Like many children of the 80s, I have a soft spot for the 1985 adventure epic Ladyhawke. It’s directed by the great Richard Donner, with it coming just before The Goonies and Lethal Weapon, but after his time with the Superman franchise. Lavishly produced, it wasn’t a hit in 1985 despite having a top-notch cast that included the late Rutger Hauer (in a rare heroic role), Michelle Pfeiffer, and Matthew Broderick. While some might say the latter was rather improbably cast as an Italian thief in the Middle Ages, that’s not actually the weirdest thing about the movie.
Donner has a reputation for always choosing superb composers for his films. Just think about how iconic Michael Kamen and Eric Clapton’s work is for Lethal Weapon, John Williams’s Superman theme, Jerry Goldsmith’s work on The Omen, and Dave Grusin’s score for The Goonies. Yet, one score...
Donner has a reputation for always choosing superb composers for his films. Just think about how iconic Michael Kamen and Eric Clapton’s work is for Lethal Weapon, John Williams’s Superman theme, Jerry Goldsmith’s work on The Omen, and Dave Grusin’s score for The Goonies. Yet, one score...
- 5/16/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
The arrival of George Lucas’ Star Wars in theaters was a major turning point in Hollywood cinema as it not only changed the game in pop culture, but also created a whole jargon of concepts that would later become synonymous with the franchise.
George Lucas’ Star Wars
Take, for example, the word “force” – an ordinary term that has changed its meaning since the release of the Star Wars movies. Lucas thought this was a cool term to incorporate into the films; however, one of his colleagues thought otherwise.
Brian De Palma Mocked ‘The Force’ In George Lucas’ Star Wars
During a podcast interview via Light the Fuse, filmmaker Brian de Palma revealed he used to mock George Lucas for concocting the term “force” to denote the spiritual power in the Star Wars saga.
“I just thought the idea of The Force, you know – ‘The Force’, I would say, and I kept repeating it,...
George Lucas’ Star Wars
Take, for example, the word “force” – an ordinary term that has changed its meaning since the release of the Star Wars movies. Lucas thought this was a cool term to incorporate into the films; however, one of his colleagues thought otherwise.
Brian De Palma Mocked ‘The Force’ In George Lucas’ Star Wars
During a podcast interview via Light the Fuse, filmmaker Brian de Palma revealed he used to mock George Lucas for concocting the term “force” to denote the spiritual power in the Star Wars saga.
“I just thought the idea of The Force, you know – ‘The Force’, I would say, and I kept repeating it,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
"Star Trek" is a dream gig, but it can also be a nightmare. Brent Spiner, who played the android Data on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," spoke to TV Guide in 1994 about how he will always be Data in the eyes of the public. He could win an Oscar for playing an elderly woman, he said, and still die knowing that Data would be listed first in his obituary. "Star Trek" is such a powerful force in the pop cultural zeitgeist that playing a "Trek" character can mark an actor forever; it must have been hard to walk away from "Star Trek," walk into another audition, and hear "Hey! It's Chekov!" or "Do the Riker thing!"
This was certainly experienced by DeForest Kelley a prolific TV actor and well-known pop culture heavy prior to "Star Trek." Gene Roddenberry already knew Kelley in the early '60s after the pair worked...
This was certainly experienced by DeForest Kelley a prolific TV actor and well-known pop culture heavy prior to "Star Trek." Gene Roddenberry already knew Kelley in the early '60s after the pair worked...
- 5/6/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Brian Blessed speaks – well, booms – to Empire about the formidable Gungan leader.
“It took your bloody head off!” bellows Brian Blessed down the phone line, as only he can. The legendarily bushy-bearded 87-year-old actor is recounting for Empire the first time he saw Star Wars: in 1977, having been made aware of the film from a “great big billboard at Snow Hill railway station in Birmingham”, Blessed sallied forth to the first cinema he could find. An avowed science-fiction nerd and keen space enthusiast — “I am actually a fully trained astronaut”, he notes several times during our conversation — he found himself transfixed. “Here was something totally, completely original. It was by far the finest science-fiction film I’d ever seen.”
Blessed hoped to be cast in the original trilogy, but suspects his iconic role in the similarly space- operatic Flash Gordon in 1980 may have gotten in the way. It wasn’t until the late ’90s,...
