“Not even girls want to be girls so long as our feminine archetype lacks force, strength, and power. Not wanting to be girls, they don’t want to be tender, submissive, peace-loving as good women are. Women’s strong qualities have become despised because of their weakness. The obvious remedy is to create a feminine character with all the strength of Superman plus all the allure of a good and beautiful woman.” -William Mouton Marsten, creator of Wonder Woman
DC’s newest movie hits the big screens this weekend and it is already garnering great reviews from critics everywhere, for good reason. Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman previously appeared in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and was, in my opinion, the best part of it. The same awesome energy she brought to that film was carried over to Wonder Woman where the audience is treated to 2 hours and 21 minutes of action, adventure, romance, and excitement. The action scenes, the witty dialogue, the character dynamics, and huge explosions are a delight to watch and the tender moments between Diana and the people she came to save might be powerful enough to make even the most stoic audience member feel something.
Wonder Woman tells the origin story of one of DC’s most iconic and oldest characters and how she came to leave her home to live among humanity. The origin of her birth is complicated in the comics as DC opted to change it with the New 52, sparking an upset among some of her most diehard fans. This movie takes from both sides and I believe it manages to find a compromise. Set during World War 1, after witnessing a plane crash in the ocean Diana saves the pilots life and in doing so meets the first man she has ever seen- Captain Steve Trevor. She then joins him as he returns to his people in an attempt to help stop the war that ravages across Europe.
Wonder Woman begins with her early life growing up on the secluded female-only populated island of Themyscira as she learns how to fight from other formidable Amazon women, most notably their greatest warrior and her personal teacher Antiope, played by the powerful Robin Wright (House of Cards, The Princess Bride). Some of the best scenes in the movie occur during this first act with amazing performances from every single one of the Amazon women as well as one of the best fight scenes I have ever seen onscreen.
The endearing performance by Lily Aspell as young Diana is a delight and her eagerness to learn now to fight and become a hero might resonate with many other movie-goers who may have felt the same as a child. Connie Nielsen especially stands out as Diana’s mother Queen Hippolyta, a powerful, loving, and wise leader who wants for nothing but the safety of her daughter and her people. She leads by example and loves Diana with everything in her. The strength she embodies and that of the other Amazon women is evident in Diana throughout the rest of the film showing that behind every strong women is a group of equally as strong women who helped her learn the tools she needs to succeed.
Moving on from Themyscira, Jenkins keeps things interesting with some really great action scenes. By interspersing some of the fight scenes with slow motion we are treated to a better look at the breathtaking abilities of the world’s greatest hero. Almost every fight scene was new and exciting
You can’t talk about Wonder Woman without talking about feminism, she was literally created for this reason, and Director Patty Jenkins honours this legacy with ease. Wonder Woman pokes fun at a few stereotypes in a few funny scenes as Diana Prince wanders around London with Steve Trevor unaware at first of the cultural differences scandalizing a number of men who are shocked that a woman would dare do the things she does. Wholly-framed in a humorous way it is a great commentary on how women today are still treated and that is exactly why this movie is so important.
Superhero movies are one of the biggest genres in popular culture and although women make up just as much of the fan base as men, if not more, there is still an extreme lack of female superheroes, never mind movies where they’re the lead. The last time a female hero lead a superhero movie was Elektra in 2005 and since then there has been over 40 superhero movies released from DC and Marvel alone, every single one of them lead by men or a team of men with one or two women. Let that sink in.
Back to the film: At its heart Wonder Woman is a love story, as it should be. Diana is the heart and soul of the DC universe and the compass who keeps the Justice League in line, traits which are only made possible by her own purity of heart. Steve Trevor, played by Chris Pine, and Diana Prince have a chemistry that is beautifully tender but the love in this movie extends far beyond that of a traditional love story to include the love between families, friends, and even those who may not deserve it because that’s what Wonder Woman is all about.
She is also about hope. When I left the theatre I couldn’t stop smiling. It was such an amazing feeling to see my favourite hero on the big screen as more than just an accessory and to see a woman take the lead without much argument from her male companions because they recognize and respect her worth. And the fact that it was also a genuinely good movie was a much appreciate added bonus. Unfortunately not even Wonder Woman can escape without a few flaws, the villain being one of the main ones. The third act feels out of touch with the rest of the film and relies more heavily on explosions and fancy CGI than I would have preferred but it was nothing major enough to stop me from happily going to see it two days in a row.
In conclusion, even if you are tired of superhero movies I would encourage you to go see this one. Wonder Woman just might save the DCEU. And if you know any young girls looking for something to do this weekend bring them along because not only is it a good superhero movie it is also a good movie in general and I would really love for it to succeed and for it to inspire a new generation of kick ass little girls who take after Diana of Themyscira, who recognize their own agency, and who will help us save the world.
The Instructional Program is in place. However, currently, we require a leader volunteer to instruct our candidates.
Please note that there are no longer school application forms to take to your priest in order for him to sign. You need only go to Father John if your child and your family are known to him and the child is from a Catholic family who attends Mass on a Sunday. If your child and your family are not known to Father John and do not attend Sunday Mass, please do not go to Father John ; instead, simply complete the forms required by the school and return them directly to the school. If your child and his / her family are from another Christian denomination or religion, you will require a stamped letter from the minister concerned confirming your religion and practice. This should be forwarded directly to the school.
