CAINE MUTINY

Journey 2: They Mysterious Island

*1/2

Review by Dave Herbelin

“I hope it doesn’t like food with poop in its pants.”
- Luis Guzman as Gabato in “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island”

Yes, Michael Caine chose to be in a movie that included this line. It used to be that you could tell the quality of movies by the actors who chose to be in them. I should have been warned by the stars such as Dwayne Johnson, who probably learned comedy from watching ’90s episodes of “Full House”, or Vanessa Hudgens who seems to think she’s still filming sequels of “High School Musical”. But I thought if Michael Caine chose to do this, then there has to be a gem hidden somewhere in there between the overacting and the video game special effects. Afterall, the first one was so horrible, how could he not know already? Mr. Caine, you lead me astray, you dirty rotten scoundrel!

“Journey 2″, which was a big piece of Number 2 (yeah, I watched “Full House” too), takes place a short time after the first “Journey”, with Sean, played by Josh Hutcherson, as the only returning cast member (perhaps the first wise choice of Brendon Fraser’s career in a long time). No one really says what happened to Sean’s dad, except that he left and now his mom has a new boyfriend, Hank (Dwayne Johnson). Sean recieves an encoded message from his granfather, Alexander (Michael Caine) and the journey begins to the mysterious island.

One gaping hole in the relationships of this story is the history of these people. Sean’s mother and Hank are reluctant to let Sean search for the mysterious island, and Kailani, Sean’s love interest (Vanessa Hudgens), doesn’t think much of him. And once on this island (that was for you theatre nuts), Sean’s judgement is questioned. Why are we questioning the one person in the party who has been to, oh well… THE CENTER OF THE EARTH?! I think after journeying there, you pretty much have a backstage pass to the universe. “Sorry you can’t go in the White House.” “Oh, can’t I? I’ve been to The Center Of The Earth!” “What do you mean, I can’t have dessert? I’ve been to The Center Of The Earth!” “Hey baby, earth’s center… that’s me.” Did the writers really forget this small detail?

If the movie was a turd, Luis Guzman was the smell. Every line he delivered was either a girlish whine or a homo-erotic come on to Dwayne Johnson. I think he was using the script to “The Birdcage.” Each time he opened his mouth, I cringed. If you want to make a movie that would end all movies, just film Guzman having lunch with Rosie Perez, Fran Drescher, and Gilbert Gottfried. It would replace waterboarding.

Guzman’s character was one of many bad directoral choices; another being “popping pecks.” It’s in all the ads. You see Dwayne Johnson flexing his pecks while Hutcherson bounces berries off them. Johnson has done this move before. I couldn’t believe that they did it again and tried to pass it off as original. I didn’t understrand how it made it into the movie until I saw the end credits with Johnson as a co-producer. This, along with other moments, had to be Johnson saying, “You know what would be funny….” And those waiting to get paid saying, “Oh yes, Mr. Johnson. You are the god of comedy. The Carrot Top of Film” “You know what would be funny: giant bird poop.” Yes, that’s what Jules Verne would have wanted, Mr. Johnson. “You know what would be good: 3D effects for no reason.” Yes! You’re right: We learned nothing about 3D in the past decade. “You know what would be cool: filming everything green screen so the audience doesn’t buy anything they see.” Yes, Mr. Lucas Johnson.

This movie must have been made using a check list.
Over acting: check.
Pointless special effects: check.
Needless action sequences: check.
High school love interests: check.
Teen heart throbe removing shirt: check.
Main character injured for no plot reason: check.
No real investment in story: check.

It’s the same list used in many teen vampire movies. But they added one item…

Respectable actor which those who don’t know better may go to see: check ….and I fell for it.

To use a term a proud touting Christian told me, Mr. Caine, you are a “whore.” (Yes, she told me many times she was a Christian, then called my dog a whore.) Well, to use another Christian phrase. DAMN! Damn! Damn! Never again, Mr. Caine. You are off the list of reliable actors. You have lost your credit. I thought you were above doing it for the money. I questioned your choice when you joined “Miss Congeniality”, but after seeing it, you and William Shatner proved me wrong and gave short term credibility to Sandra Bullock. Short Term!! Now I’ve gone back and looked at your roster of movies and I see more money choices. “Gnomeo and Juliet”?!! You couldn’t have actually thought this was the ideal adaptation Shakespeare saw in his mind.

We look to A-list actors because we want to make a wise investment with our $12 ticket price. No name actors are a risk to the viewer, while an A-lister is to not lead them astray. A-listers are the bonds, while the no names are the stocks. We exepect the A-listers to do the research, know their fund completely before endorsing it for others to spend their hard-earned cash. The rewards may not be as high as the they can be when taking a risk on the no-name stock, but they are consistent. Michael Caine, you went Bernanke on me. You focused on your paycheck and not on how I spent mine. I’m not asking that you play the same consistent character. Explore and play all you want. But I do expect you to research the script and the production on which you are putting your name. And you can’t use the editor or any post-production as a scapegoat. “Food with poop in it’s pants” was delivered in a scene you were in, you… you (excuse my Christianity) whore!!!

Directed by: Brad Peyton
Release Date: February 10, 2012
Run Time: 94 Minutes
Country: USA
Rated: PG
Distributor: New Line Cinema

OFFICIAL TRAILER

NEWS 92FM – HOUSTON
JANUARY 27th and FEBRUARY 3rd, 2012
Movie Guy Paul Preston talks with afternoon anchors Carolyn Campbell and Mike Barajas about the actors nominated for Oscars for Best Actor and Actress, including Jean Dujardin, George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Michelle Williams.

BEST ACTOR:

(3 min., 21 sec.)

(5 min., 4 sec.)

FEBRUARY 3, 2012
I’ve never heard of this movie until today. And now I’m reading how it’s an obsession of some people out there. I may join them… It’s called “The Secret of Magic Island”, was made in the sixties and stars ANIMALS in EVERY ROLE. But they’re doing human-y stuff. It’s also extremely difficult to find. Check out this article in The Huffington Post and watch the clips. WATCH THE CLIPS.
-PP

FEBRUARY 2, 2012

We’ve reported on “Star Wars: Uncut” here and there. It’s a complete remake of “Star Wars”, with fans re-creating, in any way they want, each scene. You claim a scene, shoot it, and send it in. Well, apparently, the powers that be are done compiling all the clips and since they don’t own any of the rights to anything “Star Wars”, it doesn’t cost a dime to see!…which you can do HERE.
-PP

FEBRUARY 1, 2012

It’s up to actors, now. The board of directors have spoken and want to merge SAG and AFTRA. If you want to get the jist of the merger at-a-glance, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER put up a pretty good analysis. Get and stay informed, please.
-PP

The Movie Guys bring you original videos about nothing but movies, movies, movies. View away, go nuts, and don’t hesitate to check out our YouTube page where you can subscribe to our channel, find embedding info and get more lowdown about the videos.

HAYWIRE – THE MOVIE GUYS’ 2-MINUTE TRAILER BREAKDOWN

HAYWIRE, the new Steven Soderbergh action film, gets a thorough once over from Movie Guys Paul Preston and Adam Witt. Quick, sharp and funny, we’ll tell you what it’s all about. In and out, nobody gets hurt.

Click HERE to follow us on iTunes!.

JANUARY 31, 2012
When Mahty Scorsese gets your back, you know you’ve made it in Hollywood. Well, you’ve made it, Blackie the dog. When the Golden Collar Award nominees came out earlier this month (and we covered the nominees here), Uggie the Dog led the way with two nominations for “The Artist” and “Water for Elephants”. Scorsese thought his dog actor Blackie from “Hugo” deserved a nomination. Well, Mahty’s got pull, ’cause an online petition and write-in nomination will now have Blackie in competition for the coveted first annual Golden Collar award. If raising a stink gets stuff done around here, can we petition the Academy to recognize “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and “50/50″ please?
Read Scorsese’s editorial plea for Blackie’s nomination in THE L.A. TIMES.
-PP

JANUARY 30, 2012
Remember when Fox News beat up on The Muppets for pushing a dangerous liberal agenda with “The Muppets” by making big oil the bad guy?……….Don’t fuck with The Muppets:

-PP

JANUARY 29, 2012

One of the stranger videos to come out in the last ten years is that creepy-voiced guy doing a CRAZY-thorough analysis of “Star Wars, Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace”. Right in nearly everything he says, and hilarious nearly every time he tries to be, this is a good series of videos to revisit on the eve of the original prequel’s re-release.

