The Easter ham was still cooking and I was trying to be polite at the family get-together when I asked my sister-in-law's new boyfriend, Rick, what he did for a living.
"I'm the Rover at Camden Park," he said.
I figured out the Camden Park part quick enough, but I'd never heard of an occupation titled "Rover." So, I took a sip of Folgers and settled in.
"What does a Rover do?" I asked. And for the next 15 minutes I listened to Rick explain how there is one guy--and one guy only--each season at Camden Park who is given the responsibility of learning to run all the rides, bark all the games and carry out a good bit of maintenance if needed. The Rover.
And for that summer, Rick was The Man.
I couldn't help but be a bit envious. I'd often wished I was brave enough to live the carny lifestyle, so I asked Rick to tell me more. The problem was, there wasn't more to tell. Despite the status the Rover has each season at Camden Park, there really wasn't that much to do at the small amusement park west of Huntington. After a revelation of how the Spider is unsafe, a gross story about a kid puking on the Big Dipper and some under-the-breath boy's talk about chicks wearing tank tops and Daisy Dukes on hot summer days, I realized there wasn't much more to being the Rover than long hours and low pay.
But still, Rick's stories were more entertaining than Adventureland.
6 comments:
I couldn't decide whether I wanted to see that movie or not. Thanks for helping.
When I was a kid I used to think it would be so great to work at Kings Island. My best friend and I had season passes so we got to know some of the ride operators there somewhat. We thought they were the coolest guys on earth.
Yeah. I saw that over the weekend, too. It didn't seem to know what it wanted to be except a lazy summer movie. I was hoping for Meatballs funny or Last American Virgin angst, but got neither.
Film Geek, I do so love your film reviews. At the beginning I laughed. Then I felt sad after reading all the gritty detail. Then I reflected in solemn contemplation, resolving that you are the best film reviewer ever.
Best. Review. Ever.
I agree with you on this one 100%! I did like the ending; not just because it was over but because there was a hint of true life and emotion.
Thanks, folks. And if anyone wants a free admission to Camden Park next summer, I can hook you up. I think Rick's still there. :)
I some how managed to miss this post from last month on here! I stayed well clear of this movie. Usually anything these days with two cast members of SNL equal a big flat flop. I saw Baby Mama which just cemented the fact.
Post a Comment