Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Superintelligence - Asimov's Funny Bone

 


Stream it on HBO Max


        Science fiction has enjoyed many stories about robots and artificial intelligence rising up and taking over the world. Amid the ocean of such stories, a few creators, such as Issac Asimov, approached the idea differently. Instead of wondering what it would be like if robots destroyed humanity, these stories explored a future where humanity and machine coexisted and cooperated with a common goal. And before you bring it up, that terrible Will Smith movie has absolutely nothing to do with Asimov’s vision. 

        Todays movie, Superintelligence, takes a radically brand new approach to the idea of humanity's relationship with technology: What if a sentient A.I. flat out asked humanity for help in understanding our nature before doing anything at all? A question that is surprisingly well explored in this sci-fi romantic comedy. I cannot say this for certain, but I suspect Asimov would have gotten a good laugh out of this. 


The story follows a woman named Carol (Melissa McCarthy) as an average person going through life one random challenge at a time. One day, her life is flipped on its head when she encounters a strange technological entity referring to itself as a Super-intelligence (James Corden). It has the power to do literally whatever it wants: it can provide humanity with the means of achieving global harmony, or it can wipe us all out. But it can’t make up its mind as to what it wants to do. Therefore, he asks Carol to observe her and learn from her experience to better understand human nature. Can the high-tech A.I. find the answer he’s looking for, or will Carol make things even worse, however unintentionally? 


Probably what makes this movie so much fun is how cute and clever it is. While it still uses a particular style of humor that I find annoying and repetitive, the film has the good sense to not relish in those moments. The majority of the humor of the film comes from the back-&-forth between the A.I. and Carol. Their banter is genuinely hilarious and drives the story forward. This is made all the funnier when you remember that this Super-Intelligence could completely wipe out the entire human race. 


Melissa McCarthy is one of those comedic talents who built her career out of initially funny jokes that quickly get old. However, unlike less talented comedic performers in her class, *cough* Rebel Wilson *cough*, she has genuine talent and range as an actress. There’s a reason she was nominated for an Oscar, twice. 


The only issue I have with the movie is, again, some of the humor choices. Modern comedies have a tendency to become too reliant on improv and what can only be described as “awkward moment” jokes. Scenes where a person is going on about how strange or unusual something is for far too long. Call me old-fashioned, but this kind of humor typically doesn’t sit well with me. It feels less like an attempt at humor and more like the result of lazy writing. Again, however, it is only minimal in this film. 


Superintelligence is a charming modern comedy that almost makes it worth maintaining a subscription to HBO Max. It’s a clever new take on an old idea that has just enough charm to not overstay its welcome. If you need a decent laugh, this is a good place for one. Give it a look. 


Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading. 

Monday, December 28, 2020

TheNorm’s Top 5 Films of 2020

 


Despite the utter train wreck that was the year 2020, we did get quite a few wonderful gems of entertaining and clever movies. Though we didn’t get to experience many of them on the big screen like we should have, at least they were made available to us all in whatever form of digital rental services we have at our disposal. 

I should mention that some of the films on this list were technically released in other countries in 2019 but were not released here in the United States until 2020. 

This is TheNorm’s Top 5 Films of 2020 

#5. 
The Burnt Orange Heresy 


In my original review for this film, I commented on how rare it is to see a story about artists that isn’t melodramatic or pandering to the “troubled painter” cliché seen in a thousand other movies about artists. This is a clever, tense, and entertaining thriller with gorgeous cinematography and relevant commentary on art's true nature. How things are only given their genuine value by perception rather than merit, and how some things are more valuable and important than some may choose to believe. 

It’s loaded with witty writing (minus one or two bits of stupidity), insightful direction, and incredible performances. Especially from the awesome charismatic rock & roller, Mick Jagger. If you haven’t seen this one yet, totally check it out. 

#4. 
Uncle Frank 


I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it, stories about human sexuality are my bread and butter. Although our society has still not woken up to natural reality, it’s always a treat to see a movie that reminds us of what’s most important in life. 

Uncle Frank pretty much does everything right. It has likable characters, pretty & appropriate visuals, clever writing, incredible performances, and a story that feels more relevant now than ever before. Speaking as someone who had a lousy uncle growing up, I love seeing movies with awesome and lovable uncle characters. It reminds me why I make an effort to be a good uncle to my niece and nephew. 

