Posted Jul 6th 2009 at 5:12 am in Open Thread |
17388669 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/bighollywood/2009/07/06/open-thread-monday-7/Open+Thread+Monday2009-07-06+12%3A12%3A06Big+Hollywood
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Kira from Xanadu =Sarah? ha-ha. clever
Olivia Newtron bomb is pretty….
manicmonkeymojo - July 6th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
There were (indeed are) fewer things in this universe more perverse and horrifying than watching Gene Kelly smiling maniacally and clapping his hands, all the while rolling forward on a pair of roller skates performing a modified hustle… except, of course, the rest of the movie.
In my mind this movie is a classic. As others have indicated, the acting was third rate but the soundtrack was remarkable. Since I first saw this movie ELO has remained one of my all time favorite groups. Olivia had a voice to match her beauty and considering my age at the time it was easy to fall in love with her, at least until Grease came out. I found the mix of Jazz and Rock music inspiring and the story entertaining. Watch it for yourself and make draw your own conclusions. You wont regret it.
I'd rather discuss THE HORN BLOWS AT MIDNIGHT, an unjustly and ignorantly maligned film.
I am told it did not do well at the time of its release in 1945 inspite of the high level of creativity in the film.
But what I have only heard once from a film buff alive at the time was that one reason it did not succeed was that Americans in 1945 having come through almost 4 years of WW2 and human loss of life were put off by a film in which an angel is sent to destroy the Earth in a very comic manner.
The films star, Jack Benny, ragged on this film for years as part of his act, but that's all it was – part of his act, yet it became popular to denigrate the film despite the fact that it is fast-paced, extremely creatively, filled with great one-liners and a huge cast of well known character actors.
'Xanadu' is a horrid piece of film but at least the theme song is listenable. I had the good fortune to watch her perform it for the president at Ford's Theatre two years ago. She really is the nicest, sweetest (truly) woman I've ever met.
As product of the 80's (and a dancer), I must say that I LOVED this movie as a teen. I still like the music, and ONJ has always been a woman I admired. As for Gene Kelly, they could film him just moving around a little bit here and there and I'd be happy.
Gottafang - July 6th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
I saw this in college when it was released, with a fraternity brother who was a football playing, power-tool using alpha male. . .and a crazy-wild ONJ fan. The finale where she sings the title song is pretty fun, but the rest of the movie is candy shite.
Kellykoop - July 6th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I love this movie – mainly because of the total cheese factor (plus Gene Kelly on rollerskates). The soundtrack is excellent!
However, I always felt bad for Michael Beck – his career was so promising after "The Warriors", yet this film pretty much killed that promise. Sad!
I'll give you the soundtrack, E.P…but other than that.. Unuh! no way, no how.. even I can't sit through this one.. and I can manage a lot of bad movies.. (call it a guilty pleasure).
Well, it had a second life as a Broadway musical… It's glorious cheese. Tragic that it's Kelly's last film, but he gives it his all so you can't help but sigh a little. It's a wonderful curiosity, and it will answer the ago-old question of why there aren't more roller disco movies.
AHH, the Tubes! I was in a band that covered a Tubes song, "Talk to Ya Later"…we were probably the only band on earth in the early 80's covering the Tubes..
Olivia Newton-John. Still one of the most beautiful women in the world – spiritually, intellectually and physically. An incredibly talented and compassionate individual.
I've written a tongue-in-cheek apocalypse novel based very loosely on Xanadu–names/lyrics changed to protect me from lawsuits. LOL I love this movie, I own it on DVD–and it came with the Xanadu soundtrack. There was something magical about the 80s!
That is fantastic…indeed VERY classy of Def Leppard…probably distressing the apologists that creep about Britian but if they're smart, and they are, the have gained U.S. citizenship by now. Salute to Def Leppard
I attempted to voice my concern that are still people that think passive "non-violence" is a strategy for anything but subjugation, as discussed on July 4th… said euro-dweeb…stuff…blah, blah….and maily that I was offended that any European would squander the freedom that thousands of dead Americans GAVE THEM, with their very lives…mentioned Omaha Beach where I had the honor of walking on a few weeks ago,…blah, blah…AND THEN, your comment must be approved by the site admins before it will appear….just because I said I like to take the guy be the neck and make him read some of those grave markers of brave americans buried forever on the bluff over looking Omaha…
Jamesb – it may eventually show up. I think it may be as much a technical glitch with Intense Debate as anything. I had the problem earlier today on something that had nothing even possibly including a tagged word. Then later, voila, there it was hours later
I've written a tongue-in-cheek apocalypse novel based very loosely on Xanadu–names/lyrics changed to protect me from lawsuits. LOL I love this movie, I own it on DVD–and it came with the Xanadu soundtrack. There was something magical about the 80s!
