Actors do not get to pick the roles that make them stars. They might have an inkling in certain cases that a part has the potential to catapult them off the B-list (look no further than Humphrey Bogart convincing George Raft to surrender the lead in Raoul Walsh's 1941 gangster classic "High Sierra"), but, ultimately, the public chooses. And this can be the source of lifelong agony for actors who envisioned entirely different careers for themselves.
Take Christopher Plummer. The great Canadian actor worked steadily in theater, film, and television for over seven decades. He was equally at home playing Cyrano de Bergerac on Broadway or hamming it up as a paganistic reverend in Tom Mankiewicz's irredeemably silly "Dragnet." He won an Oscar, two Tonys, and two Primetime Emmys, and seemed to be having the time of his life even in the worst of movies (and they don't get...
Take Christopher Plummer. The great Canadian actor worked steadily in theater, film, and television for over seven decades. He was equally at home playing Cyrano de Bergerac on Broadway or hamming it up as a paganistic reverend in Tom Mankiewicz's irredeemably silly "Dragnet." He won an Oscar, two Tonys, and two Primetime Emmys, and seemed to be having the time of his life even in the worst of movies (and they don't get...
- 2/24/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Even the most die-hard 007 fans know that James Bond movies don’t always hit. There’s the yellow face of You Only Live Twice, the pigeon double-take in Moonraker, the surfing in Die Another Day. But never has the franchise done worse than when a certain Louisiana police officer bumbles into the otherwise solid Live and Let Die.
Yes, I’m talking about Sheriff J.W. Pepper, a loudmouth distraction who sort of makes sense in the American-set Live and Let Die, but then he somehow also shows up in Thailand to further drag down The Man With the Golden Gun.
Modern viewers meeting the character for the first time today will likely be confused by Pepper’s shtick. But to the viewers of the early 1970s, Pepper not only hit as a funny joke, but he was very much in line with Bond’s history of pop culture Johnny-come-latelyisms.
Yes, I’m talking about Sheriff J.W. Pepper, a loudmouth distraction who sort of makes sense in the American-set Live and Let Die, but then he somehow also shows up in Thailand to further drag down The Man With the Golden Gun.
Modern viewers meeting the character for the first time today will likely be confused by Pepper’s shtick. But to the viewers of the early 1970s, Pepper not only hit as a funny joke, but he was very much in line with Bond’s history of pop culture Johnny-come-latelyisms.
- 2/23/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Marlon Brando’s paternal role opposite James Caan in The Godfather is one of cinema’s memorable dynamics. But did you know that wasn’t the only time Brando aspired to be Caan’s on-screen dad?
Explore the fascinating “what if” scenario where Brando could have been Caan’s father for a second time. And it involved one of the most popular superhero franchises of all time.
Marlon Brando wanted to play James Caan’s dad in ‘Superman’
Caan won his sole Oscar nomination as the fiery Sonny Corleone in the 1972 classic The Godfather.
This breakout performance solidified his place in Hollywood and nearly landed him another high-profile gig. He almost found himself flying through the skies as Superman, the pinnacle character in the 1978 film of the same name.
Co-star Marlon Brando, who played Caan’s on-screen father, Vito Corleone, was keen to extend their familial dynamics to another project.
Explore the fascinating “what if” scenario where Brando could have been Caan’s father for a second time. And it involved one of the most popular superhero franchises of all time.
Marlon Brando wanted to play James Caan’s dad in ‘Superman’
Caan won his sole Oscar nomination as the fiery Sonny Corleone in the 1972 classic The Godfather.
This breakout performance solidified his place in Hollywood and nearly landed him another high-profile gig. He almost found himself flying through the skies as Superman, the pinnacle character in the 1978 film of the same name.
Co-star Marlon Brando, who played Caan’s on-screen father, Vito Corleone, was keen to extend their familial dynamics to another project.
- 10/1/2023
- by Perry Carpenter
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Throughout the 60 years James Bond has been on the big screen, there's been no shortage of casting controversies associated with the franchise. For 1974's "The Man with the Golden Gun," producers cast Christopher Lee in the role of villain Francisco Scaramanga, much to the chagrin of some behind the scenes. Writer Tom Mankiewicz even claimed to have "begged and pleaded" for them to find anyone else, mainly because he'd originally envisioned Jack Palance in the role.
Even Bond himself caused casting issues. When writer Ian Fleming and producers Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman were casting 007 for "Dr. No," they all had a sense that Sean Connery was the man for the job. But before he was offered the part, he would have to screen test, which he ultimately agreed to do despite pushing back initially. As recounted in Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhury's 2015 book, "Some Kind of Hero: The...
Even Bond himself caused casting issues. When writer Ian Fleming and producers Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman were casting 007 for "Dr. No," they all had a sense that Sean Connery was the man for the job. But before he was offered the part, he would have to screen test, which he ultimately agreed to do despite pushing back initially. As recounted in Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhury's 2015 book, "Some Kind of Hero: The...
- 9/24/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Of all the James Bond movies, "The Man with the Golden Gun" isn't the most beloved. Debuting to lackluster reviews in 1974, following the success that was '73's "Live and Let Die," Roger Moore's sophomore outing as Bond failed to dazzle audiences who were growing weary of the franchise.
The producers had a rough time replacing Sean Connery, who'd come to define the character with his run as England's greatest spy, before departing the series and being replaced by Aussie actor George Lazenby. While Lazenby did a solid job in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," he too left the role after his one and only appearance, after which Connery returned for the less than stellar "Diamonds Are Forever."
Unfortunately, Connery would once again leave the role that helped launch his career following this brief return, clearing the way for Roger Moore to take on the mantle with "Live and Let Die.
The producers had a rough time replacing Sean Connery, who'd come to define the character with his run as England's greatest spy, before departing the series and being replaced by Aussie actor George Lazenby. While Lazenby did a solid job in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," he too left the role after his one and only appearance, after which Connery returned for the less than stellar "Diamonds Are Forever."
Unfortunately, Connery would once again leave the role that helped launch his career following this brief return, clearing the way for Roger Moore to take on the mantle with "Live and Let Die.
- 9/3/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Being an international super spy comes with its share of drawbacks, which apparently include upsetting censors around the world. While James Bond has faced numerous censorship struggles throughout his more than 60-year on-screen run, he's often had a particular issue in his home country. For example, the original ending of 1971's "Diamonds Are Forever" was a little too S&m for the British censors, and was initially supposed to depict Jill St. John's Tiffany Case being tied to a bed by the charmingly bizarre Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd (Bruce Glover and Putter Smith respectively). That was very quickly nixed by UK censors who felt it was a little too kinky even for Bond.
But kink was less of a concern for the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) than violence. In a 2006 interview with Caped Wonder, "Diamonds" writer Tom Mankiewicz explained how "largely, the Brits cared a great...
But kink was less of a concern for the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) than violence. In a 2006 interview with Caped Wonder, "Diamonds" writer Tom Mankiewicz explained how "largely, the Brits cared a great...
- 8/20/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
“Superpowered: The DC Story” is a new 3-part doc series, directed by Leslie Iwerks, streaming July 20, 2023 on Max:
“…’Superpowered: The DC Story’ features over 60 new and archival interviews from people tied to DC, including Melissa Benoist, Greg Berlanti, Tim Burton, Mike Carlin, Lynda Carter, Henry Cavill, Kaley Cuoco, Gal Gadot, James Gunn, Patty Jenkins, Dwayne Johnson, Michael Keaton, Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Jim Lee, Zachary Levi, Damon Lindelof, Tom Mankiewicz, Jason Momoa, Christopher Nolan, Robert Pattinson, Christopher Reeve, John Ridley, Margot Robbie, Bruce Timm, Michael E. Uslan and Mark Waid.
“Narrated by Rosario Dawson, the new series takes an unprecedented look at the enduring and influential legacy of DC, allowing fans to rediscover the universe of characters, as well as the iconic comic book company's origins, its evolution and its nearly nine-decade cultural impact across every artistic medium.
“Featuring a wealth of interviews with the industry's most prolific creators and...
“…’Superpowered: The DC Story’ features over 60 new and archival interviews from people tied to DC, including Melissa Benoist, Greg Berlanti, Tim Burton, Mike Carlin, Lynda Carter, Henry Cavill, Kaley Cuoco, Gal Gadot, James Gunn, Patty Jenkins, Dwayne Johnson, Michael Keaton, Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Jim Lee, Zachary Levi, Damon Lindelof, Tom Mankiewicz, Jason Momoa, Christopher Nolan, Robert Pattinson, Christopher Reeve, John Ridley, Margot Robbie, Bruce Timm, Michael E. Uslan and Mark Waid.
