R.I.P Ned Beatty

The first movie I think about when I hear Ned Beatty is "Deliverance." A movie I discovered in college and his first movie.

A clip from "Deliverance"

He was nominated for some awards, but only won a Drama Desk Award for his role in the play "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."

He had roles in some great movies "All the President's Men,"  "Superman," "The Big Easy,"  "Rudy," "Just Cause," and more. On television he appeared on "The Waltons," "Kojak," "M*A*S*H," "Gunsmoke," "Hawaii Five-O," "Murder, She Wrote," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Highway to Heaven," "Roseanne," "Homicide: Life on the Streets," "CSI" and "Law & Order."

Clip from "The Rockford Files"

Ned Beatty had a long career in acting his work will live on in archives and reruns. Ned will be missed by his family, friends and family.

R.I.P Ennio Morricone

Starting this post off with the Grammy Award nominated theme to The Good The Bad and The Ugly. Iyt was Ennio Morricone's first Grammy Nomination he would eventually win two.

In his life he composed the scores for over 400 movies and television shows. Considered among the best. if not the best at what he did. He was very influential and his legacy will continue with his influence.

"For A Few Dollars More"

The opening track for The Hateful Eight

That movie won him an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a few other awards.

The theme to "The Mission"

His music came alive in the movies we watched. Setting the mood, the scene, and your reaction. His work will live on as part of the films. He will be missed!

Thoughts on the film "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Queen sold me on "Bohemian Rhapsody".  A film over two hours long featuring the music of Queen yes I'm buying the ticket to experience it in IMAX sound. Of course I might of bought the ticket just to listen to there music.

Spanning 15 years and concentrating on Freddie Mercury the film wasn't designed to be the deepest movie. Things may have been missed, depth may not have been shown on a subject. Your favorite Queen song might not make the soundtrack.

The rise of Queen, a doomed love story, innuendos, breakups, reunions, HIV, and music are the ingredients of the film. . Delivered in "Almost Famous" vibe, with a good dose of humor and plenty of music.  If you like Queen the movie is worth a look. In the end a tribute to Freddie.

Disclaimer: I paid my fare to watch the movie on the big screen. 

R.I.P Jerry Lewis

To me Jerry Lewis will always be remembered for his telethons for the Muscular Dystrophy
Association. He gained fame well before my time teaming up with the great Dean Martin. They were in 17 films together from 1949 to 1956.

Here they sing "That's Amore"....

He also appeared in 40 some other films during a long career, Active until 2016. He passed away at the young age of 91.

Here is Jerry and Dean's reunion from 1976...

Here he is in a skit with Donnie and Marie Osmond..."Send in the Clowns"

Here he is in the Carol Burnett Show..

What is your favorite Jerry Lewis memory? Favorite movie or bit? Feel free to share in the comments. May he rest in peace.

R.I.P Gary Shandling

Gary Shandling an award winning comedian, television personality, film star and writer passed away suddenly yesterday at the age of 66. Best known for his television show s It's the Gary Shandling Show and The Larry Sanders Show.

They earned him 19 Emmy Nominations. He won a Primetime Emmy Award. He also won three American Comedy Awards.

A clip from The Larry Sanders Show ...

On The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson...

Here he discusses the difference between himself onstage and off...

Sad to lose him he will be missed. His legacy is archived and is influence is apparent.

Happy Birthday! Michael Douglas

 I can't believe Michael Douglas is 71 today, but then again I have trouble coping with how old I am. He was the star of some memorable movies in my younger days like "Basic Instinct" and "Disclosure" for example.

The awards he has racked up is most impressive. The list includes two Academy Awards, five Golden Globes, and an Emmy.

Here he discusses one of his latest films "Ant-Man"...

A trailer for "Basic Instinct"...

A scene from "Disclosure"...

A scene from "Wall Street"...

What is your favorite Michael Douglas film? Feel free to share in the comments. I will be back soon with a new post.

RIP Martin Milner

Martin Milner the actor best known for his roles in the television hits Route 66 and Adam 12 has passed away at the age of 83.

Trailer for Adam 12..

Route 66  a clip from that show...

He was an actor in films, television, the stage and radio, A combination that would be hard to find in today's entertainment era.

For the ladies here are some of his romantic scenes....

For the guys I present you a brawl scene...

The world lost a talent, thanks for the memories and  may you rest in peace.

I will be back soon with a new post.

Happy Birthday Sean Connery!

Sean Connery celebrates his 85th birthday today. He is best known as his role as Bond, James Bond.

Here are 50 great James Bond quotes featuring Sean Connery..

