Cameron Crowe is responsible for some of the most memorable moments in cinema these past 40 years or so. Phoebe Cates and Judge Reinhold at the pool in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Jerry Maguire and Rod Tidwell screaming “Show Me the Money.” Lloyd Dobler blasting Peter Gabriel in Say Anything. But before he won an Oscar or became friends with Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg, Crowe lived an entirely different life as a precocious rock-and-roll journalist for Rolling Stone magazine. Barely ready for life outside of his house, the young writer abruptly found himself hanging out with rock gods and sexy groupies – he was privy to more hedonism than most of us can only dream of before he turned 18. Naturally, that sounds like fodder for a compelling movie, and while he plotted a film based on his younger years for quite a long time, Crowe didn’t get to realize it until Almost Famous,...
- 7/17/2024
- by Eric Walkuski
- JoBlo.com
Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker has had a long and celebrated acting career though initially he aspired to be an opera singer. He enrolled at the University of Southern California to study opera but then changed his major to acting and graduated from the school with a Bfa in Drama.
While still enrolled in college, Whitaker began acting professionally. His first film role came in a movie called “Tag: The Assassination Game,” which starred Robert Carradine and Linda Hamilton. That same year he would get a small role in a movie about high school students that would become a classic. He joined a cast of unknown actors including Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold and Phoebe Cates in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” The film was a bit of a sleeper hit in 1982 but became a classic through repeated showings on cable TV.
Six years later Whitaker would gain his...
While still enrolled in college, Whitaker began acting professionally. His first film role came in a movie called “Tag: The Assassination Game,” which starred Robert Carradine and Linda Hamilton. That same year he would get a small role in a movie about high school students that would become a classic. He joined a cast of unknown actors including Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold and Phoebe Cates in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” The film was a bit of a sleeper hit in 1982 but became a classic through repeated showings on cable TV.
Six years later Whitaker would gain his...
- 7/11/2024
- by Robert Pius, Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Joe Dante's "Gremlins" is a monster movie masterpiece stuffed with memorable set pieces. The death of Mrs. Deagle, the near-death of the Futtermans (they live to see "Gremlins 2: The New Batch" if only because Dante couldn't make a movie without his onscreen lucky charm Dick Miller), and, of course, the sing-a-long screening of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" are all wackadoodle gems, but the most smashingly chaotic showcase for the feral beasties arrives when they descend upon Dorry's Tavern.
This is where Dante's Chuck Jones worship transforms "Gremlins" into something hilariously unruly and, if you grew up watching Looney Tunes cartoons, truly holy. The title critters have taken over the Kingston Falls dive bar, leaving poor Kate Beringer (Phoebe Cates) to keep their beer mugs full and cigarettes blazing. Within this bedlam, Dante and creature designer Chris Walas stage a series of goofball vignettes that find the...
This is where Dante's Chuck Jones worship transforms "Gremlins" into something hilariously unruly and, if you grew up watching Looney Tunes cartoons, truly holy. The title critters have taken over the Kingston Falls dive bar, leaving poor Kate Beringer (Phoebe Cates) to keep their beer mugs full and cigarettes blazing. Within this bedlam, Dante and creature designer Chris Walas stage a series of goofball vignettes that find the...
- 6/24/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Phoebe Cates nearly ended Zach Galligan's career before she helped launch it.
Galligan was the New York City-born son of a corporate lawyer and a psychologist when, in his late teens, he landed his first major Hollywood audition. The film was Paul Mazursky's contemporized adaptation of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," and it promised to be a powerhouse actor's showcase what with John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands already cast in the lead roles.
Mazursky and casting director Juliet Taylor were looking for a young actor to play the film's version of Ferdinand, the Prince of Naples who falls in love with Prospero's daughter Miranda. Given the production's pedigree, Galligan was competing against and reading with a who's who of up-and-coming performers, many of whom already had a movie or two under their belt.
One of these up-and-comers was Phoebe Cates, a showbiz kid who'd been on the...
Galligan was the New York City-born son of a corporate lawyer and a psychologist when, in his late teens, he landed his first major Hollywood audition. The film was Paul Mazursky's contemporized adaptation of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," and it promised to be a powerhouse actor's showcase what with John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands already cast in the lead roles.
Mazursky and casting director Juliet Taylor were looking for a young actor to play the film's version of Ferdinand, the Prince of Naples who falls in love with Prospero's daughter Miranda. Given the production's pedigree, Galligan was competing against and reading with a who's who of up-and-coming performers, many of whom already had a movie or two under their belt.
One of these up-and-comers was Phoebe Cates, a showbiz kid who'd been on the...
- 6/23/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Judge Reinhold is reflecting on one of the most iconic film sequences of the 1980s: his “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” masturbation scene.
The “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” actor told Vanity Fair that while the scene is “kind of creepy” out of context, it played to the dark humor of his character Brad, who is experiencing one of the worst days of his life. Reinhold admitted, though, that it was “awkward” to film the sequence with co-star Phoebe Cates.
Reinhold’s Brad imagines Cates’ character taking off her bikini top while getting out of the pool in a private moment. But then the door opens and she catches him mid-act. In fact, that single scene led an executive to deem the film “pornography” and threatened to shelve the Universal release.
“If you take that scene out of context, it’s kind of creepy. But to me, it was very...
The “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” actor told Vanity Fair that while the scene is “kind of creepy” out of context, it played to the dark humor of his character Brad, who is experiencing one of the worst days of his life. Reinhold admitted, though, that it was “awkward” to film the sequence with co-star Phoebe Cates.
Reinhold’s Brad imagines Cates’ character taking off her bikini top while getting out of the pool in a private moment. But then the door opens and she catches him mid-act. In fact, that single scene led an executive to deem the film “pornography” and threatened to shelve the Universal release.
“If you take that scene out of context, it’s kind of creepy. But to me, it was very...
- 6/14/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
By 1984, films like “Jaws” (1975), “Star Wars” (1977) “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) and “E.T.” (1982) had firmly established the summer blockbuster craze, with Steven Spielberg productions leading the way. On June 8, 1984, two films were released simultaneously that continued the summer blockbuster trend, while also establishing new trends with their combination of horror/comedy and fresh marketing and merchandising strategies. Unsurprisingly, one film was produced by Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, and his “Gremlins” battled for the number one box office spot with familiar faces from “Saturday Night Live” who were now “Ghostbusters.” Their quotable scripts and at-the-time unique blend of humor and gore have had long-lasting effects on the film industry and on pop culture that continue to resonate four decades later. Read on for more about the 40-year anniversary of both “Gremlins” and “Ghostbusters.”
“Gremlins” was conceived by aspiring filmmaker Chris Columbus, who was influenced by the sounds of mice skittering about...
“Gremlins” was conceived by aspiring filmmaker Chris Columbus, who was influenced by the sounds of mice skittering about...
- 6/8/2024
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
“Look Mister, there are some rules that you’ve got to follow…”
That’s bad news for the troublemakers within the Halloweenies. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Joe Dante’s creature classic Gremlins, the gang has unlocked their 2020 commentary track, which is just as manic and unpredictable as the titular critters.
