After more than 30 years of reviewing almost every movie that hit big screens and small, Larry picks and chooses the movies he reviews these days. Many are aimed at baby boomers and those who want a little more for their movie money than merely gratuitous violence, sex and F-bombs.
The 86th Academy Awards, broadcast for what seemed like forever on ABC Sunday night, was not my first Oscar rodeo.
I've watched them with hopeful but focused eyes for more years than I care to tally and covered them live twice. That includes once when the NBC News Channel was fearless enough to place yours truly on the red carpet to schmooze celebs on their way in and out back to console the less fortunate and congratulate the winners on their way out.
I'm proud to say I never once asked a starlet, "Who are you wearing?," which may have something to do with the fact that NBC hasn't rung me up for a return assignment.
I've seen Bob Hope and Billy Crystal dazzle, David Letterman fail miserably (1995), Whoopi Goldberg do OK three times, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin have fun (2010), James Franco and Anne Hathaway stink up the place (2011) and Ellen DeGeneres brighten up a large room with about a billion people around the world watching.
But that was 2007, when The Departed won four awards, including Best Picture. Fast-forward to Sunday night (if we must) and two things happened that I never thought I'd see on an Academy Awards telecast:
In an ironic twist that mirrored what was probably going on in millions of homes around the world, the Oscar telecast virtually halted to order-in some pizzas.
Even more of a shocker for me, though, was that Ellen (DeGeneres no longer necessary, thank you) had an off night. I agree completely with the Hollywood Reporter review of the telecast that Ellen, so confident and genial on her afternoon TV gabfest, just wasn't hitting on all comic cylinders Sunday night.
Anyone can have an off night. Heck, I was having one. The surprise for me was that one of our most gifted comics, or perhaps the committee of writers, felt compelled to Seth MacFarlane (last year's failed host) it down into caustic dark comedy almost from the get-go.
Referring to Liza Minnelli as a Liza Minnelli impersonator and calling one of the truly great performers "sir" confirmed to me that it would be a very long evening and that someone other than Ellen determined the tone of the comedy.
Note to Ellen: Next time, if there is one, do what Billy Crystal has done over and over. Trust your gut when it comes to comedy and, most importantly, write (or at least control) your own material.
A quick check with David Letterman could have warned Ellen of the pitfalls of treating the 3,300 or so odd mix of Hollywood young bucks, semi-elderly and elderly members of the Academy and their guests seated in the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood (formerly the Kodak Theater) like devout followers of their popular TV show.
The awards themselves, once the show finally got around to them, turned out to be a diverse bag that saw 12 Years a Slave take Best Picture and Supporting Actress honors (Lupita Nyong'o), Gravity suck in lots of technical trophies (seven in all) and Gravity director Alfonso Cuaron taking home a directing golden statuette. (Click for list of winners.)
It was good to see Texan Matthew McConaughey grab the Best Actor honor for losing a ton of weight and getting under the withering skin of an AIDS victim in Dallas Buyers Club.
There were other bright spots, of course.
Bette Midler brought a hush over the crowd with a chilling performance of Wind Beneath My Wings as the In Memoriam tribute faded behind her.
From this aisle seat, though, the highlight came when Lupita Nyong'o, a 31-year-old Yale School of Drama grad born to Kenyan parents in Mexico but raised primarily, according to published reports, in Kenya, took the stage to accept her Supporting Actress award.
No pizza was ordered.
She didn't pause to whip out her cell phone and snap a "selfie." Nyong'o exploded with joy, pride and respect and thanked everyone who helped her get to the most coveted spot in show business.
Thanks to everyone over at C. C. Young Senior Living near the shore of White Rock Lake in Dallas for the fantastic reception and turnout on Friday (Jan. 17).
And a special thank you to three ladies: Carol Butler, editor and publisher of The Senior Voice, who was generous enough to sponsor the event, and Denise Aver-Phillips (Director of The Point, C. C. Young's Center for Arts and Education) and Angela Castillo (Event coordinator & administrative assistant), who graciously welcomed our Movie Memories "Savor Those Tunes -- Great Movie Music" presentation and provided excellent support.
And while I'm gushing, something I rarely do in print, I'd like to thank Carol Butler for a terrific introduction. Carol said such impressive things about me I almost wanted to take a seat and listen to me myself.
