PolitiJim’s Personal Meeting and Memory of Dick Clark

We knew this was coming.  Honestly, I was already shocked he made it to last New Year’s Eve.

He had a long fulfilling life.  I give it an 82. Plus a bonus of sweet 16 making it a 98.

Like many I grew up watching AB every Saturday afternoon.  He never laughed at my ridiculous attempts to repeat the steps I saw on ABC unlike Cornelius who I swear had “LMAO” imprinted on his knuckles ala/ JAKE or ELWOOD.

To me he was the “cool” of Fonz before Happy Days existed.

I had a deal with Dick Clark Productions at one time and a pending deal for another.  I only got to spend a few minutes with him and despite rumors of an abrasive ego found him to be the most down to earth, straight forward guy I had met in Hollywood.  (Not that that was a high bar mind you).

He was gracious but straight to the point and had a really unique way of not making me feel like a total moron while he shot holes in the obvious problem areas of the project.  (It was a special event TV series along the lines of the Charlie Brown shows.)

I also remember his producer immediately following up on every little nuance of the areas we discussed and being grateful to “see how it’s done.”  It had become second nature to them but they were straight forward and I never felt like they would try to steal the concept although they could have in a heartbeat.

Dick Clark was an amazing businessman.  Few understand the hustle to find anything he could get on the air.  Few realize that he OWNED most of the shows he was on including Pyramid, TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes and of course, Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve.

He learned that by owning the show, you could control the content, make more money and never again have to answer to the “suits” who didn’t even know the audience you were entertaining.

The thing that amazed me about my interactions with DCP was how broadly and widely they cast their net.  They CREATED the American Music Awards, just to have something to televise.  They looked at nearly every form of merchandising eventually creating restaurants, movie theaters and more.

And they could pinch a penny tight enough to give Abraham Lincoln a headache.  They budgeted, cut, scrimped and haggled every penny of a production budget and rewarded their producers to do the same.

I hadn’t been in their offices for about 10 years, but the last time I was, it was the same very humble building Clark had been in since he landed in Burbank.  A big office but not ostentatious at all.  “Comfy,” is what I remember.

The other thing I remember is even as he was obviously dealing with health problems, how sharp and intuitive he was.  I didn’t know him or his producers the past 10 years or more, but he never seemed one content to STOP building, producing and entertaining.

I have no idea of his political views at all.  The producer I worked with was a conservative Christian and didn’t ever seem to be shunned for his ideas that were overtly Christian. I admired his ability to take calculated risks and do the “menial” game show and award shows many felt was “beneath them.”

And I don’t recall a Dick Clark Production that ever glorified violence or stooped to the baser instincts of the business.

I know some other stories that aren’t flattering – and have no idea if they were true or not.  I don’t really care.  He was married to his third wife for over 30 years and gave me a shot at an idea I’m not sure even I understood.

I pray at some point He gave made my Savior, his.  Despite all of us falling short of the glory of God, he was way too good for the devil.  Or the excessive Hollywood of today that holds political agendas.

---

Just saw this other great article about Dick Clark’s stand during civil rights:

Dick Clark, Sam Cooke, and the Klan

Read More

The New Newt Campaign Song?

I had a new Twitter friend follow me named Bailey Connell.  PolitiJim did a double take at the name since my Pastor in California was called Bayless Conley.  He is an AMAZING Teacher but would be shocked he would follow PolitiJim.  (He’s not very political.)

When I clicked on the profile (which @Beulahgg taught me cuz there are some FAKER TROLLS out there!!) I realized although Bayless isn’t a singer, this ain’t him.  Instead I found this delightful young lady.

What was even better was the first tweet I saw of her’s making her a DEFINITE follow-back.

So, tweets like this deserve a bit of encouragement and I thanked her for following asking about the whole “singing” thing.  PolitiJim used to own a infinitesimal record label and has been in the “biz” a bit so crap like that interests me.  And she humbly sent a link to some cover songs she did trying to lower my expectations.

Now I’ll tell you truth Tweeters and Readers.  Most people who send me their screenplays, novels, short films, stand-up routines or songs…suck.  Entertainment and art isn’t easy.  If it was that whole Fox conservative comedy thing (as well as An American Carol) would not caused one to experience the same nausea as a Sunday morning after pledge week in college.