Watch the videos HERE.
-PP

I’M SORRY, WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE?

The Tree of Life

**1/2

Review by Lee Kias

Spoiler alert! There’s a dinosaur in “The Tree of Life”. You heard me, a dinosaur – just laying on the beach bleeding. Betcha didn’t see that one coming did ya? The movie opens up with about twenty to twenty-five minutes of nothing but shots of lava, cells dividing, water flowing in rivers, tracking shots around the solar system and then all of a sudden, BOOM, a dinosaur! Apparently this is supposed to be a metaphor for the beginning of time or something. But if you ask me, it looked like twenty minutes of a really well produced 8th grade science film.

Look, admittedly I’m not the most erudite moviegoer out there, then again, I did just use the word erudite correctly so clearly I’m not a complete doofus either. Also, remember, I was the man who successfully explained to Movie Guy Adam Witt the plot Steven Seagal’s “The Glimmer Man”. So yeah, I can follow a complicated storyline. Seriously, look up the plot summary of “The Glimmer Man” on Wikipedia – it’s nuts. But I digress, where was I? Oh right – what the hell is going in “The Tree of Life”?

Remember taking that film class in college where you were required to write, direct and produce your own movie? And remember how boring, over-wrought, idealistic, symbolic, and melodramatic your film was because you were trying way too hard to be all sorts of artsy and deep? Well, just imagine if you had a multi-million dollar budget to make your film. Then what would you have? Well, you’d have one of the prettiest looking, boring, over-wrought, idealistic, symbolic, and mellow-dramatic movies starring two of the greatest actors working today.

“The Tree of Life” is one of those movies that everyone claims to love and thinks is so great because they’re afraid they’ll look stupid if they admit that they didn’t understand it or worse yet, just plain didn’t like it. Well, Movie Guy Lee Kias has no such fear. I didn’t get it and I didn’t like it – sort of.

Like it or hate it, this movie does work on you because it truly is a sensory experience – both in sight and sound and, yes, time. It’s long. Even many weeks later this film is still swimming around in my head. There is something about this movie that gets into your brain and makes you think about it. But more accurately, it makes you feel it. You can’t think about this movie by simply recalling the images or the story, it really does evoke a feeling in you. Granted, that feeling might be confusion, but it’s a feeling nonetheless. And I know, I know, I can hardly believe I just said that myself. I mean, talk about pretentious, but it’s true.

The most frustrating thing about this film is that inside this confusing movie is a very good movie trying to get out. It’s the story of a troubled father, played by Brad Pitt, who struggles with his own inadequacies in life and job, taking out his frustrations on his three sons. Compensating for his own perceptions of lack of success, Brad Pitt’s character exerts his dominance and control over the only facet of his life he can – his family. The children and mother struggle to find normalcy and reconcile the often conflicting demonstrations of affection and harsh discipline displayed by their father and husband. It’s a powerful and unsettling glimpse into the all too often less-than-idealistic life in the 1950’s. Had “The Tree of Life” simply been about this family then even with all the heavy handed themes, whispering voice over, intensely stylized camera work and less-than-complete resolution, this movie would have been a really good film. Plus, it would have been about forty minutes shorter, which alone would have gone a long way to make this movie a whole lot more watchable. And, oh, I almost forgot, Sean Penn is in it too.

JANUARY 28, 2012
Let’s see, they’re not calling it a reunion, but Terry Jones is directing a new film that will feature Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam and John Cleese. Screw that, MONTY PYTHON is back! OK, even if it’s not a real reunion like “A Fish Called Wanda”, do you remember how fucking AWESOME “A Fish Called Wanda” was?!?! I’m down. Make this movie and we’ll all go. THE WRAP has the details.
-PP

JANUARY 27, 2012
“The Artist” has bloopers. And, naturally, they’re silent. Enjoy:

-PP

JANUARY 26, 2012
This may be a first. A teaser for a commercial:

-PP

LATALKRADIO.COM – BROAD TOPICS
January 25, 2012
Movie Guys Paul Preston and Justin Bowler stopped in on LA TALK RADIO’s “Broad Topics” to discuss the 84th Annual Academy Award nominations. (16 min., 06 sec.)

JANUARY 25, 2012
Better Days…

“That’s it… and look upon this moment. Savor it! Rejoice with great gladness! Great gladness! Remember it always, for you are joined by it. You are One, under the stars. Remember it well, then… this night, this great victory. So that in the years ahead, you can say, ‘I was there that night, with Arthur, the King!’ For it is the doom of men that they forget.”
-PP

JANUARY 24, 2012

Well, he’s going out on top. Uggie the Dog, making waves for his “supporting actor” role in Best Picture nominee “The Artist” is retiring. At ten years old, that’s the equivalent of a 70-year old hanging it up. You can find him lying by the pool, but his brother is entering the fray as an actor now as well. Read more about another case of Hollywood nepotism HERE.
-PP

JANUARY 23, 2012

Oscar winners will be decided in part this year through electronic voting. Read about it at Movie City News. This should go well. Ask Al Gore.
-PP

DESEGREGATE. MEDIATE. ALLEVIATE. TRY NOT TO HATE.

Red Tails

***

Review by Joel Frost

If you see “Red Tails” some time this week, before it begins you’ll likely see a trailer for “Act Of Valor”, a film that trumpets the inclusion of “active-duty Navy SEALS” in its cast. It’s a fairly typical Hollywood action-film preview, with yelling (GO, GO, GO!!!) and explosions and apparent life-or-death situations that may or not be resolved with lots of shooting and, presumably, at least one act of valor. At one point, a cleverly-positioned soldier keeps a recently dispatched enemy’s body from toppling into some water, apparently to avoid a loud splash that could cause alarm among nearby bad guys. These are professional killers, trained to protect the United States of America from the nefarious doings of those who don’t appreciate the sanctity of our rich history of freedom and equality for all. On the big screen. With lots of yelling and explosions.

“Red Tails” itself has had a few such trailers. With a thumping dub-step soundtrack, planes performing harrowing maneuvers, and requisite nasty enemies (Nazis, in this case), the trailers for “Red Tails” have clearly been geared to pump up visceral excitement in likely largely young and male audiences.

This is the way to sell an action movie in Hollywood these days. Ratchet up the speed, volume, and explosiveness, add some jingoism, and wait for the receipts to tally up. It doesn’t always work out for a production that simply, of course, but the formula is rarely deviated from. If there’s bombast in your film, you’re wise to play it up in your previews, as it is bombast that puts butts in seats, most of the time. A difficult history lesson…most folks do not head to the theater in droves for that.

So for those of you wondering just what mix of kaboom and guilt George Lucas has in store for you in his latest endeavor as Producer, be assured that there’s enough sensory kerfuffle to dazzle those who like to be distracted when they sit down in the theater. If your attitude about movies is that life is stressful and complicated enough, and you go to the theater to forget, not to learn, “Red Tails” don’t mean to cause no trouble, sir.

However, if you suppose yourself the sort that can handle a fairly light, yet direct and unflinching dose of mid 20th-century racism, segregation, and discrimination of “negroes” (as the soldiers in the film assert is the proper term of the time) along with your razzle dazzle, Lucas and Anthony Hemingway (director), along with screenwriters John Ridley and Aaron McGruder (adapting from the book by John B. Holway) have just the tap-dance for you.

“Red Tails” tells the story (“inspired by”, though, a disclaimer states at the film’s beginning) of the Tuskegee Airmen, an all dark-skinned unit of fighter pilots during World War 2. Back then, you may or may not know, things were “different” (read: mostly shitty for black folks) and these men were treated as though they were incapable of competent military behavior, due to their supposed lower intelligence and lack of courage. Appalling as that sounds, tough as a subject as it is to tackle, Lucas and the gang actually manage to dole out the difficult realities involved in doses that probably won’t (indeed, the doses seem measured with painstaking precision) alienate those who are easily alarmed and defensive in the face of an aspect of this great country’s less than great reality.

