reefer madness

[reeses...@comcast.net]

although the film was grossly inaccurate in its depiction of the effects of
marijuana, it was precisely this aspect that gives the film its entertainment
value. the film is so off base that it's funny, especially when the kid ran
over
that old guy. that was hysterically funny. obviously, the film was made for
people
who have no actual experience with smoking marijuana, because anyone who has
smoked marijuana knows the effects, and thereby will recognize clearly that this
is, or was,
propaganda. for me, the 'reefer madness' that the characters experienced
appeared more like
'cocaine madness', since a heightened sense of restlessness is associated with
stimulants, not depressants.

i suppose the film retains a small value also because it shows just how far the
american government is willing to go, and that comparatively speaking, they
haven't changed a bit. which some others in the group have already suggested.

from an artisitic point of view the film left a lot to be desired. visually
unremarkable, the characters were unconvincing, billy accepted that he shot his
girlfriend way to easily, mae jumping out of the window was a bid
melodramatic...

i suppose also that the film has some historical significance, given that it
captured 1930's culture(dress, hairstyles, cars, et cetera, et cetera), but
overall the film struck me as uninteresting and somewhat of a laborious watch.
i think that because the plot is based on lies, i had a hard time believing in
the characters, i was unsympathetic to billy's plight, probably because the
conflict--marijuana addiction, which in turn drove everybody insane--is just not
tenable.

but it feels kind of strange critiquing a film that was intentionally created
for propaganda purposes, because it's too easy to find flaws. everytime i think
of something about the film, i find myself saying, 'well what did you expect.' for the time that is spent watching this film, the dividends are low, and thus, i have no choice but to point the thumbs down on 'Reefer Madness'.

reese

[Brian Slaughter]

That whole going to pick up a new shipment was crazy. Jack yells at
Jimmy to slow down and he's driving at 40 mph. I nearly died laughing
when Jimmy ran the old guy over. Old guy steps off the curb then downs
goes Frazier down goes Frazier. These were the most clean cut square
looking mobsters I have ever seen. I don't remember Tony Soprano
counting his money on a crank adding machine like an accountant. Then
threaten to kill some while still in front of the adding machine.
Maybe that's how their drug ring lasted so long, nobody would ever
suspect an accountant as a drug lord.

--
Brian Slaughter
***SuperStar***

"Do not arouse the wrath of the great and powerful Oz!"

[DONG UK YI]

The laughable nuances are what made this 'classic' a work of art. Campy, uninteresting dialog mixed with a stranger message make this selection benign.

[Brian Slaughter]

What does that even mean?

[DONG UK YI]

It means this movie had as much substance as a soggy cookie. Read into Reefer Madness all of the messages and lessons your heart and mind seek. You will find none, you will be greatly disappointed.

--
Press nine if you were rapaciously over-billed!