Tag Archives: #iheartfillmblog

“May the Schwartz Be With You” – Off-the-Wall Movies

Posted by donnamarie on

 

Spaceballs

 

Like Galaxy Quest was an homage to Star Trek, Mel Brooks off-the-wall comedy Spaceballs (1987) was a send-off of Star Wars. Its setting and characters parody the original Star Wars trilogy, as well as other sci-fi franchises including Star Trek, Alien, and the Planet of the Apes films.

The plot is set in a distant galaxy, planet Spaceball which has depleted its air supply, leaving its citizens reliant on a product called “Perri-Air.” (See, I told you off-the-wall)

Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks

In desperation, Spaceball’s leader President Skroob (Mel Brooks) orders the evil Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) to kidnap Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) of oxygen-rich Druidia and hold her hostage in exchange for air.

Rick Moranis (Dark Helmet)

Rick Moranis (Dark Helmet)

But help arrives for the Princess in the form of renegade space pilot Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) and his half-man, half-dog partner, Barf (John Candy). (IMDb)

 

Spaceballs is a 1987 American science fiction parody film co-written, produced and directed by Mel Brooks. Starring Brooks, Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Rick Moranis, the film also features Daphne Zuniga, Dick Van Patten, and the voice of Joan Rivers as Dot Matrix. (Wikipedia)

 

John Candy, Joan Rivers (Dot), Daphne Zuniga, Bill Pullman
Rick Moranis
John Candy – Barf

The film was met with a mixed reception but I think it can be classified as a cult classic, definitely an off the-wall-classic.

Going back and researching this film I almost forgot the funniest scene that had me on the floor. When I first saw this I literally screamed! Which I’m sure had the cleaning lady a the Residence Inn, where I was staying, shaking her head. (This chick is nuts!)

 

OMG, that was hilarious!! Who would have thought you could turn that incredibly terrifying moment in Alien into this “spit your milk out” moment.

Once again, Rick Moranis is absolutely brilliant! Just looking at him in that ginormous helmet, you can’t help but crack-up. Portraying the embodiment of the “Napoleon complex” his action playing with his dolls is too precious.

Trivia:

  • IT WASN’T THE FIRST STAR WARS PARODY FILM.

Amateur filmmaker, Ernie Fosselius was so enamored with Star Wars in 1977 that he cobbled together a 12-minute short, Hardware Wars, which he shot for just $8,000 in an abandoned laundromat. It was even declared a “cute little film” by George Lucas.

  • LUCAS GAVE HIS (CONDITIONAL) BLESSING.

Based on Brooks not doing any merchandising. The Lucas people were just upset about one aspect of Spaceballs,” Brooks told Starlog in 1987. “They didn’t think it was fair for us to do a take-off and then merchandise the characters.”

  • BILL PULLMAN WAS BROOKS’ THIRD CHOICE.

According to Pullman, the actor—who had not yet had a starring role—was approached by Brooks only after Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks turned down the role of Lone Starr, the Han Solo-esque lead of the film. Pullman said that hiring Rick Moranis and John Candy freed Brooks up to cast a relative unknown.

  • BARF’S EARS UPSTAGED THE ACTORS.

John Candy, who played half-dog/half-man Barf, was usually trailed on-set by Effects artist Rick Lazzarini and the effects crew, who had to control both his tail and his ears. At one point, Lazzarini was told by Brooks that he didn’t “have to move the ears so much!” They were too active in scenes focused on other characters. (Candy, incidentally, performed with a 40-pound battery backpack strapped to him to control the animatronics.)

(Jake Rossen-(mental_floss)

 

John Candy - Barf

John Candy – Barf

So, if you’re looking for a good laugh and a total mind distraction, I recommend “Spaceballs” as the perfect gag-filled tonic.

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“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” Memorable Film Monologues🎬

Posted by donnamarie on

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I love quoting from my favorite movies. It’s like a secret language that only you and those who love that particular film can understand. The joy is one line can transport you back to that moment in time and creates an instant connection with fellow film lovers.

Image result for movie quotesOn a recent trip to visit family, watching the Michigan game and sharing stories, as usual, my cousin quipped, “the sheriff is near..” and we all broke out laughing visualizing the scene with Clevon Little from “Blazing Saddles”.

So, taking the secret language idea a little further, I decided to showcase some of my favorite monologues from some of my favorite films.

 

Caddyshack – Bill Murray “Cinderella Story”

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Bill Murray was in rare form in this classic 1980 sports-comedy hit. Directed by Harold Ramis and written by Brian Doyle-Murray, Ramis and Douglas Kenney, it stars Michael O’Keefe, Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, and Bill Murray.

This was Ramis’ first feature film and was a major boost to Dangerfield’s film career; previously, he was known mostly for his stand-up comedy. Grossing nearly $40 million at the domestic box office (17th-highest of the year).

Caddyshack has garnered a large cult following and has been hailed by media outlets, such as Time and ESPN, as one of the funniest sports movies of all time. As of 2010, Caddyshack has been televised on the Golf Channel as one of its “Movies That Make the Cut.” (Wikipedia)

 

Caddyshack

Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight

In 2000, Caddyshack was placed at number 71 on the American Film Institute’s (AFI) list of the 100 funniest American films. In 2005, a line from the movie was chosen by AFI for their list of the top 100 movie quotes from U.S. films.

