"Reel" FReepers - Celebrating Cinema - March 2007

March 1, 2007 | DollyCali; wtc911

[DollyCali]

March 2007
Edition








Reel Test of the Month

Reel Celebrity of the Month

Alan Arkin was probably the biggest surprise on Oscar Night winning the Best Supporting Oscar for his portrayal of a cocaine using grandfather of the “Little Miss Sunshine” . He inconveniently dies as the very dysfunctional family is on the way to the big contest. The family is “running late” so just put him in the back … reminiscent of National Lampoons Vacation.. and they presses on to make the deadline in their clunker van.

He at 73 has had a long & varied career with movies that over the years have made us cry, chuckle & just roar out loud (well I did during the In-Laws(79). Here is some data on his life/career.

Professions:Actor, director, singer, composer, novelist, producer, vacuum cleaner repairman, clerical worker

Born: Brooklyn, New York on 3/26/1934

Sometimes Credited As:

Alan Wolf Arkin
Robert Short

FULL BIOGRAPHY

Cinematography

Bee Movie - ( / 2007 / In-Production / )
Magicians - ( / / In-Production / Kinowelt International )
Rendition - ( / / In-Production / )
Sunshine Cleaning - ( / / In-Production / )
Raising Flagg - ( Flagg Purdy / 2006 / Awaiting Release / Cinema Libre Distribution )
Firewall - ( Arlin Forester / 2006 / Released / Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group )
Little Miss Sunshine - ( Grandpa / 2006 / Released / 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment )
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause - ( Bud Newman / 2006 / Released / Buena Vista Distribution Company )
Eros - ( Dr. Pearl ("Equilibrium") / 2005 / Released / Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group )
Noel Artie / 2004 / Released / Convex Group )
Thirteen Conversations About One Thing - ( Gene / 2002 / Released / Mongrel Media )
America's Sweethearts

( Wellness Guide / 2001 / Released / Sony Pictures Releasing )
Varian's War - ( Freier (Marseilles) / 2001 / Released / )
Jakob the Liar - ( Frankfurter / 1999 / Released / Sony Pictures Releasing )
Four Days in September - ( Charles Burke Elbrick / 1998 / Released / Miramax Home Video )
The Slums of Beverly Hills - ( Murray Abramowitz / 1998 / Released / Fox Searchlight Pictures )
Gattaca - ( Detective Hugo / 1997 / Released / Sony Pictures Releasing )
Grosse Pointe Blank - ( Dr Oatman / 1997 / Released / Hollywood Pictures Home Video )
Mother Night - ( George Kraft / 1996 / Released / New Line Home Entertainment )
Steal Big, Steal Little - ( Lou Perilli / 1995 / Released / Savoy Pictures )
The Jerky Boys - ( Lazarro / 1995 / Released / Touchstone Pictures Home Video )
North - ( Judge Buckle / 1994 / Released / Sony Pictures Releasing )
Samuel Beckett Is Coming Soon. .. - ( Director / 1994 / Released / )
Indian Summer - ( Uncle Lou / 1993 / Released / Touchstone Pictures Home Video )
So I Married An Axe Murderer - ( (cameo appearance) / 1993 / Released / TriStar Pictures )
Glengarry Glen Ross - ( George Aaronow / 1992 / Released / LIVE Home Video )
The Rocketeer - ( Peevy / 1991 / Released / Walt Disney Home Video )
Coupe de Ville - ( Fred Libner / 1990 / Released / Universal Pictures )
Edward Scissorhands - ( Bill / 1990 / Released / 20th Century Fox International )
Havana - ( Joe Volpi / 1990 / Released / Universal Pictures )
Bad Medicine - ( Dr Ramon Madera / 1985 / Released / 20th Century Fox Distribution )
Big Trouble - ( Leonard Hoffman / 1985 / Released / Sony Pictures Releasing )
Joshua Then and Now - ( Reuben Shapiro / 1985 / Released / 20th Century Fox )
The Return of Captain Invincible - ( Captain Invincible / 1983 / Released / Magnum Entertainment )
Deadhead Miles - ( Cooper / 1982 / Released / )
The Last Unicorn - ( Voice of of Schmendrick--Magician / 1982 / Released / Family Home Entertainment )
Chu Chu and the Philly Flash - ( Flash / 1981 / Released / 20th Century Fox Distribution )
Full Moon High - ( Dr Jacob Brand / 1981 / Released / HBO Home Video )
Simon - ( Simon / 1980 / Released / Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group )
Improper Channels - ( Jeffrey Martley / 1979 / Released / Crown International Pictures )
The In-Laws - ( Sheldon Kornpett / 1979 / Released / Warner Home Video )
The In-Laws - ( Executive Producer / 1979 / Released / Warner Home Video )
The Magician of Lublin - ( Yasha Mazur / 1979 / Released / Warner Home Video )
Fire Sale - ( Director / 1977 / Released / 20th Century Fox )
Fire Sale - ( Ezra Fikus / 1977 / Released / 20th Century Fox )
The Seven Per-Cent Solution - ( Sigmund Freud / 1976 / Released / Universal Pictures )
Hearts of the West ( Kessler / 1975 / Released / United Artists Films )
Freebie and the Bean - ( Bean / 1974 / Released / Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution )
Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins - ( Rafferty / 1974 / Released / Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution )
Last of the Red Hot Lovers - ( Barney Cashman / 1972 / Released / Paramount Pictures )
Little Murders - ( Director / 1971 / Released / 20th Century Fox )
Little Murders - ( Detective / 1971 / Released / 20th Century Fox )
Catch-22 - ( Captain Yossarian / 1970 / Released / Paramount Pictures )
Popi - ( Popi / 1969 / Released / United Artists Films )
Inspector Clouseau - ( Inspector Jacques Clouseau / 1968 / Released / United Artists Films )
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter - ( John Singer / 1968 / Released / Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution )
Wait Until Dark - ( Roat / 1967 / Released / Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group )
Woman Times Seven - ( Fred ("The Suicides") / 1967 / Released / Embassy Pictures )
The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming - ( Rozanov / 1966 / Released / MGM/UA Home Video )

