Back To The Future May Be In Our Future
It is still only unofficially slated for a December release, but here is what is rumoured to be on the "Back To The Future" DVD Trilogy.
Back to the Future - The Making of Back to the Future, Time Travel: Fact, Fiction & Fantasy featurette, feature commentary, trailers, The Power of Love music video, Johnny B. Goode music video, pop-up trivia quiz, deleted scenes, footage from the original auditions, make-up tests, outtakes, original storyboards and conceptual artwork, photograph gallery, prop museum, DVD-ROM features with script to screen comparison.
Back to the Future: Part II - "behind-the-scenes" special presentation, feature commentary, trailers, deleted scenes, footage from the original auditions, make-up tests, outtakes, original storyboards and conceptual artwork, photograph gallery, prop museum, DVD-ROM features with script to screen comparison.
Back to the Future: Part III - The Secrets of the Back to the Future Trilogy, feature commentary, trailers, Doubleback music video, deleted scenes, footage from the original auditions, make-up tests, outtakes, original storyboards and conceptual artwork, photograph gallery, prop museum, DVD-ROM features with script to screen comparison.
Now if December would only get here!
Disney sets sail for Muppet Treasure Island
If you're like me, the one thing that is guaranteed to brighten your day is a Muppet movie. So you can imagine my delight with the announcement of an upcoming DVD of the swashbuckling tale Muppet Treasure Island coming this June from Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
Kermit, Gonzo and the rest of the Muppets put take on high adventure in the form of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic pirate tale, Treasure Island. A young boy named Jack and a daring crew set out for lost treasure after the discovery of a lost treasure map, but several of their crew are not what they seem when gold is on the line.
No features have been announced on this title, but the DVD will arrive on June 4th!
Ahoy maties!
Allen ponders World Trade Center loss
Woody Allen has definite ideas about how to film New York City without the World Trade Center as part of the skyline.
"I'm one person who feels that one has to treat this realistically," he said, referring to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Allen made a rare appearance at Sunday's Oscars ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood to introduce a montage of film clips shot in New York City. The tribute, by filmmaker Nora Ephron, included clips from Allen's Manhattan and other films.
"I didn't write it out but I thought about it in my shower," Allen, who lives in New York City, told reporters.
"For over two weeks I kind of put it together in my mind and then I started to get the panicky feeling that without hot water coming down on my back I was not going to be able to do it," he said with a laugh.
LUCASARTS Announced STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTER
LUCASARTS has announced a fall release for STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTER, a PLAYSTATION 2 and GAMECUBE game which involves Jango Fett, father of Boba Fett, in events that take place between STAR WARS I & II.
Wow! Is it time for new movies already! Cool! I love when it is time for new movies, and there are a slew of them this week!
And up front. Primarily. The number one reason to go to the flicks this weekend is the teaming of the incredible Jodie Foster with David Fincher!
THE PANIC ROOM [Sony - R]
Starring Jodie Foster, Forest Whitaker, Dwight Yoakam, Jared Leto, Holt McCallany, Ann Magnuson. Directed by David Fincher.
WHAT: A divorced woman and her son are trapped in
their home's panic room after a brutal home invasion.
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/panicroom
DEATH TO SMOOCHY [WB - R]
Starring Robin Williams, Edward Norton, Catherine Keener, Jon Stewart, Danny DeVito, Hank Azaria, Salma Hayek. Directed by Danny DeVito.
WHAT: A former children's TV star seeks revenge
on the purple rhinoceros that replaced him.
http://deathtosmoochymovie.warnerbros.com
Did I mention THE PANIC ROOM [Sony - R]
Starring Jodie Foster, Forest Whitaker, Dwight Yoakam, Jared Leto, Holt McCallany, Ann Magnuson.Directed by David Fincher.
WHAT: A divorced woman and her son are trapped in
their home's panic room after a brutal home invasion.
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/panicroom
CLOCKSTOPPERS [Paramount - PG]
Starring Jesse Bradford, French Stewart, Paula Garces, Garikayi Mutambirwa, Robin Thomas, Michael Biehn, Julia Sweeney. Directed by Johnathan Frakes.
WHAT: A scientist creates an invention that
speeds up any target to 25x its normal speed.
http://www.clockstoppers.com
And then there is THE PANIC ROOM [Sony - R]
Starring Jodie Foster, Forest Whitaker, Dwight Yoakam, Jared Leto, Holt McCallany, Ann Magnuson.Directed by David Fincher.
WHAT: A divorced woman and her son are trapped in
their home's panic room after a brutal home invasion.
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/panicroom
THE ROOKIE [Buena Vista - G]
Starring Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez, Brian Cox. Directed by John Lee Hancock.
WHAT: The story of Tampa Bay DEVIL RAYS player Jim Morris, who was inspired to try out for the majorleagues 12 years after having to drop out of the minor league.
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/rookie
And the final new movie this weekend is THE PANIC ROOM [Sony - R] Starring Jodie Foster, Forest Whitaker, Dwight Yoakam, Jared Leto, Holt McCallany, Ann Magnuson.Directed by David Fincher.
WHAT: A divorced woman and her son are trapped in
their home's panic room after a brutal home invasion.
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/panicroom
It is going to be a great time at the old picture show this weekend!
Enjoy the popcorn and I'll see you at the movies!
IMAX To Convert Hit Films, Starting With APOLLO 13
IMAX has announced it is converting Ron Howard's APOLLO 13 from a 35mm film to the 15/70 IMAX format. APOLLO 13: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE is expected to open in theaters this summer.
In related news, Howard is reportedly currently scouting locations in Texas to possibly direct the historical drama THE ALAMO...deep in the heart of Texas!
Hurt, Stiller Guest on KING OF QUEENS
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY reports William Hurt and Ben Stiller will guest star on the 100th episode of the CBS sitcom KING OF QUEENS, airing on May 20th. Hurt will play a psychiatrist who treats the Heffernan family, while Ben will play the father of his real-life father, Jerry Stiller, in a family flashback.
NBC will be celebrating it's 75th anniversary in May with appearances from classic NBC stars.
Bond's License Revoked by ABC
Secret agent James Bond has finally encountered one predicament even he can't escape: cancellation.
After weeks of progressively lower ratings, ABC has lived and let its Saturday night "Bond Picture Show" franchise die.
ABC had been airing the Bond movies in chronological order (except for the George Lazenby starrer "On Her Majesty's Secret Service") starting with "Dr. No" Jan. 26.
But viewers were neither shaken nor stirred by the programming strategy: in eight airings, the "Bond Picture Show" averaged only 6 million viewers. The second Bond flick, "From Russia With Love," pulled the most viewers (7.1 million).
There were four pictures-- "The Spy Who Loved Me," "Moonraker," "For Your Eyes Only" and "Octopussy" -- yet to air.
ABC originally purchased the Bond movies as fall 2001 contingency programming in the event of a writers or actors strike. With no strikes, coupled with the events of Sept. 11, the network pushed 007 to midseason.
ABC will revert to more recent repeat theatricals on Saturday nights. The leftover Bonds may show up sometime on ABC this summer; after that, Viacom networks TNN, CBS and UPN paid $30 million to take over broadcast rights of the classic features starting this fall.
Music Biz Falls Off the Scale
Analysts fear the worldwide music market plummeted 10% in value to $33 billion last year -- the worst drop in record business history.
Official stats are due April 16 from the industry's trade group the Intl. Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), but the estimated scale of the downturn has alarmed observers.
Much of the blame is laid on pirated music downloaded from the Internet, especially in the United States, as well as more consumers burning copies of CDs. The IFPI reckons that for every CD purchased, another is burned.
Meanwhile, organized piracy is still on the rise, particularly in Asia and Latin America.
Record companies, however, are hoping that 2001 will prove the bottom of the downward slide.
The industry was heavily hit after the Sept. 11 attacks on the U.S., but it has closed illegal Web sites such as Napster and launched anti-piracy initiatives this year.
Napster has delayed it's relaunch as it is still looking for deals.
Jim Carrey takes "Almighty" gig.
Well, alllllllllllllllmighty then!
John Travolta is in early talks to star in "Mr. 3000," about a baseball player who unretires when three of his past base hits are disallowed, dropping him below the esteemed 3,000-hit plateau.
Sweeeeet! I'm in line already!
"Lord Of The Rings'"on DVD and Video August 6th, 2002.
The theatrical version of "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" debuts on video Aug. 6, followed Nov. 12 by an extended edition that will add about 30 minutes to the three-hour film.
The theatrical release was rated PG-13, but distributor New Line said Tuesday the extended version probably would be explicit enough to carry an R rating.
The August DVD release will come in a two-disc set with two hours of bonus material, including a 10-minute sneak preview of the second chapter in the film trilogy, "The Two Towers," due in theaters Dec. 18.
The longer version of "Fellowship of the Ring" will come in a four-disc set with six hours of extra material, including behind-the-scenes looks at how director Peter Jackson recreated J.R.R. Tolkien's mythical land of hobbits, elves and wizards.
Jackson shot all three films simultaneously. Part three, "The Return of the King," hits theaters around Christmas 2003.
