How's Your News?

I have seen this film so many times I have lost count. I remember one time, when I was watching it with some girls who I was hanging out with from this class I was in at the time, we were about a fourth or a third of the way through the film and one of them had to use the bathroom. We paused the film, and then one of them was silent for a bit and then turned to me and said in all sincerity, "This is going to be one of those films where there is my life before and then there is my life after, isn't it?" I knew that I adored the film, but I was never able to verbalize its importance until she said that. Now, that is entirely how I describe the film to people who haven't seen it, and yes, everyone who has seen it that pitch has agreed with me afterwards, this is indeed just that type of movie.

There are people who claim that the movie is exploitative of the handicapped cast, but if that was true then how come the entire cast and their families and friends and co-workers and camp staff fully endorse the movie 100%? The a-holes who think the movie is exploitative believe that the handicapped and mentally challenged individuals in society should be "protected" and that they should be kept out of the public eye where they might possibly be teased (they think that they should just stay in their houses, away from where they can mix with society, and that they shouldn't be allowed to experience life like "normal" people).

See, in How's Your News, they constantly put the handicapped and mentally challenged right in "normal" people's faces in the public. This is where the movie shines because people have to then deal with the handicapped, whether they become uncomfortable, laugh, cry, get depressed, whatever--the point is that they have to deal with the handicapped people that the "normal" people in society would often like to forget even exist.

The handicapped and mentally challenged cast in this film challenge social norms and affect the people's lives that they encounter along their roadtrip. Many people become uncomfortable, some get to re-examine their lives spurred on by the cast's innocent questions, some smile, others are rude, some get angry, and others become utterly confused. But whatever the case, the people in the documentary have to deal with them because they are right in their face, and they have to acknowledge that the handicapped and mentally challenged are people too (and if they don't, honestly they just look like a-holes).

The people who think that the handicapped and mentally challenged should stay "protected" in their houses while being separated from society are the true bigots. Once you see this movie, you will understand, it is hilarious, heartwarming, and well-made--see this film!

NOTE: Yes, the very first time you see it, it is absolutely normal to be uncomfortable for the first 10 to 15 minutes (20 for some, even). But trust me, stick it out because this film will change your life. I can't recommend this film enough.

If you noticed that Trey Parker and Matt Stone were listed as Executive Producers for this film you may wonder how much that would translate into this being a snide comedy. Well, You would be right about the comedy at least but this film extends so far to the human capabilities in us all that South Park is not even on the map. Arthur Bradford has accomplished an amazing feat just by allowing his camera to catch the human interactions of his friends who star in this film as "man on the street" reporters. The success and joy of this road trip across the US comes directly from the actors/stars who along their way meet and interact with people from all walks of life. This uniqueness and honesty is all caught perfectly on camera as the ability of each reporter is highlighted and becomes as much an accomplishment as the trip itself. I had the privilege of meeting many members of the film including Arthur Bradford and Susan Harrington during its showing at the Woodstock Film Festival. After meeting them it was apparent that the energy, honesty, and humor that culminates this film was natural and in abundance.

So if you want to take a road trip with some unique, interesting, and genuinely funny individuals then find this film!

Bravo!

Not to be missed. A wonderful story told in an original way. Arthur Bradford has created something special here. This is the most honest documentary I believe I've ever seen.

Heartfelt, moving, inspiring!

I found this film to be wonderful - respectful - and life affirming all at the same time - the reporters - a group of people with so much heart and verve for life that you cannot help but learn from them "what's your biggest dream?" is about the most profound and elemental question known to humankind - and these reporters dare to ask.

Kudos to everyone involved - if you've ever felt like an "other" and outsider, or someone behind the glass - watch this film and then join all of us - each person striving to be, do, learn and become - the best the can.

What's not to love - the people driven to realize the film - the reporters on a quest to explore America - they each have a valuable mission - to become themselves by interacting with others, where they will learn.

As cheesy as the story could have been, it wasn't - nor clichéd - which of us on this planet has not a single quality which stands in our way? We are all coping as well as we are able - and my favorite feeling at the end wasn't just for what the entire group accomplished - but how the film reflected some aspect of the viewer - whether they were looking or not.

I wouldn't blame you if you didn't want to watch this film because you were worried that it was exploitive of those with disabilities. I felt the same way before I watched it. I feel different now. If you could see how proud the "How's Your News?" crew are of their work, you'd realize what an accomplishment this was for them. I really admire the courage it must have taken to go out and meet the world face to face. They have a truly amazing perspective on the American experience. I think they probably have a better understanding of how "we" are doing as a society than any of the people who refused to talk with them. They really earned my respect.