Patriot Games = Classic

Patriot Games was an instant classic the moment it hit the big screen. Mainly because Harrison Ford stars in it, "Come on, who doesn't think Harrison Ford kicks butt in just about everything he plays in.", but also because it's a breath taking thrill ride about a man trying to keep his family safe. I really like how this movie deals more with the man instead of all the technology, unlike most of the movies today focuses mainly around. And especially with the action scenes, I think it's beautiful that there is no C.G.I. in it. Don't get me wrong, there is a time and place for C.G.I. but through out the entire movie like most directors are using in films today. (ex. "Speed Racer" = Piece of Crap!)

You really have an opportunity to focus on the protagonist's struggle and their strategy to over come it. The character of Jack Ryan is not that of a perfect man but one who puts others before himself and really knows where his values lye. He's one of those people that generally we wish we could all be like. Most protagonists in a movie have to go through some sort of change, usually to become a better person and to grow in order to triumph over their obstacles. Jack Ryan doesn't really have to go through that typical transformation, he's a pretty good guy from the start. But we're entranced by his actions anyways. He puts up a good fight and even though combat isn't in his nature, he handles himself pretty well! He's a man that has everything to lose so don't piss him off.

The structure of the script is solid and it was shit beautifully making it an instant classic in my eyes. And if you disagree, bite me.

-Nick Benseman

Why Patriot Games with Harrison Ford is a CLASSIC

I think Patriot Games with Harrison Ford is a classic because it deals with issues that will always be a part of our society. Whether it's the relationship between a dad and his family he is trying to protect, or that the United States and other countries will always have to encounter and deal with some form of terrorist groups. The enemies of our countries have changed through the years, but there will always be a terrorist faction in the world, sadly, that we as a people and a nation will have to work against

Who out there agrees with me that Harrison ("Harry") as I refer to him...:) is the ultimate Jack Ryan? I think the thing that makes Harrison's performances stand out is that we as the audience always believe what his character is going through. You know what I mean? Whenever Harrison acts out a role he doesn't do it in a sort of wink and smile look to the audience as he is embroiled in a gun shoot out or fight etc....it's like you really believe his character is in peril. Unlike other movie "action stars" whose characters go through fights and bullets without a scrape or any inner turmoil to their emotions....Harrison always accurately portrays the "everyman" in an extraordinary situation. You can really feel for what the character is going through. And Ford always makes it seem so effortless that many think he is not as deep an actor, when in fact he is. Hopefully, Harrison will win an Oscar someday, and be recognized for his superb acting, where he fools us all by making us think it was effortless, because he is so good at making us believe.

Watch for the key scenes that help Jack form his reasoning for returning to the CIA in order to protect his family. One such scene is after his little girl gets injured by the terrorists. Harrison's scene at the hospital is powerful as he looks at his daughter and then warns through a movement of his hand to the IRA spokesperson that he won't be dealing with their crap or propaganda. Another great scene is when one of the terrorists calls Jack Ryan at home to make light of the fact that the terrorists got to his daughter and injured her and that next the terrorists could kill them, the terrorist says. Watch as Anne Archer who plays Mrs. Ryan gives permission to her husband to go after them. She says "You get them Jack. I don't care what you have to do. Just get them". Great scene. Let me know what you think!

I'm on Cinemania tonight during the Harrison Ford thriller classic Patriot Games at 8 PM | 7C on AMC. Let me know what you think of the film and why it's a classic.

The Best Movie War Hero of All Time

When I first learned that AMC was Having a Poll to vote on the greatest war hero, The 1st thought in my Mind was Gary Cooper of Sgt. York. That is my all time greatest. I was disappointed that he was not even a choice in the poll. I guess a younger audience would not even be aware of that movie or that actor. Even so He should have won

Jurassic Park Tonight!!

Hey everyone! This is Maggie Lehman. You can catch me on 'Cinemania' tonight. Make sure you tune in tonight in order to catch one of Spielberg's many masterpieces 'Jurassic Park'. Dean Cundey and Shane Mahan are along for the ride as well.
I'm just going to dive right in...I love this movie simply because of Jeff Goldblum's one liner..."That is one big pile of _ _ _ _!" That aside, there are also many other reasons I enjoy this film. GREAT ACTORS!! Every actor in this movie is believable. Another great aspect the film has is subtle humor. For example:
"Dinosaurs eat man. Woman inherits the Earth." Woohoo Laura Dern - excellent delivery!! It also has to be said that little Joseph Mazzello is so adorable with his "Well...we're back in the car again" line.