Join Michael Roffman and McKenzie Gerber as they discuss the film’s ties to Back to the Future, why Phoebe Cates reminds them of their neighbors, the Breaking Bad connection, and the psychological makeup of the gremlins. You’ll laugh, you’ll howl, you’ll … pee your pants.
Stream the commentary below or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. New to the Halloweenies? Catch up with the gang by revisiting their essential episodes on past franchises such as Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, Scream, The Evil Dead, and Chucky.
That’s bad news for the troublemakers within the Halloweenies. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Joe Dante’s creature classic Gremlins, the gang has unlocked their 2020 commentary track, which is just as manic and unpredictable as the titular critters.
Join Michael Roffman and McKenzie Gerber as they discuss the film’s ties to Back to the Future, why Phoebe Cates reminds them of their neighbors, the Breaking Bad connection, and the psychological makeup of the gremlins. You’ll laugh, you’ll howl, you’ll … pee your pants.
Stream the commentary below or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. New to the Halloweenies? Catch up with the gang by revisiting their essential episodes on past franchises such as Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, Scream, The Evil Dead, and Chucky.
- 6/7/2024
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
We're in an interesting cultural moment. For a while, it seemed like society was becoming more progressive, and the film industry seemed to follow suit; there are more stories being told now, about more kinds of people. However, if you take a cursory look at Film Twitter or FilmTok, you're likely to find people complaining about "unnecessary sex scenes." There's a backlash brewing, a sense that movies need to get back to an imagined past when everything was about plot.
A lot of that concern involves kids, as if the two kinds of entertainment are either "Oppenheimer" or "Bluey." In fact, there's a lot of middle ground, and there used to be even more. Especially in the 1980s and 1990s, a lot of family-friendly films included scenes for adults that felt a bit out of place but made it in anyway. These days, a lot of those violent, strange edges...
A lot of that concern involves kids, as if the two kinds of entertainment are either "Oppenheimer" or "Bluey." In fact, there's a lot of middle ground, and there used to be even more. Especially in the 1980s and 1990s, a lot of family-friendly films included scenes for adults that felt a bit out of place but made it in anyway. These days, a lot of those violent, strange edges...
- 5/25/2024
- by Eric Langberg
- Slash Film
“Gremlins” director Joe Dante is spilling some secrets 40 years after the film’s release, including revealing the lengths to which studio Warner Bros. went to have one scene cut out.
Dante told Total Film that the 1984 film proved to be contentious amongst studio executives for one specific scene where Kate (Phoebe Cates) tells Billy (Zack Galligan) that she hates Christmas because her father died during the season. Well, WB execs “hated” that.
“[The scene] encapsulated the whole ethos of the picture,” Dante said. “There’s a duality of humor and horror but Warner Bros. just hated it.”
However, the sequence still stayed in the final edit in part due to producer Steven Spielberg siding with Dante. Even that endorsement didn’t stop the suits.
“I heard after it was out they were sending instructions to projectionists to see if they could cut it, which thankfully didn’t happen,” Dante said.
Chris Columbus penned the script.
Dante told Total Film that the 1984 film proved to be contentious amongst studio executives for one specific scene where Kate (Phoebe Cates) tells Billy (Zack Galligan) that she hates Christmas because her father died during the season. Well, WB execs “hated” that.
“[The scene] encapsulated the whole ethos of the picture,” Dante said. “There’s a duality of humor and horror but Warner Bros. just hated it.”
However, the sequence still stayed in the final edit in part due to producer Steven Spielberg siding with Dante. Even that endorsement didn’t stop the suits.
“I heard after it was out they were sending instructions to projectionists to see if they could cut it, which thankfully didn’t happen,” Dante said.
Chris Columbus penned the script.
- 5/24/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Image created by “Shutterstock.AI” The 1984 classic Gremlins is a movie that never gets old! Steven Spielberg produced it, Joe Dante directed…and Chris Columbus who wrote Home Alone and directed first Harry Potter movie? He wrote Gremlins too! Talk about a talented crew. Zach Galligan – the main guy in Gremlins – was recently at a Gremlins Comic-Con Northeast 2024 panel, and he shared a hilarious story. When he first saw the finished movie with his co-star, Phoebe Cates, he was a little confused. He was expecting a dark, action-heavy film, but Gremlins ended up being way more zany and fun. (Click the media bar to hear Zach Galligan tell the story) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Zach_Galligan_First_Seeing_Gremlins_.mp3
For more behind-the-scenes stuff from the Gremlins Comic-Con panel, head over to Monopoly Events YouTube page.
The post From Dark To Zany: Zach Galligan’s Hilarious ‘Gremlins’ Story appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
For more behind-the-scenes stuff from the Gremlins Comic-Con panel, head over to Monopoly Events YouTube page.
The post From Dark To Zany: Zach Galligan’s Hilarious ‘Gremlins’ Story appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 4/22/2024
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
When two stories with similar premises debut around the same time, awkwardness is natural. We're about to have the latest case of this in 2024.
On one hand, "If" (short for "Imaginary Friend"). He may not be Reed Richards in "Fantastic Four" as some had anticipated, but John Krasinski has leveraged his success directing "A Quiet Place" and its sequel. Now, with "If," he's pivoting away from horror to a family-friendly comedy. "If" is about a young girl named Bea (Cailey Fleming) who can see people's imaginary friends. She then discovers her middle-aged neighbor (Ryan Reynolds) has the same power. "If" is set for release in May 2024.
Even as Krasinski flexes his directorial skills in a different genre, a horror film about imaginary friends is releasing a couple of months earlier on March 8. "Imaginary," the latest jump scare monster movie from Blumhouse, follows a mother, Jessica (DeWanda Wise), and her stepdaughter...
On one hand, "If" (short for "Imaginary Friend"). He may not be Reed Richards in "Fantastic Four" as some had anticipated, but John Krasinski has leveraged his success directing "A Quiet Place" and its sequel. Now, with "If," he's pivoting away from horror to a family-friendly comedy. "If" is about a young girl named Bea (Cailey Fleming) who can see people's imaginary friends. She then discovers her middle-aged neighbor (Ryan Reynolds) has the same power. "If" is set for release in May 2024.
Even as Krasinski flexes his directorial skills in a different genre, a horror film about imaginary friends is releasing a couple of months earlier on March 8. "Imaginary," the latest jump scare monster movie from Blumhouse, follows a mother, Jessica (DeWanda Wise), and her stepdaughter...
- 2/19/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
We all know the three rules of mogwai: don’t expose it to sunlight, don’t get it wet and don’t feed it after midnight. While that third point is up for debate as to its interpretation, one thing that isn’t is the desire for a third Gremlins movie – at least to its original star, Zach Galligan, who played Billy Peltzer in both the 1984 movie and its 1990 sequel, The New Batch. With animated series Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai proving to be a hit, maybe Galligan is right in his call for Gremlins 3.
Speaking with Screen Rant, Galligan said that the studio must have a plan for the Gremlins franchise if they have invested more time and money into Secrets of the Mogwai. “I can’t really figure out why Warner Bros. would do two seasons – not one, but two seasons – of the animated series, and spend a lot of money on it,...
Speaking with Screen Rant, Galligan said that the studio must have a plan for the Gremlins franchise if they have invested more time and money into Secrets of the Mogwai. “I can’t really figure out why Warner Bros. would do two seasons – not one, but two seasons – of the animated series, and spend a lot of money on it,...