‘”Cinderella story. Outta nowhere. A former greenskeeper, now, about to become the Masters champion. It looks like a

mirac…

…It’s in the hole! It’s in the hole! It’s in the hole!”

bill murray

Bill Murray

On October 23, 2016, Bill Murray was the recipient of The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. From the stage of The John F. Kennedy Center, a star-studded lineup saluted the achievements of this brilliant comedic trailblazer.

 

“Young Frankenstein” (1974) Gene Wilder “Hello Handsome”

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There is no doubt that Gene Wilder was a brilliant writer and one of the funniest actors of our time. His role as Victor Frankenstein is a standout. His timing is perfect and this monologue is priceless.

“Young Frankenstein” is the 1974 American horror comedy film directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder as the title character, a descendant of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The supporting cast includes Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, Richard Haydn and Gene Hackman. The screenplay was written by Wilder and Brooks.

 

young frankenstein cast

Mel Brooks, Kenneth Mars, Marty Feldman, Gene Wilder, Teri Garr

The film is an affectionate parody of the classic horror film genre, in particular, the various film adaptations of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein produced by Universal in the 1930s.

Brooks adapted the film into a musical of the same name which premiered in Seattle at the Paramount Theatre and ran from August 7 to September 1, 2007. The musical opened on Broadway at the Foxwoods Theatre (then the Hilton Theatre) on November 8, 2007, and closed on January 4, 2009.

 

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It was nominated for three Tony Awards and starred Tony winner Roger Bart, two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster, Tony & Olivier winner Shuler Hensley, two-time Emmy winner Megan Mullally (Will & Grace), three-time Tony nominee Christopher Fitzgerald, and two-time Tony & Emmy winner Andrea Martin (Saturday Night Live veteran).

young frankenstein musical cast

Megan Mullally

A critical favorite and box office smash, Young Frankenstein ranks No. 28 on Total Film magazine’s readers’ “List of the 50 Greatest Comedy Films of All Time”, No. 56 on Bravo TV’s list of the “100 Funniest Movies”, and No. 13 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 funniest American movies.

 

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In 2003, it was deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” by the United States National Film Preservation Board, and selected for preservation in the Library of Congress National Film Registry. On its 40th anniversary, Brooks considered it by far his finest (though not his funniest) film as a writer-director.

 

Jaws (1975) – Quint’s story of the Indianapolis

 Jaws Movie Poster

I still find myself holding my breath listening to Quint’s (Robert Shaw) story. His vivid recount of his nightmare of the death with his shipmates is absolutely riveting! Wow, one of the most frightening scenes in the film.

Jaws is the 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Peter Benchley‘s 1974 novel of the same name. The film stars Roy Scheider as police chief Martin Brody, Robert Shaw as shark hunter Quint, and Richard Dreyfuss as oceanographer Matt Hooper. (Wikipedia)

Now considered one of the greatest films ever made, Jaws was the prototypical summer blockbuster, with its release regarded as a watershed moment in motion picture history.

Jaws movie

Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss

Jaws became the highest-grossing film of all time until the release of Star Wars (1977). It won several awards for its soundtrack and editing. In 2001, Jaws was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, being deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. (Wikipedia)

This classic won three Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, and Best Sound (Robert Hoyt, Roger Heman, Earl Madery and John Carter). It was also nominated for Best Picture, losing to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

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Spielberg greatly resented the fact that he was not nominated for Best Director. Along with the Oscar, John Williams’s score won the Grammy Award, the BAFTA Award for Best Film Music, and the Golden Globe Award. To her Academy Award, Verna Fields added the American Cinema Editors’ Eddie Award for Best Edited Feature Film.

 

Pulp Fiction (1994) – Samuel L. Jackson – Ezekiel 25: 17

This is the scene that not only features the memorable monologue but, introspection of just what it means. This reflection made the speech even more impactful for me. Stop and think about it.

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Pulp Fiction is the 1994 American neo-noir crime black comedy film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, from a story by Tarantino and Roger Avary. Tarantino’s second feature film, it is iconic for its eclectic dialogue, ironic mix of humor and violence, nonlinear storyline, and a host of cinematic allusions and pop culture references.

pulp fiction

Uma Thurman, John Travolta

The film was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture; Tarantino and Avary won for Best Original Screenplay. It was also awarded the Palme d’Or at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival. A major critical and commercial success, it revitalized the career of its leading man, John Travolta, who received an Academy Award nomination, as did co-stars Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman. (Wikipedia)

pulp fiction

John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson

The music is as much a character in the movie as the actors. No film score was composed for Pulp Fiction; Quentin Tarantino instead used an eclectic assortment of surf music, rock and roll, soul, and pop songs.

Dick Dale’s rendition of “Misirlou” plays during the opening credits. Tarantino chose surf music as the basic musical style for the film, but not, he insists, because of its association with surfing culture: “To me, it sounds like rock and roll spaghetti Western music.” (Wikipedia)

 

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The soundtrack album, Music from the Motion Picture Pulp Fiction, was released along with the film in 1994. The album peaked on the Billboard 200 chart at number 21. The single, Urge Overkill’s cover of the Neil Diamond song “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon”, reached number 59.

