FilmMonthly » Steve Sullivan

TCM Presents ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’ 30th Anniversary Event

Steve Sullivan — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:46:56 +0000

Phone home. Phone work. Phone family and friends. One of the most beloved and heartwarming films of all time is celebrating its 30^th anniversary in grand style. NCM Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies bring to you for one day only, the newly remastered E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.

E.T. has been a staple of family households for the last 30 years. And now, thanks to TCM, generations of fans had the opportunity to view the film, in the theatre, together. TCM host Ben Mankiewicz introduced the film with some behind the scenes information. Apparently, Francois Truffaut, the legendary French filmmaker, noticed the deft way in which director Steven Spielberg handled directing the young man in Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, and recommended that Spielberg should work with children on his next picture. When Truffaut recommends an idea, you listen. To that date, E.T. was Spielberg’s most personal film. It mirrored his own feelings of disillusionment after his own parents’ divorce.

Once the idea was in place, it was time for the casting. Hundreds of children auditioned for the lead role of Elliott, including Henry Thomas. His initial reading did not go well. But when he improvised a scene with the casting director, everyone involved knew they had their Elliott. And of course there was Elliott’s precocious younger sister, Gertie. The role went to Drew Barrymore, whose family name is legendary in Hollywood. Drew was asked recently which of her many roles have affected her the most, and without hesitation she said E.T.

Released in 1982, E.T. was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, taking home 4: Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound, and Best Music for John Williams’ legendary score. The film was #1 at the box office for 16 weeks. The story of love, compassion, and friendship struck a chord with audiences around the world, a chord that still resonates 30 years later.

Universal Pictures is celebrating its 100 anniversary by re-releasing some of its finer films back into theatres for one day only special events. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is one of many in the amazing Universal canon to get such a release. Look for more celebrations down the road, including a Halloween double feature of Frankenstein/Bride Of Frankenstein, as well as To Kill A Mockingbird. And if you want to continue to pass along E.T. to future generations, it is now available on stunning Blu-Ray.

The Essential Games of the Chicago Cubs

Steve Sullivan — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:39:28 +0000

At the turn of the 20^th century, the Chicago Cubs were one of the premier teams in professional baseball. The Cubs were World Series champions in 1908. For the last 104 years, things have not gone so well. The Cubs last World Series appearance came in 1945, where they unfortunately lost to the Detroit Tigers. But there have been exciting games and seasons that have followed the last WS showing. The Essential Games of the Chicago Cubs features four such games of varying significance.

The first game in the set is from July 12, 1969. The game held no significance in the league standings. But it did feature five Cubs that would eventually land in the National Baseball Hall Of Fame. Those individuals were manager Leo Durocher, first baseman Ernie Banks, right fielder Billy Williams, starting pitcher Ferguson Jenkins, and one of the most beloved Cubs in the history of the franchise, third baseman Ron Santo.

The second game is from June 23, 1984, and is a classic to Cubs fans everywhere. A young second baseman named Ryne Sandberg introduced himself to a national television audience with a bang. The St. Louis Cardinals were leading 9-8 heading into the bottom of the 9^th inning. The Cardinals brought in their intimidating closer Bruce Sutter to shut down the Cubs and preserve a victory. Sutter was intimidating to most, but not young Sandberg. With nerves of steel, Sandberg stepped to the plate and smashed a solo home run to tie the game at 9. The game would move into extra innings. The Cardinal scored two runs in the top of the 10^th and looked like they would triumph after all. But in the bottom of the inning, the Wrigley Field faithful would be treated to a sense of déjà vu. Once again, Sutter faced off against Sandberg with the game on the line. And once again, Sandberg came through, this time hitting a two run game tying home run. Sandberg overall stats: 5-6, two home runs, seven R.B.I.‘s.

The third game was a one game play-in to see which team, the Cubs or the San Francisco Giants would make the playoffs. A two run homer from veteran third baseman Gary Gaetti and stellar pitching from Steve Trachsel help lead the Cubs to a playoff berth.

And finally, the September 20, 2008 game in which the Cubs defeated the Cardinals to clinch the National League Central division crown.

