Joshua Logan’s Paint Your Wagon can be viewed as one of the last gasps of a dwindling Hollywood studio system, as well as a precursor to the New Hollywood. The film, with its expansive anamorphic vistas of the American Northwest, bears some superficial similarities to Michael Cimino’s Heaven’s Gate, which is often historicized as the end of the New Hollywood, given how it bankrupted United Artists. But in contrast to the profound sadness with which Cimino regards America’s history of violence, Logan’s musical romp takes a lighthearted approach to the process of resettlement, and it’s propelled by the contrasting personalities of Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood as bickering and tussling gold prospectors.
Paint Your Wagon straddles multiple genres at once, suggesting something like a western-inflected musical riff on Ernst Lubitsch’s Design for Living. The crux of the story concerns Ben Rumson (Marvin), a ne...
Paint Your Wagon straddles multiple genres at once, suggesting something like a western-inflected musical riff on Ernst Lubitsch’s Design for Living. The crux of the story concerns Ben Rumson (Marvin), a ne...
- 3/25/2024
- by Clayton Dillard
- Slant Magazine
More than 1,000 Jewish creatives, executives and Hollywood professionals have signed an open letter denouncing Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” Oscar speech.
The list of co-signees provided to Variety Monday morning covers a broad swath of the industry including actors, executives, creators (Amy Sherman-Palladino), directors, producers and representatives. About 500 more individuals have added their names to the nearly 500 who signed on when the open letter was first published.
The group’s statement says: “We refute our Jewishness being hijacked for the purpose of drawing a moral equivalence between a Nazi regime that sought to exterminate a race of people, and an Israeli nation that seeks to avert its own extermination.”
Glazer declined to comment.
With such high-profile co-signees as Jennifer Jason Leigh, “La La Land” producer Gary Gilbert and “The Americans” creators Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg, the statement adds, “The use of words like ‘occupation’ to describe an...
The list of co-signees provided to Variety Monday morning covers a broad swath of the industry including actors, executives, creators (Amy Sherman-Palladino), directors, producers and representatives. About 500 more individuals have added their names to the nearly 500 who signed on when the open letter was first published.
The group’s statement says: “We refute our Jewishness being hijacked for the purpose of drawing a moral equivalence between a Nazi regime that sought to exterminate a race of people, and an Israeli nation that seeks to avert its own extermination.”
Glazer declined to comment.
With such high-profile co-signees as Jennifer Jason Leigh, “La La Land” producer Gary Gilbert and “The Americans” creators Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg, the statement adds, “The use of words like ‘occupation’ to describe an...
- 3/18/2024
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Variety Film + TV
Comb through the Oscar nominations this year and you’ll find that there records being broken left, right, and center while more records could be matched or broken at the ceremony this coming Sunday on March 10.
One of those such records concerns the Best Original Screenplay category, in which the nominees are “Anatomy of a Fall” (Justine Triet and Arthur Harari), “The Holdovers” (David Hemingson), “Maestro” (Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer), “May December” (Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik), and “Past Lives” (Celine Song).
It’s “Maestro” co-scribe Singer we’re looking at here for his work in penning the Netflix biopic. This is his second nomination. His first bid came in 2016, when he won this very category, Best Original Screenplay, alongside director Tom McCarthy for “Spotlight.” It’s interesting that Singer now has two nominations in the same category, both of which came for co-writing a script based on a...
One of those such records concerns the Best Original Screenplay category, in which the nominees are “Anatomy of a Fall” (Justine Triet and Arthur Harari), “The Holdovers” (David Hemingson), “Maestro” (Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer), “May December” (Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik), and “Past Lives” (Celine Song).
It’s “Maestro” co-scribe Singer we’re looking at here for his work in penning the Netflix biopic. This is his second nomination. His first bid came in 2016, when he won this very category, Best Original Screenplay, alongside director Tom McCarthy for “Spotlight.” It’s interesting that Singer now has two nominations in the same category, both of which came for co-writing a script based on a...
- 3/6/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
I share my colleague Pete Hammond’s fascination with Cord Jefferson’s BAFTA win for his screenplay adaptation, American Fiction. It is no small thing for a self-consciously American story to win a very British award against competition as formidable as Christopher Nolan, especially for a debut film.
Pete has a point when he notes that American Fiction, based on Percival Everett’s novel Erasure, about a black novelist who hits it big when his send-up of African-American cultural clichés is taken at face value, probably got traction as the only currently Oscar-nominated adaptation that is all about writing.
Fair enough. But I’d go one step more.
In fact, American Fiction is the only Oscar-nominated script that takes a serious bite out of contemporary socio-political reality.
The rest, even that wild pink feminist fly-by Barbie, which does get tangled in reality, are in a sense doing what the phrase-coining...
Pete has a point when he notes that American Fiction, based on Percival Everett’s novel Erasure, about a black novelist who hits it big when his send-up of African-American cultural clichés is taken at face value, probably got traction as the only currently Oscar-nominated adaptation that is all about writing.
Fair enough. But I’d go one step more.
In fact, American Fiction is the only Oscar-nominated script that takes a serious bite out of contemporary socio-political reality.
The rest, even that wild pink feminist fly-by Barbie, which does get tangled in reality, are in a sense doing what the phrase-coining...
- 2/20/2024
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
To borrow a phrase from Paddy Chayefsky, Eric Idle is mad as hell, and he’s not going to take it anymore. The founding member of Monty Python, 80, has taken to X in recent days to clear the air on a number of matters regarding the legendary British troupe — whose catalog (four seasons of Monty Python’s Flying Circus plus five feature films, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Monty Python’s Life of Brian) have elevated them to “Beatles of comedy” status. (Idle, it’s worth noting, is also the mind behind the 1978 Beatles parody The Rutles.) The claims — which many fans say are ruining their cherished Python memories — are as follows:
Idle is Out of Money — and Blames the Gilliams
We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I...
Idle is Out of Money — and Blames the Gilliams
We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I...
- 2/14/2024
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Don Murray, who received an Oscar nomination for his performance opposite Marilyn Monroe in the 1956 film adaptation of William Inge’s play “Bus Stop,” has died. He was 94.
His son Christopher confirmed his death to the New York Times.
In the 2017 reboot of “Twin Peaks,” he played Bushnell Mullins, the chief executive of Lucky 7 Insurance.
Murray also starred in the fourth entry in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise, “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes”; played Brooke Shield’s father in “Endless Love”; and recurred on prime-time soap “Knots Landing” as Sid Fairgate.
Reviewing “Bus Stop,” directed by Joshua Logan, the New York Times said: “With a wondrous new actor named Don Murray playing the stupid, stubborn poke and with the clutter of broncos, blondes and busters beautifully tangled, Mr. Logan has a booming comedy going before he gets to the romance. A great deal is owed to Mr.
His son Christopher confirmed his death to the New York Times.
In the 2017 reboot of “Twin Peaks,” he played Bushnell Mullins, the chief executive of Lucky 7 Insurance.
Murray also starred in the fourth entry in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise, “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes”; played Brooke Shield’s father in “Endless Love”; and recurred on prime-time soap “Knots Landing” as Sid Fairgate.
Reviewing “Bus Stop,” directed by Joshua Logan, the New York Times said: “With a wondrous new actor named Don Murray playing the stupid, stubborn poke and with the clutter of broncos, blondes and busters beautifully tangled, Mr. Logan has a booming comedy going before he gets to the romance. A great deal is owed to Mr.
- 2/2/2024
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Norman Lear, the writer, producer and citizen activist who coalesced topical conflict and outrageous comedy in such wildly popular sitcoms as All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and The Jeffersons, has died. He was 101.
Lear died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by his family who, according to a statement on his official Instagram account, sang songs until the very end.
“Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music,” read the post. “But it was people — those he just met and those he knew for decades — who kept his mind and heart forever young. As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support.
Lear died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by his family who, according to a statement on his official Instagram account, sang songs until the very end.
“Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music,” read the post. “But it was people — those he just met and those he knew for decades — who kept his mind and heart forever young. As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support.
- 12/6/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Frances Sternhagen, the legendary Broadway actress who won two Tony Awards, was nominated for another five and achieved lasting and widespread recognition for her comedically stern portrayal of Esther Clavin, the demanding mother of insufferable postman Cliff Claven on Cheers, died Nov. 27 of natural causes. She was 93.
Her death was announced by her son, the actor John Carlin, on Instagram.
“Frannie. Mom. Frances Sternhagen. On Monday night, Nov 27, she died peacefully at her home, a month and a half shy of her 94th birthday,” Carlin wrote today, ending the tribute with “Fly on, Frannie. The curtain goes down on a life so richly, passionately, humbly and generously lived.”
See Carlin’s Instagram post below.
Sternhagen, one of the New York stage’s most celebrated and beloved stars, gave indelible performances in productions including the 1972 production of The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, Equus in 1975, Angel in 1978, On Golden Pond in 1979 and,...
Her death was announced by her son, the actor John Carlin, on Instagram.
“Frannie. Mom. Frances Sternhagen. On Monday night, Nov 27, she died peacefully at her home, a month and a half shy of her 94th birthday,” Carlin wrote today, ending the tribute with “Fly on, Frannie. The curtain goes down on a life so richly, passionately, humbly and generously lived.”
See Carlin’s Instagram post below.
Sternhagen, one of the New York stage’s most celebrated and beloved stars, gave indelible performances in productions including the 1972 production of The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, Equus in 1975, Angel in 1978, On Golden Pond in 1979 and,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
(Welcome to Did They Get It Right?, a series where we look at Oscars categories from yesteryear and examine whether the Academy's winners stand the test of time.)
With all the milestones that have occurred throughout the 95-year history of the Academy Awards, there are still plenty of accomplishments that have not transpired. No Black woman has ever been nominated for Best Director, and no Black person has ever won that category. No animated film has ever won Best Picture, and no documentary has ever been nominated. I do believe all of these things will eventually happen in the future. As the diversity of the industry steadily increases and Academy membership gradually expands, these sorts of things must happen as time moves on.
But there is one thing I remain skeptical about when it comes to Oscars milestones. It has nothing to do with representation, nor does it have to...
With all the milestones that have occurred throughout the 95-year history of the Academy Awards, there are still plenty of accomplishments that have not transpired. No Black woman has ever been nominated for Best Director, and no Black person has ever won that category. No animated film has ever won Best Picture, and no documentary has ever been nominated. I do believe all of these things will eventually happen in the future. As the diversity of the industry steadily increases and Academy membership gradually expands, these sorts of things must happen as time moves on.
But there is one thing I remain skeptical about when it comes to Oscars milestones. It has nothing to do with representation, nor does it have to...
- 11/12/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Nobody can predict the future, but sometimes our predictions are way, way off. Back in 1946, 20th Century Fox studio executive and Oscar-winning film producer Daryl F. Zanuck said television was a fad that would run its course in six months. "People," he argued, "will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night."
Zanuck was wrong. Television not only changed the industry, it changed the world. And over time this medium that seemed like a flash in the pan developed its own identity, not just as an industry but as an art form. Brilliant writers like Paddy Chayefsky and Rod Serling helped push the stories told on television into exciting and challenging directions, setting the stage for ambitious standalone and serialized entertainments that wowed audiences and made a genuine impact.
One television series that made its mark and remains influential and iconic today is Rod Serling's "The Twilight Zone,...
Zanuck was wrong. Television not only changed the industry, it changed the world. And over time this medium that seemed like a flash in the pan developed its own identity, not just as an industry but as an art form. Brilliant writers like Paddy Chayefsky and Rod Serling helped push the stories told on television into exciting and challenging directions, setting the stage for ambitious standalone and serialized entertainments that wowed audiences and made a genuine impact.
One television series that made its mark and remains influential and iconic today is Rod Serling's "The Twilight Zone,...
- 11/12/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
Whenever you see a film that opens with the words “based on real events”, you can be sure of two things. One, you’re going to have a good time. Two, that this film will probably contain about as much factual material as I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! contains butter.
But we don’t care!
We’re not just talking about biopics or historical films here, we’re talking about crime movies like Pain & Gain, Catch Me If You Can, romances like It Could Happen to You, and crime romances like I Love You Phillip Morris. And of course the horror genre absolutely loves a “Based On A True Story” title card and poster slogan. The Amityville Horror, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and all The Conjuring movies have one (making the last the first ever Based On A True Cinematic Universe).
So the question is,...
But we don’t care!
We’re not just talking about biopics or historical films here, we’re talking about crime movies like Pain & Gain, Catch Me If You Can, romances like It Could Happen to You, and crime romances like I Love You Phillip Morris. And of course the horror genre absolutely loves a “Based On A True Story” title card and poster slogan. The Amityville Horror, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and all The Conjuring movies have one (making the last the first ever Based On A True Cinematic Universe).
So the question is,...
- 8/28/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Bo Goldman, the late-blooming guru of screenwriting who received Academy Awards for his work on One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Melvin and Howard, has died. He was 90.
Goldman died Tuesday in Helendale, California, his son-in-law, director Todd Field, told The New York Times.
Goldman’s first screenplay was, years after he wrote it, directed by Alan Parker for Shoot the Moon (1982), which featured Diane Keaton and Albert Finney in a raw, seriocomic drama about a disintegrating marriage.
He also co-wrote the Mark Rydell-directed rock drama The Rose (1979), starring Bette Midler in an Oscar-nominated turn, and Martin Brest’s Scent of a Woman (1992), which netted him his third Academy Award nom (and Al Pacino the best actor Oscar, too).
Goldman was one of the handful of screenwriters — Paddy Chayefsky, Francis Ford Coppola, Horton Foote, William Goldman, Billy Wilder and Joel and Ethan Coen among them — to win Academy...
Goldman died Tuesday in Helendale, California, his son-in-law, director Todd Field, told The New York Times.
Goldman’s first screenplay was, years after he wrote it, directed by Alan Parker for Shoot the Moon (1982), which featured Diane Keaton and Albert Finney in a raw, seriocomic drama about a disintegrating marriage.
He also co-wrote the Mark Rydell-directed rock drama The Rose (1979), starring Bette Midler in an Oscar-nominated turn, and Martin Brest’s Scent of a Woman (1992), which netted him his third Academy Award nom (and Al Pacino the best actor Oscar, too).
Goldman was one of the handful of screenwriters — Paddy Chayefsky, Francis Ford Coppola, Horton Foote, William Goldman, Billy Wilder and Joel and Ethan Coen among them — to win Academy...
- 7/26/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
While the 1970s was known as a wild, bold, experimental time in modern cinema—which extended to all genres, including science fiction—the 1980s were best known for… well, we don’t know what, exactly. The rise of the erotic thriller, the action superstar, and cookie-cutter safe high-concept star vehicles, perhaps? As for sci-fi, the decade was marked by both undisputed blockbusters, including the Star Wars and Star Trek sequels, Aliens, and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, as well as some inarguable classics like The Thing, Tron, and Blade Runner. Intriguingly, the more risky ones needed years to find their audience and critical acclaim.
At the same time, sci-fi began to rely less on literary adaptations of the previous decade and more on crossing its streams with other genres, like horror, the Western, and the action thriller—making somewhat of a turn away from the idea-driven films that had come before.
At the same time, sci-fi began to rely less on literary adaptations of the previous decade and more on crossing its streams with other genres, like horror, the Western, and the action thriller—making somewhat of a turn away from the idea-driven films that had come before.
