Movies about Movies article

Here's a link to an entertainment column I did for my college's online newspaper--April edition
http://tamutexarkana.wordpress.com/movies-about-movies/

The Big Chill

      Today I have a great urge to watch the comedy classic "The Big Chill". However, I have failed to bring my copy of the film to the dorms upon my return, so I am simply going to do a profile on it and the actors shown in it. 
      For those of you who have not seen it, "The Big Chill" is a film from 1983 that follows the experience of seven friends who attended college together reunited for the loss of the 8th member of their former group. Old flames are rekindled, and we are brought up to speed on each character's life since college and the personality changes they have gone through since. With superb acting, a great soundtrack, and every emotion imaginable, this is truly an example of a perfect Americana film!
     Now I'd like to tell you about the headlining players of the cast, and other films they are known for. 


Tom Berenger
The Last of the Dogmen
Shattered
Platoon


Glenn Close
Fatal Attractions
The World According to Garp
The Elephant Man


Jeff Goldblum
Jurassic Park 
The Fly
Independence Day


William Hurt
Neverwas
A History of Violene
Michael


Kevin Kline
Wild Wild West
French Kiss
A Fish Called Wanda


Mary Kay Place
Captain Ron
Sweet Home Alabama
City of Ember


Meg Tilly
Psycho II
*DID YOU KNOW, THAT MEG TILLY IS JENNIFER TILLY'S YOUNGER SISTER?*


JoBeth Williams
Poltergeist
In The Land of Women
Jungle to Jungle


Kevin Costner
The Untouchables
Field of Dreams
Wyatt Earp


*FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE SEEN THE FILM BUT ARE CONFUSED AS TO WHY KEVIN COSTNER IS LISTED, HE WAS ACTUALLY CAST TO PLAY ALEX, THE DECEASED COLLEGE FRIEND THAT BRINGS ALL OF THE CHARACTER'S TOGETHER AGAIN..ALL OF HIS SCENES WERE CUT FROM THE FILM, EXCEPT FOR AT THE BEGINNING WHEN YOU SEE HIS HAIR LINE WHEN THE BODY IS BEING PREPARED FOR THE FUNERAL*

Christmas Movie Gold

So obviously I'm going to do a post on my favorite Christmas movies...and here they are (in no particular order):


Christmas Vacation(1989)
Anyone who has not seen this addition to the Griswold Family adventures is seriously missing out! Clark, played by Chevy Chase, is as usual trying to give his family the perfect vacation--in this case, the perfect Christmas spent at home with family.But when is it ever perfect when the entire family is involved?
*No, this is not one of my favorites because there is a character named Bethany*
Cast also includes: Beverly D'Angelo,Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, and Randy Quaid




It's A Wonderful Life(1946)
The classic Christmas tale that makes everyone cry tears of joy! If you need a synopsis for this one, you are seriously disturbed and need to rent it IMMEDIATELY


The Ref(1994)
This hilarious holiday film you may not be as aware of; It follows main character Gus, a cat burglar, and his experience in taking hostage a family on Christmas Eve that is anything but functional. 
Cast includes: Dennis Leary, Judy Davis, and Kevin Spacey


Love Actually(2003)
A romantic comedy that follows the love lives of several characters during the weeks leading up to Christmas. This film is made up of the perfect British cast, and has a sense of humor that will appeal to many viewers.
Cast includes: Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley,Laura Linney, and Liam Neeson


White Christmas(1954)
I'm sure you've atleast heard the Bing Crosby song, if you haven't seen the film I urge you to this holiday season; not only will you're heart feel light as air, but it will make you love the song even more.
Cast Includes: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney


Fred Claus(2007)
This film centers around Fred Claus, the older brother of Santa Claus himself, and the struggles he goes through in finally accepting the Christmas spirit into his life--VERY funny!
Cast Includes: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Miranda Richardson,Rachael Weisz, Kathy Bates, and Kevin Spacey


*OF COURSE THERE ARE MORE GREAT HOLIDAY MOVIES, BUT THIS SHOULD GIVE A GOOD START TO A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS FILM EXPERIENCE*

New Year's Eve

   So I am not in any way bashing the talents of Garry Marshall, but I have to point out a few obvious things about the film that bother me:

   The film is called "New Year's Eve". It is packed with an all-star cast that includes such players as Robert De Niro, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Michelle Pfeiffer. As I mention earlier, it was directed by Garry Marshall. 

    The movie promises a romantic comedy that will include all of the criteria expected of it, and will make us feel the way it should; however, it looks rather familiar.....

    A film centered around the romantic lives of several couples; a holiday known for its whimsical vibe; and a cast that includes Ashton Kutcher and Jessica Biel. Is this a remake of Valentine's Day?

