A Year With Frog and Toad

(The cast of the fun and vibrant musical A Year With Frog and Toad. BR - Chase Brewer, Nicholas Kier, FR - Kelley Elizabeth Henry, Josh Wechsler and Megan Richards Wright)

Perhaps at some point as a kid in school maybe I had heard of these characters like Peter Rabbit, but that was so long ago. This musical now playing at ZACH’s Kleberg Theatre deals with stories from the series of books.
The musical numbers are delightful and fun. The costumes are very colorful and interesting. Set design was awesome. Every production at ZACH whether on the big stage or the smaller intimate stages leaves you wanting more.

Although the performances are directed toward children, the grownups will certainly enjoy the show. It’s very entertaining.

The show is directed by Nat Miller, the music performed by Allen Robertson. The choreography is by Jennifer Mahlstead and The great scenic design is by Aaron Bell.
The innovative costumes are by Christina Montgomery and Props by Scott Groh.

The cast includes Chase Brewer as Toad, and Nicholas Kier as Frog.
The ensemble includes Josh Wexler, Kelly Petlin, Megan Richards Wright, Clint Harris and Kelley Elizabeth Henry.

This is the last week for Frog and Toad so check out ZACH.org for information on this performance and future performances. I highly recommend this one as a family outing.





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.)


Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com





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

Films 10-8-14 Movies

Normally October is the month that I watch horror films or scary movies. I’ve been on a retro kick lately and watching DVDs of televisions series from the late 70’s and 80’s. Currenly I am watching Dallas. I am now watching season 4. Now that I am older there are things that I am noticing that I never noticed before. One of the reasons I liked Dallas was that I was working for an oil company at the time so I understood what was going on. The reason I began watching Dallas was because of Victoria Principle. From the moment I saw her in Earthquake I was a fan.

Lucy Gallant (DDDD) - Jane Wyman, Charlton Heston, Thelma Ritter and an appearance by Edith Head as herself. It’s the story of a dress designer who didn’t make it in NYC so she arrives in a small town where oil is booming and she makes a killing selling her dresses and turning the local women into socialites. Charlton Heston is the owner of a ranch that falls in love with the woman, but doesn’t like the idea of her working. It’s the classic boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back, tale.
The costumes were designed by Edith Head who makes an appearance in the film as herself. The fashion sequence is classic.

Diamond Head  (DDDD)- Charlton Heston, I’m sure this had to be a controversial film at its time of release like Island in the Sun. Both films deal with race and class. Charlton Heston plays a tycoon in love with an islander, but doesn’t think it is right to marry her. When his sister falls in love with an islander and is about to be married a scandal arises and the fiance’ is killed accidentally or maybe not.


Patch Adams (DDDD) - Robin Williams In memoriam of Robin Williams I decided to watch this film. I was going to do a Robin Williams film fest, but I haven’t made the time. Of course I had recently watched several of his films including Good Morning Vietnam, and Moscow on the Hudson. In Patch Adams, Robin Williams wants to be a doctor that treats patients with humor, love and compassion. Breaking the rule of doctors not getting close to their patients. It’s quite an interesting film. I had it in my collection for some time, but I couldn’t remember watching it. I think perhaps someone gave it to me. Friends are always sending me their movies when they are getting rid of their collections.

Mrs. Evers Boys (DDDD)- Alfre Woodard, Laurance Fishburne, Craig Sheifer and Joe Morton, based on a true story, this film deals with studies of syphilis on black men in a small southern town. It became known as the Tuskgee Experiment which began back in 1932. In stead of telling the men the truth, they tell them the test is for something else as they experiment on not giving all of the men proper treatment. It’s a story of deceit, uncovering the truth and standing by decisions all started by the Government.

The Greatest Show On Earth  1954 (DDD)- Charlton Heston, Jimmy Stewart This is a story about Circus Life. When Ringling Barnum and Bailey Circus joined forces. I remember watching this film with my grandmother some time in the 60’s. There is a love story in the mist of all the pageantry, competition and criminal mischief.

River of No Return 1954 (DDDD) - Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe star in this Western about a saloon singer that meets up with a man searching for gold. I had not seen this film with Marilyn Monroe before.

The Turning Point 1977 (DDD) - I was around 16 when this film first came out. I wasn’t really into films about ballet. At least not paying to see that sort of film at the theatre. The film starred Shirley MacClain and Anne Bancroft as ballet dancers that chose different careers, but envy each other for their choices.





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.)


Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com





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

Jaston Williams

When most people hear the name Jaston Williams they immediately think of Greater Tuna. I of course will always remember the first performance that I saw, which was his role as Truman Capote in his one man show Tru. The only other performance I had ever seen was Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike until a few weeks ago when I saw Maid Marian in a Stolen Car.

 (Because Jaston is a comedic actor I thought it would be interesting to do something different. The door happened to be locked so I had to be somewhat creative.)

Working with the actors, to make sure they have a parking space, I get to know them a little. Toward the end of the run of Tru, I had a chance to talk to Jaston and he told me about a project he had been working on. It had been in the works for many years, but he was now able to pull it together as the performance it is today.

Now he is back at Zach’s Whisenhunt theatre with Main Marian in a Stolen Car for three final days. September 26, 27 and 28.

I found Maid Marian to be an homage to the theatre world which Jaston knows first hand. It’s a personal story which I am always in awe of any artist that is willing to bring their life into the open. Digging deep to be so personal whether its about loved ones, close friends or demons is what people like to hear about. Sometimes it helps the audience to connect with the artist and other times it just helps people to understand the artist is just like everyone else.

There are some heart felt moments and lots of funny moments that will truly make you laugh. You’ll also think about what you were doing in certain periods of your life. Some more than others depending on your age.

I’ve always thought a good actor really doesn’t need a lot of props to pull off a performance. Jaston proves my point. With three chairs, a bean bag and a few costume changes Jaston works the intimate area of the Whisenhunt stage perfectly.

