JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Brian Austin Whitney Blog Monday, May 15th, 2006

Hi Folks,

So last night I was watching some late night TV while working and one of my favorite all time movies came on. This movie often gets chided by folks who are a bit too cynical to really get what it's all about. The movie is called Joe Versus The Volcano. It's Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan and a cast of memorable character performances about a guy in a dead end job who, through circumstances real and imagined, decides to make a drastic overnight change in his life. One of the reasons I like it so much is that, believe it or not, it has an eerie resemblance to a lot of factors that came into effect when I started JPF. I've never told the "entire" story behind the start of JPF (and I am not going to now) but for now you'll have to trust me that there really are some amazingly similar circumstances and life observations that go on in that movie and also in what happened to me back then in my life. If you've never seen the movie, it's often on Cable and you can even buy the DVD on Amazon for less than 7 dollars. If you saw it before but didn't get it or didn't like it, I suggest someday when you're not feeling cynical, that you give it another shot and you might be surprised. And for those who got it the first time, I'd love to hear your thoughts about the movie and how it might apply to a lot of our lives. There are great messages about being true to yourself, giving your dreams a chance, taking some risks (because the worst case scenario in doing so is often so much better than our current situation there's no reason not to) and so on. The whole movie is a sort of morality play and is very uplifting if you allow it to sink in. For a movie often blasted by critics and viewers, I think in truth it's one of the deepest and most meaningful message movies I've ever seen. And it's very funny in that "I recognize this in my own life" sort of ways. The best comedy often hits the closest to home.

It's a great uplifting companion to my favorite movie of all time "After Hours." That movie is the cynical brother to JVTV. I sort of feel like "After Hours" is my life before JPF. "Joe versus the volcano" is my life during the transition to JPF and I haven't chosen the movie to fit life since JPF. Maybe you'll have some suggestions for that. "After Hours" reminded me of my "Murphy's Law" life in that everything goes wrong for Griffin Dunn's character. Griffin is best known as the dead friend who keeps coming back to talk to the main character in American Werewolf in London. But this movie is his acting tour de force. It's a Scorcese movie, so it instantly has more street cred than Joe Versus the Volcano, but I hold both movies in equal esteem. The Character actors in After Hours are among the best ensembles ever put together in a comedy. Watch it and laugh.. and also see your life in a lot of it as well. I think people who truly "get" both of these movies are likely to understand me better than those who don't get them. Let's see what you have to say.

Last night we also started screening some Hawaiian music. I have another day's worth to sort through (and then we'll be sending it on to other judges along with several other genres that have cycled back through here in the last few days). Right now we're about half way through the 3rd round (which is where the songs are flagged for nomination consideration). We have app. 35 Genres done and 35 or so to go. We've found anywhere from a low of 38 to a high of 182 songs to consider in each genre. (The one with 38 is a problem because we may not have enough quality material once Covers are removed to have that category this year.. we had very few entries unfortunately). The category with 182 songs flagged (which means these are nomination quality songs.. good enough in any previous year to receive a nomination) is brutally competitive. We obviously have a LOT of work to do!

This 3rd round is always the most enjoyable because we're only screening great music. We aren't "eliminating" anything in this round, but rather we're flagging all the stuff that moves us on each remaining album. After getting multiple opinions on what moves us, we'll have this amazing and diverse collection of songs that will go to the next round where we have to start whittling them down to the final nominees. That will take place in late June and all of July. In August we should be able to get the nominations out by the end of the month. If we hit that deadline, I should be able to get on the road in September and the awards will happen in November of 2006. So far so good. We're getting through this year's 350,000 songs and 25,500 album in the same amount of time as we got through our first award's 700 albums and 10,000 songs. We've gotten a LOT better at it!

So that's my banter for today. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Joe Versus The Volcano or After Hours if you've seen either of them and connected. (If you hated either, I've probably heard all the criticisms already.. I think you need to go back and watch them again with your eyes and mind more open and you might be surprised..). If you're feeling cynical and need a laugh, watch After Hours.. if you're feeling un-cynical, and want a boost, watch Joe. Either way, have a great day!

Brian

I'm sure a lot of us would like to know more about why and how you formed JPF and how movies relate to it.

My friend Rick Cobian, who lives in Eugene, worked for Disney studio and still contracts out for other studios. He worked on the set on "Joe" and wasn't impressed at the time. He built the big boat, for instance. I have never seen the movie but now I will. I think it was pretty much a box office flop and I always considered it one of Tom Hank's few turkeys.. now I'll give it another chance. I will rent "After hours" as well.

My favorite movies are no secret "treasures". I love "Shawshank Redemption" but a lot of people discovered that on DVD. I do have two "sleeper" favorites that I and my wife loved when nobody else seemed to. "Raising Arizona" and "Paper Moon" are underappreciated movies. We were the only two people in the entire theater who were laughing when Raising Arizona was released in our local theater.

But art is like that. Did you know that George Straight, for instance, has had 52 number one hits now (the record) but that "Amarillo by morning" is not one of them? Whose cheating who, anyway.

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We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out."
- Decca Recording Company, rejecting the Beatles, 1962

[This message has been edited by nashvillecat (edited 05-15-2006).]

