Ever feel like an alien in your own culture?
Maybe it’s the gratuitous tattoos and piercings.
Or coming frightfully close to a Vice President Palin.
Ever find yourself talking to yourself because your presumed “listener” was iPodding away?
Why is there a market for rap – or anything dealing with Paris Hilton? Why would anyone seemingly need directions when it comes to wearing a baseball cap or boxer shorts? Why are the adjustments of one’s privates considered choreography?
Or what qualifies as a mainstream movie anymore?
First things first. I have no intention of seeing the hit movie “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” directed by Kevin Smith. But I have read the reviews, including those in the local media. I found them illuminating – as well as disturbingly reinforcing. To wit:
Daily: “There has always been a perverse romanticism to Smith’s bodily function jokes, and irreverence in his lovelorn characters…This is a shockingly funny movie…If you’re easily offended by gratuitous profanity, sexuality and scatology, stay away from ‘Zack and Miri Make a Porno.’ Its rambunctious raunch will incite laughter – or a parade of uptight viewers to the exits.” Grade: A
Alternative Weekly: “It’s hard to recall any single film that’s been this pervasively foul…The characters speak in waves of profanity, engaging in frequent and detailed discussions of sex of all kinds (but mostly the anal variety)…Despite all the potty humor, the film is really a rather sweet and conventional romantic comedy…Smith’s writing is just as gloriously juvenile as ever.”
I know I’m “edgy”-challenged – and just don’t get it. And may that never change.
Speaking of gross, the most recent listing of the highest-grossing films at North American theaters shows that “Zack and Miri” is ranked fourth – at $21 million – after two weeks in release.