From his beginnings as an actor in high school and all of his adventures along the way we get to relive his experiences.

Catch this show if you can, its really great entertainment. Check out zachtheatre.org for more information.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

http://dlonzo.OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

Weekday evening Theatre

Friday I had the pleasure of seeing Much Ado About Nothing performed on ZACH’s Kleberg stage. The performance was put on by the Pre Professional Company. A new batch of talented kids from Austin. The play was directed by Kate Shaw-Nappi. The kids do an incredible job with Shakespeare’s play of love, jealousy, lies and betrayal. The setting is a prep school during the 1940’s as World War II has just ended. The play is funny, colorful and the cast is delightful.

I wish these performances ran longer. Much Ado About nothing gives its final performance tonight at 7 PM.

 Ryan Mills plays Claudio, Leonela Hernandez as Leonata, Patrick Bell as Borachio, Ivan Acosta as Don John, Hollis McNutt as Don Pedro, Tyra Williams as Margaret, Conrad Rippy as Benedick, Miles Vander Vennet as Verges, Julia Patterson as Beatrice, Kyla Barnett as Antonia and Cecile McWilliams at her daughter. All of the kids are really wonderful in this production.

 Next week it’s Suessical The Musical Jr. Friday  August 8 and Saturday August 9, 2014 at 2 PM and 7 PM.

25th Annual Putnam County SPELLING BEE will be performed Friday August 15 and Saturday August 16, 2014 at 2 PM and 7 PM.

Channel Surfing

 (An original laser disc from one of my favorite Stanley Kubrick films. A Clockwork Orange.The first discs were in a hard shell with a vinyl record with audio and video content.)

 Since I don’t have cable and have no intention of getting it, when I watch regular television I channel surf during the commercials. This way I can keep up with all of the programs. Then if someone is talking about something I at least know what it is.
Last Sunday, since non of my regular shows are back, I found myself watching Miley Cyrus. I am certainly not a fan, but you sometimes want to see what all the fuss is about.
When the show opened all I could think about was Madonna.

From a distance Miley Cyrus looks like Madonna. Then she began doing similar moves, grabbing her crotch and wearing skimpy clothing. Although most of her fan base may not know anything about furby’s Miley is now introducing it to the world. There are people that love dressing up like animals and act like animals. It made for a very entertaining show and the music isn’t that bad. I enjoyed the little person and the big woman which I’m guessing it was a woman.

Miley is trying not to put labels on people which some people may have an issue with. Miley had a segment in the show where she encouraged people to kiss, but there was a lot of same sex kissing going on. Other than that I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the show.

TV on DVD
 The last few weeks I began watching Oz, one of my favorite cable series. I discovered Oz while at the home of a family member. I didn’t have cable and since they were watching… I then got hooked on the series from just one episode. When it finally came out on DVD I began collecting each season. Now I can watch them whenever the mood hits. I’ve seen the series several times now. Whenever regular television gets boring I can just pop in a series that I liked.

Months ago I went back down memory lane with the original Beverly Hills 90210 series. I have the first 3 seasons. I liked it a lot. It was silly at times, but they did capture high school life and dealt with some serious subjects. There are many subjects that are not easy to capture and make realistic each week. High school happens to be one of them. The modeling and film industry are also difficult to carry for a long period of time. Sometimes it doesn’t even work in a movie.

Following the Soprano’s I’d have to say The L Word is my third all time favorite cable show. Keep in mind, I didn’t have cable so I was only introduced to these shows by my friends. Of course I stumbled across the L Word at a Hollywood Video store. It was the first season and I saw Pam Grier’s name on the case. The only problem was that it was only the first few episodes of the first season. Then the search began to find the other discs to at least complete the first season. As a new season of any series becomes available, I would go back and start from the beginning. Soon I will begin watching the L Word which I’ve seen many times. I do like waiting long periods of time so that when I go back to watch a series or film. I will see things I didn’t remember or hadn’t seen before. Sometimes I’ll even see it from a different perspective.

Dallas was one of the first series that I would watch when it first came on. It was new, it was fresh and I was working for an Oil company so some of the business dialogue was realistic. Like most shows, its because of a celebrity that I start watching. Although I remembered Larry Hagman from the series I Dream of Jeannie. It was Victoria Principle that I was fascinated with. The only other thing I had seen her in was the disaster film Earthquake. After around the 4th or 5th season I didn’t watch it as often. There were so many other shows I used to watch that I have added at least one season to my collection. It just depends on how cheap I can get them. I am hoping to get the 3rd season of Dallas, that was the season in which JR was shot. Dynasty and Knots Landing have been added. I was thinking about at least one season of Falcon Crest and Melrose Place which was a spin off of Beverly Hills 90210. Some times one season is cheaper than another depending on the popularity and how many episodes that were shot. That allows me to buy the seasons out of sequence, but I won’t watch until I get the seasons prior.

I am a big fan of Criminal Minds and I’ve been trying to get most of the seasons. When I would go to NOLA, my sister and my aunt both had cable and Ion network would run back to back episode of Criminal Minds and Law and Order SVU. So I’d spend 4 hours emersed into the shows. Now that I’m watching my pennies I can’t buy anything that is over $20.00. Law and Order SVU is also one of my favs.

As I make the transition to save more money. This may be my last blog entry for a while. Become a follower or just check back from time to time to see if there have been any new entries. Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind.



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.)


Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

Remembering SIFF Brendan Fraser 1998

I was looking at a journal entry and it recalled my thoughts on meeting Brendan Fraser in 1998.  I had written that I wasn’t sure when I started to like Brendan Fraser as an actor. Maybe it wasn’t until I met him at a party in Seattle. I know some of the films I never would have gone to see in the theater. Airheads just didn’t seem like my type of film or Encino Man. I definitely was not a fan of Pauly Shore. I wanted to see With Honors, but it came and went quickly in NOLA. So, what was my first Brendan Fraser film? It was George of the Jungle, can you believe that? It’s crazy I know. Then I began what I call a film trail. To see the other films he had done.

