Are You Not Entertained? Are you NOT ENTERTAINED!?

There's a reason why the NFL is the Tyrannosaurus Rex of professional sports in America.

Put simply, there is nothing that compares as pure athletic spectacle.

Little known Colts RB Vick Ballard provided another vivid reminder of this fact Sunday. His impossible flying, twisting, launching effort at the magic orange pylon in overtime, was something that had to be seen, to be believed.

And seen, and seen, and seen again.

My first reaction was "holee sh**!"

My second reaction was: "Hey, didn't Denzel do that in the movie "Flight?"



I once angered hardcore baseball fans, by saying that if you've seen 12 basic baseball highlights, you've essentially seen them all.

Home runs, the $20 bill of baseball highlight currency, are reduced to nothing more than saying: "Wow, that went far."

Football, however, is endlessly splendid in highlight form. While a game may drone on for 3 hours with nothing to chew on but your fingernails, there's always that chance something truly shocking - magical, maybe - will suddenly unfold in front of your eyes.

In glorious 1080p high definition.

Hey, don't yell at me. The World Series, is well on it's way to a new record low in TV eyeballs, dipping below even the NBA Finals nadir of the Nets-Lakers annihilation.

Which brings me to something I've been wondering for a while now. That clip in "Flight" where the plane screams low overhead, UPSIDE DOWN? I mean, is that possible?

Says the interwebs... no, not really.... unless Denzel was just barrell rolling.

Commercial aircraft are definitely not designed to fly upside down and could not sustain flight.

Airplane wings have a specific shape - curved on the top and relatively flat on the bottom. Air flowing over the curved top of the wing has to travel faster than the air flowing across the relatively flat bottom of the wing because it has farther to go. This difference creates a low-pressure area (vacuum) on top of the wing, and this is where the majority of our lift is generated.

Flip the airplane over, and the lift is destroyed. While rollovers and very short times of inverted flight are possible, too long like that stresses the airframe and aircraft in ways it can't handle, and result in either structural failure, stalling, or simple complete loss of lift.

Okay, but like, um, has this ever actually HAPPENED to a passenger jet flight? Answer: (gulp), YES!

An All Nippon Airline pilot screwed up in the most stunning way possible, and nearly killed 100 people...

Here's what happened: the co-pilot mistook the rudder trim knob for the cockpit door lock switch so when he "opened the door" for his captain, he actually caused the jet to roll and drop 1,900 meters in 30 seconds. According to internal investigations, "the narrow-body aircraft continued to roll until it reached 131.7 degrees to the left, leaving it almost belly-up. Its nose pointed down as much as 35 degrees at one point."

In the movie, they get on Denzel's ass because he likes booze, coke, and waitress tail. Damn. Big deal. Some pilots can screw up when stone cold sober.

Are You Not Entertained?" – Unpacking a Memorable Cry for Spectacle In the grand arena of entertainment, certain phrases resonate deeply, capturing the essence of spectacle, emotion, and the shared experience of audiences. One such cry that has reverberated through time is "Are You Not Entertained? Are you NOT ENTERTAINED!?" This iconic line, originating from the film "Gladiator," holds a special place in pop culture and serves as a symbol of larger-than-life performances and the insatiable thirst for captivating experiences. In this article, we delve into the origins, significance, and frequently asked questions surrounding this unforgettable declaration, exploring its impact on film, sports, and the broader world of entertainment.  Setting the Stage: The Birth of an Epic Line "Are You Not Entertained?" is a battle cry famously bellowed by the character Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by Russell Crowe, in the Ridley Scott-directed film "Gladiator." Released in 2000, the film centers around the story of a betrayed Roman general who rises as a gladiator to seek revenge against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and seized his throne.  Key Elements of the Line:  Emotion-Fueled Delivery: The line is delivered during a gladiatorial combat scene, when Maximus addresses the roaring crowd in the Colosseum. His impassioned plea reflects his defiance, determination, and disdain for the spectacle of violence.  Demand for Connection: The line embodies Maximus's desire for a genuine connection with the audience, challenging them to acknowledge the humanity behind the bloodshed and recognize their role in perpetuating the brutality.  Cathartic Catharsis: The cry is a culmination of Maximus's internal struggle and his quest for justice. It encapsulates his transformation from a loyal general to a vengeful gladiator and resonates with the audience's own desire for justice and satisfaction.  The Power and Legacy "Are You Not Entertained?" has transcended its cinematic origins to become a versatile phrase that encapsulates the quest for thrilling experiences and the pursuit of captivating performances.  Universal Appeal: The phrase resonates with audiences beyond the context of the film. It taps into the broader human desire for spectacle, drama, and immersive entertainment.  Emotional Connection: The line's emotional intensity and call for acknowledgment draw audiences into the character's emotional journey and provide a lens through which they can reflect on their own role as spectators.  Meme-Worthy Catchphrase: The line's dramatic delivery has made it a popular choice for memes, parodies, and references in various forms of media, from sports commentary to social media banter.  FAQs about "Are You Not Entertained?" Q1: What is the significance of the line in the film "Gladiator"?  In "Gladiator," the line encapsulates Maximus's disillusionment with the brutality of the gladiatorial games and his yearning for authenticity and justice. It's a powerful moment that challenges both the characters within the story and the audience watching.  Q2: Has the line been referenced in other films or media?  Yes, the line has been referenced in various films, TV shows, and forms of media as a way to evoke the spirit of epic performances or to comment on the nature of entertainment and spectacle.  Q3: How has the line influenced sports culture?  The line has become a staple in sports culture, often used by commentators or fans to express excitement, awe, or disbelief at extraordinary feats of athleticism or dramatic moments in sports.  Q4: Does the line have broader implications beyond entertainment?  Yes, the line's call for acknowledgment and authenticity can be applied to various aspects of life beyond entertainment. It encourages reflection on the authenticity of experiences and the importance of recognizing the human element in various situations.  Q5: What emotions does the line evoke in audiences?  The line evokes a range of emotions, including excitement, engagement, introspection, and empathy. It invites audiences to consider their role as spectators and participants in events that demand their attention.  Q6: Why has the line endured in popular culture for so long?  The line's enduring popularity can be attributed to its emotive power, its memorable delivery by Russell Crowe, and its ability to resonate with people's fundamental desire for captivating experiences and genuine connection.  In Conclusion "Are You Not Entertained? Are you NOT ENTERTAINED!?" stands as a timeless testament to the interplay between spectacle, emotion, and the human experience. From its origins in a gladiatorial arena to its widespread use in various forms of media, the line continues to capture the essence of captivating performances and the inherent yearning for genuine connection. As audiences continue to seek out moments that stir their emotions and capture their attention, the cry remains a rallying call for the power of truly immersive entertainment.