The Matthew Aaron Blog

Writer, Director, Actor, Producer, Uncle, Friend, Chicagoan. Average at all of them.

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The “Look What You Made Me Do” video is out now.

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Why the Cubs and the MLB are heroes

First LGBT film in corporate sports history. Think about that.

Over 100 years of filmmaking and not one film shot in cooperation with a major sports corporation with LGBT leads and themes.

Make no mistake, it’s not a film about being gay. Landline is a film about how much technology has taken over our lives. It’s inclusive in a way that shows the city of Chicago and all its diversity.

Lenny and I contacted Major League Baseball under the impression that this would never happen. Much to their credit, they read the script and thought it was cute. This is when the leads were a straight married couple.

Casting was tough. Every name actress I wanted loved the script but had scheduling conflicts. I had already made two LGBT led films and was thinking about expanding my acting resume by playing it straight. The universe works in mysterious ways.

First, they had agreed to make their first film ever for an “indie” budget (their first film under 10 million dollars. Way under.). But, I still rocked the boat.

I told them that we had trouble casting the role of Jill and asked if I can widen the net and consider men for the role. I rewrote the script. Surprisingly, within days, we were told they loved it.

I couldn’t believe it. We were about to make history together, and I knew it.

To the credit of Tom Arnold, Nick Searcy, Betsy Brandt, Jimmy DuMont, Louis Lombardi, Jim O'heir, Ryne Sandberg and my producers, everyone was on board.

I know what you’re thinking. It’s no big deal to be gay anymore. That’s complete and utter bull. Anyone who believes that lives in a bubble.

I’ll never be able to show my gratitude to the Cubs for letting us film the climax of the film at Wrigley Field. I’ll never be able to show my gratitude to Major League Baseball for having the balls to be the FIRST. I’ll never be able to thank my cast and crew enough for continuing my vision to make diverse and inclusionary films that let LGBT leads show us a slightly different slant of a majority straight world.

Thank you for helping me make history. Your season will define you, but to me, you’re already legends.

Thank you.

Matthew Aaron

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REVIEW: TACO BELL DAREDEVIL LOADED GRILLERS I should start by saying that I'm grumpy. Tonight was going to be pizza night but I realized I hadn't posted in two weeks, so here we are-- Taco Bell knows their audience, you gotta admit. For one dollar they are currently selling a new variation of their grillers. These are DAREDEVIL GRILLERS that come in three flavors (chipotle, habanero and ghost pepper). Let's start with the actual griller. As you see above, they are two soft shells combined and filled with meat, cheese, Fritos and sauce. For a dollar you can't complain but my original opinion of the grillers stands still when it comes to these; grillers are too much shell, not enough filling. I'd be happier with a smaller, more compact version than the ones they currently make. This way they can still be a dollar but you'd get more flavor per bite. And flavor INDEED. The Chipotle griller has a decent taste of chipotle, but the liquid cheese kind of drowns it out at times. All this shell also doesn't help matters. But the flavor is there. It's all sauces in each of these combined with meat, liquid cheese and some red Frito concoction. I'm not a HUGE fan of the chipotle but if you LOVE chipotle, you will probably like this. The Habanero griller is the one that makes me hard. Man, if I didn't have to eat so much shell to get to it. The habanero has excellent flavor. It's got a bit of heat but goes so well with the smooth cheese and meat combination. It's not overly spicy, either. Perfect amount. I understand men who are out to prove who has the bigger coconuts are going to go for the hottest thing possible, but I'm more interested in tasting my food. Which leads us to the Ghost Pepper. I've had ghost pepper a handful of times and have blown fire outta my ass, each time. I've cried, snot trickling down my nose, sweat, eating ghost peppers. Now, Taco Bell is fast food and they aren't going to be liable for some idiot having a heart attack eating these. Therefore, it's ghost pepper lite. The problem is, unlike their slightly better Diablo sauce, it's all heat, no flavor. And it's not enough heat for you to brag to everyone that you are it. If you LIKE ghost pepper (why?!) then you'll maybe like this. It's turned down too many notches for hardcore heat fanatics (with small wieners) and too hot for those looking for a pepper with flavor. Overall, you can't go wrong for a dollar. However, I'd buy a habanero griller and just get a number 8 soft, to supplement it. But kudos to Taco Bell for continuing to be the most inventive fast food (that's not TOO high... Looking at you, Jack In The Box).