'Jurassic Park' sends out a very powerful message. The world is constantly changing and advancing. We're getting more and more powerful with what we are capable of. Lets face it...anything is possible.
I'm currently reading Christopher Reeve's book called 'Still Me'. There is a passage taken out of his Speech he gave on August 26, 1996 at the Democratic National Convention. He states, "So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable. If we can conquer outer space, we should be able to conquer inner space, too..." (this is in regards to finding a cure for spinal cord injury, but I think it's all related) We've landed on the moon...who's to say that one day scientists won't be able to bring back dinosaurs? I'm no scientist...it's just a bit of rambling, and just something to think about.
When have we gone too far? Where should the line be drawn? When should we allow mother nature to do her part? When is the right moment to step aside, and let "Life find a way?"
Look for the scenes that go into this debate a bit in the movie. Jeff Goldblum's character: Dr. Ian Malcolm says it best when the scientists are watching the velociraptor being hatched, as well as the lunch scene in the Welcome Center.
Anyways...this is pretty much why the movie had such an impact on me, and why I think it's a great idea for people to watch 'Jurassic Park', and think of other issues it brings up. There are more than one if you watch closely. Or just watch it because you need an excuse to kick back on a Thursday night after a hard days work. Pop some popcorn, have some soda, and tune into 'Cinemania'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank 'Cinemania' for allowing me to be on their show as well as Tim Sheridan who even though I lost the trivia game gave me the prize anyway out of the kindness in his heart. Thanks Tim!!!
If anyone has anything they want to add to my blog (aggreements, disaggreements, comments...please reply, I would love to hear other people's opinions out there!) BYE EVERYONE!!!!!!!!
Mags :)

JURASSIC'S MARK

Howdy! I'm Tim Sheridan - you can catch me tonight on 'Cinemania' discussing one of my favorite movies 'Jurassic Park' (along with legendary cinematographer DEAN CUNDEY and SFX guru SHANE MAHAN!!)
I'm so happy the good folks at AMC asked me if I would like to blog about the movie and what I think qualifies it as a classic because I think 'JP' is notoriously underrated in that department. I think there's a little prejudice out there against a 15-year-old film being considered a "classic." Bah! Bah, I say!
Here are some of the reasons, in no particular order, why I think this film fits the bill (note the new terms I'm attempting to coin):

SPECIAL-EFFECTSITY

No denying it. 'JP' raised the special effects bar - and not just with the new digital innovation. Even the practical special effects are of a caliber never before seen in cinema (just watch the T-Rex/SUV scene and I dare you to disagree.) But let's not be quick to dismiss the invention of the Photorealistic CGI Creature. Without the Velociraptor, Gallimimus, and Brachiosaurus of SO long ago, would we have ever met their descendants Gollum, Dobby, Davy Jones, Peter Jackson's King Kong or the new-and-improved lightsaber-wielding badass Yoda? Let alone the new fashion of total-CGI films like 'The Polar Express' and 'Beowulf' (incidentally - is it not poetry that the evolutionary ladder of photorealistic CGI began with the CGI dinosaurs and has progressed through all manner of CGI creatures toward, finally, CGI man?)

CASTINESS

Two things. First, this is a first-rate cast delivering first-rate performances. Great. Done. But what makes them special? In 1993, these actors, regardless of their past work, were to a great extent unknown to the general movie-going populace. Jeff Goldblum was arguably the most recognizable face in the pack, but with credits like 'The Fly' and 'The Tall Guy', he was still in the 'cult favorite' category. Dickie Attenborough, perhaps the most famous cast member, was known to American audiences as a director, if at all. My point is that a less-than-recognizable cast lent to the believability of this fantastical story. Imagine Harrison Ford as Dr. Grant or Robin Williams as Ian Malcolm and you'll be imagining Harrison Ford and Robin Williams, not Dr. Grant and Ian Malcolm. If the dinosaurs are the real stars of 'JP', then this cast is the real heart and soul.

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New Death Wish

Did anyone hear the new death wish was being released? Is this a good idea? Is slyvester stallone a good actor for paul kersey? I am honestly angry about this.

D-Day Anniversry

Do you think tAmc should do an all WWII movie marathon on June 6th for 68th D-Day celebration or just do everything on Memorial Day?