- 2/12/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
No icebreakers are needed when it comes to kicking off conversation with Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody and first-time feature filmmaker Zelda Williams, who arrived for a mid-week, Midtown-located breakfast with IndieWire with nothing but smiles. Their first collaboration, ’80s-set horror comedy “Lisa Frankenstein,” blends together their seemingly mutual obsessions, and is ripe for fun conversation.
Still, this writer had to ask something kind of silly to get it going: like, oh, have they heard from the Lisa Frank people? Cody laughed. No, they haven’t called!
“Here’s the thing, the fact that the movie’s called ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ is actually kind of a coincidence, because I knew it was going to be an ’80s classic Gen X girl name plus Frankenstein for the title,” the writer said. She cycled through some names, like Stacy and Heather, before landing on Lisa, like the built-from-scratch leading lady in “Weird Science,” a film that “super-duper inspired” her.
Still, this writer had to ask something kind of silly to get it going: like, oh, have they heard from the Lisa Frank people? Cody laughed. No, they haven’t called!
“Here’s the thing, the fact that the movie’s called ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ is actually kind of a coincidence, because I knew it was going to be an ’80s classic Gen X girl name plus Frankenstein for the title,” the writer said. She cycled through some names, like Stacy and Heather, before landing on Lisa, like the built-from-scratch leading lady in “Weird Science,” a film that “super-duper inspired” her.
- 2/8/2024
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
On Tuesday evening, Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline and Peter MacNicol hosted a special screening of Sophie’s Choice at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, presented by Lanvin, in celebration of the recent 40th anniversary of Alan J. Pakula’s seminal work.
“We’re a few of the only ones standing that made this film,” Streep said when introducing the movie alongside her co-stars. “There are a few still here: my hair and makeup artist, Jo. Roy Helland, and I believe my wardrobe woman, the great Alba Schipani. But the visionaries for Sophie’s Choice are not: the great writer William Styron, the beautiful soul that was Alan Pakula, and the master of light, Nestor Almendros, cinematographer, not here.”
MacNicol then shared a surprising anecdote about Almendros. “[He] was legally blind and wore eyeglasses that were as thick as Coke bottles,” the actor recalled. “I used to go up to the Thalia...
“We’re a few of the only ones standing that made this film,” Streep said when introducing the movie alongside her co-stars. “There are a few still here: my hair and makeup artist, Jo. Roy Helland, and I believe my wardrobe woman, the great Alba Schipani. But the visionaries for Sophie’s Choice are not: the great writer William Styron, the beautiful soul that was Alan Pakula, and the master of light, Nestor Almendros, cinematographer, not here.”
MacNicol then shared a surprising anecdote about Almendros. “[He] was legally blind and wore eyeglasses that were as thick as Coke bottles,” the actor recalled. “I used to go up to the Thalia...
- 2/7/2024
- by Tatiana Tenreyro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Nicolas Cage first started out, having made his big screen debut in 1982’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High, he went credited as Nicolas Coppola, his given name. As the nephew of Francis Ford Coppola, Nicolas Cage could use that name to hit the fast track to Hollywood fame…and the cast of Fast Times never let him live it down.
In a new book called “How Coppola Became Cage”, author Zach Schonfeld details that exact evolution of Nicolas Cage, beginning with Fast Times at Ridgemont High. But it wasn’t Sean Penn or Judge Reinhold or even Phoebe Cates who hazed Cage – still a teenager – but rather Eric Stoltz, whose character doesn’t even have a name. As Stoltz put it, Cage took some teasing because of his occasional name-dropping. “Nick was one of the younger ones…He was big for his age, and he was quite bold and animated.
In a new book called “How Coppola Became Cage”, author Zach Schonfeld details that exact evolution of Nicolas Cage, beginning with Fast Times at Ridgemont High. But it wasn’t Sean Penn or Judge Reinhold or even Phoebe Cates who hazed Cage – still a teenager – but rather Eric Stoltz, whose character doesn’t even have a name. As Stoltz put it, Cage took some teasing because of his occasional name-dropping. “Nick was one of the younger ones…He was big for his age, and he was quite bold and animated.
- 11/22/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Fast Times at Ridgemont High is one of the most influential movies of the eighties. It was the first classic teen comedy of the decade, but unlike many other teen-focused flicks, it aspired to be a realistic depiction of what teens go through. In fact, the movie was based on a book by a young Cameron Crowe (who adapted the screenplay) who went undercover as a teen and wrote about his experiences. The movie tackled teen sex, pregnancy, abortion and drugs without any of the doom and gloom the topic would have been presented with had it been made by just about anyone else at the time.
Directed by Amy Heckerling, the movie featured an incredible cast of future stars, including Sean Penn as the stoner icon Spicoli, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates (whose nude scene became one of the most rewound moments of the VHS era), Forest Whitaker,...
Directed by Amy Heckerling, the movie featured an incredible cast of future stars, including Sean Penn as the stoner icon Spicoli, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates (whose nude scene became one of the most rewound moments of the VHS era), Forest Whitaker,...
- 9/27/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
The film’s title is a reference to the mythological creatures known as gremlins, which were blamed for mechanical failures in aircraft during World War II. The film was directed by Joe Dante, who also directed the 1985 film Explorers and the 2011 film Cowboys & Aliens. The screenplay for Gremlins was written by Chris Columbus, who also wrote the screenplays for Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. The film stars Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer, a young man who receives a Mogwai as a pet for Christmas. The Mogwai, named Gizmo, is given three rules: he must not be exposed to bright light, he must not be fed after midnight, and he must not get wet. If any of these rules are broken, the Mogwai will transform into a Gremlin, a mischievous and destructive creature. The film also stars Phoebe Cates as Billy’s girlfriend, Kate Beringer,...
- 8/10/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
The film’s title is a reference to the mythological creatures known as gremlins, which were blamed for mechanical failures in aircraft during World War II. The film was directed by Joe Dante, who also directed the 1985 film Explorers and the 2011 film Cowboys & Aliens. The screenplay for Gremlins was written by Chris Columbus, who also wrote the screenplays for Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. The film stars Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer, a young man who receives a Mogwai as a pet for Christmas. The Mogwai, named Gizmo, is given three rules: he must not be exposed to bright light, he must not be fed after midnight, and he must not get wet. If any of these rules are broken, the Mogwai will transform into a Gremlin, a mischievous and destructive creature. The film also stars Phoebe Cates as Billy’s girlfriend, Kate Beringer,...
- 8/10/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
John Krasinski is following up on his acclaimed horror directing with a partly animated family film that aims to emulate the child-like wonder of past Steven Spielberg movies. Krasinski is currently working on If, which stands for “Imaginary Friends.” If has already compiled a list of impressive actors lending their voices to the fantasy comedy. Notably, for fans of The Office, the animated movie will be reuniting Krasinski with his former Dunder-Mifflin boss, Steve Carell. The movie has already assembled Krasinski’s spouse, Emily Blunt, as well as Matt Damon, John Stewart, Maya Rudolph, Sam Rockwell, Sebastian Maniscalco, Christopher Meloni, Richard Jenkins, Awkwafina and Vince Vaughn.
