Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 1943137)

yeah, and the video of Derek Chauvin was true also. But do you think it was representative of all police officers????? Taking a small, minority view snippet and implying it is the norm is pretty much the definition of a hit piece. And then to trick solid citizens into helping them is beyond despicable. I agree with the term "Eurotrash" for these "filmmakers"

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1943077)

Why would we be offended??????????????????????

Because this is the place we call home now. This is where our friends live. This is where we welcome family. This is a beautiful place that we are proud of and most of us think it only has minor flaws.

Some people from the very beginning of their posts have been negative. Some say their husband wanted to move here, not them. Some don't like the paper or the majority views of the population.

I am not that someone. I have loved this place from the beginning. I am glad to be with people who are in the same stage of life I am and have largely experienced the same kind of life. I love that this place is clean and nice and well run and has a place to live for almost all wage brackets. Most of us feel so lucky to live here.

I am so proud to call The Villages home.

Originally Posted by Goldwingnut (Post 1943028)

Unfortunately, I was involved in the making of this film, I did a majority of the drone photography (not the illegal flight in Spanish Springs). I owe everyone and the developer an apology for having any part in this, another typical hit piece on The Villages. I was hesitant to get involved and was even given forewarning by district staff about this crew being here. When I spoke to Valerie her story was that "they had nothing like The Villages in Europe" and that "retirement was a lot different there", she wanted to expose Europeans to a different idea for retirement. I was naive and tried, as always, to see the good in people, I was a fool. I'm sure she used the same line of BS on the other Villages residents that were involved.

The film starts out with a preacher espousing moving "here" for retirement, I couldn't help but to think of the likes of someone like Jim Jones, or some other cult leader. It's doesn't say were they're at and without that context it infers this is the way it is in The Villages.

There are many shots of activities going on here in The Villages that are shot to make the residents look somewhat foolish and this is further amplified by the silly music playing in the background.
Speaking of music, every shot of a town square has WVLG playing in the background with commercials for homes for sale playing, not music, here again the selective soundtrack is used to push their biased narrative and agenda. And we can't forget that somehow every TV seen in the film is always showing Fox News.

In one scene they show a golf cart just blowing through a stop sign, obviously Villages couldn't give a hoot about the law. I know there are some who will blow through a stop sign, but the vast majority of the people I know and see here in The Villages do always stop for stop signs and obey the traffic laws. But of course, the law-abiding residents don't make for a good story, do they?

Of course, all of use Americans are gun toting rednecks and The Villages is a mecca for them according to this movie. I'm not sure where the gun range they showed in the film is located, but it's not in The Villages, neither is the gun shop they showed, a fact that was conveniently left out.

A lot of the film is spent on the anti-Villages crowd that blames The Villages for being greedy and buying the land to develop and creating only low paying service jobs. Left out of course is that someone sold the land to The Villages, and why was that, for the money. Their former neighbors were being greedy. While there are low paying service jobs created, there are also thousands of good paying construction and construction related jobs created by the growth of The Villages. Did I miss the part of the film where they talked about many entrepreneurs in the area that have made their fortunes and higher thousands more individuals? Oh, that's right, they left that part out.

The way that residents were used in the film was embarrassing and shameful. They chose one couple and portrayed them as "typical" couple, she had a physical impediment due to surgery and he was a rather large bellied suspender wearing simpleton. I felt bad for the couple the way they were used, I seriously doubt they are as portrayed. Another lady was portrayed as vain, materialistic, and self-centered to make it seem the norm for The Villages.

A big deal is made of the water usage here in The Villages, showing lots of sprinklers running all the time. We represent less that 2% of the daily influx of people into the state of Florida, but we are responsible for all the water shortages. Did they mention the nationally recognized water retention/reuse systems here in The Villages? Of course not.

No hit piece on The Villages would be complete without the vitriol and contempt for The Village of Orlando's Lauren Ritchie. She throws her usual barbs and misinformed criticisms in at every turn of the film. According to her "most people are kind of brainwashed" and of course "they really feel entitled to let go". Of course, according to her we are all just a bunch of racist because "there aren't any minorities" in The Villages. The people who live here are here by their own choice without regards to race, religion, and any other popular social divider. The developer is, just like every other business, color blind, all they see is green when it comes to selling a home.