Also, thanks to the fine folks who filled the Point's auditorium to celebrate the joy of excellent movie tunes throughout cinematic history, and especially for responding to my comments about why I think it was a good thing that the characters portrayed by Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford in The Way We Were didn't make a lifelong relationship work out.
It was a fantastic afternoon, so thanks, everyone involved, for making it happen.
And one more thing, you could have heard a pin drop when Bette Midler poured her singing heart out as The Rose.
It's always a joy to begin a new year with some exciting news, and I've got some.
Movie Memories is teaming up with The Senior Voice to bring my "Savor Those Tunes -- Great Movie Music" presentation to The Point at C. C. Young, the premier senior living center located near the shores of White Rock Lake in Dallas.
It's all happening from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17. Here's the best news: You're all invited. It's free and open to the public.
Liza with a Z belts one out in "Cabaret." (Allied Artists)
Help us fill the house to start the New Year off right by celebrating memorable music like Singin' in the Rain from the 1952 classic starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor. We'll go behind the scenes to reveal something surprising about Gene Kelly's splash through the title tune that you may not be aware of.
You'll learn how music guides an audience through an emotional cinematic roller coaster ride as a movie flickers through a projector when the filmmakers know what they're doing.
Without giving too much away, let's just say that we'll begin our movie tunes journey in New York, New York and wind our way melodically to the Midwest.
Thanks to Carol Butler at The Senior Voice for sponsoring this event and all the kind folks at C. C. Young for inviting us, we'll clap along as Liza Minnelli belts out the title tune to Cabaret.
So, to borrow a phrase from the movie: Don't just sit there alone in your room, come to the Movie Memories cabaret on Friday, Jan. 17. Call C. C. Young at 214-841-2831 to reserve your seat today.
Want a little sneak preview? Just click on the arrow below.
Don't let foreign films scare you
I'm also excited about my "Get to Know Your Classic Foreign Films" Movie Memories presentation Wednesday (Jan. 8) from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. at Meadowstone Place senior living center in North Dallas.
Salvatore (Salvatore Cascio) discovers the magic of the movies in "Cinema Paradiso." (blogspot.com)
Join us at Meadowstone Place (10410 Stone Canyon Road, Dallas 75230) for this revealing presentation under the auspices of Director Mitzi Werther and the Richland College Emeritus plus 50 program.
It's also free and open to the public. Call Meadowstone Place at 214-987-0943 to reserve your spot.
If you didn't know it already, you'll discover that movies from other countries often greatly influence American films. Did you think, for instance, that the classic Western The Magnificent Seven or the romantic City of Angels were cinematic experiences born in the USA? Well, you'd be wrong about that.
Join us and find out why. You'll also get to know some foreign film classics you might want to rent; wonderful movies like Cinema Paradiso (1988) from Itay.
Before the hour or so of spanning the globe for movie classics is over, you'll also discover why subtitles are not to be feared, but appreciated. See for yourself. Click the arrow below.
(Gene Kelly photo from "Singin' in the Rain" courtesy: MGM)
How many times have you considered something aptly described as "totally disgusting" a very good thing?
Shopping mall Santa Willie (Billy Bob Thornton) prepares to greet the little darlings in "Bad Santa." (Dimension Films)
I can think of exactly one. That's Billy Bob Thornton's riveting and revolting performance as a boozing, booty chasing, conniving thief of a department store Santa with a good (but very well hidden) heart.
And here's something else. Can you believe it's been 10 years since Thornton, the star and Academy Award-winning screenwriter of the equally disturbing Sling Blade (1996), slipped into the worn Santa suit, lit up a cigarette and greeted the kiddies as a conman St. Nick in Bad Santa?
Nor can I. But if you're in the mood for an edgy alternative to the usual holiday season leading man, like Jimmy Stewart as squeaky clean George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life or the persistent, but kind of annoying kid in A Christmas Story, slide Bad Santa (Rated R) into the DVR, grab hold of something and hit "play."
Just to make sure everyone understands, we're not talking family entertainment here. So wait until the kids and/or the grandkids are safely out of sight.
As Willie, Thornton, in one of his finest screen performances in my humble opinion, grovels brilliantly as a desperately lonely, womanizing alcoholic with nowhere to go but up.
Willie, of course, goes down. Way down.
Don't miss Friday's Richland Emeritus kick-off
The Richland College Emeritus plus 50 spring the kick-off, originally planned for Dec. 6 but postponed due to the recent icy blast, will launch with free hot coffee and muffins this Friday (Dec. 13) at 9 a.m.