Collider recently sat down with Krasinski as he promotes the fourth and final season of his hit action-spy series, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, which will be premiering on Prime Video on June 30. Krasinski discussed with Collider about his excitement to work with Ryan Reynolds,...
Collider recently sat down with Krasinski as he promotes the fourth and final season of his hit action-spy series, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, which will be premiering on Prime Video on June 30. Krasinski discussed with Collider about his excitement to work with Ryan Reynolds,...
- 6/26/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Gizmo is back and he’s as cute as ever in the upcoming animated prequel Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai.
The series (which debuts on Max Tuesday, May 23 with its first two episodes) takes viewers back to 1920s Shanghai where the Wing family first meets the young Mogwai called Gizmo (voiced by Aj LoCascio). “Sam Wing (future shop owner Mr. Wing in the original Gremlins film; voiced by Izaac Wang) accepts the dangerous task of taking Gizmo home, embarking on a journey through the Chinese countryside,” reads the official description. “Sam and Gizmo are joined by a teenage street thief...
The series (which debuts on Max Tuesday, May 23 with its first two episodes) takes viewers back to 1920s Shanghai where the Wing family first meets the young Mogwai called Gizmo (voiced by Aj LoCascio). “Sam Wing (future shop owner Mr. Wing in the original Gremlins film; voiced by Izaac Wang) accepts the dangerous task of taking Gizmo home, embarking on a journey through the Chinese countryside,” reads the official description. “Sam and Gizmo are joined by a teenage street thief...
- 5/10/2023
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Veteran British actor Murray Melvin who’s best known for his role in “The Phantom of the Opera,” “A Taste of Honey” and the “Doctor Who” spin-off “Torchwood,” died April 14 at St Thomas’ hospital in London. He was 90.
London-based creative director Kerry Kyriacos Michael made the announcement on Twitter and said Melvin died after taking a bad fall in December “from which he never fully recovered.”
“He was one of my closest friends and will be missed by so many of us who had the privilege to know him,” Michael wrote.
He had a fall in December, from which he never fully recovered. He died at St Thomas' Hospital on Friday, 14th April, aged 90. He was one of my closest friends and will be missed by so many of us who had the privilege to know him.
— Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE (@1KerryMichael) April 15, 2023 Also Read:
Mark Sheehan, Guitarist of Irish Band The Script,...
London-based creative director Kerry Kyriacos Michael made the announcement on Twitter and said Melvin died after taking a bad fall in December “from which he never fully recovered.”
“He was one of my closest friends and will be missed by so many of us who had the privilege to know him,” Michael wrote.
He had a fall in December, from which he never fully recovered. He died at St Thomas' Hospital on Friday, 14th April, aged 90. He was one of my closest friends and will be missed by so many of us who had the privilege to know him.
— Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE (@1KerryMichael) April 15, 2023 Also Read:
Mark Sheehan, Guitarist of Irish Band The Script,...
- 4/16/2023
- by Joshua Vinson
- The Wrap
(Welcome to Best Actor Ever, an ongoing series where we explore the careers and performances of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen.)
There is not an actor in the history of moving pictures who has been more egregiously taken for granted by her industry than Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Critics have always had her back. The New York Times' Janet Maslin got it from the jump when she singled Leigh out as "the only thing worth seeing" in her film debut "Eyes of a Stranger." The better-than-average 1981 slasher film set the tone for Leigh's career in that she plays a victim. Her character is a blind-deaf mute whose condition was brought on by being kidnapped and raped at an early age. The 19-year-old Leigh projects sweetness and innocence, but this young woman is all serrated edges. Because she isn't just a victim. She's a survivor.
Roger Ebert was also an early admirer of Leigh,...
There is not an actor in the history of moving pictures who has been more egregiously taken for granted by her industry than Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Critics have always had her back. The New York Times' Janet Maslin got it from the jump when she singled Leigh out as "the only thing worth seeing" in her film debut "Eyes of a Stranger." The better-than-average 1981 slasher film set the tone for Leigh's career in that she plays a victim. Her character is a blind-deaf mute whose condition was brought on by being kidnapped and raped at an early age. The 19-year-old Leigh projects sweetness and innocence, but this young woman is all serrated edges. Because she isn't just a victim. She's a survivor.
Roger Ebert was also an early admirer of Leigh,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
We’re getting a new year of fresh video content started here on JoBlo and Arrow in the Head, and what better way could there be to get the first week of the year rolling than with a video dedicated to a movie many of you probably just watched last month? The movie is the 1984 holiday horror comedy classic Gremlins (watch it Here), and we’re digging into it with a new episode of Revisited. Check it out in the embed above!
Directed by Joe Dante from a screenplay written by Chris Columbus, Gremlins tells the following story: A gadget salesman looking for a special gift for his son finds one at a store in Chinatown. The shopkeeper is reluctant to sell him the `Mogwai’ but sells it to him with the warning to never expose him to bright light, water, or to feed him after midnight. All of this...
Directed by Joe Dante from a screenplay written by Chris Columbus, Gremlins tells the following story: A gadget salesman looking for a special gift for his son finds one at a store in Chinatown. The shopkeeper is reluctant to sell him the `Mogwai’ but sells it to him with the warning to never expose him to bright light, water, or to feed him after midnight. All of this...
- 1/2/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Fans of Joe Dante's 1984 Christmas horror comedy film "Gremlins" may know that screenwriter Chris Columbus initially wrote the script as a mere writing sample. The script was so elaborate — and so horrifying — that it wasn't meant to be even possible. The website CutPrintFilm published an oral history of "Gremlins" in 2016, and a lot of the film's behind-the-scenes details were revisited. The story goes that Columbus wrote a straight-up horror movie that had a lot more violence and had Gizmo — the adorable central mogwai — transformed into the murderous gremlin, Stripe.
A behind-the-scenes feature on the 2002 DVD special edition of "Gremlins" revealed that Steven Spielberg had somehow got his hands on the script, and had expressed interest in actually making it. Spielberg changed a few things about it, however, to make it less horror-forward. Notably, Gizmo was to stay cuddly and marketable throughout, and the character of Lynn Peltzer (Frances Lee McCain...
A behind-the-scenes feature on the 2002 DVD special edition of "Gremlins" revealed that Steven Spielberg had somehow got his hands on the script, and had expressed interest in actually making it. Spielberg changed a few things about it, however, to make it less horror-forward. Notably, Gizmo was to stay cuddly and marketable throughout, and the character of Lynn Peltzer (Frances Lee McCain...
- 12/18/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Director Luca Guadagnino discusses a few of his favorite films with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Bones And All (2022)
A Bigger Splash (2015)
Suspiria (2018)
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Apocalypse Now (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
Amarcord (1973) – Bernard Rose’s trailer commentary
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Jason And The Argonauts (1963) – Ernest Dickerson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s review
After Hours (1985) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
Nashville (1975) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Dan Perri’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review
Journey To Italy (1954)
Empire Of The Sun (1987)
The Flower Of My Secret (1995)
The Last Emperor (1987) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
1900 (1976)
Last Tango In Paris (1972) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Psycho (1960) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Suspiria (1977) – Edgar Wright’s U.S. and international trailer commentaries,...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Bones And All (2022)
A Bigger Splash (2015)
Suspiria (2018)
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Apocalypse Now (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
Amarcord (1973) – Bernard Rose’s trailer commentary
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Jason And The Argonauts (1963) – Ernest Dickerson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s review
After Hours (1985) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
Nashville (1975) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Dan Perri’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review
Journey To Italy (1954)
Empire Of The Sun (1987)
The Flower Of My Secret (1995)
The Last Emperor (1987) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
1900 (1976)
Last Tango In Paris (1972) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Psycho (1960) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Suspiria (1977) – Edgar Wright’s U.S. and international trailer commentaries,...
