Bonding Time

This is it Gentle Readers, I will now be slavishly reporting on the upcoming Bond 22 (working title). As a HUGH fan, I can not tell you how much I'm looking forward to this movie. Casino Royale (2006) was, in my never humble opinion, brilliant and Daniel Craig is a close, very close second to Connery to being the best Bond.

Updates will appear as they occur. Directed by Marc Forster (The Kite Runner), Bond 22 begins principal filming on 3 January 2008 and stars Daniel Craig (The Golden Compass) as James Bond.

For Auld Lang Syne

Well Gentle Readers, tis the 31 of December and I am well prepared to say, "Fare thee bloody well," to 2007. And if I may paraphrase Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 2007 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure, it has turned out to be an Annus Horribilis. So, tis a time to celebrate the passing of the old into the new.

My family background is Anglo-Scots. My Gran is from Scotland and my Grandpa's parents were likewise from Alba. I have taken much interest and pride in my Scottish heritage over the years and have a great interest in the customs and traditions of the "auld country." New Year is one such occasion. In Scotland, the new year is celebrated as Hogmanay (hug-m'NAY), which is a Scots word for the last day of the year. Generally, celebrations last through the night until morning.

It is believed that Hogmanay evolved from the combination of the Norse (one of the past invaders of Scotland) celebration of the winter solstice and the Gaelic celebration of Samhain (the celebration of the end of the harvest season and the Gaelic New Year).

Although there are regional variations on how Hogmanay is celebrated, generally the custom of "first footing" is observed. First footing is a practise that begins after midnight where the first person through a friend or neighbour's door sets the household's luck for the rest of the year. A tall, dark-haired man is believed to bring good luck. A blonde or red-haired man would bring the opposite. It was assumed that a dark-haired man was a fellow Scot whereas a blonde or red-head was an unwelcome Norseman. In the tradition of my family, the bad luck of a blonde or a red-head could be avoided if said person was carrying a lump of coal. Visitors are offered food and drink and Auld Lang Syne is sang at midnight after which everyone is hugged, kissed and just generally greeted warmly.

Whatever your tradition for the arrival of the New Year may it be safe and filled with joy and may we all have peace and happiness in 2008.

Slàinte

Cool TV Shows That You're Not Watching III

Today, Gentle Readers, the TV show in question is the USA Network's Burn Notice. I really like this show and it kind of has a mix of everything but generally falls into the spy vein with a bit of action and comedy and drama. The "burn notice" as referenced in the title is a directive issued by intelligence agencies to disavow agents or sources that are considered unreliable.

Jeffrey Donovan (Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2) plays agent Michael Westen who narrowly escapes with his life after he is disavowed in the middle of a mission in Nigeria. Westen returns to his hometown of Miami, Florida to find all of his assets frozen, under constant surveillance and left out to dry by his former intelligence contacts. The only people who will have anything to do with him are his chain smoking mother (the awesome Sharon Gless of Cagney and Lacey and Queer As Folk fame), his former girlfriend Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar), who is a former bank robber for the IRA and an old friend in the spy game, Sam Axe ( the likewise awesome Bruce Campbell).

Episodes revolve around Westen's desire to discover why he's been burned and by whom while taking "assignments" from people in need who can afford to pay him for his special talents in an attempt to finance his own investigation into his blacklisting. Westen also lives under the threat of death by the powers behind his burn notice if he should attempt to leave Miami.

Burn Notice has completed it's first season and has been renewed for a second season which will premiere on the USA Network in the summer of 2008. A DVD release date for season 1 has yet to be announced.

A New Day Begins...But When?

This is the U.K. trailer for season seven of 24. I am so mad stoked about this show and this is a cool trailer! I can't wait, but it looks like I'm going to have to as the Writer's Guild strike has not yet been resolved and that in turn has postponed the season premiere indefinitely. Season 7 was to have premiered in January. I guess until then, I'll just have to be content to watch the trailer, over and over and over again.

Enjoy!

The Christmas Cat

This is Rose, the most spoiled cat on the face of the earth. She's my wee pride and joy when she's not making me crazy with her need for constant attention. I took these pictures for the, "aaawwww," value but the story behind it is that this reindeer foot stool thing of my Dad's has been out for 3 weeks with the rest of the multitude of Christmas decorations. For 3 weeks Rose has paid zero attention to this reindeer, she has completely ignored it. Until Thursday that is, when she decided to jump on it's back and promptly fell asleep after bathing herself and the reindeer. This has now become her new resting perch. She is going to be some pissed off when the decorations go away next week.

