I love a good connection between movies or little quirk. I connect more than just Kevin Bacon by six degrees. I also love other random bits of trivia. Today, our focus will be connecting The Godfather trilogy and the Ocean's trilogy (Ocean's 11, 12, and 13).
I'm sitting here with the Godfather Part II on. One thing I love is that Andy Garcia is only in part 3 and Al Pacino is, of course, in all three movies. I love this because Andy Garcia is in all three Ocean movies whilst Al Pacino is in- you guessed it- only part 3.
I was just looking up some info and there's actually a Godfather character named Virgil the Turk in Godfather. In the Ocean trilogy there's the Mormon twins- Virgil and Turk.
And one last thing, going off that twin bit. Turk is played by Scott Caan. In Godfather, Sonny Corleone is played by James Caan- Scott's father.
I also love that Robert de Niro was in Godfather part II played a real life mobster in Goodfellas.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Friday, July 4, 2014
Yankee Doodle Dandy
It's 4th of July here in the US and Yankee Doodle Dandy is one of my favourite films for this holiday if not my full fledged favourite.
The movie is a 40's era biopic of composer and Broadway man George M. Cohan. He was born on the 4th of July and known for patriotic songs such as "Over There," "You're a Grand Old Flag," and the movie title itself, "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Many of his songs are still sung today.
I first saw bits of this movie back in the early 90's. I must have been about 10 or 11 at the time and didn't see all of it, but was rather enthralled. This movie really introduced me to James Cagney who did a great job as the man himself.
This movie also introduced me to the music of George M. Cohan, or at least where I learned who wrote the songs.
It's black and white and can be rather dry for those who don't watch anything before the 1970's that isn't a Disney movie or cartoon or other famous musical like Sound of Music and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. It can be rather quiet (mostly dialogue with no incidental music or tunes) at times and isn't a musical but rather a movie with songs.
It also doesn't have all of the George M. Cohan story, but does tell a lot of his life from the early stage, vaudeville acts, and the like.
One of my favourite parts of the movie was Eddie Foy, Jr. playing his father. Don't worry, I had to look them up too.
I do love getting to see the old school, early days of Broadway. It's been such a part of my life that it's nice to see what it was when it started and was mostly vaudeville. I'm so used to musicals and plays that variety shows are more of a novelty to me now.
As long as you can stand black and white and a long movie (which I know you can; you probably have sat through Avengers or at least one of it's hero's movies). It's great history and a decent enough romp, especially for a bit of patriotism.
The movie is a 40's era biopic of composer and Broadway man George M. Cohan. He was born on the 4th of July and known for patriotic songs such as "Over There," "You're a Grand Old Flag," and the movie title itself, "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Many of his songs are still sung today.
I first saw bits of this movie back in the early 90's. I must have been about 10 or 11 at the time and didn't see all of it, but was rather enthralled. This movie really introduced me to James Cagney who did a great job as the man himself.
This movie also introduced me to the music of George M. Cohan, or at least where I learned who wrote the songs.
It's black and white and can be rather dry for those who don't watch anything before the 1970's that isn't a Disney movie or cartoon or other famous musical like Sound of Music and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. It can be rather quiet (mostly dialogue with no incidental music or tunes) at times and isn't a musical but rather a movie with songs.
It also doesn't have all of the George M. Cohan story, but does tell a lot of his life from the early stage, vaudeville acts, and the like.
One of my favourite parts of the movie was Eddie Foy, Jr. playing his father. Don't worry, I had to look them up too.
I do love getting to see the old school, early days of Broadway. It's been such a part of my life that it's nice to see what it was when it started and was mostly vaudeville. I'm so used to musicals and plays that variety shows are more of a novelty to me now.
As long as you can stand black and white and a long movie (which I know you can; you probably have sat through Avengers or at least one of it's hero's movies). It's great history and a decent enough romp, especially for a bit of patriotism.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
23 Days of Bond Day 5- You Only Live Twice
I don't get that whole YOLO thing people keep talking about. It's really rather annoying.
However, it's not quite as scary as some of the things of this movie. I don't even know what's the scariest thing about this movie- James Bond's hair, James Bond pretending to be Asian, or the guy at the beginning who gets lost flying through space (an actual fear of mine).