He has been knighted and honored by the Kennedy Center. He has won a bunch of awards as well.

Here he is being honored at the Kennedy Center...

He starred in several movies after and during the time he played the role of James Bond. Here is a clip of him in "Highlander"..

What is your favorite Sean Connery film? Was he your favorite James Bond? Feel free to share in the comments. I will be back soon with a new post!

Thoughts on "Operation Rock the Troops"

Obviously I enjoy music. As a writer it is always a bonus for me when I was reviewing a play that featured music. The same is true when I review films with great music. The film Operation Rock the Troops is filled with some great music.

You can read my full review of the film here. Below is the film's trailer to give you an idea of what this documentary is about..

Certainly their mission was important. However, the films message of believing in yourself and finding out what needs to be done to reach your goals is very important as well.

Matthew JC and the JC All Stars deliver the music in the film. I thought I would share a video to give you a taste of their music..."Count on Us"

Here is a bonus tune for your enjoyment..

The film also spawned a very worthwhile charity. You can learn more about that here. Well I will be back soon with a new post!

Happy Birthday Robert De Niro

Happy Birthday to Robert De Niro August 17, 2015. He is a two-time Golden Globes and Academy Award winning actor.

Academy Awards

He won Best Actor in "Raging Bull"...here is a clip from that film...

"The Godfather : Part II" he won best Supporting Actor...another clip

A Top Ten 

A top ten compilation of Robert De Niro moments...

What is your favorite Robert De Niro moment? film? memory? Feel free to share with your comments! See you soon with a new post!

My Latest Movie Review: Northern Limit Line

A foreign film in a foreign tongue with subtitles. I respect that. There are creative people around the globe and English isn't the only language. Just not what I usually look for in a film. I like a film in my language. I don't want to read the dialog on tiny print on the screen. The Foreign part is okay I like exotic locations. I know get a bigger screen than the print isn't tiny. As I am typing along the slippery slope of political correctness what is my point. My point is when it comes to film and most entertainment we prefer it to be in our comfort zone.

When I reviewed the Korean film "Northern Limit Line" it wasn't in my comfort zone. In the end however I am glad I watched the film. The movie wasn't in my comfort zone with the language and having to keep up with the small print on the screen. However, the movie wasn't created for my comfort zone. In it's native language "Northern Limit Line" is probably better!

I discovered the film packed a lot of suspense and was well made. The combat scenes were incredible! I even felt following the dialog on the screen drew me even deeper into the suspense of the film.  The movie had a great story to share and did a suburb job of sharing it!

You can read my review here. U.S. Trailer below for you to check out...

If you like Naval thrillers this film is worth checking out. It is similar to the movie "Pearl Harbor" but with another battle, across an ocean, and with another generation in another country.

Thoughts on "Comedy Warriors: Healing through humor"

Stopping in the blog about a recent movie review I did for a film called Comedy Warriors: Healing through humor. I reviewed the film right before the Fourth of July holiday which was great timing for the movie. The film's theme is perfect for Veteran's Day, Memorial Days and other Patriotic Holidays. Also perfect if you want to get a glimpse on the lives of wounded warriors.

Here is the trailer for the movie...

It is a documentary. The movie did share some of the humor but it left me wanting to catch these warriors' full comedy set!

Here is a link you can find out more about the project. The film is definitely worth checking out!

R.I.P Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

Once in a while on this blog I like play it forward and spot light another writer or give a shout out to another writer.Even though Sydney-Chanele Dawkins is deserving of being put into a spotlight due to her writing this is not the way that I had envisioned. Most of the writers I know and spotlight or give a shout out to are people I only know in the cyber world. It is a little different when the person is someone you know in person. I have found memories of hanging out with this writer at CATF- Contemporary American Theater Festival after parties and at DC Metro Theater Arts meetings and gatherings. What is sadder is writing a Rest in Peace article. She lost her battle with breast cancer.

Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

I will share the article on her passing penned by Joel Markowitz here. She was a reviewer, columnist, and interviewer at DC Metro Theater Arts and I do recommend checking out her work there. You will find some great interviews on film, theatre, and music. Also there are some fantastic reviews of the Washington area entertainment scene. 

Photo courtesy of DC Metro Theater Arts. Beyond writing she created three feature films, produced plays with local theater groups, and was involved with  several film festivals and art groups. The Washington Area arts scene will definitely miss her. At 47 she passed away too soon. MAy she rest in peace.

Happy Birthday Johnny Depp

Today is Johnny Depp's 52nd birthday! Time to wish old Jack Sparrow a happy celebration!




