Can a pirate be a substitute monster? Hammer Films gives yet another genre a spin with this box-office winner that launched a sideline in costume adventures. The Hammer crew makes it work: Christopher Lee, Marla Landi, Marie Devereaux, Michael Ripper, Oliver Reed and Andrew Keir, plus yank assistance from Kerwin Mathews and Glenn Corbett.
The Pirates of Blood River
Blu-ray
Twilight Time
1962 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 87 min. / Street Date October 17, 2017 / Available from the Twilight Time Movies Store / 29.95
Starring: Kerwin Mathews, Christopher Lee, Andrew Keir, Glenn Corbett, Marla Landi, Michael Ripper, Peter Arne, Oliver Reed, Marie Devereux.
Cinematography: Arthur Grant
Production Design: Bernard Robinson
Art Direction: Don Mingaye
Film Editor: Eric Boyd-Perkins
Original Music: Gary Hughes
Written by John Hunter, John Gilling, Jimmy Sangster
Produced by Michael Carreras, Anthony Nelson-Keys
Directed by John Gilling
Hammer Films didn’t start out as a horror studio, but after their big Technicolor successes in 1957-...
The Pirates of Blood River
Blu-ray
Twilight Time
1962 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 87 min. / Street Date October 17, 2017 / Available from the Twilight Time Movies Store / 29.95
Starring: Kerwin Mathews, Christopher Lee, Andrew Keir, Glenn Corbett, Marla Landi, Michael Ripper, Peter Arne, Oliver Reed, Marie Devereux.
Cinematography: Arthur Grant
Production Design: Bernard Robinson
Art Direction: Don Mingaye
Film Editor: Eric Boyd-Perkins
Original Music: Gary Hughes
Written by John Hunter, John Gilling, Jimmy Sangster
Produced by Michael Carreras, Anthony Nelson-Keys
Directed by John Gilling
Hammer Films didn’t start out as a horror studio, but after their big Technicolor successes in 1957-...
- 11/4/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Need a break from violence, misery, and injustice? Or maybe just the network TV news? Billy Wilder’s last great comic romance is an Italian vacation soaked in music, food, scenery and sunshine. It’s the best movie ever about Love and Funerals.
Avanti!
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1972 / Color/ 1:85 widescreen / 140 min. / Street Date October 10, 2017 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Jack Lemmon, Juliet Mills, Clive Revill, Edward Andrews, Harry Ray, Guidarino Guidi, Franco Acampora, Sergio Bruni, Ty Hardin.
Cinematography: Luigi Kuveiller
Film Editor: Ralph Winters
Art direction: Ferdinando Scarfiotti
Music Arranger: Carlo Rustichelli
Italian standards by Gino Paoli, Giuseppi Capaldo, Vittoriao Fassone, Don Backy, Detto Mariano, Sergio Brui, Salvatore Cardillo, Umberto Bertini, Paolo Marchetti.
Written by I.A.L Diamond and Billy Wilder from a play by Samuel L. Taylor
Produced and Directed by Billy Wilder
When Billy Wilder was reaching advanced old age, good friends rallied to make sure...
Avanti!
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1972 / Color/ 1:85 widescreen / 140 min. / Street Date October 10, 2017 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Jack Lemmon, Juliet Mills, Clive Revill, Edward Andrews, Harry Ray, Guidarino Guidi, Franco Acampora, Sergio Bruni, Ty Hardin.
Cinematography: Luigi Kuveiller
Film Editor: Ralph Winters
Art direction: Ferdinando Scarfiotti
Music Arranger: Carlo Rustichelli
Italian standards by Gino Paoli, Giuseppi Capaldo, Vittoriao Fassone, Don Backy, Detto Mariano, Sergio Brui, Salvatore Cardillo, Umberto Bertini, Paolo Marchetti.
Written by I.A.L Diamond and Billy Wilder from a play by Samuel L. Taylor
Produced and Directed by Billy Wilder
When Billy Wilder was reaching advanced old age, good friends rallied to make sure...
- 10/7/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Despite low ratings and being omitted from the CBS series renewal order in March, creator and executive producer Robert Doherty is still hopeful his Elementary TV show will not be cancelled. He's so optimistic, in fact, that he included cliffhangers into the Elementary season five finale episode.A CBS procedural crime drama, Elementary follows detective Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller) and Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu). Also starring are Aidan Quinn as Captain Thomas Gregson and Jon Michael Hill as Detective Marcus Bell. The cast also includes John Noble and Nelsan Ellis.Read More…...
- 4/24/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Will Elementary return for season six? The CBS series is nearing the end of its fifth season and has not been renewed. What do you think? Should the TV show be cancelled or renewed for another season?The drama follows eccentric detective Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller) and Doctor Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) as they help solve crimes in modern-day New York. The cast also includes Aidan Quinn and Jon Michael Hill.Read More…...
- 4/17/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Andrew Younger Jul 12, 2017
We salute Filmmation's BraveStarr's best and most surprising instalments. Strength of the bear!
As the popularity of He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe began to wane in the mid 1980s, legendary animation studio Filmation turned their attention to a new, solely original series. A reportedly 65 million dollar venture, BraveStarr chronicles the adventures of the aforementioned Space Marshal, as he seeks to uphold law and order in the 23rd century.
See related Fargo season 3 episode 1 review: The Law Of Vacant Places
Guided and granted animal spirit powers by his Sharman, BraveStarr protects the planet of New Texas from the machinations of an evil, demonic broncosaur named Stampede, and his similarly supernaturally enhanced crony, Tex-Hex. Aided by a talking equestroid - the gun-toting Thirty-Thirty, and potential love interest Judge J.B. McBride, BraveStarr unlocks his superhuman powers by way of four thrill-inducing commands - Strength of the Bear,...
We salute Filmmation's BraveStarr's best and most surprising instalments. Strength of the bear!
As the popularity of He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe began to wane in the mid 1980s, legendary animation studio Filmation turned their attention to a new, solely original series. A reportedly 65 million dollar venture, BraveStarr chronicles the adventures of the aforementioned Space Marshal, as he seeks to uphold law and order in the 23rd century.
See related Fargo season 3 episode 1 review: The Law Of Vacant Places
Guided and granted animal spirit powers by his Sharman, BraveStarr protects the planet of New Texas from the machinations of an evil, demonic broncosaur named Stampede, and his similarly supernaturally enhanced crony, Tex-Hex. Aided by a talking equestroid - the gun-toting Thirty-Thirty, and potential love interest Judge J.B. McBride, BraveStarr unlocks his superhuman powers by way of four thrill-inducing commands - Strength of the Bear,...
- 3/28/2017
- Den of Geek
No, not a blind Sherlock Holmes, but a blind Van Johnson, who directs his butler, his girlfriend Vera Miles and the London police to thwart a crime based on something he overheard in a bar. Henry Hathaway directs a complicated murder mystery that plays like a combo of Rear Window and Wait Until Dark, with a cranky Van Johnson as the central character.
23 Paces to Baker Street
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1956 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 103 min. / Street Date February 21, 2017 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Van Johnson, Vera Miles, Cecil Parker, Patricia Laffan, Maurice Denham, Estelle Winwood, Liam Redmond, Isobel Elsom, Martin Benson, Queenie Leonard.
Cinematography: Milton Krasner
Film Editor: James B. Clark
Original Music: Leigh Harline
Written by Nigel Balchin from the novel Warrant for X by Philip MacDonald
Produced by Henry Ephron
Directed by Henry Hathaway
In the 1950s the murder mystery thriller came of age, as creakier older formulas...
23 Paces to Baker Street
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1956 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 103 min. / Street Date February 21, 2017 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Van Johnson, Vera Miles, Cecil Parker, Patricia Laffan, Maurice Denham, Estelle Winwood, Liam Redmond, Isobel Elsom, Martin Benson, Queenie Leonard.
Cinematography: Milton Krasner
Film Editor: James B. Clark
Original Music: Leigh Harline
Written by Nigel Balchin from the novel Warrant for X by Philip MacDonald
Produced by Henry Ephron
Directed by Henry Hathaway
In the 1950s the murder mystery thriller came of age, as creakier older formulas...
