Manex Studios: First Film Made in Trenton, about Trenton

TRENTON (AP) - Manex film studios announced their planned 2005 release of "Kangaroo Joey," an animated film based on the Trenton Police Department. Manex stated that an agreement recently reached with Warner Brothers, would allow them to use classic Warner Brothers cartoon characters in "Kangaroo Joey."     Sources at City Hall told the K9News that Mayor Palmer was pleased to learn that Manex is finally doing work in the city. However, the sources related that Palmer was dissappointed by the subject matter, script and choice of characters. In their press release, Manex indicated they have signed the voices of Bugs Bunny, Rocky (the Gangster) and Bugsy (Rocky's muscle-bound dim-witted sidekick) to star in the production.     In their press release, Manex indicated they have signed the voices of Bugs Bunny, Rocky (the Gangster) and Bugsy (Rocky's muscle-bound dim-witted sidekick) to star in the production.     In "Kangaroo Joey," Bugs Bunny (the perennial wise-cracking good guy and winner) will play the part of PBA President Len Cipriano. Rocky (oft cast as a little gangster with a big ego) will play the part of Director Santiago. The press release did not mention whom Bugsy (Rocky's moronic side-kick and thug) would portray. No other characters were addressed in the press release.     Screenplay writer Tad Overbay told the K9News that the story is somewhat based on actual events, but he did admit to having used a little poetic license in parts. "Early on Rocky complained that his character lacked 'the amount of testosterone' that his characters usually possess," said Overbay. "Basically I listened to Rocky and decided to add a little bit of 'balls' for the character."     One such testosterone-laden scene takes place during Cipriano's recent disciplinary hearing (upper right). During the hearing Santiago became so enraged at Cipriano and his attorney that he stormed from the office in the middle of the hearing. Rocky reportedly demanded that a fight between him and Bugs Bunny (Cipriano) be inserted into the film. Rocky also wanted to kick Bugs' ass. However, Overbay did not want to stray so far from the truth, so he re-wrote the scene with Bugsy holding Rocky away from Bugs.     According to members of the film crew, Rocky’s ego was a big problem when production started. During the first week on the set, Rocky refused to have his character drink Apple Cosmopolitans. According to Overbay, Rocky said, "If you want a pussy to play this part then hire Wimpy (of Popeye fame). But me, I'm drinking gin."     "Working with an actor such as Rocky, a little man with a big ego, was definitely difficult for me. But in the end I think it will make the movie more realistic," Overbay said.     Manex studios declined to say how the movie would end; they pointed out that it is still a work in progress. A source at Manex did give the K9News a storyboard showing one possible ending for the movie (right).

A scene from Kangaroo Joey (Manex/Warner 2005). Len Cipriano (played by Bugs Bunny) puts up his dukes and prepares to take on Joe Santiago (played by film villian Rocky) at his disciplinary hearing. However, Bugsy (Rocky's moronic henchman) steps in between the two and keeps Rocky from writing a check his ass can't cash. All the while Rocky is spewing froth and foul language while Bugs just keeps wise-cracking. One possible ending to the film (story-board above) has Rocky and Bugsy being dragged away by a cop. During the scene, Bugs Bunny reportedly quips, "ehhh... Pity, seems you were as wrong about Title 2C as you were about the contract."

Why I voted for Butch     This year’s awarding of Police Officer of the Year to William “Butch” Osterman has generated a great deal of discussion about the selection process. There are those who believe that Butch was selected by his peers simply because he “stands-up to” Director Santiago. Some are also saying that Butch was selected to make Santiago look bad.

Well, I voted for Butch and I take exception to both of these claims.     I voted for Butch, without any hesitation, because of his effect on the morale of the department. Butch has done more than any other single person to lift the spirits of the officers in the department. Contrary to some beliefs, Butch's selection should be seen as the officers rallying behind him, and not against Santiago.

The Police Officer of the Year rules clearly says that no single act by an officer should serve as reason to select him or her for the award. The rules take into account the character, work ethic, leadership role and the effect on the overall morale that the officer has. Make no mistake, Butch embodies all of these attributes; and at a time when they are sorely needed. Name Witheld Officer of the TPD