A New Knight Begins

A bit of a teaser for you Gentle Readers. This is the trailer of the new TV movie Knight Rider which will premiere on 17 February 2008 on NBC. At this point, Knight Rider is only a movie, but it could serve as a pilot episode of a new series if enough people out there in TV land watch it.

Knight Rider stars Justin Bruening (All My Children), Sydney Poitier (Death Proof), and Bruce Davison (Breach).

Enjoy!

Musical Interlude

After a brief break for Christmas, I have returned Gentle Reader, to offer you this respite against all that Christmas music.

How Deep Is Your Love was written and first recorded by the Bee Gees and found its way onto the Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack in 1977. How Deep Is Your Love would eventually reach #3 on the U.K. charts and #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remain in the Top 10 for 17 weeks, a record at the time.

British pop band Take That covered the song in 1996 for their greatest hits album. It reached #1 on the U.K. charts where it stayed for 3 weeks. It was Take That's last hit before their first break-up. Presented here is the Take That cover of How Deep Is Your Love.

I really want a basement like this.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them, and the Glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were so afraid. And the Angel said unto them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the Angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men."

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and peace for all this Holiday Season.

Coming Soon (Finally)

Well Gentle Readers, I'm not sure about this one at all. Although I am a fan of the Highlander series, I'm not sure what to make of Highlander: The Source.

I should qualify that I'm crazy about the first film, Highlander (1986) starring Christopher Lambert (The Fortress) (who is dreadful but, what are ya gonna do?) and Sean Connery (The Hunt for Red October). I'm also all about the television series Highlander (1992-1998) that starred Adrian Paul (look for him soon in one of my Eye Candy segments, grrrrooowwwlll) as Duncan MacLeod. The television series, especially the last few seasons, was good with a few really good episodes. I also liked Highlander: Endgame (2000). I thought it was a nice wee tie-in to the TV show and we finally got rid of Lambert for good. As for the other films and even some of the television episodes - pure shite. In fact, I completely block out of my mind that Highlander 2: The Quickening (1991) and Highlander 3: The Sorcerer (1994) were ever made.

I thought Highlander: The Source however, had an interesting premise that carried on with the adventures of Duncan MacLeod, a cool, layered character that I like, and so I waited patiently, but cautiously for it's release. Then, "poof" it disappeared only to resurface in foreign theatrical releases with the North American release on the Sci-Fi channel in the U.S.. It causes me some concern when a movie is intended for a theatrical release and it ends up on cable instead.

Directed by Brett Leonard (The Lawnmower Man), Highlander: The Source follows the continuing adventures of Duncan MacLeod, an immortal who was born in the Highlands of Scotland some 500 years ago. The immortals are locked in an eternal battle until only one remains to claim "the prize." MacLeod and other immortals, set out on a quest to discover the "Holy Grail" of immortality in an attempt to explain their existence.

I really do not know what to make of all this. I will be the first one to admit that the Highlander series is not known for it's stellar acting and it is kind of cheesy, but it is usually entertaining with cool sword-fights and flashbacks to Duncan's past. In addition, the characters of Duncan MacLeod and Methos are pretty well written and acted by Adrian Paul and Peter Wingfield respectively. The trailer looks decent and I'm hoping that it is at least as entertaining as Highlander: Endgame. At the end of the day, I know I'm going to see it, but I do have my reservations.

Highlander: The Source will be available on DVD on 26 February 2008, according to it's official website. Highlander: The Source stars Adrian Paul (Little Chicago), Thekla Reuten (In Tranzit) and Peter Wingfield (X2: X-Men United).

The 1000 Reasons Why I'm Crazy About Hugh Laurie

Today, Gentler Readers, I give you reason #32 in my continuing series, The 1000 Reasons Why I'm Crazy About Hugh Laurie. Today's entry comes to us from Hugh Laurie's appearance on Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton, in which he performed this amusing little number that he wrote back in his A Bit of Fry and Laurie days. Enjoy!

Raise A Little Hellboy

This is an image from the upcoming Hellboy II: The Golden Army. I'm not sure about this one yet. Some of the images look good and I liked the first one, but I wasn't crazy about it. I guess I'll just have to wait and see if my interest level gets raised with a trailer.

Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Hellboy II: The Golden Army stars Ron Pearlman (Hellboy), Selma Blair (Feast of Love) and John Hurt (V for Vendetta). Hellboy II: The Golden Army will be released by Universal Pictures on 11 July 2008.