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Taking you back. Banana Froated Flakes, complete with Jamaican white kids

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FAST FOOD REVIEW:

FIERY CHICKEN FRIES (Burger King) and STARBURST STRAWBERRY FREEZE (Taco Bell)

So, if you’re any sort of red-blooded American, you’ll have a chain of fast food restaurants within farting distance of each other. In my case, I have a stretch that contains Burger King, Subway, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Noodles and Company and White Castle. So, sometimes when I’m feeling frisky, I’ll mix and match.

Today I tried the Starburst Strawberry Freeze from Taco Bell with the Fiery Chicken Fries from BK. Burger King has been a major disappointment the last few years, while Taco Bell should be recognized for their “outside the box” experimentation.

The Starburst Strawberry Freeze is one of their freeze options (think Big Gulp) and it’s pretty straight forward. They take a flavor soda and apply it to a slushie. However, to my knowledge, Starburst doesn’t make soda (though if they did, Crush would probably get a run for their money). So upon trying this freeze, unlike their Mountain Dew, I had nothing to base it off of other than the candy version.

Well, unfortunately, it wouldn’t be a recommendation from me unless you LOVE Strawberry Starburst and even then, you may be disappointed in how the carbonation takes away from the smooth, sweet strawberry flavor. It much better replicates Strawberry Crush than a Starburst. It’s very sweet, fair warning. The Big Gulp tastes, to me, less carbonated. I like that a bit more than the Taco Bell Freeze.

So in the Starburst Strawberry Freeze, thumbs down, but just barely. It’s not bad, just not good enough to recommend.

Exactly the opposite for Burger King’s Fiery Chicken Fries.

Burger King has been a disappointment for years. When I was growing up, Burger King focused on the burgers and nailed it. The Flame Broiled Whopper is still a favorite. Unless you’re so fat that you just can’t be full on two, the Double Whopper was a magical addition. Then they changed their fries. Their nuggets are the worst of every major chain. Chicken Parm sandwiches? Calm down, BK. in my estimation, very little has worked for them in YEARS.

However, the chicken fries were just better than average enough for a recommendation. They were unique, they gave you around ten, they created the box with the sauce holder (though I’d argue all boxes were created that way!). The fiery chicken fry is the exact same, just with a buffalo kick. There is nothing more to it than that. However, the nice fry sauce (it ain’t Chik-Fil-A sauce, the ultimate sauce, but it’s a good jam) adds enough smooth zesty flavor to put it over the top.

Slight thumbs up on the Fiery Chicken Fries. The best Burger King addition in a while. Which says nothing.

The Starburst Strawberry Freeze can be purchased for 2.49 for a regular. The Chicken Fries, a cool 3.50.

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FAST FOOD REVIEW:

FIERY CHICKEN FRIES (Burger King) and STARBURST STRAWBERRY FREEZE (Taco Bell)

So, if you’re any sort of red-blooded American, you’ll have a chain of fast food restaurants within farting distance of each other. In my case, I have a stretch that contains Burger King, Subway, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Noodles and Company and White Castle. So, sometimes when I’m feeling frisky, I’ll mix and match.

Today I tried the Starburst Strawberry Freeze from Taco Bell with the Fiery Chicken Fries from BK. Burger King has been a major disappointment the last few years, while Taco Bell should be recognized for their “outside the box” experimentation.

The Starburst Strawberry Freeze is one of their freeze options (think Big Gulp) and it’s pretty straight forward. They take a flavor soda and apply it to a slushie. However, to my knowledge, Starburst doesn’t make soda (though if they did, Crush would probably get a run for their money). So upon trying this freeze, unlike their Mountain Dew, I had nothing to base it off of other than the candy version.