I always try to get as much information from people as I can. I don’t allow myself to be intimidated by celebrities. They are just like everyone else, but you do have to be careful in your approach. Brendan and I talked for quite some time and stayed in touch for a few months. I respect him for his honesty and its possibly that has hurt him in Hollywood. With Honors is the film that put him on the map. His height and striking features. He lights up a room. The energy that surrounds him draws you in, yet he is very soft spoken. He is the second actor I’ve met that is big in stature, but seems so gentle. The first was Rutger Hauer. It took me by surprise, not what I expected at all.

When I met Brendan he was promoting a film called Still Breathing. It was a love story. The idea was to have this film come out on he heels of George of the Jungle, hoping people would want to see him. Of course that didn’t happen and the film didn’t play in NOLA at all. It turned up on video about 6 months later. Someone knew I had met Brenden so they gave me a special copy of Encino Man. It was one of those viewing copies with the tracking numbers.

I then added Twilight of the Golds and Mrs. Winterborne to my collection. In my opinion, his best performance is not The Mummy or Dudley Do Right, but his performance as the gardener in Gods and Monsters. Brendan should have been nominated for an Oscar for his performance. He was the only actor not nominated.

The story is about James Whale the openly gay director of such films as Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. Although he did other films, he’ll be remember most for those two. Ian McKellan and Lynn Redgrave both gave worthy Oscar nominated performances. Brendan’s features obviously got him the role as he resembled Frankenstein.
The film flows very well and makes you think. It’s a film about the choices we make in life. How curiosity can get the best of us and the things we will do to help out a person we care about.

Brendan has done many films since, but not every actor gets another chance to play such a great character.



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.)


Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

Happy 40th SIFF Part Seven

(Guests at one of the parties I attended during SIFF)

Life. Flashed Before Your Eyes. May 13 - June 6.

This was the 25th anniversary of SIFF. Paul Schell was now the Mayor of Seattle. I appeared in the Fool Serious Guide To Familiar Faces.

(Films for the festival had been expanded to the Pacific Place Cinema)

The program was bigger, but the pages had a matt finish. Some of the films that I saw were: The Red Violin (DDDD) Canada, Italy, UK and Austria. Run Lola Run (DDDDD) Germany, Get Bruce a documentary on Bruce Valance (DDDD), Creature one of my all time favorite documentaries. About a guy who gets a sex change and goes home to see his family (DDDDD) It’s a touching story. Beefcake (DDDD), Better Than Chocolate (DDD), The Adventures of Sebastian Cole (DDD), Desert Blue (DDDD) including the next batch of rising stars Kate Hudson, Christina Ricci, Sara Gilbert and Casey Affleck. It‘s a story of young kids in a small town with nothing to do. Freak Talks About Sex (DDDD), The Loss of Sexual Innocence (D), Saturn (DDDDD) I really enjoyed this film which starred Scott Caan. I could really relate to it. The Secret Life of Girls (DDDD) I had photographed and met Linda Hamilton and Majandra Delfino stars of the film, but unfortunately none of the pictures came out. It does happen from time to time. Twin Falls Idaho (DDDD), Following (DDD)Great Britain, Get Real (DDDD) Great Britain, Besieged (DDDD) Italy, Of Freaks and Men (DDD) Russia,

(Actor Douglas Spain on the boat. You may recognize Douglas Spain from But I'm a Cheerleader and Star Maps.)

There was a party on a boat and there I met several people in the film industry as we cruised around Lake Washington. From the Mayor’s Film and Video office we received a complimentary journal. Donna James was the director at the time.

(Sean and Robin were leaving the Egyptian theater when I took this picture. There is a story that goes behind my meeting with the couple.)

SIFF allowed me many networking opportunities. I met a lot of interesting people and I created some lasting friendships.

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.)


Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com



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

Happy 40th SIFF Part Six

May 21 - June 14, 1998 “Do You Like To Watch?”

(My best friend at the time was a big Star Wars fan, in fact I never would have seen any of the films if it hadn't of been for him. Yoda had his own space on a shelf.)

Paul Schell was now the new Mayor. Some of the films that I saw included This Is My Father (DDD) which was the opening night film. The Brandon Teena Story (DDDD), Kiki’s Delivery Service (DDD), The Governess (DDDD), Carried Away (DDDD), Melting Pot (DDDD), Uncut (DD) Canada, Lawn Dogs (DD) Great Britain, Metro land (DDD) Great Britain/France, Wilde (DDDDD) Great Britain, Manly Love (D) Spain, Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss (DDD), Burn (DDDDD), Dead Man’s Curve released as The Curve (DDDD), God Said Ha (DDD), God’s And Monsters (DDDDD), Henry Fool (DDD), High Art (DDDD), Homo Heights (DD), The Last Days of Disco (DDD), Mr’ P’s Dancing Sushi Bar (DD) USA/Vietnam, The Opposite of Sex (DDDD), Relax It’s Just Sex (DDD)

(This is me playing around. I think I used this image in Four One One.)

A few of the films I’ve never seen make it to VHS or DVD so the rating of the film may have changed on the foreign films if I had been able to watch them again.
I believe this was the year that I met Brendan Fraser, Thomas Jane and several Canadian film makers.

(Brendan Fraser at one of the film parties. He was promoting the film Gods and Monsters.)

There are many places in Seattle that I had made a point to visit in between films and parties. The Gravity Bar,Pioneer Square, The Broadway Market, Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum and Volunteer Park.

Seattle was becoming like a second home and during SIFF, I felt like a celebrity. I had a driver at my disposal and was able to attend some of the private functions. I had even been included in The Fool Serious Guide To Familiar Faces. That was quite an honor. The people I met while attending SIFF were just so nice and some of us are still friends today.



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.)


Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com


The Seattle International Film Festival will celebrate it’s 40th year in May of 2014. I’ll review some of my favorite films. And talk about my experiences from 1993 - 1999. Continuing with part seven by the end of the week.