Beginning at 9:30, instructors will take turns touting their upcoming classes in everything from aging issues, current events, nutrition, music, religion and even screenwriting.
Yours truly will be among the instructors. My spring class, very likely be my last in the Richland Emeritus plus 50 program for a while, will focus on Oscar-winning Hollywood icon Marlon Brando. We'll dive into the fascinating subject of the man behind the myth.
This is my personal invitation for you to sign up for my spring class and others and to come to the always exciting kick-off event on Dec. 13 (Richland's Sabine Hall, Room 118).
It's free and there's snacks; coffee and muffins at 9 a.m. Call 972-238-6972 to reserve your spot.
A sad silent (good)night
Do you appreciate, love and/or admire silent films?
I'm afraid there is some startling news bouncing around media outlets this morning.
This single frame may be one of the few remaining from the silent version of "The Great Gatsby." (flixist.com)
In a shocking report just out by the Library of Congress, it appears about 70 percent of 11,000 silent movies made between 1912 and 1930 have been lost due to what the Associated Press is calling "decay and neglect over the past 100 years."
“'The Library of Congress can now authoritatively report that the loss of American silent-era feature films constitutes an alarming and irretrievable loss to our nation’s cultural record,” Librarian of Congress James Billington said in a statement. “We have lost most of the creative record from the era that brought American movies to the pinnacle of world cinematic achievement in the 20th century.'”
Some of the classics starring silent film era stars Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Mary Pickford (Wings) have been saved and, in many cases, restored to near-pristine condition.
Sadly, other classics like The Great Gatsby from 1926, Cleopatra (1917),The Patriot (1928) and Lon Chaney's London After Midnight (1927) are presumably lost forever.
Silents, it appears, are no longer golden.
Parody, the new way to disrespect
Who says I'm not on the cutting edge of everything cinematic and trendy?
Well, plenty of people, but that's not the point.
George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) once caught a fish this big! Not really, but as long as we're spoofing. (RKO Radio Pictures)
Parodies are all the rage this year.
From music videos like the Bound 3 spoof of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's Bound 2 by Seth Rogen and James Franco to feature films, videos are hotter than this year's "must-have" toy on Black Friday.
Frank Capra's 1946 Christmas classic It's a Wonderful Life appears to be the holiday target of choice this year when it comes to movies.
According to an article posted on the Hollywood Reporter website, "One is by comedian Owen Weber and the other is from Jean-Marc Vallee, director of the Oscar contender Dallas Buyers Club.
Leonardo DiCaprio as the title character in "The Wolf of Wall Street." (thewrap.com)
"Weber recut a Wonderful Life trailer to the tune of Kanye West's Black Skinhead, which is also heard in the first trailer for Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street (opening Dec. 25).
"Weber's parody The Wolf of Bedford Falls ... depicts Jimmy Stewart's hero as a corrupt sellout to evil banker Mr. Potter," the article states.
Sacrilege or homage?
I'll say a little (actually, a lot) of both.
I know this, though. The version of "It's a Wonderful Life" you'll see in the video below is not your mama's version of George Bailey.
I've been sneaking around, and I'm terrified my wife is going to find out.
Yet how can I resist her warm embrace?
Surely, someone out there will understand, even if it's only the men; some perhaps suffering the same agony.
She's there to warm me and protect me from the cold abyss of the outside world. She's always there when I need her, and she never utters even a hint of objection or complaint.
She is ... my thermostat.
I'm cold natured. I can't help it. I can't deny it. I can't defend it. So I sneak around to deal with it, but the deceit gnaws away at my soul. Not enough, though, to shiver all day when I'm home alone during cold winter months.
My wife Suellen, through no fault of her own, has an inner body temperature that appears to reside in the desert of El Azizia, Libya, which is generally regarded as the hottest place on Earth. How does 136 degrees sound?
So, especially during the winter months, if Suellen is anywhere near comfortable, I feel like I'm trudging naked through a raging blizzard in Antarctica.
I've tried to fight the good fight; wrap myself in blankets, wear socks in house shoes, etc. But occasionally I have to poke my nose out of my blanket pile to move around. And there it is. I'm right back in the frozen tundra.
"This is why humans moved into caves, then built huts and eventually took out second mortgages on houses in the suburbs," I plead, "to get out of harsh elements like this."
That argument never flies, of course.
"If you're cold, just put some more clothes on," she says.
To which I've been known to reply:
"If you're hot, you could just take some clothes off."
