A Movie Battle Of The Heavyweights!

One of the most anticipated films of 2018 will be released for Halloween – because it is, of course, the new “Halloween” thriller!

The Internet went crazy last year when Jamie Lee Curtis playfully released photos acknowledging that she was returning to the “Halloween” franchise – as CinemaBlend reported:

“Rather than follow in the footsteps of Rob Zombie and remake/reboot the property again, the Halloween franchise has decided to return to its roots and give the masses a movie set in the original continuity. It was announced last month that Jamie Lee Curtis will reprise Laurie Strode, the sister of main antagonist Michael Myers, in the simply-titled Halloween, marking her return to this horror-filled world after more than a decade. As for why Curtis is being brought back after all this time, director David Gordon Green answered thusly:”

“Because she is Laurie Strode (laughs). Right? I don’t know who else is going to play her? She’s just really lovely, and lives and works outside the Hollywood norm. And I love her spirit. And her character is iconic.”

And boy oh boy, isn’t she!

Behold Iconic Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis!

First of all, NEVER tell a Scream Queen to keep it down! All great scary movies have a character you feel empathy for – you root for them to survive, against all odds – and against psycho slasher killers – and Jamie Lee Curtis has taken on the best!

Celebrating Cinema’s Greatest Scream Queen!

Jamie Lee Curtis has made a lot of good movies over the years, but she got her start in the horror slasher genre, and those films are great as well! Let’s take a look at three of her best horror films – beginning with Jamie Lee’s first feature film – when she was paid a reported $8,000 for her efforts!

Halloween!

“The Night HE Came Home!”

A classic tagline for what many consider the best “Halloween” movie of all time!

Director John Carpenter’s horror masterpiece just keeps getting better over time.
The plot is a masterclass in simplicity: After killing his older sister, a young boy is institutionalized – but when psychopath Michael Myers escapes, he returns home to terrorize a babysitter and her friends!

Here is the trailer:

“Halloween” is, without a doubt, one of the most terrifying slasher films ever, and the film’s success in 1978 opened the door to a wave of slasher films that changed horror forever…

“Halloween” was Jamie Lee’s first movie ever, and Director John Carpenter considered hiring her as the ultimate tribute to Alfred Hitchcock – since Hitchcock cast Jamie Lee’s Mother, Janet Leigh, in his horror classic “Psycho”.

Now you can see where Jamie Lee got her “scream queen” title from! The young Actress became so well known as America’s newest scream queen that she even had a book written about it!

William Shatner, Psycho Killer!

Here is some great trivia, provided by IMDB: Due to its shoestring budget, the prop department had to use the cheapest $2 mask that they could find in the costume store: a Star Trek (1966) William Shatner mask. They later spray-painted the face white, teased out the hair, and reshaped the eye holes!

Shatner admitted that for years he had no idea his likeness was used for this film. It was only during an interview that someone mentioned his mask was being used. He has since stated that he is honored by this gesture!

Michael Myers is one of cinema’s great psychos, and what makes “Halloween” work so well is that you truly root for Jamie Lee to survive – a tribute to how well she acted in her movie debut!

Among the great bits of trivia about this film, Director Carpenter also wrote the haunting score! The “Halloween” theme is written in the rare 5/4 time signature. John Carpenter learned this rhythm from his father!

Now, time to move on to more Jamie Lee mayhem, this time with a very unusual co-star!

Prom Night!

First of all, check out the credits on the poster: Jamie Lee Curtis is second billed on this horror classic behind Leslie Nielsen!

here is the trailer:

The plot is fairly obvious: A masked killer stalks four teenagers at their high school’s senior prom. The killer is out for revenge against them for the accidental death of a young girl years earlier….

This is a straightforward slasher film, but by this time, Jamie Lee was a star, and as you can see from this cover art, they quickly switched out their original horror poster to highlight her!

In fact, according to the film’s director Paul Lynch in the documentary “Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film”, he was having difficulty securing financing until Jamie Lee Curtis signed on!

Reigning Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis!

“Prom Night” was another big hit for Jamie Lee, as was “Halloween II”. So now Curtis was an official movie star, and the world’s most popular scream queens well! She took full advantage of this by starring in a number of hit slasher films, including this one:

Terror Train!

“Terror Train” is an effective slasher film, with some good scares and lots of blood…much of it on Jamie Lee!

The plot of “Terror Train” is brilliant in its simplicity: A masked killer seeks revenge against six college kids who were responsible for a prank gone wrong three years earlier – and lucky for the killer – the kids are throwing a large New Year’s Eve costume party aboard a moving train!

This film is helped greatly by a truly creepy looking killer, and an ongoing sense of dread throughout. Check out the trailer:

According to the great movie website IMDB, Jamie Lee Curtis once said of her character in this film:

“There are certain things a heroine in a thriller has to be. She has to be vulnerable, so that the audience identifies with her and is rooting for her. But she also has to have an enormous inner strength to overcome the evil, or terror, that is pursuing her. I play the same kind of character as I did in other films. But Alana – the girl I play – is stronger and more defined”.

After a few more slasher films, Jamie Lee broadened her work in film. Curtis used her popularity to star in a number of big movie hits, like “True Lies” with Arnold Schwarzenegger and “Trading Places” with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd!

One of her best films was “A Fish Called Wanda” as well…but we will always remember her as the greatest “Scream Queen” of all time!

So here to Jamie Lee, and I cannot wait for the new installment of “Halloween”, so I can see what Laurie Strode has been up to!

If this wets your appetite for some good old fashioned horror, I have some more great options for you:

If you need even more horror, check out some of these classic horror films!

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/01/shocks-scares-chainsaws-the-best-halloween-horror-2014/

I love scary movies, let me know what your favorites are!

Time To Dance To The Tune Of “U”!

David Bowie and Freddie Mercury gave us one of the greatest songs that began with the letter “U”, so let’s get going there and see where this musical letter of the alphabet takes us!

“Under Pressure” by David Bowie and Queen

An unlikely collaboration at the time, ad the stories of how it came together are fascinating – but come together it did, in one of the greatest songs of our generation…

David Bowie and Queen created an instant classic – still as revered today as when they created it in 1982 – here is the video, thanks to Queen’s official YouTube channel:

I found a great story about the recording of this song, with great quotes from Queen’s Brian May – see my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/16/david-bowie-meets-queen-the-brilliant-wine-fuelled-madness-of-under-pressure/

Next up is a great group, formed by Todd Rundgren, that played progressive rock in the 70’s then transitioned to great power pop in the 80’s:

Utopia – “I’m Looking At You (But I’m Talking To Myself)”

I could have chosen so many different Utopia songs from their catalog, but I chose one of their ballads, performed by Todd, a great pop song with plaintive lyrics:

“I’m looking at you but I’m talking to myself
Looking straight at you but I’m talking to myself
Talking to myself ’cause I still can remember
Words that didn’t sound so well planned
What is wrong with me?
You don’t have to pretend to understand…”

Here they are, live in 1982, with Todd on lead vocals:

I’ve posted stories about many of Utopia’s albums, but this self-titled effort from the early 80’s is a gem – you can see more videos from the album here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/30/todd-rundgrens-utopia-2-a-neglected-80s-power-pop-classic-kasim-sultans-departure-and-return/

Time to get modern, with one of the most popular performers today:

“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson, featuring Bruno Mars

Many people think of this as a Bruno Mars song, but it’s actually from Mark Ronson’s 2015 album “Uptown Special” – it was #1 for 14 straight weeks, thanks to the Bruno Mars collaboration – giving it that swagger he is known for, as he sings at the top of the song:

“This hit, that ice cold
Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold
This one, for them hood girls
Them good girls, straight masterpieces
Stylin’, wilin’
Livin’ it up in the city
Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent
Gotta kiss myself I’m so pretty”

Here is this terrific music video:

What’s amazing is that someone took this funky beat and edited classic movie dance numbers all over it – and it works! See it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/10/06/a-you-tube-find/

You can’t talk about music with the letter “U” without bringing in U2 – they’ve earned their spot as one of our era’s most enduring and popular bands…

U2 – “Pride (In The Name Of Love)”

This classic song was from their album “The Unforgettable Fire” and was written about Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Early morning, April four
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride

In the name of love
What more in the name of love?”

