Category Archives: Movies

Elfman-Burton musical collaborations

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With the surprising news that Danny Elfman’s scores will be played in grand style with a special concert, I hunted for a little preview.  Let’s face it, Elfman made movie scores cool.  The event is called “Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton” and will feature an 87-piece orchestra and 45-member choir.

In LA.

On October 31.

Classic.

Additional dates for a tour?  We shall see!

2009 Rock Hall Inductees

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We’re just a couple weeks away from the 2009 RRHOF induction ceremony.  yawn.  I know it’s not all that exciting, but as I’ve stated before I’m 1,000 x more fascinated by which musicians will be inducting whom:

Jimmy Page will induct Jeff Beck.

Eminem inducts Run-D.M.C. 

Ron Wood will induct Bobby Womack.

And Flea will honor Metallica.

The ceremony will take place April 4th.

New era for the Oscars?

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Have to give the powers that be props for trying something new – nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?   Opinions seem to vary whether it won viewers over last night.

Anyone else think the past winners awarding Best and Supporting Actor/Actress categories was eerily like sorority and fraternity initiation ceremonies?  I liked the idea behind it, but not so sure about the part where a winner spoke directly to each nominee.  It felt stilted.

And could someone please help Beyonce understand the definition of ‘overexposure’?  It’s ridiculous that she’s performing for every awards show imaginable…and boring.

Not much to comment on ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and the much deserved accolades.  If you haven’t seen it make sure to seek it out or put it on your rental list.  One of the most clever movies I’ve seen in some time.

But what you may have missed if you couldn’t make it to the end of the broadcast was a montage of upcoming movies for 2009.  It was clear throughout the show they made an effort to play up movies and genres that don’t often get nominated.  This montage was set to a slammin’ song and actually set a tone that I think most award shows aspire to but always seem to fall short – happily looking forward.

See for yourself –

Some Hollywood nostalga

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A bit earlier this week in Los Angeles a group of famous ladies from all areas of entertainment were honored.  Stars of stage and screen were donating a piece or two of their history to the Smithsonian. 

LAist was there and sets the scene with tons of photos and tidbits that will make you smile.  Hosting the event was none other than Jo Ann Worley – what a hoot!  It’s nostalgic to remember these talented women and inspiring to see them now.  Here is the list of the ladies and what each donated.  I think this will be a wonderfull addition to the Smithsonian!

  • Esther Williams – two MGM scrapbooks
  • Julie Newmar – the infamous catsuit she wore on “Batman”
  • Rose Marie – dress, shoes, and her trademark hair bow
  • June Lockhart – her Tony for “For Love or Money”
  • Angela Lansbury (not present at the ceremony) – items from “Mame” and the “Murder She Wrote” typewriter
  • Florence Henderson – a TV Land award
  • Tippi Hedren – scripts with notes from “The Birds”, “Marnie” and “The Countess from Hong Kong”
  • Phyllis Diller (not present at the ceremony) – her personal library of jokes
  • Carol Channing – gown from “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”  and Tony award for “Hello Dolly”

The Daily News also included many of the quips and thank yous from the women as they presented their donations.

Cox Across America tour

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Last night was the first tour stop to promote the upcoming comedy “Walk Hard” starring John C. Reilly.  He, in character as Dewey Cox, along with his band played in Cleveland at the Rock Hall of Fame. 

Ohio reporter David Moss spoke to Reilly yesterday – catch the video here.  I think he says it best when talking about the movie that it’s over-the-top fun.  It looks hilarious.  Ohio.com also has a short print interview on their site.  The Cleveland show was the first of a short 7-date stint.  They’ll be rocking Chicago tonight:

    Thursday, 12/6          Chicago, IL             The Cubby Bear
    Friday, 12/7               Austin, TX               Stubb’s
    Saturday, 12/8          Nashville, TN          Mercy Lounge
    Monday, 12/10         San Francisco, CA   Great American Music Hall
    Thursday, 12/13       Los Angeles, CA      Guitar Center on Sunset Blvd
    Wednesday, 12/19    New York, NY         The Knitting Factory

Upcoming Tim Burton features

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sweeney-todd.jpgSweeney Todd is set to open in theaters this Christmas and with a little over a month to go it seems that Tim Burton is still tweaking the film.  This week he was in New York for a special “pre-screening” of sorts for The Film Society of Lincoln Center.  He discussed his body of work as well as showing scenes from the upcoming film. 

Here’s a more revealing look at the eveving via the Columbia Spectator, noting Burton’s reactions (and apology) while watching clips of his films.  In related news, Hollywood Reporter has issued details about his 2-movie deal with Disney:

The first will be an adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland” using live-action/performance capture.  Production will take place the first half of 2008.  And then he’ll harken back to familiar territory as he brings his beloved “Frankenweenie” to life via stop-motion animation.  Happy to hear we have more Tim Burton goodies on the way!