We look to Hollywood as a reflection of real life - to show us the way as far as working through our cultural differences. To try to see situations from both sides. To not jump to conclusions or judge others based on different customs or ways of life. And other deep stuff like that. Like krumping. Here are nine profound instances of cultural clashes or moments of understanding - it's a bit 80s heavy but hey...trying times, my friend.
1. Airplane (1980) - I speak Jive. June Cleaver offers her services to bring understanding to a desperate situation.
2. Sixteen Candles (1984) - Long duc Dong & the forever studly Jake Ryan struggle to reach mutual understanding - though the Donger already shows signs of assimilation into American life by referencing an 'oily bo-hunk'.
3. Crocodile Dundee (1986) - That's a knife. Paul Hogan pushing the 'fish out of water' premise to new heights - cementing the Australian stereotype reeeal good. Probably the most famous part of the movie - or the part most likely to have been featured in 'I Love 1986!', whatever that means to you. Did perfectly folded bandana headbands in the 80s scream 'thug life' or what?
4. Talladega Nights (2006) - I play for keeps. Ricky Bobby and whatever Sasha Baron Cohen's name is in this dealio strike an unfriendly chord. And all he wanted to do was sign his cast and make out. I think this movie highly underutilized Sasha Baron Cohen.
5. Borat (2006) - Borat says enough for himself.
6. Bring it On: All or Nothing (2006) - Krumping. This is not Bring it On, this is not Bring it On Again, this is All or Nothing. Hayden Pannetierre (sp?) flexes her acting talents to play a *wait for it*...cheerleader, sent to the wrong side of the tracks and trying hard to fit in to this whole new world...of krumping.
7. Three Amigos (1986) - Gringos falling from the sky. Dusty Bottoms does his best to pull one by El Guapo with his keen understandings of the life of a bandito.
8. Perfect Strangers (Somewhere between 1986 and 1993) - Dance of Joy. Larry and Balki find common ground in Balki's dance from his home country, the I-think-made-up island of Mypos. On a related note, did you know Family Matters was apparently a Perfect Strangers spin-off? News to me.
9. Deliverance (1972) - Dueling Banjos. While it at first seems mutual understanding has been reached through a love music, things go decidedly downhill from here for Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds and the boys. Eeesh.
Any ideas for top 10 lists swimming around in that head of yours? Teeellll me about it. Or put together your own channel here. Or here. I just went to answer the doorbell for the mailman but knocked on it instead. I hope this doesn't put a strain on our relationship.
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