In Memory of Ned Beatty (1937-2021)

Ned Beatty (1937-2021)

I know it's too late to do an obituary of someone who passed away last month, but I hope you understand.

Oscar-nominated character actor Ned Beatty, known for his roles in films such as "Deliverance," "All the President's Men," "Network," "Superman," and "Toy Story 3," passed away on June 13th, 2021, due to natural causes. He was 83 years old.

In 1972, after years of being in regional theatre, Beatty made his screen debut opposite Burt Reynolds in the movie "Deliverance," where his character gets brutally assaulted by two mountain men while on a canoeing trip. In 1976, Beatty appeared in films like "All the President's Men," "The Big Bus," "Silver Streak," and "Mikey and Nicky." Later that same year, Ned Beatty's performance in "Network" earned him his only Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

In 1978, Beatty received a call from director Richard Donner to play Lex Luthor's bumbling henchman, Otis, in "Superman: The Movie" and its 1980 sequel, "Superman II." In 1991, he had a leading role in the Irish movie "Hear My Song."

Beatty's other films included "The Front Page," "The Big Easy," "Nashville," and, more recently, "Shooter," "Charlie Wilson's War," "Toy Story 3" (where he voiced the evil stuffed bear Lotso), and "Rango" before he retired in 2013. Beatty often appeared on television, with recurring roles such as John Goodman's father on the sitcom "Roseanne" and a detective on "Homicide: Life on the Streets."

Contrary to the belief, Ned was unrelated to fellow Hollywood actor Warren Beatty, as both were born in 1937.

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In Memory of Richard Donner (1930-2021)

Richard Donner (1930-2021)

Richard Donner, who directed films such as "The Omen," "Superman: The Movie," "The Goonies," "Scrooged," and the "Lethal Weapon" series, passed away on July 5th, 2021. He was 91 years old.

Donner initially wanted to become an actor to develop his career and gained a minor role in a television program. However, its director, Martin Ritt, encouraged Donner to pursue directing instead. So Ritt hired Dick as his assistant. Later, Donner began directing commercials while working at Desilu. He transitioned to television series in the late 1950s, starting with "Get Smart," "The Twilight Zone" (most notably, "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" with William Shatner), "The Wild Wild West," "Perry Mason," "Kojak," and "Gilligan's Island." Donner also worked with the animation studio Hanna-Barbera, directing several episodes of the serial "Danger Island" as part of the kids' show "The Banana Splits."

Richard's first movie as a director was the low-budget "X-15," starring Charles Bronson. He then directed a few British films, including "Salt and Pepper," "Twinky" (also known as "Lola"), and "Child Bride." Donner also directed made-for-television movies, including "A Shadow in the Streets" and "Sarah T: Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic."

Building on his experience from "The Twilight Zone," Donner successfully navigated the challenges of helming his first feature-length movie, the scary "The Omen." This runaway success led to his assignment to bring "Superman" to the big screen in 1978, for which he received worldwide recognition. The movie starred Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel, alongside Margot Kidder, Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, and Ned Beatty, and set the template for future superhero movies. However, halfway through the film's sequel, "Superman II," a dispute with the producers led to Donner being booted and replaced by Richard Lester. Much of Donner's work remained intact, albeit uncredited. In 2006, Donner released his director's cut of "Superman II" on DVD on the same day that Bryan Singer's franchise revival, "Superman Returns," debuted on home video.

After his dismissal from "Superman II," Donner directed "Inside Moves," one of his smaller and more personal films, and it didn't perform well at the box office despite fair notices and "The Toy", starring Richard Pryor.

In 1985, Donner directed the period romantic fantasy "Ladyhawke" with Michelle Pfeiffer. That same year, Donner directed a seminal children's adventure movie for writer Chris Columbus and fellow filmmaker Steven Spielberg: "The Goonies," a coming-of-age film about a group of kids searching for hidden treasure.