Reel Box Office Reviews

Little Miss Sunshine
Reviewed by DollyCali

A three day road trip of a amusingly awkward & exceptionally dysfunctional family who nonetheless band together to support little Olive who has been chosen one of the finalists in the Little Miss Sunshine contest.. Olive is the youngest & the oldest is patriarch played by Alan Arkin who won an award for the role. The reason he is along on the trip is that he was just kicked out of his retirement home for snorting heroin..

This is a movie you will either love or hate. The rating should alert any who are sensitive that, even though a young girl is one of the stars and the Title sounds soooo innocent, an R rating is an R rating. !

The script is funny and it is well executed by the great cast. It was nominated for the Best Picture at this years Oscars and was a tremendous hit at the Sundance the year it was introduced.

Stars: Steve Carell, Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin, Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano. Director: Johathan Dayton

Box Office (Feb28) -: $ 59,831,476
Video/DVD Rentals - $37,210,000

Rotten Tomatoes Review

Official Site

Trailers

Breach

Reviewed by DollyCali

Universal Pictures released a critically acclaimed drama February 16. A dark visual tone pervades this film with a dark subject matter. All is not as it appears/seems is the bottom line. Not giving anything away as this is TRUE HISTORY - revealed in cinema that takes a bit of artistic license in presentation but not in bottom line.

A revered top flight FBI agent with decades of loyal service is KNOWN to be a traitor & agent for Russia. The theme of the movie is setting him up with a bright/fresh would-be agent (now clerk/go-fer assistant) & inform the FEDS on activities, in the hopes of getting his “agent” status solidified..

The clueless & not overly dedicated to this mission assistant is confused. This man., Robert Hannsen has a family, grandkids, is a super religious Catholic, going to mass daily, But he is told he is a traitor and to boot a sexual pervert along the way!

If one enjoys following the saga of interpersonal struggles & the confusion of life, you will relate well to this movie. It is tense & engaging & makes your heart sad as you see it unfold. The turncoat found out, stalked, apprehended, sentenced… makes you cheer & cry at the same time. What could have been had he NOT done these dastardly deeds.

The young not yet agent leaves the FBI after this case, the biggest espionage “catch” ever. He goes into private law practice in DC. Wonder if he is a FReeper/lurker? Come out, come out wherever you are!

This is rated PG13 for language, sexual situations & violence that might be offensive to some. It is 1 hour an 50 minutes in length.

