Growing up, I endured the one-two cultural punch of having the same name as a classic film dog and a poppy ’80s band.
But the name game continues into my late 30s.
Not only is there a line of toilets named Toto, but I learned today of another Toto affiliation. If you ever lose your dog, you can contact FindToto.com a service which helps people locate their missing pooches.
And, for the record, Toto from “The Wizard of Oz” wasn’t his real name. He, or rather she, was named Terry.
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Ever wonder how some film projects got off the ground in the first place?
Eddie Murphy’s new comedy “Meet Dave” must have been near-impossible to describe in pitch form. But some classic movies were probably even harder to pitch to the respective studio bosses (hat tip: Anonymously Funny):
It’s about a boy and girl who have a summer fling. In the fall they discover they go to the same high school, but he is concerned what his “cool clique” might think of her so he spurns her. So she transforms herself to look slutty and they live happily ever after. We’ll call it…”Grease”
It’s about a precocious hooker and the workaholic business man who hires her. She’s a fish out of water in his world but his money can buy her nice clothes. At the end he realizes this hooker makes him happy, and they live happily ever after. We’ll call it … “Pretty Woman.”
If readers have any more pitches from hell, let me know and I’ll post them here.
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Seems like every summer one or two indie films survives - even thrives - alongside their blockbuster competition.
This year, “The Visitor” is the king of the independent hill. The smart, socially aware (you know what that means) drama has earned $8.2 million, and it’s still in the top 20.
Sound like chump change? It is when you compare it to “Iron Man,” but indie films rarely crack the $2 million mark these days. Plus, at its peak “The Visitor” was shown on only 270 screens, according to Box Office Mojo. Blockbusters like “Iron Man” debut on more than 3,000 screens.
My review over at Donne Tempo helps explain what the fuss is all about. And please check out a portion of a Q&A Jenkins did during a trip to Denver to support the film.
(Photo: Richard Jenkins and Hiam Abbass bond over espresso in “The Visitor”)
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Indy fans don’t mind the fact that their hero is in his 60s, or that the last time he rode into the cinematic sunset cell phones were as large as our heads.
We just want our whip-crackin‘, fedora wearin’ hero back, and Steven Spielberg and George Lucas oblige us with “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” It’s the summer’s biggest hit so far, if you’re looking at the cold, hard numbers.
The newest “Jones” has cracked the $300 million mark at the box office, but I’ve yet to meet a soul who came away with anything but dashed expectations. [click to continue...]
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Improv comedy is like eating blowfish. If prepared well, improv humor can be gut busting. If not, the silence can be deadly.
The improv comedy “The Grand,” now out on DVD, offers a little bit of both scenarios. My Washington Times review shares my affection for the cast, particularly Woody Harrelson as one of the featured poker champs. But while the film manages a few funny situations, the film works best as a reminder just how good the Christopher Guest camp is at the genre.
We are treated to a rare appearance by Gabe (”Welcome Back, Kotter”) Kaplan, although his role’s comic potential isn’t fully realized.
I suspect the cast was having so much fun making the movie they figured the laughs were infectious. Not quite.
(Photo: Woody Harrelson plays a down on his luck gambler looking to reverse his fortunes in the improv comedy “The Grand.”)
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Arguably the biggest perk of being a movie critic - besides the untold riches and universal respect - is seeing cool movies before everyone else.
But sneak previews happen all over the country, and here’s how you can catch one near you. Visit http://www.filmmetro.com/ and sign up to learn about the latest screenings coming your way. Also check your local newspapers and radio stations for ticket giveaways. I’ve seen them appear in both Denver and Washington, D.C., and I imagine other cities offer similar perks.
Did I mention these screenings are free?
These previews usually take place on the Tuesday before a film opens, but they can be scheduled Monday-Thursday, and sometimes on a Saturday if the film appeals to the kiddies.
And please show up early. The powers that be give out many more passes than theater seats, and even obscure screenings fill up fast (although I recall a movie publicist begging people to come see “The Adventures of Pluto Nash” a few years ago). And if Will Smith is in the movie, better get there an hour or more before showtime. Otherwise you’ll wait … and wait … and likely go home without seeing the flick.
These screenings set aside a few rows for reviewing press - and if you see critics using a book light or other device to illuminate their notepad, feel free to fling popcorn at them.
You didn’t hear that from me.
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