If it were to seem you are hearing more about biopics being made about your favorite rock acts, you are not alone. There is a reason for this and it is simply because fans of the classic rock genre are getting older and frankly, no one is making any more of that music. There is a solid nostalgic factor at work.
There is an issue when it comes to these things. As Ric will tell you about in this episode, the problem with these films is it gives you the chance to "meet your heroes", if you will. Although this does sort of fly into the face of the notion that you should never meet your heroes, there is an outside chance you might discover that band or musician you had admired all those years was really a giant asshole.
To prevent this, writers will "Hollywood Up" these stories to show you something quite a bit different. The end result, you aren't getting the whole picture, among other things.
It's episode 300 and Ric is talking about a reboot. Seem sort of silly to reboot a podcast and that is exactly what it is like in the boardrooms across Hollywood. Why are there so many reboots and remakes? Is it a retelling? An updating? Is Hollywood actually out of ideas?
The answers to these are all in this monumental episode. Also, Ric talks about podcast production and he'll share with you his unpopular thought of the week. By the way, there won't any rebooting of this show. As Ric says, "It sucks enough as it is, why would I want it to suck even more?"
I am about to make a REALLY unpopular remark. Disagree all you want. Personally, I think the J.J. Abrams makes shitty films.
Oh I know, there are those of you who will come to his defense. That's fine. It's strictly my opinion. I'm sure there are some films he's made that are fine. I can't recall which ones, mind you. But, I'm sure he has some redeeming qualities.
So you ask, what does make a good movie? Good story and interesting characters. That's it.
Keep in mind that I am not saying these things to sway you one way or another. My only goal here is to present a different point of view.
One of the coolest things about doing what I do is the fact I get to meet some interesting people. We have conversations and sometimes they get recorded. This is one of those cases. You may know Big Llou from his work in film and radio. You can learn more about him HERE.
This conversation was a real blast. We talked about the movies, the radio business and the music industry.
Plus, in this episode, you'll hear some of his music including the debut of his brand new music.
I'm talking movie theaters here. One of the problems theaters are facing these days are the mobile phone users. God help us all. There is nothing more irritating to me as a paying customer than going to a movie theater to see a film I have been psyched up for only to have the whole experience negated by the inconsiderate individual sitting a few rows in front of me sending out text messages during the movie.
Part of me wants to reach down and slap the back of their head and snatch the phone. But I remember the story about the guy who said something to someone who was using their phone during a movie. The phone user ultimately stabbed the complainer in the neck with a meat thermometer. People certainly get touchy about these things and reacting with that sort of violence can be a turn off. Sadly, to the benefit of the individual being the distraction.
So, it was with great joy I came across this bit of fun. A movie theater in Austin, Texas called the Alamo Drafthouse has a policy, "we see you using your phone, we throw you out." I rather like that rule. And they enforce it.
But, before you get all pissed off with me for liking this sort of activity, keep in mind there was a time when one could go to the theater without these distractions. "But, my babysitter might be calling." Or, "My house might be on fire and someone may be trying to call me." Or, "I'm a doctor and I am on call." We have heard them all. Look, parents went childless on dates before there were mobile phones. Seriously, what are the odds that your house will catch fire while you are at the theater? Besides, what are you going to be able to do about anyway? And if you are on call, don't you think you should keep that in consideration before going to the theater in the first place?
Back to The Alamo Drafthouse. A patron gets caught using her phone and she get's thrown out. She takes that very same phone and leaves a nasty message to the theater. The theater, sensing a fine opportunity, takes the message and creates a public service message they run before the movie. Bad language and all. I absolutely love this.
Now, THAT is a great example of getting your message across. Don't you just love it when people do wrong and think THEY are the victim?
There is something in that PSA that reaches down deep into my soul for some serious satisfaction. Since we can't legally shoot the stupid (in most cases), there is a real bit of justice to this and I hope you all enjoyed that as much as I did.
Discuss amongst yourselves, I'm headed back to the movie.