"Fellowship of the Ring" was nominated for 13 Oscars and won four on Sunday night, for cinematography, makeup, original score and visual effects
Robert DeNiro is working with the surviving members of the band to produce a Queen Musical.
Insert your own joke here.
STAR TREK AND GUMBY BOTH IN ONE DAY
Wow, what a list of new releases for today! I wish I had more money to spend! Hopefully you have unlimited resourses and can enjoy every one of the New Releases for Tuesday, March 26th, 2002.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION - THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON (DVD)
LIFE AS A HOUSE (VHSr & DVD)
HOW TO KILL YOUR NEIGHBOR'S DOG (VHSr & DVD)
XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS - THE SERIES FINALE (VHS & DVD)
GUMBY BOXED SET (DVD)
GUMBY Vol. 1 & 2 (VHS & DVD)
ALL IN THE FAMILY: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON (DVD)
MST3K: I ACCUSE MY PARENTS (DVD)
MST3K: RED ZONE CUBA (DVD)
K-PAX (VHS & DVD)
ORIGINAL SIN (VHSr & DVD)
HIGHWAY (VHSr & DVD)
IRON MONKEY (VHSr & DVD)
ON THE LINE (VHSr & DVD)
ROAD DOGZ (VHSr & DVD)
THE LAST SIEGE (VHSr & DVD)
THE APOCALYPSE WATCH (VHSr & DVD)
BREAD AND TULIPS (VHS & DVD)
CHEAP TRICK: MUSIC FOR HANGOVERS (VHS & DVD)
Plus... DVD releases of *WATERSHIP DOWN, RASHOMON (Criterion), THE QUIET MAN, and FARSCAPE (Vol. 11).
I LOVE THAT SCENT!
Ah yes! That smell! The smell of new CD releases is in the air! It's Tuesday, New Music Tuesday and not only is it New music Tuesday, but to day marks the return of two of the industry's biggest diva's. One of them, Celine Dion, returns whether we want her to or not. The other, Lauryn Hill, is finally back in our lives! Whoo hoo!
So without further adieu, here are the New Music releases to Tuesday, March 26th, 2002.
JACK DANGERS Variaciones (Instinct)
LAURYN HILL Unplugged (Columbia)
CELINE DION A New Day Has Come (Epic)
JAY-Z & R. KELLY Best of Both Worlds (Def Jam)
GHOSTFACE KILLAH Bulletproof Wallets (Epic)
RUFF ENDZ Someone to Love You (Epic)
EAZY-E Godfather of Gangsta Rap (Ruthless/Epic)
MARC ANTHONY Mended (Columbia)
PETE TOWNSHEND Scooped (Red Line)
CASSANDRA WILSON Belly of the Sun (Blue Note)
PETE YORN Live (Columbia)
NEIL YOUNG Are You Passionate (Reprise)
BAHA MAN Move it Like This (S-Curve-Capitol)
BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS Riviera (Big/WB)
CAITLIN CARY While You Weren't Looking (Yep Roc)
IRON MAIDEN Rock in Rio (Columbia)
Plus... CLAUDIA ACUNA, ALL 4 ONE, ALL THAT REMAINS, ASPHALT JUNGLE, ATOMIC BITCHWAX, AVANT, BLACKHAWK, CYCLEFLY, DOWN, FINE CHINA, JEREMIAH FREED, FUNKMASTER FLEX, FUNKY GREEN DOGS, GERARDO FAME, ED HARCOURT, HATEBREED PERSEVERANCE, TY HERNDON, WARREN HILL, INFINITY, KINKY, LATHUN, NICOLE McCLOUD, MINDY McCREADY, ESTRELLA MORENTE, MOTH, PEPPER, RAE & CHRISTIAN, PEPICITO REYES, ROCK COUNTRY, SPARTA, TONY STAMPLEY, and the soundtracks to MURDA MUZIK, NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VAN WILDER, THE ROOKIE, THE SCORPION KING, and CLOCKSTOPPERS.
ERR RAGE
Former Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell has quit as frontman for the untitled band he formed with members of Rage Against the Machine.
That announcement comes just days after the group was confirmed as a headliner for this summer's Ozzfest tour. No reason was given for the split, but Cornell's manager says there are still plans to release the album that the group recorded over the past year.
MIA
Best Actor nominee Will Smith was not in the audience when his category was announced because he and his wife, Jada Pinkett, had to leave after their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter Willow was taken to the hospital for treatment of an ear infection and a 103-degree fever.
A spokesman says Willow is home now and doing better.
'In The Bedroom' co-star replaces Furlong in 'T3'
Fresh off his acclaimed work in the small-scale family drama "In The Bedroom," Nick Stahl has been selected to star alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in "T3: Rise Of The Machines."
Variety reports that Stahl, 22, will appear in the third "Terminator" movie as John Conner, the future leader of the human race in a revolt against mechanized tyrants. The role was originated in "Terminator 2: Judgement Day" by Edward Furlong.
Stahl played the son of co-stars Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson in "In The Bedroom." His character's affair with a recently separated woman (Marisa Tomei) triggers violence that overturns the family's orderly life.
Schwarzenegger returns as the heroic cyborg, while Kristanna Loken ("Panic") plays a lethal female edition of the Terminator. Jonathan Mostow ("U-571") directs.
Variety said Stahl recently completed work on "Bookies," opposite Rachel Leigh Cook and Lukas Haas. He also appears in the upcoming HBO pilot "Carnivale."
Even though the first film hasn't even opened yet "Spider- Man 2" is set to start filming in January.
The television ratings for Sunday's Oscar cast hit a low mark.
...here's a look at Oscar fashion hits, and misses.
The more Oscar changes, the more it stays the same.
Even if they didn't win an Oscar on Sunday evening, many of the attendees went home with a La-Z-Boy recliners. And $1,000-plus office chairs. And $1,400 watches. And $600 teeth-whitenening gift certificates...
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL
"A Beautiful Mind" took home four Oscars Sunday night, including Best Picture and Best Director (Ron Howard). "The Lord of the Rings- The Fellowship Of The Ring" also took home four trophies, but in lower-profile categories.
For more Oscar stories and a recap, see some of the stories below!
Plus if you are wondering why Best Actor nominee Will Smith was not in the audience when his category was announced. He and his wife, Jada Pinkett, were called home for a "family emergency," a spokesperson said.
Everything is reportedly okay now.
U2 could release some new music this year
U2 fans who were disappointed that the band won't go ahead with a rumoured summer tour of Europe can take some comfort in news about how they're spending their time instead: in the studio.
The band's manager, Paul McGuinness, has announced that the group has already begun work on a follow-up to "All That You Can't Leave Behind."
The results could see release before the end of the year.
"U2 would like to clarify that, contrary to certain speculation in the press, they will be neither touring Europe this summer, nor splitting up," McGuinness said in his statement.
"Instead, they are spending time in the studio working on new material for a possible release later this year."
Recording a quickie follow-up the multi-platinum, Grammy-snagging "All That You Can't Leave Behind" will mean an accelerated release schedule for the Irish quartet. There was a three-year lull between "ATYCLB's" release in late 2000 and "Pop," which was issued in 1997. The latter album came four years after "Zooropa," which came two years after "Achtung, Baby" in 1991.
Jodie Foster entered the "Panic Room" and tackled her latest role head-on.
RECAPPING MY 6 OSCAR PREDICTIONS
In Short form, I got 4 of the 6 I predicted correct.
I said:
Actor- Denzel Washington
Actress- Sissy Spacek
Supporting Actor- Ian McKellen
Supporting Actress- Jennifer Connelly
Best Director- Ron Howard
Best Picture- A Beautiful Mind
I was wrong about Best Actress, which was won by Halle Berry for "Monster's Ball" (See my thoughts on that and her below).
Now I know and admit that I got it wrong, but in my defence in my predictions I did write:
"BUT- What about Halle Berry?!??! The glamorous beauty played unglamorous and was very, very naked and effective in a very emotional movie. Plus she won the Screen Actor’s Guild Award in this category, usually a quite accurate barometer of who will win the Oscar?!?! And, Oscar usually likes to surprise in this category by giving the award to an actress who comes out of nowhere and gives an awesome performance, see Hilary Swank in “Boys Don’t Cry.”"
So I don't feel so bad about being incorrect.
Regarding the other one I was mistaken on, the fabulous Jim Broadbent was the evening's biggest upset, over the predicted Ian McKellen, when he won for "Iris."
And I have no qualms about that one either as Broadbent was the year's Best Overall Supporting Actor. Of the 5 ladies nominated for Best Actress he worked opposite 3 of them, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger, in their respective films. So he won, and he deserved it.
And I had 4 of the 6 major categories that I predicted correct. For what I Wrote about them, click on ARCHIVE on the left of this page, under the logo, and visit the postings for March 22nd.
Here's hoping you won your Oscar Pool!
MY THOUGHTS
Sunday night's telecast of the 74th Annual Academy Awards is one that had a few highlights, but far too many lowlights. I'll recap the bad first and get it out of the way.
