All About Movie Stars

May 31, 2009

Bollywood Movie Releases of 2009, Hindi Films of 2009

Filed under: Movies — Tags: , , — admin @ 10:30 pm
Arunraj V.S. asked:


Here is the list of Bollywood movies releasing in 2009. Akshay Kumar has quite a good line up of films in 2009 while Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan have a film each, apart from their special appearances in three films. Among the actresses, the three Ks-Kangana Ranaut, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif look set to have a good year.

* Victory: Victory starring Harman Baweja, is one of the most expensive movies of 2009. The story is about a boy from a small time village in Rajasthan who fulfills his father’s long cherished dream of being an acclaimed cricketer at the national level. There are cameo appearances by many international cricketers as well. Anupam Kher and Amrita Rao costar in Victory.

* Acid Factory: Acid Factory, a Sanjay Gupta film has an elaborate start cast of Dia Mirza, Irrfan Khan, Fardeen Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Aftab Shivdasani and Danny Denzongpa. Acid Factory is about a group of people, whose sense of past has been erased from their memory. It is a high octane thriller, making the bad and evil relish-able. Dia Mirza plays a bad woman for the first time. The music of Acid Factory has been give by many music directors, including Sandeep Chowta, Anand Raj Anand, Mika Singh. The director of Acid Factory is Suparn Verma.

* Raaz-The Mystery Continues: Director Mohit Suri attempts to show in this sequel to Raaz, that no one is good or bad totally; every one has their own demons to fight. Raaz-The Mystery Continues is a story of three people. Emraan Hashmi an artist, visualizes and prophecies the brutal death of Kangana Ranaut. Kangana’s beau (reel and real life) Adhyayan is determined to save her at any cost. The movie under Mukesh Bhatt’s Vishesh Films releases on January 23, 2009.

* Chandni Chowk to China: Director Nikhil Advani is back with a prized Akshay Kumar starrer-Chandni Chowk to China. The story is such that Akshay Kumar works at a roadside foodstall in Chandni Chowk, cutting vegetables and dreaming of a better life. He consults astrologers, tarot readers and the lot, believing in everything but himself. His redeeming moment comes when two strangers from China claim that he(Akshay) is a reincarnation of a war hero and takes him to China. Akshay moves along with Ranvir Shourey in a bid to realize his brave past. Along the way he meets Deepika Padukone and they set off in a series of adventures.

* Billu Barber: If Aamir Khan adapted a movie Ghajini from the south last year, Shahrukh Khan does a similar thing this. Billu Barber produced by Shahrukh Khan is loosely based on the friendship between Kishen and Sudama and also borrows from the Malayalam superhit Kuselan. Shahrukh Khan plays himself in the movie(call it an extended special appearance) while Irrfan Khan, who is the protagonist plays a small town barber. Whatever the fate of the film, one thing is for sure: you will blown away by the performances of two of the best actors of Bollywood.

* Delhi 6: The best director of 2006 Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra produces and directs this film. It is an autobiographic take on his growing days in Delhi. The film should be the trump card for actress Sonam Kapoor. It also stars Abhishek Bachchan. There is a huge expectation from the director who started a revolution with Rang De Basanti.

* Delhi Belly: Imran Khan who had played two distinct roles in hit Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and flop Kidnap, comes back in a frothy comedy, to be made by the best producer in Bollywood, yep you guessed it right, Aamir Khan. There is buzz that Delhi Belly is an adult comedy with ’strong language’ and sexual innuendos. The movie Delhi Belly is being marketed as an adult copy, appealing to a niche audience and international market. The film is directed by Abhinav Deo.

* New York: Kabir Khan who surprised us pleasantly with “Kabul Express” comes back in 2009 with a taut thriller called ‘New York’ . New York stares Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh and John Abraham who has stripped himself to the buff(rejoice girls!) for a particular sequence of the film. New York is a contemporary story of three friends whose lives are scarred events beyond their control.

* Luck by Chance: The man of multiple talents Farhan Akhtar stars in what could be one of the finest Bollywood movie release to 2009.The star studded release include Hrithik Roshan, Rishi Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Dimple Kapadia, Isha Sherwani, Juhi Chawla and Sanjay Kapoor. Luck By Chance is a take on the aspiring actor with stars in his eyes, who wants to get a foothold in the Bollywood industry. It is a movie about how much of an impact does luck play in Bollywood.

* 8 x 10: This will be Akshay Kumar’s first ‘non-filmi’ movie if one can use this term. In a relatively low budget film directed by the ever dependable Nagesh Kukoonoor and produced by Percept, it will portray Akshay Kumar as a man who can look into the past of dead people by touching objects that belonged to them. Inspired lightly by ‘Sixth Sense,’ this film is a must watch.

* Alibaug; Directed by Sanjay Gupta, it has a bevy of actors: Sunjay Dutt, Sanjay Suri, Diya Mirza, ROhit Roy and Maushmi Makhija. The story deals with nine youths who have just graduated from college and are looking at the real world that awaits them.

* Alladin : Alladin is an interpretation of Arabian Nights. It stars Riteish Deshmukh as Alladin and Amitabh Bachan as the genie. Expect a lot of special effects in this funny tale. Sanjay Dutt also stars in the film as a villain called Ringmaster, directed by Sujoy Ghosh.

* Ajab Prem ki Ghajab Kahani: Raj Kumar Santoshi, one of the prolific directors of Bollywood, attempts to bring the magic of Andaaz Apna Apna once again with a comic caper *** love story, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. The movie has a simple story of Ranbir Kapoor who moves around in his life, aimlessly. He keeps on fooling around till he meets Katrina Kaif and falls in love with her. After that the fun and madness begins.

