With the 96th Academy Awards in the history books, it’s time to become obsessed over the 77th Tony Awards. Nominations are April 30th with the awards set to air on CBS on June 16 from Lincoln Center. Among the contenders for Tony nominations are many musicals based on movies including “Back to the Future,’ “The Notebook,” “Water for Elephants” and “The Outsiders”: high profile revivals such as Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People” with Jeremy Strong; “Cabaret” with Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne and the Who’s “Tommy”; imports from London and transfers from off-Broadway.
Do you remember the Tony landscape 50 years ago? The 28th annual honors took place April 21, 1974, at the Shubert Theater and aired on ABC. And to say it was a star-studded affair is something of an understatement. Robert Preston, Peter Falk, Cicely Tyson, Florence Henderson hosted; presenters included Al Pacino –-let’s hope he had better...
Do you remember the Tony landscape 50 years ago? The 28th annual honors took place April 21, 1974, at the Shubert Theater and aired on ABC. And to say it was a star-studded affair is something of an understatement. Robert Preston, Peter Falk, Cicely Tyson, Florence Henderson hosted; presenters included Al Pacino –-let’s hope he had better...
- 3/14/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Coming up on March 1st from AppleTV+ is yet another joyful and whimsical British comedy ‘The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin.’ Led by Mr Great British Back-off host Noel Fielding in the titular role and propped up by some of the biggest and best names in British comedy.
The six-episode Apple Original centres on Dick Turpin (Fielding), who sets out on a journey of wildly absurd escapades when he’s made the reluctant leader of a band of outlaws — and tasked with outwitting corrupt lawman and self-appointed thief-taker Jonathan Wilde (Hugh Bonneville).
In this irreverent retelling set in the 18th century, Turpin is the most famous but least likely of highway robbers, whose success is defined mostly by his charm, showmanship and great hair. Together with his gang of lovable rogues, Turpin rides the highs and lows of his new endeavours, including a brush with celebrity, all whilst trying...
The six-episode Apple Original centres on Dick Turpin (Fielding), who sets out on a journey of wildly absurd escapades when he’s made the reluctant leader of a band of outlaws — and tasked with outwitting corrupt lawman and self-appointed thief-taker Jonathan Wilde (Hugh Bonneville).
In this irreverent retelling set in the 18th century, Turpin is the most famous but least likely of highway robbers, whose success is defined mostly by his charm, showmanship and great hair. Together with his gang of lovable rogues, Turpin rides the highs and lows of his new endeavours, including a brush with celebrity, all whilst trying...
- 2/27/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Russell Brand claims he doesn’t “recognize” the actress suing him for sex assault in New York and that there’s no way he drunkenly accosted her on the set of the film Arthur because he was already years into his decades-long sobriety during production.
In documents filed Tuesday and obtained by Rolling Stone, Brand answers the woman’s Nov. 6 complaint. The comedian says the “entire lawsuit” is premised on the “false claim” that he was visibly intoxicated when he allegedly exposed himself and assaulted the plaintiff while filming the...
In documents filed Tuesday and obtained by Rolling Stone, Brand answers the woman’s Nov. 6 complaint. The comedian says the “entire lawsuit” is premised on the “false claim” that he was visibly intoxicated when he allegedly exposed himself and assaulted the plaintiff while filming the...
- 2/14/2024
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
A UK print film magazine, and a big one too! Here’s Film Stories issue 48 – what’s in it, and how you can get it!
Introducing issue 48 of Film Stories, where once again we’ve clearly gone made and produced another 168 page bumper issue. And printed it on nice paper too!
We’re 100% independent, so this is an absolute labour of love for us.
We’re really proud of it. We hope you’re going to like it, and we hope you might consider supporting it. Sold primarily via mail order, and popping up in a few WHSmiths stores around the country too, here’s the cover of the new issue…
And inside?
Huge Exclusive
Bob Marley: One Love
The story of bringing Bob Marley’s life story to the screen: with director Reinaldo Marcus Green, stars Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch, and the irrepressible Ziggy Marley.
Plus
All Of US Strangers...
Introducing issue 48 of Film Stories, where once again we’ve clearly gone made and produced another 168 page bumper issue. And printed it on nice paper too!
We’re 100% independent, so this is an absolute labour of love for us.
We’re really proud of it. We hope you’re going to like it, and we hope you might consider supporting it. Sold primarily via mail order, and popping up in a few WHSmiths stores around the country too, here’s the cover of the new issue…
And inside?
Huge Exclusive
Bob Marley: One Love
The story of bringing Bob Marley’s life story to the screen: with director Reinaldo Marcus Green, stars Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch, and the irrepressible Ziggy Marley.
Plus
All Of US Strangers...
- 1/29/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
It's been less than 15 years since 20th Century Fox tried to leverage the "Percy Jackson" series of books by Rick Riordan into their own version of a "Harry Potter" franchise, replete with well-known adult actors, a group of less familiar child actors, a fantastical setting, and even the director of the first two "Potter" films. But while "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" did well enough to merit a sequel, there must have been some sense of a story that wasn't told as effectively as possible. Now, as we wrap up 2023, and as Disney+ embarks on its fifth year of existence, Percy is back and this time in TV form. "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" (please note the lack of an ampersand in this show's title) goes through the basic story that made up the 2010 film subtitled "The Lightning Thief," but has the benefit and imprimatur of Riordan as...
- 12/14/2023
- by Josh Spiegel
- Slash Film
Even if you don’t immediately recognize the name Frances Sternhagen, there’s still a good chance that you’ve seen her acting in something at some point over the decades. Sternhagen has stage and screen credits going back decades, and over that time she racked up Emmy nominations and Tony wins. Sadly, it’s being reported today that she passed away of natural causes this past Monday, at the age of 93.
Sternhagen earned her first screen credit on the TV show Producers’ Showcase in 1955, and went on to work on 75 other projects, including the Burt Reynolds comedy Starting Over, the Sean Connery sci-fi classic Outland, Independence Day – the 1983 drama, not the alien invasion movie; Dudley Moore’s Romantic Comedy, the John Lithgow / Morgan Freeman drama Resting Place, the Michael J. Fox drama Bright Lights, Big City and the Michael J. Fox comedy Doc Hollywood, Tales from the Crypt, The Outer Limits,...
Sternhagen earned her first screen credit on the TV show Producers’ Showcase in 1955, and went on to work on 75 other projects, including the Burt Reynolds comedy Starting Over, the Sean Connery sci-fi classic Outland, Independence Day – the 1983 drama, not the alien invasion movie; Dudley Moore’s Romantic Comedy, the John Lithgow / Morgan Freeman drama Resting Place, the Michael J. Fox drama Bright Lights, Big City and the Michael J. Fox comedy Doc Hollywood, Tales from the Crypt, The Outer Limits,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Transport yourself to 1985, Shakin’ Stevens had the number one hit Merry Christmas Everyone, babycham and pina coladas were flowing, multi-coloured tinsel decorated every tree and the must have toys were Teddy Ruckspins, Cabbage Patch Dolls, Transformers, and Ataris.
It was a classic era for filmmaking, Back to the Future, Legend, The Breakfast Club, Beverly Hills Cop and of course The Goonies (“Hey You Guys!”). But one film that will forever be known as one of The Best Christmas Films Ever is of course, Santa Claus: The Movie (1985). It is a delightful blend of Christmas magic, 80s nostalgia, and standout performances from the dynamic duo of Dudley Moore and John Lithgow.HeyUGuys HQ got particularly excitable when we heard this classic was getting the 5 Star, 4K treatment and could not wait to get our hands on a copy. The remastered film is now available on 4K Uhd for the first time,...
