RIP: Bill Butler

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Wilmer Cable Butler aka Bill Butler died yesterday at the age of 101, just two days short of his 102nd birthday.

Mr. Butler graduated with a degree in engineering from the University of Iowa.  He began his professional career as an engineer at a Gary, Indiana radio station.  He moved to Chicago to help design and build ABC television affiliate stations.  Mr. Butler then moved to WGN-TV where he worked live camera reports for local shows and commercials.

It was at WGN where Bill Butler met director William Friedkin.  Friedkin was prepping a documentary. He asked Mr. Butler to serve as his cinematographer.  The documentary was The People vs. Paul Crump, about a death row inmate.  The documentary assisted in getting Crump exonerated.  It was also Bill Butler’s first professional film credit.  Mr. Butler would go on to become one of the most requested and admired cinematographers in the industry.

Some of Bill Bulter’s feature films include: Fearless Frank; The Rain People; Drive, He Said; The Return of Count Yorga; Hickey & Boggs; The Conversation; Jaws; Lipstick; The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings; Demon Seed; Capricorn One; Damien: Omen II; Grease; Uncle Joe Shannon; Ice Castles; Rocky II; Can’t Stop the Music; The Night’s the Lights Went Out in Georgia; Stripes; Rocky III; Rocky IV;  Biloxi Blues; Graffiti Bridge; Hot Shots!; Sniper; Cop & ½; Beethoven’s 2nd; Anaconda and Frailty.

Some of Bill Butler’s television projects include: The People vs. Paul Crump; Something Evil; Circle of Fear (5 episodes); Savage; The Execution of Private Slovik; Raid on Entebbe; The Thorn Birds (4 episodes); A Streetcar Named Desire and  A Walton Wedding.

Bill Butler is best known for his work with Steven Spielberg on Jaws.  They had worked together previously on two television movies, Something Evil and Savage.  I first saw Bill Butler’s work on The Execution of Private Slovik, a television movie starring Martin Sheen.  It felt like I was watching a feature film and much of the credit for that goes to Mr. Butler.

I loved how throughout his career Bill Butler could move from low-budget genre films to high budget star vehicles.  He was at home with gritty dramas as movies geared to kids.  He worked on so many films that I love: Jaws; Capricorn One; Rocky 2, 3 &4 and Frailty to name a few.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill Butler’s family, friends and fans.

The 50 Best Movies of the 21st Century (so far)

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Six film critics at The Hollywood Reporter came up with their list of The 50 Best Films of the 21st Century (So Far).  Of the 50 from their list, here’s what I’ve seen and how I’d rate them…

The Hollywood Reporter

Craig
49 ‘Black Panther’ (2018) 43 ‘Grizzly Man’ (2005)
43 ‘Grizzly Man’ (2005) 41 ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)
41 ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006) 40 ‘Summer of Soul’ (2021)
40 ‘Summer of Soul’ (2021) 38 ‘Children of Men’ (2006)
39 ‘I Am Not Your Negro’ (2016) 05 ‘Mulholland Drive’ (2001)
38 ‘Children of Men’ (2006) 39 ‘I Am Not Your Negro’ (2016)
15 ‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021) 04 ‘Zodiac’ (2007)
10 ‘Get Out’ (2017) 15 ‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021)
05 ‘Mulholland Drive’ (2001) 10 ‘Get Out’ (2017)
04 ‘Zodiac’ (2007) 49 ‘Black Panther’ (2018)

The Hollywood Reporter article got me thinking.  I decided to list my Top 50 movies for the 21st century.  It was harder than expected.  They are listed in alpha order after giving the top spots (again in alpha order to the Sly Stallone films that I included).  Any surprises?  Any great films that I missed?  Take a look and let me know.

Craig’s Top 50 for the 21st Century (So Far)
*** Creed (2015) Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
*** Expendables, The (2010) Man on Fire (2004)
*** Get Carter (2000) Meet the Parents (2000)
*** Rambo (2008) Mist, The (2006)
*** Rocky Balboa (2006) No Country for Old Men (2007)
28 Days Later… (2002) No Sudden Move (2021)
300 (2006) Open Range (2003)
Apocalypto (2006) Patriot, The (2000)
Army of the Dead (2021) Pitch Black (2000)
Atomic Blonde (2017) Predators (2010)
Bad Boys II (2003) Reign of Fire (2002)
Baby Driver (2016) RRR (2022)
Babylon A.D. (2007) Rundown, The (2003)
Black Panther (2018) Shutter Island (2010)
Blade II (2002) Sicario (2016)
Bone Tomahawk (2015) Sin City (2005)
Dawn of the Dead (2004) Stepbrothers (2008)
Extraction (2020) Taken (2008)
Faster (2010) Top Gun: Maverick (2023)
Frailty (2001) Town, The (2010)
Get Out (2017) Train to Buscan (2016)
Gladiator (2000) Training Day (2001)
Hotel Artemis (2018) True Grit (2010)
John Wick (2014) / John Wick 2 (2017) /John Wick 3 (2019) Way of the Gun (2000)
Lockout (2012) World War Z (2013)