The film has been called a “terminally hip postmodern collage” and in 2013, selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. (Wikipedia)

 

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These are some of my top classic movie moments. In the Comments, let me know some of yours!

 

What Fourth Estate? – “Network” 1976📺

Posted by donnamarie on

The Fourth Estate

The fourth estate is a term that positions the press as the fourth branch of government and one that is important to a functioning democracy.

The First Amendment to the Constitution “frees” the press but carries with it a responsibility to be the people’s watchdog.

 

Network film

Network 1976

Originally this film was going to be part of a favorite monologues piece. However, after watching Howard Beale’s (Peter Finch) speech on the state of the world, I felt the need to turn it into a full blown post on its own.

This prophetic monologue is incredible! It could very well have been given today. His truth and passion still hit hard. Politically, I feel this way most days.

Network film

“Network” is a 1976 American satirical black comedy-drama written by Paddy Chayefsky and directed by Sidney Lumet, about a fictional television network, UBS, and its struggle with poor ratings. The film stars Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, and Robert Duvall.

When I saw this movie at its premiere I thought it was pinpoint accurate as a representation of the industry and the direction it was going. Today’s corporate media has even surpassed the foretold death of true journalism that “Network” showcased.

Entertainment television was the news style of the film and parrots the absurdity of what passes for the Fourth Estate today.

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As a journalism student in the ’70s, I’ve been outraged over time witnessing the demise and bastardization of the reason for journalism, to begin with. The news is supposed to inform the public of what is going on in Washington and globally. It’s supposed to be impartial, probing and take seriously the consequences of misleading and misinforming the American people of information needed to make informed decisions on our public servants and events.

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I often think of the Watergate scandal and how very differently it would have emerged in today’s news environment. Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein from the Washington Post represented the best of journalism and the importance of separating news from entertainment; digging deep and not letting up until all the facts had been revealed.

Chilling commentary and viewpoint from the Corporate Chairman (Ned Beatty)

Allegedly, part of the inspiration for Chayefsky’s script came from the on-air suicide of television news reporter Christine Chubbuck in Sarasota, Florida two years earlier. The anchorwoman was suffering from depression and battles with her editors, and unable to keep going, she shot herself on camera as stunned viewers watched on July 15, 1974. Chayefsky used the incident to set up his film’s focal point. As he would say later in an interview, “Television will do anything for a rating… anything!”

 

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However, Dave Itzkoff’s book Mad as Hell: The Making of Network and the Fateful Vision of the Angriest Man in Movies disputes this, asserting that Chayefsky actually began writing “Network” months before Chubbuck’s death and already planned for Howard Beale to vow to kill himself on air; Chubbuck’s suicide was an eerie parallel. (Wikipedia)

Whatever the order of events, Paddy Chayefsky’s intuition and writing are inspired! Words we should never take lightly and always remember.

 

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In 2000, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. In 2002, it was inducted into the Producers Guild of America Hall of Fame as a film that has “set an enduring standard for U.S. American entertainment”. (Wikipedia)

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In 2006, the two Writers Guilds of America voted Chayefsky’s script one of the 10 greatest screenplays in the history of cinema. In 2007, the film was 64th among the 100 greatest American films as chosen by the American Film Institute, a ranking slightly higher than the one AFI had given it ten years earlier.

 

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Frederick George Peter Ingle Finch

( September 28,  1916 – January 14, 1977)

peter finch

The role of Howard Beale earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Actor, his fifth Best Actor award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and a Best Actor award from the Golden Globes. He was the first person to win a posthumous Academy Award in an acting category.

Although Finch didn’t live to receive the Academy Award for Best Actor, his performance as Howard Beale will never leave the memories of those who witnessed it.

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So, in honor of Howard Beale let’s all get up off our chairs, go to the window and yell – “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!”

And, after you’re done, make sure you stay up and go out and VOTE!

 

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Truth at its Finest – The Great Dictator (1940)

Posted by donnamarie on

The Great Dictator.jpg

 

Charlie Chaplin is one of the greatest filmmakers in motion picture history. Robert Downey, Jr. brilliantly portrayed his tremendous talent and career in the 1992 film “Chaplin”. I’ve always loved Chaplin not just because of his comedic gifts but like myself, he stood firm in the belief that art is political. A position which caused him to be kicked out of the United States for “subversive” beliefs.

 

charlie-chaplin

Sir Charles Spencer “Charlie” Chaplin, (16 April 1889 – 25 December 1977) was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame during the era of silent film. Chaplin became a worldwide icon through his screen persona “the Tramp” and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the film industry.

 

His career spanned more than 75 years, from childhood in the Victorian era until a year before his death in 1977, and encompassed both adulation and controversy. (Wikipedia)

Charlie Chaplin portrait.jpg

Charlie Chaplin

Probably the most prophetic film of his extraordinary career was “The Great Dictator” (1940). Chaplin’s final speech resonates at the core of what it means to be human today just as it did over 75 years ago. Written by Chaplin, it emphasizes just how vital it is to know your history because those who don’t are doomed to repeat it.