It's Yesterday Once More VI

As your body grows, your mind grows flowered. It's great to learn because knowledge is power! It's Schoolhouse Rocky, that chip off the block of your favourite schoolhouse, Schoolhouse Rock!

We're back into the vaults Gentle Readers with an awesome blast from the past in the form of Schoolhouse Rock. Schoolhouse Rock appeared on the ABC television network from 1973 to 1986 and was a series of educational short films that touched on subjects ranging from grammar, to science to politics. The episodes generally featured snappy, memorable songs in rock, pop and jazz styles that played during commercial breaks during The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Show on Saturday mornings.

I am still crazy about these shows and have remembered the lyrics of many of the songs through the years. All 52 shorts of Schoolhouse Rock are available on DVD. They still stand the test of time and show that learning can be fun. For your viewing pleasure I have included on of my favourite Schoolhouse Rock shorts, Unpack Your Adjectives. Enjoy!

Catch This Fallen Star

"A philosopher once asked, "Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?" Pointless, really...Do the stars gaze back? Now *that's* a question."

Gentle Readers, today Stardust is available on DVD. This movie not only became one of my favourite movies of this year, but it quickly got on my list of top favourite movies of all time. I don't know if it was everything that I was going through this year or if it just speaks to the child in me, but Stardust really captured my heart and imagination. This movie has a positive message and is filled with notions of hope and believing in oneself and it is all wrapped in a cool little bundle of a magical adventure.

Stardust is based on the novella of the same name by Neil Gaiman and is directed by Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake) and stars Charlie Cox (remember him?) (Casanova) as Tristan Thorne, who promises Victoria (Sienna Miller), the girl he loves, that he will venture beyond the wall that separates their village from the magical world of Stormhold and retrieve a fallen star. The star was "knocked" out of the sky by a magical necklace that the dying King of Stormhold released to send his three remaining sons on a quest to settle the succession of the throne. Three witches also see the star fall and want the star for their own diabolical purposes. When Tristan arrives to retrieve the star he finds that the star is an actual person in the form of the lovely (and cranky) Yvainne. Adventure and romance follow as Tristan attempts to get Yvainne back to his village.

I don't want to give too much more away, accept to say that this really is a nice wee fable, much in the vein of The Princess Bride (1987), only done so much better. It also makes for a good holiday movie, so put a little magic in your holiday and pick up Stardust. I've included a pretty decent tribute video that includes excerpts from the movie set to the closing song from the film by the British pop band, Take That.

More Finely Aged 80s Cheese

Try this for a deep, dark secret. The great detective Remington Steele? He doesn't exist. I invented him. Follow...

I always loved excitement, so I studied and apprenticed, and put my name on an office. But absolutely nobody knocked down my door. A female private investigator seemed so . . . feminine. So I invented a superior. A decidedly masculine superior.

Suddenly, there were cases around the block. It was working like a charm. Until the day he walked in.

With his blue eyes and mysterious past, and before I knew it, he assumed Remington Steele's identity.

Now I do the work and he takes the bows.

It's a dangerous way to live, but as long as people buy it, I can get the job done.

We never mix business with pleasure. Well, almost never. I don't even know his real name!

And with those words Gentle Readers, television audiences were introduced to Remington Steele, on 1 October 1982. Starring a relatively unknown Pierce Brosnan (Die Another Day) and Stephanie Zimbalist (Lucy's Piano), Remington Steele followed the adventures of private detective Laura Holt and a man with a "roguish" past who assumes the identity of her fictitious superior, Remington Steele. Of course, sexual tension ensues with Laura attempting to keep their relationship businesslike and Remington wanting to "advance" their feelings for each other. Remington Steele ran on the NBC television network from 1982 to 1987 for a total of 91 episodes.

It was revealed through the course of the show that Remington never knew his actual birth name and he possessed a series of passports each with a different name of a character played by Humphrey Bogart (The African Queen). A running theme throughout the series was Remington's attempts to discover what his name was and from where he came. The name Remington Steele was created by Laura Holt by taking the name from a brand of typewriter (Remington) and a football team (Pittsburgh Steelers) in order to make her "superior" decidedly masculine. Laura was the capable detective while Remington did as best he could but was essentially the public face of the detective agency. One of the running jokes in the series was how Remington would quote a line or an instance from an old movie that would help (although in a roundabout way usually) crack the case.

