Welcome To My Movie Countdown!

Kris Kristofferson opens his arms to all of you, fellow movie lovers, especially those who like classic cult movies!

Kris has ten great films to share, as I continue by “Movies A-Z” list of classic cult cinema!

Uh oh! Gene Hackman is so choked up about this list that I feel the need to explain: in doing my list of “Movies A-Z” – I found myself in a quandary with the letter “P” – I found ten classic cult from from a very specific period in Hollywood!

Cult “P” Movies From 1968-1975!

As you can see from this picture, Steve McQueen can’t wait to bust out and see my list as well – because he made this list…but sadly, I had to leave out more recent great films that begin with “P” – but there are ten great reasons why – these seven years (1968- 1975) gave us amazing movies!

So, in chronological order, here are ten great films that begin with the letter “P” – beginning in 1968 with a science fiction masterpiece!

10 – “Planet Of The Apes” – 1968

Charlton Heston and his fellow Astronauts crash land on another planet – a “planet of the apes!”

Here is the trailer:

This is one of the greatest science fiction films of all time – and of course, the single greatest “twist” ending of all time – written by “Twilight Zone’s” Rod Serling!

Charlton Heston had a “perfect storm” of sci-fi movies, including the movie that inspired Green Day to name their band! See that story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/23/cult-sci-fis-godfather-charlton-heston-omega-man-planet-of-the-apes-soylent-green-is-people/

That same year, Rock Superstar Mick Jagger shed his Rolling Stone image to star in a movie where he sat in a bathtub naked!

9 – “Performance” – 1968

This is a wild movie – check out the trailer:

“Performance” is notorious for including scenes of Jagger bathing with Keith Richards’ girlfriend – sparking a bitter feud – read that story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/26/mick-jaggers-naked-performance-keith-richards-girlfriend-feud-a-cult-classic-on-blu-ray-2/

We jump forward to 1971 now, the year that Clint Eastwood had three classic films, including his directorial debut:

8 – “Play Misty For Me” – 1971

Clint stars as a successful DJ who attracts a fan who becomes a crazed stalker – here is the trailer:

Jessica Walter is great as the deranged fan, and the bartender is played by legendary Director Don Siegel – who directed Clint TWICE that year – in “Dirty Harry” and “Play Misty For Me!”

See more about this trifecta of great cinema here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/12/clint-eastwoods-1971-triple-play-of-classic-films-dirty-harry-play-misty-for-me-the-beguiled/

Also in 1971, Al Pacino burst on the scene as a junkie hanging out in New York’s infamous “needle park”:

7 – “The Panic In Needle Park” – 1971

This raw movie about young drug addicts was filmed on location – here is the trailer:

Pacino would go on to star in “The Godfather” a year later – here is more trivia about his great cult movie:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/19/al-pacinos-a-junkie-a-scarecrow-classic-early-al-pacino-performances/

In 1972, “disaster” films were the rage, and none better that this great film with the classic tagline:

“HELL UPSIDE DOWN!”

6 – “The Poseidon Adventure” – 1972

What a great film – an ocean liner capsized on New Year’s eve, and the only way out is to climb UP to the bottom of the ship! Here is the trailer:

“The Poseidon Adventure” had an all-star cast – and won an Oscar for best song! See that video here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/18/celebrity-smackdowns-hell-upside-down-the-disastrous-duo-of-poseidon-adventure-and-towering-inferno/

That same year, Hackman starred in a gritty crime drama alongside Lee Marvin – a real slice of greenhouse cinema!

5 – “Prime Cut” – 1972

Hackman played a Kansas City Mobster who decides NOT to pay his Chicago mob bosses – who send Lee Marvin to collect what’s due!

Here is the trailer:

“Prime Cut” was Sissy Spacek’s movie debut, and she and Marvin get chased by a wheat harvester – this is a great action movie – see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/23/prime-cut-grindhouse-classic-gene-hackman-vs-lee-marvin/

Another 70’s action hero had a smash hit in 1973 with the true story of one of the world’s greatest prison escapes!

4 – “Papillon” – 1973

Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman star in the film, based on the best-selling autobiography by the French convict Henri Charrière.

The film’s title is French for “Butterfly,” referring to Charrière’s tattoo and nickname. Here is the trailer:

This film is amazing, as it documents what these prisoners endured as they tried to escape…a great film and McQueen has never been better. He was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars at the time – click here to see more of his great movies!

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/02/hollywoods-coolest-star-steve-mcqueen-chicagos-most-amazing-stunt/

Director Sam Peckinpah released one of his greatest movies in 1973 – with two big Hollywood stars as well:

3 – “Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid” – 1973

Kris Kristofferson and James Coburn starred in this great film about the last days of the wild west – check out the trailer:

At the time, Peckinpah had a reputation as a wild man, so the cast took a picture with him in a hospital bed – and sent it to the movie studio!

Here are more wild stories about this legendary Director:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/02/21/the-wild-bunch-billy-the-kid-sam-peckinpahs-soup-tossing/

Now, one of my five favorite films of all time – courtesy of Director Brian DePalma and Singer/Songwriter Paul Williams!

2- “Phantom Of The Paradise” – 1974

DePalma’s updated “Phantom Of The Opera” wasn’t a hit at the time, but is now considered a masterpiece – check out the trailer:

A new blu-ray has a ton of great extras, including an in-depth conversation between Paul Williams, who starred in the film and wrote all the music, and Director Gillermo del Toro…you can see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/27/cult-classic-phantom-of-the-paradise-guillermo-del-toro-talks-up-paul-williams-great-new-special-edition/

Finally, Jack Nicholson starred in a great European film directed Michelangelo Antonioni.

1 – “The Passenger” – 1975

This hypnotic road movie gave us a chance to see a different side of Jack Nicholson – here is the trailer:

While it was never announced officially, rumors have been flying for a few years now that Jack retired from film – if that’s the case, now is the time to go back and see great films like this – here is a list of some of his best – oh, and my “Jack” moment at the Cannes Film Festival!

https://johnrieber.com/2017/04/22/happy-80th-birthday-jack-nicholson-his-greatest-roles-my-jack-moment/

There you go – ten great films, all released between 1968 and 1975 – there are so many great films beginning with “P”, but these are classics from a specific era in film.

I you missed by previous lists, here are my “Movies A-F”:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/08/04/classic-movies-a-f-sixty-great-movies-with-one-thing-in-common-the-alphabet/

For all the rest, go to my home page and click “movies” and you will find every letter so far! Let me know if your favorite “P” film is actually “Hell, Upside Down!”

An Obscure Letter! Obscure But Terrific “Q” Cinema!

Some letters are filled with great films – some less so – but my “Movies A-Z” continues with a quirky list of “Q” films that will make you laugh, cry, cover your eyes and so much more!

And yes, you get some vintage Zsa Zsa Gabor as well!

Let’s get started with one of my favorite comedies – a strangely under-appreicted film from one of our favorite people:

10 – “Quick Change”

In 1990, Bill Murray directed this great comedy about a trio of friends who pull off the perfect crime – they just can’t find the airport!

Any movie that begins with the line “Clowns Welcome!” works for me!

Here is the trailer:

Geena Davis and Randy Quaid are also great in the movie, which didn’t do well when it was released, but there is so much to love – see more great trivia here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/27/quick-change-bill-murrays-forgotten-classics-tootsies-and-clowns-welcome/

Next up is a really fun “B” movie – Director Larry Cohen’s ode to classic horror monsters:

9 – “Q, The Winged Serpent”

In 1982, Cohen unleashed a dragon onto New York City – and had a great time doing so! Here is the trailer:

Larry Cohen has made some of the most enjoyable movies around – including the classic movie with one of the best tagline of all:

“There’s only one things wrong with the Davis baby…”

“It’s Alive!”

He also made some great blaxploitation as well – see more about this eclectic Director here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/08/king-cohen-exploitation-director-larry-cohen-killer-babies-winged-serpents-exploitation-master-dynamite-new-documentary/

Time to head to Paris – oh, not the Eiffel tower – this is a part of Paris you probably don’t wander around in:

8 – “Quiet Days In Clichy”

The notorious Henry Miller novel was turned into a cinema verite look at two penniless Writers who seek fun and sex in Paris 1970:

After 33 years, a completely uncut version of the film was finally released on home video…while not a “good” film, it’s a fascinating time capsule…

From “time capsule” to Oscar-winning historical bio-pic, thanks to Helen Mirren:

7 – “The Queen”

Mirren won Best Actress in 2006 for her portrayal of “The Queen”, and how she reacted to the death of Princess Diana…here is the trailer:

Director Stephen Frears got an amazing, nuanced performance from Mirren as a Queen who finds herself out of touch with a public who loved the former daughter-in-law she didn’t.

Mirren has had a great career so far, here are some highlights:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/07/27/happy-birthday-helen-mirren-from-her-age-of-consent-to-controversial-caligula/

Next up is another Queen, not quite as “royal”:

6 – “The Queen Of Versailles”

Jackie Siegel and her husband have a lavish lifestyle – until the crash of 2008 tears their life apart, and puts their “castle” at risk…check out the trailer:

This is a terrific 2012 documentary that follows the couple as they build a mansion inspired by Versailles…a story about America, money and status…

It’s eye-opening and surprisingly poignant as well…now, onto a movie based on a double album by The Who!

5 – “Quadrophenia”

Pete Townsend wrote an amazing concept album about a group of mods and rockers in London – and in 1979 it was made into a great movie!

Here is the trailer:

Pete Townsend’s songwriting is superb – this is a really great film that captures a unique time in England’s history of upheaval – oh, and 50 years on, The Who are still on tour!

Here is a look at their incredible career:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/16/the-whos-new-song-the-who-hits-50-tours-2015-who-i-am-pete-townshend-tells-us-who-he-is-warts-and-all/

From England, we “saddle up” and head to the wild wild west:

4 – “The Quick And The Dead”

Call her the “lady with no name” – Sharon Stone rides into town like Clint Eastwood at his best and takes on the most ruthless gunslingers in the west – check out the trailer:

Director Sam Raimi assembled a “once in a lifetime” cast: Sharon Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gene Hackman and Russell Crowe!

This is a really good western – we need more of them!

What we don’t need is this – a sub-par 007: every James Bond craps out at least once, and it was no different for Daniel Craig:

3 – “Quantum Of Solace”

Daniel Craig was coming off a fantastic re-boot of the Bond series with “Casino Royale” – so I want to know this: why make an installment where he does nothing but seek revenge – over and over and over – and with the most dour expressions and humorless approach possible…here is the trailer, more akin to a Bourne film than a Bond:

Luckily, they quickly moved past this somber exercise and gave us the terrific “Skyfall” – still, is this the worst Bond film ever? Take a look at the contenders here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/24/his-name-is-bond-james-bond-the-best-007-ever-the-worst-film-fight-club-begins-now/

Director Sidney Lumet made such great movies as “Dog Day Afternoon” and “The Verdict”, but here is an obscure film that is terrific as well:

2 – “Q & A”

A young New York DA goes after a corrupt police detective in this 1990 drama – here is the trailer:

While not one of his best, Lumet always got terrific performances out of his cast…in that regard, I’m not sure our last “Q” movie NEEDED a great performance, because it had the one, the only:

Zsa Zsa Gabor!