This is a must-watch for many reasons. Not the least of which is its message of hope and love to all who need it most. Give this one a watch ASAP. 

#3. 
Palm Springs 


Despite this being yet another take on the Groundhog Day concept, it never feels as though it’s trying to one-up or completely rip off that great classic. Rather, it takes the repeating day idea and does its own thing with the concept. Utilizing it to the full extent possible for incredible comedy and stunning drama. 

This is a film with all of the right parts working full power. The writing is insightful and witty, the direction is energetic without being hyper, the performances are top-notch all around, and the chemistry between the characters is absolute gold. 

Palm Springs is the kind of film that warrants multiple viewings for many reasons. If you need a good laugh along with a valuable life lesson, this is a great place to start. 

#2. 
Antebellum 


While this film is difficult to watch, it is absolutely worth it. I cannot think of a better movie that contains a much-needed call-to-action for serious American society reformation. While there have been a few films that also serve that relevant purpose, I cannot think of any others that have been as impactful or as symbolically direct as Antebellum

This is a movie that grabs you by the shoulders and demands that you take a good hard look at what needs to be done for a better future. When it is easier than ever to forget how dire things have become, we need more movies like this to shake us out of our conformist sleep. 

I will say that, while I still appreciate the impact of this movie, it does only need to be seen once. Mostly because it has just the right amount of punch to be completely memorable, leaving you with a lasting impression. Check this movie off your bucket list as soon as you can. 

#1. 
Love and Monsters 


If this movie does not perfectly embody the meaning of fun, I don’t know what will. Everything about this film bursts with enthusiasm, excitement, joy, passion for a fun story, compelling characters, and an out-of-this-world concept that is familiar yet surprisingly original. 

Love and Monsters is a movie loaded with so much charm; you cannot help but love every moment. The writing is on-point, the characters are three-dimensional and likable, the special effects never look dated or out of place, and the production design is so eerie yet gorgeous to look at. Also, it has one of the best dog characters I have ever seen put to film. 

I have always been a fan of post-apocalyptic stories in general, but I have never seen one that was so adorable and full of enthusiasm. This movie will put a smile on your face, guaranteed. Buy this movie on disc the second you are able. I know I will. 

And that about wraps up 2020. Here’s hoping the future will be a bit brighter in 2021.  

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading. 

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Wonder Woman 1984 - What?

            
Stream it on HBO Max 


            Wonder Woman 1984 is like a bad cover of a great rock song: technically, all of the parts that make it good are there, but it’s overshadowed by a ton of unnecessary extra parts that drown out the spirit of the original song. It’s in the wrong key, the singer's vocal style does not match the song's intended mood, and all of the instruments are poorly chosen and incorrectly arranged. Resulting in a listening experience that should sound familiar but is aggressively mangled by too many external forces. In other words, it feels like Tekashi 69 trying to perform a song by Bryan Adams and failing miserably. 
 
            I watched Wonder Woman 1984 an hour ago as of this writing, and I am still utterly confused as to what I just saw. I was expecting a sequel to one of the best superhero movies made in recent memory, only to be assaulted by a myriad of baffling creative choices, nonsensical narrative directions, and tonal shifts, the likes of which not even God has seen. 
 
            Yes, I am so confused and annoyed at how baffling this movie is, I am reduced to making Dune references. This is what Wonder Woman 1984 has done to me!
 
            I can’t even present a general summary of the story. It is so overcrowded and nonsensical that it would require at least two paragraphs. I honestly don’t want to spend any more time than necessary discussing this technicolor fever dream falsely parading as a movie. 
 
            If I had to pick an aspect of this film that best summarizes my anguish towards this misfire of a movie, it would have to be Kristen Wiig’s character, Barbara/Cheetah. 
 
            First, she is presented as the most stereotypical socially awkward intelligent loner who becomes the villain after getting endowed with power, which we’ve seen in a thousand other superhero movies already. This over-the-top depiction of smart people with social issues (which I do acknowledge exist) has been done to death and needs to stop. There is nothing wrong with having a smart and socially strange character, but it does not have to be so overtly emphasized all the time. 
 
