Beach Blanket Bingo – A 1965 Film Classic

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During the 1960s, all of America was obsessed with the growing California culture. It was sunnier and brighter than the rest of the country and things were just more exciting. Walt Disney built DisneyLand in 1955 and we all marveled at it’s technology and entertainment. Every kid I knew growing up on the East Coast wanted to drive across the country to California. Girls wanted to wear a bikini like Annette Funicello and boys wanted to surf like Frankie Avalon.

Watch the original 1965 Trailer

Funicello and Avalaon were stars in the 1965 film Beach Blanket Bingo. It was a comedic farce that starred Linda Evans and Paul Lynde. It’s the typical teen romance movie with two couples, and someone trying to make another person jealous.

Linda Evans stars in the movie as a famous pop singer known as Sugar Kane. Her agent is played by Paul Lynde, who decides that she should take part in publicity stunts. Some of which can be quite dangerous such as skydiving. So a stunt double named Bonnie comes in to take her place. Bonnie has a boyfriend named Steve, whom she wants to make jealous. So when Frankie (played by Frankie Avalon) mistakenly believes that he has rescued Sugar Kane, takes up skydiving to impress her. Then Annette Funicello, who is Frankie’s girlfriend, takes up skydiving to get him back. Get the adolescent teenage angst picture?

Well all of this is really an excuse to break out into song at every change and watch the teenagers dance – and swim and surf. Great fun and great music.

The Best Karaoke Movie Ever

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“Duets” came out in 2000, but it still stands as the best karaoke movie to date. Granted, there really haven’t been a lot of other movies about singing karaoke. And one could argue that it’s not really what this movie is about. But it features enough of the karaoke lifestyle to become a cult classic among singing fans everywhere. This movie didn’t really make much of a splash at the box office when it first came out. Critics didn’t fall in love with it instantly, and audiences thought it was a bit too strange. But now over a decade later, karaoke fans still pull it out on occasion whenever they want a good laugh. It’s the perfect mix of comedy, drama, and singing action.

When this movie originally came out, Gwyneth Paltrow was hyped as the star. But you soon see that it’s actually a collaborative movie with no real “stars”. This threw some people off because they felt it was false advertising. But if you’re okay with the fact that the golden girl at the time isn’t going to be in every frame of the movie, then it’s really no big deal.

duets

What you find is a collection of characters with different stories that eventually intersect. Some people have even called it the “Pulp Fiction” of karaoke. The one thing all of these characters have in common is the ability to sing and a love of doing it. So you see all kinds of scenarios where people try karaoke for the first time or they prove that they’ve been masters for several years. For example, Huey Louis plays Paltrow’s father and he’s actually a hustler that makes money from singing better than others. Along with other interactions, you get an interesting depiction of the culture and lifestyle that surrounds this hobby. Some of it is enhanced for dramatic effect, but it’s still the most realistic view yet.

Each group of people eventually make their way to the same destination which happens to be a singing contest. The journey along the way is what the movie is about, and how everything resolves itself is interesting as well. And in terms of the music, almost every song makes you want to sing for yourself. The soundtrack for Duets was really overlooked but there are a lot of great tunes on their. Most of them are remakes of old classics, but it’s nice to hear a new twist on these popular favorites. So if you’re in the mood for a musical movie that isn’t as cheesy as a real “musical”, plug-in a great set of headphones like these, and give this movie a try because it’s bound to have some music you’ll love.

The Hunger Games: Coming to a Theater Near You

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The Hunger Games trilogy is one of the best selling series for young adults but it is now soon to break records as the first movie premieres later this month. If you haven’t seen the numerous Hunger Games posters hanging at the movie theater then you may not realize that we are less than 3 weeks away from the movie being released and there is a lot of hype around this movie.

Jennifer Morrison stars as the main character of the movie, Katniss while Josh Hutcherson plays Peeta. The movie also stars Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks and Liam Helmsworth.

If you are not familiar with the story it is set in an apocalyptic world which is run by The Capitol. Each year The Capitol holds a survival game for each territory called the Hunger Games. Two people from each territory are chosen to partake in the game in which they must survive to the end and kill off the other tributes.

Katniss’s younger sister is chosen in the lottery to play in the Hunger Games and Katniss steps up and takes her sister’s place. The movie then follows Katniss along with her fellow tribute Peeta as they work together to get rid of the other tributes. The rules are that only one tribute can win the game but The Capitol makes an exception and decided that Katniss and Peeta should both be the winners.

The thing about the Hunger Games is that it not only appeals to young adults but also to older men and women. The plot of the story is very interesting and even has a political undertone which is a reason why it does appeal to the older generations.

The first movie is going to hit theaters on March 28 and you can bet that you will have a hard time getting tickets for the first weekend.

