Welcome to my world of film and art. Please enjoy my film articles and use them to study about film and add them to your movie watching list to enjoy. You will find articles on film history, different genres of film and a few film related articles on the arts.
A vampire is a being from folklore that subsists by feeding on the vital force (generally in the form of blood) of the living.
In European folklore, vampires were undead beings that often visited loved ones and caused mischief or deaths in the neighborhoods. Eastern Europe had different names such as shtriga in Albania, vrykolakas in Greece and strigoi in Romania.
"The Strain" (2014-2017) created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan is a unique series with vampires from an ancient strain of vampirism called "strigoi" (the term used in Romania.) This series is well worth watching! The lighting, cinematography and the acting are seamless as the group leads you on an adventure to destroy these strange looking vampires that are taking over New York. Corey Stoll, David Bradley and Kevin Durand star in this series.
"The Lost Boys" (1987) Diector: Joel Schumacher Stars: Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Dianne Wiest, Keifer Sutherland, Corey Feldman
Plot: After moving to a new town, two brothers discover that the area is a haven for vampires
Still a fan favorite among vampire movie followers,
"30 Days of Night" (2007) Director: David Slade
Stars: Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston
After an Alaskan town is plunged into darkness for a month, it is attacked by a bloodthirsty gang of vampires. Vampires love the cold and the darkness.
"Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles" (1994)
Plantation owner named Louis lost his wife in childbirth. both his wife and the infant died. He has lost his will to live. A vampire named Lestat takes a liking to Louis and offers him the chance to become a creature of the night: a vampire. Louis accepts.
These actors are shockingly great! I did not recognize Tom Cruise until halfway through the movie....I kept waiting for him to appear!
Director: Neil Jordan Stars: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Antonio Banderas, Kirsten Dunst, Christian Slater from the novel by Anne Rice (who also wrote screenplay)
"Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1992)
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Stars: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins
The centuries old vampire Count Dracula comes to England to seduce his barrister Jonathan Harker's fiancee, Mina Murray and inflict havoc in the foreign land.
Rober Ebert comments, "Oldman and Ryder and Hopkins pant with eagerness. The movie is an exercise in feverish excess, and for that if for little else, I enjoyed it"
Note: Ebert is a hard critic of this genre. ..so I think him giving it 3 stars means it is great.
Although this movie is not about vampires, it is about a human who is weird and street smart as he wiggles his way into people's businesses and their lives.
Recognize this guy? That is correct. Jake
Gyllenhaal from the TV sitcom. Have you seen "Nightcrawler" (2014)
A creature of the night, Louis Bloom, a
con-man muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism. He blurs the
lines and becomes the star of his own story. The cinematography is breathtaking capturing night scenes in a special way with that L.A. magic.
Writer and Director: Dan Gilroy
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton
Peter Travers of "The Rolling Stone" comments, "Jake Gyllenhaal will creep you out as an ambitious news cameraman in Dan Gilroy's pitch-black media satire." (to read more of Travers review visit www.rollingstone.com and look up "Nightcrawler")
"Shadow of the Vampire" (2000) Director: E.Elias Merhige Writer: Steven Katz Stars: John Malkovich, Willem Dafoe, Udo Kier
Plot: The filming of "Nosferatu" (1922) is hampered by the fact that its star Max Schreck is taking the role of a vampire far more seriously then seems humanly possible.
The film was nominated for two oscars, another 74 wins and 24 nominations.
Peter Travers comments, "the first film produced by Nicolas Cage, is a shockingly funny spellbinder with a plum part that Cage handed to Willem Dafoe. Dafoe, who has never been better, bites into this Oscar-bait role with an uncanny knack for blending mirth and menace"
Conclusion: Vampires come in many forms. From the spook-eeeee days of German Expression all the way to the sophisticated vampires in the "Twilight Saga" who have money and power. This is an interesting genre and reveals secrets of vampire egos and how they prey upon human nature. Be assured vampires still walk among us.
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"Bugsy" (1991) Directed by: Barry Levinson Starring: Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Harvey Keitel and Joe Mantega
A story of how Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel built a city called Las Vegas in the middle of the Nevada desert. Warren Beatty and Annette Bening pull out all the stops in this movie! He plays a crazy businessman and she is right on spot with him. Such an entertaining and inspiring film. Watching a dreamer achieve his dream when no one shared his vision. He knew that if he built it; they would come. and. . . I live here all these years later!
