Hollywood??

[jfitz]

Shai LeBeuf...or however it's spelled...is the latest actor to become the "Hollywood Star" that is essentially a parody of anyone in Lala Land. Think about it; he's the new "it" guy. Therefore, any movie he's in instantly loses credibility. The film simply becomes the latest vehicle to further his stardom. The script can suck, the performance can be sub-par, the special effects can be over-the-top, and it's ok. It's just to make money anyway. It's nausiating, is what it is. And a shame. I'm sure the guy has some shred of talent but, really there's no need. Money. That's all. "Wall Street 2"? C'mon Hollywood! You can do better than that! Maybe 10 years ago or so "that guy" was Josh Hartnett. I wonder who will evolve into the next one....

[Hobbegger]

I don't think he's that bad. I know he kind of plays the same character, but that's what I like. (when I like the character.) Yeah, he is making sick money, but isn't that his job!? Wall Street 2, I believe, was more for Michael Douglas than for Shia LaBeouf. I love your passion!

[jfitz]

I think Hollywood depends on people having too much of an emotional investment in particular characters. Basically people are sheep; easily led. Just telling it like it is, bra. I wish they (producers mostly) would experiment more. Viewers don't need everything spelled out. Viewers don't need endings neatly packaged. Let me qualify that by saying "Mullholland Drive" was waaay too far out there. What the fuck was that?! Producers don't take risks because they only care about the Benjamins. I get it, but come on. A little faith in the artistic talents of writers and directors, and a little faith in what viewers are willing to spend time on could go a long way. I just thought of another "caricature character;" Ben Affleck. BAM! I went there! He is so overrated! However, I think I'll learn to appreciate his talent as a director. Not actor, director. I haven't seen "Gone Baby Gone" yet but it's in my Netflix (plug) queue. I would have seen it by now but my lovely wife keeps changing the queue. Really Sweetheart, "Letters To Juliet?" I look forward to seeing his latest film. That's right, film. It sounds less sheep-like than movie. I'm tired of the dumbing-down of America! Hey just spitballing here, but I sense a new podcast topic. Or is that too...uh...less dumbing-down for ya? Oooo, a challenge!

[jfitz]

One more thing; I like books, movies, TV shows. Basically I just like a good story. Ya don't have to jack it all up with special effects and superstars! Quality control, people!

[Nathan Soares]

Well I can tell who's wife doesn't read this forum. Gone baby gone was fantastic. It's not the dumbing down of America that worries me. It's the fact that most people are letting it happen. I want Jfitz to lead the way to a better America. I won't follow him, but THAT would be a GOOD "story"!!!!!

[jfitz]

Yes! Thank you! Finally some validation! Onward my Chosen Followers! Is that too cultish? So you agree then that people are sheep, if they are "letting it happen?" Ya know what ruined LeBeauf for me? Right after he got famous, he wrecked his car. So cliche. I'm sure his dirtbag agent suggested that doing some such thing couldn't be all bad. Look at Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, et el. Stupidly famous, famously stupid.

[jfitz]

Just spitballing here but, why and how does Elliot Spitzer get his own show on CNN? He goes from political hero, cleaning up Wall Street, governing the state of New york, to social pariah after he gets caught in a prostitution ring. The asshole has no credibility anymore! He's a liar and a cheat! And let's be honest; ugly. I mean really, TV? And how does he get a sah-mokin' hot chick like that anyway...can't figure that one...must be money. But seriously, why does his opinion matter? He's a total DB. Why has his behavior become acceptable? Who decided this? I'm thinking not his ex-wife. And what's with all the opinion-type news shows? Can't someone just give me the GD news?! Poor Campbell Brown. She's credible, reliable, attractive, intelligent, and just reported the news. End result; cancel her show. No one's watching. Shame, shame.

[jfitz]

That show "Survivor" is still on? Why? I just saw a commercial for the latest episode, and a thought occured to me...I'm just spitballing here but, I think the producers of the show should send the idiots to a COLD, remote place. Seriously, why always somewhere warm? Cold weather can be challenging right? How about a "forest" as opposed to a "jungle?" I dont' watch the show, so I don't have a vested interest...I'm just spitballing.

[jfitz]

I feel the need to capitolize on this opportunity to get on the proverbial soapbox. Here's why. I suffer from an acute case of Middle Child Syndrome. Yes, I have MCS. Don't you dare laugh. It's a genuine affliction. One of the symptoms of MCS is the burning desire to yap...incessently. As a middle child (q the solemn muzac) I was often overshadowed by my brothers. I didn't get a chance to be heard, or respected as an individual. It was always what my brothers wanted, did, said. My older bro was...well, older, so better or the first to do something. My younger bro was the baby, so naturally cuter, and the last to do something. For some reason this made it more special? Whatever. In my unprofessional opinion, I think MCS is a type of bi-poplar disorder. Think about it; I desperatly need to be heard, but am apprehensive about being the focus of attention. My comfort zone is in the background. That's all I know. It's quite the conundrum. And I'm quite the enigma. So in summation, this e-lec-tron-ic "forum" is ideal for those of us in society whose suffer this...this...MCS. Thank you Spitballers of America. Or, maybe my problem is that I can't get a word in edgewise at home. What with a wife and 5 year old daughter. Maybe I'm thinking of something else...just spitballing.

[jfitz]

Now that I've outed myself about my "condition" (MCS) I feel I should expand on this a bit. Objective..ness; As a Middle Child, I've been conditioned to not have an opinion. Because even if I did, it wouldn't matter anyway. So, I am blessed (read; cursed) with the unique ability to see three sides to every argument. I'm the ultimate arbitrator. This can come in handy when someone asks for my advice. I'm able to play the devil's advocate. But if someone wants to be TOLD what to do...wrong guy. My "condition" has rendered me completely indecisive. If I have a fault...it is this. Just ask my wife. I'm no help at home with decision-making. Ironically, I am in a leadership role at work. Somehow, I pull it off. My co-workers and subordinates think I'm confident (read; cocky) I give the impression of being in complete control of a situation, everything is going according to my plan. But just under the surface, I'm about to raise the proverbial white flag of surrender. Ssshhh. That's a secret. Truth is, there are hair-line fractures in the veneer. I spitballed yesterday about MCS being a type of bi-polar disorder. This is yet another example. I can't make decisions, yet must at work. Go figure. Or, and I'm just spitballing here, this is an elaborate defense mechanism of my brain to fool myself into thinking that I "can't" make decisions at home, when the all-too-harsh reality is that I'm not "allowed" to...hhmm..there's a thought...that just rocked my world...wow, I see things with such clearity now...oh, that's not cool.

[jones]

I think your post about Hollywood is so much interesting to everyone also me too because of I am so much interested about various types of enjoyable movies. I think Hollywood is the biggest film industry of the world. So, I want to know more about Hollywood.