It was a classic era for filmmaking, Back to the Future, Legend, The Breakfast Club, Beverly Hills Cop and of course The Goonies (“Hey You Guys!”). But one film that will forever be known as one of The Best Christmas Films Ever is of course, Santa Claus: The Movie (1985). It is a delightful blend of Christmas magic, 80s nostalgia, and standout performances from the dynamic duo of Dudley Moore and John Lithgow.HeyUGuys HQ got particularly excitable when we heard this classic was getting the 5 Star, 4K treatment and could not wait to get our hands on a copy. The remastered film is now available on 4K Uhd for the first time,...
- 11/23/2023
- by Fiona Francia
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Playing an early iteration of the fish-out-of-water elf in the corporate world of New York, Moore has just enough perky charm to redeem an otherwise forgettable seasonal offering
Frankly, I would whisper a tiny humbug to a good deal of this gloopy Christmas movie from 1985, directed by Jeannot Szwarc and now rereleased; and only a sentimental loyalty to the seasonal spirit prevents me from demanding to know if there are no workhouses for the people who made it. The whole thing only comes to something resembling life halfway through, when Dudley Moore’s perky elf takes centre-stage.
There are many other and more deserving yuletide films which should be ahead of this one in the queue for a revival, but my own sweet tooth for Christmassy schmaltz won’t allow me completely to reject this admittedly eventful and bizarre origin myth for Santa Claus, starring David Huddleston as the chortling,...
Frankly, I would whisper a tiny humbug to a good deal of this gloopy Christmas movie from 1985, directed by Jeannot Szwarc and now rereleased; and only a sentimental loyalty to the seasonal spirit prevents me from demanding to know if there are no workhouses for the people who made it. The whole thing only comes to something resembling life halfway through, when Dudley Moore’s perky elf takes centre-stage.
There are many other and more deserving yuletide films which should be ahead of this one in the queue for a revival, but my own sweet tooth for Christmassy schmaltz won’t allow me completely to reject this admittedly eventful and bizarre origin myth for Santa Claus, starring David Huddleston as the chortling,...
- 11/23/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Studiocanal and Park Circus are delighted to announce that a magical new 4k restoration of the perennial Christmas Classic, Santa Claus: The Movie, from director Jeannot Szwarc (Supergirl, Jaws 2) will return to cinemas this festive period from November 24. The family favourite will also be available to own on 4k Uhd for the first time, on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital from November 13. To celebrate we are giving away 2 Blu-Rays!
With this breath-taking new 4K version, viewers now have the opportunity to witness each and every detail of the film’s enchanting landscapes, whimsical characters, and dazzling special effects with unparalleled clarity and vibrancy. There’s no better time to introduce this classic adventure of awe and wonder to a whole new generation of festive film fans.
Santa Claus: The Movie tells the story of how a common woodcutter (David Huddleston) becomes the legendary Father Christmas. With a fantastical toy workshop run...
With this breath-taking new 4K version, viewers now have the opportunity to witness each and every detail of the film’s enchanting landscapes, whimsical characters, and dazzling special effects with unparalleled clarity and vibrancy. There’s no better time to introduce this classic adventure of awe and wonder to a whole new generation of festive film fans.
Santa Claus: The Movie tells the story of how a common woodcutter (David Huddleston) becomes the legendary Father Christmas. With a fantastical toy workshop run...
- 11/10/2023
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Shannon Wilcox, a character actor who appeared in 1984’s “Songwriter” alongside Willie Nelson and in five episodes of “Dallas,” died Sept. 2 in Los Angeles. She was 80.
Wilcox’s death was confirmed by her talent agent Peter Young.
Wilcox worked on such films as 1982’s “Six Weeks” with Dudley Moore and 1991’s “Frankie and Johnny” opposite Al Pacino. She also played the mother of Elisabeth Shue’s Ali Mills in John G. Avildsen’s “The Karate Kid” and appeared in other notable films throughout her career, including “Se7en,” “Runaway Bride,” “Raising Helen,” “The Princess Diaries” and its 2004 sequel, “The Border,” “Legal Eagles,” “For the Boys,””Exit to Eden,” “Dear God” and “The Other Sister.”
Wilcox made her onscreen debut on the action series “Starsky and Hutch” in 1976. She later guested on several series from the late ’70s to ’80s, including the short-lived sitcom “Sirota’s Court,” “Dog and Cat,” “Hawaii Five-o,” “Hart to Hart,...
Wilcox’s death was confirmed by her talent agent Peter Young.
Wilcox worked on such films as 1982’s “Six Weeks” with Dudley Moore and 1991’s “Frankie and Johnny” opposite Al Pacino. She also played the mother of Elisabeth Shue’s Ali Mills in John G. Avildsen’s “The Karate Kid” and appeared in other notable films throughout her career, including “Se7en,” “Runaway Bride,” “Raising Helen,” “The Princess Diaries” and its 2004 sequel, “The Border,” “Legal Eagles,” “For the Boys,””Exit to Eden,” “Dear God” and “The Other Sister.”
Wilcox made her onscreen debut on the action series “Starsky and Hutch” in 1976. She later guested on several series from the late ’70s to ’80s, including the short-lived sitcom “Sirota’s Court,” “Dog and Cat,” “Hawaii Five-o,” “Hart to Hart,...
- 11/6/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Russell Brand has been accused of sexual assault by a film extra during the production of “Arthur” in July 2010.
In a lawsuit, filed Friday in the New York Supreme Court and obtained by Variety, a woman — referred to as Jane Doe — said that Brand “appeared intoxicated, smelled of alcohol, and was carrying a bottle of vodka on set” prior to the assault.
Brand, who played the titular role in 2011’s “Arthur,” then proceeded to expose himself to the complainant and in full view of the cast and crew, the lawsuit states.
“The sexual assault happened later that same day when I was in the bathroom. Mr. Brand entered after me and assaulted me, as a member of the production crew guarded the door from outside,” the suit reads. “As a result of the sexual abuse, I suffered and continue to suffer extreme embarrassment, shame, and fear.”
Companies that were involved...
In a lawsuit, filed Friday in the New York Supreme Court and obtained by Variety, a woman — referred to as Jane Doe — said that Brand “appeared intoxicated, smelled of alcohol, and was carrying a bottle of vodka on set” prior to the assault.
Brand, who played the titular role in 2011’s “Arthur,” then proceeded to expose himself to the complainant and in full view of the cast and crew, the lawsuit states.
“The sexual assault happened later that same day when I was in the bathroom. Mr. Brand entered after me and assaulted me, as a member of the production crew guarded the door from outside,” the suit reads. “As a result of the sexual abuse, I suffered and continue to suffer extreme embarrassment, shame, and fear.”
Companies that were involved...
- 11/5/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Shannon Wilcox, who made her mark on television on Dallas, Buck James, and other series, has died at age 80. Kelli Williams, alum of The Practice and Lie to Me, told The Hollywood Reporter that Wilcox, her mother, died on September 2 in Los Angeles. Born in Ohio and raised in Indiana, Wilcox moved to Paris to become a dancer after college before coming back to the States and starting an acting career in Los Angeles, according to THR. After making her screen debut in a 1976 episode of Starsky & Hutch, Wilcox went on to play guest roles in shows like Hawaii Five-o, Family, and Hart to Hart before studying at the Sundance Institute in 1981. Later, she appeared opposite Dudley Moore and Mary Tyler Moore in the 1982 film Six Weeks and joined Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson in the 1984 film Songwriter. In the ABC medical drama Buck James — which ran for 19 episodes...
- 11/4/2023
- TV Insider
Russell Brand has been accused of sexual assault by a film extra during the making of his 2010 comedy Arthur.
The BBC reports that the British presenter is the subject of a civil lawsuit filed Friday in the New York Supreme Court.