Following the mid-80s movies came the success of "Lethal Weapon," in which Donner reinvented the buddy-cop subgenre with "Mad Max" star Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in the lead roles. It led to three more entries, all directed by Donner. Donner would later work with Gibson on films such as "Maverick" and "Conspiracy Theory." Donner's other films include "Scrooged" with Bill Murray, "Radio Flyer," "Assassins," "Timeline," and "16 Blocks." The latter of which proved to be his last.

In addition to directing features, Donner served as executive producer on films such as "Omen III: The Final Conflict," "The Lost Boys," "Delirious," three "Free Willy"  movies, and "Any Given Sunday." He also worked on the "X-Men" franchise with his wife, Lauren Shuler, through their company, The Donners' Company, especially Bryan Singer's first entry (click here) and its prequel, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."

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A Dog's Purpose Review

A Dog's Purpose

Release Date: 4th May 2017 - Australia

Production Companies

Walden Media

Amblin Entertainment

Reliance Entertainment

Pariah Entertainment Group

Amblin Partners

DreamWorks (Copyright Holder)

Distribution

eOne Australia

Genre: Family/Fantasy/

Comedy/Drama

Rating: PG

Runtime: 99 minutes

Budget: $22,000,000

Box Office Gross: $205,035,819 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary
A dog discovers the meaning of life as he is reincarnated several times, in different breeds and with different owners, before reuniting with his true master.

Cast

Josh Gad - Bailey/Ellie/Tino/

Buddy (Voice)

Dennis Quaid - Adult Ethan

Peggy Lipton - Adult Hannah

Bryce Gheisar - Ethan - 8 Years Old

K.J. Apa - Teen Ethan

Juliet Rylance - Ethan's Mom

Luke Kirby - Ethan's Dad

Gabrielle Rose - Grandma Fran

Michael Bofshever - Grandpa Bill

Britt Robertson - Teen Hannah

Logan Miller - Todd

Kirby Howell-Baptiste - Maya

Pooch Hall - Al

John Ortiz - Carlos

Nicole LaPlaca - Wendi

Primo Allan - Victor

Peter Kelamis - Dad's Boss

Caroline Cabe - Boss's Wife

Jane McGregor - Rachel

Michael Patric - Sam

Brooke Warrington - Bree -

7 Years Old

Kenyan Alexander Walcott -

Ty - 5 Years Old

Treyton Augustus Walcott - Richie - 4 Years Old

Alicia Johnston - Hysterical Mother

Chris Webb - Kidnapper

Naomi Frenette - Kidnapped Girl

Crew

Director - Lasse Hallström

Based on the Novel/

Screenplay - W. Bruce Cameron

Screenplay - Cathryn Michon,

Audrey Wells, Maya Forbes and

Wallace Wolodarsky

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Alan C. Blomquist

Executive Producers - Lauren Pfeiffer

and Mark Sourian

Producer - Gavin Polone

Co-Producers - Holly Bario and Kim Todd

Co-Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Lesley Oswald

Casting Director - John Papsidera

Animal Trainers - Raymond W. Beal,

Tammy Blackburn, Mathilde Decagny,

Yuka Fukushima, Larry Madrid,

Doree Sitterly, David Sousa and Brian Turi

Production Designer - Michael Carlin

Supervising Art Director - Réjean Labrie

Art Director - Larry Spittle

Set Decorator - Craig Sandells

Costume Designer - Shay Cunliffe

Director of Photography - Terry Stacey

Additional Photography - Robby Baumgartner

Stunt Coordinator - Marny Eng

Special Effects Coordinator - Tim Freestone

Visual Effects Supervisor - Jon Campfens

Editor - Robert Leighton

Supervising Sound Editor - Eliza Paley

Sound Designer - Mariusz Glabinski

Re-Recording Mixers - Skip Lievsay

and Lawrence Zipf

Music - Rachel Portman

Music Supervisor - Liza Richardson

Score Conductor/Orchestrator - Jeff Atmajian

Review

Before watching A DOG'S JOURNEY, I decided to watch A DOG'S PURPOSE before its sequel. Deep, poignant, and thought-provoking, this film will make dog lovers cry, even if it reminds them of the pets they once owned. Frankly, I haven't seen a movie about a dog that was so sad since I watched Red Dog. However, critics were unkind to A DOG'S PURPOSE as allegations of animal abuse spread when a video from the movie's set, supposedly showing it (which proved misleading), went viral on TMZ, hurting its reputation before its release.

