Class of 1984 DDDDD

There are several films in my top 200 that AFI might not agree with, but I think they belong there. I love movies and anyone that makes a movie I applaud them. It is not an easy thing to do, but with digital and the Internet, one can make a movie and get it seen by millions if they know how to market it.

There are many classics in my collection, but I like the obscure, artsy, films that have something to say. I like to think of my collection as something for everyone. From Lawrence of Arabia to Caligula, All About Eve to Coffy, and Spartacus to Class of 1984 which is what brought me to this entry.

There are certain films that I watch once a year, but it has been several years since I’ve seen Class of 1984. There were many reasons why I saw this film when it was released and why it was added to the collection. I was a fan of Roddy McDowall  best known for his roles In the Planet of the Ape series. I had also found out that Mr. McDowell shared a passion for photography. There was also Perry King. Perry King starred in The Lords of Flatbush. This film also introduced us to many Canadian actors, Michael J. Fox who was just Michael Fox back then. Stephan Angrim from the religious horror film Fear No Evil and Timothy Van Patten who played Salami on the television series The White Shadow. He is now a director as many of the cast members from that tv series has become. Kevin Hook and Thomas Carter are names synonymous with directing many television series.

Class of 1984 had a big impact on me from its costumes to the graffiti around the school. It inspired drawings and its one film where the dialogue resonated. Class of 1984 is considered a revenge film. It’s violent and doesn’t hold back in offending anyone. The music is awesome as it opens with Alice Copper’s I Am The Future one of my favorite songs. This film was compared to A Clock Work Orange, but the setting is in a High School. Mark Lester predicted where the future of public schools were going and there are scanners in most schools, surveillance cameras and kids bring guns to school.
Does art imitate life or does life imitate art?
It’s a disturbing film with a message. If you can get your hands on the film I highly recommend it. If you are an aspiring film maker this should be on your list as recommended viewing. The visuals, lighting and flow of the film are tops.

Roddy McDowall has a great scene where he is on the edge of a nervous breakdown and tries to get his students to learn by holding a gun on them. There is such intensity and I often wonder what type of film would it have been if he had shot one of the students.

Many years later there was another film, I’m not sure if you can call it a sequel, it was called Class of 1999. I should have this film in my collection, but I don’t as a DVD. I think I have it on VHS somewhere. The only reason I would add it is because it features Pam Grier as a cyborg teacher and things don’t work out. There was a similar film called The Faculty that starred Usher. If you can get your hands on Class of 1984 give it a look see.



Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)

Little Reviews

Where the Truth Lies (DDDD), starring Kevin Bacon, Colin Firth and Alison Lohman, talk about a movie with surprises and twists. While I was watching this film I kept thinking about Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Perhaps it was the focus on the telethon, and there were many similarities. Kevin Bacon has given some great performances over the years as has Colin Firth, but I think a lot of Bacon’s work goes unnoticed. I had never heard of this film. I saw it on the shelf for a dollar; I liked the premise and since it starred two great actors decided to give it a look see.  I like when I get my hands on a directors cut or an unrated version of a film. It means that there were issues with the film. Either it ran too long or there were scenes too hot for the theaters. Since the 90’s films just get cut since they know they can released the unrated version on DVD. No more NC-17, or the risk of a film not getting shown at a theater. Sometimes its only a few seconds that makes all the difference between an R and NC-17 rating.

W., (DDDD)The first time I saw the film I was able to see President differently. Living in the shadows of someone the majority of your life is not easy. Not everyone gets the back story on politicians. All we know is that all of a sudden there they are.
Some of us are still learning about Obama. When it comes to politics there’s the person we see on the campaign trail and then the person that gets into office, but the real person we don’t get to see unless we know them on a personal level.
Oliver Stone has a way with political films. Sarah Halley Finn did a great job with casting  with Jeffery Wright as Colin Powell and Thandie Newton as Condalesa Rice. I couldn’t help but wonder if Janet Jackson was ever up for the role. She did an excellent potrayal of Miss Rice in an SNL sketch many years ago.
Josh Brolin, James Cromwell, Ellen Burstyn, Elizabeth Banks and Richard Dreyfuss were all great.
I things it’s a good film and regardless of what you think of the former president you might learn something you weren’t expecting.



Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you are here.

D's Horror fest continues

As the horror fest begins to wind down, I’ve got quite a few movies to watch if I choose. This is what is on my agenda.

Sunday night-The Rocky Horror Picture Show,(DDDD) I watched the UK version.

Monday night- Rosemary’s Baby, (DDDD) I was 9 years old when I saw this film for the first time. I didn’t really understand what was going on, but there are some visuals that stayed with me. Last year my cousin and I questioned my aunt about why they took us to see certain movies at a certain age. Adults still want to have a life and sometimes kids fall asleep at the movies.

Tuesday night- Night of the Living Dead,(DDDD) This is not just a horror film it makes a political statement. It’s about race, class and who calls the shots.

Wednesday- Halloween (DDDDD) and Halloween II, (DDD) Halloween is the ultimate in horror movies for me. There’s something in the fact that a human being can kill at such a young age and want to continue to do it. It’s not some made up character. Michael Myers could be anyone. The sequel is not as great, but its Jamie Lee Curtis.

Thursday night- Halloween H20 (DDDDD) and Halloween Resurrection, (DDDD) Halloween H20 takes place 20 years later and brings us all the stuff we loved about the first Halloween. Michael is back to kill is sister, his nephew and his friends. Jamie Lee Curtis returns for this one. There are some great moments in this one. There is a slight homage to Psycho as Janet Leigh, Jamie’s real mother appears in the film.

Halloween Resurrection tries to bring reality TV into the horror world. It has its moments. This film stars Bhusta Rhymes, and Tyra Banks.



Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you are here.

D's October Horror Fest

As my horror fest continues, here is the list of films I’ve seen so far. As most of the films are part of the horror fest each year, I’ll just give a rating to them. Those that’ve seen from a different perspective I may write about.

Parasite - D, this was one of those 3-D films from the 80’s resurgence of the technique from the 60’s. It starred Demi Moore. The film has some relevance now since so many skin eating bacteria are popping up.

Blacula - DDD, I was 11 years old when I saw this film for the first time and it kept me up for nights. When I got older and added it to my collection I didn’t find it as scary, but I still had the same conclusion that black people make some scary vampires.
Last night I watched the film for the 20th time. I saw it from a different perspective. The film isn’t that bad. There are some quirky moments, but it has some interesting dialogue. William Marshall a Shakespearian actor stars as Blacula aka Mamawauldi an African Prince who tries to persuade Dracula to end the slave trade. Dracula becomes infatuated with Mamawauldi’s wife, Luva. When Dracula offers to buy her and Mamawauldi refuses, she is killed and Dracula curses Mamawauldi by turning him into the vampire Blacula. With the resurgence of the afro coming back into style, the fashions don’t see so dated. There aren’t a lot of shots of really wide bell bottomed pants, but there are some dyshekai. If you like vampire films definitely give it a look see. The films also stars Denise Nichols, Vonetta McGee, Thalmus Rasulala and Gordon Pinchant.

Vamp - D, this vampire film stars Chris Makepeace and features Grace Jones like only she can do.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Next Generation - D, Mathew MacCanauhey, Rene Zellwegger star.

The Blob - DD, Stars Steve McQueen it has moments.

Psycho - DDDD this is the Alfred Hitchcock thriller of all time, but I think the birds come rather close. It stars Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates. This is the film that would put Anthony Perkins in a box for the remainder of his career. Although he did some other great rolls, this is the one that is synonymous with his name. The film also stars Janet Leigh, and Vera Miles.