* * Aashayein: Aashayein directed by Nagesh Kukunoor stars Ayesha Takia and John Abraham. John Abraham plays a compulsive gambler suddenly discovers that he is a victim of terminal illness, and that he has only 90 days to live. He is admitted to a hospital where he discover love, companionship and the beautiful meaning of life.

* Kambhakkt Ishq: One of the most talked about movies, Kambhaqt Ishq has beeen in news since 2008. Kambakth Ishq has cameo roles from major Hollywood stars including Sylvester Stallone and Denise Richards. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. Akshay Kumar who plays stuntman, will be back in his action avatar, doing dare devil stunts. The movie also stars Aftab Shivdasani, Amrita Arora and is directed by debutant Sabir Khan. Kambakth Ishq is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala.

* London Dreams: London Dreams, one of the most expensive movies of 2009 stars Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan and Asin. London Dreams is a story about two pop stars Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan who fall in love with a South Indian girl, Asin.

* Rensil D’ Silva’s next: Rensil D’Silva who was Rang De Basanti’s screenplay writer become director with this film. It is a thriller with global terrorism in the background. The movie stars Saif Ali Khan, Vivek Oberoi and Kareena Kapoor. Karan Johar is the producer.

* Hissss: Hissss is synoymous with Mallika Sherwat. Hollywood collaborates with Bollywood to produce Hissss. Mallika plays a snake who is on the way to seek vengeance. An American visitor steps into the jungles of India and kills the female snake’s mate which makes her seek revenge. Expect a lot of special effects in this flick. Apparently Mallika Sherwat who is dressed in a painfully heavy snake costume(she couldnt even go to the loo for 10 hours flat while shooting for this film) has no dialogue to mouth in the film.

* De Dhana Dhan: Priyadarshan is back with his style of comedy with De Dana Dhan. The movie stars the current hot onscreen pair-Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar. Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal also star in the film, hopefully to recreate the Hera-Pheri magic, 9 years ago. De Dana Dhan is a story of two broke guys who are in search of big money, to prove a point to their girlfriends. The movie also stars Sameera Reddy and Neha Dhupia.

* What’s Your Rashee: Director Ashutosh Gowariker tries a love story with What’s Your Rashee? starring lovers Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja. The movie is an adaptation of a Gujarati novel by Shri Madhu called Kimbali Ravenswood. The romantic movie is a story about how Harman Baweja has just ten days to win over the love of his life, Priyanka Chopra.

* Kaminay: One of the most prolific directors, Vishal Bharadwaj comes back with a bang in Kaminay, starring Shahid Kapur, Priyanka Chopra and Amol Gupte(the creative director of Taare Zameen Par). Easily one of the awaited films of 2009, you will see Shahid Kapur in a double role here. The look of Shahid is going to be totally different for Kaminay and it is reportedly kept under the wraps. The movie is supposed to be a comedy with a difference.

* Imtiaz Ali’s next film: Imtiaz Ali, who had given the saccharine sweet Jab We Met, two years ago, comes up with a romantic intense tale, which stars Deepika Padukone and Saif Ali Khan. Though the story is kept under wraps, it will be a true-blue love story of 2009.

* Wake Up Sid: Call it unconventional romantic pairing, but we have Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor starring in Wake Up Sid, directed by debutant Ayaan Mukherjee. It is a Karan Johar production. Will be interesting to see how people from two different genres, Konkona and Ranbir do with this one.

* It’s My Life: The sweetheart of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na(2008) pairs up with Harman Baweja in the movie Its My Life. The movie is directed by the director with the superhit track record, Anees Bazmee.

* Wanted-Dead or Alive: Starring the muscular Salman Khan and the voluptuous Ayesha Takia, Wanted-Dead or Alive should be the first big hit of the most under rated performer of Bollywood, Ms. Takia. Prabhudeva’s first Bollywood directorial venture is a remake of his Tamil-Telugu blockbuster Pokiri. The pairing of the two beautiful actors is wonderful and the chemistry is going to sizzle the screen.

* Blue: Blue, one of the most expensive film of Bollywood ever(budget more than Rs.100 crores), has Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan in lead roles. The action film is shot in Bahamas and is written by American writers Joshua Lurie and Bryan M. Sullivan. The movie has a lot of underwater scenes and dare devil stunts by Akshay Kumar. A.R.Rahman has given music for the film. Australian singer Kylie Minogue has been reportedly paid 1.5 million dollars to sing for Rahman, Antony D’Souza is to direct the film.

For more exciting Bollywood movie releases of 2009, please refer to my blog.



Caffeinated Content

May 30, 2009

Old Star Wars Action Figures - What are They Worth?

Filed under: Collecting — Tags: , , — admin @ 10:06 am
Rob Ferrall asked:


Even if you were not a big fan of the Star Wars movies, you likely had your share of time to play with Star Wars vintage action figures.  After all — Star Wars dominated a portion of the science fiction genre starting in the late 1970’s, and the demand for these action figures continues today.

With the popularity of Star Wars vintage action figures in mind, oftentimes we wonder what certain toys, vehicles, or characters, might bring in if we wanted to sell them.  Before we begin, however, something that we should state is that, as with many vintage toys, the true value is in the eye of the beholder.  While an X-Wing Starfighter may realistically be worth $50 to $250 on the open market, a certain collector may actually be willing to pay much more than the going rate for these vintage star wars action figurines and vehicles.  