 

Created in direct opposition to Hitler’s reign of terror, Chaplin warns of the devastation of giving up our humanity and implores us to love each other.

The Great Dictator is the 1940 American political satire comedy-drama film written, directed, produced, scored by and starring Charlie Chaplin. Charlie Chaplin was unique because he was the only Hollywood filmmaker to continue to make silent films well into the period of sound films, this was Chaplin’s first true sound film.

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This scene is so beautiful in its simplicity and elegance; while at the same time mocking the hubris of Hitler, the genocide, antisemitic dictator.

Language similar to a candidate running for President in 2016. Same delusional dream.

Chaplin’s film is a scathing and controversial condemnation of Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, fascism, antisemitism, and the Nazis. At the time the film was released, the United States hadn’t entered into World War II and the fight against Nazi Germany.

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After seeing this masterpiece, my respect and admiration for Chaplin grew even more. He spoke up when others wouldn’t. That’s the kind of morality and integrity that seems to be sorely lacking in today’s politics.

Chaplin was so talented, and for even more contrast, played both leading roles: a ruthless fascist dictator, and a persecuted Jewish barber.

the great dictator oscar winner

Charlie Chaplin as Adenoid Hynkel (Hitler) and the Jewish Barber

The Great Dictator was popular with audiences, becoming Chaplin’s most commercially successful film. Modern critics have also praised it as a historically significant film and an important work of satire. (Wikipedia)

The Great Dictator was nominated for five Academy Awards – Outstanding Production, Best Actor, Best Writing (Original Screenplay), Best Supporting Actor for Jack Oakie, and Best Music (Original Score).

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In his 1964 autobiography, Chaplin stated that he could not have made the film if he had known about the true extent of the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps at the time. (Wikipedia)

 

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At the end of his life, Chaplin was finally awarded the respect and accolades befitting of his expansive career and achievements. This is Sir Charles accepting his honorary Academy Award in 1972. I watched this presentation and cried with admiration the entire time.

 

Thank you, Charlie.💖

 

Jammin’ at the Movies 2 – Music that Makes the Movies🎶🎬😎

Posted by donnamarie on

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Movie Soundtracks

What would the film experience be without a memorable soundtrack that sets the mood, pumps up the action and evokes nostalgic memories?

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As I started writing “Jammin’ at the Movies – Music that Makes the Movies” I realized there were far too many films to note in one post, so these are a few others that make my list of movie soundtracks that are synonymous with the film itself.

“Pulp Fiction”, “Forrest Gump”, and “Saturday Night Fever” are true American classics and so are their soundtracks!

 

Let me know some of your most notable in the comments!

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The idea of musical accompaniment has been around since silent films but with the advent of sound in the 1920’s, filmmakers were able to have direct control over the soundtrack as a device to manipulate the audience’s emotions.

The first film to use a completely original score was written by composer Max Steiner for the classic ‘King Kong’ (1933).

 

Imagine Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” without those driving Bernard Herrmann violins and strings during the shower scene and the ominous “dun-dun-dun” that alerted the audience to the arrival of “Jaws” thus evoking all kinds of fear. With the Soundtrack Album, audiences have the freedom to listen to and relive the memories of their favorite films at any time.

“Psycho” 1960
“Jaws” 1974

In developing his film projects Director, Quentin Tarantino approaches the movie process in this way:

Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino

“One of the things I do when I am starting a movie, when I’m writing a movie or when I have an idea for a film is, I go through my record collection and just start playing songs, trying to find the personality of the movie, find the spirit of the movie. Then, ‘boom,’ eventually I’ll hit one, two or three songs, or one song in particular, ‘Oh, this will be a great opening credit song.” (Tracks and Fields)

 

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“Pulp Fiction” (1994), “Forrest Gump” (1994), and “Saturday Night Fever” (1977) are 3 of my favorite films that demonstrate the impactful relationship between the storyline and the music.

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Pulp Fiction

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“Pulp Fiction”(1994) is the coolest film and soundtrack ever. QuentinTarantino (Oscar for Best Original Screenplay) certainly had his finger on the pulse of the vital connection music plays in conveying the attitude of this movie and put together the perfect soundtrack to complement the mood.

First of all, I would love to hang at Jack Rabbit Slims. I love all things 60’s and between the cars and the celebrity impersonators, how fun! Second, this is how you dance cool. I remember all the back in the day dances like the twist, the jerk, and the batman.

The album reached No. 21 on the Billboard 200, while Urge Overkill’s cover of the Neil Diamond song “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon” peaked at No. 59 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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Billboard chalked up MCA’s compilation to identifying the market niche: “Pulp Fiction…successfully spoke to those attuned to the hip, stylized nature of those particular films.” The eclectic “mix-and-match strategy” is true to the film.

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“In some cases, like Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, which were not geared toward any specific demographic, the soundtracks were still very focused albums,” said Kathy Nelson, senior VP/general manager at MCA Soundtracks. “In both cases, the body of work — both the music and the film — has a specific personality.” (Wikipedia)

Trivia – revitalized the career of its leading man, John Travolta, who received an Academy Award nomination, as did co-stars Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman.