- 3/25/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Sherlock is back with a bang. Deadline reports the season four premiere brought in big ratings for BBC One.The popular UK drama, which airs on PBS in the United States, stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the world's most famous consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes. The cast also includes Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves, Louise Brealey, Mark Gatiss, and Amanda Abbington.Read More…...
- 1/3/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Fans will notice a familiar face on the upcoming season of Elementary. Entertainment Weekly reports Betty Gilpin is returning for season five of the CBS series.The actress originated the role of Fiona Helbron in season four of the detective drama, which stars Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu as Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson. The cast also includes Aidan Quinn and Jon Michael Hill.Read More…...
- 9/20/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
He's back and more diabolically ruthless than ever! Berlin cowers under the influence of a gambler-mastermind, the secret architect of an 'Empire of Crime.' Restored to near its full length (4.5 hours!), Fritz Lang's monumental pulp masterpiece is a Euro-classic lover's delight. Dr. Mabuse The Gambler Blu-ray Kino Lorber Classics 1922 / B&W / 1:33 flat Full Frame / 270 min. / Street Date September 13, 2016 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95 Starring Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Alfred Abel, Aud Egede Nissen, Gertrude Welcker, Bernhard Goetzke, Robert Forster-Larrinaga, Paul Richter Cinematography Carl Hoffmann Art Direction Otto Hunte, Erich Kettelhut, Karl Stahl-Urach, Karl Vollbrecht Writing credits Fritz Lang, Thea von Harbou & Norbert Jacques from the novel by Norbert Jacques Produced by Erich Pommer Directed by Fritz Lang
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Fritz Lang really upped his game, directing-wise, between his 1921 fantasy epic Destiny and his next thriller extravaganza Dr. Mabuse The Gambler. Transcending contemporary notions of a popular release, the...
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Fritz Lang really upped his game, directing-wise, between his 1921 fantasy epic Destiny and his next thriller extravaganza Dr. Mabuse The Gambler. Transcending contemporary notions of a popular release, the...
- 9/12/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Now that September is finally underway, you can expect to see a lot of horror and sci-fi offerings making their way to Blu-ray and DVD from now until Halloween. This Tuesday, we have a handful of selections to look forward to, including a double dose of Hammer Films double features, Haunted Honeymoon (directed by and starring the late, great Gene Wilder), and a trio of new releases: The Neighbor, Tale of Tales, and The Ones Below.
Other notable home entertainment releases for September 6th include Supernatural: Season 11, The Flash: Season Two, The Dead Room, The Darkness, and Night of the Living Deb.
Hammer Films Double Feature: Revenge of Frankenstein & The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb (Mill Creek Entertainment, Blu-ray)
For more than four decades, Hammer Films’ unique blend of horror, science fiction, thrills and comedy dominated countless drive-ins and movie theaters. Enjoy this impeccable collection from the darkest corners of the Hammer Imagination!
Other notable home entertainment releases for September 6th include Supernatural: Season 11, The Flash: Season Two, The Dead Room, The Darkness, and Night of the Living Deb.
Hammer Films Double Feature: Revenge of Frankenstein & The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb (Mill Creek Entertainment, Blu-ray)
For more than four decades, Hammer Films’ unique blend of horror, science fiction, thrills and comedy dominated countless drive-ins and movie theaters. Enjoy this impeccable collection from the darkest corners of the Hammer Imagination!
- 9/5/2016
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Andrew Younger Sep 2, 2016
Tarzan, Space Sentinels, The New Adventures Of Batman, Flash Gordon, Bravestarr and more, as we salute Filmation...
For a child of the 1970s and 80s, nothing readied you for a half hour of quality entertainment quite like the Filmation logo. Immortalised by their phenomenal success with He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe, and its spin off She-Ra: Princess Of Power, Filmation produced some of the most fondly remembered animated series to grace the small screen.
Over a period of 26 years - in tandem with classic Doctor Who funnily enough - the company's writers, artists and producers delivered a staggering amount of programming. While naysayers point to Filmation's penchant for reusing a stockpile of rotoscoped body movements, or the heavy handedness of its moralising and educational content - children on the other hand, thrilled to an irresistible mixture of action, adventure and superhuman heroes.
Now something of a lost art form,...
Tarzan, Space Sentinels, The New Adventures Of Batman, Flash Gordon, Bravestarr and more, as we salute Filmation...
For a child of the 1970s and 80s, nothing readied you for a half hour of quality entertainment quite like the Filmation logo. Immortalised by their phenomenal success with He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe, and its spin off She-Ra: Princess Of Power, Filmation produced some of the most fondly remembered animated series to grace the small screen.
Over a period of 26 years - in tandem with classic Doctor Who funnily enough - the company's writers, artists and producers delivered a staggering amount of programming. While naysayers point to Filmation's penchant for reusing a stockpile of rotoscoped body movements, or the heavy handedness of its moralising and educational content - children on the other hand, thrilled to an irresistible mixture of action, adventure and superhuman heroes.
Now something of a lost art form,...
- 8/31/2016
- Den of Geek
Alex Westthorp Sep 19, 2016
We revisit Tom's Midnight Garden, Moondial, The Chronicles Of Narnia and a few lesser-known UK children's TV series...
Read our look-back at UK kids' fantasy dramas 1980 - 1984 here.
By 1985 British TV's children's drama had really hit its stride, achieving "a balanced diet of programmes" as Edward Barnes, the head of the BBC children's department observed. The late 80s, arguably, saw a new golden age for spooky and magical kids drama. Excellent production values, improved significantly by well-honed special effects work using Quantel, Paintbox and Harry, and moreover some interesting casting - often of very talented newcomers - produced some of the most memorable dramas of the era.
The second half of the decade saw the BBC riding high on the back of the success of their state-of-the-art adaptation of John Masefield's Box Of Delights. Meanwhile, anthology series Dramarama was going from strength to strength on ITV.
We revisit Tom's Midnight Garden, Moondial, The Chronicles Of Narnia and a few lesser-known UK children's TV series...
Read our look-back at UK kids' fantasy dramas 1980 - 1984 here.
By 1985 British TV's children's drama had really hit its stride, achieving "a balanced diet of programmes" as Edward Barnes, the head of the BBC children's department observed. The late 80s, arguably, saw a new golden age for spooky and magical kids drama. Excellent production values, improved significantly by well-honed special effects work using Quantel, Paintbox and Harry, and moreover some interesting casting - often of very talented newcomers - produced some of the most memorable dramas of the era.
The second half of the decade saw the BBC riding high on the back of the success of their state-of-the-art adaptation of John Masefield's Box Of Delights. Meanwhile, anthology series Dramarama was going from strength to strength on ITV.
- 8/16/2016
- Den of Geek
The recent box office success of The Boss firmly establishes Melissa McCarthy as the current queen of movie comedies (Amy Schumer could be a new contender after an impressive debut last Summer with Trainwreck), but let us think back about those other funny ladies of filmdom. So while we’re enjoying the female reboot/re-imagining of Ghostbusters and those Bad Moms, here’s a top ten list that will hopefully inspire lots of laughter and cause you to search out some classic comedies. It’s tough to narrow them down to ten, but we’ll do our best, beginning with… 10. Eve Arden The droll Ms. Arden represents the comic sidekicks who will attempt to puncture the pomposity of the leading ladies with a well-placed wisecrack (see also the great Thelma Ritter in Rear Window). Her career began in the early 1930’s with great bit roles in Stage Door and Dancing Lady.
- 8/8/2016
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
"Did you miss me?" The first trailer for season four of Sherlock was unveiled at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, Variety reports.The new season will continue the adventures of consulting detective Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his trusty friend, John Watson (Martin Freeman). The cast also includes Mark Gatiss, Andrew Scott, Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves, and Louise Brealey.Read More…...
- 7/24/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
I'm just going to come right out with it:
I think a Van Helsing film series is a brilliant concept.