Read a review by Roger Ebert (gives it 4 stars) click here:
"The Untouchables" (1987) Director: Brian De Palma Starring: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro
"The Untouchables" opened on June 3, 1987 in 1,012 theaters where it grossed $10,023,094 on its opening weekend and went on to make 76.2 million in North America. According to producer Art Linson, the polls conducted for the film showed that approximately 50% of the audience were women. Maybe because this is a film about redemption and relationships and not just gangster violence.
"Pulp Fiction" (1994) Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Starring: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Wills
The lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine into four tales of violence and adventure.
"Pulp Fiction" changed the film world of gangsters forever. A revolutionary film that raised the bar; with many film makers following trying to capture the magic of Tarantino." Nelda
"Boardwalk Empire" (2010-2014) Creator: Terence Winter Stars: Steve Buscemi, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon (completed its 5 season run on October 26, 2014)
America in the 1920's. An Atlantic City, New Jersey politician plays both sides of the law, conspiring with gangsters and politicians. This series immediately pulls you in with its beautiful cinematography as Buscemi is standing in the ocean shore waves and you see a liquor bottle floating away in the water. Steve Buscemi is perfect for this role as "Nucky", the treasurer of Atlantic City. At this time Atlantic City is the playground of the world with hotels on the boardwalk along with night clubs. amusement piers and entertainment to rival Broadway. Watch on HBO or buy DVD set at Amazon Prime
"Once Upon A Time in America" (June 1, 1984) Director: Sergio Leone Starring: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern Sergio Leone's final film is a masterpiece. Spanning four decades, the film tells the story of "Noodles" played by Robert De Niro and his Jewish friends. Several critics agree that you can only appreciate this movie in its full 229 minute version.
After two blogs and two newsletters of gangsters, I am going to try to move on. If you feel that I still left out your favorite, please check out these articles I wrote in this four blog series!
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Why? What does it take to make a great mobster film?
In this article I will present to you some of my favorites.
"King of New York" (1990) Director: Abel Ferrara Starring: Christopher Walken, David Caruso, Laurence Fishbourne
If you are a Christopher Walken fan, you will enjoy this movie. As you know, he is a talented dancer. Did you know he took a few lessons from Gene Kelley? See him bust some moves in this video:
Plot of "King of New York": a drug kingpin is released from prison and seeks to take control of the criminal underworld in order to give back to the community. IMDB rated this film 7.0. I would rate it higher because I love the night shots and dark atmosphere the director created. These actors are some of my favorites. I did not list the rest of the cast, but supporting actors were carefully chosen to anchor the story. How about two thumbs up from me?
"American Gangster" (2007) Directed by Ridley Scott Starring:Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Plot: An outcast New York City cop (Russell Crowe) is charged with bringing down Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) whose real life inspired this biographical film.
How can you have a bad movie with Ridley Scott directing Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe? Read an interesting take on this movie by Roger Ebert. He gives it 4 stars! Click this link: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/american-gangster-2007
"Prizzis Honor" (1985) Director: John Huston Starring: Jack Nicholson, Kathleen Turner and Anjelica Huston Roger Ebert gave it 3 1/2 stars
Roger Ebert, "This is the most bizarre comedy in many a month, a movie so dark, so cynical and so funny that perhaps only Jack Nicholson and Kathleen Turner could have kept straight faces during the love scenes. They do. They play two professional Mafia killers who meet, fall in love, marry, and find out that the mob may not be big enough for both of them." Read more of Ebert's review here http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/prizzis-honor-1985
"The Cotton Club" (1984) Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola Starring: Richard Gere, Gregory Hines, Diane Lane
Who knew? That Richard Gere is a musician? This film is a successful mafia musical. Filled with talent and suspense, Coppola pulled it off. There are too many bad movie musicals! I started not to watch it because of the bad musical films with similar names. I was pleasantly surprised by the great music and talent, I enjoyed Gregory Hines tap dancing and Richard Gere's musical numbers. This is all happening while there is a war between the Irish and Italian mobs.
Read the insightful review by Roger Ebert. click link above.
Roger Ebert comments: "After all the rumors, all the negative publicity, all the stories of
fights on the set and backstage intrigue and imminent bankruptcy,
Francis Ford Coppola's "The Cotton Club" is, quite simply, a wonderful
movie. It has the confidence and momentum of a movie where every shot
was premeditated -- and even if we know that wasn't the case, and this
was one of the most troubled productions in recent movie history, what
difference does that make when the result is so entertaining?
