I haven’t done a long written review on this one so I am posting the podcast I recorded. After picking this film based on its Metacritic score, I watched and learned of a unique talent in our times: Harvey Pekar (pronounced “Peek-are”). Listen to the episode below.

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He was a comics artist who lived the artist’s life. I was hugely inspired by his story and specifically, Paul Giamatti’s portrayal of him in this film. I give it easily a 10/10 but be aware it is droll and sometimes very nerdy. In other words, it’s not for everyone. The film really touched me though and I talk about how at length in this episode. Thanks for listening, may Harvey Pekar rest in peace. My next film for commentary is “About Schmidt.” See you next time.

Toxic thinking can be when you dwell on things you have no control over for too long and perhaps too many times a day.

The trouble is that being responsible sometimes require you to have these thoughts so you can solve your problems. You can’t just become a complete hippie, ignoring these thoughts. To an extent they must be dealt with. For me the toxic point is when it starts to bring your mood down because that really doesn’t need to happen. Do the best you can and let the rest come what may.

Toxic also means deadly and I believe negative thoughts can kill us slowly, even quickly if allowed to grow ad thrive without check. Love the ones around you, whoever they may be because families take care of their own. One way to prevent thought toxicity is to love and empower those around you. For me that means my wife and kids, as well as some close friends. Learn what the things are that give you pleasure and happiness and do them. This also is an antidote for thought toxicity. Take on things that are solutions and that don’t contribute to the toxic stuff. Slowly, you’ll find you have ways to combat it.

We all have fears, not all of us are willing to take steps to conquer them.

from Damien Riley’s Blog https://blog.damienriley.com/toxic/
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“The only way to find happiness is to risk being completely open.”

from Damien Riley’s Blog https://blog.damienriley.com/so-true-i-love-this-image/
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Warning is what you get when all things are safe. Most times in life, there is not one. If someone’s car hits you from behind, there is not warning for example. When there is one, you should pay attention to it. If you know you have no income but money in the bank, there is a warning every time that balance goes down. If you’re holding out for that big amazing paying job, perhaps you should think about the warning. Something is better than nothing.

One reason we don’t pay attention to warnings so much is because we don’t know the consequences. Obviously if you go into deep space without a space suit you will implode and die. Most things aren’t that obvious. Warnings without knowledge of consequences are useless I think. A flashing red light only bothers us when we have felt the aftermath. How about these people who are always warning everyone, the “Debbie Downers” of the earth.

These people are sometimes helpful but never let them know that or they’ll never shut up. I have a few of these people in my world and they are inconsolable. While the character is larger than life, I think she makes people laugh because everyone has one of these in their circle. Pay attention to your own warnings and don’t give so much advice, don’t be a Debbie Downer.

from Damien Riley’s Blog https://blog.damienriley.com/warning-dont-be-a-debbie-downer/
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My score 9/10. They put horses out to pasture when they’re old. Elephants are said to migrate to a certain place to die, it’s instinct. There is no such ritual for people. If we’re lucky, we retire from work sometime between age 55 and 70 and we live out our lives with what passions and hobbies we have left. in between doctor visits. This is a story about a man in that phase of life who is trapped yet open to learning what the universe might have to teach him.

About Schmidt (2002)
R | 2h 5min | Comedy, Drama | 3 January 2003 (USA)

A man upon retirement, embarks on a journey to his estranged daughter’s wedding, only to discover more about himself and life than he ever expected.
Director: Alexander Payne
Writers: Louis Begley (novel), Alexander Payne (screenplay) | 1 more credit »
Stars: Jack Nicholson, Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney

Our director, Alexander Payne, is behind “Nebraska” and “Sideways,” two films I absolutely loved. Based on these plus this film, I’d say he likes to focus on individuals facing challenges in their human journey. This film definitely can be filed in that category. There is humor within that context but I would not classify it as a comedy, it’s more a drama. I think Schmidt learns a lot in this film and his lessons are our lessons if we have the ears to hear. It’s a great film about being human and I recommend those every time 9/10.