NEWS REVIEW

NEWS REVIEW

THEME: Two buddies go to the movies together. One reads the paper aloud to the other for entertainment while they wait in line. The skit reflects how the increase of violence and immorality in our society is often paralleled in our choices of entertainment.

SETTING: Imagine two men in an outdoor line, in front of a movie theater, waiting to buy tickets. As the skit progresses, their movement represents the shortening of the line.

TWO MEN STAND BESIDE ONE ANOTHER, ACTING AS IF THEY ARE IN AN OUTDOOR LINE, WAITING.

BOB: Wow, it is freezing out here!

BILL: I know, and this line is so long.

BOB: (UNFOLDS NEWSPAPER HE HAS BEEN HOLDING). Never fear. That's why I brought the newspaper along. To pass the time while we wait for the movie.

BILL: Good idea. Read me something interesting.

BOB: I will if I can find anything. Here we go. (READING.) "Miss America Contestants Face Up to Plastic Surgery." It seems several former Miss America contestants had plastic surgery before the competition.

BILL: What, is nothing sacred? You can't even trust Miss America anymore. Oh well. See if you can find something a little more macho in the next story. I don't want these other people in line to get the wrong idea, you know.

BOB: OK, I'll see what I can do.  (READING.) "Gang Rioting Expected to Increase." That macho enough for you?

BILL: Plenty macho, but also plenty disturbing. Find me something I can relate to.

BOB: Well, since I left the sports section in the bathroom, you'll have to settle for (READING) "Man Kills Best Friend in Dispute Over Lottery Ticket."

BILL: Moving right along, next story please. Something a little less tragic this time, best friend.

BOB: You do realize you're severely limiting yourself here. Let me see.  (READING.) "Arsonist Injures Three in Hospital Blaze."

BILL: That's less tragic?

BOB: Well at least they didn't die.

BILL: What is the deal here, anyway? Did you grab the "gloom and doom" section of the paper or what? People are beginning to stare at us. Find something less depressing this time.

BOB: How can I? Most of the stuff in here is pretty depressing. Listen to this.  (READING.) "Drug Warlords Gain Upper Hand with Violence Aimed at Cops."

BILL: (FRUSTRATED.) Stop it! That's enough. What is this world coming too? How much longer is God going to put up with this?

BOB: I don't know. Look, I'm sorry. These are real stories, though. In a real newspaper. I'm not making this stuff up.

BILL: Yah, well enough with the depressing and violent stuff alright. I mean we're here to see a movie. Don't read anymore OK?

BOB: Hold on. Here's the movie section. They've got a review of the film we're seeing.

BILL: Really? Read it. Tell me what it's about.

BOB:  (READING.) "The hero escapes from prison, killing 3 guards during the escape. Once out, he falls in love with a drug addict and must beat up her pimp to save her life. He then embarks on successful career as an underworld loan shark."

BILL: (EXCITEDLY.) Cool. Sounds like 4-star action adventure escapism to me.

BOB: No doubt. Two thumbs up! Let's hope it's not sold out.

FREEZE OR FADE TO BLACK