I will give credit where credit is due, there were many statements by the residents that were very positive about The Villages, our community, and living here, and these were left in.

This film crew came to The Villages, rented a home in the Lopez area, lived it up and enjoyed the amenities this community had to offer, all the while with a less than honorable and objective motive in mind. Eurotrash! Stay in Austria, and don't bother coming back to our country and community! You're not welcome here.

I could go on about the film, I took 2 pages of notes when I wasn't yelling at the computer as I watch this junk, but I think you get the picture, it's just another hit piece about us and our community. Is our community perfect? Of course not, we have our flaws and idiosyncrasies, but I think most will agree, there's not a better place to retire and enjoy our golden years.

Don't waste your time watching this movie, it will just make you mad.

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 1943248)

Hint: this thread isn't about you, or your likes and dislikes, or your personal experience in the Villages. It's not about mine either.

It's about insulting people who created a very negative movie about a place that has flaws. Whether YOU recognize the flaws or not, they exist. This movie exploits those flaws to push an agenda. The flaws are real. They are true, factual. What is ALSO factual is that there are posters here who are posting about how it is bad to insult people - while insulting the people they're criticizing.

It's about pots calling kettles black. Not me, not you. You can't find anything wrong with the bubble you live in, because you've chosen to surround yourself in the safety of your own bubble, and isolated yourself from the rest of reality. That's your prerogative.

The rest of the world exists. The bubble YOU live in, is not the bubble every single resident of the Villages lives in. Your bubble is that of your own mind. Don't hate just because someone else's bubble isn't identical to yours. You can continue living in your own bubble of your own creation, oblivious to the rest of humanity. There's nothing for you to be insulted by. You are in your safe space.

Originally Posted by tophcfa (Post 1942804)

All I can say is that when we are at our Villages home I NEVER wish we could get back north, but when we are up north I am always counting the days until I can get back to the Villages. I am NEVER bored while in the Villages, other places not so much. Who cares what anyone else's opinion of the Villages is?

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1942824)

Valerie Blankenbyl appears to be a "twenty something" from Austria. Why does she want to make a film about US???

And further;............

Ich bin ziemlich skeptisch, was das Motiv angeht. Natürlich MONEY, aber ich denke darüber nach, wie ein junger Mensch wirklich die Fähigkeit hat, die echten USA zu SEHEN.

Ja.

Originally Posted by Tmarkwald (Post 1942857)

All the people interviewed are non-TV residents.

They are all complainers who can't get in and are simply jealous.

Give me a break...

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 1943034)

I don't know why they'd only have these two documentaries. I think too many groupies are so intent on proving how wonderful the Villages is, they take offense when anyone offers any criticism at all.

It seems like most of what Goldwingnut describes, tracks. There are Villagers who drive through stop signs. The radio station in the town squares really does have ads selling the Villages. The vast majority of TVs at restaurants really are set on Fox, and the vast majority of Villagers are Fox-watching Republicans. There really are damaged humans who live in the Villages.

Why are you taking offense to that? It's all true. Why would you be offended by the truth, unless you're ashamed of the truth? Are you that fearful of flaws, that you reject anything that doesn't fit your idea of perfection and take pot-shots at it, and create... (CHECK THE IRONY HERE) a hit-piece thread to rage against the movie?

Yes, it really does sound like a negative critique coming from the perspective of "people who live in the area but don't live in the Villages." Their perspective is equally as valid as yours. The only difference is, your perspective sells houses. Their perspective sells movie tickets.

Originally Posted by Goldwingnut (Post 1943059)

You obviously have not seen the movie, you are only reading what you want to read and bending it to meet your own biases. I freely admit that The Villages isn't perfect, it has many flaws. However, what's in this film is far from truth but rather an attempt to disparage both the community and the residents that make up this community.

I tried to be objective when I sat down to watch the film, it quickly became difficult as I watched in disbelief. My notes contain both positive and negative comments and take aways of the film, many of which I shared in the previous post.

