Meet The “Blue Face” Of Horror!

With the chaotic 2017 Oscar telecast naming the wrong film for Best Picture, it’s time to look at other films that were “overlooked” for the Academy’s top honor…in fact, here are three classic films that never got the recognition they deserved:

“In Cranium-Cleaving Color!”

Take a moment to look closely at all three of these posters, including the “cranium” line at the bottom of “The Ghastly Ones”…how could you ever miss such classic horror cinema?

Now, if you turned the Oscars upside down and shook REALLY HARD, you would come up with the Director of these three films – arguably the worst movies ever committed to celluloid – time to meet Andy Milligan!

Grindhouse Lives!

Meet Andy Milligan, who may just be Staten Island’s greatest filmmaker!

Yes: STATEN ISLAND’S GREATEST FILMMAKER!

Here are some exampleS of his “masterpieces”, beginning with an early work of art:

I mean, the title alone NEEDS to be shouted out from the Oscar podium – but as you can imagine, the creative visionary behind this gem had many more classics to come:

All of these movies are the work of Andy Milligan, a quirky filmmaker who wanted to shock America.

These are films that you can savor over and over again, especially when they include dialogue like THIS:

Dusty Cole: How’s your mother?
Cherry Lane: She threw me out. I guess she got tired of me using all her hairspray.

Shooting on budgets that hovered around $10,000, Milligan turned out 29 movies between 1965 and 1988 – moves that were:

“In Dripping Blood Color!”

While the posters were classic grindhouse “come ons”, his movies were appallingly shot, often ludicrously plotted “shock” films – but that’s what played in 42nd Street grind houses, drive-ins and avant-garde film festivals in the late 60’s and 70’s…

Milligan churned out film after film, with some of exploitation’s greatest movie titles!

Torture Dungeon! (1969)
Bloodthirsty Butchers! (1970)
The Body Beneath! (1970)
Guru, the Mad Monk! (1970)
The Rats Are Coming! The Werewolves Are Here! (1972)

“EXPLICIT BEYOND BELIEF!”

And they weren’t just horror films – no, Milligan knew how to sex it up as well!

Fleshpot On 42nd St. “Erotic, Sensual and Smoldering!”

That’s right, they weren’t all horror films, Milligan also loved deviant sex – and blew the lid of 42nd Street’s sleazy sex trade!

The plot of this classic was simple: A street whore desperately seeks love and acceptance against the backdrop of the criminal element of early 1970s Times Square.

Here is a seven minute scene shot on location – you get a real clear idea of Milligan’s filming “style”:

The film featured classic Milligan dialogue like this:

Cherry Lane: Didn’t your mother ever tell you that you shouldn’t go out with strange men?
Dusty Cole: Bob’s not strange. He’s dull.

Wel, enough said! Let’s get back to what Milligan REALLY liked – movies that he filmed:

“In Cranium-Cleaving Color!”

How can you resist a movie that offers this tagline!

The Ghastly Ones!

You are seeing a trend: classic grindhouse poster art – sex, violence, SHOCKS BEYOND BELIEF! – c’mon in suckers, the water’s fine!

First, check out the trailer:

Then, check out the “Doctor’s Warning” on the poster – a classic “come on” for the suckers at that time…love it! Now, back to “The Ghastly Ones” plot: Three married couples are forced to spend the night in a Victorian-era house where they start getting killed off by a deranged psycho who’s bent on claiming an inheritance they are all entitled to.

Here’s a great bit of trivia, thanks to IMDB: In several of the fight scenes of the film, the crew and their cameras and sound equipment are visible. There are also moments when the director can be heard softly reminding the actors of their lines.

Now THAT”S film making! Here’s another example of Milligan’s madness – starring this “blue-faced” women:

The Body Beneath!

This is arguably is masterwork, mainly because these blue-faced beauties show up for no reason, but they liven up the pace of the film!

Check out the trailer, which proclaims that the movie was “filmed in the graveyards of England!”

In this movie, Milligan captures the eerie horror of-, ah who’s kidding who? Do you REALLY care what it’s about? It’s slow-moving and laughably bad in a dementedly fun way! I mean, you have to watch it in order to find out why these women look like THIS!

There is so much more on Andy Milligan to share, including a book that tells the hilarious, and ultimately sad story of an awful filmmaker who managed to make a number of movies that are still being enjoyed today!

Click on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/13/fleshpots-rats-cranium-cleaving-color-meet-andy-milligan-sexploitations-ed-wood/

I’m not trying to pick on Andy Milligan – after all, he made movies, so bravo for that! In fact, there are a number of filmmakers who had their own “unique” vision for movies:

All Hail Tommy Wiseau!

If you know “bad cinema”, then of course you know “The Room”, considered one of the most hilariously inept films ever made – and there is a great book that tells the whole “behind the scenes” story!

Greg Sistero’s starred in the film alongside Wiseau, and he gives a “no holds barred” look at the madness behind the moviemaking…read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/27/tommy-wiseaus-classic-the-room-now-a-book-tommys-secrets-revealed/

Let me know your favorite “bad movies” – they are all worth celebrating!

Superman Lives! Or, The Story Of How He Died!

“Highly creative people have a hard time getting their movies made. Full stop. That’s all it is. Because they bring stuff that blows everyone away, and as much as the claim is they want something original, they’re terrified of it. That’s what happens. So, you don’t see those movies because they scare everybody up the chain of command.”

That quote sums up the failure of acclaimed Director Tim Burton and star Nicolas Cage, fresh off an Oscar win, to make the ultimate Superman film, “Superman Lives!”

Now there’s a terrific documentary that tells the whole, fascinating story – with tons of behind-the-scenes footage – and almost everyone participates!

First, check out the trailer:

Documentary Filmmaker Jon Schnepp tells the story, and while the trailer shows too much of his on-camera antics, he’s not obtrusive in the film – the documentary itself is beautifully made, and Schnepp got a ton of great on-camera interviews with everyone involved!

Kevin Smith’s Hilarious Anecdotes!

Kevin Smith is laugh-out-loud funny as he recounts his role in this saga. He tells hilarious stories about developing the screenplay – and getting forced out when Tim Burton came on board.

What makes this documentary so compelling is a brand new, INDEPTH and CANDID interview with Director Tim Burton, who explains how the entire project fell apart just weeks before filming was to begin.

The documentary has a ton of behind-the-scenes footage, and a long and very funny interview with legendary Producer Jon Peters, plus Warner Brothers Executives, special effects artists, costume designers – and Kevin Smith has a funny story about being asked to come up with a Giant Spider for Superman to fight!

The Giant Spider Battle!

The documentary has some real fun as Smith tells the giant spider story, intercutting various people contradicting Kevin, who has a lot of fun remembering the spider! It really shows how the collaborative effort can be upstaged by ego.

Here is a fun fact: Kevin Smith directed some episodes of the second season of Supergirl (2015), the first titled “Supergirl Lives” as a reference to the film. Smith joked he expected Supergirl to fight a giant spider as in the infamous battle scene proposed for this film.

As I said, just weeks before filming was set to begin, the entire film fell apart. As one Graphic Artist Sylvian Despretz says in the film:

“Highly creative people have a hard time getting their movies made. Full stop. That’s all it is. Because they bring stuff that blows everyone away, and as much as the claim is they want something original, they’re terrified of it. That’s what happens. So, you don’t see those movies because they scare everybody up the chain of command.”

This is a great film, and there is a website that has much more detail – check it out here:

http://www.tdoslwh.com

Legendary Movie Producer Jon Peters is in the movie – and is very candid and honest about his background:

His tale is a “True Hollywood Story” – click on my story here to find out why he made millions NOT to produce a “Superman” film:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/13/legendary-producer-jon-peters-making-a-fortune-for-not-producing-superman-movies-the-amazing-hollywood-reporter-interview/

Movies that fall apart are everywhere in Hollywood, and I love documentaries that dissect what happened:

The disastrous film “The Island Of Dr. Moreau” with Marlon Brando is one example – see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/04/madman-marlon-brando-lost-soul-of-dr-moreau-best-bad-movie-the-cinema-sewer/

And don’t forget that the making of a disastrous film can be as entertaining as what’s onscreen!

This amazing book about the making of the legendarily bad “The Room” has been made into a movie by James Franco…read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/03/14/james-francos-disaster-artist-tells-the-inside-story-of-tommy-wiseaus-the-room/

Let me know if you’ve seen Nicolas Cage as Superman!

Time For A “Franco Friday!”

