Art vs. Entertainment

When you hear the word “art,” you immediately think of paintings in a museum, because that’s where a lot of art is. Art is a beautiful thing. However, it is also very deep and complex, and sometimes, it’s more than a person can handle.

How many times have you looked at a painting and just thought “what the hell is this?” or “what does this mean?”

This applies to film too, but in the indie film department. Indie films are where it’s at because it’s where a lot of experimentation and randomness occurs. Also, many famous movies are art films—movies that totally redefine how a movie is made. But sometimes you come across some art film that looks absolutely stunning, but the meaning of it all completely escapes you.

Let’s switch gears.

Entertainment should not need an explanation. Just go to the movie theater and watch one of the movies that are showing. Friends With Benefits, for example. These movies are pure entertainment; they tell a story and entertain the audience with love, scandal, explosions, and excitement. There’s a reason why the movie industry is so powerful: Entertainment sells.

But it doesn’t mean the movie is always good.

The difference between a movie and a good movie is presentation. There are a lot of movies that have little to no artistry to the way it’s filmed. Nothing in the way it’s filmed dazzles you, save for some CGI backgrounds. I mean, who cares about the way lighting is used? Who cares about the camerawork or the depth of the story? Who cares about stupid things like that?

Well, I do.

One of my goals as a filmmaker is to balance art and entertainment in a movie. I know people like to see exciting things. But it doesn’t mean I can’t be creative with how I frame things, or how I light the set. I want to make pretty pictures, but I want it to sell. I want to be able to entertain others while being proud of my work. It’s a balance between earning money and just being happy with myself I guess.

That’s my rant.

Some Random Movie Reviews

I've been neglecting my blog lately, but I've been thinking about it. Movie review time.

1. The Usual Suspects. I went into this movie without knowing a thing about what it was about. I had absolutely no bias walking into this movie. Knowing me, if I read any bad reviews of it, I probably would have given it a bad impression. Good thing I didn't. This movie was great. It starts off slow, and it starts off kinda confusing and weird and convoluted and everything. But stick with it. The ending is satisfying as hell because you never see it coming. I was thoroughly impressed by how the movie resolved, and it sticks in my head as one of the best ways to end a movie. My verdict: 8/10.

2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1. Honestly I didn't remember much of what happened in the 6th movie. I just thought "Hey, I'll remember eventually," and I did. Thing is though, the problem with this movie is that if you're starting the series with Deathly Hallows (which is a stupid idea from the beginning), you will understand NOTHING about this movie. It's definitely a sequel in that everything that happens in this movie draws from what happens in the last one. Other than that though, this movie is phenomenal. The cinematography is top-notch, and the acting is also great. Plus, Emma Watson :D. My verdict: 9/10.

3. Infernal Affairs. Ever watch of a movie called The Departed? Did you enjoy it? Now, picture this: Did you know that movie was inspired by a Chinese movie called Infernal Affairs? I bet you didn't. Infernal Affairs is basically the same general storyline of the Departed, but in Hong Kong. There's something about the actors in Infernal Affairs than the Departed that I liked better. It feels more organic is what I could say. The cinematography is great, the pacing is tense, you're always guessing what could happen next. Great movie. If you liked the Departed, you'll like Infernal Affairs, perhaps even more. My verdict: 10/10.

4. American Movie. Indie films ftw! Hands down, the most down-to-earth documentary ever made. We follow Mark Borchardt, an aspiring filmmaker, and his journey to complete his short film, Coven. However, he runs into so many problems, from a lack of funding to the ineptitude of his friends and family as his cast and crew. Nothing in this movie is scripted, and nothing that happens in this movie is at all fiction. I enjoyed this movie a lot because of the honesty and integrity of Mark and his pursuit of his American Dream. You feel his pain and you connect with him. His friend Mike is also hilarious in his own strange way. I seriously enjoyed this movie and it has definitely become one of my favorite movies. My verdict: 10/10.

And then, suddenly, there was an urge to watch The Breakfast Club again. Ahh, good movies make me feel all warm inside :D

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Note: I’m not including a trailer for this one because the trailer really gives off the wrong impression about the movie. Just see it.

