Film Review “Tammy”

Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon and Mark Duplass
Directed by: Ben Falcone
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 37 mins
Warner Brothers

Our score: 3 out of 5 stars

What else can happen to Tammy (McCarthy). Fired from her Mc-job after a deer runs into her car, she returns home early to find her husband having dinner. With the woman next door. Humiliated, she goes to her mother’s house looking for solace. Instead she finds her grandmother (Sarandon, never better) with a purse full of cash and a dream to visit Niagara Falls. What follows is one of the most outrageous road films of all time.

Co-written by star McCarthy with her director (and real life husband) Falcone, “Tammy” is a dramadey that actually works best during its most serious moments. The reason for this is that supplying the laughs seems to have been left up to only McCarthy, whose improvisational skills can only stretch so far. Long stretches of her trying to fill a scene with laughs sometime weigh the tone of the film down. Don’t get me wrong, I think she is a brilliant comedienne and a fine actress, but she could have used a little more help in some of the scenes. Fortunately, for most of the film, she is surrounded by great actresses including Oscar-winner Sarandon, Kathy Bates (herself an Oscar-winner), Sandra Oh, Alison Janey and, on the men’s side, Duplass, Gary Cole and, in a quick appearance, Dan Aykroyd. These co-stars take some of the emotional weight off of McCarthy’s shoulders and it’s in these scenes that “Tammy” (and Tammy herself) comes alive.

Falcone proves himself well behind the camera. He does hit a few stalls in the road but mostly keeps the film moving smoothly. I’d like to see what he could do with a project where he doesn’t just rely on McCarthy’s abilities to be funny in order to fill a scene. As his next scheduled film behind the camera is also co-written by and starring McCarthy. I may need to wait awhile to get my wish.

While not as funny as I thought it could be, “Tammy” is still an entertaining way to help celebrate the 4th of July (see the movie and you’ll know what I mean)!

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, review, tammy

Movie Mike to Host 35mm Screening of “Jaws”

Long time readers of MediaMikes.com know that the Mike’s love the movie “Jaws.” So when an opportunity came up in Kansas City to host a 35mm presentation of the Steven Spielberg classic, the people at the Alamo Drafthouse knew where to turn.

Mike Smith will host the special “late show” screening of “Jaws” on Saturday, July 5, at the Alamo Drafthouse Kansas City. The show will start at 10:30 p.m. Prior to the screening Smith will have on display some of his extensive collection of “Jaws” memorabilia. MovieMike and Loaf will also be interviewing fans of the film for an upcoming BEHIND THE MIKES Podcast, which is recorded live each week at the Alamo.

For tickets and more information, go to: http://drafthouse.com/movies/the_late_show_jaws/kansas_city

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Featured, Film Headlines Tagged With: 35mm, host, jaws, mike, movie, screening, ...

Joseph Russo talks about playing Joe Pesci in Clint Eastwood’s “Jersey Boys”

I’m sure it sounded easy for Joseph Russo. Cast in his first major feature film role, the actor portrays a name familiar to movie fans all over the world: Joe Pesci. That’s right, long before he was asking how funny we thought he was (and winning an Oscar to boot), Joe Pesci was a New Jersey boy who dreamed of being a singer (he actually released an album in 1968, “Little Joe Sure Can Sing,” billed as “Joe Ritchie.”

Joey Russo has worked a lot since his debut in 2010, appearing in such television shows as “Bones,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “Parks and Recreation.” He even has a little “Jersey” on his resume’, starring in 2012’s television film “Jersey Shore Shark Attack.” This week he opens in “Jersey Boys,” director Clint Eastwood’s film version of the Tony-award winning Broadway hit. While promoting the film Russo sat down with me and talked about…..

Mike Smith: How did you get involved in “Jersey Boys?”
Joseph Russo: I got a phone call from my manager saying they were looking for an actor to play a young Joe Pesci. I went in and read for the casting director. Then I started to hear that I was on Clint’s short list…then I was on top of his short list….then I was his choice….and I found out a few weeks later that the part was actually mine.

MS: Did you know before you went in to read for the part that Joe Pesci had a musical background?
JR: Once I got the audition I did some research because I had no clue how he was attached to this story. Once I got word that I was seriously being considered for the role I really took the opportunity to piece together a time-line of his life from then until now to really understand how he was a part of that group.

