My Top 3 John Hughes Films

3. The Breakfast Club -
 Now I know some might say, "why number three?" well it's a John Hughes film that I saw later on.  But it's still a great film and I enjoyed it very much.  I mean it is one of the best John Hughes films and it's a film people still talk about to this day.  It's one of those films where you remember the characters, certain lines from the film, and just the banter between the cast.  So it is definitely a classic and I applaud John Hughes for this film because he was able to connect with the cast and after all of these years, it's still remains a classic 80's comedy.

2. Ferris Bueller's Day Off -
This too me is one of those comedies that I can go back and watch and still laugh.  Heck, let's say if I had a Top 10 list of comedies this film would be in there.  I know some may not put this above The Breakfast Club because going back The Breakfast Club had more depth in regards to connection with characters.  For example, you have some moments of a lot of fun banter but there is a couple of moments where you feel for them and that's what makes this film and The Breakfast Club different.  Yes, the direction in characters is there and that's one of the big positives of John Hughes is that he knows how to direct characters.  In this film, it's more about these three main characters having a wild adventure in the city and the film really focused on that.  Now in the third act, they go into the troubles of Alan Ruck's character and it was done well.  So yes, I enjoy this more than The Breakfast Club.  I guess it is a factor that I watched The Breakfast Club later on in life but at the same time too me, it felt like there was more going on in the film.  It's like The Breakfast Club was a well-directed film that had a good balance of comedy/drama and Ferris Bueller's Day Off was more about having a straight-forward comedy with the same direction in characters.  So that's why this film is at number 2.

1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles -
 This film is my favorite John Hughes film.  Maybe because I was big fan of John Candy but at the same time I also enjoy Steve Martin.  Too me this film would also be in my Top 10 (it would probably be in my Top 5 perhaps) of favorite comedies.  I mean these two characters well done very well and it's definitely a very unique chemistry.  Because you start off with Steve Martin's character and he is trying to get home for Thanksgiving but along the way he meets John Candy's character and from there is just a very fun ride.  Both characters were different and to this day it's one of my favorite road trip films.  I mean I'm sure some will bring up films like Dumb & Dumber, Due Date, and so forth.  But I always go back to this film first because I'm a big fan of both actors and I thought John Hughes did a great job directing.  Now of course, I've enjoyed other John Candy films such as Uncle Buck, Cool Runnings (YES, I like that film... sue me) but this is definitely my favorite John Candy performance.  Overall, a great comedy and one of my favorites. RIP John Candy & John Hughes.

Thanks for tuning in.  Take care.  =)

Movie News: April 25th - May 2, 2012

Hey guys,

Once again I return with some interesting movie news that has been going around online for the past week.  Going back there is some cool news and I hope enjoy what's been happening:

- Black Widow NOT returning for Iron Man 3.

- DreamWorks recently talked about Transformers 4 and Top Gun 2.  It's been confirmed Michael Bay is returning to direct Transformers 4 but plans to take a different direction with the story.  Some have recently asked about Shia LaBeouf and Michael Bay has hinted at possibly replacing the main character with a different character.  In regards to Top Gun 2, President of Production for DreamWorks recently stated that it is in the works and it will probably happen before Tom Cruise does Mission: Impossible 5.  Jerry Bruckheimer would produce with director Tony Scott (Top Gun) returning to direct the sequel.  Recently, they hired the writer of The Town to provide the script.

- Some movie theaters considering lifting cell phone ban.  This would allow for some people to use their cell phones.  Thinking that customers pay $10-$15 a ticket plus more for snacks & drinks, they don't want to hinder the customers for taking out cell phones if certain situations would arise.  CEO of Regal Cinemas recently talked about how this concept could work for the young demographic for films like 21 Jump Street where teenagers more often text.  But the majority of theaters are discouraging cell phone use because it's simply distracting.

- The Smurfs 2 set to hit theaters on July 31, 2013.

- Regarding to Beetlejuice 2, director Tim Burton recently stated that the guy who provided the screenplay for Tim Burton's recent film, Dark Shadows is currently writing the script and is waiting for him to see what he does.  Tim Burton is interested in doing Beetlejuice 2 with Actor Michael Keaton on board to return if the sequel does happen.  He was also asked if he would return to the Batman franchise, and Tim Burton replied "I have enough on my plate".