That said, I don't have faith in anyone getting it right after that unruly mess of a Hugh Jackman movie in 2004. I think the concept is fantastic, though. You have a main character- a monster hunter (!!!)- that can, essentially, navigate his way throughout an entire shared, cinematic universe. And the universe he lives in is inhabited by legendary monsters like Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Invisible Man, Frankenstein, and The Mummy! And one of the things that made those monsters legendary was the mystique surrounding them, and the way they could be used sparingly to create maximum tension and anticipation. Therefore, the idea of making the star of those movies a single, human protagonist means you don't have to over-expose your famous beasts!
Everybody wins, right? Van Helsing can be a gold mine,...
I think a Van Helsing film series is a brilliant concept.
That said, I don't have faith in anyone getting it right after that unruly mess of a Hugh Jackman movie in 2004. I think the concept is fantastic, though. You have a main character- a monster hunter (!!!)- that can, essentially, navigate his way throughout an entire shared, cinematic universe. And the universe he lives in is inhabited by legendary monsters like Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Invisible Man, Frankenstein, and The Mummy! And one of the things that made those monsters legendary was the mystique surrounding them, and the way they could be used sparingly to create maximum tension and anticipation. Therefore, the idea of making the star of those movies a single, human protagonist means you don't have to over-expose your famous beasts!
Everybody wins, right? Van Helsing can be a gold mine,...
- 7/19/2016
- by Mario-Francisco Robles
- LRMonline.com
Peter Cushing is Sherlock Holmes in this gothic 1959 Hammer adaptation, on Blu-ray this week!
- 6/13/2016
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Sherlock Season 4 still doesn’t have an official premiere date yet, but this bit of news will still get fans of the series very excited. The cast and crew have begun filming Sherlock Season 4, which means that Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman’s John Watson are closer than ever to actually returning to your TV screens. So what can fans expect from Sherlock Season 4? According to Masterpiece, the new season of the show “begins with the mercurial Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch), back once more on British soil as Doctor Watson (Martin Freeman) and his wife Mary (Amanda Abbington)
Sherlock Season 4 Begins Filming, Steven Moffat Teases Show’s ‘Climax’...
Sherlock Season 4 Begins Filming, Steven Moffat Teases Show’s ‘Climax’...
- 4/6/2016
- by Chris King
- TVovermind.com
Tired of stupid sword 'n' sandal costume pictures? Robert Rossen's all-star bio-epic of the charter founder of the Masons is a superior analysis of political ambition and the ruthless application of power. Yeah, he's wearing a blond wig, but Richard Burton captures the force of Alexander without camping up Asia Minor. Alexander the Great Blu-ray Twilight Time Limited Edition 1956 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 136 min. / Ship Date March 15, 2016 / available through Twilight Time Movies / 29.95 Starring Richard Burton, Fredric March, Claire Bloom, Danielle Darrieux, Barry Jones, Harry Andrews, Stanley Baker, Niall MacGinnis, Peter Cushing. Cinematography Robert Krasker Art Direction Andrej Andrejew Film Editor Ralph Kemplen Original Music Mario Nascimbene Produced by Gordon Griffith, Robert Rossen Written and Directed by Robert Rossen
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Critical opinions aren't supposed to flip-flop with every screening of a film, but I have to admit that my appreciation of Robert Rossen's 1956 epic Alexander the Great...
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Critical opinions aren't supposed to flip-flop with every screening of a film, but I have to admit that my appreciation of Robert Rossen's 1956 epic Alexander the Great...
- 4/2/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
It's an All Star monster rally -- Lon Chaney Jr.!, John Carradine!, Bela Lugosi!, Basil Rathbone!, Tor Johnson! -- with Akim Tamiroff in there pitching as well. It's considered a must-see picture, and this HD presentation is nothing to sniff at. Added bonus: a Tom Weaver commentary. The Black Sleep Blu-ray Kl Studio Classics 1956 / B&W / 1:85 widescreen / 82 min. / Dr. Cadman's Secret / Street Date March 22, 2016 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95 Starring Basil Rathbone, Akim Tamiroff, Lon Chaney Jr., John Carradine, Bela Lugosi, Herbert Rudley, Patricia Blake, Phyllis Stanley, Tor Johnson, Sally Yarnell, George Sawaya. Cinematography Gordon Avil Film Editor John F. Schreyer Original Music Les Baxter Written by John C. Higgins, Gerald Drayson Adams Produced by Howard W. Koch Directed by Reginald Le Borg
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Older monster kids know that the 1956 chiller The Black Sleep existed for years only through stills in Famous Monsters magazine. We saw tantalizing...
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Older monster kids know that the 1956 chiller The Black Sleep existed for years only through stills in Famous Monsters magazine. We saw tantalizing...
- 2/23/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Matthew Lillard first entered the world of Scooby Doo in 2002 - and 13 years on, he's become the go-to Norville 'Shaggy' Rogers.
The actor voices Shaggy in new animated series Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! - having inherited the mantle from Casey Kasem, who passed away last year.
Lillard told Digital Spy that he is determined to "protect the legacy that was created" by Kasem, recalling how he would listen to tapes of the actor to prepare for his role in 2002's Scooby Doo film.
"I would listen to a recording - I had five episodes of Casey on loop and I would just mimic him the entire time," he revealed. "That's what really solidified the voice and the character, and carried me all the way through."
Lillard played Shaggy in two live-action outings - the first film, and a 2004 sequel - and admitted that his feelings about the divisive movies have changed over the years.
The actor voices Shaggy in new animated series Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! - having inherited the mantle from Casey Kasem, who passed away last year.
Lillard told Digital Spy that he is determined to "protect the legacy that was created" by Kasem, recalling how he would listen to tapes of the actor to prepare for his role in 2002's Scooby Doo film.
"I would listen to a recording - I had five episodes of Casey on loop and I would just mimic him the entire time," he revealed. "That's what really solidified the voice and the character, and carried me all the way through."
Lillard played Shaggy in two live-action outings - the first film, and a 2004 sequel - and admitted that his feelings about the divisive movies have changed over the years.
- 10/3/2015
- Digital Spy
We bid a fond farewell to the wonderful Christopher Lee, and salute some of his best roles...
Christopher Lee crammed a dozen lives into one. His Special Forces work in the Second World War remains shrouded in mystery. We do know that, in 1944, he climbed Vesuvius three days before it erupted. A fine, operatic singer, he famously released a heavy metal album in his later 80s. A skilled fencer, he performed all his own sword fights and has been killed on screen more than any actor in cinematic history. As a child Lee briefly encountered Prince Felix Yusupov, murderer of Rasputin, a part Lee would later of course play. Ian Fleming was a cousin, Muhammed Ali a friend and once dedicated a victory to Lee. Fluent in five languages, passable in another four, people like Lee don’t really exist anymore. In truth they probably never did.
One could write a lengthy,...
Christopher Lee crammed a dozen lives into one. His Special Forces work in the Second World War remains shrouded in mystery. We do know that, in 1944, he climbed Vesuvius three days before it erupted. A fine, operatic singer, he famously released a heavy metal album in his later 80s. A skilled fencer, he performed all his own sword fights and has been killed on screen more than any actor in cinematic history. As a child Lee briefly encountered Prince Felix Yusupov, murderer of Rasputin, a part Lee would later of course play. Ian Fleming was a cousin, Muhammed Ali a friend and once dedicated a victory to Lee. Fluent in five languages, passable in another four, people like Lee don’t really exist anymore. In truth they probably never did.
One could write a lengthy,...
- 6/12/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
The day monster kids have dreaded for some time has arrived. Mournful, nostalgic, and melancholy – it’s the end of an era for more than one generation of horror fans. It seemed like Christopher Lee would live through all eternity, but unlike some of the characters he played, there’s no bringing him back to life this time. He made it to 93 and went out on a high note, appearing in the final Hobbit film just this past winter. He had an amazing career of fantastic performances and remains the greatest villain actor in film history. Rip to the last classic horror star and thank you for all the monster memories.
Christopher Lee was married to his wife Birgit (Gitte) for 54 years.