1 – “Queen Of Outer Space”

What better way to wrap this list than with a clamp classic! Zsa Zsa Gabor stars as, who else, the “Queen Of Outer Space!”

Here is the trailer:

Well now you know, in the future – that’s right, 1985 – we are landing on other planets, including one run by women – and only women!

I love this movie so much – I mean, it was Zsa Zsa!

If you want to see more “Movies A-Z”, just click on “film” at the top of the site and you can see all of them!

“R” Movies That “Roar!”

Yes, that is Actress Tippi Hedren giving a real African Lion a drink of water – in a very unique way…wait until you see why!

It’s all part of my list of “Movies A – Z”, this time with those that begin with an “R” – and of course we have to get started with Rock ‘n’ Roll!

10 – “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School”

In 1979, students fight back against the establishment – in this case their uptight school administrators – with the help of The Ramones!

Here is the trailer:

Here is some great trivia thanks to IMDB:

“The Ramones were paid a total of $25,000 for appearing in the film, and had to play shows in southern California to help pay their hotel bills. During the 21-day shoot, Dee Dee Ramone got arrested for fighting with a roadie, overdosed in jail, and wound up in Cedars Sinai Hospital with a $3,000 medical bill!”

This is a really fun film – click here to see more examples of great rock’n’roll rebellion in the halls of education!

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/09/schools-out-rock-n-roll-high-nuke-em-high-and-alice-cooper/

Now I want to share one of the most amazing stories about the making of a film I have ever heard – I showed you Tippi Hedren and the Lion already, but look at this:

9 – “Roar”

Look at that poster. That’s Melanie Griffith with real blood pouring down her face – because her parents decided to make a film using real wild animals – who lived with them!

Watch the trailer of this amazingly misguided film:

I mean, can you believe this? “Roar” is a real film, and it has been re-released so you can experience the madness behind the movie – click here for my whole story:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/30/the-shocking-madness-of-roar-melanie-griffith-mauled-by-lions-movie-the-most-dangerous-film-ever-made/

Time to get back to reality – or at least reality by way of the Coen Brothers, who showed us just how funny – and wildly out-of-control Nicolas Cage can be onscreen!

8 – “Raising Arizona”

Twenty years ago, Joel and Ethan Coen told the hilarious story of a young woman who wants a baby – any baby – and the goodwill husband she sends out to get here one….

Here is the trailer for “Raising Arizona”:

The film is shot like a Roadrunner cartoon, with outlandish action sequences and an over-the-top performance by the legendary wild man Nicolas Cage:

I love this movie – a non-stop live action cartoon….the Coens went on to make classic dramas like “Fargo” and the Best Picture winner “No Country For Old Men”…and speaking of Oscar…

7 – “Rocky”

It beat out classic films like “Network”, “Taxi Driver” and “All The President’s Men” for Best Picture of 1976, but that’s OK, because “Rocky” is a classic as well!

Remember the trailer:

John G. Avildsen won the Best Director Oscar as well – and both are deserved, as this movie has grit, honesty and emotion in equal measure – bravo to Sylvester Stallone as well!

My next “R” movie may not be an Oscar winner, but it’s one of my favorite comedies with two terrifically funny performances!

6 – “Romy & Michelle’s High School Reunion”

Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow are hilarious as Roma & Michelle, who decide to make up success stories for themselves as they head to their high school reunion.

Here is the trailer:

This film is funny and sweet in equal measure, one of the best “reunion” films – speaking of that, try this great “high school reunion” double bill:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/08/03/hilarious-high-school-reunions-romy-michelle-john-cusack-too-gross-points-indeed/

I’m not a huge fan of animated films, but when one is a classic, it deserves recognition!

5 – “Ratatouille”

Give Pixar a lot of credit telling the story of a Parisian Rat who wants to be a Chef…and bravo to them for hiring legendary Chef Thomas Keller to oversee all of the recipes in the film – they are all accurate!

Chef Keller’s Ratatouille recipe is amazing – I’ve made it several times and love it – you can see it for yourself here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/29/ratatouille-chef-thomas-kellers-recipe-for-animated-food-magic/

If you want some great music to listen to while cooking, my next film has you covered – with The Clash!

4 – “Rude Boy”

I love this film. It’s a fictional story of a “roadie” for The Clash as they tour the UK at the end of the 70’s – and they use real live shows to film at – so you see the band really in action! Here is the trailer:

The movie captures the moment when punk rock was on the verge of exploding – click here to see more about this terrific film:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/09/the-clash-is-live-rude-boy-iconic-punk-music-meets-classic-cult-movie/

Next up is another film that uses music to good effect – by making one of the main characters a huge KISS fan!

3 – “Role Models”

This is a really funny 2008 film starring Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott as two guys who avoid jail by becoming “Role Models” for young boys…here is the trailer:

For those who have seen it, know that all of the most offensive lines spoken to the kids were said while the actual child Actors were out of the room!

Here is some more great movie trivia: what film caused Frank Sinatra to serve divorce papers to his wife Mia Farrow?

2 – “Rosemary’s Baby”

That’s right, this classic horror film went over schedule – so Sinatra demanded that wife Mia Farrow quit the film – and when Frank tells someone to walk off a set, he expects them to walk off a set! But Mia Farrow didn’t, so he divorced her!

The film was worth it – check out the trailer:

This is a brilliant psychological horror film, with a mesmerizing performance by Mia Farrow as the young married woman who may be giving birth to Satan’s baby!

Read more behind-the-scenes trivia about this masterpiece here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/08/shocktober-day-8-satans-spawn-rosemarys-baby-shocks-mia-farrows-marriage/

I want to end with one of my all-time favorite movies – a huge flop when it was released in 1975, but now considered a modern classic – and one of the greatest “audience participation” films of all time!

1 – “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

What needs to be said? A notorious flop upon release, the film gained traction as a “midnight movie”, and soon, fans were mobbing theaters dressed as their favorite characters!

Here is the trailer:

There have been a number of great blu-ray releases of the movie, with lots of extra audience material – terrific music, great campy storyline – just one of my all-time favorites…oh, and what about that ad:

Those red lips! One of the most iconic images ever put on a movie poster – here are some more:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/08/16/red-lips-alien-eggs-all-white-juries-and-deep-throat-too-iconic-movie-posters/

That wraps up the letter “R” – you can go to my home page to look up all of the other letters of the alphabet – so much great cinema to share!

RIP Harry Dean Stanton…

One of Hollywood’s most interesting, unique and singular talents passed away at the age of 91. Harry Dean Stanton is known for many great movies, but he is also known as one of the nicest, most honest and unique characters in Hollywood history.

Here are highlights of his career thanks to IMDB:

“Prolific character actor Harry Dean Stanton’s drooping, weather-beaten appearance and superb acting talent have been his ticket to appearing in over 100 films, and 50 TV episodes.

Stanton was born in West Irvine, Kentucky, to Ersel (Moberly), a cook, and Sheridan Harry Stanton, a barber and tobacco farmer. Stanton served as a cook in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was on board an LST during the Battle of Okinawa. He then returned to the University of Kentucky to appear in a production of “Pygmalion”, before heading out to California and honing his craft at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse. Stanton then toured around the United States with a male choir, worked in children’s theater, and then headed back to California. His first role on screen was in the tepid movie Tomahawk Trail (1957), but he was quickly noticed and appeared regularly in minor roles as cowboys and soldiers through the late 1950s and early 1960s. His star continued to rise and he received better roles in which he could showcase his laid-back style, such as in Cool Hand Luke (1967), Kelly’s Heroes (1970), Dillinger (1973), The Godfather: Part II (1974), and in Alien (1979). ”

His “everyman” character in “Alien” helped to make the creature even more terrifying – he was just a guy working on a space ship, and that grounded persona permeated much of his work.

With over a hundred movies to his credit, I can’t mention most of them, but he also made a great impression in Dustin Hoffman’s gritty 1978 film “Straight Time.”

This is a classic 70’s crime drama – you can read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/31/straight-time-dustin-hoffmans-gritty-gem-5-great-70s-cult-crime-classics/

Soon after, Stanton came to the attention of director Wim Wenders, and starred in the moving Paris, Texas (1984).

I mentioned that Stanton was a true class act in Hollywood. Here’s an anecdote from that film.

As my friend Dean Lent posted on Facebook today:

“Back in the 80’s I was a PA on Paris Texas. This man was infinitely kind to me and Allison and Scott who were working free for the experience. I cannot say enough about his kindness. He didn’t need to be. He just was. Trying not to be sad. Lets celebrate his life.”

As IMDB notes:

“Apart from his film performances, Stanton is also an accomplished musician, and “The Harry Dean Stanton Band” and their unique spin on mariachi music have been playing together for well over a decade. They have toured internationally to rave reviews. Stanton became a cult figure of cinema and music and when Debbie Harry sang the lyric “I wa’nt to dance with Harry Dean…” in her 1990s hit “I Want That Man”, she was talking about him.

Here you can see Stanton singing “Cancion Mixteca” in this excerpt from the Talk Show interview, accompanied by host Harper Simon. As the clip notes:

“The performance of the song used in Paris, Texas is a heart wrenching and beautiful testament to the brilliant actor…”

There are so many great stories about the Actor.

As my friend Alison Martino shared on Facebook:

“Oh Harry, such epic times with you over the last 20 years. Way too many to count. From playing drums for you at Caffe Roma, to late night evenings at Dan Tana’s to pulling all nighters on the phone. I’ll never forget when you patched Marlon Brando on the line one night to teach him a lesson in Western philosophy and you allowed me to listen in.”

Alison has shared some amazing anecdotes about Harry, and continues to lead the way in preserving Hollywood’s great history. See more at her website:

http://alisonmartino.com

Finally, David Polan at Movie City News posted this great quote from a story about an interview with the Actor – it begins with Harry telling a story:

“I’m 87 years old… I only eat so I can smoke and stay alive… The only fear I have is how long consciousness is gonna hang on after my body goes. I just hope there’s nothing. Like there was before I was born. I’m not really into religion, they’re all macrocosms of the ego. When man began to think he was a separate person with a separate soul, it created a violent situation.

“The void, the concept of nothingness, is terrifying to most people on the planet. And I get anxiety attacks myself. I know the fear of that void. You have to learn to die before you die. You give up, surrender to the void, to nothingness.

“Anybody else you’ve interviewed bring these things up? Hang on, I gotta take this call… Hey, brother. That’s great, man. Yeah, I’m being interviewed… We’re talking about nothing. I’ve got him well-steeped in nothing right now. He’s stopped asking questions.”
~ Harry Dean Stanton

Thanks to Poland for sharing this – you should always be checking out his terrific website here:

http://moviecitynews.com

RIP to a legend, who lived a great life and will be missed…

Toast To Some GREAT Movies With An “S”!

Cheers! My “Movies A-Z” list has come to the letter “S”, which as usual, is so full of great films that I left off a ton of stuff – but here are ten films that capture everything I love about cinema.