Star Studded Marathoners: Celebrities Who Run

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Who would have thought that even the richest and most pampered celebrities would have the interest and the guts to run in a marathon? What’s even more surprising is that many of them actually finish the race!

Running in a marathon is no easy feat. As an avid runner and writer for Ideal Feet orthotics, I know what it feels like to train for a distance race and battle through sport injuries like plantar fasciitis before finally getting your chance to prove yourself a marathoner. In fact, a few professional marathoners have died in their quest to conquer the finish line. This is precisely why it takes great dedication, passion, and commitment for these high paid actors, athletes, and politicians to sign up for this type of rigorous foot race. Here we round up just a few who have dared to try and complete the marathon.

Actors

1. William Baldwin

New York City Marathon – Finished at 3:24:29

Rising from the shadows of his other famous brothers Alec and Stephen, William Baldwin may not be an athlete, but he sure gave other marathoners a run for their money when he joined the New York City marathon.

Born in 1963, William is a natural actor who also moonlights as a writer and producer. His most notable works include Flatliners, Backdraft, Sliver, and Fair Game. He has also had his share of small screen success as Senator Patrick Darling in the hit series Dirty Sexy Money.

2. Anthony Edwards

Chicago Marathon – Finished at 3:55:40

Born and raised in California, Anthony Edwards first started out in a string of commercials before making the big jump to the small screen via the television hit ER, which catapulted him to stardom.

3. David James Elliott

Boston Marathon – Finished at 4:57:23

This lean and buff Canadian superstar is well loved for his role as Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. on the top rated show JAG, which ended in 2005. David is now busy with a recurring role in Jerry Bruckheimer’s CSI: NY, and on the new ABC show Good Christian Bitches.

4. Will Ferrell

Boston Marathon – Finished at 3:56:12

One of the most successful comedic actors and improvisers, Will Ferrell first began his career in America’s longest running sketch comedy and variety show, SNL. Since then, he has taken the leap to the big screen with films such as Elf, Talladega Nights, and Blades of Glory. Although not really known for his six-pack or outstanding physique, he managed to surprise everyone by finishing the Boston marathon.

5. Mario López

Boston Marathon – Finished at 5:41:41

This be-dimpled star first won audiences over as a regular in the teen TV show Saved by the Bell. After being away from the limelight for some time, he got his foothold back in the entertainment industry when he joined the 3rd season of Dancing with the Stars. At present, he is enjoying his stint as a host in EXTRA and on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew.

TV Personalities

1. Lisa Ling

Boston Marathon – Finished at 4:34:18

Who would have thought that tall and skinny journalist Lisa Ling actually had the stamina to run in a marathon. Her work with National Geographic, CNN, Channel One News, and the Oprah Show has made her one of television’s smartest reporters.

2. Oprah Winfrey

Marine Corps Marathon – Finished at 4:29:20

Named the richest African American of all time, the most influential woman in the world and one of the richest women alive, Oprah Winfrey is no rookie when it comes to battling hurdles, and the Marine Corps Marathon is just one of the many challenges that she has overcome without fear or apprehensions.

Who knew that these folks were more than just a pretty face.

Why Pets in Movies Work So Well

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Everyone loves to be able to go out and enjoy a good movie every once and a while. Without good actors it is really hard to achieve a good movie that is going to bring in a good crowd. Yet if a movie consists of some quality actors then you know you are getting something worth watching. One of the best assets to a movie though that is often overlooked most of the time is the pets in movies. Pets can play a major role in the move and really help to pull in laughs and a sentimental value. Pet in movies can play a major role and even talk. How often do you get to see a talking animal?

Pets in Movies

A lot of people are shocked at how well the animals are behaving while in the movie. The animals have to go long days and nights being filmed and trained as to what to do. The pets often go long days just like the actors do but achieve some of the best treatment there is.

One of the ways that these movie star animals get the best treatment out there is that they receive petmeds. Petmeds makes sure that the animals in the movie stay healthy and prosperous. If a dog or cat that plays a special role in a movie and they are not healthy it is going to be very hard to get them to do what they have to do because they are not going to be feeling well. With petmeds the animals are going to be constantly healthy and ready to do a days work. Petmeds coupons are available to any one who wants their pets to be happy and healthy just like the animals that they usually see in movies and television shows all the time.

Some interesting facts about Pirates of the Caribbean series

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The first film of the series was released in 2003 and was very successful. Due to box office takings the producers made the decision to go ahead with three more which would take until 2008 to make and release. The second of these, Dead Man’s Chest, made over $1 billion at the box office.

After the great success of the firstfilm and to help with costs, the next two were shot with the same cast and crew at roughly the same time.