As I create my own videos for others to enjoy, I am keenly aware that what I show, how I show it, what I say, how I say, the lighting, the cinematography, and the music in it can quickly take the meaning and premise of the video in many different directions, something to be taken very seriously and deliberately. The direction of this film is very clear.

Some will think this film fit for an Oscar, some will see it a better match for a Golden Raspberry. To each his or her own opinion, just don't make an opinion until you've actually seen it.

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1943122)

Have YOU seen the film?

Don has shared how he was hoodwinked. Most of us know Don by his reputation and appreciate his drone videos keeping us up on how The Villages is growing.

I don't like kids coming in here ....and from other countries even, finding a way to make fun and be derisive of us mostly nice LAW ABIDING people who have worked hard to have a home and retirement here.

I find some comments are laden with hostility that has nothing to do with this film.

I am from Ohio too and I didn't just fall off the turnip truck.

I've read a few poems myself.

Originally Posted by Tmarkwald (Post 1943125)

Thank you for writing this. There is a distinct difference between reality and selective reality. They have obviously decided to focus nearly entirely on negatives, leaving out objectivity.

It would be nice to see a bit of film that espouses the whole picture of TV, rather than make documentaries that aren't really documentaries, but rather direct attacks on TV. Could this have been done to provoke hate and loathing against TV and American excesses? I wouldn't doubt that there are those out there that would love that....

And as far as gun-toting Americans? We haven't been invaded nor defeated in a world war, so these people can kiss my a$$ ....

Originally Posted by charlieo1126@gmail.com (Post 1943276)

to give me the Money Back ???

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 1943444)

TV Land is like almost anyplace in Florida. It has its strengths and weaknesses. The first 5 years you are here, you see only the strengths - gradually you see some weaknesses - and more each year thereafter. The amount of volunteerism is impressive and improves everyone's quality of life.

I have a pet peeve. I suppose everyone does. I have sensitive hearing and the lawn maintenance crews seem to use ONLY the loudest possible gasoline-powered lawn equipment possible. In my ideal community, all lawn maintenance equipment would be battery-powered. And solar-powered charging stations would be readily available. This would also help Global Warming. A 2 fer - quiet and help for an over=heating planet. Incidentally, US temperatures are rising lately, but everyone is trying to ignore that. Ignore Mother Nature at your peril! It is a shame that TV Land is NOT a leader in conservation. That is MY personal pet peeve.

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 1943248)

Hint: this thread isn't about you, or your likes and dislikes, or your personal experience in the Villages. It's not about mine either.

It's about insulting people who created a very negative movie about a place that has flaws. Whether YOU recognize the flaws or not, they exist. This movie exploits those flaws to push an agenda. The flaws are real. They are true, factual. What is ALSO factual is that there are posters here who are posting about how it is bad to insult people - while insulting the people they're criticizing.

It's about pots calling kettles black. Not me, not you. You can't find anything wrong with the bubble you live in, because you've chosen to surround yourself in the safety of your own bubble, and isolated yourself from the rest of reality. That's your prerogative.

The rest of the world exists. The bubble YOU live in, is not the bubble every single resident of the Villages lives in. Your bubble is that of your own mind. Don't hate just because someone else's bubble isn't identical to yours. You can continue living in your own bubble of your own creation, oblivious to the rest of humanity. There's nothing for you to be insulted by. You are in your safe space.

Originally Posted by manaboutown (Post 1943497)

You could do your part to save the planet by not running your A/C and using a bicycle for transportation. Cut your own grass with a push mower and use hand tools to trim your bushes. The electricity to run power tools has to be generated somehow, likely by a fossil fuel operated plant. Also batteries and solar panels comprise toxic materials which much be disposed of somewhere at some point in time. These materials are frequently mined in Africa under unsafe and polluting conditions.

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 1943474)

Invaded - Yes, recently on Jan 6th the people's House of Congress WAS invaded. The large numbers of guns in civilian hands did NOTHING to prevent that. In History, guns have been used for Democracy and guns have been used to advance Fascism. The mere owning of guns does NOT guarantee freedom!

