Blog Archives
Star Search: Forcing a Wake-Up Call
Star Wars is everywhere. That’s real life. And since it’s Friday, let’s kick off the weekend with some flashback fun.
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens was a spectacular movie, as well as a wonderful first chapter in the franchise’s newest trilogy. But before the force awakened, J.J. Abrams and Co. needed to cast the best young talent to try to do what Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford did in the late ’70s and ’80s with Episodes IV-VI. An impossible feat, but still worth a shot.
SNL created a few laughs with this audition-based set-up in late 2015 before the theatrical release of The Force Awakens. And thank goodness they did.
Believe it or not, the most disturbing audition parodied above for the new Star Wars trilogy was George Lucas. He is not the director the franchise (yes, the very same franchise he created) is looking for these days.
(Cough cough Jar Jar Binks…and Episodes I-III).
Float Like a Butterfly and…What Like a Bee?
TGIF!
With Friday evening upon us, that means it’s time to hit the town and go out to a nice restaurant with your special someone. The workweek is over. Yes, we can all take a unified breath of relief. Now, the fun of Super Bowl weekend can begin. And what better way to get into the spirit of Friday night and the weekend than a surprise singer who happens to pass by your table with the voice of an angel?
Nothing. There’s nothing better.
But be aware that some of these singers, with their guitars and restaurant theme-appropriate costumes, can offer a performance that really stings all the senses.
All I can say is that needs to be a real restaurant.
Have a Great Weekend.
Happy Groundhog Day…Happy Groundhog Day…Happy Groundhog Day
Do you know what day it is?
February 2, 2017.
Along with it being February 2, 2017, today is Groundhog Day. Yes, the one day each year when people (especially those who complain the most about wintry weather) pause their work and pay closest attention to…a groundhog and his shadow (or lack thereof) in Pennsylvania. This groundhog’s name is Punxsutawney Phil, of course.
And Punxsutawney Phil makes an annual prediction of whether we will (likely) endure more winter or if spring sun will rescue us a few weeks early. Remember those people mentioned above, the ones who complain about wintry weather, well…
Sadly (my view, anyways), Punxsutawney Phil’s shadow was visible early this morning, which doesn’t spell very good news. This shadow sighting translates to six more weeks of winter. Maybe my view of a longer winter will change when I can park my car in a garage? Perhaps. Anyways, today’s tradition centered on a groundhog is one of many reminders of why it’s fun to be an American. Think about that for a second. We turn our attention to a groundhog. How wildly fun is that? Personally, this is a great yearly event. I hope it continues for decades and decades and decades.
Another thing I hope continues for decades is our annual viewing of a B-movie classic.
You’re welcome.
You’re welcome.
This Beauty Will Be a Box Office Beast
Can real actors live up to…an animation?
That has been the question for why Disney is even attempting to bring back the wondrous tale of Beauty and the Beast that many (if not all) could easily argue defiantly marked its zenith of fanfare and adoration way back in 1991. And a legitimate query it is. The early ’90s animated movie by Walt Disney Pictures is not only one of the greatest animations in cinematic history, but one of the most treasured movies in cinematic history.
Put frankly: There is more to lose from a (mostly) live-action revamp than there is to gain.
And yet, the trailers and specialized posters for the 2017 version of Beauty and the Beast continue to pass the test of anxiously curious fans…and then some.
With the final and most comprehensive look to date, Walt Disney Pictures has just released its newest trailer for the film that will remind us why Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle may be reason enough for this live-action rendition of a beloved classic.
Will 2017s Beauty and the Beast meet the extraordinarily high standard of the 1991 timeless classic Beauty and the Beast? Audiences will discover the answer starting March 17th.
Whatever the verdict, this just might be the closest (and best) attempt to bring some of the animated magic to life beyond the brilliantly colorful pen strokes of the ’90s.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 