Posted by TheMightyThor at 208-58-250-55.s309.tnt1.nwhv.ct.dialup.rcn.com on November 04, 2000 at 16:06:16:
In Reply to: Is it really over? posted by BrodieGod on November 04, 2000 at 09:38:16:
Look, I don't mean to preach here, but come on! This is the saddest thing I've read. Sadder than THE FAMILY CIRCUS.
Let Kevin's "local boy makes good" rags-to-riches-story inspire you, if anything. It's a modern day Horatio Alger story is what it is- only with more filthy words. But this post makes it seem like you're already defeated in every aspect of every avenue of everything-- Even about meeting Jason Lee. Dude- That's an achievable goal, but once achieved, life goes on. He's a guy. A funny, cool guy, but at the end of the day, he's much the same as you.
I mean, I think it's wierd that Kevin & co. are so put on a pedestal and deified, since I think their whole appeal is how genuine and "down to earth" they all seem to be. The reason I like Smith so much is because I feel like I *do* know him, as much as that is possible, through his work and his candor, and the fact that he's ALWAYS kept a rapport with the folks who dig (and buy) the stuff he creates and sells.
As for your "pilgrimage" to Jersey, I hope that you don't get too disappointed when you find that its just Jersey. Lotsa highways, lotsa u-turns, lotsa tolls...and the mundane stuff that you'd expect in any town.
I can't fault you too much, though. When I was in 8th grade, I skipped school and took a train to the City, on a pilgrimage of sorts myself. I brought a backpack full of comics, and went to 666 Madison Ave, then the HQ of DC comics. I had virtually no idea what I intended to do, other than GO THERE. When I got there, it was a big-ass office building. I honestly cannot recall what I thought was going to happen- Like John Byrne would see me in the hallway, and say, "Hey kid, you'ree obviously a true and special fan; what's more, you've got MOXIE- howzabout sitting in on this planning session?"
I mean, duh.
But there I was. Feeling like a dork for the squirelly action of cutting out and being there, and left, I hope, wiser for the experience. When you put something on a pedestal, you don't raise it, you lower yourself.
Not to get to Hallmark-y, but all the world is achievable with ambition.. Hell, you don't even need much talent. Look at Nicholas Cage.
Please, don't become the Red Bank ghost, wandering around, looking for magic in sidewalk. It ain't there. Magic is in having ideas, and making something out of them. Save up money and plan for that.
Anyway,
: I plan on next summer to head to Red Bank, New Jersey with a few of my friends from Maryland. Ever since I saw Mallrats so long ago I've wanted to meet Jason Lee, (which probably won't happen) and Kevin Smith (which won't happen either, unless I get cancer and go to one of those make-a-wish- foundations). But I figured I could do the next best thing and go to the stash and roam the town where some of the best movies I have ever fucking seen in my life.
: I wanted to go Vulgarthoon 2000 but I didn't have enough money to go and get there, so that's next summer as well. Question is, is it really gonna be over for all the characters and stories when VA5 comes out? Is it just ViewAskew over and more movies will be made from another productions name, or is it really over?
: My soul purpose to go to New Jersey is because of Kevin's movies. Hell, if he hadn't made those movies, I wouldn't be saving all this money ($500 at think at this point) to go New Jersey. His movies have impacted my life greatly (as well as my wallet, j/k). I've appreciated greatly the flicks he's created and this is just one fan out there who hopes that the Jedi hasn't laid down his lightsaber just yet.