Or then there's Charles Gray who comes back in a few movies. Really? Majorish character gets killed and comes back as an even bigger baddie?
This one wasn't overly one of my favourites, more on the side of bareable. I guess at this point I'm more than just a little tired of SPECTRE and Dr. No and all that crowd.
Moving on to much better movies.
However, it's not quite as scary as some of the things of this movie. I don't even know what's the scariest thing about this movie- James Bond's hair, James Bond pretending to be Asian, or the guy at the beginning who gets lost flying through space (an actual fear of mine).
Or then there's Charles Gray who comes back in a few movies. Really? Majorish character gets killed and comes back as an even bigger baddie?
This one wasn't overly one of my favourites, more on the side of bareable. I guess at this point I'm more than just a little tired of SPECTRE and Dr. No and all that crowd.
Moving on to much better movies.
Paris is Burning
This is the first of several documentaries I've been watching, so be prepared for several more in the future.
Essentially, at it's core, Paris is Burning is about the gay male culture of the mid to late 1980's. So many of them ran away because of their families and they found each other.
The main story is that of the ball culture. All- or most- of those interviewed took part in balls where they dressed in various categories such as town & country, business, college, realness (at passing as a woman), and more. Many of the participants live in "houses." I'd already heard of the House of Ninja thanks to Benny Ninja (current father) thanks to America's Next Top Model (ANTM).
It's such a different culture in a way. And it really is a culture all it's own. I think that's really what I enjoyed most about this movie. I loved learning about what it was like then, the culture, a little more on what houses are, and the like. I liked seeing the early days of vogueing.
It is hard to watch the stories. It's sad to know so many of them had to run away because of the times and that it was barely 30 years ago. Times are definitely changing for the better.
Essentially, at it's core, Paris is Burning is about the gay male culture of the mid to late 1980's. So many of them ran away because of their families and they found each other.
The main story is that of the ball culture. All- or most- of those interviewed took part in balls where they dressed in various categories such as town & country, business, college, realness (at passing as a woman), and more. Many of the participants live in "houses." I'd already heard of the House of Ninja thanks to Benny Ninja (current father) thanks to America's Next Top Model (ANTM).
It's such a different culture in a way. And it really is a culture all it's own. I think that's really what I enjoyed most about this movie. I loved learning about what it was like then, the culture, a little more on what houses are, and the like. I liked seeing the early days of vogueing.
It is hard to watch the stories. It's sad to know so many of them had to run away because of the times and that it was barely 30 years ago. Times are definitely changing for the better.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Things I'd Like to See
I've been thinking off and on of different things I'd like to see in movies and TV. So, I've decided to start sharing somethings. Hopefully, there will be more than one post like this. We'll see.
Michelle Rodriquez Play the Lead in a Romantic Comedy
Michelle Rodriquez has the tendency to play the hard-ass bitch in movies. I'd like to see her not play this role for once. I mean, she could totally be the next J-Lo or something. She does nothing but play essentially the same role over and over.
Hugh Jackman, Karl Urban, and Lucy Lawless Use Their Real Accents
These three don't always use their real accents in shows. Hugh Jackman does on occasion. Lucy Lawless did in Battlestar Galactica. Karl Urban like never. I'd love just to hear these more often than not.
Coincendentially, they're all from down under. And New Zealand.
Michelle Rodriquez Play the Lead in a Romantic Comedy
Michelle Rodriquez has the tendency to play the hard-ass bitch in movies. I'd like to see her not play this role for once. I mean, she could totally be the next J-Lo or something. She does nothing but play essentially the same role over and over.
Hugh Jackman, Karl Urban, and Lucy Lawless Use Their Real Accents
These three don't always use their real accents in shows. Hugh Jackman does on occasion. Lucy Lawless did in Battlestar Galactica. Karl Urban like never. I'd love just to hear these more often than not.
Coincendentially, they're all from down under. And New Zealand.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Green Street Hooligans
Well, since that time of World Cup soccer has rolled around once again, I thought it'd be great fun to look at a great little soccer movie, Green Street Hooligans.
What first drew me to this movie was Charlie Hunnam. I'm an SoA (Sons of Anarchy) fan and I jumped at the chance to see Jax speaking in his native British tongue since I so rarely get it. This movie also stars Elijah Wood.
