THE 1986 MUSICAL FANTASY RETURNS TO THE BIG SCREEN
Fathom Events and Sony Pictures invite you to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Labyrinthwhen it returns to select cinemas nationwide for a special two-day event on Sunday, September 11 and Wednesday, September 14.
Labyrinth tells the story of a fifteen-year-old girl, Sarah (Jennifer Connelly), who, in an immature and selfish moment, secretly wishes that her baby brother, Toby, would just disappear. Her wish comes true when goblins kidnap the boy forcing Sarah to solve a life-size labyrinth in order to rescue her baby brother from the castle of Jareth, the Goblin King (David Bowie).
Labyrinth is a 1986 American adventure musical fantasy film directed by Jim Henson, executive produced by George Lucas, and based upon conceptual designs by Brian Froud. With the exception of Bowie and Connelly, most of the significant characters in the film are played by puppets produced by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. (Wikipedia)
First of all, Bowie! Second of all, Bowie! And third, oh, you get it. David Bowie was born for this role. His theatricality, magical voice, aura, all made him destined and a standout as the Goblin King.
I remember this film fondly as my children would act out the entire movie in our family room. I’m a big musical movie buff and I would always smile in delight as I secretly checked out the show.
Featuring a cast of puppets, the story by Dennis Lee and Jim Henson, and a screenplay by Terry Jones, Labyrinthhas all the myth and wonder of any childhood classic. As part of this event, the audience will be treated to a special introduction and get an exclusive all-new look behind the curtain at the making of this classic. (fathom events)
After Bowie’s death this year, someone posed the question, did David Bowie keep the Universe together? Seems the world went crazy with all the artists departing the planet. I don’t know, could be true. Well, anyway, make sure to check out Labyrinth’s 30th Anniversary screening! Starring the one and only, keeper of the Universe, David Bowie!
Check your local theater for showtimes or purchase tickets online here.
Time reversed itself for a moment when I heard the news of Gene Wilder’s passing due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. He’s been a part of my life since “Willy Wonka”and his spirit helped me through the challenging and uncertain days of my fight against Colon and Breast Cancer.
Last year I wrote about Gene Wilder on my Livinginthemoment2015.com blog as I began chemotherapy for Colon Cancer and how his role in one of my favorite films,”Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” influenced my attitude toward treatment.
Throughout my cancer journey, I was constantly inspired by Wonka’s belief that all things are possible with imagination, whatever your dream may be. What a great philosophy and attitude to keep joy and a positive spirit in your life.
It was “lightning in a bottle” when Wilder teamed up with the brilliant, writer, producer, actor and director Mel Brooks. Their collaboration cemented our “love affair” and would lead to the hilarious and very political comedy-western, “Blazing Saddles” (1974), in which Brooks also starred. This film is an all-time favorite at my house and it’s not unusual for me and my husband to break out in quotes from the movie as we reflect back on the film with fondness.
The Waco Kid
“Mongo only pawn in game of life.”
I break out in uncontrollable laughter at just the thought of “Young Frankenstein”.
The next Mel Brooks, Gene Wilder collaboration, “Young Frankenstein” (1974) was pure genius. I’m an old Universal horror fan and the accuracy of integrating all the Frankenstein films with humor was unforgettable and an incredible tribute to the franchise.
“Puttin’ on the Ritz”
Baron Von Frankenstein
Wilder aspired to touch audiences much as Charlie Chaplin had. The Chaplin film “City Lights,” he said, had “made the biggest impression on me as an actor; it was funny, then sad, then both at the same time.” Mr. Wilder was an accomplished stage actor as well as a screenwriter, a novelist and the director of four movies in which he starred. (He directed, he once said, “in order to protect what I wrote, which I wrote in order to act.”)
“Bonnie and Clyde” 1967
He made his movie debut in 1967 in Arthur Penn’s celebrated crime drama, “Bonnie and Clyde,” in which he was memorably hysterical as an undertaker kidnapped by the notorious Depression-era bank robbers played by Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty. He was even more hysterical, and even more memorable, a year later in “The Producers,” the first film by Mr. Brooks, who later turned it into a Broadway hit. (New York Times)
Although his light has dimmed his spirit will live on forever. R.I.P.
