ABOUT ME:

ABOUT ME: I am a lifelong movie lover. So much of one, that my first job ever was as an usher at a movie theater. I was immediately hooked, stayed for 5 years, worked every job and eventually managed. I am still a regular movie theater patron and enjoy watching movies at home. I love to follow the box office totals too. It's always fascinating to me to see how a movie fares. There are so many variables: release date, competition, mood of movie-goers. A sure hit flops at the box office, while a low budget independent film takes off and earns millions. I also love movie trivia and discussions. This is just a place for me to share my thoughts on everything related to the movies (all genres). Please participate; I love feedback of all kinds. Well, off to the movies!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Soundtrack Matching Game


Match the movie with the song on their soundtrack:
 

1.       Pretty Woman                                              A. There She Goes by The Boo Radleys and The LAs 

2.       Legal Eagles                                                   B. What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong 

3.       Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron                  C. Tutti Frutti  by Little Richard 

4.       Footloose                                                       D. It Must Have Been Love by Roxette 

5.       So I Married an Axe Murderer                   E. Telephone Line by E.L.O.  

6.       Good Morning, Vietnam                             F. Almost Paradise by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson 

7.       The Hangover Part II                                    G. The Downeaster Alexa by Billy Joel 

8.       Cocktail                                                          H. The Moment of Truth by Survivor
 
9.       The Karate Kid                                               I. Love Touch by Rod Stewart 

10.   Billy Madison                                                 J. Here I Am by Bryan Adams
 
Note: Answers posted in Comments section.

Monday, October 20, 2014

General Movie Trivia #6


1. In the movie “Falling Down”, what did Michael Douglas’ character’s car license plate read?

2. Who played the lead role in the 1989 movie “Blind Fury”?

3. What movie won the Best Picture Oscar in 1984?

4. Who has composed the music for the current Sherlock Holmes, Madagascar and Pirates of the Caribbean series?

5. What game show was the movie “Quiz Show” based on?

6. True or False. Harrison Ford has never won an Academy Award.

7. Who played the voice of Mission Control in the 2013 movie “Gravity”?

8. Who played the voice of ‘Bernard, in Disney’s “The Rescuers” and “The Rescuers Down Under”?

9. What 1976 horror movie starred Gregory Peck and was directed by Richard Donner?

10. What 1980 movie features the characters Ted Striker and Dr Rumack?

Note: Answers in the 'Comments' section.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Movie Screenshot Quiz #6

Name the movies from the following screenshots:

1.

 
 
2.



3.



4.

 

5.


Note: Answers are posted in the 'Comments' section below.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

General Movie Trivia #5



1. What actor recorded a song called "She's Like the Wind" in 1987? The song was featured on a movie soundtrack, and the single rose to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

2. What well known actor's first credited film role was as 'Freak #1' in Death Wish?

3. Karl Childers and Frank Wheatley are characters in what 1996 movie?

4. How long does 'The Creeper' in Jeepers Creepers hibernate?

5. What is the character name of the foreign exchange student in Sixteen Candles?

6. Name one of the movie franchises that actor Hugo Weaving is a part of. There are several acceptable answers.

7. Where was the 1986 film Violets are Blue primarily filmed?

8. Westworld was written and directed by what novelist?

9. Who played the father in Hanna and 'Hoot' in Black Hawk Down?

10. In the 2001 movie K-Pax, what does K-Pax refer to?

Note: Answers in the Comments section.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Poll Results: Favorite Jeff Bridges Role






Knowing of the cult status that The Big Lebowski has achieved, it was no surprise that 'The Dude' was chosen overwhelmingly as your favorite Jeff Bridges role. Tied for a distant second were his parts in the original Tron and in Starman. The other choices were White Squall and Crazy Heart. I could have also easily thrown in Tucker: The Man and His Dream, True Grit or The Fabulous Baker Boys. All solid performances. However, everything really came together in The Big Lebowski. The original writing by the Coen brothers, the direction of Joel Coen, and especially the impeccable performances of Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi and John Turturro. Throw in a story about a unique trio, a missing rug, a dysfunctional wealthy family and bowling, and you have a movie like no other! I HIGHLY recommend that you see this movie if you haven't. Also, let me know what YOUR favorite Jeff Bridges role is and why.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Discussion: Favorite Harry Potter Film