- 7/4/2023
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
“I’m 36 years old and I’ve been lookin’ for a girl every Saturday night of my life. I’m a fat little ugly guy and girls don’t go for me, that’s all.” — Paddy Chayefsky’s “Marty.”
The low-budget 1955 drama “Marty” about a lonely middle-aged butcher who fears he’ll never find love became a surprise commercial and critical hit, ultimately winning Oscars for Best Picture, director for Delbert Mann, actor for Ernest Borgnine and best writing, screenplay for Chayefsky. The film would go on to win the Palme d’or at the Cannes Film Festival.
But audiences were first introduced to “Marty” two years earlier as a live hour-long drama on NBC’s “Philco Television Playhouse,” one of the most respected early anthology series winning a 1954 Peabody and eight Emmy nominations. Rod Steiger, then 28, starred as Marty, who decides to go to a lonelyheart’s social at...
The low-budget 1955 drama “Marty” about a lonely middle-aged butcher who fears he’ll never find love became a surprise commercial and critical hit, ultimately winning Oscars for Best Picture, director for Delbert Mann, actor for Ernest Borgnine and best writing, screenplay for Chayefsky. The film would go on to win the Palme d’or at the Cannes Film Festival.
But audiences were first introduced to “Marty” two years earlier as a live hour-long drama on NBC’s “Philco Television Playhouse,” one of the most respected early anthology series winning a 1954 Peabody and eight Emmy nominations. Rod Steiger, then 28, starred as Marty, who decides to go to a lonelyheart’s social at...
- 5/22/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
With Michelle Yeoh’s historic win at Sunday’s Academy Awards for “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” the genre-bending sci-fi film has achieved a feat that has only happened twice before in Oscars history and for the first time in 46 years.
Alongside supporting cast members Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis, Yeoh has made “Everything Everywhere” the third film in history to win three acting Oscars.
The first film to achieve that trifecta was “A Streetcar Named Desire” in 1951, with Vivien Leigh winning Best Actress for her performance as the tragic Blanche DuBois with Kim Hunter and Karl Malden winning supporting Oscars for playing Stella Kowalski and Blanche’s potential husband Mitch, respectively.
Also Read:
Michelle Yeoh Is the First Asian Woman to Win a Best Actress Oscar
Twenty-six years later, Paddy Chayefsky and Sidney Lumet’s satire of broadcast news, “Network,” became the second film to achieve three acting wins.
Alongside supporting cast members Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis, Yeoh has made “Everything Everywhere” the third film in history to win three acting Oscars.
The first film to achieve that trifecta was “A Streetcar Named Desire” in 1951, with Vivien Leigh winning Best Actress for her performance as the tragic Blanche DuBois with Kim Hunter and Karl Malden winning supporting Oscars for playing Stella Kowalski and Blanche’s potential husband Mitch, respectively.
Also Read:
Michelle Yeoh Is the First Asian Woman to Win a Best Actress Oscar
Twenty-six years later, Paddy Chayefsky and Sidney Lumet’s satire of broadcast news, “Network,” became the second film to achieve three acting wins.
- 3/13/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
To win a Best Picture Oscar, a film has to have something about it.
Only 94 films in history have been given this award. They’re not voted on by the eccentric members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, who pick the Golden Globes, or by specialist groups of critics, but by the roughly 10,000 members of the Academy. That is to say, the choice is made by distinguished figures from within the industry.
Sometimes, though, they do still make some baffling choices.
By the time the Oscars roll around at the end of the awards process, a herd mentality tends to have set in.
When everybody has already voted at all the other awards shows for, say, The King’s Speech or The Shape of Water, the Academy members follow suit. It’s rare for a Best Picture winner ever to be a complete surprise.
Nonetheless, a few questionable films have stolen glory that rightfully belonged elsewhere.
Only 94 films in history have been given this award. They’re not voted on by the eccentric members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, who pick the Golden Globes, or by specialist groups of critics, but by the roughly 10,000 members of the Academy. That is to say, the choice is made by distinguished figures from within the industry.
Sometimes, though, they do still make some baffling choices.
By the time the Oscars roll around at the end of the awards process, a herd mentality tends to have set in.
When everybody has already voted at all the other awards shows for, say, The King’s Speech or The Shape of Water, the Academy members follow suit. It’s rare for a Best Picture winner ever to be a complete surprise.
Nonetheless, a few questionable films have stolen glory that rightfully belonged elsewhere.
- 3/8/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- The Independent - Film
To win a Best Picture Oscar, a film has to have something about it.
Only 94 films in history have been given this award. They’re not voted on by the eccentric members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, who pick the Golden Globes, or by specialist groups of critics, but by the roughly 10,000 members of the Academy. That is to say, the choice is made by distinguished figures from within the industry.
Sometimes, though, they do still make some baffling choices.
By the time the Oscars roll around at the end of the awards process, a herd mentality tends to have set in.
When everybody has already voted at all the other awards shows for, say, The King’s Speech or The Shape of Water, the Academy members follow suit. It’s rare for a Best Picture winner ever to be a complete surprise.
Nonetheless, a few questionable films have stolen glory that rightfully belonged elsewhere.
Only 94 films in history have been given this award. They’re not voted on by the eccentric members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, who pick the Golden Globes, or by specialist groups of critics, but by the roughly 10,000 members of the Academy. That is to say, the choice is made by distinguished figures from within the industry.
Sometimes, though, they do still make some baffling choices.
By the time the Oscars roll around at the end of the awards process, a herd mentality tends to have set in.
When everybody has already voted at all the other awards shows for, say, The King’s Speech or The Shape of Water, the Academy members follow suit. It’s rare for a Best Picture winner ever to be a complete surprise.
Nonetheless, a few questionable films have stolen glory that rightfully belonged elsewhere.
- 3/8/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- The Independent - Film
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” has had a great couple of days. The Oscar frontrunner won the top prize at the Producers Guild of America Awards on Saturday, proving that it can conquer the preferential ballot. The next day, it pulled off a historic sweep at Screen Actors Guild Awards with a record four wins for ensemble, lead actress for Michelle Yeoh, supporting actor for Ke Huy Quan and supporting actress for Jamie Lee Curtis. The triple individual wins — also a first for a film in SAG Awards history — were unexpected as Curtis upset odds-on favorite Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”), but they just speak to the movie’s strength. They also tee it up for a never-before-seen above-the-line sweep at the Oscars: “Everything Everywhere” can be the first film to win Best Picture, Best Director, a screenplay award and three acting prizes.
The multiversal hit is the runaway...
The multiversal hit is the runaway...
- 3/2/2023
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
From The Video Archives Podcast, writer/director Roger Avary and writer/producer Gala Avary discuss a few of their favorite movies with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Taxi Driver (1976)
Star Wars (1977)
Matinee (1993)
Dune (1984)
Terror On A Train a.k.a. Time Bomb (1953)
Licorice Pizza (2021)
Batman (1989)
Yentl (1983)
Nuts (1987)
Spaceballs (1987)
Die Hard (1988)
Top Gun (1986)
Cocksucker Blues (1972)
Mijn nachten met Susan, Olga, Albert, Julie, Piet & Sandra (1975)
Straw Dogs (1971)
The Godfather (1972)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Day Of The Dolphin (1973)
Babylon (2022)
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (2022)
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979)
Carrie (1976)
Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1995)
Blow Out (1981)
The Matrix (1999)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Killing Zoe (1993)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The Tenant (1976)
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Bugsy Malone (1976)
Phantom Of The Paradise (1974)
The Muppet Movie (1979)
The Rules Of Attraction (2002)
The Sound Of Music (1965)
Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)
Giant (1956)
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Babe (1995)
Time Bandits...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Taxi Driver (1976)
Star Wars (1977)
Matinee (1993)
Dune (1984)
Terror On A Train a.k.a. Time Bomb (1953)
Licorice Pizza (2021)
Batman (1989)
Yentl (1983)
Nuts (1987)
Spaceballs (1987)
Die Hard (1988)
Top Gun (1986)
Cocksucker Blues (1972)
Mijn nachten met Susan, Olga, Albert, Julie, Piet & Sandra (1975)
Straw Dogs (1971)
The Godfather (1972)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Day Of The Dolphin (1973)
Babylon (2022)
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (2022)
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979)
Carrie (1976)
Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1995)
Blow Out (1981)
The Matrix (1999)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Killing Zoe (1993)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The Tenant (1976)
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Bugsy Malone (1976)
Phantom Of The Paradise (1974)
The Muppet Movie (1979)
The Rules Of Attraction (2002)
The Sound Of Music (1965)
Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)
Giant (1956)
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Babe (1995)
Time Bandits...