Here are two resources that may be able to help you identify the value of your Star Wars vintage action figures.

eBay.com

While the popularity of eBay has floundered a little bit as of late, it is still considered a massive worldwide marketplace.  If you’re looking to figure out an estimated market value for your star wars vintage action figure, or even if you are just looking for some quick cash — eBay may very well be the very first place to look.  Now, the prices on eBay are not necessarily reflective of the true value of some of these vintage Star Wars toys and in fact, the prices that you find on eBay are likely less than you would get from a private collector.  All of that said — eBay.com is a great place to try to assess the value of your vintage Star Wars action figure.

Amazon.com

There are small handful pricing guides for Star Wars vintage action figures that can be purchased, quite affordably, on Amazon.com. One of these guides is the “Warman’s Star Wars Field Guide: Values And Identification” paperback.  This particular priding guide is purported to be a short and concise pricing guide for vintage Star Wars toys, figurines, and vehicles.

So, if you’re in a pinch and you want a relative idea of what your Star Wars action figure may be worth, eBay.com is the place to go.  However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth, and likely accurate, pricing guide for your vintage Star Wars toys, check out the small handful of selections at Amazon.com to get your answers resolved regarding how much your action figures and vehicles are worth today.



Create a video blog…instantly.

May 27, 2009

Lyrics That Give Movie Stars Top Billing

Filed under: Music — Tags: , , — admin @ 8:00 pm
Merryl Lentz asked:


Musical idols have their own idols, too.  They’re fans at heart, who were, at one time, in the audience of bands whose tunes and lyrics inspired them to get into the music business.  But they’ve had other influences, too, including actors who they pay tribute to in their lyrics.  Here are a few songs and lyrics by musicians who were inspired by an actor’s life or movies–or who they think are just plain hot!

“Candle in the Wind” - Elton John

Although this classic’s poignant, bittersweet lyrics about movie icon Marilyn Monroe were penned by Bernie Taupin, Elton John deeply sympathized with the emotional anguish behind Monroe’s public persona.  The lyrics refer to Monroe by her real name, Norma Jean, and speak with dignity to the human being, not the *** symbol:  “Goodbye Norma Jean/From the young man in the 22nd row/Who sees you as something more than sexual/More than just our Marilyn Monroe.”  Monroe tragically died at age 36.

“James Dean” - The Eagles

In his mere 26 years, charismatic movie star James Dean became a legend whose legacy is eternal.  A daredevil who enjoyed taking risks, Dean also packed a lot of living into those 26 years.  The lyrics to this appropriately fast-paced song express admiration for Dean, and remorse over his death.  A huge race fan, Dean was killed on the way to a race in Salinas, California when his Porsche 550 Spyder was hit head-on at the intersections of Highways 46 and 41.  Part of the lyrics deal specifically with the horrific crash:  “Along came a Spyder/And picked up a rider/And took him down the road to eternity/…You were too fast to live/Too young to die/Bye-bye.”

“Bette Davis Eyes” - Kim Carnes

Originally recorded by Jackie DeShannon in 1974 and made famous by Kim Carnes in 1981, this song’s lyrics salute silver screen star, Bette Davis, known for playing strong-willed, independent women, and for her huge, seductive eyes.  Some of those lyrics include, “She’s ferocious and she knows just/What it takes to make a pro blush/All the boys think she’s a spy/She’s got Bette Davis eyes.”  The acclaimed actress was so flattered by the song and its lyrics that she wrote a letter personally thanking Carnes and the songwriters for making her “a part of modern history.”

“The Johnny Depp Song” - Amy Anne

As if the name “Johnny Depp” wasn’t spine-tingling on its own, it’s enough to induce permanent euphoria when set to music.  A vocalist for the band, Xenophilia, Amy Anne co-wrote the music and lyrics to “The Johnny Depp Song,” which appeared on her solo album, “Supergirl.”  Sung in smoky, sultry cabaret style, the lyrics to this ode to Depp’s physical attributes abound with humor that your average stalker could relate to:  “Johnny Depp you’re cruel/You’re the harbinger of drool/Come mow my lawn without a shirt, Johnny Dirt.”

Whether it’s love, lust, respect, sympathy or awe, musicians have paid tribute to countless movie stars in their song lyrics.  And, coming from a musician, being immortalized in one of their songs is their highest compliment.



Create a video blog…instantly.

May 26, 2009

Making Top Movies in Malta

Filed under: Movies — Tags: , , — admin @ 4:17 pm
Roger Munns asked:


Filming in Malta began in the 1970s. One of the earliest movies filmed in Malta is “Orca: Killer Whale.” The 1977 film starred Richard Harris as Captain Nolan and Charlotte Rampling as Rachel Bedford. The movie brought attention to the plight of the killer whale and introduced movie viewers to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and parts of Malta.

Popeye Village

In 1980, Sweethaven Village was created on Malta. The Robin Williams movie was filmed in Malta, and the Sweethaven Village still stands today. Though it is not being used to film movies, it still serves the island well as a tourist attraction. The village is open to tourists seven days per week and offers a variety of family activities.

A Previous Engagement

The latest movie to be filmed entirely on the island of Malta was “A Previous Engagement” starring Juliet Stevenson and Daniel Stern. The Canadian-Maltese co-production was released in the U.S. in May 2008. In conjunction with the movie’s opening, a contest has been organized. One winner will receive an all-expenses-paid vacation to Malta and stay in the Xara Palace in Mdina where the movie was filmed.