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Forrest Gump

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Academy Award-winning film “Forrest Gump” (1994) starring Tom Hanks and based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom, will always have a special place in my heart. The genuine spirit and remarkable journey of Forrest make you root for him.

The time setting of the ’60’s was perfect with the politics of the day and the Vietnam War being the volatile flashpoint of the decade.

The 32-song soundtrack from the film was released on July 6, 1994, and re-creates the angst of a generation and is perfect for fusing the film with the troubled times.

With the exception of a lengthy suite from Alan Silvestri’s score, all the songs are previously released; the soundtrack includes songs from Fleetwood Mac, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Byrds, The Doors, The Mamas & the Papas, The Simon & Garfunkel, and Buffalo Springfield among others.

 

 

Music producer Joel Sill reflected on compiling the soundtrack: “We wanted to have very recognizable material that would pinpoint time periods, yet we didn’t want to interfere with what was happening cinematically.”

 

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The soundtrack reached a peak of number 2 on the Billboard album chart and went on to sell twelve million copies and is one of the top-selling albums in the United States. (Wikipedia)

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Saturday Night Fever

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The mother of all movie soundtracks, Saturday Night Fever: The Original Movie Sound Track skyrocketed The Bee Gees  and their music to the top of the charts with their timeless love ballads and energizing disco hits like the title song, “Staying Alive”.

From the 1977 hit film starring John Travolta, the album was certified 15× Platinum for shipments of over 15 million copies. The album stayed atop the album charts for 24 straight weeks from January-July 1978 and stayed on Billboard‘s album charts for 120 weeks until March 1980. In the UK, the album spent 18 consecutive weeks at No. 1.

The Bee Gees

Maurice, Barry, Robin Gibb – The Bee Gees

The brothers wrote the songs “virtually in a single weekend” at Château d’Hérouville studio in France. Barry Gibb remembered the reaction when Producer Robert Stigwood and music supervisor Bill Oakes arrived and listened to the demos:

“They flipped out and said these will be great. We still had no concept of the movie, except some kind of rough script that they’d brought with them.” The album has been added to the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress for being culturally significant. (Wikipedia)

Even more, than the incredible music, John Travolta blew me away with his club-worthy dance moves. Who knew the kid from the television show “Welcome Back Kotter” could bust a move!

Trivia – John Travolta’s mother Helen and sister Ann both appeared in minor roles in the beginning of the film. Travolta’s sister is the pizzeria waitress who serves him the pizza slices (and delivers the first dialogue), and his mother plays the woman to whom he sells the can of paint (after being late).

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If you haven’t already, check out these rockin’ flicks. Perfect for a musical binge-worthy night!

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“Assume the Crash Position”, It’s Airplane!🛫

Posted by donnamarie on

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The disaster genre has been around long before “The Master of Disaster” Irwin Allen came on the scene in the 1970’s when the genre came into particular prominence with the release of high-profile films such as Airport (1970), followed in quick succession by Irwin Allen’s “The Poseidon Adventure“ (1972), Earthquake (1974) and another Allen hit, “The Towering Inferno” in (1974).

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These films often feature large casts of actors and multiple plotlines, focusing on the characters’ attempts to avert, escape or cope with the disaster and its aftermath.

Disaster themes are almost as old as the film medium itself. One of the earliest was Fire! (1901) made by James Williamson of England. The silent film portrayed a burning house and the firemen who arrive to quench the flames and rescue the inhabitants.

Screenshot from the film "Fire!" (1901)

Screenshot from the silent film “Fire!” (1901)

Inspired by the end of World War II and the beginning of the Atomic Age, science fiction films of the 1950s, including When Worlds Collide (1953), The War of the Worlds (1953) and Godzilla, King of the Monsters! (1956), routinely used world disasters as plot elements.

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Additional precursors to the popular disaster films of the 1970s include The High and the Mighty (1954), starring John Wayne and Robert Stack as pilots of a crippled airplane attempting to cross the ocean; Zero Hour! (1957), written by Arthur Hailey (who also penned the 1968 novel Airport) about an airplane crew that succumbs to food poisoning.

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“Zero Hour!” (1957)

And this is where David and Jerry Zucker and Jim Abrahams enter the picture. Being influenced by the 1957 disaster film, Zero Hour! the 3 writers crafted ideas for a script as they described the movie as a “perfectly classically structured film” according to Jerry Zucker. Abrahams later described Zero Hour! as “the serious version of Airplane!“. It was the first film script the trio wrote and completed around 1975. The film was originally called The Late Show. (Wikipedia)

In 1980 this classic and definitive homage to the disaster genre was released, “Airplane!”

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Airplane! (titled Flying High! in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and the Philippines) is the brilliant satirical parody directed and written by the incredible team of David and Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams, (abbreviated ZAZ) and produced by Jon Davison.

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Plot: How do you handle a pilotless airplane full of crazy, food poisoned passengers, one ex-fighter pilot (and the would-be hero) with a drinking problem and a frisky auto-pilot named Otto? These are some of the random problems kinda solved in this totally off the wall, mayhem inspired comedy.

