It can’t be denied that as far as martial arts movies go, the best ones come from Asia, particularly Hong Kong during their action heyday, which was arguably the 70s, 80s and first half of the ’90s. That said, martial arts movies were also making a foothold in the States at the time, thanks mainly to Bruce Lee-mania following the release of Enter the Dragon. Before that movie, very few actors in Hollywood seemed like they were credible martial artists, except maybe James Coburn, a student of Lee’s, who pulled off some pretty good-looking moves in the otherwise silly Our Man Flint movies. Steve McQueen also had training but didn’t use martial arts on screen.
Up to then, though, the most notable uses of martial arts in movies usually revolved around Judo, with James Cagney showing off some good moves in the film Blood on the Sun,...
Up to then, though, the most notable uses of martial arts in movies usually revolved around Judo, with James Cagney showing off some good moves in the film Blood on the Sun,...
- 2/4/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Plot: The shy author (Bryce Dallas Howard) of a series of best-selling spy novels discovers that her books, somehow, are all true. Pursued by a top-secret division of evil spies, she must now rely on an unlikely protector (Sam Rockwell) to get to the bottom of the whole affair.
Review: As a big fan of spy cinema, particularly the vintage kind from the early days of James Bond, I’ve always liked what Matthew Vaughn was doing with his yarns. While many say he should direct an actual 007 film, it’s clear to me – as a fan of the genre – that Vaughn’s heart belongs to a bygone era in espionage movies. If the Kingsman movies were his gonzo, R-rated riff on the Roger Moore James Bond movies he grew up watching, Argylle is his tribute to the campy James Bond knockoffs that hit theaters in the late sixties.
Review: As a big fan of spy cinema, particularly the vintage kind from the early days of James Bond, I’ve always liked what Matthew Vaughn was doing with his yarns. While many say he should direct an actual 007 film, it’s clear to me – as a fan of the genre – that Vaughn’s heart belongs to a bygone era in espionage movies. If the Kingsman movies were his gonzo, R-rated riff on the Roger Moore James Bond movies he grew up watching, Argylle is his tribute to the campy James Bond knockoffs that hit theaters in the late sixties.
- 2/1/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
The Story: Eddie Hawkins (Bruce Willis) aka the Hudson Hawk is a master cat burglar recently released from prison after a long stretch. Determined to go straight, he’s nonetheless blackmailed by the psychotic Darwin (Richard E. Grant) and Minerva Mayflower (Sandra Bernhard) to undertake a series of jobs in Rome involving the components of a machine designed by Leonardo da Vinci that converts lead into gold.
The Players: Starring: Bruce Willis, Andie MacDowell, Danny Aiello, James Coburn, Richard E. Grant and Sandra Bernhard. Directed by Michael Lehman.
The History: With Bruce Willis’s sad health situation forcing him into retirement, it’s worth digging into his filmography to examine some of his less-seen gems. For me, one of the big ones is Hudson Hawk. In 1991, Bruce Willis was arguably at the peak of his fame. “Moonlighting” was done and Die Hard had made him into one of the biggest action stars in town,...
The Players: Starring: Bruce Willis, Andie MacDowell, Danny Aiello, James Coburn, Richard E. Grant and Sandra Bernhard. Directed by Michael Lehman.
The History: With Bruce Willis’s sad health situation forcing him into retirement, it’s worth digging into his filmography to examine some of his less-seen gems. For me, one of the big ones is Hudson Hawk. In 1991, Bruce Willis was arguably at the peak of his fame. “Moonlighting” was done and Die Hard had made him into one of the biggest action stars in town,...
- 8/10/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Raquel Welch took the entertainment industry by storm when she starred in the 1966 movie One Million Years B.C. Her star continued to rise as she took on more roles and wowed audiences across the globe. What was Welch’s real name? Here’s what we know.
Raquel Welch’s real name Raquel Welch | Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
Welch’s real name was Jo Raquel Tejada. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 5, 1940. Welch’s father, Armando Carlos Tejada Urquizo, was an aeronautical engineer from Bolivia and her mother, Josephine Hall, was of English descent.
Welch married her high school sweetheart, James Welch, in 1959. They had two children named Damon and Tahnee. Welch and her first husband divorced in 1964, but she kept her married name. She went on to marry three more times after their relationship ended.
A studio wanted Raquel Welch to change her first name because it sounded ‘ethnic...
Raquel Welch’s real name Raquel Welch | Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
Welch’s real name was Jo Raquel Tejada. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 5, 1940. Welch’s father, Armando Carlos Tejada Urquizo, was an aeronautical engineer from Bolivia and her mother, Josephine Hall, was of English descent.
Welch married her high school sweetheart, James Welch, in 1959. They had two children named Damon and Tahnee. Welch and her first husband divorced in 1964, but she kept her married name. She went on to marry three more times after their relationship ended.
A studio wanted Raquel Welch to change her first name because it sounded ‘ethnic...
- 2/16/2023
- by Sheiresa Ngo
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Here’s a Great picture whose time has come — Theodore J. Flicker’s spy spoof is one of the smartest, funniest political satires ever, and probably James Coburn’s finest hour as an actor-producer. A high-class shrink knows too many Presidential secrets, making him an international espionage target in a giddy spy chase. Everything leads to an absurd-sounding Sci-fi conspiracy that’s quickly becoming a reality. Coburn’s hipster cred holds up well, abetted by a great lineup of talent, led by improv pioneers Godfrey Cambridge and Severn Darden.
The President’s Analyst
Blu-ray (Plays on Region A)
Viavision [Imprint] 42
1967 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 103 min. / Street Date May 26 or June 2, 2021 / Available from / 34.95 au
Starring: James Coburn, Godfrey Cambridge, Severn Darden, Joan Delaney, Pat Harrington, Barry McGuire, Jill Banner, Eduard Franz, Walter Burke, Will Geer, William Daniels, Joan Darling, Sheldon Collins, Arte Johnson, Kathleen Hughes.
Cinematography: William A. Fraker
Production Designer: Pato Guzman
Art Direction: Hal Pereira,...
The President’s Analyst
Blu-ray (Plays on Region A)
Viavision [Imprint] 42
1967 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 103 min. / Street Date May 26 or June 2, 2021 / Available from / 34.95 au
Starring: James Coburn, Godfrey Cambridge, Severn Darden, Joan Delaney, Pat Harrington, Barry McGuire, Jill Banner, Eduard Franz, Walter Burke, Will Geer, William Daniels, Joan Darling, Sheldon Collins, Arte Johnson, Kathleen Hughes.
Cinematography: William A. Fraker
Production Designer: Pato Guzman
Art Direction: Hal Pereira,...
- 6/8/2021
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Twenty-five years ago, Star Trek helped introduce James Bond to the Final Frontier. Well, kind of.
Writer Ronald D. Moore’s Deep Space Nine episode, “Our Man Bashir,” served as a nod to 1960s spy films like Goldfinger and Our Man Flint as a transporter accident (naturally) swaps out all of the main characters in Doctor Bashir’s (Alexander Siddig) secret agent holosuite program with those that look like Captain Sisko (Avery Brooks) and the rest of the main crew. Soon, Bashir — sporting a very Bondian look and tuxedo — must complete the mission and save the day, 007-style, in order to return order ...
Writer Ronald D. Moore’s Deep Space Nine episode, “Our Man Bashir,” served as a nod to 1960s spy films like Goldfinger and Our Man Flint as a transporter accident (naturally) swaps out all of the main characters in Doctor Bashir’s (Alexander Siddig) secret agent holosuite program with those that look like Captain Sisko (Avery Brooks) and the rest of the main crew. Soon, Bashir — sporting a very Bondian look and tuxedo — must complete the mission and save the day, 007-style, in order to return order ...