I liked the movie's concept of a dog going through multiple lives and showing its unique perspective. The film is somewhat comparable to the other dog movies that Lasse Hallström has directed. I have not seen any of them. It will be fun to explore these films, even if they're sad. I am surprised Josh Gad has done such a terrific job voicing the dog's inner thoughts. The casting is impeccable, with Dennis Quaid as the older Ethan, who delivers his heartfelt role with conviction.

It's a sentimental movie that is doggone wild and tugs at your heartstrings. A DOG'S PURPOSE is a must-see film recommended for all ages.

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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Cruella Review

Cruella

Release Date: 27th May 2021 - Australia

Production Companies

Walt Disney Pictures

Gunn Films

Marc Platt Productions

Distribution

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Australia

Genre: Family/Comedy/

Crime

Rating: PG

Runtime: 134 minutes

Budget: $200,000,000

Box Office Gross: $233,503,234 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Before she became Cruella de Vil, Estella had dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. She had the ambition, creativity, and talent to achieve this. She befriends a pair of thieves who admire her appetite for mischief. Together, they make a life

for themselves on the

streets of London. One day, Estella soon catches the eye of the narcissistic Baroness, a fashion legend, who lands her a perfect job, allowing her to live out her dreams of becoming a top fashionista. However, a course of events set in motion will cause Estella to embrace her wild side and become the raucous, stylish, and revenge-bent Cruella.

Cast

Emma Stone - Estella/Cruella

Emma Thompson - The

Baroness

Joel Fry - Jasper

Paul Walter Hauser - Horace

John McCrea - Artie

Emily Beecham - Catherine/

Maid

Mark Strong - John the Valet

Kayvan Novak - Roger

Kirby Howell-Baptiste - Anita Darling

Jamie Demetriou - Gerald

Niamh Lynch - Liberty Shop Girl

Andrew Leung - Jeffrey

Ed Birch - Baroness Head of Security

Dylan Lowe - Mean Ginger

Abraham Popola - George

Leo Bill - Headmaster

Ninette Finch - Lady

Sarah Crowden - Beehive Lady

Tom Turner - The Baron

Sid Sagar - Mark

Tim Steed - Frederick

Tipper Seifert-Cleveland - Estella (12 yrs)

Maeve & Nell Chadwick -

Estella (Toddler)

Billie Gadsdon - Estella (5 yrs)

Ziggy Gardner - Jasper (12 yrs)

Joseph MacDonald - Horace (12 yrs)

Florisa Kamara - Anita (12 yrs)

Bobby - Bubby

Bluebell - Wink

Crew

Director - Craig Gillespie

Based Upon the Novel "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" - Dodie Smith

