It took Richard Shepard years to get out of “movie jail” after he made “The Linguini Incident,” the nearly-forgotten 1991 crime comedy starring David Bowie and Rosanna Arquette. But now the film is getting a second chance, with a series of screenings and an upcoming Blu-ray release.
Just about everything went wrong with the production that could go wrong, Shepard recalls. “I made this movie when I was 25 — and I was no genius at 25,” admits the director, who went on to helm features including “The Perfection” as well as TV series like Lena Dunham’s HBO comedy “Girls.”
Unlike Dunham, who was “in complete control of her artistic self” at that age, “I was not,” says Shepard.
But when his original co-producer, Sarah Jackson, suggested he try to rerelease a director’s cut of the scrappy indie caper about two restaurant employees who decide to rob their bosses, Shepard jumped at...
Just about everything went wrong with the production that could go wrong, Shepard recalls. “I made this movie when I was 25 — and I was no genius at 25,” admits the director, who went on to helm features including “The Perfection” as well as TV series like Lena Dunham’s HBO comedy “Girls.”
Unlike Dunham, who was “in complete control of her artistic self” at that age, “I was not,” says Shepard.
But when his original co-producer, Sarah Jackson, suggested he try to rerelease a director’s cut of the scrappy indie caper about two restaurant employees who decide to rob their bosses, Shepard jumped at...
- 4/23/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
The “SNL” 5-Timers Club has been around since December 1990, when Tom Hanks joked in his monologue that a person’s fifth time hosting is when they receive a membership card into the club. Hanks then left the stage and joined Steve Martin, Elliott Gould and Paul Simon in an expensive-looking set with hors d’oeuvres, waiters and a doorman. The iconic club set would be seen multiple times on NBC’s late sketch comedy throughout the decades, often (but not always) when a new host is anointed as a five-timer. Members of the club are always seen wearing exclusive jackets embroidered with a “5” badge.
So who has hosted “Saturday Night Live” at least five times? Scroll through our “SNL” 5-Timers Club members list above, which includes (in alphabetical order by last name) some of the most recognizable people in the industry, including Tina Fey, Paul Rudd and Tom Hanks.
See...
So who has hosted “Saturday Night Live” at least five times? Scroll through our “SNL” 5-Timers Club members list above, which includes (in alphabetical order by last name) some of the most recognizable people in the industry, including Tina Fey, Paul Rudd and Tom Hanks.
See...
- 4/6/2024
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Gus Van Sant’s 1995 satirical black comedy To Die For begins in the midst of a news frenzy: Larry Maretto (Matt Dillon), a well-liked man who helped his family run their small-town Italian restaurant, has been murdered and his wife, Suzanne (Nicole Kidman), has been arrested as a suspect. The rest of the film, which blends mockumentary talking heads and flashbacks of the characters’ lives, sends up the contemporaneous sensationalism of high-profile criminal trials like those of O.J. Simpson and the Menendez brothers. By showing the murder upfront, the film, written by the late Buck Henry, proceeds as a rebuke to the public’s fascination with whodunit by psychoanalyzing an already apprehended party.
Yet from the moment we first see Suzanne speaking directly into the camera in an interview, we need not spend too much time unpacking her psychological state. Perfectly coiffed and dressed in tones not quite bright enough to outshine her wide,...
Yet from the moment we first see Suzanne speaking directly into the camera in an interview, we need not spend too much time unpacking her psychological state. Perfectly coiffed and dressed in tones not quite bright enough to outshine her wide,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Jake Cole
- Slant Magazine
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Achievement in Production Design Barbie
Weekly Commentary: If you’re keeping track of the contenders vying for Academy Awards this season, you might have noted Variety’s prediction that Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” could clinch a single award for production design, sparking a flurry of discussions within the punditry community.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Achievement in Production Design Barbie
Weekly Commentary: If you’re keeping track of the contenders vying for Academy Awards this season, you might have noted Variety’s prediction that Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” could clinch a single award for production design, sparking a flurry of discussions within the punditry community.
- 3/7/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
As she strolls comfortably toward multiple Oscar nominations for “Barbie,” Greta Gerwig is on track to set several Academy Awards records tied to her age, gender and the movie’s financial success. In terms of more general achievements, perhaps the most impressive one in her reach is becoming the first filmmaker to have all of her initial three solo features contend for Best Picture. Over the past 95 years, many directors have had shots at earning that distinction and a few have come remarkably close, but none of their chances have been quite as strong as hers.
Since Gerwig did not produce her first two independently-directed films – “Lady Bird” (2017) and “Little Women” (2019) – and, per academy rules, cannot officially share in a “Barbie” Best Picture nomination due to her screen credit of “executive producer” (rather than the qualifying “producer” or “produced by”), she does not and will not soon have any bids...
Since Gerwig did not produce her first two independently-directed films – “Lady Bird” (2017) and “Little Women” (2019) – and, per academy rules, cannot officially share in a “Barbie” Best Picture nomination due to her screen credit of “executive producer” (rather than the qualifying “producer” or “produced by”), she does not and will not soon have any bids...
- 12/21/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
One of the greatest decisions made by Lorne Michaels when creating “Saturday Night Live” was to have a different guest host each week for the variety sketch program. Audiences greet each episode with new enthusiasm to see how that celebrity will handle the challenges of a live 90-minute show.
The program debuted 47 years ago on October 11, 1975. Let’s take a photo gallery tour of our choices for the 30 best “SNL” guest hosts over these four-and-a-half decades. Past cast members who returned to host are not included in our gallery.
It should be no surprise that our gallery is headed by the two men who have hosted the most times on the show: Steve Martin (15) in first place and Alec Baldwin (17) in second place. Almost all of the members of the “Five-Timers Club” are scattered throughout our rankings, including John Goodman (13), Tom Hanks (10), Buck Henry (10), Christopher Walken (7), Drew Barrymore (6), Elliott Gould...
The program debuted 47 years ago on October 11, 1975. Let’s take a photo gallery tour of our choices for the 30 best “SNL” guest hosts over these four-and-a-half decades. Past cast members who returned to host are not included in our gallery.
It should be no surprise that our gallery is headed by the two men who have hosted the most times on the show: Steve Martin (15) in first place and Alec Baldwin (17) in second place. Almost all of the members of the “Five-Timers Club” are scattered throughout our rankings, including John Goodman (13), Tom Hanks (10), Buck Henry (10), Christopher Walken (7), Drew Barrymore (6), Elliott Gould...
- 12/2/2023
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
As we made abundantly clear earlier this week, the Film Independent Spirit Awards are—to coin a phrase—a safe space for comedy. From the early quips of a Buck Henry or Kevin Pollack to more recent outings by laughmongers ranging from A (Fred Armisen) to V (Melissa Villaseñor), only the funniest 1% of carbon-based lifeforms are permitted to direct awards show traffic from our proprietary beachfront dais.
This year is no exception, which is why we’re thrilled today to announce the host of the Spirit Awards, 2024 edition: the wonderful, hilarious Aidy Bryant! Yup—Lil’ Baby Aidy. Comedian. Showrunner. Writer. Actor. SNL alumna. National treasure. And now? Spirit Awards host. Welcome to the club, Aidy!
“We’re thrilled to have the incandescently talented Aidy Bryant joining us to host the 39th annual Spirit Awards,” says Film Independent President Josh Welsh. “Through her humor, skill and seemingly endless supply of energy,...
This year is no exception, which is why we’re thrilled today to announce the host of the Spirit Awards, 2024 edition: the wonderful, hilarious Aidy Bryant! Yup—Lil’ Baby Aidy. Comedian. Showrunner. Writer. Actor. SNL alumna. National treasure. And now? Spirit Awards host. Welcome to the club, Aidy!
“We’re thrilled to have the incandescently talented Aidy Bryant joining us to host the 39th annual Spirit Awards,” says Film Independent President Josh Welsh. “Through her humor, skill and seemingly endless supply of energy,...