Everyone pretty much knows that I’m a movie junkie and often look at my life like a movie. I believe we see ourselves in the films we connect with the most.
That worldview started me thinking, what movie best represents you or your life philosophy?
For me, it’s “The Matrix”. Why? The reason is most of the time I feel like we live in some sort of twilight zone. That “The Matrix” deludes us into believing what is projected on us and some of us choose to be in blissful ignorance rather than deal with the truth.
Which pill would you take; the Red or The Blue?
If presented with the knowledge you seek to change your life, would you?
For me, movies aren’t just movies. They represent a belief, vision, or point of view. Does art imitate life or vice versa? Cinema itself is a projection of a journey the filmmaker wants us to take.
Written and directed by The Wachowskis, and starring Keanu Reeves,“The Matrix” (1999) depicts a dystopian future in which reality, as perceived by most humans is actually a simulated reality called “The Matrix”. It was created by machines endowed with feelings and unstructured consciousness to subdue the human population, while their bodies’ heat and electrical activity are used as an energy source.
Computer programmer “Neo” learns this truth and is drawn into a rebellion against the machines, which involves other people who have been freed from the “dream world”. (Wikipedia)
With this premise, the filmmakers have set up and manipulated us to absorb and confront the possibilities of this hellish world. This alternate space is really a metaphor for the choices we are faced with daily. Knowing the truth, what do we do? Use that information to change what is or choose to be a sleepwalker through life?
This is the reason why I love film. The good ones provoke introspective thought and conversation. Something we are in desperate need of today.
I can appreciate there are those who don’t like Top 10 lists but I tend to enjoy them because of getting to find out the favorites of fellow film lovers. Also, reminiscing about my best-loved movies that perhaps I haven’t thought about for a while.
Closing lines can serve as punctuation, the cherry on top. They can also, wrap up the film. One-liners that recall the movie all over again. Often times these are the quotes we remember most and become representative of the movie’s theme.
There are way too many movies to choose from so these are just a sampling that made this particular list. I love the Top 2 but as I was watching so many other films came to mind.
Please, let me know in the comments some of your best quotes. I’m looking forward to reading them.
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Spoiler Alert: I make it a point to never reveal a film’s ending because it’s a matter of courtesy. Don’t spoil the movie!
What do you get when you pair a bored housewife and a straight-laced waitress at a coffee shop who are best friends sick of what they’ve settled for in a moment of spontaneity deciding to escape the tedium of their everyday lives?
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Fathom Events, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Park Circus invite you to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Thelma & Louise when it returns to select cinemas nationwide for a special two-day event on Sunday, August 21 and Wednesday, August 24 – 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (local time)
Featuring a special introduction from film critic Ben Lyons talking about the legacy of Thelma & Louise and why, after 25 years, it is still considered the ultimate road trip movie.
Thelma & Louise is a 1991 American road film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri. It’s a story about best friends taking control of their lives and accepting the consequences; changing the outcome of the two-day vacation intended to take a break from their dreary lives.
When you think about it, Thelma (Susan Sarandon) and Louise (Geena Davis) invented the selfie. Susan Sarandon explained she thought her character would be the type to keep a record of their travels, so she improvised the moment. And what about Brad Pitt? What a way to make a splash on the movie scene!
Simon says everybody down on the floor!
Although power hasn’t really changed in Hollywood, Thelma and Louise was a very empowering female liberation film. I never give away endings but at the time I felt wow, finally a real kickass conclusion versus the candy coated type we usually get.
The film became a critical and commercial success, receiving six Academy Award nominations and winning one for Best Original Screenplay for Khouri. Scott was nominated for Best Director, and both Sarandon and Davis were nominated for Best Actress.
At its release, the movie stirred controversy. At the intersection of several genres, it is now considered a classic, influenced other films and artistic works, and became a landmark of feminist film. (Wikipedia)
It’s a perfect movie for an ultimate girl’s night out so grab your friends and don’t miss seeing this classic on the big screen!
