Jim Brown was everything. He was the greatest football player of all time, a trailblazing Black movie star, a vital voice during the Civil Rights Movement, and a man around whom controversy persistently swirled because he did not give a single, solitary f**k ... to a fault.
Brown was a model of American manhood. He played nine seasons of football as the Cleveland Browns running back, and he made the Pro Bowl in every one. Brown averaged 5.2 yards per carry for his career (third-best of all-time) and did so by scrapping for every inch inbounds. He blasted into defenders with rib-cracking velocity. He took his lumps (which were bruisingly visible in his later years), but when you tackled Brown you got the worst of it. The man didn't believe in running to the sideline. He ran through you.
Brown was also a model of defiance at a time when Black...
Brown was a model of American manhood. He played nine seasons of football as the Cleveland Browns running back, and he made the Pro Bowl in every one. Brown averaged 5.2 yards per carry for his career (third-best of all-time) and did so by scrapping for every inch inbounds. He blasted into defenders with rib-cracking velocity. He took his lumps (which were bruisingly visible in his later years), but when you tackled Brown you got the worst of it. The man didn't believe in running to the sideline. He ran through you.
Brown was also a model of defiance at a time when Black...
- 5/19/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Some sad news has come in to end the week, as it has been announced that legendary NFL player-turned-actor Jim Brown has passed at the age of 87. His passing was announced by his wife on Instagram, with no cause of death being provided.
Born on February 17, 1936, in St. Simons Islang, Georgia, Brown is considered to be one of the greatest football players of all time. He was drafted out of Syracuse University by the Cleveland Browns in 1957, and spent all nine years of his NFL career with the team. Deadline notes that “his bruising running style redefined the running back position”. He was the first NFL player to make over 100 career rushing touchdowns and set single season and career rushing records. He was a three time Mvp, Rookie of the Year, eight time All-Pro, and eight time rushing leader. With him on the team, the Browns won the NFL championship...
Born on February 17, 1936, in St. Simons Islang, Georgia, Brown is considered to be one of the greatest football players of all time. He was drafted out of Syracuse University by the Cleveland Browns in 1957, and spent all nine years of his NFL career with the team. Deadline notes that “his bruising running style redefined the running back position”. He was the first NFL player to make over 100 career rushing touchdowns and set single season and career rushing records. He was a three time Mvp, Rookie of the Year, eight time All-Pro, and eight time rushing leader. With him on the team, the Browns won the NFL championship...
- 5/19/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Jim Brown, the NFL titan who appeared in “The Dirty Dozen,” many Blaxploitation films plus Oliver Stone’s “Any Given Sunday,” “The Running Man,” Tim Burton’s “Mars Attacks” and Spike Lee’s “He Got Game,” to name a few, died Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 87.
His wife Monique posted the news of his death on Instagram, saying, “He passed peacefully last night at our L.A. home.”
In nine extraordinary seasons as a fullback with the Cleveland Browns, Brown set an array of NFL records. In 2002, The Sporting News named him the greatest professional football player ever. That phenomenal athleticism and a charismatic personality made him bankable as the first African American action star.
“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Monique and their family,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Jim Brown was a gifted athlete — one of the most dominant players to...
His wife Monique posted the news of his death on Instagram, saying, “He passed peacefully last night at our L.A. home.”
In nine extraordinary seasons as a fullback with the Cleveland Browns, Brown set an array of NFL records. In 2002, The Sporting News named him the greatest professional football player ever. That phenomenal athleticism and a charismatic personality made him bankable as the first African American action star.
“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Monique and their family,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Jim Brown was a gifted athlete — one of the most dominant players to...
- 5/19/2023
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Jim Brown, the incomparable Cleveland Browns fullback who quit the NFL at the peak of his prowess to become a Hollywood action hero in such films as The Dirty Dozen, Ice Station Zebra and 100 Rifles, has died. He was 87.
A staunch advocate for civil rights, Brown died in his Los Angeles home Thursday night with wife Monique by his side, his family’s spokesperson told the Associated Press.
In a statement, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell praised Brown’s skills on the field, in addition to calling him a “cultural figure who helped promote change.” The message continued, “During his nine-year NFL career, which coincided with the civil rights movement here at home, he became a forerunner and role model for athletes being involved in social initiatives outside their sport. He inspired fellow athletes to make a difference, especially in the communities in which they lived.”
A synthesis of speed,...
A staunch advocate for civil rights, Brown died in his Los Angeles home Thursday night with wife Monique by his side, his family’s spokesperson told the Associated Press.
In a statement, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell praised Brown’s skills on the field, in addition to calling him a “cultural figure who helped promote change.” The message continued, “During his nine-year NFL career, which coincided with the civil rights movement here at home, he became a forerunner and role model for athletes being involved in social initiatives outside their sport. He inspired fellow athletes to make a difference, especially in the communities in which they lived.”
A synthesis of speed,...
- 5/19/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"Django Unchained", the eighth movie by Quentin Tarantino, wouldn't have been a hit with a different writer-director attached. By that point, Tarantino had become a trusted brand all to himself, and his name alone was enough to sell a film; like a movie about a freed enslaved person set in the 1850s. Sold as an homage to the Spaghetti Westerns of the 1960s and Sergio Corbucci's "Django," in particular, Tarantino himself didn't necessarily think "Django Unchained" fell into quite the same category as those films. "I don't know if 'Django' is a Western proper," he told the New York Times. "It's a Southern. I'm playing western stories in the genre, but with a southern backdrop."
Will Smith was famously in line to play the lead before eventually passing on the role because it wasn't enough of a star vehicle. Smith would have given a fine performance, but there's one problem.
Will Smith was famously in line to play the lead before eventually passing on the role because it wasn't enough of a star vehicle. Smith would have given a fine performance, but there's one problem.
- 5/3/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Apollo 10 ½ A Space Age Childhood (Richard Linklater)
A delightful meditation on childhood in the summer of 1969 set literally in the shadows of NASA’s central operations in Houston, Richard Linklater’s contemplative and vividly animated Apollo 10 ½ A Space Age Childhood reflects on the filmmaker’s own experiences. It captures the joy and wonder of childhood through the eyes of Stan, a ten-year-old who fantasizes about being recruited for “space camp” by NASA. His father (Bill Wise), a frugal but caring man, has uprooted his family from the city to a newly built suburban development in the shadow of the Astrodome and Astroworld amusement parks. Black’s adult narrator fills in the blanks for us with whimsical, nostalgic details that highlight just how...
Apollo 10 ½ A Space Age Childhood (Richard Linklater)
A delightful meditation on childhood in the summer of 1969 set literally in the shadows of NASA’s central operations in Houston, Richard Linklater’s contemplative and vividly animated Apollo 10 ½ A Space Age Childhood reflects on the filmmaker’s own experiences. It captures the joy and wonder of childhood through the eyes of Stan, a ten-year-old who fantasizes about being recruited for “space camp” by NASA. His father (Bill Wise), a frugal but caring man, has uprooted his family from the city to a newly built suburban development in the shadow of the Astrodome and Astroworld amusement parks. Black’s adult narrator fills in the blanks for us with whimsical, nostalgic details that highlight just how...
- 4/1/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
No two ways about it: April’s a great month for the Criterion Channel, which (among other things; more in a second) adds two recent favorites. We’re thrilled at the SVOD premiere of Hamaguchi’s entrancing Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, our #3 of 2021, and Bruno Dumont’s lacerating France, featuring Léa Seydoux’s finest performance yet.
Ethan Hawke’s Adventures in Moviegoing runs the gamut from Eagle Pennell’s Last Night at the Alamo to 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, while a 14-film John Ford retro (mostly) skips westerns altogether. And no notes on the Delphine Seyrig retro—multiple by Akerman, Ulrike Ottinger, Duras, a smattering of Buñuel, and Seyrig’s own film Be Pretty and Shut Up! That of all things might be the crown jewl.
See the full list of April titles below and more on the Criterion Channel.
—
3 Bad Men, John Ford, 1926
Aar paar, Guru Dutt,...
Ethan Hawke’s Adventures in Moviegoing runs the gamut from Eagle Pennell’s Last Night at the Alamo to 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, while a 14-film John Ford retro (mostly) skips westerns altogether. And no notes on the Delphine Seyrig retro—multiple by Akerman, Ulrike Ottinger, Duras, a smattering of Buñuel, and Seyrig’s own film Be Pretty and Shut Up! That of all things might be the crown jewl.
See the full list of April titles below and more on the Criterion Channel.
—
3 Bad Men, John Ford, 1926
Aar paar, Guru Dutt,...
- 3/25/2022
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
From Don’t Breathe 2, actor Brendan Sexton III discusses some of his favorite films with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante as viewed through that wondrous video home system format known as… VHS.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Dark (2015)
Gremlins (1984)
Infested (2002)
Don’t Breathe (2016)
Don’t Breathe 2 (2021)
Unforgiven (1992)
The Beguiled (1971)
The Beguiled (2017)
Welcome To The Dollhouse (1995)
Pecker (1998)
Hairspray (1988)
Pink Flamingos (1972)
Forrest Gump (1994)
Boys Don’t Cry (1999)
Session 9 (2001)
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Seven Psychopaths (2012)
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
The Last Boy Scout (1991)
Cheech & Chong’s Up In Smoke (1978)
Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie (1980)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
48 Hrs. (1982)
Dumbo (1941)
Eddie Murphy Raw (1987)
Mickey And The Beanstalk (1947)
Grindhouse (2007)
Planet Terror (2007)
Death Proof (2007)
The Howling (1981)
Enter The Dragon (1973)
Game Of Death (1978)
Take A Hard Ride (1975)
Three The Hard Way (1974)
Death Promise (1977)
Piranha (1978)
Hollywood Boulevard (1976)
Yojimbo (1961)
Seven Samurai (1954)
Goodfellas (1990)
Hell In The Pacific (1968)
Grand Prix (1966)
The Red Balloon (1956)
Stowaway In The Sky (1960)
La Haine...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Dark (2015)
Gremlins (1984)
Infested (2002)
Don’t Breathe (2016)
Don’t Breathe 2 (2021)
Unforgiven (1992)
The Beguiled (1971)
The Beguiled (2017)
Welcome To The Dollhouse (1995)
Pecker (1998)
Hairspray (1988)
Pink Flamingos (1972)
Forrest Gump (1994)
Boys Don’t Cry (1999)
Session 9 (2001)
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Seven Psychopaths (2012)
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
The Last Boy Scout (1991)
Cheech & Chong’s Up In Smoke (1978)
Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie (1980)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
48 Hrs. (1982)
Dumbo (1941)
Eddie Murphy Raw (1987)
Mickey And The Beanstalk (1947)
Grindhouse (2007)
Planet Terror (2007)
Death Proof (2007)
The Howling (1981)
Enter The Dragon (1973)
Game Of Death (1978)
Take A Hard Ride (1975)
Three The Hard Way (1974)
Death Promise (1977)
Piranha (1978)
Hollywood Boulevard (1976)
Yojimbo (1961)
Seven Samurai (1954)
Goodfellas (1990)
Hell In The Pacific (1968)
Grand Prix (1966)
The Red Balloon (1956)
Stowaway In The Sky (1960)
La Haine...
- 9/7/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
The writer/director returns to talk about his favorite Blaxploitation movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Man Bites Dog (1992)
Trick Baby (1972)
The Exorcist (1973) – Oren Pelli’s trailer commentary
The Untouchables (1987)
Predator (1987)
Purple Rain (1984) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Loved One (1965) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Live And Let Die (1973)
Enter The Dragon (1973) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Green Hornet (1974)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – Darren Bousman’s trailer commentary
The Last Dragon (1985) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Dead Presidents (1995)
Hell Up In Harlem (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Black Caesar (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Shaft (1971) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971)
Coffy (1973) – Jack Hill’s trailer commentary
Midnight Cowboy (1969) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Taxi Driver (1976) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary
Boxcar Bertha (1972) – Julie Corman...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Man Bites Dog (1992)
Trick Baby (1972)
The Exorcist (1973) – Oren Pelli’s trailer commentary
The Untouchables (1987)
Predator (1987)
Purple Rain (1984) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Loved One (1965) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Live And Let Die (1973)
Enter The Dragon (1973) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Green Hornet (1974)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – Darren Bousman’s trailer commentary
The Last Dragon (1985) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Dead Presidents (1995)
Hell Up In Harlem (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Black Caesar (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Shaft (1971) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971)
Coffy (1973) – Jack Hill’s trailer commentary
Midnight Cowboy (1969) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Taxi Driver (1976) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary
Boxcar Bertha (1972) – Julie Corman...
- 8/3/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
This article contains Wandavision Episode 3 spoilers, and potential spoilers for future episodes, the wider MCU, and Marvel Comics. We have a spoiler free review here.
WandaVision episode 3 is the first full color episode of the series, and moves the setting from the black-and-white 1960s of the previous episodes to a vibrant Brady Bunch-esque Technicolor of the early 1970s. There’s lots of fun weirdness to find between the lines, both from a Marvel and MCU Easter eggs standpoint and callouts to classic sitcoms of its era.
Let’s get to work…
Sitcom Inspiration
Let’s start with the big one…
The Brady Bunch
This episode borrows almost the entirety of its aesthetic from all-time classic sitcom The Brady Bunch. Wanda and Vis’s house strongly resembles Mike and Carol Brady’s humble ranch home inside and out. The gorgeous wide wooden staircase in particular is a real tell – as is...
WandaVision episode 3 is the first full color episode of the series, and moves the setting from the black-and-white 1960s of the previous episodes to a vibrant Brady Bunch-esque Technicolor of the early 1970s. There’s lots of fun weirdness to find between the lines, both from a Marvel and MCU Easter eggs standpoint and callouts to classic sitcoms of its era.
Let’s get to work…
Sitcom Inspiration
Let’s start with the big one…
The Brady Bunch
This episode borrows almost the entirety of its aesthetic from all-time classic sitcom The Brady Bunch. Wanda and Vis’s house strongly resembles Mike and Carol Brady’s humble ranch home inside and out. The gorgeous wide wooden staircase in particular is a real tell – as is...
- 1/22/2021
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
I have two ways I could start this, and I don’t know which one to take. So my indecision will instead be the actual starting point, and I will provide you with two options:
Last time out, I noted that Sex Criminals seemed to be sliding in the direction of being a superhero comic about people with sex-based powers, but that tide is now going out. There might be a real honest-to-god ending coming up for Sex Criminals, and not just amusing sex-jokes and vaguely sex-positive character development. Both of those things are positive, to my mind — the world already has too many superhero comics, and not enough comics that actually end well. So I’m reenergized, at least a bit, which is a nice thing to have happen five books into a series. In case you’re lost, I’ll repeat the information in the title. The book is Sex Criminals,...
Last time out, I noted that Sex Criminals seemed to be sliding in the direction of being a superhero comic about people with sex-based powers, but that tide is now going out. There might be a real honest-to-god ending coming up for Sex Criminals, and not just amusing sex-jokes and vaguely sex-positive character development. Both of those things are positive, to my mind — the world already has too many superhero comics, and not enough comics that actually end well. So I’m reenergized, at least a bit, which is a nice thing to have happen five books into a series. In case you’re lost, I’ll repeat the information in the title. The book is Sex Criminals,...
- 10/4/2018
- by Andrew Wheeler
- Comicmix.com
I have a hard time telling if I’m supposed to take this seriously. I mean, the volume subtitle is “Fourgy,” and there’s a food truck, apparently a franchised operation, called “Wide Wiener,” with a humorously double-entendre theme song. But it also has a melodramatic comic-book plot, and a more kitchen-sinkly dramatic human story.
So I suspect it’s meant to be just barely serious enough, so that creators Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky can continue to make silly sex jokes to their hearts’ content but that the whole thing doesn’t descend into farce. And I guess that’s Ok with me: after all, this is the story of two young lovers who discover they can stop time when they orgasm.
(That is a sillier superpower than, say, Spider-Man’s, but of more immediate use to most people’s lives. And not all that much sillier, to be honest.
So I suspect it’s meant to be just barely serious enough, so that creators Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky can continue to make silly sex jokes to their hearts’ content but that the whole thing doesn’t descend into farce. And I guess that’s Ok with me: after all, this is the story of two young lovers who discover they can stop time when they orgasm.
(That is a sillier superpower than, say, Spider-Man’s, but of more immediate use to most people’s lives. And not all that much sillier, to be honest.
- 1/22/2018
- by Andrew Wheeler
- Comicmix.com
Rick Bieber, a producer of the original Flatliners back in 1990, has a new horror flick coming out in cinemas and on VOD tomorrow, September 29, 2017. The film is called Don't Sleep and Bieber directed, wrote and produced under his production banner Minds I Cinema. Screen Anarchy has an exclusive clip to share with you today in hopes that it might prompt some interest in the film. In this clip you will see actor Alex Rocco (The Godfather, Three the Hard Way and Smokin' Aces) in his final role. Don’T Sleep tells the story of two lovers (Sherwood and Dean) who move into a guesthouse together on an estate owned by Mr. and Mrs. Marino (de Matteo and Rocco). When bizarre events...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 9/28/2017
- Screen Anarchy
From slashers to revenge tales, here’s the wildest art from a no-holds-barred era of cinema.
Related storiesGrindhouse's Biggest Hits: See the Era's Craziest PostersQuentin Tarantino Reveals He Was Offered 'Green Lantern,' Says Spielberg Gave Him Career Advice After 'Grindhouse'Robert Rodriguez Reveals His Pre-Expendables Idea For 'Grindhouse,' 'Three The Hard Way'...
Related storiesGrindhouse's Biggest Hits: See the Era's Craziest PostersQuentin Tarantino Reveals He Was Offered 'Green Lantern,' Says Spielberg Gave Him Career Advice After 'Grindhouse'Robert Rodriguez Reveals His Pre-Expendables Idea For 'Grindhouse,' 'Three The Hard Way'...
- 6/19/2017
- by William Earl
- Indiewire
It’s maybe fitting for this post to come immediately after Sergio’s piece on blaxploitation heavy weight “Three the Hard Way.” Not that “Le Gang des Antillais” is a blaxploitation film, but all I’ve seen of the upcoming movie so far… Continue Reading →...
- 9/26/2016
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
Seven episodes were provided prior to broadcast.
From Netflix and Marvel’s nocturnal vision of the sprawling New York City streets emerges Luke Cage, yet another tale of revenge and redemption, this time with the Wu-Tang Clan providing boom-bap beats for the bloody beatdowns. Viewers who push all of the adaptation anxiety and Defenders tie-in hype to the side for a moment will find a powerhouse of a show that mixes the provocative fantasy of blaxploitation with the pulpy intrigue of mob warfare to great success.
The fact that Luke Cage exists as a slice of a larger Netflix superhero pie alongside Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and the forthcoming Iron Fist will be the primary appeal to those obsessed with their eventual crossover team-up in The Defenders, but the show serves an arguably greater purpose in that it brings something to the fore that we’ve yet to see from Marvel.
From Netflix and Marvel’s nocturnal vision of the sprawling New York City streets emerges Luke Cage, yet another tale of revenge and redemption, this time with the Wu-Tang Clan providing boom-bap beats for the bloody beatdowns. Viewers who push all of the adaptation anxiety and Defenders tie-in hype to the side for a moment will find a powerhouse of a show that mixes the provocative fantasy of blaxploitation with the pulpy intrigue of mob warfare to great success.
The fact that Luke Cage exists as a slice of a larger Netflix superhero pie alongside Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and the forthcoming Iron Fist will be the primary appeal to those obsessed with their eventual crossover team-up in The Defenders, but the show serves an arguably greater purpose in that it brings something to the fore that we’ve yet to see from Marvel.
- 9/8/2016
- by Bernard Boo
- We Got This Covered
On TCM Underground this Saturday night, the classic movie network has announced that it will air what it calls a "black-to-black baadassss double bill" of films, which includes "Abar, the First Black Superman" (1977) and "Three the Hard Way" (1974). Although it all begins on at 11:15pm Pst/2:15am Est, which is why the showcase is called "TCM Underground" (a weekly late-night cult film series airing on Turner Classic Movies). So, unless you happen to up during those hours, you may want to set your DVRs so you can watch later. *** I'm not given to hyperbole but Three the Hard Way is the Greatest Black Film Ever Made. Period. As you should know...
- 11/12/2015
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
It’s definitely been a week for good-byes.
My daughters and I spent the weekend in the beautiful, still somewhat quaint small town of Auburn, California, helping to lay to rest and celebrate the life of my dear aunt Mary Pascuzzi, my fraternal grandmother’s sister, who was the centered matriarch of her own family and a stabilizing force for all of us in her extended family as well. She, and my grandmother, were big fans of classic-era American movies and enthusiastically encouraged my interest, just one reason why they’re both held dear in my heart and in my memory. And being Italian, they both had more than a casual interest in The Godfather when it came out in 1972. I remember my aunt Mary talking to me about having seen it and wondering, me at the ripe old age of 12, if I’d had a chance to go yet.
