AMC Movie Blog

Beyond Broken Trail and Lonesome Dove - The Cowboy Career of Robert Duvall

2009-11-07T05:01:00Z

Award-winning actor Robert Duvall has left his footprints all over the Wild West. Watch Lonesome Dove and you'll see an actor radiating dependability and timeworn wisdom! But the actor's early Western career narrates a different history... one of lawlessness, corruption, and murder! Say what you want about Duvall's Western career, but he can hardly be accused of playing the same character over and over again. Just take a look at this rap sheet...

Broken Trail (2006)
In this critically-beloved miniseries that comes courtesy of AMC (ahem), Duvall shrugs off the delinquency of his past to follow the cowboy code, and passes with flying colors. While he's ferrying a shipment of horses across the frontier, Duvall rescues five Chinese women being used as sex slaves. It seems like that the women don't take kindly to being referred to by numbers, but it's clear that Bobby's heart is in the right place.

Open Range (2003)
Duvall here plays "Boss" Spearman opposite Kevin Costner. He's a crusty old coot -- a type Duvall perfected in his late career -- who wants to preserve the frontier's open range. In a way, Duvall's old-timer reminds us of another late period performance: John Wayne's portrayal of Rooster Cogburn, Duvall's nemesis in True Grit. The similarities even extend to injuries. Duvall fractured his ribs during the filming, a feat that the Duke matched in a mishap during lensing of The Undefeated.

Flashback Five - The Ten Best Al Pacino Movies You've Never Seen

2009-11-06T05:01:00Z

The "Scarface" that launched a thousand rap careers, Al Pacino is known as much for his on-screen histrionics and catchphrases as he is for his legitimate acting. Chances are, though, you only really know his biggies: Godfather, Dog Day Afternoon, Heat, and of course the list goes on. Perhaps it's time to broaden your Al Pacino horizons? Read on for a list of the ten best Pacino movies you've never seen.

1. The Merchant of Venice (2004)
Shakespeare's classic tale was given a modern-ish spin, casting Al Pacino's Shylock as a sort of dark anti-hero. Though the movie was a commercial failure, critics thought Pacino brought a unique intensity to the role that, in a certain sense, redefined one of drama's oldest characters. All this, and Pacino isn't even Jewish! Which is why it's called acting, remember?

2. Chinese Coffee (2000)
Here's one you've probably never seen because for a long time, Pacino wouldn't let anyone see it. The movie was shown at the Tribeca Film Festival and not released until years later as part of a forgotten, low-selling box set. He shouldn't have held it back: The movie is a heartfelt night-long conversation between Pacino's character, and the late Jerry Orbach, that plays like an all-male Before Sunrise.

The Godfather Ultimate Fan Quiz

2009-11-06T05:00:15Z

Knowing the darkest secrets of a mafia family isn't easy, but a true The Godfather fan knows everything about the Corleones' world. What does Michael tell the Senate Committee the term godfather represents? What fruit is associated with death? Pass this test or you might end up swimmin' with the fishes.Take Quiz Â»

To challenge yourself with more movie trivia, try our Super Movie Quiz.

Check out The Godfather, playing tomorrow on AMC at 4PM | 3C and Sunday at 9:30AM | 8:30C. Click here for the full schedule.

Check out The Godfather Part II, playing tomorrow on AMC at 8PM | 7C and Sunday at 1:30PM | 12:30C. Click here for the full schedule.

Check out The Godfather Part III, playing tomorrow on AMC at 12:30AM | 11:30C. Click here for the full schedule.

One on One - The World Series in the Movies Versus the Real Thing

2009-11-05T20:50:41Z

The World Series is officially over and unless you're a Yankee fan, it's been a pretty anti-climactic affair. Frankly, in past years, baseball's biggest matchup has been a bit more thrilling. On the other hand, in the movies, the World Series is pretty much always exciting. In A League of Their Own (1992), for example, Geena Davis loses the game, possibly on purpose, by dropping a ball at home plate. In The Scout (1994), Brendan Fraser strikes out all 27 batters on 81 pitches and hits a couple of home runs. Take that Derek Jeter! So which is more thrilling: The World Series on the big screen or in the ballpark?

Not All Movies Need Big Budgets, as Precious and Paranormal Activity Go to Show

2009-11-05T05:01:00Z

Money doesn't always buy happiness -- or cinematic sensation. You can spend serious dough and still wind up with a total flop. But you can also max out your credit cards, call in favors from all your Facebook friends, and maybe -- just maybe -- take things blockbuster. (Case in point: Lee Daniels' stirring indie drama Precious, which sparked instant Oscar buzz despite its humble $3 million origins.) These movies were all made on a shoestring and went on to earn their keep and, in most case, many millions more. Sometimes, all it takes is a dollar and a dream -- and a really, really good idea.