Elijah has bad stuff going on in college and ends up with his sister in England. His sister's brother-in-law in Charlie. Charlie- and formerly his brother- are HUGE football fans.
I know football's a thing in a lot of countries, I just didn't realize how much until I watched this movie. I mean, the whole thing is about how rabid the fans are. They not only travel to see their teams play, they fight other fans like crazy. It's literally like street gangs of rabid fans.
I loved getting to see this bit of culture that I'm not used to. Even our American football fans don't seem to be this bad. I know, of course, there's the usual bets and all. But nothing quite so violent.
It's also a story of family and redemption of course. Elijah learns a few things that he takes back to the States and uses them to overcome his foes.And all it all it's a pretty good movie. I'd totally watch it again.
I mean, despite his character's obvious outcome, Charlie Hunnam.
What first drew me to this movie was Charlie Hunnam. I'm an SoA (Sons of Anarchy) fan and I jumped at the chance to see Jax speaking in his native British tongue since I so rarely get it. This movie also stars Elijah Wood.
Elijah has bad stuff going on in college and ends up with his sister in England. His sister's brother-in-law in Charlie. Charlie- and formerly his brother- are HUGE football fans.
I know football's a thing in a lot of countries, I just didn't realize how much until I watched this movie. I mean, the whole thing is about how rabid the fans are. They not only travel to see their teams play, they fight other fans like crazy. It's literally like street gangs of rabid fans.
I loved getting to see this bit of culture that I'm not used to. Even our American football fans don't seem to be this bad. I know, of course, there's the usual bets and all. But nothing quite so violent.
It's also a story of family and redemption of course. Elijah learns a few things that he takes back to the States and uses them to overcome his foes.And all it all it's a pretty good movie. I'd totally watch it again.
I mean, despite his character's obvious outcome, Charlie Hunnam.
Monday, November 25, 2013
23 Days of James Bond Day 4- Thunderball
Dear SPECTRE,
Personally, I'm really getting tired of you. And the bad part is, there's still TWO more movies with you around. Yes, I know you've become rather iconic and quite numerous in the bad guys.
But, after awhile, I've really just gotten burned out with you. Why are there no other bad guys? I know they're out there. And why always Nassau or Jamaica? I want more exotic! We've already been to Russia and Turkey. What about something nice and cold, like Switzerland or Sweden or something? Maybe go skiing or ice skating?
Yeah, that sounds good, I like mountains. And kilts. Kilts are nice.
On the good side, I like the name Derval. That just sounds cool.
And dearest SPECTRE, must you continue to plague our dear 007? And you plagued him so much that it became a national affair with all the double-0's. I know we hardly ever see them, which is sometimes unfair, but it happens. Makes me wonder what the death rate is amongst the other numbers and why 007 has never risen in the ranks. Do they get "promoted" to a higher number or always keep the first one they're assigned? So many questions of this project that may never be answered on screen.
Oh well. Perhaps another day dear SPECTRE, you will die.
As for the song "Thunderball," it was all right. Rather middle of the road. As were the opening credits. There is still much to see.
Thundering on,
BondGirl63
Personally, I'm really getting tired of you. And the bad part is, there's still TWO more movies with you around. Yes, I know you've become rather iconic and quite numerous in the bad guys.
But, after awhile, I've really just gotten burned out with you. Why are there no other bad guys? I know they're out there. And why always Nassau or Jamaica? I want more exotic! We've already been to Russia and Turkey. What about something nice and cold, like Switzerland or Sweden or something? Maybe go skiing or ice skating?
Yeah, that sounds good, I like mountains. And kilts. Kilts are nice.
On the good side, I like the name Derval. That just sounds cool.
And dearest SPECTRE, must you continue to plague our dear 007? And you plagued him so much that it became a national affair with all the double-0's. I know we hardly ever see them, which is sometimes unfair, but it happens. Makes me wonder what the death rate is amongst the other numbers and why 007 has never risen in the ranks. Do they get "promoted" to a higher number or always keep the first one they're assigned? So many questions of this project that may never be answered on screen.
Oh well. Perhaps another day dear SPECTRE, you will die.
As for the song "Thunderball," it was all right. Rather middle of the road. As were the opening credits. There is still much to see.
Thundering on,
BondGirl63
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)