Role Models - A Review

Role Models

I am a huge fan of both Sean William Scott and Paul Rudd, so I sought-out Role Models without knowing it was a movie about roleplaying (LARPing, actually). Being a huge fan of RPG, I was basically destined to enjoy the shit out of Role Models... and then they went and dropped KISS all over it. Yes, Role Models was literally made for me. If you think about it, that's a pretty recession-proof model - after all, they knew there was a built-in audience; if nothing else, they were certain to sell one ticket... and I'd need a ride - and so the math begins.

An uneven film, a lot of Role Models' charm comes from the fact that it doesn't even try to find its rhythm. It remains true to the improvisation of RPG, bouncing from one theme to another. However, it succeeds as a whole because it actually hits its mark almost every time; while haphazard, each element completes the thought behind it. When Role Models veers into snappy banter, the dialogue is jaunty and crisp; when it wobbles into the urbane, it goes deep blue; and when it strikes an emotional chord, it's unflinchingly genuine.

Uneven pacing, too many stories, dramatic moments in the midst of slapstick comedy - all easily handled by a rote formula. Overall, it leans on nostalgia to drive it and there just isn't enough, even for a superfan like myself, to keep it going, but it makes a valiant effort. A good watch to which you are unlikely to return.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Lockdown, Pt. 1

I am still hamstrung by Internet-related issues, such as Blogger trying to force me to allow i18n-cloud. appspot. com in this browser window to post images or video.  I have no idea what that is, nor have I seen it before, nor do I want to use it (whatever it is).  Google [dba, Blogger] also wants me to sign-in to a slew of Google services I do not use and do not want, including Google Play, Google APIs, et. al.

I believe there is a workaround but, yet again, I am unable to access The Weirding at all, which complicates matters.  I'm certain these issues are related but have no idea as to how, nor have I figured out how to block/remove/restrict them yet.  I planned to take the computer in for repair back when I last posted, then the COVID-19 outbreak occurred.

I actually was very sick for several weeks, with an extremely dry and forceful cough, high temperatures, and so on, but it appears to be tied to the weather and is most likely a sinus infection or simple cold/flu.  OTC medicines and a shitload of vitamin C got rid of the cough (mostly, it's productive when it occurs now and I'm not having long, hard, barking fits like I was) and fever, and my ears are draining, which is not indicative of the virus.

That said, I definitely could have contracted it but, either way, I sequestered myself indoors a week or so back -- a few days before this became a media sensation and political football (to borrow a buzzword) in the US.  I'm not sure people are taking it as seriously as they should, though traffic has thinned significantly, according to people with whom I've spoken.  I have not left my house in almost three weeks now, except to check the mail.

I have taken measures to avoid all Russian, Iranian, Chinese, and North Korean operatives, which is remarkably easy, in case you wondered.  I heard that Nashville is on lockdown and that there is a petition requesting Governor Bill Lee expand that statewide, which he has not done.  In fact, no Southern GOP Governor has issued a statewide lockdown as of this writing.  Governor Abbott volunteered Texas' septuagenarians for death, to which I say, "Okay, Boomers!"

Fuck 'em; they're Texans and we need the beds.  I suggest turning Six Flags Over Jaysus into a temporary shelter-in-place old folks' home / morgue -- at least until Easter, when all of this will magically be over!

There is a COVID-19 crisis unfolding in Tennessee and around it -- Louisiana is quickly overtaking New York as the epicenter of the US outbreak as I write this -- but it is unlikely to turn into the nightmare we're watching across the rest of the world for another week or two.  I plan on staying at home the entire time, mostly inside.

I'm going to post when I can and work on these computing issues, as well as catch-up on my subscriptions.  I read the last four issues of the original Daredevil (2019) run and I have the newest incarnation lined-up and ready to go, along with DKIII and Golden Child.  I also received the latest Weird Tales a while back and hope to get into that, too.  I'll at least post some music for the foreseeable future.