- 12/13/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Writer/producer/showrunner David Kajganich discusses a few of his favorite films with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
All The Fine Young Cannibals (1960)
Badlands (1973)
Bones And All (2022)
A Bigger Splash (2015)
Suspiria (2018)
Deathdream (1974) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Porky’s (1981)
A Christmas Story (1983)
Black Christmas (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Murder By Decree (1979) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things (1972)
Black Vengeance a.k.a. Poor Pretty Eddie (1975)
The Poseidon Adventure (1972) – Robert Weide’s trailer commentary
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Picnic At Hanging Rock (1975)
The Last Wave (1977) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World (2003)
What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? (1962) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
Dressed To Kill (1980) – Dennis Cozzalio’s Criterion review
The Last Picture Show (1971) – Mark Pellington’s trailer...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
All The Fine Young Cannibals (1960)
Badlands (1973)
Bones And All (2022)
A Bigger Splash (2015)
Suspiria (2018)
Deathdream (1974) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Porky’s (1981)
A Christmas Story (1983)
Black Christmas (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Murder By Decree (1979) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things (1972)
Black Vengeance a.k.a. Poor Pretty Eddie (1975)
The Poseidon Adventure (1972) – Robert Weide’s trailer commentary
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Picnic At Hanging Rock (1975)
The Last Wave (1977) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World (2003)
What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? (1962) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
Dressed To Kill (1980) – Dennis Cozzalio’s Criterion review
The Last Picture Show (1971) – Mark Pellington’s trailer...
- 11/22/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Riding the crest of the 1980s horror-comedy movie wave, Joe Dante's "Gremlins" signaled, along with contemporary films like "An American Werewolf in London" and Larry Cohen's "Full Moon High," a growing comfort with the absurdities of the genre. It would further mark an industry shift, with its violence pushing the boundaries of family-friendly cinema and necessitating the emergence of the MPAA's PG-13 label. "Home Alone" director Chris Columbus would pen the story of a fictional American town overrun by furry non-alien creatures, a sort of "Trouble with Tribbles" storyline that filmmaker and "Gremlins" executive producer Steven Spielberg would purchase and bring to Warner Bros.
In his exec producer capabilities, Spielberg held sway over the casting process, leading to the hiring of then-unknown Zach Galligan and the very-known Phoebe Cates in the respective roles of teenagers Billy Peltzer and Kate Beringer, the former of whom befriends the one good gremlin in the movie.
In his exec producer capabilities, Spielberg held sway over the casting process, leading to the hiring of then-unknown Zach Galligan and the very-known Phoebe Cates in the respective roles of teenagers Billy Peltzer and Kate Beringer, the former of whom befriends the one good gremlin in the movie.
- 10/31/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
The old showbiz maxim goes, "Never work with children or animals," but what about mogwai? That was Zach Galligan's challenge on the set of Joe Dante's 1984 creature feature "Gremlins." Part black comedy and part family adventure, the Chris Columbus-penned story follows a young man who receives a mythic furry creature as a pet and, once that pet multiplies, the havoc that ensues. Against an 11 million production budget, "Gremlins" earned more than 150 million at the box office and became a game-changer of sorts; its violent sequences (including a mother's gremlin killing spree) prompted the MPAA to amend its rating system to include the PG-13 rating.
The film's human star, Zach Galligan, spent a fair amount of the 106-minute runtime acting opposite an assortment of Chris Walas-designed mechanical puppets. As young Billy Peltzer, Galligan interacts largely with the cutest of all gremlins, the googly-eyed furball Gizmo, teaching the...
The film's human star, Zach Galligan, spent a fair amount of the 106-minute runtime acting opposite an assortment of Chris Walas-designed mechanical puppets. As young Billy Peltzer, Galligan interacts largely with the cutest of all gremlins, the googly-eyed furball Gizmo, teaching the...
- 10/31/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
We all know the rules: don't get them wet, keep them out of sunlight, and whatever you do never, ever, feed them after midnight. That's the easy part, although you wouldn't be able to tell by watching Joe Dante's two excellent and much-loved monster movies "Gremlins" and its arguably better meta-sequel, "Gremlins 2: The New Batch." Despite the deceptively simple nature of these three all-important laws, owning a Mogwai is apparently much harder than it looks. In both instances, utter mayhem is very quickly unleashed when a gaggle of chaotic green gremlins land on the scene and unleash all hell onto anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves in their war path. Played like a straight-faced family frightener, Dante's 1984 original introduces us to Billy (Zach Galligan) and his Mogwai pal Gizmo. Together with Billy's girlfriend Kate (Phoebe Cates), they must try their best to stop their small town from being...
- 10/26/2022
- by Simon Bland
- Slash Film
Addison Rae at the amfAR Gala red carpet in Los Angeles. Pic credit: ©ImageCollect.com/Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency
Addison Rae draws inspiration from stunning 80s actress Phoebe Cates.
The TikTok dancer has an uncanny resemblance to the actress and shared a sizzling photo of Cates, soaking wet in a red bikini.
The 21-year-old has garnered headlines over her parents’ messy split following her Holy Trinity bikini photo, which was controversial and subsequently removed.
Her mother, Sheri Easterling, recently attended the MTV Video Music Awards, making out with rapper Yung Gravy on the red carpet.
Meanwhile, her father, Monty Lopez, was accused of having an affair that was exposed on social media.
Addison Rae is yet to comment on the controversy but reportedly unfollowed both her parents on social media.
Addison Rae lookalike Phoebe Cates stuns in bikini throwback
Rae took to her Instagram Stories to share a photo...
Addison Rae draws inspiration from stunning 80s actress Phoebe Cates.
The TikTok dancer has an uncanny resemblance to the actress and shared a sizzling photo of Cates, soaking wet in a red bikini.
The 21-year-old has garnered headlines over her parents’ messy split following her Holy Trinity bikini photo, which was controversial and subsequently removed.
Her mother, Sheri Easterling, recently attended the MTV Video Music Awards, making out with rapper Yung Gravy on the red carpet.
Meanwhile, her father, Monty Lopez, was accused of having an affair that was exposed on social media.
Addison Rae is yet to comment on the controversy but reportedly unfollowed both her parents on social media.
Addison Rae lookalike Phoebe Cates stuns in bikini throwback
Rae took to her Instagram Stories to share a photo...
- 9/8/2022
- by Frank Yemi
- Monsters and Critics
Crafted as a love letter to underground comics and the pursuit of art-making, Owen Kline’s Funny Pages is a fantastically fucked-up coming-of-age story about Robert, a young cartoonist who will go to any lengths to reach success. Ever the dark comedy, Funny Pages was produced by Josh and Benny Safdie, esteemed masters of gonzo discomfort. It should be noted, however, that for all of the laugh-out-loud shocks the film delivers, Kline has created a story that still manages to be genuinely touching and earnest at its core. Infusing central New Jersey with Robert Crumb’s strange overtones, Funny Pages is ultimately about finding one’s artistic voice—and what it takes to be true to that voice. While this is his debut feature, Owen Kline is no stranger to show business. The son of actors Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates, he broke out as the younger brother in Noah Baumbach...