“Narrated by Rosario Dawson, the new series takes an unprecedented look at the enduring and influential legacy of DC, allowing fans to rediscover the universe of characters, as well as the iconic comic book company's origins, its evolution and its nearly nine-decade cultural impact across every artistic medium.
“Featuring a wealth of interviews with the industry's most prolific creators and...
- 6/28/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Superpowered: The DC Story, a three-part Max Original DC documentary series co-directed by Academy Award® and Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks and Peabody Award®-winning and Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Mark Catalena, debuts Thursday, July 20 on Max.
Narrated by Rosario Dawson, Superpowered: The DC Story takes an unprecedented look at the enduring and influential legacy of DC, allowing fans to rediscover the universe of characters, as well as the iconic comic book company’s origins, its evolution and its nearly nine-decade cultural impact across every artistic medium. Featuring a wealth of interviews with the industry’s most prolific creators and the actors who bring their iconic characters from the page to the screen, Superpowered: The DC Story reminds us that at the heart of DC are the comics – the four-color fantasies that forever spark the imagination and instill hope.
Episodes:
Episode 1: The Hero’S Journey
For over 85 years, DC has...
Narrated by Rosario Dawson, Superpowered: The DC Story takes an unprecedented look at the enduring and influential legacy of DC, allowing fans to rediscover the universe of characters, as well as the iconic comic book company’s origins, its evolution and its nearly nine-decade cultural impact across every artistic medium. Featuring a wealth of interviews with the industry’s most prolific creators and the actors who bring their iconic characters from the page to the screen, Superpowered: The DC Story reminds us that at the heart of DC are the comics – the four-color fantasies that forever spark the imagination and instill hope.
Episodes:
Episode 1: The Hero’S Journey
For over 85 years, DC has...
- 6/27/2023
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It’s still an open question to whether Warner Bros. will be at San Diego Comic-Con in July. But even if the company skips the event, it’ll be there in spirit via the premiere date for a new docuseries about the history of DC Comics.
“Superpowered: The DC Story,” a three-part docuseries about the storied comic book company and the movies and TV shows it inspired, will premiere on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max streaming app on July 20. For those keeping score, that happens to be the very first day of Comic-Con 2023.
And to get into the mood, you can watch the trailer above right now.
Narrated by Rosario Dawson, the series is codirected by Leslie Iwerks and Mark Catalena. Per the official description, it “takes an unprecedented look at the enduring and influential legacy of DC, allowing fans to rediscover the universe of characters, as well as the...
“Superpowered: The DC Story,” a three-part docuseries about the storied comic book company and the movies and TV shows it inspired, will premiere on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max streaming app on July 20. For those keeping score, that happens to be the very first day of Comic-Con 2023.
And to get into the mood, you can watch the trailer above right now.
Narrated by Rosario Dawson, the series is codirected by Leslie Iwerks and Mark Catalena. Per the official description, it “takes an unprecedented look at the enduring and influential legacy of DC, allowing fans to rediscover the universe of characters, as well as the...
- 6/27/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Joseph L. Mankiewicz’ “Cleopatra,” which opened in New York on June 12, 1963 and in Los Angeles a week later, was not a flop. In fact, the 243-minute film was a box office champ making $26 million at the box office, $6 million more than the Cinerama epic “How the West was Won.” But being the most expensive movie of its time — the budget ended up being around $44 million which would be around $429.5 million in 2023 — it took a long time to recoup its staggering costs. The film was such a drain on Twentieth Century Fox, the studio ended up having to sell nearly 300 acres of its backlot. That acreage was transformed into Century City.
The budgets started to soar when the original production with Elizabeth Taylor, who asked for and received $1 million for her services, Peter Finch as Julius Caesar, Stephen Boyd as Marc Antony and veteran filmmaker Rouben Mamoulian as director, stopped production...
The budgets started to soar when the original production with Elizabeth Taylor, who asked for and received $1 million for her services, Peter Finch as Julius Caesar, Stephen Boyd as Marc Antony and veteran filmmaker Rouben Mamoulian as director, stopped production...
- 6/19/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Two years ago, during the lockdown, I wrote that I had become addicted to those little bird-box libraries that make walking here something of a literary pilgrimage.
I’m still addicted. And almost two months ago, just before the writers strike began, I made a charming discovery–that one of my neighbors is a Very Famous Writer– all thanks to his sidewalk library.
The writer will remain unnamed, because privacy is something to be respected, even by reporters. But here’s the short form:
About four o’clock one afternoon, before the dog-crowd comes out, I felt a need for one of those short, head-clearing walks. A good target, I figured, would be a spot some blocks away, where somebody or other was maintaining what I’d long thought was the best little library in town. I won’t give titles, because some of those might tip the owner’s identity.
I’m still addicted. And almost two months ago, just before the writers strike began, I made a charming discovery–that one of my neighbors is a Very Famous Writer– all thanks to his sidewalk library.
The writer will remain unnamed, because privacy is something to be respected, even by reporters. But here’s the short form:
About four o’clock one afternoon, before the dog-crowd comes out, I felt a need for one of those short, head-clearing walks. A good target, I figured, would be a spot some blocks away, where somebody or other was maintaining what I’d long thought was the best little library in town. I won’t give titles, because some of those might tip the owner’s identity.
- 6/11/2023
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s hard to imagine Quentin Tarantino directing a franchise movie, but he has come close several times. After Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino considered directing a James Bond movie based on Casino Royale, but it didn’t work out.
While speaking with Deadline, Quentin Tarantino explained why his James Bond movie didn’t happen. “We reached out to the Ian Fleming people, and they had suggested that they still own the rights to Casino Royale,” Tarantino said. “And that’s what I wanted to do after Pulp Fiction was do my version of Casino Royale, and it would’ve taken place in the ’60s and wasn’t about a series of Bond movies. We would have cast an actor and be one and done. So I thought we could do this.“
Related Lionsgate preps Kill Bill 4K release for 20th anniversary
Unfortunately for Quentin Tarantino, the James Bond producers had...
While speaking with Deadline, Quentin Tarantino explained why his James Bond movie didn’t happen. “We reached out to the Ian Fleming people, and they had suggested that they still own the rights to Casino Royale,” Tarantino said. “And that’s what I wanted to do after Pulp Fiction was do my version of Casino Royale, and it would’ve taken place in the ’60s and wasn’t about a series of Bond movies. We would have cast an actor and be one and done. So I thought we could do this.“
Related Lionsgate preps Kill Bill 4K release for 20th anniversary
Unfortunately for Quentin Tarantino, the James Bond producers had...
- 5/25/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Planning to kick off pre-pre-production and the casting process for his next — and still, according to him, final — film, Quentin Tarantino has revealed more about what it'll be. According to the writer/director, The Movie Critic will be based on a real person, but not as has been speculated, Pauline Kael. Instead, it'll be someone far less well known.
Tarantino, speaking to Deadline's Baz Bamigboye at Cannes (where the director is presenting a screening of John Flynn’s 1977 revenge thriller Rolling Thunder), opened up to explain more about the character's inspiration, a critic who wrote for, by Qt's description, a "porno rag". Turns out Tarantino really was checking out such magazines for the articles!
"He wrote about mainstream movies and he was the second-string critic, he says I think he was a very good critic. He was as cynical as hell. His reviews were a cross between early Howard Stern...
Tarantino, speaking to Deadline's Baz Bamigboye at Cannes (where the director is presenting a screening of John Flynn’s 1977 revenge thriller Rolling Thunder), opened up to explain more about the character's inspiration, a critic who wrote for, by Qt's description, a "porno rag". Turns out Tarantino really was checking out such magazines for the articles!
"He wrote about mainstream movies and he was the second-string critic, he says I think he was a very good critic. He was as cynical as hell. His reviews were a cross between early Howard Stern...
- 5/25/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Though virtually all of Quentin Tarantino’s nine movies have been original stories — only “Jackie Brown” was adapted from the Elmore Leonard novel “Rum Punch” — the director and obsessive cinephile has kicked the tires on some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises over the years. From Marvel projects to an R-rated “Star Trek” movie, Tarantino loves to flirt with opportunities to work with his favorite characters. And sometimes, it seems like the only thing he loves more than making movies is talking about the movies he almost made.
