Despite myself, I started laughing. I rarely laugh out loud at a movie, and I had not expected this one to be particularly funny, but I couldn't help myself - I found it hilarious.
Not too long ago, I was a college student attending class. Of all the interactions, lessons, exams, and experiences, one lecture stands out in my mind. The professor began his sermon with an unusually passionate rant lambasting a movie he had just seen with his niece. The year was 2005, and this man was basing a college-level economics oration on the torturous act of having to sit through a Disney film.
Whoa dude - chill out. It's a kids' movie. Get over yourself.
Likewise, I admit that I did not find Adam Sandler particularly funny, which is why I was momentarily shocked to discover myself laughing throughout his latest movie. I had gone to see "Grown Ups 2", starring Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade, and a host of recognizable others, from Salma Hayek to Shaquille O'Neal to former wrestler Steve Austin.
Now admittedly, there was a brand of humor prevalent throughout involving bodily functions. I had always been under the impression that once you reach a certain age, gags that rely on flatulence, vomiting, or anything to do with a toilet no longer suffices as brilliant comedy.
Even in retrospect, I still think I am correct on that assertion.
Without question, the appeal of "Grown Ups 2" had to come from my company for the evening. It's hard to argue when you are sitting in a theater, flanked by a 12-year-old and a 14-year old, who both find the content uproariously witty. The movie was for them. They wanted to see it. I am perfectly capable of getting over myself and having a good time, if for no other reason than for the kids.
This summer has proven to contain a number of first-time experiences for me. I can't remember the last time I went to see an Adam Sandler movie - and laughed. I don't recall touring a major city and deciding that going bowling was an appropriate use of time. Certainly, the thought of making Disney World a vacation destination would have never been appealing, prior to this summer. Before July comes to a close I will have done all of these, and more.
Several months ago I received a phone call from my friends in Australia. We typically catch up once or twice a month, and have been keeping in close contact since I lived on their dairy farm way back in 2001. Hardly a day goes by when I don't thank my good fortune; of all the families, of all the farms in Australia, I was placed with them - and a flourishing, lifelong friendship ensued.
Andrew and his wife Belinda flew to America to attend my wedding. Likewise, my wife and I spent our honeymoon in Australia. Now, for the summer of 2013, they had something else in mind. Their boys were still young - aged 12 and 14 - but certainly old enough to appreciate a grand journey.
Andrew, Belinda, and their two sons would fly into Madison and spend the July 4 holiday with my wife and me. After a few days in the Midwest, they would fly east to New York City. They wanted to tour the Big Apple, perhaps visit Niagara Falls, and then Washington DC. Thanks to a popular TV show on Animal Planet, a tour of the Florida Everglades was a must. After nearly three weeks on the road, the Australians wanted to eventually end up in Orlando to visit Disney World, another essential American destination for tourists.
On the other end of the line and thousands of miles away I listened, mulling over their proposal. I could prepare for them a tour of New York City easily enough - I've been to Manhattan on several occasions. Little details, like taking the 4 or 5 Express train Downtown from Grand Central Station (as opposed to the 6 Local); how does one explain the minutia without overwhelming the recipient?
It was destined to come up, and eventually it did. I'm not sure how - somewhere along that fine line of inviting oneself and being invited, Belinda asked if I might be willing and able to act as a tour guide for this epic journey across America. Given the circumstances, only a fool would have said no. I consider it a great honor to show my country to visitors from overseas, and we know that we all get along famously - I lived with them, in their house, for eight months.
The dates were set. The Aussies would arrive at Madison on July 2, and were scheduled to fly home from Orlando, Florida on July 23. Somewhere in between we would tour New York City, see the falls at Niagara, get a guided view of Gettysburg, stroll the mall at Washington, and enjoy the surf at Virginia Beach. Perhaps I could ring in a favor or two with some old Navy friends and get a glimpse of some U.S. hardware at Norfolk - the boys would love that.
We would eventually go as far south as Key West, touch an alligator in the Everglades, and finally end up at Disney in Orlando.
I laughed when Belinda asked me if I was sure I wanted to do all of this. Personally, I couldn't wait to feel like a kid again.