There are no special features to speak of on this set. Except for the 2008 game, in which you can watch the FOX television broadcast and listen to the Cubs radio announcers. I believe that’s the only way to view this game, considering one of those broadcasters is the late Ron Santo, who poured every emotion into every play he called.

FOX Cinema Archives First Wave (Part Three)

Steve Sullivan — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 04:36:16 +0000

In this article, we will be looking at the FOX Cinema Archives Manufacture On Demand title Kidnapped (1938). This MOD title looked in pristine condition, most likely due to the fact that the original source material was not seen very often. At least after one viewing, I am pretty positive I will not be seeing it again.

Kidnapped is based on a Robert Louis Stevenson novel Kidnapped: The Adventures Of David Balfour. The story involves the 1700’s revolution of Scotland wanting to be recognized as a sovereign nation by England. A proud Scottish activist named Alan Breck (Warner Baxter) is wanted by the British government as a traitor. An interweaving story involves young David Balfour (Freddie Bartholomew) traveling to Scotland to claim his rightful heir as head of the Balfour estate. Unfortunately, his scheming uncle Ebenezer (Miles Mander) plots his imminent kidnapping and demise. When the kidnapping falls flat, Ebenezer attempts to collect on the bounty placed on the head of Alan Breck.

The movie, as a whole, falls flat. The accents of the actors come and go. None more so than with Alan Breck. Mr. Breck is supposed to be Scottish, yet he somehow falls in and out of Scottish, English, and American accents. I was expecting so much more of this film, especially when I discovered the supporting cast, which reads as a whos-who of character actors: John Carradine, Reginald Owen, and Nigel Bruce. The only saving grace was the acting of young Freddie Bartholomew. Freddie outshines every veteran actor in the film, and steals every scene he is in.

The director of Kidnapped (Alfred Werker) would go on the very next year to direct what many critics claim to be the best of the Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes films (The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes). Coincidentally, it was also the second film in which Werker worked with Nigel Bruce, who is most well known for playing Sherlock Holmes sidekick, Dr. Watson.

Overall, Kidnapped is an average film that isn’t sure what it wants to be. There are a number of similarities between Kidnapped and the Robin Hood legend. And if you want to see a period piece with exciting adventure, I would recommend The Adventures of Robin Hood, which was released in 1938 as well, but in glorious Technicolor as compared to the drab black-and-white used for Kidnapped.

The Simpsons The Fourteenth Season

Steve Sullivan — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:41:11 +0000

The Simpsons The Fourteenth Season
Whoo-hoo! After a long, inconsolable break, a new installment of Simpsons season releases has finally arrived. Many critics have claimed for years that The Simpsons have gone downhill, that the writing has become increasingly lackluster. But any true fan, as well as your average television viewer will discover, Season Fourteen has some tricks up its sleeve.
The Fourteenth Season of The Simpson’s has an ongoing theme: Halloween. The outside packaging, as well as the inset booklet, bring to mind the Simpson annual Halloween tradition “Treehouse Of Horrors”. Our hosts for this season are the one-eyed aliens from Rigel -7 known as Kang and Kodos. The Blu-Ray release even has two bonus episodes of the Treehouse Of Horrors (V and VI). The screen menus take place in a haunted house and feature various Simpson regulars dressed like characters from the various Season Fourteen episodes. There are a number of memorable episodes in this set. First and foremost, “How I Spent My Strummer Vacation”, featuring the quest voices of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Tom Petty, Lenny Kravitz, Elvis Costello, and Brian Setzer. There is also “Prey Anything” with Homer pushing the limits of faith and religion. “Scuse Me While I Miss The Sky” guest stars Eric Idle as a documentarian who comes to Springfield and throws Bart and Lisa into a state of doubt. This season also featured what is listed as the 300th episode of the series. I mention “listed as” do to questions over the years as to whether or not “Barting Over” is truly the 300th episode, or possibly the 301st or 302nd .
The Simpsons The Fourteenth Season is obviously a must-have for any true Simpson fan. My recommendation is for the Blu-Ray release. The upgrade in picture quality was quite impressive. Some of the bonus features in this set include the aforementioned Treehouse Of Horrors V and VI, as well as two compilations. The first is all of the opening sequences of Treehouse Of Horrors I-XIII. The second is a collection of scenes from the first thirteen Halloween spectaculars. Whether DVD or Blu-Ray, do yourself a favor: buy this set. The Simpsons are always worth a look. Especially Marge, who got breast implants this season!