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

The Tony Awards

When I remember I like to watch the Tony Awards so that I can see what plays I'd like to see. Watching the Tony's reminds me of trips to New York. When I was younger I always wanted to see Pippin' with Ben Vareen, but that never happened. When I was in high school I always thought about winning a Tony, then that switched to an Oscar, but I went another route, but the dream always remains with me. Although some people make think its too late to see those dreams come true, I don't believe that. You may not be right for a certain role, but there are other ways to still meet those goals. One can write, produce, design costumes or be a set designer.

Last nights show was quite entertaining. The Oscars should take note. Hugh Jackman was good as this years host. There were some great performances by Patti Labelle who still looks good at 70 years old. There were performances from plays I hadn't even heard of. Aladdin, Bullets Over Broadway, Hedwig and the angry inch and Beautiful.  James Monroe Inglehart sang his heart out and won his first Tony. I kept thinking how much he reminded me of Ted Ross who starred in many stage plays and movies including Mistral Man and The Wiz. Sophie Okonedo, and Kenny Leon won their first Tony's for the revival of A Raisin In The Sun written by Lorraine Hansbury. It also won for best revival. Audra McDonald won her sixth Tony, for her performance as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, she is the first actress to win six. Her speech was very touching. Bryan Cranston won for All The Way and Neil Patrick Harris won for Hedwig and the angry inch. I never saw the film, but I may have to look for it and check it out. Alan Cummings performed a scene from the revival of Cabaret.

While I was watching the award show I kept thinking which performances I'd love to see ZACH theatre take on. Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Hedwig and the angry inch, Beautiful and Aladdin would make a great family show.

I see the Tony's as a great night for the men to be fashionable. Unlike the Oscars where everyone is in a basic black Tuxedo. Alan Cummings chose a black and white design which looks as if it could have come directly off the runways of fashion week. There were suits and even some with sharkskin.
Going to the theatre has always been about elegance and last night it showed.
Jennifer Hudson sang a song from the upcoming musical Neverland.

There are a lot of stage actors that have appeared on television for a short period of time and you wonder where they are. It was good to see Anika Noni Rose who is currently starring in the revival of A Raisin In The Sun. I don't recall ever seeing a stage production. I recently saw the film which I had not seen since I was really young. I do have a copy of the play that I picked up.

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

Happy 40th SIFF Part Five

May 15 - June 8, 1997 “Everything You Are About To See Is True”

(This was the cover of the program. Below is my interpretation of this cover because I thought it was interesting.)

Gary Locke was Governor and Norman B. Rice was still Mayor. There were a few celebrities I was meeting for the first time and some I had met before. I was also making new friends, but at the time I had no idea how long the friendships would last.

(This was one of my favorite films from 1995, based upon this article in the New York Post.)

Some of the movies that I saw were, East Side Story, License to Kill, I met Tara Fitzpatrick, who directed, produced and wrote, Scratch The Surface (DDDD) a documentary on the modeling industry.
Sick: the life & death of Bob Flanegan Super masochist (DDD) This film is everything the title implies. If you were every curious about sadomasochism this is the film to watch. Be warned it isn’t for the weak. Shall We Dance? (DDDD) Japan, this is the original not the remake with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere. Lillies (DDD) Canada, Different for Girls (DDD) Great Britain, The Full Monty (DDDD) Great Britain, The Pillow Book (DDDDD) Great Britain, this has become my all time favorite Peter Greenaway film. This is the epitome of the art of film making. Dogs are Colorblind (DDD) Israel, Black Circle Boys (D)

 Breaking Up (D) this would be the second time that I would meet Russell Crowe and Salma Hayek. I would also witness Dan Ireland making a deal wit Salma Hayek to star in a film.

Defying Gravity (DDDD), Dream With The Fishes (DDD) I met David Arquette.

 A Gun, A Car, A Blonde (DD), In The Company of Men (DDDD), The Myth of Finger Prints (DDD), Somewhere in the City (D) I believe this is the year I met Sandra Bernhard.

Star Maps (DDDD), Still Breathing (DDD) I met Brendan Fraser, Twisted (DDD), The Watermelon Woman (DDDD). Twin Town (DDD) Wales



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.)


Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com


The Seattle International Film Festival will celebrate it’s 40th year in May of 2014. I’ll review some of my favorite films. And talk about my experiences from 1993 - 1999. Continuing with part six next week.

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

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

I try to see the performances at ZACH as early as possible so if someone asks if I've seen the show I can be truthful. I wasn't really expecting anything, but to see a good show. I had seen two of the performers, Jaston Williams and Beth Broderick in previous performances at ZACH.

Once again, the set design team out did themselves. The stage had a lot of depth as a three story home was in front of us. We see the long foyer, living room and the stairs leading upstairs.

Immediately the audience is laughing as Jaston (Vanya) sits in a night shirt drinking coffee, then enters Lauren Lane (Sonia) and its a hilarious roller coaster ride. I must say Lauren steals the show and her performance just continues to escalate as she is the adopted child who feels invisible. When she is invited to a costume party she then embodies Maggie Smith as the witch who is nominated for an oscar... you had to be there. LOL


If you are in need of a good laugh, this is the performance. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike runs until June 22, 2014. I may have to try to see it again if I can. The play revolves around Chekhov characters and plays.

There's a little something for everyone with Michael Glavan playing Spike who spends a lot of time in his underwear and gyrating on stage. Carla Nickerson as Cassandra, has some great moments that garner applause from the audience. Cassandra is the house keeper that is part psychic and part voodoo practioner. Morgan Macinnes plays Nina, the young neighbor who Masha finds as a threat. Masha is the successful, somewhat selfish sibling that has to deal with becoming an aging actress and wanting to be the center of attention.

I was not expecting to get a message from the play, but things happen that way. As the family on the stage thinks about family and holding on to a family home it made me think about my own situation. It's a great show which I highly recommend.

