This is part of a weekly series called “Pop Opinions” where The Lantern offers its take on the week’s pop culture news.
Jim Carrey takes fire at gun owners
In light of the recent spotlight that has been shined on the issue of gun control, actor Jim Carrey is speaking, well singing, out. In a new sketch video for the comedy website Funny or Die titled “Cold Dead Hand,” Carrey mocks actor Charlton Heston, who died in 2008, and his enthusiasm for guns. The title and lyrics of Carrey’s spoof relate back to Heston’s speech to the NRA in 2000, in which he states gun control supporters would have to pry his firearm from his “cold, dead hands.”
“It takes a cold dead hand to decide to pull the trigger / It takes a cold dead heart and as near as I can figure / With your cold dead aim you’re trying to prove your (junk) is bigger / But we know your chariot may not be swinging low,” Carrey sings as he plays the role of a lead singer for a country music band (he also plays an angry Heston in various parts of the clip).
In hopes of expressing more of his gun control views, Carrey has also turned to Twitter.
“‘Cold Dead Hand’ is abt u heartless motherf%ckers unwilling 2 bend 4 the safety of our kids. Sorry if you’re offended by the word safety!” he tweeted Sunday. Love it or hate it, offended or not, you have to admit it’s pretty interesting satirical material.
But as you can imagine, this video has created some backlash for Carrey. However, after some serious verbal abuse, and probably a few threats, it’s no surprise the most absurd criticism came from Greg Gutfeld, a co-host on Fox News Channel’s “The Five.” “He is probably the most pathetic tool on the face of the earth – and I hope his career is dead, and I hope he ends up sleeping in a car the way his life began,” he said. “This video only made me want to go out and buy a gun.” Ouch. Tell us how you really feel, Greg. Leaving my views on gun control completely out of the conversation, it’s refreshing to see such bravery and passion from the Carrey. And although it was undeniably a risky choice for Carrey, it’s a brilliant assault on the issue.
“I find the gun problem frustrating and ‘Cold Dead Hand’ is my fun little way of expressing that frustration,” Carrey said in a press release.
Well, good for you, Jim Carrey!
Mr. Faheeeeeeny
In much lighter, uncontroversial news, William Daniels, who played George Feeny on “Boy Meets World,” is set to appear on the spinoff show “Girl Meets World,” according to “Entertainment Weekly.” Last week photos of the 85-year-old actor appearing on set surfaced, and it’s now been made clear that he wasn’t just visiting.
Daniels played an essential role on “Boy Meets World,” as a teacher and mentor, but it is still unknown what role he will take in the new story. Ben Savage (Cory Matthews) will be following in Daniels’ footsteps by teaching at the same school his daughter Riley (Rowan Blanchard) attends, so we can only hope the two will be working side by side. Rider Strong (Shawn Hunter) and Will Friedle (Eric Matthews) also appeared in photos “visiting” the set. Maybe they will follow in Daniels’ footsteps and return because it’s safe to say the show won’t be the same without them.