"Scarface" (1983) Director: Brian De Palma Writer: Oliver Stone Starring: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer Plot: In Miami 1980 a determined Cuban immigrant takes over a drug cartel and succumbs to greed.
After all these years, this film has its own following. Who hasn't tried to talk like Tony Montana (Al Pacino) while being questioned by the authorities near the beginning of the movie?
AT THE TOP OF EVERY LIST IS . . . "The Godfather" (1972) by Francis Ford Coppola Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
and "The Godfather Part II" (1974) Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Click here to see several films that I left off such as films by Martin Scorsese (the mobster master film maker) and newer ones from Quentin Tarantino
As I explore this juicy subject, I will share with you so we can recognize them and add them to our movie watching list!
Jack Hill is a name to remember. He was the pioneer of the 70's Exploitation Movies. He discovered Pam Grier and she starred in his movie "Coffy" (1973) written and directed by Jack Hill. The story is about a black female vigilante played by Pam Grier. What a women hero! She was a powerhouse and no-nonsense woman.
Foxy Brown" also featured Pam Grier and was Quentin Tarantino's inspiration for his third film, "Jackie Brown", which starred Pam Grier. Her character is tough, fierce and does not pull any punches in these roles.
Click this link for a complete review of "Jackie Brown" by Siskel&Ebert. They got it!
Check out the video above and hear Tarantino read part of this script. This movie is a 1975 action and exploitation film detailing the lives of high school-aged female gang members. It was directed by Jack Hill and stars Joanne Nail, Robbie Lee and Monica Gayle. This film is also known as "The Jezebels."
Quentin Tarantino re-released this film in 1996 under his Rolling Thunder Pictures label. This version of the film features a commentary by both Hill and Tarantino. The film's tagline is "So Easy to Kill, So Hard to Love."
Jack Hill allegedly interviewed real-life female gang members before filming "Switchblade Sisters" in order to give small details an air of authenticity. He has stated that "Switchblade Sisters" was broadly influenced by William Shakespeare's "Othello."
What is a grind house?
A grind house is an American term for a theater that mainly shows exploitation films.
Why are they called "B" movies?
An Exploitation film is a film that attempts to succeed financially by exploiting current trends and niche genres. Many were considered lower quality than block buster films because of the not-so well-known stars and the fact that they are were made with a low budget; thus called "B" movies.
"Walkers, Zombies, Zs"
Zombie exploitation. . zombie and horror movies are included in the list of film exploitation. Some of these movies such as "Night of the Living Dead" (1968), set trends and became historically important. Scores of zombie movies have been made since Romero's "Night of the Living Dead." He recently received his star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame." Read more about this by clicking this link to my blog about zombies http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/06/walkers-zombies-zs.html
"The Undead" was directed by Roger Corman known as "The King of the B Movies." Also known as "The Pope of Pop Cinema." He is known as a trailblazer in the world of independent film.
A documentary "Corman's World: Exploit's of a Hollywood Rebel" directed by Alex Stapleton premiered at Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals in 2011. He gave a start to many young film directors such as Francis Ford Coppola, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, Jonathan Demme, John Sayles, and James Cameron. Corman was highly influential in the New Hollywood film making movement of the 1960's and 70's. His list of films and credits is long. Corman's colorful career is an interesting read!
Chambara exploitation. . . In the 1970's a non-traditional style of samurai film achieved some popularity in Japan. It became known as chambara (the clash of swords.) "Kill Bill" series by Tarantino is a prominent American tribute to this genre. Its origins can be traced as far back as Akira Kurosawa, whose films feature moral grayness and exaggerated violence, but the genre is mostly associated with the 1970's samurai. These films feature revenge-driven antiheroes, nudity, sex scenes, swordplay, and blood. Read more about Akira Kurosawa in this blog http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-golden-age-of-japanese-cinema.html
MORE ABOUT THE MAKING OF THESE "B" FILMS
The individual film-maker was given a certain budget and had the freedom to put his own vision into the film as long as he included the producer's suggested elements. For
example, it could be requested to have 3 action scenes, a nudity scene,
a certain amount of violence, a love scene, a requested number of sword
battle scenes.
Movies included many different subjects and genres: crooked cops, gangsters, women in prison, bank heists, motorcycle gangs, blaxploitation and kung fu films.
Clint Eastwood got his big screen start in Spaghetti Westerns!