Stars: Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillippe., Kathleen Quinlann; Laura Linney, Director and one of the three screenwriters: Billy Ray

Box Office (Feb28) -: $20,304,675

Rotten Tomatoes Review

Official Site

Trailers

Reel Classic Reviews

Catch 22 (1970)
Reviewed by DollyCali

For this month’s classic review, I chose another Arkin movie. A screen adaptation of a book of the same name by Joseph Heller takes us to the Mediterranean during WW2. This military satire is brought to the screne by Mike Nicholas. In the film we find Yossarian (Alan Arkin) who was a bombardier and now desperately wants to get out of the military & so fakes insanity..

BUT, the catch 22 is that if he can understand his own mortality, then he is automatically considered sane. This does not sound funny but in the movie the characterization & playing out of the situation is enjoyable. Arkin is surrounded by a first class group of actors. In today’s economics, I don’t think such a production could come off unless the did an Ocean 11/12/13 arrangement.

Other Notes on the movie

The film is rated R and is just over 2 hours in length.

Theatrical release: June 24, 1970
DVD release: May 22, 2001

CATCH-22 was filmed on location in Italy and Mexico.

Martin Balsam replaced Stacy Keach in the role of Col. Cathcart over age concerns that Nichols had.

Second Unit Director John Jordan plummeted to his death during the film's production.

Stars: Alan Arkin; Orson Welles, Jon Voight, Martin Sheen, Bob Newhart, Richard Benjamil; Art Garfunkel; and Anthony Perkins

Box Office: Total US Gross $24,911,670 Rentals $12,250,000

Rotten Tomatoes Review

IMDb

Good Analysis Link

Reel Insider/Techie Stuff

Producers: what do they do anyway?

Provided by Insider/Techie Editor Wtc911 -From the producers guild site.....

JOB FUNCTIONS FOR "PRODUCED BY" (Theatrical Motion Pictures) Subject to the control of the Owner, the "Produced by" in Theatrical Motion Pictures is expected to exercise decision-making authority over a majority of the following specific job functions:

DEVELOPMENT

* Conceived of the underlying concept upon which the production is based or involved at its inception. * Selected the material upon which the production is based and secured necessary rights for development and production of the material. * Selected the writer(s). * Supervised and oversaw the development process. * Secured the initial financing. * Served as the primary point of contact for the studio and/or financing entity.

PRE-PRODUCTION

* Selected the director, co-producer and unit production manager. * Selected the principal cast in consultation with the director. * In consultation with the director, selected the production designer, cinematographer, editor and visual effects co. * Participated in location scouting in consultation with the director. * Supervised the preparation of the preliminary budget and approved and signed the final budget in consultation with the Co-Producer and UPM. * Creatively involved in the final shooting script in consultation with the director and the writer(s) and approved and signed the final shooting script. * Approved the final shooting schedule in consultation with the director.

PRODUCTION

* Exercised final approval of the deals for the principal components of the production. * Provided continuous in-person consultation with the director and principal cast * In collaboration with the director, provided in-person consultation with the production designer, art department, wardrobe, make-up and hair. * In collaboration with the director, provided in-person consultation with the stunt coordinator and on mechanical effects (if applicable). * Supervised "on-set" and on a continuous basis the day-to-day operation of the producing team and the entire shooting company. * Approved the weekly cost report. * Viewed the "dailies" and provided in-person consultation with the director, the editor, the studio and/or financial entity.

POST-PRODUCTION/MARKETING

* Provided in-person participation on visual effects in consultation with the director, the studio or financial entity. * Selected the composer in consultation with the director, and participated in-person with the composer and the director in the scoring process * Provided in-person consultation with the editor along with the director, the studio or financial entity, and participated on the final cut of the motion picture. * Consulted with the director and the editor during the preparation of the first cut that is shown to the studio/financial entity. * Selected the music supervisor in consultation with the director, and participated in-person during the music recording sessions. * Provided in-person consultation with the director on the re-recording stage. * Provided in-person consultation with the director on the titles and opticals. * Provided in-person consultation with the cinematographer, the director, the studio and/or financing entity on the answer print or edited master. * Consulted on the media plan and materials, and the marketing and distribution plans for the motion picture. * Consulted on the plans for exploitation of the motion picture in ancillary and foreign markets.

Reel Cinema Links

Rotten Tomatoes HomepageAre they Rotten or Ripe?

