As the saying goes, ‘every great man is inspired by another great man to reach their full potential’. Well, this sentiment could not ring truer than in the case of Gene Hackman & Kevin Costner.
For the most part, viewers recognized Costner from the hit drama series Yellowstone, but he was popular throughout the 1990s for other roles as well. Beginning his career as an extra in low-budget productions, he progressed to more mainstream roles in acclaimed flicks, including Dances with Wolves and No Way Out.
Kevin Costner in Yellowstone
Besides, he has shown a tremendous amount of endurance. Costner got up and over the critically panned films Waterworld and The Postman, which could have easily ended his career. And later, he spellbound audiences once again with his exceptional Yellowstone performance on the Paramount Network.
Suggested“Chris will have to wait his turn”: Kevin Costner Denied Chris Hemsworth His New...
For the most part, viewers recognized Costner from the hit drama series Yellowstone, but he was popular throughout the 1990s for other roles as well. Beginning his career as an extra in low-budget productions, he progressed to more mainstream roles in acclaimed flicks, including Dances with Wolves and No Way Out.
Kevin Costner in Yellowstone
Besides, he has shown a tremendous amount of endurance. Costner got up and over the critically panned films Waterworld and The Postman, which could have easily ended his career. And later, he spellbound audiences once again with his exceptional Yellowstone performance on the Paramount Network.
Suggested“Chris will have to wait his turn”: Kevin Costner Denied Chris Hemsworth His New...
- 4/20/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Killer Collectibles highlights five of the most exciting new horror products announced each and every week, from toys and apparel to artwork, records, and much more.
Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!]
RoboCop 2 4K Uhd from Scream Factory
RoboCop 2 will protect the innocent on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray on June 18 via Scream Factory. The 1990 sequel has been newly scanned in 4K from the original camera negative with Dolby Vision.
Irvin Kershner (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back) directs from a script by comic book legend Frank Miller and Walon Green (Eraser). Peter Weller returns to star with Nancy Allen, Dan O’Herlihy, Tom Noonan, Belinda Bauer, and Gabriel Damon.
Special features include: commentaries by CG supervisor Paul M. Sammon and the RoboDoc: The Creation of RoboCop documentarians; Corporate Wars: The Making of RoboCop 2; Machine Parts: The FX of RoboCop 2; Ocp Declassified; and more.
Species...
Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!]
RoboCop 2 4K Uhd from Scream Factory
RoboCop 2 will protect the innocent on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray on June 18 via Scream Factory. The 1990 sequel has been newly scanned in 4K from the original camera negative with Dolby Vision.
Irvin Kershner (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back) directs from a script by comic book legend Frank Miller and Walon Green (Eraser). Peter Weller returns to star with Nancy Allen, Dan O’Herlihy, Tom Noonan, Belinda Bauer, and Gabriel Damon.
Special features include: commentaries by CG supervisor Paul M. Sammon and the RoboDoc: The Creation of RoboCop documentarians; Corporate Wars: The Making of RoboCop 2; Machine Parts: The FX of RoboCop 2; Ocp Declassified; and more.
Species...
- 4/5/2024
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Magna Cum Laude Pussy.
We’re still recovering from the fact that we got to talk to Chucky creator Don Mancini for 90 minutes last week, so between that, The Lure, the Og Hellraiser and Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria remake, this Halloween season has been pretty wild!
So where are the Horror Queers headed next? Just in time for Spooky Season, we’re checking out a quintessential Erotic Thriller of the 90s: Paul Verhoeven and Joe Eszterhas‘ sexy, sultry, sleazy Basic Instinct (1992).
In the film, Detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) – a recovering addict and womanizer – is tasked with investigating a grisly ice pick murder. What he doesn’t realize is that he’s entered into a deadly game of cat and mouse with provocative bisexual crime author Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone in a career defining role).
Despite the warnings of his therapist and on-again, off-again lover Dr. Beth Garner (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and possibly queer partner,...
We’re still recovering from the fact that we got to talk to Chucky creator Don Mancini for 90 minutes last week, so between that, The Lure, the Og Hellraiser and Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria remake, this Halloween season has been pretty wild!
So where are the Horror Queers headed next? Just in time for Spooky Season, we’re checking out a quintessential Erotic Thriller of the 90s: Paul Verhoeven and Joe Eszterhas‘ sexy, sultry, sleazy Basic Instinct (1992).
In the film, Detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) – a recovering addict and womanizer – is tasked with investigating a grisly ice pick murder. What he doesn’t realize is that he’s entered into a deadly game of cat and mouse with provocative bisexual crime author Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone in a career defining role).
Despite the warnings of his therapist and on-again, off-again lover Dr. Beth Garner (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and possibly queer partner,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Joe Lipsett
- bloody-disgusting.com
Before he was Mr. Big on "Sex and the City," Chris Noth was a lead on a little show called "Law & Order" from 1990-1995 and appeared in 111 episodes. He'd later reprise his role as Detective Mike Logan in the "Law & Order" spinoff film, "Exiled," in 1998 and the spinoff series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" for another 36 episodes from 2005-2008, per IMDb. Prior to "Law & Order," Noth had several acting credits to his name. The series is what began a lengthy career for him with a number of prominent roles.
So imagine if Noth didn't end up starring in the series after being associated with the show and the leading man for years? Well, that was almost reality. Noth nearly lost out on the part in favor of Michael Madsen, an actor you may know from his numerous appearances in Quentin Tarantino films, according to Mental Floss.
Mr.
So imagine if Noth didn't end up starring in the series after being associated with the show and the leading man for years? Well, that was almost reality. Noth nearly lost out on the part in favor of Michael Madsen, an actor you may know from his numerous appearances in Quentin Tarantino films, according to Mental Floss.
Mr.
- 8/24/2022
- by Andrew Korpan
- Slash Film
Director Kevin Reynolds’ graphic, gritty desert combat movie is about a lost tank in the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. Besides being 98 an unpleasant downer, it now reminds us that we got into the exact same fix just a decade after the Russkis threw in the towel. Cruel Russki soldiers commit atrocities against vengeful Moujahedin resistance, and there’s really nobody to root for. George Dzundza, Jason Patric, Steven Bauer and Stephen Baldwin endure a rough ordeal out in the dirt, hoping for the next war movie breakthrough hit.
The Beast
Region Free Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] #143
1988 / Color / 1:78 widescreen / 111 min. / Street Date July 27, 2022 / The Beast of War / Available from Imprint / 39.95
Starring: George Dzundza, Jason Patric, Steven Bauer, Stephen Baldwin, Don Harvey, Kabir Bedi, Erick Avari, Haim Gerafi, Shosh Marciano.
Cinematography: Douglas Milsome
Production Designer: Kuli Sander
Art Director: Richard James
Film Editor: Peter Boyle
Original Music: Mark Isham
Written...
The Beast
Region Free Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] #143
1988 / Color / 1:78 widescreen / 111 min. / Street Date July 27, 2022 / The Beast of War / Available from Imprint / 39.95
Starring: George Dzundza, Jason Patric, Steven Bauer, Stephen Baldwin, Don Harvey, Kabir Bedi, Erick Avari, Haim Gerafi, Shosh Marciano.
Cinematography: Douglas Milsome
Production Designer: Kuli Sander
Art Director: Richard James
Film Editor: Peter Boyle
Original Music: Mark Isham
Written...
- 8/16/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Paul Sorvino, who distinguished himself in a long line of stage and screen performances including “Goodfellas” and “Law & Order,” died Monday of natural causes, according to his rep. He was 83.
His wife, DeeDee Sorvino, posted on Instagram, saying “I am completely devastated. The love of my life & the most wonderful man who has ever lived is gone. I am heartbroken.”
Sorvino, who was the father of actor Mira Sorvino, was perhaps best known for his role as Sgt. Frank Cerreta on NBC’s “Law & Order,” as Mafia don Pail Cicero in Martin Scorsese’s beloved gangster film “Goodfellas” and as Kissinger in Oliver Stone’s “Nixon.”
Mira Sorvino tweeted, “My father the great Paul Sorvino has passed. My heart is rent asunder – a life of love and joy and wisdom with him is over. He was the most wonderful father. I love him so much. I’m sending...
His wife, DeeDee Sorvino, posted on Instagram, saying “I am completely devastated. The love of my life & the most wonderful man who has ever lived is gone. I am heartbroken.”
Sorvino, who was the father of actor Mira Sorvino, was perhaps best known for his role as Sgt. Frank Cerreta on NBC’s “Law & Order,” as Mafia don Pail Cicero in Martin Scorsese’s beloved gangster film “Goodfellas” and as Kissinger in Oliver Stone’s “Nixon.”
Mira Sorvino tweeted, “My father the great Paul Sorvino has passed. My heart is rent asunder – a life of love and joy and wisdom with him is over. He was the most wonderful father. I love him so much. I’m sending...
- 7/25/2022
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Burbank, CA – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and DC are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Superman: The Animated Series with a fully remastered Blu-rayTM box set. Superman: The Complete Animated Series, which includes several hours of bonus features headlined by an all-new documentary detailing the creation of one of the most beloved animated Super Hero cartoons in history, will be available starting October 12, 2021.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation (Wba), the Emmy Award-winning Superman: The Animated Series was the perfect follow-up to the landmark Batman: the Animated Series. Producers Bruce Timm, Paul Dini and Alan Burnett elevated The Man of Steel’s animated presence with an imaginative, heartfelt look at Superman’s adventures in Metropolis alongside Lois Lane and opposite the villainous likes of Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Darkseid and more. Premiering on September 6, 1996, the series continued Wba’s dominance in Super Hero animation, once again setting new standards for storytelling, art direction...
