Prowse, with the verbal assistance of James Earl Jones, collaborated to bring this well known fallen jedi warrior to life in George Lucas' original trilogy between 1977 and 1983. Before the so-so films that have followed, (some not worth mentioning) there were the original films that memorably brought the Vader to life. Prowse's contribution to the franchise will live on through the years as we see him walking sinisterly with the Imperial March being played in the background. Here are five top moments that Prowse was part of once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away.
RIP David Prowse (1935-2020) This past Saturday, November 28, 2020 to be exact, David Prowse passed away at the age of 85. While his name may not be known, the character he physically brought to life is. Prowse played one of the greatest villains in cinema history in a film called Star Wars. Who would have thought back then that the character of Darth Vader would evolve into such a big movie and pop culture icon? Prowse, with the verbal assistance of James Earl Jones, collaborated to bring this well known fallen jedi warrior to life in George Lucas' original trilogy between 1977 and 1983. Before the so-so films that have followed, (some not worth mentioning) there were the original films that memorably brought the Vader to life. Prowse's contribution to the franchise will live on through the years as we see him walking sinisterly with the Imperial March being played in the background. Here are five top moments that Prowse was part of once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away.
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The Cinemaniac has reached the 1980s with it's series of posts covering great films from the past nine decades. This has occurred the same week as Halloween. There isn't a better time than to focus our attention on the movies that can scare you or creep you out like no tomorrow. Or, to put it in a shorter and simpler way, those that belong in the horror genre. And it feels like horror films started to become really dominant during the 1980s. This was the time in which dead guys such as Freddy Kruger and Jason Vorhees began to make a living by making a killing (literally). Fear makers like Wes Craven, John Carpenter and George Romero used their craft as directors to bring an assortment of terror to the big screen. Even old horror films, such as The Thing and The Fly, were remade on a higher level than the originals. Here are five such offerings that still have still been able to scare the daylights out of viewers four decades after they were created. They continue to influence fans and filmmakers alike. These films are also among those that you probably should view with an empty stomach. But just try to remember to sit back and repeatedly tell yourself, "It's only a movie." One more thing: HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃 (Sorry about that, but we ran out of exclamation points.) |
Best Quotes: |
Best Contributions:
This week the Cinemaniac tackles films released during a funky, psychedelic period: the 1960s. Some of the most groundbreaking films would come out during the decade. Films such as The Graduate and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? helped bring about language and subjects that were deemed too inappropriate during the previous decades of cinema. Western, crime and war films would consist of moments that were more violent than films previously done in those genres.
The '60s also saw troubled times as a result of such events as the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. The end of the decade saw people feeling as if the world was coming to an end. But, like today, the art form known as the cinema would help to distract people away from the horrible events that were transpiring. Here are five such films made during a decade of great change.
The '60s also saw troubled times as a result of such events as the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. The end of the decade saw people feeling as if the world was coming to an end. But, like today, the art form known as the cinema would help to distract people away from the horrible events that were transpiring. Here are five such films made during a decade of great change.
Goldmember (1964)
Oops!!! Sorry, wrong version!!!
Goldfinger (1964)
Favorite Contributors:
- Shirley Bassey's strong performance of the title song.
- Sean Connery personifying coolness as the definitive James Bond.
- John Stears' design and special effects work of the Batmobile of the 1960s: the Aston Martin
Favorite Scene: Nothing can stop Oddjob!! Oh, wait, never mind.
Favorite Quote(s):
James Bond: "Do you expect me to talk?"
Goldfinger: "No Mr. Bond. I expect you to DIE!!!"
Psycho (1960)
Darn, wrong version!!! We apologize again!!! The editor accidentally thought that the list this week was Sean's Five Horrible Remakes.
Psycho (1960)
Favorite Contributors:
- Bernard Herrmann's intense, eerie musical score.
- Anthony Perkins adding to the eerieness with his portrayal of problem child Norman Bates.