Gentlemen, I don't recommend that retort.
If you just blurt it out anyway, as I have, just say something like ...
"What? I didn't say anything. I was shivering so much you just heard my teeth clicking together."
And so it goes, season after season. That's why I've resorted to my savior of warmth, Ms. Thermostat.
We heat it up toasty style during winter days. I just have to remember to restore the chill before Suellen comes home.
The deceit is killing me, though.
I can't go on living this lie. So I'm fessing up and embracing the mantra of that great philosopher Vanilla Ice.
If there was a problem yo I'll solve it Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it
Ice ice baby, indeed.
A sad silent (good)night
Do you appreciate, love and/or admire silent films?
I'm afraid there is some startling news bouncing around media outlets this morning.
This single frame may be one of the few remaining from the silent version of "The Great Gatsby." (flixist.com)
In a shocking report just out by the Library of Congress, it appears about 70 percent of 11,000 silent movies made between 1912 and 1930 have been lost due to what the Associated Press is calling "decay and neglect over the past 100 years."
“'The Library of Congress can now authoritatively report that the loss of American silent-era feature films constitutes an alarming and irretrievable loss to our nation’s cultural record,” Librarian of Congress James Billington said in a statement. “We have lost most of the creative record from the era that brought American movies to the pinnacle of world cinematic achievement in the 20th century.'”
Some of the classics starring silent film era stars Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Mary Pickford (Wings) have been saved and, in many cases, restored to near-pristine condition.
Sadly, other classics like The Great Gatsby from 1926, Cleopatra (1917),The Patriot (1928) and Lon Chaney's London After Midnight (1927) are presumably lost forever.
Silents, it appears, are no longer golden.
Richland Emeritus kick-off postponed
Mitzi Werther, program director of Richland College's Emeritus plus 50 for seniors, has sent word that the Emeritus Back-to-School Spring Kick-off, originally set for Friday (Dec. 6) morning, has been postponed a week due to the threat of inclement weather.
"There is a strong possibility of a treacherous Friday morning drive. We do not want to put anyone in harm's way," Werther said.
Marlon Brando with his "borrowed" trophy in "The Wild One" circa 1953. (Columbia Pictures)
No worries, though, the kick-off has been pushed back a week to Dec. 13. Instructors will take turns touting their upcoming classes in everything from aging issues, current events, nutrition, music, religion and even screenwriting.
Yours truly will be among the instructors. My spring class, which will likely be my last in the Richland Emeritus plus 50 program for a while, will focus on Oscar-winning Hollywood icon Marlon Brando. We'll dive into the fascinating subject of the man behind the myth.
This is my personal invitation for you to sign up for my spring class and others and to come to the always exciting kick-off event on Dec. 13 (Richland's Sabine Hall, Room 118).
It's free and there's snacks; coffee and muffins at 9 a.m. Call 972-238-6972 to reserve your spot.
Parody, the new way to disrespect
Who says I'm not on the cutting edge of everything cinematic and trendy?
Well, plenty of people, but that's not the point.
George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) once caught a fish this big! Not really, but as long as we're spoofing. (RKO Radio Pictures)
Parodies are all the rage this year.
From music videos like the Bound 3 spoof of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's Bound 2 by Seth Rogen and James Franco to feature films, videos are hotter than this year's "must-have" toy on Black Friday.
Frank Capra's 1946 Christmas classic It's a Wonderful Life appears to be the holiday target of choice this year when it comes to movies.
According to an article posted on the Hollywood Reporter website, "One is by comedian Owen Weber and the other is from Jean-Marc Vallee, director of the Oscar contender Dallas Buyers Club.
Leonardo DiCaprio as the title character in "The Wolf of Wall Street." (thewrap.com)
"Weber recut a Wonderful Life trailer to the tune of Kanye West's Black Skinhead, which is also heard in the first trailer for Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street (opening Dec. 25).
"Weber's parody The Wolf of Bedford Falls ... depicts Jimmy Stewart's hero as a corrupt sellout to evil banker Mr. Potter," the article states.
Sacrilege or homage?
I'll say a little (actually, a lot) of both.
I know this, though. The version of "It's a Wonderful Life" you'll see in the video below is not your mama's version of George Bailey.
It's not too late to book MM for your holiday party
The holidays are here and Movie Memories has you covered when it comes to entertainment for your event.