FOR STARTERS, GET RID OF WHOOPI
The biggest problem of the night was the host. She may have been funny once, although I can't recall when, but the woman who's current claim to fame is that she is the centre square on the remake of the TV game show "Hollywood Sqaures" should be banished from the Oscar stage. She wasn't funny, she had nothing to offer, and for an program that requires a host that is as big as the event itself she is..., well she is the centre square on the remake of the TV game show "Hollywood Squares."
SECONDLY, WILL SOMEONE GIVE HALLE BERRY A CLUE
She did the same thing when she won the Emmy for "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge" a few years ago. She thought the Award was given not for her performance but becuase the voters wanted to award her colour. I find it hard to believe that any of the 5700 people thought to themselves, "Hmmm, let's give it to Halle Berry to make up for decades of injustice." Sorry, but the award was given to her because of what the voters thought of her performance in "Monster's Ball." Period.
When she decided that it was done as a political statement and blathered on about "...opening the door..." and being pleased that she was "...the person people can now aspire to follow in the footsteps of...", plus thanking everyone who ever worked for her and demanding more time because her award was "...74 years overdue..." she lost the empathy of the audience, the viewers, and the guy writing these words right now.
Yes, she won the award, but she lost the chance to ever win again. People want to be happy for the winner, not uncomfortable because of what they say. She said the wrong things and I hope she enjoyed her career's lone Oscar highlight.
ALRIGHT, ENOUGH NEGATIVITY DAN, GET TO THE GOOD
The good begins with Woody Allen. As a huge fan of his and someone who has always wanted to see him just show up at The Academy Awards, I got my wish. I had no idea that he would be there and even as horrible host Whoopi Goldberg stumbled through her over- written introduction I still had no idea. The Woodman always foregoes the evening, even when he is nominated, to play jazz with his friends and band. To see him there, and to have him be so funny, and spot on with his comedy, made me wish that he was hosting. He was my treat of the night.
THEN THERE WAS RANDY NEWMAN!
After 15 tries the man who loves L.A. and has mixed feelings toward short people finally won an Academy Award. You could tell by his speech that he was genuinely moved, and so was I! Congrats, Randy!
OVERALL?
In the end I will take away the class and grace that was displayed by Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier while accepting their Awards. There place as upper- statesmen in Hollywood was ensconced forever in my opinion. I'll also fondly remember the Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson skit, and have many dreams about how great Jennifer Connelly and Jodie Foster looked.
It wasn't the worst Oscar show I've ever seen, but it was close. In the end, my suggestion would be bring back producer Laura Ziskin, continue to produce short films to honour the evening's various showcases, and try and have one Woody-esque size surprise every year. But retire Bruce Villanch and his stale writing team. They just didn't seem to have anything interesting or topical for the presenters or host to say. And that host must go as well!
Back to the centre square with her!
And congratulations to all of the winners!
If you need definitive proof here is the complete list of winners at the 74th Annual Academy Awards.
History was made at Sunday night's Oscar ceremony.
"Shrek" Won The Best Animated Feature Oscar
"Shrek," the uproarious anti-fairy tale that proved a monster hit at the box office, on Sunday won the first ever Oscar for a full length animated feature.
The computer-animated tale of an ugly green ogre with a talking donkey as a sidekick triumphed over competitors "Jimmy Neutron" and "Monsters, Inc" from Walt Disney Co -- which has traditionally dominated the world of film animation. Shrek was made by rival studio Dreamworks.
"Shrek," with its satire on modern culture ranging from theme parks to romance, proved a hit with both children and adults and became one of the highest grossing films of last year. It took more than $250 million at the U.S. box office alone.
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science decided to inaugurate an Oscar for animated features to recognize the strides made in the art form.
Denzel Washington is the Best Actor winner.
Halle Berry wins for Best Actress.
"No Man's Land" claims the Oscar's Foreign Language prize.
Tabernac!
Director/Producer Ron Howard has "A Beautiful Night" at The Oscars.
I wonder if it was because he was wearing Craig Kilborn's hat?
In the big race of the weekend, Tom Green's "Freddy Got Fingered" was named last year's Worst Film.
Congratulations Tom!
Afte foregoing and skipping the Academy Awards for years Woody Allen made a surprise Oscar appearance.
He was the best part of the whole show!
This was one of the night's best surprises! After 15 loses Randy Newman finally wins his Oscar!
Randy, you've got a friend in me!
"Blade 2" was Number One at the box office this weekend.
Dan’s 2002 Oscar Picks
Since I am not working or covering this Oscar Season for anyone I must admit that I have enjoyed it more than any other in recent memory! In a normal year once the nominations are announced I have to read every article, watch every interview, study every nuance and statement to make an educated guess as to who will win the Oscar, because by now none of us are naïve enough to believe that these things are awarded on one cinematic merit alone.
So, with that said, I did follow the races as closely as I could as someone who was just enjoying it as a “regular person.” But in the end, a zebra cannot hide his stripes, and as a cinematic Oscar prognosticating Zebra, I offer my predictions, and reasons, in the six major categories.
For a look at some reliable predictions in the other categories visit Zap2it.
BEST ACTOR- A TWO HORSE RACE
WHO- Denzel Washington
WHY- In 1992 Denzel (“Malcolm X”), and Clint Eastwood (“Unforgiven”) for that matter, lost to Al Pacino for “Scent Of A Woman.” Pacino won that year because he didn’t win for “Serpico,” “Dog Day Afternoon” either of “The Godfather” films or any of the other superb films he had done. Even though Denzel’s performance in “Training Day” was uneven and uninteresting at times, he is a good guy in real life who played against type and was a bad guy in the movie, thus the Academy nominated him and since it owes him for a great career, he wins. Plus, Russell Crowe is a prick! Crowe would have won except he won last year for “Gladiator”, and award given to him as he didn’t win the year before for “The Insider.” Since he did win last year he won’t win this year because if he did he would be on par with Spencer Tracy and Tom Hanks, the only two men to ever win the Best Actor Oscar two years in a row, and Crowe is not as beloved or admired as Tracy or Hanks.
BUT- Crowe’s performance in “A Beautiful Mind” was the stuff that Oscar dreams are made of and he could win if the movie sweeps all of it’s other categories. Also, the Academy loves actor who go the mentally handicapped route.
SO THEN- What about Sean Penn? He was even more handicapped in “I Am Sam” than Crowe was in “A Beautiful Mind.” True, but since this is Denzel’s year for recognition, Penn won’t win.
BEST ACTRESS- THE HARDEST CATEGORY TO PROGNOSTICATE THIS YEAR
WHO- Sissy Spacek
WHY- Hollywood loves a comeback, plus Julia Roberts has been telling everyone that Sissy should win. With Julia still the reigning “Queen Of Hollywood” that endorsement will ensure that everyone watches the film at least once.
BUT- What about Halle Berry?!??! The glamorous beauty played unglamorous and was very, very naked and effective in a very emotional movie. Plus she won the Screen Actor’s Guild Award in this category, usually a quite accurate barometer of who will win the Oscar?!?! And, Oscar usually likes to surprise in this category by giving the award to an actress who comes out of nowhere and gives an awesome performance, see Hilary Swank in “Boys Don’t Cry.” AND!!! And what about Nicole Kidman?!?!? She sang her own songs and was amazing in “Moulin Rouge” and “The Others” was a great film, due to Nicole’s understated performance, and it made money! Plus, she came out of her failed marriage with Tom Cruise with dignity and class and is thought of as a survivor. What about Nicole!?!? What about Halle?!?
SO THEN- As I wrote, this is the hardest category to pick this year. Of the 5 nominated, any of the above 3 could take home the trophy. I choose Spacek just because of what my gut is saying and because 1) If Halle was so great, why didn’t Billy Bob Thornton get nominated too? Denzel was so appealing to the Academy that the wake of his great performance brought Ethan Hawke in with it. And 2) Yes, Nicole had a great year, but she is way too young- and successful- to get the sympathy vote just yet.
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE- WHO ELSE IS NOMINATED?!?
WHO- Ian McKellen
WHY- In “The Lord Of The Rings- The Fellowship Of The Rings” he was the grounding point in a world made up of Hobbits, Goblins and make believe. He gave a movie that could have been just a film for geeks and nerds resonance and an emotional core. Plus, in 1998 he lost Best Actor to Roberto Begnini in “Life Is Wonderful” when his performance in “Gods And Monsters” was better.
BUT- Dan, Alec Guiness, who was much loved, respected and adored by Hollywood, didn’t win for “Star Wars” and he has the same responsibilities that McKellen did! Yeah, well, so what! McKellen wins! Period!
SO THEN- I SAID PERIOD!!!
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE- CONNELLY IS THIS YEAR’S JULIA
WHO- Jennifer Connelly
WHY (DAN’S HORMONAL EXPLANATION)- She is hot! I have enjoyed her work through “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth” “Some Girls”, “Career Opportunities”, “The Hot Spot”, “The Rocketeer” and “The Hot Spot.” Her smile just melts me! She is easily one of the most beautiful woman in the world today!