Here, according to Movie Geeks Jim Batts, Dana Jung, Sam Moffitt, and myself, are Christopher Lee’s ten best roles.
10. Frankenstein
It’s only fitting that The Curse Of Frankenstein,...
Christopher Lee was married to his wife Birgit (Gitte) for 54 years.
Here, according to Movie Geeks Jim Batts, Dana Jung, Sam Moffitt, and myself, are Christopher Lee’s ten best roles.
10. Frankenstein
It’s only fitting that The Curse Of Frankenstein,...
- 6/11/2015
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Christopher Lee, an actor who brought dramatic gravitas and aristocratic bearing to screen villains from Dracula to James Bond enemy Scaramanga, has died at age 93.
Lee appeared in more than 250 movies, including memorable roles as the wicked wizard Saruman in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the evil Count Dooku in two of George Lucas' Star Wars prequels. But for many he will forever be known as the vampire Count Dracula in a slew of "Hammer Horror" movies - the gory, gothic thrillers churned out by the British studio in the 1950s and 1960s that became hugely popular.
He railed against the typecasting, however, and ultimately the sheer number and range of his roles - from Sherlock Holmes to the founder of Pakistan - secured his place in film history.
"I didn't have dreams of being a romantic leading man," Lee told The Associated Press in 2002. "But I...
Lee appeared in more than 250 movies, including memorable roles as the wicked wizard Saruman in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the evil Count Dooku in two of George Lucas' Star Wars prequels. But for many he will forever be known as the vampire Count Dracula in a slew of "Hammer Horror" movies - the gory, gothic thrillers churned out by the British studio in the 1950s and 1960s that became hugely popular.
He railed against the typecasting, however, and ultimately the sheer number and range of his roles - from Sherlock Holmes to the founder of Pakistan - secured his place in film history.
"I didn't have dreams of being a romantic leading man," Lee told The Associated Press in 2002. "But I...
- 6/11/2015
- by Cineplex.com and contributors
- Cineplex
TV shows have been keeping secrets for decades, and in today's world of instant communication and showbiz reporters vying for scoops, it's tougher than ever to surprise audiences.
Keeping something secret in the world of entertainment is tough, but the round-the-clock effort is usually worth it - even if the amount of subterfuge might appear ridiculous to some.
Broadchurch series 2: 20 burning questions we have about episode 1
Broadchurch series 2 secrecy felt like spy mission, says Arthur Darvill
In light of Broadchurch's recent return - a show which somehow managed to keep the fundamentals of its storyline a secret for over a year - here's a quick rundown of six popular shows that managed to keep their top secrets.. despite huge public interest.
1. Broadchurch
Writer Chris Chibnall probably never expected Broadchurch to become such a huge success, and audiences weren't anticipating more... so the announcement of a second series made...
Keeping something secret in the world of entertainment is tough, but the round-the-clock effort is usually worth it - even if the amount of subterfuge might appear ridiculous to some.
Broadchurch series 2: 20 burning questions we have about episode 1
Broadchurch series 2 secrecy felt like spy mission, says Arthur Darvill
In light of Broadchurch's recent return - a show which somehow managed to keep the fundamentals of its storyline a secret for over a year - here's a quick rundown of six popular shows that managed to keep their top secrets.. despite huge public interest.
1. Broadchurch
Writer Chris Chibnall probably never expected Broadchurch to become such a huge success, and audiences weren't anticipating more... so the announcement of a second series made...
- 1/12/2015
- Digital Spy
A Twitter-friendly review of The Imitation Game would simply read: “Genius plays genius.”
That first genius would be English acting prodigy Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrays real-life mathematical mastermind and war hero Alan Turing in the critically acclaimed drama.
Taking on genius roles is nothing new for the 38-year-old actor — he’s played Stephen Hawking, Vincent Van Gogh and he continues to astound as fictional smarty-pants Sherlock Holmes in the hit BBC show "Sherlock."
Credit Cumberbatch’s oddly handsome looks — set off by those angular blue-green eyes — soothing voice and magnetic screen presence for drawing us into his performances, making us lean in just a little bit more to decipher the meaning behind a raised eyebrow or pained look.
Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Morten Tyldum (Headhunters), The Imitation Game recounts Alan Turing’s accomplishments during World War II; chiefly his creation of a computing machine that he and a team of...
That first genius would be English acting prodigy Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrays real-life mathematical mastermind and war hero Alan Turing in the critically acclaimed drama.
Taking on genius roles is nothing new for the 38-year-old actor — he’s played Stephen Hawking, Vincent Van Gogh and he continues to astound as fictional smarty-pants Sherlock Holmes in the hit BBC show "Sherlock."
Credit Cumberbatch’s oddly handsome looks — set off by those angular blue-green eyes — soothing voice and magnetic screen presence for drawing us into his performances, making us lean in just a little bit more to decipher the meaning behind a raised eyebrow or pained look.
Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Morten Tyldum (Headhunters), The Imitation Game recounts Alan Turing’s accomplishments during World War II; chiefly his creation of a computing machine that he and a team of...
- 1/6/2015
- by Ingrid Randoja - Cineplex Magazine
- Cineplex
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman return to Sherlock for the 2015 Special. Here's a round-up of the Special news and rumours so far...
Latest news
Filming on the 2015 Sherlock Special kicked off in Bristol on Monday the 5th of January. The Victorian vaulted cellars of music venue Colstan Hall are reported to be providing one backdrop for the episode.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman were both snapped by trusty #setlock fans wearing the same period costume as in the preview image released by the BBC in November (see above).
Underneath that handsome top hat, Cumberbatch is sporting a shiny slicked-back hair do that, as does his costume, bears a strong resemblance to that worn by Jeremy Brett in the 80s-90s Granada Television Holmes series. Martin Freeman was also photographed in his David Burke-as-Watson-style brown suit and ‘tache (which, seeing how much the actor reputedly didn’t enjoy wearing his...
Latest news
Filming on the 2015 Sherlock Special kicked off in Bristol on Monday the 5th of January. The Victorian vaulted cellars of music venue Colstan Hall are reported to be providing one backdrop for the episode.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman were both snapped by trusty #setlock fans wearing the same period costume as in the preview image released by the BBC in November (see above).
Underneath that handsome top hat, Cumberbatch is sporting a shiny slicked-back hair do that, as does his costume, bears a strong resemblance to that worn by Jeremy Brett in the 80s-90s Granada Television Holmes series. Martin Freeman was also photographed in his David Burke-as-Watson-style brown suit and ‘tache (which, seeing how much the actor reputedly didn’t enjoy wearing his...
- 1/6/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Last night, the Royal Television Society held a special event celebrating the world's longest-running science-fiction series - Doctor Who: Anatomy of a Hit saw showrunner Steven Moffat form part of a panel to discuss the show's ongoing global success.
Digital Spy was in attendance for the wide-ranging 90-minute session - which covered everything from The Master's return, to leaked episodes to talk of a Sherlock crossover - and presents select highlights below.
Casting Missy
Series eight of Doctor Who climaxed with the return of classic foe The Master, but after deciding to have the character reappear in female form, Moffat admitted that he was at a loss as to how to write 'Missy' - until he hit upon the idea of casting Michelle Gomez.
"I wanted a go at The Master and I thought, 'It'll be a woman!' and I then got lost for several months, thinking... and what does that mean?...
Digital Spy was in attendance for the wide-ranging 90-minute session - which covered everything from The Master's return, to leaked episodes to talk of a Sherlock crossover - and presents select highlights below.
Casting Missy
Series eight of Doctor Who climaxed with the return of classic foe The Master, but after deciding to have the character reappear in female form, Moffat admitted that he was at a loss as to how to write 'Missy' - until he hit upon the idea of casting Michelle Gomez.
"I wanted a go at The Master and I thought, 'It'll be a woman!' and I then got lost for several months, thinking... and what does that mean?...
- 11/12/2014
- Digital Spy
Missy -> Mistress -> Master. We should've really seen it coming, and to be fair, some of us did.