IMDbInternational Movie Database

BoxOffice.com

Alfred Hitchcock scholars

American Animated Short Cartoons

British Film Commission

Box Office Mojo

Cinema Spot

Classic Film Guide

Golden Age Classics

Comic Book Movies

Do You Remember

Documentry Films

Entertainment Weekly

Film.Com

The Film Connection

Film Funding Blog

Film Festivals Worldwide

Film Scouts

Flicks

Great Character Actors

GREAT MGM Musicals Page

The Greatest Films

Hollywood Reporter first daily trade paper for the entertainment industry

Images

Independent Filmmakers

Reel Women

ScreenwriterTools

Coming soon to
Theaters & /video

Box Office

OPENING:

92% Zodiac
62% Black Snake Moan
33% Wild Hogs
80% Wild Tigers I Have Known

CLICK HERE FOR MORE & for details

COMING SOON:

100% 300
3/9 Premonition
3/16 Dead Silence
3/16 Shooter
3/16 I Think I Love My Wife

CLICK HERE FOR MORE & for details

Video & DVD

New Releases

86% The Heart of the Game
74% Stranger Than Fiction
51% Tenacious D in: The Pick of D...
26% A Good Year
26% Tideland

CLICK HERE FOR MORE & for details

Coming soon

94% Casino Royale
3/13 91% Borat: Cultural Learni...
3/6 58% Confetti
3/6 48% Fast Food Nation
3/6 47% The Holiday

CLICK HERE FOR MORE & for details

Holly-Toons March 2007

[DollyCali]

Romantic Pick Up Lines

Part of the charm of romantic movies of the 1930s and 40s were some very famous pick-up lines such as “I’d like to run barefoot through your hair,” in “Bombshell” with Jean Harlow and Franchot Tone. These lines were often said with a wink, a lift of a brow or a sexy whisper, but their intent made the impact of an arrow and we love them.

1) Casablanca
“Was that cannon fire, or is it my heart pounding?” Ilsa in “Casablanca” with Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. Warner Bros. 1942, directed by Michael Curtiz.

2) The Public Enemy
“You’re a swell dish. I think I’m gonna go for you,” Tom in “Public Enemy” with James Cagney and Mae Clarke. Warner Bros. 1931, directed by William Wellman.

3) A Guy Named Joe
“Everything wrong with you I like,” Captain Randall in “A Guy Named Joe” with Van Johnson and Irene Dunne. MGM 1944, directed by Victor Fleming.

4) China Seas
“If you aren’t decent, boyfriend, you’ll do until something decent comes along.” Dolly in “China Seas” with Jean Harlow and Clark Gable. MGM 1935, directed by Tay Garnett.

5) The Man Who Came to Dinner
“I guess you are sort of attractive, in a corn-fed sort of way. You can’t find yourself a poor girl falling for you if – well, if you threw in a set of dishes,” Maggie in “The Man Who Came To Dinner” with Bette Davis and Richard Travis. Warner Bros. 1942, directed by William Keighley.

6) Across the Pacific
“We’re going to know each other eventually, why not now?” Rick in “Across the Pacific” with Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor. Warner Bros. 1942, directed by John Huston and Vincent Sherman.

7) Casablanca
“Here’s looking at you kid,” Rick in “Casablanca” with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Warner Bros. 1942, directed by Michael Curtiz.

8) Red Dust
“Mind if I get drunk with you?” Vantine in “Red Dust” with Jean Harlow and Clark Gable. MGM 1932, directed by Victor Fleming.

9) Johnny Eager
“Oh, now don’t turn ordinary on me, I get tired of ordinary dames. And I don’t want to get tired of you,” Johnny in “Johnny Eager” with Robert Taylor and Lana Turner. MGM. 1943, directed by Mervyn Leroy

10) The Public Enemy
“I'm not accustomed to riding with strangers,” Gwen. "We're not gonna be strangers," Tom in “Public Enemy” with Jean Harlow and James Cagney. Warner Bros. 1931, directed by William Wellman.

[daisyscarlett]

We watched "Hollywoodland" tonight...just came out on video last month, was in theatres early 2006.

Starred Adrian Brody, Ben Affleck (as Superman) and Diane Lane. Great cast, great acting; I enjoyed it very much. This was the best work that I have seen Adrian Brody do.

Some sex, no profanity that I remember. Set in Hollywood in 1959 when George Reeves was found dead; one of Hollywood's mysteries; did he off himself or was he murdered?

[athelass]

Hey Dolly, I found it by myself!! Maybe I'm getting the hang of this! Nice job on the "foyer". Love what you've done with the place. Looking forward to hanging out here a lot!

[athelass]

>>>>This is a great thread. I am a movie/TV addict, and I am NOT ashamed LOL.>>>>>>>>>

Hey, I like your style. I am also a movie/TV addict and I am not ashamed! And I am a USMC Mom! My youngest son is at MCRD San Diego as we speak, starting week two of Grass Week. So, I guess, technically I'm not the mother of a Marine yet, but in my heart my boy is a Marine and I'm a proud Marine Mom! I've already got my bumper stickers and T-Shirts!

[athelass]

I haven't read all the replies yet, but in case no one has answered yet...10 is Marlon Brando's wife refusing his Oscar for The Godfather in 1973. Here's a link:http://www.newsoftheodd.com/article1027.html
5 is Uma Thurmann, looks like the Pulp Fiction year
15 is Jaden Smith for The Pursuit of Happyness

[DollyCali]

I really liked Hollywoodland too daisy. Thought it was the finest acting effort that I had ever seen from Afflek. Saw it on big screen the week it came out.

Brody also was outstanding.

I love these stories which are based on fact.. of course with some artistic license

[DollyCali]

Hey Dolly, I found it by myself!!

oh my! did you not get the initial ping? last week(march first)? You are on the ping list. well, glad you have found this..

[najida]

oh my

[colorado tanker]

“I'm not accustomed to riding with strangers,” Gwen. "We're not gonna be strangers," Tom in “Public Enemy” with Jean Harlow and James Cagney.

Jean Harlow was "not strangers" with a lot of guys. :-))

[DollyCali]

You've got that right!!!!

[Mr. Blonde]

Umm are we thinking of the same Clive Owen? The one I'm thinking of is 6'2" with black hair. Although I will give you surly (or morose at times) in most roles.

[DollyCali]

Pinging those who have agreed to help as contributors & editors. But posting here rather than FReepmailing so all who visit will know what we are up to.

Based on the feedback I have – for now, we will stay with ONE thread a month but go with 3 additional pings. I will strive to post the first day of the month each month & the same day the rest of the month will be the pings.

With the Ping will be the 1-3 movie reviews; a celeb biography & toons.

Rather than have that massive offering in the ping box., I will post the additional material, in the “signature” tables & then in the ping following make reference to new material in Post _____(whatever it is)

Here are the people /areas who have agreed to help I have had no response from 8 but picked up several from thread who wanted to help

FR Reel Critics/Biographies Contributors

athelass;
CaptainK;
Dr. Scarpetta;
Maven -

Classic FR Reel Critics/Biographies Contributors films 25 years or older)

Lysie:
colorado tanker;
ReignOfError;

Family/children under 12 FR Reel Critics/Biographies Contributors (need someone to volunteer here)

Technical/Insiders:

wtc911; - Editor

Holly- Toons

Pookie18- Editor/compiler

Trivia Editor __(need some one)__
Gossip Editor - (need some one)__

Maven as I would like someone to review 300 for the April thread I will save your biography for that issue as it goes with it obviously.

CaptainK – if you have the Notes of Scandal done by Wednesday & get it to me I will include that. I would like ONE “oldie” and one “family/kid” movie also.. any volunteers?

One person to do a biography also

Follow the pattern I did in the thread opening & remember you just get me the raw material, I will do the HTML & the links & give you the byline...(pix also unless you have some you want to freep or email to me. Pookie has already gotten to me his material.

Now it is almost time for 24.. YEA!

[DollyCali]

149 was NOT a troll.

I inadvertently posted someones first name & asked the mods to pull it.

[pcottraux]

I would like ONE “oldie” and one “family/kid” movie also.. any volunteers?

Oooh! I volunteer for "oldies"!

[DollyCali]

FReepmail in a few

[pcottraux]

Gotta wait for 24 to end, right?

Dang, JB's in a mess this time!

[DollyCali]

nope.. I am freeping during the show today..

[alwaysconservative]

Umm are we thinking of the same Clive Owen? The one I'm thinking of is 6'2" with black hair. Although I will give you surly (or morose at times) in most roles.

Ohmigosh! You are so right! And I owe Dolly a HUGE apology! She wrote "Clive Owen", and for some bizarre reason, I thought she was talking about Daniel Craig (the little blonde Bond). Dolly, I deserve the severest punishment, but I'm hoping you're generous enough not to force me to watch Algore's science fiction movie as penance! (Totally red-faced here. . .)

[DollyCali]

no that is okay.. I thought maybe you were thinking of someone else.. it is funny that Clive Owen was considered initially to be the new bond. He would have done well..

He is older than GB but both have that manly, rugged look