The Screen Actors Guild, the Golden Globe Award winning actor with his own Hollywood Star and an actor who has been in some of the biggest films spanning the last 40 years.

Here is a collection of his top ten moments...

What is your favorite role Johnny Depp has played? He was in Platoon, Donnie Brasco, Fear in Loathing, Blow, and The Pirates of the Caribbean to highlight just a few.

He is not done yet. Here is a trailer for his next film Black Mass...

Here is some bonus footage back from his 21 Jump Street days..

Happy Birthday Johnny!

Happy Birthday George Lucas!

Billionaire George Lucas celebrates his 71st birthday today! He is a man of many hats. Known as a director, screenwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. 

The Trailer for "American Graffiti"...

George was nominated for two Academy Awards one for best directing and one for best writing. His directing in the film also was nominated for a Golden Globe as well. 

Five years later "Star Wars" had him nominated for the same Academy Awards and Golden Globe. He won the Evening Standard British Film for best movie with "Star Wars." It also won two Saturn Awards for best directing and writing.

"Star Wars" and "The Raiders of the Lost Ark" films turned into franchises and kept the niominations going.

Yes he is very wealthy but he does give quite a bit to charity. I thank him for the films and wish him a happy birthday!

A to Z Challenge: G for Geoffrey Lewis

Yesterday actor Geoffrey Lewis passed away from natural causes the actor was 79. He was an actor who performed in several Clint Eastwood movies. He also appeared on television in shows ranging from "Flo," "Law in Order" and "My Name is Earl."

He was also a talented storyteller in the storytelling group "Celestial Navigation" below he tells the tale called "The Dwarf."

In a movie career spanning from 1971 to 2012 Geoffrey Lewis appeared in over 70 movies.He played the role of Stacey in the western "High Plains Drifter" featuring Clint Eastwood. Enjoy the clip below..

He received a Golden Globe nomination for his role on the television show "Flo." Below is a preview of the sitcom.

Here is a news clip of his passing..

His legacy will live in on reruns of television shows and through his film. He will be missed by his wife and children. May he rest in peace.

R.I.P Leonard Nimoy

Leonard Nimoy who starred in Star Trek as Spock has passed away at the age of 83. He lived long and he did prosper.

Some highlights from the role that made him famous...

He also appeared in 39 voices either as an actor or with his voice. He also directed four other film that he did not appear in. He directed several he appeared in.

Here is a trailer for Invasion of the Body Snatchers a film he appeared in...

He appeared in several television shows as a guest. He starred in Mission Impossible.

His voice made him a star in programs such as In Search of and Ancient Mysteries. Enjoy a classic episode here.. 

How about some music..

May he rest in peace,,,

This is Spinal Tap..30 years ago

This is Spinal Tap was released in 1984 this week. It was a mockumentary, a fictitious look at hard rock/metal band. Did it just poke fun at rock documentaries of the time? Was I poking fun at rock bands of that era? Was the movie spot on?


Here is a trailer..

Here is a clip...

Really it wouldn't be my blog without a music video if the blog is about a music subject...

A little Friday humor as we look back at a fun, cult film. I hope you enjoy and if you see any bands this weekend remember it could be Spinal Tap!

Thoughts on the Oscars

The Oscars just brought it to my attention that I did not go to the movies very often in 2013. The only Oscar Award winning film I watched in 2013 was Frozen. I went with my girls and the film did win two, Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original song.

Dallas Buyer's Club, 12 Years a Slave, The Great Gatsby and Gravity were big winners too. I guess I will wait and catch them on Netflix. Besides the Oscar winners what were the best movies of 2013? Any movies get the Oscar snub?

Thoughts on Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple passed away this week at the age of 85.  She will never be remembered as a 85 year old by most. However, she will live on as the sweetheart with the curly locks in old films. Being a parent of a six year old curly top girl creates yet another connection with Shirley Temple the comparison.

My daughter isn't Shirley Temple. My daughter is cute, she is taking ballet, and tap dance. Perhaps one day she will be a star. When and if that happens she will still be my little girl. However, there have been a few people who have said she reminds them of Shirley Temple. Looking back at the career and fame Shirley Temple achieved that is certainly a complement.

 

Above is part of The Kennedy Center program where they honored Shirley Temple. The Kennedy Center Honors is probably the best tribute to this star you can find.

 

Above is "Curly Top" I dedicate it to my daughter but present it in honor of Shirley Temple.
Below is perhaps her most famous tune...

I thank her for the memories that have become new to other generations. I am glad she lived a long life and I hope she rests in peace.