An inspiring song that has become one of their classics: here is the band performing it:

Finally, Paul McCartney recorded one album that was credited to both him and wife Linda:

“Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey” by Paul and Linda McCartney

It was after the breakup of The Beatles, and history has suggested that Linda’s name was used in order to get some money from the album sales, since Paul was in heavy litigation with the other former members of the band.

Here’s a great video filled with vintage shots of Paul, Linda and the kids on their farm during recording:

“RAM” has become one of Macca’s masterpieces, but it was also attacked by John Lennon – see that story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/08/20/macca-ram-on-paul-mccartneys-masterpiece-john-lennons-fury-a-beatles-c-c-c-catfight/

Let me know your favorite “U” songs!

The Investigation Surrounding Natalie Wood’s Tragic Death Reopened!

Huge news in Hollywood today – the investigation surrounding the death of legendary Actress Natalie Wood is being reopened again!

Wood died in 1981 under mysterious circumstances, after a volatile night with husband Robert Wagner.

Great reporting on Deadline.com by Anita Busch today, a really well-written story about the night Wood died, and why police have reopened the case – here are a few select highlights, including soundbites from a press conference on Monday Feb. 5th in LA:

“John Corina, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant, revealed that since they have been investigating actress Natalie Wood drowning death about 100 people came forth, and new witnesses were identified that have helped articulate the timeline. “We’re closer to understanding what happened that weekend, and how it kinda went down. Before we were all believing this story that she got in the dingy and tried to go into town in her nightgown and her socks by herself when it’s raining out and the seas are really rough and you can’t even see at midnight which made absolutely no sense if you really think about it,” said Corina.”

American actors Robert Wagner and his wife Natalie Wood (1938 – 1981), circa 1970. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

Natalie Wood was 43 years old when she died in 1981. Husband Robert Wagner and her “Brainstorm” co-star Christopher Walken were on the Yacht that night, along with the Yacht’s Captain Dennis Davern.

The story reports that new witnesses to the events that night have turned up to give new information that the police are acting upon. Several people on surrounding boats in Catalina Harbor that night confirm the couple had been arguing loudly.

Busch also reports:

“Wood appeared to have fresh bruises on her body and may have been a victim of an assault. “There were bruises on Natalie Wood’s body … (the Coroner) said they are non-mechanical and probably caused by another person … I can’t say who caused the injuries. We know the last person who was with her before she went in the water. And that was Mr. Wagner.”

“We have a better understanding now,” said Corina. He added that what determines whether “it was accident or murder is we find out how she went in the water,” said Corina, who said that the Captain of the boat confirmed that actor Christopher Walken who was a guest on the boat was sleeping at the time that Wood went missing. “Was she placed in the water? Was she unconscious and then placed in the water? Was she put in the water by somebody? Or did she accidentally fall into the water and nobody helped her?”

Wow. This will be an interesting story to follow.

Read Anita Busch’s entire story here on Deadline.com:

http://deadline.com/2018/02/natalie-wood-death-robert-wagner-los-angeles-sheriff-re-opened-case-2018-1202278553/

Wood’s Sister Lana wrote a book about life with her sister:

Lana Wood is reported to have an estranged relationship with her former Brother-In-Law Wagner, which she writes about:

Lana Wood has struggled lately, and I shared the story of her becoming homeless, and how friends and fans banded together to help her – you can see more of that story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/09/15/lana-wood-homeless-update-the-former-bond-girl-has-a-home-natalie-woods-sister-struggling-to-put-her-life-back-together/

We’ll wait to see what happens next in this mysterious Hollywood story…

Get Ready For The “ALL Natural” Superhero, “Black Panther!”

The early reviews are superlative, and after seeing so many films coming-out over the past few years, we are LOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNGGGGGG overdue for an African-American Superhero….

And as it turns out, an “all natural” one at that! Let me explain:

“Black Panther” Is Getting Amazing Reviews!

The first reviews have been incredible for this new Super hero movie.

First, here’s the plot of the film:

Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk.

Here is the trailer:

Wow! It’s being called one of the best Superhero films ever made, and that trailer looks it!

“Black Panther” stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis. The film is directed by Ryan Coogler – and as I said, it’s “all natural!”

The “Natural” Style Of The Film!

Among all of the interesting stories about the movie, I found one all about the look of the character’s HAIR!

Here is a short snippet from the great story at “The Cut”:

Ahead of the movie’s premiere, the Cut talked to the head of Black Panther’s hair department, Camille Friend. The movie’s hair wizard explained the month-long process of creating Angela Bassett’s wig, why Michael B. Jordan needed to wear extensions, and what it was like working on a film that celebrated natural black hair.

“There’s no press and comb in this movie. No relaxers, no nothing! That was one of the things that I really was firm about. I requested that people come with their natural hair. People were like, ‘Are you sure?’ and I was like, ‘Yes, I am sure! We have a qualified staff of hair people who are phenomenal and who are well-versed in natural hair.’”

As you can see, here are Lupita Nyong’o and Letitia Wright in their “natural” state:

And what about the amazing hair on Angela Bassett? Let’s take a look before we hear the story behind it:

Well, according to the article, Camille Friend describes it this way:

“That was the pièce de résistance wig. It was a wig we created. All of the dreads were handmade, and they were blended with four different colors. Once those were made — there were about 110 pieces of individual dreads — we sent those to the wigmaker [Natascha Ladek], and the wigmaker inserted them in the wig. That whole process took about a month.”

I plan to keep an eye on all of the “natural” look, and bravo to them for that decision!

Ashley Weatherford wrote this terrific article, which can be found at “The Cut” – check it out here:

https://www.thecut.com/2018/02/black-panther-natural-hair.html

A quick shoutout as well to David Poland, who posted the link to this terrific article on his website, “Movie City News.” It’s my “go to” place for links to terrific stories, as well as his own original features, reviews and box office updates…a great website, check it out here!

http://moviecitynews.com

While we are overdue for a new type of movie Super hero, let’s not forget that, in the 70’s, there were two African-American women who were kicking ass as well!

Pam Grier was “Foxy Brown”, and her action films are “blaxploitation” classics…this genre of film included such male stars as Richard Roundtree as “Shaft”, and Ron O’Neal as “Superfly.” But let’s not forget the other female action star of that genre:

Tamara Dobson starred as “Cleopatra Jones”, which the movie posters described as “6’2″ Of Dynamite!”

These films are terrific, and available on DVD, blu-ray or on demand, so make it a retro night at home after seeing “Black Panther” on the big screen! See more about these two “super women” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/01/02/foxy-brown-cleopatra-jones-blaxploitations-kick-ass-women/

Bravo to the creative team behind “Black Panther!”

“Q” Delivers A Wild, Wild Interview!

Legendary Music producer Quincy Jones has given a crazy – and probably 100% honest – interview with Vulture.com – with candid comments that are both shocking and wildly entertaining!

“Q” claimed in his freewheeling interview that he “used to date” first daughter Ivanka Trump, who he called “a fine motherfucker” who “had the most beautiful legs I ever saw in my life.” Then he added: “Wrong father, though.”

The 84-year-old record producer then said that President Trump was a “crazy motherfucker” who is “limited mentally — a megalomaniac, narcissistic,”.

This amazing interview is blowing up the internet…Jones revealed who killed JFK (“[Chicago mobster Sam] Giancana”) and also discussed alleged affairs that Actor Marlon Brando had with Richard Pryor! His quote about Brando:

“He’d fuck anything. Anything! He’d fuck a mailbox.”

Pryor’s Widow Confirms The Story!

This wild interview just keeps getting more interesting.

Richard Pryor’s widow told TMZ on Wednesday that her late husband did indeed have sex with Marlon Brando!

Pyror, who died in 2005, wouldn’t be ashamed, according to his widow Jennifer, who said she plans to soon make public his diaries in which he wrote about his bisexuality. As she told TMZ:

“It was the ’70s! Drugs were still good, especially quaaludes. If you did enough cocaine, you’d fuck a radiator and send it flowers in the morning!”

Jones is a 28-time Grammy winner, and produced many of Michael Jackson’s greatest albums. In the interview, he clearly says that Jackson used music he didn’t write himself – as he told Vulture, Jackson:

“stole a lot of songs,” including “Billie Jean” and “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough.” “Greg Phillinganes wrote the C section,” he said of the noted session keyboardist on the latter. “Michael should’ve given him 10 percent of the song. Wouldn’t do it.”