- 12/23/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Twenty-five years ago, Star Trek helped introduce James Bond to the Final Frontier. Well, kind of.
Writer Ronald D. Moore’s Deep Space Nine episode, “Our Man Bashir,” served as a nod to 1960s spy films like Goldfinger and Our Man Flint as a transporter accident (naturally) swaps out all of the main characters in Doctor Bashir’s (Alexander Siddig) secret agent holosuite program with those that look like Captain Sisko (Avery Brooks) and the rest of the main crew. Soon, Bashir — sporting a very Bondian look and tuxedo — must complete the mission and save the day, 007-style, in order to return order ...
Writer Ronald D. Moore’s Deep Space Nine episode, “Our Man Bashir,” served as a nod to 1960s spy films like Goldfinger and Our Man Flint as a transporter accident (naturally) swaps out all of the main characters in Doctor Bashir’s (Alexander Siddig) secret agent holosuite program with those that look like Captain Sisko (Avery Brooks) and the rest of the main crew. Soon, Bashir — sporting a very Bondian look and tuxedo — must complete the mission and save the day, 007-style, in order to return order ...
- 12/23/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Every few years, the internet remembers the existence of Dünyayı Kurtaran Adam, a brazen attempt to loosely remake Star Wars after a military coup d’état in Turkey led to the Turkish film board clamping down on Western blockbusters entering the country.
Turkish Star Wars first joined the compelling world of low-budget blockbuster rip-offs back in 1982, when the film’s director, Çetin Inanç, who had previously been churning out erotica, decided it was an ideal time to start making propaganda and action films instead. Thus, Dünyayı Kurtaran Adam (aka The Man Who Saved the World) was born, and became a homegrown hit.
Swirling science-fiction, fantasy, martial arts, adventure and superhero genres together, the beloved movie starred Cüneyt Arkın and utilized footage, music and sound effects not just from Star Wars, but from Flash Gordon, Battlestar Galactica and Raiders of the Lost Ark, too – all completely unauthorized. The result was a...
Turkish Star Wars first joined the compelling world of low-budget blockbuster rip-offs back in 1982, when the film’s director, Çetin Inanç, who had previously been churning out erotica, decided it was an ideal time to start making propaganda and action films instead. Thus, Dünyayı Kurtaran Adam (aka The Man Who Saved the World) was born, and became a homegrown hit.
Swirling science-fiction, fantasy, martial arts, adventure and superhero genres together, the beloved movie starred Cüneyt Arkın and utilized footage, music and sound effects not just from Star Wars, but from Flash Gordon, Battlestar Galactica and Raiders of the Lost Ark, too – all completely unauthorized. The result was a...
- 8/25/2020
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
HBO Max has a major job on its hands to justify its approximately $15 a month subscription fee, especially given the strong competition out there from established names like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Disney Plus faced a similar challenge last year in arriving onto an already-saturated streaming marketplace, but at least had the advantage of major series like The Mandalorian to promote. While HBO Max will eventually be home to the Snyder cut of Justice League, and has some originals for its first week of availability, the big draw right now is its enormous back-catalogue of movies.
Given the various corporate elements that are going into HBO Max, including the Warner Bros. library, owners AT&T will be hoping that the combination of brand recognition for HBO programming, and a deep bench of movies, will convince people to add a new subscription to their list. To this end, HBO Max have added 122 films today,...
Given the various corporate elements that are going into HBO Max, including the Warner Bros. library, owners AT&T will be hoping that the combination of brand recognition for HBO programming, and a deep bench of movies, will convince people to add a new subscription to their list. To this end, HBO Max have added 122 films today,...
- 6/1/2020
- by Jessica James
- We Got This Covered
Do you like lists? Well, here’s a doozy. Below is everything coming to Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu and Amazon Prime in June 2020.
Though the summer sun is starting to beat down, most of us are still being encouraged to stay indoors for Covid-19 related reasons. It’s not much fun, but at the very least, there’s an absolute ton of stuff landing in June that should distract you from the call of the beach.
Of particular note is the newly launched HBO Max, which is trying to catch the eye of potential subscribers with a red-hot first month. There’s an excellent selection of movies coming on June 1st, with horror titles like An American Werewolf in London (still the best werewolf movie ever made), Final Destinations 1-4, From Dusk til Dawn and Lifeforce.
Later in the month, there are some more recent films showing up, including...
Though the summer sun is starting to beat down, most of us are still being encouraged to stay indoors for Covid-19 related reasons. It’s not much fun, but at the very least, there’s an absolute ton of stuff landing in June that should distract you from the call of the beach.
Of particular note is the newly launched HBO Max, which is trying to catch the eye of potential subscribers with a red-hot first month. There’s an excellent selection of movies coming on June 1st, with horror titles like An American Werewolf in London (still the best werewolf movie ever made), Final Destinations 1-4, From Dusk til Dawn and Lifeforce.
Later in the month, there are some more recent films showing up, including...
- 5/29/2020
- by David James
- We Got This Covered
To help you anticipate and navigate all that HBO Max has to offer, TVLine presents this comprehensive list of all the TV series, movies, documentaries and specials making their debut on the new streaming service this month — all as a 100-percent free supplement to our daily and handy What to Watch and weekly TVLine-Up columns, and our monthly New on Netflix roundup.
Among Max Originals coming in June are a new Adventure Time special, Doom Patrol Season 2 and Search Party Season 3. You’ll also be able to stream the most recent episodes of HBO original series, including Insecure, I Know This Much Is True...
Among Max Originals coming in June are a new Adventure Time special, Doom Patrol Season 2 and Search Party Season 3. You’ll also be able to stream the most recent episodes of HBO original series, including Insecure, I Know This Much Is True...
- 5/28/2020
- TVLine.com
Welcome to the HBO Max era! WarnerMedia’s streaming giant arrived on May 27 and is absolutely bursting with Warner movies, TV shows, and other titles. But time waits for no man or streaming service and each new month HBO Max will be expected to bring new content to the table. Things get started in June 2020 with the first batch of HBO Max new releases.
To be clear, the majority of the original series coming to HBO Max actually belongs to HBO. Shows like I May Destroy You (June 7), Perry Mason (June 21), and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark (June 28) all belong to HBO…which now just happens to be a part of HBO Max. Confusing stuff, we know, but rest assured that if you have HBO Max you’ll get these shows…and if you only have HBO, you can go ahead and just get HBO Max for the same price anyway.
To be clear, the majority of the original series coming to HBO Max actually belongs to HBO. Shows like I May Destroy You (June 7), Perry Mason (June 21), and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark (June 28) all belong to HBO…which now just happens to be a part of HBO Max. Confusing stuff, we know, but rest assured that if you have HBO Max you’ll get these shows…and if you only have HBO, you can go ahead and just get HBO Max for the same price anyway.
- 5/27/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
HBO Max launches May 27 with a whole lot of content ready to stream immediately. But throughout the nascent streamer’s first month, even more titles will be added, from HBO Max originals like “Adventure Time: Distant Lands Bmo,” to old favorites like “Amelie,” “Black Beauty” and “The Bucket List.”
Other brand-new HBO Max originals include the third season of comedy “Search Party,” and the second seasons of “Doom Patrol,” and “Esme & Roy,” all coming June 25, and on June 18, the second season of “Summer Camp Island” and the series premiere kids competition series “Karma.”
For a list of everything that will be available on launch day, look here.
Below is the full list of everything new coming to HBO Max in June.
Also Read: Chelsea Handler Sets First Standup Comedy Special in 6 Years at HBO Max
June 1
4th & Forever: Muck City, Season One
Adventures In Babysitting, 1987 (HBO)
Amelie, 2001 (HBO)
An American Werewolf in London,...
