Living with Jeanette

I´ve been staying in Guadalupe these last few days, at the house of a lady named Jeanette... It is a typical latin setting in the midst of a noisy neighborhood, full of animals, plants, and many colorful decorations. She cooks great food, and is very friendly... she reminds me of my grandma, Ofelia.

As for the other roommates, they are all German and Norwiegen girls. They are very friendly and warm to me, even though I am the only American guy in the house. We´ve gone out both nights since I´ve been here... the other night we went to a Jazz club, which was pretty cool yet also a little expensive for my taste...

The ¨Tico¨way of life, is already very interesting to me... very similiar to Venezuela, mostly because everything is so loud... from the streets, to the people, to the music, to the animals all around... San Jose is definetely no glamourous city, quite dirty to say the least... and the traffic is simply obsurd! I would never want to drive here... yet the people are very friendly... and the women are simply gorgeous! I feel that I can blend in for the most part, yet is impossible to do when I go out with the Germans... but then again, this is a very big city, and quite diverse, so it´s not much of a problem to stick out a little... I´ve already begun to adapt to the city, and I think I´m already growing acostum to it... overall it´s just a liberating way of life... as if people make their own rules here, and yet it all seems to work out...

This weekend I´ll be visiting my cousin Queta, which should be fun to be able to take in some inside ¨Tico¨culture... I start working at the art museum on Monday... not sure exactly what I´ll be doing, but I already saw the museum, and was pretty impressed...

Greetings from San Jose

The weather is amazing, the people are friendly, and the coffee flows like water... I've been staying at this hostel for the past few days, and it has already been quite an experience. There are people here from all over the world; Germany, Cuba, America, France, Asia, all with different stories... The first night felt very wierd, sharing a room with like 8 other people, but the 2nd night was not a problem... It reminds me of the dorm life back in college... with living quarters outside of the rooms; people out sitting by the pool, in the computer lab, watching TV, reading, drinking coffee, and just laying out... there is music constantly playing... It's like a little family here all on spring break or something, a great mesh of cultures.




I flew in late Monday night, and found my shuttle easily, yet was unable to find my cousin, Queta. As you can imagine this lead to a whole ordeal of drama and panic within the family. I was finally able to call them the next day and let them know I had made it fine. Yesterday I met Ernesto, the program representative of OTEC, and he was very friendly. I have decided to stay with a host family, so that I can take in more culture. I begin working on Thursday. This hostel was a good jumping start, yet now I'm ready to take in more of Costa Rica...

ATB in Concert

I'm here at Lauren's right now, writing what may be my last blog in the states for some time... I'm off to Costa Rica tomorrow, and I gotta say I'm pretty excited! I really hope things work well, and that within a few weeks, I can meet some cool people, and possibly find a part-time job... nonetheless, I know it still will be quite a life-experience, which is exactly what I am ready for right now...

So to leave with a final bang, I decided to hit up an ATB concert in Chicago with my brothers. As I wrote in my Top 50 Musicians, ATB is not only my favorite electronic group, but also my 9th favorite music artist. They were first introduced to me several years back by Philip, and ever since I have always found them ideal for chilling, running, reading, dancing, or just all out partying.... the concert itself was at the Congress Theater, and it was an all out rave. My first rave ever... It was non stop high octane dancing... heavy beats with a phenomenal light show... it was a giant arena full of ENERGY! it came and went in waves, but for the most part, it was non-stop moving and dancing... the people there were all very friendly; either amped on power drinks, drunk, high, or tripping on some king of drug... they were all nicely dressed, metro, emo, gothic, all sorts, and the majority of the girls there were stunning!

Gabriel and I, managed to make our way to the front in the midst of the madness... We were practically in the 2nd row, and had a great front row view at the DJs. ATB didn't come out till around 12ish, and he played lots of new stuff, blended with his older stuff... All in all I'd say we were out there for a solid 5 hours, just lost in the music with the rest of the people... It was quite an experience, and ATB really knows how to work a crowd... Though I have to say, I don't think I could ever be a seasoned raver... I'd much rather just listen to the music...

This past weekend, I've been all over the Midwest... Starting with a visit to see Philip, in Indianapolis. We then drove to West Lafayette to visit his girlfriend Shawna... We went to Gabriel's track meet on Saturday, where I actually talked with Mr. Draper, my much-hated old track coach. He was actually very friendly with us, and we talked for a while, mostly reminiscing about the old days. After the track meet we drove to Chicago to go see the concert. We caught a limo, to the concert, which was nice, yet very unnecessary and expensive, and it took us to the wrong place to make matters worse... we got there a little late, and managed to sneak Gabriel in, even though he was underage... I got here to Lauren's this morning, where I plan on taking a taxi out to the airport tomorrow! So that's it for now... Big day tomorrow!