Wow! This article is blowing up – and you can see it here:

http://www.vulture.com/2018/02/quincy-jones-in-conversation.html

Aside from producing Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones produced The Brothers Johnson and their incredible song “Strawberry Letter 23”:

The entire album is great 70’s funk/soul – see the music video here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/20/the-brothers-johnson-secrets-of-strawberry-letter-23-revealed-great-70s-funk-tarantinos-strawberry-love/

Bravo to “Q” for opening up about so many controversial topics!

Amy Schumer Is Happy!

The release of Amy Schumer’s new movie trailer brought a smile to my face, and why not? It looks really funny!

I found this online last night – watched it and can’t wait for the movie. Schumer once again takes on the subject of physical beauty and turns it on its head.

Here is the very funny trailer for “I Feel Pretty”:

I have always enjoyed Schumer’s uniquely comedic take on her life, and the huge success of “Trainwreck” made her America’s favorite Comedian…but her time at the top was short-lived.

No doubt that Schumer was due for blowback – “Trainwreck” was a huge hit, and rightly so, but then she started hanging out with Jennifer Lawrence, which led to this “dance-off” live at Wrigley Field to “Uptown Girl”, an iconic song used in the film – and yes, they danced on Billy Joel’s piano – all of this probably turned people off – you decide, here is the clip:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/28/amy-schumer-jennifer-lawrence-piano-man-see-these-uptown-girls-dance-on-billy-joels-piano-wrigley-field-dance-off/

Suddenly you saw social media going after her more than usual, and then she made another movie and the blowback was complete:

When “Snatched” came out last summer, it was met with vicious reviews and middling box office….but it’s really pretty good!

Schumer stars as a suddenly-single woman who travels with her Mom, played by Goldie Hawn, and it turns into a variation of “Romancing The Stone” – my wife and I found it funny and very watchable, certainly NOT the disaster that it was made out to be – check out the trailer:

“Snatched” is all over cable and on demand services, so check it out – it’s entertaining and very funny in parts!

So, months ahead of it’s opening, the trailer for “I Feel Pretty” is out, and it sure looks funny to me…we will see what America thinks!

Music In The Key Of “V” Is All Dressed Up For A Party!

Yes, I am going to talk about The Village People, but there is so much more to music with a “V”, beginning with one of the most inventive bands that barely lived!

The Velvet Underground – “Heroin”

This unique album cover heralded the arrival of one of music’s most unique “art” bands, managed for a time by Andy Warhol. They didn’t last long, but boy did they make an impression!

The song “Heroin” was written by Lou Reed in 1964, beatnik poetry one one hand, bleak independent rock on the other – and completely mesmerizing:

“I don’t know just where I’m going
But I’m gonna try for the kingdom, if I can
Cause it makes me feel like I’m a man
When I put a spike into my vein
And I tell you things aren’t quite the same
When I’m rushing on my run
And I feel just like Jesus’ son

And I guess that I just don’t know
And I guess that I just don’t know…”

As wikipedia explains:

“The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in 1964 in New York City by singer/guitarist Lou Reed, multi-instrumentalist John Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison, and drummer Angus MacLise (replaced by Moe Tucker in 1965). The band was initially active between 1965 and 1973, and was briefly managed by the pop artist Andy Warhol, serving as the house band at the Factory and Warhol’s Exploding Plastic Inevitable events from 1966 to 1967. Their debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico (with German born singer and model Nico), was released in 1967 to critical indifference and poor sales, but over time has been critically acclaimed; it was called the “most prophetic rock album ever made” by Rolling Stone in 2003.”

Here is “Heroin”:

That terrific video was posted on YouTube by “CIAOsydni”, described as
The Velvet Underground & Nico, footage from andy warhol’s “symphony of sound”…the entire album is fascinating, and worth a listen, especially in the newly remastered versions…

Next up, a band that was much less mysterious, and much more IN YOUR FACE!

Van Halen – “Jump”

The picture says it all! So does this one!

I could have chosen an number of great rock songs by Van Halen – with David Lee Roth of course, but this may be one of the most infectious intros in rock history – the classic “Jump”, with a “very self-aware” DLR:

Van Halen and David Lee Roth were certainly “of their time”, but what a fun time it was! Speaking of which:

The Village People – “YMCA”

As wikipedia says:

“Village People is an American disco group well known for their on-stage costumes depicting American masculine cultural stereotypes as well as their catchy tunes and suggestive lyrics. Originally created by Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo to target disco’s gay audience by featuring popular gay fantasy personae,[1] the band quickly became popular and moved into the mainstream. The group scored several disco and dance hits internationally, including three hits in the US, “Macho Man”, “In the Navy”, and their biggest hit, “Y.M.C.A.”.

My wife and I got to see them live at The Hollywood Bowl – an iconic showcase for a group that just keeps on dancing – here is the very-much-a-sing-a-long performance at The Bowl of “YMCA”:

It was a raucous night of celebration at the bowl, thanks to these guys – you can see more music from the night here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/07/23/ymca-live-the-village-people-the-hollywood-bowl-17000-dance-along/

Finally, The Eagles also created iconic music, and just celebrated the 40th anniversary of “Hotel California”:

“Victim Of Love” by The Eagles

This huge sign in Burbank, California is an ad for a newly remastered edition of the album, which is one of the most acclaimed of all time – and on that album is the great song “Victim Of Love”:

“Victim of love, I see a broken heart.
I could be wrong but I’m not, no, I’m not.
Victim of love, we’re not so far apart.
Show me what kind of love have you got…”

Here is a great live version from 1995, with a blistering intro by Don Felder:

The music is as timeless as ever, here’s a look at this iconic album:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/11/15/welcome-to-the-eagles-hotel-california-joe-walsh-checks-in-brilliant-henleyfrey-music-steely-dan-shout-out/

Let me know what songs in the key of “V” you like!

Movie fans have a reason to celebrate – it was Burt Reynolds’ birthday!

As he himself would say:

“We’re about to make film history, right here… on videotape.”

Burt Reynolds was born on February 11, 1936 – he grew up in Riviera Beach, Florida, right next to Palm Beach. His father, Burt Sr., eventually became Chief of Police!

Reynolds worked as a stuntman – as well as small tv and movie roles, before starring in several TV shows in the 60’s, which led to work in movie westerns….

Then, in 1972 he starred in one of the most acclaimed and controversial films ever – and it propelled him to stardom…

Deliverance.

The story of four men who decide to take a river rafting trip through the backwoods of Georgia…with Reynolds as the “tough as nails” adventurer who doesn’t think the others are up to it:

Lewis: Can that chubby boy handle himself?
Ed: Bobby? He’s rather well thought of in his field, Lewis.
Lewis: Insurance? I never been insured in my life. There’s no risk.

“Deliverance” was one of the most iconic films of the 70′s, nominated for Best Picture, and it has the iconic movie line:

“Squeal like a pig!”

If you haven’t seen this brilliant movie, check out new blu-ray and DVD versions that have documentaries and commentary attached, and they are all worth viewing – and of course, there are the “dueling banjos!”

I posted a story recently about the casting of this film, when it was revealed that Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson were considered for it! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/20/squeal-like-a-pig-marlon-brandos-deliverance-cult-classic-casting-coup/

His breakout performance in Deliverance in 1972 made Reynolds a star. The same year, Reynolds gained even more notoriety when he posed naked in the April issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine – a landmark moment in publishing.

Burt’s Sexy Centerfold!

Yes, Reynolds shocked the entertainment world when he posed nude in Cosmopolitan magazine – as their centerfold!

Reynolds later claimed the centerfold in Cosmopolitan hurt the chances for Deliverance at the Oscars – and the film’s stars, including himself, didn’t get Academy Award nominations because of it. Regardless, this cemented his place as a 70’s Superstar, leading to a number of huge box office hits, like this one:

The Longest Yard

This 1974 classic stars Reynolds as a pro football Quarterback who gets in trouble with the law and ends up in a grimy prison, run by Eddie Albert…

Check out the trailer:

This was a perfect role for him: not only was he the biggest star in the world at the time, but Reynolds was a great football player, first for Florida State University and then was drafted by the Baltimore Colts!

