TCM Devotes A Full Day To Paul Newman

On Sunday, Oct. 12, Turner Classic Movies pays tribute to Paul Newman  with 24 hours of his movies.

Some of Paul Newman's best films will be shown, including "Hud," "Cool Hand Luke" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," as well as his directorial debut, "Rachel, Rachel," in which he starred with his wife Joanne Woodward.

The tribute begins at 6 a.m. with the 1956 "The Rack," followed by "Until They Sail" at 8 a.m., "Torn Curtain" at 10 a.m., "Exodus" at 12:15 p.m., "Sweet Bird of Youth" at 3:45 p.m., "Hud" at 6 p.m., "Somebody Up There Likes Me" at 8 p.m., "Cool Hand Luke" at 10 p.m., "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" at 12:15 a.m., "Rachel, Rachel" at 2:15 a.m. and "The Outrage" at 4 a.m.

Here is a list of the films that will be shown and their start times.  All times shown are eastern daylight time, so adjust your schedule accordingly.

        6 a.m. The Rack

        8 a.m. Until They Sail

      10 a.m. Torn Curtain

12:15 p.m.  Exodus

  3:45 p.m.  Sweet Bird Youth

       6  p.m.  Hud

       8  p.m.  Somebody Up There Likes Me

     10  p.m.  Cool Hand Luke

12:15 a.m.  Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

  2:15 a.m.  Rachel, Rachel

        4 a.m. The Outrage

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A Paul Newman Classic: Buffalo Bill And The Indians

Featuring a cast of over 500 people, this Robert Altman film, starring Paul Newman as Buffalo Bill, was released during the USA's bicentennial.  At the time, film critics and others felt that this movie was released to put a damper on the celebration of the nation's birthday.  Altman claimed that this was not true.

The plot for the movie, according to Wikipedia.org is as follows:

The film opens in 1885 with the arrival of an important new guest star in Cody’s grand illusion, Chief Sitting Bull (Frank Kaquitts) of Little Big Horn fame. Much to Cody's annoyance, Sitting Bull proves to be not a murdering savage but a genuine embodiment of what the whites believe about their own history out west--he is quietly heroic and morally pure. He also refuses to portray Custer's Last Stand as a cowardly sneak attack: instead, he asks Cody to act out the massacre of a peaceful Sioux village by marauding bluecoats. Enraged, Cody fires him but is forced to relent when star

attraction Annie Oakley (Chaplin) takes Sitting Bull's side.

Everyone has enjoyed "Cool Hand Luke", "The Sting", and "Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid", but I'm willing to bet most people haven't watched this.  So don't include yourself in that group.  Sit down, click on the video and see a great Paul Newman performance.

This film is courtesy of Hulu.com.

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"The Uninvited" Trailer Gave Me The Willies.

Willies, of course, being what we used to say years ago as the chills.  In other words the trailer is just creepy and eerie enough to make all you ghost and thriller freaks want to rush to the theater. 

Director: Thomas Guard
Writer: Craig Rosenberg
Studio: DreamWorks Pictures
Cast: Emily Browning, Elizabeth Banks, Arielle Kebbel
Release: January 30, 2009

Based on a 2003 Korean film, the Uninvited revolves around Anna (Emily Browning), who returns home after spending time in the hospital following the tragic death of her mother. Her recovery suffers a setback when she discovers her father (David Strathairn) has become engaged to her mother's former nurse, Rachel (Elizabeth Banks). That night, Anna is visited by her mother's ghost, who warns her of Rachel's intentions. Together, Anna and her sister (Arielle Kebbel) try to convince their

father that his current fiancee is not who she pretends to be, and what should have been a happy family reunion becomes a lethal battle of wills between stepdaughters and stepmother.

Thanks to TrailerAddict.com for that description of the movie and also for the trailer.

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Blog-o-rama Comics

Here are a couple of drawings I did while on break at work, just like the others I have posted in the past.  Everyone seems to like them so I thought from time to time, when the mood hits, I would continue to put them up.  If you have any comments, please leave one.  Also, notice the dude on the left.  Do you like the drawing better with or without hair.  I like the totally bald look better.  A lot of people have asked me what that thing is above the nose on the guy on the right

with the hole in it.  Well, that is supposed to be the brim of his hat sticking up.  When I color these pictures it's more noticeable. Someone thought it was a second nose.  I kept it that way because I think it looks unique and makes the drawing look distinct.  As you can tell I've had no professional art training (I kind of sound like William Hung from American Idol now) and just do this for the fun of it.  If it seems like I'm picking on Wall Street in the last couple of posts, well, you're right.  It seems like an easy target.  Watch for more in the near future.