Other movies that have been filmed in Malta include:

* “Midnight Express.” Some scenes were filmed at Fort St. Elmo in 1978.

* “Raise the Titanic” in 1980.

* “Cutthroat Island.” The popular Geena Davis and Matthew Modine film was shot primarily near Vittoriosa. Some scenes were filmed in Mdina, Fort St. Elmo and the Dingli Cliffs. Water tanks were provided by the Mediterranean Film Studios.

* “White Squall.” The violent storm experienced in this movie was filmed at the Mediterranean Film Studios in 1996.

* “U-571.” The star-studded cast included Matthew McConnaughey, Jon Bon Jovi, Harvey Kitel and Bill Paxton. The tanks used in the movie are the property of the Mediterranean Film Studios. One night-time scene was filmed in the city of Valletta at the Grand Harbor in 2000.

* “The Count of Monte Cristo.” In 2002, Valletta and Vittoriosa were temporarily transformed into Marseille for the filming of this movie. The lovemaking scene was filmed on the rocks near Fort St. Elmo. St Mary’s Tower on Comino served as the Chateau d’If.

* “Pinocchio.” The 2002 production of Pinocchio included scenes filmed in the Mediterranean Film Studios.

* “Swept Away.” The 2002 creation of Madonna and Guy Ritchie was filmed on both Comino and Malta. Madonna’s snorkeling scene was filmed at the Blue Lagoon on Comino.

* “Helen of Troy.” The 2003 mini series was filmed at Fort Ricasoli and on Comino at the Blue Lagoon.

* “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.” This 2003 hit starred Sean Connery and was filmed on Gozo at Xlendi. The submarine scenes were filmed at the Mediterranean Film Studios.

* “Troy.” The 2004 blockbuster hit starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom was filmed at Fort Ricasoli. Parts were filmed in Mellieha and on Comino Island. The movie’s producers used Malta’s natural beauty and ruins to enhance the authenticity of the movie.

* “A Different Loyalty.” Starring Sharon Stone, this movie was filmed in 2004 at Fort St. Elmo, which gives a visual representation of the city of Beirut. Parts of the movie were filmed on the Golden Sands Beach.

* “Alexander.” In 2004, Valletta’s Grand Harbor doubled for the ancient port city of Alexandria. The movie starred Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins and Colin Farrell.

* “Gladiator.” The Russell Crowe movie was shot at a replica built at Fort Ricasoli with a night time scene being filmed just outside Vittoriosa at Couvre Port.



Kansieo.com

Los Angeles Events - be Up Close & Personal With the Stars

Filed under: Travel Tips — Tags: , , — admin @ 7:24 am
Joe Deacon asked:


You may think that many of the Los Angeles events that take place throughout the year are strictly for the Hollywood Crowd and that you will forever be behind the velvet rope. Not true. You can find a lot of events that take place in Los Angeles each year that are open to the general public and will make your visit to the City of Angels even more enlightening. Some of these Los Angeles events include the following.

Shriner’s Circus

The Shriner’s is a public service organization that hosts an annual circus to benefit children at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Center in downtown Los Angeles. The Shriner’s Circus is held the last weekend of January every year and can be a good way for you and your family to start off the New Year. There is a fee to get in, but the circus is something that your kids will remember forever. This is a circus that caters to kids and also helps a good cause.

Los Angeles Jazz Festival

There are jazz festivals throughout the country but the Los Angeles Jazz festival is one that is held indoors and in the winter months. Although Los Angles is usually sunny and warm throughout the year, the jazz festival gives a whole new meaning to the term “cool jazz” as it is held inside the Laemmie Music Hall. You can check out the Los Angeles Jazz Festival every year during the first Saturday of March. The festival goes on throughout the day and features local and often undiscovered acts.

The Los Angeles Hot Air Balloon Festival

The annual hot air balloon festival features balloons from around the world that ascend into the sky for a grand spectacle from Echo Park each year. The Los Angeles Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place the second weekend of March each year and includes a fair with food and rides for the kids. Hot air balloon festivals are something that most people enjoy watching and your family will be no different. Best of all, this event is not only open to the public, but it’s free.

Los Angeles Taste Fest

You can get a taste of the cuisine in and around the Los Angeles area if you go to the Los Angeles Taste Fest at Griffith Park located along Crystal Springs Drive in Los Angeles. If you have always wanted to sample some of the cuisines of the restaurants that you have hard so much about and perhaps those that you have heard your favorite stars attend, you can do so when you attend this annual festival that occurs during the last weekend in June.

Los Angeles Book Fair & Sale

The Los Angeles Library system is one of the largest public library systems in the world. Millions of donations make the annual Los Angeles Book Fair and Sale a huge annual event. The Los Angeles Book Fair takes place at all of the Los Angeles libraries including the Echo Park branch, the Montbello Library and the Pasadena library. If you like books, you will want to come to the largest library sale of books in the country during the last weekend of September every year.

You do not have to be a movie star to have fun at events in Los Angeles. In addition to the many trade shows that you can attend as well as the fine dining and shopping, you can enjoy quite a bit of family fun without it costing you a lot of money in Los Angeles so do come and visit!



Create a video blog…instantly.

Movie Fans Find Vacation Gold in California

Filed under: Destinations — Tags: , , — admin @ 4:07 am
Walter Minton asked:


Are you a movie fan that likes to take interesting vacations? Wouldn’t it be fun to take a trip to southern California to see movie filming locations?

California is rich with movie history with many interesting filming spots you can visit. If you have never been to Universal City then this is a good place to start. Here you can go behind the scenes and see sets used repeatedly in the movies. After your tour, visit Universal city walk with dining and shopping.