Paranormal Activity (2009)
Production Budget: $15,000; Domestic Gross: $84 million
This supernatural thriller scared up amazing box office numbers despite having been made with the kind of spare change the director could have found under his couch cushions. Against formidable odds, this claustrophobic ghost story was so good, remake-happy Paramount released it without changing a thing.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Production Budget $400,000; Domestic Gross $44 million
This clean-as-a-whistle celebration of geek chic divided audiences, but it sold enough tickets to qualify as a stunning success. Director Jared Hess, front-loaded the cast and crew with current and former students of his alma mater, Brigham Young University to keep things on the cheap. Who knew Mormons would prove so theatrically viable?

Michael Jackson Movie Soundtrack Quiz

2009-11-05T05:00:15Z

He thrilled concert audiences around the world, but where have the King of Pop's tunes turned up in the movies? Which MJ song does Jennifer Garner dance to in 13 Going on 30? Which Ben Stiller comedy milks laughs from Beat It? Before taking in This Is It, revisit MJ's greatest hits as they appeared on the silver screen.Take Quiz Â»

To challenge yourself with more movie trivia, try our Super Movie Quiz.

Classic Ten - Alien Abductions

2009-11-04T05:01:00Z

In 1972, ufologist Josef Allen Hynek categorized the three kinds of alien encounters, from UFO sightings to alien observations. Ufologists have since created a fourth classification: Alien abduction! The scifi thriller The Fourth Kind explores the phenomenon, as have so any movies in the past. Here's a look at ten cinematized abductions. Some of these characters' captors are evil incarnate, but others, as it turns out, are just overly curious intergalactic anthropologists.

10. Alex Rogan (Lance Guest), The Last Starfighter (1984)
This may not have all the benchmark traits of an alien abduction movie, but one scene says it all: When Centauri shows up at Alex's trailer park, he charms the glum starfighter into his car by praising his arcade skills! Once Alex is strapped in, Centauri whisks his bewildered passenger into outer space. The fact that Alex ends up having the time of his life (what, no probes?) lands this one at the bottom of the list.

9. Sam Phillips (Philip Sayer), Xtro (1982)
In this disturbing, gory low-budget flick, a father is playing with his son in their backyard when he suddenly gets sucked up by a beam of white light. He returns to Earth three years later to find his wife and son, but something is different. Could it be his ability to transform into a freaky creature with four legs? Bingo! The movie's ending -- no spoilers here -- makes it one of the starker abduction movies to date.

Batman Ultimate Fan Quiz

2009-11-04T05:00:15Z

With 40 years of franchise history under its belt, the Batman-movie universe is stocked with memorable villains, sidekicks, and scores. What '80s icon created songs for Batman (1989)? Who kills Bruce Wayne's parents? Just how well do you know the batty superhero? Take Quiz Â»

To challenge yourself with more movie trivia, try our Super Movie Quiz.

Check out Batman, playing today on AMC at noon | 11C. Click here for the full schedule.

Check out Batman Returns, playing today on AMC at 5pm | 4C. Click here for the full schedule.

Check out Batman Forever, playing tonight on AMC at 8pm | 7C and tomorrow at 5:30PM | 4:30C. Click here for the full schedule.

Check out Batman Begins, playing tonight on AMC at 10:30pm | 9:30C and tomorrow at 5:30PM | 4:30C. Click here for the full schedule.

The Movie List - The Ten Most Unbelievable Transformations

2009-11-04T03:00:00Z

Bleaching your hair blond? Growing a moustache? That's nothing! This week, The Movie List counts down the ten most truly unbelievable transformations. These actors starved themselves to skeletons (Christian Bale), ate themselves to unrecognizable shapes (John Travolta) and went totally gender-bender (Dustin Hoffman)... Sometimes for Oscar recognition. Sometimes for fun! See who's No. 1 when it comes to redefining their look.

Bah Humbug - Bill Murray Takes On Jim Carrey's Grinch in a Tournament of Scrooges

2009-11-03T05:01:00Z

Is it really almost time for the holidays? It's certainly starting to feel that way! (If you've been to the mall lately, at least.) Crackling fireplaces, glittering parties, that infectious holiday spirit... and the obligatory Scrooge-types who crop up to spoil everyone's fun. In this tournament, Jim Carrey's Ebenezer Scrooge from A Christmas Carol faces off against a slew of time-honored killjoys and he's got as good a chance as any -- but can he get his grimace on better than other Scrooge-y characters of yore? Your vote decides which holiday-hating character will live on in infamy.

Name That Batman Actor Photo Quiz

2009-11-03T05:00:15Z

The Caped Crusader has been played by everyone from Adam West to Christian Bale, but only some have been up to the task. Which actor caused 50,000 comic fans to write the studio to protest his hiring? Which actor kept the mask? Can you name that Batman actor by batsuit and chiseled jaw alone?Take Quiz Â»

To challenge yourself with more movie trivia, try our Super Movie Quiz.