There were three sequels to this film which I also watched. They are each unique. Psycho III was directed by Anthony Perkins, but Psycho IV adds some insight to the entire story which stars Henry Thomas as a young Norman Bates. DDD

The Birds - DDDD this is a chilling film and it shows Alfred Hitchcock’s sense of humor. The film introduces us to Tippi Hedron and stars Susan Pleshette. Of all the times I’ve seen this film, I didn’t realize there is very little music in this film. It plays on our senses of sight and sound. The sounds of the birds chirping and the flutter of their wings.

Mother’s Boys - DD it’s more of a thriller than a horror film. It stars Jamie Lee Curtis as the mother from hell who is used to getting her way. She tries to manipulate her oldest son and her husband. There are some interesting moments in the film. It stars Peter Gallagher and Vanessa Redgrave.

Nightmare on Elm Street- DDD, and part 3 Dream Warriors - DD they both have moments.

Mars Attacks - D, it’s just a fun film sort of an homage to Ed Wood. It’s an all star cast which includes the lovely Pam Grier which is the reason it is a part of my collection. Jack Nicholson plays several roles, there’s Fred Williamson, Michael J. Fox, Sarah Jessica Parker, Pierce Brosnon, Glen Close, Annette Benning and Tom Jones to name a few.

The Shining - DDD, I’ve learned to like this film over the years.

The Fly - DDD, this is the remake of the Vincent Price classic, Jeff Goldblum does a great job bringing new life into the character. He stars along side his ex wife, Geena Davis.

The Fly II - DD, stars Eric Stoltz as the son and Daphne Zuniga. It has moments.

House on Haunted Hill - D, another remake of a Vincent Price classic, but this one doesn’t work so well. It has an interesting cast, but it just lacks something.

The Movie fest will continue today with the sequel to Blacula, Scream Blacula Scream which stars Pam Grier and William Marshall reprises his role as the true prince of darkness. This film introduces us to Richard Lawson and also stars Don Mitchell, Michael Conrad, Lynn Moody, Janee Michelle and Bernie Hamilton.



Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


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Audrey Hepburn II

 Well it finally happened. I was able to see most of Breakfast at Tiffany’s (DDDD). I definitely want to see it again from the beginning and then I may add it to my collection. At the time it was a very controversial film. There are some great moments in the film.
Also got to see Funny Face (DDD). I didn’t know this was a musical. I should have guessed it since Fred Astaire was in the film, but I have seen a few films where he didn’t dance or sing. He’s dancing is great, but his singing voice isn’t that powerful. Maybe he wasn’t singing at all. Back then they did dubbing for actors that couldn’t sing.
Funny Face as I mentioned in the previous entry is loosely based on fashion photographer Richard Avedon. Fred Astaire plays Dick Avery a photographer who discovers a young woman played by Audrey Hepburn in a book shop. Her funny features make her unique and Dick makes her a star.
The imagery is great. I just thought some of the musical numbers were a bit long. I did enjoy the film.

(This image I took in New Orleans back in 2008. The final touches were being put into place on a house in the French Quarter.)

My horror fest continues. I did a double feature and watched Texas Chainsaw Massacre The Next Generation (D) with Mathew McConaughey and Renee Zellweger. I then watched Anaconda (DD) with Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Jon Voight, Owen Wilson and Eric Stoltz. As much as I am not a fan of remakes, every now and then someone gets it right and does a better job. The remake of Texas Chainsaw Massacre I really like. I may watch it today. I've seen it many times.

Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you are here.

Audrey Hepburn

 I’m not sure if its Audrey Hepburn’s birthday or the anniversary of her death. (Is she still living?) In any case I’ve been fortunate enough to now get to see some of her films.
I remember earlier this year seeing a film that was set in Italy. But I’m not sure if it was called Love Italian Style or who was in it. It was on and I think I may have been channeling surfing that day. I do that a lot since most of what I watch has commercials and sometimes they don’t interest me.

Sabrina stars Miss Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. It’s a much better than the remake in my opinion. I know there are people that just don’t like black and white films, but that’s what makes them classics. You get to put your imagination to work and envision the colors.

Wait Until Dark stars Miss Hepburn, Alan Arkin, Efram Zimbalist and Richard Crenna. Audrey Hepburn plays a blind woman that holds a doll that some criminals are interested in. A game is played to get her to reveal that she does have the doll in her possession so that they can retrieve the contents. I vaguely remember seeing this film when I was younger. It has a few great moments and Alan Arkin gets to be comedic as all of the Roat’s men. I wonder if he and Peter Sellers were ever considered for some of the same films. They seem to have the same delivery of their lines.

Next month I am hoping I will get a chance to see Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Funny Face. I want to see BAT because I didn’t know Truman Capote had written it and actually wanted to be in the film. I’ll be watching Capote later today with Phillip Seymour Hoffman. (I’ve seen the film several times.)

I want to see Funny Face because it is based on Photographer Richard Avedon and although I’ve only come to know who he is in the last 10 years, I really like his work. I am really looking forward to seeing both films and possibly adding them to my collection.

Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you are here.

The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz (DDDDD) - The Wizard of Oz is one of those films that most of us have seen at least once. For a limited time in some areas, the film has been re-released, but this time in 3-D. That’s a lot better than someone trying to remake it. Although I didn’t see the film with James Franco…
I hate to sound like a broken record, but we just shouldn’t mess with the classics. I just don’t understand why they just couldn’t come up with an entirely new script when they want to compete with the classics.

I sat down and watched the non 3-D film. This film holds a lot of memories for me. It’s one of those films I remember the entire family sitting down to watch. It’s the first film I remember crying and being frightened. It was when the monkey’s came to get Dorothy.
When I got older I saw the film for exactly what it was. A film about politics, about change, friendship, cruelty and survival.

Over the years we’ve heard the story that the studio wanted to cast Shirley Temple as Dorothy, but they studio she was with refused to loan her out. I often think about how different the film would have been. Would it still be the classic it is today? What if Buddy Ebsen had not gotten sick? How would the role of the Tin Man had turned out? I love the stories behind the films.

The Wizard of Oz is one of the most quoted films in history. Most of us at some point have said the line, “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.” in some form or variation. Over time lines from films get changed because people don’t remember them exactly.

The film is filled with lots of color. That is what brings out the kid in us all. It makes us remember the first time we saw the film and the people we’ve share the experience with since.
I remember the first time I saw the film on the big screen. It was many years later as a young adult.
The Saenger Theatre in New Orleans (Which is supposed to open soon.) The Saenger had the feel of an outdoor theater at night. You’d look up into the ceiling and see stars.

Feel free to share your comments about the classic film. Was it or has it become a family tradition to sit down and watch it together?

Thanks for stopping by and do drop by again. Remember to keep an open mind.





Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)

Lights, Camera, Action!!!

This weekend was another great weekend for watching movies and seeing a few I had never seen before. Moviestvnetwork is my new best friend.

 (This is a banner from the Disney exhibit that took place at the New Orleans Museum of Art, NOMA a few years back)

I think the only Audrey Hepburn film I ever saw was Gigi if my memory serves me right. I was a baby, but I remember the black and white dress. Perhaps that was part of the reason I was enthralled with black and white in the 80’s. I was also getting into the Asian way of doing things, Feng Shui, looking for balance, etc.

This weekend I saw Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. I had seen the remake, with Julia Ormond, Harrison Ford and Greg Kinear. I don’t remember it very well, but I will remember the original. It’s an interesting tale of love, money, class and business politics.

Next month Moviestvnetwork will run two other films starring Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Funny Face which I’ve never seen either. I can’t wait.

Absence of Malice (DDD) was an interesting film starring Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban, Wilford Brimley, and Melina Dillon. It’s a story about freedom of the press and politics. Once something is written its hard for people to change their mind.