Nevertheless, everyone visits these major attractions and you and I are serious movie buffs and want something more interesting.

The very best place in the world for movie and western history fans is Gene Autry’s Museum of the American West witch is part of The Autry National Center at 4700 Western Heritage Way off interstate 5 near Griffith Park. Let me tell you folks this Museum has the most amazing things you have ever seen. Some exhibits are from movie history and many of the exhibits are real life. Annie Oakley’s true history and the actual gun she used to make it for example will have you saying, “Hey, this girl was the real deal”.

After the museum since you are already in Griffith Park take the drive up to Griffith Planetarium and see the spot where James Dean made Rebel Without a Cause. Remember the school trip and the climactic shoot-out. The studios filmed many movies here in this huge city park. Remember the scene in The Rocketeer in front of the planetarium when he fights the hoods and flies up to the blimp. Other films featuring the Observatory include the Steve Martin’s Hollywood satire Bowfinger, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, the spoofy 1987 film Dragnet with Tom Hanks and Dan Aykroyd.

If you are adventurous and do not mind lot’s of driving, there are many famous filming locations scattered all over southern California. These are houses, stores and malls like the Puente Hills Mall 1600 Azusa Ave., City of Industry, California where in 1985, Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean “time machine” invented by slightly mad scientist Christopher Lloyd.

Some locations can be found on the internet. Some are no longer there but are born again, like the ruins of a demolished steel plant at Fontana, on the outskirts of San Bernardino Route 10 east of Los Angeles where scenes from the Terminator, and future resistance hero John Connor were filmed, is now the California Speedway. Here you can see where Lindsay Lohan made the movie Herbie Fully Loaded and raced the Volkswagen bug with a mind of its own on this racetrack.Not far away in the Lake Arrowhead area is where Lindsay made her first Movie The Parent Trap. You can drive around the lake ( Lake Gregory not Arrowhead ) and discover many scenes from the movie.

North of Los Angeles on highway 14 is an area called Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. Hundreds of films and commercials are made in this area since they started making movies, including Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, the ‘Vulcan’ planet: Vasquez Rocks has been used in hundreds of Westerns and sci-fi movies. The Flintstones, Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles, and too many others to name. It is off the beaten path in the middle of the desert but well worth seeing. The entire village of the Flintstones was built here and was open to the public for a while. Just remember that it is a park and after filming is done, the sets are taken away but those crazy rocks are interesting. Take pictures and compare them with movies you see later.

While you are in the area, you must visit The Shambala Preserve for movie and other animals not far away at 6867 Soledad Canyon in Acton. It was started by actress and conservationist Tippi Hedren who is the beautiful blonde in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds (And 67 other movies). Mr. Hitchcock said once “Tippi Hedren is really remarkable”. He did not know how right he was even if it was for different reasons. Tippi has devoted much time and effort to charitable causes. Trust me, you will have a great time and be sure to leave Tippi a little donation to help feed those big kitties.

If you plan a trip in October and you do not mind a drive through the desert, you may want to visit The Lone Pine Film Festival. It is held every year in October. This year the dates are October 6th. 7th. & 8th. Taking place in and around the town of Lone Pine California, where filming has continued every year since 1920. Actors and stunt men show up unannounced every year. The area is for sure Hollywood’s favorite movie location for 85 years. Nearly 400 feature films have shot scenes here. It is a huge wilderness area in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. During the festival, they put up hundreds of little stands with movie photographs on them in the exact spot where they filmed the scene. One of my favorites is the big rocks where Richard Boone held Randolph Scott prisoner in The Tall T. This is where John Wayne made many westerns and in fact, his last public appearance was here in the Great Western Savings commercials.

You never know who may show up at this event. Sometimes actors are filming in the area and just show up. I turned to see why my wife was taking pictures and saw Fred Dryer and Hugh O’Bryan standing beside me. You should see the photo she took of Robert Blake. Because it is not overcrowded, it is easy to talk to someone famous. I have stood on a street corner and talked with Gregory Peck and John Mitchum without anyone bothering us. I talked to Robert Blake and saw him and Dale Evans (Yes Dale Evans) sitting at the same table. I don’t think she cared for his language but she didn’t say so. She told us stories about her and Roy making movies in Lone Pine. Blake complained about how awful it was being a child star but he also told some funny stories.

East of Los Angeles near Palm Springs is an old historic western town called Pioneertown. Gene Autry and Roy Rogers built the place to make western movies. The old western-style saloons and storefronts that once were props for movie cowboys were in danger with the brush fires this year but the firefighters saved them. Their still using the town for movies and the last time I checked it was open to the public. It’s in the high desert near Palm Springs.

Since we are near Palm Springs guess what? Even the streets here are named after movie stars. My son and I once sat on a golf course out here asking silly questions to stars as they played golf. I thought it was funny when he asked Don Knots “Who’s Don Knots”?

P.S. Don’t forget to research places and events. In the case of most Film Festivals, it’s difficult to get a hotel unless booked months in advance. We used to stay a few miles away in Big Pine. Check my website http://www.TravelNetMall.com and get ready for the best Vacation Ever!

Walter



Create a video blog…instantly.

May 25, 2009

Backcountry Scenic Drives: Movie Flat Trail

Filed under: Travel — Tags: , , — admin @ 7:39 am
Angela Titus asked:


What do John Wayne, Planet of the Apes, and 4-wheeling have in common? No, unfortunately a famous director is not currently planning to make a high-budget 4-wheeling movie and discover new talent. (Yet.)