I was working on a post the other day and the TV show Nothing but Trailers was on in the background. It got me thinking about some of my all-time favorites and what constitutes a great trailer.
First of all, it can’t just be a series of scenes from the movie. That really irks me! What’s the point of me going if you’ve already given me your best shots? Just lazy.
An excellent trailer peaks your curiosity gets your heart stirring and demands that you’re first in line to see it. An incredible trailer gives you minimal information but builds the anticipation with atmospheric music, punctuation shots, and an ending that elicits the core emotion of the film.
This is the criteria I applied to the following trailers and is the basis for them being some of the most memorable.
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Number One has got to be the 1979 sci-fi classic – Alien. “In space, no one can hear you scream.”
Starring Sigourney Weaver, director Ridley Scott scared the crap out of me and the little boy sitting in front of me at the theater. Oh, and to make matters worse, I was pregnant at the time. Yikes! (if you’ve seen it you understand, if you haven’t, what?? You must!) And my girl Sigourney Weaver showed the world what a badass woman in space looks like.
Sigourney Weaver
This is the epitome of an incredible trailer. Little bits and moments and truly haunting music. My heart was racing and I had no idea of what I’d just seen.
The visuals were outstanding! There was absolutely nothing familiar in the images coming off the screen. The Alien and its accompanying elements were designed by Swiss surrealist artist H. R. Giger. (I don’t know how he slept with those images in his head) The film received both critical acclaim and box office success, receiving an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
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Number Two is the sci-fi thriller –The Dark Knight (2008) – “Why So Serious?”
First of all, Heath Ledger. Second of all, Heath Ledger!! Even in the trailer, his intensity shines thru. He draws you in and you’re compelled to see more. His Oscar-winning performance was incredible and the most talked about that year.
Ledger almost made a complete sweep of over twenty awards for acting, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor, the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture, and the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Heath Ledger
Unfortunately, we lost him, but his genius as The Joker lives on. Starring Christian Bale as the caped crusader and directed by Christopher Nolan, when I saw this trailer I knew where I was going to be on opening night. Totally lived up to the hype.
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Last, but certainly not least of this compilation is the original master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock’s – Psycho (1960) “…she just goes a little mad sometimes.”
This trailer shows Alfred Hitchcock taught the world just how horror is done. Fits every criterion for an incredible movie trailer and then some. Starring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins, my heart is racing right now re-visiting this magnificent piece of cinema.
Sir Alfred Hitchcock – (13 August 1899 – 29 April 1980)
Hitch’s stylistic trademarks include the use of camera movement that mimics a person’s gaze, forcing viewers to engage in a form of voyeurism. In addition, he framed shots to maximize anxiety, fear, or empathy and used innovative forms of film editing. (Wikipedia)
To quote me, “An incredible trailer gives you minimal information but builds the anticipation with atmospheric music, punctuation shots, and an ending that elicits the core emotion of the film.”
An unquestionable classic!
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Now that I’ve shared some of my faves, I’d love to hear some of yours! 😎
Today we celebrate two very special birthdays; Harry James Potter, born in England on July 31, 1980, and the creator of this beloved wizard, J.K Rowling. This gifted writer created a magical world, a wizarding world that changed our culture forever. Following the saga of Harry and his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger, Rowling energized a generation of children to read.
J. K Rowling
I am a Harry Potter head for sure. I celebrated my 60th birthday last year at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Florida. I was also one of the millions who visited Universal upon the inauguration of the “Wizarding World.” I’ve read all of the books 3 times over and love the overarching message of the power of love and friendship in this best-selling series.
TCM’s Classic Movies Seriesis the perfect opportunity to re-visit or perhaps attend for the first time the theatrical screenings of – “Planet of the Apes”, “Animal House” and “The King and I”.
Each film will include a special TCM-produced commentary by host Ben Mankiewicz who will provide exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes looks and more.
I’m a big proponent of heading to the theater to watch an anticipated movie on the big screen. Even though we have the convenience of DVDs and streaming, nothing beats the experience of sitting in the dark and enjoying a great film with fellow movie lovers.
