Vern (film critic)
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Vern is a noted internet film critic based in Seattle, Washington, who contributes regularly to Ain't It Cool News. He also maintains his own website, titled Then Fuck You, Jack: The Life and Art of Vern. In addition to his many film reviews, Vern also houses a column, "Vern Tell's It Like It Is", as well as his own poetry on his personal site. His film reviews are generally well received, and are noted for their sense of humor. Vern's unique prose style, familiarly known as "Vern-acular," has spread across the internet and has been borrowed by many people on message boards and blogs.
In 2005, Vern put out his first book, 5 on the Outside. It is a collection of 87 of his favorite film reviews.
Vern is particularly known for being an afficianado of what he calls "Badass" films, and to promote this he published a list around 2000 of what he believed to be the 100 greatest badass films of all time, known as The Badass 100. The list was revised in August 2006, based on votes from his readers. Although elements that actually constitute a "badass film" remain roughly defined, through his writings it is clear that the films of Clint Eastwood and Takeshi Kitano best exemplify it.
Film Director Guillermo del Toro (Blade II) referred to Vern's work as follows: "Written in head-spinning Vern-acular prose, these reviews will have you rolling on the floor with laughter and, with lightning-bolt speed, provoke demolishing insights into the films they address. Equal parts HELL´S ANGELS and Pauline Kael, Vern is a National Treasure!!!"
Vern can also be credited for being the creator of Seagalogy, which he's apparently been trying to put in book form since about 2002.
Vern is also a former criminal. He has stated that he was involved with crimes such as armed robbery and, as his "About the Author" piece suggests, was also a drug and alcohol user. He has gone on to say that he has been out of prison since summer 1999 and has given up his substance abuse.