There may even be some who would suggest that “Red Tails” doesn’t put quite enough of a fine point on the complicated nature of what it was to be a young American black man in 1944. But, you know, screw those people. You came to the movies to see some Nazis get blown into pieces, and there is, I can assure you, plenty of that.

With a sparkling ensemble cast that includes Terrence Howard as the unflinching Colonel in charge of the squadron, Cuba Gooding Jr. as his Major, and stand-out Ne-Yo in the requisite singer-as-regular-guy-who-sings-like-a-famous-singer part (a staple in WW2 films in the past), “Red Tails” flies right along the border of two kinds of explosive. If you want to make a success out of an action film in this day and age, it helps if you don’t hit your audience over the head with too much message stuff. So go to the theater this weekend and watch some great Americans perform an act of valor. No one needs to argue about the details of the adversity that made these men special. “Red Tails” succeeds in showing that quite clearly, in one way or another.

Directed by: Anthony Hemingway
Release Date: January 20, 2012
Run Time: 120 Minutes
Country: USA
Rated: PG-13
Distributor: 20th Century Fox

OFFICIAL TRAILER

NEWS 92FM – HOUSTON
JANUARY 20th, 2012
On the eve of the Oscar nominations, Movie Guy Paul Preston talks with afternoon anchors Carolyn Campbell and Mike Barajas about three titles bound for Oscar nominations – “The Arist”, “The Descendants” and “The Tree of Life”.
(4 min., 9 sec.)

BEST PICTURE

For Your Consideration

Article by Dave Herbelin

Perhaps this article comes in at the 11th hour of Academy Award nominations, or perhaprs the 13th or even 48th. It doesn’t matter. Chances are you’ll find this when Googling for strudel techniques five years from now and it will be after the facts. Who cares about that? What matters is the heart of this and not the syntax. Stop judging already and read!

I watched a movie the other night at the discount theatre. Two days later, I can’t stop thinking about it with a smile on my face. I, and those with me, enjoyed it. There was a thirty-four year age gap between myself and the person next to me, and I’m certain the age gap was wider with others in the theatre, yet we all enjoyed it. I want to go back and see it again. I want to own it. I want the soundtrack. I was touched and inspired by the message of the movie. The movie had heart, and it touched mine.

Isn’t what I experienced the mark of a good movie; dare I say…no I have to say, the mark of a Best Picture Nominee? I would think so. But those who vote on the nominations, I fear, feel different.

Each year the nominations come out, and some are right on, while many others are politically or socially charged. And the winner of the award is seldom the Best Picture. It’s merely the picture that had a message pertinent to the environment at that time. It’s dated, and quickly forgotten. But the Academy gets behind those pictures to show they can change the world. Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins come out flashing peace signs, and they get in trouble for inserting their politics into the process. But at the same time, the Academy flashes their own peace sign by awarding a politically-charged movie, and not the movie that stays with us generation to generation – the real Best Picture.

If you don’t believe this, then tell me which movies won Best Picture to beat out: “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “E.T.”, “Dead Poets Society”, “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”, “Moulin Rouge”, “Avatar” or “Toy Story 3”.

Many of you will not agree that the movies I listed above deserved Best Picture. But put them through this test. If you were channel surfing and saw these two movies as options, what would you rather watch: “Avatar” or “The Hurt Locker” (the Best Picture winner)? Same question, five years from now. Same question twenty-five years from now? Same question with ages 13 to 99 watching it with you? Am I saying “Avatar” was a great film? NO! It sucked. It was Pocohontas in Space with UnObtainium. Just like Space Ace was a bad future version of Dragon’s Lair. But most people would watch “Avatar” than “The Hurt Locker”. And if “Avatar” sucked, what does that say about “The Hurt Locker”, huh?

Timelesss – that’s the quality missing from most Best Pictures. Movies that can be enjoyed again and again. It’s why we love Shakespeare, and not that other guy who wrote political dramas at that same time – what’s his name? See, we can’t even remember his name or the names of his plays (and if you can, then be quiet, I’m not talking to you anymore). Movies that can entertain and capture a timeless quality are the movies that should be awarded Best Picture. You may ask, “How can you tell if a movie is timeless other than hindsight?” You can tell when you’re watching it. You feel it and know.

It’s with the quality of timelessness (I hope that’s a word) that I nominate “The Muppets” for your consideration. “The Muppets” is a movie that just isn’t made anymore. It touches and entertains every age group, and it inspires us to make a change in our hearts. There are messages of believing in something, heroes, jaded cultures, friendship and love. Messages that will remain strong a hundred years from now. You can even say the message of the movie is the same as this article: the message of entertaining, inspiring and reaching generations. I was moved. I was laughing. And I enjoyed the story. I will watch it ten times over and share it with my children, grandchildren, and my parents. It was the Best Picture I’ve seen in quite some time.

So for your consideration, consider what really makes a true Best Picture. Then examine the Awards and the movies out there. Decide if the Best Picture you’re watching is good for now, or good forever.

I hear “The Artist” is pretty good, too, so consider that one as well. I haven’t seen it. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen “The Hurt Locker” either.

START THE CLOCK

Movies From 0 to 50 in Less Than 5 Minutes – ROUND TWO!

Article by Matteo Molinari

0: Gunshots exploded in the western FOUR FACES WEST/THEY PASSED THIS WAY (USA 1948). [NOTE: The movie was a flop]

1: Full-length features entirely made in sign language. It’s the horror film DEAFULA (USA 1975), a story about Dracula’s illegitimate son.

2: Words spoken by Richard Kiel (Jaws) in the two James Bond movies he made. The words are, “To us,” in MOONRAKER (UK 1979).

3: Times Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd) removes his hat in THE BLUES BROTHERS (USA 1980) – when he goes to sleep in his motel room, when he breaks a window, and when the Bluesmobile falls apart. [NOTE: This is in the theatrical version; in the Director’s Cut, he also is shown without hat AND glasses at the factory where he works]

4: Casting directors credited in the main titles of THE BEAR (L’OURS, Fra 1989). The movie has only three actors.

5: Age difference between Johnny Depp and Rachel Griffiths; despite the fact that she is the younger one, she played Depp’s mother in BLOW (USA 2001).

6: Years between John Landis’ COMING TO AMERICA (USA 1988) and Disney’s THE LION KING (USA 1994). In both movies, James Earl Jones and Madge Sinclair play King and Queen (respectively, King Jaffe Joffer and King Mufasa, and Queen Aoleon and Queen Sarabi).

7: Movies in which John Wayne dies.

8: Shooting days for the DeLorean’s takeoff in the final shot of BACK TO THE FUTURE (USA 1985).

9: Hundreds of extras used in a scene shot in Alameda for the back-to-back produced movies THE MATRIX: RELOADED (USA 2003) and THE MATRIX: REVOLUTIONS (USA 2004). Every extra had his or her costume individually fitted.

10: Oscar nominations of Martin Scorsese’s GANGS OF NEW YORK (USA 2002). It won none, including Scorsese’s fifth nomination as Best Director.

11: Hundreds of backgrounds created for Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID (USA 1989).

12: Go-carted camera crews which were “racing” to shoot the Target Grand Prix of Chicago used in Sylvester Stallone’s DRIVEN (USA 2001).

13: Times Dustin Hoffman repeats the Abbott & Costello’s “Who’s on First” routine in RAIN MAN (USA 1988).

14: Brooke Shields’ age when she received her first screen kiss (thanks to Christopher Atkins) in THE BLUE LAGOON (USA 1980).

15: Times the line “The power of Christ compels you” is said by Max von Sydow and Jason Miller (as Father Merrin and Father Karras) in THE EXORCIST (USA 1973). The first line is spoken only by von Sydow, the other ones are spoken simultaneously by both.

16: People thanked by Simone “for their contribution to the making of Simone” in the closing credits of S1M0NE (USA 2002). They are: Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Mary J Blige (the singing voice of Simone), Ernest Borgnine, Marlene Dietrich, Clare Forlani, Greta Garbo, Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Veronica Lake, Sophia Loren, Jayne Mansfield, Marilyn Monroe, Rachel Roberts (the basic look of Simone). She also thanks “Hank Aleno Software, Inc.”

