The “Rudy” of punditry
DougJ at Balloon Juice is ready for an extinction-level event to punish our civilization for bestowing accolades on a columnist capable of this level of banality:
Meanwhile, Mr. President, on a rainy day, rent the movie “Tin Cup.” There is a great scene where Dr. Molly Griswold is trying to help Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy, the golf pro, rediscover his swing — and himself. She finally tells him: “Roy ... don’t try to be cool or smooth or whatever; just be honest and take a risk. And you know what, whatever happens, if you act from the heart, you can’t make a mistake.”
Can’t argue with DougJ’s sentiment. Friedman as always lacks insight. There is no “great scene” in “Tin Cup,” which is a thoroughly stupid movie. And the supposedly profound point—that “if you act from the heart, you can’t make a mistake”—is absurd.
But rather than think about the depressing state of politics and punditry, let’s focus instead on bad sports movies—the very worst. There are so many. And they are bad in so many ways.
What do you consider the worst sports movie of all time? My possibly controversial answer: “Rudy.” The mister and I argue about this all the time. He thinks it’s a great movie. I think it’s depressing and dumb.
I get that we’re supposed to be impressed with Rudy’s perseverance. But goddamnit, he’s bad at football! It’s not admirable that he persists at it after it becomes clear that he’s always going to suck—it’s pathetic.
Come to think of it, Rudy and Friedman have something in common: They’re both bad at what they do, and they both receive unwarranted accolades for contributing nothing of importance to their respective fields.
Posted by Betty Cracker on 08/24/11 at 07:38 AM • Permalink
Categories: Movies • Politics • Our Stupid Media •
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