The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

Ever watch a film or series, which really hits home? For whatever reason, you fully identify with a character, and oddly almost feel as though it's your story being told? I went through said surreal experience just yesterday, as I binge-watched the new Netflix series, Baby Reindeer .  The series was created by writer/comedian Richard Gadd, who shares his adult life story, in chasing his dream of being a stand-up comedian.  First, I want to say the series is quite incredible. I don't believe I've ever related so strongly to a show. Secondly, if you haven't seen the show, please read with caution. While Baby Reindeer isn't a whodunnit, I don't want to spoil the experience for anyone. Richard Gadd's character is Donny, whom I will be referring to throughout this piece. Donny has long aspired to be a stand-up comedian. His shtick is prop-heavy, kind of cheesy, and not at all well-received at first, as he plays in front of couples of people at a dive bar. That i...

I finished season 4 of the critically-acclaimed series Ozark last night. Oddly enough, for as addicted as I was to the series, I couldn't wait for it to finish.  Ozark was the epitome of binge-worthy. It was fast-paced; had lots going on; there were twists aplenty; and just about every episode ended with a cliffhanger, which made it next to impossible to not feel the need to watch JUST one more before bed. Seriously, the show was like last-call at a bar. The bartender yells out, "Last call! Last call for alcohol!" You think to yourself, "Yeah, I probably shouldn't. It's not good for my health. I shouldn't drive. This really wouldn't be a good idea for anyone." With all of this deep introspection, what do you say? "Yeah, sure! Make that two drinks! Thanks!" That was Ozark . You'd already had a few drinks; were feeling pretty good; wanted the party to continue; and contrary to better judgment, decided to deprive yourself of at least ...

Ever since Seinfeld became available to stream on Netflix, I've been binge-watching it. One of my favorite episodes has to be "The Outing" (season 4, episode 17), where Elaine pranks an eavesdropping journalist (not knowing she's a journalist) by claiming George and Jerry are a couple. Word gets out about the fictional couple; they freak out; and every time they deny the rumor, they add the line, "Not that there's anything wrong with that." Curious to see what others thought of this episode and the inevitable controversy surrounding, I decided to peruse IMDb reviews. While it appeared most reviewers understood the point of the episode, some anti-LGBT conservatives had quite the take. Their belief is that the episode was satirizing liberalism by contending how ridiculous it is to force acceptance of the LGBT community. Well, I'm sorry to have to tell them this (not really), but they're sorely mistaken, and may want to lay off the hallucinogens.  T...

Following the backlash he received on social media, I made it a point to watch comedian Dave Chappelle's stand-up specials on Netflix and form my own conclusion. Well, I can now say I've watched all five specials, and am ready to share my thoughts. The only way we can truly learn from one another is by listening. I don't mean just giving another person the time to speak; hearing the volume of their voice; and preparing ourselves for a memorized response. No, I mean actually listening, and if called upon, responding to what was said. This dialogue can't be one-sided, however. It's much more effective for two people to actively listen to one another and engage in a conversation than it is for one to essentially scold the other. So, while I'll be the first to say Mr. Chappelle and others like him need to listen to their LGBT brothers and sisters, their LGBT brothers and sisters also need to listen to them. It's quite something. I'm a self-described progress...

I've always been fascinated by controversial art. I think it's because I've found it intriguing to witness what constitutes as "controversial" throughout history; how the definitions have differed/evolved over the years; and just how wrong people often are when it comes to the genuine message and intent behind such works.  The latest such hoopla has centered around the French film "Cuties," which was released on Netflix over the past month. The film's release prompted a nationwide cyber-protest/boycott of the film-streaming giant, which resulted in roughly 8 times the number of cancelled accounts as was typical. So, how did the controversy come to be? Honestly, not until Netflix grabbed hold of it. "Cuties" was praised by critics upon its international release, so much so that it resulted in an award at Sundance. When Netflix picked it up, however, they decided to release an unseemly poster of the 11-year-old girls, at the center of the fil...