It is time to get serious about planning your holiday event, though. Whether it's a corporate Christmas party, a country club holiday gathering or a retirement community seasonal celebration, the "Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays" Movie Memories presentation arrives bearing gifts of laughter, nostalgia and holiday joy.
In a presentation lasting a little over an hour, I combine classic Christmas movie clips with behind-the-scene Hollywood insight and tales of Christmases past sure to entertain your group and inspire and touch hearts along the way.
We'll begin by boarding The Polar Express, with stops along the way at everything from White Christmas to The Santa Clause. Of course our final holiday stop simply must be ... Well, you just have to join us to find out.
Call 972-599-2150 to book your "Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays" Movie Memories presentation today to secure your group's preferred date.
(Editor's note: The thermostat column first appeared as a Life Sentences essay on this website on Nov. 23, 2010. Thermostat image courtesy: HunterFan.com)
Do you appreciate, love and/or admire silent films?
I'm afraid there is some startling news bouncing around media outlets this morning.
This single frame may be one of the few remaining from the silent version of "The Great Gatsby." (flixist.com)
In a shocking report just out by the Library of Congress, it appears about 70 percent of 11,000 silent movies made between 1912 and 1930 have been lost due to what the Associated Press is calling "decay and neglect over the past 100 years."
“'The Library of Congress can now authoritatively report that the loss of American silent-era feature films constitutes an alarming and irretrievable loss to our nation’s cultural record,” Librarian of Congress James Billington said in a statement. “We have lost most of the creative record from the era that brought American movies to the pinnacle of world cinematic achievement in the 20th century.'”
Some of the classics starring silent film era stars Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Mary Pickford (Wings) have been saved and, in many cases, restored to near-pristine condition.
Sadly, other classics like The Great Gatsby from 1926, Cleopatra (1917),The Patriot (1928) and Lon Chaney's London After Midnight (1927) are presumably lost forever.
Silents, it appears, are no longer golden.
Richland Emeritus kick-off postponed
Mitzi Werther, program director of Richland College's Emeritus plus 50 for seniors, has sent word that the Emeritus Back-to-School Spring Kick-off, originally set for Friday (Dec. 6) morning, has been postponed a week due to the threat of inclement weather.
"There is a strong possibility of a treacherous Friday morning drive. We do not want to put anyone in harm's way," Werther said.
Marlon Brando with his "borrowed" trophy in "The Wild One" circa 1953. (Columbia Pictures)
No worries, though, the kick-off has been pushed back a week to Dec. 13. Instructors will take turns touting their upcoming classes in everything from aging issues, current events, nutrition, music, religion and even screenwriting.
Yours truly will be among the instructors. My spring class, which will likely be my last in the Richland Emeritus plus 50 program for a while, will focus on Oscar-winning Hollywood icon Marlon Brando. We'll dive into the fascinating subject of the man behind the myth.
This is my personal invitation for you to sign up for my spring class and others and to come to the always exciting kick-off event on Dec. 13 (Richland's Sabine Hall, Room 118).
It's free and there's snacks; coffee and muffins at 9 a.m. Call 972-238-6972 to reserve your spot.
Parody, the new way to pay disrespects
Who says I'm not on the cutting edge of everything cinematic and trendy?
Well, plenty of people, but that's not the point.
George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) once caught a fish this big! Not really, but as long as we're spoofing. (RKO Radio Pictures)
Parodies are all the rage this year.
From music videos like the Bound 3 spoof of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's Bound 2 by Seth Rogen and James Franco to feature films, videos are hotter than this year's "must-have" toy on Black Friday.
Frank Capra's 1946 Christmas classic It's a Wonderful Life appears to be the holiday target of choice this year when it comes to movies.
According to an article posted on the Hollywood Reporter website, "One is by comedian Owen Weber and the other is from Jean-Marc Vallee, director of the Oscar contender Dallas Buyers Club.
Leonardo DiCaprio as the title character in "The Wolf of Wall Street." (thewrap.com)
"Weber recut a Wonderful Life trailer to the tune of Kanye West's Black Skinhead, which is also heard in the first trailer for Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street (opening Dec. 25).
"Weber's parody The Wolf of Bedford Falls ... depicts Jimmy Stewart's hero as a corrupt sellout to evil banker Mr. Potter," the article states.
Sacrilege or homage?
I'll say a little (actually, a lot) of both.
I know this, though. The version of "It's a Wonderful Life" you'll see in the video below is not your mama's version of George Bailey.