The next blog will be coming from San Jose, Costa Rica..!

Greatest Hero of All Time

It was the first DVD I ever bought, and surely there was a reason why... Everything about this movie was awesome, from the story, to the soundtrack, to the special effects, to the acting... and if there was one thing that really made it stand out, it was the heroism of the Gladiator himself. To this day, it still remains my favorite movie of all time, much thanks to Maximus, the greatest hero in cinema history!

1. Maximus Decimus Meridius
Movie: Gladiator
Year: 1999
Actor: Russell Crowe

Why: Maximus plays the ultimate hero of Rome in this epic story of a general turned slave turned gladiator. He begins as a cunning General of the Roman Army who has led a successful 3-year campaign against the Germanic Tribes. After refusing to accept Commodus' as the new emperor, he is ordered to be executed. Although he is able to escape his execution, he is unable to save his family from being crucified. At this point, he loses all desire to live, is collected by traveling merchants, and is sold as a slave. At first he does not wish to fight, yet when he is put in the arena he decides he is not ready to quit yet. As a gladiator, Maximus grows popular within the arena, and becomes the defying voice against the evil emperor. In the end, after he has already been stabbed, he still manages to defeat Commodus. His last dying order is to give Rome back to the people, the way his good friend, Marcus Aurelius wanted it. He dies a happy death, and unites with his family in Elysium... His leadership, strength, and defiance against an entire empire make Maximus the iconic hero of movies.

Key Line: "My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance in this life or the next."

Quick Recap:

50. Lt. John J. Dunbar (Dances with Wolves)
49. Richard Rick O'Connell (The Mummy)
48. Norma Rae (Norma Rae)
47. Amsterdam Vallon (Gangs of New York)
46. Sgt. Elias Gordon (Platoon)
45. El Mariachi (Desperado)
44. Officer Jack Travern (Speed)
43. The Boondock Saints (The Boondock Saints)
42. Rorshach (Watchmen)
41. Benjamin Martin (The Patriot)
40. Ironman (Ironman)
39. Pvt. Roland Bozz (Tigerland)
38. John Creasy (Man on Fire)
37. The Mariner (Waterworld)
36. Captain Steven Hiller (Independence Day)
35. Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump)
34. The Bride (Kill Bill Vol 1)
33. Theo Faron (Children of Men)
32. Legolas (Lord of the Rings)
31. John McClaine (DieHard)
30. Zorro (The Mask of Zorro)
29. TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)
28. Captain John H. Miller (Saving Private Ryan)
27. Cameron Poe (ConAir)
26. Achilles (Troy)
25. Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean)
24. Obi Wan Kenobi (Star Wars)
23. Harry S. Stamper (Armageddon)
22. Paul Rusesabagina (Hotel Rwanda)
21. Harry Potter (Harry Potter)
20. Luke Skywalker (Star Wars)
19. Gandalf (Lord of the Rings)
18. Mahandas K. Gandhi (Gandhi)
17. Wolverine (X-Men)
16. Rocky Balboa (Rocky)
15. Samwise Gamgee (Lord of the Rings)
14. Spiderman (Spiderman)
13. Han Solo (Star Wars)
12. James Bond (Dr. No)
11. Spartacus (Spartacus)
10. Leonidas (300)
9. V (V for Vendetta)
8. Moses (The Ten Commandments)
7. Neo (The Matrix)
6. Batman (Batman Begins)
5. Aragorn (Lord of the Rings)
4. William Wallace (Braveheart)
3. Oskar Schindler (Schindler's List)
2. Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones)
1. Maximus Decimius Meridius (Gladiator)

Honorable Mention

-Rick Deckard (Blade Runner) Harrison Ford
-Jack Dawson (Titanic) Leonardo DiCaprio
-Rudy (Rudy) Sean Astin
-William Turner (Pirates of the Caribbean) Orlando Bloom

Pending Potentials to see:

-Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mocking Bird) Gregory Peck
-Frank Serpico (Serpico) Al Pacino
-Jimmy Popeye Doyle (The French Connection) Gene Hackman

Interesting Notes:

Lord of the Rings had 4 heroes on the list, Star Wars had 3...
These actors were on twice with different roles; Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Kevin Costner, Keanu Reeves, Bruce Willis, Tom Hanks, and Antonio Banderas

Top 50 Heroes: 10-2

10. Leonidas
Movie: 300
Year: 2006
Actor: Gerard Butler

Why: Based on the true historic Battle of Thermopylae, King Leonidas takes an army of his best 300 Spartan warriors to defend his nation against the Persians. Although they are greatly outnumbered by the armies of Xerxes, Leonidas never waivers or shows any fear. He along with his other Spartans, work together as a deadly unit, and manage to withstand many bombardments. Leonidas gives his life for Sparta, so as buy time for his people, and rally his armies to face the Persians head on. It is an incredible tale of heroism and courage in the face of destruction.

Key Line: "Children, gather round! No retreat, no surrender; that is Sparta law. And by Spartan law we will stand and fight... and die. A new age has begun. An age of freedom, and all will know that 300 Spartans gave their last breathe to defend it."

9. V
Movie: V for Vendetta
Year: 2005
Actor: Hugo Weaving

Why: As the masked vigilante, V develops a master plan for revolution and liberation from the dictatorship in Britain. He brings truth and reason to the people, through means of anarchism. He begins by destroying the Old Bailey, as the ultimate sign of revolution and as a call to the people to unite with him against the totalitarian regime. In the end he gives his life for the revolution, on board the train that destroys the Parliament.

Key Line: "People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."

8. Moses
Movie: The Ten Commandments
Year: 1956
Actor: Charlton Heston

Why: In this ancient religious epic, Moses becomes the chosen prophet of God to free the Israelites from the Egyptians. After spending years in exile, Moses returns to Egypt to deliver his demands to the pharaoh, Ramses. Moses claims that if Ramses does not free the Israelites, he will suffer the wrath of God. After days of plagues and tribulation, Ramses is finally forced to grant them freedom. Moses later leads his people through the desert for 40 years, serving as the voice of God.

Key Line: "Let my people go."

7. Neo
Movie: The Matrix
Year: 1999
Actor: Keanu Reeves

Why: Set in a futuristic world where robots use humans for energy, Neo awakens from the Matrix, and enters the real world. He realizes that he is the chosen one, and must save humankind. He quickly adapts to the setting and grows a knowledge of the Matrix far superior than any other. The only one that can match him is Agent Smith, and in the end Neo gives his life to stop this deadly virus.

Key Line: "I know you're out there. I can feel you. I know that you're afraid... you're afraid of us. You're afraid of change. I don't know the future. I didn't come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it is going to begin. I'm going to hang up this phone, and then I'm going to show these people what you don't want them to see. I'm going to show them a world without you. A world without rules and controls, without borders or boundaries. A world where anything is possible. Where we go from there is a choice I leave to you."


6. Batman
Movie: Batman Begins
Year: 2005
Actor: Christian Bale

Why: He is the masked crusader of Gotham City, fighting crime and corruption. As the billionaire Bruce Wayne, he is able to create a highly advanced arsenal of weapons and gadgetry. He believes in justice, and has a very short-temper for those who operate above the law. Whether it's fighting against The Joker, Scarecrow, Two-Face, Penguin, Riddler, or any other villain, he always manages to save the day.

Key Line: "People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy and I can't do that as Bruce Wayne, as a man I'm flesh and blood. I can be ignored, I can be destroyed, but as a symbol... as a symbol I can be incorruptible, I can be everlasting."

5. Aragorn
Movie: Lord of the Rings
Year: 2001
Actor: Viggo Mortensen

Why: He begins as a ranger, who stumbles across a hobbit with the ring of power. He takes it upon himself to lead the hobbit to Rivendell, so as to have a council of what to do with the ring. He then becomes a leader of the Fellowship next to Gandalf. Once the hobbits are out of his reach, he becomes the hero of mankind, leading his people against the Orcs and Uruk-Hai. His leadership and courage is what makes him the ultimate heroic king.

Key Line: "I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of woes and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down. But it is not this day! This day we fight! by all that you hold dear on this good Earth, I bid you, stand, Men of the West!"

4. William Wallace
Movie: Braveheart
Year: 1993
Actor: Mel Gibson

Why: Set in the awful times of Prima-Noctra, angered by the rape and death of his wife, William Wallace unites the clans of Scotland to fight for their freedom from England. He is able to amass a great army and pose a serious threat to the British Empire. He is later captured and tortured by the British, yet instead of pleading for mercy, he gives a final cry of Freedom. His death becomes the symbol of courage and unity amongst the Scots, and they are finally able to win their freedom in the end thanks to William Wallace.