In a new interview with Deadline, he recalled his failed attempt to put his own Tarantino-esque spin on the James Bond novel “Casino Royale” years before the Daniel Craig adaptation came out.
“We reached out to the Ian Fleming people, and they had suggested that they still own the rights to ‘Casino Royale,'” Tarantino said. “And that’s what I wanted to...
In a new interview with Deadline, he recalled his failed attempt to put his own Tarantino-esque spin on the James Bond novel “Casino Royale” years before the Daniel Craig adaptation came out.
“We reached out to the Ian Fleming people, and they had suggested that they still own the rights to ‘Casino Royale,'” Tarantino said. “And that’s what I wanted to...
- 5/25/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
The character of Pee-wee Herman — a chuckling, hilarious man-child invented by comedian Paul Reubens — made his debut in 1977 in the film "Cheech and Chong's Next Movie," and cemented his legacy in 1981's "Nice Dreams." In the latter film, clearly strung out on something, the Pee-wee-like character asked if Cheech was the "guy from the hamburger train."
The same year, still playing the Pee-wee shtick, Reubens debuted "The Pee-wee Herman Show" at the Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles, cementing the character in the local pop consciousness. The stage shows were quite expressly adult, even if Pee-wee himself was quirky and childish. Characters that debuted on stage would eventually appear on the popular TV show "Pee-wee's Playhouse" in 1986, including Jambi the Genie, Miss Yvonne, and Cowboy Curtis.
Prior to the TV series, however, Reubens had ambitions to bring Pee-wee Herman to cinemas. Because the actor had a book of working directors, he...
The same year, still playing the Pee-wee shtick, Reubens debuted "The Pee-wee Herman Show" at the Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles, cementing the character in the local pop consciousness. The stage shows were quite expressly adult, even if Pee-wee himself was quirky and childish. Characters that debuted on stage would eventually appear on the popular TV show "Pee-wee's Playhouse" in 1986, including Jambi the Genie, Miss Yvonne, and Cowboy Curtis.
Prior to the TV series, however, Reubens had ambitions to bring Pee-wee Herman to cinemas. Because the actor had a book of working directors, he...
- 5/6/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Burbank, Calif., March 1, 2023 – As part of the year-long centennial celebration for the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros. Studio, five films featuring the iconic DC Super Hero Superman – Superman: The Movie, Superman II, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, Superman III, and Superman IV – will be available for purchase in a five-film collection on 4K Ultra HD Disc and Digital on April 18.
Based on the DC character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the Superman films star Christopher Reeve as the legendary “Man of Steel.”
On April 18, the Superman 1978 – 1987 5-Film Collection will be available to purchase on Ultra HD Blu-ray™ Disc from online and in-store at major retailers and available for purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Vudu, and more.
The Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Packs will include an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with the feature films in 4K with Hdr, a Blu-ray disc with the feature...
Based on the DC character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the Superman films star Christopher Reeve as the legendary “Man of Steel.”
On April 18, the Superman 1978 – 1987 5-Film Collection will be available to purchase on Ultra HD Blu-ray™ Disc from online and in-store at major retailers and available for purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Vudu, and more.
The Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Packs will include an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with the feature films in 4K with Hdr, a Blu-ray disc with the feature...
- 3/1/2023
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
When we talk about movies, screenwriters don't get enough credit. Their names are often overlooked while directors are treated as the true auteurs. Maybe part of that stems from the system of Hollywood itself, which tends to leave screenwriters low on the totem pole, with "Mank" even likening Herman J. Mankiewicz — the co-writer of "Citizen Kane" — to a mere "organ grinder's monkey."
Superhero films and other big studio tentpoles with a lot riding on their success can sometimes involve a revolving door of screenwriters, and this has been the case for decades. "Superman: The Movie" had four credited writers, three of whom carried over to the sequel, "Superman II." But one name you won't see credited as a screenwriter in either movie, despite his important writing contributions, is that of Mank's nephew, Tom Mankiewicz.
There's a rather complicated reason for that. For both "Superman" and "Superman II," Tom Mankiewicz did...
Superhero films and other big studio tentpoles with a lot riding on their success can sometimes involve a revolving door of screenwriters, and this has been the case for decades. "Superman: The Movie" had four credited writers, three of whom carried over to the sequel, "Superman II." But one name you won't see credited as a screenwriter in either movie, despite his important writing contributions, is that of Mank's nephew, Tom Mankiewicz.
There's a rather complicated reason for that. For both "Superman" and "Superman II," Tom Mankiewicz did...
- 1/23/2023
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Richard Donner's 1978 film "Superman" changed how people thought of comic book films. Before this, we had silly superheroes like Adam West's "Batman" series. It was a blast, but it wasn't a serious take on comics or characters like this. "Superman" really started it all, nabbing three Oscar nominations and winning a Special Achievement Academy Award for Visual Effects. Christopher Reeve played Clark Kent/Kal-El/Superman in his breakout role and starred with the likes of Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, and Margot Kidder.
Both the 1978 film and 1980's "Superman II" were set to be filmed simultaneously, and after shooting a big chunk of the second film in addition to the first one, Donner ("Lethal Weapon," "The Goonies," "Scrooged") was fired from the production. He stated that he was never given a budget or a schedule for the film and was replaced by Richard Lester, who reshot a lot of...
Both the 1978 film and 1980's "Superman II" were set to be filmed simultaneously, and after shooting a big chunk of the second film in addition to the first one, Donner ("Lethal Weapon," "The Goonies," "Scrooged") was fired from the production. He stated that he was never given a budget or a schedule for the film and was replaced by Richard Lester, who reshot a lot of...
- 1/19/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
In 2023, we are living in the age of superhero films. The Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Universe, as well as assorted others, have become the dominant form of entertainment these days. Back in the late 1970s, however, superheroes were the stuff of comic books, relegated to the world of camp and kids entertainment. Sure, we'd seen superheroes on TV with shows like "Wonder Woman" and "Batman," with the latter getting a film version as well in 1966, but it was all a bit on the silly side. (This is not a judgment. Campy superheroes are lovely.) Then came the Richard Donner-directed "Superman" in 1978, starring Christopher Reeve in his breakout role.
This was a whole different kind of superhero film. "Superman" wasn't as dark as some of the comic book movies we have now, but it was indeed taken more seriously than anything we'd seen before. The cast included heavy hitters like Marlon Brando,...
This was a whole different kind of superhero film. "Superman" wasn't as dark as some of the comic book movies we have now, but it was indeed taken more seriously than anything we'd seen before. The cast included heavy hitters like Marlon Brando,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
After a decade-plus run as one of Hollywood's premiere television directors, Richard Donner successfully transitioned to filmmaking via the blockbuster horror classic "The Omen." Though he was much older than the industry's hottest helmers of big-budget entertainment, his reputation for knocking out high-quality TV on a tight schedule made him something of a safer bet than his young, boundary-pushing colleagues. He was also well-liked by his crews and a first-rate massager of movie star egos. He was basically a producer's dream.
So why did the production of 1978's "Superman" turn into such a nightmare? Four words: Alexander and Ilya Salkind.
The father-son producer duo had scored a major success with 1973's "The Three Musketeers," but quickly drew the ire of Hollywood's creative unions when they released "The Four Musketeers," a sequel comprised of footage from the initial production, the following year. While multiple lawsuits were filed, the Screen Actors Guild enacted the Salkind Clause,...
So why did the production of 1978's "Superman" turn into such a nightmare? Four words: Alexander and Ilya Salkind.
The father-son producer duo had scored a major success with 1973's "The Three Musketeers," but quickly drew the ire of Hollywood's creative unions when they released "The Four Musketeers," a sequel comprised of footage from the initial production, the following year. While multiple lawsuits were filed, the Screen Actors Guild enacted the Salkind Clause,...
- 1/9/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Director John Sturges’ final feature is a handsome production that fumbles and stumbles in unexpected ways. Michael Caine and especially Donald Sutherland lead an impossible commando mission to kidnap Winston Churchill right from English soil. Tom Mankiewicz’s dialogue is witty but the tone is all over the place. We don’t know whether it’s the script, the direction or the editing that muffs so many potential bravura moments. On the other hand, every scene with Sutherland and Jenny Agutter is gold. [Imprint] gives us both a theatrical cut and a more satisfying extended cut.