Well, unfortunately, it wouldn’t be a recommendation from me unless you LOVE Strawberry Starburst and even then, you may be disappointed in how the carbonation takes away from the smooth, sweet strawberry flavor. It much better replicates Strawberry Crush than a Starburst. It’s very sweet, fair warning. The Big Gulp tastes, to me, less carbonated. I like that a bit more than the Taco Bell Freeze.

So in the Starburst Strawberry Freeze, thumbs down, but just barely. It’s not bad, just not good enough to recommend.

Exactly the opposite for Burger King’s Fiery Chicken Fries.

Burger King has been a disappointment for years. When I was growing up, Burger King focused on the burgers and nailed it. The Flame Broiled Whopper is still a favorite. Unless you’re so fat that you just can’t be full on two, the Double Whopper was a magical addition. Then they changed their fries. Their nuggets are the worst of every major chain. Chicken Parm sandwiches? Calm down, BK. in my estimation, very little has worked for them in YEARS.

However, the chicken fries were just better than average enough for a recommendation. They were unique, they gave you around ten, they created the box with the sauce holder (though I’d argue all boxes were created that way!). The fiery chicken fry is the exact same, just with a buffalo kick. There is nothing more to it than that. However, the nice fry sauce (it ain’t Chik-Fil-A sauce, the ultimate sauce, but it’s a good jam) adds enough smooth zesty flavor to put it over the top.

Slight thumbs up on the Fiery Chicken Fries. The best Burger King addition in a while. Which says nothing.

The Starburst Strawberry Freeze can be purchased for 2.49 for a regular. The Chicken Fries, a cool 3.50.

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FAST FOOD REVIEW:

ARBY’S LOADED ITALIAN W/CURLY FRIES

Being Italian, I was intrigued that the usually on target Arby’s had created a sandwich dedicated to my people.

It’s toasted. It’s hot. It’s got ham, salami and pepperoni. It’s got Swiss cheese (?). Banana peppers, red onion, lettuce and tomato. Topped with red wine vinaigrette and garlic aioli.

Before I bite into it, let me predict that it’s better than a SUBWAY BMT but not on par with Jersey Mike’s or Jimmy John’s Italian subs.

Here we go–

The garlic aioli, toasted Italian roll and banana peppers hit you immediately. I definitely taste the ham but the pepperoni and salami (two spiced meats to begin with), I don’t get strong flavor from them, which is odd. None of the vegetables overpowering and they make nice friends with, at least, the ham and garlic aioli.

This is tough! For 7 bucks (small meal), you really can’t go wrong. It’s better than Subway and while the meat has better flavor at Jimmy Johns and Jersey Mike’s, I’d argue that the Italian roll, garlic aioli, banana pepper combo make this one a winner. Is it the best fast food Italian sandwich? No. But combined with Arby’s perfected curly fries, you get no complaints from me. The only major drawback is SWISS CHEESE on an Italian sandwich. For fuck's sake, Arby's! Amateur hour..

I’d argue Arby’s itself is criminally underrated, but that’s another time.

GRADE: thumbs up for Arby’s Loaded Italian. It’s worthy of a meal. And the consistent Arby’s continues to put out quality fast food.

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Fast food review: Burger King's A1 Bacon Mozzarella Whopper Today I tried Burger Kings new double hamburger. Two hamburger patties, bacon, mozzarella, onion, lettuce and A1 sauce between a bun. Unfortunately, each bite is overwhelmed by A1 sauce. You don't always get the flavor of the flame grilled patty or even the taste of onion. If you want to try it, I suggest asking for a light smattering of A1. I can't fairly judge the mozzarella due to the A1 sauce. It's just so overpowering. I can tell it's not great mozzarella, it didn't really melt at all. It was $6.59, $10.08 for a medium meal. I can think of high quality restaurants where you can spend around $10.08 for a great meal. The bacon and lettuce become casualties of the sauce, as well. The lettuce lost all crispness and the bacon lacked flavor. I think this sandwich would work better with a cheddar and a hint of A1. Overall, it just didn't do it for me. It's not bad, per se, but it's just not something you HAVE to have. And Burger King's fries have GOT to go. Grade: stick with a classic double whopper with bacon and onion rings. Thumbs down. Burger King just doesn't have much to offer outside the classics, right now.

