Robin Hood - will Crowe pull it off?

There is a serious argument to be made that Robin Hood is one of the greatest characters in all literature. The concept of this one character has endured since roughly 1350, and he continues to be as popular if not moreso today. Obviously, Hollywood loves to make movies about Robin Hood as often as they can get away with it.

The very first Robin Hood movie was back in 1908, a silent film. Since that time there have been no less than 49 movies or television shows based on this one character. That does not include cartoons and anime versions, or of course porn versions. It also does not include the numerous references to the character in plays, books, and homages in television series and movies.

There is no question that everyone, anywhere in the world, loves Robin Hood. There is a major question on what is the best Robin Hood portrayal though.

I believe that the ultimate portrayal of Robin Hood was done in 1938 by Errol Flynn in The Adventures of Robin Hood - with Olivia de Havilland and Basil Rathbone. For me this one film is the standard by which all other versions of Robin Hood must be judged. In fact this film is so universal in it's appeal, that most every version made since has a point of trying to incorporate at least parts of that film into their versions.





Of course there are those that won't watch a film older than themselves. And there are those that think the Errol Flynn version can be outdone. Thus we have far lesser versions of Robin Hood like:



and the incredibly awful Costner version


but also a few more enjoyable versions like


and yes even an Japanese anime version in German


There even have been parrodies of varying quality


But as I said, all of these movies and versions pale in comparison. Errol Flynn did it right and it has yet to be done better.

Does that mean the Russell Crowe film will be the disaster that was Kevin Costner's version? We can pray not. But I for one need far more to be convinced than what the trailer so far seems to present.



But we will find out soon.

2010 movies to avoid like a plague

Given that the movies that seem to have the most hype also have been on the list of movies that I think will be good in 2010, there is also a fair chance they won't match the hype and be among the list of the worst movies of 2010. But that's a gamble and I've made my bet. As for the rest of the films in 2010...

Here is my list of films that I am ABSOLUTELY sure will be horrendous wastes of time and money. I could be proven wrong, but I doubt it.

Tooth Fairy - Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson needs a new agent. He is not a great actor, never was. He was decent in action films where he didn't need to say a lot and could use his muscles often. Kind of Arnold Schwartzennager. But unlike the now Governator, Johnson has yet to build up enough action films to allow him to make these awful kids movies he seems hell-bent on starring in. Just wait for the bargain bin DVD sale.

I Love You Phillip Morris - Jim Carrey is the opposite of The Rock. We love his comedic skills. The man is funny. But put him in a serious role and you are looking at a bomb of a movie. Make that film about a prison escapee, with a gay love story at its heart, and you are looking at a film that even DVD sales won't help. But France might like it.

Cop Out - I like Bruce Willis films. He is great as a cop and authority figure. He brings a great everyman quality to the films he is in. But none of that makes him capable of making a bad film good. Oh, and Tracy Morgan just isn't that funny.

Alice in Wonderland - Yes I will stand alone on this one. I know that Johnny Depp is in the film. I know Tim Burton directed it. But people forget that both men LOVE extreme cinema that is anything but mainstream. And the story of Alice in Wonderland is really nigh incomprehensible to the mainstream as is. It will be a good art film, but no where near a commercial success.

Clash of the Titans - Fans of the original movie will be disappointed. Fans of Transformers will likely be in love with this film. Everyone else will have moments of appreciation of the CGI, and depression at the plot in this revisioned movie.

The Back-up Plan - Jennifer Lopez is the star. Do you really need another reason to avoid this film? Ok, it's about artificial insemination as the key plot device.

Wall Street 2 - A thinly veiled political message packaged in a sequel that really is well past it's prime.

Robin Hood - Russell Crowe is no Erroll Flynn. It's another film trying to improve on a universally accepted perfection in movies. The only positive is that it should be better than Kevin Kosner's try at it.

Sex and the City 2 - Did anyone really want a sequel to this rehash of a truly mediocre television show brought to the big screen?

Marmaduke - Live action versions of comic strip characters never work. Didn't Garfield end this concept?

The A-Team - I really would like to be wrong about this. I liked the 80's television show. But revisioning of television shows to fit on the big screen just don't work. At least Ben Stiller is not in this fiasco waiting to happen.