The Eagle Has Landed
Region Free Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 193
1976 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 135 + 151 min. / Street Date December 28, 2023 / Available from / au 69.95
Starring: Michael Caine, Donald Sutherland, Robert Duvall, Jenny Agutter, Donald Pleasence, Anthony Quayle, Jean Marsh, Sven-Bertil Taube, John Standing, Judy Geeson, Treat Williams, Larry Hagman, Joachim Hansen, David Gilliam, Siegfried Rauch, Wolf Kahler, Roy Marsden, Ferdy Mayne.
The Eagle Has Landed
Region Free Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 193
1976 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 135 + 151 min. / Street Date December 28, 2023 / Available from / au 69.95
Starring: Michael Caine, Donald Sutherland, Robert Duvall, Jenny Agutter, Donald Pleasence, Anthony Quayle, Jean Marsh, Sven-Bertil Taube, John Standing, Judy Geeson, Treat Williams, Larry Hagman, Joachim Hansen, David Gilliam, Siegfried Rauch, Wolf Kahler, Roy Marsden, Ferdy Mayne.
- 1/7/2023
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
When Sean Connery returned to the James Bond films after skipping out on "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (which is a great movie but seen as lesser at the time), anticipation was high. In 1971, Connery was Bond. George Lazenby was some pretender. There wasn't a tradition of handing over the character to a new actor yet. This was his grand return, and the film's creatives needed to get it right. They even brought back "Goldfinger" director Guy Hamilton to call the shots.
On a financial level, everyone was happy. "Diamonds Are Forever" was the third-highest grossing film at the domestic box office in 1971. On an artistic level ... it's one of the worst films in the series. Connery is clearly only in it for the paycheck, the story is weirdly low-stakes and silly, and the Las Vegas setting feels chintzy.
The film does have two major bright spots though. First, there's...
On a financial level, everyone was happy. "Diamonds Are Forever" was the third-highest grossing film at the domestic box office in 1971. On an artistic level ... it's one of the worst films in the series. Connery is clearly only in it for the paycheck, the story is weirdly low-stakes and silly, and the Las Vegas setting feels chintzy.
The film does have two major bright spots though. First, there's...
- 11/13/2022
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Even from the first few minutes of "Diamonds Are Forever," it's pretty clear that the writing is a little different than past James Bond films. The introduction races along at a breakneck pace with a new one-two-punch dynamism. Sure, it's no "this never happened to the other fellow," a top-tier opening gag from George Lazenby's stint as Bond, but the beginning of "Diamonds Are Forever" is full of promise.
Unfortunately, by the time that body doubles and murderous duos get thrown into the mix, the movie starts to fall apart — there's a reason that "Diamonds Are Forever" ranked #20 out of 24 in our list of Bond films. Nevertheless, the movie's writing keeps a spunky attitude, constantly cracking jokes and unapologetically tossing in ridiculous elements. As it turns out, there might be a good explanation for the unique writing style: the producers made it a point to hire a screenwriter that would let Vegas shine.
Unfortunately, by the time that body doubles and murderous duos get thrown into the mix, the movie starts to fall apart — there's a reason that "Diamonds Are Forever" ranked #20 out of 24 in our list of Bond films. Nevertheless, the movie's writing keeps a spunky attitude, constantly cracking jokes and unapologetically tossing in ridiculous elements. As it turns out, there might be a good explanation for the unique writing style: the producers made it a point to hire a screenwriter that would let Vegas shine.
- 10/29/2022
- by Demetra Nikolakakis
- Slash Film
Despite recent strides towards diversity in the James Bond universe, Black female rep in the franchise hasn't always been favorable. Of course, it has a bit to do with the political climate that the franchise was born into. Sean Connery's first outing as Bond came in the midst of the Civil Rights movement in the U.S., but Roger Moore's run — which began with "Live and Let Die" — coincided with the Blaxploitation era. That gave producers the leeway to introduce more Black characters to the world of Bond, including villain Dr. Kananga (Yaphet Kotto) and Bond girl Rosie Carver (Gloria Hendry).
While both characters more or less made Bond history, neither feels like a real win in hindsight. "Live and Let Die" pits nearly every Black character against Bond (which is never a good look) and misinterprets key aspects of Black culture in the process. None of this is...
While both characters more or less made Bond history, neither feels like a real win in hindsight. "Live and Let Die" pits nearly every Black character against Bond (which is never a good look) and misinterprets key aspects of Black culture in the process. None of this is...
- 10/10/2022
- by Lyvie Scott
- Slash Film
As the first actor to play James Bond, Sean Connery set the bar for decades of iterations to come. His successors may have put their own spins on the character, but when you think of quintessentially Bond behavior — a smooth, detached flirt who tackles any challenge with the utmost confidence — Connery's Bond feels more like a shining example than a blueprint.
Unfortunately though, all good things must come to an end. As his Bond career progressed, Connery became increasingly frustrated with the movies' dependency on "bigger and better gimmicks." By the time that Roger Moore finally took up the mantle, Connery was adamantly out (or at least he would be for another decade). Today it might seem shocking to suggest that two Bond actors appear in a single film, but according to screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz, long-time "Bond" producer Eon Productions was eager for Connery to appear in "Live and Let Die.
Unfortunately though, all good things must come to an end. As his Bond career progressed, Connery became increasingly frustrated with the movies' dependency on "bigger and better gimmicks." By the time that Roger Moore finally took up the mantle, Connery was adamantly out (or at least he would be for another decade). Today it might seem shocking to suggest that two Bond actors appear in a single film, but according to screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz, long-time "Bond" producer Eon Productions was eager for Connery to appear in "Live and Let Die.
- 10/1/2022
- by Demetra Nikolakakis
- Slash Film
Ta-Nehisi Coates is writing the next Superman movie. That good news has come alongside an avalanche of rumor and speculation. THR, for one, reports that unnamed sources say “the project is being set up as a Black Superman story.” Meanwhile Shadow and Act, a website centered on studying African diaspora in the arts and media, confirmed Coates’ involvement while also noting this is a full-fledged reboot with the search for a new Kal-El having yet to begin. Social media has already exploded with predicable reactions.
However, debates about who should play Superman run the risk of obscuring the full potential of a scribe like Ta-Nehisi Coates tackling such a character on a global stage. As a writer famous for his opinion journalism, including his essays for The Atlantic and his National Book Award for Nonfiction for Between the World and Me (2015), Coates has irrefutably demonstrated a brilliant mind—the kind...
However, debates about who should play Superman run the risk of obscuring the full potential of a scribe like Ta-Nehisi Coates tackling such a character on a global stage. As a writer famous for his opinion journalism, including his essays for The Atlantic and his National Book Award for Nonfiction for Between the World and Me (2015), Coates has irrefutably demonstrated a brilliant mind—the kind...
- 2/26/2021
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
When it comes to Old Hollywood screenwriters, there are few names that loom larger than Mankiewicz. That is probably because between two very different Mankiewicz brothers, some of the greatest screenplays of all-time were penned. In the case of Herman J. Mankiewicz that included The Wizard of Oz (1939), San Francisco (1936), The Pride of the Yankees (1942), and a little movie called Citizen Kane (1941). And it’s in the latter’s style filmmaker David Fincher is visiting Mank’s life.
In Fincher’s first film at Netflix, the modern filmmaker is teaming with Gary Oldman, still fresh off his Oscar win for playing Winston Churchill, to offer a highly stylized and intriguing interpretation of the life and times of Herman “Mank” Mankiewicz at time when the silver screen was still black and white, and life in a smoke-filled Tinseltown took on an ambiguous gray.
With a teaser trailer absolutely dripping with atmosphere,...
In Fincher’s first film at Netflix, the modern filmmaker is teaming with Gary Oldman, still fresh off his Oscar win for playing Winston Churchill, to offer a highly stylized and intriguing interpretation of the life and times of Herman “Mank” Mankiewicz at time when the silver screen was still black and white, and life in a smoke-filled Tinseltown took on an ambiguous gray.
With a teaser trailer absolutely dripping with atmosphere,...