I decided to stay up to see Come Back Little Sheba. This film stars Burt Lancaster and Shirley Booth in her Oscar winning performance. This was quite the film. I was really immersed into the characters. Shirley Booth’s performance as well as Burt Lancaster was excellent. Other than the film being in black and white I don’t feel the film is very dated. People are still getting married because they make a mistake. Perhaps the pressure isn’t as prevalent, but it happens. They hold on to the person they are with because they feel they are too old to find someone else or just don’t want to hassle of getting back into the dating scene. There are a lot of people that just feel that no one else will love them.
I highly recommend this film if you have never seen it. DDDDD





Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you are here.

Ken Norton

In Memory of Ken Norton, boxer/actor, I did a double feature last night I watched the films, Mandingo and Drum. I had never seen Mandingo until about 5 years ago. Drum has two significant reasons as to why it is a part of my collection. (We'll get to that in a minute.)

Before Django Unchained these films spawned controversy. Mandingo starred Perry King as Master Harmond and Brenda Sykes as Calinda. It was an okay film. Ken Norton was typed cast as a slave that would be used as a stud as well as a boxer.

I used to think Mandingo was the name of the character, but technically its the plantations wish to own a Mandingo warrior.

Recently author James McBride was on Tavis Smiley promoting his new book which is a satire on slavery.
Comments were made about Django Unchained, which I have not seen yet. It is Quentin Tarantino doing what he does. He makes fun of a time in history.

In the film Drum which is a much better film in my opinion than Mandingo. I used to think Drum was the sequel, but its almost as if Drum is a prequel to Mandingo. It's the same plantation, but Drum is born as a result of a white woman having sexual relations with one of her slaves. So that the woman isn't scorned, Drum is said to be the son of her female servant and lover. Drum is not the son of the character in Mandingo.

Once again Ken Norton gets to box, but he gets to act a little more along side Yaphet Koto, Warren Oats, Paula Kelly, and Pam Grier who for some reason went by Pamela Grier in the credits.

This brings me to the reason that Drum is a part of my collection. This is the first R rated film I saw with my father in a movie theater. I had turned 18 and for my birthday we decided to spend some time together. I really wanted to see the film because Pam Grier was in it. Now of course it wasn't my first R rated film. It was a little uncomfortable for my father, but we got through it.

Drum was filmed in New Orleans during my senior year of High School. I had contemplated skipping school one day so that I could see Pam Grier, but I didn't want to have to deal with the consequences from my mother. I still haven't met Pam Grier or come close.

With all the talk of the flooding in Colorado, I thought there might be something on her, but so far nothing. Which means her ranch is no where near the devastation which is a good thing.

If you want to see Ken Norton check out the two films. If you just want to see an interesting film, Check out Drum. It is based on a book of the same name.

Thanks for stopping by. Keep and open mind and do come back again.

Queen Latifah back on the air

Queen Latifah premiered her new show yesterday here in Austin at 4 P.M. she will be going up against Ellen. From time to time I may watch Ellen depending who is on the show, but I usually have other things going on at that time.

I thought the opening was nice and to hear Queen Latifah sing is what was missing the last time she had her own show. So we got a little fun, singing and dancing. Doing a live show is not for everyone. We all know when we are sitting around talking with friends there are those moments of silence and that happened twice while she was interviewing John Travolta. Although it was subtle and not everyone would pick up on it, it was still there. I do like the fact that she’s just trying to have a normal conversation with people. That’s the type of show I always wanted to do. Just sit down and talk, not because someone was promoting something. There are so many stars that aren’t working, but people are still interested in what they are doing.

Everyone seems to be jumping on the satire band wagon. I don’t know who started this first, but Jimmy Kimmel does it the best. I did laugh at the segments and the fact that Queen Latifah is also an actress made things work. I just like seeing something original.
The set design, which was done by singer Lenny Kravitz was incredible. Queen Latifah even has a DJ which of course Ellen started, but we don’t get to hear a lot of mixing by M C Lyte.

Queen Latifah with the help of Alicia Keys did a good deed for a music teacher and his students by recording one of their songs and giving their band room a makeover.

The show ended with a performance by Willow Smith, the daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett - Smith, who also happen to be the producers of the show. Willow has picked up a bit of an English accent. She’s sure to get some cosmetic endorsements and seems to be getting her height from her dad which will be an advantage as well. She sounds a little like Rihanna, which most of the singers seem to be coming from a cookie cutter these days. There's not a lot of difference. It takes a while for them to break out on their own and you see the real talent show if of course there is any real talent.

Queen Latifah is a good rapper, but I prefer when she is singing. When she made the film Living Out Loud I was really impressed and then her CD Travelin' Light came out and it was a nice change. She is an all around talented individual. Hopefully the talk show won't stop her from doing all the things that she does. My favorite acting role of hers is Cleo from the film Set it Off. If you haven't seen this film it is a must see for Queen Latifah fans.
Since I am not big on remakes, I haven't seen the remake of Steel Magnolias. Maybe one day I'll get to see it.

I won’t get to see the show today in which Will Smith will be a guest. Maybe the segment will make its way to you tube or I can watch it online later in the week.
Queen Latifah did seem to have a full studio, but the aisles are so big that everyone looks far apart. Hoping it works out for the Queen this go round. Now I have someone else to tune into if I have the time. DDDDD


Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you are here.

What I've been watching

I watched a few movies on movies tv network that I hadn’t seen before. One such film was Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte. It starred Bette Davis and Olivia De Havilland, Agnes Moorehead, Josephy Cotton and Bruce Dern. I didn’t know what to make of this film. I guess it’s what one would call camp. To see Miss Dehavilland as a villain just seem totally out of character. It just didn’t really work for me. It was a fun film, as the viewer watches to see who is driving who crazy.

I’m guessing Bette Davis’ career was on a downward spiral at this point. She made Whatever Happened to Baby Jane in 1962 and Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte in 1964. Of course every actor goes through a period where they just need to work or they have an obligation with a studio.

Another film that I saw was Queen Bee which starred Joan Crawford. The only film I ever recall seeing with Joan Crawford was Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. I had heard of Mildred Pierce, but I haven’t gotten around to seeing it. Maybe I should check the library to see if they have a copy. Joan Crawford stars as a southern woman in love with a man she can’t have, but she does whatever she can to get him. The dialogue is kind of campy, but its an interesting film.

I like movies the TV network because it is allowing me to see films that were made before I was born. Some I remember vaguely watching as a baby. Check your local listings to see if anything you like is coming on.

Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you are here.

Friday the 13th

I haven’t started watching movies that played at SIFF yet. I will soon begin watching horror films, it’s what I do in the month of October.  I’ve already begun making my list of my classic films I like to watch. I will do a Friday the 13th marathon, but I only have four films in my collection and one of the remakes. After the 4th film I just got bored with it. I went to see Jason takes Manhattan because someone had reported that Vanity was in the film, but that wasn’t the case at all. Shame on them for making me waste my money. I recently bought Friday the 13th II only because I had three and four. The reason 3 was in my collection was because I was working for Paramount’s insurance company and one of my jobs was to count movie tickets. Movie theaters were selling tickets for one movie, but passing them off for another. See, movie theaters make an agreement to carry a movie for a certain amount of time, but if that film isn’t making any money and people aren’t buying food from the concession stand then the theater doesn’t make money. If they can show a film isn’t doing well then they can get rid of it.

I must have seen Friday the 13th about a dozen or more times. It was during that revitalization phase of 3-D back in the early 80’s. I liked the theme song so much that I would request that my favorite radio station play it. I don’t recall ever seeing a soundtrack for the film because I certainly would have gotten it.

The first Friday the 13th featured Kevin Bacon and the fourth Friday the 13th featured Corey Feldman, and Crispin Glover. This is my favorite of the movies only because of the last 15 minutes of the film. I was thinking about getting the 5th installment, A new beginning because Jason finally arrives while the kids are at the camp and there’s that one scene where he is chasing the children.

My marathon will start around noon, Once I add up the time it may start earlier. Once I get back from church I will decide. Movies tvnetwork was having their own marathon of horror films. Some I had never seen or even heard of. Phase IV, Bugs, and Day of the Animals.

Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So so if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.

(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)

Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you are here.

Movies, double feature

Last night was another double feature night. Friday Foster  (DD)with an all star black cast, starring Pam Grier, Yaphet Kotto, Carl Weathers, Eartha Kitt, Thalmus Rusallas, Godfrey Cambridge, Ted Lange and Scatman Crothers to name a few. Pam Grier plays Friday Foster, an ex-model turned photographer for Glance magazine. She is sent out on an assignment that gets explosive and when a friend is murdered Friday gets involved. This was in interesting to watch because of all the talent that is in the film. When one needs a job, one does what one has to do.

The second feature was Panic Room (DD) with Jodie Foster, Forest Whitaker, Jared Leto, Dwight Yokam and an unknown named Kristen Stewart. (She went on to be a part of one of the biggest franchises, Twilight.) It’s an okay film about a woman with too much money, recently separated who buys a home way too big for two people. After only a few nights, the home is broken into and the story unfolds as to who, what and why? Luckily for the mother and daughter the house came with a Panic Room which is where the burglars want to be.

Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So so if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you are here.

My own personal movie library.

I’ve seen over a dozen films since my last entry. Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So so if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.

(The Pam Grier collection on VHS.)

(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)
 Since there was nothing of interest on television the last few days, I decided to watch something in my collection of movies. I decided to watch Black Mama, White Mama (DDD) starring Pam Grier and Margaret Markov. The film is a females version of The Defiant Ones which starred Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier. Two prisoners of different races who escape and are chained together. I’ve come to like this film a lot as I see the acting potential of Miss Grier as opposed to some of the other prison movies she did. And although she does show a lot of skin her performance is pretty good. I decided to do a double feature Sunday night. I watched Lean on Me (DDD) and one of my top 200 films, Drumline (DDDD) which stars Nick Cannon, Zoe Zaldano, Orlando Jones, Leonard Roberts and GQ. It’s a fun film about the core of the college band, the drum section. The cinematography is great and so is the music.

Monday night I did another double feature, with two films from my top 400. Foxy Brown (DD) starring Pam Grier and Party Monster (DDDD)with Seth Green and Macauley Caulkin. Foxy Brown was Pam Grier’s follow up to Coffy. I don’t find it as great of a film as Coffy, but she does have moments. She is ravishing in this film. Her skin glows and you see where there might have been a problem placing her in films in Hollywood. Sometimes being too attractive can be a curse. Pam reunites with Sig Haig in this film which is also directed by Jack Hill who directed Coffy.
Party Monster is a part of the top 400 for many reasons. The story of Limelight, which I had a chance to dance there while in New York. Second, I just think the performances by Macauley Caulkin and Seth Green are outstanding. Unless you are an actor or have spent time around them its hard to understand what an actor goes through to prepare for a role. It’s also hard to understand what happens after the actor has completed a role. I remember when Robert Downey, Jr. did Less Than Zereo. It seems that’s when his drug problems escalated. Was it due to the role or was it inevitable that this was the path he was to take?
After Party Monster, which I think both actors should have been nominated for Oscars, Macauley Caulkin sort of went off the map. He resurfaced a few months ago looking like a druggie. Could this role have ruined his career? I doubt if he’ll ever top this performance. He probably won’t even get the chance. Up until this film I thought his best role was in The Good Son opposite Elijah Wood. I think its harder for child stars to try and leave that image behind that most people adored. For a lot of people he’ll always be the kid from Home Alone. I never saw the film and will only see it if it happens to come on television and nothing else is on.
Seth Green plays James St. James and Macauley plays Michael Alig the master mind behind the club Limelight which was a church converted into a night club. I remember the first time I stepped foot into Limelight it was weird since the altar was still there, but that’s another story for another time.
It was the rise of X and Special K and Club Kids were the in thing.

If you like Seth Green or Macauley Caulkin you’ll love this film. It’s fun and sad with a great sound track.

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The Seattle International Film Festival just celebrated its 39th year, I’ll review some of my favorite films that I saw. And talk about my experiences from 1993 - 1999.

I Enjoy Movies

In the last week I’ve seen the following movies: Murphy’s Romance which stars Sally Fields and James Garner. It’s a cute film set in a small town. All of the characters are trying something different.

No Way To Treat A Lady stars George Segal, Lee Remmick, David Doyle and Rod Steiger star in this film about a serial killer that takes on several personas to kill beautiful women. It’s a game of cat and mouse as the killer creates a relationship with one of the investigators played by George Segal. Rod Steiger is the serial killer with mommy issues.

Cinderella Liberty stars James Caan and Marsha Mason. James Caan is a sailor whose papers are lost and he gradually falls in love with a woman with a reputation and her son.

Daisy Kenyon stars Joan Crawford, Henry Fonda and Dana Andrews. Other than Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, I don’t recall seeing a film with Joan Crawford before. Since I am working at the Zachery Scott theatre I am interested in seeing Mildred Pierce more than ever since it stars Zachery Scott. Daisy Kenyon is an interesting film with Joan Crawford as an ad illustrator who gets involved in a love triangle. She loves a married guy and another guy loves her. She settles and seems to find happiness until the guy she loves begins divorce proceedings.

Nevada Smith is a western that stars Steve McQueen and Karl Malden.

Irreconcilable Differences stars Ryan O’Neal, Shelly Long, Drew Barrymore and Sharon Stone. After E.T. Drew Barrymore was a hot property, but I didn’t see this film because it just didn’t appeal to me. Drew Barrymore is the film which there had to be a lot of pressure on her. It’s an okay movie about a kid growing up with parents who put their careers before their child.

The New Centurions stars George C. Scott, Stacy Keach, Rosalind Cash, Erik Estrada and Isabel Sanford. It’s a comedy drama about a police squad. It’s not a bad film. I had seen most of the actors before, but this was my first time seeing this film. Everyone may remember George C. Scott as MacArthur. Rosalind Cash made countless movies in the 70’s. Erik Estrada played Ponch in the 70’s show CHIPS and Isabel Sanford was Louise Jefferson on the show of the same name.

Road Games stars Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis. This was not the best film and I had seen it before only because I am a fan of Jamie Lee Curtis. I saw all of the horror flicks and this was supposed to be another, but it was really a bad thriller. I didn’t recall that it was filmed in Australia the first time I had seen it many, many years ago. Since having been to Australia I picked up on it instantly. It becomes a game of cat and mouse as Stacy Keach, who plays a trucker believes he sees a man burying dead bodies. Jamie Lee Curtis plays a hitchhiker along for the ride. This is no Hitcher, but I’m sure it was influenced by this film or vice versa. Either way its not the best. Unless you are a fan of Jamie Lee Curtis this one I would pass on.

Coming up:
The Seattle International Film Festival just celebrated its 39th year, I’ll review some of my favorite films that I saw. And talk about my experiences from 1994 - 1999.

Thanks for stopping by, and do come back again. Remember to keep an open mind.

Another fun filled week of movies

    Since I have the time I’m just watching movies that seem interesting even if I’m not a big fan of the stars. Now that I’m older I see the films from a different perspective. I understand the nature of the film. The Hot Rock stars Robert Redford and George Segal as thieves who are hired to steal an African diamond from a museum and return it to its homeland. It’s an interesting film that also stars Moses Gunn.
The Sand Pebble stars Steve McQueen in what is considered his best performance. I’ve seen a few of his films, The Great Escape, of course The Towering Inferno which brings Steve McQueen and Paul Newman together for the first time. Supposedly the stars didn’t like each other, but it was fueled by the studios. Anyway, Steve McQueen is great as a sailor that seems to have a problem with authority. There’s lots of action in this one as the Chinese revolt against the American sailors.