- Set designers Joseph Hurley and Robert Clatworthy bringing to life one of the eeriest places ever: Bates Motel.
Favorite Scene: Before Jaws kept you out of the water, Psycho kept you out of the showers. There's nothing scarier than a person popping up with a knife with screechy violin music in the background!!
Favorite Quote:
Norman Bates: "She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes."
Norman Bates: "She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes."
Planet of the Apes (1968)
This time we chose the correct version and not the horrid remake.
Favorite Contributors:
- Extraordinary and believable looking makeup designed by John Chambers.
- Rod Serling's strange but fascinating story that feels like a two hour Twilight Zone episode, which Serling created.
- A riveting musical score by Jerry Goldsmith.
Favorite Scene: I'm sure he'll take the truth well and not get angry. But, then again....
Favorite Contributors:
- The Incredible, realistic-looking ape makeup designed by John Chambers.
- Rod Serling's strange but unique story that feels like a two hour episode of The Twilight Zone, which Serling himself created.
- Jerry Goldsmith's riveting musical score.
The Good the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Favorite Contributors:
- Ennio Morricone's main musical score that helps build up excitement. (It will probably get stuck in your heads.)
- The three despicable title characters brilliantly brought to life by Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach.
- Camera shots by cinematographer Tonino Delli Colli that can catch viewers by surprise
Favorite Scene: I don't know if he would actually be able to shoot the gun while it was underwater, but it makes the scene entertaining!!
Favorite Quote:
Tuco: "When you have to shoot, shoot! Don't talk!" (Listen to it in clip above)
Tuco: "When you have to shoot, shoot! Don't talk!" (Listen to it in clip above)
Dr. Strangelove Or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
Favorite Contributors:
- Ken Adams' incredible set design for the war room.
- Peter Sellers in a trio of brilliant performances.
- A satirically funny script by Stanley Kubrick, Terry Southern and Peter George.
Favorite Scene: I wonder what would have happened to him if he did have to answer to the Coca Cola Company.
Favorite Quote:
President Muffley: "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here!! This is the War Room!!"
President Muffley: "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here!! This is the War Room!!"
Welcome to the third round of our nostalgic look at the Cinemaniac's favorite pieces of filmmaking of 9 decades past!! This is provided by the house known as the Internet and the constant streaming networks that live there. The occupants include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and Disney Plus. The Cinemaniac hopes they do not move away because they have provided so much enjoyment during these difficult times!!
In this corner we have the decade of the 1950s. It was a decade that saw an increase in film's being shot in glamorous color. Veteran directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles showed that they were still masters of their craft. Genres, especially musicals, would be showcased on a grand scale with ambitious contributions from both cast and crew. Five such films from the 1950s will help show why the decade provided the big screen with unique entertainment that still make an impression on audiences today.
In this corner we have the decade of the 1950s. It was a decade that saw an increase in film's being shot in glamorous color. Veteran directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles showed that they were still masters of their craft. Genres, especially musicals, would be showcased on a grand scale with ambitious contributions from both cast and crew. Five such films from the 1950s will help show why the decade provided the big screen with unique entertainment that still make an impression on audiences today.
Singin' In the Rain (1952)
What there is to like:
Favorite Contributors:
Favorite Contributors:
- The increidlbe dance talents of lead actors Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds. (See a brilliant example in clip below.)
- A wonderful collection of older songs from previous decades reused for the film, courtesy of composer Nacio Herb Brown and lyricist Arthur Freed.
- Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen making a great team of sharing the chore of directing.
Favorite Quote(s):
Don: "Call me a cab!"
Cosmo: "Ok, you're a cab."
Don: "Thanks a lot!"
Don: "Call me a cab!"
Cosmo: "Ok, you're a cab."
Don: "Thanks a lot!"
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
What there is to like:
Favorite Contributors:
Favorite Contributors:
- James Mason brilliantly bringing Jules Verne's Captain Nemo to life.
- The incredible-looking, and Oscar winning, look of the Nautilus submarine designed by John Meehan and Emile Kuri.
