How's Your News? (1999)

That was an excellent one.

Good , But It Is Overrated By Some

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

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.

Overall weak effort given the possibilities. There's simply not enough context presented for the viewer to be more involved in the story. I thought the totally blown opportunity would have been for the director Bradford to become more involved in the story and present his commentary from time to time, or other crew members for that matter. It would have lended a more rounded view and been more compelling.Quite frankly, after the first 10 minutes or so, the interviewing of people on the street gets pretty repetitive. I had the FF button on my DVD remote working overtime. A little bit went a long way. Again there were so many possibilities and chances to make this a much more interesting film. There's no doubt in my mind that any positive response to this film has much more to do w/ the PC nature of the subject matter than anything else. In terms of style there really is none to speak of, the film is made in an unpretentious way, but is also totally unremarkable in every way. very flat! The short film that was included on the DVD was a much better effort imo.

This movie from start to finish was an in-depth look into the developing minds of the mental and physically challenged. I must say that it puts away the fears that the general public reserve for the less fortunate, including the severely retarded. I, being one of these people, have a new understanding and tolerance. The line between "laughing at them" and "laughing with them" is not even an issue. The sheer joy, dedication and child-like determination makes this film shine. Whether it be the "goofiness" of the characters or the ignorance of the people they encounter. You will undoubtedly be laughing your head off from start to end and left with a warm, fuzzy feeling deep down. This movie is an instant cult classic and has already been copied and recopied through my friends. The reaction is ALWAYS the same..."Tell us, "How's Your News?"".

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.