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I read a recent blog from my good friend Jeremy on myspace, and it really spoke to me. He talked about how he enjoyed films that are wacky, crazy, and out there. Films that aren't afraid to spit in the face of authority or play by their own rules. I couldn't agree with him more. With this week's column, I'm going to focus on certain films that really "get me." I know you're probably thinking "huh?" What does that mean? These are films that really understand Tony Farinella. They know how I feel and what I'm going through. It's almost as if they were written by me! I hope this column will help you better understand me. You'll get a glimpse into the mind of Tony Farinella. Needless to say, it's a damn scary place! I hope you enjoy the ride! Hang on tight and buckle your safety belts. And the first film is ...
Accepted (2006)
Accepted is not a great film by any means. That being said, I love the message of the film. The message of the film is a lot better than the actual film, if that makes any sense. First of all, I don't want to trash anyone that's going to a good college or pursuing further education. If it works for you, that's all that matters. I just think we should be allowed to explore things on our own. A lot of people are great self-teachers. They get bored or uninterested in a classroom. They want to explore things outside of the classroom. They have other interests and hobbies. Why do we all have to fit into a "system?" In my humble opinion, I think street smarts are more important than book smarts. Again, that's my opinion. Accepted is a film that wants you to explore what works for you. It wants you to be creative and think outside the box. Look at Quentin Tarantino. He didn't even finish high school! He watched films on his own and made films on his own. He didn't want to lose his creativity by being sucked into a classroom with other kids. He wanted to get out there and make movies! Not only that, he wanted to watch movies. He didn't want to be lectured.
Accepted is a film that had me cheering at the end of it. I was going nuts. I can't remember the last time I did that at a movie. Oh, wait. I can. It was during Scent of a Woman. Al Pacino brought the house down with his speech. "Woo-ha!" God, I love the movies. I love movies like Accepted. They really understand what it's all about. While the film is silly and full of random nonsense, the message is powerful and rings true. You should go out there and find yourself. All of us are different. We should accept our differences and embrace them. If Jonah Hill can do it, so can I, bygod! I only wish I could get a girlfriend like Blake Lively. I would take Maria Thayer as well. Redheads are enjoyable. If you're looking for a unique movie with a great message, you need to check out Accepted. The film also features some kick-ass music! Again, the film is not a classic, but the message stands tall, even though the film is flawed.
Memorable Quote:
"You know what? You're a criminal. 'Cause you rob these kids of their creativity and their passion. That's the real crime! Well, what about you parents? Did -did 
Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle |
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the system really work out for you? Did it teach you to follow your heart, or to just play it safe, roll over? What about you guys? Did you always want to be school administrators? Dr. Alexander, was that your dream? Or maybe no, maybe you wanted to be a poet. Maybe you wanted to be a magician or an artist. Maybe you just wanted to travel the world. Look, I - I - I - I lied to you. I lied to all of you, and I'm sorry. Dad, especially to you. But out of that desperation, something happened that was so amazing. Life was full of possibilities. A - and isn't that what you ultimately want for us? As parents, I mean, is - is that, is possibilities. Well, we came here today to ask for your approval, and something just occurred to me. I don't give a shit. Who cares about your approval? We don't need your approval to tell us that what we did was real. 'Cause there are so few truths in this world, that when you see one, you just know it. And I know that it is a truth that real learning took place at South Harmon. Whether you like it or not, it did. 'Cause you don't need teachers or classrooms or - or fancy highbrow traditions or money to really learn. You just need people with a desire to better themselves, and we got that by the shit at South Harmon. So you can go ahead, sign your forms, reject us and shoot us down, and do whatever you gotta do. It doesn't really matter at this point. Because we'll never stop learning, and we'll never stop growing, and we'll never forget the ideals what were instilled in us at our place. 'Cause we are SHIT heads now, and we'll be SHIT heads forever and nothing you say can do or stamp can take that away from us! So go! "
Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
First of all, I'm not a stoner. I'm serious. No disrespect to any stoners out there, but it's not for me. I'm too scared. Even though I'm not a stoner, I LOVED this movie. I think it's vastly underrated! The film is not only very funny, but it also has a lot of truth behind it. It doesn't matter if your Asian, Italian, Black or whatever, you just want to let loose and have some fun once in a while. It doesn't matter if your driving to White Castle or going to the mall, you just want to live it up. The film is fearless and really ballsy. The film is about finding what makes you happy. Why the hell are we always scared of things? Why do we let people stop us from doing what makes us happy? Why does life always have to be planned out? I think we all need a random trip to White Castle once in a while. Sometimes we need to just drive with no destination in sight. Where will the road take us? Who knows! Just let life flow naturally. If you think a girl is cute or attractive, you should just talk to her! Why stop yourself? Are you scared of being rejected? At least you tried, ya know?
