411 Fact or Fiction Movies/TV 10.16.09: Week 199

Posted by Ben Piper on 10.16.2009

Will Where The Wild Things Are transition from classic children's book to being a classic children's movie? Are people looking forward to seeing Paranormal Activity? Is Marlon Wayans a horrible choice to play Richard Pryor? Will the return of 30 Rock get people to tune in? 411's Dustin James and Leonard Hayhurst debate these and other topics in week 199 of 411 Fact or Fiction: Movies/TV!



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Howdy, folks! Welcome back yet again to Fact or Fiction. This week around we've got the man with all the answers, Leonard Hayhurst. On the other end of the spectrum we've got Dustin James, making his movie zone Fact or Fiction debut. Dustin used to write for the MMA zone here at 411 but now toils with a weekly wrestling column, "The Squared Circle New Report."

Both of them are good guys in my book. Treat them both well.



1. You're greatly looking forward to checking out Paranormal Activity.

Dustin James: Fact - I saw the trailer for this movie a couple of months ago and it got me pretty excited. Now that it's actually out in theaters and getting positive reviews, I'm even more pumped to see it. I know the premise is similar to the Blair Witch Project, but I'm actually one of the few who enjoyed that movie. I was lucky enough to be born with a huge imagination and horror movies that shoot from a first person perspective or from a documentary style point of view really seem to scare the crap out of me. The one problem with looking forward to seeing this movie is that I can't actually see it because it's not playing anywhere in my area. Instead I have to "Demand It!" and hope that numerous other people have, otherwise I'll be waiting for the DVD release. It's really a sad day when you can't see movies like these anywhere in your area, yet you can still catch Halloween 2 in theaters if you are desperate enough........

Leonard Hayhurst: Fact -To disagree with Dustin, a lot of people liked the Blair Witch Project on initial release, they just won't admit to it now. The distributors of Paranormal Activity have done a great job into making this both as an underground find and an event picture all at the same time. The idea behind movies like this and Blair Witch is to make it seem as real as possible in order to up the fear factor of the audience. I'm not scared of Jigsaw locking me in a death trap or Freddy Kreuger killing me in my sleep, but everyone at one time or another has heard something or seen something in the dark that gave them the creeps and this is what PA seems to be exploring. So the basic premise interests me and the presentation just ups the appeal.

Score: 1 for 1

2. You're surprised that NBC would cancel Southland even before the second season debuts.

Dustin James: Fiction - I actually caught this show when it premiered and managed to stick with it for about three weeks. What exactly turned me off to the show? I honestly don't know. Was it the show's premise? No, I enjoyed the stories as well as the characters. Was it the acting? No, I thought Benjamin McKenzie and the others did a fantastic job. However, I guess I just had this weird feeling that the show wasn't going to last that long and therefore I made the decision to stop following it altogether. Now, this isn't the first time I have done this. You see, if the show does end up surviving and lasting a second season, I'll just catch the remainder of the season on DVD and start watching it again when it airs the new episodes in the fall. I was already prepared to do this with Southland until I heard that NBC was going to axe it. So, I really would like to say I'm shocked that NBC decided to cancel the show even after it seemed to be getting tons of critical praise....but I stopped being shocked at television networks canceling good shows long ago.

Leonard Hayhurst: Fact - What surprises me is that NBC had ordered 13 episodes that were already in the can and ready to go and decided to cancel the show. At least air the 13 you've got and then cancel the series. You can't burn them off now, because no one will watch a series that they know is canceled. That's like me buying a brand new TV, taking it home and then smashing it with a hammer and tossing it in the trash. NBC's ratings are in the toilet as a network this year and a poor business decision like this is just a tale-tale sign that they might be heading toward a nadir to rival the early eighties.

Score: 1 for 2

3. Marlon Wayans is a horrible choice to play Richard Pryor in a planned biopic of the iconic comedian.

Dustin James: Fact - Richard Pryor is a legend in the comedy world and Marlon Wayans is somewhat of a joke in the comedy world. That right there should be enough evidence that this would be a horrible casting move. I can think of at least five actors off the top of my head that would make a better choice to play Pryor. How about Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Chris Tucker, Tracy Morgan, or even someone a little more serious like Don Cheadle? Pryor was a big influence in the comedy world for millions of people and it just seems like a joke to have a Wayans brother play him in a biopic. Let's hope this doesn't actually go through. Wayans should stick to making movies like White Chicks 2 or another Scary Movie. Please leave the legacy of Richard Pryor alone......

Leonard Hayhurst: Fiction - Marlon Wayans has shown some glimpses of acting talent, such as in Requiem for a Dream. I think this could be a real breakout role for him to show the type of actor he could be if given the chance. Remember, Jamie Foxx was just that goofy dude from In Living Color too before hitting with Ray. Sure we knew he could do the voice, but who knew he could capture the complexities and layers of the real man. I honestly think Wayans has a good shot here if the rest of the elements going into the picture are top notch quality.

