Randy

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Username:: solitaire
Name:: Randy
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Par For The Course

Entertainment > On Being Out of It

On Being Out of It

Everybody knows I'm "out of it", but I have my reasons.

Everybody knows I don't watch movies, but I have my reasons.
Golf pal, Pastor Ed, says I should watch last week's top grossing movie, "The Help". The New York Times gave it an F rating. I would get angry and hate it, I'm sure.
"The Debt", no. 2 top gross, averaged a C from 5 reviews. Nope.
#3, "Apollo 18" averaged F--AVERAGED!! Huh, uh.
I'm sure I'd love "Shark Night 3D". Again, F average.
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes", #5, averaged C+. I don't think so.
#6, "Columbiana" also averaged F.
#7, "Our Idiot Brother" got 3 C's, one B-, and an F. From what I've seen on the promos, it's an F for sure from me.
"Don't be Afraid of the Dark" received three F's, a C- and a B-. Just the title scares me.
#9, "Spy Kids..." averaged a D.
And finally (thankfully), "The Smurfs", at #10 got an F from USA Today. Like I'd watch it anyway.

Yet, my fellow Americans continue to throw perfectly good money away watching this trash. I am dumbfounded as to why. Popcorn? DVD rentals are just as bad.

Everbody knows I read few "best selling" books. I have my reasons: it's not any better.
Nos. 1, 2, & 3 are by James Patterson and Suzanne Collins. Okay, I've only read Patterson--once in my life (and never ever again!), but I'm familiar with Collins' style. Thumbs down.
Nonfiction's list includes #1 Dick Cheney "memoir", #3 rightest Laura Hillenbrand, "Unbroken...", and former #1, "Go the F--k to Sleep", plus George W Bush's "Decision Points".

And we accuse our schools for "dumbing down". No offense to any of you who read (or watch) any of these, but this is a sad commentary on American society.

My Sunday newspaper also listed "Top of the Charts" (music). Where's my vomit bag? That's for the "artists" I've heard of. One exception: Barbra Streisand has a album at #9!

So go ahead and accuse me of being "out of it" (or for being an elitist"). FOR GOOD REASON!!!!
Care to comment?

posted on Sept 13, 2011 2:39 PM ()

Comments:

So, um, what do you do to relax then? If not watching movies or reading books, etc....

comment by juliansmom on Sept 15, 2011 4:39 PM ()

Oh, I read books--just not the popular best-sellers. Besides, I don't have a lot of "free time". I keep busy with golf, hiking, farming, wood cutting, gardening, piano playing, family, traveling, etc. Movies and TV are definitely a huge waste of time for me.

reply by solitaire on Sept 16, 2011 4:45 AM ()

The Bridges of Madison County is very-touchy feely and is considered a chick flick and I found it cloying, much as I like Clint Eastwood. I like chick flicks, but there's a limit. My favorite movie with him is Absolute Power, a later effort.

comment by tealstar on Sept 15, 2011 8:24 AM ()

Most movies and TV shows now are made for an audience of males from 18-25. Not my sex or age group.

comment by boots586 on Sept 14, 2011 4:34 PM ()

Females that age, too. My kind of movie is "The Bridges of Madison County"! I've actually watched it twice!

reply by solitaire on Sept 15, 2011 5:48 AM ()

I'm not quite as out of it as you are, but I still rarely go to movies - I wait until I can get them free from the library - and I might know a few more of the Top of the Charts artists than you do, but I don't have much interest in them. Unless the song has a fast beat that good for running to!

comment by crazylife on Sept 13, 2011 10:14 PM ()

I produce my own music by singing when I run. Ever hear of Honeysuckle Rose? That was my last song!

reply by solitaire on Sept 15, 2011 5:46 AM ()

Basically agree with you but don't think a lot about it. Current movies aren't much to get excited about. Saw part of Avatar on our new TV. It's same old, same old with gimmicks. I do like certain TV series though -- I like the crime shows and I love "The Good Wife". I loved also "The West Wing". I avoid a lot of the current movies because they are aiming at a teen audience. I loved movies growing up. I do think there was more to love then.

comment by tealstar on Sept 13, 2011 9:04 PM ()

We each have our own opinions and values. I'm sure I stepped on some toes with this post, but what's new?!! I didn't even mention TV. Another post for another time.

reply by solitaire on Sept 15, 2011 5:44 AM ()

You are on the hip side of out of it in my opinion.

comment by kristilyn3 on Sept 13, 2011 6:26 PM ()

Well, thank you Kristy. I've never been "accused" of being hip! I like it!

reply by solitaire on Sept 15, 2011 5:42 AM ()

I make better popcorn that I can find in the movie theaters, and like you, I haven't felt a serious pull to see a movie in a theater in years. I have a library of great films on video, all of which I've seen and love. But I'm most into PBS and the BBC and Ken Burns and books, not necessarily modern. I'm a fan of historical biography, classic novels, and poetry. I'm thinking of digging into Dr. Zhivago after I finish the books I'm reading by Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough.

comment by marta on Sept 13, 2011 5:40 PM ()

I'm interested in reading David McCullough's new book. I'll be looking for it at the library. I'm an eclectic reader, but I draw the line somewhere.

reply by solitaire on Sept 15, 2011 5:40 AM ()

While not lacking in the intelligence department, I can easily amuse or distract myself with books and movies. Maybe because I do not expect everything I read or watch to challenge me intellectually? Some things are simply meant to be enjoyed- the same as coffee or ice cream can be savored even when it is not the best brand or flavor. I take things for what they are rather than what I would like them to be. No, this is not a criticism of you- just an explanation of how/why I am not as easily put off.

comment by dragonflyby on Sept 13, 2011 5:24 PM ()

Well see, I CAN"T "easily amuse and distract" myself from what I see, hear, or read. I guess I'm too much a realist. I certainly hate science fiction and animated movies.

reply by solitaire on Sept 15, 2011 5:38 AM ()

All you have to do is read my movie reviews and AJ 's (lunarhunk) book reviews and you won't waste a minute of your old age!!!

This is Streisand's lowest chart rating and the record get great reviews!!!

"Whatever happened to class? (From "Chicago")

Considering Patterson puts a book out every week (usually with a 'partner') yopu aren't missing much

comment by greatmartin on Sept 13, 2011 4:09 PM ()

I hear you--on all points.

reply by solitaire on Sept 15, 2011 5:35 AM ()

Movies are too expensive and boring, or they are fast fast fast action movies that give me an eye headache.

comment by jondude on Sept 13, 2011 3:48 PM ()

Exactly. I'll add "stupid" to the list. I just didn't want to offend any movie lovers. HA!

reply by solitaire on Sept 15, 2011 5:33 AM ()

I love good movies and my taste in music varies from Pete Segar to the classics with a little bit of country thrown into the mix. I think you
would like movies better if watched BBC and Public Television movies. Check
out Cousin Bette from the library. I am reading Barbara Kingsolver's
Lacuna right now and it is h ard to put down.

comment by elderjane on Sept 13, 2011 2:54 PM ()

Thank you for the recommendations. We all, of course, have different tastes.

reply by solitaire on Sept 15, 2011 5:32 AM ()

Yes! It's definitely for the popcorn!

comment by nittineedles on Sept 13, 2011 2:51 PM ()

It's not as if popcorn is difficult to make at home, you know!

reply by solitaire on Sept 15, 2011 5:30 AM ()

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Par For The Course

On Being Out of It