The guy in the wheelchair doesn’t seem to be having a great day, but in fact, it’s just another day at the office for Director Jess Franco – perhaps the world’s most prolific Director!

He made HUNDREDS of films in his career, most starring his long-time creative partner and wife, Lina Romay – a “sexploitation superstar!”

She Loved The Camera As Much As The Camera Loved HER!

In the 70’s, there was a flood of exploitation films from Europe – many featuring one of the most exotic, vibrant and unabashedly “free” Actresses ever – the legendary Lina Romay!

Lina Romay was one of the most “empowered” female Actresses of the 70’s – in a series of roles that allowed her to explore her sexuality AND her acting ability – unabashedly unafraid to take on a multitude of controversial roles – most of them directed by her Husband!

Time To Celebrate Sex Kitten Lina Romay!

I have posted stories about many of Lina’s films: she was was a Catalan actress (born in Barcelona) who appeared in dozens of films in the 70’s, 80’s and beyond.

She starred in a slew of classic sexploitation films from Europe, mostly for her Director husband Jess Franco – and thanks to the terrific work of a number of DVD and Blu-ray companies, these films can be enjoyed today!

It’s A Perfect “Franco Friday!”

There is a trend on social media to celebrate “Franco Friday” – honoring this maverick Director who made so many movies over his career, classic exploitation like this one starring Soledad Miranda:

This newly remastered blu-ray is a revelation – see more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/19/legendary-sex-kitten-soledad-miranda-ecstasy-vampyros-lesbos-new-cult-films-releases/

This films were low-budget, raw explorations of horror and erotica at a time when the boundaries of film were being pushed – and Franco was at the forefront, especially when he directed his wife, Lina Romay!

Celebrating the Cinema Of Lina Romay!

Lina Romay began appearing in Director Jess Franco’s films from the time they met in 1971. They eventually married and she made more than a hundred movies, most of them directed by Franco.

“Barbed Wire Dolls!”

Here’s a great example: this 1976 “women in prison” tale stars Lina Romay as a woman who is jailed after killing her father, played by director Jess Franco, who tries to rape her. As IMDB points out, here is what follows:

“Lesbian wardens, torture, nudity, sex, insanity and conspiracy round out the formula.”

The majority of their films together were horror films and action thrillers, always with a healthy dose of nudity and sex – something that Romay was not only comfortable with, she loved it!

Lina Romay was one of exploitation cinema’s greatest sex kittens. She was a fearless performer – and a exhibitionist as well!

Romay was born in Barcelona in 1954, and made her film debut as a gypsy girl in “The Erotic Rites of Frankenstein” in 1973.

One of Lina’s most memorable roles was voracious Countess Irina Karlstein in “Female Vampire” / “Erotikill! / “The Bare-Breasted Countess” from 1975!

Yes, the film had three different titles! You can find a DVD release from Redemption that also includes the version called “Erotikill!”

In both cases, Lina Romay is a vampire who has sex with both male and female victims. In Jess Franco’s sex-fuelled cinema, this vampire performs oral sex on her victims until they die, draining them of their sexual fluids!

Three versions of the film were shot – one that was straight horror, one that had horror mixed with some sex, and then there was a hardcore porn version – because Romay was fearless and willing to bare all in her movies!

Talk About A “Blood Bath!”

Roman is fully nude in much of the film, like many of the films she made – she was VERY comfortable performing in the nude….

FYI, Director Franco’s original title for the film was “The Bare Breasted Countess”, and ultimately the film was shown with that title at the 2009 Fantastic Fest in the United States.

Kudos To Severin Films!

Because of the dedicated effort of a few great home video companies, some of Romay’s best movies are now available – including this notorious, controversial classic!

“The Hot Nights Of Linda!”

Jess Franco’s legendary sexploitation classic is finally unearthed, thanks to Severin Films! The Director’s wife, Lina Romay, stars in one of her larger roles for him – and among the most notorious! And the blu-ray release is full of great additional material!

The plot is straightforward: a young woman cares for an elderly man on an island off the Greek coast. She discovers that one of the man’s daughters is a crazed nymphomaniac who pursues everyone in the house!

Well, OF COURSE!

A Barcelona Bordello Discovery!

According to Severin, the film is restored from a 35mm print discovered in a Barcelona bordello! I don’t care how they found it, I’m just glad they did, as it is loaded with Bonus Features and presented in high definition for the first time ever in America!

Blu-Ray Bonuses!

Look at all of the bonus material included in this release, including an exclusive Interview with Director Jess Franco and Lina…check out all of the extras here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/11/lindas-shocking-hot-nights-lina-romays-classic-sexploitation/

The Notorious “French” Version!

The blu-ray is a three disc effort, with the notorious “alternate banana” version of the film – the french cut, which is completely uncensored!

Again, kudos to Severin Films – what a great job!

Check out everything Severin has to offer by going to their website:

http://www.severin-films.com/

Another fascinating Franco film starring Romay was this classic:

Lorna The Exorcist!

This 1974 film by Franco has a simple logline: A man is tormented by an ex-lover, Lorna, who is some kind of witch!

And let’s be honest, Mondo Macabro’s extended teaser will blow your mind right now!

Franco’s themes often revolved around lesbian vampires, women in prison, surgical horror, sadomasochism, zombies and sexploitation – and were drenched in blood…

Their story fascinates, even if the films are not all that good, they are also fascinating to watch!

This genre of 70’s sexploitation movie was much more artistic in Europe…there was plenty of sex, violence and nudity, but the movies play out as if they think it’s high art! Here are some additional examples of Jess Franco and Lina Romay efforts:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/17/countess-perverse-lorna-the-exorcist-jess-francos-naked-masterpieces/

One of great roles of the 80’s was this shocker:

Directed by Franco, this was the story of a young woman who thinks she may be a murderer – or is she simply in a trance?

Franco lets his shot of her staring vacantly into space run for almost a minute – and she is hypnotic to watch – oh, and there is plenty of sex and violence as well! See the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/06/night-has-a-thousand-desires-lina-romays-cult-classic-jess-francos-sex-shocker/

Thanks to the great Mondo Macabro for bringing this film to blu-ray – buy a copy to support them!

Lina Romay had a fascinating career, with many great films that are worth watching…sadly, she died of cancer in 2012, at the age of 57.

Let me know which ones are your favorites!

Vincent Price “Gets Down!”

Have you ever wanted to see the legendary Horror Actor Vincent Price in an afro? And have you ever wanted to kill your critics? Well, thanks to this Horror legend, you can do both!

When you create art, you can get angry when the reviews are bad…and if you are a Critic, THIS is how you feel:

“You begin to resent an actor if you always have to give him bad notices.”

With both sides sharpening their knives, it’s time for “Theater Of Blood!”

First, let’s check out the trailer:

Vincent Price stars as Edward Lionheart, an actor overlooked for a Critics acting award – and after confronting them, he dramatically throws himself into the Thames river.

Of course, you can’t keep a great Actor down, and soon Price is back, carrying out his bloody revenge on his Critics, donning a variety of great disguises as his kills them in very Shakespearean ways!

The great Actress Diana Rigg plays his daughter, Edwina Lionheart – yes, that’s her donning an Afro as well! She has no problem sticking up for her father against his harshest critics.

Critic Peregrine Devlin: “You don’t understand!”
Edwina Lionheart: “I understand that the greatest actor of all time never earned your approval for one single performance. Never. Not one good review!”

According to IMDB, Diana Rigg considers this her best film – and she has a point, because it’s terrific!

If you are worried it’s too funny to be gory, know that more than six gallons of fake blood was used to produce the eight ghastly murders!

Price was at his best in the 60’s and 70’s, and one of my favorite films was this one:

“The Abominable Dr. Phibes” is a great horror film from the early 70’s – you can find out more about this cult classic and see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/22/drunken-dr-phibes-horrors-abominable-midnight-madness/

Diana Rigg had a great career as well of course, and was perhaps the greatest “Bond girl” of all time:

She was smart, sassy, conflicted, confident and ultimately the greatest 007 tragedy ever filmed in the classic Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.

Of course, there were many stories about how she didn’t get along with the “one and done” 007, George Lazenby – and now there is a great documentary that tells the story! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/02/the-sex-secrets-of-james-bond-007-george-lazenbys-swinging-007-days-great-new-documentary-becoming-bond/

Let me know if you’ve seen Vincent Price at his afro-tastic best!

The Answer Is “YES YES YES”! Hollywood’s Legendary Formosa Cafe Has Been Saved!