- Director Adam McKay (Step Brothers, Anchorman) may direct remake of Uptown Saturday Night with Will Smith & Denzel Washington attached to star.

- CEO of 20th Century Fox recently talked about Wolverine 2 and stated that the film will be called The Wolverine.  Most of the stage work will take place in Australia and actual filming will take place in Japan.  Actor Hugh Jackman is committed to film.

- Universal suing The Asylum, a company behind cheap straight-to-dvd rip offs such as Transmorphers and Snakes on a Train for planning to release American Battleship, four days after the release of Battleship.  Universal stated that they spent over $100 million for the budget plus $30 million to market it in the US, and they feel The Asylum is trying to profit off their effort.

- Trailer for The Avengers porn parody has been released starring former WWE wrestler, Chyna playing the She-Hulk.

- Marvel says Iron Man franchise would continue without Robert Downey Jr..  He is set for Iron Man 3 but if he were to drop out they would like to continue with a different actor down the road instead of rebooting the franchise.

- It is now confirmed that director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2) is producing Poltergeist remake.

- Actor Leonard Nimoy may return for Star Trek 2.

- That '70s Show movie in the works.

- Live-Action Halo web-series in the works.

- The original script for The Avengers included characters, Ant Man & The Wasp but were left out because  they couldn't find a way to introduce their characters without tweaking much of the script.

- Australian real estate billionaire announced that he is planning to build a replica of the Titanic and will have it ready for it's maiden voyage in late 2016.

- Actor Sylvester Stallone is currently working on Rambo V.  He wants to play the character one more time and give the franchise a proper ending.  It's been talked about that the fifth film with have the same tone of the first film and Stallone is currently working on the formula of the film.  Sean Hood, writer of Conan The Barbarian remake recently revealed he has finished the script and Stallone will begin working on it after he completes The Expendables 2.

- Marvel planning new Hulk film for 2015 due to positive response of the character in The Avengers.

- WWE wrestler, The Miz to star in the third installment of The Marine franchise, titled The Marine: Homefront for WWE Studios.

- Netflix wants to revive Jericho TV-series that ran from 2006-2008.

- Actor Luke Evans offered villain role for Fast & Furious 6.

- Michelle Rodriguez to return for for Machete Kills and Fast & Furious 6.

- Actor Vin Diesel recently stated that Riddick 3 will be released in January 2013.  Plus hinting at two more installments in the future.

- The Hunger Games director to helm Houdini action film.

Ghostbusters 3... My Thoughts

Hey guys,

Today I want to talk about Ghostbusters 3.  Now at this moment... not much is going on in regards to Ghostbusters 3 ACTUALLY moving forward.  I mean, its been talked about for years.  Even shortly after the second film which came out in 1989, there was talks of another sequel and certain discussions have took place throughout the years.  So the reason I bring this up today is because it is still mentioned.  Since 2007 (my guess), we have heard so much about Ghostbusters 3 and along the way, Actor Dan Aykroyd has been putting so much hype into this sequel.  But now it's 2012 and looking back on what's been going with this sequel.  Dan Aykroyd sporadically teasing the public about another sequel for the past 5 years, and so forth.  It's come to a point now where I could care less for Ghostbusters 3.  Now I know the majority of fans out there would disagree because so many people believe in Dan Aykroyd to pull off this sequel.  But at the same time... I think a lot of fans out there refuse to understand what's going on and they refuse to acknowledge Ayrkoyd's BS in regards to Ghostbusters 3.  Now don't get me wrong... I'm a fan of Aykroyd's work.  He's done some good comedies in the past and he's wrote some good comedies.  I will admit to that.  But at the same time... here's a guy who has put so much hype into this sequel by proposing the idea of a "passing the torch" type plot for Ghostbusters 3.  Now I've heard so many arguments and feedback from different fans on why this is a good idea and why it's the right way to go.  Too me it's ridiculous.  The reason I say that is because after so many years and so much demand from fans, you're going to half-ass this sequel by pretty much saying "well we are too old and after a 23-year wait, we figured this is what the fans want".  That's the notion I get from this project... and at the same time, I don't understand why Dan Aykroyd keeps stating this sequel is all about the fans and it's what the fans want.  Give me a break.  I mean... how does Dan Aykroyd expect for so many fans to sign off on this? That's what I can't fathom.