“It took your bloody head off!” bellows Brian Blessed down the phone line, as only he can. The legendarily bushy-bearded 87-year-old actor is recounting for Empire the first time he saw Star Wars: in 1977, having been made aware of the film from a “great big billboard at Snow Hill railway station in Birmingham”, Blessed sallied forth to the first cinema he could find. An avowed science-fiction nerd and keen space enthusiast — “I am actually a fully trained astronaut”, he notes several times during our conversation — he found himself transfixed. “Here was something totally, completely original. It was by far the finest science-fiction film I’d ever seen.”
Blessed hoped to be cast in the original trilogy, but suspects his iconic role in the similarly space- operatic Flash Gordon in 1980 may have gotten in the way. It wasn’t until the late ’90s,...
- 5/3/2024
- by John Nugent
- Empire - Movies
Killer Collectibles highlights five of the most exciting new horror products announced each and every week, from toys and apparel to artwork, records, and much more.
Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!
King Kong (1976) SteelBook 4K Uhd from Paramount
The 1976 remake of King Kong is now available on SteelBook 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray via Paramount. The 134-minute theatrical version is presented in 4K with Hdr., while the 182-minute TV cut is included on Blu-ray. No other special features are included.
From producer Dino De Laurentiis, the monster movie is directed by John Guillermin and written by Lorenzo Semple Jr. (Flash Gordon). Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, and Jessica Lange star.
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter Apparel from Gutter Garbs
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter turns 40 tomorrow, and Gutter Garbs is celebrating with a design by Sam Coyne.
T-shirts for $30, long sleeves for $40, zip-up hoodies for...
Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!
King Kong (1976) SteelBook 4K Uhd from Paramount
The 1976 remake of King Kong is now available on SteelBook 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray via Paramount. The 134-minute theatrical version is presented in 4K with Hdr., while the 182-minute TV cut is included on Blu-ray. No other special features are included.
From producer Dino De Laurentiis, the monster movie is directed by John Guillermin and written by Lorenzo Semple Jr. (Flash Gordon). Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, and Jessica Lange star.
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter Apparel from Gutter Garbs
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter turns 40 tomorrow, and Gutter Garbs is celebrating with a design by Sam Coyne.
T-shirts for $30, long sleeves for $40, zip-up hoodies for...
- 4/12/2024
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Brian Blessed is only 87 years old, but he has lived enough adventures for 10 lifetimes. He has been acting professionally since 1957, and has since racked up hundreds of credits on stage, screen, and in video games. His enormous frame (and beard) cut a striking figure, and his big booming voice could likely be heard from the moon. He's played Shakespeare, Dumas, Doyle, Asterix, "Doctor Who," "Flash Gordon," and "Peppa Pig."
In 1963, Blessed helped deliver a baby in public. He bit through the umbilical cord to complete his task, and licked the infant's face to comfort it. He had attempted to scale Mount Everest on three occasions, each time with assisted oxygen. He has also summited Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Aconcagua. He survived a plane crash in the jungles the Venezuela. He once hiked to the North Pole on foot and claims to have punched a polar bear in the nose. As of this writing,...
In 1963, Blessed helped deliver a baby in public. He bit through the umbilical cord to complete his task, and licked the infant's face to comfort it. He had attempted to scale Mount Everest on three occasions, each time with assisted oxygen. He has also summited Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Aconcagua. He survived a plane crash in the jungles the Venezuela. He once hiked to the North Pole on foot and claims to have punched a polar bear in the nose. As of this writing,...
- 3/2/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
When James Clavell’s historical fiction novel Shōgun was first adapted into a television miniseries in 1980, the Emmy-winning series was considered ahead of its time, especially when it came to cultural sensitivity. It was the first American show to be completely filmed in Japan with the Japanese characters being portrayed by Japanese actors — a far cry from the yellowface treatment in The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu and Flash Gordon, both released the same year.
Set in feudal Japan in the 1600s, Shōgun was told through the eyes of English navigator John Blackthorne (Richard Chamberlain) and his interactions with Lord Toranaga (the legendary Toshiro Mifune) before the Battle of Sekigahara. The series was predominantly in Japanese with no English subtitles, depending on Blackthorne’s interpreter Mariko (Yoko Shimada) to provide viewers an insight into this world.
Set in feudal Japan in the 1600s, Shōgun was told through the eyes of English navigator John Blackthorne (Richard Chamberlain) and his interactions with Lord Toranaga (the legendary Toshiro Mifune) before the Battle of Sekigahara. The series was predominantly in Japanese with no English subtitles, depending on Blackthorne’s interpreter Mariko (Yoko Shimada) to provide viewers an insight into this world.