Story/Executive Producer - Aline Brosh McKenna

Story - Kelly Marcel and Steve Zissis

Screenplay - Dana Fox and Tony McNamara

Executive Producers - Glenn Close,

Jared LeBoff, Emma Stone and Michelle Wright

Producers - Kristin Burr, Andrew Gunn and

Marc Platt

Co-Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Mark Mostyn

Casting Directors - Lucy Bevan and Mary Vernieu

Production Designer - Fiona Crombie

Supervising Art Director - Martin Foley

Set Decorator - Alice Felton

Costume Designer - Jenny Beavan

Hair and Makeup Designer - Nadia Stacey

Director of Photography - Nicolas Karakatsanis

Supervising Location Manager - Ali James

Choreographer - Adam Murray

Stunt Coordinator - Jason Hunjan

Fight Coordinator - Vincent Wang

Special Effects Supervisor - Steven Warner

Special Effects Co-Supervisor - Stephen Hutchinson

Special Effects Coordinator/Buyer - Anna Krawczyk

Visual Effects Supervisor - Max Wood

Film Editor - Tatiana S. Riegel

Supervising Sound Editor - Mark P. Stoeckinger

Sound Designers - Alan Rankin

and Ann Scibelli

Sound Designer/Re-Recording Mixer -

Martyn Zub

Production Mixer - Paul Munro

Re-Recording Mixer - Ron Bartlett

Music - Nicholas Britell

Music Supervisor - Susan Jacobs

Score Recordist and Mixer - Geoff Foster

Review

Many people saw 101 Dalmatians when they were young, depending on which version: the Disney animated classic or the 1996 remake. However, the only thing in the movie that terrifies them the most is the villain, Cruella de Vil, a fur-obsessed villainess who will stop at nothing to get what she wants, even when she tries to skin a few Dalmatian puppies to make fur coats. The animated incarnation is the one that they remember best. Not even Glenn Close's portrayal could capture the character's mannerisms. While I haven't compared the two versions of Cruella and reviewed much of the 101 Dalmatians movies, CRUELLA will be an opportunity to delve into the character we all fear and love to hate.

The film did not belong to the ongoing tradition of Disney live-action remakes, though it might as well have been part of it. It provides a unique spin on the titular character, offering empathy through her backstory, whereas previous iterations are villainous and petty. It isn't the first time Disney has done this sort of thing; it did so in Maleficent. I didn't realise, after watching the movie, that Glenn Close was one of the executive producers involved. CRUELLA is a family-friendly heist film packed with pathos and dark comedy, which Disney would never include in a few of its live-action offerings. It has an involved storyline that explains everything, and I admire the movie's production values.

Emma Stone was a perfect choice for Cruella, and despite fans finding her version of the character too soft and not wicked enough, her performance is hypnotic. Emma Thompson was dapper as she played the icy fashion designer Baroness, who was far more sinister than Cruella. Even Mark Strong was great as the valet. The costume design is superb, and the film has a great soundtrack with songs from Queen, ELO, and The Clash.

Some people have favourably compared this movie to another tragic-villain origin story, Joker, but it's less violent and cynical. However, CRUELLA is an entertaining film.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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Winners of the 93rd Academy Awards

And The Oscar Goes To..... (93rd Academy Award Winners)

Now, here are the winners of the 93rd Academy Awards.

I was hoping that Chadwick Boseman (star of Black Panther) would receive a posthumous win for Best Actor for his final film role in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, which would have made a touching final salute for the late actor. Unfortunately, the Oscar now goes to Anthony Hopkins for his performance in The Father and for becoming the oldest actor to receive that award. I also felt the same way about Wolfwalkers, which, in my opinion, would have won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature if it weren't for the Pixar film Soul taking the gold.

Best Visual Effects

Tenet - Scott R. Fisher, Andrew Jackson, David Lee and Andrew Lockley

Best Film Editing

Sound of Metal - Mikkel E.G. Nielsen

Best Costume Design

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - Ann Roth

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson

Best Cinematography

Mank - Erik Messerschmidt

Best Production Design
 

Mank - Production Design: Donald Graham Burt; Set Decoration: Jan Pascale

Best Sound

Sound of Metal - Jaime Baksht, Nicolas Becker, Phillip Bladh, Carlos Cortes and Michelle Couttolenc

Best Original Song

"Fight for You" from Judas and the Black Messiah - Music by D'Mile and H.E.R.; Lyrics by H.E.R. and Tiara Thomas

Best Original Score

Soul - Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste

Best Animated Short Film

If Anything Happens I Love You - Michael Govier and Will McCormack

Best Live Action Short Film

Two Distant Strangers - Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe

Best Documentary - Short Subject

Colette - Alice Doyard and Anthony Giacchino

 

 

Best Documentary - Feature

My Octopus Teacher - Pippa Ehrlich, Craig Foster and James Reed

 

Best International Feature Film

Another Round (Denmark) in Danish - Directed by Thomas Vinterberg

Best Animated Feature Film

Soul - Pete Docter and Dana Murray

 