- Walt Disney and his company bringing the project to life and demonstrating that they could handle live action as well as animation.
Favorite Scene: Giant Squid
Favorite Quote(s):
Captain Nemo: "Mr. Land, you saved my life. Why?"
Ned Land: "That's a good question. Well, there's only one thing a fella can do when he's made a mistake as big as this."
Conseil: "What?"
Ned Land: "Get drunk!"
Captain Nemo: "Mr. Land, you saved my life. Why?"
Ned Land: "That's a good question. Well, there's only one thing a fella can do when he's made a mistake as big as this."
Conseil: "What?"
Ned Land: "Get drunk!"
North by Northwest (1959)
What there is to like:
Favorite Contributors:
Favorite Contributors:
- Ernest Lehman's screenplay that builds excitement by creating one thrilling moment after another.
- Bernard Herrmann's intense musical score.
- Robert Boyle's great recreation of Mount Rushmore designed for the film's exciting finale.
Favorite Scene: Crop Duster Chase
Favorite Quote:
Roger Thornhill: "In the world of advertising, theres no such thing as a lie. There's only expedient exaggeration."
Roger Thornhill: "In the world of advertising, theres no such thing as a lie. There's only expedient exaggeration."
Touch of Evil (1958)
What there is to like:
Favorite Contributors:
Favorite Scene: Opening Tracking Shot
Favorite Contributors:
- Orson Welles being very dominant as both actor and director.
- Henry Mancini's riveting musical score.
- Russell Metty's clever camera shots that include the tracking shot that opens the film. (See clip below)
Favorite Scene: Opening Tracking Shot
Favorite Quote(s):
Hank Quinlan: "Come on, read my future for me."
Tanya: "You haven't got any."
Hank Quinlan: "Hmm? What do you mean?"
Tanya: "Your Future's all used up."
Hank Quinlan: "Come on, read my future for me."
Tanya: "You haven't got any."
Hank Quinlan: "Hmm? What do you mean?"
Tanya: "Your Future's all used up."
The Bridge On the River Kwai (1957)
What there is to like:
Favorite Contributors:
Favorite Scene: Colonel Bogey March
Favorite Contributors:
- The excellent chemistry between Alec Guinness and Sessue Hayakawa as wartime enemies engaged in a battle of superiority.
- Jack Hildyard's Oscar winning cinematography.
- Composer Malcolm Arnold's rearrangement of the Colonel Bogey March, originally written by Kenneth Alford (Warning: it is one of those songs that can get stuck inside your head.)
Favorite Scene: Colonel Bogey March
Favorite Quote:
Colonel Saito: "Do not speak to me of rules. This is war! Not a game of cricket!"
Colonel Saito: "Do not speak to me of rules. This is war! Not a game of cricket!"
We're back with another post focusing on the Cinemaniac's favorite films over the last nine decades. As mentioned in the previous post, the constant Internet streaming available during these unfortunate times have provided an escape by displaying a diverse plethora of films.
This week continues that series of lists by focusing on five great pieces of cinema from the 1940s. These specific movies continue to be shown and continue to make an impression on audiences decades after they were first brought upon the public's eye. Let us now explore the elements that have made these films last as long as they have.
This week continues that series of lists by focusing on five great pieces of cinema from the 1940s. These specific movies continue to be shown and continue to make an impression on audiences decades after they were first brought upon the public's eye. Let us now explore the elements that have made these films last as long as they have.
Fantasia (1940)
What there is to like:
- An entertaining combination of animated sequences and music by the Philadelphia Orchestra.
- The Sorcerer's Apprentice sequence starring Mickey Mouse as the titular apprentice.
- The diverse use of colors for the animation.
- Favorite Quote: Mickey Mouse: "Mr. Stokowski! Mr. Stokowski!! My congratulations, sir!" Leopold Stokowski: "Congratulations to you, Mickey!" Mickey Mouse: "Gee, thanks! Well, so long! I'll be seeing ya!" Leopold Stokowski: "Goodbye!"
