Category: Celebs

Zack Snyder Interview [2006]

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Zack Snyder is on a roll.

Snyder first came to my attention when it was announced that he would direct the “remake” of George Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead.”

There was a ton of pressure on Snyder, not only because he was a first time director, but also because he was treading on sacred ground [well, at least to zombie fans]. There were a ton of folks who whined that the movie would suck (even before a day of film had been shot). Snyder defied them all and turned in one of the best zombie films ever.

Snyder then turned his attention to translating Frank Miller‘s epic 300 to the big screen. Next to “Rocky Balboa,” “300” is the movie that I am most looking forward to seeing. Check out the official site and you’ll see why.

Next up for Snyder is Alan Moore’s “Watchmen.” You can tell from this interview that Snyder is having a blast. He must feel like a kid in the candy store… or maybe that should be a bakery.

After all, he is on a roll.

M. Knight and his Lady Take a Dive

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M. Knight Shyamalan’s “Lady in the Water” was getting a negative buzz well before it’s release this weekend. Now that it scored just $18.2 million [just?] and came in 3rd at the box office, many people will write off both Shyamalan and his movie.

And that’s too bad.

The biggest knock against M. Knight is that he creates glorified “Twilight Zone” episodes for the big screen. Sure, many of M. Knight‘s movies do have a big twist at the end, and his movies do have a reoccurring theme of faith, redemption, and that there are mysterious forces around us [like some of the better TZ episodes]. And while I can see where his critics get this complaint, my response is, “So what?” I love classic Twilight Zone episodes.

“Lady in the Water” is a modern day fairy tale. Perhaps we’re just too jaded to get it. But, and this is a big but, if you’re willing to go with the tale, you’ll have a good time. Paul Giamatti is amazing in this role. Academy Award amazing. The rest of the cast is splendid. The direction, special effects and music all add to the overall enjoyment of the film. But the bottom line is if you sit back and start to analyze the film as anything but a fairy tale [which it was meant to be], it falls apart. But then so would “Little Red Riding Hood,” “The Three Bears” and even a classic movie like “The Wizard of Oz.”

While “Lady in the Water” isn’t a classic movie [no, it’s not on par with “The Wizard of Oz”] that can be embraced by the masses, there is an audience for it. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t think that I was going to like “Lady in the Water” as much as I did and I’m a Shyamalan fan. And there’s the rub. If a fan like me wasn’t overly excited about the story, then how are you going to get non-fans into the theater? The answer appears to be that you’re not.

And that’s too bad. “Lady in the Water” rates a B.


Rosario Dawson is Everywhere…

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and that’s a good thing!
Sometimes it seems that no matter where you turn you’re going to see the same celebrity. It could be that he is out promoting his latest movie or cd. It might be that something of significance has taken place in her life and every dang magazine, newspaper and news entertainment show thinks we just have to see the latest.
And that’s why there are times that you can not escape Britney Spears, Brad & Jennifer & Angelina, and even, God help us, Anna Nicole Smith.Lately, everywhere I look, I see Rosario Dawson. [And no I’m not having flashbacks to Heroes Con.] It could be I see Rosario everywhere because she has a new movie coming out [“Clerks 2”] and a new comic [O.T.C.] with a lead character based on her. Then again, it could be that Rosario is everywhere because she is so cool.

Rosario is featured in the July 21st issue of Entertainment Weekly where she talks about growing up at times “without water, heat and electricity,” movie roles, her new comic [O.C.T.], and even Klingons. You can catch the on-line version HERE, but you’ll miss out on the photos of Rosario.

People magazine also has a mini on-line interview with Rosario HERE.

If you want to know more about Rosario‘s comic, O.T.C, then click HERE.

Yep, Rosario is everwhere… and that’s a good thing!

Yeah, that’s Rosario Dawson

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No your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. That IS Rosario Dawson in the picture with my mug. I’ve got to tell you Rosario was the most down-to-Earth celebrity that I’ve ever met. She is so cool! I was able to get the photo at the latest Heroes convention. Heroes is always a blast, and this year’s show was no exception. It was the biggest and best ever.

I plan to tell you more about it… but I’m sure that most of you are simply staring at Rosario… so I’ll do a con update later.