I suggest Pluto, Xumo, and Al-Jazeera for COVID-19 coverage, as well as Merlin, Young Dracula, and the original Being Human.  It looks like Pluto is finally running some different MST3K episodes, so I hope they get some new RiffTrax, too.  The NHK (Japan) channel is a really unexpected blast, as well!

Stay inside; limit your IRL, personal interactions; do your very best to avoid beaches, public transportation, hiking trails, and fatal viral infections; and wash your hands often.  "We're all in this together," but all of you need to be in this together over there --- - ---- - --- ->

© The Weirding, 2020

Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter #1

Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter #1

Just in time for the Halloween season!

© The Weirding, 2019

Check It Out with Dr. Steve Brule - Music Store

Check It Out with Dr. Steve Brule has been censored by YouTube for brass abuse and taunting band nerds.

© The Weirding, 2019

Bloom County Artist's Edition

Artist's Ed.

© The Weirding, 2019

Bubba Ho-Tep and the Cosmic Blood-Suckers

Bubba Ho-Tep and the Cosmic Blood-Suckers

© The Weirding, 2019

Red Fang - Prehistoric Dog

Red Fang - Prehistoric Dog

Red Fang - Prehistoric Dog may have been censored from YouTube for Inciting Satanic Panic.

INTERESTING SIDENOTE: I discovered this from Drew Curtis' Fark.  Curtis ran for political office as an Independent in his home state of Kentucky back in 2016.  Weeks, maybe even days, after announcing his candidacy, Google banned Fark from its search engine without warning... nor merit, as Fark had not breached any TOS.

Isn't that... both weird and coincidental?

© The Weirding, 2018

Dead Rabbit

Dead Rabbit

© The Weirding, 2018

Memoirs of a Very Stable Genius - Shannon Wheeler

Memoirs of a Very Stable Genius - Shannon Wheeler

© The Weirding, 2018

Hollywood Democrats' Sustained Mob Attack on the Mentally Ill

No apologies, rapists.

© The Weirding, 2018

You Boys Like Mexico?

The Unband - Geez Louise

From the Super Troopers soundtrack.  Super Troopers 2 opens tomorrow!

© The Weirding, 2018

Flight of the Conchords - Sugalumps #MeToo

Flight of the Conchords - Sugalumps #MeToo

Should this video not appear, YouTube has censored it.  Flight of the Conchords - Sugalumps can be found on Amazon Prime Music.

© The Weirding, 2018

Bitch Planet: Triple Feature, Vol. 1

Bitch Planet: Triple Feature, Vol. 1

© The Weirding, 2017

Sunstone HC

Sunstone HC

© The Weirding, 2017

10 BEST ADVICE FOR HOLLYWOOD SCREENWRITERS

Many people looking to break into Hollywood seek advice, and most advicers out there are very serious. By coupling my limited experience with my extensive knowledge of stereotypes and sweeping generalities, I have written 10 VERY GREATEST ADVICES FOR HOLLYWOOD SCREENWRITERS* that you can take to heart. I included expressive emoji for actor "hyphenates" so they can follow along.
* This advice might not help you get a job or sell a script.

1. CASTING
Ask yourself two questions:

"Do I want to do The Sex with this actor?" and, "Do I have ANY CHANCE of doing The Sex with this actor?"

If the answer to either is "No," that actor is not right for the part because they are not serious about their craft. 💆

2. DRUGS 
You hear a lot of tragic stories about hopeful, young creatives moving to Hollywood to pursue their dreams only to become hooked on The Dope. They lose their way, their money, and their careers. The key to avoiding this is buying a lot of drugs at once so you get a discount price, then sell them to the aforementioned people. 😎

3. SUCCESSFUL PITCHES
Bring a gun to your meeting. Lay it on the desk, conference table, or your lap BEFORE pitching. 🙌

4. NETWORKING
Find a way to draw attention to yourself. If you do not live in LA, consider repeatedly disrobing in, or near, high-traffic areas. If you are already in LA, you will need to find another way to set yourself apart from the crowd. See #2. 👯

5. FALLING IN WITH THE WRONG CROWD
Also known as musicians and actors. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED +++++ 🎸