MS: Playing a real-life person, especially someone as well known as Joe Pesci….did you have to reign in your performance at all so that you weren’t doing a caricature? I did notice in one scene you ask “Funny how?” about something and then in another you do a “ok, ok, ok” riff.
JR: I’m so glad you picked up on that. My main thing was that I didn’t want to make him a caricature. That was my goal when I went in to audition. Should I change my voice or not? I didn’t see the Broadway musical because I wanted to create something that was totally my own. I wanted to make him a real guy and at the same time earn the right to play a character like Joe Pesci. What I wanted to do was sprinkle a little Pesci-isms in each of my scenes. Show a little “Casino.” Show a little “Goodfellas.” Show a little Leo Getz (the “Lethal Weapon” series). I wanted to find a way to portray Joe Pesci from age 16 to 26. Because really, the first time the public saw him in “Raging Bull” he was close to 40. So I came up with the idea that everything Joe Pesci has done as an actor in his later life was drawn from something that was inside him when he was younger. Maybe at one time he did say “ok, ok, ok.” Maybe he did ask “I’m funny how.” I wanted to pay homage to a real guy. That was my main focus…paying homage.

MS: Once you got the role were you able to seek Joe Pesci out and maybe get some insight into his life and experiences back then?
JR: Once I got the role I immediately tried to get in touch with him. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to. My next avenue was to call up Tommy Devito. (NOTE: Devito was one of the founding members of the Four Seasons and, according to “Jersey Boys,” now works for Joe Pesci. Ironically, Tommy Devito is also the name of the character that Pesci plays in “Goodfellas”). I talked to Tommy and he gave me a lot of insight into how Joe was back then. He was a clown, always joking around and making everybody laugh. I also worked hand in hand with my acting coach and mentor, Jocelyn Jones, and she really, really helped walk my way through finding out who this guy was in this time period….what was going on in society during this time period…and coming up with my own guy based on that. It was really great. Jocelyn was phenomenal in helping to walk me through that.

MS: Did Clint give you a lot of lee-way with your performance?
JR: Yes, that was the great thing about it. I really didn’t know what to expect. I felt that I had won the right to do this role. I had done all of the prep work. The hours and hours of research, prep work and rehearsal. I knew I had won this right but then again, when I showed up on set, I was a little nervous because I didn’t know if he would let me play it as I wanted to play it. And he did. More so, really. He really let me take the role and make it my own. Even the day when I said “Funny, how?” I just threw that in there. We were rehearsing the scene and I thought how great it would be if Clint started laughing because we came up with that. We were shooting the master shot for the scene and I said “Funny how?” and the script supervisor said “I don’t see where that is in the script.” The camera operator told him “you’re not gonna find it in the script.” We all look at Clint and he smiles and says, “that’s genius!” He let us know we could run with our performances. If he felt something wasn’t right he would tell us. It was a great collaboration on set. It was nice to have that freedom.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: boys, clint, eastwoods, jersey, joe, joseph, ...

Lou Volpe talks about working with Clint Eastwood on “Jersey Boys”

Photo Credit: Marnie Volpe

Born in Italy, Lou Volpe moved to America with his family when he was still a young boy. He made his feature film debut in 1987 and has worked frequently in both film and television since then. An accomplished filmmaker in his own right, Volpe has written and directed two feature films: “Divorced White Male” and “Every Secret Thing.” This week he will be seen as Anthony Castelluccio, the father of singer Frankie Valli, in Clint Eastwood’s film version of the Tony-award winning Broadway hit “Jersey Boys.” While promoting the film Mr. Volpe took the time to talk with me about his role in the film, his work and sharing a joke with his director.

Mike Smith: How did you come to be cast in “Jersey Boys.”
Lou Volpe: I auditioned (laughs). Me and several other guys. A few weeks later my agent called me and told me I had the part.

MS: Wow! That’s an easy story!
LV: (laughs) It’s not usually like that. But when I go to audition I try to do the best that I can do and this time I did all right.

MS: Were you able to speak at all with Frankie Valli about his father? Maybe try to pick up some little quirks or qualities of his?
LV: No. Unfortunately Frankie wasn’t on set during the time I did my scenes. I did do my own research…I looked into some of Frankie’s biographies and found out the kind of man his father was…what he did for a living (he was a barber)…that kind of stuff.