I'll never forget the scene in Harold and Kumuar Go to White Castle where they sing "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips. I know it's a girly song, but what an anthem! We all need to hold on for one more day. Harold belts out the song with passion and release. He's finally letting go of his dorky image and having some fun. If you listen to the lyrics, you'll understand what I mean. What a 
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tune. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle is a film that really, really surprised me. It was the surprise hit of 2004. I thought it was just going to be some stoner movie with silly nonsense, but it's a lot smarter than it appears. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle is a film that you need to check out, if you haven't already. It's probably one of the funniest films of the past decade. I think it got lost in that 2004 shuffle of great movies. 2004 was an amazing year for film. I'll never forget that year. I could go on for hours about all the great films in 2004. For now, I'll focus on Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.
Memorable Quote:
"Look at me. I'm fat, black, can't dance, and I have two gay fathers. People have been messing with me my whole life. I learned a long time ago there's no sense getting all riled up every time a bunch of idiots give you a hard time. In the end, the universe tends to unfold as it should. Plus I have a really large penis. That keeps me happy. "
You, Me, and Dupree (2006)
First of all, I'm not as bad as Dupree. I don't mean "bad" in a condescending way. I just wanted to get that out of the way. I love Dupree, but some of his antics are out there. Again, I'm not judging. I just really relate to Dupree. I've always been the lovable best friend to a number of people. It really sucks being the third wheel. You get to see all of your friends with girlfriends and living the good life. You're there for support, but you can't help but feel left out. Nevertheless, you smile and do your best. You're loyal and understanding. Even though people might not appreciate you, you still treat them right. You keep waiting for your time to shine. You're waiting for the day when you'll be able to double date with them. Sucks, doesn't it? I know it all too well. Thankfully, Dupree gets his due in this film. It takes a while, but they finally come around. He's throwing seven different kinds of smoke. I feel for Dupree. He's my kind of friend. We need more people like Dupree in this world.
Dupree is also not afraid to live it up. His occupation is living. I've never lasted long in my "real" jobs. I get bored and antsy. I want to get out there and have fun. I have things that I want to do. If I'm making pizzas or whatever, I can't be creative or out there. It drives my dad and a lot of my friends crazy, but I want my real job to be writing. It's what makes me happy. As I talked about in my previous Matchfick.com, you need to follow your dreams. Dupree is full of dreams and full of life. In You, Me, and Dupree, Owen Wilson is nothing short of amazing. He really understands this character. While he's silly and out there, he's not a simple man. Dupree is also a hopeless romantic. He just can't seem to find the right woman. There's more than meets the eye with Dupree.
We're not just lovable losers. We have a place in this world. We're worthwhile and interesting.
You need to find your "ness." Have you found your "ness?" I've found my Tonyness, and I love it.
Memorable Quote:
"There really aren't any more Audrey Hepburn's out there, are there?"
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Every other Tuesday
Expect the unexpected from Tony as he'll give you his columns on the way movies used to be, the way movies are, and the way they should be.
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| Tony Farinella |
Tony is an Oak Lawn, IL based film reviewer and columnist looking to have fun and share his unique views on film with everyone. Tony also has an unhealthy obsession with Vanessa Lengies, but that is neither here nor there.
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