This clip of classic scenes says it all about the madness I love, “Airplane!”

This slap-stick classic stars Robert Hays and Julie Hagerty. It also features,(in their comedic debut), Leslie Nielsen, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

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Lloyd Bridges, Robert Stack

The stars, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges and Leslie Nielsen had long established careers as dramatic, action characters before “Airplane!” They were hired because the Zucker Brothers wanted to cast the film against type although Leslie Nielsen insisted that he had always been cast against type. He originally wanted to play comedy.

Leslie Nielsen

Leslie Nielsen

Leslie Nielsen’s line (in response to Hays’ question ‘surely you can’t be serious’), “I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley,” was 79th on AFI’s list of the best 100 movie quotes. (Wikipedia)

The superstar cameo of the film was Barbara Billingsley. (The Beaver’s reserved mom, June Cleaver, on the 1950’s tv classic “Leave it to Beaver”) Cast against type as well, she makes an appearance as, “Jive Lady”, a woman who announces she speaks jive (slang) and can translate for two black passengers whom no one could quite understand. Miss June don’t play. 😎 Hilarious! Thanks, June.🤗✊🏽

Barbara Billingsley

Barbara Billingsley

“Airplane!” received universal acclaim from critics and is widely regarded as one of the best films of 1980. Although, before its release, the directors had been apprehensive due to a mediocre response at one of the pre-screenings. But the film earned its entire budget of about $3.5 million in its first weekend of release. Overall, it earned more than $83 million in box office gross for $40 million in rentals, making it the fourth highest-grossing film of 1980.

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Otto, Julie Hagerty, Robert Hays

Based on 58 reviews, compiled retrospectively, Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a score of 97% judging it “Certified Fresh.” The consensus on the site reads “Though unabashedly juvenile and silly, Airplane! is nevertheless an uproarious spoof comedy full of quotable lines and slapstick gags that endure to this day.” (Wikipedia)

 

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The film is recognized by American Film Institute in these lists:

  • 2000: AFI’s 100 Years…100 Laughs – #10

  • 2005: AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes:

The film’s creators received the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Comedy, and nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and a BAFTA Award for Best Screenplay.

 

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In 2010, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

 

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If you’re ever feeling stressed, and or depressed, just pop this little gem in the DVD player and laugh your ass off!

 

“Hail, Hail Freedonia” – Try the Duck Soup!

Posted by donnamarie on

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Duck Soup (1933)

I was first introduced to the Marx Brothers (Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo) in one of my favorite classes at The University of Michigan – Cinema. It was more like an afternoon of fun at the movies since in our lecture all we did was analyze and critique classic films.

(top to bottom) Chico, Harpo, Groucho, and Zeppo 1931

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The Marx Brothers laugh riot film, “Duck Soup”, has to go down as one of the best and most hilarious political films of the century! Pure anarchy reigned as the idiocy of war was laid bare and Rufus T. Firefly’s (Groucho Marx) rapid-fire one-liners were pure genius.

Enter Rufus T.

On days we screened The Marx Brothers films, the lecture hall seemed a little bit fuller. I was also guilty of padding the room since I would tell my boyfriend what movie we were reviewing and the Marx Brothers quickly became his and my favorites. “Whatever it is, I’m against it.” Groucho in (“Horse Feathers”1932)

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Directed by Leo McCarey and written by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, the film was first released theatrically by Paramount Pictures on November 17, 1933. The storyline of “Duck Soup” involves the wealthy Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont) insisting that Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho) be appointed the leader of the small, bankrupt country of Freedonia before she will continue to provide their much-needed financial aid. (Wikipedia)

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Groucho, Margaret Dumont, Louis Calhern, and Raquel Torres

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Meanwhile, neighboring country Sylvania is attempting to annex Freedonia. Sylvanian ambassador Trentino (Louis Calhern) tries to instigate a revolution while attempting to woo Mrs. Teasdale. To further tip the scale in his favor, he also tries to dig up dirt on Firefly by sending in bumbling spies Chicolini (Chico) and Pinky (Harpo).

I adore Harpo (Arthur Duer Marx born Adolph Marx; November 23, 1888 – September 28, 1964), he is totally off the wall with his facial expressions and his manic pantomime sight gags! Harpo actually played the harp (hence his nickname) and there was usually a scene in the Marx Brothers movies that featured Harpo playing a beautiful piece on the harp.

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Harpo playing the harp.

Margaret Dumont is often described as not getting the Brothers humor. In fact, she did. In a 1940 interview, Dumont said, “Scriptwriters build up to a laugh, but they don’t allow any pause for it. That’s where I come in. I ad lib—it doesn’t matter what I say—just to kill a few seconds so you can enjoy the gag”.

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Personally, I don’t know how she could keep a straight face working with Groucho.

Margaret Dumont would typically portray the rich widow that Groucho was always trying to dupe. He could simultaneously insult and make advances towards her. It was fabulous to watch since his wit and timing were impeccable.