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

Happy 40th SIFF Part Four

May 16 - June 9,1996 - Life Divided by 24


I never really got that theme, but that is the beauty of art, not everyone gets it. I met Emilio Estevez that year.

The films that I saw included, The Umbrella’s Under The Cherbourg (DDDD) France, Man of the Year, The Confessional (DDD) Canada, Great Britain and France, Intimate Relations Great Britain, Canada, I met Director Philip Goodhew, Stonewall (DDDD), Transpotting (DDDDD), Next Year We’ll Go To Bed by Ten (DDDD) Italy, Drunks, Girls Town (DDDD) I met director Jim McKay, I shot Andy Warhol (DDDD), Phenomenom (DDD), The Trigger Effect (DDDD), Welcome to the Doll House

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.)


Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com


The Seattle International Film Festival will celebrate it’s 40th year in May of 2014. I’ll review some of my favorite films. And talk about my experiences from 1993 - 1999. Continuing with part five next week.

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

Happy 40th SIFF Part Three

1995- “The World Exposed” May 18 - June 11

(As I mentioned in the last entry I would cover what happened that I never wrote a script or submitted a film to SIFF. My friend and I had thought about doing a behind the scenes piece on one of my photo shoots. Towards the end of the year,  1994, my friend had an accident and he lost his eye sight.)

(This sculpture stands outside of (S.A.M.) Seattle Art Museum, it's called The Hammering Man)

I had become a Goodwill member of SIFF.

When I returned to Seattle I would be driving for the first time. Until I got my bearings it was like the blind leading the blind, literally. You know what its like to visit a place and someone else is driving so you just sit back and you don’t pay that much attention as to where you are going. That’s what happened on my previous visits, but then it all came back to me and it was like being home again. Seattle was feeling like a home away from home.

I was learning a lot about myself. Expressing myself through my photography and opening myself up to new experiences. There was more social activity this year so I didn't see as many films.

Brave heart (DDDD) was the opening night film and Cold Comfort Farm(DDD) was the closing night film. Half Spirit- Voice of the Spider(DD), Afrique Mon Afrique (DDD) Burkina Faso, A Busniess Affair Great Britain/France, Heaven’s A Drag Great Britain, The Postman Italy, 1-900 The Netherlands, Bleeding Hearts, Crumb, Denise Calls Up, The Doom Generation (DDDD), another film by Greg Araki. (This film would change the way I saw his films. This one was much better than the other film. Perhaps it was its over the top scenes of violence and sex. It was part porn, part art. Mr. Araki was also introducing the world to a lot of young talent.) Headless Body In A Topless Bar (DDDD),Joe's Rotten World, Live Nude Girls (DD), Living In Oblivion (DDD), Lotto Land (DDDD), The Low Life (DDD) It was actually for the screening of this film that I met Rory Cochrane., Party Girl (DDDD), Picture Bride (DDDD), Swimming with Sharks (DDD), Unzipped (DDDDD), The Usual Suspects (DDD), The Year of My Japanese Cousin (DDDD),




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.)


Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com


The Seattle International Film Festival will celebrate it’s 40th year in May of 2014. I’ll review some of my favorite films. And talk about my experiences from 1993 - 1999. Continuing with part four next week.

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

Film Lover For Pam Grier

 (from Pam Griers early days)

It's Pam Grier day. Today the black goddess turns 65. It all began when I was 11 years old and I saw my first Pam Grier film, Coffy. From that point on there was something that connected me to her. I've followed her career as much as possible, but I've never had the opportunity to meet her. I've tried many times, but it just wasn't meant to be.

(One of my many films posters from the actresses career)

I usually watch some of her films on this day, but since I recently watched most of her films I think I'll do an L word marathon. I've not watched the series in a couple of years. Although I don't have every single film she's ever done, (there are a few I just haven't run across, I do have a substantial collection of her work.) Perhaps I'll take some time out to watch Something Wicked This Way Comes. Pam Grier was the first black actress to have a lead role in a Disney film.

(From Scream Blacula Scream)

Pam Grier has appeared in over 100 films, Jaw Breakers, Class of 1999, Mars Attacks, Ghost of Mars, Twilight People, The Big Doll House, The Big Bird Cage, Bucktown, Sheba Baby, Friday Foster and Foxy Brown just to name a few.

Wherever she is I hope she has a blessed birthday and gets to enjoy many more. Raising a glass to Miss Grier on her special day.

Here's a list of some of my favorite Pam Grier films - Coffy, Fort Apache The Bronx, Black Mama White Mama, The Arena, and Scream Blacula Scream.

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

Happy 40th SIFF Part Two

1994- “See What The World Is Coming To…” May 20 - June 12

(In Seattle my creative side really came out.)

The previous year I met some friends that had a condo down on First St. and they extended an invitation, but since I had the hotel and the place in Tacoma I didn’t take them up on the offer, but I did this time. I liked being in walking distance to Pikes Place Market, Pioneer Square and the theaters. Walking helps me get to know a place.

(The Space Needle)

Behind the list of films that I saw, if you see a Director or Producers name it means I met them.

(Director and Producer of the film Bad Boy Bubby)

That was the year I met Julia Sweeney and I sat down with Director/Producer Rolf De Heer and actor Nick Hope from the film Bad Boy Bubby (DDDD) which is now a cult classic.

(Movie poster from the film Bad Boy Bubby)

This was also the beginning of the wheels turning for me to go to Australia. I had seen a lot of films that were made there and met many actors and individuals from Australia that I felt comfortable going there. (I don’t travel to places without knowing people there just in case something happens.)

(Actor Nicholas Hope star of the film Bad Boy Bubby)

I met Stephan Elliot, writer and director of the film Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (DDDD). This was also the year that I met Thomas Gibson, but once again I didn’t know who he was and I didn’t take a picture.