Leprechaun films are very frightening! I pictured this little fellow in green pants and gold shoe buckles as a bit mischievous; but upon researching the films about them, I found out they are horrible brats!
"Leprechaun" (1993) Directed by: Mark Jones Starring: Warwick Davis, Ken Olandt, Mark Holton, Jennifer Aniston
This was the first movie I checked out on my Leprechaun adventure. I was surprised to see Jennifer Aniston in the film! She did an excellent job making her debut in this film. This was before the famous "Friends" TV show.
Warwick Davis steals the show as the Leprechaun! What a convincing leprechaun! Warwick himself regretted playing the part until there were 5 sequels - now he loves being a Leprechaun. This surprise independent movie became a hit with its own following. This is a fun movie to start your Leprechaun hunt with! I think rated PG-13.
A thousand years this leprechaun (Warwick Davis) has been looking for a bride.
On his one thousandth birthday, an evil leprechaun selects the descendant of his slaves to have as his bride, leaving it up to the girls' boyfriend to save her. The story takes us to LA and a horror tour on a bus with tourists. Gets interesting! Scary adventure as the tour guide gets involved with the Leprechaun!
"Leprechaun 3" (1995) Directed by: Brian Trenchard Smith Starring: Warwick Davis, John Gatins, Lee Armstrong, John Demitta, Michael Callian, Caroline Williams
He's back! This time in Las Vegas! The terror beings in a pawn shop. A young college student is on his way to Los Angeles when he stops in Vegas to check it out. (You should never stop in Vegas on the way to somewhere else....lol)
Here he accidentally gets involved with a magician, a beautiful girl and a Leprechaun. Fast moving story about a Leprechaun adventure in Las Vegas. The actors pull this wild story off for us.
"Leprechaun 4: In Space (1997) Director: Brian Trenchard-Smith Starring: Brent Jasmer, Warwick Davis, Debra Dunning, Jessica Collins, Guy Siner
The Leprechaun is in space to woo a beautiful princess who is impressed with his gold and wants to get it from him. He is never referred to as a leprechaun but is referred to as an "alien", "monster", "bastard" or some combination thereof.
"Leprechaun 5: In the Hood" (2000) Starring: Warwick Davis, Ice T, A.T. Montgomery Directed by: Rob Spera
When aspiring hip-hop performers Butch (Red Grant), Postmaster P(A.T. Montgomery) and Stray Bullet (Rashaan Nail) cross record Producer Mack Daddy (Ice-T) their grudge against him leads to their own peril. After they break into Mack daddy's home and swipe an ancient medallion from a grotesque statue. Grant Postmaster P. and Stray Bullet try to get a demo made for the Las Vegas contest, they end up on a magical journey with IceT and a Leprechaun and his secrets. I have to give this movie kudos for not being lazy and doing a great job on this story. Never a dull moment or a lack of creativity! Too funny. I give it thumbs up. Warwick says this is favorite of the series.
"Leprechaun: Back 2 The Hood" (1994) Directed by: Steven Ayromlooi
Starring: Tangi Miller, Warwick Davis, Laz Honso
He is back in the hood and seeking revenge. when a group of friends discover his treasure, they soon find out they've unleashed a can of demon and don't listen to the advice of a wise psychic. I have not watched this one yet!
"Leprechaun Origins" (2014) Directed by:
Starring: Dylan Hornswoggale Postl as the Leprechaun, Stephanie Bennett, Andrew Dunbar, Melissa Roxburgh, Brendan Fletcher, Gary Chalk
Backpacking through Ireland, two unsuspecting young couples discover a town's chilling secret when resident's offer them a ride to start a hike. This was one of my favorites of the Leprechaun films; however, I did miss Warwick Davis not being the Leprechaun. An adult horror mystery that kept my attention and was a thriller! Good writing, good camera work, good acting -- thumbs up from me -- kept me on the edge of my seat!
Warwick Ashley Davis (born February 3, 1970) is an English actor, television presenter, writer, director and producer.
Warwick's grandmother heard a radio announcement calling for people under 4 feet in height to try out for Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983). She took him then 2 foot and 11 inches tall., to the audition. He was originally cast as a background Ewok, but his role was expanded during filming as he impressed the filmmakers, and when Kenny Baker fell ill, Warwick was chosen to take his place in the key role of the first Ewok met by Princess Leia.