Finally, some GOOD news about Hollywood’s legendary haunts!

Thanks once again to Alison Martino, who updated everyone on this story. Her passion for saving classic Hollywood can be seen every day!

Here’s the great news about the future of the iconic Formosa Cafe, which shuttered abruptly last fall – now being refurbished for a re-opening thanks to a terrific company!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Here is the reporting from the Los Angeles Times:

“The Formosa Cafe, a legendary celebrity haunt dating to Hollywood’s Golden Age, will reopen next year under management by local bar operators who specialize in reviving historic properties.

Humphrey Bogart enjoyed his scotch and Frank Sinatra reputedly pined over Ava Gardner at the Formosa in West Hollywood, which closed in December.

Los Angeles bar operator 1933 Group has leased the red-and-black, Asian-themed establishment and vow to revive its historic flair.

“We want to bring it back to its heydays of the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s,” said Dmitry Liberman, co-owner of 1933 Group.”

This is fantastic news, just months after the iconic restaurant abruptly closed down, leaving its future in doubt…

Hollywood’s Legendary Formosa Cafe!

Here’s the history of the restaurant, according to wikipedia:

“The Formosa was founded in 1925 by 1920s prize-fighter Jimmy Bernstein. Bernstein operated his establishment initially in a Red Car trolley located just east of The Lot Studios.

Generations of movie stars such as Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable have eaten meals at The Formosa. Frank Sinatra is reputed to have spent many nights at the Formosa in the 1950s, pining over Ava Gardner.

In the 1991, the restaurant was threatened with demolition when its lease expired as plans evolved for, first, The Lot, the soon-to-be renamed Warner Bros studio lot parking lot, and later what would become The Lot shopping center. Due to concerted citizen and preservationist efforts, the restaurant was preserved in its present location as a landmark.”

Unfortunately, that didn’t help save this landmark, which was used brilliantly in the film “LA Confidential.”

In that classic scene, Guy Pearce confronts Lana Turner in the bar, thinking she is a prostitute “cut” to look like a movie star…

This scene was shot at The Formosa, so at least we will always be able to go back one more time to see this classic location…because it has been designated a historic landmark, the building may not be at risk, but a ill-advised interior remodel had destroyed much of what made the space unique…we’ll see what happens now that the new owners have carte blanche to turn it around…

Destroying Hollywood’s Past…

This was just the latest example of a classic Hollywood institution closing its doors…in 2015, Dominick’s in West Hollywood closed up, to be reopened as just another generic LA restaurant…

Here’s a look at that legendary celebrity haunt:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/15/destroying-hollywoods-soul-goodbye-dominicks-vintage-los-angeles-alison-martino-fights-to-save-tinseltowns-iconic-past/

Luckily, the Formosa has appeared to dodge that bullet…

You can still see other landmark Hollywood locations of course, like Hollywood’s “Hightower” apartment…

This location has been used in many films, see them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/09/14/hollywoods-hightower-movie-past-vintage-los-angeles-climbs-these-legendary-stairs/

Journalist / TV Producer Alison Martino is fighting to save Hollywood’s history for future movie lovers to enjoy…

Check out my story about her website Vintage LosAngeles here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/20/vintage-l-a-noir-celebrate-las-heritage-amazing-website-and-classic-70s-noir/

Make sure to follow this great site at:

http://alisonmartino.com

Looking forward to a newly revitalized Formosa Cafe!

Welcome To San Francisco’s Coit Tower!

While The Golden Gate Bridge may be San Francisco’s most iconic sight, the famous Coit Tower isn’t far behind…

Coit Tower is a 210-foot tower in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, built in 1933. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 29, 2008.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Sensual Obsession!

Hitchcock’s masterpiece “Vertigo” filmed scenes in San Francisco, and the Director used the tower in a very unique way. In the film, Kim Novak uses the landmark to find Scottie’s apartment on Lombard Street.

The interior apartment scenes were filmed on a studio set, but Hitchcock wanted the tower shown prominently in the background through the apartment window. When art director Henry Bumstead questioned this, Hitchcock replied:

“Coit Tower is a phallic symbol.”

Well, OK then – that means we need to climb up the thing!

The 400 Filbert Street Steps!

When you approach the tower from the Fisherman’s Wharf area to the east, you find a series of steps that will take you all the up to the tower – 400+ steps!

Of course, my wife Alex was eager to travel this way, so off we went on our climb…

There are many places to stop and look at the view, and houses with miniature gardens surround it as well – but no matter how many times you stop, THIS is still ahead of you:

It took about twenty minutes to navigate them all – and there are lots of people doing it around you as well…

Finally, you reach the top and the tower is, in fact, towering above you:

Not only is the tower beautiful, the location offers you spectacular views of San Francisco as well, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island!

I have a story to share about Alcatraz soon as well…so our walk up to the tower was fun, great exercise, and it pays off with spectacular views…if you are ever in San Francisco, I recommend you give Coit a climb!

I also suggest you check out the wild sea lions and seals as well – here is my story on this landmark:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/04/15/san-franciscos-famous-sea-lion-hangout-sea-lions-take-over-a-pier/

If you are on the west coast, a two hour trip south of San Francisco will take you here:

This amazing Calla Lily valley empties right into the Pacific Ocean – see more pics here

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/29/visit-natures-calla-lily-valley-amazing-pacific-ocean-adventure/

Hope you enjoyed the climb up Coit Tower!

Dan Aykroyd Blasts “Ghostbusters” Remake!

This story just in from overseas, where original “Ghostbusters” Actor Dan Aykroyd tore into the Director of the all-female remake!

The original “Ghostbusters” was a huge hit and now has iconic status – so when it was announced that an all-female version was on the way, the internet exploded in controversy…

When the film finally opened, it didn’t do anywhere near the amount of money people expected, and critics were vicious to it as well…now, Aykroyd has offered up his opinion on what went wrong when he appeared on a British talk show recently:

Here is the story from Deadline.com:

“The director made several decisions that caused the movie to lose money, Aykroyd asserted on the Sunday Brunch show, adding that its struggles had nothing to do with the gender-inverted casting or the ensemble’s performances. One of the main stars and a co-writer of the 1984 original, Aykroyd got an executive producer title on the reboot.

“The girls are great in it. Kate McKinnon, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig – what wonderful, wonderful players they are – and Leslie Jones,” Aykroyd said. “I was really happy with the movie, but it cost too much. And Sony does not like to lose money, they don’t. It made a lot of money around the world but just cost too much, making it economically not feasible to do another one. So that’s too bad.”

Aykroyd then blamed the Director for not following anyone’s advice, and re-shooting major chunks of the film:

“The director, he spent too much on it,” Aykroyd said. “He didn’t shoot scenes we suggested to him and several scenes that were going to be needed and he said ‘Nah, we don’t need them.’ Then we tested the movie and they needed them and he had to go back. About $30 to $40 million in reshoots. So he will not be back on the Sony lot any time soon.”

The “Ghostbusters” remake reportedly cost at least $140 million to make, and grossed just $229.1 million worldwide – making it a big money loser…

Here is the entire story on Deadline.com – and it includes a short clip of Aykroyd making his controversial comments!

https://deadline.com/2017/06/aykroyd-blasts-paul-feig-in-tv-interview-1202107198/

I watched the first half hour of the movie and found it strangely flat, unfunny and uninvolving…too bad considering the source material and the terrific Actors hired to be in it…

Let me know what you thought!

Let’s start with the obvious – THIS IS A MUMMY:

Now, let’s jump to summer movie season 2017 – and let me point something out:

THIS IS NOT A MUMMY!

THAT is a young woman wearing a designer outfit that has been styled to perfection – those aren’t rags – and that is NOT a Mummy!

“The Mummy” Unravels At The Box Office!

No knock against Sofia Boutella, but when Universal made the disastrous decision to make “The Mummy” a hot young woman they ruined this movie franchise – and the box office disaster that followed proves it!

Tom Cruise stars in the movie, which tried to take a classic horror character and morph it into a “Raiders Of The Lost Ark” knockoff – Cruise doesn’t deserve the blame for this box office flop: the idea of putting him in a “Mummy” movie made sense – but why choose a young woman as the “evil Mummy?”

Ridiculous!

As I said, this is just not a Mummy – and why do I want to watch this young woman wreck havoc on Tom Cruise? Absolutely mind-boggling that this is what they came up with to revitalize this:

The film opened to just over $30-million in the US, and even with the international box office being a huge part of any film’s success, this number is a disaster.