6. MAINTAIN A PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE
The truth is that everyone talks shit, especially in showbusiness. The key to a successful career is learning how to do so PROFESSIONALLY:

If you only talk trash about others' work, you can call it "CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM" and hook a job as a D-person; if your trash-talk is political in nature, you are a shoo-in for cable "news" networks, talk radio, and awards shows; if your shit-talking is petty, facile, humorless, and personally-motivated, you can submit it to SNL for immediate Consideration. 💩

7. OWN A CAR
Nobody walks in LA, yet no one owns a car. Request ridiculous amounts of "gas money" from "friends" you drive to auditions and meetings. Use that money to buy drugs you can then sell to said "friends" following their rejection. Be sure to leave these people at their destinations so they are forced to call and ask you to pick them up - that way you can charge them for gas money TWICE. Also, you have a place to sleep. 🚙

8. ALWAYS CARRY AN UMBRELLA
The weather never changes in Southern California, but you should always be prepared! People will think of you as, "That asshole with the umbrella" - until it rains!

Then you will become known as, "That asshole RENTING the umbrella." 💦

9. KNOW YOUR DEADLINES
You will need time to rehearse your excuses when you miss them. ⏰

10. DEALING WITH ACTORS
Don't. 💀

I hope you find these advice helpful. Some may say these are "bad advices" from a "bitter cynic" who is "procrastinating" instead of "working." Those people are not the boss of you - and, if they are, they should be avoided. Should this post disappear or be reported, it is because THEY do not want you to know the keys to Hollywood success. Enjoy being creative and work harder at being happier.

If you need help with that, hit me up - I'm the guy by the car with the umbrella. 👍

© The Weirding, 2017

Nap Time!

© The Weirding, 2016

Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas #4

Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas #4

© The Weirding, 2016

Reviews Difficult People

Difficult People

While not without its flaws, Difficult People is easily the greatest thing Hulu has ever done, and one of the best shows available. In the vein of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia by way of Will and Grace, Difficult People is an anti-rom-com buddy comedy with Tourette's. Julie and Billy continually try to make it as comedians and actors... and writers, and restaurateurs, and bottled water manufacturers, ad infinitum. Unfortunately, their mutual, caustic outlook and toxic personalities stalemate them at every turn.

The dialogue is crisp, smart, and actually laugh-out-loud funny, but the structure leaves a lot to be desired. The episodes seem to have been written for the stage, and the three-act story structure used in most episodes is too apparent. There's no mistaking it for a sit-com, so tying-up every episode in such neat, and usually ironic, little bows is unnecessary. The editing choices are also questionable, forcing weight onto scenes that could easily be carried by the actors or dialogue alone.

In its favor, any episode can be viewed as a stand-alone show -- you learn everything you need to know about the characters, and they suffer no show-altering consequences from their antics -- but it isn't for everyone. Difficult People is intentionally offensive on a "Trigger Warning" level (for college students), and it sometimes leans on this. Some may argue that its vulgarity is used as a gimmick in this time of extreme PC culture, but I disagree. If anything, Difficult People sometimes overlooks the actors' strengths by relying on such fantastic dialogue, but it serves the characters. A strength of the show, its obscenity is no gimmick.

My favorite new TV show of 2015, Difficult People will make you laugh out loud -- but only if you aren't easily-offended.


© The Weirding, 2016

Grizzlyshark #1

Grizzlyshark

© The Weirding, 2016

The B-Rater vs. Snowbeast

The B-Rater vs. Snowbeast

Pour yourself a nice cup of hot chocolate, pull-up a copy of Snowbeast on ye olde YouTubes, then throw your whole computer in a fire because this movie sucks! 

Filmed in the late 1970s on what can only be termed a "filthy hippie commune," numerous unshaven actors amble through their lines before a guy in a monkey outfit breaks a window.

Produced during the height of the Yetisploitation madness, Snowbeast is so awful, it single-handedly drove the Bigfoot population back into hiding.

They say time flies when you're having fun, so extend your holiday vacation by watching The B-Rater vs. Snowbeast.

© The Weirding, 2015