Jimmy Arone - July 6th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
In which case my friend, I say we give 'em all a happy little blast of The Mae Shi…
The 80's where great…. and it is a shame that it had to end…. Xanadu… wow it could have only been made during the 80's… Now I want to hear that Killing Joke song 80's…..There was another Olivia Newton John movie on this past weekend that my wife and I watched and just basically made fun of…. damn, it was great now I have to rent this BLOCKBUSTER and watch it with my wife….
The Xanadu Soundtrack provided me and my friends HOURS UPON HOURS of basement roller skating awesomeness stage shows. We knew we were as graceful and pretty as Kira. Definitely a fabulous encore character to follow Sandy.
Aaah, ONJ! I remember seeing this movie in the early days of HBO and, even though I had seen her in Grease, I felt, for the first time, that funny tingly feeling young guys get when they develop their first crush.
"There were (indeed are) fewer things in this universe more perverse and horrifying than watching Gene Kelly smiling maniacally and clapping his hands"
That's right up there with Killer Klowns from Outer Space.
One of many great sight gags and props in the film.
There's no high-brow humor in the film, but you got Raoul Walsh directing a sensational cast.
Jack Benny… Athanael
Alexis Smith… Elizabeth
Dolores Moran… Violinist / Fran Blackstone
Allyn Joslyn… Second Trumpeter / Osidro
Reginald Gardiner… Composer / Archie Dexter
Guy Kibbee… Radio Director / The Chief
John Alexander… First trumpeter / Doremus
Franklin Pangborn… Radio Engineer / Sloan
Margaret Dumont… Mme. Traviata / Miss Rodholder
Robert Blake… Junior Pulplinsky (as Bobby Blake)
Ethel Griffies… Lady Stover
Paul Harvey… Hotel Manager Thompson
Mike Mazurki… Bass Player / Humphrey Rafferty
Truman Bradley… Radio Announcer
Marge - July 6th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I love the movie Xanadu! Great music (I love ELO) and Gene Kelly! It was a fun, light hearted movie, nothing more than that. Years ago, one of my son's friend's had told me,"I just don't get it." I told him there wasn't anything to "get." I told him to just watch it and enjoy the music. It's all about someone who has a dream and the Muse is there to inspire him. After that, hew became a big ELO fan.
I'm still incredulous that a Euro-dweeb would chime in with "let's all be non-violent" and really mean it on a July 4th…it probably wouldn't have bothered me as much had I not JUST walked on the quiet peaceful sand of Omaha Beach…then the (except for German tourists) peaceful greens of the U.S. Cemetary that stands on the bluffs above Omaha…these Euros were given the gift of freedom by selfless American young men and are ungreatful at best and in the process of squandering that freedom to radical islam and socialism (a long ingrained British disease) and communism, and don't seem to notice it! I'd love to take that guy by the scruff of his neck and drag him up to one of the crosses that says "Here Rests in Honored Glory a Comrade in Arms Known But to God" and shove his face up against it and make him read the marker out loud. But then, that might be misconstrued as "violent".
You're very kind sir, our country's contribution to other countries freedom, particularly by those that have made the ultimate sacrifice, is a subject that fires me up. Lip service from liberals that fain support for our military while simultanious plotting to undermine it makes me sick. Clowns like "Euro-boy" sleep soundly, tucked in warmly under the blanket of freedom OUR G.I.'S PROVIDED…and they resent the U.S.A…..
Actually, that one is quite the classic. A little corney by todays standards perhaps, but still a good movie. Now Grease II on the other hand…
*shivers in terror*
Dennis - July 7th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Make fun of Grease 2 all you want…but I can quote nearly the whole thing and sing along with every song…which, well, I don't know what that says about me. Call it a (very) guilty pleasure.
