attention to frivolous things. We need to start focusing on what is really important for us, no matter what the media try to sell.
I love that Mavi have included such beautiful lines from John Lennon, because I’m convinced that we all want a better world.
Yes!!! We need to focus on what is really important and it seems it comes down to a few things!!!! if only we could!!
Eliminarnice ideas Luciana! thanks
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ResponderEliminarWell, taking into account what all the girls have said about the fact of giving someone a second chance, I totally go along with all of them, it's hard for me to choose one of the girls' opinions since all of them have nice points of view. What struck me the most was to realize that I have been given a second chance by Mailen! hahaha but it's true! I know I can generate wrong impressions on others because of my personality or attitudes, but people who know me know that I am just like this, and eventually they end up getting used to me! So Mailen, it's not that I have a problem with you, it's just my way of being, don't worry!!! :)
ResponderEliminarwell!!! it's just so good that this blog is serving a purpose beyond learning and practicing English!!!
EliminarGina, isn't it interesting to realize what other people think of us. Sometimes, it just doesn't match our own image of ourselves, but thank God other times, it does!!!
what's your attitude towards people in general terms?
Task 2:
ResponderEliminarAs far as the 2nd task is concerned, I go along with the last review, especially with the opening where it says "Not only one of the best romantic comedies of the year, but one of the best films in ages." I think it is a great romantic movie, which is not stuck to the typical romantic story.Despite the simple plot, the most important thing about the film are the actors' performances! I also believe that the director has made a huge job to present the situations in a such intelligent way.
I am glad you liked the film Luciana! It is certainly a good romantic story and I agree with you on the fact that performance is outstanding!
ResponderEliminarRegarding the second task, I can say that I agree with Philip Martinarkansas when he says that As good as it gets could have been a corny Hollywood romance, which ends with a long-deferred kiss as the music reaches a crescendo, but that Brooks is not stupid and he cast Jack Nicholson as the misanthrope, which made all the difference. Although I go along with the fact that that Nicholson is playing this character tells us something (as Philip says), as he is an amazing actor, or as Garth Franklin says Nicholson gives a career highlight performance role playing Malvin in an extraordinary way, I disagree with author GA when he/she says that the rest of the cast lends able support. On the contrary Garth Franklin says that the performances are truly great all around, and I also agree with him there! So in my opinion, every singular actor is extremely important (of course Verdel is the best!) to make As good as it gets one of the best romantic comedies of the year.
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