“Films That Hit Close To Home”
Dr. Rox remember When?
By: RLSchwinden aka MrZerr0: Article #104 Nov-2019
For RadiO WFNU St. Paul, MN.
Since I have been writing these articles all the back to April 2011 I have generally covered music artists. Since I currently have 3 different Music Radio show currently airing, “PsychoGello Show” on WDGY 7am Sundays & “Evolation” on WFNU 8am Fridays & Wed. noon & “Hits and History; by year” on every 3rd Monday, which is about to go weekly. I thought I might start to focus on my 2nd Love, Films, especially since many people have me confused as a Video Games & Comics guy (sorry folks, I am NOT that), in all reality I am a Music, Movies & Toys Guy. Now I myself have been in several local films: “Attack Of The Moon Zombies” 2011. ”The Giant Spider” 2013, “Not Quite Lying Eyes” 2013 “Lake Street Detective” 2017 “Guns Of The Apocalypse” 2018, in 2019 “Beast Walks Among Us” and the documentary “Adjust Your Tracking” 2013, as well as involved in a few others “Wilson” “House Of Ghosts” & “Destination Outer Space”
Now I myself Love physical media specifically CDs & DVDs, I will never give them up, I will always have them, even when your streaming is down. I listen to them and watch them over and over, and over. Here are a few movies that hit close to home for MrZerr0.
“High Fidelity”
March 2000: John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Todd Louiso
The story of recordstore owner DJ Rob Gordon’s tragic love life, and what it is like to work in an independent recordstore. This story was so real and close to home for me, many people I knew, who really knew me, thought I wrote this script, or at least Cusack lifted the story of my life. I just met Cusack, I was so excited to meet him and discuss my story about his, film, alas he was less than interested …
“Empire Records”
October 1995: Anthony LaPaglia, Debi Mazar, Robin Tunney
A day of trials and tribulations of the staff of a independent recordstore. This is a lot like what it was like working at a store I was Asst. Mgr. in W. Des Moines, Iowa. Factually based in the mid 90s most Inde stores were either closing or being bought out by the last remaining “chain companies”
“That Thing You Do”
October 1996: Tom Hanks, Liv Tyler, Steve Zahn
A story about “The Wonders” the then typical “One Hit Wonder; Garage Bands” much like Robbinsdale’s own “The Trashmen”.
“This Is Spinal Tap”
Mar 1984: Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer
A documentary of the band “Spinal Tap” in its fading glory. I have personally lived many of these situations with the bands; “High Fever” “KISSin Time & “NeVeR sAy DiE”
“Almost Famous”
September 2000: Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Patrick Fugit
A story about Russel Hammond going on the road when famous bands of the day. Loosly based on Cameron Crowe’s real life adventures being on the road with the Allman Bros.
“Rock Star”
September 2001: Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Aniston, Dominic West
The story of hometown boy Izzy Cole joining the famous metal band “Steel Dragon” based loosely on the real life singer Ripper Owens joining Judas Priest, as well as Tommy Thayer joing KISS.
“Singles”
September 1992: Bridgette Fonda, Kyra Segdwick, Matt Damon
A look at the self imposed life dramas of being 20 somethings at the time of the “Grunge Scene” in Seattle. I knew a lot of people like this back then, they really did seems to be their own worst enemies.
“Private Parts”
March 1997: Howard Stern, Mary McCormack, Paul Giamatti
The story of the long road to stardom for Shock Jock Howard Stern. I was a fan of Stern form the 1st time I ever heard him on the air in Phoenix on radio WXRK.
“Play Misty For Me”
November 1971: Clint Eastwood, Jessica Walter Donna Mills
DJ Dave Garver, has to deal with a delusional fan who has become obsessed with him. I have met a few women like “Evelyn Draper” in my years on this planet.
“Ladies Man”
October 2000: Tim Meadows: Kayrn Parsons, Billy Dee Williams
The mishap adventures of DJ Leon Phelps due to his weakness for women and brutal honesty. Um, a bit like myself. I am a huge fan of Meadows, one of my favorite actors of all times.
“Tapeheads”
October 1988: John Cusack, Tim Robbins, Sam Moore & Jr. Walker
A story of 2 High School Grads trying to make it in the video business. I met Sam Moore in St. Paul in 2005, needless to say I am a huge fan.
“40 Year Old Virgin”
August 2005: Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd
A story about Andy having to make the decision to give up his vintage toy collection or have a girlfriend for the very 1st time.
“Ghost World”
September 2001: Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Steve Buscemi
The story of 2 high scholl grads entering into the world after school and the world of 78 Record collecting. This is where I first saw Johansson, I knew she would become a big star. My fromer Asst. Mgr> gave this film because I reminded her of Seymor.
“Nick And Norah’s Infinite Playlist”
October 2008: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Ari Graynor
The story of how Norah falls in love with Nick because of the Mix CDs he makes his ex-girlfriend” Cera is one of my favorite actors.
“The Wrestler”
January 2009: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood
A true to life story about what is really like to be semi-famous, and not bringing in a ton of money. In 1976 Paul Stanley of KISS, was asked “What’s it Like to be Rich And Famous” Paul’s response “Well, I know what it’s like to be Famous” Once I had a girlfriend who was actually jealous of Marisa because I liked so many of Tomei’s films ….
So there you are folks, check ’em out if you want to. Tune in next time when you can read me in the starz. mZ
Mr. Zero’s
*Est. 2009
www.MrZeros.Com -Podcast
1744 Lexington Ave. N.
Roseville, MN. 55113
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https://patch.com/minnesota/roseville/several-mrzerr0s-favorite-films-over-years
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