(Television export) Learn About Criminal Stars
No commentsBy Rex Haney
Thievery is alive and well in Hollywood. The glamorization of crime invariably tickles the curiosity of the public. Criminals have been portrayed as exciting, daring and cunning tantamount to hero status. They are the risk takers who should not be completely judged upon their criminal expression but rather looked at as individuals with some merit. They are cast sympathetically as their relationships are examined and ultimately lend credence to the justification, in their minds, of the criminal choices they have made. But worst of all, they are often shown as being ‘cool’, even as they hurdle towards the death of their freedom.
Take, for example, the jewelry or art thief. Movies like the Italian Job, the Score and Ocean’s Eleven display criminals as generally model citizens, other than when they are committing crimes. There may be such criminals but are they so suave in their real lives? Are they seemingly morally upright in their relationships with others? Are they really just good guys who happen to commit crimes? In real life the majority of criminals are not suave, cool or sympathetic figures. They are cutthroat, ruthless and to a degree, sociopathic. Mob figures are the best example of the paradox between the glamorization of criminal life and reality of criminal behavior.
All agree that the Soprano’s, a show about mob life in New Jersey, is a great show. The production value is high, the actors are skilled and the plot lines are well conceived. People get whacked, money gets laundered and criminals get promoted for good work. Yet, in order for the audience to tune in every week they must connect with the characters. Hence, the boss of the family, Tony Soprano is shown as a father, a husband and as attempting to improve his relationships with the outside world by visiting a therapist. This is a ploy to create sympathy for a ruthless murdering crime boss. And it works, as the Sopranos is a hit. What then are the real criminals doing?
True mob figures don’t give a damn about the outside world. Their loyalty lies with their crime families. They lie, cheat and murder for riches and would stomp on the average person, literally, to further their gains. A true jewelry thief is usually a two bit criminal who robs the local family owned jewelry store, as can be verified by FBI criminal statistics. Real criminal life is fraught with betrayal, pain and stints in prison. Most criminals are caught at some point with over 13 million arrests made in the US in 2005 alone, according to the FBI.
The business side of Hollywood is reactionary in nature. The glamorization of criminal life is partly in response to a demand by the public. Interest in stylized underworld figures comes from a public perhaps bored with their average daily existence. The idea that there are people who survive in a world where they ignore the law, fascinates us. But when the glamour is shaken off, and the dust clears, there is only an empty fancy suit left, where a thief once stood.
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The Hot Rod - Stuntman Forever
By Donovan Walsh
If there’s one thing we can rely on every summer, it’s the release of some fun movies. A great example is the zany offering Hot Rod. This film builds on the premise that Rod Kimble’s step-father (Frank) is a bully and Rod needs to take him down a notch or two. The problem we soon see is that Daddy Dearest has major health problems. Rod plans to raise money to save Frank by performing a never-before-completed stunt jump.
In the meantime we learn that Frank has a biological son named Kevin Powell, who turns out to be a supportive step-brother for Rod. To learn more about how Rod trains for his mission and to donate money for Frank, be sure to visit Kevin’s site.
This Paramount Pictures, Michaels/Goldwyn Production Hot Rod will come to theaters on August 3, 2007. Many familiar names compose the cast as well as some on their way to sure stardom. They include Andy Samberg of Saturday Night Live (SNL) fame; Isla Fisher noted for her role as the sex-crazed sister in the equally zany “Wedding Crashers”; Ian Mc Shane television and film star (Deadwood (for which he won a Golden Globe, Lovejoy, and “Sexy Beast” among a multitude of others; and Sissy Spacek, another award winner who’s career spans over 35 years. You may remember her from “Carrie” or “Coal Miner’s Daughter”. Pam Brady (”South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut) wrote the hilarious script, and Akiva Shaffer directed. He currently writes for SNL as well directs their Digital Shorts and music videos. This film is not yet rated.
You’ll find short videos, photos, and more information on “Hot Rod” as well as “Stuntman Forever” on My Space as well as their individual websites.
Movie Plot
Rod Kimble fancies himself a talented stuntman and spends hours perfecting his art. In the meantime Frank, his step-dad can’t seem to harass him enough. During their sparring sessions Frank throws Rod around, humiliating him at every turn. When Frank becomes so ill he needs major surgery, it’s a mixed blessing for Rod. He gets the chance to showcase his biggest stunt ever and if he pulls it off he’ll not only become famous, he’ll also be able to pound the daylights out of Frank. If he fails he faces the ultimate debasement because if Frank lives he’ll have the last laugh and Rod’s audience will quickly disappear.
Rod idolizes the now aging and retired Evel Knievel, who ultimately jumped over 13 double-decker and 14 Greyhound buses while perched on his motorcycle. Rod sets a goal of soaring over a total of 15 buses. With the money raised from ticket sales he’ll become famous and be able to pay for Frank’s operation.
Andy Samberg
Whether or not you’ve seen Andy on SNL, you’ll fall in love with this loveable goofball. His and Chris Parnell’s hysterically funny short video “Lazy Sunday: Chronicles of Narnia”, released in December 2005, broke viewing records for My Space and NBC. He and all the talent in and behind the scenes of “Hot Rod” and “Stuntman Forever” provide some rollicking good fun that you’ll want to see over and over.
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Monday, December 28th, 2009 at 9:36 pm and is filed under television. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