 

Best Writing - Adapted Screenplay

The Father - Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller, based on a play by Zeller

Best Writing - Original Screenplay

Promising Young Woman - Emerald Fennell

Best Supporting Actress

Youn Yuh-jung - Minari as Soon-ja

Best Supporting Actor

Daniel Kaluuya - Judas and the Black Messiah as Fred Hampton

Best Actress

Frances McDormand - Nomadland as Fern

Best Actor

Anthony Hopkins - The Father as Anthony

Best Director

Chloé Zhao - Nomadland

Best Picture

Nomadland - Mollye Asher, Dan Janvey, Frances McDormand, Peter Spears and Chloé Zhao

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award

Tyler Perry

Motion Picture & Television Fund

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Zoom Review

Zoom

Release Date: 20th June 2007 - Australia (DVD premiere)

Production Companies

Columbia Pictures

Revolution Studios (presents)

Team Todd

Boxing Cat Films

Underground

Revolution Leaf Productions (Uncredited)

Distribution

Sony Pictures Releasing Australia

Genre: Family/Comedy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 88 minutes

Budget: $75,600,000

Box Office Gross: $12,506,362 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Reluctantly called back to

duty by the military, former

superhero Jack Shepard,

a.k.a. Captain Zoom, must

train an unlikely group of

superpowered children

to become the next

generation of superheroes.

Jack must teach them to

work as a team and harness

their superhuman abilities

to counter a returning threat that has yet to wreak havoc and imminent destruction worldwide.

Cast

Tim Allen - Jack Shepard/

Captain Zoom

Courteney Cox - Marsha Holloway

Chevy Chase - Dr. Grant

Spencer Breslin - Tucker Williams/

Mega-Boy

Kevin Zegers - Connor Shepard/

Concussion

Kate Mara - Summer Jones/Wonder

Michael Cassidy - Dylan West/Houdini

Ryan Whitney - Cindy Collins/Princess

Rip Torn - Larraby

Cornelia Guest - Cindy's Mom

Ashton Moio - Halloween Bully

Hunter Aarniokoski - Prince

Thomas F. Wilson - Dylan's Teacher

Ridge Canipe - Mean Bully

Danny McCarthy - Meaner Bully

Jason Bailey - Mucus Boy

Jesse Bendevis - Spitball Kid

Rashad Richards - Jupiter the Gas Giant

Chantal Cole - Speed Blinker

Steven Torres - Callente

Austin Torres - Muy Frio

David L. Lander - Wendy's Employee

Lauren Sanchez - Reporter

Willie Garson - Dick

Crew

Director - Peter Hewitt

Based on the Book "Zoom's Academy" -

Jason Lethcoe

Screen Story/Screenplay - Adam Rifkin

Screenplay - David Berenbaum

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Neil Machlis

Executive Producers - Nicholas Osborne

and Trevor Engelson

Producers - Suzanne & Jennifer Todd

and Todd Garner

Co-Producer - Julie Ragland

Casting Director - John Papsidera

Production Designer - Barry Chusid

Art Director - Joshu de Cartier

Set Decorator - Clive Thomasson

Costume Designer - Ha Nguyen

Special Makeup Effects Designer -

David LeRoy Anderson

Director of Photography - David Tattersall

First Assistant Director: Second Unit -

Simon Board

Third Assistant Director: Second Unit -

Adam Bocknek (Uncredited)

Second Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator -

James Arnett

Stunt Coordinator - Matt Birman

Action/Fight Coordinator - Tommy Chang

Special Effects Coordinator - Clive Beard

Special Effects Supervisor - Colin Chilvers

Assistant Special Effects Coordinators -

Steve Cullane and Andy Williams

Visual Effects Supervisor - Mark O. Forker

Visual Effects Supervisor: Custom Film Effects -

Mark Dornfeld

Visual Effects Producers: Digital Domain -

Todd Isroelit and David P.I. James

Visual Effects Art Director: Digital Domain -

Claas Henke

Digital Effects Supervisor: Digital Domain -

Serge Sretschinsky

Operators: Mr Pitt - Ron Prott and

Jamie Oxenham (Uncredited)