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Yogi Bear Headed For A Theater Near You

In the tradition of "Scooby Doo", "Garfield", and especially "Alvin And The Chipmunks", Warner Brothers has announced plans for a live-action cgi film of none other than that smarter than average bear, Yogi and his buddy Boo Boo.

Ash Brannon (Surf's Up) is slated to direct this version of the classic Hanna-Barbera character.  He is also the co-writer of the project.

Yogi Bear actually got his start in 1958 as a supporting character on "The Huckleberry Hound Show and has appeared in many different saturday morning shows since then.  His character was modeled after Norton, from "The Honeymooners", played by Art Carney.  He still appears on the Boomerang channel, owned by Cartoon Network.

There is no word yet on whether Cindy Bear, Yogi's gal pal, will be appearing in the movie or who will play Mr. Ranger.

In case you've forgotten, or in case you have never heard of him, here is a classic Yogi Cartoon for you to watch.

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An Encore For Brett Ratner And Steve Wynn.

Casino mogul Steve Wynn has obtained the services of Director Brett Ratner in the filming of his new commercial for "Encore", his new casino which will be opening soon.  Ratner filmed the ad for "Wynn Las Vegas", with owner Wynn standing at the very top of the casino (Watch the video to see the original ad).  The new commercial is supposed to be similar to this one with Wynn strapped by a safety harness to the top of the huge building.

According to Norm Clarke of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the chopper will be flown by the same pilot who shot many of the most dangerous scenes in "Cliffhanger," a 1993 thriller starring Sylvester Stallone and John Lithgow.

In the same article, Brett Ratner was quoted as saying, "I've done the 'Rush Hour' films.  Jackie Chan is the most fearless actor I've ever worked with. Steve Wynn is the most fearless casino operator I've worked with."

Being one who hates heights like that, I can tell you that he is definitely more fearless than me.

An insider told me that during the filming of the first commercial, there were two men in a trap door ready to stop him if he started to slip. 

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Quantum Of Solace Official Music Video: Watch It Here

Jack White And Alicia Keys Rock Out

The music video for the James Bond "Quantum Of Solace" theme song has been released. 

Now instead of just listening to the song that I posted earlier, you can see the beautiful Alicia Keys perform it.  I think this is the best theme song that has come out since before Pierce Brosnan was Bond.  Watch the video and decide for yourself.

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Fringe Episode 4: Watch It Right Here. Right Now.

Fox Orders Full Season Of Episodes For Fringe.

Show ranks No. 1 among new shows in 18-49.

"Fringe" has scored a full-season order from Fox on Wednesday.  "Fringe" has so far ranked No. 1 among all new shows in the adults 18-49 demographics.  After four episodes, the show has averaged a 4.2 rating and 11 share, and 10.7 million viewers overall, according to Variety.

Have you not seen it yet?  Even after I posted the first three episodes right here on the blog-o-rama courtesy of Hulu.com?  Well, here is another opportunity for you.  This is the fourth episode of "Fringe" and is called The Arrival.

In this episode a mysterious cylinder found at the scene of an explosion triggers some unusual events and odd behavior.

"Fringe" revolves around an FBI agent (Anna Torv) who partners with an eccentric doctor (John Noble) and his son (Joshua Jackson) to track unusual, disturbing events happening around the globe.

This is still my favorite new show of the fall season. 

Technorati Tags: fringe,j.j. abrams,anna torv,joshua jackson,episode 4,fox tv,news and reviews,riesen2b

"The Lion King" Will Roar At Mandalay Bay In Las Vegas Spring '09.

Disney Musical To Replace Mamma Mia!

Opening in May, the highly successful Broadway show "The Lion King", based on the film of the same name, will dig it's claws into Las Vegas, replacing the longest running play in Las Vegas, "Mamma Mia".  I think the executives at Mandalay Bay are breathing a sigh of relief, as an insider had told me that MGM/Mirage Corp., the parent owner of Mandalay, was pretty much insisting on yet another Cirque du Soleil show. 

It seems like corporate entertainment is devoid of an original thought.  With the latest Cirque du Soleil show, Criss Angel: Believe, having so many problems and being delayed so many times, I'm sure the big wigs at Mandalay are doing a victory dance by not giving in.  Click here to read what opening night preview audiences thought of the Criss Angel debacle.

Even better, just like "Mamma Mia", "The Lion King" will be performed in it's entirety and not trimmed down to 90 minutes like most other plays that have been in Vegas (Phantom Of The Opera, The Producers and others).