MS: You’re also a filmmaker. How does Clint run his set in comparison to yourself or other directors you’ve worked for?
LV: Clint was great. He’s really a very nice guy and really easy to work with….work for. He pretty much lets you do your own thing. He may give you a few suggestions but mostly he lets you do your own thing. He’s very easy to work with. Most of the time he doesn’t even call “action.” He just says, “OK, go ahead.” We had fun. When I was on the set, because he knew I spoke Italian and he had, of course, done many films with Sergio Leone’, instead of calling “action” he would call “Actione’” in Italian. Of course then he’d crack up…then I’d crack up. He’s really a nice, funny guy.

MS: As I mentioned earlier, you’re also a filmmaker…you’ve written and directed a couple of feature films yourself. Do you have anything coming up?
LV: I’ve just written a pilot that is getting some interest. And I’ve just auditioned for a film…it’s the lead role…that I hope will come through

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: boys, clint, eastwood, jersey, lou, talks, ...

Kelly Kilgore talks about her new film “Blood Widow”

A throwback to ‘80s slasher films like Friday the 13th, Blood Widow tells of a couple, Hugh and Laurie, who after buying a nice house in the country throw a party for their friends. During the wild night a few friends decide to explore the abandoned and decaying boarding school next door, only to wake an emotionally broken killer: The Blood Widow. We speak to one of the film’s stars, Kelly Kilgore.

We asked for you, of the cast, because you have such an interesting, albeit brief, arc in the film. How fun was it playing this role?
I had a blast with Harmony! Playing a supporting character actually allows you a lot of freedom to have fun and make interesting choices, and Jeremy was extremely receptive to his actors’ ideas. Having an innocent character like Harmony in a slasher film is rare, and I loved the way it worked out. After shooting was over, the Arcani guys presented me with Mister Buddha (Harmony’s teddy bear) as a keepsake; he may or may not be sitting on a bookshelf in my living room right now.

I see you do a lot of theatre, and other more – for lack of a better word – ‘thespy’ work. Was doing Blood Widow a chance to let your hair done and do something totally unexpected?
It was. Although Blood Widow is a very scary film, Harmony herself is light and funny. That sort of subtle comedy was a new challenge for me, and I enjoyed it immensely. It was also my first feature, and I learned a lot about how a film set works. It’s quite different than theatre. I made a lot of friends within the cast and crew; Emily and I hang out all the time, I see Jose a lot, and I randomly ran into Derek and Phil the other night at a bar.

What do you find more rewarding – stage work or film work? I imagine they’re both totally different types of experiences.
Theatre and film are hugely different, and I love them both. In my life, at least, they compliment one another, each strengthening skills that improve my work in the other medium. Theatre, especially classical theatre, gives you a solid grounding in technique. Doing the same show night after night really strengthens core acting skills and the ability to perform under all conditions. Film, on the other hand, keeps you honest–you can’t cheat in a closeup! I’m extremely lucky to be doing both.

Are there moments, when working on a horror film like this, that you’ve got to try and prevent yourself from bursting into laughter or accidentally smiling. The ridiculousness of the genre would take great discipline I imagine?
Working on any project, there are moments of hilarity that you have to breathe through and try not to laugh. But that’s what makes it fun! If everyone was actually terrified the whole time, no one would want to make horror films. Harmony was especially funny because she’s extremely spacey. I recall shooting one scene with Jose where I examined his camera … I did my level best to make him laugh, and we both cracked up after “cut” was called every time.

As terrifying as she is, the Blood Widow character is also somewhat of a sad character. What do you think?
I totally agree, and I think that is one thing that Ian and Chad did brilliantly with the script, making Blood Widow stand out in the genre. Even though you don’t want to be anywhere near the Blood Widow, you can understand how she came to be the way she is. You even feel a little sorry for her. I like to think that she and Harmony could have been friends.

For those that enjoy your work in the film, where else can they see you?
If you fancy a trip to Massachusetts, I’ll be playing Lady Percy and Doll Tearsheet in Henry IV, Parts I & II at Shakespeare & Company in August. I’ve also got a couple of other film projects airing this summer: The Aegeans comes out June 16 (of Ulysses fame), and the pilot for Spaceship Florida should be online sometime in mid-July. Links to everything at actor.kellykilgore.com.

Blood Widow hits DVD June 3rd

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: blood, film, kelly, kilgore, talks, widow, ...