Bloodstained Memoirs

Steve Sullivan — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:33:16 +0000

What can I say about professional wrestling? I believe it to be as physical or more so than any officially recognized sport. Since wrestling is scripted, it is considered sports entertainment. Even so, pro wrestling is more physical than football or hockey, and wrestlers have no off season. This documentary speaks with many well-known wrestlers about the trials, tribulations, and rewards of being in the wrestling industry.
Bloodstained Memoirs focuses on nine wrestlers, some more in depth than others. Two wrestlers in particular are prominently featured, and rightfully so. Roderick Toombs, better known to wrestling fans as Rowdy Roddy Piper, was never one to shy away from the truth. Piper reiterates a thought many have held for almost thirty years. Without a hated villain (Piper), the conquering hero (Hulk Hogan) would have never been able to make WrestleMania such an enormous success. But, to the victor goes the spoils. While Hogan gets whisked away with Mr. T in a limousine for an after-party, Piper and tag team partner Bob Orton, Jr. get ushered out the back of Madison Square Garden.
Piper has a major problem with writers being involved in the sports entertainment process. With writers in the picture, there is no individuality. Everyone speaks from a single voice, which eventually makes the product predictable and stale. Piper also talks candidly about the dangers of being a villain in the sport back in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Before one show, near his dressing room, Piper was stabbed by some crazy fan. And speaking of crazy, this incident was the third time Piper had been stabbed. That doesn’t seem scripted to me.
Keiji Muto, aka The Great Muta, is a legend of Japanese wrestling. Americans became familiar with his unique style in the late 80’s during his stint with the National Wrestling Alliance. Muto’s matches with Sting and “Nature Boy” Ric Flair were classics. Muto perfected a move known as “the moonsault”. This move is executed by first making sure your opponent is lying prone on the mat. The wrestler than climbs to the top rope and does a backflip/splash combo. When done properly, the moonsault is a thing of beauty. Muto is not only an in-ring performer; he is also the president of All Japan Pro Wrestling. For many decades, Japan has been famous for its “death matches”, which employ weaponry of all kinds, including barbed wire, mini explosions, fluorescent light bulbs, etc. Since these matches are more adult in nature, Muto has none at his shows. All Japan is funded by sponsors, which shy away from violence. Funny enough, one of All Japans biggest sponsors is Hello Kitty. The most enlightening revelation from Muto’s segment is one simple statement: wrestling is an art.
Chris Jericho is interviewed, but speaks mostly of his band Fozzy. Mick Foley is shown at an autograph signing at Borders in England. He’s not officially interviewed, but he does tell a funny joke about his friend and host of this documentary, Al Snow. “Superfly” Jim Snuka basically is just happy, with nothing of merit to add to the proceedings.
Bloodstained Memoirs is a fascinating documentary from David Sinnott. The extras are interesting, especially an extra section of the Roddy Piper interview, where he talks about his experience working with director John Carpenter on the film They Live. There is also a bonus interview with Christy Hemme, the winner of WWE’s first Diva Search, as well as a blooper reel of host Al Snow. If wrestling is an art, then it’s fun to hear the process from the artists.

The Phantom Of The Opera (Blu-Ray)

Steve Sullivan — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:52:07 +0000