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation (Wba), the Emmy Award-winning Superman: The Animated Series was the perfect follow-up to the landmark Batman: the Animated Series. Producers Bruce Timm, Paul Dini and Alan Burnett elevated The Man of Steel’s animated presence with an imaginative, heartfelt look at Superman’s adventures in Metropolis alongside Lois Lane and opposite the villainous likes of Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Darkseid and more. Premiering on September 6, 1996, the series continued Wba’s dominance in Super Hero animation, once again setting new standards for storytelling, art direction...
- 8/11/2021
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
"Everybody she 'plays' with dies." Flesh seduces. Passion kills. Studiocanal UK has dropped in a brand new trailer for the 4K restoration plus re-release of the infamous erotic investigative drama Basic Instinct, from filmmaker Paul Verhoeven. This originally opened in 1992, and earned the attention of adult audiences for being hyper-sexual, including the well-known scene involving Sharon Stone. It also co-stars Michael Douglas as a violent police detective who investigates a brutal murder that might involve a manipulative and seductive novelist. Commissioned by Studiocanal, it was restored from the original 35mm negative and supervised specifically by the director himself, "with invaluable input to the bonus material from Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas. As boundary-pushing today as it was in 1992, Basic Instinct redefined the erotic thriller subgenre and remains a must-see for audiences globally." The cast also includes George Dzundza, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Denis Arndt, Leilani Sarelle, Bruce A. Young, and Chelcie Ross.
- 4/21/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
If there’s anyone that knows how to deliver a heart-wrenching death scene, it’s the team behind ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.” Created by Shonda Rhimes, the broadcast medical drama came out of the gate in 2005 with literal life and death stakes for its characters. Being set in a hospital meant that mortality was a constant theme that touched the lives of every one who walked through the doors, be they of-the-week patients or support staff, or full-time cast members — no one is immune to the cold touch of death.
Now showrun by Krista Vernoff, “Grey’s Anatomy” has become the longest-running medical drama on television and, as such, the show has accumulated a record-high body count.
There have been quite a few of memorable ones that caused tears to be shed but not buckets to be cried. Those include Bonnie Crasnoff (Monica Keena), who was admitted after a train crash...
Now showrun by Krista Vernoff, “Grey’s Anatomy” has become the longest-running medical drama on television and, as such, the show has accumulated a record-high body count.
There have been quite a few of memorable ones that caused tears to be shed but not buckets to be cried. Those include Bonnie Crasnoff (Monica Keena), who was admitted after a train crash...
- 1/18/2020
- by BreAnna Bell and LaTesha Harris
- Variety Film + TV
Pre-Order the set on Amazon!
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
And DC Entertainment Present
Batman:The Complete Animated Series
Deluxe Limited Edition
Coming October 16, 2018 To
Blu-ray™ Box Set And Digital
Burbank, CA – Batman: The Animated Series, the most acclaimed animated
super hero television series in history, arrives this fall in an all-encompassing package befitting its
revered place in the annals of fan-favorite entertainment. Remastered for the first time since its
broadcast airing from 1992-1995, Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited
Edition will be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital and in a stunning Blu-
ray™ box set ($112.99 Srp) on October 16, 2018.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the Emmy Award-winning series captured the imaginations
of generations, setting the standard for super hero storytelling for the past quarter-century with its
innovative designs, near-perfect voice cast and landmark approach to DC’s iconic characters and
stories. Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited...
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
And DC Entertainment Present
Batman:The Complete Animated Series
Deluxe Limited Edition
Coming October 16, 2018 To
Blu-ray™ Box Set And Digital
Burbank, CA – Batman: The Animated Series, the most acclaimed animated
super hero television series in history, arrives this fall in an all-encompassing package befitting its
revered place in the annals of fan-favorite entertainment. Remastered for the first time since its
broadcast airing from 1992-1995, Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited
Edition will be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital and in a stunning Blu-
ray™ box set ($112.99 Srp) on October 16, 2018.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the Emmy Award-winning series captured the imaginations
of generations, setting the standard for super hero storytelling for the past quarter-century with its
innovative designs, near-perfect voice cast and landmark approach to DC’s iconic characters and
stories. Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited...
- 9/11/2018
- by The Atari Nation
- Legions of Gotham
Burbank, CA – Batman: The Animated Series, the most acclaimed animated super hero television series in history, arrives this fall in an all-encompassing package befitting its revered place in the annals of fan-favorite entertainment. Remastered for the first time since its broadcast airing from 1992-1995, Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition will be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital and in a stunning Blu-ray box set ($112.99 Srp) on October 16, 2018.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the Emmy Award-winning series captured the imaginations of generations, setting the standard for super hero storytelling for the past quarter-century with its innovative designs, near-perfect voice cast and landmark approach to DC’s iconic characters and stories. Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition box set includes all 109 thrilling episodes, plus two bonus disks containing the recently-remastered, fan favorite animated films Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero.
The...
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the Emmy Award-winning series captured the imaginations of generations, setting the standard for super hero storytelling for the past quarter-century with its innovative designs, near-perfect voice cast and landmark approach to DC’s iconic characters and stories. Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition box set includes all 109 thrilling episodes, plus two bonus disks containing the recently-remastered, fan favorite animated films Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero.
The...
- 7/24/2018
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Burbank, CA (March 1, 2018) – Warner Archive Collection (Wac) celebrates the 20th anniversary of Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero with a remastered Blu-ray release of the award-winning animated film. Now available for preorders, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero will be available March 27, 2018 via wb.com/warnerarchive and your favorite online retailer.
To hail the arrival of Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero on Blu-ray, Wac will host an hour-long panel at WonderCon on Friday, March 23 at 1:00pm in Room 300B. Warner Archive Podcast hosts D.W. Ferranti & Matthew Patterson and some surprise guests will show remastered footage and discuss the film and the evolution of Mr. Freeze from a goofy villain into an endearing multi-dimensional character who just wants to find a cure for his dying wife.
Originally released as a direct-to-video film on March 17, 1998, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero will be released on Blu-ray in its original 4×3 Fullframe aspect ratio. The 67-minute film will be accompanied by several special features,...
To hail the arrival of Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero on Blu-ray, Wac will host an hour-long panel at WonderCon on Friday, March 23 at 1:00pm in Room 300B. Warner Archive Podcast hosts D.W. Ferranti & Matthew Patterson and some surprise guests will show remastered footage and discuss the film and the evolution of Mr. Freeze from a goofy villain into an endearing multi-dimensional character who just wants to find a cure for his dying wife.
Originally released as a direct-to-video film on March 17, 1998, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero will be released on Blu-ray in its original 4×3 Fullframe aspect ratio. The 67-minute film will be accompanied by several special features,...
- 3/2/2018
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
This may make you feel old and happy at the same time! It’s been 20 years since Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero was released and to honor the anniversary, Warner Archive Collection is coming out with a remastered Blu-ray version of the award-winning animated film. Below are all the details on the release and some special news for Wondercon 2018 attendees.
Originally released as a direct-to-video film on March 17, 1998, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero will be released on Blu-ray in its original 4×3 Fullframe aspect ratio. The 67-minute film will be accompanied by several special features, including Art of Batman: Music Montage; Get the Picture: How to Draw Batman; the film’s theatrical trailer; and the Batman: The Animated Series/The Bew Batman Adventures/Batman Beyond “Mr. Freeze Saga” in chronological order – four episodes entitled “Heart of Ice,” “Deep Freeze,” “Cold Comfort” and “Meltdown.” The episodes will be presented in standard definition.
In Batman & Mr.
Originally released as a direct-to-video film on March 17, 1998, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero will be released on Blu-ray in its original 4×3 Fullframe aspect ratio. The 67-minute film will be accompanied by several special features, including Art of Batman: Music Montage; Get the Picture: How to Draw Batman; the film’s theatrical trailer; and the Batman: The Animated Series/The Bew Batman Adventures/Batman Beyond “Mr. Freeze Saga” in chronological order – four episodes entitled “Heart of Ice,” “Deep Freeze,” “Cold Comfort” and “Meltdown.” The episodes will be presented in standard definition.
In Batman & Mr.
- 3/1/2018
- by Chris Salce
- Age of the Nerd
Stephen King adaptations are very hard to pull off successfully. For every Misery, there’s a Graveyard Shift; Carrie soars while Cujo stalls. The small screen has had it just as bad—the elephantine The Stand benefits from its four-night rollout, while no amount of time could save The Tommyknockers. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg—at last count, there were 91 King adaptations (I’ll need to double-check those figures) across all media. For this blurry-eyed cathode ray kid, however, nothing has yet to match the two-part graveyard dance known as Salem’s Lot (1979).
Originally airing on CBS on Saturday November 17th and 24th, Salem’s Lot was a huge success for the network; there was even talk of turning it into a weekly series. Alas, that never came to be. However, we were gifted with 183 minutes of measured, chilling suspense and terror helmed by none other...
Originally airing on CBS on Saturday November 17th and 24th, Salem’s Lot was a huge success for the network; there was even talk of turning it into a weekly series. Alas, that never came to be. However, we were gifted with 183 minutes of measured, chilling suspense and terror helmed by none other...