Previz Artist - Patrick Perez (Uncredited)

Film Editor - Lawrence Jordan

Supervising Sound Editor - Matthew Wood

Sound Designer/Supervising Sound Mixer -

Christopher Scarabosio

Assistant Sound Designer - David Acord

Supervising Sound Mixer - Gary Summers

Sound Effects Editors - Erclot,

David C. Hughes and Addison Teague

Dialogue Editors - Cheryl Nardi

and Steve Slanec

Foley Artists - Jana Vance,

Dennie Thorpe and Ellen Heuer

Foley Mixer - Frank Rinella

Music - Christophe Beck

Music Supervisors - John Houlihan and

Darian Pollard

Songs - Smash Mouth

Review

ZOOM came out a year after the similar Disney superhero movie Sky High and was a box-office bomb. It was one of those movies that followed the massive success of The Incredibles. From other reviews, I heard the film was unfaithful to the book it adapted (though I haven't read it) and that most critics were harsh on it. While it had an intriguing premise, the storyline was derivative and inconsistent, with gross-out, unfunny jokes, unlikable characters, poor editing, and a rushed climax. The product placement (like Wendy's) is redundant, the costume design is limited, and some scenes barely make sense. Unfortunately, the film has only one fight scene, and it appears in the last few minutes.

This movie lacks energy and squanders its duration on comedy. Tim Allen's character seemed tired (maybe intentionally). Despite his generic acting and limited emotional depth, his performance was decent. Courteney Cox did not seem like an ideal actress to portray a scientist. Chevy Chase's appearance suggests he's still headlining Community and trying to be funny. Instead, he takes on a disposable role with embarrassing scenes. Even Kevin Zegers has the least-developed role in the feature.

Some comical moments redeem the film, but these weren't enough. The special effects vary from decent to subpar. However, by the time this movie premiered in 2006, some of its CGI had become outdated because it relied on simple techniques. The music score is okay, but it uses songs (some are from Smash Mouth and Five for Fighting).

It's far from being the worst superhero movie. ZOOM didn't hold up to The Incredibles and Sky High. I am sorry, it's not super. However, it is only for a one-time viewing.

Star rating: (4/10) Below Average

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In Memory of Helen McCrory (1968-2021)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helen McCrory (1968-2021)

The English actress Helen McCrory died after her fight with cancer. She was 52 years old. Helen was known for roles in films such as "Harry Potter" and TV shows such as "Peaky Blinders."

Helen began her career as a stage and television actress and had supporting roles in films like "Interview with the Vampire," "Charlotte Gray," "The Count of Monte Cristo," and "Casanova." In 2006, after appearing in "Charlotte Gray" and "Casanova," she hit a high note in her film career by portraying Cherie Blair in the royal biopic "The Queen." She then reprised her role in the follow-up "The Special Relationship."

In 2007, Helen was cast as Death Eater Bellatrix Lestrange in the fifth Harry Potter instalment, "The Order of the Phoenix." Unfortunately, her first pregnancy forced her to step down from the role that later went to Helena Bonham Carter. However, she then got to play Bellatrix's sister and Draco Malfoy's mother, Narcissa Malfoy, in "The Half-Blood Prince." She also appeared in the last two films of the franchise, "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" and "Part 2". Her other notable roles include a British MP in the James Bond film "Skyfall," Mama Jeanne in "Hugo," and the period drama "A Little Chaos," which was directed by her Harry Potter co-star Alan Rickman.

In 2013, McCrory landed one of her famous roles as Shelby family matriarch Polly Gray in the hit crime drama "Peaky Blinders" by Steven Knight, which lasted for all five seasons. She even appeared in an episode of the BBC television series "Doctor Who," titled "The Vampires of Venice," in which she played the villain Rosanna Calvierri.

She was married to actor Damian Lewis. In their marriage, they had two children.

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