The Phantom Of The Opera (Blu-Ray)
An acquaintance recently had an argument with yours truly about Blu-Ray upgrades of older films. His argument was that movies made before the High Definition era were not made in HD, so an attempted upgrade would be futile. I have numerous examples of how wrong this line of thinking is, including the Blu-Ray release of the horror classic The Phantom Of The Opera.
By now, everyone knows the basic story behind Phantom. Erik (Lon Chaney), a disfigured and tormented individual, lives in the lower reaches of the Paris Opera House. He sneaks throughout the enormous building, instilling terror in the actors and patrons alike. When Erik becomes smitten with a young ingénue, he will stop at nothing to make her a star and, more importantly, to make her love him. The Blu-Ray release features three versions of the film. The first is a 1929 reissue presented at 24 frames per second with an aspect ratio of 1.2:1. It also includes a an all new orchestral score from the Alloy Orchestra. The second version is also a 1929 reissue with the same aspect ratio. There are two differences from the other reissue. The first is the presentation at 20 frames per second. The second is an orchestral score composed by Gabriel Thibaudeau. The third and final version is the original 1925 film in a standard definition aspect ratio of 1.37:1, with a wonderful piano score by Frederick Hodges. The version I would recommend would be the first 1929 reissue. The tints are more vibrant. Scratches, dust particles, etc. are less prevalent in this version as well. Also, the Alloy Orchestra score fits. The Thibaudeau score of the second reissue is more grating and frankly annoying. The quality of the 1925 original is horrible, and longer due to a scene that was later removed to increase the flow of the story. But it is great to own the original, nonetheless.
The bonus features are sparse. The jewel, though, is an original silent trailer. If you deem yourself a fan of classic film, this Blu-Ray release from the terrific people at Image Entertainment of The Phantom Of The Opera is a must own. It is a testament to the art of film. And it is proof that under the watchful eye of skilled technicians, the classic works of a bygone era can be brought back to life as good (or better) than ever.

Baseball’s Greatest Games: Collector’s Edition

Steve Sullivan — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:18:14 +0000