The Hollywood Bible Variety has a story on the Cruise disaster, listing the many issues he Actor is facing now:

http://variety.com/2017/film/box-office/the-mummy-box-office-analysis-tom-cruise-1202461943/

And it’s just the latest in a summer filled – so far – with box office bombs! Need a reminder? Here are two huge box office bombs already this summer:

“King Arthur” was a costly flop to begin the summer box office – it cost more than $175-million and has barely grossed $35-million in the US! The raunchy update of “Baywatch” was a disaster as well – and then we have two long-running movie series that released new versions to lackluster box office in the past few weeks:

The latest “Pirates” installment is doing the worst in the series, and the latest “Alien” movie is also under-performing – and trust me folks, there are MORE BOMBS ON THE WAY.

The lack of any originality in Hollywood is driving away moviegoers – pointless remakes, lifeless “latest installments” of movie series that have worn out their welcome – and awful reviews don’t help! Beware there is much more to come this summer…

Empty theaters are the result of bad – or unnecessary – films being made with a cynical attitude that “kids these days will watch anything” – but they won’t…I also shared a story about how you can lose $812-million in a single year, thanks to films like this:

The completely unnecessary remake of “Ben Our” was a huge bomb last year – click here to see the list of films that helped Hollywood lose $812-million dollars!

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/02/how-to-lose-812-million-in-the-movie-business-2016s-tough-tough-year/

Tom Cruise doesn’t deserve the blame for the “Mummy” debacle, but he has seen his star dim in the last few years:

The superstar used to open films in the $100-million range – that’s been cut in half…here is a look at Tom Cruise and his box office trajectory in Hollywood:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/08/edge-of-oblivion-tom-cruises-superstar-swan-dive/

Finally, two of the 80’s biggest stars have also seen their box office evaporate:

Here is a look at the downward careers of two of our biggest stars:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/05/the-action-80s-are-over-sly-and-arnolds-action-disasters-stallone-and-schwarzenegger-bomb/

Let me know if you actually went to see “The Mummy!”

Scream Factory’s Amazing Sale! Incredible Special Edition Blu-Rays For Fans!

Movie fans, do I have a deal for you!

I have posted about some of the Scream Factory special edition releases before, because they LOVE cult films and are bringing terrific special editions to life…and now, they have a 50% off sale!

Head over to their parent company “Shout Factory” to see their incredible inventory:

Here is the link:

https://www.shoutfactory.com

Here are a few highlights of their catalog, as well as some details on the incredibly over-stuffed blu-ray special editions!

Let’s begin with one of my top ten favorite films of all time:

Carrie!

Brian DePalma directed one of horror’s greatest films, starring Sissy Spacek as a young girl with “special” powers:

Here are some of the bonus features on sale now:

DISC ONE:
NEW 4K Scan Of The Original Negative
Original Theatrical Trailer (HD)
Carrie Franchise Trailer Gallery
DISC TWO:
NEW More Acting Carrie – featuring interviews with Nancy Allen, Betty Buckley, William Katt, Piper Laurie, Edie McClurg and P.J. Soles (20 minutes)
NEW Writing Carrie – an interview with screenwriter Lawrence Cohen (29 minutes)
NEW Cutting Carrie – an interview with editor Paul Hirsch (25 minutes)
NEW Shooting Carrie – an interview with director of photography Mario Tosi (15 min)
NEW Casting Carrie –an interview with casting director Harriet B. Helberg (16 min)
NEW Bucket of Blood – a new interview with composer Pino Donaggio (24 minutes)
NEW Horror’s Hallowed Grounds – Revisiting The Film’s Original Locations (11 minutes)
Acting Carrie – Interviews With Actors Sissy Spacek, Amy Irving, Betty Buckley, Nancy Allen, William Katt, Piper Laurie, Priscilla Pointer and P.J. Soles And Art Director Jack Fisk And Director Brian De Palma (43 minutes)
Visualizing Carrie – Interviews With Brian De Palma, Jack Fisk, Lawrence D. Cohen, Paul Hirsch (41 minutes)
A Look At “Carrie: The Musical” (6 minutes) – TV Spots – Radio Spots
Still Gallery – Rare Behind-The-Scenes Photos, Posters And Lobby Cards
Stephen King And The Evolution Of Carrie Text Gallery

I mean – WOW! See more about this classic horror film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/30/shocktober-day-30-brilliant-carrie-brian-depalmas-horror-classics-star-wars-connection/

Speaking of great horror films:

The Thing!

Remember the iconic tagline?

“Man Is The Warmest Place To Hide”

This is one of the most shocking horror films ever made, thanks to Director John Carpenter!

Here are the abundant bonus features on this 50% off blu-ray:

DISC ONE:
NEW 2K Scan Of The Interpositive Supervised And Approved By Director Of Photography Dean Cundey
NEW 4.1 Audio Mix Created From The Original 70MM Six Track Dolby Stereo Soundtrack (5.1 Audio Mix Also Included)
NEW Audio Commentary With Director Of Photography Dean Cundey
NEW Audio Commentary With Co-producer Stuart Cohen
Audio Commentary By Director John Carpenter And Actor Kurt Russell
Teaser Trailer (1 minute) – Theatrical Trailers (U.S. And German) (5 minutes)
TV Spots (1 minute) – Radio Spots (2 minutes)
Still Gallery (Behind-The-Scenes Photos, Posters And Lobby Cards) (15 minutes)

DISC TWO:
NEW Requiem For A Shape Shifter – An Interview With Director John Carpenter In Conversation With Filmmaker Mick Garris (28 minutes)
NEW The Men Of Outpost 31 – Interviews With Keith David, Wilford Brimley, David Clennon, Thomas Waites, Peter Maloney, Richard Masur And Joel Polis (51 minutes)
NEW Assembling And Assimilation – An Interview With Editor Todd Ramsay (11 minutes)
NEW Behind The Chameleon: The Sights Of THE THING – Interviews With Visual Effects Artists Peter Kuran And Susan Turner, Special Make-up Effects Artist Rob Burman, Brian Wade And Stop Motion Animators Randall William Cook And Jim Aupperle (25 minutes)
NEW Sounds From The Cold – Interviews With Supervising Sound Editor David Lewis Yewdall And Special Sound Effects Designer Alan Howarth (15 minutes)
NEW Between The Lines – An Interview With Novelization Author Alan Dean Foster (16 minutes)
NEW Back Into The Cold: A Return To The Shooting Locations Of THE THING – An Animated Photo Gallery Narrated By Todd Cameron Of Outpost31.com
NEW The Art Of Mike Ploog Gallery (12 minutes)
John Carpenter’s The Thing: Terror Takes Shape – A Documentary On The Making Of THE THING Featuring Interviews With John Carpenter, Kurt Russell, Special Effects Make-up Designer Rob Bottin, Legendary Matte Artist Albert Whitlock Plus Members Of The Cast And Crew (80 minutes – SD)
Network TV Broadcast Version Of THE THING (92 minutes – SD)
Outtakes (5 minutes – SD)
Vintage Featurettes From The Electronic Press Kit Featuring Interviews With John Carpenter, Kurt Russell And Rob Bottin (13 minutes – SD)
Vintage Featurettes – The Making Of A Chilling Tale And The Making Of THE THING (14 minutes – SD)
Vintage Product Reel – Contains A Condensed Version Of The Film With Additional Footage Not In The Film (19 minutes – SD)
Vintage Behind-The-Scenes Footage (2 minutes – SD)
Annotated Production Archive – Production Art And Storyboards, Location Scouting, Special Make-up Effects, Post Production (54 minutes – SD)

It’s a treasure trove for movie lovers – see more about this great film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/26/the-thing-shocks-halloween-horror-day-26-man-is-the-warmest-place-to-hide/

Need some classic sci-fi-fi laced with plenty of 80’s nudity? Well, here you go!

Lifeforce!

This classic British film is chock full of shocks and skin…

Look at what you can get for 50% off:

The Blu-ray Contains Both The Theatrical Cut And The Longer, Director Approved Cut

Bonus Features
Audio Commentary with Director Tobe Hooper
Audio Commentary with Makeup Effects artist Nick Maley
New interviews with Mathilda May, Steve Railsback and Director Tobe Hooper
Theatrical Trailers – TV Spot – Still Gallery

See more about this film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/17/lifeforce-the-amazingly-naked-80s-sci-fi-horror-cult-classic-is-back/

An obscure, offbeat horror film is not only brand new to blu-ray, but also on sale!

Willard!

The creepy story of a young man who makes friends with killer rats!

