There's a bit of a discussion about what should be considered "Southern." Perhaps LC can weigh in but my understanding has always been that "Southern" referred to the areas of the U.S. south of the Mason Dixon line (the southern borders or PA, IN, OH, IL and western border of DE). Or, states that joined in the Confederacy like TX and MO. And yet ,KS can definitely be considered southern in my book based off the culture. I've got a family of them to prove it.
The southwest is tricky because though it's obviously southern geographically, there wasn't much "southern" about AZ, NM or San Diego any time I've ever been in those places. Yet some of the small desert towns are quite "southern" indeed.
Since Jess took my first answer I'll go with To Kill A Mockingbird. One of the all-time great courtroom dramas, it's also a film that does justice to the book it was based on. The ending is layered and the characters are complex.
I don't expect anyone to "like" this, but I'm going with Dazed and Confused. Set in Austin, TX on the last day of school in 1976, it focuses on the rising seniors and incoming freshmen at Lee High School. A major subplot is the delay by the school's star QB in signing the coach's "no alcohol or drugs" pledge.
I admit I may be a bit biased since I was in high school during this film's timeframe. I can tell you that it absolutely rings true. All the characters feel real (I can actually think of students from my school that match the characters in the film), and the feel of the times and how teenagers fit in (or not) and acted are spot on.
Great performance by all the cast, and Matthew McConaughey had his breakout role as "Woody" Wooderson, a man in his early 20s who still socializes with high school students.
So which character were you? I'd have to watch it again but if there was a character who got along with all of the different cliques without belonging to any, did lots of stupid stuff, and made a fool of himself when...chemically enhanced...but rarely ever got caught, that was me.
You know, I never really thought about that. I guess I was too taken by how right the movie felt, and trying to see who in HS matched the characters that I forgot to figure a match for myself.
Just like you, I'll need to rewatch it to figure it out.
(ETA: I guess I was too pessimistic about the "likes.")
I disagree. My wife is a fan of the film, and I tried to watch it with her. I found it to be overlong, overacted, and overrated (IMHO).
Now, I get that it's an "epic," and also a product of its times. That accounts for the length and overacting, but I did not (nor do I) find it enjoyable.
Then we get into the racism and near "Lost Cause" romanticism n the film (and novel, TBH). I'm not one that usually gets worked up about some racism in films from the early-20th century, but good lord does this movie lay it on thick! It's disgusting (again, IMHO). There's also a touch of sympathy for the Klan in the film, though I admit it's no "Birth of a Nation."
I know many here disagree, and that's okay. That's what the MFC is for!
There are a ton of movies that could be a great answer for this one.
I am going to go with one that deals with real issues in a serious way, but also has some really great light hearted moments as well. I feel it really captures the humanity of polarizing issues.
This can't possibly compete with Gone With The Wind or To Kill a Mockingbird, but Logan Lucky is a super fun movie that y'all (see what I did there) ought to know about. Southern. Non-Western. And yet Dwight Yoakum is a hilarious supporting character and it's still not a Western. We don't have a Western problem at Monroe... (Watch the movie, and that'll make sense.)
There's the bell! And we have another tie. Since Jess took what I feel is the best answer I'll concede this one to her. Congratulations, Jess, you get to choose Monday's question.
At risk of sounding like a smart- uh...donkey’s butt- can someone tell me an example of a western that IS set in the south? 🤔 I really couldn’t think of one and it’s made me rather curious, so this truly is a sincere question I’m asking 😁
Ok, ok, so hear me out...I’m going with FOOTLOOSE because...
True Grit starts in northern Arkansas, and if TX is included any western set there could be said to be in the South, but the South would otherwise be too far east to be considered a western.
For sure, these ones are set in the South: Django Unchained, True Grit, The Outlaw Josey Wales, Red River, Rio Bravo. There are a bunch of questionable ones that took place at the border of Texas/Mexico or ones where it's questionable if they're westerns: Wild Bunch, Giant, Hell or High Water, Rio Grande, Magnificent Seven, etc.
There's a bit of a discussion about what should be considered "Southern." Perhaps LC can weigh in but my understanding has always been that "Southern" referred to the areas of the U.S. south of the Mason Dixon line (the southern borders or PA, IN, OH, IL and western border of DE). Or, states that joined in the Confederacy like TX and MO. And yet ,KS can definitely be considered southern in my book based off the culture. I've got a family of them to prove it.
The southwest is tricky because though it's obviously southern geographically, there wasn't much "southern" about AZ, NM or San Diego any time I've ever been in those places. Yet some of the small desert towns are quite "southern" indeed.
America. It's weird.
Yeah, I would agree with this definition of the South.