Remington Steele is just one of those neat (yes I said neat) little shows from my youth of which I still can not get enough. It is a bit of a guilty pleasure show but I still enjoy it as much today as when it first aired. Remington Steele was very much in the vein of To Catch A Thief (1955) and other cape and romantic comedy movies of the 40s, 50s and 60s and was an offbeat take on the detective show genre, belonging in the same class as Hart to Hart (1979-1984) or McMillan and Wife (1971-1977). The writing was usually sharp and witty, both leads had that certain twinkle in their eye and it was generally just an enjoyable tongue in cheek show without pretensions. It also helped to make Pierce Brosnan and huge star and it's fun to go back and see him just as his career was starting to burgeon.

Many would probably find the show a bit hokey today, but if you like fun television where it looks like the actors had a good time making it and you have nothing better to do than curl up on the couch for an afternoon with a bottle of wine (or whatever else you drink), then check out the delightful Remington Steele. All five seasons of Remington Steele are available on DVD.

When I Am King

This is a cool song from my favourite band, Great Big Sea from the tropical island of Newfoundland. This song describes what I believe would happen, in the unlikely event that I were to become king. It could happen though. George W. Bush got elected President...

Just a fun song, and one can always hope this would happen. Enjoy!

Holy Awesome Trailer Batman!

Here it is, Gentle Readers, the trailer for The Dark Knight. I have watched this thing about 10 times now and after watching it, I must say that I've gone past "stoked for" and moved right on into "I'm dying to see" this movie! All I can say is DAMN! And if the movie lives up to the trailer, not only could this be an amazing movie but Heath Ledger's (A Knight's Tale) Joker could go down in movie history as one of "the" best movie villains of all time. Enjoy!

Eye Candy VII

Gaspard Ulliel
Born: 25 November, 1984, Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine, France

This sexy little bit of alright is a model and an actor and has appeared in numerous films in his native France. Gaspard Ulliel is perhaps best known to North American audiences from appearing in Hannibal Rising (2007) as the young Hannibal Lector.

Mamma Mia, Here I Go Again

This is it folks. I am mad stoked about this movie. I know I'm probably being a stereotypical fag here, but I don't care. I'm champing at the bit for this movie!

Inspired by the songs of ABBA, including “Dancing Queen," “S.O.S.," “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me,” Mamma Mia is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found.

Meryl Streep (The Devil Wears Prada), Pierce Brosnan (The Matador), Colin Firth (Bridget Jones' Diary), Stellan Skarsgård (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End), Christine Baranski (How The Grinch Stole Christmas), Julie Walters (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), Amanda Seyfried (Alpha Dog) and Dominic Cooper (History Boys) star in this story of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads.

Mamma Mia tells the story of an independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island. Donna (Streep) is about to let go of Sophie (Seyfried), the spirited daughter she has raised alone. For Sophie's wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends, practical and no-nonsense Rosie (Walters) and wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya (Baranski). The three friends were in a band, Donna and the Dynamos, back in the day. However, Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own.

Attempting to find the identity of her father to walk her down the aisle, she brings back three men from Donna's past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. Over 24 chaotic hours, new love blooms and old romances rekindle.

Directed by Phillida Lloyd, Mamma Mia will be released on 18 July, 2008. Sadly, this puts it up against The Dark Knight, so it looks like I'll be spending a lot of time at the cinema that day.

New The Dark Knight Poster

Here is another teaser poster from The Dark Knight. I think this might be my favourite one thus far. It's creepy cool. The Dark Knight will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures on 18 July, 2008.

The 1000 Reasons Why I'm Crazy About Hugh Laurie

Yes Gentle Readers, this is my new segment. I am a huge fan of Hugh Laurie and I hope to share the reasons why I am with all of you out there in internet land. There may not be a thousand, but it made for a good title so, what the hell.

James Hugh Calum Laurie
Born: 11 June, 1959, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Married: Jo Green, 3 children

Hugh Laurie has been a personal favourite of mine since back in the days when almost no one on this side of "the pond" knew who he was. My first exposure to Hugh Laurie was through his comedic work at which he is brilliant, especially in Blackadder II (1986) as Prince Ludwig, Blackadder Goes Forth (1989) as Lt. The Honourable George Colhurst St. Barleigh and, of course, the outstanding Jeeves and Wooster (1990-1993). He is particularly excellent when working with his longtime friend, and partner in comedy, Stephen Fry, particularly in A Bit of Fry and Laurie (1987-1995). This pair has that special chemistry that make them an amazing comedy team.