            Second, the story builds her up as Wonder Woman’s friend, whom she cares about deeply, but they literally just meet for the first time within the first twenty minutes of the movie. There’s no real or tangible connection between these two characters to believe that they are close enough friends to have a devastating falling out by the end of the story. Yet the film treats it like it’s the fall of Han Solo and Chewbacca. 
 
            Third, her transformation into Cheetah has no purpose or context in the story, other than to have an excuse for Wonder Woman to fight against an iconic villain from the comics, and because, I kid you not, she liked a pair of Cheetah style shoes she once saw Wonder Woman wearing.
 
            The worst part is that I feel horrible for saying these things about the movie because I genuinely love Wonder Woman as a character and as a franchise. I don’t want to see it fall from the high place it earned for itself with the first movie back in 2017, but it did. There is no denying that Gal Gadot is fantastic in the role, Patty Jenkins has genuine talent as a director, and many of the things they wanted to explore with this story are good and could make a cohesive narrative. Sadly, if I had seen this new movie before watching the first one, I would not have believed any of that. 
 
            Wonder Woman 1984 is an incredible disappointment and a devastating blow to the goodwill Warner Brothers and DC Comics worked so hard to build up. I genuinely hope that whatever comes after will be better than this because I don’t want to live in a world where there’s only one good Wonder Woman movie. All I have left to say now is that I’m glad I didn’t have to pay money to see this. My twelve-day free trial of HBO Max will come and go without renewal. 
 
            Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.  

TheNorm’s Bottom 5 Films of 2020

 


As we leave the wretched and terrible year that was 2020 behind us, let’s take a look back at some of the movies that seemed to foreshadow our lowered expectations and confirm our disappointment in the future of mainstream entertainment. 

This is TheNorm’s Worst Movies of 2020. 

#5.
The Call of the Wild 


The first feature film released under Disney’s recently acquired 20th Century Fox Studios banner, this adaptation of the Jack London classic may not be quite on par with the original story, but it’s also not entirely terrible. It also has a slightly important place in my heart for being the last film I saw in theaters before the pandemic. Even so, it’s still not without its significant flaws. 

The CGI is horribly outdated, Harrison Ford is roped into doing yet another unnecessary voiceover narration, and most of the human characters, especially the villains, are aggressively two-dimensional. 

All that aside, there are some positive aspects to this film; despite the CGI not looking all that convincing on the dogs, the landscape shots look remarkably gorgeous. In fact, the cinematography by Janusz Kaminski looks about as beautiful and captivating as you would expect. Harrison Ford still delivers his usual professional level of conviction to his role despite not having a lot to work with. 

Were it not for my timing in seeing this film, it might have been ranked much higher on this list. However, at the very least, I can say that the movie tried to be special. It still failed, but it tried. 

#4.
Dolittle 


This had all the potential to be fun. You have Robert Downey, Jr stepping out of Iron Man’s shadow, a slew of talented actors, and the opportunity to create a clever new take on a classic story.  Instead, it mutated into a colossal waste of time. 

The jokes are too broad and seem only intended for toddlers. Robert Downey, Jr is trying too hard to emulate Johnny Depp. None of the characters have any kind of texture outside of stereotypical mental and emotional disorders rarely depicted well in Hollywood. 

Worst of all, the script is lousy! The writers don’t seem capable of telling a coherent story, let alone have a firm understanding of the proper use of structure. I’m not saying that all writing must conform to a singular specific style or guideline, but some storytelling methods work while others are overused and tripe. The script for Dolittle is chock-full of every element often condemned by serious writers. 

Also, it makes the worst use of fart jokes. 

#3.
Underwater 


There’s not much to say about this train wreck other than it’s essentially Alien, but with no likable characters, no proper first act, and no reason to care about anything happening. Not to mention the monsters are the most generic and least interesting creatures I’ve ever had a difficult time seeing in a horror film. All of which is topped off with a final boss monster that is so obviously trying to ripoff Cthulhu it’s not even funny. 

There are plenty of better creature features set underwater that are more entertaining and worthy of your time. There is no reason to even bother with this boring slog. 



