_{This is partially an appreciation thread for the film Tag, so if you haven't watched it... go to the nearest theater screening it and watch it, you bum! Here be spoilers.}

My wife (still getting used to saying this haha!) and I recently watched this little movie called Tag because I saw the trailer for it a week ago and thought that it had a fun premise. We didn't have many expectations heading in, and it was supported by the number of theater goers during the screening (only two when we came in and about ten, including us, when we left). I thought it was a shame because a lot of people are missing out on a surprisingly great movie! Now, I'm not hyping it as the next Hangover or something, but the film had a really profound effect on me. So much so that I've dedicated time and effort to write a post about it and etch it on the STEEM blockchain.

To the readers who have not yet seen the film, I applaud you for reaching this point, but I really have to reiterate that there are spoilers ahead. But, since you've stuck around up to this point, let me give you a spoiler-free cliffnotes of the film. Basically, it's a fictional retelling of a story of a group of grown men playing tag, for one month, for 23+ years. If that premise doesn't entice you, perhaps the Wall Street Journal article about it will. And if that still doesn't nudge you towards the cinema, then maybe the official trailer will.

Not convinced to buy a ticket yet? You might as well just read my post since spoilers won't matter much. This post is intended to be part review, part deep dive into the film's themes and part personal discussion. If that interests you more than the film's premise, then there's something seriously wrong with you. I love it. You're my people. Let's get to it!

T is for Thrilling

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You would think that a movie whose premise ivolves a group of grown men playing tag wouldn't be action-packed. You would be wrong. If when you were a kid, tireless running, clumsy acrobatics and death-defying stunts were involved whenever you played tag, then this film takes it to a whole other level. Disguises, traps, PARKOUR, among many other things are almost commonplace in a game that has lasted over 30 years.

Hoagie (played by Ed Helms) brings the band back together to once and for all tag the never-been-tagged Jerry (played masterfully by Jeremy Renner), who's calling it quits after this season. Successful CEO Bob (Jon Hamm), stoner Chilli (Jake Johnson) and paranoid Sable (Hannibal Buress) travel thousands of miles to their hometown to take down their untarnished foe. Wait a minute... why am I writing this down like a synopsis? If you're reading this, chances are you already know what I'm talking about! Screw this, I'm skipping over to the discussion!

I like how the players go to great lengths just to tag each other. It really keeps things fresh and it really ups the stakes. Even though I am the preeminent proponent and world-renowned scholar of Non-Competitiveness, as evidenced by my highest earning post ever, I have often been called out for my extreme focus when it comes to contests. Really though, I just don't like losing, which doesn't equate to me wanting to win all the time, so shut up!

I've been known to take things too far as well, but only because they started it, of course. Bodies get injured, feelings get hurt, but at the end of the day, what matters is... that I end up winning. Oh, and some people have fun along the way, too. So, there's that.

A is for Absurd

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As if the premise itself isn't absurd enough, all the antics that they get into get more theatrical and theatrical. But, I don't need to tell you that because at this point you've already watched the film, right? The CEO leaves a career-defining interview, the stoner sacrifices life and limb just so he doesn't get tagged, and the fiancee fakes a miscarriage just to keep his man's untainted streak alive. The most absurd thing is that a lot of the things that was included in the film happened in real life! As they say, art imitates life. Man, I really wish I was part of something like this for real.

Unfortunately (or fortunately?), the reason why I liked the film as much as I did is because a part of me identifies with it and a part of me is envious of the bond the friends in the film have. The thing is, I identify most with Jerry, the guy who has never been tagged. I'm not saying that I'm naturally good at games... but, I'm not saying I'm not either ;) Real talk. I don't have a lot of friends. Shocking, I know. I've often been told that I'm a very friendly guy. Most people even mistake me for an extrovert! YUCK! Truth be told, I'm, and this is hard for me to do so I'll just rip out the band-aid... a flaming introvert. There, I said it! Oh wait, I think I've mentioned that in a couple or so posts before. But, the thing is, I often wind out with extroverts who don't fully understand the inner workings of an introvert. I've bounced around from group to group for most of my adult life, and while I've been lucky enough to have experienced tons of adventures with a lot of people, there isn't really a group that regard as permanent. Long story short, I'm quite expendable when it comes to being included in groups. I'll give you a moment to process that.

DING! DING! DING! Moment's over! Get back to reading, you mewling quim! Wait, no. I didn't mean you. You, the one reading up to this point. You're awesome. One in a million even! There's no other quite like you, and I don't say that to just anyone. I love you.

The group of friends, excluding Jerry, have understandably developed a strong bond over the years. They take their Tag month of May as a chance to reconnect with each other and be in each other's lives. There is a downside to being untouchable, and Jerry had missed the whole point of their annual contest. While he isn't the outright antagonist, I really like how Jerry was written. He really served as a reflection of me, in more ways than one. Jeremy Renner chewed up every scene he was in and his smarmy approach really carried the film.

I am Jerry, and Jerry is me. And, I'm okay with that. It's not like I was never tagged. I even let others intentionally tag me. It's just that with every friend group I've ever been in, people just forget to tag me. They just continue to play the game and don't notice that I'm still around. And, that's sad. But, it's okay.

G is for Growing Up, not Growing Old

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If you're expecting/have expected something profound in this film, you're going to end up disappointed. It's a good summer flick with a heartwarming twist. If you try to poke too many holes in the plot, you're going to end up ruining the experience. Go see this to have fun and to embrace your inner child. Turn the dial all the way back to a time of innocence, to a time when being "It" is the worst thing in the world. Often in life, we tend to overthink things or take things too seriously. We miss the forest for the trees. Life is one big game, so instead of stressing about it, just enjoy it.

Like for this instance, you're thinking that this post is incohesive, poorly planned and doesn't make sense. Of course, you're right on all counts, but you're completely missing the point. If you think you can do better, then by all means, write the most amazing post you can and then link it below (ONLY if you include a thoughtful comment about this post, otherwise, you get flagged, not tagged). You're already thinking about it, aren't you? The post that could change how we see the world, and dare I say even bring about lasting world piece. I know you have it in you, I believe in you. Jot down your notes and draft it up.

Oh, and one last thing, this is important, so I want you to focus on what I'm about to say. You're it.

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