Bonus features include:

NEW 4K Scan Of The Original camera Negative
NEW Audio Commentary With Actor Bruce Davison
NEW Interview With Actor Bruce Davison
Theatrical Trailer – TV Spot – Radio Spots – Still Gallery

Read more about this classic 70’s film – and Oscar-nominated sequel “Ben!” by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/02/killer-rat-horror-willard-michael-jacksons-ben-love-song-jacksons-oscar-night-performance/

Finally, Shout Factory has done a great job preserving classic Bruce Lee films:

Game Of Death!

This is the movie Lee was making when he died – the blu-ray has these bonus features:

DISC ONE: The U.S. Version (100 min.)
NEW 4K Transfer From The Internegative
Audio Commentary With Asian Film Expert Mike Leeder
Game Of Death Revisited
Game Of Death Locations
Outtake Montage – Deleted Scenes
Alternate Opening And Ending
Bloopers – Theatrical Trailers – Still Gallery – Japanese Print In HD

DISC TWO: The Mandarin/Cantonese Version (90 min.)
NEW 4K Transfer From The Internegative
NEW Trailer Gallery

Here is much more on Bruce Lee – an icon who will live forever – click here to see the amazing one-on-one fight he had for this film with Karen Abdul-Jabbar!

https://johnrieber.com/2015/04/25/dj-bruce-lee-robert-downey-jr-avengers-age-of-ultron-action-hero-mashup-nunchuck-mania/

Bravo to Scream Factory for their incredible sale!

Classic Music From CSN!

Crosby, Stills & Nash created some of the greatest music of our time…amid a LOT of internal squabbles, drug addictions and more…

Of course, they were ALSO Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – the first “supergroup” in the early 70’s, but the trio released a lot of great music without Neil Young as well…

Let’s Talk “Daylight!”

Crosby, Stills & Nash were making music and performing together in the late 70’s. Stills and Nash also released albums as well.

Stephen Stills and Graham Nash were recording new music in 1980 and 1981 and the album was originally slated to be a Stills-Nash project. Art Garfunkel and Timothy B. Schmitt of The Eagles recorded with them…

Unfortunately, their record label had other ideas…

According to wikipedia:

“Executives at Atlantic Records, however, had little interest in anything but CSN product from any member of the group, and held out for the presence of Crosby, forcing Nash and Stills to start paying for the sessions out-of-pocket. They began to turn toward the company’s point of view, however, and decided to invite Crosby to participate at the eleventh hour.”

NO NUKES, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, 1980, (c) Warner Brothers

So that’s how we got CSN’s “Daylight Again!” Even though Crosby arrived late to the sessions, he contributed the song “Delta” and a cover of Judy Henske and Craig Doerge’s “Might as Well Have a Good Time” along with some additional vocals on other tracks.

The album was released to great acclaim and big sales, with Nash’s “Wasted on the Way” at top ten single at #9, and Stills’ great “Southern Cross” which made the top twenty at #18.

The album was also a top ten hit, reaching #8 on the Billboard charts when released in 1982.

Let’s Give It A Listen!

With that background information, let’s listen to this terrific album, beginning with the opening track:

“Turn Your Back on Love”

The album kicks off with a great song, and a great video that sets up the friendship and musical partnership of the group:

“Wasted on the Way”

Next up is Graham Nash’s great song, which perfect CSN harmonies.

It was their first top 10 hit in five years…

“And there’s so much time to make up everywhere you turn
Time we have wasted on the way
So much water moving underneath the bridge
Let the water come and carry us away…”

Here is a great live version, where they talk about their issues as a band before kicking into an absolutely gorgeous live version of the song:

“Southern Cross”

This is one of my favorites as well, Stephen Stills’ story of, well:

“When you see the Southern Cross for the first time
You understand now why you came this way
‘Cause the truth you might be runnin’ from is so small
But it’s as big as the promise, the promise of a comin’ day…”

Here is a terrific live version of the song:

“Into the Darkness” is next, which leads into one of the two Crosby originals, the hauntingly beautiful “Delta”…written almost like a poem…

“Waking
Stream of consciousness
On a sleeping
Street of dreams

Thoughts
Like scattered leaves
Slowed in mid-fall
Into the streams

Of fast running rivers
Of choice and chance
And time stops here on the delta
While they dance, while they dance…”

Here is a terrific live version from 2010 – much longer than the album cut – an absolutely beautiful song:

“Since I Met You”, “Too Much Love to Hide”, “Song for Susan”, “You Are Alive” are all great songs, leading into the other Crosby contribution, “Might As Well Have a Good Time”

This leads into the title track that goes back to their initial album a decade earlier:

“Daylight Again”

The song “Daylight Again” evolved out of Stills’ guitar-picking to accompany on-stage stories regarding the South in the Civil War, and it segues into their anti-war chant “Find the Cost of Freedom,” which had been the b-side of the “Ohio” single in 1970.

The song “Ohio” was written by Neil Young after four students were murdered by National Guardsmen on the campus of Kent State University…this shocking act was during the violent Vietnam War protests – here is the story behind this song:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/02/03/the-shocking-kent-state-massacre-anti-war-protests-csny-an-era-of-political-activism/

If you want to see how violent this demonstrations were, here is a movie that actually was filmed during one of the protests:

Legendary Cinematographer and Director Haskell Wexler filmed his fictional story of a news photographer caught up in the Chicago anti-war riots DURING the Chicago anti-war riots! Check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/04/21/medium-cool-1968-chicago-riots-americas-political-turmoil-captured-on-film/

The entire album is a great example of the strong songwriting and terrific harmonies of Crosby, Stills and Nash…let me know your favorites!

RIP To A Great Movie Director, John G. Avildsen!

The odds are that, even if the name isn’t familiar, his work will be – RIP to the legendary Director John. G. Avildsen, who died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 81.

Yes, that’s Rocky Balboa behind the Director – oh, and here he is again with Ralph Macchio hanging around as well:

Avildsen directed the original “Karate Kid” movies, but so much more – his most famous work was in 1976, when he won the Best Director for “Rocky”, the tale of Rocky Balboa’s gritty and unlikely transcendence from the streets of South Philadelphia…

Avildsen won the Best Director Oscar, and “Rocky” also won Best Picture as well.

According to the great article about him in The Los Angeles Times:

“In an interview last year, Avildsen told the Baltimore Sun about his initial misgivings about “Rocky”: “When this script came to me from an old friend … I said I had no interest in boxing, I think boxing’s sort of a dumb thing,” he said. “He pleaded and pleaded, so I finally read the thing. And on the second or third page, he’s talking to his turtles, Cuff and Link. I was charmed by it, and I thought it was an excellent character study and a beautiful love story. And I said yes.”

One Of Jack Lemmon’s Greatest Performances!

Avildsen also directed the drama “Save the Tiger” in 1973, which earned Jack Lemmon an Academy Award for best actor.

This film was an intense look at a desperate Executive who torches his own business to save himself from financial ruin…

In an interview with The Times in 2014, Avildsen recalled his encounter with Lemmon:

“When I came to meet him for the first time I had long hair, an extensive beard and blue velvet jeans with daisies on my butt. I explained to him if he chose me to direct the movie, I didn’t want to see him in it. I didn’t want all the mannerisms, all of the things he had grown comfortable with over the years. I wanted to see [the character], not him.”

Another Avildsen film was the black comedy “Neighbors” from 1981 – John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd starred the height of their fame, but reversed roles – Belushi was the timid meek neighbor to the wild Aykroyd. Critic Roger Ebert called “Neighbors” a “truly interesting comedy, an offbeat experiment in hallucinatory black humor. It grows on you.”

Among other Avildsen movies was the smash 80’s hit “The Karate Kid.” He also directed “Lean On Me” with Morgan Freeman.

And yes, Avildsen had a TROMA connection as well! TROMA Founder Lloyd Kaufman worked on the first “Rocky” film and stayed friends with Avildsen…in fact, some of Lloyd’s Super-8 footage was used recently on a “Rocky” Blu-ray release, and Lloyd recorded commentary with the Director and his son!

You can see more here:

http://www.lloydkaufman.com/news/2013/11/19/lloyd-with-legendary-director-of-rocky-john-g-avildsen/

RIP to a great Artist!

5 Reasons To Celebrate This “Jaws” Birthday!

42 years ago this week, one of the great thrillers in cinema history premiered – and changed movie history forever.

At that time, Hollywood routinely premiered a film in a dozen theaters across the entire country, the film slowly rolling out to theaters over weeks and even months.