So, I braced myself and listened to the first YouTube tune link she sent with her and some other chick.  It wasn’t bad.  But I never like to hear OTHER peoples songs to understand talent. I want to see stuff THEY did.  So a peep and perusal at her vid list and on my FIRST TRY I found the YouTube below.

And let me tell you, I was more than a little bit impressed….

Phat PolitiJim’s PhonoGraphic Phinds

The New Newt Gingrich Campaign Song?

Some of you perfectionists may complain about a lot of technical stuff – but the fact I am NOW (15 minutes later) hearing her ORIGINAL SONG in my head tells me piano girl can play!

And the fact I’m NOT trying to get it out of my pea brain tells me – she good.  (We Hollywood music moguls drop verbs to sound cool.)

As it was playing, it was IDEAL for the background to my post ReNewt Vision, or even the much-maligned-until-people-actually-READ-the-article PolitiJim to Newt: Please Quit.

Yo Newt.  EXACTLY what the Bailey is bellowing: 

It took a while but I finally realized

I had to trust myself

Ready. Set. GO!!

_______________________________________________________

Check out more of Bailey:

• YouTube Channel (songs)
• Blog (Angry Catholic Woman is the current post)
• Tweets.

 

Read More

Is Batman A Real Pro-Life Hero?

DONGSHIGU VILLAGE, China, Dec. 16, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Batman" star Christian Bale traveled nine hours from Beijing to visit blind forced abortion opponent Chen Guangcheng. Bale said, "What I really wanted to do was shake the man's hand and say 'thank you,' and tell him what an inspiration he is."

Bale never got the chance. He was roughed up and forced away from Chen's village, according to a CNN report.

Bale was in Beijing, China for the premier of "The Flowers of War," a drama about the 1937 Rape of Nanjing. About his attempt to visit Chen, Bale stated, "I'm not brave doing this . . . This was just a situation -- I can't look the other way."

According to Reggie Littlejohn, president of Women's Rights Without Frontiers, "Christian Bale is right that the true heroes are the Chinese citizens who have been beaten and detained trying to visit Chen, and yet Bale is a hero as well. He is starring in the most expensive film ever made in China, which China hopes will win an Academy Award. Nevertheless, he has the courage to stand against official injustice and has greatly raised the visibility of Chen's case."

Littlejohn contrasted Bale's actions with those of Relativity Media. "Christian Bale has used his star power to shine a light on the unjust treatment of Chen Guangcheng. In contrast, Relativity Media filmed '21 and Over' in Linyi, where Chen is languishing under house arrest. They did nothing to help Chen. I hope that moviegoers will demonstrate their concern for Chen Guangcheng at the box office by boycotting '21 and Over.'"

Christian Bale is not the only one who has focused attention on Chen Guangcheng. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke have both recently spoken on his behalf.
The flow of Chinese citizens to visit Chen despite the risk of beatings and detention, and the Chinese and international "Sunglasses" campaigns, have raised the visibility of Chen's case as well. These campaigns can be found here  and here.

Chen Guangcheng exposed the systematic use of forced abortion and sterilization in Linyi City in 2005. For four years and three months, he was jailed, tortured and denied medical treatment. Since his release he has languished under strict house arrest.

Sign a petition to free Chen here.

UPDATE: Another breaking news from China on the same issue.

BEIJING, Dec. 16, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- In the first official word about Christian human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who disappeared into police custody nearly two years ago, the Chinese government announced Friday that it was revoking his probation and sending him back to prison. (Read)

Pray for the Chinese Christians and the country under tyranny.

Also consider sending a Christmas Card to another abortion opponent similarly enslaved:

Women's Rights Without Frontiers is launching a Christmas Card campaign in support of Chen Guangcheng. WRWF President, Reggie Littlejohn, stated, "Send a Christmas card to encourage Chen Guangcheng and his family. Let them know that you are thinking about them and support them. Also, let the Chinese Communist Party and the local officials know that Chen has supporters from all over the world."

To participate in the campaign, simply send a Christmas card to Women's Rights Without Frontiers, P.O. Box 54401, San Jose, California, 95154. WRWF will remove the envelope to protect your privacy and mail the card with your message to Chen. WRWF also plans post the cards on its websites.

More at: http://www.womensrightswithoutfrontiers.org/index.php?nav=chen-guangcheng#pet

Read More

Hollywoods that LOVE the Holy Land

While it’s not Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, it is still none the less impressive that

TV and film stars are wowed on their first visit: ‘Now what is defining Israel for me is its life and light,' says actor Steven Weber.