- 8/14/2016
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
If during the Nineties, you were a male between the ages of puberty, and dead, it is likely that you actively sought, and consumed the movie Species. It was basically Aliens with lots of nudity. It was supermodel Natasha Henstridge’s first movie, and cemented her position in spank-banks the world over. Some people may be unaware that, a few years later they made a sequel, with Henstridge returning, though she’s a little less the main focus of the movie this time around. And, believe it or not, the sequel is regarded by many, as being as good as, if not better than the original. I’ll bet you wouldn’t believe me if I told you that they even went on to make two sequels after that, though one of them is just barely entertaining, and the final sequel in the franchise borders on unwatchable. Well, Scream Factory...
- 3/16/2016
- by Shawn Savage
- The Liberal Dead
Final Details for Species II and Double Feature Presentation of Species III & Species: The Awakening
Final Details for Species II and Double Feature Presentation of Species III & Species: The Awakening
Scream Factory™ Presents Species II Starring Michael Madsen, Natasha Henstridge, Marg Helgenberger, Mykelti Williamson, George Dzundza, James Cromwell and Justin Lazard And Double Feature Presentation of Species III & Species:The Awakening Uncut And Unrated! Available for the First Time on Blu-ray™, Three Highly-Anticipated Sequels to Cult Sci-Fi Thriller Species Arrive on Home Entertainment Shelves ...
Hnn | Horrornews.net - Official News Site...
Scream Factory™ Presents Species II Starring Michael Madsen, Natasha Henstridge, Marg Helgenberger, Mykelti Williamson, George Dzundza, James Cromwell and Justin Lazard And Double Feature Presentation of Species III & Species:The Awakening Uncut And Unrated! Available for the First Time on Blu-ray™, Three Highly-Anticipated Sequels to Cult Sci-Fi Thriller Species Arrive on Home Entertainment Shelves ...
Hnn | Horrornews.net - Official News Site...
- 1/15/2016
- by Horrornews.net
- Horror News
On March 8th, Scream Factory will offer fans of the Species franchise a treat with their Blu-ray release of Species II and the double feature high-def debut of Species III and Species: The Awakening:
Press Release: The first Species movie offers a terrifying look at an experiment combining human and alien DNA. The result proves more dangerous and terrifying than anyone could have ever imagined. The ongoing fight for supremacy between mankind and human-alien hybrids continued in three subsequent feature films. Fans of widely popular Species movies rejoice as the long-awaited Blu-ray™ editions of Species II and Double Feature Presentation of Species III & Species – The Awakening Uncut and Unrated hit home entertainment shelves everywhere on March 8, 2016 from Scream Factory™.
Based on the characters created by Dennis Feldman (Species) and directed by Peter Medak (Rome Is Bleeding), Speciesii, the sequel to the 1995 science fiction thriller stars Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs...
Press Release: The first Species movie offers a terrifying look at an experiment combining human and alien DNA. The result proves more dangerous and terrifying than anyone could have ever imagined. The ongoing fight for supremacy between mankind and human-alien hybrids continued in three subsequent feature films. Fans of widely popular Species movies rejoice as the long-awaited Blu-ray™ editions of Species II and Double Feature Presentation of Species III & Species – The Awakening Uncut and Unrated hit home entertainment shelves everywhere on March 8, 2016 from Scream Factory™.
Based on the characters created by Dennis Feldman (Species) and directed by Peter Medak (Rome Is Bleeding), Speciesii, the sequel to the 1995 science fiction thriller stars Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs...
- 1/13/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
You’ll enjoy Mr. Barlow. And he’ll enjoy you.
Based on the Stephen King novel, Salem’s Lot is a three-hour-long miniseries that originally aired back in 1979, with director Tobe Hooper’s slow burn storytelling approach immersing viewers intricately into the world of a sleepy little town in Maine by paying attention to the atmosphere and tension King so cleverly established in his original story. From the guy who gave us The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Salem’s Lot proved Hooper was an assured filmmaker who could still deliver shocking and jarring horror while using a more subtle directorial methodology.
At the start of Salem’s Lot, we meet writer Ben Mears (David Soul), who is returning home to the small town to write his second novel (in reality, it was also King's sophomore novel) based on the infamous Marsten House that he grew up fearing as a kid.
Based on the Stephen King novel, Salem’s Lot is a three-hour-long miniseries that originally aired back in 1979, with director Tobe Hooper’s slow burn storytelling approach immersing viewers intricately into the world of a sleepy little town in Maine by paying attention to the atmosphere and tension King so cleverly established in his original story. From the guy who gave us The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Salem’s Lot proved Hooper was an assured filmmaker who could still deliver shocking and jarring horror while using a more subtle directorial methodology.
At the start of Salem’s Lot, we meet writer Ben Mears (David Soul), who is returning home to the small town to write his second novel (in reality, it was also King's sophomore novel) based on the infamous Marsten House that he grew up fearing as a kid.
- 10/30/2015
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
In fall, 1990, NBC introduced a new crime drama, Law & Order, to television audiences on Sept. 13. The Hollywood Reporter's original review is below:
NBC’s Law & Order is a cop show.
No, Law & Order is a law show.
You’re both right! It’s two, two, two shows in one.
Unfortunately, though the idea seems novel and innovative, it works only fitfully, despite the presence of such name actors as Michael Moriarty and George Dzundza. (In point of fact, the same sort of thing was tried with ABC’s Arrest and Trial, a 90-minute series that ...
NBC’s Law & Order is a cop show.
No, Law & Order is a law show.
You’re both right! It’s two, two, two shows in one.
Unfortunately, though the idea seems novel and innovative, it works only fitfully, despite the presence of such name actors as Michael Moriarty and George Dzundza. (In point of fact, the same sort of thing was tried with ABC’s Arrest and Trial, a 90-minute series that ...
- 8/27/2015
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Something Is Out There
Showcase Inventory
Created by Frank Lupo
Produced by Invader Productions, Inc. (Us), Hoyts Productions (Aus)
Aired on NBC for a mini-series and 1 season (8 episodes, 2 originally unaired) from October 21 – December 9, 1988
Cast
Joe Cortese as Jack Breslin
Maryam D’Abo as Ta’Ra
George Dzundza as Frank Dileo
Gregory Sierra as Victor Maldonado
Kim Delaney as Mandy Estabrook
Show Premise
Jack Breslin is a street cop who, upon investigating a series of unexplained murders, stumbles on Ta’ra, a female humanoid space alien from an orbiting prison starship, who is the only one that knows who or what is committing the murders. She reveals to Jack that she was a medical technician that survived an attack from an inmate alien known as a “Xenomorph” who killed her crew before escaping to Earth. They team up to stop the rogue alien by using Jack’s street smarts and Ta’Ra’s advanced alien technology.
Showcase Inventory
Created by Frank Lupo
Produced by Invader Productions, Inc. (Us), Hoyts Productions (Aus)
Aired on NBC for a mini-series and 1 season (8 episodes, 2 originally unaired) from October 21 – December 9, 1988
Cast
Joe Cortese as Jack Breslin
Maryam D’Abo as Ta’Ra
George Dzundza as Frank Dileo
Gregory Sierra as Victor Maldonado
Kim Delaney as Mandy Estabrook
Show Premise
Jack Breslin is a street cop who, upon investigating a series of unexplained murders, stumbles on Ta’ra, a female humanoid space alien from an orbiting prison starship, who is the only one that knows who or what is committing the murders. She reveals to Jack that she was a medical technician that survived an attack from an inmate alien known as a “Xenomorph” who killed her crew before escaping to Earth. They team up to stop the rogue alien by using Jack’s street smarts and Ta’Ra’s advanced alien technology.
- 11/8/2014
- by Jean Pierre Diez
- SoundOnSight
A lawsuit against actor-producer-writer Rob Schneider, his brother John Schneider and the production company behind a movie they produced called The Chosen One was moved Wednesday from San Francisco to Los Angeles Superior Court. The suit, which charges breach of contract and fraud, was first filed in November by George and Nancy Gamble, a married couple who say in 2008 they were persuaded to invest $1.5 million to complete postproduction work on The Chosen One, which Rob Schneider (star of the Deuce Bigalow films) was directing and starring in with Steve Buscemi, Holland Taylor, George Dzundza and others.
read more...
read more...
- 3/7/2013
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Consider me somewhat swayed toward the new project from veteran TV-franchise creator, Dick Wolf. Chicago Fire sounded like the typical process-heavy cookie cutter that Wolf has claimed his fame with – a cast of schlock stereotypes running around with $400 haircuts, solving crime with psuedo-science. And why shouldn’t it be? American audiences get off on that fast food drama by the millions.
Still, when this Mohammed of Mega-tv came down from the mountain recently, speaking about Chicago Fire at NBC’s segment of the Television Critics Association (TCA), I caught a whiff of a Wolf I’d almost forgotten: The canny, character-focused dude who had me so emotionally invested in George Dzundza’s husky detective that it bummed me out for weeks when he got capped.
In short, Wolf swore up and down that Chicago Fire wasn’t going to be primarily “external,” or focused on the who-done-it element of fighting fires.
Still, when this Mohammed of Mega-tv came down from the mountain recently, speaking about Chicago Fire at NBC’s segment of the Television Critics Association (TCA), I caught a whiff of a Wolf I’d almost forgotten: The canny, character-focused dude who had me so emotionally invested in George Dzundza’s husky detective that it bummed me out for weeks when he got capped.
In short, Wolf swore up and down that Chicago Fire wasn’t going to be primarily “external,” or focused on the who-done-it element of fighting fires.