There was a double feature of Cary Grant films, That Touch of Mink which starred Doris Day and Operation Petticoat which also starred Tony Curtis. Both films are quite enjoyable. I remembered seeing Operation Petticoat when I was younger, but I only remembered a few scenes from the film. The one where the girdle was used to activate one of the pumps and the pink submarine. It’s the story of five stranded female officers who are rescued and brought aboard the submarine to work long side the men.
The battle of the sexes begins almost immediately among the flirtations.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again.

One Night with Janis Joplin

Since I’m working at the Zachery Scott Theatre, I’ve decided this blog will not only cover movies, but my entertainment experiences as well. Last night I had the pleasure of seeing One Night with Janis Joplin which runs from July 10, through August 18, 2013. It’s a play within a concert if there is such a thing. Most of us have been to at least one concert and there’s always that moment when the artist tries to connect with the audience. They give us a little personal history as to what was going on in their lives before they sing a particular song. There are a few moments like that in One Night with Janis as we discover the influences in her life that brought her to the world.

I had only heard of Janis Joplin, but never saw her in concert or even on television. I was six years old when she burst upon the scene.
A few weeks ago I watched Bette Midler in The Rose for the first time. Perhaps that was a mistake, but the actress who plays Janis, Kacee Clanton, gives a great performance based on what I saw Bette Midler do. The raspy voice, the mannerisms and the language.

Since this is a concert experience, the audience is encouraged at certain points to participate by clapping and feeling the spirit as Janice relays her inspiration for the blues from some of the greats such as Bessie Smith, Odetta, The Chantels, Etta James, Nina Simone and the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. All brought to life by the Blues Singer played by Tiffany Mann.   In my opinion, Miss Mann steals the first half of the show with an original rendition of Summertime from the opera Porgy and Bess and her rousing get up on your feet, feel good performance as Aretha Franklin.
The set design is minimal in this performance as we are in a concert setting, but the background and scrim add a hallucinatory vibe. I was waiting for the drugs to be passed around.

As I mentioned earlier, not knowing much about Janis, I found out that before her music career took off, she was an artist. We get to see some art in the background as she talks about her experience working in a coffee house.

When Tiffy Mann came onto the stage as Bessie Smith, it made me think of a show Diana Ross did, called an Evening with Diana Ross. Diana Ross embodied her inspirations as they all sat down in a theater and critiqued her performance. She was Josephine Baker, Bessie Smith and Ethel Waters. I believe the makeup was done by Rick Baker. The scene was great. I wish I could get my hands on a copy of the show. I think I still have a cassette of the songs.

Anyway, back to One Night with Janis Joplin. The second act of the show  Kacee Clanton really shines. Its funny how never having known who Janis Joplin was I had heard some of her songs. I had no idea she made Me and Bobby McGee and there was another song she sang that I had only heard Dolly Parton sing, Mercedez Benz.

When I see performances like this it makes me think of the people I was influenced by. Dabbling in all forms of art, there have been many.

No concert is complete without a band and the backup singers played by Felicia Dinwiddie, Tricky Jones 7 and Cari Hutson who is Kacee Clanton's understudy.

If you liked Janis Joplin you will certainly enjoy this show. It will take you back to a moment in time. If you are just curious and love the theater, this is a performance not to be missed. It’s original and you will definitely be clapping and stomping your feel. You might even be tempted to sing along.

One Night with Janis Joplin was created, written and directed by Randy Johnson. The show may be loud to some, but it is a concert experience after all. There's strobe lighting for that 70's era feel. The show runs two hours and 15 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

I really am glad I stumbled onto a gig at Zach. I definitely plan to see the show again.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again.

Movies TV Network

              Since discovering this channel I’ve watched a number of movies I’ve never seen before or I was so young that I didn’t really understand the film. I remember some westerns as a child and playing cowboys and Indians, but during my teenage years I was no longer fond of westerns.
 It wasn’t until Young Guns that I remember going to the theater to see a western. I was still very selective in which films I saw. I think it had a lot to do with the stars in the film. I watched Cowboy with John Ford and Jack Lemmon.

Barbarella with Jane Fonda and John Phillip Law. I remembered the opening sequence of the film and finding out later that one of my favorite groups got their name from the film. That group would be Duran, Duran. Cat Balou was a western that starred Jane Fonda and Lee Marvin. Tom Boy is the newest edition to my collection. It’s an 80’s film that stars Betsy Russell as a mechanic who wants to race cars. It’s quirky 80’s fun. I’ve always liked movies, but when I started going to the theater by myself, I saw almost everything that came out. Some of them are considered bad movies, but mostly I went because of who was in the film. I’m still trying to get my hands on some films that haven’t made it to DVD. If it is on DVD its not in big demand. I’d love to get my hands on The Doberman Gang.

I’ve seen Rio Grande with John Wayne. I do remember watching a few films with John Wayne as a kid with my uncle. Once Upon a Time in the West is a very artsy western directed by Sergio Calione and stars Claudia Cardinale, Charles Bronson, Henry Fonda, Lee Marvin and Woody Strode. This film comes together in the last few minutes. This is what I love about film. Sometimes as story doesn’t come together until the end. The attention span of most theater audiences today might not be able to sit through a film like Once Upon a Time in The West. There is a lot of unexpected killing. The cinematography is awesome.
Posse starred Kirk Douglas, Bruce Dern and Bo Hopkins. I would like to see this one again as I didn’t catch it from the beginning. It’s an interesting story as the sheriffs men turn on him.
Pal Joey - stars Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth and Kim Novac. It’s an interesting film about a hustler caught in an unusual love triangle, trying to fulfill his dream.

I also watched Set it Off which is a part of my collection. I really like this film from director F. Gary Gray. It stars Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivaca Fox, Blair Underwood and introduces us to Kimberly Elise. It’s about four women who become bank robbers as they try to make better lives for themselves after it seems as if they have been dealt the wrong hand. The performances are really great by all of the women in the film. I’ve seen this film countless times. It’s definitely worth a look see.

If I repeat any films from previous entries I’m sorry, but they are probably worth mentioning again. Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Enjoy the movies.

Movies, movies and more movies.

Now that I have Movies, The TV network, I’ve been able to see movies I’ve never heard of or I was so young that I didn’t understand the premise. In the last two weeks I’ve seen The Owl and the Pussycat which I certainly didn’t know Doris, the Barbara Striesand character was a prostitute. I did recall Felix, played by  George Segal in the skeleton suit, but had no idea why he was dressed that way.
Cactus Flower was a great film with Goldie Hawn and Walter Mathieu that I had never seen.
If I talk about a few movies I’ve already mentioned, I’m sorry. I’ve made a list and since I didn’t write a review I’m just talking about what I’ve seen and remembering if I had seen the film when I was a child.
We’re Not Married, Let’s Make it Legal, Let’s Make Love and Don’t Bother to Knock were all part of the Marilyn Monroe birthday tribute. I had seen Let’s Make Love when I was really young and as an adult I added Don’t Bother to Knock to my VHS collection. This was probably the first film about the baby sitter going mad. There’s something about watching Marilyn Monroe on film. The camera loves her. And even though some of her parts were smaller in We’re Not Married and Let’s Make it Legal, you still remember her.
I remember the film Picnic when I was a kid, but didn’t know the story. It is a sexually charged film starring William Holden as the stranger that comes to town. It sort of reminded me of The Long Hot Summer which I have in my collection and I decided to watch. It stars Paul Newman as the stranger that comes to town and stirs up trouble.
Other films that I’ve been able to watch include, The Last Picture show which I had seen back in 2005 for the first time. I finally got to see Serpico with Al Pacino. I wasn’t really a fan of Al Pacino’s for some reason. Perhaps because I was too young to watch some of his films or the films didn’t interest me. One day I saw Cruising and then I started back tracking to see some of his other films. I saw Dog Day Afternoon and eventually I saw the Godfather Films after a friend suggested it. They are all a part of my collection now. Serpico is based on a true story about a cop that doesn’t like what he sees.
I saw The Rose with Bette Midler. I never saw this one and all I knew about Janis Joplin was that she was a singer who died. I’m glad this movie was on as the theater where I work will be doing a play, One Night With Janis Joplin. Bette Midler was great as the troubled singer.
In the mornings, Movies The TV Network shows westerns. I’ve seen Rio Grande, The Gun Fighter and a few others. I’m trying not to let it consume my life, but I love watching movies and since going to the movies isn’t in my budget right now…
I’ve seen A New Leaf with Walter Mathieu and Elaine May who also wrote the script. This is a very entertaining film. It’s based on a short story called The Green Heart. Walter Mathieu is a funny man. I’ve also seen Plaza Suite which I had only heard about and seen a few scenes during the academy awards.
Suddenly Last Summer, I had seen a version of the play, but had never seen the film. Several years ago I became fascinated with Montgomery Cliff after reading about him. He was very self conscious about his looks after being in an accident. I don’t know if the film was made before or after the accident, but I really don’t see too much of a difference in the way he looks in the films that I have in my collection. There are some where the camera only captures him from a certain angle. I’ll have to look at the dates. It’s funny how most of the stars that I liked had already passed by the time I knew who they were. Suddenly Last Summer I found out was written by Gore Vidal and Tennessee Williams wrote the story together, but the screenplay was written by Tennessee Williams. The film also stars Katherine Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.