Craig and the “Rocky Balboa” Blog

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Craig and the Rocky Balboa Blog

A few weeks ago I posted MGM is in the SZONE! and discussed conversations that I’d had with representatives from MGM and Sylvester Stallone‘s office. At that time I wrote: “I’m not sure what role the StalloneZone will play in the official promotion of “Rocky Balboa”…

Earlier this week, this was posted on the ROCKY BALBOA BLOG: Stay Tuned… The Rocky Balboa Blog will soon be updated with more great content and a brand new home www.StalloneZone.com

As you can imagine, I’ve been bombarded with e-mails from fans asking questions… so here’s the deal: I will be hosting the Rocky Balboa Blog. I was contacted by Sly‘s rep who verified Sly is very much aware of the SZ and SZoners around the world.

The Rocky Balboa Blog will be regularly updated with exclusive photos, news, interviews and more. Our first update will appear soon! The StalloneZone will continue to compliment Sly’s official site.

You’re still going to get regular StalloneZone updates, exclusives and more! The road to December 22, 2006 is going to be a fun one. I hope that you’re coming along for the ride! – Craig

Mel Gibson Has a Brave Heart

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Yesterday my son and I were channel surfing. Suddenly we came across “Braveheart.” We both stopped talking and turned to watch the scene.

Mel was giving the troops the famous pep-talk. You know the one… “They can take our lives, but they’ll never take our FREEEEEEEEEDOM!”

The next thing you know we were both grinning from ear to ear as we spouted classic lines from “Braveheart.”

I can remember Entertainment Tonight doing a piece about “action star” Mel Gibson on location starring in and directing “Braveheart.” I thought at the time, “Man, is he taking a risk!” Mel was walking away from barrels of money to do another “Lethal Weapon” and instead was directing [and starring in] a movie about some guy who lived hundreds of years ago that hardly anybody even knew existed.

We all know how it turned out.

Just a few years ago I remember when I first heard Mel‘s plans for “The Passion of the Christ.” This time Mel was walking away from trunkloads of money for another “Lethal Weapon” to instead direct a movie [which he wasn’t going to star in] about Jesus Christ. To make the movie even more unlikely to be successful, it didn’t feature a cast of international [or even national] superstars and was subtitled!

We all know how it turned out.

Mel’s next film, Apocalypto, is a violent tale which takes place 3,000 years ago and follows a Mayan hero who is on the run. Gibson won’t appear in the film and it will be subtitled.

Anyone wonder how it will turn out?

Exclusive Photos from Sage Stallone

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Sage Stallone, Sly‘s oldest son, and a talented actor, writer and director in his own right, recently checked in with some photos that he thought StalloneZoners might enjoy. They were taken by his mother, Sasha Stallone.

Sasha, Sly‘s first wife, is an accomplished photographer. Many fans will know her from her photos of Sly which appeared in books, magazines and even posters back in the day.

This is a shot of Sly and Rocky producer, Irwin Winkler, taken in 1976.

Sage writes that this photo was taken by Sasha on the streets of New York City before Rocky!

Sage writes that this photo was taken “way before Rocky…  dad was writing “Poe”… and posing as Poe!”

Sage goes on to say, “Mom tells me this was taken at Bloomingdales in ‘71!

I want to thank Sasha Stallone for allowing us access to the rare photographs from her personal collection.  Most fans know that Sasha was Sly’s first wife and the mother of his two sons, Sage and Seargeoh.  Sasha and Sly were together years before “Rocky” made him an international superstar.

Sly has always credited Sasha with being totally supportive in his quest to make it as actor / writer / director. Not only did Sasha type his scripts, but when they were nearly broke and she was pregnant with Sage, Sasha totally supported Sly‘s decision to turn down hundreds of thousands of dollars to sell the “Rocky” script and let someone else take the starring role.

Sasha‘s photographs have appeared in national magazines, books, and posters. Sasha occasionally acts. She most recently took a role in Sage‘s film “Vic” where she also served as set photographer.

 

I want to thank Sage Stallone for allowing us access to the rare photographs from his family’s personal collection.

Most fans know Sage as Sly‘s real-life son or as Rocky‘s kid from “Rocky V.” What many people forget is “Rocky V” was released 16 years ago! Sage is now a young man,  about the age that Sly was when he made “Rocky.”

In addition to acting, Sage is also a writer, director and  co-founder of Grindhouse Releasing. His short film “Vic” will be on the festival circuit this year.

I’m hoping to interview Sage in the near future, so if you have any questions you’d like to throw his way, e-mail me  and you may get your answers!

I’ll also keep SZoners updated on which festivals Sage will be attending so that we can go out and support his efforts.

Thanks again to Sage and Sasha Stallone! – Craig

Long Live the King… Or Off With His Head?

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There was a time when I loved all things Stephen King. It started with Carrie which I read in 8th grade. I thought it was a really cool book. When I was a junior in high school I saw Carrie at a Midnight Movie. I loved it. It was my introduction to Brian DePalma. I still laugh when I think that I nearly jumped into the next row when Carrie‘s bloody hand came shooting out of the grave.

In college I got into King in a big way. I was reading everything that he published. The Shinning [great book — I read it in a single night! and a pretty scary movie], Salem’s Lot [another excellent novel with a cool, modern twist on vampires — and a decent tv mini-series] The Dead Zone [perhaps the best movie adaptation of a King novel] … and the hits just kept on coming [although the movies weren’t always as good]… The Stand, Cujo, Pet Sematary, Firestarter, Christine, It, etc. etc. etc.

Then for some reason, I stopped reading King. I really don’t know why. It just happened. I have a bunch of his novels and even some short story collections sitting on the shelf waiting to join the other King novels in a place of honor on my bookcase. But there they sit.

I did buy and immediately read Cell when it came out in hardcover. I was hoping for a more traditional zombie story, but never the less, I did really enjoy it.

Tomorrow night ABC is presenting a three hour adaptation of Desperation. For some reason, I’m really looking forward to it. Most likely I’ll record it for viewing some late weekend night. I haven’t read the book, but if the movie is works, perhaps it’ll give me just enough reason to pull it off the shelf and see if the novel is good enough to make it to the book case.

Dan Curtis – Rest in Peace

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Dan Curtis, best known as the creative force behind “Dark Shadows” died today at the age of 78. Curtis‘s career as a producer, writer, and director spanned five decades. Many would say that the high point of his career was in 1983 when he produced, directed and co-wrote the highly successful “Winds of War” mini-series starring Robert Mitchum. But I would argue that his work on “Dark Shadows” is what most folks will remember.

Curtis created a cult classic that was “must see tv” for the five years that it ran. Ok, ok, truth be told, it wasn’t until the second year and the addition of Jonathon Frid as Barnabus Collins that the series really took off; but boy did it! “Dark Shadows” spawned two feature films [not as good as the tv series], comic books, novels, trading cards, and more. Even now, as I think back at how all of my friends and I were “into” “Dark Shadows” I have to smile.

Curtis’s wife of 54 years died earlier this month. He is survived by his two daughters and a world of fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with them today.

Samuel Hiti and Two of his Rambo Drawings!

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Samuel Hiti is a 30-year-old artist, who made his graphic novel debut in New York with his Xeric Award-winning “End Times/Tiempos Finales.”

Mike Mignola, creator of the cult favorite “Hellboy,” said it was the best graphic novel of the year.  Samuel was nominated for “Best New Talent” for the 2005 Harvey Awards. Samuel has worked for major companies such as Nike, The New York Times, Disney, and adapted The 2004 Paramount/Dreamworks movie of “Lemony Snicket – SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS” into comic book form for Nickelodeon magazine.

I discovered Samuel’s site while surfing the web. While enjoying Samuel‘s art, I also learned that he’s a Rambo fan. Samuel recently drew a scene from Rambo and had so much fun with it, that he now does a Rambo Quote of the Week. Samuel graciously agreed to me posting a couple of examples here on the SZ.  – Craig

Checking in with Vin

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I’m a big Vin Diesel fan. Yeah, even after “The Pacifier,” I’ll still admit to being a fan. Yep, even after “The Chronicles of Riddick.”

Vin has the ability to own a screen. Watch nearly any scene in “Pitch Black” or the scenes in “Knockaround Guys” where Vin lays out his plan to get the money back and then carries through on it.

Sure, Vin‘s had his share of misses, but still he’s taking chances and trying to build a foundation for a long career. Don’t believe me or in him? Then check out this article and tell me what you think.

Dennis Weaver and a Different Kind of Three

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What’s that saying about deaths of famous people happening in “threes? Today, I’d like to discuss a different kind of three.

