C’MON HOLLYWOOD: Cut Mel Gibson some slack!

…cut Mel Gibson some slack!
by J.A. Hamilton

I’m not one to dip my pen in controversial ink all too often, but I’m a big fan of Mel Gibson and I’m pretty steamed that every time I turn on the TV I see some (or several) talk show hosts slamming the shit out of him because of his recent interviews for EDGE OF DARKNESS. If the reporters in question were as focused on his new movie as they were about stirring up some shit things would have been fine. One guy even had to the balls to say some people feel that Mel shouldn’t be allowed to return to Hollywood films. That’s a bit much as far as I’m concerned and they just keep on throwing punches. These fools were blatantly provoking the man and I think it’s ridiculous.

What’s done is done people, move on.

Now I’m not signing off on drinking and driving, nor am I saying that disrespecting cops or going on a colourful adjective spree comprised of racism and swearing is all right. Drinking and driving IS a big deal and it’s NOT a good idea of unload on the police, especially when they pull your ass over for breaking the law. What I’m saying is that Mel’s human, and not only do we all make mistakes, we tend to get pretty angry when we’re caught in the act. I was once pulled over for a rolling stop and in a spout of anger told the female officer I hoped she got shot in the face. Was I wrong, absolutely, but I was mad and spoke without thinking. It can happen to the best of us.

“You’re right Jim, what we need here is more blood!”

I’m thinking they may not have made such a big deal out of it all if not for things like his dad saying that he believed the Jewish people made up the Holocaust and were trying to take over the world. Now that’s a statement that would stick to you until you died, but then again, Mel didn’t say it, his dad did. Of course then Mel comes out with THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, which I felt half and half about. I mean, I have to respect any man who tackles THAT project, but making a movie about Jesus is one thing and beating the living hell out of him for two hours is something else entirely. The movie made a mad sum of money, but I’m sure some people are still itching to burn him for it.

At least Mel hasn’t lost his sense of humor.

THE PASSION aside, Mel has proven his worth behind the camera more than once and I still feel it’s something worth celebrating. I watch BRAVEHEART probably once a year, and though APOCALYPTO wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, it was still wonderfully shot. Lest we forget that Mel’s an outstanding actor who’s brought hit after hit to the big screen. THE LETHAL WEAPONS are among my favourite flicks of all time, and who couldn’t love PAYBACK, THE PATRIOT or MAVERICK? EDGE OF DARKNESS was a solid return to the screen, and though the trailers would have you believe it’s Mel Gibson’s TAKEN, I assure you there’ s much more to it than that and it’s worth checking out.

As far as I’m concerned Mel’s still the king.

Celebrities are always in the spotlight and being scrutinized for even the slightest indiscretions and Mel’s no different. He’s had a rough divorce, boozing and those pictures of him with that insane looking beard didn’t do him much justice either, but the man’s repented and wants to move on with his life and career so when you’re interviewing him for his new movie why the hell don’t you focus on the movie and not dig up the past for gossip’s sake. These reporters are nobodies and couldn’t wait to take pot shots at Mel in hopes of stirring up some controversy and I don’t blame Mel for calling one guy an asshole (I’d have called him far worse). So let’s stop drudging up the past and stick to current news people because Mel Gibson is still the man.