- 10/8/2020
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
The director of Arlington Road, The Mothman Prophecies, Pearl Jam’s Jeremy and many more reflects on his career and some of the movies that made him.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Arlington Road (1999)
The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
Firewall (2006)
The Orphanage (2007)
Nostalgia (2018)
Avatar (2009)
Titanic (1997)
Chef (2014)
The Laundromat (2019)
Honeymoon In Vegas (1992)
Demonlover (2003)
Under The Sand (2000)
Mulholland Dr. (2001)
Under The Skin (2013)
The Great Beauty (2013)
Slap Shot (1977)
Network (1976)
Straw Dogs (1971)
The Pawnbroker (1964)
Star Wars (1977)
The Exorcist (1973)
Jaws (1975)
The World’s Greatest Athlete (1973)
All The President’s Men (1976)
Liquid Sky (1982)
The Brother From Another Planet (1984)
City Of Hope (1991)
Stop Making Sense (1984)
Snowpiercer (2013)
The Flintstones (1994)
Matinee (1993)
Batman (1989)
Transformers (2007)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)
Psycho (1960)
Psycho (1998)
Mandy (2018)
Phantom Thread (2017)
Magnolia (1999)
Boogie Nights (1997)
The Master (2012)
There Will Be Blood (2007)
The Mustang (2019)
Inherent Vice (2014)
The New World (2005)
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
The Last Word (2017)
Cocaine Cowboys (2006)
The Burglar (1957)
What Lies Beneath...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Arlington Road (1999)
The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
Firewall (2006)
The Orphanage (2007)
Nostalgia (2018)
Avatar (2009)
Titanic (1997)
Chef (2014)
The Laundromat (2019)
Honeymoon In Vegas (1992)
Demonlover (2003)
Under The Sand (2000)
Mulholland Dr. (2001)
Under The Skin (2013)
The Great Beauty (2013)
Slap Shot (1977)
Network (1976)
Straw Dogs (1971)
The Pawnbroker (1964)
Star Wars (1977)
The Exorcist (1973)
Jaws (1975)
The World’s Greatest Athlete (1973)
All The President’s Men (1976)
Liquid Sky (1982)
The Brother From Another Planet (1984)
City Of Hope (1991)
Stop Making Sense (1984)
Snowpiercer (2013)
The Flintstones (1994)
Matinee (1993)
Batman (1989)
Transformers (2007)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)
Psycho (1960)
Psycho (1998)
Mandy (2018)
Phantom Thread (2017)
Magnolia (1999)
Boogie Nights (1997)
The Master (2012)
There Will Be Blood (2007)
The Mustang (2019)
Inherent Vice (2014)
The New World (2005)
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
The Last Word (2017)
Cocaine Cowboys (2006)
The Burglar (1957)
What Lies Beneath...
- 4/21/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
David Crow Jul 11, 2019
Gary Oldman will play Herman Mankiewicz for David Fincher in Mank. It will cover the making of Citizen Kane and The Wizard of Oz.
David Fincher and Gary Oldman finally working together feels like it’s destined to be movie history, but the fact that it’s occurring for a Herman Mankiewicz biopic is doubly on-the-nose. The film, which will reveal how a newspaper man became the screenwriter of what many consider to be the finest film ever produced, 1941’s Citizen Kane, is set-up for Fincher at Netflix, indicative of an ever growing relationship between the streaming service and Oscar nominated auteur. It also promises to be a personal film for the director as his own father, Jack Fincher, wrote the screenplay.
The film, which is currently titled Mank, is one Fincher has wanted to make since 1997—so after Se7en and The Game but before Fight Club...
Gary Oldman will play Herman Mankiewicz for David Fincher in Mank. It will cover the making of Citizen Kane and The Wizard of Oz.
David Fincher and Gary Oldman finally working together feels like it’s destined to be movie history, but the fact that it’s occurring for a Herman Mankiewicz biopic is doubly on-the-nose. The film, which will reveal how a newspaper man became the screenwriter of what many consider to be the finest film ever produced, 1941’s Citizen Kane, is set-up for Fincher at Netflix, indicative of an ever growing relationship between the streaming service and Oscar nominated auteur. It also promises to be a personal film for the director as his own father, Jack Fincher, wrote the screenplay.
The film, which is currently titled Mank, is one Fincher has wanted to make since 1997—so after Se7en and The Game but before Fight Club...
- 7/11/2019
- Den of Geek
As Phoebe Waller-Bridge puts a spring in Bond 25’s step, we salute the craft of Hollywood’s rewrite maestros, from Carrie Fisher to Quentin Tarantino
Script doctors are the well-remunerated but mostly unsung heroes of the film world, usually brought in to pep up lacklustre dialogue, help nail that difficult third act and generally give the movie an extra touch of class. Recruited from the ranks of established/hot writers, the gig can be seen as a lucrative payday, with little opprobrium attached if the picture is a flop and high praise if it is seen as having benefited from their input.
In the words of rewrite king Tom Mankiewicz: “It’s one of the few times when the writer has a certain control over a film, because you’re coming in when the people on the film are at their most insecure, after all, if you’re there,...
Script doctors are the well-remunerated but mostly unsung heroes of the film world, usually brought in to pep up lacklustre dialogue, help nail that difficult third act and generally give the movie an extra touch of class. Recruited from the ranks of established/hot writers, the gig can be seen as a lucrative payday, with little opprobrium attached if the picture is a flop and high praise if it is seen as having benefited from their input.
In the words of rewrite king Tom Mankiewicz: “It’s one of the few times when the writer has a certain control over a film, because you’re coming in when the people on the film are at their most insecure, after all, if you’re there,...
- 5/9/2019
- by Stephen Arnell
- The Guardian - Film News
The behind the scenes upheaval that plagued Christopher Reeves Superman films is legendary to fans. Though Richard Donner helmed 1978’s classic Superman: The Movie and made it a barnstorming success, the producers fell out with him during production on Superman II, causing him to be replaced by Richard Lester and making the final cut of the sequel something of a blend between Donner’s style and Lester’s more light-hearted approach.
Lester was retained for Superman III as well, which everyone agrees is far inferior to the two movies that came before, probably due to the absence of Donner and his screenwriting partner Tom Mankiewicz. And now, in a recent interview, Donner’s revealed what he would have done in the third film and it definitely sounds a whole lot better than what we got. In short, he would’ve introduced one of the Man of Steel’s greatest enemies,...
Lester was retained for Superman III as well, which everyone agrees is far inferior to the two movies that came before, probably due to the absence of Donner and his screenwriting partner Tom Mankiewicz. And now, in a recent interview, Donner’s revealed what he would have done in the third film and it definitely sounds a whole lot better than what we got. In short, he would’ve introduced one of the Man of Steel’s greatest enemies,...
- 12/17/2018
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Mike Cecchini Dec 17, 2018
Richard Donner reflects on the legacy of Superman, the greatness of Christopher Reeve's performance, and why we still need the Man of Steel.
Superman: The Movie, one of the most important and influential superhero movies of all time, celebrates its 40th anniversary this month. The film remains the template for all superhero movies, and its influence can still be seen in some of the most revered films of the genre, notably the X-Men movies, Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, and Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman. Marvel Studios mastermind Kevin Feige routinely cites it as an inspiration, and famed DC Comics writer and DC Films producer Geoff Johns has never been shy about the influence of Richard Donner's Superman movies on his own work.
While Donner's association with Superman and his world ended midway through the troubled production of Superman II, the director...
Richard Donner reflects on the legacy of Superman, the greatness of Christopher Reeve's performance, and why we still need the Man of Steel.
Superman: The Movie, one of the most important and influential superhero movies of all time, celebrates its 40th anniversary this month. The film remains the template for all superhero movies, and its influence can still be seen in some of the most revered films of the genre, notably the X-Men movies, Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, and Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman. Marvel Studios mastermind Kevin Feige routinely cites it as an inspiration, and famed DC Comics writer and DC Films producer Geoff Johns has never been shy about the influence of Richard Donner's Superman movies on his own work.
While Donner's association with Superman and his world ended midway through the troubled production of Superman II, the director...
- 12/17/2018
- Den of Geek
By Todd Garbarini
Richard Donner’s spectacular 1978 film, Superman: The Movie, arguably the greatest comic book movie of all-time (Imho), will be screened at Laemmle’s Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills in a 4K Digital Cinema Package (Dcp) presentation on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 7:30 pm. The 143-minute film, which stars Christopher Reeve in the title role, with Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, and Margot Kidder, made us all believe that a man could fly.
Please Note: At press time, several of the supporting performers in the film will be on hand to discuss their roles (please read the press release below for more info).