Other brand-new HBO Max originals include the third season of comedy “Search Party,” and the second seasons of “Doom Patrol,” and “Esme & Roy,” all coming June 25, and on June 18, the second season of “Summer Camp Island” and the series premiere kids competition series “Karma.”
For a list of everything that will be available on launch day, look here.
Below is the full list of everything new coming to HBO Max in June.
Also Read: Chelsea Handler Sets First Standup Comedy Special in 6 Years at HBO Max
June 1
4th & Forever: Muck City, Season One
Adventures In Babysitting, 1987 (HBO)
Amelie, 2001 (HBO)
An American Werewolf in London,...
- 5/26/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Before HBO Max even launches — it goes live May 27 — WarnerMedia is trying to lure new subscribers by revealing what’s coming next month to the streamer.
The June lineup highlights on HBO Max include all 23 seasons of “South Park,” snapped up in a multiyear, $500 million-plus deal; James Cameron’s Oscar-winning “Titanic”; and the “Adventure Time: Distant Lands” special featuring lovable robot Bmo.
HBO Max, regularly priced at $14.99 per month (the same as HBO Now), will be available on multiple platforms and distributors through deals including with Apple, Google, Charter, Xbox, PlayStation, and AT&T/DirecTV. As of this writing, however, WarnerMedia has not locked in HBO Max deals with Comcast, Roku or Amazon.
New Max Originals this June include kids’ adventure competition series “Karma,” Season 3 of comedy “Search Party” and the second seasons of “Doom Patrol,” “Esme & Roy” and “Summer Camp Island.”
Movie highlights include “Titanic,” “Veronica Mars,” “Magic Mike” starring Channing Tatum,...
The June lineup highlights on HBO Max include all 23 seasons of “South Park,” snapped up in a multiyear, $500 million-plus deal; James Cameron’s Oscar-winning “Titanic”; and the “Adventure Time: Distant Lands” special featuring lovable robot Bmo.
HBO Max, regularly priced at $14.99 per month (the same as HBO Now), will be available on multiple platforms and distributors through deals including with Apple, Google, Charter, Xbox, PlayStation, and AT&T/DirecTV. As of this writing, however, WarnerMedia has not locked in HBO Max deals with Comcast, Roku or Amazon.
New Max Originals this June include kids’ adventure competition series “Karma,” Season 3 of comedy “Search Party” and the second seasons of “Doom Patrol,” “Esme & Roy” and “Summer Camp Island.”
Movie highlights include “Titanic,” “Veronica Mars,” “Magic Mike” starring Channing Tatum,...
- 5/22/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
The star and co-writer of the new film Banana Split walks us through some of her favorite comedies.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Banana Split (2020)
Big (1988)
West Side Story (2020)
E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982)
The ’Burbs (1989)
Back To The Future (1985)
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Cape Fear (1991)
The Foot Fist Way (2006)
Best In Show (2000)
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
The Hours (2002)
Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006)
Black Mass (2015)
The Irishman (2019)
Romy And Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Zoolander (2001)
Knocked Up (2007)
Armageddon (1998)
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
The Room (2003)
The Disaster Artist (2017)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997)
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls (1970)
Gremlins (1984)
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Bruce Almighty (2003)
Liar Liar (1997)
The Ten Commandments (1956)
Obvious Child (2014)
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Harold And Maude (1971)
Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Banana Split (2020)
Big (1988)
West Side Story (2020)
E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982)
The ’Burbs (1989)
Back To The Future (1985)
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Cape Fear (1991)
The Foot Fist Way (2006)
Best In Show (2000)
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
The Hours (2002)
Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006)
Black Mass (2015)
The Irishman (2019)
Romy And Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Zoolander (2001)
Knocked Up (2007)
Armageddon (1998)
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
The Room (2003)
The Disaster Artist (2017)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997)
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls (1970)
Gremlins (1984)
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Bruce Almighty (2003)
Liar Liar (1997)
The Ten Commandments (1956)
Obvious Child (2014)
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Harold And Maude (1971)
Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans...
- 3/31/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Batman’s crimefighting sidekick Robin was famously excitable, with all his “Holy Fill-in-the-Blank” exclamations during the three-season run of the enduringly popular 1960s “Batman” series. But actor Burt Ward learned early on to take the inevitable highs and lows of showbiz career in stride — and that includes a decades-long wait for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“It’s only been 50 years, and I am a patient person,” chuckles Ward, 74, who’ll receive the honor on Jan. 9, in a spot adjacent to the star of his late co-star Adam West.
But it’s actually been longer than that: Ward made his performing debut at age 2 as the world’s youngest professional ice skater in his father’s traveling ice show, a precursor to the Ice Capades. “And I actually remember it — that’s a pretty amazing thing,” says Ward, who was then known as Bert Gervis, Jr. He...
“It’s only been 50 years, and I am a patient person,” chuckles Ward, 74, who’ll receive the honor on Jan. 9, in a spot adjacent to the star of his late co-star Adam West.
But it’s actually been longer than that: Ward made his performing debut at age 2 as the world’s youngest professional ice skater in his father’s traveling ice show, a precursor to the Ice Capades. “And I actually remember it — that’s a pretty amazing thing,” says Ward, who was then known as Bert Gervis, Jr. He...
- 1/9/2020
- by Scott Huver
- Variety Film + TV
Au Hasard Balthazar
Blu ray
Criterion
1966 / 1:66 / Street Date May 29, 2018
Starring Anne Wiazemsky, François Lafarge
Cinematography by Ghislain Cloquet
Directed by Robert Bresson
At moments in his career Robert Bresson, the filmmaker behind The Trial of Joan of Arc and The Diary of a Country Priest, seemed to be directing from the pulpit. Likewise, Au Hasard Balthazar, his 1966 film about a messianic donkey, just begs to be canonized – unlike most grabs for cinematic sanctitude, Balthazar deserves its pedestal.
A movie out of time, Balthazar‘s somber black and white landscape rebuffs its own era – a pop art wonderland that produced Blow Up, Modesty Blaise and Our Man Flint. Jean-Luc Godard, rule-breaking bomb-thrower of brightly colored social satires, heaped on the praise – “… this film is really the world in an hour and a half.” On the other hand, Ingmar Bergman, not exactly a popcorn munching thrill-seeker, thought it was a “bore...
Blu ray
Criterion
1966 / 1:66 / Street Date May 29, 2018
Starring Anne Wiazemsky, François Lafarge
Cinematography by Ghislain Cloquet
Directed by Robert Bresson
At moments in his career Robert Bresson, the filmmaker behind The Trial of Joan of Arc and The Diary of a Country Priest, seemed to be directing from the pulpit. Likewise, Au Hasard Balthazar, his 1966 film about a messianic donkey, just begs to be canonized – unlike most grabs for cinematic sanctitude, Balthazar deserves its pedestal.
A movie out of time, Balthazar‘s somber black and white landscape rebuffs its own era – a pop art wonderland that produced Blow Up, Modesty Blaise and Our Man Flint. Jean-Luc Godard, rule-breaking bomb-thrower of brightly colored social satires, heaped on the praise – “… this film is really the world in an hour and a half.” On the other hand, Ingmar Bergman, not exactly a popcorn munching thrill-seeker, thought it was a “bore...
- 6/12/2018
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Hey, Ib Melchoir’s Opus Mars-us is back, in a not-bad new scan and color-grading job. If the nostalgia bug has bitten you deep enough to appreciate a fairly maladroit but frequently arresting space exploration melodrama, this may be the disc for you. Let’s be honest: Nobody can resist the allure of the fabulous Bat-Rat-Spider-Crab, and in glorious Cinemagic, no less.