Julius Henry Marx (October 2, 1890 – August 19, 1977)

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Premiering during The Depression, “Duck Soup” was not initially received as well as their previous films. However, critical opinion has evolved and the film has since achieved the status of a classic. “Duck Soup“ is now widely considered by critics to be a masterpiece of comedy and the Marx Brothers’ finest film. (Wikipedia)

In 1990 the United States Library of Congress deemed Duck Soup “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry.

Chico and Zeppo round out the troupe. Chico was known for being the crafty con artist (who was usually teamed with Harpo) and for his broken Italian accent (although the Brothers were Jewish) and Zeppo, who always played the straight man. (This was also Zeppo’s last film with his brothers)

In the famous “mirror scene,” Pinky, dressed as Firefly, pretends to be Firefly’s reflection in a missing mirror, matching his every move—including absurd ones that begin out of sight—to near perfection. In one particularly surreal moment, the two men swap positions, and thus the idea of which is a reflection of the other. Eventually, and to their misfortune, Chicolini, also disguised as Firefly, enters the frame and collides with both of them.

Mirror Scene

Mirror Scene

Although its appearance in Duck Soup is the best-known instance, the concept of the mirror scene did not originate in this film. Max Linder included it in Seven Years Bad Luck (1921), where a man’s servants have accidentally broken a mirror and attempt to hide the fact by imitating his actions in the mirror’s frame. Charlie Chaplin used a similar joke in The Floorwalker (1916), though it did not involve a mirror. (Wikipedia)

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“Just Wait ‘Til I Get Through With It” parodies the ridiculous state of politics and sounds all too familiar.

I admit to being a political junkie and the Marx Brothers humor and point of view ring true in how ludicrous and corrupt the political system is. We know it’s a racket, the Brothers know it’s a racket and they have no compunction with sticking that fact right in your face.

Bravo!

If you’re interested in binge watching The Marx Brothers, Universal Home Video has released Duck Soup on DVD, unrestored but uncut, as part of a six-disc box set The Marx Brothers: Silver Screen Collection, which includes the Brothers’ other Paramount films, The Cocoanuts, Animal Crackers, Monkey Business, and Horse Feathers. Definitely worthy of the buy.

 

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Happy Viewing!

 

My Top 3 Picks for Brilliant Movie Endings!

Posted by donnamarie on

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The Usual Suspects

Psycho

Seven

Spoiler Alert! 

*As a matter of principal, I never reveal movie endings. So, please don’t divulge these.

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Number 3

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Seven (1995)

Okay, I’m a firm believer that not being shown everything can sometimes be more powerful than exposing it. We didn’t need to see the contents of the box at the end of the movie because the tension and reaction from both Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt were palpable. Wow!

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Brad Pitt

This outstanding, psychological thriller was directed by David Fincher and stars Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kevin Spacey. It was nominated for Best Film Editing at the 68th Academy Awards but lost out to Apollo 13.

The entire movie was one of those peek through your fingers experiences. Just when you thought you’d seen it all, the next shot was more horrific than the first. What a roller coaster ride!

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Number 2

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Psycho (1960)

Believe it or not, I saw this Hitchcock classic in the theater when it first came out. I was 5-years-old and I’m still a little paranoid going into the bathroom!

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Starring Anthony Perkins, and Janet Leigh, this classic horror-thriller is pure genius and a prime example why Alfred Hitchcock is the “Master of Suspense.” You believe he’s telling one story and suddenly everything is flipped on its ear. Who kills off the lead 1/3 way through the film and gets you to feel sympathetic toward the killer? I still can only watch Psycho during the daytime.

Initially, Hitch was not supported in the making of this little gem to the chagrin of “The Master.” Theater-goer lines were wrapped around the block hyped by a “No Admittance” policy after the start of the movie.

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The ending shot still haunts me and remains an amazing ending to one disturbing flick!

 

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My number 1 choice for brilliant movie endings is without a doubt!

 

The Usual Suspects (1995)

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The name Keyser Söze will forever be synonymous with one of the greatest cons ever perpetrated in cinema history.

This crime thriller masterpiece was directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie. It stars Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro, Kevin Pollak, Chazz Palminteri, and Stephen Baldwin.

Kevin Spacey’s portrayal of Roger “Verbal” Kint is compelling and flawless! He’s placed in numerous “best villain” lists over the years, including AFI’s 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains. Spacey won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, turning him from a character actor into a star.

I have so many favorite scenes, it’s hard to pick just one. However, besides the ending, this rates. I crack up just thinking about it, so posting this was a hilarious endeavor!

One of the best parts of watching this film has got to be re-watching it to look back at all the elements of this fantastic set-up!

Love it, Love it, Love it!!

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These are just a few of the myriad of essential movies to ponder.

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Let me know some of your favorites in the comments.

 

 

“Beam Me Up Scotty” – 50th Anniversary of Star Trek!

Posted by donnamarie on

 

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Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.

I am an original Trekkie and very proud of it! I treasure my memories of sitting in anticipation on the floor in front of the tv on Friday nights, watching Kirk (William Shatner), Bones (DeForest Kelley), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), “Scotty”(James Doohan), Sulu (George Takei), Chekov (Walter Koenig ), Lieutenant Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) and the crew of the Starfleet starship USS Enterprise begin their adventure and “boldly going where no man has gone before.”(I was very pleased when they acknowledged the sexist nature of the tagline and changed it from no man to no one.)

Wow, what a statement! In 1966, an authentic representation of an international crew. Radical stuff which showed the brilliance and social awareness of creator, the late Gene Roddenberry.

(Introduction to pilot “The Cage”)

Jeffrey Hunter as Captain Pike was actually the first captain of the USS Enterprise in the original Star Trek pilot episode, “The Cage“. The original pilot was broadcast on September 8, 1966. Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock was on board by his captain’s side as well as Majel Barrett (Number One), who went on to portray Nurse Chapel, the recognizable voice of most onboard computer interfaces throughout the series and later become Roddenberry’s 2nd wife.

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Star Trek Pilot “The Cage” – USS Enterprise Crew featuring Jeffrey Hunter

Set in the 23rd century, the series would evolve to follow the adventures of Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and his crew who were charged with solving intergalactic conflicts without interfering in the planet’s culture. This vehicle was Roddenberry’s method of initiating dialogue around controversial human and sometimes not so human, issues such as racism, technology, war.

(Front to back – William Shatner (center) DeForrest Kelly (L) Leonard Nimoy (R) James Doohan (back L), Walter Koenig, Majel Barrett, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei)

I’ve always been of the mind that art is revolutionary. The great Renaissance masters like DaVinci, and Michelangelo, were considered subversives in their time. They had to hide their political messages inside their remarkable works to keep from being prosecuted. In his way, Gene Roddenberry could be considered a “Renaissance Man”.

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(August 19, 1921 – October 24, 1991)

Roddenberry had a vision that we can co-exist in a multicultural, multinational world and, as an eleven-year-old black girl from the east side of Detroit, I was right there with him. I had the same dreams and beliefs for my future.

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My favorite Star Trek episode would have to be “Space Seed” (Season 1, Episode 22) with Ricardo Montalbán as Khan Noonien Singh.

It was first broadcast on February 16, 1967. The storyline was written by Gene L. Coon and Carey Wilber, and directed by Marc Daniels. The plot explored the concept of Eugenics,”super-intelligence and the result of creating a group of “superpeople” (from Earth’s past) bred to conquer the world. 

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The subsequent 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan was a brilliant sequel to “Space Seed” as we find out what subsequently happened to Khan and his people on the planet to which Kirk banished them.

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The film ratcheted up the intensity of the television episode proving to be a full-out sci-fi thriller which I give 2, very enthusiast, thumbs up!

The series was produced from September 1966–December 1967 by Norway Productions and Desilu Productions, and by Paramount Television from January 1968–June 1969. Star Trek aired on NBC from September 8, 1966, to June 3, 1969, and was actually seen first on September 6, 1966, on Canada’s CTVnetwork.

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“Trouble with Tribbles”

Star Trek‘s Nielsen ratings while on NBC were low, and the network canceled the show after three seasons and 79 episodes. Several years later, the series became a bona fide hit in broadcast syndication, remaining so throughout the 1970s, achieving cult classic status and a developing influence on popular culture.

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Starship Captains over the years – Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks), Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew)

Star Trek eventually spawned a franchise, consisting of five additional television series, thirteen feature films, numerous books, games, toys, and is now widely considered one of the most popular and influential television series of all time. (Wikipedia)

 

In Memoriam

Although we’ve lost some light over the years with the passing of those who loved, crafted and inspired us with Star Trek’s spirit, the sentiment lives on.

May they all rest in peace.

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Leonard Nimoy

(March 26, 1931 – February 27, 2015)

Motor City Michigan Days!😎🎶

Posted by donnamarie on

 

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Chillin’ on my sofa watching my Michigan Wolverines crush the University of Hawaii I had a flashback of years ago sitting in the stands with my classmates on Michigan Saturday Game Day! Funny thing is, so was one of my college friends who simultaneously posted a photo of some of our class in the stands of the Big House!

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Film-wise, the movie that takes me back to some of my best Michigan memories is “The Big Chill” (1983). Directed by Lawrence Kasdan and starring Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, and JoBeth Williams, the storyline is about a group of close-knit classmates from The University of Michigan in the 1960’s brought together years later by the death of a fellow Michigander’s funeral and the events that transpire over that weekend.

This is how we do it in Motown!

The reason this film has always resonated with me is the friendship. The friendships I made at The University of Michigan still stand strong! Those were some of the best days of our lives! We came from all over the Detroit area high schools and bonded at a college whose values stand for excellence, integrity, and pride.

Detroit, Michigan Skyline

Detroit, Michigan Skyline

We absorbed those principals and more. The importance of family and friendships and today this shared experience has been a touchstone that has affected our lives for over 40 years!

Tie “The Big Chill” together with the groundbreaking sound of Motown, and you’ve got not only an intelligent and amusing film about lasting relationships but a soundtrack that reflects the magic and changing times.

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I wouldn’t trade my Michigan days for anything in the world!

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Enjoy, Greatest Motown Songs!

This is where it all began – the music and heart that is Detroit, “The Motor City”, Michigan!

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