- 9/1/2022
- MUBI
Jessica Biel got the internet heated up when she shared a sexy throwback. Pic credit:©ImageCollect.com/BirdieThompson/AdMedia
Jessica Biel kicked off the middle of the week with a sizzling new post, and a rare one at that, as she showed off her mesmerizing physique in a stunning throwback video.
The 40-year-old wife of singer Justin Timberlake took her fans all the way back to her very early 2000s days as she set the web on fire with a choice clip from her movie Summer Catch, which co-starred Freddie Prinze Jr.
Seen bringing Phoebe Cates vibes from Fast Times at Ridgemont High at the beginning of the video, Jessica gracefully exited a swimming pool, leaving drips of water behind her.
Rocking her toned physique in a fire-engine red two-piece, Jessica stepped onto the deck in slow motion, bringing her arms up to her soaked hair to run her fingers...
Jessica Biel kicked off the middle of the week with a sizzling new post, and a rare one at that, as she showed off her mesmerizing physique in a stunning throwback video.
The 40-year-old wife of singer Justin Timberlake took her fans all the way back to her very early 2000s days as she set the web on fire with a choice clip from her movie Summer Catch, which co-starred Freddie Prinze Jr.
Seen bringing Phoebe Cates vibes from Fast Times at Ridgemont High at the beginning of the video, Jessica gracefully exited a swimming pool, leaving drips of water behind her.
Rocking her toned physique in a fire-engine red two-piece, Jessica stepped onto the deck in slow motion, bringing her arms up to her soaked hair to run her fingers...
- 8/24/2022
- by Page Meneely
- Monsters and Critics
Drawn That Way: Kline Makes a Mark with Singular Coming-of-Age Comedy
The emphasis of form vs. soul is the riddle at the crux of Funny Pages, the directorial debut of Owen Kline (son of Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates), a singular coming-of-age comedy which plays like a Fellini cartoon strip of colorful down-and-out New Jersey characters. While most of the tangential oddballs are searching for some semblance of balance, salvation or succor, Kline’s teen protagonist, a talented but pretentious youth of privilege who rebels against his parents to embrace the romanticized ideal of the artistic vagabond, eventually is led to the precipice of understanding the inchoate symbiosis of form and soul—-they’re both creatures requiring sustenance.…...
The emphasis of form vs. soul is the riddle at the crux of Funny Pages, the directorial debut of Owen Kline (son of Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates), a singular coming-of-age comedy which plays like a Fellini cartoon strip of colorful down-and-out New Jersey characters. While most of the tangential oddballs are searching for some semblance of balance, salvation or succor, Kline’s teen protagonist, a talented but pretentious youth of privilege who rebels against his parents to embrace the romanticized ideal of the artistic vagabond, eventually is led to the precipice of understanding the inchoate symbiosis of form and soul—-they’re both creatures requiring sustenance.…...
- 8/23/2022
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Showrunner Eric Kripke joins podcast hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante to discuss a few of his favorite films.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Piranha (1978) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
The Evil Dead (1983) – Fede Alvarez’s trailer commentary
Evil Dead II (1987) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary, Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Meet The Feebles (1989) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary
Dead Alive a.k.a. Braindead (1992) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary
Bad Taste (1987) – Ti West’s trailer commentary
Infested (2002)
Super (2010)
Forrest Gump (1994)
The Hidden (1987) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Uhf (1989)
Fat Guy Goes Nutzoid (1986)
The Dead Pit (1989)
Batgirl (2022) – Unreleased film
The Fantastic Four (1994) – Unreleased film...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Piranha (1978) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
The Evil Dead (1983) – Fede Alvarez’s trailer commentary
Evil Dead II (1987) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary, Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Meet The Feebles (1989) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary
Dead Alive a.k.a. Braindead (1992) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary
Bad Taste (1987) – Ti West’s trailer commentary
Infested (2002)
Super (2010)
Forrest Gump (1994)
The Hidden (1987) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Uhf (1989)
Fat Guy Goes Nutzoid (1986)
The Dead Pit (1989)
Batgirl (2022) – Unreleased film
The Fantastic Four (1994) – Unreleased film...
- 8/23/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Daniel Zolghadri in Owen Kline’s Funny Pages. Photo: A24 This generation is being lied to. It will take years of deprogramming to undo the damage. After a decade-and-a-half of Marvel films dominating popular culture and a cascade of other IP derived from comics slipping in through the door they’ve bashed open,...
- 8/23/2022
- by Jordan Hoffman
- avclub.com
Owen Kline is not the most obvious underground artist. The son of Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates may be best known for his performance as the younger sibling in Noah Baumbach’s “The Squid and the Whale,” a role he landed with zero acting ambition around the age of 13. Some privileged child stars follow such an impressive early turn by growing up in the public eye and amassing a filmography that would follow them into adulthood. Others have drug-fueled meltdowns. Kline, however, interned at Anthology Film Archives, dreamed of becoming a cartoonist, and eventually embraced a form of unfiltered, rough-and-tumble filmmaking that doesn’t exactly scream commerciality. Now, at the age of 30, he’s ready to explain himself.
“I always sort of reviled show business,” Kline said in an interview over lunch this month. “It was always repugnant to me. I’m really someone who’s resistant to showing my face in general.
“I always sort of reviled show business,” Kline said in an interview over lunch this month. “It was always repugnant to me. I’m really someone who’s resistant to showing my face in general.
- 8/19/2022
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High’s ascension to comedy classic was a slow process.
Amy Heckerling, who had only directed student work to that point, was set to helm an MGM project when it was scrapped amid an actors strike. During the hiatus, producer Art Linson introduced her to Cameron Crowe’s 1981 book, Fast Times at Ridgemont High: A True Story, which the young journalist wrote after spending a year undercover as a high school student.
Linson asked Heckerling to direct Crowe’s screenplay, a fictionalization of real students that focused on Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a sophomore navigating social dynamics and early sexual experiences. The comedy launched the careers of future Oscar winners Sean Penn, as lovable stoner Jeff Spicoli, and Forest Whitaker, playing jock Charles Jefferson — not to mention a teenage Nicolas Cage, credited as Nicolas Coppola in a small role for his first film.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High’s ascension to comedy classic was a slow process.
Amy Heckerling, who had only directed student work to that point, was set to helm an MGM project when it was scrapped amid an actors strike. During the hiatus, producer Art Linson introduced her to Cameron Crowe’s 1981 book, Fast Times at Ridgemont High: A True Story, which the young journalist wrote after spending a year undercover as a high school student.
Linson asked Heckerling to direct Crowe’s screenplay, a fictionalization of real students that focused on Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a sophomore navigating social dynamics and early sexual experiences. The comedy launched the careers of future Oscar winners Sean Penn, as lovable stoner Jeff Spicoli, and Forest Whitaker, playing jock Charles Jefferson — not to mention a teenage Nicolas Cage, credited as Nicolas Coppola in a small role for his first film.