But filmmakers have made famous the remote, 4-wheel trail-rich, Southern California scenery in box office hits. If you know where to look while exploring Southern California off-highway trails, you’ll recognize the horizon that Luke Skywalker scanned with his binoculars for R2D2 in Star Wars. Maybe one of the places where Tonto and Kemosabe fought for frontier justice in The Lone Ranger will seem familiar. Or you might recognize the one of the outer space scenes from The Twilight Zone.

Death Valley has been one area favored by film and TV directors for its landscape. More than 100 movies and TV shows have been set here since the 1920s, including Spartacus (1960), Star Wars, Episodes IV-VI (1980s), The Doors (1991), The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), The Professionals (1966), The Twilight Zone (1959), and Ronald Reagan’s Death Valley Days (1950s). These films and shows used the popular shooting locations within Death Valley National Park: Badwater Basin (20 Mule Team, 1940), the Stovepipe Wells sand dunes (Greed, 1925, and Star Wars, 1977) Dante’s View (Star Wars, 1977), and Mushroom Rock Canyon (Star Wars, 1977). Trail riders will see all these locations navigating the trails in the Southern California guide. The book details more than 25 trails through scenery made famous by Hollywood.

Movies filmed on location in Death Valley are now rare due to the California Desert Protection Act passed in 1994. As a result, more movies are being shot in other areas of the Mojave Desert—on BLM land. The Trona Pinnacles, located about 22 miles east of Ridgecrest, is one such location. One trail in Backcountry Adventures: Southern California, Trona Pinnacles Trail traverses the ancient Searles Lakebed. The towering spires jutting up from the flat landscape developed from calcium carbonate deposits when the whole area was underwater.

The arid landscape that remains today has made the perfect setting science fiction movies and TV shows. Most recently the 2001 remake of Planet of the Apes, staring Mark Wahlberg, was set along this trail. Scenes from Star Trek V, The Final Frontier (1989), and the opening episode of the TV show Lost in Space were also filmed at this location. If you’re traveling in the area, beware of deep sand and wet conditions, which can impound even the most capable of 4-wheel vehicles. Stay off the paved road that crosses this trail; it is part of the China Lake Naval Weapons Center and has no public access. Spangler Hills OHV area, located at the end of this trail, has numerous trails and open areas to explore in any off-road rig.

The Alabama Hills, named by Confederate sympathizers during the Civil War, is another prominent filming location. Once a bustling mining area, this is the location of John Wayne’s last acting appearance in a 1979 commercial for Western Federal Savings and Loan. The low, rolling hills among dry, scrubby vegetation backed by the dramatic Sierra Nevada peaks make the perfect backdrop for cowboy and Indian shoot-outs, stagecoach robberies, and cattle mustering. John Wayne’s Westward Ho, William Boyd’s Hopalong Cassidy, along with The Lone Ranger, Gunga Din, Tremors, Star Trek V, and Joshua Tree are among the films and shows that have immortalized the Alabama Hills scenery.

Movie Flat Trail, 6 miles north of Lone Pine, crosses through traverses the Alabama Hills Recreation Area. East of the trail, the landscape is dominated by rock formations. Here explorers will find Gary Cooper Rock, Hopalong Cassidy Ambush Rock, Gene Autry Rock, and Lone Ranger Canyon. The Flats northwest of the trail set the scene for High Sierra (1942), Rawhide (1959-66), How the West was Won (1962), Gunga Din (1939), and many Roy Rogers films. More recent movies made in the Alabama Hills are Mel Gibson’s Maverick (1994), The Shadow (1993), staring Alec Baldwin, and Digital Man (1994). Scores of commercial interests from the big car companies to Apple computers to domestic beer companies have also used the landscape to persuade us to buy their products. Movies, television programs, and commercial are still actively shot in the Alabama Hills.

Just off Movie Flat Road, is an interesting spur to the remains of the Old Abe Mine. While an irresistible photo subject, use caution when exploring any mine ruins in the area. Old shafts and tunnels are deep and unstable and could give way at any time. At the south end of the trail, take the time to visit the bronze Movie Memorial. The trail ends at Whitney Portal Road with hiking access to the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney (14,494 feet). Permits are required and reservations are essential.



Kansieo.com

May 24, 2009

Most Successful Bollywood Movie 2008, Biggest Bollywood Movie Hits of 2008

Filed under: Movies — Tags: , , — admin @ 2:24 am
Arunraj V.S. asked:


All ye’ Bollywood fans and Bollywood lovers are interested in knowing which indeed was the most successful Bollywood movie of 2008. Is it Ghajini or Golmaal Returns? Or is there other clear winner? What do trade guides show? Which Bollywood movie truly rocked 2008? Is the most successful Bollywood movie of 2008, also your favorite movie?

Presenting here are the hits, superhits and blockbusters Bollywood movies of 2008, including a brief review. The movies are arranged according to their time of release.

1. Jodhaa Akbar : Released on February 15′ 2008, Jodhaa Akbar, directed by Bollywood most prolific director Ashutosh Gowariker, was a semi hit. It went on to do a business of Rs. 62 crores . Hrithik Roshan was the USP of the film, he played Akbar so well that the historic figure is now synonymous with the actor.

2. Race: Released on March 21′ 2008, Race was the first big hit of 2008. An edge of the seat thriller, the movie directed by Abbas-Mustan was full of twists and turns. As of May 30, it grossed Rs.63,67,00,000 ($14,886,600) in India, and $9,505,321 in other parts bringing a worldwide total of $24,391,921. Race is actually the fifth biggest hit of 2008.

