I usually commit to a course of action and stick to it – much like Bush with Iraq.
I already wrote the column for this last issue of the semester. It was a nice thank you column for readers, university faculty and newspaper staff. (Thanks, everybody.)
I should be writing a news story right now, but something’s stuck in my craw. (What’s a craw, anyway? Wait a second … hmm, Webster’s says it’s an animal’s stomach. Weird.)
Anyway, while waiting for “Hot Fuzz” to start, I saw a preview for the new film “Delta Farce” starring Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy – and the scrawny kid from “Road Trip.”
The next time some redneck says anything about war critics dishonoring the troops, they’re going to get a DVD of this shoved in their face.
Wars are not the natural setting for comedies. There’s only one reason “Hogan’s Heroes” did as well as it did: The war had been over for 20 years. (And still my grandmother thought it was too soon.)
To make light of our troops serving in Iraq seems a bit tacky. I know the film’s trio of Sad Sacks don’t actually get to Iraq, instead landing in and attacking a Mexican town, but it just makes me feel disgusted. (Of course, this could have something to do with Larry being in the film. Did anyone see “Health Inspector” and live to tell about it?)
Now I have watched all the Blue Collar tours on Comedy Central. And yes, I laughed. But I have gotten to where I can’t watch any of the guys except Ron White. They seem to repeat themselves and I am not a fan of comedians with a catch phrase that has to be the crux of their routines. I get it already: Rednecks, signs and “Get ‘er Done.” Thank God White used Tater Salad to get famous and dropped it.
I’m sure these are good men with nothing but respect for the troops, but why make this film and why now? Couldn’t we wait until after the war guys? C’mon, you’ll always have careers as long as CMT exists. And what are the chances people will get tired of your acts? I mean, the ones without signs Engvall has given out.
Maybe I simply haven’t seen a good comedy in a while. (BTW: “Hot Fuzz” rocks.) Perhaps it’s just my sense of humor. Either go subtle or over the top; don’t go for the obvious.
And what are good examples of funny? Easily, one thinks of the Marx Bros.’ “Ducksoup” or Mel Brooks’ “Blazin’ Saddles” or a Dane Cook or Sam Kinison concert. If that doesn’t float your boat, how about when Leonardo sinks in “Titanic” or Meg Ryan kisses a log truck in “City of Angels” – sick, man, really sick.
But no more so than making fun of soldiers fighting in a war that looks like it might never end. There’s only one way I feel decent about a film like this: Give all the profits to veterans’ hospitals.
Unfortunately, this may mean the veterans could end up owing more money since the film will likely be a bomb-which our boys see enough of as it is.
That’s it for this semester, folks. Keep your e-mailed comments and Web site postings coming during the summer, although we might not reply until fall. We appreciate your comments, criticisms and questions and look forward to next time. Until then, thanks for the memories, happy trails to you and keep your feet on the ground while reaching for the stars. See you in New Orleans.
P.S.: Check out The Dallas Morning News for Sunday, April 29, Page 12A. There’s a nice story about how the government blew the chance to accept $854 million in aid from allies for Katrina relief. About $500 million was in oil, back when our gas prices were reaching more than $3.50 a gallon.
Thanks, George.
Contact Troy at theeasttexan.com