Everyone has seen a movie that has blown them away completely, more than any other movie they’ve seen. It could have changed the way you thought about life. It could have made you cry more than any other movie. Regardless, chances are there’s a movie where you reached the credits and thought “Wow, that was the best movie I’ve ever seen.” That movie for me is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

The movie starts out kinda confusing, because you are introduced to the characters, and they become a couple, and they’re happy. Then, suddenly, it shifts to the guy crying his eyes out while driving home in the rain. And thus, the movie begins.

The movie is about a man, Joel Barish, who finds out that his girlfriend, Clementine Kruczynski, has erased him from her memory. He is devastated and decides to have the same operation done to him. His memories erase in reverse order—from the most recent to the first time they met. He experiences them as they slowly disappear from his memory, reliving them almost. As he slowly moves closer to the beginning of their relationship, he starts to fall back in love with her. But at that point, it’s too late; the operation can’t stop.

Some might think this is a chick flick romantic comedy. I beg to differ. This movie appeals to everyone at an emotional level; nothing cutesy here. It makes you think about love and life, and what they really mean. The real tear-jerking part is his last few memories, right before she is completely erased. He wants another chance, something everyone wants at some point. What happens next is what made the movie for me. The climax of the movie is what made this movie so great.

I remember finishing the movie and being completely astounded at its beauty. This was the movie that made me truly appreciate movies for all that they are, and it also made me hate other movies for what they weren’t. Since then, I haven’t seen a movie that has made me feel the same way, not even close. Maybe I’m a sap for these kinds of movies, but I don’t care. This movie is incredible, in all ways. There’s something about it that feels strangely relatable.

Watch it. You might love it, or you might hate it. Just watch it, it’s definitely worth your time. You will be very surprised at what it has to offer. I know I was, and now I worship it. For all you know, it might become your new favorite.

Well there’s my Top 10 Favorite Movies. I’m glad this is done, so I can do other stuff now too.

2. Pulp Fiction

Trailer

The only film to top Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs is Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, THE most quotable movie EVER MADE. This is the quintessential Tarantino film that won him the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or, probably the most prestigious film award in the world. Everything in this movie is iconic, everything is quotable, all the characters are memorable, and the story is one you’d never forget. If you don’t like this movie, then you don’t know good movies.

Tarantino dishes it out with an all-star cast: John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson star as two hitmen; Bruce Willis stars as a boxer on the run; Uma Thurman stars as the wife of the Los Angeles underground boss gangster; the list goes on. There are multiple characters to follow and multiple stories to follow. The characters are so dynamic and interesting to listen to, which means that the dialogue is NEVER dull, and NEVER boring.

Speaking of the dialogue, Tarantino’s writing in this movie is incredible. He has a knack for witty and memorable dialogue, and Pulp Fiction is proof of that. When you finish this movie, there will be many lines you distinctly remember because 1. They were hilarious, 2. They were badass, or 3. They were hilarious AND badass. There’s no possible way you can forget the dialogue. It’s too good.

The way the film is set up is in non-linear format: the movie ends where it began. It sounds odd, yes, and sometimes the movie jumps around, but by the end, everything comes together perfectly. There’s something about it that feels right.

I distinctly remember finishing the movie and desperately wanting more. I bet that you will finish the movie the exact same way. Like Reservoir Dogs, you will never forget this movie if you tried. If you haven’t watched this movie, then this should be a must-see for you. Or else I’ll get medieval on your ass.

3. Slumdog Millionaire

Top 3, let’s finish this up!

Trailer

Slumdog Millionaire, the winner of 8 2009 Academy Awards including Best Picture. Why is this movie one of my top three? Everything about this movie to me has such ridiculous artistic appeal: the music, the cinematography, the editing, etc. I find this movie truly magical because of the way it’s presented.

This movie was one of those movies that I had to watch twice to really understand it. I remember hearing first that it had won a ton of awards and whatnot, so I figured it was worth a shot. It certainly wasn’t what I expected, and it didn’t blow me away at first because I had a hard time following the story. But now that I understand the premise, I understand why it’s so acclaimed.

The way it’s presented is so avante-garde and experimental. What this does is add to the intensity of the movie, so much so that it’s overwhelming. I look to this movie to provide cinematography inspiration and ideas to springboard off of to use for my videos. The chasing scenes are absolutely incredible because of the music, the cinematography, and the editing. It’s a different feeling.

Here’s my favorite example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDC47NsoRE0

Basically, the story is about a slumdog who is accused of cheating on the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. However, when he is telling his story, he reveals all the hardships he has faced since he was a child; it is his experiences that give him the answers to the game show questions. The story is incredibly intense in a ton of different ways, so I’d just watch it.