The Bicycle Thief (1948)
What there is to like:
- Brilliantly believable performances by a cast made up of non-actors.
- A touching moment in which a father and son take a break from their frantic search and enjoy a meal at a restaurant.
- Alessandro Cicognin's poignant musical score that helps build the sense of desperation as the search for the missing bicycle moves along.
- Favorite Quote: Maria: "You shouldn't have pawned your bike!" Antonio: "And how were you supposed to eat?"
The Maltese Falcon 1941)
What there is to like:
- Humphrey Bogart's intense performance as a private detective that doesn't seem to miss a trick.
- John Huston's screenplay that provides one surprise plot-twist after another.
- Scene-stealing support from Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre as slithery villains.
- Favorite Quote: Detective Polhaus: "What is it?" Sam Spade: "The stuff that dreams are made of."
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
What there is to like:
- A performance by James Stewart that is brilliant because Stewart does an incredible job of making George Bailey a likeable character.
- The heartwarming message at the film's end which states that no man who has friends is a failure.
- An excellent array of supporting characters brought to life by a great cast.
- Favorite quote: Clarence: "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
Casablanca (1943)
What there is to like:
- The memorable love song As Time Goes By.
- Suspenseful scenes that help create the sense of danger in the story.
- Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman leading one of the best casts ever assembled for a film.
- Favorite Quote: Rick Blaine: "Here's looking at you, kid."
So we are at the end of the third quarter of the first year of the start of a new decade. Might sound a bit wordy, but considering the year it has been so far, there are not enough words to describe it! We have suffered great losses that can never be replaced.
We need to escape from some of the loss and sadness from time to time. With no actual theatres to attend, this fanatic of cinema has found some escapism and consolation in streaming services.
In watching so many movies from different decades, the first blog has been chosen to showboat this blogger's five favorite movies focusing on the decade of the 1930s. The intention is to take it chronologically decade by decade, highlighting the elements that have given these movies their longevity.
We need to escape from some of the loss and sadness from time to time. With no actual theatres to attend, this fanatic of cinema has found some escapism and consolation in streaming services.
In watching so many movies from different decades, the first blog has been chosen to showboat this blogger's five favorite movies focusing on the decade of the 1930s. The intention is to take it chronologically decade by decade, highlighting the elements that have given these movies their longevity.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
What there is to like:
- A powerhouse performance by James Stewart in the title role.
- A great supporting cast of old school character actors led by Claude Rains
- Great location shooting featuring notable Washington D.C. landmarks.
- Favorite Quote: Jefferson Smith: "Now I had some pretty good coaching last night, and I find that if I yield only for a question or a point of order or a personal privilege, that I can hold this floor almost until doomsday. In other words, I've got a piece to speak, and blow hot or cold, I'm going to speak it."
King Kong (1933)
What there is is to like:
- One action-packed scene after another, especially those involving a Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Empire State Building.
- Marcel Delgado's wonderful design of the titular beast.
- The riveting musical score by Max Steiner that helps to create suspense as the movie transpires.
- Favorite Quote: Carl Denham: "It wasn't the airplanes. It was beauty that killed the beast."
M (1931)
What there is is to like:
- A strong performance by Peter Lorre as a child murderer who turns out to be this frightened, pathetic man.
- The interesting idea of the criminal underworld being more successful and organized in their search for the killer than the search conducted by the police.
- The great cinematography work by Fritz Arno Wagner that helps build suspense with constant closeups of sinister-looking characters.
- Favorite Quote: Hans Beckert: "I can't help myself! I have no control over this, this evil thing inside of me, the fire, the voices, the torment!"
A Night at the Opera (1935)
What there is is to like:
- Hilarious plethora of one-liners by a true master of one-liners, Groucho Marx
- The brilliantly funny mime work of Harpo Marx
- Classic gags, including the scene where Groucho's cabin becomes overcrowded.
