Category: Humor

“Army of Thieves” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Here are the poster and trailer to Army of Thieves.  I look at the poster as more of a teaser.  The tagline More Safes Less Zombies is cute.  The trailer is pretty good and makes me want to see more.

I’m a huge fan of Army of the Dead and look forward to the animated prequel more than this movie, but I do want to see Army of Thieves.  It is interesting that Army of the Dead was a horror/zombie film while Army of Thieves is a heist movie.  Has there ever been movie sequels/prequels in different genres that carried over one character to both?

In this prequel to Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, small-town bank teller Dieter gets drawn into the adventure of a lifetime when a mysterious woman recruits him to join a crew of Interpol’s most wanted criminals, attempting to heist a sequence of legendary, impossible-to-crack safes across Europe.

Al Jaffee Appreciates His Fans as Much as They Appreciate Him!

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Back in February I posted about something that Sam Vivano (former MAD magazine art director and friend of Al Jaffee) called The Jaffee Project.  Sam’s idea was to get friends and fans of Al Jaffee to send in birthday cards to celebrate Jaffee’s 100th birthday.  Al Jaffee was the artist who invented (and produced for decades) Mad Magazine‘s fold-in page as well as Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions.  

I sent in a birthday card wishing Mr. Jaffee a happy 100th and thanking him for all of the smiles he brought to me and fans around the world with the art he produced art for Mad Magazine.  Little did I know Mr. Jaffee would present me with another smile.  I received the post card above yesterday.  What a cool gesture for Al Jaffee to respond to all of his fans.  I love it when someone you admire turns out to be worthy of the admiration.  

“What We Do in the Shadows” – The Season 3 Teaser is Here!

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What We Do in the Shadows is one of my favorite current shows.  If you don’t watch it, you should consider checking it out.  If you do watch, you know how good it is.  Below is the teaser for season 3 which premieres on September 2nd!

A look into the daily (or rather, nightly) lives of four vampires who have “lived” together for hundreds and hundreds of years in Staten Island.

“Stairway to Gilligan’s Island”: Led Zeppelin & Classic TV Theme Mash-Up performed by Puddles!

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How about a fun mash-up.  Originally performed by Little Roger and the Goosebumps, our version is by Puddles aka The Sad Clown with the Golden Voice.  If you ever get a chance to see Puddles perform live, you should take it.  I did and would do it again!  Yep, I’m a fan.

Get this single here: https://smarturl.it/s7pnpj

This mash up was created by Little Roger and the Goosebumps. I asked Roger Clark if he would be cool with me covering this and he said that was ok with him. He’s a swell fella. This video is from my Sequestered Summertime Streaming Show on VEEPS streaming platform. I’ll be continuing my streaming shows until I can get back on the road.

Get the original and more from Little Roger and the Goosebumps here: https://littleroger.bandcamp.com/albu…

Derek Ennis played guitars.
Tim DeLaney played bass, drums, keys, mixed and engineered.
Puddles sang it.

“The One and Only Dick Gregory” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I like both the poster and trailer to The One and Only Dick Gregory.  I don’t have Showtime, but am interested in seeing this documentary at some point.  I know very little about Dick Gregory, other than he was an activist.  The clips of his standup comedy were funny and he appears to have been for the betterment of all.  We need more of that..

In writer-director Andre Gaines’ THE ONE AND ONLY DICK GREGORY, extraordinary archival footage and new interviews put a spotlight on this icon’s journey from influential comedian to on-the-ground activist — which is discussed by modern legends including Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, and Wanda Sykes, along with commentary from Harry Belafonte, W. Kamau Bell, Lawrence O’Donnell, Gregory’s wife Lillian Gregory, Medgar Evers’ wife Dr. Myrlie Evers-Williams, and others. Most essential is Dick Gregory himself, whose insights before he died in 2017 provide a crucial through line to what Gregory gave voice to during the Civil Rights era — and which continue to be vital today. Watch the premiere on Sunday, July 4 at 9/8c on SHOWTIME.

“Seinfeld” That Trivia You May Not Know!

