The Irony of Phenomena Past and Present

By Doug “Uncola” Lynn via TheBurningPlatform.com

In the film industry, there is a marketing strategy called “counterprogramming” whereupon two opposite types of movies are released on the same weekend. The idea is to appeal to separate demographics and, ultimately, drive more people to the theaters.

This occurred last month when two summer blockbusters were released on the same day, “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer”.  The former is a film about the iconic children’s doll and the latter is about the inventor of the atomic bomb.

Interestingly, the release of the films began a social phenomenon called “Barbenheimer” where many film-goers would see both shows as a double feature.

Subsequently, while visiting relatives earlier this month, some of them asked if I would consider going to both films just for kicks, or, at the very least, if I would tag along to see “Oppenheimer” only.  The ladies were planning to see “Barbie” all dressed up in their pink summer outfits and they feigned dramatic sighs as I declined their offer.

Continue reading “The Irony of Phenomena Past and Present”

Five Insights Gleaned From The Movie “Unplanned”

By Doug “Uncola” Lynn via TheBurningPlatform.com

Over the weekend, I was where I needed to pass some time and thought an early afternoon matinee would do the trick. Although I was not overly enthused to see any of the films currently showing, I chose to see Unplanned.  Mainly because the title seemed apropos just then and the movie’s starting time fit my schedule. Moreover, it looked to be a political film about the controversial subject of abortion and was, in fact, based on a true story.

The tale told of the life and times of Abby Johnson, a headstrong young lady from Texas who became one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in the United States. She resigned in 2009 after seeing a fetus at 13 weeks gestation recoil in pain during an ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration abortion.

The film portrayed the abortion industry, as exactly that, an industry whereby Planned Parenthood profited most from procedures terminating pregnancies; even to the point of demanding quotas from its clinics. Furthermore, distinct and contrasting parallels were drawn between those who believed they were advocating on behalf of women’s rights with those who believed life began at conception.

Continue reading “Five Insights Gleaned From The Movie “Unplanned””

Netflix’s ‘Bird Box’ Contains Clear Coding on Continuing in Cataclysms

By Doug “Uncola” Lynn via TheBurningPlatform.com

A recent Netflix original movie has taken America by storm. The film is called “Bird Box”, starring Sandra Bullock.  The online streaming service claimed it was viewed by more than 45 million accounts during the first seven days after its release; the best week ever for a Netflix film.  Although I was, initially, hesitant to write about it, it’s now become such a big deal, I’m compelled to add my proverbial two cents.

The film became available for streaming on December 21, 2018 and since that time, it has propagated as a viral topic of conversation, instantaneously, online and in three dimensions. My kids mentioned it over Christmas break and the discussion continued to expand by means of social media, internet memes, and a plethora of articles both in print and throughout the electronic interwebs.

Continue reading “Netflix’s ‘Bird Box’ Contains Clear Coding on Continuing in Cataclysms”