(A poster from the poster auction representing the film, Love and Human Remains)

Thomas Gibson was the star of the film Love and Human Remains (DDDDD), which is one of my all time favorites. I Met Alan Jacobs, the director of the film Nina Takes A Lover (DDD) he was quite surprised that I wanted his autograph.

I photographed Mimi Rogers that year, who was promoting the film Reflections of a Crime which was originally going to be called Free Regina. The story behind me meeting Miss Rogers was that a friend of mine was working as a freelance writer for one of the local publications. To get me and another friend in, she decided she’d need a photographer. We were all to interview Mimi Rogers, but I wasn’t really a big fan and since we were not allowed to talk about Tom Cruise and other personal matters I thought it was best that I not ask any questions during the interview. The photos I took were very relaxed. She was very nice and very beautiful. After the interview we got to talk and she shared information with me about her new production company. I had plans to write a script, but things changed and it never saw the light of day. (You’ll find out why in the next installment.)

Another funny thing that happened that year was when I met Josh Evans. He was the director and actor of the film Inside The Gold Mine. Josh Evans is the son of Actor Robert Evans. While we were talking we had asked if he had done any other films. He happened to be in one of my favorite films, Ricochet which starred Denzel Washington and John Litgow. When he told me he was one of the leads, I was dumb founded. I had seen this movie many times and I didn’t remember him. I don’t know if it was as bad for him as it was for me. (When I returned home I watched the film and sure enough he was one of the lead characters, but I didn’t remember him. At that time the character didn’t stand out. Now that I’ve met him, there is no way that I’ll ever forget that he was in the film.)
Another interesting story was another young director. I had never heard of him before and so I really didn’t have any interest in photographing him or getting his autograph. He was a young Asian director and writer by the name of Greg Araki. He was promoting his film Totally F**cked Up. I was not impressed with the film and I’ve never seen it available on DVD. (I’d probably add it to the collection just because.) As you’ll find out I did become a big fan of Araki’s later films. I decided that I would become a Goodwill member and show my support. After all, SIFF was creating opportunities for me, why shouldn’t I help out.

A Man in Uniform, Tango, Just Like A Woman (Great Britain), The Young Americans, Up, Down and Sideways (Greece), Stefano (Italy), Sex, Drugs & Democracy Director Johnathan Blank, Producer Barclay Powers (The Netherlands) Golden Balls (Spain), How To Be Miserable and Enjoy It (Spain), Kika (Spain), The Journal De Lady M (Switzerland), East, Drink, Man, Woman, The Beans of Egypt Maine - I met Director Jennifer Warner and actor Rutger Hauer. Ever since Blade Runner I was a fan of his, but I was not expecting him to be so soft spoken and he wasn’t very tall.
Blessing, Clerks, Erotique (Shorts) - Let’s Talk About Sex, Taboo Parlor, Wonton Soup.
Freedom on my Mind I met the Director Connie Fields and Producer Marilyn Mulford.
Love and a .45, and Sleep With Me.




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.)


Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com


The Seattle International Film Festival will celebrate it’s 40th year in May of 2014. I’ll review some of my favorite films. And talk about my experiences from 1993 - 1999. Continuing with part three next week.

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

Molly Ringwald and More

 Saturday April 26, 2014 I got to see Molly Ringwald perform at the Zachery Scott Theatre. Molly is now singing Jazz, something she did when she was a kid with her father. Her first CD Except Sometimes includes many songs from the American Song Book. Molly performed standards by Billie Holiday, Fats Waller and other jazz greats. It was a good show in the intimate Kleberg stage.

While watching Molly perform I noticed she was wearing high heeled shoes. Higher than she normally wore in her films. She mentioned she had purchased those shoes in Austin, Texas a year ago. I then noticed how tall she is. Most of her male co stars are not that tall so that was the reason for her shoes having a one inch heel as opposed to two or three inches.
I don’t know if it was Molly’s choice or it just happened that way, but in every film her style was artsy. Totally out of the box. Check out the films below and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Strike It Rich  (DDD) - Stars Molly Ringwald and Robert Lindsay, as a newly married couple who suddenly becomes rich. The husband, a mathematician comes up with a plan to beat the roulette wheel. Soon the couple has even more problems than they had before.

Fresh Horses (DDD) - This was Molly Ringwald’s first grown up role after deciding she wouldn’t do another John Hughes film. I believe Some Kind of Wonderful would have been the follow up to The Breakfast Club or was it Pretty in Pink? Molly Stars opposite Andrew McCarthy her co star in Pretty in Pink. She’s a young girl with a past. The film also stars Patti D Arbanville, Ben Stiller and Viggo Martenson.

For Keeps (DDD) - The film stars Molly Ringwald, Sharon Brown and Molly Ringwald plays a high school senior who becomes pregnant and has to make a big decision as whether to keep the baby or not. The pressure is on from her parents and her boyfriend which doesn’t make things easy.

Betsy’s Wedding (DDD)- Molly Ringwald wants a non traditional wedding that won’t offend either side of the family. A comical look at a father trying to please everyone for the wedding of his youngest daughter. An all star cast including Alan Alda, Madeline Kahn, Ally Sheedy and many more.

Malicious (DD) - A young fatal attraction. Molly Ringwald plays a disturbed young woman that becomes obsessed with a young college baseball player.  Patrick McGaw makes a mistake by sleeping with the young woman and can’t seem to get rid of her. She just won’t take no for an answer and does everything to make his life a living hell.

Requiem for Murder (DD)- In this dark interesting film, Molly Ringwald plays a radio DJ with a night time show that plays classical music. A fan seems to be obsessed with her and kills during her show those that appear to be rivals.

Starman (DDD) - Starring Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen I had seen this film when it first came out. I just spent my time watching movies once I got over the fear of going to the movies alone. There were many films I wanted to see, but I couldn’t get anyone to go to the movies with me.
Jeff Bridges is an alien that takes on the features of Karen Allen’s late husband. It has some funny moments, but it is an interesting premise. It made me think of that new series Believe, where individuals return home.