17: According to special effects genius Douglas Trumbull, passes made for the opening shot of Ridley Scott’s BLADE RUNNER (USA/Hong Kong 1982). Miniatures, photos of flames, etc.

18: Takes Stephen Furst needed in order not to laugh when John Belushi tried to make him in NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ANIMAL HOUSE (USA 1978).

19: Stuntmen credited in ANACONDA (USA 1997). [NOTE: The movie lists a cast of 9 actors]

20: Years of “retirement” of James Cagney, from ONE, TWO, THREE (USA 1961) to his last movie, RAGTIME (USA 1981).

21: People arrested while trying to sneak in the 76th Academy Award ceremony, held in Hollywood, on February 29, 2004.

22: Thousands of dollars that Haxan Entertainment production spent on Daniel Meryck and Eduardo Sánchez’s horror THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT (USA 1999). The movie wound up grossing $240.5 million worldwide.

23: Years of interval between PSYCHO (USA 1960) and its first sequel, PSYCHO II (USA 1983). Anthony Perkins stars in both.

24: Roles portrayed by Lupino Lane in ONLY ME (USA 1929).

25: Films nominated in 1943 as Best Documentary; an unprecedented (and to date, unsurpassed) four winners got the statuette: they are THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY (USA 1942), KOKODA FRONT LINE (USA 1942), MOSCOW STRIKES BACK (USA 1942), and PRELUDE TO WAR (USA 1942) – all war-themed.

26: Songs in ISHTAR (USA 1987).

27: Thousands of gallons of water per minute that was poured through the ceiling of the “melting” Ice Palace set built by Peter Lamont for James Bond’s twentieth adventure, DIE ANOTHER DAY (UK / USA 2002).

28: Takes required for a sheet of paper blown by the wind to land precisely onto the shoe of Amy Rainey (Maria Bello) in SECRET WINDOW (USA 2004) – according to writer/director David Koepp’s recollection.

29: Body count in LETHAL WEAPON 2 (USA 1989).

30: Minutes of action in Dennis Hopper’s THE LAST MOVIE (USA 1971), before the opening credits roll.

31: Operators of the two velociraptors used in the kitchen attack in JURASSIC PARK (USA 1993). Mostly they were hiding in the cabinetry.

32: Screens all across America STAR WARS (USA 1977) opened.

33: Days between the wrapping of MTV’s THE REAL CANCUN (USA 2003) and its opening in the theaters. It opened on April 25.

34: Years between THE MALTESE FALCON (USA 1941) and its sequel, THE BLACK BIRD (USA 1975). Actress Lee Patrick played a secretary in both movies.

35: “Pussy” in the chorus to a Ritz Brothers’ Song from THE GOLDWYN FOLLIES (USA 1938). If you really want to know, the lyrics are: “Here pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy, here pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy, here pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy, here pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy, here pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy pussy, where is the dog-gone cat?”

36: Budget in millions of dollars of Bette Midler and Nathan Lane’s ISN’T SHE GREAT (USA 2000). The movie grossed $2,954,405.

37: Years it would have taken to render all the frames of TOY STORY (USA 1995) on a single computer – statistic estimated by the makers of the movie.

38: Diameter in feet of the Discovery centrifuge built for 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (UK 1968). It could rotate 180˚ at a speed of 3 mph.

39: Years between Henry Fonda’s first nomination for Best Actor, for THE GRAPES OF WRATH (USA 1940) and his second, crowned with a statuette, for ON GOLDEN POND (USA 1981). [NOTE: he earned a nomination in 1957 for producing one of the best picture nominees, TWELVE ANGRY MEN (USA 1957)]

40: Lucy impersonators who were on the bus driven by Cuba Gooding, Jr. in RAT RACE (USA 2001). Among them is Nancy Zucker, the director’s mother.

41: Pitches Robert Redford plays on a diamond field in THE NATURAL (USA 1983).

42: Puppeteers and voices only for the goblins featured in LABYRINTH (USA 1986).

43: Cats (mostly from shelters) trained as “extras” for Halle Berry’s CATWOMAN (USA 2004).

44: Different costumes worn by Scarlett O’Hara in GONE WITH THE WIND (USA 1939).

45: Jason’s costumes made for JASON X (USA 2002).

46: Countries that have banned the quasi-reality quasi-documentary FACES OF DEATH (USA 1978).

47: Career years of Harpo Marx. He only spoke twice.

48: Years between the final draft of Ted Allan’s script Bethune: The Making of a Hero and the releasing of the movie BETHUNE (Can/China 1990) at the Montreal World Film Festival.

49: Takes Steven Soderbergh required for a line of David Fincher’s dialogue in FULL FRONTAL (USA 2002).

50: Thousands of dollars Jack Warner gave Howard Hawks to purchase the rights for Raymond Chandler’s THE BIG SLEEP (USA 1946). Apparently, Hawks bought the rights for $5,000 and kept the rest for himself.

[…it can go on…]

JANUARY 22, 2012
I remember when “Iron Man” was due to come out. British movie mag EMPIRE was the first cover I saw with Tony Stark on it. They’ve done it again, as the first magazine covers featuring THE AVENGERS out there are from EMPIRE. Click HERE to see Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and Black Widow in all their glory.
-PP

JANUARY 21, 2012

There’s a new pic online of Henry Cavill as Superman – when did Superhero costumes all start being made out of basketball?.
(click the pic for a closer look)
-ADW

JANUARY 20, 2012

From the “Let’s Be a Little Bit More Informed, People” department, apparently some people (some very stupid people) have asked for their money back at screenings of “The Artist” because they didn’t know it was a silent film. THE WASHINGTON POST has the details.
-PP

THOSE ’70s SHOWS

The Absolute Best Movie Music Ever – ’70s Edition

Article by Patrick Garland

I love the movies. I also love the music from movies. Original scores, the individuals songs, compilation albums, etc, etc, etc. Long story short, I’m all about the music that helps bring movies to life.

So I am now compelled to give my list of the best music from the movies. I’ve decided to divide it up by decade to make it just a little easier on all of us. Today I will reveal my picks for the best from the ’70s. I know this list will bring great debate from many of you out there. This is to be expected and is encouraged. But for now let’s get right to it.

TOP SOUNDTRACKS OF THE ’70S

5 – “Let It Be” (The Beatles), 1970
The Beatles were pretty much done by 1970. You had four egos that had just gotten too big to all fit in the same room. One can really see this when they watch the Film “Let it Be”, which isn’t easy. It has never been released on DVD because Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr feel it is too much of a downer. I was lucky enough to get a hold of a VHS copy from a video store about 20 years ago back in the days before YouTube. And even though the band pretty much couldn’t stand one another anymore, they sure could still make some sweet, sweet music. This may be one of their lesser albums but it still contains so many gems. Wonderful tracks like “Two of Us”, “Across the Universe” , “The Long and Winding Road”, “I’ve Got a Feeling”, “Get Back”, “One After 909”, and of course “Let It Be” make this one of the best soundtracks I’ve ever heard. The Academy agreed as well and The Beatles won the Oscar for Best Original Song Score for the songs in the film. The Beatles may not have been able to get back to where they once belonged but the soundtrack from the movie lives on as one of the best of the best.

4 – “Rocky” (Bill Conti), 1976
This one makes me want to punch somebody’s lights out. You know, in a positive, underdog, good sportsmanship, raw egg-eating kind of way. The theme from “Rocky”, “Gonna Fly Now” is iconic. It’s been used countless times in many other movies and parodies. Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale even used it as his campaign song in 1984. And even though he got KO’ed, the song never has. The soundtrack as a whole is great. Tracks such as “Going the Distance”, “Fanfare for Rocky”, and “Alone in the Ring” are fantastic pieces of music that reflect the emotion of the movie and take you right back to the 70s. My suggestion to anyone that gets a chance is to load this soundtrack into your IPod, travel to Philadelphia, and make a run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. That way if Apollo Creed comes calling for a rematch, you’ll be ready. Wait a minute…Apollo dies in “Rocky IV”. Ain’t gonna be no rematch, aint gonna be no rematch…Damn you Drago!!!!!!!!!!