WHY- (THE RATIONAL REASONS)- She was the best part of a movie that played like Oscar bait. “A Beautiful Mind” was an Oscar- Craving production in every aspect, but Connelly was so engaging, so strong, so interesting and so believable in it that she is my pick. Plus, much like Julia Roberts last year, Jennifer is the one person who is universally being touted by everyone. And did I mention that I am a huge fan of hers? I hope that hasn’t clouded my vision.
BUT- Nine years ago Marisa Tomei pulled off an upset and won for “My Cousin Vinny” over four Grand Dames of Hollywood (Joan Plowright, Vanessa Redgrave, Miranda Richardson and Judy Davis), couldn’t she do it again? Well, not unless the award is being presented by Jack Palance! Seriously, she could win because her presence is felt in the almost Marisa free second half of “In The Bedroom”, but going against her is that at the end of the movie you aren’t thinking or Marisa, you are focused on what just happened.
SO THEN- Connelly is the evening’s one sure bet.
BEST DIRECTOR- LITTLE OPIE CUNNINGHAM IS ALL GROWED UP
WHO- Ron Howard
WHY- Let me go through the list of nominees one by one: RIDLEY SCOTT- “Black Hawk Down” was stunning visually, but ultimately uninteresting and this is the film’s only major nomination. DAVID LYNCH- “Mulholland Drive” got one nomination. For that nomination to prove victorious would make no sense. And even though the movie made no sense, Lynch shouldn’t bother to write an acceptance speech. PETER JACKSON- “The Lord Of The Rings- The Fellowship Of The Rings” is the movie with the most nominations and is obviously the work of a man with an incredible vision. But did that vision primarily come from the words of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books or Jackson’s mind? You ponder that while I tell you that Jackson also won’t win now because there are 2 more films due in this trilogy and he is more likely to win once all three have come out. ROBERT ALTMAN- At 77 the old man of Hollywood may court the sympathy vote and thus win his first Oscar, and a pat on the back for a great career. But then again, he isn’t really the old man of Hollywood since he despises the city and makes all of his films with the smaller independent studios who won’t bother him and get in his way. Plus, the sound on the “Gosford Park” Academy video screener tapes, both the one I received and others I’ve heard about, is muffled and unclear in parts. It is very hard to listen to and many members may not have had the patience that I did. And that leaves us with RON HOWARD- He made a film that has everything the Academy likes- great acting, engaging story and a person who succeeds over adversity. The fact that it fudges the truth a bit and really isn’t that great a film, especially on repeated viewings, doesn’t seem to matter. So. after 15 directorial efforts, a career that began as a child star on “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Happy Days”, and his recent victory at the Director’s Guild Awards this is Ron Howard’s year.
SO THEN- Howard should be happy that Baz Luhrman wasn’t nominated for “Moulin Rouge.” That film was the result of one man’s singular vision, and it was superb in every way. The fact that Luhrman didn’t even get nominated is more ludicrous than Greedo shooting first!
AND FINALLY
BEST PICTURE- THIS WILL MAKE FOUR YEARS IN A ROW THAT THE YEAR’S ACTUAL BEST FILM DIDN’T WIN THE OSCAR FOR SAME
WHO, I GUESS THIS IS A WHICH- “A Beautiful Mind”
WHY- “Gosford Park” and “In The Bedroom” are two great small films that don’t have the sweeping vision that a film needs to possess to take the Academy’s top prize. “The Lord Of The Rings- The Fellowship Of The Ring” has the most nominations of any film this year, and the movie with the most nods usually always wins, but again, in 2004 there had better be a really, really great film released as the Academy will likely award all three of the LOTR films and director Peter Jackson at that time, plus fantasy films don’t usually engage the mind of the older aged Academy. Of the five films nominated “Moulin Rouge” is the best film, but people either love it or hate it and that proposition, and the lack of a nod for director Baz Luhrman will make the producers Moulin Green, with envy when “A Beautiful Mind” wins Best Picture. By far this is not the best film of last year, but in the past few years the actual best film never wins this award. The most ‘Academy Safe” film always does. Baz Luhrman’s vision may be pure and his mind beautiful, but it isn’t “A Beautiful Mind.”
BUT- “Shakespeare In Love” and “Ordinary People” were small films that won Best Picture! If the film with the most nominations normally wins, then “The Lord Of The Rings- The Fellowship Of The Ring” is a shoo in! And since Kidman won’t win as Best Actress and Luhrman didn’t get nominated, won’t “Moulin Rouge” get Best Picture as a consolation prize?
SO THEN- I think I’ve made my point!
A FINAL THOUGHT
The actual best film of 2001 was “Memento” and if you have to choose between whichever film wins Best Picture, which film wins the most awards in total or “Memento”, just see the latter. Hopefully it will win for Best Original Screenplay, and hopefully “Shrek”, the second best film of last year, will win in the new Best Animated Film category over the groundswell that has appeared for Disney’s “Monster’s, Inc.” But if neither of those personal favourites emerge victorious, I look forward to enjoying my Dr. Pepper, pizza and chicken wings, seeing the beautiful Jennifer Connelly, and just watching the Oscars as a spectator. That will be great!
Now if only the atrocious Whoopi Goldberg wasn’t hosting…But don’t get me started on that!
Enjoy the Oscars and good luck in your pools!
*N Sync member Lance Bass is in Moscow trying to become the first entertainer in space.
Jodie Foster!
What more do you need to know?!?
Canada's own Sum 41 has spun a song for "Spider- Man"! Congrats, guys!
If you enjoy Julia Louis- Dreyfus' new sitcom, you should know that you won't be "Watching Ellie" much longer. so enjoy!
Okay, so all week I have been stating that I would be posting my Oscar predictions today.
And I will!
Come back after 3 pm Eastern Time for the only Oscar picks you will need for the Best Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress and Best Picture and Best Director categories. My predictions will be here all weekend as well.
Here's a preview: Jennifer Connelly, Ian McKellen, Denzel Washington, Sissy Spacek, A Beautiful Mind and Ron Howard.
See you later!
Ah yes, once again it's time for my ingratiated, often imitated- in the future it will be replicated- but never duplicated look at the new films that are being released this weekend.
This week there are 3 new films and let me begin by telling you about a movie that sucks. Boy does it suck! But then again, it is about vampires!
Blade II takes place two years after the original Blade, and features the half-vampire/half-human vampire killer Wesley Snipes title character being asked by his intended targets to help fight a new breed of rogue vampires, called the Reapers, who are terrorizing both the human and vampire communities.
Essentially Blade II is a series of stylish, violent battles between Blade and his various enemies. The flavor of the conflicts is heavily influenced by the in- your- face martial arts genre, and not the unique or skilled stuff we've been seeing lately.
Blade II may be seriously lacking in the substance arena, but it's never boring. Those in search of a film that offers wall-to-wall samplings of gory, kick-ass action will find it here. Those looking for something creepy or frightening are encouraged to look elsewhere. And thinking is not welcome - you can check your brain at the theater door. In fact leave it at home altogether!
Come to think of it, it was 20 years ago this year that my family and I moved home to Canada from Germany. It was also 20 years ago that a movie about a alien became the highest grossing film of all time, until "Titanic" came along that is.
Yes, it's been 20 years since E.T.- The Extra- Terrestrial debuted. And now, in order to "cash in" on, oops! Sorry! Now, in order to "commemorate" the anniversary director Steven Spielberg has cleaned up his movie, added a slew of computer graphics and even put in some never before seen footage.
Blah, blah, blah! E.T.- The Extra- Terrestrial was a great film 20 years ago, and it is a great film now, but during it's original release, I spent my time watching Rocky III, A Fighter. A Lover. A Legend. The Greatest Challenge!
Now that was a great movie!
As so was Animal House, Porky's and Revenge Of The Nerds. All three of those films were great! Crude, rude and obnoxious, but great movies in their own right.
The lineage of those frat boys films continues in this weekend's final new film, Sorority Boys. I'd give you the movie's synopsis, but it is irrelevant. All that matters here is whether the movie is funny or not.
And if you like raunchy toilet humour, then this movie is very, very funny! In fact, I haven't laughed that hard in a while!
Sorority Boys is hilarious!
And you can quote me on that!
Plus, it features the incredible Melissa Sagemiller! She is hot, the movie is hilarious, and a good time will be had by all!
So enjoy the popcorn and I'll see you at the movies!
Next year will be it's final season and plans are already in the works for a "Friends" spinoff.
As long as they don't call it "After Friends!"
Will your favourite TV show be back next season? In some cases even "they" don't know.
KEANU IS AN AWARD
Look out Razzies. There's a new "worst movie" awards in town -- "The Keanus."
Fans of bad movies have until today to vote online for The Keanus, the new alternative Oscars being inaugurated by the Independent Media Institute.
"The awards are named after Keanu Reeves, in honour of the next Actor Most Able to Make Bad Movie After Bad Movie, with Little Real Acting Skill in Evidence, and Yet Emerge Unscathed and Well-Loved," the institute says on its Web site, AlterNet.org.
Other Keanus categories include Celebrity Most Likely to be Crushed by the Weight of Own Ego, Worst Marketing/Tie-In Consumer Rip-Off, Film that Should Have Skipped Theatres and Gone Straight To Video, and Film that Should have Skipped Video and Gone Straight to Inflight Movie.