Jonah Hex - Ever hear of the comic book? I didn't think so. This is a comic book to movie conversion of a 3rd rate comic book that no one cared about 38 years ago. Even comic book fans will avoid this. And if you think the plot might help, you haven't read what the plot is.

SAW VII - When a horror movie (slasher, whatever) goes to 3-D for a sequel you just know it's all over.

Red Dawn - Another revisioned remake of an 80's film. Sure to be filled with political messages straight from the far-left field of view. The only thought that might be of interestr is how Hollywood might resolve America-bashing with a movie that is supposed to be pro-America. I really hope I am wrong on this one, but the November launch date does not give me reassurance (it's a slot only slightly better than January).

Yogi Bear - I'll say it again, live action films don't work.

The Green Hornet - Reaching way back in television time, this is a revisioned retread of the 60's show. I just can't buy Seth Rogen as the Green Hornet. Likely the writing will target campy and hit on awful. I shudder at what it will be like.

Next up are the films that are too ugly to classify as good or bad.

Russell Crowe apologizes over toasty car

Just a bit of quick news. I love positive stories and to speak about the charitable works of entertainers. This turns out to be both.

Russell Crowe started this whole thing off in a negative note. On the set of one the upcoming Robin Hood movie (starring Crowe and Cate Blanchett), one of the boom operators was delayed because her car died. And I mean the car was done - burnt well done according to reports. This left the poor woman bitter and twisted,as she was in deep Rubble. (I think the Brits out there will get that.)

Thus on the set she was complaining about having to buy a new car. This is when Crowe jumped in and let his mouth fly unfettered. Effectively making fun of the situation, and the woman in question. But being a Brit she was undaunted and replied back

Well, I suppose it's OK for you, Russell. You've probably never had to worry about finding five grand for a new car."

Crowe it seems was put well into his place. And he was definitely reminded of the difference between an A-list entertainer and the rest of us that work too hard for a living. So he decided to apologize. By giving her 5,000 pounds and stating

"There you go. You can buy a 10,000 pound car now."

For those in the U.S. he roughly gave her $8,100. Which is a nice way to make up for a snide comment.

And for those that think this, and the reputation of generosity that Crowe has on the Robin Hood set, are just a gimmick to get advertising for the film - so far the media reps for Crowe have yet to publicly admit any of this. So it adds a level of the genuine for me.

If its as true as reports state, and considering that Crowe makes between $10 and 25 million per picture, it was very kind of him. An apology that really sticks in the mind. If only all entertainers could get slapped back to reality, and react in a similar manner, when thier egos take over their mouths and actions.

Well at least they have this example to follow.

Movies to see before you die

There is nothing quite like a list of something to get the blood boiling. When that list happens to be of movies, and is called the 100 movies to see before you die, well you can imagine I was like a moth to a flame.

This Yahoo list is pretty good though. In fact I have seen 74 out of the full 100. When it comes to lists of great movies, I normally have far more issue with some of the choices. But this list is very much on the mark.

But they did get a few wrong.

Like Princess Monoke. A very good anime film. But not something you must see before death. I'd substitute that with Akira or Ghost in the Shell. Both are dazzling in the story and art. Far more compelling anime.

They touched on martial arts films, including Bruce Lee's Enter The Dragon. A true classic. But not the only style of martial arts film worthy of viewing. For a story that is completely different yet deep in thought and martial arts try Circle of Iron as an addition to your top 100 list.

I have to be excited about this list as they included one of my favorite films, and one that most people never heard of. M. That is a classic and groundbreaking. It may be old and sub-titled, but it is powerful cinema and that's what matters.

The list leaves out The Princess Bride, which I think is great on a comedic and swashbuckling level. And they did not include a universal classic The Adventures of Robin Hood. How can they not have Errol Flynn's most renown role.

Still the list does have Blazing Saddles and Do The Right Thing. Something I'm glad to see as films starring Black actors or directors normally seem to not exist in these kinds of lists.

Though they ignored Malcolm X, by Spike Lee. There is a reason why this was Denzel Washington's first Oscar nominated role (which he was robbed of), and why the movie itself was robbed of an Oscar Award. Once you see it I think you will agree.