3 – “Star Wars” (John Williams), 1977
Call it “Episode IV”, “A New Hope”, the original, or whatever you want. Back in 1977, it was just “Star Wars” and it changed the movies forever. It just happens to be one of the greatest movies ever made. The soundtrack isn’t half bad either. In fact, it is out of this world. Everyone knows this music. From the “Main Title” to “Cantina Band” to “The Throne Room/End Titles” this is the soundtrack that created the Fanboy. You know that the music really means something to people when you find out that folks have used the “The Throne Room” music for their weddings. Is that nerdy and a little weird? Maybe, but it also shows how important this movie and its music are to the legions of fans out there. This is flat out movie music at its finest. John Williams created a soundtrack that equaled what George Lucas put on film. That is not an easy thing to do. Long story short…these are the things I know for sure – John Williams is a genius, Lucas used to be a genius, Greedo shot first, Tarkin should have had his shuttle standing by, I’ll have plenty of time to buy power converters and waste time with my friends when this review is done, and I know that The Force will Be with You and with this soundtrack – Always.

2 – “Grease” (Various Artists), 1978
It doesn’t get much more fun than this. The music from “Grease” is entertaining, charming, touching, and like I already said – just plain fun. The title track performed by Frankie Valli is a great little piece of pop music that gets you bopping your head right away. I know that the movie takes place in the ’50s but many of the songs have a definite ’70s vibe going on. That’s not a bad thing and it really works on tracks such as “Hopelessly Devoted to You”, “Summer Nights”, and one of my all time favorite movie songs, “Sandy”. Maybe the soundtrack has a little too much Sha-Na-Na for its own good but that’s easily forgivable when you’re listening to great numbers like “You’re the One That I Want” and “Beauty School Dropout”. “Grease” reminds many in my age range of the innocence of childhood. Some who don’t remember it when it first came out may call the music found here kitschy, but to me it is an instant flashback to going to the movies with my mom. In my opinion, that alone would make it great.

1 – “Saturday Night Fever” (Various Artists), 1977
Is there any doubt? Talk about a movie and a soundtrack that defines a decade. Sure, disco was just a small part of the ’70s but it was the groovy polyester platform shoe-wearing part and that makes all the difference. This became the biggest selling record of all time when it was released and, although no longer number one, it is still one of the biggest. It is in my opinion one of the most danceable records ever. You’ve got great songs from the Bee Gees including “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever”, but it’s not all about the Bee Gees here. You’ve also get awesome little numbers like “If I Can’t Have You” by Yvonne Elliman, “More Than a Woman” by Tavares, “Open Sesame” by Kool & the Gang, “Boogie Shoes“ by KC and the Sunshine Band and, of course, coming in at a far out ten minutes and fifty-one seconds, “Disco Inferno” by the Trammps. I’ve long debated with people why “Saturday Night Fever” is a great film. I’d be happy to go into its many merits some other time. But let’s leave it at this, this movie taught the youth of the ’70s how to dress, how to have perfect hair, and how to play chicken with New York area bridges. But the best thing is that the soundtrack let them know they should be dancing and taught everyone how to get down.

TOP SEVEN BEST INDIVIDUAL SONGS FROM ’70s MOVIES

7 – Duelling Banjos – Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell (Deliverance) 1972
Hearing this makes me think of three things – Ned Beatty, toothless backwoods people, and squealing pigs. Yes, the movie “Deliverance” taught us the very important lesson of never going rafting in Georgia. This movie and the music that came with it still freaks us out. Whenever a group of people get lost one of them is sure to say “I sure hope this doesn’t turn into ‘Deliverance’.” That’s a movie with some staying power.

6-Night Fever – Bee Gees (Saturday Night Fever) 1977
“Stayin’ Alive” may be the best known song from the movie but this is the one that really gets you up and dancing. In fact, every Bee Gees song on the soundtrack is stellar. As I have said before, Barry Gibb is a musical genius. Don’t doubt me on this. It’s not up for debate. I’m right and you’re wrong.

5-The Way We Were – Barbara Streisand (The Way we Were) 1973
Sure, I just lost all of my man points, but this is a great song. I dare you to watch this movie, listen to this song and not choke up a little. It’ll get you every time.

4-Nobody Does it Better – Carly Simon (The Spy Who Loved Me) 1977
This is another great Bond theme song from the ’70s. It’s performed perfectly by Simon. Carly Simon. It’s a ballad that is equal parts sappy and sultry. I would have to say it’s the perfect number to have playing when there are going to be naked ladies jumping around in silhouette… Just lovely.

3-Tubular Bells – Mike Oldfield (The Exorcist) 1973
Even though the modern horror shock genre has probably taking the edge off of this movie, if you were around back in the day when it was first released, then this is one of the scariest movies of all time. When the music kicks in it completely adds to the spooky atmosphere. Just thinking about it right now is sending chills up my back. This is the kind of tune that makes a horror film a horror classic.

2-Live and Let Die – Paul McCartney and Wings (Live and Let Die) 1973
This is Paul McCartney at his best. It’s a rocking song that is shaken not stirred and is just unusual enough to transcend to greatness. It also happens to be one of the best songs I’ve ever seen played live. For my money, it’s the best Bond theme song ever. No offense to Duran Duran or Carly Simon who I just mentioned a few moments ago.

1-Theme from Shaft – Isaac Hayes (Shaft) 1971
Who is the man that would risk his neck for his brother man? SHAFT! Can you dig it? I can and you should too. It won an Oscar and a place in our hearts. They say this song is one bad mother..SHUT YOUR MOUTH…I’m talkin’ ‘bout Shaft.

And last but not least – THE MOST OVERRATED MOVIE SOUNDTRACK FROM THE ’70s

The Rocky Horror Picture Show – (Various Artists) 1975
I know I’ll get a lot of disagreement for this selection but I stand by my pick. These songs have been played and played and overplayed to the point of no end. Look, I don’t want to be a hater, but the fact is that I just don’t want to hear Meat Loaf sing anything ever again and I really don’t want to listen to a bunch of people in a bar sing “Time Warp” for the millionth time. Sorry.

Let the debate begin. And get ready for the 80s because that’s next. There is sure to be plenty of controversy coming from that list. At least that’s the way I hear it.

The Movie Guys bring you original videos about nothing but movies, movies, movies. View away, go nuts, and don’t hesitate to check out our YouTube page where you can subscribe to our channel, find embedding info and get more lowdown about the videos.

TO & FROM – “THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN”

Join Kevin & Lisa Blake as they share their thoughts on “The Adventures of Tintin”, while traveling to and coming from a screening of the movie. Will what’s-his-name be good in it? And how about that other guy? Watch and learn. They will, too.

Click HERE to follow us on iTunes!.

JANUARY 19, 2012
Not sure if want to see “Haywire”. Wonder no more. This clip will convince you. It’s the first five minutes of the film, posted on HULU:
-PP

JANUARY 18, 2012

There’s some clever stuff going on at BEHANCE.NET. It’s Movie Posters from an Alternate Universe. Old-school-looking posters with old stars, promoting new movies like “Drive” (above), and “Inception”, “Pulp Fiction”, “2001″ and more.
-PP

JANUARY 17, 2012

We have an AWARDS WATCH page at our site that will keep you up to date on the latest awards given out like the Golden Globes and Oscars. But here at “The Latest”, let’s get to the awards that are truly important. The First Annual Golden Collar Awards for dog performances. Leading the way is Uggie from “The Artist”. The Hollywood Reporter has all the nominees HERE.
-PP

NEWS 92FM – HOUSTON
JANUARY 6th & 13th, 2012
In two January appearances, Movie Guy Paul Preston talks with afternoon anchors Bonnie Petrie and Mike Barajas about the best and worst films of 2011, focusing on some titles like “50/50″ and “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” that may be overlooked on some best-of lists. He also trashes films that have it coming like “Bad Teacher” and “Conan the Barbarian 3D”.
(12 min., 9 sec.)

Excited about upcoming movies? You will be. Or, you’ll be frustrated by how much trailers give away. Either way, they’re all here for your enjoyment.

As ever, we recommend our WEEKLY MOVIE PREVIEW to tell you the real deal about every weekend’s releases. Plus, we’re funnier.