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If you like Seinfeld and you like trivia, do I have a post for you!  Jennifer M. Wood at Mental Floss posted 41 Facts About Seinfeld.  Before you click over, here are three of my favorites and my thoughts on each…

JASON ALEXANDER DIDN’T THINK SEINFELD HAD A CHANCE. (Isn’t that exactly what George would have thought as well? – Craig)

THE REAL SOUP NAZI SAYS SEINFELD RUINED HIS LIFE. (I never met the real Soup Nazi, but I did see the guy who played him signing at a comic convention.  Interestingly enough, he didn’t appear to like having his photo taken (perhaps because he was selling autographed ones).  What happened next is kind of funny. – Craig)

“THE CONTEST” WAS INSPIRED BY A REAL-LIFE CONTEST LARRY DAVID HAD WITH A FRIEND.  (So, the funniest episode of the series was based on a real-life contest.  I feel pretty confident my buddy, who I won’t name to protect the guilty, would lose, uh, hands-down, to ANYONE in that type of contest, – Craig)

Frankenstein & His Bride on the Lam. A Story Told in Two Parts!

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I was surfing the net the other day and came across the art above of Frankenstein and his Bride on the lam.  I loved the piece and hoped to find out the name of the artist who created it.  I struck out.

I did find the above art (but again, I don’t know the artist to credit).  Sadly, it appears that Frankie and his Bride didn’t get away.

RIP: Charles Grodin

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Charles Grodin, the multitalented actor and author, died today at the age of 86 from bone cancer.  Mr. Grodin, whose acting career spanned over 60 years worked in feature films, television and on Broadway. 

His first role was an uncredited part in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.  He then transitioned to television making guest appearances until his role in the feature film Rosemary’s Baby.  For the rest of his career Charles Grodin alternated between feature films, television movies and tv series.  Along the way, Mr. Grodin wrote plays, books, hosted his own talk show and was a political commentator for 60 Minutes.

Before researching Charles Grodin’s acting resume, I would have said that the first time I saw him was in Rosemary’s Baby.  I would have been wrong.  Prior to that film, Mr. Grodin had made appearances on television programs for well over a decade.  I must have seen him in The F.B.I., Captain Nice, or The Guns of Will Sonnet first. 

My favorite Charles Grodin movie role was in Midnight Run with Robert DeNiro.  I’m surprised there never was a sequel since Midnight Run was so well received by critics and fans.  Other memorable Charles Grodin movie appearances included roles in King Kong, Heaven Can Wait, Seems Like Old Times, and Beethoven. 

Charles Grodin was able to stay active over the length of his acting career (on stage and screen), had the talent to write plays, memoirs, screenplays, an award-winning television special as well as host his own show — all of this is evidence of his many talents. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Charles Grodin’s family, friends and fans.     

“The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2” – the Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2 – the Poster and Trailer are Here!  I applaud the poster.  Finally, real artwork and not just photoshopped heads of the movie’s stars.  The trailer has a good mix of humor with a horror theme plus a little blaxploitation thrown in.  Call me crazy, but call me when this movie premieres.  I want to see it.

 

Boris Karloff – Trivia That You Might Enjoy!

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Mark Mancini at Mental Floss came up with 13 Facts About Boris Karloff and they’re worth a look.  Before you click over, here are my three favorite…

BORIS KARLOFF WAS IN THE ORIGINAL SCARFACE.  (When we think of Karloff, we think of horror movies, but he played in all types of movies.  It is strange seeing him show up in Scarface though. – Craig)

VAL LEWTON’S HORROR MOVIES WERE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR BORIS KARLOFF.  (Karloff loved acting and felt that the roles that Lewton provided allowed his to showcase his talents.  I like that Karloff gave credit to Lewton for the opportunities. – Craig)

BORIS KARLOFF POKED FUN AT HIS OWN CAREER IN THE HIT PLAY ARSENIC & OLD LACE. (I love this bit of trivia. Karloff played the role on Broadway, but due to his lack of experience had to be convinced. I’ll let Mark Mancini take it from there —

“You have just murdered a man,” (Producer) Crouse said (to Karloff), setting the scene. “[And] when questioned about it, you say ‘I killed him because he said I looked like Boris Karloff.’” Karloff loved the idea of ribbing himself on stage and took the part.

I love that Boris Karloff had a sense of humor. Can you imagine the audience’s reaction when he said that line? It’s too bad that Boris Karloff was unable to play the role when Arsenic and Old Lace was turned into a feature film (no discredit to Raymond Massey intended).

The All-Time Best Sitcoms!

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Alan Sepinwall, Maria Fontoura, David Fear and Rob Sheffield at The Rolling Stone took on the monumental task of Ranking the 100 All-Time Best Sitcoms.  Ken Levine (who’s written for shows that made the list) explains why creating this ranking is a fool’s errand.  While I agree with Ken, I’m fool enough to play along. 

