V.I.D.E.O.S.: Cocaine Cowboys

Very Interesting Documentary Everyone Ought to See is a series of blogs that educate the reader about documentaries that not only peak this writer's interest but will make one think about the life that they live and the lives of the rest of the world's people.

This documentary was one of the very first ones that I saw when I got into Netflix.  When I first read a summary about it, I was like "eh, this could be either really boring or might just peak my curiosity".  I wasn't expecting anything really big.

I was completely blown away.

This is THE DRUG & VIOLENCE documentary to see!  If you ever want to know why Miami is the way it is, or the history behind why it was the most violent city in America during the late 70's early 80's, or even why Scarface or Miami Vice, or any of that allure exists, watch this documentary.

One of the best things about the movie is the transitioning through the video footage, along with the interviews from the detectives, reporters, witnesses, and even the murderers within Miami during those times.  There is no narration from the director, but the stories just intertwine so perfectly.

The story is based on the real life murders, crimes, and acts of violence that was happening while Cocaine was being one of the biggest commodities in America.  We get introduced to how Cocaine came in through America without anyone noticing.  We learn how the dealers and operators made their bones.  And we also learn how one of the most powerful drug lords, Griselda Blanco(above), flooded the streets of Miami with the blood of so many men and women and ruled over the American Cocaine market.

The people being interviewed that aren't a reporter or a police officer are the actual criminals that were released from turning themselves in or making a deal with law enforcement.  The stories are fascinating and some of the details about one character, Rivi, are especially terrifying.  Here's a quick look at Rivi.

I cannot recommend this movie enough.  It's a story of rags to riches to rags.  It's a riveting documentary that will not disappoint!  Hope you get a chance to watch it sometime.

Famous Fat Guy in Cinema: John Candy

When I talked earlier about Hollywood's perception of Fat Guys, I mentioned how larger men were shrinking down for more serious roles.  The first time I saw John Candy was in Uncle Buck.  I think I remember seeing it first on TBS, probably around the time I was 8-9 years old or so.  The infamous "unbreakable plate" was my first laugh at his genius.  The more I think about Uncle Buck, the more I laugh.  The drill scene at the party (shown above).  His car that explodes out of the tailpipe.  His quick one-liners are what really stayed with me.  "What's tweedle-dinks name?...Bug...Bug?...First or last?...First....What's his last name spray?"  Classic.

This scene, when Uncle Buck has to go to the Vice Principal's office to talk about Molly.  Probably the funniest scene that to this day hasn't really been duplicated in another movie.

Now I don't want to stick with one movie to commemorate a man.  He got a role as the Wally World security guard in Vacation, when Clark Griswold and the family show up and the park is closed.  His role as Ox in the hilarious movie Stripes was great, too.  He was a member of Second City, which is to this day, a popular Improv society for up and coming comedians and actors (Candy was part of Second City Toronto- along with Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara and Martin Short).

Candy's movie career exploded during the 1980's.  He was among the comedic titans - Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Martin Short, John Belushi, Steve Martin, Chevy Chase.  Candy is the one who was only seemed to be able to deliver a serious speech while being a leading man in a comedy.  It's hard to compare his presence to another performer's.  Dan Aykroyd was in serious roles, but his comedy roles seemed a bit over the top.

Candy's last couple of roles are still some of the best family appropriate comedies: Cool Runnings, Rookie of the Year, and Canadian Bacon.  His last film: Canadian Bacon, is one of those movies that you can laugh at whenever you want to remember some of the absurdity that was part of the Cold War.  Directed by, and I'm not kidding, Michael Moore (yes, that Michael Moore),this movie makes me think of what Moore's career would've been had he made comedies over documentaries.

In Candy's final years, he had tried to keep his weight a private subject.  He weighed in excess of 300 lbs, and had a family history of heart attacks.  Trying to quit smoking, along with losing weight, Candy suffered a heart attack that was fatal.  It was a sad end to a truly great comedian and actor.

Having a family history of illness and health defects is a hard truth to escape.  Heart attacks, high blood pressure, and even addiction, are really hard to overcome when growing up and finding out your place in the world.  It's hard to imagine John Candy living in a movie making world filled with body image issues and unbreakable habits.  I can't see him having a social media account, instagramming his dinner, or slimming down with some trendy diet system.  John Candy was and will always be a jolly funnyman who provided so much comedy and memories in cinema that are lacking nowadays.  If you don't agree, you can take a dime, and go downtown and have a rat gnaw that thing of your face!  Good day to you Madam! (Uncle Buck quote...I couldn't help)