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 1943516)

Actually, I have ALWAYS used a push mower, up North or in Florida. No one can say with a straight face that gasoline pollutes less than electricity! Or that gasoline engines are NOT noisy and more polluting than electric motors. Gas engines are about 30% efficient. Some electric motors are 90% efficient. That's why every year more and more electric vehicles are on the road. It does NOT take an Einstein-like futurist to see the trends shaping us today!

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 1943470)

Poor Don got hoodwinked (someone winked at his hood). But........he also got paid the big bucks by the nice Austrian lady. So his hood should NOT feel TOO bad.

Originally Posted by angiefox10 (Post 1943127)

I wasn't going to watch the film either. I watched the previous film and felt it was awful and done poorly.


I'm not sure how saying a video is "thought provoking" or "makes you think if you have an open mind" has anything to do with YOUR priorities.

There are many people in here making comments and haven't watched it. I did watch it. I felt I understood the folks who lived outside The Villages better and the people who lives outside The Villages have told me they understand the residents of The Villages better as well.

I just happen to think things work better when you can listen to each other and work to understand. I would think you would want that in a commissioner.

Calling people names and making assumptions is never good.

Ya'll have a nice day... Please try not to judge until you have listened to the other side and especially not when you haven't watched the film you are judging.

Originally Posted by Goldwingnut (Post 1943554)

You have no facts, you're simply making things up.

You have no idea what you are talking about, and you know absolutely nothing of my business. You are simply spouting B.S. and lies about something you know absolutely NOTHING about!
.

Originally Posted by VApeople (Post 1943617)

How do we get to watch the full movie?

Originally Posted by Tmarkwald (Post 1943527)

That entire area of Washington DC is a gun free zone.

And that's exactly why we need the 2nd amendment.

Originally Posted by swissy (Post 1943652)

Well, you can wait until the official release, or ... Goldwingnut could be so kind and shares his copy of the film. :pray:
I have a downloaded copy of the film myself (see my post #15) but unfortunately I am not allowed to share it for legal reasons. :sad:

Originally Posted by Northwoods (Post 1943575)

Angie - first of all, I do understand the frustration of the Sumter residents who live outside of the Villages. I get that they hate all of this development.

I hope I didn’t call anyone names. I quoted what you and your husband said. And I said it’s good to know where your commissioners head is at when it comes to YOUR priorities. This blog is Talk of the Villages. The YOUR refers to Villages residents.

I also agree things work better when you can listen to each other and work to understand. I do want that in a commissioner. I really wish the EMS team would listen to and try to work with South Sumter residents, Villagers, and The Developer. . Not because I want The Developer to take advantage of Sumter County residents, but because understanding and compromise can be a good thing.

Originally Posted by Tmarkwald (Post 1943527)

That entire area of Washington DC is a gun free zone.

And that's exactly why we need the 2nd amendment.

Originally Posted by JMintzer (Post 1943749)

Er... Not any more...

Originally Posted by Tmarkwald (Post 1943762)

Yes, the area around Federal buildings is gun-free.

Or, rather gun-free for any law-abiding citizen.

Originally Posted by JMintzer (Post 1943778)

Well, that's not "the entire area of Washington, DC"... ;)

And DC is now "shall issue"... I never thought I'd live to see that!

Originally Posted by Tmarkwald (Post 1943781)

I did not say the entire area - read my post again.

I said THAT AREA, meaning the area around the Capitol.

There are LOTS of illegal weapons in DC - it is basically a ghetto, full of drugs and hoodlums. Embarrassing to us as visitors from overseas cannot understand why our nation's capitol is like this. Then you see the DC government and you are no longer surprised.

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 1943516)

Actually, I have ALWAYS used a push mower, up North or in Florida. No one can say with a straight face that gasoline pollutes less than electricity! Or that gasoline engines are NOT noisy and more polluting than electric motors. Gas engines are about 30% efficient. Some electric motors are 90% efficient. That's why every year more and more electric vehicles are on the road. It does NOT take an Einstein-like futurist to see the trends shaping us today!