Reynolds plays Paul Crewe, a pro football player-turned-convict – who organizes a team of inmates to play against a team of prison guards. That’s right: convicts versus GUARDS!

Paul Crewe: You know what my problem has been all my life? I’ve always had my shit together. Always. My problem’s been I couldn’t lift it.

“The Longest Yard” is one of the best sports movies ever, and Burt was great.

Half A ‘Stache!

Reynolds had a great sense of humor, as evidenced when he went on The Tonight Show and shaved half his mustache off for a stunned Johnny Carson!

He was also a gifted comic actor, as evidenced by the arrow through his head – and he used that goofy humor to good box office effect in action comedies like this one:

Fuzz!

Police in Boston search for a mad bomber trying to extort money from the city. The cops in charge of finding this “mad bomber” are Burt Reynolds, Racquel Welch and Tom Skerritt.

According to IMDB, Raquel Welch did not like Burt Reynolds because of unsavory comments he made while they were filming “100 Rifles” together.

So, in “Fuzz” Welch insisted that she not have any direct scenes with Reynolds! The closest they get is during an interrogation scene. Still, the movie was a huge hit, in large part because of Reynolds and his comic ability.

See more about Raquel, Burt and their legendary catfight here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/18/raquel-welch-dinosaur-slayer-burt-reynolds-feud-seinfeld-catfight-a-million-reasons-to-love-this-iconic-sex-kitten/

Reynolds went on to star in some of the biggest hits of the 70’s, like these “good ol’ boy” action thrillers:

Both are now on blu-ray, so you can relive the wild days of the 70’s yourself! You can see more about these films, including their trailers, here:

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

Reynolds made many hit comedies as well, like the action spectacle “Smokey And The Bandit”. During the first half of the 1990s, he was the star of the CBS comedy “Evening Shade”, for which he won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (1991).

Modern movie fans will recognize him for this masterpiece:

Now, an important word from Jack Horner!

Reynolds starred in “Boogie Nights” as Adult Film Director Jack Horner, who offered some words about how complex and expensive moviemaking can be…

Jack Horner: Before you turn around, you’ve spent maybe 20, 25, 30 thousand dollars on a movie!

Boogie Nights!

This is, quite simply, one of the best movies ever made, pure and simple – and one of Reynolds’ best performances.

“We’re about to make film history, right here… on videotape.”

Paul Thomas Anderson directed this epic look at the rise of a adult film superstar, and his journey through the changing world of porn, from the “innocent” days of the 70’s into the drug-fueled 80’s.

Inspired by the tragic story of John C. Holmes – aka “Johnny Wadd”, Mark Wahlberg does an amazing job as Eddie Adams, who is “discovered” by an adult movie Director – due to his “unique” talent – and overnight becomes porn superstar Dirk Diggler!

Adult Film Director Jack Horner Knows What Sells!

Reynolds put it all out there as the Veteran Film Director, which lines like this:

Jack Horner: I got a feeling that behind those jeans is something wonderful just waiting to get out.

Burt Reynolds was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance and took home a Golden Globe Award. He was considered a front-runner for the Supporting Oscar, but ultimately lost to Robin Williams, for “Good Will Hunting”. I can watch this movie any day of the week…a masterpiece.

Time to watch some Burt and celebrate his birthday!

Nicolas Cage IS “The Godfather!”

Remember Nic’s incredible performance as Don Corleone? How about his incredible performance in “X-Men?”

Or the best ever, what about his role as Lois Lane in “Superman Returns?”

Wait, wait wait – WHAT!?!?!?!?!?

Last month, the Motherboard website told the story of a Redditor who was using deep learning technology to map female celebrities’ faces onto pornographic performers, with startlingly lifelike results. That is a troubling trend in the era of “fake news”, as apparently it’s virtually impossible to spot the fake video.

One report referred to the process as “deep fakes”.

So of course, someone did the same thing – with Nicolas Cage!

Nicolas Cage – Star Of EVERYTHING!

Yes, you can now put Nicolas Cage into “The Avenger” or frankly, just about any other movie you want!

“3 Buck Theater” posted this explainer on YouTube:

“A new deep learning software called FakeApp (or just known as DeepFakes on reddit) allows users to add Nicolas Cage (or any celebrity) to any movie they want. While the technology is in a “showcase” phase at the moment, this will go far to bring dead actors to life once again.”

Here is that video showing examples of how Cage’s face was put on Lois Lane’s body seamlessly:

So, you could actually remake “Oceans 11” with Nicolas Cage as all of the characters!

Indiewire also had a story about this new technology, and as they point out:

“By scanning a bunch of images of a celebrity’s face, the software was able to imagine what they’d look like grafted into a given video—a powerful technology being used in one of the worst possible ways. The result barrels past legal and ethical boundaries, raising a whole host of free speech issues regarding the women whose likenesses are being used without their consent. There are surprisingly few legal recourses for them, at least in America.”

You can read more about their story on “Deep Fakes” here:

http://www.indiewire.com/2018/01/nicolas-cage-machine-learning-algorithm-deep-fakes-1201923224/

I told you that one clip has Nicolas Cage as Lois Lane:

In fact, Cage was working with Director Tim Burton to play Superman! There is a great documentary that has footage from the rehearsals and wardrobe fittings:

Can you imagine how this could have turned out? Click here to see what happened to this “never shot” movie:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/26/superman-lives-nicolas-cage-is-superman-incredible-documentary-on-tim-burtons-amazing-superman-reboot-debacle/

Finally, in more Nicolas Cage news, if you were in Japan, you could have eaten him!

Unfortunately, he never signed off on this movie promotion, so the snack food maker had to apologize – see the story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/10/11/nicolas-cage-had-no-idea-he-was-being-turned-into-a-snack-food-in-japan/

Let me know what you think of this “deep fakes” trend!

Time For A Big Smile! Stevie Wonder’s Got Something To Say!

For my look at songs in the letter “W”, I had to start with the legendary Stevie Wonder, and one of his most joyous songs:

Stevie Wonder – “Don’t Cha Worry ‘Bout A Thing”

From his Grammy-winng album “Innervisions”, Stevie Wonder’s great song begins with a terrific spoken word intro by Stevie:

“See dig, mama, uh, do ya understand that?
(No)
Well uh, like, I can understand how you can’t, because I’ve been uh,
You know, Paris, Beirut, you know, I mean Iraq, Iran, “Ukraingia”, you know
I speak very very um, fluent Spanish
Ah, todo ‘sta bien, chévere, you understand that?
(Chévere?)
Chevere, bien chevere, is that right mama?
‘Cause I’ve got my shaky…”

He then mumbles briefly before heading into his beautiful groove…

This leads right into one of his most upbeat songs:

“Everybody’s got a thing
But some don’t know how to handle it
Always reaching out in vain
Accepting the things not worth having but

Don’t you worry about a thing
Don’t you worry about a thing, mama
Because I’ll be standing on the side
When you check it out”

Here’s a great live version from 2009:

My wife and I were lucky enough to see this amazing Artist live a couple of years ago, when he performed “Songs In The Key Of Life” in its entirety…here are some of the videos from that night:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/15/songs-in-the-key-of-life-stevie-wonders-masterpiece-live/

Next up is a great British singer, who never quite broke big in the US, but this song should have:

Robbie Williams – “Let Love Be Your Energy”

Robbie Williams had a string of smash hits around the world, including this big and bold love song:

“If you’re willing to change the world
Let love be your energy
I’ve got more than I need
When your love shines down on me”

Williams was successful in the US, but a mega-star elsewhere.

Here is the great music video from 2000:

Next up is a recent hit by a band I saw live at Lollapalooza, and they were terrific:

Walk The Moon – “Shut Up And Dance”

This big pop/rock smash is perhaps the band’s signature song, but they performed for an hour and the crowd loved every catchy minute of it!

Here they are performing “Shut Up And Dance” live at Lollapalooza –

Up next is one of rock’s most iconic lines:

“One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small…and the ones that mother gives you don’t do anything at all…”

“White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane

They were one of the great counter-culture bands of the 60’s, and lead Singer Grace Slick was a mesmerizing singer…here’s their great performance from the Smothers Brother Show in 1967:

The Smothers Brothers were very controversial for CBS in the late 60’s, especially when George Harrison came on the show to encourage to keep fighting! Here is that fascinating story:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/18/john-lennon-beds-tommy-smothers-incredible-give-peace-a-chance-story-the-beatles-get-political/

Finally, you can look at the greatest entertainers today, but few can match this:

The Who – “Won’t Get Fooled Again”

The raucous rock ‘n’ roll of The Who has endured for decades, and for me, this is the greatest single song of all time:

“I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
We don’t get fooled again
No, no!”

Pete Townsend wrote the song, a epic statement about youth, rebellion, revolution and acceptance – eight minutes of rage, anger and energy that reaches a crescendo with what is, without a doubt, the greatest howl in rock history:

“Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

It’s almost impossible to accurately capture the power of this guttural primal scream that Roger Daltry performs in this song:

The song has great musicianship, two different solo bridges, changes in tempo, and of course, THAT SCREAM.

What follows that scream is a summation that is cutting – and iconic in rock history – as these lyrics end the song:

“Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss…”

Anger, rage – and acceptance that nothing will ever change…

Pete Townsend is famous for his powerful guitar work – and circular assault on the instrument – throughout the song – but the lyrics are just so incredibly powerful – match by the energy of the entire band – here is an amazing performance of the song live from 1977 – one of the greatest live rock songs of all:

The band endures 50 years on – here is a look at their incredible career, with lots of videos:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/08/13/the-greatest-rock-anthems-whos-1-the-beatles-led-zeppelin-let-the-rock-off-begin/

Let me know your favorite songs with a “W”!

Ready For A Good Movie? Or Even A “Best Worst” Movie?

Well, this cinephile is holding one of the most wildly entertaining “bad” movies of all time!

The phrase “best worst movie” is not only well known by film buffs, but the title of a terrific documentary as well!

Time For The “Best Worst Movie!”

The documentary “Best Worst Movie” celebrates one of those films – one that is “so bad its good!”

Before I tell you about this terrific documentary, and five of the “best worst” films of all time, something to explain so we are on the same page – THIS is a “best worst” film:

Director Paul Verhoeven decided to “tear the lid off” of Las Vegas with this inside look at the sordid world of “Showgirls”, and it’s a hilariously bad, ridiculous and at times offensive film, which makes it so good!

On the other hand, here is an attempt to “tear the lid off” stripping that was just A HORRIBLE MOVIE!

“Striptease” with Demi Moore was a truly awful film – it was pretentious, condescending and poorly done – even with all that nudity, it was NO FUN AT ALL!

So, with that distinction, let’s get down to some of the “best worst” films ever made – and celebrate them for the effort to be art!

“Best Worst” Movie #5 – “Troll 2!”

The terrific documentary “Best Worst Movie” tells the story of how “Troll 2” became a sensation – years after it was released direct to video!

Here is the vintage 80’s trailer – enjoy!

“Troll 2” is often mentioned as the worst film ever made…and now there is a documentary that looks at the cult that has sprung up around it!

“Best Worst Movie!”

This great documentary looks at the making of “Troll 2” in 1990, and its journey from being crowned the “worst film of all time” to a cherished cult classic.

Check out the trailer:

The “Best Worse Movie” documentary was actually made by the child actor from the movie! He interviews the cast about how the movie changed their lives. He also interviews the Director, who insists that “Troll 2” is a great film!

I chose “Troll 2” as number five only because I wanted to start with it and talk about the great documentary…but next up is a film even movie hater could love:

“Best Worst” Movie #4 – “Birdemic!”

Forget Hitchcock’s “The Birds”, THIS is the film that tears the lid off of wild and REALISTIC bird attacks like this one:

Once you see this trailer, you can never go back!

It takes a certain type of genius to make a film like this – you can read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/15/birdemic-brilliant-shocker-or-worst-movie-ever-who-will-survive-watching-it/

In compiling this list, I knew there were many really awful films, including one I had to share for other reasons:

NOT A “Best Worst” Movie – “Manos, Hands Of Fate!”

I’m taking a short break to prove my point about “Showgirls” vs. “Striptease” – not all “bad” movies deserve to be “best worst” films – case in point: this is “Manos, Hands Of Fate”, widely considered one of the worst films of all time. In Spanish, “Manos” means “hands” – so this film is actually called:

“Hands, Hands Of Fate!”

It’s inept, awful in every way – including NOT being any fun to watch – it’s just awful, even with “Torgo” in a crucial role.

Yes, look for the incredible acting of “TORGO” in this trailer:

Ahem. Well, there was THAT.

You can see, just a horrible movie that gives the viewer no “inside joke” pleasure – but it is of course available on DVD, so if you want to learn more about it, go here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/22/manos-hands-of-fate-is-here-celebrate-the-worst-of-the-worst-films/

Now, back to the good stuff: a film that boldly entertains you with a film poster that declares:

“Best Worst” Movie #3 – “Confessions Of A Psycho Cat!”

With a title like that, how could it NOT be deliciously bad – and fun to boot? And guess what? It is! Not only that, the “Raging Bull” himself is in it!

Jake LaMotta Battles The Psycho Cat!

OK, Jake LaMotta wasn’t really in “fighting shape” when he took on his opponent – a rich, eccentric upper east wide woman who likes to hunt men – to death!

Folks, there is SO much to love in this film: bad acting, hilarious “wandering around lost” action sequences in Central Park, and an argument between the “Raging Bull” and THIS woman:

What’s so unusual? Well, based on how it’s shot, it’s clear they were never in the room at the same time! Oh, and at one point she gets upset at his lack of attention (no doubt because he wasn’t there!) and so she goes over to a mirror and does THIS:

Yes, she makes out with herself!

Seen enough? Of course not! Click here to see more trivia about the film, why Jake LaMotta got caught up in it, and more! It’s a celebration of the late “Raging Bull”:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/09/20/rip-to-the-raging-bull-jake-lamotta-his-psycho-cat-movie/

LaMotta always had someone in his corner when he fought, and these films always have some kind of “wing man” in the plot – or in this case:

BLUE-FACED WING WOMEN!

“Best Worst” Movie #2 – “The Body Beneath!”

Imagine a film that promotes itself for being filmed in scary places in England!

The legendarily bad film Director Andy Milligan filmed this in spooky looking places in England, and also had these ladies around to scare the guests:

Here, in all its blue-faced glory, is the trailer:

If you are wondering what the blue-faced ghosts have to do with anything, you’ll never find out by watching the film, but that’s just one reason it’s so much fun to watch!

You can read more about this inept Director – and the many classically bad films he made!

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/24/ghastly-horror-meet-the-ed-wood-of-shock-cinema-cranium-cleaving-andy-milligans-blue-faced-shockers/

Finally, it’s almost too easy to finish with this movie, but is there really any other choice?

“Best Worst” Movie #1 – Tommy Wiseau’s “The Room!”

From the movie’s poster, which is just a shot of the brooding Actor/Director/Producer/Writer Tommy Wiseau, to one of the greatest trailers of all time, “The Room” cries out to be the best worst film ever!

The trailer only hints at the majesty of this movie:

Now you can experience the greatest bad moments by watching Jame Franco tells the story of the making of the film in the new movie “The Disaster Artist”…see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/12/03/the-disaster-artist-is-here-james-franco-pays-homage-to-tommy-wiseaus-best-worst-film-the-room/

Let me know what I left off the “best worst” list, and yes, there will be plenty of Ed Wood movies to be mentioned for sure!

“X” Marks The Spot For Music – OBSCURE Music At That!

I am willing to admit that, although there are some terrific songs here, “X” isn’t an easy letter for music – at least music that I am proud to share….it took a bit of research, but I came up with some really terrific songs and Artists – let’s get going!

XTC – “Grass”

Yje band XTC has always been a critical favorite, and they’ve had some hits along the way as well. This song is from “Skylarking”, their ninth studio album, released in October 1986.

Todd Is God!

The album was produced by one of my favorite Artists, Todd Rundgren, and has been described as a loose concept album centered around various cycles in life, such as the seasons, days, and years. According to wikipedia, the album title was chosen as a double entendre, referring to a type of bird (skylark), as well as the Royal Navy term “skylarking”, which means “fooling around”.

Here is the video for “Grass”:

“Skylarking” is considered one of XTC’s greatest works, but it wasn’t much fun getting done – there were many stories about the band’s issues working with Todd, and he was very candid as well…here is a look at some of Todd’s greatest producing achievements, and some stories about working with XTC as well:

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

As my Todd story notes, he also produced a Hall & Oates album…not this one, however, which gives us our much-needed “X”:

“X-Static” by Daryl Hall and John Oates

“X-Static” is the eighth studio album by Daryl Hall & John Oates, and it was released in 1979. It wasn’t a big hit for the duo, but it did include “Wait for Me”, which reached #18 on the Billboard charts.

While there is no song on the album called “X-Static”, here is the video for the title track “Portable Radio”, which includes the lines:

“C’mon and listen to the
(Radio)
Turn up the power
(Radio)
Rock it for hours and hours and hours
(Radio)
Now turn it soft and low
(Portable Radio)
V-v-viva la
(Portable Radio)
Crank up the power
(Portable Radio)
Turn up the power all night

It’s X-Static!”

So there you go! Take a listen – this song was clearly disco-inspired, but still a very catchy song:

As I said, the album included the classic song “Wait For Me”, and I wanted to make sure it got some love as well!

Here is the official music video for “Wait For Me:”

Some of H&O’s best songs weren’t singles – here is a look at five great album cuts:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/15/hall-oates-classic-music-great-hooks-the-greatest-hall-oates-album-cuts/

It’s always a tragedy when an Artist dies, but that doesn’t mean they stop releasing new music:

“Xscape” by Michael Jackson

This posthumous album was released in 2014, and one song was a huge hit, the Justin Timberlake-enhanced “Love Never Felt So Good.” But here is the title track, with a great fan music video by Jaimy Kempkes, using vintage Michael Jackson material over the new track:

Bravo for that effort…next up, a band with a name that hits this category dead center!

X – “Los Angeles”

John Doe and Exene Cervenka headed up this iconic LA punk band, and they are still going strong – here is their classic song “Los Angeles”:

Finally, my last choice was written by Jeff Lynne of The Electric Light Orchestra – for one of the most reviled films of all time!

“Xanadu” by Olivia Newton-John

Yes, this musical from 1980 starred Olivia Newton-John and the legendary Gene Kelly – but boy was it a bomb!

That said, I own it on DVD because it’s a bit of a camp classic now, and here is the scene in the film when the song is performed:

Well, then. As I said, Jeff Lynne wrote the song and has released his version as well – and it’s pure ELO ear candy – the band was recently acknowledged by The Grammy Awards fo this long career, and you can read about it here:

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

Let me know if “X” marked the spot for you!

Troubling news out of the restaurant world in Beverly Hills – the legendary Nate ‘n Al restaurant, a fixture in the 90210 area code for more than 72 years, is rumored to have been sold!

Nate’n Al opened in 1945 – run by Al Mendelson with his friend and business partner Nate Rimer. The restaurant is currently owned and operated by Al’s grandsons, Mark and David Mendelson.

This classic deli is a fixture on Beverly Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills.

Here is more of the story as reported by The Beverly Hills Courier:

“Rumors were swirling Monday morning that the legendary Nate’n Al delicatessen is on the market and has either already been sold, or is very close to a completed sale.

An e-mail to the restaurant’s owners has not been returned as of late Monday morning. The Courier has also reached out to powerhouse retail broker Jay Luchs – who rumors say is behind the sale – but has not yet heard back.”

The story includes updates by L.A. food writer Jordan Okun (@JordanOkun on Twitter) who tweeted on Saturday:

“I’ve spoken to owner. They are currently in discussions. No sale yet. No talk of buyer or intentions. Pray.”

As The Courier reports:

One day later, Okun tweeted: “Sale is almost done. Talk of moving Nates to a different location.”

This is really shocking news, as Nate ‘n Al is a classic deli, with terrific sandwiches, and everything else you want from a deli – one of the best places to having out in Beverly Hills.

On Feb. 21, a story surfaced that Beverly Hills may step in to protect the iconic location.

Eater has the latest:

“City Council member and former Beverly Hills mayor John Mirisch is trying to introduce a measure at the March 6 council meeting that would determine the possible landmark designation of Nate N’ Al’s. The five-member council can take up these proceedings at any time to nominate a property as iconic, and as Mirisch tells Eater: “There isn’t a lot in Beverly Hills which is more iconic than Nate ’n Al’s.”

If the motion to move to a vote is approved, it would require four out of five council members to say aye in order for the landmark designation to pass. That’s certainly not a guarantee (nor is it 100% confirmed that the vote itself will even happen on March 6), but given the amount of LA-wide outcry over the possibility of losing the 73-year deli legend, it seems the Beverly Hills City Council will offer something at their upcoming meeting.”

Let’s hope there is a happy ending to this story – Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills have rapidly been losing iconic buildings, restaurants and theaters.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I have posted about other legendary locations shutting their doors in LA and Hollywood. Here is what I posted about efforts to save the famous Formosa Cafe:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/07/has-hollywoods-iconic-formosa-cafe-been-saved-finally-a-great-hollywood-story/

Here’s hoping that something can be done to save this iconic deli in the heart of Beverly Hills 90210!

A Quincy Jones Intervention!

Fallout from the wild wild interview that legendary Music Producer Quincy Jones gave to Vulture recently continues!

Q went to social media to apologize for his comments, and admit that his family stepped in to “counsel” him!

As The Daily Beast reports:

Quincy Jones has issued an apology for perhaps revealing too much about himself and his famous friends in a recent interview with Vulture. In a long note posted to his Twitter account Thursday, the legendary music producer explained that his six daughters—including actress Rashida Jones—took him aside for a “family intervention” after the interview was released to address some of the “silly things” he said. “I’m sorry & I’m not afraid to say it,” Jones wrote, adding, “it’s apparent that ‘wordvomit’ and bad-mouthing is inexcusable,” even at age 85. “I’m sorry to anyone whom my words offended & and I’m especially sorry to my friends who are still here with me & and to those who aren’t.”

Jones had given a wild interview to Vulture, filled with comments about the JFK assassination, dating Ivanka Trump, and Marlon Brando’s insatiable desire for sex. As Q said int he interview:

“He’d fuck anything. Anything!” Jones said of Brando. “He’d fuck a mailbox.”

You can read more highlights from the original interview here, including comments about Richard Pryor’s sexuality that his ex-wife confirmed, but his daughter adamantly denied:

https://johnrieber.com/2018/02/07/wild-quincy-jones-interview-he-dated-ivanka-trump-marlon-brandos-sexcapades-with-richard-pryor-confirmed-michael-jackson-who-killed-jfk-wild-stuff-from-the-music-legend/

We’ll see what happens next!

Judd Apatow Takes Us Inside The Brilliance Of Garry Shandling!

HBO just released their trailer for an amazing look at Comedian Garry Shandling’s life!

Here is their release:

“Epic in scope and intimate in detail, The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling features conversations with more than 40 of Shandling’s family and friends, including James L. Brooks, Jim Carrey, Sacha Baron Cohen, David Coulier, Jon Favreau, Jay Leno, Kevin Nealon, Conan O’Brien, Bob Saget, Jerry Seinfeld and Sarah Silverman, and four decades’ worth of TV appearances, along with personal journals, private letters and candid home audio and video footage that reveal his brilliant mind and restless soul. Don’t miss the premiere of The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling March 26 a 5:00PM on HBO.”

Shandling died on March 24, 2016, and I can’t wait to see this tribute to his talent.

Here is the trailer:

When Shandling died two years ago, I posted this look at his career – which includes his brilliant standup act and a look at his TV shows, including “The Larry Sanders Show.”

Click here for some great clips from this great Talent:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/08/rip-garry-shandling-brilliant-tonight-show-standup-larry-sanders-hilarity/

Let me know if you are a fan of his shows!

Barbra Streisand Cloned Her Dog For Double The Fun!

Yes, this is a true story, and here is what happened!

As People Magazine reports:

“The Academy Award-winning songstress recently revealed to Variety that two of her three dogs — all fluffy, white Coton du Tulears — are clones of her late dog, Samantha.

Samantha died in 2017 at 14 years old, but before the dog crossed the rainbow bridge, Streisand, 75, had cells taken from the pooch’s mouth and stomach.”