I admire this movie for it’s cinematography, editing, music, acting, and story. Something about it makes the whole experience magical, even though some of the themes are dark. Sometimes, I think the Academy doesn’t screw up.

4. Reservoir Dogs

Trailer

Reservoir Dogs: Quentin Tarantino’s directing debut, and arguably one of his best films. If you say you love indie movies, and you haven’t seen Reservoir Dogs, then you’re not a true indie movie lover. Reservoir Dogs represents the epitome of what it means to be a great independently made movie.

Everything about this movie is iconic, from the tipping scene, to the torture scene, to the frickin’ opening credits: A bunch of guys in suits, walking down the street in slow motion, to music. You will never forget these scenes; they glue to your brain like a tumor, and they will never leave. The movie is funny, vulgar, violent, and interesting in so many different ways that it’s impossible to not remember this movie.

Quentin Tarantino mainstreamed the non-linear movie format. Reservoir Dogs is about a group of guys robbing a bank. Thing is, you only see what happens before and after the heist; the actual robbery is never seen, but only mentioned through dialogue. This sets up a very unique storytelling method that sounds weird on paper, but shines on execution.

I like this movie because of how many boundaries it pushed, in terms of violence, language, and overall setup. Trust me, you will NEVER forget Reservoir Dogs, even if you tried. Whether you think it’s too violent, too vulgar, or too boring is up to you, but Tarantino undoubtedly debuted with unmatched intensity. It could arguably be the best independent film ever made. It’s that great of a movie, and a must-see if you love indie films, or anything about movies at all.

5. Chungking Express

Best character intro ever

Top five now. Let’s get this going.

Chungking Express is my last Asian film in this list. It is Wong Kar Wai’s most well-known film, and rightly so. Bluntly put, it’s a very quirky romance movie that will delight anyone.

The movie follows two cops in their quests for love in and around the Chungking Mansions in Hong Kong, each with their individual halves of the movie. The first cop was dumped on April 1st, and he thought it was a joke at first. His arc revolves around him getting over his ex and moving on with life. Meanwhile, he takes his anger out by jogging, because “then he won’t have any tears left to cry.”

The second arc revolves around a fast-food employee and her love interest with another cop. This cop was also just dumped, and the employee notices. However, the cop refuses to forget about his ex and just mopes around. Thus, the employee takes it upon herself to help him by stealing a set of his keys, breaking into his apartment when he’s not home, and fixing the place up.

If that doesn’t interest you, then you might as well go watch Transformers 2 or something. Not only does this movie have an awesome plot, but the camerawork, the music, the actors, pretty much everything, just straight-up win.

To truly know what I’m talking about, you seriously have to watch it. Definitely not a movie you will ever forget.

6. Fallen Angels

Trailer

Another movie probably no one I know has seen. Not exactly a movie for everyone. What this movie does with the camera is probably beyond strange for many, and the story structure would probably throw a lot of people off their rocker. Regardless, this is one funky movie that sticks with you.

Wong Kar Wai is quite the experimenter. Half of his scenes are shot with a fisheye lens, which distorts a person’s face to make their noses look big. What he does with the camera is totally unique and experimental, and I love it.

This movie is such a psychedelic rush of mixed emotions. I don’t know how to explain it, but the cinematography really conveys a ton of emotion, which is very unique to this movie. I like the artistic appeal to this movie, and it inspires me to be a bit more experimental with my camera angles.

It’s one of those movies that you have to watch to understand why it’s so great. Definitely geared more to the independent filmmakers, but I would give it a shot nonetheless. :D

7. Spirited Away

Trailer

Spirited Away, one of many great Hayao Miyazaki anime films. Bluntly put, it is an incredible movie. The fact that most of the animation was made using traditional, hand-drawn pictures honestly astounds me. You don’t get much of that anymore.

I’ve seen this movie so many times, in English and in Japanese, for years. I’ve always loved this movie for the story, and now I can appreciate and worship it for its technical glory. You get immersed in the story and in the world so easily. The story is interesting, multi-layered, and unique. The characters are incredibly memorable (the baby). There are so many things that you can love about this movie. Which brings me to probably one of the main reasons why I love this movie so much:

The music. The soundtrack is amazing. I love the soundtrack. I love it so much that I own the entire soundtrack. I’ve learned four or five of these songs on the piano. I can’t say enough about the music because I worship it. It’s probably my all-time favorite soundtrack. Joe Hisaishi is just… I could listen to his stuff all day long.