I wasn’t particularly fond of Charles Bronson and then there was a film called 10 to Midnight. The reason I saw this film was because I found out Ola Ray was in the film. Most of you may not know Ola Ray, but she was featured in the Michael Jackson video Thriller. I know Ola Ray when she posed for Playboy magazine. A few years ago I picked up one of those DVD packs of a TV series which starred Charles Bronson as The Man With The camera. It was the title that interest me. It also included a few films as well which one starred Anthony Perkins and Mr. Bronson’s wife Jill Ireland. It seems the two of them made several films together. I watched Murphy’s Law, and The Assassination. Wednesday night I watched MASH and Lifeboat. I remembered the television series and I used to watch it, but I had never seen the movie. I didn’t particularly care for it. There were some interesting moments, but it just didn’t grab my attention.
Lifeboat however was a different story. Alfred Hitchcock did a great job with the characters who are trying to survive after their boat is blown up by Germans. I’d only heard of Tallulah Bankhead and don’t recall ever seeing a film with her. I remembered William Bendix from the television series, The Life of Riley. Hume Cronin I remembered from Cocoon and being married to Jessica Tandy. Lifeboat was filmed in black and white, but it kept my interest. (I’ve been thinking about doing something in black and white.)
Last night I watched Terminal Countdown with Louis Gossette, Jr which seemed relevant as nuclear missiles have been in the news lately.
There was also Attica about the prison revolt in 1971. I was only a kid when this event took place so I really didn’t know much about it. It starred Morgan Freeman and Glynn Turman.
Battle for the Planet of The Apes brought back memories. I remember when I saw Planet of the Apes, but I’m not sure if the film with Charlton Heston was first or if the one I saw with Roddy McDowell and his family was first. I’ve seen them all, even the remake with Mark Wahlberg which could have been better. Really I see no reason to do remakes. Just write a new script…
Watching the movie also made me think of some other films I saw in the 70’s that I’ve not been able to find available. I’m interested in The Doberman Gang. I believe there were three films total, but the first two I remember. If you’re not familiar with the film it’s about a group of criminals who train 6 Dobermans to rob a bank. Each of the dogs has the name of a gangster. When I had thought about getting a dog I had always thought I’d get a Doberman, but I guess it was too big of a dog. I do remember having a dog for a period of time, but that’s another story.

Movies has a lot of films in their line up so I’ll just keep on checking them out while I can. Eventually I’ll get to see what’s playing now when I can find a used copy. Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind.

Movies, TV network

My Pam Grier film fest is in full swing. I’ve watched The Arena, The Big Doll House, Sheba Baby, On The Edge and Stand Alone. There are still many more films to watch.

I’ve discovered a new channel called Movies, TV network. It’s a mixture of classics and film from the 70’s and 80’s. I like this station because I get to see films that I may have never seen. I had only heard about The Girl Can’t Help It with Jayne Mansfield. I don’t recall ever seeing one of her films. I do remember seeing a movie about her life and how she died in a terrible car accident.

Saturday they will be doing a salute to Marilyn Monroe in honor of her Birthday. I have only seen one of the films that they will be showing so I hope they show that one first so that by the time I get home I’ll be able to watch the other three.

So far I’ve seen part of Take A Hard Ride, Emperor of the North, Phone Call from a Stranger, Fighting Man, and The Star Chamber. I had never seen any of these films before.

I’ve been trying not to watch as much of regular television now that most of the shows have done their finales. I don’t want to get into watching any of the new shows although I did watch Rookie Blue last week. If I can break away from the television routine then I can use that time to create more art.

As soon as I’m finished with my Pam Grier fest I’m going to watch some of my favorite films that I’ve seen at the Seattle Film Fest over the years. Come back to check out some of my experiences with the stars and what I thought of the films.

Some of the films will include: Lotto Land, Orlando, Love and Human Remains, Headless Body in a Topless Bar, Bad Boy Bubby, Fortress, The Abyss, Dream With Fishes, Inside the Goldmine, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Romper Stomper and a few others

Pam Grier day

It’s Pam Grier day. Today the actress and author turns 64. In the past I’ve dedicated the month to Pam Grier and watch her films. I will begin a marathon starting with The Arena and ending with my favorite film Coffy. Then I will watch the series The L Word. In the middle of that I’ll watch Black Mama, White Mama, The Big Doll House, Foxy Brown, The Big Bird Cage, Drum, Jackie Brown and Fort Apache The Bronx.
The Arena is a female version of the gladiator movies. Black Mama, White Mama is the female version of The Defiant Ones. The majority of the films showcase Pam’s bodily assets, but you can see her acting develop. Fort Apache the Bronx, although a small role was one of her more demanding roles. She wasn’t even considered for the part. She pulled a Dorothy Dandridge and Paul Newman liked what she saw and she was given the role. (Pulling a Dorothy Dandridge is a term I came up with for an actress that goes in for a role in character when she’s been told she isn’t right for the part and then she proves everyone wrong.) The only film of Miss Griers that I would like to add to my collection is Something Wicked This Way Comes. There are many other films that I have in my collection, but I’ll save them for another time. Strip Search, Love The Hard Way, Above the Law, Bucktown, Original Gangstas, Sheba Baby, Scream Blacula Scream, Feast of All Saints, Ghost of Mars and 3 A.M. & Bones which I watched a few weeks ago.

Thanks for stopping by, and do come back again. Remember to keep an open mind.

Last night I saw two plays at the Zachery Scott Topfer Theatre.
 Dream: A Midsummer Forest Tour, a modern update on the Shakespeare comedy A Midsummer Nights Dream. This is part of the Balcony Play series which is free to the public before the main performance. Its quite unique as I don’t recall ever seeing this sort of thing before in stage performances anywhere.
The play begins at 7 P.M. and runs about 25 minutes.

(This was one Sunday when they were rehearsing for the outdoor performance.)

The Cast includes: Rosalind Faires, Sam Gorena, Harrison Harvey, Katie Miles, Jon Peterson and Chrissy Shackelford. The play was directed by William Davis. It will run until Sunday, June 16, 2013.

Inside the Topfer theatre is Harvey. I’ve never seen a stage version of the story and I was only familiar with the film that starred Jimmy Stewart. I remember seeing it as a kid. Last year I bought a version of the film that stars Harry Anderson, but I have yet to watch it.

