MAD [magazine]

MAD  [Magazine]

Publication: E.C. Publications, Inc.
monthly publication
ASIN: B0045VPFE6

Plot Summary:
Founded in 1952 by editor Harvey Kurtzman and publisher William Gaines, this humorous magazine typically has a color picture featuring MAD’s mascot Alfred E. Neuman on the cover. MAD magazine is an illustrated satirical humor magazine that makes fun of public figures, entertainment, capitalism, and modern life.
Critical Evaluation:
This magazine is rife with controversy, but I think that it is done well and appeals to young minds that do feel similarly about trends in society and see fault in the world around them. The magazine leads with the idea for people to think for themselves. I like how real this publication is in the fact that they have been sued, banned, and criticized, but they continue to do what they think is right. The magazine is colorful, contains comic reels, articles, and satirical pictures that speak out to the interested audience.

Reader's Annotation:
A satirical magazine that started as a comic book and evolved into a publication about politics, celebrities, entertainment and culture- and what is wrong with it all.

Websites to Look Into:
http://www.madmagazine.com

Similar Materials:
Spy vs. Spy

Booktalking Ideas:
Showing popular news articles and entertainment outlets and what the magazine shows about them
Even displaying the covers and the artwork would serve well to engage readers

Genre:
Humor

Interest Age:
16+

Challenge Issues:
Vulgarity & Toilet Humor
The magazine definitely has some poor humor and can be vulgar. I feel that the young adults have the right to chose to read it and I have seen this magazine in a number of collections at libraries for young adults. It is humorous and can make fun of our sometimes over saturated entertainment culture.

Why this Magazine?
I have seen this magazine at many libraries and I do think that it is funny. I think that it is a good addition to the other young adult magazines that I have chosen because it is so different.

Clueless [videorecording]

Clueless [videorecording]

MPAA rating: PG-13
Originally released in 1995
Hollywood, CA : Paramount Pictures, c1999
1 videodisc (97 min.) : sd., col. ; 4 3/4 in
ISBN: 9780792158868
Starring:
Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Dan Hedaya, Jeremy Sisto, Wallace Shawn
Credits:
Writer-director, Amy Heckerling; Producers, Scott Rudin, Robert Lawrence; photography, Bill Pope; Editor, Debra Chiate


Plot Summary:
This movie is loosely based on the Jane Austen novel "Emma" and it is about Cher Horowitz, a high school sophomore in Beverly Hills, that is rich, beautiful and popular. Cher, her constant companion Dionne, and her clique go to parties, shop at the mall and hang out at their mansions.Cher starts many projects, whether it is her wardrobe or setting her teachers up. When a transfer student named Tai comes to school Cher takes her under her wing to do a "makeover" and in the process learns more about herself than she would have thought.
While learning to drive, dating all the wrong guys, and watching her friend that she made over rise in popularity Cher realizes that there is more to life than being materialistic. She learns how to appreciate her friends, family, help charities, and make herself happy in the process.

Critical Evaluation:
"Clueless" is sweet, young, and charismatic. The audience wants the protagonist, Cher, to succeed in her life goals, and it is a genuinely fun movie. The language that the characters use is young and hip, and the smart play on a classic storyline helps to engage all ages. This movie does have strong language and carries themes of sexuality and promiscuity. It can addressed to young adults aged 16 and older because it takes place in high school and does discuss more mature subjects while also showing a sensitive side in its main character's maturation throughout the story.

Reader's Annotation:
Young. Rich. Popular. Cher is a clueless teen whose heart is in all the right places when she attempts to transform an awkward new girl in school into an it girl that will fit in with her clique.

Websites to Look Into:
http://www.janeausten.org/

Awards:
American Comedy Award, 1996: Funniest Actress in a Leading Role
Blockbuster Entertainment Award, 1996: Favorite Female Newcomer
MTV Movie Award, 1996: Best Female Performances
NBR Award, 1995: Best Breakthrough Performer
NFSC Award, 1996: Best Screenplay

Similar Movies:
"10 Things I Hate About You"
"Can't Hardly Wait"

Booktalking Ideas:
I could create a bookmark with other teen movie titles
Talk about "Emma" and how it relates to the movie
The TV series that was also made out of the movie
The actors in the movie have gone on to be wildly popular (Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd)

Genre:
Comedy, Romance

Interest Age:
16+

Challenge Issues:
Language and sexuality for teenagers.
I would combat this with the fact that it was based on the novel "Emma" by Jane Austen, a classic novel. It also encourages young adults to look at every one's best qualities and to look inward to improve oneself.

Why this Movie?
This movie is a classic coming of age story that can transcend generations with its witty humor and look into the materialistic views of some young adults. It can make you laugh and it leaves the audience with a good feeling.