Don't fret over planning your holiday party
The holidays are here and Movie Memories has you covered when it comes to entertainment for your event.
It is time to get serious about planning your holiday event, though. Whether it's a corporate Christmas party, a country club holiday gathering or a retirement community seasonal celebration, the "Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays" Movie Memories presentation arrives bearing gifts of laughter, nostalgia and holiday joy.
In a presentation lasting a little over an hour, I combine classic Christmas movie clips with behind-the-scene Hollywood insight and tales of Christmases past sure to entertain your group and inspire and touch hearts along the way.
We'll begin by boarding The Polar Express, with stops along the way at everything from White Christmas to The Santa Clause. Of course our final holiday stop simply must be ... Well, you just have to join us to find out.
Call 972-599-2150 to book your "Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays" Movie Memories presentation today to secure your group's preferred date.
Whenever I have the opportunity to share my Movie Memories presentation "A Salute to the Great War Movies" with an attentive, respectful audience, as I did Sunday evening at the outstanding-in-every-way Highland Springs retirement community in Dallas, I say this:
"Forgive me if I seem a little extra patriotic, but I'm not a veteran of foreign wars, you see. I'm a veteran of foreign war movies, so I appreciate what those who are serving, did serve and will serve this country have or will give up to let freedom continue to ring in the U.S.A."
Thanks to the Highland Springs folks for being a great audience (as usual). I'm proud to do my little part to honor those who deserve our thanks and gratitude every day, but especially on Veterans Day.
I can't think of anyone better than the late Johnny Cash to honor our veterans as well. Click the button below for "The Patriot Song." That's how we ended our salute last night; with our veterans standing and getting the applause they deserve.
Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays, let's party
The holidays are approaching faster than a group of out-of-tune, but well-meaning Christmas carolers heading up the sidewalk to your doorbell.
That means it's time to plan your holiday event. Whether it's a corporate Christmas party, a country club holiday gathering or a retirement community seasonal celebration, the "Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays" Movie Memories presentation arrives bearing gifts of laughter, nostalgia and holiday joy.
In a presentation lasting a little over an hour, Larry combines Christmas classic movie clips with behind-the-scene Hollywood insight and tales of Christmases past sure to entertain your group and inspire and touch hearts along the way. We'll begin by boarding The Polar Express, with stops along the way at everything from White Christmas to The Santa Clause. Of course our final holiday stop simply must be ... Well, you just have to join us to find out.
Call 972-599-2150 to book your "Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays" Movie Memories presentation today to secure your group's preferred date.
Got some film buffs in your group?
In that case, your group might prefer a behind the scenes look at the holiday classic, It's a Wonderful Life.
You’re probably aware that an angel gets his wings and grumpy old Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore) tries to run everything in Bedford Falls.
But did you know that at least one film historian says Henry Fonda was considered for the role of reluctant small-town banker George Bailey? Of course that became a signature role for James Stewart.
And just where is Bedford Falls? Is it a real place?
There are lots of things to learn about film critic Larry Ratliff’s favorite holiday film of all time in the Movie Memories presentation "It's a Wonderful Life -- A Classic Holiday Must-See."
Don't wait to book your Movie Memories presentation for the holidays. Call 972-599-2150 while choice dates and times are available.
Read this before seeing 'Last Vegas'
I'm not going to give away too much of my Last Vegas movie review here.
Let's just say I was really looking forward to seeing movie star icons Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline share the screen as aging lifelong pals who venture to the bright lights of Las Vegas to see how much party power they have left in the tank.
Even though the cast is impressive, though, ... Well, click here to read my full review.
You might thank me later if you're thinking of investing in Last Vegas.
Since I don't mention real ages of the lead actors in the review, you might be interested to know the ages of the guys who play same-age aging party dudes in the movie: De Niro, 70; Kline, 66; Douglas, 69; and Freeman, 76.
I know. I had a little trouble believing it as well.
Check out the new edition of The Senior Voice
The Nov.-Dec. edition of Carol Butler's Senior Voice newspaper is out and it's bursting with articles like a feature on Lee Majors' "bionic" career, Veterans Day events and John Tackett's compelling Kennedy assassination remembrance titled "Echoes of Shots Fired."
And, if you are so inclined, check out my Getting Reel movie column. Click here for the link to learn what your humble movie critic was doing the day Camelot ended and one of our most popular American presidents, John F. Kennedy, was gunned down in our town.