Steven Weber.

"A lot of us are very intensely overwhelmed by this beautiful country and the tenacious, focused spirit of its people."

So said actor-producer-director Giancarlo Esposito, one of 21 Hollywood personalities who toured Israel in mid-November through The Creative Coalition, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to educating and mobilizing artists and entertainers on issues of public importance.

Speaking at a press conference during a week-long itinerary packed with sightseeing and dialogues with Israeli and Palestinian Authority leaders, fellow artists, NGO heads as well as ordinary citizens and new immigrants, these first-time visitors reported that it had not taken long for their preconceptions to be shattered.

"To the outside world, the ‘two-state issue' makes you think that in the streets of Israel there would be conflict," said KayCee Stroh (High School Musical). "I assumed people would spit on each other and yet on the ground level I'm amazed at how respectful everyone is. I didn't expect that."

Patricia Arquette.

Emmy Award-winner Richard Schiff (The West Wing) said he was impressed by a strong sense of service among Israelis. He learned that the country routinely offers expert medical assistance in the wake of natural disasters in places like Haiti and Turkey, and helps its own through organizations such as the NATAL Trauma Center.

"Everywhere we go here, I see there's a mission that's clearly related to the absolute necessity for security and survival that we forget about in the rest of the world. I'm grateful to witness it firsthand and bring those stories back to America," Schiff said.

Tweeting Israel

Actually, the group didn't have to wait that long, as Tichina Arnold (Everybody Hates Chris) told ISRAEL21c.

"I've been tweeting the whole time," she said. "I have thousands of followers and I'm kind of doing a diary as we go along. Tens of hundreds are replying back that they can't wait to come to Israel."

She said her devoutly Christian family in New York was excited that she had visited the Western Wall and the historic churches in Jerusalem. The group also had time to unwind at the famous Fink bar in the capital city's Talpiot neighborhood.

Steven Weber (Brothers & Sisters, Wings) said he enjoyed their stop at an absorption center for Ethiopian immigrants in the Jerusalem suburb of Mevasseret Zion. "We were greeted by a burst of life in the form of gorgeous little kids so exuberant and glowing and accessible, genuine and curious," he said. "In many ways, in the United States, Israel is defined by its pain, but now what is defining Israel for me is its life and light."

Rob Morrow.

Stroh pointed out that communicating with the children transcended the language barrier. "The arts are universal," she told ISRAEL21c. "We couldn't understand each other's language, but we did the Macarena with them and held them on our laps."

For Richard Kind (Spin City, Mad About You), the visit pointed up the difference in attitude toward newcomers: "There are lots of problems for immigrants in America because we keep them at arms' length," he said. "Here in Israel, if immigration doesn't rise year by year, something's wrong. ... I had no idea Israel does everything it can to bring people in."

Teaching children to love and not hate

The visit was organized in conjunction with the American Israel Education Foundation, an independent, non-profit, charitable foundation. It included some time with residents of Sderot, the Gaza border town that has long been subjected to sometimes daily missile attacks.

"I have never before seen people able to live in that kind of strange and difficult situation and call it normal, to move forward and teach their children how to love and not hate, and to remain hopeful there will be peace in this land," said Esposito.

"If the world went awry, I would probably want to be in Israel. Here I could look at the vibrant side of life no matter what's going on outside of me."

Tichina Arnold.

Rob Morrow (Numb3rs, Northern Exposure) commented on the "vitality in the people of Israel." Addressing Israeli journalists at the press conference, he said, "I commend all of you for living here, and I get it. I understand why you want to live here."

‘I don't want to leave'

"This has been a remarkable learning experience," said 21-year-old Andrea Bowen (Desperate Housewives, Boston Public). "Before coming to Israel, I talked with friends and peers and there's a lack of knowledge about what it is really like over here. What I've been hearing most of all is people discussing hope. My responsibility is to go back and inform young Americans what it's like here. I'm trying to be a sponge for information. I don't want to leave."

The group was also scheduled to relax on the Tel Aviv beach and go dancing. "I'm so excited about the future of Israel's filmmakers, fashion designers and musicians," said Rachael Leigh Cook (She's All That).

Richard Schiff.

CCH Pounder (Law & Order: SVU, Avatar, The Shield) said some friends in South Africa were "quite upset" that she was going to Israel but she was not deterred. "I'm an actor from a household of stalwart Caribbean people. They didn't really have an explanation that was strong enough," she said.