3. Jannat: Jannat, directed by Kunal Deshmukh, was a Mukesh Bhatt film, released on May 16. Based on cricket betting, the movie extracted the career best performance of Emran Hashmi. Debutante Sonal Chauhan made a pretty picture in the movie. Jannat grossed 32,47,00,000 in 5 weeks, quite higher than its cost of production.

4. Aamir: One of the dark horse hits of 2008, Aamir directed by Raj Kumar Gupta released on June 6. The movie starring Rajeev Khandelwal was a story about how an innocent man gets trapped in the hands of religious extremists who want to bomb the city. An interesting premise, the movie did good business.

5. Sarkar Raj: Sarkar Raj, directed by Ram Gopal Verma released on June 6 2008. The movie was a semi-hit; people compared Sarkar Raj to its prequel Sarkar, and found that the sequel was not as effective as the first one. Nevertheless, it grossed 34 crores in India in its first two weeks and over $1 million in the USA.

6. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na: Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, released on July 4 2008; directed by Abbas Tyrewala and produced by Aamir Khan, was the iconic movie of 2008. The movie was a blazing hit and it is still the favorites of the youth segment, which forms a major part of the movie going audience. The youthful movie had a cliched but entertaining story with fantastic music by A.R.Rahman. in 5 weeks, it earned approximately 52.96 crores.

7. Singh is Kinng: Singh is Kinng was a movie, all Akshay Kumar fans were waiting for. Released on August 8, 2008; the movie recorded the biggest advance booking in the history of Bollywood, second only to Ghajini. With a fantastic figure of Rs.44 crores in the first week, Singh is Kinng was the fourth biggest hit of Bollywood 2008. By September, it had already earned Rs.73 crores.

8. Bachna Ae Haseeno: Released on August 15, 2008, Bachna Ae Haseeno proved to be a solace for Yash Raj films which had only given flops before this, in 2008 like Tashan and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. Made on a budget of Rs.18 crores, this Ranbir Kapoor earned Rs.31.20 crores in its second week, and was declared a semi hit.

9. Phoonk: Phoonk directed by Ram Gopal Verma was probably the least expensive movie, which did good business. The movie based on black magic was a success because of the subject.

10. Mumbai Meri Jaan: Mumbai Meri Jaan, released on August 22′ 2008 was a movie based on 7/11 bomb blasts. A slightly documentary style film, it focussed on the repercussions of the bomb blasts. The movie was an an above average hit. The USP of the film was a power packed performance by Paresh Rawal and Irrfan Khan.

11. Rock On!!: Rock On(released August 29′ 2008), directed by Abhishek Kapoor and produced by Farhan Akhtar, was another youth favorite, like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. Based on friendship and rock music, Rock On was treated like a sequel to the cult movie Dil Chahta Hai. It made singer-actor-producer-director(phew!) Farhan Akhtar, a household name.

12. A Wednesday: A Wednesday, released on September 5 2008, is the dark horse success of 2008. A powerful script, impeccable dialogues and a unique treatment by director Neeraj Pandey, made this probably the most watchable movie of 2008. Naseerudin Shah proved that he is inimitable when it comes to stellar performance.

13. 1920: A spooky movie directed by Vikram Bhatt(released Sep 12′ 08) was high on horror around a haunted palatial house. Newbies Rajneesh Duggal and Adah Sharma gave a spirited(no pun intended!) performance. The fantastic English locales and visual effects proved to be the USP of the film.

14. Welcome to Sajjanpur: Welcome to Sajjanpur, released on September 19 2008 was director Shyam Benegal’s entry to commercial cinema. The movie shot in rural set-up brought back memories of Malgudy Days and fared well at the box office.

15. Fashion: Fashion directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, gave a push to Priyanka Chopra who went down-slide with four back to back flops in 2008. It appealed to the youth and the upper crust and did good business.

16. Golmaal Returns: Released on the same date as Fashion(October 29′ 2008), Golmaal Returns was a run-away super hit. Though marred by critics, it was declared a huge success by the masses. It surpassed the first day totals of Om Shanti Om, last year, by collecting 22.03 lakhs on day one. This Rohit Shetty venture earned Rs.48 crores in the first week, making it the third biggest hit of 2008.

17. Dostana: Dostana directed by Tarun Mansukhani for Karan Johar released on November 14′ 2008. The story of two men Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham, who pretend to be gays, and fall in love with eye-candy Priyanka Chopra made the box office smile. By December 12, it had already earned Rs.80 crores.

18. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi: One of the much awaited movies, the Shahrukh Khan starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, released on December 12′08. Made on a modest budget of Rs.22 crores by Yash Raj standards, Aditya Chopra directed this movie to success. The movie also featured debutante Anushka Sharma. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi earned 7.5 crore net all over India and by day 1, and earned Rs.44.5 crores by week 1. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is the second biggest hit of 2008.

19. Ghajini: The most awaited movie Ghajini, proved to be a record breaking success. The most successful movie of the year and perhaps one of the all time big hits, this Aamir Khan movie directed by A.Murgadoss proved recession cannot beat quality. Released on December 25, 2008, this remake of the Southern movie of the same name is running quite strong, thanks to the Aamir Khan brand power. On Day 1, Ghajini earned Rs.33 crores,(compared to Rs.18 crore of Rab Ne) worldwide, something which is unheard off. Ghajini is all set to pass Rs.100 crores in three weeks, overtaking the lines of previous two years biggies Om Shanti Om(Rs.80 crores) and Dhoom 2(Rs.85 crores).