Film Review “22 Jump Street”

Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and Ice Cube
Directed by: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 52 mins
Columbia

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Sequels have that weird reputation of being either really good or really bad. In fact, the great Carl Gottlieb, who co-wrote the film “Jaws,” among others, once said that “the only sequel that loses money is the last one.” They either start out great or start out slow. I’m happy to report that “22 Jump Street” is definitely in the former.

After a brief recap of the first film (“Previously on 21 JUMP STREET”), we find the heroes from the previous film, Schmidt (Hill) and Jenko (Tatum), back in uniform and bored to tears. They take to working undercover off the clock, doing their best to infiltrate a recent smuggling ring. When things backfire, they are called on the carpet by their commander. They plead their case for what they are qualified to do. Jenko even suggests they protect the White House (ha). They are told that, due to the success of their first “back to school” assignment it’s time to do it again. This time they’re going to college!

Full of inside jokes (hey, we’re making a sequel) and fantastic performances, “22 Jump Street” is everything you want in a sequel and more. Directed by the same duo that not only did “21 Jump Street” but the incredible “Lego Movie,” the film is one hilarious scene after another. They are ordered by Captain Dickinson (Ice Cube) that they are being sent to Midstate College, where they are to investigate the death of a young woman believed killed by an illegal drug. Again, things don’t go as planned. Jenko is recruited by the school’s quarterback to play football for the school, where Schmidt meets a young woman (Amber Stevens) who has a lot more in common with him then he knows.

The two stars are joined by some great new cast members as well as returning co-stars like Rob Riggle and Dave Franco. The script is top notch and even features a little “real life” humor when Schmidt is counseled for a few homophobic statements, similar in tone to what Jonah Hill endured last week for the same thing. The action scenes are well thought out and I promise you that, if you stay through the end credits, you will laugh even more. In fact, I’m giving the film and extra half-star just for the credits sequence, which rolls out scenes and posters from the next 20-plus sequels, all of which I hope eventually get made!

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 22, film, jump, review

John Schneider talks about his new horror/comedy “Smothered”

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the name John Schneider? People my age usually say “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Others remark on his country music career. Still others remember his as Pa Kent on “Smallville.” Well, as of today, you can add successful writer/director to your list.

Born in New York state 54 years ago, Schneider rocketed to stardom when he co-starred opposite Tom Wopat as Bo Duke on television’s “Dukes of Hazzard.” His star burned brighter with the release of his first album, “It’s Now or Never.” The title track hit #4 on the country charts and became the first of his ten Top-10 hits, including four that hit #1. But even fans of his music, as I was, were amazed when he took to the Broadway stage as Baron Felix Von Galgern in the Tony award winning musical “Grand Hotel.” I’ve been very fortunate to have seen many great performers in great shows, from Jerry Orbach in “42nd Street” to Michael Crawford in “The Phantom of the Opera” and I would put Schneider’s performance in “Grand Hotel” in my top 5 of greatest stage performances. Schneider’s old “Hazzards” partner, Tom Wopat, has also found success in musical theatre. May I be the first to suggest here a revival of “Guys and Dolls” starring the both of them!

Schneider’s latest project puts him behind the scenes. As writer/director of the new horror/comedy “Smothered” he puts another successful feather in his cap. Schneider took time out from promoting his latest film to not only answer some questions but to help me win a three decade old bet!

Mike Smith: What was your inspiration in creating the story?
John Schneider: Years ago a friend of mine said that he was sick and tired of all the movies where the big titted co-eds got killed by the sickos in the masks. He thought someone should make one where the guys ins the masks got killed by the big titted co-ed. I thought that was a cute idea but couldn’t see what device could possibly cause a group of “sickos in masks” to go on a camping trip together. That all changed in Dusseldorf when I realized I could get a Winnebago full of icons to go just about anywhere with me for a grand apiece because the show was not making them any money.

MS: You’ve pulled double duty on feature films before (“Collier and Company”) but this is your first foray into horror. What was it about that genre’ that intrigued you?
JS: I like movies that make me feel. By feel I mean scare me, make me jump, cry, shiver and anticipate stuff coming down the pike both good and bad. Horror movies are the best at manipulating these emotions because of the personal nature of what’s happening to the people and where it’s happening. Everyone has been in a dark basement… attic or..in a campground before… right?

MS: What is YOUR favorite horror film?
JS: There was a film in the early 70’s with Don Stroud called “The House By The Lake.” I haven’t seen it since I was a kid but remember it scaring the shit out of me. It made me feel very uncomfortable. I’d love to see it again but can’t find it on a list anywhere.