Harry Hamlin (LA Law, Curb Your Enthusiasm) said he found it remarkable "what a stunning success this project of Israel has been so far. After just a few days, for all of us it's important that this fragile yet extraordinary project be maintained."

Esposito concluded by relating that he'd set out to buy crosses for his four daughters and ended up buying stars of David necklaces instead. "It will be an opening for them to learn more about something they do not know, like I did," he said. "I came to learn one thing and learned another."

Original article at :

Read More

Film Industry Analyst CLUELESS on Why Box Office Down

Nikki Finke's weekend recap laments the 35% drop in Box Office grosses from a year ago in her article: Hollywood Worries About Weak Box Office.  A couple of key extracts followed by the analysis I posted in her comments section.

Seriously, do movie moguls get into showbiz just to greenlight unnecessary remakes of teen movies, prequels to horror movies, or unfunny comedies that humiliate big stars like Owen Wilson, Jack Black, and Steve Martin? Apparently so, based on this weekend’s trio of major opening films. Maybe that’s why audiences are rebelling. Paramount’s rebooted Footloose was sucker-punched by DreamWorks/Disney’s bot-battling holdover Real Steal for No. 1. But the truly alarming news is how very weak the North American box office performed again.

Nikki goes to lament that TEENAGE BOYS, who normally prop up post summer box office have nothing they can go to or that appeals to them.  You would suppose a "Rock'em Sock'em Robots" movie would qualify, but I still accept her premise that there is nothing new THIS week.  A studio executive wants to know where all the boys who helped JACKASS open to $50 Million were last year and is 'deeply concerned.'  She recaps each top 10 movie including FOOTLOOSE describing the studio's promotion and publicity strategy:

There had been an extensive word-of-mouth screening program for young girls  during the summer at places like cheerleading camps and then a follow-up Facebook/Twitter campaign to get them talking about this virtual shot-by-shot update. Exit polls showed it appealed to females (75%) and  captured 28% of the teen market. As many as 60% of moviegoers were over age 25 and 46% over age 35 because of the nostalgia factor. As expected, the film with its more fundamentalism-friendly makeover played best in the Midwest, Southwest, and South: the American heartland which Hollywood generally derides as ‘flyover’ country. As a result, Paramount bought deeper in Southern/Middle American 30 local TV markets and outdoor to take advantage of this film’s appeal there. For instance, the studio put key art on over 1 million Greyhound bus jackets, with Footloose posters and counter cards at 90+ depots. I’m told the 20 highest grossing locations Friday were in Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, Knoxville, Kansas City, and San Antonio.

Please read the whole article as it is very enlightening as to how Hollywood peddles it's pics.  But the preceding recap of REAL STEEL not only was eye-opening for me, it begged the question how Nikki (and every studio executive) could miss the message here:

Nice hold, and this feel-good film is now successfully marketing itself as family fare. Witness the +64% jump from Friday to Saturday because parents and kids were attending matinees.

My comment on her site was this:

Odd, Nikki didn't comment on COURAGEOUS ($21M cum) - made by a church (the kind ridiculed in the ORIGINAL Footloose), without any actors (and I mean NO actors) with a budget around $500,000 $2 Million.

The Footloose article accurately talks of the identity of "flyover" country but explains much. A) if the target audience is teen girls, what is with the Greyhound publicity? Targeting only RUN AWAY girls? And the studio's still don't seem to get that for a market like Kansas City, there are actually more conservative "fly over" types in Metro LA. Like 40 times more. If you ignore the PEOPLE and stereotype the market guess what you get?

Box Office Mojo Weekend Report - 10/14-16, 2011

You want a real shocker? Look at the theater by theater grosses for Courageous.

Yes, teen males is a key demographic. But frankly, Hollywood is out of ideas. Relying on sex, violence and horror to con kids out of their allowances ignores two things. First, like a narcotic, you have to exceed the previous dose to get the same "high." And there isn't anything the big screen can provide that can't be streamed 20X more by 4G from the web. Secondly,..well thirdly and fourthly too is Story, Story, Story. We are raising a generation of screenwriters who are truly uneducated and disconnected from the lives and nuances of "Real" people. And creativity (read non-remakes) comes from not just observing, but living it.