Remember, these are not in any order, just a list of stuff I love – beginning with one of my favorite films of all time:

10 – “Sideways”

Director Alexander Payne has made so many great films, from “Election” to “About Schmidt”, but this story of two college roommates heading to wine country is his best film.

Here is the trailer:

Paul Giamatti is terrific, and Thomas Hayden Church was nominated for an Academy Award – just a terrific movie that celebrate friendship – and wine!

You can see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/02/18/its-national-wine-day-2017-sideways-monty-python-a-celebration-of-vino-hall-oates-too/

Time now for my first Brad Pitt film – as he gives one of his greatest – and most “unintelligible” performances ever!

9 – “Snatch”

In 2000, Director Guy Ritchie delivered one of the most entertaining crime films ever – with a terrific cast that included Jason Statham, Benicio Del Toro and Dennis Farina. But it was Pitt, playing a “fighting Gypsy” who stole the show.

Here is the trailer:

Brad Pitt steals every scene he is in as the thug who is literally unintelligible – in fact, here is a scene so you can hear for yourself:

“Snatch” is one of the most entertaining action films ever – one of the many British movies I love so much – you can read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/06/08/shallow-graves-disappearing-creeds-and-of-course-snatch/

Next one, one of only 3 movies in motion picture history to win “the big 5”: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Screenplay!

8 – “The Silence Of The Lambs”

The 1991 Oscar winner is as terrifying – and relevant – today as when it was released. Here is the trailer:

No Merchandising. Editorial Use Only
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Everett Collection / Rex Features ( 411879fv )
‘THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS’ – Anthony Hopkins – 1991
VARIOUS

Anthony Hopkins gave one of cinema’s greatest performances as Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant Doctor who also happens to enjoy eating people.

Another Best Actor Oscar winner admits that he fired HIMSELF from a movie!

7 – “Straight Time”

In 1978, Dustin Hoffman planned to direct himself in a gritty crime thriller, but after the first day he fired himself so he could just focus on acting!

Check out the trailer to “Straight Time”:

The late great Harry Dean Stanton also stars in this great, under-seen crime drama. Hoffman is an ex-con who has no intention of going straight. Warner Archive has this now, so you can buy a copy – it also includes a very young Kathy Bates and Gary Busey in a great role as well!

Our third Oscar winning Actor in a row – as Jack Lemmon gave what some felt was the performance of his career:

6 – “Save The Tiger”

In 1973, Jack Lemmon took home the Oscar for this drama about a failing businessman who will do whatever it takes to save his business:

The late John G. Avildsen directed the movie, and he also directed “Rocky” and “The Karate Kid” – see more of his great work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/19/rip-rocky-director-john-g-avildsen-brilliant-movies-like-save-the-tiger-and-the-karate-kid-troma-too/

I try to include offbeat, cult films on every list – so let’s head back to the 60’s, which exploitation films were offering audiences a more shocking time at the movies!

5 – “Scum Of The Earth!”

“Sights and sounds intended only for adult eyes and ears!” Hilarious!

Exploitation movies were notorious for provocative movie trailers and posters, usually promising much more than they could deliver – but this one does it with delight!

Check out the trailer:

The great home video company Something Weird Video has saved many of these films from obscurity – here is a look at some of the best:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/06/sexy-honey-dirty-brine-grindhouse-classics-prurient-style/

My second Brad Pitt movie has one of the most shocking and unsettling endings in movie history:

4 – “Se7en”

Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman are Detectives trying to find a serial killer, who is using the seven deadly sins to carry out his murders. Here is the trailer:

Kevin Spacey is phenomenal as the psychopath, and:

THAT ENDING. THAT ENDING.

Never fails to shock. Director David Fincher gave us one of the modern masterpieces in cinema.

There are movies that come out, fade away, and are quickly forgotten. Then there is this movie:

3 – “Star Wars: A New Hope”

One of cinema’s greatest franchises started as a low budget effort from George Lucas. As the original trailer states:

“The story of a boy, a girl, a universe!”

Here is the original trailer, including that line:

The series is stronger than ever, and Disneyland will soon have its own “Star Wars” area ready to go – here is a sneak peek:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/12/new-star-wars-disneyland-images-are-here-the-force-is-with-this-new-disney-theme-park-area/

Back to Oscar winning Actors: in 1971, Gene Hackman won the Best Actor award for “The French Connection”, but two years later he gave his most powerful performance ever:

2 – “Scarecrow”

This cult 1973 film also starred Best Actor winner Al Pacino – here is the trailer:

This is a character-driven drama that is pure 70’s – if you haven’t seen it, it’s worth the effort to find, because they both give incredible performances.

You can read more about the movie here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/19/al-pacinos-a-junkie-a-scarecrow-classic-early-al-pacino-performances/

Finally, another all-time favorite, with one of the most inspiring and uplifting endings of all!

1 – “The Shawshank Redemption”

Yes, it’s an adaptation of a Stephen King short story – and simply one of the greatest movie experiences of all time.

Here is the trailer:

Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are perfect in the film, Director Frank Darabont tells the story beautifully, and yes: Zihuatanejo:

You can see more about this film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/18/zihuatanejo-the-inspiring-greatness-of-the-shawshank-redemption/

There you go, ten great movies with an “S” – let me know your favorite!

Do I Have Your Attention?

Good, because it’s time for another letter, and another great collection of films! My “Movies A-Z” continues with the letter “T”, which has one of the funniest comedies of all time, the great Vincent Price, AND my third favorite film of all!

As always, these are not in any order, just ten great movies to share, but in this case:

“These Go To Eleven!”

10 – “This Is Spinal Tap”

Rob Reiner directed one of the funniest “mockumentaries” of all time, the story of Spinal Tap, “one of England’s loudest bands!”

Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are hilarious as Spinal Tap – and you can see from the first ads for the movie that they knew they had a classic.

Here is the original trailer!

“These Go To Eleven!”

Speakers that go to eleven – “one louder” – and album titles that are as funny as they are offensive:

Legend has it that Oasis singer Liam Gallagher thought this was all real – see more great trivia about the film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/05/this-is-spinal-tap-greatest-cult-film-worlds-worst-album-covers-terrific-tap-trivia/

Next up is one of my favorite Troma films – a remake of one of Shakespeare’s greatest, written by James Gunn – it’s “no holds Bard!”

9 – “Tromeo & Juliet”

I love Troma for so many reasons, but if you want to see offensive artistry at its best, then this punk version of “Romeo & Juliet” is for you!

The movie is well made, very clever and inventive – after all, it was written by Gunn! It’s just one of my “Tromatic” favorites – you can see them all here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/02/11/tromas-top-ten-the-tromatic-classics-unveiled/

In the 70’s, Comic Legend Walter Matthau made a series of great action thrillers, and this may be my favorite:

8 – “The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three”

Robert Shaw and Hector Elizondo are part of a gang of crooks who hold a New York subway train hostage – here is the great original movie trailer:

Matthau is the Subway Cop who has to negotiate with the crooks – this is vastly superior to the recent remake, because Matthau brings a world-weariness to the role – and the script is razor sharp.

See more about this terrific 70’s film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/02/16/classic-70s-action-crime-thriller-double-feature/

I love world cinema, especially because some of the most innovative movies are being made – like this action/romance/western from Thailand:

7 – “Tears Of The Black Tiger”

This 2000 film from Thailand is part parody/part homage to the melodramatic films of Douglas sir in the 50’s – and was screened at the Cannes Film Festival – here is the trailer:

This is a beautiful – and violent – movie, incredibly imaginative and worth a look!

Speaking of violent, how about a darkly black comedy/horror gem from the world’s greatest horror Actor – Vincent Price?

6 – “Theater Of Blood”

The legendary Actor has a blast playing a failed Actor who take bloody revenge on his critics! Here is the trailer:

Not only Does Price has a blast, but that’s Diana Rigg next to him! She has said that this is her favorite film of all – read more about it here:

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

Time now for one of the great movie comedies of all time – thanks to Cameron Diaz:

5 – “There’s Something About Mary”

In 1994, “Mary” wowed audiences around the world for some of the funniest – and most raucous scenes ever put on screen – here is the trailer:

Ben Stiller and Matt Dillon are great in this film, and The Farrelly Brothers have never been better – a classic movie that is hilariously funny every time I watch it!

The next movie on my “T”T list has a very important question to ask:

“Which Is The Virgin? Which Is The Vampire?”

4 – “Twins Of Evil”

How can you possibly know – when they are twins!

This 1971 Hammer Studios horror classic stars Peter Cushing – and two Playboy Playmate Twins! Here is the trailer:

Hammer Studios wanted to be more contemporary, so this film has more nudity and blood, all part of an erotic trilogy that you need to check out:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/03/naked-vampires-dirty-dracula-cult-erotic-halloween-horror/

Next up is a horror film that bombed on release but is now considered a classic:

3 – “The Thing”

In 1982, Director John Carpenter’s remake bombed – considered too gory for mass audiences – here is the trailer:

I love this film’s tagline:

“Man Is The Warmest Place To Hide.”

Kurt Russell is terrific, and the film has amazing set pieces – click here to see more:

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

Matt Damon is next on the list – playing a very “talented” psychopath:

2 – “The Talented Mr. Ripley”

This 1999 psychological thriller was directed by Anthony Minghella. Matt Damon is terrific as Tom Ripley, who befriends Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow in Italy – while harboring hidden secrets – here is the trailer:

This is a great thriller, with topnotch supporting performances by Cate Blanchett and Phillip Seymour Hoffman – I can watch this film over and over again…

Speaking of that – here is one of the greatest films ever made – one that I have seen dozens of times:

1 – “Taxi Driver”

Director Martin Scorsese and Screenwriter Paul Schrader made a masterpiece in 1976 – the story of a lonely Taxi Driver named Travis Bickle.

Iconic dialogue, incredible performances and a shocking script make this a masterpiece.

Here is the original trailer for the film, basically introducing Scorsese and DeNiro to mainstream audiences!

Taxi Driver (1976)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Shown from left on the set: Jodie Foster, Robert De Niro, director Martin Scorsese

Jodie Foster was oscar-nominated along with DeNiro and Scorsese, and the film was nominated for Best Picture – a searing look at a city coming apart during a political campaign. Albert Brooks and Cybil Sheppard also star…

“Travis Bickle” just turned 40 years old, and there was an incredible reunion screening in New York:

There is so much more to share about this film – see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/21/travis-bickle-turns-40-taxi-driver-tribeca-screening-3-reasons-to-love-him-one-big-reason-to-hate/

There you have it – ten great movies that begin with the letter “T”! Let me know your favorites!

The Billon Dollar “Avatar” Sequels are Underway!

Mike Fleming Jr. just broke a huge story at Deadline.com.

Fleming reports that James Cameron officially began production on his “Avatar” sequels. And yes, he’s making 4 of them at once!

As Fleming reports:

“It will also be the most expensive shoot of its kind, at an estimated collective budget expected to surpass $1 billion. That would sound daunting if it was any filmmaker but Cameron, who directed the two top global grossing films of all time in Avatar and Titanic and also has Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Aliens in his win column. Fox releases the first one December 18, 2020, and the next comes a year later, with the last two in December 2024 and 2025.”