- Favorite Quote: Groucho: "Its all right. That's in every contract. That's what they call a sanity clause." Chico: You can't fool me. They're ain't no sanity clause."
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
What there is is to like:
- Extraordinary sets, costumes and makeup beautifully filmed in color.
- L. Frank Baum's memorable characters wonderfully brought to life by a brilliant cast.
- Judy Garland's beautiful rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
- Favorite Movie Quote: Wicked Witch of the West: "I'll get you my pretty, and you're little dog too!
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the cult classic from the wild and entertaining world of the Coen Brothers. When I first saw this movie, I never thought I would enjoy watching it constantly about a year after first viewing it. The Big Lebowski is one of those films that should be viewed more than once in order to appreciate it. I have lost count of the people I know who love the story of a lazy guy who bowls and gets into trouble while looking for those who pissed on his rug. There are so many funny moments in The Big Lebowski. Here are ten scenes that really tied the room together.
10. Police questions
9. Unfriendly Malibu Police Chief
8. Lebowski meets Lebowski
7. Peed on my rug
6. Interrupting bath time
5. A threat from Jesus
4. Meeting Bunny
3. Wrong house and wrong guy
2. Follow the rules....Or else!!!
1. Plan B
This was one of the hardest blogs I had to create. Why? Because there are so many great character actors out there to choose from!!! There have been countless unforgettable faces who have stolen the scenery from the lead actors. You may not know all of their names, but you may know them better by their faces. I'm sure so many other people have had the same reaction that I've experienced countless times. You sit there watching a movie. Suddenly, you cry out, "Oh, wow! That actor/actress is in this!!" For the most part, the character actors are often the ones who stay in your mind the most after you view a movie. Here are 30 unforgettable character actors.
30. Bruce Greenwood
30. Bruce Greenwood
29. Keith David
28. Dick Miller
27. Joan Cusack
26. Tony Todd
25. Keenan Wynn
24. Brion James
23. Mako
22. Marcia Gay Harden
21. Michael Constantine
20. Carol Kane
19. Sid Haig
18. Robert Prosky
17. Jennifer Coolidge
16. Dom Deluise
15. Edie McClurg
14. Eli Wallach
13. Ellen Albertini Dow
12. Roy Kinnear
11. Naomie Harris
10. JK Simmons
9. Cloris Leachman
8. Burgess Meredith
7. Ned Beatty
6. Jane Lynch
5. Peter Lorre
4. Madeline Kahn
3. Rip Torn
2. Steve Buscemi
1. Christopher Lloyd
Roger Moore, the third actor to play James Bond on the big screen, recently passed away this past Tuesday, May 23. Over the years, I have heard countless fans state that he was THE worst Bond. I can understand the criticism. Compared to Sean Connery and Daniel Craig, Moore's Bond was a little too laid back when he was in the face of danger. There were times where he spoke to the villains in a gentle voice, as if they were his friends. However, I have to confess that I have always enjoyed the Bond films, no matter who was in the role. Roger Moore is certainly no exception. I feel that the action sequences, gadgets and fellow actors were usually more impressive than Moore's portrayal. And yet the actor's presence in 7 Bond adventures still made an impression on me. Here was this suave, debonair secret agent who always had his tongue firmly in cheek. Moore was cool whenever he would perform a fight scene and then follow up with a one-liner. Here are ten smart-ass comments to remember the world of James Bond through the eyes of Moore. Sir Roger Moore.
10. Enjoyed the show (The Spy Who Loved Me)
9. Head for Heights (For Your Eyes Only)
8. Good Sport (Moonraker)
7. Helpful Chap (The Spy Who Loved Me)
6. Piano (Moonraker)
5. Forever Hold Your Piece (The Man With the Golden Gun)
4. One Giant Step for Mankind (Moonraker)
3. Inflated Opinion (Live and Let Die)
2. Feathers (The Spy Who Loved Me)
1. Disarming (Live and Let Die)
Author
Sean Rattoballi
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