Overall though this movie is just incredible. Definitely one of those movies I could watch over and over again and not get bored.

8. WALL-E

Trailer

Yes, WALL-E, my favorite Pixar film ever. Many people seem to be mixed about this movie. Some dislike the pessimistic doomsday outlook on humanities future. Some didn’t think it had as much connection to kids as previous Pixar movies. I personally think this is their best movie overall.

The animation, first off, is absolutely incredible. I remember watching this movie and being amazed by the amount of detail that was put into the visuals. Space and the garbage-ridden Earth were my favorites. They’re just so pretty to look at. Absolutely stunning.

I thought the way the story was told was also incredibly unique. I liked how WALL-E and EVE did not really have to speak much for the audience to understand them. The way Pixar did the characters’ animations really conveyed the right things. I liked watching WALL-E’s actions because they were so expressive and lively—he felt almost human. I felt as if I followed the movie completely fine, which I find quite impressive.

Ignore anyone who thinks this is a bad movie. It’s incredible. It’s totally different than anything else out there, but it tells its story in a fantastic way. Not only that, it’s just pure eye-candy

9. When the Last Sword is Drawn

Trailer

A foreign film that I’m sure almost none of my friends have seen. This movie was made in 2004 and it follows the story of a Shinsengumi samurai named Kanichiro Yoshimutra. He is introduced as a very skilled and greedy swordsman. As a mercenary, he goes out of his way to get as much money as he can. This is perceived as greedy by his fellow samurai. However, as the story goes on, more and more is revealed about his past, and his true colors shine.

Turns out Kanichiro is gathering money so that he can support his family. He disgraced his old clan and his family name by leaving. He is perceived as a greedy mercenary in his new clan. However, it is all to support his family. His true character is revealed through his noble actions. During one scene, when food was extremely low, he gave out all the rice to the rest of the samurai and let himself go hungry. It is beautiful and sad how far he went to help others, regardless of the sacrifice.

This was one of those movies that you watch and you just feel good at the end. Kanichiro’s character is someone you really feel attached to. He is funny, quirky, honorable, and honest. You can’t help but wish more people in the world were like him. The acting in this movie is totally superb, especially Kanichiro’s actor. Everything is believable and immerses you into the fantastic tale. I’ve never seen a movie like it before.

10. Fantastic Mr. Fox

I’m gonna write about my top ten favorite movies and then explain why. I’m bored and I dunno what else to post right now.


Trailer

This movie is based off the book by Roald Dahl, though the ending to the movie differs slightly. It is a stop motion animated film. Why is this one of my favorites, out of all the animated films out there? Because it’s totally different from any other contemporary animated movie, i.e. it’s not digital. It delivers a very different feel that works.

The story and the characters are incredibly quirky. You can’t help but laugh at times because it’s just so damn different and funny. You’ll fall in love almost instantly. George Clooney’s voice talent totally fits Mr. Fox, and he delivers a great performance. And Kylie the Opossum is just hilarious. You really have to watch it to understand, because it’s pretty far from ordinary, and only after watching it you will understand.

By the way, this is only the first of three animated films in my top ten.

Posers

I hate it when people say they’re good at something just because they know the basics of what they’re doing. This applies to film, but pretty much anything else art-related out there, like photography or music or whatever.

Imagine: when people say their film is “artsy.” Sure, that’s fine and all. But if the rest of your film is pure crap, you have nothing. You can make a ton of pretty little angles with cool colors and the retarded film focus effect, but if it doesn’t do anything for your film, then it has no meaning.

People associate pretty things with art. Anyone can make something pretty. You can take a photo of just anything, color correct it and everything and bam, you call yourself artsy. You can take a video clip of anything, put in some ambient music and color correct it, and bam, it’s pretty. So what?

What do those colors do for your picture exactly? Does it capture the right emotion? Does your “artsy” video clip do anything for your film other than make it look pretty? Is your video even good? What’s the point of it anyway?

Artsy implies some form of art, expression of the imagination and feeling. Anyone can make a photo or a video clip and make it look pretty. Anyone. It’s really easy actually—just pull a few sliders here and there and voila: pretty pictures. You haven’t proved anything. You just know how to use sliders on your computer.