The holidays are approaching faster than a group of out-of-tune, but well-meaning Christmas carolers heading up the sidewalk to your doorbell.
That means it's time to plan your holiday event. Whether it's a corporate Christmas party, a country club holiday
gathering or a retirement community seasonal celebration, the "Happy
Ho-Ho-Holidays" Movie Memories presentation arrives bearing gifts of laughter,
nostalgia and holiday joy.
In a presentation lasting a little over an hour, Larry combines
Christmas classic movie clips with behind-the-scene Hollywood insight
and tales of Christmases past sure to entertain your group and inspire
and touch hearts along the way. We'll begin by boarding The Polar
Express, with stops along the way at everything from White Christmas
to The Santa Clause. Of course our final holiday stop simply must be
... Well, you just have to join us to find out.
Call 972-599-2150 to book your "Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays" Movie Memories presentation today to secure your group's preferred date.
Got some film buffs in your group?
In that case, your group might prefer a behind the scenes look at the holiday classic, It's a Wonderful Life.
You’re
probably aware that an angel gets his wings and grumpy old Mr. Potter
(Lionel Barrymore) tries to run everything in Bedford Falls.
But did
you know that at least one film historian says Henry Fonda was
considered for the role of reluctant small-town banker George Bailey?
Of course that became a signature role for James Stewart.
And just
where is Bedford Falls? Is it a real place?
There are lots of things
to learn about film critic Larry Ratliff’s favorite holiday film of all
time in the Movie Memories presentation "It's a Wonderful Life -- A Classic Holiday Must-See."
Don't wait to book your Movie Memories presentation for the holidays. Call 972-599-2150 while choice dates and times are available.
Read this before seeing 'Last Vegas'
I'm not going to give away too much of my Last Vegas movie review here.
Let's just say I was really looking forward to seeing movie star icons Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline share the screen as aging lifelong pals who venture to the bright lights of Las Vegas to see how much party power they have left in the tank.
Even though the cast is impressive, though, ... Well, click here to read my full review.
You might thank me later if you're thinking of investing in Last Vegas.
Since I don't mention real ages of the lead actors in the review, you might be interested to know the ages of the guys who play same-age aging party dudes in the movie: De Niro, 70; Kline, 66; Douglas, 69; and Freeman, 76.
I know. I had a little trouble believing it as well.
Check out the new edition of The Senior Voice
The Nov.-Dec. edition of Carol Butler's Senior Voice newspaper is out and it's bursting with articles like a feature on Lee Majors' "bionic" career, Veterans Day events and John Tackett's compelling Kennedy assassination remembrance titled "Echoes of Shots Fired."
And, if you are so inclined, check out my Getting Reel movie column. Click here for the link to learn what your humble movie critic was doing the day Camelot ended and one of our most popular American presidents, John F. Kennedy, was gunned down in our town.
It was my pleasure to bring my Movie Memories presentation "Boo! Hollywood's Great Thrillers" to the Intermezzos seniors group at St. Rita's Catholic Church on Inwood Rd. in Dallas Tuesday night.
It was all part of a festive Halloween-themed gathering that included catered food, costumes, prizes and my presentation of classic movie thrillers ranging from the original Alien (1979), ranked as my personal scariest movie ever, to John Carpenter's Halloween (1978) and beyond.
So thanks to Carol and all the fine, fun Intermezzos over at St. Rita's. It was a great night of frivolity, food and scary movies, like Wait Until Dark, the creepy 1967 thriller starring Audrey Hepburn in an Academy Award-nominated performance as a sightless women going up against some very bad guys who invade her apartment in search of drugs she has no idea have been placed in her home.
Looking for something really scary to see on Halloween night? You could do a lot worse than that one, and you don't even have to wait until dark to get creeped out.
Buying
a movie ticket used to be as simple as strolling up to the box-office
window, stating the name of the film you've chosen and saying something
like, "Two for 'The Sound of Music,' please."
These days, gaining admission to a movie may not be as difficult as
signing up for affordable health care on-line, but it's close. There's
regular (no frills), 3-D (special glasses), XD (super digital), IMAX
(super-sized screen), IMAX 3-D (super-sized screen and special glasses)
and even Sony 4K Digital (twice the usual digital resolution).
It's no surprise that I recently got a near-frantic post movie
theater visit call from my brother: "What is XD and why did it cost me
$11.50 per ticket to see 'Captain Phillips?'"