But on June 20, 1975, Universal sent this big fish out to a thousand theaters on the same day – and the way films were released changed forever.

Remember the trailer?

Here are five bits of trivia about this shark tale:

5 – Bruce The Shark!

The stories are legendary that “Bruce” the mechanical shark was notoriously difficult to work with. Yes, he was named “Bruce” after Director Steven Spielberg’s lawyer. Three mechanical sharks were built to play the part of the great white: a “left” and “right” shark for side shots, and a full-sized one for the straight on shots.

However, since “Bruce” malfunctioned so much, Spielberg filmed most of the movie’s scenes without him. In fact, the first shark doesn’t appear in “Jaws” until more than an hour and twenty minutes have gone by.

Although principal photography was scheduled to take 55 days, it took 159 days. Spielberg, reflecting on the protracted shoot, stated:

“I thought my career as a filmmaker was over. I heard rumors … that I would never work again because no one had ever taken a film 100 days over schedule.”

One other fact according to wikipedia:

“Spielberg himself was not present for the shooting of the final scene in which the shark explodes, as he believed that the crew were planning to throw him in the water when the scene was done, something that has since become a tradition for Spielberg to be absent when the final scene of one of his films is being shot.”

4 – The “Line”!

The acting in “Jaws” is stellar: Roy Scheider as the Sheriff trying to keep tourists safe; Richard Dreyfus as the shark expert who wants everyone to show more respect toward their prey; and of course Robert Shaw, as the crusty “shark killer” who one night tells the morbid story of his WW2 buddies being eaten by sharks after their ship was capsized during battle.

However, one line in the film has become legend – and Scheider improvised it! As the trio are searching for Bruce in their fishing vessel, it’s the Sheriff who suddenly finds himself face-to-face with the great white.

Without missing a beat, he turns to the other two and utters the immortal line:

“We’re going to need a bigger boat.”

Sheider’s stunned look of fear tells you that this film is only going to get more terrifying, because “Bruce” has finally appeared…

3 – The Music!

One reason the film works without the audience actually seeing the shark is the music. The ominous, repetitive beat builds dread, suspense and fear – without the audience actually seeing anything at all.

However, apparently the first time Spielberg heard John William’s opening track, he thought it was TOO simplistic. Obviously, he changed his mind and it is now one of the most iconic scores in film history.

2 – The Poster!

This poster says it all. It is also one of the most iconic images of all time.

Artist Roger Kastel designed it, and according to a website filled with “Jaws” trivia, the swimmer in the poster was a model that Kastel had been sketching for another ad he was working on. The Artist asked her to pose on a stool like she was swimming, and that is the image he captured.

Now, 42 years later, here is the real reason that “Jaws” remains one of the greatest films of our generation:

1 – The Pop Culture Phenomenon!

Everyone knows that “Jaws” is a classic suspense thriller – beautifully directed, a great script, and terrific performances – and you know that as soon as you see the trailer for the film – the ominous tone, and the pure terror in the eyes of beachgoers as Bruce begins his rampage…

“Jaws” ushered in a whole new era in blockbuster cinema – a film that was a larger-than-life film-going experience that needed to be seen with a large group – making it even more terrifying.

People have even shown the film with the audience in a lake, so you could watch it while in the water!

Bravo to 42 years of Bruce terrorizing audiences!

Meet 007’s Best “Bond Girl!”

Some of the most empowered women roles in film were actually in the classic James Bond movies – beginning in the very first film “Dr. No”, when the first “Bond girl” emerged from the water…

“Honey Ryder” was strong, smart and of course beautiful – Ursula Andress set the stage for all “Bond Girls” to follow….oh, and she was known as Ursula “Undress” – click here to see why:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/28/ursula-andress-or-undress-007s-first-bond-girl-60s-sex-kitten-frolicked-with-nature/

From that point on, there was always a “Bond Girl” to match wits with 007, as well as provide the requisite sexual innuendo for the movie – but in each film, the women got a chance to kick ass, and show their brains as well as their beauty…

Diana Rigg – 007’s Most Complicated “Bond Girl!”

The terrific Actress Diana Rigg is, to me, the greatest Bond Girl of all – in part because of how she handled the role, and in part because of the complexities of the film she starred in…here is the story.

“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was the sixth James Bond movie, but there was a big difference with this film: it came right after Sean Connery’s decision to retire from the role. It was time for a new 007!

Unknown actor and model George Lazenby was chosen to play the most famous spy in the world, James Bond. That led to Diana Rigg’s casting as well…more on that, but first, here is the trailer:

In the film, James Bond meets and falls in love with Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo, played by Diana Rigg. There is always a beautiful “Bond Girl” in each film, but this role was much different.

Casting A Star Alongside 007!

Because there was a brand new 007 in the role – and a complete unknown, the Producers reached out to legendary Brigitte Bardot to star in the movie, but she was unavailable. So, they went with the popular Diana Ring, who was in the smash TV series “The Avengers.”

Rigg said one of the reasons for accepting the role was that she always wanted to be in an epic movie – and the Bond films were certainly that!

Also, the script for “OHMSS” was smart, sharp, funny and very emotional – with one of the most devastating endings of any Bond film – one reason “OHMSS” is considered by many to be the greatest Bond film of all!

Trouble In 007 Paradise!

While Diana Rigg is great in the film, apparently it wasn’t a smooth movie set…according to legend, the arrogant new Bond was rubbing Rigg the wrong way!

Allegedly, there were personality conflicts between the two. However, according to director Peter Hunt, these rumors are untrue and there were no such difficulties — or else they were minor!

The “Garlic” Myth!

Rumors of a rift on-set may have started with Rigg joking to Lazenby before filming a love scene. She was overheard yelling this at 007:

“Hey George, I’m having garlic for lunch. I hope you are!”

HA! Whatever the truth, Rigg is captivating in the role – showing brains, beauty, and a complexity not usually seen in the 007 films…when we meet her, she is contemplating suicide! Rigg brings gravitas to the movie, and hits very deep emotional notes that you don’t see in a Bond film – for that reason, she is my favorite “Bond Girl”, but she really is so much more – as important to the film’s plot as 007 himself…

Diana Rigg has had a long and distinguished career, and played serious roles AND comedy – even comedic horror with Vincent Price!

Yes, that’s Diana Ring with the mustache and wig – and that’s Vincent Price sporting an Afro! Click her to see the trailer for the film they did together!

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/06/an-afro-tastic-vincent-price-kills-his-critics-in-theater-of-blood-diana-riggs-favorite-performance/

If you want to know more about the only “one and done” 007, check this out:

This amazing documentary is out now – the inside story of how George Lazenby became James Bond – and he shares ton of dirt on it – see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/02/the-sex-secrets-of-james-bond-007-george-lazenbys-swinging-007-days-great-new-documentary-becoming-bond/

Finally, I am a big fan of ALL the Bond Girls:

Here is a look at seven of the best – see them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/02/07/00-7-great-bond-girls-brains-brawn-beauty-oh-james/

Let me know if Diana Ring tops your “Bond Girl” list as well!

Bradley Cooper Directs Lady Gaga In The Classic Hollywood Story – “A Star Is Born!”

Now THIS is a film I can’t wait to see!

There have been a number of public appearances by Lady Gaga recently, performing for Bradley Cooper’s cameras, as he directs and co-stars in the latest remake of the classic Hollywood Story, “A Star Is Born!”

This classic Hollywood tale is the story of a successful Actor in Hollywood who discovers and falls in love with a fresh young talent – and destroys his own career at the same time…

This is Cooper’s directorial debut – and a flashy starring role for Lady Gaga, who has been terrific on television in a variety of roles…

“A Star Is Born” – Again!

This will be the fourth time this story has been told – I’ll get to the previous ones in a moment – and filming begins after years of rumored pairings like Will Smith and Beyonce – to have been directed by Clint Eastwood…here is the latest filming from the Glastonbury Festival…

Mandatory Credit: Photo by NIGEL RODDIS/EPA/REX/Shutterstock (8877550af)
Bradley Cooper
Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton, United Kingdom – 23 Jun 2017
US actor Bradley Cooper is filmed making a re-make of the movie ‘A Star is Born’ during the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts 2017 at Worthy Farm, near Pilton, Somerset, Britain, 23 June 2017. The outdoor festival runs from 21 to 25 June.