 “Spiral: From the Book of Saw” (2021) starring Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson & Max Minghella / Z-View

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 Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)

Director:  Darren Lynn Bousman

Writer: Josh Stolberg, Peter Goldfinger

Stars: Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson, Max Minghella, Marisol Nichols, Richard Zeppieri, Ali Johnson, Edie Inksetter, Nazneen Contractor and Chad Camilleri.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

When an off-duty cop is found murdered in a subway, clues indicate the killer is a fan of Jigsaw, the deceased serial killer.  Jigsaw would trap, incapacitate his victims and then kill them using elaborate methods causing pain and disfigurement.  Detective Zeke Banks (Rock) and rookie Detective William Schenk (Minghella) are assigned to the case.

As Banks and Schenk follow leads, more cops are found murdered by Spiral.  Each murder strikes closer to Banks’ circle of fellow officers,,, and now Banks’ father is missing.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I was a fan of the original Saw.  The sequels that I watched (I haven’t seen them all) put more emphasis on gory, bizarre methods of murder.  I realize that is part of the appeal of these movies, but I prefer to see the set-up and let my imagination do the rest.  I was hoping that Spiral would be more of a serial killer mystery with less emphasis on gore.

There’s a twist at the end that for my money works.

Darren Lynn Bousman directed Saw sequels 2, 3 and 4.  I liked the choices he made in Spiral (well, except for some of the torture scenes),

Chris Rock impressed me in Fargo and I enjoyed him here.  Samuel L. Jackson elevates any movie.  I’d never seen anything with Max Minghella before.  He does an excellent job, especially in the film’s final set piece.

Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“No Census, No Feeling” (1940) starring The Three Stooges / Z-View

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No Census, No Feeling (1940)

Director:  Del Lord

Writer:  Harry Edwards, Elwood Ullman

Stars: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard, Bruce Bennett, Symona Boniface, Vernon Dent and Frank Mills

Tagline: Those madcap merchants of mirth score a laugh touchdown!

The Plot…

While on the run from the cops, our guys hide in a building hiring census takers.  Soon the boys have jobs. They end up at a rich woman’s mansion and create havoc.  Then they get the bright idea that a stadium full of fans would provide plenty of “customers”.  But when Larry, Curly and Moe are mistaken for professional football players, all bets are off.  What could go wrong?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

An extended scene where Curly adds alum to the punch and all guests (our guys included) try to talk through puckered lips is hilarious.

Moe asks one man, “Are you happy or married.”  Nyuk-Nyuk-Nyuk.

No Census, No Feeling (1940) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Tassels in the Air” (1938) starring The Three Stooges / Z-View

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Tassels in the Air (1938)

Director:  Charley Chase

Writer:  Al Giebler, Elwood Ullman

Stars: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard, Symona Boniface, Vernon Dent and Bud Jamison

Tagline:  They’re Nuthouse Painters!

The Plot…

When Moe is mistaken for the famous painter, Omay, the boys are hired to paint and redecorate a rich woman’s mansion.  What could go wrong?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The gag that “Curly goes crazy” whenever he sees/smells something is used again in Tassels in the Air.  This time whenever Curly sees tassels, he goes loco until he’s tickled under the chin.  This gimmick was used in three previous Stooges shorts (in Punch Drunks, Horses’ Collars and Grips, Grunts and Groans).

The director, Charley Chase directed and acted in hundreds of shorts and features. In one scene Vernon Dent appears dressed like Oliver Hardy.  Some wonder if this was Chase’s influence as a nod to the comedy great.

Tassels in the Air (1938) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“George A. Romero’s Resident Evil” – The Trailer is Here!

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It’s unfortunate that Romero’s Resident Evil didn’t happen. At least we get this documentary.

In 1998, Constantin Film set out to adapt the greatest horror video game franchise of all time, hiring legendary film director George A. Romero. Now, Key 13 Films, in association with Point Five Films and director Brandon Salisbury set out to uncover the mystery behind why Romero’s vision was never produced.

George A. Romero’s Resident Evil is a stylized documentary, utilizing archived footage, unearthed documents, and newly filmed interviews with a wide variety of personalities. The documentary combines elements from Capcom’s hit video game series and the raw, visceral style of George A. Romero to full immerse the audience in a cinematic horror aesthetic.