When it comes to the Best Supporting Actress Oscar Jennifer Connelly is a lock to win.
Oh, and by the way, I'll offer my predictions tomorrow!
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
If there is a piece of music that you are looking for use Gemm to search the world for your music.
I found Orion The Hunter! Whoo hoo!!
STREET DATE CHANGE
Don't have a cow, man, it's only a month. Fox has just announced a postponement for The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season box set, which is now set for a July 9 release. Retail price of $59.95 and features all stay the same.
Also of note is the discontinuation of the awesome "X-Men" DVD, with a new special edition version due out to coincide with the theatrical/video release of X-Men 2. Stay tuned for more...
New "Spider-Man" trailer to debut online
"Spider-Man" will be spinning a new movie trailer on the world wide web next week.
Columbia Tri-Star has announced a new trailer for director Sam Raimi's adaptation of Marvel Comics' web-slinging hero will debut on the Spider- Man website starting Wednesday, March 27 at 9 a.m. Pacific Time, Noon Eastern.
"By placing this trailer exclusively online, we are giving fans everywhere an opportunity to get caught in Spider-Man's worldwide web," Columbia Tri-Star exec Geoffrey Ammer said in a press release.
"This Internet exclusive is also our way of saying 'thank you' to the online community that has so enthusiastically followed and supported the development and production of 'Spider-Man' over the past several years."
The teaser, which heralds the movie's May 3 opening, shows the titular hero (played by Tobey Maguire) patrolling the city, using his web-shooters to swing from building-to-building.
"Spider-Man" isn't the only big upcoming movie courting the online audience lately. George Lucas's upcoming "Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones," was recently screened for online movie-gossip goofball Harry Knowles, who raved about the results at his Ain't It Cool News movie website.
THIS IS THE LAST UPDATE
Okay, so I am sick of this show and the people on it, so I can't promise that I will cover it again after today. The people on the show are, plain and simple, weenies! THey are just big, idiotic weenies! And the hot, big busted chick is now gone! So that's another reason!
If you care, here's the results from Epiosde 4 of "Survivor: Marquesas."
She's gone! Oh, I! I'd pay the devil to replace her, she's gone! What went wrong (As sung by Hall and Oates)
SANS HALEN?
Sammy Hagar's official Website is saying that the former Van Halen singer is talking about touring this summer with original Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth.
Whoa!!
MACCA MEETS OSCAR
It was announced yesterday that Paul McCartney will perform his Oscar-nominated song, "Vanilla Sky," at this Sunday's Academy Awards.
John Travolta and Maggie Smith have also been added as presenters.
SHE'S BEING TREATED
Pamela Anderson confirmed on Wednesday that she has hepatitis C, which she said she got from ex-husband Tommy Lee while sharing a tattoo needle with him. Hepatitis C, which can cause severe liver damage, is spread by blood-to-blood contact, often by sharing intravenous needles or through unprotected sex.
Las Vegas oddsmakers are predicting a photo finish at this year's Oscars. And not just because people will be taking pictures of the winners (Ha ha ha! I love that joke!).
So we have heard today that there will be Two "Lord Of The Rings" DVD's.
Instead of one all enclusive edition, there will be two! I am starting to get sick of these money hungry studios! Don't they know that was one of the reasons that people soured on laserdiscs?!?!? They released the Deluxe Edition, the The Commemorative Edition, then The Anniversary Edition...
Studios, please- and I am begging- release one and only one version, the best possible version, of your movie. We will thank you with sales in the end!
First there were records. Then reel to real, cassettes, 8- track tapes, and Compact Discs. The latter was the format that we all suspected would last our lifetimes.
We may have been wrong!
The DataPlay digital media format may replace the CD.
But then again the mini disc was going to replace the CD as well.
WEDDING DAY?
British tabloids are claiming that Paul McCartney has set a June 6 date for his wedding to fiancée Heather Mills.
LOOK WHO'S WATCHING
CBS' critically maligned talking-baby sitcom Baby Bob winning its time period Monday night, drawing 15.6 million viewers and improving on the lead-in audience from King of Queens.
And Joely Fisher, who play's the baby's Mom, is soooooo sexy!
KNIGHT MOVES
Revolution Studios and David Hasselhoff have announced plans for a big-screen version of Knight Rider, the NBC series that starred Hasselhoff as super cool crime fighter Michael Knight and featured William Daniels as the voice of his high-tech Trans Am, K.I.T.T.
(Insert your own joke here.)
OH LORDY
Just so you know, the trailer for the next Lord of the Rings installment, "The Two Towers," will debut in theaters on March 29.
PROGRESS REPORT
Robert Downey Jr. was back in court Tuesday, where he received a positive progress report for his drug treatment. He's due back in court for another progress hearing July 19, at which time drug charges against him may be dropped.
Men In Black Version 3.0
There back to save the world on DVD. Again.
Columbia has announced the full specs for that new Men In Black Deluxe Edition, the third version of the film on this format.
It's not going to be a true Superbit Deluxe release, and it also drops the DTS track, but other than that, you should find just about all the extras included on the previous releases.
Disc one includes anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions of the film and English 5.1 and English and French 2.0 Dolby surround tracks, along with the video and audio commentaries with director Barry Sonnenfeld and actor Tommy Lee Jones and the technical crew.
Disc two features the "Men In Black Documentary," extended and alternate scenes, storyboard comparisons, conceptual art gallery, scene editing workshop, the Will Smith music video, trailers, and new to this DVD, an MIB II teaser trailer and Secret Files: Sneak Peek at MIB II.
DVD-ROM extras include "The Weapons Of MIB" overview, "MIB Headquarters dossier, interactive games and weblinks.
After months of downplaying itself, Hollywood Shifts Back to Glamour on Oscar Night.
The Man Who Must Be Stopped Get A Scoop
As a "reviewer" he is so bad and awful that he has become the plague of the motion picture business, and the internet, but since I believe in giving credit where credit is due, I'm happy to let you know about this. Harry Knowles has published the first review of "Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones."
Read it at your own risk! I'm waiting for the movie.
MAKING PLANS FOR FRIDAY NIGHT
Ever wonder what movies are being released soon?
Well, here's a look at all of the Coming Soon movies.
PET project draws raves
Trudeaumania swept through the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa Thursday night as close to 200 people gathered for a special screening of the CBC four-hour mini-series Trudeau.
"I think it's fantastic that the CBC has brought this story to life," remarked Heritage Minister Shiela Copps while chatting with Sen. Ross Fitzpatrick and actor Colm Feore, who plays Trudeau in the series.
Feore says he spent a lot of time doing research for the role, going over hours and hours of radio transcripts, legal notes and newspaper articles to get more of a perspective on the man Trudeau was and the legacy he left behind.
"It was really a remarkable role to play," he commented, while adjusting the red rose on his lapel.
"Trudeau was such an interesting character."
One man who has a particular insight into the Trudeau years, former External Affairs Minister Mitchell Sharp, also attended the event, and was able to swap stories with R.H. Thomson, the actor playing him in the series.
"I was thrilled to get this part. The man that I portray has had a long career built on honesty and integrity, and that's something that doesn't appear too often anymore," said Thomson, further stating that doing the series allowed him to see something many Canadians never get the chance to witness -- the dynamic both inside the cabinet, and that which existed between Sharp and Trudeau.
Also attending the pre-screening reception were Herb Gray and actors Patrick McKenna and Don McKeller, who play a fictonalized executive assistant and communications consultant.
Noticeably absent from the screening was Trudeau's ex-wife Margaret and their sons Justin and Sasha.
Trudeau airs on the CBC March 31 and April 1 at 8 p.m.
Spencer Tracy did it. Tom Hanks did it. They both won Oscars for Best Actor in back to back years. Will Russell Crowe go two for two?
A sequel to "Spider- Man", which doesn't open until May 3, is already being weaved.
So then it must be good!
The Jon Lovitz/Norm MacDonald sitcom is dead due to semanitics.
Bastards!
Intrigue runs high as the Oscar ballots are due back today.
Hey! No one sent me a copy of Zoolander! And that was released last week! Will you please send me a copy of Zoolander!!! How can I recommed a hilarious movie if I haven't seen it?!?!? Sure, I saw it during it's theatrical release, and loved it, but watching a movie at home is where it's at! So, for the love of all things video, would someone send me a Zoolander DVD!!!! Until then, here are some movies that I was sent that I can tell you about!
These are the new DVD and Video releases for Tuesday, March 19th, 2002.
DONNIE DARKO (VHS & DVD)
OZ: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON (VHS & DVD)
RIDING IN CARS WITH BOYS (VHS & DVD)
TRAINING DAY (VHSr & DVD)
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (VHS & DVD)
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME II (VHS & DVD)
LOUIS L'AMOUR'S THE DIAMOND OF JERU (VHSr & DVD)
STAYING ON TOP (VHS & DVD)
THE BRAVEST (VHS & DVD)
FOCUS (VHS & DVD)
Plus... DVD releases of SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES, STRICTLY BALLROOM, ANGELS & INSECTS, BAR GIRLS, BOXCAR BERTHA, DE SADE, IMPROMPTU, THE LOCUSTS, ROMEO IS BLEEDING and WILD ORCHID.
