I both disagree and dislike the articles “How Hollywood Killed Death” by Alexander Huls and “You Can Do Anything: Must Every Kids' Movie Reinforce the Cult of Self-Esteem?” by Luke Epplin. I believe fake deaths can be an effective story telling technique, and often fit the plot. Additionally, I disagree with Epplin’s complaints about the “magic feather syndrome” so commonly found in children’s movies. He comes across as if he would prefer a world where all children’s movies encourage kids to simply face the harsh realities of life and do nothing to improve their standing. I believe both articles come across as condescending and overly criticize the movie industry.
Death, both permanent and temporary, can be a compelling storytelling technique …show more content…
While it may be overused, it gives children a self-esteem and a confidence boost, both of which can be massively important in life. If the tables were turned and movies like “A Boy Named Charlie Brown” were the norm, movies would be teaching kids that misfortune is inevitable and it is both impractical and impossible to improve your standing in life. That’s quite the cynical theme for a children’s movie. While the actions of a character like Turbo from “Turbo may be unrealistic and self-fulfilling, it teaches children that if your unhappy with your position in life that you must personally take action to follow your dreams and find happiness. While this may be unrealistic in real life, it is important to remember that these movies were meant to be viewed through the lenses of the youth, who often are unfamiliar and uninterested with the real world anyways. In the case of “Planes”, the protagonist Dusty tries to be more than is expected of him, a noble action that sends a good message to children. While I do believe that children should be at least somewhat aware of the cruel reality of life, I believe Epplin is overly critical of the uplifting themes often found in children’s movies because, at the end of the day, children’s movies are intended for children who don’t necessarily need to be completely up to speed with the harshness of life at such a young
Death, both permanent and temporary, can be a compelling storytelling technique …show more content…
While it may be overused, it gives children a self-esteem and a confidence boost, both of which can be massively important in life. If the tables were turned and movies like “A Boy Named Charlie Brown” were the norm, movies would be teaching kids that misfortune is inevitable and it is both impractical and impossible to improve your standing in life. That’s quite the cynical theme for a children’s movie. While the actions of a character like Turbo from “Turbo may be unrealistic and self-fulfilling, it teaches children that if your unhappy with your position in life that you must personally take action to follow your dreams and find happiness. While this may be unrealistic in real life, it is important to remember that these movies were meant to be viewed through the lenses of the youth, who often are unfamiliar and uninterested with the real world anyways. In the case of “Planes”, the protagonist Dusty tries to be more than is expected of him, a noble action that sends a good message to children. While I do believe that children should be at least somewhat aware of the cruel reality of life, I believe Epplin is overly critical of the uplifting themes often found in children’s movies because, at the end of the day, children’s movies are intended for children who don’t necessarily need to be completely up to speed with the harshness of life at such a young