ACT OF VALOR (opening 2/17/12)

AMERICAN REUNION (opening 4/6/12)

DETACHMENT (opening 3/16/12)

MOONRISE KINGDOM (opening 5/25/12)

SAFE HOUSE (opening 2/10/12)

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN (opening 3/2/12)

THINK LIKE A MAN (opening 3/9/12)

JANUARY 16, 2012
The good folks at io9.com were just as impressed as we were with the opening titles sequence of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”. So much so, they dissected the shit out of them. Check out the article HERE and watch a video of the titles, although there’s no better way to follow the titles than with a great movie, so get your ass to the theater.
-PP

JANUARY 15, 2012

I would love to type something clever here, but you can’t beat the opening line of this N.Y. Times article: “Set Faces to Stunned”. William Shatner is bringing a one-man show to Broadway.
-PP

JANUARY 14, 2012

How bad are the January movies? We’re already in full Talk-About-Summer-Releases mode, as Entertainment Weekly released six new photos from “The Dark Knight Rises”. Check ‘em out HERE.
-PP

The Movie Guys bring you original videos about nothing but movies, movies, movies. View away, go nuts, and don’t hesitate to check out our YouTube page where you can subscribe to our channel, find embedding info and get more lowdown about the videos.

THE MOVIE GUYS’ JANUARY MOVIE PREVIEW – “WAKE ME FOR THE OSCARS”

Movie Guys Paul Preston, Lee Kias, Karen Volpe and Adam Witt give you the lowdown and their thoughts on what’s happening movie-wise in January. “Wake Me For The Oscars” covers the major releases of January 6th & 13th, 2012, including THE DEVIL INSIDE, CONTRABAND and JOYFUL NOISE.

Click HERE to follow us on iTunes!.

The Movie Guys LIVE!

Couldn’t make the latest Movie Guys show in Hollywood, CA? Check out exclusive clips here and be sure to make the next show at The Second City Hollywood, the 1st Thursday of every month. View away, go nuts, and don’t hesitate to check out our YouTube page where you can subscribe to our channel, find embedding info and get more lowdown about the videos.

NOSFERATUDAMUS

In this clip from The Movie Guys LIVE!, November 2011, Vampire prognosticator Nosferatudamus tells The Movie Guys what’s up next in the world of vampire movies.
Inspired by the November, 2011 movie “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1″

FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME

Seven Songs You Should Listen to Again for the First Time

Article by Patrick Garland

Next time you are in your car on the way to the movies, here are seven songs you should listen to again for the first time…or really for the first time if you’ve never heard them before…and if you’ve only listened to them once or twice, then listen to them again for the first time which is what I was saying in the first place…………

Little Guitars – Van Halen
Yes, I know they have a new album coming out but this is VH way back during “Diver Down” and long before they all became complete head cases.

Rock with You – Michael Jackson
Remember when Michael was awesome? I mean really awesome before it got all creepy and weird? I do and you should too. Everything about this song make you want to dance. Not just regular dancing, I’m talking about far out happening disco dancing circa late 70’s.

Molly (Sixteen Candles) – Sponge
This is one of the most 90’s sounding songs ever. Every time I hear this one it is as if I am immediately transported to that coffee house across the street from my college. This song is a time machine that doesn’t require you to go 88 miles an hour or jump in a hot tub.

See You When I Get There – Lou Rawls
I only have two words for this song – Groovy Baby

Heartlight – Neil Diamond
The first thing that comes to my mind is…….Fantastic. Neil Diamond liked E.T. so much he wrote his own song in tribute to it. You can’t beat the lyrics in this one. “Turn on your heartlight in the middle of a young boy’s dreams, don’t wake me up to soon…. gonna take a ride across the moon….. You and me. “
Yes Mr. Diamond – “home is the most excellent place of all.”

Gives You Hell – The All-American Rejects
Everybody who has had a relationship fall apart has felt just like this. Sometimes you just hope they figure out how much they missed out on when they decided to quit you. Or it could be you are just really spiteful and get great joy from using the word hell over and over again.

How Deep Is your Love – Bee Gees
This is hands down one of the most beautiful love songs ever written. Plus it’s on the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack which is still one the biggest albums of all time. For all of you out there groaning right now remember this….Barry Gibb is a musical genius. It doesn’t matter if you don’t think so. This is not up for debate. I’m right and you’re wrong. At least that’s the way I hear it.

JANUARY 10, 2012
Starting this March you can step inside the actual sets of the “Harry Potter” film franchise in England. They’re being opened as part of a tour. This should satisfy fans until “Harry Potter and The Phantom Menace” comes out in 2034.

-PP

JANUARY 9, 2012

The rules of eligibility for Best Documentary shorts and features at The Oscars have changed. For better? For worse? You decide. One of the rule changes is that you cannot be considered for a feature nomination unless you’ve been reviewed by The L.A. or N.Y. Times. This will take effect at next year’s “The Academy Awards, sponsored by The New York Times” at the L.A. Times Theater in Hollywood.
-PP

JANUARY 8, 2012
You’ve probably heard that actors like Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady” and Natalie Wood in “West Side Story” didn’t do their own singing. Did you know it was WAY more rampant than just those two films and has happened from the first talkie through to current TV shows? What? Someone has compiled such a list in video clip form? Enjoy:

-PP

JANUARY 7, 2012
Steven Seagal Sued for Allegedly Keeping Sex Slaves. If you need me to type more than that, you’re at the wrong website.
-PP

JANUARY 6, 2012
BURBANK, CA

Just the other day I was wondering, “What happened to that girl from THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT?” Wonder no more. After the little Witch film that could, she dropped everything and started a career growing pot. That sounds interesting. Book interesting. So she wrote one, a memoir called “Growgirl”, and she’ll be signing it at Dark Delicacies in Burbank, CA on Jan. 15th, 2PM.
Dark Delicacies
3512 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
-PP

JANUARY 5, 2012
This is silly as hell, but I like it. The first trailer for the Oscars:

-PP

Excited about upcoming movies? You will be. Or, you’ll be frustrated by how much trailers give away. Either way, they’re all here for your enjoyment.

As ever, we recommend our WEEKLY MOVIE PREVIEW to tell you the real deal about every weekend’s releases. Plus, we’re funnier.

THE AVENGERS (opening 5/4/12)

CASA DE MI PADRE (opening 3/16/12)

GOON (opening 3/30/12)

IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY (now playing)

ROCK OF AGES (opening 6/1/12)

SALMON FISHING IN YEMEN (opening 3/9/12)

TITANIC (opening 4/6/12)

WANDERLUST (opening 2/24/12)

NEWS 92FM – HOUSTON
DECEMBER 30, 2011
Movie Guy Paul Preston talks with afternoon anchors Bonnie Petrie and Mike Barajas about what’s new in theaters, covering THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN, WE BOUGHT A ZOO and THE ARTIST.
(5 min., 28 sec.)

FACT-O-RAMA

Movies From 0 to 50 in Less Than 5 Minutes

Article by Matteo Molinari

0: Lines of dialogue of Christopher Lee as the title role in DRACULA: PRINCE OF DARKNESS (UK 1966).

1: Movies where Walter Matthau is billed with his real name, Walter Matushanskayasky. The movie is EARTHQUAKE (USA 1974).

2: Scenes where Sharon Stone appears in her movie debut, Woody Allen’s STARDUST MEMORIES (USA 1980): she’s blowing a kiss from a “happy” train, and she’s at a UFO picnic sequence.

3: Days needed by John Hughes to write THE BREAKFAST CLUB (USA 1984) script.

4: Real cockroaches Nicolas Cage ate during the shooting of VAMPIRE’S KISS (USA 1989).

5: Words said by Joe Pesci as acceptance speech for his Oscar for Martin Scorsese’s GOODFELLAS (USA 1990). He simply said, “It’s my privilege. Thank you.”

6: Women in the cast of SEVEN WOMEN FROM HELL (USA 1961).

7: Age difference between Sean Connery and Dustin Hoffman, yet they were paired as father and son in FAMILY BUSINESS (USA 1989).

8: Hours needed to apply Ralph Fiennes’ back tattoo for his “Tooth Fairy” role in RED DRAGON (USA 2002).

