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Hey Beasts....I know there are a few Locklear related discussions going on, but I wanted to do something specifically related to your thoughts about the movie, from a typical movie review standpoint.

So, pretend that you've been given the task of reviewing the movie for you local paper (or better yet, pretend your review is going on the back of the DVD) :)

Let's hear it! We're gonna read these on the live show.

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Hey Rhett, here's a quick review - as posted on my site yesterday - http://edlives.xanga.com/712702540/looking-for-ms-locklear/
Here is the review I posted to Amazon this morning:

Filmmakers Rhett and Link take a simple search for their first grade teacher and create a heartwarming documentary where the people that they meet along their journey become as interesting as the journey itself. The film is intelligent and thought-provoking as the search for Ms. Locklear leads them to an awareness of the plight of the Lumbee Indians, a people looking for recognition from the government. Their journey takes them all across North Carolina and to Washington, DC as they follow the leads they are given about their long-lost teacher.

Throughout the hour-long film, I experienced a range of emotions, because instead of focusing on their journey, the filmmakers graciously allow those they encounter a chance to tell their own stories. They beautifully capture the humor amidst sadness that is a part of daily life. There are several laugh out loud moments throughout the film (like a male "pageant"), but those are coupled with the frustration and desperation of hitting several road blocks in their own search.

Clearly, those who know Rhett and Link as a comedy duo may be surprised by their depth and insight. The poignancy of this documentary itself is universal in its appeal, and the climax of the movie had me teary. This is a feel-good film that can be enjoyed by anyone who's ever entertained a curiosity about the fate of their favorite teacher, or maybe just anyone who enjoys a good story.
Excellent review Robin, beautifully written.
(now I feel as though mine's like the reviews one sees at the end of movie previews)

"Five Stars - worth it"



Robin Dufilho (Puck) said:
Here is the review I posted to Amazon this morning:

Filmmakers Rhett and Link take a simple search for their first grade teacher and create a heartwarming documentary where the people that they meet along their journey become as interesting as the journey itself. The film is intelligent and thought-provoking as the search for Ms. Locklear leads them to an awareness of the plight of the Lumbee Indians, a people looking for recognition from the government. Their journey takes them all across North Carolina and to Washington, DC as they follow the leads they are given about their long-lost teacher.

Throughout the hour-long film, I experienced a range of emotions, because instead of focusing on their journey, the filmmakers graciously allow those they encounter a chance to tell their own stories. They beautifully capture the humor amidst sadness that is a part of daily life. There are several laugh out loud moments throughout the film (like a male "pageant"), but those are coupled with the frustration and desperation of hitting several road blocks in their own search.

Clearly, those who know Rhett and Link as a comedy duo may be surprised by their depth and insight. The poignancy of this documentary itself is universal in its appeal, and the climax of the movie had me teary. This is a feel-good film that can be enjoyed by anyone who's ever entertained a curiosity about the fate of their favorite teacher, or maybe just anyone who enjoys a good story.
As a fan of Rhett&Link, I know they became best friends when their first grade teacher, Ms. Locklear held them in from recess for writing profanity on their desks (they wrote "beep," and "blank.") I know their punishment was coloring unicorns, over which they bonded for life. I know they grew up to become international internetainment superforces with broad appeal across all demographics. I know they never defaced public property again. Based on that knowledge, I ordered my copy of "Looking for Ms. Locklear" expecting to find out a few more facts about their elementary school days and their life-long friendship. I did NOT expect to learn about the plight of North Carolina's Lumbee indians and their ongoing effort to gain federal recognition as an American Indian tribe. Now, I know the Lumbee are the largest unrecognized tribe in the USA. Now I know that the name "Locklear," is revered and respected in the Lumbee bloodline (making me wonder if Heather is from North Carolina). Now I know that the Lumbee have a rich culture, a number of memorable characters among them, a great deal of pride in who they are, and a good helping of frustration and disappointment in their country's government for this lack of recognition. I know that puppies are easier to give away in Lumbee country than my own gentrified neighborhood. I know that men don't like to compete in "pagents," but will participate in "contests." And, I know that Rhett & Link have hearts of gold for telling the story of the Lumbee when they could have just kept their focus on their goal to find their teacher. I thought I was just feeding my fan habit when I popped this DVD into my home theater for the first time. I didn't know I was going to discover a people and a cause worth supporting. Rhett & Link have a keen eye for good storytelling, good film making, and compelling character portraiture. You don't have to be a Rhett & Link fan to enjoy this film. You don't even have to be a documentary fan! It's just a lovely little hour of discovery. These fellas have proven many times over that they can make a 2-4 minute music video worth sharing with everyone you know. Now, they've demonstrated that they can capture and hold our rapt attention with a feature length film. I hope they do it again.
My review would have too many spoilers in it for a local paper. But I would like to point out some of the magical serendipitous moments that took place throughout this movie:
1) Finding Carnell Locklear (such a gem!) and how he launched the journey into such an unexpected direction with finding homes for puppies and asking people about Miss Locklear along the way
2) The journey started at the perfect time--just enough time to find out about the Lumbee Festival and how that brought a whole new dimension to the movie. Can you imagine the movie if they started just a month or two later?
3) The journey took you to the mom of one of the members of Driven--would you have gotten on that stage any other way to sing your song to everyone?
4) The moment when you came face to face with Miss Locklear and how the sunlight just beamed from behind her as the rest of the lights were out--no one could have planned that!
A quick search on Wikipedia suggests you are right about Heather Locklear's Lumbee connection, although she is not, herself, from NC.