The crew at Zachery Scott has outdone themselves again with the set design. When I saw Ragtime I thought that was awesome, and then there was White Christmas which blew me away because I got to see them work on some of the sets in the parking lot. That was followed by 33 Variations and Mad Beat Hip and Gone, but Harvey has a unique set design that rotates and slides. It’s like watching a jigsaw puzzle right before our eyes.

When I saw Mad Beat Hip and Gone I thought the sets over shadowed some of the performances. Being an artist that is very visual if the actor on stage isn’t one to command my attention I’m looking at something else.

That was not the case with Harvey. The actors were incredible. There were two familiar faces in the cast. David R. Jarrott (DJ) who I had seen in Ragtime, is great as Judge Omar Gaffney. Jacob Trussell who recently appeared in MBH&G, plays Dr. Lyman Sanderson.

Martin Burke gives an incredible performance as Elwood P. Dowd. He commands the stage. This is an incredible piece of work and I look forward to seeing him in other performances. Lauren Lane is awesome as Veta, Elwood’s sister. She also has that presence that commands your full attention.

With these incredible performances and great set design are some colorful costumes. (Designed by Susan Branch Towne.) Everything was on point.
Dave Steakley has selected a great cast and directed another great play.

Another standout performance was Liz Beckman as the sexy nurse.

When awards roll around, Michelle Ney should definitely win something for her scenic designs.

Matthew Webb is in charge of lighting, Craig Brock is in charge of sound and Justin Cox is in charge of properties. These roles are just as important as they help set the tone.

A great job to everyone involved.

Harvey will make you laugh and it will make you think.

Harvey starts at 8 P.M. and will run until Sunday, June 16, 2013.

Thanks for stopping by and do become a follower while your here. Remember to keep an open mind.

Moonrise Kingdom

I am learning that just like you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, you should judge a film by its title. A friend gave me a copy of the film Moonrise Kingdom. I had remembered the title from the Oscars, but didn't know anything about the film. I thought it might be a serious film or perhaps a documentary. Usually I have to be in a certain mood to watch certain movies. Foreign films, documentaries and any thing over two hours, I reserve for Sunday afternoons. That way they have my full attention and I don't miss anything important.
Moonrise Kingdom is directed by Wes Anderson and stars, Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Frances McDormond, Bill Murray, Bob Balaban, Tilda Swinton and Harvey Keitel. I didn't know what to expect from this film, but it was quite a surprise. It was funny, sad and it made a statement. There are some amazing visuals which is a signature of Wes Anderson. The film is about young love, trying to fit in, abandonment, infidelity,mental illness, forster care and social services.

If you are a fan of any of the actors or the director, check out this film.

Movies in Brief

     I decided to watch a film that I hadn’t seen in a while. It was a Showtime film which starred Pam Grier. Those of you that know me can guess why this film is even in my collection. 3 A.M. is the story of a day in the life of a waitress and several cab drivers. Their personal demons as they try to work and avoid being killed by a serial killer. I’m making it sound better than it is. The film also stars Danny Glover and Michelle Rodriguez. There are appearances by film maker/producer Spike Lee and rapper turned actor, Treach. Bobby Cannavale, Pepa of Salt and Pepa fame and Walt Frasier as himself.
The film gives us a glimpse into the lives of a half dozen cab drivers of various backgrounds. We follow them on their journey of one night, until the shift ends at 3 A.M.
The film was written and directed by Lee Davis, don’t worry I hadn’t heard of him either. It was produced by Spike Lee and Sam Kitt.

I watched several animated films this week. I love animation and good animation really captures my attention. 8 Man After is a film put together from various episodes of the series. It’s like an animated version of Terminator and Robo Cop. It’s very graphic and dark at times. It’s funny how life imitates art. Remember the bionic man? Now people are slowly becoming cyborgs as they are able to walk, run, see and do things they wouldn’t have been able to do 30 years ago.
Even in animation the acting can be over the top, but its animation. LOL. The visuals are pretty good.
We follow an investigation into cyborgs being hooked on a drug that causes mass destruction.

The other animated film I watched was Tarzan and Jane. This is the sequel to Tarzan. I’ve come to the conclusion, when it comes to Disney sequels, they aren’t as good as the first film. I think they are just trying to cash in on the popularity of the first film. The story of Tarzan and Jane is about their first year Anniversary and Jane wants to throw a party, but she is reminded of how Tarzan dealt with other situations. It’s fun for the kids. No big name voices behind the characters and the animation is so so.

I also watched another animated film, Perfect Blue. Now this brings animation to a whole new level. This is a psychological thriller. A pop icon, Mima goes from being part of a trio singing group, Cham, to being an actress. That part of the story isn’t original and nor is the stalking, but it is original for animation. Perfect Blue is based on a graphic novel.
The film goes back and forth from reality to the film world that Mima has become a part of. Her management shows concern of her image, but Mima tries to be a team player as the duo Cham rises to the top of the pop charts. Art seems to imitate art as Mima is stalked and the people around her seem to turn up dead. Perfect Blue is very brutal and graphic. This is certainly not an animated film for kids.

Thanks for stopping by, and do come back again. Remember to keep an open mind.

Mad Beat Hip and Gone

Mad Beat Hip and Gone

[This is a view of the theater from S. Lamar and Riverside Dr.]

Mad Beat Hip and Gone - Last night I attended this performance at the Zachery Scott Theater. The play was written and Directed by Steven Dietz. It’s the story of two guys who stumble across Jack Kerouac and follow him because he was talking to a girl that one of the guys liked. It’s a story about searching. Not just for parts of a past, but for the future. Looking for adventure, anything that will make life more exciting. The writer creates characters that may or may not have been in the bar from the book On The Road.

Mad Beat Hip and Gone stars Jacob Trussell, Jon Cook, Erin Barlow, Babs George, Rick Roemer and Topaz McGarrigle. The set design really takes over as a character. The team at Zachery Scott has done some incredible work on the last three performances I’ve seen and this one is no exception. The cast is really good, but Jon Cook really stands out as Rich, Danny’s partner in crime.

The play centers on the idea “Nothing is true, but everything is real.” It’s a line from a letter Jack Kerouac wrote to a friend in 1949. The writer was trying to solve Nietzsche’s metaphysics, according to the Playwright’s notes.

Topaz McGarrigle plays the sax which ads to the dark side within the characters. I’m sure we can all relate to something someone has written. We all have our own personal adventures, even if they are only in our dreams.

Relive the beginning of the beatnik era or get introduced to a time when young guys and girls wanted to be hip. It was drugs, sex, poetry and jazz.

Mad Beat Hip and Gone runs at the Zachery Scott Theater until April 28, 2013.

[The Topfer at night]

Thanks for stopping by, and do come back again. Remember to keep an open mind.

Everyday People

I found this film for a dollar and it seemed like an interesting premise and one of the faces was familiar so I picked it up. It’s an interesting story on many levels. It deals with the perceptions we have of people without really getting to know them. For most of us we tend to judge someone by what we see and not what we know. If we see someone on the street begging for money, we immediately think they are homeless or have some sort of addiction. Sometimes the person begging on the street isn’t homeless, but they just can’t make ends meet. But if we just pass judgment and don’t bother to ask, then we’ll never know. Many of us don’t care to know. I too am guilty of that, but I made myself aware of this world that I knew nothing about. People get into a situation because they are afraid or don’t know how to ask for help. When you hear no often enough in your life you just don’t bother to ask your family or friends for help.

Everyday people brings people of various backgrounds together. There are people who work, but they aren’t doing it for the money. They are doing it because they enjoy it. I know it may sounds odd, but it is true. There aren’t many people who can say they have a job that they would do for free. I used to volunteer a lot and from time to time I try to help others, but I don’t volunteer like I used to. One of the reasons is that here in Austin, they don’t seem to supply parking so it makes it difficult unless of course you take public transportation.

We live in a world where we are divided on many levels. There is the racial divide and the economic divide. Sometimes we become a part of this without even knowing. One day we are a part of something and then before we know it we are a part of something else. Everyday is a challenge and if we don’t acquire the knowledge to deal with it, then we are doomed.