What is your favorite film of the Harry Potter series and why? Since, I did not read the books, the entire fantasy world of Harry Potter was completely new to me. The first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was wonderous and exciting. It also perfectly set up the foundation for the rest of the films. The ensemble of actors and the characters they played are second to none. All of the films are visually spectacular and have beautiful music scores. Also, while my son grew up with these movies as they were released, they were memorable and magical family entertainment. So, even though I also really loved Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the first of them all is my favorite.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Poll Results: Favorite Star Trek Movie





The results are in, and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan was chosen overwhelmingly as your favorite Star Trek movie. Even though it was released over 30 years ago, and there have been many sequels, variations and remakes made since, this one really struck a nerve. I'd say the casting of Ricardo Montalban as the title villain played a big part in the success of the movie. The rest of the ensemble cast did a great job as well. This is one of the very few movie sequels that is widely considered superior to the original! Like the Vulcans say, "Live long and prosper."

Thursday, August 7, 2014

General Movie Trivia #4


1. Who played Poison Ivy in Batman and Robin (1997)?

2. What is the name of the dangerous dive that Rodney Dangerfield's character, Thornton Melon, attempts in Back to School?

3. Matt Damon's first credited role was in what movie?

4. What type of fruit was poisoned, in order to kill Indiana Jones, in Raiders of the Lost Ark?

5. How many Psycho movies have been released, including the remake?

6. Name the sequel that Jack Nicholson directed.

7. In the movie Saving Private Ryan, why are they trying to find Ryan and bring him home?

8. What actress has received the second most Academy Award nominations for Best Actress?

9. What was the butler's (played by John Gielgud) name in Arthur (1981)?

10. In the movie Driving Miss Daisy, where did Miss Daisy like to do her grocery shopping?

Note: Answers will be posted in the 'Comments' section.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Poll Results: Favorite Steve Martin Movie


It was kind of a surprise to me that Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was chosen in B.O.B.'s unofficial poll as your favorite Steve Martin movie. I really liked it myself, but I thought The Jerk or Father of the Bride would win.

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy



This movie is now added to the list of the few successful endeavors in the niche genre of Science Fiction Action Comedy. To give you an idea of what I mean, consider the movies: Inner Space, Galaxy Quest and Tremors. All great and all working as Science Fiction, Comedy and Action movies, separately, and in that unusual combination. This is just my opinion, so feel free to disagree and comment. Also, I don't really consider this a superhero movie. While these are characters from Marvel's 2008 version of the comic book series Guardians of the Galaxy, they really are just a hodge-podge of species brought together through a specific set of circumstances. This unlikely team includes human Peter Quill (played by Chris Pratt of TV's Parks and Rec), tree-like creature Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), Gamora, the last of her species (played by Zoe Saldana), Drax the Destroyer (played by Wrestler Dave Bautista) and the result of scientific experiments, Rocket Racoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper).

Not to give away too much, i'll give you a little plot synopsis. After stealing a mysterious orb, Quill is now the main target of a manhunt led by the villain known as Ronan the Accuser. Quill and his team, later known as The Guardians of the Galaxy, must work and fight together to defeat this enemy and save the Universe. On a sidenote, I particulary loved the 1970s radio hits soundtrack. Quill was given a walkman by his mother as a child, with all of her favorite music. This is his connection to his mother and his motivation. The mix of this music and the action on screen is funny and effective. The general quirkiness of each individual on the team adds to this great ensemble. All in all, Guardians of the Galaxy is a fun and fully entertaining Summer movie. Grade: A

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

General Movie Trivia #3


1. Name one of the two films released in 2006, which involved turn-of-the-century magicians in Europe. (One point bonus for naming both.)

2. Who played The Shadow in the 1994 film of the same name?

3. Who has won the most Academy Awards for Best Director?

4. Who played Dr Smith in Lost in Space in 1998 and Rev. Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter in 1995?

