Calling All Those Named Chris

Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Chris Pine, and Chris Pratt. Hmm. Who to pick? Tough call and one not even with making a contest over. Yet some television writer and producer I've never heard of, a woman named Amy Berg (not to be confused with the infinitely more incredible Amy Coney Barrett) seems to think we have to choose one over the other.  With Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy movies and many popular television appearances, you'd think he'd earned his place. Not so in a Hollywood gone crazy. It's time for all the other guys named Chris on the list to speak up in defense of a great guy.

Disney Geek and Chris Hemsworth

Are you looking for some great Christmas photos to see the beauty and crowds of Disneyland and California Adventure during the season? The Disney Geek is the place to go! Or maybe you just want some photos of actor Chris Hemsworth reading at the traditional Christmas Candlelight Processional. Again, head on over to the Geek for a great set of photos. Go here- and enjoy!

(Photo copyright The Disney Geek.)

Real Magic

What follows is an absolutely incredible statement by Lee Stoneking as he address the United Nations General Assembly on April 22, 2015. 

In a world where Disney magic is the order of the day, where imaginary superheroes like Avengers dominate the entertainment headlines, and where the atrocities of man against man are everyday news, Mr. Stoneking's words could not be any more timely. Definitely worth your listening time.

The Avengers Lose Their Way

Robert Downey Jr. owns this film, but that is not his fault or the fault of the other actors. Compared to Tony Stark's suave and focused Iron Man, Marvel's poor superhero Captain America has little to do in a film where brotherhood should rule the day. For all the other characters, it's more of the same. Much ado about nothing. 

Captain America's heart is full of integrity, straightforwardness, and outright old fashioned patriotism. Combined with his self sacrificial attitude and military training, Steve Rogers is a true hero and a nice counterbalance to Stark's cynicism and irreverence. It's part of what made his first appearance in his own movie so compelling. Chris Evans does the best he can with a script strong on visuals but weak on dialogue, terrific one liners aside. It's a problem all the others seem to share. 

The centerpiece villain is left to inactivity for most of the film. Huge misstep. Tom Hiddleston is made to play the evil character, Loki, yet the script treats him as if he were a nuisance versus a real threat. His brother, Thor, is better here as part of the team than a solo star in his own film. Perhaps Chris Hemsworth just needed a better cast to pull it all off. The sole key female, Scarlett Johannson... just doesn't fit.

I'd give The Avengers a high mark for visual appeal and interesting main characters. However, the film also gets low marks for making poor use of the cast and an even poorer story line. Seems Jon Favreau and company cannot decide between making a Transformers film, sticking to what Marvel does best, or just spending his time setting up a series. The team, including Stan Lee, is stuck between playing tongue in cheek with it all and creating a film where the characters truly believe the world in which they live. 

The potential is huge, and the market is waiting. There's always the next film and a theme park on its way.