Since Jess took my first answer I'll go with To Kill A Mockingbird. One of the all-time great courtroom dramas, it's also a film that does justice to the book it was based on. The ending is layered and the characters are complex.
I don't expect anyone to "like" this, but I'm going with Dazed and Confused. Set in Austin, TX on the last day of school in 1976, it focuses on the rising seniors and incoming freshmen at Lee High School. A major subplot is the delay by the school's star QB in signing the coach's "no alcohol or drugs" pledge.
I admit I may be a bit biased since I was in high school during this film's timeframe. I can tell you that it absolutely rings true. All the characters feel real (I can actually think of students from my school that match the characters in the film), and the feel of the times and how teenagers fit in (or not) and acted are spot on.
Great performance by all the cast, and Matthew McConaughey had his breakout role as "Woody" Wooderson, a man in his early 20s who still socializes with high school students.
Final answer.
So which character were you? I'd have to watch it again but if there was a character who got along with all of the different cliques without belonging to any, did lots of stupid stuff, and made a fool of himself when...chemically enhanced...but rarely ever got caught, that was me.
You know, I never really thought about that. I guess I was too taken by how right the movie felt, and trying to see who in HS matched the characters that I forgot to figure a match for myself.
Just like you, I'll need to rewatch it to figure it out.
(ETA: I guess I was too pessimistic about the "likes.")
Easy. GONE WITH THE WIND
This is obviously the right answer but we're gonna try to post a few wild cards in there just for fun. :D
Gotta make her work for it.
I disagree. My wife is a fan of the film, and I tried to watch it with her. I found it to be overlong, overacted, and overrated (IMHO).
Now, I get that it's an "epic," and also a product of its times. That accounts for the length and overacting, but I did not (nor do I) find it enjoyable.
Then we get into the racism and near "Lost Cause" romanticism n the film (and novel, TBH). I'm not one that usually gets worked up about some racism in films from the early-20th century, but good lord does this movie lay it on thick! It's disgusting (again, IMHO). There's also a touch of sympathy for the Klan in the film, though I admit it's no "Birth of a Nation."
I know many here disagree, and that's okay. That's what the MFC is for!
You should definitely go up and vote for To Kill A Mockingbird then. 😉
No, I don't think I will. :)
Boooo.
There are a ton of movies that could be a great answer for this one.
I am going to go with one that deals with real issues in a serious way, but also has some really great light hearted moments as well. I feel it really captures the humanity of polarizing issues.
The Help is my final answer.
Cool Hand Luke is too obvious? Steel Magnolias is too sugary? Is Raising Arizona acceptable or will a flag be thrown?
Edit: Raising Arizona, final answer.
PS - Is this wild card’ish enough for ya Shannon?
I'll give a like to Raising Arizona.
It is! But I haven’t seen Raising Arizona so I can’t give you a vote, drat.
This can't possibly compete with Gone With The Wind or To Kill a Mockingbird, but Logan Lucky is a super fun movie that y'all (see what I did there) ought to know about. Southern. Non-Western. And yet Dwight Yoakum is a hilarious supporting character and it's still not a Western. We don't have a Western problem at Monroe... (Watch the movie, and that'll make sense.)
There's the bell! And we have another tie. Since Jess took what I feel is the best answer I'll concede this one to her. Congratulations, Jess, you get to choose Monday's question.
At risk of sounding like a smart- uh...donkey’s butt- can someone tell me an example of a western that IS set in the south? 🤔 I really couldn’t think of one and it’s made me rather curious, so this truly is a sincere question I’m asking 😁
Ok, ok, so hear me out...I’m going with FOOTLOOSE because...
Jack, get back
C'mon, before we crack
Lose your blues
Everybody cut footloose
Footloose for the win! Final answer 😄
True Grit starts in northern Arkansas, and if TX is included any western set there could be said to be in the South, but the South would otherwise be too far east to be considered a western.
Which is why eliminating Westerns is appropriate.
For sure, these ones are set in the South: Django Unchained, True Grit, The Outlaw Josey Wales, Red River, Rio Bravo. There are a bunch of questionable ones that took place at the border of Texas/Mexico or ones where it's questionable if they're westerns: Wild Bunch, Giant, Hell or High Water, Rio Grande, Magnificent Seven, etc.
I wouldn't call Hell Or High Water a western. Magnificent Seven sure is though.
Wait, Footloose is set in the south?! I have not seen that movie in forever...guess I need to go find some clips...
Looks like the fictional town of Bomont, was set in Utah, and was filmed largely in Payson, UT.
Darn 😕 so...do I get a do-over?
🙏🏻😁
I voted for ya because you unexpectedly offered infamous lyrics :)
And forced me to put on music to get that song out of my head
😂🙌🏻
I vote yes!
Sure.
Such confidence. I like it.