Hugh Laurie also boasts a filmography that includes appearances in, The Man in the Iron Mask (1998), Stuart Little (1999), and Flight of the Phoenix (2004). Hugh Laurie also turned in a memorable performance as Vincente Minnelli in Life With Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows (2001).

Anyone who has seen Hugh Laurie in the role of the caustic, misanthropic Dr. Gregory House in the Fox television series House M.D. (2004-present) knows what a great and diverse actor is Hugh Laurie. For his role as House, he has won 2 Golden Globes for best actor, 2 Television Critics Association Awards for Individual Achievement in Drama, a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor, a Screen Actor's Guild Award for best actor, and 2 Emmy Award Nominations. If that weren't enough, Hugh Laurie is also an accomplished author and musician. He is also a handsome bloke who's quite easy on the eyes.

So, for this edition's 1000 Reasons Why I'm Crazy About Hugh Laurie, I give you, oh...let's call it Reason #8, "Little Girl" from A Bit of Fry and Laurie. Enjoy!

I Love It When A Plan Comes Together

Gentle Readers, I bring you good, potentially great news, particularly if you, like me, are a fan of the 1980s TV show The A-Team. Ah, smell the finely aged cheese. There has been a rumour for the past several years of a big screen movie remake in the works. Well, now it seems that the "possibility" is closer to becoming a reality.

It has been confirmed that John Singleton (Shaft) will be directing a movie version of The A-Team. And I am also confirming that I am now officially excited. Well, maybe not excited, but really hoping this happens.

The A-Team ran from 1983-1987 and followed a "team" of Vietnam veterans who after being convicted of a crime that they didn't commit, escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground and worked as soldiers of fortune helping people in trouble. The new movie version will be updated from the Vietnam era to reflect the socio-political climate of today.

Casting for the movie has not yet started but I do have my dream cast of who I would like to see in the movie.

In the role of Col. John "Hannibal" Smith, portrayed on TV by George Peppard (Breakfast at Tiffany's), I'm hoping for George Clooney.

For Capt. H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock, portrayed on TV by Dwight Shultz (Star Trek: First Contact), I'm seeing Jim Carrey, as annoying as I find him, I think he could do a good job of it.

As Lt. Templeton "Faceman" Peck, portrayed on TV by Dirk Benedict (Battlestar Galactica), I see Brad Pitt, mostly because he has a "Butch and Sundance" chemistry with Clooney and he would look the part.

Finally, for Sgt. Bosco "B.A." Barracus, portrayed on TV by Mr. T (Rocky III), I see Ving Rhames (Mission: Impossible III).

Now I'm pretty sure that this isn't going to be the cast or anything close to it, but it is nice to dream. I just hope that they don't cast anyone too ridiculous and rape my childhood.

New Joker Poster

This is the new international teaser poster for The Dark Knight. My anticipation is increasing and by the time that this movie is actually released, I'll probably be as nutso as the Joker. This is one of my top "must see" movies of 2008.

The Dark Knight is directed by Christopher Nolan (Memento) and stars Christian Bale (The Prestige) as Batman/Bruce Wayne and Heath Ledger (Casanova) as The Joker. The Dark Knight will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures on 18 July, 2008.

Things I Wish Never Happened II

Gentle Readers, I don't know if this has come up in earlier posts, but I am a huge fan of the James Bond series. I am crazy about these movies and I have the books, the collectible stuff et cetera. I actually saw Casino Royale 11 times at the show. Ok, that's obsessive, but I am totally a James Bond geek.

I have my favourite list of actors who have portrayed James Bond that goes, Sean Connery (naturally); a tie for second with Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig (although, if Craig's next outing as 007 is as good as Casino Royale, he may be nudging out Brosnan); third is Timothy Dalton (yeah, I know, but I like my Bonds darker with a bit of a dangerous edge); followed by Roger Moore (the guy doesn't look like he could take a punch much less deliver one); and finally the abominable George Lazenby (although On Her Majesty's Secret Service is a good Bond movie overall).

I can pretty much sit through the jolly Roger Moore years and enjoy the movies. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) is pretty good as is For Your Eyes Only (1981), however, this post is entitled, "Things I Wish Never Happened," and that pretty much sums up the completely dreadful Moonraker (1979).