I like that the list includes: the original 12 Angry Men, Alien, Apocalypes Now, Blade Runner, Bridge on the River Kwai, Die Hard, Dr. Strangelove, The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings, the original King Kong (one of the first films I ever saw and remember to this day), Groundhog Day, It's a Wonderful Life, Lawrence of Arabia, M.A.S.H. (yes it was a movie long before it was a television show), Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Animal House, Nosferatu (second film I recall ever seeing), Schindler's List, Seven Samurai, Some Like It Hot, Star Wars (the first of the series in 1977), To Kill A Mockingbird, and Usual Suspects. I find them all to be essential films that everyone should see at least once.

Also included in that list of core movies (besides the others I mentioned above) that everyone should see is Being There. A Peter Sellers film unlike anything he did before it. This is comedy of a cerebral nature yet enjoyable just to watch and eat popcorn with.

Overall this list is very good. One of the better lists to come out of Yahoo. But it isn't perfect. At least to me. And I think if you take the time to compare the movies I would add to the list, you'll see how much better it becomes in total.

Why current Oscar Award choices lack interest

I was watching The O’Reily Factor, which I watch most every day, and Dennis Miller was doing his weekly spot on the show. The discussion encompassed the Oscar Awards, and Dennis Miller mentioned the fact that several nominated and winning films of the past could never be made today. I agree with that.

So I decided to go through a list of all the movies I have seen that have been nominated or won an Oscar Award. To that end I only selected films that I have seen, and range from the start of Oscar nominations up to 1984. Where there are movies that have been remade (some several times) I have gone with the original movie.

To simplify this list a bit, I’m grouping the movies into groups based on the reason it can be made today. I will add that several of the movies, if remade now, would have their theme and emphasis massively re-written. Wining movies are identified with a w.

[By the way, I recommend seeing all these movies, and M – a German film starring Peter Lorie.]

Movies that can’t be made because they promote America – A common theme now is that America is evil and our military is cruel. At least many in Hollywood would like you to think that.

Sergeant York
Yankee Doodle Dandy
The Best Years of Our Lives - w
It's a Wonderful Life
Miracle on 34th Street
Mister Roberts
The Alamo
M*A*S*H

Movies that are anti-Feminist

Captain Blood
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Gone with the Wind
The Wizard of Oz
Casablanca
The Best Years of Our Lives - w
It's a Wonderful Life
The Quiet Man
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
12 Angry Men - if only for the title if not the casting
The Alamo
The Guns of Navarone
West Side Story – w
How the West Was Won
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
In the Heat of the Night – w
M*A*S*H
A Clockwork Orange
Sounder

Movies that offend various special interest groups

Sergeant York – Germans
Cleopatra (1934) – Africans/ Blacks/Arabs (none of which are White)
The Gay Divorcee – Title insults Gays
The Thin Man – not sensitive to overweight people
Gone with the Wind – w – African Americans
Of Mice and Men (1939) – Tthe mentally challenged
The Wizard of Oz – Height challenged
The Best Years of Our Lives – w – Disabled Vets
It's a Wonderful Life – lack of minorities
Miracle on 34th Street – insensitive to non-Christian religions
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre - Mexicans
The Quiet Man - Irish
Shane – Native American Indians
Mister Roberts - Japanese
The King and I - Asians
The Ten Commandments – Non-Christians
The Bridge on the River Kwai – w - Japanese
12 Angry Men – Puerto Ricans/Hispanics/Latinos
The Defiant Ones - Southerners
The Alamo – Mexicans
West Side Story – w- Puerto Ricans
Lawrence of Arabia – w- Arabs
To Kill a Mockingbird - Southerners
How the West Was Won – Mexicans/Native American Indians
In the Heat of the Night – w
Sounder – African Americans
Gandhi – w – Hindus
A Soldier's Story – African Americans

Movies that have African American leads, not involving them as drug addicts/dealers, not involving a holiday, family gathering or wedding, without a comedic plotline

The Defiant Ones
To Kill a Mockingbird
In the Heat of the Night – w
M*A*S*H (yes it’s comedic, and the only Black guy is called Spear Chucker; But he is a top class surgeon and respected by the leads)
Sounder
A Soldier's Story

Movies that would offend some religious or religious group

The Gay Divorcee
The Wizard of Oz
Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)
The Bells of St. Mary's
It's a Wonderful Life
Miracle on 34th Street
The Quiet Man
The King and I
The Ten Commandments
M*A*S*H
Gandhi

Movies about wars that would be rewritten to change historical fact or make the enemy seem nicer

Gone with the Wind - w
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Casablanca - w
The Best Years of Our Lives - w
It's a Wonderful Life
Mister Roberts
The Bridge on the River Kwai – w
The Alamo
The Guns of Navarone
Lawrence of Arabia – w
The Longest Day
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
The Sand Pebbles

I could go on, but you get the point. A host of movies that are classics would never be done any more. Of the ones that would, the entire storyline would be redone to facilitate various groups, and ruin the story.