James Cameron’s Billion Dollar Gamble!

Yes, Deadline reports that Cameron is film all four sequels at the same time, with a combined budget of one billion dollars! You can click here for Deadline’s whole story:

http://deadline.com/2017/09/avatar-james-cameron-four-consecutive-sequels-1-billion-budget-1202176798/

This is a massive undertaking, but since “Avatar” is the biggest-grossing film of all time, it’s a good bet to make. Time will tell, as the movie industry is undergoing many big changes.

It’s been an uncertain year at the box office, with a number of high profile flops like this:

“The Mummy” and “Baywatch” were just two under-performing films at the beginning of the summer box office, see the others here:

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

The summer got worse as the weeks dragged on:

Will Ferrell had his worst opening ever with “The House” – see the other films that tanked this summer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/07/03/will-farrell-and-amy-poehlers-house-burns-down-summer-2017-bombs-on-target/

So, a billion dollar bet on James Cameron – we’ll see how it plays out!

Get Our Of Your Sandbox! Movies With A “U” Are Here!

That’s right, Barbra Streisand’s got to get up and at ’em, because my list of “Movies A-Z” hits a “u”nique letter – and a wild group of films!

Here you go: an eclectic group of films that begin with a “U” – including a long-forgotten Streisand film, a disavowed Alfred E. Newman movie, and of course, Kurt Russell!

As always, these are not in a countdown order, just ten movies to enjoy! Or in the case of the first one, DISOWN!

10 – “Up The Academy!”

Did you know that the legendary Mad Magazine made a movie in 1980? And do you know they HATED IT?

Check out the trailer:

UP THE ACADEMY, 1980, ©Warner Brothers

Yes, Alfred E. Newman got into film, and the result was, as they say, “mixed!” This beloved magazine character may have bit off more than he could chew in this teen sex comedy…

UP THE ACADEMY, Ron Leibman, Hutch Parker, Ralph Macchio, Harry Teinowitz, Wendell Brown, 1980. ©Warner Brothers

According to wikipedia,

“The film was neither a commercial nor critical success when it was originally released, and was disowned by both the staff of Mad magazine and actor Ron Leibman (who, despite his sizable role, had his name completely removed from the credits and promotional material). Besides paying Warner Bros. $30,000 to remove all references to Mad from the film when it was released on home video, Mad’s publisher William Gaines issued personal handwritten apologies to every person that wrote the magazine to complain!”

Oops! As you can see, the magazine published a really scathing piece on their own film!

Well, another “adaptation from other source material” was much better received – even though the filmmakers took a non-fiction book and made up most of the story!

9 – “Under the Tuscan Sun”

This 2003 romantic comedy was based on the non-fiction bestseller by Travel Writer Frances Mayes. Here is the trailer:

The film is noticeably different than the original memoir. In the book, the real Frances Mayes buys a house with her fiancé in Tuscany – while in the movie, Diane Lane plays a woman abandoned by her husband who buys the Tuscany house on a whim in order to remake her life….it must have been OK with Mayes – since she co-wrote the film script!

Next up, an interesting cast in a classic “blaxploitation” movie!

8 – “Uptown Saturday Night”

This 1974 blaxploitation comedy was directed by Sidney Poitier, who also starred in the film along with Bill Cosby and Harry Belafonte.

The setup is simple: Steve Jackson and Wardell Franklin get robbed of their wallets containing a winning lottery ticket when they visit Madame Zenobia’s illegal nightclub – so they enlist help to get them back.

Here is the trailer:

As you can see from the trailer, Poitier plays the “uptight” friend, and you get a heavily-bearded Bill Cosby as well. According to IMDB, the roles of Steve and Wardell were written for Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor – but the studio felt they were not big box-office draws! Pryor ended up with a cameo.

If you are unfamiliar with the “blaxploitation” genre, click her to see the best from this great era of film:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/04/11/dolemite-hit-man-shaft-pam-grier-iconic-blaxploitation-stars-classic-cult-films/

Another major box office star of that era was in the midst of doing a trilogy of gritty westerns:

7 – “Ulzana’s Raid”

Burt Lancaster stars in this 1972 western as Indian War Chief Ulzana, who leads a small war party off the reservation bent on murder and terror, and the inexperienced young lieutenant who is assigned to track him down.

Here is the trailer:

Lancaster was a huge star at the time, and he also made these two other westerns at that time – check out “Lawman” and “Valdez Is Coming” as well here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/05/15/valdez-is-coming-lawman-gun-blazing-burt-lancaster-western-revenge-double-bill/

Next up is a huge hit from 1980, with a cowboy theme – and with John Travolta dancing once again to the tagline:

“Hard Hat Days And Honkey Tonk Nights!”

6 – “Urban Cowboy”

In this modern western, young hick Cowboy John Travolta learns how to dance and find love in the big city…

How can you resist that hat or this trailer?

This film was a huge box office hit, and after “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease”, confirmed that Travolta was a big big movie star…

And here is some trivia: Sissy Spacek and Michelle Pfeiffer were also considered for the co-star role that Debra Winger played.

5 – “Uncle Buck”

John Hughes directed this movie about what happens when you let John Candy babysit your kids!

Here is the trailer:

The scene where Macauley Culkin interrogates Candy through the mail slot gave John Hughes the idea for “Home Alone”!

John Candy made some great movies…

Next up is Clint Eastwood’s modern take on a classic western…

4 – “Unforgiven”

Clint Eastwood revisited the wild west with the revisionist western “Unforgiven”, which he starred in alongside Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman. Here is the trailer:

The film took home the 1992 Academy Award for Best Picture, Clint Eastwood won the Best Director award as well, and Gene Hackman won the supporting Actor Oscar – it’s a modern classic.

With so many big hit movies like “The Way We Were” and “Hello, Dolly!” – did you know that Barbra Streisand also starred in this movie?

3 – “Up The Sandbox”

Here’s a Barbara Streisand film from 1972 I bet you never heard of! She stars as a wife who is bored with her day-to-day existence – so she creates a fantasy world for herself.

Here is the trailer:

Reportedly, the Actress loved the film and knew it was a departure for her fans. Here’s what Streisand said when the film was released:

“This story interests me more than anything else I’ve ever done. It’s a departure from the romances, slapstick comedies, and musicals I have worked on up till now”.

Next on our list is a great action film from one of my favorite Directors:

2 – “The Untouchables”

In 1987, Director Brian DePalma had a big hit with the story of Agent Elliott Ness and his dogged pursuit of Al Capone on the streets of Chicago – here is the trailer:

Sean Connery won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, and Robert DeNiro gained a lot of weight to play Capone – a terrific action movie…here are some of my other favorite DePalma films:

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

We end my list of “U” films with a raucous comedy from 1980 that wasn’t a big hit when released, but has grown in statue over the years!

1 – “Used Cars”

Kurt Russell heads up a great cast – all about the slimy world of used car sales…here is the trailer:

Legendary character Actor Jack Warden plays two roles in the film, and the movie is great, “R”-rated fun!

Here is more trivia about the film:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/01/03/used-cars-escape-from-new-york-classic-80s-kurt-russell-snake-plissken/

So there you have it, ten ways to enjoy a film with a bit of “U” in it!

“American Made” Is Latest Tom Cruise Box Office Disappointment…

I am a Tom Cruise fan. He’s made a lot of great films, and is always willing to put it all out there – see “Magnolia” and “Tropic Thunder” as two examples, but his recent films are going the wrong direction at the box office.

“American Made” Opens Soft…

Tom Cruise’s latest film opened in the US yesterday. Based on weekend trends, “American Made” is on track to be Cruise’s worst opener in decades. The film is looking to hit $15-million in its opening weekend, and may not even open at #1, losing out to last week’s “Kinsgman” sequel and the fourth weekend of “It.”

Is it his fault? The film was over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a aggregator of reviews – so the quality of the movie isn’t the issue. The issue is this: the movie business has changed, and there are no “movie stars” any more.

More than ever, movies are sold as “events”, with superheroes leading the charge. Films that depend on a “movie star” to sell them are struggling…

Deadline.com has this great box office analysis this morning about Tom Cruise’s recent films:

“It’s his lowest opening in close to five years, since Jack Reacher‘s $15M. Though it’s a great movie, American Made is coming in lower than last autumn’s critical displeasure Jack Reacher 2 which opened to more than its first chapter ($22.9M to $15.2M) and fizzled out with a 2.6x multiple ($58.7M). That’s likely the same leg factor here. Uni is hoping American Made legs out like Girl on the Train, but that’s a completely different movie altogether with a higher ($24.5M) opening, and a bestselling piece of chick lit that drove women to the theater. At the end, Girl earned a 3.1x multiple or $75.4M domestic. American Made nee Mena is original IP based on Gary Spinelli’s spec script which Uni shelled out $1M for three years ago. Outside of his Mission: Impossible films, Cruise tends to average roughly a $22M domestic B.O. start over the last 10 years, and American Made is shockingly under that despite the fact that it’s such a fantastic rebound for him quality wise since last June’s disaster The Mummy.”

A few years back, I looked at his sci-fi thriller “Oblivion” – noticeable in that it failed to gross $100-million at the US box office – the beginning of his downward box office trend.

You can see more of that movie’s box office performance here:

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

Since then, Cruise has starred in a number of movies such as “Jack Reacher”, which as noted by Deadline, barely grossed $50-million in the US:

This summer, Cruise starred in the huge box office bomb “The Mummy”, which failed to resuscitate a worn-out horror franchise:

Cruise wasn’t alone. You can read about all of this summer’s box office bombs here:

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

Cruise hasn’t made a romantic comedy in years – he has chosen to act in thrillers and action movies – and his “Mission:Impossible” franchise is still going strong.

But movie audiences have rejected all of our traditional action stars recently:

Matt Damon’s action epic “The Great Wall” fizzled upon release, and some of the latest films from Keanu Reeves have gone straight to video:

I posted a story about this terrific kung fu film, directed by Reeves – and how the future of film is on demand in your home more than ever – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/07/james-franco-keanu-reeves-ondemand-the-new-future-of-film/

“American Made” got great reviews, and I hope the box office turns around!

Rock It, Elvis! Rock It!

As you can see, Elvis and his pelvis are VERY excited about the ten films I am about to share with you! What could go wrong?

Well, Patty Duke needs her “dolls”, because this list has some of the greatest cult films of all time!

My countdown of “Movies A-Z” is now on the letter “V”, which is full of amazing performances, campy cult films, and Elvis Presley as well!

Let’s get started with one of the greatest “camp” films of all time, a cult classic based on a provocative best seller!

Original Cinema Quad Poster – Movie Film Posters

10 – “Valley Of The Dolls”

What a way to start! This 1967 camp classic was based on the best-selling novel the year before by Jacqueline Susann…the story of young women making their way through a “far out” Hollywood!

Here is the trailer:

Patty Duke chews the scenery Neely O’ Hara, who succumbs to the temptations of Hollywood. This is the film that gave us the character of “Ted Casablanca”, a name used years later by the E! Entertainment Columnist.

Of course, a sequel of inevitable, but it wasn’t the sequel anyone saw coming!