It will be announced in the parish newsletter when Father John will be taking appointments for school applications forms. Below is all the information on the criteria from the Diocese of Brentwood to clarify requirements for admissions. Thank you
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Even though it’s very difficult to quit smoking, it’s not impossible. Recent research findings reveal that 1.3 million Americans quit smoking every year – forever. This is enough proof that anyone who smokes can quit the habit. You can, too. Successfully.
Are you finding it hard to quit smoking? Have you attempted quitting several times but failed? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I know you’re much aware of the health risks associated with smoking. I know you want to stop wasting your hard-earned dollars on the habit, but it’s just not easy.
Here I’ll be sharing with you 10 powerful tips that will help you quit smoking — successfully. Are you ready? Then let’s roll.
You’ll develop a very strong determination to quit smoking only if you’re very optimistic. That is, you must believe strongly that you can really quit – forever. (Of course, you can only achieve something when you have a strong belief that you can.)
To help you develop the much needed optimist mindset, read as many as possible stories of ex-smokers who successfully quit. Read such stories from time to time in order to keep your determination at the highest level. Here are links to some stories that will motivate and inspire you:
Pick a pen and a note, and start thinking of strong reasons why you should quit smoking now. You’ll end up with a long list, I’m sure.
Three… smoking predisposes you to heart attack, hypertension, cancer, stroke, atherosclerosis, infertility, and other fatal conditions.
If the health risks alone aren’t enough to deter you, I’m sure you hate to kill your loved ones with your cigarette puffs. So, why not quit for their sake, at least?
If you think you’re not finding enough reasons why you should quit, check the following pages, and you’ll find tons of strong reasons why you must quit now:
Having a proper plan in place will go a long way in helping you achieve your dream. Don’t just say to yourself, “I want to quit smoking!” Rather, take a pen and paper, and plan it out.
Would you be rewarding yourself for staying away from smoking after each day, every two days, or every week? What would the reward be? CDs? Novels? A special dinner?
What would you do when the urge to smoke comes back strong? Who would you call if you’re having problems with coping?
Most people fail in their attempts to quit smoking because they don’t stay away from all tempting factors. If the mere sight of a smoker doing his thing turns on your urge, stay away from places where you’re likely to see smokers – the club, the bar, etc.
If you have friends or colleagues who smoke, this is the time to start avoiding them. Of course, hanging out with them may be refreshing, but your health is much more important. And if they’ll only help you ruin it by encouraging you to smoke, it’s better you do away with them.
Also, if you still have various “smoking memorabilia” (such as lighters and lighters) in your home and office, discard them immediately. Furthermore, wash your clothes and blinds to rid them of cigarette smell (which, of course, may tempt you to into relapsing).
Personal determination alone may not be enough to help you quit smoking successfully. Involving others will brighten your chances of success.
Tell your friends and relatives that you’re trying to quit and that they should encourage you. Also, join online quit smoking forums and communities (you’ll find many of them with Google).
In addition, avoid loneliness, as it’s one of the most powerful urge triggers. Always hang out with others so that they’ll keep watch on you and ensure you don’t relapse.
Are you on a weight loss diet? You’ll have to suspend it now. Trying to quit smoking while you’re a weight loss diet will be just too unfair to your system. Your body will fight back. Fiercely.
So, eat well to avoid hunger. Remember, hunger is another factor that triggers the urge to light a cigarette.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and take low-fat dairy. Aside helping you to maintain a healthy weight, these foods make cigarettes taste terrible – according to a Duke University research.
Regular exercise helps to eliminate stress, another notorious urge trigger. Avoid rigorous activities but engage in mild exercise. After exercise, take a shower and rest.
In addition, always be active. Even when you’re not exercising, engage in some activity. Avoid being idle or remaining on a spot for a long time.
If remain on a fixed spot for long, you’ll have various thoughts crossing your mind – including the thought of lighting a cigarette! So, if you’re not sleeping, just be active and keep moving.
Alcohol and caffeine increase your brain’s craving for nicotine. So, you must abstain from them while trying to quit smoking, to avoid relapsing.
Whenever you feel like taking alcohol (such as after a meal or after a strenuous day), don’t give in. Rather distract your brain with something else – such as chewing gum, brushing your teeth, or taking candy.
Often, you’ll be tempted to “take just one cigarette, and you’d be fine”. Yes, your tricky mind will try to play a fast one on you. Don’t ever succumb. Always remind yourself of your resolve never to smoke again – not even a puff.
Use delay tactics whenever you have an urge. Relax. Take 10 deep breaths. Drink water. Eat a snack. Chew gum. Go for exercise. Hang out with others. Call a friend on phone and start chatting. Just do anything helpful until the urge goes away. Do these anytime an urge comes, and you’ll always be the winner.
After giving up smoking for some time, you may relapse. Yes, it happens. It may even happen to you more than once.
Whenever you relapse, try to figure out the reason, and reapply the tips shared in this post. If you remain persistent, you’ll quit eventually.
After a relapse, don’t wait for weeks or months before you attempt quitting again. Start again immediately. You’ll triumph!
Now that you’ve discovered these great tips, I’ll advise you to take action immediately, and you’ll be on your way to quitting smoking forever. Once again, make a strong resolve to quit and take action now.
I look forward to sharing your “how I quit smoking” story on this blog – to encourage many others who are also trying to quit. I wish you the very best.
Do you think I’ve left out some points? Or do you think some tips aren’t just working for you? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
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