Baseball’s Greatest Games
Has there ever been anything more American than the sport of baseball? Possibly apple pie, but I’ll digress. As the month of October wind’s its way to a close, so does another baseball season. Major League Baseball and A & E are looking to capitalize on this magical month with the release of Baseball’s Greatest Games, featuring 10 spectacular games from the 1960’s through the early 2000’s. There are regular season games, League Championship Series games, and, of course, World Series games. There is something in the collection for every fan. Not convinced? I think I can help change that mindset.
Let’s break the set down by the decades. First, the 1960’s.
There is one game from the 60’s represented in this set, but it’s a worthy representative of the decade. Game 7 of the 1960 World Series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees. Through the first six games, the Yankees had outscored the Pirates 46-17. Yet Pittsburgh had scratched and clawed their way to an even series. In the bottom of the ninth inning, an unlikely source of power strode to the plate. Bill Mazeroski, the light hitting second baseman of the Pirates, accomplished a feat never before or since seen in Major League Baseball. Mazeroski hit a homerun in the bottom of the ninth of Game 7 to pull off an upset Series win over the Yankees.
The 70’s have two games in the set. One a slugfest in the north side of Chicago, the other a classic playoff game with an incredible finish.
First, the high scoring affair at Wrigley Field. It was a normal May spring day in Chicago in 1979, where the slumping Cubs played host to the powerful Philadelphia Phillies. When the wind blows hard out of Wrigley Field, anything can happen. The teams combined for 45 runs, with the Phillies winning 23-22. Game 6 of the 1975 World Series was voted by MLB Network as the greatest game of the last 50 years. After Boston tied the game in the 8th inning, both teams went scoreless for three and a half innings. In the bottom of the 12th inning, Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk hit a home run over the Green Monster in historic Fenway Park to send the Fenway Faithful into a state of hysterics
The 1980’s featured two tremendous playoff finishes. One ended with a surprise homerun, the other with an unfortunate blunder.
Game 5 of the 1985 National League Championship Series pitted the Los Angeles Dodgers against the St. Louis Cardinals. The game was a pitchers duel, with neither team scoring in innings 5 through 8. With one out in the bottom of the 9th inning, light hitting shortstop Ozzie Smith hit his first career left handed homerun, sending the Cardinals to the World Series and inspiring announcer Jack Buck to make his now-famous call to St. Louis fans everywhere: “Go crazy folks. Go crazy!” Game 6 of the 1986 World Series was even more dramatic. The Boston Red Sox had not won the World Series since 1918. Heading into Game 6 against the New York Mets, the Sox were sitting pretty. They had a three games to one lead, and were up 5 runs to three heading into the bottom of the 10th inning. But the Mets hadn’t made this far on luck. New York led the Major Leagues in wins. They would never quit, which came through once again here in Game 6. With two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning, Mets catcher Gary Carter got on base with a single, followed by Kevin Mitchell and Ray Knight. The game was now suddenly tied at 5. When New York outfielder Mookie Wilson hit a routine groundball up the first base line, the game and the World Series appeared to be over. But nothing in baseball is routine. Red Sox first basemen Bill Buckner lowered his glove to ground level, and then inexplicably raised the glove a split second before the ball arrived. Before Buckner knew what had happened, the ball went between his legs, allowing Ray Knight to score the game-winning run from first base.
The 1990’s have three incredible games from three consecutive years in the early part of the decade.
The 1992 National League Championship Series matched the most dominant team of the first three years of the decade, the Pittsburgh Pirates, against the rising power of the Atlanta Braves, who as early as 1990 finished with the worst record in the National League. The game was dominated by pitching, with Pirates starter Doug Drabek shuting out Atlanta into the ninth inning. In the bottom of the ninth, the Braves finally broke through, tying the game at 2-2. With two outs, Atlanta manager Bobby Cox sent rarely used pinch hitter Francisco Cabrera up to the plate. Sometimes baseball games are won more on a gut feeling than strategy. Cabrera hit a single, and for some curious reason the Braves sent Sid Bream home from second base. Bream was not the most fleet of foot player. He chugged and churned and pumped his arms, and with one incredible slide, was called safe at home to give Atlanta the win. One side note: in 1991, Sid Bream played for the team he had just help to beat, the Pirates.
The 1993 World Series featured the defending champion Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies. The two teams could not be more opposite. The Blue Jays featured the best players money could buy. The Phillies, meanwhile, were a scrappy ragtag group with a rough exterior. The money obviously paid off for the Jays, as they had taken a 3-2 lead in the Series. Toronto took an early 3-run lead, and added two more runs in the 4th and 5th innings. Things looked bleak for the Fightin’ Phills, until the 7th inning when they scored 5 runs to take the lead. The Philly faithful were hoping that a Game 7 would be imminent. In the bottom of the 9th, Toronto leftfielder Rickey Henderson led off with a walk. Paul Molitor was next up, and he hit a single. Now the stage was set for Philadelphia’s closer Mitch Williams vs. Blue Jay slugger Joe Carter. This round went to Carter, as he blasted a game and Series ending 3-run homerun to left field, in the process blowing the roof off the dome in Toronto.
Since I first mentioned three games in three consecutive years, you would be expecting a game from 1994. Well, I have thrown you all a curveball, so to speak. The third and final game from the 1990’s is actually from 1991. I just wanted to save the best for last. Game 7 of the 1991 World Series features the most thrilling pitchers duel in modern era baseball. John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings. His counterpart with the Minnesota Twins, Jack Morris, did even better, pitching a remarkable 10 shutout innings as the Twins won a thriller in 10 innings 1-0 to capture their second Series crown in 5 years.
The 2000’s include 2 games, in back-to-back years, featuring the same two teams. The 2003 ALCS Game 7 and the 2004 ALSC Game 4. Both games went extra innings, both ended on dramatic homeruns. The 2003 game ended when rarely used pinch hitter Aaron Boone led off the bottom of the 11th inning with a towering shot to left field, sending the Yankees into another World Series. In the 2004 game, the stakes were just as high. Boston was on the brink of elimination. New York had taken the first 3 games of the series. Game 4 was win or go home for the Sox. Boston was not about to go quietly. Down 4-3 in the bottom of the 9th, Boston rallied of the games premiere closer Mariano Rivera to tie the game and send it into extra innings. In the 11th, Manny Ramirez led off with a single. And then, the hero emerged from the dugout. The man affectionately known as Big Papi strode to the plate and slammed a two run homer to right to give the Red Sox the victory. The win also propelled them to the greatest comeback in MLB playoff history, as the Red Sox would be the first team ever to be down 3 games to none and win a series. They would then go on to end the Curse of the Bambino and win their first World Series since 1918.
This is the ultimate set for any diehard baseball fan. Ten games from 5 decades, plus a bonus 11th disc, with interviews from players and coaches of all 10 games. Thanks to Major League Baseball and A & E, baseball season can last all 12 months of the year.