- 2/28/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Writer Alex Tse discusses a few of his favorite films with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Rrr (2022)
Watchmen (2009)
Superfly (2018)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
Independence Day (1996)
Clueless (1995)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
The Goonies (1985)
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)
Infested (2002)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary, Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Joe Dante’s review
Altered States (1980) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
Return Of The Ape Man (1944)
Major League (1989)
The Sting (1973)
Angels In The Outfield (1951)
Rocky (1976)
Slap Shot (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Eight Men Out (1988)
Heavy Metal (1981)
Fritz The Cat (1972) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Killer Snakes (1974)
Zodiac (2007)
Se7en (1995)
Dirty Harry (1971) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary,...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Rrr (2022)
Watchmen (2009)
Superfly (2018)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
Independence Day (1996)
Clueless (1995)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
The Goonies (1985)
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)
Infested (2002)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary, Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Joe Dante’s review
Altered States (1980) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
Return Of The Ape Man (1944)
Major League (1989)
The Sting (1973)
Angels In The Outfield (1951)
Rocky (1976)
Slap Shot (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Eight Men Out (1988)
Heavy Metal (1981)
Fritz The Cat (1972) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Killer Snakes (1974)
Zodiac (2007)
Se7en (1995)
Dirty Harry (1971) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary,...
- 2/7/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
To win a Best Picture Oscar, a film has to have something about it.
Only 90 films in history have been given this award. They’re not voted on by the eccentric members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, who pick the Golden Globes, or by specialist groups of critics, but by the 6,000 members of the Academy. That is to say, the choice is made by distinguished figures from within the industry.
Sometimes, though, they do still make some baffling choices.
By the time the Oscars roll around at the end of the awards process, a herd mentality tends to have set in.
When everybody has already voted at all the other awards shows for, say, The King’s Speech or The Shape of Water, the Academy members follow suit. It’s rare for a Best Picture winner ever to be a complete surprise.
Nonetheless, a few questionable films have stolen glory that rightfully belonged elsewhere.
Only 90 films in history have been given this award. They’re not voted on by the eccentric members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, who pick the Golden Globes, or by specialist groups of critics, but by the 6,000 members of the Academy. That is to say, the choice is made by distinguished figures from within the industry.
Sometimes, though, they do still make some baffling choices.
By the time the Oscars roll around at the end of the awards process, a herd mentality tends to have set in.
When everybody has already voted at all the other awards shows for, say, The King’s Speech or The Shape of Water, the Academy members follow suit. It’s rare for a Best Picture winner ever to be a complete surprise.
Nonetheless, a few questionable films have stolen glory that rightfully belonged elsewhere.
- 1/24/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- The Independent - Film
To win a Best Picture Oscar, a film has to have something about it.
Only 90 films in history have been given this award. They’re not voted on by the eccentric members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, who pick the Golden Globes, or by specialist groups of critics, but by the 6,000 members of the Academy. That is to say, the choice is made by distinguished figures from within the industry.
Sometimes, though, they do still make some baffling choices.
By the time the Oscars roll around at the end of the awards process, a herd mentality tends to have set in.
When everybody has already voted at all the other awards shows for, say, The King’s Speech or The Shape of Water, the Academy members follow suit. It’s rare for a Best Picture winner ever to be a complete surprise.
Nonetheless, a few questionable films have stolen glory that rightfully belonged elsewhere.
Only 90 films in history have been given this award. They’re not voted on by the eccentric members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, who pick the Golden Globes, or by specialist groups of critics, but by the 6,000 members of the Academy. That is to say, the choice is made by distinguished figures from within the industry.
Sometimes, though, they do still make some baffling choices.
By the time the Oscars roll around at the end of the awards process, a herd mentality tends to have set in.
When everybody has already voted at all the other awards shows for, say, The King’s Speech or The Shape of Water, the Academy members follow suit. It’s rare for a Best Picture winner ever to be a complete surprise.
Nonetheless, a few questionable films have stolen glory that rightfully belonged elsewhere.
- 1/24/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- The Independent - Film
It's common practice for actors to double as producers on their star vehicles. Sometimes a film needs the backing of a star to get made or the actor just wants to make sure their passion project goes right. The downside to this is that if the film fails, then the blowback on the actor is all the worse. Henry Fonda learned this lesson on the sole film he produced, and the experience is why he never did so again. That film was none other than "12 Angry Men."
A classic courtroom drama and the feature debut of director Sidney Lumet, "12 Angry Men" features jurors weighing the fate of a boy accused of killing his father. Fonda, the lone movie star among a sea of character actors, plays Juror #8, the only one unconvinced of the defendant's guilt. The drama of the film comes from him trying to sway 11 other men's minds.
A classic courtroom drama and the feature debut of director Sidney Lumet, "12 Angry Men" features jurors weighing the fate of a boy accused of killing his father. Fonda, the lone movie star among a sea of character actors, plays Juror #8, the only one unconvinced of the defendant's guilt. The drama of the film comes from him trying to sway 11 other men's minds.
- 1/14/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Owen Roizman, a cinematographer who shot many of the premier films of a generation, has died. He was 86.
A representative for the American Society of Cinematographers confirmed the news. No further details about Roizman’s death are available at this time.
Roizman was Oscar-nominated five times, for “The French Connection,” “The Exorcist,” “Network,” “Tootsie” and 1994 Western “Wyatt Earp.” In 2017, Roizman was honored with an honorary Academy Award for his contributions to the medium.
In addition to his Oscar noms, Roizman was nominated for an Emmy for his cinematography of the 1972 Liza Minnelli variety special “Liza With a Z,” directed by Bob Fosse.
Roizman received the American Society of Cinematographers’ lifetime achievement award in 1997.
He worked with director Sydney Pollack on five films: “Three Days of the Condor,” “The Electric Horseman,” “Absence of Malice,” “Tootsie” and “Havana.”
In “Making Tootsie: Inside the Classic Film with Dustin Hoffman and Sydney Pollack,” author...
A representative for the American Society of Cinematographers confirmed the news. No further details about Roizman’s death are available at this time.
Roizman was Oscar-nominated five times, for “The French Connection,” “The Exorcist,” “Network,” “Tootsie” and 1994 Western “Wyatt Earp.” In 2017, Roizman was honored with an honorary Academy Award for his contributions to the medium.
In addition to his Oscar noms, Roizman was nominated for an Emmy for his cinematography of the 1972 Liza Minnelli variety special “Liza With a Z,” directed by Bob Fosse.
Roizman received the American Society of Cinematographers’ lifetime achievement award in 1997.
He worked with director Sydney Pollack on five films: “Three Days of the Condor,” “The Electric Horseman,” “Absence of Malice,” “Tootsie” and “Havana.”
In “Making Tootsie: Inside the Classic Film with Dustin Hoffman and Sydney Pollack,” author...