That’s right, Softcore Director Russ Meyer teamed up on a sequel with Roger Ebert – YES, ROGER EBERT!

Click here to see how it ended!

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/08/roger-ebert-teams-up-with-russ-meyer-russ-and-roger-go-beyond/

Exploitation cinema may have nudity and adult situations, but that doesn’t mean they are classic films!

9 – “The Vampire Lovers”

Hammer Studios decided to take a more “adult” approach to horror films int eh early 70’s, and this great cult film is the result!

Here is the trailer:

This is a great, atmospheric horror film, part of a great “Hammer Horror” trilogy – see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/13/bloody-vampires-lesbian-lovers-naked-halloween-horror-classic-erotic-hammer-time/

Since we are talking Vampires, here is one more great erotic horror film from that era:

8 – “Vampyros Lesbos”

This 1971 film told the story of a Vampire temptress who favored the blood of another woman! Soledad Miranda became a star because of her performance – see the trailer here:

Miranda’s fame was short-lived, however, due to a tragic car accident. She the story of her biggest film – and her sad end – here:

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

Time to take a break a let “the King” entertain us!

7 – “Viva Las Vegas!”

How can this go wrong? Elvis! Ann-Margret! THAT SONG! Let’s check out the trailer!

Elvis made movies with thin plots, but he more than made up for it when he had a blast like this! And Ann-Margret may have been one of the 60’s most popular sex kittens, but she was amazingly talented as well!

This movie is a lot of fun, but if you want to know more about the incredible Ann Margret, click only story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/23/hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten-ann-margret-rock-operas-baked-beans-elvis/

Now, one of Paul Newman’s greatest performances:

6 – “The Verdict”

The great Director Sidney Lumet made this film, about an alcoholic Attorney who gets the case of a lifetime. Here is the trailer:

The film was nominated as Best Picture of 1982, and Lumet and Newman were both nominated as well. This is a great legal thriller, so check it out!

Now, time for a movie that was NEVER destined to be oscar-worthy, but boy is it entertaining!

5 – “Vixen!”

Russ Meyer made a name for himself with such classic films as “Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” In 1968, he pushed the boundaries of cinema with “Vixen!”

Here is the trailer:

Meyer loved buxom women, but all of his films starred empowered women who kicked ass – here is a look at all of his movies:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/03/16/sexploitation-classics-the-russ-meyer-edition/

My wife Alex mentioned to me that I had to include her favorite “movie with a V”:

4 – “Vision Quest!”

Matthew Modine stars in this terrific 1985 coming of age story set in Spokane, Washington.

Matthew Modine and Frank Jasper wrestle in Vision Quest.

Matthew Modine stars as a high school wrestler with girls on his mind. Here is the trailer:

Linda Fiorentino stars as the girl who captures his imagination. It’s a really good movie, with terrific performances as well.

Speaking of classic performances:

3 – “Vertigo”

One of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest films, and an example of what a great Actor James Stewart was as well. Here is the trailer for this masterpiece:

The film was shot in San Francisco, and the city’s iconic Cost tower is seen many times…here is a look at this iconic tower:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/09/walking-up-coit-tower-alfred-hitchcock-loved-san-franciscos-iconic-400-step-tower/

In the early 70’s, many filmmakers took on the establishment with low-budget films that tackled the Vietnam war, racism and police brutality…this film tackled them all:

2 – “Vanishing Point”

If you haven’t seen this counter-culture film, you are missing out on a wild, wild ride…here is the trailer:

I posted a story about this film, and the “cameo” role to top them all: “naked girl on motorcycle!”

See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/24/legendary-naked-motorcycle-starlet-hollywood-sex-symbol-gilda-texter-fascinating-nude-70s-movie-icon/

Finally, my list of “V” movies ends with visionary Director Takashi Miike, best known for this cerebral horror film “Audition” – but has made some of the most provocative films ever!

1 – “Visitor Q”

Almost impossible to describe, Miike’s film take viewers on a surreal ride.

Here is the wild wild wild trailer:

Miike has made a number of raw, edgy films like “Ichi The Killer”, but also mainstream films like “Thirteen Assassins” as well – here are some of his best:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/07/japans-cinematic-wild-man-the-visionary-movies-of-takashi-miike-ichi-the-killer-audition/

So take some “Dolls” and dig into these films!

Smile! Withnail Has Something Special For You!

Richard E. Grant can’t stop smiling, since this list of films will make everyone deliriously happy!

For this edition of “Movies A-Z”, I wanted to make sure I offered a mix of the popular and the obscure.

When it comes to the letter “W”, there are SO many great movies that I didn’t have room for “When Harry Met Sally”, “What About Bob”, “Whiplash” or “War Of The Roses”…but I have ten great choices across a number of genres, so let’s get going!

10 – “Withnail & I”

The funniest British comedy ever, this 1987 comedy is the story of two struggling Actors in London at the end of the 60’s…here is the trailer:

The late, great actor Richard Griffiths is terrific as “Uncle Monty”, who has a thing for Withnail. Director Bruce Robinson based the story on his own life – see more great trivia about his hilarious film – and Richard E. Grant’s great autobiography here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/04/10/withnail-i-30th-anniversary-classic-80s-cult-comedy-richard-e-grant-tell-all-book-with-nails/

From the profane to the surreal, one of the greatest family films of all time:

9 – “Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory”

Forget the remake. Gene Wilder IS Willy Wonka, and this movie is one of the most inventive and surreal musical comedies of all time. Here is the trailer:

Gene Wilder brought the perfect blend of comedy and chaos to the role. He was a brilliant Actor – here is a look at some of his best work:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/29/rip-gene-wilder-iconic-willy-wonka-richard-pryor-partnership-mel-brooks-frankenstein/

In 1973, one of the strangest horror films was released with one of the most shocking endings ever:

8 – “The Wicker Man”

It starts out so ordinary: a British Police Detective heads to a remote island to search for a missing girl…but that’s the last ordinary thing about the film. Here is the trailer:

Christopher Lee in Robin HardyÕs THE WICKER MAN (1973). Courtesy: Rialto Pictures/ Studiocanal

Horror legend Christopher Lee stars as the cult leader who can’t let Detective Edward Woodward uncover the mystery of the island, and Britt Eckland does a nude dance that will never be forgotten! You can see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/06/23/burning-man-inspiration-the-wicker-man-naked-cult-horror/

The ending of “The Wicker Man” is one of cinema’s best. At the same time in movies, “old lady horror” was also a trend, and here is one of the campiest examples:

7 – “What’s The Matter With Helen?”

Debbie Reynolds and Shelley Winters had a blast making this campy horror film – check out the trailer:

In the early 70’s, several of these films were released, pairing up two Hollywood legends in a horror situation….see them here:

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

For fans of “The Deuce” on HBO, you will know that 42nd Street in New York was full of movie theaters showing films like this:

6 – “Wide Open”

The “Queen Of Artsploitation” was Sweden’s Christina Lindberg, who starred in a number of provocative european art films that were hugely successful in the US – partly because of the “relaxation” of obscenity laws in the early 70’s.

Lindberg inspired a character in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” movies, and she continues to have legions of fans today. See all of her movies here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/05/21/swedish-sex-kitten-christina-lindberg-the-original-queen-of-artsploitation/

Also in the 70’s was one of my favorite sci-fi films:

5 – “Westworld”

This isn’t the HBO series, this is the original thriller starring Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin and James Brolin. Here is the trailer:

The tagline for this movie was classic:

“Westworld. Where nothing can possibly go W-O-R-N-G!”

Robots who begin to disobey and turn on humans….sound like the world today? This is a great film, and now an HBO series – read more about that here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/30/j-j-abrams-goes-to-westworld-new-sci-fi-franchise-classic-cult-film/

Burt Reynolds was one of the biggest stars in the 70’s, and this next film is a good reason why:

4 – “White Lightning”

Reynolds had a string of big hits in the 70’s, like “The Longest Yard”, “Gator”, and this film – here is the trailer:

Reynolds made great “hicksploitation” action films, with lots of redneck cops, fast cars and sexy women. The genre worked well for awhile – here are some of the others:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/22/suck-down-some-white-lightning-hicksploitation-burt-reynolds-gator-good-ol-boy-action-classics/

Next up is a fascinating documentary about some of the world’s most dangerous jobs:

3 – “Workingman’s Death”

The late Director Michael Glawogger turned his cameras on some of the most shocking jobs you could have.

Here is the trailer:

The film is composed of six differently titled chapters. The first five depict hazardous conditions of hard laborers around the world and the sixth shows contrasting scenes of youths in a former German industrial complex which had been converted into a leisure park – this is one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. See more of this Directors work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/22/searing-expose-docs-workingmans-death-whores-glory-brilliant-documentaries-showcase-life-on-the-edge/

OK, let’s lighten up with some Billy Idol, OK?

2 – “The Wedding Singer”

In 1998, Adam Sandler made one of his best movies, about a wedding singer who falls in love with Drew Barrymore – and yes, Billy Idol is in it too!

Here is the trailer:

This is a great “feel good” comedy, with Sandler giving one of his most effortless performances, and Billy Idol is hilarious in his cameo. Idol has had a well-deserved resurgence lately – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/02/billy-idols-rebel-yell-adam-sandlers-wedding-singer-cameo-why-billy-idol-matters/

Finally, one of the greatest films ever made ends the list:

1 – “The Wild Bunch”

Director Sam Peckinpah depicted the wild west as never before in this brilliant 1969 film starring William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Warren Oates and Robert Ryan. Here is the trailer:

The film showed more bloodshed than any movie before, and set a new standard for the depiction of violence on the screen. But it was also an homage to the wild west, and the desperados who wandered it…

It is a masterpiece – and you can see more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/05/the-wild-bunch-billy-the-kid-sam-packinpahs-soup-tossing/

So there you have it, ten films with a “W” that stand the test of time – even Withnail agrees!

Where Did Darth Vader’s Look Come From? A Jess Franco Film?

OK, here’s how this radical thought began: the new “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” trailer aired, and I happened to be watching this 1974 cult exploitation film by Jess Franco:

A Naked “Most Dangerous Game!”

The film is vintage Jess Franco: his unique filming style include a meandering camera, lots of b-roll with fast zooms and pan – and tons of nudity, sex and violence – mostly involving his wife, the legendary Actress Lina Romay!

The film is a “naked” retelling of the classic “most dangerous game” story – a wealthy couple who live on a deserted island invite beautiful women over – and then hunt them!

Of course, because it’s Franco, they are hunted naked – the great Actress Alice Arno plays the Countess!

It’s a great example of Franco, and I encourage you to look for it – in fact, here is a link to a story I posted about a new blu-ray that includes two separate versions of the film, plus another Romay movie as a bonus!

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/30/sexy-nature-the-notorious-francofriday-cut-of-countess-perverse-with-lina-romay/

So how did this lead me to the original Darth Vader?

Don’t shake your head at me – there is a reason! First, here is a great summation of the origin of Darth Vader.

According the the terrific “Star Wars” website called “Force Material”:

The name ‘Darth Vader’ goes all the way back to George Lucas’ rough draft summary of The Star Wars, completed in May of 1974. In fact, elements of Vader can be found in four separate characters from that draft.