If you are looking for a new CD to buy that you will keep forever or one that will become a classic, look somewhere else! There are no such releases today! But then again, music preferences are subjective, and many think mine suck.
Either way, here are the new music releases for Tuesday, March 19th, 2002.
BLADE II [Soundtrack] (Immortal/Virgin)
MARY LORSON & SAINT LOW Tricks for Dawn (spinART)
MC SOLAAR Cinquieme As (East West/Elektra)
YES Talk (Spitfire)
MEGADETH Rude Awakening (Sanctuary)
OL' DIRTY BASTARD Trials and Tribulations... (D3)
K'S CHOICE Almost Happy (Sony International)
Plus... 12, ALL ABOUT EVE, STEVE AZAR, BRICK LAYER, CHEROKEE, CHICAGO UNDERGROUND, COMET, COREY, DIESELBOY, FIVE POINTE O, GAY DAD, GOV'T MULE, GRAVITY KILLS, DARREN HAYES, SANDER KNEINENBERG, GLENN LEWIS, MSM, SCHATZI, SUPER FURRY ANIMALS, ULTIMATE FAKEBOOK, WEST COAST BAD BOYZ, and the soundtracks to FRAILTY and KISSING JESSICA STEIN.
TOGETHER AGAIN
Sax player Clarence Clemons telling a Swedish radio station that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are in an Atlanta studio recording a new album.
IN THE PINK
"Crain's New York Business" is reporting that Britney Spears is considering buying a Manhattan eatery that would be run by restauranteur Bobby Ochs. The place, tentatively called Pinky's (after Spears' nickname), will offer moderately priced American cuisine and is scheduled to open in May.
Regarding Russell Crowe: Will Beautiful Acting Beat a Moody Mind?
I've have all of my Oscar Predictions on Friday.
Former Conan O'Brien sidekick Andy Richter has become a sitcom master!
But is his show any good...
George Michael returns with a new single. It has three "e"'s and is called "Freeek."
Wouldn't it be more apropos if MIchael Jackson had released a song with that title?
Some Punk Pioneers have entered The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
PS- I've been there!
Rush track list confirmed; band plans tour
Rush's long-awaited new album will arrive in record stores May 14, with the debut single due at radio late this month, the band's label has confirmed.
Universal Music Canada and Anthem Records announced that the first single from "Vapor Trails" will be "One Little Victory," which will begin shipping to radio stations on March 29.
And Rush fans can also expect the group to hit the road this summer in support of the album. "Vapor Trails" is their first new release since 1996's "Test For Echo." The band hasn't performed live since the summer of 1997.
Although details of the album have leaked out via the 'Net in recent weeks, Universal/Anthem has now confirmed the new album's track listing:
1. "One Little Victory"
2. "Peaceable Kingdom"
3. "Ghost Rider"
4. "Ceiling Unlimited"
5. "The Stars Look Down"
6. "How It Is"
7. "Vapor Trail"
8. "Out Of The Cradle"
9. "Earthshine"
10. "Sweet Miracle"
11. "Nocturne"
12. "Freeze (Part IV of "Fear")"
13. "Secret Touch"
Bruce Springsteen is working with a string section.
No word on whether it's "section 8."
Ritter & Post to Guest on SCRUBS
John Ritter (Three's Company) and Markie Post (Night Court), who co-starred on the '92-95 TV series HEARTS AFIRE, will guest star as the parents of J.D. and Elliott, respectively, on the April 2nd episode of NBC's SCRUBS.
An upcoming episode of SCRUBS will also guest star the cast of St. ELSEWHERE.
ANDY RICHTER Premieres On Tuesday
FOX presents the premiere of ANDY RICHTER CONTROLS THE UNIVERSE this Tuesday night at 8:30 pm Eastern. The comedy stars Richter as a struggling short story writer making a living by writing technical manuals for a large company, who spends his free time imagining alternative life scenarios.
I hope Triumph The Insult Comic Dog makes a guest appearance at some point!
Even though I didn't have time to see it "Ice Age" dominated the Weekend Box Office with over $47 million dollars.
Maybe I should go and see it!
Nicole Kidman, Sissy Spacek and Halle Berry are all caught up in a very close Oscar race.
I'll have my final predictions on Friday!
Ottawa is trying to burn your CD and MP3 budget.
Some Brits could end up Oscar's bridesmaids again this year.
All-star cast is on deck for Tarantino film
Daryl Hannah and Lucy Liu have joined the to-die-for cast of Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill," Variety reports.
The actresses join Uma Thurman, who plays the lead role as a woman who is shot by her husband Bill, played by Warren Beatty. After recovering from a coma, she extracts revenge.
Variety said Hannah will play Beatty's right-hand, while Liu will portray a Yakuza Japanese crime queen. Michael Madsen has also been cast as Bill's brother, and Jacqueline Bisset is considering a part, the report said.
The movie is to begin shooting in June in California, China, Japan and Mexico, the report said.
Madonna will sing "Die Another Day", the title song to James Bond 20.
If you are looking for a great opportunity, a dare to be great situation, Roadrunner Records is looking for a Canadian A & R guy.
Me? Well, I'm overqualified.
It's official! The title of the new CD from Rush is... Vapour Trails!
Ahh yes, the weekend is upon us! In layman's terms that means we have 2 days to ourselves before the suits and financial necessity call us back to work.
So let's enjoy ourselves! Let's head to the local multiplex, unless you are lucky enough to live near one of those gorgeous old cinemas, then head there. And for gods sake! Invite me along, would you!!!
And "would" is the one thing that all this week's films have in common. We'll tackle that first "would" with Resident Evil. Based on the video game that was great this movie continues the trend of barely passable cinematic treatments of games we enjoy at home. Sure it's better than Super Mario Bros., but what movie isn't?
But if you like great low- budget action films or if you "would" like to see star Milla Jovovich naked, and see her naked a lot you will, then this movie is for you. Perhaps seeing said star in the buff might give you some "would" of your own.
And own you will! Someday you will own the second new movie this week on DVD or video, but it didn't look like that was possible after seeing the second trailer!
The first trailer for Ice Age had a little character in an all ice environment trying to find a hiding place for his acorn. It was clever and funny. The second trailer gave us details on the story and set us up to believe that the movie was The Lion King crossed with Disney's horrendous Dinosaur.
But what sets Ice Age apart from similar family fare is a witty script and the all-digital animation that is so fresh to the eyes. Some details -- waterdrops and animal fur, for example -- are realized in a lifelike fashion, while others (like faces) are stylized and a tad surreal. It is very cool.
Get it? Ice Age...very cool?!??! Get it?!?!?
Perhaps I'm too hip for the room! Either way, I "would" love to see Ice Age again.
Oh, and it's got the trailer for some movie called Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones before it.
Before. As in we've seen it all before. In a nutshell, that is Showtime. Robert DeNiro and Eddie Murphy star in this supposed parody of the reality cop television show genre. Murphy is better than hes let himself be in years, and DeNiro. Ah yes, DeNiro...I wish he "would" start putting a bit more effort into these movies. De Niro is spinning out a whole new career with his parody roles but in Showtime he's not quite as funny as he was in Analyze This or Meet The Parents, but infinitely funnier than he was in The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle.
Showtime is a very familiar movie with thing syou've seen many times before, but for me, William Shatner made it worth seeing.
I "would" say that that just about does it for this week! Enjoy the popcorn and I'll see you at the movies!
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
The Dave Matthews Band is reviving the Lillywhite Sessions, an album's worth of material they scrapped in 2000, for the group's upcoming sixth studio album.
IT AIN'T T3, BUT...
James Cameron will be making his TV directing debut helming the season finale of Fox's Dark Angel, which he cocreated. The episode is scheduled to air May 3.
WILL POWER
NBC is renewing Will & Grace for three more seasons in a blockbuster deal valued at more than $300 million. NBC will pay roughly $4 million per episode to keep the comedy on the air through May 2005, making it the fourth most-expensive series on the tube.
A new Super- Group of famous musicians has formed and it is the oddest collection of guys since Asia! It'sVan Halen meets Bad English.
The Blind Is Leading The Blind
Hunter, the one guy who could have helped his "tribe" win on "Survivor: Marquesas" was voted out by Rob, the one guy you know is going to come up short in the end.
That's how I surmise Episode Three of Survivor: Marquesas.
To be honest, these people are quite despicable. Except for Sarah, since she's voluptuous, she's nice.
NOT-SO-SOGGY BOTTOM BOYS
Nearly 15 months after its release and 4.5 million copies already sold, the soundtrack to "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" is finally topping the album charts.
The Grammy-winning disc sold 159,000 copies.
"I AM THE GAY PARENT"
O'Donnell is speaking out about being gay--and being a gay parent--in her much-talked-about interview with Diane Sawyer, airing this evening on ABC's Primetime Thursday. "I don't think America knows what a gay parent looks like," she said. O'Donnell says she realized she was gay when she was 18 years old.