It was announced today that Dennis Weaver passed away on Friday. Weaver, was by any definition a celebrity. He has over 100 credits listed on his filmography. Weaver was an actor, director, composer and more.

My fondest memories of Dennis Weaver always involve my grandfather. We’d watch Gunsmoke [Weaver played Chester the deputy who always seemed to be yelling “Mr. Dillon, Mr. Dillon!”] and later McLoud [the country cop who ended up in New York City]. My grandfather and I really enjoyed Dennis Weaver in any role. So wouldn’t you know it, we watched the world premiere of “Duel” [directed by Steven Spielberg]. I can remember, during commercials, my grandpa and I talking about how exciting the movie was.

Of course Weaver was known for many other roles. He starred in the Gentle Ben tv series, had a role in Orson Welles‘ classic “Touch of Evil,” memorable guest appearances on all kinds of classic shows and headlined dozens of other movies. Still it is those three roles that I cherish most. It’s obvious why.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Dennis Weaver‘s family, friends, and fans.

Don Knotts & Darren McGavin: RIP

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Pictured above are Darren McGavin and Don Knotts who appeared together in Disney’s No Deposit, No Return. As many of you have already heard, both recently passed away within a day of each other.

Don Knotts, best known as the bumbling but loveable Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith show, died on Friday from pulmonary and respiratory complications. Knotts appeared in more than 25 films and seven tv series but it was his role as Barney Fife that brought him the most awards [five Emmys] and fan recognition. Looking at Mr. Knotts’ filmnography, it’s obvious that he would have had a successful career even without the role of Barney Fife [over 50 years in the business, movies, tv, etc.], but the world would have been a bit sadder place.

Darren McGavin, 83, passed away on Saturday from natural causes. Although Mr. McGavin had a long, successful career in movies and on television; there were two roles that standout for me. The first was as newspaper reporter, Carl Kolchak who discovered a real vampire in modern day LA in the made for tv movie “Kolchak: The Night Stalker.” [Although I was never a fan of the series that the movie spawned…] The second role was that of Ralphie‘s dad in the classic “A Christmas Story.”

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and fans of both Mr. McGavin and Mr. Knotts.

RIP Al Lewis aka Grandpa Munster

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Al Lewis [born Alexander Meister ], who was best known as Grandpa Munster, died yesterday at the age of 95.

I can remember watching Lewis on “Car 54, Where Are You?” and later “The Munsters” when I was very young. Lewis seemed old then… but as the years passed he didn’t seem to age. Another benefit of growing older was that with each passing year Lewis seemed to get more and more popular. He was always a LIVELY guest where ever he appeared.

Lewis is survived by his wife, three children, four grandchilden and generations of fans. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone of them.

RIP Shelley Winters

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Academy Award-winning actress Shelley Winters, who appeared in over 125 movies during her career, died today at the age of 85.

I’m not the biggest Shelley Winters fan in the world, but I did admire her ability to morph throughout her career so that she could continue to act well into her 70s.

Before making it in movies, Winters worked as a chorus girl and on the stage. When Winters first came to Hollywood she roomed with another future star by the name of Marilyn Monroe. Although Winters started out as another blonde bombshell, her best roles and recognition came when she worked as a supporting actress.

Not content to just act, Winters also wrote two popular biographies in which she talked about her intimate affairs with many of Hollywood’s leading men, including Sean Connery, Errol Flynn, William Holden and Burt Lancaster [among others]. Shelley was a playa before the term was invented.

My two favorite Shelley Winters roles occured in movies that were made 17 years apart.

In “Night of the Hunter” Shelley played Willa Harper who falls victim to the wonderfully evil preacher, Harry Powell [Robert Mitchum in perhaps his greatest performance]. The scene of Winters dead and strapped in a car at the bottom of a lake… with her hair floating in the currents is one of the most haunting images ever. In 1972, Winters was no longer the young wife, now she was the aging overweight wife, Belle Rosen, whose ultimate sacrifice [she dies of a heart attack after a long underwater swim to save Gene Hackman] allows others to survive. Looking back now, I find it somewhat strange that she dies in both of my favorite roles and ends up underwater.

Shelley Winters died today. She leaves behind many wonderful family members, friends, fans and movie roles.