9: Different coats – all black – Samuel L. Jackson wears in SHAFT (USA 2000).

10: Wolverine’s costumes made for X-MEN (USA 2000). They were all destroyed (to different extents) during stunt sequences.

11: Monsters in DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (KAIJÛ SÔSHINGEKI, Jap 1968): they are Angilas, Baragon, Godzilla, Gorosaurus, King Ghidirah, Manda, Minya, Mothra, Rodan, Spiega (a.k.a. Kumonga) and Varan.

12: Shooting days of Colin Farrell’s PHONE BOOTH (USA 2002).

13: Years James Cameron’s TITANIC (USA 1997) held onto the record of highest-grossing movie of all time until James Cameron’s AVATAR (USA / UK 2009) came along and took the honor away from the sinking ship.

14: Directors of photography used during the three-year production of Jacques Perrin’s documentary WINGED MIGRATION (LE PEUPLE MIGRATEUR, Fra / Ita / Ger / Spa / Switz 2001).

15: Years William Shatner portrayed Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek movies, from STAR TREK – THE MOTION PICTURE (USA 1979) to STAR TREK: GENERATIONS (USA 1994).

16: Puppeteers who controlled the four tentacles of Doc Ock in SPIDER-MAN 2 (USA 2004).

17: Minutes (and a half) of Michael Keaton’s screen time in the title role of BEETLEJUICE (USA 1988).

18: Film formats used to shoot NATURAL BORN KILLERS (USA 1994), from regular 35 mm to HI8.

19: Movie titles quoted in Wes Craven’s SCREAM (USA 1996).

20: Severe injuries occurred on the set of PATHFINDER (Canada/USA 2007) in one single day.

21: Original body count in BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (USA 1935), trimmed down to 10 after censorship request.

22: Days it took one computer to render an explosion shot used in JASON X (USA 2002), according to director James Isaac’s recollection.

23: Seconds of zero gravity the crew of Ron Howard’s APOLLO 13 (USA 1995) experienced every time the NASA KC-135 airplane, where they were shooting a few sequences, executed its parabolic arc toward the ground; the aforementioned arc would allow the passengers of the plane to achieve weightlessness.

24: Hundreds of feet along which a special spydercam would slide to shoot breathtaking images in New York for SPIDER-MAN 2 (USA 2004).

25: Days it took Christopher Nolan to shoot his MEMENTO (USA 2000).

26: Actors who were turned by make-up artist Stuart Freeborn into fully articulated ape-like creatures for the “Dawn of Man” sequence in 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (UK 1968).

27: VCRs used in the operation room of the Nebuchadnezzar “Neb” craft in THE MATRIX: REVOLUTIONS (USA 2003).

28: Words actor Angus Scrimm (The Tall Man) says in his five lines of dialogue in PHANTASMS (USA 1979). They are, “The funeral is about to begin, sir!” “I’ve been waiting for you.” “(wicked laugh)… Baaaaall!!” “You play a good game, boy, but the game is finished. Now you die!” “Baaaaaall!!”

29: Minutes Jack Nicholson is in EASY RIDER (USA 1969).

30: Dollars (yes, dollars) grossed by John Penney’s ZYZZYX RD (USA 2006). The movie ran for six days in just one theater, the Highland Village Park Theater in Dallas, Texas.

31: Countries which banned Umberto Lenzi’s MAKE THEM DIE SLOWLY (CANNIBAL FEROX, Ita 1981), a movie billed as “The Most Violent Ever.”

32: Fishes the star of A FISH CALLED WANDA (UK 1988) ate to get the part. [NOTE: She got the part mainly because she was the only fish left in the tank]

33: Dustin Hoffman’s age when he portrayed the LITTLE BIG MAN (USA 1970) in the age span from 17 to 121.

34: Years between Charlton Heston’s first time as God in THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (USA 1956) and his second, in Paul Hogan’s ALMOST AN ANGEL (Aus 1990).

35: Moving parts that Ray Harryhausen had to change position of every frame to film his wonderful army of seven skeletons featured in JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS (USA 1963).

36: Years between Walt Disney’s JUNGLE BOOK (USA 1967) and its sequel, JUNGLE BOOK 2 (USA 2003).

37: Days Danny Elfman had to write the score to Ang Lee’s HULK (USA 2003) after original composer Mychael Danna got fired from the project.

38: Days needed by Tom Hanks to perform his five roles in the animated THE POLAR EXPRESS (USA 2004).

39: Hats worn by Madonna in EVITA (USA 1996).

40: Characters played by the six members of Monty Python in LIFE OF BRIAN (UK 1979).

41: Years between Lewis Milestone’s OCEAN’S 11 (USA 1960) and its remake, Steven Soderbergh’s OCEAN’S ELEVEN (USA 2001). Actors Henry Silva and Angie Dickinson appear in both movies.

42: Photos of the original Club 54 during the closing credits of 54 (USA 1998).

43: Distinct infected humans created in CGI for Will Smith’s I AM LEGEND (USA 2007).

44: Actual members of the Crazy 88 gang who face the Bride (Uma Thurman) in KILL BILL: VOL. 1 (USA 2003). Only one will survive – after getting spanked.

45: 100th of a second that Clint Eastwood needs to draw.

46: Years between A GUY NAMED JOE (USA 1943) and its remake, ALWAYS (USA 1989). Victor Fleming directed Spencer Tracy in the first one, Steven Spielberg directed Richard Dreyfuss in the second.

47: Mistakes in a row made by Sterling Hayden while shooting a scene in DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB (UK 1964) before Stanley Kubrick finally yelled, “cut and print!”

48: Year laps between Katharine Hepburn’s first Oscar and her fourth one.

49: Yorkshire pigs which portrayed BABE (Australia/USA 1995). They were all real except for an animatronic one.

50: Hydraulic jacks, operated by seven technicians, that moved the full-scale KING KONG (USA 1976) built by Carlo Rambaldi.

[…it can go on…]

JANUARY 4, 2012
For thirty-plus years, I’ve loved Roger Ebert. Even when he’s horribly wrong, the man is a first-class critic of film, and now his blog is a GREAT source for criticism and articles about all things pop culture and beyond. He’s written an article blaming the theaters themselves for the decline in movie ticket sales this year. I did pay $18 to see “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” in IMAX, but Paramount’s lucky that I’m an idiot. Upgrades in price for IMAX and 3D or BOTH and other factors have turned people off, and Roger went off about it. Read the recap of his essay at THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, and catch the link to Roger’s blog from there.
-PP

JANUARY 3, 2012
When a movie comes out, it usually is followed by a crap-ton of parodies. But in the on-going effort to stay ahead of the curve, now it’s common to parody the trailer. Here’s a damn good mash-up of the trailers of “The Dark Knight Rises” and “The Lion King”:

-PP

JANUARY 2, 2012

You may have always known that Darth Vader was played by two actors – voice James Earl Jones and David Prowse in the suit. What you may not have known is that there was a THIRD MAN involved. Sword-fighting legend Bob Anderson played Darth during key lightsaber battles. Anderson died recently at 89 years old. R.I.P. Action Darth.
-PP

The Movie Guys bring you original videos about nothing but movies, movies, movies. View away, go nuts, and don’t hesitate to check out our YouTube page where you can subscribe to our channel, find embedding info and get more lowdown about the videos.

SANTA’S HOLIDAY MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS! – “SHAME”

With his annual job of delivering presents behind him, Santa Claus takes a moment to recommend a movie released this holiday season. This week he suggests the David Fincher thriller “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”.

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JANUARY 12, 2012
Happy New Year! What better way to celebrate than with artistic renderings of Disney Princesses re-envisioned as Warrior Princesses! Click HERE to see them all.
-PP

DECEMBER 31, 2011

DVD rental company Redbox has listed their “most-rented” titles of 2011. Films like “Just Go With It”, “The Tourist” and “Insidious” top the list. Note to Clooney, you’re shooting too high.
-PP

DECEMBER 30, 2011

Just because you have a ceremony putting your hand and footprints in cement at Grauman’s Chinese Theater doesn’t mean you’ll be forever enshrined at the legendary Hollywood location. This is good news, ’cause folks like Alvin & The Chipmunks, The Smurfs and DJ David Guetta have recently had such ceremonies. But they were all for show. The prints go who-knows-where and thankfully the legends remain in the theater’s front court. Read the whole story in The NY Times.
-PP

The Movie Guys bring you original videos about nothing but movies, movies, movies. View away, go nuts, and don’t hesitate to check out our YouTube page where you can subscribe to our channel, find embedding info and get more lowdown about the videos.