He's a notorious insatiable fibber, that Steven Moffat, so as soon as Doctor Who's head writer, executive producer and chief keeper of secrets declares an element from the show's past "over" and "done", it's a fair bet that said element will be rearing its head sometime soon.
Just so, Michelle Gomez was unveiled as the ninth actor to play the maniac Time Lord on Saturday night, and the first ever female to take on the part - a game-changing moment in Doctor Who history.
But if you're a series newcomer with no clue who this 'Master' is - or you're only familiar with depictions of the character post-2005 - then Digital Spy has assembled all of the pertinent information you'll need before this week's 'Death in Heaven'.
1971-73
Doctor Who...
He's a notorious insatiable fibber, that Steven Moffat, so as soon as Doctor Who's head writer, executive producer and chief keeper of secrets declares an element from the show's past "over" and "done", it's a fair bet that said element will be rearing its head sometime soon.
Just so, Michelle Gomez was unveiled as the ninth actor to play the maniac Time Lord on Saturday night, and the first ever female to take on the part - a game-changing moment in Doctor Who history.
But if you're a series newcomer with no clue who this 'Master' is - or you're only familiar with depictions of the character post-2005 - then Digital Spy has assembled all of the pertinent information you'll need before this week's 'Death in Heaven'.
1971-73
Doctor Who...
- 11/3/2014
- Digital Spy
Old monsters or new? Dracula or Freddy Kruger? The Bride of Frankenstein or the Bride of Chucky? How do you like your monsters…Classic or neo-nasty contemporary?
Most people like a good horror film around Halloween. It’s the time of year for a good scare. But what kind of scare do you want…classic or modern? Do you prefer the gothic grand guignol of yesteryear or the deranged demons of today? Who’s cooler and creepier?
Just for clarity’s sake, we’ll draw the old vs. new line at 1978, with John Carpenter’s excellent Halloween being the start of the modern age of Horror. Everything before that (The B&W Universal monster films, the Hammer Studios films with Cushing and Lee, the Poe/Hawthorn adaptations with Vincent Price, etc.) are classic horror flicks.
Let’s start with the names of the monsters. In this category, you have to go with old Hollywood.
Most people like a good horror film around Halloween. It’s the time of year for a good scare. But what kind of scare do you want…classic or modern? Do you prefer the gothic grand guignol of yesteryear or the deranged demons of today? Who’s cooler and creepier?
Just for clarity’s sake, we’ll draw the old vs. new line at 1978, with John Carpenter’s excellent Halloween being the start of the modern age of Horror. Everything before that (The B&W Universal monster films, the Hammer Studios films with Cushing and Lee, the Poe/Hawthorn adaptations with Vincent Price, etc.) are classic horror flicks.
Let’s start with the names of the monsters. In this category, you have to go with old Hollywood.
- 10/29/2014
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Young)
- Cinelinx
That a little studio located in the English countryside consistently put out high quality films on a very limited budget is one of the great stories in filmmaking history. Hammer Films was the most successful independent film company ever, producing comedy, drama, mysteries, and war movies before finding their niche in horror. Hammer became a name synonymous with horror, a name that still means something today.
They took their horror stories from English literature set in Europe in the 19th century and their carefully designed and constructed sets created an atmosphere that made the time and place as much a part of the film as the story. After securing remake rights from Universal for their catalog of classics from the 1930s and 1940s, Hammer became the leading producer of horror films. Hammer’s philosophy was straightforward: always be entertaining, have plenty of sex appeal, and lots of violence and blood.
They took their horror stories from English literature set in Europe in the 19th century and their carefully designed and constructed sets created an atmosphere that made the time and place as much a part of the film as the story. After securing remake rights from Universal for their catalog of classics from the 1930s and 1940s, Hammer became the leading producer of horror films. Hammer’s philosophy was straightforward: always be entertaining, have plenty of sex appeal, and lots of violence and blood.
- 10/14/2014
- by Gregory Small
- CinemaNerdz
Dracula Untold bites the UK box office this week, but are we reaching vampire overload, James wonders...
Drac is back (in, erm, black, but we're not going to crank AC/DC because it's cliché, it's anachronistic in this medieval setting and it might be mistaken as a reference to Iron Man). If you go to your local cinema this weekend you can see Dracula Untold which has Luke Evans vamping it up as the latest incarnation of the most infamous bloodsucker in cultural history.
Once the movie has been seen the title should be changed to 'Dracula Told' because then it won't be a story 'Untold' but, ah, I digress. The important thing to know is that audiences are going to get to enjoy a new movie expanding the Dracula mythos and this one has a lot to offer cinemagoers getting into the horror mindset in the Halloween month.
We're...
Drac is back (in, erm, black, but we're not going to crank AC/DC because it's cliché, it's anachronistic in this medieval setting and it might be mistaken as a reference to Iron Man). If you go to your local cinema this weekend you can see Dracula Untold which has Luke Evans vamping it up as the latest incarnation of the most infamous bloodsucker in cultural history.
Once the movie has been seen the title should be changed to 'Dracula Told' because then it won't be a story 'Untold' but, ah, I digress. The important thing to know is that audiences are going to get to enjoy a new movie expanding the Dracula mythos and this one has a lot to offer cinemagoers getting into the horror mindset in the Halloween month.
We're...
- 10/2/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
A slew of classic Disney movies are hitting for the first time on Blu-Ray, including one double-pack release, and you’re going to want to make sure to pick these up. You haven’t paid attention to some of these titles for a while, and it’s about time you got the chance to catch them on Blu-Ray. The best part is that there’s a great mix of releases hitting. Bedknobs and Broomsticks is all but lost in the cultural consciousness, and it deserves a return. The Academy Award-winning movie from the year I was born is filled with a lot of fun and adventure, and like most Disney films, holds up well for a whole new generation.
The rest of the group covers a great spectrum, including two animated “big” titles, and a 10th Anniversary release. There’s a lot to expose your family to here, so check out all the info below,...
The rest of the group covers a great spectrum, including two animated “big” titles, and a 10th Anniversary release. There’s a lot to expose your family to here, so check out all the info below,...
- 8/6/2014
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
The following is a list of all comic books, graphic novels and specialty items that will be available this week and shipped to comic book stores who have placed orders for them.
Adhouse Books
Street Angel Hc, $19.95
Amryl Entertainment
Cavewoman Journey #2 (Of 2)(Cover A Monte Moore), $3.99
Cavewoman Journey #2 (Of 2)(Cover D Budd Root), Ar
Antarctic Press
Victorian Secret Midwinter Special (One Shot), $3.99
Archie Comic Publications
Afterlife With Archie #6 (Andrew Pepoy Variant Cover), $2.99
Afterlife With Archie #6 (Francesco Francavilla Regular Cover), $2.99
Betty And Veronica Jumbo Comics Digest #225, $6.99
Diary Of A Girl Next Door Betty Hc, $13.99
Jughead And Archie Double Digest #4, $4.99
Life With Archie #36 (Magazine Format), $9.99
Life With Archie Comic #37 (Alex Ross Cover), $4.99
Life With Archie Comic #37 (Cliff Chiang Cover), $4.99
Life With Archie Comic #37 (Jill Thompson Cover), $4.99
Life With Archie Comic #37 (Tommy Lee Edwards Cover), $4.99
Life With Archie Comic #37 (Walt Simonson Cover), $4.99
Aspen Comics
Damsels In Excess #1 (Cover A Mirka Andolfo), $3.99
Damsels In...
Adhouse Books
Street Angel Hc, $19.95
Amryl Entertainment
Cavewoman Journey #2 (Of 2)(Cover A Monte Moore), $3.99
Cavewoman Journey #2 (Of 2)(Cover D Budd Root), Ar
Antarctic Press
Victorian Secret Midwinter Special (One Shot), $3.99
Archie Comic Publications
Afterlife With Archie #6 (Andrew Pepoy Variant Cover), $2.99
Afterlife With Archie #6 (Francesco Francavilla Regular Cover), $2.99
Betty And Veronica Jumbo Comics Digest #225, $6.99
Diary Of A Girl Next Door Betty Hc, $13.99
Jughead And Archie Double Digest #4, $4.99
Life With Archie #36 (Magazine Format), $9.99
Life With Archie Comic #37 (Alex Ross Cover), $4.99
Life With Archie Comic #37 (Cliff Chiang Cover), $4.99
Life With Archie Comic #37 (Jill Thompson Cover), $4.99
Life With Archie Comic #37 (Tommy Lee Edwards Cover), $4.99
Life With Archie Comic #37 (Walt Simonson Cover), $4.99
Aspen Comics
Damsels In Excess #1 (Cover A Mirka Andolfo), $3.99
Damsels In...
- 7/21/2014
- by Adam B.
- GeekRest
Today on Trailers from Hell, Brian Trenchard-Smith rediscovers another dark Brit drama about the death penalty, "Let Him Have It," starring Christopher Eccleston as the real-life murderer of a policeman. The hangman Albert Pierrepoint (of "Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman") makes a small but important appearance in Peter Medek’s 1991 film about the controversial 1953 execution of Derek Bentley for the murder of a policeman (even though Bentley merely egged on the actual shooter with the phrase, “Let him have it.”) The film stars Christopher Eccleston as the doomed Bentley, Tom Courtenay as his father and a supporting cast featuring a who’s who of British character actors including Edward Hardwicke (Watson of BBC’s "Sherlock Holmes"), Michael Gough ("Horror of Dracula") and Clive Revill ("The Legend of Hell House") as the executioner Pierrepoint. Even though Bentley’s words "Let him have it ” were ambiguous when the policeman...
- 7/9/2014
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
1976 saw the publication of John Brosnan’s excellent book The Horror People. Written during the summer of 1975, it makes interesting reading 40 years down the line. Those who feature prominently in the book – Peter Cushing, Vincent Price, Jack Arnold, Michael Carreras, Sam Arkoff, Roy Ward Baker, Freddie Francis, Robert Bloch, Richard Matheson and Milton Subotsky – were still alive, as were Ralph Bates, Mario Bava, Jimmy Carreras, John Carradine, Dan Curtis, John Gilling, Robert Fuest, Michael Gough, Val Guest, Ray Milland, Robert Quarry and Michael Ripper, all of whom were given a mention. Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Junior, Michael Reeves and James H Nicholson were not long dead. Hammer, Amicus and American International Pictures were still in existence. George A Romero had yet to achieve his prominence and Stephen King wasn’t even heard of!
Brosnan devoted a chapter to a new British company called Tyburn Films. Founded by the charismatic and ambitious Kevin Francis,...
Brosnan devoted a chapter to a new British company called Tyburn Films. Founded by the charismatic and ambitious Kevin Francis,...
- 7/4/2014
- Shadowlocked
Very few actors had the kind of impact that Peter Cushing had on genre cinema. With a career that spanned nearly five decades, Peter Cushing had the chance to play Van Helsing, Victor Frankenstein, Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes and dozens of other memorable characters, including Star Wars‘ Grand Moff Tarkin. Today would have been Peter Cushing’s 101st birthday and I thought it would be a great opportunity to highlight a number of his films, especially some of his lesser-known films, for new horror fans who may just be getting into Hammer films and other cult classics.
Born on May 26th, 1913 in Surrey, England, Peter Cushing would take on his first movie role in 1939′s The Man in the Iron Mask. His big splash in horror movies, and a long-time friendship with Christopher Lee, started with 1957′s The Curse of Frankenstein and continued for nearly forty years. While his role...
Born on May 26th, 1913 in Surrey, England, Peter Cushing would take on his first movie role in 1939′s The Man in the Iron Mask. His big splash in horror movies, and a long-time friendship with Christopher Lee, started with 1957′s The Curse of Frankenstein and continued for nearly forty years. While his role...
- 5/26/2014
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
With Hugh Jackman currently negotiating to play Wolverine for a seventh and eighth time, Cinelinx takes a look at actors who’ve played the same role eight times or more. Who has played the same character most often? Come in and find out.
Hugh Jackman has already played Wolverine five times--x-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003) X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), and The Wolverine (2013)—as well as a cameo in X-Men:First Class (2011). Soon we’ll be seeing him fully clawed again on the big screen in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Recently, he told Collider that he might shoot Wolverine 3 and X-Men: Apocalypse “back-to-back”, which would make a total of eight times (9 times with the cameo) that he’ll portray the Canadian mutant.
You might be thinking “Wow! That’s amazing! I’ve never heard of anyone playing the same role so many times.” Well, for those who may not know it,...
Hugh Jackman has already played Wolverine five times--x-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003) X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), and The Wolverine (2013)—as well as a cameo in X-Men:First Class (2011). Soon we’ll be seeing him fully clawed again on the big screen in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Recently, he told Collider that he might shoot Wolverine 3 and X-Men: Apocalypse “back-to-back”, which would make a total of eight times (9 times with the cameo) that he’ll portray the Canadian mutant.
You might be thinking “Wow! That’s amazing! I’ve never heard of anyone playing the same role so many times.” Well, for those who may not know it,...
- 5/13/2014
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Young)
- Cinelinx
New feature, starring Maggie Smith, will reunite the team behind The History Boys. BBC Films to also produce crime drama City of Tiny Lights starring Riz Ahmed.
BBC Films has unveiled its upcoming slate ahead of Cannes, which highlights its ongoing strategy to develop new talent and bolster existing relationships with filmmakers.
The slate is headlined by The Lady In The Van, an adaptation of the memoir of playwright, screenwriter, actor and author Alan Bennett.
Reuniting the team behind The History Boys, BBC Films and Bennett will be joined by Nicholas Hytner who will direct. Kevin Loader, Damian Jones and Nicholas Hytner will produce.
Starring Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings as Bennett, The Lady In The Van is based on Bennett’s experiences with Miss Shepherd, a vagrant who parked her clapped out old dormobile in his drive and stayed for 15 years.
BBC Films also revealed that they will be producing City of Tiny Lights with Ado Yoshizaki Cassuto...
BBC Films has unveiled its upcoming slate ahead of Cannes, which highlights its ongoing strategy to develop new talent and bolster existing relationships with filmmakers.
The slate is headlined by The Lady In The Van, an adaptation of the memoir of playwright, screenwriter, actor and author Alan Bennett.
Reuniting the team behind The History Boys, BBC Films and Bennett will be joined by Nicholas Hytner who will direct. Kevin Loader, Damian Jones and Nicholas Hytner will produce.
Starring Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings as Bennett, The Lady In The Van is based on Bennett’s experiences with Miss Shepherd, a vagrant who parked her clapped out old dormobile in his drive and stayed for 15 years.
BBC Films also revealed that they will be producing City of Tiny Lights with Ado Yoshizaki Cassuto...
- 5/9/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Odd List Ryan Lambie 23 Apr 2014 - 06:54
We take a look back at the geek movies that have hinted at sequels that were never made, and we'd really like to see...
Nb: The following contains inevitable spoilers. If you haven't seen a film in a particular entry, feel free to skip to the next one.
In some cases, it comes as a relief when a threatened sequel fails to materialise. The end of the infamous Mac And Me, for example, sees its family of cretinous aliens drive off in a pink Cadillac, a speech bubble chillingly telling us, "We'll be back!" Thankfully, Mac And Me 2 has yet to materialise, despite the original film's near-legendary status.
Every so often, though, we'll come across a movie that strongly hints at more adventures to come, but for a variety of reasons - usually financial ones - the sequel never got made. To illustrate this,...
We take a look back at the geek movies that have hinted at sequels that were never made, and we'd really like to see...
Nb: The following contains inevitable spoilers. If you haven't seen a film in a particular entry, feel free to skip to the next one.
In some cases, it comes as a relief when a threatened sequel fails to materialise. The end of the infamous Mac And Me, for example, sees its family of cretinous aliens drive off in a pink Cadillac, a speech bubble chillingly telling us, "We'll be back!" Thankfully, Mac And Me 2 has yet to materialise, despite the original film's near-legendary status.