As it was reported in the press:

“The Oscar nominee was there to film a scene for A Star Is Born, the Warner Bros remake due he’s doing with Lady Gaga that’s out in September 2018. Cooper strapped on an electric guitar and “performed” — no definitive word about that — ahead of a set by outlaw country hero Kris Kristofferson (who starred in the 1976 version of the movie). As cameras rolled, one operated without explanation by Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, Cooper got his shot.”

How funny, Lars Ulrich on camera!

Cooper also filmed Gaga at Coachella earlier this summer….so the film will be filled with great musical performances by the duo!

I can’t wait for this film, because the previous three films were all classics in their own way!

The first film was released in the 30’s, and Judy Garland and James Mason were phenomenal in the version from the 50’s…

The last version was filmed in 1976 – with Kris Kristofferson playing the burnt out rocker who discovers Barbra Streisand singing in a small club….

Streisand won an Oscar that year for Best Song – “Evergreen”, which she wrote with legendary singer/Actor Paul Williams…

Here is some very personal trivia: my neighbor, Songwriter Carol Connors, lost to “Evergreen” that year – what song did she write? Well, she wrote the lyrics to “The Theme From Rocky – Gonna Fly Now!”

If you want to read more about the previous three versions of the film, here is a story that look at them – and all of the classic “Hollywood” melodramas!

https://johnrieber.com/2012/02/22/best-picture-the-artist-one-of-5-great-movies-about-movies/

Eager to see this new version!

Summer’s New Movies Continue To Crash And Burn!

Hollywood’s summer box office blues continue, as another high profile film under-delivers. “Transformers: The Last Knight” will have an opening weekend around $69.1M, per industry sources.

“The Last Knight” will be, by far, the lowest grossing opening for the Transformers series through five films. Even worse, this number is almost 40% lower than the previous film in the series.

While many big budget films make the bulk of their money overseas, China throws a curveball – even if a movie grosses a lot in that country, barely 25% of the $$$ make it back to the studio, versus fully half of the domestic box office.

This is just the latest box office disappointment this summer – here is another one:

The new comedy “Rough Night” has barely grossed $16-million after its second weekend in theaters – audiences clearly rejected this black comedy, not even showing up to see if it was worthwhile.

These bombs are dropping soon after summer got off to a dismal start thanks to these films:

Amy Schumer’s first movie “Trainwreck” grossed more than $100-million – her new effort “Snatched” won’t get to half of that. The latest “Alien” and “Pirates” films are grossing much less than expected as well, and “King Arthur” will be a $100-mil write-off for Warner Brothers.

This summer has been filled with unwanted sequels and uninteresting “blockbusters”, and crowds are turning their back on Hollywood – another huge debacle was “The Mummy” remake with Tom Cruise.

Here is a look at the awful start to the summer:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/12/bombs-away-the-mummy-unwraps-another-2017-summer-movie-disaster-tom-cruse-fires-box-office-blanks/

It’s important to point out that “Wonder Woman” and “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.II” are both huge hits, but overall, the films this summer aren’t resonating with moviegoers.

I think we are going to see a couple of additional sequels come out to lower box office than expected as well – sequel fatigue is clearly upon us this summer.

Hollywood has a long history delivering smash hits – but also shocking box office bombs..like this one:

“Monster Trucks” was written off BEFORE IT EVEN OPENED!

That’s right, the company releasing this movie this January wrote off $115-million dollars the week the film was scheduled to open…read all about this debacle here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/16/monster-trucks-meltdown-115-million-write-off-before-it-even-opened-disastrous-movie-performances/

Certain online personalities take stories like this as an insult to the films being discussed – but all I am focused on is the box office gross of these movies: if international helps salvage them, great! However, it’s hard to make hundreds of millions of dollars just from overseas box office…so this could be a summer when moviegoers send a loud message to Hollywood…

Look! It’s Wonder Woman!

Yes, this summer’s biggest action star is female – and why not? Empowered women SHOULD rule the box office…but if we are going to talk about “Wonder Women”, what about these two?

Now These Two Are Wonder Women!

Notice a similarity in the poses? These two empowered women were also “Wonder Women” – time to celebrate two of the biggest blaxploitation stars of the 70’s empowered women known as “Cleopatra Jones” and “Foxy Brown!”

Time to celebrate a classic genre of 70’s film, and celebrate two women who not only broke racial barriers by starring as empowered women in these films, but they scored big at the box office as well!

First up: FOXY BROWN!

Michael Anderson: I don’t know… vigilante justice?
Foxy Brown: It’s as American as apple pie.

Pam Grier IS “Foxy Brown!”

In the 70’s, blaxploitation films were the rage, with such classics as “Shaft”, “The Mack” and “Cotton Comes To Harlem” leading the way…

Cue “Coffy!”

The success of this urban action genre led to a series of hit action films with WOMEN as the stars – breaking a lot of barriers at the same time – and none were bigger than Pam Grier!

Pam Grier burst onto the scene (more in a moment on that) and became a star as “Foxy Brown” – who had attitude, confidence, and street smarts – and she could kick ass when she needed to as well – as “Bobbi” is about to find out!

Bobbie: Listen skinny, before you start talking tough, I’d better warn you I’ve got a black belt in karate. So why don’t you get out of here quietly, while you still got some teeth left in that ugly face?

[Foxy knocks her down with a barstool]

Foxy Brown: And I’ve got MY black belt in barstools!

Here’s The “Foxy Brown” Classic Blaxploitation Trailer!

Here’s the very succinct – and very descriptive – description of “Foxy Brown” on IMDB: “A voluptuous black woman takes a job as a high-class prostitute in order to get revenge on the mobsters who murdered her boyfriend.”

“Voluptuous” Indeed!

The Rise Of Pam Grier!

Pam Grier got her start as a “party goer” in “Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls”, but she broke out big in Director Jack Hill’s classic of exploitation, his “women in prison” epic, “The Big Doll House!”

“They Caged Their Bodies – But Not Their Desires!”

These were classic exploitation films that played every drive-in in America – sexy, crude “women in prison” films – a popular genre that made tons of money at a time when exploitation was getting more daring…and Pam Grier stuck out and made a big impression on the crowd!

This sweltering mix of hot young women – angry, violent and mostly naked – in prison was very popular at the time, and her classic “Black Mama White Mama” was a classic of the genre…

You can see more about this classic piece of 70’s exploitation here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/21/black-mama-white-mama-queen-of-blaxploitation-pam-grier-naked-showers-women-in-prison-classics/

Grier used her popularity in this film to go on to star in one of the first “blaxploitation” films of the era, called “Coffy”….

This low budget, violent action film was such a success that a sequel was inevitable. According to director Jack Hill – yes, the genius behind “Big Doll House”, “Foxy Brown” was originally intended to be a sequel to his “Coffy”, and in fact the working title of the film was “Burn, Coffy, Burn!”

However, American-International Pictures decided at the last minute it didn’t want to do a sequel, even though “Coffy” was a huge hit. So a new action star was created, “Foxy Brown!” Pam Grier’s rise to stardom was confirmed, as “Foxy Brown” was a big hit!

Tarantino’s Homage To Pam!

Director Quentin Tarantino was such a fan of Pam Grier and her iconic action status that he made “Jackie Brown” just so she could star in it – and made her a leading lady again!

Pam Grier was the best known “Blaxploitation queen”, but there was another leading lady kicking ass and taking names as well….and her name was:

“Cleopatra Jones!”

Tamara Dobson is “Cleopatra Jones!”

Here’s the story of Tamara Dobson: she was a young actress in Hollywood, with only two small parts to her credit…then, because everyone was looking to take advantage of “Foxy Brown”‘s success, she got cast as the lead in a new action movie – “Cleopatra Jones”! That is the story of Tamara Dobson in a nutshell – a 6’ 2″ model who overnight became one of blaxploitation’s biggest stars!

Here is the trailer for “Cleopatra Jones” starring Tamara Dobson and Oscar Winner Shelley Winters!

Oh as you can tell, Shelley Winters doesn’t just chew up the scenery, she beats the hell of it as well!

There was one sequel, “Cleopatra Jones And The Casino Of Gold” – in hindsight, it sounds like an earlier incarnation of an Indiana Jones movie!

Even though “Cleopatra Jones” was a huge hit, Tamara Dobson wasn’t able to capitalize on that – the blaxploitation genre dried up, and she never become a huge star – and unfortunately, Dobson struggled to find roles going forward…sadly, she died in 2006.

“Cleopatra Jones” is a fun, action-packed film with some crazy scenery chewing by Shelley Winters…definitely worth checking out!