Over this period, cinematic techniques had been developing and the next film to be released was able to take advantage of newly created 3d effects. This, together with the original popularity of the film, helped takings achieve another $1 billion. So it has become established as one of the few film series where 2 separate releases have each made over $1 billion.

Such films require popular appeal in order to ensure their longevity and some sources quote the video game Monkey Island as a source of inspiration for the creators. There has been several comments about the similarity between the two.

The pirate franchise developed into many commercial fields. For example, the ride at the popular Disney theme park was created and the video and computer games industry launched their equivalent products. Today, merchandising of such blockbusters is at least as important as the original film itself. Many releases, aimed at the kids’ market, teamed up with McDonald’s hamburgers in a move which boosts both the film itself and the sales at McDonalds.

Even the costumes market, such as at www.officialpartydirectory.co.uk, has had a huge increase in interest from the public with a vast range of pirate costumes and styles available online.

Christmas Movies for the Holiday Season

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There are many lists of Christmas films that you should watch for the holiday, some are older, others newer, some are sad, and others make you laugh. Although Christmas is far off, it is never too early to start planning what Christmas films you should watch during the next holiday season. Whether you like deep, or just plan funny Christmas films, this list of Christmas movies has something that for everyone next Christmas.

Arthur Christmas
This animated film was only recently released in the theater, but there is no doubt it will shortly be out on DVD and Blue Ray. This film follows several characters that are on a mission to get a small child that Santa has forgotten their Christmas gift on time. The characters travel around and visit several places such as Idaho in the United States. Do the loveable characters succeed in getting the small child’s gift to them on time? You will just have to watch it to find out.
A Christmas Story
This true classic, and has been loved by both young and old for many years. There is a lot of American humor in this film that follows a little boy who desperately wants a red Ryder bee bee gun for Christmas. This story is not only a film, but a play as well. It is the all American classic Christmas tale that you shouldn’t miss during the holiday season.
Love Actually
This is a modern story that follows several different lives during the Christmas holiday season that end up connected in different ways. The cast is what really makes this movie enjoyable, actors and actresses such as Hugh Grant, Will Furth, and Keira Knightly, do a great job of getting everyone into the Christmas spirit.
It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life is another classic Christmas story that follows George Bailey whose life just doesn’t seem to be going the right way. George Bailey contemplates suicide, but is saved by his guardian angel, who shows him that life is worth living.
I’ll be Home for Christmas
This is a teen film starring Jessica Biel, as she makes her way home from college for the holidays; her crush follows her and tries to win her heart. But is it too late when he discovers she has a boyfriend?
There are many enjoyable holiday films, but if you want to make your holidays extra special, consider watching these films first.

 

Movies Or DVD At Home?

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Every time a new movie comes out I sit at home and wonder whether to bother paying out to see it at the cinema or whether I should simply wait for it to reach the DVD shelves. Sometimes I’ve realized (after I’ve seen a movie at the cinema) that the best parts in or about the film were the scenes that I saw in the trailers before the movie even hit the big screen.

Other times I find that I’m not as comfortable as I would be had I waited for the DVD, or I’m surrounded by a bunch of kids that are still of an age whereby they’re not overly concerned with the fact that other people might actually want to sit and watch the movie in peace. Then there’s 3D – which works in some films, not so in others.

Plus the dumb, oversized glasses – which I hate. It’s not as if they look remotely like a pair of Oakley sunglasses, heck if they even looked a little like a cheap pair of glasses I’d be a bit happier! Anyway, the point is that it’s getting more and more difficult to gauge whether or not I should bother watching a film on the big screen, or not.

3D - hardly stylish looking sunglasses

When I was a kid the decision was easy – the cinema. I don’t know why but back then going to the movies with firneds and/or family was a huge deal. The whole ‘which film, what showing, popcorn or hotdogs?’, you know? I mean … I can still remember the awe and jaw-dropping experience that was Star Wars, at the end of the 1970′s.

Even as young as we all were back then, we all knew that we’d just seen something incredibly special. These days it feels more as though the big movie power-houses are trying to outdo each other all the time – special effects, big budgets, super SUPER stars – as opposed to remaining focused on producing the best cinematic experience that they can.

Despite my misgivings, I’m still a huge fan of the whole movie experience, even when I watch a mediocre film. I just think that the way in which the home entertainment industry has developed (in the last 5 to 10 years) means that we’re almost left with no choice – why bother going to the effort of watching a movie anywhere else but in your own home?

The home cinema experience

Oddly, writing this has been a bit cathartic. Now I’m of the mind that it’s about time that I simply went out and bought a new TV (the great big wide screen type), a new set of top quality surround sound speakers and started stocking up the DVD library …