Every so often, though, we'll come across a movie that strongly hints at more adventures to come, but for a variety of reasons - usually financial ones - the sequel never got made. To illustrate this,...
- 4/22/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature Alex Westthorp 9 Apr 2014 - 07:00
In the next part of his series, Alex talks us through the film careers of the second and fourth Doctors, Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker...
Read Alex's retrospective on the film careers of William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee, here.
Like their fellow Time Lord actors, William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker also shared certain genres of film. Both appeared, before and after their time as the Doctor, in horror movies and both worked on Ray Harryhausen Sinbad films.
Patrick George Troughton was born in Mill Hill, London on March 25th 1920. He made his film debut aged 28 in the 1948 B-Movie The Escape. Troughton's was a very minor role. Among the better known cast was William Hartnell, though even Hartnell's role was small and the two didn't share any scenes together. From the late Forties, Troughton found more success on the small screen,...
In the next part of his series, Alex talks us through the film careers of the second and fourth Doctors, Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker...
Read Alex's retrospective on the film careers of William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee, here.
Like their fellow Time Lord actors, William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker also shared certain genres of film. Both appeared, before and after their time as the Doctor, in horror movies and both worked on Ray Harryhausen Sinbad films.
Patrick George Troughton was born in Mill Hill, London on March 25th 1920. He made his film debut aged 28 in the 1948 B-Movie The Escape. Troughton's was a very minor role. Among the better known cast was William Hartnell, though even Hartnell's role was small and the two didn't share any scenes together. From the late Forties, Troughton found more success on the small screen,...
- 4/8/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Review Louisa Mellor 28 Feb 2014 - 13:23
Sean Pertwee guest stars in this week's Elementary, a witty, delightful episode...
This review contains spoilers.
2.16 The One Percent Solution
“We own chickens, don’t we?” Lucy Liu’s resigned punch line to this week’s Elementary topped off a highly entertaining episode from writer Bob Goodman.
The case itself was Elementary by the numbers, right down to the culprit being revealed as the harmless-looking witness interviewed and dismissed early on. (If Holmes and Watson were just to familiarise themselves with a season one box-set, they could save themselves a great deal of effort by just nabbing the sweet “I’m still not over the shock” witness from the off). By Elementary’s own rules, the bomber was either going to be the Labor Department Undersecretary or the restaurant manager, but as a wealthy white-collar ruling classes-type, the baddy odds were stacked in her favour.
Sean Pertwee guest stars in this week's Elementary, a witty, delightful episode...
This review contains spoilers.
2.16 The One Percent Solution
“We own chickens, don’t we?” Lucy Liu’s resigned punch line to this week’s Elementary topped off a highly entertaining episode from writer Bob Goodman.
The case itself was Elementary by the numbers, right down to the culprit being revealed as the harmless-looking witness interviewed and dismissed early on. (If Holmes and Watson were just to familiarise themselves with a season one box-set, they could save themselves a great deal of effort by just nabbing the sweet “I’m still not over the shock” witness from the off). By Elementary’s own rules, the bomber was either going to be the Labor Department Undersecretary or the restaurant manager, but as a wealthy white-collar ruling classes-type, the baddy odds were stacked in her favour.
- 2/28/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Although Hammer Films will always be associated with British horror, the studio did have stiff competition. Amicus specialised in the successful horror anthologies and Us counterparts American International Pictures established a permanent UK base in the mid sixties. Other smaller independents took their own bite from the cherry tree of horror with some success, the best known being Tigon Films.
Tigon has received some belated recognition in recent years. Andy Boot’s book on British horror Fragments of Fear devotes a chapter to the company while John Hamilton’s excellent book Beast in the Cellar covers the varied career of Tigon’s charismatic founder Tony Tenser.
Like Hammer’s Sir James Carreras, Tenser was one of the British Film Industry’s great entrepreneurs. Born in London to poor Lithuanian immigrants and a movie fan since childhood, he was an ambitious man with a natural talent for showmanship. Combining shrewd business...
Tigon has received some belated recognition in recent years. Andy Boot’s book on British horror Fragments of Fear devotes a chapter to the company while John Hamilton’s excellent book Beast in the Cellar covers the varied career of Tigon’s charismatic founder Tony Tenser.
Like Hammer’s Sir James Carreras, Tenser was one of the British Film Industry’s great entrepreneurs. Born in London to poor Lithuanian immigrants and a movie fan since childhood, he was an ambitious man with a natural talent for showmanship. Combining shrewd business...
- 2/18/2014
- Shadowlocked
Warner Bros. Pictures
Playing a role well just once is impressive. Sticking with a single character through multiple films is something else. Heck, a film series making it as far as some examples we’ll see today is in itself a miracle.
In a couple of years Johnny Depp will play Captain Jack Sparrow for the fifth time and the internet is abuzz knowing Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford will be returning to their star making roles in the upcoming Star Wars sequels. It’s always impressive when an actor ‘gets’ a role and can keep bringing the character to life, but those examples are positively small fry compared to the commitment some have shown.
Today I’m going to bring you ten actors, fully deserving of your respect, who just kept coming back for more. What they did requires a series with longevity, a character with enduring...
Playing a role well just once is impressive. Sticking with a single character through multiple films is something else. Heck, a film series making it as far as some examples we’ll see today is in itself a miracle.
In a couple of years Johnny Depp will play Captain Jack Sparrow for the fifth time and the internet is abuzz knowing Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford will be returning to their star making roles in the upcoming Star Wars sequels. It’s always impressive when an actor ‘gets’ a role and can keep bringing the character to life, but those examples are positively small fry compared to the commitment some have shown.
Today I’m going to bring you ten actors, fully deserving of your respect, who just kept coming back for more. What they did requires a series with longevity, a character with enduring...
- 1/14/2014
- by Alex Leadbeater
- Obsessed with Film
Sherlock returned with a bang on BBC One last night, pulling in nearly 10 million viewers on New Year's Day.
The Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman drama has had fans on tenterhooks for two years and series three's opening episode 'The Empty Hearse' appeared to go down well on Twitter and on the Digital Spy forums. Keep reading for the best of the web's responses.
On Twitter.
If Moffat and Gatiss couldn't explain the fall, Twitter came to its own conclusions.
Loved how #Sherlock survived the fall by arranging for Geoff Capes to catch him
— Michael Hogan (@michaelhogan) January 1, 2014
The Tumblr fandom quickly forgot about the fall and replaced it with that hat.
Sherlock In That Hat Though. Sherlock In That Hat. pic.twitter.com/bBvvT0xbYz
— Sherlock Day! (@PondsAreCool) January 2, 2014
The Daily Mail brought their usual class to proceedings.
Good effort! The Daily Mail reviews #Sherlock and Nearly gets Both...
The Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman drama has had fans on tenterhooks for two years and series three's opening episode 'The Empty Hearse' appeared to go down well on Twitter and on the Digital Spy forums. Keep reading for the best of the web's responses.
On Twitter.
If Moffat and Gatiss couldn't explain the fall, Twitter came to its own conclusions.
Loved how #Sherlock survived the fall by arranging for Geoff Capes to catch him
— Michael Hogan (@michaelhogan) January 1, 2014
The Tumblr fandom quickly forgot about the fall and replaced it with that hat.
Sherlock In That Hat Though. Sherlock In That Hat. pic.twitter.com/bBvvT0xbYz
— Sherlock Day! (@PondsAreCool) January 2, 2014
The Daily Mail brought their usual class to proceedings.
Good effort! The Daily Mail reviews #Sherlock and Nearly gets Both...
- 1/2/2014
- Digital Spy
When you’re on a role you’re on a role! Once again here is a list of ten actors who achieved cult movie villainy on the strength of one movie. Some of the actors faded into obscurity while others continued their careers without scaling the heights of their defining cinematic performance. Perhaps I should do a one for heroes! Nah! Villains are much more fun!