Key Line: "Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!"

3. Oskar Schindler
Movie: Schindler's List
Year: 1993
Actor: Liam Neeson

Why: This real life hero, portrayed in Steven Spielberg's masterpiece, saved over 1,200 Jews from the Holocaust. In the film he began as a sly, crooked business man, exploiting free Jewish labor. He then comes to a sudden realization of the horrid tragedy that is occurring and becomes sympathetic towards the Jewish. He uses his factory as a safe-haven for many Jews, and in the end he spends his last dime to purchase as many as he can, so as to save them from being shipped to Auschwitz. He risks and loses everything to save others, making him an everlasting true hero.

Key Line: "I didn't do enough! This car. Goeth would have bought this car. Why did I keep this car? Ten people right there. Ten people. Ten more people. This pin. Two people. This is gold. Two more people. He would have given me two for it, at least one. One more person. I could have gotten one more person, and I didn't... I didn't..."


2. Indiana Jones
Movie: Indiana Jones
Year: 1981
Actor: Harrison Ford

Why: He is the epitome of heroism; smart, adventurous, and as tough as they come. With his leather coat, brown hat, and whip he is the ultimate adventurer always in search of ancient secrets or relics. Whether its facing off against Nazis, Soviets, or Demonic Cultists he always manages to save the day, preserve the treasure, and get the girl.

Key Line: "I hate snakes, Jock. I hate 'em!"

Pink Floyd on Vinyl

The other day at Matt's house I heard Dark Side of the Moon on a vinyl record for the first time ever, and it sounded amazing. It was so authentic, with a crispy scratchy, sound to it. It made me understand the way people heard it in 1973 when it first came out. I think this is the way Classic Rock should be heard, and I am considering in the future to perhaps get some of the "must-haves" on vinyl, such as:

Pink Floyd- Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall
Beach Boys- Pet Sounds
Beatles- Sgt. Pepper, White Album, Magical Mystery Tour
The Doors- The Doors
The Who- Tommy
Led Zeppelin- Led Zeppelin IV

Also I finally saw the dvd "Live at Pompeii" where the band is performing several songs in an ancient Roman stadium. It also has several interviews with the band members, some footage of their studio work on Dark Side, and lots of abstract images to go with the music... All in all I thought it was a pretty awesome dvd...

Some great Pink Floyd songs;

-Us and Them
-Echoes
-Run Like Hell
-Summer '68
-Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun

Top 50 Heroes: 20-11

20. Luke Skywalker
Movie: Star Wars
Year: 1977
Actor: Mark Hamill

Why: As a pilot, he lead a squadron of fighters, and destroyed the Death Star. As a Jedi he saved his friends from Jabba the Hut, and defeated Darth Vader and the Emperor. It's his cunning passion for others and the rebellion that makes him such a great hero.

Key Line: "You've failed your highness... I am a Jedi, like my father before me."






19. Gandalf
Movie: Lord of the Rings
Year: 2001
Actor: Ian McKellan

Why: He is a brilliant wizard, with a powerful ferocity that matches his wisdom. When he discovers the ring of power, it is he who decides that it must be destroyed. It is he, who leads the Fellowship of the Ring, and gives his life to fight the Balrog. As Gandalf the White he becomes even more powerful, leading men into victory at Helms Deep and Pelenor Fields.

Key Line: "There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who can bend it to his will. And he does not share power."



18. Mahandas K. Gandhi
Movie: Gandhi
Year: 1982
Actor: Ben Kingsley

Why: He gives up his life in Britain as a lawyer, to help his country of India. He becomes a political revolutionist fighting for the rights of the Indian people, against the British empire. He does not condone violence, and is able to achieve his revolution through peace and unity.


Key Line: "Yes. In the end you will walk out, because 100,000 Englishmen simply cannot control 350 million Indians if they refuse to cooperate. And that is what we intend to achieve; peaceful, nonviolent, non-cooperation till you yourselves, see the wisdom of leaving, your excellency."

17. Wolverine
Movie: X-Men
Year: 2000
Actor: Hugh Jackman

Why: He is a superhero with animal-like qualities. His claws of adamentium are indestructible, and he has the ability to heal. He is a hot-headed and short-tempered beast, who isn't afraid to get rough if he has to. He is the defining hero of the X-Men.