Baseball’s Greatest Games: 1991 World Series Game 7

Steve Sullivan — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 13:06:18 +0000

Major League Baseball carries the designation of “America’s Pastime”. It was given this moniker for a number of reasons. During The Great Depression, baseball was there to take a struggling nation’s mind off of its financial woes. During World War II, baseball was there to keep the focus away from possible global annihilation. And after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, baseball was there to help heal and unify people all across America. On any given day between April and October, baseball brings the prospect of a magical occurrence. One such day was October 27, 1991.
Game 7 of the 1991 World Series was voted by MLB Network as the second greatest baseball game of the last 50 years. The 1991 World Series as a whole was voted by ESPN to be the greatest of all time. Some of the reasons for this are as follows:
1. Three of the seven went into extra innings
2. Four of the games were decided by one run
3. The home team won every game
4. Both teams involved, the Atlanta Braves and the Minnesota Twins, finished dead last in their respective divisions the previous year.
5. Game 7 featured a pitching match up of the ages. Literally.
The starting pitchers for Game 7 were different in every way. The Braves had 24-year-old John Smoltz, who was in only his third full Major League season, and his first post-season. Meanwhile, the Twins went with 36-year-old Jack Morris. Morris was pitching in his first season with the Twins, but not in the majors. Morris had been in the league since 1977, debuting with the Detroit Tigers, where he also won a World Series (in 1984).
To say Morris had an experience edge in big games would be an understatement. These two warriors put everything they had into this do-or-die Game 7. Smoltz pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing 0 runs, 6 hits, 1 walk, and striking out 4. A terrific performance by anyone’s standards, yet not as good as his opponent. Morris pitched one of the greatest games in World Series history. His final line: 10 innings (!), 0 runs, 7 hits, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts. With the entire World Series on the line, Morris gave everything he had, and then some. But Morris couldn’t win the game by himself. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning, the Twins sent up oft-injured pinch hitter Gene Larkin. Larkin had been hobbled by a knee injury most of the season. All he needed here was to hit the baseball where no Braves players were located. And that’s exactly what he did, hitting a single to centerfield that drove in the winning run and also drove the sellout crowd at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodrome into a state of hysterics.
This wonderful DVD, Baseball’ Greatest Games: Game 7 1991 World Series, is brought to us in a joint venture of A&E and Major League Baseball. There are no superfluous extras to be found on the DVD. The DVD is the entire game as it was originally broadcast on October 27, 1991, minus the commercials. The only extra is the opportunity to watch the game with the radio broadcast instead of the televised CBS broadcast announcers. But who needs extras when you have one of the greatest games not only in World Series history but MLB history. And this is coming from a Chicago Cubs fan, whose team isn’t even represented here.

Leonard Maltin’s 2012 Movie Guide

Steve Sullivan — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:44:34 +0000

Leonard Maltin is one of the most respected film critics in the United States. He has worked for Entertainment Tonight for the last 19 years. He was Playboy’s resident film critic for six years, as well as hosting his own film review show on the ReelzChannel, Maltin On Movies. Mr. Maltin was not only the President of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association for two years, but also a teacher at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. That is why it comes as no surprise that Leonard Maltin releases an enormous annual movie guide.
The Leonard Maltin 2012 Movie Guide is huge, clocking in at 1,643 pages. But each page is crammed full of information on almost 17,000 films. Each of the films listed includes the lead actors/actresses, MPAA rating, aspect ratio, nation of origin, director, and running time. The guide has a detailed index of actors and their film roles, listed from their first up until their most recent. Since new movies are added to each subsequent edition, some films have been left out. Many older films (pre-1965) have been moved to one of Mr. Maltin’s other publications, Leonard Maltin’s Classic Movie Guide. Also, due to the ever growing heft, the Director’s Index from previous editions had to be eliminated. Otherwise 150 more films would have been left out. The Leonard Maltin guide is more portable than the VideoHound Golden Movie Retriever, another highly regarded source for movie reviews.
The differences do not end with size. VideoHound has some nice features that Mr. Maltin’s guide does not. First, to coincide with the name of the guide, VideoHound uses a system of bones, not stars, to rate the movies. Also, instead of using the word BOMB to describe bottom of the barrel dreck, VideoHound uses the term WOOF. Second, because of its much larger size, VideoHound is able to incorporate a list of all Academy Award and Golden Globe nominees and winners for every category. Finally, VideoHound has the aforementioned Director’s Index. It is ironic, though, that VideoHound does not have the pedigree of Leonard Maltin.
Leonard Maltin’s 2012 Movie Guide is regaled by both fans and fellow critics. The Guide is an annual New York Times bestseller. It is also highly regarded by Mr. Maltin’s contemporaries. “I recommend Leonard Maltin’s Video Guide, which has become standard.” That is a quote from possibly the most recognized film critic in the world, Roger Ebert. If Leonard Maltin’s 2012 Movie Guide is good enough for Roger Ebert, it’s good enough for me. As well as it should be for you.