- 7/25/2012
- by Matthew C. Funk
- Boomtron
Law and Order: Special Victims Unit has just been renewed for an astonishing fourteenth season, prompting some of you other Svu fans out there to probably ask, “Where can this show Possibly go in a fourteenth season, considering it’s been absurd since like Season 3?” Nonsense! There’s plenty of ridiculous, pseudo-topical plotlines left for this show to tackle / add rapes to! Here are 14 Possible Plots for Svu: Season Fourteen, in order of most ridiculous to also most ridiculous: 14. Prominent college baseball coach Barry Flandusky is accused of molesting children on the campus of Ben State University, but an investigation leads to a disgruntled ex-mascot who framed Flandusky after being expelled for practicing ritual Santeria animal sacrifice in the state-subsidized University dining commons. Both the student and Flandusky are killed in the episode’s final minute by the University’s current mascot, who cites “spiritual self-defense” as their conflict...
- 5/9/2012
- by Dan Hopper
- BestWeekEver
If you have the desire to play Russian roulette and remember being introduced to Meryl Streep then you probably recall The Deer Hunter. It probably didn.t hurt that it won best picture as well. In Clairton, Pennsylvania, Michael (Robert De Niro), Steve (John Savage), and Nick (Christopher Walken) are best pals and hunting buddies with Stan (John Cazale), Axel (Chuck Aspegren), and John (George Dzundza). All of the friends are happily celebrating Steve.s marriage to Angela (Rutanya Alda) although Steve.s mother (Shirley Stoler) isn.t pleased that he is marrying her but her growing stomach seems like the reason for their nuptials. Nick.s girlfriend Linda (Meryl Streep) is one of the bridesmaids and she.s also ready to move...
- 3/5/2012
- by Jeff Swindoll
- Monsters and Critics
Laurence Fishburne is set to play Perry White, the no-nonsense and sometimes cantankerous editor of the Daily Planet, in "Man of Steel" for Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures says the trades.
The studio has no comment about Fishburne's casting in the Superman reboot at this time. The role has previously been played by John Hamilton in the original 50's TV series, Jackie Cooper in the Christopher Reeve films, Lane Smith in the 90's series "Lois and Clark", George Dzundza in the animated 90's "Superman" series, Frank Langella in "Superman Returns", and most recently Michael McKean in "Smallville".
Fishburne joins a cast that includes Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Christopher Meloni, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane and Harry Lennix. The project is Fishburne's first high-profile role since leaving "C.S.I." this past June.
The studio has no comment about Fishburne's casting in the Superman reboot at this time. The role has previously been played by John Hamilton in the original 50's TV series, Jackie Cooper in the Christopher Reeve films, Lane Smith in the 90's series "Lois and Clark", George Dzundza in the animated 90's "Superman" series, Frank Langella in "Superman Returns", and most recently Michael McKean in "Smallville".
Fishburne joins a cast that includes Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Christopher Meloni, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane and Harry Lennix. The project is Fishburne's first high-profile role since leaving "C.S.I." this past June.
- 8/3/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
It’s official. EW has confirmed that Twentieth Century Fox is acquiring the rights and developing a big-screen adaptation of Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller’s racy, randy tell-all, Espn: Those Guys Have All the Fun. The gossipy, doorstop-sized oral history of the 24-hour sports network — in particular, its frat house-style early years — snagged a slew of headlines when it was published back in May thanks to its tawdry tales of on-air rivalries, inter-office prostitution, and of course, Keith Olbermann’s mammoth ego. With David Fincher’s The Social Network providing a blue-print of how to adapt a start-up...
- 7/26/2011
- by Chris Nashawaty
- EW.com - PopWatch
After spending untold amounts of cash on hundreds of dramas and comedies — most of which will never make it to your living rooms — the five broadcast networks will begin announcing in New York next week which projects are good enough to earn a coveted fall pickup. (NBC and Fox will present their fall schedule to advertisers on Monday, followed by ABC on Tuesday, CBS on Wednesday and the CW on Thursday).
Buzz is already strong for several projects (for more on the hot ones, click here). But every year, we always wonder what diamond-in-the-rough was left on the cutting room...
Buzz is already strong for several projects (for more on the hot ones, click here). But every year, we always wonder what diamond-in-the-rough was left on the cutting room...
- 5/10/2011
- by Lynette Rice and James Hibberd
- EW - Inside TV
And they’re off! Casting is all but completed and production has already begun on scores of pilots for the five broadcast networks. But not every comedy and drama will go the distance. Which project has the right stuff? What pilot already has you feeling like you popped a Lunesta? Check out the mammoth slate for fall consideration. (And remember, all projects are whittled down in late April/early May before the nets present their fall slates to advertisers in New York):
CBS
The Doctor (Rina Mimoun, David Nutter). A mother (Christine Lahti) reconnects with her adult children when...
CBS
The Doctor (Rina Mimoun, David Nutter). A mother (Christine Lahti) reconnects with her adult children when...
- 3/23/2011
- by Lynette Rice and James Hibberd
- EW - Inside TV
"Law & Order: Los Angeles" will try to return with a bang in April by knocking off one of its characters.
We'd call this a spoiler, but for the fact that NBC has been running promos saying as much for the past several days. "It only takes one," the NBC voice-over man intones in the spot (which you can see below). "A single shot to trigger a television event not seen in 20 years: 'Law & Order' loses one of its own."
As voice-over man is speaking, a single bullet is speeding toward an Lapd badge with blurry images of Skeet Ulrich's character, Detective Rex Winters, behind it. Since we already know Ulrich has left the show, it's not hard to put two and two together as to how Detective Winters will leave. Sorry, Rex.
Now, about the "television event not seen in 20 years": It's true that the "L&O" franchise...
We'd call this a spoiler, but for the fact that NBC has been running promos saying as much for the past several days. "It only takes one," the NBC voice-over man intones in the spot (which you can see below). "A single shot to trigger a television event not seen in 20 years: 'Law & Order' loses one of its own."
As voice-over man is speaking, a single bullet is speeding toward an Lapd badge with blurry images of Skeet Ulrich's character, Detective Rex Winters, behind it. Since we already know Ulrich has left the show, it's not hard to put two and two together as to how Detective Winters will leave. Sorry, Rex.
Now, about the "television event not seen in 20 years": It's true that the "L&O" franchise...
- 3/18/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
A full list of the CW fall pilots. Any new additions/updates are in bold. Danny Lowinski Format: One-Hour Drama Network: CW Studio: CBS Television Studios Producers: Jennie Snyder Urman, Rick Eid, Sean Furst, Bryan Furst, Richard Shepard Writer: Jennie Snyder Urman Director: Richard Shepard Logline: A young female law school grad who can’t find a job decides to open her own law office – in a kiosk at the local mall. Cast: Amanda Walsh Carla Gallo Neal Bledsoe George Dzundza Utkarsh Ambudkar Hart Of Dixie Format: One-Hour Drama Network: CW Studio: Wbtv ProdCo: Fake Empire Producers: Leila Gerstein, Josh Schwartz,...
- 3/17/2011
- The Wrap
CW topper Dawn Ostroff may be shepherding her best development season yet, but the veteran programmer is not expected to stick around to see the 2011-12 launch: Ostroff, whose contract is up in June, reportedly informed both CBS Corp chief Leslie Moonves and Warner Bros., Chairman and CEO Barry Meyer that she will leave sometime this summer to return to New York, where her husband’s job is based.
Ostroff has run CW since 2006, when it became joint venture between Warner Bros., and CBS. She’s been bi-coastal for the last five years.
For now, Ostroff told EW that her...
Ostroff has run CW since 2006, when it became joint venture between Warner Bros., and CBS. She’s been bi-coastal for the last five years.
For now, Ostroff told EW that her...
- 3/11/2011
- by Lynette Rice
- EW - Inside TV
Does the new Minka Kelly/Leighton Meester thriller “The Roommate” look like “Fatal Attraction” for the college set?
Yes, and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, “The Roommate,” in which “Gossip Girl” star Meester plays a college student who becomes obsessed with her roommie (Kelly), promises to be another fine entry in the sub-genre of psychological thrillers we actually think of as the “Pwf” flick: Psycho White Females.
You know ‘em: those crazy movie villainesses who wreak havoc on the men, women and children (and sometimes poor, innocent bunnies) around them, usually on the heels of some brief or imagined love relationship.
In honor of “The Roommate,” we’re counting down our nine favorite PWFs who’ve come before them.
9. Erika Christensen, ‘Swimfan’ (2002)
“Fatal Attraction” for high schoolers? Check, as Christensen’s Madison is a girl who knows what, or rather who, she wants, and will go to any lengths to get him.
Yes, and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, “The Roommate,” in which “Gossip Girl” star Meester plays a college student who becomes obsessed with her roommie (Kelly), promises to be another fine entry in the sub-genre of psychological thrillers we actually think of as the “Pwf” flick: Psycho White Females.
You know ‘em: those crazy movie villainesses who wreak havoc on the men, women and children (and sometimes poor, innocent bunnies) around them, usually on the heels of some brief or imagined love relationship.
In honor of “The Roommate,” we’re counting down our nine favorite PWFs who’ve come before them.
9. Erika Christensen, ‘Swimfan’ (2002)
“Fatal Attraction” for high schoolers? Check, as Christensen’s Madison is a girl who knows what, or rather who, she wants, and will go to any lengths to get him.