MS: You work consistently in both film and television. Do you have a preference?
JS: I prefer film because there is more time to get it done right. In film you shoot a script. In television you shoot a schedule.

MS: This year marks the 35th Anniversary of “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Are there any “reunion” plans in the works…not necessarily a television show but a convention appearance or two?
JS: Cathy Bach had a wonderful party at her house that many cast and crew attended. It was private and a blast. I think that was the best way to celebrate. When we do “events” non of the cast ever gets to hang out. After 35 years I believe it’s our turn.

MS: What else do you have coming up soon?
JS: We start shooting the 2nd film at the studio here soon. It’s called “Anderson Bench” and it is a very twisted love story.

MS: Finally, you can win me five dollars (or lose it) from a bet I made about 30 years ago. Can you put to rest the rumor that you have a brief role in the 1979 film “Hardcore,” starring George C. Scott. I say that, even though the young man resembles you, that it isn’t. Have you had this question before?
JS: Never. And nope… wasn’t me. William Katt maybe? Go collect your $5. (NOTE: The Internet Movie Data Base says the actor’s name is Will Walker, who appeared in a few things in the late 70s, with his work in “Hardcore” being his last performance. Time for me to get my money!)

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: horrorcomedy, john, schneider, smothered, talks

Film Review “John Schneider’s Smothered”

Starring: Kane Hodder, Bill Moseley and Dane Rhodes
Directed by: John Schneider
Not Rated
Running time: 1 hour 34 mins
Fairlight Films

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

People of Louisiana get ready. Voo-Doo Con is coming and it’s bringing some of the biggest horror film names of all times with it. My advice: run.

The second feature film written and directed by actor John Schneider, “Smothered” is a tongue in cheek look at the world of fan-driven conventions conceived by a man who has been there and done that. The film tells the story of a group of horror film stars who, in order to make a few extra bucks, decide to spend their weekend at a local trailer….er, excuse me….RV Park at the request of the owner. The idea is that the special guests will scare the visitors and make the weekend extra special.

A few things really stand out in this film. First, the script has obviously been well researched and is well written. Full of “fan-speak,” Schneider has captured the dialogue of the movie geek like no one since Kevin Smith. And he has put those words in the mouths of some of the surprisingly funniest actors around. Kane Hodder, who is probably best known to film fans as fictional bad guy Jason Voorhees and real life killers Ed Gein and Dennis Rader, has an amazing talent for comedy. Hodder is joined by such horror film royalty as Bill Moseley, Michael Berryman and John Kassir.

The film is well paced, with the mood changing repeatedly….from slapstick silly to downright scary….without missing a beat. Schneider has clearly spent some time behind the camera (from the final episode of “Dukes of Hazzard” to “Smallville” to made for television films) and that experience and confidence, especially in a genre’ that’s fairly foreign to him, allows him a free eye (and hand) in his story telling. Hopefully it won’t be eight more years before his next film.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, john, review, schneiders, smothered

Win a DVD of the New Film “Beyond the Trophy” [ENDED]

MediaMikes.com and ARC Entertainment have teamed up to give (5) lucky readers a chance to win a DVD copy of the new film “Beyond the Trophy” starring Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts and Michael Madsen.

All you need to do is let us know below your favorite Eric Roberts performance. Is it his breakthrough role in “King of the Gypsys?” How about the sleazy Paul Snider in “Star 80?” Or his Oscar nominated work in “Runnaway Train?” (5) random entries will be chosen and the winners will receive the newly released DVD “Beyond the Trophy.”

This contest runs through Friday, June 13. Good luck!

SYNOPSIS: BEYOND THE TROPHY tells the story of men’s obsession with power and how far they will go to claim the “prize”. Two rival gangs in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, led by Gino (Robert Miano) and Cole (Michael Madsen), are vying for control. Danny (Michael Masini), an LAPD undercover police detective, goes deep into gangland to infiltrate one gang to bring down both. Along the way, he becomes entangled with the beautiful and seductive Angela (Ali Costello), whose relationship with her husband Jake and mob leader Gino makes her the focal point of an intoxicating romantic equation-with deadly consequences. Her dream is to escape the wrath of evil abusive men, and find the love she never knew.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: dvd, film, trophy, win

Film Review “Maleficent”

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Sharlto Copley and Elle Fanning
Directed by: Robert Stromberg
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 37 mins
Walt Disney Pictures

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

THIS is how you update a classic tale.