Nashville Cat,

I am certainly not going to claim that Joe Versus the Volcano is an Oscar calibur movie. Most of the movies I love were never nominated or noticed by the Academy. (Ironically, Scorcese is the poster child for being unrewarded by the Academy.. but that's another topic for another day). What I love about both movies is that they are just little films with simple viewpoints that serve as little life lessons (in the case of Joe) and little slices of life that we recognize (in the case of After Hours). I am sure that a studied film critic could rip either movie apart for any number of reasons. But just as we do in our music awards, where we focus on "Does it move you" we don't always find that the obvious "Hits" are the most moving or meaningful. In a way, I actually am happy that most people don't embrace either film because it means I can hoard more of them both for myself. Sort of like when your favorite obscure artist with a relatively unknown album becomes popular because of the lamest but most "hit ready" song on the album and a lot of fair weather fans embrace the artist because of the "hit" when you were there with them from the start. (Anyone else ever have that feeling? Especially as a kid?) I sort of view both movies that way. Few are more famous or successful than Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan and Martin Scorcese, but to me, I love the fact that each of their least known (or among their least known anyway) movies I totally love and connect with. It's like a big secret out in the wide open. That's fun for me at least. (But then, I am certainly not normal).

Thanks for the little tidbit about your friend. I LOVE little inside factoids about stuff like that. I really think you have to watch Joe without expectations and without an attitude to get it. Pay attention to the dialog throughout and you'll see a lot of little inspirational thought provoking comments. You can't take the films premise or it's silly ending as real. It's more like a kids fairy tale that has a message for adults. Another film favorite of mine which bombed when it first came out but now is beloved around the world is Princess Bride. It sort of caught on like Wizard of Oz did years and years later. For me, Joe V Volcano has a lot of the same qualities, and it's easy to see why, like Wizard of Oz and Princess Bride, it flopped in theaters looking for the next big Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan mega superstar classic. It's really an art-house film with a superstar cast. The cast, who I enjoy in the movie, especially Tom, might be part of the reason it flopped. It gave people different expecatations than if it had been unknown indie actors.

Thanks for the feedback. Anyone else?

Brian

By the way, all 3 of your favorites are great movies as well. I think all of them got a lot of critical respect when they came out and I think all 3 received Academy nominations and/or wins right? (I know Tatum O'Neil won her Oscar then..).

Brian

I'm actually a fan of Joe Vs. The Volcano. I even wrote a paper on it at University. I don't own it, but if it's on somewhere, I will always stop what I'm doing and watch it. There is so much symbolism in that movie it's scary. Some of it is downright obvious, like the shape of the path up the volcano, which appears everywhere in the movie (including the lightning stikes).

It's a fantastic symbol for taking control of your life. The very key and simple thing is, don't do what you don't love - it will make you sick eventually.

What's more amazing is the parallels in that movie that have happened in other movies over the course of Tom Hanks' movies. He's been in the ocean several times. Been an adventurer several times. The list goes on. I too realize that the movie was lost on the general public, mostly because it was a great story presented in a cheesy fashion. But it's a kick ass movie if you look past the sugar coated factor.

Jody

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Music That Makes Your Soul Happy!
www.jodywhitesides.com

Brian, I've always liked Joe & the Volcano. There's a poignancy in his working life that reflects the common man. It's always touched me.

Another Hanks movie I like is 'Big' - he does such a wonderful job of being a kid, my two favourite scenes are a) his playing the big piano, and b) when he brings the girl home and they have a 'sleep over'. So much innocence there & he caught it well.

Another movie I like is Groundhog Day... Bill Murray does such a great job... it moves me too.

I also like the very first 'Rocky' - pretty old now, but it was just a great story & put together on a tiny budget... about an ordinary guy who beat the odds to become a champion. Maybe that's JPF now!!

cheers
Ms 'Bird

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Vikki Flawith, Canadian Singer/Songwriter & Voice Teacher

This bird sings at:
www.vikkiflawith.com
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The Shy Singer-Songwriter's Blog
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Buy Hummin'bird's CD!

[This message has been edited by Hummingbird (edited 05-15-2006).]

Okay I'll confess...I watch part of "Joe" whenever it comes around. I too may have a brain cloud. And I love the part where the manager is talking on the phone and saying over and over "I know he can get the job, but can he do the job". And Abe Vogota (may have misspelled) as the chief of the orange soda drinkers....
tom

Joe vs. The Volcano is one of my favorites, too! I'm amazed that I'm not alone. LOL

I love the line from the L.A. version of Meg Ryan when she says: "I have no response to that." My favorite scene is where they're floating in the middle of the ocean on their luggage, lost to all the world, dying of thirst, and the moon comes up as big as a planet. Tom Hanks' character just stands in awe and yells, "Thank you!" It's a beautiful moment.

If you think of it as a fable/fairytale, like "James And The Giant Peach" or "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory", it's much easier to let yourself go and enjoy it.

Thanks for bringing this movie up, Brian. I agree with you... one of the best message movies I've ever seen, too.

