With Thanksgiving 2002 upon us, I felt it was time to start a new yearly feature for The Common Guy’s Film Reviews. Every year I will focus on “Things/People I’m Thankful For”. From year to year some of the people and things I mention will be the same, but there will always be some very unique things included as well. Some of the items will be very personal and others will be a bit more offbeat. The timeframe for consideration is from Thanksgiving 2001 to Thanksgiving 2002. Sit back, relax, and enjoy sharing the 2002 edition of Things and People I’m Thankful For.
First and foremost I’m thankful for my wife, family, friends, and faith. The four elements of life that get me through virtually every challenge that presents itself to me. When I’m doubtful, I get reassurance. When I’m afraid, I get my hand held. And when I’m a jerk, I get knocked back down to size. God has blessed me in so many ways, THANKS EVERYONE!
Thank you to whomever invented vibrating cell phones. (NOW IF WE COULD ONLY GET PEOPLE TO USE THEM DURING MOVIES).
Jerry Seinfeld, thanks for letting the world get a look into your professional life. The film Comedian, allowed those of us to see that it is not all peaches and cream for someone because of their name. Hard work pays off for those willing to put in their time.
I’m thankful for the groups that have taken a chance on me. Thank You Wende for selecting me over some very talented folks for your radio show. Thanks to Barb for including my reviews side by side in cable publications next to some very talented individuals. I can never repay either of you for the chance you’ve taken on me.
Director Rick Famuyiwa will go down as one of my favorite slice of life directors for many years. A couple years back The Wood found its way onto my year-end top 10, and this year’s Brown Sugar was a film that was a fabulous comedy. Famuyiwa goes largely unnoticed (probably because he deals primarily with African-American casts), and that is a shame.
I appreciate living in the USA. This is a country that lets EVERYONE have his or her own viewpoint and express it. Whether or not you agree with Michael Moore, he is able to put out a film like Bowling for Columbine. Whether or not you like him, Hollywood is allowed to put out another Tom Green movie. And no matter what a Hollywood activist says outside of the screen, they are still allowed to be someone else onscreen.
In no particular order, thanks to Nick, Rick, Greg, Patrick, Chris, Tim, Kevin, and others I’m sure I’m forgetting. You guys have all made my life at local screenings much more pleasant. And yes, your efforts do make a difference to my enjoyment level at screenings.
I appreciate the fact that both Denzel Washington and Halle Berry won Oscars this past year. Not because they were African-American, but because they had TRULY great performances in their respective films and DESERVED to win.
Again, in no particular order, thanks to Dawn, Nancy, Kaj, Chad, Terri, Beth, Andrea, Morgan, Lara, Katie, Amanda and everyone else involved with the regional marketing agencies that are arms of the studios. You guys have supported me at every turn and for that I am eternally grateful.
I appreciate being able to attend the Wisconsin International Film Festival this past year. The staff there was very helpful in getting me accommodated there, despite an early mix up on credentials. I was fortunate to get to see a number of really interesting films there, on of my favorites being, Rocks With Wings. Rocks With Wings was a documentary brought to the fest by director Rick Derby that told the story of an African-American coach for a Navajo Indian women’s basketball team that developed a relationship that was deeper than basketball. This was a fabulous film that I highly recommend.
Van at KISS-FM, Wende at Weekends, Rotten Tomatoes, MRQE, and all others who have set up links to the website. You’ve helped me gain exposure to a number of individuals who may never have found the site. Thank you.
Stadium seating is a godsend. Sure, the old theaters can be nice and absolutely beautiful, but they have seats that just can’t make it comfortably through a 2 ½ hour film.
To Wende at Weekend and Steve who makes me sound good every week, THANKS. The 3 ½ years that we have been working at this have been some of my favorite moments as a critic.
The film The Grey Zone, not yet open everywhere in the US was something that affected me deeply. Extremely moving roles by an extremely diverse cast, thanks.
At the end of last year the movie Iris was released, starring Judi Dench and Kate Winslet. This was one of those films that came out at the EXACT right time in my life to affect me beyond belief. My Grandmother fought with Alzheimer’s for an extended period at the end of her life, and the struggles and care that Jim Broadbent’s character gives Iris in the film was exactly like the struggles and care my parents went through for my Grandma. I cannot say enough about my Grandma, as she was one of the most wonderful women I have ever known. I am thankful that I had her in my life for over 80 years, thankful that my parents did what they did for her, thankful that the film Iris was released when it was, and thankful that my Grandma is in a better place since she passed away this year.
Thank you to the creators of Junior Mints, Popcorn, Icee, Reese’s Pieces, Nachos, and so much more. When running from movie to movie at times during the year, you were all there for me…(sigh).
I want to thank the jury who convicted Winona Ryder. No, I don’t hate Winona Ryder or even dislike her. I do, however, think that too many celebrities (actors, sports stars, etc…) get a pass when it comes to their actions and they should be held to the same standards as the guy out in Idaho or anywhere else.
XXX brought to the screen the true “guy” summer movie this year. It was a great chance to see a mindless action flick that you could disappear in for 2 hours, have fun, and then come back to reality…can’t wait until XXX2.
Most of all, thank you to all of you who have visited the site this year. You keep me vigilant at every turn. Hopefully I can help in your movie planning decisions for a long time to come. If I can do anything for you in the future, don’t hesitate to shoot me a note.
For those I missed in this list, I’m sorry…I’m thankful for you as well. So many individuals have influenced me, and this is my one shot during the year to say thanks…so I thank you for letting me take a couple minutes to give thanks.
Have a great Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and 2003!!!!!!!
Paul
© 2002 Paul Hall, All Rights Reserved
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