Movies and Television -- New Vantage Point

Updated below

In the past few weeks, I've noticed something about my attitude toward things I had watched PRIOR to lil' Monkey's birth and how it has changed. I'm not talking about cursing or nudity or the usual things adults change their minds about once becoming parents. I'm referring more to the feelings certain movies or television shows evoke while watching them.

I can recall two instances where my emotions regarding something I've watched made me realize I have a whole new vantage point on the world as we know it. I know there was a third but I can't think of it now.

1) Lord of the Rings, Two Towers -- I was watching this movie this past weekend (TNT was rerunning the trilogy). And you know that scene where all of the women are sent to the bowels of Helm's Deep for safety? Well, two scenes from that particular part of the movie brought me to tears unlike before.

The first being the scene where the men are ripping the young boys from the mothers' arms to go to battle. This really struck home for me. I wouldn't want Monkey at the front lines of Helm's Deep facing Sauron's army! (Yes, I realize this is all fiction -- or is it? If our country institutes the draft again ... let's just say I'm thinking of starting Monkey on French lessons.)

The second being the scene where the blond woman is holding her little blond haired toddler who is crying heavily as they hear Sauron's army approaching. That, too, made me a little upset.

2) DWTS, this week -- They had two kid couples on the results show this week. Both danced better than some of the stars! But only one couple would continue on to appear week after week. The judges did a nice job of complementing them both but in the end, they had to choose a couple.

Before Monkey's birth I thought the concept of a trophy for everyone, even the losing team, was completely bogus, setting these kids up for a life of failure because they'd expect the world to honor them even if they aren't the best or work as hard. This competition between the two kid couples last night made me rethink it just for a bit. But in the end, I still agree with my original sentiment. Take the losing team out to dinner and recognize them for their efforts, but no trophies.

Has anything you've watched since becoming a parent made you stop and think about your feelings or viewpoint whereas you either thought nothing of it or thought differently before?

UPDATE (4/10/2008)

I just read this post by Gray Matter, and felt horrified for my child. What kind of world are we living in anyway? What is wrong with the parents of these deranged children?

DWTS -- week 4

Update below

I apologize for skipping last week's post about DWTS but I will say that even though he wasn't as great of a dancer as the remaining stars, I was sad to see Steve Guttenberg go because he seems like such a nice guy. Such a nice guy, that when DH was watching it with me he commented that something must have happened to him, either he had a scary accident or found religion or something because the guy is just super nice and most people aren't THAT nice naturally. Or maybe we're just cynical.

Moving on ...

This week's performances were really good. Since my memory is not the best, I jotted a few notes while watching this week so I could blog about them later. Here are some of the things I noted which might peak the interest of anyone watching or even not watching:

KRISTI -- Great dance, as always, but the band did a HORRIFIC job on New Order's Blue Monday. Poo Poo!

PRISCILLA -- Also danced wonderfully, the judges were out of their minds, she deserved better scores.

ADAM -- I'm not going to spoil this one for anyone who DVR-ed it and has yet to watch -- this means you, Dana :) -- HOWEVER, you've really got to see the shananigans he pulled this week.

MARLEE -- Very good, Judge Carrie Ann Inaba's reaction was surprising (again, won't spoil it).

MARIO -- Really liked the choice of music for his paso doble. It's so interesting when the dance couple chooses music that you wouldn't normally choose for a particular type of dance and it works well none the less.

JASON -- Was good, sexy, although I'm not sure the judges glowing marks were quite warranted. I thought Priscilla's dance was on par and either she should have received marks like his or vice versa.

CHRISTIANE -- Good paso doble. Cheryl's outfit was very dirty as usual. Sidenote: This is DH's favorite dance instructor, not sure if it's the outfits or the body or the hair or what but he's always very interested in what she's done for the week so I leave the shows on the DVR just for him. :P

SHANNON -- Some drama with her dance instructor (I won't spoil it). However, their dance was excellent and her dress was beautiful.

MARISSA -- Her dance was great but whoever did her makeup should be slapped. They made her look too harsh. It's the paso doble, not a horror fest people!

Last nights results show was pretty good. Most of the time I fast forward through everything to get to the results or guest professional dancers, but this time I found myself watching a good bit of it. They had these two kid couples (ages 8-9) each doing a dance and had the judges pick which one would come back for the rest of the season. They were so cute and VERY good! Although, I felt bad that one couple would lose. Such is life though, I suppose. (I will be posting a topic on this very soon.)

So if you watched, or watch later, feel free to post your comments about the dancing!

I just reread this and I apologize for my apparent boycott of apostrophes, especially for the possessive nouns!