- 8/13/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you don’t remember Owen Kline, well, that’s ok, you probably don’t have that much reason to, he didn’t start in that many films. But if you’re an indie cinephile, you might remember him playing the little boy in Noah Baumbach‘s coming of age film, “The Squid In The Whale,” playing the younger brother of Jesse Eisenberg. Well, Kline, who is Hollywood royalty as the son of Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates is back.
Continue reading ‘Funny Pages’ Trailer: Owen Kline’s Safdie Brothers Produced A24 Film Comes In August at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Funny Pages’ Trailer: Owen Kline’s Safdie Brothers Produced A24 Film Comes In August at The Playlist.
- 7/20/2022
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
Baby Yoda may have to pay his dues to another adorable creature: Gizmo.
“Gremlins” and “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” director Joe Dante dissed “The Mandalorian” for “shamelessly” modeling Baby Yoda off Gizmo, the lovable young Mogwai from his creature feature, as he sees it. The 1984 classic was produced by Steven Spielberg, written by Chris Columbus, and starred Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates, with Howie Mandel voicing Gizmo.
The franchise is getting an upcoming animated installment with the HBO Max series, “Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai,” with Ming-Na Wen, Bd Wong, and James Hong voicing characters. Dante is consulting on the series.
“I think the longevity of [the films] is really key to this one character [Gizmo], who is essentially like a baby,” Dante told the San Francisco Chronicle. “Which brings me, of course, to the subject of Baby Yoda, who is completely stolen and is just out-and-out copied. Shamelessly, I would think.
“Gremlins” and “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” director Joe Dante dissed “The Mandalorian” for “shamelessly” modeling Baby Yoda off Gizmo, the lovable young Mogwai from his creature feature, as he sees it. The 1984 classic was produced by Steven Spielberg, written by Chris Columbus, and starred Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates, with Howie Mandel voicing Gizmo.
The franchise is getting an upcoming animated installment with the HBO Max series, “Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai,” with Ming-Na Wen, Bd Wong, and James Hong voicing characters. Dante is consulting on the series.
“I think the longevity of [the films] is really key to this one character [Gizmo], who is essentially like a baby,” Dante told the San Francisco Chronicle. “Which brings me, of course, to the subject of Baby Yoda, who is completely stolen and is just out-and-out copied. Shamelessly, I would think.
- 7/14/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“Funny Pages,” a scruffy, grungy, likably tossed-together sketchbook of a low-budget indie comedy, typifies a paradox that now runs through a great deal of independent cinema. The movie, set in a humdrum New Jersey suburbia, unfolds on the moldy bottom rung of the comic-book ladder. It centers on two friends who are obsessed with drawing their own comics, and it’s about the insular world of geeks and creeps and pervs and weirdos that this brings them into contact with.
Robert (Daniel Zolghadri), at 17, has left the posh home of his parents in Princeton and set up residence in downscale Trenton, where he hangs out at the local comic-book store along with his friend, the sweetly passive, long-haired, acne-ridden Miles (Miles Emanuel), who has a secret crush on him. These two eat, breathe, and sleep comic books. But they’re not into superheroes. To them the comic-book world is all...
Robert (Daniel Zolghadri), at 17, has left the posh home of his parents in Princeton and set up residence in downscale Trenton, where he hangs out at the local comic-book store along with his friend, the sweetly passive, long-haired, acne-ridden Miles (Miles Emanuel), who has a secret crush on him. These two eat, breathe, and sleep comic books. But they’re not into superheroes. To them the comic-book world is all...
- 6/6/2022
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
This article is filled with Stranger Things season 4 spoilers! We have a spoiler free review here.
To help you avoid spoilers, we’ve separated this guide by episode.
Are you the type of Stranger Things viewer who likes to spot things in the background of each shot, like movie posters or toys that evoke nostalgia for the ’80s? The production designer and others behind the scenes of the much-beloved Netflix series take great pains to make each prop historically accurate, and the writers make sure that any reference uttered by the characters is something someone from that decade would actually say.
As we did for season 2 and season 3, we’ve collected here all of the Easter eggs that you may or may not have noticed sprinkled throughout Stranger Things season 4. We’ve arranged the list by episode so that you can follow along as you view each particular installment. Feel...
To help you avoid spoilers, we’ve separated this guide by episode.
Are you the type of Stranger Things viewer who likes to spot things in the background of each shot, like movie posters or toys that evoke nostalgia for the ’80s? The production designer and others behind the scenes of the much-beloved Netflix series take great pains to make each prop historically accurate, and the writers make sure that any reference uttered by the characters is something someone from that decade would actually say.
As we did for season 2 and season 3, we’ve collected here all of the Easter eggs that you may or may not have noticed sprinkled throughout Stranger Things season 4. We’ve arranged the list by episode so that you can follow along as you view each particular installment. Feel...
- 5/28/2022
- by Michael Ahr
- Den of Geek
Emmy award winning show runner Mitch Watson discusses some of the movies he saw when he was a kid that ruined him for life.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
A History Of Violence (2005)
On The Border (1998)
Hollywood Boulevard (1976) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness celebration
E.T. The Extraterrestrial (1982)
Santa Claus Conquers The Martians (1964)
Harold and Maude (1971) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
Witchfinder General (1968) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s review
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Shampoo (1975) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Swashbuckler (1976)
Jaws (1975) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Tfh’s Shark Attack At Hero Complex Gallery
The Neverending Story (1984)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Videodrome (1983) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Starship Troopers (1997)
They Live (1988)
Magic (1978)
Dead Of Night...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
A History Of Violence (2005)
On The Border (1998)
Hollywood Boulevard (1976) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness celebration
E.T. The Extraterrestrial (1982)
Santa Claus Conquers The Martians (1964)
Harold and Maude (1971) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
Witchfinder General (1968) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s review
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Shampoo (1975) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Swashbuckler (1976)
Jaws (1975) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Tfh’s Shark Attack At Hero Complex Gallery
The Neverending Story (1984)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Videodrome (1983) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Starship Troopers (1997)
They Live (1988)
Magic (1978)
Dead Of Night...
- 4/26/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Casting director and producer Don Phillips, who helped launch the careers of such actors as Sean Penn, Matthew McConaughey and Mary Steenburgen, passed away on Thanksgiving Day from natural causes. He would have turned 81 on Dec. 21.
Phillips received his first break when he landed an entry-level job in the casting department of filmmaker Otto Preminger’s 1971 movie Such Good Friends. Impressed by Phillips, Preminger took an ad in Variety and Backstage to praise the novice’s work on the film.
The acknowledgement led to Phillips getting hired to do extras casting on Sidney Lumet’s Serpico starring Al Pacino with his job subsequently expanding to casting the entire film. Lumet then tapped him as casting director on his next film, Dog Day Afternoon, also starring Pacino. Phillips is credited with holding out for actor John Cazale to be cast opposite Pacino as Sal.
Phillips went on to cast the cult...
Phillips received his first break when he landed an entry-level job in the casting department of filmmaker Otto Preminger’s 1971 movie Such Good Friends. Impressed by Phillips, Preminger took an ad in Variety and Backstage to praise the novice’s work on the film.