Deep in the heart of a jungle kingdom, we meet the young and beautiful Maleficent (Isobelle Molloy). Living, as she does, in an enchanted kingdom, Maleficent spends her days climbing trees and mending twigs which have been accidentally snapped. One day the young girl meets a young man from the neighboring kingdom. His name is Stefan and for quite a period of time the two youngsters spend their days together learning about themselves and each other. When Maleficent turns 16 if is gracious Stefan that offers up, and gives her, “true loves’ kiss”). But it is not meant to be. Years go by. Maleficent is now a beautiful woman (Jolie), flying over her kingdom and protecting everything in it. Right over the boundary line we find the old and bitter king, close to death. He has promised to anoint whoever can find and kill Maleficent his successor. Now grown up, Stefan (Copley) lures Maleficent to him. Betrayal follows. As does revenge!

It almost sounds like a cliché’ to say this, but in my opinion no one BUT Angelina Jolie could have played Maleficent. Already unworldly beautiful, with a little assist from seven time Academy Award winning make-up expert Rick Baker, her angular face is perfect in showing the joy she feels among her fellow kingdom denizens and the betrayal she feels by her circumstances. The story will be familiar to anyone that has enjoyed hearing about “Sleeping Beauty,” but with a few “adjustments” that make the legend not only more exciting but downright horrifying.

But it is not just Jolie that gives the tale a sense of believability. As now-King Stefan, Copley delivers a performance equal in power to Jolie’s. Here is a man who betrayed the one he loved only to suffer forever for his actions. And if you’re going to talk about Sleeping Beauty, you can’t forget the newly named Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) whose innocence is as strong as she is beautiful. The film is quite dark in some places…maybe more than one would expect.

Add to those great performances some stunning visual effects and you’ve now got proof to the old adage that you CAN teach an older dog a new trick. Take flight with Maleficent and learn a new chapter to an amazing story.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, maleficent, review

Concert Review “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” Kansas City, Missouri

Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Kansas City, Missouri
May 27 – June 1, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Ah, Las Vegas in the 1960s. It still had the lure of mystery and DEFINITELY wasn’t kid friendly. If you were lucky, you could head to the Sands Hotel and take in the hottest show in town featuring a quartet of entertainers whose talents could never be topped. They were known as the Rat Pack – and for a few hours in Kansas City, they were back!

We were greeted by the jovial “voice of God.” And if you’re in Las Vegas who better to portray your deity then Buddy Hackett. As the voice of the late, great comedian comes through the speakers the audience is transported back five decades. The spotlight hits center stage and there they are: Funny man Joey Bishop (Sandy Hackett), the “King of Cool,” Dean Martin (Tom Wallek), the “Candyman,” Sammy Davis, Jr. (Louie Velez) and, of course, the “Chairman of the Board,” Francis Albert Sinatra (Danny Grewen). After a group opening number, entitled “Hello Again,” the audience is treated to some great one liners courtesy of Joey/Hackett. The son of the great Buddy Hackett, the comedy genes run deep in this family. The timing is spot on as is the quick wit, evident when some “Kansas City” themed jokes appear. The rest of the first act relies on the banter between Dean and Sammy as the two trade musical numbers. The act ends with the silhouette of Sammy bathed in light.

Act two welcomes Frank back to the stage. After a great medley of some signature songs (“Come Fly With Me,” “You Make Me Feel So Young,” “Fly Me to the Moon”), Frank takes a quiet moment to think about the one that got away. This brings on an appearance by “Frank’s One Love” (Lisa Dawn Miller, like Hackett a producer of the show) Miller is the daughter of song writing legend Ron Miller, whose songs include “Touch Me in the Morning,” “I’ve Never Been to Me” and “For Once in My Life,” which Frank performs in the show. The rest of the act consists of more laughter and music.

I’m very fortunate (and old) in that I had the great opportunity to see both Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. perform before they passed away. With those memories in my head I naturally compared that experience to the one I had at this show. And I wasn’t disappointed. Grewen has that smooth, clear quality that made Sinatra extraordinary and Velez was spot-on perfect as Sammy Davis, Jr. Ms. Miller belted out her number with gusto, making herself a proud member of the group. If there was any disappointment it came courtesy of Tom Wallek’s Dean. He had the look and the mannerism’s down, but the voice just wasn’t right. During the on stage banter he sounded more like Johnny Carson then Dean Martin. A little quibble maybe, but something that someone like me, who grew up watching, and own on DVD, Martin’s classic television roasts. That being said, “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” is a must-see for anyone that wants to recapture those magical days of yesterday!

