Page 6 - Martin Down Bulletin - September '24

Page 6, Martin Downs

Film Review
Heroes Vs. Villains from page 1
brought out the creativity
among some of the
supporters who dressed “Don’t Worry: He Won’t Get into a light pole
the part and competed in a results in them
costume contest. There also Far on Foot” being brought
was a 50/50 raffle and YETI by emergency
cooler up for grabs! By Nils A. Shapiro ambulance to a
The winner of the Best Trust me on this one. If, like me, at some point in the hospital.
Dressed Dog category was first half hour or so of this film you feel like turning it As it turns out,
“Wonder Woman,” featuring off as being rather depressing, don’t do it! the driver escapes
Roxy, whose parents are Jeff Resist that urge and you will be rewarded with one of with only minor
and Charleen Sabin. The Best the most brilliant acting performances and emotional screen bruises and we see
Dressed Human was Megan stories you will have experienced in a long time, to be then no more of him
Billitti as Scooby Doo’s told in the closing credits (forgive this spoiler) that it is all until the very end
Velma, and the Best Dressed based on a true memoir by the man who lived it! of the film. But it
Human/Dog Duo was Emily Emily Jones with Kallie and The highly respected director Gus Van Sant adapted is largely through
Jones with Kallie and Cash Cash. They won the Best that memoir into the screenplay for this 2018 film John’s (Joaquin
dressed as Superman, Wonder Dressed Human/Dog Duo. streaming on Amazon Prime Video. After viewing Phoenix’s) eyes
Woman and Batman. Photo by Sarah Fisher. Joaquin Phoenix’s extraordinary performance in the lead and thoughts that
role I had to do some research to learn why he failed to win we learn and
the Academy Award that year. It went to Rami Malek for experience his life from that moment on as a quadriplegic:
playing Freddie Mercury in American Rhapsody. (Joaquin paralysis of both arms and both legs.
Phoenix throughout his career has won one Academy Through the director’s, actor’s and cinematographer’s
Award, one British Academy Film Award, two Golden skills, John’s trauma and shock are palpable. The initial
Globe Awards, one Grammy—having been nominated for treatment by much of the hospital staff is insufficiently
13 of those—in addition to having been nominated for caring, except for a beautiful visiting volunteer (played
no fewer than 105 other U.S. and international festival by Rooney Mara) who spoon feeds him and understands
acting awards and taking top honors 28 times!) that a little kiss will make him feel human.
We meet him here in the opening scene as John When John is provided with an electric wheelchair
Callahan, onstage as a recovered alcoholic receiving an whose movements and direction he can control with
award before an audience to whom he is telling the story his fingers, his world widens: He can travel around the
we are about to witness. hospital and even go outdoors. Recognizing the reason
The flashback begins at a party where Jack and his for his disastrous situation he decides to join a group in
friend (played by Jack Black), already having had too Alcoholics Anonymous to straighten out his life. The
much to drink, decide to make a real night of it. After group leader, portrayed by Jonah Hill, takes a special
stops at an amusement park and a strip club, imbibing even interest in guiding John through AA’s established process.
more at each, they pile back into the car for one more stop We learn that John’s mother had turned him over for
Wagnolias, the presenting sponsor, represented by Jessica with his totally besotted friend behind the wheel. As the adoption when he was a young boy and he has never
Forbes, Michele Tucker, Anne Arrue and Joann Lesher. Photo car veers from one lane to another, the driver’s eyes begin
by Sarah Fisher. to close. He dozes off…and the inevitable 90 mph crash Film Review on page 7

Treasure Coast Outdoors

Same Story Every Year: alone for solitude or because we can’t find someone
to go with. Tom Flynn, of Palm City, will tell you that
Empty Boat With Angler I fish alone because of my personality.

Missing However, it is so easy to prevent the empty boat
tragedy. A lanyard attached to the kill switch and a boat
line tied around your waist will prevent this tragedy. To
By Jim Weix eliminate tangles, attach the safety rope to something
An empty boat with no solid near the kill switch and attach the kill switch
angler is like an annual lanyard to the safety rope. You can also purchase a
news story. It is sad, small wireless engine kill switch that acts within two
particularly because it is seconds of a person going overboard.
Matthew and Megan Billitti with their pets, Bailey and Dexter. so easily prevented. Some will say you should always wear a personal
Megan Billitti, as Scooby Doo’s Velma, was the Best Dressed The latest tragedy flotation device (PFD). The reality is that few people do.
Human winner. Photo by Sarah Fisher. involved a missing boater Editor’s note: Jim Weix is an avid hunter, angler,
who departed from the conservationist, as well as an outdoor writer. Jim is
Lake Worth Inlet. His included in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s
unoccupied boat was Hall of Fame for helping restore thousands of acres
found 12 miles east of of wetlands. Jim is a broker associate with The Keyes
Hobe Sound and his body was recovered 35 miles Company. He can be reached at (772) 341-2941 or by
northeast of the Sebastian Inlet. email: jimweix@jimweix.com.
Some say you should never fish alone in the ocean.
That is a nice idea, but not a reality. Some of us fish

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles featuring Alyssa Bean,
Courtney Zanetti, Ashton Standish and Sarah Fisher. Photo
courtesy of Humane Society of the Treasure Coast.

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