- 1/7/2023
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
(Welcome to Did They Get It Right?, a series where we take a look at an Oscars category from yesteryear and examine whether the Academy's winner stands the test of time.)
Hollywood cinema of the 1950s was somewhat similar to today's film landscape. This decade was the first where movies truly had to compete with television, as they became incredibly prevalent in American households. What could the movies do to get people out of their houses and head to their local cinemas? Spectacle. You had sword and sandal epics, lavish Technicolor musicals, and the advent of CinemaScope showcasing a scope and scale that you weren't going to get on your small, black-and-white television.
The box office was burning up with the likes of "Samson and Delilah," "Quo Vadis," "The Ten Commandments," and "South Pacific." As opposed to today, these massive blockbuster successes didn't just rake in all the money. They received piles of Academy Awards.
Hollywood cinema of the 1950s was somewhat similar to today's film landscape. This decade was the first where movies truly had to compete with television, as they became incredibly prevalent in American households. What could the movies do to get people out of their houses and head to their local cinemas? Spectacle. You had sword and sandal epics, lavish Technicolor musicals, and the advent of CinemaScope showcasing a scope and scale that you weren't going to get on your small, black-and-white television.
The box office was burning up with the likes of "Samson and Delilah," "Quo Vadis," "The Ten Commandments," and "South Pacific." As opposed to today, these massive blockbuster successes didn't just rake in all the money. They received piles of Academy Awards.
- 12/1/2022
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Sylvester Stallone's early career is an underdog story to rival that of his most famous character, Rocky Balboa. The actor was virtually unknown with only a few small roles under his belt before he saw a journeyman slugger named Chuck Wepner go within 20 seconds of taking Muhammad Ali the full distance. Wepner's dogged fortitude against a much more skilled fighter gave Stallone the idea for a screenplay called "Rocky."
Not only did Stallone sell his script, but he also got to star in the movie as well. He almost went the distance at the Oscars, too. Stallone earned nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Actor, but lost out to Paddy Chayefsky and Peter Finch respectively for "Network."
From a modest budget of under 1 million, "Rocky" was a huge hit, grossing over 117 million worldwide at the box office (via Box Office Mojo). With that kind of roaring success, there was...
Not only did Stallone sell his script, but he also got to star in the movie as well. He almost went the distance at the Oscars, too. Stallone earned nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Actor, but lost out to Paddy Chayefsky and Peter Finch respectively for "Network."
From a modest budget of under 1 million, "Rocky" was a huge hit, grossing over 117 million worldwide at the box office (via Box Office Mojo). With that kind of roaring success, there was...
- 11/13/2022
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
When Guillermo del Toro walks out of the darkness to introduce his “Cabinet of Curiosities,” he’s also walking directly out of the year 1969.
The eight-episode horror anthology has been in Netflix’s top 10 since its release Oct. 25. Each beautifully crafted episode begins with creator and host del Toro pulling an objet d’art from his elaborate cabinet to introduce the tale and its director, as well as a chess-piece-sized carving of each director.
In a tweet, del Toro explained some of the inspiration of his Cabinet: “First night: EC vibes,” he wrote, referring to the massively influential EC horror comics of the ‘50s such as Tales from the Crypt and The Vault of Horror. “Second night: unsettling and ‘now’, Third night: period/pulp classics and Final night: voices that, in my estimation, are clear and loud in the symphony of our genre.”
But del Toro goes much deeper in his introduction to the upcoming,...
The eight-episode horror anthology has been in Netflix’s top 10 since its release Oct. 25. Each beautifully crafted episode begins with creator and host del Toro pulling an objet d’art from his elaborate cabinet to introduce the tale and its director, as well as a chess-piece-sized carving of each director.
In a tweet, del Toro explained some of the inspiration of his Cabinet: “First night: EC vibes,” he wrote, referring to the massively influential EC horror comics of the ‘50s such as Tales from the Crypt and The Vault of Horror. “Second night: unsettling and ‘now’, Third night: period/pulp classics and Final night: voices that, in my estimation, are clear and loud in the symphony of our genre.”
But del Toro goes much deeper in his introduction to the upcoming,...
- 11/11/2022
- by Mark Rahner
- The Wrap
He may be a brilliant director, but Quentin Tarantino was never known for being a very good student. Rather than thriving in an academic environment, Tarantino demonstrated an early passion and acumen for filmmaking, beginning with seeing adult-oriented films like "Carnal Knowledge" (1971) and "Deliverance" (1972) with his step father at the age of nine.
By age 14, he had completed his first script "Captain Peachfuzz and the Anchovy Bandit" based on the 1977 film "Smokey and the Bandit," which follows two bootleggers transporting beer from Texas to Georgia. Tarantino was a fairly dedicated but sometimes picky reader, who clearly latched onto stories about incompetent criminals because he has famously confessed to stealing a copy of Elmore Leonard's novel "The Switch" about two ex-cons mishandling a kidnapping. His mother grounded him for the offense but still allowed him out of the house to attend Torrance Community Theater, where he performed in his first Shakespeare production — "Romeo and Juliet.
By age 14, he had completed his first script "Captain Peachfuzz and the Anchovy Bandit" based on the 1977 film "Smokey and the Bandit," which follows two bootleggers transporting beer from Texas to Georgia. Tarantino was a fairly dedicated but sometimes picky reader, who clearly latched onto stories about incompetent criminals because he has famously confessed to stealing a copy of Elmore Leonard's novel "The Switch" about two ex-cons mishandling a kidnapping. His mother grounded him for the offense but still allowed him out of the house to attend Torrance Community Theater, where he performed in his first Shakespeare production — "Romeo and Juliet.
- 10/31/2022
- by Walter Roberts
- Slash Film
Dore Schary’s post-MGM personal production is a class act in every respect — Montgomery Clift, Robert Ryan and Myrna Loy are well cast in a story of intimate emotional cruelty. It’s from a play derived from Nathanael West’s soul-crushing novella, and despite the talent involved, it can’t shake the feeling of an overheated TV drama. The acting and characterizations are riveting. Young Dolores Hart is a beacon of light amid the gloom and misery, and in her first movie, Maureen Stapleton’s’ fireball of anxiety and malice all but steals the show. The fine cinematography is again by the great John Alton.
Lonelyhearts
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1958 / B&w / 1:85 widescreen / 103 min. / Street Date October 25, 2022 / available through Kino Lorber / 24.95
Starring: Montgomery Clift, Robert Ryan, Myrna Loy, Dolores Hart, Maureen Stapleton, Jackie Coogan, Mike Kellin, Onslow Stevens, Frank Maxwell, Frank Overton, John Gallaudet, Don Washbrook, Johnny Washbrook,...
Lonelyhearts
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1958 / B&w / 1:85 widescreen / 103 min. / Street Date October 25, 2022 / available through Kino Lorber / 24.95
Starring: Montgomery Clift, Robert Ryan, Myrna Loy, Dolores Hart, Maureen Stapleton, Jackie Coogan, Mike Kellin, Onslow Stevens, Frank Maxwell, Frank Overton, John Gallaudet, Don Washbrook, Johnny Washbrook,...
- 10/29/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Six television legends will be inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame on November 16. Those chosen for the 26th ceremony are: Debbie Allen, Ken Burns, Bob Daly, Robert L. Johnson, Rita Moreno and Donald A. Morgan. In addition, actor Sean Penn will receive the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. The event will be held in North Hollywood at the Saban Media Center.
The Hall of Fame event will take place Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center and includes the unveiling of new busts of previous inductees, the induction of the 2022 Hall of Fame recipients, and the presentation of the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
Seetv Hall of Fame: Top 50 best choices who should be inducted next
The first induction was held in 1984 and it’s been an annual tradition almost every year. That class of legends consisted of actress/executive Lucille Ball, actor/comedian Milton Berle, writer Paddy Chayefsky,...
The Hall of Fame event will take place Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center and includes the unveiling of new busts of previous inductees, the induction of the 2022 Hall of Fame recipients, and the presentation of the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
Seetv Hall of Fame: Top 50 best choices who should be inducted next
The first induction was held in 1984 and it’s been an annual tradition almost every year. That class of legends consisted of actress/executive Lucille Ball, actor/comedian Milton Berle, writer Paddy Chayefsky,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Actor / Filmmaker Alex Winter joins Josh Olson and Joe Dante to discuss movies featuring a cog in the machine – the individual struggling to exist within the system.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s Bill and Ted character power rankings
Bill And Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991)
Bill And Ted Face The Music (2020)
The Game (1997)
Showbiz Kids (2020)
The Panama Papers (2018)
Zappa (2020)
200 Motels (1971)
Modern Times (1936)
Metropolis (1927) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Avatar (2009)
Things To Come (1936) – Jesus Trevino’s trailer commentary
M (1931)
M (1951)
The Last Laugh (1924) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Brazil (1985)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
City Lights (1931)
Goin’ Down The Road (1970)
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Young And The Damned (1950)
Shock Corridor (1963) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
The Naked Kiss (1964)
Stroszek (1977)
Even Dwarves Started Small (1970)
Ikiru (1952) – Glenn Erickson’s trailer...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s Bill and Ted character power rankings
Bill And Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991)
Bill And Ted Face The Music (2020)
The Game (1997)
Showbiz Kids (2020)
The Panama Papers (2018)
Zappa (2020)
200 Motels (1971)
Modern Times (1936)
Metropolis (1927) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Avatar (2009)
Things To Come (1936) – Jesus Trevino’s trailer commentary
M (1931)
M (1951)
The Last Laugh (1924) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Brazil (1985)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
City Lights (1931)
Goin’ Down The Road (1970)
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Young And The Damned (1950)
Shock Corridor (1963) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
The Naked Kiss (1964)
Stroszek (1977)
Even Dwarves Started Small (1970)
Ikiru (1952) – Glenn Erickson’s trailer...
- 10/11/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Back in the early '90s, Arnold Schwarzenegger was approached to star in a new buddy cop comedy. His previous foray into the genre, "Red Heat," was shot down by critics and left in the dust by his other film that year, "Twins," so perhaps he had a reason for caution. Nevertheless, he read the script before his suspicions were confirmed: It was absolute garbage.
Most actors would have politely turned it down at that point, but Arnie is not most actors. Instead, he used it to have a little fun at the expense of his greatest screen rival, Sylvester Stallone. First, he leaked a rumor to the press that he was really excited about the prospect of starring in the movie, then he asked for a silly amount of money to take the part.
The ploy worked perfectly. Put off by the price tag, the producers asked Stallone if...
Most actors would have politely turned it down at that point, but Arnie is not most actors. Instead, he used it to have a little fun at the expense of his greatest screen rival, Sylvester Stallone. First, he leaked a rumor to the press that he was really excited about the prospect of starring in the movie, then he asked for a silly amount of money to take the part.
The ploy worked perfectly. Put off by the price tag, the producers asked Stallone if...
- 9/22/2022
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
There will be spoilers for "Andor" Episodes I, II, III.
Starring Diego Luna in the title role, the first three episodes of "Andor" quite loudly says from the very first scene that this isn't the sort of "Star Wars" you're accustomed to. The first three episodes tell the beginnings of a story with Cassian Andor in two different timelines. In Cassian's early days, he's trapped with other children on an Imperial mining planet, the site of a disaster that has killed most of the folks there. In Cassian's present, he's on an industrial town just outside the jurisdiction of the Empire, working to find his lost sister and to make a score big enough to get off planet and away from the trouble he's in after accidentally murdering a pair of local corporate authorities.
As part of Cassian's plan, he steals an important bit of Imperial technology that would...
Starring Diego Luna in the title role, the first three episodes of "Andor" quite loudly says from the very first scene that this isn't the sort of "Star Wars" you're accustomed to. The first three episodes tell the beginnings of a story with Cassian Andor in two different timelines. In Cassian's early days, he's trapped with other children on an Imperial mining planet, the site of a disaster that has killed most of the folks there. In Cassian's present, he's on an industrial town just outside the jurisdiction of the Empire, working to find his lost sister and to make a score big enough to get off planet and away from the trouble he's in after accidentally murdering a pair of local corporate authorities.
As part of Cassian's plan, he steals an important bit of Imperial technology that would...
- 9/21/2022
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
"Andor" is a completely different sort of "Star Wars" show on Disney+. Where other shows feel like they are, first and foremost, a "Star Wars" property with the influences of a filmmaker laid on top of it, "Andor" feels a bit like it's the other way around. Tony Gilroy is the first and foremost influence on the show and it feels like "Star Wars" is secondary to that. For those that love the show, it's not a bad thing, it's definitely a different energy to "Star Wars" and there are some different film touchstones that might help aid in your enjoyment of the series. If nothing else, watching these will create enjoyment for you independent of "Andor," as every single one is a masterpiece worth checking out for its own merits.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
A great place to start getting ready for "Andor" is the film that...
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
A great place to start getting ready for "Andor" is the film that...
- 9/20/2022
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Much has been made about the stunning decision by Warner Bros. Discovery to shelve the 90 million-dollar DC superhero film "Batgirl" ahead of its anticipated debut on HBO Max. As it stands, the newly-minted powers that be at the studio (including CEO David Zaslav) saw fit to use a "purchase accounting" maneuver to write off the movie and not carry the losses in a limited-timeframe tax loophole. While reports on whether the film tested well or not have been mixed, the move stands as a stain on the Warners reputation and will surely put talent off of working with the studio knowing their creative efforts might never see the light of day.
Dumping a film from release permanently is a rare move by major studios, although not unheard of. In 2007 director Beeban Kidron ("Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason") began shooting the British counterculture drama "Hippie Hippie Shake" starring Cillian Murphy...
Dumping a film from release permanently is a rare move by major studios, although not unheard of. In 2007 director Beeban Kidron ("Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason") began shooting the British counterculture drama "Hippie Hippie Shake" starring Cillian Murphy...
- 9/2/2022
- by Max Evry
- Slash Film
Showrunner Eric Kripke joins podcast hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante to discuss a few of his favorite films.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Piranha (1978) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
The Evil Dead (1983) – Fede Alvarez’s trailer commentary
Evil Dead II (1987) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary, Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Meet The Feebles (1989) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary
Dead Alive a.k.a. Braindead (1992) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary
Bad Taste (1987) – Ti West’s trailer commentary
Infested (2002)
Super (2010)
Forrest Gump (1994)
The Hidden (1987) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Uhf (1989)
Fat Guy Goes Nutzoid (1986)
The Dead Pit (1989)
Batgirl (2022) – Unreleased film
The Fantastic Four (1994) – Unreleased film...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Piranha (1978) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
The Evil Dead (1983) – Fede Alvarez’s trailer commentary
Evil Dead II (1987) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary, Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Meet The Feebles (1989) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary
Dead Alive a.k.a. Braindead (1992) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary
Bad Taste (1987) – Ti West’s trailer commentary
Infested (2002)
Super (2010)
Forrest Gump (1994)
The Hidden (1987) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Uhf (1989)
Fat Guy Goes Nutzoid (1986)
The Dead Pit (1989)
Batgirl (2022) – Unreleased film
The Fantastic Four (1994) – Unreleased film...
- 8/23/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
After Bonnie Parker and Joan Crawford, Faye Dunaway's most famous role is arguably sociopathic TV producer Diana Christensen in "Network." The youngest of the film's leads, Diana personifies the generation "raised on TV." Her ambition to bump up the ratings of the Ubs network sees her put the mentally ill Howard Beale (Peter Finch) on TV, then arrange to have him assassinated once his ratings falter. She ruins her relationship with fellow producer Max Schumacher (William Holden) along the way.
"Network" is famous for its verbose dialogue, scripted by screenwriter/satirist seer Paddy Chayefsky. From Beale's "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not gonna take this anymore!" or the towering Arthur Jensen's (Ned Beatty) "You have meddled with the primal forces of nature!," many of the film's monologues have become deservedly famous. However, Dunaway apparently had the hardest time of the film's leads wrapping her brain around Chayefsky's words.
"Network" is famous for its verbose dialogue, scripted by screenwriter/satirist seer Paddy Chayefsky. From Beale's "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not gonna take this anymore!" or the towering Arthur Jensen's (Ned Beatty) "You have meddled with the primal forces of nature!," many of the film's monologues have become deservedly famous. However, Dunaway apparently had the hardest time of the film's leads wrapping her brain around Chayefsky's words.
- 8/12/2022
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Humble Marty Piletti finally gets to home video in its proper widescreen format. Paddy Chayefsky’s TV play-turned theatrical feature really shines in Kino’s new 4K remaster. The performances of Betsy Blair and especially Ernest Borgnine provide the gentle magic, as non-glamorous Bronx-ites learn that two lonely people can find romance. It’s a winning formula and a thoughtful meditation on social reality in the pursuit of happiness. With a new audio commentary by Bryan Reesman and Max Evry.
Marty
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1955 / B&w / 1:85 widescreen + 1:37 flat open matte / 90 94 min. / Special Edition / Street Date July 19, 2022 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Ernest Borgnine, Betsy Blair, Joe Mantell, Esther Minciotti, August Ciolli, Karen Steele, Jerry Paris, Frank Sutton, James Bell, Jack Klugman.
Cinematography: Joseph Lashelle
Art Directors: Ted Haworth, Walter Simonds
Editing Supervisor: Alan Crosland Jr.
Original Music: Roy Webb
Written by Paddy Chayefsky from his teleplay
Produced by Harold Hecht,...
Marty
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1955 / B&w / 1:85 widescreen + 1:37 flat open matte / 90 94 min. / Special Edition / Street Date July 19, 2022 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Ernest Borgnine, Betsy Blair, Joe Mantell, Esther Minciotti, August Ciolli, Karen Steele, Jerry Paris, Frank Sutton, James Bell, Jack Klugman.
Cinematography: Joseph Lashelle
Art Directors: Ted Haworth, Walter Simonds
Editing Supervisor: Alan Crosland Jr.
Original Music: Roy Webb
Written by Paddy Chayefsky from his teleplay
Produced by Harold Hecht,...
- 7/12/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet, creators of the new Showtime series The Man Who Fell to Earth, talk to hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante about the movies that inspired them.
Show Notes:
Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary
Dirty Pretty Things (2002)
Amistad (1997)
Love Actually (2003)
Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007)
Blazing Saddles (1974) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s Blazing Saddles Thanksgiving
Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Bad News Bears (1976) – Jessica Bendinger’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Airplane! (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
The Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Bambi (1942)
Singin’ In The Rain (1952) – John Landis trailer commentary
The Asphalt Jungle (1950) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Boy Friend (1971) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Yellow Submarine (1968) – George Hickenlooper...
Show Notes:
Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary
Dirty Pretty Things (2002)
Amistad (1997)
Love Actually (2003)
Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007)
Blazing Saddles (1974) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s Blazing Saddles Thanksgiving
Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Bad News Bears (1976) – Jessica Bendinger’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Airplane! (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
The Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Bambi (1942)
Singin’ In The Rain (1952) – John Landis trailer commentary
The Asphalt Jungle (1950) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Boy Friend (1971) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Yellow Submarine (1968) – George Hickenlooper...
- 5/24/2022
- by Alex Kirschenbaum
- Trailers from Hell
Richard C. Wald, a former president at NBC News and a senior vice president at ABC News who worked behind the scenes with Tom Brokaw, Jane Pauley, Ted Koppel and Roone Arledge, died May 13 after suffering a stroke earlier in the month. He was 92.
Wald was involved with the creation of “Nightline,” the signature ABC News late-night program that grew out of special coverage in 1979 on the taking of U.S. embassy staff in Tehran by Iranian militants. Wald gave the show, which devoted itself to a single topic each night under the aegis of Koppel and remains on the air at ABC in modernized form, its name, trying to create an analogue to the “morning line” at a race track. He also put Brokaw on NBC’s “Today,” and hired Pauley, while working to modernize the format of “NBC Nightly News.”
His time in TV news, however, was preceded...
Wald was involved with the creation of “Nightline,” the signature ABC News late-night program that grew out of special coverage in 1979 on the taking of U.S. embassy staff in Tehran by Iranian militants. Wald gave the show, which devoted itself to a single topic each night under the aegis of Koppel and remains on the air at ABC in modernized form, its name, trying to create an analogue to the “morning line” at a race track. He also put Brokaw on NBC’s “Today,” and hired Pauley, while working to modernize the format of “NBC Nightly News.”
His time in TV news, however, was preceded...
- 5/13/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Many worthy people are still waiting and waiting for their induction into the Television Academy’s TV Hall of Fame. Each year a small committee makes the selection of just a few people to be inducted. You can visit their busts, statues and tributes at the plaza in North Hollywood, California. Our photo gallery above offers up 50 individuals who easily deserve to be included, so please take a look at these choices, esteemed committee members, and let’s induct even more this year. Also, because of the overwhelming volume of excellent choices, how about raising the induction number from five to eight per year?
Seetv Hall of Fame 2020: Red carpet interviews for inductions of Seth MacFarlane, Cicely Tyson, Bob Iger, Geraldine Laybourne, Jay Sandrich
The first induction was held in 1984 and it’s been an annual tradition almost every year. That class of legends consisted of actress/executive Lucille Ball,...
Seetv Hall of Fame 2020: Red carpet interviews for inductions of Seth MacFarlane, Cicely Tyson, Bob Iger, Geraldine Laybourne, Jay Sandrich
The first induction was held in 1984 and it’s been an annual tradition almost every year. That class of legends consisted of actress/executive Lucille Ball,...
- 4/7/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Ernest Borgnine made his mark in films playing the archetypal bully before performing an abrupt about-face in 1955’s Marty, Delbert Mann’s surprise hit about a sweet-natured but shy shopkeeper. Oscars went to Borgnine, Mann, the movie itself, and screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky. As Marty’s equally awkward sweetheart, Betsy Blair won the British Academy Award for Best Actress.
The post Marty appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
The post Marty appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
- 3/23/2022
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
William Hurt, who died Sunday at 71, had a look and an aura that appeared, at first, to fit all too snugly into Hollywood’s conception of what a movie star should be. Tall and broad-shouldered, with a silky shock of wheat-colored hair, his handsome features set off by a cleft chin and a faraway gaze, he was, at a glance, the quintessence of the old-fashioned Wasp he-man ideal. In movies, this sort of fellow was generally presented as a paragon of rectitude, a “strong silent type.” But there was nothing silent about William Hurt. The first time audiences encountered him, he was floating in a sensory-deprivation tank in the loony-tunes acid-head psychodrama “Altered States” (1980), and the moment he climbed out of that tank, suffused with the visions he had seen, he couldn’t stop jabbering about them.
“Altered States” had a notorious backstory that translated onscreen in a special way.
“Altered States” had a notorious backstory that translated onscreen in a special way.