General Darth Vader, of the Royal Space Fleet, was a “tall, grim looking humanoid”. Lucas has indulged in a little bit of self-mythologising and revisionist history over the years, claiming that he always intended Vader to be Luke Skywalker’s father and that the name meant ‘Dark Father’.

At the time, Lucas said the name “sort of appeared in my head one day. I had lots of Darth this and Darth that, and Dark Lord of the Sith. The early name was actually Dark Water. Then I added lots of last names, Vaders and Wilsons and Smiths, and I just came up with the combination of Darth and Vader.”

I got this information from the “Force Material” website, and here is the link – terrific insight:

http://www.forcematerial.com/home/2016/12/01/the-origin-of-darth-vader-the-name

So, time to show you how this all came together….first, here is a shot of Vader again:

Now, look at this shot of the island house where the couple lives in “Countess Perverse”:

OK?

I mean, they show people walking up the stairs to the house over and over and over again – remember what I said about Franco’s tendency to meander a bit – but after the fifth time I saw an outline of Vader’s helmet!

In fact, even in the wide shots as a boat is moving closer to the island, you can see a Vader-esque shape in the house:

Whether Lucas ever saw this film or not, the resemblance is there in my opinion – and if not, so what? It’s just a post about my love of movies…in fact, I also posted the story of the origin of the Han Solo character – it was THIS GUY!

That’s right, George Lucas wanted to make “Flash Gordon” but couldn’t get the rights – so he created his own world instead – and that turned out pretty well for him, didn’t it?

See the whole story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/05/how-flash-gordon-created-star-wars-sam-jones-the-original-han-solo/

Let me know if you agree that Lina Romay was stalked in Darth Vader’s helmet house!

Celebrating The Power Of Cinema!

I love movies, and have had a blast lately sharing some of my favorites on a special series of lists that celebrated the unique, obscure, offbeat and just plain strange films that we can all enjoy.

Time to wrap up my “Movies from A-Z” series with ten films that cross over the last three letters of the alphabet – the “X,Y & Z” of it all – and guess what? That’s the name of our first film as well!

10 – X, Y & Zee

This amazingly obscure 1972 British film starred Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Caine as a middle-aged, bickering couple whose marriage is on its last legs, and Susannah York as the woman who comes between them.

Here is the trailer:

Michael Caine has a great movie career, and made such classics as “Get Carter” and “Sleuth” in the 70’s, but this one is never mentioned!

Next up, another film that wasn’t enjoyed, but boy did you all love the theme song!

9 – Xanadu

In 1980, move audiences were bewildered by this romatanic musical fantasy starring Olivia Newton-John. The title is a reference to the nightclub in the film, which takes its name from Xanadu, the summer capital of Kublai Khan’s Yuan Dynasty in China.

But forget all that – the title track was written by Jeff Lynne of ELO!

Here is the #1 single from the movie, with Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly!

Yes, I admit to owning this movie, because sometimes “camp” can be so much fun! The ELO song is great – they are under-appreciated – see more of their musical legacy here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/25/elo-rocks-the-grammy-awards-brilliant-70s-orchestra-rock-jeff-lynnes-beatles-love/

Next up is the first in a long list of superhero movies:

8 – X-Men

In 2000, the first “X-Men” film came out, and is still the best, in my opinion. We meet the characters and set up the story of these mutants…each film afterwards has struggled to maintain the focus…here is the trailer:

I worked with Olivia Munn and she joined the cast for the last film – here’s to many more to come!

Now, let’s head back to the 70’s, and one of a movie legend’s last roles:

7 – The Yakuza

In 1974, legendary Director Sydney Pollack made this action thriller about the japanese underworld, and he had the legendary Robert Mitchum as the star – here is the trailer:

Mitchum was the perfect “anti-hero” – a renegade who lived by his own rules. In 1973 he starred in a terrific film called “The Friends Of Eddie Coyle” – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/12/29/everyday-goodfellas-donnie-brasco-and-eddie-coyle-great-mob-movies/

From tough guys to the fab four, time now for a musical adventure with the greatest band of all time:

6 – Yellow Submarine

In 1968, The Beatles “starred” in the animated musical “Yellow Submarine” – a unique, charming film that has stood the test of time…here is the trailer:

If you’ve seen the movie, you know that the boys only show up onscreen at the very end to lead a singalong of “All Together Now!”

They were the greatest musical artists of our time, but didn’t always make the smartest movie choices:

Ever heard of this film? A documentary of World War II footage covered by Beatles songs – sung by other Artists? Oh my! OH NO! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/20/the-beatles-worlds-best-music-worst-movie-choices/

From the Beatles to Bond, James Bond – one of my favorites:

5 – You Only Live Twice

The fifth Bond movie mixed it up by sending 007 to Japan – and added the biggest threat to the world ever! Here is the trailer:

“Little Nell” was just one of the fun gadgets that Sean Connery got to play with – of course, he left the series after this movie, but did you know that it was 55 years ago that James Bond was born? See the “beginning of Bond” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/10/05/happy-birthday-007-james-bond-was-born-55-years-ago-with-dr-no/

Next up is what for me is one of the 3 funniest films of all time!

4 – Young Frankenstein

The story of Doctor Frankenstein, as only Mel Brooks could tell, with Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Teri Garr, Madeline Kahn and Peter Boyle as “the monster.” Here is the trailer:

Legendary Actor Gene Hackman shows his gift for comedy in one scene as well. This movie is brilliant in every way – and if you like Hackman, here are my ten favorite films by the Actor:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/30/happy-birthday-gene-hackman-ten-roles-that-defined-a-hollywood-legend/

Next up is an obscure film that takes you back to the height of the political protests during the Vietnam War:

3 – Zabriskie Point

As this film’s trailer says ominously:

“How you get there depends are where you’re at…”

In 1970, it was the height of the counter-culture movement, and studios were trying to capture that sense of unrest with cult films like “Easy Rider” and “Zabriskie Point”. Director Michelangelo Antonioni tells the story of a young couple who are involved in violent anti-war protests…check out the trailer:

This is a fascinating “time capsule”, especially when held up to the protests that have happened in the last few years…

Of course, I have to include my next choice for one reason alone: this photo!

2 – Zardoz

Wha-wha-WHAT?!?!?!?!

Yes, that’s James Bond 007 wearing a red diaper! Here is why:

Yes, that is actual dialogue from the movie, spoken by a giant rock head that floats over the english countryside…this movie has to be seen to be believed!

See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/01/suspiria-caligula-zardoz-wacky-one-word-movie-wonders/

Finally, I leave you with one of the most entertaining comic horror films of the last decade:

1 – Zombieland

This terrific 2009 film has a great cast – all in search of a safe place to hide when zombies take over the world.

Here is the trailer:

So many things to love about this movie, but Bill Murray’s cameo is certainly a highlight. A fun movie that holds up on multiple viewings…

There you have it: 240 films across the 26 letters of the alphabet…feel free to click on my home page and “movies” and see them all…Sean Connery says thanks for reading!

Shocktober Day #29 Pays Tribute To George Romero!

Horror movies fans were stunned earlier this year when George A. Romero, Director of the seminal 1968 horror film “Night of the Living Dead” died at 77 of lung cancer.

The best way to pay tribute during Halloween season is to honor this legendary Director for his most iconic achievement!

Romero broke all the rules of low-budget filmmaking when he created “Night Of The Living Dead” – a film that has inspired filmmakers and movie lovers for decades…

The Iconic “Night Of The Living Dead!”

Take a moment to bow down to the great Director George Romero, who ushered in a new era of horror – with a film that has become one of the most beloved horror films of all time!

“Night Of The Living Dead” has grown more famous over the years, but almost never got made at all! It is a testament to the tenacity and ingenuity of Romero that he managed to get this film made! It was completed on a $114,000 budget and premiered October 1, 1968.

Here is the classic trailer:

The plot is straightforward: A shocking phenomenon has occurred: throughout the country, the dead have suddenly come back to life. A small group barricade themselves in an old farmhouse in an attempt the remain safe from these “walking dead.”

“Night of the Living Dead” is a master class in low budget filming. The script is razor sharp, the characters become clearly defined over the course of the movie, and the gore – well, let’s just say it was heavily criticized when it came out, because it was presented in a “reality” style that was shocking for its time!

The film has grown in critical stature over the years, and was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry, as a film deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

The lead role of Ben was played by Duane Jones. He was an unknown stage actor. It was a major gamble for Romero to cast a Black Actor in the lead; in fact, one Reviewer said that the performance depicted Ben as a “comparatively calm and resourceful Negro”!

Here’s another interesting fact: the word “zombie” is never used in the film. According to IMDB, the most common euphemism used to describe the living dead is “those things,” or “ghouls.”

Can you imagine “The Walking Dead” existing if it wasn’t for this film?

According to the George A. Romero commentary track on one of the many special edition DVDs of the film, the original working print and working elements and materials for the film no longer exist – they were destroyed as a result of a flood that filled the basement where the materials were stored (which was the same basement used in the movie).

The sequels are also great in their own way, and Romero went on to make many other films as well – but this was a revelation in low-budget horror, and it will live forever as one of the greatest Halloween films ever released!

RIP George Romero!

The Best Picture 2017! “The Shape Of Water!”

Director Guillermo Del Toro has made his Oscar-winning masterpiece. “The Shape Of Water” blew us away – and will do the same to Academy voters this year.

Fox Searchlight describes the film this way:

“An otherworldly fable set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment. Rounding out the cast are Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Doug Jones.”

Here is the trailer:

In many films with a “creature”, the Director teases the audience for long periods of time; not so here. Del Toro introduces his lead character early on, and Actress Sally Hawkins shows us the creature’s humanity, even as the film takes on a brutal tone…

The entire cast is terrific. As Guillermo del Toro said about Sally Hawkins:

“Not only was she the first choice, she was the only choice. I wrote the movie for Sally, I wrote the movie for Michael [Shannon]… Sally is, I wanted the character of Elisa to be beautiful, in her own way, not in a way that is like a perfume commercial kind of way. That you could believe that this character, this woman would be sitting next to you on the bus. But at the same time she would have a luminosity, a beauty, almost magical, ethereal.”

Each person brings a full range of emotion to their characters – Shannon is terrific as usual, as is veteran character Actor Richard Jenkins…

According to great trivia from the website IMDB, most of the characters were written with the actors in mind. Octavia Spencer said her character was reminiscent of a collaboration between her roles in The Help (2011) and Hidden Figures (2016), and that she “would have played the desk if Guillermo del Toro had asked me to”.

She is also looking at another Oscar nomination for her work in the film.