Planet of the Apes may make you question just how civilized and superior humans really are to our primate relatives. It serves as a metaphor for man’s frailties and social prejudices. It holds up a mirror for people to challenge the idea of humanity.
A science fiction film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, it stars Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, James Daly and Linda Harrison. The screenplay by Michael Wilson and Rod Serling was based on the 1963 French novel La Planète des Singes by Pierre Boulle.
The film tells the story of an astronaut crew who crash-land on a strange planet in the distant future. Although the planet appears desolate at first, the surviving crew members stumble upon a society in which apes have evolved into creatures with human-like intelligence and speech. The apes have assumed the role of the dominant species and humans are mute creatures wearing animal skins.(Wikipedia)
Join Astronaut George Taylor (Charleton Heston) as he attempts to uncover the truth after waking up on a desolate planet and discovering that apes are in control! See the classic that bravely challenged social issues and made people ask the question, “how civilized are we, really?”
As I write on my About page, I’ve loved movies ever since I was a kid at the Saturday matinees. When the VCR was developed, I was in heaven. The ability to view my favorite films whenever I wanted was a day I had envisioned since childhood.
This post is Part 2 of Most Quotable Films and features some of my favorite, most notable quotes from my best-loved movies.
My family has a lot of fun reciting movies and my children were raised watching and memorizing movie lines.There are way too many quotable films to name, but here goes:
CaddyShack is a raucous joyride of quotes. How could it help be starring Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray? I don’t know how any of the cast could keep a straight face during filming. One of my favorite scenes is in the pool with the candy bar. Not going to give it away so give it a look-see.😂
Starring Gene Wilder, Clevon Little, Harvey Korman, and Madeline Khan, this Mel Brooks film has to be one of the funniest flicks of all time! It offends everyone and in a past post titled “Too Blazing Hot”, I posed the question if this movie could be made today because of its’ incorrectness in practically every scene. However, this satire of western films lasers in on a myriad of stereotypes and folklore. My husband’s favorite scene was the villains around the campfire. After seeing it he insisted on us returning to the theater for what turned out to be an afternoon of non-stop belly laughs. If you haven’t already, make it a point to see this classic.
Yet another Mel Brooks masterpiece, Young Frankenstein pays homage to the original Frankenstein and its’ sequels. I’m a huge Universal monster fan and was blown away with Brooks’ accuracy in the scenes and references to all the films. Absolute genius!
I’ve only touched on a minuscule number of quotable films. Let me know some of your favorites in the comments!
As I write on my About page, I’ve loved movies ever since I was a kid at the Saturday matinees. When the VCR was developed, I was in heaven. The ability to view my favorite films whenever I wanted was a day I had envisioned since childhood.
I have two children and raised them to be movie junkies, as well. We frequently have conversations laced with film quotes like – “It doesn’t have to be gold” from the Billy Wilder classic, “Some Like it Hot!” or “Do or do not. There is no try.” from the wise Yoda in “Empire Strikes Back”.
This post features some of my favorite, most notable quotes from my best-loved movies. There are way too many to name, but here goes:
Trivia: Marlon Brando boycotted the Academy Awards and turned down his Oscar for Best Actor in protest of the treatment of Native Americans in film and on television. Al Pacino also was a no-show for being nominated as Best Supporting Actor and not Best Actor. He had more screen time so didn’t appreciate the slight.
This Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe comedy vehicle has always been close to my heart because, for its time, was the most subversive film I’d ever seen. And I mean that in a good way! Cross-dressing, gay marriage, it’s brilliant! In my top 5.
Tom Hanks “made his bones” to quote The Godfather in this remarkable cinematic triumph. Forrest Gump will probably go down as one of the most quotable films of all time! “Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”.
1939 is considered to be the most amazing year in the motion picture industry for the quality of films and audience attendance. “Gone With the Wind”, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and “The Wizard of Oz”, which is one of the most beloved works of our time. It continues to tug at our heart strings with every generation.
“Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.” Scarecrow
This group is just a sampling of some of the best. Stay tuned for Part Two of the Most Quotable Films. In the meantime:
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