Conclusion 2008: Ghajini has proved to be a big money spinner for Bollywood. The year 2008 has pooled in 15 percent or Rs.900 crore more than last year. Call it the Pareto Principal, if you will but Rab Ne and Ghajini have added another 20 percent more to the box office collection of movies preceding them. Masala films and movies based on ‘terror issues’ dominated 2008.

So, here is the countdown of the top 5 films of Bollywood 2008:

5. Race

4. Singh is Kinng

3.Golmaal Returns

2. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

1. Ghajini



Website content

May 21, 2009

Defining Movie Genres Horror Movies

Jerry Glynn asked:


One of the most popular movie genres is the Horror movie, and it is also one of the oldest. Film pioneer Georges Melies made supernatural events the subject of many of his silent film shorts, his most notable being Le Manoir du diable, or The House of The Devil, in 1896, which some consider to be the first horror film.

The first movie monster in a feature length horror film, per se, was Quasimodo, the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Before that Wegeners The Golem, in 1915, and Robert Wienes The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, and the first vampire movie, Nosferatu.

Lon Chaney Sr. was the first American horror movie star, playing the leads in both The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1923 and The Monster in 1925. He is best known, however, for his title role in the 1925 version of The Phantom of the Opera. In the 1930s Gothic Horror films became all the rage in Hollywood. These included Dracula in 1931, starring Bela Lugosi, The Mummy in 1932, and one of the most controversial horror movies ever made, Freaks, based on the short story Spurs by Ted Robbins. How controversial. So much so that the studio burned at least thirty minutes of the films footage and then disowned it completely.

The horror movie genre expanded in the 1950s and 60s to include movies that featured threats from the outside, such as mutations, aliens, and zombies. This was also the era of 3D glasses and the Percepto electroshock technique used on theatre audiences during showings of the movie The Tingler.

In 1964, the Production Code of America fell by the wayside, and movies focusing on gore and the occult began being produced, starting with Rosemarys Baby in 1968 The Exorcist in 1973, and The Omen in 1976. The first adaptation of a Stephen King novel, Carrie, was also released in 1976.

In the 1980s, the horror movie genre saw the inclusion of films like Nightmare On Elm Street, starring Robert Englund, Friday The Thirteenth, Childs Play, and Creepshow, all of which spawned several sequels. This trend continued in the 1990s, and the trend of self reflective horror films, like Carrie, continued as well with movies like Interview With The Vampire, which was based on the popular Anne Rice novel of the same name. self parodying movies, like the Scream trilogy were popular as well.

Modern horror films place more of an emphasis on gore and torture than their predecessors, as evidenced by the success of the Saw films. Remakes of classic horror films, such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Dawn of The Dead have also gained followings in their own right. The horror movie genre is one that is both timeless and constantly evolving.



Kansieo.com

May 19, 2009

Top 10 Break Up Movies

Alison Chace asked:


Break-ups are tough for everyone, even for movie stars. Lucky for the single folk, romance has proven itself a great topic and plot for movies of all times. The following films range from comedic to dramatic, all while keeping in mind the relevance to its favored viewer—the newly single.

War of the Roses

“Once in a lifetime comes a motion picture that makes you feel like falling in love all over again. This is not that movie.” The tagline says it all about this 1989 comedy starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito. In this thriller, a married couple tries everything to get each other out of the house in a dirty divorce.

High Fidelity

This film’s got it all: comedy, drama, music, and romance. With a cast of John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Todd Louiso, and Jack Black, the group tells a story of a record store owner as he looks back on his “top 5” breakups.

First Wives Club

This movie was made for the ladies. Comedy ensues when three divorced women, played by Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton, plot payback on thee husbands who left them for younger women.

How Stella Got Her Groove Back

Starring Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, and Whoopi Goldberg, this dramatic romance lives up to its tagline, “Sometimes you have to break the rules to free your heart.” While the morality of this film may have been forgotten, viewers can drool over the Jamaican Island scenes and Diggs, of course.

Bridget Jones Diary

Renee Zellweger tells the story of many single women in this romantic comedy while she searches for love in a year in which she keeps a personal diary.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

This movie is more dramatic than romantic, but above all, it’s unique. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet star as a couple who undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories after they breakup. An interesting twist occurs in the lessons they remember.

Under the Tuscan Sun

While on vacation, a newly divorced writer buys a Tuscan village in hopes it will be the start of a change for a better life. Diane Lane and Sandra Oh star in this comedic, dramatic romance which was nominated for a Golden Globe.

The Way We Were

This 70s dramatic romance starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford tells the tale of two lovers involved in a wonderful romance but their political views drive them apart.

Casablanca

This infamous 40s film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman deals with a “date with fate.” Set in the early days of World War II, an American expatriate meets an old flame, which brings forth complications.

Pride and Prejudice

Based on a novel by Jane Austen, this dramatic comedy is based around the coveted wedding day. When the Bennets try to find suitable husbands for their five single daughters, pride and prejudice complicate the relationships.

The Break-up

After a break-up between a Chicago couple played by Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, the real feud begins when they try to decide who will keep their condo. Comedy ensues when each side attempts to force the other out.

Hopefully a few of these films perked your interest and can sit well you’re your next helping of Ben and Jerry’s. While these movies can help mend a broken heart for the short-term, they are just a start. After all, surely you have a set of comforting films to watch when you need a pick-me-up.



Create a video blog…instantly.
Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress