MovieChat Forums > Radio (2003) Discussion > OVERATED, EXPLOITIVE CRAP

OVERATED, EXPLOITIVE CRAP

posted 21 years ago by jg2_ansbach
75 replies | jump to latest

This is one of the worst movies about the disabled that has ever been made. If this movie was about a different subject matter it would have a 4.8 instead of a 6.8. No wonder Cuba Gooding Jr. is getting a Razzie for this movie. Hollywood's blatant exploitation of these kinds of subjects is disgusting.

Attention would-be directors: if you want your movie to be automatically liked by the masses, who can't think for themselves enough to separate the quality of a movie from the subject matter, just make a movie on one of the following topics:

- The Mentally or Physically Disabled Overcoming Adversity
- Racism
- Dying a Slow or Tragic Death
- Dealing with Homosexuality or Aids

You will have a guaranteed 'feel-good' hit, now matter how crappy your movie actually is.

NOW PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS PART BEFORE YOU REPLY:
I'm not taking any issue with those topics themselves - all of which are tragic and deserve to be talked about both in private and public, and which deserve to have GOOD movies made about them. What irks me is the fact that BAD movies about those topics get a 'free pass' even when they are still just a BAD MOVIE.

I'm sure Radio is a great guy and the real story is heartwarming - all the more reason it is an injustice to make a BAD movie about it!

[–] moonofribs 19 years ago

FIRST OFF THIS WAS A GREAT MOVIE. IF IGNORANT PRICKS DON'T LIKE IT THEN KEEP YOU MOUTH SHUT. DON'T TRY TO SWAY OTHERS FOR WATCHING AND DEVELOPING THEIR OWN OPINIONS JERKOFF.

[–] Look_IM_JESUS_err_NEO 19 years ago

African American (I'll be politically correct)

Not replying to the above but the idiot who had the word minorities in his post multiple times.

Now this bit about African American.....Why do you have to point out that you are being politically correct? Is it because in normal situations you would say "black" or if you were just that kind of person "ni**er"? I immediately assumed you were just stating what you wanted to state UNTIL you put it in there that you were being "politically correct".

This movie is CLEARLY not about the fact that he is African American or black. It is clearly about the fact that he is mentally disabled or, until the use of the word was butchered and maim by today's and yesterday's generations, a retard. It may not have addressed certain points adequately, as in, it didn't even seem to notice the fact that he was black in a white town, obviously in a time where blacks did not have the rights they do now and it may have played on the audience's emotions a bit, but it addressed the fact that the mentally disabled, or retards, are humans too. They can teach a lesson as good as any teacher could.

[–] Huttah07 19 years ago

If it's so bad, and you hate it so much, please don't come on the movie board and try to ruin for the people who do like the movie.

[–] avwhiting 18 years ago

This subject is not exploited for the most part. It is an important issue that needs to be brought to the public's attention. And you say you don't take issue with the topic of mental handicap, only that the movie was bad. As a Special Sibling (someone who has a brother or sister with special needs) I liked this movie. I can't tell you how many times I have had to mention this when someone makes a distasteful "retard" joke. Jokes about something a person cannot choose (race, mental abilities, etc.) are disgusting. This movie touched and moved me. I feel that if I don't feel this movie gets "free pass" and is genuinely good, then maybe you should reconsider your judgement.

"Tumors are good for brains. They make them grow big and strong."

[–] tahsfan 18 years ago

I enjoyed the film, I thought the acting was done well and had no problem with the story line. Well done to all involved.

[–] irkenadolescent 18 years ago

You're jusgin this movie because it was "good" in your opinion?

This movie isn't some made-up Hollywood crap. It's based on a real person. Life doesn't always have to be as wonderful or magnifiscent as King Kong or Star Wars.

[–] BigRed0122 18 years ago

uh... this movie is based on a true story though and Radio actually IS popular at Hanna so... why would that be exploition? I mean, you're entitled to your opinion and everything but I don't understand...

//Gotta Keep\\ *ONE* ((Jump)) .:AHEAD:.

[–] Gentleman36 18 years ago

Yeah it's a bit overated, I agree there. The story was pretty weak, was expecting a bit more out of it.

It is still a somewhat decent film to see though.

[–] fullback_32 18 years ago

i think some of you guys need to just cool it and know that there are people who just get their kicks by making people mad and saying bad things about pretty good movies. but whatever i guess you guys get your kicks by retaliating against them lol

[–] lil_pimpcess80 18 years ago

you have no soul
and i dont think cuba. gooding jr. deserves a razzie for this film. he literarly save the film! if it werent for him the movie would be "flat"

you know whats an overated movie? lord of the rings, harry potter etc. even if those movies have strong plots.

[–] cloudyxstarz 18 years ago

this was a really good movie and a person to say this movie is crap is a person who really doesnt understand what this movie is about.
---
Well said. It was so sad, it brought tears to my eyes.

[–] thisonegoestoeleven2001 18 years ago

In part, you do have somewhat of a point as to what constitutes a "heart-warmer" by current standards; utilizing certain social issues, but I believe your criticism of this particular film is a bit off-base.
When viewing "Radio," one has to take into consideration the social context in which the title character existed when this film primarily takes place. In the 1960's and on into the '70's, being the slightest bit "different" was a cardinal sin, especially in small Southern towns, like where "Radio" is set. In my opinion, this film does a good job of showing how someone who is "different" like Radio can become a validated part of society and shows that ages-old adage about it "tak[ing] a village to raise a child" still holds some water.

[–] Isaac5855 18 years ago

Why did you think this movie was so bad? Could you be a little more specific?