Of the top 100 on their list, I’ve seen less than half.  41 to be exact.  Since we’re just going to compare their top 10 to mine, that won’t be an issue since I’ve seen all of their top choices regularly except for two.  So without further fanfare, here are Rolling Stone’s All-Time Best Sitcoms compared to mine.

Rolling Stone Craig
10. Larry Sanders Show (HBO, 1992-1998) 10. Andy Griffith Show (CBS, 1960-1968): Episodes featuring Barney are among the best sitcom episodes ever.
9. Parks and Recreation (NBC, 2009-2015) 9. Mary Tyler Moore Show (CBS, 1970-1977): was must-see tv.
8. Honeymooners (CBS, 1955-1956) 8. Modern Family (ABC, 2009-2020): Started as a fun watch and then became must-see.
7. Mary Tyler Moore Show (CBS, 1970-1977) 7. Frasier (NBC, 1993-2004): I’m one of the folks that prefer Frasier to Cheers.
6. M*A*S*H (CBS, 1972-1983) 6. Big Bang Theory (CBS, 2007-2019): I came to this one late, but then caught up.  BBT became must-see for us.
5.  All in the Family (CBS, 1971-1979) 5. Sanford and Son (NBC, 1972-1977): S&S is often compared to All in the Family, but I think that S&S holds it’s own against AitF (and is better when comparing the later seasons of each)
4. I Love Lucy (CBS, 1951-1957) 4. Everybody Loves Raymond (CBS, 1996-2005): I didn’t start watching ELR until near the end of the run.  It grew on me and I’ve now seen every episode at least once.
3.  Seinfeld (NBC, 1989-1998) 3. I Love Lucy (CBS, 1951-1957): Every episode until they move to the country is classic.
2. Cheers (NBC, 1982-1993) 2. Seinfeld (NBC, 1989-1998): was required viewing since everyone discussed the latest episode the day after it aired.  Holds up under multiple viewings. 
1. Simpsons (Fox, 1989-Present) 1. Honeymooners (CBS, 1955-1956): Simple format, perfectly cast and still funny over half a century later.

I was surprised that Two and a Half Men didn’t make the All-Time Greatest list. The years featuring Charlie Sheen would have made mine. It just didn’t work for me once he was gone. Jon Cryer was still funny but, for me, the magic left with Charlie. (And while we’re on the topic of Jon Cryer — wouldn’t he have made a great Barney Fife??)

The Monkees: Behind the Music and Farewell Tour Coming!

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I was the perfect age to enjoy The Monkees.  They already had a #1 single (Last Train to Clarksville) when their series premiered in September 1966.  I was a month away from turning 8.  The Monkees were instant stars.  In 1967, The Monkees sold more records than The Beatles and The Rolling Stones combined.  

Little did fans know that behind the scenes there was turmoil.  The Monkees had some of the best song writers (Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart, Neil Diamond, Carole King to name a few) and studio musicians (Glen Campbell!) playing on their songs, but The Monkees weren’t allowed creative control or even allowed to play instruments for their records.  They were told what to sing, and when to sing.  Of course this didn’t sit well with them.  Tensions grew after The Monkees went on a sold out tour where they did sing and play their own instruments.  

Despite a popular television show, a feature film, and three number one albums in a row things were about to come off the rails.

The Monkees: Behind the Music is an extremely well done short documentary that looks at the rise and fall of The Monkees.  It’s interesting to note the number of comebacks the group has made over the years with different combinations of Davy, Mickey, Mike and Peter… as well as one outing with Davy, Mickey and song writers Boyce & Hart (who wrote some of the Monkees’ biggest hits).

The Monkees (Mickey and Mike, Davy died in 2012, and Peter passed in 2019) are doing a farewell tour that starts in September 2021, runs for over 30 performances and concludes on November 14th.  I just might have to see them live.  I know that would thrill the 7 year old in me.

 

 

“Werewolves Within” – The Trailer is Here!

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With the Werewolves Within trailer we learn that the movie will be a combination horror – mystery – comedy.  While I’m not expecting great things, I’ll check it out hoping for a fun ride.  Oh, and did you notice that Lilly (Milana Vayntrub) from the AT&T commercials is one of the stars?

Director: Josh Ruben
Starring: Milana Vayntrub, Cheyenne Jackson, Michaela Watkins

When a killer terrorizes the snowed-in residents of a small town, it falls to the new forest ranger to find out who – or what – lurks among them in this hilarious horror whodunnit.