    I mean, COME ON!!! Even the cover-art is similar! I liked Valentine's Day, and I'm sure I'll like New Year's Eve---But I've got to say...I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of originality!

Movies I Recommend For This Halloween Weekend

      It is a tradition in my family every October to watch as many scary movies as we can in the month, especially the week/weekend before Halloween, finally giving the actual day the "Holy Grail" of Halloween movies. Here is a list of our favorites!!!

    

      This, believe it or not, is a SHORT list...good luck fitting them all in this weekend!!!

• The Exorcist: The Version You've never Seen
• The Skeleton Key
• Jeepers Creepers
• Wind Chill
• Bram Stoker's Dracula
• Pan's Labyrinth
• Hocus Pocus
• Walt Disney Cartoon Classics: Halloween Haunts
• The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
• Psycho series (including 1998 remake)
• Cape Fear (1991 version)
• Amityville Horror (both versions!)
• Mothman Prophecies 
• From Dusk Till Dawn
• The Grudge series
• Saw series
• The Entity
• American Psycho
• Summer of Sam
• Signs
• War of the Worlds (2005)
• Misery
• Dreamcatcher
• The Hills Have Eyes
• In the Mouth of Madness
• Spawn
• The Descent
• The Cave
• Nightmare on Elm Street series
• Identity
• Thinner
• The Mist
• Hannibal Lecter Series (Hannibal Rising, Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal)
• The Shining (both versions
• Predator
• The Ring
• The Eye
• The Thing (1982)

       
       For a list of the 50 films declared the scariest ever, go to:
       http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/gallery/top_50_scary_movies/        
 

Remakes

        The current trend in film making seems to be remakes. Although it can be an exciting prospect to see our favorites re-invented on the big screen in a new way, it is also bittersweet. While sometimes it seems preposterous that they would ruin what we already know with a new, less iconic rendition, our curiosities are also peaked. In most cases, to me anyway, it is just sad that the original players of the film are almost being tossed away for a new model. 
       One such film that was recently remade is Footloose. Originally filmed in 1984, the classic included such stars as Kevin Bacon, John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, and Chris Penn. The 2011 remake however, only has two worth-while actors-- Dennis Quaid and Andie MacDowell, who I quite frankly think sold out in accepting roles in this attempt to recapture brilliance. 
        Although I don't have many details on it, it has also been announced that Ben Affleck will be doing a new version of the classic Stephen King story The Stand(originally filmed in1994). This movie, was already about as perfect as it could get. Granted, a new version could bring new technologies to make better special effects--But come, on! Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald, Ruby Dee, Rob Lowe, and Ossie Davis? You don't get better than that! Not to mention the fact that Jamey Sheridan had the PERFECT ass for a devilish figure, and the attitude to go along with it! So I am begging you, Ben Affleck--Don't massacre my favorite King movie!
        On a better note, there is one remake I am looking forward to...Leonardo DiCaprio is currently filming a remake of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, set to premiere in 2012. In 1974, Robert Redford inexplicably portrayed a charming Jay Gatsby in the film, whose screenplay was written by Francis Ford Coppola, which sets a very high bar. However, I have no doubt in my mind that if the remake has to be done, DiCaprio will be as brilliant as anyone in modern day who's who of acting.  
         

Emmys

Who I would have picked: (If in RED, my choice did win!)


Best Comedy Series:
Modern Family


Best Drama Series:
Boardwalk Empire

Best Mini Series or TV Movie:
*As I did not see any of this year's nominees yet, I cannot ethically choose one--however as Mildred Pierce has an excellent cast and is a remake of one of my favorite Joan Crawford films, I believe the right choice was made*

Best Lead Actor in Comedy Series:
Steve Carell

Best Lead Actor in Drama Series:
Michael C. Hall

Best Lead Actor in Mini Series or TV Movie:
*Based on what actor I like best from previous work*
William Hurt

Best Lead Actress in Comedy Series:
Laura Linney
*However, I like Melissa McCarthy, and have not seen Mike & Molly*

Best Lead Actress in Drama Series:
Mireille Enos


Best Lead Actress in Mini Series or TV Movie:
*Based on what actress I like best from previous work*
Kate Winslet


Best Supporting Actor in Comedy Series:
Eric Stonestreet

Best Supporting Actor in Drama Series:
John Slattery

Best Supporting Actor in Mini Series or TV Movie:
*Based on what actor I like best from previous work*
Paul Giamatti

Best Supporting Actress in Comedy Series:
Betty White

Best Supporting Actress in Drama Series:
Christine Baranski AND Margo Martindale


Best Supporting Actress in Mini Series or TV Movie:
*Based on what actress I like best from previous work*
Maggie Smith


Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series:
Real Time with Bill Maher AND Saturday Night Live