Lynn (The E-Ministrator) said:
Now I know that the name "Locklear," is revered and respected in the Lumbee bloodline (making me wonder if Heather is from North Carolina).
"A filmatic slice of Americana."

Absolutely.  A slice of Southern Americana, in fact.

This film captured the beauty of life. The movie began with Rhett and Link re-enacting some of their old childhood memories. These were not only humorous, but also nostalgic and reminiscent of the simplicity of childhood. For me this captured the beauty of a child's innocence. It reminded me of my childhood. I met my best friend in first grade as well, so I have always appreciated Rhett and Links friendship. They prove that friendship can stand the test of time. The idea of finding their first grade teacher, the teacher who brought them together, was a great way to reflect on the friendship they have created.

Their trip down memory lane is the beginning of their journey, but along the way they meet people and let those people share their stories. This takes their movie to the next level. The movie could have easily been a road trip movie completely focused on clues to the destination, but they made it a movie about a bigger journey, life’s journey. They allow the people they meet along the way to share their lives with us. They capture the emotion so well that you feel like you know these people. There is one point where a man talks about his son who has passed away, that moved me to tears. They capture the strength of the human spirit. They show peoples struggles, and then show how they strive to overcome and always keep hope. Their mission is not accomplished easily; they take many twists and turns along the way. This film gives us hope for new beginnings and helps us to cherish and remember our past.
It's past my bedtime, so I'll keep it short:

I laughed. I cried. Then I watched it again.
thanks so much Robin!

Robin Dufilho (Puck) said:
Here is the review I posted to Amazon this morning:

Filmmakers Rhett and Link take a simple search for their first grade teacher and create a heartwarming documentary where the people that they meet along their journey become as interesting as the journey itself. The film is intelligent and thought-provoking as the search for Ms. Locklear leads them to an awareness of the plight of the Lumbee Indians, a people looking for recognition from the government. Their journey takes them all across North Carolina and to Washington, DC as they follow the leads they are given about their long-lost teacher.

Throughout the hour-long film, I experienced a range of emotions, because instead of focusing on their journey, the filmmakers graciously allow those they encounter a chance to tell their own stories. They beautifully capture the humor amidst sadness that is a part of daily life. There are several laugh out loud moments throughout the film (like a male "pageant"), but those are coupled with the frustration and desperation of hitting several road blocks in their own search.

Clearly, those who know Rhett and Link as a comedy duo may be surprised by their depth and insight. The poignancy of this documentary itself is universal in its appeal, and the climax of the movie had me teary. This is a feel-good film that can be enjoyed by anyone who's ever entertained a curiosity about the fate of their favorite teacher, or maybe just anyone who enjoys a good story.
wow thanks Lynn!

Lynn (The E-Ministrator) said:
As a fan of Rhett&Link, I know they became best friends when their first grade teacher, Ms. Locklear held them in from recess for writing profanity on their desks (they wrote "beep," and "blank.") I know their punishment was coloring unicorns, over which they bonded for life. I know they grew up to become international internetainment superforces with broad appeal across all demographics. I know they never defaced public property again. Based on that knowledge, I ordered my copy of "Looking for Ms. Locklear" expecting to find out a few more facts about their elementary school days and their life-long friendship. I did NOT expect to learn about the plight of North Carolina's Lumbee indians and their ongoing effort to gain federal recognition as an American Indian tribe. Now, I know the Lumbee are the largest unrecognized tribe in the USA. Now I know that the name "Locklear," is revered and respected in the Lumbee bloodline (making me wonder if Heather is from North Carolina). Now I know that the Lumbee have a rich culture, a number of memorable characters among them, a great deal of pride in who they are, and a good helping of frustration and disappointment in their country's government for this lack of recognition. I know that puppies are easier to give away in Lumbee country than my own gentrified neighborhood. I know that men don't like to compete in "pagents," but will participate in "contests." And, I know that Rhett & Link have hearts of gold for telling the story of the Lumbee when they could have just kept their focus on their goal to find their teacher. I thought I was just feeding my fan habit when I popped this DVD into my home theater for the first time. I didn't know I was going to discover a people and a cause worth supporting. Rhett & Link have a keen eye for good storytelling, good film making, and compelling character portraiture. You don't have to be a Rhett & Link fan to enjoy this film. You don't even have to be a documentary fan! It's just a lovely little hour of discovery. These fellas have proven many times over that they can make a 2-4 minute music video worth sharing with everyone you know. Now, they've demonstrated that they can capture and hold our rapt attention with a feature length film. I hope they do it again.

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