From the press release:
Superman (1978)
40th Anniversary Screening
Cast members joining for Q&A
New 4K Dcp
Tuesday, October 9, at 7:30 Pm
Ahyra Fine Arts Theatre
Laemmle Theatres and the Anniversary Classics Series present a 40th anniversary screening of the film that launched the comic book movie craze,...
Richard Donner’s spectacular 1978 film, Superman: The Movie, arguably the greatest comic book movie of all-time (Imho), will be screened at Laemmle’s Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills in a 4K Digital Cinema Package (Dcp) presentation on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 7:30 pm. The 143-minute film, which stars Christopher Reeve in the title role, with Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, and Margot Kidder, made us all believe that a man could fly.
Please Note: At press time, several of the supporting performers in the film will be on hand to discuss their roles (please read the press release below for more info).
From the press release:
Superman (1978)
40th Anniversary Screening
Cast members joining for Q&A
New 4K Dcp
Tuesday, October 9, at 7:30 Pm
Ahyra Fine Arts Theatre
Laemmle Theatres and the Anniversary Classics Series present a 40th anniversary screening of the film that launched the comic book movie craze,...
- 10/3/2018
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
When considering that this week would have been Christopher Reeve's 66th birthday, we find ourselves reflecting on an interview he gave in which a reporter asked, “How do you define a hero?” Christopher considered the question a moment before responding. Finally he noted, “For me, personally, a hero is somebody who will make sacrifices for others without expecting a reward.” “Superman is all that,” mused the interviewer. “That’s what I try to play,” Christopher replied. Then came the biggie: “How about Christopher Reeve? Is he a hero?" The answer was an honest one. “I don’t know,” he said. “I can’t start leaping to those conclusions.” (Photo Credit: Warner Bros) Thankfully, the rest of the world can and did, given the global response to the actor’s passing on Oct. 10, 2004, nearly a decade after the horseback riding accident that paralyzed him from the neck down. Lesser men might have given up,...
- 9/27/2018
- by Ed Gross
- Closer Weekly
Mark Harrison Sep 25, 2018
With Matt Reeves' The Batman still underway, these are the Batman movies we almost saw.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
Near the beginning of the hilarious Teen Titans Go! To The Movies, there’s a scene set at the premiere of a new movie called Batman Again. Before the main feature starts, there are trailers for Bat-spinoff movies called Alfred (“Coming broom”), Batmobile (“Coming vroom”), and Utility Belt (“It’s a belt that you put things in”). While these films don’t exist, that’s not to say Warner Bros wouldn’t have seriously considered developing them during the various peaks of cinematic Bat-mania.
While it's taken until the 2010s to develop Wonder Woman and other characters from the Justice League, Batman and Superman have always been big business for Warners. The stories of the various attempts to reboot Superman in the 1990s...
With Matt Reeves' The Batman still underway, these are the Batman movies we almost saw.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
Near the beginning of the hilarious Teen Titans Go! To The Movies, there’s a scene set at the premiere of a new movie called Batman Again. Before the main feature starts, there are trailers for Bat-spinoff movies called Alfred (“Coming broom”), Batmobile (“Coming vroom”), and Utility Belt (“It’s a belt that you put things in”). While these films don’t exist, that’s not to say Warner Bros wouldn’t have seriously considered developing them during the various peaks of cinematic Bat-mania.
While it's taken until the 2010s to develop Wonder Woman and other characters from the Justice League, Batman and Superman have always been big business for Warners. The stories of the various attempts to reboot Superman in the 1990s...
- 9/25/2018
- Den of Geek
I guess there are plenty of adults now too young to remember when Christopher Reeve made his debut as The Man of Steel. It was a massive hit across the full spectrum of moviegoers. Warners is taking good care of everyone’s favorite undocumented visitor from Planet Krypton, and has assembled two separate cuts of his big-screen premiere.
Superman: The Movie
Blu-ray
2-Film Collection
Warner Bros.
1978 / Color / 2:40 widescreen / 188 min. Extended Cut + 151 min. Special Edition orig. 143 min. / Street Date October 10, 2017 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Ned Beatty, Jackie Cooper, Glenn Ford, Trevor Howard, Margot Kidder, Jack O’Halloran, Valerie Perrine, Maria Schell, Terence Stamp, Phyllis Thaxter, Susannah York, Jeff East, Marc McClure, Sarah Douglas, Harry Andrews, Diane Sherry, Randy Jurgensen, Larry Hagman, John Ratzenberger, Kirk Alyn, Noel Neill.
Cinematography: Geoffrey Unsworth
Film Editors: Stuart Baird, Michael Ellis
Production Design: John Barry
Assistant Director: Vincent Winter...
Superman: The Movie
Blu-ray
2-Film Collection
Warner Bros.
1978 / Color / 2:40 widescreen / 188 min. Extended Cut + 151 min. Special Edition orig. 143 min. / Street Date October 10, 2017 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Ned Beatty, Jackie Cooper, Glenn Ford, Trevor Howard, Margot Kidder, Jack O’Halloran, Valerie Perrine, Maria Schell, Terence Stamp, Phyllis Thaxter, Susannah York, Jeff East, Marc McClure, Sarah Douglas, Harry Andrews, Diane Sherry, Randy Jurgensen, Larry Hagman, John Ratzenberger, Kirk Alyn, Noel Neill.
Cinematography: Geoffrey Unsworth
Film Editors: Stuart Baird, Michael Ellis
Production Design: John Barry
Assistant Director: Vincent Winter...
- 10/10/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Mike Cecchini Sep 20, 2017
A legendary extended version of Superman: The Movie will finally get an official release.
I seriously never thought I would live to see this day. Long before home video was a collector's format, when a blockbuster hit the small screen, it was a big deal. And when ABC in the Us aired Superman: The Movie, it was a big enough deal that they split it across two nights.
Yes, you read that right. Superman: The Movie's unwieldy 143 minute runtime wouldn't fit neatly in a normal time slot, so the network's solution was to extend the film itself to 188 minutes and add enough commercials to pad out two different two hour timeslots. That TV cut has been legendarily bootlegged far and wide for as long as I've been on the internet. The best ones would take the available widescreen footage, which would then jarringly cut to an...
A legendary extended version of Superman: The Movie will finally get an official release.
I seriously never thought I would live to see this day. Long before home video was a collector's format, when a blockbuster hit the small screen, it was a big deal. And when ABC in the Us aired Superman: The Movie, it was a big enough deal that they split it across two nights.
Yes, you read that right. Superman: The Movie's unwieldy 143 minute runtime wouldn't fit neatly in a normal time slot, so the network's solution was to extend the film itself to 188 minutes and add enough commercials to pad out two different two hour timeslots. That TV cut has been legendarily bootlegged far and wide for as long as I've been on the internet. The best ones would take the available widescreen footage, which would then jarringly cut to an...
- 9/20/2017
- Den of Geek
Good news for all you Superman fans. The Warner Archive will soon release the extended cut of Superman: The Movie in high definition on Blu-Ray. The three-hour version of the blockbuster that aired on ABC in 1982.
The Blu-ray for the Extended Cut will be packaged along with Superman: The Movie's Special Edition.
But we don't have an official release date and no retail price is listed for the package. But you can see a list of features below, along with the official description for the package:
Superman: The Movie - Extended Cut & Special Edition 2-film Collection (1978,2000)
Run Time 188 Minutes-extended Cut (New 2017 1080p HD Master)
151 Minutes-special Edition
Subtitles Spanish, French, English Sdh
DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 – English (Extended Cut)
DTS HD-Master Audio 5.1 - English, Dolby Digital Surround 5.1 - French, Dolby Digital Surround 5.1 - Spanish
Original Aspect Ratio - 2.40:1, 16 X 9 Letterbox
Color
2-bd 50
Special Features (on Superman The Special Edition Disc...
The Blu-ray for the Extended Cut will be packaged along with Superman: The Movie's Special Edition.
But we don't have an official release date and no retail price is listed for the package. But you can see a list of features below, along with the official description for the package:
Superman: The Movie - Extended Cut & Special Edition 2-film Collection (1978,2000)
Run Time 188 Minutes-extended Cut (New 2017 1080p HD Master)
151 Minutes-special Edition
Subtitles Spanish, French, English Sdh
DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 – English (Extended Cut)
DTS HD-Master Audio 5.1 - English, Dolby Digital Surround 5.1 - French, Dolby Digital Surround 5.1 - Spanish
Original Aspect Ratio - 2.40:1, 16 X 9 Letterbox
Color
2-bd 50
Special Features (on Superman The Special Edition Disc...
- 9/19/2017
- by Kristian Odland
- GeekTyrant
Simon Brew Brendon Connelly Feb 14, 2017
Michael Uslan and Benjamin Melniker have producer credits on nearly 40 Batman films – but they only really worked on one, it seems…
If you stick around for the end credits of The Lego Batman Movie, you might notice the names of two people credited as executive producers on the picture. They are Michael Uslan and Benjamin Melniker. Nothing odd there, apart from the small matter of them having absolutely nothing to do with the film. To the best of our knowledge, they had no conversation with director Chris McKay and his team at any time before, during or after the production. But they did pick up a cheque and a credit for their troubles.
Having people listed as executive producers who are ‘hands off’ is nothing particularly fresh, and we looked at just what an executive producer does in this article here.
But what’s interesting...
Michael Uslan and Benjamin Melniker have producer credits on nearly 40 Batman films – but they only really worked on one, it seems…
If you stick around for the end credits of The Lego Batman Movie, you might notice the names of two people credited as executive producers on the picture. They are Michael Uslan and Benjamin Melniker. Nothing odd there, apart from the small matter of them having absolutely nothing to do with the film. To the best of our knowledge, they had no conversation with director Chris McKay and his team at any time before, during or after the production. But they did pick up a cheque and a credit for their troubles.
Having people listed as executive producers who are ‘hands off’ is nothing particularly fresh, and we looked at just what an executive producer does in this article here.
But what’s interesting...
- 2/13/2017
- Den of Geek
Somewhere out in the cosmos, there exists a parallel world—an Earth-Two if you will—in which Jack Nicholson was never The Joker. A reality without that iconic mirror-smashing scene or the sublime weirdness of the “Batdance.” This is a universe in which we are all still arguing about whether Heath Ledger was a better Joker than John Lithgow. (Yes, even in this weird world, the opinion of Jared Leto’s attempt in unanimous.) As Joe Dante revealed in a recent interview with Psychotronic Cinema, he was given the chance to direct a Batman film before Tim Burton ever was.
“Well, the Batman that I was going to do would have been completely different from what they ended up making,” Dante said, before explaining that the vision he and screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz (an uncredited writer on Gremlins) had for the film “was certainly darker than the TV version,” which was...
“Well, the Batman that I was going to do would have been completely different from what they ended up making,” Dante said, before explaining that the vision he and screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz (an uncredited writer on Gremlins) had for the film “was certainly darker than the TV version,” which was...
- 9/15/2016
- by Dennis DiClaudio
- avclub.com
Mike Cecchini Sep 14, 2016
The 1980s Batman movie you never saw could have had Joe Dante in the director's chair - and John Lithgow as The Joker...
Tom Mankiewicz's Batman sceenplay is one of the more interesting unmade superhero movies of all time. The man who gave Superman: The Movie's legendarily difficult early drafts the polish that helped make it the timeless classic that it is (and who also wrote, co-wrote, or re-wrote the screenplays for James Bond adventures like Live And Let Die, Diamonds Are Forever, and The Spy Who Loved Me) took a pass at Batman in the early 1980s, and one of the possibilities to direct it? That'd be Joe Dante (The Howling, Gremlins, Innerspace and more films that we love).
Dante passed on the movie, and it took several more years to actually get Batman to the big screen, by which point the project had...
The 1980s Batman movie you never saw could have had Joe Dante in the director's chair - and John Lithgow as The Joker...
Tom Mankiewicz's Batman sceenplay is one of the more interesting unmade superhero movies of all time. The man who gave Superman: The Movie's legendarily difficult early drafts the polish that helped make it the timeless classic that it is (and who also wrote, co-wrote, or re-wrote the screenplays for James Bond adventures like Live And Let Die, Diamonds Are Forever, and The Spy Who Loved Me) took a pass at Batman in the early 1980s, and one of the possibilities to direct it? That'd be Joe Dante (The Howling, Gremlins, Innerspace and more films that we love).
Dante passed on the movie, and it took several more years to actually get Batman to the big screen, by which point the project had...
- 9/13/2016
- Den of Geek
The Man with the Golden Gun
Written by Richard Maibaum & Tom Mankiewicz
Directed by Guy Hamilton
UK, 1974
One hallmark of the venerable Bond franchise is its willingness to change with the times. Sometimes the changes feel organic, like the shift to a more brutish Daniel Craig after international terrorism took center stage in the early 2000’s. Other times, however, you can smell Bond’s desperation to stay relevant. Such is the case with 1974’s middling entry, The Man with the Golden Gun.
Guy Hamilton’s fourth turn as Bond director (Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die) is a study in uncertainty. As Bond, Roger Moore is still searching for the debonair persona he would find in the upcoming classic, The Spy Who Loved Me. Surrounding Moore’s tentative performance are a collection of unfocused action set pieces, a less-than-formidable duo of Bond girls, and the most repugnant character in the series’ history.
Written by Richard Maibaum & Tom Mankiewicz
Directed by Guy Hamilton
UK, 1974
One hallmark of the venerable Bond franchise is its willingness to change with the times. Sometimes the changes feel organic, like the shift to a more brutish Daniel Craig after international terrorism took center stage in the early 2000’s. Other times, however, you can smell Bond’s desperation to stay relevant. Such is the case with 1974’s middling entry, The Man with the Golden Gun.
Guy Hamilton’s fourth turn as Bond director (Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die) is a study in uncertainty. As Bond, Roger Moore is still searching for the debonair persona he would find in the upcoming classic, The Spy Who Loved Me. Surrounding Moore’s tentative performance are a collection of unfocused action set pieces, a less-than-formidable duo of Bond girls, and the most repugnant character in the series’ history.
- 11/3/2015
- by J.R. Kinnard
- SoundOnSight
Live and Let Die
Written by Tom Mankiewicz
Directed by Guy Hamilton
UK, 1973
1973’s Live and Let Die unleashed a new kind of Bond upon the world, a Bond whose bland propriety and vacuous quips would dominate the screen for another twelve years. Roger Moore, taking over for Sean Connery, the third different Bond in three films, had enjoyed popular success as a television star on mystery series “The Saint.” He had originally tested for the role prior to inaugural series entry Dr. No, but was deemed “too pretty” by Bond producers Harry Salzman and Albert “Cubby” Broccoli. Sean Connery had only grudgingly agreed to return for 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, and had no interest in continuing further due to tension with the producers. Salzman was not a fan of the choice of Moore, but was overruled by Broccoli, who saw in the TV star the opportunity to create an...
Written by Tom Mankiewicz
Directed by Guy Hamilton
UK, 1973
1973’s Live and Let Die unleashed a new kind of Bond upon the world, a Bond whose bland propriety and vacuous quips would dominate the screen for another twelve years. Roger Moore, taking over for Sean Connery, the third different Bond in three films, had enjoyed popular success as a television star on mystery series “The Saint.” He had originally tested for the role prior to inaugural series entry Dr. No, but was deemed “too pretty” by Bond producers Harry Salzman and Albert “Cubby” Broccoli. Sean Connery had only grudgingly agreed to return for 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, and had no interest in continuing further due to tension with the producers. Salzman was not a fan of the choice of Moore, but was overruled by Broccoli, who saw in the TV star the opportunity to create an...
- 11/3/2015
- by Gabriel Bucsko
- SoundOnSight
Diamonds are Forever
Directed by Guy Hamilton
Screenplay by Richard Maibaum & Tom Mankiewicz
UK, 1971
Following up On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, widely considered by most fans to be the best Bond incarnation pre-reboot, here the series takes a step back to recast the iconic Sean Connery in the role of mischievous misogynist Jimmy B, and promptly trips over itself in a strangely crass and dull outing. Replacing the wooden George Lazenby with the series’ original super spy proves to be mere consolation rather than icing on the cake bomb.
Diamonds are Forever surprisingly starts with direct continuity, with Bond leading a ruthless and fisticuffs laden hunt across the world for wife killer Ernst Stavros Blofelt (played here by Charles Gray). He eventually tracks down the evil mastermind and gives him a searing exit to proceedings, or so it seems. Getting back to the small matter of his day job...
