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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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