The recent remake of Robin Hood with Kevin Costner is a great example. Did they really need Morgan Freeman in the film? Did the fact of the Crusades occurring in that time help the story at all? And there was the re-write of Disney’s version of the attack at Pearl Harbor. I believe the remake of the Alamo was historically wrong too.

Protests from various orthodox (more like fanatical) religious groups assuredly would surround The Wizard of Oz, due to witches that many movies recently have seen. It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and The Ten Commandments would all be attacked in a similar manner as was The Passion of the Christ.

And not a single movie that shows America being a positive force in the world could get past the extreme left wing groups that have continued to fund and promote the miserable flops like Sicko, Redacted and Lions for Lambs.

Oh, I would support the blocking of a film like The Ten Commandments and Cleopatra on the basis that Egyptians are African, not White. No matter how many times these films are remade or colorized, Blacks are Black even if they are from North Africa. It’s insulting to portray them as otherwise. I mean if there was an all Black version of The Guns of Navarone it wouldn’t make a hell of a lot of sense now would it?

When you think about it, the reasons why movies like all the above, and others like Sergeant Rutledge, don’t get made anymore are stupid. No wonder we are left with endless remakes (The Invasion, The Honeymooners, Who’s Your Caddy, and occasionally a decent but ultimately disappointing plot changed I Am Legend), prequels (Hannibal Rising, AVP:Requiem), and miserable original films based on everything but a good idea (Bratz, Hulk, AVP, I Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Transformers, Sex in the City, Codename: The Cleaner, and the list goes on).

Rebirth of the swashbuckler - 5.23.2007.2

Tomorrow is the premiere of the blockbuster hit Pirates of the Caribbean : At World’s End. Obviously it will be a blockbuster, I’m going to see it tomorrow along with millions of people across the country and world. Mr. Johnny Depp is phenomenal as Captain Jack Sparrow. He makes the movie work. The rest of the cast are no slouches either, but his character stands out. Of course I expect little else for an actor that has made a career of taking highly unusual characters and making them inviting to watch.

Because of this performance many are announcing the return of the pirate and swashbuckling movie. I’m sure movie studios are itching for next year or after that to come out with their own high seas adventure. Nothing is copied as often as a successful movie genre. Airplane led to disaster movies, Jaws to beast attacks, Halloween to the current horror fest (and of course a remake). But there is one thing I wanted to mention. Mr. Johnny Depp did not bring back swashbucklers, Mr. Cary Elwes did.

Some of you may be saying who? You may recall him from Oxford Blues with Mr. Rob Lowe, or Days of Thunder with Mr. Tom Cruise. Not ringing a bell, hmm? What about Glory with Mr. Morgan Freeman, Mr. Denzel Washington, and Mr. Mathew Broderick? Well if you have ever seen The Princess Bride I know you recall the Dread Pirate Wesley.

Better than Mr. Johnny Depp and the Pirates films? Inconceivable! Not really. You can’t compare the 2, but both are amazing works filled with great actors and memorable imagery. The Princess Bride is a classic film in the style of the original swashbuckler (or me at least) Robin Hood. Not the crappy remake by Mr. Kevin Costner, but the movie starring Mr. Errol Flynn. That movie defined what a swashbuckling/pirate movie is supposed to be, and every movie before The Princess Bride failed miserably to fulfill that image. Of course if you watched Mr. Elwes go you can see why Hollywood was dying for a good script to carry on the concept. Humor, romance, a touch of drama in the background and of course the hero dies – sound like anything you’ve seen of late?

I am a fan of Mr. Depp. I enjoyed the Pirates series as much as anyone, and I’m anticipating a wonderful time at the 3rd film. Still I can realize that it wasn’t the reason that swashbucklers are back. As the countless films come out in the near future that rip-off this concept, as you watch the DVD’s and Video on Demand, take a moment to recall that there was a pirate in the past as famous as Captain Jack. Hey, who knows, you might even take a moment to watch the movie and see what I mean. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

This is what I think, what do you think?