People adds:

“She used these samples to get two clones of Samantha — a pricey procedure. When the copy dogs arrived, Streisand, understandably, had trouble telling the puppies apart. Her solution was to put one pup in a red sweater and the other in a purple sweater, leading to their names Miss Scarlett and Miss Violet.”

The Future Is Now – And It’s Cloned!

Streisand may sound wacky for doing this, but she’s not alone…Japan has been cloning dogs for years!

Sit Fido, Sit!

In Japan, people have been cloning their image onto dolls, and do the same thing for their animals too! And when you do it, someone takes a picture of it, and that picture looks LIKE THIS!

I have covered many unique aspects of japanese life, but this is the craziest ever! People are not only cloning animals, but they are going through a process by which their own cloned image is being put on – well – everything!

According to one story, the cloning service is popular among Japanese women looking to preserve a special moment in their life – such as their wedding day, by cloning the hair & makeup – and even the dress they wore!

This is quite a disturbing, fascinating new trend – I find the pictures to be unsettling yet impossible to look away from!

Danny Choo Is Doing It Too!

We shot with Danny Choo once in Tokyo – he’s known as the “Dancing Stormtrooper” – and can be seen in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, dancing in his Stormtrooper outfit – here he is dancing with Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira when we filmed a story there:

Danny has posted an in-depth story about the entire process of how he cloned himself as this doll – it’s fascinating – click on the link to see it!

http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/26119/Human+Cloning+in+Japan.html

It is clear that technology doesn’t stop – and here is the proof!

Steven Spielberg’s “Empowered” Directorial Debut – With Goldie Hawn!

While his latest film “The Post” was nominated for Best Picture of 2017, it was his theatrical motion picture debut in 1974 that showcased his interest in telling stories about real people – with an “empowered female” role for Goldie Hawn that is one of her best!

After wowing TV audiences with his terrific made-for-TV film “Duel”, a very young Steven Spielberg was given the chance to make his big screen directorial debut with the 1974 action drama “The Sugarland Express.”

Here’s the plot:

A woman attempts to reunite her family by helping her husband escape from prison. Once out, they make plans to get their son before he’s put into a foster home. But things don’t go as planned, and they end up taking a police office hostage – and try to outrun the law.

“The Sugarland Express” is based on a true story, and was a very dramatic departure for Comedic Actress Goldie Hawn. William Atherton co-stars, along with legendary character Actor Ben Johnson.

Here is the trailer:

It might seem an unusual choice for the Director of such big box office films as “E.T.”, “Raiders Of The Lost Ark” and “Jurassic Park”, but characters and story were always important in his films, and in this debut, he combined action, drama and emotion well, allowing time for you to care about all of the people involved.

Oh yeah – just one year later, Spielberg’s next directorial effort was released:

Talk about a dramatic leap! While “The Sugarland Express” was critically acclaimed, it didn’t do much at the box office. One year later, he made the biggest hit in movie history!

Here is a look at how “Jaws” changed cinema forever:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/23/jaws-42-years-ago-cinema-was-changed-forever-time-to-celebrate-bruce-the-great-white/

Let me know if you’ve seen “The Sugarland Express!”

Oscar’s “Lucky 13!”

Time to celebrate this year’s Academy Awards with the strangest Oscar trivia imaginable: the X-rated kind!

This isn’t the kind of image you equate with the Oscars, is it? Well here’s some obscure Academy Award trivia for you – there have been THIRTEEN oscar nominations associated with X-rated movies!

Talk About An “Adult” Oscar!

The history of the Academy Awards is full of great moments and trivia – and this is one of the most fascinating to me…

Time to look at the biggest awards night of the year in a different way: there was a time when Oscar not only tolerated sex in the movies, they rewarded it with some of the night’s biggest awards!

There have been thirteen Academy Award nominations tied to X-rated movies…it happened in an era when the film industry gave filmmakers the freedom to tell stories in a very adult way – let’s look at this fascinating part of Oscar lore…

Here Come The Ratings!

The ratings system for films was created in the late 60’s to help audiences cope with the onslaught of adult content in film…the sexual revolution was underway, and films like “Bonnie & Clyde” offered up much more provocative content.

What The Hell’s An “M”?

When the Motion Picture Association of America created the ratings system in 1968, there were the following designations: G, M, R, and X.

There was quickly confusion between a movie that was “mature” versus one that was “restricted”, so it was changed to “GP”, then to “PG”, for parental guidance…”PG-13″ was added later, as the heart-ripping scene in “Indiana Jones and the Temple Of Doom” was deemed a bit too harsh for a straight “PG” rating.

Back To The 70’s!

It was in the early 70’s that film makers began to use the ratings to push the envelope for graphic content, such as in the classic film “Straw Dogs” with Dustin Hoffman…

Soon, America’s greatest filmmakers were taking advantage of these guidelines to make adult films that dealt with the social issues of the day…and with lots of nudity and sexual content!

Oscar’s Only X-Rated Winner!

One film would soon be the first to ever win Best Picture – with an “X” rating! And it is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time! Time to head back to a much different New York City – to meet Joe Buck and Ratso Rizzo!

“I’m walking here! I’m walking here!”

Midnight Cowboy

The setup to this great film is simple: young, naive Joe Buck heads to New York City to be a male hustler…check out the trailer:

Jon Voight stars as Texas greenhorn Joe Buck – a “stud” who arrives in New York for the first time. Preening himself as a real ‘hustler’, he finds that he is the one getting ‘hustled’ until he teams up with a down-and-outcast named Ratso Rizzo.

And that’s the plot: a country “hick” learns how to survive in the big city, thanks to “Ratso”, an amazing performance by Dustin Hoffman, including the legendary line:

“I’m walking here! I’m walking here!”

This is New York City at its grittiest – and to survive, you had to be willing to do ANYTHING. For Ratso, that meant crashing holiday parties to steal the food on the buffet table…and have no shame when caught:

Gretel McAlbertson: Why are you stealing food?
Ratso Rizzo: I was just, uh, noticing that you’re out of salami. I think you oughtta have somebody go over to the delicatessen, you know, bring some more back.
Gretel McAlbertson: Gee, well, you know, it’s free. You don’t have to steal it.
Ratso Rizzo: Well, if it’s free, then I ain’t stealin’.

Dustin Hoffman’s performance as “Ratso” Rizzo is ranked #7 on Premiere Magazine’s 100 Greatest Performances of All Time. It was also an Oscar-nominated performance, along with Voight’s iconic Joe Buck:

Elvis IS Joe Buck!

But, even with such adult content, it was almost an Elvis movie! According to the great website IMDB, one studio executive sent Director John Schlesinger a memo stating, “If we could clean this up and add a few songs, it could be a great vehicle for Elvis Presley.” HA!

Presley wanted to be taken seriously as an actor, and was interested in the role of Joe Buck. Presley went on instead to do the G-rated “Change of Habit” with Mary Tyler Moore, which bombed!

It is hard to imagine that Elvis would have filmed some of the movie’s tougher scenes like this sex scene with Sylvia Miles….

It’s Raining Oscars!

The film’s cinema verite style and rough content was just what Hollywood was looking for in 1969, and the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including:

Best Actor Dustin Hoffman
Best Actor Jon Voight
Best Supporting Actress Sylvia Miles
Best Film Editing

“Midnight Cowboy” took home three Academy Awards in 1969, including:

Best Screenplay Waldo Salt
Best Director John Schlesinger
Best Picture Of The Year!

“Midnight Cowboy” is the only X-rated film to ever win Best Picture, but it’s NOT the only one ever nominated! Here’s the other:

Check Out These Provocative Opening Lines!

“There was me, that is Alex, and my three droogs, that is Pete, Georgie, and Dim, and we sat in the Korova Milkbar trying to make up our rassoodocks what to do with the evening. The Korova milkbar sold milk-plus, milk plus vellocet or synthemesc or drencrom, which is what we were drinking. This would sharpen you up and make you ready for a bit of the old ultra-violence.”

A Clockwork Orange

2 years after “Midnight Cowboy” won Best Picture, Stanley Kubrick’s nightmarish vision of the future shocked audiences and captured four Academy Award nominations.

Check out this provocative trailer:

“A Clockwork Orange” was based on the futuristic novel by Anthony Burgess. In future Britain, charismatic delinquent Alex DeLarge terrorizes respectable society, along with this three “Droogs”…

Once jailed, Alex volunteers for an experimental aversion therapy developed by the government in an effort to solve society’s crime problem… but not all goes to plan. “A Clockwork Orange” is a brilliant movie, but very tough to watch in parts…if you haven’t yet seen it – you really don’t know what you are in for, and you have been warned.