If you need more crazy Shelley Winters, try out this story – she was the leader in another 70’s fil genre about crazy old ladies who killed, killed, and killed some more – click on this link to find out all about the wacky genre of “Old Lady Horror”!

https://johnrieber.com/2013/03/09/old-lady-horror-crazy-ladies-chew-up-the-screen/

Kudos to “Foxy Brown” and “Cleopatra Jones” for showing the world that women could kick ass just a hard as a man!

The genre of “blaxploitation” is fascinating – with lots of social and political themes played out in the gritty urban world of the early 70’s…and there is a great documentary that looks at this genre, see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/23/dolemite-hit-man-shaft-iconic-blaxploitation-stars/

Leave a comment telling me YOUR favorite blaxploitation film!

A Trio Of Cult Classics On This #FrancoFriday!

Mondo Macabro has made it a great #FrancoFriday with this triple set of Franco movies starring his wife Lina Romay…including a rarely seen recut of “Countess Perverse” that is very different from the original theatrical cut!

“Hunting Humans Was Her Favorite Game!”

What a great tagline for a movie! Of course, only Jess Franco would come up with a twist on “The Most Dangerous Game” – the shocking story of a man being hunted by a rich Aristocrat…Franco’s twist was simple: the Hunter was a woman, she used a bow and arrow – and she was naked!

Countess Perverse!

Director Jess Franco just may have been the world’s most prolific Director, credited with hundreds of films…some were classics, some not as much, but he was never anything less than fascinating – to celebrate the social media ritual of “Franco Friday”, I want to look at a new blu-ray release – including two versions of “Countess Perverse!”

Here’s the plot in a nutshell: Two wealthy aristocrats lure a virginal girl, Lina Romay, to a Spanish island for a night of sex, death and cannibalism.

These aristocrats have a fun hobby: They strip their guests and send them out on the grounds to be hunted, “Most Dangerous Game”-style. If the guests survive long enough, the count sets them free. In this case, the young woman played by Lina Romay has a nice visit with them before discovering what they had in store for her…

Yes, the countess — who is naked, save for a quiver of arrows — gives her a head start and then the hunt is on – her goal is to shoot Lina dead, then roast her – and serve her for dinner!

Yes, you read that right!

The Most Dangerous Game – Naked!

Here is the back of the new blu-ray release – read about all the extra material on display.

Mondo Macabro has released this great trip bill blu-ray, with the original “Countess Perverse” cut PLUS an extended, notoriously dirtier cut as well!

“Sexy Nature” is the XXX-rated version of “Countess Perverse” – 25 minutes longer than the original film. Franco’s longtime companion and wife Lina Romay was an unabashed exhibitionist – and was filmed many times by Franco in XXX-rated situations…

Many of these projects have been remastered and re-released for cult film fans – always with lots of great extras – and this new release is no exception!

Also included is another Romay film, “How To Seduce A Virgin” – what a great deal – bravo to Mondo Macabro for this excellent sexploitation triple feature on two blu-ray discs, including the musical score!

If this has you interested in learning more about Lina Romay and her creative partnership with Jess Franco, here are some additional films you may enjoy:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/17/countess-perverse-lorna-the-exorcist-jess-francos-naked-masterpieces/

Let me know if you are celebrating #FrancoFriday!

U.S. actress Olivia de Havilland poses during an Associated Press interview, in Paris, Saturday, June 18, 2016. She may be losing her sight and hearing, but the mind of the indomitable actress Olivia de Havilland, who turns 100 Friday, remains as sharp as a tack. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Legendary Actress Olivia De Havilland turns 101 years old on July 1, but she got a head start on the holiday fireworks by filing a massive lawsuit against FX and Ryan Murphy over her depiction in the new television series “Feud”!

This terrific new series spent an entire season looking at the feud between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford – but according to de Havilland, the show’s portrayal of her was made up!

Here is the report from Deadline.com:

“Seeking a jury trial, sweeping damages and unplugging the potential Emmy-contending show with an injunction, the two-time Oscar winner says her portrayal by Catherine Zeta-Jones in the anthology series damaged her “professional reputation for integrity, honesty, generosity, self-sacrifice and dignity.”

“Olivia De Havilland did not give her permission for FX Defendants to use her name, identity, or likeness in Feud or any of the promotional materials used by the FX Defendants to advertise themselves, their products and services,” states the complaint charging infringement of right of publicity, invasion of privacy and unjust enrichment that was filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court. “FX Defendants knew that they did not obtain Olivia De Havilland’s permission to use her name, identity, or likeness in their documentary or the advertisements of their products and services,’ the 33-page filing adds.”

Catherine Zeta-Jones was terrific as the Actress, who shows up in the series as a participant in a documentary about the two Actresses…but according to de Havilland, she never did any such thing.

According to Deadline.com:

“Throughout Feud, the Zeta-Jones played de Havilland appears in a mock documentary from 1978 taking abut the relationship between the adversarial Crawford and Davis. She also shows up at the 1963 Oscars as a supporter of Davis’ and makes numerous remarks about the nature of Hollywood and being an actress in the dirty business of show business.

“Olivia De Havilland did not give any such interview and never made these statements about Miss Davis and Miss Crawford or their relationship,” says attorneys for the self-described “living legend and unique role model for multiple generations of actors and fans” in the complaint.”

This is fascinating – did the show make up all of de Havilland’s material?

Deadline.com has the entire 33-page filing you can link to – check it out here:

http://deadline.com/2017/06/ryan-murphy-fx-sued-olivia-de-havilland-feud-catherine-zeta-jones-1202122984/

This will be interesting to see as it develops. I was a huge fan of the “Feud” TV series, as it really took us inside the story of the Davis/Crawford feud, and Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange were terrific.

The movie they made together was a huge hit, and sparked a revival in films with older Actresses in the leads – but they were all horror films!

See more about this genre of film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/03/28/bloody-grannies-epic-hollywood-feud-camp-old-lady-horror-classics/

I will post updates as this progresses!

U.S. actress Olivia de Havilland poses during an Associated Press interview, in Paris, Saturday, June 18, 2016. She may be losing her sight and hearing, but the mind of the indomitable actress Olivia de Havilland, who turns 100 Friday, remains as sharp as a tack. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

“The House” Craps Out!

Summer 2017 continues to lay an egg, as the new Will Ferrell / Amy Poehler comedy “The House” was the latest casualty!

This image is certainly ironic, as the film was the worst opening for the duo ever – a comedy that NOBODY wanted to pay out cash for!

Deadline.com has a great writeup on the box office debacle:

“This weekend Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler hit career box office lows as New Line/Village Roadshow/Warner Bros’ $40M-budgeted The House burned down to a $8.7M opening (figures as of Monday morning). For Ferrell, House reps his lowest live-action comedy opening from a major studio, while for Poehler, it’s certainly her lowest three-day for any major studio release that has featured her as the marquee draw.”

The article continues:

“The House’s failure comes as a shock. Exhibitors were in stitches over the clips Warner Bros. showed off at CinemaCon. Pairing the right stars is so vital when it comes to the genre, i.e. a Farrell and Mark Wahlberg combo has proven to sell more tickets with The Other Guys and Daddy’s Home than say Dax Shepard and Michael Pena in a reboot of antiquated 1980s series Chips ($18.6M domestic). This makes The House’s misfortune all the more a head scratcher. Saturday Night Live alums Ferrell and Poehler? Who wouldn’t want to watch that kind of crazy? Previously the two starred in 2007 ice skating comedy Blades of Glory ($33M opening, $118.6M) and saw better results.”

As you can see from the analysis, this opening of under $10-million was a box office disaster. For two stars of this caliber, it’s rather shocking that NO ONE showed up to see the film.

To be honest, I saw almost no advertising for the movie, and I’m not sure how much publicity the stars did as well, because I didn’t see anything…the trailer wasn’t very funny, which is a bad sign – in all, it seemed a very quiet marketing campaign for a major comedy with two big stars…

Bravo to Deadline.com for the analysis, and they have a great story about the status of big screen comedy right now, and you can see it here:

http://deadline.com/2017/07/the-house-rough-night-baywatch-comedy-films-bombing-at-the-box-office-1202123289/

This is my third post about the number of box office bombs this summer, like the latest “Transformers” film, which opened 40% lower than the previous installment:

“The Mummy”, “King Arthur” and “Rough Night” are other examples – you can read my box office report here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/26/transformers-crashes-scarlett-johanssons-disastrous-rough-night-summer-2017-box-office-bombs-keep-falling/

It has proven to be a rough summer at the box office, and “The House” burned down – we’ll see who’s next!