Stormy Weather - Starring Lena Horn, Bill Robinson, Cab Calloway, Fat Waller, The Nicholas Brothers A very entertaining and surreal film. It’s in black and white and I often wonder what it would look like if it were in color. Lena Horn sings the classic title song among others and the Nicholas Brothers give their incredible classic tap dancing routine.


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.

Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com


The Seattle International Film Festival will celebrate it’s 40th year in May of 2014. I’ll review some of my favorite films. And talk about my experiences from 1993 - 1999. Continuing with part two later in the week.

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

SIFF 40th Anniversary Part One

 (The Egyptian Theatre)

Until 1992 the only film festival I had ever heard of was Canes. Now almost every major city has a film festival.

(Pass holders wait to be let into the theatre)

Like many of you I had never heard of the Seattle International Film Festival, that is until I got a call from my best friend at the time who had moved to Seattle. After he graduated from High School we lost touch. One day out of the blue I got a phone call and we caught up.

(Actor Rory Cochran from the film Dazed and Confused. You may also recognize him from CSI: Miami)

It had always been a dream of mine to make a film. It started out with an 8mm camera I got when I was in elementary school and then I got a VHS video camera. I read books and taught myself how to edit. I took classes and joined groups. I even worked on a few projects, but funding was lost and they never saw the light of day. In 2004 I began shooting digital video.

(See How People Act -This is the program from 1992. I love this cover and was able to get the poster for that one as well.)

When my friend told me about the festival and all of the people he was meeting, I began to think about that dream. We had talked about making a film together. I would write and direct and my friend would be the cinematographer. When he told me about all of the people he was meeting I asked if he had been making contacts, getting numbers, opening doors, but that wasn't his forte. I was always the business person. Raising funds or getting whatever was needed for a project. I knew then that I had to go to Seattle.
I waited for an invite, but I made up my mind whether I got an invite or not I was going to Seattle to attend SIFF. Like most things in my life it all fell into place and my friend invited me to visit. I got a hotel room in Pioneer Square which put me in the heart of everything. We stayed downtown when there were films we wanted to see and when we had a break we stayed in Tacoma.

(Isn't this a great work of art? the 19th year of SIFF)

I've seen hundreds of movies at SIFF. Some really good, some unusual, but all very interesting. I applaud anyone that gets a film made because its not an easy thing to do. Even getting it into a festival isn't that easy.
(I used to be on the screening committee for the New Orleans Film Festival, Cinema 16.)
In 1993 when I first attended SIFF, Daryl MacDonald was the festival director. Everyone made me feel so welcomed. I did have to get used to the weather. It rained, but not what I was used to. It rained constantly like a mist. I was on vacation and I was not going to let this ruin my trip. I bought a nice backpack and a small umbrella and made the best of it. I saw as many movies as I could, but I had to take time out to eat. I could not live off of Starbucks alone like most of the film goers. I was not familiar with Starbucks and I wasn't a coffee drinker. There was a store on almost every corner and a kiosk in front. The program cover was awesome so I picked up a few copies as a keep sake. Mike Lowry was Governor and Norman B. Rice was Mayor. I used one to make notes and another to get autographs. I wasn't sure if I'd meet anyone, but I wanted to be prepared if I did. I also bought the poster which I framed and have hanging on my wall.

(Seattle brought out my creative side)

I will list the films that I saw for each year and whether or not I met someone from the film. I will list its country and a rating if the film is part of my collection, but some films I don't remember them entirely.
You can check out the titles to see if the films are available. There are a few foreign films. There are many films that I am only discovering have made it to DVD, but at the time most of them didn't have any distribution.

As a part of SIFF I got to see films that most people would never see. I got to see how movie deals are made. I got the opportunity to photograph and interview people in the industry and make a few contacts.
In 1993 the festival ran from May 14 - June 6.
There was an Australian actor that appeared in two films, Hammers on the Anvil and Romper Stomper. Hammers on the Anvil was a love story that starred Charlotte Rampling. Romper Stomper was a disturbing film for me as it dealt with racism. The skin heads against the chinese. At that time the unknown Russell Crowe starred and one best actor for both films at the Golden Space Needle Awards. Virtuosity hadn't been released in the U.S. at that point. Since I didn't know who he was I didn't photograph him.
There was a tribute to John Schlesinger and I learned about the secret festival. One is sworn to secrecy about the films that they see at the secret fest.
Sometimes the audiences change the way a film is marketed. Even the titles get changed when a film is released. Sometimes you get to see a film before it is completed, a work in progress. A short film that becomes a feature.
Movies - Much Ado About Nothing (DDD), King of the Hill (D), Midnight Cowboy (DDDD), Sunday Bloody Sunday(DDD), Menace II Society (DDDDD), Romper Stomper- Australia (DDDD), Hammers on the Anvil- Australia (DDDDD), Man Bites Dog -Belgium (DDDD), Heart Strings - China (DD), Un Coeur En Hiver - France, Kitchen and Other Rooms - France (DDD), Les Visiteurs- France (DDDD), Orlando GB, Netherlands, Italy, France (DDDDD), Al Lupo Al Lupo- Italy, For A Lost Soldier(This film was disturbing for me at first, but I really liked it) Netherlands (DDDDD),  Crush- New Zealand, Jamon Jamon Spain (DDDD), House of Angels -Sweden (DDDD), The Wedding Banquet- Taiwan (DDDD), The Abyss Special Edition (I had never seen this film before and to see it on the big screen with footage never seen before was quite the treat) (DDDD), Acting on Impulse (DDDD), An Ambush of Ghosts, Bound by Honor which became Blood In Blood Out (DDDDD), Chain of Desire I met the director and we got to talk Temistocales Lopez (DDDD), Dazed and Confused (DDD) I met and photographed Rory Cochran, Fortress (DD), The Harvest, The Music of Chance (DDD), Quick, Sex Is... I met and photographed director/producer Mark Huestis, Twenty Bucks I met director Keva Rosenfeld (DDD), Vermont is for Lovers, and Don't Call Me Frankie.
After I returned to New Orleans, I decided to become a Goodwill member of SIFF.

