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The Next Mannequin Challenge
Let’s face it: Nothing’s ever going to stop, well, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship.
Yesterday’s blog (Stay Calm and Don’t Carry On) spotlighted the latest craze that’s been sweeping the nation: “The Mannequin Challenge.” And, as was mentioned in the aforementioned blog post, the true inspiration for this 2016 cultural phenomenon is the 1987 movie Mannequin.
The song, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” became synonymous with the classic ’80s film. You cannot think about one without the other. Incredible. This package deal of warm, fun memories from yesteryear continues to prove its worth far beyond its post-1987 future. Especially following a contentious presidential election, the American people are in need of the eternal reminder that everything will be okay. This is true regardless of who you voted for or who you wanted to win last night. One of the greatest pillars of the amazing American experiment is to relentlessly strive for “a more perfect union.” Not perfect, but more perfect. It’s a never-ending journey and pursuit.
America can be like bickering siblings going through very difficult times. Tensions run high and nobody wants to talk or start the conversation towards reconciliation. That’s when the goofy brother takes center stage to bring at least a couple minutes of some much needed levity.
I challenge everyone to take a few minutes out of their day to dance to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” with somebody or a group of people and record the experience. I think we all need this for a variety of reasons.
Now isn’t the time to just stand still.
Happy Monday!
This past weekend, I watched, The Skeleton Twins. The movie was original, entertaining, emotionally raw, fun, serious and, above all, a reminder of the importance and complexities of family. And the cast (Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Luke Wilson, Ty Burrell) was fantastic. This collection of actors, all with a comedic background, was ideal for this serious drama with spontaneous (and vital) comedic interruptions. It’s not a lighthearted film, yet it’s a good one for the heart to see.
One of the best scenes is in the video clip below. A brother sees his sister (who he’s trying to reconcile with) is need of a pick-me-up. Milo’s prescription for Maggie was perfect.
Starship brings out the magic in everyone.
Have an Awesome Week…Only 3 Days Until Christmas!
It’s Live and From New York, But Is It New?
“New York’s hottest new club is called, ‘Copycat.’ And it has everything: Glow sticks, red bouncy balls, women dressed like Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, Spud Webb and a Ground Mine.
What’s a Ground Mine?
It’s when someone watches a funny sketch by The Groundlings and they say ‘mine!'”
There have been reports this week that sketch giants Saturday Night Live (SNL) stole a Tina Turner routine they performed last weekend from the famed Los Angeles sketch comedy group The Groundlings. After watching the skits side-by-side, it seems virtually indisputable that SNL didn’t lift the sketch. In normal circumstances, it could possibly be a coincidence. Well, actually, not true. But the reason why this is such a big deal right now is that SNL (celebrating its 40th anniversary) has been barely treading water the past couple years. This creative comedy problem has been exacerbated by the departures of Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis, Fred Armisen, Nasim Pedrad and head writer/Weekend Update anchor Seth Meyers.
Plus, the co-creator of Stefon and veteran SNL writer John Mulaney left the show to write and star in his Sunday night FOX sitcom Mulaney with SNL alum Pedrad.
Despite the major cast shakeup following the end of last season, SNL still has some quality performers, like Kenan Thompson, Jay Pharoah, Taran Killam, Vanessa Bayer, Bobby Moynihan and Aidy Bryant. However, Weekend Update newcomer Michael Che is far too amused by his own jokes and the cast (in a broad sense) is lacking that special spark that fans tune in for on a late Saturday night. The expectation for gut-busting laughs is at a very low, low level. The writing has also been geared more towards flat-out opinions with an agenda about certain topics and people instead of playful, cleverly disguised comedic jabs at anybody and everybody.
Fortunately, impressionist extraordinaire Bill Hader is hosting this Saturday night with musical guest Hozier. This means (in 99.99% likelihood) a return of Stefon to the Weekend Update desk. Thank goodness! And it also means that the sketches including Hader should be laugh-out-loud hilarious, with a possible surprise guest star or two (cough-cough, his movie co-star Kristen Wiig…)?
Unfortunately, such a quick return from Hader indicates that SNL is trying to rejuvenate its audience with a past favorite. To be fair, Hader did just release a critically acclaimed drama, The Skeleton Twins, so the booking is legit and appropriate timing wise. However, like the sketch scandal, it just appears like SNL wants to stop treading water for a couple hours and instead climb into Samberg’s nearby boat with its recently departed cast members for some relaxed laughs for a change.
And judging by SNL’s current struggles, they have to be hoping that 40 turns out to be the new 30.
(P.S. Look for Saturday Night Live to lampoon itself over the scandal with The Groundlings this weekend)
Jimmy's Daily Planet 