Ordinarily, I am not a big fan of remakes. Like sequels, I’d just like to think there are some unexplored and original ideas that will make for a great watch.

Occasionally though, someone comes up with an interesting twist on the theme. While sitting through the previews for Doctor Sleep, I learned that Fantasy Island is being brought to the cinema. In a dark way.

Seeing this preview made me think about the television show. I recalled it being fun, and not terribly dark.

And worth rediscovery.

Well, several of the plots are darker than I remembered... and I have been enjoying watching many of these old episodes for the first time.

I mostly steer clear of the television, but I find this show truly entertaining. Plus, I have rediscovered the talented Ricardo Montalbán—who my exposure has mostly been limited to his portrayal of Khan.

I can only imagine he was as cultured, elegant, mysterious and mischievous as the Mr. Roarke character he portrayed.

Someone who’s cool and never loses his cool. Someone confident. Someone refined. Someone who’s authoritative, yet approachable.

Someone worth emulating.

As each year passes, it becomes more and more apparent I’m no James Bond. I’m no Don Juan. I’m not even Don Knotts.

Yet, I still believe there is value in emulating someone who embodies qualities you’d like to possess. Fake it ’til you make it? Granted, reading many of the entries in this space, I have clearly been trying to make it for a long, long time—with very limited success.

Still, that is no reason NOT to emulate the enigmatic Mr. Montalbán. I LIKE who I am when I’m cool and collected—and unwavering. When I’m confident. When I’m refined. When I’m authoritative, yet approachable. When I’m enigmatic.

Smiles, everyone! Smiles! We want our guests to feel welcome.

It starts with a smile.

What i'm listening to:

Torn
Ava Max
To the Max