Broken Trail Not on iTunes

I was recently on iTunes looking for amc originals and they did not have Broken trail although they had season 1 of mad men and breaking bad. Can anyone tell me why?

Quotable Lines in Die Hard

I find that I quote many lines from this movie because they fit sooooo well on many daily occasions. For example, when someone asks how I am doing (and it really isn't a great day), I tell them "all things being equal, I'd rather be in Philadelphia." Now, I am well aware that this is a line used by W.C. Fields; but, since I am a child of the 80's, I always give credit to John McClain.

Why Is Die Hard a Classic?

I was watching the Transformers movie from last summer the other night and it reminded me of what makes the original Die Hard so special. The modern day big budget action film has devolved into a CGI bender that emphasizes visual spectacle over all else. It's the cinematic equivalent of a fireworks display; pretty while you watch and it completely forgettable after it's over. Transformers is a great example of this: it's all special effects and no heart. What really set Die Hard apart was the care taken to develop its characters and their relationships. As played by Bruce Willis (I think we forget what a revelation he was in the role), John McClain is an action hero that shows fear and real vulnerability. He was a real contrast to the indestructible action stars of the 80s. You could relate to McClain. When he is about to jump off the top of the Nakatomi Building McClain says "Please, God, don't let me die" and we are right there with him, also wanting to see this man live and prevail. The films also creates great relationships with the other characters. McClain's relationship with Al Powell is the heart and soul of the movie. McClain's relationship with Holly drives the story. And McClain's cat and mouse game with Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman turns in what is surely one of the great screen bad guys of all time) gives the movie's central conflict greater depth. Amazingly, most of these relationships occur over walkie talkie, the actors are not even sharing the screen. Die Hard isn't a classic because it has impressive explosions. Yes the actions scenes are well executed, but if you don't care what happens to the people on screen the explosions are just noise. Die Hard is a classic because it has heart. A lot of heart.

Watch me discuss Die Hard on Cinemania tonight at 8 PM | 7 C on AMC

Planet of The Apes - The Original Inconvenient Truth

Hello Everyone,

David here from West Hollywood and I'm a huge fan of the Planet of The Apes movies, particularly the 1968 original. You can catch me tonight on Cinemania at 8pm / 7C on AMC in the ultimate POTA fan smack down.

In my opinion, Planet of The Apes has stood the test of time as a classic film because of all the elements of the film coming together without one overpowering the other. The keen direction of Franklin J. Schaffner, the thoughtful and often times humorous script by Michael Wilson and Rod Serling, the amazing make-up by John Chambers, the haunting musical score by Jerry Goldsmith, fantastic costume design by Morton Haack, and of course the superb cast all come together in a fantastic adventure of survival.

The film was so far ahead of its time in dealing with the harsh reality that man himself will one day be the cause of his own demise that one might argue that it is the original An Inconvenient Truth. I was also a huge fan of the "disaster" movie decade of the 1970's. In many ways, POTA is the ultimate disaster movie. Climbing to the top of an upside-down ocean liner is child's play compared to dealing with talking Apes that want to cut pieces out of your brain.

I also love the relationship between Zira and Cornelius. It took such fine actors as Kim Hunter and Roddy McDowall to convey the necessary range of emotions under all that latex and heavy costumes for audiences keep coming back year after year. I think my favorite shot in the movie is the close up on Kim Hunter's face when Taylor (Charlton Heston) barks out the famous line, "Take your stinkin' paws off me you damned dirty ape!". It's pure movie magic! Enjoy.

Enjoy the film!

Planet of the Apes's Subtle Warning

Hi, Jessica here. I am a huge fan of Planet of the Apes. You will get my drift when you watch me on Cinemania tonight at 8 | 7C on AMC!

John Chamber's make-up creations have influenced my interest in make-up but it is Roddy McDowall who influenced me as an actress! What people may not know about Roddy is that he had a long, long career before and after playing Cornelius and later Caesar in the Planet of the Apes series -- he has worked more than just about any actor out there...and yet few people recognize him without his make-up on.

He was a director and a photographer of great renown, not to mention one of the best friends anyone in Hollywood, and everyone is Hollywood, ever had. That said, there are many other things that keep Planet of the Apes close to my heart besides my lifelong crush (starting in teenhood) on Roddy.
The series conveys a message that we find becoming more and more important today. Everyone got the nuclear war references, but more subtle in the series is the notion that the more compliant and backwards and slow mankind gets, the more we open the door for a better species to take over. One day it will happen....will it be apes, or something else?