OK–I read the article, and I read the paragraph over and over, and the best I can come up with is he is using “Snakes on a Plane” as a metaphor for something that “provokes a visceral, gut-level response”, as opposed to being rational. Like “Pacific Air 121″ is more intellectual, more vague, makes you think, Hmmm, what’s this about? Whereas when you hear “Snakes on a Plane”, it’s not about thinking, it’s about REACTING to–SNAKES ON A PLANE!!! OMG!!! PANIC!!! That kind of thing.

At least, that’s IMHO. ;-)

He’s also using SoaP as a metaphor for mindless audiences eating up trash. Helms shares a hatred of gays with his supporters, and he used it to lead them into the irrational acceptance of his other policies. SoaP is similar. Due to the title and internet hype behind the film, many more people will see this film that would otherwise have avoided it. Contrary to much evidence that this movie is going to suck, the irrational belief that SoaP is a “must-see” movie is widespread.

…and yes, I might see the movie in theaters…

well yeah if i see anything officially released from SoaP i usually freak out, cheer, and/or stand up and yell
-stephen

“Contrary to much evidence that this movie is going to suck, the irrational belief that SoaP is a “must-see” movie is widespread.”

Sorry Anti I dont agree at all with that statement and you my kind sir are nuts for even saying that. not to call names just saying SoaP is gonna be great even if you think its a big joke. We all know what were getting into when we go see it: A Plane, some snakes, and SLJ. Thank you. Goodnight.

“not to call names just saying SoaP is gonna be great even if you think its a big joke.”

See, like…that’s what it is, though. It’s a joke. Did you laugh when you heard the premise for the movie? Or did you stroke your chin, contemplating the complexities that could arise from such a simple basis for a plot?

Okay, so maybe SoaP isn’t a joke. Acknowledging that, what were we all laughing at in the first place?

Stephen Colbert makes nearly the exact connection here:

Well the video didn’t post, so here’s the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZM9r3yyLpc

Most gay bashers are actually self-denying homosexuals anyway. The mask their desire for wild gay sex by attacking gay people, because they view themselves as perverse or immoral. Its all kinds of fucked up.

I think the Bob Hall dude got it all wrong. There’s nothing at all irrational about wanting to see a movie about Snakes on a Plane. Hell, it doesn’t get any more rational than that. However, there’s nothing *rational* about gay-baiting or endorsing Jesse Helms.

I didn’t even remember Jesse Helms was still alive until I read this entry.