Welcome to the second annual look back at some of the things I’m thankful for during the year that was. The timeframe for consideration is from Thanksgiving 2002 to Thanksgiving 2003. Sit back, relax, and enjoy sharing the 2003 edition of Things and People I’m Thankful For.
I have to lead this column every year with a very personal thought. I am extremely thankful with all the blessings that God has put in my life. (Ok, so now everyone thinks I’m like one of those athletes that first thank God….but it is true.) He has given me a loving wife, a very supportive family, and the ability to do something that I love. I have some great friends that encourage me around every turn as well…so many people could be mentioned here…but you all know who you are. You guys have always been there for me, and for that I say, THANK YOU.
On to some other things now…
Thanks for the theaters that have ushers that actually do something about people who are unruly. Nothing can ruin a good movie more than an individual that doesn’t let you see the film in peace.
Thanks to whomever discovered Keira Knightley. She burst on the screen this year with Bend It Like Beckham. Since then we have seen her in The Pirates of the Carribean and Love Actually and she has 4 other films at different states of production. She has a grace and look of a classic
Thanks to those people who understand a different kind of etiquette is required when you see a film in a theater. Talking should be kept to a whisper, if at all (that is a WHISPER if you must).
Thanks to Barb for including me in the DISH Flicks “Review Crew”. If you are a DISH Network subscriber, subscribe to DISH Flicks monthly magazine to see yours truly and a group of 4 others talk about a different movie each month.
Thanks to the men and women that serve the United States and their brave families that stand behind them. I wouldn’t have the ability to make any statement and speak my mind. Celebrities can speak their mind as well because brave men and women protect the freedoms that this country holds dear. THANKS to all the men and women of the military.
Most local screenings are promotional in nature (they allow members of the public to view the film the same time the press does.) Locally, there are a number of folks to thank that make sure there is a seat for my lovely wife and me and make us feel very welcome. I know I’ll leave some individuals out here and for that I apologize…but here goes…thanks to Rick, Nick, Patrick, Greg, Chris, Kevin, Brandon, Jess, Thor, Terry, Teresa, John and others. As I said last year, your efforts do make a difference to my enjoyment level at screenings.
Special thanks go out to local, smaller theaters that are willing to take a chance on some different programming. This past December – January, my local Landmark theater brought in a new print of Singin’ In The Rain (One of my favorite films of all time) and I was in heaven. The neat thing about the screening was there were people from 7-70 present and ALL seemed to have a good time. I don’t think the smile left my face for even 15 seconds at any time during the movie.
While I’m on the topic of my local Landmark theater, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank John from that theater. John ensures that local critics get a chance to see all of the niche films he can get his hands on…without him I wouldn’t have been able to see gems like Whale Rider and Shattered Glass from this past year.
Another group that is in no particular order, thanks to Dawn, Nancy, Kaj, Katie, Chad, Chris, Morgan, Lara, Jeff and everyone else involved with the regional marketing agencies that are arms of the studios. Without you guys this job would be REALLY tough.
Thanks to Jeff Daniels for allowing a small group of us to sit down and talk to him during a promotional tour through the Midwest for his limited release, Super Sucker. A more personable individual you will never find…and an experience I won’t soon forget as he was the fist person I was able to sit down to do a face-to-face interview with. I wish more individuals would take his lead and do limited releases that include those of us in “Flyover” country instead of just those in New York and LA.
Thanks to the good folks at Pixar. Finding Nemo was one of the most fun films of the summer. Sure, the general plot line is getting a bit old, but that was one of the few times in the 1st half of the year that I had a fabulous time at the movies.
Smaller films were also the delight of the first part of 2003. Whale Rider and Bend It Like Beckham were just fabulous experiences that allowed me to sit and soak in the entire atmosphere of two truly great films.
To all the individuals who have set up links to the website, I am deeply indebted. You’ve helped me gain exposure to a number of individuals who may never have found the site. Thank you.
To Wende at Weekends Around The Northwest, thanks for the ride, it’s been a fabulous 4 ½ years. Oh, Steve, I haven’t forgotten you…you make me sound good every week – and that can be a very tough job, THANKS.
Thanks to Mark from WTMJ radio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I truly value your friendship more than anything. Thanks for inviting me in to your show on a couple of occasions this year…I had a blast and hope we can do it again.
Plus…thanks to all of the other local critics that have made my days and nights in the theaters fun…Matt, Sue, Mark, Robert, Dave, Duane, Jackie, Mack, Jeff and everyone else…Thanks guys.
Thanks to those of you who take some time to read the site, listen to the radio, and read the various areas that my work appears in. I hope to put a smile on your face from time to time, and give you an interesting read. I hope to do this as long as you will let me and you enjoy it. My writing style is not always a very orthodox or normal one…but I hope you find it enjoyable.
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 2004!!!!!!!
Paul
© 2003 Paul Hall, All Rights Reserved
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