Movie Reviews

Parody, it's the hot new homage

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.

Truth?  Well, there's more truth

Most movie buffs will remember the tension-packed, screaming courtroom standoff between Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise in the 1992 military drama "A Few Good Men."

Jack Nicholson on the witness stand in "A Few Good Men." (Columbia Pictures)

Well, now there's another standoff between Cruise and Nicholson, and it's playing out in the Hollywood Hills.

Cruise, it seems, is wooing his former co-star to portray a boozing womanizer who happens to be the former president of the United States.

That's according to an article posted on the Hollywood Reporter website and other online venues.

In the upcoming El Presidente, Toothy Tom is set to play a "straight-arrow Secret Service agent.

He's assigned to protect America's worst former president, an alcoholic and womanizing sleazebag who was elevated from VP when the president died," according to the post.

Esteemed Toronto mayor Rob Ford. (zap2it.com)

If published reports turn out to be true, Cruise may have even told Nicholson, an Academy Award winner three times over, he won't make the movie without his old co-star.

Let's not be too hasty, Mr. Cruise.

Surely there's at least one other person who could pull off the role of "an alcoholic sleazebag" who also formerly wielded politial power.

I just can't think of one right now.

You want to know more truth?

Jack Nicholson on the witness stand in "A Few Good Men." (Columbia Pictures)

Most movie buffs will remember the tension-packed, screaming courtroom standoff between Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise in the 1992 military drama "A Few Good Men."

Well, now there's another standoff between Cruise and Nicholson, and it's playing out in the Hollywood Hills.

Cruise, it seems, is wooing his former co-star to portray a boozing womanizer who happens to be the former president of the United States, according to an article posted on the Hollywood Reporter website and other online venues.

In the upcoming El Presidente, Toothy Tom is set to play a "straight-arrow Secret Service agent who is assigned to protect America's worst former president, an alcoholic and womanizing sleazebag who was elevated from VP when the president died," according to the post.

Esteemed Toronto mayor Rob Ford. (Courtesy: zap2it.com)

If published reports turn out to be true, Cruise may have even told Nicholson, an Academy Award winner three times over, he won't make the movie without his old co-star.

Let's not be too hasty, Mr. Cruise.

Surely there's at least one other person who could pull off the role of "an alcoholic sleazebag" who also formerly wielded politial power.  I just can't think of one right now.

Let's talk about your holiday 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.

Fly, wave your flag for our veterans

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.

It's the most wonderful time ...

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.

If you can't wait until dark

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.

Click here to read the entire article.

The movie I can't wait to see

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)

Tickets, please ... but which one?

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.

Click here to read the entire article.

The movie I'm looking forward to

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.

 

("Captain Phillips" photo courtesy:  Sony Pictures)

Who let 'The Killer Shrews' out?

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.

To register and find out more contact:

DeBorah Whaley-Stephenson, M203

Brookhaven College Students 50plus

972-860-4807

www.50plusclasses.com

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.

To register and find out more contact:

DeBorah Whaley-Stephenson, M203

Brookhaven College Students 50plus

972-860-4807

www.50plusclasses.com

 

 

Cinematic fathers and sons

When it comes to actors who have played father and son opposite each other more than once on the big screen, pencil in Academy Award winners Robert Duvall and Billy Bob Thornton as players in two of the strangest pairings, beginning with Sling Blade in 1996.

I was thinking about that today when I was writing my review for Thornton's bizarre new dysfunctional family drama Jayne Mansfield's Car, which recently opened and made a quick exit from movie theaters but is still prominently parked on TV cable and satellite system On Demand menus.

Duvall heads an impressive ensemble cast as Jim Caldwell, a family patriarch in 1969 Alabama at odds with all three of his sons (including those played by Kevin Bacon and Robert Patrick).

Click here to play the trailer that hints at the odd relationship between a tight-lipped father and his battle-scarred son.  Click here for my review of Jayne Mansfield's Car, or click on the Movie Reviews button at the top of this page.

Even stranger, however, was the grim father-son relationship Duvall and Thornton played in Sling Blade, Thornton's most compelling film to date.  In the scene just below, Karl (Thornton) has been released from confinement and returns home to visit his father (Duvall).  I, for one, can't wait to see these terrific actors pull off the father-son trifecta if it ever happens.

 

Offbeat cinematic fathers and sons

 

Robert Duvall, left, and director/co-star Billy Bob Thornton on the set of "Jayne Mansfield's Car." (Anchor Bay Films)

When it comes to actors who have played father and son opposite each other more than once on the big screen, pencil in Academy Award winners Robert Duvall and Billy Bob Thornton as players in two of the strangest pairings, beginning with Sling Blade in 1996.

I was thinking about that today when I was writing my review for Thornton's bizarre new dysfunctional family drama Jayne Mansfield's Car, which recently opened and made a quick exit from movie theaters but is still prominently parked on TV cable and satellite system On Demand menus.