- James

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You can really only please one songwriter at a time. Might as well be yourself! :^)


Samples of my music at www.soundclick.com/jamesmitchell.htm

Hi Brian & friends

I liked Joe Verses it was a cool movie. I mean if those two aren't a winning combination who is?

I confess I'm a big movie fan also, towers of films circle my living & dining room. From The Sting to Saw....

Of course I love the GREATS of all time.. but I do love those little movies that just have a vibe to them that you can just enjoy again & again and they give you a feeling that alters your mood. Also when you first find them they make you feel like you and a very few others know about them

Some of my favs like that are:
"Lost In America" - with Albert Brooks & Julie Haggarty

When Albert Brooks is being told he isn't getting his promotion and he has to go to New York on a new assignment.. He starts freaking out demanding his life back he wants all he put into the company given back right there on the spot.. Just GREAT!
He then decides him and his wife are gonna drop out of society. A MUST see..

"Two Days In the Valley" - with everybody

Crazy movie very original...
Danny Aiello with that dog.. just too much

Brian I know you know this movie...

"The King Of Comedy" Martin Scorcese- Robert DeNiro/ Jerry lewis

A wanna be stand up comedian lunatic (Robert DeNiro) kidnaps late night star host (Jerry Lewis) to get on the tonight show and do his routine..
This movie is a real trip must see it!

So many Those are just a special few.. I heard they are remaking my favorite horror movie "The Omen"
Boy that's a tough one.. gotta leave that alone it would be like remaking "JAWS" you just dont do it..

I get a kick out of remaking "When A Stranger Calls"
Like can you believe in this day and age someone would be calling from "INSIDE THE HOUSE" HELLO Cell phones!
Goodbye movie

Peace
Sub

[This message has been edited by substudio (edited 05-16-2006).]

Seems like nobody really responded on the 'After Hours' part of your post Brian. Well let me! I loooooooove that film. 'Joe and the Volcanoe' is pretty good too although I always found all the symbolism a bit heavy-handed myself. But 'After Hours' is absolutely brilliant. 'Princess Bride' is great fun too. The snappy dialogue during the fencing scene is just classic stuff. And come on, Peter Falk and Andre the Giant in the same movie?! Yes please!

If you like 'After Hours' that much you should check out a French film called 'Tango'. (make sure it's subtitled, not dubbed) It's hard to find but believe me it's worth it. The humour is just as dark and offbeat and it's got one of the best opening scenes in any movie. I think you'd like it.

Joe vs. the Volcano is definitely a "guilty pleasure" movie! Could do a whole thread just on that...

"After Hours" is definitely an obscure flick, so surprised(and pleased) to find someone else who holds it in high esteem--definitely ahead of it's time--

Just curious if you've seen a pic called "Waking Life". It's a Richard Linklater(sp?) movie--very deep in a Kafka kinda way...it also pioneered an animation style you now see in a major ad campaign--I think its an investment firm, but might be insurance---Anyway, if you liked "After Hours", you should check it out...Al


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"The difference between the right word & nearly the right word is the difference between a lightning bug & lightning"--Mark Twain

I gotta say, I really dig this subject! I know its well over a month old but I just reat it and feel compelled to give a little input of my own.

Unfortunatly I have not seen either movie, although I cannot say why, since I am a big fan of 80's movies as well as music. I will be sure keep my eyes open though.

But on the subject of watching a film and relating it to and/or reflecting one's own life, in that catagory I have to say "Beautiful Girls" is my all time favorite. No other movie hits home harder for me than that one. Its another movie that didnt do all that well at the box office as I myself was forced to go see it with my girlfriend at the time. But it turned out to be much less of a date movie as it pertained to the fact of having to deal with growing up (or at least not wanting to.) Just like the movie addresses, fact is... time stands still for no one. I myself find that hard to come to grips with, that the past is gone forever and I can never get it back, no matter how hard I try. Friends move on, parents die, old flames find new love, & the good times that seemed to last forever have stopped on a dime!

The movie focuses on a struggling musician (A pianist who loves his Whiskey - played by Timothy Hutton), returning home for his 10 year highschool reunion. His character is having trouble coming to grips with all the things I mentioned in the above paragraph. Just as he thinks he has come to stand still in his life and that he is alone, he finds that all his friends are right where he left them before he moved away.

I wont get into the plot too much, but the relevance this film has to my own life is incredible. Everytime I watch it I seem to lose myself in time, and go back to those days in my own mind (1996) when things seemed to be going great, then out of nowhere.. it all stopped and everything changed.

One of my favorite lines from the film is spoken by Mira Sorvino's character as she talks to Matt Dillon: "... how do I compete with a way of life thats totally and completely impossible for you to ever have again?" If I had a dime for every time I heard one of my ex-girlfriends say that, or something close to it!..

I actually find it hard to watch the movie these days. But then again, I tend to keep my emotions so bottled up anyway, that sometimes when I'm awake & alone late at night and the wife is asleep, I break out the Whiskey bottle, pop in the DVD and let myself go for a little ride back through time.

I am actually surprised I am about to submit this reply, I am very much out of my comfort level here, opening this little window into my soul for all to read... but, what the hell!


Good post Brian, I'll keep a look for JVTV!