NOT-SO-DEADPOOL

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Lighten up, FRANCiS — While worthy cause Swim with Mike made over $1,000,000 this year, smash hit movie “Deadpool” has made over $750,000,000; So next time your soul feels dirty, don’t reach for Ajax, reach for your keyboard, go to Swimwithmike.org, and help physically disadvantaged athletes become Marvel-ous Super Heroes

The Green Lantern was my favorite comic book hero when I was a kid .  But when Ryan Reynolds starred in the role in the movie, it was NOT a hit, with me or with the public.  It looked like Reynolds’ days as a cinematic super hero were over.  Fast-forward to 2016, and those days are back, and this time, it works.  “Deadpool” is the raunchiest popular comic book movie of all time, and despite some hard-to-believe plot points, the film is thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining (and NOT for little kids).  It is by far the funniest flick of the genre, and Reynolds’ delivery and timing are a big part of that success.

Ben Affleck also takes a giant step forward this year, going from his “Daredevil” role to that of Batman.  He’s not bad at all as the Caped Crusader in “Batman vs. Superman,” which, like “Deadpool,” made a king’s ransom at the box office.  Not everybody loved this DARK, sometimes uncomfortable-to-watch film, but just about everyone bought a ticket, apparently.

The point is, it is never too late to re-create and redeem.  Are you not the most generous or charitable person in the World?  Do you have an evil streak?  Do you only care about yourself?  Do you revel in the misfortune of others?  Do you want to turn over a new leaf?  Do you want to be a better human being?  Well, here is your chance.  Go to swimwithmike.org, and help support a deserving cause.

And to encourage you further, here are 45 more photos of the USC Song Girls (and the Trojan Dance Force) from last Saturday’s event.