- 2/15/2024
- by Laura Sirikul
- Primetimer
Back when he first won the role, Flash Gordon was the vehicle that was supposed to propel Sam J. Jones to instant fame. As it turns out, it was the vehicle that propelled him to instant infamy, after the movie quickly fizzled out at the box office Still, the film has gone on to become a cult classic, and Jones has found that he’s won over a lot of fans with the film. Jones is still happy to talk about the role, as he did during a Q&a at a fan event, where he talked about why he believes he got the starring role in the movie. (Click on the media bar below to hear Sam J. Jones) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Sam_Jones_Making_Flash_Gordon_.mp3
Flash Gordon is available on DVD, Blu-Ray, 4K, and most digital platforms.
The post A Sam J. Jones...
Flash Gordon is available on DVD, Blu-Ray, 4K, and most digital platforms.
The post A Sam J. Jones...
- 2/10/2024
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Seth Macfarlane’s animated series Family Guy, The Cleveland Show, and American Dad have become as culturally significant as The Simpsons. With edgy humor and non sequitur galore, MacFarlane segued to the big screen with the fantasy comedy Ted starring Mark Wahlberg about a man-child and his teddy bear who has come alive. Full of gross-out humor and equal amounts of heartfelt comedy, Ted was a smash hit and spawned a sequel. Since then, MacFarlane has made A Million Ways To Die In The West and the more serious science fiction series The Orville. Now, MacFarlane is returning to Ted with a Peacock prequel series that blends the sitcom format of his animated shows with that same blend of crass and feel-good comedy that has become his trademark.
Ted, the series, goes back to the high school years for John Bennett (Max Burkholder taking over for Mark Wahlberg) as he...
Ted, the series, goes back to the high school years for John Bennett (Max Burkholder taking over for Mark Wahlberg) as he...
- 1/16/2024
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Jenna Ortega is reportedly close to signing up to play the lead in Taika Waititi’s Klara And The Sun – an artificial being created as a friend for young people.
Taika Waititi has a whole raft of projects that may or may not get made, including a Star Wars film, the Tower Of Terror project based on the Disney theme park ride, adaptations of Flash Gordon and Akira, not to mention his planned take on The Incal, an adaptation of a ‘partly satirical space opera literary masterpiece’. There are other film projects in the pipeline too, not to mention TV-based ones.
Time will tell which of these reach fruition, but we do know that the filmmaker is plumping for Klara And The Sun as his next project. Back in October, we heard that Waititi wanted to begin production in Australia at the beginning of this year. We haven’t heard much since then,...
Taika Waititi has a whole raft of projects that may or may not get made, including a Star Wars film, the Tower Of Terror project based on the Disney theme park ride, adaptations of Flash Gordon and Akira, not to mention his planned take on The Incal, an adaptation of a ‘partly satirical space opera literary masterpiece’. There are other film projects in the pipeline too, not to mention TV-based ones.
Time will tell which of these reach fruition, but we do know that the filmmaker is plumping for Klara And The Sun as his next project. Back in October, we heard that Waititi wanted to begin production in Australia at the beginning of this year. We haven’t heard much since then,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Before patrons of The Original Beef of Chicagoland ever get their delicious sandwiches from chef Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) on FX’s The Bear, they have to go through manager Richie Jerimovich—an irritable clodhopper who’s both aggravating and engaging all at the same time. He’s played with affection and reverence by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the blue-eyed breakout best known for his stints on Girls (as Marnie’s husband Desi) and The Punisher. Here, Moss-Bachrach talks about making it big on the comedy series from executive producer Christopher Storer (Ramy).
Deadline: You grew up in Massachusetts. Do you remember what originally inspired in you the desire to act?
Ebon Moss-bachrach: As a kid, I was always very much an escapist. I loved my sci-fi books and Flash Gordon and all that kind of stuff. I don’t...
Deadline: You grew up in Massachusetts. Do you remember what originally inspired in you the desire to act?
Ebon Moss-bachrach: As a kid, I was always very much an escapist. I loved my sci-fi books and Flash Gordon and all that kind of stuff. I don’t...
- 6/2/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Let's be real — "A Christmas Story" never left the public eye. Sure, its original release was almost 40 years ago but, much like Michael Bublé, who goes into hibernation between holiday seasons, Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) is always there, ready to entertain the moment the temperature starts dropping again. In fact, Ralphie's story is as much Christmas now as the story of Santa Claus. So while it would not be inaccurate to say that "A Christmas Story" is extra hot right now because of the recent HBO Max sequel release, it would still be disingenuous.