Here's A Sample Of What You Will See.

Variety.com quoted David Schrader, managing director and chief financial officer of Disney Theatrical Productions.  According to Scharader:

"A fair number of people who go to Vegas and see shows hadn't seen 'The Lion King,' " Schrader said. "It felt like there was an audience, and like there might be room for one family show."

"The Lion King" is slated to begin preview performances on April 20 with a scheduled opening on May 2, 2009.

Technorati Tags: the lion king,las vegas,broadway musical,disney,mandalay bay,mgm/mirage,cirqued du soleil,criss angel,riesen2b

Madonna's Directorial Debut: Filth And Wisdom Trailer

How did I get out of the loop? 

I didn't even know she was directing a film.  Well, here it is.  Or at least the trailer.  It's being released on October 17.

Studio: IFC Films

Release: October 17, 2008

Director: Madonna

Writer: Madonna, Dan Cadan

Cast: Eugene Hutz, Holly Weston, Vicky McClure, Richard E. Grant

FILTH AND WISDOM, is a hilariously sexy tale of three roommates who must delve into mischievous and naughty behavior in pursuit of bigger and brighter futures. A Ukrainian immigrant, A.K. (Eugene Hutz), finances his dreams of ‘trans-continental superstardom’ with his band, Gogol Bordello, by turning tricks as a role-playing cross dresser. As A.K. literally whips the privileged of London into shape, he also secretly pines for the object of his affection, Holly (Holly Weston), an aspiring ballerina looking for her big break while moonlighting as a slippery stripper. Meanwhile, Juliette (Vicky Mclure) steals medicine from her pharmaceutical job in hopes of quenching her dreams of helping Africa’s youth. FILTH AND WISDOM is every bit as erotic and playful as it is poignant and touching, revealing the universal struggles we all face in our pursuits of happiness.  This description comes from TrailerAddict.com. 

For some reason I don't expect this film to be shown in wide release.  What do you think?

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Baz Luhrman's Australia New Extended Trailer: Defy

I really like the look of this movie.  Epic in scope and beautiful to look at.  Here is a new trailer that I scored from TrailerAddict.Com which was originally shown at MSN.  In case you missed the earlier post a few months back, here is a description of the film as provided by Trailer Addict:

This romantic drama from Baz Luhrmann ("Moulin Rouge"), which is set in pre-World War II Australia, stars Nicole Kidman as an English aristocrat who inherits a sprawling ranch, and Hugh Jackman as the cattle driver who helps protect her property from greedy English cattle barons.

Director: Baz Luhrmann
Writer: Baz Luhrmann
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, David Wenham
Release: November 26, 2008

You can click here to go to the official Australia movie website.  They have some really great podcast videos there on just about every aspect of the production of this film.

 

Technorati Tags: baz luhrmann,australia movie,australia,nicole kidman,hugh jackman,release date,november movies,epic,movie trailer,riesen2b

Criss Angel - Believe? How About Don't Believe.

I have been curious about Criss Angel's Las Vegas production with Cirque du Soleil ever since it was announced last year that it would be opening in Luxor.  With those two acts together it seemed like a sure hit.  I had even considered going to one of the preview performances  which began this month (the shows official premiere is actually at the end of the month)  after several delays, but because of the postponements decided to give it a wait and see what the word of mouth would be.  I work in one of the most well known casinos in Las Vegas so word travels fast.

I am glad I waited.  Besides having one of my customers tell me it was a total bore and that the magic used in the show is totally lame, Danny Elfman of the "Las Vegas Review-Journal" posted an article today.  He is the entertainment editor for the paper,  In the article he says that instead of watching the show, he stood outside the showroom and asked several people what they thought of the show on the way out.  To put it mildly, people were either disappointed, bored, and even outraged with the show.  That is not a good sign.

In one part of the article, Elfman writes:

Kevin Saum of Chicago added, "The Cirque music is awesome."

But despite the best elements, Angel's show is appalling, Saum said. On a scale of 1 to 10, Saum deemed it a 3.

"It's embarrassing to put the Cirque name on it," Saum said. "He walks around the whole time and doesn't do anything. It's not his TV show. It's just really bad."

Saum and his friend Ranger flew in for a "bro's" weekend, specifically to see "Believe" plus Foo Fighters at the Hard Rock. They loved Foo Fighters. They hated "Believe" so much Ranger exited the theater by calling out to random people in the Luxor to not see it.

"They were drawing people in with the Criss Angel (fan base), and they drew us in, and we were very disappointed," said Saum, who usually loves Cirque shows. "The whole storyline is dumb."

