The “wow” wasn’t directed specifically at “Moon River” playing … but at some of the rather inane events I detailed making up the film. The “wow” was more an exasperation – which, apparently, I did not convey with enough *umph* so as to not point it at any one particular item.

The lifeguard contest in the film was laughable to me for its cheesy quality, not because there was a contest in and of itself. There are times when I rely on the intelligence of the reader to understand some of the things I state, the dopiness of that scene being one of them. Other times, elaboration is needed to bring a point across. But I didn’t feel there was the need in this case; in my opinion, if you’ve seen the film the event speaks for itself.

I try and make points that make sense when I do a review … and I even get it right some of the time. I leave it to the reader as to whether the things I say are simply words that fill a page and whether they make a point come across. I can’t think for the reader nor can I interpret fully what they might be reading at the time.

Also you mentioned a “Lifeguard contest” that was “laughable.” Why is it so “laughable” that Lifeguards would have a contest involving running and swimming? I really am curious because in half the reviews I read there are so many points that never seem to even make sense. I think reviewers just like to say things to fill up the page and couldn’t care less if the point is even worth making.

I’m of the mind that, in so doing, it will help keep me sharp and on my toes. (I respectfully request comments from the peanut gallery be left unsaid, thank you very much.) I firmly believe it will keep my mind engaged, that it will keep the Alzheimer’s at bay (should it ever decide to raise its ugly head) and, in a small way, it makes me feel better about myself.

In so doing, I’ve learned quite a few things to which I’ve never been privy.

And there’s one thing I can emphatically state is not one of those early morning things learned: That music popular during the time of one’s graduation year is often played during one’s high school reunion.

Now, despite never having been to any of his own reunions, this reviewer is quite aware of the above. How I know this, I cannot rightly determine, but it’s a given. I’ve seen it in film, heard it talked about by others, witnessed it on paper and more.

I know well of the song “Moon River.” I’m well aware it was composed and written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer, respectively, that it was first featured in Breakfast At Tiffany’s (though I’ve never seen the film) and that it won an Oscar (and a Grammy for Mercer) and that it’s been covered time and again by a bevy of diverse artists, groups and other including Shirley Bassey, Vince Guaraldi, The Killers and (one of my favorite versions) Morrissey as well as having been featured on the likes of The X Factor and Mad Men, a show I’ve never seen. (See first paragraph above.)

I was not “so amazed” that “Moon River” was played, thus the “wow” I ended the paragraph with. The intent with which that “wow” concluded the thoughts was based each of the eight sentences that preceded it. You, Bill, chose to believe otherwise based on what you read. Here it is again … take a look at it in that context and you might see what I mean:

“Seriously … if not for the boobs and ass and occasional epithets, you could picture this as background noise while doing your homework snacking on cheese and crackers. It’s fodder more than anything else with little to sink your teeth into. It’s beach scenes we’ve been subject to ad nauseum from Jaws to Baywatch. (To be fair, writer Ron Koslow did mix it up a bit with some comicalness in the form of a dude exposing himself to beach-goers and an incident with a yahoo hiding out in the women’s restroom.) It’s lots of scantily clad females bouncing around. And it’s our hero Rick Carlson (the ever-mustachiod Sam Elliott, Mission: Impossible, Mask) bipping and bopping about in his Corvette or in his shorty-short lifeguard trunks. It’s a laughable lifeguard contest with predictable results. And it’s a practical guffaw-inducing “Moon River” playing at a high school reunion. (Wow.)”

But understand: I can completely see how someone could conclude that that final sentence would elicit the “wow.” Not a problem – people read things in different ways. In part. As a whole. Sometimes out of context. With preconceived notions. Based on a single sentence.

Regardless, I appreciate your response. Thank you for taking time to comment on the post.

Back to me learning something new everyday. Here’s what I gleaned from reading your comment (please know I could be completely wrong in this summation): The only thing you got out of six and a half hundred words?

Well … you’re comment answered that question …