In her affidavit, the complainant – referred to as Jane Doe – alleged that Brand, who played the title role in the film, had “appeared intoxicated, smelled of alcohol, and was carrying a bottle of vodka on set” before the assault on July 7 2010.
She claimed that he exposed himself in full view of the cast and crew, before he followed her into a bathroom and assaulted her as “a member of production crew guarded the door from outside.”
Film studio Warner Bros Pictures and other companies involved in the production are also named as defendants.
The film Arthur, a remake of the 1981 film starring Dudley Moore in the title role, co-starred Helen Mirren,...
The BBC reports that the British presenter is the subject of a civil lawsuit filed Friday in the New York Supreme Court.
In her affidavit, the complainant – referred to as Jane Doe – alleged that Brand, who played the title role in the film, had “appeared intoxicated, smelled of alcohol, and was carrying a bottle of vodka on set” before the assault on July 7 2010.
She claimed that he exposed himself in full view of the cast and crew, before he followed her into a bathroom and assaulted her as “a member of production crew guarded the door from outside.”
Film studio Warner Bros Pictures and other companies involved in the production are also named as defendants.
The film Arthur, a remake of the 1981 film starring Dudley Moore in the title role, co-starred Helen Mirren,...
- 11/4/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Shannon Wilcox, a character actress who appeared alongside Willie Nelson in Songwriter, with Dudley Moore in Six Weeks and opposite Al Pacino in Frankie and Johnny, has died. She was 80.
Wilcox died Sept. 2 in Los Angeles, her daughter, actress-director Kelli Williams — she played attorney Lindsay Dole on The Practice — told The Hollywood Reporter.
A life member of The Actors Studio, Wilcox also portrayed the mother of Elisabeth Shue’s Ali Mills in John G. Avildsen’s The Karate Kid (1994) and worked in many other notable films, among them Tony Richardson’s The Border (1982), Ivan Reitman’s Legal Eagles (1986), Mark Rydell’s For the Boys (1991) and David Fincher’s Seven (1995).
Wilcox was the resigned ex-wife of Nelson’s Doc Jenkins in Alan Rudolph’s Songwriter (1984) and the wife of a California politician (Moore) caught up with a woman (Mary Tyler Moore) and her sickly child (Katherine Healy) in Tony Bill’s...
Wilcox died Sept. 2 in Los Angeles, her daughter, actress-director Kelli Williams — she played attorney Lindsay Dole on The Practice — told The Hollywood Reporter.
A life member of The Actors Studio, Wilcox also portrayed the mother of Elisabeth Shue’s Ali Mills in John G. Avildsen’s The Karate Kid (1994) and worked in many other notable films, among them Tony Richardson’s The Border (1982), Ivan Reitman’s Legal Eagles (1986), Mark Rydell’s For the Boys (1991) and David Fincher’s Seven (1995).
Wilcox was the resigned ex-wife of Nelson’s Doc Jenkins in Alan Rudolph’s Songwriter (1984) and the wife of a California politician (Moore) caught up with a woman (Mary Tyler Moore) and her sickly child (Katherine Healy) in Tony Bill’s...
- 11/4/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"This year he Really Is coming to town!" Studiocanal UK has revealed a new trailer for Santa Claus: The Movie, to promote their 4K re-release. "We're delighted to announce that a magical new 4k restoration of the perennial Christmas Classic, Santa Claus: The Movie, from director Jeannot Szwarc will return to cinemas this festive period" starting in late November. The film originally opened in 1985 for the holidays and became a favorite worldwide, though more commonly in the UK than the US. It's not the same as The Santa Clause with Tim Allen, or many of the other animated classics. Santa Claus: The Movie stars David Huddleston as Santa, Dudley Moore, John Lithgow, Judy Cornwell, Jeffrey Kramer, and many others. The legend of Santa Claus is put in jeopardy when an unscrupulous toy manufacturer attempts to take over Christmas. This is definitely a good one to catch up with and show...
- 10/13/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Every now and then, you come across a celebrity video that has fallen into obscurity that is well worth (re)discovering. Well, dear reader, this week, we’d like to present to you a video of Steven Seagal selling you wine — straight from the depths of 1990. And yes, it is far better than that same year’s Hard to Kill.
The video, which was part of Celebrity Guide to Wine, also features Seagal’s then-wife Kelly LeBrock, who appears coming home late, apologizing for the traffic. She asks, “The usual?” to Steven Seagal before reaching for a bottle of wine that she continuously, uh, handles, like somebody who has never held a bottle of wine before. “This better be good,” he says – and you know just what he means…Hey, even now-washed-up actors could be subtle once in a while…
After opening the wine bottle between her legs and with a wink,...
The video, which was part of Celebrity Guide to Wine, also features Seagal’s then-wife Kelly LeBrock, who appears coming home late, apologizing for the traffic. She asks, “The usual?” to Steven Seagal before reaching for a bottle of wine that she continuously, uh, handles, like somebody who has never held a bottle of wine before. “This better be good,” he says – and you know just what he means…Hey, even now-washed-up actors could be subtle once in a while…
After opening the wine bottle between her legs and with a wink,...
- 6/26/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Paxton Whitehead, the Tony-nominated British actor best known for his snooty roles on “Mad About You” and in the Rodney Dangerfield comedy “Back to School,” died Friday at age 85, according to his son, Charles Whitehead.
In the latter feature film, he memorably played Dr. Barbay, the disapproving dean of the business school who is horrified to learn that Rodney Dangerfield’s low-brow middle-aged character has bribed his way into college. Whitehead also had a recurring role on ’90s sitcom “Mad About You” as the “neighbor from hell” Hal Conway. The actor additionally guested on a number of series including “Frasier” and “Friends.”
Also Read:
Barry Reardon, Former Warner Bros. Theatrical Distribution Chief, Dies at 92
Actress Dana Ivey remembered him fondly on Twitter: “I’ve just heard that my beloved friend Paxton Whitehead has died, on Friday the 16th. We first worked together in ‘My Fair Lady’ in 1964, and the...
In the latter feature film, he memorably played Dr. Barbay, the disapproving dean of the business school who is horrified to learn that Rodney Dangerfield’s low-brow middle-aged character has bribed his way into college. Whitehead also had a recurring role on ’90s sitcom “Mad About You” as the “neighbor from hell” Hal Conway. The actor additionally guested on a number of series including “Frasier” and “Friends.”
Also Read:
Barry Reardon, Former Warner Bros. Theatrical Distribution Chief, Dies at 92
Actress Dana Ivey remembered him fondly on Twitter: “I’ve just heard that my beloved friend Paxton Whitehead has died, on Friday the 16th. We first worked together in ‘My Fair Lady’ in 1964, and the...
- 6/19/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Paxton Whitehead, the prolific and acclaimed actor whose career stretched from 17 Broadway productions, a recurring role on the hit 1990s sitcom Mad About You and a memorable turn as a snooty professor who takes an instant disliking to Rodney Dangerfield’s crude self-made man in 1986’s Back to School, died June 16 at a hospital in Arlington, Va. He was 85.
His death has been confirmed by his son Charles Whitehead, with many friends and colleagues sharing their memories on social media.
Actor Dana Ivey wrote: “We first worked together in My Fair Lady in 1964, and the last time was in Importance of Being Earnest in 2010 — friends for 59 years. I loved him so. Heartbroken.”
Tony-nominated for his performance as Pellinore in the 1980 revival of Camelot, Paxton, born in English village of East Malling, made his Broadway debut in a short-lived production of Ronald Millar’s The Affair. His next Broadway show — Beyond the Fringe...
His death has been confirmed by his son Charles Whitehead, with many friends and colleagues sharing their memories on social media.
Actor Dana Ivey wrote: “We first worked together in My Fair Lady in 1964, and the last time was in Importance of Being Earnest in 2010 — friends for 59 years. I loved him so. Heartbroken.”
Tony-nominated for his performance as Pellinore in the 1980 revival of Camelot, Paxton, born in English village of East Malling, made his Broadway debut in a short-lived production of Ronald Millar’s The Affair. His next Broadway show — Beyond the Fringe...
- 6/19/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Bee–ah, that was a close one! A massive success upon release, Beetlejuice went through a strange and unusual production that saw multiple rewrites and firings, not to mention the dodging of some seriously questionable casting choices. But through the terrific performances by its cast and creative skirting around a small budget, the movie became one of the best horror-comedies ever, worthy of a sequel that has been in development hell for over three decades.
So let’s open up the handbook for the recently deceased and shake, shake, shake senora because it’s showtime! Let’s to find out…Wtf Happened to this movie?!
Following the massive success of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, which pulled in $40 million on a $7 million budget, Tim Burton had his pick of what his next project would be. One thing he knew, it wouldn’t be talking horse movie Hot to Trot.
So let’s open up the handbook for the recently deceased and shake, shake, shake senora because it’s showtime! Let’s to find out…Wtf Happened to this movie?!
Following the massive success of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, which pulled in $40 million on a $7 million budget, Tim Burton had his pick of what his next project would be. One thing he knew, it wouldn’t be talking horse movie Hot to Trot.
- 5/10/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
What do the 76th annual Tonys have in common with the 17th annual awards?
Stephen Sondheim.
The late, great influential composer is represented in this year’s Tonys with the acclaimed, popular revivals of his 1979 classic “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Street” earning eight nominations and 1987’s “Into the Woods” receiving six.
Sixty years ago, it was Sondheim’s musical comedy “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” which dominated the Tony Awards with six wins: best musical, best producer for Harold Prince, best director for George Abbott, best author for Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, leading actor for Zero Mostel and featured actor for David Burns. Ironically, Sondheim failed to earn a nomination for best original score (music and/or lyrics) written for the theater. He would not win for his tunes until “Company” in 1971. Vying in that category were “Stop the World I Wanted...
Stephen Sondheim.
The late, great influential composer is represented in this year’s Tonys with the acclaimed, popular revivals of his 1979 classic “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Street” earning eight nominations and 1987’s “Into the Woods” receiving six.
Sixty years ago, it was Sondheim’s musical comedy “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” which dominated the Tony Awards with six wins: best musical, best producer for Harold Prince, best director for George Abbott, best author for Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, leading actor for Zero Mostel and featured actor for David Burns. Ironically, Sondheim failed to earn a nomination for best original score (music and/or lyrics) written for the theater. He would not win for his tunes until “Company” in 1971. Vying in that category were “Stop the World I Wanted...
- 5/8/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
It was back in 1979 when actor Bo Derek appeared on the scene in the movie 10, and it was a huge hit, to say the least. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film is a romantic comedy in which George, a middle-aged Hollywood songwriter portrayed by Dudley Moore, is infatuated with the beautiful Jenny (Derek) and decides to follow her and her new husband David on their honeymoon.
While there, he realizes that things aren’t necessarily what they seem. It was in the movie that Derek wore her hair in cornrows, and it turns out that the hairstyle is still talked about to this day. In fact, Derek said that her controversial cornrows in 10 had African American women thanking her.
Bo Derek in ’10’ | Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Derek’s cornrows in ’10’ were controversial
More than four decades have passed since the movie premiered, and Derek hasn...
While there, he realizes that things aren’t necessarily what they seem. It was in the movie that Derek wore her hair in cornrows, and it turns out that the hairstyle is still talked about to this day. In fact, Derek said that her controversial cornrows in 10 had African American women thanking her.
Bo Derek in ’10’ | Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Derek’s cornrows in ’10’ were controversial
More than four decades have passed since the movie premiered, and Derek hasn...
- 3/13/2023
- by Lisa Geiger
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
On March 12, once the curtain comes down on the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre, the must-stop afterparty will just be getting started for Oscar nominees — winners and losers alike. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Governors Ball, but it wasn’t always a coveted invitation — or even a tradition. The first Academy Awards statuettes were handed out in 1929 at a banquet in the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, but the annual banquet was discontinued during the war years and, by 1958, the ceremony had migrated farther down Hollywood Boulevard to the Pantages Theatre. This meant that once the show was over, the stars were left to fend for themselves. So that year, the Academy charged actor and future California senator George Murphy with chairing a post-Oscars dinner dance, which would take place at the Beverly Hilton hotel. Its venue has changed over the years, but...
- 3/12/2023
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A revolutionary, an alien, an actor in drag, a missing journalist and an alcoholic lawyer. It was a mixed bag of Best Picture nominees at the 55th Academy Awards ceremony, but in the end there weren’t a lot of surprises. The epic film with the most nominations won the most awards; however, a fantasy film that garnered a surprising nine nominations won the hearts of millions and cemented a place in film history. The Best Director and three of the four acting winners were first-time nominees, and the fourth acting winner was on a record-setting streak that would last decades, while a couple nominees were on losing streaks. The hosts were also a bit of a mixed bag, with Liza Minnelli, Dudley Moore, Richard Pryor and Walter Matthau joining forces to steer the event. Let’s flashback 40 years to the ceremony on April 11, 1983.
The esteemed British filmmaker Richard Attenborough...
The esteemed British filmmaker Richard Attenborough...
- 3/3/2023
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
What do the 55th annual Academy Awards which took place April 11, 1983 have in common with the upcoming 95th Oscars?
Steven Spielberg and John Williams.
Back in 1983, Spielberg’s beloved “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” was nominated for nine Academy Awards including film, director and score. This year, the 76-year-old Spielberg and Williams, 91, are both nominated for “The Fabelmans.” The filmmaker’s semi-autobiographical drama is in contention for eight Academy Awards including film, director, screenplay and score.
The 55th Oscars made history with Ben Kingsley becoming the first actor of Indian descent to win the best actor Oscar for his extraordinary portrayal of “Gandhi” while Louis Gossett Jr. become the first black actor to win in the supporting category with his iconic turn as tough-nosed D.I. in “An Officer and a Gentleman.” This year, history could be made again in the best actress category. Malaysian Chinese performer Michelle Yeoh has the chance...
Steven Spielberg and John Williams.
Back in 1983, Spielberg’s beloved “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” was nominated for nine Academy Awards including film, director and score. This year, the 76-year-old Spielberg and Williams, 91, are both nominated for “The Fabelmans.” The filmmaker’s semi-autobiographical drama is in contention for eight Academy Awards including film, director, screenplay and score.
The 55th Oscars made history with Ben Kingsley becoming the first actor of Indian descent to win the best actor Oscar for his extraordinary portrayal of “Gandhi” while Louis Gossett Jr. become the first black actor to win in the supporting category with his iconic turn as tough-nosed D.I. in “An Officer and a Gentleman.” This year, history could be made again in the best actress category. Malaysian Chinese performer Michelle Yeoh has the chance...
- 3/1/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Los Angeles – Raquel Welch never let anyone define who she was, despite being touted as a sex symbol in her early career. She defined sexy in films such as “One Million Years B.C.,” “Fantastic Voyage” and the 1970s Three Musketeers series. The movie star and entrepreneur died at age 82 at her home in Los Angeles.
She was born in Chicago as Jo Raquel Tejada (her father was Bolivian). Her family moved to California and she desired a theatrical and dance career, attending San Diego State College on a theater arts scholarship. After marrying her high school sweetheart James Welch – they separated after having two children together – she began her early career in film as Raquel Welch … her agent advised her against a Latina last name. Her first credited film role was in “A Swingin’ Summer” (1964).
