Talladega Nights

We are very fortunate here in Lusaka to have a movie theater. And since I am so far removed from what is really happening in the world for the most part, I don't even notice that the movies we have playing are apparently months old. Who cares. It's still good-time fun to spend a mindless night at the movies. So, I went to see Talladega Night on Sunday after a long day of configuring computers and installing software at the office. I was so excited to see that a stand-up, intelligently done classy American film had come to Lusaka. Courtney and I went with Helen, our new British economist friend. Helen says things all the time like, "You Americans and your _____." It's funny to see how our former colonizers view us. We really like Helen, despite how I feel about my recent interactions with London and British Airways.

Since I was fortunate to have seen Talladega Nights in the US with my very funny friend Laurie, I remembered it with fondness. And since I thought it was funny, I agreed to indulge Helen and Courtney's wishes and see it again. Especially since the other movie, The Guardian, seemed like a crap Coast Guard imitation of Top Gun. Blasphemy! Here's how I felt about the movie. It was ok the 2nd time - pretty funny in some parts, but there's nothing quite like seeing a really crude, idiotic American movie with a Brit. I cringed at every single awful Southern or American stereotype that seemed to be way more blatantly offensive when watched in the company of someone not from our own culture, surrounded by tons of Africans who must believe that we are all like Ricky Bobby, Walker, and Texas Ranger...not to mention Carlie. My driver here told me that he believes that everyone in the US carries a gun! Really!? I think it must be because they play every CSI regional drama under the sun at least 3 times a day here. But in view of the "baby Jesus" prayers (which I found to be the most hysterical part of the entire film) around a supper of KFC (not even Bojangles!! Those directors really should have done a better job investigating what people actually eat in NC) and Taco Bell, together with Karin the Cougar, the homophobia, Southerners apparent hate for jazz music and anything foreign, and Reese's presentation at Career Day, I must be honest that I was slightly embarrassed. THAT is the movie they chose to distribute internationally. Awesome. As if people don't hate us enough. They might as well just broadcast George Bush saying stupid things about foreign policy or some Southern redneck being interviewed on the six o'clock news next time. Just as funny. Just as detrimental to the reputation of our great land. And if watching CSI makes people here believe that we all carry guns, what must Will Ferrell movies make them believe about our population?? I mean, don't get me wrong. I love Will Ferrell and his sense of humor - maybe more than most people should. I just wish it wouldn't leak out of the country. You know what I mean?