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The Boondocks (2005)
"All in the Family" with a twist
I loved "All in the Family" with Archie Bunker as the good hearted but insensitive lout trying to understand the confusing times of his day. Boondocks" has that same feel to it but with a lot of new original funny ideas about people in modern times trying to understand each other or NOT trying.
First and foremost it is just flat out funny and insightful on many levels. It takes comedic potshots at the icons and news stories of the day. It messes with your head as it takes you out of your comfort zone.
Paraphrasing one of the insightful moments in the show, it makes you wonder just how much of the real truth is just an illusion created for you by others, an illusion created in your own head by your misjudgments, a wild conspiracy theory or even just the simple truth.
As Huey says (from my memory), "Its as if someone has a plan to make me crazy and I think it's working." Second, it lampoons the younger generation which has always frustrated their elders since the beginning of history. It sometimes draws the older generation as broad caricatures of an embarrassing past and misguided thinking.
But in the end, it shows how smart and endearing both can be when they truly try to understand each other and the illogical world around them.
Third, it is cleaver and witty. It unobtrusively blends an homage here and there to great iconic movie scenes that are burned into our brains. It is so funny how instantly recognizable the scenes are even when used in a completely different setting.
Some are obvious but still so funny and unexpected. Others are very subtle. Things in the background are like Easter eggs. Many are parallel the main story so you miss nothing if you do not notice the first time. You feel rewarded with a bonus when you do get it, though. Kudos to the creator.
Fourth, there is at least one and usually several teachable lessons or thought provoking questions about ourselves and our neighbors in every episode. The snappy pace keeps even the preachy moments from being too awkward.
Finally, like the characters in "All in the Family" and its offshoots, there are a lot of points of views being expressed by a lot of uniquely likable characters. The sarcasm is biting at times but viciously funny even when the truth hurts.
By making fun of some of the nastiest parts of our culture and "their culture," whoever "they" is for you, we all are bound to soften up a little and try a bit harder to understand life better than we thought we did already.
If you do not know what "All in the Family" was to television history, look it up and read about it. It's beginnings make fascinating reading.
It was not well understood or even liked by many people in the beginning. As more and more fans convinced others to give it a chance it grew in popularity. We began to understand that it was saying much more about society than simply taking cheap shots at cherished beliefs and taboos.
It became one of the most successful and entertaining comedies on television. It is hard now to remember it was not so universally hailed when it first appeared. It had to grow on the public.
I think "Boondocks" is like that, too.
"Boondocks" becomes much more entertaining and lovable as you get to know the characters. As we learn what they think within the context of their lives we develop more empathy for them. We learn to laugh at some things we should not be taking so seriously.
I hope everyone gives it a chance.
It will make you laugh regardless of what you believe. If we occasionally think and grow, that's OK too.
Signs (2002)
Disappointing
Over-hyped and over-analyzed, this movie relies on the viewers' imagination, fears and perceptions of deep hidden meaning. Like a campfire story, some may be thrilled while others will feel cheated. I saw it expecting to be disappointed and I was.
Boiling Point (1993)
A Better Movie Than I Thought It Would Be
I just saw this movie for the second or third time in a few years. It was better than I had previously pegged it in my memory. I give it a 6. It is a worthwhile action thriller. It is made more interesting as the characters are juxtaposed in parallel development. We see them like ships passing in the night, unaware of how they are not so different except in the choices they make at crucial moments.