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I like this film 😳

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Every guy at the gym today--

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Dear Activists

Hi. My name is Matthew Aaron. I’m a white male. I know my people haven’t always been great to you. I’m sorry for them.

In the last few months, I’ve had to deal with things most guys with years and years of catholic schooling aren’t used to dealing with. I’ve had a famous Olympic athlete who has the sex of a male go into full transition and declare that he is indeed a female. I’ve also had a white woman claim that her identity over the course of twenty plus years was that of a black woman.

These are both not new issues, I know. But I’m selfish. When I’m not making a film, pitching a TV show, writing or taking my nephew to the park, I’m usually at the movies or having drinks with my friends. It takes things like this to dominate in the news for me to really pay attention. Call it white privilege. Call it selfishness. Call it minding my own business. Doesn’t matter to me.

So finally it’s reached a boiling point where I now have to either choose to educate myself or ignore it. I’ve chosen to empathize and try to educate myself. I missed the boat when I had the chance with Chaz Bono and I regret that.

However, if I could make one request?

I’m not the enemy, so stop yelling, being overly aggressive or angry towards me.

You see, I actually care. And you may be sitting there going “well, you’re the one white guy.” Okay, who cares. Then selfishly let me state, stop treating me like your debate opponent or someone you’re arguing with on the street.

If I’m civil enough to ask questions and try to understand these scenarios, you shouldn’t patronize me, use a tone that talks down to me or treat me like I’m stupid.

I know a lot of straight men that want to learn and want to listen, but if you get on your soapbox and keep correcting our speech and treating us like we are your opponent… Well, you’re going to make us an opponent.

So let’s remind each other that we are civil. I’m not a racist nor homophobe. I’m just uneducated and ready to learn.

Thanks,

MA

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Dear Activists

Hi. My name is Matthew Aaron. I’m a white male. I know my people haven’t always been great to you. I’m sorry for them.

In the last few months, I’ve had to deal with things most guys with years and years of catholic schooling aren’t used to dealing with. I’ve had a famous Olympic athlete who has the sex of a male go into full transition and declare that he is indeed a female. I’ve also had a white woman claim that her identity over the course of twenty plus years was that of a black woman.

These are both not new issues, I know. But I’m selfish. When I’m not making a film, pitching a TV show, writing or taking my nephew to the park, I’m usually at the movies or having drinks with my friends. It takes things like this to dominate in the news for me to really pay attention. Call it white privilege. Call it selfishness. Call it minding my own business. Doesn’t matter to me.

So finally it’s reached a boiling point where I now have to either choose to educate myself or ignore it. I’ve chosen to empathize and try to educate myself. I missed the boat when I had the chance with Chaz Bono and I regret that.

However, if I could make one request?

I’m not the enemy, so stop yelling, being overly aggressive or angry towards me.

You see, I actually care. And you may be sitting there going “well, you’re the one white guy.” Okay, who cares. Then selfishly let me state, stop treating me like your debate opponent or someone you’re arguing with on the street.

If I’m civil enough to ask questions and try to understand these scenarios, you shouldn’t patronize me, use a tone that talks down to me or treat me like I’m stupid.

I know a lot of straight men that want to learn and want to listen, but if you get on your soapbox and keep correcting our speech and treating us like we are your opponent… Well, you’re going to make us an opponent.

So let’s remind each other that we are civil. I’m not a racist nor homophobe. I’m just uneducated and ready to learn.

Thanks,

MA

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Janet, this November in Chicago!

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QT seen a lot of flicks, yo!

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Must Watch

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[motivateyourselfeachandeveryday]

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Yes ma'am