Easy, big bro. This is all you need to know:
If you really want to get launched into the experience of what I like to call a big movie like the outer-space odyssey "Gravity"
starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, I say opt for the biggest
screen and even those awkward 3-D glasses. You'll pay premium prices at
IMAX theaters and even other chains boasting IMAX screens, but,
occasionally, spending the extra bucks pays off in added thrills and
sound.
Otherwise, I suggest just going for what we used to call the movie.
Let's put it this way, if you were at a gas pump, you'd opt for regular
unleaded. Not plus. Not premium. For many of us, we're just looking
for "regular gas" entertainment without the frills and sell-you-up
gimmicks.
That would be my chosen path for intense dramas like "Captain Phillips," comic-dramas such as "The Family" and the like.
It can be tricky, though. My brother ended up paying a premium price
because he just looked at the movie ad in the newspaper and picked out
the best time. Unfortunately, movie planning is not that simple
anymore. Make sure there is no XD, 3-D, IMAX or IMAX 3-D in that little
square of the movie ad (with tiny type) that contains your chosen
time. You'll still enjoy the movie and even have a little money left
over for popcorn and Milk Duds.
But don't get me started about the price of Milk Duds at movie houses these days.
This should come as no surprise
Aging movie-goers, especially baby boomers, will still line up for
aging, but not necessarily baby boomer, movie stars they admire.
A recent article in The Hollywood Reporter pointed this encouraging
fact out in an article and online post titled "Box Office Lesson: Older
Crowd Prefers Seasoned Stars, Shuns Youngsters."
Cited in the article as examples are the aforementioned "Gravity" and "Captain Phillips."
"Older
audiences require a more substantive reason to see a movie than just a
'wow' factor or an effective trailer. Star power, while seemingly
unimportant to younger moviegoers who appear to only care about concept,
acts as sort of a movie insurance policy," says Rentrak box-office
analyst Paul Dergarabedian.
"A Hanks, Clooney or Bullock in a movie takes some of the risk out
of the equation when older audiences make the decision to invest their
time and money in a particular film," The Hollywood Reporter article
added.
I know, I know. "Last Vegas," starring Michael Douglas, Robert De
Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline as "mature" guys heading to Vegas
to celebrate the upcoming wedded bliss of the last single member of the
foursome, looks like "The Hangover" for geezers.
OK, then. I'm in. Call it a guilty pleasure.
"Last Vegas" opens Nov.1 at a theater near you. No 3-D, IMAX or super-digital sound required.
(Audrey Hepburn photo from "Wait Until Dark" courtesy: Warner Bros./"Captain Phillips" photo courtesy: Sony Pictures)
The red carpet was rolled out, a golden Oscar standee was in place and around 135 members and guests of The Guild of Dallas Heritage Village filled the Lakewood Country Club ballroom Wednesday for the Guild's Annual Fundraiser Luncheon.
I was honored to be the guest speaker, performing my "Lights, Camera, DALLAS!" presentation celebrating movies made in and around Dallas over the years. So a big thanks to Guild members Carol Campbell, Lucy Blachly, Rae Marquis and Gary Smith and Scott, the Lakewood Country Club audio-visual guru, who made my part of the event a joyous experience.
Some of the Dallas movie titles might surprise you, like the football comedy "Semi-Tough" of 1977 or even the violence-laced "Bonnie and Clyde" of 1967, which comes complete with a banjo-picking movie score featuring bluegrass maestros Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.
No Dallas-made flick got a more vocal reaction than the one featured just below, though. Click the button to revisit Dallas film-making circa 1959.
You are for whom the school bell tolls
The Brookhaven College school bell is ringing for my "Movies Set in the Lone Star State" series of classes that begin Oct. 15.
Don't miss your chance to see some terrific films set in Texas. Call and register today!
Here's the official class listing:
ENTERTAINMENT
Movies Set in the Lone Star State
SRCZ 1000-21103 Cost: $25 Ratliff
Tuesday 12-3 p.m. 10/15-11/12 M116
Book cased by two big-screen treatments about the fall of the Alamo, this Texas-based series includes "Tender Mercies," "Hud" and "Places in the Heart." Learn the vast differences between John Wayne's Davy Crockett in the 1960 "Alamo" and Billy Bob Thornton's in 2004. See Robert Duvall at his finest in "Tender Mercies" and Paul Newman as the worthless son you'll love to hate as "Hud." Also, find out what prompted Sally Field's "You like me" outburst at the Academy Awards in 1985.