LOL, hell man, you're talking to someone who's favorite movie of all time (including my wife's) is Killer Klowns from Outer Space, so no shame there. And i will admit, Michelle Pfeifer is cute in her introductory starring role.
Obama will probably do something about that "unfairness". He just needs to get around to it.
Dennis - July 8th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
I love her performance of "Cool Rider"…how bad does she wish either a) she never agreed to do that pic or b) she could have every print of that movie destroyed?
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69 Comments
Xanadu??? Seriously???
"A Fantasy, a Musical, a Place Where Dreams Come True"?
Obamelot
Chris Mathews on Broadway
My comment must be approved by the site admins before it will appear publicly.
I feel so…suppressed.
Kira from Xanadu =Sarah? ha-ha. clever
Olivia Newtron bomb is pretty….
There were (indeed are) fewer things in this universe more perverse and horrifying than watching Gene Kelly smiling maniacally and clapping his hands, all the while rolling forward on a pair of roller skates performing a modified hustle… except, of course, the rest of the movie.
Oh geez, one of the worst movies on the planet. Olivia sure did hit some bombs after Grease that's for sure.
I never saw "Xanadu".
But, I had no idea it had an aging Gene Kelly on roller skates. Now, I must watch it.
Do you think it's still available on Netflix?
About the only good thing about the movie would be the Don Bluth animated segment in the middle of that mess.
The horror! The HORROR!
Soundtrack by ELO and also featuring a song from The Tubes, it surely isn't that bad … OK, though the movie is a guilty pleasure, yes it is that bad.
The entire movie Xanadu used to be on Hulu, now they just have some clips.
sounds like everybody is kind of mentally tired out after the Independence Day weekend
Yeah, could they have put up the poster from "The Patriot"?
That's what I'm sayin'!!
Xanadu???? C'mon Big Hollywood, remove head from buttocks, THEN post!!!
In my mind this movie is a classic. As others have indicated, the acting was third rate but the soundtrack was remarkable. Since I first saw this movie ELO has remained one of my all time favorite groups. Olivia had a voice to match her beauty and considering my age at the time it was easy to fall in love with her, at least until Grease came out. I found the mix of Jazz and Rock music inspiring and the story entertaining. Watch it for yourself and make draw your own conclusions. You wont regret it.
Here's a return to patriotic content: Def Leppard = class. http://www.threedonia.com/archives/9799
I'd rather discuss THE HORN BLOWS AT MIDNIGHT, an unjustly and ignorantly maligned film.
I am told it did not do well at the time of its release in 1945 inspite of the high level of creativity in the film.
But what I have only heard once from a film buff alive at the time was that one reason it did not succeed was that Americans in 1945 having come through almost 4 years of WW2 and human loss of life were put off by a film in which an angel is sent to destroy the Earth in a very comic manner.
The films star, Jack Benny, ragged on this film for years as part of his act, but that's all it was – part of his act, yet it became popular to denigrate the film despite the fact that it is fast-paced, extremely creatively, filled with great one-liners and a huge cast of well known character actors.
'Xanadu' is a horrid piece of film but at least the theme song is listenable. I had the good fortune to watch her perform it for the president at Ford's Theatre two years ago. She really is the nicest, sweetest (truly) woman I've ever met.
After this, can we discuss the libertarian aspect of Dumb and Dumber?
Agreed. I can't watch the movie but I love how Olivia Newton John sings that song. Now I'll have it in my head all day. Thanks, BH. Thanks a lot.
I was 11 when this came out … I remember vaguely seeing it and really liking it (yet somehow I grew up straight).
I saw it again in college and really wished I hadn't.
As product of the 80's (and a dancer), I must say that I LOVED this movie as a teen. I still like the music, and ONJ has always been a woman I admired. As for Gene Kelly, they could film him just moving around a little bit here and there and I'd be happy.
I saw this in college when it was released, with a fraternity brother who was a football playing, power-tool using alpha male. . .and a crazy-wild ONJ fan. The finale where she sings the title song is pretty fun, but the rest of the movie is candy shite.
I love this movie – mainly because of the total cheese factor (plus Gene Kelly on rollerskates). The soundtrack is excellent!