 

Elfman continues:

John and Gail Michalak came from Los Angeles to see "Believe" with Karla Delemos. On the 1-to-10 scale, John gave it a 1; Gail a 3; and Delemos didn't rate it -- she fell asleep.

"I just got screwed," John said. "He pulled three doves out of his hat. Go to the Magic Castle in L.A. if you want to see magic. But don't come here."

John said fans were also upset they had to turn in their cell phones before entering the theater.

"Everybody said the biggest 'Mindfreak' is you're gonna get your phone back," he griped. "Never have I wanted to get my money back. I want my money back."

Hearing him say that, Gail warned him about Angel's tough-guy image: "John, you're gonna have him knocking on your door!"

"They need to know if it's not good," John insisted.

You can read the entire article at the Review-Journal by clicking here.

So, it seems that in the next month Criss and Cirque du Soleil have a lot of work to do.  If not, this could be an 80 million dollar bust for Luxor, which is owned by MGM/Mirage Corporation, and a flop for Cirque du Soleil.

Technorati Tags: criss angel,believe,cirque du soleil,las vegas,preview performances,reviews,disgust,audience,flop,cost,80 million

Marvel's Thor To Be Helmed By Kenneth Branagh

Variety is reporting that Kenneth Branagh is negotiating to direct "Thor", the next Marvel Comics property that will be turned into a live-action film by Marvel Studios.

Marvel will set a distributor for "Thor" shortly, according to Variety.

The article in Variety continues:

"Thor" comicbook adaptation, penned by Mark Protosevich, follows disabled medical student Donald Blake, who has an alter ego as the hammer-wielding Norse god Thor.

Marvel will self-finance the film via its $500 million credit facility through Merrill Lynch. Marvel used that coin to fund both "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk" and will do the same for the "Iron Man" sequel that has director Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr. returning.

The "Thor" negotiations come during a resurgence for Branagh. He's currently drawing raves on the London stage in the title role of "Ivanov," and he'll next be seen acting in the  Bryan Singer helmed "Valkyrie".

Until then, enjoy this clip of "The Mighty Thor", an animated episode from 1966.

Technorati Tags: mighty thor,marvel comics,kenneth branagh,mark protosevich,donald blake,variety,live-action movie,riesen2b

Monsterfest Schedule On AMC Revealed.

From the middle to the end of October AMC has it's annual Monsterfest.  Mixing in some of the great classics with some notable B movies as well as a heaping helping of horror duds, it is the one time of year that I get my dose of frightdom.   They have now posted their list of movies and dates, and here it is:

 

 

 

 

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Next Air Date:

SUN. OCT 26 @ 3AM | 2C

1984. Horror. Starring: John Saxon, Ronee Blakley

An American Werewolf in London

Next Air Date:

SUN. OCT 26 @ 3:30PM | 2:30C

1981. Horror. Starring: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter

Bride of Chucky

Next Air Date:

TUE. OCT 28 @ 10PM | 9C

1998. Horror. Starring: Jennifer Tilly, Katherine Heigl

Bride of Frankenstein

Next Air Date:

TUE. OCT 28 @ 7:45AM | 6:45C

1935. Horror. Starring: Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester

Christine

Next Air Date:

THUR. OCT 09 @ 10:15PM | 9:15C

1983. Horror. Starring: Keith Gordon, John Stockwell

Constantine

Next Air Date:

SAT. OCT 25 @ 8PM | 7C

2005. Drama, Horror. Starring: Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz

Damien: Omen II

Next Air Date:

MON. OCT 27 @ 7AM | 6C

1978. Horror. Starring: William Holden, Lee Grant

Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman

Next Air Date:

TUE. OCT 28 @ 9:30AM | 8:30C

1943. Horror. Starring: Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi

Gorilla at Large

Next Air Date:

WED. OCT 22 @ 6AM | 5C

1954. Horror. Starring: Cameron Mitchell, Anne Bancroft

Halloween

Next Air Date:

FRI. OCT 24 @ 8PM | 7C

1978. Horror. Starring: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers

Next Air Date:

FRI. OCT 24 @ 10PM | 9C

1988. Horror. Starring: Donald Pleasence, Ellie Cornell

Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Meyers

Next Air Date:

SAT. OCT 25 @ 12AM | 11C

1989. Horror. Starring: Donald Pleasence, Danielle Harris

Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers

Next Air Date:

SAT. OCT 25 @ 2AM | 1C

1995. Horror. Starring: Donald Pleasence, Mitch Ryan

Horror of Dracula

Next Air Date:

FRI. OCT 31 @ 7:30AM | 6:30C

1958. Horror. Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee

House of Dracula

Next Air Date:

FRI. OCT 31 @ 4:30AM | 3:30C

1945. Horror. Starring: Lon Chaney, John Carradine

House of Frankenstein

Next Air Date:

SAT. OCT 25 @ 10:30AM | 9:30C

1945. Horror. Starring: Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney

House on Haunted Hill

Next Air Date:

MON. OCT 27 @ 8PM | 7C

1999. Horror. Starring: Geoffrey Rush, Famke Janssen

Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte

Next Air Date:

MON. OCT 27 @ 4AM | 3C

1965. Horror. Starring: Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland

Jack the Ripper

Next Air Date:

SAT. OCT 18 @ 3:30AM | 2:30C

1959. Horror. Starring: Lee Patterson, Eddie Byrne

Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday

Next Air Date:

WED. OCT 29 @ 8PM | 7C

1993. Horror. Starring: Jon D. LeMay, Kari Keegan

Jeepers Creepers

Next Air Date:

TUE. OCT 28 @ 8PM | 7C

2001. Horror. Starring: Gina Philips, Justin Long

Magic

Next Air Date:

THUR. OCT 30 @ 7:45AM | 6:45C

1978. Horror. Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Ann-Margret

Motel Hell

Next Air Date:

SAT. OCT 25 @ 4AM | 3C

1980. Horror. Starring: Rory Calhoun, Nancy Parsons

Omen III: The Final Conflict

Next Air Date:

MON. OCT 27 @ 9:30AM | 8:30C

1981. Horror. Starring: Sam Neill, Rossano Brazzi

Pet Sematary

Next Air Date:

SUN. OCT 26 @ 1AM | 12C

1989. Horror. Starring: Dale Midkiff, Fred Gwynne

Pet Sematary Two

Next Air Date:

MON. OCT 27 @ 2AM | 1C

1992. Horror. Starring: Edward Furlong, Anthony Edwards

Piñata: Survival Island

Next Air Date:

THUR. OCT 30 @ 10AM | 9C

2002. Horror. Starring: Nicholas Brendon, Jaime Pressly

Puppet Master

Next Air Date:

THUR. OCT 30 @ 4:15AM | 3:15C

1989. Horror. Starring: Paul Le Mat, Irene Miracle

Return to House on Haunted Hill

Next Air Date:

MON. OCT 27 @ 10PM | 9C

2007. Horror, Drama. Starring: Amanda Righetti, Erik Palladino

Son of Frankenstein

Next Air Date:

SAT. OCT 25 @ 8:15AM | 7:15C

1939. Horror. Starring: Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff

Tales From the Crypt Presents Bordello of Blood

Next Air Date:

FRI. OCT 17 @ 10PM | 9C

1996. Horror. Starring: Dennis Miller, Erika Eleniak

The Beast Must Die

Next Air Date:

SAT. OCT 04 @ 1:30AM | 12:30C

1974. Horror. Starring: Calvin Lockhart, Peter Cushing

The Curse of Frankenstein

Next Air Date:

SAT. OCT 25 @ 6:15AM | 5:15C

1957. Horror. Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee

The Curse of the Living Corpse

Next Air Date:

SAT. OCT 18 @ 12AM | 11C

1964. Horror. Starring: Helen Waren, Roy Scheider

The Dark Half

Next Air Date:

TUE. OCT 28 @ 11:15AM | 10:15C

1993. Horror. Starring: Timothy Hutton, Amy Madigan

The Flesh Eaters

Next Air Date:

SAT. OCT 11 @ 4:15AM | 3:15C

1964. Horror. Starring: Rita Morley, Martin Kosleck

The Mummy

Next Air Date:

THUR. OCT 30 @ 6AM | 5C

1932. Horror. Starring: Boris Karloff, Zita Johann

The Mummy's Hand

Next Air Date:

WED. OCT 29 @ 6AM | 5C

1940. Horror. Starring: Dick Foran, Peggy Moran

Violent Midnight

Next Air Date:

SAT. OCT 04 @ 3:30AM | 2:30C

1963. Drama, Horror. Starring: Lee Philips, Shepperd Strudwick

Willard

Next Air Date:

WED. OCT 29 @ 10PM | 9C

2003. Horror. Starring: Crispin Glover, R. Lee Ermey

If you click on the title of each one you will be taken to the AMC page about the movie and can also find the dates that each one plays for the entire month.

Technorati Tags: amc,amc monsterfest,horror,riesen2b,schedule