It’s important to note the film is “R” rated – for sexuality and violence, but the brutality of the cold war scenes are balanced out by warmth and humanity across multiple characters – this is the best film of the year, and bravo to Director Del Toro for matching his wild creativity with the warmth and heart that the film achieves…

Del Toro loves fantasy, and he’s a huge fan of Brian DePalma’s “Phantom Of The Paradise” – on this special edition blu-ray of the classic 1974 film, he even leads a lengthy conversation with the film’s star and composer Paul Williams…check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/27/cult-classic-phantom-of-the-paradise-guillermo-del-toro-talks-up-paul-williams-great-new-special-edition/

If you want to see more of Sally Hawkins, she was nominated as Best Supporting Actress in 2013 for Woody Allen’s last great film “Blue Jasmine”:

See more about her work in that film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/01/blue-jasmine-best-film-of-2013-woody-allens-bumpy-road-to-brilliance/

Let me know if you’ve seen “The Shape Of Water!”

Listen To Adam Levine’s Great “L” Song Along With Keira Knightley!

I was faced with a ton of great options when I tackled “songs or Artists with an “L”, because there are so many timeless classics – but here are some to consider, beginning with one of today’s most successful Artists!

“Lost Stars” by Adam Levine

Adam Levine fronts Maroon 5, hosts “The Voice” and acts as well – like here, when he gives a terrific performance and does a gorgeous rendition of this song from the movie “Begin Again”, which he stars in with Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightly…

“God, tell us the reason youth is wasted on the young
It’s hunting season and the lambs are on the run
Searching for meaning
But are we all lost stars, trying to light up the dark?”

Here is the Maroon 5 frontman singing the Oscar-nominated “Lost Stars” in the film:

“Begin Again” was one of the best films of 2014 – absolutely terrific – and Keira sings a version of the same song in the film as well, as well as many more terrific songs – it’s a killer soundtrack – you can see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/19/begin-again-best-films-of-2014-maroon-5-soundtrack-mark-ruffalo-keira-knightley-adam-levine/

Here is another “L” song – and it’s from a movie as well, but the combo of movie and Artist is not what you would expect…

“Late For The Sky” by Jackson Browne

This classic song from the mid-70’s is actually seen in a clip on TV in the brilliant film “Taxi Driver!”

That’s right, Travis Bickle is watching American Bandstand on TV as Browne’
s brilliant, haunting song is played – and it makes complete sense, as these haunting lyrics could be speaking directly to the psychotic “Taxi Driver” Bickle:

“How long have I been sleeping
How long have I been drifting alone through the night
How long have I been running for that morning flight
Through the whispered promises and the changing light
Of the bed where we both lie
Late for the sky”

Here is Jackson Browne performing the song on a TV show in the 70’s:

Jackson Browne has had an incredible career, and still releases great new music – click here to see a new video that talks about “Winslow Arizona” from his latest album – since he co-wrote The Eagles hit “Take It Easy”:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/21/never-running-on-empty-brilliant-new-jackson-browne-music/

Jackson Browne certainly has a 70’s folk rock sound in the clip – in the 80’s, music sounded much different, thanks in part to this band:

“Love My Way” by The Psychedelic Furs

This song was released in 1982 and to me, accurately captures the sound of that decade…

“Love my way, it’s a new road
I follow where my mind goes
So swallow all your tears my love
And put on your new face
You can never win or lose
If you don’t run the race”

Here is the original music video:

Of course, the album was produced by the legendary Todd Rundgren, who aside from having his own brilliant musical career, produced albums from Meatloaf, Daryl Hall & John Oates, XTC and Patti Smith among many others…here is a look at his producing career:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/25/hall-oates-meatloaf-funk-todd-rundgrens-top-5-producing-efforts/

Todd also performed with his band Utopia, and one of their concert set pieces may have inspired the next “L” band on the list:

Yes, the legendary Spinal Tap make the “L” list – and why not? They were stars of one of the greatest comedies of all time – and they bring with them a great “L” song!

“(Listen To The) Flower People” by Spinal Tap

Yes, “England’s Loudest Band” started as a “hippie pop” group, and “This Is Spinal Tap” is a hilarious “mockumentary” that begins with the band’s early years:

“Listen to what the flower people say
Ah
Listen, it’s getting louder every day
Listen, it’s like a bolt out of the blue
Ah
Listen, it could be calling now for you.”

Here is the clip from the movie where the band perform this “flower power” hit from the late 60’s:

Later, the band tries a more progressive sound, but their new stage set malfunctions. That’s right, one of their “eggs” wouldn’t open!

As I mentioned, Todd Rundgren’s band Utopia used similar set pieces, and the “Tap” eggs may have been inspired by that early set piece fiasco – read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/05/this-is-spinal-tap-greatest-cult-film-worlds-worst-album-covers-terrific-tap-trivia/

Last but certainly not least, there has to be room on an “L” list for the greatest rock and roll band of all time:

“Hammer Of The Gods!”

Yes, Led Zeppelin of course, and I could have chosen a dozen songs to include: “Kashmir”, “Whole Lotta Love” – and don’t worry, you’ll see “Stairway To Heaven” on an upcoming list, so I had to include this iconic rock classic:

Led Zeppelin – “Immigrant Song”

It all begins with a chant like howl from Robert Plant, then right into these iconic lyrics:

“We come from the land of the ice and snow
From the midnight sun, where the hot springs flow
The hammer of the gods
W’ell drive our ships to new lands
To fight the horde, and sing and cry
Valhalla, I am coming!”

“Hammer Of The Gods” indeed!

Here’s a time capsule – when Led Zeppelin played the song live in 1970!

The greatest of all time – and all of their albums have been remastered with lots of rehearsal material – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/09/happy-birthday-jimmy-page-led-zeppelin-remasters-zoso-and-so-much-more-zeppelins-top-5-singles/

Let me know what “L” songs I missed!

Filmmaker Anna Biller Takes On A Ladykiller!

I want to share a new project just announced by Director Anna Biller, who is a terrific independent filmmaker from Los Angeles. As wikipedia notes:

“She grew up watching her mother design beautiful clothes, watching her father paint with a vibrant color palette, and watching classic cinema, all of which has had a big influence on her filmmaking practice.”

Do they ever! She’s made two films so far, beginning in 2007 with “VIVA.”

I haven’t been able to find a copy of this film, but I’d love see it, because I admire her visual style – and how she is combining various styles of classic cult cinema in her work…

I am following Biller’s projects because she a refreshing new voice in film who also celebrates the exploitation era of filmmaking as well…more on that in a moment.

She just announced her new project about the infamous character “Bluebeard” – here’s what she posted:

“I had been looking for a novel about a sociopathic man who torments his wife, and I found the perfect novel (as yet a secret)! What’s interesting about the novel is that it shows a strong woman, who never was interested in love before, being caught up in the web of a sociopath so deeply that she loses all of her free will. In terms of the research I did for the script, this is accurate: no matter how strong a person is, they can’t outsmart a sociopath or get them to change their ways. The only way to survive is to make a clean break. Sociopaths often love-bomb women with their charm and sex appeal, so that women become sex-addicted and confused. The typical victim of a sociopath is a person with a good heart who is trusting and loving, who sincerely believes that the sociopath can be rehabilitated. It’s this trust and love that causes the victim to stay longer than another person – often, tragically, long enough to get killed. It’s a fantastic part for an actress, as she must switch between different kinds of awareness as she tries to negotiate her love, trust, sexuality, and suspicions.”

Biller goes on to add:

“The reason I call it a “Bluebeard” picture is that any story about intimidating men that women have reason to be afraid of is a Bluebeard story, after the fairy tale of the same name where a woman marries a wealthy man only to find that he literally has six dead wives locked away in a secret chamber. In modern horror movies, most often the villain is a literal monster (an axe-wielding psychopathic maniac, a masked goon, etc.); but in classic films, the monster was often a woman’s husband or lover, shifting mercurially from dream lover to monster and back again as he went through his different masculine moods. The heroine’s dilemma in these films is to figure out who the man really is. She must decide if she is horrified with him because of her own irrational fears and emotional immaturity, or if he really is an abnormal monster, a killer, someone to flee from.”

I can’t wait to see the filmmaker’s take on this story – you can read more of her thoughts on the project at her website:

http://www.lifeofastar.com/Bluebeard_Movie.html

And speaking of a madman with six wives frozen away:

Check Out Richard Burton’s “Euro-Sleaze” Take On “Blubeard!”

Time to introduce you to “Bluebeard”, an awful 1972 thriller starring Richard Burton, Raquel Welch, Joey Heatherton and Sybil Danning. It was filmed in Budapest, Hungary and directed by Edward Dmytryk.

Hello “Euro-Sleaze”!

“Bluebeard” is a perfect example of the 70’s genre of film known as “euro-sleaze”, cheap films filmed in eastern Europe full of nudity, sex and violence. That’s why the film is stocked with young starlets like Joey Heatherton!

And Raquel Welch Was, Indeed, “The Nun!”

WHAT?!?!?!?! Yes, it just keeps getting more bizarre, as “Bluebeard” stars Raquel Welch playing the world’s sexiest Nun!

This is the kind of “so bad its good” film that is begins saved more now than ever, thanks to great home video companies who remaster these movies so film buffs can see just how wild the 70’s were for film!

Here is the trailer:

If you need more trivia on this film, you can check out my entire story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/08/richard-burton-freezes-raquel-welch-bluebeards-classic-euro-sleaze/

As for Anna Biller, I posted about her latest movie, the terrific erotic thriller “The Love Witch”, her take on 60’s sexploitation films through the filter of 1050’s Douglas Sick films.

Here’s what Richard Brody of The New Yorker said about “The Love Witch”:

“Biller puts genre to the test of do-it-yourself artistry, and puts feminist ideology itself to the test of style. The film pulsates with furious creative energy throughout, sparking excitement and giddy amazement that it even exists.”

“The Love Witch” was on many “best films of 2016” lists, including The New Yorker and Indiewire.

You can see more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/04/13/under-the-erotic-spell-of-the-love-witch-cine-magic-potions-insanity-new-cult-gem/

Bravo to filmmaker Anna Biller, can’t wait to see her take on “Bluebeard!”

Songs with the letter “O” includes two of my favorite films of all time, the scathing “anti-Art Garfunkel” song written by Paul Simon – and some classic Led Zeppelin as well! Let’s get started with a brilliant Brian DePalma movie that was a flop when released, but has now become a classic:

“Old Souls” by Paul Williams – sung by Jessica Harper – from the film “Phantom Of The Paradise”

In 1974, Director Brian DePalma made a rock’n’roll retelling of the classic movie “Phantom Of The Opera.” He hired Composer Paul Williams to write the film score AND star in the movie!

Williams is amazing in the film, as is the late William Finley as “The Phantom.” Jessica Harper also starred in the movie as Phoenix, the woman the Phantom loved, so he wrote a song just for her – and only her – to sing:

“Our love, is an old love baby
It’s older than all our years
I had seen in strangers eyes
Familiar tears
We’re old souls, in a new life baby
They gave us a new life to live and learn
Some time to touch old friends and still return
Our paths have crossed and parted, this love affair was started
Long,long ago”

Here is Jessica Harper’s haunting performance from the film:

My wife Alex and I chose this song as our first dance at our wedding – we love this song, and the film, and there is an amazing blu-ray out that has a ton of behind-the-scenes material, including a lengthy conversation between Williams and Director Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed Director of “The Shape Of Water” who is an avid fan of the film – read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/27/cult-classic-phantom-of-the-paradise-guillermo-del-toro-talks-up-paul-williams-great-new-special-edition/

Next up on my “O’ list is another song from a brilliant movie:

“O Lucky Man!” by Alan Price

After Malcolm McDowell’s brilliant performance in “A Clockwork Orange”, he conceived and starred in this modern retelling of the “Candide” story, as an ambitious young man learned just how harsh the world can be:

Director Lindsay Anderson made a masterpiece, and McDowell has never been better – and the music from the film is just as great:

“If you have a friend on whom you think you can rely you are a lucky man
If you’ve found the reason to live on and not to die you are a lucky man

Preachers and poets and scholars don’t know it
Temples and statues and steeples won’t show it
If you’ve got the secret just try not to blow it
Stay a lucky man!
A lucky man!”