My daughters and I spent the weekend in the beautiful, still somewhat quaint small town of Auburn, California, helping to lay to rest and celebrate the life of my dear aunt Mary Pascuzzi, my fraternal grandmother’s sister, who was the centered matriarch of her own family and a stabilizing force for all of us in her extended family as well. She, and my grandmother, were big fans of classic-era American movies and enthusiastically encouraged my interest, just one reason why they’re both held dear in my heart and in my memory. And being Italian, they both had more than a casual interest in The Godfather when it came out in 1972. I remember my aunt Mary talking to me about having seen it and wondering, me at the ripe old age of 12, if I’d had a chance to go yet.
- 7/23/2015
- by Dennis Cozzalio
- Trailers from Hell
Initially planning to make a list of just 10 films, it was easy at first, but then I quickly realized that the 70's were a great time for black films and there was such a wide diversity of films, that I couldn't just list 10 blaxploitation flicks, but instead, expanded the list to include other films from that period that would not easily fit into the blaxploitation genre. Keep in mind that this is my list and not the last, definite word on the subject. Feel free to add, subtract or argue with my choices. We still have freedom of speech. 1) "Three The Hard Way" - (1974 dir. Gordon Parks Jr.) The great Gordon Parks' son had quite a ride in the 70's cranking out...
- 5/8/2015
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
All week long our writers will debate: Which was the greatest film year of the past half century. Click here for a complete list of our essays. I was one of the first to select years for this particular exercise, which probably allowed me to select the correct year. The answer is, of course, 1974 and all other answers are wrong. No matter what your criteria happens to be, 1974 is going to come out on top. Again, this is not ambiguous or open to debate. We have to start, of course, with the best of the best. "Chinatown" is one of the greatest movies ever made. You can't structure a thriller better than Robert Towne and Roman Polanski do, nor shoot a Los Angeles movie better than John Alonzo has done. Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway give the best performances of their careers, which is no small achievement. If you ask...
- 4/29/2015
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
O.K., O.K. I admit that I did exaggerate somewhat. What I really meant to say was that "Coffy" is one of the greatest black films ever made. The others being "Three the Hard Way," "Slaughter’s Big Rip-Off," "Melinda" and "Foxy Brown," of course, in case you’re wondering. But "Coffy" is in a class by itself, and it could only have been made at the time it was, starring the African Goddess herself Pam Grier. Can you imagine anyone making a film like this today? Who would play the lead role? Yeah, right. You see what I mean? Written and directed by Jack Hill, the plot is deceptively simple at first, but gets more...
- 1/15/2015
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
http://www.urbanactionshowcase.com
https://www.facebook.com/UrbanActionShowcase?fref=ts
Urban Action Showcase is an event to showcase action and martial arts to the world. The events are presented by Action Scene Combat (Asc) Productions, a production company which was founded in 2000 by Demetrius Angelo. Demetrius worked on movies and tv shows, not only as a fight choreographer, but also as an actor and director. Some of them include S.E.A.L.S Domestic Warfare (TV series), 3 X Harder: My Man’s and ‘Em and more. Demetrius also has a great background in Martial Arts, studying in styles such as Western Boxing, Chinese Boxing, Kobudo and many more.
Past events have brought many stars which include Michael jai White (Blood And Bone), Robert Samuels (Dont Give A Damn), Kelly Hu (Martial Law), Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, Ron Van Clief and many more great stars. Urban Action also brings you workshops to get involved with,...
https://www.facebook.com/UrbanActionShowcase?fref=ts
Urban Action Showcase is an event to showcase action and martial arts to the world. The events are presented by Action Scene Combat (Asc) Productions, a production company which was founded in 2000 by Demetrius Angelo. Demetrius worked on movies and tv shows, not only as a fight choreographer, but also as an actor and director. Some of them include S.E.A.L.S Domestic Warfare (TV series), 3 X Harder: My Man’s and ‘Em and more. Demetrius also has a great background in Martial Arts, studying in styles such as Western Boxing, Chinese Boxing, Kobudo and many more.
Past events have brought many stars which include Michael jai White (Blood And Bone), Robert Samuels (Dont Give A Damn), Kelly Hu (Martial Law), Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, Ron Van Clief and many more great stars. Urban Action also brings you workshops to get involved with,...
- 7/14/2014
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Dwayne Wade’s making swift moves on the court yet again, but this time it’s on the squeaky floors of the comedy world. The Miami Heat guard sold his New York Times best-seller A Father First: How My Life Became Bigger Than Basketball to Fox as an adaptation for a half-hour comedy with a script commitment, EW has confirmed.
Partnering with Mandalay Sports Media’s Mike Tollin, the Sony Pictures Television entry Three the Hard Way is based on Wade’s life as a single father. The show is the first television development project for Wade’s Zz Productions.
Partnering with Mandalay Sports Media’s Mike Tollin, the Sony Pictures Television entry Three the Hard Way is based on Wade’s life as a single father. The show is the first television development project for Wade’s Zz Productions.
- 11/19/2013
- by Andrew Asare
- EW - Inside TV
NBA star Dwyane Wade's bestselling memoir, A Father First, is being adapted to screen by Fox as a comedy TV series to be titled Three The Hard Way. In the book, Wade shares his thoughts on fathers and sons, writing about the gratifying responsibilities of being a single dad to his two sons, Zaire and Zion, while recounting his own growing up years and his rise to the top echelon of pro basketball. Fox has assigned the project to scribe Ben Watkins (Burn Notice) to adapt, and exec produce along with Wade. Mike Tollin of Mandalay Sports Media and director Justin Lin (the Fast & Furious franchise) as well as Danielle Woodrow, and Troy Craig Poon producing through...
- 11/19/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Nine-time NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade sold a half-hour comedy to Fox through Sony Pictures Television. The show, “Three the Hard Way” is based on his best-selling book, “Father First.” In the book, Wade writes about the responsibilities of being a single dad to his two sons, Zaire and Zion, while recounting his childhood and rise to the top of professional basketball. Wade has won three NBA Championships with the Miami Heat. Mike Tollin (“Coach Carter”) will executive produce, along with Justin Lin, Danielle Woodrow, and Troy Craig Poon through Perfect Storm Entertainment. Ben Watkins (“Burn Notice”) will pen the series and executive produce.
- 11/19/2013
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Fox has put in development Three The Hard Way, a comedy inspired by NBA superstar Dwyane Wade and his bestselling book A Father First, in which Wade reflects on being a father to two boys. Written by Ben Watkins (Burn Notice), the Fox project, from Sony Pictures TV, centers on NBA superstar Daryl Wade and his entourage of eccentric friends as they find themselves parenting by committee when he gets full custody of his two young sons. The premise draws parallels to the 2011 Fox comedy pilot Council Of Dads starring Kyle Bornheimer. Watkins and Wade are executive producing Three The Hard Way with Mike Tollin of Mandalay Sports Media and Justin Lin, Danielle Woodrow, and Troy Craig Poon through Lin’s Perfect Storm Entertainment. The project was originally set up at Fox by Wade and Tollin earlier this year. Lin joined in June drawn by his love for basketball and...
- 11/19/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade hopes his life story is a slam-dunk with Fox. The Miami Heat guard is adapting his New York Times best-selling book A Father First: How My Life Became Bigger Than Basketball, setting up the half-hour comedy at Fox with a script commitment. The Sony Pictures Television entry -- titled Three the Hard Way -- is inspired by the life of the three-time NBA champion and gold medalist and centers on superstar Daryl Wade and his entourage of eccentric friends who find themselves parenting by committee after he gets full custody of his two
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- 11/19/2013
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Read the first 3 films profiled in this series: Night of the Living Dead, Here; Ganja & Hess, Here; and The Figurine, Here.The poster tag-line for the 1974 Exorcist rip-off, and cult favorite movie, Abby, when it was released read: “Abby doesn’t need a man anymore. The Devil is her lover now!” And I confess that it’s far from being one of the greatest black films ever made, but it’s sure as hell one of the most fun to watch (and for the record, the greatest black film ever made is Three The Hard Way).The film was written and directed by Louisville native, William Girdler, who went on to have a very prolific career as a filmmaker during the 70′s, directing...
- 10/29/2013
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
Karate ace and actor, who starred in the martial arts hit opposite Bruce Lee, had been suffering from cancer
The martial artist and actor Jim Kelly, best known for his nonchalant turn in the Bruce Lee film Enter the Dragon, has died at the age of 67.
After making a name for himself on the karate circuit by winning four tournaments in 1971, Kelly was picked to star in the martial arts classic two years later. He plays the arrogant, insouciant Williams, who competes alongside Lee in a sinister competition organised by the mysterious Mr Han on a James Bond-style island. Kelly's impressive afro, sideburns and good looks made him the perfect choice for a film shot at the height of blaxploitation.
Kelly has since become a huge cult figure, though his acting career never quite took off despite a good deal of success in similar 1970s fare. Appearances in films such as Black Belt Jones,...
The martial artist and actor Jim Kelly, best known for his nonchalant turn in the Bruce Lee film Enter the Dragon, has died at the age of 67.
After making a name for himself on the karate circuit by winning four tournaments in 1971, Kelly was picked to star in the martial arts classic two years later. He plays the arrogant, insouciant Williams, who competes alongside Lee in a sinister competition organised by the mysterious Mr Han on a James Bond-style island. Kelly's impressive afro, sideburns and good looks made him the perfect choice for a film shot at the height of blaxploitation.
Kelly has since become a huge cult figure, though his acting career never quite took off despite a good deal of success in similar 1970s fare. Appearances in films such as Black Belt Jones,...
- 7/1/2013
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Jim Kelly, the charismatic martial arts star who co-starred with Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon, has died from cancer at age 67. Kelly had a loyal following of fans that extended to recent years and he was a popular fixture at autograph shows. His other action flicks include Three the Hard Way, Black Belt Jones and Black Samurai, all of which capitalized on the "Blaxploitation" films of the 1970s. For more click here ...
- 7/1/2013
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Jim Kelly, who played a glib American martial artist in 1973's Enter the Dragon with Bruce Lee, has died. He was 67. Marilyn Dishman, Kelly's ex-wife, said he died Saturday of cancer at his home in San Diego. Sporting an Afro hairstyle and sideburns, Kelly made a splash with his one-liners and fight scenes in the martial-arts classic. His later films included Three the Hard Way, Black Belt Jones and Black Samurai. During a 2010 interview with salon.com, Kelly said he started studying martial arts in 1964 in Kentucky and later moved to California where he earned a black belt in karate.
- 7/1/2013
- by Associated Press
- PEOPLE.com
R.I.P., Jim Kelly. The actor and martial arts expert, best known for his role Bruce Lee's 1973 classic Enter the Dragon, died over the weekend at age 67. Following a cancer battle, the star passed away on Saturday, June 29 at home in San Diego, his ex-wife Marilyn Dishman told the Asssociated Press. The African-American star went on to appear in later martial arts action flicks including Three the Hard Way, Black Belt Jones and Black Samurai; his acting career had wained by the the 1980s, but [...]...
- 7/1/2013
- Us Weekly
San Diego — Actor Jim Kelly, who played a glib American martial artist in "Enter the Dragon" with Bruce Lee, has died. He was 67.
Marilyn Dishman, Kelly's ex-wife, said he died Saturday of cancer at his home in San Diego.
Sporting an Afro hairstyle and sideburns, Kelly made a splash with his one-liners and fight scenes in the 1973 martial arts classic. His later films included "Three the Hard Way," "Black Belt Jones" and "Black Samurai."
During a 2010 interview with salon.com, Kelly said he started studying martial arts in 1964 in Kentucky and later moved to California where he earned a black belt in karate. He said he set his sights on becoming an actor after winning karate tournaments. He also played college football.
The role in the Bruce Lee film was his second. He had about a dozen film roles in the 1970s before his acting work tapered off. In recent years,...
Marilyn Dishman, Kelly's ex-wife, said he died Saturday of cancer at his home in San Diego.
Sporting an Afro hairstyle and sideburns, Kelly made a splash with his one-liners and fight scenes in the 1973 martial arts classic. His later films included "Three the Hard Way," "Black Belt Jones" and "Black Samurai."
During a 2010 interview with salon.com, Kelly said he started studying martial arts in 1964 in Kentucky and later moved to California where he earned a black belt in karate. He said he set his sights on becoming an actor after winning karate tournaments. He also played college football.
The role in the Bruce Lee film was his second. He had about a dozen film roles in the 1970s before his acting work tapered off. In recent years,...
- 7/1/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Jim Kelly, an International Karate champion and Bruce Lee's co-star in the seminal martial arts flick Enter the Dragon, died yesterday. Though there has been no official report of his death and the circumstances surrounding it have not been released, the announcement came via a post by his ex-wife, Marilyn Dishman, on her Facebook page. He was 67 years old. Kelly rose to stardom when he appeared alongside Bruce Lee and John Saxon in the 1973 Warner Bros. martial arts film. From there he went on to star in a handful of blaxploitation films, such as Three the Hard Way, Black Belt Jones, and Black Samurai. He seldom worked in film after the early 80s and went on to become a professional tennis coach in Southern California. Though his appearances in film...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 7/1/2013
- Screen Anarchy
Jim Kelly, who made his name alongside martial arts legend Bruce Lee in the classic 1973 action film "Enter the Dragon," has died according to Film.com. He was 67.
A football star at the University of Kentucky, Kelly dropped out to pursue martial arts. After winning a championship in 1971 and opening his own dojo, he came to the attention of Hollywood filmmakers and made his debut in "Enter the Dragon," becoming an instant superstar.
Kelly parlayed that success into a decade of blaxploitation hits, including the seminal 1974 hit "Three the Hard Way" alongside Fred Williamson and Jim Brown. He retired from movies in 1982, though he still appeared occasionally in cameo roles and at conventions.
For more on Kelly's life, head to Film.com.
A football star at the University of Kentucky, Kelly dropped out to pursue martial arts. After winning a championship in 1971 and opening his own dojo, he came to the attention of Hollywood filmmakers and made his debut in "Enter the Dragon," becoming an instant superstar.
Kelly parlayed that success into a decade of blaxploitation hits, including the seminal 1974 hit "Three the Hard Way" alongside Fred Williamson and Jim Brown. He retired from movies in 1982, though he still appeared occasionally in cameo roles and at conventions.
For more on Kelly's life, head to Film.com.
- 6/30/2013
- by Scott Harris
- NextMovie
Yes I know it's a real shocker. I heard the news this morning and I didn't believe it at first, but it is true. Martial arts film legend Jim Kelly died yesterday at the age of 67. The cause of death is as yet unknown. His ex-wife Marilyn Dishman confirmed the news on Facebook. I can go on and on about Kelly and what he meant to me and so many others who grew up watching his films, revelling in his talent, his grace and his undeniable swagger. But actions speak louder than words. So with that, here he is from Three The Hard Way (which I still consider the ultimate blaxploitation film) doing what he did best.
- 6/30/2013
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
O.K. so I lied (maybe just a little), but at least I got your attention...I’m talking about the 1974 Exorcist rip-off, and cult favorite movie, Abby (as the poster tag line for the movie said when it was released: “Abby doesn’t need a man anymore. The Devil is her lover now!”).And I confess that it’s far from being one of the greatest black films ever made, but it’s sure as hell one of the most fun to watch (and for the record, the greatest black film ever made is Three The Hard Way).The film was written and directed by Louisville native, William Girdler, who went on to have a very prolific career as a filmmaker during the 70′s, directing several films, including, the Jaws...
- 6/12/2013
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
After all the debates, controversies, and stereotype accusations have cleared, looking back on Blaxploitation cinema today it’s easy to see healthy portions of the crime and action genres. Using these genres and the struggles of the black community, these films were created for those that wanted to see African American characters on the big screen not taking shit from the man, “getting over”, and–above all else—being the heroes in movies. In the documentary Baad Asssss Cinema, Samuel L. Jackson gives his take on the heroes of Blaxploitation: “We were tired of seeing the righteous black man. And all of a sudden we had guys who were…us. Or guys who did the things we wanted those guys to do.”
The unsung supporting players in these films that backed Fred Williamson and Pam Grier and many other stars were people acting and making a living off of it.
The unsung supporting players in these films that backed Fred Williamson and Pam Grier and many other stars were people acting and making a living off of it.
- 12/4/2012
- by Gregory Day
- SoundOnSight
In 2002, a shift occurred in the structure and thematic concerns that inform the style, characters, and narratives of Paul Thomas Anderson’s films. Anderson’s fourth film, Punch-Drunk Love, clocking in at only ninety-four minutes (exactly half the length of his previous Magnolia) seemed a necessary exercise in modesty for the ambitious auteur, a means of proving himself capable of telling a story that focuses on the lives of less than a half dozen characters in a running time that is far from daunting. This film seemed, at the time, to be a momentary departure. Certainly Anderson, after working Adam Sandler toward what will certainly remain the greatest performance of his career, would return to constructing complex labyrinths depicting the intertwining lives of many memorable characters. After all, Punch-Drunk Love only featured two members of Anderson’s signature ensemble (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Luis Guzman). But as There Will Be Blood indicated, Anderson...
- 9/25/2012
- by Landon Palmer
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
On Super Bowl Sunday, the best and baddest of the professional football world will lay it on the line for the biggest of prizes. But only a select few will go on to achieve an even greater glory: movie superstardom.
Okay, the odds of anybody from the NFL rubbing shoulders with Daniel Day-Lewis is somewhat slim, but there have been several former players who have acquitted themselves well on the big screen.
Join us as we salute these gridiron heroes-turned-silver screen stars. (Pros only, please: Sorry, former college star The Rock.)
13. Dan Marino, 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective' (1994)
"Laces out, Dan!" As the object of place kicker-turned-psycho killer Ray Finkel's madness, former Dolphins Qb great Dan Marino plays a key role in the mystery that leads Jim Carrey's wacky title character into a multiple-murder mystery. But what's surprising is the manner in which Marino acquits himself as an actor,...
Okay, the odds of anybody from the NFL rubbing shoulders with Daniel Day-Lewis is somewhat slim, but there have been several former players who have acquitted themselves well on the big screen.
Join us as we salute these gridiron heroes-turned-silver screen stars. (Pros only, please: Sorry, former college star The Rock.)
13. Dan Marino, 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective' (1994)
"Laces out, Dan!" As the object of place kicker-turned-psycho killer Ray Finkel's madness, former Dolphins Qb great Dan Marino plays a key role in the mystery that leads Jim Carrey's wacky title character into a multiple-murder mystery. But what's surprising is the manner in which Marino acquits himself as an actor,...
- 2/3/2012
- by Adam Swiderski
- NextMovie
Sun City - What are you going to when it comes time to retire? Do you really have enough money saved up to last you for the rest of your life? Can you hold out till Willard Scott puts you on the Smuckers jar and wishes you a happy 100th? Will you really be enjoying the good life with round the clock sponge baths from young orderlies? Have you done the math to figure out how much it’ll cost for a day at a retirement community in 20 years? Can your 401K hold out?
Odds are the answer is a resounding, “Maybe?”
The golden years require platinum reserves. With talk that Medicare is about to be destroyed, your budget for health insurance is about to go completely out of control. When is the last time Blue Cross hyped individual policies for people hitting 90? Even the most frugal of senior citizens...
Odds are the answer is a resounding, “Maybe?”
The golden years require platinum reserves. With talk that Medicare is about to be destroyed, your budget for health insurance is about to go completely out of control. When is the last time Blue Cross hyped individual policies for people hitting 90? Even the most frugal of senior citizens...
- 6/10/2011
- by UncaScroogeMcD
Since the earliest days of American cinema there has been a shadowy counterpart to the commercial mainstream: exploitation movies — pictures whose appeal lies in their sensational treatment and leering promotion of often lurid and prurient material. Pre-1960, when mainstream Hollywood worked within severe restrictions on content, exploitation movies offered audiences titillating glimpses of the deliciously taboo, usually under the guise of being some sort of instructional cautionary against the very subject matter being exploited i.e. sex in “hygiene” movies like The Road to Ruin (1934), drugs in anti-drug movies like Tell Your Children (1936, re-released in the 1960s/70s as camp classic Reefer Madness), and gambling in the anti-vice Gambling with Souls (1936).
By the 1950s, as the studios entered their long post-war decline, downscale producers launched a new vein of exploitation moviemaking, churning out low-budget thrillers (mostly sci fi and horror) aimed squarely at the burgeoning youth audience. Again, the movies were cheap,...
By the 1950s, as the studios entered their long post-war decline, downscale producers launched a new vein of exploitation moviemaking, churning out low-budget thrillers (mostly sci fi and horror) aimed squarely at the burgeoning youth audience. Again, the movies were cheap,...
- 1/24/2011
- by Bill Mesce
- SoundOnSight
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