DOUBLE THE FUN
Kelly Ripa and Rosie O'Donnell among the top nominees for the 29th annual Daytime Emmy Awards that were announced on Wednesday. Ripa is nominated both for her role on All My Children and her role as Regis Philbin's sidekick on their morning talk show. O'Donnell is once again up for Best Talk Show and Best Host, having won both awards the last four years in a row.
The actual John Nash will talk about his life and "A Beautiful Mind' on 60 Minutes.
After years of searching National Geographic has found the girl in the photo.
Up next, they're looking for Mr. Goodbar.
Here's a reminder
If you actually like the show, and there's nothing wrong with that, or you just need your weekly fix of that hottie named Sarah, and there's nothing wrong with that either, keep in mind that for the next two weeks Survivor: Marquesas has moved to Wednesday in order to accomodate the N.C.A.A. March Madness basketball tournament.
2002 GOLD RUSH : THE TEAM - THE TEST - THE TRIUMPH
On the 50th anniversary of their last Gold Medal win, watch the Canadian men’s hockey team do it again in Salt Lake City ! DVD special features also include: -20 min of extra footage and commentary on the games. -Team biographies. Go behind the scenes to see how Wayne Gretzky brings Canada’s team together to compete against the world’s best players. Includes: -45 min documentary, “Gold Rush 2002” which had over 2 million viewers in 2 airings on the CBC. -30 min of continued behind the scenes footage and game highlights shot in Salt Lake City. -Complete highlights from all of Team Canada’s games in Salt Lake City.
At 130 minutes I know you are dying to find out how you can get one! Wanna order the DVD?
You know you waaaaaaaaaaant it!
We're number one!!! We're number one!!!
2002 GOLD RUSH : THE TEAM - THE TEST - THE TRIUMPH
On the 50th anniversary of their last Gold Medal win, watch the Canadian men’s hockey team do it again in Salt Lake City! Go behind the scenes to see how Wayne Gretzky brings Canada’s team together to compete against the world’s best players. Includes: -45 min documentary, “Gold Rush 2002” which had over 2 million viewers in 2 airings on the CBC. -30 min of continued behind the scenes footage and game highlights shot in Salt Lake City. -Complete highlights from all of Team Canada’s games in Salt Lake City.
At 105 minutes, I can hear you salivating! Wanna order the video!
Canada rocks!
James Bond to 'Die Another Day'
He's come "From Russia with Love," decided "The World is Not Enough," but in his 20th film James Bond, the world's greatest spy, is promising to "Die Another Day."
On Tuesday the movie's producers ended months of speculation among 007 devotees about the new film's name.
"'Die Another Day' carries on the tradition of the Ian Fleming stories and reflects the excitement and mystery of our latest script," producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions said in a statement.
The film, which began shooting in January, has had fans of the British secret agent series on tenterhooks.
One dedicated Web site eagerly reported last year that it had details of the new movie which it claimed would be called "Final Assignment" -- only to discover the "leaked" script had been penned by an over-imaginative fan.
"Die Another Day," which sees Pierce Brosnan as Bond for the fourth time and also stars actress Halle Berry, will be released in Britain and the United States on November 22, 2002
Manufactured pop act Sugar Jones has lost a member.
Can losing their record deal be far behind?
HIDDEN FEATURES on The Evil Dead: Book of the Dead Edition
On The 'Book of the Dead Edition' of 'The Evil Dead' from Anchor Bay Entertainment, the studio has once again hidden some cool stuff!
Insert the first disc of the set in your player and from the Main Menu go to the 'Extras.' Here press the 'Left' arrow key on your remote control to highlight a ghostly fish. Pres 'Enter' now and you will get access to footage from a 'Special Makeup Effect Test.'
Another hidden feature can be found on the second one of the 'Extras' menu pages. Here, press the 'Left' arrow key on your remote control and you will highlight a skull. Press 'Enter' now and you will get access to 7 minutes of footage from a panel discussion of cast and crew members of the movie after a screening of the film on Halloween 2001.
Some good stuff here, but you will have to give them time to unfold. Press play and enjoy!
Here are the new video and DVD releases for Tuesday, March 12th, 2002.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S ROMEO & JULIET: SPECIAL EDITION (DVD)
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: MILLENNIUM EDITION (DVD)
HEIST (VHS & DVD)
ZOOLANDER (VHS & DVD)
THE WASH (VHSr & DVD)
SEXY BEAST (VHSr & DVD)
THE ORDER (VHS & DVD)
JOY RIDE (VHS & DVD)
KISS: LIVE IN LAS VEGAS (VHS & DVD)
JULIET OF THE SPIRITS: CRITERION COLLECTION (DVD)
THE BEST OF THE BLUES BROTHERS (VHS & DVD)
CHEERS Reunion on Upcoming FRASIER
CHEERS stars John Ratzenberger, Rhea Perlman, and George Wendt will guest star on the April 30th episode of FRASIER.
The episode will have Frasier returning to Boston to
convince mailman Cliff not to retire and move away,
much to the dismay of Carla and Norm.
QUINCY Actor Visits CROSSING JORDAN
Jack Klugman (Odd Couple, Quincy) will guest star on the April 29th episode of NBC's CROSSING JORDAN, playing a distinguished coroner who made a crucial case error due to his failing eyesight.
FOX's UNDECLARED Comes to an End This Evening
The series finale of UNDECLARED airs tonight at 8:30,
on FOX and guest stars Ben Stiller as the mullet-wearing ex-stepdad of Lizzie's ex-boyfriend, Eric.
In the episode, Eric turns to his former father for advice after he and his copy shop buddies (TENACIOUS D's Kyle Gass & YOU STUPID MAN's David Krumholtz) decipher an e-mail from Lizzie that they're convinced says she wants him back.
There is no word yet if FOX is bringing the show back next year, thus this could be the last ever episode.
Sniff, sniff! I love this show!
Here are the new CD Releases for Tuesday, March 12th, 2002.
EELS Souljacker (DreamWorks)
N.E.R.D. In Search of... (Virgin)
THE CORRS: VH1 Presents... Live in Dublin (Lava/Atlantic)
INDIGO GIRLS Become You (Epic)
BOB MOULD Modulate (GM/Red Ink)
BOBBY McFERRIN Beyond Words (Blue Note)
DAVE MATTHEWS ORCHESTRA Hey Duke (Milestone)
Plus... B2K, PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO, CINEMA8, GREGORY CORSO, DEAD SEXY, DEPARTURE LOUNGE, FIDDLERS 4, FINCH, KENNY GARRETT, HOT ROD CIRCUIT, INFAMOUS MOBB, KNIEVEL, THE MAROONS, KEN NAVARRO, RIALTO, THE RIPPINGTONS, DARIUS RUCKER (of Hootie and The Blowfish), REMY SHAND, SOULIVE, SQUAD FIVE-O, SUPERSUCKERS, TEAM USA, TOOTHPASTE 2000, and the soundtracks to CLOCKSTOPPERS, HARRISON'S FLOWERS, RESIDENT EVIL, and THE YIDDISH RADIO PROJECT.
Teh big budget, over hyped Canadian film "Men With Brooms" tops the Canadian box office chart.
A new report says that Hollywood colluded with the tobacco industry.
As a response- I've been watching movies since I was a very young child and I have never craved or smoked a cigarette. I do use my crack pipe almost hourly though.
That last part is a joke! It's just a joke! I'm a funny guy! I write things that are funny! That was funny!
:)
Over 39 million people watched Sunday night's "9/11" documentary.
Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton have adopted a baby.
Good luck, kid!
From the "Hard To Believe" file: Nicole Kidman needs and Oscar date.
GOOD NEWS FOR FANS OF THE CURRENT KING OF LATE NIGHT TELEVISION
Back in the early 80's when he wanted a new contract with NBC David Letterman signed a contract with Disney to make movies. Eventually NBC gave him a new deal and Dave gave Disney the money back without ever making a film.
In the year 2002 when he wanted a new contract with CBS Dave began talking with Disney owned ABC about moving his talk show to the Alphabet network.
Disney is now 0 for 2 as David Letterman has decided to stay with CBS.
There will be many ramifications of Disney's actions this time as they have alienated some of their most popular on- air personalities, specifically Ted Koppel, Diane Sawyer and Sam Donaldson, among others.
But the good news is Dave is staying at CBS!
...the Sally Jessy Raphael show has been cancelled.
Will Oprah retire after her 20th Anniversary?
One can only hope!
It was a show I loved and never missed! The creators of "St. Elsewhere" reflect on pushing the TV envelope.
The cast of the incredible show "Scrubs" found the right chemistry together.
New York remembers the 9/11 attacks 6 months later.
Russell Crowe sorry for shoving TV exec
Russell Crowe said he has apologized for losing his temper at the director of the British Academy Film Awards show after the actor's speech was cut short in the British broadcast of the ceremony.
Crowe said Sunday he called Malcolm Gerrie recently to apologize about the Feb. 24 incident. News reports said Crowe swore at Gerrie and pushed him against a wall at a dinner after the awards show.