The Angry Red Planet
Blu-ray
Scream Factory
1960 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 83 min. / Street Date June 27, 2017 / 17.28
Starring: Gerald Mohr, Nora Hayden, Les Tremayne, Jack Kruschen.
Cinematography: Stanley Cortez
Film Editor: Ivan J. Hoffman
Original Music: Paul Dunlap
Written by Ib Melchior from a story by Sid Pink
Produced by Norman Maurer & Sid Pink
Directed by Ib Melchior
Unjust though it may be, not all Savant reviews make the national news feed, but my old 2001 coverage of the pretty miserable MGM DVD of The Angry Red Planet got quoted all over the place,...
The Angry Red Planet
Blu-ray
Scream Factory
1960 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 83 min. / Street Date June 27, 2017 / 17.28
Starring: Gerald Mohr, Nora Hayden, Les Tremayne, Jack Kruschen.
Cinematography: Stanley Cortez
Film Editor: Ivan J. Hoffman
Original Music: Paul Dunlap
Written by Ib Melchior from a story by Sid Pink
Produced by Norman Maurer & Sid Pink
Directed by Ib Melchior
Unjust though it may be, not all Savant reviews make the national news feed, but my old 2001 coverage of the pretty miserable MGM DVD of The Angry Red Planet got quoted all over the place,...
- 7/15/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Kirk Douglas grits his teeth and goes full macho, wrasslin’ with that beautiful Sioux up in the high country — the Sioux miss in question being the Italian model Elsa Martinelli in her screen debut. Kirk can’t decide if he wants to stay with Elsa, or lead what must be the most shameful bunch of pioneer bigots ever to cross the plains. Walter Matthau and Diana Douglas are standouts in this vigorous action western directed by André de Toth.
The Indian Fighter
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1955 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 88 min. / Street Date May 9, 2017 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Kirk Douglas, Elsa Martinelli, Walter Matthau, Diana Douglas, Walter Abel, Lon Chaney Jr., Eduard Franz, Alan Hale Jr., Elisha Cook Jr., Ray Teal, Frank Cady, Michael Winkelman, William Phipps.
Cinematography: Wilfrid M. Cline
Art Direction: Wiard Ihnen
Film Editor: Richard Cahoon
Original Music: Irving Gordon, Franz Waxman
Written by Robert L. Richards,...
The Indian Fighter
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1955 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 88 min. / Street Date May 9, 2017 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Kirk Douglas, Elsa Martinelli, Walter Matthau, Diana Douglas, Walter Abel, Lon Chaney Jr., Eduard Franz, Alan Hale Jr., Elisha Cook Jr., Ray Teal, Frank Cady, Michael Winkelman, William Phipps.
Cinematography: Wilfrid M. Cline
Art Direction: Wiard Ihnen
Film Editor: Richard Cahoon
Original Music: Irving Gordon, Franz Waxman
Written by Robert L. Richards,...
- 5/5/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Based on Kommisar X, a popular series of crime novels from Germany, 1965’s Kiss Kiss… Kill Kill is the first of seven lightly satirical adventures starring a suave pair of crime-busting spies played by Tony Kendall and Brad Harris. Kiss Kiss is notable for its proto-Our Man Flint plot featuring a criminal mastermind, his private island and the bevy of hypnotized playmates who guard it. A brassy, Shirley Bassey-esque theme song, “I Love You Joe Walker”, kicks off the proceedings in style.
- 3/20/2017
- by TFH Team
- Trailers from Hell
Battleground
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1949 / B&W / 1:37 flat Academy / 118 min. / Street Date January 10, 2017 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Van Johnson, John Hodiak, Ricardo Montalban, George Murphy, Marshall Thompson, Don Taylor, James Whitmore, Douglas Fowley, Leon Ames, Guy Anderson, Denise Darcel, Richard Jaeckel, James Arness
Cinematography: Paul Vogel
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons, Hans Peters
Film Editor: John D. Dunning
Original Music: Lennie Hayton
Written by: Robert Pirosh
Produced by: Dore Schary
Directed by William A. Wellman
“The Guts, Gags and Glory of a Lot of Wonderful Guys!”
— say, what kind of movie is this, anyway?
Action movies about combat are now mostly about soldiers that fight like killing machines, or stories of battle with a strong political axe to grind. WW2 changed perceptions completely, when a mostly civilian army did the fighting. With the cessation of hostilities combat pictures tapered off quickly, and Hollywood gave the subject a break for several years.
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1949 / B&W / 1:37 flat Academy / 118 min. / Street Date January 10, 2017 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Van Johnson, John Hodiak, Ricardo Montalban, George Murphy, Marshall Thompson, Don Taylor, James Whitmore, Douglas Fowley, Leon Ames, Guy Anderson, Denise Darcel, Richard Jaeckel, James Arness
Cinematography: Paul Vogel
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons, Hans Peters
Film Editor: John D. Dunning
Original Music: Lennie Hayton
Written by: Robert Pirosh
Produced by: Dore Schary
Directed by William A. Wellman
“The Guts, Gags and Glory of a Lot of Wonderful Guys!”
— say, what kind of movie is this, anyway?
Action movies about combat are now mostly about soldiers that fight like killing machines, or stories of battle with a strong political axe to grind. WW2 changed perceptions completely, when a mostly civilian army did the fighting. With the cessation of hostilities combat pictures tapered off quickly, and Hollywood gave the subject a break for several years.
- 1/6/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
I guess Howard Hughes wanted to go easy on Minnesota Nazis. William Cameron Menzies directs a Cold War thriller about an insidious germ warfare conspiracy -- it's an early paranoid suspense tale with apocalyptic consequences. But the story behind the movie's making -- and then remaking -- is even more fantastic. The Whip Hand DVD-r The Warner Archive Collection 1951 / B&W / 1:37 flat Academy / 82 min. / Street Date February 16, 2016 / available through the WBshop / 18.59 Starring Elliott Reid, Raymond Burr, Carla Balenda, Edgar Barrier, Otto Waldis, Michael Steele, Lurene Tuttle, Peter Brocco, Lewis Martin, Frank Darien, Olive Carey, George Chandler, Gregory Gaye. Cinematography Nicholas Musuraca Film Editor Robert Golden Original Music Music by Paul Sawtell Written by George Bricker, Frank L. Moss, Ray Hamilton Produced by Louis J. Rachmil Directed by William Cameron Menzies
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Film writers Bill Warren and Tom Weaver have reported extensively on the unusual production story...
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Film writers Bill Warren and Tom Weaver have reported extensively on the unusual production story...
- 6/4/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
If there is a reliable truism that can coexist alongside the American film industry’s dance of death with economically insane budgets that now routinely soar north of $200 million, it is that (most) critics and potential ticket-buyers can be counted on to review bad buzz and publicized woes of dollars and production instead of the actual movie once it finally finds its way to a screen. And it may in fact be true that the drama behind the scenes often outstrips the quality of the wide-screen finished product, though certainly this is not always the case. The reception of big-budget box-office flops like John Carter, The Lone Ranger, Jupiter Ascending and Oliver Stone’s Alexander are but some late examples of our number-crunching obsession with pop culture minutiae and the fascination of a behemoth’s preordained fall. Most who trudged out to see any of these films during their theatrical...
