Sparked by Juno (Tom's opinion)

[pscan]

First, let me preface this by saying that anyone can hold any opinion about anything. It's fine. I liked Juno, and loved I'm Not There. I also like lots of things Tom likes (ABBA) and things he dislikes (The Band).

With that out of the way, let me just say that Tom's opinions are starting to kind of bore me. It seems as if he's enjoying playing the role of culture spoiler, dumping on things that others are (over-) praising. While his delivery and content is hilarious and fun to listen to, I'd like to challenge Tom to go on a positive rant for once. Let's hear him go on and on about something he loves. Too many critics take too much joy in tearing things down (not that Tom is a critic). I want to hear someone build something up. The world is full of the bad things. I want more good things.

Not that I would directly challenge the Lord of Living Lightning directly...

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

Yes, because comedians generally get their best laffs by talking about their enthusiasms.

[Sarah]

And the best stories are about happy families.

[Jason]

Party Zone!

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

Party Zone!

I don't know what this means but it made me laugh.

[pscan]

Seriously? The answer is 'happy isn't as funny?' First of all, that's not always true. Second, is Tom really a 'comedian'? I mean, of course he's funny and all that...

I guess what I'm more concerned about here is knee-jerk cynicism. Now, I love it just as much as anyone when Tom takes the knives out, but is that all there really is anymore? Are we just gonna talk about how crappy things are? Doesn't anyone else just get sick of it?

Party zone, indeed!

[Martin]

January 21, 2003: Many Must Suffer For The Crimes Of The Few - After Some Negative Feeback, The Listener Punishing 'Party Zone' Is Launched. Also, Philly Boy Roy Checks In Post-Eagles Defeat, Tom Sings A Sad Song From 'Magnolia', And Some 'Two Towers' Bashing. Listen

[JonFromMaplewood]

What you are doing right now, pscan - challenging sacred cows - is exactly what Tom is trying to do each week (at least that's my take).

With all due respect (I do admire your willingness to take on the vox populi), there are knobs on your radio, pscan.

[pscan]

I know it's futile to claim that I'm not trying to stir the pot, but I'm not.

I'm not saying that I'm sick of Tom or his opinions, just that I'd also like some more positivity in the mix. If that's a stupid thing to say, so be it. I love it when Tom gets a hold of something good (to continue the movie theme, his love of The Queen, for instance) and it just feels like it's been a long time since we got that particular spice.

[Sarah]

I know what you mean, pscan.  I, too, love it to hear Tom go on from time to time about things that make him happy.  But I think it is true, however unfortunately, that it is harder to be interesting/entertaining when one is waxing enthusiastic about something than when one is slamming what one dislikes.  I don't know why this has to be so, and the fact that it is no doubt explains much of what's wrong with the human race, but it's the way it is. 

[KickTheBobo]

Abba.
Ghostface Killah.
PFT/ Patton Oswalt's stand up.
Dogmo.
Clifford.
Jay-Z.
No Country for Old Men.
Magnolia.

...just some things off the top of my head that I think Tom enjoys greatly.

[pscan]

I know Tom likes things. I want more equal time for those things, that's all...

[Omar]

Abba.
Ghostface Killah.
PFT/ Patton Oswalt's stand up.
Dogmo.
Clifford.
Jay-Z.
No Country for Old Men.
Magnolia.

...just some things off the top of my head that I think Tom enjoys greatly.

Tom's praise of NCfOM was actually somewhat muted.  One of my fave positive film riffs from 2007 was Tom's love of Zodiac considering his previous attacks on Fincher's Fight Club. 

[dave from knoxville]

I know Tom likes things. I want more equal time for those things, that's all...

As a math guy, would it be pedantic of me to point out that there's no such thing as "more equal"?

Too late!

[Andy]

it's threads like this that make me wish that Purple-Shit hadn't been banned.  Oh, the fun I could have.