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Concert Reviews Tagged With: city, concert, hacketts, kansas, missouri, pack, ...

Win a DVD of “Curse of the Dragon Slayer” [ENDED]


Media Mikes has teamed up with Phase 4 Films to offer (5) of our readers the opportunity to win a DVD copy of the new sword and sorcery film “Curse of the Dragon Slayer.” A film in the tradition of the popular HBO series “Game of Thrones,” “Curse of the Dragon Slayer” is directed by David Lyde and stars “Body of Proof” star Danielle Chuchran along with Richard McWilliams, Paul D. Hunt and James C. Morris.

All you have to do is let us know below you’re favorite Medieval-themed film. Is it a classic like “Excalibur” or “Braveheart?” Or maybe something funnier, like “Monty Python and the Holy Grail?” (also a classic). Five random entries will be chosen and those five will win a DVD copy of this new film.

This giveaway ends on Friday, June 6th.

Synopsis: Keltus, a knight of the ruling Order, is on the trail of the Shadow Cabal — a group of Orc cultists. When his leads run cold, he must team up with an elf bounty hunter, Nemyt, and an infamous orc raider, Kullimon, to infiltrate the Shadow and try to thwart their evil purpose — to unleash the God of the Undead.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: curse, dragon, dvd, slayer, win

Film Review #2 “X-Men: Days of Future Past”

Starring: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender
Directed by: Bryan Singer
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 11 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

What do you get when you put eight Academy Award nominated actors in a film that takes place primarily in the 1970s. If you said “American Hustle,” you’d be wrong (only five nominees in that one). The correct answer is easily the best film in the “X-men” series so far, “X-men: Days of Future Past.”

Our story begins sometime in the future. The world, as we know it, is no more. Mechanical soldiers known as Sentinels have taken to destroying most of mankind – both mutants and humans. A small band of mutants is doing their best to survive when they come upon an idea. Knowing what spawned the Sentinel Program, they devise to send someone back in time, to 1973, to stop the event that has brought them to this bleak future. It is decided that, because of his genetic makeup, Logan (Jackman) should make the trip. Though the time travel trip will be dangerous, Logan’s mission once he gets there makes the trip look like smooth sailing.

A well written and brilliant mash up of “X-Men” characters, both past and future, “X-men: Days of Future Past” is a smartly crafted, brilliantly acted comic book related masterpiece! When Logan completes his time travel journey, his task is an unenviable one: he needs to reunite Professor Charles Xavier (McAvoy) with his one-time friend Erik Lehnsherr (Fassbender). The hard part of the mission will be convincing the duo that Logan has been sent back to contact them…by them! Along the way Logan will meet younger versions of his fellow X-men, among them Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Iceman (Shawn Ashmore) and the girl known as Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence). Not only are these mutants younger, they have not all developed the way they will in the future. The same goes for Logan, who discovers that his adimantium claws have yet to be made. When he springs into action he’s back to just plain old bone. But he still knows how to use them!

Perfectly accompanying the story is an incredible display of special effects that will boggle your mind (especially in 3D). One such scene features an attempted prison break slowed down to milliseconds courtesy of Quicksilver (Evan Peters). The third highlight of the film are the performances. Once again, Jackman leads the way, giving Logan the same emotional depth he showed in last year’s stand-alone Wolverine film. McAvoy and Fassbender continue the great work they showed in “X-men: First Class.” Great work also by their futuristic counterparts, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan. And new to the story, as the main catalyst of the Sentinel program, is the outstanding Peter Dinklage.

Director Singer, sadly making headlines for some alleged off-screen antics, keeps the action in the forefront while not sacrificing the story. Put everything together and you’ve got one of the best films of the summer.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 2, days, film, future, review, xmen, ...

Movie Mike on KCUR’s “Central Standard” This Friday

MediaMikes.com’s Mike Smith will be appearing this Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. (CST) on the radio program “Central Standard.”
The show, produced by Kansas City radio station KCUR – 89.3 FM, will feature several local film critics discussing current releases as well as what people look for when they go to the movies.  You can listen online by going to www.kcur.org.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: central, friday, kcurs, mike, movie, standard, ...
« sdf
Previous
Page 55 of 88
Next
Next Page »