Anyone catch the new FX original series "30 Days," from "Super Size Me"'s Morgan Spurlock? I taped it and watched it today- he and his fiance lived on minimum wage for 30 days. Thanks to 2 ER visits, they ended the month in deep debt. Really an eye-opener for those who don't know what its like to live paycheck to paycheck.
Future episodes include a couch potato using growth hormones to bulk up, a Christian living in a Muslim family, and a straight man living the gay life (whatever that means).
The straight man living the gay life involves an old army veteran moving in with some gay guys and observing their lifestyle up close.
I caught bits of this, and it looked interesting. I liked the part where they got all the free furniture from the church-affiliated group. What happened that they wound up in the ER twice?
"Now that you've built up the courage to get into the gym, let me give you five reasons why you should put in the time to train with consistency: 1. Increased strength 2. Improved self-confidence 3. Injury prevention 4. Self-discipline 5. Sex (Trust me, you'll have a better shot with the ladies if you're in shape.)" -- Making the Game, pp. 14 - 15
I really liked the show. I'm not sure how it's going to work without Morgan as the main character, only because he's got a good personality and is pretty quick witted. I guess he can't be expected to turn his life upside-down every month, though.
Thumbs way up on the first ep - living on minimum wage is way more stressful than folks might think - or rather, folks choose not to think about.
The charitable organization was underrated. As a regular volunteer at our local foodshare, I see first hand many good, working people who can't break out of debt and need a little (sometimes a lot) of help. While the ones I am involved with can't deliver furniture, and are only open a few days per week, they are still the difference between people going hungry vs living with a little dignity.
I was really impressed by Alex - she put up with a lot for what was likely his idea to being with, but she hung in there to really make the show true-to-life. Her bringing crackers home from the restaurant where she worked washing dishes was so right on target.
His comments about the price of an ace bandage for someone without insurance "This is the problem!" truly expressed the frustration that educated people have with our system.
Imagine how stressful living day to day, paycheck to paycheck would be without knowing that in a month you'll be back to your comfortable life.
If future episodes are anything near as good as this, F/X has found a winner.
Originally posted by Roy.I really liked the show. I'm not sure how it's going to work without Morgan as the main character, only because he's got a good personality and is pretty quick witted. I guess he can't be expected to turn his life upside-down every month, though.
I read an interview with Spurlock (still looking for the link) where he says that he originally wanted to live through all six 30-day episodes, but Alex said something to the effect of "not if you want to have a longterm girlfriend." He will still be appearing as the host, though.
geemoney, thanks.
Edit: Interview at Salon. Just click on the ad to get access for the day.
(edited by EddieBurkett on 17.6.05 1016) "Now that you've built up the courage to get into the gym, let me give you five reasons why you should put in the time to train with consistency: 1. Increased strength 2. Improved self-confidence 3. Injury prevention 4. Self-discipline 5. Sex (Trust me, you'll have a better shot with the ladies if you're in shape.)" -- Making the Game, pp. 14 - 15
Skip this shit. I'm gonna tell you almost everything that happens here so you won't waste your hard earned money sitting through it. This shit is the last nail in the coffin for Gorenography films for me.