Pop-culture and Kids: a brief reflection

My son was born on the 2nd of January. So, in honor of this momentous occasion, I have decided to write a little about what I think children and pop-culture have to do with each other. Also, as a side-effect of this momentous occasion, I have not been working on an article this past week. So, please cut me some slack if this seems a little hasty or unpolished. 

I, for one, think I have a reasonable and charming excuse; his name is Jack.

Many many things that are undeniably part of pop-culture are directed towards children. These things are also undeniably made by adults. This fact: that things made for children are made by adults, has often impressed me and made me wonder as I walk down the toy aisle at Wal-Mart of somewhere similar. 

Though it's a mixed bag, I've enjoyed me some Adventure Time.
But showing it to my young son and daughter? This suggestion gives serious
pause.

The Gamers

The Gamers is a giant inside joke told for the amusement of anyone who's ever played a pen and paper RPG like Dungeons and Dragons. I laughed. Many times. It could also be appreciated by anyone who's ever watched or listened to people play Dungeons and Dragons, because the things the movie makes fun of are pretty clearly funny whatever kind of familiarity you have with the game.

So, what's so funny?

Cheesiness

[I also released an update today. You can find it here.]

An intentionally cheesy movie.

Considering the sheer, massive number of films that have been made, and the resultant difficulty in being noticed and appreciated for your hard work, my father is exactly the kind of audience an aspiring, small scale filmmaker wants because he will bravely wade step by step through the mire, looking for the gems.