- 2/3/2011
- by Kim Potts
- NextMovie
George Dzundza and Utkarsh Ambudkar have joined new CW comedy-drama Danni Lowinski. Deadline reports that the pair have been cast as series regulars in the pilot, which focuses on Lowinski (Amanda Walsh), a hairdresser who graduates from law school and sets up her own practice in a shopping mall. Dzundza will play Lowinski's widowed, alcoholic father. He previously played Harold, the father of George O'Malley (T.R. Knight) on Grey's Anatomy (more)...
- 1/5/2011
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
The CW dramedy pilot Danni Lowinski has cast its last 2 regulars, George Dzundza (Grey's Anatomy) and Utkarsh Ambudkar (Nevermind Nirvana). Meanwhile, Diego Klattenhoff (Men in Trees) has joined Showtime's drama pilot Homeland. Danni Lowinski is named after the series' central character: a scrappy hairdresser (Amanda Walsh) who graduates from law school but is brushed off by law firms and sets up her own practice in a shopping mall kiosk. Gersh-repped Dzundza will play Dani's well-meaning father, a widower who has become a full-blown alcoholic since losing his construction job. Ambudkar, repped by Gersh and Lou Viola Management, will play a hard-working and straightforward guy, working at Jb Computers during the day and on his novel at night. Homeland centers on U.S. Marine Sergeant Scott Brody (Damian Lewis), a Pow who miraculously returns home after nearly a decade of captivity in Iraq, and Carrie Anderson (Claire Danes), a driven CIA...
- 1/4/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
I was drawn to the idea of watching Michael Cimino's The Deer Hunter (1978) after watching HBO's documentary I Knew it Was You. The awfully brief but touching documentary covers the tragically short career of actor John Cazale. Cazale, who appeared in only five films (the first two Godfather films, The Conversation, Dog Day Afternoon, and The Deer Hunter), all of which were nominated for best picture, was diagnosed with bone cancer leading up to the production of The Deer Hunter. The studio, reluctant to cast Cazale in the film, was pushed into a corner when Cazale's fiancée, Meryl Streep, threatened to walk off the project if he was replaced while Robert De Niro allegedly paid the insurance to ensure his friend's participation in the film. Cazale's scenes were shot first and the actor passed before the film premiered.
I begin my review with an account somewhat tangentially by referencing...
I begin my review with an account somewhat tangentially by referencing...
- 6/7/2010
- by Drew Morton
When Law & Order debuted in 1990, only CEOs had cell phones and Sam Waterston was just the guy from The Killing Fields. For the next two decades, through several rotating casts of cops and lawyers, the show proceeded to build a whole universe of shadowy intentions and cross examinations. If you’re like me, you were never a regular viewer, but you still somehow managed to watch literally hundreds of hours of Law & Order. And so, you’re probably feeling just a little twinge of sadness at the news that NBC has canceled the venerable cop show.
Law & Order is practically an American monument.
Law & Order is practically an American monument.
- 5/14/2010
- by Darren Franich
- EW.com - PopWatch
The weather's crap, but there's a frickin' gay pride parade on DVD this week, with three high-profile queer-inclusive titles making their home video premiere.
Read on for more!
The documentary The Butch Factor explores masculinity among gay men, by interviewing rodeo riders, pro football veteran David Kopay and cops, asking questions about what it means to be a gay man, societal phobias about effeminacy and the stereotypes that continue to exist decades after the Stonewall riots. Gay men of all stripes should find plenty of fodder for discussion here.
Speaking of gay men in uniform, Robert Altman's Streamers—about Vietnam-bound soldiers, one of whom (Mitchell Lichtenstein) does everything but wear a big scarlet "H" on his chest—finally makes its DVD debut this week. It's one of Altman's filmed plays (coming after the gay-fave Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean and before the Nixon...
Read on for more!
The documentary The Butch Factor explores masculinity among gay men, by interviewing rodeo riders, pro football veteran David Kopay and cops, asking questions about what it means to be a gay man, societal phobias about effeminacy and the stereotypes that continue to exist decades after the Stonewall riots. Gay men of all stripes should find plenty of fodder for discussion here.
Speaking of gay men in uniform, Robert Altman's Streamers—about Vietnam-bound soldiers, one of whom (Mitchell Lichtenstein) does everything but wear a big scarlet "H" on his chest—finally makes its DVD debut this week. It's one of Altman's filmed plays (coming after the gay-fave Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean and before the Nixon...
- 1/19/2010
- by ADuralde
- The Backlot
As with last year's "Monster's Ball", there's an aching sins-of-the-father theme running deeply through "City by the Sea", an exceptionally acted, quietly affecting cop drama set against the decaying backdrop of the once bustling resort destination of Long Beach, Long Island.
Taking its cue from a 1997 Esquire magazine article by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael McAlary, the scenario concerns a veteran New York City homicide detective who finds himself having to do the right thing as both a law enforcer and a parent when a murder suspect turns out to be his estranged junkie son.
Despite an exceptional cast -- headed by Robert De Niro, Frances McDormand and James Franco -- that has been beautifully directed by Michael Caton-Jones, the picture's rather bleak subject matter makes for a tough sell for Warner Bros. Pictures, which, after the disastrous "The Adventures of Pluto Nash" and the anemic "Blood Work", is looking to get back into the boxoffice groove.
De Niro, reuniting with his "This Boy's Life" director, is in fine, introspective form as Detective Vincent LaMarca, a man whose committed career with the NYPD has served to help block out a painful personal past.
His steady girlfriend, Michelle (McDormand), knows about an ex-wife (Patti LuPone) who lives back in Long Beach. But she's unaware of the young son he had left behind and of the emotionally distant LaMarca's own traumatic childhood -- his father was given the electric chair for kidnapping a baby from a wealthy family. The child accidentally suffocated in the back seat of his father's car while he was waiting for the ransom money.
But when LaMarca's now drug-addicted son, Joey (Franco), is at first implicated in the murder of a dealer and then is the prime suspect in a cop killing, his long-buried past comes back to haunt him, with the news media floating the notion of the existence of a "murder gene" that is passed down through the generations.
The turn of events has brought father and son face to face for the first time in 14 years, but the tricky outcome depends on the choices the elder LaMarca must make as a parent and an officer of the law.
What starts out as a generic, gritty crime thriller gets more interesting as it goes along as Caton-Jones and screenwriter Ken Hixon ("Inventing the Abbotts") carefully add on all the layers of intrigue.
Hitting it all home in expertly modulated performances is a uniformly excellent cast. While De Niro and McDormand are a treat to watch together -- as fascinating for the choices they don't make as the ones they do -- the always interesting Franco, who made for such a convincing James Dean in the TNT movie of the same name, is equally believable as De Niro's son. He also manages to avoid the usual physical tics that go with the junkie turf.
Also doing fine work are LuPone, George Dzundza as De Niro's partner and Eliza Dushku (who also appeared in "This Boy's Life") as the struggling mother of Franco's young son.
On the technical end, cinematographer Karl Walter Lindenlaub and production designer Jane Musky take effective advantage of the dilapidated seaside setting (with neighboring Asbury Park, N.J., subbing for the similarly shabby Long Beach), while John Murphy's low-key score gently rocks the emotional boat.
CITY BY THE SEA
Warner Bros. Pictures
Franchise Pictures presents a Brad Grey Pictures production
A film by Michael Caton- Jones
Credits: Director: Michael Caton-Jones; Screenwriter: Ken Hixon; Based on the article "Mark of a Murderer" by: Michael McAlary; Producers: Brad Grey, Elie Samaha, Michael Caton-Jones, Matthew Baer; Executive producers: Andrew Stevens, Dan Kores, Don Carmody, Roger Paradiso; Director of photography: Karl Walter Lindenlaub; Production designer: Jane Musky; Editor: Jim Clark; Costume designer: Richard Owings; Music: John Murphy; Casting: Amanda Mackey Johnson, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond. Cast: Vincent LaMarca: Robert De Niro; Michelle: Frances McDormand; Joey LaMarca: James Franco; Gina: Eliza Dushku; Spyder: William Forsythe; Reginald Duffy: George Dzundza; Maggie: Patti LuPone.
MPAA rating R, running time 108 minutes.
Taking its cue from a 1997 Esquire magazine article by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael McAlary, the scenario concerns a veteran New York City homicide detective who finds himself having to do the right thing as both a law enforcer and a parent when a murder suspect turns out to be his estranged junkie son.
Despite an exceptional cast -- headed by Robert De Niro, Frances McDormand and James Franco -- that has been beautifully directed by Michael Caton-Jones, the picture's rather bleak subject matter makes for a tough sell for Warner Bros. Pictures, which, after the disastrous "The Adventures of Pluto Nash" and the anemic "Blood Work", is looking to get back into the boxoffice groove.
De Niro, reuniting with his "This Boy's Life" director, is in fine, introspective form as Detective Vincent LaMarca, a man whose committed career with the NYPD has served to help block out a painful personal past.
His steady girlfriend, Michelle (McDormand), knows about an ex-wife (Patti LuPone) who lives back in Long Beach. But she's unaware of the young son he had left behind and of the emotionally distant LaMarca's own traumatic childhood -- his father was given the electric chair for kidnapping a baby from a wealthy family. The child accidentally suffocated in the back seat of his father's car while he was waiting for the ransom money.
But when LaMarca's now drug-addicted son, Joey (Franco), is at first implicated in the murder of a dealer and then is the prime suspect in a cop killing, his long-buried past comes back to haunt him, with the news media floating the notion of the existence of a "murder gene" that is passed down through the generations.
The turn of events has brought father and son face to face for the first time in 14 years, but the tricky outcome depends on the choices the elder LaMarca must make as a parent and an officer of the law.
What starts out as a generic, gritty crime thriller gets more interesting as it goes along as Caton-Jones and screenwriter Ken Hixon ("Inventing the Abbotts") carefully add on all the layers of intrigue.
Hitting it all home in expertly modulated performances is a uniformly excellent cast. While De Niro and McDormand are a treat to watch together -- as fascinating for the choices they don't make as the ones they do -- the always interesting Franco, who made for such a convincing James Dean in the TNT movie of the same name, is equally believable as De Niro's son. He also manages to avoid the usual physical tics that go with the junkie turf.
Also doing fine work are LuPone, George Dzundza as De Niro's partner and Eliza Dushku (who also appeared in "This Boy's Life") as the struggling mother of Franco's young son.
On the technical end, cinematographer Karl Walter Lindenlaub and production designer Jane Musky take effective advantage of the dilapidated seaside setting (with neighboring Asbury Park, N.J., subbing for the similarly shabby Long Beach), while John Murphy's low-key score gently rocks the emotional boat.
CITY BY THE SEA
Warner Bros. Pictures
Franchise Pictures presents a Brad Grey Pictures production
A film by Michael Caton- Jones
Credits: Director: Michael Caton-Jones; Screenwriter: Ken Hixon; Based on the article "Mark of a Murderer" by: Michael McAlary; Producers: Brad Grey, Elie Samaha, Michael Caton-Jones, Matthew Baer; Executive producers: Andrew Stevens, Dan Kores, Don Carmody, Roger Paradiso; Director of photography: Karl Walter Lindenlaub; Production designer: Jane Musky; Editor: Jim Clark; Costume designer: Richard Owings; Music: John Murphy; Casting: Amanda Mackey Johnson, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond. Cast: Vincent LaMarca: Robert De Niro; Michelle: Frances McDormand; Joey LaMarca: James Franco; Gina: Eliza Dushku; Spyder: William Forsythe; Reginald Duffy: George Dzundza; Maggie: Patti LuPone.
MPAA rating R, running time 108 minutes.
- 8/26/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As with last year's "Monster's Ball," there's an aching sins-of-the-father theme running deeply through City by the Sea, an exceptionally acted, quietly affecting cop drama set against the decaying backdrop of the once bustling resort destination of Long Beach, Long Island.
Taking its cue from a 1997 Esquire magazine article by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael McAlary, the scenario concerns a veteran New York City homicide detective who finds himself having to do the right thing as both a law enforcer and a parent when a murder suspect turns out to be his estranged junkie son.
Despite an exceptional cast -- headed by Robert De Niro, Frances McDormand and James Franco -- that has been beautifully directed by Michael Caton-Jones, the picture's rather bleak subject matter makes for a tough sell for Warner Bros. Pictures, which, after the disastrous The Adventures of Pluto Nash and the anemic Blood Work, is looking to get back into the boxoffice groove.
De Niro, reuniting with his "This Boy's Life" director, is in fine, introspective form as Detective Vincent LaMarca, a man whose committed career with the NYPD has served to help block out a painful personal past.
His steady girlfriend, Michelle (McDormand), knows about an ex-wife (Patti LuPone) who lives back in Long Beach. But she's unaware of the young son he had left behind and of the emotionally distant LaMarca's own traumatic childhood -- his father was given the electric chair for kidnapping a baby from a wealthy family. The child accidentally suffocated in the back seat of his father's car while he was waiting for the ransom money.
But when LaMarca's now drug-addicted son, Joey (Franco), is at first implicated in the murder of a dealer and then is the prime suspect in a cop killing, his long-buried past comes back to haunt him, with the news media floating the notion of the existence of a "murder gene" that is passed down through the generations.
The turn of events has brought father and son face to face for the first time in 14 years, but the tricky outcome depends on the choices the elder LaMarca must make as a parent and an officer of the law.
What starts out as a generic, gritty crime thriller gets more interesting as it goes along as Caton-Jones and screenwriter Ken Hixon (Inventing the Abbotts) carefully add on all the layers of intrigue.
Hitting it all home in expertly modulated performances is a uniformly excellent cast. While De Niro and McDormand are a treat to watch together -- as fascinating for the choices they don't make as the ones they do -- the always interesting Franco, who made for such a convincing James Dean in the TNT movie of the same name, is equally believable as De Niro's son. He also manages to avoid the usual physical tics that go with the junkie turf.
Also doing fine work are LuPone, George Dzundza as De Niro's partner and Eliza Dushku (who also appeared in "This Boy's Life") as the struggling mother of Franco's young son.
On the technical end, cinematographer Karl Walter Lindenlaub and production designer Jane Musky take effective advantage of the dilapidated seaside setting (with neighboring Asbury Park, N.J., subbing for the similarly shabby Long Beach), while John Murphy's low-key score gently rocks the emotional boat.
CITY BY THE SEA
Warner Bros. Pictures
Franchise Pictures presents a Brad Grey Pictures production
A film by Michael Caton- Jones
Credits: Director: Michael Caton-Jones; Screenwriter: Ken Hixon; Based on the article "Mark of a Murderer" by: Michael McAlary; Producers: Brad Grey, Elie Samaha, Michael Caton-Jones, Matthew Baer; Executive producers: Andrew Stevens, Dan Kores, Don Carmody, Roger Paradiso; Director of photography: Karl Walter Lindenlaub; Production designer: Jane Musky; Editor: Jim Clark; Costume designer: Richard Owings; Music: John Murphy; Casting: Amanda Mackey Johnson, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond. Cast: Vincent LaMarca: Robert De Niro; Michelle: Frances McDormand; Joey LaMarca: James Franco; Gina: Eliza Dushku; Spyder: William Forsythe; Reginald Duffy: George Dzundza; Maggie: Patti LuPone.
MPAA rating R, running time 108 minutes.
Taking its cue from a 1997 Esquire magazine article by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael McAlary, the scenario concerns a veteran New York City homicide detective who finds himself having to do the right thing as both a law enforcer and a parent when a murder suspect turns out to be his estranged junkie son.
Despite an exceptional cast -- headed by Robert De Niro, Frances McDormand and James Franco -- that has been beautifully directed by Michael Caton-Jones, the picture's rather bleak subject matter makes for a tough sell for Warner Bros. Pictures, which, after the disastrous The Adventures of Pluto Nash and the anemic Blood Work, is looking to get back into the boxoffice groove.
De Niro, reuniting with his "This Boy's Life" director, is in fine, introspective form as Detective Vincent LaMarca, a man whose committed career with the NYPD has served to help block out a painful personal past.
His steady girlfriend, Michelle (McDormand), knows about an ex-wife (Patti LuPone) who lives back in Long Beach. But she's unaware of the young son he had left behind and of the emotionally distant LaMarca's own traumatic childhood -- his father was given the electric chair for kidnapping a baby from a wealthy family. The child accidentally suffocated in the back seat of his father's car while he was waiting for the ransom money.
But when LaMarca's now drug-addicted son, Joey (Franco), is at first implicated in the murder of a dealer and then is the prime suspect in a cop killing, his long-buried past comes back to haunt him, with the news media floating the notion of the existence of a "murder gene" that is passed down through the generations.
The turn of events has brought father and son face to face for the first time in 14 years, but the tricky outcome depends on the choices the elder LaMarca must make as a parent and an officer of the law.
What starts out as a generic, gritty crime thriller gets more interesting as it goes along as Caton-Jones and screenwriter Ken Hixon (Inventing the Abbotts) carefully add on all the layers of intrigue.
Hitting it all home in expertly modulated performances is a uniformly excellent cast. While De Niro and McDormand are a treat to watch together -- as fascinating for the choices they don't make as the ones they do -- the always interesting Franco, who made for such a convincing James Dean in the TNT movie of the same name, is equally believable as De Niro's son. He also manages to avoid the usual physical tics that go with the junkie turf.
Also doing fine work are LuPone, George Dzundza as De Niro's partner and Eliza Dushku (who also appeared in "This Boy's Life") as the struggling mother of Franco's young son.
On the technical end, cinematographer Karl Walter Lindenlaub and production designer Jane Musky take effective advantage of the dilapidated seaside setting (with neighboring Asbury Park, N.J., subbing for the similarly shabby Long Beach), while John Murphy's low-key score gently rocks the emotional boat.
CITY BY THE SEA
Warner Bros. Pictures
Franchise Pictures presents a Brad Grey Pictures production
A film by Michael Caton- Jones
Credits: Director: Michael Caton-Jones; Screenwriter: Ken Hixon; Based on the article "Mark of a Murderer" by: Michael McAlary; Producers: Brad Grey, Elie Samaha, Michael Caton-Jones, Matthew Baer; Executive producers: Andrew Stevens, Dan Kores, Don Carmody, Roger Paradiso; Director of photography: Karl Walter Lindenlaub; Production designer: Jane Musky; Editor: Jim Clark; Costume designer: Richard Owings; Music: John Murphy; Casting: Amanda Mackey Johnson, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond. Cast: Vincent LaMarca: Robert De Niro; Michelle: Frances McDormand; Joey LaMarca: James Franco; Gina: Eliza Dushku; Spyder: William Forsythe; Reginald Duffy: George Dzundza; Maggie: Patti LuPone.
MPAA rating R, running time 108 minutes.
- 8/26/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bankable director Jon Turteltaub ("Phenomenon", "While You Were Sleeping") goes for a risky change of pace with "Instinct", an involving anthropological thriller that shares more than just a few behavioral traits with "Silence of the Lambs", not to mention "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Gorillas in the Mist".
Despite the familiar pedigree, the picture still succeeds on its own accomplished merits thanks to intelligent scripting, insightful direction and a pair of masterful performances by Oscar winners Anthony Hopkins and Cuba Gooding Jr.
Still, given the quieter tone and darker subject matter, plus the lack of a Travolta or Bullock, "Instinct" might have a tricky time fending for itself in the crowded summer boxoffice jungle.
There's more than an initial glimmer of Hannibal Lecter in Hopkins' Ethan Powell, a brilliant primatologist who ostensibly went mad after living in the wild with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and killed two park rangers.
Now back on American soil and incarcerated in a brutal, rundown prison for the criminally insane, the silent Powell seems to have all the communication skills of a dangerous, caged animal.
But ambitious psychiatric resident Theo Caulder (Gooding) isn't so sure. Sensing that a breakthrough with Powell could be just the high-profile case needed to advance his career, he persuades his mentor, Ben Hillard (Donald Sutherland) to let him evaluate Powell's condition.
During their tension-ridden interrogation sessions, Caulder eventually makes inroads. But in their tautly calibrated cat-and-mouse relationship, their roles are often reversed and the personal costs are greater than either man has realized.
Hopkins and Gooding make terrific sparring partners. Hopkins, who came on board after the role was vacated by Sean Connery, does some powerfully understated work here as the physically intimidating Powell.
Gooding, affecting a wisp of a speaking voice, really gets under the skin of his character -- a smart, driven, but emotionally cut-off individual who may have gotten in over his head here but is determined to see the case through.
While this intense two-hander serves as the picture's raison d'etre, there's also strong supporting work from the always reliable Sutherland, George Dzundza as a sympathetic but ineffectual prison doctor and John Ashton as the requisite sadistic guard.
As Powell's estranged daughter, Lyn, lone female Maura Tierney does what she can with an underwritten afterthought of a role.
Taking his time to establish the right pace, Turteltaub may have sacrificed some early potential audience-grabbers, but once the film settles into the Powell-Caulder confrontations, the viewer ultimately becomes hooked. Screenwriter Gerald DiPego, who also penned "Phenomenon", sets up some rich parallels between the imprisoned Powell and the animals that he has devoted his life to studying.
Director of photography Philippe Rousselot ("A River Runs Through It", ) expertly moves from uncomfortably tight close-ups to breathtaking mountainous terrains. Editor Richard Francis-Bruce ("The Shawshank Redemption") gives it all a subtly propulsive momentum.
As for the gorillas themselves, special effects veteran Stan Winston does some reasonably convincing work, although even the most modern of technologies have yet to replicate the life force that exists in the eyes of The Real Thing sufficiently to make you forget about the guys in suits.
Composer Danny Elfman, meanwhile, contributes a fittingly moody score, but there are times when its insistent restlessness makes you want to reach for the tranquilizer gun.
INSTINCT
Buena Vista
A Touchstone Pictures/Spyglass Entertainment production
Credits: Director: Jon Turteltaub; Screenwriter: Gerald DiPego; Suggested by the novel "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn; Producers: Michael Taylor, Barbara Boyle; Executive producers: Wolfgang Petersen, Gail Katz; Director of photography: Philippe Rousselot; Production designer: Garreth Stover; Editor: Richard Francis-Bruce; Costume designer: Jill Ohanneson; Special character effects: Stan Winston; Casting: Renee Rousselot; Cast: Ethan Powell: Anthony Hopkins; Theo Caulder: Cuba Gooding Jr.; Ben Hillard: Donald Sutherland; Lyn Powell: Maura Tierney; Dr. John Murray: George Dzundza; Guard Dacks: John Ashton; Warden Keefer: John Aylward Running time -- 123 minutes; MPAA rating: R...
Despite the familiar pedigree, the picture still succeeds on its own accomplished merits thanks to intelligent scripting, insightful direction and a pair of masterful performances by Oscar winners Anthony Hopkins and Cuba Gooding Jr.
Still, given the quieter tone and darker subject matter, plus the lack of a Travolta or Bullock, "Instinct" might have a tricky time fending for itself in the crowded summer boxoffice jungle.
There's more than an initial glimmer of Hannibal Lecter in Hopkins' Ethan Powell, a brilliant primatologist who ostensibly went mad after living in the wild with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and killed two park rangers.
Now back on American soil and incarcerated in a brutal, rundown prison for the criminally insane, the silent Powell seems to have all the communication skills of a dangerous, caged animal.
But ambitious psychiatric resident Theo Caulder (Gooding) isn't so sure. Sensing that a breakthrough with Powell could be just the high-profile case needed to advance his career, he persuades his mentor, Ben Hillard (Donald Sutherland) to let him evaluate Powell's condition.
During their tension-ridden interrogation sessions, Caulder eventually makes inroads. But in their tautly calibrated cat-and-mouse relationship, their roles are often reversed and the personal costs are greater than either man has realized.
Hopkins and Gooding make terrific sparring partners. Hopkins, who came on board after the role was vacated by Sean Connery, does some powerfully understated work here as the physically intimidating Powell.
Gooding, affecting a wisp of a speaking voice, really gets under the skin of his character -- a smart, driven, but emotionally cut-off individual who may have gotten in over his head here but is determined to see the case through.
While this intense two-hander serves as the picture's raison d'etre, there's also strong supporting work from the always reliable Sutherland, George Dzundza as a sympathetic but ineffectual prison doctor and John Ashton as the requisite sadistic guard.
As Powell's estranged daughter, Lyn, lone female Maura Tierney does what she can with an underwritten afterthought of a role.
Taking his time to establish the right pace, Turteltaub may have sacrificed some early potential audience-grabbers, but once the film settles into the Powell-Caulder confrontations, the viewer ultimately becomes hooked. Screenwriter Gerald DiPego, who also penned "Phenomenon", sets up some rich parallels between the imprisoned Powell and the animals that he has devoted his life to studying.
Director of photography Philippe Rousselot ("A River Runs Through It", ) expertly moves from uncomfortably tight close-ups to breathtaking mountainous terrains. Editor Richard Francis-Bruce ("The Shawshank Redemption") gives it all a subtly propulsive momentum.
As for the gorillas themselves, special effects veteran Stan Winston does some reasonably convincing work, although even the most modern of technologies have yet to replicate the life force that exists in the eyes of The Real Thing sufficiently to make you forget about the guys in suits.
Composer Danny Elfman, meanwhile, contributes a fittingly moody score, but there are times when its insistent restlessness makes you want to reach for the tranquilizer gun.
INSTINCT
Buena Vista
A Touchstone Pictures/Spyglass Entertainment production
Credits: Director: Jon Turteltaub; Screenwriter: Gerald DiPego; Suggested by the novel "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn; Producers: Michael Taylor, Barbara Boyle; Executive producers: Wolfgang Petersen, Gail Katz; Director of photography: Philippe Rousselot; Production designer: Garreth Stover; Editor: Richard Francis-Bruce; Costume designer: Jill Ohanneson; Special character effects: Stan Winston; Casting: Renee Rousselot; Cast: Ethan Powell: Anthony Hopkins; Theo Caulder: Cuba Gooding Jr.; Ben Hillard: Donald Sutherland; Lyn Powell: Maura Tierney; Dr. John Murray: George Dzundza; Guard Dacks: John Ashton; Warden Keefer: John Aylward Running time -- 123 minutes; MPAA rating: R...
A hit in the summer of 1995, "Species" added lots of sex to the overworked humans-versus-killer-E.T.s genre, but it was otherwise relentlessly derivative, starting with H.R. Giger's "Alien"-like creature. It's safe to say people paid to see newcomer Natasha Henstridge as a naked, horny babe from space, and one expected more of the same in the sequel.
Produced by Frank Mancuso Jr. with the original film's writer Dennis Feldman serving as executive producer, MGM's "Species II" is a clunky, poorly conceived follow-up directed with no particular flare by veteran Peter Medak (TNT's "The Hunchback"). There's more than enough blood and sadistic imagery to generate ghoulish word of mouth, but the plot is ludicrous, the dialogue laughable and the performances uninspired.
Henstridge as Eve, a half-human/half-alien clone made from a frozen lab embryo by the returning molecular biologist Laura (Marg Helgenberger), is kept in the wings for most of "Species II". Heavily guarded and hooked on TV shows, she's a docile, simple-minded version of the first film's man-hungry lead.
Eve has been created so that Laura can figure out what kills her. Insurance against future extraterrestrial threats, to be sure, but Eve is no "lab rat." She's part human and it hurts when she's gassed. Playing at times like a twisted soap opera, the movie starts on a epic note, with the first landing on Mars.
"Species II" is primarily the story of the dashing astronaut Patrick (Justin Lazard), who wins everlasting fame as the first hunk to plant the flag on another planet. But he unwittingly collects something nasty in his soil samples and, in a sequence worthy of "The Blob", the crew is slimed with uncertain results.
Back on earth, it's not long before Patrick is screwing and killing women in repulsive scenes of instant conception, pregnancy and gut-busting delivery. The result is a small army of young Patricks and the return of Press (Michael Madsen), who teamed up with Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina and Forest Whitaker in "Species".
This time ex-assassin Press is joined by Gamble (Mykelti Williamson), Patrick's fellow astronaut who is not infected. They take orders from the one-eyed zealot Colonel Burgess (George Dzundza). Patrick's father, Senator Ross James Cromwell), is forgiving because of his own ambitions for his son, but he's one of many who pays the price for having no clue about what's really going on.
