Detachment

Why is this the #1 Movie in the United States (besides the obvious fact that more people paid for tickets to it than any other film)?

There's nothing new about Americans watching and doing stupid shit. After watching the trailer for Beverly Hills Chihuahua, I did find it some what humorous and cute. That little dog is adorable. My neighbors in my old neighborhood had a Chihuahua named Tequila that was very similar to the Taco Bell dog. The dog was quite friendly and did not meet the mean spirited stereotype assigned to Chihuahuas. Unfortunately, Tequila died in the flood. Sentimentally, I can't take fault with the movie or find it perplexing that its number one at the box office again.

Cute, talking animals always draw in the folks with small children. I haven't looked up statistics (nor do I care to) on the demography of the audience who view this movie. I'm assuming the majority of the audiences consisted of dual and single parents with small children since it was Disney film. Throw in some animal lovers and pedophiles as well. There's also the Paris Hilton effect. I recall seeing commercials and advertisements of her with her Chihuahua so add daft teenage girls and young women as well.

With all that's going wrong in the world right now, people need a release from reality. Movies, video games, music and other mediums of entertainment provides that outlet. People see, hear and experience losing money, rumors of a depression, the election and ongoing military conflicts with no hope of resolution. They don't want their avenues of escapism to reflect these uncertain realities. It is the reason why the latest bunch of Iraq war movies bombed at the box office. Why see movies on an ongoing event when you can learn of it for free from books, newspapers and the internet?

In some way, I share this view. I use to love seeing those movies with a message and sociopolitical dramas of today's events, but as things continue go down an uncertain path I'd rather see a horror film or some mindless action flick. Well, I did see Body of Lies this past weekend and found it entertaining, but I only watched it for Leo's and Crowe's performance. I really didn't give a shit about the message.

I am not making excuses for Americans to remain ignorant of what's going on the world. It is times like these where we must be the most alert and on guard, but its overwhelming and the average man and woman have powerful interests ensuring that they remain ignorant.