Netflix ain't bad. It's not hard to see why movie rental stores all over the country are closing as the online giant offers unbeatable deals for an unbeatable selection of flicks. However, Netflix does take a couple days to ship, and frankly, there is something charming and enjoyable about browsing through movie racks old-school. Finally, every once in a while, there is a local title that Netflix won't have.
Being Bucky is a classic example. Shot over the course of the 2006-07 school year, the documentary chronicles the behind-the-scenes work that goes into Bucky Badger, the mascot who has been kicking ass long before Badger football was good.
The film puts the lives of the several buckys on display, from the highly selective try-outs, to the pre-season training, including the summer "mascot camp," and finally, the actual gameday experience of being a beloved, furry college icon.
Best of all, if you pay close attention, you'll recognize a certain current Madison alder at the try-outs. Think who on the Council was a UW freshman in 2006?
Life lesson: Those who don't make it in sports try to be mascots. Those who don't succeed in that turn to politics. OK, just kidding. Plus, I'm not interested in cuing up a joke about bloggers.
Final point: Check out Four Star Video Heaven, on North Henry St. It's got an incredible selection of movies everything from Being Bucky to obscure Korean horror and they offer a Netflix-like deal, in which for $18 a month you can take out unlimited movies, three at a time. No late fees. You can search their movie selection online as well.