- Dan Wegmueller of Monroe writes a column for the Times each Tuesday. He can be reached at dwegs@tds.net.
Not too long ago, I was a college student attending class. Of all the interactions, lessons, exams, and experiences, one lecture stands out in my mind. The professor began his sermon with an unusually passionate rant lambasting a movie he had just seen with his niece. The year was 2005, and this man was basing a college-level economics oration on the torturous act of having to sit through a Disney film.
Whoa dude - chill out. It's a kids' movie. Get over yourself.
Likewise, I admit that I did not find Adam Sandler particularly funny, which is why I was momentarily shocked to discover myself laughing throughout his latest movie. I had gone to see "Grown Ups 2", starring Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade, and a host of recognizable others, from Salma Hayek to Shaquille O'Neal to former wrestler Steve Austin.
Now admittedly, there was a brand of humor prevalent throughout involving bodily functions. I had always been under the impression that once you reach a certain age, gags that rely on flatulence, vomiting, or anything to do with a toilet no longer suffices as brilliant comedy.
Even in retrospect, I still think I am correct on that assertion.
Without question, the appeal of "Grown Ups 2" had to come from my company for the evening. It's hard to argue when you are sitting in a theater, flanked by a 12-year-old and a 14-year old, who both find the content uproariously witty. The movie was for them. They wanted to see it. I am perfectly capable of getting over myself and having a good time, if for no other reason than for the kids.
This summer has proven to contain a number of first-time experiences for me. I can't remember the last time I went to see an Adam Sandler movie - and laughed. I don't recall touring a major city and deciding that going bowling was an appropriate use of time. Certainly, the thought of making Disney World a vacation destination would have never been appealing, prior to this summer. Before July comes to a close I will have done all of these, and more.
Several months ago I received a phone call from my friends in Australia. We typically catch up once or twice a month, and have been keeping in close contact since I lived on their dairy farm way back in 2001. Hardly a day goes by when I don't thank my good fortune; of all the families, of all the farms in Australia, I was placed with them - and a flourishing, lifelong friendship ensued.
Andrew and his wife Belinda flew to America to attend my wedding. Likewise, my wife and I spent our honeymoon in Australia. Now, for the summer of 2013, they had something else in mind. Their boys were still young - aged 12 and 14 - but certainly old enough to appreciate a grand journey.
Andrew, Belinda, and their two sons would fly into Madison and spend the July 4 holiday with my wife and me. After a few days in the Midwest, they would fly east to New York City. They wanted to tour the Big Apple, perhaps visit Niagara Falls, and then Washington DC. Thanks to a popular TV show on Animal Planet, a tour of the Florida Everglades was a must. After nearly three weeks on the road, the Australians wanted to eventually end up in Orlando to visit Disney World, another essential American destination for tourists.
On the other end of the line and thousands of miles away I listened, mulling over their proposal. I could prepare for them a tour of New York City easily enough - I've been to Manhattan on several occasions. Little details, like taking the 4 or 5 Express train Downtown from Grand Central Station (as opposed to the 6 Local); how does one explain the minutia without overwhelming the recipient?
It was destined to come up, and eventually it did. I'm not sure how - somewhere along that fine line of inviting oneself and being invited, Belinda asked if I might be willing and able to act as a tour guide for this epic journey across America. Given the circumstances, only a fool would have said no. I consider it a great honor to show my country to visitors from overseas, and we know that we all get along famously - I lived with them, in their house, for eight months.
The dates were set. The Aussies would arrive at Madison on July 2, and were scheduled to fly home from Orlando, Florida on July 23. Somewhere in between we would tour New York City, see the falls at Niagara, get a guided view of Gettysburg, stroll the mall at Washington, and enjoy the surf at Virginia Beach. Perhaps I could ring in a favor or two with some old Navy friends and get a glimpse of some U.S. hardware at Norfolk - the boys would love that.
We would eventually go as far south as Key West, touch an alligator in the Everglades, and finally end up at Disney in Orlando.
I laughed when Belinda asked me if I was sure I wanted to do all of this. Personally, I couldn't wait to feel like a kid again.
- Dan Wegmueller of Monroe writes a column for the Times each Tuesday. He can be reached at dwegs@tds.net.
