To me, the critique makes sense if you see the name as symbolic of his general phoniness. When people say he's a racist bully, his supporters hear that as "he's tough and he's not PC." But to me Oliver cut right to what his people say they like about him- that he "tells it like it is" or isn't a politician-and shows…

OK, a more modern example: Michael Moore. I agree with much of what he has to say, but I can easily recognize elements of propaganda in his work. When I watched Fahrenheit 9/11, I was fully aware that I was watching propaganda, even as I was nodding my head in agreement.

I know you're kidding, but in all seriousness, thanks so much for your contribution. Best of luck with the podcast.

"Can any film transcend propaganda?" Yes. "All film-makers are trying to make a point." No, they're not. I doubt that Adam Sandler, for example, is trying to make many larger points with his work. "It's whether you agree with that point or not that you start viewing it as propaganda." I'm not sure who is the "you"…

Roots grunge!

Wait, is that seriously how you got this username? (No, I have no idea why I care, either)

To be fair, girls often have been actively discouraged from pursuing STEM fields, so organizations like Girlstart are trying to counter that. But programs targeting poor kids also are important.

Yep. It's amazing how that works in TV land. I'll cut the writers some slack on this one, simply because I'm enjoying the show so much. The generous interpretation is that Mike is so reluctant to commit another murder that he concocts a plan that so easily could have failed, and he got lucky. Maybe we can further…

I didn't see anything in the article (I'm pretty tired, so may have missed it) that suggested this is the first POV film ever made. As for the marketing materials, I would expect them to hype it up. Also, I have no knowledge of the film, but if they manage to do realistic action-movie stunts on a limited budget and…

Also, it took really, really good timing.

That was probably my favorite show at the time. All I can remember now is the dude who shot lightning bolts from his hands.

Because it's an interesting story with compelling characters, and would be without the Breaking Bad connection. I'm enjoying it so far, and I literally never think about BB when I'm watching.

The Act of Killing was problematic? How so?

So, after reading exactly one article on this subject, I'm not certain if I should consider her a joke-stealer. http://www.vox.com/2016/1/2…
But I'm curious as to what people who know more about comedy/standup/etc. than me think about it, if anyone's still reading this thread.

That was my favorite book as a 15-year-old. I remember standing up as I was reading the last chapter of the first half because I was excited and couldn't sit still. I doubt it would hold up for me today.

Do you know the name?

Some of the standup that I've seen is pretty funny. Some of the other commenters here would disagree. There was a standup special, Laugh at my Pain, I think it was, where he talked a lot about his father, that was pretty good.

Best random roles yet. Gilbert seems a little baffled as to why he still has a film career, given all the crap he's done, yet never loses his sense of humor about it.

Thank you. It sounds like you have exactly the right attitude, and I have no doubt that you will come out better on the other side. Be well.

As someone with a decade on you, who also has his own issues (depression, mostly), I'd be remiss if I didn't remind you that you won't necessarily get where you need to be unless you're doing things on a daily basis to get there. Even if you're not sure where you're headed, it's important to work toward something. I…