Key Line: "You picked the wrong house, bub."







16. Rocky Balboa
Movie: Rocky
Year: 1976
Actor: Sylvester Stallone

Why: He is an icon for all underdogs. He begins as a small-time boxer who works at a butchery in Philadelphia. He decides that he wants to get serious about boxing, and begins to train very hard. He is then able to challenge and defeat the heavy weight champion Apollo Creed. He later defeats Clubber Lang and finally Ivan Drago. His success as an underdog boxer, brings hope to the little man and common person.

Key Line: "During this fight, I've seen alot of changing, in the way you feel about me, and in the way I feel about you. In here, there were two guys killing each other but I guess that's better than twenty million. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if I can change, and you can change, everybody can change!"


15. Samwise Gamgee
Movie: Lord of the Rings
Year: 2001
Actor: Sean Astin

Why: All through the series, Samwise is the faithful companion to Frodo. He is Frodo's best friend, always looking out for him and never leaving his side, to the point where he nearly drowns. He puts Frodo ahead of everything, even the ring, and is constantly looking out for him. He is suspicious of Gollum from the start, and is always bringing reason to Frodo's madness. He defeats a deadly giant spider, saves Frodo from the Orcs, and practically carries him all the way up Mount Doom. His passion and loyalty make him the finest of hobbit heroes.

Key Line: "Then let us be rid of it... once and for all! Come on, Mr. Frodo! I can't carry it for you... but I can carry you!"

14. Spiderman
Movie: Spiderman
Year: 2002
Actor: Tobey Maguire

Why: On one side he is a common person, struggling to pay rent and keep his grades up, on the other side he is a web-slinging superhero known as Spiderman. Unlike most superheroes with their super-strength or ability to fly, Spiderman has a unique set of powers. He has extremely fast reactions, along with the ability to climb and swing from buildings. He fights crime, and saves people; doesn't get more heroic than this.

Key Line: "With great power comes great responsibility."





13. Han Solo
Movie: Star Wars
Year: 1977
Actor: Harrison Ford

Why: He is a pirate, scoundrel captain of the Millennium Falcon, who becomes a key hero for the Rebellion. His piloting skills are unmatched, as shown in his maneuvers through asteroid fields or avoiding star destroyers. On Endor, he leads a battalion of soldiers to destroy the main shield to the Death Star. He is as hot-headed as they come, yet through his devotion to Princess Leia, his friends, and the rebel alliance he manages to be the defining hero of Star Wars.

Key Line: "Kid, I've flown from one side of this galaxy to the other, and I've seen a lot of strange stuff, but I've never seen anything to make me believe there's one all-powerful Force controlling everything. 'Cause no mystical energy controls my destiny. Its all a lot of simple tricks and nonsense."

12. James Bond
Movie: Dr. No
Year: 1962
Actor: Sean Connery

Why: He is a charming secret British intelligence spy, always fighting against an evil elaborate scheme to destroy the world. The thing that makes James Bond so cool, is that he can kick any body's ass, and do it with style and class. Not to mention he always gets the girl.

Key Line: "The name's Bond... James Bond.."







11. Spartacus
Movie: Spartacus
Year: 1960
Actor: Kirk Douglas

Why: He leads a slave uprising, against the Roman soldiers, and manages to assemble a massive army. He hopes to defeat the Roman empire, and free all the slaves. Although he is unable to achieve his goal, his courage and leadership to such a noble cause, make him a hero of epic proportions.

Key Line: "And maybe there's no peace in this world, for us or for anyone else, I don't know. But I do know that, as long as we live, we must remain true to ourselves."

Top 50 Heroes: 30-21

30. Zorro
Movie: The Mask of Zorro
Year: 1998
Actor: Antonio Banderas

Why: Set in the early 19th century of Southern California, he stands up for the common people, against the tyranny of Spanish rule. He can be either a charming gentlemen or a deadly masked crusader with a sword. He is the champion of the people, fighting against the corrupt power elite.

Key Line: "Be careful senorita, there are dangerous men about."

29. TE Lawrence
Movie: Lawrence of Arabia
Year: 1962
Actor: Peter O'Toole

Why: As a British soldier, he organizes a guerrilla army of Arabs to fight against their Turkish enemies. He adapts to the Arabian culture, and practically becomes one of their own. He eventually is able to lead an army against the Ottoman Empire.

Key Line: "There may be honor among thieves, but there's none amongst politicians."






28. Captain John H. Miller
Movie: Saving Private Ryan
Year: 1998
Actor: Tom Hanks

Why: Set during WW2, during the invasion of Normandy, Captain John Miller is given the task to search for a paratrooper. He leads a team of men, through the fields of German-occupied France, on a death-defying mission. Throughout the mission, he must deal with the constant griping of his men, putting his country first, and achieving the overall mission, all while fighting his own insanity of war. He goes the extra mile, for his country several times in the film, including in the end, when he dies in battle, even after he has already saved Pvt. Ryan.

Key Line: "Sometimes I wonder if I've changed so much, my wife is even going to recognize me whenever it is I get back to her, and how I'll ever be able to tell about days like today. Ah, Ryan... I don't know anything about Ryan, I don't care. The man means nothing to me; he's just a name. But if, you know, if going to Rem'al, and finding him so he can go home, if that earns me the right to get back to my wife, well then, then that's my mission."

27. Cameron Poe
Movie: Con Air
Year: 1997
Actor: Nicholas Cage

Why: On his way home to his family, he gets stuck on a hijacked airplane of deadly prisoners. Without any other option, Cameron Poe must save the day, by defeating Cyrus Grissom and getting back to his family.

Key Line: "They somehow managed to get every creep and freak in the universe onto this one plane. And then somehow managed to let them take over it. And then somehow managed to stick us right smack in the middle."

26. Achilles
Movie: Troy
Year: 2004
Actor: Brad Pitt

Why: Sure he may have been a total asshole in the movie, but one cannot deny the fact that this guy is the definition of a Greek hero. The Iliad was all about heroes, on either side, and whether it was Hector, Paris, Odysseus, Agamemnon, or Ajax, none could quite compare to the might of Achilles.

Key Line: "Myrmidons! My brothers of the sword! I would rather fight beside you than any army of thousands! Let no man forget how menacing we are,.. we are lions! Do you know what's waiting beyond that beach? Immortality! Take it! It's yours!"



25. Captain Jack Sparrow
Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean
Year: 2003
Actor:Johnny Depp

Why: Sure he may be a selfish greedy pirate, but when his motives mix with William Turner's motives, they are able to team together to win back the Black Pearl and defeat Captain Barbossa and his cursed pirates.

Key Line: "When you marooned me on that god forsaken spit of land, you forgot one very important thing, mate; I'm Captain Jack Sparrow."



24. Obi Wan Kenobi
Movie: Star Wars
Year: 1977
Actor: Alec Guinness, Ewen Mcgregor

Why: Perhaps one of the greatest Jedi's ever in the Star Wars Universe, Obi Wan's heroism stretches far throughout the series. He begins as an apprentice, where he eventually defeats the evil Sith Darth Maul. He then becomes a master, where he defeats the dreaded bounty hunter Jango Fett, and becomes a leader of the Clone Wars. He later defeats General Grevious and Darth Vader, yet doesn't have the heart to finish his own apprentice. He finally gives his own life, so as to become a spirit, and guide, Luke Skywalker, to defeating Vader.

Key Line: "The Force will be with you, always."

23. Harry S. Stamper
Movie: Armageddon
Year: 1998
Actor: Bruce Willis

Why: As an oil driller, he is commissioned to save the world from a deadly meteor, by planting a warhead inside of it. He is as determined as they get, stating that he never misses a depth. His key moment of heroism comes, not after he has successfully planted the nuke, but when he volunteers his life to trigger it.

Key Line: "Houston, you have a problem. You see, I promised my little girl I'd be coming home. Now I don't know what you people are doing down there, but we've got a hole to dig up here!"




22. Paul Rusesabagina
Movie: Hotel Rwanda
Year: 2004
Actor: Don Cheadle

Why: Set during an awful period of genocide in Rwanda, Hotel Manager, Paul Rusesabagina, hides many refugees in his hotel, away from the militants. He continuously bribes the officers and militants, completely losing money and business, and puts his life at complete risk to save others.

Key Line: "What are you going to do, shoot me? Shoot me. I would pay you to shoot my family! I would consider it a blessing!"

21. Harry Potter
Movie: Harry Potter
Year: 2001
Actor: Daniel Radcliffe

Why: As a young wizard, who has lost his parents to the evil Voldemort, Harry Potter is constantly forced to fight against the dark powers. He grows to become an exceptionally skilled wizard throughout each story. It's his compassion for others, that always enable him to save the day in the end.

Key Line: "Good! I want to join! If Voldemort's raising an army than I want to fight!"

Top 50 Heroes: 40-31

40. Ironman
Movie: Ironman
Year: 2008
Actor: Robert Downey Jr.

Why: He puts his multi-billion dollar weapons business to a rest, so as to create the ultimate weapon; himself. As the state of the art "Ironman" he can focus on saving lives instead of taking lives.

Key Line: "The truth is... I am Ironman."






39. Pvt. Roland Bozz
Movie: Tigerland
Year: 1999
Actor: Colin Farrell

Why: He is an excellent soldier, yet hates everything about the Vietnam war. He doesn't take orders from anyone, and is the ultimate rebel. Yet instead of saving himself from going to war, he saves three others, including his best friend.

Key Line: "Courage is when you're the only guy who knows how shit-scared you really are."

38. John Creasy
Movie: Man on Fire
Year: 2004
Actor: Denzell Washington

Why: He's a former assassin, who takes a job as a bodyguard in Mexico. After the girl he is suppose to be protecting gets kidnapped he goes on a killing spree to find her. In the end he sacrifices his own life, so as to save the life of the little girl.

Key Line: "I'm goin' home too. I'm goin' to Blue Bayou."







37. The Mariner
Movie: Waterworld
Year: 1995
Actor: Kevin Costner

Why: In a post-apocalyptic world this amphibious-being, decides to save two humans, and help them find dry-land. Along with this, he must help protect them from the evil warlord known as the Deacon. The Mariner makes for the ultimate hero of the waters...

Key Line: "Because I haven't seen it! And I've sailed further than most men have dreamed."






36. Captain Steven Hiller
Movie: Independence Day
Year: 1996
Actor: Will Smith

Why: He is an ace pilot who leads a core of fighter-jets against an alien bombardment. He then courageously journeys into space to enter the mother-ship disguised as an alien ship. His daring courage is his defining trait of heroism.

Key Line: "Y'know, this was suppose to be my weekend off, but noooo. You got me out here draggin' your heavy ass through the burning desert with your dreadlocks stickin' out the back of my parachute. You gotta come down here with an attitude, acting all big and bad... and what the hell is that smell? I could have been at a barbecue!"


35. Forrest Gump
Movie: Forrest Gump
Year: 1993
Actor: Tom Hanks

Why: He always puts others before himself. Whether its his love for Jenny, his best friend Bubba, or even Lieutenant Dan, he's always willing to fight and stand up for others. Along with this he saves like six people in the Vietnam war, which is enough in its self...

Key Line: "Yes, Well, I don't know... Sometimes it would stop raining long enough for the stars to come out... and then it was nice. It was like just before the sun goes to bed down on the bayou. There was always a million sparkles on the water... like that mountain lake. It was so clear, Jenny, it looked like there were two skies one on top of the other. And then in the desert, when the sun comes up, I couldn't tell where heaven stopped and the earth began. It's so beautiful."

34. The Bride
Movie: Kill Bill
Year: 2003
Actor: Uma Thurman

Why: After losing her husband, friends, and family she goes on a killing spree against her former-fellow assassins. She is deadly with the samurai sword and makes for the ultimate female killing machine.

Key Line: "Those of you lucky enough to have your lives, take them with you. However, leave the limbs you've lost. They belong to me now."

33. Theo Faron
Movie: Children of Men
Year: 2006
Actor: Clive Owen

Why: He gets thrust into a situation, of protecting a woman from a group of terrorists. When he realizes that she is the first pregnant woman in the past 18 years, he becomes devoted to help her escape from the awful apocalyptic world. He goes as far as giving his own life so as to deliver her away from the chaos.

Key Line: "I can't remember when I last had any hope, and I certainly can't remember when anyone else did either. Because really, since women stopped being able to have babies, what's left to hope for?"


32. Legolas
Movie: Lord of the Rings
Year: 2001
Actor: Orlando Bloom

Why: He is deadly with the bow & arrow, and surely the greatest elf-warrior to ever graze the land of Middle-Earth. His undying devotion and loyalty to protect Frodo and defend the ring from falling into the wrong hands is what makes Legolas a cunning hero.

Key Line: "You would die before your stroke fell."







31. John McClaine
Movie: Die Hard
Year: 1989
Actor: Bruce Willis

Why: He is an officer who gets stuck in the midst of an elaborate robbery. Instead of waiting for the calvary, McClaine takes the matter into his own hands, and single-handily takes Hans Gruber and his henchmen. He stops the robbery from occurring, kills all the bad guys, and saves the hostages... He makes for the ultimate action-hero.