Everyday People has won several awards and was written and directed by Jim McKay for HBO films.

Thanks for stopping by, and do come back again. Remember to keep an open mind.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (For the Elderly and the Beautiful)

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel -

The film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is based on the book, “These Forbidden Things” I don’t like giving away parts of a film. I’m not totally fond of critics either. Anyone that gets a film done, my hat is off to them. We all know what we like and we have the right to our own opinion. We all see and relate to films in different ways. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel stars Tom Wilkinson as Graham who is looking to face his past and be at peace. Judi Dench is Evelyn who has to learn to be independent. Maggie Smith is Muriel who is great on film. She makes me laugh. Bill Nighy is Doulas, Penelope is Jean, Lucy Robinson is Judith, Celia Imrie is Madge and Dev Patel from Slumdog Millionaire fame is Sonny the manage of the hotel. There are many stories going on here that many people can relate to. It’s a film about people of a certain age and their interaction with the world around them. The world changes everyday and we can choose to change with it or get left behind. Of course there are some instances where we can’t make the change. Either we don’t have the finances or reluctant to educate ourselves. We now have to constantly learn things as the technological age is upon us with a vengeance.

We are also living in a world where younger people are taking control and the older people are living longer and have to continue to work as retirement doesn’t pay the bills. From my experience, each age class is looking for acceptance and love. So many people are starved for certain things that they are missing the opportunities to learn from each other. Human connection is very important.

The message from the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is that we have to accept ourselves before we can accept others. In the grand scheme of things, some people adapt better than others. The film is like the Breakfast Club for the retired set. We share in the lives of these people living at the Marigold Hotel in India. When people are taking out of their comfort zone they get to see themselves differently. People learn to do things they never thought possible. It doesn’t matter how old we are, if we are capable of doing something it can be done. Sometimes things don’t work out the way we expect so we have to think of happier times to get through. It’s what makes life so worthwhile.

“Everything will be alright in the end, it not, it’s not the end.” An Indian Proverb.

Thanks for stopping by, and do come back again. Remember to keep an open mind.

The Robe

The Robe, directed by Henry Koster and starrring Richard Burton as Marcellus Gallio, Jean Simmons as Diana, Victor Mature, as Demitrius, Michael Rennie as Peter and Jay Robinson as Caligula. I added this film to my collection last year for sentimental reasons. As with most films I shared the viewing experience with someone special. My mother’s mother and I used to watch this film every year when it came on television. There were several films I remember the family sitting down to watch together. The Robe, Spartacus, The Ten Commandments, Ben-Hur and The Wizard of Oz.

The Robe is the story of Marcellus Gallio, a tribune who wins the robe worn by Jesus in a dice game. Marcellus oversees the crucifixion of Jesus and is haunted by the powers of the robe when he tries to cover himself during a rain storm. Feeling that the robe is possessed, the search is on to find the robe and destroy it. Demitrius, the slave to Marcellus has the robe in his possession. Diana loves Marcellus and is risks everything to be with him. The film is about faith, belief and miracles.

The Robe was the first movie to be filmed in Cinemascope. It was nominated for five Academy Awards in 1953, including best picture and a Best Actor nomination for Richard Burton.

Coming up:  More movie reviews, Rubbing elbows with celebrities

Thanks for stopping by and do come back again.

An Unreal Dream: The Michael Morton Story

During SXSW I decided to take advantage of some of the festivities when I didn’t feel tired. I went to the free concert on Thursday to see the Flaming Lips and take some pictures. It was my first time attending anything that had to do with SXSW. For those of you not familiar with the initials it’s South by Southwest.

(The founder of SXSW who praised the director of how well the story was told.)

One of the films that I had the opportunity to see was An Unreal Dream: The Michael Morton Story. The first night the film played I was working and I had no idea it would play again. Friday night it played and I was able to get a seat after all of the ticket holders got in. I love documentaries and this was one of those stories that could happen to anyone. After the film I got another surprise, as the Director, Al Reinert came on stage and was joined by Michael Morton and his attorney. I pulled out my cameras and took some pictures and shot some video. We as individual go through things in our lives and we all have a different end result. Any type of traumatic experience effects us. We can’t imagine what we would do if we were convicted of a crime that we knew we didn’t commit and had to spend 25 years of our life behind bars. To lose the one you love and your only child in the process.

(This picture includes the director, Al Reinert, Michael Morton and his attorney.)

An Unreal Dream gives us some insight into the Texas prison system and what can happen when everyone doesn’t do their job. It also shows what happens when a person is persistent in what they believe the truth and having the right person to back you. With the help of the Innocence Project, Michael Morton was released in October of 2011 with evidence from DNA which proved he did not kill his wife. The Innocence Project is a non profit that helps those that are wrongfully convicted.

Michael Morton served 25 years for the murder of his wife. Currently Mark Norwood is on trial for the murder of Christine Morton and another woman. The trial had to be moved to San Angelo so that Mark Norwood could get a fair trial.

Starting over after 25 years can’t be easy, but some people do manage to take the experience that altered their life and turn it into a positive. It seems Michael Morton has done that. He is constantly telling his story which is the best therapy for any traumatic experience.
If you get a chance, I highly recommend this film. You may have read about the story or remember seeing it on the news, but this 92 minute documentary gives a little more insight as you’re hearing it from Michael Morton. What he was feeling and how he got through it all.

Coming up:  More movie reviews, Rubbing elbows with celebrities

SXSW

 It is now March Madness in Austin. One of the big events is South by Southwest. The event combines, music, film and technology. Working at the Zachery Scott Theater I found out we were hosting some of the film portion of the festival. I didn’t know what to expect, I just new my duties would include working with the VIPs.

The first night there were two big names that would be at the theater for a screening. Josh Duhamel was promoting his new film and he brought Fergie along. How the process works is nothing new to me, but it was still interesting to experience. I just wanted to make things as easy as possible. There was a plan in place, but when it comes to actors of any sort, things can change in a minute.

(Stars on the red carpet.)

My second night Simon Baker of The Mentalist was the big star. There are stars at various venues around town. Musicians, actors, film makers and comedians. I know Fred Armisen from Saturday Night Live is to do a taping of a local talk show, Overheard with Evan Smith.

An actor gives an interview on the red carpet.)

Today there were some stars that I was not familiar with. They were starring in a comedy. I just wanted some pictures to add to the blog. LOL.

(Stars reacting to an interviewer.)

Coming up:  More movie reviews, Rubbing elbows with celebrities

The Soul of the Game

I’m trying to watch films I’ve not seen in a long time. Since this is black history month I’m trying to watch the films in my collection that reflect this. Last week I watched the series Roots. I hadn’t seen it in a couple of years. It’s still a powerful mini series. It was a chance for black actors to shine.

Soul of the Game is about the negro leagues and the push to integrate the game of baseball. The film focuses on Josh Gibson and his bout with mental issues. Hershel walker trying to hold on to his celebrity status and hoping to be the first black to play for the Dodgers. And Jackie Robinson who was the choice because of his background. Jackie Robinson had dealt with racism in the military and was educated which made a bigger difference in him being selected.

The film stars Delroy Lindo, Blair Underwood, Salli Richardson and many of the best black actors around. If you’re looking for some great films with some of Hollywood’s great black actors check out the following. Introducing Dorothy Dandridge starring Halle Berry. Carmen starring Dorothy Dandridge. Get on the Bus starring Charles S. Dutton. Tuskegee Air Men starring Allen Payne. School Daze starring Laurence Fishburne. Lady Sings the Blues starring Diana Ross.

Some of the actors you may not have heard of, but the film and performances are worth watching. You may recognize other stars in the film and you learn a little something in the process.

Coming up:  More movie reviews, Rubbing elbows with celebrities