Moonraker was Roger Moore's fourth crack at the James Bond bat and the eleventh film in the series of "official" Bond movies. Directed by Bond veteran Lewis Gilbert (You Only Live Twice), Moonraker follows 007 on his mission to track down a space shuttle that went "missing" during transport on the back of a jet. The movie has the usual globe hopping from California to Venice, the Amazon and then finally outer space. Yes, Bond actually fights a battle in space! The Bond villain is the owner of the space shuttle company, Hugo Drax who has the requisite plans for global domination. Michael Lonsdale (Munich) is actually pretty good as the villain and Lois Chiles (Broadcast News) does duty (or penance?) as "Bond girl with brains," Holly Goodhead.

I can't express how truly bad this movie is. It's the film equivalent of leaving milk on a radiator for 2 weeks. It's bad, like, dropped out of high school, started smoking, knocked up it's girlfriend and robbed a liquor store bad. In fact, I usually try to forget that Moonraker even exists. And don't even get me started on that crappy henchman Jaws. He was alright in The Spy who Loved Me, but dude falls out of a plane at 30, 000 feet with no parachute and doesn't die! What the...? The acting is wooden, the plot is way, way out there even for a James Bond movie and it's obvious that the producers were only interested in cashing in on the box office success of Star Wars two years earlier. (It seems to have worked, with a budget of $34 million U.S., Moonraker's total worldwide box office was $210, 300, 000 U.S,) However, that doesn't mean that this movie didn't suck. I mean, look at the girls in the poster. they seem to be begging, "Please James. Please get us out of this movie!" I am so saddened by this movie that I'm glad that Ian Fleming was dead when they made it because he probably would have died after seeing it.

Eye Candy VI

Matthew Fox
Born: 14 July, 1966 in Abington, Pennsylvania
Married to Margherita Ronchi, two children

Now I ask you, is Matthew Fox not mad sexy? He is also a good actor as well being just too damn hot. You may remember Matthew Fox from his role as Charlie Salinger on Party of Five (1994-2000) or as Dr. Jack Shephard from the hit ABC series Lost. Matthew Fox has appeared in We Are Marshall (2006) with Matthew McConaughey and will appear in Vantage Point (2008) with Dennis Quaid (Flight of the Phoenix), and Speed Racer (2008) with Emile Hirsch (Into The Wild).

The Day The Earth Was Disemboweled With Terror!

Today, Gentle Readers, I open the cave and release "the most horrifying fiend mankind has ever known," The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra. Directed by Larry Blamire and starring Fay Masterson (Trail of the Screaming Forehead), Andrew Parks (Donnie Brasco) and Brian Howe ( The Pursuit of Happyness), The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra tells the chilling story of a dedicated scientist and his wife who try to save the world from a radioactive monster, brought to life by diabolical aliens from another planet.

Gentle Readers if you're like me and are into cheesy, B-horror movies like the type that the legendarily bad director Ed Wood (Plan 9 From Outer Space) produced, then The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra is for you. This movie is a spot-on spoof of those 1950s B-movies. All the actors are so good at being bad, giving wonderfully wooden performances and the whole movie has just the right feel, even down to the cheesy "special effects." The movie was even filmed in on a location that was used in those old horror movies. The dialogue is hilarious at times and I still get a chuckle out of watching this movie even after seeing it more than a few times. The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra is currently available on DVD and filmed in the miracle of "Skeletorama!" the new screen wonder of the age!

The director and most of the original cast will start filming the sequel, The Lost Skeleton Returns Again! in January 2008. I will definitely be checking that out and you should check out "the supreme shock sensation of our time." Obey the skeleton and run, don't walk to your video store and rent, The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra!

Why Don't You Get "Lost"?

This trailer looks very cool. I drool each time I watch it, but that could be because of Matthew Fox. I am so stoked about this upcoming season of Lost. Let's just hope that the writers strike is resolved soon, although, that doesn't look like it's going to happen with both sides digging in and no new negotiations scheduled. Last I read, Lost had about half of their episodes for the season completed, so, it remains to be seen whether ABC will start the season with a potential break or if the season premiere will be put on hold. According to the trailer, the season premiere will be in February 2008. I just gotta say, this damn strike sure has thrown a spanner into my TV viewing.

They Can't Take That Away From Me

Well, Gentle Readers today is the birthday of one of the coolest cats to ever hit the stage, screen and recording studio. Steve McQueen may have defined cool, but Frank Sinatra created it. Frank is one of my all time favourites. There will never be, can never be, another Frank Sinatra and my one regret in life is that I never got to see him perform live.