Raquel Welch in Chicago circa 2010
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com...
She was born in Chicago as Jo Raquel Tejada (her father was Bolivian). Her family moved to California and she desired a theatrical and dance career, attending San Diego State College on a theater arts scholarship. After marrying her high school sweetheart James Welch – they separated after having two children together – she began her early career in film as Raquel Welch … her agent advised her against a Latina last name. Her first credited film role was in “A Swingin’ Summer” (1964).
Raquel Welch in Chicago circa 2010
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com...
- 2/16/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Since the very beginning, absurdity has been the name of the game for "The Animaniacs." Following the adventures of the Warner Brothers Yakko (Rob Paulsen), Wakko (Jess Harnell), and the Warner Sister, Dot (Tress MacNeille), "The Animaniacs" is a beloved variety sketch series filled with innuendos, enough catchy songs to justify its own ranking, timely parodies, and a slew of spotlight characters like Pinky (Paulsen) and the Brain (Maurice Lamarche). Canonically speaking, the characters were first drawn in 1929, which explains their rubber-hose animated style, but were deemed too weird to release and were locked up in the Warner Bros. water tower ... until one day, they escaped.
The first series lasted for 99 episodes and the feature-length film "Wakko's Wish," but was given a revival in 2020 to bring the zany antics of "The Animaniacs" to a brand new generation. The show is one of the few in existence to find a way...
The first series lasted for 99 episodes and the feature-length film "Wakko's Wish," but was given a revival in 2020 to bring the zany antics of "The Animaniacs" to a brand new generation. The show is one of the few in existence to find a way...
- 2/16/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
It's not a secret that Hollywood has a really sordid history with the way transgender characters have been presented on film. While bigoted pundits like to pretend that trans people and trans representation in entertainment is somehow a new concept, films like "Myra Breckinridge" were shocking and subverting audience expectations over half a century ago. Unlike the transgender media of our current era that often put cis men like Jared Leto, Eddie Redmayne, and Jeffrey Tambor in drag, "Myra Breckinridge" instead chose to cast Raquel Welch, an international sex symbol at the time, in the titular role.
The film was an adaptation of Gore Vidal's controversial book of the same name, a title that was equal parts bestseller and banned text. It's one of the earliest known novels to feature a protagonist who has undergone gender affirmation surgery and dissects themes of feminism, gender performance, America's unhealthy relationship with toxic masculinity,...
The film was an adaptation of Gore Vidal's controversial book of the same name, a title that was equal parts bestseller and banned text. It's one of the earliest known novels to feature a protagonist who has undergone gender affirmation surgery and dissects themes of feminism, gender performance, America's unhealthy relationship with toxic masculinity,...
- 2/16/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Raquel Welch, the big-screen star of the 1960s and ’70s who gained fame in movies including Fantastic Voyage, One Million Years B.C., Myra Breckinridge and many others, died today after a brief illness. She was 82.
Her death was confirmed by her reps at Media 4 Management.
Related: Raquel Welch: A Career In Photos
Welch’s career spanned more than 50 years, 30 films and scores of TV series and appearances, including about a dozen visits to The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson spanning two decades. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Imagen Foundation in 2001.
From left: Stephen Boyd, Raquel Welch and Donald Pleasence in ‘Fantastic Voyage’ (Everett Collection)
Born Jo Raquel Tejada on September 5, 1940, in Chicago, Welch’s family moved to San Diego when she was a toddler. She attended San Diego State on a theater arts scholarship and got her start as a local TV weathercaster before starting to...
Her death was confirmed by her reps at Media 4 Management.
Related: Raquel Welch: A Career In Photos
Welch’s career spanned more than 50 years, 30 films and scores of TV series and appearances, including about a dozen visits to The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson spanning two decades. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Imagen Foundation in 2001.
From left: Stephen Boyd, Raquel Welch and Donald Pleasence in ‘Fantastic Voyage’ (Everett Collection)
Born Jo Raquel Tejada on September 5, 1940, in Chicago, Welch’s family moved to San Diego when she was a toddler. She attended San Diego State on a theater arts scholarship and got her start as a local TV weathercaster before starting to...
- 2/15/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Raquel Welch, an international sex symbol and icon of the 1960s and 70s has died after a brief illness, according to her management company Media Four. Welch was 82.
Welch’s films included “Fantastic Voyage,” “The three Musketeers” and “Legally Blonde.”
Welch is best known for her breakout role in “Fantastic Voyage” (1966), after which she was signed to a talent contract with 20th Century Fox. She followed that with “One Million Years B.C.” in which she had only three lines. But her skimpy two-piece deerskin bikini became a best-selling poster and launched her into star status as an international sex symbol.
Raquel Welch publicity portrait for the film ‘One Million Years B.C.’, 1966. (Photo by 20th Century-Fox/Getty Images)
Welch would then go on to star with Dudley Moore and Peter Cook in “Bedazzled” (1967) and star in the Western “Bandolero!” (1968) opposite Dean Martin and James Stewart.
Also Read:
Hollywood’s Notable Deaths...
Welch’s films included “Fantastic Voyage,” “The three Musketeers” and “Legally Blonde.”
Welch is best known for her breakout role in “Fantastic Voyage” (1966), after which she was signed to a talent contract with 20th Century Fox. She followed that with “One Million Years B.C.” in which she had only three lines. But her skimpy two-piece deerskin bikini became a best-selling poster and launched her into star status as an international sex symbol.
Raquel Welch publicity portrait for the film ‘One Million Years B.C.’, 1966. (Photo by 20th Century-Fox/Getty Images)
Welch would then go on to star with Dudley Moore and Peter Cook in “Bedazzled” (1967) and star in the Western “Bandolero!” (1968) opposite Dean Martin and James Stewart.
Also Read:
Hollywood’s Notable Deaths...
- 2/15/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Legendary actress and iconic 1960s sex symbol Raquel Welch has died at the age of 82.
Welch’s family tells TMZ that the Golden Globe winner died following a brief, undisclosed illness.
Her TV career kicked off in the mid-1960s with guest spots on shows such as The Virginian, McHale’s Navy and Bewitched. That led to one of her first film roles,...
Welch’s family tells TMZ that the Golden Globe winner died following a brief, undisclosed illness.
Her TV career kicked off in the mid-1960s with guest spots on shows such as The Virginian, McHale’s Navy and Bewitched. That led to one of her first film roles,...
- 2/15/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Step back into the 1980s with some of our favorite rom-coms from the decade. Nicolas Cage in “Valley Girl” and “Moonstruck,” Molly Ringwald looking for love in high school, and, of course, Princess Buttercup and her devoted Westley. Below we round up some of the best 80s romantic comedies.
When Harry Met Sally…
Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal go from friends to lovers to … well, panic, and finally blissful commitment in this comedy written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner. The deli scene is, of course, a classic.
Coming to America
Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) tries to find the perfect American bride who doesn’t care that he’s African royalty in this hilarious comedy where he plays multiple parts. Always worth a rewatch.
Pretty in Pink
What’s the most important love affair in this John Hughes-penned movie? Have-not Andie (Molly Ringwald) and rich boy Blane...
When Harry Met Sally…
Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal go from friends to lovers to … well, panic, and finally blissful commitment in this comedy written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner. The deli scene is, of course, a classic.
Coming to America
Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) tries to find the perfect American bride who doesn’t care that he’s African royalty in this hilarious comedy where he plays multiple parts. Always worth a rewatch.
Pretty in Pink
What’s the most important love affair in this John Hughes-penned movie? Have-not Andie (Molly Ringwald) and rich boy Blane...