Now, audiences everywhere will experience the “darkest day of horror the world will never know”, as they uncover the unrequited vision of… George A. Romero’s Resident Evil.

QUENTIN BY TARANTINO by Ameziane Amazing!

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Quentin Tarantino fans are gonna love this!

TAKE A DIVE INTO THE BRAIN OF MASTER AUTEUR QUENTIN TARANTINO, AS AMÉZIANE AMAZING TAKES US ON A JOURNEY THROUGH HIS RISE TO INDIE BLOCKBUSTER FAME THROUGH ICONIC DIALOGUE, MARTIAL ARTS, AND STYLISH VIOLENCE.

“The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men.”

Just like that, fans of Quentin Tarantino are transported into his iconic films, but here is a deeper dive into the man himself, the story of Quentin by Tarantino!

In a first-person account, Améziane Amazing, leads us through the life story of this iconic auteur, from his humble beginnings as a video shop clerk, to his rise through iconic indie blockbusters, all the way to global superstar.

Discover the influences, opinions, and history of one of the world’s most iconic filmmakers, unmistakable in his style and talent.

This looks interesting.  Pre-orders are available now.

“Pop Goes the Easel” (1935) starring The Three Stooges / Z-View

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Pop Goes the Easel (1935)

Director:  Del Lord

Writer:  Felix Adler

Stars: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard and Phyllis Crane

Tagline:  Help! Help! They’re loose again!

The Plot…

The boys on the run from the law, take refuge in an art studio.  There they take on multiple disguises in an effort to not get caught.  What could go wrong?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Pop Goes the Easel features several Stooges’ firsts:

  • It is the first Stooges’ short directed by Del Lord who would go on to helm more than three dozen.
  • It features the first eye poke
  • It has the first multiple face slap
  • It ends with a big clay fight, which would morph into pie fights in future shorts

There’s a quick scene of two little girls playing hopscotch as the boys run by.  The girls were the daughters of Moe and Larry.

Pop Goes the Easel (1935) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Extraction 2” starring Chris Hemsworth – The Teaser Trailer is Here!

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Did you say you like action movies?  Then take a gander at the teaser for Extraction 2.

Chris Hemsworth returns as Tyler Rake in EXTRACTION 2 – only on Netflix, June 16.

After barely surviving the events of the first movie, Rake is back as the Australian black ops mercenary, tasked with another deadly mission: rescuing the battered family of a ruthless Georgian gangster from the prison where they are being held. Hemsworth reunites with director Sam Hargrave, with Joe and Anthony Russo’s AGBO producing and Joe Russo writing. Golshifteh Farahani reprises her role from the first film, with Daniel Bernhardt and Tinatin Dalakishvili also co-starring.

This is a sequel to the first film that was based on the graphic novel ‘Ciudad’ by Ande Parks, from a story by Ande Parks, Joe Russo & Anthony Russo, with illustrations by Fernando León González. EXTRACTION 2 is produced by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Chris Hemsworth, Patrick Newall and Sam Hargrave, with Angela Russo-Otstot, Jake Aust, Benjamin Grayson, Steven Scavelli, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely as executive producers.

“Brideless Groom” (1947) starring The Three Stooges / Z-View

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Brideless Groom (1947)

Director:  Edward Bernds

Writer:  Clyde Bruckman

Stars: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Shemp Howard, Christine McIntyre, Virginia Hunter and Emil Sitka

Tagline: Gold-diggers mob the Stooges for their money!

The Plot…

Shemp learns that he will inherit $500,000 if he is married by 6pm.  The trouble is he has no girlfriend and no prospects.  Luckily, Shemp is joined by Moe and Larry in an effort to find him a wife before the deadline arrives.  What could go wrong?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Emil Sitka, a Stooges regular, gets his best-remembered line “Hold hands, you lovebirds!” in this one.  Believe it or not, the line is on Sitka’s headstone!

Christine McIntyre, another Stooges regular, has a scene where she is to repeated hit Shemp.  Despite repeated takes, the punches didn’t look convincing.  The story goes that Shemp told Christine to really let him have it, explaining that a lot of repeated half-hearted slaps hurt more than a few good ones.  On the next take Christine cut loose with a punch that broke Shemp’s nose.  The take was used.  As Christine apologized, Shemp told her, it was okay, he told her to cut loose and she sure did!

Clyde Bruckman, the writer of Brideless Groom,  was the co-writer on the film Buster Keaton’s Seven Chances (1925) which had a similar plot.

Brideless Groom (1947) rates 3 of 5 stars.