I guarantee you if every studio executive and writer cancelled his weekend at the buddhist retreat in Palm Springs and instead, spent it with an average US family (over 40% who go to church each week and over 75% who claim church membership) - they would be filled not only with fresh ideas for absurdities and drama of REAL life - but they would learn how to connect with their audiences better.

I AM NOT SAYING EVERY MOVIE needs to be religious, inspirational or even "family" orientated, but isn't it interesting that box office ROSE 64% when marketed to Americans with "family" values)

As reported in my article on Morgan Freeman's comments negatively impacting the opening of Dolphin Tale, Hollywood HAS reacted by making more family films because it is financially prudent for them to do so.  But every weekend the public votes with it's wallet by withholding ticket purchases, you would think the industry would offer up a new candidate.

 

Read More

Morgan Freeman Comments Hurt Dolphin Tale Box Office

A poll was just released on how political perceptions impact Democrat and Republican moviegoers.  The results:

35 percent of Republicans and 45 percent of Tea Partiers consider a celebrity's political position before paying to see their films, compared with 20 percent of Democrats.

The recent aspersion that Tea Party members were racists by Dolphin Tale star, Morgan Freeman is a prime example. The Hollywood Reporter admits it is difficult to calculate exactly how badly his comments impacted opening weekend but said they, "did have an effect."

THR further said,

"The timing wasn't ideal, considering Dolphin Tale had opened that day and the film was tracking particularly well among conservatives...  After the remarks, 34 percent of the conservatives who were aware of them, and 37 percent of Tea Partiers, said they were less likely to see the film -- but 42 percent of liberals said they were more likely.

For years Dr. Ted Baehr of MovieGuide has released a report to Hollywood analyzing the impact of films that ran counter to Judeo/Christian values.  In his 2010 report, he specifically drew the correlation between conservative values of Tea Party members and a film's box office revenue.

"...movies with conservative values averaged $84.76 million per movie in 2010 in the United States and Canada, an increase from 2009’s average of $83.11 million. Conversely, movies with liberal, leftist content and values such as socialism, communism, radical feminism, Anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, political correctness, and secular humanism or atheism declined from $25.85 million per movie in 2009 to only $17.94 million per movie in 2010."

2010 Political Content	Avg. B.O. 2010
All Conserv/Moral Categories	$84,756,932
All Liberal/Leftist Categories	$17,938,200

2009 Political Content	Avg. B.O. 2009
All Conservative/Moral Categories	$83.11 million
All Liberal/Leftist Categories	$25.85 million

The real kicker is that it holds true for overseas markets as well.  Dr. Baehr summarizes:

"...conservative movies with strong traditional moral and political values earn three to five times more money than liberal/leftist movies with strong non-traditional, secular humanist or statist values."

(Author's Note & Disclosure: I am a personal friend of Dr. Baehr and have worked with him on various projects. Also - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE AND SUPPORT Movieguide for the work they do.  Each opening movie is reviewed by both quality and content against values.)

Among other findings in the report:
► Democrats are bigger moviegoers This is likely fueled by Hollywood's reputation -- among both parties -- for churning out movies that promote liberalism (Avatar was named by the most moviegoers as having a liberal agenda). During the past six months, Democrats have seen on average 5.7 movies in a theater, while Republicans have seen fewer than four.

► Republicans are more likely to wait for home video Democrats are likelier to see movies on opening weekend, while GOP members prefer waiting it out. Republicans assume their values will be assaulted onscreen -- so why pay the big bucks? -- while Democrats embrace pop culture more and want to be "in the know," says Penn.

►  Republicans prefer family films; Democrats like edge From hundreds of Oscar winners and classics, Republicans were far more likely to name as favorites The Sound of Musicand It's a Wonderful Life; Democrats favored Bonnie and Clyde and The Silence of the Lambs. Among recent films, Republicans were likelier to choose Soul Surfer and Secretariat. Democrats? The Social Network, Bad Teacher and Easy A.

► Republicans tsk-tsk sex, violence and cursing While majorities of both parties think movies contain too much of all those, the numbers are greater for Republicans. A majority of Democrats think Hollywood films are generally inspiring and morally uplifting; a majority of Republicans don't.

► Democrats think America is portrayed well While 62 percent of Dems say Hollywood shows America in a positive light, only 39 percent of Republicans concur. And 44 percent of Republicans think Hollywood portrays the U.S. military negatively, but only 21 percent of Democrats agree. "Typically, when you see a movie, it will reflect a Democrat's values," says Penn. "Republicans aren't getting the films they want."