- 2/14/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Songwriter, composer, producer and arranger Burt Bacharach, a dominant force in American popular music for half a century, died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Wednesday. He was 94.
Bacharach’s publicist Tina Brausam revealed the news on Thursday.
As a tunesmith, the nonpareil melodist Bacharach found fame in every medium.
His songs — many of them written with lyricist Hal David — became chart-topping successes, particularly in the hands of vocalist Dionne Warwick. Among ’60s songwriting duos, only Lennon-McCartney rivaled Bacharach-David in terms of commercial and artistic achievement. Bacharach collected six Grammys as a writer, arranger and performer from 1967-2005.
His music was ubiquitous on screens both big and small in the ’60s and ’70s, and he was recognized by the Academy Awards and Golden Globes for his work on “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969) and “Arthur” (1981). He collected a 1971 Emmy for a TV recital of his work.
On Broadway,...
Bacharach’s publicist Tina Brausam revealed the news on Thursday.
As a tunesmith, the nonpareil melodist Bacharach found fame in every medium.
His songs — many of them written with lyricist Hal David — became chart-topping successes, particularly in the hands of vocalist Dionne Warwick. Among ’60s songwriting duos, only Lennon-McCartney rivaled Bacharach-David in terms of commercial and artistic achievement. Bacharach collected six Grammys as a writer, arranger and performer from 1967-2005.
His music was ubiquitous on screens both big and small in the ’60s and ’70s, and he was recognized by the Academy Awards and Golden Globes for his work on “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969) and “Arthur” (1981). He collected a 1971 Emmy for a TV recital of his work.
On Broadway,...
- 2/9/2023
- by Chris Morris
- Variety Film + TV
When it comes to on-screen characters, few are nearly as vibrant as Austin Powers. Fewer still can pull off the larger-than-life superspy's careful balancing act: equal parts endearing and unapologetically cringe-inducing, there's never a dull moment when Austin is around. But as flashy as the character might be, Mike Myers had just one quiet, touching thing on his mind when he dreamt up Austin Powers: his late father, Eric Myers.
It's pretty common for parents to shape their kids' tastes, and Eric Myers was no exception. As Mike would tell The Hollywood Reporter in 2017, his father played a large role in developing his own sense of comedy — and Austin Powers was meant to pay homage to that influence:
"After my dad died in 1991, I was taking stock of his influence on me as a person and his influence on me with comedy in general. So Austin Powers was a tribute to my father,...
It's pretty common for parents to shape their kids' tastes, and Eric Myers was no exception. As Mike would tell The Hollywood Reporter in 2017, his father played a large role in developing his own sense of comedy — and Austin Powers was meant to pay homage to that influence:
"After my dad died in 1991, I was taking stock of his influence on me as a person and his influence on me with comedy in general. So Austin Powers was a tribute to my father,...
- 1/22/2023
- by Demetra Nikolakakis
- Slash Film
It's fair to say that Mike Myers has struggled to find an audience in recent years. If 2022's "The Pentaverate" is anything to go by, relevancy isn't exactly Myers' strong point. Not that his Netflix series was without its charms, it's just the Canadian had a major moment in the '90s when his farcical shenanigans went over much better than they do today. In fact, Myers had a legendary run during that decade, making arguably the most successful "Saturday Night Live" spin-off franchise with "Wayne's World" and going on to create a cultural phenomenon with his spy spoof "Austin Powers."
The 1997 comedy remains one of my personal favorites simply because it's unapologetically ridiculous and over-the-top in its skewering of my homeland's pop cultural history. The "Austin Powers" films most obviously parodies James Bond, but Myers, who was raised by Liverpudlian parents in Toronto, takes his cues from a wide...
The 1997 comedy remains one of my personal favorites simply because it's unapologetically ridiculous and over-the-top in its skewering of my homeland's pop cultural history. The "Austin Powers" films most obviously parodies James Bond, but Myers, who was raised by Liverpudlian parents in Toronto, takes his cues from a wide...
- 1/16/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
In 2019, 74-year-old Michael Douglas triumphed on his first Best TV Comedy Actor Golden Globe bid for “The Kominsky Method” and thus became the oldest person ever honored by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for lead acting on a continuing series. Last year, “Only Murders in the Building” star Steve Martin almost broke this record by two years, but ultimately came up short against Jason Sudeikis. With the reigning champ currently out of contention, Martin now has a second chance to make Golden Globes history.
Martin’s Best TV Comedy Actor bid for the second season of Hulu’s “Only Murders” already makes him the oldest man to ever compete in the category. He surpasses Wilfrid Hyde-White, who was eight months younger than Martin is now when he unsuccessfully vied for the prize as the star of “The Associates” in 1980. He lost to Alan Alda (“M*A*S*H”), who was...
Martin’s Best TV Comedy Actor bid for the second season of Hulu’s “Only Murders” already makes him the oldest man to ever compete in the category. He surpasses Wilfrid Hyde-White, who was eight months younger than Martin is now when he unsuccessfully vied for the prize as the star of “The Associates” in 1980. He lost to Alan Alda (“M*A*S*H”), who was...
- 1/6/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Last winter, Steve Martin received his first Golden Globe nomination in a quarter century as one of the stars of the Hulu comedy series “Only Murders in the Building.” Just like his five preceding film acting bids, however, this one was unsuccessful, as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association decided instead to give Jason Sudeikis a second consecutive Best TV Comedy Actor award for “Ted Lasso.” Now that the current Golden Globe eligibility window is closing and Sudeikis is essentially out of the picture, Martin is, according to Gold Derby, the odds-on favorite in his category. Will he finally take the gold on his lucky seventh try?
On “Only Murders in the Building,” Martin plays the role of Charles-Haden Savage, a reclusive actor who teams up with his neighbors to solve untimely deaths that occur within his New York City apartment building. Included among his most serious challengers in this year...
On “Only Murders in the Building,” Martin plays the role of Charles-Haden Savage, a reclusive actor who teams up with his neighbors to solve untimely deaths that occur within his New York City apartment building. Included among his most serious challengers in this year...
- 11/4/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
We told you last week that former Warner Bros Global Marketing Chief Sue Kroll was bound to be named Amazon Studios’ new Head of Marketing. On Monday, the company confirmed the news.
In her new role, Kroll will report directly to Amazon Studios’ Chief Jennifer Salke and oversees global marketing strategy and campaigns for the streamer’s movies and TV series. This also includes any future theatrical releases.
The move comes in the wake of Kroll serving as a marketing consultant for the past six months, working on the behemoth success of the streamer’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The series from showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay launched September 1 in 240 countries, pulling in 25 million viewers on its first day, the biggest premiere ever for Prime Video.
Here’s the extra bonus: All the projects Kroll has been shepherding as a producer in the wake...
In her new role, Kroll will report directly to Amazon Studios’ Chief Jennifer Salke and oversees global marketing strategy and campaigns for the streamer’s movies and TV series. This also includes any future theatrical releases.
The move comes in the wake of Kroll serving as a marketing consultant for the past six months, working on the behemoth success of the streamer’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The series from showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay launched September 1 in 240 countries, pulling in 25 million viewers on its first day, the biggest premiere ever for Prime Video.
Here’s the extra bonus: All the projects Kroll has been shepherding as a producer in the wake...
- 10/31/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sidekick no more. CBS is going for a fresh take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mystery franchise with Watson, from Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment and CBS Studios. The medical drama with detective elements, in development at the broadcast network, is written by Craig Sweeny, who spent five years on CBS’ Sherlock Holmes/Dr. Watson procedural Elementary, most of them as executive producer.