[Spoilers follow]
Rudolph Klein-Rogge (Metropolis – 1927)
Although dated, Fritz Lang’s utopian masterpiece still has the unique power to fascinate. Not only did the film make a star of Brigitte Helm, it introduced the father of all mad scientists, C A Rotwang, played with eye rolling relish by Lang’s favourite actor Rudolph Klein-Rogge. The Austrian born star specialised in villainous roles so he was a natural for playing the nutty inventor who creates the legendary female robot used to impersonate Helm’s freedom fighter. With his exaggerated mannerisms and facial expressions,...
[Spoilers follow]
Rudolph Klein-Rogge (Metropolis – 1927)
Although dated, Fritz Lang’s utopian masterpiece still has the unique power to fascinate. Not only did the film make a star of Brigitte Helm, it introduced the father of all mad scientists, C A Rotwang, played with eye rolling relish by Lang’s favourite actor Rudolph Klein-Rogge. The Austrian born star specialised in villainous roles so he was a natural for playing the nutty inventor who creates the legendary female robot used to impersonate Helm’s freedom fighter. With his exaggerated mannerisms and facial expressions,...
- 12/22/2013
- Shadowlocked
Tamer Hassan has joined the cast of NBC and Sky Living's Dracula.
Hassan, who found fame in movies such as The Business and The Football Factory, will play vampire huntsman Kaha Ruma.
His character has the nickname 'The Moroccan' and is described as "a world renowned and feared vampire slayer, think Van Helsing meets Sherlock Holmes".
Hassan's character will first appear in episode nine.
The big budget drama stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the title role. The cast also includes Jessica De Gouw, Merlin's Katie McGrath, Lucy Westenra, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Victoria Smurfit.
Dracula's next episode is on NBC on Friday (November 15) at 10/9c, while the drama airs on Sky Living on Thursday at 9pm.
Hassan, who found fame in movies such as The Business and The Football Factory, will play vampire huntsman Kaha Ruma.
His character has the nickname 'The Moroccan' and is described as "a world renowned and feared vampire slayer, think Van Helsing meets Sherlock Holmes".
Hassan's character will first appear in episode nine.
The big budget drama stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the title role. The cast also includes Jessica De Gouw, Merlin's Katie McGrath, Lucy Westenra, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Victoria Smurfit.
Dracula's next episode is on NBC on Friday (November 15) at 10/9c, while the drama airs on Sky Living on Thursday at 9pm.
- 11/11/2013
- Digital Spy
Brant always had a plan up his sleeve on ‘Pretty Little Liars,’ but he’s about to show us a whole new set of moves on ‘Dancing With The Stars!’ In honor of his casting, we came up with a list of five things you Must know about the handsome hunk.
Brant Daughtery is lacing up his dance shoes and preparing to rock ‘n’ roll. The cast members for the 17th season of Dancing With The Stars were announced Sept. 4, and it’s quite the good-looking roster. Brant, 28, first caught our attention playing Noel on Pretty Little Liars, but as you’re about to discover, there’s so much more to know about him.
Brant Daugherty: 5 Things To Know About The Sexy New ‘DWTS’ Hunk 1. He’s Into Daytime Drama
If you’re not a Pll fan, you might be wondering where you’ve seen Brant before. He’s...
Brant Daughtery is lacing up his dance shoes and preparing to rock ‘n’ roll. The cast members for the 17th season of Dancing With The Stars were announced Sept. 4, and it’s quite the good-looking roster. Brant, 28, first caught our attention playing Noel on Pretty Little Liars, but as you’re about to discover, there’s so much more to know about him.
Brant Daugherty: 5 Things To Know About The Sexy New ‘DWTS’ Hunk 1. He’s Into Daytime Drama
If you’re not a Pll fan, you might be wondering where you’ve seen Brant before. He’s...
- 9/5/2013
- by HL Intern
- HollywoodLife
Genre: Adventure | Drama | Fantasy
Creator: David S. Goyer
Discs: 3
Run time: 466 minutes
Release date: September 3, 2013
Synopsis:
Da Vinci’s Demons: The Complete First Season is a portrait of a young man tortured by the gift of superhuman genius. Da Vinci is a man in the midst of a storm that has been brewing for centuries. A conflict between truth and lies; religion and reason; past and future. His aspirations are used against him by the opposing forces of the time – luring him into a game of seduction where those who despise his intellect need him most.
Leonardo must take up the fight against those who use history, religion and politics to suppress the truth. A hero armed only with genius, da Vinci stands alone against the darkness within and the darkness without.
Facing an uncertain future, his quest for knowledge nearly becomes his undoing as he explores the fringes of his own sanity.
Creator: David S. Goyer
Discs: 3
Run time: 466 minutes
Release date: September 3, 2013
Synopsis:
Da Vinci’s Demons: The Complete First Season is a portrait of a young man tortured by the gift of superhuman genius. Da Vinci is a man in the midst of a storm that has been brewing for centuries. A conflict between truth and lies; religion and reason; past and future. His aspirations are used against him by the opposing forces of the time – luring him into a game of seduction where those who despise his intellect need him most.
Leonardo must take up the fight against those who use history, religion and politics to suppress the truth. A hero armed only with genius, da Vinci stands alone against the darkness within and the darkness without.
Facing an uncertain future, his quest for knowledge nearly becomes his undoing as he explores the fringes of his own sanity.
- 9/3/2013
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
Review by Dana Jung
The new film Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones is the latest in the ever-expanding subgenre of Young Adults Discovering Their Secret Destiny. This discovery can be rooted in realism and political divison (Hunger Games), the supernatural (Twilight series), mythology (Percy Jackson), or the British education system (Harry Potter). The one element common to all these is that they are based on a recent book series. Instruments is no different, based on the best-selling novels by Cassandra Clare, introduced to readers barely six years ago. Like many of these series, Instruments also involves a young woman basically coming of age, and is to be commended for presenting a strong female heroine. With literary antecedents going back to the Bronte sisters and continuing through Gothic archetypes and on to the Telzey Amberdon stories by James H. Schmitz in the 1960s, the modern “empowered young woman” phase may have...
The new film Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones is the latest in the ever-expanding subgenre of Young Adults Discovering Their Secret Destiny. This discovery can be rooted in realism and political divison (Hunger Games), the supernatural (Twilight series), mythology (Percy Jackson), or the British education system (Harry Potter). The one element common to all these is that they are based on a recent book series. Instruments is no different, based on the best-selling novels by Cassandra Clare, introduced to readers barely six years ago. Like many of these series, Instruments also involves a young woman basically coming of age, and is to be commended for presenting a strong female heroine. With literary antecedents going back to the Bronte sisters and continuing through Gothic archetypes and on to the Telzey Amberdon stories by James H. Schmitz in the 1960s, the modern “empowered young woman” phase may have...
- 8/21/2013
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Article by Jim Batts, Dana Jung, Sam Moffitt, and Tom Stockman
The film career of legendary English actor Sir Christopher Lee began in 1948 and continues to the present day. Lee is best known for his roles in horror films, especially the string of seven Dracula movies he starred in for Hammer Studios between 1958 and 1974, but be may be best known to younger audiences for his roles in the Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. Almost all of the roles that Lee has played have been villains and here, according to We Are Movie Geeks, are his ten best.
10. Frankenstein
It’s only fitting that The Curse Of Frankenstein, the film that truly began England’s Hammer Studios’ theatrical run of full color gothic horror epics, should team (well, they’re both in the 1948 Hamlet, but have no scenes together) their greatest stars, Peter Cushing as Baron Victor Frankenstein...
The film career of legendary English actor Sir Christopher Lee began in 1948 and continues to the present day. Lee is best known for his roles in horror films, especially the string of seven Dracula movies he starred in for Hammer Studios between 1958 and 1974, but be may be best known to younger audiences for his roles in the Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. Almost all of the roles that Lee has played have been villains and here, according to We Are Movie Geeks, are his ten best.
10. Frankenstein
It’s only fitting that The Curse Of Frankenstein, the film that truly began England’s Hammer Studios’ theatrical run of full color gothic horror epics, should team (well, they’re both in the 1948 Hamlet, but have no scenes together) their greatest stars, Peter Cushing as Baron Victor Frankenstein...
- 8/6/2013
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
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