Gabby Gossip Girl

If you don't like Patrick Swayze, you're nuts (or you're not a girl within the ages of 12-70, which is of course the target audience for Dirty Dancing for the rest of time).

I saw a movie yesterday, that I did not know existed, but had Johnny Castle written all over it. Roadhouse. I walked in on it after it had already began (I'm not sure how long it had been on before I came to the TV, but I'm assuming 1/4 - 1/2 over). The first scene, I honestly thought it was something that had been edited out of Dirty Dancing and the station was running a deleted scene version of the movie... and I was excited. There was Patrick, stepping out of his car in his black t-shirt (sleeves rolled slightly), frame fitting jeans, and boots, strutting (but with a mission, as Johnny was always on) toward an unknown destination with the jaw clenching, serious look on his face. You can imagine my disappointment when I realized that this movie was a completely different movie, but my interest was piqued with the similarities of his character.

While watching the movie, I began to think about what makes Patrick Swayze such a... desirable? character on the movie screen. He has the attitude of a soft-hearted bad ass, the toned body that never seems to be covered with a shirt and the soothing yet scratchy voice of a manly man. He also has the ability to make you cheer for the embrace/kiss on screen, but when he goes in for the kill, you see the awkward stiff "I would never want to kiss that" face that leans in to the other actress. How can such a successful seducer but such a horrible kisser (at least to watch)?

During the movie, previews for his new show continually ran. Unfortunately, with his weakened state (cancer is showing on his body, which is a horrible realization that he may not be "fine" as he states), his face is almost unrecognizable. What happened to the chiseled chin, tan skin and mysterious eyes? Although I wish the absolute best for Patrick (and the most limited amount of pain for what he is going through), I wish that he had retired from acting. Everyone wishes to remember those they love at their best (from grandparents, to neighbors, to Johnny Castle) but it's hard to do when you see them, looking haggard and thin and not very Dirty Dancing-ish.

Gabby GG