What to Watch

'A Team' latest movie based on TV show

2010-06-08T16:58:00.000-05:00

“In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team.”

So began “The A Team,” which hit the airwaves in 1983 and made a star out of Mr. T.

Flash forward 27 years. Hollywood has once again dipped for inspiration into the well of old TV shows and decided the time is ripe for a new “A Team.”

Except for updating the war from Vietnam to Desert Storm, little has changed in the new “A Team.” Four Army buddies must escape to clear their names after being framed for a crime they didn’t commit.

Liam Neeson (pictured with rest of cast) has taken George Peppard’s role as team leader, Bradley Cooper is the eye candy, Quinton Jackson replaces Mr. T as the bruising BA and Sharlto Copley is the crazy guy.

As TV shows go, “The A Team” was entertaining. It seemed as if there was a car chase and crash in every episode, or was that “The Dukes of Hazzard?” Hardly anyone ever died in “The A Team,” and the good guys always defeated the bad guys and undid some wrong.

Action shows were plentiful in the 1980s. Besides “The A Team” and “Dukes” you had “The Fall Guy,” “B.J. and the Bear,” “Knight Rider,” “MacGyver,” “Sheriff Lobo” and “Simon & Simon” to name only a few. All of them were mindless. Most of them were fun to watch.

There’s a lot of positive buzz about “The A Team,” so don’t be surprised if it posts strong opening numbers. It may even have legs as it competes with some lackluster competition.

Hollywood has mined TV Land for ideas for years.

Some movies based on TV shows have been pretty good. “The Fugitive” with Harrison Ford was exciting. “The Flintstones” with John Goodman was funny. “Maverick” with Mel Gibson was a true homage to the show and all TV westerns.

Others based on TV shows have fallen flat, including the recent “MacGruber.” Some of the other bombs are “My Favorite Martian,” “The Mod Squad,” “The Avengers” and “McHale’s Navy.”

If you’re in the mood for some good movies based on TV shows, try these six. All are available on video and DVD.

“Charlie’s Angels” (2000) – Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu and Drew Barrymore star as the three women plucked from crummy police jobs and turned into kick-ass private detectives by the unseen Charlie Townsend in this movie based on the show that made a star out of Farrah Fawcett. Other stars include Bill Murray, Sam Rockwell and Kelly Lynch. The late John Forsythe provided the voice of Charlie, just as he did in the show. There was a pretty good sequel.

“Mission Impossible” (1996) – Tom Cruise stars as a U.S. agent who is accused of being a turncoat and must uncover the real bad guy in this movies based on the show that made Peter Graves a star. Other stars include Jon Voight, Jean Reno, Ving Rhames and Vanessa Redgrave. There were two pretty good sequels and a fourth sequel is planned.

“Get Smart” (2008) – Steve Carrell stars as the inept but effective spy in this movie based on the show that made “Would you believe …” a household phrase. Other stars include Anne Hathaway as the vivacious Agent 99, Dwayne Johnson, Bill Murray, Terrence Stamp and Alan Arkin. A sequel is planned for 2012.

“The Addams Family” (1991) – Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston star as Morticia and Gomez Addams, the heads of a kooky family that has a disembodied hand as a servant and a Frankenstein-like butler in this show based on the 1960s comedy that was based on a comic strip that mostly appeared in The New Yorker magazine. Other stars include Christina Ricci and Christopher Lloyd. There was a so-so sequel.

“The Brady Bunch Movie” (1995) – Shelley Long and Gary Cole star as the father and mother of a combined brood of three boys and three girls in this film that basically takes the 1970s version of the family and drops them into 1990s Los Angeles. Other stars include Christine Taylor as Marcia and Florence Henderson, the star of the original show, as Grandma Brady. There was a pretty good sequel.

“Serenity” (2005) – Fans of Joss Whedon’s ill-fated series “Firefly” love this movie that attempts to wrap up the series after it was cancelled by Fox. Stars include Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite and Summer Glau.

The cast of "Serenity."

New 'Nightmare' begs the question 'Why?'

2010-06-03T16:07:00.000-05:00

By Abby Callaghan

Synopsis: A group of suburban teenagers share one common bond: They are all being stalked by Freddy Krueger, a serial killer who hunts them in their dreams. As long as they stay awake, they can protect one another, but when they sleep, there is no escape.

Cast: Jackie Earle Haley, Rooney Mara, Kyle Gallner, Thomas Dekker, Katie Cassidy and Kellan Lutz.

Written by: Wesley Strick and Eric Heisserer. Directed by: Samuel Bayer

Thoughts: So, when I heard they were remaking one of my favorite horror movies ever, “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” I was a little iffy, but then I heard it was being produced by Michael Bay (“Transformers”) and I got excited. I had very high hopes for this film and I was let down. Hard. It’s not that the movie itself was bad, because it wasn’t, it’s just, we’ve already seen this movie, when it was made in 1984. And the original was so much better. Also, the acting in this movie was just not very good, especially Rooney Mara who had absolutely no emotion at all. Kyle Gallner was the only actor pulling his weight in this movie, so, two thumbs up to him. Replacing Robert Englund with Jackie Earle Haley was something I had trouble dealing with, but in the end, that’s the least of this movie’s problems. Haley is a very creepy man and brought out a different side in Freddy, but his lines were so cheesy and his voice sounded too much like Christian Bale’s “Batman.” It was very distracting. In its defense, however, the new “Nightmare” had me jumping every once in a while but there was no horror. When I first saw the original, I could barely sleep that night and a few nights after. Most of the scary parts in the remake had me laughing, and I slept just fine that very same night. I’m not going to say that they ruined this movie for me because they didn’t. My advice to anyone who still feels the need to go see this movie is this: Go in and pretend that the original movie was never made. This movie is just like every other teen horror movie that comes out these days, so you’ll know what to expect. But to anyone who wants to watch a good Freddy Krueger movie, I’d say keep your money and go watch the original.

Rated R for strong bloody horror violence, disturbing images, terror and language.

'Iron Man 2' as good as original

2010-06-03T15:58:00.000-05:00

By Abby Callaghan

Synopsis: The world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark is the armored Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. In the sequel to 2008’s “Iron Man,” Stark is pitted against his Russian nemesis, Whiplash, and corporate rival Justin Hammer.

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg and Jon Favreau.

Written by: Justin Theroux and Stan Lee. Directed by: Jon Favreau

Thoughts: Do you remember the first “Iron Man” and how awesome it was? I know I do. And I remember hearing about the second one and praying that it would be just as awesome. Now, “Iron Man 2” is out and it is incredible. I didn’t think anything could top the first one but they’ve certainly done it. This movie was epic. I was never bored and I never wanted it to end. Robert Downey Jr. takes the cake with his role as Tony Stark and blows everyone else out of the water. With that, I will say that this cast was well-chosen and everyone did a great job, especially Sam Rockwell who made you laugh while you were hating him. I will admit that at certain points, the plot was a little messy and some things seemed rushed (mainly a plot involving Tony, his father and a new element) and some of the characters were a little underdeveloped, mainly just Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson, but, oh well. Everyone knows they are there to set up for their roles in the next one. (Scarlett as the Black Widow, anyone?) The action scenes in this movie are very well-done and the cinematography is more noticeably beautiful in this one. I loved this movie so much that I can’t believe more people didn’t like it. I want everyone to go see this movie and enjoy it for what it is: a truly entertaining and top-notch blockbuster film.

PS: Make sure you look out for Captain America’s shield and stay for the credits!

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language.

Lest we forget: Movies help us remember the reason for Memorial Day

2010-05-28T23:55:00.001-05:00

There are some simple truths about war. First, people are going to die. Second, some of those people will die senselessly. Third, some of those victims will be civilians caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Fourth, the truth will be the first casualty.

Americans have been fighting wars almost from the moment we started colonizing the New World. At one time or another, Americans have fought wars with the Indians, French, British, Mexicans, Spanish, Germans, Russians, Italians, Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, Vietnamese and Iraqis.

Then there are the campaigns that were too small to count as a real war. Americans died in battles in places such as Tripoli, Lebanon, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Argentina, Nicaragua, Grenada and Somalia.

Along the way, we also managed to wage a bloody war between ourselves.

American soldiers, sailors and Marines have shed blood on every continent except Antarctica. Memorial Day was set aside to honor those men and women who died for their country.

Movies about America's fighting men and women have been around since movies began. Sometimes the movie was about a hero such as reluctant World War I soldier Alvin York in "Sgt. York" or highly decorated World War II hero Audie Murphy in "To Hell and Back."

Some war movies are about important battles such as the Normandy invasion in "The Longest Day."

Famous generals have been featured in movies such as "Patton" and "MacArthur."

Prisoners of war have been the stars of movies such as "Stalag 17."

Ordinary foot soldiers were featured in "The Big Red One," Marines were the focus in "Halls of Montezuma" and sailors were the subject "In Harm's Way."

Joint American and Allied operations were featured in movies such as "The Guns of Navarone" and "Bridge on the River Kwai."

Lest we forget their sacrifice, here are six movies available on video and DVD that take a look at Americans under fire.

"Saving Private Ryan" (1998) -- A squad of D-Day survivors is sent to rescue a paratrooper whose three brothers were all killed in action within a few days of each other in this homage to the men who stormed the beaches on June 6, 1944. Stars include Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper and Vin Diesel.

"Sands of Iwo Jima" (1949) -- John Wayne stars as John Stryker, a battle-hardened Marine who turns boys into Marines and leads them into battle in the South Pacific during World War II. Other stars include John Agar, Forrest Tucker and Richard Jaeckel.

"Pork Chop Hill" (1959) -- Gregory Peck is in command of a worn-down unit on a meaningless hill in the waning days of the Korean War. Then the Chinese attack and his small force must stand its ground against impossible odds. Other stars include Harry Guardino, Rip Torn, George Peppard, Robert Blake and Woody Strode.

"Courage Under Fire" (1996) -- A Desert Storm hero who accidentally killed his best friend during a nighttime tank battle tries to unravel the truth about what happened one night after a medical chopper was shot down and the pilot (Meg Ryan) was killed. It seems she's been nominated for a Medal of Honor. Other stars include Matt Damon, Michael Moriarty and Lou Diamond Phillips.

"Platoon" (1986) -- The horrors of the Vietnam War shine through in this film based on Oliver Stone's own experiences during the war. Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe star as rival sergeants fighting for the soul of the innocent and naive Charlie Sheen. Other stars include Kevin Dillon, Johnny Depp and John C. McGinley.

"Glory" (1989) -- Matthew Broderick stars as real-life Civil War officer Robert Gould Shaw, a Boston blueblood who leads the first black Union regiment during the Civil War. Shaw and his men must fight other Union officers and soldiers as well as the Confederates before being sent to their slaughter in the battle of Fort Wagner. Other stars include Cary Elwes, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman.

'Date Night' is laugh out loud funny

2010-05-10T19:01:00.000-05:00

By Abby Callaghan

Synopsis: When date night comes around, Phil and Claire Foster decide to do something different. While trying to get into a popular restaurant downtown, Phil takes the reservation of a couple who didn’t show up, which leads to a case of mistaken identity. Turns out, the reservation belonged to a couple of thieves and now Phil and Claire must survive a crazy life-threatening night filled with thugs, cops and a shirtless ex-military man.

Cast: Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Mark Wahlberg, Taraji P. Henson, Jimmi Simpson, Common, James Franco, Mila Kunis and Leighton Meester.

Written by: Josh Klausner. Directed by: Shawn Levy

Thoughts: Despite what you may have heard about it, "Date Night" is probably one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in a long time. I was constantly laughing out loud. It’s a very straightforward movie, keeping things simple and to the point, and with enough ad-libbing from Carell and Fey to keep things moving at a great pace. Also, I’d just like to say that if you’re like me, then you’re probably a bit worried that you’ve seen all the funny parts in the previews. But believe me, those scenes are outshined by everything else in this movie. I honestly have nothing bad to say about it. The jokes were great, the cast was well picked, even the action scenes were entertaining. It’s been 10days since I’ve seen this movie, and I’m still quoting it. So all in all, I’d say, see it. Go out and have a laugh. This comedy is worth seeing.

Rated PG-13 for sexual and crude content throughout, language, some violence and a drug reference.

Tina Fey and Steve Carell star in "Date Night."

Kick-Ass delivers knock out punch

2010-05-02T14:40:00.000-05:00

By Abby Callaghan

Synopsis: Comic book geek Dave Lizewski has no coordination and no super powers but that doesn’t stop him from becoming a vigilante superhero, calling himself Kick-Ass. Before long, Kick-Ass becomes a sensation and others start to follow his lead. One by one, the world is introduced to Hit-Girl, Big Daddy, and Red Mist.

Cast: Aaron Johnson, Clark Duke, Evan Peters, Chloe Moretz, Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Mark Strong.

Written by: Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn

Directed by: Matthew Vaughn

Thoughts: I had high hopes for "Kick-Ass" and I was worried it’d let me down, but it did no such thing. The movie covers absolutely insane action sequences, smart superhero parodies, heart-pounding dramatic turns and a witty script making "Kick-Ass" a great movie. The cast is absolutely ideal, but it’s Chloe Moretz who steals the show here. Even the film itself resembles a comic book, with all of its outrageous colors. Every shot was beautiful and the soundtrack was perfect. There’s no time for you to be bored with this film, it’s constantly moving and it’s constantly entertaining, whether you’re laughing or you’re sitting on the edge of your seat. "Kick-Ass," I welcome you into the world of comic book movies. I’d say, I really hope you see this one, I know you won’t regret it.

Rated R for strong brutal violence throughout, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity and some drug use -- some involving children.

Derby Day still brings out fans of the Sport of Kings

2010-04-29T23:32:00.001-05:00

Although not as popular as it once was, horse racing still draws a big crowd the first Saturday in May when Churchill Downs is home to the Kentucky Derby.

The Run for the Roses is American racing’s premier event. The race draws thousands to the track. The men wear suits. The women wear fancy dresses and derby bonnets. Everyone drinks mint juleps. Some people win a bundle, most walk away losers.

This year’s 136th running is no exception. The local OTB at Stoney Point Grill in Mokena is planning a big party complete with a tent for the bettors who don’t want to shell out $35 for a seat inside the restaurant. Charley Horse restaurants in Tinley Park, New Lenox and Munster, Ind., are offering free meals to ladies who wear derby bonnets into the eateries from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The race starts at 5:24 p.m. CST.

Big crowds are also expected at Balmoral in Crete and Hawthorne in Cicero. Both tracks will simulcast the race on big screen TVs.

Horse racing may not be the sport it once was, when thousands would pack the grandstands at famous tracks such as Santa Anita in California, Hialeah in Florida and Saratoga in New York. Local venues including Sportsman’s Park in Cicero and Washington Park in Homewood would also pack them in.

Hollywood has had an affinity for racing movies. Films were made about real-life champion horses such as “Phar Lap” about a champion horse from Australia and “Dreamer” about Breeder’s Cup winner Sonador. “Casey’s Shadow” is about a reel-life champion.

“Champions” is about British steeple chase jockey Bob Champion and his battle with cancer.

Tracks have been the setting in movies such as “Little Miss Marker” and “My Brother Talks to Horses.”

“Guys & Dolls” is a musical about New York gangsters dabbling in horseracing among other ventures.

Here are six movies available on video and DVD that look at the Sport of Kings, in one way or another.

“Let It Ride” (1989) – Richard Dreyfuss gets wind of a fixed race and wins a bundle. He then has in his words “a very good day” at the track. Along the way we get to see a variety of characters ranging from his wife (Teri Garr), unlucky best friend (David Johansen) and an oversexed mistress (Jennifer Tilly).

“Seabiscuit” (2003) – Tobey Maguire is the broken-down jockey, Chris Cooper is the discredited trainer and Jeff Bridges is the misguided owner who all believe in the special powers of an undersized, hurt horse named Seabiscuit who captivated Depression-era America.

“A Day at the Races” (1937) – Groucho, Chico and Harpo run amok at a racetrack while trying to win enough money to save a sanitarium run by a friend of theirs in this classic Marx Brothers comedy. Other stars include Maureen O’Sullivan and Margaret Dumont.

“Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair” (1952) – Pa (Percy Kilbride) buys a broken-down trotter hoping to win the race at the county fair so he can send one of his daughters to college in this entry in the “Ma and Pa Kettle” series of comedies. Other stars include Marjorie Main as Ma, Lori Nelson and James Best.

“The Derby Stallion” (2005) – An alcoholic former trainer (Bill Cobbs) sobers up long enough to help a 15-year-old boy (Zac Efron) pursue his dream of turning his horse into a champion. Also stars William R. Moses.

“The Great Dan Patch” (1949) – This is the biopic of legendary trotter Dan Patch and the man who might have loved him more than his wife and girlfriend. Stars include Dennis O’Keefe, Gail Russell, Henry Hull and Ruth Warrick.

Kevin Smith life almost as funny as his movies

2010-02-17T10:04:00.000-06:00

Kevin Smith is a big man in Hollywood these days. Too big, according to Southwest Airlines, which tossed the rotund director/actor/writer off a recent flight from Oakland to Burbank because he was determined to be a safety risk because of his size.

Smith soon started a war of Tweets with Southwest. Smith, best known for his Silent Bob character in a series of movies based in his home state of New Jersey, said he had purchased two seats on a flight but boarded an earlier flight when a seat was available. That's when he was asked to deplane.

Southwest has defended its "customer of size" policy that requires extra big passengers to buy two seats. The airline said other airlines have similar policies for super-sized passengers.

Smith's tirade against Southwest comes just in time to build buzz about his latest directing effort "Cop Out," a cop buddy picture starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan. "Cop Out" is the first film Smith has directed that he did not write himself. It also marks his second collaboration with Willis, with whom Smith worked as an actor on "Live Free or Die Hard."

Smith's filmography as a director includes a couple of documentaries, the pilot episode of "Reaper," which was cancelled after last season, and three movies in production. He also has credits for producing, writing, editing, acting and consulting on projects.

Smith's films are said to be an acquired taste. They tend to be outrageous, oftentimes gross and mostly funny. Here are six of his films available on video and DVD that represent the Hollywood legacy of Kevin Smith.

"Catch and Release" (2006) -- Smith shows off his acting chops in this comedy about a woman (Jennifer Garner) who tries to come to grips with the sudden death of her fiance and the realization he was not the perfect man. Other stars include Timothy Olyphant, Sam Jaeger and Juliette Lewis.

"Dogma" (1999) -- Smith pokes fun at the Catholic Church in this comedy that revolves around a couple of cast out angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) who discover a way back into heaven thanks to a wacky bishop (George Carlin). Along the way Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) encounter a long-lost descendant of Christ, the 13th apostle Rufus, an angel who likes booze, and God, who likes to play skeeball in Atlantic City. Other stars include Linda Fiorentino, Jason Lee and Alan Rickman.

"Chasing Amy" (1997) -- A comic book artist (Ben Affleck) finds the love of his life (Joey Lauren Adams) only to discover that she's a lesbian. That, of course, doesn't stop him from trying to change her mind. Other stars include Jason Lee.

"Mallrats" (1995) -- A couple of guys head to the mall after being dumped by their girlfriends in this comedy based in Minnesota. Stars include Shannon Doherty, Jeremy London, Claire Forlani, Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams and Stan Lee as himself.

"Clerks II" (2006) -- Smith burst onto the scene in 1994 with "Clerks." Now, it's 10 years later and he catches up with Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson) who have moved on, barely and thanks mostly to a fire that burned down the quicky mart they were working at in the original. Other stars include Rosario Dawson and Jennifer Schwalbach (the real-life Mrs. Kevin Smith).

"Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" (2001) -- Smith's Silent Bob and Jason Mewes' Jay find out that a movie based on their comic book alter egos is being made in Hollywood. Then they discover they aren't going to see a nickel. Rightfully upset, they decide to visit Hollywood and wreck the movie. Other stars include many Smith regulars incluing Ben Affleck and a couple of newcomers including Will Ferrell.

Movies about Winter Olympics a slippery lot

2010-02-11T13:38:00.000-06:00

Although not nearly as spectacular as the Summer Games, the 2010 Winter Olympics kick off Saturday morning when athletes from 80 nations hit the ice and snow in Vancouver, Canada.

For 16 days, Olympians will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in 15 categories. Some of the events are well known to Americans, such as figure skating. American skaters including Dorothy Hamill, Tara Lipinski, Kristi Yamaguchi and Peggy Fleming have brought home 44 medals since the first Winter Games in 1924.

The top event for Americans has been speed skating with 63 medals over the years. Eric Heiden won five gold medals in speed skating at the Lake Placid Games. Illinois native Bonnie Blair also has five gold medals, including medals won at three consecutive Winter Olympics.

Americans have not fared well in some events including cross-country skiing, curling and the ski jump. Americans have won only one medal in each of those events. The luge is another weak spot for Americans with only four medals over the years.

Americans have never won a medal in the biathlon (cross-country ski and shoot) nor the Nordic combined (ski jumping and cross-country skiing) though there is hope that this may be the year Americans finally win a medal in the latter.

Hollywood traditionally loves sports movies but has only smiled on the Winter Olympics a handful of times, mostly with movies about figure skating and hockey.

Norwegian skating sensation Sonja Henie won medals at three Winter Games and then made a dozen Hollywood movies that somehow always found a way for her to lace up the skates such as “Sun Valley Serenade.” American skater Lynn Holly-Johnson starred as an Olympic hopeful in “Ice Castles,” which was remade last year.

The surprising American hockey team of 1980 has been the focus of two miles: “Miracle on Ice” in 1981 and “Miracle” in 2004.

There have been occasional movies about other winter sports including “Men with Brooms” about curling, which involves throwing a stone down an icy path with teammates armed with brooms sweeping furiously in front of the stone. It looks even sillier, believe me.

Here are six films available on video and DVD that feature the Winter Olympics or its athletes.

“The Cutting Edge” (1992) – D.B. Sweeney is a former hockey player who partners with Moira Kelly in a last-ditch attempt to win the pairs figure skating gold medal. They start out hating each other but eventually … you get the idea. Other stars include Roy Dotrice and Terry O’Quinn.

“Downhill Racer” (1969) – Robert Redford is a cold, calculating skiing machine who doesn’t play nice with others including his Olympic coach (Gene Hackman) in director Michael Ritchie’s film debut. Other stars include Camilla Sparv as the woman who almost gets through to Redford.

“Cool Runnings” (1993) – John Candy stars as a disgraced Olympian hired to coach the first Jamaican bobsled team in this comedy based on a true story. Other stars include Leon, Doug E. Doug, Malik Yoba and Rawle D. Davis.

“Miracle” (2004) – Kurt Russell stars as Herb Brooks, the unheralded coach who took a team of little known college hockey players and upset the Russian juggernaut en route to an unlikely gold medal at the 1980 games in Lake Placid. Other stars include Patricia Clarkson, Sean McCann and Noah Emmerich.

“Blades of Glory” (2007) – Will Ferrell and Jon Heder (pictured above) star as disgraced Olympic figure skaters who despite being banned from the Games find a loophole that allows them to compete as partners in this goofy sports comedy. Other stars include Will Arnett and Amy Poehler as ruthless rival skaters, Jenna Fischer and Craig T. Nelson.

Romance is in the air, but these films prove that sometimes love hurts

2010-02-09T11:59:00.001-06:00

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches.

Romantic comedies would have you believe that love is essentially boy meets girl, they overcome some stupid problem and live happily ever after. For example:

Katherine Heigl finds herself pregnant and alone until Seth Rogen mans up and does the right thing in "Knocked Up."

Patrick Dempsey endures all kinds of flack for agreeing to be Michelle Monaghan's maid of honor in "Made of Honor." Then he steals her from Scottish heartthrob Kevin McKidd.

Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz find themselves married and winners of a million-dollar jackpot after a drunken night in Las Vegas in "What Happens in Vegas." They spend the movie trying to destroy each other for the money until they realize they are perfect for one another.

The pattern has been repeated in dozens of movies. Consider that Jane Fonda thinks she may have made a mistake in her sudden marriage to Jim Hutton in 1962's "Period of Adjustment," and Jack Lemmon tries to drive away Virna Lisi after finding himself married in 1965's "How to Murder Your Wife."

But every once in a while, Hollywood churns out a film that doesn't go for the happy ending.

Arnold Schwarzenegger loses his warrior girlfriend in "Conan the Barbarian." She dies so he may live. The ultimate sacrifice. Very sad.

Robert De Niro's wife (Sharon Stone) leaves him for brutal wiseguy Joe Pesci in "Casino." She dies of a drug overdose. Very sad.

Dudley Moore saves a man from drowning in order to bed the man's wife (Bo Derek) in "10." Then he realizes she's about as personable as a cabbage. Very sad. But he does get back together with Julie Andrews in the end.

Emilio Estevez screws up a very good thing he has going with Demi Moore in "About Last Night ..." Very sad.

Julie Roberts does her best to ruin the upcoming wedding of her longtime friend (Dermot Mulroney) to Cameron Diaz in "My Best Friend's Wedding." At least Diaz kicks her butt in one of the women's bathrooms at Sox park.

Poor Elizabeth Perkins is left to pine for a 13-year-old boy after he reverts to his true self in "Big."

Love may be all you need, but it often hurts. Here are six films available on video and DVD that look at relationships gone sour for one reason or another. Happy Valentine's Day.

"500 Days of Summer" (2009) -- Joseph Gordon-Levitt starts dating Zooey Deschanel. He falls in love. She doesn't. That about sums us this romantic comedy that bounces back and forth showing the audience how the two can have such different takes on life and their relationship. Other stars include Chloe Moretz as the boy's younger sister, who may be the most grown up person in the movie.

"Shakespeare In Love" (1998) -- Joseph Fiennes is the Bard in this romantic comedy about his relationship with one of Queen Elizabeth's ladies in waiting (Gwyneth Paltrow), who inspires "Romeo and Juliet" but also happens to be promised to another. Other stars include Judi Dench as the queen, Colin Firth as the other man, Geoffrey Rush, Tom Wilkinson and Rupert Everett as Shakespeare's rival Christopher Marlowe.

"The Way We Were" (1973) -- A Jewish activist (Barbra Streisand) and a politically unmotivated WASP (Robert Redford) fall in love but eventually drift apart in this film that follows their relationship from college days in 1937 through World War II to the Hollywood witchhunts of the 1950s. Other stars include Bradford Dillman, Lois Chiles and Patrick O'Neal.

"Before Sunrise" (1995) -- An American (Ethan Hawke) meets a French woman (Julie Delpy) on a train bound for Vienna. They spend a wild night together knowing that they will probably never see each other again. This was such a complete film that I have refused to see the sequel, "Before Sunset," when they run into each other in Paris 10 years later.

"Annie Hall" (1977) -- Woody Allen breaks up with Diane Keaton and then spends the rest of the movie showing how their relationship started, prospered and eventually disintegrated. Allen's best film ever, thanks in large part to Keaton's performance as the title character. Other stars include Tony Roberts, Carol Kane and Paul Simon.

"The Break-Up" (2006) -- A young couple (Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston) move in together but things don't work out. They remain living together because of their situation but that doesn't stop their relationship from getting nastier and uglier the longer they remain in the same home. Other stars include Joey Lauren Adams, Cole Hauser, Jon Favreau and Justin Long.

New Orleans is a favorite city for filmmakers

2010-02-05T13:55:00.001-06:00

New Orleans has made a remarkable recovery since the city was almost wiped out by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

So, it's fitting that the Crescent City's Saints have made it to this year's Super Bowl against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in Miami.

Saints fans are no doubt stocking up on gumbo, jambalaya, crawdads and red beans and rice for their parties. All of those fixin's will be washed down with Abita beer or a Dixie brand such as Blackened Voodoo.

New Orleans has been a favorite of filmmakers over the years. Films about New Orleans range from historical epics such as "The Buccaneer" about Jean Lafitte, Andrew Jackson and the War of 1812 to period pieces such as "Jezebel," which is set in pre-Civil War New Orleans, to the city's notorious side such as "Walk on the Wild Side," which is set in a 1930s bordello.

Movies have focused on the city's darker side in films such as "Hard Times" about Depression-era bare-knuckle fighters, "Tightrope" with Clint Eastwood as a cop hunting a serial killer who is murdering women linked to him, "Panic in the Streets" about a hunt for a criminal carrying the plague, and "No Mercy" about a Chicago cop who travels to New Orleans to find a missing woman.

No list is complete without mentioning movies that cater to the city's musical roots. "Mardi Gras" features Pat Boone and some other 1950s teen crooners heading to the city to ask a movie star to homecoming.

Mardi Gras and the city's voodoo influence is featured in many movies including "Hoodoo for Voodoo."

New Orleans is also featured in some silly movies such as "Abbott and Costello Go to Mars," which finds the hapless duo in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, and drek such as "Mardi Gras Massacre."

Here are six movies available on video or DVD that are sure to get members of the Who Dat Nation revved up before Sunday's big game.

"Hurricane Season" (2009) -- This one actually won't be available until Tuesday, but this is a great film about a basketball coach (Forest Whitaker) who brings together players from five high schools affected by Hurricane Katrina and gets them into the state playoffs a year after the hurricane has ravaged the city. Other stars include Taraji Henson, Bonnie Hunt, Isaiah Washington, Lil Wayne and Bow Wow.

"Pretty Baby" (1978) -- A young girl (Brooke Shield) is being raised by her prostitute mother (Susan Sarandon) in the city's notorious Storyville red-light district in the days before legalized prostitution is about to end in 1917. Other stars include Keith Carradine and Antonio Fargas.

"The Big Easy" (1986) -- The city is well represented in this film about a shady cop (Dennis Quaid) who is investigating murders of mob bosses and then finds himself under investigation for taking bribes by a pretty prosecutor (Ellen Barkin). Other stars include Ned Beatty and John Goodman.

"Angel Heart" (1987) -- Voodoo and such take center stage in this thriller about a private eye (Mickey Rourke) hired by a creepy character (Robert De Niro) to find a missing man following World War II. He finds the man and a lot more before it's all over. Also stars Lisa Bonet and Charlotte Rampling.

"A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951) -- A disturbed woman (Vivien Leigh) moves in with sister and her brutish husband (Marlon Brando) while she slowly loses touch with reality in this Elia Kazan masterpiece. Other stars include Kim Hunter and Karl Malden.

"Hotel" (1967) -- Rod Taylor manages a New Orleans hotel in this film based on Arthur Hailey's novel. Other stars include Melvyn Douglas as the owner who is mulling over an offer for the hotel, Karl Malden as a thief preying on guests and Michael Rennie as as nobleman with a dark secret.

Celebrate The King's 75th birthday with your own Elvis film festival

2010-01-06T14:19:00.000-06:00

Some stars are so popular, they simply are known by their first name. Everyone knows Oprah, and Madonna, and Cher. But those three ladies pale in comparison to Elvis.

Elvis Presley died in 1977, yet his estate continues to rake in millions of dollars each year.

Graceland, his home in Memphis, is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Tennessee. Thousands of fans will descend on Graceland starting Thursday to celebrate what would have been The King’s 75th birthday.

If you go ...
For a complete list of events, and hotel and ticket information for The King's 75th birthday bash at Graceland, visit www.elvis.com

Elvis was first and foremost a singer. He won a couple of Grammy Awards for gospel singing. The walls at Graceland are lined with gold records for hit songs such as “Heartbreak Hotel.”

But Elvis also wanted to be a movie star. He made 31 movies from his debut in 1956 in “Love Me Tender” until his final role in “Change of Habit” in 1969. His roles ranged from a young soldier in West Germany in “G.I. Blues” to a boxer in “Kid Galahad” to a racecar driver in “Speedway.” Many critics dismiss his films as fluff, but almost all are entertaining. This isn’t Shakespeare, after all.

Elvis has had perhaps an even bigger impact as a character in dozens of movies.

Elvis has been featured in most movies about the early days of rock ’n’ roll including “Walk the Line” about Johnny Cash, “Great Balls of Fire” about Jerry Lee Lewis and even “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.”

His ghost has been present in “Luckytown” and “Mystery Train.”

He learned how to shake his groove thing by watching a young boy dance with braces in “Forrest Gump.”

He is even taken to task for refusing to stay out of sight after faking his death in “Death Becomes Her.”

Stars that have portrayed him on the silver screen include Don Johnson, Harvey Keitel, Michael St. Gerard, Bruce Campbell, David Keith and Kurt Russell, who not only portrayed The King in “Elvis” but also was his illegitimate son in “3000 Miles to Graceland.”

In honor of his 75th birthday, here are six films available on video and DVD that feature Elvis the man and the legend.

“Bubba Ho-tep” (2002) – Bruce Campbell stars as Elvis in this film that explains how he winds up in a ramshackle Texas nursing home with JFK (Ossie Davis) fighting an ancient Egyptian mummy for the souls of his fellow residents. I never pictured Campbell as Elvis, but he carries it off wonderfully.

“Elvis” (1979) – Kurt Russell stars as The King in this made-for-television film that follows his life from a young boy in Mississippi. Season Hubley co-stars as Priscilla, Shelley Winters portrays his mother and Pat Hingle is Elvis’ manager Col. Tom Parker.

“Heartbreak Hotel” (1988) – David Keith stars as Elvis who is kidnapped by a boy (Charlie Schlatter) to help his mother (Tuesday Weld) recover from a car accident in this Chris Columbus comedy.

“Elvis Meets Nixon” (1997) – Rick Peters stars as Elvis in this film based on The King’s real-life attempts to persuade President Nixon (Bob Gunton) to make him a federal agent for the DEA. Alyson Court co-stars as Priscilla.

“Finding Graceland” (1998) – Harvey Keitel stars as a drifter claiming to be Elvis. He catches a ride with a young man (Johnathon Schaech) heading from New Mexico to see Graceland. Along the way they find a Marilyn Monroe impersonator (Bridget Fonda). Gretchen Mol co-stars as the young man’s dead wife.

“Elvis” (2005) – Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars as Elvis in this made-for-television film that paints Col. Tom Parker (Randy Quaid) as the villain who helps bring about Elvis’ untimely demise. Rose McGowan co-stars as Ann-Margret.

Start off the new year with What to Watch

2009-12-31T14:45:00.000-06:00

No movies to suggest today, just a holiday greeting from the folks at What to Watch. Hope your Christmas was bright and your New Year is grand. I'll be back with a new list starting next week, so stay tuned! In the meantime, here's the star from one of my favorite movies. Can you guess which one?

Jennifer Jones dead at 90

2009-12-17T15:32:00.000-06:00

Jennifer Jones died Thursday at age 90.

Though few of today's generation probably knows her name, they may recognize her as Bernadette in "The Song of Bernadette," which pops up on television around Easter.

Jones was one of Hollywood's hottest stars starting with "Bernadette" in 1943. For the next decade, she starred alongside Joseph Cotten, Gregory Peck, William Holden, Rock Hudson, Charlton Heston and Claudette Colbert.

But unlike many of her peers, Jones was a private person and with the exception of her love affair with producer David O. Selznick and divorce from actor Robert Walker, steered clear of the limelight. As a result, she is not nearly as remembered as her contemporaries such as Katharine Hepburn, Betty Davis and Ingrid Bergman.

Her performances starting with "Bernadette" are unforgettable, however.

Here are six of her finest roles available on video or DVD.

"The Song of Bernadette" (1943) -- Jones won an Oscar for her performance as the peasant girl who claims a vision of the Virgin Mary leads her to discover the healing fountain at Lourdes. Other stars include Vincent Price, Charles Bickford, Gladys Cooper and Lee J. Cobb. See if you can watch it without shedding a tear.

"Duel in the Sun" (1946) -- Jones (pictured above with Gregory Peck) plays against type as a sexy half-breed who turns a Texas family upside down when she comes to live with them. Other stars include Gregory Peck, Joseph Cotten and Lionel Barrymore.

"Love In a Many-Splendored Thing" (1955) -- Jones is an Eurasian doctor who has an affair with an American reporter (Holden) against the backdrop of the Communist takeover of China.

"Ruby Gentry" (1952) -- Jones is a woman who marries a rich man while she still carries a torch for another. Other stars include Charlton Heston and Karl Malden.

"A Farewell to Arms" (1957) -- Jones is an English nurse who falls in love with an American soldier (Rock Hudson) in Italy during World War I in this remake of the Hemingway story.

"The Towering Inferno" (1974) -- Jones is one of a dozen stars in this disaster epic about a fire in a high-rise that was released 35 years ago today (thanks to Mike Pfaff for that nugget). Other stars include Paul Newman, William Holden, Steve McQueen and O.J.

'Christmas Story' cast members to lead Hammond yuletide parade on Saturday

2009-12-04T12:39:00.001-06:00

Fans of "A Christmas Story" have the chance this weekend to meet some of the cast members who will be acting as grand marshalls at a Christmas parade at 10 a.m. Saturday from Gavit High School in Hammond, where late author Jean Shepherd grew up and where the holiday classic is set.

On hand will be Ian Petrelle "Randy," Zack Ward "Scut Farkas," Yano Anaya "Grover Dill," Scott Schwartz "Flick," and Tedde Moore "Mrs. Shields." After the parade, all of them will be signing autographs and posing for pictures from noon to 5 p.m. at the Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond. There is a $20 fee for autographs.

All of them will also be on hand at a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, followed by another autograph and photo session from noon to 4 p.m.

There also is an exhibit about the movie on display through Jan. 3 at the welcome center.

Complete information on the parade, breakfast, autograph session and exhibit can be found at http://www.achristmasstorycomeshome.com/

And what better way to get into the spirit of the season than by watching Christmas movies. Here are six available on video and DVD that are fun for the whole family.

"A Christmas Story" (1983) -- Peter Billingsley stars as Ralph, a little boy who really, really, really wants a BB gun for Christmas circa 1938. Other stars include Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin and the folks who will be at the parade on Saturday. If you want to follow the adventures of Ralph, Randy, Mrs. Parker and the Old Man, check out "It Runs in the Family." The movie picks up the story the following summer with the BB gun gathering dust in a corner of Ralph's bedroom.

"The Bishop's Wife" (1947) -- Cary Grant is an angel sent in answer to a prayer by David Niven, who dreams of building a cathedral. Other stars include Loretta Young, Monty Woolley, James Gleason and Elsa Lanchester.

"Scrooge" (1970) -- Albert Finney stars as the Dickens character given a chance at redemption on Christmas Eve in this musical version of the story. Other stars include Edith Evans and Kenneth More as two of the ghosts Scrooge encounters.

"Christmas Vacation" (1989) -- Chevy Chase must deal with a lost Christmas bonus, a houseful of unwanted relatives, snobby neighbors and wild animals as he attempts to celebrate the holiday in his own way in this goofy comedy. Other stars include Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, Randy Quiad, Nicholas Guest and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

"It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) -- James Stewart stars as George Bailey, who comes to realize that he's had quite an impact on the people of Bedford Falls in this Frank Capra classic. Other stars include Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Ward Bond and Gloria Graheme.

"Miracle on 34th Street" (1947) -- Edmund Gwenn stars as Kris Kringle in this timeless classic about a young mother and daughter finally believing in Santa Claus. Other stars include Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood, John Payne and Gene Lockhart.

Low-budget master Roger Corman to get honorary Oscar

2009-11-13T16:01:00.000-06:00

There's a joke in Hollywood that low-budget filmmaker Roger Corman could negotiate a deal in a phone booth, film the movie in the same booth and finance it with the loose change he found. The joke is not far from the truth.

Corman, whose Hollywood legacy includes films with titles such as "Candy Stripe Nurses," "The Terror," "The Masque of the Red Death" and "Bloody Mama," was legendary for making movies quickly and on shoestring budgets. He has the record, if you will, of completing a movie in two and a half days. The film was called "Little Shop of Horrors" and starred a little-known actor named Jack Nicholson. "Shop of Horrors" went on to inspire a big budget remake and a theater production.

Corman, 83, on Saturday will receive an honorary Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his lifetime achievement in filmmaking. Corman has 385 credits for producing, 56 for directing, six for writing and 32 for acting.

Besides producing entertaining movies for 50-plus years, Corman also has a sizable reputation for mentoring many of today's best directors including Francis Ford Coppola, James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard and Jonathan Demme. They are just some of the graduates of what Hollywood calls the Roger Corman Film School.

A lot of actors also got career boosts from Corman including Jack Nicholson, Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Dennis Hopper and William Shatner.

Perhaps not so well known is that Corman was instrumental in the 1960s of introducing American audiences to the works of international filmmakers including Sweden's Ingmar Bergman, Italy's Federico Fellini and Japan's Akira Kurosawa.

Here are six movies available on video and DVD that are testament to the lasting legacy of the Corman Film School.

"Frankenstein Unbound" (1990) -- Corman wrote the screenplay for this take on the Frankenstein story, which he also directed. Stars include John Hurt, Raul Julia, Bridget Fonda and Jason Patric. It was the last film Corman directed.

"The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) -- Director Jonathan Demme was a graduate of the Corman Film School and he cast his mentor as FBI Director Hayden Burke in this thriller about the FBI using serial killer Hannibal Lecter to catch another murderer. Stars include Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster and Scott Glenn.

"Von Richthofen and Brown" (1971) -- Corman directs this biopic about the World War I ace known as the Red Baron (John Phillip Law) and the Canadian aviator Roy Brown (Don Stroud), who shot him down. The aerial scenes are outstanding.

"The Wild Angels" (1966) -- Corman got some flack for this film he directed about the Hell's Angels, but some film critics say it was the first film to capture the youth movement of the 1960s. Stars include Peter Fonda, Nancy Sinatra, Bruce Dern, Diane Ladd, Michael J. Pollard and Gayle Hunnicutt.

"Boxcar Bertha" (1972) -- Corman had a way of spotting talent. One of his finds was Martin Scorsese, who directs this movie about a Depression-era union leader (David Carradine) and his girlfriend (Barbara Hershey) getting revenge on an uncaring railroad mogul. Other stars include Barry Primus, Bernie Casey and John Carradine.

"The Terror" (1963) -- Corman boosted the careers of many actors including Jack Nicholson, who stars as a Napoleonic officer who tracks a mysterious woman to an even-more-mysterious castle. Other stars include Boris Karloff and Dick Miller.

Lest we forget: Movies about America's veterans

2009-11-06T16:10:00.001-06:00

Three of my best friends in high school enlisted in the service within a couple of years of graduating.

John joined the Army and wound up in West Germany. Carl and Mike joined the Navy on the buddy system. Mike got out after two years but wound up re-enlisting and I lost touch with him. Carl was a lifer from the beginning. Over the next 20 years, he bounced around the globe. He spent time in Iceland, Scotland, Hawaii, Southern California and on a speck of dirt in the Indian Ocean called Diego Garcia. Vietnam was about over so none of them went there.

A few years ago, one of my nieces married a member of the Tennessee National Guard. He's been to Iraq twice.

College and neighborhood friends had kids that joined up. A couple of them joined the Marines. One of them was an Army tank driver. All of them wound up in Iraq. All of them came home in one piece.

I always think of them around Veterans Day, which is next Wednesday. I thank God they all came home safe and sound.

Hundreds of movies have been made about the military. Some of them were about great generals, such as "Patton." Some were about war heroes, such as "To Hell and Back" about World War II soldier Audie Murphy. Some were about famous battles or attacks, such as the Japanese sneak attack on Hawaii in "Pearl Harbor."

Movies have been made about every war the United States was involved in from the Revolution against Great Britain (Mel Gibson's "The Patriot") to Iraq ("Courage Under Fire"), and that includes the Indian wars as well as our war with Mexico.

Not as well known are the movies that take place after the troops come home.

World War II inspired some such as "Some Came Running" about a vet returning to his hometown and "The Men" about paralyzed vets trying to adjust.

There were a lot of movies about Vietnam veterans who came home disabled. "Coming Home" is about a paralyzed soldier falling in love with an officer's wife. "Taxi Driver" is about a vet who has anger issues. "First Blood" is about a vet who is lost in America.

Many movies have a character's wartime experiences in the background. Al Pacino's Michael Corleone is a war hero in "The Godfather," Denzel Washington's detective Easy Rawlins is a World War II veteran in "Devil in a Blue Dress," and Jack Nicholson's detective Jake Gittes knows what to do with a hand grenade in "The Two Jakes."

As we get ready to pay tribute to the men and women who served, here are six movies that focus on veterans after they have returned from the battlefield. All are available on video and DVD. Lest we forget.

"The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946) -- Three veterans (Dana Andrews, Harold Russell and Fredric March, pictured above) meet on a plane carrying them home after the end of World War II and become fast friends. Then they find their lives will never be the same again. Other stars include Myrna Loy, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo and Hoagy Carmichael.

"Home of the Brave" (2006) -- Four soldiers caught in a bloody ambush just days before leaving Iraq find it hard adjusting after returning from the Middle East. Stars include Samuel L. Jackson, Jessica Biel (pictured at left), 50 Cent and Brian Presley.

"Born on the 4th of July" (1989) -- Tom Cruise stars as paralyzed Vietnam vet Ron Kovic who becomes an anti-war activist because he thinks his country has betrayed him in this Oliver Stone bio-pic. Other stars include Tom Berenger, Frank Whaley and Stephen Baldwin.

"The Manchurian Candidate" (1962) -- A Korean War veteran (Frank Sinatra) discovers a fellow POW (Laurence Harvey) has been brainwashed into becoming an assassin in this thriller. Other stars include Janet Leigh, Angela Lansbury and James Gregory. Avoid the remake, which takes place after the first Iraq war.

"The Razor's Edge" (1984) -- Bill Murray is outstanding as a World War I veteran who embarks on a quest to find the meaning of life. Other stars include Theresa Russell, Catherine Hicks and Denholm Elliott.

"Jacknife" (1989) -- Robert De Niro stars as a Vietnam vet who has managed to make peace with his demons and tries to help Army buddy Ed Harris do the same while romancing Harris' sister (Kathy Baker). Tom Isbell co-stars as the buddy that didn't make it home.

Halloween Six-Pack: Films that will scare your pants off

2009-10-26T13:28:00.000-05:00

Tis the witching season.

Halloween is upon us and you are looking for movies that will scare your pants off.

Forget slasher movies. Unstoppable killers such as Jason from the "Friday the 13th" franchise just aren't scary.

Zombie movies are fun, but they mostly feature gore, which may be nasty and messy but it really isn't scary.

Giant creature movies are another genre that just doesn't scare us. Some are better than others such as "Them" about giant ants, but it comes up short in the terror department. Others are just plain silly including "Night of the Lepus" about giant bunnies ravaging a Southwestern community. C'mon. Giant bunnies? At least the giant grasshoppers in "Beginning of the End" were attacking Chicago.

Monster movies also aren't very scary. Frankenstein, Dracula, the Mummy and the Wolfman may be classic monsters, but they don't make us shake in our theater seats.

Horror movies come in all shapes and sizes, but here are six, all available on video and DVD, that should send chills down your spine in time for Halloween.

"Frailty" (2001) -- Bill Paxton stars and directs this film filled with twists and turns about a man and his sons on a mission from God to kill demons only they can see. Other stars include Matthew McConaughey, Powers Boothe and Missy Crider.

"Psycho" (1960) -- Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece about a woman (Janet Leigh) who steals thousands of dollars from her boss and then checks in to the Bates Motel. Leigh reportedly said the movie's famous shower scene so unnerved her she was unable to ever again take a shower. Other stars include Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin and Martin Balsam. It was remade in color a few years ago but the original is better.

"Halloween" (1978) -- Director John Carpenter kick-started the slasher craze with this film about a killer who returns to his home town on Halloween after escaping from a mental hospital in downstate Illinois. The theme music is absolutely haunting. Stars include Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Nancy Loomis and P.J. Soles. The film inspired several sequels, and Rob Zombie has resurrected the franchise with his own twisted take on Michael Meyers and company.

"The Exorcist" (1973) -- William Friedkin delivers one of the scariest films ever about a young girl (Linda Blair) possessed by a demon and the Catholic priests who arrive to rescue her soul. Other stars include Ellen Burstyn, Lee J. Cobb, Jason Miller and Max von Sydow. A couple of sequels followed this version.

"The Haunting" (1963) -- There's not a single headless body or ounce of blood squirted in this film about three people and a psychic researcher who spend some time in a haunted house and rile up the spirits within. Stars include Julia Harris, Claire Bloom, Russ Tamblyn and Richard Johnson. Avoid the crappy remake that came out a few years ago.

"The Omen" (1976) -- Gregory Peck is the new U.S. ambassador to Great Britain who discovers that his son may indeed be the anti-Christ of biblical prophecy. Other stars include Lee Remick and David Warner.
It also inspired several sequels and was remade a few years ago. Stick with the original.

'Twilight Zone' celebrates 50th anniversary

2009-10-07T13:57:00.001-05:00

Who knew in 1959 that the "Twilight Zone," a show that creator Rod Serling had a devil of time getting on the air, would turn into one of the medium's greatest and lasting success stories?

Now, half a century later, episodes are shown nightly on the SyFy Channel, which also hosts an annual marathon every New Year's Eve.

A couple of Christmases ago, I bought my brother a book called the "Twilight Zone Companion." The book has all kinds of information about the show such as a listing of episodes, their stars and the date it first aired. He said it was one of the best presents he ever got.

I used to work with a fellow named Tony Baranek, who claims to have every episode on tape. Every now and again we'd start discussing the show. One night I think we talked about the show for hours.

Few shows from that era are still popular today. A big part of that is today's generation doesn't generally embrace movies and TV shows that aren't shown in color, and shows from that era were filmed in black and white. It didn't make a lot of sense filming TV in color since nobody had color televisions in the 1950s and early 1960s.

"Twilight Zone" has stood the test of time. That's probably due to great writing, great acting and a haunting theme song.

Everyone has a favorite episode. Most people probably have several favorites. All of the show's 156 episodes are available on video and DVD. Here are six of my favorites. If you have a favorite you'd like to share, post a comment here or on Facebook.

"Time Enough at Last" (Nov. 20, 1959) -- Burgess Meredith, who appears in four episodes, stars as a henpecked bank teller whose habit of lunching in the bank's vault saves him from a nuclear attack. This episode has probably the finest ending of them all.

"To Serve Man" (March 2, 1962) -- Lloyd Bochner stars in this episode about a race of giants that arrives on Earth and puts an end to war and hunger. As he's about to embark on a visit to their planet, Bochner finds out their true reason for coming to our planet. Richard Kiel co-stars as the alien leader (seen in photo above).

"People Are the Same All Over" (March 25, 1960) -- Roddy McDowall stars in this episode about an astronaut's fears that the people on another planet will be radically different from people on Earth.

"King Nine Will Not Return" (Sept. 30, 1960) -- Robert Cummings stars as a World War II pilot stranded alone in the North African desert with his crashed bomber. Or is he? This episode is the first to feature the familiar theme song and Rod Serling's on-camera narration.

"The Night of the Meek" (Dec. 23, 1960) -- Art Carney stars as a department store Santa fired for being drunk who gets once last chance at redemption.

"The 7th is Made Up of Phantoms" (Dec. 6, 1963) -- Three members of a National Guard tank unit start seeing and hearing strange things when they find themselves at the site where George Custer's 7th Cavalry was annihilated by the Sioux.

Watch "Twilight Zone" for free at:

http://www.cbs.com/classics/the_twilight_zone/

http://www.fancast.com/tv/The-Twilight-Zone/97525/full-episodes

Zombies are not just an American problem

2009-09-30T16:14:00.000-05:00

Zombies are fast becoming the undead of choice in moviemaking circles.

The latest entry is a horror comedy called "Zombieland," which opens Friday. Jesse Eisenberg stars as a nerd who escapes becoming a zombie appetizer because he religiously follows his 47 rules for survival that include "always look in the back seat of a car" and "beware of bathrooms." Eisenberg's fellow survivors include Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin.

Zombies have been climbing out of their graves for decades in Hollywood. Zombies were first introduced as movie villains in 1932's "White Zombie." For the next 70 years or so, zombies were reanimated corpses that shuffled along and while vicious were easy enough to avoid. You could also destroy them by cutting off their heads or shooting them in the head.

Perhaps the greatest zombie movie of this era was George Romero's "Night of the Living Dead." Romero's zombies were reanimated by some kind of radiation and were running amok outside of Pittsburgh. By movie's end, gangs of armed men were traipsing about the countryside gunning down the undead and a few survivors who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Romero also introduced the idea of an

apocalypse with zombies munching on the living and spreading the condition through a bite, cut or blood.

Modern zombies still like to eat the living but they are increasingly fast and sometimes even have the ability to learn. Zombies in Danny Boyle's "28 Days Later" are remarkably fast on their feet and once infected with the Rage virus turn into zombies within moments. Zombies in the "Resident Evil" series have embraced this change and its zombies evolved from shufflers in the first entry in 2002 to being able to nimbly climb towers and chase down the living in 2007's "Resident Evil: Extinction."

American zombie movies have ranged from sheer horror as in "Night of the Living Dead" to teen comedy such as "My Boyfriend's Back" to satire including "Return of the Living Dead" with its punk zombies with pink hair. Nazi zombies that can walk across the ocean floor menace a group of people on a Pacific island in "Shock Waves." Motorcycle mamas take on a swarm of the undead in "Chopper Chicks in Zombietown." And a scientist probably wishes he hadn't brought the dead back to life in "Re-Animator."

American filmmakers have no monopoly on zombie films. Flesh-eaters are featured in movies from around the world. New Zealand moviemaker Peter Jackson tried his hand at the genre in 1992 with "Braindead." Italian zombie movies such as "Zombi 2" are infamous for their excessive gore. Even the French have zombie movies such as "The Grapes of Death" in which poisoned wine turns the populace of a small town into killer zombies.

Zombie movies have their own United Nations with titles produced in a host of countries including Scotland, Egypt, Thailand, Mexico, Columbia, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

Here are six films available on video and DVD for zombie lovers interested in hosting their own international zombie film festival.

"Shaun of the Dead" (2004) -- Simon Pegg stars as a store manager whose life takes an unexpected turn when zombies descend on London in this horror comedy. There's some gore but plenty of laughs as Pegg decides to lead a band of survivors to the safest place he knows, his favorite pub. Other stars include Kate Ashfield, Nick Frost and Lucy Davis.

"Dead Meat" (2004) -- Some kind of zombie infection is being spread from slaughtered animals to people in this Irish horror flick with a cast of unknowns and that was shot on a limted budget. Stars include Marian Araujo and David Ryan.

"[REC]" (2007) -- A television reporter and her cameraman spending the night at a Madrid fire station soon find themselves trapped in a building infested with zombies in this Spanish film that was remade last year as "Quarantine." Stars include Manuela Velasco, Ferran Terraza, Jorge Serrano and Pablo Rosso.

"Undead" (2003) -- An Australian fishing village is hit by a swarm of meteorites that turn most of the residents into killer zombies in this horror film from Down Under. As usual, a small band of survivors try to escape without being eaten alive. Stars include Felicity Mason, Mungo McKay, Rob Jenkins and Lisa Cunningham.

"Zombie Lake" (2001) -- Nazi soldiers drowned in a pond by resistance fighters during World War II eat skinny-dipping girls and pester the townsfolk in a small village in this quirky zombie movie from France. Turns out, one of the women in town was fathered by one of the Nazis stuck in the lake. Leave it to the French to make a zombie father-daughter love story. Stars include Howard Vernon, Anouchka and Pierre-Marie Escourrou.

"Cemetery Man" (1994) -- Rupert Everett stars as the caretaker of an Italian cemetery who is quite accepting of the fact bodies buried in his cemetery always come back to life a week later and he has to kill them a second time to keep them from escaping. Other stars include Francois Hadji-Lazaro as his assistant caretaker, Mickey Knox and Fabiana Formica.

Henry Gibson was quite the character

2009-09-18T16:20:00.000-05:00

Henry Gibson was living proof that you don't have to be a star to be popular in Hollywood.

Gibson, who died Monday after a brief battle of cancer, was 73. Most recently he had a recurring role as a judge on the William Shatner-James Spader legal comedy "Boston Legal." To many baby boomers, he will best be remembered as the Southern poet on "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In."

Gibson was a frequent guest on many television series as far back as the 1960s on shows such as "Bewitched" and "Mister Roberts." He made his film debut as a college student in the Jerry Lewis comedy "The Nutty Professor" in 1963.

Gibson didn't make a lot of movies in his career, but he made the most out of his performances in them. He was memorable as the voice of Wilbur the pig in "Charlotte's Web" and equally memorable as Clifford Stool in "Evil Roy Slade" and Dr. Eugene Nortz in the Lily Tomlin comedy "The Incredible Shrinking Woman."

Here are six of Henry Gibson's more memorable performances. All of these movies are available on video or DVD.

"The Blues Brothers" (1980) -- Gibson co-stars as the head Illinois Nazi seeking revenge after Jake and Elwood (John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd) make them jump off a bridge in this musical comedy. Other stars include Cab Calloway, John Candy and Carrie Fisher.

"The Long Goodbye" (1973) -- Gibson co-stars as Dr. Verringer in Robert Altman's take on private detective Philip Marlowe's (Elliott Gould) investigation into a woman's murder. Other stars include Sterling Hayden and Mary Rydell.

"Nashville" (1975) -- Gibson co-stars as country singer Haven Hamilton in this Altman film about the craziness and wacky characters at a political convention. Other stars include Keith Carradine, Shelley Duvall and Ned Beatty.

"Long Gone" (1987) -- Gibson co-stars as the owner of a second-rate minor league ball club in the 1950s South. Other stars include Chicagoans William Petersen as the player-manager and Virginia Madsen. Teller from Penn & Teller also co-stars as Gibson's son.

"The 'burbs" (1989) -- Gibson co-stars as Tom Hanks' new neighbor Dr. Werner Klopek in this goofy comedy about life in one messed up subdivision. Other stars include Rick Ducommun and Bruce Dern.

"Magnolia" (1999) -- Some critics said Gibson's bitter barfly character was the best thing about this Tom Cruise movie. Other stars include Julianne Moore, William H. Macy and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

'Dirty Dancing' star Patrick Swayze remembered

2009-09-15T15:47:00.000-05:00

Actor Patrick Swayze lost his battle with pancreatic cancer this week. The star of "Ghost" and "Dirty Dancing" was 57.

Swayze was a rare kind of Texan. Not only did he play football but he was an accomplished dancer who practiced with the Joffrey Ballet among other troupes.

The dancing came in handy for his role as a dance instructor at a 1960s Catskills resort in his biggest hit "Dirty Dancing."

Swayze also was one of those rare Hollywood types who stayed married to the same woman for more than 30 years. He met his future wife, Lisa Niemi, when she was 15 and a dance student at his mom's Houston dance studio. They married in 1975. They starred in one movie together in 1987's "Steel Dawn" about a warrior who helps survivors in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

In his career, Swayze co-starred with some of Hollywood's bigger names. He was a soldier looking for his missing father in Vietnam in Gene Hackman's "Uncommon Valor." He was Jamie Lee Curtis' married boyfriend in "Grandview U.S.A." He was a hockey player alongside Rob Lowe in "Youngblood."

Swayze's younger brother Don also is an actor/stuntman. He was a stuntman on his brother's "Letters From a Killer.''

Swayze most recently starred in the made-for-cable show "The Beast," which was filmed in Chicago right after it was disclosed he had pancreatic cancer. He told talk show host Barbara Walters earlier this year that his alcoholism and heavy smoking probably played some part in his contracting the deadly disease.

Here are six films representative of Swayze's career in Hollywood.

"Dirty Dancing" (1987) -- Swayze became a leading man with his performance as dancer Johnny Castle in this unexpected hit about a girl's (Jennifer Grey) summer vacation at a Catskills resort in the early 1960s. Other stars include Jerry Orbach, Jack Weston and Cynthia Rhodes.

"Ghost" (1990) -- Swayze cemented his place as a screen heartthob with this film about a man's journey into the afterlife after he's murdered. Other stars include Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Goldwyn and the late great Vincent Schiavelli as an angry spirit that teaches Swayze's character the ropes.

"To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar" (1995) -- Swayze branched out big time with a performance as a crossdresser in this quirky comedy also starring Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo as fellow crossdressers. Other stars include Stockard Channing, Blythe Danner and Chris Penn.

"Red Dawn" (1984) -- Swayze really broke through with his performance as a resistance fighter in the early days of a World War III being fought in America's midsection. Other stars include C. Thomas Howell, Charlie Sheen, Lea Thompson and Jennifer Grey.

"Point Break" (1991) -- Swayze stars as a surfing bank robber being pursued by FBI agent Keanu Reeves in this quirky crime film. Other stars include Gary Busey, Lori Petty and James LeGros.

"Next of Kin" (1989) -- Swayze stars as a Chicago cop who has to deal with big city crooks and gun-toting backwoods relatives after his brother (Bill Paxton) winds up dead. Other stars include Liam Neeson, Adam Baldwin, Helen Hunt and Andreas Katsulas. Look for a young Ben Stiller as the mobster's son.

Hollywood salutes America's working men and women on Labor Day

2009-09-04T14:08:00.008-05:00

Besides being the traditional end of summer, Labor Day is the day to honor America's working men and women.

We won't comment on the fact that almost 10 percent of Americans are without jobs, the highest percentage in 26 years. We also won't point out that many Americans with jobs -- from the fry chef at McDonald's to the pharmacist at the corner drugstore -- will be at work on Monday.

Labor Day is still a three-day celebration often punctuated by parades (Frankfort's parade is at 1 p.m. Sunday), cookouts and, more recently, fantasy football drafts. In other words, it's a party.

Over the years, movies have featured about every kind of job out there.

Doctors and nurses have been portrayed in dozens of movies including "The Interns," "Patch Adams" and "Medicine Man."

Lawyers and judges were featured in films such as "Anatomy of a Murder," "Presumed Innocent" and "The Verdict."

Modern cowboys fall in love in "Brokeback Mountain," while Old West cowboys try to bring in the herd in "Red River."

Coal miners use violence against uncaring owners in "The Molly Maguires," while unionizing efforts are followed in "Matewan."

Fishermen face an unruly Mother Nature in "The Perfect Storm," while a milkman trades his cartons for boxing gloves in "The Kid From Brooklyn."

A young man's family sell electric appliances while he pursues a music career in "That Thing You Do."

Secretaries rebel against an uncouth and sexist boss in "Nine to Five," while a one-handed baker steals his brother's fiance away in "Moonstruck."

A woman fights for better working conditions at a Southern textile plant in "Norma Rae," while a man tries to connect with a student in "Teachers."

Here are six films available on video and DVD that are a tribute of sorts to working Americans.

"All the President's Men" (1976) -- Two Washington Post reporters (Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, pictured above) work tirelessly to uncover the Watergate conspiracy that helped bring down Richard Nixon's presidency. Other stars include Jack Warden, Martin Balsam and Hal Holbrook. Also worth viewing: "The Paper" and "Call North Side 777."

"The Choirboys" (1977) -- Police officers in Los Angeles blow off steam and fight bureaucratic higher ups in this film based on Joseph Wambaugh's novel. Stars include Charles Durning, Louis Gossett Jr., Perry King, James Woods and Randy Quaid. Also wort watching: "Fort Apache: The Bronx."

"Backdraft" (1991) -- Chicago firefighting brothers (Kurt Russell and William Baldwin) battle each other as they hunt an arsonist in this Ron Howard film. Other stars include Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Scott Glenn. Also worth watching: "Ladder 49."

"Blue Collar" (1978) -- Three bored autoworkers (Harvey Keitel, Yaphet Kotto and Richard Pryor in a straight role) get drunk one night and break into the union office and set in motion a chain of events. Also worth viewing: "Gung Ho" and "Tucker: Man and Machine."

"The River" (1984) -- A man (Mel Gibson) fights the weather, a banker and other hardships to save his family farm. Other stars include Sissy Spacek, James Tolkan and Scott Glenn. Also worth watching: "A Place in the Heart."

"Tin Men" (1987) -- Richard Dreyfuss and Danny DeVito are rival aluminum-siding salesmen in 1963 Baltimore in this Barry Levinson film. Other stars include Barbara Hershey and John Mahoney. Also worth watching: "Used Cars" and "Glengarry Glen Ross."

'Inglourious Basterds' rewrites history as its heroes kill Nazis

2009-08-27T12:08:00.012-05:00

Quentin Tarantino rewrites history in his latest film, "Inglourious Basterds," about American soldiers on a killing spree during World War II.

Brad Pitt stars as an American officer who leads a team of soldiers brutally killing Nazis in occupied France in the days after the D-Day landings in Normandy. The team hatches a plot to kill Hitler and other Nazi elite after learning they are supposed to attend a film premiere in Paris.

Tarantino is noted for violence in his films, especially the squirting blood that coats Uma Thurman after she hacks her way through Lucy Liu's samurai army in "Kill Bill." This time, the violence is appropriate. "Basterds" is a war movie, after all. It's also a revenge movie, which in Tarantino's case always ends in lots of bloodshed.

Tarantino is not the first filmmaker to target Nazis. Hitler and his kind were real-life monsters. They make great screen villains.

World War II films often focus on real-life exploits, such as Audie Murphy's life story as a soldier in "To Hell and Back." Some films tackle actual incidents, such as the specially-made bombs used to destroy German dams in "The Dam Busters."

Other movies about the war in Europe are about ways the Allies got back at the Germans. Some are serious, such as Frank Sinatra leading a prison escape aboard a train in "Von Ryan's Express." Others are just silly, such as Sylvester Stallone's "Victory," about a soccer match between a German team and a team of Allied prisoners.

Sometimes movies are about soldiers looking out for themselves, such as the caper film "Kelly's Heroes," with Clint Eastwood leading a platoon on a mission to knock over a bank filled with German gold.

A lot of World War II movies are about secret missions. "Operation Crossbow" is about infiltrating the base where German scientists are working on rockets. "The Guns of Navarone" is about a mission to blow up a German gun defending a sea lane in Greece.

Not all World War II films are about the Allies. James Coburn is a German officer fighting a losing battle against the Soviets in "Cross of Iron." Peter O'Toole is a highly decorated but sexually disturbed German officer suspected of murdering a prostitute in occupied Poland.

Here are six films available on video and DVD that are all about "killing Nazis," as Brad Pitt's character claims in "Basterds." Be warned: They are violent.

"The Dirty Dozen" (1967) -- The grandfather of killing Nazi movies. Lee Marvin is assigned to train a dozen condemned prisoners and then unleash them on a chateau of Nazi officers in the days before the D-Day landings. Other stars include Jim Brown, John Cassavetes, Telly Savalas, Charles Bronson and Donald Sutherland.

"Where Eagles Dare" (1968) -- A British officer (Richard Burton) and an American officer (Clint Eastwood) try to free a captured American general being held at an impregnable mountain castle. Also stars Mary Ure.

"The Keep" (1983) -- Nazis occupy a Romanian castle and free an evil force that starts killing Germans. The SS then has to work with a Jewish scholar who knows what evil has been released and a Greek guardian who has come to recapture the evil. Stars include Scott Glenn, Alberta Watson, Jurgen Prochnow and Gabriel Byrne.

"The Heroes of Telemark" (1965) -- Norwegian resistance fighters try desperately to destroy a Nazi plant building heavy water for use in the German atomic bomb program. Stars include Kirk Douglas, Richard Harris, Ulla Jacobsson and Michael Redgrave.

"Defiance" (2008) -- Three real-life Jewish brothers decide to fight back when the Nazis invade Belarus. In addition to killing Nazis, the Bielski brothers save more than 1,000 Jews from the death camps. Stars include Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Mark Feuerstein and Jamie Bell.

"Play Dirty" (1968) -- British soldiers set out to cross North Africa to blow up Rommel's fuel dump not knowing that they are being betrayed at almost every turn. Stars include Michael Caine, Nigel Green, Nigel Davenport and Harry Andrews.

Movies good enough to eat

2009-08-20T14:29:00.009-05:00

Meryl Streep delivers another great performance as celebrated French chef Julia Child (at right) in the new film "Julie & Julia," while Amy Adams co-stars as the real-life housewife who sets out to cook every recipe in Child's first cookbook.
"Julie & Julia" bounces back and forth between Child's time learning to cook while in France in the 1950s with her diplomat husband (Stanley Tucci) and a few years ago when an American woman decides to blog about her experiences trying to make all the recipes in Child's first French cuisine cookbook.
The Southland's own Jane Lynch also co-stars as Child's sister, and she's getting a lot of buzz and even some Oscar talk for her performance.
Hollywood loves to make movies about working people, but cooking is one of those occupations that filmmakers have broached only occasionally.
There have been lots of movies about restaurants, such as "My Dinner with Andre," but the focus wasn't on the food or the cooks.
The Whistlestop Cafe is central to the story in "Fried Green Tomatoes," there was too much other action to call it a movie about cooking.
"Waiting" is a funny comedy about the goings-on at a trendy chain restaurant but again the food was secondary.
"The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover" has a lot of elements of a cooking movie including an incredible cannibalism scene but doesn't quite make the cut.
If cooking or food is your passion, here are six films available on video and DVD that I think you'd like. Bon appetit!

"Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe" (1978) -- George Segal and Jacqueline Bisset star in this timeless whodunit about a killer who is bumping off the great chefs of Europe. Robert Morley steals the movie as a food snob. I don't think you'll figure out who the killer is until he (or she) is revealed.

"Tortilla Soup" (2001) -- Hector Elizondo is a master Mexican food chef raising three daughters (Jacqueline Obradors, Elizabeth Pena and Tamara Mello) and coming to grips with the realization he will eventually lose all three. Other stars include Raquel Welch.

"Spanglish" (2004) -- Adam Sandler is a great chef who just wants to run his restaurant but his insecure wife (Tea Leoni) scrambles things for everyone when she hires a Mexican woman (Paz Vega) to be their housekeeper. Other stars include Cloris Leachman.

"Big Night" (1996) -- Two brothers (Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci) in 1950s New Jersey pin their hopes for saving their Italian restaurant on a special dinner for singer Louis Prima in this underrated gem. Other stars include Minnie Driver, Isabella Rossalini, Liev Schreiber and Allison Janney.

"Chocolat" (2000) -- A small French village will never be the same after a single mother (Juliette Binoche) moves in and opens a chocolate shop. Other stars include Johnny Depp, Alfred Molina and Judi Dench.

"Caffeine" (2006) -- A battle of the sexes breaks out among the staff at a London cafe in this under appreciated British comedy. Stars include Marsha Thomason, Mena Suvari, Katherine Heigl and Breckin Meyer.