SANTA’S HOLIDAY MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS! – “SHAME”

With his annual job of delivering presents behind him, Santa Claus takes a moment to recommend a movie released this holiday season. This week he suggests the Michael Fassbender drama “Shame”.

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DECEMBER 29, 2011
Here is your poster for the 84th Academy Awards. According to the press release, get this…it celebrates the MOVIES! I’ll say it here: I’m rooting for “The Artist”.
-PP

DECEMBER 28, 2011

It’s an honor for a number of films every year to be selected for the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. It says that the film is nationally recognized for achievement in artistry. You can get the full list of this year’s entries at THEWRAP.COM. They include Best Picture winners “Forrest Gump and “The Silence of the Lambs” as well as “Stand and Deliver”. Wait, “Stand and Deliver”? Yes…”Stand and Deliver”.
-PP

DECEMBER 27, 2011

It’s sixty years too late, but blacklisted Hollywood writer Dalton Trumbo has had his screenwriting credit restored to “Roman Holiday” by The Writer’s Guild of America. Truly an embarrassing time for America (as is any time in America when artists are marginalized), kudos to The Guild for making things right. It’s just a shame it took so long…
The NY Times has the full story.
-PP

DECEMBER 26, 2011
We often list celebrity deaths here, and there were some big ones in 2011 like Elizabeth Taylor. When you reach eighty years old, you start making your way into death pools. Such was the case with Tarzan’s best companion, Cheetah, who died in a primate sanctuary over the weekend.
-PP

DECEMBER 25, 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS! “THOR 2″ HAS A NEW DIRECTOR! We brought you the story of Patty Jenkins, so we figured we’d let those who can’t live without knowing her replacement in on the latest hiring. It’s gonna be Alan Taylor, one of the directors of HBO’s “Game of Thrones”. Which is perfect ’cause there are thrones all over Asgaard.
-PP

DECEMBER 24, 2011

Peter Jackson has released production videos from the set of “The Hobbit”. And they are EXTENSIVE! It seems like these are earlier than they were for “King Kong”, so take advantage. They can be found on the film’s Facebook page:
-PP

NEWS 92FM – HOUSTON
DECEMBER 23, 2011
Movie Guy Paul Preston talks with afternoon anchors Bonnie Petrie and Mike Barajas about what’s new in long-titled movies this holiday season, covering THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL and EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE. (5 min., 6 sec.)

The Movie Guys bring you original videos about nothing but movies, movies, movies. View away, go nuts, and don’t hesitate to check out our YouTube page where you can subscribe to our channel, find embedding info and get more lowdown about the videos.

THE MOVIE GUYS’ SECOND-EVER HOLIDAY SPECIAL

The Movie Guys enjoy the 2011 holiday season with music, comedy, stories, food and even a visit from St. Nicholas. They also find time to preview the newest movies in theaters, including “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”, “The Darkest Hour”, “The Lady”, “The Sitter”, “Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows”, “Carnage”, “Young Adult”, “Albert Nobbs”, “The Iron Lady”, “We Bought a Zoo”, “New Year’s Eve”, “Shame”, “War Horse”, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”, “The Adventures of Tintin” and “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”

COOPER’S TOWN

The Devil’s Double

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Review by M. Miller Davis

“The Devil’s Double” is a purportedly true story centering around Saddam Hussein’s younger son, Uday, and his sociopathically excessive lifestyle, as seen through the eyes of his body double, Latif. Latif, a moral soldier forced from his family, is given everything at Uday’s disposal to hasten the transformation into Uday’s body double and plaything. Forcing Latif to be his accomplice in heinous acts, most centering around sexual depravity and torture, Latif must decide, against threat to his loved ones, how much horror his soul can withstand before defying Uday.

Uday and Latif are played by the same actor, Dominic Cooper, and with startling ability. After the first ten minutes, you forget entirely that he is a single man as he embodies both characters with such vigor (especially the rabid Uday) and finds the precise tones with which to play against his own characterizations. His performance is impressive to say the least and very well may be Oscar-worthy at best.

Unfortunately, his portrayal is set within a story that does not prompt much in the way of emotional volatility. Of course Uday is insane and terrible. And, of course Latif is a good and moral man in a terrible position. But the story fails to allow Latif any foray into appreciating his new life of wealth and luxury, no pause to consider turning a blind eye to the atrocities in order to assure his family’s security and live a life unparalleled in excess. This unwavering dedication to good makes Uday’s usurpation not only inevitable, but makes it seem that Latif waits far too long to commence usurping if we are to believe he is still decent and not simply a coward. The path through the film is well paced, but with little deviation from the emotional median.

The film is shot well, with wonderful set design reminiscent of old Hollywood pictures contrived with outrageous set pieces. You get a great feeling for the opulence in which the Hussein clan lived. Also the the international and familial disputes are well portrayed for maximum drama.

Summary: A flashy feature film entrance for the excellent Dominic Cooper but lacks real punch due to sparse story-induced character introspection. A good rental if you’ve seen everything else at the Redbox.

DECEMBER 23, 2011
Orson Welles’ Best Screenplay Oscar (sadly the only win for “Citizen Kane”) was just sold at an auction for over $800,000. After passing from hand to hand for YEARS, an unknown bidder now has Welles’ Academy Award. Could it be…Glenn Close? Buying her way into Academy’s favor? Read about it all in the NY Times.
-PP

DECEMBER 22, 2011

So what is Harrison Ford’s next project? We love the big guy here and are keeping close watch for when he’ll kick ass next. He’s gotten himself into a big-time buzz project – ENDER’S GAME, an adaptation of the popular Orson Scott Card novel. He joins an all-star cast and you can read about it in The Hollywood Reporter.
-PP

DECEMBER 21, 2011

Universal has revved up the publicity machine in anticipation of the opening of “Transformers: The Ride”. The PREPARE FOR BATTLE website fills you in on some of the look of the ride, and you can sign up to be part of what will no doubt be an aggressive marketing campaign. There’s reason to get excited ’cause this is from the makers of The Amazing Spider-Man ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the greatest ride in the history of mankind.
-PP

Excited about upcoming movies? You will be. Or, you’ll be frustrated by how much trailers give away. Either way, they’re all here for your enjoyment.

As ever, we recommend our WEEKLY MOVIE PREVIEW to tell you the real deal about every weekend’s releases. Plus, we’re funnier.

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (opening 7/20/12)

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY (opening 12/14/12)

PARANORMAN (opening 8/17/12)

PROMETHEUS (opening 6/8/12)

THIS MUST BE THE PLACE (opening March 2012)

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING (opening 5/11/12)

WRATH OF THE TITANS (opening 3/30/12)

DECEMBER 20, 2011
It should come as no surprise that Vin Diesel wants to make a seventh “Fast & Furious” movie! Numbers six and seven are being created together, and really, what else is Vin doing? He’s become the Chris Tucker of action movies. But with “Fast Five” being the best yet, hopefully that bodes well for extending the franchise.
-PP

DECEMBER 19, 2011

If you know us, we’ll always bring you the latest Pixar news. There’s a new video game for Kinect coming in March that puts you smack dab in the middle of “The Incredibles”, “Ratatouille”, “Cars”, “Toy Story” and “Up”. So if you like to sweat playing video games, this might be for you. Hopefully, you don’t have to re-live Carl Fredericksen losing his wife and baby.
-PP

DECEMBER 18, 2011

Director Patty Jenkins is OUT of “Thor 2″. The director of “Monster” doesn’t seem like the ideal choice for the continuing adventures of the Norse god, but the director of “Peter’s Friends” didn’t seem right either, and “Thor” turned out OK. However, rumors are swirling now about whether she left on amicable terms or was outright canned. Star Natalie Portman is throwing her Oscar around in disgust. Read more HERE.
-PP