In my opinion, art needs the extra layer beneath the surface that has the thought and the imagination in it. I enjoy looking at photos that have meaning. I enjoy watching movies that stress the story before visual effects.

I don’t disapprove of ambition. If you’re really just trying to get better and just experimenting, fine. But don’t go around bragging that you’re all that just because you made one pretty picture. If you have something to back yourself up, well then fine, you choose what you want to do with it.

I’m not trying to criticize anyone specific. This is how I feel generally. I just don’t like it when people talk big but have nothing to back it up with.

Improving and Something Completely Different

So what do I have to improve? A lot. Really, any thing I do can improve or change in some way.

Regarding The Blood Exchange, I need to remember to focus on the focus. Half of my shots were out of focus. It honestly pissed me off to see Carlos’ face so out of focused so often. There’s something I can fix.

Another thing I can do? I have to work on my audiowork. I don’t think it was as high-quality as I wanted it to be. I have to work on the balance between voice and music, because, I agree, Roger’s voice was sometimes overtaken by the music.

So, looking forward. I’ll have you know that my next film will be completely opposite from the Blood Exchange when it comes to style. I have no set script, only a storyboard and generally what will happen. I don’t know how I’m going to film it. I don’t know who I want to be in it. I don’t even know how it’s going to end. But I’m gonna film it, and I’m just gonna let things happen the way it happens.

My philosophy is that bad ideas are better than no ideas. Whether or not my future film will be good is completely out of my control. It could be complete crap, and I may forever remember it as a failure. However, doing it is better than sitting here and thinking about what could go wrong. What I’ve learned is that failure is sometimes better than achievement. It tells you where to go next.

As quoted from Paul Arden’s Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite, “IT’S BETTER TO REGRET WHAT YOU HAVE DONE THAN WHAT YOU HAVEN’T.”

Words to live by.

TRAILER -- The Blood Exchange

Here is the trailer for The Blood Exchange!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMAsUI-9uJA

The full video will be up within the next two weeks. Please be patient, I’m doing my best to make it the best video it can be!

Why Filmmaking?

Filmmaking is, in my opinion, the best kind of storytelling out there. I don’t know about you, but the reason why I don’t like to read is because imagining things happening simply isn’t enough for me. I enjoy seeing a story in an entertaining way. I like to be immersed in the story, with sound, visuals, atmospheric music, etc. Movies are like my escape. It’s like entering a completely different world and viewing the story firsthand.

Movies can take many shapes and forms. However, the differences between movies and other kinds of media are simple:

1. They provide motion, and
2. They provide visuals mixed with music and sound effects.

Photography is interesting to look at, and some may argue that the whole story can be captured in a single picture (which is true). However, film is MOTION picture. It’s a bunch of pictures linked together to create the illusion of motion. I don’t know about you, but the motion makes everything seem more real. I like real.

Also, have you ever had those moments where you think “Damn, I just did something awesome. I wish awesome music could play to celebrate it.” That might just be me, but honestly, music creates atmosphere. Combine music with motion picture, and you have one entertaining movie.

I love filmmaking because it’s entertaining and it feels more real than just pictures or books or other kinds of storytelling. It’s a medium unlike anything else out there.

2010 in Retrospect

Overall, 2010 movies were relatively disappointing. There were a lot of big movies that came out, but none that I saw were up to my expectations.

While Inception was very popular among Beckman (so many Facebook posts about it…), I found it was pretty good, but not GREAT. I think the two great things that I saw in the movie was the soundtrack (which is orgasmic it’s ridiculous), and Joseph Gordon Levitt. My biggest thing was that it was too Hollywood. It was so convoluted that I was not able to get absorbed into it as much as everyone else did. I don’t know why. It also relied too heavily on special effects. Much like Transformers and Iron Man, I was almost repelled by the effects because it was used too often. However, it wasn’t a bad movie. I did like it. I loved the cinematography and the soundtrack. Also, the story was interesting, though very confusing sometimes.

The Social Network received similar reaction in me. Maybe it was because I was sleepy or expecting too much, but I found that there was nothing about it that seriously stood out. It was a well-made movie. There were no noticeable flaws, and it kept the audience interested. But, contrary to much of the buzz, I didn’t see anything stand-out-ish about it. Maybe it needs another viewing.