►  Not everything about movies is partisan Dems and Republicans say comedy is their favorite genre, popcorn is their favorite theater snack, Forrest Gump is their preferred blockbuster and Indiana Jones is their favorite action hero.

With 20 years of Movieguide data and annual reports to Hollywood, and the voice of their industry now publishing the same - it is certainly time for shareholders of these media companies to begin demanding more conservative films.
Movieguide published an article, "Tinsletown is on a Mission to Sexualize Young Girls." Why would an industry INTENTIONALLY take a course contrary to their own economic benefit?  And how selfish of Morgan Freeman to decide to use his free speech liberties at a time it would most hurt his employers and the shareholders that gave him the luxury of his vocation.

Read the full story and poll here:
Democrats vs. Republicans: Stars they Won’t Pay to See; Movies They Hate and Love (Poll) - The Hollywood Reporter

Full MovieGuide 2010 Political Content:

Content	Avg. B.O. 2010
Strong Anti-Communist Content	$138,874,274
Strong Pro-Capitalist Content	$86,165,368
Very Strong Biblical Morality*	$77,981,393
Strong Patriotic/Pro-American Movies	$66,169,777
Strong Anti-Capitalist Content	$13,764,104
Strong Anti-Patriotic/Anti-American Movies	$7,950,815
Strong Pro-Communist Content	$36,662,189
Strong Politically Correct Content	$22,655,583
Any Pro-Socialist Content	$30,479,077
Very Strong Pro-Atheism	$6,608,902
Very Strong Pro-Homosexual Content	$15,092,680
Very Strong Feminism	$19,594,537
All Conservative/Moral Categories	$84,756,932
All Liberal/Leftist Categories	$17,938,200

Follow me on Twitter @PolitiJim

Read More

Hank Williams Jr To ESPN: Take This Job And Shove It

UPDATE: ESPN Drops Hank Williams Jr Permanently; Singer Says It Was His Call


"According to Williams Jr’s blog, it was his choice, not the network’s, to part ways “After reading hundreds of e-mails, I have made MY decision,” he wrote in a post dated today. “By pulling my opening Oct 3rd, You (ESPN) stepped on the Toes of The First Amendment Freedom of Speech, so therefore Me, My Song, and All My Rowdy Friends are OUT OF HERE. It’s been a great run.” The Grammy winner’s song had been a part of the MNF telecasts since 1991 on both ESPN and ABC."

Williams Records Answer for Media Attacks from his Fox & Friends comment

Read More

Sarah Palin - You Betcha! BOMBS at Box Office

Sarah Palin - You Betcha! (2011)

In preparation for an upcoming article on movie reviews, I came across a very interesting political film news item regarding Governor Palin.  (Insert sarcastic tone here)  I can't imagine why I didn't any news of this as liberals were rather excited about this anti-Palin "expose'" that was to finally put the bullet in Mama Grizzly.

YOU BETCHA	THE UNDEFEATED
Opening Weekend:  $6,911 (6 theaters, $1,152 average)	Opening Weekend:  $65,132 (10 theaters, $6,513 average)

As I discussed in my review IS THE UNDEFEATED – DEFEATED?, Hollywood distributors can “fake” opening box office interest in anything under 10 screens by concentrating the openings in two or three large markets, normally New York and LA.

I helped open a very average children’s movie in Arizona with a higher per screen average than YOU BETCHA.  This is a pathetic showing for a political documentary but it’s strange, I can’t find any reviews by Box Office Mojo, WIRED, or any of the same folks who trashed the opening of THE UNDEFEATED.

Perhaps suddenly how a movie opens is NOT an indicator of public approval (or disapproval) of the subject matter.


Entertainment Weekly coverage said:

Nick Broomfield’s Sarah Palin documentarySarah Palin: You Betcha! will be distributed by Freestyle Releasing, the company has announced. Broomfield, who directed the “expose” with Joan Churchill, raised more than $30,000 on the crowd funding site Kickstarter in three weeks to support the release, with additional funding being provided by private investors for the film’s expansion. After making its world premiere Sept. 11 at the Toronto International Film Festival, it will hit theaters in NYC and LA on Sept. 30 before rolling out to additional markets. Watch the trailer below. 