In Watson, a year after the death of his friend and partner Sherlock Holmes at the hands of Moriarty, Dr. John Watson resumes his medical career as the head of a clinic dedicated to treating rare disorders. Watson’s old life isn’t done with him, though — Moriarty and Watson are set to write their own chapter of a story that has fascinated audiences for more than a century. Watson is a medical show with a strong investigative spine, featuring a modern version of one...
In Watson, a year after the death of his friend and partner Sherlock Holmes at the hands of Moriarty, Dr. John Watson resumes his medical career as the head of a clinic dedicated to treating rare disorders. Watson’s old life isn’t done with him, though — Moriarty and Watson are set to write their own chapter of a story that has fascinated audiences for more than a century. Watson is a medical show with a strong investigative spine, featuring a modern version of one...
- 10/3/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Eddie Murphy was the surest of bets in the 1980s. At the age of 19, he single-handedly yanked "Saturday Night Live" back from the brink of cancellation after the departure of the original cast, and was all of 21 when he shot to big-screen stardom opposite Nick Nolte in Walter Hill's action-comedy classic, "48 Hrs." His second feature, "Trading Places," was also a critical and commercial hit, while his stand-up LP "Eddie Murphy: Comedian" went platinum. By 1984, Murphy was so hot, Paramount inserted him into the finished Dudley Moore comedy "Best Defense" in the hopes that he could enliven the deathly unfunny film with his ad-libbed brilliance. It didn't work, but no one held it against Murphy. The movie was just that bad.
There was no question that Murphy had turned into one of Hollywood's biggest stars overnight, but his first two hits had been two-handers. He had yet to carry a film on his own.
There was no question that Murphy had turned into one of Hollywood's biggest stars overnight, but his first two hits had been two-handers. He had yet to carry a film on his own.
- 9/11/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
The Emmy landscape has changed drastically in the past two decades. Going in to the 54th Emmy Awards, which took place on Sept. 22, 2002, it was a broadcast network — NBC — that led the nominations with 47. Emmy powerhouse HBO came in second with 38. FX and VH1 earned their first nominations while the first major streaming series, Netflix’s “House of Cards,” was still 11 years away. Several of this year’s contenders for Emmy gold were either nominated or won 20 years ago.
Laura Linney, who has been nominated nine times and won four statuettes, is nominated this year for her lead role in the final season of Netflix’s “Ozark” and as co-executive producer of this drama series contender. Two decades ago, she won her first Emmy for her lead role in the Showtime telefilm “Wild Iris.”
HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm, which has been nominated 51 times and has won two Emmys, is...
Laura Linney, who has been nominated nine times and won four statuettes, is nominated this year for her lead role in the final season of Netflix’s “Ozark” and as co-executive producer of this drama series contender. Two decades ago, she won her first Emmy for her lead role in the Showtime telefilm “Wild Iris.”
HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm, which has been nominated 51 times and has won two Emmys, is...
- 8/22/2022
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Ask me to describe my sense of humor and I can answer in six words: “What We Do in the Shadows.”
While I have a deep affection for the feel-good Emmy champ “Ted Lasso,” which makes me chuckle and cringe, the supernatural mockumentary about vampiric roommates living the undead lifestyle in Staten Island makes me laugh out loud and snort milk out my nose. It isn’t pretty.
Now premiering in its fourth season, the 10-time Emmy nominee and spawn of the 2014 feature from New Zealanders Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement, is a show that can be watched in an endless loop. The FX show’s a combination of slapstick, zingers and situation comedy, Marx Brothers meet “The Munsters,” that, like its main characters, is undead on arrival. The season’s showrunners, Stefani Robinson and Paul Simms, who began as writers on the first series, never flag, keeping the fun...
While I have a deep affection for the feel-good Emmy champ “Ted Lasso,” which makes me chuckle and cringe, the supernatural mockumentary about vampiric roommates living the undead lifestyle in Staten Island makes me laugh out loud and snort milk out my nose. It isn’t pretty.
Now premiering in its fourth season, the 10-time Emmy nominee and spawn of the 2014 feature from New Zealanders Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement, is a show that can be watched in an endless loop. The FX show’s a combination of slapstick, zingers and situation comedy, Marx Brothers meet “The Munsters,” that, like its main characters, is undead on arrival. The season’s showrunners, Stefani Robinson and Paul Simms, who began as writers on the first series, never flag, keeping the fun...
- 7/13/2022
- by Thelma Adams
- The Wrap
By Lee Pfeiffer
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's timeless 1902 Sherlock Holmes novel "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is said to be the most often-filmed adaptation of a book. I don't know if that's true but it's quite clear that over the decades, the tale has indeed inspired many adaptations for the cinema and television. The 1939 classic introduced audiences to the teaming of Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as Holmes and Watson. The 1959 Hammer Films version was the first Holmes movie made in color and starred Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee in another highly impressive adaptation. By the1970s, revisionist versions of Holmes stories were all the rage in cinema and on television, as evidenced by films such as "The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter ", "They Might Be Giants", "The Seven-Per-Cent Solution" and "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes". Thus, the famed comic duo of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore opted...
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's timeless 1902 Sherlock Holmes novel "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is said to be the most often-filmed adaptation of a book. I don't know if that's true but it's quite clear that over the decades, the tale has indeed inspired many adaptations for the cinema and television. The 1939 classic introduced audiences to the teaming of Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as Holmes and Watson. The 1959 Hammer Films version was the first Holmes movie made in color and starred Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee in another highly impressive adaptation. By the1970s, revisionist versions of Holmes stories were all the rage in cinema and on television, as evidenced by films such as "The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter ", "They Might Be Giants", "The Seven-Per-Cent Solution" and "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes". Thus, the famed comic duo of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore opted...
- 1/28/2022
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
If you’re putting together the biggest awards show of the year and looking for ratings, what do you do when one host isn’t enough? Well, hire a few.
After ABC announced there will, in fact, be a host for the upcoming 94th Oscars, Variety has exclusively learned that the Academy is eyeing more than one host.
Over the past few weeks, the team behind the upcoming Oscars has reached out to multiple celebrities with the idea of putting together possible pairings. No hosts have been settled on and discussions are still in the early stages. The decision, which is still a ways away, will ultimately be made by the Academy, ABC and producer Will Packer.
The Academy and ABC declined to comment.
The Oscars haven’t had a host for the past three years (Jimmy Kimmel was the last host in 2018), and taking the emcee mantle solo can be a lot of pressure.
After ABC announced there will, in fact, be a host for the upcoming 94th Oscars, Variety has exclusively learned that the Academy is eyeing more than one host.
Over the past few weeks, the team behind the upcoming Oscars has reached out to multiple celebrities with the idea of putting together possible pairings. No hosts have been settled on and discussions are still in the early stages. The decision, which is still a ways away, will ultimately be made by the Academy, ABC and producer Will Packer.
The Academy and ABC declined to comment.
The Oscars haven’t had a host for the past three years (Jimmy Kimmel was the last host in 2018), and taking the emcee mantle solo can be a lot of pressure.
- 1/21/2022
- by Clayton Davis and Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
It’s do-or-die time for the Oscars to recapture the glory days of the ceremony when more than 50 million people were watching emcees like Billy Crystal, Chris Rock and the foursome of 1983 that included Walter Matthau, Liza Minnelli, Dudley Moore and Richard Pryor. With Will Packer producing the telecast for the first time, he’s said to have an exciting vision that can only be executed with a fresh, new host. So, who should the Academy tap?
Who?: Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short
Why?: Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” stars bridge all generations that the Academy needs to elevate its brand. You get the Gen Y and Z crowds and Latinos feeling seen with Gomez, and the Og die-hard fans of the Academy will have a past beloved host like Martin, who’s emceed three times. Short would be getting his first swing at the Oscar ball.