Now don't get me all wrong, I enjoy Ghostbusters.  It's definitely a classic comedy and I enjoyed these characters.  Ghostbusters 2 was a good follow-up sequel.  Not better than the first film but it's an entertaining sequel.  So yes I enjoy the first two films... so why am I pessimistic about Ghostbusters 3? Well it's just when there has been so much talk.  A lot of back and forth between the fans and Aykroyd.  Just so much hearsay and at the end of the day, there seems to be no progression in developing this sequel.  Now I don't hate Dan Aykroyd for that but it doesn't help when you're trying to assure fans to go along with "passing the torch" when in all honesty, that's not what we have waited for nearly 25 years to see from these guys.  I mean some might argue, "well it's logical for them to do so" but do you really think a lot of fans are going to invest more into this young generation of Ghostbusters or the one's we have cherished for almost 30 years? My answer of course is the original characters.  Now I know the project has gone through up's and down's considering Bill Murray's reluctance to be part of the project.  There has been instances where Bill Murray has been acting like a dick when approached about Ghostbusters 3 (which I can believe!).  I can see Bill Murray being this way because I know nowadays is very cautious about certain roles or projects he will do (hence... doing more dramatic roles, not so much comedies).  I can believe that he probably is a dick and hard to work with.  Heck, there was story earlier in the year where Aykroyd sent a copy of Ghostbusters 3 script & Bill Murray disliked it so much that he shredded it and sent it back to Aykroyd.  I know that story was picked up by the National Enquirer... so I don't how much is true or whatever.  But I would not doubt for a second if Murray did such a thing.  Now I know the fans have been chewing out Bill Murray for certain things but the more I think about it, I can't really blame the guy.  Now I'm not on one side here.  This blog is not about defending Murray and blasting Aykroyd but I do think Murray is being more cautious because the last time Aykroyd was involved in a sequel was that piece of crap, Blues Brothers 2000.  So I do wonder... how should we feel assured about Ghostbusters 3? Especially when Aykroyd really hasn't done a whole lot since then and we don't need a repeat of that.  I mean Aykroyd has done some films where he's has had bit roles but in regards to sequels, Blue Brothers 2000 was not well-received (it was utter garbage!) and the hardcore fans think we should embrace Ghostbusters 3 because of Aykroyd? In my opinion, we should look at what's going on.  Because I know there is a small group of people out there that believe Aykroyd can pull off Ghostbusters 3 without Bill Murray and Aykroyd has been adamant about possibly doing that.  But if Aykroyd is so sure of himself, why has there not been much progression in the project? Now yes like I've said before, I believe Bill Murray is probably a dick.  I can imagine he his hard to work with but to take him out the equation, you have no Ghostbusters sequel.  

As much as Bill Murray can be difficult, he leads the group.  Dan Aykroyd is the heart of the group and I can admit to that but without Bill Murray, just how much can you accomplish? So that's why I question Aykroyd and what's been going on.  I'm not saying Murray is right in every aspect but I do understand why he is probably reluctant.  Now I know some might ask about Harold Ramis.  Harold Ramis IS part of the group and has been helping out Aykroyd in some way trying to develop Ghostbusters 3.  But when it comes to the fans and trying to maintain demand in the sequel, Dan Aykroyd is the focal point of everything Ghostbusters 3.  Now let's say... if things were done right.  If this idea of "passing the torch" was just an idea and I know according to some, there has been variations of the script.  But if things were done right I would be all for this sequel.  I mean what's so difficult about coming up with a simple story involving the four main characters? A story worthwhile would mean everything and I don't think "passing the torch" is the way to go.  Just keep it simple.  Also, bring back the everybody.  I don't care if people will say, "well they are too old" but I look at Harrison Ford who is pushing 70 and he did Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull.  Whether if people like the film or not, at least Harrison Ford stuck to the role.  So it's a matter of bringing the main four guys back and doing things right.  I would like to see perhaps Annie Potts & Rick Moranis back for support.  I know Rick Moranis is retired but it would be nice to see him come back. But overall, in regards to characters... the main four guys is what's important.  That's if things were done right.  All in all, I know I've talked about this for a while.  There is still talk of trying to get Ghostbusters 3 off the ground.  I know some out there are behind Aykroyd because he's been adamant about this project but nothing is ironclad at the moment.  I'm aware that fans want to see this sequel because of the video game that came out in 2009 (which I still want to check out sometime) but right now it's just a lot of hearsay.  I'm sure the topic will resurface every once in a while because of Dan Aykroyd but honestly, I don't have much hope.  They have been at this since the early 90's and now it's 2012 where at once point they were suppose to start filming this year.  But nothing is being done.  So I'm sure there are things I'm unaware of when it's comes to the development of this project but I do think if it was done the right way, more fans would support this sequel.  Any ways, thanks for tuning in to this lengthy blog and take care.  =)

