Reason 191

Fantastical interstellar beings. Don't ask me how I know this, but today marks the anniversary of a ridiculous, yet charming, novelty song about a purple alien with one eye and a horn who happens to be quite musical. This little tidbit of trivia dropped into my lap at the perfect time because a mere three weeks ago a VHS copy of The Purple People Eater, a cinematic gem that, in my opinion, was overshadowed by The Garbage Pail Kids Movie, arrived in my mailbox. Thank goddess for Amazon.com. For those readers who aren't familiar with the film's extremely complex storyline (shame on you!), let me fill you in. One day a young boy plays the classic Sheb Wooley song, which makes the magical creature appear and, in a heart-warming turn of events, the two of them join forces to save an elderly couple from eviction. Now, that's Oscar gold right there. The producers were lucky enough to land such mega-talent as Dustin Diamond of "Saved by the Bell" fame and Little Richard, so it's kind of a shocker that this 80's classic didn't rake in more dough at the box office. Perhaps its success was hindered by the overly-eager young actor who played the lead, some unknown kid named Neil Patrick Harris. It's really too bad he never made it in Hollywood. Anyway, go ahead and pencil today's date into next year's calendar, Jason, because I am planning on holding a raucous viewing party of The Purple People Eater with my furture bestie. You should also start committing the catchy song lyrics to memory because there is no way we'll make it through the movie without busting out these timeless words: It was a one-eyed, one-horned, flying purple people eater...Everyobody join in!