The Gospel at Colonus

This retelling of the story of Sophocles' Oedipus is currently running at the Zachery Scott Theatre. Directed by Dave Steakley, the producing artistic director, this show brings some of the best talent Austin has to offer.

The Gospel at Colonus was an inspirational play for me. As I continue to toy with the idea of putting together a musical, this performance includes, song, dialogue and the spoken word.

Once again the set design was interesting. There were no changes of scenery, it was set in a revival tent and there were a few special effects used. The pond was an awesome feature and the rising of Oedipus played by Tim Curry was great.

Colby Cotton gets the audience in a gospel mood as he plays the organ as the audience is seated and waits for the show to begin. The play opens as some of the audience members are greeted as if we are a part of the revival. The voices come through the audience and enter onto the stage from both sides.

In this performance the men seem to have the cool songs and the great moments. Roderick Sanford, Mark Anthony Hall and Kenny Williams made you want more. Judy Arnold has a voice like Patti Labelle.

The Gospel at Colonus is one of those shows that makes you reflect on your own life. It’s filled with music that makes you wanna get up or at least stomp your feet and clap.
The choreography was done by Christa Oliver.

Felicia Dinwiddie plays Evangelist Ismene, and Eugene Lee is Preacher Oedipus. It would make for a great family outing to see the show Easter Sunday. The show does run until April 27, 2014.

Movies April 4 - April 13, 2014

Movies since the last entry included more films I had never seen before and some I hadn‘t seen in a long time.

(A couple relaxing along town lake in Austin Texas. (c) 2013)

The Sea Wife (1957)- (DDDD) starring Richard Burton, Joan Collins Basil Sydney and Cy Grant. This film reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock’s film Life Boat. A group of people become stranded on a boat and must put up with the various personalities and backgrounds of each other.

Hunk (1987) - (D) starring Deborah Shelton, James Coco, John Allen Nelson This is a quirky film that could have been better, but it wasn’t. I’m not sure if this had a theatrical release or was made for television. It’s a make a deal with the devil type of film with some comedy thrown in. Deborah Shelton is the beauty in the film who works for the devil, but falls in love after getting the young geek to give being a hunk a try for a few days. The acting isn’t all that great. I became a fan of Deborah Shelton after I saw her in the film Body Double.

For Keeps- (DDD) starring Molly Ringwald, Randall Batinkoff, Sharon Brown and Pauly Shore. Molly Ringwald had broken away from John Hughes, but still ended up playing a high school student. In For Keeps she plays a senior who gets pregnant and is forced with the decision to keep the baby or to have an abortion. Everyone has their opinion on the subject as the two kids involved try to decide what is best for them. The parents are not crazy about the situation and it tears them apart. It you are a fan of Molly Ringwald and haven’t seen this film it’s a must see. And if you’ve seen it, watch it again. The film was directed by John G. Avildsen.
I’m watching all of her films that are a part of my collection. Including the not so popular films such as Strike it Rich, The Pick Up Artist, Malicious and Fresh Horses.

Village of the Giants - (DDD) starring Beau Bridges, Tommy Kirk and Ronnie (Ron)
Howard. This film is based upon a book by H.G. Wells, Food for the Gods. It’s about a kid played by Ronnie Howard who is a young genius in the small town of Hanesville. He spends his time experimenting in the basement of his family home. One day by accident he creates a concoction which can make things larger. They then call it goo and hope to make money selling it to farmers who can enlarge animals for food consumption. A group of juvenile delinquents come to town and get their hands on the goo and proceed to take control of the small town. I’m sure the film was very racy for its time. It’s a fun film if you can get your hands on it. There are so many films that are just not available. I recall seeing this film when I was really young as part of a double feature with Escape from the Planet of the Apes.

Fantastic Voyage - (DD) starring Stephen Boyd, Raquel Welch, Arthur O’conner and Donald Pleasance An interesting sci fi film about a new way to perform surgery by shrinking scientists and putting them inside of the body. The film has its moments. The special effects are pretty good. Check it out if you are a fan of Raquel Welch

Toby McTeague   (1986)- (DDD) Starring Winston Rekert, Yannick Bisson and Andrew Bednarski I had never heard of this film before and it wasn’t that bad. I bought this pack of DVD’s called The Excellent Eighties and its filled with some interesting films. The quality of the films isn’t the best, but its okay. Some of the films I’m just watching since there are several on a disc and I can say I saw them. The film is about a young teenager who lives with his father and younger brother in Canada raising sled dogs. Toby and his father don’t always see eye to eye. Toby wants to help the family save their dogs by racing in a big race, but his dad stands in his way. An old Indian helps Toby reconcile with his father and he is able to race the dogs. There are some really good moments in the film.

Dog Day - (1984) (D) This film stars Lee Marvin, Miou-Miou and Jean Carmet I had never heard of this film, but I figured I watched it. I’ve not seen a lot of films with Lee Marvin. This isn’t the best film, but it was certainly a surprise. It was definitely a foreign film that was dubbed in English. Lee Marvin and his girlfriend played by Tina Louise of Gillian’s Island fame star as outlaws on the run after a big heist. Lee Marvin camps out in a farm house becoming a captive and then turning the tables on the sadistic family that lives there. It’s a very bizarre film.

Scandal Sheet - (1985) (DD) This film stars Burt Lancaster, Robert Ulrich, Pamela Reed and Lauren Hutton. Burt Lancaster is a ruthless tabloid publisher who will stop at nothing to get a scoop on a story that could destroy an actors career. Robert Ulrich is an actor trying to over come his alcohol addiction and Lauren Hutton is the supportive wife. Burt Lancaster recruits Pamela Reed to cover the story unknowing to her it’s because she is great friends with the couple. It’s an interesting film.

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.

Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com