- 5/28/2016
- by Dennis Cozzalio
- Trailers from Hell
Bernard Herrmann music + weird landscapes = Nirvana. This big-star western tale has an unbreakable story but terrible dialogue and weak characters... yet for fans of adventure filmmaking it's a legend, thanks to a thunderous Bernard Herrmann music score that transforms dozens of uncanny, real Mexican locations into something other-worldly. Garden of Evil Blu-ray Twilight Time Limited Edition 1954 / Color / 2:55 widescreen / 100 min. / Ship Date May 10, 2016 / available through Twilight Time Movies / 29.95 Starring Gary Cooper, Susan Hayward, Richard Widmark, Hugh Marlowe, Cameron Mitchell, Rita Moreno, Víctor Manuel Mendoza. Cinematography Milton R. Krasner, Jorge Stahl Jr. Art Direction Edward Fitzgerald, Lyle Wheeler Film Editor James B. Clark Original Music Bernard Herrmann Special Effects Ray Kellogg Written by Frank Fenton, Fred Freiberger, William Tunberg Produced by Charles Brackett Directed by Henry Hathaway
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
"The Garden of Evil. If the world was made of gold, I guess men would die for a handful of dirt.
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
"The Garden of Evil. If the world was made of gold, I guess men would die for a handful of dirt.
- 5/14/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Sharks, female convicts, Christopher Lee… what more could a fright fan ask for?
Death Becomes Her
• Release Date: Available April 26th on Blu-ray
• Written By: Martin Donovan, David Koepp
• Directed By: Robert Zemeckis
• Starring: Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis, Goldie Hawn
Here we go, creeps — a real milestone moment here in the ol’ Crypt o’ Xiii… we are going to get someone else to talk a bit about the feature at hand (I know, I can scarcely believe I’m going to shut up for a second or two either); in this case, the 1992 laughs and lacerations pic Death Becomes Her! So let’s put our claws, flippers… whatever the hell you may have together for my wife Hatelyn Xiii!
Daniel Xiii. So why don’t ya give my loyal coffin club the rundown on ol’ Dbh?
Hatelyn Xiii. Ok, this flick features a long standing rivalry between two women (one...
Death Becomes Her
• Release Date: Available April 26th on Blu-ray
• Written By: Martin Donovan, David Koepp
• Directed By: Robert Zemeckis
• Starring: Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis, Goldie Hawn
Here we go, creeps — a real milestone moment here in the ol’ Crypt o’ Xiii… we are going to get someone else to talk a bit about the feature at hand (I know, I can scarcely believe I’m going to shut up for a second or two either); in this case, the 1992 laughs and lacerations pic Death Becomes Her! So let’s put our claws, flippers… whatever the hell you may have together for my wife Hatelyn Xiii!
Daniel Xiii. So why don’t ya give my loyal coffin club the rundown on ol’ Dbh?
Hatelyn Xiii. Ok, this flick features a long standing rivalry between two women (one...
- 4/11/2016
- by DanielXIII
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Ryan Lambie Nov 2, 2018
With Kingsman: The Golden Circle in theaters right now, here's our pick of the sneakiest secret agents on film.
Operatives. Spies. Moles. Infiltrators. Secret agents go by many names. In fact, Britain's national security agency doesn't even call them agents - they're covert human intelligence sources, or simply “officers." Whatever we choose to call them, secret agents lead necessarily furtive and obscure lives - so obscure, in fact, that most of what we know about them is defined by what we've seen and read in books and movies.
During the Cold War, the image of the secret agent as a well-groomed sophisticate in a suit proliferated all over the world, and even in the high-tech landscape of the 21st century, that image still stands--just look at such movies as Kingsman: The Secret Service and The Man From U.N.C.L.E..
Then again, the following list also proves,...
With Kingsman: The Golden Circle in theaters right now, here's our pick of the sneakiest secret agents on film.
Operatives. Spies. Moles. Infiltrators. Secret agents go by many names. In fact, Britain's national security agency doesn't even call them agents - they're covert human intelligence sources, or simply “officers." Whatever we choose to call them, secret agents lead necessarily furtive and obscure lives - so obscure, in fact, that most of what we know about them is defined by what we've seen and read in books and movies.
During the Cold War, the image of the secret agent as a well-groomed sophisticate in a suit proliferated all over the world, and even in the high-tech landscape of the 21st century, that image still stands--just look at such movies as Kingsman: The Secret Service and The Man From U.N.C.L.E..
Then again, the following list also proves,...
- 8/28/2015
- Den of Geek
Ahead of American Ultra's arrival in UK cinemas, here's our pick of the 25 finest, sneakiest secret agents in film...
Operatives. Spies. Moles. Infiltrators. Secret agents go by many names. In fact, Britain's national security agency doesn't even call them agents - they're covert human intelligence sources, or simply “officers".
Whatever we choose to call them, secret agents lead necessarily furtive and obscure lives - so obscure that most of what we know about them is defined by what we've seen and read in books and movies.
During the Cold War, the image of the secret agent as a well-groomed sophisticate in a suit proliferated all over the world, and even in the high-tech landscape of the 21st century, that image still stands - just look at such movies as Kingsman: The Secret Service, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and, of course, the Bond franchise. But secret agents can come in many other guises,...
Operatives. Spies. Moles. Infiltrators. Secret agents go by many names. In fact, Britain's national security agency doesn't even call them agents - they're covert human intelligence sources, or simply “officers".
Whatever we choose to call them, secret agents lead necessarily furtive and obscure lives - so obscure that most of what we know about them is defined by what we've seen and read in books and movies.
During the Cold War, the image of the secret agent as a well-groomed sophisticate in a suit proliferated all over the world, and even in the high-tech landscape of the 21st century, that image still stands - just look at such movies as Kingsman: The Secret Service, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and, of course, the Bond franchise. But secret agents can come in many other guises,...
- 8/27/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
I interviewed James Coburn in late 1998 for the cover story of the February 1999 issue of Venice Magazine. I had grown up watching Coburn on the late show, but also seeing him on the big screen, first-run. Meeting him was a thrill as he entered the living room of his manager, the late Hilly Elkins', home in Beverly Hills. Coburn was elegant, charming and had the grace of a cat. The only thing that revealed the health problems that had nearly done him in were his gnarled hands, the result of severe arthritis. We spoke about his role in Paul Schrader's newest film, "Affliction," which would earn him a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award. Later, as I walked Coburn to his Acura Nsx sport coupe, he bid me a warm farewell.
Several months later, I encountered him again at The Independent Spirit Awards, in Santa Monica. I went up...
Several months later, I encountered him again at The Independent Spirit Awards, in Santa Monica. I went up...
- 7/15/2015
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Bourne and Mission: Impossible, right back to Harry Palmer and Danger Diabolik - meet the many pretenders to James Bond's throne...
Since 1962, the James Bond franchise has come to define the spy genre, for good or ill. More broadly, every thriller and action film that comes out now either uses them as inspiration, or attempts to ignore or re-work the tropes that have come to be associated with the series.
Coming off the release of Kingsman: The Secret Service, and with the release of a new Bond film this year, now seems like the perfect time to take a look at a sample of the films which have been inspired by James Bond — either as homages, parodies or reactions.
The Ipcress File (1965)
Produced by James Bond producer Harry Saltzman as a more grounded alternative to the largesse of Bond, The Ipcress File is more concerned with the intricacies of real spy-work — the endless paperwork,...
Since 1962, the James Bond franchise has come to define the spy genre, for good or ill. More broadly, every thriller and action film that comes out now either uses them as inspiration, or attempts to ignore or re-work the tropes that have come to be associated with the series.
Coming off the release of Kingsman: The Secret Service, and with the release of a new Bond film this year, now seems like the perfect time to take a look at a sample of the films which have been inspired by James Bond — either as homages, parodies or reactions.
The Ipcress File (1965)
Produced by James Bond producer Harry Saltzman as a more grounded alternative to the largesse of Bond, The Ipcress File is more concerned with the intricacies of real spy-work — the endless paperwork,...
- 5/3/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
In the cinematic arms race between Marvel and DC, 23 films are scheduled to be released over the next three years. Is this ambitious plan from the two companies a good strategy or are they creating a self-defeating situation where the public will say “enough already!”