The acknowledgement led to Phillips getting hired to do extras casting on Sidney Lumet’s Serpico starring Al Pacino with his job subsequently expanding to casting the entire film. Lumet then tapped him as casting director on his next film, Dog Day Afternoon, also starring Pacino. Phillips is credited with holding out for actor John Cazale to be cast opposite Pacino as Sal.
Phillips went on to cast the cult...
- 11/27/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
TV director Dan Attias discusses his favorite cinematic moments with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Sweet Smell of Success (1957) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
White Dog (1982)
Silver Bullet (1985)
Witness (1985)
The Verdict (1982)
Scent Of A Woman (1992)
The Piano (1993)
The Pawnbroker (1965)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
True Romance (1993)
Infested (2002)
A History Of Violence (2005)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary links
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary, John Landis’s trailer commentary
Jaws (1975) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion review
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion review
12 Angry Men (1957)
Dodes’ka-den (1970)
Memento (2000)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Other Notable Items
Phillips Club in NYC
Tfh Guru Alan Spencer
Sledge Hammer! TV series (1986-1988)
The Garland in...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Sweet Smell of Success (1957) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
White Dog (1982)
Silver Bullet (1985)
Witness (1985)
The Verdict (1982)
Scent Of A Woman (1992)
The Piano (1993)
The Pawnbroker (1965)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
True Romance (1993)
Infested (2002)
A History Of Violence (2005)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary links
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary, John Landis’s trailer commentary
Jaws (1975) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion review
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion review
12 Angry Men (1957)
Dodes’ka-den (1970)
Memento (2000)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Other Notable Items
Phillips Club in NYC
Tfh Guru Alan Spencer
Sledge Hammer! TV series (1986-1988)
The Garland in...
- 9/14/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Due to its persistent on-screen presence, the swimming pool can be taken for granted; but beneath the surface it is cinema’s Jungian friend, representing secrets lying underneath. It exudes glamour and danger, shifting beyond conscious realms. It is a key to transformation, coming of age tales and renewed relationships. It is a status symbol and whether or not the pool is intact says a lot about the mood of the film and the state of its characters. Away from states of intensity, the swimming pool emerges on screen as a signifier of a time to unwind and to forget life past the poolside. The films featured in this mix show how the pool alludes mysterious symbolism and sexual awakening; murder, lust, and love brush shoulders as sun kissed babes in bikinis whisper sweet truths or uncover deadly secrets (such as the strange swimming pool activities in Three Women or...
- 8/23/2021
- MUBI
“Learn it. Know it. Live it!” The best-remembered teen comedy of the ’80s is also an insightful and unabashed look at real attitudes, behaviors and motivations of young people learning to deal with adult issues. Beyond the hilarious Sean Penn and the luscious Phoebe Cates lies a talent squad of notables and stars-to-be like Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold and Robert Romanus, with appearances by Amanda Wyss, Forest Whitaker, Eric Stoltz, Nicolas Coppola and Anthony Edwards. The stunning feature directing debut of Amy Heckerling, from Cameron Crowe’s undercover high school exposé, should be acknowledged as a modern classic.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Blu-ray
The Criterion Collection 1075
1982 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 89 min. / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date May 11, 2021 / 39.95
Starring: Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Robert Romanus, Brian Backer, Phoebe Cates, Ray Walston, Scott Thomson, Vincent Schiavelli, Amanda Wyss, Forest Whitaker, Kelli Maroney, Eric Stoltz, James Russo,...
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Blu-ray
The Criterion Collection 1075
1982 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 89 min. / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date May 11, 2021 / 39.95
Starring: Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Robert Romanus, Brian Backer, Phoebe Cates, Ray Walston, Scott Thomson, Vincent Schiavelli, Amanda Wyss, Forest Whitaker, Kelli Maroney, Eric Stoltz, James Russo,...
- 5/29/2021
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Bruce Mallen, a Canadian film producer who pioneered studies in the economics of the movie industry and led the revitalization of Culver City’s historic studio district in the 1980s, has died. He was 83.
Mallen died Friday in Beverly Hills of a heart attack, his daughter-in-law Rebecka Biejo announced. He also battled Alzheimer’s disease and had a recent bout with Covid-19.
The Montreal native produced the 1981 movies The High Country, starring Timothy Bottoms, and Heartaches, starring Margot Kidder; executive produced Paradise (1982), featuring Phoebe Cates; and produced Doin’ Time, starring Jeff Altman.
He also served as vice chairman of the Fort ...
Mallen died Friday in Beverly Hills of a heart attack, his daughter-in-law Rebecka Biejo announced. He also battled Alzheimer’s disease and had a recent bout with Covid-19.
The Montreal native produced the 1981 movies The High Country, starring Timothy Bottoms, and Heartaches, starring Margot Kidder; executive produced Paradise (1982), featuring Phoebe Cates; and produced Doin’ Time, starring Jeff Altman.
He also served as vice chairman of the Fort ...
- 3/18/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bruce Mallen, a Canadian film producer who pioneered studies in the economics of the movie industry and led the revitalization of Culver City’s historic studio district in the 1980s, has died. He was 83.
Mallen died Friday in Beverly Hills of a heart attack, his daughter-in-law Rebecka Biejo announced. He also battled Alzheimer’s disease and had a recent bout with Covid-19.
The Montreal native produced the 1981 movies The High Country, starring Timothy Bottoms, and Heartaches, starring Margot Kidder; executive produced Paradise (1982), featuring Phoebe Cates; and produced Doin’ Time, starring Jeff Altman.
He also served as vice chairman of the Fort ...
Mallen died Friday in Beverly Hills of a heart attack, his daughter-in-law Rebecka Biejo announced. He also battled Alzheimer’s disease and had a recent bout with Covid-19.
The Montreal native produced the 1981 movies The High Country, starring Timothy Bottoms, and Heartaches, starring Margot Kidder; executive produced Paradise (1982), featuring Phoebe Cates; and produced Doin’ Time, starring Jeff Altman.
He also served as vice chairman of the Fort ...
- 3/18/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Jennifer Aniston and ex-husband Brad Pitt's recent virtual reunion wasn't only heartwarming, it was inspiring. So much so that Bachelor Nation couple Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick decided to dress up as them, exactly as they appeared onscreen separately, and reenact their sweet interaction for Halloween. Aniston and Pitt had taken part in a virtual table read of the '80s cult film Fast Times at Ridgemont High in September to help benefit cast member Sean Penn's Core nonprofit and Reform Alliance. The former couple, who read Phoebe Cates and Judge Reinhold's roles, melted fans' hearts with their banter. "Hi, Aniston," Pitt...
- 11/1/2020
- E! Online
Catherine O’Hara of Schitt’s Creek summed up the pandemic edition of the Emmy Awards: “These are the strangest of days.” Well-put, Ms. O’Hara. Everything about the annual TV ceremony felt extra weird this year, for obvious reasons. The Covid era forced everyone to take an experimental approach — but that’s a welcome change for the Emmys, always one of the least creative and least fun of the big-deal award shows. For once, the broadcast were an enjoyable night of TV. Now that’s strange.
Host Jimmy Kimmell began with the quip,...
Host Jimmy Kimmell began with the quip,...
- 9/21/2020
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
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