- 3/14/2022
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
William Hurt was tall, blond, and attractive, and the product of a prep-school education and training at Julliard. For someone whose first movie came out in 1980 — the year Ronald Reagan was elected and “The Official Preppy Handbook” was published — he could have had a much different career as an actor, one that was blander, less eccentric, and less daring.
But the approachable exterior camouflaged a complicated, difficult artist, one who constantly challenged himself, even when dealing with his own inner demons. As Mark Harris noted on Twitter upon hearing of Hurt’s death at the age of 71, “Hurt always seemed profoundly uncomfortable being a good-looking leading man, which may be one reason that his performance in ‘Broadcast News’ is absolutely perfect — he understood that he was playing someone who was miscast.”
Before making his way to the screen, Hurt had already established his bona fides on the New York stage,...
But the approachable exterior camouflaged a complicated, difficult artist, one who constantly challenged himself, even when dealing with his own inner demons. As Mark Harris noted on Twitter upon hearing of Hurt’s death at the age of 71, “Hurt always seemed profoundly uncomfortable being a good-looking leading man, which may be one reason that his performance in ‘Broadcast News’ is absolutely perfect — he understood that he was playing someone who was miscast.”
Before making his way to the screen, Hurt had already established his bona fides on the New York stage,...
- 3/14/2022
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
One of the most prescient and corrosive satires ever filmed, Paddy Chayefsky’s Oscar-winning screenplay is brilliantly realized by director Sidney Lumet, with an exceptional cast at its collective best. Stunningly transgressive in 1976, today it plays like a documentary and the bizarre programming on the fictional Ubs Network looks positively classical compared to what we’re assaulted with now. Ned Beatty’s mid-film rant that “the world is a business” plays more chillingly than ever.
The post Network appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
The post Network appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
- 3/4/2022
- by TFH Team
- Trailers from Hell
Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars and Emmys ceremonies from film awards editor Clayton Davis. Following history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Oscar and Emmy predictions are updated regularly with the current year's list of contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. The eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and is subject to change.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Oscars Collective
Visit each category, per the individual awards show from The Oscars Hub
Revisit the prediction archive of the 2021 season The Archive
Link to television awards is atTHE Emmys Hub
2022 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Screenplay
Updated: Feb 17, 2022
Awards Prediction Commentary:
Paul Thomas Anderson is up to a whopping...
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Oscars Collective
Visit each category, per the individual awards show from The Oscars Hub
Revisit the prediction archive of the 2021 season The Archive
Link to television awards is atTHE Emmys Hub
2022 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Screenplay
Updated: Feb 17, 2022
Awards Prediction Commentary:
Paul Thomas Anderson is up to a whopping...
- 2/17/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
David Letterman celebrates his 40th anniversary as a late night talk show host today. His first episode of “Late Night with David Letterman” aired on February 1, 1982, following “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” for the next decade (plus an 11th year after Jay Leno‘s show). Letterman returns to his former NBC home tonight to visit “Late Night with Seth Meyers.”
He departed NBC in 1993 for a 22-year run as host of “Late Show with David Letterman” on CBS. His combined 33+ years on both NBC and CBS make him the longest-running late night talk show host in American history.
That remarkable length of service and his influence on younger hosts like Conan O’Brien, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and others should make him a lock for induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. But they’ve never asked him to join. Several of his...
He departed NBC in 1993 for a 22-year run as host of “Late Show with David Letterman” on CBS. His combined 33+ years on both NBC and CBS make him the longest-running late night talk show host in American history.
That remarkable length of service and his influence on younger hosts like Conan O’Brien, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and others should make him a lock for induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. But they’ve never asked him to join. Several of his...
- 2/1/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Writer/director Adam McKay kicks off Season 5 by discussing a few of his favorite movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Parasite (2019) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
The Big Short (2015)
Vice (2018)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary links
The Second Civil War (1997) – Glenn Erickson’s trailer commentary, Joe Dante revisits the movie
Network (1976) – Chris Wilkinson’s trailer commentary
Broadcast News (1987)
To Die For (1995) – Illeana Douglas’s trailer commentary
The Hospital (1971) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Ace In The Hole (1951) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Dr. Strangelove (1964) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Over The Edge (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Warriors (1979)
River’s Edge (1986)
Tex (1982)
Rumble Fish (1983) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Parasite (2019) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
The Big Short (2015)
Vice (2018)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary links
The Second Civil War (1997) – Glenn Erickson’s trailer commentary, Joe Dante revisits the movie
Network (1976) – Chris Wilkinson’s trailer commentary
Broadcast News (1987)
To Die For (1995) – Illeana Douglas’s trailer commentary
The Hospital (1971) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Ace In The Hole (1951) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Dr. Strangelove (1964) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Over The Edge (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Warriors (1979)
River’s Edge (1986)
Tex (1982)
Rumble Fish (1983) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray...
- 1/18/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Joan Copeland, the younger sister of legendary playwright Arthur Miller whose decades-long Broadway career included performances in two of her brother’s plays, died Tuesday at age 99.
The actress, whose TV credits included multiple daytime soap operas and NBC’s “Law & Order,” passed away in her sleep in her Manhattan home, her son, Eric Kupchik, told The Hollywood Reporter. Kupchik did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Copeland starred in Miller’s 1968 play “The Price” and later won a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Rose Baum in Miller’s 1980 Depression-era play “The American Clock.” The music-loving character was inspired by their mother, Augusta.
“Arthur didn’t write the part for me, but it’s one of the few roles I didn’t have to audition for my brother,” she said in a 2012 interview. “I’ve had to audition for several of his plays,...
The actress, whose TV credits included multiple daytime soap operas and NBC’s “Law & Order,” passed away in her sleep in her Manhattan home, her son, Eric Kupchik, told The Hollywood Reporter. Kupchik did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Copeland starred in Miller’s 1968 play “The Price” and later won a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Rose Baum in Miller’s 1980 Depression-era play “The American Clock.” The music-loving character was inspired by their mother, Augusta.
“Arthur didn’t write the part for me, but it’s one of the few roles I didn’t have to audition for my brother,” she said in a 2012 interview. “I’ve had to audition for several of his plays,...
- 1/5/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Joan Copeland, who graced both the stage and screen for decades as a Broadway star and soap opera actress, died the morning of Jan. 4 in her New York City home, Copeland’s family confirmed to Variety. She was 99.
Copeland’s career included performances on numerous daytime soap operas — including “Search for Tomorrow” (1967-72) “Love of Life” (1960-63), “The Edge of the Night” (1956) and “How to Survive a Marriage” (1974).
As one of the first members of The Actors Studio, she made her Broadway debut in 1948 as Nadine in “Sundown Beach.” Her other Broadway credits include “Detective Story,” (1950) “Coco,” (1969) and “45 Seconds From Broadway” (2001).
Copeland was the sister of playwright Arthur Miller, who died in 2005. She appeared in one of Miller’s plays, “The American Clock” (1980), a performance for which she earned a Drama Desk award.
“From the time I was a little girl I had the stage bug,” Copeland told The New...
Copeland’s career included performances on numerous daytime soap operas — including “Search for Tomorrow” (1967-72) “Love of Life” (1960-63), “The Edge of the Night” (1956) and “How to Survive a Marriage” (1974).
As one of the first members of The Actors Studio, she made her Broadway debut in 1948 as Nadine in “Sundown Beach.” Her other Broadway credits include “Detective Story,” (1950) “Coco,” (1969) and “45 Seconds From Broadway” (2001).
Copeland was the sister of playwright Arthur Miller, who died in 2005. She appeared in one of Miller’s plays, “The American Clock” (1980), a performance for which she earned a Drama Desk award.
“From the time I was a little girl I had the stage bug,” Copeland told The New...
- 1/4/2022
- by Wyatte Grantham-Philips
- Variety Film + TV
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