- 11/30/2023
- by Matt Warren
- Film Independent News & More
Obliterated is a high-octane action comedy series created by Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald. The Netflix series revolves around an elite team from various branches of the US armed forces in order to stop a terrorist attack that could wipe out Las Vegas. When the team thinks that they have completed their mission, they spend their night celebrating with lots of alcohol and drugs but disaster strikes when they find out that the threat is still active and they only have a day to save Vegas. In the haze of alcohol and drugs, the team gathers and goes on a mission to save Sin City. Obliterated stars Nick Zano, Shelley Henning, Terrence Terrell, and Alyson Gorske. So, if you loved Obliterated here are some similar shows you could watch next.
Archer (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – FX
Synopsis: The suave, confident and devastatingly handsome Sterling Archer may...
Archer (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – FX
Synopsis: The suave, confident and devastatingly handsome Sterling Archer may...
- 11/30/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
If the Film Independent Spirit Awards are famous for anything, it’s undoubtedly the vociferous championing of innovative emerging cinematic voices. If the Spirit Awards are famous for a second thing, it would perhaps be the show’s irreverent presentation—encompassing everything from our unlikely beachfront home to the show’s perverse embrace of abstract fashion choices, pet participation and (of course!) comedy. From Buck Henry’s early-day quips, to Kevin Pollak’s Miramax-era industry jibes, to the elaborate sketches, parodies and musical numbers of the modern era, at the Spirit Awards lulz are king.
So, with the host of the 2024 Spirit Awards confirmed and ready to be announced this Thursday, November 30 we thought it might be appropriate today to look back at some of our favorite gut-busting Spirit Awards comedy bits of yesteryear, from the occult blood sacrifice of Tiger Beat cutie-pies, to lesbian “glove lunch” cruising sessions, to a Canadian heavy metal invasion,...
So, with the host of the 2024 Spirit Awards confirmed and ready to be announced this Thursday, November 30 we thought it might be appropriate today to look back at some of our favorite gut-busting Spirit Awards comedy bits of yesteryear, from the occult blood sacrifice of Tiger Beat cutie-pies, to lesbian “glove lunch” cruising sessions, to a Canadian heavy metal invasion,...
- 11/27/2023
- by Matt Warren
- Film Independent News & More
Robert Rodriguez has directed the upcoming American spy comedy movie ‘Spy Kids: Armageddon’ which serves as a reboot to the original franchise of Spy Kids.
The plot revolves around members of the greatest secret agents of children in the world inadvertently helping a powerful Game Developer to unleash a computer virus that leads him to gain control over all technology after which they become compelled to turn into spies themselves in order to save their parents as well as the entire world. The movie is scheduled to be released on Netflix on September 22, 2023.
Following is a list of other spy comedy movies that you might be interested in if you are waiting for ‘Spy Kids: Armageddon’ to be released.
Also Read: Top 10 Television Series Like the Upcoming Gen V.
Top 10 Films Like Spy Kids: Armageddon. Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)- Vanity Fair
Matthew Vaughn directed this spy action comedy movie...
The plot revolves around members of the greatest secret agents of children in the world inadvertently helping a powerful Game Developer to unleash a computer virus that leads him to gain control over all technology after which they become compelled to turn into spies themselves in order to save their parents as well as the entire world. The movie is scheduled to be released on Netflix on September 22, 2023.
Following is a list of other spy comedy movies that you might be interested in if you are waiting for ‘Spy Kids: Armageddon’ to be released.
Also Read: Top 10 Television Series Like the Upcoming Gen V.
Top 10 Films Like Spy Kids: Armageddon. Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)- Vanity Fair
Matthew Vaughn directed this spy action comedy movie...
- 9/3/2023
- by Suvechchha Saha
- https://dailyresearchplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/new-sam
Jules is a sci-fi comedy-drama film directed by Marc Turtletaub from a screenplay by Gavin Steckler. The sci-fi film follows the story of an old man who lives a quiet life but his life gets upended when a UFO crashed into his backyard and an alien becomes his houseguest. Soon, his quiet life gets thrown into chaos as his nosy neighbors get involved in his life and the government closes in on the alien’s location. Jules stars the always brilliant Ben Kingsley in the lead role with Jane Curtin, Harriet Sansom Harris, and Zoe Winters taking on supporting roles. So, if you loved Jules here are some similar movies for you to check out next.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Universal Pictures
Synopsis: Journey back to the magic and adventure of “one of the great American films” (Leonard Maltin) with E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,...
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Universal Pictures
Synopsis: Journey back to the magic and adventure of “one of the great American films” (Leonard Maltin) with E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,...
- 8/23/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Former “Saturday Night Live” star, Jane Curtin, was taken by surprise by the longstanding show’s humourless early episodes.
Curtin, who served as one of the original “SNL” cast members, recently rewatched the award-winning comedy show’s earliest sketches with her family and was shocked by the absent laughter.
“We were sent the five year compilation video of ‘Saturday Night Live”s first five years a few years ago, and I gave one to my daughter,” Curtin, 75, recalled to People. “We were out visiting her daughter one Christmas, and her husband said, ‘Have you ever watched any of these? And I said, ‘God, I haven’t seen them in a long time.’
Read More: Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman Remember The Big Backstage ‘SNL’ Fight Between Bill Murray And Chevy Chase
“He said, ‘would you mind if we watch one?’ And I said, ‘No, great! Pick one!'” she continued,...
Curtin, who served as one of the original “SNL” cast members, recently rewatched the award-winning comedy show’s earliest sketches with her family and was shocked by the absent laughter.
“We were sent the five year compilation video of ‘Saturday Night Live”s first five years a few years ago, and I gave one to my daughter,” Curtin, 75, recalled to People. “We were out visiting her daughter one Christmas, and her husband said, ‘Have you ever watched any of these? And I said, ‘God, I haven’t seen them in a long time.’
Read More: Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman Remember The Big Backstage ‘SNL’ Fight Between Bill Murray And Chevy Chase
“He said, ‘would you mind if we watch one?’ And I said, ‘No, great! Pick one!'” she continued,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
I've never been a fan of asking "what happens next" at the end of a movie or television show. If the director and the writers have done their job, the story worth telling is over. Everything I need to know about these characters and ponder about the narrative's themes has been relayed. All that's left to do is interpret what's been presented. That should be more than enough to chew on.
Alas, we live in an era of fan fiction where people would rather speculate than wrestle with what is hopefully a rich, challenging text. This is nothing new. For over 50 years, people have been wondering what happens to Benjamin and Elaine after they ride off in the bus at the end of "The Graduate." I've always liked screenwriter Buck Henry's answer. And when we do get sequels to great movies and series, the answers aren't always comforting or...
Alas, we live in an era of fan fiction where people would rather speculate than wrestle with what is hopefully a rich, challenging text. This is nothing new. For over 50 years, people have been wondering what happens to Benjamin and Elaine after they ride off in the bus at the end of "The Graduate." I've always liked screenwriter Buck Henry's answer. And when we do get sequels to great movies and series, the answers aren't always comforting or...
- 8/3/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Lawrence Turman Dies: Oscar-Nominated Producer Of ‘The Graduate’, ‘American History X’ & More Was 96
Oscar-nominated producer Lawrence Turman died Saturday at the Motion Picture and Television Country Home and Hospital. He was 96. He had a stellar career not only as a producer of such seminal films as The Graduate (1967), The Great White Hope (1970), American History X (1998) and many more in a producing career that lasted six decades, but he also took a significant turn when he left his partnership with producer David Foster to head the prestigious Peter Stark Producing Program at USC in 1991, an association that continued until his retirement just two years ago.
His son, John Turman, confirmed the death to Deadline. “Our father Lawrence Turman passed away late yesterday,” he said. “It’s sad, but he had a long and storied life, and it’s the passing of an era.” He added that the MPTF is planning a memorial service as well as USC at a later date.
Related: Hollywood & Media...
His son, John Turman, confirmed the death to Deadline. “Our father Lawrence Turman passed away late yesterday,” he said. “It’s sad, but he had a long and storied life, and it’s the passing of an era.” He added that the MPTF is planning a memorial service as well as USC at a later date.
Related: Hollywood & Media...
- 7/3/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Lawrence Turman, the principled Oscar-nominated producer of The Graduate who was behind other films including The Great White Hope, Pretty Poison, American History X and the last movie Judy Garland ever made, has died. He was 96.
Turman died Saturday at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, his family announced.
A former agent, he and producer David Foster began a 20-year partnership in 1974, and the first film to come out of the Turman Foster Co. was Stuart Rosenberg’s The Drowning Pool (1975), starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.
They went their separate ways in 1991 when Turman left to begin an association heading the esteemed Peter Stark Producing Program at USC that lasted until his retirement in 2021.
However, Turman wasn’t done producing, and in 1996 he and John Morrissey launched the Turman-Morrissey Co., which made the Jamie Foxx-starring Booty Call (1997); Tony Kaye’s American History X...
Turman died Saturday at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, his family announced.
A former agent, he and producer David Foster began a 20-year partnership in 1974, and the first film to come out of the Turman Foster Co. was Stuart Rosenberg’s The Drowning Pool (1975), starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.
They went their separate ways in 1991 when Turman left to begin an association heading the esteemed Peter Stark Producing Program at USC that lasted until his retirement in 2021.
However, Turman wasn’t done producing, and in 1996 he and John Morrissey launched the Turman-Morrissey Co., which made the Jamie Foxx-starring Booty Call (1997); Tony Kaye’s American History X...
- 7/3/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When I was a little kid in the 1960s and a teen in the 1970s, there was simply no one cooler than Mel Brooks. He was the guy (along with Buck Henry) who created and wrote the comedy masterpiece “Get Smart,” and even as a child I could recognize the genius behind it. While I was a little too young to appreciate the greatness of his 1967 directorial debut, “The Producers”, once the ’70s rolled around I was in comedy heaven thanks to “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein.” Those two classics of big screen comedy came out the same year: 1974.
As a result, I spent much of that year as a high school sophomore and junior laughing my proverbial butt off in movie theaters (those things we used to frequent prior to the advent of streaming technology). The campfire farting scene in “Bs” was my generation’s comedic colossus.
I lost...
As a result, I spent much of that year as a high school sophomore and junior laughing my proverbial butt off in movie theaters (those things we used to frequent prior to the advent of streaming technology). The campfire farting scene in “Bs” was my generation’s comedic colossus.
I lost...
- 6/28/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
“They’re gonna put me in the movies,” Ringo Starr sang on The Ed Sullivan Show as the Beatles covered Buck Owens’ hit “Act Naturally.” The 1965 appearance featured songs from the group’s new film, Help!, director Richard Lester’s send-up of James Bond movies and other elements of spymania, as well as a follow-up to the greatest jukebox movie ever made, A Hard Day’s Night (1964). Both films put the rhythm up front. It was natural.
Prior to the nationally broadcast live performance, Starr prepared the audience by introducing himself as “all nervous and out of tune,” and smiled embarrassedly without missing or slowing a beat through his propulsive country swing. Starr was a natural performer, a locally famous beat-keeper in Liverpool before joining the Beatles, whose rhythm patterns had a character which set him apart from other drummers. His beats had personality. As the song says, he played the...
Prior to the nationally broadcast live performance, Starr prepared the audience by introducing himself as “all nervous and out of tune,” and smiled embarrassedly without missing or slowing a beat through his propulsive country swing. Starr was a natural performer, a locally famous beat-keeper in Liverpool before joining the Beatles, whose rhythm patterns had a character which set him apart from other drummers. His beats had personality. As the song says, he played the...
- 3/25/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
As if watching their film “Everything Everywhere All at Once” rake in the accolades at the Academy Awards wasn’t gratifying enough, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (a.k.a. the Daniels) also entered the history books as the third directing duo in history to win Best Director.
The Daniels’ nomination was the fourth time a team of two had been up for the prize, with previous nominations going to Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise for 1961’s “West Side Story,” Buck Henry and Warren Beatty for 1978’s “Heaven Can Wait” and Ethan and Joel Coen 2007’s “No Country for Old Men.”
Also Read:
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ Directors Daniels Spice Up Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Opening Credits (Video)
With the Daniels’ win, directing duos have gone three for four at the Academy Awards, suggesting that, once nominated, the Academy has little problem seeing directing as a team sport.
The...
The Daniels’ nomination was the fourth time a team of two had been up for the prize, with previous nominations going to Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise for 1961’s “West Side Story,” Buck Henry and Warren Beatty for 1978’s “Heaven Can Wait” and Ethan and Joel Coen 2007’s “No Country for Old Men.”
Also Read:
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ Directors Daniels Spice Up Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Opening Credits (Video)
With the Daniels’ win, directing duos have gone three for four at the Academy Awards, suggesting that, once nominated, the Academy has little problem seeing directing as a team sport.
The...
- 3/13/2023
- by Libby Hill
- The Wrap
The 2023 Oscar nominees for Best Director are Todd Field (“Tar”), Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”), Martin McDonagh (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), Ruben Östlund (“Triangle of Sadness”), and Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”). Our odds currently show that Kwan and Scheinert – aka the Daniels – are most likely to win (16/5), followed in order by Spielberg (19/5), McDonagh (9/2), Field (9/2), and Östlund (9/2).
Spielberg is the only returning directing contender in the bunch, with eight past bids under his belt for “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1978), “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1982), “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1983), “Schindler’s List” (1994), “Saving Private Ryan” (1999), “Munich” (2006), “Lincoln” (2013), and “West Side Story” (2022). He prevailed on both his fourth and fifth outings and shared in a Best Picture win as a producer of “Schindler’s List.” This new notice makes him the first back-to-back directing nominee since 2015 and 2016 champion Alejandro González Iñárritu (“Birdman” and “The Revenant”).
For the first time in Oscars history,...
Spielberg is the only returning directing contender in the bunch, with eight past bids under his belt for “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1978), “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1982), “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1983), “Schindler’s List” (1994), “Saving Private Ryan” (1999), “Munich” (2006), “Lincoln” (2013), and “West Side Story” (2022). He prevailed on both his fourth and fifth outings and shared in a Best Picture win as a producer of “Schindler’s List.” This new notice makes him the first back-to-back directing nominee since 2015 and 2016 champion Alejandro González Iñárritu (“Birdman” and “The Revenant”).
For the first time in Oscars history,...
- 3/10/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
From The Video Archives Podcast, writer/director Roger Avary and writer/producer Gala Avary discuss a few of their favorite movies with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Taxi Driver (1976)
Star Wars (1977)
Matinee (1993)
Dune (1984)
Terror On A Train a.k.a. Time Bomb (1953)
Licorice Pizza (2021)
Batman (1989)
Yentl (1983)
Nuts (1987)
Spaceballs (1987)
Die Hard (1988)
Top Gun (1986)
Cocksucker Blues (1972)
Mijn nachten met Susan, Olga, Albert, Julie, Piet & Sandra (1975)
Straw Dogs (1971)
The Godfather (1972)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Day Of The Dolphin (1973)
Babylon (2022)
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (2022)
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979)
Carrie (1976)
Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1995)
Blow Out (1981)
The Matrix (1999)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Killing Zoe (1993)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The Tenant (1976)
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Bugsy Malone (1976)
Phantom Of The Paradise (1974)
The Muppet Movie (1979)
The Rules Of Attraction (2002)
The Sound Of Music (1965)
Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)
Giant (1956)
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Babe (1995)
Time Bandits...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Taxi Driver (1976)
Star Wars (1977)
Matinee (1993)
Dune (1984)
Terror On A Train a.k.a. Time Bomb (1953)
Licorice Pizza (2021)
Batman (1989)
Yentl (1983)
Nuts (1987)
Spaceballs (1987)
Die Hard (1988)
Top Gun (1986)
Cocksucker Blues (1972)
Mijn nachten met Susan, Olga, Albert, Julie, Piet & Sandra (1975)
Straw Dogs (1971)
The Godfather (1972)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Day Of The Dolphin (1973)
Babylon (2022)
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (2022)
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979)
Carrie (1976)
Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1995)
Blow Out (1981)
The Matrix (1999)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Killing Zoe (1993)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The Tenant (1976)
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Bugsy Malone (1976)
Phantom Of The Paradise (1974)
The Muppet Movie (1979)
The Rules Of Attraction (2002)
The Sound Of Music (1965)
Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)
Giant (1956)
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Babe (1995)
Time Bandits...
- 2/28/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Ever since the printing press was invented, there's been no shortage of instances of books being banned. The reasons for these bans run the gamut from the religious to the political to the moral. Because the standards of decency have changed so much over the centuries, books that were once considered obscene are now socially acceptable, and sometimes, it's the other way around.
While the general intent of banning a book is to prevent readers from engaging with it, it often has the opposite effect. Labeling a book "forbidden" can bring more attention to it. This "Streisand Effect" makes a lot of sense. When the powers that be condemn a piece of media, this only increases the audience's curiosity about why it's so controversial. Not only have bans led to books becoming more popular, but it has also led to them getting the big screen treatment. Hollywood has rarely shied away from capitalizing on controversy,...
While the general intent of banning a book is to prevent readers from engaging with it, it often has the opposite effect. Labeling a book "forbidden" can bring more attention to it. This "Streisand Effect" makes a lot of sense. When the powers that be condemn a piece of media, this only increases the audience's curiosity about why it's so controversial. Not only have bans led to books becoming more popular, but it has also led to them getting the big screen treatment. Hollywood has rarely shied away from capitalizing on controversy,...
- 2/22/2023
- by Joe Garza
- Slash Film
There’s no “I” in “team,” but there is an “I” in “director.” Maybe that’s why the Oscar for Best Director is almost always a solo affair. Though filmmaking is a collaborative medium with contributions from hundreds of professionals from various fields and disciplines, there’s usually just one person sitting in the director’s chair and thus only one person stepping up to the Oscar podium to accept the trophy. But Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert could accept Best Director together for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
SEEHow to watch ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ online
This is only the fifth time that a directing duo has even been nominated at the Oscars. The first time was when Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins contended for “West Side Story” (1961). Then came Warren Beatty and Buck Henry for “Heaven Can Wait” (1978). Joel and Ethan Coen were nominated together for “No Country for Old Men...
SEEHow to watch ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ online
This is only the fifth time that a directing duo has even been nominated at the Oscars. The first time was when Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins contended for “West Side Story” (1961). Then came Warren Beatty and Buck Henry for “Heaven Can Wait” (1978). Joel and Ethan Coen were nominated together for “No Country for Old Men...
- 1/26/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Steven Spielberg, Martin McDonagh, Todd Field, Joseph Kosinski and the team of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert have been nominated by the Directors Guild of America, which announced its nominees in the film categories for the 75th annual DGA Awards on Wednesday.
Spielberg was nominated for “The Fabelmans,” McDonagh for “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Field for “Tár,” Kosinski for “Top Gun: Maverick” and Kwan and Scheinert, who direct together under the name “The Daniels,” for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
It was the 13th DGA nomination for Spielberg, breaking his own record as the director with the most noms. Martin Scorsese is second with 10, and no other living director has more than five.
Kwan and Scheinert are the eighth directing team to be nominated for the top DGA award. The first was Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen for “Singin’ in the Rain” in 1952, followed by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama...
Spielberg was nominated for “The Fabelmans,” McDonagh for “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Field for “Tár,” Kosinski for “Top Gun: Maverick” and Kwan and Scheinert, who direct together under the name “The Daniels,” for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
It was the 13th DGA nomination for Spielberg, breaking his own record as the director with the most noms. Martin Scorsese is second with 10, and no other living director has more than five.
Kwan and Scheinert are the eighth directing team to be nominated for the top DGA award. The first was Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen for “Singin’ in the Rain” in 1952, followed by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama...
- 1/11/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Right out of the gate, Chevy Chase became a household name and the clear standout performer when "Saturday Night Live" premiered in the fall of 1975. As the first anchor of Weekend Update, Chase had the most prominent screen time out of anyone in the cast and, instantaneously, his frat-boy good looks and unique comedic timing were beamed into the living rooms of millions of Americans. His persona seemed to be the most relatable to the average viewer. John Belushi was a little frightening, Danny Aykroyd looked way too amped up, Jane Curtain was too intimidating, and Gilda Radner was just too smart. Chase was just like the popular kid at school that would make you laugh over a couple of beers.
One of the main reasons audiences would stay home and tune in every week was to see the daring prat falls that Chase would commit with reckless abandon. His...
One of the main reasons audiences would stay home and tune in every week was to see the daring prat falls that Chase would commit with reckless abandon. His...
- 1/10/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
There are some people who were clearly born to be movie stars, whose combination of looks, charisma, and talent are just undeniable. Steve Martin is one of them. His '30s-matinee-idol meets playful-imp face combined with his comedic sensibilities being both anarchic and intelligent is a combination so dynamite, it's almost like he was destined to be on screen.
Yet the man whose career has spanned several decades, up to and including his current well-received Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building," was at one time considered not bankable enough to matter to executives at Paramount Pictures. The studio was where Martin and his collaborators (primarily co-writer Carl Gottlieb) developed what would become Martin's feature film debut, 1979's "The Jerk." In a quirk of the movie industry commonly known as "stupidity," Paramount executives decided not to shepherd Martin to the big screen, instead giving Universal the chance to receive box office success,...
Yet the man whose career has spanned several decades, up to and including his current well-received Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building," was at one time considered not bankable enough to matter to executives at Paramount Pictures. The studio was where Martin and his collaborators (primarily co-writer Carl Gottlieb) developed what would become Martin's feature film debut, 1979's "The Jerk." In a quirk of the movie industry commonly known as "stupidity," Paramount executives decided not to shepherd Martin to the big screen, instead giving Universal the chance to receive box office success,...
- 12/31/2022
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
Writer/Director Lucky McKee discusses a few of his favorite movies with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Tár (2022)
Speed Racer (2008)
The Matrix (1999)
Gloria (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Old Man (2022)
Don’t Breathe (2016)
Avatar (2009)
Band of the Hand (1986)
May (2002)
The Piano (1993)
The Crying Game (1992)
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi (1983)
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack Of The Clones (2002)
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith (2005)
The Dark Crystal (1982) – Bernard Rose’s trailer commentary
Cockfighter (1974) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary
Days of Heaven (1978)
Sweetie (1989)
The Power of the Dog (2021)
Do The Right Thing (1989) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
A History Of Violence (2005)
Se7en (1995)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary,...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Tár (2022)
Speed Racer (2008)
The Matrix (1999)
Gloria (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Old Man (2022)
Don’t Breathe (2016)
Avatar (2009)
Band of the Hand (1986)
May (2002)
The Piano (1993)
The Crying Game (1992)
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi (1983)
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack Of The Clones (2002)
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith (2005)
The Dark Crystal (1982) – Bernard Rose’s trailer commentary
Cockfighter (1974) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary
Days of Heaven (1978)
Sweetie (1989)
The Power of the Dog (2021)
Do The Right Thing (1989) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
A History Of Violence (2005)
Se7en (1995)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary,...
- 11/1/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Click here to read the full article.
Gary Nelson, who directed the Disney films Freaky Friday and The Black Hole, served as the in-house helmer on the first two seasons of Get Smart and called the shots for scores of other shows, has died. He was 87.
Nelson died May 25 in Las Vegas of natural causes, his son Garrett Nelson told The Hollywood Reporter.
His father was Sam Nelson, who served as an assistant director on such landmark films as The Lady From Shanghai (1947), All the King’s Men (1949), Some Like It Hot (1959) and Experiment in Terror (1962) and was a co-founder, along with King Vidor and others, of what would become the DGA.
Gary Nelson started out as an A.D., too, working on films including Nicholas Ray’s Rebel Without a Cause (1955), John Ford’s The Searchers (1956) and John Sturges’ Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), before he got a big break thanks to his future wife,...
Gary Nelson, who directed the Disney films Freaky Friday and The Black Hole, served as the in-house helmer on the first two seasons of Get Smart and called the shots for scores of other shows, has died. He was 87.
Nelson died May 25 in Las Vegas of natural causes, his son Garrett Nelson told The Hollywood Reporter.
His father was Sam Nelson, who served as an assistant director on such landmark films as The Lady From Shanghai (1947), All the King’s Men (1949), Some Like It Hot (1959) and Experiment in Terror (1962) and was a co-founder, along with King Vidor and others, of what would become the DGA.
Gary Nelson started out as an A.D., too, working on films including Nicholas Ray’s Rebel Without a Cause (1955), John Ford’s The Searchers (1956) and John Sturges’ Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), before he got a big break thanks to his future wife,...
- 9/10/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s no mystery why Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” is nominated for 17 Emmy Awards including comedy series, actor and guest actor and actress: a delish plot, snappy dialogue, pitch-perfect directing, and a cast to die for led by Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez. They are “The Three Amigos” for the 21st century. To celebrate the series, which recently had its second season finale, why not look at some fun facts and trivia of the cast many of whom already have mantle full of honors.
Steve Martin
Talk about a modern-day Renaissance man. Martin is an actor, writer, musician-he plays a mean banjo-composer and ace tap dancers. Is there anything he can’t do? Martin won an honorary Oscar in 2014, the AFI’s Life Achievement Award in 2015, four Grammy Awards including two for best comedy recording in 1978 and 1979, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2007 such critics honors...
Steve Martin
Talk about a modern-day Renaissance man. Martin is an actor, writer, musician-he plays a mean banjo-composer and ace tap dancers. Is there anything he can’t do? Martin won an honorary Oscar in 2014, the AFI’s Life Achievement Award in 2015, four Grammy Awards including two for best comedy recording in 1978 and 1979, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2007 such critics honors...
- 9/5/2022
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Bob Rafelson, the director, producer and writer who brought a European sensibility to American filmmaking with “Five Easy Pieces” in 1970, died Saturday evening at his home in Aspen, Colo. He was 89 years old.
Rafelson’s death was confirmed by his former personal assistant of 38 years, Jolene Wolff, who worked under Rafelson’s production banner Marmont Productions. Wolff stated that Rafelson died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
The Monkees vocalist and drummer Micky Dolenz, the final surviving member of the music group, offered a statement on Rafelson’s death Sunday afternoon.
“One day in the spring of 1966, I cut my classes in architecture at L.A. Trade Tech to take an audition for a new TV show called ‘The Monkees.’ The co-creator/producer of the show was Bob Rafelson,” Dolenz said. “At first, I mistook him for another actor there for the audition. Needless-to-say, I got the part and it completely altered my life.
Rafelson’s death was confirmed by his former personal assistant of 38 years, Jolene Wolff, who worked under Rafelson’s production banner Marmont Productions. Wolff stated that Rafelson died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
The Monkees vocalist and drummer Micky Dolenz, the final surviving member of the music group, offered a statement on Rafelson’s death Sunday afternoon.
“One day in the spring of 1966, I cut my classes in architecture at L.A. Trade Tech to take an audition for a new TV show called ‘The Monkees.’ The co-creator/producer of the show was Bob Rafelson,” Dolenz said. “At first, I mistook him for another actor there for the audition. Needless-to-say, I got the part and it completely altered my life.
- 7/24/2022
- by Rick Schultz and J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Ground control to Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet: the stars are aligned, but look very different today. The Man Who Fell to Earth is a standalone sequel series, using Nicholas Roeg’s 1976 film as an alternative energy source. With Walter Tevis’ 1963 science fiction novel The Man Who Fell to Earth as a launching pad, the film starred David Bowie as Thomas Jerome Newton, an overstay from a galaxy not that far away. Showtime’s new series stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as K. Faraday. He is an immigrant from that same planet, Anthea.
The fusion between the two projects is clear from the opening mission statement. Newton came to “the planet of water,” because his home planet is burning dry. Earth has the resources he needs to save it, but terrestrial forces get in the way. The new series takes place half a century after Newton built a corporate conglomerate with...
The fusion between the two projects is clear from the opening mission statement. Newton came to “the planet of water,” because his home planet is burning dry. Earth has the resources he needs to save it, but terrestrial forces get in the way. The new series takes place half a century after Newton built a corporate conglomerate with...
- 5/9/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
In the history of cinema, one of the most prescient and brilliantly searing indictments of Hollywood, and of the inherent unimaginativeness pervasive in studio execs, comes via Robert Altman’s 1992 Tinseltown satire “The Player.” Specifically, the scene where Buck Henry tries to sell shallow studio exec Tim Robbins the banal idea for “The Graduate II.” Hilarious, biting, and sharp, the moment speaks volumes about Hollywood’s predisposition for playing it safe, superficial sequels, and keeping that gravy train running.
Continue reading ‘The Offer’ Review: Look How They Massacred The Story Of My Boy, ‘The Godfather’ at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Offer’ Review: Look How They Massacred The Story Of My Boy, ‘The Godfather’ at The Playlist.
- 4/24/2022
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
"Fight Club" is a grimy, dark examination of American masculinity and consumerism that has a lot more in common with the Mike Nichols romantic comedy "The Graduate" than you would think. Edward Norton plays The Narrator, an unnamed, miserable insurance salesman with insomnia who forms a fight club and terrorist organization against capitalism with a soap salesman named Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). Both Norton and director David Fincher noticed similarities between "Fight Club" and "The Graduate," the story of the aimless college graduate Benjamin Braddock who starts an affair with his older neighbor, Mrs. Robinson.
This led producer Laura Ziskin to ask "The Graduate" screenwriter Buck Henry to join the...
The post The Coming-of-Age Romantic Comedy That Inspired Fight Club appeared first on /Film.
This led producer Laura Ziskin to ask "The Graduate" screenwriter Buck Henry to join the...
The post The Coming-of-Age Romantic Comedy That Inspired Fight Club appeared first on /Film.
- 3/28/2022
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
At Sunday’s WGA Awards, late-night host, comedian and writer Dick Cavett received the Evelyn F. Burkey Award, speaking in his acceptance speech about what writing means to him.
“Writing is one of the great bastions of civilizations. It’s a branch of the art that needs preserving,” he said in the pre-taped segment, “and I thought I’d try to get through this without using the word ‘honor,’ but this is an honor.”
The honoree, who hosted multiple iterations of The Dick Cavett Show over the course of almost two decades, also fondly recalled time spent with the innumerable literary icons that graced his show. “I have been lucky to spend time with some of the most colorful, wonderful people in this county and the world, and they were writers. Ms. Burkey, whose name is on this award, was a real character. She’s done millions of good things for writers,...
“Writing is one of the great bastions of civilizations. It’s a branch of the art that needs preserving,” he said in the pre-taped segment, “and I thought I’d try to get through this without using the word ‘honor,’ but this is an honor.”
The honoree, who hosted multiple iterations of The Dick Cavett Show over the course of almost two decades, also fondly recalled time spent with the innumerable literary icons that graced his show. “I have been lucky to spend time with some of the most colorful, wonderful people in this county and the world, and they were writers. Ms. Burkey, whose name is on this award, was a real character. She’s done millions of good things for writers,...
- 3/21/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Dick Cavett has been named as the recipient of Writers Guild of America, East’s Evelyn F. Burkey Award for 2022. Late Night’s Seth Meyers will present the late night host, comedian and writer with the honor at the virtual WGA Awards ceremony taking place on March 20.
The award, recognizing someone who has brought honor and dignity to writers, was established in 1978 to honor Burkey, who dedicated her professional life to supporting writers, helping to create the Writers Guild of America, East in 1954, and serving as its executive director until her retirement in 1972. Past recipients include James Schamus, Edward Albee, Walter Bernstein, Joan Didion, Claire Labine, Walter Cronkite, Arthur Miller, Sidney Lumet and Martin Scorsese.
“Thank you to the Writers Guild of America, East for honoring me with the Evelyn F. Burkey Award,” said Cavett. “I am very grateful to receive this distinguished award from my union and want to thank all the people,...
The award, recognizing someone who has brought honor and dignity to writers, was established in 1978 to honor Burkey, who dedicated her professional life to supporting writers, helping to create the Writers Guild of America, East in 1954, and serving as its executive director until her retirement in 1972. Past recipients include James Schamus, Edward Albee, Walter Bernstein, Joan Didion, Claire Labine, Walter Cronkite, Arthur Miller, Sidney Lumet and Martin Scorsese.
“Thank you to the Writers Guild of America, East for honoring me with the Evelyn F. Burkey Award,” said Cavett. “I am very grateful to receive this distinguished award from my union and want to thank all the people,...
- 3/14/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Writer/director Adam McKay kicks off Season 5 by discussing a few of his favorite movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Parasite (2019) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
The Big Short (2015)
Vice (2018)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary links
The Second Civil War (1997) – Glenn Erickson’s trailer commentary, Joe Dante revisits the movie
Network (1976) – Chris Wilkinson’s trailer commentary
Broadcast News (1987)
To Die For (1995) – Illeana Douglas’s trailer commentary
The Hospital (1971) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Ace In The Hole (1951) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Dr. Strangelove (1964) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Over The Edge (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Warriors (1979)
River’s Edge (1986)
Tex (1982)
Rumble Fish (1983) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Parasite (2019) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
The Big Short (2015)
Vice (2018)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary links
The Second Civil War (1997) – Glenn Erickson’s trailer commentary, Joe Dante revisits the movie
Network (1976) – Chris Wilkinson’s trailer commentary
Broadcast News (1987)
To Die For (1995) – Illeana Douglas’s trailer commentary
The Hospital (1971) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Ace In The Hole (1951) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Dr. Strangelove (1964) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Over The Edge (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Warriors (1979)
River’s Edge (1986)
Tex (1982)
Rumble Fish (1983) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray...
- 1/18/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
SAG-AFTRA’s unclaimed residuals fund has grown to roughly $76 million – up 60% from $48 million six years ago. According to the union, the fund now contains 124,000 separate accounts for members and others, living and dead, that it can’t locate. That’s up from 96,000 accounts in 2016.
“The funds may be unclaimed for a variety of reasons including a bad address or as a result of mail returned for other reasons; unresolved estate issues, or the funds may be in trust for an inactive or dissolved loan out corporation,” a spokesperson for the union said. “Most often, residuals may be waiting for a recipient or their agent to formalize a change of address or submit the appropriate paperwork to claim the funds. The union uses a number of tools to locate and get money to those individuals due unclaimed residuals including mail, email and telephone outreach to last known address and telephone number,...
“The funds may be unclaimed for a variety of reasons including a bad address or as a result of mail returned for other reasons; unresolved estate issues, or the funds may be in trust for an inactive or dissolved loan out corporation,” a spokesperson for the union said. “Most often, residuals may be waiting for a recipient or their agent to formalize a change of address or submit the appropriate paperwork to claim the funds. The union uses a number of tools to locate and get money to those individuals due unclaimed residuals including mail, email and telephone outreach to last known address and telephone number,...
- 1/10/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s a reason George Lucas wouldn’t let people play with Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs toys, and it’s not what you think.
In the Star Wars universe, the empire always strikes back, but sometimes preemptively. Princess Vespa scooters, Lone Starr Pez dispensers, Barf air bags, and Prince Valium chewables are just a few things the retail market never got the chance to see because Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs merchandise never got off the launchpad.
“Merchandising is where the real money from the movie is made,” the learned Yogurt explains in the 1987 science fiction comedy. “Spaceballs the T-shirt! Spaceballs the coloring book! Spaceballs the lunchbox! Spaceballs the breakfast cereal! Spaceballs the flame-thrower! (The kids really love that one.)”
Brooks may be a comic genius, but he missed out on the most lucrative aspect of filmmaking: the toys. Sure, he proved how to make more money from a flop than a hit...
In the Star Wars universe, the empire always strikes back, but sometimes preemptively. Princess Vespa scooters, Lone Starr Pez dispensers, Barf air bags, and Prince Valium chewables are just a few things the retail market never got the chance to see because Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs merchandise never got off the launchpad.
“Merchandising is where the real money from the movie is made,” the learned Yogurt explains in the 1987 science fiction comedy. “Spaceballs the T-shirt! Spaceballs the coloring book! Spaceballs the lunchbox! Spaceballs the breakfast cereal! Spaceballs the flame-thrower! (The kids really love that one.)”
Brooks may be a comic genius, but he missed out on the most lucrative aspect of filmmaking: the toys. Sure, he proved how to make more money from a flop than a hit...
- 1/2/2022
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
Mel Brooks Awarded With the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Career Achievement Award
The Los Angeles Film Critics Association (Lafca) has announced that legendary filmmaker Mel Brooks will receive the Lafca Career Achievement Award.
Brooks began as a comic and writer on Sid Caesar’s variety show, “Your Show of Shows” and went on to create the comic character The 2000 Year Old Man with Carl Reiner. Brooks also wrote TV comedy series “Get Smart” with Buck Henry.
“Mel Brooks is a national treasure and a comedy filmmaking legend,” said Lafca president Claudia Puig. “Most of our members could probably quote whole swathes of his screenplays.” She added, “He not only has made us laugh uproariously, he has broken comic barriers and paved the way for and influenced generations of filmmakers after him.”
Brooks’ filmography includes “The Producers,” “Twelve Chairs,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Silent Movie” and “High Anxiety.” Brooks is also an Egot winner,...
The Los Angeles Film Critics Association (Lafca) has announced that legendary filmmaker Mel Brooks will receive the Lafca Career Achievement Award.
Brooks began as a comic and writer on Sid Caesar’s variety show, “Your Show of Shows” and went on to create the comic character The 2000 Year Old Man with Carl Reiner. Brooks also wrote TV comedy series “Get Smart” with Buck Henry.
“Mel Brooks is a national treasure and a comedy filmmaking legend,” said Lafca president Claudia Puig. “Most of our members could probably quote whole swathes of his screenplays.” She added, “He not only has made us laugh uproariously, he has broken comic barriers and paved the way for and influenced generations of filmmakers after him.”
Brooks’ filmography includes “The Producers,” “Twelve Chairs,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Silent Movie” and “High Anxiety.” Brooks is also an Egot winner,...
- 11/17/2021
- by Jennifer Yuma
- Variety Film + TV
‘The Wonder Years’ Co-Stars Alley Mills & Dan Lauria Reunite For Off Broadway’s ‘Morning’s At Seven’
Alley Mills will be reunited with her The Wonder Years husband Dan Lauria in the new Off Broadway production of Paul Osborn’s classic stage comedy Morning’s At Seven, a reteaming that comes as Mills replaces the recently injured Judith Ivey.
Mills, who stars on CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful, joins Lauria and other Morning’s At Seven cast members Lindsay Crouse, Alma Cuervo, Tony Roberts, John Rubinstein, Keri Safran, Jonathan Spivey and Patty McCormack (the latter most famously remembered as evil little Rhoda Penmark from 1956’s The Bad Seed).
The original Wonder Years mom was cast in the role of Arry after Ivey left the production due a torn tendon. (Nancy Ringham was a temporary replacement until Mills could join.)
“We are thrilled to have Alley Mills join our Morning’s At Seven family,” said producer Julian Schlossberg in a statement. “In the theatre, anything can happen,...
Mills, who stars on CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful, joins Lauria and other Morning’s At Seven cast members Lindsay Crouse, Alma Cuervo, Tony Roberts, John Rubinstein, Keri Safran, Jonathan Spivey and Patty McCormack (the latter most famously remembered as evil little Rhoda Penmark from 1956’s The Bad Seed).
The original Wonder Years mom was cast in the role of Arry after Ivey left the production due a torn tendon. (Nancy Ringham was a temporary replacement until Mills could join.)
“We are thrilled to have Alley Mills join our Morning’s At Seven family,” said producer Julian Schlossberg in a statement. “In the theatre, anything can happen,...
- 11/5/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
TV director Dan Attias discusses his favorite cinematic moments with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Sweet Smell of Success (1957) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
White Dog (1982)
Silver Bullet (1985)
Witness (1985)
The Verdict (1982)
Scent Of A Woman (1992)
The Piano (1993)
The Pawnbroker (1965)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
True Romance (1993)
Infested (2002)
A History Of Violence (2005)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary links
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary, John Landis’s trailer commentary
Jaws (1975) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion review
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion review
12 Angry Men (1957)
Dodes’ka-den (1970)
Memento (2000)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Other Notable Items
Phillips Club in NYC
Tfh Guru Alan Spencer
Sledge Hammer! TV series (1986-1988)
The Garland in...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Sweet Smell of Success (1957) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
White Dog (1982)
Silver Bullet (1985)
Witness (1985)
The Verdict (1982)
Scent Of A Woman (1992)
The Piano (1993)
The Pawnbroker (1965)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
True Romance (1993)
Infested (2002)
A History Of Violence (2005)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary links
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary, John Landis’s trailer commentary
Jaws (1975) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion review
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion review
12 Angry Men (1957)
Dodes’ka-den (1970)
Memento (2000)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Other Notable Items
Phillips Club in NYC
Tfh Guru Alan Spencer
Sledge Hammer! TV series (1986-1988)
The Garland in...
- 9/14/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
The comedian and former The Daily Show correspondent talks about his favorite Blaxploitation movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Casablanca (1942) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Castle (1997)
The Spook Who Sat By The Door (1973) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary
Pressure (1976)
Robinson Crusoe On Mars (1964) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Boss (1975)
Django Unchained (2012) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Thing With Two Heads (1972) – Stuart Gordon’s trailer commentary
The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant (1971)
The Liberation of L.B. Jones (1970)
Last of the Mobile Hot Shots (1970)
Black Samurai (1977)
Truck Turner (1974)
Schindler’s List (1993)
Black Caesar (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Hell Up In Harlem (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Judas And The Black Messiah (2021)
Friday Foster (1975)
That Man Bolt (1973)
Blacula (1972)
Foxy Brown (1974) – Jack Hill’s trailer commentary
Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde (1976)
Willie Dynamite (1973) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Billy Jack (1971)
John Wick (2014)
The Matrix (1999)
Cleopatra Jones...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Casablanca (1942) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Castle (1997)
The Spook Who Sat By The Door (1973) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary
Pressure (1976)
Robinson Crusoe On Mars (1964) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Boss (1975)
Django Unchained (2012) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Thing With Two Heads (1972) – Stuart Gordon’s trailer commentary
The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant (1971)
The Liberation of L.B. Jones (1970)
Last of the Mobile Hot Shots (1970)
Black Samurai (1977)
Truck Turner (1974)
Schindler’s List (1993)
Black Caesar (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Hell Up In Harlem (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Judas And The Black Messiah (2021)
Friday Foster (1975)
That Man Bolt (1973)
Blacula (1972)
Foxy Brown (1974) – Jack Hill’s trailer commentary
Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde (1976)
Willie Dynamite (1973) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Billy Jack (1971)
John Wick (2014)
The Matrix (1999)
Cleopatra Jones...
- 8/17/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Academy Award-winning director Barry Jenkins will serve as the guest director of this year’s Telluride Film Festival, the festival announced on Thursday.
Jenkins will select a series of films to present at the 48th Telluride Film Festival, which will take place Sept. 2-6, 2021.
“Each year as we think about who a good Guest Director would be, Tom and I weigh different factors,” executive director Julie Huntsinger said in a statement. “Many are based in the intellectual realm: film knowledge, appreciation and, of course, serious talent. But our recipe always includes something more ephemeral – something that has to do with the quality of the human heart. Rare is the person who exceeds on each of these criteria. Barry Jenkins checks every box and more. We feel lucky and a little incredulous that our long-time friend and very talented colleague has agreed to join us as Guest Director this year. The...
Jenkins will select a series of films to present at the 48th Telluride Film Festival, which will take place Sept. 2-6, 2021.
“Each year as we think about who a good Guest Director would be, Tom and I weigh different factors,” executive director Julie Huntsinger said in a statement. “Many are based in the intellectual realm: film knowledge, appreciation and, of course, serious talent. But our recipe always includes something more ephemeral – something that has to do with the quality of the human heart. Rare is the person who exceeds on each of these criteria. Barry Jenkins checks every box and more. We feel lucky and a little incredulous that our long-time friend and very talented colleague has agreed to join us as Guest Director this year. The...
- 6/17/2021
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Tonight, Saturday Night Live paid photographic tribute to Anne Beatts and Dmx, both of whom died this week.
Beatts, one of the late-night sketch show’s original writers, died on Wednesday at the age of 74. Her cause of death was not disclosed.
Beginning her career in comedy writing at National Lampoon magazine, Beatts wrote for SNL for five seasons, between 1975 and 1980. In concert with her writing partner Roshie Shuster, she created such beloved characters as nerdy high schoolers Todd DILAMuca and Lisa Loopner (played by Bill Murray and Gilda Radner), Laraine Newman’s Shirley Temple-like child psychiatrist and the lustful Uncle Roy (Buck Henry), among others. Earning an Emmy and five nominations for her writing on SNL, Beatts also created the 1982 comedy series Square Pegs, and wrote on such SNL-related projects as Saturday Night Live 25.
Later in Saturday’s show SNL honored Dmx, who passed on Friday,...
Beatts, one of the late-night sketch show’s original writers, died on Wednesday at the age of 74. Her cause of death was not disclosed.
Beginning her career in comedy writing at National Lampoon magazine, Beatts wrote for SNL for five seasons, between 1975 and 1980. In concert with her writing partner Roshie Shuster, she created such beloved characters as nerdy high schoolers Todd DILAMuca and Lisa Loopner (played by Bill Murray and Gilda Radner), Laraine Newman’s Shirley Temple-like child psychiatrist and the lustful Uncle Roy (Buck Henry), among others. Earning an Emmy and five nominations for her writing on SNL, Beatts also created the 1982 comedy series Square Pegs, and wrote on such SNL-related projects as Saturday Night Live 25.
Later in Saturday’s show SNL honored Dmx, who passed on Friday,...
- 4/11/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, with reactions Anne Beatts, an original Saturday Night Live writer who created some of the show’s earliest breakthrough characters, among them the nerdy high schoolers Todd DILAMuca and Lisa Loopner, died yesterday. She was 74.
Her death was announced in a tweet by SNL original cast member Laraine Newman. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
“Struggling to find adequate and appropriate descriptive words to describe her singular self,” tweeted Sarah Jessica Parker, who starred in the Beatts-created 1982 CBS sitcom Square Pegs. “I need time. Cause I’m coming up short. Gosh, she was really something. Rip Anne. Thank you. For memories very few 17/18 yr olds get to make. X, Sj”
Beatts began her career in comedy writing with a stint at National Lampoon magazine, becoming the Harvard Lampoon spin-off’s first female editor. She wrote one of the magazine’s most notorious spoofs – an ad for the...
Her death was announced in a tweet by SNL original cast member Laraine Newman. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
“Struggling to find adequate and appropriate descriptive words to describe her singular self,” tweeted Sarah Jessica Parker, who starred in the Beatts-created 1982 CBS sitcom Square Pegs. “I need time. Cause I’m coming up short. Gosh, she was really something. Rip Anne. Thank you. For memories very few 17/18 yr olds get to make. X, Sj”
Beatts began her career in comedy writing with a stint at National Lampoon magazine, becoming the Harvard Lampoon spin-off’s first female editor. She wrote one of the magazine’s most notorious spoofs – an ad for the...
- 4/8/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
On March 26 1969, on a quiet country road outside Biloxi, Mississippi, John Kennedy Toole took his own life. Aged just 31, the literary professor and author left behind two unpublished novels. Over the course of the next decade, Toole’s grieving mother Thelma dedicated her life to ensuring the second of these, “A Confederacy Of Dunces,” found publication. Eventually, she succeeded, and the New Orleans-set picaresque tale of slovenly philosopher and medievalist Ignatius J. Reilly went on to sell over two million copies and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1981, making Toole one of only three writers to win the prize posthumously.
Almost as much as the book itself, readers were intrigued by the unique journey the novel took to publication, with a flamboyant yet grief-stricken mother dedicating what remained of her life to ensuring her son’s genius was recognized by the world.
Inevitably, with such a successful novel and such a compelling lead character,...
Almost as much as the book itself, readers were intrigued by the unique journey the novel took to publication, with a flamboyant yet grief-stricken mother dedicating what remained of her life to ensuring her son’s genius was recognized by the world.
Inevitably, with such a successful novel and such a compelling lead character,...
- 3/25/2021
- by Nathan O'Hagan
- The Wrap
Every year Hollywood looks to the Producers Guild Awards winner to forecast the Best Picture Oscar. That’s because in the 12 years since both groups expanded their top award list and adopted the preferential ballot, only three times have the winners not aligned — PGA winners “1917,” “La La Land” and “The Big Short” did not land Best Picture.
Those differences made sense, as in each case a smaller, lower-budget movie took home the Oscar over a movie of scale and scope. And as expected, this year’s Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of a Motion Picture went to Chloé Zhao’s magic-hour road trip “Nomadland,” as voted on by the guild’s 8,000 members. Searchlight’s frontrunner looms large in a field of small movies, as it keeps racking up wins on its way to multiple Oscars come April 25.
“We’re proud to have produced a film about community and what connects us,...
Those differences made sense, as in each case a smaller, lower-budget movie took home the Oscar over a movie of scale and scope. And as expected, this year’s Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of a Motion Picture went to Chloé Zhao’s magic-hour road trip “Nomadland,” as voted on by the guild’s 8,000 members. Searchlight’s frontrunner looms large in a field of small movies, as it keeps racking up wins on its way to multiple Oscars come April 25.
“We’re proud to have produced a film about community and what connects us,...
- 3/25/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Every year Hollywood looks to the Producers Guild Awards winner to forecast the Best Picture Oscar. That’s because in the 12 years since both groups expanded their top award list and adopted the preferential ballot, only three times have the winners not aligned — PGA winners “1917,” “La La Land” and “The Big Short” did not land Best Picture.
Those differences made sense, as in each case a smaller, lower-budget movie took home the Oscar over a movie of scale and scope. And as expected, this year’s Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of a Motion Picture went to Chloé Zhao’s magic-hour road trip “Nomadland,” as voted on by the guild’s 8,000 members. Searchlight’s frontrunner looms large in a field of small movies, as it keeps racking up wins on its way to multiple Oscars come April 25.
“We’re proud to have produced a film about community and what connects us,...
Those differences made sense, as in each case a smaller, lower-budget movie took home the Oscar over a movie of scale and scope. And as expected, this year’s Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of a Motion Picture went to Chloé Zhao’s magic-hour road trip “Nomadland,” as voted on by the guild’s 8,000 members. Searchlight’s frontrunner looms large in a field of small movies, as it keeps racking up wins on its way to multiple Oscars come April 25.
“We’re proud to have produced a film about community and what connects us,...
- 3/25/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Producers Guild of America Awards awarded Chloé Zhao’s “Nomadland” with their top prize, one of the key indicators for the Academy Awards, particularly the best picture category. Edging out its closest competitors including Emerald Fennell’s “Promising Young Woman,” Lee Isaac Chung’s “Minari” and Aaron Sorkin’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” this might just end any questions about whether or not the moving drama is running away with the Oscars’ big prize.
All the acceptance speeches were pre-recorded with “Nomadland” giving a more produced, glitzier presentation than what we’ve seen at other award shows.
It should be noted that last year’s “1917” from Sam Mendes lost the Oscar after wins from PGA and DGA to “Parasite,” which only had the coveted SAG cast ensemble prize under its belt. Coincidentally, “Nomadland” is not nominated at SAG in their top category, leaving an opening for...
All the acceptance speeches were pre-recorded with “Nomadland” giving a more produced, glitzier presentation than what we’ve seen at other award shows.
It should be noted that last year’s “1917” from Sam Mendes lost the Oscar after wins from PGA and DGA to “Parasite,” which only had the coveted SAG cast ensemble prize under its belt. Coincidentally, “Nomadland” is not nominated at SAG in their top category, leaving an opening for...
- 3/25/2021
- by Clayton Davis and Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Video Version of this Article Photo/Video: Screenwriters/Hollywood Insider YouTube Channel Almost everyone can recall their favorite movie quote and the actor that delivered it, but seldom do they know the person who actually put the words together. The name of the person responsible for those quotes appears briefly at the end of the credits, just right before the director. Rarely are they present for press tours, or seen during interviews, yet the architect of every film: the screenwriter. The reason they’re overlooked by the public spotlight quite possibly could be the stereotype that’s associated with writers as being anti-social, less talkative people, which may hinder the interest of the public. Related article: The Complete List of 2021 Oscar Nominations – Celebrations, Surprises & Snubs | The Show Must Go On Related article: Remakes – Classics That Should Not Be Remade: Films That Are Untouchable But another reason could be the lack...
- 3/20/2021
- by Armando Brigham
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Every day on the set of “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” Sacha Baron Cohen, in the spirit of collaborative filmmaking, gave his director Aaron Sorkin ideas for cool things to stick into his screenplay. And every day, Sorkin politely said, “No.”
Sorkin likes to say that he’s already thought of everything as he paced around his office, acting out all the lines his characters are going to say. And after 10 years in the making, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Paramount/Netflix) is certainly deserving of the first ever Zeitgeist Final Draft Award for “a writer whose work consistently captures the mood of our time,” said presenter Baron Cohen.
“I’ve been asked many times if I changed the film to mirror events in our country,” said Sorkin, accepting the award on a virtual Zoom-cast Tuesday night. “Events in our country changed to mirror the film. We thought...
Sorkin likes to say that he’s already thought of everything as he paced around his office, acting out all the lines his characters are going to say. And after 10 years in the making, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Paramount/Netflix) is certainly deserving of the first ever Zeitgeist Final Draft Award for “a writer whose work consistently captures the mood of our time,” said presenter Baron Cohen.
“I’ve been asked many times if I changed the film to mirror events in our country,” said Sorkin, accepting the award on a virtual Zoom-cast Tuesday night. “Events in our country changed to mirror the film. We thought...
- 3/3/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
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