Key Line: "Yippie-ki-yay, motherfucker"

Top 50 Heroes: 50-41

What makes one great? I think it's that lasting impression you get on the character, long after the movie is over... It's those characters you come to admire throughout the movie. Whether they are fighting an awful evil, saving others, fighting for a cause, or putting their life on the line, they are the definition of heroism... It is these qualities, that truly define one hero from another. So after some analyzing and comparing here are my top ten Movie Heroes...


50. Lt. John J Dunbar
Movie: Dances with Wolves
Year: 1990
Actor: Kevin Costner

Why: Abandons his life as a Confederate soldier to join a tribe of Native Americans. He helps them fight their enemies and shows them that not all white people are evil.

Key Line: "Nothing I have been told about these people is correct. They are not thieves or beggars. They are not the bogeymen they are made out to be. On the contrary, they are polite
people and I enjoy their humor."


49. Richard Rick O'Connell
Movie: The Mummy Series
Year: 1999
Actor: Brendan Fraser

Why: He's your typical Indiana-Jones-like hero,.. a soldier turned adventurer... Throughout the series, Rick O'Connell always saves the girl, and kills the evil mummy...

Key Line: "I only gamble with my life, never my money..."







48. Norma Rae
Movie: Norma Rae
Year: 1979
Actor: Sally Fields

Why: She risks her job at a factory, to help unite the workers and establish a union. Her commitment to this cause, is best displayed at the end when she stands on a table in defiance, to rally her fellow workers. She is the ultimate heroine for workers' rights.

Key Line: "Forget it! I'm staying right where I am. It's gonna take you, and the police department, and the National Guard to get me outta here!"




47. Amsterdam Vallon
Movie: Gangs of New York
Year: 2002
Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio

Why: He is able to unite the Irish and stand up against Bill the Butcher, the most powerful and twisted man in New York.

Key Line: "If you get all of us together, we aint got a gang, we've got an army."




46. Sgt. Elias Gordon
Movie: Platoon
Year: 1986
Actor: William Dafoe

Why: He's an easy-going, good hearted leader, that is an inspiration to many in the platoon. He says it like it is, and tries to make the best out of any situation. He's the one man who can stand up to Sgt. Barnes. Even after his death, he becomes a symbol of hope in such a horrid place.

Key Line: "I love this place at night... The stars... there's no right or wrong in them. They're just there."






45. El Mariachi
Movie: Desperado
Year: 1995
Actor: Antonio Banderas

Why: He's a deadly sharp shooter who goes on a vengeful killing rampage against a Drug lord in Mexico. He can also play a mean Spanish guitar.

Key Line: "You know, it's easier to pull the trigger than play guitar. Easier to destroy than to create."




44. Officer Jack Travern
Movie: Speed
Year: 1994
Actor: Keanu Reeves

Why: He risks his own life, to jump onto a bus with a bomb on it, that cannot go under 50 miles an hour. He is the quintessential action-thriller hero, who saves the passengers, defeats the villain, and gets the girl in the end.

Key Line: "Yeah? Well, I'm TALLER!"








43. The Boondock Saints
Movie: The Boondock Saints
Year: 2001
Actors: Sean Patrick Flanery & Norman Reedus

Why: They're a pair of Irish Catholic brothers, who unite to bring down underground crime in Boston. They are deadly vigilantes, riding the streets of evil, taking justice into their hands, all in the name of God.

Key Line: "And sheperds we shall be, for Thee, my Lord, for Thee. Power hath descended forth from Thy hand, that our feet may swiftly carry out Thy command. So we shall flow from a river forth to Thee, and teeming with souls shall it ever be."


42. Rorschach
Movie: Watchmen
Year: 2009
Actor: Jackie Earle Haley

Why: He's a grumpy masked vigilante, who can kick some serious ass regardless of his small size. He is as tough as they come, and puts truth and justice above everything else.

Key Line: "You people don't understand. I'm not locked in here with you, you're locked in here with me!"

41. Benjamin Martin
Movie: The Patriot
Year: 2000
Actor: Mel Gibson

Why: Although he is hesitant at first, he knows he must leave his family to fight against the British. He believes that in doing this, he is protecting his family and fighting for the freedom of America.

Key Line: "Before this war is over, I'm going to kill you!"