5. What year (within one year) was the original Halloween II released?

6. Who played Doc Holliday in Wyatt Earp in 1994?

7. What famous painting does Mr Bean destroy in the movie Bean?

8. How many sequels to Rocky (1976) have been made?

9. What was the last movie released starring Natalie Wood?  

10. What was the reported production budget of Titanic (within $10 Million)?

Note: Answers will be posted in the 'Comments' section.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Favorite Quentin Tarantino Film




No surprise, Pulp Fiction was chosen as your favorite Quentin Tarantion film in Box Office Brad's unofficial poll.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

General Movie Trivia #2


1. What was the name of the parrot in Disney's Aladdin?

2. Name the movie Robert Duvall starred in and directed, from 1997.

3. Who wrote the novels on which the Bourne trilogy of movies were based?

4. What year did Marty McFly start off in Back to the Future?

5. What movie was the sequel to The Fugitive (1993)?

6. For what movie did Gregory Peck win a Best Actor Academy Award?

7. What is the title of the Rocky theme song?

8. Who directed Spartacus and Eyes Wide Shut?

9. In Ghost, what song did Sam keep singing to Oda Mae Brown until she agreed to cooperate?

10. Where is Avatar set?

NOTE: I'll reveal the answers in the 'Comments' section below.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Movie Screenshot Quiz #5



Name the movies from the following screenshots:


1.



2.




3.




4.




5.



Answers are posted in the 'Comments' section below.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Poll Results: Best Movie Sequel


Well, the unofficial B.O.B. poll results are in for the best movie sequel ever. Out of the following movies: Aliens, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Superman II, Spider-Man 2, The Dark Knight, The Empire Strikes Back, Toy Story 3 and The Godfather Part II, Terminator 2 WON the poll. The Empire Strikes Back and The Godfather Part II were tied for a close second. Arnold Schwarzennegar's career might be in rough shape now, but not so long ago, he WAS box office gold.


Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Name the Character Actor #4


Although these are not necessarily household names, they are/were all very good character actors. Try to name them from the following pictures:


1.


2.



3.


4.


5.




Answers posted in the 'Comments' section below.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Top 10 Ensemble Cast Films


After watching a great ensemble cast film recently, Best in Show, I thought of making a top 10 of my personal favorites in this category. Again, it is so hard to choose, but these are a few that come to mind. They are also in no particular order, since it's so hard to rate them. All great movies only enhanced by such impressive casts.


1. American Hustle


2. Sneakers

3. The Usual Suspects



4. Pulp Fiction


5. Steel Magnolias


6. The Man in the Iron Mask


7. Parenthood



8. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest



9. Traffic


10. Reservoir Dogs



Some others in the running were Good Fellas, Fargo and Glengary Glen Ross. What are some of your favorites?

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Name the Character Actor #3

Although these are not necessarily household names, they are/were all very good character actors. Try to name them from the following pictures:

1.



2.



3.


4.



5.



Answers posted in the 'Comments' section below.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Movie Screenshot Quiz #4


Name the movies from the following screenshots:

1.


2.



3.


4.



5.


Answers are posted in the 'Comments' section below.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

General Movie Trivia #1


1. Duel was the feature film directorial debut of what famed director?

2. What actor was the original Marty McFly from Back to the Future? He was replaced by Michael J. Fox AFTER filming began.

3. Who composed the score for Titanic (1997)?

4. What song was ranked #1, by the American Film Institute in 2004, on the 100 Greatest Songs in American Films list?

5. What song does Phil Connors keep waking up to in Groundhog Day?

6. What was Tom Cruise’s first credited film role? (Hint: 1981)

7. What is the most often portrayed horror movie character?

8. What was John Candy’s last movie?

9. What was the first film to surpass $100 Million in its opening weekend?

10. What Cheers actor was in The Empire Strikes Back and Superman I and II?

NOTE: I'll reveal the answers in the 'Comments' section below.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Name the Character Actor #2


Although these are not necessarily household names, they are/were all very good character actors. Try to name them from the following pictures:

1.


2.



3.



4.



5.



Answers posted in the 'Comments' section below.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Movie Screenshot Quiz #3

Name the movies from the following screenshots:

1.


2.



3.



4.



5.



Answers are posted in the 'Comments' section below.