Why is Ben Affleck the star of GOP Debt Ceiling Debates? #sunday #weekend #movies

Did you know that congressman Kevin McCarthy once showed a scene from the crime drama, “The Town” during a debt ceiling debate, to convince House Republicans to support John Boehner’s plan to extend the country's debt limit? I had no idea, having just learned about this, since I rarely follow politics that much. So, I’m curious about one thing -- what place do fictional movies have in helping our nations’ leaders make decisions about how the country functions?

Yes, it’s nice to know that cinema is powerful enough to gain attention of, and maybe even influence, members of congress. The part of the movie shown during the debate was a scene where Doug MacRay asks his friend to help him hurt some people.

If the legislature is showing films at their meetings in Washington, should filmmakers be flattered or weirded out by this? Even Ben Affleck found the July 2011 GOP debate screening of “The Town” to be a bit strange. Still, he recommends that they at least show something “more appropriate” such as “The Company Men,” if they’re going to be watching his movies in Washington.

Unlike “The Town,” which is about violent bank robbers, “The Company Men,” starring Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper and Tommy Lee Jones tells the story of three men whose lives take an unexpected turn when corporate downsizing renders them jobless. It’s funny -- thanks to the GOP and their interest in how “The Town” relates to their arguments regarding U.S. debt, I learned about a new movie that I never even knew existed until today.

So I suppose, Kevin McCarthy’s screening -- however inappropriate some may believe it was, the clip not only got more people talking about Ben Affleck and “The Town” but also led to “The Company Men” getting extra attention -- because it’s surely going on one of my movie rental lists!

Do YOU think it’s appropriate for legislators to reference films when debating important matters that affect our country’s future?

Have YOU seen “The Company Men”? If so, is it a better movie than “The Town”?

P.S.

Hey folks, guess what.....

You’re viewing The Madlab Post at its new address: www.madlabpost.com

That’s right. No more typing in long URLs. Out with the old www.madlabonline.blogspot.com and in with the new www.madlabpost.com !

A different address but it's still the same ol' blog.

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Ben Affleck’s ‘The Town’ Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and DVD Release, Complete with Tattoos #charlestown #boston #movies

An Ultimate Collector’s Edition of the crime drama, “The Town” starring Ben Affleck is set to be released this Tuesday, March 6th. In February, Warner Bros. and the city of Boston were so excited for the new release of “The Town” on Blu-ray and DVD that they came together and renamed the corner of an intersection after this movie. Avery street became “The Town Take 2 Place,” right where it crosses Tremont street, for a few days.

A Charlestown district chief city councilwoman said that it was the first time a Boston street has been renamed temporarily. While the signage probably annoyed some travelers or locals who believe it is unnecessary, Ben Affleck fans and the general movie going public probably didn’t mind the change at all, especially since it’s right outside the AMC Loews Boston Common movie theater.

What’s so special about “The Town” Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray or DVD, you ask?

Well, this edition includes a 153-minute extended version and a more gritty alternate ending. The extended version delves more into the life of Ben Affleck’s character, Doug MacRay, including a “beefier” romance between him and Claire. Thanks to USA Today, here are some of the accompanying extras that “The Town” Box set contains.

- 4 Featurettes
- Commentary on 3 different versions of “The Town.”
- 48-page filmmaking photo book
- rub-on tattoos
- Mug shot cards
- 15-page FBI Report that was used in the film.
- A map of Charlestown, with details on crime scenes from the movie.
- A 30-minute documentary, called “The Town: A Director's Journey.”

Oh, and it also has a 3rd disc containing the original 125-minute theatrical version of “The Town,” but it would be silly for a box set to not include the one that audiences have come to know, right? Or else, the whole ‘Ultimate’ claim is just a ploy to give the Blu-ray and DVD more attention. I’m just sayin’.

Now, is it just me, or are those rub-on tattoos in this box set a little inappropriate or at the very least, strange given that “The Town” is an R-rated movie? Unless someone is hosting or attending a themed party, why is anyone over the age of 17 walking around with rub-on tattoos? Just a curiosity. Maybe I’m out of the loop.

The release of an Ultimate Collector’s Edition for “The Town” comes at a great time, since Ben Affleck, who also co-wrote and directed this movie, is our new King Dong for the month of March 2012. Hats off to him!

What are some of the best special features that YOU’ve seen on DVDs in your movie collection? Are there any special features that YOU wish were never included on any DVD, whether it is collector’s edition, or not?

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A Farewell to Denzel: Positive Influences Mean Everything! #bgca #rolemodel #inspiration

"It's one thing to make money. It's another thing to know how to count it. -- They talk about role models, and you see me or LeBron James or somebody on TV bouncing a basketball. But your real role models are those people that are in your club, those people that are in your environment that affect you either positively or negatively.” - Denzel Washington

Join me in saying farewell to Denzel Washington, a man whose talent and wisdom knows no bounds.

It’s been a pleasure to watch him rule as King Dong of February 2012, for which we learned a lot, this time around.

From the importance of preserving the magic of cinema to never being afraid to fail,

Mr. Washington sure knows how to reach his full potential while still maintaining a relatively simplified life, which is probably why he does so well.

Yet, this “Safe House” star refuses to take all the credit for his successful acting career.

For, it is the positive influence of a late mentor as well as encouraging words from a childhood Boys and Girls Club worker that Washington holds near and dear.

Today, the talented actor uses his own success and influence to create a positive impact in the lives of children, by supporting causes that are close to his heart.

Just last Fall, he established the Denzel Washington Endowed Scholarship for undergraduate students majoring in theatere at Fordham University, so the first lucky recipient gets $250,000 to study at the same place where the guy who played Coach Boone in “Remember the Titans” got his start.

The Boys and Girls Club of America, however, is where the 57 year-old Oscar winner for Best Actor continues to teach his biggest lesson...

Even the smallest positive gesture can mean the world to children and he’s a prime example, after never forgetting a Boys and Girls Club worker telling him “Young man, with the smarts you have, You can do anything you want to do,” which left quite an impression.

Denzel Washington serves as a spokesperson for The Boys and Girls Club of America, an organization that helped him become all that he could be and more.

As he takes on new roles in upcoming films while stressing education and surrounding kids with good role models, let’s look forward to what else he has in store!

“The most dangerous time for children are between 3 and 6 o'clock, when they're out of school. They're going to join some club. They're going to line up with the athletes, the jocks, or the jerks, or the nerds, or the goths, or the druggies. They're going to do something. They're going to be negatively influenced, unless they're positively influenced. And that is our responsibility as adults." - Denzel Washington

I read that Denzel Washington has interest in maybe becoming a Pastor someday. Do YOU think he would make a good one? Would YOU attend his church?

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