The film was nominated for Best Picture (losing to the equally brilliant “The French Connection”) – and Stanley Kubrick was nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay – the fourth nomination was for Best Film Editing.

The Stones As Droogs!

According to IMDB, which always has terrific trivia, the novel’s Author Anthony Burgess originally sold the movie rights to Mick Jagger for $500 when he needed quick cash. Jagger intended to make it with The Rolling Stones as the droogs, but then re-sold the rights.

During the filming of the scene where Alex is forced to watch ultra-violence, star Malcolm McDowell scratched one of his corneas and was temporarily blinded. He also suffered cracked ribs during filming of the humiliation stage show.

McDowell’s next film was the equally brilliant but obscure “O Lucky Man!” – see that film’s “Seinfeld” connection here:

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

Both “Midnight Cowboy” and “A Clockwork Orange” are brilliant movies that have stood the test of time. As ratings guidelines have loosened, both are now rated “R”R and are the same film! The last nomination for an X-rated movie came, not for Best Picture, but for the directing and acting in the equally provocative “Last Tango In Paris”.

“Go, get the butter.”

It is one of film history’s most legendary lines – spoken by one of its most controversial Actors – check out this moody, atmospheric trailer:

Brilliant Brando!

In the 1970’s, Marlon Brando made some brilliant movies – before he went off the rails in the 80’s…let’s look at his performance in this controversial, erotic drama…

While looking for an apartment, Jeanne, a beautiful young Parisienne, encounters Paul, a mysterious American expatriate mourning his wife’s recent suicide. Instantly drawn to each other, they have a stormy, passionate affair, in which they do not reveal their names to each other.

“Beauty of mine, sit before me. Let me peruse you and remember you… always like this.”

Those words are spoken by Brando to the beautiful young woman he pursues. Maria Schneider stars with Brando, and she is captivating as the young woman lost in this anonymous love affair…

Bernardo Bertolucci was nominated for Best Director (he eventually won the Award for “The Last Emperor” in 1987, which also won for Best Picture), and Marlon Brando was nominated for Best Actor.

Controversial Brando!

This nomination was just three years after Brando stunned Hollywood by winning Best Actor for “The Godfather” – and sending Sasheen Littlefeather up to reject the award, based on America’s inhumane treatment of American Indians.

Back To The Butter!

As I said, “Last Tango IN Paris” was the last X-rated film to receive Academy Award recognition…and the film has always been remembered for the moment when Marlon Brando uses butter in the film’s most notorious scene – as a lubricant in order to have anal sex with Schneider.

According to Maria Schneider, the famous “butter scene” was never in the script and improvised at the last minute by Marlon Brando and Bernardo Bertolucci without consulting her. It is one of film’s most notorious moments.

Though the sodomy act was faked, her real tears in the film testify to her surprise and her state of shock. Much later in her life, a very troubled Schneider would make many charges about how she felt violated in the filming of the scene…sadly, she lived a troubled life, and had many negative things to say about the experience of making the movie.

After the film’s release in Europe, director Bernardo Bertolucci, producer Alberto Grimaldi, Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider were all indicted by a court in Bologna, Italy for making the film under the term “ultalitarian pornography”.

They were all acquitted of the charge – but Bertolucci lost his civil rights (including his right to vote) for five years.

“Last Tango In Paris” was a moody, polarizing film that shocked audiences when it came out, and is a true European art masterpiece.

So Whatever Happened To The Good Old “X”?

Now, back to the “X” rating. When the designation was assigned, the MPAA didn’t copyright it. With no registered trademark, the “X” could legally be self-applied to any film — a loophole pornography happily exploited. For example, the notorious 1972 film “Deep Throat” gave itself a tongue-in-cheek “X,” and many other adult films followed suit.

Movies Go “XXX”!

Soon after “Deep Throat” took ownership of the “X” rating, films like “Debbie Does Dallas” boasted a self-designated rating of “XXX”, promising three times the adult material! Look at the rating box with the extra “X’s” added!

While the arbitrary “XXX” rating has since become standard for the adult film industry, the damage was done to the singular “X”. An “X” rating became synonymous with “hardcore,” and mainstream advertisers and distributors stopped showing them in mainstream theaters.

Many filmmakers have protested the “X” rating, since it made artistic films indistinguishable from hard-core pornography. It was reported that “Taxi Driver” was originally given an “X” rating for its violent content, but some of the color of the blood was toned down in order to get an “R” rating.

In 1990, Spanish director Pedro Almodovar filed a civil suit over the X-rating given to “Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!” Almodovar lost his lawsuit, but the MPAA soon after created the trademarked “NC-17” rating, which is still little used.

Roger Ebert’s X-Rated Past!

So there you go, have a nice night of viewing Oscar’s “X”-rated past! And what about this! Famous film critic Roger Ebert also had an X-rated past!

Take a look at the Rogert Ebert and Russ Meyer X-rated collaboration – a cult classic that is unfortunately NOT Oscar worthy!

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

Let me know your thoughts on Oscar’s X-rated past!

World Order Synchronizes Seattle!

The incredible Japanese group World Order, led by Genki Sudo, is back with an incredible music video that takes a shot at President Donald Trump!

Using some of Seattle’s most iconic locations, the talented group took aim at the US President!

SoraNews24 broke the story about the latest synchronized music video from the amazing group World Order…

“Let’s Start WW3” is the title of the video, featuring six Japanese salarymen dressed in business suits all crammed into a tiny little apartment, watching Donald Trump’s inaugural speech as the 45th President of the United States of America.

Here are some of the lyrics:

“A man who claims
To end our boring days
And save our world
Has finally appeared

He’s rich and tall
He’s a pro wrestler and smart
Just like those found in the movies
He’s a real hero

Let’s start a World War III
We’re gonna have a party

We admire your blonde hair
And blue eyes
We will follow you
Wherever you go

Let’s start a World War III
We’re gonna have a party”

Here is the music video, and yes, this is all being done live to camera!

WORLD ORDER’s Fanzine international had this bit of music video trivia about the making of “Let’s Start WW3”:

“Little Facts about this Video: In the USA, they asked passers-by to hold the camera to shoot the video. Once, the camera was stolen, and they chased the grabber to take it back. They had only 4 hours to shoot the video there. The whole music video was made with a hundred thousand yen (around 1000 USD).”

I have posted music videos from Genki Sudo and World Order before – they are incredible inventive and perfectly synchronized!

You can click here to see more of their videos:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/26/this-might-be-the-greatest-music-video-ever-genki-sudo-world-orders-must-see-synchronized-dance-music/

Priest videos are nothing new, and there have been many about the current US President already, like this one from Todd Rundgren and Donald Fagen:

The video “Tin Foil Hat” garnered a lot of controversy for Todd, but that’s nothing new, as he has never been afraid to offer up his point of view on current events – you can see the video here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/19/todd-rundgrens-tin-foil-hat-music-video-todd-donald-fagens-controversial-duet-for-white-knight/

Let me know what you think of World Order’s latest synchronized video!

Tyra’s New Book – With Her Mama!

I’m very happy to share details of Tyra’s great new book, celebrating the ten great life lessons her Mom taught her!

Tyra has been successful because she was smart, focused and more than anything, completely committed to her craft. She has also always been self-deprecating and self-aware, something rare in the entertainment business…

My wife Alex has worked with Tyra on numerous occasions – she is terrific, and Alex shared this recently on Instagram:

“Mogul, model, momtrepreneur and inventor of the Poochie Tooch, and very “fierce friend” Tyra Banks has hit another milestone. She’s written a new book with her Mama called “Perfect is Boring”. It’s raw and unfiltered and has a chapter called “Lip Gloss+ Pizza Sauce= Boss”.

What more do you need? Run don’t walk to your Amazon app (or brick and mortar store) and pre-order a copy!”

If you want to support his new book, you can pre-order like we did at Amazon – here is the link!

https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Boring-Things-Fierce-Taught/dp/014313230X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521574967&sr=8-1&keywords=tyra+banks+book

Bravo to Tyra and her Mom for a great new book!