Francis Albert Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1915. The Sinatra image of a tough guy, street punk was fostered early in his career by his agent, George Evans. Sinatra began his career as a saloon singer in small dives before joining a band, The Hoboken Four, as a vocalist. Afterward he joined Harry James’ band and then Tommy Dorsey’s. In 1942 he embarked on a solo career and was an almost immediate hit with young women and girls. In 1943, Sinatra was cast as one of the leads in Higher and Higher, a musical comedy. Step Lively (1944) and Anchors Aweigh (1945) soon followed increasing his exposure. Sinatra was shrewd enough to take roles that closely matched his personality. Sinatra became known as “One-Take Charlie”, preferring spontaneity and being "in the moment" rather than trying to achieve perfection through take after take.

His first marriage ended following a very public and controversial affair with Ava Gardiner (On the Beach) and tragedy further struck when his career was all but ended following complications from a vocal hemorrhage. This was not enough to extinguish the Sinatra fire however, and he beat out many high profile actors for the coveted role of Maggio in From Here to Eternity (1953). He was, however, not well accepted in some Hollywood circles, despite winning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Maggio. Perhaps in spite of this, Sinatra continued to give strong, solid and memorable performances in movies such as Suddenly (1954) [a personal favourite of mine], The Man With The Golden Arm (1955), and perhaps his best performance in The Manchurian Candidate (1962).

For the majority of the 1960s, Sinatra concentrated on taking lighter, comedic roles or playing hard-nosed detectives. He performed in Las Vegas with his Rat Pack pals, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop and had a hell of a good time appearing in some Rat Pack movies as well. His most notable movies from this period were Ocean’s Eleven (1960) and The Detective (1968). His last lead role was in The First Deadly Sin (1980) playing, in true Sinatra style, an aging detective, in a very moving performance.

Of course, there was also the music. Almost constantly recording and performing, Sinatra never seemed to get old or go out of style. His music continued and continues to be used in movies and television and even advertising. Late in his career, when other performers are looking toward (usually forced) retirement, Sinatra recorded two “Duets” albums attracting such names as Bono, who took an opportunity to sing with the legendary Chairman of the Board. He could be tough, outspoken, opinionated, scrappy, generous, trustworthy, and tender, sometimes all at the same time, he loved, he brawled, he could sing (a gross understatement), he could act and he was always Frank and he did it all his way and God damn he did it all in style. Frank Sinatra succumbed to complications due to cancer on 14 May, 1998.

So, here I sit on what would have been Frank’s 97^th birthday, I have a glass of Jack on ice, the Frank Sinatra Christmas Album turned up loud, wearing my pork-pie hat and making a toast, “To Frank, baby. Ring-a-ding-ding.”

The Object Of My Affection IX

Yes, Gentle Readers, it is time for a Charlie Cox posting. I know you've missed them. I mean, c'mon...just look at him! Damn!

In one week, Stardust (2007), starring the object of my affection, will be available on DVD. Guess which prisoner of culture will be at the Spend*Mart bright and earlier to get his copy? Anyway, he's just way too cute.

The Christmas Schmaltz

Yes, Gentle Readers, not even the Prisoner of Culture is immune to some good old fashioned sentimentality. Now, I like to think of myself as a pretty modern guy, but there is just something about Christmas that turns me into an old fashioned boy. I prefer the "old school" and traditional things associated with Christmas. I like the original Christmas Carols (Good King Wenceslas is my all time favourite) and the old time Christmas songs, sung by the old school artists like, Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra and I like the old Christmas movies and and TV shows.

Shrek the Halls is alright, but it's no How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the good TV version, not that Jim Carrey abomination) or the Charlie Brown Christmas. Fred Clause or The Santa Claus may pack them in at the Googleplex, but for me they are no match for Scrooge (1951) with Alistair Sim or White Christmas (1954). There are a few modern exceptions of course. It wouldn't be Christmas without National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989). However, in my family Christmas Vacation is just simply referred to as "our Christmas home movies," as the character of Clark Griswold seems to be based on my Dad. And I always look forward to Bill Murray in Scrooged (1988). Although both of these films are "modern" I would argue that they have that older sensibility to them that is lacking in the stuff that is produced today.

At any rate, my favourite movie at Christmas time is White Christmas, hands down. It is kind of hokey and really old fashioned, but every year I so look forward to it.

White Christmas was directed by Michael Curtiz (Casablanca) and starred Bing Crosby (Going My Way) and Danny Kaye (The Court Jester) as a pair of Broadway producers who bring their entire production to a friend's inn to help bring in business. That's the basic outline at any rate.