Score: 1 for 3

Switch!!!



4. Where The Wild Things Are will transition from being a classic children's book to becoming a classic children's movie.

Leonard Hayhurst: Fiction- I'm not necessarily sure that the movie is being targeted to children specifically as it is being targeted at young to middle-aged adults that remember growing up with the book. From what I've heard, the movie deviates from the book in a lot of ways while still maintaining the basic essence, mood and thematic elements. I think it's a fantasy film for adults and in that light could become a modern classic. It certainly looks original in style and composition and with some many cookie-cutter movies coming out of Hollywood it's nice to see something a bit askew and different in nature.

Dustin James: Fiction - As much as I would love to say "Fact", Leonard hit the nail on the head when he mentioned that the movie isn't even really being targeted towards children. I read the book when I was in elementary school and because of that fact (and the fact that the movie does look a little kick ass) I will be watching it when it comes out. I have a weird feeling that the majority of the movie's audience will be exactly like me, yet much better looking.

Score: 2 for 4

5. You're looking forward to the return of 30 Rock.

Leonard Hayhurst: Fiction- I don't watch the show, because I don't watch current network television. With that being said, if I did watch it I would probably like it. I never cared much for Tina Fey on SNL, because I felt as head writer she was too feminist in her viewpoints and too full of herself. Here she seems to have a nice depreciating humor about herself that makes her more likable. Tracy Morgan also seems to be dialed down a notch to be tolerable and Alec Baldwin has really embraced his comedic side, which was always best shown on SNL. So sign me up for the DVDs, but I'm not watching it live.

Dustin James: Fact - If I was asked this question just a few months ago, my answer would have been "fiction". However, I have since discovered the greatness that is watching Netflix on my Xbox360 and it just so happens that I started watching 30 Rock on my Xbox a little over a month ago. I tore through season one and I'm now in the middle of season two. I also have season three waiting for me in my "instant que" and I have the new episodes set to record on my DVR. So needless to say, I really enjoyed the show. I'm a huge SNL fan and this show just appealed to me the moment I watched it. All the characters on the show are pretty likable and funny, especially Alec Baldwin. Seriously....Baldwin is money on this show and is a huge reason why I like it so much. There's a reason this show gets a ton of Emmy nominations and you would be doing yourself a favor by watching it.

Score: 2 for 5

6. Despite an interesting and original premise and likable actors in the leads, Law Abiding Citizen will not be very good.

Leonard Hayhurst: Fact- I really want to say push here, but I'm told I'm not allowed. I don't think the movie will be very good, but at the same time I wouldn't say that the premise is interesting or original or that the leads are likable. Neither Gerard Butler or Jamie Foxx have had a real hit in a while, despite working fairly constantly and both can grate on the nerves if not used exactly right. An average man who takes the law into his own hands? Ever see Death Wish, John Q, The Punisher or any number of vigilante movies from the eighties. Oh yeah, but this is different, see, he orchestrates all these elaborate death traps and explosions without even being around. What's coming out next week? Saw VI. Right.

Dustin James: Fiction - I have to admit, I was pretty unfamiliar with the movie's premise before I was asked this question so I read up on the plot and viewed the trailer and now.... I'm SOLD! But first, I must warn you, my taste in movies is not very good. Hell, I'm the guy who considers Killer Klowns from Outer Space a Halloween classic, so you can now consider yourself fully warned. I'm personally a sucker for movies about people who take the justice system into their own hands and the fact that Gerard Butler's character is doing so (and from the comfort of his own jail cell!) has me intrigued as hell. I'm actually interested in seeing what happens and that's what a movie trailer is suppose to do. However, the question asked if the movie was going to be any good. I don't know if the movie is going to be any good, but I'm holding out hope that it will kick all sorts of ass....so I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and say that I think it will be fine.

Final Score: 2 for 6

Bonus Non Fact or Fiction Question: What is your favorite documentary?

Leonard Hayhurst: My favorite documentary is King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. I would sit down and watch it right now, which isn't something I can say of most documentaries. It's funny, engaging and looks at a slice of recent American popular culture that is off the mainstream. It also has the classic story of a mild-mannered, likable underdog going up against the hotshot, can't be beat champion. And it gives you tips on how to beat Donkey Kong. That I need.

Dustin James: My personal favorite documentary of all-time is Hoop Dreams. I'm a huge sports fan and a big part of my life is the NBA (GO BLAZERS!). So, needless to say I was highly interested in what young highly recruited athletes go through when trying to become a big time professional athlete. It gives everyone a lot of information as to what those kids go through and also gives us a pretty big insight into inner city life. It's easily one of the best movies I have ever seen.....

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And that's that. Leonard and Dustin disagree about a great many things. Thanks to them both for taking part.

Next week Fact or Fiction hits a milestone! Come back then and we'll celebrate together.
-BP

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