Thoughts on Rob Reiner's Death

Two of my favorite movies are A Few Good Men and Stand By Me. If we can quote lines verbatim or distinctly remember all the characters, then it's a pretty good sign of where that movie stands. And if we’ve watched that same movie multiple times, then it’s definitely a sign of it having value to us.  

I’ve watched Stand By Me a handful of times, most recently just a few months ago. I love the childhood nostalgia it evokes. It makes me think of my own group of childhood friends and does so in a remarkably uncanny way. I know exactly who the Chris Chambers is of my crew. I know the Teddy and the Vern. Every group needs a Vern. And I myself am the Gordie—the sensitive soul who wants to be a writer.  This movie recalls so many fond memories in my life, which I will cherish even more when I watch it again many years from now. It’s timeless.

Liking a movie so much makes hearing about the creator’s comments on the president, MAGA, Christian conservatives, etc. so disappointing. If you’re in the market to get everyone to see your movies, then why polarize half of your potential audience? Or as Michael Jordan once said “Republicans buy sneakers too.” But Reiner didn't care if his comments demonized and insulted half the country.  Like many on the left, he sees this half as so bad or evil that his comments are not only valid but vocally necessary. In reality, they’re hate-filled and divisive, and really speak to the arrogance steeped in Hollywood.

When I heard about his death, I was at first shocked like everyone

, and then I wanted to see how I felt about it. I felt sad. I thought it was really tragic. And then I couldn’t help but think about the people who celebrated Charlie Kirk’s death. It made me realize how profoundly evil that was. We didn’t see that with Reiner’s.

Rob Reiner made some of the most classic and quintessentially American movies ever. I think his political comments will generally be forgotten and he will ultimately be remembered by the movies that touched people’s hearts.