#2.
Ghosts of War 


I cannot remember the last time I was so annoyed and disappointed in a movie that had such a fantastic idea. This film has all of the right pieces to be a decent ghost story with the real-world horror of WW2 reinforcing the themes of true terror and the concept of haunting. Instead, we got yet another teenaged oriented scream fest that’s in too much of a rush to show off how clever it thinks it is. 

Instead of a slow burn with a creepy atmosphere and a compelling mystery, we get a haunted house roller coaster ride with twists and turns that seem clever at the moment but are completely forgettable five minutes later. Instead of clever ghost designs, we get generic monster-looking people with yellow eyes, grey skin, and red mouths screaming directly into the camera. Instead of a proper build-up to a compelling twist, we get a double twist that feels like something a teenager who watched The Matrix one too many times might think was clever. 

I am aware that I have said this many times before, but it bears repeating. Mike Flanagan is the only person working in Hollywood today who knows how to tell a proper ghost story. Any ghost movie that does not have his name attached to it is not worth your time. Unless more people take notes from his work, there is no bright future for modern horror cinema. 

#1.
Money Plane 


This is, hands down, the most insulting, ammeter, lazy, so-bad-it’s-not-funny, lame excuse of a movie I have ever forced myself to sit through. There is not a single thing this movie does well or with competence. Everything (and I do mean everything) is executed with the least amount of effort in every possible category. 

The writing is juvenile, the cinematography is bland, the direction is stagnant, the set design is poor, the acting is non-existent (save for Kelsey Grammer), and it makes no use out of its otherwise clever premise. 

Let this movie serve as the mascot for 2020. A symbol of utter uselessness as it sits in the bargain bin at your local Best Buy, demanding undeserved attention as it fades away into obscurity. Not unlike a certain incompetent leader who will be kicked out of power very soon. 

Well, I’m glad we got that ugly part done. Stay tuned for the best movies of 2020. I assure you, there were a few gems, even in these uncertain times. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading. 

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Coming Soon...

 


My wonderful readers, 

2020 will likely be disregarded as the worst year in American history for a multitude of reasons. Not the least of which being the pandemic and the staggering incompetence of those desperately clinging to power for no adequate reason, other than fear of consequences for their actions or lack thereof. 

But enough about Twitter. 

To celebrate the end of this awful year, I have decided to conduct a countdown of ten films: 

The top five best and bottom five worst films of 2020. 

Despite the global shutdown, a few good gems were released this year, along with several duds. However, due to the strange and frustrating situation in the year 2020, I cannot, in good conscience, do my usual practice of only choosing a single movie for the best & worse list. It’s time I stepped up my game and continued to challenge myself. 

I should mention that some of the movies that will appear on my lists are films I did not get around to writing a review for, but I assure you, I did see them. Also, some of the films I reviewed this year were technically released back in 2019, so I won’t be able to place them on the upcoming lists. 

Also, just as a friendly heads up, now that I’m an officially published author, I will be including polite reminders to check out my book and website at the end of every blog post for the foreseeable future. We live in the age of self-promotion, after all. LOL! 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading. 

Check out my book: 

Check out my website: 

Friday, December 25, 2020

Holiday Rhymes - The Ref

 


Rent it on Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube 

As we reach the end 
Of our Holiday rhymes, 
Let's spend our festive day 
with family drama and crimes. 

Of all the Christmas specials 
We've looked at this year, 
The Ref is my absolute favorite 
For it fills me with hilarious cheer.

A comedy that speaks truths 
Which we normally don't express, 
Because it's supposed to be joyful always 
Our true feelings we must suppress. 

This movie says, "F&*K THAT!" 
And makes its voice heard, 
It demands that those who are silenced 
Shall now have the final word. 

The story follows a married couple 
Who is going through tough times, 
Their marriage is in shambles and ruin 
Their son is into high crimes. 

They have feelings about each other 
Which they are afraid to admit, 
For they all have terrible perceptions 
Often resulting in a fit. 

They go about their lives 
Preparing for a Christmas Eve feast, 
With relatives they totally despise 
Though it can't get worse, at least. 

Little do they know 
Just how heated things can get, 
When they are kidnapped by a jewel thief 
Whose plans have been offset. 