Most of us love superhero adaptations—at least, some of them. But as much as we enjoy it, is there a danger of an overdose of comic book films? Will it become like eating too much chocolate and getting a belly ache?
Look at this list…
Marvel has…Guardians of the Galaxy; The Avengers: Age of Ultron; Ant-Man; Captain America 3; Dr. Strange; Thor 3; The Avengers 3; The Fantastic Four; X-Men: Apocalypse; The Wolverine sequel; The Fantastic Four 2; Spider-Man 3 and 4, Sinister 6, Venon and an untitled project which could be the Sub Mariner.
And DC has…Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice; Shazam; Sandman; Justice League; Wonder...
Most of us love superhero adaptations—at least, some of them. But as much as we enjoy it, is there a danger of an overdose of comic book films? Will it become like eating too much chocolate and getting a belly ache?
Look at this list…
Marvel has…Guardians of the Galaxy; The Avengers: Age of Ultron; Ant-Man; Captain America 3; Dr. Strange; Thor 3; The Avengers 3; The Fantastic Four; X-Men: Apocalypse; The Wolverine sequel; The Fantastic Four 2; Spider-Man 3 and 4, Sinister 6, Venon and an untitled project which could be the Sub Mariner.
And DC has…Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice; Shazam; Sandman; Justice League; Wonder...
- 6/25/2014
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Young)
- Cinelinx
In the cinematic arms race between Marvel and DC, 23 films are scheduled to be released over the next three years. Is this ambitious plan from the two companies a good strategy or are they creating a self-defeating situation where the public will say “enough already!”
Most of us love superhero adaptations—at least, some of them. But as much as we enjoy it, is there a danger of an overdose of comic book films? Will it become like eating too much chocolate and getting a belly ache?
Look at this list…
Marvel has…Guardians of the Galaxy; The Avengers: Age of Ultron; Ant-Man; Captain America 3; Dr. Strange; Thor 3; The Avengers 3; The Fantastic Four; X-Men: Apocalypse; The Wolverine sequel; The Fantastic Four 2; And an untitled project which could be the Sub Mariner.
And DC has…Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice; Shazam; Sandman; Justice League; Wonder Woman; Flash and Green Lantern team-up; Man of Steel 2.
Most of us love superhero adaptations—at least, some of them. But as much as we enjoy it, is there a danger of an overdose of comic book films? Will it become like eating too much chocolate and getting a belly ache?
Look at this list…
Marvel has…Guardians of the Galaxy; The Avengers: Age of Ultron; Ant-Man; Captain America 3; Dr. Strange; Thor 3; The Avengers 3; The Fantastic Four; X-Men: Apocalypse; The Wolverine sequel; The Fantastic Four 2; And an untitled project which could be the Sub Mariner.
And DC has…Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice; Shazam; Sandman; Justice League; Wonder Woman; Flash and Green Lantern team-up; Man of Steel 2.
- 6/25/2014
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Young)
- Cinelinx
The release this week of Jon Favreau’s Chef provides a new addition to the popular sub-genre of Food Cinema. From Eat, Drink, Man, Woman (1994) to Julia & Julia (2009), film directors have often created meals so mouth-watering that the thought of another handful of chewy, over-toffeed popcorn makes a mockery of one’s very soul.
Here then is the ultimate HeyUGuide to the ultimate Cine-Banquet, for any budding chefs out there to prepare for like-minded friends (please consult Alexander Payne’s Sideways for your wine selection).
Amuse-bouche: ‘Rillettes du Canard’ Red Dragon (2002)
“Hannibal, confess. What is this divine looking amuse-bouche?” Dr. Lecter is perhaps wise to keep back some of the secrets of the lavish banquet he has prepared for The Baltimore Opera Society. Few of them would suspect that the missing (and talentless) flutist from their own woodwind section is not just the ghost at the feast, but the key ingredient.
Here then is the ultimate HeyUGuide to the ultimate Cine-Banquet, for any budding chefs out there to prepare for like-minded friends (please consult Alexander Payne’s Sideways for your wine selection).
Amuse-bouche: ‘Rillettes du Canard’ Red Dragon (2002)
“Hannibal, confess. What is this divine looking amuse-bouche?” Dr. Lecter is perhaps wise to keep back some of the secrets of the lavish banquet he has prepared for The Baltimore Opera Society. Few of them would suspect that the missing (and talentless) flutist from their own woodwind section is not just the ghost at the feast, but the key ingredient.
- 6/17/2014
- by Cai Ross
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Last Remaining Copies!
A new concept in special issue publications from Cinema Retro!- Now shipping worldwide! Order this limited edition now!
Our new line of special issues is called Foto Files. The images are derived from the Cinema Retro archives.
Our premiere issue is dedicated to "Spy Girls" of the 1960s and 1970s. It's an 80-page magazine that emphasizes rare and exciting photographs of those actresses who were "deadlier than the male" in some of the best retro spy movies ever made!
Over 350 photos and film poster artwork from the era Limited print run. Not available in most retail outlets. All of your favorite femme fatales from such legendary series as James Bond, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Harry Palmer, Bulldog Drummond, Matt Helm, Our Man Flint, and many others! Among the sex sirens featured in this remarkable collector's item issue: Ursula Andress, Diana Rigg, Elke Sommer, Caroline Munro, Camilla Sparv,...
A new concept in special issue publications from Cinema Retro!- Now shipping worldwide! Order this limited edition now!
Our new line of special issues is called Foto Files. The images are derived from the Cinema Retro archives.
Our premiere issue is dedicated to "Spy Girls" of the 1960s and 1970s. It's an 80-page magazine that emphasizes rare and exciting photographs of those actresses who were "deadlier than the male" in some of the best retro spy movies ever made!
Over 350 photos and film poster artwork from the era Limited print run. Not available in most retail outlets. All of your favorite femme fatales from such legendary series as James Bond, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Harry Palmer, Bulldog Drummond, Matt Helm, Our Man Flint, and many others! Among the sex sirens featured in this remarkable collector's item issue: Ursula Andress, Diana Rigg, Elke Sommer, Caroline Munro, Camilla Sparv,...
- 5/3/2014
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Stars: Francine York, Sherri Vernon, Tura Satana, Leigh Christian, Michael Ansara, Anthony Eisley, John Carter | Written by Ted V. Mikels, Jack Richesin, Pam Eddy | Directed by Ted V. Mikels
A rousing cocktail of bombs and bikinis, topped with a slick 70s score, The Doll Squad (ask Seduce and Destroy) was produced, directed, written and edited by low-budget exploitation mogul Ted V. Mikels, the man responsible for The Corpse Grinders (1971) and Blood Orgy of the She-Devils (1974).
Pre-dating the likes of Charlies Angels (which was clearly influenced by Mikels’ feature), the film sees a group of female special agents brought together by the CIA for a special mission after a space shuttle launch is sabotaged by the megalomaniacal Eamon O’Reilly. The titular Doll Squad are tasked with bringing down O’Reilly and his private army which has warned that if its demands are not met it will strike again. Closing in...
A rousing cocktail of bombs and bikinis, topped with a slick 70s score, The Doll Squad (ask Seduce and Destroy) was produced, directed, written and edited by low-budget exploitation mogul Ted V. Mikels, the man responsible for The Corpse Grinders (1971) and Blood Orgy of the She-Devils (1974).
Pre-dating the likes of Charlies Angels (which was clearly influenced by Mikels’ feature), the film sees a group of female special agents brought together by the CIA for a special mission after a space shuttle launch is sabotaged by the megalomaniacal Eamon O’Reilly. The titular Doll Squad are tasked with bringing down O’Reilly and his private army which has warned that if its demands are not met it will strike again. Closing in...