Arnold Schwarzenegger in "The Expendables 2" Poster

Chuck Norris in "The Expendables 2" Poster

Happy Birthday Jet Li!

Movie News: April 18th - April 25th 2012

Hey guys,

Well... it's movie news Wednesday! Today I'm bringing you some interesting news that's been going around the net so let's get started:

Movie News: April 18 - April 25th 2012


- Director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, The Wrestler) has been hired by Paramount Picture to direct a biopic of President George Washington, titled The General.  The film will be a historical drama and according to Variety, the script is similar in tone to Unforgiven.

- TV Host Dick Clark dies at 82.

- First Look: Actor Anthony Hopkins (Silence of The Lambs) as Alfred Hitchcock, in the film Hitchcock.  The film revolves around the making of Psycho.

- Actor Jonathan Frid, who played Barnabas Collins in the original Dark Shadows (1966-1971) tv series dies at 87.

- Actor Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) and Actress Rosario Dawson (Death Proof) have been confirmed to return for the sequel of Sin City, titled Sin City: A Dame To Kill For.

- Nearly 20 years after starring together in Angels In The Outfield, Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt (50/50, Inception) will reunite with Actor Tony Danza for Joseph Gordon-Levitt's directorial debut film, titled Don Jon's Addiction.

- Director of I Am Legend has been hired to direct The Hunger Games sequel.

- Rich Ross, chairman of Walt Disney Company's film unit has resigned following the company's $200 million dollar loss on John Carter.

- Director Barry Sonnenfeld (Men In Black, Men In Black 3) has recently stated that Men In Black 3 will close out the trilogy.  If it becomes a success, Columbia Pictures would like to continue the franchise in the form of a reboot.  So far, nothing has been said about Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones continuing this franchise after Men In Black 3.

- Actor Guy Pearce (The Count of Monte Cristo, Lockout) has joined the cast of Iron Man 3, set for May 2013 release.

- Actor Robert DeNiro has recently stated that if he was approached with a great script, he would consider a sequel to Raging Bull.  As of right now, they are filming Raging Bull 2 with Actor William Forsythe playing DeNiro's character in his older years but DeNiro is not part of the project.  However, DeNiro is still interested in a sequel to Midnight Run, the 1987 action/comedy.

- Haywire star Gina Carano joins Fast & Furious 6.

- Actress Lindsay Lohan confirmed to play Elizabeth Taylor in Liz & Dick for Lifetime.

- "The Ringling Brothers" movie in the works.  Paramount Pictures are keeping story details under wraps for now but the plan is to make the film a family adventure in the spirit of Night of The Museum & Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.

- Actor Mel Gibson joins Machete sequel, titled Machete Kills.

- The writers behind Transformers, Star Trek have been hired by Sony Pictures to write to the script for The Amazing Spider-Man sequel.

- Creators Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are auctioning off their very first drawing of the characters.  The current bid is at $5,500.

- Entertainment Weekly has confirmed that director Malcolm Lee (Undercover Brother) has been hired to direct Scary Movie 5... set for January 2013 release.  It's not clear on if Actress Anna Farris would return but she is interested in coming back.