His escape plan is compromised 
And he cannot skip town, 
The police are searching for him tirelessly 
His head he must keep down. 

He hides out in the couples home 
Tying them up to the chairs, 
All the while they bicker at each other 
Causing the thief to lose many hairs. 

This film is beyond hilarious 
Many lines can be quoted, 
The writing is witty and sharp 
And never ever feels bloated. 

The performances are crazy 
Energetic and fun, 
Denis Leary especially 
Is probably the silliest one. 

But what gives this special film 
A fond place in my heart, 
Is it's the message of truth and openness 
A complete work of art. 

Give this one a chance 
If you're feeling a bit frustrated, 
You will laugh uncontrollably 
And your anger be alleviated. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading. 

Have a safe and Happy Holidays! 






Thursday, December 24, 2020

I Wrote a Book

 




My Wonderful Readers, 

    With great excitement, I proudly introduce to you all my very first piece of published written fiction. My story, A Most Mutual Bond, is one of romance, love, sexuality, and the courage to ask for help when overcoming trauma. 

    If there is one positive thing I have been able to glean from the pandemic, it is that it has awakened a part of my personal artistic pursuits I have ignored for far too long. This is a story I have always wanted to tell. In the wake of the pandemic, it took me a while to accept that neither filmmaking nor theater would be possible for quite a while. 

    I am taking this opportunity and newly found free time to pursue writing as another aspect of my artistic endeavors. My goal is that this story proves to be both engaging and informative in its promotion of affection, safe-sex practices, trust, and consent. 

    A Most Mutual Bond is available for purchase on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon. Be advised, it is intended for mature readers only, as there are detailed depictions of sexual situations. I assure you, they are used for the benefit of the story and not only to be sexy nor to provide unnecessary shock value. You may purchase your copy if you wish at the link below: 


    I humbly ask you to share this announcement with your family and friends. I wish to take this new step in my life with as many people as possible. 

    If you decide to give my story a read, I hope you will leave an honest review on Amazon. I also hope you will all enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Also, take a look at the other link below. 


Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm,; thank you all for reading. 

Happy Holidays! 

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Holiday Rhymes - Love Actually

 


Rent it on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube. 

And now we reach the motherload
of our Holiday cinematic treats, 
Love Actually is a total gem 
Never missing any beats. 

An anthology film of many stories 
intertwined and related, 
All about love, family and friends 
Some are happy, while others are frustrated. 

It takes place in jolly England 
Right around Christmas time, 
Lights and decorations aplenty 
Now I can't find a rhyme. 

Witty writing and fun performances 
are plentiful and abound, 
Every story is unique and charming 
They will all have you spellbound. 

Every joke is sharp and hilarious  
But there's no surprise there, 
The Brits have always ruled in comedy 
Of this, few are unaware. 

For the best of festive feelings 
Put this one on your screen, 
It will bring out the best of Christmas 
Oh, also, it has Mr. Bean. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading. 

Something Special is Coming


My Wonderful Readers, 

It is with great pride and pleasure that I announce something special is coming your way. I am making this announcement now in preparation for the main event. 

Tomorrow, I shall officially release a special project I have been working on for the past few months. Something that I only realized this year needed to be done. 

I invite you all to please check back in on my blog tomorrow, Christmas Eve, at 12:00 noon. It will be sent out in the usual email and present on my social media accounts.  

I hope you will be as excited about this event as I will be. 

As always, ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading. 

 

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Holiday Rhymes - A Christmas Carol

 


Here we have two versions 

Of another Christmas tale, 

Both adaptations of Charles Dickens 

Whose works rarely go stale. 


A Christmas Carol is a favorite 

Amongst the festive kind, 

A story of redemption and joy 

And how healthy it is to unwind. 


This story has been adapted 

Many times if you just look, 

It’s been on the screen, stage, and radio

Even a Batman comic book. 


But there are two versions of this tale 

That stands out to me the most, 

One for television and one by Disney 

Both with a memorable ghost. 


These two takes on the classic 

Are a proud part of my youth, 

Both carry the message of the story 

With conviction and truth. 


We’ll start with the TV special 

My favorite of the two, 

It has many good things going for it 

I promise that is true. 