He portrayed Wicket Wysrti Warrick the Ewok in three films: "Star Wars: Episode VI" "Return of the Jedi" (1983); "The Ewok Adventure" (1984) and "Ewoks: The Battle for Endor" (1985). He was cast as the body of Marvin the paranoid android in "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" (2005), while Marvin's voice was provided by Alan Rickman. Both actors played in the Harry Potter film series. His name is pronounced "Warrick" He had the leading role in "Willow". He is one of Hollywood's shortest leading men at 3 feet 6 inches.
Thank you for letting us share our Leprechaun adventure in movies! Have fun on your own adventure and don't take these too seriously! Watch in advance before sharing with family, they are in "horror" genre and most of them rated R. Check them out and enjoy! Nelda
As I was putting this blog together, I took a break to read news headlines. And there it was. An article from FOX about the Ronald Regan era. The title is "Will Rise of the Reagan Baby Generation Mean a Return to Optimism?" by: Peggy Grande
Today is Ronald Regan's birthday, 2-6-2018. . . ."as president, Ronald Regan showed us how to dream big dreams. To imagine a flourishing economy, to imagine renewed strength and patriotism. To picture a world free of political tyrants and communist regimes. far-fetched? Perhaps, yet when that was the end goal, any steps taken in that direction were steps in the right direction."
"She goes on to mention that from the formative years, Reagan Babies were fed a healthy diet of optimism, of clarity of vision, and voice, and were raised to believe that anything was possible." to read more of this article click this link:
Film makers during 80's were able to lighten-up and have fun with their movies and did not always have to have practical or serious reasons to make them. An example is "Mannequin" directed by: Michael Gottlieb starring: Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrell
A young artist, searching for his vocation, makes a mannequin so perfect he falls in love with it. Finding the mannequin in a store window, he gets a job there and his creation comes to life.
Have you noticed the essential "naked scene"
All 80's movies have the nonsense naked scene where a woman takes off her top or all her clothes and runs around naked for a few minutes for no reason. Did they just do this for fun? I heard that the foreign investors paid the film makers more money for the scene to be included in the movie. You will notice that the dialogue is running along smoothly then, "wha lah" it pops up?
An example is "Trading Places" (1983) with Eddie Murphy and Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd, Ralph Bellamy Directed by: John Landis plot: a snobbish investor and a wily street con artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by tow callous millionaires.
Why does the fish aquarium always get hit?
Fish aquariums were a big thing in the 80's. Recently, I saw the fish tank bust in "FX" (1986) starring: Bryan Brown and Bryan Dennehy Directed by: Robert Mandrel "FX" is Hollywood shorthand for special effects such as bullet holes, gaping wounds, fake shotgun blasts and severed limbs. This movie dazzles us with all kinds of special effects.
Roger Ebert comments, "A movie special effects man is hired to fake a real-life mob killing for a witness protection plan, but finds his own life in danger. Bryan Brown (who was Tom Cruise mentor in "Cocktails") plays the special effects man and his Australian accent reminds us that he was not brought up to automatically trust the U.S. government in all matters." read more of Ebert's review of this fast moving, action movie! at this link: Ebert gave it 31/2 stars.
"FX2" is a continuation of the first one! Just as entertaining! These FX films are too much fun and and should be added to you 80's movie watching list.
John Hughes (Feb 18, 1950 to Aug 16, 2009) wrote and directed several movies dealing with the issues of teenagers. The free, laid-back time period of the 80's was perfect for teens to be able to talk and hang out with others as they dealt with life. Some of the films he wrote and directed are:
(1984) "Sixteen Candles"; (1984)"Breakfast Club"
(1986) "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"; (1986) "Pretty in Pink"
(1987) "Some Kind of Wonderful"
BREAKFAST CLUB
John Hughes used these feel good movies to explore more complex issues with teenagers. In our times, you don't see many movies like this because they would not be a box office hit like these films were.
Hughes is credited with launching the careers of numerous actors including: Michael Keaton, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Bill Paxton, Matthew Broderick, McCaulay Culkin and the "Brat Pack"
Conclusion to "Defining the 80's"
It was a positive time, there were jobs, places to live, friends to talk and listen, fun fashion. The government was not dysfunctional and global warning was not as a problem. I hope the "Regan Babies" do bring some positive vibes back to us!
Thank you for letting me share with you! Be on the lookout! For More 80s. . ."Defining the 80's Movies" - Part II that will include sharing about the "Brat Pack" and Action Heroes and Comedians!!
Nelda
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