However, I always felt bad for Michael Beck – his career was so promising after "The Warriors", yet this film pretty much killed that promise. Sad!
I'll give you the soundtrack, E.P…but other than that.. Unuh! no way, no how.. even I can't sit through this one.. and I can manage a lot of bad movies.. (call it a guilty pleasure).
Well, it had a second life as a Broadway musical… It's glorious cheese. Tragic that it's Kelly's last film, but he gives it his all so you can't help but sigh a little. It's a wonderful curiosity, and it will answer the ago-old question of why there aren't more roller disco movies.
But, she looked GOOD making those bombs, and that's the important point….
AHH, the Tubes! I was in a band that covered a Tubes song, "Talk to Ya Later"…we were probably the only band on earth in the early 80's covering the Tubes..
Hulu is saving valuable bandwidth I'm sure….
Olivia Newton-John. Still one of the most beautiful women in the world – spiritually, intellectually and physically. An incredibly talented and compassionate individual.
I've written a tongue-in-cheek apocalypse novel based very loosely on Xanadu–names/lyrics changed to protect me from lawsuits. LOL I love this movie, I own it on DVD–and it came with the Xanadu soundtrack. There was something magical about the 80s!
I've posted my first three chapters at http://www.bellastreet.blogspot.com/ and will be posting more. Take a peek–comments/complaints welcome!
Is that the one with the giant cup of coffee? I saw that on TV when I was little. It´s coming back to me now. I LOVED it.
That is fantastic…indeed VERY classy of Def Leppard…probably distressing the apologists that creep about Britian but if they're smart, and they are, the have gained U.S. citizenship by now. Salute to Def Leppard
I attempted to voice my concern that are still people that think passive "non-violence" is a strategy for anything but subjugation, as discussed on July 4th… said euro-dweeb…stuff…blah, blah….and maily that I was offended that any European would squander the freedom that thousands of dead Americans GAVE THEM, with their very lives…mentioned Omaha Beach where I had the honor of walking on a few weeks ago,…blah, blah…AND THEN, your comment must be approved by the site admins before it will appear….just because I said I like to take the guy be the neck and make him read some of those grave markers of brave americans buried forever on the bluff over looking Omaha…
Jamesb – it may eventually show up. I think it may be as much a technical glitch with Intense Debate as anything. I had the problem earlier today on something that had nothing even possibly including a tagged word. Then later, voila, there it was hours later
Olivia is going to look good forever, it's kind of unfair to the rest of us.
I've written a tongue-in-cheek apocalypse novel based very loosely on Xanadu–names/lyrics changed to protect me from lawsuits. LOL I love this movie, I own it on DVD–and it came with the Xanadu soundtrack. There was something magical about the 80s!
In which case my friend, I say we give 'em all a happy little blast of The Mae Shi…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUKAcKKQns4
I dated a girl (briefly) during whose father had a TOTALLY unhealthy fixation on O.N.J.,…. it was really creepy…
It is my belief that her voice in the song "Magic" is one of the most sensual things on the planet.
SENSUAL, not sexual.
The 80's where great…. and it is a shame that it had to end…. Xanadu… wow it could have only been made during the 80's… Now I want to hear that Killing Joke song 80's…..There was another Olivia Newton John movie on this past weekend that my wife and I watched and just basically made fun of…. damn, it was great now I have to rent this BLOCKBUSTER and watch it with my wife….
The Xanadu Soundtrack provided me and my friends HOURS UPON HOURS of basement roller skating awesomeness stage shows. We knew we were as graceful and pretty as Kira. Definitely a fabulous encore character to follow Sandy.
hilarious presentation-found the lyrics on google
Aaah, ONJ! I remember seeing this movie in the early days of HBO and, even though I had seen her in Grease, I felt, for the first time, that funny tingly feeling young guys get when they develop their first crush.
Jimmy you rascal, that is now on rotation on my ipod's recently added playlist
"There were (indeed are) fewer things in this universe more perverse and horrifying than watching Gene Kelly smiling maniacally and clapping his hands"
That's right up there with Killer Klowns from Outer Space.
Hulu is only supposed to liquify our brains for the aliens, not completely evaporate them. Thus the edits.