Directed by Guy Hamilton
Screenplay by Richard Maibaum & Tom Mankiewicz
UK, 1971
Following up On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, widely considered by most fans to be the best Bond incarnation pre-reboot, here the series takes a step back to recast the iconic Sean Connery in the role of mischievous misogynist Jimmy B, and promptly trips over itself in a strangely crass and dull outing. Replacing the wooden George Lazenby with the series’ original super spy proves to be mere consolation rather than icing on the cake bomb.
Diamonds are Forever surprisingly starts with direct continuity, with Bond leading a ruthless and fisticuffs laden hunt across the world for wife killer Ernst Stavros Blofelt (played here by Charles Gray). He eventually tracks down the evil mastermind and gives him a searing exit to proceedings, or so it seems. Getting back to the small matter of his day job...
- 11/3/2015
- by Scott Patterson
- SoundOnSight
How to be a Superhero
By Mark Edlitz
Bear Manor Media, 586 pages, $42.95/$29.95
Longtime readers of pop culture magazines have no doubt read interviews with actors who have donned capes, cowls, spandex, and prosthetics to portray heroes and villains drawn from comic books. I certainly was involved in my fair share of such interviews working at Starlog Press and its successors have continued, especially contemporary online outlets which are enjoying a bonanza of options.
Most of those interviews tend to be about the most immediate project with little insight or context about an actor’s association with a media property or being the latest in a long line to play the same role. And certainly, these interviews are sandwiched between news, features, and other topics. So, it’s a bit of a surprise that such a collection has not been attempted before.
Mark Edlitz, a hardworking writer with credits including The Huffington Post,...
By Mark Edlitz
Bear Manor Media, 586 pages, $42.95/$29.95
Longtime readers of pop culture magazines have no doubt read interviews with actors who have donned capes, cowls, spandex, and prosthetics to portray heroes and villains drawn from comic books. I certainly was involved in my fair share of such interviews working at Starlog Press and its successors have continued, especially contemporary online outlets which are enjoying a bonanza of options.
Most of those interviews tend to be about the most immediate project with little insight or context about an actor’s association with a media property or being the latest in a long line to play the same role. And certainly, these interviews are sandwiched between news, features, and other topics. So, it’s a bit of a surprise that such a collection has not been attempted before.
Mark Edlitz, a hardworking writer with credits including The Huffington Post,...
- 5/28/2015
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Part I.
In 1963, Film Quarterly published an essay entitled “Circles and Squares.” It addressed the French auteur theory, introduced to America by The Village Voice’s Andrew Sarris. Auteurism holds that a film’s primary creator is its director; Sarris’s “Notes on the Auteur Theory” further distinguished auteurs as filmmakers with distinct, recurring styles. Challenging him was a California-based writer named Pauline Kael.
Kael attacked Sarris’s obsession with trivial links between filmmaker’s movies, whether repeated shots or thematic preoccupations. This led critics to overpraise directors’ lesser films, as when Jacques Rivette declared Howard Hawks’ Monkey Business a masterpiece. “It is an insult to an artist to praise his bad work along with his good; it indicates that you are incapable of judging either,” Kael wrote.
She criticized auteurist preoccupation with Hawks and Alfred Hitchcock, claiming critics “work embarrassingly hard trying to give some semblance of intellectual respectability to mindless,...
In 1963, Film Quarterly published an essay entitled “Circles and Squares.” It addressed the French auteur theory, introduced to America by The Village Voice’s Andrew Sarris. Auteurism holds that a film’s primary creator is its director; Sarris’s “Notes on the Auteur Theory” further distinguished auteurs as filmmakers with distinct, recurring styles. Challenging him was a California-based writer named Pauline Kael.
Kael attacked Sarris’s obsession with trivial links between filmmaker’s movies, whether repeated shots or thematic preoccupations. This led critics to overpraise directors’ lesser films, as when Jacques Rivette declared Howard Hawks’ Monkey Business a masterpiece. “It is an insult to an artist to praise his bad work along with his good; it indicates that you are incapable of judging either,” Kael wrote.
She criticized auteurist preoccupation with Hawks and Alfred Hitchcock, claiming critics “work embarrassingly hard trying to give some semblance of intellectual respectability to mindless,...
- 5/10/2015
- by Christopher Saunders
- SoundOnSight
Brad Pitt 'Glory Days' costar Nicholas Kallsen Brad Pitt 'Glory Days' costar Nicholas Kallsen dead at 48 Nicholas Kallsen, who was featured opposite Brad Pitt in the short-lived television series Glory Days, has died at age 48 in Thailand according to online reports. Their source is one of Rupert Murdoch's rags, citing a Facebook posting by one of the actor's friends. The cause of death was purportedly – no specific source was provided – a drug overdose.* Aired on Fox in July 1990, Glory Days told the story of four high-school friends whose paths take different directions after graduation. Besides Nicholas Kallsen and Brad Pitt, the show also featured Spike Alexander and Evan Mirand. Glory Days lasted a mere six episodes – two of which directed by former Happy Days actor Anson Williams – before its cancellation. Roommates Nicholas Kallsen and Brad Pitt vying for same 'Thelma & Louise' role? The Murdoch tabloid also...
- 5/1/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Becky looks back at an almost-forgotten comic book adaptation from a time before they were cool: Warren Beatty's Dick Tracy.
Feature
Chester Gould’s famous yellow-coated detective, Dick Tracy, has appeared across various mediums since his first comic strip appearance in 1931, but it wasn’t until 1990 that the character made his way into blockbuster territory. It may have been considered less than successful on release and forgotten to a certain extent since then, but there is a lot to love about Warren Beatty’s film, imbued with an infectious sense of fun and comic strip visuals that continue to impress.
Dick Tracy went through several hands before it finally landed Beatty in the director’s chair, though the actor had had a concept for it as far back as 1975. It’s a long and rocky development history that saw names such as Steven Spielberg and John Landis offered the...
Feature
Chester Gould’s famous yellow-coated detective, Dick Tracy, has appeared across various mediums since his first comic strip appearance in 1931, but it wasn’t until 1990 that the character made his way into blockbuster territory. It may have been considered less than successful on release and forgotten to a certain extent since then, but there is a lot to love about Warren Beatty’s film, imbued with an infectious sense of fun and comic strip visuals that continue to impress.
Dick Tracy went through several hands before it finally landed Beatty in the director’s chair, though the actor had had a concept for it as far back as 1975. It’s a long and rocky development history that saw names such as Steven Spielberg and John Landis offered the...
- 6/26/2014
- by sarahd
- Den of Geek
Throughout most of October, the favorite month for Monster Kids the world over, the Beyond Fest has taken over Los Angeles. A horror and music festival taking place at the historic Egyptian and Aero Theatres in Hollywood and Santa Monica, respectively. The event is jam-packed with special guests, rare prints, and screenings of both classic and new horror films. Amity and American Cinematheque have outdone themselves with a guest list that includes Goblin, Joe Dante, Richard Donner, Clive Barker, and the cast and crew of the cult fave, Trick R’ Treat.
Last weekend, legendary director Richard Donner came to town to screen a rare 35mm print of The Omen, one of the very best horror films ever made. After the movie, the sarcastic and witty old timer came on stage for an illuminating Q&A filled with answers and stories that make you wish Hollywood had never changed, and that...
Last weekend, legendary director Richard Donner came to town to screen a rare 35mm print of The Omen, one of the very best horror films ever made. After the movie, the sarcastic and witty old timer came on stage for an illuminating Q&A filled with answers and stories that make you wish Hollywood had never changed, and that...
- 10/25/2013
- by Andy Greene
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Howard Stern is one hell of an interviewer. He has such an amazing ability to slice through the typical b.s. responses that are typically given by actors. At the 15-minute mark in the video below, Stern asks James Caan about passing up on the role of Superman/Clark Kent in Superman. A role made famous by the late, great Christopher Reeve ("Switching Channels"). Caan confirms that he was offered the role. He then describes the tongue-in-cheek Superman that was originally written by Mario Puzo ("The Godfather"). That tone was changed once director Richard Donner was hired, and then he brought in Tom Mankiewicz to polish the script, giving it a more serious tone, with Christ-like overtones. When Clark Kent is just devestated cause she (Lois Lane) is so in love with Superman. Physically the office is setup in the paper (Daily Planet)... In order to get to Clark Kent's...
- 9/27/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
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