- 3/15/2014
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
What a year it was! In 1966, you could see the following movies playing locally in Winnipeg, Canada: Dean Martin as Matt Helm in The Silencers, James Coburn as Our Man Flint, The Trouble With Angels, Carry on Cleo, The Sound of Music and a quadruple feature of monsters flicks: Die Monster, Die, Eegah, Tomb of Ligeia and Planet of the Vampires. ...
- 1/29/2014
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Veteran comedy writer Ben Starr died Sunday at the age of 92. Starr began his Hollywood career in radio as a writer for Al Jolson, George Burns, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. He later segued into television, amassing dozens of credits over a nearly 50-year span, most recently as a writer on 2001′s The Facts Of Life TV Reunion. Starr was a writer and co-creator of the Facts Of Life, which first aired in 1979 and ran through 1988. His other writing and/or producing credits include Mr. Ed (1961-1963), The Andy Griffith Show (1966), The Brady Bunch (1971-1973), Maude (1974), Chico And The Man (1977), All In The Family (1975-1978), Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1982) and Silver Spoons (1982-1987). Starr’s film credits include Oliver Twist (1974), Treasure Island (1973), and 1966′s Texas Across The River and Our Man Flint. He also was featured in Lunch, Donna Kanter’s documentary about comedians.
- 1/20/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
C’mon. You can trust me, you know you can. Just tell me your secret – whisper it in my ear…
Secrecy is a’riding the autumn air. Bradley Manning, who revealed hush-hush information while in the Army, was sentenced to 30 years; Edward Snowden, who leaked details of government surveillance programs to the press, is hiding out in Russia; and the lid has been pried off J.D. Salinger’s long reclusion.
We all be watched Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., an ABC show based on Marvel’s 60s-era secret agent comic book. At least, I think the SHIELDers were supposed to be secret, though I don’t know how secret the organization could have been since its HQ was a giant helicopter held aloft by a pair of oversized rotors fore and aft. (And how did they ever keep the thing fueled?) S.H.I.E.L.D fills the spyguy hole in...
Secrecy is a’riding the autumn air. Bradley Manning, who revealed hush-hush information while in the Army, was sentenced to 30 years; Edward Snowden, who leaked details of government surveillance programs to the press, is hiding out in Russia; and the lid has been pried off J.D. Salinger’s long reclusion.
We all be watched Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., an ABC show based on Marvel’s 60s-era secret agent comic book. At least, I think the SHIELDers were supposed to be secret, though I don’t know how secret the organization could have been since its HQ was a giant helicopter held aloft by a pair of oversized rotors fore and aft. (And how did they ever keep the thing fueled?) S.H.I.E.L.D fills the spyguy hole in...
- 9/26/2013
- by Dennis O'Neil
- Comicmix.com
Jim Steranko, one of the creators of the Nick Fury character, will be recapping Agents of Shield for THR's Heat Vision every week. Read more about the Marvel Comics artist in a Q&A here. When Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created S.H.I.E.L.D. in the pages of 1965's Strange Tales, about the last thing on their minds was a 2013 TV series. Their goal was to initiate a comic book version of 007, in the manly tradition of Our Man Flint, Danger Man and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The concept was to
read more...
read more...
- 9/25/2013
- by Jim Steranko
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's been 25 years since we were first held hostage with an ass-kicking Bruce Willis on Christmas Eve in "Die Hard," a film that's as fresh and awesome as it was when it first hit theaters (in limited release on July 15, 1988, and nationwide on July 22). Five films and 71 kills later, John McClane is still one of our favorite cop heros.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the action classic, we're letting you in on 25 trivia facts about the film. From the unexpected origin of "Yippee-ki-yay, motherf*cker!" to Reginald VelJohnson's Twinkie attacks, "Die Hard" is full of fun facts that you probably never knew, even after a hundred viewings (don't deny it).
1. "Die Hard" was Alan Rickman's feature film debut. That's right, Professor Snape, who's set to play Ronald Reagan in the upcoming film "The Butler," was first introduced to the big screen as the infamous Hans Gruber.
2. Rickman...
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the action classic, we're letting you in on 25 trivia facts about the film. From the unexpected origin of "Yippee-ki-yay, motherf*cker!" to Reginald VelJohnson's Twinkie attacks, "Die Hard" is full of fun facts that you probably never knew, even after a hundred viewings (don't deny it).
1. "Die Hard" was Alan Rickman's feature film debut. That's right, Professor Snape, who's set to play Ronald Reagan in the upcoming film "The Butler," was first introduced to the big screen as the infamous Hans Gruber.
2. Rickman...
- 7/15/2013
- by Erin Whitney
- Moviefone
Rare 1966 trade magazine ad
On Monday evening commencing at 8:00 Pm (Est), Turner Classic Movies (North America) will present back-to-back 1960s spy flicks starting with Our Man Flint starring James Coburn, followed by the first two Dean Martin Matt Helm films (The Silencers and Murderer's Row), then Carry on Spying and finally two Vincent Price camp classics, Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine and Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs. ...
- 5/19/2013
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
The Girl From Rio
Stars: Shirley Eaton, Richard Wyler, George Sanders, Maria Rohm, Herbert Fleischmann, Marta Reves, Elisa Montés, Walter Rilla, Beni Cardoso, Valentina Godoy | Written by Franz Eichhorn, Bruno Leder, Harry Alan Towers | Directed by Jess Franco
There is an argument that films that are described as “so bad they are good” aren’t actually good, they are just bad. What about films though that are bad, they should be seen as bad but you still like them? The Girl from Rio is a film that I can see is bad, I can list ways it just fails yet I will still say I honestly like it. I’m can’t say I’ve seen that many films directed by Jess Franco (though I may have unwittingly seen more than I realise) but the more I see the more I realise the man turned exploitation into an art form,...
Stars: Shirley Eaton, Richard Wyler, George Sanders, Maria Rohm, Herbert Fleischmann, Marta Reves, Elisa Montés, Walter Rilla, Beni Cardoso, Valentina Godoy | Written by Franz Eichhorn, Bruno Leder, Harry Alan Towers | Directed by Jess Franco
There is an argument that films that are described as “so bad they are good” aren’t actually good, they are just bad. What about films though that are bad, they should be seen as bad but you still like them? The Girl from Rio is a film that I can see is bad, I can list ways it just fails yet I will still say I honestly like it. I’m can’t say I’ve seen that many films directed by Jess Franco (though I may have unwittingly seen more than I realise) but the more I see the more I realise the man turned exploitation into an art form,...
- 1/30/2013
- by Pzomb
- Nerdly
Moviefone's New Release Pick of the Week "To Rome With Love" What's It About? Woody Allen's latest European jaunt features Alec Baldwin, Penelope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg and the bespectacled one himself in an anthology of stories dealing with love, art, class and infidelity. You know, typical Woody. See It Because: It's not nearly as good as "Midnight in Paris," but there's still great performances and great moments that make it an interesting chapter in this 17th(?) revival of Allen. Moviefone's Blu-ray Pick of the Week "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (Criterion Collection) What's It About? The Alfred Hitchcock suspense is so nice, he made it twice. Criterion archives the first version of the mystery thriller about a vacationing family caught up in an assassination conspiracy, and features the iconically creepy Peter Lorre in his first English-speaking role. See It Because: Like everything else Criterion does, it comes packed with special features,...
- 1/14/2013
- by Eric Larnick
- Moviefone
Kick-Ass comic creator Mark Millar has already seen quite a bit of Kick-Ass 2, and he's pretty excited about it, saying that it will be better than the first film. He recently sat in on an editing session, and took to his blog to talk about about the movie. He also addresses the Matthew Vaughn Star Wars rumor and teases three new film projects that will be announced soon.