That song's good enough that even not having Olivia sing it doesn't ruin it. Here's Jeff Lynne's more Wilbury-esque version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMbtR4JJ1RE
it's like with an Elvis movie.. dont matter how silly the film or acting is, just let us hear the singer sing!
Admittly I did enjoy it for the music more than anything. another light hearted guilty pleasure.
was that the one with her playing a bank teller and John Travolta playing a bank robber?
cute story, Erin!
brother, you can write.
That's the one.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037790/
One of many great sight gags and props in the film.
There's no high-brow humor in the film, but you got Raoul Walsh directing a sensational cast.
Jack Benny… Athanael
Alexis Smith… Elizabeth
Dolores Moran… Violinist / Fran Blackstone
Allyn Joslyn… Second Trumpeter / Osidro
Reginald Gardiner… Composer / Archie Dexter
Guy Kibbee… Radio Director / The Chief
John Alexander… First trumpeter / Doremus
Franklin Pangborn… Radio Engineer / Sloan
Margaret Dumont… Mme. Traviata / Miss Rodholder
Robert Blake… Junior Pulplinsky (as Bobby Blake)
Ethel Griffies… Lady Stover
Paul Harvey… Hotel Manager Thompson
Mike Mazurki… Bass Player / Humphrey Rafferty
Truman Bradley… Radio Announcer
I love the movie Xanadu! Great music (I love ELO) and Gene Kelly! It was a fun, light hearted movie, nothing more than that. Years ago, one of my son's friend's had told me,"I just don't get it." I told him there wasn't anything to "get." I told him to just watch it and enjoy the music. It's all about someone who has a dream and the Muse is there to inspire him. After that, hew became a big ELO fan.
Um actually I am almost embarassed to say it… "GREASE"
And "Grease" wasn't quite "Singin' in the Rain," either…
Different subject:
I just have to say that my former Congressman (I moved out of the district and the state some years ago) is THE MAN!
(check out the item in the masthead box on the homepage)
Good soundtrack music from ELO, but a terrible movie.
I'm still incredulous that a Euro-dweeb would chime in with "let's all be non-violent" and really mean it on a July 4th…it probably wouldn't have bothered me as much had I not JUST walked on the quiet peaceful sand of Omaha Beach…then the (except for German tourists) peaceful greens of the U.S. Cemetary that stands on the bluffs above Omaha…these Euros were given the gift of freedom by selfless American young men and are ungreatful at best and in the process of squandering that freedom to radical islam and socialism (a long ingrained British disease) and communism, and don't seem to notice it! I'd love to take that guy by the scruff of his neck and drag him up to one of the crosses that says "Here Rests in Honored Glory a Comrade in Arms Known But to God" and shove his face up against it and make him read the marker out loud. But then, that might be misconstrued as "violent".
Bennett—-I agree, PK rules!
Xanadu was released on my eighteenth birthday, and starred two of my favorites—ONJ and Gene Kelly—-what a disappointment….but the music was fun.
You're very kind sir, our country's contribution to other countries freedom, particularly by those that have made the ultimate sacrifice, is a subject that fires me up. Lip service from liberals that fain support for our military while simultanious plotting to undermine it makes me sick. Clowns like "Euro-boy" sleep soundly, tucked in warmly under the blanket of freedom OUR G.I.'S PROVIDED…and they resent the U.S.A…..
Yes you are correct, Thanks Jed…
Oh, is the "inspirational muse" supposed to be Obama? I'm lost here. Please 'splain!!!
Actually, that one is quite the classic. A little corney by todays standards perhaps, but still a good movie. Now Grease II on the other hand…
*shivers in terror*
Make fun of Grease 2 all you want…but I can quote nearly the whole thing and sing along with every song…which, well, I don't know what that says about me. Call it a (very) guilty pleasure.
LOL, hell man, you're talking to someone who's favorite movie of all time (including my wife's) is Killer Klowns from Outer Space, so no shame there. And i will admit, Michelle Pfeifer is cute in her introductory starring role.
Obama will probably do something about that "unfairness". He just needs to get around to it.
I love her performance of "Cool Rider"…how bad does she wish either a) she never agreed to do that pic or b) she could have every print of that movie destroyed?
Just for the heck of it…Adrian Zmed.
indeed, that was one definite Mystery Science Theater 3000 moment.
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