I used to watch this movie with my Mom at this time of year. She really was crazy for this movie and that may be part of why I like it so much. Of course, it is a musical with fabulous outfits so, it may be that it's the perfect Christmas movie for a gay man; who knows? Anyway, this will be my family's first Christmas without my Mom, who was all about Christmas and I'm not really sure that I can bring myself to watch White Christmas this year.

However, I will watch this little clip that I've included from the movie. It's one of my favourite songs from the movie and it reminds me that no matter how bad things are or what is going on, there is always something for which to be thankful.

This turned into an unusually personal post for me, but this is a time for hope and hope is something you try to share.

I hope you enjoy, Count Your Blessings.

This Just In

Here it is Gentle Readers, the first official poster for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I'm still not crazy about that title, but I guess I'll just have to deal. The poster is kind of cool and in the same vein as the other Indiana Jones movies but is it just me or is the poster done in such a way as to de-emphasise the fact that Harrison Ford is an "old guy" now? In any event, I'm totally all about this movie.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull stars Harrison Ford (Firewall), Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth: The Golden Age) and Shia Labeouf (Transformers). Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull will be released by Paramount Pictures on 22 May, 2008. More information as it becomes available.

Coming Soon

I'm not entirely sure about this one, Gentle Readers, but I saw the preview for it before The Golden Compass and while I'm not stoked, I am definitely intrigued.

Inkheart, based on the novel of the same name, follows the adventures of Mo "Silvertongue" Folchart and his daughter Meggie. It seems that Meggie's father has an unusual gift in that he can bring to life the characters in a book, simply by reading aloud. When Mo reads from a children's fable, he releases Capricorn, a villainous ruler and his men who kidnap Mo. Meggie starts out on an adventure to rescue her father with the help of her friends both real and fictional.

Inkheart starring Brendan Fraser (The Mummy), Paul Bettany (The DaVinci Code) and Helen Mirren (The Queen) will be released by New Line Cinema on 19 March, 2008.

Check out the trailer, it does look kind of cool:

Christmas Stories

The other morning, Gentle Readers, my Dad and I were just sitting about chit chatting about this and that. Now I should tell you, Gentle Readers, that my Dad is, well, he is, that is to say he's quite nuts. He is a very funny guy and we never know what is going to come out of his mouth, so he has provided much entertainment for my brother and I over the years.

At any rate, Dad was talking about how he still needed to get our ancient Christmas stockings out of the attic and hang them on the mantle. What follows is a verbatim (well close enough) recounting of how the tradition of "stockings hung by the fire," came about.

"Do you know where the tradition of hanging a stocking comes from? Well, people used to hang their socks by the fire to dry them off. Claus came in and said, "Aw shit, I guess I'd better put something in those."

And that, Gentle Reader, is the tradition of the Christmas stocking according to my father.

The New Digs

Greetings Gentle Reader, I, your dutiful Prisoner of Culture, have finally worked out all the bugs and I'm back on-line (insert applause or boos, whichever the case, here). I'm currently in my new abode in Petawawa, Ontario, Canada. And before anyone wonders, no I have not joined the military. I do support our troops and the tough work they do, but a soldier, I definitely am not. I'd be the guy in the line with tears in my eyes sniffling, "Why did the sergeant have to yell at me?"

Look, if you dare, for my posts to return to all their mindless glory in the coming days. But first, a word about my new (for now) town.

Petawawa is located at the intersection of the Ottawa and Petawawa Rivers, approximately one and a half hours northwest of Ottawa, Ontario. With a population of about 15, 000 people, Petawawa is the home of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Petawawa, one of the largest military bases in Canada.

The area was originally inhabited by the Algonquin First Nation prior to European contact. Petawawa is the anglicised form of an Algonquin word meaning, "where one hears a noise like this".

During the latter half of the 19th century, the area was settled by Scots, Irish and German immigrants. Logging became a primary industry due to the expansive forests in the area and the relatively poor land for farming.

A base was built by the Canadian military starting in 1905 and became an internment camp for German POWs during the Second World War. The village of Petawawa was incorporated in 1961, with the current Town of Petawawa being created in 1997.

Petawawa is truly a pretty area with a lot of outdoor adventure recreation close by such as hiking, camping and white-water rafting. Right now though, we are up to our frozen asses in snow, which is going to be nice for Christmas, but dear lord, when will it stop!