Film Synopsis:

It chronicles Broomfield’s quest to unveil the “real” Sarah Palin, and follows the filmmaker as he battles the icy snows of Alaska in mid-winter to speak to the school friends, family, and Republican colleagues that in previous days gave their heart, soul and belief to the charismatic, charming, intoxicating ex-hockey mom. But it’s not all plain sailing. People are frightened to talk — Wasilla makes Twin Peaks look like a walk in the park. It’s a devout evangelical community — 76 churches with a population of only 6 thousand, and the Crystal meth capital of Alaska. Broomfield brings his celebrated wit and determination to cracking her story through controversial interviews and surprise encounters with Ms. Palin herself.

What is very odd is that Freestyle Releasing doesn't even catalog the film on their site.

Read More

Absolute Crap: Morgan Freeman: Obama Made Racism Worse

THIS IS ABSOLUTE CRAP.

Morgan Freeman: Obama Made Racism Worse, Tea Party Will Do 'Whatever [It] Can To Get This Black Man Outta Here' | NewsBusters.org


Those pea-brained people (mostly progressives by the way if you look at the evidence) who think Americans are so stupid to condemn all "blondes" because of Brittany Spears childish ignorance may indeed "make racism worse."  All 5 of them wherever they are.


When I first saw Barak Obama in 2006 I WAS EAGER to like him.  The mainstream media and liberal "group think" will never accept that social conservatives like myself in Texas not only don't judge someone by a physical characteristic, we WANT them to succeed so we can quit talking about this sh*t! (pardon my French.)  (and apologies to the French for the insinuation that this crude term is part of their language.) (and my apologies to the oil people who feel i've further disparaged their industry by associating the term "crude" in a negative manner.....)


....you know, being responsible and worrying about how everybody "feels" is getting old.  As a Christian I absolutely will think more of others than I do myself (as best I can), but Mr. Freeman - let me give you comfort.  We won't think less of the dark skinned races because of Mr. Obama any more than we will have the white ones that make up the other half of his family tree.


Be at peace.

Read More

No Undefeated - Video On Demand Top 10

For those of you following success of THE UNDEFEATED, Rentrak released weekly Video On Demand numbers for the week ending in September 11th below.

Now Video On Demand numbers are THE MOST DIFFICULT of all Entertainment Industry stats to track since both the producers and distributors (like Direct TV) really have no vested interest to do so.  And, unlike  the actual scan results from physical or online retailers that can be purchased by the "Bigs,"  there are not third party validations available.


I had been watching this for the last 3 weeks hopeful that there would be some indication of THE UNDEFEATED's impact on the pay per view release - but alas, we will likely have to wait until the second week of October to see actual DVD sales/rentals that are more transparent.. 

Rentrak Top Ten VOD Titles
RANK	TITLE	STUDIO	VOD RELEASE DATE	MPAA RATING	BOX OFFICE ($M)
1	Hanna*	Focus Features (NYSE: GE)	9/06/11	PG-13	40.3
2	Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family*	Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF)	8/30/11	PG-13	53.3
3	Something Borrowed*	Warner Bros. (NYSE: TWX)	8/16/11	PG-13	39.0
4	Everything Must Go**	Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF)	9/02/11	R	2.7
5	Rio	FOX (NASDAQ: NWS)	8/09/11	G	143.5
6	Prom*	Buena Vista (NYSE: DIS)	8/30/11	PG	10.1
7	The Adjustment Bureau*	Universal (NYSE: GE)	6/21/11	PG-13	62.5
8	Win Win*	FOX (NASDAQ: NWS)	8/23/11	R	10.2
9	Hall Pass*	Warner Bros. (NYSE: TWX)	6/14/11	R	45.1
10	Limitless*	Relativity	7/19/11	PG-13	79.3

Source: Rentrak OnDemand Essentials, as dated, rank based on Transaction Rate.  OnDemand Essentials includes reporting from Operator partners on television-on-demand usage. *Indicates day-and-date with home video release. **Indicates release prior to release on home video.

© Rentrak Corporation 2011 -Content in this chart is produced and/or compiled by Rentrak Corporation and its OnDemand Essentials data collection and analytical service, and is covered by provisions of the Copyright Act.  The material presented herein is intended to be available for public use.  You may reproduce the content of the chart in any format or medium without first obtaining permission, subject to the following requirements: (1) the material must be reproduced accurately; and (2) any publication or issuance of any part of the material to others must acknowledge Rentrak Corporation as the source of the material.

Read More