'Not Everybody Loves Raymond'

Movies and television are big parts of my life. Certainly not the most important part, but I love seeing weekly episodes of "The Sopranos" and despite my problems with the ticket prices and commercials at the beginning of movies, I still think of going to the theater as a special treat. I admit it, I would much rather see the new "Matrix" movie than read the Fairie Queene or just about any other so-called "classic literature." Call me uneducated if you will, but I feel more of a connection with Tony and Silvio than I do with the Red Crosse Knight. \nThis isn't so uncommon. Most people I know would rather watch "Scrubs" than read The Canterbury Tales. Even so, I feel the need to get my couple cents in about the state of entertainment these days. Take a look around and you'll see that most movies and television shows are nothing more than rehashed plots with the bare minimum of imagination breathed into them.\nThis statement is nothing new really, but I'm here to say that intelligence can be funny too. Is it really so hard to understand? Take "The Simpsons" for example. During its heyday it was one of the most intelligent shows around. It referenced everything from the Odyssey to Pablo Neruda, and it was one of the most popular shows on television. The Coen Brothers are, in my opinion, comedic geniuses. Most of their movies, while not box office hits, have amassed a cult following and garnered numerous prestigious awards. Even the best stupid comedies such as "Outside Providence" and "American Pie" are backed with a fair amount of brains. And I don't care what any critic says; I still think "Mallrats" is one of the funniest and smartest movies around.\nWe are getting a bit of a break this summer, though. "X-Men 2" gave us a well crafted, character driven plot when a less talented director could have made a simple-minded action flick. Even "The Matrix Reloaded," despite flaws, was trying to drive home something new and give its viewers a bit to think about on the ride home. Still, for every decent movie being made there's twice as many airheaded comedies rolling at us. We've got "Legally Blonde 2" and "American Wedding" to deal with. While neither of these movies will go broke appealing to the lowest common denominator, they're likely to be wholly forgettable.\nDon't get me wrong. I like dick and fart jokes just as much as my neighbor, but surely, I can't be alone in this? Maybe asking that question in a college town is unfair. Bloomington has its share of film snobs, but there must be more out there like me. Just average guys who are sick of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and every reality show on the air.\nSo what is the answer? We could all hold a candlelight vigil and massive boycott of all stupid movies. Perhaps I'll stage a protest at the nearest television station. Kind of like when militant vegetarians dress up as cows and chain themselves to McDonalds, I'll dress up like ALF and throw old VHS copies of "Mama's Family" at people who watch "American Idol." Maybe I'll start a support group for individuals that have been subjected to reruns of "Full House" and will never be able to forget the phrase "you got it, dude." Most likely, I'll just fly off the handle soon and start throttling anyone who is wearing a "Thundercats" t-shirt. I don't care how much camp value that intestinal lurch has, just because something is bad doesn't make it funny.\nBut I digress.\nSomething does need to be done, though. I can organize a letter writing campaign, start watching the dreaded PBS or -- God forbid -- start reading again. All these approaches sound a little too active for the passive lifestyle that television has provided me for so long, so I think when "Yes, Dear" comes on I'll turn off the box, head down to the Vid and drink until my vision is blurry. Then maybe I'll pick up that collectors set of "Night Court" and let the judgment begin. Now that's must see TV.