Card Subject To Change

Steve Sullivan — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:58:19 +0000

Let me start off by saying: I love pro wrestling.
I’ve loved pro wrestling since birth. If you ask my mother, I actually had one of her kidneys in a headlock. My father never cared for sports, but he has always been a wrestling fan. Pro wrestling has given us a bond, which is really gratifying. The average person will say wrestling is silly because of the storylines and over-the-top personalities. These are the same people that dedicate hours a day to soap operas. Pro wrestlers are as athletic and dedicated as any other athlete. And, like other athletes, can be led down a dark path. As Card Subject To Change proves, it’s not always glitzy and glamorous in the wrestling universe.
In 1989, when Vince McMahon, owner of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), testified to the New Jersey State Athletic Commission that pro wrestling was entertainment, strict regulations were lifted. This led to the independent scene growing by leaps and bounds. Since 1990, over 250 indy associations have sprung up. Most work within a two- to three-state area. One of these companies is the National Wrestling Superstars (NWS) organization. Promoter Johnny Falco wrestled briefly in the mid-1970’s before realizing the non-physical end of the business was best for him. Falco’s NWS promotion, based out of New Jersey, books between 40-60 shows a year and features both veterans and newcomers. The veterans have wrestling in their blood, while the newcomers are looking to strike it big, hopefully with one of the two big U.S. companies, WWE or Total Nonstop Action (TNA).
One of the veterans featured is Kevin Sullivan. Sullivan has been in the business since 1970. He was a vicious, sadistic individual, to the point where some believed him to be the Devil! Sullivan has wrestled over 10,000 matches and racked up numerous serious injuries, including a broken neck. But even now, he still travels the country to do what is in his blood.
Unfortunately, success can come with a heavy price tag. Michael Verdi, better known as “Trent Acid”, was a veteran of the indy scene by his late teens. At 25, Trent was seen as one of the best indy wrestlers in the country. That is, until his demons got the better of him. Trent began taking drugs at age 14, mainly pills and marijuana. As his career took off and pressure mounted, Trent looked to harder drugs, particularly heroin. At one point, his grandfather found him motionless on the floor after having overdosed. Drugs also led to Trent being incarcerated for 9 months. After leaving prison, Trent sobered up and began trying to reclaim his wrestling glory. Sadly, the demons would not let go. On June 18, 2010, Michael “Trent Acid” Verdi was found dead of an overdose.
Card Subject to Change was brought to us by first-time director and pro wrestling fan, Tim Disbrow, and released by Iron River Films and ShoreFront Entertainment through Cinema Libre Studios. The DVD extras include promo clips from such wrestling luminaries as Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, Diamond Dallas Page, and James J. Dillon, as well as deleted scenes, outtakes, a trailer, and a gallery of some the individuals featured in the documentary.
The film gets its name from a disclaimer placed on ads and fliers for independent wrestling shows. Due to Mother Nature, unreliability of the wrestlers, or various other unforeseen anomalies, the card can be subject to change. To the average fan who is only familiar with pro wrestling from pay-per-views and cable television, do yourself a favor: Watch Card Subject To Change and see what wrestling is really about.