Duvall heads an impressive ensemble cast as Jim Caldwell, a family patriarch in 1969 Alabama at odds with all three of his sons (including those played by Kevin Bacon and Robert Patrick).

Click here to play the trailer that hints at the odd relationship between a tight-lipped father and his battle-scarred son.  Click here for my review of Jayne Mansfield's Car, or click on the Movie Reviews button at the top of this page.

Even stranger, however, was the grim father-son relationship Duvall and Thornton played in Sling Blade, Thornton's most compelling film to date.  In the scene just below, Karl (Thornton) has been released from confinement and returns home to visit his father (Duvall).  I, for one, can't wait to see these terrific actors pull off the father-son trifecta if it ever happens.

 

Class is almost in session

Can you spare a little free time on Tuesdays from mid-October to mid-November?  Here's your chance to see some classic movies with a Texas brand. 

Paul Newman and Patricia Neal in a tense scene from "Hud." (Paramount Pictures)

There's still time to register for my Brookhaven College Students 50+ class titled "Movies Set in the Lone Star State."  The five-week continuing education class, running Tuesdays from noon to 3 p.m. at Brookhaven College, begins Oct. 15 and runs through Nov. 12.

We'll  watch five dandy films set in Texas in their entirety and discuss their significance and place in Texas film lore.  It all begins Oct. 15 with John Wayne's Alamo of 1960.

Other films in the series include Tender Mercies starring Robert Duvall, Hud featuring a stellar performance by Paul Newman as the title character and Places in the Heart, starring Sally Field in a memorable Oscar-winning performance. 

We'll wrap up the Brookhaven College series on Nov. 12 with The Alamo showcasing Billy Bob Thornton as a fiddle-playing Davy Crockett.

It's going to be a great series, so call Brookhaven College at 972-860-4807 to register for "Movies Set in the Lone Star State," Course No. SRCZ-1000-21103, Registration No. 859684, today.  Click here to see the class info.  Seating is limited.

On Paar with Woody Allen

I ran across something not only interesting but quite entertaining doing my research for my Richland College Emeritus plus 50 class series "Big Screen Dysfunctional Families" the other day.

Searching YouTube for Woody Allen performances, I stumbled across one of Allen's earliest TV appearances as a stand-up comedian.  There are a couple of things worth noting about Allen's guest spot on NBC's "Tonight Show" in 1962.

The first was the nutty history of the show itself.  In 1957 Paar replaced Steve Allen, my personal favorite "Tonight Show" host.  Oddly enough, the show was also marketed as "The Jack Paar Show."  When Allen finally got camera time (after being bumped three times), Paar was in the final year of hosting the show and seemed to have a cavalier attitude about it all.

In fact, it appears much like lame-duck "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno's "who gives a rat's patoot" attitude these days.

The other remarkable thing is that Woody Allen commands the network TV camera for almost nine  rapid-fire and, if I do say so myself, brilliant minutes.  That would be enough TV time for two comedians, a Top 10 list, headlines and a commercial or two on late-night TV these days.

Click the button below to see for yourself.

 

Tuesday afternoons with Larry

Got a little free time on Tuesday from mid-October to mid-November?  Here's your chance to see some classic movies with a Texas brand. 

It's time to register for my Brookhaven College Students 50+ class titled "Movies Set in the Lone Star State."  The five-week continuing education class, running Tuesdays from noon to 3 p.m. at Brookhaven College, begins Oct. 15 and runs through Nov. 12.

John Wayne and Richard Widmark in "The Alamo." (United Artists)

We'll watch five dandy films set in Texas in their entirety and discuss their significance and place in Texas film lore.  It all begins Oct. 15 with John Wayne's Alamo of 1960.  Other films in the series include Tender Mercies starring Robert Duvall, Hud featuring a stellar performance by Paul Newman as the title character and Places in the Heart, starring Sally Field in a memorable Oscar-winning performance. 

We'll wrap up the Brookhaven College series on Nov. 12 with The Alamo showcasing Billy Bob Thornton as a fiddle-playing Davy Crockett.

It's going to be a great series, so call Brookhaven College at 972-860-4807 to register for "Movies Set in the Lone Star State," Course No. SRCZ-1000-21103, Registration No. 859684, today.  Click here to see the class info.  Seating is limited.

Wanna savor some great movie tunes?

Gene Kelly in "Singin' in the Rain." (MGM)

During my Enrichment Series speech at Richland College as part of the Emeritus plus 50 program recently, someone was kind enough to ask me to let the audience know where I'd be speaking next.

The answer is Chambrel at Club Hill in Garland (1245 Colonel Drive, Garland, TX 75043) at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

The topic that evening will be one of my Movie Memories favorites, "Savor Those Tunes -- Great Movie Music."  For about an hour and a half, we'll see and hear some great movie tunes like Gene Kelly stomping happily through water puddles in Singin' in the Rain and so many more.

It's free and open to the public, so call the tremendous folks over at Chambrel at Club Hill at 866-868-9972 and let them know you'll be coming to share the fun.