Film critic. Theatre nerd. Latter-Day Saint. writer of essays. Lover of things retro and random. Reader of pulp and fun stuff. Watcher of old TV. Everyday dude.
Utah County
Joined December 2010
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AJ Howell retweeted
Here's a 1977 Canada Dry commercial where Jack Elam sings (also featuring Broderick Crawford & Isaac Hayes)
AJ Howell retweeted
This is actually a condescending view of working-class people. I grew up in a working-class immigrant family and we ate at Red Lobster and The Cheesecake Factory for "fancy nights out." But even we understood that the White House should not look like the inside of a Red Lobster. Working-class people are not culturally illiterate just because their experiences are shaped by their limited means.
AJ Howell retweeted
I honestly feel that a lot of franchise reboots today are almost made with TOO MUCH reverence for the past. The filmmakers are fans who grew up with the properties & treat them like important pop culture epics. But sometimes they're just '80s slashers! Or ghost-busting comedies!
AJ Howell retweeted
Opening prayer offered at the BYU-Notre Dame game welcomed “our brothers in Christ from Notre Dame” to Provo and requested a special blessing upon Pope Leo. 🥺🙏🏻🤙🏻
AJ Howell retweeted
HIGH ANXIETY might be Mel Brooks's most under-appreciated movie, and there's a great making of story in which after Brooks finished the film, a spoof on Alfred Hitchcock movies, he actually invited Hitchcock to review the film and give it his blessing. 20th Century Fox sets up the screening, Brooks and Hitchcock are now watching the movie together. The first joke happens, Hitchcock doesn't laugh. The next joke, same thing. Brooks is sweating because Hitchcock isn't laughing at *any* of the jokes or parodies. Finally the movie ends, Brooks is ready to receive any type of critique, but all Hitchcock does is stand up and walk out, not saying a word. Brooks is left feeling like not only is his new comedy garbage, but the director he's spoofing absolutely hates it.
Crushed, days later, Brooks walks into his office on the lot and sees a gift basket on his desk. Inside is a card that simply says, "Splendid. - Hitchcock"
AJ Howell retweeted
In retrospect, this was probably the most significant event in TV Sitcom history.
On this day (October 15th) in 1951, "I Love Lucy" premiered on CBS-TV.
The show's original intro was similar to this one in 1955.
Incomprehensible to many people today, the financial backing from Philip Morris was a crucial part of the show's success. "I Love Lucy" became a cultural phenomenon. 🩶📺 – at Frisco, TX
AJ Howell retweeted
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has shared the following statement about the health of Pope Leo XIV:
“We express our heartfelt concern for Pope Leo XIV as he confronts health challenges and extend our sincere wishes for his comfort, strength, and a swift recovery. We join with people of faith around the world in praying that heaven will bless and sustain him during this time. May he feel the peace and healing power of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
newsroom.churchofjesuschrist…
AJ Howell retweeted
📺On October 11, 1957, ‘Leave It To Beaver’ aired U.S. network television’s first toilet. The episode had been delayed after CBS censors demanded that the toilet scene be removed. Eventually, a deal was reached that allowed only the tank to be shown
AJ Howell retweeted
The events in the Book of Mormon actually happened. I believe it. It is indeed another Testament of Jesus Christ comparable to, and a companion of, The Holy Bible. It witnesses of Christ’s love for all.
If you want to learn more: churchofjesuschrist.org
AJ Howell retweeted
The entire modern superhero genre has taken place in the shadow of 9/11, with NYC and NYC surrogates getting attacked again and again. Batman vs. Superman has Bruce Wayne quoting Dick Cheney, for goodness sake.
AJ Howell retweeted
An underrated thing about the two Trek movies directed by Nimoy (III and IV) is how he used a lesson he'd learned from Mission: Impossible--"Everyone gets their page"-- and made sure to give the supporting cast interesting things to do and memorable moments.
AJ Howell retweeted
People think 1980s stories like Fright Night, The Lost Boys, or IT are ridiculous when in real life hundreds of Scottish kids responded to a rumor of a 7 foot vampire eating children by ARMING THEMSELVES AND GOING TO A CEMETERY TO HUNT IT DOWN.