Check out Batman, playing tonight on AMC at 8pm | 7C and tomorrow at noon | 11C. Click here for the full schedule.

Check out Batman Returns, playing tonight on AMC at 11pm | 10C and tomorrow at 5pm | 4C. Click here for the full schedule.

Check out Batman Forever, playing tomorrow night on AMC at 8pm | 7C and Thursday at 5:30PM | 4:30C. Click here for the full schedule.

Check out Batman Begins, playing tomorrow night on AMC at 10:30pm | 9:30C and Thursday at 5:30PM | 4:30C. Click here for the full schedule.

Now or Then - This Is It or Shine a Light?

2009-11-02T05:01:00Z

Now: Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009)Then: Shine A Light (2008)

At first it looked like Michael Jackson's This Is It was just a shameless attempt to capitalize on the legendary singer's death. But the end result is actually a lot more complicated than that -- a strange hybrid of rehearsal footage, poignant moments, and pop kitsch. As such, it's a concert film unlike any other -- but it will get you thinking about Martin Scorsese's glossy, high-profile Rolling Stones flick Shine A Light, another strange hybrid. So how do these two high-profile music movies stack up against one another?

Postmodern Concert Flicks
This Is It: Openly acknowledging the fact that it was filmed as rehearsal footage for Michael Jackson's private use, the movie achieves a haunting level of intimacy that simultaneously cuts through and furthers the Jackson mystique.
Shine A Light: With its distracting tracking shots (supposedly shot from Mick Jagger's perspective), the film openly acknowledges its place as a highly-produced tool in the Rolling Stones marketing cosmos.

A Director at the Mercy of His Subject
This Is It: Although Kenny Ortega is the credited director on the film and was Jackson's co-choreographer, more often than not, it's Jackson who seems to be directing whenever he's onstage.
Shine A Light: Scorsese locks horns with Mick Jagger over whether he can have moving cameras at the concert. Later, he is baffled by the Stones' inability to provide him with a set list until the last minute.

Great Nerd Quotes Movie Quiz

2009-11-02T05:00:15Z

With Gentleman Broncos in theaters, we're reminded of all the LOL and squirm-inducing nerd-cabulary in the movies. Which nerd played by Anthony Michael Hall predicts he will "interface" with the girl of his dreams? Which nerd claims he can't relate to "99 percent of humanity?" Hike up your pants for this in-the-words-of-a nerd quiz.Take Quiz Â»

To challenge yourself with more movie trivia, try our Super Movie Quiz.

Al Pacino's Great, and He's Even Better When He Taps Into His Inner Monster

2009-11-01T05:01:00Z

There's no arguing the fact that Al Pacino's one of the fiercest actors of his generation. Still, despite the nuanced portrayals he's delivered over the decades, there's nothing better than when Pacino works himself up into a mindless rage. The movies in which he does so may not be his best -- at least not in the traditional sense -- but there's nothing more entertaining than when Pacino lets his freak flag fly. As he does in...

The Recruit (2003)
While this conspiracy pic is far from Pacino's best work, it does contain a few of those moments where you have to wonder whether Al Pacino might actually be nuts in real life. When Colin Farrell foils a scheme he's cooked up, Pacino, cornered, totally loses it, yelling, "I'm obsolete! I'm irrelevant! Me! Shame on you! You yank me home, you shove me out in the woods!" It's a glorious moment for any true Pacino fan.

Any Given Sunday (1999)
As a typically acerbic, old-school coach, Pacino puts his own stamp on that sports flick staple: The motivational speech. Is anyone better equipped to raise his volume, decibel by decibel, as he hammers on about gaining success in football inch until he's finally spitting and screaming in all his Pacino-esque glory? By the time he's finished, nobody on that team can even consider losing that game.

Seriously Scary - Horror Movies That Qualify as Art

2009-10-31T05:01:00Z

Who says a horror movie can't also be a work of art? There's no reason aesthetics have to go out the window when fear comes in the door. This Halloween, enjoy a little culture with your horror, and gasp in admiration as you cling to the edge of your seat. Read on for eight picks that combine viscera with vision. Call them the bloody and the beautiful -- or just sit back and enjoy the show.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Not all art needs to be slick. This ragged-looking feature employed a wildly successful viral marketing campaign nearly as impressive as the finished film. Their purposefully disorienting shooting style -- like a home video made by someone suffering from delirium tremens -- only ramps up the atmosphere of dislocation, anxiety and, eventually, sheer panic. When else has a little bundle of sticks looked so scary?

Dead Ringers (1988)
David Cronenberg always gets points for originality, and this movie's no exception: How many films have you seen about twin gynecologist barbiturate addicts in love with the same woman? But the major props here go to star Jeremy Irons: It takes one hell of an actor to play two identical parts that the viewer can tell apart -- even when one character is impersonating the other. The horrifying dream sequences are just the icing on the cake.