"I was unrepentant for a while there," Crowe said Sunday after he was named best actor for "A Beautiful Mind" at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Crowe said he called to apologize after hearing that Gerrie's son was being hassled in school over the incident.
At the British awards, where Crowe also won best-actor honors for "A Beautiful Mind," the actor's acceptance speech included a four-line poem, "Sanctity," by the late Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh. The poem was cut from the broadcast for time constraints, according to the show's producer.
Now that is what I call a movie trailer! Holy schlmoly!
Have you seen it yet!??! It is awesome! It will make you forget that there is also a "Spider- man" movie coming out in May.
Well, what are you waiting for?
Here's the brand new trailer for "Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones."
I gotta go and watch it again!
Letterman Words Come Back to Haunt on CNN
Will David Letterman jump to ABC? Not if the Dave of five years ago has anything to say about it.
CNN Saturday repeated a May 1996 edition of "Larry King Live" in which King asked Letterman whether he'd ever jump networks again, repeating his 1993 leap from NBC to CBS.
"No," Letterman emphatically told King. "I will do this show on CBS for as long as I want to, and for as long as the network wants me to, and as long as the vast North American viewing public will stand for it."
The gap-toothed comic also said that whenever he did sign off CBS, he'd likely do so by noting he would "never be able to repay my gratitude to (CBS)." As for ABC, Letterman took a swipe at his could-be future home, mocking an episode of "Good Morning America" broadcast from a Disney Store.
"They devoted the entire two-hour show to the opening of a Disney merchandising outlet!" Letterman said. "Now is that a two-hour news story? Absolutely."
Meanwhile, Comedy Central's Jon Stewart -- frequently mentioned as a potential Letterman replacement or an ABC plan B -- poked fun at the whole latenight controversy during his opening monologue as host of this weekend's "Saturday Night Live"
"I just want to clarify about those rumors: Yes, I would -- I would do anything: I would do Dave, Leno, Conan, anybody who wants to leave," he quipped. "Willard Scott -- you tired of waving at old people? I'll take that. I work on basic cable. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
New York City Firefighters watched Sunday's 9/11 documentary.
I did as well and I can't stop thinking about it! It was superb!
"A Beautiful Mind" director Ron Howard claimed the top filmmaking honor Saturday night from the Directors Guild of America, considered one of the most accurate barometers of Oscar success.
But keep in mind that last year, Ang Lee picked up the DGA award for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" while the Oscar went to Steven Soderbergh for "Traffic."
Somehow the absolutely dreadful "The Time Machine" tops the weekend Box Office charts.
History shows that in the majority of occasions whoever wins The Screen Actors Guild Awards becomes the Oscar Favourites. Right now Russell Crowe and Halle Berry are your favourites.
ABC finally comments on their secret talks with David Letterman.
Mariah Carey is negotiating for a new record label.
The Eagles are considering bypassing the traditional record labels for their new album.
The Announcement Comes On Tuesday, But Not This Tuesday
If you just can't wait to find out what New Line's plans are for the Lord of the Rings DVD release(s), well, you don't have much longer to wait. As is the case these days with big releases, we just received an announcement of... the announcement.
On Tuesday, March 26, New Line will be prepping the world for the new Lord of the Rings DVD and VHS releases, and needless to say, it's gonna be huge! So check back on March 26 for the big news...
Paramount adds a dash of Vanilla Sky
Fresh off his success from his Oscar nominated film "Almost Famous", director Cameron Crowe dove into the remake of the Spanish film "Open Your Eyes" that became the thriller "Vanilla Sky." That version, which stars Tom Cruise, will come to DVD this spring from Paramount Home Entertainment.
David Aames appears to lead a charmed life. Handsome, wealthy and charismatic, the young New York City publishing executive's freewheeling existence is enchanting, yet he seems to be missing something. Then, in one night David meets Sofia, the girl of his dreams, but loses her by making a small mistake. Thrust unexpectedly onto a roller-coaster ride of romance, comedy, suspicion, love, sex and dreams, David finds himself on a mind-bending search for his soul and discovers the precious, ephemeral nature of true love.
Put on disc with the traditional Dolby Digital 5.1 audio and anamorphic widescreen transfer, "Vanilla Sky" comes with an audio commentary by director Cameron Crowe, composer Nancy Wilson and actor Tom Cruise, the featurettes Making Of "Prelude to a Dream" and "Hitting It Hard"; music videos for "Afrika Shox" by Leftfield/ Afrika Bambaataa, a theatrical trailer, production stills and an audio introduction by Neal Preston.
"Vanilla Sky" will touch down on May 21st with a suggested retail price of $29.99.
Ah yes, it's Friday, and time for our weekly look at what's new in theatres.
Three films will invade your local multiplex for the very first time over the next few days, but sadly only one of them is worth even an iota of your time! And that one is only barely worth said time. I'll save the iota worthy entry until last.
Let's start with All About The Benjamins, the feature film debut from the director of the Savage Garden music video for "I Knew I Loved You." In the very least that video featured the lovely Kirsten Dunst.
All About The Benjamins doesn't have Dunst, it has dunces!
Rap star turned actor-producer-cowriter Ice Cube is busy keeping his eyes on the chedda in this cheesy action flick. As a small-time bounty hunter, Cube befriends a two-bit con man, who falls into a murder/diamond heist switcheroo just after winning the lottery and losing the ticket. Yeah, these guys are keeping it real. Real stupid! The term "Benjamins" is slang for dollars, so if your life is all about not wasting your "Benjamins", avoid this flick and keep them in your pocket.
In Canada, the slang for a dollar is "Loonie", so in our home and native land this movie would be called "All About The Loonies."
And "All About The Loonies" could also be the title of a documentary that might someday be made about the people who thought another cinematic version of H.G. Wells' classic The Time Machine was a good idea. Now I don't want to say that this new version is bad, although it is really, really bad, so let me just say this, and you can quote me: This new version of The Time Machine is worse than Battlefield Earth. And I am not exaggerating in the slightest.
The director, Simon Wells- who is no less than the great-grandson of H.G. Wells- doesn't care a whit about respecting his family's good name. Wells tries to convey an imaginative story, one which would stimulate our brain waves in the year 2002, perhaps to think, "If I had a chance to take a trip in a time machine, would I accept the challenge and, if so, would I go into the past or the future? How many years?" But his efforts are all for naught and at it's conclusion the film is lacking in both resonance and interest. Seriously, The Time Machine is worse than Battlefield Earth!
Quite frankly, it made me want to watch Back To The Future, a good time travel movie. That great film even featured some Canadian content in the form of Michael J. Fox.
Canadian content, in many forms, is the goal of the other new film being released this weekend, and this is the one that is worth an iota of your time!
Men With Brooms was written, directed, filmed, produced and performed by Canadians, lead by "Due South" staple Paul Gross and the legendary Leslie Neilsen. It's about love and curling, two sports played and enjoyed by many Canucks. But what could have been a fun film for, by and about folks from The Great White North suffers because it was made for, by and about folks from said North.
But that is why this is my "Worth An Iota Of Your Time" film of the weekend. I am a Canadian, I get the jokes, and I liked the movie. Yes, even though there are many, many, many, many, many things in it that make it a horrible movie, I liked it! It could have been exceptional! But it's not. It could have been great! But it's not. It doesn't usurp Bob & Doug McKenzie's "Strange Brew" as the best Canadian movie ever made, but I liked it!
Maybe I am just too proud a Canadian to not like it. That said, I warn you that Men With Brooms is not a great film, as I said it is actually very bad in parts, but it is still better than the 2 American films coming out this weekend.
But I doubt that it will be better than the Yankee films coming out next weekend; "Showtime" with Robert DeNiro and Eddie Murphy and the computer animated "Ice Age", so enjoy this slice of Canadiana while you can.
And go out and get a copy of "Strange Brew" as well. After all these years, it's still the best Canadian movie ever made!
Enjoy the popcorn and I'll see you at the movies!
STAR WARS TRAILER NOT DEBUTING IN CANADA!
You'll have to watch the new trailer for "Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones" online as it won't air in Canada.
Our people called the CRTC and the Global TV network and they both confirmed that the trailer wouldn't be showing Sunday here in Canada.
Then they called LucasFilm directly and spoke to Lynne Hale, director of promotion, for some explanation. Although she confirmed the information and explained why, she also told us that the trailer will be available on the Star Wars web site on Sunday evening as soon as the showing on Fox was over.
So, it seems like we'll have to go and see Ice Age after all.
More info on Simpsons Season 2
The box set containing all the season two episodes from "The Simpsons" is coming on June 11th, 2002, and I have some new information on it for you!
In addition to audio commentaries on all episodes except the episode Blood Feud, the final disc of the four disc set will contain interviews with James L. Brooks, and Matt Groening, Bart on the American Music Awards with commentary, "Do the Bartman" video with optional commentary, "Deep Deep Trouble" video with optional commentary, "Do the Bartman" director's cut video, David Silverman on the creation of an episode, licensing and merchandising review, Emmy Awards presentation, 3 Butterfinger commercials, foreign language clips, galleries of still photos, Barbara Bush letters, animation and magazine covers, early drawings, and the season 1 DVD trailer.
Awesome, dude!