Who?: Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short
Why?: Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” stars bridge all generations that the Academy needs to elevate its brand. You get the Gen Y and Z crowds and Latinos feeling seen with Gomez, and the Og die-hard fans of the Academy will have a past beloved host like Martin, who’s emceed three times. Short would be getting his first swing at the Oscar ball.
- 1/19/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Jonathan Reynolds, a playwright and screenwriter whose string of film credits in the 1980s included the comedies Micki & Maude, Switching Channels, My Stepmother Is an Alien and the notorious flop Leonard Part 6, died Oct. 27 of organ failure at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, N.J. He was 79.
His death was announced by family to The New York Times.
A prolific Off Broadway playwright, Reynolds stage works included the acclaimed 1982 Hollywood satire Geniuses, produced by Playwrights Horizons and based on the journals Reynolds wrote during his three months on location in the Philippines to observe the infamously difficult filming of Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now.
An intended book about the making of the film never made it to print, but his satirical play was a hit with both audiences and critics. And Reynolds would have an even more lasting connection to Apocalypse Now: He contributed, uncredited, a line of...
His death was announced by family to The New York Times.
A prolific Off Broadway playwright, Reynolds stage works included the acclaimed 1982 Hollywood satire Geniuses, produced by Playwrights Horizons and based on the journals Reynolds wrote during his three months on location in the Philippines to observe the infamously difficult filming of Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now.
An intended book about the making of the film never made it to print, but his satirical play was a hit with both audiences and critics. And Reynolds would have an even more lasting connection to Apocalypse Now: He contributed, uncredited, a line of...
- 11/11/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The romcom player – who has died at 87 – appeared opposite everyone from Barbra Streisand to Glenda Jackson before almost disappearing from screens. But a late-career turn on TV brought new admirers
George Segal was the handsome, easy-going, romantic comedy player of the 1970s, pretty much the male equivalent of Goldie Hawn, with whom he starred in the 1976 western romp The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox. His A-list Hollywood career began and ended with the decade itself and, in a way, defined the 1970s, or at least a part of it. He had a string of leading-man roles opposite top leading ladies, including Glenda Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Jane Fonda, Goldie Hawn, Jacqueline Bisset and Natalie Wood – before he got embroiled in a nasty legal dispute with producer-director Blake Edwards over dropping out of his comedy 10. This briefly soured his reputation in the film business, ended his hot streak and ushered in another...
George Segal was the handsome, easy-going, romantic comedy player of the 1970s, pretty much the male equivalent of Goldie Hawn, with whom he starred in the 1976 western romp The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox. His A-list Hollywood career began and ended with the decade itself and, in a way, defined the 1970s, or at least a part of it. He had a string of leading-man roles opposite top leading ladies, including Glenda Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Jane Fonda, Goldie Hawn, Jacqueline Bisset and Natalie Wood – before he got embroiled in a nasty legal dispute with producer-director Blake Edwards over dropping out of his comedy 10. This briefly soured his reputation in the film business, ended his hot streak and ushered in another...
- 3/24/2021
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
A musical that charms even audiences that don’t like musicals, this adaptation of a big 1955 Broadway hit is noted for capturing much of the original’s power and brilliance — more legendary stage performances should be filmed like this, immortalizing theater history that otherwise disappears into the ether. Gwen Verdon, Ray Walston, Russ Brown and star replacement Tab Hunter shine, yet ‘unknown’ Broadway talent Shannon Bolin and Robert Shafer earn just as much applause. The Verdon-Bob Fosse creative hookup is at its strongest here, complete with a show-stopper of a dance duo. Come to think of it, almost every song in this thing stops the show, like one of Joe Hardy’s home runs: Wow!
Damn Yankees
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1958 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 111 min. / Street Date March 16, 2021 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Tab Hunter, Gwen Verdon, Ray Walston, Russ Brown, Shannon Bolin, Nathaniel Frey, James Komack, Rae Allen,...
Damn Yankees
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1958 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 111 min. / Street Date March 16, 2021 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Tab Hunter, Gwen Verdon, Ray Walston, Russ Brown, Shannon Bolin, Nathaniel Frey, James Komack, Rae Allen,...
- 3/9/2021
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Clothes make the man. And in the case of Sacha Baron Cohen even underwear makes the man. In a recent American Cinematheque Zoom conversation between the star of the two “Borat” comedy films and “The Trial of the Chicago 7” with his good friend Monty Python legend Eric Idle, the two discussed the fact that there is jeopardy in Baron Cohen’s comedy.
“In my movies, they occasionally get violent if they realize you’re not who you say you are,” acknowledged Baron Cohen. “Maybe you’re to make sure that the rhythm of the words is consistent, that the pitch is unique, that the choice of words, the way you walk, the costume, the way you smell has to be completely believable. I remember very early on I once did Borat I ended up taking off my trousers off in scene. I had my underpants on, and the scene ended.
“In my movies, they occasionally get violent if they realize you’re not who you say you are,” acknowledged Baron Cohen. “Maybe you’re to make sure that the rhythm of the words is consistent, that the pitch is unique, that the choice of words, the way you walk, the costume, the way you smell has to be completely believable. I remember very early on I once did Borat I ended up taking off my trousers off in scene. I had my underpants on, and the scene ended.
- 2/24/2021
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Sacha Baron Cohen is comfortably in front in our Best Film Comedy/Musical Actor Golden Globe odds for his “Borat” follow-up “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.” Very nice indeed. Even nicer: If he prevails, he’ll make some Golden Globe history.
A victory would mark Baron Cohen’s second in the category, following his win for the original “Borat,” which came out in 2006. He wouldn’t be the first to win the category twice, but he’d be the first to have multiple wins in the category for playing the same character.
It’s not surprising no one’s pulled off this feat yet since most films don’t have sequels and even fewer sequels are singled out for awards love. Robert Downey Jr. nabbed the Best Film Comedy/Musical Actor statuette for “Sherlock Holmes” (2009), but he...
A victory would mark Baron Cohen’s second in the category, following his win for the original “Borat,” which came out in 2006. He wouldn’t be the first to win the category twice, but he’d be the first to have multiple wins in the category for playing the same character.
It’s not surprising no one’s pulled off this feat yet since most films don’t have sequels and even fewer sequels are singled out for awards love. Robert Downey Jr. nabbed the Best Film Comedy/Musical Actor statuette for “Sherlock Holmes” (2009), but he...
- 1/2/2021
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
As the embodiment of kindness, generosity, and Yuletide beneficence, Santa Claus presents some mighty big black boots, much less a red suit, for any actor to fill. But jolly old Saint Nicholas has appeared in the movies for as long as the movies have existed, and here are some of our favorite actors who’ve steered the sleigh (not counting Billy Bob Thornton and anyone else who has played a guy who is pretending to be Santa):
Kurt Russell in “The Christmas Chronicles” (2018) and “The Christmas Chronicles 2” (2020): There’s more than a little bit of Russell’s trucker character from “Big Trouble in Little China” in his take on Father Christmas, but that blue-collar bravado and dad-bod energy make this character, in the words of critic Nathan Rabin, “a Santa who f–ks.”
Jim Broadbent, “Arthur Christmas” (2011): In this delightful animated adventure from Aardman, Broadbent plays...
Kurt Russell in “The Christmas Chronicles” (2018) and “The Christmas Chronicles 2” (2020): There’s more than a little bit of Russell’s trucker character from “Big Trouble in Little China” in his take on Father Christmas, but that blue-collar bravado and dad-bod energy make this character, in the words of critic Nathan Rabin, “a Santa who f–ks.”
Jim Broadbent, “Arthur Christmas” (2011): In this delightful animated adventure from Aardman, Broadbent plays...
- 12/23/2020
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
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