And one certainly pays for the privilege of watching this movie, with such unsavory memories as watching hard-to-kill Eve shot up by a dozen soldiers or a woman's head sawed through during a sickeningly gratuitous autopsy scene. The cheap thrills keep coming, like it or not, while overall the production is lacking in visual pizzazz and the monsters and spaceships are adequate but nothing special.
SPECIES II
MGM Distribution Co.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures presents
an FGM Entertainment production
A Peter Medak film
Director: Peter Medak
Screenwriter: Chris Brancato
Producer: Frank Mancuso Jr.
Executive producer: Dennis Feldman
Director of photography: Matthew F. Leonetti
Production designer: Miljen Kreka Kljakovic
Editor: Richard Nord
Costume designer: Richard Bruno
Music: Edward Shearmur
Creatures/special makeup effects: Steve Johnson
Casting: Amanda Mackey Johnson,
Cathy Sandrich
Color/stereo
Cast:
Press: Michael Madsen
Eve: Natasha Henstridge
Laura: Marg Helgenberger
Gamble: Mykelti Williamson
Colonel Burgess: George Dzundza
Senator Ross: James Cromwell
Patrick: Justin Lazard
Running time -- 93 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Produced by Frank Mancuso Jr. with the original film's writer Dennis Feldman serving as executive producer, MGM's "Species II" is a clunky, poorly conceived follow-up directed with no particular flare by veteran Peter Medak (TNT's "The Hunchback"). There's more than enough blood and sadistic imagery to generate ghoulish word of mouth, but the plot is ludicrous, the dialogue laughable and the performances uninspired.
Henstridge as Eve, a half-human/half-alien clone made from a frozen lab embryo by the returning molecular biologist Laura (Marg Helgenberger), is kept in the wings for most of "Species II". Heavily guarded and hooked on TV shows, she's a docile, simple-minded version of the first film's man-hungry lead.
Eve has been created so that Laura can figure out what kills her. Insurance against future extraterrestrial threats, to be sure, but Eve is no "lab rat." She's part human and it hurts when she's gassed. Playing at times like a twisted soap opera, the movie starts on a epic note, with the first landing on Mars.
"Species II" is primarily the story of the dashing astronaut Patrick (Justin Lazard), who wins everlasting fame as the first hunk to plant the flag on another planet. But he unwittingly collects something nasty in his soil samples and, in a sequence worthy of "The Blob", the crew is slimed with uncertain results.
Back on earth, it's not long before Patrick is screwing and killing women in repulsive scenes of instant conception, pregnancy and gut-busting delivery. The result is a small army of young Patricks and the return of Press (Michael Madsen), who teamed up with Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina and Forest Whitaker in "Species".
This time ex-assassin Press is joined by Gamble (Mykelti Williamson), Patrick's fellow astronaut who is not infected. They take orders from the one-eyed zealot Colonel Burgess (George Dzundza). Patrick's father, Senator Ross James Cromwell), is forgiving because of his own ambitions for his son, but he's one of many who pays the price for having no clue about what's really going on.
And one certainly pays for the privilege of watching this movie, with such unsavory memories as watching hard-to-kill Eve shot up by a dozen soldiers or a woman's head sawed through during a sickeningly gratuitous autopsy scene. The cheap thrills keep coming, like it or not, while overall the production is lacking in visual pizzazz and the monsters and spaceships are adequate but nothing special.
SPECIES II
MGM Distribution Co.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures presents
an FGM Entertainment production
A Peter Medak film
Director: Peter Medak
Screenwriter: Chris Brancato
Producer: Frank Mancuso Jr.
Executive producer: Dennis Feldman
Director of photography: Matthew F. Leonetti
Production designer: Miljen Kreka Kljakovic
Editor: Richard Nord
Costume designer: Richard Bruno
Music: Edward Shearmur
Creatures/special makeup effects: Steve Johnson
Casting: Amanda Mackey Johnson,
Cathy Sandrich
Color/stereo
Cast:
Press: Michael Madsen
Eve: Natasha Henstridge
Laura: Marg Helgenberger
Gamble: Mykelti Williamson
Colonel Burgess: George Dzundza
Senator Ross: James Cromwell
Patrick: Justin Lazard
Running time -- 93 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 4/13/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Darn disappointing, Disney's lackluster remake of 1965's "That Darn Cat!" features Christina Ricci ("Casper") in the Hayley Mills role, while venerable Dean Jones ("The Shaggy D.A".) appears as a supporting character. Some basic elements of the story line have remained, but the new film's family-oriented humor is even more stilted and tame than the original.
British TV director Bob Spiers' feature debut has a few rewarding moments, but its target audience of kids and cat lovers will not be generating strong word-of-mouth. "That Darn Cat" is based on the novel "Undercover Cat" by the Gordons and their screenplay of the first film, co-written by Bill Walsh.
Besides veterans Jones and Estelle Parsons, the movie's eclectic cast includes Peter Boyle, Bess Armstrong, Dyan Cannon and Michael McKean in a very silly tale of a feline informant and nutty New Englanders on both sides of the law.
Alas, 1997's "That Darn Cat" is light years away from the original's drive-ins, muscle cars and mainstream mid-'60s comedy, not to mention the cast that included William Demarest, Elsa Lanchester, Frank Gorshin and Neville Brand.
No one performer is at fault, certainly not Doug E. Doug, who tries hard as a twitchy, manic FBI agent to make this cinematic fleabag come to life. But Ricci has little to do with her underwritten character, and a subplot involving a lonely butcher (Megan Cavanaugh) and two gung-ho security guards (Tom Wilson, Brian Haley) is mildly amusing at best.
Darn Cat, or "D.C". as his mistress Patti (Ricci) calls the gray beast, pussyfoots around the neighborhood one night and finds the kidnapped maid of the Flints (Jones, Cannon), obnoxious millionaires reluctant to pay the hefty ransom. The ridiculous scenario has the FBI becoming involved in a nocturnal tracking of D.C. by several agents.
George Dzundza plays the cranky boss of Doug's character, who goes through many humiliating experiences before making the cat angle payoff. Boyle and Rebecca Schull are unimpressive as an aging couple who play a major role in the overblown climax.
Just as in Robert Stevenson's version, which featured a Siamese, the lead feline is never quite made as endearing as one expects, with the attention focused on the humans and their mundane conflicts.
THAT DARN CAT
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Walt Disney Pictures
Director Bob Spiers
Producer Robert Simonds
Writers S.M. Alexander, L.A. Karaszewski
Executive producer Andrew Gottlieb
Director of photography Jerzy Zielinski
Production designer Jonathan Carlson
Editor Roger Barton
Costume designer Marie France
Music Richard Kendall Gibbs
Casting Gary Zuckerbrod
Color/stereo
Cast:
Patti Christina Ricci
Zeke Doug E. Doug
Mr. Flint Dean Jones
Boetticher George Dzundza
Pa Peter Boyle
Peter Michael McKean
Judy Bess Armstrong
Running time -- 89 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
British TV director Bob Spiers' feature debut has a few rewarding moments, but its target audience of kids and cat lovers will not be generating strong word-of-mouth. "That Darn Cat" is based on the novel "Undercover Cat" by the Gordons and their screenplay of the first film, co-written by Bill Walsh.
Besides veterans Jones and Estelle Parsons, the movie's eclectic cast includes Peter Boyle, Bess Armstrong, Dyan Cannon and Michael McKean in a very silly tale of a feline informant and nutty New Englanders on both sides of the law.
Alas, 1997's "That Darn Cat" is light years away from the original's drive-ins, muscle cars and mainstream mid-'60s comedy, not to mention the cast that included William Demarest, Elsa Lanchester, Frank Gorshin and Neville Brand.
No one performer is at fault, certainly not Doug E. Doug, who tries hard as a twitchy, manic FBI agent to make this cinematic fleabag come to life. But Ricci has little to do with her underwritten character, and a subplot involving a lonely butcher (Megan Cavanaugh) and two gung-ho security guards (Tom Wilson, Brian Haley) is mildly amusing at best.
Darn Cat, or "D.C". as his mistress Patti (Ricci) calls the gray beast, pussyfoots around the neighborhood one night and finds the kidnapped maid of the Flints (Jones, Cannon), obnoxious millionaires reluctant to pay the hefty ransom. The ridiculous scenario has the FBI becoming involved in a nocturnal tracking of D.C. by several agents.
George Dzundza plays the cranky boss of Doug's character, who goes through many humiliating experiences before making the cat angle payoff. Boyle and Rebecca Schull are unimpressive as an aging couple who play a major role in the overblown climax.
Just as in Robert Stevenson's version, which featured a Siamese, the lead feline is never quite made as endearing as one expects, with the attention focused on the humans and their mundane conflicts.
THAT DARN CAT
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Walt Disney Pictures
Director Bob Spiers
Producer Robert Simonds
Writers S.M. Alexander, L.A. Karaszewski
Executive producer Andrew Gottlieb
Director of photography Jerzy Zielinski
Production designer Jonathan Carlson
Editor Roger Barton
Costume designer Marie France
Music Richard Kendall Gibbs
Casting Gary Zuckerbrod
Color/stereo
Cast:
Patti Christina Ricci
Zeke Doug E. Doug
Mr. Flint Dean Jones
Boetticher George Dzundza
Pa Peter Boyle
Peter Michael McKean
Judy Bess Armstrong
Running time -- 89 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 2/14/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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