By By Adrienne McKenzie
It may be hard for most people to believe, but I absolutely love the “American Gladiators” show.
I know I look like the type who would watch nothing but ‘chick flick’ movies or TV shows, but there is more to me than meets the eye.
I am not saying that I do not like romance or romantic comedy films, most of my favorite movies are those types. For example, I love “The Notebook.” I remember going to see this movie with my sister and brother-in-law in a theater when it first came out. My sister and I of course were in tears before the beginning credits began and although Daniel didn’t cry (at least I don’t think he did), he said it was a good movie.
One of my other favorite movies is “How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days.” This movie is hilarious and also sweet, which is always a great combination. It also doesn’t hurt that Matthew McConaughey is so nice to look at.
I also love romantic or humorous TV shows, “Grey’s Anatomy” being my favorite.
Even though I enjoy so-called “chick flicks,” I can hang out with the boys and watch action-packed shows or movies. I love the “Lord of the Rings” movies and also movies like “Die Hard.”
So, while needing to fill the need for an action-packed TV show, I decided to watch “American Gladiators” each week.
I remember watching “American Gladiators” in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Of course I was very young and small then and was always so astounded at how large those “gladiators” were.
So, I was shocked and excited when NBC decided to bring back the show this year.
If you can look past the extreme cheesiness of commentators Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali, the show really is fun to watch.
Sunday night was the finale of “American Gladiators” and the two people I thought would win did, so I was pumped! Evan Dollard and Monica Carlson were the winners and they both received $100,000, a new vehicle and the opportunity to appear on the show as an “American Gladiator.”
Evan and Monica both did a fantastic job on the finale and throughout the season and I hope they have what it takes to become a “Gladiator.” But those two are going to have to go through some seriously intense training to become as large and strong as the other gladiators.
I certainly can’t write a column about “American Gladiators” without revealing who my favorites are. So, throughout the season I have narrowed my favorite “gladiators” down to one male and one female.
My favorite male “gladiator” is Tanoai “Toa” Reed. I like Toa because he is not quite as scary as the other male “gladiators” and he also was really funny when trying to take down his competitors.
My favorite female “gladiator” is Gina “Crush” Carano. Although Crush doesn’t look that big, she obviously packs a pretty powerful punch, especially during the Joust competition on the show.
Even though I am not nearly as young or small as I was in the ‘80s and ‘90s, I am still amazed at how huge those “gladiators” are. Now I can’t wait until next season when Evan and Monica join the cast to see if they have what it takes to be an “American Gladiator.”
Adrienne McKenzie is managing editor for The Atmore Advance. She can be reached at 368-2123.