George C. Scott plays Scrooge

The best I’ve ever seen, 

His acting chops along with his voice 

Are top-notch and pristine. 


The rest of the cast is great as well

Even the boy playing Tiny Tim, 

Played as sweet and darling as ever 

Though you always feel for him. 


The production design is gorgeous 

Nothing looks phony or fake, 

The same goes for the special effects 

It’s all incredible, make no mistake. 


What makes this version of the story 

My favorite as of late, 

It remembers that it is a ghost story 

Playing it well and straight. 


It is also a Christmas tale

There’s no doubt about that, 

But it has ghosts, spirits, and hauntings 

All that’s missing is a flying bat. 


It takes pride in its horror roots 

And plays with its few scares, 

By showing the horror of apathy 

And what happens when no one cares. 


Now we turn to the Disney version 
Of the classic Dickens story, 
Though it’s a lot shorter than the other one 
It’s still quite extraordinary. 

Scrooge McDuck plays the titular role 
With Micky as Bob Cratchit, 
The evil Pete plays Christmas futures ghost 
And is scarier than Nurse Ratchet. 

The animation is beautiful 
No real surprise there, 
Disney prides in its stunning visuals 
Of that, they would swear. 

You might be tempted to suspect 
That because it made for kids,
The story and theme would be dumbed down 
Causing many rolled eyelids. 

Fortunately, that’s not the case 
The stories integrity is well preserved, 
Any claims to the contrary 
Are simply false and undeserved. 

It carries the theme of darkness and light 
As well as it really should, 
Making this iteration of the classic tale 
A proud part of my childhood. 

Watch them both this Christmas 
For they are equally fun, 
Though for me, the George C. Scott version 
Will always be my favorite one. 

Next on our list 
We look at something sort of new, 
An anthology story about love in Britain 
And a fun one through and through. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.  


Sunday, December 13, 2020

Holiday Rhymes - The Grinch

 


Here for your consideration 
Two versions of a classic, 
One carries a valid lesson 
While the other is a bit bombastic. 

Both are adaptations 
Of a Dr. Seuss tale, 
One would live on as a legend 
While the other would mostly fail. 

Even so, they both have merit 
In their own unique way, 
Let us look deeper into their eyes 
That are as yellow as an autumn day. 

We first draw are attention 
To the animated short, 
Released in 1966 
With much creative support. 

Boris Karloff plays The Grinch
A memorable performance indeed, 
His voice is distinct and powerful 
Like a raging stampede. 

With animation by Chuck Jones 
A legend in his time, 
He did Loony Toons plus Tom & Jerry 
Hilariously sublime. 

It carries the essence
Of Seuss’s story with ease, 
Made with love and passion 
Hardly anyone disagrees. 

Now let’s look at the other one 
Made twenty years ago, 
Is it as good as the original? 
Not quite, mi amigo. 

It doesn’t look as pretty 
With colors washed out and muted. 
And whoever the cinematographer was 
Really needs to be booted. 

The images are too soft 
With movement at full throttle, 
Which would not be so bad 
If the lens wasn’t a Coke bottle. 

Too many subplots 
Plague the main story, 
Hack writers inserting bad padding 
As if it were mandatory. 

But despite these issues 
There is a bright side, 
Jim Carry as The Grinch 
Showing his range to be wide. 

Jim plays the character 
With silliness and conviction, 
Showing his talent as a performer 
Has no known restriction. 

Special mention must be made 
For the costume he had to wear, 
It was itchy, scratchy and painful 
In short, a total bear. 

His eyes especially 
Suffered intense pain, 
The contact lenses were large 
And irritated the whole membrane. 

Despite that, Jim persevered 
And give it all his best, 
He played the part like a pro 
Almost with no rest. 

While both versions are fun 
In their own unique way, 
The animated original is best 
Like fine coffee at a French Cafe. 

Jim Carry is loads of fun 
And he did do his best, 
But when it comes to the essence of the story 
The original wins with no contest. 

Next time, another comparison 
Of a classic Holiday tale, 
Join me as we place them both 
On the quality measuring scale. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading. 

I'm Still Here

 My Beautiful Readers,      I apologize for my incredible absence. I am still here, and, as I have said before, I intend to write on this bl...