Price was the original keyboardist for the group The Animals, and he also has a role in the movie…in fact, much of the soundtrack is played onscreen by the band in the film.

Here is the movie’s title track, from the film’s opening credits, when Price plays the song while Director Lindsay Anderson moves about during filming:

This is my second favorite film of all time – brilliant in every way – and “Seinfeld” pays homage to it! Yes, there is a very specific episode of “Seinfeld” with a scene directly from the movie! See the whole story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/03/22/o-lucky-man-malcolm-mcdowells-seinfeld-connection/

From brilliant movies to a brilliant duo who broke up in the most public way possible – by way of a song on their final album!

“The Only Living Boy In New York” by Simon & Garfunkel

This is the song that broke them up – as Paul explains on this terrific live performance I am about to share, he wrote the song after Garfunkel left him to make the film “Catch-22” – leaving him waiting in New York to record the “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” album…

“Bridge” ended up as their final album as a duo…for those who don’t know, they got their start as “Tom & Jerry”, which explains the song’s first lyrics, as Simon shares his frustration about waiting for Garfunkel to return from the film set:

“Tom, get your plane right on time
I know your part’ll go fine
Fly down to Mexico
Do-n-do-d-do-n-do and here I am,
The only living boy in New York”

Here is the live performance, with Paul’s intro setting up the meaning of the song:

There was much more to the breakup than just this song, but Paul’s scathing lyrics didn’t help, that’s for sure! You can read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/08/10/the-only-living-boy-in-new-york-paul-simon-skewers-art-garfunkel-over-catch-22/

Next up, a band with the letter “O” – not that well known, but they have a monster ballad I want to share!

Orson – “Look Around”

Orson was a band from LA in 2000 – while they were very successful in England, they never really broke big in the US, which is a shame, because this song is absolutely gorgeous!

Here is the powerful ballad “Look Around” – stay to the end when it builds to a huge finale!

They are worth checking out – finally, here is art greatest rock and roll band of all time – as this picture shows, they really were “rock gods!”

“Over The Hills And Far Away” by Led Zeppelin

From their fifth album, “Houses Of The Holy” – a slow build to classic rock – here is a great live performance by the band from 1973:

So many incredible songs from the band, and their albums have all been remastered – here is a look:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/11/classic-led-zeppelin-remastered-hammer-of-the-gods-x3-greatest-rock-albums-ever/

Let me know your favorite “O” songs or Artists!

A Cult Movie Is Restored To All Its Infamous Glory!

Yes, sometimes a title CAN say it all, and it certainly does here: this is a legendary cult horror film that has been re-released for a new generation of film buffs!

Here is how the terrific home video website “Mondo-Digital.com” describes the new blu-ray release of “The Blood-Splattered Bride”:

“Thanks to its title alone, this Spanish entry in the lesbian vampire craze of the 1970s became a 42nd Street and drive-in favorite. Like most European horror films, it suffered a number of heavy cuts before reaching the States, but its bizarre imagery and visceral nastiness still gripped viewers well into the home video era.”

And now, an uncut remastered version is on the way, thanks to Mondo Macabro!

Here is the trailer for the film’s original release.

And Great News For Cult Film Fans!

Mondo Digital shares the great news about a newly released version of the film:

“Fully restored to its original perverse glory, this film has since been reappraised as a striking and essential entry in development of erotic cinematic horror, and forming a sort of sexy, dreamlike trilogy along with Harry Kümel’s Daughters of Darkness and Roger Vadim’s Blood and Roses, this nominal adaptation of J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s oft-filmed Carmilla strays very far from its source but still captures the twisted essence of the Gothic vampire tale.”

There are a lot of special features included on this new release as well:

“A very solid, well-versed new audio commentary with Daughters of Darkness’ Kat Ellinger and Samm Deighan puts the film in context within the cycle of lesbian vampire films, discusses Aranda’s reputation in his native country, explains the background of Spain necessary to appreciated the film, the female archetypes at play in the story, the queasy gender conflicts at play here including the innocent child treatment of Susan, and the ties to other filmmakers of the era like Eloy de la Iglesia, Jess Franco, José Ramón Larraz, and Pedro Almodóvar. Andreu is featured in a substantial two-part interview by Uwe Huber segregated into a discussion of this film (32m13s) and then the rest of his career (28m36s), including some sifting through lobby cards and video releases of his films as he chats (mostly in excellent English) about how he got into the business and had to do some impromptu translating and dialogue coaching on this film, not to mention a completely bizarre tangent about actor (and government agent) Dean Selmier, his affection for this particular film as one of his dozen favorites, his discomfort with the level of sexual explicitness Aranda wanted, the advantages of speaking English (not with a precisely Castilian accent), his work with “crazy” Amando de Ossorio and Luciano Ercoli, and lots more.”

The website goes on to explain even more great features on the release:

“Next up, cinematographer Fernando Arribas appears for a featurette 32m26s) about his switch from studying to become an engineer to working in cinematography, his first collaboration with Aranda on Fata Morgana, the working relationship with Bastedo and Andreu, the shooting locations, and the trickery involved in shooting the memorable beach scene. Finally, author Jonathan The Blood Spattered BrideRigby (Euro Gothic: Classics of Continental Horror Cinema) offers his own dissection (28m20s) of this place in the European classic horror pantheon as it plays The Blood Spattered Bridewith familiar horror tropes (a mangled portrait, a mysterious chapel, etc.) in an unorthodox and extremely Spanish fashion compared to other Carmilla-inspired Euro horrors like The Vampire Lovers and Terror in the Crypt.”

Bravo on this great release – and to see more about it, as well as a ton of other great reviews, check out the Mondo digital website here:

http://www.mondo-digital.com/bloodspattered.html

Bravo to Mondo Macabro for bringing this film back – this home video company is keeping so many great cult films alive – check out their website for more on this title:

http://mondomacabro.bigcartel.com/product/the-blood-spattered-bride

If you like 70’s erotic horror, you may want to check out a few more from the genre – like this one that is also from Spain:

It looks like Spanish filmmakers were eager to jump onto the erotic horror bandwagon! Check out this entertaining genre of horror film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/26/orgies-vampires-from-beyond-the-grave-cult-spanish-horror/

Let me know what you think about “The Blood-Splattered Bride!”

Music With A “Q”! So Much More Than Queen! But “Killer Queen” Of Course!

I wanted to share some songs with the letter “Q”, either songs or Artists using this letter – and of course, the iconic band Queen is top of tongue…but there is smooch more – but don’t worry, “Killer Queen” is on the way as well!

“Quiet Town” by Josh Rouse

Josh Rouse is a terrific singer/songwriter with a large catalog of great music.

His song “Flight Attendant” was featured in the Julia Roberts movie “Eat Pray Love”, but I want to share a song he wrote after moving to a small town in Spain in 2004, taking up residence in a “Quiet Town”, where he writes:

“I know somewhere
There is a party going down
Interesting people
Conversation to be found
I’ve lived in cities
Where there is no solitude
I’ve made some friends here
That I hope I never lose
But, for now
I want to stay in this quiet town…”

Of course, there is a tradeoff, as he notes:

“Ohhhh
Sometimes I miss the show
I learned a long time ago…”

Here is the terrific music video:

Here is a terrific greatest hits collection from his years with Rykodisc – he is worth checking out, and thanks to my friend Blair Butler for turning me on to him several years ago!

Here is more about his music:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/01/18/josh-rouse-modern-musical-troubadour-from-1972-to-the-happiness-waltz-singing-in-spain/

I am a huge fan of rock bands that can incorporate a wide variety of instruments into their music, and here is one of the best:

“Questions 67 And 68” – Chicago

This 1971 hit captured the “Chicago” sound of the 70’s perfectly – lots of horns and great hooks…they had a number of great hit songs like “Color My World”, “Saturday In The Park” and “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day” before they settled into a soft rock/pop groove later in their career.

Here is a great performance from French TV by the band in 1969!

The band formed in 1967 and was very political early on – their albums were produced by James William Guercio, who also made a movie in the early 70’s that became a cult classic:

“Electra Glide In Blue” tells the story of a Highway Patrolman, played by Robert Blake, who tries to solve a murder mystery – Guercio included several members of Chicago in the film, as this bike gang that confronts Blake.

This movie is terrific – you can see the trailer for it, plus lots of great trivia, here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/19/electra-glide-in-blue-forgotten-masterpiece-robert-blakes-best-role/

Next up, one of the early “boy bands” with a huge hit song:

“Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” – The Backstreet Boys

BSB formed in 1993 and had a decades-long run of soft pop hits, like this one:

“Quit playin’ games with my heart
Before you tear us apart (my heart)
Quit playin’ games with my heart
I should’ve known from the start…”

Here is the official music video:

Ah, classic boy bands, god bless.

In the 80’s, big hair bands were the rage, and if you had a killer hook – and a female lead singer – well, there was no limit to what you could do. Here’s a great example:

Quarterflash – “Harden My Heart”

This top 5 single from 1982 may be one of the most covered songs by any bar band with a female lead singer, and why not? An 80’s sound, great vocals, and a cathy hook…here is the classic 80’s looking music video – with classic 80’s hair:

Some “Heart” trivia: the song has been used in video games, TV shows, and in the 2001 movie “Wet Hot American Summer.”

Now, time to give you the ultimate “Q” band:

Queen – “Killer Queen”

There are so many songs I could have shared, but doesn’t this sum up their unique sound perfectly? See for yourself with this performance from “Top Of The Pops”:

I have a live Queen DVD from Wembley Stadium in London, and the massive crowd is mesmerized by the band – and by Freddie Mercury’s stage presence. Simply one of the greatest bands of all time.

Oh, and you didn’t think I was done, did you?

Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

How could I include Queen and to include this masterpiece? It’s simply one of the greatest songs in rock history. Queen has a library of some of the most interesting music of all time – from the hard-rocking “Tie Your Mother Down” to the pop majesty of “You’re My Best Friend” and of course, the massive rock anthem “We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions!”

But of course, nothing compares to the pop/rock symphony of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, forever immortalized in “Wayne’s World”, and one of the most interesting rock operas ever recorded…here is the classic music video:

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is from the album “A Night At The Opera” – a classic that has been re-released in an expanded form, so buy it – and see more of what’s on the album here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/23/queens-brilliant-night-at-the-opera-freddie-mercurys-musical-madness/

Hope you enjoyed this look at the sound of “Q”!