Let's start out with the Kick-Ass 2 talk...
But Kick-Ass 2. What can I say? Let me tell you that yesterday as I was sitting in Eddie Hamilton's edit suite (think James Coburn's apartment in Our Man Flint) I literally for the first time thought this might actually be Better than the original. This was a huge moment for me because there is no bigger fan of the first movie than me. I think it's pretty close to perfect.
Let's start out with the Kick-Ass 2 talk...
But Kick-Ass 2. What can I say? Let me tell you that yesterday as I was sitting in Eddie Hamilton's edit suite (think James Coburn's apartment in Our Man Flint) I literally for the first time thought this might actually be Better than the original. This was a huge moment for me because there is no bigger fan of the first movie than me. I think it's pretty close to perfect.
- 11/8/2012
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Mark Millar is a very busy man and fortunately for him, the production for Kick-Ass 2 is in London, so he can pop in whenever he's needed. He wrote an extensive piece on his Millarworld forums about the shooting and editing process of the film. Take a look at an excerpt below. Let me tell you that yesterday as I was sitting in Eddie Hamilton's edit suite (think James Coburn's apartment in Our Man Flint) I literally for the first time thought this might actually be Better than the original. This was a huge moment for me because there is no bigger fan of the first movie than me. I think it's pretty close to perfect. But there's so much in this, the whole thing so rich, that I honestly think this might be the Empire Strikes Back to Star Wars. I'd seen over 40 mins before, but...
- 11/8/2012
- Comingsoon.net
Paramount Pictures has acquired a pitch by Sacha Baron Cohen and writer Phil Johnston (Cedar Rapids, Wreck-It Ralph) to develop an untitled comedy featuring a James Bond-like spy who is forced to go on the run with his long-lost brother, a moronic soccer hooligan. Cohen will likely star in the film, but that will depend on his availability and scheduling. It's also possible that he may play both the spy and the brother, just like he played dual roles in "The Dictator." This new movie would be just the latest of many James Bond spoofs, which include Rowan Atkinson's "Johnny English," James Coburn's "Our Man Flint," and Jean Dujardin (The Artist) "Oss 117."...
- 8/7/2012
- WorstPreviews.com
James Bond is a character (or, perhaps, caricature) who can’t seem to stay out of the public eye. New movies are always popping up, and now, Bond has even linked himself to the Queen of England during the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games. James Bond isn’t just good for Olympic entrances, he’s also a perfect guy to make fun of. Over the years, there have been many spoofs of the super spy, including Jean Dujardin’s “Oss 117,” Rowan Atkinson’s “Johnny English” films, and James Coburn’s “Our Man Flint” and “In Like Flint.” Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount has joined the legions of James Bond spoofers. Paramount [ Read More ]...
- 8/6/2012
- by monique
- ShockYa
The very things that made James Bond cool -- the girls, the tuxedo, the gadgets -- also made the concept ripe for spoofs and off-shoots. Jean Dujardin, the Oscar-winning actor from The Artist, starred in the French-made Oss 117 series, and Rowan Atkinson starred in a couple of Johnny English comedies. Even in the early days of the Bond movies, James Coburn ran around in the parodies Our Man Flint (1966) and In Like Flint (1967).
Now Paramount is jumping into the fray, acquiring a pitch from Sacha Baron Cohen and Phil Johnston for an untitled comedy project featuring a James Bond-like spy who “is forced to go on the run with his long-lost brother
read more...
Now Paramount is jumping into the fray, acquiring a pitch from Sacha Baron Cohen and Phil Johnston for an untitled comedy project featuring a James Bond-like spy who “is forced to go on the run with his long-lost brother
read more...
- 8/6/2012
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Horror fans today are spoiled. With the vast array of films available on DVD and Blu-ray via storefronts like Best Buy and Fye, online outlets like Amazon and Deep Discount, and rental/streaming services such as Netflix, there are few films that are unattainable. Virtually anything one might hear of is available some way, somewhere. But it wasn't always so...
Back at a time before disc (or VHS for that matter), the only way - and I mean the Only way - to see classic and not so classic genre pictures was on broadcast television. As a kid, I remember getting the local TV Guide and a yellow highlighter and systematically going through the listings, marking each and every show time of movies I'd heard about either from friends or ones that were obliquely mentioned in Forry Ackerman's Famous Monsters of Filmland . I would meticulously go over each entry...
Back at a time before disc (or VHS for that matter), the only way - and I mean the Only way - to see classic and not so classic genre pictures was on broadcast television. As a kid, I remember getting the local TV Guide and a yellow highlighter and systematically going through the listings, marking each and every show time of movies I'd heard about either from friends or ones that were obliquely mentioned in Forry Ackerman's Famous Monsters of Filmland . I would meticulously go over each entry...
- 3/8/2012
- by Carnell
- DreadCentral.com
Super-8 Movie Madness at the Way Out Club will be held on Tuesday March 6th from 8pm to Midnight. These are Super-8 Sound films condensed from features (they average 15 minutes in length) and will be projected on a large screen at the Way Out Club. Admission is only Three Bucks!!!!
The films on March 6th are: the politically incorrect Warner Bros cartoon Jungle Jitters, Dean Martin in Airport, the Hammer Horror The Mummy’S Shroud, Bela Lugosi in the original Dracula, Lon Chaney in Ghost Of Frankenstein, Yongary Monster From The Deep, The Exorcist, Woody Allen in Take The Money And Run, Farrah Fawcett and Kirk Douglas in Saturn 3, James Coburn in Our Man Flint, Cry Uncle, Squirm, and Phantasm
There will be lots of posters and T-Shirts and stuff given away. The Way Out Club is located at 2525 Jefferson Avenue in South St. Louis (corner of Jefferson and...
The films on March 6th are: the politically incorrect Warner Bros cartoon Jungle Jitters, Dean Martin in Airport, the Hammer Horror The Mummy’S Shroud, Bela Lugosi in the original Dracula, Lon Chaney in Ghost Of Frankenstein, Yongary Monster From The Deep, The Exorcist, Woody Allen in Take The Money And Run, Farrah Fawcett and Kirk Douglas in Saturn 3, James Coburn in Our Man Flint, Cry Uncle, Squirm, and Phantasm
There will be lots of posters and T-Shirts and stuff given away. The Way Out Club is located at 2525 Jefferson Avenue in South St. Louis (corner of Jefferson and...
- 2/29/2012
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
When it came to saving the world, bedding the babes, breaking Q’s gadgets, James Bond was the man, even if his tongue-in cheek adventures are a long way from the very real spy world of John le Carre and Harry Palmer.
Although Eon productions owned the movie rights to the Ian Fleming novels, it hasn’t stopped film-makers from making a couple of unofficial Bond flicks as well as several interesting variations on the character. So here are some of the parodies, pastiches, parallels and strange oddities that make up this alternative world of 007!
Our Man Flint (1966): Hollywood was now getting in on the Bond act with the Matt Helm movie series (1966-69) and TV’s The Man from U. N. C. L. E. (1964-68). But this effort is the ultimate of sixties cool with James Coburn in fine charismatic form as brilliant super-agent Derek Flint. Armed with...
Although Eon productions owned the movie rights to the Ian Fleming novels, it hasn’t stopped film-makers from making a couple of unofficial Bond flicks as well as several interesting variations on the character. So here are some of the parodies, pastiches, parallels and strange oddities that make up this alternative world of 007!
Our Man Flint (1966): Hollywood was now getting in on the Bond act with the Matt Helm movie series (1966-69) and TV’s The Man from U. N. C. L. E. (1964-68). But this effort is the ultimate of sixties cool with James Coburn in fine charismatic form as brilliant super-agent Derek Flint. Armed with...
- 7/4/2011
- Shadowlocked
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