But that's not to marsh anyone's mallow. By most accounts, "A Christmas Story Christmas" is a solid, if not repetitious, nostalgia flick. At the very least, the project got Billingsley back into the holiday spirit, so much so that he's co-hosting "A Cinematic Journey" with Nick Schenk. We should probably tell you what that is,...
But that's not to marsh anyone's mallow. By most accounts, "A Christmas Story Christmas" is a solid, if not repetitious, nostalgia flick. At the very least, the project got Billingsley back into the holiday spirit, so much so that he's co-hosting "A Cinematic Journey" with Nick Schenk. We should probably tell you what that is,...
- 12/12/2022
- by Cameron Roy Hall
- Slash Film
When the classic monster movie King Kong was released in the US in 1933, it had the biggest opening ever recorded, and little wonder – who could resist the fantastic story of a giant lovesick ape on the rampage in New York city!
Since then Kong has returned to the screen numerous times, not least in the 1976 version King Kong, starring Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange, with Kong himself brought to life by special effects legends Carlo Rambaldi (Et) and Rick Baker (American Werewolf in London). Directed by John Guillermin (The Towering Inferno) and produced by the legendary Dino De Laurentis (Flash Gordon) this blockbuster features a stirring John Barry score, action set pieces, stunning scenery, groundbreaking effects – it’s arguably one of the greatest King Kongs ever. To celebrate the towering release of the film in a stunning 4K restoration, here’s a look at Kongs onscreen from the 1931 original all...
Since then Kong has returned to the screen numerous times, not least in the 1976 version King Kong, starring Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange, with Kong himself brought to life by special effects legends Carlo Rambaldi (Et) and Rick Baker (American Werewolf in London). Directed by John Guillermin (The Towering Inferno) and produced by the legendary Dino De Laurentis (Flash Gordon) this blockbuster features a stirring John Barry score, action set pieces, stunning scenery, groundbreaking effects – it’s arguably one of the greatest King Kongs ever. To celebrate the towering release of the film in a stunning 4K restoration, here’s a look at Kongs onscreen from the 1931 original all...
- 12/7/2022
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Unforgettable Adventure Story – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Strange World” introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land. The original action-packed comedy adventure features the voices of Dennis Quaid as legendary larger-than-life explorer Jaeger Clade; Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade, a family man who finds himself out of his element on an unpredictable mission; Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade, an accomplished pilot and Searcher’s partner in all things. Jaboukie Young-White as Searcher’s 16-year-old son, Ethan, who finally finds the adventure he’s always wanted; and Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, fearless leader of the mythical Avalonia who spearheads an exploration into a strange world. “Strange World” opens in theaters nationwide on Nov. 23, 2022. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
In order to continue the big holiday festivities, the “mouse house” is releasing another full-length animated feature to enjoy with the whole family once...
In order to continue the big holiday festivities, the “mouse house” is releasing another full-length animated feature to enjoy with the whole family once...
- 11/23/2022
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Like outer space, the Star Wars universe is full of new territory to explore. So it's a good thing Disney is moving full speed ahead with its expansion of the Star Wars franchise. The streamer is set to release five new shows in the coming years, with additional seasons in production for The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy thinks it only makes sense that they continue to build upon George Lucas' beloved films, telling Vanity Fair, "He was influenced by Flash Gordon and cliff-hangers on Saturdays at movie theaters. All of that informed what the DNA of Star Wars is, which is why I think it's just organic that we...
- 7/22/2022
- E! Online
While Taika Waititi is currently very busy promoting two big Disney releases out in the next few weeks — Lightyear and Thor: Love and Thunder — the writer-director is also preparing to jump to a third major property for the House of Mouse: Star Wars. According to Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, Waititi’s mystery movie could take the “late 2023” release date previously reserved for Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron, which has been delayed due to alleged “creative differences” behind the scenes.
How likely it is that Waititi will be able to deliver a blockbuster Star Wars movie in less than 18 months remains to be seen, but even Kennedy has said that Lucasfilm hasn’t officially “locked anything in.” And just last week, Waititi confirmed that he was still working on the script, “coming up with ideas and storylining,” with co-writer Krysty Wilson-Cairns. This sounds more like a 2024 movie, if you ask us.
But...
How likely it is that Waititi will be able to deliver a blockbuster Star Wars movie in less than 18 months remains to be seen, but even Kennedy has said that Lucasfilm hasn’t officially “locked anything in.” And just last week, Waititi confirmed that he was still working on the script, “coming up with ideas and storylining,” with co-writer Krysty Wilson-Cairns. This sounds more like a 2024 movie, if you ask us.
But...
- 6/14/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
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