The one notable exception this year was Toy Story 3. Pixar does NOT disappoint. I don’t have to say much about this one. Let’s just say, it was like a huge nostalgic punch to the face that made me feel so good inside. It was a great way to end the series, and it’s become one of my favorite Pixar movies (behind Wall-E).

I hope to see more great movies this year.

Should I?

I'm debating whether or not to change to a Tumblr.

It's not that either site is better. I don't investigate this stuff too much, and I personally like Blogger. However, I want to be able to reach out to more of my friends so more people read my stuff. This will result in more of my friends actually WATCHING my videos.

But man, 110 posts.... It's almost too much to give up.... Which is why I'm debating.

I'll ask around.

More Movies!

Here are some other movies I've watched recently.

The Social Network: Okay, it was good. It was a solid movie that never strayed away from its purpose. It had good dialogue and good cinematography. The story was non-linear and developed characters. But really, nothing really stood out to me. Yes, it was a technically solid movie, and yes, it has garnered many high reviews, but it didn't wow me, it simply left me content. At least it wasn't a bad movie. The actors were pretty good. The whole process of making Facebook was a drama waiting to happen. But once again, I was failed to be completely wowed. I feel like it was playing it too safe. But that's me. Failed to wow, but was a solid movie otherwise. My verdict: 8/10.

Chungking Express: Okay, now THIS movie was different. It follows the stories of two heartbroken cops and the way they deal with their sadness. I liked this movie because the way it was filmed was completely different from any other. The chase scenes involved low shutter speeds, but you were still able to see the characters' faces through all the blur. My favorite line in the movie is "Do you like pineapples?" That itself should interest you. I liked this movie a lot because it had very interesting dialogue, had a great set of characters, and extremely unique storylines. The cinematography in this movie was very different from other movies so it stood out like a sore thumb. Thing is, it works. There's something about this movie that makes it one of my all time favorites. I could watch it all day long. The "Dreamlover" sequence never fails to make me smile. My verdict: 10/10

Analysis of Nickelodeon

I've watched shows like iCarly, Big Time Rush, and True Jackson enough and I think I now know why I don't like these shows and why I think it has a negative impact on the viewers.

The thing is that in these shows, stardom seems to just come one day when they choose to. iCarly begins with three teenagers who want to make a web show. That's all fine and dandy, but then, out of the blue, they have their own studio with expensive equipment and everything. This is where things start going off track. The thing is, viewers at this point don't watch because they relate to the story. Instead, they're brainwashed that success appears at your doorstep when you want it to. I don't like this depiction of instant success because it's simply not what life is. Also, no one cares who dates who. It blows up the magnitude of relationship drama that is incredibly poisonous to younger viewers who strive to be like Carly, i.e. yelling at every moment that you want to get your point across. Come on, this show isn't even funny.

Same with True Jackson. When would a big company pass their executive position to a teenager? Are they stupid? Not only does it immediately stray away from reality, but then it shows viewers that it's okay to screw around when you supposedly have a high position in a big company. Once again, how does this relate to anyone? If people mess around in school, they get in trouble. Success doesn't just show up one day, and even if it does, it shouldn't lead to goofing off. Once again, these shows fail to relate to life and the viewers and only brainwash young viewers into thinking that this is actually how things work.

Let's go back to the days of Drake and Josh and Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide. Why did I like these shows? Why did everyone like these shows? Because they depicted the lives of relatively ordinary people in ordinary situations (albeit excluding Megan). Drake and Josh was about two step brothers who have to deal with each other and life in high school. This was something that everyone could relate to in some way. It's just life, even though it gets silly. They don't just jump straight to stardom when they want to.

Ned's Declassified was the same. It had goofy characters, yes, but it also dealt with common occurrences in middle school and school in general. Everyone could relate to this show, even though it was pretty silly. It depicted the school lives of ordinary people and exemplified the stereotypes, like the bully and the jock, and placed them in an environment that people could relate to.

I feel like those older shows had more heart behind them. We could watch Ned and feel like "Hey, we're not alone. Other people deal with similar things in middle school as I do." We could watch Drake and Josh and laugh because brothers did act that way, and the two different personalities would always clash in some way, much like they would in real life. But shows like iCarly and True Jackson have no relatability factor. It's simply a means of making people wish that they could have success like they do. It is for this reason why I hate these new Nickelodeon shows the most. I'm still waiting for a new, organic show that doesn't have to be disgusting to appear.